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THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 1 JUMADA II - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8502 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Have the SIM delivered to you QP launches landmark Sustainability Strategy THE PENINSULA — DOHA target of 0.2 percent across all facilities by 2025. Qatar Petroleum (QP) has Commenting on this launched its new Sustainability occasion, Minister of State for Strategy, which illustrates its Energy Affairs, the President and commitment and sense of CEO of Qatar Petroleum, H E responsibility as a major energy Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi said: producer, and sets a roadmap “Qatar Petroleum’s Sustainability for a sustainable and more Strategy is a bold commitment prosperous future for Qatar and with clear goals and milestones the world. that ensure we embed sustain- The new Strategy estab- The new Strategy ability considerations into the lishes a number of targets in sets a roadmap for way we plan and manage our alignment with the goals of the a sustainable and entire business and Paris Agreement, and sets in more prosperous operations.” motion a plan to reduce future for Qatar and Al Kaabi added: “This greenhouse gas emissions by Strategy is an important step the world. Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Police College, H E 2030. on the road to achieve our Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, distributing certificate to a graduate at the Police It stipulates deploying vision of becoming one of the Training Institute, yesterday. dedicated Carbon Capture and It also establishes a best National Oil and Gas Storage (CCS) facilities to number of targets in Companies in the world, with capture more than 7 million alignment with the roots in Qatar and a strong PM hands over certificates to third tons per annum of CO2 in international presence. It will Qatar. goals of the Paris shape our actions and the way The Strategy also acts as a Agreement, and sets we operate over the next batch of Police College graduates clear direction towards in motion a plan to decade.” DOHA reducing the emissions intensity reduce greenhouse In highlighting Qatar Petro- QNA — certificates of the third batch of and the Republic of Yemen. of Qatar’s LNG facilities by 25 gas emissions by leum’s climate action, the Min- the Police College candidates The ceremony was attended percent and of its upstream ister said: “Our climate change Prime Minister, Minister of at the Police Training Institute. by a number of Their Excellencies facilities by at least 15 percent, 2030. mitigation plans are consistent Interior and Chairman of the H E the Prime Minister and the Ministers, senior officers and and reducing flare intensity with the goals of the Paris Supreme Council of the Police Minister of Interior handed over directors of departments at the across upstream facilities by flaring by 2030, and limit Agreement, and provide val- College, H E Sheikh Khalid bin the certificates to the 112 grad- Ministry of Interior, members of more than 75 percent. fugitive methane emissions uable support to global ambi- Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, uates, including students from the Supreme Council of the Police Furthermore, it sets out a along the gas value chain by tions to achieve net zero emis- attended yesterday evening the the Hashemite Kingdom of College, faculty members, and target to eliminate routine setting a methane intensity sions.” `P4 ceremony of handing over Jordan, the State of Palestine, parents of graduates. Qatar starts second dose of vaccine shots QA to resume FAZEENA SALEEM Qatari citizen to receive the Cairo flights THE PENINSULA The second dose Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 of the Pfizer- vaccine on December 23. The from Monday Qatar has begun administering second person in Qatar and first the second dose of COVID-19 BioNTech’s expatriate to receive the first THE PENINSULA — DOHA vaccine and re-affirmed that COVID-19 vaccine dose, 88-year-old Syrian, Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is safe was given on Mohammed Frazat, was also Qatar Airways has announced Guy Ritchie and effective. Tuesday to those given his second dose at the Al through its social site that it The second dose of the Wajba Health Centre will resume flights to Egypt, Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 received the first yesterday. starting with services to Cairo vaccine was given on Tuesday dose on December During a live session by the from Monday, followed by Guy Ritchie’s film to begin to those received the first dose 23, 2020. The Ministry on Instagram, Dr. Al Alexandria on January 25. on December 23, 2020, second dose is Bayat also reaffirmed that the Qatar Airways flights will production in Doha today according to Head of Vacci- given after 21 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 start with a daily service to nation at Ministry of Public vaccine is safe and approved Cairo, and twice weekly flights THE PENINSULA — DOHA “The film marks our third Health (MoPH), Dr. Soha Al days of the first for people aged 16 years and to Alexandria, said the Qatar collaboration with Ritchie, Bayat. The second dose of the dose. above and is safe for even those Airways on its Twitter account. Guy Ritchie’s highly anticipated adding to our expanding list of vaccine is given after 21 days of who have any food or antibiotic EgyptAir also planned to upcoming untitled film will nearly 20 projects having been the first dose. COVID-19 vaccine. I am well allergy. run a daily flight to and from kick off production today in released or currently in pro- “Those who took the first and fine,” she said. “The Pfizer-BioNTech Doha, the Egypt aviation min- Qatar and will also shoot in duction since beIN’s acquisition dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Dr. Al Bayat also empha- COVID-19 vaccine has no food istry said in a statement. An Antalya, Turkey. of Miramax — a testament to during the launch of the vacci- sised that similar to the first or antibiotic components. Only additional flight could be The film reunites Ritchie our continued success nation campaign took their dose of the vaccine only very if you are allergy to components added if there was sufficient again with action-thriller phe- achieving the target goals we second dose on Tuesday, which minor side effects were of the vaccine, there is a possi- demand, it said. EgyptAir’s nomenon Jason Statham, set forth for the studio’s evo- marked day 21,” said Dr. Al reported and majority had pain bility of developing complica- chairman told local TV that the marking their second film lution while remaining com- Bayat in reply to a question at the injection site. tions,” said Dr. Al Bayat. She carrier expected to resume together for Miramax following mitted to prioritising invest- posted by The Peninsula during The former president of also said that COVID-19 vaccine flights to Qatar from Monday. Wrath of Man. It will also feature ments in innovative and cul- a live session by the Ministry on Qatar University, Dr Abdullah is not made compulsory for res- In addition to daily flights from Aubrey Plaza (Happiest Season, turally relevant films.” Instagram, yesterday. Al Kubaisi, was also among idents or travellers in Qatar but Cairo, four flights a week Parks and Recreation), Cary In the film, MI6 guns-and- “I am one of those who those who received the second it can be, made mandatory by would be operated from Alex- Elwes (Saw, The Princess Bride, steel agent Orson Fortune received the second dose of the dose. He was also the first other countries. `P4 andria to Doha. Stranger Things), and Bugzy (Statham) is recruited by a Malone (The Gentlemen). global intelligence agency to “Guy and Jason have track down and stop the sale repeatedly impressed audiences of a deadly new weapons tech- Hamad Port’s cargo handling soars with start of CT2 with their collaborations, and nology that threatens to disrupt we’re looking forward to bringing the world order. Reluctantly IRFAN BUKHARI rubber-tired gantry cranes (LTI) during construction of Port’s Container Terminal 2, this production to the city of paired with CIA high-tech THE PENINSULA (RTGs) for vertical container Hamad Port’s Container Ter- which is equipped with the Doha, Qatar, a growing market expert Sarah Fidel, Fortune sets transportation. minal 2. latest environment-friendly in the entertainment and media off on a globe-trotting mission Within days after inauguration QTerminals, terminal oper- Prime Minister and Minister technological equipment to space,” says beIN Media Group where he will have to use all of of its initial operations, ating company providing of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid meet the needs and require- Chairman Nasser Al Khelaifi. his charm, ingenuity, and Container Terminal 2 (CT2) at services at Hamad Port, had bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al ments of shipping line oper- stealth to track down and infil- Hamad Port has started achieved, in November last Thani on December 22 last year ators and would increase the trate billionaire arms broker receiving container ships. year, a milestone by reaching had made a visit to Hamad Port, port’s capacity by about three Greg Simmonds. Yesterday both Container three million man-hours during which he inaugurated million containers per year. Ritchie will direct and Terminal 1 and Container Ter- without any Lost Time Injury the initial operation of Hamad `P4 produce from a screenplay minal 2 received two vessels written by Ivan Atkinson and each and this new development Marn Davies (The Gentlemen, will increase cargo handling Wrath of Man), with revisions capacity of Hamad Port. by Ritchie. Atkinson will also “QTerminals welcomed produce. Bill Block will produce four vessels at CT1 and CT2 at for Miramax, which is also fully Hamad Port. A full house! The financing the film. STX will dis- discharging and loading of the tribute directly in the US, UK, containers was carried out QTerminals welcomed four vessels at CT1 and and Ireland and worldwide safely, efficiently and effec- through its network of inter- tively, as always,” QTerminals CT2 at Hamad Port. A full house! The discharging The Miramax and STXfilms’ national distribution partners. announced in a tweet. and loading of the containers was carried out STXfilms had great success last The first ship had arrived at safely, efficiently and effectively, as always, action spy film will feature year with Ritchie’s The Gen- CT2 of Hamad Port in August Jason Statham tlemen, which grossed $115m last year which was loaded with QTerminals announced in a tweet. at the worldwide box office. the first shipment of the 02 HOME THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 Prime Minister attends Police College candidates' graduation
Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Police College, H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, with officials and graduates of the third batch of the Police College candidates at the Police Training Institute, yesterday. H E the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior handed over certificates to 112 graduates.
QNA — DOHA Palestine and Yemen received He said that the Police international standards by fol- courses that are considered the and success to all graduates in graduation certificates after College has taken all precau- lowing modern methods of edu- best in the region in terms of their future assignments. The Police College held passing all the academic and tionary measures to limit the cation and training, linking the their development, diversity In the graduates’ speech, the yesterday a certificate distri- training requirements to obtain spread of the epidemic by fol- theoretical and practical sides and method of application such candidate officer, Talal Khaled bution ceremony for the grad- a Bachelor’s degree in Law and lowing the instructions of the and raising the level of security as parachute jumping and Al Rumaihi said he and his col- uates of the third batch of Police Sciences. health authorities in the country sense among students to deal diving. The Director General of leagues are living moments of candidate students, in the In his speech on this and completing its course with consciously in future security the Police College affirmed that joy and happiness by reaching presence of Prime Minister and occasion, Director-General of success. He added that the situations. the leadership qualification graduation day after a journey Minister of Interior H E Sheikh the Police College, Brigadier Police College has achieved a He pointed out that appli- programme for candidates con- full of difficulties and arduous Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Mohammed Abdullah Al large part of its goals and vision cation programmes have been tributed to improving students’ stages. Al Thani, and a number of Muhana Al Marri, affirmed that to be a beacon in the field of developed that benefit the can- leadership skills and their He said during the college ministers, officers, faculty the world is going through legal and policing sciences for didates in their working lives, ability to assume the tasks and years they have been trans- members and parents, at the exceptional circumstances its graduates and to achieve such as debates, audio-visual responsibilities that will be formed into men armed with Police Training Institute. related to the outbreak of leadership in this field. simulations and crime-scene placed on their shoulders. knowledge, and specialised A total of 112 candidates COVID-19 pandemic which has It has offered its students training, in addition to devel- He concluded his speech by field training to be up to the including those graduated on left negative effects on various specialised academic pro- oping their military training thanking all partners and sup- responsibility that will be placed scholarship from Jordan, walks of life. grammes in accordance with skills through specialised porters of the college’s activities on their shoulders in the future. Cabinet approves renewal of QFCRA Board of Directors; reviews COVID-19 situation
QNA — DOHA Cabinet’s regular meeting held at its (COVID-19). The Cabinet affirmed Islamic affairs. seat at the Amiri Diwan. the continuation of work with regard The Cabinet also reviewed the The Cabinet also approved a draft The Cabinet yesterday approved the Following the meeting, H E Min- to the precautionary measures that following topics and took the appro- MoU between the government of renewal of the Board of Directors at ister of Justice and Acting Minister of have been taken in order to combat priate decisions in their regard: the State of Qatar and the the Qatar Financial Centre Regu- State for Cabinet Affairs Dr. Issa bin this pandemic. results of the third meeting of the government of the Kingdom of latory Authority (QFCRA) starting Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi said that at The Cabinet also approved a draft General Assembly of the Islamic from March 8, 2021, and specified the the beginning of the meeting, the memorandum of understanding Organization for Food Security Morocco in the field of remuneration of the board members. Cabinet listened to the explanation (MoU) between the government of (IOFS), and results of the 67th session endowments and Islamic affairs. Prime Minister and Minister of provided by HE Minister of Public the State of Qatar and the gov- of the World Health Organization’s Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Health on the latest developments to ernment of the Kingdom of Morocco (WHO) Regional Committee for the bin Abdulaziz Al Thani chaired the limit the spread of the coronavirus in the field of endowments and Eastern Mediterranean.
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New Indian Supermarket Old Airport!& 1 %, !& 1( ,! !& 1 ,0 & , # !& & &# ($'!& 1 $( .## &$" !& 1Mesaieed!& 1 /& #' ($( --$'.,!!.& %, # THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 HOME 03 QU to increase cooperation NHRC Chairman meets US with Mohammed Bin Ghanem officials Al Ghanem Maritime Academy QNA — DOHA Chairman of the National THE PENINSULA — DOHA Human Rights Committee (NHRC) H E Ali bin Smaikh Al Qatar University (QU) has signed a memo- The agreement includes cooperation Marri met via video conference randum of understanding (MoU) with between the two institutions in with US Assistant Secretary for Mohammed Bin Ghanem Al Ghanem exchange of experience and Democracy, Human Rights, Maritime Academy, which includes cooper- information, including publications, and Labor, Robert Destro; and ation in education, training, research, and periodicals, studies and statistics, US Deputy Assistant Secretary development. of State for Democracy, The memorandum was signed by Pres- training, and research. It also includes Human Rights and Labor, ident of Qatar University Dr. Hassan Rashid forming working committees and joint Steven Gillen. Al Derham, and the Commander of teams. Talks during the meeting Mohammed Bin Ghanem Al Ghanem Mar- dealt with a number of human itime Academy Brig. Gen. Khalid Nasser Al rights issues, aspects of joint Qatar University President Dr. Hassan Rashid Al Derham, and Commander Hajri, in the presence of several university Force, and Police. cooperation, and ways to of Mohammed Bin Ghanem Al Ghanem Maritime Academy, Brig. Gen. Khalid officials and the Naval Academy Dr. Hassan added that the military sec- improve mechanisms for the delegation. tor’s academies play a significant role in pro- Nasser Al Hajri, at the MoU signing ceremony. promotion and protection of During the signing, Dr. Hassan praised viding security to the country and open doors human rights. Qatar University and Mohammed Bin for Qatar University to provide it’s academic, relationship between our institution training, research, and cooperation Ghanem Al Ghanem Maritime Academy’s scientific, and research experience to this and Qatar University, he said. in other possible fields. constructive cooperation. He stressed the military institute. The agreement includes cooper- The agreement also included the MME and UNEP university’s goal to provide its scientific and Also commenting on the MoU, Brig. Al ation between the two sides in possibility of forming working com- academic expertise to support these Hajri praised Qatar University’s role in exchanging experiences and infor- mittees and joint teams by holding discuss important national institutions. He men- national development at all levels and appre- mation, including publications, peri- meetings to coordinate in areas that tioned that Qatar’s military is witnessing sig- ciated the university graduates. odicals, studies and statistics, organ- fall within the scope of this cooperation nificant development, including Naval, Air The agreement will enhance the ising conferences, meetings, and memorandum. QNA — DOHA
The Ministry of Municipality Exhibition season begins at Katara with “21” show and Environment (MME) and the United Nations Envi- RAYNALD C RIVERA to share and exchange experiences that ronment Programme (UNEP) THE PENINSULA enrich the cultural and artistic scene at discussed cooperation in the the local and regional levels. field of environmental infor- Unique, eye-catching artworks by 21 Speaking to the media at the launch, mation systems. Qatari and Arab artists are on display at the artists expressed great enthusiasm The two sides also dis- “21” exhibition, the first gallery exhibition about the 10-day workshop leading to cussed technical support in presented by the Cultural Village Foun- the opening of the 18-day exhibition. projects for monitoring the dation (Katara) for year 2021 which was “I feel very happy taking part in this quality of air, maritime envi- unveiled yesterday. initiative because I met and worked ronment, and the preparation Adorning the walls of galleries 1 and together with my friends for 10 days,” of environmental reports as 2 of Katara Building 19, the diverse art- said Qatari artist Noor Al Shammari, well as the implementation of works were a product of a 10-day art adding her paintings show a different training programmes. production workshop of artists Fatma form of art. Director of Monitoring and Al Sharshani, Omar Al Shahabi, Hassan Doha-based Iraqi artist Omar Al Environmental Laboratory Manasrah, Sumam Ismael Azzam, Nour Shahabi was of similar view on the event Department at MME, Hassan Elhadi, Nadya Al Qawbari, Thamer Al describing the exhibition as an amazing Al Qassimi, took part in the Dossari, Noor Al Shammari, Ameera Al and great show. meeting along with Dr. Abdul- Aji, Ahmad Nooh, Eman Al Sulaiti, Al Shahabi chose to depict a half- monem Mohammed from the Maryam Al Maadhadi, Hassan Al Salat, rooster, half-human creature looking United Nations Environment Yasser Al Mulla, Amira Radhi, Thamer proud and performing human activities Programme’s office in West Al Dossari, Mubarak Al Malik, Hazim Al to suggest how the world is in chaos with Asia, and Head of Environ- Hussain, Huda Basahal, Ali Al Mulla, and a lot of tensions between individuals and mental Systems Division Katara General Manager Prof. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti (centre) along with Ahood Al Dafa. countries due to many factors such as Farida Al Mousa. The meeting ambassadors and guests at the opening of “21” exhibition at Katara yesterday. Commenting on the show, Katara wealth. The launch of the exhibition, took place via video General Manager Prof. Dr. Khalid bin which was attended by a number of conference. Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, who led the opening freedom to choose the subjects to work diverse themes and wide ranging art ambassadors and the participating The meeting focused on of the exhibition, said “21” serves as the on according to the different art schools forms from paintings to installations. artists, was conducted while observing the appropriate mechanisms opening of Katara’s exhibitions for 2021 to which they belonged. Dr. Al Sulaiti emphasised that Katara the safety measures against COVID-19 for providing support to and a perfect metaphor for the new year Pieces on display at the exhibition has always striven to be a meeting place being implemented in the country. develop the State of Qatar’s when activities have started resuming. reveal the dynamic creativity and bril- for artists, creatives and intellectuals, Art enthusiasts can view the exhi- report on the environment. At He said the artists were given the liant imagination of the artists with the providing them with a venue and ways bition until January 30. the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides agreed on hosting a workshop by United Four arrested for Nations Environment Pro- Kuwait, Oman envoys participate in ‘Plant Million Tree’ initiative gramme experts to exchange violating home expertise and ideas in the field quarantine of environmental systems. QNA — DOHA Over 143,000 The designated authorities arrested yesterday four recover from persons who violated the requirements of the home COVID-19 quarantine, they committed to following, which they are THE PENINSULA — DOHA legally accountable for, in accordance with the proce- The Ministry of Public Health dures of the health authorities (MoPH) yesterday in the country. announced the registration The arrest of the violators of 201 new confirmed cases came in implementation of the of COVID-19. Among them precautionary measures in 25 were travellers returning force in the country, approved from abroad. Minister Plenipotentiary and Acting Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Kuwait in Qatar, Nasser Saqr Al Ghanim, and Director-General by health authorities repre- The Ministry also of the Commercial Representation Office of Oman to Qatar, Hamad bin Jabr Al Mahrouqi, took part in a tree plantation event organised sented in the Ministry of Public announced that 156 people Health, to curb the spread of by the Public Parks Department of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment under the ‘Plant Million Tree’ initiative. Assistant have recovered from the the COVID-19. to Director of Public Parks Department, Mohamad Ibrahim Al Sada, Nassser Darwish from Doha Municipality and other officials also virus, bringing the total The violators who are cur- attended the event. number of recovered cases rently being referred to the in Qatar to 143,094. All new designate prosecution are: cases have been introduced Mohammed Najeeb Khalifa to isolation and are receiving Hazeem Al Sada, Abdul- Over 300,000 customs declarations in December necessary healthcare rahman Sultan Mohammed according to their health Abdullah Al Marzouki, AYENI OLUSEGUN release time of two hours. The clearance agencies and status. Mahmoud Abdel Mohsen THE PENINSULA Department also transferred General Authority of brokers, added to the Al The total number of pos- Mahmoud Abdel Mohsen Al over 25,000 declarations to Nadeeb system last November. itive COVID-19 cases Mahmoud, and Ali Hassan The General Authority of other government agencies. Customs made 331,149 This package renews the recorded in Qatar is 146,480 Mohammed Hassan Al Rashed. Customs has announced its In December, the GAC declarations in customs clearance license, and there are 3,140 active monthly statistics with over made 142 seizure reports, of December, with 305,978 adds the customs clearance cases under treatment. 300,000 customs declarations which 1.775kg of heroin was of those carried out by agent/representative, renews While the first phase of 95 referred to done in December. the largest catch of the month. the air cargo customs. the customs broker/represent- COVID-19 vaccinations has In its monthly Newsletter, In the Newsletter, the Cus- The maritime customs ative card, transfers the started in Qatar and in the prosecution for the GAC stated that 331,149 dec- tomer Service Center Admin- customs broker/delegate to coming months it will be larations were made in istrator at the GAC, Ali Ahmed department completed another clearance company, available for the public for not wearing December, with 305,978 of Al Abduljabbar, said the 24,925 declarations in and transfers the customs free, the Ministry has stressed those carried out by the air Authority had completed its the same month. agent/representative to it is important for everyone masks cargo customs. service automation project. another port. to play their role in con- Meanwhile, the maritime Al Abduljabbar said the Al Abduljabbar stressed trolling the virus by following QNA — DOHA customs department completed project was done to provide fast that the GAC is working to con- precautionary measures 24,925 declarations in the same and distinctive service to companies’ roles, and paying tinuously “develop its services including adhering to The designated authorities month, while the percentage of customers. customs fines. It was launched to keep pace with the technical physical distancing; yesterday referred 95 people customs declarations released He said the Authority accel- on the Al Nadeeb system last development being witnessed avoiding close contact with to the Public Prosecution for in an hour was 99 percent. erated the completion project May. at all levels.” others, crowded places, and not wearing masks in places In the report, India main- considering the partial closure The second package He noted many benefits in confined closed spaces where where they are mandatory. tained its position as the top and social distancing measures includes two services about converting paper services into other people congregate; The measure is in line with exporting country, while China applied by Qatar due to the customs procedures related to electronic services that come wearing a face mask and the Cabinet decision, Decree also remained the top import COVID-19 pandemic. According vehicles in Qatar, which are the within the “customs without washing hands regularly. Law No. 17 of 1990 on infec- country. to him, the services were issuance of a vehicle paper” project, like linking The Ministry further said tious diseases, and the precau- The best government divided into three packages. movement certificate and the government agencies easily, that measures to tackle tionary measures in force in agency in ‘time of release’ was The first package included registration of imported conducting regular and sim- COVID-19 in Qatar have suc- the country to contain the the Environmental Protection the most requested services: vehicles. plified operations during trans- ceeded in flattening the curve spread of coronavirus Reserves & Wildlife registering commercial com- The third package includes actions, and reducing time and and limiting the spread of the (COVID-19). Department, with an average panies, adding commercial the services related to customs effort on the user. virus. 04 HOME THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 Over 3,300 professionals register for Qatar Health 2021 Qatar starts THE PENINSULA — DOHA second dose The keynote speaker at the virtual event will be WHO Director More than 3,300 healthcare of Health Emergencies Program, Dr. Michael Ryan. Other of vaccine professionals have registered international speakers include Acting Manager and Program for Qatar Health 2021, which will be held virtually for the Lead, Infectious Hazard Preparedness Unit, Health Emergencies shots FROM PAGE 1 first time from January 20 to Program, WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, 23. Dr. Abdinasir Abubaka, and Dean, College of Public Health, According to Dr. Al Bayat, Qatar Health 2021 Pan- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Dr. Ali Khan. Qatar signed agreement for demic Mitigation: Best Practice COVID-19 vaccine with Pfizer- for Disaster Medicine, Mass BioNTech, and Moderna and Gatherings and Trauma well prepared to store the Systems is a collaborative Organization’s Director of Qatar Health conference and vaccine safe. At present Pfizer- Dr. Abdul Wahab Al Musleh, Qatar Dr. Hassan Al Thani, Deputy Chair effort between Hamad Medical Health Emergencies Program, it is important to view strat- BioNTech is available in the Corporation (HMC) and the Health 2021 Co-Chair of Qatar Health 2021 Conference Dr. Michael Ryan who has been egies and real-life applications country and hopefully Qatar Ministry of Public Health in considered one of the pre- in the light of COVID-19. will receive the first batch preparation for the FIFA World Dr. Abdul Wahab Al Musleh. multi-disciplinary tracks, pre- eminent experts throughout “So much has changed over from Moderna in the coming Cup 2022. “This will give attendees ceded by one-day pre-con- the COVID-19 pandemic. Other the last 12 months,” Dr. Al weeks. “We were aware of the The event will be live important updates on the latest ference workshops and sym- international speakers include Thani said. “Qatar Health 2021 storage requirements and we streamed to all attendees while research and science related posia. The tracks are: Pandemic Acting Manager and Program focus in on providing quality were prepared for it; we were being very accessible to eve- to disaster medicine, mass Mitigation and Control, Post- Lead, Infectious Hazard Pre- care during mass gatherings very much ready to store the ryone. Attendees will have the gatherings and trauma systems Pandemic Preparations for paredness Unit, Health Emer- with the inclusion of recent vaccine as needed,” she said. option to view the conference plus our pre-conference pro- Mass Gatherings, Post-Pan- gencies Program, WHO developments and best practice Dr. Al Bayat also said that in a new 360 degree format gramme which will hone in on demic Trauma Systems plus Regional Office for the Eastern in pandemic mitigation. It shall Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 and engage in real life simu- specific areas including nursing Post-Pandemic Research. Mediterranean, Dr. Abdinasir also provide opportunities in vaccine administrated in two lation of a conference setting during COVID-19. There are also three pre-con- Abubaka and Dean, College of professional development for doses in a 21 days gap while with its large halls and virtual “I am proud to say that we ference tracks including: Public Health, University of a wide variety of healthcare Moderna vaccine will be promoters, this provides an have sourced the best local and Heroic Nursing Practice During Nebraska Medical Center, Dr. professionals from a diverse set administrated in a 28-day gap. immersive experience to all the international speakers for what COVID-19; Critical Decision in Ali Khan. of disciplines and practice. She clarified that people attendees of Qatar Health 2021. will be a challenging yet Trauma; and Travel Health Head of Hamad Trauma “The virtual platform infected with COVID-19 pre- “We are very excited to be informative programme,” he Preparedness During Sporting Center and Deputy Chair of enables us to reach a wider viously are still eligible to take holding Qatar Health 2021 in a said. Events. Qatar Health 2021 Conference, audience and gives attendees the vaccine but during the first completely virtual space,” said Qatar Health 2021 will offer The keynote speaker for Dr. Hassan Al Thani said much an immersive and hands on phase of the vaccination Qatar Health 2021 Co-Chair, a three-day programme, with the event is the World Health has changed since the last experience.” campaign. At present, in the first phase of vaccination pref- Bedaya, Al Hazm launch 'Qatari Chef' initiative erence will be given to people QP launches landmark over 65 years old, adults in THE PENINSULA — DOHA applying for participation. provide all the equipment nec- chronic care and home care This initiative is a continu- essary to operate his/her space facilities, healthcare personnel Bedaya Center for Entrepre- ation of the pioneering and when selected, in addition to sub- Sustainability Strategy most at risk of infection and neurship and Career Devel- effective role undertaken by mitting health certificates for all people over 16 years of age FROM PAGE 1 opment, a joint initiative by Qatar Bedaya Center and Al Hazm to staff. The Strategy reaffirms Qatar with severe chronic diseases. Development Bank and Silatech support entrepreneurs, and this Abdulla Faleh Al Saeed, Board Petroleum’s commitment to The first phase of vaccination yesterday announced the launch time by providing them the Member and General Manager of “Qatar is the world’s largest achieving a world-class safety will continue until January 31. of the ‘Qatari Chef’ initiative in opportunity to showcase and Bedaya Center said, “Through the LNG producer and, by imple- culture that ensures a secure, collaboration with ‘Al Hazm’, the promote their products in the ‘Qatari Chef’ Initiative, we seek to menting our Sustainability safe and healthy environment first destination for those looking most famous and prestigious highlight distinctive Qatari Strategy, we will play a decisive for our employees, stake- Cargo handling for excellence and luxury in Qatar. location that attract people from projects. By joining hands with Al role in helping reduce the holders, partners, contractors, The 11-day programme will all over Qatar. Hazm, which is one of the most impact of climate change by and the communities in which at Hamad Port be held from January 26 to Feb- Al Hazm will be providing prestigious malls in Qatar, our implementing measures to curb we operate. In addition, Qatar ruary 13, daily from 4pm till mid- special spaces for all participants goal is to provide an opportunity emissions, produce LNG using Petroleum is placing significant increases night. Through the ‘Qatari Chef’ free of charge, in addition to pro- to a group of entrepreneurs spe- the latest proven carbon attention on improving its envi- FROM PAGE 1 initiative, local entrepreneurs will viding POS systems on compli- cialising in the high-end food and reduction technologies, and ronmental footprint and be able to showcase their talent, mentary basis, which will help beverage sector. This event will compensating for residual emis- enhancing the resilience of bio- CT2 development project skill and products in the high-end them save time and effort and offer an effective platform to our sions where necessary,” Min- diversity in Qatar, and the consists of 4 phases. Full oper- food and beverage sector. Entre- facilitate their tasks. entrepreneurs to develop and ister Al Kaabi concluded. enhancement of local habitats ation of Phases 1 & 2 will start preneurs who wish to be a part of To participate in the ‘Qatari evolve their products and The Strategy is underpinned to improve the quality of life. before the end of 2022. Phases this initiative can apply at Bedaya Chef’ event, Bedaya Center has promote them in a way that is by Qatar National Vision 2030 The Strategy also places 3 & 4 will be developed later to Center. All applications will be set certain conditions for applying, consistent with the market and the United Nations’ Sus- emphasis on Qatar Petroleum’s raise the port’s operational reviewed by the Center and only whereby the entrepreneur must requirements, which puts them tainable Development Goals, determination to continue pro- capacity according to local mar- 10 applicants will be shortlisted. have a valid commercial regis- in competition with their peers in and bridges the effort to reduce viding access to reliable and ket’s needs. The area of Phases There will be no charges for tration or a home license and this sector to deliver the best.” planet-warming emissions affordable energy, while cre- 1 & 2 of Hamad Port’s CT2 is while ensuring clean and ating significant shared eco- 380,000 square meters while affordable energy supplies. It nomic value by developing and its quay is 624m long, the Min- stipulates adding more than diversifying local economies. It istry of Transport and Commu- 4GW of electric power from does so through various initia- nications had said in an earlier carbon-free renewable energy tives, such as investments in statement. Phase 1 of CT2 has to its portfolio in Qatar that education and technical training been equipped with 3 STS quay would eliminate more than 5 in local communities and the cranes with advanced tech- million tons of CO2 emissions flagship “Tawteen” program, a nology, including semi-auto- per year. strategic initiative to create and mation and remote-control Anchored on three main enable local business opportu- operations. STS cranes are pillars: Climate Change Miti- nities in Qatar’s energy sector known for being so fast and gation, Operational Responsi- supply chain with a focus on the highly efficient in handling con- bility, and Social and Economic development of local Small and tainers and capable of handling Development, Qatar Petro- Medium Enterprises. Dedicated latest types of vessels. Each leum’s Sustainability Strategy is efforts will continue to develop crane can handle four 20’ con- designed to meet the economic, Qatar Petroleum’s national tainers or two 40’ containers at environmental and social chal- human element into a world- the same time. Four more lenges in an increasingly com- class talent pool offering new cranes will be added during petitive and complex energy opportunities for the workforce 2021, taking the total number landscape. of today and tomorrow. of cranes to 7. THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 HOME 05 Ooredoo MSS portfolio to combat growing cyber security threat
THE PENINSULA — DOHA growing cyber threats, Ooredoo Application Firewall, and the is working in partnership with DDoS mitigation suite. Ooredoo has announced it will globally recognised cyberse- Ooredoo Chief Business be offering its Ooredoo curity providers helping busi- Officer Sheikh Nasser Al Thani, Managed Security Services nesses overcome new and sin- said: “Ooredoo’s entire portfolio (MSS) portfolio to businesses ister challenges. In response, has been designed to give and other organisations in a bid among the key components of Qatar’s businesses peace of to protect them from the growth MSS, Ooredoo provides a mind. Our customers need a of cyber threats throughout the Managed Security Operations reliable and competent cyber- region. Centre (SOC), Web Application security partner who can Not restricted to the ‘com- Firewall, Managed Distributed deliver all their security needs puter virus outbreaks’ of old, Denial of Service (DDoS) miti- by offering a managed service Honourees with officials from Al Jasra Cultural and Social Club and guests during a ceremony. cyber threats are ever-evolving, gation suite, and Cloud Web which saves on cost, time, and making it likely that many Security. effort.” entities in Qatar are, or will Through the SOC, Ooredoo Business customers can lev- become, targets of attack. As can offer a host of solutions and erage the Ooredoo Advantage, Al Jasra Club honours entities organisations may find it chal- services to keep customers’ making Ooredoo ‘Best for lenging to recruit, staff, and businesses safe. It provides Business’, thanks to its breadth retain their cybersecurity comprehensive security mon- and depth of talent, best fixed for supporting activities teams, the telco leader sees itoring, a Managed Firewall, and mobile networks, broadest growing demand to provide its Malware Protection, Vulnera- portfolio of ICT services and services. bility Management, Cloud Web solutions, and trusted partner THE PENINSULA — DOHA The ceremony was attended Against this backdrop of and Email Security, Web for 60 years. by Muhammad Juma Al Kuwari, Al Jasra Cultural and Social Club Ibrahim Al Jaida, Director of the Office of the CEO; has honoured entities which President of Club, Jaber Muhammad Al Nuaimi, College of Law at HBKU partners with QFC to explore supported in holding contests on Director of the Procurement the occasion of Qatar National welcomed the Department, and Ali bin Hussain Day (QND) celebrations. The representatives of the Al Marri, Head of International COVID-19’s impact on employment laws honourees received certificate supporting bodies and Relations in the Office of the of thanks and shields in a all the guests of the CEO. THE PENINSULA — DOHA by dramatic changes in basic country, the financial sector has ceremony held yesterday. ceremony, noting that Ibrahim Al Jaida welcomed workplace arrangements, from been exposed to the impacts of The honourees include the representatives of the sup- Challenges to workplace condi- working hours, to sick leave COVID-19. Being a leading bank Director of the Department of the Club has always porting bodies and all the guests tions due to the COVID-19 and annual leave, and health in Qatar, Commercial Bank was Archaeology at Qatar Museums through its cultural of the ceremony, noting that the pandemic were explored at an and safety requirements. Is well-equipped to provide its staff (QM), Faisal Al Naimi; CEO and march, celebrated and Club has always through its cul- online colloquium organised by existing law sufficient to with the right tools to work from Founder of ‘iloveqatar.net’, revived national events. tural march, celebrated and the College of Law at Hamad bin address unforeseen, excep- home, hence allowing its cus- Khalifa Al Haroon; Managing winners. revived national events. Dr. Khalifa University (HBKU) in tional circumstances, and if not, tomers to bank conveniently Editor of Al Arab, Hassan Al Hassan Rashid gave an overview partnership with the what reforms are needed? from any place. It is an honour Mohammadi; Public Relations of the competition and its Employment Standards Office of Bringing together a range of to take part in this interesting Manager of The Peninsula, purpose while congratulating the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC). perspectives, the symposium webinar as our experience with Ahmed Altegany; and General ceremony, which began with the the winners. Impact of the COVID-19 featured presentations by Luigia the pandemic is indeed worth Manager of Mazaji FM Radio, recitation of the verses of the The Club established in 1960 Pandemic on employment laws Ingianni, Commissioner, and sharing.” Hamad Al Jabri. Holy Quran by Sheikh Abdulaziz is based on a vision of the future, and regulations on Tuesday Daniel Patterson, Data Protection Speaking after the event, Ibrahim Al Jaida, President Al Muhannadi, followed by all the events and across all highlighted the pandemic’s Officer, from the QFC’s Dean Karamanian said: “We of Club and Mohammed Jumah screening of a documentary parties are working towards the unprecedented effect on work- Employment Standards Office; appreciate the insights shared Al Kuwari, Director of the CEO’s about the activities of the Club goals to raise the status of place and employment laws. Jassim Saud Al Thani, Senior by our expert guests, who Office at Qatar Museums hon- during its previous seasons. culture in the Arab world. With a view to highlighting AGM – Chief Human Capital examined whether employment oured the representatives of the Ibrahim bin Khalil Al Jaidah, The Club is working hard on contemporary problems, the Officer, Commercial Bank; and laws are keeping pace with the supporting entities. Chairman of the Board of more than one axis to provide symposium gathered industry Alix Nasri, Migration and new workplace conditions. Dr. Hassan Rashid was mod- Directors, delivered a speech on an enlightened cultural and civ- specialists to explore how Employment Specialist at the There are stark challenges erator at the honouring the activities of the Club. ilizational achievement. policy and lawmakers can International Labour Organi- facing lawmakers when seeking address the new zation (ILO). to balance interests and rights. circumstances. Commenting on the event, We aimed to leverage our Chaired by Dean of the Jassim Saud Al Thani, Senior insights at the College of Law, MME and MoCI launch inspection College of Law, HBKU, Susan L AGM – Chief Human Capital and those of industry partners, Karamanian, panellists navi- Officer at Commercial Bank, said: to highlight long-term campaign on Salwa Commercial Street gated multifaceted issues raised “Just like any other sector in the solutions.” THE PENINSULA — DOHA
The Ministry of Municipality and Environment, represented by Al Rayyan Municipality, carried out an inspection campaign, in coop- eration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to check the encroachments on public and private properties as part of the Ministry’s continuous efforts to limit the spread of violations. The campaign, which lasted Inspectors are issuing ticket of violations during the inspection for two days on Salwa Com- campaign at Salwa Commercial Street. mercial Street, aimed at ensuring the compliance of commercial shops to provisions of Law No. included removing abandoned merchants, shopkeepers and 18 of 2017 regarding public vehicles encroaching on the state owners to abide by the laws and hygiene, the provisions of Law property, in addition to violations regulations for conducting com- No. 10 of 1987 regarding public of advertisement licences mercial activities and building and private properties and the according to Advertising Law No. permits in force. The Ministry Building Law No. 4 of the year 1 of 2012 and occupying squares said it will intensify efforts in 1985. and building without a permit. conducting campaign during the The campaign resulted in The Ministry of Municipality coming period until all encroach- recording 249 violations, which and Environment called ments are removed. DOHA TODAY
06 THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021
Five DFI-supported films on road to Oscar glory RAYNALD C RIVERA number of international film fes- DFI has reaffirmed its around the world, two of which of voices in film. THE PENINSULA tivals, the film has scored a string crucial role in supporting were from the recent Ajyal where The grantees included 22 Mena projects, 16 projects of awards including the Luigi De quality films in the Arab it received the Audience Award and directed by women, eight non-Mena projects, seven As the pandemic rages on, there’s Laurentiis Award at 2019 Venice Best Feature Film in the Bader Qatari projects, and two GCC projects. no doubt the awards season has Film Festival and the Grand Prix at world and international category. The DFI Grants programme has evolved as a key ini- been turned upside down and the 2020 Fribourg International Film scene as five of the films In 2015, “Theeb”, also a DFI- tiative for identifying new cinematic voices and talent 93rd Oscars is no exception with Festival, among others. confirmed as the official funded film, scored Jordan its first and discovering universally resonant stories. the ceremony having been post- Winner of the Audience Award entries of their respective Oscar nomination. The programme is focused on supporting the region’s poned by two months – from at the 2019 Ajyal Film Festival, “You countries to the 2021 The country with the most filmmakers to realise their storytelling aspirations by February 28 to April 25. Will Die at Twenty” takes a Oscars Best International Oscar wins in the Best International elevating original voices in cinema, promote creative While the road to the most poignant look at the life of Muzamel, Feature Film category. Feature Film category, Italy has interaction and provide creative support throughout the awaited night in filmdom is still a Sudanese boy cursed by a Dervish “Notturno”, co-financed by DFI as filmmaking cycle to establish a robust film ecosystem long, the excitement is all in the air prophecy that he will die at the age its entry this year. This award- in the Arab world. not to mention the great antici- of 20, and how an old cinema pro- at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. winning documentary by Italian pation for the official jector opens a window to a whole Another DFI-supported film director, cinematographer, pro- announcement of nominations in new world for him. “The Unknown Saint” by Alaa ducer and screenwriter Gianfranco various categories, one of which is This coming-of-age film boasts Eddine Aljem is Morocco’s official Rosi is an immersive portrait of the Best International Feature Film of visual assurance and a fasci- entry to the Oscars. those trying to survive in a war-torn where several movies funded by nating story from a remarkable The film tells of a robber who Middle East, and a mesmerising Doha Film Institute (DFI) are in the culture that rarely graces the wide returns to the fake grave on top of vision of a region on the verge of running. screen. a hill where he buried his loot years change. Once again DFI has reaffirmed Twin brothers Tarzan Abu- before only to discover that it has Shot over the course of three its crucial role in supporting quality nasser and Arab Abunasser’s become the shrine of an unknown years between Syria, Iraq, films in the Arab world and inter- acclaimed “Gaza Mon Amour”, saint and a thriving little village Kurdistan, and Lebanon, “Notturno” national scene as five of the films another DFI-granted film, has been which subsists mainly as a result of follows different people from near which have received support announced as Palestine’s official the economic activity generated by war zones in the Middle East, trying through its grants programme are entry to this year’s Oscars. pilgrims visiting the shrine. to restart their everyday lives. confirmed as the official entries of “A heartwarming, thought-pro- Aljem’s debut feature, “The It is a study of how borders have Ultra-modern operating their respective countries to the voking and poetic tale of unspoken Unknown Saint” has joined several changed the destiny of people. 2021 Oscars Best International emotions portraying daily life” was international film festivals including Since its establishment, DFI’s theaters Feature Film category. how the jury described “Gaza Mon the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and Grants programme has already Most of these films are from the Amour” when it won the NETPAC won a number of accolades. helped numerous film projects in Arab world, one of which is the Award last year. Jordan’s entry to this year’s the region and around the world first-ever entry of Sudan to the The film which premiered to Oscars is “200 Meters” by Ameen become a reality. Oscars, “You Will Die at Twenty” wide acclaim at the 77th Venice Nayfeh, also a DFI-backed film. It Recently the Institute by Amjad Abu Alala. International Film Festival is a is about a Palestinian man living on announced the recipients of its Fall Currently streaming on Netflix, satire on love and desire, and an the West Bank and separated from 2020 grants which comprised 39 “You Will Die at Twenty” is Abu affirmation that life continues his hospitalised son by the wall. He projects by first-and-second-time, Alala ‘s first feature film and only amidst the absurdity of living. must embark on a harrowing and established Mena filmmakers the eighth feature film made in the It is worth noting that DFI also journey to see him, thus, a distance from around the world, and history of Sudanese cinema, previously supported the brothers’ of 200 meters becomes a 200-kil- emerging names from the region marking an important moment in first feature film, Dégradé, which ometer odyssey. have been selected for the region’s the country’s cultural landscape. was selected to compete in the “200 Meters” bagged a dozen leading film funding programme Having participated in a International Critics’ Week section awards from different festivals that cultivates the next generation State-of-the-art ambulance fleet Doha Music Lovers Group launched in Qatar THE PENINSULA - DOHA Priya, Preeti, Swati, Madhu, Manoj strict COVID-19 health and safety He said the group plans to Nair, Aslam, and Shalaka mes- guidelines. increase the number of its dance Doha Music Lovers Group, founded merised the attendees by rendering Speaking on the occasion, Syed performers adding that interested by Syed Rafi, has been launched hit songs from Bollywood and Tol- Rafi said the objective of starting members of the public can join the in Qatar. lywood Industry. Doha Music Lovers Group was to group. of the prominent digni- During the launch, 10 The team comprises singers provide a better platform for taries who attended the pro- upcoming singers Jawed Bajwa, from India and Pakistan. upcoming artists in Doha to gramme included S.S Rao, Vice- Mohinder Jalandhary, Rohan, Shiva The event was held following showcase their talent. President of Andhra Kala Vedika; Gadde Srinivas, Vice-President of Telangana Praja Samithi; Nandini Abbagoni, President of Telangana Jagruthi Qatar; Rajani Murthy from Highly-advanced patient ICBF; Prasad; Krishna Kumar from information systems ICC and Prem Kumar Boddu, Vice President of Telangana Gulf Samithi. Ther attendees praised the founder for the ecellent initiative. They hailed the performers for their nostalgic renditions of classic tunes at the event. BPS students excel in Talent Hunt contest
- DOHA THE PENINSULA Cutting-edge treatments for
Qatar KMCC students’ wing-green cancer teens recently organised the Inter School Talent Hunt 2021 English Elocution Contest virtually. At Hamad Medical Corporation we Prelims for the same were con- are utilizing advanced technology and ducted class-wise in which 52 stu- dents from Grade VI, 30 from innovative systems to deliver the highest Grade VII and 22 from Grade VIII quality care to Qatar’s population. participated. Five students from the junior section and five students from the senior division were selected to represent Birla Public www.hamad.qa School (BPS) in the finals. In senior category, BPS’ Lakshmi Satheeshan VIII D won second prize and Raksha Arangaswamy Muthu- kumar VIII J won consolation prize. In junior category, Afreen Afreen Macksood - Junior category- Lakshmi Satheeshan VIII D – Senior Raksha Arangaswamy Muthukumar - Macksood VII O finished first. First prize category - Second Prize Senior category - – Consolation Prize THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 DOHA TODAY 07 Healthworkers, activists honoured with Braveheart Awards P K NIAZ Basheer of Kerala Muslim Cul- THE PENINSULA tural Centre (KMCC), Muhammad Kunhi of Cultural Forum (CF), S Chairman of the National Stra- S Mustafa of Youth Forum (YF), tegic Health Group (NSHG) on and Sameer Eramala of Incas also COVID-19 under the Ministry of received awards on behalf of Public Health (MoPH), Dr. their organisations. Abdullatif Al Khal, was The Federation of Indian honoured with the Braveheart Nurses in Qatar (Finq) and Award constituted by an Indian- United Nurses of India-Qatar based television channel for his (Uniq) representing Indian role in the prevention efforts of nurses, were also honoured for the pandemic in Qatar. rendering excellent services Dr. Al Khal, who also heads during the peak days of the the Infectious Disease Division pandemic. at Hamad Medical Corporation Also honoured at the (HMC), was conferred with the function were Dr. Majeed Mal- award by MediaOne, a popular Dr. Mohamed Al Hajri, Director of Emergency Preparedness and Ibrahim Nabina, Corporate Communication Manager, receiving the iyekkal, Faisal Hudawi, Nijab Malayalam language channel Response Department at MoPH, receiving the award. award on behalf of Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal. Sherif Abdul Salam, and Siddiq with viewers in Qatar and Alavuddin, who received appre- other Gulf countries, at a anti-COVID-19 activities, which special COVID-19 app Ehteraz for Response Department at MoPH, received the memento and ciations from the jury for their special function recently. stand as a model for other the general public to know if they Hazm Mebaireek Field Hospital citation from the organisers. services during the pandemic Ibrahim Nabina, Corporate countries. Qatar has extended are free from the virus and taking Director Dr. Muhammd Gaffar The Braveheart awards’ other period. Abdul Rahim Edathil, Communication Manager, coronavirus treatment to both samples of older people from Mohammad Ali, and Internal winners include Shafeek Kabeer, who was active in relief activ- received the award on behalf nationals and expatriates their homes for the testing of Medicine Special Consultant Dr. founder and CEO of Azym Tech- ities and died after contracting of Dr. Al Khal. without any discrimination. COVID-19 are remarkable. Over Aziz Palol were also honoured nologies, and Abdullah Ulladath, COVID-19, was also honoured Fifteen health workers, offi- Along with the expert treatment 8,000 patients recovered after for their role in containing the Managing Director of Kerala posthumously. cials, activists, and organisa- systems, Qatar’s support and treatment from the state-of-the- coronavirus spread in Qatar. Food Centre. Expatriate organi- Abdul Rahim Omassery, the tions who played pivotal roles rehabilitation programmes are art hospital at Umm Salal, com- The award was also given to sations who played major roles executive committee chairman in fighting the COVID-19 pan- also excellent. pleted in just three days. Orbis Systems, the developers of in alleviating the people’s suf- of Gulf Madhyamam-MediaOne demic in Qatar were also Facilities such as a telephonic An expert jury selected the Ehteraz, the contact-tracing app ferings during the pandemic also Group in Qatar, K C Abdullathif, honoured. doctor system that enables award winners from hundreds that has helped contain the coun- won awards. Dr. Joyel Jacob of Advisory Board member and K The Braveheart Awards patients to stay at home and talk of nominations from the public. try’s COVID-19 spread. Antoine Indian Doctors Club, P N T Abdurhman, Patron, and were presented in recognition to doctors over the phone and get Dr. Mohamed Al Hajri, Director Chamieh, the company CEO, and Baburajan of Indian Community others attended the of Qatar’s exemplary medicines delivered at home, the of Emergency Preparedness and Alby Joy, the project director, Benevolent Fund (ICBF), SAM ceremony. Al Nasr Street kitchen dishes out meals for a good cause
ANISHA BIJUKUMAR of a clinic in North Khalifa. shared two pictures of the res- THE PENINSULA Seeing the impact of this taurant and the poster outside notice, Dr. Qaisi put up a similar on Twitter. “This notice caught Dr. May Al Qaisi was on a regular message outside her clinic, my attention on Al-Mirqab Al visit to her restaurant during the offering free consultation to any Jadeed Street. This restaurant peak COVID-19 times in Qatar resident who does not have a has a poster on the door that when she noticed a man health card and requires carries a wonderful message,” standing outside the eatery and healthcare services. he quoted in Arabic, adding a staring at the shawarma stand Dr. Qaisi said that she put blessing to the owner for this inside. She invited him inside up the notice in July, and since gesture. and shared a meal with him. The then, daily about two to three Unaware of the tweets resulting happiness on his face Dr. May Al Qaisi needy have come in, probably about her restaurant, Dr. Qaisi prompted her to put up a notice because people can easily miss was surprised when The outside Kitchen Al Qaisi – her the small kitchen in the plethora Peninsula told her about this. “I restaurant - on Al Nasr street for me to help, and I try to do it of restaurants on Nasr Street. suddenly started receiving PICS: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA that the poor and needy will be Al Qaisi Restaurant. in whatever way possible. I But a tweet with a picture many thank you notes from my offered free food. understand only Arabic and of the notice outside her res- patients. As I am not on social Kitchen Al Qaisi is one of the has been dishing out Arabic losses due to COVID-19. I have English, and so put up this taurant has attracted quite media, I was unaware of this few kitchens and restaurants in cuisine for the last three years been forced to shut two other notice outside my restaurant,” many in recent days. being shared by someone,” Qatar that offer free food to the with delivery across the country. branches of my kitchen due to said Dr. Qaisi, who is a prac- A prominent lawyer in added Dr. Qaisi, hoping that the poor and needy. The restaurant “We have all suffered huge COVID-19. There are limitations ticing gynaecologist and owner Qatar @Hawasalshammari message reaches more people. THROUGH THE LENS Bayanat Engineering Qatar: Delivering world-class communication technology
ommunication is a significant fragment of everyday life. It has become a com- monplace now. Thus people do not focus on its importance, even to the sectors Cwhere it plays a crucial part. Communication is a key to thousands of industries as it is respon- sible for flow of information, which makes eve- rything work and ensures safety. Ever wondered installation, testing & commissioning of VHF how some of Qatar’s key industries benefit from radios and 10 years maintenance of Park Air and advances in communications technology such ICOM Radios installed in the airside vehicles. as those on offer using Bayanat Engineering Marine Sector and Communication Qatar’s communications solutions? Communication between ships and land Airports and communication requires to be significant and efficient. The busiest shipping lanes in the world can see millions of ships go through them every year. Without sub- Msheireb Downtown Doha, said to be the world’s stantial communication it would become hectic first sustainable downtown regeneration project, and most probably will result in accidents. It is has been attracting visitors for its distinctive important to have proper communication to nav- modern architecture inspired by traditional igate and support the crew, as well as have an Qatari heritage seen in the various structures efficient operation on the ground. Communica- erected on the 31-hectare area which used to be tions technology like that supplied by Bayanat the city’s old commercial district. The cluster of It is a vital part of any airport Engineering Qatar is vital to the continued history museums in the form of elegant Qatari to have accurate communication, success of marine shipping. heritage houses, contemporary art galleries, a as it is responsible for the day- Oil and Gas Sector and Communication selection of dining options, and plush hotels to-day functions and safety of all Technology, like communication, is used in which can be conveniently visited using the the individuals and machinery in Oil and Gas sector mostly in mining and pro- advanced eco-friendly Msheireb tram are among the airport. From radio to radar, duction to ensure safe and efficient process. Tech- the main attractions at the world’s smartest information being sent from plane nology relating to radio is key — radar can be and most sustainable city district which is just to airport and back again guar- used to scan the ground in order to find irregu- a stone’s throw away from the popular tourist antees that everything can run larities such as oil and gas fields, with radio being destination Souq Waqif. smoothly, with planes sent to the right runways used afterwards to coordinate a response. While PICS: SALIM MATRAMKOT/ THE PENINSULA at the right times to keep airports running like communications may not seem to be a vital part the well-oiled machines they are. of the oil and gas industry, they play a significant The listening range of any airport is 6-10 role. miles, meaning that any plane within this reach Military and Communication. can easily react to the needs of an airport and let It is more complex and restricted, as the mil- them know if there are likely to be any issues itary often undergoes highly complex operations, with the landing. In addition to that, most of the reliant on coordination between not only fellow airport personnel should have squad members but different an access to communication military forces and branches. – from Air Traffic Controllers For example, warships may to passenger movement oper- often have to communicate ations. Did you know that all with a multi-purpose fighter vehicles have the communi- to establish the location of a cation devices too? target. Military jets actually There is traffic in the air communicate with each other and on the ground that has to by sending out radio signals of be monitored in order to have a particular frequency to let a efficient operations. Bayanat Engineering their allies know not to shoot them down. Without Qatar has provided one of the projects. It was an radio, warfare would potentially descend into Installation & Maintenance project awarded to friendly fire and chaos. Air-to-air, air-to-ground Bayanat Engineering Qatar from Qatar Airways and ground-to-ground communications are all (Hamad international Airport). VHF communi- keys to keeping order. cation systems are the most widely used to com- For this, trust Bayanat Engineering Qatar. municate between ATC, Ground Handling and We deliver world-class engineering solutions Aircraft. Major Scope included supply, to a variety of top-end companies in Qatar. 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021
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CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]
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DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]
The London Eye wheel is lit in blue in support of the Clap for Heroes campaign following the spread of the coronavirus disease EDITORIAL pandemic, in London, Britain, recently.
COVID-19 vaccination campaign THE mass inoculation drive against the novel corona- 2021 ... a year of hope! virus disease (COVID-19) continues successfully in the country. The vaccination drive was launched on virus, and there is no doubt school and there are a lot of Moreover, here it must December 23, 2020, and the Ministry of Public Health that at least 50% of the popu- commercial activities that always be emphasized that the (MoPH) has now started administering the second dose lation will need the vaccine have been permanently closed vaccines of Moderna and of the vaccine. before reaching herd or slowed down, in addition to Pfizer require two injections Dr. Abdullah Al Kubaisi, a 79-year-old retired Qatari immunity. other negative consequences three or four weeks apart. So academic, and Mohammed Frazat, an 88-year-old It is important to realize as a result of the pandemic. So the only people who are fully Syrian national living in Qatar --- the two first recipients that this is not an easy thing such improvement in many of protected at this stage will be of the vaccine in Qatar --- have received their second due to the huge number of these things and dealing with those who have received the dose as well. people who will need the them will undoubtedly take second dose of vaccine, while The government has announced that the vaccine vaccine, which comes in two time. On the other hand, in for example other vaccines, DR. YOUSUF ALI AL MULLA will be free for all citizens and residents. It has also said doses, and we should not view of past epidemics and such as AstraZeneca, require that everybody will be able to get the vaccine in 2021. forget that it is likely that their analysis, we can call this longer interval between doses. This will be the country’s largest ever vaccination Finally, we left behind the people would need to be con- time frame the intermediate It will take at least a month (if campaign. dreadful and sad year of vinced to take vaccine. So, pandemic period, meaning - if not more) to know the full People aged 65 years or above, healthcare per- 2020. That year was full of looking at many countries, I I am correct to say - the effect of each person vacci- sonnel most at risk of COVID-19 infection and people sad events. We witnessed think that all of this will take at recovery may take a year or nated. Therefore, it is a good with chronic diseases are getting the shots in the first psychological breakdown of least nine months and maybe two. Then at the end of 2023 idea to plan to have face phase of vaccination which lasts until January 31. The many people and the accom- a year. Interestingly, maybe and the beginning of 2024, we masks as part of our lives for a vaccinations jabs are being administered at 10 health panying bleeding of sudden we will reach the end of 2021 enter a (post-pandemic while during this year. centres across the country. Currently, the MoPH is con- and unnecessary deaths of and it will be the beginning of period) where something At end, vaccinations are tacting those eligible for the vaccine. our patients who were 2022 before we reach the similar to what happened in not the magical solution; a MoPH has worked hard since the early stages of infected with the COVID-19 threshold of community the 1920s is likely to happen. certain level of precautions vaccine development at the start of the pandemic to virus, with the subsequent immunity through vacci- We already see vaccines must be maintained for ensure Qatar was among the first countries in the world worsening of the economic nation. Rather, the paradox is launched in most countries months. This also depends on to get a safe, effective and approved COVID-19 vaccine. situation worldwide. here at the same time and and distributed and obviously vaccines that prevent trans- The vaccine currently being used in Qatar is the one So it is no wonder that we while we do all this the virus is their availability will increase mission of the virus, which developed by Pfizer-BioNTech. It has met all safety and were all a weeks ago waiting still spreading! in this New Year. Does this have not yet been proven. If efficacy standards and has been approved for emer- for the end of the year, hoping It is true that a lot has mean the life returning to this is the case, we will see a gency use by regulators in many countries. The vaccine for some peace of mind and changed in 2020 from eating normal? Do we feel safe decrease in COVID-19 cases in consists of two shots, given three weeks apart. Though everything will be over soon ... in restaurants and traveling by enough to travel, board, attend the coming months of this the vaccine is not compulsory, health officials have and eventually 2021 will be plane and from just embracing parties, or enjoy a vacation year. In contrast, if the vaccine encouraged everyone to take the shot. In addition to better! those we love and appreciate. and attend crowded places? In prevents infected people from the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, Qatar has also signed an In fact, we are fortunate The measures followed at the fact, we all know that the developing serious illness or agreement to get the COVID-19 vaccine developed by that we are not the first to face time for health safety have answers will differ from one complications, then reliance US biotech firm Moderna. this ancient threat, but we are changed our daily life so that person to another. It is pos- on infection will probably be Qatar’s healthcare system has performed exceed- the first generation ever to see community immunity is sible that one factor is the time to build herd immunity. As the ingly well throughout the pandemic. An effective contact that a vaccine could be pro- reached, whether through the it takes for a city or country to vaccination takes effect, what tracing, massive testing and stringent quarantine policy duced so quickly. So it is a spread of the virus or immuni- vaccinate at least 70% of we can do will change but the have meant that Qatar’s mortality rate from the pan- truly unprecedented miracle zation. However, wearing of people and of course the other transformation will be slow... demic was among the lowest in the world. Over the that this was achieved. Thus, masks and social distancing in will be how comfortable you So we do not have to squirm past couple of months, authorities have also succeeded when the virus is surrounded the short term will remain are at taking the risk! Of but rather prepare for all of in keeping the new cases under check as businesses, by people who have been vac- whatever in all cases, taking course, there are also uncer- that. schools and international travel reopened. This was cinated, surely there is into account how the society tainties that I do not try to achieved through an effective quarantine policy for all nowhere it can spread and the will be affected psychologi- predict here, such as whether Dr. Yousuf Ali Al Mulla, is a incoming international passengers and full implemen- outbreak will be reduced. Of cally, socially and economi- there is a dangerous viral physician, medical innovator tation of the prescribed safety measures. course, there are different esti- cally in the long term. What I mutation that will make vac- and writer. For any queries To date, the country has reported a total of 146,480 mates of the percentage of the mean here is that we have cines less effective, or that regarding the content of the COVID-19 cases and a total of 246 deaths. Over 143,000 population that will need to be thousands of children who more people will refuse vacci- article, can be contacted at have already fully recovered. Total number of people vaccinated against the Corona study informally outside of nation than expected. [email protected] tested for COVID-19 stands at 1,301,053. Britain faces harder lockdown curbs as infections soar
TIM ROSS, EMILY ASHTON the country at a “very perilous ahead of other European without a specific exemption. BLOOMBERG D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR moment” as infection rates countries in the rollout of vac- “I am delighted that the EMAIL: [email protected] soar, he said. cines, a new more contagious police are stepping up their British Prime Minister Boris Britain is facing its toughest variant of the disease is enforcement, but it isn’t just Johnson warned he may period of the pandemic, with pushing the health service to about the government and the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 tighten the coronavirus hospital admissions up 22% in a breaking point. Medical rules we set, or the police and FAX: +974 4455 7758 lockdown if people don’t week to more than 32,000, and advisers and officials are the work that they do, it’s follow the rules as his the death toll now more than growing increasingly con- about how everybody MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 government backed tougher 80,000. Last week Johnson cerned the public is not behaves,” he told a press con- enforcement. announced a third national keeping to the rules, and that ference. “I applaud the action DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 Any “complacency” about lockdown, a move that hospitals will soon be Morrisons has taken today,” the disease is misplaced, Johnson threatens to push the U.K. into overwhelmed. he said. “That’s the right LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 said, even though an immuni- another recession and com- Johnson said the approach.” zation program is well underway pound the damage of the first lockdown rules need to be The premier’s office faced BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 and 2.2 million people have lockdown, which caused the enforced properly in food questions over his own received shots so far. deepest contraction for 300 stores and urged people to action after London’s SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 But he risked undermining years. think carefully before leaving Evening Standard newspaper his own appeal to the public The vaccination program home for any reason. Hos- reported Johnson was seen ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 to stay home and act respon- is the key to the economic pitals are under intense cycling around the Olympic email: [email protected] sibly when it emerged he had recovery, Chancellor of the pressure from a surge in Park, 7 miles east of his taken a bike ride 7 miles Exchequer Rishi Sunak told covid-19 cases, with oxygen official residence, at about 2 PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 across London on Sunday. lawmakers Monday. supplies running short in p.m. Sunday. Official gov- email: [email protected] “Of course, if we feel that The government aims to some areas, he said. ernment guidance allows things are not being properly start relaxing restrictions after Health Secretary Matt people to leave their homes ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 observed, then we may have Feb. 15, the target date by Hancock said everyone for the purpose of taking FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] to do more,” Johnson said when Johnson wants all 15 shares responsibility for exercise but advises that during a visit to a vaccination million of the most vulnerable ensuring the rules are obeyed people should stay within CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 center in a sports stadium in people and their carers to and praised store chain Wm their “local area.” email: [email protected] Bristol, southwest England, have been given at least one Morrison Supermarkets Plc Hancock said long bike Monday. The vaccine rollout immunization dose. for saying it will refuse entry rides and walks of 7 miles are SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 is a “race against time,” with Even though Britain is far to anyone not wearing a mask allowed under the rules. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]
www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar
/ThePeninsulaQatar We know that the President of the United States incited this insurrection, this armed /Peninsula_Qatar rebellion against our common country. He must go. He is a clear and present danger to /ThePeninsulaNewspaper the nation that we all love. +974 6698 6188 Nancy Pelosi, US House Speaker THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 GULF / MIDDLE EAST 09 Deadliest Israeli raids on Syria kill 57; region on high alert
AP — BEIRUT The US official, who requested anonymity to Israeli warplanes carried out speak about the matter, said US Secretary of intense airstrikes in eastern Syria early yesterday, apparently State Mike Pompeo discussed the airstrike targeting positions and arms with Yossi Cohen, chief of Israel’s spy agency depots of Iran-backed forces as the region is on high alert. At least Mossad, at a public meeting in the popular 57 fighters were killed and Washington restaurant Café Milano on Monday. dozens were wounded, according to a Syrian opposition war monitoring group. monitoring group reported at warehouses or vehicles. In A senior US intelligence least 18 strikes in Deir Al Zour those attacks, at least 217 official with knowledge of the and along the border with Iraq, people were killed, mostly Ira- attack said that the airstrikes saying several arms depots nian-allied militiamen, were carried out with intelli- were hit. The Britain-based according to the Observatory. gence provided by the United Syrian Observatory for Human The strikes come at a time States — a rare incidence of Rights said 57 people were of heightened tension in the publicised cooperation between killed, including 14 Syrian region in the final days of Pres- the two countries over choosing troops, and the rest were Iran- ident Donald Trump’s targets in Syria. The official said backed fighters including 16 administration. the strikes targeted a series of Iraqis and 11 Afghans. Dozens The Israeli military has been warehouses in Syria that were were wounded. on a high level of defensive being used in a pipeline to store The death toll could not be alert, and according to Amos Kuwait Amir H H Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah meets with Prime Minister H E Sabah Khaled Al and stage Iranian weapons. independently verified. If con- Harel, a prominent Israeli mil- Hamad Al Sabah to accept resignation of the latter’s Cabinet, in Kuwait City, yesterday. The US official, who firmed, it would make it one of itary affairs correspondent, an requested anonymity to speak the deadliest Israeli strikes in aerial defence battery of Patriot about the matter, said US Sec- Syria over the past 10 years. missiles was deployed in retary of State Mike Pompeo “They burned Iranian posi- Israel’s southern seaport of Kuwait Prime Minister submits discussed the airstrike with tions in Deir Al Zour,” said Eilat. Writing in the newspaper Yossi Cohen, chief of Israel’s spy Omar Abu Laila, a Europe-based Haaretz, he said an excep- agency Mossad, at a public activist from Syria’s eastern Deir tionally large presence of resignation of his Cabinet to Amir meeting in the popular Wash- Al Zour province who runs an fighter planes has been in the ington restaurant Café Milano activist collective that reports on skies over the country for a REUTERS — DUBAI have to dip into sovereign cash would accept the cabinet’s on Monday. The warehouses news in the border area. He considerable portion of the day. reserves to partly finance a resignation. also served as a pipeline for recorded at least 16 targeted Meanwhile, Israeli jets have Kuwait’s Prime Minister H E yawning deficit in the absence The motion to question components that support Iran’s buildings, warehouses or bases been violating Lebanese air- Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al of a debt law that has long- Sheikh Sabah, who has been nuclear program, the official for Iranian, Lebanese and Iraqi space and crisscrossing skies Sabah presented the resignation faced legislative gridlock, prime minister since late 2019, said. There was no immediate militias in the towns of Bou- over Beirut in daily, low- of his cabinet to the Amir H H Hasnain Malik, head of equity was submitted by three law- comment from Iran. kamal, Mayadeen and Deir Al altitude flights that have added Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al research at Tellimer, said in a makers on January 5 in the first Syria’s state news agency Zour. to jitters in the Lebanese capital. Sabah, yesterday. strategy note. regular session of the new Sana said the strikes hit areas Israel has launched hun- Many fear retaliation for the The standoff between the Ministers had submitted assembly, in which the oppo- in and near the towns of Deir dreds of strikes against Iran- US killing of Iran’s Revolu- government and parliament less their resignations on Tuesday sition made gains in last year’s Al Zour, Mayadeen and Bou- linked military targets in Syria tionary Guard commander than a month after the cabinet to Sheikh Sabah, a move the election. Kuwait has the most kamal along the border with over the years but rarely Qassem Soleimani last year in was appointed poses the first big government said was related to open political system among Iraq. An unnamed military acknowledges or discusses such Baghdad may come before challenge. It complicates gov- developments in the rela- Gulf Arab states. Parliament has official was quoted as saying operations. Trump leaves office, or that ernment efforts to tackle the tionship between the assembly the power to pass legislation Syrian air defences responded The Observatory said it conflict could erupt to scuttle deepest economic crisis in and the government. and question ministers, to the incoming missiles. It gave recorded 39 Israeli strikes efforts by Joe Biden’s incoming decades, caused by low oil prices It was not immediately although senior government no further details. inside Syria in 2020 that hit 135 administration to negotiate and the coronavirus crisis. clear if the Amir, who has the posts are occupied by members A Syrian opposition war targets, including military posts, with Iran. The government would final say in matters of state, of ruling family. World Bank Iran holds missile drill in Gulf of Oman amid tensions okays cash AP — TEHRAN named for a coastal region in In recent weeks, Iran has wide and 21.5 meters (70 feet) Iranian assets frozen in South southern Iran. increased its military drills. On tall. The Makran, a logistics ship Korean banks tied to US sanc- assistance Iran’s navy began a short-range President Donald Trump in Saturday, the paramilitary Rev- that supports combat ships in tions on Iran. missile drill in the Gulf of Oman 2018 unilaterally withdrew the olutionary Guard held a naval the fleet, can travel for nearly On Tuesday, US Secretary to Lebanon yesterday and inaugurated its US from Iran’s nuclear deal, in parade in the Gulf and a week three years without docking and of State Mike Pompeo accused AP — BEIRUT largest military vessel, state TV which Tehran had agreed to earlier Iran held a massive carries information collection Iran of having secret ties with reported, amid heightened limit its uranium enrichment in drone manoeuvre across half and processing gear. the militant Al Qaeda network The World Bank approved a tensions over Tehran’s nuclear exchange for the lifting of eco- the country. Video footage released by and imposed new sanctions on $246m loan to Lebanon to programme and a US pressure nomic sanctions. Trump cited Iran on occasion announces the military showed helicopters several senior Iranian officials. provide emergency cash campaign against the Islamic Iran’s ballistic missile program military achievements that carrying commandos to the Iran has denied the accusation. assistance to nearly 800,000 Republic. among other issues in with- cannot be independently ver- Makran as part of the exercise. Iran’s President Hassan Lebanese reeling under the The two-day missile drill drawing from the accord. ified. The country began a mil- Last week, Iran seized a Rouhani yesterday said in a tel- country’s compounded was being held in the gulf’s When the US then ramped itary sufficiency program in South Korean oil tanker and its evised speech during a Cabinet economic and health crises. southeastern waters and two up sanctions, Iran gradually and 1992 under which Tehran says crew members in the Gulf, and meeting that US sanctions will The World Bank said in a new Iranian-made warships publicly abandoned the deal’s it produces mortars to fighter continues to hold the vessel at fail. statement late on Tuesday the joined the exercise: The missile- limits on its nuclear devel- jets. an Iranian port. The Islamic “We are witnessing the loan would also support the launching Zereh, or “armor,” opment as a series of escalating State TV said the 121,000- Republic has apparently sought failure of a policy, the maximum development of a national and the country’s largest mil- incidents pushed the two coun- tonne Makran is Iran’s largest to increase its leverage over pressure campaign, economic social safety net in Lebanon, itary ship the Makran, a logistics tries to the brink of war at the military ship at 228 meters (748 Seoul ahead of negotiations terrorism,” he said. which was struggling with a vessel with a helicopter pad beginning of the year. feet) long, 42 meters (138 feet) over billions of dollars in financial crisis before the pan- demic struck, driving nearly half the population of the small country of 6 million into Daily COVID-19 cases poverty. Over 1 million refugees from Syria live in Lebanon. in UAE surpass 3,000 as The economic crisis has led to a projected 19.2% decline in gross domestic authorities push vaccine product, triple-digit inflation and is pushing 1.7 million REUTERS & AGENCIES — DUBAI people below the poverty line. Some 22% of the population is The daily number of COVID-19 cases in the United Arab Emirates expected to fall into extreme crossed the 3,000 threshold for the first time this week as author- poverty. International donors ities in the Middle East’s business and tourism hub urged people have been dispensing direct to accept vaccinations. humanitarian assistance to The health ministry late on Tuesday reported 3,243 new daily Lebanon. But in the absence of infections and six deaths. That was the highest in the Gulf Arab major structural reforms, talks region where daily cases in each of the other five states have fallen with the International Monetary below 500. The surge in infections in the UAE, an international Fund that began last summer travel hub, prompted Britain to remove the country from its travel have failed to produce a rescue corridors list on Tuesday. package for the cash-strapped Most coronavirus restrictions have been lifted in the UAE, but government. social distancing and mask-wearing in public are still required. The deepening crisis has Visitors have flocked to Dubai during its peak winter tourism depleted foreign reserves in season as other countries impose new lockdowns. the import-dependent country The Gulf Arab state has also ramped up its immunisation cam- and sent the local currency paign, ranking second behind Israel in terms of its vaccination tumbling, losing nearly 80% A doctor prepares to receive the first COVID-19 vaccine, at a medical center in Amman, Jordan, yesterday. rate. Emirati officials have said they aim to vaccinate more than of its value before the dollar. 50% of its roughly 9 million population in the first quarter of this The government is discussing year. The UAE has approved the vaccine developed by Sinop- ways to lift subsidies from harm’s China National Pharmaceutical Group and has made it some basic goods and has Sign up for shots, Jordan urges available to the general public. Dubai emirate is inoculating people already increased the price of with the vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTec. flour and bread. In total, the UAE has recorded 236,225 infections and 717 Meanwhile, a surge in citizens as vaccination drive starts deaths. The total for the six Gulf Arab states stands at more than coronavirus infections — rates 1.12 million coronavirus cases, with Saudi Arabia holding the have been hovering at around REUTERS — AMMAN signed up since registrations authorities reintroduced curbs highest individual count at 364,096. 4,000 new cases a day in began on December. 24. on movement that had been Saudi Arabia announced 4 deaths from COVID-19 and 175 recent days—and a strained Jordan began yesterday a coro- “We call on people to come eased during the summer. On new infections yesterday. Of the new cases, 45 were recorded in health care system have added navirus vaccination programme to our centres to take the Tuesday it reported 1,176 cases the Eastern Province, 43 in Riyadh, 43 in Makkah, 9 in Madinah, to the concerns. A massive intended to inoculate one in doses,” Wael Hayajneh, a senior and 33 deaths. 8 in Asir, 6 in Najran and 3 in Jazan. The total number of recov- explosion last summer at the four of its ten million popu- health official told reporters. The government this week eries in the Kingdom increased to 356,013 after 156 more patients Beirut Port ravaged the city, lation, with one official urging Mostly over-60s, given pri- reported the arrival of consign- recovered from the virus. A total of 6,304 people have succumbed killing over 200 people and more people to register after a ority in the first phase of the roll- ments of vaccines by Pfizer Inc to the virus in the Kingdom so far. injuring thousands. “The conse- low initial take-up for the free out, were waiting to get their and China’s Sinopharm, and The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health reported yesterday 539 new quences of these repeated shots. doses on Wednesday at 29 Health Minister Nathir Obeidat cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total of con- shocks on the economic well- Authorities hope to vac- centres set up across the country. said the government was also firmed cases in the country to 155874. No deaths have been being of households is far- cinate between 20% and 25% Jordan’s COVID infection rates in talks with manufacturers recorded due to the virus in the past twenty-four hours, leaving reaching and potentially disas- of citizens over coming months, have dropped sharply since their AstraZeneca and Johnson & the number of deaths at 946 cases so far, adding that the patients trous”, said World Bank Regional but just 200,000 have so far peak in November, when Johnson. in intensive care units have reached 48. Director Saroj Kumar Jha. 10 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 Ethiopia says former FM killed Sudanese military helicopter after refusing to surrender crashes as tensions rise REUTERS — NAIROBI The three Tigray People’s AP — CAIRO sent over 60,000 Ethiopian farmed for years. refugees into Sudan, mostly Moaz Teqno, head of Ethiopia said yesterday its Liberation Front (TPLF) A Sudanese military heli- into Al Qadarif. Sudan’s national border com- military had killed three officials, including copter loaded with weapons At least five Sudanese mission, said Ethiopia’s members of the Tigray region’s and ammunition crashed women and a child were incursion into Sudan started former ruling party, including Ethiopia’s former foreign yesterday, shortly after taking killed in an attack on Monday in 1957, and that there were Ethiopia’s former foreign minister minister Seyoum Mesfin off from an airport in an inside Sudan by Ethiopian 10,000 Ethiopian farmers Seyoum Mesfin. (pictured), were killed, and eastern province bordering militias, the Sudanese foreign within Sudan’s international The three Tigray People’s Lib- Ethiopia, officials said. ministry said. borders. eration Front (TPLF) officials five other party members The Apache attack heli- Aircraft crashes are not Speaking over a video call were killed, and five other party were captured, after they copter burst into flames after uncommon in Sudan, which Wednesday to foreign dip- members were captured, after crashing at Wad Zayed airport has a poor aviation safety lomats and ambassadors in they refused to surrender to the refused to surrender to the in the town of Al Showak in record. Khartoum, he said Sudan’s military, the government’s task military, the government’s Al Qadarif province, but the In January last year, a government has “all docu- force for the crisis in Tigray said three-person crew survived military plane, a Russian ments” that support its sov- on Twitter. task force for the crisis in the crash, the Sudanese offi- Antonov An-12, crashed in ereignty over territories Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Tigray, said on Twitter. cials said, speaking on con- the restive West Darfur recently retaken by the mil- government declared victory in dition of anonymity because region, killing all 16 people itary, according to Suna. its conflict with the TPLF on they were not authorized to on board, including two Separately, Sudan’s November 28 last year after talk to reporters. women and two children. foreign ministry said nearly a month of fighting. Watchdog: Over 80 civilians Sudan’s state-run Suna In 2003, a civilian Sudan Wednesday that an Ethiopian Fugitive leaders of the TPLF news agency reported that the Airways plane crashed into a aircraft violated the country’s had vowed to continue to fight dead in western region helicopter crashed directly hillside while trying to make airspace, calling it a “serious from the mountains of the region after taking off. The cause of an emergency landing, killing and unjustified escalation” in northern Ethiopia, but Reuters the crash was not immedi- 116 people, including eight that could further strain ties has been unable to contact them AP — NAIROBI ately clear. foreigners. Only a small boy with Ethiopia. The ministry for weeks. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said yesterday it has In the past two months, survived the crash. warned of “grave conse- The military said last week it received information that over 80 civilians were killed early Tuesday Sudan’s military has deployed Yesterday's crash came as quences” and urged Addis had captured Sebhat Nega, a in the latest massacre in the western Benishangul-Gumuz region. troops to the border areas Sudanese Gen. Abdel-Fattah Ababa to “stop such hostile founding member of the TPLF. “These harrowing killings have to stop,” senior adviser Aaron with Ethiopia and said it Burhan was in Al Qadarif to activities.” At the weekend, it said it had Maasho said. “For the umpteenth time, we call on authorities at the reclaimed territories for years inspect troops stationed in the There was no immediate killed 15 members of the TPLF federal and regional level to enhance coordination among them- controlled by Ethiopian border areas, the military said. comment from Ethiopia. and captured eight others, selves and strengthen their security presence in the area.” militias and farmers. The visit underscores On Tuesday, Ethiopia’s according to state-run TV. The Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the killings Ethiopian and allied heightened tensions on the foreign ministry spokesman Seyoum was Ethiopia’s occurred in the region’s Metekel zone, Dibate county. It spoke to regional forces have been border, after the latest round Dina Mufti told reporters that foreign minister from 1991 to witnesses who said “women and children fell victim in great fighting local forces in the of talks in Khartoum failed to Addis Ababa was not looking 2010. Air strikes and battles since numbers.” Tigray region since early achieve a breakthrough in the to engage in fighting with early November in Tigray are The report cited witnesses as saying more than 100 civilians November and attacks over dispute. Sudan and “get into a war.” believed to have killed thousands were killed and some bodies have still not been collected from the the border into Sudan last Both countries have held “You do not immediately of people. Fighting is continuing scene. Ethnic violence poses a major challenge to Prime Minister month have strained ties talks recently to courage Ethi- punch someone’s nose who in some parts and more than 2 Abiy Ahmed as he tries to promote national unity in a country with between the neighboring opian farmers to withdraw punched you the same, but million people need aid, the more than 80 ethnic groups. countries. from Sudan’s Al Fashqa you may cut his head another United Nations said this week. The Tigray fighting has border area, where they have time,” Mufti said. Libya: Rival Internet ‘blackout’ governments discuss unifying in Uganda on eve 2021 budget of tense election AP — CAIRO Officials from Libya’s rival AP — KAMPALA of fraud. Wine, 38, has captured governments met on Tuesday the imagination of many at for talks aimed at unifying the Ugandan authorities appeared home and abroad in his gener- national budget, officials said, to cut off mobile internet access ational clash with the 76-year- another step forward in efforts in the country yesterday night old Museveni, who has rebuffed to end the yearslong conflict in on the eve of a tense presi- calls for his retirement after 34 the oil-rich country. dential election, while a lawyer years in power. Finance minister of the for leading opposition Earlier yesterday, the UN-supported government candidate Bobi Wine said all United States ambassador to based in the capital Tripoli, contact had been lost with him. Uganda said the embassy has Faraj Bumatari, and his coun- “Confirmed: Uganda is now cancelled plans to observe the terpart from the eastern Libya- in the midst of a nation-scale election, citing a decision by based administration, Muraja internet blackout,” watchdog electoral authorities to deny Ghaith, attended the meeting. NetBlocks said in a statement accreditation to most members Also attending was Tripoli- saying connectivity levels had of the observation team. based Foreign Minister dropped to 33% of usual levels. Ambassador Natalie E. People walk past paintings on the wall of the Ugandan electoral commission compound in Kampala, Muhammed Tahir Siyala. Ugandans using leading Brown expressed “profound Uganda, yesterday. Libya is split between a internet service providers MTN disappointment” in a statement UN-supported government in and Airtel said they could no saying more than 75% of the confidence that observer mis- access to social media and to a charged atmosphere, with Tripoli, and rival authorities longer get online. accreditations requested had sions provide.” blasted Facebook after the Museveni deploying the military based in the east. The two sides The US-based counsel for been denied. An electoral commission social network removed in the streets of urban centers are backed by an array of local Wine, Bruce Afran, told “With only 15 accreditations spokesman was not immedi- Ugandan accounts linked to his where authorities fear the oppo- militias, as well as regional and reporters that the candidate “is approved, it is not possible for ately available for comment. reelection campaign. sition is planning riots that could foreign powers. now in his compound with his the United States to meaning- The U.S. embassy statement “That social channel you are overwhelm the regime. A statement by the Tripoli- wife and a single staff member fully observe the conduct of came the morning after talking about, if it is going to Wine, whose real name is based Finance Ministry said the who is unarmed and is not Uganda’s elections at polling Museveni spoke harshly against operate in Uganda, it should be Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, insists his sides would work on a final security personnel... Security sites across the country,” the development partners, used equitably by everybody campaign is nonviolent and he draft for the 2021 national and police are stationed outside statement said. “As we have Facebook and unnamed outside who wants to use it,” Museveni urges his supporters not to be budget in the coming days. The his home and effectively stated previously, the United groups he accused of said of Facebook. “If you want intimidated by the heavy mil- draft would be presented to a encircled it.” States takes no side in Uganda’s “arrogance.” to take sides against the (ruling itary deployment in Kampala, transitional government that Afran said he feared Wine, upcoming elections. We Uganda’s government has party), then that group will not the capital. will be established to lead the a popular young singer and support a free, fair, peaceful, repeatedly alleged that for- operate in Uganda.” At least 54 people were country to presidential and lawmaker, will once again be and inclusive electoral eigners are working in support Facebook said this week it killed in November as the parliamentary elections late arrested, and he warned that process.” of the opposition. Wine has been had removed some Ugandan security forces put down riots this year. Siyala, the Tripoli- “we’re going to see protests on Without “the robust partic- accused of being “an agent of accounts because they engaged sparked by the arrest of Wine, based foreign minister, said the streets” if they believe ipation of observers,” the foreign interests,” which he in alleged coordinated inau- whose rallies were frequently that a joint team would carry longtime President Yoweri statement added, “Uganda’s denies. thentic behavior. broken up by police purportedly out the agreed-on budget Museveni is declared the elections will lack the account- Museveni announced that The allegations of outside enforcing coronavirus control arrangements according to winner of today’s vote because ability, transparency and his government had shut down interference have contributed measures. estimated resources this year. African Union secures nearly 300 million vaccine doses
BLOOMBERG & REUTERS — regulatory approval and have facturers, he said. CAPE TOWN now started rollouts, there are South Africa has secured 20 concerns Africa has been left million inoculation doses for The African Union secured behind. The continent has itself, Ramaphosa said earlier almost 300 million COVID-19 recorded more than 3 million this week, although only 1.5 vaccine doses for the continent, infections, a fraction of the million for health workers have a step toward starting the global figure of more than 91 been confirmed. The country is complex task of inoculating million, though less reliable experiencing a resurgence of more than 1.2 billion people reporting methods and skep- the virus after an initial wave with limited logistical and ticism from some leaders may peaked in July, with active cases financial resources. have distorted the figure. and hospital admissions at new South African President Many African nations are records. Cyril Ramaphosa, who is also relying on Covax, a global ini- Meanwhile, Turkey’s official the AU chairman, is expected tiative to ensure equitable Medicines and Medical Devices to give more detail on the vac- access to vaccines. Agency granted emergency use cines later, according to Ahmed However, the AU’s 300 authorisation to China’s Sinovac Ogwell Ouma, deputy director million doses will come from COVID-19 vaccine, state-owned of the Africa Centres for Disease other sources, the Associated Anadolu news agency said. Pres- Control and Prevention. The Press reported, citing Nicaise ident Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Solution to traffic jam in Baghdad order would be by far the Ndembi, senior science adviser shots would begin today or largest on the continent to date. for the Africa CDC. Deliveries tomorrow after Turkey received People disembark boats they use to travel between the banks of the Tigris river to avoid the traffic While several wealthy should be made by the end of 3 million of the 50 million pur- jams in Baghdad, Iraq, yesterday. nations around the world pre- March and talks have been taking chased doses of Sinovac’s ordered vaccines ahead of place with more than 10 manu- CoronaVac. THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 ASIA 11 Japan widens emergency to 7 more prefectures AP — TOKYO interventions to asking the public to take basic safety measures Japan expanded a coronavirus Prime Minister such as wearing masks, washing state of emergency to seven more Yoshihide Suga said hands and avoiding drinking and prefectures yesterday, affecting Japan will suspend fast- dining in groups until mid- more than half the population track entry exceptions December, when he finally amid a surge in infections across for business visitors or announced the suspension of a the country. government-subsidised domestic Prime Minister Yoshihide others with residency tourism campaign. Suga also said Japan will suspend permits, fully banning Suga eventually took action fast-track entry exceptions for foreign visitors while after calls from the local leaders, business visitors or others with the state of emergency while his support ratings nose- residency permits, fully banning is in place. dived in polls showing the public foreign visitors while the state of increasingly dissatisfied with his emergency is in place. handling of the virus. He also Suga’s announcement comes 70% of their staff work from came under fire for attending a less than a week after he declared home and residents in the pricy steak dinner that had eight a state of emergency for Tokyo affected areas avoid going out for participants in mid-December. and three nearby prefectures. nonessential purposes. Suga took office in mid-Sep- Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga speaks next to Shigeru Omi, President of the Japan Community The new declaration, which adds Suga has been criticised as tember and pledged to keep the Healthcare Organization, during a news conference, in Tokyo yesterday. seven other prefectures in being to slow to act as the coun- infections under control while western and central Japan, takes try’s reported coronavirus infec- also getting the economy back effect today and lasts until Feb- tions and deaths roughly doubled on track. He also promised to authorities to penalise business coronavirus patients. secure more beds as infections ruary 7. over the past month to about successfully hold the Tokyo owners who defy official requests “I’m afraid a fear of explosive rise. “The severe situation is con- 300,000 and 4,100 respectively. Olympics, which were postponed for coronavirus measures, while infections as in the US and Officials in Tokyo, facing a tinuing, but these measures are Both states of emergency were from last year until this coming legally providing compensation Europe can become a reality,” he hospital bed crunch for corona- indispensable in turning the tide declared only after local leaders summer. to those who comply. Suga’s gov- said, urging people to cooperate virus treatment, are considering for the better,” Suga said at a pleaded with him to do so. Despite the current surge in ernment also plans to revise the and regain their sense of crisis turning three prefecture-run hos- news conference, bowing as he Experts have warned that infections, Japan has reported far infectious disease control law so and urgency. pitals into centers for COVID-19 sought understanding from the even the emergency declarations, fewer infections than many it can penalize patients who defy Japan is already facing a pos- patients. public. which are nonbinding and largely countries of its size. self-isolation requirements, hos- sible medical system collapse Japanese coronavirus He said he put the seven pre- rely on voluntary cooperation, Japan made it through earlier pitalisation or cooperation with because coronavirus treatment measures have relied heavily on fectures in urban areas under the may be insufficient to signifi- surges in infections without a health authorities, Japanese is largely concentrated at public widespread mask wearing, state of emergency to prevent cantly slow the infections. lockdown, but experts and offi- media reports say. hospitals in a country where most contact tracing and other safety infections from spilling over into Unlike an earlier seven-week cials warn that people are Japan Medical Association hospitals are privately run and measures. But the number of new smaller cities where medical emergency Japan had in April growing fatigued and are President Toshio Nakagawa said not equipped for infectious dis- cases in the current outbreak has systems are more vulnerable. and May last year, schools, gyms, becoming less cooperative than at a news conference yesterday eases. Suga said the situation made contact tracing impossible, The government is asking theatres and shops will stay open. before. that medical systems in the should be reviewed. prompting Tokyo and neigh- clubs and restaurants in Osaka, Suga has faced criticism for In a bid to more effectively country have been collapsing, The government has pro- boring prefectures to announce Kyoto, Hyogo, Fukuoka, Aichi, not taking strong enough gov- enforce virus measures, Suga has with regular daily treatment at vided financial support for hos- a cutback on the strategy to Gifu and Tochigi prefectures to ernment action earlier in the out- said he will seek a legal revision many hospitals compromised pitals admitting coronavirus relieve the burden on local public close by 8pm, employers to have break. He mostly limited his in parliament next week to allow due to the growing burden of patients, while struggling to health officials. New Zealand to review Parliament security after attack Sri Lankan court acquits
AP — WELLINGTON lawmakers are currently on a the chief executive of Parlia- where people are free to meet summer break, and there were mentary Service, said it was and express their opinions, and former rebel lawmaker Officials plan to review security few people in the building at the important to maintain a balance that hundreds of protests are at New Zealand’s Parliament time of the attack. between security and held safely on the grounds every AP — COLOMBO His faction played a key role after a man armed with an axe The man has been charged accessibility. year. However, he said, the in the defeat of the Tamil Tigers smashed the main glass with intentional damage and “I am proud that the New safety of those who work at and A Sri Lankan court yesterday in the eastern province, a pre- entrance doors early yesterday. possession of an offensive Zealand Parliament is one of the visit the complex is crucial. He acquitted a rebel-turned- cursor to their total rout in 2009. Police said they were called weapon. If found guilty, he most open, accessible parlia- said officials are undertaking a lawmaker of charges that he was Allegations of abductions, torture to the Parliament complex in could face up to seven years in ments in the world and I very full review of the incident and involved in the killing of an and killings against his faction Wellington just before 5.30am prison. A judge temporarily much hope that this continues,” will assess whether changes to ethnic Tamil legislator at the have never been properly inves- after getting reports that a man suppressed the man’s name, a he said in a statement. “Our par- security measures are height of the island’s long civil tigated. He then entered electoral with an axe was on the grounds. common practice in New Zea- liament belongs to the people of necessary. war. politics and became the gov- Police said that after land’s justice system. New Zealand, and it is incredibly Crews added retractable The court in the eastern town ernment-backed chief minister smashing the doors, the It was not immediately clear important to our democracy that bollards in 2016 to prevent of Batticaloa released Sivanesa- of Eastern Province. 31-year-old man didn’t try to whether the recent attacks at people are able to visit, and unauthorized vehicles getting thurai Chandarakanthan, who With the election defeat of enter the building and was the US Capitol in Washington interact with their parliament too close to the Parliament, won a seat while in detention in then-President Mahinda arrested within minutes without played any role in inspiring the and elected representatives with after a man posed a security last August’s parliamentary Rajapaksa, the elder brother of further incident. New Zealand attack. ease.” Gonzalez-Montero said threat by driving a truck up to election, representing a party the current president, Chan- New Zealand’s 120 Rafael Gonzalez-Montero, the parliament remains a place the main entrance. that backs President Gotabaya drakanthan was arrested and Rajapaksa. charged with involvement in the Four others were also shooting death of rebel-backed India: Farmers press released. Tamil lawmaker Joseph Parar- The Attorney General’s ajasingham during the midnight Department told the court earlier Christmas service at a church in on with protests this week that it does not intend Batticaloa in 2005. to continue the case against President Gotabaya REUTERS — GHAZIABAD Chandrakanthan. Rajapaksa during his campaign Chandrakanthan was a in 2019 promised to release Indian farmers burnt copies of the govern- former child soldier in the Tamil members of the armed forces ment’s new agricultural laws yesterday, Tiger rebel group that fought a accused of wartime abuses. Last pressing on with their protest against the quarter-century civil war to March, he pardoned a soldier on reforms despite a decision by the Supreme create an independent state for death row for killing eight Court to postpone implementation while Sri Lanka’s ethnic Tamil minority civilians including a their grievances are heard. in the island’s north and east. He 5-year-old. Tens of thousands of farmers have been later joined a renegade faction Rajapaksa was a top defense camped on the outskirts of the capital, New that emerged from the biggest official and played a decisive role Delhi, for almost two months, protesting split in the rebel group in 2004 in the military campaign against against what they say are laws designed to and functioned as a paramilitary the rebels led by his older benefit large private buyers at the expense group supporting government brother president, who is now of growers. The government led by Prime forces. the prime minister. Minister Narendra Modi denies this, saying the legislation is required to reform an agri- cultural sector beset by waste. At several protest sites yesterday, Australian scientists suggest farmers threw copies of the three new laws Farmers burn farm law copies in a bonfire as they celebrate the Lohri festival at a protest on bonfires lit for the Hindu Lohri mid- site on the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border in Ghaziabad, India, yesterday. delaying AstraZeneca vaccine winter festival. “These laws are not in farmers’ One of the BJP’s coalition partners later this month. REUTERS — SYDNEY and Pfizer vaccines. interests,” said Gursevak Singh, 32, one of resigned when the laws were first intro- “We expect to mobilise up to two million Earlier, he told the Sydney the protesters involved in the burning at a duced in September, and the issue risks farmers across the country on January 26,” Some Australian scientists have Morning Herald that the Astra- protest site in Ghaziabad, a satellite city of uniting India’s often-fractioned opposition. Kulwant Singh Sandhu, general secretary proposed delaying mass inoc- Zeneca vaccine is not one “I New Delhi. India’s Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered of Jamhuri Kisan Sabha, one of the main ulation using AstraZeneca’s would be deploying widely “We want the government to use their a temporary suspension of the laws while farm unions, said. Farmers have consist- COVID-19 vaccine with a view because of that lower efficacy.” brains and repeal these laws.” Unrest a four-member committee looks into the ently called for the total repeal of the laws, to considering a different shot In a statement, the ASI said among India’s estimated 150 million protesters’ grievances. though the government says there is “no instead. Turner was speaking as an farmers represents one of the biggest chal- But farm leaders have refused to coop- question” of this happening. Questions surrounding the expert in immunology and that lenges to Modi’s rule since his Bharatiya erate with the committee and say they will Eight rounds of talks have failed to vaccine in Australia, which the body did not advocate a Janata Party won a second term in power intensify their protests, including around break the deadlock. The two sides are next recorded just one new local case pause to the rollout as widely in 2019. Republic Day celebrations in the capital due to meet tomorrow. of the coronavirus yesterday, reported by local media. have cast a cloud over its immu- Australia has agreed to buy nisation plans, with 53 million 10 million doses of the Pfizer doses of the AstraZeneca jab vaccine, though neither Astra- North Korea ends party meeting with calls for nuclear might already on order. Zeneca nor Pfizer have approval AP — SEOUL yesterday that such close television later showed Kim, fighting program of our (party) Experts cited data showing from the country’s drug regu- tracking proved Seoul’s “hostile wearing horn-rimmed glasses are realized,” he said. the AstraZeneca jab had 62% lator, the Therapeutic Goods North Korean leader Kim Jong approach” toward its rival. and a black Mao suit, delivering Kim also called for reas- efficacy compared with over Administration (TGA). Un vowed all-out efforts to The eight-day Workers’ the speech to thousands of party serting greater state control over 90% for a vaccine developed by AstraZeneca did not imme- bolster his country’s nuclear Party congress that ended on elites, who responded with the economy, boosting agricul- Pfizer and its partner BioNTech. diately respond to an email deterrent during a major ruling Tuesday came as Kim Jong-Un thunderous cheers and tural production and prioritising “The question is really request for comment. party meeting where he earlier faces what appears to be the applause. the development of chemicals whether it (AstraZeneca) is able Its vaccine is approved in laid out plans to work toward toughest moment of his nine- Kim said the country must and metal industries in a five- to provide herd immunity. We Britain, India and Argentina and salvaging the broken economy. year rule. “continue to give fresh spur” in year plan. are playing a long game here. is under review by several other Separately, Kim’s powerful “We must further strengthen making the military more elite South Korean intelligence We don’t know how long that countries including South Korea sister criticised South Korea’s the nuclear war deterrent while and powerful so that it could officials and analysts have said will take,” said Professor and Brazil. military for saying it had seen an doing our best to build up the cope with “any form of threat there are signs that the North is Stephen Turner, president of the Australia’s chief medical apparent military parade taking most powerful military and emergency.” taking dramatic steps to Australian and New Zealand officer, Paul Kelly, attempted to place in Pyongyang. Kim Yo Jong, strength,” Kim said during his “The hostile forces will try strengthen government control Society for Immunology (ASI). address concerns around the who was described last year as closing remarks at the congress, to check our advance more fran- over markets, including sup- Turner added that the gov- efficacy of the AstraZeneca being in charge of inter-Korean which were published by state tically, and the world will watch pressing the use of US dollars ernment must pivot towards vaccine, calling it “effective”, relations, said in a statement media. North Korean state how the political declaration and and other foreign currencies. getting more of the Moderna “safe” and “high quality”. 12 ASIA THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 Afghan peace talks negotiators await Biden stance
REUTERS — KABUL “We are waiting because that was one of the peace accord,” a Taliban nego- on Saturday. But so far only Doha. One, who has been for the new US requirements of the interna- tiator said on condition of ano- limited meetings between receiving treatment for cancer, Afghan peace talks that tional community, so they have nymity as he was not authorised smaller teams called ‘contact told Reuters she planned to resumed four days ago are administration and the process. But it is stagnant,” to speak publicly. groups’ have taken place, travel there this week. effectively on hold, sources their policies towards he said. “If they don’t honour their three diplomatic and Afghan Ashley Jackson, co-director from both sides said yesterday, In an agreement reached commitment of withdrawing government sources told of the Centre for the Study of as negotiators wait for Pres- Afghanistan to see last year, Trump, who had long their forces as promised...then Reuters. Armed Groups at the Overseas ident-elect Joe Biden to signal whether they would promised to end America’s we would need to make tough Around four top members Development Institute think whether he will stick to Donald respect the peace longest war, signed the United decisions by appointing hard- of the Taliban negotiating team tank, said one reason for the Trump’s aggressive schedule to States up to a full withdrawal in liners to key positions on the were not yet in Qatar, the delay on the Taliban side could pull out troops. accord,” a Taliban coming months. But that ground.” group’s spokesman Zabihullah be that negotiators needed After a month-long break, negotiator said. depends on the Taliban meeting After months of little Mujahid said. more time to confer with the some negotiators from both security conditions which the progress, the sides finally He added that this was due group’s leaders. sides have yet to return to Doha, Afghan government says have agreed ground rules for talks to logistical issues travelling “It’s not yet fully clear why the Qatari capital that has low for progress before Joe not been met. Biden and his late last year. The talks then from remote areas where they they are delayed, but with the served as venue for negotiations Biden takes office on January advisors have so far given few broke up in December, in part were visiting family. They growing speculation this can’t between the Afghan gov- 20. clues as to their plans. to allow negotiators to return would arrive in the next few go on too much longer without ernment and the insurgents to The sides “do not want to “We are waiting for the new home for consultations with days and the delay would not some sort of explanation,” she end decades of war. commit to anything before the US administration and their pol- their leadership. affect the talks, he said. said. The delayed return A diplomatic source in 20th. They wanted to have the icies towards Afghanistan to see The sides announced last Some Afghan government “reflects the existing lack of Kabul said expectations were process going in the meantime whether they would respect the week they would re-start talks negotiators were also not yet in momentum”. Sinovac defends vaccine safety, efficacy after Brazil releases data REUTERS — KUALA LUMPUR/ seek more data from the with procurement if the vaccine SINGAPORE Chinese firm on efficacy rates satisfied the safety and efficacy before they approved and standards of local regulators. China’s Sinovac Biotech bought supplies. On Tuesday, Malaysia’s defended the safety and “These Phase III clinical Pharmaniaga Bhd signed a deal efficacy of its experimental trial results are sufficient to with Sinovac to purchase 14 COVID-19 vaccine yesterday, prove that CoronaVac vaccine’s million doses of CoronaVac and after researchers in Brazil safety and effectiveness are later to manufacture it released late-stage clinical data good around the world,” domestically. showing efficacy that was much Sinovac Biotech Chairman Yin Singapore, the only high- lower than initially announced. Weidong told reporters. income nation with which The vaccine was just 50.4 Different countries used Sinovac has struck a deal, said percent effective at preventing vaccines from the same batch it would go through official data symptomatic infections in the in their trials, but the countries when Sinovac releases it, rather Brazilian trial, including data don’t have identical testing pro- than depending on efficacy on “very mild” cases, tocols, he said. reported so far, and then decide researchers said on Tuesday. Piecemeal disclosures from whether to approve it. Last week, they said the Sinovac’s trials as well as those Thailand, which has vaccine, called CoronaVac, from studies of other Chinese ordered 2 million doses of showed 78 percent efficacy vaccines have raised concerns CoronaVac said it was still on against “mild-to-severe” cases. that they are not subject to the track to receive and administer The news prompted same public scrutiny as US and the vaccine starting next month, Malaysia and Singapore, which European alternatives. but added it would ask for President Joko Widodo of Indonesia receives COVID-19 vaccine jab at the Merdeka Palace, in Jakarta have purchase agreements with Malaysia said yesterday it information directly from yesterday. Sinovac, to say that they would would only go ahead Sinovac. Indonesia starts mass vaccinations Bad weather REUTERS — JAKARTA to us and safety to every Indo- reported daily record increases Taiwan confirms first case of nesian and help accelerate eco- in both cases and deaths, taking halts search for Indonesia launched one of the nomic recovery,” Jokowi said overall virus fatalities to 24,951 mutant South African strain world’s biggest COVID-19 after getting his injection. and infections to 858,043. crashed jet’s vaccination campaigns Some other officials being The government has said REUTERS — TAIPEI January 3, according to details yesterday with President Joko vaccinated showed off their two-thirds of the 270 million previously released by the recorder Widodo getting the first shot of shot marks to waiting jour- population must be vaccinated Taiwan health authorities said government. a Chinese vaccine as his country nalists and flexed their arms. to achieve herd immunity, with yesterday they had confirmed The small southern African REUTERS — JAKARTA fights one of the worst corona- Minister of Health Budi the cost of the programme the first case of the highly country of eSwatini is Taiwan’s virus outbreaks in Asia. Gunadi Sadikin has said nearly expected to be more than transmissible South African only remaining diplomatic ally Indonesia yesterday tempo- The drive aims to inoculate 1.5 million medical workers $5.26bn. variant of COVID-19, in an on the continent. rarily suspended a search by 181.5 million people, with the would be inoculated by Feb- Olivia Herlinda, a eSwatini national being treated Prime Minister Ambrose divers for the cockpit voice first to be vaccinated receiving ruary, followed by public researcher at the Center for in hospital. Dlamini died in a South African recorder of a Sriwijaya Air that the CoronaVac vaccine from servants and the general pop- Indonesia’s Strategic Devel- The infection with the hospital last month after testing crashed with 62 people on China’s Sinovac Biotech, which ulation within 15 months. opment Initiatives, said author- variant had been confirmed on positive for COVID-19. board shortly after takeoff. Indonesia authorised for emer- Unlike many countries, ities had not taken into account Tuesday by laboratory test, the Separately, the command The search in the Java Sea gency use on Monday. Indonesia intends to inoculate the vaccine efficacy and virus Central Epidemic Command centre said that from tomorrow had to be halted due to bad Dressed in a white shirt and its working population first, reproduction rate to justify its Centre said. anyone arriving from South weather that whipped up wearing a mask, the president, rather than the elderly, partly herd immunity focus. The man in his 30s had Africa or eSwatini, or who had waves of up to 2.5 metres (8.2 who is known as Jokowi, got his because it does not have Budi said Indonesia’s testing arrived in Taiwan to work on been there within the previous feet) in height, officials said. shot at the Presidential Palace. enough data from clinical trials and tracing needed improving, December 24 and began devel- 14 days, would have to quar- Earlier yesterday, divers “Vaccination is important to on CoronaVac’s efficacy on adding there was an imbalance oping symptoms while in quar- antine at a centralised facility, retrieved more debris and a break the chain of COVID-19 older people. in testing resources across the antine and was initially con- which already applies to trav- damaged Identity card of one transmission and give protection Indonesia yesterday archipelago. firmed to have COVID-19 on ellers coming from Britain. of the victims, Navy official Abdul Rasyid told reporters on board the Indonesian navy ship Rigel. HRW takes China to task for rights violations last year Divers retrieved the plane’s flight data recorder REUTERS — BEIJING spread across the globe, while Television in Geneva that China accusations — which it denies with Beijing, only setting out (FDR) from the seabed on others who did the same have remained the biggest threat to — of persecution and forced vague expectations that China Tuesday and officials said they China had an “appalling year” disappeared. global human rights and that labour of Uighurs in the restive will consider abiding by higher had also found the beacon that for human rights in 2020, a “To crack down on whistle- President Xi Jinping had farwestern region of Xinjiang. standards on forced labour and was attached to the cockpit leading advocacy group said blowers and citizen-journalists “embarked on the most intense Richardson, speaking at a other issues. voice recorder (CVR). yesterday, with a crackdown on at this particular moment ... repression” in the country since webinar, compared the Uighurs’ But she noted more govern- A remotely operated dissent in Hong Kong, helps highlight to the rest of the the Tiananmen Square plight to that of Rohingya in ments were coming together to underwater vehicles (ROV) repression of Uighurs and the world what the consequences crackdown in 1989. Myanmar but noted a much criticise China. will be deployed to scour the silencing of people reporting on of violations inside China can China last year introduced weaker international response. “Putting a dent in the seabed, Abdul said, adding that the coronavirus outbreak. be,” Sophie Richardson, China a national security law in the She also said it was prob- Chinese government’s sense of the search had been made A Chinese court last month director at Human Rights Watch former British colony of Hong lematic that the European impunity for serious human more complicated because no handed down a four-year jail (HRW), said after the release of Kong, under which 53 pro- Union, after a year in which rights violations is a real pri- pings were now being emitted term to a citizen-journalist who the group’s World Report 2021. democracy activists were China “publicly shred” its ority, we think, for governments after the beacon detached reported from Wuhan, the epi- HRW Executive Director arrested in dawn raids last human rights commitments, and for institutions like the UN,” from the CVR. centre of the virus before it Kenneth Roth told Reuters week, while Beijing also faced agreed on an investment pact she said. “We have the ROV that will confirm the location again and tomorrow we will dive and comb that location again,” he Laos Communist Party holds leadership said. Military chief Hadi Tjah- congress amid economic pain janto said on Tuesday he had “high confidence” of finding REUTERS — VIENTIANE in year 1975, according to the Vientiane the recorder soon. Times. The Boeing 737-500 jet Laos started a five-yearly congress of its The Communist Party has been in crashed into the Java Sea on long-ruling Communist Party yesterday power ever since, and Laos has tradi- Saturday four minutes after to decide on the country’s leadership and tionally mirrored neighbouring Viet- takeoff from Jakarta’s main agree on a new economic strategy, as it nam’s political system, although China’s airport. faces challenges from the novel corona- sway has grown in recent years. Investigators will rely virus pandemic and a potential debt Any signs of a new generation of heavily on the two black boxes default. leaders coming forward will be under to determine the cause of the More than 700 officials of the Lao careful scrutiny, as will perceived views crash. People’s Revolutionary Party will hold toward China and Vietnam. Indonesia’s National meetings in the capital Vientiane until The poor Southeast Asian country of Transportation Safety Com- Friday, during which a new central com- 7 million people has faced unprece- mittee (KNKT) expects to mittee and politburo will be named, state dented fiscal challenges in recent years. download the FDR data within media reported. “The COVID-19 outbreak has inten- two to five days. President and party chief Bounnhang sified the growth slowdown, plunging The FDR contains about 25 Vorachit, one of the last remaining Lao PDR’s economy into its first hours of data on eight tracks members of the revolutionary gener- recession since the Asian financial crisis Delegates wearing protective masks attend the opening ceremony of the 11th national and the CVR has 30 minutes ation, prefaced the meeting by laying a in 1998,” the World Bank said in a report congress of the Communist Party of Laos, in Vientiane yesterday. of conversation, according to wreath for fighters that defeated a earlier this week. the final report on a similar Western-backed government to form Amid the debt burden, state-owned a deal giving a Chinese company people with knowledge of the agreement model of a Boeing 737 which the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Electricite du Laos (EdL) last year signed majority ownership of its electric grid, said. crashed in 2008. THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 EUROPE 13 Europe extends lockdowns as cases spiral
REUTERS — ROME/ZURICH The German cabinet Prime Minister Mark Rutte told a approved stricter news conference, adding that the Governments across Europe threat posed by the new variant announced tighter and longer entry controls to was “very, very worrying”. coronavirus lockdowns and require people He said the government was curbs yesterday amid fears of a considering imposing a curfew, fast-spreading variant first arriving from but was reluctant and had detected in Britain, with vacci- countries with high sought outside advice before nations not expected to help caseloads or where deciding on such severe much until the spring. restrictions. Vaccines are being rolled the more virulent In France, President out across the continent, but not variant is circulating Emmanuel Macron was dis- as quickly as many countries cussing possible tighter rules had wished, and the effects are to take coronavirus with senior ministers. A not expected until inoculations tests. nationwide curfew could be are widespread among the brought forward to 6pm from population. 8pm, as has already happened Italy will extend its or where the more virulent in parts of the country, French COVID-19 state of emergency variant is circulating to take media reported. to the end of April, Health Min- coronavirus tests. The French government’s ister Roberto Speranza said as Chancellor Angela Merkel top scientific adviser said new infections show no sign of told a meeting of lawmakers on restrictions were needed in light abating. Tuesday that the coming eight of the variant first detected in Switzerland announced to 10 weeks would be very hard Britain, adding that if vaccines tighter measures to tackle new if the more infectious variant were more widely accepted the variants of the COVID-19 virus spread to Germany, according crisis could be over by and extended the closure of res- to a participant at the meeting. September. Firefighters from the Marins-Pompiers of Marseille (Marseille Naval Fire Battalion) take samples in taurants, cultural and sport sites Health Minister Spahn told “The coming three months Marseille sewage water to detect the concentration of coronavirus traces and the presence of the by five weeks to run until the Deutschlandfunk radio it would will be difficult, the situation new UK variant of the virus in Marseille, France, yesterday. end of February. take another two or three will slightly improve during the Germany is also likely to months before the vaccination spring but should really get rapidly among locals. At least to require that employees work weeks the restrictions will be a have to extend COVID-19 curbs campaign really started to help. better at the end of the 60 people have tested positive from home where possible. The little smaller, the vaccine will into February, Health Minister The Dutch government said summer,” Jean-François Delf- in the Alpine resort of Wengen country also eased rules on work,” Poland’s Finance Min- Jens Spahn said, stressing the late on Tuesday it would extend raissy told franceinfo radio. in the last four weeks. allowing pandemic-hit busi- ister Tadeusz Koscinski said in need to further reduce contacts the lockdown, including the In Switzerland, officials can- Switzerland, which has so nesses to apply for state an interview for Money.pl. to fend off the more infectious closure of schools and shops, by celled the Lauberhorn World far taken a lighter touch to financial aid in hardship cases. “Some restrictions will variant first identified in Britain. at least three weeks until Feb. Cup downhill race, out of fear restricting business and public There was more optimistic remain for quite a long time, but The German cabinet 9. that the new variant - brought life than its neighbours, said it news from Poland, where I think that 80% of these restric- approved stricter entry controls “This decision does not come in by what health authorities will close shops selling non- COVID-19 case numbers have sta- tions will start to disappear at to require people arriving from as a surprise, but it is an said was a single British tourist essential supplies from Monday. bilised after surging in the autumn. the turn of the first and second countries with high caseloads incredible disappointment,” - was spreading now spreading It also ordered companies “I hope that in two to three quarter.” Irish PM sorry for UK supermarkets seek action on Northern Ireland supplies ‘profound wrong’ REUTERS — LONDON have a three-month grace grace period for simplified con- on Gove to create a dedicated “We will make it clear to the done at mother period to adapt their supply trols ends on March 31. working group to co-ordinate European Commission what the Britain’s leading supermarket systems to the new trading “All our businesses and sup- government agencies to inte- consequences would be if and baby homes groups have warned the reality. pliers have invested signifi- grate customs and food supermarkets are not in a government that “urgent inter- Since the turn of the year, cantly in the last few months to controls. position (after March 31) to AP — LONDON vention” is needed to prevent however, some supermarkets avoid disruption, but that will “It also requires an open carry on with the service they significant disruption to in Northern Ireland have had become inevitable if the pro- discussion with the EU provide to Northern Ireland Ireland’s prime minister issued Northern Ireland food supplies shortages of fresh goods usually posals governing movement of explaining why we can’t accom- consumers,” he told a formal state apology in the coming months. imported from Britain because food from Great Britain to modate changes to the current parliament. yesterday to the thousands of Britain is no longer part of they have struggled to shift to Northern Ireland are adopted,” approach to transporting food Prime Minister Boris unmarried women and their the European Union’s single new processes and bureaucratic the letter said. to Northern Ireland but Johnson said there were children who endured pain, market and customs union, but procedures. “We recognise the European stressing we are working “teething problems” in trade shame and stigma at church- Northern Ireland has a foot in The bosses of retailers Commission needs to see towards a robust system as between Britain and Northern run institutions, saying his both camps as part of the UK’s including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, increased compliance to quickly as possible,” the letter Ireland but that goods were government was determined customs territory while still Asda and Marks & Spencer have support the concessions it said, urging the government flowing effectively and in to start righting the country’s aligned with the EU’s single written to Cabinet Office min- granted through the Northern and EU to agree that more time normal volumes. wrongs. market for goods. ister Michael Gove, warning that Ireland protocol, but the current is required to implement a new “But I can confirm... that if Prime Minister Micheal Under the Northern Irish the situation could worsen. proposals, increased system. there are problems that we Martin’s apology came a day protocol, which covers post- In the letter, seen by bureaucracy and certification Gove said yesterday that a believe are disproportionate, after the final report of an Brexit trade between Britain Reuters, they said it was in such a short timescale are dedicated team has been set up then we will have no hesitation inquiry said 9,000 children and Northern Ireland, super- essential a long-term solution unworkable.” and was working to find a in invoking Article 16,” he told died in 18 mother-and-baby markets selling into the territory is agreed with the EU before the The chief executives called solution. parliament. homes — which housed women and girls who became pregnant outside Scotland to marriage —during the 20th Italy tries 355 suspected mafia members in historic trial century. tighten rules on The inquiry was part of a REUTERS — LAMEZIA TERME process of reckoning in over- retail, takeaway whelmingly Roman Catholic One of Italy’s largest-ever mafia Ireland, where church-run trials kicked off yesterday with from Saturday institutions were often tied to 355 suspected mobsters and a history of abuse. their associates facing an array REUTERS — LONDON Martin said Ireland must of charges, including extortion, acknowledge the scandal as drug trafficking and theft. Scotland will tighten its part of its national history and The case targets the lockdown measures to restrict “show our deep remorse.” ‘Ndrangheta clan, which is non-essential retailers from He apologised on behalf of based in Calabria, the toe of offering “click-and-collect” his government for the “pro- Italy’s boot, and is considered services and limit how found and generational by prosecutors to be the most takeaway food and drink can wrong” visited upon mothers powerful mafia group in the be sold from Saturday, First and their babies who ended up country, easily eclipsing the Minister Nicola Sturgeon said. in the institutions. more famous Cosa Nostra gang A national lockdown was “They should not have in Sicily. announced for mainland been there,” he said in Ire- The trial is being held in a Scotland on January 4, shortly land’s parliament. “The state converted call-centre in the before UK Prime Minister Boris failed you, mothers and Calabrian city of Lamezia Johnson announced similar children in these homes.” Terme, with metal cages measures for England. Martin said it was deeply installed for the defendants and Sturgeon said that a rapid Prosecutor Nicola Gratteri arrives at the High Security Courthouse for a trial of 355 suspected members distressing that authorities at rows of desks set up for the increase of cases caused by a of the ‘Ndrangheta mafia in Lamezia Terme, Italy, yesterday. the time knew about the very hundreds of lawyers, prose- new variant of the coronavirus high mortality rate at the cutors and spectators expected appeared to be slowing down, homes but did not appear to to attend. policemen, who chief prose- prosecutor, who has spent more January, while a much smaller but said it was not an indi- have intervened. But the initial hearing hit an cutor Nicola Gratteri says will- than 30 years fighting the mob. group of defendants will stand cation that it was safe to ease The report said 15 percent immediate snag after the three ingly aided the ‘Ndrangheta in The state will call on 913 trial in February over five lockdown, adding that more of all children in the homes judges assigned to the case building its crime empire. witnesses and draw on 24,000 murders - including the killing needed to be done. died from disease and infec- asked to be recused, saying they Speaking to reporters as he hours of intercepted conver- of a mafia hitman who was “Case numbers are still so tions like stomach flu, almost had been involved in earlier entered the courthouse, Gratteri sations to support the myriad shot dead because he was gay, high, and the new variant is so double the nationwide infant aspects of the investigation. said the investigation had charges. Gratteri said he prosecutors say. infectious that we must be as mortality rate. Their request will be encouraged locals to speak out. expected the trial would take The last time Italy tried tough, and as effective as we Martin added: “We must reviewed by a separate court, “In the last two years we a year to complete, with the hundreds of alleged mafiosi possibly can be to stop it learn the lesson that institu- which will delay proceedings have seen a surge in lawsuits court due to sit six days a simultaneously was in 1986 in spreading,” Sturgeon said tionalisation creates power for several days, lawyers said. from oppressed entrepreneurs week. Palermo in a case that repre- yesterday. structures and abuses of Many of the accused are and citizens, victims of usury, Another 92 suspects have sented a turning point in the “That does mean taking power, and must never again white-collar workers, including people who for years have lived opted for a fast-track trial in fight against Cosa Nostra, further steps to stop people be an option for our country lawyers, accountants, business under the threats of the the same case, with their marking the beginning of the from meeting and interacting in any circumstance.” people, local politicians and ‘Ndrangheta,” said the hearings due to start later in group’s sharp decline. indoors, and also outdoors. Today’s measures will help us to achieve that. They are a regrettable but necessary means High schoolers in Belgium demand to get back in-person learning to an end.” She said that only essential retailers would be able AP — BRUSSELS school in the city of Liege Yes, yes, you heard it right!” time starting Monday. of motivation sitting alone in to offer click-and-collect launched an online petition The students’ efforts paid off Months of learning exclu- front of their computers. services, while customers will A late-stage side effect of the asking for more in-person class Tuesday following an online sively or mostly online took a “We could not take it not be allowed indoors to coronavirus pandemic has time. meeting with Mayor Willy toll on the school’s more than anymore,” student Lena Piazza pick-up takeaway food and turned up in Belgium, where a “It’s been six months now Demeyer and education offi- 200 students, the petition said. “With the fatigue and the drink, which must instead be group of teenagers is begging that we have been going to class cials in the city, which is known writers said. Concerned that loss of concentration, many served from a hatch or doorway. to go back to school. only once a week,” the students for its universities. The officials prolonged distance learning people were about to dis- Sturgeon said that the gov- Fed up with the COVID-19 enrolled at the Athénée Léonie pledged to revisit the current would eventually derail their engage.” Piazza said she felt like ernment would strengthen the restrictions keeping them at de Waha wrote last week. “Get COVID-19 protocol in a bid to academic progress, they com- “an old person” with headaches, obligation on employers to home most of the time, students ready, and open your ears: We get the 16 to 18-year-olds in- plained about the lack of social pain in her neck and a lot of support people to work from in the last two years of a high want to go to school more often. person instruction at least half- interaction and a growing loss stress. home. 14 EUROPE / AMERICAS THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 Estonia PM quits over party corruption scandal
AP — HELSINKI The resignation of credit agency KredEx over sus- picions of corruption regarding Estonia’s prime minister Prime Minister Juri a ¤39m ($48m) loan granted to resigned yesterday over a Ratas, who is also the the Porto Franco real estate corruption scandal involving a Center Party’s leader, complex in the harbor district key official of his Center Party of the capital, Tallinn. suspected of accepting a private automatically triggers The Public Prosecutor’s donation for the party in the resignation of Office said separately it sus- exchange for a political favor pected the Center Party and five on a real estate deal, prompting Estonia’s three-party people of criminal involvement new talks on forming a new coalition government, in the Porto Franco real estate ruling coalition. case including party secretary The resignation of Prime but doesn’t Mihhail Korb, real estate busi- Minister Juri Ratas, who is also automatically mean a nessman Hillar Teder and the Center Party’s leader, auto- Kersti Kraht, an advisor to the matically triggers the resig- new election. country’s finance minister. Korb nation of Estonia’s three-party announced his resignation late coalition government, but Tuesday. doesn’t automatically mean a propose that Kaja Kallas, chair- As the largest political party Maduro gives State of the Nation speech new election. woman of the main opposition, in Tallinn, the Center Party con- Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro giving his annual State of the Nation speech during a special Ratas said early Wednesday center-right Reform Party, trols the office of mayor and has session of the National Constituent Assembly, in Caracas, on Tuesday. on his Facebook page that he which emerged as the winner final say over how to develop would step down as “the sus- of the 2019 general election, to public infrastructure projects picion expressed by the Public form the new Cabinet. such as roads and transport in Prosecutor’s Office.... does not Ratas has led a majority the capital. mean that someone is definitely coalition of his left-leaning Estonian media reported Bolsonaro looks away from Twitter guilty but they will inevitably Center Party, the nationalist that Tallinn Mayor Mihhail cast a serious shadow over all EKRE party and the conserv- Kolvart has been questioned in those involved.” ative Fatherland party since the case but isn’t suspected of and Facebook after Trump ban “In such a situation, it seems April 2019. He has held the post any wrongdoing. only right that, by resigning of prime minister of the Baltic Teder, whose son Rauno BLOOMBERG — BRASÍLIA Facebook to connect to his over 137,000 followers on his myself, I will give the oppor- country of 1.3 million since Teder is the main shareholder base. The push away from those Telegram channel. tunity to shed light on all the November 2016. in Porto Franco, is suspected of Brazilian President Jair outlets echoes a shift occurring On Saturday, in a post on facts and come to clarity,” Ratas There are currently five cutting a deal with Korb on Bolsonaro is urging his in the US, where thousands of Instagram, Bolsonaro invited his wrote on Facebook. political parties represented at facilitating access routes to the followers to pivot away from users are being purged from the supporters to join Parler only Ratas said he personally Estonia’s 101-seat Riigikogu Porto Franco estate in the Twitter and Facebook after the sites for violating their terms of hours before it was pulled from hasn’t done anything wrong. legislature, or Parliament. harbor district in return for a popular social networks use after violent rioters app stores and Amazon.com Inc “Despite taking political Only a limited number of one million-euro donation to banished US President Donald overtook the Capitol last week. shut off its web services. The app responsibility, I can say with all combinations exist for a Center. In 2015, Hillar Teder Trump from their platforms. Like their US counterparts, had only been downloaded my heart that, as prime min- majority coalition, particularly was a suspect in a corruption The far-right president on Bolsonaro allies have accused about half a million times in ister, I have not made any mali- as the Reform Party has ruled case involving former Tallinn Tuesday invited his 6.6 million tech companies of censorship Brazil as of Monday, according cious or deliberately wrong out cooperation with the pop- Mayor and Center Party leader Twitter followers to subscribe and called on their legions of fol- to the mobile-app intelligence decisions,” he wrote on ulist EKRE, Estonia’s third- Edgar Savisaar. to his channel on the messaging lowers to migrate to outlets they firm Sensor Tower. Facebook. largest party, which runs largely Ratas insisted the real estate app Telegram Messenger LLP, say are more amenable to con- Bolsonaro’s son, Eduardo, After Ratas’ announcement, on an anti-immigration and project has had no influence in a competitor to WhatsApp Inc. servative voices. But the tran- a senator, later changed his parties immediately started talks anti-European Union agenda. government decision making. Bolsonaro, who models his sition has so far been slow in this Twitter profile picture to an on cobbling together a new gov- On Tuesday, Estonia’s Estonia is a member of the presidency on Trump’s, relies social-media loving nation. image of Trump and claimed ernment. Estonian President security police said it was European Union and Nato since on a barrage of tweets and As of yesterday morning, that Parler was a “victim of the Kersti Kaljulaid said she would investigating the offices of state 2004. streaming live videos on Bolsonaro had garnered just Big Tech cartel.” Mexico regulators ban showing Ontario imposes more curbs, issues stay-at-home order BLOOMBERG — TORONTO protect our healthcare system,” the pandemic was in effect from members outside their in favour of a curfew,” he said. full conference Ontario Premier Doug Ford said March 17 to July 24. household during the past four “As soon as you tell the people of Ontario’s government declared at a press conference in Additional public health weeks, despite pleas to limit Ontario you’ve lost trust and by President a second provincial emergency Toronto. “The system is on the measures are also being social contact, according to a we’re going to have police and imposed more restrictions brink of collapse. It’s on the imposed, with some starting survey presented by health chasing you down the street AP — MEXICO CITY as COVID-19 rates accelerate brink of being overwhelmed.” Tuesday. Outdoor social gath- officials. when you’re driving, that’s it, it’s and a new variant of the virus The measures come as erings will be restricted to five One quarter of Ontario hos- game over.” Barbara Yaffe, the Mexico’s election regulatory emerges in Canada’s most COVID-19 cases continue setting people with limited exceptions, pitals have no ICU beds available province’s associate chief agency announced on Tuesday populous province. new records and a variant of the as was the case last spring while another quarter have only medical officer of health, said she it will ban media outlets from Ontario is also imposing virus that’s at least 56 percent during the first wave. Non- one or two free, according to the continues to receive emails from transmitting at full length stay-at-home rules starting more transmissible has surfaced. essential stores will be required government. If community trans- people saying the virus is made President Andrés Manuel January 14, requiring residents In the past four weeks, hospital- to close by 8pm, and there will mission of the new variant occurs, up or a conspiracy. López Obrador’s daily morning to stay in except for essential isations are up more than 70 be more restrictions on non- much higher case counts, ICU “People are tired. It’s been news conferences. purposes such as buying gro- percent and the number of essential construction. Schools occupancy and mortality could a long time,” she said. “We’re The temporary ban is ceries, medical appointments, patients in intensive care units in hot spots, including Toronto, happen. Curfews Last week, all tired, we’re all fed up, we aimed at ensuring equity in the exercise or essential work, the has risen 61 percent, according won’t return to in-person Quebec imposed a nightly curfew want this thing to go away.” country’s June congressional provincial government said on to provincial government data. instruction until February 10. on residents, to slow transmission. Ontario is months away from and state elections, after oppo- Tuesday in a statement. All Public Health Rules Ford’s The latest data suggest Asked to explain how Ontario’s receiving enough vaccine to sition parties complained that businesses must ensure any emergency declaration gives existing restrictions, including stay-at-home measures differ, ensure herd immunity, Ford López Obrador uses the con- employee who can work from Ontario’s government more previously moving regions to Ford compared a curfew to a said. According to Yaffe, that ferences to tout his public home does so. power to make new orders and “gray lockdown” status, so far “police state” measure. will require vaccinating works projects and criticize “Now more then ever we expires after 14 days, unless have had little impact on peo- “After 8 o’clock, you see between 60 percent and 70 opponents. need — I need — you to do your extended. A previous decla- ple’s movements. Roughly one- what’s happening in Quebec? The percent of the general The campaigns, and the part. Stay home, save lives, ration during the first wave of third of people said they visited streets are empty. I’ve never been population. ban, start on April 4. The hours- long, free-wheeling press con- ferences have become staple viewing for many Mexicans. Colombia struggles to Under rules announced by the head of the Federal Elec- toral Institute, TV stations keep social leaders safe won’t be able to broadcast them live, without inter- AP — BOGOTA landowners and powerful drug ruption, but can use excerpts trafficking groups have created until the June 6 vote is over. It Just taking a walk in the streets an atmosphere in which many was unclear if the ban applied of Colombia’s capital can feel factions feel little hesitation at to social media, where the dangerous for Luz Nelly trying to kill or intimate those conferences are also aired in Santana. who oppose them. their entirety. The Afro-Colombian com- Activists are often targeted Media ad purchases and munity leader sometimes she for denouncing or being seen air time are strictly regulated uses a hat or a turban for dis- to interfere with drug traf- under Mexican electoral law. guise. She always wears a bul- ficking or illegal logging or The decision by the inde- letproof vest. And she’s fol- mining, or for trying to protect pendent electoral institute sets lowed by a bodyguard assigned communities confronting up a likely conflict with López by the government. armed gangs. Obrador, who has cast doubt “I get death threats on the Santana survived a 1994 mas- in the past on the usefulness phone every month,” Santana sacre in which active guerrillas of autonomous regulatory said, “and once a man entered attacked a street party organized agencies, which he calls Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny is seen in a still image from a video in Germany, in this my office and said he was going by another leftist faction that was wasteful and unnecessary. undated image obtained from social media, yesterday. to kill me.” trying to abandon arms and Earlier on Tuesday, before Santana, who runs an embrace above-ground politics. the rules were entirely clear, organization that helps com- She and her daughter huddled at López Obrador railed against Navalny to return home on Sunday munity leaders fleeing violence home as 35 people were being any ban. to settle in Bogota, is one of killed outside, and decided to flee “Now that censorship is in REUTERS — MOSCOW accuses Putin of ordering his intensive care box for one more than 3,700 activists given to the capital where she has lived style internationally, they want poisoning with the deadly nerve reason: they tried to kill me,” some sort of protection from ever since. to silence us,” López Obrador Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny agent Novichok, and some sup- Navalny wrote on Instagram. Colombia’s government. Colombia’s Attorney Gen- said at his morning news con- plans to fly back to Russia on porters had urged him to stay “(Putin’s) servants are acting The country is widely seen eral’s Office says most of the ference, in apparent reference Sunday for the first time since abroad for his own safety. as usual by fabricating new as one of the world’s most dan- attacks in recent years on com- to decisions by Twitter and he was poisoned in August, Putin has denied the author- criminal cases against me. But gerous places to be a com- munity leaders have come from Facebook to suspend the despite the risk of being jailed ities tried to poison Navalny and I’m not interested in what munity leader or advocate for drug trafficking groups like the accounts of US President. on his return from Germany. said Russian agents would have they’re doing there. Russia is my human rights or environmental Gulf Clan and elements of the The Mexican president, The decision, announced by finished the job if they had country, Moscow is my city and issues. Last year 120 com- Revolutionary Armed Forces of who has had friendly relations Navalny yesterday, signals his wanted him dead. I miss it.” munity leaders were murdered Colombia that broke off from the with Trump, heatedly criti- intention to continue his political Navalny, 44, said he had Authorities have opened in Colombia according to the guerrilla group after it demobi- cized those moves. struggle against Vladimir Putin almost fully recovered his two criminal cases against UN’s High Commissioner for lized following a 2016 peace deal “How can they take away and creates a dilemma for the health, and that he was unfazed Navalny, both of which he says Human Rights, up from 107 a with Colombia’s government. our right to freedom of authorities on how to deal with by the risks his return may pose. are politically motivated. They year earlier. Officials also say that a expression... how can they take one of the Russian president’s “It was never a question of have also started moves to Decades of bloody civil smaller rebel group, the away the people’s right to most prominent critics. whether to return or not. Simply convert a suspended sentence conflict involving government National Liberation Army, has information?” López Obrador Navalny, who has been because I never left. I ended up for a conviction he says was forces, leftist guerrillas, right- been involved in attacking said. receiving treatment in Germany, in Germany after arriving in an trumped up into a real jail term. wing paramilitaries linked to social leaders. THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 AMERICAS 15 Trump on verge of second impeachment
REUTERS — WASHINGTON A spokesman for Clinton in 1998 and Andrew Johnson in 1868 — previously As the House of Representatives Senate Majority have been impeached by the moved yesterday toward a vote Leader Mitch House but were left in power to make Donald Trump the first McConnell confirmed by the Senate. US president to be impeached Republicans made speeches twice, the Senate’s top Repub- on Twitter a urging the House not to lican rejected Democratic calls Washington Post impeach Trump in the interest to reconvene the Senate for an in promoting national healing, immediate trial, all but ensuring report that McConnell with some accusing Democrats Trump will not be ousted before was not willing to of recklessness. his term ends next week. Lawmakers remained on A spokesman for Senate bring the chamber edge after last week’s violence, Majority Leader Mitch McCo- into emergency and large numbers of National nnell confirmed on Twitter a Guard troops wearing fatigues Washington Post report that session to consider and carrying rifles were sta- McConnell had informed the removing Trump from tioned outside and inside the Senate’s top Democrat, Chuck office following House building. Schumer, he is not willing to Under the US Constitution, bring the chamber into emer- impeachment. impeachment in the House gency session to consider triggers a trial in the Senate. removing Trump from office McConnell has said no trial following House impeachment. Pelosi, a Democrat, told her could begin until the Senate was The planned House vote fellow lawmakers. “He must go. scheduled to be back in regular comes a week after a pro- He is a clear and present danger session on January 19, only a Trump mob swarmed the US to the nation that we all love.” day before Biden is due to be Capitol in a deadly attack Reuters had earlier reported sworn in. US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaks with reporters as she arrives at her office as Democrats debate shortly after the Republican that Republican Senate lead- Republican congressman one article of impeachment against US President Donald Trump at the US Capitol, in Washington DC, president delivered an incen- ership was discussing whether Jim Jordan, a prominent Trump US, yesterday. diary speech to thousands of to initiate a trial as early as ally who led his party’s oppo- supporters and repeated false Friday, ahead of Biden’s inau- sition to the first impeachment has committed, as the Consti- party. While no Republican with police in the halls of the claims of an election stolen guration on January 20. in 2019, accused Democrats of tution states, “treason, bribery senators have said they would Capitol after Trump urged sup- from him due to widespread Trump’s supporters on Jan. pursuing an impeachment drive or other high crimes and vote to convict, two — Lisa porters to march on the voting fraud. The mob inter- 6 breached the Capitol, sent that he said began soon after misdemeanors.” Murkowski of Alaska and Pat building. rupted the formal certification lawmakers fleeing and left five Trump’s inauguration in 2016. If Trump is impeached, a Toomey of Pennsylvania — In a break from standard of Democratic President-elect dead in their wake, including a “Why? Politics and the fact two-thirds majority of the have called on Trump to procedure, Republican leaders Joe Biden’s victory over Trump police officer. that they want to cancel the Republican-led Senate is resign. in the House have refrained in the November 3 election. Pelosi said Trump has president,” Jordan said on the needed to convict him, meaning At least five House Repub- from urging their members to The House debated a single engaged in a “war on House floor. at least 17 Republicans in the licans, including Liz Cheney, a vote against impeaching Trump, article of impeachment formally democracy,” and that the Lawmakers delivered 100-member chamber would member of her party’s lead- saying it was a matter of indi- charging Trump with inciting “insurrectionists” and “domestic speeches on the House floor have to find him guilty. ership team, said they would vidual conscience. insurrection. terrorists” who stormed the while wearing masks amid the If Trump is removed from vote for impeachment. “Instead of moving forward “We know that the president Capitol were “sent here by the COVID-19 pandemic. office, Vice President Mike The House convened in the as a unifying force, the majority of the United States incited this president.” No US president Impeachment is a remedy Pence would become president same chamber where law- in the House is choosing to insurrection, this armed ever has been removed from devised by America’s 18th and fill out his term. makers hid under chairs and divide us further,” Oklahoma rebellion against our common office through impeachment. century founders to enable Con- Trump’s actions have donned gas masks last Republican Tom Cole said on country,” House Speaker Nancy Three — Trump in 2019, Bill gress to remove a president who weakened his grip over his Wednesday as rioters clashed the House floor. Voice of America reporter FBI says it warned about violence ahead of Capitol riot AP — WASHINGTON sedition charges against some defendants leading up to the the Capitol police chief, said caught off guard, saying on reassigned for of the rioters, effectively breach. Senate Minority Leader they were unaware of serious Friday: “There was no indi- The FBI warned law accusing them of attempting to Chuck Schumer, a New York concerns leading up to January cation that there was anything Pompeo queries enforcement agencies ahead of overthrow or defeat the Democrat, called for the rioters 6 and had prepared only for a other than First Amendment last week’s breach of the US government. to be added to a no-fly list, a tool free-speech protest. protected activity.” AP — NEW YORK Capitol about the potential for “This is only the beginning,” most commonly associated with But on Tuesday, The Wash- He did not explain the dis- extremist-driven violence, US Sherwin said. “We’re going to terrorisms investigations. ington Post reported on the crepancy in his statements, The White House reporter for officials said, contradicting focus on the most significant The statements by FBI and existence of a Jan. 5 report from though he suggested on Tuesday Voice of America was abruptly earlier statements that they charges as a deterrent because, Justice Department officials on the FBI’s field office in Norfolk, that the Norfolk warning was pulled from her beat after were caught off guard by the regardless of it was just a trespass Tuesday were intended as both Virginia, that forecast, in detail, based on nonspecific infor- trying to question Secretary of assault by supporters of Pres- in the Capitol or if someone a defense of federal law the chances that extremists mation in terms of individual State Mike Pompeo following ident Donald Trump. planted a pipe bomb, you will be enforcement preparations could commit “war” in Wash- leads to investigate, character- a speech he gave at the Nearly a week after the riot, charged and you will be found.” before the deadly riot and as a ington the following day. Steven izing it as a “thread on a message government agency this week. officials said they were combing The Justice Department has warning to participants. But D’Antuono, the assistant board” that was not attributable Pompeo’s speech and the through mountains of evidence created a specialized strike force they also raised new questions director in charge of the FBI’s to any specific person. demotion of Patsy and vowed to aggressively seek to examine the possibility of about the coordination across Washington field office, said In a statement Tuesday night, Widakuswara led to an angry out those who perpetrated the sedition charges, which could agencies for the January 6 riot, that once he received the Jan. 5 the FBI said the report’s author phone meeting between jour- brazen attack on the US Capitol. carry up to 20 years in prison. which was sparked by Trump’s warning, the information was had warned that the “FBI might nalists and managers on Though most of the charges Officials said they were utilizing calls for his supporters to fight quickly shared with other law be encroaching on free speech Tuesday that typified some of brought so far have been mis- some of the same techniques in Congress’ vote confirming Pres- enforcement agencies through rights” in pursuing further action, the tensions at the agency demeanors, acting US Attorney the riot probe as they use in ident-elect Joe Biden’s victory. the joint terrorism task force. and that the document itself did during President Donald Michael Sherwin said on international counterterrorism In the immediate aftermath D’Antuono was among the not necessarily associate the Trump’s administration. Tuesday the Justice Department investigations, examining the of the riot, some law officials who suggested law comments with a national Founded during World was considering bringing money flow and movement of enforcement officials, including enforcement had simply been security threat or crime. War II and run by the US Agency for Global Media, Voice of America broadcasts news from the United States to J&J COVID-19 vaccine on countries around the world. The administration has sought track for March rollout to have VOA better reflect its messages, while journalists REUTERS — CHICAGO US Food and Drug there have taken pride in their Administration. independence. Johnson & Johnson is on track “We are aiming for one In his speech on Monday, to roll out its single-shot coro- billion doses in 2021. If it is a Pompeo said that “it’s not fake navirus vaccine in March, and single dose, that means 1 billion news for you to broadcast that plans to have clear data on how people. But it will be in a this is the greatest nation in the effective it is by the end of this ramp-up throughout the year,” history of the world.” He said month or early February, the US Stoffels said. he backed their role as jour- healthcare company’s chief Initial launch capacity nalists, but said the agency was science officer said. depends in part on validation not “Vice of America” and that Dr. Paul Stoffels in an of manufacturing plants, he its broadcasts had too often interview on Tuesday also said added. The company is scaling demeaned the country. J&J expects to meet its stated up efforts to both produce the After speaking, he engaged target of delivering 1 billion active vaccine and the means in a brief question and answer doses of its vaccine by the end to package and ship it in large session with VOA’s new of this year as the company quantities. director, Robert Reilly. ramps up production. Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine Apparently unsatisfied The New York Times is being produced in the United A nurse administers a dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine during the outbreak of the coronavirus with the questions put to reported earlier on Wednesday States, Europe, South Africa and disease, in Pasadena, California, US, yesterday. Pompeo, Widakuswara that J&J was experiencing man- India with the help of contract shouted her own as he was ufacturing delays that would manufacturers in order to build leaving. “Mr. Secretary, what reduce the number of doses ini- capacity. look at the data after 20 people releases results. That should half of the study participants to are you doing to repair the tially available. “It’s a few weeks too early became infected by the novel come in the last week of January ensure no unexpected side United States’ reputation Stoffels declined to say how to be giving final numbers on coronavirus, the company or the first week of February, effects crop up, as well as data around the world?” she asked, many doses would be ready to what we can launch in the first intends to deliver data on at Stoffels said. on specific populations such as in reference to last week’s riot go into people’s arms in March, couple months,” he said. least 154 confirmed cases - the The US Food and Drug the elderly. The company at the US Capitol, according to presuming it receives emer- Although J&J’s clinical trial target needed to fully assess the Administration requires at least crossed that two-month a tape of the encounter she gency authorization from the protocols allowed for an early vaccine’s efficacy - when it two months of safety data on threshold earlier this month. later tweeted. When he didn’t answer, she asked, “Mr. Secretary, do you regret saying there will be a Obama-era veteran Kurt Campbell to lead Biden’s Asia policy second Trump administration?” Pompeo walked away REUTERS — WASHINGTON but so far limited US rebalancing of which advocated strengthening existing Trump’s fractious relationship with without acknowledging her. resources to the region.“I can confirm alliances with Japan and South Korea and Beijing to an extent that allows for “It is my job,” US President-elect Joe Biden has picked Kurt will be coordinator for the Indo- building closer relations with states like Biden’s aim of cooperation on issues Widakuswara tweeted. She an Obama-administration veteran, Kurt Pacific at the NSC,” the transition spokes- India and Indonesia in the face of a rising such as climate change and North Korea, declined comment. Campbell, to be his senior official for Asia woman said, referring to the White China. while maintaining attempts to change The Pompeo meeting itself policy, including the relationship with House National Security Council. He has since endorsed some of the Chinese behaviour. was the subject of controversy China, a spokeswoman for Biden’s tran- Campbell, 63, has run the Asia Group tough approaches towards China Last month, Campbell said Wash- among journalists there, par- sition said yesterday. business strategy consultancy and adopted by the Trump administration ington’s “ticket to the big game” in Asia ticularly during the pandemic, Campbell, who served as the top US advised Biden’s campaign. He is co- and also praised some of outgoing Pres- was the US military presence and its and because they weren’t diplomat for Asia under President Barack founder of the Center for a New ident Donald Trump’s unprecedented ability to deter challenges to the current allowed to ask questions, Obama and Secretary of State Hillary American Security think tank. dealings with North Korea. “operating system” — a reference to although some were submitted Clinton, is considered an architect of Campbell outlined his approach to Probably Campbell’s greatest chal- China’s bid to establish itself as the dom- to Reilly in writing. their “pivot to Asia” strategy, a vaunted Asia in a 2016 book entitled The Pivot lenge will be finding ways to recalibrate inant regional power THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 16
Hollywood movie You Ask, box office slumps officials answer
PRAYER Learn the Signs, Act Early — Child Development - Part 6 TIMINGS to near 40-year low PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING How to reconnect the brain and body? Movements re-wire a disconnected brain. A pur- REUTERS — LOS ANGELES No matter what your child’s struggles are, poseful movement that addresses the neuro- FAJR 05.00 am A four-step approach to reconnecting the logical foundation is key to creating lasting SUNRISE 06.21 am Hollywood movies suffered an The pandemic forced brain and body is sure to improve their changes in the brain. The brain is developed unprecedented 80% slump in development, learning, behaviour, and sensory first through automatic movements called DHUHR 11.43 am movie theatres to close box office revenue in North around the world in mid- challenges in a relatively short amount of time. primitive reflexes, that respond to sensory ASR 02.44 pm America in 2020 as the coro- stimuli in our environment and help keep us March, bringing some MAGHRIB 05.07 pm navirus pandemic closed What are those four steps? safe. small and big chains like ISHA 06.37 pm movie theatres and studios Step 1: ENVIRONMENT As the child gains the ability to stand held back the release of scores AMC Entertainment to Neuroplasticity can occur at any age, but upright, he begins to develop all the amazing of new films. the brink of bankruptcy. the brain needs a healthy environment skills that give way to executive function, or Research firm Comscore Theatres have still to to reach its optimal healing. Creating an envi- the ability to learn math, read, write, organise, said in an end-of-year report ronment healthy for brain through proper foods, and memorise. Skills like eye-hand coordi- on Tuesday that the North reopen in the biggest US exercise, outdoor time, and reducing toxins help nation, balance, timing, cross-body move- American box office brought markets of Los Angeles decrease inflammation and paves the way for ments, and bilateral integration all help in $2.2bn in 2020, compared and New York City. the next steps. children to be able to attend, focus, behave, with $11.4bn for 2019. and participate in life independently. The 2020 revenue marked Step 2: FOUNDATION WEATHER an almost 40-year low, Create a strong neurological foundation by “filing Are there any simple movements for TODAY according to historical data to the Comscore report. in the gaps” of development using simple move- optimal neurological change — from Box Office Mojo. The That left Sony Pictures cop ments that integrate primitive reflexes. Once the improving behaviour, sensory and lowest previous take for North caper “Bad Boys for Life,” lower levels of the brain are functioning opti- learning? American box office receipts released in January last year, mally, higher levels will develop quickly. Moving in a purposeful way to connect right was 1981, with a total of as the top-earning movie in and left hemispheres, and balance the brain $918m, in a year when North America for 2020 with Step 3: INTEGRATIONS can be done easily from the comfort of your “Superman II” was the biggest $206 million. In 2019, Add in specific sensory stimulation for your home. Building the neurological foundation o o film. “Avengers: Endgame” ruled the child’s brain hemispheric weakness to balance that all children experience during infancy 14 C 23 C Comscore did not release domestic box office with $858 the brain and improve communication between helps create strong neural connections that Minimum Maximum worldwide data for 2020, but million. Thriller “Tenet” from hemispheres. After this, the neurological foun- enable skills like attention, behaviour, coor- Misty to foggy at places at first Variety said global returns Warner Bros, which hoped to dation is solid and able to progress through skill dination, visual-motor control, and academics becomes moderate temperature slumped some 71%. tempt movie-goers back into development. to come much easier for the child. Simple exer- daytime with some clouds, cold The pandemic forced theaters in the summer, took cises like cross crawl, balance, log rolls, crawling by night. movie theatres to close around in just $58m in the US and Step 4: CONNECTIONS will help in the development of neurological W ALRUWAIS : 17o → 20o the world in mid-March, Canada. The body is ready to learn at this point! Skills connections. W ALKHOR : 11o → 23o bringing some small and big Paul Dergarabedian, senior such as visual-motor, cross-body, coordination chains like AMC Entertainment media analyst with Comscore, and balance will improve drastically once the What do I need to do next? DUKHAN 15o → 20o W : to the brink of bankruptcy. said that 2020 revenue — neurological foundation is made strong. With a Contact us (QISH) and begin your journey W WAKRAH : 09o → 23o Theatres have still to reopen much of it from drive-in gap in development, comes a gap in the growth towards treating the root cause of your W MESAIEED : 09o → 23o in the biggest US markets of venues — was grounds for of these fundamental skills needed for learning child’s problems. W ABUSAMRA : 12o → 20o Los Angeles and New York hope given that some industry and higher-level academics. Your child will now City. observers had feared the figure practise these skills through specific, purposeful Some 274 movies, ncluding would be even smaller. movements that target all eight essential skills (If you have any queries, you can send it to HIGH TIDE blockbusters like “No Time to “That should be extremely needed for behaviour, learning, and academic [email protected]) 05:34 – 16:30 Die,” “Top Gun: Maverick” and encouraging to anyone who achievement. LOW TIDE 13:21 – 00:00 the ninth “Fast and Furious” was worried that movie-going Answers provided by: action film — were moved to would not come back at all,” Why movements are important in child Sathish Chandra Segar, MSc, OT — 2021 release dates, according Dergarabedian said. development? Clinical Director, QISH, Doha NBK Automobiles launches all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Qatar
THE PENINSULA — DOHA
Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, the authorised general dis- tributor of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar, has launched the new 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in a special event which was held at the Al Brahat at Msheireb Downtown Doha, the smartest and most sustainable city dis- trict in the region. The captivating program many people are increasingly give the driver even better was attended by the Chairman intelligent. support when manoeuvering at of NBK Group, Sheikh Nawaf Up to 19 motors in the front low speed. Operation is faster Nasser bin Khaled Al Thani; seats make for comfortable and more intuitive thanks to Managing Director-Auto at seating – a number that indicates integration into MBUX. Nasser Bin Khaled Group, the complexity of the technology The optional Digital Light Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf Al installed in the seats. All the seats system enters series production Thani; Director at Nasser Bin available for the S-Class carry the for the first time at Mercedes- Khaled Auto, Ihab El Feky, the seal of approval by the Healthy Benz. This makes completely NBK Executive Management, Seating campaign. new assistance functions pos- guests, members of media, and Ten different massage pro- sible: Warning of recognised social media influencers. grammes are available in the roadworks by projecting an The launch of the all-new new S-Class. These use the excavator symbol onto the road S-Class is in line with the stra- vibration motors and can surface; Aiming a spotlight at tegic plans of NBK in presenting enhance the effect of a relaxing pedestrians detected at the the latest car models that meet massage with warmth on the roadside as a warning; Traffic the customers’ expectations in hot-stone principle. To this end, lights, stop signs or no-entry the luxury car segment. the seat heating is combined signs are pointed out by pro- During the event, Sheikh with the inflatable air chambers jecting a warning symbol onto Faleh said: “This special event in the active multicontour seats. the road surface; and Assistance marks the journey of success for The air chambers are now on narrow road lanes (road- both NBK Automobiles and Mer- closer to the seat surface and works) by projecting guidelines cedes-Benz in Qatar. Our world is facing, NBK Automo- Mercedes-Benz is shaping newly gained capability with the are therefore even easier to onto the road surface. incredible partnership goes back biles continues to meet and the next generation of indi- new name Energising Air Control. control and feel. With a Cd figure from 0.22, to more than six decades, a rela- exceed the expectations of our vidual mobility with innova- No other innovation in At the touch of a button or the S-Class is one of the world’s tionship built on mutual trust and customers. Today, we unveil the tions that place the focus on recent years has so radically by voice command, the holistic most aerodynamic cars, and the two companies’ shared ethos. all-new S-Class - always at the people. The new S-Class uses changed the operation of a Mer- “Fit & Healthy” approach of especially so in the luxury sedan We are proud to be among the top of the class and one of the digitisation for a car that cedes-Benz as MBUX (Mer- Energizing Comfort provides a segment. Six-cylinder in-line first dealers in the region to most awaited cars every year.” responds empathetically to the cedes-Benz User Experience). tangible experience of the dif- petrol engines in various output launch this new model – that is “The S-Class is the world’s needs and wishes of its driver The second generation of ferent comfort systems in the classes are the first engine var- sure to meet the customers’ best-selling luxury sedan that and passengers. this learn-capable system now S-Class, and features pro- iants for the new S-Class. A V8 expectations and enhance Qatar’s represents innovation, safety, Modern luxury attains the debuts in the new S-Class. The grammes that bundle them into engine with an integrated position as one of the leading comfort, and quality with the next level in the interior of the vehicle interior is even more worlds of experience. starter-generator (ISG) and markets for luxury cars. Our latest generation as never before. S-Class. The designers have digital and intelligent, as both In the new S-Class, Mer- 48-volt onboard electrical company was, and is still is, one This is where covetable luxury created a feel-good ambience the hardware and software cedes-Benz comes another big system will be available soon of the leading private sector com- meets the most excellent possible with lounge character marked by have made great strides: Bril- step closer to its vision of after. Intelligent bodyshell panies that focuses on supporting safety and the highest level of elegance, high quality and liant displays on up to five large accident-free driving. The design and innovations in the development of Qatar and comfort”, El-Feky added. lightness. The dashboard with its screens, in part with OLED tech- driver is supported by restraint systems confirm the contributing to accomplishing the The S-Class stands for the new architecture, modern nology, make the control of numerous new or extended leading role of the S-Class when 2030 National Vision goals by fascination of Mercedes-Benz: surface design and ergonomic vehicle and comfort functions driving assistance systems. He/ it comes to passive safety. The concentrating on sustainability legendary and traditional engi- display arrangement is a high- even easier. The new 3D driver she thereby has a reduced new aluminium hybrid body- and comprehensive development neering expertise which defines light. But the feel-good aspect display allows a spatial view at workload in day-to-day situa- shell with an aluminium content in all aspects of the business.” the luxury segment in the auto- goes even deeper: With high ride the touch of a button for the first tions, and is able to drive com- exceeding 50 percent meets El Feky said: “We start a mobile industry. The new quality and low noise levels as time. A real three-dimensional fortably and safely. When numerous requirements: A high new year with the energy and S-Class can be experienced with well as an extensive range of effect is achieved without danger threatens, the assistance level of crash safety, lower the power to continue our suc- all the senses – seeing, feeling, energising comfort programmes, having to wear 3D glasses. systems are able to respond to weight and a highly rigid bod- cessful growth and achieve- hearing and smelling – while the S-Class looks after the well- With the MBUX Smart Home impending collisions as the sit- yshell ensure outstanding han- ments in various business offering numerous innovations being of its passengers. They also function, the S-Class now also uation demands. Thanks to dling characteristics accom- sectors. Today, despite the in the areas of driver assistance, stay fit thanks to the effective air becomes a control centre for the improved environmental panied by excellent noise and current challenges that the protection and interaction. filtering system, which signals its home, because the homes of sensors, the parking systems vibration comfort.