THULQADA 14, 1442 AH THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021

16 Pages Max 48º Min 31º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18468 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

World powers in new Lifting off? Sudden travel Tunisia ‘trailblazer’ in Spain power into knockouts, 6 push for Libya peace 9 surge tests US airlines 13 Med seaweed farming 16 Ukraine through, Poland out

Kuwaiti armed forces to help implement health measures

Authorities to enforce restrictions on unvaccinated people

KUWAIT: Kuwait has decided to use malls covering more than 6,000 armed forces to help implement the square meters. health measures adopted by the gov- Manfouhi explained that Kuwait ernment last week to confront the needs to intensify the application of spread of the coronavirus, the health requirements during the next Municipality announced yesterday. two months, hoping to achieve herd General Director of Kuwait immunity by increasing the percent- Municipality Ahmad Al-Manfouhi said age of vaccinated people. On June 14, in a statement that armed forces of Kuwait announced the discovery of the country will join state bodies to the first cases of the Delta COVID-19 confront the spread of COVID-19 and variant. Since June 13, Kuwait has to apply the government’s decision on opened all museums, cultural institu- restricting access to public venues for tions and facilities to the public, and unvaccinated people. has also started direct flights to the Manfouhi, who also heads the main United Kingdom, as part of efforts to committee to follow up the implemen- ease COVID-19 restrictions. tation of health measures, said the Meanwhile, opposition MPs and committee discussed yesterday the groups yesterday continued to lash mechanism for implementing the gov- out at the government and its sup- ernment’s decision. The committee porters in the National Assembly for decided to use the armed forces to passing the state budget, insisting that help civilian health teams implement approving the budget without a prop- the decision, starting on Sunday, to er debate is “an aggression on the restrict unvaccinated citizens and res- constitution”. Leading opposition KUWAIT: General Director of Kuwait Municipality Ahmad Al-Manfouhi heads a meeting of the committee to follow up the implementa- idents from entering restaurants, lawmaker Obaid Al-Wasmi said it tion of health measures yesterday. — KUNA cafes, gyms, salons and shopping Continued on Page 2

ment fund manager... today officially listed The some lost ground by 1040 GMT yesterday, punctu- News in brief First bitcoin fund in Bitcoin Fund on Nasdaq Dubai, the region’s interna- ating a rollercoaster month of trading, standing at tional exchange,” the bourse said in a statement. It $34,104 apiece. Chinese mines power nearly 80 Missing child found in manhole said that “this fund is the world’s first regulated percent of the global trade in cryptocurrencies Mideast launches major Bitcoin fund to be listed on the capital mar- despite a domestic trading ban since 2017. But in KUWAIT: Police on Tuesday found a child - who kets in the Middle East North Africa region”. recent months several provinces have ordered had been missing in Khaitan since the day before on Dubai bourse “Bitcoin trades 24 hours a day around the world, mines to close as Beijing puts the industry under the - trapped in a manhole. The nine-year-old and in Canada we trade around North American regulatory microscope. Egyptian boy had fallen into the four-meter-deep DUBAI: The Middle East’s first bitcoin fund market times and Dubai is almost perfectly opposite The 3iQ fund finished up 10.38 percent at $38.30 manhole that was covered with wood near an launched on the Dubai bourse yesterday, with of (those) trading hours,” 3iQ Corp chief executive following trading yesterday, according to the abandoned school. The boy was taken to hospital Canadian digital asset manager 3iQ Corp seeking to Fred Pye told Bloomberg Television. “We think if the Nasdaq Dubai website. The fund’s prospectus says for medical tests after firefighters safely extracted raise around $200 million in the offering. Created in market holds up for the next few months while we that it seeks to invest in long-term holdings of bit- him. His condition was described as stable. 2008 as an alternative to traditional currencies, bit- get the listing going, we expect to probably be coin as a less volatile alternative to direct invest- coin is the world’s most popular virtual unit, but its quite far north of ($200 million).” ments in unpredictable cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin price has slumped recently due to fresh moves from Bitcoin fell under $30,000 on Tuesday for the and other cryptocurrencies are minted by solving Oman launches residency scheme China to crack down on cryptocurrencies. first time in five months, hit by concerns over puzzles using powerful computers that consume “3iQ Corp., Canada’s largest digital asset invest- China’s ongoing crackdown. The unit had recovered enormous amounts of electricity. — AFP MUSCAT: Oman will begin issuing long-term residency to foreign investors, the government said yesterday. Foreign investors and retirees without causing any casualties or will be granted the right to long stays in the Attack on Iran damage. country under the scheme starting in September, “The saboteurs failed to carry out the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and atomic agency their plan,” the broadcaster added, Investment Promotion said. “The residency peri- without identifying the building or the od is for a renewable period of five or 10 years,” nature of the attack that had been it added. — AFP building foiled averted. The news of the attack came a day after the US Justice Department TEHRAN: Iran said it foiled a sabo- said it seized 33 Iranian government- Delta 90% of new EU cases tage attack yesterday on an atomic controlled media websites which it energy agency building in a mysteri- alleged were hosted on US-owned STOCKHOLM: The Delta variant, identified for ous incident that comes as the US domains in violation of sanctions. the first time in India, could account for 90 per- blocked Iran-linked websites and as Tehran warned yesterday that cent of new COVID cases in the European talks to revive a nuclear deal pro- Washington’s decision to block the Union in the coming months, the European gressed. State television said a “sabo- sites was “not constructive” for ongo- tage operation against one of the ing talks aimed at bringing the United TEHRAN: An Iranian youth shows on his mobile a statement declaring the website Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said of Iran’s Arabic-language channel Al-Alam has been seized by the US government yesterday. “It is very likely that the Delta variant buildings (of the Atomic Energy States back to the landmark 2015 Continued on Page 2 yesterday. — AFP will circulate extensively during the summer, Organization of Iran) was foiled” particularly among younger individuals that are not targeted for vaccination,” said Andrea Ammon, director of ECDC. — AFP benefit analysis as researchers probe Heart problems the shots’ probable links to myocardi- tis. The independent experts were to Thieves steal cow dung hear from CDC scientists that “the in teens after benefits still clearly outweigh the risks

for COVID-19 vaccination in adoles- NEW DELHI: A massive manhunt is underway COVID shots cents and young adults”, according to in central India after a gang of robbers stole slides posted on the agency’s website. nearly a ton of cow dung from a village, police WASHINGTON: A panel of experts As of June 11, 323 people under the said. Villagers in the central state of convened by the top US health agency age of 29 who received mRNA Chhattisgarh complained to police last week was meeting yesterday to review data COVID vaccines have had confirmed after more than 800 kg of poo disappeared surrounding more than 300 confirmed cases of heart inflammation, myocardi- from their storehouse. Police said the gang cases of heart inflammation among tis, or inflammation of the heart lining, struck at night, breaking into the depository in adolescents and young adults after pericarditis, the experts were told. Of Korba district’s Dhurena village and fleeing with receiving mRNA COVID vaccines. these cases, 309 were hospitalized, of their pungent plunder estimated to be worth The committee, hosted by the whom 295 were discharged, nine some 1,600 rupees ($22). — AFP Centers for Disease Control and remain hospitalized with two in BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Michigan: In this photo taken on May 13, 2021, Dash Hunger, Prevention (CDC), was to hear a risk- Continued on Page 2 12, receives the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. — AFP 2 Established 1961 Thursday, June 24, 2021 Local Kuwait’s Amir receives Crown Prince, Speaker, Prime Minister

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Sabah meets His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. — Amiri Diwan photos meets Speaker of the National Assembly Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem. Hamad Al-Sabah.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Meanwhile, His Filipe VI, expressing sincere condolences on President Asharf Ghani, who expressed deepest Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received His Highness the Crown Prince received Speaker demise of Sheikh Mansour Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- condolences to His Highness on the sad occasion, Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al- Ghanem and His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Mubarak Al-Sabah. His Highness the Amir prayed to Almighty Allah to bestow mercy on the Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at Bayan Palace yester- at Bayan Palace. addressed a reply message to the Spanish King deceased’s soul. In a reply cable, His Highness the day. His Highness the Amir also received Speaker of In the meantime, His Highness the Amir Sheikh expressing heartfelt gratitude for the sincere senti- Amir expressed appreciation for the sincere senti- the National Assembly Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem, Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received yes- ments of solace on the painful event. His Highness ments, wishing good health and wellness to the and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah terday a condolences letter from Spanish King the Amir received a similar cable from Afghan President. — KUNA Defense Minister meets UK, Vatican ambassadors KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah received yesterday the UK’s Ambassador to Kuwait Belinda Lewis on the occasion of her new appointment. During the reception, both sides discussed issues of common interest and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, said the Ministry of Defense in a press statement. The meeting was attended by British military attache to the country Col Paul Mulvaney. The Defense Minister, separately, then met the newly appointed ambassador of the Vatican Eugene KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Interior Minister Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al-Salem Martin Nugent, discussing issues of mutual concern. Both Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah meets Al-Sabah meets Ambassador of the Vatican to receptions were attended by Army Chief-of-Staff Lt Gen meets the UK’s Ambassador to Kuwait Belinda Ambassador of the Vatican to Kuwait Eugene Kuwait Eugene Martin Nugent. Khaled Saleh Al-Sabah. Lewis. —Defense and Interior Ministries photos Martin Nugent. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah held talks with the Vatican issues of common interest, especially related to security relations between the State of Kuwait and the Vatican. Kuwaiti minister for his hospitality, highlighting the Ambassador Nugent. The two sides tackled several cooperation and ways to enhance it within the deep Ambassador Nugent expressed gratitude to the importance of topics they have discussed. — KUNA

The Zionist state has also never commented ties are engaged in negotiations in Vienna to Attack on Iran on Fakhrizadeh’s assassination. The Zionist try to salvage it. The developments come Deputy Foreign Minister state argues the nuclear agreement could days after ultraconservative cleric Ebrahim atomic agency... allow the Islamic republic to develop a Raisi was elected Iran’s next president in an meets French envoy bomb. Iran has always denied seeking election the United States denounced as nuclear weapons. neither free nor fair. Continued from Page 1 Yair Lapid, foreign minister in the Zionist Raisi, seen as close to supreme leader entity’s new coalition government, last week Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate nuclear deal between Iran and world pledged the Zionist state “will do whatever it political power in Iran, said on Monday he powers. That agreement is staunchly takes to prevent Iran obtaining a nuclear would not allow the nuclear negotiations to opposed by the Zionist entity, a US ally. Iran bomb” and said he was opposed to a revival drag on. He is set to replace moderate accuses the Zionist state of being behind a of the 2015 deal. Yesterday’s sabotage President Hassan Rouhani, who has served sabotage attack on its Natanz uranium attack also comes two days after Iran said it the maximum of two consecutive four-year enrichment plant in April and the assassina- temporarily shut down its only nuclear pow- terms, in August. tion of its top nuclear scientist Mohsen er plant at Bushehr on the country’s Gulf Germany, which is a party to the nuclear Fakhrizadeh last November. coast for maintenance work. talks, said yesterday that it believes there is The Zionist entity neither confirmed nor The Bushehr plant and its 1,000- a “good chance” a deal can be struck soon. denied involvement in the “small explosion” megawatt reactor were built by Russia and “Regarding the negotiations in Vienna, they at Natanz, but public radio said it was a officially handed over in Sept 2013, despite aren’t easy - that’s been clear in recent sabotage operation by the Mossad spy concerns over its location in an earthquake- weeks,” Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told a KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majdi Al-Dafiri meets French agency, citing unnamed intelligence sources. prone area. The 2015 nuclear deal promised joint news conference in Berlin with US Ambassador to Kuwait Anne-Claire Legendre. — KUNA The New York Times, quoting unnamed US Iran sanctions relief in return for limits on its Secretary of State Antony Blinken. and Zionist intelligence officials, said there nuclear program. The deal was torpedoed in “Nevertheless we are moving forward step KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Deputy Foreign affairs were discussed. The meeting had been “a (Zionist) role” in that attack. 2018 when then US president Donald Trump by step in every round of negotiations and Minister Majdi Al-Dafiri received was attended by Assistant Foreign At the time, the Iranian foreign ministry unilaterally withdrew from it and reimposed we assume that in the context of the yesterday French Ambassador to Minister for the Deputy Foreign accused the Zionist entity of an act of punishing sanctions on Iran. (Iranian) presidential election, there’s a Kuwait Anne-Claire Legendre, Minister’s office Ambassador Ayham “nuclear terrorism” aimed at scuttling the Trump’s successor Joe Biden favors good chance to conclude them in the fore- whereas regional and international Al-Omar. — KUNA Vienna nuclear talks and vowed revenge. rejoining the accord and the remaining par- seeable future.” — AFP

Earlier climate models suggested it would take eases at Cohen Children’s Medical Center told AFP After COVID, could nearly another century of unabated carbon pollu- Heart problems that his own hospital had seen a few cases of ado- tion to spawn heatwaves exceeding the absolute lescent males developing chest pain a day or two the next big killer limit of human tolerance. But updated projections in teens after... after the second dose of an mRNA vaccine. The warn of unprecedented killer heatwaves on the near Pfizer vaccine is currently the only shot authorized horizon, according to a 4,000-page in adolescents aged 12 and up. Moderna is author- be heatwaves? Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Continued from Page 1 ized from age 18 upwards. report, seen exclusively by AFP before its scheduled “The cases have been relatively mild,” added release in February 2022. Rubin, with the patients returning to normal within a PARIS: Searing, unrelenting heat scorches large The chilling report by the UN’s climate science intensive care, and there is no outcome data for swathes of the Earth, killing millions who have no advisory panel paints a grim - and deadly - picture five cases. few days after treatment with medicine like ibupro- means to escape. Shade is useless, and shallow bod- for a warming planet. If the world warms by 1.5 The cases are predominantly among males, most fen. Myocarditis is estimated to affect about 0.8 per ies of water are warmer than the blood coursing degrees Celsius - 0.4 degrees above today’s level - occur after the second dose, and there are no con- 100,000 children per year and is more common through people’s veins. This is a scene from a new 14 percent of the population will be exposed to firmed deaths at this time. More than 50 million dos- among infants and teens. Even if a causal link to the sci-fi novel, but the suffocating horror it describes severe heatwaves at least once every five years, “a es of both the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines vaccines is established, Rubin said it should be may be closer to science than fiction, according to a significant increase in heatwave magnitude”, the had been administered to young people aged 12-19 weighed against the risks to children from COVID. draft UN report that warns of dire consequences report says. Going up half a degree would add as of June 11. While the case numbers are low, they While children are less affected than adults, the for billions if global warming continues unchecked. another 1.7 billion people. — AFP are still higher than what would be expected in the virus has still hospitalized more than 3,000 children age groups and the CDC is studying what the bio- in the United States over the course of the pandem- ic, and led to more than 300 deaths, according to they have won are wrong”, adding that they have logical trigger might be. Kuwaiti armed suffered a historic downfall. “Myocarditis is a rare disease but it’s not a new official data. Some 2,700 people under 30 have died The liberal Kuwait Democratic Forum said in a disease, it’s been around for a while,” said Matthew from COVID. statement that the approval of the budget without a Oster, a member of the CDC’s COVID vaccine task “We’ve actually had more kids infected with forces to help... presentation by the finance minister amounts to force. “Traditionally there have been thought to have COVID that we know who have had long term authorizing the government to squander public viral triggers, although there can be others. It does impacts, some of whom have been quite ill with car- Continued from Page 1 funds. The forum said such illegal practices by the appear that mRNA vaccine may be a new trigger for diac symptoms in the hospital,” stressed Lee Savio government is “an ugly way of its continued aggres- myocarditis,” he added. Beers, president of the American Academy of appears that the country is “hijacked” by a small sion on the constitution”. But according to CDC modeling based on data Pediatrics. group that is unaware of the serious consequences A group of Kuwaiti diwaniyas known for backing from late May, the risk-benefit profile still favors the Other experts have adopted a more cautious line. constitutional violations pose on the constitutional the government strongly criticized chaos caused by use of COVID vaccines, even though young people Monica Gandhi, an infectious diseases and public some MPs during Tuesday’s session, warning that system. are at lower risk of severe COVID compared to old- health expert at the University of California San He said that what happened during the latest this will distort the reputation of Kuwaiti democra- er people. For every million second doses given to Francisco, said that the United States had gone Assembly session was unprecedented, but he cy. In a session marred by shouts, quarrels and even beyond some other countries’ recommendations on praised the strong popular support for opposition punches, the Assembly on Tuesday passed the state 12-to-17-year-old boys, 5,700 COVID cases, 215 lawmakers. Opposition MP Shuaib Al-Muwaizri budget amid stiff opposition by many lawmakers, hospitalizations, 71 ICU admissions and two deaths vaccinating teens. These include Germany and the vowed the opposition will continue to target the who demanded a full debate before the vote. Parts would be prevented across 120 days, according to Zionist entity, which only recommend vaccinating forces of corruption, saying “we will not surrender”. of the session and the voting were held under the the analysis. Between 56 to 69 cases of myocarditis adolescents who are at high risk, while Britain is still MP Mohammad Al-Mutair blasted the government protection of Assembly guards, a rare event in would be expected. examining the data and hasn’t yet reached a deci- and its supporters, saying that “those who think Kuwait. — Agencies Lorry Rubin, director of pediatric infectious dis- sion. — AFP Established 1961 3 Local Thursday, June 24, 2021 Unvaccinated worry, weigh options as new restrictions begin in Kuwait

By Reem Al-Gharabally The Covidvax website projects Kuwait has since December administered more than 3.1 million vac- KUWAIT: Starting Sunday, June 27, only fully cine doses to date. At this rate, Kuwait could have vaccinated citizens and residents will be allowed to 70 percent of the population fully vaccinated (with visit shopping malls, salons and barbershops, two doses) by September 2021. But what about all gyms, restaurants and other locations, the Kuwait the people still unvaccinated, or who have received Cabinet has decreed. The news has caused anxiety only one jab so far? What will they do this summer for many people, mostly residents, who have regis- if they cannot go to malls, salons, gyms or other tered with the Ministry of Health but are still wait- commercial places? ing to receive the vaccine. Kuwait’s vaccine rollout so far is small reassur- Dave, a personal training manager at a large ance for Sara, a Lebanese content creator who has gym said that only three trainers of a staff of 40 in waited six months for her appointment to receive the gym have been vaccinated. The remaining staff, the vaccine. She is worried that as of next week, the among them trainers, receptionists and cleaning new rules will make it impossible for her to do her crew, are registered but still waiting to receive job effectively. their first shot. “Part of what we do is work in places that we will “My first thought when I heard about the new be denied access to as unvaccinated people,” Sara restrictions was our gym is going to have to shut said. “We are all happy to abide by the rules. We all down because almost all our staff are not vaccinat- sheltered in place when we were asked to. We have ed,” he told Kuwait Times. “We have now been followed the rules by the book; when they instigated KUWAIT: This April 18, 2021 file photo shows people lined up outside the Kuwait Vaccination Center in told that unvaccinated employees are okay to the curfews we stayed home and did not do neigh- Mishref to receive their doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat work, but unvaccinated clients can’t come in. It borhood walks at night. It is very unfair to those does not make any sense to me.” who did everything right and still there is no access Dave said they have since received a backlash to a vaccine yet.” can travel and come back then all is well. The rules On the day, word got out there were thousands of from clients regarding the unvaccinated staff mem- Sara has a two-year-old child. “What am I going have been racist from the very beginning and it is people lined up, both male and female salon work- bers which has resulted in management taking the to do with a toddler who is too young to go to hard to say there is no racism when every single ers. Then a Ministry of Health person walked the decision not to allow unvaccinated staff to train. “I school, who can’t go to a park because the summer decision feels racist.” line and turned them away because their salon had can understand the frustration of clients, but the here is smoldering? Where am I going to take her? not pre-registered. That was sort of sad.” rules are not ours! To me, their anger is focused on All I can do is take her to walk around a mall or go Business owners impacted too the wrong people. And now our staff will suffer,” he to a restaurant and now I won’t be able to do that.” The new restrictions have also caused concern Left out explained. Plenty of workers are facing lost jobs and Sara’s colleague Dana is also still waiting for her among business owners. Fahad Al-Arbash, head of Another group will also be affected by the new income because of the new restrictions. vaccine and is worried the effect the new rules are the Kuwait Union of Restaurant, Cafe and Catering restrictions: those who do not want to or cannot going to have on older children of parents who still Companies, asks on Twitter: “How are you going to vaccinate. Samira, a Kuwaiti teacher at a private Fears for the unvaccinated have not had access to the vaccine. “They are going implement this law for 11,000 restaurants, 3,000 school, suffers from the autoimmune condition Rajesh, a 30-year-old radiology technician at a to get depressed and struggle mentally and we will salons and 1,000 health clubs?” lupus. The CDC warns that people with autoimmune private hospital and his colleague are also waiting watch a child go from happy, bubbly to despondent Salon owner Lorie Killingsworth says she has conditions may receive the vaccine, but they need for their appointments despite being health workers. and apathetic because I am watching that happen to managed to get half her staff fully vaccinated, but to be aware that no data is currently available on “They should first provide people with the vaccina- my 13-year-old.” the other half are waiting for their second dose. She the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for people with tion and then if they want, they can introduce these Many resident mothers have joined mothers’ thinks the new rules are going to affect her busi- such conditions. Samira tried to obtain a medical rules. How is it possible to vaccinate everyone who groups on social media to share their anxiety while ness. “We are getting a lot of calls from people ask- exemption from the Ministry of Health citing this are still waiting within a week?” Rajesh asks. they continue to wait for their vaccine. Sara feels ing if we are going to follow the guidelines of the concern but says it has been rejected. According to a study conducted by the US the chasm between vaccinated Kuwaitis and non- ministry of health. Of course we are,” she said. “I feel I have no freedoms in my own country. I Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccinated residents is growing. “We get many “Clients are asking to get in quick to get their hair feel I am being held prisoner. Also, I am half fully immunized participants were 25 times less like- replies from privileged, liberal locals where they cut. And then they ask if we can do home service. American and most of my family and siblings live ly to test positive for COVID-19 than those who ask us if we registered properly or that they are That is another grey area. That would be defeating in America and I can’t go see them because I can- were unvaccinated. But without contact tracing to sure this rule does not apply to me. It is enraging,” the purpose.” not leave the country without a vaccine. I think on track transmission in a larger population, it is she said. “I have been made to feel time and time Lori believes many workers in smaller salons the spectrum of who is affected by this in Kuwait I impossible to know if vaccinated people will not again since the beginning of the pandemic as long across Kuwait are not vaccinated. “I managed to get am still relatively privileged so if I am feeling this spread infection. Kuwait does not have an extensive as the small portion of the population is guaran- my staff vaccinated by registering through a vac- way, I can only imagine the level of violation resi- contact tracing program in place. teed access to health care and vaccines and they cine campaign event organized by the salon union. dents feel.” Zain supports medical frontliners Kuwaiti woman’s at Jaber Causeway murder case KUWAIT: Zain, the leading digital service provider in Kuwait, visited Jaber Causeway Vaccination verdict on July 6 Center in collaboration with the Ministry of Health KUWAIT: The Criminal Court has set July 6 as throughout a period of three days. The initiative the date to give its verdict in the murder case of aimed at easing the hot weather conditions on med- Kuwaiti citizen Farah Akbar. The prime suspect ical and administrative frontliners at the center, as had pled not guilty to the crime which took place well as encouraging the public to support the in April and in which he is accused of stabbing the nation’s efforts into achieving social immunity dur- victim to death after kidnapping her in Sabah Al- ing the pandemic. KUWAIT: Jaber Causeway Vaccination Center’s General Supervisor Dr Talal Al-Fadhalah (second left) Salem. The case had sparked an outcry in Kuwait The visit witnessed the presence of Jaber with Zain Kuwait’s External and Internal Relations Department Manager Hamad Al-Matar (left), the cen- with demands from the public to lawmakers for Causeway Vaccination Center’s General Supervisor ter’s Technical Supervisor Dr Hamad Al-Ansari (second right), and the center’s Administrative Supervisor more protection to women in Kuwait. According Dr Talal Al-Fadhalah, the center’s Technical Dr Dalal Al-Ajmi. to reports, the suspect had wanted to marry the Supervisor Dr Hamad Al-Ansari, the center’s victim, but her family rejected the proposal. Administrative Supervisor Dr Dalal Al-Ajmi, as well Shuwaikh in collaboration with the Ministry of The woman’s family said they had filed several as Zain Kuwait’s External and Internal Relations Health. The campaign aimed at supporting the cases at several police stations and with some Department Manager Hamad Al-Matar. efforts exerted by the nation’s authorities in immu- public prosecutors, but the man was not kept in Zain’s presence at the center comes as part of a nizing the community during the pandemic. custody. The woman’s sister - who is a lawyer - long list of programs and initiatives the company has Throughout the past 18 months, Zain has show- said that she repeatedly pleaded with a public adopted during the past period in collaboration with cased the spirit of responsibility as a leading prosecutor that the release of the man could MoH and other ministries with the aim of protecting national company by making its human and tech endanger her sister’s life, but he was nevertheless the community from the impacts of the pandemic. resources available to shoulder the public sector freed on bail. She also said police stations did not Zain’s team was present at Jaber Causeway and maintain the nation’s wellbeing. take their complaints seriously. Vaccination Center, located at the southern island The company also launched numerous social In other news, police arrested a citizen who of Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway, awareness campaigns aimed at elevating the health works for Kuwait Fire Force on accusations of which is a recently inaugurated drive-thru vaccina- and safety of the community. Not only that, but Zain committing arsons in Sabah Al-Salem. Police tion center. The company offered water and ice was also keen on continuing its support of social, patrols had responded to a call about a fire in the cream carts in an effort to ease the hot weather educational, and cultural initiatives - which it has area, and arrested the man after finding flamma- conditions faced by over 200 staff members oper- always been a top supporter of - in a virtual format ble substances on him, Al-Rai Arabic daily ating as medical, technical, nursing, and administra- achieve the nation’s goals in reaching social immu- this time to adhere to official health measures and reported yesterday. The man was taken to the tive frontliners at the center. Zain was keen on rec- nity. In addition, Zain distributed “VACCINATED” guidelines to keep everyone involved safe. proper authorities for further questioning. In a ognizing MoH staff’s efforts as they battle extreme stickers at Kuwait Vaccination Center in Mishref, Zain’s tireless efforts have extended throughout different case, Jahra firemen put out a blaze heat and the danger of infection on a daily basis to Jaber Causeway Vaccination Center, as well as on the year, where it has launched its own social initia- reported in the basement of a building in the protect the community and the nation. Snap, Instagram, and WhatsApp to promote posi- tives, supported existing health and social pro- area. The basement was used as a warehouse for Zain has also launched an awareness campaign tivity about vaccination. grams, in addition to handling the crisis, all under its housewares. on its social media platforms through which the Zain recently organized an internal COVID-19 corporate sustainability and social responsibility company encouraged the public to vaccinate and vaccination campaign at its main headquarters in strategy. Kuwait 2nd cheapest Kuwait hails Kuwait pension Gulf city for WHO rapport fund assets hit foreigners: Mercer amid COVID fight record $23.1b in Q1 KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Public Institution for Social KUWAIT: Kuwait City is the second cheapest city KUWAIT: Kuwait has forged a partnership with Security’s (PIFSS) assets rose to $23.1 billion in March, among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of the the highest figure in the pension fund’s history, driven in terms of cost of living for foreign residents, country’s efforts to combat the coronavirus pan- by the financial market’s robust performance last year. according to the 2021 Mercer cost of living city demic, its health ministry said, citing the emergence The gain in assets amounted to a 20.9 percent increase index. Kuwait ranks 115 out of 206 cities in this of more contagious variants as a reason for further from last year’s figure, subsequently ratcheting up year’s index; down two spots from 2020’s index. cooperation. “Kuwait was the first country WHO investment by 16.5 percent, PIFSS Director General Kuwait City ranks second after Doha, which the visited back when the pandemic first struck,” said Mishal Al-Othman said in a statement. He attributed the index ranks as the cheapest GCC city for foreigners Dr Rehab Al-Watayan, the ministry’s international pension fund’s “record gains” to the diligence of a at 130 worldwide. Dubai meanwhile became cheap- there in the past year as it ranks 108th on this year’s relations officer, adding it was a testament to the national workforce that is “committed to sustainable er for foreigners within a one year’s period accord- list, a drop from 96th on last year’s list. Globally, the “proximity” of bilateral ties. On WHO’s newly- and long-term growth,” which includes proper asset ing to Mercer, as the index ranks the city in the 41st Lebanese capital Beirut overtook Tokyo as the third opened regional office in Kuwait, the official management, added the official. The fund’s investment place, down from 23rd a year ago. Yet, it remains most expensive city in the world for foreigner, expected the facility to serve as a catalyst for sector was propped up by the “global financial market’s the second most expensive in the Gulf after Riyadh, jumping from the 45th place in 2020 while the greater cooperation, which is necessary to topple solid performance last year,” according to its deputy which ranks 29th on this year’s list, a slight increase Japanese capital dropped one place to fourth. the COVID pandemic, she said. On what the future chief for investment affairs Raed Al-Nisf, who predicted from 2020’s list in which it ranked 31st. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan (first), Hong Kong (second) has in store, the global health body’s representative “fluctuations” in the global stock market for the fore- After Dubai, Manama is considered the third and Zurich, Switzerland (fifth) round up the top five. in Kuwait Dr Assad Hafeez said he was certain that seeable future. The fund “routinely updates” its plans most expensive GCC city as it is placed 71st on the The index’s ranking was based on more than 200 common goals would “come to fruition,” chiefly, and strategies to keep investment growth steady, index. The Omani capital Muscat is the third most factors that include housing, transportation, food, efforts to eradicate the COVID pandemic and its “based on the latest developments in the global stock affordable in the Gulf, and it became cheaper to live clothing, household goods and entertainment. newly identified strains. — KUNA market,” he added. —KUNA 4 Established 1961 Local Thursday, June 24, 2021

Established 1961 The First Daily in The Arabian Gulf Denmark woos Kuwait to invest in THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961 renewable energy, life science tech Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN By Ben Garcia them to keep our money. The reason for this is Editor-in-Chief ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN because we have a conducive, reasonable and sta- KUWAIT: Saudi-based Danish Ambassador to ble business environment. If you are looking for EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 Kuwait Ole E Moesby arrived in Kuwait yesterday, investment, you go to Denmark,” he said. ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 where he is set to meet heads of Kuwait’s ministry FAX : 24835620/1 of foreign affairs, ministry of defense and chamber Excellent partner CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 ACCOUNTS : 24833199 Extn. 125 of commerce, along with members of the business With regards to Denmark-Kuwait bilateral rela- COMMERCIAL : 24835618 community. He also plans to meet with the Danish tions, Moesby described Kuwait as an excellent and P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. military personnel stationed in Kuwait. Moesby is traditional partner of many years. “We have several Email: [email protected] Denmark’s ambassador to Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, products here. You can notice several of our Website: www.kuwaittimes.net Yemen and Saudi Arabia. designs and products in hotels, restaurants and Moesby will try to convince Kuwait to invest in many offices. Danes designed the National Denmark’s renewable energy and life science tech- Assembly, its interior and several more buildings in nologies. “I will tell them to invest in long-term sus- Kuwait. Also, visit supermarkets and you will find News in brief tainable and renewable energies. We are number several products from Denmark, from appliances to KUWAIT: Danish Ambassador to Kuwait Ole E Moesby one in renewable energy. While countries around organic produce and pharmaceuticals. We may not speaks to Kuwait Times. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Speaker off to Brussels the world are still deciding their 2030-2035 goals, be the biggest importer or exporter, but we have a Denmark has already done the planning. We are 20 steady stream of trade with Kuwait,” he said. 3 million vaccines KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker to 30 years in advance. We are developing wind The Danish population in Kuwait is around 200, Denmark has also donated 3 million vaccines to Marzouq Al-Ghanem left yesterday to farms, which I believe Kuwait can also do because mostly in high-level positions. “There are some WHO’s Covax program, intended for distribution to Brussels for a two-day visit, during which he wind and sunshine are here too. Hydrogen technol- Danes married to Kuwaitis, and Danes working in several developing countries around the world. is scheduled to meet with European ogy could be developed in Kuwait too. If Kuwait several high-level positions. There are people in the “Separately, we also delivered 350,000 Parliament President David Sassoli and wants to become a strong player in the energy field oil, hospitality, pharmaceutical and bakery sectors. AstraZeneca vaccines to Kenya. We sent respirators Belgian Parliament Speaker Eliane Tello. in the future, it should not only concentrate on Did you know that the first excavation on Failaka to Ukraine and Nepal and oxygen to India. We are Ghanem’s meeting with senior officials in the petroleum and oil, but also develop its renewable Island in Kuwait was headed by a Dane in the very committed to helping other countries that need European Parliament and the Belgian energy technology, because that’s the future of the 1950s? Many artifacts were uncovered there, and us,” Moesby said. Parliament come as a representative of the world right now,” he told Kuwait Times. we traced the origins of the first settlement,” the “The most important thing is that we managed to Arab geopolitical group to discuss develop- According to Moesby, Denmark has invested a ambassador said. register our people to trace and monitor COVID-19 ments in the occupied Palestinian territories lot in health. “We are very much into life sciences - Moesby also spoke about Denmark’s response cases quickly. It helped us a lot in saving elderly in the wake of the recent attacks by the it’s in the area of medicine and pharmaceuticals. and its contribution to the global fight against the people and the vulnerable. We managed to restrict occupation forces on Jerusalem, Gaza and Our agribusiness companies are now mostly into coronavirus pandemic. “We managed the COVID- areas of concerns - we isolated and focused our the rest of the Palestinian territories. organic products. We have several high-quality 19 pandemic properly and excellently in March attention on them. There were times too when we dairy products. We have technology for farming, 2020. We didn’t know the pandemic will last this had no more beds for sick people,” he recalled. and encourage Kuwaitis to take advantage of this long. We are thankful that the number of cases and Denmark is a small country in Europe, but technology. We can do the design and planning,” he deaths are now diminishing all over the world. according to Moesby, most of the time, like Back to 100% staff added. Denmark is now in the final phase before going Kuwait, it plays an important mediatory role in Moesby took pride in the AAA rating granted to back to normality by July. At the moment we are in several complex issues. With regards to Denmark’s KUWAIT: The Civil Service Commission Denmark by US credit rating agency Standard & the last part of this battle, with the number of cases position on the Middle East conflict, it advocates a became the first state department to restore its Poor’s. “We are the best country in Europe for dropping to only 200 per day in a population of 5 two-state solution. “It’s been a long and enduring workforce back to 100 percent since the start doing business. We have a high standard in terms of million people. We have controlled transmission, conflict; like everyone else, we would like to see of the pandemic, after its new chief Mariam Al- business. Our interest rate is basically negative, while 70 percent of our people have already been this end soon. But we want to keep the status quo Aqeel gave orders to cancel all work related which means I have to pay the bank to take care of vaccinated. The only group remaining are 30-35 and convince both sides to return to the negotiat- restrictions within a month, including reinstat- my money. In other countries, they are giving inter- years old. We also have no issue with people who ing table. Until then, we have to respect the Oslo ing fingerprint scanners for staff entrance. est on the money in the bank. But we are paying don’t want to be vaccinated,” he said. agreement,” he said.

Oil price up initiative. As we know in the region the vaccination dictability so that UNRWA becomes a predictable UNRWA chief seeks rate is still lagging behind. So any effort to increase partner in the region,” he said. The decision on the KUWAIT: The price of Kuwaiti oil went up by vaccination rate is more than welcome.” venue of this conference will be taken by Jordan 85 cents to $73.83 per barrel Tuesday after stronger cooperation On March 18, 2020, Lazzarini; a Swiss-Italian and Sweden as co-hosts in July. He noted that on being at $72.98 pb the day before, said the national, was appointed Undersecretary General Monday, June 21st, UNRWA launched a $164 million Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) yester- with Kuwait and Commissioner General of UNRWA by UN humanitarian and early recovery appeal following day. The prices of the Brent crude and the Secretary General Antonio Guterres. On the current the Zionist bombardments of Gaza in May. The 11- West Texas Intermediate, globally, saw a BRUSSELS: The Commissioner General of the UN situation of UNRWA, he told KUNA that there are day Zionist air strikes have caused substantial dam- decrease with the first going down by nine Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in many challenges the UN agency is confronted with. age to physical infrastructure, including homes and cents to $74.81 per barrel, the same case with the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, is to “One of them is the financial situation. The Agency UNRWA installations, as well as water and sanita- the latter, which also went down by 60 cents to visit Kuwait soon with the aim to strengthen the has been in financial crisis for many years because tion networks in refugee camps, he pointed out. $73.06 pb. partnership for the benefit of Palestinian refugees. “I there has been a discrepancy on what the Agency is Commenting on his current visit to Brussels, will soon be visiting Kuwait. I am in discussions supposed to deliver for the Palestinian refugees and Lazzarini said he is meeting with members of the with Kuwaiti authorities for an official visit, which what the voluntary contribution of certain member European Parliament and European Commission Bosnia thanks Kuwait will take place this summer or beginning of the fall,” states have been, which has led to constant cash- officials. “The EU is a very longstanding, solid and he said in an interview in Brussels yesterday. flow crisis,” he said. strong supporter of UNRWA. This year we are cel- VIENNA: The Bosnian city of Tuzla lit its “I look forward to discuss more in details the This has been highly unsettling for Palestinian ebrating 50 years of partnership and very soon Chamber of Commerce building in the Freedom partnership between Kuwait and UNRWA. I know refugees and for our 28,000 staff and for the coun- UNRWA will be signing with the European Square yesterday with the Kuwaiti flag, in grat- that in Kuwait there is a lot of support for the tries hosting the refugees, he noted. For this reason, Commission a joint declaration,” he revealed. The itude for Kuwait’s humanitarian role. This came Palestinian refugees and I hope this will be translat- UNRWA together with a number of supporter UNRWA chief appealed to the international com- on the occasion of laying the foundation stone ed also into a continuous partnership with UNR- countries have decided to organize an international munity that “it is in our common interest to have a for housing the families of children with cancer, WA,” he said. Commenting on Kuwait’s initiative to conference by the end of this October, during which strong, predictable UNRWA in the region to focus with a donation from the Kuwaiti General promote vaccination among Palestinian refugees in the Agency will be presenting a blueprint in terms on the development of Palestinian refugees and Secretariat of Endowments. Lebanon, he said “the initiative to promote vaccina- of what is expected from it in services delivery. through this predictability we are promoting securi- tion among the refugees is definitely a welcomed “The idea behind this is to promote better pre- ty in a highly volatile region.” — KUNA

tively make it a bigger trading Kuwait, UAE partner for the UK than China as a giant step forward. On Kuwaiti ABK promotes among fastest investment, Russell expressed his delight Kuwait Investment employees’ health, growing markets Authority (KIA) remains committed to London where it has established itself as the world’s oldest sover- mental wellbeing for UK services eign wealth fund back in 1953.He KUWAIT: In its continuous efforts to pro- explained that Kuwaiti investments LONDON: Kuwait and the UAE mote physical activity and mental wellness in UK infrastructure include 20% are among the fastest-growing amongst its employees, Al-Ahli Bank of stakes in London City Airport, markets for UK services globally, Kuwait (ABK) launched its internal health Associated British Ports, Thames the Lord Mayor of the City of and wellbeing program earlier this year, in Water, and several significant London William Russell has con- alignment with the World Health properties in and around the firmed. Russell said that British Organization’s ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing at Square Mile and Canary Wharf. innovation in green Work’ framework. The program is designed On Brexit and the and digital are huge to achieve a sustainable health regimen, opportunities for fur- COVID-19 pandemic’s supported by a systematic approach to ther collaboration for effects, the Lord enhance employees’ lives in and out of the Kuwaiti investors. Mayor of the City of workplace, with the key component of the “We look forward to London played down program centered on the continuing to work any long-term negative employee/employer relationship, redefining impact, saying that the with them in the years AMMAN: Trucks carrying Kuwaiti aid prepare to leave to the Gaza strip. — KUNA employee-benefits to include issues related ahead and see a City will continue to to mental health, resilience and physical bright future for our be a vital global center well-being. Due to the pandemic, unprece- ongoing trade rela- for business, heritage, ago. The relief supplies were sent from dented challenges negatively impacted the tionship,” the Lord and culture while con- Kuwaiti aid Kuwait via military aircraft to support physical and mental health of businesses Mayor said. He esti- tinuing confidence Palestinians in the occupied lands. He and employees alike, leading to employers mates current invest- The Lord Mayor of the from investors and convoy heads added that the Israeli occupation realizing the importance of a healthy work- ments from the GCC City of London William businesses is shown by authorities granted passage for the two place and life balance and the importance nations, namely from Russell the amount of devel- trucks as part of the convoy managed of ensuring employee wellbeing. from Jordan to by JHCO in association with the Kuwait, Bahrain, opment currently The rollout of ABK’s mental health and Jordanian army to be delivered to Gaza. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE underway. “London’s wellbeing program addresses these chal- The society, he said, is awaiting further greater than 140bn Sterling ($195 fundamental strengths such as its Gaza strip lenges by ensuring employees have access permits to deliver medical equipment to billion- current exchange rate), vast international reach, pragma- to all the necessary outlets that allows AMMAN: A convoy of Kuwaiti human- Makassed hospital in Jerusalem to meet adding that the City continues to tism, and spirit of innovation have them to reach optimal levels of physical itarian aid headed Tuesday from Jordan pharmaceutical needs, hoping that this and mental health. In addition, and with welcome these investments into not been lost, and I am confident to Gaza as a part of a campaign to sup- happens as soon as possible. The First the purpose of raising awareness and green infrastructure programs. that our unique city will continue port Al-Aqsa that Kuwait Society for shipment of aid gifted by Kuwait encouraging its employees, the bank holds Accordingly, future investments to thrive for decades to come. We Relief (KSR) is overseeing, after obtain- Society for Relief to the Palestinian multiple activities, talks with guest speak- seem to be heading more toward have been through tough times ing necessary permits from Israeli people arrived June 9 via a military air- ers and monthly competitions highlighting before and we will come through green finance and fintech. occupation authorities to cross borders. craft carrying 40 tons of food supplies core wellbeing pillars that promotes the Russell recently held discussions this period as well,” he said. As a Jordan Hashimte Charity Organization and medical aid to be sent to Jerusalem importance of being active, giving, taking with senior figures in Kuwait and result, the Mayor concludes that (JHCO) in cooperation with KSR sent and Gaza via Jordan. The Kuwait gov- notice, connecting, and continuous pur- elsewhere in the Gulf on an array of the City of London and the UK two trucks of foodstuff from its ware- ernment-sponsored aid, part of the suit of learning and self-development topics, but mainly in terms of green government should now focus on houses in Zarqa through King Hussein national campaign featuring contribu- opportunities. ABK works hard to ensure investment in the lead-up to an ambitious vision for the future Bridge that connects Jordan to the West tion of 33 Kuwaiti societies and an employee-first approach and through COP26, which will take place here and lead in growth markets such as Bank, in preparation for delivery to ben- launched in May following Israeli occu- programs such as these, reinforces the in the UK next November. green finance, fintech, and other eficiaries in blockaded territory. General pation aggression on Jerusalem and bank’s pledge towards preserving and Unsurprisingly, he considers the fast-growing areas to enable the Director of KSR Abdulaziz Al-Obeid Gaza strip. The campaign garnered an developing its employees through recog- prospect of an eventual trade deal sector to retain its position on the stated that these two trucks are part of estimated total of KD 2.3 million from nition and support. with the GCC, which would collec- world stage. — KUNA the aid dispatched by JHCO two weeks 59,000 donors. — KUNA International THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021 Russia says fires warning shots at British ship Syria ‘fixers’ cash in on despair of prisoners’ families Page 6 Page 7

HONG KONG: Members of the press take photos as executive editor in chief Lam Man-Chung (C) proof reads the next day’s ‘Apple Daily’ newspaper before it goes to print for what was announced earlier in the day to be for the last time, in Hong Kong late yesterday. —AFP HK pro-democracy paper confirms closure

Apple Daily’s top columnist arrested on same charge HONG KONG: Hong Kong pro-democracy news- charged under the law after its imposition last year. Yesterday Yeung Ching-kee, one of the paper’s China languishes at 177th out of 180, above only paper Apple Daily announced yesterday it will print But the final chapter of the 26-year-old paper was top columnists, was arrested on the same charge. Turkmenistan, North Korea and Eritrea. The its final edition after authorities froze its assets using written over the last week when authorities The decision to freeze Apple Daily’s assets laid bare European Union said Apple Daily’s closure “serious- a sweeping new national security law, silencing the deployed the security law to raid the newsroom, the sweeping powers now at the disposal of Hong ly undermines media freedom and pluralism”. city’s most China critical media outlet. The decision arrest senior executives and freeze its assets. Kong authorities to pursue any company deemed to China has hailed the security law for successfully is the latest blow to Hong Kong’s freedoms and will That last move crippled the paper’s ability to be a national security threat. restoring stability after the 2019 demonstrations. deepen unease over whether the international conduct business and pay staff. Yesterday, Apple The security law does not require a court order Authorities initially said it would only target “a tiny finance centre can remain a media hub as China Daily announced its closure “out of consideration for or criminal conviction to freeze assets. Multiple minority”. But it has radically transformed the politi- seeks to stamp out dissent. the safety of its staff”. Its website will go offline international media companies have regional head- cal and legal landscape of a city that China promised Journalists outside the paper’s headquarters yes- overnight. quarters in Hong Kong, attracted to the business- would be able to keep key liberties and autonomy terday evening said they planned to print one million friendly regulations and free speech provisions writ- after its 1997 return. copies overnight-a staggering number given Hong Crackdown ten into the city’s mini-constitution. But many local Yesterday the first trial under the new law got Kong’s 7.5 million population. And they spoke of China imposed its security law on Hong Kong last and international outlets are questioning whether under way. Tong Ying-kit, 24, is accused of terrorism their heartbreak at the paper’s closure and loss of year to stamp out dissent after the city was con- they have a future there. “Every journalist in Hong and secession after he allegedly drove a motorbike some 1,000 jobs. “I have tens of thousands of words vulsed by huge and often violent democracy Kong now has a metaphorical gun pointed at their into police while flying a protest flag that read in my heart but I am speechless at this moment,” Ip protests. Authorities said their prosecution of Apple heads,” Sharron Fast a lecturer at the University of “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times”. His Yut-kin, chairman of the paper’s parent company Daily was sparked by articles and columns that Hong Kong’s journalism school told AFP. “When the trial is not being heard by a jury in a major depar- Next Digital, told AFP. Apple Daily has long been a allegedly supported international sanctions against result of your writing can lead to lifetime imprison- ture from Hong Kong’s common law traditions. thorn in Beijing’s side, with unapologetic support for China, a view now deemed illegal. ment-you are being censored. Apple will not be the Tong’s case is unusual because he is the only Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement and caustic It was the first time reporting and opinions pub- last - just the latest.” Hong Konger so far charged under the security law criticism of China’s authoritarian leaders. Those lished by a media outlet in Hong Kong had triggered with an explicitly violent act. More than 60 people same leaders have used a new security law to bring the security law. Lai, chief editor Ryan Law and CEO First trial have now been charged under the law, including about its rapid demise. Cheung Kim-hung have all been charged with col- Hong Kong has plunged down an annual press some of the city’s best-known democracy activists, Owner Jimmy Lai, currently in jail for attending luding with foreign forces to undermine China’s freedom ranking by Reporters Without Borders, but their offences are related to political views or democracy protests, was among the first to be national security and remanded into custody. from 18th place in 2002 to 80th this year. Mainland speech that authorities have declared illegal. — AFP Nine Catalan separatists freed after Spain pardon SANT JOAN DE VILATOR- hope it can draw a line under RADA: Nine Catalan sepa- past confrontations with ratists who were serving long Catalonia’s separatist-led prison sentences for their role in regional leaders and open the a failed 2017 independence bid way for talks. were released from jail yester- The prisoners were serving day, a day after being pardoned between nine and 13 years each by Spain. The seven men left the for their role in a banned refer- Lledoners jail, some 70 kilome- endum that was marred by SANT JOAN DE VILATORRADA: (From left) Catalan separatists Raul tres (45 miles) northwest of police violence and followed by Romeva, Jordi Turull, Jordi Cuixar Oriol Junqueras, Joaquim Forn, Barcelona, where they were met a short-lived declaration of Jordi Sanchez and Josep Rull leave Lledoners jail yesterday in Sant in the rain by umbrella-carrying independence in the wealthy Joan de Vilatorrada. —AFP supporters shouting northern region, sparking “Independence, independence!” Spain’s worst political crisis in continue the struggle. We will open to dialogue than his hard- As they walked through the decades. keep fighting,” said Jordi line predecessor. gates, they were embraced by Some of those involved fled Cuixart, head of Omnium, one Aragones and Junqueras, newly-appointed Catalan leader abroad, while 12 were tried and of the region’s biggest grass- who heads the moderate ERC Pere Aragones and posed for a convicted with three-quarters roots pro-independence party, have recently taken steps photograph alongside a Catalan of them handed years of jail groups, who was serving a towards Sanchez by distancing independence flag and a banner time. Although the prison terms nine-year sentence. “Today is themselves from the path of reading “Freedom for have been dropped, all nine are not a day of surrender, it’s a unilateralism. “The best way to Catalonia”, an AFP correspon- banned from holding public day in which all of us Catalans achieve (independence) is dent said. office and the pardons are con- say we will continue to fight.” through dialogue, negotiation “Long live a free Catalonia!” ditional on them not committing Leaving Was-Rad women’s and agreement,” said Aragones, said Oriol Junqueras, who was “a serious crime” over the next prison in Barcelona, former par- who will meet with Spanish deputy head of the Catalan three to six years. liamentary speaker Carme Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez government at the time of the They have all served more Forcadell said they would work for the first time on June 29. crisis and the prisoner serving than three years behind bars. “I to secure a full amnesty that Aragones has pledged to push the longest sentence of 13 years. am here because the sacrifice would allow those who fled for an amnesty and a new ref- “Until the day of victory, we will they have made for Catalonia abroad to return home. erendum on self-determina- continue to work with everyone and for all of us has been huge,” “Let’s make this small victory tion-this time with Madrid’s to make this dream of a Catalan said Ignasi Sole, a 65-year-old work towards our greater victo- approval. republic a reality.” retired mechanic who was wait- ry: achieving an amnesty, self- Spain has rejected both out Two women were also freed ing outside Lledoners prison for determination and a Catalan of hand. When the separatists from separate prisons, just their release. “It’s a way of republic,” she said. The pardons were sentenced in October hours after the pardons for all thanking them.” have been condemned by 2019 by Spain’s Supreme nine separatists were published Spain’s right-wing opposition as Court, the ruling triggered an in the government’s official ‘Independence through dia- well as by the Supreme Court, outcry across Catalonia, with gazette. The clemency decision logue’ but Madrid hopes they will give thousands hitting the streets in was approved by the Spanish As they walked out, several impetus to the upcoming talks protests that sometimes turned government on Tuesday in the of the prisoners pledged to with Aragones who is more violent. — AFP 6 Established 1961 Thursday, June 24, 2021 International World powers meet in Berlin to seek lasting peace in Libya Security situation has been slowly improving

BERLIN: World powers gathered yesterday in No one’s interest Berlin to seek lasting peace in Libya by ensur- The oil-rich country descended into chaos ing the conflict-wracked North African country after dictator Moamer Gadhafi was toppled and stays firmly on the path towards general elec- killed in a 2011 NATO-backed uprising, resulting tions on December 24. Representatives of in multiple forces vying for power. In recent years Libya’s interim government will join US Libya has been split between two rival adminis- Secretary of State Antony Blinken as well as trations backed by foreign forces and countless the foreign ministers of France, Turkey and militias. In October, after Turkey-backed forces of Egypt at the UN-sponsored talks. the Government of National Accord (GNA) based Russia’s Sergei Lavrov will be absent, but in Tripoli routed those of eastern military strong- deputy foreign minister Sergey Vershinin will man Khalifa Haftar, the two camps agreed a attend in his place. The efforts to end a ceasefire in Geneva. decade-long spiral of violence in Libya are The security situation in Libya has been slowly the second round held in Berlin, after the improving since. However, the UN recently warned first attended by the presidents of Turkey, that progress has stalled, notably on a key requi- Russia and France in January 2020, before site of the polls-the pullout of all foreign soldiers. the pandemic. Western leaders have repeatedly called on the for- Ahead of the talks, host German Foreign eign fighters to depart. But Russian mercenaries Minister Heiko Maas reminded participants of supporting Haftar’s side in the east of the country pledges made in 2020 for an end to interna- are still in place. tional meddling and for foreign militants or Turkey meanwhile has troops in Tripoli, which it troops to withdraw. “For the further stabilisa- argues were sent under a bilateral agreement with tion of the country, it is crucial that elections the government, implying that they are not affect- take place as planned and that foreign fighters ed by a request for foreign troops to leave. But any BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomes Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah at the and mercenaries really do leave Libya,” Maas withdrawal is also a delicate balancing act, said the Chancellory in Berlin yesterday, on the sidelines of a new round of Libya peace talks held in the German said ahead of the gathering. German foreign minister. capital. —AFP “It is our aim to support the Libyan transi- “Foreign forces must leave the country in a tional government so that it can take the fate of gradual and uniform manner, so that there won’t be the country into its own hands.” The United a sudden military imbalance that could be used by voiced cautious optimism that some progress tions. “Somebody could come up with a good idea Nations has estimated that 20,000 foreign one side for a sudden offensive,” Maas told Die could be made on Wednesday, because it was in of agreeing on a constitutional basis in July and be fighters and mercenaries are still on Libya’s Welt newspaper. no one’s interest for conflict to break out again. on course for elections in December,” he said, territory. And that presence is seen as a threat A diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, Jalel Harchaoui, Global Initiative senior fellow referring to a key requisite for the polls. “I think to the UN-backed transition leading to the stressed the sensitivity of the situation, saying and an expert on Libya, also believed the talks there’s a good chance (for elections by year’s end) elections. solutions could not be found overnight. But he also could bring tangible help on the upcoming elec- and the Berlin process could help.” —AFP

son our democracy from the inside? Or will we Senate Republicans stand up to defend what generations of Americans have organized, marched for, fought and died for: the sacred, sacred right to vote?” he asked. Ex-policeman block sweeping US Afterward, Schumer delivered a scathing rebuke to Republicans as he sought to claim a moral victo- ahead as NY voting rights measure ry. While all Democrats voted to protect voting rights, “voter suppression has become part of the WASHINGTON: US Senate Republicans on official platform of the Republican Party,” he said. votes for mayor Tuesday torpedoed a Democratic effort to protect The blocking of S1 ensures the issue remains a voting rights and expand ballot access for all political firestorm into the 2022 midterm elections NEW YORK: Former policeman Eric Adams took the Americans, a flashpoint issue months after an elec- and beyond. There was worry that Democratic early lead in a New York City primary Tuesday that tion marred by Donald Trump’s baseless allegations moderates, led by Senator Joe Manchin opposes the will all but certainly select the next mayor tasked with of fraud. Waving off broad bipartisan public support vast expanse of S1, would not support it. shaping the post-pandemic future of America’s largest for election law updates, the opposition party unit- But Manchin aligned with his party after leader- WASHINGTON: US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks metropolis. Following the first results, Adams led a ed to block the advancement of a sweeping pack- ship agreed to introduce a “commonsense compro- to members of the media after presiding over a vote on diverse group of 13 candidates vying for the job often age which would amount to the most expansive fed- mise” that he proposed. “I remain committed to a sweeping voting rights bill at the Capitol in called “the second-most difficult” in the United States eral election reform in decades. finding a bipartisan pathway forward because the Washington, DC. —AFP after that of president, although the winner is unlikely Democrats brought the “For the People Act” to future of our democracy is worth it,” Manchin said partisan plan to tilt every election in America per- to be known for several weeks. the floor as a test vote, in reaction to controversial in a statement. manently in their favor,” said top Senate Republican Tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang, a moderate efforts by Republicans to enact strict new voting Manchin’s compromise maintains most of the Mitch McConnell. who ran for president last year and who was once a laws in dozens of states. Critics have widely sav- Democratic bill’s provisions, but allows a key con- “It’s a recipe for undermining confidence in our frontrunner in the New York mayoral race, conced- aged those measures, which include restricting cession-voter identification requirements-in a bid elections, remaking our entire system of govern- ed defeat shortly after polls closed at 9:00 pm mail-in ballots, criminalizing the delivery of water to to win over Republicans. Democrats have accused ment to suit the preferences of one far end of the (0200 GMT Wednesday) with early returns putting people waiting to vote, and limiting early Sunday Republicans of caving to Trump’s pressure about political spectrum.” With the voting rights bill now him far behind. voting hours as a way to deny Black churches’ mail-in voting and other expansive voting rules, and blocked, Democrats face pressure to abolish the fili- “I am not going to be mayor of New York City “souls to the polls” events. targeting the ways that younger, poorer, non-white buster, the Senate procedure that allows the minori- based on the numbers that have come in tonight,” The Democrats’ historic bill, S1, is aimed at and typically Democratic voters access the ballot. ty to block legislation unless it earns support from Yang, 46, told supporters. Voters headed to polls with ensuring Americans can vote by mail, plus have 60 of the chamber’s 100 members. COVID-19 still casting a long shadow over the Big full access to early voting and use of ballot drop ‘Under assault’ President Joe Biden, a 36-year veteran of the Apple, the epicenter of America’s early outbreak, and boxes. A version of the bill, which also reforms The White House had acknowledged the vote Senate, has expressed opposition to getting rid of which has lost 33,000 people to the virus. campaign finance laws and attempts to thwart would fail, but nevertheless issued a statement of the filibuster outright. But several lawmakers in his But the city is now coming back to life-virtually all gerrymandering, or the partisan redrawing of support, as it highlighted how Americans’ right to party believe such a move is the only way to ensure coronavirus restrictions have been lifted, and 66 per- district lines, passed the House of vote “is under assault” thanks to moves by voting protections and get other elements of his cent of adults have received at least one vaccine dose. Representatives in March. Republican state legislatures. “In state after state, ambitious progressive agenda into law. A crowded field of progressives and moderates face But the text failed on a strictly party line 50-50 new restrictive laws on voting, and efforts to The White House conceded Monday that defeat off in a race made all the more uncertain by a new vote in the Senate, where support from 60 senators replace non-partisan election administration with of S1 would likely “prompt a new conversation ranked-choice system of voting that has clouded all was needed in order to even begin debating the partisan processes designed to overturn the will of about the path forward,” including the fate of the predictions. measure. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer the voters have become more widespread,” the filibuster. Schumer said the bill’s defeat was not the The new voting system asks voters to rank up to had made a final unsuccessful appeal to his White House budget office said. finish line for voting rights action, but the starting five candidates in order of preference. Unless a candi- Republican colleagues. “Are we going to let the Republicans however remain firmly opposed to gun. “We are going to explore every last one of our date immediately garners more than 50 percent of the most dishonest president in history continue to poi- the Democratic effort. Their bill is a “transparently votes-an unlikely scenario-the candidate who came in options,” he said. “We have to.” —AFP last is eliminated, and the ballots cast for them are redistributed to voters’ second choice, and so on until a names not be used. candidate finally exceeds the 50 percent threshold. Umm Saeed said her two sons were This system may not produce a clear winner until Syria ‘fixers’ cash detained in 2012. “Whenever someone mid-July. Since New York is a Democratic stronghold, told me about a potential middleman, I the eventual winner is virtually guaranteed to win in on despair of would go to them,” said the mother, November’s mayoral election against the Republican who suffers from heart problems. She candidate. “There’s a lot at stake here,” said Columbia prisoners’ families paid a lawyer who asked for the equiv- University politics expert Lincoln Mitchell, citing alent of more than $3,000 but “did not issues ranging from the post-pandemic recovery to BEIRUT: Syrian mother Umm Saeed provide the slightest bit of information”. climate change. was so desperate to find her two jailed Another man claiming to be a Unemployment, homelessness, shootings and homi- sons she even sold the family furniture policeman was paid with a mobile cides have all surged since the novel coronavirus to pay “fixers”, but a decade of deceit phone after saying he could get her struck. Thousands of businesses have closed, tens of has left her no closer to the truth. “Had permission to visit Sednaya, a notorious thousands of wealthier residents have fled, and most they asked for my heart, I would have prison in Damascus. But when she office workers are still working from home. handed it over,” the 63-year-old mother showed up at the jail which Amnesty told AFP by phone from central Syria, International calls a “slaughter house”, Five choices using a pseudonym for fear of reprisal. she was told the pass was fake and sent The pandemic, demonstrations sparked by the mur- But “they lied to me”. away. “I sold my home furniture and my der of George Floyd in May 2020, and attacks on In war-torn Syria, where tens of daughters’ gold. I have nothing left,” Asian Americans have also highlighted the extent of DAMASCUS: File photo shows Syrian prisoners staging a protest and a thousands of people have disappeared she said. hunger strike at the central prison in Adra, in support of President Bashar Al- racial inequalities in the city of 8.5 million. New York’s into a murky web of regime jails infa- first new mayor in eight years will have to contend with Assad who is facing international pressure over a UN inquiry into the assas- mous for torture, a booming trade has ‘Black market’ sination of Lebanese former premier Rafiq Hariri. —AFP projected budget gaps of several billion dollars each in emerged for “fixers” offering to help Diana Semaan, a researcher at the next few years. families locate or save their loved ones. Amnesty, said the government’s policy They will succeed unpopular left-wing Democrat Policemen, lawyers, businessmen and of silence on the fate of detainees had earlier”, Suaad said. Two weeks later, “I barely recognised him. His weight Bill de Blasio, who has been mayor since January 2014. even lawmakers, with security and judi- created a “black market” for informa- another person rang, offering a phone had dropped from 110 (240 pounds) to “It’s time for a change,” said Esther Rombaut, 48, after cial contacts, demand steep fees to dig tion. “Families, desperate for informa- call with her brother. When the call less than 50 kilos,” she said. She has voting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on up information about a disappeared son tion, end up paying huge amounts of came, there was no audible voice on the heard nothing since. Her family has over Manhattan’s Upper East Side. or brother, allow a visit, reduce their money, sometimes their entire life sav- other end of the line; all they got for the years poured a small fortune into “It’s going to be critical for the next person to figure sentence, or obtain their release. ings, to intermediaries and ‘middlemen’ their money was static. the pockets of possible intermediaries, out what to do with fiscal policy and how to get our Some efforts are successful, while close to the Syrian government,” she The Syrian Observatory for Human selling two plots of land and a house in kids back in school,” she added. For Susan Green, a 74- more often scammers pocket the money explained. Suaad, 45, said her family in Rights says around half a million peo- Idlib to cover the costs, but to no avail. year-old interior designer, one issue topped the others. and stop answering phone calls. It’s northern Syria had paid 20 million ple have entered regime jails since the Her husband has grown increasingly “New York needs law and order, and a great deal of it,” normally families who seek out the so- pounds to various brokers over the 2011 start of Syria’s conflict, of whom reluctant to squander the family’s sav- she told AFP, before voting for Yang. Sixty-year-old- called fixers, but sometimes they years to try to find her brother since he 60,000 have died of poor detention ings. Two years ago, a lawyer asked for year-old Adams, the Brooklyn borough president, who receive cold calls persuading them to disappeared in 2013. conditions or torture. Another mother, $10,000, but her husband refused. “If is Black, put public safety at the forefront of his cam- pay up for a photo or voice recording, In April, someone contacted the 56-year-old Umm Yahya, said she had a hundred more people turned up, paign. Shortly after 11:30 pm, he led with 30.9 percent only to vanish with the money. AFP family asking for payment to release managed to visit her son just once, six even if there was just a one percent of the vote, with 89 percent of first-choice votes count- spoke to members of eight such fami- him. But after they raised the cash, “he months after he was detained in Idlib, chance of success, I would do it ed, according to New York’s election office. —AFP lies, most of whom asked that their real told us my brother had died three days northwest Syria, in 2012. again,” said Umm Yahya. —AFP Established 1961 7 Thursday, June 24, 2021 International Russia says fires warning shots at British ship in Black Sea Putin ‘concerned’ about NATO build-up near Russian borders MOSCOW: Russia yesterday said it fired warning shots at a British Navy destroyer in the Black Sea after it violated the country’s territorial waters, while the UK denied that shots had been fired. Incidents involv- ing Western aircraft or ships are not uncommon at Taleban still in control Russia’s borders, especially during heightened ten- sions with Washington, Brussels and London, but of Tajikistan border rarely result in open fire. The HMS Defender “was given a preliminary warn- crossing: Officials ing that weapons would be used if the state borders of the Russian Federation were violated. It did not react KUNDUZ: The Taleban remain in control of to the warning,” the Russian defence ministry said, as Afghanistan’s main crossing with Tajikistan, local quoted by the Interfax news agency. officials said yesterday, a day after the insurgents The defence ministry added that “a border patrol seized a vital inland transit hub and sent govern- ship fired warning shots” and a Su-24 aircraft ment forces fleeing into the neighbouring country. dropped four bombs along the destroyer’s path. It The militants have launched a sweeping offen- said that the ship then left Russian waters. But the sive across large swathes of northern Afghanistan in UK’s defence ministry swiftly denied that the inci- recent days, swallowing up a dizzying number of dent had happened at all. rural districts as US and international forces wind “No warning shots have been fired at HMS up their withdrawal from the country. Defender. The Royal Navy ship is conducting innocent Tuesday’s capture of the border hub of Shir passage through Ukrainian territorial waters in accor- Khan Bandar — along the key trade route to dance with international law,” the ministry said. After Central Asia — came as the Taleban encircled near- announcing that it had fired warning shots at the HMS by Kunduz city, sparking fears the provincial capital Defender, Russia’s defence ministry summoned was on the verge of falling. “We have reports from Britain’s military attache, Interfax reported. PORTSMOUTH: File photograph taken on June 5, 2019, shows HMS Defender prepares to take part in a sail past to our local staff that the Taleban have confiscated all According to the Russian defence ministry, the inci- honour D-Day veterans on board the Royal British Legion’s ship MV Boudicca en route to Normandy, in the Solent the goods and commodities in the port, and they dent took place off the coast of Cape Fiolent on off the coast of southern England. —AFP have destroyed the customs office,” said Massoud Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, Wahdat, a spokesman for the Kunduz chamber of also claiming the peninsula’s coastal waters. The Royal commerce and industries. Navy said earlier in June that the HMS Defender had protests from Russia. At the height of tensions over Moscow claimed full control of the waterway after A Taleban spokesperson denied that the group’s “peeled away” from its strike group conducting Ukraine this spring after Russia built up troops on its annexing Crimea. “By international law, of course, forces had ransacked the facilities. “We are working NATO operations in the Mediterranean to carry out border and in Crimea, Moscow stepped up military the waters off Crimea are not Russian, as the annex- to get the port operational again,” said Taleban “her own set of missions” in the Black Sea. exercises in the Black Sea and Washington warned it ation is not recognised,” Mark Galeotti, a professor spokesman Zabiuhullah Mujahid. Tajikistan’s nation- would send two warships. of Russian studies at University College London, al security committee confirmed Monday that more Russia’s NATO ‘concerns’ Those ships were never dispatched, as Russia tweeted yesterday. than 100 Afghan government forces had crossed Earlier yesterday, President Vladimir Putin said pulled back its forces and the tensions eased. At the “Continuing to pass those waters — without being the border as they fled the Taleban onslaught. Russia is “concerned” about the NATO build-up time, Russia also threatened to close parts of the Black too provocative — is a crucial way of reaffirming law “The Tajik border guards, guided by the near Russian borders. Addressing an international Sea, which would have affected access to Ukrainian over land and sea grab.” The most serious recent ten- principles of humanism and good neighbourli- security conference in Moscow, Putin said the ports in the Sea of Azov that is connected to the Black sions over the waters were in November 2018, when ness, allowed the Afghan military who broke alliance “refuses to constructively consider our pro- Sea through the Kerch Strait on the eastern tip of Russian forces boarded and took control of the ships through the state border to freely enter the ter- posals to de-escalate tensions and reduce the risk of Crimea. as they headed through the Kerch Strait. ritory of Tajikistan,” said the committee, adding unpredictable incidents”. Ukraine had been free to navigate the Kerch Russia captured 24 Ukrainian sailors as part of the that four Afghan soldiers were injured and one The US periodically sends warships to the region Strait — of crucial importance to Kiev for exporting seizure, returning them to Ukraine as part of a prison- had been killed. —AFP in a show of support for Ukraine, often drawing grain and steel — along with Russia until 2014, when er swap in September 2019. —AFP

their families have been brought to Britain. More Afghan translators than 3,000 Afghans are expected to be resettled Three killed in under the accelerated plans, the government said. Home Secretary Priti Patel has said the govern- fleeing the Taleban ment has a “moral obligation” to relocate staff and bomb targeting to “recognise the risks they faced in the fight land in Britain against terrorism and reward their efforts”. Retired police in Lahore Colonel Simon Diggins, the former British attache LONDON: Afghan translators who worked with in Kabul and now a campaigner for the Sulha LAHORE: A bomb killed three people in Pakistan’s the British military and fear reprisal attacks from Alliance, said the translators would receive four eastern megacity Lahore yesterday, in an attack the Taleban have arrived in the UK as part of a months of support after which he said, “the real officials believe targeted police and security relocation scheme, campaigners said yesterday. struggle begins”. forces. The blast happened outside a house near a The Sulha Alliance for Afghan interpreters told Afghan translators and other local staff who checkpoint in an affluent neighbourhood, the AFP the first group of around 30 translators and worked with Britain and other NATO members province’s police chief Inam Ghani said. their families landed in Birmingham, central such as the United States, Germany and France “Our assessment is that the most obvious tar- LAHORE: Security officials inspect the site of an explo- England, on Tuesday evening, adding they have clamoured to be relocated for fear of Taleban get was the police and security forces,” he said, sion that killed at least three people and wounded expected the arrivals would go into Covid quar- reprisals. In the two decades since the US-led adding that the blast was being treated as a ter- several others in Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore yesterday. —AFP antine for 14 days. invasion, dozens of Afghan translators have been rorist incident. He said it was unclear whether a The government declined to comment on the killed or tortured in targeted assaults by the radi- vehicle was packed with explosives that were reports about the departure of the flight over con- cal Islamist group. remotely detonated or if a suicide bomber was Footage aired by private TV channels showed cerns about the safety of the relocating Afghan Even more have been injured in attacks on for- behind the blast. mangled vehicles and rescue workers sifting translators and their families. At the end of May, eign troops during patrols in armoured vehicles. A spokesman for Lahore police said three peo- through broken windows and shattered walls of Britain announced it would accelerate plans for the Campaigners have criticised what they say are ple were killed and 14 wounded. Police chief the building. Blasts in Pakistan’s major cities have relocation of Afghan staff who worked with the confusing relocation schemes by NATO members, Ghulam Mehmood Dogar earlier said that officers become increasingly rare in recent years follow- military and their families ahead of a planned with- which they claim have allowed many translators to were investigating “from every angle” after ing a massive crackdown on militant groups in drawal of US-led NATO forces. fall through the gaps and will struggle to evacuate acknowledging that the house of Hafiz Saeed, the urban areas along with a string of military offen- Under a relocation scheme for former and cur- all necessary staff before the western alliance’s jailed head of banned militant organisation sives targeting jihadist strongholds along the rent Afghan staff, more than 1,300 workers and withdrawal. —AFP Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), is located in the area. Afghan border. —AFP Thai authorities warn against planned protest BANGKOK: Thai authorities warned demonstrators against gathering to mark the anniversary of the Siamese Revolution yesterday, citing the king- dom’s soaring COVID-19 infections. Key pro-democracy groups have announced plans for demonstrations across Bangkok today to commemorate the 89th anniversary of the Siamese Revolution, an uprising that trans- formed Thailand from absolutism to a constitutional monarchy. Mass protests against the govern- SONGKHLA: In this handout photo from the Royal Thai Army taken and released on June ment of Prime Minister Prayut Chan- 22, 2021, COVID-19 patients of a local hospital are transferred by a military truck to be O-Cha shook Bangkok in the second accommodated in a field hospital for coronavirus treatment facility in Songkhla amidst half of last year, fuelled by discontent Thailand’s third wave of infections. —AFP at the former military chief who came to power via a 2014 coup, but tailed The protest venues announced by Thailand’s tough royal defamation laws. off as COVID-19 cases rose. The king- the groups include key city round- Many of them were released on bail dom is now in the throes of its third abouts and public spaces-including the under conditions that include not wave of the virus, registering high dai- Democracy Monument and the down- protesting, but they are expected to be ly numbers of infections and deaths, town skywalk at a popular shopping leading Thursday’s marches. “Come out which has seen authorities clamp down district. There are also demonstrations tomorrow to show our fight is not on gatherings. planned across the country, from the over,” tweeted prominent student “The police is ready to take care of tourist city of Chiang Mai in the north leader Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, the security for protests tomorrow... to the southern province of Nakhon Si who was released on bail in May. Police will focus on maintaining peace Thammarat. “We will continue fighting.” At the and order and follow the disease con- The pro-democracy movement sent peak of the movement last year, the trol regulation,” Bangkok metropolitan shockwaves through Thailand’s estab- protests drew tens of thousands of police commissioner Pakapong lishment, particularly their most contro- demonstrators calling for an overhaul to Pongpetra said. “Anyone who violates versial demand-a call to reform the Prayut’s administration, but momentum the laws during protests will have legal kingdom’s unassailable monarchy. Some has slowed in 2021 because of an uptick actions taken against them,” he said, 150 people have been charged since in COVID cases. The kingdom has adding authorities “will not use force if the movement started, with key leaders recorded more than 228,500 total cases it’s not necessary”. hit with multiple counts under of COVID-19 and 1,744 deaths. —AFP Established 1961

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021 Business US lawmakers take first step toward Big Tech regulation Largest tech firms additionally would be prohibited from acquiring competitors WASHINGTON: US lawmakers take a first step breaking up Big Tech-to head the Federal Trade toward regulating Big Tech yesterday with a vote Commission, an agency charged with antitrust on a series of bills with potentially massive implica- enforcement. tions for large online platforms and consumers who The package has some support from use them. The House Judiciary Committee sched- Republicans in addition to the Democratic leader- uled a “markup” on a series of antitrust reform bills, ship, signaling likely passage in the full House. The setting the stage for consideration by the full House fate in the Senate is less clear. Analyst Daniel Ives at of Representatives in the coming weeks. Wedbush Securities said chances of passage of a The five bills, if enacted, could pave the way for a major antitrust overhaul are slim in the current reorganization or breakup of giants such as Google, political situation, and that any enforcement action Facebook, Apple and Amazon while shaking up the would be limited in the absence of new legislation. entire internet ecosystem. The measures would bar As a result, share prices of the major tech firms have tech giants from operating a platform for third par- seen little movement. ties while offering competing services on those “We believe this antitrust momentum hits a brick platforms. Lawmakers also seek to ban tech firms wall and for now is more a headline risk that from prioritizing their own products or services. investors are taking in stride.” The largest tech firms additionally would be prohib- ited from acquiring competitors. ‘Negative effects’ The creation of requirements allowing for data Critics of the bills say it could degrade services “portability” and “interoperability,” which could people rely on, potentially forcing Apple to remove make it easier for people to quit Facebook, for its messaging apps from the iPhone or Google to example, while keeping their data and contacts, is stop displaying results from YouTube or Maps. also part of the package. House Judiciary chairman Amazon vice president Brian Huseman warned of Jerrold Nadler said the measures “pave the way for “significant negative effects” both for sellers and a stronger economy and a stronger democracy for consumers using the e-commerce platform and the American people by reining in the power of the reduced price competition. LONDON: File photo taken on December 18, 2020, an illustration picture taken in London shows the logos of Google, most dominant firms online.” The measures may also impact Microsoft, which Apple, Facebook, Amazon and Microsoft displayed on a mobile phone and a laptop screen. US lawmakers take a first Fiona Scott Morton, a Yale University professor has not been the focus of the House antitrust inves- step toward regulating Big Tech yesterday with a vote on a series of bills with potentially massive implications for and former US official who has written extensively tigation but which links services such as Teams large online platforms and consumers who use them. —AFP on Big Tech, said the legislation stems from the fail- messaging and Bing search to its Windows platform. ure of antitrust enforcement to make a dent in the The legislation “absolutely applies to Microsoft dominance of major technology firms. “This is regu- and many other companies,” Microsoft president includes many large tech firms, said the legislation and Innovation Foundation, a think tank which often lation, it’s not antitrust anymore,” Morton said. Brad Smith told Bloomberg in comments confirmed would set a bad precedent by targeting a handful reflects the views of the sector, said the legislation by AFP, adding that “there will be days when there of tech companies. “These bills unreasonably tar- stems from a mentality that “big is bad and large Hitting a wall? are restrictions that we think go too far that under- get leading US tech companies that have companies are to blame” but fails to consider unin- The package comes amid signs of a more mine innovation, that basically undermine our ability improved users’ experience with innovation, effi- tended consequences. aggressive posture by Washington against domi- to serve customers.” ciency, and low-cost or free-to-the-user servic- By targeting firms of a specific size or market nant tech firms, including President Joe Biden’s Matt Schruers, president of the Computer & es,” Schruers said. value, Portuese said, “it regulates the gatekeepers nomination of Lina Khan-a prominent advocate of Communications Industry Association, which Aurelien Portuese of the Information Technology but not competition,” he said. —AFP Stocks extend Eurozone economy gains as traders booms at fastest eye loose policies rate in 15 years HONG KONG: Asian markets rose yesterday to extend a global rally, as fresh pledges on mone- BRUSSELS: Business activity in the eurozone tary policy by the Federal Reserve reassured jumped at its fastest rate in 15 years this investors who had been rattled last week by the month, a closely watched survey said yester- bank’s forecasts of an earlier-than-flagged hike in day, as a reopened economy unleashed pent- interest rates. up demand in Europe. Economic data group Wall Street tanked Friday and Asia followed suit IHS Markit said the “impressive progress” of Monday as traders contemplated a rate lift-off pos- vaccinations was jumpstarting the single-cur- sibly next year as officials try to prevent overheating rency area, fuelled by eased restrictions that and soaring inflation caused by the world’s top are at their lowest since September. economy thundering out of the collapse of 2020. This “brightening prospect of life increas- Fears about the end of ultra-loose policies put in ingly returning to normal has... pushed confi- place at the height of the pandemic have haunted dence to an all-time high, fuelled greater trading floors for months, knocking a more than spending and encouraged hiring,” said Chris year-long equity rally off stride. But observers said Williamson, chief economist at IHS Markit. that repeated Fed promises to maintain the meas- Accordingly, the firm’s PMI index-which ures until unemployment is tamed and inflation is shows the earliest trends in the manufactur- running consistently hot appear to be sinking in. SEOUL: Currency dealers monitor exchange rates in front of screens showing South Korea’s benchmark ing and service sectors-said activity leapt On Wednesday, Fed chief Jerome Powell took his stock index (top R) and the Korean won/CNH exchange rate (top L) in a trading room at KEB Hana Bank in turn to reassure. “A pretty substantial part, or per- from 57.1 in May to a booming 59.2 in June, Seoul. —AFP haps all of the overshoot in inflation comes from far above the 50-point level that indicates categories that are directly affected by the re-open- growth. The data set the scene for major ing of the economy such as used cars and trucks,” while Tokyo was flat. London, Paris and Frankfurt below $29,000 for the first time since January. The growth in the second and third quarters, he told lawmakers. closing the chapter on a double-dip reces- dipped in morning trade. unit has taken a hit this week by fresh moves to “Those are things that we would look to stop crack down on cryptocurrencies by China, while sion that came with the second wave lock- going up and ultimately to start to decline.” He said Fresh buying opportunity analysts warn it could well drop back to $20,000 downs of last autumn and winter, the firm the price spikes had been bigger than expected and The Fed’s acknowledgement of higher inflation — having only hit a record near $65,000 in April. said. IHS Markit said the explosive growth could last longer than initially thought, but added: and the fact it has brought forward its rate hike “Bitcoin’s continued sell-off has contributed to a was creating its own spillover effects, with “We will not raise interest rates preemptively forecasts are “a reflection of more positive longer- negative outlook by traders driven by bearish news supply chains under pressure and prices because we think employment is too high, because term dynamics”, said BlackRock Investment Institute out of China,” said Nick Mancini, a crypto analyst at reflecting the sharp increase in demand. we feared the possible onset of inflation.” strategists led by Jean Boivin. Trade The Chain. “The mood among traders is now “The strength of the upturn-both within “We will wait for actual evidence of actual infla- “We believe the Fed’s new outlook will not trans- continuing to sour.” Europe and globally-means firms are struggling tion or other imbalances.” Earlier in the day, New late into significantly higher policy rates any time Oil prices extended gains to sit around multi-year to meet demand, suffering shortages of both York Fed boss John Williams said talk on rate hikes soon. This, combined with the powerful restart, highs on increasing optimism over demand as the raw materials and staff,” Williamson said. Jack remained “way off in the future”. All three main underpins our pro-risk stance.” Meanwhile, others world economy reopens and governments talk about Allen-Reynolds, chief European economist at indexes on Wall Street ended with healthy gains for say the recent selling could provide an opportunity easing quarantine measures, allowing easier over- Capital Economics pointed to the demand for a second straight day with the Nasdaq at a record, for markets to take another leg up to fresh highs, seas travel. labour that “has shot up as large parts of the and Asia took up the baton. with Natixis analyst Jack Janasiewicz calling it Analysts said the lack of progress on the Iran economy have opened at once, and this was Hong Kong led the way rising 1.8 percent, “bewildering”, adding: “This caused a nice quick nuclear deal was also providing support as it puts never going to be an easy process.” while Taipei also piled on more than one percent. flush out of some weak hands riding the reflation off the return of supplies to the global market from The surge in inflation meanwhile will add There were also advances in Shanghai, trade and likely reset positioning to a better place.” the major producer. Traders are now looking ahead to some of the pressure on the European Singapore, Seoul, Wellington, Manila and Bitcoin extended a rebound yesterday, sitting to the next output meeting of OPEC and other key Central Bank to tighten the cheap money taps Bangkok, though Sydney, Mumbai and Jakarta fell above $34,000 after a volatile day that saw it fall producers. —AFP that are aimed at spurring spending and investment. ECB chief Christine Lagarde on below April’s downwardly revised rate and also low- arrival of vaccines against the virus has chilled June 10 said it was “too early” to consider US new home sales er than analysts had forecast. The median sales price demand, pointing to the uptick in supply of new winding down pandemic support, even as the of new properties climbed to $374,400, even as properties. “The brief, albeit frenetic, boom phase of economic recovery gathers steam and infla- supply increased so that, if no more houses came the housing recovery is over,” he said. tion surges. “The problem with these surveys drop for second onto the market, the stock would sell in 5.1 months at Sales trends were uneven across the country, ris- is that they measure the number of business- the current pace. ing 33.3 percent in the Northeast but plunging 14.5 es that indicate higher prices, not the extent straight month “Sales look set to fall further, with a decent percent in the South. The West saw growth of 6.7 of it,” said Bert Colijn, senior economist at chance they’ll soon be back below the pre-COVID percent, while sales in the Midwest were flat. ING. “In this reopening phase, that might WASHINGTON: US new home sales fell for the sec- trend,” said Ian Shepherdson of Pantheon Mahir Rasheed of Oxford Economics said the overstate expectations of the pace of infla- ond straight month in May while the median sales Macroeconomics. Real estate demand soared during elevated prices have kept consumers out of the mar- tion,” he said. Capital Economics also down- price hit a new record high, government data said the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic as those who ket, and predicted they’d soon come down. “Sky- played the impact of inflation, which “will yesterday, reinforcing the case that the housing mar- could afford it sought out new properties, and the high lumber prices have contributed to the recent drop back well below” the ECB’s near two ket is slowing. pace in May was 9.2 percent higher than the same spike in new home prices, although some relief may percent target next year, it predicted. —AFP The Commerce Department said new home sales month in 2020. be on the horizon given the plunge in lumber prices were at 769,000 annualized last month, 5.9 percent However Shepherdson said the data indicate the since mid-May,” he said in an analysis. —AFP 9 Business Thursday, June 24, 2021 Italy PM promises reform as EU green lights virus funds Italy’s central bank has forecast growth of nearly five percent this year ROME: Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said “We were always aware of the fact that it will Tuesday he would proceed with reforms at need a combination of reforms and investment to “maximum speed” after the European Union boost the economy when we get out of the (coro- gave the green light to billions of euros in post- navirus) crisis, to really leapfrog forward to mod- pandemic recovery funds. Italy was one of the ernising and reviving our economy,” Von der European countries hardest hit by coronavirus Leyen said. The first instalment of Italy’s EU and will receive the biggest share of the EU’s funds, worth almost 25 billion euros, could arrive 750-billion-euro ($900 billion) recovery plan before the end of July. agreed last year. During a visit to Rome, European Commission Eurozone’s third economy chief Ursula von der Leyen announced its support The two leaders were speaking at Rome’s leg- for Italy’s “ambitious” and “foresighted” plan to endary Cinecitta film studios, which will benefit spend 191.5 billion euros in EU grants and loans from the EU funds to the tune of more than 300 between now and 2026. At a joint press confer- million euros. Known as “Hollywood on the Tiber” ence, Draghi emphasised the need to spend the in the 1950s for hosting US blockbusters like money well, adding that key reforms linked to the “Quo Vadis” and “Ben-Hur”, it was second home investments, notably of Italy’s snail-paced justice to legendary Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini and system, would “proceed at maximum speed”. remains one of Europe’s largest studios. “The Italian government and all of us have a At 222 billion euros counting in additional funds responsibility towards the rest of the European from Italy, Draghi’s recovery plan focuses on digi- countries, towards the European citizens who talisation, support for women and young people have paid taxes to finance our national plan,” he and the transition to a greener economy. A further said. Von Der Leyen is on a tour of EU member 26 billion euros has been earmarked for specific states to launch the recovery fund, agreed after a works up until 2032, including high-speed rail. ROME: Italy’s Prime Minister, Mario Draghi poses with the Next Generation EU recovery plan, handed to him by European historic decision to pool debt. Amid concerns Italy’s economy-the third largest in the euro- Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen (L) during a joint press conference at Rome’s Cinecitta cinema studio. — AFP from some of the EU’s “frugal” northern members zone-shrank by a staggering 8.9 percent in 2020 about subsidising spending in what they see as but the central bank has forecast growth of nearly end of the year, the second highest ratio in the into question the whole European policy of com- the less fiscally virtuous south, the investment is five percent this year. However, public debt is eurozone after Greece. mon debt,” Carlo Altomonte, professor of econo- closely tied to reform. expected to reach 159.8 percent of GDP at the “If the Italian plan were to fail, it would call my at Milan’s Bocconi University, said. — AFP Google gives workers tool for remote work planning UK govt to regulate SAN FRANCISCO: Google on markets. Google, which employs some Tuesday unveiled a platform that lets 140,000 people worldwide, expects streaming giants its workers calculate pay and benefits that in the post-pandemic work model for remote work, and how this would 60 percent of its employees will meet in media shake-up change if they move to a cheaper - or in offices just a few days a week, and more expensive - city. With the com- 20 percent of its workers will be in LONDON: The British government yester- pany’s new hybrid workplace, “more new office locations. day announced plans to subject online employees are considering where The remaining 20 percent of streaming platforms to tighter regulation as they live and how they work,” a “Googlers” are expected to work part of a wider shake-up of the country’s Google spokesperson said in from home, according to the media landscape. Under the proposals, serv- response to an AFP inquiry. spokesperson. Google chief executive ices such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon The new Work Location Tool will Sundar Pichai has spoken of a need Prime Video would face the same level of show workers how their compensation for flexibility regarding remote work regulation as traditional broadcasters will be adjusted depending on their and changes of location as tech com- PARIS: File photo taken in Paris on April 29, 2018 shows the Google logo displayed on a including the BBC, ITV and Sky. location, since pay is based on costs of panies reopen campuses abandoned screen and reflected on a tablet. —AFP Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said living in places and tuned to local job during the pandemic. — AFP the review would “level the playing field between broadcasters and video-on- demand services”. Television channels in Britain must follow a broadcasting code set Sudden travel by regulator the Office of Communications (Ofcom) covering areas such as harmful content and requiring impartiality in news surge tests programmes. But online streaming platforms — with US airlines the exception of the BBC’s on-demand iPlayer service — face lighter regulation, NEW YORK: US airlines are scrambling to ramp primarily limited to protecting children and back up to meet soaring travel demand that has preventing content that incites hatred. transformed America’s airports from cavernous to Netflix and Apple TV+ are not regulated at crowded almost overnight. The surge in pent-up all in Britain. demand is exposing immediate staffing shortfalls in The reforms also aim to increase public the aviation workforce, as well as medium-term service broadcasters’ online prominence to labor challenges following an exodus of experi- ensure their programmes can be found and enced workers during the downturn. accessed easily on smart TVs and other The issues came to a head over the weekend devices. “Technology has transformed when American Airlines canceled 400 flights and broadcasting but the rules protecting view- said it would cut one percent of its flights in July to ers and helping our traditional channels better manage an “incredibly quick ramp-up of cus- NEW YORK: In this file photo taken on May 28, 2021, travelers wait in line at John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport ahead of compete are from an analogue age,” tomer demand.” While American was more aggres- Memorial day weekend in New York City. US airlines are scrambling to ramp back up to meet soaring travel demand that Dowden added. sive than rivals in adding capacity, all major carriers has transformed America’s airports from cavernous to crowded almost overnight. —AFP “The time has come to look at how we face challenges in the sudden rush, analysts said. can unleash the potential of our public serv- “They’ve had so many planes just waiting in spokesperson said. and conduct a background check, but that time- ice broadcasters while making sure viewers hangars or runways that weren’t being used... Some of the workers are needed to backfill posi- frame is being dragged out because some govern- and listeners consuming content on new for- there’s a lot of maintenance,” said Ian Gendler, tions from staff who took early retirement packages ment agencies are themselves short-staffed in some mats are served by a fair and well-function- executive director of research at Value Line. “It’s last year when carriers were looking to cut costs to cases, or slowed by social distancing requirements ing system.” not an overnight thing.” The surge in bookings and survive the pandemic. Delta is also in the midst of a still in place, said Peterson, international vice presi- the economic recovery are “fantastic things for the pilot training push aimed at more than 1,700 pilots dent at Transport Workers Union (TWU) and a cer- ‘Politically motivated’ airlines, but they have to execute,” Gendler said. who did not fly during the pandemic, Riggins said. tified mechanic for American Airlines. The government also revealed it intends Another large group of pilots who will need training Prior to COVID-19, aviation companies were to sell Channel 4, a publicly-owned but com- Training needed are pilots who flew during Covid-19 but are now struggling to recruit enough pilots, mechanics and mercially-funded television broadcaster that Activity at US airports bottomed out in April shifting to new planes, replacing some 1,800 pilots dispatchers. Now those labor problem areas draws 90 percent of its income from adver- 2020, when there were several days with fewer than who recently retired. remain, but the industry is also contending with tising. Channel 4 launched in 1982 and its 100,000 passengers nationwide, US data show. “Those pilots need to be replaced and we need competition from other sectors for roles such as remit involves supporting the UK’s inde- Volumes recovered somewhat from that nadir over to rehire, so I think you’re going to see training like baggage handlers. pendent production sector and producing a the next months, but airports remained strikingly this for the forseeable future,” Riggins said. In the “Why would you work in sweltering heat in unique and diverse range of programmes. low-trafficked until vaccinations became wide- near-term, Riggins expects the aviation industry to Dallas for say $15 an hour when you could go up The UK government said privatisation spread. Chris Riggins, a Delta pilot and a struggle to find enough staff to clean airports, cater the street at Amazon, work in an air conditioned would enable Channel 4 to diversify its rev- spokesman for the Air Line Pilots Association, took for airlines or manage concessions at airports. Fast- building and make the same amount of money?” enue sources, reach international markets note this spring when an airport garbage bin was food restaurants may only be able to serve for limit- asked Peterson. and invest in new content and technology to overflowing and people had placed trash on top. ed hours, he said. Recruitment is also getting harder for flight respond to competition from subscription- “Right now, you couldn’t tell the difference attendants following assaults and other abusive based streaming services. It pointed to ITV from summers before,” he said. As bookings have Better options? behaviors on board from customers angry over and Channel 5 as examples of successful risen, major carriers have recalled their staffs and Gary Peterson, whose union represents mechan- mask requirements and other protocols. Peterson public service broadcasters operating under unveiled recruitment drives. Delta announced this ics, flights attendants, luggage handlers and other thinks most tourists will reach their destinations private ownership. week plans to hire 1,000 new pilots by next sum- non-pilot aviation staff, said shortfalls will be exac- and expects a gradual improvement over the Critics claim the decision is politically mer, while American is “actively hiring” in several erbated by the more extensive on-boarding course of the summer. But there will be issues. motivated as politicians from Britain’s ruling groups, including reservations, airport customers requirements at secured operations like airports. It “They’re going to see problems throughout the Conservative party have accused the broad- service and maintenance, an American normally takes about 30 days to take fingerprints summer,” he predicted. — AFP caster of bias. In 2019, Channel 4’s head of news and current affairs Dorothy Byrne branded Prime Minister Boris Johnson a ESG criteria are used to measure the impact and disclose their ESG risk-related strategic objectives, “liar” and a “coward”. European regulator sustainability of companies and a growing number including any related performance indicators. He now rarely gives interviews to the of investors are requiring commitments. In its The authority called on banking regulators in EU broadcaster, although he relented at the urges banks to report, the EBA said both regulators and financial countries to look at ESG risks when they assess the recent G7 summit in Cornwall, where he was institutions need to explicitly take into considera- business models of banks, and urged them to grilled — uncomfortably — on his Brexit evaluate climate risks tion ESG risks. “The management of ESG risks by extend the time horizon for review to 10 years. The commitments. EU leaders “say you don’t institutions, in addition to the incorporation of ESG EBA carries out annual “stress tests” of European keep your word... They think you’ll rip up the risks in supervision should, in an initial stage, give banks to evaluate whether they would be able to agreements that you’ve signed,” the PARIS: The European Banking Authority called particular prominence to climate-related and withstand adverse events. yesterday upon banks to better take into account Channel4 News interviewers suggested to broader environmental risks,” said the EBA. Last month it released the results of a pilot Johnson. climate-related risks when setting their business It urged financial institutions to incorporate ESG review of the climate risks of banks, which found Johnson’s government also has the BBC in goals and strategies. The EBA, which is responsible risks when setting business strategies, and to the need for a harmonised approach and com- its sights, with questions over its compulsory for setting the rules for regulating and supervising extend the time horizon for strategic planning to 10 mon metrics to address and mitigate potential annual licence fee funding model in the face of banks in EU countries, issued a report on environ- years and test the resilience of strategies to differ- disruptive impacts upon lenders from environ- competition from streaming services. — AFP mental, social and governance (ESG) risks. ent scenarios. The EBA also urged banks to set and mental risks. —AFP 10 Established 1961 Business Thursday, June 24, 2021 Brexit proves a headache across UK business sectors For small businesses, costs are rising quickly and squeezing margins

LONDON: A lone worker kneels among the vines at Holland, the interpretation of rules are quite different the Ridgeview winery in southern England, as a so it’s quite hard to navigate.” dozen or so visitors sample the estate’s sparkling wine. Demand for British wine is up domestically ‘Existential threat’ but at the same time, Brexit has led to a shortage of For small businesses, costs are rising quickly and seasonal workers, increased costs and red tape. squeezing margins. “We’ll probably have an idea by Across the country, similar problems have dis- the end of the year of what’s short-term, what’s rupted businesses since Britain fully left the long-term,” said Roberts. On the up side, domestic European Union in January. But it is not yet clear demand has jumped given the difficulties of import- whether the issues are just teething troubles or ing foreign wine, especially online. more long-lasting. Tamara Roberts, chief executive “The hospitality industry hasn’t fully reopened. of the family run wine estate, said finding labour had We hope to see a recovery in that, we think that will never been a problem in the past. happen before the recovery in exports,” added “It’s only really been this year we have seen real Roberts. She also noted that the impact of Brexit shortages,” she told AFP. “It’s really tricky with the remains vague. pandemic and the travel restrictions to see where Much will depend on the bilateral trade agree- the pressure is coming from. “We think Brexit ments signed by Britain and other countries, such as pushed people to stay home because we haven’t those that have just been agreed with Norway or made it easy for them to come.” Australia, or the one under negotiation with the The political and economic repercussions from United States. Further north, in Boston, which had Britain’s vote five years ago to leave the European the highest number of pro-Brexit votes in 2015, Ian Union are far from over. The British wine industry Collinson’s flower growing business has reported did not take a stand at the time but is now strug- the same difficulties in finding seasonal workers for gling with the consequences. “We have time to con- times of peak demand, such as Valentine’s Day and sider our options, work with agencies” to find Mother’s Day. Brexit has been a positive in that around 20 seasonal workers, “but we don’t have a “demand is high because of the extra friction on BURGESS HILL: A worker inspects wine vats at Ridgeview Estate’s winery near Burgess Hill, southern solution,” said Roberts. imports”, he said. England. Problems have shaken the lives of many businesses across the country since the UK’s effective “We’re looking for a chef, we haven’t been able to But if the labour issue is not solved, it is “an exis- exit from the single market in early January, without it being yet possible to know whether they will be push our offer in that area as we would have hoped,” tential threat to the industry in the UK”, he added. temporary or sustainable. —AFP she added. “There is definitely a pressure to increase Collinson is considering scaling back production pay if we’re all competing for the same people.” At and ending it in certain varieties that require more had compounded existing difficulties in sourcing daily basis,” he said. the same time, “we’ve seen logistics costs tripling” manual labour, in favour of more mechanised materials for his construction company “Refurb-it- And he too is struggling with labour shortages. “I because the red tape for exporting product and blooms such as lilies. all” because of high demand. “Cement, timber... lost about seven guys,” out of a staff of around 20, importing machines and bottles has become so com- materials that are coming across from the continent, he said. Yet demand, particularly from individual plicated that Ridgeview now goes through middle- No timber these have got delay times, the supply chain is unre- homeowners who have saved money during the cri- men, she added. “Whether it’s Germany or France or In London, Sanjay Nairi, complained that Brexit liable, materials prices are going up practically on a sis and want to renovate their homes, is high. —AFP

Argentina resumes Argentina strikes beef exports deal with creditor BUENOS AIRES: Argentina’s government on Tuesday announced the progressive resumption of beef exports suspended a month ago in a bid to moderate skyrocket- countries ing prices at home. Exports were authorized up to a max- BUENOS AIRES: Argentina said Tuesday it had imum of 50 percent of 2020’s average monthly volumes, reached an agreement with the Paris Club of creditor government ministers told reporters in Buenos Aires. countries to avoid defaulting on a loan repayment in The country is the world’s fourth-largest beef July, unlocking temporary relief of some $2 billion. exporter as well as one of its biggest consumers per “We have reached an understanding with the Paris capita, and revenues from the sector are vital to the BUENOS AIRES: File photo taken on May 20, 2021 show Club” to avoid defaulting on July 31, when a grace country’s economy. It exported some 819,000 tons of pieces of meat are seen at the butcher’s shop of the period was to expire for the repayment of a final beef and cow leather worth $3.37 billion in 2020 — a Don Julio restaurant in Palermo neighbourhood, Buenos tranche of debt of about $2.4 billion, Economy LuLu Hypermarket 16.5-percent drop from 2019 — primarily to China, Aires. Argentina announced the progressive resumption Minister Martin Guzman told reporters. Germany and Israel, according to the INDEC statistics of beef exports suspended a month ago in a bid to Instead of $2.4 billion, Argentina will repay $430 institute. “The 50 percent quota will remain in place until launches ‘Let’s moderate skyrocketing prices at home. —AFP million in the short term, followed by the rest later. August 31 and depending on the results, we will consider The $2.4 billion was the last repayment on debt how to adapt it,” said Minister of Productive renegotiated with the Paris Club in 2014. Paying the Connect 2021’ Development Matias Kulfas. The quota excludes exports Fernandez insisted Argentina could not accept the amount, said Guzman, “would have been a blow to under an agreement with the European Union on hor- recent rise in meat prices in a country already reeling international reserves, (and) would have generated KUWAIT: Regional retail heavy weight LuLu mone-free beef. from three years of recession and the adverse eco- more exchange rate instability and more macroeco- Hypermarket has launched ‘Let’s Connect 2021’, an inno- The government is also prohibiting the export of sev- nomic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. nomic instability.” vative promotion intended to bridge distances and con- en beef cuts popular with domestic consumers, including The price rises contributed to Argentine inflation, A default, on the other hand, would have similarly nect people during the ongoing health crisis. The promo- the family staple “asado,” until December 31. “The already among the highest in the world, reaching 17.6 been a hard blow to the economy. The new repayment tion aims to help people overcome the communication absolute priority is that there is no shortage of meat on percent in the first quarter of 2021, according to INDEC. dates have not been defined, Guzman added, but the limitations caused by the crisis, which has separated fami- the Argentinian table. We think this will help to stabilize Cattle farmers announced a two-week halt on domestic first would likely be by July 31 and the second in 2022. lies from their loved ones back home, kept people away prices,” Kulfas said of the measures. beef sales in response to the government’s move. Argentina will continue negotiations for repay- from work and students from school, as well as disrupted In mid-May, President Alberto Fernandez’s govern- The protest did not harm domestic availability, ment of some $44 billion borrowed from the social engagements both offline and online. ment announced a one-month suspension on foreign with butcheries and markets having stocked up and International Monetary Fund by the previous gov- To promote connections during the crisis, the Let’s meat sales to “get the sector in order, restrict speculative consumption dropping due to a sharp price increase- ernment in 2018. “Our goal is to have a good agree- Connect festival, which runs from 23 June to 3 July in all practices and avoid tax evasion in foreign trade.” Poverty some 76.2 percent year-on-year in May. According to ment, the sooner the better, but the priority is that it outlets of the hypermarket in Kuwait, is offering aston- affects 42 percent of Argentines, and Fernandez sought to Argentina’s chamber of industry and commerce, the be good,” said Guzman. —AFP ishing deals on a wide range of communication tools reduce the cost of living by implementing price controls. industry employs some 100,000 people. —AFP such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and other IT accessories. Special prices during the ‘Let’s Connect 2021’ pro- ments to weather this crisis, with priority given to medical motion are available on all leading electronics brands at NBK named Best supplies and foodstuff. the hypermarket, including on smartphones and acces- The bank also continued to lead major syndicated sories from Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, Toshiba, Xiaomi, financings and provide banking facilities for mega projects Huawei, Vivo and Oppo, as well as on accessories from Trade Finance Bank in a number of sectors, including the oil sector, the latest brands such Anker, Aukey, Belkin, Kioxia, Sandisk, of which was the syndicated facilities arranged for Kuwait Trands, Xcell and others. Petroleum Corporation (KPC) amounting KD 1 billion. In Besides direct sales at all LuLu Hypermarket branch- in Kuwait for 2021 addition, the bank fully employed its global platform and es, the promotion is also available online to help shop- KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) was named widespread network to help its customers ensure their pers who cannot readily access the retail stores due to transactions are made, despite working remotely,and the lack of time or other precautionary constraints. “Best Trade Finance Bank in Kuwait for 2021” in the annu- al survey of Global Trade Review (GTR) magazine special- disruptions in global supply chains resulting from the pan- Both offline and online shoppers can also avail several demic. GTR is a reputable global trade finance magazine modes and terms of payment from Gulf Bank and other ized in global emerging markets and trade, commodity that publishes reports and analyses on trade export, com- leading banks in the country. In addition, another high- finance and transaction banking. modity and supply chain finance, as well as trade credit light of the Let’s Connect promotion is the special install- GTR’s selection of NBK as one of the leading banks in insurance, treasury and fintechmarkets. Each year GTR ment scheme offered by LuLu Hypermarket that allows the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in the recognises the market’s pioneering institutions and top customers to make purchases on easy repayment terms. area of trade finance, was based on surveys of customers performers from around the world in the GTR Leaders in Let’s Connect 2021 underlines LuLu Hypermarket’s and market-specialized institutions worldwide. The GTR firm belief that communication between people, whether Leaders in Trade awards highlight excellence in the trade, Trade Awards and GTR Best Deals Awards. offline or online, is the foundation that helps build strong commodity, supply chain and export finance, and fintech It is worth mentioning that NBK was also named Best social relations among families, friends, and relatives. In markets. Trade Finance Provider in Kuwait for 2021 in the annual this regard, the promotion offers shoppers the ability to It is worth mentioned that, despite the challenges survey of the reputable international finance magazine avail of a wide variety of high-quality communication imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic on global trade, Global Finance. The rankings are based on input from equipment at very competitive prices. NBK contributed to mitigating its impacts by continuing industry analysts, corporate executives and technology to provide trade finance services to various customer seg- experts worldwide.

includes leading designers and global artists such as your inspiration flow’ and bring forward their best HUAWEI Themes launches Song Xiewei, Klaus Hesse, and Takashi Akiyama. work for the world to appreciate and enjoy.” Winners of the Next Design Awards 2021 will be In the contest’s 2020 edition, the Next Design the 2021 edition of ‘Next eligible for a total pool of $200,000 across the cate- Awards attracted over 41,000 entries from 90 coun- gories of Grand Prize, Stars of Tomorrow, tries, and over 100 designers were certified by Design Awards’ in ME International Artists, and Amazing Animators. The HUAWEI Themes. The prestige earned from winning winner of the Grand Prize will be awarded $20,000, the competition resulted in substantial commercial DUBAI: HUAWEI Themes, a leading pre-installed , which includes $10,000 in cash and $10,000 in success for a number of themes designers in the customisable design application on Huawei devices, grants, as well as a HUAWEI Mate 40 smartphone, region. has announced the 2021 version of ‘Next Design and the latest HUAWEI Watch 3. Winners will addi- HUAWEI Themes is available in over 170 countries Awards’, to discover and celebrate the highest quality tionally be designated as HUAWEI Themes-certified and regions, it features a global user base of 600 mil- design work in the Middle East and Africa region. designers, and thus eligible to earn revenue from lion users, and 120 million monthly active users. Through this contest, Huawei aims to push the HUAWEI Themes. HUAWEI Themes has helped build a vibrant commu- boundaries of design in the world by offering creators Adam Xiao, Managing Director of Huawei Mobile nity of over 10,000 creators. the opportunity to produce digital aesthetics under Services in the Middle East and Africa, Huawei Participants will be able to sign up for the Next the 2021 theme ‘Let your inspiration flow’. Consumer Business Group, said, “We are thrilled to Design Awards through their HUAWEI ID, with both The 2021 edition of Next Design Awards wel- kick start the 2021 edition of the Next Design pictures and videos. Pictures submissions must be comes designers to submit work across seven cate- Awards by HUAWEI Themes. Last year’s edition saw higher than or equal to 3,000 pixels, and under 20MB gories including Phone Themes, Watch Faces, Cities in over 500competitors from the MEA region alone, in size, while videos submissions must be in MP4 or Bloom, Foldable Screen Themes, Enjoy the Moment, which shows the calibre of design-centric and cre- GIF format, editable, and under 20MB in size. Original IP, and Wallpapers. The judging panel ative minds. We invite our 2021 participants to ‘Let Participants can submit up to 30 entries each. Established 1961 11 Lifestyle Features Thursday, June 24, 2021

China’s herd A herd of elephants which has wan- Nature bites dered off its reserve in Yunnan province in China has made headlines around the world, with 3,500 people in their path back: Animals evacuated from their homes and hun- dreds of trucks deployed to keep them away from densely populated areas. State broadcaster CCTV is carrying a 24- push human hour live feed of the migration which panda at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo gave began late last year and which has so far birth to twins yesterday, weeks after cost farmers more than a million dollars in Anews of Shin Shin’s pregnancy sent boundaries damage to crops. stocks in nearby restaurants soaring. They were born in the early hours of yesterday, Elephant in the room the zoo said in a statement, adding that it he pandemic and climate change is An elephant stuck his head through had not yet confirmed the sex of the pair. testing as never before the delicate Kittichai Boodchan’s kitchen wall in west- Zoo director Yutaka Fukuda said the twin Tbalance of human co-habitation with ern Thailand on Sunday night to nose birth was a first for the Ueno facility. “When the natural world. As an Australian prison through his larder for a midnight snack. I heard the news that the second baby is evacuated after it was overrun by the Kittichai lives near a national park and this was born, I couldn’t help but whoop,” he plague of mice ravaging the east of the was not the first such visit. Last month the told reporters. country, we look at some of the most elephant knocked a hole through the wall, One of the cubs, weighing in at 124 spectacular recent examples. creating an opening reminiscent of a gm, was placed in an incubator, zoo drive-through restaurant window. spokesperson Naoya Ohashi said in a Australia mice plague press conference later. The mother panda Battling a massive plague of mice after Tough teen “is in good health, and carefully looking the end of a three-year drought, eastern A California teenager became a social after” the other baby, he added. When Australia is seeing crops destroyed, grain media sensation when a video of her pandas have twins, they usually only raise silos and barns infested and homes shoving a large bear off her suburban gar- one, “so we will be making sure the moth- invaded by the rodent that was first intro- den wall to protect her dogs went viral er panda will breastfeed one while we duced to the country by European colo- earlier this month. “The first thing I think to keep the other in the incubator,” Ohashi nialists. Skin-crawling videos of writhing do is push the bear. And somehow it said. Ueno Zoological Gardens staff Naoya Ohashi shows an image of giant panda Shin Shin rodent masses have been shared around worked,” said the 17-year-old, whose Zookeepers will be swapping the giving birth to the first of her twin cubs at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo yesterday. — AFP the world along with reports of patients shove sent the bear falling off the low wall babies so that both cubs experience natu- bitten in hospital, destroyed machinery and retreating with her cubs. ral feeding, he added. Mother Shin Shin pair are also parents of a female panda, The International Union for and swarms running across roads en sparked a rally in stocks of eateries near Xiang Xiang, who was born in June 2017 Conservation of Nature classifies giant masse. Conservation controversy the zoo earlier this month when her sus- and became a massive draw for the zoo. pandas as “vulnerable”. The black and In the latest twist on Tuesday, mice But there was a grim end to another pected pregnancy was announced, with She was scheduled to be repatriated to white mammals are immensely popular forced the evacuation of hundreds of ursine encounter in Slovakia last week investors anticipating a visitor boom to the China two years after her birth, but around the world and China loans them inmates from a jail after they gnawed when a brown bear killed a 57-year old area after the delivery. Japanese officials negotiated to extend out as part of a “panda diplomacy” pro- through ceiling panels and wiring. Experts man outside Bratislava. The death Shares in one Chinese restaurant near- her stay until the end of this year. gram to foster foreign ties. The bears are warn that climate change could make sparked fury from hunters who claim that by spiked nearly 30 percent on the preg- Japanese media have been offering notoriously bad at reproducing, but in early such chronic infestations more regular. bear numbers have become too high nancy and was up around 6.4 percent in regular updates on the Ueno pandas, June, a panda in Malaysia gave birth to its Indeed the Gippsland region in the south- because of a ban on hunting to save the early trade yesterday. And even the gov- which in non-pandemic times draw huge third cub during its stay there. And a new- east of the country has been covered in a species. The outcry echoes similar ernment weighed in, with spokesperson crowds of domestic and foreign tourists. born in Washington DC has enthralled sea of spider webs after an invasion of debates in other countries over bear con- Katsunobu Kato calling the birth of the There are an estimated 1,800 giant pan- Americans since its birth in August 2020, sheet web spiders fleeing flooding in early servation. cubs “cheerful news” and inviting “all of das left in the wild, mainly in bamboo with over a million people tuning in on a June. Japan to watch over them”. forests in the mountains of China, accord- “Panda Cam” to watch Xiao Qi Ji - Little Wolves divide Zookeepers had been on alert for a ing to environmental group WWF. Around Miracle. — AFP The protection of wolves is equally divi- possible pregnancy after Shin Shin and 600 more live in zoos and breeding cen- sive, with an outcry in the US in March partner Ri Ri mated in early March. The ters around the world. after licensed hunters in Wisconsin killed 216 wolves in 60 hours - a fifth of the state’s entire population. Donald Trump lifted federal protection for wolves, expos- ing them to trophy hunting in several states. A similarly heated debate is raging in France where the wolves have flour- ished since 1992, after being previously hunted to extinction. While their numbers are only a fraction of those found in Italy, Spain, Romania or Poland, farmers baulk raphic novelist Chris Ware was A large black bear is behind a series of car awarded one of the industry’s top outh African opera star Pretty Yende break-ins in New Hampshire, US police at the ban on killing the predator across on Tuesday accused French cus- most of the EU. Gprizes yesterday, the Grand Prix of said, after it was caught red-pawed on Angouleme, for his work documenting the Stoms agents of treating her with home security cameras clambering into a quiet dramas of suburban American life. “outrageous racial discrimination” at Paris’ pick-up truck. Gatecrashing boars Charles de Gaulle airport, a claim strongly Wild boars also raise hackles across The uncontested king of the genre in the Chris Ware contested by police and airport sources. most of continental Europe, damaging US, the 53-year-old was all but guaran- teed to one day win the French award, “Police brutality is real for someone who well-manicured lawns and golf courses looks like me,” the soprano, who is black, Bear behind car break-ins from the French Riviera to the Baltic, which celebrates an entire career, having been runner-up for the past three years. immediately recognizable style scored wrote on her Instagram account a day A large black bear is behind a series of where they have become notorious for after arriving for a string of performances car break-ins in New Hampshire, US venturing into residential areas looking for France is one of the most avid comic- him early success, and led to 25 New consuming nations in the world, and the Yorker covers. in Paris. police said, after it was caught red-pawed food. In one of the funnier incidents, a Yende, 36, said she was “traumatized” on home security cameras clambering German wild boar stole a nudist’s laptop Angouleme International Comics Festival Ware has previously won Best Comic is widely seen as the industry’s most illus- Book at Angouleme in 2003 for the after being “stripped and searched like a into a pick-up truck. Police in the town of last year by a lake in Berlin, with a video criminal offender” at the airport. “I am one Thornton released a video showing the of the naked sunbather chasing after the trious event. Normally held in January, it French translation of his breakout work, was postponed this year due to the pan- “Jimmy Corrigan”, and the Special Jury of the very very lucky ones to be alive to animal loitering by the parked vehicle, animal clocking up millions of views. see the day today even with ill-treatment before standing up on its hind legs, using demic, but with restrictions still in place for Prize for the indefinable “Building Stories” a few more weeks in France, the festival in 2015. It was the publication of “Rusty and outrageous racial discrimination and its paws to open the door, and then climb- Lockdown liberty psychological torture and very offensive ing nonchalantly into the driver’s seat. Pandemic lockdowns have brought a was unable to go ahead physically. Brown” in 2020, his lauded recreation of a So Ware, author of the classic “Jimmy single day in the world of his youth, that racial comments in a country that I’ve giv- Officers said they suspect the bear is a new-found freedom to many wild animals, en so much of my heart and virtue to,” serial offender. allowing them to wander into the heart of Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth” appears to have finally tipped the balance based on his own Midwestern upbringing, with voters for the Grand Prix. she wrote. Even without the incriminating footage, cities. With half the world’s population Yende did not say why she was pulled there were clues that pointed to the furry locked down last year, social media was was forced to accept his award from the The winner is selected by fellow writers United States. Ware joins a trio of past US and artists from the industry. There was aside for questioning, but a French police miscreant - a bear print was discovered at full of images of wildlife reclaiming the source said the singer had arrived from the scene of one ransacking, according to streets, from herds of wild sika deer wan- winners: Art Spiegelman (“Maus”), Bill some controversy this year when a group Watterson (“Calvin and Hobbes”) and of French voters lodged invalid ballots in Milan on a South African passport without the Boston Globe. The bear remains at dering through metro stations in Japan to a visa. “At no moment were there any large, with local media saying it has not packs of jackals congregating in the cen- Richard Corben (fantasy comics). the first round as part of a protest over government support for the industry. It incidents,” the source said, adding that been causing trouble other than its pen- ter of Tel Aviv.—AFP Yende had not been asked to remove her chant for rifling through cars. ‘Tangled and knotted’ was not clear how this affected the out- Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Ware is come, which saw Ware go into a second clothes.—AFP known for his meticulous attention to the round against two French artists, tiny details of ordinary life - delivered with Penelope Bagieu and Catherine simple, clear lines and comforting, round- Meurisse, before winning the final vote. ed figures. Balancing melancholy with Comics have increasingly thrived in streaks of dark humor, they speak to the France, with sales up 46 percent in the anxieties and solitude of modern life - last decade to reach 591 million euros last themes that are not for every reader but year, according to the National Centre for have long impressed critics. Books, thanks in large part to the popular- “The apparent meticulousness of my ity of Japanese manga. Organizers hope stuff only comes from trying to provide as next year’s edition of the Angouleme festi- clear as possible reading experience out val will go ahead as normal from 27 to 30 of the tangled and knotted experience of January. — AFP life as I’ve come to know it,” he told The Guardian newspaper in 2019. His books are generally long and sprawling, but his Pretty Yende

“Her strength, intelligence and opti- our films” as an “amazing opportunity to Studios. Monday’s announcement does mism will become an integral part of tell new stories together and reach audi- not specify whether Spielberg, who in rediscovering the joy in this classic Disney Spielberg signs ences in new ways.” recent years has produced many more fairytale.” Zegler, of New Jersey, wrote on Spielberg also praised his close rela- films than he has directed, will personally Instagram “well... hello to a dream come tionship with Netflix co-CEO and content direct any of the Netflix movies. true.” Hours before the announcement major streaming chief Ted Sarandos, a former industry out- But the deal comes as the industry piv- Zegler had tweeted her admiration for sider who has risen to become one of ots from a model that insisted on lengthy, Bailey’s casting in “The Little Mermaid,” Hollywood’s top power brokers. “We can- exclusive “windows” for movie theater adding: “I love you disney princess cine- deal with Netflix not wait to get to work with the Amblin releases, to one in which major films often olombian-American actress Rachel matic universe.” team and we are honored and thrilled to appear on streaming platforms simultane- Zegler will play Snow White in Zegler’s casting comes more than two be part of this chapter of Steven’s cine- ously or very soon after they hit the big Disney’s latest live-action adapta- decades after Disney cast singer Brandy, teven Spielberg will produce multi- matic history,” said Sarandos. screen - or even skip theaters altogether. C who is Black, as Cinderella in a live-action tion, the company said Tuesday. Zegler, ple new films for Netflix every year, Spielberg’s Amblin Partners will contin- That move has been accelerated by 20, is currently largely unknown to audi- 1997 film. But Disney came under criti- Sthe company said Monday, in a ue to make content for Universal, one of the COVID-19 pandemic. Another produc- ences but will soon star as Maria in cism in 2018 for “whitewashing” Princess major deal that highlights how fully Tinseltown’s oldest major studios, while tion by Spielberg’s Amblin, “The Trial of Steven Spielberg’s much-delayed remake Tiana in cartoon movie “Ralph Breaks the Hollywood has embraced streaming plat- his upcoming “West Side Story” will be the Chicago 7,” was intended for theatri- of “West Side Story,” out in December, Internet,” hastily redrawing the character forms. The partnership with arguably released by Disney-owned 20 Century cal release by Paramount but ended up having seen off 30,000 rivals in an ardu- with darker features just months before Tinseltown’s top director is a coup for on Netflix last year while thousands of ous open audition process. the film’s release. Netflix at a time when competition with movie theaters were closed. Monday’s The casting of a Latino actress for a Cuban-American singer Camila streaming rivals including Disney+ and deal also did not say whether Spielberg’s Disney princess role traditionally por- Cabello is set to appear as Cinderella in HBO Max is heating up. films for Netflix would also appear on the trayed by white actresses follows Disney’s yet another live-action adaptation later It also follows reports that Spielberg big screen first. Other top directors who 2019 announcement that R&B singer this year, produced by Sony-owned had been skeptical about streaming in have recently joined forces with Netflix Halle Bailey, who is Black, will play Ariel in Columbia Pictures and set for release on recent years, and had even moved to bar include Martin Scorsese (“The Irishman”), “The Little Mermaid”. “Rachel’s extraordi- Amazon’s Prime Video. Production on Netflix films from Oscars eligibility - claims Spike Lee (“Da 5 Bloods”) and David nary vocal abilities are just the beginning Disney’s untitled Snow White film is that the legendary “Jaws” and “Schindler’s Fincher (“Mank”). —AFP of her gifts,” said Marc Webb, director of expected to begin next year. — AFP List” director has since dismissed as false. the Snow White adaptation, in a state- In a joint statement about the Netflix deal, ment to AFP. Spielberg praised “this new avenue for Steven Spielberg 12 Established 1961 Lifestyle Features Thursday, June 24, 2021

t’s one of the great acts of art vandal- intelligence to art school”, said Robert ism. In 1715 large chunks of Erdmann, Senior Scientist at the In this photograph taken on June 1, 2021, IRembrandt’s masterpiece “The Night Rijksmuseum, who led the project. Tibetan rapper Tenzin Dhondup, MC Tenzin, Watch” were cut off in order to fit the poses for a picture in a bar in the regional colossal canvas into a new home. Now ‘A delight’ capital Lhasa, in China’s Tibet Autonomous for the first time in more than 300 years, “If we were to simply blow this up and Region. — AFP visitors to Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum put it next to “The Night Watch” it wouldn’t can see the painting in its original form match in any way,” Erdmann told AFP. “So thanks to a stunning reconstruction of the to help it match, I’ve trained three sepa- lost pieces. rate neural networks to help with this Based on a small 17th century copy of process, so that’s a kind of artificial intelli- “The Night Watch”, scientists used artifi- gence in which we can teach the comput- cial intelligence to recreate the missing er by giving it examples.” The computer sections, which have been printed and compared Rembrandt’s original to the mounted around the famed artwork. “It’s copy, and once it had mastered his style, very exciting to see,” Rijksmuseum direc- Erdmann set it to work on recreating the tor Taco Dibbits told AFP. “Because you lost pieces. n his tracksuit, silver chain and sparkling know the painting since you’re a child, Its mimicry was so successful it even trainers, MC Tenzin would look like any and you feel that suddenly you’ve taken a learned to copy the minute cracks in the Iother rapper if not for the backdrop of step back in time for 300 years.” surface of the existing Night Watch, he towering Himalayan peaks in his videos The reconstruction has revealed the The remounted 1642 ‘Night Watch’ is put in place at the Rijksmuseum Museum during said. Finally the image was printed onto and rhyme-dropping about karma. The true dynamism of Rembrandt’s original ‘Operation Night Watch’, the largest ever investigation into the painting by Dutch master canvas, which was varnished and then self-described “Godfather” of Tibetan rap is a leading light of the region’s hip-hop composition, with the two key people at Rembrandt in Amsterdam on Tuesday. — AFP placed on four metal frames that were scene, where tight social constraints are the center of the painting, Captain Frans placed around the painting. “It was really at odds with the in-your-face art form. Banninck Cocq and Lieutenant Willem ‘Sending AI to art school’ been found. It was the first of many trials a delight” to see the restored painting, Tibetan rappers walk a tightrope unfa- van Ruytenburch, now offset to the side, Rembrandt painted “The Night Watch” suffered by “The Night Watch”, which was said Erdmann. “It really changes the miliar to their peers overseas, with some said Dibbits. The lost figures of two men in 1642 after a commission by Cocq, the stabbed by a man with a knife in 1911, entire composition.” cautiously exploring local pride and and a small boy have meanwhile been mayor and leader of the civic guard of hidden in a bunker when Nazi Germany Art experts can now see how the black- Buddhist identity in coded lyrics to avoid restored to the left hand side where a 60- Amsterdam, to depict the officers and oth- invaded the Netherlands, slashed by clad captain and his white-uniformed lieu- the unwanted attention of Chinese author- cm strip was cut off the painting, which er members of the militia. After hanging in another knifeman in 1975 and sprayed tenant were in fact set off to the side to ities. Most, however - MC Tenzin included even in its smaller form measures a huge the civic guards’ club house for 73 years with acid in 1990. show how the militia was in motion, while the painting was moved to Amsterdam The reconstruction of the missing - give politics a wide berth to be able to 3.79 m by 4.36 m. the extra figures on the left give depth and continue creating their music. “I am a little The Rijksmuseum, which recently town hall where it was destined for a pieces was possible because of a much perspective. “The key is that Rembrandt space between two doors but “it didn’t fit”, smaller copy made in the 17th century by bit different (from Western rappers). I do reopened after the relaxation of coron- keeps on surprising us, he keeps on doing my best to create a positive experience,” avirus measures, will keep the panels said Dibbits. “The people who moved it the artist Gerrit Lundens - but that copy things that you wouldn’t expect him to do,” decided to cut it and really took scissors was in a somewhat different style and col- says the 36-year-old, whose real name is in place for three months, as part of a said Dibbits. — AFP Tenzin Dhondup. He discovered hip-hop huge restoration of the painting and just cut on all four sides.” or, and from a slightly different perspec- The strips that were cut off have never tive. The solution was “sending artificial listening to American giants like Eminem launched in 2019. and 50 Cent in his home village of Pasum near the foot of Mount Everest, connect- Zhi keeps mostly sick dogs there and ing so much with the music that it felt like the rest go to a bigger facility elsewhere. “home”. “I listened to them so much The lucky ones will find a new home with sometimes my ears hurt,” he told AFP new owners. The unlucky ones, about 30 during an interview at a bar in the Tibetan percent of the dogs he rescues, die of dis- capital Lhasa’s nightlife district. ease or were already too sick to save. Zhi is not a trained vet but his love of animals, Tibetan identity in the way he strokes, soothes and kisses In the decade since, a home-grown them, is obvious. The continually growing Tibetan scene has emerged, with Tenzin number of unwanted animals is a huge among the early pioneers. Chinese hip- is bald head glistening with sweat, financial strain. hop got a huge boost with the 2017 Zhi Xiang peers into the eyes of a launch of the wildly popular TV talent con- Hstray dog whose coat has become test “The Rap of China,” which helped matted in heavy rain and says soothingly: bring the genre into the mainstream, and “Let me cut your hair, cutie.” The bedrag- Tibetan fans say the lyrical flow of gled pooch is among scores of dogs Buddhist chants fits rap’s rhythms. hauled off the streets of Shanghai by Some younger rappers with Tibetan police and packed in metal cages in a foul- roots are nudging boundaries by express- smelling holding area. More than 20 pup- ing cultural pride, “challenging the stereo- pies are also crammed into a yellow plas- type of underdeveloped Tibetans (and) tic crate; one dog is dragged in while advocating for inter-ethnic equality”, inside a tied bag. according to one researcher’s 2019 study But for Zhi’s intervention, they will all be at Georgetown University, based on inter- put down in a matter of days. But Zhi is no This picture taken on May 26, 2021 shows views with dozens of Tibetan musicians. ordinary animal rescuer: he is a Buddhist Buddhist monk Zhi Xiang carrying a res- Tibet has alternated over the centuries monk and will give these dogs a new life cued dog before sending him to the US at between independence and control by China, which says it “peacefully liberated” either at his ancient monastery or at a Pudong International Airport in Shanghai. the rugged plateau in 1951. In 2008, the shelter he runs in the Chinese city. He — AFP photos In this picture taken on Feb 11, 2021, devout Hindu Shankar Ghosh poses for a photo in region exploded in deadly rioting after ris- front of an Armenian Church in Dhaka. — AFP already has nearly 8,000 dogs to feed and care for. A few hundred will eventually be ing anger over the perceived dilution of Zhi, who gets up at 4:00 am each day, their ancient culture by rapid Chinese- Ghosh became full-time custodian resettled in Europe or North America. “I gets no money from the government. He fueled development, and controls have after Martin died last year at the age of have to rescue them because if I don’t, has borrowed from his parents and other been ultra-tight ever since. Empty Armenian 89, and is now supported by overseas they will die for sure,” said the 51-year-old, monks and receives handouts from In his videos, stylish rapper Uncle Armenians - led by Los Angeles-based who temporarily discards his monk’s robes donors. He estimates that annual costs Buddhist flashes between trendy neon-lit businessman Armen Arslanian - who for an orange workman’s suit as he gives are about 12 million yuan ($2 million) and parties and grasslands on horseback, keep the church running. “The Ghosh vaccinations to dishevelled dogs fresh off church’s last he needs 60 tons of dog food every singing about the “unified single root” of family has a special place in our church,” the streets. Driven by his faith, Zhi has month. “The problem is that I can’t borrow Tibetan tradition. His song “Tsampa” refer- Arslanian told AFP. been rescuing animals - mostly dogs but also cats and other strays - since 1994. any more money now,” he said. ences Tibet’s grain-based staple food, a worshipper in symbol of Tibetan cultural pride and unity. ‘This beautiful place’ It started when he began treating cats Tearful farewell Religious overtones and singing in Ghosh is drawn to tranquility of the hit by vehicles on the road. Back then, Since 2019, Zhi has been sending Tibetan can also express subtle opposi- grounds in the heart of the capital’s there were few stray animals, but that has Bangladesh some of the strays abroad to be resettled tion to Chinese pressure for secularization Armanitola neighborhood, which was changed markedly in the last four or five overseas. Volunteers who can speak and assimilation. named for the city’s Armenian communi- years, he said. China’s growing wealth “Because the artists can’t be explicit, I has seen a boom in the pet market but English use social media to reach an inter- ith no priest to minister and no ty. Narrow and congested roads, flanked see important messages in the way that some people simply abandon them when national audience, and about 300 dogs faithful to pray, an Armenian by residential blocks and wholesale mar- they choose to express themselves, they do not want to care for them any- have been placed in the United States, church in Bangladesh has one kets, lay just beyond the compound. But dress, the topics they choose to rap about W more, said Zhi. Canada and various European countries within the grounds, the cacophony of traf- last parishioner: A Hindu caretaker doing including Germany. The memory of those and who they collaborate with,” said fic horns fade away and birdsong rises “This is not caused by people who dis- his “sacred duty” to preserve a relic of the lucky dogs - their journey from the streets Dechen Pemba, founder of the High from a small garden. like dogs, or by the government, but by so- city’s former commercial elite. Shankar and almost certain death to a new life - Peaks Pure Earth website, who has trans- Young couples and students gather called dog lovers who don’t have proper lated Tibetan raps into English. Ghosh makes the sign of the cross brings tears to his eyes. “I think they’re under the garden’s trees, sharing private animal-caring knowledge,” said Zhi. before opening the entrance of the strik- very happy so I feel it’s worthwhile,” he moments in the shade. Each morning, Breeding among strays is causing their Karma and kindness ing white and yellow edifice, built 240 said. “But of course I miss them.” Ghosh emerges from the compound numbers to explode. State media said in Most Tibetan rappers, however, stick to years ago in the capital Dhaka. One recent Saturday morning, Zhi was where he lives with his wife and two chil- 2019 that there were 50 million stray ani- positive messages and cultural imagery Back then the city was home to hun- at Shanghai’s international airport to drop dren to open the church doors and light mals in China and that number is roughly like temples, colourful prayer flags and dreds of Armenians, a diaspora that off a dog to a passenger who volunteered candles on the altar. He utters a non- doubling each year. maroon-robed monks. Popular hip-hop traced its roots in the Muslim-majority to take it to a new home in the US city of nation back to the 16th century and even- denominational prayer for 400 Armenians duo ANU scored a hit with the catchy kar- Dogs and Buddhas Seattle. Wearing his monks’ robes, Zhi tually rose to become prominent traders, - once prominent members of Dhaka and ma-focused anthem “Fly” that told listen- With help from volunteers and his small holds the small dog in his arms until the lawyers and public officials. The last now buried under neat rows of tomb- ers to “search for the highest soul”. In workforce, Zhi keeps several hundred last minute, muttering “goodbye, good- known descendant of this community left stones next to the building. another, they rap about kindness as the dogs at his Bao’en Temple, where he is bye”. He wipes away tears as the woman “essence of Buddhism” and rail against Bangladesh several years ago - but not Several assistants help him maintain the head monk and golden Buddhas look and dog disappear through the departure material greed. before entrusting the Armenian Apostolic the church and feed the half a dozen on serenely against a backdrop of howling gate. “I have a dream that one day, when Against the wishes of his parents, bud- Church of the Holy Resurrection to stray dogs living in the grounds. Baptisms pooches. The temple, which is still a place I have some free time, I want to go ding rhyme-slinger MC Tenzin eventually Ghosh, who had already lived within its and weekly mass haven’t been held in of worship, also hosts a room filled with abroad and visit them, take photos with relocated to the big city, Lhasa. “I worked grounds for half of his life. the church for several decades. But the 200 cats, along with a ragtag collection of every dog that I rescued,” he said. “So in a travel agency, slept there at night. In “I love this work. I consider it a sacred church comes to life every Easter and chickens, geese and peacocks. The air is when I get old and can’t walk, I have the beginning, it was very difficult,” he duty bestowed upon me,” the 61-year-old Christmas, when a Catholic priest holds an incongruous mix of animal smells and these photos to look at.” — AFP said. “One night me and my friend sat told AFP. “Whether it is a church, temple services attended by ambassadors sta- tioned in Dhaka. burning incense. drinking Lhasa Beer and we started to or mosque, I believe all are for one God.” make music.” Rapping in Tibetan, Four decades ago, Ghosh worked at a Ghosh often strolls around the tomb- stones - the earliest dating back to 1714, Mandarin, English, and Nepalese, he jute factory - an industry pioneered by mostly uses Douyin - the Chinese version Armenians in the region - where he decades before the church was built. Laying a flower on the grave of Martin’s of social media platform TikTok - along struck up a friendship with the family run- with live shows to share his music and ning it. Through them, he met church late wife Veronica-the last Armenian to be buried in the compound, in 2005 - Ghosh interact with fans. custodian Michael Joseph Martin, who The Tibetan scene is so embryonic, hopes her husband’s remains are invited Ghosh to be his assistant. however, that MC Tenzin also works as brought back to Dhaka. “He belongs here The young man moved into the church a tour guide since he still hasn’t earned in this beautiful place,” he said, adding compound in 1985 and never left. “It is a enough to make a living - or the support that he too hoped to be buried in the home of God and I thought no other work of his parents, who “don’t understand would better suit me,” Ghosh said. His grounds after his death. “I only pray that rap music”. His parents had planned for 30-year-old son was born in the com- I’ll get similar treatment to what I have him to make a life in their village with his pound and acts as its resident historian. been providing to these (graves).” — AFP family and follow the social practice of When Martin moved to Canada in 2014, fraternal polyandry - a once-common he handed his protege the keys to the Zhi feeds rescued cats in Shanghai. custom where several brothers marry church. the same wife. —AFP Established 1961 13 Lifestyle Features Thursday, June 24, 2021

A man holds a teddy bear as people look for useable A man shows electronic motherboards at a junkyard items. near Bagram Air Base.

A man selects valuable items at a recycling workshop near the Bagram Air Base on June 17, 2021. — AFP photos A man collects valuable items at a recycling workshop near Bagram Air Base.

quatting in the dust by the main Afghanistan 20 times - but they Nothing goes to waste merchant. “Anything re-usable, people will have a bad impact on the economy of road to Afghanistan’s biggest air destroyed everything.” For two decades, In recent months, Bagram has come buy it,” he told AFP. His warehouse is like the country and that of Bagram,” district Sbase, Mir Salam sifts through a pile Bagram served as the nerve center for under rocket attacks claimed by the a department store for scrap, with the governor Lalah Shrin Raoufi told AFP, of broken electronics in front of him, sal- US operations in Afghanistan. A sprawl- Islamic State. If the Taleban capture the floor covered by an astonishing array of adding he was pessimistic for the future. vaged from departing US troops. All ing mini-city visited by hundreds of thou- base, it would be a significant step - per- items - broken chairs, busted TV screens, “Their presence here has provided jobs around are heaps of junk and scrapped sands of service members and contrac- haps even the decisive one - towards rusting gym equipment, an electronic for thousands and thousands of equipment - ranging from telephones and tors, it boasted swimming pools, cine- seizing control of Kabul itself. Salam pays piano keyboard, artificial Christmas trees Afghans,” he said, ranging from mechan- thermos flasks to computer keyboards mas and spas - and even a boardwalk 1,000 afghanis ($12) a month to rent a and other festive decorations. First aid ics to bakers. “I met the employees of a and printer cartridges. “This is what the featuring fast-food outlets such as modest fenced plot on the Bagram road, kits have been gutted, spilling bandages company that provided basic food... they Americans do,” the 40-year-old told AFP. Burger King and Pizza Hut. where he stores base scrap that he and IV bags. are afraid of losing their jobs.” “They destroy absolutely everything.” It also has a prison that held thou- searches for nuggets to sell to special- Picking through the selection is Abdul Raoufi said everything is being done The Pentagon is vacating Bagram air sands of Taleban and jihadist inmates ized dealers. Basir, who came from Kabul with a to take charge of the base and its securi- base as part of its plan to withdraw all over the years. Bagram was built by the The road to the base is lined with friend and snapped up six warped metal ty when the last US forces leave. “We are forces by this year’s 20th anniversary of United States for its Afghan ally during dozens of similar enterprises - some ram- doors for around 8,000 afghanis. working with the police, the army and the the Sept 11 attacks on the United States, the Cold War in the 1950s as a bulwark shackle, but others featuring imposing Elsewhere, a young man unearthed a NDS (intelligence services),” he said. “We and it could be completed by the end of against the Soviet Union in the north. warehouses with armed guards. The big pair of branded shoes that still appeared have started to recruit soldiers... We will the month. Military gear is being taken Ironically, it became the staging point for players have contracts to remove the to have a few miles left on them. take those who meet the criteria.” home, or given to Afghan security forces, the Soviet invasion of the country in scrapped equipment, which they cherry- Another browser bought a teddy bear Meanwhile, the clear-out continues. but tons of civilian equipment must be left 1979, and the Red Army expanded it sig- pick for items that can be repaired. and a mini rugby ball. “They came to rebuild our country but behind. The result is a booming scrap nificantly during their near decade-long Anything they don’t use is left for smaller now they are destroying it,” says Bagram business that is making money for some, occupation. When Moscow pulled out, it dealers such as Salam. ‘Pessimistic’ future resident Mohammad Amin, looking over a but leaving many resentful. became central to the raging civil war - it Cables are stripped for copper, circuit It isn’t just equipment that will be left pile of scrap. “They could have given us “They blow it up or are burning it,” was reported that at one point the boards broken down for rare-earth met- behind when the Americans pull out - all this.” — AFP says Salam of the equipment being dis- Taleban controlled one end of the three- als, and aluminium collected to be smelt- Bagram is surrounded by satellite com- carded. “There were lots of new things in kilometer runway and the opposition ed into ingots. Nothing goes to waste, munities that rely on the base for employ- this base - enough to rebuild Northern Alliance the other. says Haji Noor Rahman, another scrap ment. “The withdrawal of American troops

three stops in the EU. Singer Elton John London orchestra’s is among many warning of a “looming catastrophe” for British musicians if they lose the chance to tour abroad. ‘miracle’ trip to For now, the LSO, which had been booked for last year’s cancelled Aix Festival, is excited to be back on the France despite road. It will play not one, but two, operas: a modern creation, “Innocence”, and a COVID, Brexit classic from Wagner. “It’s a complete miracle,” said Rattle. “Playing an opera like Tristan und Isolde is almost beyond imon Rattle, music director of the pipe dreams.” London Symphony Orchestra, con- Ssiders it “a miracle” they are head- ‘Insane in every way’ Workers harvest red seaweed (algae) in the Menzel Jemil lagoon in Tunisia’s northern Bizerte region on May 27, 2021. — AFP photos ed to France for their first international But Brexit will likely push the LSO to shows since the pandemic, though Brexit review its financial model, since it relied still poses a long-term threat. The logis- on European shows for 40 percent of its tics of moving nearly 100 musicians and income before the pandemic. That said, all their instruments for a four-week resi- environmental concerns may have dency at the Aix-en-Provence Festival in forced a change in any case. “Last southern France were tricky at the best year... we should have been on tour 99 of times. days out of the year, which is, of course, In the middle of a pandemic, with insane in every possible way, both for ever-changing rules on foreign travel and the planet and for people’s energy and quarantines, they became fiendishly sanity,” Rattle told AFP. “But it was the ading knee-deep in the calm complex. “I think the Aix festival, who only way that an orchestra like this can waters of a lagoon, workers in have been one of the boldest and survive.” Wnorthern Tunisia harvest red sea- bravest of any of the summer festivals, weed, in a nation dubbed a Mediterranean was tearing out what remained of their “trailblazer” in cultivating the in-demand hair in the last weeks,” Rattle told AFP. plant. Red seaweed or algae is used for He was speaking ahead of the London gelling, thickening and texturing agents Symphony Orchestra (LSO)’s departure that are increasingly a substitute for ani- for the festival, which runs from June 30 mal-based products in processed foods, to July 25. and it is also being used increasingly in It took a flurry of diplomatic activity cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. that went right up to the culture ministries The harvest, the Selt Marine compa- Workers process dried red seaweed at a Workers prepare red seaweed to be planted. in both countries, for a deal to be struck. ny’s first on an industrial scale, comes factory in Bir Kassaa in the region of Ben Since most were vaccinated, the orches- after years of research and a wait of more Arous on the outskirts of Tunisia’s capital tra was granted permission to travel than two decades for authorization to use on May 28, 2021. has been processing seaweed imported between their hotel and the venue for the lagoons, said French-Tunisian entre- from Asia in the Tunis suburb of Ben rehearsals during their quarantine. “It’s preneur Mounir Bouklout. Several coun- which ranges from green to dark red in Arous. The plants are washed then heated very symbolic that we were able to make British conductor Simon Rattle conducts tries including nearby Morocco have seen color, is separated, dried in the sun and to 90 degrees Celsius to obtain a liquid this happen,” said LSO managing direc- during a rehearsal of Tristan und Isolde by their natural reserves of red seaweed taken to a factory to be turned into sub- that is pressed, dried and crushed into a tor Kathryn McDowell, adding that the the London Symphony Orchestra at St diminish in recent years due to overex- stances such as agar-agar. The sought- fine white powder. orchestra had been crossing the Luke’s Church in central London on June ploitation. Instead near Bizerte, north of after red variety is mainly grown in Asia, Mixed with other ingredients, it is used Channel since 1906. 10, 2021. — AFP the Tunisian capital, 10 percent of what is which is the world’s biggest producer, con- in dairy products, cold meats, confec- But even if the immediate challenges harvested goes back into the water, said sumer and exporter of seaweed. tionery and other foods for local, have been overcome, the problems of A big part of the problem, he said, is Bouklout, another seaweed expert. “We But Tunisia’s waters and climate also European, Turkish and Chinese compa- Brexit and the near-total lack of govern- the lack of government support for musi- wait for nature to do its work, and after 45 favor its farming, which can encourage the nies, Bouklout said. Its potential is being ment support for musicians in Britain cians in Britain. The LSO’s members are days we harvest it,” Bouklout told AFP. development of local marine life including studied for products from biodegradable have only just begun. “This is a compli- not on a salary - they are paid when they Surrounded by hills topped with wind shellfish. Seaweed absorbs elements like bottles to noodles and even meat-substi- cated time, you know, in a country play. “Most of the European orchestras, turbines, workers pull seaweed growing nitrogen and phosphorous, so growing it is tute vegetarian nuggets, said biologist which does not support culture financial- almost without exception, have a salary, around cylindrical netting from the lagoon also a way of “naturally cleaning the Mariem Mouheddine, head of research ly in the way that most of Europe does,” and they have been able to live,” said and bring it to shore. The plant matter, lagoon”, Bouklout said. and development. Rattle said. Rattle. “We have had to become pirates, The business employs around 100 in the best possible way.” He said the ‘Trailblazer’ people, according to Bouklout, and hopes ‘Looming catastrophe’ LSO would now have to “make up a He said the firm hoped to reap 500 tons to expand to 500 over the next two years, The LSO has been a regular visitor whole new financial way of living in of wet seaweed this harvest, with plans to in a country struck by an economic crisis over the past decade to the Aix festival, which playing in Europe is not the main rapidly expand the growing area in the and skyrocketing unemployment even one of the world’s leading opera and part of our support”. coming years, eyeing a 3,500 ton yield before the coronavirus pandemic. FAO classical music events alongside That is hard to swallow for such an next year. “Tunisia is a trailblazer” in culti- aquaculture expert Hamza said seaweed Salzburg and Beirut. But its days of trav- international orchestra, made up of 26 vating seaweed in the Mediterranean, said farming presented important opportunities elling regularly around the continent may nationalities. Brexit “is a story of unin- Houssam Hamza, an aquaculture expert for Tunisia. He said there was still work to be numbered. Since Britain’s exit from tended consequences. Nobody has for the UN Food and Agriculture do, including in promoting innovation in the European Union, its musicians are thought very much about the effect on Organization (FAO). the sector, but “it’s also our role (of the no longer guaranteed visa-free travel to the cultural sector in England,” Rattle Selt Marine is the biggest grower of red FAO) to stand beside Tunisia” and its the EU, triggering heavy costs and an said. “But of course, nobody wants it to seaweed in the region but also has expert- young people. — AFP administrative burden for touring. be a disaster.” — AFP ise in “transforming the seaweed into dif- Orchestras face the additional difficul- Workers process drying harvested red sea- ferent products” and adding value locally, ties of transporting equipment in heavy- weed. he told AFP. For 25 years, the business duty lorries, which are now permitted just 14 Sports Thursday, June 24, 2021 No booze, no autographs: Tokyo 2020 sets fan rules with a month to go TOKYO: No alcohol, no hugs, no cheers and no auto- dent John Coates, who accompanied Hashimoto on a graphs: Tokyo Olympic organizers unveiled tough new tour of the Games’ gymnastics venue yesterday. rules for spectators at the pandemic Games yesterday Athletes are also already in town, and offering organ- as they marked one month until the opening ceremony. izers a taste of the challenges ahead. Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto warned festiv- A Ugandan Olympic coach tested positive on ities “will have to be suppressed” to keep the Games arrival in Japan on Sunday, despite the delegation hav- safe, and conceded that organizers will need to be ing been vaccinated and testing negative on arrival. “creative” to stoke a party atmosphere. The rest of the delegation was allowed to travel on to Games chiefs decided on Monday to allow up to their training camp, but placed in quarantine until July 10,000 spectators into competition venues, but 3. Yesterday, a second member tested positive, an offi- Hashimoto warned them not to expect the kind of fes- cial from the city hosting the team said. Despite the tival mood currently being enjoyed by football fans at challenges and the restrictions, former athlete Euro 2020. “In Europe, the venues are filled with cele- Hashimoto told reporters on Tuesday that a stripped- bration,” she said. “Unfortunately, we may not be able back Games was a chance to refocus attention on the to do the same.” “true values” of the Olympics. “In recent years when I Fans are forbidden from cheering or “making direct was participating as an athlete, there were concerns contact with other spectators” and will be asked to go that this (event) has become so huge,” she said. “This straight home after events end. Asking athletes for time, I feel that the true values of the Olympic and autographs or “expressing verbal support” is also a Paralympic Games are finally being discussed.” no-no, as is waving a towel or “any form of cheering It may not be a line that convinces everyone, with that could create a crowd”. athletes facing restrictions including daily testing and a “The festive mood will have to be suppressed — TOKYO: A general view shows the Ariake Urban Sports Park, the main venue for cycling BMX freestyle, cycling BMX ban on travel except between venues and the Olympic that has become a major challenge,” Hashimoto told racing and skateboarding during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games, 30 days before the Olympic Games opening cere- Village. Domestic opposition to the Games has soft- reporters. “People can feel joy in their hearts, but they monies, in Tokyo yesterday. — AFP ened in recent weeks, but around half of Japan’s public can’t be loud and they have to avoid crowds,” she still don’t want the event to open in four weeks’ time, added. “Those are the areas where we need to be cre- polls show. Around 200 people gathered yesterday ‘True values’ Tokyo 2020 ticketing chief Hidenori Suzuki apolo- ative, and we are putting in a lot of effort to come up evening in Tokyo to protest the Games, calling for it The late decision on the spectator cap has given gized to those who will miss out, but urged those who with a new way of celebrating.” to be cancelled. And for those who worry about a organizers a ticketing headache only a month before will attend to play their part supporting the athletes. Spectators will also have to do without alcohol, fun-free Games, Hashimoto said she hoped the the opening ceremony. Over 3.6 million Olympic tick- “You are representing Japan in supporting all the ath- even though it is allowed at other sporting events cur- Olympics would showcase Japan’s “culture of hospi- ets are already in fans’ hands, but organizers have letes from around the world,” he said. “You are the rently being held in Japan. Hashimoto said the ban was tality and caring about each other.” “I hope such been forced to set up a lottery to claw back around people who will really shape the Tokyo Olympics and decided “to alleviate the concerns of the public as spirit of caring about each other will become the 900,000 of them for events that exceed the cap. No Paralympics.” Organizers have already begun arriving, much as possible.” legacy of the Games.” — AFP more tickets will be sold. including International Olympic Committee vice presi-

expansion, the time has come. The Harlem Harlem Globetrotters Globetrotters stand ready to negotiate for a franchise.” News in brief Silver has fuelled speculation that the NBA is con- sidering adding a 31st team to the league, telling ESPN want NBA franchise in an interview last December that expansion was Pistons win NBA lottery “inevitable.” “It’s sort of the manifest destiny of the LOS ANGELES: The Detroit Pistons will pick first NEW YORK: The iconic Harlem Globetrotters basket- league that you expand at some point,” Silver said at in the 2021 NBA entry draft next month after win- ball team have petitioned NBA commissioner Adam the time. Seattle has long been considered the front ning the league’s draft lottery on Tuesday. Detroit Silver requesting to be considered as a candidate to join runner for any new NBA franchise. The city has been last picked first when they chose future hall of the league as an expansion franchise. In a letter sent to without a team since the SuperSonics moved to famer Bob Lanier in 1970. Three years earlier they Silver on Monday, the Globetrotters called on the NBA Oklahoma City in 2008, and would in theory have a selected Jimmy Walker in the top spot. The Houston to reward the team’s work in helping to spread basket- stronger case than the Globetrotters given that New Rockets will select second and the Cleveland ball worldwide by welcoming it into the league. York already has two NBA franchises. Cavaliers will pick third. The Rockets, Pistons and “As an organization whose storied history is already The Globetrotters were founded in 1926, and are Orlando Magic had highest chances of winning the tightly interwoven within that of the NBA, the Harlem best known as a travelling exhibition team having lottery and the top pick. The lottery was good to Globetrotters are looking for a long overdue seat at the played thousands of games in 122 countries around the PHILADELPHIA: Pitcher Max Scherzer of the the Toronto Raptors who moved into the top four. It table,” Globetrotters general manager Jeff Muun said in world. However the team has contributed several key Washington Nationals delivers a pitch against the will be their highest pick since the 2006 draft when a statement. “Our players were instrumental in the inte- moments in NBA history, most notably when Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning of a game they chose Italy’s Andrea Bargnani first overall. The gration of the league dating back to 1949. We stood Globetrotter Nathaniel Clifton became the first Black at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday in Philadelphia, Orlando Magic and Golden State Warriors have proudly as our players were recruited by NBA teams.” player to be signed by the league in 1950. The same Pennsylvania. — AFP two picks in the top 14. — AFP “Now after years of attracting the best Black play- year, the Globetrotters’ Chuck Cooper became the ers, it’s time to the NBA recognized our contribution to first Black player to be drafted when he was chosen by the game. With the league already considering an the Boston Celtics with the 14th pick overall. — AFP Phillies manager Golden Knights on brink Girardi ejected LOS ANGELES: Nick Suzuki had a goal and two assists and Carey Price stopped 26 shots as the Montreal Canadiens moved to within one win of after spat reaching the Stanley Cup finals with a 4-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. Montreal grabbed LOS ANGELES: Starter Max Scherzer pitched five sol- a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven NHL semi-final id innings, struck out eight and got into a spat with thanks to a balanced offensive attack on Tuesday opposing manager Joe Girardi as the Washington night in front of a crowd of 17,900 at T-Mobile Nationals beat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 on Tuesday. Arena in Las Vegas. Game six is scheduled for Phillies boss Girardi was ejected in the fifth inning after tonight in Montreal. Montreal are seeking to make asking the umpires to check Scherzer for a foreign sub- it to the finals for the first time since they beat the stance but nothing was found. The move incensed Los Angeles Kings in five games in 1993. — AFP Scherzer who denied the accusation, saying: “I would be an absolute fool to use anything tonight when everyone’s antennae are so high.” Major League Baseball on Monday began to enforce Thailand MotoGP cancelled a rule book edict prohibiting the use of any foreign sub- stances on the baseball by the pitchers. The drama start- PARIS: MotoGP confirmed yesterday that the race ed in the middle of the fourth inning when Girardi asked scheduled for Japan has been cancelled due to umpire Alfonso Marquez to check Scherzer’s hair for a COVID-19 and that the US race will now take its possible foreign substance. The umps looked at place on October 3. “The ongoing Covid-19 pan- Scherzer’s hat, glove and hands but couldn’t find any- demic and resulting travel complications and logis- thing wrong. tical restrictions mean that it has not been possible “I’ve seen Max a long time, since 2010,” Girardi said. to confirm the event at this time, meaning that it will “Obviously, he’s going to be a Hall of Famer. But I’ve nev- therefore not feature on the 2021 calendar,” er seen him wipe his head like he was doing tonight. MotoGP said in a statement. The race in Thailand Ever. So it was suspicious for me. He did it about four has been moved to October 17 as part of the calen- times. It was suspicious. I didn’t mean to offend anyone. I PHOENIX: Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns makes the game-winning dunk over Ivica Zubac of the LA dar rejig of the season. — AFP just have to do what’s right for our club.” Clippers in game two of the NBA Western Conference finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on Tuesday in Phoenix, Scherzer dropped his glove and cap as Marquez and Arizona. — AFP his crew approached. He even started to undo the belt on his pants. “I wasn’t heated, I was just trying to show I Kuwait’s Qabazard cruises have absolutely zero on me,” Scherzer said. “I have noth- ing on me, check whatever you want. I’ll take off all my Suns sink Clippers with last-gasp TUNIS: Kuwait’s national tennis player Issa clothes if you want to see me. I have nothing on me.” Qabazard has qualified for the 16th round as part of Girardi wasn’t ejected until after the fifth inning when Ayton dunk in see-saw thriller the M15 future championships’ series held in Scherzer stared him down as the pitcher left the mound. Tunisia after beating his compatriot Bader Al- That caused the Phillies manager to come out onto the LOS ANGELES: Deandre Ayton made the go-ahead If game one in the series was the feel-out game Abdullah 6-5,3-6,4-6 on Tuesday. Speaking to field. The home plate umpire decided he had seen catch and dunk with one second left and a bloodied then game two was the knockout punch. Booker had reporters after the victory, Qabazard said that he enough and threw Girardi out of the game. “I’m not play- Devin Booker scored 20 points as the Phoenix Suns his nose bloodied late in the third quarter when he won a first point in the International Tennis ing games. I’m trying to win games here,” said Girardi. “I shocked the Los Angeles Clippers 104-103 in game accidently butted heads with Clippers’ Pat Beverley. Federation’s ranking after beating Abdullah. He not- have respect for the other people over there. I have two of their NBA playoff series. The 24-year-old Booker needed two stitches and may ed that the number of total players in the current respect for what Max has done in his career. Again, I Booker shook off a cruel clash of heads that left him have broken his nose. But rather than let it end his qualifiers are 64, indicating that the country’s team have to do what’s right for our team.” Yan Gomes singled bloodied and bruised, returning to the game as the night, Booker returned to power his team to victory including him, Abdullah and Ali Al-Shatti are taking twice and drove in two runs, Juan Soto added two hits Suns took down the Clippers in a see-saw fourth quar- with another superb offensive performance. “They put part in some future competitions that include five and two runs scored in the win. Scherzer allowed two ter to win their ninth straight and seize a 2-0 lead in a lot of pressure on D-Brook. I hope his nose isn’t bro- consecutive championships and will end on July 25 hits and one run. He has had been struggling with a groin the Western Conference finals. ken,” said Ayton. in Tunisia. — KUNA injury this season. — AFP “It was like a Muhammad Ali fight with haymaker Payne raised the bar to make 12 of 24 shots from the after haymaker going back and forth,” said Suns guard field and had nine assists with no turnovers. He was Cameron Payne, who finished with a career-high 29 starting at guard for the second straight game with The 34-year-old golden girl of Jamaican athletics is points. Ayton scored the eventual game winner in a Chris Paul out after reportedly testing positive for Fraser-Pryce the fastest woman in the world over 100m this year, thrilling finish as the Suns perfectly executed on their COVID-19. George scored 26 points and Reggie clocking 10.63sec — the second fastest time in history final possession of the game. The play started with an Jackson added 19 for the Clippers, who also fell behind center-stage — in Kingston earlier this month. Only the late inbounds pass by Suns forward Jae Crowder who 2-0 in their previous series against the top seeded Florence Griffith-Joyner has ever run faster than lobbed it directly to the front of the basket where a Utah Jazz before rallying to win. Fraser-Pryce, who changed coaches after a bronze leaping Ayton was waiting. He caught and then dunked George missed a pair of free throws with 8.2 sec- at Jamaica trials medal at the Rio Olympics four years ago. the ball in one motion to give to give the Suns a 104- onds left that could have put the game out of reach Fraser-Pryce faces strong opposition in the 100m 103 lead with 0.7 seconds left. for the Clippers. “We had a chance to win the game,” KINGSTON: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will look to however, with 2016 Olympic champions Elaine Clippers Paul George then put up a desperation said Clippers head coach Ty Lue. “We played, we build on her blistering start to the season as the first Thompson-Herah leading the chasing pack. shot at the buzzer but it hit the front of the rim and didn’t win this game, it is unfortunate. It happens. We Jamaican Olympic athletics trials of the post-Usain Thompson-Herah clocked the third-fastest time in bounced harmlessly away to end the game in front of got to go home and take care of business.” Game Bolt era get under way in Kingston today. Fraser- the world this season with a 10.78sec in Florida in the crowd of 16,600 at Phoenix Suns Arena. “Jae made three is tonight in Los Angeles. The Clippers were Pryce, the two-time Olympic 100m champion and a May, and is chasing her fifth straight Jamaican a great pass,” said Ayton, who finished with 24 points playing their fourth consecutive playoff game with- four-time world champion over the distance, heads a national title, while the field also includes Natasha and 14 rebounds. “I am glad it counted. We just wanted out forward Kawhi Leonard, who is out with a powerful field for the four-day meet taking place at the Morrison, owner of the fourth fastest time this year to finish the game strong.” sprained right knee. — AFP National Stadium in Independence Park. at 10.87sec.—AFP Thursday, June 24, 2021 15 England clinch top spot in Euro 2020 group, Croatia reach last 16

LONDON: England clinched first place in Euro 2020 Solid England Group D with a 1-0 win against the Czech Republic, Arsenal’s 19-year-old winger Bukayo Saka, while Luka Modric’s rocket propelled Croatia into the also given a surprise start by Southgate in place last 16 as their 3-1 victory over Scotland eliminated of Phil Foden, added pace and invention to the their COVID-hit opponents on Tuesday. Already England attack. But England couldn’t find a killer assured of playing in the last 16, England made cer- second as Harry Kane’s Euro goal drought tain that the knockout tie will be played in front of extended to three games. their own fans at Wembley thanks to Raheem Kane was brilliantly denied by Tomas Vaclik’s first- Sterling’s first-half winner against the Czechs. half save as he finally had his first shot on target in England will face the second-placed team in Group F the tournament. The Tottenham striker played the full on June 29. 90 minutes for the first time in the tournament, but Elsewhere, UEFA refused a request by Munich city once again was a shadow of the player who finished authorities to light the Allianz Arena in rainbow colors as the Premier League’s top scorer this season. for Germany’s match against Hungary yesterday. The Southgate will take heart from England’s solid Bavarian city had wanted to protest against Viktor defense. They have yet to concede a goal in the tour- Orban’s right-wing government which has passed a nament, with Harry Maguire returning from ankle lig- law banning the “promotion” of homosexuality to ament damage to partner John Stones in central minors. But UEFA said it was “a politically and reli- defense and shutting out the Czechs. giously neutral organization” and blocked the pro- At Hampden Park, Callum McGregor cancelled out posal. Munich said it would light up other landmarks Nikola Vlasic’s early opener to give Scotland hope instead. heading into half-time. But Modric showed the class that made him the man to break Lionel Messi and Scottish heartache Cristiano Ronaldo’s grip on the Ballon d’Or in 2018, a At Wembley, the Czechs also knew they were sure stunning strike with the outside of his foot just after to advance before kick-off, but their first defeat of the hour mark restoring Croatia’s lead. the tournament left them in third place. Croatia Ivan Perisic’s header rubbed salt into Scottish leapfrogged the Czechs into second place with a LONDON: England’s forward Raheem Sterling (right) scores the opening goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Group D football wounds 13 minutes from full time. Scotland finished commanding second-half display in Glasgow featur- match between Czech Republic and England at Wembley Stadium in London on Tuesday. — AFP with only one point and they will rue the fact that ing one of the goals of the tournament from Real Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour was ruled out of Madrid midfielder Modric. The 2018 World Cup run- the Croatia game after testing positive for the ners-up will play the second placed team in Group E before being booed off after a drab 0-0 draw against because of the change in personnel, so it is a huge coronavirus. — which features Spain, Slovakia, Sweden or Poland Scotland, England produced a slightly more cohesive credit to the players,” Southgate said. “There is more Without Gilmour, who had been the man of the — in Copenhagen on Monday. display against the Czechs. to come from us yet. We are not fluent but we have match on his first Scotland start in the draw against Scotland’s first major tournament since the 1998 There remains much for Southgate’s men to work moments where we look a good side.” Southgate England, Steve Clarke’s team lacked the quality to World Cup ended in heartache as they failed to meet on, but England coped efficiently after a disrupted selected Jack Grealish to replace Mount and the compete with Croatia. “Croatia are a top team and their target of reaching the knockout stages of an build-up that saw Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell Aston Villa midfielder provided a spark as his per- they showed that. We’ve acquitted ourselves well in international competition for the first time. Having forced into self-isolation after Scotland’s coronavirus fectly-flighted cross to the far post was headed in by the tournament. It’s a young group. We want to go started Group D by narrowly beating Croatia 1-0 woes. “We changed what we were doing overnight Sterling in the 12th minute. again,” Clarke said. — AFP Modric masterclass shows up Scotland’s shortcomings

GLASGOW: After a 23-year wait to qualify for a major tournament, Scotland’s Euro 2020 experience lasted just eight days after a 3-1 defeat to Croatia extinguished their hopes of reaching the last 16. The Tartan Army will fondly remember frustrating England in a 0-0 draw at Wembley on Friday from their return to the international football limelight. But a masterclass from Croatia’s Luka Modric sent Steve Clarke’s men packing from the tournament with LONDON: England’s coach Gareth Southgate greets England’s midfielder Bukayo Saka as he comes off during the UEFA Euro a reminder of the class it takes to succeed at this lev- 2020 Group D football match between Czech Republic and England at Wembley Stadium in London on Tuesday. — AFP el. “They were unbelievable tonight, Modric especial- ly,” said Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney, who is accustomed to coming up against world-class oppo- as he provided the cross that led to Sterling’s early goal nents on a weekly basis in the English Premier and man-of-the-match Saka was a constant threat with Will Southgate let League. “I think his performance was incredible.” his driving runs down the right side of the attack. Kane Three years ago, most of Scotland cheered as came close to ending his barren spell but was denied by Croatia beat England to reach the World Cup final. England off the a fine save from Czech goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik, which On Tuesday, fans of the Three Lions had their left the England captain pounding the pitch in frustra- revenge as they celebrated Scotland’s exit while leash at Euro 2020? tion. Despite his flat performances so far, Southgate watching their side beat the Czech Republic 1-0 at appears determined to stick with Kane, who won the Wembley to secure top spot in Group D. Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, as the man to build With both sides needing a win to secure their LONDON: England are through to the Euro 2020 his attack around. knockout stages but Gareth Southgate must find a way place in the knockout stages after taking just one point from their opening two games, Croatia’s greater to take the handbrake off as he gears up for tougher ‘More to come’ experience in controlling their nerves across 90 min- GLASGOW: Croatia’s midfielder Luka Modric celebrates challenges ahead. With just two goals in their three Southgate said there was “more to come” from his utes was telling. after scoring the second goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 group games, England are the lowest-scoring side to side as they gear up for a likely clash against world After conceding early to Nikola Vlasic, Scotland Group D football match between Croatia and Scotland at ever finish top of a group at a European Championship. champions France, holders Portugal or Germany. struck back with their first goal of the tournament Hampden Park in Glasgow on Tuesday. — AFP On the plus side, they have looked solid at the back, England will play the runner-up in Group F, as the final through Callum McGregor to go in level at half-time. not conceding a single goal in 270 minutes of football, games in that group took place yesterday. “Whoever we But their energy reserves ran dry in the second-half and topping Group D means they get to play at play, (will be) really, really tough opposition but we’ve 2020. However, Clarke was keen to stress the as Croatia kept the ball and finally ended the Scots’ Wembley in the last 16. England, already assured of sort of known that for 18 months,” said Southgate. progress Scotland have made in his two years in resistance in style. progress, started brightly in their final group game “The good thing from our point of view is I think charge since a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Kazakhstan against the Czech Republic on Tuesday, with Bukayo ended Alex McLeish’s reign as manager at the start of we’re still improving, we look difficult to play against. Luka magic Saka and Jack Grealish adding zest to a stodgy attack. There’s more to come from us. We’ve got more match Euro 2020 qualifying. Modric is the only man since 2007 to deny Lionel But the second half of the 1-0 win at Wembley was a minutes on the pitch for some important players and “Tonight we were against a team that are tourna- Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo the Ballon d’Or and grind and there was little to grip the crowd of 22,500, that squad depth is going to be important because I ment hardened and who knew how to play the third showed why he belongs in such exulted company. The who reserved their biggest cheers for news of Croatia’s felt like we’ve run out of steam a little bit in a couple game in the group — and we probably didn’t. That’s 35-year-old, playing in his 62nd game of the season goals against Scotland in Glasgow. of the games.” why we are going home and Croatia are going for club and country, received the ball on the edge of Raheem Sterling has scored England’s only goals of Southgate was full of praise for Grealish and Saka through,” he said. “I promise you it won’t be 23 years the box and fired into the top corner with the outside the tournament so far, with Harry Kane still curiously and encouraged by what he witnessed against the till the next one.” of his right foot. out of sorts after a fine Premier League season in which Czech Republic. “We saw some of the interchange of For Croatia, next up is a trip to Copenhagen on “No one is sure how Luka manages that,” Croatia he finished top of the scoring and assist charts. There positions of those forward players was really exciting, I Monday to face one of Spain, Sweden, Slovakia or boss Zlatko Dalic said of the Real Madrid midfielder. was a clamor for Aston Villa captain Grealish to start thought at the start of the game especially,” he said. Poland. After a lackluster opening two games, Dalic “We expect that Luka will go down, lose his strength, after last week’s disappointing goalless draw with “We were tired a little bit but we knew that because complained his side had been unfairly written off but he is the force that pulls the whole team. He never Scotland and Southgate was always likely to make one or two are a little bit short of fitness.” back home. gives up.” changes for the game against the Czechs. His hand was England have been tight defensively despite changes But the surprise package of the 2018 World Cup Manager Steve Clarke said Scotland will need to forced to some extent, with Chelsea midfielder Mason of personnel but far tougher challenges lie ahead, with are not done yet thanks in large part to their inspira- follow that example with the 2022 World Cup less Mount ruled out of action after coming into contact potential opponents next week including Cristiano tional captain. “We were not happy with performanc- than 18 months away. His side will face a much with Scotland’s Billy Gilmour who tested positive for Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe. Everton goalkeeper es in the first two matches and we knew we could be tougher task to reach Qatar with just 13 spots avail- coronavirus. Jordan Pickford has impressed on the rare occasions he better,” said Modric. “When we play like this, we are able to European nations compared to 24 at Euro The selection of Grealish paid immediate dividends has been called into action.—AFP dangerous to everyone.” — AFP Established 1961 Sport

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021 5-star Spain book Croatia showdown

Claesson hits last-gasp winner for Sweden against Poland

SEVILLE/SAINT PETERSBURG: Spain finally vered, even as Sarabia and Pedri both kicked the air have lift off at Euro 2020 after a 5-0 hammering of before finally Dubravka stepped in to give them a Slovakia yesterday sent them through as runners-up helping hand. Lubomir Satka’s scuffed clearance fell in Group E, with Croatia their opponents in the last straight to Sarabia, whose dipping shot banged 16 on Monday. Luis Enrique described his team as a against the top of the crossbar and flew upwards. bottle of cava about to be popped and they certainly Dubravka was under it and as he tried to flick the exploded in Seville, where a scoring frenzy felt dropping ball over his own crossbar, he succeeded cathartic and could yet prove transformative for only in flapping it into his own net. their chances in the knock-out stages. Spain breathed a sigh of relief and just before Spain were even about to progress as group win- half-time they made it two. Dubravka was again at ners until Viktor Claesson scored in the 94th minute fault, this time edging out only to see Moreno steer against Poland to secure top spot for Sweden. the ball away from him in the area and cross it back Slovakia finish third and are out. After two tension- in. Laporte did brilliantly to loop his header into the filled draws against Sweden and Poland, Spain were top corner. Slovakia threw Michal Duris and left scrambling to qualify, with Luis Enrique admit- Stanislav Lobotka on at half-time but Spain were ting he would have taken any position in the group liberated and within 10 minutes, it was three. This as long as it meant going through. time, it was not a mistake but a slick move that made SAINT PETERSBURG: Poland’s midfielder But Spain ran riot at La Cartuja, their early anx- it, Jordi Alba pulling back to Sarabia, who steered Grzegorz Krychowiak (left) fights for the ball iety heightened by Alvaro Morata’s missed penalty into the corner. with Sweden’s forward Marcus Berg during and then quickly eased by two dreadful mistakes Morata came off when he might have wanted to the UEFA Euro 2020 Group E match at Saint by Slovakia’s goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. The stay on and his replacement scored almost with his Petersburg Stadium yesterday. -— AFP first was an own goal that will surely go down as first touch, Torres applying a superb flick to Sarabia’s one of the strangest moments of the tournament cross to the front post. It got worse for Slovakia, a before another Dubravka error allowed Aymeric scrap in the box resulting in Kucka hacking Pau the second game in a row, netting the second-fastest after testing positive for COVID-19 just before the Laporte to head in. Torres’ header into his own net for a fifth. Spain were goal in European Championship history. tournament. With the shackles off, Spain let loose in the sec- briefly top, only for Sweden to snatch a winner. The RB Leipzig attacker collected a loose ball His driving run and pass set up Forsberg to curl in ond half as Pablo Sarabia, Ferran Torres and another Meanwhile, Viktor Claesson scored an injury- just outside the Poland area after Kamil Glik flat- Sweden’s second on 59 minutes, but Poland own goal from Juraj Kucka confirmed an emphatic time winner as Sweden beat Poland 3-2 in Saint tened Alexander Isak, riding a challenge from Kamil responded to set up a thrilling finish. Lewandowski win, even if Croatia and Luka Modric will provide a Petersburg yesterday to clinch top spot in Group E Jozwiak before firing into the far corner. With halved the deficit with a brilliant solo effort on 61 much sterner test next week. and knock their opponents out of Euro 2020. Emil Poland needing victory to avoid elimination minutes, bending into the top corner to become his Spain monopolized the ball in the first half but for Forsberg struck twice, the first coming after just 81 Lewandowski hit the crossbar twice in a matter of country’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament. 30 minutes, it was a familiar story of chances missed seconds, but Robert Lewandowski’s double gave seconds, incredibly failing to convert his own Poland had not scored more than once in any of and frustration growing. Spain were awarded a Poland hope of qualifying before Claesson’s late goal rebound from point-blank range after connecting their previous 13 matches at the finals, but penalty as Jakub Hromada went to clear but instead sent Sweden through as group winners. with Piotr Zielinski’s corner. Lewandowski took advantage of confusion lashed into the leg of Koke. Morata had deferred the Sweden will likely play Ukraine in the last 16 after Zielinski forced Robin Olsen into a pair of flying between Victor Lindelof and Marcus Danielson to spot-kick to Moreno against Poland and this time pipping Spain to first place, with Slovakia exiting saves with shots from distance either side of half- equalize six minutes from time. As Poland desper- took charge, only to whip the ball at a comfortable alongside Poland following the crushing 5-0 defeat in time, with the Sweden goalkeeper also making a fine ately pushed for a winner, Sweden snatched all height for Dubravka to palm away to his right. It was Seville. Janne Andersson’s side, safe in the knowledge stop from Grzegorz Krychowiak’s long-range shot. three points right at the death when Kulusevski the fifth consecutive penalty Spain have missed. they were assured of a place in the next round before Juventus winger Dejan Kulusevski came on 10 min- played in fellow substitute Claesson to slot beyond They might have crumbled but instead perse- kick-off, made a dream start as Forsberg scored for utes into the second half for his first appearance Wojciech Szczesny. — AFP