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on the Wi-Fi router and installation* *12-month contract required Terms and Conditions Apply 1894/2021 Preparations in Amir discusses latest developments with Abbas full swing for QNA — Shura Council Amir H H Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held a telephone election: Official conversation with President of the H E yesterday evening. SANAULLAH ATAULLAH During the call, they discussed the latest developments in THE PENINSULA the situation in Palestine. The President briefed the Amir on the developments related to the pacification and the efforts to Director of Legislation rebuild the Gaza Strip, expressing his sincere thanks and appre- Department at the General ciation to the Amir for the role of the State of and its Secretariat of State Cabinet, H efforts in support of the Palestinian people to obtain their legit- E Abdulaziz Mubarak Al imate national rights. Buainain, has said preparations H H the Amir affirmed the importance of the unity of the are in full swing for the forth- Palestinian ranks, reiterating the State of Qatar’s continuous coming elections to the Shura support to the brotherly Palestinian people and their just cause, Council. and continuing its efforts with Arab and Islamic parties and “Since the issuance of the related countries to stop the Israeli attacks on the Palestinian directives from Amir H H Sheikh people and the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque. Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during his address at the opening of the 49th session of the Shura Council on November QRCS launches QR60m fundraising campaign for Palestinians 3, 2020, preparations for Shura Council elections are in full THE PENINSULA — DOHA injuries, and displaced people. the Palestinian people, by pro- swing,” said Abdulaziz Mubarak Since day one, QRCS has been The QRCS campaign viding them with shelter, food, Al Buainain. Speaking in a Qatar President of Qatar Red Crescent taking all emergency humani- will benefit close to and medical supplies. TV programme, he said prepa- Society (QRCS), Sheikh Abdullah tarian actions to relieve thou- 0.6 million Pales- He said a set of projects will be rations for the vote are ongoing bin Thamer Al Thani, has sands of affected families, in executed in the fields of healthcare, in a clear timetable in line with announced the launch of a coordination with Palestine Red tinians in Gaza, Al food and nonfood items, ambu- the Constitution. “The State QR60m fundraising campaign Crescent Society (PRCS). Quds and other West lance and emergency services, and Cabinet approved a draft law to for Palestine. Under a $1m donation, QRCS Bank cities. furnishing of hospitals. issue the Shura Council election As Phase 2 of QRCS’s emer- provided 600 food parcels for the “QRCS has been working system and to refer it to the gency response to the clashes in benefit of 4,000 persons; offered together with PRCS for more Shura Council. Gaza, Al Quds, and several cities psychological support services; beds, and equipment. Thanks to surgeries for the victims of war. than a decade. Over that period, “The approval of the draft of the West Bank, it will benefit and trained 60 physicians and QRCS’s Gaza Specialised Surgery Several staff members of QRCS’s we have contributed dozens of law for the issuance of a law 593,000 Palestinians. nurses to enhance their emer- Support Project, seven con- mission in Gaza donated blood projects in Gaza, costing $110m. on the Shura Council election From May 7 to 21, the Pales- gency assessment skills. sultant physicians of cardiovas- for the victims. Sheikh Abdullah Our biggest concern is the health system is an important step tinian territories saw tragic In Gaza, emergency depart- cular surgery, cardiothoracic bin Thamer Al Thani said that the sector, especially after 15 years towards holding the first Shura events suffered by the Pales- ments at hospitals received vital surgery, orthopaedics, urology, launch of the ‘We are all Pal- of war and blockade,” said Council election,” said Al tinian people, with many deaths, signs monitors, medical tents, and anaesthetics performed 106 estine’ campaign seeks to help Sheikh Abdullah. Buainain. `P2 02 HOME SUNDAY 23 MAY 2021

Qatar, UK to cooperate on latest OFFICIAL NEWS Amir greets agricultural technologies: Envoy PRAYER President TIMINGS SANAULLAH ATAULLAH cooperation in new PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING THE PENINSULA technologies not only for agriculture purposes but also DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy FAJR 03.20 am The UK is looking to provide in health and education Qatar the latest agricultural sectors,” Wilks said. Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin SUNRISE 04.46 am technologies and expertise to He said that e-commerce Hamad Al Thani sent cables of DHUHR 11.31 am ensure food security in the and digital business space congratulations to President of the ASR 02.56 pm country, said British presents a platform for new Republic of Yemen H E Abdrabbuh Ambassador to Qatar H E Jon partnerships for Qatar and the Mansur Hadi on the occasion of MAGHRIB 06.16 pm Wilks. UK as its global demand and his country’s . ISHA 07.46 pm “British agricultural experts usage rise. The envoy Prime Minister and Minister are working in Qatar. We are highlighted Qatar’s ambition to of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin looking to provide the latest be a fintech hub, a major sector Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani technologies to help Qatar use for the UK. London is one of the also sent a cable of congratula- its resources to build its food leading fintech centres, with tions to Prime Minister of the security projects, including more development going on in Republic of Yemen H E Dr. vertical agriculture – major cities across the UK. on the hydroponics and other projects,” On the pandemic situation occasion of his country’s Ambassador Wilks told The in the UK and how it has National Day. -QNA Peninsula recently. He noted British agricultural experts are working in Qatar. We are affected investor movement WEATHER that there are genuine interests looking to provide the latest technologies to help Qatar use and tourists, Wilks said, “With TODAY between both the countries to its resources to build its food security projects, including the COVID-19 vaccines and the develop this relationship in the vertical agriculture – hydroponics and other projects. preventive measures, the President of agricultural sector. pandemic situation in the UK is “With the gradual lifting of Jon Wilk expected to improve this year. -Qatar COVID-19 restrictions on travel, British Ambassador to Qatar The number of Qatari citizens we will be able to bring visiting the UK will be less this Friendship Group delegations in both directions year but probably more than o o thanks Qatar 26 C 44 C and to start new projects,” said last year.” Minimum Maximum the Ambassador. Wilks said context of an agreement between COVID-19. Speaking about Brexit, he some ongoing agricultural both government.” “This shows remarkable noted that the UK and all GCC QNA — PARIS Misty to foggy at places at first projects and MoUs on a He stressed that despite the interests and activities in both countries are reviewing their becomes hot to very hot at places ministerial level between the COVID-19 pandemic, the trade countries to develop trade, trade and investment relations President of the France-Qatar daytime and some clouds. two countries. volume between Qatar and UK economy, business and to reach a possible deal on a Friendship Group in the French W ALRUWAIS : 29o → 37o “Since the business relations has seen a steady rise across investment relations which are free trade agreement. He also National Assembly MP Pascal W ALKHOR : 26o → 41o are very strong between Qatar several sectors, including great to see. stressed the importance of the Brindeau thanked the decisive and the UK, a lot of Qatari citizens agricultural food products. The “The 2022 FIFA World Cup six GCC markets to the UK. efforts made by the State of W DUKHAN : 27o → 41o in the private sector are part of British envoy added that the is coming up, so we are “The review of trade and Qatar, which resulted in W WAKRAH 23o → 41o : building food security in Qatar, so trade volume between Qatar expecting many sport-related investment relations are success in reaching a ceasefire W MESAIEED : 23o → 41o we want to connect our business and UK totalled about £7bn last visitors and businesses. We are expected to complete this year,” agreement in the occupied W ABUSAMRA : 23o → 43o directly with them within the year — a significant rise despite also looking to enhance Wilks added. Palestinian territories. “As President of the France-Qatar Friendship HIGH TIDE Group in the National 0:57– 15:01 New workers’ safety milestone achieved at Hamad Port Assembly, I salute the decisive LOW TIDE 08:58 – 20:37 action of the State of Qatar in IRFAN BUKHARI this year QTerminals and its handling latest types of vessels. latest internationally approved negotiating and obtaining a THE PENINSULA development partners had also Four more cranes will be added analysis techniques, to ensure ceasefire between Gaza and announced that they reached 4 during 2021, taking the total the accuracy and safety of Israel,” MP Pascal Brindeau QTerminals, terminal operating million man-hours without any number of cranes to seven. results, in a way that con- tweeted. company providing services at Lost Time Injury (LTI) during In April this year, Hamad tributes to ensuring quality and He expressed pleasure that Travel rules for Hamad Port, has made another the construction of Container Port, Qatar’s gateway to the safety of food in local market. this decisive act was welcomed people returning to achievement as its operations Terminal 2 (CT2) at Hamad world, reached another mile- The lab includes ten test by the and the at Hamad Port achieved 4 Port. stone by hitting five million centres and a store of European Union, stressing that Qatar from Umrah million man-hours without any The initial operation of containers mark. chemicals. the State of Qatar has demon- Lost Time Injury (LTI). Hamad Port’s Container Ter- A Food Safety Lab, affiliated It aims to accelerate strated, in this action, its deter- THE PENINSULA — DOHA “We are very pleased to minal also began in December with Ministry of Public Health's analysis and control of food, mination to stand as a guar- announce that on May 16, 2021, last year. CT2 development Central Food Laboratories, was facilitate early release of food antor of peace. Citizens and residents who are QTerminals (Hamad Port Oper- consists of four phases. Full also inaugurated at Hamad Port shipments, and reduce the The France-Qatar coming back from Umrah and ations) achieved 4 million man- operation of Phase 1 and 2 will in March 2021. The lab uses the storage burden on ports. Friendship Group in the French cannot provide a valid PCR test hours without any Lost Time start before the end of 2022, National Assembly includes 37 certificate should be allowed Injury (LTI),” QTerminals has taking the port’s capacity to parliamentarians representing to board their flights but they tweeted. three million TEUs per year. various parties in France. must undergo PCR test on Earlier on February 17 this Phases 3 and 4 will be arrival at Hamad International year, QTerminals operations at developed later to raise the Airport or Abu Samra port on Hamad Port had achieved 3 port’s operational capacity Doha Jewellery & a standard fee of QR 300/- per million man-hours without any according to the local market’s test, Ministry of Public Health Lost Time Injury (LTI) while the needs. Watches Exhibition stated on their website. company had achieved 2 The area of Phases 1 and 2 postponed All travelers must be vac- million man-hours without any of Hamad Port’s CT2 is cinated following Saudi Lost Time Injury (LTI) in Hamad 380,000sqm and its quay is THE PENINSULA — DOHA Arabian rules that only vacci- Port operations on December 1 624m long. Phase 1 of CT2 has nated individuals could last year. been equipped with 3 STS quay The 18th edition of the Doha perform Umrah and visit Hamad Port had achieved cranes with advanced tech- Jewellery and Watches Exhi- Makkah. the milestone in workers’ safety nology, including semi-auto- bition (DJWE) has been post- Individuals planning to in September 2020 when QTer- mation and remote-control poned until further notice due travel for Umrah should refer minals’ operations at Hamad operations. STS cranes are to existing COVID-19 restric- to the policy and procedures Port had achieved 1 million known for being fast and tions laid out by the Ministry announced by the Ministry of man-hours without any LTI. extremely efficient in container of Public Health (MoPH), Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. In February handling and capable of Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) has announced. QNTC continues to work wins Wincott Award for Video Journalism of the Year with MoPH to implement the Qatar Clean Programme THE PENINSULA — DOHA rainforests are being sold for $5 of Indigenous tribes. Asia’s most remote corners. It financial journalism. across hotels and restaurants. a hectare in dubious land deals According to the awards, shines a light on the plight of The Wincott Foundation The Business Events sector is The Wincott Foundation has across West Papua – a remote, “The judges felt its even-handed tribes often forgotten in the rush was established in 1969 in encouraged to apply for Qatar awarded Al Jazeera the Wincott restive Indonesian province reporting, depth of investigation to transform forests into honour of Harold Wincott, the Clean certification to ensure Award for Video Journalism of usually off-limits to journalists. and the considerable physical lucrative palm oil plantations most distinguished economic continued operation, and for the Year. 101 East’s Drew In a year-long investi- risks which the filmmakers had whose products are then sold journalist of his day in the UK. the safety of visitors. Ambrose, Jenni Henderson, gation, Al Jazeera uncovered taken to tell the story, made it around the world,” said Sharon It seeks to contribute to a better QNTC reiterates the Nick Olle, Liz Gooch and Andy extensive evidence that experts the clear winner”. Roobol, Executive Producer of understanding of economic requirements for event organ- Mees were recognised for the say indicate fraud, bribery and ”We are honoured to be 101 East. issues, principally by supporting isers, whereby approvals must programme Selling Out West misconduct by two large South recognised for reporting that The annual Wincott Awards and encouraging high-quality be obtained from the MoPH Papua. Korean resource companies exposes the controversial recognise outstanding economic, financial and prior to holding exhibitions, The expose revealed how leading to environmental business dealings of powerful achievement in the fields of business journalism, in the UK conferences and events, and Asia’s largest remaining destruction and displacement resource companies in one of business, economic and and internationally. licences from the Council. One arrested for violating Preparations in full swing for Shura home quarantine rules

QNA — DOHA Council election, says official currently being referred to FROM PAGE 1 The designated authorities the designate prosecution, is of the task for holding the voters and candidates for advertisements or electoral arrested yesterday one Mohammed Abdullah election, have been working membership in the Shura statements are placed, and to person who violated the Mohammed Salih Dawood. He said the preparation of proudly because our country Council.” allocate equal spaces for the requirements of the home The designated author- this draft law comes within the is preparing for this important He said the draft law stip- candidates. quarantine, he committed to ities called on citizens and framework of the govern- event.” ulates facilitating the process “The public and private following, which he is legally residents under home quar- ment’s role in completing the He said the draft law was of registering in the voters’ media are impartial in their accountable for, in antine to fully commit to the constitutional requirements to prepared under the super- lists, including the possibility coverage and treatment of all accordance with the proce- Ministry of Public Health’s elect members of Shura vision of the Supreme Com- of applying for registration candidates, and when covering dures of the health author- condition, to ensure their Council based on the provi- mittee for Shura Council electronically. the elections,” he said. ities in the country. safety and the safety of sions of the Constitution, Election headed by H E the “It regulates the process of Speaking about the respon- The arrest of the violator others. which won the approval of the Prime Minister and Minister of complaints against registration sibilities and authority of came in implementation of They added that anyone vast majority of citizens, as the Interior, in accordance with in voters’ lists and judicial Shura Council, he said that the the precautionary measures who violates the quarantine result of the referendum came the provisions of Amiri Decree appeals against decisions of Shura Council assumes legis- in force in the country, will be subject to article no. at 96.6% of the vote, which No. 47 of 2019 establishing the the committees of voters and lative authority, approves the approved by health author- 253 of law no. 11 of 2004, clearly stipulates strength- Supreme Committee for the candidates,” Al Buainain general policy of the gov- ities represented in the Min- provisions of law no. 17 of ening the principle of people’s Shura Council Elections. added. ernment and the budget, and istry of Public Health, to curb 1990 on communicable dis- participation in legislation and “The draft law included He said the municipalities exercises control over the the spread of the COVID-19. eases, and law no. 17 of 2002 monitoring. provisions related to the con- should ensure equal access of executive authority as spec- The violator, who is on protecting society. “We, since the assignment ditions that must be met by candidates to places where ified in the Constitution. SUNDAY 23 MAY 2021 HOME 03 QU SESRI survey to explore awareness QF convocation to and attitudes towards COVID-19 celebrate new wave

AYENI OLUSEGUN update our knowledge about surveyed awareness of the THE PENINSULA The research will be done Qatari nationals and resident new COVID-19 disease. of change-makers expatriates’ awareness and The findings helped the — DOHA The Social and Economic randomly over the phone attitudes towards COVID-19. government and the health THE PENINSULA Survey Research Institute with a sample size of It is a follow-up to the pre- sector implement policies that (SESRI) at is 2,100 selected citizens vious COVID-19 awareness helped Qatar manage the virus More than 1,600 young grad- The convocation will conducting a COVID-19 survey and residents. The survey conducted in March better. uates are to celebrate their celebrate the graduates to update the knowledge about month-long survey will 2020. The sample is about Qatar’s COVID-19 response achievements and look to the of the Classes of 2020 Qatari nationals and resident conclude on May 30. 2,100 (700 Qatari nationals, has been widely hailed in the future together in a special and 2021 of Qatar expatriates’ awareness and 700 white-collar expatriates, region and globally for its virtual edition of Qatar Foun- Foundation member attitudes towards COVID-19. and 700 blue-collar expa- proactive measure, quarantine dation’s Convocation The research will be done triates),” he added. polices and vaccination ceremony. Hamad bin Khalifa randomly over the phone with The survey would cover programme. Taking place in virtual form University and QF’s a sample size of 2,100 selected eligible to participate in this vaccinated and non-vacci- The survey will provide due to public health measures international partner citizens and residents. The survey. nated people to get a clear information for a better designed to combat COVID-19, universities. month-long survey will con- Interviews are conducted picture of the virus trend. understanding of the attitudes the convocation will celebrate clude on May 30. by trained and experienced “The survey covers of Qatari nationals and res- the graduates of the Classes of In an interview with The interviewers from the Social potential respondents at dif- ident expatriates about 2020 and 2021 of Qatar Foun- Peninsula, Professor and Economic Survey ferent stages of vaccination – COVID-19 measures taken in dation (QF) member Hamad bin to come. Abdoulaye Diop, Research Pro- Research Institute (SESRI) fully vaccinated people Qatar to control the spread of Khalifa University and QF’s “Their resilience, positivity, fessor and Manager of SESRI’s using social distancing pro- (people who have already the virus, including the vacci- international partner univer- and devotion to knowledge and Research Department, and the tocols in the Call Center or the received both doses); people nation efforts. sities – whose academic excel- excellence deepens the sense project lead said the survey is remote interviewing system who are partially vaccinated The survey also asks ques- lence and personal growth has of pride that will accompany part of the Qatar Semi-Annual developed by SESRI IT,” Prof. (people who received their tions about the impact of the been accompanied by a spirit QF’s virtual convocation cer- Survey (QSAS). He is assisted Diop said. first dose and awaiting the virus at the individual and of resilience as they completed emony this year, as we cele- by Dr. Kien T. Le and Dr. Salma “QSAS provides valuable second one); people who are household levels, including their studies amid a global brate the latest additions to our Khaled. information to decision- registered and waiting for an effects on health, finances, pandemic. ranks of alumni – young people Qatari nationals and res- makers, politicians, scholars, appointment, and those not education, and working envi- The interactive and who possess the skills and ident expatriates (white-collar and students about the general vaccinated,” Prof. Diop added. ronment. Respondents are also immerse live online event on mindsets the world needs, and blue-collar expatriates) 18 mood of the residents of Qatar. In March last year, at the asked about their attitudes May 27 will see students who perhaps more now than ever; years of age or older are This wave of the QSAS aims to start of the pandemic, SESRI towards the vaccine. have pursued their goals, and who, wherever their path honed their talents, and takes them, will always be part equipped themselves to be of QF.” drivers of change during their The dynamic virtual con- Over 57% receive at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine time within QF’s unique eco- vocation ceremony will see system of education mark the 2020 and 2021 graduates of THE PENINSULA — DOHA end of one phase of their lives, each of QF’s universities COVID-19 and the start of the next stage speaking live about their expe- More than 57 percent of the of their journey. riences and their plans for the eligible population has received UPDATES “Through learning, future, with parents also joining at least one dose of the May22, 2021 exploring, and growing within the conversation. COVID-19 vaccine in Qatar, said QF’s globally unique educa- A special convocation film the Ministry of Public Health tional environment, these tal- will be screened, as graduates (MoPH), yesterday. 330 2 161 14,879 ented, creative, driven young look back on how they tackled Also 90.4% of the elderly 4,028 people are graduating in the challenges that have faced over the age of 60 - who are New New People Total number knowledge that they are as them in recent years, and the considered among the groups positive deaths currently of tests in 24 well-equipped to face whatever event will also allow students most vulnerable to severe com- cases Current active cases iinn ICU hours the future holds, and make a to engage with a QF Alumni plications due to infection with difference to their communities Ambassador as they join the the COVID-19 virus - received and the world, as any group of organisation’s ever-growing at least one dose of the vaccine, graduates anywhere,” said global alumni network. while 84.7% of them received 28,287 2,2,261,903 Francisco Marmolejo, President Throughout the program, both doses of the vaccine. of Higher Education at QF. social media posts from grad- Some 28,287 doses of Doses of COVID-19 vaccinesccines The total number of “In their time at Education uates, their friends and family, COVID-19 vaccines were given have been administerededd vaccine doses City, they have nurtured the and members of the public will during the past 24 hours taking past 24 hours aadministered in Qatar real-world skills that prepare be displayed, while images of the total doses of vaccines given them for the workforce of every graduate will be merged to community members since today and tomorrow; into a photo mosaic that reflects the beginning of the vaccination broadened their minds, per- how they have all been part of programme to 2,261,903. announced two new deaths, support of the community, has restrictions will be delivered spectives, and horizons; recog- a community of knowledge at The Ministry has reported aged 59 and 66 years of age. resulted in a consistent over 4 phases with each phase nised their potential and ded- QF. 330 new cases of COVID-19 Both of them had chronic dis- reduction in the number of new lasting 3 weeks. icated themselves to realising QF’s virtual Convocation yesterday. Among them 130 eases and all of them received daily infections in the country. The date of implementation it; and been inspired to become ceremony will take place from were travellers returning from necessary medical care. All However, it is still important and the duration of each phase what we call ‘students of 6.30pm to 7.15pm Doha time on abroad. were receiving the necessary to be cautious as the second will depend on the epidemic change’. May 27, and all members of the A total of 439 people medical care. wave is not yet over and there indicators which depend to a “Studying and graduating community are invited to tune recovered from COVID-19 yes- The Ministry also said that are still two highly contagious great extent on the degree of during a pandemic has pre- in and help celebrate the terday, bringing the total in recent weeks the combined and highly virulent strains of compliance of the community sented these graduates with accomplishments of its Classes number of people recovered in impact of COVID-19 restrictions the virus that are actively cir- members with the current many challenges, and the way of 2020 and 2021. It will be Qatar 210,589. and increasing vaccination culating in the community. measures, restrictions and they have overcome them will screened live on QF’s website The Ministry also rates, and the overwhelming The plan to gradually lift guidance by the government. serve them well them for years at www.qf.org.qa/convocation AMNM announces partnership agreement with GlobeMed Qatar BPS celebrates World Hand THE PENINSULA — DOHA is the result of a significant international collaboration Hygiene Day Alfardan Medical with North- between Alfardan Group and western Medicine (AMNM), US-based Northwestern Qatar’s state-of-the-art medical Medicine. THE PENINSULA — DOHA and day surgery centre, signed AMNM’s facilities have been a Memorandum of Under- designed around the patient’s Birla Public School (BPS) cele- standing (MoU) with GlobeMed experience, adhering to inter- brated ‘World Hand Hygiene Qatar, the leading Healthcare national benchmarks and Day on May 5, 2021 declaring Benefits Management company standards of medical infra- the message, ‘Save Lives- Clean in Qatar. structure, architectural design, Your Hands’ - the most appro- As a Third Party Adminis- and services. The medical and priate theme for the Day. trator (TPA), GlobeMed Qatar day surgery centre offers The activities of World serves the portfolios of over patients and their families an Hand Hygiene Day at Birla eight insurance companies in environment of privacy and Public School highlighted the Qatar, offering their members comfort in a luxurious setting. significance of maintaining access to a wide network of Dr. Samer Jaber, GlobeMed global promotion, visibility, and healthcare providers. Regional Deputy General sustainability of hand hygiene Through this partnership, Manager said: “We are proud to in health care. The main idea beneficiaries of any of the partner with Alfardan Medical of observing the day was to insurance companies serviced with Northwestern Medicine. By recognise hand washing as one by GlobeMed Qatar can now signing this MoU, we offer our of the most effective actions benefit from AMNM’s advanced, clients’ insured members access that can be taken to avoid a patient-centric healthcare and to a prominent healthcare huge range of infections latest medical equipment. facility offering highly advanced including the COVID-19 Alfardan Medical with Northwestern Medicine and GlobeMed Qatar officials sign a memorandum of Reimagining the future of and innovative healthcare pandemic. understanding. and beyond, services to serve all their A special virtual interactive AMNM provides high-quality, healthcare needs.” session was organised with the multidisciplinary medical care, Through this partnership, beneficiaries of offered at AMNM. Dr. Jaber added, “GlobeMed Birla Kindergarteners. The and patient service. any of the insurance companies serviced by “Having just recently Qatar is a member of GlobeMed facilitators enlightened the stu- AMNM’s world-class opened in Lusail, we are steadily Group the leading Healthcare dents about the importance of healthcare applies an American GlobeMed Qatar can now benefit from AMNM’s expanding the scope of our Benefits Management Group in maintaining continuous per- model of care, with a focus on advanced, patient-centric healthcare and latest insurance coverage to ensure the the Middle East with 30 years of sonal hygiene. advanced medicine practices, high-calibre medical care experience and know-how in The students were inspired backed by a patient-centric medical equipment. Reimagining the future available at AMNM is accessible serving insurance companies to clean their hands thoroughly approach, transparency, and of healthcare in Qatar and beyond, AMNM to as many communities as and their insured members in 12 with the activities planned for teamwork that is evident in the provides high-quality, multidisciplinary medical possible”. different markets in the Mena the day. The students were also services provided. “We are delighted that our region and beyond. GlobeMed encouraged to prepare posters The sophisticated healthcare care, and patient service. mission to deliver advanced, Qatar has established its leading related to hand hygiene and services are powered by a mul- patient-centric care with service position in the market by awareness of the importance tinational collective of spe- excellence, continues to be rec- offering insured members of handwashing was empha- cialised medical staff and pro- gynecology, physical medicine Group boasts over 65 years of ognized by strategic stake- exceptional customer expe- sised. The response from stu- fessionals from leading markets, and rehabilitation, sleep med- legacy in delivering world-class holders in the medical industry rience and journey at every dents through posters and pic- including a large contingent icine and executive health. Other premium experiences, with the who are partnering with us to point of their service, giving tures was overwhelming. from the US spanning across AMNM medical specialities that guiding principles of quality, continue to drive the quality of them access to a wide network Students under the able medical specialities, including will be introduced in the future luxury and service excellence. healthcare forward,” he added. of healthcare providers. Through guidance of the teachers in the ear, nose and throat, dentistry, include pediatrics, psychiatry Our partnership with GlobeMed The introduction of AMNM its patient-centric services and EVS Department and English dermatology, gastroenterology, and psychology. will provide their members with in Qatar marks Alfardan solutions, GlobeMed Qatar Department participated in the internal medicine, ophthal- Omar Hussain Alfardan, access to the high-quality, Group’s first venture in the remains true to its promise of varied activities like hand mology, orthopedics, plastic President and CEO of Alfardan advanced, and innovate healthcare sector. Located in taking care of healthcare in washing- chart making, com- surgery, fertility medicine and Group (AFG), said, “Alfardan healthcare services that are the heart of Lusail City, AMNM Qatar.” posing jingles and many more. 04 HOME SUNDAY 23 MAY 2021 New series of WCM-Q webinars aims to improve community health

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q) is continuing to help educate and improve the health of the local community, with a new program of community webinars. The new Health and You program has been launched by An artwork created by PAPR students at VCUarts Qatar. the college’s Institute for Popu- lation Health (IPH) and aims to create community awareness FROM LEFT: Dr. Sohaila Cheema, Dr. Ravinder Mamtani, Dr. Shahrad Taheri and Dr. Sathyanarayanan VCUarts Qatar’s Class of about health and disease. Doraiswamy The webinars presented by 2021 PAPR students to WCM-Q faculty and other experts obesity, type-2 diabetes, and heart assistant director at the Institute cover a wide range of common A new Health and You disease are now the biggest cause for Population Health, who dis- issues that impact upon our health program has been of premature death in the world cussed the role of exercise in pro- hold ‘talk marathon’ and for which people can take and IPH hopes to encourage moting health and preventing charge, engage in selfcare, and launched by the college’s Qatar’s community to take disease. The ultimate objective of THE PENINSULA — DOHA program. The talks will be held change behaviour to improve Institute for Population responsibility for their own health the series is to enhance self-care, on May 24, 25 and 26, between their wellbeing. Health and aims to create by taking regular exercise, eating reduce suffering, improve the The department of Painting + 4pm and 5pm local time, and The series began with the community awareness a balanced diet high in fruits, veg- quality of life, and increase lon- Printmaking (PAPR) at Virginia will see Class of 2021 PAPR webinar ‘Take charge to better about health and disease. etables, and wholegrains, and gevity. Additionally, it will aid and Commonwealth University students Ameena Al Boinin, your health’, by Dr. Ravinder avoiding unhealthy habits like support people in making School of the Arts in Qatar Alanood Al Thani, Khawla Al Mamtani, professor of population smoking cigarettes and shisha. informed decisions about their (VCUarts Qatar) – a Qatar Akbari, Hissa Al Sulaiti, Almaha health sciences and medicine, and All the webinars are free and health and disease. Foundation partner university Nasser and Almaha Al vice dean for student affairs- for the Institute for Population open to the general public. The For more information about – invites the public to Maadeed share their ideas, admissions, population health, Health, and ‘Things that go bump latest, entitled ‘Just keep moving how to join the session, visit ‘EMERGE’, a first-of-its-kind inspirations and aspirations and lifestyle medicine. Subse- in the night: Impact of sleep on - it’s easy and healthy’, presented https://qatar-weill.cornell.edu/ online talk marathon, featuring with the public. quent webinars included ‘The health’ by Dr. Shahrad Taheri, by Dr. Sathyanarayanan institute-for-population-health/ the latest cohort of PAPR For further information, Secrets of Longevity’ by Dr. professor of medicine at WCM-Q. Doraiswamy, instructor in popu- health-and-you. Previous students to graduate from the visit https://qatar.vcu.edu/ Sohaila Cheema, assistant dean Lifestyle-related diseases like lation health sciences and webinars can also be viewed here. MES Indian School honours meritorious students DPS-MIS KG celebrates THE PENINSULA — DOHA have fondly remembered in gratification on the Mother’s Day A total of 392 students from Grade V to XI (Boys’ merits of their wards and Girls’ sections) of MES Indian School, who have studying at MES, and glo- excelled in their academic endeavour during the rified the school for playing THE PENINSULA — DOHA academic year 2020-21 were honoured with meri- a pivotal role in moulding torious certificates during the Principal’s Honour the future of their children. DPS-MIS, Doha Kinder- List (PHL) function held virtually yesterday. The programme also wit- garten team took the priv- Principal’s Roll of Honour was instituted to nessed the recorded per- ilege to celebrate Mother’s acknowledge the relentless perseverance of stu- formances of students per- Day recently. dents for their outstanding academic forming a soulful rendition Four days- long cele- of songs and a mesmerising brations were took place to dance which enthralled the mark the day. On the first audience. day, students were Amongst others encouraged to make a card present on the occasion for their mothers. On the were MCMuhamed, second day, Nursery stu- Director Co-curricular and dents were told to cook Cultural Activities, Abdul some dessert, and prepar- Fathah, Director, Sports atory students were told to MES Indian School students who were honoured during a virtual event. and Games, MES Gov- bake a cake for their erning Board, the mothers with the help of performance. parents and the school in bringing out members of the school management, the their father and surprise K Abdul Karim, President, MES Gov- the potentials of students despite the Principal, Vice Principals and Heads of them. erning Board was the chief guest. uncertainties caused by the prevailing Section, the Head of academic inspection, The third day was ded- Ahamed Isham, General Secretary offi- pandemic. Assistant Heads of Sections, school offi- icated to the health ciating and Kashif Jaleel, Director, Aca- The school principal, Hameeda cials, Heads of Departments, parents, awareness workshop, and demics, MES Governing Board were the Kadar while felicitating the winners teachers and students. on the fourth day, a special guests of honour for the ceremony. remarked, “Young people need to Rema Nair, Coordinator of the assembly on Mother’s Day Congratulating the PHL achievers on perform in a diverse global economy Department of English welcomed the was held. their well deserved success, K Abdul which is typified by technological inno- gathering. Bismi Joseph, teacher, As mother is the last Karim said, “The key to academic excel- vations and stiff competitions. As we Department of English proposed a vote one to think about them- lence lies in the unceasing effort to prepare you to tackle the challenges of of thanks. The ICT Department of the selves, there was a virtual practice perseverance. The role of a today and tomorrow, we affirm that this school ensured the successful conduct awareness workshop for school is not only to pursue academic journey of success, being an ongoing of the programme on the virtual the mothers conducted by excellence but also to motivate and process invariably encounters new ideas platform. Muhammed Haneef, Ashijan, Dr. Rati Barman (Obstetrics empower students to be life-long and avenues.” Mrs Annie Dayana and Roopa Mohan, and Gynecology) on May 8. learners and critical thinkers.” He also Parents of students studying in the teachers in charge of the PHL function Dr. Rati Barman high- commended the collective efforts of the Boys’ and Girls’ sections of the school coordinated the event. lighted the most commonly faced problems by the women- Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) and Premenstrual Syn- drome (PMS). The celebration con- tinued on May 9, with a special virtual assembly which started off with kin- dergarten Headmistress Najla Mohd Bukhari’s opening note where she encouraged the mothers to give ‘Me time.' It was followed by kid’s speeches, prayer, AV pres- entation, poem, and a very fruitful section of Yoga. The Yoga Session was conducted by Nisha Agarwal, a certified yoga trainer. The assembly was attended by Principal Asna Nafees and Vice Principal Shifa Shaikh. The students presented the cards to their mothers and made the day special. Mothers were over- whelmed by the gesture made by the kindergarten team and thanked the whole team virtually by posting their messages in the chat box.

The third day was dedicated to the health awareness workshop, and on the fourth day, a special assembly on Mother’s Day was held. SUNDAY 23 MAY 2021 GULF / MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 05 Egyptian mediators hold talks to firm up Israel-Hamas truce AP — GAZA CITY Street, was covered in debris, homes and businesses left doned for years. the latest fighting. He did not smashed cars and twisted metal standing. A 130-truck convoy with US Secretary of State Antony elaborate. He was apparently Egyptian mediators held talks after a 13-floor building in its Both Israel and Hamas have Blinken is to meet with Pal- referring to violence at the Al yesterday to firm up an Israel- centre was flattened in an claimed victory. There was a humanitarian aid and estine President Mahmoud Aqsa Mosque and the planned Hamas ceasefire as Palestinians Israeli airstrike. Merchandise widespread expectation that the medical supplies also Abbas and Israeli leaders when eviction of Palestinian families in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip was covered in soot and strewn cease-fire would stick for now, reached the Gaza border he visits in the coming week. from the Sheikh Jarrah neigh- began to assess the damage inside smashed stores and on but that another round of from yesterday. Abbas met yesterday with bourhood in east Jerusalem. from 11 days of intense Israeli the pavement. Municipal fighting at some point seems Egyptian mediators, discussing Separately, a 130-truck bombardment. A 130-truck workers swept broken glass and inevitable. Underlying issues the rebuilding of Gaza and convoy with humanitarian aid convoy carrying urgent human- twisted metal from streets and remain unresolved, including internal Palestinian relations, and medical supplies reached itarian aid headed to Gaza. sidewalks. an Israeli-Egyptian border dozens of Palestinian families according to the official Pales- the Gaza border from Egypt Yesterday marked the first “We really didn’t expect this blockade, now in its 14th year, by Jewish settlers had inflamed tinian news agency Wafa. yesterday, according to a full day of a truce that ended amount of damage,” said that is choking Gaza’s more tensions. An Egyptian diplomat said senior Egyptian official at the the fourth Israel-Hamas war in Ashour Subeih, who sells baby than 2 million residents. Hamas’s popularity seemed yesterday that two teams of border crossing. Across Gaza, just over a decade. In the clothes. “We thought the strike The fighting began on May to be growing as it positioned mediators are in Israel and the an assessment of the damage fighting, Israel unleashed hun- was a bit further from us. But as 10, when Hamas fired long- itself as a defender of Pales- Palestinian territories to con- to the territory’s already dreds of air strikes on Gaza, you can see not an area of the range rockets toward Jeru- tinian claims to Jerusalem. tinue talks on firming up a decrepit infrastructure began. while Hamas and other groups shop is intact.” Having been in salem. The barrage came after The conflict also brought to cease-fire deal and securing The Gaza Health Ministry says fired more than 4,000 rockets business for one year, Subeih days of clashes between Pales- the surface deep frustration long-term calm. at least 243 Palestinians were toward Israel. More than 250 estimated his losses were tinian protesters and Israeli among Palestinians, whether in The diplomat said discus- martyred, including 66 people were killed, the vast double what he has made so far. police at the Al Aqsa Mosque the occupied West Bank, Gaza sions include implementing children, with 1,910 people majority of them Palestinians. Drone video and photos compound. Heavy-handed or within Israel, over the status agreed-on measures in Gaza wounded. Twelve people were Gaza City’s busiest com- showed some city blocks police tactics at the compound quo, with the Israeli-Palestinian and Jerusalem, including ways killed in Israel, including two mercial area, Omar Al Mukhtar reduced to rubble, in between and the threatened eviction of peace process all but aban- to prevent practices that led to children. Nigerian army Gaza official: 2,000 housing units destroyed in war chief dies in AP — GAZA CITY financial losses from the fighting at $150m. He said the plane crash A Palestinian official said an assessment was still ongoing. initial assessment shows at least Meanwhile, the United REUTERS/AP — ABUJA 2,000 housing units were Nations said approximately destroyed in the fighting 800,000 people in Gaza did Nigeria’s army chief, Lieu- between Israel and Palestinian not have regular access to tenant General Ibrahim groups in Gaza. clean piped water, as nearly Attahiru, died in a plane crash Naji Sarhan, deputy of 50% of the water network was on Friday on an official visit to Gaza’s works and housing min- damaged in the recent the northern state of Kaduna, istry, told AP yesterday that fighting. which has had security chal- more than 15,000 other units Quoting Gaza’s public works lenges in recent months, the were partly destroyed in the and housing ministry, the UN’s presidency said. 11-day war. office for the Coordination of The air force said in a Israel launched hundreds of Humanitarian Affairs said statement that its plane air strikes on the overcrowded nearly 17,000 residential and crashed near Kaduna airport strip, targeting residential, com- commercial units have been and that it was investigating mercial and government damaged or destroyed in the the cause. The presidency said buildings. It said it was going 11-day campaign. the army general and other after locations where Hamas These include 769 housing military officers died in the had offices and resources. and commercial units that have crash on Friday. Sarhan said four mosques been rendered uninhabitable, President Muhammadu were destroyed along with at least 1,042 units in some 258 Buhari, in a presidency dozens of police offices in Gaza. buildings which have been statement, described the crash He said most of the factories in destroyed and another 14,538 as a “mortal blow... at a time Gaza’s industrial zone were units that have suffered minor our armed forces are poised destroyed or damaged. damage. Palestinians living in celebrate Israel-Hamas truce, in Adaisseh village near the Lebanese- to end the security challenges Meanwhile, police inspected A cease-fire took effect on Israeli border, southern Lebanon, yesterday. facing the country.” unexploded Israeli ordnance Friday after an 11-day campaign There was no immediate collected during the campaign. that left more than 250 dead — information provided about Police chief Mahmoud Salah the vast majority Palestinians The UN said 53 education facil- 10. One health centre was electricity. what may have caused the said nearly 300 Israeli rockets — and brought widespread dev- ities, six hospitals and 11 severely damaged, the UN said, Schools in Gaza remain plane crash, but Brigadier Gen. and shells did not explode. astation to the already impov- primary health care centres while one hospital is not oper- closed, affecting almost Mohammed Yerima said more Sarhan put the estimated erished Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip have been damaged since May ational because of lack of 600,000 children. details would be released soon. The names of the other mil- itary officials who died were not made public. The crash Arab League commends Arab occurred three months after a small Nigerian air force pas- efforts to support Palestinians senger plane went down just outside Abuja airport following QNA — CAIRO The Palestinians have alleged engine failure, killing shown heroism and stead- all seven people on board. The General Secretariat of the fastness in the face of the Israeli Nigeria, Africa’s most pop- Arab League has praised the military machine that com- ulous nation, has had poor air role played by several Arab mitted violations and shameful safety record in the past, countries, including the State violations of international although it has improved in of Qatar, in supporting the humanitarian law, he recent years. Palestinians in the face of the explained. Zaki stressed that Buhari appointed Attahiru brutal Israeli attacks, particu- the sacrifices of the Palestinians alongside other military chiefs larly the campaign against the should not be in vain and that in January after years of Gaza Strip during the past days. the state of Arab rallying mounting criticism over In the League’s statement, around the Palestinians and spreading violence by insur- Assistant Secretary-General of their cause continues, espe- gents and armed gangs. Arab League Ambassador cially since there is an urgent The US diplomatic mission Hossam Zaki said that the Sec- need to work on rebuilding to Nigeria called Attahiru's retary-General of the Arab what the occupation has death "a tremendous loss to League particularly appreciates destroyed in Gaza. Nigeria” on Twitter, adding: the relentless efforts of Egypt, He underlined the necessity "We join Nigerians in the State of Qatar, and to support the steadfastness of mourning the tragic loss of life to save Palestinian lives and the Jerusalemites who have from today’s plane crash. reaching a ceasefire within a succeeded in communicating Boko Haram and its off- framework of preserving Pal- their voice to the world, which shoot have waged a decade- estinian interests, noting that has become more convinced of long insurgency estimated to the recent crisis revealed a their just cause in light of the have displaced about 2 million complete Arab rallying around ethnic cleansing and forced people and killed more than the Palestinian cause at the displacement they are exposed 30,000. public and official levels. to. Son-in-law says Lebanon President did not mean to revoke Hariri’s mandate REUTERS — BEIRUT stayed on in a caretaker are running out and fuel capacity. Aoun's letter, read out shortages, power cuts and Lebanese President Michel to parliament on Friday, was medical supply gaps are Aoun did not intend to revoke seen by some politicians as an spreading. prime minister designate Saad effective declaration that Under a sectarian power- Al Hariri's mandate when he someone else would have to be sharing system, Lebanon's pres- wrote to parliament last week found to take the role of prime ident must be a Maronite declaring that Hariri could not minister. Christian and the prime min- form a government, Aoun's But Aoun's son-in-law ister a Sunni Muslim. son-in-law said yesterday. Gebran Bassil, leader of Leba- Aoun is an ally of Hezbollah. Veteran Sunni Muslim pol- non's largest Christian bloc, said Bassil was hit with US sanctions itician Hariri was nominated in removing Hariri was not Aoun's last year for alleged corruption October to form a cabinet after aim. and his ties to Hezbollah. 's government "The purpose is not to take Parliament speaker Nabih resigned following a Beirut port back the designation from the Berri, the leader of the Amal explosion which killed 200 prime minister-designate," movement, urged Hariri to form people and damaged large Bassil told a session of par- a government quickly in coor- swathes of the capital. liament convened to discuss the dination with Aoun to help But Hariri and Aoun have letter. maintain stability. been at loggerheads for months At the same parliamentary Hariri said he would not over cabinet positions, blocking session, Hariri said the letter choose a cabinet to suit the the formation of a government was Aoun's way of telling par- aims of Aoun, adding: "I will that is needed to enact reforms liament "you have named this only form the kind of gov- and unlock foreign aid as prime minister, I don't want ernment needed to stop col- Lebanon hurtles towards eco- him, go ahead and rid me of lapse and prevent the big crash nomic collapse. him." that is threatening the Diab and his cabinet have Lebanon's foreign reserves Lebanese." 06 ASIA SUNDAY 23 MAY 2021 COVID-19 spreads to rural ; deaths again rise above 4,000 REUTERS — MUMBAI “While it (spread of corona- Total infections in the virus) has stabilised in many India’s COVID-19 outbreak has country stand at 26.3 parts of the country, and overall stabilised in parts of the the burden has been lessened, country, a government official million, while the total we have a long way to go with said, but deaths rose by 4,194 death toll is 295,525. this wave,” Dr. V. K. Paul, part yesterday and infections were of a federal government panel spreading in rural areas where on COVID-19 management, told public health services are health ministry official Lav a news conference. scarce and already over- Agarwal told reporters. “For the first time, we have stretched. Daily numbers in states seen that rural areas have been India reported more than including West Bengal, which affected in this pandemic.” 400,000 infections a day in recently concluded state elec- Total infections in the country early May but the numbers have tions, and the southern states stood at 26.3 million, the second gradually eased. Government of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil highest in the world after the data showed 257,299 new cases Nadu were on the rise, he said. United States, while the coun- yesterday. Active cases in the With hospitals overflowing, try’s total death toll was richest state of Maharashtra and the health system overwhelmed 295,525. Prime Minister Karnataka, home to the tech in the cities and a shortage of and state Japan military drill hub of Bengaluru, and the vaccines, experts have warned authorities have faced wide- Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) soldiers participate in a live fire exercise at JGSDF’s training coastal state of Kerala had India could face a third wave spread criticism for failing to grounds in the East Fuji Maneuver Area in Gotemba, Japan, yesterday. fallen in the last two weeks, of infections in coming months. counter the pandemic. Philippines, China hold ‘friendly and candid’ talks on South China Sea REUTERS — MANILA the latest source of tensions and candid exchanges on the dialogue in easing tensions and after the outburst by Philippines compensation for the victims, between the two countries in general situation and specific understanding each country’s Foreign Minister Teodoro the DFA said. The Philippines and China held the South China Sea, through issues of concern in the South position and intentions in the Locsin in a tweet. Despite recent tensions, ties “friendly and candid” talks on which $3 trillion worth of goods China Sea,” under a bilateral area,” the DFA said. Also discussed during Fri- between the Philippines and the South China Sea, the Phil- pass every year. consultation mechanism con- Philippine President day’s dialogue was the row over China have improved under ippines’ foreign ministry said The Philippines said the vened in 2016 to ease tensions Rodrigo Duterte, who prefers the June 2019 sinking of a Phil- Duterte. yesterday. encroaching vessels were in the strategic waterway, the to not provoke Beijing and ippine fishing boat by a Chinese The Philippines reiterated The presence of hundreds manned by militia, while Beijing Department of Foreign Affairs wants to tap it for loans and fishing vessel that abandoned its call on Beijing to respect Chinese vessels inside the Phil- said they were fishing boats (DFA) said in a statement. investment, barred his ministers the Filipino fishermen in the international law, including the ippines' 200-mile Exclusive sheltering from bad weather. “There was mutual recog- from talking about the South South China Sea. The Philippine arbitral ruling during the talks, Economic Zone (EEZ) has been “The two sides had friendly nition of the importance of China Sea situation in public justice ministry will seek the DFA said. Nepal President dissolves parliament; polls in November Sri Lanka halts trains,

REUTERS — KATHMANDU “The President has dissolved month, has no legal authority to Congress party said they will launch buses to curb virus the House of Representatives and recommend the dissolution of the a political and legal fight against Nepal plunged into fresh political ordered the first phase of general parliament. the move. AP — COLOMBO turmoil yesterday as President elections on November 12 and the Five opposition leaders said in Oli, 69, says fresh elections Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved second phase on November 19,” a a joint statement the prime min- could end the political confusion Sri Lanka has halted passenger trains and buses parliament and fixed general elec- presidential statement issued after ister had pushed the country into of recent months. Elections could for four days as authorities imposed a fresh travel tions in November amid a wors- midnight said. a serious problem at a time when be held despite the pandemic, he ban across the country, in its latest efforts to curb ening COVID-19 outbreak. It said the decision was made people were suffering and dying told reporters on Friday. the escalating number of COVID-19 infections and The surprise announcement on the recommendation of the due to the coronavirus pandemic. Nepal is battling a deadly deaths. comes after a presidential cabinet headed by caretaker Prime “When the country should have second wave of the pandemic and The ban is effective from Friday night until statement said neither the care- Minister Oli, whose December 2020 united to battle the pandemic, the is reporting more than 8,000 new Tuesday morning. However, it will not apply to taker Prime Minister K.P. Sharma dissolution of parliament sparked dissolution of the parliament has infections on average each day. those engaged in essential services such as the Oli, nor opposition leader Sher weeks of protests and was reversed only added to the problems and On Friday, the country said it health, food and power sectors, and those seeking Bahadur Deuba were able to dem- by the Supreme Court as unconsti- sufferings of the people,” the had recorded 497,052 infections medical treatment. onstrate a majority to form a new tutional in February. statement said. and 6,024 coronavirus-related The health ministry says Sri Lanka’s total government by the Friday deadline The opposition says Oli, who Prakash Sharan Mahat, a senior deaths since the pandemic began, number of positive cases have reached 154,786 set by Bhandari. had lost a vote of confidence this leader of the opposition Nepali according to government data. with 1,089 fatalities. SUNDAY 23 MAY 2021 EUROPE 07 BBC's former head quits National Gallery job amid Diana interview fallout

AP — LONDON Diana’s sons, documents and other dishonest William and Harry, tactics to persuade Diana to Tony Hall, who was director of grant the interview. BBC news and current affairs at have excoriated In the interview, Diana said the time of the public broad- the BBC since the her marriage to Charles caster’s explosive 1995 interview report’s publication, had failed because he was still with Princess Diana, resigned in love with former lover yesterday as board chairman of saying there was a Camilla Parker Bowles, whom Britain’s National Gallery. direct link between Charles would go on to marry Hall, who subsequently the 1995 interview a decade later. rose to the top job at the BBC, Diana, then 34, said she was was heavily criticized in a and their mother’s devastated when she found out report this week for a botched death in a traffic in 1986 — five years after her inquiry into how journalist marriage — that Charles had Britain’s Queen Elizabeth visits HMS Queen Elizabeth ahead of the ship’s maiden deployment, at HM Martin Bashir obtained the accident two years renewed his relationship with Naval Base in Portsmouth, in Britain, yesterday. blockbuster interview. later as she and a Camilla. Diana said she was so In a statement, the 70-year- companion were depressed that she deliberately old said his continued presence hurt herself in a desperate bid Queen Elizabeth II visits navy at the gallery would be a “dis- being pursued by for help. “There were three of traction to an institution I care paparazzi. us in this marriage, so it was a deeply about”. bit crowded," Diana famously “As I said two days ago, I am remarked. carrier ahead of deployment very sorry for the events of 25 as a journalist when he inter- The fallout from the report years ago and I believe lead- viewed Diana. The BBC also has has raised serious doubts about AP — LONDON which has eight RAF F35B the 1,700 personnel. ership means taking responsi- faced questions about why Bashir the BBC’s integrity, while the stealth fighter jets on board, is The carrier group will travel bility,” said Hall, who served as was rehired in 2016 as the broad- British government has said it Queen Elizabeth II made a quick scheduled to depart from Port- through the Mediterranean Sea the BBC’s director-general from caster’s religious affairs would review the rules gov- visit yesterday to the Royal smouth Naval Base in southern to the Red Sea, then from the 2013 until 2020. correspondent. erning the oversight of the edi- Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier England, accompanied by six Gulf of Aden to the Arabian Sea John Kingman, the deputy Diana’s sons, Princes torially independent national that bears the name of her epon- Royal Navy ships, a submarine, and Indian Ocean to the Phil- chair of the National Gallery’s William and Harry, have exco- broadcaster. ymous 16th- century prede- 14 naval helicopters and a ippine Sea. board of trustees, will assume riated the BBC since the report’s The BBC, which was cessor, ahead of its maiden oper- company of Royal Marines. It will carry out visits to 40 Hall’s role for the time being. publication, saying there was a founded in 1922, is funded by a ational deployment. Arriving by helicopter, the countries including India, He said the gallery is “extremely direct link between the 1995 license fee payable by eve- The HMS Queen Elizabeth, 95-year-old monarch was Japan, South Korea and Sin- sorry” to lose Hall but that “we interview and their mother’s ryone. The rules governing its the latest Royal Navy ship to greeted by the ship’s com- gapore with more than 70 entirely understand and respect death in a traffic accident two operations are set out in a royal honour the Tudor-era monarch manding officer, Captain Angus engagements, including his decision”. years later as she and a com- charter that requires the cor- who vanquished the Spanish Essenhigh, and Commodore sailing alongside the French The 126-page report by panion were being pursued by poration to be impartial, act in Armada in 1588, will be leading Stephen Moorhouse, com- carrier Charles De Gaulle in retired Judge John Dyson, pub- paparazzi. the public interest and be open, a 28-week deployment to Asia mander of the UK Carrier Strike the Mediterranean. lished on Thursday, found the The BBC commissioned the transparent and accountable. that Prime Minister Boris Group. While aboard, she was A total of 3,700 sailors, avi- internal BBC investigation had report after Diana’s brother, A mid-term review of the BBC’s Johnson has insisted is not con- given a briefing on the ators and marines are involved covered up “deceitful behavior” Charles Spencer, complained governance is scheduled to frontational toward China. upcoming deployment and had in the deployment which will by Bashir, who was little-known that Bashir used false begin next year. The £3bn ($4.2bn) ship, a chance to chat with some of cover 25,000 nautical miles. Eiffel Tower Thunberg aims to change to reopen how food is produced REUTERS — STOCKHOLM they are all interlinked,” she said. in mid-July Thunberg said the spillover of Swedish climate activist Greta diseases from animals to humans BLOOMBERG — PARIS Thunberg has set her sights on was caused by farming methods, changing how the world adding that a move to a plant- The Eiffel Tower is getting ready produces and consumes food based diet could save up to 8 to welcome visitors again in order to counteract a trio of billion tonnes of CO2 each year. starting in mid-July as restric- threats: Carbon emissions, The World Health Organi- tions linked to the coronavirus disease outbreaks and animal zation has said the coronavirus ease throughout France. suffering. was probably transmitted from The French capital’s iconic In a video posted on Twitter bats to humans through another structure will reopen from July yesterday, Thunberg said the animal, while scientists say 60% 16 to tourists eager to climb the environmental impact of of the infectious human diseases 324-meter tower’s staircases farming as well as disease out- that emerged from 1990 to 2004 or use its lifts, according to an breaks such as COVID-19, came from animals. announcement on Twitter. which is believed to have orig- Meanwhile, demand for Terraces of cafes, restau- inated from animals, would be alternatives to regular meat is rants and clubs in Paris and reduced by changing how food surging worldwide due to con- throughout France reopened was produced. “Our rela- cerns about health, animal this week. The country’s curfew tionship with nature is broken. welfare and the environment. was pushed back to 9pm and But relationships can change,” More than two dozen firms French citizens can now shop Pro-Palestine rally in London Thunberg said in the video are testing lab-grown fish, beef for shoes and visit museums, marking the International Day and chicken, hoping to break Pro-Palestinian demonstrators attend a protest following a flare-up of Israeli-Palestinian violence, albeit with restrictions on the of Biological Diversity. into an unproven segment of in London, Britain, yesterday. number of people who can A focus on agriculture and the alternative meat market, enter. About 10,000 tourists linking the climate crisis to which estimates could will be able to visit per day, as health pandemics is a new be worth $140bn by 2029. opposed to 25,000 in normal angle for Thunberg who has The Global Center on Adap- times. The attraction receives Germany imposes UK travel curbs typically focused her ire on pol- tation, which works to accel- 7 million visitors each year, icy-makers and carbon emis- erate climate resilience, said in according to its website. BLOOMBERG — BERLIN Britain as a “virus variant area”, below 100 in most areas. sions from fossil fuels. January climate change could The iron structure, which the country’s highest risk cat- Britain, too, was removed from “The climate crisis, eco- depress global food production has been closed since the start Germany will impose fresh egory, following a recommen- Germany’s list of risky areas logical crisis and health crisis, by up to 30%. of France’s second lockdown restrictions on travellers from dation from the Robert Koch after a fast-paced vaccination at the end of October, has suf- the UK starting today due to the Institute (RKI), according to the campaign and tough lockdowns fered heavy losses and will rapid spread in Britain of the foreign ministry. massively reduced case Famed French cyclist dies aged 109 need to be recapitalized in the coronavirus strain first iden- German Chancellor Angela numbers. coming months. tified in India. Merkel said that she is deeply The decision to classify REUTERS — PARIS Travellers from the UK will concerned about the spread of Britain as the highest risk area Tourists invited to have to spend two weeks in the variant first detected India. again might effect the presence Frenchman Robert Marchand, who won fame late in life by setting quarantine upon arrival in “This variant seems to be of Merkel’s delegation at the world records for centenarian cyclists, has died at the age of 109, rural Spain to save Germany even if they test neg- even more aggressive than the three-day G-7 summit in a local official said yesterday. Marchand died overnight in a dying villages ative for the virus, according to British mutation,” Merkel said Cornwall, which is scheduled retirement home in Mitry-Mory, the mayor of the suburb east of the foreign ministry. after the G-20 World Health to begin on June 11. Paris wrote on Facebook. REUTERS — MADRID In addition, transport com- Summit on Friday. “That means Journalists have been Marchand, an amateur cyclist who was in the saddle for over 90 panies will only be allowed to we will have to be careful.” advised not to travel to the U.K. years, held the world record for cycling 100km in the 100-105 and Instead of the traditional sand bring German citizens back into Germany had recently to cover the event because they over-105 categories. He also held the world records for the distance and sea holidays, foreign the country. eased strict lockdown measures would be forced to quarantine cycled in one hour in both categories. Asked in 2018 what the secret tourists are invited to enjoy the Germany now classifies after the incident rate dropped afterward. of his longevity was, he said: “Use everything and abuse nothing.” charms of the Spanish coun- tryside, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said yesterday, launching an ambitious plan Cricket gear donation brings joy to migrants stuck in Bosnia to save Spain’s dying villages. The €10bn ($12.18bn) plan AP — SARAJEVO chimed in. The opportunity for stranded for months, if not years, in Rome and those countries’ equipment pulled over in Tuzla, aims to save rural life in a relaxation and fun at the Blazuj in Bosnia while waiting for a communities in , Costa said. he was there to open the bags nation where 42% of villages Joyful cheers echoed through camp in Bosnia’s capital, chance to move toward Western Along with Sarajevo, gear was filled with bats, poles, gloves, are at risk of depopulation an asylum-seekers camp in Sarajevo, was made possible by Europe. From Bosnia, migrants delivered to the central Bosnian jerseys and caps. compared to a European Bosnia this week as dozens of a Rome-based humanitarian try first to cross to neighbouring town of Tuzla. “We are going to play a Union average of 10%. teenagers and young men put group which brought in donated European Union nation Croatia, “Our next step with the cricket match as soon as pos- “I would especially like to their daily struggles aside for a cricket gear for refugees and before continuing on toward cricket will be going back to sible,” he said, explaining that emphasize that (tourists) game of cricket. migrants in the Balkan country. wealthier EU countries. Italy, going back to Europe, and previously “we cut some wood” should enjoy the rich rural Players absorbed in the Andrea Costa, president of “Speaking with many young saying that the migrants were to make bats. A day later, tourist attractions that our match ran over an improvised the Baobab Experience associ- people... it came naturally to ask very happy,” Costa said. Cheema and his friends could country has, one of the jewels pitch clutching wooden bats or ation, said that activists got the them what they were missing the Among those who waited be seen practicing on a play- in the crown,” Sanchez said. throwing balls. Others supported idea from the asylum-seekers most, what would they want,” eagerly for the packages to ground in Tuzla. From tomorrow, Spain will the teams by clapping from the themselves, particularly those Costa said. “Exactly as an Italian arrive was Ali Cheema, who “I decided to go from open up to tourists from outside side, their faces radiant. “It was coming from , Bang- boy would ask for a football, to said he started playing cricket Pakistan to follow my dreams,” the European Union deemed a good game!” Sifet, an asylum- ladesh or India, where cricket play some football, they say they when he was 7 and used to play Cheema said. “I would like to go low-risk for coronavirus, seeker from Afghanistan, said. is a national sport. are missing cricket.” Costa and for several clubs in his native to England and continue to play notably Britain and Japan, who “Tomorrow we have the Thousands of people fleeing his team drove to Bosnia after Pakistan. Now 24, Cheema has cricket, because I was a cricket will not be required to show a final tournament!” Mohammad war and poverty in the Middle collecting donations from the UK, been in Bosnia for two years. As player in Pakistan and I didn’t get negative test. Jahanzeb, who is from Pakistan, East, Africa or Asia have been Indian and Pakistani embassies the car carrying the cricket enough opportunity.” 08 VIEWS SUNDAY 23 MAY 2021 Gaza conflict forces reordering Established in 1996 CHAIRMAN of Biden’s policy priorities DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

MATT SPETALNICK, HUMEYRA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PAMUK AND PATRICIA ZENGERLE DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI REUTERS [email protected] US President Joe Biden took ACTING MANAGING EDITOR office in January determined MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED to focus his time and energy [email protected] on the coronavirus pandemic and economic downturn at home and big challenges such DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR as China, and Iran MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI abroad. [email protected] But after a Gaza conflict that required intensive behind-the-scenes US diplomacy, his aides are EDITORIAL having to reorder their prior- ities as they seek to stabilize an Israel-Hamas ceasefire, craft a reconstruction aid plan Palestinians shake hands after returning to their destroyed houses following Israel- Hamas truce, in Actions speak louder for the Palestinians and Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, yesterday. prevent a recurrence of what ONCE again Qatar’s labour reforms, which are meant became Biden’s first foreign dispatching Secretary of State consideration aimed at close to Trump, ultimately to protect and promote migrant workers rights, have policy crisis. Antony Blinken to meet with repairing ties with the Pales- agreed to halt air strikes, they won global appreciation. This time FIFA President Gianni The focus, one US official Israeli, Palestinian and tinians that all but collapsed remain at odds over the Iran Infantino has acknowledged these efforts. The journey said, is on “what would come regional leaders in coming during Trump’s tenure would nuclear deal and other issues. towards these reforms began when the State of Qatar next, with an eye towards days on his first visit to the be reopening the US con- Progressive Democrats issued Law No 21 of 2015 regulating the entry, exit and moving beyond the violence ... Middle East. sulate in East Jerusalem that said they were pleased with residency of expatriates which came into force on so that we do all we can to Topping the list of US served the Palestinians and the ceasefire but called on the December 14, 2016. minimize the chances that we tasks will be to assemble which Trump closed, a person Biden administration to work The law replaced the labour sponsorship system find ourselves back here in major humanitarian and close to the matter said. towards a longer-term known as ‘Kafala’ with a new contract-based law which five years or two years.” The reconstruction aid for Gaza. At the same time, the solution. was a step that introduced greater flexibility in the Qatar administration’s more activist After days of Israeli air strikes, Biden administration is “We can build on this labour market and enhanced protection of labour rights. tone is a clear departure from Gaza officials said 16,800 looking to leverage the so- progress by addressing the Ending labour sponsorship system needed bringing the stand-back approach that homes had been damaged, called Abraham Accords, root causes of the violence, a series of legislative reforms which were introduced marked the first few months and residents were receiving agreements reached under and work towards a two-state by the State to ensure the highest level of protection to in office for a president only three or four hours of Trump for normalization of solution, and an end to the the expatriate workers including hundreds of thousands reluctant to tackle the power a day. Palestinian offi- relations between Israel and blockade & occupation, while of construction workers recruited for stadiums and facil- decades-old Israeli-Pales- cials put the cost of recon- Gulf neighbors and pressing for a lasting peace itates to host FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. tinian conflict, which con- struction in the tens of mil- the as for Israelis & Palestinians,” US Accordingly many restrictions and conditions such founded the peacemaking lions of dollars. well as and , Representative Ro Khanna as exit permit were removed. The condition of obtaining efforts of his recent Biden said on Thursday to help facilitate contacts wrote on Twitter. employer’s no-objection certificate (NOC) for job transfer predecessors. the United States would work between Israel and the Pales- Pressure on the Biden was completely scrapped in August 2020, followed by He still has shown no through the United Nations tinians, US officials said. administration is also building wage protection system and adoption of non-discrim- immediate interest in and with other international Many Palestinians say they internationally. inatory minimum wage. plunging into an new bid to stakeholders and that such felt betrayed by their Arab At the United Nations, a All these achievements were enhanced with more revitalize long-dormant assistance would be coordi- brethren for agreeing deals senior Arab diplomat, landmark changes including increasing number of labour peace efforts at a time when nated with the Palestinian with Israel without demanding speaking on condition of ano- dispute resolution committees in an effort to facilitate most analysts see little or no Authority, Hamas’ rival, progress toward the creation nymity, said “immediate workers’ access to their rights and expedite legal pro- prospect for successful which governs only in parts of of a Palestinian state. engagement with the heavy ceedings. These reforms won praise of the ILO and the negotiations. the occupied West Bank. “What we’ve learned from weight” of the US adminis- International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) as well But there are growing Hamas is deemed a terrorist the Abraham Accords is that tration was now needed as other human rights organizations across the globe. signs of renewed US group in the West and by when you ignore the Pales- within the “right parameters” The latest praise, in a series of comments com- engagement now that the Israel, which the militants tinian-Israeli conflict in doing to resume broader efforts to mending Qatar for its remarkable achievements in the rocket fire from Gaza and have vowed to destroy. this, that not only does it dim achieve peace. labour market and significant improvement in living con- Israeli bombardments appear US officials said the the prospects for negotiations, There has even been talk ditions of workers, was made by the FIFA President to have ceased. This comes administration was preparing but it actually has the possi- of revitalising the Middle East Gianni Infantino who stressed during his speech at at after Biden faced heavy an assistance package and bility of adding another quartet of mediators - a the 71st FIFA Congress, that “workers and human rights pressure to take on a more announcements are expected spark,” the US official said. longtime grouping of the are a priority for FIFA and Qatar as well”, adding that assertive role - as well as a soon. That would be in Any effort to draw a link United States, Russia, the the “Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup will be an ideal version stronger line with Israel - addition to the $235 million in between Israel’s normali- European Union and the of the World Cup”. from progressive Democrats US aid to the Palestinians zation with Arab states and United Nations that was little Infantino pointed out that “FIFA World Cup Qatar whose support was crucial to announced in April, restarting the latest violence would used during the Trump years 2022 will not only be the most important and greatest his 2020 election victory. funding for the United likely be rejected by Israeli - to try to coax the Israelis and tournament ever, but it will leave a great social impact Following what US officials Nations agency supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Palestinians back to the nego- and a great legacy in the country and the region as a described as round-the-clock refugees and restoring other Netanyahu. Biden spoke to tiating table. whole.” He also praised the optimal preparations made diplomatic contacts that assistance cut off by then- him six times during ceasefire But analysts hold out little by the State of Qatar further expressing his absolute helped achieve a ceasefire President . negotiations, and though the hope for any major diplo- confidence in the success of Qatar in organizing the deal on Thursday, Biden is Another move under right-wing leader, who was matic initiative anytime soon. best version of the FIFA World Cup. The labour law reforms are a continuous process and the State of Qatar and FIFA give great priority to protection of human rights and on top of them the labour The Gaza ceasefire is no excuse for the world to look away rights. JEHAD ABUSALIM under rubble. Israel flattened For the past 14 years, a lingering trauma between THE WASHINGTON POST important apartment suffocating Israeli blockade periods of bombardment. As buildings, homes, press has trapped people in Gaza this latest cease-fire takes On Friday, across the offices, book stores and even within a 140-square-mile hold, Palestinians in Gaza occupied Palestinian terri- health clinics. area, barring us from even the have yet to recover from the D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR tories, and especially in the For me, here in the United most basic goods and sup- traumatic impact of the pre- EMAIL: [email protected] cities and towns of the Gaza States, the cease-fire puts an plies. Growing up during this vious assaults of 2008, 2012, Strip, Palestinians are taking end to 11 agonizing days of blockade, the very passage of and 2014. I experienced the to the streets in celebration - barely sleeping at night time felt violent for me. 2008 attack firsthand, and EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 even as I write this, I remain FAX: +974 4455 7758 honking horns, shooting fire- because of the fear of what I’ll It was the violence of works and sharing sweets. wake up to. I’ve been minutes and hours spent haunted by its horrors. MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 They’re celebrating a belated checking my phone con- without electricity, access to And all this is the conse- Eid, the holiday marking the stantly for texts from my clean water, the ability to quence of living and reliving DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 end of the holy month of family that confirm they are travel to other parts of the the Nakba - the forced dis- Ramadan, and one they were still alive. country and to the outside placement of Palestinians LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 deprived of this year because And yet I celebrate the world, as cancer patients died from their homes beginning BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 of the brutal violence cease-fire with ambivalence. while waiting for permits. in 1947. Israel’s state-building unleashed on Gaza by the That’s because, even though it It was the violence of time project has involved sys- SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 Israeli military. They are able puts a temporary end to the passing in isolation in one of tematic erasure and removal to do this because of the spectacular violence of the the world’s most-densely of an entire people, ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 cease-fire that took effect past 11 days, it will not end the populated territories. Two destroying our homes and email: [email protected] Friday morning at 2 a.m., everyday violence in Gaza million people currently live communities and rendering PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 putting a halt to the Israeli and across the occupied terri- in Gaza. (The United Nations us refugees. email: [email protected] airstrikes. tories that has been going on predicts that by 2050 the In Gaza and throughout For my friends and family for 73 years. Along with other population of Gaza will rise to our homeland, this process of MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 in Gaza, the cease-fire repre- Palestinians, I’ve been sur- 4.8 million. Gaza is already violent dispossession con- email: [email protected] sents the end of 11 days of prised by the wave of global one of the most densely pop- tinues today, as Israel aims to extreme and pervasive vio- outrage at the Israeli military ulated areas in the world, but ensure that it remains a ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 lence that killed at least 243 and solidarity with Gaza over this will more than double the Jewish-majority state, with FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] Palestinians, including 66 the past few days. But I can’t population density from maximum land for the Jewish CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 children. Some are cele- help wondering whether the approximately 13,000 people population and a minimum of email: [email protected] brating mere physical sur- world will now look away per square mile to 34,000 per Palestinians. Palestinian ref- vival. Others are in disbelief from the slower destruction square mile.) ugees in Gaza are supposed to SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 that they are still alive at all. and death of the continued It was the violence of be forgotten as they live and FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] Entire families were buried siege and occupation. living with intense and die fenced off and suffocating.

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar Our two nations also share a willingness to engage diplomatically with DPRK to take /Peninsula_Qatar pragmatic steps that will reduce tensions as we move toward our ultimate goal of /ThePeninsulaNewspaper denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. +974 6698 6188 Joe Biden, US President SUNDAY 23 MAY 2021 AMERICAS 09 Deaths from virus in Latin America surpass 1 million

REUTERS — RIO DE JANEIRO Most of the deaths — “Unfortunately, we are more than 446,000 among the most-affected The death toll from COVID-19 regions, where the handling of in Latin America and the — have occurred the pandemic has been the most Caribbean passed 1 million in Brazil, which mistaken, and now we are suf- people on Friday, according to fering the consequences,” the a Reuters tally, with the became a coronavirus epidemiologist said. pandemic worsening in the part epicenter this year Most of the deaths — more of the world with the highest with the second- than 446,000 — have occurred per capita death rate. in Brazil, which became a coro- From the dusty highlands of deadliest outbreak navirus epicenter this year with Bolivia to the Brazilian outside the US. the second-deadliest outbreak metropolis of São Paulo, the outside the United States, pandemic has swamped under- though it appears likely to be funded healthcare systems after percent of the COVID-19 deaths surpassed soon by India. spreading fast across nations in the world have been in Latin Brazil recorded 2,215 new where many people survive America and the Caribbean — deaths from COVID-19 in 24 hand-to-mouth and have been home to just 8.4 percent of the hours, the Health Ministry said unable to enter lockdown. global population. on Friday, pushing Latin Amer- In Peru, among the hardest Doctors and epidemiologists ica’s total to over 1 million hit nations in the region, virus say the coronavirus pandemic COVID-19 fatalities. patients have died in crowded took unprepared governments The government of far-right Musicians perform during funeral procession for late school teacher Karen Castillo, 35, who died from hospital corridors of the capital by surprise last year and its Brazilian President Jair Bol- the coronavirus disease, in Chimalhuacan, State of Mexico, recently. Lima. Deep in the Amazon impact has been worsened by sonaro, a vaccine skeptic and jungles of Brazil, many residents leaders who downplayed its opponent of lockdowns, is being The daily death toll in South Asia and Africa are lower at 5 PAHO director Carissa Etienne of the city of Manaus have died gravity and failed to secure investigated by a parliamentary America had slowed in May to percent and 1 percent, respec- told reporters this week. at home with no oxygen to fill timely vaccine supplies. commission for failing to plan 3,872, from an average of 4,558 tively, according to Our World Vaccine supplies have been damaged lungs, after supplies The top eight countries reg- a national drive against people in April, according to a in Data through May 19. slow to arrive in most countries ran out there this year. istering the most COVID-19 COVID-19 and not buying vac- Reuters analysis. But cases are The Pan American Health and inoculation programmes With cases falling in Europe, deaths per capita over the past cines in time. on the rise again and deaths are Organization (PAHO) has criti- have been disorganised in Asia and North America, and flat week were all in Latin America. Brazil remains the third a lagging indicator, typically cised “glaring gaps” in access to some. in Africa, South America is the “Instead of preparing for the most-affected country in the rising weeks after a surge in COVID-19 vaccines in Latin “Vaccination has lacked only region where new infec- pandemic, we minimised the world in terms of confirmed new infections. America, compared to the US, strategic planning,” said pedi- tions are rising rapidly on a per disease, saying the tropical heat COVID-19 cases, behind only Vaccinations in South which has had the lion’s share atric surgeon Kurt Paulsen, who capita basis, according to Our would deactivate the virus,” India and the United States. It America lag behind much of the of the 400 million doses admin- runs a vaccination site in World in Data. Although India said Dr. Francisco Moreno has the highest death toll in the world. In South America, just 15 istered so far in the Americas. Bolivia. “At first they brought is currently struggling through Sanchez, head of the COVID-19 region, followed by Mexico and percent of people have received “Just three percent of Latin lots of different vaccines with one of the world’s worst out- programme at one of Mexico’s Colombia, which combined rep- at least one dose compared with Americans have been fully vac- no information to show people breaks of the pandemic. main hospitals and a critic of the resent about 74 percent of all 28 percent in Europe and 34 cinated against COVID-19. We what they are being injected On average in May, 31 government’s vaccination plan. the deaths Latin America. percent in North America. Only urgently need more vaccines,” with.” Epstein guards to Biden not to allow DOJ to seize reporters’ records avoid jail in deal REUTERS — WASHINGTON this month said the Trump Friday that the Justice ident . earlier this month said the administration had also secretly Department intends to meet Holder revised Justice Trump administration’s moves with prosecutors US President Joe Biden said he obtained the phone records of with media representatives fol- Department rules in 2013 to to seize reporters’ phone would not allow his Department three of its reporters over work lowing CNN’s revelation. restrict the government’s ability records marked “another REUTERS — NEW YORK of Justice (DOJ) to seize the they did in 2017. “This president is com- to subpoena the records of deeply disturbing example in a phone or e-mail records of “Absolutely, positively, it’s mitted strongly to the rights of reporters without express series of violations by Trump Two Manhattan jail guards who reporters, saying any such move wrong,” Biden told reporters freedom of the press, as you consent from the top of the administration of America’s were on duty the night Jeffrey would be “simply wrong.” after a joint news conference have seen for decades, and for department, although he later trust in government and an out- Epstein killed himself admitted Biden’s comments came a with South Korean President standing up for the rights of faced criticism for approving right assault against the press to falsifying records but would day after CNN reported that the Moon Jae-in. “It’s simply, simply journalists,” she said. the seizing of call records from and the First Amendment.” avoid prison under an Justice Department had told its wrong. I will not let that She said Biden’s Justice AP and Fox News reporters. “While the government has agreement with US prosecutors correspondent Barbara Starr happen.” Department intended to use the Former President Donald a right to probe leaks of classified to resolve criminal charges. that the former Trump admin- CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer “Holder model,” not that of the Trump had a contentious rela- information, it must take great Tova Noel and Michael istration had secretly obtained welcomed Biden’s comments Trump administration, in regard tionship with the press, often care to avoid a harm that could Thomas had been accused of two months of her phone and as “really encouraging news.” to its practices, a reference to publicly lambasting reporters prove more serious: chilling the falling asleep and surfing the email records in 2017. Biden’s press secretary, Jen former Attorney General Eric and their outlets as “fake news.” flow of information to the free Internet when they should The Washington Post earlier Psaki, told reporters earlier Holder, who served under Pres- The National Press Club press,” the club’s leaders said. have been monitoring Epstein on Auguast 10, 2019, when the financier and registered offender was found hanging California says $5m Ponzi in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in scam bilked older Filipinos downtown Manhattan. Under a deferred prose- AP — SACRAMENTO thousands of dollars. An cution agreement disclosed 84-year-old woman put in late on Friday, Noel and California’s attorney-general $500,000. Thomas admitted to having charged 15 people with The perpetrators falsely “willfully and knowingly” conspiring to defraud mostly said a major, well-known hotel filled out documents claiming elderly victims of Filipino company had agreed to they had conducted regular descent out of a combined $5m. manage the resort, prosecutors checks in the housing unit They’re accused of bilking said. Victims were paid where Epstein was being held. at least 30 victims mostly in the “interest” on their investments Both would serve six Sacramento and Stockton areas that actually came from other months of supervised release, through what Attorney-General victims’ investments and not complete 100 hours of com- Rob Bonta alleged was an inter- the resort itself. munity service, and cooperate national Ponzi scheme framed Instead of funding the with a probe by the US around the construction of the resort, prosecutors say most of Department of Justice’s Pagudpud Sands Resort. the money went to paying two inspector general, including Bonta said the resort in the of the defendants at least the circumstances surrounding Philippines hasn’t opened or $10,000 a month. Thousands Epstein’s death. produced any income. His of dollars also went to commis- Prosecutors said “the office could not immediately sions for those who brought in interests of justice will be best say if any of those charged have additional investors or for other served” by the agreement, defence attorneys. unrelated marketing schemes, which requires a judge’s Prosecutors alleged that the the charges say. approval, perhaps as soon as defendants have lied to The 98 separate charges filed May 25. potential investors at group in Sacramento County Superior Lawyers for Noel and sales presentations since late Court include grand theft, Thomas did not immediately Offerings are left at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Friday. 2015 to encourage their financial elder abuse, selling respond to requests for investments. unqualified securities, securities comment. Both defendants One 83-year-old invested fraud and communications con- were charged in November Two dead, 8 wounded in Minneapolis shooting $230,000, the charges say, taining untrue statements and 2019 and have been free on while others invested tens of omissions of material facts. bail. AP — MINNEAPOLIS were shot in separate incidents. after then- Officer Derek One of them later died. Chauvin knelt on his neck and Two people were killed and The latest deaths brought pinned him to the ground for eight more were wounded, one the city’s homicide total to 31 about 9 1/2 minutes. California to drop social distancing rule in June seriously, in a shooting in for 2021. Floyd’s death led to protests downtown Minneapolis early “Last night again brought in Minneapolis and nationwide AP — SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 35.5 million vaccine doses, he that they would wait until mid- yesterday, police said. tragic news,” Minneapolis calling for policing reform and said, and more than three- June to follow the US Centers for Police spokesperson John Mayor Jacob Frey said in a an end to discrimination by California no longer will require quarters of residents over 65 Disease Control and Prevention’s Elder said the gunfire stemmed statement yesterday. “Again, officers. social distancing and will allow have received at least one dose. new mask guidelines that say it’s from two men in a crowd who our collective conscience is Chauvin was convicted of full capacity for businesses As one result, the state in safe for fully vaccinated people got into an argument near the shocked.” murder and manslaughter, and when the state reopens on June mid-June will end its colour- to skip face coverings and social Monarch club, pulled out guns “These outcomes are not three other officers await trial 15, the state’s top health official coded four-tier system that distancing in virtually all situa- and started shooting, KMSP-TV fated,” he said. “We can stem on aiding and abetting charges. said on Friday. restricts activities based on each tions. The federal guidelines state reported. No arrests were crime in our city, but it will take The four also face federal “We’re at a place with this county’s virus prevalence. that everyone should still wear immediately announced. all of us coming together with charges of violating Floyd’s civil pandemic where those require- Limits on how many people masks in crowded indoor loca- Five men and five women a renewed commitment to pre- rights, and the police ments of the past are no longer can be inside businesses at any tions such as airplanes, buses, were shot, the police ventative work and a shared department is the focus of needed for the foreseeable one time will disappear, he said, hospitals and prisons. department said in a series of resolve to stop the gun violence federal and state investigations future,” Secretary of California and “there will no longer be California’s workforce reg- tweets. Two of the men died and bring the perpetrators to into its practices. Health and Human Services Dr. (physical distancing) restric- ulators are separately devel- and another man was hospi- justice.” Frey’s proposals include Mark Ghaly said. tions for attendees, customers oping safety rules that will con- talized in critical condition, Frey and other city leaders prioritising funding for more He said dramatically lower and guests in business sectors.” tinue to apply to employers, police said. The other seven had have come under pressure to cameras in high-crime areas, virus cases and increasing vac- That won’t mean an abrupt Ghaly said. injuries not considered to be reform the city’s police and he wants to address dispar- cinations mean it’s safe for Cal- end to wearing masks, but the The state will still require life-threatening. department and promote racial ities in traffic stops by com- ifornia to remove nearly all state will adjust its guidelines vaccine verification or negative It was not the only shooting justice and healing since the mitting to end stops for low- restrictions next month. The to correspond to national test results within 72 hours for in the city overnight, the Star death of George Floyd almost level offenses, such as a busted state of nearly 40 million guidelines. indoor events with more than Tribune reported. Five people a year ago. The Black man died tail light. people has administered nearly Officials already announced 5,000 attendees.