QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune FRIDAY QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune AUGUST 21, 2020 MUHARRAM 2, 1442 VOL.13 NO. 5031 QR 2

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BACK-TO-SCHOOL PLAN PM, Lebanon’s caretaker premier review relations PRIME Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid Students with chronic diseases bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani received a phone call from Caretaker Prime Minister of the Republic of Lebanon Dr Hassan Diab on exempted from attending classes Thursday. At the beginning of MARYAM MAGED ABOUZAID Student enrolment, the call, Dr Hassan Diab DOHA expressed his thanks and BACK-TO-SCHOOL transfer window appreciation to HH the Amir STUDENTS with chronic dis- of State of Qatar Sheikh eases and those who have a PLAN AMENDED TO to reopen from Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for Qatar’s support to Lebanon and first-degree relative who is suf- its people after Beirut port explosion. fering from a chronic disease Aug 23 to Oct 7 During the call, they reviewed the bilateral relations and are exempt from attending ADOPT BLENDED the prospects for further strengthening of ties. They also classes as schools in Qatar reo- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK reviewed the latest developments in Lebanon. (QNA) pen next month, according to LEARNING DOHA an official. Qatar on Wednesday Student enrolment and transfer amended its back-to-school in public schools for the 2020- plan and announced that the 21 academic year will reopen FM, DR ERAKAT DISCUSS LATEST 2020/21 academic year will from August 23 through October see schools combining online The rst semester of the academic Students will attend school Schools will break students 7, the Ministry of Education and DEVELOPMENTS IN PALESTINE and in-persons learning as year will follow a blended method premises one to three times into groups of no more than Higher Education (MoEHE) has they reopen after a COVID- combining distance learning and in- a week, with a maximum 15 in each classroom. Desks announced. 19-induced hiatus. school teaching. This will be imple- attendance rate of 30% of will be arranged to keep a Parents can complete the The exemptions were an- mented in all stages of education school capacity per day safe distance of 1.5 metres enrolments and transfers ac- Qatar firmly supports nounced by Fawzia Al Khater, across public and private schools, cording to the following dates: Assistant Undersecretary for preschools and higher education For Qatari siblings, Educational Affairs at the Min- institutions children of Qatari mothers, and Palestinian cause: FM istry of Education and Higher children of GCC citizens – Au- QNA Education (MoEHE), at a gust 23-24. DOHA press conference in Doha on For Qatari students, Thursday. children of Qatari mothers and DEPUTY Prime Minister and Dr Yousuf Al Maslamani, children of GCC citizens – Au- Minister of Foreign Affairs HE the Medical Director at the During the rst three days (Sep- To maintain physical distanc- For specialised, technical, gust 25-31. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- Hamad General Hospital tember 1-3), schools will introduce ing and avoid overcrowding, special needs, and remote For other nationalities – rahman Al Thani and Secre- (HGH) also addressed the con- students to the precautionary meas- morning assembly and group schools, where the total September 1 to October 7. tary-General of the Executive ference. ures that must be observed while activities, including trips, number of students already In a statement, the ministry Committee of the Palestine Khater said, “Thanks to on school campus. Preparatory and camps, and celebrations will amounts to 30% of the said parents can complete the Liberation Organization (PLO) high school students will have to be suspended and replaced school capacity, students will enrolment process online via God and then the efforts of wear face masks Dr Saeb Erakat discussed lat- our wise leadership, the plan with virtual events, wherever attend in full capacity on a the Public Service Portal. est developments in Palestine implemented last year has pre- possible daily basis For applications to be in a telephone conversation on pared the educational sector complete, it is important to Thursday. with the essentials of handling attach all the required docu- The foreign minister an ongoing pandemic, with Students suffering from chronic diseases, as ments, along with the medical stressed Qatar’s firm position HE Sheikh Mohammed bin maintaining a safe and high As for universities, 30% of students will supported by an approved medical report, are assessment certi cates for new on supporting the rights of the Abdulrahman Al Thani. educational experience for the attend campus daily from September exempt from attending classes in school. This students. Palestinian people. He also students.” to November, with the blended learning decision also includes students whose parents In a related context, stressed the need for adher- 1967 borders with Jerusalem She clarified that students method in place. All COVID-19 protec- suffer from chronic conditions. However, the ex- medical examinations for new ing to international legitimacy, as its capital. who seek exemption from at- tive measures will be also be imple- empted students must physically attend school students are still underway in a relevant Security Council reso- Dr Erakat affirmed the Pal- tending the classes must fur- mented in university buildings to take their main exams number of health centres desig- lutions and the Arab Peace Ini- estinian side’s appreciation of nish a medical certificate. nated by the Ministry of Public tiative as a basis for achieving a the position of Qatar and the If the exemption is request- Health. The medical certi cates just and sustainable peace that efforts underway to stop the ed on the grounds of a first-de- attending classes in person, environment for our students of the safety and security com- will of cially be approved and guarantees the establishment attack on the Palestinian ter- gree relative having a chronic both the groups of students coming back to school,” she mittees in schools on how to linked directly to MoEHE’s on- of a Palestinian state on the ritories and civilians in Gaza. disease, his or her medical cer- are required to sit for exams. added. implement the precautionary line enrolment system. Accord- tificate and national address “It is our priority at MoEHE There would be coopera- measures,” she said. ingly, parents can proceed with the online enrolment once the are required. — in cooperation with MoPH tion between the MoPH and (PG 13) Although exempted from — to achieve a safe and healthy MoEHE to train the members Continued on page 2 student is found medically t. Qatar submits bid for 2027 AFC Asian Cup

Qatar signs pact for development & Political solution only way operation of Ukraine’s SC Olvia Port forward for Libya: Attiyah QATAR and Ukraine have signed TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK political solution.” the concession agreement for DOHA On regional and interna- the development and operation tional initiatives, Al Attiyah of the SC Olvia Port —Ukraine. DEPUTY Prime Minister and said, “We cannot dictate to QTerminals on Thursday Minister of State for Defence the brothers in Libya in which inked a concession pact with Affairs HE Dr Khalid bin Mo- direction they go ... but there Ukraine, following which it will hamed Al Attiyah has affirmed must be intentions for a po- invest $140 million to develop that political solution is the only litical solution and the in- the Olvia port as part of ex- way to end the Libyan crisis. tentions must be sincere and panding its operations in the COVID-19 recoveries “It is important to reach a there must be partners. There Black Sea region. The agree- reach 112,924 political solution to the Libyan HE Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al are many external parties that ment signing was witnessed crisis. This must come through Attiyah. have the same orientation in by the Minister of Transport Qatar on Thursday reported political agreement on the ba- Libya and have the same hope and Communications HE Jas- 268 coronavirus (COVID-19) sis of the Skhirat Agreement Qatari-Libyan relationship is that Libya will be united, and sim bin Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti cases, the Ministry of Public and relevant Security Council very old and strong. they will find all support for and the Ukrainian Minister of for the restoration of local up silos and loading equip- Health (MoPH) said. Also, resolutions. There is no other “The relations strength- the political process.” Infrastructure Vladyslav Kryklii infrastructure of Mykolaiv, the ment for all modes of trans- 266 people recovered from option but political solution, ened further after the Skhirat On his recent visit to Libya at a virtual signing ceremony city where the port is located. portation, such as railway and the virus in the last 24 hours, which is what we urge our Agreement and work with the along with Turkish Minister of in Doha and Kiev via videocon- Additionally, during the rst freight lines. bringing the total number of brothers in Libya,” Dr Al At- Government of National Ac- Defence, Dr Al Attiyah said, ferencing. ve years of the concession, “This concession is recoveries to 112,924. In a tiyah said in an interview with cord in previous years,” he “The meetings with the broth- The term of the conces- QTerminals will invest in es- a major achievement for statement, the MoPH said all Al Jazeera TV. said, adding that the strong ers in Libya and the Turk- sion is for 35 years — until tablishing a new fully-equipped QTerminals that honours its the new cases have isolated “Now it remains the issue relations are based on founda- ish Minister of Defense were 2056 — during which QTer- grain terminal, improve exist- strategy for expanding over- and they are receiving neces- of the reconciliation govern- tions of mutual respect. fruitful. There are discussions minals will invest about $140 ing warehouses, modernise seas investments as a Qatari sary healthcare. “Measures ment finding a partner on the Referring to “Haftar’s about the best ways to protect million to develop the port the road and telecommunica- company with expertise in to tackle COVID-19 in Qatar other side who can meet the case”, he said, “We hope that it the unity of Libya and how to over the next ve years, of tions networks and all Olvia seaport management,” Al have succeeded in attening requirements of a political so- will not be repeated while I am combat mercenaries.” which $3.5 million is allocated utilities and buildings, and set Sulaiti said. PAGE 2 the curve,” it said. (TNN) lution,” he added. talking about the other party The Deputy PM said the who has good intentions for a Continued on page 2 02 Friday, August 21, 2020

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NEW YORK MAYOR MEETS QATAR’S CONSUL-GENERAL Sulaiti, Ukrainian minister witness Olvia Port’s 35-year concession deal signing

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA/KIEV

QATAR’S Minister of Transport and Communications HE Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti and Ukrainian Minister of Infrastructure Vladyslav Kryklii witnessed the initiation of a 35-year concession agreement for the development and operation of the S.C. Olvia Port-Ukraine, between QTerminals Qatar, QTerminals S.C. Olvia, the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine and the State Enterprise Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (SE Minister of Transport and Communications HE Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti with other of cials during the signing of the USPA) during a virtual signing cer- concession agreement. emony in Doha and Kiev via vide- oconferencing. five years of the concession, QTer- its operations and relevant naviga- to the development of the region at The event was attended by Chair- minals will invest in establishing a tional and logistics services to meet large. man of Qatar Navigation (Milaha) new fully-equipped grain terminal, the highest world standards in such a For Ukraine, the agreement is HE Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin improve existing warehouses, mod- way that will enhance its operational another significant step on the way Jassim Al Thani, Qatar’s Ambassa- ernise the road and telecommunica- revenues and provide opportunity to widening and re-unlocking the dor to Ukraine HE Hadi bin Nasser tions networks and all Olvia utilities for the port to succeed in becoming potential of the Port of Olvia, as the Al Hajri and Ukraine’s Ambassador and buildings, and set up silos and an international hub for grain trade. company will pay concessions and Mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio met with Consul-General of the State of Qatar to Qatar HE Andrii Kuzmenko. loading equipment for all modes of The minister added that this step other fees to the country annually, in in New York Nasser Ibrahim Al Langawi. Discussions during the meeting dealt with The agreement was initialed by transportation, such as railway and will bolster the economic cooperation addition to QTerminals creating hun- relations and other topics of mutual interests. (QNA) QTerminals Qatar CEO Neville Bis- freight lines. Speaking on the occa- with Ukrainian and international dreds of new jobs needed by the local sett, QTerminals S.C Olvia Executive sion, Sulaiti stressed the strong rela- companies and contribute to sup- community in the city of Mykolaiv. Director Mohammed Al Lahham, tions between Qatar and Ukraine and porting the operations of the mari- Bissett said the agreement is “the Ukrainian State Secretary of the the high level of bilateral cooperation time line between Ukrainian ports first brick in our strategy of interna- Ministry of Infrastructure Buchko between the two countries. and Hamad Port, thus supporting tional expansion. We have the power, Volodymyr Anatoliiovych and Act- “This concession is a major the goals of the Qatar National Vision determination, desire and experience ing Head of SE USPA Holodnytskyi achievement for QTerminals that 2030. to strengthen cooperation between ‘Libyan parties want viable Oleksandr Hryhorovych. honours its strategy for expanding This investment, he noted, will Qatar and Ukraine in port produc- The term of the concession is 35 overseas investments as a Qatari represent a turning point in QTermi- tion in the Black Sea basin and we years, until 2056, during which QTer- company specialised in seaport man- nals’ contributions to the sustainabil- look forward to achieving this in a political solution to crisis’ minals will invest about $140 million agement,” he said. ity of the national economy and the short period of time.” to develop the port over the next five He noted that awarding the con- support for efforts to leverage Qatar’s “We are convinced and confident Continued from page 1 Dr Attiyah said, “Haftar rejected it, years provided that $3.5 million out cession is a significant investment competitiveness on the world map. that the strong management of QTer- but the other parties did not. There- of that amount is allocated for the opportunity in one of Ukraine’s most He said re-profiling the infra- minals, together with capabilities and HE said, “We also talked about a po- fore, we are trying to encourage all restoration of local infrastructure of important Black Sea ports, stress- structure in the region and develop- expertise of Ukrainian ports will lead litical solution and openness to the parties to sit at the dialogue table and Mykolaiv, the city where the port is ing that all development works that ing it in such a way that responds to to fruitful results and a reality that is parties that want a viable solution to reach a political solution. The officials located. QTerminals will carry out at the Port QTerminals’ aspirations and ambi- built on all factors of success, which the Libyan crisis.” of the reconciliation government are Additionally, during the first of Olvia will contribute to supporting tions will give considerable impetus we all look forward to,” he added. Dr Attiyah said, “What we have open.” seen from the discussions in Libya Regarding Haftar’s insistence on a with all the parties in the reconcilia- military solution, he said, “Haftar has tion government is their openness to tried to find a solution with the use of the political solution. We found great force and you know the results.” Only 15 students to be Ashghal to partially close traf c on positivity in adopting this option. The On the Egyptian role in support reconciliation government has a sin- of Haftar, he said, “There is no doubt allowed in a classroom cere intention to stop the bloodshed that Egypt has an influential role in University Street in both directions and sit down to find a political solu- the Libyan issue and we hope that it Continued from page 1 tion that serves Libya and the Liby- will play a role in finding real partners TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ans. for the reconciliation government to DR Maslamani said, “We have agreed with MoEHE DOHA “What we fear is the militarisation encourage them to sit at the dialogue on the standards for maintaining the safety of stu- of Libya, and at the core of the discus- table and reach a political solution. All dents while they are in the classroom.” THE Public Works Authority sion of the three parties was how to the neighbouring countries of Libya The measures to contain the spread of COV- (Ashghal) has announced that avoid the militarisation of Libya, so have a role to play in finding a solu- ID-19 include limiting the number of students in a partial traffic closure will be that the Libyan parties reach a politi- tion that saves Libya and serves all each class to a maximum of 15 and compulsory implemented on the left lane cal solution for the civil state that all parties.” social distancing of at least one and a half metres in both directions of Universi- Libyans desire.” On the impact of the Libyan between students from all directions. ty Street for a distance of one The Deputy PM affirmed that the conflict on in the eastern Mediter- While masks are compulsory for preparatory kilometre, between the junc- international community has a great ranean, he said, “Libya has a great and secondary students, it is not mandatory for tion of Omar Al-Mokhtar/ responsibility to ensure that Haftar’s impact on the region and its stability primary school students as it could be difficult for University Street and the in- actions and aggression against Libyan is important to everyone. If a Libyan children to wear a mask while they are in school. tersection of Lejbailat, and cities are not repeated. solution is not found that leads to “For primary schools, parents can decide between the intersection of “If the Libyan issue is not set on stability, problems, including ille- whether or not their children should wear masks in Lejbailat and the junction of the right track – that is finding a po- gal immigration, will increase and schools,” he said. University/Al-Sanaa Streets. to traffic in both directions of excavation works for the litical solution – then it may result that will affect all the neighbouring Dr Maslamani called on the parents not to send The closure will start on throughout this time. construction of the sewage in problems for Libya and the neigh- countries.” their children to schools if they show any symp- Saturday, August 22, 2020 The closure is in coopera- network infrastructure and bouring countries,” he warned. He affirmed that the “stability of toms of illness. If they had come in contact with an and will be in place for nine tion with the General Direc- the rainwater drainage net- Regarding Haftar’s rejection of the Libya is stability for the region and infected person, they should be home quarantined months. Two lanes on Univer- torate for Traffic and aims to work in the Onaiza and Al- Berlin process and political solutions, beyond.” for 14 days, he told the parents. sity Street will remain open facilitate the implementation Markhiyah areas. SC, HBKU to offer online course on ‘Sustainability and Major Sports Events’

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Sustainability has taken a Law at HBKU. progress and impact of a sus- DOHA central part in the build-up to “Partnering with an or- tainability action plan, ensure Qatar 2022 ever since Qatar ganisation like the Supreme that procurement processes AS part of its efforts to con- won the right to host the ma- Committee for Delivery & Leg- and practices are sustainable, tinuously share knowledge jor sports event in 2010. This acy allows us to provide our plan for and deliver legacy and gained from Qatar’s FIFA includes a strong commitment students with unprecedented long-term impact, and create, World Cup 2022 preparations, to incorporate the five pillars access to thought leaders who target and deliver an effective the Supreme Committee for of sustainability human, so- are working on delivering one communications campaign. Delivery & Legacy (SC) is part- cial, economic, governance of the world’s largest sports “Imparting the tremen- nering with the Hamad Bin and environmental. events,” added Dr Ala Al Fuqa- dous amount of knowledge Khalifa University (HBKU) to “After running the course ha, acting associate provost gained from the experience of offer an online course under successfully last year, with for Teaching and Learning at organising a major event like the title ‘Sustainability and more than 900 people from HBKU. Qatar 2022 is one of the most Major Sports Events’. around the world registering In order to receive the important parts of the legacy The course will be deliv- for it, we wanted to continue certification, students must this tournament will leave,” ered in collaboration with the this collaboration with HBKU “From water and waste rest of the world,” added Meer. “With the launch of HB- complete two different cours- said Talar Sahsuvaroglu, the Josoor Institute, which seeks because we truly believe in management to ensuring HBKU sees the course as KUx, we are proud to be the es, one on planning and the SC’s Sustainability and En- to build the capacity of sports the power of Qatar 2022 in that the infrastructure we are an opportunity to continue the first university in the Middle other on implementation. The vironmental Subject Matter and events industries in Qa- creating a substantial shift in building leaves a long-term work they are doing to provide East to offer a robust online courses explore the concept of expert, who will be one of the tar and the MENA region, the way major sports events legacy for all our communi- world-class educational con- learning platform that makes sustainability in the context of many instructors to deliver the and edX, a non-profit online incorporate sustainability in ties, we strive to make sure tent through a series of inno- quality academic programmes major sports events and help courses. learning platform founded by every aspect of their delivery,” that sustainability informs vative online courses that will and courses accessible to mil- students learn how to formu- Registration for the pro- Harvard University and the said Engineer Bodour Al Meer, every aspect of our work. It is a be delivered through their re- lions of learners around the late and write a sustainability gramme is now open through Massachusetts Institute of Sustainability & Environment culture and body of knowledge cently launched HBKUx plat- world”, said Dr Susan Kara- strategy. In addition, students the Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- Technology. senior manager at the SC. that we want to share with the form. manian, dean of the College of are taught how to track the versity’s website. Friday, August 21, 2020 03 (http://www.islamweb.net) Under the guidance and supervision of Ministry of Awqaf (Religious Endowments) Islam and Islamic Affairs

Guidelines for the Seekers GRAVE IMPLICATIONS of Guidance Question: I am trying hard to reach the way of guidance, so help me.

Answer: All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of OF ILL THOUGHTS worship except Allah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger. HE disease of ill thoughts is It is easy for the person who seeks the way of one of the most fatal diseas- guidance to reach it, as long as he/she meets its es that can destroy individu- requirements and avoids its hindrances. als and communities. Once Here are the most important guidelines: it becomes deep-rooted in  Seeking guidance truly and sincerely, for Allah Tthe soul of a person, it destroys all ties will not forsake the one who is truthful when seeking of intimacy and affection, and it incites guidance. hatred and resentment. Some people,  Starting to move towards the right path and whose hearts are morally diseased, only Allah will facilitate it. Allah Says (what means): {As look at others through dark glasses. For for he who gives and fears Allah. And believes in the them, all people are, by default, suspects best [reward], We will ease him toward ease.} [Qur’an or even guilty. 92:5-7] There is no doubt that having ill  Acquiring Islamic knowledge as much as pos- thoughts about others contradicts the sible in order to move with enlightened steps, since teachings of the Noble Qur’an, the Sun- knowledge helps one refute malicious allegations and nah and the guidance of the righteous misconceptions. predecessors. Allah, The Almighty, Says  Being keen on increasing one’s faith by per- (what means): {O you who have be- forming many acts of worship, but after observing the lieved, avoid much [negative] assump- obligatory acts. tion. Indeed, some assumption is sin.  Keeping company with pious and righteous And do not spy or backbite each other. people and avoiding those who could lead you to doing Would one of you like to eat the flesh misdeeds. of his brother when dead? You would  Repenting and regretting past sins, while asking detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah Allah for steadfastness and protection [from sins] in is Accepting of repentance and Merci- the future. ful.} [Qur’an 49:12]  Believing rmly that this is the way of happiness Besides, the Prophet, peace and in this world and the Hereafter, and that diverting from blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Be- it results in misery in both worlds. ware of ill thoughts, for ill thoughts rep-  Ignoring people’s pleasure and displeasure. resent the worst of false speech. Do not Let the pleasure of Allah be your rst concern. In a look for other’s faults. Do not spy on one Hadeeth on the authority of ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be another.” pleased with her: “The Prophet, peace and blessings The Prophet, peace and blessings of of Allah be upon him, informed us that he who seeks Allah be upon him, also taught Muslims to please Allah on the account of displeasing people, how to think well of others. A man came Allah will be pleased with him and will make people to him and said, “My wife has delivered pleased with him as well; and he who seeks to please a black baby (and I suspect that he is people on the account of displeasing Allah, Allah will not my child).” The Prophet, peace and be displeased with him and will make people dis- blessings of Allah be upon him, asked pleased with him as well.” [Ibn Hibbaan] him: “Have you got camels?” The man Finally, we implore Allah, The Almighty, to guide said, “Yes.” The Prophet, peace and bless- the questioner and grant her success, and we hope to ings of Allah be upon him, asked: “What might have an excuse that him, had divided and dis- him belittle his brother, deny his rights, hear of her good news soon. is their colour?” The man said, “They are I do not know about.” tributed. slander him and spy on him. Obviously, Allah Knows best. reddish (brown).” The Prophet, peace Why do we not follow There is no doubt Some scholars all of these things are forbidden destruc- and blessings of Allah be upon him, the example of the that having ill thoughts divided ill thoughts tive acts. Some scholars have said, “If asked: “Are any of them grey?” He said, righteous prede- about others contradicts the into two types, you see a person who always thinks ill of “There are grey ones among them.” The cessors, may Al- both of which are people and seeks to expose their faults, Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be lah have mercy teachings of the Noble Qur’an, the from the grave you should know that he is an evil per- upon him, asked: “From where do you upon them, in Sunnah and the guidance of the right- major sins: son. The believer always seeks excuses How do we understand think this colour came to them?” The this regard? eous predecessors. Allah, The Almighty, Ill thoughts for others because he is good and right- man said, “It probably resulted from a Those who think about Allah: eous, whereas, the hypocrite searches the Quran? hereditary trait.” The Prophet, peace ill of Muslims Says (what means): {O you who have This type is one the faults and defects of others given his and blessings of Allah be upon him, follow the exam- believed, avoid much [negative] as- of the most hei- evil nature.” Question: How do we understand the Quran? said: “Similarly, this (your child) might ple of the man sumption. Indeed, some assump- nous crimes and Hence, dear Muslim brothers and be a hereditary trait.” [Muslim and Al- who said to the tion is sin. And do not spy or sins because it sisters, beware of ill thoughts. We advise Answer: All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord Bukhaari, with the wording of Muslim] Prophet, peace and attributes to Allah you to supplicate Allah to protect you of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of The righteous predecessors, may Al- blessings of Allah be backbite each other. what is improper for from them. If you cannot repel your ill worship except Allah, and that Muhammad, sallal- lah have mercy upon them, avoided this upon him, “This divi- His Generosity and Be- thoughts, then the least you can do is to laahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messen- evil quality. They, may Allah have mercy sion is not based on justice nevolence. remain silent and avoid speaking about ger. upon them, would seek excuses for Mus- and it was not intended to win Ill thoughts about Mus- them. If you manage to get rid of these ill Allah revealed the Qur’an for people to ponder lims to the extent that some of them the pleasure of Allah,” when he was re- lims: This type is also a grave major thoughts, then you would have escaped over it. The most important factor which would help would say, “I seek seventy excuses for ferring to some wealth that the Prophet, sin because whoever judges his brother a grave danger. Otherwise, perhaps you a person to understand it is to learn Arabic be- my brother’s misdeed, then I say that he peace and blessings of Allah be upon based on ill thoughts, the devil will make will not be saved. cause the Qur’an was revealed in Arabic. On one hand, when one gets to know its styles and he would be able to understand the exact meaning of the verse. On the other hand, he would be able to read the books of Tafseer (interpretation of the meaning of the Qur’an) written by Muslim scholars, may Allah have mercy upon them, and IMPORTANCE OF DIALOGUE IN UPHOLDING TRUTH which are based on proper foundations in interpret- ing the Qur’an. So, if one is able to learn the Arabic language, CCORDING to the Qur’an, dia- dialogue, with all its clarity and purity of stricted, the particular and the general, whatever the party deems correct. then this is better, otherwise the Muslims trans- logue and reasoning in the best purpose, free from muddiness and blem- as well as the authentic and the weak. Good understanding lated the Qur’an to other languages to facilitate its possible way are important meth- ishes. This is because Allah’s injunctions Nobody should venture into debate For debate to proceed in the right di- meaning for non-Arabic speakers. ods of communicating, upholding are clear and His approach will last long- without complete intellectual and schol- rection, it is necessary to possess a good A great number of these books were translated the truth and resisting falsehood. er than anyone or anything else. arly faculties. Allah has rebuked those understanding of the opponent’s argu- to English, so you may read them and seek the AThe ultimate aim of doing this is to ar- Difference in opinion is a natural who argue without knowledge, and Says ments, his evidence and the background help of Islamic centres and organisations so that rive at the truth. Within the framework thing and a healthy phenomenon, which (what means): “Here you are — those influencing his actions. Often, a debate they would guide you to the best of these books. of Islamic Da’wah, dialogue is a tool of enriches the nation with mature ideas. If who have argued about that of which lingers on with differences persisting correction, construction and self-evalu- such difference of opinion is utilised cor- you have (some) knowledge, but why do on both sides and the subjects being Allah Knows best. ation. rectly, it becomes a remarkable tool for you argue about that of which you have discussed becoming increasingly arcane Dialogue is a shared tool of aware- evaluating things from different points without reaching any conclusion. The ness due to which opinions are formed, of view and dimensions. Unfortunately, reason for this is that each side was una- questions are examined and the implica- such differences have turned into bitter Dialogue is a shared tool of aware- ble to understand the basis of the other’s tions of Islamic or theoretical evidence quarrels and alarming fights that have evidence as well as their entire aim. are concluded. It is a tool of consulta- weakened the body of Islam. This is due ness due to which opinions are Understanding is the cornerstone of tion, mutual advice and cooperation in to the absence of serious dialogue and formed, questions are examined debate; by contrast, misunderstanding Say, “If the sea were ink for [writ- righteousness and piety, which is the mutual consultation by various parties. and the implications of Islamic or may compel the interlocutor to accept road to maturity and perfection. Errors The channels of a prudent scholarly dia- theoretical evidence are conclud- what is wrong, reject what is right or mis- ing] the words of my Lord, the sea can be corrected, deficiencies are taken logue are broken, which is why plausible ed. It is a tool of consultation, interpret things. Imaam Al-Subuki, may care of and the course of religion and ad- reasoning and similar opinions have mutual advice and cooperation in Allah have mercy upon him, said: “I have would be exhausted before the vocacy is straightened out only when we turned into a potential source of intellec- righteousness and piety, which is often seen people listening, but (they) words of my Lord were exhausted, welcome a dialogue and train ourselves tual partisanship and personal conflict. the road to maturity and perfection misunderstand what they hear. Conse- to accept criticism and revision. When Dialogues have regressed to being no quently, they would alter the aim intend- even if We brought the like of it as this happens, our dialogues will be edu- more than an exchange of accusations ed by the book or the author and mislead cational and systematic, enriching the and abuse. their colleagues and their followers into a supplement.” )” Islamic nation with religious studies and Indispensable principles no knowledge? And Allah knows, while conclusions the author has never meant.” – [Qur’an 18:109] academic theses. Over time, scholars have developed you know not.” [Qur’an 3:66]. Reasons for misunderstanding The global Islamic awakening has certain Sharee’ah-based principles that Partisan education adopted by some Some of the primary elements which turned into a general renaissance for all may be seen as a basic methodology for Islamic workers destroys the mind and cause misunderstanding are: classes; it is no longer the sole monopoly conducting an Islamically correct and kills creativity, thought and meditation.  Insufficient knowledge of any party. The new generation has a fruitful dialogue. Here are some of these It relies on drilling its followers in the  Distance between interlocutors, rightful claim on Islamic Da’wah to ap- principles: principles and methodology of the party which may force interlocutors to rely preciate their reasoning powers, recog- Knowledge rigidly and literally, regardless of their solely on hearsay. If both sides were to nise their abilities and reveal to them the It is necessary for the interlocutor validity. Thereafter, the party member meet face-to-face and talk to each other, truth concerning the progress of advo- to be knowledgeable about the subject is taught to slander and belittle others, the picture would be clear and all ambi- cacy, whether negative or positive. We that he intends to debate over. At the while being unaware of the reality, or guities will be removed. are not expected to defend the attitude same time, he should be able to exam- even the reason why he is being asked  Differences of expression: To of one particular Islamic school or fa- ine, weigh and give preference to various to behave in that particular manner, avert the problem of linguistic differenc- “Words that speak of Allah are beauti- mous personality, and then try to justify types of evidence, deduce results and and most seriously, without any knowl- es, the interlocutor must observe clarity it or conceal errors; our cause is much collect every piece of evidence. Further, edge about the punishment of slander. and explicitness. He should be able to ful. Contemplating His Blessings is of deeper and more serious than that. The he should be familiar with the science of Indoctrination by parties results in an control his words and expressions, as vanguard of the Islamic awakening as- abrogation and abrogated verses of the incomplete education; it is only good for well as be accurate in presenting his evi- the highest forms of worship.” pires to achieve the divine approach to Noble Qur’an, the allowed and the re- creating unthinking people who parrot dence and supportive arguments. – [Umar ibn Abdul-Azeez] 04 Friday, August 21, 2020 FEATURE London copywriter scripts ‘Yalla Beirut’ plan to aid blast-hit people in Lebanon

“I wouldn’t say it’s sold many, but that’s not its pur- pose really – if people want ❍ to send the £20 directly to a charity rather than the £4.17 that I can send from the T-shirt As part of her profit, that’s fine by me. I think, at least, it has resonated with efforts, Gemma people and given them a sense that they are not forgotten or Champ has come ignored. But equally, I would Gemma love people to be wearing these Champ up with T-shirts in T-shirts, which are ethically made and organic, for the next few years, so they are always re- multiple colours minded of the spirit of Beirut.”

MEHRE ALAM “I wouldn’t call this a campaign, with unisex and DOWN MEMORY LANE DOHA so much as an expression of When asked about some solidarity with the people of women’s cuts. The unique memories of her time S the Beirut port explo- Beirut and Lebanon. Because in Lebanon, she said, “Oh, so sion rocked the pictur- I’m not trying to make money profits are going to many…!” esque country on August from the company, I’m able to “I think the first time I went 4 killing at least 180 peo- do ‘not for profit’ T-shirts that ‘Impact Lebanon’s was to interview Elie Saab at ple, Gemma Champ’s hopefully send some funds to his studio. I stayed at the May- heartA ached for the people of good causes.” Disaster Relief flower in Al Hamra, and got Lebanon and their families be- She went on to add: “When this rickety shared taxi, in the yond the scene of devastation. I saw what had happened in the blazing heat, but when I went Nearly 3,457 km away (this is beautiful Beirut, my heart ab- Fund’ into the atelier it was so chic the shortest airline distance solutely broke for this wonder- and cool, with all the artisans between Beirut and London), ful city, and the whole country, calmly working away, sur- she wanted to act soon and which has so much to offer the rounded by the mannequins of provide succour to people liv- world, but is always at the mer- the rich and famous! It was a ing in “the most beautiful, vi- cy of its neighbours.” kept saying was, ‘This is the new all huge fun. I could see, of dream interview. brant, resilient, historical and Of course, she donated im- normal’, but there was nothing course, that while the com- “Another time I went was exciting country I’d ever vis- mediately, but she knows how normal about it! It’s not there to mercial districts were hav- for the opening of the Louis ited,” as she put it on her social quickly events move on and When I saw what had happened make money, but just to try to ing money lavished on them, Vuitton store, and then a launch media account. are forgotten, so she wanted to encapsulate the era.” there were many areas that party, where Catherine De- The result of her efforts: do something more – a kind of in the beautiful Beirut, my heart needed help, but it felt like a neuve and Christian Louboutin ‘Yalla Beirut’! call that would remind people absolutely broke for this STRONG CONNECT very positive time in the coun- were on the dancefloor with us.” Explaining the ‘Yalla Beirut’ regularly of Beirut. It needed wonderful city, and the whole Gemma feels a strong con- try, with a real sense of hope.” But perhaps even more drive, she wrote on her social to be positive, and full of hope, country, which has so much to nect with Lebanon, where she cherished were the quiet mo- media account: “Please donate and instantly the word ‘Yalla’ offer the world... Whatever says, she has been to at least How has been the reception to ments – things like eating in- to help them rebuild their glo- came to her mind. “Whenever four or five times. “I absolute- her campaign for Beirut so far? credible regional Lebanese food rious country again. I’ve done I was going somewhere or do- Beirut is, it’s never, ever boring ly loved it [Lebanon]. Grow- “Whenever you take a at Beit Al Tawlet or queuing some new T-shirts, with all prof- ing something in that region, Gemma Champ ing up in the 80s and 90s in word from someone else’s for shawarma at Baba, explor- its going to Impact Lebanon’s ‘Yalla, let’s go!’ was a signal to the UK, you have an image of language, there is a fear that ing the ancient ruins at Byblos Disaster Relief Fund. Unisex stop procrastinating and start Beirut as being a bombed-out you’re missing some nuance and Baalbek, driving past the and women’s cuts available, in DOING,” she said. wasteland, and when I finally or getting it wrong, so I was beautiful farmlands, wander- multiple colours. All organic, rect funds to the right places ney!”), started a T-shirt com- got there in 2007, I truly un- a bit worried, but thankfully ing round the craft and fashion sustainable sourced and ethical- IMPACT LEBANON locally,” she added, in an email pany, The New Normal, when derstood why they called it I’ve had really positive re- shops of Saifi Village, drinking ly made. Please buy and share!” “The profits from the T- exchange with this writer. the UK locked down due to the the Paris of the Middle East. sponses not just here but from coffee in a courtyard café, ski- When Qatar Tribune ap- shirts are going to Impact Leba- Gemma, who lives with her global COVID-19 pandemic, “to It’s a cliché to say, ‘the peo- Lebanese and Middle Eastern ing, and more. proached her to seek more de- non, which when I researched Arabian Mau, Frankie, a rescue find a way to respond to such a ple are so friendly’, but they friends, former colleagues and “Whatever Beirut is, tails about her efforts, the copy- charities, seemed to be one that cat (She describes the cat as “a crazy and confusing time”. truly are incredible, helpful, strangers, so I’m hoping it’s it’s never, ever boring,” she writer based in London stated: seemed to be most likely to di- little bit of the Gulf in Hack- “The one thing everyone creative, resilient, and above hit the mark. summed up.

‘Murder attempt’: Lebanon protest wounds add to blast woes

AFP AFP he was especially concerned about the pellets, which BEIRUT he had not seen security forces use before. “They lead to severe injuries because they pierce and FIRAS and Zeina survived Beirut’s port explosion un- rupture the skin,” he said, warning also of longer-term scathed but still sustained severe injuries -- not in the consequences, such as lead poisoning. disaster itself but in the heavy-handed crackdown on Twenty of those hit by rubber bullets and pellets suf- the street protests that followed. fered eye injuries, according to the White Coats group. Firas Hamdan, 33, a lawyer who was filming one Eight among them required surgery and at least demonstration, was hit in the heart by a lead pellet that three have lost sight in one eye, said ophthalmologist surgeons have been unable to remove in an operation that Nada Jabbour. has left a long scar down his chest. • ‘On the attack’ -Lawyers and rights groups have Zeina, a 50-year-old mother-of-three, was also hit called for an investigation, and Amnesty judged that “the by such pellets that security forces were accused of firing Anti-government activists take part in a ceremony to commemorate the victims of the massive Beirut’s port explosion of August state seems to be on the attack against its population”. from pump-action shotguns during the unrest, leaving 4 which killed at least 158 people, wounded 6,000 and displaced some 250,000 to 300,000. (DPA) Security forces and the Lebanese army have denied her back pockmarked by the impact wounds. firing rubber bullets and other munitions at protesters, “Some people lost their sight and others were hit with and told AFP the injuries from the latest demonstrations The protest injuries piled more trauma on a country despite growing evidence. pellets, like I was in my heart,” said Hamdan. “This made were the most severe they have seen since the start of the already brought to its knees by the colossal port explosion Some have pointed at the parliamentary police, a unit us realise that we are not living in a normal country.” nationwide protest movement in October. that killed 181 people, wounded thousands more and laid that enjoys broad autonomy and had been repeatedly ac- In the chaotic days after the August 4 explosion, • ‘Shoot-to-harm’ -Hamdan, who for months has waste to swathes of Beirut. cused of using violent methods to suppress protests. thousands of angry protesters rallied in Beirut against documented abuses against protesters, was broadcast- “There was a punitive shoot-to-harm use of force,” Imad Ammar, a lawyer with the Beirut Bar Associa- the official incompetence and corruption they blame for ing live on Facebook during an August 8 rally when the Amnesty said. tion, has since October documented abuses against pro- Lebanon’s worst peacetime disaster. pellet hit him. He was rushed to hospital unconscious Zeina, who asked to use a pseudonym, said she con- testers as a member of a specialised committee. “We are The public fury over the blast -- caused by a stockpile and taken into open-heart surgery, but the doctors sidered the use of force against her a “murder attempt”. in the process of filing legal complaints to the judiciary on of ammonium nitrate that had languished in a warehouse could not extract the pellet. She recounted how she was dodging tear gas during behalf of the injured,” he told AFP, voicing hope this will for years, officials say -- reinvigorated a protest movement “The doctor told me that removing it would kill me,” a protest near the parliament when she felt a sharp pain help “expose the identity of attackers and hold them ac- that had kicked off last year but since faded. Hamdan said, speaking in his living room several days af- radiate across her back as lead pellets embedded them- countable”. The protest sparked a heavy response in which secu- ter his release from hospital. selves in her skin. The lawyer said that pellet injuries were unheard of rity forces and plain-clothes personnel fired tear gas can- Rights group Amnesty International said security “I took two steps forward and then also felt pain down before the latest protests, charging that “they constitute isters, rubber bullets and shotgun pellets into the crowd, forces, the army and men in civilian clothing fired rub- my arm” from another spray of pellets, she said. “Then I an attempt to kill or harm and they violate the right to according to protesters and human rights groups. ber bullets and tear gas canisters “recklessly” into the collapsed on the ground.” peaceful assembly”. The violent crackdown sent hundreds of bloodied crowd that day. A group of Lebanese doctors who have dubbed them- Back at his home, Hamdan said his near-death expe- demonstrators flooding into Beirut hospitals that were al- Pump action pellets were also fired “from an uni- selves “The White Coats” reported at least 60 severe inju- rience had only fuelled his anger against the authorities. ready overwhelmed by thousands of blast casualties and dentified source,” leading to severe injuries, according to ries caused by rubber bullets and pellets fired directly into “In a month or so I will be back on the streets and I surging novel coronavirus cases. Amnesty, which said some 230 people were wounded on the crowd at chest level and close range. will raise the same demands,” he vowed. “But this time Doctors reported that multiple protesters lost an eye August 8 alone. Doctor Selim Nasser, a member of the group, told with more tenacity and conviction.” World Friday, August 21, 2020 05

Five die as Ethiopian forces re on opposition supporters News in brief AFP for bullet wounds at the Hiwot ment Thursday from the Ethi- Some of the protests were ADDIS ABABA Fana Referral Hospital and opian Human Rights Commis- linked to reports that Jawar South Sudan rebels kill six bodyguards three of them died, according sion, a government body. Mohammed, a high-profile AT least five people died when to a doctor who spoke to AFP The commission “is deep- Abiy critic who has been of vice president Igga Ethiopian forces fired on dem- on condition of anonymity. ly alarmed by the loss of life locked up for more than six JUBA South Sudanese rebels have killed six bodyguards of onstrators protesting the de- “On Monday there were amid protests in Oromia, and weeks, was not receiving prop- Vice President James Wani Igga, the army said on Thursday. tention of opposition leaders, 14 people with bullet wounds, calls on authorities to prevent er medical care, Fisseha said. Fighters of the National Salvation Front (NAS) attacked the officials said Thursday, further two of them fatalities, who security forces from using ex- Jawar is one of many vice president’s convoy on Wednesday evening near the village undermining hopes for a dem- came to our hospital. And on cessive force,” said the state- prominent opposition politi- of Lobonok Payam, south of the capital, Juba, army spokesman ocratic transition under Prime Tuesday there were 10 people ment, which did not include a cians arrested during violence James Lul Ruai Koang told dpa. Minister and Nobel peace lau- with bullet wounds, one of death toll. that erupted after the shoot- Three other members of the convoy were injured during the reate Abiy Ahmed. them fatal,” the doctor said. Fisseha Tekle, a researcher ing death in June of Hachalu attack, according to Koang. Rights groups said the toll In Dire Dawa, another Some of the protests were linked for Amnesty International, Hundessa, a popular singer Igga, who is one of ve vice presidents in South Sudan and was significantly higher in eastern city, two people were to reports that Jawar Moham- told AFP Thursday that at from the Oromo ethnic group, responsible for economic affairs, was not part of the convoy. the protests, which broke out killed and four injured, ac- med, a high-pro le Abiy critic least 20 people had been killed leaving more than 200 dead. The NAS on Thursday claimed responsibility for the attack. Monday in many cities and cording to a statement from who has been locked up for more -- a figure that could not be in- Jawar appeared in court The rebel group opposes the government of President Sal- towns over the detention of the city administration which than six weeks, was not receiving dependently verified. Monday complaining of “vom- va Kiir, refusing to honour a 2018 cease re agreement signed politicians rounded up during blamed the unrest on “entities proper medical care. “The government should iting” and “shivering” but has between the government and various rebels groups. (DPA) political and ethnic violence in with malign intentions who investigate those members demanded to be treated by his June and July. hide inside society”. in the Oromia region which of the security forces who are own doctors because he does Iran accuses UAE of attack on shing In the eastern city of Ha- Deaths have also been re- surrounds the capital Addis suspected of committing this not trust the government’s, his rar, 24 people were treated ported in 13 different locations Ababa, according to a state- violence,” he said. lawyer Tuli Bayyisa told AFP. vessels, killing 2 crew members TEHRAN Iran on Thursday accused the United Arab Emirates of having attacked Iranian shing vessels earlier this week, killing two shermen and arresting the remaining crew, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported. India study Iran’s coastguard immediately retaliated by con scating a suggests UAE vessel in Iranian territorial waters on the same day, IRIB West African bloc to send reported. millions more The Iranian foreign minister summoned the UAE embassy representative, and Tehran has severely condemned the may have caught attacks, it said in the report. Abu Dhabi regrets the attack that happened Monday and has released the shermen and coronavirus envoys to Mali, calls for handed over the shing vessels as well as the bodies, in addi- tion to offering compensation, said the report. (DPA) AFP NEW DELHI China condemns US Pirates hijack plan to reimpose Panama-agged MORE than a quarter of New restoration of ousted Keita Delhi’s 20 million residents Iran sanctions ship off Somalia may have caught the novel AFP BEIJING China on Thursday MOGADISHU Pirates have hi- coronavirus without showing BAMAKO condemned controversial jacked a ship ying Panama’s symptoms, a study released US plans to restore inter- ag off Somalia’s northern Thursday indicated, raising WEST African leaders on national sanctions against coast, a police of cer said on fresh doubts about India’s offi- Thursday said they would dis- Iran that were lifted as part Thursday. cial case numbers. patch envoys to Mali to help of the 2015 nuclear deal. The transport vessel was Extrapolated, the antibody secure “the immediate return Foreign ministry on its way from the United study on 15,000 residents of constitutional order” fol- spokesman Zhao Lijian Arab Emirates to Somalia’s means 5.8 million people in lowing a military coup and said at a press brie ng capital, Mogadishu, police the bustling capital could have called for its ousted president that “China rmly opposes of cer Ahmed Mohamed told caught the virus -- more than to be restored to office. the unilateral sanctions dpa. “We are trying to handle 37 times the official tally of Rebel soldiers seized pow- and so-called arms restric- the situation and see if the 156,139 infections. er on Tuesday, detaining Pres- tions,” calling on the US to ship can be released peace- India is already officially ident Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, “abide by the resolutions of fully by the pirates without the third worst-hit country af- Prime Minister Boubou Cisse the Security Council.” Zhao ransom,” Mohamed said. ter the US and Brazil, and the and other officials in a fresh said the US did not have The ship was vulnerable to health ministry reported a re- setback for a country battling the right to reimpose the the attack due to a mechani- cord daily jump of 69,652 new chronic instability and a jihad- sanctions since it had cal problem, the police of cer infections on Wednesday -- tak- ist revolt. already withdrew from the added. Although piracy has ing the total to 2.84 million. “We have decided to im- nuclear deal, brokered by decreased in recent years, So- On Thursday, Delhi health mediately send a high-level Barack Obama in 2015, malia’s waters are considered minister Satyendra Jain said delegation in order to ensure that they have accused Iran extremely dangerous. blood tests on 15,000 residents the immediate return of con- of violating. Piracy off Somalia’s coast conducted earlier this month stitutional order,” the regional The Trump adminis- is considered an international found 29.1 percent of them had bloc ECOWAS said at the end Vice President of the CNSP (National Committee for Public Health) Colonel Malick Diaw (left) speaks at the tration’s efforts to bring threat since the nation on the virus antibodies. of a video summit in a state- Malian Ministry of Defence during a meeting with Malian politicians, in Bamako, on Thursday. (AFP) back all international Horn of Africa is located right Scientists say, however, that ment read by President Ma- sanctions against Tehran at the entrance to the Red antibody tests should be treated hamadou Issoufou of Niger. Keita’s overthrow culmi- all condemned the putsch and Tuesday’s events. has attracted little support Sea, one of the world’s most with caution because they also Issoufou said that through nated months-long protests demanded the release of de- The NGO said 15 others worldwide. (DPA) important trade routes. (DPA) pick up other coronaviruses, talks, ECOWAS would “convey in which ECOWAS -- the Eco- tained leaders. were wounded. not just the latest COVID-19. to the leaders of the military nomic Community of West Af- Calling itself the National “All the victims were hit A similar survey in June- junta that the times of taking rican States -- had tried to play Committee for the Salvation of by bullets in unclear circum- July said 23 percent of people power by force are over in this a mediating role. the People, under the leader- stances and were sent to the tested had been exposed to the region.” The bloc proposed setting ship of a colonel named Assi- Gabriel Toure hospital in virus in the city. Surveys in oth- The bloc also called for up a unity government includ- mi Goita, the junta has vowed the capital Bamako,” Samira Morocco closes net on Marrakesh, er Indian cities have also sug- “the restoration of President ing opposition representa- to stage elections within a Daoud, Amnesty Internation- Casablanca as virus spikes gested more infections than the Ibrahim Boubacar Keita as tives, but also stood firmly “reasonable time” and respect al’s director for West and Cen- official numbers suggest. president.” by the 75-year-old Keita. The “all past agreements,” includ- tral Africa, said in a statement. AFP dered Tuesday in Rabat and In the western city of Pune, The coup is Mali’s second package was bluntly rejected ing international anti-jihadist The junta has denied that RABAT the port city of Tangiers, with 51.5 percent of respondents in in eight years. by the opposition. missions. there were any casualties dur- armoured vehicles deployed on five badly affected pockets had A putsch in 2012 was fol- In addition to the presi- It also urged citizens to re- ing the mutiny. MOROCCAN authorities the streets and police manning antibodies in their blood, a re- lowed by an insurrection in dent and the prime minister, turn to normal life and warned ECOWAS comprises 15 Thursday slapped tight con- checkpoints. cent survey showed. the north of the country which the military detained Defence against acts of vandalism after members, including Mali, but trols on movement in Casa- COVID-19 infections have Another in late July found developed into a jihadist in- Minister Ibrahima Dahirou some buildings were torched. within hours of Keita’s over- blanca and Marrakesh, the been on the rise since the start 57 percent of those tested in surgency that now threatens Dembele; Security Minister Soldiers were stationed throw, the group announced it North African country’s eco- of August, reaching a rate of Mumbai’s slums had the infec- neighbouring Niger and Bur- M’Bemba Moussa Keita; and in Bamako Thursday in front was immediately suspending nomic and touristic capitals, 1,000 new cases a day in the tion -- far more than official kina Faso. the president of the National of the administrative centre the country from its internal following a spike in coronavi- country of 35 million. data suggests. Thousands of UN and Assembly, Moussa Timbine, which houses most of the min- decision-making bodies. rus cases. Wednesday’s tally was “Such studies are useful French troops, along with according to various sources. istries. That statement also called Several districts of the two more than 1,500 cases and 29 and necessary but it is impor- soldiers from five Sahel coun- They also arrested army Markets were open and for the immediate release of cities were to be sealed off, deaths. tant how it is interpreted,” said tries, have been deployed to chief of staff General Abdou- Malians, who seemed to gen- Keita and other detained lead- and opening hours shortened Morocco has confirmed a Rajib Dasgupta, who heads the try to stem the bloodshed. laye Coulibaly; the president’s erally welcome the change of ers, said its members would for restaurants, coffeehouses, total of over 46,000 cases of Centre of Social Medicine and “Mali is in a critical situ- personal chief of staff, General regime, went about their busi- close land and air borders to businesses and public parks. novel coronavirus, including Community Health at Delhi’s ation, with serious risks that Oumar Dao; air force chief ness as usual. Mali and threatened sanctions Several beaches were more than 740 deaths. Jawaharlal Nehru University. a collapse of the state and in- General Souleymane Dou- Amnesty International against the coup leaders. closed in Casablanca, Moroc- Health Minister Khalid Ait “It can’t be applied to the stitutions leads to reversals in coure; and the head of the Na- joined calls for the immediate It also requested an “im- co’s largest city with 3.3 million Taleb, who has come under whole city,” he said, noting that the fight against terrorism and tional Guard, Ouahoun Kone. release of all those arrested mediate buildup” of the ECO- inhabitants, following similar fire on social media, acknowl- the Pune study was done in a organised crime, with every The African Union, the Eu- during the coup and for an in- WAS Standby Force, a multi- measures imposed on Tuesday edges the sector needs an- very densely populated area of consequence for all our com- ropean Union, United States vestigation into the reported disciplinary force of military, near the capital Rabat. other 62,000 paramedics and the city. munity,” Issoufou warned. and UN Security Council have deaths of four people during civilian and police personnel. Partial lockdowns were or- 30,000 medical staff.

17 killed, dozens injured as heavy Afghan government urges Taliban to free commandos, pilots rains lash central Pakistan DPA serving time for serious crimes over the prisoners exchange DPA million. KABUL including murder, kidnapping process. Meanwhile, a fresh ISLAMABAD At least three dozen in- and the smuggling of narcotics. wave of violence continues in jured people were being treat- AFGHAN national security Following the initial re- Afghanistan. AT least 17 people died and ed at hospitals in various parts adviser Hamdullah Mohib lease, Australia and France of- Taliban fighters on Thurs- dozens were injured as heavy of the province, rescue official on Thursday said the Taliban ficially asked Kabul not to let day killed at least 14 pro-gov- rains inundated several cities Deeba Shahnaz said. must release the commandos out Taliban prisoners convict- ernment security forces in the in the central Pakistani prov- Pakistan’s Meteorologi- and pilots they are holding ed of killing their citizens. volatile north of the country. ince of Punjab, rescue officials cal Department has predicted before the government will Afghan authorities say dip- In a televised address on said on Thursday. more heavy rains in most release the remaining Taliban lomatic efforts are underway to Thursday, President Ashraf Most deaths occurred in parts of the country until Fri- prisoners. agree a compromise with both Ghani called on the Taliban to the eastern city of Lahore, day, spokesperson Mohamed The delayed release of nations. accept a permanent ceasefire which has a population of Hanif said. prisoners on both sides is the Speaking with reporters and start direct peace negotia- around 10 million, rescue of- Hundreds of people die main block to the resumption during a huge military exercise tions. ficial Farooq Ahmad told dpa. in Pakistan and other coun- of much-anticipated intra- by Afghan security forces in The United States signed a Heavy rains overnight tries across densely-populated Afghan peace talks initially Kabul, Mohib said the Afghan peace agreement with the Tali- flooded several neighbour- South Asia every year during scheduled for March 10 under government wants its allies to A photo shows Taliban prisoners in the process of being released ban in February that paves the hoods in the city and caused monsoon season in July and a peace agreement between the realize that the peace process from Pul-e-Charkhi prison on the outskirts of Kabul. (AFP) way for the withdrawal of all roofs to collapse and walls to August. Taliban and the United States. requires sacrifice. international troops from the cave in, Ahmad said. Apart from flooding caused Kabul has released 80 of a The Taliban meanwhile ready released 4,680 Taliban and the Taliban have agreed to country in return for Taliban’s Authorities have put res- by rains in the Himalayas, cli- remaining group of 400 hard- has repeatedly said it will not prisoners, while the militants start an initial round of peace security guarantees. cue agencies on alert in the mate change has given rise to ened Taliban prisoners after enter into peace talks with the say they have kept their side talks in the Qatari city of Doha It also paves the way for southern port city of Karachi, more complicated challenges securing the approval of a tra- Afghan government until their of the deal with the US by re- within one week after the re- an exchange of prisoners and where rainfall is predicted like the inundation of cities ditional grand assembly on Au- remaining 320 prisoners are leasing 1,000 pro-government lease of these prisoners. direct peace talks between the over the next three days. The and glacial lake outbursts in gust 9. freed. prisoners. No date has yet been for- militants and the government city has a population of 20 recent years. Members of the group are The government has al- The Afghan government malized due to controversies in Kabul. 06 Friday, August 21, 2020

ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 HAMAD BIN SUHAIM AL THANI CHAIRMAN Opinion ADEL ALI BIN ALI MANAGING DIRECTOR DR HASSAN MOHAMMED AL ANSARI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Call For More Innovative Testing Strategies In The US The Belarus Election Scientists contend that faster tests with lesser accuracy (50 percent) are preferable to no tests. Crisis Has Lessons For FDA insists on 80 percent accuracy but the time lag in test results allows the virus to spread Fragile America F COVID-19 testing is to play a more at least 80 percent accuracy for new game-changing role in combating the COVID-19 tests. Rapid tests could only Ipandemic, health policy leaders and ad- be as accurate as 50 percent or lower, Although US is not Belarus, Trump seems determined to create a chaos to mar ministrators must face reality. depending on how much of the virus is Current levels of coronavirus testing in present. The FDA’s coolness toward less- the November election results. American voters, media and civil society the US are nowhere near enough to help accurate tests has discouraged compa- manage or control the outbreak. Ameri- nies from attempting to develop them. must push back against Trump’s plan to rig the election cans are taking roughly 750,000 tests per But experts contend the widespread, day according to The Associated Press, repeated availability of rapid tests makes TRUDY RUBIN down slightly from a few weeks ago. The up for their lack of precision and that TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE AP also reported the average number of they are most sensitive to people with positive tests running at around 60,000 large viral loads. These are likely the AY attention to the protests by hun- per day, down from 70,000 in late July, people at greatest risk of unknowingly dreds of thousands of Belarusians who and that while some states have plenty of spreading the virus. are demonstrating against a presidential testing center capacity, residents aren’t Researchers at the Massachusetts In- election rigged by strongman Alexander taking advantage due to the wait time for stitute of Technology are working with the Lukashenko. They should inspire Ameri- results in some cases. company 3M to develop a rapid test. The cansP — for reasons that go beyond their bravery Tests are expensive to fabricate and FDA’s caution is understandable, but it is against violent secret police. time-consuming for labs to process, and impeding a potentially valuable tool for The Belarus crisis is a cautionary tale as while supply chains are currently keep- combating the coronavirus. The admin- we watch a US president lay the groundwork ing up with demand in some areas of the istration should work with researchers to to reject election results should he lose in country, they are by no means keeping authorise a scaled trial. November. He clearly does not want to leave pace with actual transmission rates. The Even testing with only 50 percent ac- the White House in January 2021, no matter Centers for Disease Control and Preven- curacy is better than not testing at all. De- the public’s will. tion said this summer that the actual case tractors might argue that the risks of false True, Lukashenko, Europe’s last dictator, numbers in the US could be as much as 10 negatives could be more damaging than has far more coercive tools than Donald Trump. times higher than the number of people continuing the current testing strategy, but The regime has arrested 7,000 demonstrators who test positive. the point to rapid tests would be to check and beat and tortured many of them, while jail- Researchers at several top universities, for infectious levels of the virus regularly, ing leading opposition figures and forcing oth- stepped in after her candidate husband was is now hoping Putin will save him. Experts on including Harvard and Stanford, have pro- perhaps multiple times per week, thus in- ers to flee abroad. jailed. Disdainful of women, Lukashenko Belarus doubt the Russian leader would send in posed a different approach. They advocate creasing their efficacy. Yet, by his actions, Donald Trump indicates claimed she would “collapse” in office. troops but think he might try to dominate a dia- the development of faster tests that could The FDA recently authorised a saliva- he’d like to do a Lukashenko by other means. But back to faked numbers. Juggling a logue process forcing Lukashenko to step down provide a positive or negative indication based test developed by a team at Yale The president has been trying hard un- cellphone as he made his way to Warsaw, and a Putin-friendly alternative win a new elec- within minutes. Such tests would trade that uses inexpensive, easily sourced dermine trust in the November ballot, and Tsepkalo described the rigging process to a tion. But Lukashenko says: “Until you kill me, some accuracy for expediency, but scien- chemical reagents. The test is thought to to repress the opposition vote by spread- Zoom webinar hosted by the Center for Stra- there will be no other elections.” tists contend that production could scale be as effective as nasal swab testing and ing lies about mail-in ballots and gutting the tegic and International Studies: “I collected So we have a racist, misogynistic des- into the millions and compensate for the if scaled up would likely alleviate some of post office. He has cast doubt on whether he 220,000 signatures to run, although only pot who rigs an election and refuses to step lack of precision with sheer quantity. the pressure on supply chains for current would accept the results if he is the loser. And 100,000 were necessary and another candi- down, but may need Putin to save him from It’s a compelling argument. This strat- testing. Still, it is not a rapid test and re- we’ve seen his open admiration for autocrats date collected 400,000 thousand, but they a public who rejects him. A public that now egy could allow businesses and schools to quires laboratory processing. around the world. were thrown in the garbage. Lukashenko sim- includes protesting factory workers who have reopen more safely and provide a stronger Whenever a vaccine appears, the virus The struggle in Belarus is a reminder of ply gave instructions to the chairman of the concluded his time has passed. A public that safety net for the country’s most vulnerable will not disappear overnight. The corona- the price to be paid in countries that lack our central election commission.” now includes state-owned television workers populations: nursing homes. virus response must be one of managing (surviving) checks and balances. And the Fortunately, White House lies have not who are rebelling. Currently, there are no tests with risk, and a faster test provides another need to thwart Trump’s efforts to pull a Lu- reached that point — yet. That is Lukashenko’s crisis. Back in the quick turnarounds that can be self- method of assessing that risk. The FDA kashenko here. Lukashenko has also tried to paint peaceful United States, Trump, despite an effort to cre- administered. Federal regulators at the should explore approving faster, cheaper Lukashenko has ruled for 26 years over protesters as violent, to justify his violent crack- ate his own mini-militia out of Homeland Se- Food and Drug Administration require testing on a trial basis. a small (population 9.5 million) post-Soviet down. But the graphic injuries to some released curity forces, still has no secret police, courts state at a geopolitical crossroads, bordered by protesters were so awful they brought more still function and the press is still free, although Russia, the Baltic states, Poland and Ukraine. demonstrators to the streets. undercut by online conspiracy theorists. Yet despite the huge, obvious differences be- And he has tried to scare the Belarus public Yet the public should have no illusions tween Belarus and the US, there are some with racist claims that NATO is massing troops about Trump’s autocrat-envy. Or his willing- remarkably similar themes, and some clear on their border and will send in “black-skinned ness to create election chaos and wholly mis- warning signals from Minsk. … blonde-headed invaders.” represent the vote. Or his indifference to Rus- The popular revolt in the former emerged His claims about a pending NATO inva- sian meddling. in part from Lukashenko’s failure to deal with sion — totally false — are also meant to gain So congressional and media pushback COVID-19 — he ignored it. support from Vladimir Putin, with whom he against Trump’s efforts to cripple the post Public revulsion mounted over his bla- has a dicey relationship but has called twice office and undercut mail-in votes was essen- tant lies about election numbers. Leading in the past week. tial. We are not Belarus, which is why Trump opposition figure Valery Tsepkalo, a former In actual fact, demonstrators in Belarus cannot do a full Lukashenko. But, from now ambassador to the United States who has have been careful to focus only on domestic through January, we need to push back fled with his family to Poland, claims Lu- issues, carrying only the red and white Belaru- against White House efforts to rig the 2020 kashenko simply cooked the figures when it sian flag, not any US or EU banners, so as not to election, Trump-style. became clear that opposition leader Svetlana disturb Putin or give him cause to accuse them Tikhanovskaya was winning, claiming he had of making a pro-West “colour revolution” like (Trudy Rubin is a columnist and 80 percent of the vote and she 10 percent. that of Ukraine in 2014. editorial-board member for the (Tribune News Service) This 37-year-old former English teacher had Indeed, it looks as if the Belarus strongman Philadelphia Inquirer)

HBKU-QBRI Study Provides Deeper Understanding And Potential Therapeutic Opportunities For COVID-19

ESPITE rapid responses to to SARS-CoV-2, in an attempt to peutic treatments. Through our COVID-19, caused by severe halt viral infections and replication ongoing research such as this, Dacute respiratory syndrome by our bodies.” QBRI is assisting in the global fight coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), much “As part of our cells response against COVID-19.” remains unknown about the virus, to viral infections, infected cells The study also highlighted the particularly at the molecular and release interferons as the first host antiviral response, inflam- cellular levels. A team of scientists warning of a suspected infection. mation and interferon immune at Qatar Biomedical Research In- Interferons are a large group of sig- activation as the main hallmarks stitute (QBRI), part of Hamad Bin nalling proteins (cytokines) that fa- of SARS-CoV-2 infection in hu- Khalifa University, has embarked cilitate interference with viral rep- man lung cells. In doing so, dif- on a study to better understand the lication as a defence mechanism.” ferent interferons as well as other body’s response to COVID-19 while In some cases, when our bod- candidates can be utilised to iden- contributing to global efforts to de- ies detect infection and try to tify the best possible therapeu- velop therapeutic treatments. counteract it, the response can be Dr Nehad M Alajez Hibah Shaath Dr Radhakrishnan Vishnubalaji tic solutions for the treatment of “By employing modern compu- severe. This can lead to all sorts of COVID-19, alleviating the current tational algorithms on mass data complications such as ‘cytokines immunity, interferon activation, dates for therapeutic options. Fur- under various physiological and burden and overcoming disease from the National Center for Bio- storms’, whereby the huge influx and inflammation. Comparing the thermore, the findings pinpoint pathological conditions. The role of severity. In line with QBRI’s find- technology Information (NCBI), of pro-inflammatory cytokine and effects of SARS-CoV-2 to other interesting areas of research for those altered lncRNAs in the host ings, recent study have shown our study examines changes in chemokine-producing cells in the coronaviruses (SARS-MERS and potential targeted therapy,” added response to SARS-CoV-2 remains the therapeutic potential of using more than 45,000 genes in hu- environment could cause lung in- SARS-CoV) and influenza viruses Dr Alajez. to be investigated. interferons to reduce the degree man lung cells during the course jury through inflammation, viral on lung cells showed stronger in- Through their study, QBRI Dr Omar El-Agnaf, Executive of inflammation and duration of of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as sepsis and respiratory distress, flammatory response and immune scientists have unravelled the pat- Director, QBRI, said: “The com- SARS-CoV-2 viral clearance. lung tissue derived from COVID-19 symptoms commonly observed in cell recruitment, which provides terns of gene expression of protein putational genomic analyses car- patients,” explains the study’s sen- severe cases of COVID-19. possible explanations for compli- coding (mRNA) and long non- ried out by QBRI makes a crucial Scientists involved in this ior scientist Dr Nehad Alajez. “Our Computational genomic analy- cations associated with COVID-19. coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in SARS- contribution to the global research study: Dr Nehad M Alajez findings, which were recently pub- ses carried out by QBRI scientists “Our findings highlight a role CoV-2-infected lung cells as well as community’s efforts to better un- (Senior Scientist), Ms Hibah lished in the journal ‘Genes’, un- revealed the activation of many for interferons in our body’s re- in lung tissue from COVID-19 pa- derstand the COVID-19 infection, Shaath (Research Associate), folded a myriad of genes and cel- signalling pathways and functional sponse to COVID-19, which in turn tients. lncRNAs are known to play which brings us one step closer to and Dr Radhakrishnan lular processes affected in response categories associated with innate provides us with valuable candi- a crucial role in gene regulation development of successful thera- Vishnubalaji (Post Doc)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Friday, August 21, 2020 07

NEWS Ex-Trump aide IN BRIEF Steve Bannon US judge dismisses Belarus opens criminal case arrested in border Trump’s objection wall fraud case over tax return AFP subpoena NEW YORK WASHINGTON: A US federal judge on Thursday dismissed into effort to ‘seize power’ FORMER top Trump strategist President Donald Trump’s ar- Steve Bannon was arrested and gument that a subpoena for AFP the days after the vote, arrest- charged on Thursday along eight years of his tax returns MINSK ing nearly 7,000 demonstra- with three others for defraud- was too broad. tors, with detainees accusing ing hundreds of thousands of The ruling by Judge Vic- BELARUS opened a criminal police of abuse and torture. donors in a Mexico border wall tor Marrero of the Federal investigation into attempts by European leaders have fundraising campaign -- a blow District Court in Manhattan the opposition to “seize power” urged Minsk’s powerful ally to the Republican incumbent. is another setback in the on Thursday as strongman Al- Russia to push Lukashenko to The online crowdfunding president’s battle to block exander Lukashenko moved to engage in talks with Belarus’s campaign known as “We Build District Attorney Cy Vance assert his authority after days fledgling opposition. the Wall” raised more than from subpoenaing his nan- of protests over a disputed elec- EU Council chief Charles $25 million, prosecutors said, cial records. Vance has been tion. Michel said on Thursday he which the defendants promised seeking nancial records The ex-Soviet country’s had reiterated that message in would be used on construction from the accounting rm authoritarian leader claimed a call with Russian President but which they instead fun- Mazars as part of an investi- a sixth term after an August Vladimir Putin, adding that the neled to their own pockets. gation into Trump’s business 9 ballot that sparked historic only way to resolve the crisis The arrest is the latest in dealings. (DPA) protests and a punitive po- was through talks. a string of high-profile crimi- lice crackdown that was con- “There is only one way for- nal probes into Trump’s inner Michigan to pay demned by European leaders. ward: through political inclu- circle, and comes just months $600 million to Flint Allies of main opposition sive dialogue and a peaceful before November’s vote the challenger Svetlana Tikhanovs- and democratic process,” he Republican hopes will win him water crisis victims kaya, who says the vote was wrote on Twitter. re-election. WASHINGTON: The US state rigged and has demanded Lu- The Kremlin has warned Shortly after the charges of Michigan has agreed to kashenko step down, this week Opposition supporters rally to protest against disputed presidential elections results on Independence it could intervene if needed were announced the president pay some $600 million to formed a Coordination Council Square in Minsk on Thursday. (AFP) and Putin told Michel it was aimed to distance himself, victims of the Flint water to oversee efforts for a peaceful “counterproductive” to pres- crisis, a health scandal that transition of power. of such a council are aimed at Tikhanovskaya said she had rity services to clamp down on sure the Belarusian leadership became a symbol of social The group, whose mem- seizing power,” Konyuk said. asked Estonia’s Foreign Minis- further unrest and instructed or interfere in Minsk’s political injustice in America, of cials bers include Nobel Prize-win- He announced that inves- ter Urmas Reinsalu to alert the border authorities to shore processes. said on Thursday. ning author and outspoken tigators were opening a probe UN security council of the in- up defences against arms and Tikhanovskaya, a 37-year- The settlement could Lukashenko critic Svetlana into “calls for actions aimed vestigation during a phone call. money entering the country old trained English teacher see payments to tens of Alexievich, called for a new elec- at undermining national se- The international commu- from abroad. who contested the vote after thousands of people, chil- tion and talks with the authori- curity”, a charge that carries a nity must offer “protection from The European Union this her husband was jailed and dren and adults alike, who ties during its first meeting on maximum penalty of five years potential threats and unlawful week said it did not recognise barred from running, fled to may have ingested lead- Wednesday. behind bars. persecution,” Tikhanovskaya Lukashenko’s re-election and neighbouring Lithuania after tainted drinking water after Prosecutor General Alex- Lukashenko, a former col- wrote on Telegram. vowed to levy sanctions against the election. Steve Bannon the city of Flint changed the ander Konyuk said in a video lective farm director, has been The opposition said that a what it said was a substantial Her spokeswoman told source for its water system statement that the Council’s in power for 26 years and de- member of the Council, lawyer number of people responsible AFP on Thursday that the EU’s saying: “Don’t know anything in 2014 to cut costs. (AFP) creation was unconstitutional fied calls to step down even Maxim Znak, had been sum- for rigging the presidential vote decision to reject the election about the project at all.” and amounted to an attempt after more than 100,000 peo- moned by investigators for and cracking down on demon- results and impose sanctions “I think it’s a very sad thing China suspends to topple Lukashenko’s govern- ple flooded onto the streets of questioning on Friday morning. strations. was the “first step ... towards for Mr Bannon. I think it’s legal assistance ment. Minsk calling for his resigna- The 65-year-old authoritar- Security services violently recognising Svetlana as the surprising,” Trump said, add- agreement between “The creation and activities tion. ian leader has ordered his secu- dispersed peaceful protesters in president-elect of Belarus.” ing he felt “very badly” and he hasn’t “been dealing with him Hong Kong and US for a long period.” BEIJING: China announced US supports ‘aspirations’ of Belarus protesters: Pompeo Macron offers EU mediation for Belarus, with Russia Manhattan federal prose- on Thursday it has sus- WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday offered his sup- PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday offered EU-led mediation cutors said Bannon, the organi- pended a Mutual Legal port to protesters in Belarus, who have lled the streets daily since the disputed for Belarus, where police have cracked down on post-election protests against sation’s founder Brian Kolfage, Assistance agreement re-election of strongman Alexander Lukashenko. President Alexander Lukashenko. venture capitalist Andrew Bad- between Hong Kong and the “The United States has been inspired by the display of peaceful expression “A dialogue between the authorities, the opposition and civil society is essen- olato and Timothy Shea “re- US, after Washington earlier of the Belarusian people seeking to determine their own future,” Pompeo said in tial,” Macron said as he hosted German Chancellor Angela Merkel for talks at his ceived hundreds of thousands announced it had suspended a statement. “We stand by our long-term commitment to support Belarus’ sover- Mediterranean presidential retreat. of dollars in donor funds from three agreements with the eignty and territorial integrity, as well as the aspirations of the Belarusian people to “We hope that this dialogue can be established by the Belarusians them- We Build the Wall, which they territory covering extradition choose their leaders and to choose their own path, free from external intervention.” selves. But the European Union stands ready to accompany it, if our role of media- each used in a manner incon- and tax exemptions. Foreign Pompeo said Washington remained concerned about “serious aws” in the tion can be useful and is desired by the Belarusians, with other institutions... and sistent with the organisation’s ministry spokesperson Zhao August 9 election, which main opposition challenger Svetlana Tikhanovskaya says including Russia,” Macron said. public representations.” Lijian said the Hong Kong- was rigged. Merkel, for her part, said Lukashenko “has not sought to speak” to any EU The initiative began in 2018 US Mutual Legal Assistance “The United States supports free and fair elections that reect the will of the leaders about the ongoing crisis. The ex-Soviet country’s authoritarian leader as a GoFundMe campaign to Agreement on Criminal Belarusian people as a matter of principle. The August 9 elections did not meet claimed a sixth term after an August 9 ballot that sparked historic protests and raise money organisers said Justice would no longer be that standard,” he said, backing international efforts to look into irregularities. a punitive police crackdown. Macron said Thursday that he, Merkel, and EU chief would go towards the border im force, condemning “inter- He urged the government in Minsk to engage in dialogue with the Coordination Charles Michel have had “several exchanges” with Russian President Vladimir wall Trump had promised dur- ference in China’s internal Council created by Tikhanovskaya’s allies. (AFP) Putin on the situation in Belarus. (AFP) ing his 2016 campaign, which affairs.” Mutual legal as- Bannon orchestrated. sistance treaties are agree- ments between countries to gather and exchange informa- tion in order to enforce civil or criminal law, often used to Putin critic Navalny comatose in Greta Thunberg meets Merkel interrogate suspects residing in a foreign country. (DPA) hospital after suspected poisoning in fresh push for climate action Hong Kong removes ‘sensitive’ DPA portive of Russia’s political op- AFP MOSCOW position. BERLIN content from German Chancellor Angela school textbooks RUSSIAN opposition politi- Merkel demanded rapid clari- SWEDISH activist Greta Thun- HONGKONG: Hong Kong cian Alexei Navalny, arguably fication from Russia as to the berg on Thursday urged Ger- publishers have been told the fiercest domestic critic of circumstances of the apparent man Chancellor Angela Mer- to remove “sensitive” con- President Vladimir Putin, is in poisoning. kel to be “brave” in the fight tent from secondary school a coma at a Siberian hospital “What is very, very impor- against global warming as she textbooks, local media after a suspected poisoning, his tant now is that it is urgently sought to breathe fresh life into reported on Thursday, in the spokesperson said on Thursday. clarified: How did this situation a climate movement overshad- latest move to tighten the “We believe that Alexei was come about? We will insist on owed by the coronavirus pan- city’s academic freedoms poisoned with something that that,” Merkel said after a meet- demic. Swedish founder of the ‘School Strike for Climate’ movement Greta after the passage of a dra- was mixed into his tea,” spokes- ing with French President Em- The 17-year-old travelled to Thunberg (centre) walks to the Chancellery, where she was to meet conian new security law. person Kira Yarmysh said in a manuel Macron at his summer Berlin to meet Europe’s most German Chancellor Angela Merkel for talks on Thursday. (AFP) Discussions on civil statement on Twitter. “He is in a Alexei Navalny residence, Fort de Bregancon. powerful leader exactly two disobedience, photos of coma in [a] serious condition.” The French president also years since she first skipped The landmark meeting “We want leaders... to be certain protest slogans and Navalny, who has led several se- are really working to save his called for “complete clarity” and school to demand more climate came as the Fridays for brave enough to think long- even the names of some ries of anti-corruption protests life,” the hospital’s deputy chief said France is ready to grant action, kicking off what would term,” Thunberg told an out- political parties have been against Putin’s administration, doctor, Anatoly Kalinichenko, asylum or provide medical aid become the global Fridays for Future movement is trying door press conference after the excised from books used to was taken ill on a plane from the said in televised comments to to Navalny. Future strikes. to mobilise young people meeting. “We want leaders to teach critical thinking to the Siberian city of Tomsk en route reporters. Merkel did not mention ef- Thunberg was joined by co- again after the coronavirus, step up and take responsibility city’s teenagers. (AFP) to Moscow, Yarmysh said. Kalinichenko declined to forts under way to get Navalny campaigners Luisa Neubauer and efforts to curb its and treat the climate crisis like The plane made an emer- speculate about a possible cause to Germany for treatment at from Germany and Belgium’s spread, forced them to a crisis.” Russia to test gency landing in the city of of Navalny’s ailment, saying Berlin’s Charite hospital. Anuna De Wever and Adelaide She said Merkel, as the Omsk. Navalny, 44, is on assist- that tests were being conducted Film producer Jaka Bizilj Charlier, all of whom wore scale back their street pro- current chair of the EU rotat- coronavirus vaccine tests in recent months on 40,000 people ed breathing via a ventilator in to determine a diagnosis. told dpa that permission had masks as they made their way ing presidency, had a “huge an intensive care unit, accord- “This is probably the most I been received from the hospital, to the chancellery from Berlin’s responsibility but also a huge MOSCOW: Russia said on ing to his spokesperson and a can tell you,” Kalinichenko said, but that Russian health authori- main train station. bon emissions with the same opportunity” to help the Euro- Thursday it would start senior medical official. according to a video broadcast ties had yet to grant permission During 90 minutes of talks, urgency and drastic measures pean Union meet its commit- clinical trials of its contro- “Doctors are not only doing by the TV Rain news channel, for Navalny to be transported the young campaigners said that leaders have displayed in ments under the Paris climate versial coronavirus vaccine everything possible, but they whose coverage is often sup- from the hospital in Omsk. they urged Merkel to tackle car- the battle against COVID-19. agreement. next week, involving tens of thousands of people. President Vladimir Putin said earlier this month that Russia had become the rst Europe frets over virus spikes as WHO warns against lockdowns country to register a coro- navirus vaccine, though the AFP extend its quarantine rules heels of several similar studies. far less harm than most other Just over 1.1 million peo- The crushing economic announcement was met with BERLIN to parts of Croatia, a popular There was more encour- regions from the pandemic, ple filed new claims for job- damage has sprung not just caution from scientists and holiday destination for many aging data from Africa, where which has now infected more less benefits in the week ended from the virus itself but also the World Health Organiza- EUROPEAN concerns were Germans, strengthening the health officials said they were than 22 million and killed August 15, US officials said on from the lockdowns that tion who said it still needed growing on Thursday over idea that the new spread of “hopeful” after a drop in the hundreds of thousands since Thursday -- a surprise increase largely halted business activity a rigorous safety review. spikes in coronavirus cases COVID-19 is being fuelled by number of infections last it first emerged in China late on the previous week. across the world. Russia’s sovereign in Germany and France but returning holidaymakers. week. last year. The airline and travel in- With many nations creep- wealth fund, which nances the World Health Organiza- The full extent of the vi- “We have begun to bend The United States contin- dustry has been among the ing back towards restrictive the vaccine project, said the tion (WHO) said the continent rus spread in India was once the curve slowly... it’s impor- ues to bear the brunt of global hardest-hit parts of the econ- measures, the WHO said tests of the “immunogenic- should be able to fight the pan- again under the microscope tant to recognise those slight cases and deaths, and the eco- omy, underscored once again European health authorities ity and safety of the Sputnik demic without reimposing full as a new study suggested that tendencies that are positive,” nomic fallout there has been on Thursday as Australian flag are now better prepared and V vaccine” will begin next lockdown measures. more than a quarter of Delhi’s said Dr John Nkengasong, stark -- millions have been carrier Qantas posted an an- should not need to resort to week involving more than Germany, which has fared 20 million people may have head of the African Union’s tossed out of their jobs and its nual loss of almost $2 billion the complete closures endured 40,000 people. (AFP) better than most of its neigh- been infected without showing health body, Africa CDC. economy has plunged into re- after a “near total collapse” in particularly by the Spanish and bours, announced it would symptoms, following on the The continent has suffered cession. demand. Italians. Alibaba revenue up 34 percent PAGE 10

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020

27,709.38 9,767.18 38,220.39 1,942.54 +16.50 PTS -46.60 PTS −394.40 PTS GOLD +0.70% Weekly US jobless claims rise more DOW QE SENSEX than expected to 1.1 mn PAGE 9 PRICE PERCENTAGE PRICE PERCENTAGE 27.30 BRENT 44.79 -1.28% WTI 42.59 -0.79% SILVER -0.69% QSE investors gain QR9 bn in COVID-19 forces Asia’s super apps a week as bull run continues to reconsider QSE gains for the third week in row as consumer goods and services index outperforms expansion plans SATYENDRA PATHAK DOHA TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK in 2012 in Malaysia as a taxi- QATARI stocks continued its DOHA booking mobile app, but has gaining trend for the third since moved its headquarters week in a row on the back of AFTER enjoying years of ex- to Singapore and expanded solid gains registered in the ponential growth, South-east into food delivery, financial Consumer Goods and Servic- Asia’s super apps have been services and hotel booking, es sector stocks. forced to reassess their busi- among other segments. It is The Qatar Stock Exchange ness models as a result of valued at $14 billion and oper- (QSE) main index increased COVID-19 with many refocus- ates in eight countries across 1.72 percent during the week ing their priorities as they plan the region. to close at 9,767.18 points for the post-pandemic world, Despite this recent growth, on Thursday. Oxford Business Group (OBG) the economic fallout of COV- The total wealth of in- has said in its latest report. ID-19 has forced these apps vestors increased more than In recent years so-called to reconsider their plans for QR9 billion, or 1.6 percent, super apps – online or mobile ongoing expansion, with many to reach QR568.4 billion this platforms that combine mul- looking towards consolidation week as compared to QR559.3 tiple services into one app – rather than expansion. b i l l i o n a t t h e e n d o f t h e have sought to continuously For Gojek and Grab, this previous week. expand their offerings. has meant a reorganisation It was a busier week for While many started off of operations and a closure of traders as the trade val- with one core business, such as some low-profit services, along ue, volume and number of online messaging, ride-hailing with those that would struggle transactions increased sub- or digital payments, they have to comply with social distanc- s t a n t i a l l y c o m p a r e d t o t h e expanded into increasingly di- ing measures. previous week. verse areas. For example, Gojek an- Trading value during the The development of super nounced in June that it would week increased by 22.7 per- apps has been more promi- lay off 9 percent of its work- cent to reach QR2.67 billion nent in Asia than anywhere force and close GoLife, which against QR2.17 billion in the else. Among the world’s largest offers household cleaning and previous trading week. QNB are Chinese platforms WeChat on-demand massage services, Group (QNB) was the top and Alipay, Indonesia’s Gojek and GoFood Festivals, the arm value traded stock during the and the Singaporean-head- that operates physical food week with total traded value of quartered Grab. halls. The decision came on the QR241.8 million. Gojek and Grab play a par- heels of Grab’s decision to lay Trading volume increased ticularly significant role in the off 360 employees, around 5 by 30.4 percent to reach 1.56 Of the 46 companies traded on Qatar Stock Exchange during the week, 32 ended higher. emerging markets of South- percent of its workforce, and an billion shares against 1.20 east Asia. announcement that it will close billion shares in the previous forming stock with a decline Of the 46 traded compa- than 6 percent for the week. Al percent to support the bank- Starting off as a motorcycle some “non-core projects”. trading week. Salam Inter- of 9.4 percent. nies during the week, 32 com- Meera Consumer Goods Com- ing index. ride-hailing service in Jakarta In an analysis published national Investment Limited Woqod, Masraf Al Rayan panies ended the week higher. pany also made good gains of Al khalij Commercial in 2010, Gojek launched its in late June, Fitch anticipated (SIIS) was the top volume and Industries Qatar were the While 13 stocks fell, there was 2.45 percent to lift the Con- Bank and Masraf Al Rayan app in 2015 and has since ex- that the companies may also traded stock during the week primary contributors to the no change in the share price of sumer Goods & Services index also made good gains of 4.8 panded into a multipurpose look to reduce spending or with total traded volume of weekly index gain. Woqod was the remaining one. higher. percent 3.18 percent respec- platform offering 18 differ- disband operations in the ho- 262.6 million shares. the largest contributor to the All indices on the bourse The All Share Insurance tively to support the banking ent services, including food tel booking and ticketing seg- The number of transac- index’s weekly performance, including the seven sector in- Index, which gained 3.39 per- index. delivery, financial services, ments, if sustained economic tions also increased 17.6 per- adding 36.8 points to the in- dices closed in the positive ter- cent, was the second biggest While Qatari investors ac- telehealth services and video pressure continues. cent to reach 54,632 against dex. Masraf Al Rayan was the ritory. The Consumer Goods & gainer for the week. counted for almost 66 percent streaming. But while the companies 46,443 in the previous week. second biggest contributor to Services sector outperformed The All Share Banks and of the total buy during the The company, Indonesia’s are cutting back on some seg- SIIS was the best perform- the mentioned gains, tacking other sector indices with a Financial Services Index, week, the share foreign inves- first unicorn, is valued at $10 ments, Fitch expects them to ing stock for the week, with a on 31.1 points to the index. gain of more than 4 percent. which gained 1.53 percent, tors in the total buy was more billion. In addition to its home “refocus resources into three gain of 12 percent. On the oth- Moreover, Industries Qatar The gain in Consumer Goods was also instrumental in lift- than 20 percent. GCC and market, it is active in Singa- core businesses like ride hail- er hand, Qatar German Medi- contributed 24.4 points to the & Services sector was led by ing the main index higher. Arab investors accounted for pore, Thailand and Vietnam. ing, food, grocery delivery and cal Devices was the worst per- overall index. Woqod that jumped more Heavyweight QNB gained 1.76 rest of the purchases. Similarly, Grab was formed payments”.

ANOTHER SHIPPING LINE JOINS HAMAD PORT FAMILY Gold climbs as US Fed calls for more stimulus

AGENCIES LONDON

GOLD on Thursday bounced back from the previous ses- sion’s hefty losses after the US Federal Reserve raised concerns that a recovery from the coronavirus-induced eco- nomic slump faced a highly uncertain path, weighing on risk sentiment. Spot gold was up 0.9 per cent at $1,946.09 per ounce QTerminals on Thursday announced that the Far Shipping Line has added Hamad Port in the rotation of its Far Shipping Gulf Service 1 (FGS1) by after declining more than effective from August 18. Service rotation is Mundra - Sohar - Jebel Ali - Dammam - Jubail - Hamad Port - Jebel Ali - Karachi - Mundra. 3.5 per cent to a near one- week low on Wednesday. US Spot gold was up 0.9 percent at $1,946.09 per ounce on Thursday. gold futures fell 0.9 per cent to $1,952.90. need for additional fiscal stim- yields rose after the Fed min- “Gold is stable after it got ulus. The dovish remarks from utes showed policymakers hammered overnight. The the Fed on the US economy expressed little support to im- main fundamentals behind triggered a retreat in US stocks plement yield curve control to QIIC signs deal with Allianz Health Insurance gold have not changed,” said and across Asian markets. keep cost of borrowing low. Edward Meir, an analyst at Central banks, includ- “Gold remains sensitive to TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK will enable QIIC to provide Qatar Islamic Insurance June 30, 2020. ED&F Man Capital Markets. ing the Fed, have rolled out movements in the US dollar DOHA unique medical insurance Group President Ali Ibrahim The financial statements “Stimulus is still coming- massive stimulus measures and US monetary policy ex- services worldwide in addi- Abdulghani welcomed the at- revealed shareholder a net in and its very premature to and cut interest rates to near pectations. The market proved QATAR Islamic Insurance tion to its existing insurance tendees and confirmed that profit for of QR42.489 mil- say we’re recovering globally zero to combat the economic quite disappointed by last Company (QIIC) has signed coverage inside Qatar. Islamic Insurance will not lion in comparison to net and should see higher rates toll from the virus outbreak, night’s Federal Open Market a partnership agreement with On this occasion, the two spare any effort to provide profit QR 48.28 million and stronger dollar; we are helping gold to rise more than Committee minutes,” said IG Allianz Health Insurance. companies remotely celebrat- its clients with the best in- f o r t h e s a m e p e r i o d o f t h e months and months away 28 per cent so far this year Markets analyst Kyle Rodda. Allianz Health Insurance ed the signing of the contract surance services locally and previous year. from that.” as it is considered a hedge Elsewhere, silver rose 1.2 is considered to be one of the through a conference video internationally. The earnings per share The Fed on Wednesday against inflation and currency per cent to $27.05 per ounce, leading international insur- call under the prevailing cir- Qatar Islamic Insurance (EPS) amounted to QR0.283 warned the economic down- debasement. platinum climbed 0.8 per ance companies with a spread cumstances related the coro- recently disclosed the in- as of June 30, 2020 com- turn triggered by the Covid-19 Keeping a check on gold’s cent to $938.81, and palla- over 77 countries around the navirus (COVID-19) pandem- terim financial statement for pared to EPS of QR 0.322 for pandemic faces a highly un- advance, the dollar index re- dium gained 0.3 per cent to world. The new agreement ic in the country. t h e s i x m o n t h s p e r i o d e n d e d the same period in 2019. certain path and reiterated the bounded and US Treasury $2,163.50. Economy & Business Friday, August 21, 2020 09 Consulting rm tells employees remote work can continue forever

TCA/DPA In the near term, employ- fice tenant broker Joe Learner, this month leased all 730,000 redesign spaces to increase CHICAGO ees have been told to stay away who is not involved in Sikich’s square feet in the James A. Far- distance between workers. from the office unless absolute- plans. ley Building in Midtown Man- Chicago landlords also are tak- PROFESSIONAL services firm ly necessary, Geier said. “It’s important to make a hattan. The massive New York ing steps to improve indoor air Sikich will allow employees to Over the next few years, good decision, and there are lease signals that the social quality during the pandemic. work from home permanently Sikich plans to replace its cur- a lot of companies struggling media giant eventually plans a It could take years to see and plans to shrink the size of rent 14 offices throughout the to figure it out,” Learner said. large-scale return to the office. the full effect of the pandemic its offices in one of the most country with about 30 “micro “We’re in the middle of the Recreational Equipment on the way office towers func- dramatic responses to the cor- offices” that the firm’s consult- storm and it’s difficult to make Inc., the retailer known as REI, tion. onavirus pandemic in Chicago. ants and other employees can that decision now.” Nationally, is taking a much different ap- One of the biggest risks CEO Chris Geier recently use when they’re not working tech firms such as Twitter and proach. REI this month said it of pulling back from offices is told the Chicago-based com- at client offices or from home, Square have announced indefi- wants to sell its headquarters losing the face-to-face interac- pany’s more than 1,000 em- Geier said. nite work-from-home policies. under construction in Seattle, tions and collaborative work ployees that remote work can “This was a path we were al- Others, including Google, Uber without ever moving in. that open layouts were de- continue “indefinitely,” as part ready going down,” Geier said. In Chicago, companies including Uber, Groupon and Chicago Tribune and Facebook, have told office In Chicago, companies in- signed to foster. of a reduction in real estate al- “The pandemic is just acceler- parent Tribune Publishing are looking to get rid of of ce space. workers they won’t need to re- cluding Uber, Groupon and Workplace studies show ready envisioned before offices ating it.” Companies of all sizes turn until at least the middle of Chicago Tribune parent Trib- the majority of workers favor all but shut down in March be- are grappling with the short- workforce strategies. even years before a move, the next year. une Publishing are looking to having some time to work from cause of COVID-19. Sikich has term impacts of the pandemic Because many leasing de- coronavirus has added a level Despite keeping employees get rid of office space, while home in the future, Learner 307 Chicago-area employees. while trying to form long-term cisions are made months or of complexity, said Savills of- away for now, Facebook earlier many others are expected to said.

Departing WTO chief gets top Weekly US jobless claims rise job at PepsiCo more than expected to 1.1 mn Azevedo will step down as WTO Director-General on August 31 e US is facing both the world’s worst coronavirus outbreak and massive unemployment AFP his second WTO term 12 AFP GENEVA months early, for “personal WASHINGTON reasons”, is leaving the or- THE World Trade Organi- ganisation engulfed in mul- JUST over 1.1 million people zation’s exiting chief, who tiple crises. filed new claims for jobless is leaving the crisis-stricken One of eight candidates benefits in the week ended institution a year ahead of currently in the running to August 15, the US Labour De- schedule, will move to the succeed him will be taking partment said onThursday, private sector as a top ex- the reins in the midst of a defying expectations for a ecutive at PepsiCo, the com- more moderate rise. pany said on Thursday. That was an increase of Roberto Azevedo, who 135,000 from the week prior on August 31 will step down and brought new claims back as WTO Director-General above the one million mark, after seven years at the only the third time new appli- helm, will the next day be- cations have increased since come an executive vice pres- the beginning of April in the ident and chief corporate early weeks of the coronavirus affairs officer with PepsiCo, pandemic. the US soft drink and snacks And new applications giant said in a statement. under the special pandemic The company said the WTO Director-General Roberto program for those not nor- role had been created for Azevedo mally eligible for benefits also the Brazilian career diplo- rose, increasing by more than mat who will work on “so- devastating global economic 53,000, according to the re- lidifying PepsiCo’s external downturn sparked by the port. engagement efforts with COVID-19 pandemic. The US is facing both the national and international Meanwhile, trade nego- world’s worst coronavirus (authorities), regulators, tiations appearg hopelessly outbreak and massive unem- international organisations stalled and trade tensions ployment, with the latest data and non-governmental between the US and China well above any single week of stakeholders.” continue to soar. the 2008-2009 global finan- Azevedo, PepsiCo chief At the same time, the ap- cial crisis. Ramon Laguarta said, pellate branch of the WTO’s But the volume of new would bring “valuable po- Dispute Settlement Body, claims has been trending litical skills and technical sometimes called the su- down, and the four-week knowledge of the complex preme court of world trade, moving average fell by 79,000 social, political, and regula- stopped functioning in De- in the latest week to 1.75 mil- tory environments” impact- cember after years of relent- lion. ing the company. less US opposition. The mixed report comes The departing WTO Washington accuses the as the White House and Con- chief, who was educated court of major overreach gress remain deadlocked on as an engineer, said in the and has blocked appoint- additional emergency spend- People walk past a leasing sign in front of a store in Arlington, Virginia. (File photo) (AFP) statement that he was “de- ments of new judges, leav- ing to boost the flagging US lighted to join PepsiCo at ing it without the quorum economy after the expira- expired and investment bank- when the money ran out.” of Oxford Economics said For the week ended Au- time when strengthen- needed to hear cases. tion of key provisions of the er Dan Alpert linked that to In the absence of a new despite the low uptake, the gust 8 the insured unemploy- ing relationships between Last month WTO mem- $2.2 trillion CARES Act relief the jump in claims. aid package, President Don- Trump’s order may have in- ment rate indicating the share business, government and bers failed to agree on what measure. “These elevated claims are ald Trump earlier this month fluenced the latest figures. of people approved for ben- society has become essen- had been expected to be a The act apportioned an ex- driven by repeat layoffs, not signed an executive orders to “That data suggest that efits continued ticking down, tial to generating sustain- straight-forward appoint- tra $600 in weekly payments first-time claimants,” Alpert try to address the gap, includ- the recent decline in claims hitting 10.2 percent, accord- able and inclusive long-term ment of one of four current to unemployed workers while said on Twitter. “Workers ing one that would give as may have been due in part to ing to the data. growth.” deputy directors as an act- creating the Paycheck Protec- who were laid off, put back much as $400 in extra ben- the expiration of supplemen- And under all programs, Azevedo, who made the ing chief during the months- tion Program (PPP) to give on payrolls under the Payroll efits to laid-off workers but tal benefits and the increase more than 28 million people surprise announcement long selection process for a loans and grants to com- Protection Program, which only a handful of states have may reflect the partial resto- were receiving unemploy- in May that he would end permanent leader. panies struggling amid the covered eight weeks of sala- signed on so far. ration of those benefits,” she ment benefits as of the week downturn, but both programs ries, and then laid off again Nancy Vanden Houten wrote in an analysis. ended August 1.

THE ESSENCE OF QATARI HOSPITALITY IN DOHA Alwadi Hotel MGallery is your home away from home this summer tra mile – whether that be e hotel has created a very special helping to honour a landmark celebration with special meal staycation oer for its guests as by a passionate culinary team summer starts to wind down or making sure our youngest guests are cared for. Or maybe it’s just creating the perfect TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK standing and well known tra- environment for our guests DOHA dition of Qatari hospitality to relax and take a break to make each and every one from their everyday stresses,” LOCATED in the historical of our guests feel special and Akkari said. and cultural heart of Doha, Al- that this is their home.” The hotel has created a wadi Hotel MGallery is ready As a boutique hotel with very special staycation offer to welcome guests offering 213 luxuriously appointed for its guests as summer starts luxurious ‘home away from rooms and suites, Alwadi of- AlWadi Hotel General Manager to wind down. With the “gold- home’ experience this sum- fers guests a host of unique Hani Akkari en staycation” deal guests can mer. touches and experiences de- get the third night free when “This is an unprecedented signed to surprise and delight exclusively for the hotel,” said two nights are booked, with and uncertain time we know guests. Akkari. a free upgrade upon booking the importance of making our “All of our rooms and “All rooms feature the ho- superior or deluxe room. This guests feel at home. From the suites – from our superior tel’s unique cocoon MyBed also includes with breakfast moment they enter the doors rooms up to our imperial concept which gives optimal for two adults and breakfast of our hotel, guests are treat- suite - are equipped not just sleep and five start comfort.” a cool location to relax and two bars – including a rooftop guest may have. for up to one child under 12 ed like family,” said AlWadi with the latest technology and The hotel’s pool area has unwind. bar with stunning 180 degree “We really do pride our- years of age, when sharing Hotel General Manager Hani Bose sound systems, but also become one of the true “hot- The culinary options at views of Doha - and a lobby selves in creating memorable parents’ room. The offer is Akkari. with unique touches such as spots” in the city – offering Alwadi also set it apart with tea lounge and terrace to cater experiences for our guests valid for stays until September “We draw on the long bathroom amenities created unique Doha skyline view and three world-class restaurants, to every food-related whim a and this means going the ex- 15, 2020. 10 Friday, August 21, 2020 Economy & Business Alibaba revenue up 34% as virus fuels online spending Coronavirus, rather than hurting the company, has actually helped

AFP SHANGHAI

CHINESE e-commerce leader Alibaba on Thursday reported solid 34 percent growth in rev- Trump trouble enue for the April-June quar- ter in the latest sign that the Although Alibaba’s pro t coronavirus, rather than hurt- jumped 124 percent in the ing the company, had actually quarter to $6.7 billion, it could helped. nd itself in the crosshairs of Hangzhou-based Alibaba Trump administration efforts said revenue -- a key measure to squeeze Chinese tech of the internet giant’s busi- giants. The US has for two ness health as well as overall years waged an escalating Stocks slide as US jobless data fuel economy concerns Chinese consumer spending campaign to isolate telecom -- rose to 153 billion yuan ($22 billion), slightly exceeding a company Huawei, and is now Bloomberg analyst poll. also threatening to shut down The coronavirus, which video-sharing service TikTok Asian, European markets tumble emerged in China late last unless Chinese parent year, hammered the Chinese ByteDance sells it to an economy, causing a historic American company. 6.8 percent contraction in the first quarter of 2020. as Fed raises economy concerns But Alibaba and other Chi- The US has for two years nese tech titans have largely waged an escalating cam- shrugged off the impact, and paign to isolate telecom com- With multi-trillion-dollar scal rescue running out, US lawmakers are under pressure to stump up more Chairman Daniel Zhang made pany Huawei, and is now also clear the pandemic and its as- threatening to shut down AFP ered on the risks and caution forces of gravity,” said Stephen sociated lockdowns and social video-sharing service TikTok HONG KONG thick, but didn’t come up with Innes at AxiCorp. distancing were fuelling turn- unless Chinese parent ByteD- any sweeteners for the market But he added that with over by consumers opting for ance sells it to an American MARKETS tumbled across US economy probably in the shape of more easing.” borrowing costs expected to sit the safety of online shopping. company. Asia and Europe on Thurs- Focus is now on US job- around record lows for up to “We were well-positioned President Donald Trump day after a sobering Federal less claims data for last week, three years, “it is unlikely US to capture growth from the has said both companies pose Reserve assessment of the needs more aid: Fed which will be released later in stocks will have to deal with ongoing digital transforma- threats to use national and US economic outlook, and as AFP sharpest economic down- the day and will give the lat- a particularly deep or intense tion, which has been acceler- data security and has hinted talks remained deadlocked on WASHINGTON turns the United States has est up-to-date snapshot of the air pocket as the wall of money ated by the pandemic, in both in recent days that other com- a stimulus bank officials say is seen in recent history, with economy. argument seems always to win consumption and enterprise panies, possibly including urgently needed. FEDERAL Reserve bankers tens of millions of people out”. operations,” he said in a state- Alibaba, may face similar US World equities have surged voiced fear the US econo- losing their jobs since mid- No ‘air balloon’ Adding to the downward ment accompanying Alibaba’s pressure. from a March bottom thanks to my would need more aid March. The minutes sent US mar- pressure were ever-present earnings announcement. Trump also in May or- a wall of cash support from the to weather the coronavirus Congress also author- kets, which had been enjoying China-US tensions, with the Profit jumped 124 percent dered a probe into Chinese Fed and other central banks, downturn as provisions of ized the $2.2 trillion CARES more gains, into the red on White House on Wednesday in the quarter to $6.7 billion, companies listed on American but with the multi-trillion-dol- a key spending measure ex- Act spending measure at concerns the bank would not withdrawing from three bilat- due mainly to gains in equity financial markets, which in- lar fiscal rescue hammered out pired, according to meeting the pandemic’s onset that be providing any more of the eral deals with Hong Kong on investments, it said. clude Alibaba, JD.com, Baidu earlier this year now running minutes released Wednes- included loans and grants easing measures that have kept extradition and taxation over But Alibaba could find it- and a host of others, amid out, US lawmakers are under day. to small businesses, extra stocks afloat for so long. the city’s controversial security self in the crosshairs of Trump rising tensions between the pressure to stump up more. The rate-setting Federal money for unemployed peo- Asia and Europe followed law. administration efforts to world’s two biggest econo- While Democrats and Re- Open Market Committee ple and direct payments to suit. The move comes after the squeeze Chinese tech giants. mies. publicans dig their heels in on (FOMC) held a regularly all Americans, measures Hong Kong shed 1.5 per- US revoked Hong Kong’s pref- a new package, the chances scheduled meeting in July that have been credited with cent and Tokyo closed percent erential trade status and is the of anything coming soon are as the coronavirus pandem- blunting the pain some- lower while Shanghai dropped latest blow to an increasingly slim. ic was causing one of the what. 1.3 percent and Seoul tumbled fractious relationship between With the coronavirus con- more than three percent. the superpowers that has tinuing to ravage the country backdrop of a still-weak labour would “depend in large part on Sydney eased 0.8 percent fanned concerns about their and containment measures market, additional fiscal aid the efficacy of health measures and Taipei was also more than crucial trade pact signed in keeping businesses closed, would likely be important for taken to limit the spread of the three percent off. Singapore January. minutes from the Fed’s July supporting vulnerable fami- virus”. sank 1.5 percent Wellington Still, there was some joy meeting showed it was con- lies, and thus the economy Bank boss Jerome Powell and Bangkok were 0.7 percent after Beijing said it would hold cerned about the recovery as more broadly, in the period has led repeated calls for more down, while Manila dipped 0.6 telephone talks with Washing- help for small businesses, ex- ahead,” according to the min- government support for the percent. ton on that agreement, after tra money for the jobless and utes. economy. London, Paris and Frank- a planned high-level call was direct payments to all Ameri- Policymakers added that The “minutes are casting furt all tumbled around one postponed last weekend. cans come to an end. the “prospects for further sub- a shadow over markets and percent in the morning ses- It comes after Trump said “A number of participants stantial improvement in the underline that any recovery is sion. this week that he had called observed that, with some pro- labour market would depend not going to be a straight line “Without the Fed air bal- the discussions off, adding he visions of the CARES Act set on a broad and sustained reo- of advances”, said Neil Wilson loon floating markets... stocks “didn’t want to talk to China Hangzhou-based Alibaba beats earnings estimates and posts a to expire shortly against the pening of businesses”, which of Markets.com. “The Fed lay- are temporarily succumbing to right now”. revenue jump of $22 billion in the April-June quarter. Andalucian gazpacho soup sets out to conquer the world AFP MURCIA, SPAIN

LONG a staple of the Spanish diet, gazpacho -- the chilled soup made from a puree of to- matoes and other vegetables -- is gaining space on super- market shelves further afield in Europe and beyond. While the dish is a speciality of Andalusia in southern Spain, the country’s three top produc- ers of gazpacho are all based in the neighbouring region of Murcia, which is often called “Europe’s orchard” because it is a centre of fruit and vegetable An employee removes dying leaves at the tomato greenhouses of the Bottles of different-coloured gazpacho soups are displayed in the Fernando Moreno, commercial director for Spain and Europe, speaks production. gazpacho-making AMC INNOVA factory in Mazarron near Murcia on gazpacho lab at the AMC INNOVA factory in Espinardo near Murcia. about the gazpacho market at the AMC INNOVA factory in Espinardo. Alvalle, a unit of PepsiCo August 18, 2020. (JOSE JORDAN/AFP) which along with Garcia Car- to market research firm Alima- ergy consumption. rion and AMC Natural Drinks ket is France as well but it also homemade gazpacho,” said rket. To enter markets abroad, Alvalle, for example, boasts account for nearly three-quar- exports to Canada, the United Fernando Marin Romero, AMC they have tailored their recipes that all of the vegetables it uses ters of the world’s industrial States and Japan. commercial director for Spain to foreign tastes. are picked within a radius of production of gazpacho, was The most frequently found and Portugal. “In countries like France 200 kilometres (125 miles) the first to make major inroads gazpacho is made by pound- they like the product with less from its new plant in Alcanta- abroad. ing tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, Tailored recipes salt, in other countries in north- rilla just outside of Murcia. It launched its gazpacho in water, vinegar, cucumbers Last year, Spain produced What is gazpacho? ern Europe they like it with a The company says that neighbouring France in 2009, and green peppers, with bread 67 million litres (14.1 million Gazpacho is a chilled soup made from a puree of tomatoes and stronger tomato flavour,” said the 28,000-square-metre 19 years after it was founded. sometimes added to thicken the gallons) of gazpacho, according other vegetables. The most frequently found gazpacho is made Marin Romero, of AMC. (301,000-square-foot)plant, Today the company exports soup and soften acid from the to market research firm Niels- by pounding tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, water, vinegar, cucumbers which it opened in 2017, uses over half of its production, tomatoes and vinegar. en, with the bulk of it consumed and green peppers, with bread sometimes added to thicken the Local produce electricity from 100-percent re- mainly to other countries in But Spain’s big three pro- in the warmer months between soup and soften acid from the tomatoes and vinegar. When marketing their newable sources and consumes Europe, with France its number ducers have sought to expand Easter and September. products abroad, the compa- 30 percent less water than its one foreign market. their range by developing mod- Machines crush, wash and nies highlight the fact that the previous plant. “It was Alvalle that opened ern variations of gazpacho fea- filter thousands of kilos each extra virgin olive oil circulate by sophisticated machines at a soup is part of a healthy Medi- Industrial gazpacho has the door... Then all super- turing rosemary, strawberries, day at AMC’s sprawling gazpa- between refrigerated tanks con- frantic pace. terranean diet and stress they a shelf life of between 60 and markets started asking us for wine vinegar, sherry, mangos cho plant in Murcia, the capital taining 25,000 litres of gazpa- Spain’s top three gazpacho use locally sourced ingredients. 70 days but in response to gazpacho,” said Monica Perez and other ingredients, as well of the region that shares the cho. The liquid is then poured producers posted a combined And they try to allay con- consumer demand for fresher Alhama, head of product devel- as launching brands that use same name. into cardboard bricks deco- turnover of 119.2 million euros cerns over the use of industrial products, Spain’s gazpacho opment at rival firm AMC. organic vegetables. Trucks loaded with barrels rated with pictures of bright ($142 million) between April agriculture by stressing their producers have also put out AMC’s main foreign mar- The aim is to “compete with holding a thousand litres of red tomatoes which are folded 2018 and April 2019, according efforts to reduce water and en- non-pasteurised versions. Bayern Munich set up super-club showdown with PSG PAGE 12 FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020 Al Duhail, Rayyan to battle for Falcon Shield in thrilling nale

AYENI OLUSEGUN DOHA ‘Our destiny is in our hands’

THE battle for the Falcon Shield will be decided on Fri- day as the 2019-20 QNB Stars League comes to an end de- spite a forced shut down for four months due to the ongo- ing coronavirus pandemic. Leaders Al Duhail on 49 points faces Al Ahli at the Al Janoub Stadium while second- placed Al Rayyan, one point behind take on Al Wakrah at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadi- “Our destiny is in our hands, win over Al Ahli will give us the title,” stressed um. Both matches will kick off Al Duhail coach Walid Regragui at the pre-match conference on Thursday. at 7:30 pm, respectively. Al Duhail could have sealed the title last weekend ‘We’ll do our best to win title’ but a defeat at rivals Al Sadd two weeks ago gave Al Rayyan a chance to close the gap to one point much to the displeasure of Walid Regragui. The Red Knights have en- dured a below-par season after losing the Qatar Cup final to Al Sadd, which marked the end of Rui Faria’s reign at the club. However, with Regragui Al Duhail players warm up for training on eve of their nal QNB Stars League clash against Al Ahli on Thursday. at the helm, Duhail have been solid defensively but have struggled in most matches to find the attacking spark, which was a vital part of their We need to focus on our game and not on Al Duhail because if we do success under former man- not win, we don’t have a chance.” said Al Rayyan coach Diego ager Djamel Belmadi. Aguirre of his team at the media conference on Thursday. “We are ready to face Al Ahli, win the match and fin- QNB Stars League Standings ish the league. We knew that we had five decisive matches Pos Club M W L D GF GA GD Pts when the league restarted, and 1 Al Duhail 21 15 2 4 37 16 21 49 we would have liked to win 2 Al Rayyan 21 14 1 6 38 15 23 48 the title early. Now, we have 3 Al Sadd 22 14 5 3 51 29 22 45 a match to win, and we know 4 Al Gharafa 22 10 6 6 34 29 5 36 that Al Rayyan would be chas- 5 Al Sailiya 22 8 9 5 22 25 -3 29 ing us, but we will win and cel- 6 Al Wakrah 21 7 8 6 28 29 -1 27 ebrate the title,” Regragui said ahead of the match. 7 Al Arabi 21 6 8 7 28 28 0 25 Blighted by injuries all 8 Al Ahli 21 5 11 5 24 35 -11 20 year, the six-time QSL cham- 9 Qatar SC 21 4 10 7 18 26 -8 19 pions will hope to have Yousef 10 Umm Salal 22 3 10 9 18 37 -19 18 Msekni, Assim Madibo and 11 Al Khor 22 3 11 8 25 35 -10 17 Bassam al Rawi for the AFC 12 Al Shahania 22 2 10 10 24 43 -19 16 Champions as the trio will miss Friday’s match. But Regragui any excuse not to win. We need three games, which is normal insists their destiny is in their to play our game. Leave every- because we needed to under- hands, especially against an Al Al Rayyan players ahead of their crucial QNB Stars League nal round clash against Al Wakrah on Thursday. thing in the field and do every- stand the players and them the Ahli team who have not won in thing to win. It’s football we can tactics. The season was good, the league since January. and we have to win this match for me is the recovery of in- Rayyan will not be bothered by “We are ready to play and still win the league; you never and we can also improve, but “We did not feel pressure and clinch the title. jured players because we need Al Duhail’s match and will be will do our best to win our know until the referee ends the I’m happy with the season.” in previous matches, mainly “We will miss Msakni, them to prepare for the AFC strictly focused on getting the game. We can do what we have game,” the Uruguayan said. In the early kick-off on Fri- because our destiny is still in Madibo, and Bassam, but Champions League. Fortu- job done against an excellent to do. We need to focus on our On the club’s season so day, seventh-placed Al Arabi our hands, and victory will win Ahmed Yasser has returned nately, Al Duhail have many Al Wakrah side. A win for the game and not on Al Duhail be- far, Aguirre added, “I think will hope to end the season on a us the league. If there is pres- to training. options,” the Moroccan added. Lions will see them crowned cause if we don’t win, we don’t we have had a good season so high and snap a four-game win- sure, it will be positive. We “The season was long and Meanwhile, Diego Aguirre champions if Al Duhail fail to have a chance. We have pre- far. We had a lot of new play- less streak when they battle Qa- have confidence in ourselves, difficult. The important thing says eight-time champions Al win against Al Ahli. pared well, and we don’t have ers. When we started, we drew tar SC at the Al Janoub Stadium. Al Shahania relegated as Al Khor book playoff spot after 2-2 draw

of the season as Al Sadd and Al the 78th minute, while coach Umm Salal hold Al Sailiya to goalless draw Gharafa played out a 1-1 draw Slavisa Jokanovic was also to keep QSL status; A f salvages point at the Al Janoub Stadium. shown a red card. Al Sadd went out of the Three minutes later, Al for Al Sadd against Al Gharafa reckoning for the title after Sadd appealed for a penalty Week 21, as strong contend- when Othman Al Yahri seemed TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK their promotion to the top ers Al Duhail and Al Rayyan to have fouled Akram inside DOHA flight in the 2018-19 season. both did not drop points. The the box, but it was ruled out. Nabil’s wards raised vi- Wolves could not catch up Salah Zakaria, who had a AL Shahaniya club have been sions of a much-needed vic- with the top two and had to be good outing, thwarted Bagh- officially relegated to the sec- tory when they took the lead content with the third position dad Bounedjah and Hassan Al ond division league. Al Khor as early as the fourth minute. this season. Haydous in the 84th minute. will play the relegation play- Al Khor’s Mohammed Juma In a barren first half, Al Soon, Al Sadd earned a off match with the second- fouled Rezaein and the latter Sadd’s Yousef Abdulrazak penalty, with the script getting division runners-up after both himself converted from the and Akram each were twice repeated. The offender was teams played out a thrilling penalty spot. thwarted by Al Gharafa goal- Othman and defender Akram, 2-2 draw at the Al Janoub Sta- Al Shahania’s Kesse keeper Salah Zakaria. but the latter sent his shot dium on Thursday. Amanguoa had a goal ruled At the other end, Sofiane against the left upright. Umm Salal also secured offside after 30 minutes and Hanni was the livewire for Al Sadd were not to be de- their place in the QSL after Al Khor drew level in first-half Al Gharafa as he combined nied as they were rewarded holding Al Sailiya to a goal- injury time as Tiago headed in well with Jonathan Kodjia, with another penalty, this less draw. a Lucca free-kick from the left. whose long shot was blocked time Sofiane ‘handling’ a Jung Al Shahaniya finished with In the second half, Dary- Al Sailiya and Umm Salal were locked in a goalless draw in the nal round (Week 22) of 2019-20 season by Al Sadd goalkeeper Me- Woo-Young chip shot. Akram 16 points while Al Khor ended oush thwarted Ahmed Ham- of QNB Stars League at the Al Sadd Stadium on Thursday. shaal Barsham. converted from the spot to with 17 points. moudan after Lucca made it Al Gharafa surged ahead help his team draw level. Al Shahania, who were 2-1 with a powerful long-range gainers as they ensured a 10th- ing shot hit goalkeeper Baba his header going over the bar. after the hour mark when unbeaten in the first three shot. Rezaein found the target place finish, ahead of Al Khor Malick’s hand and crossbar For Al Sailiya, substitute Ahmed Alaaeldin found the Results: Al Sadd 1 (Akram A f games since the tourna- for a second time with a plac- and Al Shahania. Chances before sailing over, while Mashaal Al Shammari’s head- target, with Sofiane doing 90+1’) Al Gharafa 1 (Ahmed ment resumed after a long ing shot past the goalkeeper, were more or less equal for goalkeeper Amine Lecomte er off a corner kick crashed the spadework and Saeed Alaaeldin 65’); Al Khor 2 (Tiago break, have been doing well as the teams shared the spoils. both teams even though Al blocked Umm Salal’s Ismail against the crossbar. Eisa assisting. Queiroz Bezerra 45+1’, Lucca ever since Nabil Anwar took Sailiya had more of the ball. Mohammed’s shot. Al Gharafa had to play with Borges de Brito 53’) Al Shaha- charge replacing Spaniard Umm Salal vs Al Sailiya In the first half, Al Sailiya’s Ismail Mohammed was un- Al Sadd vs Al Gharfa 10 men after Almahdi Ali was nia 2 (Ramin Rezaeian 4’ pen, Jose Murcia. They oversaw Also, Umm Salal were the Mohammed Mudather’s ris- lucky in the second half as well, Akram Afif bagged his 15th goal given his marching orders in 74’); Al Sailiya 0 Umm Salal 0. 12 Friday, August 21, 2020 Sports Bayern set up super-club showdown with PSG where something has to give

AFP The stage is set, then, for LISBON a super-club showdown be- tween two teams not used to BAYERN Munich’s astonish- failure. ing form under Hansi Flick Bayern have won the tro- has taken them to the brink of phy five times before although a treble after they dispatched they have also been losing final- Lyon 3-0 in Wednesday’s ists on five occasions, including Champions League semi-final, twice in the last 10 years. and the stage is now set for They know how painful de- a fascinating final battle be- feat in a Champions League fi- tween the German giants and nal is. PSG, on the other hand, Paris Saint-Germain. are preparing for their first ever final in the competition. But they will not be there just to enjoy the occasion. Even super-clubs cannot This is what you dream take getting to a Champions of as a footballer – League final for granted. But both are powerful enough to playing against the know they will probably get best in Europe. And the chance again in future. we’re able to do that, For Lyon, in contrast, such a stage is maybe just beyond I’m excited. them. Twice now they have Bayern Munich’s Canadian got to the semi-final only to be well beaten by Bayern. full-back Alphonso Davies The biggest consequence of their exit is that, having per- formed poorly in Ligue 1, they “This is what you dream will not be in Europe at all in of as a footballer – playing the new season. against the best in Europe. Even for a club ranked 17th And we’re able to do that, I’m on Deloitte’s rich list, that is excited,” Bayern’s Canadian likely to spell trouble, and they full-back Alphonso Davies told will be tempted to sell some BT Sport. prized assets. Flick’s team once again The transfer window in confirmed what an unstoppa- Europe will be open until early ble attacking force they can be October this year and the conti- at the Estadio Jose Alvalade nent’s giants are well aware of as Serge Gnabry’s first-half the talent in Rudi Garcia’s team. brace took the Germany wing- Bayern Munich’s German mid elder Serge Gnabry (right) celebrates with teammates German forward Thomas Mueller (left) and Polish forward Robert Lewandowski after scoring a Houssem Aouar and Moussa er to nine in nine Champions goal during the UEFA Champions League semi- nal against Lyon at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, on Wednesday. (AFP) Dembele were already being League appearances this sea- linked to moves elsewhere be- son and Robert Lewandows- straight victories overall. Memphis Depay and Karl we will analyse it and try to do the last eight French titles and cent Deloitte Football Money fore starring in Lisbon. ki’s late goal left him on 55 al- “Nobody scares us, we are Toko-Ekambi both missed glo- better against Paris,” admitted have just completed a fourth League. “We have the basis of a together for the campaign. Bayern Munich. We have had rious chances to put Lyon ahead David Alaba. domestic treble in six seasons. Bayern’s turnover last sea- good side. There will be de- The Bavarians are the a great season and now we before Gnabry opened the scor- It promises to be a fas- Bayern are fresh from win- son was 660.1 million euros partures but I am not worried first team to win their first need to finish it off by winning ing. Kylian Mbappe, Neymar or cinating final, between two ning the German league and ($781.9m). PSG, propelled to about that,” said Lyon sport- 10 matches of a Champions the Champions League,” said Angel Di Maria may not be so super-clubs who gorge on win- cup double. They have won the forefront of the European ing director Juninho. League campaign and now defender Benjamin Pavard. profligate come Sunday. ning everything domestically the Bundesliga in the last eight game under Qatar’s ownership, “When you have players hope to make it 11 out of 11 But Bayern are clearly vul- “We know that there is an to the extent that one defeat seasons. were just behind with 635.9 who have played really well in when they face PSG. They ex- nerable. They play with a such element of risk in the way we in Europe can become an all- These are the fourth and million euros. Only Barcelona, the competition like Houssem ude confidence, as you would high line that there is always a play. We play a very high line consuming drama. fifth-richest clubs in the world, Real Madrid and Manchester and Moussa, you risk losing expect for a side on a run of 20 risk they will be caught out. and it’s not easy to defend, but PSG have won seven of according to the most re- United stood above them. some players.” Sevilla, Inter Milan brace for Europa nal Only winners are remembered, Sevilla’s success a ‘love story’ for Monchi coach Conte warns Inter AFP COLOGNE (GERMANY) AFP COLOGNE (GERMANY) “NO one wants it like we do,” is how Sevilla’s renowned sport- INTER Milan’s progress to a ing director Monchi explains first European final in a dec- how a club with modest re- ade will not be cherished un- sources is preparing for a sixth less they beat Sevilla to win Europa League final in 14 years the Europa League on Fri- against Inter Milan on Friday. Sevilla Director of Sport Monchi. day, coach Antonio Conte has The Spaniards have won warned his players. the previous five, making them Ivan Rakitic, Clement Len- The Italian giants have the most successful side in the glet, Wissam Ben Yedder and not won any silverware for history of European football’s many others. But the summer nine years, but have made big second most coveted trophy. of 2019 was radical even for strides in Conte’s first season “I think the history be- the former goalkeeper. After in charge to close to within one tween the Europa League and German player Lucas Podolski (left) photographs the trophy prior to helping Sevilla to 11 trophies in point of perennial champions Sevilla is a love story,” Monchi the UEFA Europa League semi- nal between Sevilla and Manchester 17 years as director of football, Juventus at the top of Serie A told AFP in Cologne, where United in Cologne, Germany, last Sunday. (AFP) Monchi left for a new challenge and sweep aside Getafe, Bay- the final will be held behind at Roma in 2017. er Leverkusen and Shakhtar closed doors. chi and his staff, club directors years, Sevilla still had to bridge His methods were not near- Donetsk since the Europa Inter Milan’s Italian head coach Antonio Conte (centre) takes part in a “No one cares or plans to and substitutes collaborated a huge financial gulf to beat ly as successful in the Italian League’s return earlier this training session on the eve of their UEFA Europa League nal against win the Europa League like us. to compensate for the lack of United and will need to do so capital and less than two years month in northern Germany. Sevilla in Cologne, Germany, on Thursday. (AFP) Inter or Sevilla can win because supporters in the stadium for again when facing a rejuvenat- later he returned home to a Conte won the Champi- that is football, but the desire, Sunday’s semi-final win over ed Inter under Antonio Conte, fanfare rarely seen for a sport- ons League with Juventus as season at Siena, Juventus and combined tally for the season the excitement that the Europa Manchester United. who could spend 75 million eu- ing director as he was paraded a player, but had more expe- Chelsea, but believes his first to 54 goals. League awakens in the club, no There were perplexed looks ros ($89 million) on top scorer in front of a full house at the rience on the losing end in year in Milan has seen a more Lukaku was Conte’s top pri- one else achieves, because this on the United bench as they Romelu Lukaku last summer. Sanchez Pizjuan. major finals, losing two more gradual improvement. ority in the transfer market last competition is what has made largely sat in silence compared Monchi does not have that A huge rebuild ensued with Champions League finals and “My perception working summer and finally convinced Sevilla a big club.” to the wave of noise coming wealth to work with but has 17 new players arriving over at the 1994 World Cup and with these players day in, day the club to splash out a club re- How much it means to be from those in Sevilla suits in built a reputation as one of Eu- the course of the summer and Euro 2000 with Italy. out, all of the players bought cord 75 million euros ($89 mil- back in the final for the first the stands. rope’s shrewdest movers in the winter windows and even more “What I’ve realised is that into the work and have become lion) to sign the Belgian. time since 2016 was evident Despite their success on the market, buying low and selling leaving, including top scorers people only remember when braver as the season wore on. “I knew Lukaku very well in the manner in which Mon- European stage over the past 15 high the likes of Dani Alves, Ben Yedder and Pablo Sarabia. you win finals,” the former Ju- “The braver we became, because he’s a player I’d fol- There was also a new coach ventus, Chelsea and Italy boss the greater chances we had to lowed for some time,” Conte as Julen Lopetegui took his first said at his pre-match press bring home a big trophy like added. “I tried many times to role since being sacked by Real conference on Thursday. the Europa League. sign him at my former clubs. I Madrid just months after also “I won the Champions “We’re here now and we knew the characteristics he had. being fired by Spain for taking League, but I lost a further four need to make the most of the “As for Lautaro, he was a the Madrid job just days before finals and the people that leave opportunity.” player I had admired on tel- the start of the 2018 World Cup. their mark on history are those Sevilla are the most suc- evision, even though he hadn’t However, the combination that win matches and trophies. cessful side in Europa League played much last year. I saw of Monchi’s return and Lo- “We should be proud we history with five wins in the his capability and his quality. petegui’s redemption has not have reached a first final for 10 competition over the past 14 “It was inevitable that, only seen Sevilla past Roma, years, especially at a prestigious years. But it is Inter who are working together, and work- Wolves and United since the club like Inter. But history is favourites in Cologne thanks ing a lot, the understanding Europa League resumed earlier written by the conquerors, the to a potent striker partnership between the two would devel- this month, but also secured a winners. That is added motiva- of Romelu Lukaku and Lau- op. They’re players who have place in the Champions League tion for us to go out and win.” taro Martinez. the typical selfishness of a for- for the first time in three sea- Conte has made a habit of Both scored twice in a 5-0 ward, but also the selflessness sons after finishing fourth in having an instant impact. He thrashing of Shakhtar in Mon- to play for the team and help La Liga, level on points with won league titles in his first day’s semi-final to take their others score.” Sevilla players prior to their Europa League semis against Manchester United. (AFP) Atletico Madrid. Sports Friday, August 21, 2020 13 Matthaeus warns Bayern to defend deeper against eet-footed Paris SG Qatar had won the 2019 Asian Cup in UAE in February last year. AFP Flick, who seemed more re- LISBON lieved than euphoric to reach the final. Qatar of cially submits GERMANY legend Lothar “We’ll have to see that we Matthaeus warned Bayern organise the defence a little bid to host 2027 Munich to defend deeper in differently. Our great strength Sunday’s Champions League is pressuring on the opponent final against Paris Saint Ger- and I think that we will suc- AFC Asian Cup main or risk blowing the treble. ceed against Paris as well.” After demolishing Barce- Centre-back David Alaba TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the Asia 2027 file reinforces lona 8-2 in the quarter-finals, saids Bayern’s pressing game DOHA the wise leadership’s desire to Bayern endured a nervous start - forcing opponents into mis- make the best investment for to Wednesday’s 3-0 semi-final takes in their own half - car- THE Qatar Football Association the 2022 World Cup and not win over Lyon, who wrecked ries a certain risk, but they can (QFA) has officially submitted just hold the tournament. havoc early on by getting in be- adapt against PSG. its bid to host the 2027 AFC “Qatar will be ready to host hind the Germans’ defence. “Of course, we play a game Asian Cup after the Asian Foot- the 19 edition of the Asian Cup which always carries a high ball Confederation announced for national teams, taking ad- risk because we stand so high that it would start receiving vantage of the modern sports (up the pitch),” said the Aus- files from associations wishing facilities that host the 2022 tria defender. to host the tournament. World Cup and is a legacy If they (Bayern Munich) “You can’t defend every QFA sent an integrated for future generations of the play like that on ball, we will look at the (Lyon) file to host the AFC Asian Cup Asian continent, in line with game and make our analysis.” 2027 that includes all the re- the country’s 2030 Vision.” Sunday, they won’t win quirements of hosting condi- He affirmed full readiness the Champions League ‘Clay feet’ tions, supported by the foot- for the World Cup Qatar 2022. Specialist German magazine ball tournaments that Qatar For his part, Saud bin Ab- or live up to the role as Kicker described Bayern as has hosted at the continental dulaziz Al Mohannadi, QFA favourites. Paris “a giant with feet of clay” on and global levels during the Vice-President, said, “What we (Saint-Germain) have Thursday, pointing to Thiago past years and what is being are looking forward to achiev- Alcantara’s poor pass that led to prepared for hosting other ing from organising the Asian more quality than Depay’s chance and Alphonso sports in the near future. Cup 2027 will double our bal- Barcelona and Lyon, Davies’ lapse in concentration QFA president HE Sheikh ance of successful partnerships they also have enough before Ekambi hit the post. Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed and constructive cooperation Joshua Kimmich was Al Thani said the progress of with the Asian teams.” players who can put the Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian defender Marquinhos (right) and Brazilian defender Thiago Silva and others guilty of poor positioning ball into the key spaces. leave the team hotel in Lisbon, Portugal, on Thursday, days before the UEFA Champions League nal football on occasions, but Benjamin against Bayern Munich. (AFP) Pavard could replace him at Germany’s football legend right-back against PSG after Lothar Mattheus into space initially forced Bay- recovering from injury. England-Pak Test series ern onto the back foot. INSIGHT Bayern’s back four will be Memphis Depay fired wide under pressure to cope with Cricket authorities introduce exible start “Bayern had a harder time and Toko Ekambi hit the post Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have met eight the Parisians’ pace, especially times after second Test blowout against Lyon than against for Lyon in the opening 15 times previously, all in the UEFA Champions League centre-backs Alaba and Je- Barcelona,” former Bayern minutes before Serge Gnabry group stages -- PSG have won five of those matches, rome Boateng, who came off LONDON: Flexible start times are to be introduced for the third and midfielder and West Germany calmed Munich nerves with against Lyon with a leg knock. nal Test between England and Pakistan after bad light blighted the captain Lothar Matthaeus said two first-half goals. with Bayern winning the other three, including the Former Bayern and France drawn second Test at Southampton the England and Wales Cricket on Wednesday. A late Robert Lewandows- most recent game in December 2017. defender Bixente Lizarazu Board (ECB) announced on Thursday. Of cials will meet along with “If they play like that on ki header sealed the win to ex- spelt out how to counter PSG’s Ageas Bowl groundstaff at the end of the rst day’s play (Friday) and Sunday, they won’t win the tend Bayern’s winning streak attack. if the weather forecast is good for the following morning they can Champions League or live up to 21 matches. defence struggled on occasion, “Maybe against Paris they “When Mbappe is there, start play half an hour earlier than normal. The nal decision will to the role as favourites. Bayern’s ability to score is raising concerns what PSG’s shouldn’t defend so high, be- the opposing defence moves rest with ICC Match Referee Chris Broad. “Paris have more qual- without question after rack- forwards Neymar, Kylian cause Paris will use the speed back twenty metres. That Previously any extra time was added to the end of the day’s sched- ity than Barcelona and Lyon, ing up 42 goals in 10 Euro- Mbappe and Angel Di Maria of Neymar and Mbappe”. changes everything,” said uled play, only to go unful lled if conditions worsened. Pakistan they also have enough players pean matches, 15 of which by could do with space to exploit. Bayern’s head coach Lizarazu, 50, who won six need to win the Test also at Southampton to tie the series. This who can put the ball into the Lewandowski, the Champions “In attack, they still have agreed with Matthaeus. Bundesliga titles in Munich. exible approach -- which had support from England captain Joe key spaces.” League’s top-scorer, while their quality, but at the back “We were lucky to hold “You have to know how to Root and head coach Chris Silverwood – may be extended to future Lyon squandered golden Gnabry is on nine. they need to be more stable,” out in the first phase of the defend deep and not everyone series played in England. (AFP) chances when quick passes - Space to exploit -Yet their said Matthaeus. match,” admitted Hansi knows how to do that.”

Bernat could Ooredoo Cup semis spoil Bayern’s schedule announced Raptors claw out victory CL dream DPA over Brooklyn, Jazz win MUNICH AFP PARIS Saint-Germain defender MIAMI Juan Bernat would have every right to be extra motivated in the TORONTO reserve Norman Champions League final against Powell scored 12 of his 24 his former club Bayern Munich. points in the fourth quarter as Bernat, 27, left Bayern in the defending champion Rap- 2018 after four years with the tors rallied to beat Brooklyn German champions and a few 104-99 on Wednesday in their months later was the target of The Qatar Stars League has announced the schedule for the 2019-20 NBA playoff series. a infamous outburst from then season of Ooredoo Cup semi- nals. Both matches will be played on The Raptors took a 2-0 club president Uli Hoeness. August 29 at the Al Sadd (Jassim bin Hamad) Stadium. lead in the best-of-seven East- In a news conference ern Conference first-round Hoeness lashed out at Span- clash, being played in the iard Bernat. The president league’s quarantine bubble in said that in the Champions Liverpool to host Leeds Orlando, Florida. League quarter-finals against The Raptors, who had con- Sevilla in April 2018, Bernat verted 22 three-pointers in a had played like “shit,” was on opening weekend as game-one blowout of the Nets, “solely responsible that we al- connected on just 25.7 percent most went out” and sold on to Man City, Man Utd sit out of their three-point attempts PSG “because he almost cost – and 43.7 percent of shots us the Champions League.” AFP start their seasons on Monday overall – under heavy defen- “Bayern Munich’s weal and LONDON September 14th after they too sive pressure from a Nets team woe does not depend on Juan were involved in European eager to even the series. But Bernat,” Hoeness fumed. LEEDS’ first Premier League competition into August. turnovers proved crucial, with Norman Powell of the Toronto Raptors dunks in the nal seconds against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth The Bayern boss later apolo- game for 16 years will see Mar- Leeds are back in the top- nine Toronto giveaways lead- quarter in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House gized for his insults while Bernat celo Bielsa’s men travel to de- flight for the first time since ing to six Nets points while 17 at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on Wednesday. (GETTY IMAGES/AFP) said: “I was brought up to be po- fending champions Liverpool, 2003/04, but could not have Brooklyn turnovers resulted lite. And I will be towards Bay- while Manchester City and asked for a tougher start, on in 23 points for the Raptors. lead since the second period Quarantine rules mean French center Rudy Gob- ern and their fans.” Manchester United will miss the September 12 against the Brooklyn, trailing by three on OG Anunoby’s dunk with Harris will miss at least games ert punctuated the half with a Honorary president Hoe- opening weekend to give them champions who have not lost a with 15 seconds remaining, nine minutes to play. three and four of the series. put-back dunk, and there were ness is set to attend Sunday’s extra time to recover from a late league game at Anfield in more had a chance to force overtime Powell extended the lead In Western Conference five minutes left to play in the final at the Estadio da Luz end to the 2019/20 season. than three years. but an ill-timed pass on their to eight points with a driving action, Donovan Mitchell, fourth when Denver coach where Bayern seek a sixth title All sides were guaranteed Tottenham host Everton, final possession led to a final, dunk, and the Raptors held on. scored 30 points and handed Mike Malone started looking and PSG a first. by the football authorities to Arsenal travel to newly-pro- decisive turnover – forced by Lowry finished with 21 out eight assists for the Utah toward Friday’s game three, Bernat has been a regular have at least 30 days off be- moted Fulham and Chelsea are Toronto’s Kyle Lowry – that points and nine rebounds and Jazz in a 124-105 victory pulling starters Nikola Jokic starter in Thomas Tuchel’s team tween the two seasons after away to Brighton on the opening sealed the win for the Raptors. Pascal Siakam added 19 points over the Denver Nuggets that and Jamal Murray. all season and in Tuesday’s 3-0 the late finish to the campaign weekend. City and Liverpool are “We’ve been here before,” for the Raptors, who will try to knotted their series at one Mitchell connected on 10 semi-final win against RB Leip- caused by a three-month stop- scheduled to meet on the week- said Toronto’s Fred VanVleet, take a 3-0 lead on Friday. game apiece. of 14 shots, including six of zig headed the final goal. page due to the coronavirus ends of November 7 at the Eti- who delivered a double-dou- The Nets’ hopes of bat- It was a sweet reversal for seven from three-point range. “We deserve to be in the fi- pandemic. City and United had and February 6 at Anfield. ble of 24 points and 10 assists. tling back could be hindered Mitchell, who scored 57 points Jordan Clarkson added 26 nal,” he said afterwards, without were eliminated from the Jurgen Klopp’s men do not face “You’ve just got to stick with it, by the departure from Orlan- in a game-one overtime loss to points off the bench as the Jazz knowing the opponent because Champions League and Europa traditional rivals Manchester weather the storm.” do of Joe Harris, who scored the Nuggets. withstood 28-point perfor- Bayern qualified a day later. League respectively last week- United until 2021 with the Red Trailing 80-74 through 14 points with 15 rebounds The Jazz seized control in mances from Jokic and Michael Another goal on Sunday, end, three weeks after the end Devils visiting Anfield on Janu- three quarters, the Raptors before leaving the campus for the second quarter, using a Porter. After the bitter overtime possibly a deciding one, would of the Premier League season. ary 16 and Liverpool heading to opened the fourth on a 17-5 what the team called a “per- 2-9 scoring run to open a 61- defeat in game one, Mitchell be the ultimate twist in this saga. Chelsea and Wolves will Old Trafford on May 1. scoring run, taking their first sonal matter.” 48 halftime lead. wasn’t getting ahead of himself. 14 Friday, August 21, 2020 The Last Word QF’s WISH to host sporting stars to discuss mental health Since an athletics ca- Dame Kelly Holmes, Robbie Fowler reer that featured 12 major championship medals ended, and Wasim Akram will be among the Dame Kelly has opened up speakers in the Qatar Foundation’s about her personal mental health struggles and estab- global health initiative lished a charity that uses the skills of world-class athletes TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK placed on individuals and so- to help hard-to-reach young DOHA cieties worldwide. people realise their poten- The panelists brought tial. Cricketing legend turned STARS who shone on the ath- together by the World In- commentator and coach letics track, the football field, novation Summit for Health Wasim Akram, regarded as and the cricket pitch will next (WISH) are double Olympic one of the best bowlers of all week join an expert on sports gold medal-winning athlete time, took over 900 inter- psychology to discuss the im- Dame Kelly Holmes, former national wickets and, for six pact that sport can have on Liverpool FC and England years, was captain of the Pa- mental health, in an online footballer Robbie Fowler, kistan national side – often event hosted by the World In- ex-Pakistan cricket captain described as one of the most novation Summit for Health, Wasim Akram and Professor highly-pressurised jobs in Qatar Foundation’s global Claudia Reardon, a psychia- Robbie Fowler, former England internationall sport. health initiative. trist specialising in sports at The panel discussion will ‘Mental Health & Sport: the University of Wisconsin health, as well as on mental surrounding sport and men- be moderated by BBC Sport The Challenge of Balancing and co-chair of the Interna- health. tal health ahead of WISH’s and BBC News presenter Dan Risk With Reward’ will fea- tional Olympic Committee’s “Sport has emerged as a November summit.” Walker, who recently hosted ture a panel discussion where working group on mental field needing special focus in Fowler, whose 19-year a conversation on mental participants will share first- health and elite athletes. The terms of mental health, with football career included 128 health and football with HRH hand experiences of the pres- one-hour event, which is free many prominent athletes goals in 266 games for Liv- the Duke of Cambridge. It sures that elite-level sport to view, starts at 5pm (Doha raising public awareness by erpool, and 26 caps for Eng- will be followed by a 30-min- creates, and the toll it can time) on August 26. speaking out about their own land, has spoken about the ute question-and-answer take amid the trophies, med- WISH 2020- the latest battles, both while competing challenges that fame poses Dame Kelly Holmes session, with viewers having als and glory. It comes as the edition of WISH’s biannual and after retiring”, said Sul- for young footballers and the chance to pose their ques- importance of maintaining international health summit, tana Afdhal, CEO of WISH. of the need for sports stars tal health of sportsmen and so I’m happy to be part of the tions to the speakers. mental wellbeing is thrown which will take place virtual- “This virtual discussion to be more open about dis- women is an issue that has WISH panel discussion and To register for the event, into even sharper focus by ly from November 15-19 - will provides the perfect oppor- cussing their mental health rightly started to receive a to hear other people’s opin- please visit www.wish.org. the strain that COVID-19 has include a focus on sport and tunity to highlight key issues with teammates. “The men- lot more attention recently, ions on the topic.” qa/webinars/ Alzheimer’s and memory services helpline ‘RAHA’ gains much popularity Some 4,400 people over the age of 60 are suffering from dementia in Qatar: UN report CATHERINE W GICHUKI ric psychiatrist and psychol- launched the Qatar National of his primary care physi- DOHA ogist. This is a service which Dementia Plan (QNDP). It cian. The mantra is “what is New Indian ambassador provides compassionate and was developed by team led good for heart remains good THE National Alzheimer’s confidential care for the pa- by Dr Hanadi Khamis Al for brain”, he said. and Memory Services Hel- tients and their families.” Hamad, national lead for the Dr Chandran explained praises ICC for the hard pline (RAHA), launched on Dr Chandran said that Healthy Ageing under the that dementia is a collective June 15 to provide support most dementia patients Ministry of Public Health name given to progressive and care for the elderly in are not aware of their con - and focal lead for Global brain syndrome. “This may work during pandemic Qatar, has become much dition, and so it is their Dementia Observatory of start with people having popular in the country in a family members who call World Health Organization difficulty to remember re- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Cultural Coordinator Nirmala also explained the benefits of short period of time. the helpline. “At very ear- (WHO), in cooperation with cent events and to think and DOHA Shanmugapandian, Head of ICC to the Indian Community The helpline has attend- ly stages, the individuals a number of stakeholders, communicate. Later, as the In-house activities Ramachan- in general and privileges pro- ed to more than 300 calls are concerned about their including HMC, the Primary condition progresses, they THE new Ambassador of India dra Shetty, Head of Consular vided to its members. since its launch. It provides memory and do call, but Health Care Corporation find it difficult to remember to Qatar HE Dr Deepak Mittal, Services and External Events The ambassador thanked information about brain predominantly the calls are (PHCC) and social organisa- things of the past; it affects who is also the patron of Indian Bhumeshwar Padala and Head the Managing Committee for diseases such as Alzheimer’s from their family members, tions. their emotions and cause Cultural Centre (ICC) in Qatar, of Associate Organisations and the hard work rendered to- Disease and Related Demen- who notice the symptoms in “Qatar is the first Arab behavioural symptoms. As met the Managing Committee Membership Parambathkandi wards the community during tias, and helps in the evalu - their dear ones.” country to develop a demen- the condition progresses, it of the Indian Cultural Centre Mohsin. the COVID-19 pandemic. ation of memory concerns, According to a UN report tia plan. The government leads to the person becom- (ICC) for the first time after his ICC President narrated the He lauded the committee while supporting people in published in 2017, there are recognises the huge impact ing dependent on others for arrival in Qatar. history of the ICC since its in- and staff in managing the sale managing the condition. about 4,400 people over dementia can have in the their daily needs. There are He was joined by Xavier ception in 1991. He highlighted of tickets for the Vande Bharat ‘RAHA’, meaning ‘com- the age of 60 years having society and country as a different diseases that lead Dhanaraj, first secretary (Con- the ICC community support- flights on ICC premises. The fort’ in Arabic, aims at pro - dementia in Qatar, he said. whole,” said Dr Chandran. to dementia and the most sular & Community Affairs) ing activities like consular ser- envoy confirmed maximum viding confidential care for With age being the biggest According to him, since common one is the Alzhei- from the Embassy, who was vices, classes for classical and cooperation and support from patients with Alzheimer’s risk factor for this condi- the launch of the plan, work mer’s Disease. About 50 to recently nominated as the co- cinematic dance, chess, karate, the embassy to the centre in all Disease and Related Demen- tion and no cure in sight, is continuing in multiple 60 percent cases of dementia ordinating officer of ICC by Kalari music, language, among its community activities. tias, and supporting their the number is set to grow. areas to enhance dementia are due to Alzheimer’s Dis- the Embassy. Hemant Kumar others. The Indian Cultural Centre families. This is the only The Alzheimer’s Disease care, including risk reduc- ease.” Dwivedi, first secretary (Cul- He mentioned the commit- is the official body of the Indi- dedicated helpline for this International (ADI) esti- tion, diagnosis, treatment “Worldwide, dementia is ture & Education) from the tee’s plan for expansion of the an expatriate community and condition in the country. mates that currently there and care. The most integral considered the leading cause Embassy, was also present in Ashoka Hall. functions under the patronage Speaking to Qatar Trib- are about 50 million people part of QNDP is carer sup- of disability and dependency the meeting. The general secretary of the Embassy of India for the une, Hamad Medical Cor- in the world living with de - port and this is where RAHA for the elderly. Its impact is The Managing Commit- spoke about the over-150 purpose of advancement of poration (HMC) Senior mentia.” comes in, providing the most huge, not only for the indi- tee team led by President strong ICC coordinated/led sports, social and cultural ac- Consultant Geriatric Psy- According to Dr Chan- essential service in dementia vidual who is going through Manikandan AP included delegation for Pravasi Bharati- tivities of the Indian commu- chiatrist Dr Mani Chan- dran, Qatar is in the process care, said Dr Chandran. the condition, but for the Vice-President Vinod V Nair, ya Divas 2017 and 2019, with nity in Qatar. dran said the helpline of setting up the Qatar Na - He said that one can re- family, society and the coun- General Secretary Seenu Pil- Qatar delegation to Bangalore ICC is also the platform to (40262222) service is avail- tional Dementia Registry, duce the risk of dementia by try as whole. It also has lai, Joint Secretary Anjan Gan- PBD in 2017 being the largest serve the interest of Indians re- able between 8am and 3pm which will provide accurate leading a healthy lifestyle much wider social and eco- guly, Head of Finance & Spon- ever in and before 2017. siding in Qatar. The objectives from Sunday to Thursday. data about the cases in the such as being physically ac- nomic impact. With QNDP sorship Rajesh Singh, Head The Managing Committee of ICC include promoting the “We have a dedicated multi- country. tive, avoiding smoking and under way, we endeavour to of Human Resources, Prem- members updated the ambas- rich Indian culture among Qa- disciplinary team, which in- In November 2018, Min- addressing medical comor- meeting this challenge in the ises and Sports Jaffar Khan, sador about the past, current tari nationals and expatriates cludes specialist dementia ister of Public Health HE Dr bidities such as diabetes and best possible way,” Dr Chan- Head of Cultural Activities and the future activities of the of all other nationalities living nurses, geriatrician, geriat- Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari hypertension with the help dran added. and Education Nayana Wagh, Indian Cultural Centre. They in Qatar. Katara art exhibition highlights women’s love for fashion TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORKK this exhibition I just want to DOHA say that women I portray are women who are strong and THE Cultural Village Foun- independent who know what dation ‘Katara’ is holding they want, and desire to de- through its social media ac- fine their own perspective counts a new virtual art exhi- and create their own narra- bition titled ‘Women in Fash- tive through their lifestyle ion’. fashion forming an important Presented by Indian artist component of this narrative”. Sohbi, the exhibition comes Sohbi said: “The idea for within the virtual exhibitions these artworks came purely series of local and interna- from the love for fashion, tional artists’ works being colours, patterns and prints. held by Katara. I juxtaposed them to create The exhibition includes 12 art which had a flamboyant artworks that reflect the art- vibe.” ist’s vision, as she highlights It is noteworthy that Kat- women’s interest in fashion, ara has held a series of virtual their elegance and independ- exhibitions, including the ence. ‘The Land of the Good Men’ The artist uses colours by Ali Dasmal Al Kuwari, ‘The to portray different features Result’ by Fatima Al Nuaimi, of women. In this context, and ‘Trace’ by Jawaher Al the Indian artist said: “From Mannai.