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WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE 2021 28 SHAWWAL - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8648 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Over half of adults in Qatar fully vaccinated against COVID-19

FAZEENA SALEEM second of two doses of the in four stages by the MoPH. THE PENINSULA Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna According to the Program, all COVID-19 vaccines which are residents of Qatar will receive More than half of the adult administered in the country. the free vaccination before the population in Qatar is now fully Currently, a total of 2,716,670 end of 2021. vaccinated against COVID-19, doses of vaccine have been At present, many privileges marking a huge achievement administered under the National such as visiting a salon or in the State’s efforts to defeat COVID-19 Vaccination Program barber shop, going to the the pandemic in the country. since it began on December 23, cinema, or playing at an indoor Data from the Ministry of 2020. Also 15,728 vaccine doses entertainment centre, dining at Public Health (MoPH), were administered in 24 hours. restaurants are strictly for vac- updated yesterday, shows According to Ministry’s data, cinated people. They need to that 50.7 percent of adult 67.3 percent of the eligible pop- present green Ehteraz with vac- population (16 years and ulation has now received at cinated status, or present vac- above) have received both least one dose. 93.9 percent of cination card, which shows they doses of the COVID-19 over 60s (the most vulnerable have received the second dose vaccine. It has also given population group) have been of vaccine at least 14 days ago. hope that the country is fast vaccinated with at least one With increasing vaccination moving towards achieving dose while 86.9 percent have rates and restrictions imple- Qatar attends SelectUSA Investment Summit herd immunity. People are received both doses. mented, the number of daily considered fully vaccinated National COVID-19 Vacci- COVID-19 cases has also Minister of Commerce & Industry and Acting Minister of Finance H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari participating two weeks after receiving the nation Program is implementedp emented declined. `P2 in the eighth annual SelectUSA Investment Summit 2021. The high-profile event included the speech of President of the United States of America, H E Joe Biden, and other senior US officials.` P3

One dose: 67.3% One dose: 86.3% Two doses: 50.7% Two doses: 73.9% Qatari delegation signs over 60 pacts at SPIEF 16 % of total population 40 % over 40 years of (16 years and above) age vaccinated THE PENINSULA — DOHA and technology, culture and Investment Promotion Agency vaccinated sports. of Qatar, Qatar Development The Qatari delegation, which The delegation of Qatar was Bank, Qatar Financial Center, One dose: 93.9% brought together 51 organiza- one of the largest in the history Qatar Free Zones Authority, 2,716,670 Two doses: 86.9% tions and 400 delegates, of the country’s participation in Qatar National Bank, Supreme % over 60 years of prepared 20 discussions, international economic forums. Committee for Delivery and Total number of vaccine 60 signed over 60 agreements This showed that Qatar attaches Legacy, Hassad Food, Ooredoo, doses administered age vaccinated during St. Petersburg Interna- great importance to strength- Qatar Petroleum, Qatar Airways tional Economic Forum ening and developing interstate and Doha Forum and many 1,561,481 1,155,189 15,728 (SPIEF) 2021, which concluded relations at various levels. others. on June 5. The official delegation of On the territory of Pavilion Total Number of Total Number of Total Number of During the four-day con- Qatar was represented by the G of the forum, on an area of people to have received people to have doses administered ference, the delegation held Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Min- 2000 square meters, Qatar rec- at least one dose received both doses in the last 24 hours almost 250 business meetings istry of Transport and Commu- reated the atmosphere of a real in the field of trade and nications, Ministry of Finance, Arab city with streets and a investment, education, science Ministry of Trade and Industry, central square. `P2 QU conducts first Guide for importing food, national mental health study halal certificates issued

THE PENINSULA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Department of Food Safety and Director of the Social and The Ministry of Public Health Economic Survey Research (MoPH) has issued a guide for Environmental Health Institute (SESRI) at Qatar importing halal food and invited all importers, being University (QU), Professor Islamic bodies authorised to partners in food safety Kaltham Al Ghanim, has said that issue halal food, halal slaugh- assurance, to register their the institute with support from the tering certificates. food products in the food Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) The guide represents an registration system via the and Hamad Medical Corporation important milestone in food Ministry’s website. (HMC) is currently conducting control of this kind, and its ‘The World Mental Health Qatar’ importance lies in clarifying the (WMHQ) study. requirements of halal, and ver- may issue halal/halal slaugh- She said that it is the first ifying the validity, accuracy and tering certificates for processed national study aiming to credibility of halal certificates meat products. collect comprehensive data attesting that the meat, meat The Department of Food on the prevalence and asso- products or foods containing Safety and Environmental ciated factors of mental dis- QBA officials receive UK Minister meat are of animal origin that Health, MoPH, invited all orders to enhance our under- Hussain Al Fardan, QBA First Deputy to the Chairman, and Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Thani Al Thani. QBA have been supervised by one importers and relevant com- standing of the epidemiology Second Deputy to the Chairman, presenting a souvenir to Ranil Jayawardena, UK Minister of State for of the issuers of halal certifi- panies to work in accordance of mental illness in Qatar’s International Trade and Parliamentary Undersecretary, in Doha yesterday. SEE ALSO PAGE 11 cates licensed Qatar. with the guidelines to avoid vio- society today.`P5 The guide, published in lations. It also affirmed the avail- Arabic and English, sets forth the ability of all information and general definitions and require- guidelines on the MoPH’s ments for halal food, animal website. The guidelines aimed MME initiative to farm over 600 tonnes of tilapia fish slaughter requirements, halal at raising awareness of the food and halal slaughter certifi- requirements to ensure imported SANAULLAH ATAULLAH farmers and diversifying the Department at MME, Mohamad Department at the Ministry, cation forms approved in Qatar, food compliance to guidelines THE PENINSULA production of fish which Mahmoud Al Abdullah. farming of tilapia fish costs QR5 a list of prohibited foods and avoid its rejection at the port attaches great importance to He said that the National Ini- per kg and its value in the according to Shariah law and a of entry for non-compliance The Ministry of Municipality and ensure the food security in the tiative for Farming Tilapia Fish market is QR18. list of technical regulations and reasons. Environment (MME) has country. will cover 25 percent share of Speaking to The Peninsula halal-related standards. It also As part of the MoPH’s launched an initiative for farming The initiative was announced imported tilapia fish in local about selecting tilapia fish for contains application forms for keenness to ensure the highest of over 600 tonnes of tilapia fish in a press conference held at the market which is popular among farming in Qatar, Al Abdullah authorizing/permitting Islamic possible level of food safety and in a year with the support of headquarters of Fisheries and many expatriate communities. said that tilapia fish farming bodies to issue halal food/halal facilitate imported food registered agricultural farms in Agricultural Sector of MME “Tilapia fish is one of the project targeted certain expa- slaughtering certificates for inspection procedures, the Qatar. yesterday. highest demand of fish in the triate communities from the exporting food to Qatar. Department of Food Safety and The idea behind setting up “Under the initiative two country with high economic countries along the Mediter- Halal slaughtering certif- Environmental Health invited fish farming project in free licences will be issued to value. We import about 2,000 ranean Sea or East Asia as they icate are issued for all types of all importers, being partners in spaces of agricultural farms is establish two projects for tonnes in a year. The initiative prefer this type of fish because non-processed meat, while food safety assurance, to reg- to utilise nutrient rich water farming tilapia fish in registered aims at increasing the revenue it suits their taste. halal certificates are issued for ister their food products in the from fish farms for vegetable agricultural farms with the of agricultural farms and diver- For Qatari citizens, he said, any food products containing food registration system via the plants to produce high eco- capacity of about 310 tonnes of sifying the production of fish,” that there are varieties of fish meat, fats or any ingredients of Ministry’s website, where reg- nomic value organic produce. fish in a year from each project,” said Al Abdullah. He said that according to their tastes which animal origin such as gluten, as istration data will be used later The initiative aims at pro- said Head of Fish Farming according to a feasiblity study are secured from Qatar’s sea well as food products carrying in the new electronic food viding additional income to Section at Fish Affairs conducted by the Fish Affairs water. `P2 halal label/logo. Halal bodies control system. 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE 2021

OFFICIAL NEWS Amir condoles with President, and Prime Minister of Pakistan PRAYER TIMINGS DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent cables of condolences to President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan H E Dr. Arif Alvi, and Prime Minister H E Imran Khan, on the victims of passenger trains collision in 03.14 am FAJR Sindh province, southern Pakistan, wishing the injured a speedy recov- SUNRISE 04.43 am ery. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa DHUHR 11.33 am bin Abdulaziz Al Thani also sent a cable of condolences to Prime Minister ASR 02.56 pm of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan H E Imran Khan on the victims of pas- senger trains collision in Sindh province, southern Pakistan, wishing the MAGHRIB 06.26 pm injured a speedy recovery. -QNA ISHA 07.56 pm Qatar, UK review ties in health field Amir condoles with President

Minister of Public Health H E Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari met yesterday with Minister for of Republic of Mauritius International Trade in the United Kingdom H E Ranil Jayawardena, who is currently visiting the DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir H H country. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations, especially in the health field and the Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent cables of condolences to Presi- efforts made to confront the COVID-19 pandemic. dent of the Republic of Mauritius H E Prithvirajsing Roopun on the death of former Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth. Prime Minister and Minister of WEATHER Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani also sent TODAY a cable of condolences to Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius H E Sheikha Alya elected chairperson of Pravind Kumar Jugnauth on the death of former Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth. -QNA Legal Committee of UNGA session

QNA — NEW YORK Qatar condemns hit and run that 35oC 44oC Assembly’s Legal Committee, Assembly’s 76th session, in a way Minimum Maximum The United Nations General given that it is the main forum that achieves the goals of the targeted Muslim family in Canada Assembly unanimously elected concerned with legal issues, in Sixth Committee’s member Very hot with slight dust to blowing Permanent Representative of the addition to the country’s firm states, expressing her antici- dust at places daytime. State of Qatar to UN H E Sheikha belief in the rule of law, com- pation to work and cooperate QNA — DOHA position of rejecting violence, Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, to mitment to international law and with General Assembly’s Pres- terrorism, and criminal acts, W ALRUWAIS : 31o → 35o lead the Sixth Committee as its critical role in stabilizing and ident and Bureau’s members, to The State of Qatar expressed regardless of the motives and W ALKHOR : 33o → 42o Chairperson of the Legal strengthening international rela- accomplish the tasks assigned to its strong condemnation and reasons. Committee of the 76th session of tions, and achieving the goals of the Assembly’s 76th session. denunciation of a hit and run The statement stressed W DUKHAN : 33o → 37o the UN General Assembly, which the United Nations, whose In accordance with the con- that took place in Ontario Qatar’s categorical refusal to → W WAKRAH : 30o 42o begins on September 14, 2021. charter formed the legal basis for texts established on the agenda Canada, and left four target innocent people on the W MESAIEED : 30o → 42o In a statement, Qatar’s Rep- the work of the international of the General Assembly’s com- members of a Muslim family basis of religion or ethnicity. W ABUSAMRA : 33 → 37o resentative to UN expressed the organization. mittees, the Arab Republic of dead. The statement also expressed State of Qatar’s appreciation and She affirmed that she will Egypt, Lithuania and Spain were The Ministry of Foreign the condolences of the State gratitude to the member states work closely with the President elected as Vice-Chairpersons of Affairs renewed, in a of Qatar to the families of the HIGH TIDE for unanimously electing Her of the General Assembly and his the Sixth Committee, and Costa statement issued yesterday, victims, the government, and 2:23–16:59 Excellency to chair the Sixth office, as well as all the member Rica was elected as Rapporteur the State of Qatar’s firm people of Canada. LOW TIDE 10:09 – 0:00 Committee of the UN General states, cooperatively and coor- for the Committee. Assembly’s 76th session, and she dinatively on all matters related The Legal Committee (Sixth thanked the member states of to the work of the Committee, Committee) is UN’s main com- Qatar slams attack on Libya checkpoint Asia and the Pacific Group (APG) and will do her best to ensure mittee that is concerned with for recommending the candidacy that work is within the contexts international law and presented QNA — DOHA yesterday, the Ministry of Qatar takes part in of the State of Qatar to chair the adopted in this Committee that with draft international treaties Foreign Affairs reiterated the Sixth Committee, as well as all is highly significant to the inter- and agreements, in addition to The State of Qatar expressed State of Qatar’s firm stance meeting on Afghan the geographical groups for their national community. issues of great importance to the its strong condemnation and rejecting violence and terrorism, peace process support for the State of Qatar’s She also pledged to build on international community, denunciation of the attack that regardless of motives and candidacy for this significant what was previously achieved in including measures to combat targeted a checkpoint of the reasons. The Ministry’s statement QNA — KABUL position. the work of the Sixth Committee, terrorism, the rule of law, and security directorate of Sabha expressed the condolences of the She stressed that the State of and to consult and coordinate other topics that represent a pri- in Libya, causing the death of State of Qatar to the victims’ The State of Qatar participated Qatar was keen to run for the with HE Chairperson and Bureau ority for the international two officers. families and the Government in a meeting on strengthening chairpersonship of the General of the Sixth Committee for the community. In a statement issued and people of Libya. consensus for the Afghan peace process, held via video conference. Qatar was repre- sented at the meeting by Charge QFFD signs MoU for enrolling schoolchildren in Djibouti d’Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Qatar to Afghanistan THE PENINSULA — DOHA The joint intervention Education Above All Faisal Bakhit Al Marri. bolsters QFFD’s Foundation, said: “I Qatar Fund For Development would like to thank Qatari delegation (QFFD) signed a memorandum relationship with QFFD and the Gov- of understanding (MoU) with Djibouti in support ernment of Djibouti signs over 60 the Government of Djibouti in for their dedication support of an Education Above of the country’s to improving educa- pacts at SPIEF All (EAA) Foundation – World development process tional access and FROM PAGE 1 Bank project, aimed at enrolling breaking down bar- 35,000 out of school children and sustainable riers to education for The entire pavilion was (OOSC) in Djibouti. development, the most united by a large-scale sus- In cooperation with Edu- vulnerable.” pended installation: a trans- cation Above All Foundation, pursuant of SDG “Today’s signing lucent structure made of the MoU was signed by Khalifa 17 on “building of the MoU is an ephemeral rattan mesh in the bin Jassim Al Kuwari, Director partnerships to important step on form of arcades, volumetric General of Qatar Fund for the path to SDG4 on walls and eastern arches Development, and H E Mous- achieve goals”. education, and we created an image that refers tapha Mohamed Mahamoud, are confident that to the authentic architecture Minister of National Education our collaboration of Qatar. and Vocational Training of primary education enrolment will further The main business area of Djibouti. and retention, implement Director General of Qatar Fund for Development, Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari, and strengthen the Qatar Pavilion was divided The joint intervention bol- gender-sensitive interventions Minister of National Education and Vocational Training of Djibouti, H E Moustapha inclusion and into two parts. The first zone sters QFFD’s relationship with to encourage enrolment and Mohamed Mahamoud, during the signing of a memorandum of understanding. support long-term hosted the stands of Qatari Djibouti, a long-term benefi- their transition to secondary enrolment. companies while the second ciary of QFFD foreign education, provide teacher by the Ministry of National Edu- children in Djibouti.” Through targeted initiatives, we zone ‘Doha Hall’ served as a assistance, in support of the training to improve remedial cation and Vocational Training, H E Moustapha Mohamed can effectively uplift entire com- discussion platform for the country’s development process instruction, and support the and the World Bank to meet Mahamoud, Djibouti’s Minister munities out of poverty and development of investment and sustainable development, enrolment of children through commitments and ensure that of National Education and Voca- towards a more secure future.” and economic relations pursuant of SDG 17 on “building the provision of teaching and every child has the opportunity tional Training, said: “Ensuring This programme builds on between Russia and Qatar. partnerships to achieve goals.” learning materials, in required to learn and develop the skills inclusive learning for all children EAA’s mission to support chil- The Qatar Pavilion To achieve the 35,000 languages. they need. This is a vital in Djibouti through the provision dren’s access to safe, quality and program consisted of 20 panel OOSC enrolment target, EAA’s Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari, investment in building human of quality and inclusive primary equitable education, especially discussions, dialogues, Educate A Child (EAC) pro- Director General of QFFD, said: capital, and we are proud of this education is a priority for us. for vulnerable and marginalised business breakfasts and round gramme, in partnership with the “We are proud of this part- life-changing investment that is Therefore, the Education Above groups, as well as closing edu- tables. 60 Qatari speakers took World Bank, will strengthen nership with the Education implemented to provide equi- All Foundation is an essential cation inequalities across part in over 25 sessions of the institutional capacity to develop Above All Foundation, the table access to good educational partner to achieve this goal.” regions, gender and income SPIEF main program sub-regional plans around Republic of Djibouti represented opportunities for out of school Fahad Al Sulaiti, CEO of levels. Over half of adults in Qatar fully MME initiative to farm over 600 tonnes of tilapia fish FROM PAGE 1 vaccinated against COVID-19 regulations. The Agricultural FROM PAGE 1 Sector at MME will provide people play their role in con- To a question about fish technical support and necessary MoPH yesterday reported taining the spread of COVID-19 farming projects, Al Abdullah guidance to make the project a 182 new cases and 264 people by taking the vaccine and fol- said: “Following the State’s success,” said Al Abdullah. recovered from the virus in 24 lowing all precautionary strategy, three projects have Head of the Projects and hours, bringing the total number measures. been licensed for farming fish Programmes Section at Food of people recovered in Qatar to “The cases of infection in in sea water. One of them has Security Department at MME, 215,899. Out of 182 new cases, Qatar declined due to com- been licensed recently. The Hamad Hadi Al Hajari said that 94 are community cases and 88 pliance of people to preventive second project is to farm prawn the initiative for farming tilapia from travellers returning from measures. The cases will further which is yet to start. The third fish in Qatar launched within abroad. go down if people adhere project is to farm fish in fresh Food Security Strategy of the MoPH also reported one strictly to the measures and water.” country to support active fish death in the last 24 hours of a instructions which will help He said that the interested farms. Head of Fish Farming Section at Fish Affairs Department, Mohamad person aged 73 who had a moving to the second phase of farms are invited to apply for “The Department will Mahmoud Al Abdullah, and Head of the Projects and Programmes history of chronic disease and gradual lifting of restrictions establishing the project for launch a number of projects to Section at Food Security Department, Hamad Hadi Al Hajari, during was receiving the necessary smoothly,” Medical Director of farming tilapia fish. Qatar ensure food security in the a press conference. PIC: ABDUL BASIT MOHAMMAD/ THE PENINSULA medical care. Hamad General Hospital, Dr. Development Bank (QDB) will country. An initiative for pro- However, senior health offi- Yousef Al Maslamani said in a contribute in funding the ducing table eggs has already for fattening sheep were also sufficiency of Qatar in pro- cials continue to encourage TV interview on Monday. projects under certain rules and been launched. Nine projects launched to increase self ducing meat,” said Al Hajari. WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE 2021 HOME 03

Education Minister meets UK Minister for International Trade Al Subaie takes part in meeting of GCC countries

Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulwahed Al Hammadi met Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Eng. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie yesterday with Minister for International Trade in the UK H E Ranil Jayawardena, who is currently participated yesterday in the 23rd meeting of Their Excellencies Ministers of the environment in the visiting the country. The meeting dealt with reviewing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, which was held via video conference. The meeting education and higher education fields, as well as the means to enhance them. The meeting was discussed the progress made in implementing the strategic plan of the GCC Committee of Ministers attended by Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for the Middle-East Simon Penney. responsible for environmental affairs. Minister chairs Qatari delegation in SelectUSA Investment Summit QM complimentary Culture Pass THE PENINSULA — DOHA included officials from Qatar approximately $5.3bn in 2020, participated in the second day’s from its keenness to strengthen membership for Investment Authority, with the United States ranking activities within the plenary bilateral relations with the Minister of Commerce & Investment Promotion Agency as Qatar’s fifth-largest trading session, which included broad- United States of America, and to healthcare workers Industry and Acting Minister of of Qatar (IPA Qatar), Free Zones partner. casting the speech of the Pres- shed light on the investment Finance, H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Authority, Hassad Food and Al Kuwari and the Qatari ident of the United States of opportunities available in the THE PENINSULA — DOHA Kuwari, chaired the delegation Katara Hospitality. delegation viewed the first day’s America, Joe Biden, as well as the State of Qatar and the USA. of Qatar participating in the Qatar and the United States activities of the plenary session, addresses of Secretary of State, This year’s edition is taking Qatar Museums (QM) is offering eighth annual SelectUSA have close economic and com- which featured broadcasting H E Antony Blinken, and the Sec- place via video conferencing for complimentary Culture Pass Investment Summit 2021, being mercial ties that have been pos- speeches by high-ranking United retary of the Department of Com- the first time. It mainly highlights Plus membership to healthcare organised via video confer- itively reflected on the volume States government officials. Min- merce, H E Gina Raimondo. the repercussions of the workers in Qatar as a show of encing, from June 7 to 11. of trade exchange between the ister of Commerce & Industry and Qatar’s participation in the COVID-19 pandemic on the appreciation and gratitude for Qatar’s delegation partici- two countries. The volume of Acting Minister of Finance and virtual version of the SelectUSA global economy and shines a their hard work and dedication pating in the virtual summit trade exchange amounted to Qatar’s delegation also Investment Summit 2021 stems spotlight on recovery efforts. during the COVID-19 pandemic. All staff from Hamad Medical Center (HMC), the Primary Health Care Corpo- Interior Ministry official affirms importance of Qatar provides aid to Moldova ration (PHCC), and the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) are eli- global coordination to fight organised crime QNA — CHISINAU of the Ministry of Health of gible to obtain a complimentary Moldova H E Igor Curov, Ambas- membership card from the QNA — DOHA The Republic of Moldova has sador of the Republic of Moldova National Museum of Qatar received a shipment of medical to the State of Qatar H E Victor (NMoQ) gift shops by presenting Undersecretary of the Ministry aid provided by the State of Qatar, Tvircun, and Acting Charge their staff ID. of Interior and Commander of containing about 3.5 tonnes of d’Affaires of Qatar’s Embassy to Ahmad Musa Al-Namla, Lekhwiya Force H E Major medical equipment and tools, Moldova H E Hamad bin Rashid CEO of Qatar Museums, said: General Abdulaziz bin Faisal Al through Qatar Fund for Devel- Al Athba. “Healthcare workers in Qatar Thani underlined the impor- opment (QFFD) in cooperation State Secretary Dumitru have been pivotal in assisting the tance of the international coop- with Hamad Medical Corpo- Socolan expressed thanks and country to deal with the eration and coordination to ration. gratitude to the State of Qatar for COVID-19 pandemic. Their confront the security challenges The aid aims to support the providing aid to his country selfless dedication and care have in all areas, especially in the health sector in Moldova in con- during the coronavirus ensured that those affected by fields of combating the fronting the coronavirus pandemic. the illness received adequate, organized crime, in light of the (COVID-19) pandemic and For his part, the Acting and often, life-saving care. Qatar rapid development of the curbing its spread. Charge d’Affaires of Qatar’s Museums would like to extend methods used by criminal gangs The shipment delivery was Embassy to Moldova noted that complimentary Culture Pass and their use of modern tech- attended by State Secretary for the aid provided by the State of Plus membership to healthcare nologies. Bilateral Cooperation, Interna- Qatar comes within the professionals at HMC, PHCC and During his visit to the Doha- Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior and Commander of tional Law and Economic framework of supporting the MoPH as a show of our appre- based GCC-Criminal Infor- Lekhwiya Force H E Major General Abdulaziz bin Faisal Al Thani Diplomacy at the Ministry of efforts to address the COVID-19 ciation for their tireless com- mation Center to Combat visits GCC-Criminal Information Center to Combat Drugs, in Doha. Foreign Affairs and European pandemic, and affirms the depth mitment to ensuring the health Drugs, Major General Abdulaziz Integration of Moldova H E of relations between the two and well-being of citizens and bin Faisal Al-Thani was briefed and relevant regional centers Secretariat to achieve progress, Dumitru Socolan, State Secretary friendly countries. residents in Qatar. As Culture about the Center’s efforts, activ- and organizations. security and stability aspired by Pass members, healthcare pro- ities and achievements in com- He said that his visit comes the GCC countries. fessionals can avail a host of bating illicit trafficking in nar- in the framework of the State For his part, Director of the benefits and discounts for an cotic drugs and psychotropic of Qatar’s keenness on sup- GCC-Criminal Information array of culturally enriching substances, and the Center’s porting the Center and contrib- Center to Combat Drugs Brig- experiences in Qatar.” efforts to coordinate cooper- uting to strengthening its capa- adier Saqr Rashid Al Muraikhi With a Culture Pass Plus ation between the control bilities to achieve the desired commended the support pro- membership, eligible healthcare agencies in member states to objectives, aiming at securing vided by the State of Qatar professionals can take carry out joint operations and and protecting the region and which has effective and impor- advantage of free entry to investigations, in addition to the GCC society from the tance contribution to achieving museums, galleries and tem- conducting analytical studies scourge of drugs. the goals accomplished, over- porary exhibitions, including the of the drug problem, training The Undersecretary of the coming difficulties and har- National Museum of Qatar cadres in member states, Ministry of Interior and Com- nessing all capabilities to (NMOQ), Mathaf: Arab Museum organizing seminars and work- mander of Lekhwiya Force enhance the position of the of Modern Art, Alriwaq Gallery, shops and exchanging infor- praised the constant attention Center on the regional and and the Fire Station: Artist in Qatari and Moldovan officials during the aid shipment delivery. mation between member states paid by the GCC General international arenas. Residence. ‘World Oceans Day reminder of critical part of our ecosystem’ Civil Defence stresses importance AYENI OLUSEGUN planet warm, providing 50 to remind the public of the THE PENINSULA of early warning system The oceans cover percent of the planet’s oxygen. impact of human actions on the As the ocean is home to most of ocean, develop a movement of Qatar has taken several approximately 70 the earth’s biodiversity, creating citizens for the ocean, and QNA — DOHA central operations room of the measures to protect marine life percent of the earth’s a sustainable way to use ocean mobilize the world’s population Ministry of Interior. and coral reefs in partnership surface with more than resources is crucial. on a project for the sustainable General Directorate of Civil The system has many with research institutions and three billion people “I believe this year’s theme management of the world’s Defence stressed the impor- advantages and features, private bodies. depending on its is especially relevant in the oceans. The project on dugongs tance of the early warning including very accurate infor- The Ministry of Municipality lead-up to the UN Decade of and protection of sea turtles and system in responding quickly mation about the type and and Environment (MME) resources for their Ocean Science for Sustainable the coral reefs are significant to reports of fires, thefts and location of an institution or recently announced that Qatar’s livelihoods. Development which will run projects taken up by the gov- others, and limiting the company and reporting a fire dugongs had reached about from 2021 to 2030. This will ernment to sustain and con- damage caused by them, within seconds, which auto- 840, said to be the largest gath- strengthen local and interna- serve our marine resources,” especially in high-risk facil- matically informs the opera- ering of these marine mammals and livelihood that the ocean tional cooperation to develop Shafi added. ities. tions room at the Ministry of in Qatari waters in 30 years. sustains under the theme, ‘The scientific research and inno- Shafi said the AYCM Qatar The early warning system Interior first, then the Civil This number validates the Min- Ocean: Life and Livelihoods.’ vative technologies that can is spearheading several initia- is one of the most advanced Defen#e. istry’s commitment to pro- “Each Oceans Day reminds connect ocean science with the tives to drive public participation systems in the field of safety Periodic maintenance is tecting dugongs and their us about the crucial role the needs of society,” Shafi added. in protecting the environment procedures, due to its contri- also carried out to ensure habitat from harm. oceans play in everyday life. The Middle East and North like Zero Waste Qatar - bution to the rapid detection safety and the absence of In the field of research, They are the lungs of our planet, Africa (Mena) region is home to Workshop and Study Tours, of fire, thefts and others, system malfunctions, as well Qatar University (QU) is and a major source of food and a diverse range of marine Recycle and Waste Management which helps in the process of as the possibility of providing working on a series of intercon- medicine and a critical part of wildlife. Some of these are found Surveys, and Eco-Majlis for response and control. SMS and e-mail services to nected projects titled ‘RESTORE’ our ecosystem,” Neeshad Shafi, across the region, including Recycling. Director of the Prevention persons concerned with com- and ‘QataREEF’ to bridge Executive Director Arab Youth dugong or the sea cow, found in “The action we take must Department at the General panies and institutions when science to policy and apply Climate Movement Qatar large groups in Qatar, Saudi always be based on knowledge Directorate of Civil Defense the accident occurs to ensure advanced scientific knowledge (AYCMQ), told The Peninsula. Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain. to be effective. Fortunately, Captain Ahmed Khaled Al the ability to communicate, and tools to achieving coral reef The oceans cover approxi- Others are the Mediterranean exploration and research have Ghanim said that according to Captain Al Ghanim added. sustainability in Qatar and the mately 70 percent of the earth’s monk seal, humpback dolphin, given us much of the knowledge the law, some facilities, He said that the system can region. surface with more than three whale sharks, blue-spotted rays we need to diagnose problems buildings and institutions be used in companies, institu- Yesterday, the world billion people depending on its and turtles, which Qatari author- and find solutions. Now, we should be equipped with an tions, hotels, banks, shopping marked World Oceans Day, and resources for their livelihoods. ities annually host for their egg- must put this knowledge to task early warning system to detect complexes, entertainment the United Nations dedicated Ocean water fills several of the laying season. and take tangible actions,” he fires, thefts and other acci- centers, hotel apartments and this year’s festivities to the life earth’s basins that keep the “In Qatar, it’s a symbolic day added. dents and is connected to the other high risk facilities. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE 2021

MME holds training course on QF agreements at SPIEF 2021 focus combating illegal trafficking on education, cultural cooperation of radioactive materials THE PENINSULA — DOHA the university’s research QNA — DOHA achievements, multidisciplinary Qatar Foundation took its programs, and potential The Ministry of Municipality and The three-day course, mission — driven by its exchange opportunities at its Environment (MME) has through visual commitment to supporting the booth in the Qatar Pavilion, and organised a training course on communication human, social, and economic were among key speakers on combating illegal trafficking of technology, involving development — to the St. several panels and sessions. nuclear and radioactive mate- Petersburg International QSTP — QF’s hub of tech- rials through border crossings. specialists from various Economic Forum (SPIEF), nology innovation and entre- The course that began yes- national stakeholders in where 10 agreements were preneurship — showcased its terday, is being organised in coop- this field, aims to signed between Russian organ- efforts on the global technology eration with the EU Chemical, strengthen technical and isations and Qatar Foundation stage; while WISH, which is Biological, Radiological and human capabilities in the and its entities. QF’s global health initiative, Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centres The agreements range from highlighted QF’s dedication to of Excellence (EU CBRN CoE), and field of nuclear security. cooperation in the field of edu- promoting health and well- the specialized Austrian Consul- cation; research, development participation of QF at SPIEF sustainability; and fostering being and advancing tancy (ENCO) in the field of and innovation (RDI); and 2021, Aysha Al Mudahka, dialogue – are not only vital for healthcare innovation, nuclear security and safety. field, in support of Qatar’s efforts culture and anthropology. Director of Strategic Initiatives a stronger Qatar, but a stronger reflecting the forward-thinking The three-day course, to secure its air, land and sea Nine of Qatar Foundation’s and Partnership Development world. nature of Qatar’s healthcare through visual communication ports. In the long and near term, (QF’s) entities and initiatives — at Qatar Foundation, said: “We “And this key global forum system. technology, involving specialists in preparation for the upcoming Hamad Bin Khalifa University are delighted to have had the provided an opportunity for us Promoting cross-cultural from various national stake- 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. (HBKU); Qatar Environment opportunity to add our voice to to showcase, through our understanding, dialogue, tol- holders in this field, aims to He also praised the role of the and Energy Research Institute, the global conversations that entities and initiatives, how QF erance and sharing of perspec- strengthen technical and human UNICRI and the EU in spreading a part of HBKU; Qatar Science took place at the St. Petersburg is contributing to portraying tives was the focus of QNL, capabilities in the field of nuclear awareness and maintaining & Technology Park (QSTP); the International Economic Forum, Qatar to the world as a driver Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, security, fortify border crossings, security, pointing out that the World Innovation Summit for and to amplify Qatar Founda- of positive change.” and QatarDebate. radiological detection methods cooperation of the concerned Health (WISH); WISE; Qatar tion’s mission – allowing an At the forum, which took And QF’s global education and risk assessment. authorities in the State of Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra; Qatar international audience to place from June 2-5 in the think tank WISE, along with Representative of Qatar’s with these international bodies National Library (QNL); engage with what we do, and Russian city of St. Petersburg, QF’s Pre-University Education, point of contact at the European enhances national and regional QatarDebate; and QF’s Pre-Uni- understand why it matters.” QF’s homegrown university engaged students and tomor- Union Center of Excellence Eng. capabilities to maintain security versity Education — showcased “The cornerstones of Qatar HBKU strengthened its global row’s educators and education Hamad Salah Ibrahim, explained and peace and spread peaceful their efforts in the fields of Foundation’s work and mission positioning through contribu- thought-leaders with programs that this course comes in coor- awareness in the field of nuclear science and technology, edu- – providing quality, progressive tions to the strategic knowledge and platforms that enabled dination with the United Nations security, in commitment and cation, healthcare, and cultural education; driving innovation; exchanges at SPEIF 2021. them to lend their voice to the Interregional Crime and Justice pledge by the State of Qatar to and community development. empowering youth through HBKU’s senior leadership and vital conversation about the Research Institute (UNICRI) and the international conventions Speaking about the opportunity; promoting graduate students showcased future of global education. the EU for the first time in this and treaties signed.

SHATIU organises CNA-Q, Qatargas sign agreement for workshop on Incident Command System training translation from Arabic to Urdu THE PENINSULA — DOHA growing demands of crisis Dr. Suhaim Khalaf Al response management in the Josaiman, Manager of CNA-Q’s QNA — DOHA College of the North Atlantic – country, and as part of the Col- Continuing and Professional Qatar (CNA-Q) recently signed lege’s continuing and profes- Education added: “The CPE tai- The media team of Sheikh a five-year agreement with sional education mandate. lored a training that develops Hamad Award for Translation Qatargas to co-facilitate CNA-Q has previously part- the company’s workforce skills, and International Under- accredited Incident Command nered with Qatargas as well, to and raises readiness level to standing (SHATIU) organised System (ICS) Training for their provide First Aid and Emer- deal with emergencies comprehensive training in confident that with the expertise, a workshop on translation staff. gency Technician training. according to international incident command management competence and on-campus from Arabic to Urdu, which Under the five-year Commenting on the standards.” as a priority for Asset Managers facilities of the College, together was presented by television agreement, CNA-Q will provide agreement, Dr Salem Al Naemi, Qatargas is the world’s and their respective incident we can successfully bolster the host and translator Obaid the technical support, spe- CNA-Q President said: “We are largest liquified natural gas management teams (IMTs). company’s incident command Taher at the Award head- cialized equipment, facilities and fully committed to serving the company with a total annual “We identified major priority competency across the board.” quarters. personnel to train more than growing needs of Qatar’s largest production capacity of 77 million areas and developed an The courses delivered under The workshop dealt with 500 Qatargas technical staff, industry, addressing an area tonnes. As it continues to approved tailored training plan the agreement include ICS 200 the elements and conditions of subject matter experts and man- that is becoming increasingly develop and expand its opera- for the crisis management teams training for initial responses, ICS translation of the novel Rose agers over the five-year period. important – crisis management. tions, mitigation of the asso- together with the College of the 300 Intermediate training for Water by Qatari writer Dr. The Continuing and Profes- We are proud to be collabo- ciated risks is paramount. After North Atlantic – Qatar,” said expanding or escalating inci- Noura Faraj. sional Education Department rating with Qatargas again, spe- completing an analysis of the Khalifa Ahmed Al Sulaiti, dents, and ICS 400 Advanced for Taher stated that this at CNA-Q has been co-deliv- cifically working with their current crisis management Qatargas’ Acting Chief Health, the command and general staff workshop was directed to the ering ICS training since April Crisis Management team to co- system, senior managers at the Safety, Environment & Quality functions during complex category of graduate students 2019 aimed at meeting the deliver this crucial training.” company identified formal and (HSEQ) Officer. “We are incidents. in Indian and Pakistani univer- sities and those interested in translation in general. QU announces winners of In the workshop, he Doha Festival City announces focused on several issues, National Universities Debating including translation, its importance, its history, trans- Championship in Arabic launch of World Ocean initiative lation sections, and the dif- ference between scientific and THE PENINSULA — DOHA include; Kinan Al Qassab and THE PENINSULA — DOHA Environmental Actions Project, these special activities and literary translation. He touched Safaa Jaber (2nd place), focused on waste negative awareness campaigns will on the components of a suc- Qatar University (QU) has Muhammad Zia (4th place), Doha Festival City, Qatar’s one effects on marine life and the further educate Qatari citizens cessful translator, the impor- announced winners of the Hadeel Al Masry (8th place) and and only choice for shopping, role of each of us to minimize and residents on the impor- tance of knowledge of the National Universities Debating Amal Abu Bakr (10th place). dining, and entertainment, has the damage. tance of protecting the world source language and the target Championship in Arabic, which The current club president, announce the launch of the Home to like-minded ocean and its ecosystems. Doha language, and the way to was recently launched on May Amal Abu Bakr Ahmed, said “I first-of-its kind World Ocean brands with a responsible Festival City is committed to choose the right pronunciation 29 and was the conclusion of feel proud of all my fellow par- initiative. approach to the environment, sustainability and the environ- in the right place. the 2020-21 season. ticipants and winners of this Until June 30, 2021, the Mall Doha Festival City will feature mental, and we are happy to He stressed the importance With the participation of tournament. Over the course will be engaging with its cus- sustainable collections and share our mission and edu- of the translator, even in this more than 15 students from QU, of the year, these students were tomers through several exciting products in glass pods around cation in the role that each of era of digital translation, and they were divided into five able to excel in the field of activities aimed at promoting the Mall. us can play in saving the ocean why the translator must have teams. This tournament was debates and discuss all the con- the environmental action to Harvey Nichols, & Other with Qatar community.” knowledge of the general held remotely in line with the troversial topics raised in a protect the world’s ocean and Stories, H&M, COS, Tavola, The The first sustainable Mall in culture, history, and societal precautionary measures and logical and rational manner. its rich ecosystems in raising Body Shop, and several other Qatar, Doha Festival City customs of the source language to maintain the safety of the Their culture in all fields was awareness about the role of the brands will be taking part in the received a Level 3 certification and strengthening the transla- participants. the key to their victory in most ocean in the global ecosystem, initiative, inviting Doha Festival by the Global Sustainability tor’s translation skills. Throughout the academic of the rounds, as the topics food, medicine, and oxygen City visitors to view the envi- Assessment System (GSAS) for He touched on his expe- year, QatarDebate held training raised were not limited to the supply. ronmentally friendly products, its environmentally friendly rience in translating the novel workshops for all those inter- social sphere only, but also Helping to raise an environ- while dedicated digital screens design. The Mall saves 30% of of the Qatari academic writer ested in the field of debates, extended to discuss the human mentally aware new generation will spread awareness around traditional water consumption Dr. Noura Faraj Rose Water, and the establishment of the rights, humanitarian, economic sensitive to world ocean issues, the importance of preserving levels through highly efficient which has gained popularity first and second leagues and even digital aspects. I Doha Festival City has launched the world ocean. faucets and sanitary fixtures, in the Indian and Pakistani enhanced the skills of the thank them for their partici- a ‘Save the Ocean Kids Art Robert Hall, Doha Festival applies cutting edge strategies book market. debaters and gave them good pation and wish them success Wall’. City General Manager, said: “We for filtering, collecting, and experience to get to know the in their academic career.” Between May 21 284 referred to atmosphere of competitions, During the speech of the and 29, kids under understand the debate and Vice President for Logistics the age of 12, were prosecution analyse arguments correctly. Affairs, Ahmed Al Samini, he invited to share for violations It was announced to club said, “Debates play a role in their artworks members via e-mail and on refining the student’s person- under the theme THE PENINSULA — DOHA social networking sites that ality and its importance in ‘Save the Ocean’ registration was open for the increasing knowledge and online. Several art- Ministry of Interior (MoI) offi- tournament, then the names of developing art and rhetoric. For works, signed by cials have intensified efforts to the participating teams were university debates held from their authors, have take action against individuals announced to encourage and the QatarDebate Center to been selected for violating various COVID-19 support them before the tour- practice debate skills and display until June 30 precautionary measures in the nament started. compete with other teams, on the dedicated country and have reported 284 The results were promising, which distinguished this tour- ‘Save the Ocean’ violations in the country. and Qatar University has nament, as current circum- Kids Art Wall, A total of 270 were booked always climbed on the podiums stances challenged the prohi- located at the atrium for not wearing masks in in these tournaments. At the bition of gatherings, and it was node next to the public yesterday. The Ministry level of teams, the fourth team held remotely via the Zoom West Court Entrance officials also referred 6 people from Qatar University repre- program, over 10 teams par- 1. for not maintaining safe sented by Abdullah Mahran, ticipated in this tournament, all To reach a wider physical distancing and three Artworks signed by their creators on display until June 30 on the dedicated Kinan Al Qassab and Ahmed of whom had prior debate audience, Doha Fes- persons for not installing the ‘Save the Ocean’ Kids Art Wall. Mustafa secured the third place experience. tival City will also Ehteraz application. Five as the best team in the national “In this tournament, spread the message persons were also booked for championship. however the tournament ended through its social media posts are pleased to launch this ini- treating storm and sanitary violating number of pas- As for the speaker centers, and we are winners of the and videos throughout the tiative close to our hearts and water to avoid waterway con- sengers permitted in vehicle. 5 out of 10 winners were stu- honour of the participant and entire month of June, including meaningful for a country with tamination, while using natural The officials referred them dents of the Debating Club at the competition for the partic- the video produced in part- a long history of a relationship cooling techniques to boost its to the Public Prosecution for Qatar University, these winners ipating teams.” nership with Doha with the sea. We hope that energy efficiency. violations. WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE 2021 HOME 05 WISE reveals theme of its 2021 summit

THE PENINSULA — DOHA disruption since the Second World War, and WISE has unveiled the theme education has not been for its 2021 summit, which aims spared. It is not enough to to give a voice to the generation build back, we need to that has borne the brunt of the build back better. This biggest disruption to education starts with listening to the in recent history. concerns and aspirations The event, taking place in of the youth: their insights Doha and virtually from into their own education December 8–9, will be titled and their views on the Ooredoo teams up with HTC to ‘Generation Unmute: world. Reclaiming Our Future Through “As the world looks Education’. hopefully ahead to the expand access to Super-Fast 5G For the past 18 months, the end of the pandemic and young and the unprivileged discusses change, the THE PENINSULA — DOHA to the benefits of the high- have seen their daily lives The WISE 2021 Summit signifies the indispensable role voices of the young and speed 5G network. upended. Billions have been of a demographic that has been underprivileged are conspicu- Ooredoo, the nation’s foremost Sabah Rabiah Al-Kuwari – kept out of school, while others continues our long- largely silent on education amid ously absent from the conver- 5G provider and a global Director PR at Ooredoo – said: continue struggling to transition standing commitment of the ongoing disruptive tremors sation. It’s time to make things leader in 5G development, is “At Ooredoo we’re delighted to to the workplace. WISE 2021 is serving as the global caused by the COVID-19 right. collaborating with HTC to be working with HTC to dis- committed to empowering platform for educators, pandemic. "It’s time to listen to this co-launch the HTC 5G Hub in tribute this future-proof hub today’s youth so that together “The past year has created generation and fully harness the region. device, which lets customers at we can build a better future decision-makers, and many unprecedented chal- their energy and enthusiasm to Designed for ease of use in home, at work and in between tomorrow. influential experts from lenges and even exacerbated address the multiple crises the home and office alike, this harness and command ultra- “The WISE 2021 Summit Qatar and around the pre-existing ones which have facing our societies, so that device enables smooth 4K rapid 5G speeds and all the continues our long-standing world to come together posed a threat to our education together we can reclaim our video streaming, low-latency phenomenal benefits of 5G. commitment of serving as the systems. It is time to address future. It’s time to unmute,” said gaming and much faster We’re proud to be pioneers in global platform for educators, to rethink and build the these challenges by answering Yiannouka. network access. Backed by the 5G, and proud to be working decision-makers, and influ- future of education. urgent questions about the role More details about the stable and reliable Android 9 with such a major global player ential experts from Qatar and of education and its capacity to program, the speakers and Pie system, the HTC 5G Hub is in the technology field in order around the world to come Stavros N. Yiannouka support the way we navigate special features of the 2021 designed for on-the-go situa- to achieve our goal of complete together to rethink and build disruption. The voice of the edition will be shared on the tions. It harnesses 5G speeds customer satisfaction.” the future of education,” said CEO of WISE youth is paramount to achieving WISE website and on WISE’s that allow it to easily out- At a retail price of just Stavros N. Yiannouka, CEO of this and we cordially invite you social media accounts. Follow perform 4G LTE networks. QR2,499, the HTC 5G Hub will WISE. all to join us here in Doha, dig- us on Twitter, Facebook, With long-lasting power be available from Ooredoo “We are very excited to Generation Unmute: Reclaiming itally or in person.” Instagram, and LinkedIn for and intuitive controls, the HTC retail shops, the Ooredoo eShop announce the theme for this our Future through Education. “The COVID-19 pandemic regular updates about the 5G Hub presents a major and through Ooredoo year’s edition of WISE, This overarching theme has caused the greatest global summit. opportunity to maximise access distributors. QNL signs MoUs with Russian institutions at SPIEF 2021

THE PENINSULA — DOHA and moderated important panel speakers from several Russian this knowledge, we believe we Russia, and the St. Petersburg publishing Russian travel sessions that discussed relevant cultural institutions. Panelists can work together to create a Museum of Islamic Culture, the accounts from the Gulf from the Qatar National Library’s recent topics and future trends. discussed the changing techno- better learning environment for newest museum in Russia. early 20th century. participation at the 24th St. A key highlight at the forum logical environment of libraries our members and patrons, The MoUs pave the way for On the occasion, Lolwa A. Petersburg International was the panel discussion “Trans- around the world and the trans- while providing them with digitizing the two museums’ his- Al Naemi said, “These two MoUs Economic Forum (SPIEF 2021) formation of Libraries and Books formation of libraries in a dig- additional resources about our torical photographic collections will help us expand our collec- proved to be a success, in the Digital Era,” which fea- ital-first world. history and heritage. We look on the Gulf region for the Qatar tions on the QDL for the world complete with high-level stra- tured Lolwa A. Al Naemi, Commenting on the panel, forward to working with Digital Library (www.QDL.qa) to access easily and for free, and tegic meetings, panel discus- Director of Strategic Planning Abeer S. Al Kuwari said, “SPIEF Russian institutions to further and their historical photographic underscore our dedication to sions on critical topics, Memo- and Projects, and Dr. James 2021 was a great opportunity enhance visitor experiences.” collections on the Middle East promoting and supporting randa of Understanding (MoUs) Onley, Director of Historical for us to connect and collab- The Library also signed two and Islamic world for the Digital Islamic history and heritage. We with key entities, book dona- Research and Partnerships. orate with our Russian coun- significant MoUs during the Library of the Middle East look forward to working tions, and visits to local Abeer S. Al Kuwari, Director terparts. This session helped forum, with the Peter the Great (https://DLMEnetwork.org/ together and hope this will be museums and libraries. of Research and Learning experts share and learn best Museum of Anthropology and library). The partner institutions the beginning of a series of col- The Library’s team of senior Services, moderated the dis- practices for attracting and Ethnography (known as the Kun- will also collaborate on tran- laborations between us and and representatives participated cussion, which also included impacting communities. With stkamera), the oldest museum in scribing, translating and Russian cultural institutions.” Second phase of agriculture ‘Shop & Donate’ charity drive raises census in country launched QR250,000 at Lulu Hypermarket THE PENINSULA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA Lulu Hypermarket Qatar and The second phase of the census Qatar Charity (QC) have of agriculture in Qatar was expressed their happiness at the launched in cooperation continuation of their partnership between the Institute of Social in the ‘Shop and Donate’ drive and Economic Survey Research and other projects over four at Qatar University (QU) and the years, given the service this Ministry of Municipality and cooperation provided to the local Environment (MME) yesterday. community, humanitarian work The aim of inventorying and social solidarity. agricultural activities and This came at the event in cropping for the summer which Qatar Charity received a season, as well as counting cheque of QR250,000 from Lulu Ahmed Omar Al Sherawi, Head of the Relations and Social Responsibility fruitful trees, including palms, Qatar as a contribution to Qatar section at Qatar Charity, receiving the cheque from Shanavas for the summer season. The Charity’s projects through the Padiyath, Regional Manager of Lulu Hypermarket Qatar. inventory will cover all farms ‘Shop & Donate’ drive launched in the state. annually by Lulu Qatar during Shirawi also expressed his delight and carry on promoting human- The agricultural census pro- helps in setting plans and of next July, and the Institute the holy month of Ramadan. with the continuation of cooper- itarian work along with Qatar vides data on the agricultural drawing policies related to food appreciates the role of farm This donation comes from ation between the two sides for Charity. Over the four years, Lulu structure and paints a true security and sector owners and officials in the Lulu to support the charitable the fourth year in a row, noting Hypermarket Qatar and Qatar picture of the reality of the agri- development. cooperation and response that and humanitarian projects that Qatar Charity is keen to coop- Charity have previously signed cultural sector and the changes The second and final visit helped the success of the agri- implemented by Qatar Charity erate and partner with all bodies several collaboration agree- that have occurred in it, which of the census will end at the end cultural census in its first phase. for those with limited income in from the public and private ments. 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Saudi extends Hamas chief and visas of expats in countries facing travel Fatah officials in ban until July 31 Cairo for talks AGENCIES — RIYADH Saudi Arabia has started REUTERS — GAZA/CAIRO Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh extending residency visas, visit and Egyptian officials will visas and exit and re-entry Palestinian leaders, including visas for expatriates unable to Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh discuss cementing the truce return to the Kingdom due to and a delegation from Pres- with Israel as well as COVID-19 travel restrictions. ident Mahmoud Abbas’s Fatah reconstruction plans for The visas will be extended party, arrived in Cairo Gaza. Egypt has said it will automatically and without fees yesterday for separate talks until July 31. with Egyptian officials that aim allocate $500m for the “This extension, which was to reinforce a ceasefire with reconstruction. Haniyeh’s issued by the minister of Israel. visit came in response to a finance, is part of the con- Haniyeh’s visit came in special invitation from Cairo, tinuous efforts taken by the response to a special invitation Kingdom’s government to deal from Cairo, in advance of a in advance of a broader with the effects and conse- broader meeting of Palestinian meeting of Palestinian quences of the global factions that could begin as factions that could begin as COVID-19 pandemic, and early as next week, Hamas early as next week, Hamas within the precautionary and spokesman Hazem Qassem Abdullah Abu Jaber, longest serving Jordanian prisoner in Israeli jails, gestures after being released, preventive measures that said. spokesman Hazem as he arrives in city of Salt, Jordan, yesterday. ensure the safety of citizens Jibril Rajoub, a senior figure Qassem said. and residents and contribute from Abbas’s Fatah movement, to mitigating the economic and which dominates the Pales- officials will discuss cementing Longest serving Jordanian financial effects,” the General tinian Authority that exercises the truce with Israel as well as Directorate of Passport said. limited self-rule in the Israeli- reconstruction plans for Gaza, The extension is limited to occupied West Bank, was also Qassem said. Egypt has said it prisoner in Israel arrives home expatriates from the 20 coun- expected to meet Egyptian offi- will allocate $500m for the tries from which travel has cials, Palestinian and Egyptian reconstruction. REUTERS — AMMAN parents’ home in the teeming Political ties between the been suspended. sources said. Abbas has been Egypt has tried in the past Baqaa Palestinian refugee camp two countries have been invited to Egypt. to foster cooperation between The longest serving Jordanian near the Jordanian capital strained over Israel’s treatment Kuwait approves The Palestinian and Palestinian factions, which it prisoner in an Israeli jail arrived Amman, witnesses said. of the Palestinians, and the Jor- Egyptian sources did not say sees as important for wider home yesterday, Jordanian offi- Separately, foreign ministry danian government has faced J&J vaccine whether the delegations from efforts to promote peace in the cials said, after completing a officials said Israel had dropped growing public pressure to the rival Palestinian groups region. 20-year sentence for planting a charges against two Jordanians scrap the unpopular peace AGENCIES — KUWAIT would meet each other. Hamas seized Gaza from bomb on an Israeli bus that who were arrested last month for treaty. Egypt has played a major the Fatah-dominated Pales- injured more than a dozen people. allegedly crossing the border car- Most of Jordan’s 10 million Kuwait has approved the role in the brokering of a tinian Authority in 2007 and Abdullah Abu Jaber, 44, was rying knives. The authorities had citizens are of Palestinian COVID-19 vaccine developed ceasefire between Israel and the two factions have been in arrested after the explosive put them on trial shortly after origin. They or their parents by Johnson & Johnson, the Hamas, the Islamist group a power struggle ever since. device went off on the bus in their detention. were expelled or fled to Jordan state-news agency Kuna which rules Gaza, after 11 days During a meeting of his Tel Aviv in December 2000. He Jordan, which has the in the fighting that accom- reported yesterday. of conflict erupted on May 10. cabinet in the West Bank city was one of thousands of Jorda- longest border with Israel, is a panied the creation of Israel in It is the fourth vaccine More than 250 Palestinians of Ramallah, Palestinian Prime nians who found casual work close Western ally. Last month 1948. approved by Kuwait after those were killed in hundreds of Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh in Israel after the two countries it saw large protests against They have close family ties of Pfizer BioNTech, Astra- Israeli air strikes on Gaza said he hopes Cairo’s mediation normalised ties with a peace Israel’s military campaign in with their kin on the other side Zeneca and Moderna. during that conflict. Rockets will “close the page on (internal) treaty in 1994. Gaza and its crackdown on Pal- of the Jordan River in the West Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia fired by Gaza fighters killed 13 division (and) help our people Abu Jaber, who was among estinian worshippers and pro- Bank and East Jerusalem, both recorded 17 new COVID-19 people in Israel. in Gaza... in a way that 22 political prisoners held in testers in Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa captured by Israel in the 1967 related deaths yesterday, Haniyeh and Egyptian enhances our national unity.” Israeli jails, headed to his mosque. Arab-Israeli war. raising the total number of fatalities to 7,488. The Ministry of Health con- firmed 1,261 new confirmed Nigerians fight Twitter ban with legal action Next president won’t change cases reported in the Kingdom in the previous 24 hours, THOMSON REUTERS Uganda, Turkey and Egypt have with Buhari’s tweet being course on nuclear deal: Iran meaning 459,968 people have FOUNDATION — JOHANNESBURG suspended the app during elec- deleted, but rather with “sepa- now contracted the disease. tions or political unrest. ratists inciting violence” online. Of the total number of Almost 200 Nigerians filed a Twitter said in a statement “Regulating social media is BLOOMBERG — TEHRAN including the US, was made cases, 9,698 remain active and lawsuit yesterday seeking to lift that it was “deeply concerned” not about stifling press freedom. by Supreme Leader Ayatollah 1,580 in critical condition. a ban on Twitter, describing the as access to the internet was “an All we are talking about is the Iran’s approach toward Ali Khamenei and had backing According to the ministry, government’s decision to block essential human right in responsible use of these plat- restoring its nuclear deal with from the highest levels of the highest number of cases the site as stifling “any dissenting modern society” and it “will forms,” said Mohammed, world powers won’t change Iran’s ruling establishment. were recorded in Makkah with voice” and digital rights. work to restore access for all adding that Facebook, after this month’s presidential That won’t be affected by 401, followed by the capital The ban was announced on those in Nigeria who rely on WhatsApp and YouTube were election, a top official said, Rouhani’s departure, Rabiei Riyadh with 304, the Eastern Friday, two days after the social Twitter to communicate”. still accessible. amid expectations that Hassan said. Province with 167, and media giant removed a post SERAP and 176 Nigerians Since the ban was intro- Rouhani will be succeeded by “Other parties to the Madinah and Asir confirmed from President Muhammadu filed the lawsuit at the Eco- duced, Nigerians have been a hardliner critical of the nuclear deal can rest assured 84 cases each. Buhari that threatened to nomic Community of West downloading virtual private accord. that Iran will not break its obli- punish regional secessionists, African States (ECOWAS) Com- networks (VPN) to access the Diplomats are trying to gations as long as they abide S Africa’s health and the government said those munity Court of Justice in Abuja site, with #NigeriaTwitterBan broker an agreement between by their commitments,” he told who continued to use Twitter on Tuesday, calling for an and #KeepitOn trending on the Iran and the US that will revive reporters. minister put on would be prosecuted. interim injunction restraining platform, while also turning to the pact abandoned by former “We’re focused on final- “The (suspension) nega- government from imple- Facebook. Across Africa, gov- President Donald Trump and izing talks in the remaining special leave over tively impacted millions of menting the ban. ernments have used myriad ease sanctions on the Islamic time. Right now, we’re not graft allegations Nigerians who carry on their Oluwadare, SERAP’s techniques to stifle people’s Republic’s economy in interested in speculating about daily businesses and opera- deputy director, said the ban ability to organise, voice opinions exchange for it scaling back different possibilities in tional activities on Twitter,” was “final proof of shrinking and participate in governance its atomic activities. A top advance.” REUTERS — JOHANNESBURG said Kolawole Oluwadare of the civil space in Nigeria and the online, according to the African atomic body on Monday said Iranians are scheduled to Socio-Economic Rights and intention of government to Digital Rights Network, a the negotiations in Vienna are go to the polls on June 18 to South Africa’s President Cyril Accountability Project (SERAP), stifle any dissenting voice”. research and advocacy group. at a “decisive” point. elect their next president, Ramaphosa put his Health a local rights group. Information minister Lai These include digital sur- Iranian government widely expected to be conserv- Minister Zweli Mkhize on special Nigeria joins the ranks of Mohammed told the Thomson veillance, disinformation, spokesman Ali Rabiei said the ative cleric Ebrahim Raisi leave on Tuesday, after allega- China, North Korea and Iran in Reuters Foundation that the internet shutdowns, repressive decision to engage with the who’s generally seen as hostile tions his department irregularly issuing a ban on Twitter, while suspension had nothing to do laws and arrests, it said. deal’s other participants, to engagement with the US. awarded COVID-19-related contracts to a communications company controlled by his Environmentalists creating reefs former associates. It was the latest in a series of corruption allegations linked to heal Tunisia's polluted seas to coronavirus-related tenders that have caused public REUTERS — MONASTIR, TUNISIA However, the organisation outrage. Ramaphosa has says it cannot afford a scientific promised that corruption Tunisian environmentalists are study to assess how widely pol- during the COVID-19 pandemic trying to fight pollution damage lution has killed off sea life in will be dealt with harshly. along their country’s Mediter- Tunisian waters. Earlier on Tuesday, Mkhize ranean shores by installing arti- It has started creating the told the press that he had ficial reefs to encourage sea life. artificial reefs off Monastir, a approached the president Members of the Notre popular beach resort. about taking a special leave Grand Bleu organisation make “We wanted to be part of pending an investigation into the reefs from palm branches the solution, by placing palm the contracts awarded to com- fixed to the seabed with stones branches with stones,” said munications firm Digital Vibes. to create spaces for cuttlefish Manel Ben Ismail, a director at He has previously denied any and other creatures to lay eggs. the group. wrongdoing. Pollution - caused by In the past, coastal farmers climate change, untreated would throw palm fronds into IS militants abduct sewage, plastics, fish farming the sea after harvesting dates. An environmental activist stands on a boat as he drops artificial reefs into the sea to improve the and industrial discharges - has On the seabed the plants fos- marine ecosystems, in Monastir, Tunisia. 5 people in Sinai affected much of the Tunisian tered marine life, said Souki. coast, said the organisation’s “We wanted to return to The organisation said it was success of its scheme. But video other creatures using the arti- AP — EL ARISH, EGYPT president, Ahmed Souki. this technique,” he added. too early to provide data on the footage shows sea urchins and ficial reefs it has created. At least five Egyptians were abducted by Islamic State mili- tants yesterday in the restive France freezes military ties with Central African Republic northern part of the Sinai Peninsula, security officials AP — PARIS suspending about ¤10m ($12.1m) Central African Republic has won reelection in December, President Emmanuel Macron’s said. The five were driving to in budgetary support for CAR, faced deadly inter-religious and but continues to face opposition office said that CAR President their workplace in the small France has suspended military two French officials said. inter-communal fighting since from forces linked to Bozize. Touadera ignored pressure town of Bir Al Abed when the operations with Central African The move comes amid high 2013. After a 2019 peace deal, Rebels aligned with Bozize from his country’s neighbors militants from the Islamic Republic, accusing its tensions and diplomatic wran- violence erupted anew after the tried to attack the capital in and France to allow open up State group stopped their government of failing to respect gling over influence in the min- constitutional court rejected January, underscoring how CAR’s elections to opposition figures, vehicle and took them to an political opposition and failing to eral-rich former French colony. former President Francois Boz- military faces serious security “but this didn’t happen.” unknown place. stop a “massive” anti-French Russia has business interests in ize’s effort to run for president threats that they had looked to Both officials weren’t The five include three disinformation campaign. The the country and also sent mil- again last year. President the French for help with. authorized to be publicly engineers, a labourer and their French government is also itary instructors there last year. Faustin Archange Touadera An official in French named. driver, said the officials. WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE 2021 ASIA 07 Turkey offers to run Kabul airport after Nato’s Afghan withdrawal REUTERS — KABUL/ANKARA Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Monday, where Turkish Pres- Akar said that Ankara’s offer ident Recep Tayyip Erdogan Turkey has offered to guard and was contingent on backup from will meet Joe Biden for the first run Kabul’s airport after the time since the US president United States and other Nato those allies. “We intend to stay took office. forces withdraw from Afghan- in Afghanistan depending on With efforts to resolve the istan, but US officials say conditions. What are our dispute over Turkey’s purchase Ankara is imposing conditions conditions? Political, financial of Russian S-400 missile which need to be resolved as and logistical support. If these defences, which led Wash- their leaders prepare to meet ington to impose sanctions on next week. are met, we can remain at Turkey’s arms industry last Turkish officials say Ankara Hamid Karzai International year, the airport plan may offer made the proposal at a Nato Airport,” his ministry quoted a rare opportunity to build meeting in May when the United Akar as saying. goodwill. The two countries are States and its partners agreed a also at odds over US support for plan to withdraw troops by Sep- Syrian Kurdish fighters, the tember 11 after 20 years of war Minister Hulusi Akar said on Israeli-Palestinian conflict and trying to defeat Taliban forces. Monday that Ankara’s offer was a US court case against a Turkish and US officials contingent on backup from Turkish state bank. have discussed possible those allies. The proposal comes as North Korean leader presents economic plan requirements for the mission, “We intend to stay in clashes over territory in North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a meeting with senior officials from the Workers’ Party of Korea some of which Washington has Afghanistan depending on con- Afghanistan raged, three (WPK) Central Committee and Provincial Party Committees in Pyongyang, North Korea. Kim Jong Un agreed to address, one Turkish ditions. What are our condi- months before the planned presented economic plans to senior ruling party officials before an upcoming meeting to review official said. “Following the tions? Political, financial and withdrawal. On Monday, senior efforts to overcome hardships brought about by the pandemic, state media said yesterday. United States’ decision to logistical support. If these are government officials said at withdraw from Afghanistan, met, we can remain at Hamid least 150 Afghan troops were Turkey has made an offer to Karzai International Airport,” killed or injured in a surge of ensure the security of Kabul his ministry quoted Akar as attacks by Taliban militants in airport. In this framework, saying. US officials, speaking on the previous 24 hours. Pakistan PM denounces deadly there are talks underway with condition of anonymity, said Securing Kabul airport Nato and the United States,” the they welcomed the Turkish could help persuade some Turkish official said. proposal but that Ankara was countries to maintain a diplo- Canadian truck attack as terror A Turkish role securing the asking for too many US “ena- matic presence in Afghanistan. airport for international flights blers” for the mission. Last month Australia shut its AP — ISLAMABAD/TORONTO Yumna, 15, and a 74-year-old statement that the public needs could help improve ties The officials also cited some embassy there due to security grandmother whose name was to stand against hate and between Ankara and the West, US concern about Turkey’s reli- concerns. Turkey has more An apparent pickup truck withheld. A hospitalized boy Islamophobia. sorely strained by Turkey’s pur- ability, given their other disa- than 500 troops stationed in attack that killed four members was identified as Fayez. “This young man who com- chase of Russian defence greements, but said Wash- Afghanistan as part of a Nato of an immigrant family in “Everyone who knew mitted this act of terror was influ- systems and disputes with ington would find a way to mission to train Afghan security Canada drew denunciations Salman and the rest of the Afzal enced by a group that he asso- European countries over make it work. forces, and the Turkish official from Pakistan’s prime minister family know the model family ciated with, and the rest of the drilling rights in east Mediter- Nato leaders will discuss said additional troops would be on Tuesday, who called it a they were as Muslims, Cana- community must take a strong ranean waters. Turkish Defence Afghanistan at a summit next needed for the airport mission. deliberate act of terrorism dians and Pakistanis,” the stand against this, from the targeting Muslims. statement said. “They worked highest levels in our government Prime Minister Imran Khan extremely hard in their fields to every member of the com- China pledges further COVID-19 aid to Southeast Asia said on Twitter that Sunday’s and excelled. Their children munity,” the statement said. attack reveals the growing were top students in their Nathaniel Veltman, 20, was AP — BEIJING with “practical action arising from feelings of Islamophobia in western coun- school and connected strongly facing four counts of first- brotherly concern and the care of watchful tries. Canadian authorities said with spiritual their identity.” degree murder. Police said China yesterday pledged further assistance to neighbours.” they were investigating Friends said the family had Veltman, a resident of London, Southeast Asian nations in battling the corona- “In the process of jointly overcoming chal- potential terrorism charges migrated to Canada 14 years did not know the victims. virus pandemic as it seeks to boost influence lenges, we have deepened friendship, mutual trust against the 20-year-old man ago. A fundraising webpage Detective Supt. Paul Waight with the region where the United States is also and common interests,” Wang told the ministers, who was arrested in the parking said the father was a physio- said police had not determined looking to strengthen ties. assembled in the southwestern Chinese megacity lot of a nearby mall after a black therapist and cricket enthusiast if the suspect was a member of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his of Chongqing for meetings marking the 30th anni- pickup truck mounted a curb and his wife was working on a any specific hate group. He said counterparts from the 10-member Association versary of formal relations between China and and struck the victims at an PhD in civil engineering at London police were working of Southeast Asian Nations that China had already Asean. Beijing has been building influence with intersection in the Ontario city Western University in London. with federal police and prose- delivered 100 million vaccine doses to Asean nations Asean, despite frictions with some members of of London. Their daughter was finishing cutors to see about potential along with other pandemic-fighting materials and the bloc over competing territorial claims in the The extended family issued ninth grade, and the grand- terrorism charges. He declined technical help. Wang likened the challenge to earlier South China Sea. China’s construction of islands a statement identifying the dead mother was a “pillar” of the to detail evidence pointing to a economic crises, the 2003 SARS outbreak and the and its military operations in the sea have brought as Salman Afzal, 46; his wife family, the page said. possible hate crime, but said the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, saying all were faced complaints Beijing is militarizing the waterway. Madiha, 44; their daughter The family said in its attack was planned. India: Daily virus cases dip below 100,000 after 2 months Death toll rises to 65 in Pakistan AP & REUTERS — NEW DELHI India’s vaccination drive has been marred by delays and train collision India’s daily coronavirus infec- shortages. Less than 5% of the tions have dipped below population is fully vaccinated. AP — GHOTKI, PAKISTAN 100,000 for the first time in Indian officials and health experts more than two months as an welcomed a federal government The death toll from a horrific overall downturn prompts some plan to give free COVID-19 shots collision of two trains in states to ease restrictions. to all adults as a step in the right southern Pakistan rose to 65 The 86,498 cases added in direction on Tuesday, but cau- yesterday after rescuers pulled the past 24 hours pushed India’s tioned that vaccinations must be 15 more bodies from crumpled total past 29 million on Tuesday, accelerated to prevent new cars a day after the crash, second only to the United States, surges in infections. Prime Min- government officials said. which has more than 33 million. ister Narendra Modi said on The collision took place on The Health Ministry also reported Monday the federal government a dilapidated railway track in 2,123 new fatalities in the past 24 would take over the inoculation Ghotki, a district in the hours, raising the overall death programme from Indian states southern Sindh province, toll to 351,309. Both figures are and offer free doses to everyone when an express train barreled believed to be vast undercounts. over the age of 18. into another that had derailed India peaked at adding more than His announcement on minutes earlier before dawn 400,000 cases a day in May, but national television followed on Monday. new infections and deaths have weeks of criticism of a vaccine Most of the passengers — declined across the country since rollout that has covered fewer there were about 1,100 on both then. than 5% of India’s estimated trains — were asleep when the The downturn has led some adult population of 950 million. Millat Express, traveling states to ease restrictions on Vehicles seen on a road, after authorities eased lockdown restrictions that were imposed to slow This has left the country vul- between the southern port city commercial activities to spur the spread of the coronavirus, in New Delhi, India, yesterday. nerable to another wave of of Karachi to Sargodha in consumption. Multiple states infections after a surge in April- eastern Punjab province, have, however, extended lock- to reopen. Meanwhile, the take over vaccine procurement vaccines are provided free of May which government data derailed and many of its cars downs and have been reluctant federal government is going to from the states and ensure cost to every adult Indian. showed killed 170,000. overturned. As passengers scrambled to get out, another passenger train, the Sir Syed Express, crashed into the Myanmar army to start court Maldives FM elected as UN Assembly President derailed coaches. case against Suu Kyi next week AP — UNITED NATIONS Indian Ocean island nation “This is a crucial time for Nepal resumes twice as foreign minister and the United Nations and for the AP — NAYPYITAW, MYANMAR Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid for 10 years before that as chief world,” Shahid said. “There is vaccination with of the Maldives won election as of staff to the president. very little time to spare.” Myanmar’s military will begin presenting its case against deposed the next president of the UN Shahid has been “a strong He pointed to the past year’s doses from China leader Aung San Suu Kyi in court next Monday, her lawyers said. General Assembly, and pledged voice in calling attention to the “disease, despair and devas- AP — KATHMANDU The military arrested Suu Kyi in February when it overthrew to push for equal access to coro- impact on small island devel- tation” as a result of the pan- her elected government. Public resistance to the coup remains navirus vaccines, a stronger and oping states” by the pandemic demic, along with increasing Nepal resumed its stalled strong and in recent months has taken the form of a low-level greener economic recovery, and and by climate change, which “inequality, injustice and insta- coronavirus vaccination armed insurrection. stepped up efforts to tackle threatens people’s lives and bility” and the “suffering” of the campaign yesterday with 1 Government prosecutors will have until June 28 to finish their climate change. livelihoods, Bozkir said. planet from climate change. million doses given by China presentation in the court in Naypyitaw, the capital, where she is He defeated a former Shahid, 59, said he was Shahid said his priorities after the Himalayan nation being tried on five charges, after which Suu Kyi’s defense team Afghan foreign minister, Zalmai “deeply humbled” by the trust during his year-long presidency made international pleas for will have until July 26 to present its case, said Khin Maung Zaw, Rassoul, in a 143-48 vote by shown by the UN members and of the 76th session of the General help with a shortage of the team’s senior member. secret ballot, with two of the the honor given to his island Assembly are to recover from the doses. Court sessions are to be held on Monday and Tuesday each assembly’s 193 member nations nation of 26 atolls, population pandemic, both by making vac- Thousands of people, all week. Khin Maung Zaw spoke to journalists after a procedural not voting. Diplomats from about 550,000, which lies in the cines available to all people eve- 64 years old, lined up at vac- hearing on Monday for Suu Kyi and two fellow defendants, ousted member nations, all wearing Indian Ocean southwest of Sri rywhere, and rebuilding econ- cination centers even before President Win Myint and former Naypyitaw Mayor Myo Aung. masks because of the pan- Lanka and India. omies stronger and greener and they opened. People aged 60 Suu Kyi’s supporters say the charges against her are politi- demic, were called to the front Saying he has “an undying “and ensuring no country is left to 63 are scheduled in coming cally motivated and are meant to discredit her and legitimize the of the assembly chamber one- belief in multilateralism with behind.” UN Secretary-General days. military’s takeover. by-one to deposit their ballot an ardent desire to serve the Antonio Guterres congratulated Nepal’s vaccination cam- If convicted of any of the offenses, she could be banned from in a large wooden box. international community,” Shahid, saying the General paign began in January but running in an election promised by the junta within one or two Turkey’s Volkan Bozkir, the Shahid said his aim is to launch Assembly is the U.N.’s most rep- was stalled when neighboring years of its takeover. current assembly president, “a presidency of hope” and “to resentative organ, the foun- India suffered a coronavirus She and her two co-defendants are charged with spreading said Shahid brings to the job hit the ground running on day dation of its work, “and surge and banned exports of information that could cause public alarm or unrest. “extensive experience in mul- one in September as soon as I essential to our effectiveness as the AstraZeneca vaccine it tilateral diplomacy,” serving his take my oath of office.” an organization.” produces. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE 2021 Facebook, YouTube erred in censoring Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN COVID-19 ‘misinformation’ DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR FAYE FLAM MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED BLOOMBERG [email protected] Labeling misinformation online is doing more harm DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR than good. The possibility that MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI COVID-19 came from a lab [email protected] accident is just the latest example. Social media companies tried to suppress any discussion of it for EDITORIAL months. But why? There’s no strong evidence against it, and evidence for other theories is still inconclusive. Pathogens Good food for sound health have escaped from labs many interviewed physician and natural spillover early on, the the pubic was ready to recon- times, and people have died medical podcaster Roger question is still open. sider. A recent Vanity Fair EVERY year, hundreds of thousands of people suffer as a result. Seheult who said that he was Last year, some scientists account details how the issue and thousands die of food-borne illness across the world. Social media fact- censored by YouTube for dis- rightly objected that accusing was suppressed inside the US This is a preventable problem, which put enormous checkers don’t have any cussing the clinical trials of any lab of causing a government. pressure on a country’s economy and causes long- special knowledge or ability hydroxychloroquine and worldwide pandemic is a Looking back, there really lasting suffering for the families of the victims. Timely to sort fact from misinfor- Ivermectin as potential serious charge and one wasn’t that much new news improvements in food safety standards with effective mation. What they have is COVID-19 treatments. No shouldn’t be made on the to report. Very little new evi- mechanism to implement them will contribute immensely extraordinary power to shape wonder so many people still basis of proximity alone. That dence has been uncovered to reduce the rate of food-borne illnesses, which will in what people believe. And sti- believe these are the cures doesn’t mean we should over the last year. The pan- turn result in less loss of income and health care costs fling ideas can backfire if it “they” don’t want you to ignore the possibility, or demic’s origin is still for the affected people and ease the burden on national leads people to believe there’s know about. Much better assume that some other unknown. The fiasco was the health care system. It will also increase productivity of a “real story” that is being would be an open discussion equally unproven idea is media’s propagation of the lie a country and boost consumer confidence in its food suppressed. Misinformation is of the clinical trial process, right. In the face of an that the issue was settled and supply leading to economic safety in the food sector. dangerous. It can keep people which could help people unknown, why would the that anyone questioning it Recently, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) issued from getting lifesaving understand why scientists fact-checking people deem might be deemed an idiot or guidelines for the food service establishment titled Code medical treatments, including think those drugs are unlikely one guess to be a form of conspiracy theorist. And of Practices for Food Services, which explains in detail vaccines. But flagging it to help. misinformation, and another maybe the intentions of the the mandatory standards and safety requirements doesn’t necessarily solve the Even without the power of guess to be true? Facebook fact-checkers were needed for commercial handling of food in the country. problem. It’s much better to censorship, social media And the lab leak idea got good. If there was magical The Code of Practice, prepared by the Food Safety provide additional infor- culture encourages the facile conflated in some people’s way to identify misinfor- and Environmental Health Department (FSEH) at MoPH, mation than to censor labeling of ideas and people as minds with conspiracy the- mation, then social media explains how to meet the mandatory legislative require- information. a way of dismissing them - it’s ories that the virus was platforms could do more to ments and elaborates on the food safety hygiene Part of the problem is that easy to call people deniers or deliberately created and refrain from spreading it. measure based on a HACCP approach, which will be people think they know mis- as anti-science because they released for population Suppressing ideas they don’t inspected and assessed by the inspectors of FSEH. information when they see it. question prevailing wisdom. control or some other like isn’t the way. The document covers every aspect, whether it is And those most confident of Of course, there are ideas nefarious agenda. But a lab Yesterday I had a long talk infrastructure facilities or handlers connected to food their ability to spot it may be that are very unlikely to be leak could have involved a with someone who volunteers and handling and processing such as prerequisites on least aware of their own true. These generally involve perfectly natural virus that a at a girls’ school in India, and building, equipment, pest control, personnel, cleaning, biases. That includes the fact- elaborate conspiracies or a scientist collected, or virus she said she’d been in contact disinfection, the requirements for operation control from checking industry within the complete overhaul in our that was altered in some with some students who preparation to display, packaging, labelling and sam- mainstream media, who were understanding of the uni- well-intentioned attempt to expressed fear of coronavirus pling of ready-to-eat food meant for direct consumption. caught removing earlier posts verse. Or, like cold fusion understand it. Writing in his vaccines, even though their It also deals with traceability, recall, non-conformity and on the lab leak theory, as well and the vaccine-autism blog, journalist and neighborhood has been complaint handling. as social media “fact- theory, they’ve been tested Bloomberg contributor ravaged by the pandemic. The guide is an important step to update and doc- checkers” who aren’t and debunked multiple Matthew Yglesias calls it a When she gave them addi- ument the stages of the food chain in Qatar, from source accountable to the public. times by independent media fiasco. “[T]he main- tional information, about rel- to table, in accordance with the latest safe and recog- Earlier this year, I investigators. stream press … got way over atively greater danger of the nised international standards aimed at providing highest I discussed the new their skis in terms of dis- disease, they chose to get level of safety of food traded in Qatar ensuring safety Even without the interest in the lab leak with course-policing.” He admits vaccinated. of customers. power of censorship, another science journalist he tweeted his disapproval What helped was not Safety and well-being of citizens and residents have who was interested in why so of a thoughtful, well-written taking away information but always been most important priority of Qatar and the social media culture many reporters are still New York Magazine piece giving people additional country is keen on amending requirements and encourages the facile treating the natural spillover that helped revive the lab information. Censoring infor- standards of procedures and activities in sectors which hypothesis as the only possi- leak debate last January. mation - or what one deems directly affect the daily life of people, especially food labeling of ideas and bility. We agreed this isn’t like The author - novelist “misinformation” - isn’t as and health. people as a way of the connection between Nicholson Baker - didn’t helpful as it seems. The best The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which spared carbon emissions and climate claim any smoking gun, but we can do is keep ques- no country in the world, reminds the importance of nutri- dismissing them. change, where there’s a scien- made a convincing case that tioning, and give people the tious and clean food in maintaining a healthy body as tific consensus based on years the issue was still open. A most complete story we can. good immunity is the only way to beat the coronavirus. of research and multiple, Medium piece by former Faye Flam is a The issuance of the code of practice for food establish- independently-derived lines Times writer Nicholas Wade Bloomberg Opinion col- ments will further boost the confidence of the general of evidence. Here, even if a added little to what Baker umnist and host of the people in what they eat whether it is from restaurants few scientists favored the said, but came at a time when podcast “Follow the Science. or prepared at home. Record heat bakes Middle East as temperature climb above 125 degrees

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR MATTHEW CAPPUCCI bone-dry conditions the norm. According to Etienne 110.7 degrees measured at THE WASHINGTON POST EMAIL: [email protected] On Saturday, high tempera- Kapikian, a meteorologist with Isambaj in Tajikistan at an tures hit 123.8 degrees in MeteoFrance, the Sweihan altitude of 1,847 feet. Temperatures in the Middle Sweihan, a small town about 50 high temperature beat out the The Monday evening EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758 East have topped 125 degrees miles east of Abu Dhabi in the 124.3 degree reading set there weather balloon launch from after a run of record-breaking United Arab Emirates. Omidieh on July 2, 2017, thus becoming Abu Dhabi International MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 heat. Several countries tied or in southwestern Iran also both a monthly and all-time Airport measured tempera- challenged all-time national climbed to 123.8 degrees, while record high. It’s also the tures exceeding 90 degrees all DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 records amid the blistering Al Jahra, Kuwait, on the Arabian hottest June temperature ever the way up to nearly 5,000 heat wave, which has brought Gulf, managed 123.6 degrees. observed in the United Arab feet above the ground. LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 a string of temperatures about Sunaynah, an inland desert Emirates, and ties the nation’s This early-season scorcher BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 15 degrees above normal to town in north Oman, logged a all-time record. Climate his- is the result of building high the already baked region. high of 122.2 degrees. Sibi in torian Max Hererra tweeted pressure, also known as a heat SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 Five countries joined the central Pakistan did the same. that “the Middle East and dome. That kinks the jet stream 50-degree Celsius club, which Temperatures rising near Central Asia are under the northward and suppresses rain ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 equates to 122 degrees Fahr- or above 120 degrees can melt harshest heat wave in history chances, allowing heat to email: [email protected] enheit. This extreme heat crayons, warp railroad tracks, for this time of the year.” become established while PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 comes a full month before soften asphalt and extend the Hererra also noted that diverting cooling clouds, fronts email: [email protected] high temperatures reach their takeoff distance of airplanes. impressive temperature and disturbances. Sinking air annual average peak. Heat is the deadliest type of readings were observed at also causes additional warming. MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 Such blistering heat epi- weather, and the casualties it higher elevations, too. Heat domes like the one email: [email protected] sodes are becoming increas- causes outnumber big-name It reached 113.9 degrees in affecting the Middle East and ingly common in an envi- disasters such as hurricanes, Bam, Iran, at 3,018 feet altitude. Asia cause the atmosphere to ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 ronment shaped by the con- tornadoes, floods and wildfires. At Uch-Adzhi in Turkmenistan, bulge vertically, since gases FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] tinuing impacts of Following Saturday’s blow- a nation that borders the expand when heated. That CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 human-induced climate torch, somehow Sunday turned Caspian Sea, temperatures means the halfway point of email: [email protected] change. And the Middle East is it up a notch, when the peaked at 116 degrees. Termez the atmosphere’s mass, already one of the hottest mercury soared to an aston- in extreme southern known to meteorologists as SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 regions in the world, with ishing 125.2 degrees in Uzbekistan recorded a high of the 500 millibar level, is now FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] triple-digit temperatures and Sweihan, United Arab Emirates. 112.5 degrees on Sunday, with roughly a football field taller.

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/ThePeninsulaQatar The United States and Mexico have a longstanding relationship, based on family and shared borders, /Peninsula_Qatar based on a shared history. I strongly believe that we are embarking on a new era. /ThePeninsulaNewspaper Kamala Harris, US Vice-President +974 6698 6188 WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE 2021 EUROPE 09

Germany’s Scholz Genocide conviction upheld against Mladic rejects retirement The judgement is in an appeal against Mladic's age hike to 68 conviction in 2017 on charges of genocide, REUTERS — BERLIN crimes against humanity and war crimes including terrorising the civilian population German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said yesterday a of Sarajevo during a 43-month siege, and the proposal by economic advisers killing of more than 8,000 Muslims. to raise the retirement age further to 68 was wrong and that citizens could rely on his REUTERS — THE HAGUE affirms the sentence of life Social Democrats (SPD) to imprisonment imposed on block any such move after United Nations war crimes Mladic by the trial chamber,” September’s federal election. judges yesterday upheld a said a written summary of the Under existing rules put in genocide conviction and life appeals judgement. place by Chancellor Angela sentence against former The outcome caps 25 years Merkel’s first coalition gov- Bosnian Serb military of trials at the ad hoc Interna- ernment in 2006, the age at commander Ratko Mladic, tional Criminal Tribunal for the which Germans can draw a full rejecting all grounds of appeal Former Yugoslavia, which con- state pension without deduc- against a lower tribunal’s victed 90 people. The ICTY is tions is due to rise gradually verdict. one of the predecessors of the from 65 to 67 years by 2031. Mladic, 78, led Bosnian Serb International Criminal Court, But faced with a rapidly forces during Bosnia’s 1992-95 the world’s first permanent war ageing society and a shrinking war. He was convicted in 2017 crimes court, also seated in The work force following decades on charges of genocide, crimes Hague. of low birth rates and uneven against humanity and war “Today is a historic day not immigration, a panel of Former Bosnian Serb military leader Ratko Mladic sits in the courtroom prior to the pronouncement crimes including terrorising the only for us mothers of Sre- advisers for the economy min- of his appeal judgement at the UN International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) civilian population of the brenica but for all of the istry has suggested increasing Bosnian capital Sarajevo during Balkans, Europe and the world,” in The Hague, the Netherlands, yesterday. the age threshold further to 68 a 43-month siege, and the Munira Subasic, whose son and by 2042. killing of more than 8,000 husband were killed by nation- The appeals judges said argued that the former general That prosecution appeal Scholz, who is his party’s Muslim men and boys in the alist Serb forces that overran Mladic would remain in custody could not be held responsible was also dismissed. candidate to become Ger- eastern Bosnian town of Sre- Srebrenica, said ahead of the in The Hague while arrange- for possible crimes committed Mladic had been found by many’s next chancellor, told brenica in 1995. hearing. ments were made for his by his subordinates. They the lower ICTY court of playing an SPD economic conference He had been convicted by “Everywhere his army went, transfer to a state where he will sought an acquittal or a retrial. a leading role in some of the he would fight the proposal, trial and ordered to serve life in everywhere his boots went, he serve his sentence. It is not yet Prosecutors had asked the most gruesome crimes com- saying Germans could rely on prison, but appealed against committed genocide in the vil- known which country will take appeals panel to uphold mitted on European soil since him to protect fair and stable both the verdict and sentence. lages, in the cities, in the him. Mladic’s conviction and life sen- the Nazi Holocaust of World pensions. Wearing a dress shirt and black houses...He killed everyone just Fourteen European coun- tence in full. They also wanted War Two. “It’s not only based on suit, Mladic stood looking at the because they were not Serbs.” tries have taken in UN court him to be found guilty of an For the Srebrenica gen- wrong calculations, it’s also floor as his conviction and sen- “Political (decision),” convicts to serve out their sen- additional charge of genocide ocide, the judges determined socially unfair,” Scholz said, tence were upheld in court. Milorad Guzijan, a pensioner in tences so far. Former Bosnian over a campaign of ethnic that Mladic had an absolutely adding that previous forecasts The appeals chamber “dis- largest Bosnian Serb city Banja Serb political leader Radovan cleansing in the early years of pivotal role as he controlled of population growth and misses Mladic appeal in its Luka, said in reaction to the Karadzic was transferred to a Bosnia’s war that included both the military and police demographic pressures on the entirety..., dismisses the prose- appeals verdict. “There is no British prison in May this year. detention camps that shocked units involved in the round-up state pension system had cution’s appeal in its entirety..., justice there, just politics.” Lawyers for Mladic had the world. and massacre. turned out to be wrong. “So it’s fair to say that all those horror scenarios are politically motivated and DUP nominates Paul Givan as First Minister unfounded. They are meant to push through pension cuts for REUTERS — BELFAST progress on introducing legis- anger among pro-British Irish nationalist militants, who to pressure from DUP members which there is no real need.” lation on the role of the Irish unionists about the impact of wanted the region to unite with unhappy at her leadership over Northern Ireland’s Democratic language. post-Brexit trade rules on the Republic of Ireland, and the Brexit and social issues. Navalny’s daughter Unionist Party (DUP) nominated Givan’s decision, when he Northern Ireland which helped British Army and pro-British She held both the position social conservative Paul Givan was minister for communities, fuel riots in early April. loyalists defending its place of party leader and First Min- accepts rights yesterday to replace Arlene to cut Irish language funding The British government and within the United Kingdom. ister but Poots said he wanted award on his behalf Foster as the British region’s was blamed by Sinn Fein for the the European Commission, the Givan, who served Poots in to split the role so he could First Minister. collapse of the previous admin- European Union’s executive, are the past as both assistant and focus on party matters. AP — GENEVA Givan, 39, is a close ally of istration four years ago. holding talks to try to defuse the special adviser, was responsible A divisive leadership new DUP leader Edwin Poots. He Poots told reporters the dispute by easing trade frictions. for a proposed law that would election won by Poots in May The daughter of jailed Russian will need to secure the consent DUP had assured its gov- Givan would be the fifth have allowed businesses to has led to the resignations of opposition leader Alexei of the party’s main partners in the ernment partners that it is com- person to hold the post of First refuse services to a customer if some local DUP councilors. Two Navalny accepted a human region’s power-sharing gov- mitted to introducing the legis- Minister since the establishment they felt it contradicted their ministers dropped by Poots, rights award on her father’s ernment, Irish nationalist rivals lation. He said he saw no reason of power-sharing under a 1998 religious convictions. Peter Weir and Diane Dodds, behalf yesterday for his Sinn Fein, to take the post. why Givan’s confirmation peace deal. Foster announced in April criticised the ministerial courage in facing down Pres- Sinn Fein has said the new should not be straightforward. That deal ended three that she would step down as First appointments as failing to heal ident Vladimir Putin’s DUP leadership must make The nomination follows decades of violence between Minister at the end of June, bowing the rifts. government. Daria Navalnaya, a 20-year-old student at UK calls for Stanford University in Cali- Macron slapped in the face on visit to small town fornia, said her father was ‘urgent solution’ dedicating the courage award AP — PARIS given by the Geneva Summit to trade with for Human Rights to all French President Emmanuel political prisoners in Russia Northern Ireland Macron was slapped yesterday and Belarus. in the face by a man during a “You really should be REUTERS — LONDON visit to a small town in southeast looking at my father instead, France. Macron’s office but he’s in a Russian prison Britain urged the European confirmed a video that is widely right now simply because of Union yesterday to help find an circulating online. what he says, does and urgent solution to trade diffi- The French president can be believes in — and because he culties with Northern Ireland seen greeting the public waiting didn’t die when the Russian before the end of this month, for him behind traffic barriers in government wanted him to,” saying there was no case for the the small town of Tain- Navalnaya said in a video bloc to prevent the sale of l’Hermitage after he visited a high message for the online event. chilled meat in the province. school that is training students to Navalny was arrested in Since completing its exit work in hotels and restaurants. January upon his return from from the EU last year, Britain’s The video shows a man Germany, where he had spent relations with the bloc have slapping Macron in the face and five months recuperating from soured, with both sides his bodyguards pushing the man a nerve agent poisoning that he accusing the other of acting in away as the French leader is blames on the Kremlin - accu- bad faith in relation to part of quickly rushed from the scene. sations that Russian officials their trade agreement that French news broadcaster dismiss. He was given a 2 1/2- covers goods movements to BFM TV said two people have year prison sentence in Feb- Northern Ireland. been detained by police in the ruary for violating terms of a French President Emmanuel Macron speaks with chef Anne-Sophie Pic in the kitchen of hospitality Under the deal, Britain assault. suspended sentence stemming school in Tain l’Hermitage, Drome department, France, yesterday. was expected to introduce Macron has not commented from a 2014 embezzlement checks on some goods moving yet on the incident and con- conviction that he denounced to Northern Ireland, an EU tinued his visit. “Democracy is about Twitter “the intolerable physical France’s next presidential as politically motivated. demand to ensure there was Speaking at the National debate, dialogue, confrontation aggression targeting the pres- election and as the country is Navalny was chosen as this no back door to its single Assembly, Prime Minister Jean of ideas, expression of legit- ident of the Republic.” gradually reopening its pan- year’s recipient for its annual market via the border between Castex said “through the head imate disagreements, of course, Visibly fuming, she said demic-hit economy, Macron “courage” award by more than the British province and EU of state, that’s democracy that but in no case it can be violence, later that while Macron is her last week started a political two dozen human rights member Ireland. has been targeted,” in comments verbal assault and even less top political adversary, the “tour de France,” seeking to groups. His daughter said her But London unilaterally prompting loud applauds from physical assault,” Castex said. assault was “deeply, deeply visit French regions in the father wrote her a letter from extended a grace period until lawmakers from all ranks, Far-right leader Marine Le reprehensible.” coming months to “feel the behind bars after he was June 30 for some checks to standing up in a show of support. Pen firmly condemned on Less than one year before pulse of the country.” chosen. minimise supply disruption of goods such as chilled meats, a move that deepened mistrust between the two sides. New Belarus law threatens protesters with 3 years in prison Earlier, European Com- mission Vice President Maros AP — KIEV President Alexander Lukashenko’s reelection to a Belarus diverted a Ryanair flight ment’s ouster. Sefcovic warned Britain in an Lukashenko signed permits sixth term in an August election traveling from Greece to It follows up on another law article in the Telegraph news- The authoritarian president of judges to sentence people con- that was widely seen as rigged. Lithuania to Minsk, where approved by Lukashenko last paper that the EU would “not Belarus signed a law yesterday victed of joining at least two More than 35,000 people authorities arrested Raman month that bans news media be shy in reacting swiftly, that allows prison sentences of unauthorised protests over a were arrested and thousands Pratasevich, a dissident journalist from doing live reports on unau- firmly and resolutely” if it con- up to three years for partici- year to up to three years in beaten by police during the gov- who was on board the airliner. thorised demonstrations and sidered Britain was breaching pating in an unsanctioned prison. ernment’s response to the Since his arrest, Pratasevich, allows the Information Ministry its legal obligations. demonstration, the latest move The revised law also unrest. Belarusian authorities 26, has been shown tearfully to shut down a media organi- A spokesman for Prime in a relentless crackdown on toughens the maximum pun- also have relentlessly cracked repenting for his activities and zation without a court order. Minister Boris Johnson called for protests against his rule after ishment for the “rude violation down on journalists, including praising Lukashenko in video- The European Union and an urgent solution to the issue, nearly 27 years in power. of public order” from three blocking several major news taped remarks aired on state TV. the United States have saying if there was none found Previously, taking part in years to five years in prison. websites and outlawing oppo- The legislation signed responded by sanctioning Bela- by June 30, there could be no unauthorized demonstrations Belarusian authorities have lev- sition-leaning messaging app Tuesday also introduces two- rusian officials involved in possibility of Northern Ireland was punishable by fines or brief elled those charges widely channels as extremist. year prison terms for posting allegedly rigging the August not being sold goods such as jail terms ranging from several against participants in months The wide-ranging repression “banned information” online, election and organizing the chilled meats from Britain. days to two weeks. The bill of protests fuelled by was spotlighted on May 23, when such as calls for the govern- clampdown on dissent. 10 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE 2021 Trudeau denounces attack that targeted Muslim family

AP — TORONTO The Prime Minister trend. And sometimes, they lead told Parliament: “If to real violence,” the prime A pickup truck attack that killed minister said. four members of an immigrant anyone thinks racism A 20-year-old suspect, family has shaken Canada, a and hatred don’t Nathaniel Veltman, was country where immigrants are arrested in the parking lot of a largely accepted, and drew exist in this country, I nearby mall. He was facing four denunciations yesterday from want to say this: How counts of first-degree murder. Canada’s Prime Minister, who Police said Veltman, a res- called it a hate attack directed do we explain such ident of London, did not know at Muslims. violence to a child in a the victims. Detective Superin- The victims — two parents, tendent Paul Waight said it was two children and a grand- hospital? How can we not clear if he belonged to any mother — were on an evening look families in the eye specific hate group, but that walk when the truck struck and say “Islamophobia local police were working with them at an intersection in federal authorities to investigate London, Ontario. isn’t real”? potential terrorism charges. He “This was a terrorist attack, said the attack was planned. motivated by hatred, in the Everyone who knew the heart of one of our commu- Many Canadians have been Afzal family knew “the model People lay flowers at a makeshift memorial at the fatal crime scene where a man driving a pickup nities,” Prime Minister Justin enjoying evening walks to get family they were as Muslims, truck jumped the curb and ran over a Muslim family in London, Ontario, Canada, yesterday. Trudeau told Parliament. “If fresh air after long days at home Canadians and Pakistanis,” the anyone thinks racism and during the pandemic, Trudeau statement from the extended the public to stand against hate other federal political party walk that they would go out for hatred don’t exist in this said. family said. “They worked and Islamophobia. leaders were scheduled to every day,” Khan said through country, I want to say this: How “But unlike every other extremely hard in their fields “This young man who com- attend. tears near the site of the crash. do we explain such violence to night, this family never made it and excelled. Their children mitted this act of terror was Rauf Ahmad and three “I just wanted to see.” a child in a hospital? How can home,” Trudeau said. “Their were top students in their influenced by a group that he friends watched the growing Mayor Ed Holder said flags we look families in the eye and lives were taken in a brutal, school and connected strongly associated with, and the rest of tribute on the corner. would be lowered for three days say “Islamophobia isn’t real”? cowardly and brazen act of vio- with their spiritual identity.” the community must take a “I didn’t think there was in London, which he said has The victims’ extended lence. This killing was no A fundraising webpage said strong stand against this, from racism in Canada, and I felt very 30,000 to 40,000 Muslims family issued a statement iden- accident.... Canadians are out- the father was a physiotherapist the highest levels in our gov- safe when I came here two among its more than 400,000 tifying the dead as Salman Afzal, raged by what happened. And and cricket enthusiast and his ernment to every member of years ago, but I do not feel safe residents. 46; his wife Madiha, 44; their many Muslim Canadians are wife was working on a doc- the community,” the statement now,” Ahmad said. “Humanity Canada is generally wel- daughter Yumna, 15; and a scared.” torate in civil engineering at said. is first. We should not care coming toward immigrants and 74-year-old grandmother Trudeau said words matter Western University in London. Flowers were placed around about whether someone is a all religions, but in 2017 a whose name was withheld. A and in part blamed rhetoric, dis- Their daughter was finishing a light pole and a tree where the Muslim, a Jew or a Christian.” French Canadian man known hospitalized 9-year-old boy information and extremism ninth grade, and the grand- truck crossed onto the sidewalk. Zahid Khan, a family friend, for far-right, nationalist views was identified as Fayez. Friends online and in politics. mother was a “pillar” of the A vigil was scheduled for yes- said the family belonged to the went on a shooting rampage at said they immigrated to Canada “They can be a seed that family, the page said. terday night at the mosque the London Muslim Mosque. a Quebec City mosque that 14 years ago. grows into an ugly, pervasive The family statement urged family attended. Trudeau and “They were just out for their killed six people. Pfizer to test vaccine in larger Senate report details broad failures around Jan 6 attack AP — WASHINGTON The result was chaos. A presidential election victory. It that would investigate the decades ago. But the Senate group of children Senate report released Tuesday recommends immediate insurrection more broadly. failed to get the 60 votes needed A Senate investigation of the details how officers on the front changes to give the Capitol “This report is important in to advance, with many Repub- REUTERS — NEW YORK January 6 insurrection at the US lines suffered chemical burns, Police chief more authority, to the fact that it allows us to make licans pointing to the Senate Capitol found a broad intelli- brain injuries and broken provide better planning and some immediate improvements report as sufficient. Pfizer Inc said yesterday it will gence breakdown across bones, among other injuries, equipment for law enforcement to the security situation here in The top Republican on the begin testing its COVID-19 multiple agencies, along with after fighting the rioters, who and to streamline intelligence the Capitol,” said Michigan Sen. Rules panel, Missouri Sen. Roy vaccine in a bigger group of widespread law enforcement quickly overwhelmed them and gathering among federal Gary Peters, the chairman of the Blunt, has opposed the com- children under age 12 after and military failures that led to broke into the building. Officers agencies. Homeland Security and Govern- mission, arguing that investi- selecting a lower dose of the the violent attack. told the Senate investigators As a bipartisan effort, the mental Affairs Committee, which gation would take too long. He shot in an earlier stage of the There were clear warnings that they were left with no lead- report does not delve into the conducted the probe along with said the recommendations trial. and tips that supporters of ership or direction when root causes of the attack, the Senate Rules Committee. made in the Senate can be The study will enrol up to former President Donald command systems broke down. including Trump’s role as he “But it does not answer some of implemented faster, including 4,500 children at more than Trump, including right-wing The Senate report is the first called for his supporters to the bigger questions that we legislation that he and Min- 90 clinical sites in the United extremist groups, were planning — and could be the last — bipar- “fight like hell” to overturn his need to face, quite frankly, as a nesota Democratic Sen. Amy States, Finland, Poland and to “storm the Capitol” with tisan review of how hundreds election defeat that day. It does country and as a democracy.” Klobuchar, the rules committee Spain, the company said. weapons and possibly infiltrate Trump supporters were able to not call the attack an insur- The House in May passed chair, intend to introduce soon Based on safety, tolera- the tunnel system underneath violently push past security rection, even though it was. And legislation to create a com- that would give the chief of bility and the immune response the building. But that intelli- lines and break into the Capitol it comes two weeks after mission that would be modeled Capitol Police more authority generated by 144 children in a gence never made it up to top that day, interrupting the cer- Republicans blocked a bipar- after a panel that investigated to request assistance from the phase I study of the two-dose leadership. tification of Joe Biden’s tisan, independent commission the Sept. 11 terrorist attack two National Guard. shot, Pfizer said it will test a dose of 10 micrograms in children between 5 and 11 years Heavy rains of age and 3 micrograms for the Harris turns focus to Mexico on trip to address migration age group of 6 months to 5. flood vast areas The vaccine — made by AP — MEXICO CITY Pfizer and German partner of Guyana BioNTech SA — has been US Vice-President Kamala authorized for use in children Harris was closing out her first AP — GEORGETOWN as young as 12 in Europe, the foreign trip yesterday with a United States and Canada. They visit to Mexico and a meeting Weeks of heavy rains have receive the same dose as adults: with President Andrés Manuel flooded large parts of the 30 micrograms. López Obrador, a key but South American nation of Nearly 7 million teens complicated ally in the Biden Guyana, turning communities have received at least one dose administration’s efforts to curb into lakes, destroying farms of the vaccine in the United the spike in migration at the US and ranches and putting States, according to the US border. pressure on authorities to Centers for Disease Control While López Obrador com- bring relief to beleaguered and Prevention. mitted in a previous virtual residents. meeting with Harris that the US Officials said some areas Security Council can “count on us” to help address were still under two feet of the issue of irregular migration, water nearly two weeks after backs Guterres the Mexican president has in the the heaviest single day of past blamed President Joe Biden rainfall, May 27, when about five for second term for the increase in migration at inches fell in less than 24 hours, the border. And he was chummy and many highways remained REUTERS — NEW YORK with his predecessor, President cut, hampering relief efforts. Donald Trump, despite Trump’s The country was braced The United Nations Security hardline policies toward for additional bouts of rains Council backed Secretary- migrants. this week this week. Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and US Vice-President Kamala Harris have a General Antonio Guterres Early last month, he also “Many of our brothers and conversation after attending a signing ceremony at the Palacio Nacional in Mexico City, yesterday. yesterday for a second term, accused the US of violating sisters across Guyana are faced recommending that the Mexico’s sovereignty for giving with the worst disaster we 193-member General money to non-governmental sought to strengthen diplomatic meeting the Biden adminis- many concrete commitments. have ever had, or they have Assembly appoint him for organizations that were critical relations with the Mexican pres- tration announced a number of The two witnessed the ever had, in the history of our another five years from Jan. 1, of his government. ident. She’s held multiple phone new commitments to combat signing of a memorandum of country,” President Irfaan Ali 2022. But Harris, in her role calls and a virtual bilateral trafficking, smuggling, and cor- understanding that will said late on Monday after Estonia’s UN Ambassador dealing with the root causes of meeting with him, and Tuesday ruption, as well as investments establish greater cooperation returning from communities Sven Jürgenson, council pres- increased migration from the will provide the latest indication in economic development in the between the two nations on in the west, near the Vene- ident for June, said the General Northern Triangle countries of of whether her efforts will bear country. But yesterday, her development programs in Gua- zuelan border. “I spoke to the Assembly was likely to meet Guatemala, El Salvador and fruit for either nation. meeting with López Obrador temala, El Salvador and people where their entire lives to make the appointment on Honduras, as well as Mexico, has To coincide with their isn’t expected to deliver as Honduras. have been destroyed.” June 18. “I am very grateful to the members of the council for the trust they have placed in me,” US identifies 3,900 children separated at border under Trump Guterres said in a statement. “I would be deeply humbled if AP — SAN DIEGO widespread condemnation. zero-tolerance policy but will tions about parentage. have been contacted and the the General Assembly were to The Biden administration’s review another 1,723 cases since The task force will also try whereabouts of 391 have not entrust me with the responsi- The Biden administration said Family Reunification Task July 2017, which would bring to determine if children were been established. Many who have bilities of a second mandate.” yesterday that it has identified Force count of 3,913 children total cases examined to 5,636, separated during the first six been contacted were released to Guterres succeeded Ban more than 3,900 children separated from July 1, 2017, to close to the ACLU tally. months of Trump’s presidency, other family members. Ki-moon in January 2017, just separated from their parents the end of Trump’s presidency The discrepancy appears to starting in January 2017, which The report provided data that weeks before US President at the US-Mexico border under is well below the more than stem largely from a federal was outside the scope of the hadn’t been previously released. Donald Trump took office. former President Donald 5,500 children identified by the court ruling in San Diego that ACLU lawsuit. That could raise Nearly 60% of children separated Much of Guterres’ first term Trump’s “zero-tolerance” policy American Civil Liberties Union excluded 1,723 children who the final number. under the zero-tolerance policy was focused on placating on illegal crossings, providing in court filings. were separated for reasons Of the 3,913 children, 1,786 were Guatemalans (2,270), fol- Trump, who questioned the one of the more detailed The task force said it iden- other than Trump’s zero-tol- have been reunified with a lowed by Hondurans (1,150), Sal- value of the United Nations accounts of a chapter in US tified “nearly all” children who erance policy, such as risk of parent, mostly during Trump’s vadorans (281), Mexicans (75), Bra- and multilateralism. immigration history that drew were separated under the child endangerment or ques- tenure, parents of another 1,965 zilians (74) and Romanians (23).