RAMADAN 29, 1442 AH TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021

16 Pages Max 43º Min 24º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18432 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Real estate prices remain high in Zionist forces storm A month before Euro 2020, Kuwait, but could drop this year Al-Aqsa Mosque again uncertainty off the pitch and on 3 5 15 Fajr 03:30 Shurooq 04:59 Dhuhr 11:44 Asr 15:20 Maghrib 18:30 Isha 19:56

Govt to lift partial curfew from the first day of Eid

Ban on expat entry continues; restaurants and cafes to reopen partially

By B Izzak continued the ban on dining inside them. days in a third country, he said. Mazrem said Customers will be allowed to receive their authorities hope to move gradually into fur- UAE bars travellers KUWAIT: The council of ministers yester- orders in person but without sitting inside. ther easing the restrictions as the health con- day decided to lift the partial curfew, Mazrem also said that the Cabinet also dition in the country stabilizes and more from four countries imposed a few months ago to combat the decided to shut all commercial activities from people are vaccinated. spread of the coronavirus pandemic, from 8 pm to 5 am except pharmacies, food stores, The Cabinet approved holding the Eid DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates will from tomorrow suspend the the first day of Eid Al-Fitr starting Thursday, medical stores, restaurants and cafes. prayers but for only 15 minutes in strict com- entry of all travellers, including transit passengers, from the government spokesman said. Cinemas and theatres will be allowed to pliance with all health conditions, he said. Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka amid the COVID pan- Tareq Al-Mazrem said that the partial reopen only for people who have been vacci- The government spokesman also said that a demic. The UAE has already suspended flights from India, as coro- curfew will end at 1 am on the first day of nated, provided customers strictly adhere to decision by the Cabinet to ban unvaccinated navirus cases in the country spiked to global records. The surge the Eid on Thursday, adding that the coun- all health conditions like wearing facemasks Kuwaitis from leaving the country will be has spilled into Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Pakistan is also try is heading for reopening various sectors and observing social distancing, Mazrem said. implemented from May 22 as was announced. struggling to contain a third wave of infections. Flights from and on gradual basis. Mazrem also said that the The Cabinet also decided to halt all com- The Cabinet decided yesterday to through the UAE and heading to the four countries will be exempt, ban on the entry of all expatriates into mercial flights, except cargo service, with increase the percentage of employees in the General Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement carried on Kuwait will continue indefinitely, and any Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka public and private offices to a maximum of state news agency WAM. The GCAA said that those coming from the four nations exemptions must be made by the coron- due to the prevailing pandemic situation in 60 percent starting from May 17. All public through other countries must stay in those third countries for at avirus high committee. those countries. Travelers from the four and private celebrations including weddings least 14 days. — AFP The council of ministers also decided to countries are banned from arriving into and gatherings at Diwaniyas will continue to partially re-open restaurants and cafes but Kuwait directly and must spend at least 14 be banned, Mazrem added. 2 Established 1961 Local Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Kuwait Red Crescent Society donation campaign for Palestinians starts today Kuwait Journalists Association condemns systematic aggression KUWAIT: Kuwait Red Crescent (KRCS) includes all humanitarian and relief aid. legitimate rights, “while the world remains will launch a donation campaign on its The KRCS is in constant contact with the silent towards these violations and prac- official website on today, aimed at sup- PRCS to provide urgent main needs to tices that disregard all values and human- porting the Palestinian people as they the brotherly Palestinian people in itarian norms, and ignore all international continue to deal with ongoing Zionist Jerusalem and back their steadfastness resolutions and treaties.” KJA appealed attacks in and around Jerusalem. “The against the Zionist entity, she added. She to the international community and free campaign aims to aid the Palestinians in has noted that Kuwait through its society writers to stand with the Palestinian peo- Jerusalem in their ordeal and to relieve stresses that it stands with the Palestinian ple, particularly those in Jerusalem and the painful plight they are going through people to enhance their steadfastness and Sheikh Jarrah, to get their legitimate from the Zionist occupation’s repeated existence on their land. Barjas expressed rights, support their struggle and expose violations,” KRCS Chairman Maha Al- preparedness of KRCS to provide finan- the violations of the Zionist occupation. Barjas said. The donations will be accept- cial support to the Palestinian people to The Arab Parliament’s Observatory for ed by debit card (Knet) payment on the help them face the Zionist occupation. Human Rights affirmed yesterday that the KRCS website, said Barjas. The KRCS KJA condemns continuous violations of the Zionist occu- chief urged people to donate for the sake Meanwhile, Kuwait Journalists pation against the Palestinians represent of “humanity,” praising the people of Association (KJA) condemned the contin- “crimes against humanity” and require Kuwait for their unyielding generosity ued and systematic Zionist occupation urgent international action to stop them. through the ages and their keenness to and aggression in Jerusalem, Sheikh The Observatory condemned in a state- help others around the world. Jarrah and surrounding areas, as well as ment the Zionist occupation’s storming of KRCS had announced on Sunday that attempts by the occupation forces to Al-Aqsa Mosque, the forced displace- it donated a fully equipped ambulance evict residents and the continued dese- ment of the Palestinians in Jerusalem and with sanitizers, preventive and precau- cration of Islamic sanctities and the Al- the storming of their homes, as well as JERUSALEM: A Palestinian man helps a wounded fellow Palestinian after being attacked tionary materials to Palestine Red Aqsa Mosque compound. In a press the continuation of the settlement policy by Zionist security forces at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound yesterday. —AFP Crescent Society (PRCS). Barjas said the statement, KJA lauded the Palestinian in the occupied Palestinian territories. It society has spared no efforts to aid the people’s struggle and their confrontation called on the UN Security Council to tection for the Palestinian people under occupation forces shot and wounded brotherly Palestinian people in Jerusalem, of the occupier in defense of their land intervene immediately to stop these international law in all Palestinian areas 180 Palestinians in Al-Aqsa Mosque’s stressing that support offered to them and holy sanctities in order to get their attacks and to provide international pro- and Jerusalem. Earlier yesterday, Zionist compound. — KUNA

A Pen for Palestine Australian Envoy visits Al-Qurain IN MY VIEW Martyrs Museum

KUWAIT: Australian Ambassador to Kuwait By Nejoud Al-Yagout Jonathan Gilbert said the story of Al-Qurain martyrs is one of courage and self-sacrifice in [email protected] the face of invading force and it will inspire Kuwaitis for many generations to come. The Australian diplomat made his remarks yester- magine this. One day, you are sitting at home hav- day following his visit to Al-Qurain Martyrs ing breakfast, and you hear the news. You have a Museum, accompanied by Assistant Secretary Ifew days to leave your house to make way for set- of the Antiquities and Museums Sector at the tlers. At first, you think there must be a mistake, a mix- National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters up of sorts. But then you understand: You are (NCCAL) Dr Tahani Al-Adwani. The NCCAL’s Palestinian, and you realize that stories such as this one-of being evicted from your own home, are not just Museums Observer, Salman Boland explained the contents of the museum and its sections, KUWAIT: Australian Ambassador to Kuwait Jonathan Gilbert (left) is seen during his visit to Al-Qurain Martyrs commonplace, but you even wonder: What took them Museum. — KUNA so long to persecute us? which was a centre of Kuwaiti resistance dur- Your family goes out to protest. Dozens of your ing the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Meanwhile, relatives are injured with rubber bullets, some while Dr Adwani expressed happiness over the visit Museum. She praised the historical relations the liberation of Kuwait. The Australian worshipping. You hear that a person you know from the Australian ambassador and his accompa- between Kuwait and Australia, which was Ambassador thanked Dr Adwani for her gra- another side of the Old City has been killed. The news nying delegation to Al-Qurain Martyrs among the countries of the coalition during cious hospitality during this visit. — KUNA spreads all over the globe. Human rights groups release statements defending Palestine. Governments send out warnings. But, as ever, to no avail. You remember the same fuss every time something like this happens: whether it was when your hometown of Jerusalem was annexed, or whether a house was Zain partners with Asimah Governorate gunned down for “security” reasons. You yourself fol- lowed op-eds defending Palestine closely, because you remember how they told you that the pen is mightier to renovate Capital entrance than the sword. But they left out that guns are stronger than pens. KUWAIT: Zain, the leading digital service provider It’s not fair, you think. It’s not fair that after eons of in Kuwait, announced a partnership with Al-Asimah oppression, after many countries have seen the light of Governorate that will see the company contributing freedom and broken free from oppressors, Palestine is to renovating and greening the Capital’s main still not free. But you are afraid to lament. A cousin of entrance to reintroduce it with a fresh and all-new yours almost ended up in a mental asylum. And you look. The initiative comes as part of the can’t afford a broken spirit. Your family needs you to Governorate’s vision to renovate its areas in a man- help keep the roof over your heads, a roof that won’t ner that reflects an elegant image of the country, as belong to any of you soon. well as showcase the private sector’s role in achiev- But even though you don’t lament, the pain ing social sustainability projects in partnership with remains. It’s a ghost that haunts you, taunts you. As the public sector. such, the fears and tears come alive for you, every sin- The agreement was announced during a visit gle day. You know that just as a black mother in the made by Zain Kuwait’s Chief Executive Officer United States fears for the lives of her sons and Eaman Al-Roudhan to the office of Al-Asimah KUWAIT: Al-Asimah Governor Sheikh Talal Khalid Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah welcomes Zain Kuwait’s Chief Executive daughters each time they leave the house or get Governor Sheikh Talal Khalid Al-Ahmad Al- Officer Eaman Al-Roudhan and Zain Kuwait Chief Corporate Communications and Relations Officer Waleed Al- stopped at a checkpoint, a Palestinian mother has the Sabah at Naif Palace. During the visit, Zain was Khashti at his office. same fears for her sons and daughters. Though the selected to renovate and maintain the main circumstances are extremely different, the fear is the entrance of the Capital. same-the fear of being mistreated, the fear of being Commenting on the collaboration, Zain Kuwait’s hated because of your ethnicity. Yes, that fear, that Chief Executive Officer Eaman Al-Roudhan said: gnawing fear, eats at you. “First, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to The fear you have is shared with families across the Al-Asimah Governor Sheikh Talal Khalid Al Ahmad occupied territories: the fear of their houses being Al Sabah for his kind efforts in making this partner- bulldozed, reading about their child being killed by a ship a success. This is nothing short of a clear indica- “stray” rubber bullet, or burying another family mem- tion of the fruitful results of active partnerships ber protesting the occupation with stones or rocks. between Kuwait’s public and private sectors to fur- The fear of another village being taken over, the fear of more olive trees being burned down. ther progress our beloved nation in all areas.” Every day, you pray this nightmare will be over and Roudhan explained: “There is no doubt that the that the world will stop talking and start standing up Kuwaiti private sector is not only a strategic partner for justice. You know that justice is not about saying but also a main pillar in achieving the country’s you support something, but about doing something developmental goals. The private sector has a pivotal concrete. You, like many other Palestinians, know that role in elevating the efficiency of the nation’s various neither peace talks nor protests nor violence nor boy- infrastructures, and we are pleased that Zain has cotts nor war nor burning flags work. You know there been selected to renovate the main entrance of Al- Al-Asimah Governor Sheikh Talal Khalid Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Zain Kuwait’s Chief Executive Officer Eaman Al- is a solution out there that nobody has tried yet. You Asimah Governorate. We are excited to contribute to Roudhan with Zain officials during the meeting. don’t know what it is, but you know it is there. And it is reflecting an elegant and refreshed image of the nation’s Capital at the heart of its entrance”. that undiscovered solution that sustains you. by Governor Al-Khalid during the meeting held at future between the two parties. Roudhan added: “We are well aware of the vital Without hope in a future, you are dead, lost. And the Governorate’s head office with Zain Kuwait CEO Khalid also expressed his sincere gratitude and role played by SMEs in achieving social and eco- so, you go to bed every night, hoping. And it is that Eaman Al-Roudhan and Zain Kuwait Chief appreciation to Director-General of the Public nomic development, as we believe that they are a hope that carries you through the next day when Corporate Communications and Relations Officer Authority for Agriculture and Fish Resources Sheikh main contributor to the success of the country’s vari- another headline grabs your attention: this time involv- Waleed Al-Khashti. Mohammed Al-Yousif Al-Sabah, Director-General of ing you, your family, your neighborhood. Your first ous developmental goals. For this, we look forward Khalid expressed his appreciation at Zain’s efforts Kuwait Municipality Ahmad Al-Manfouhi, and instinct is to go online and see all the hashtags on to contract with a local, national SME to deliver this in practicing its social responsibility by serving the Kuwait Municipality Deputy Director-General for social media “fighting” this injustice. Hope again. project as part of our strong belief in the potential of local community. He said that the company’s keen- Al-Asimah and Al-Jahra Governorates Affairs Faisal And then the fear returns. Everyone will be quiet Kuwaiti entrepreneurs and their crucial role in ness on creating a unique monument that utilizes the Sadeq Jumaa for their great efforts and continuous soon, you remember. The protests will stop, the global achieving social sustainability projects”. best design standards, as well as aligning the project support in serving the Governorate. outcry will cease, and you will be yet another statistic. Roudhan concluded: “Zain is committed to mak- along with the Governorate’s renovation vision, is Khalid concluded his statement by inviting all pri- Or wait. You won’t even become a statistic but some- ing its resources available to shoulder the public something that brings forward hope and reflects the vate sector organizations to follow along Zain’s foot- one who is forgotten, yet another someone who was sector. We will always be ready to contribute to bond between Kuwaitis and their shared passion in steps and adopt similar initiatives to further develop unable to save the roof over their head, someone who Kuwait’s developmental goals across various sectors serving their country across all areas. the nation’s areas as part of their social responsibili- now relies on foreign aid that never quite finds its way. to further progress our beloved nation”. Khalid hoped to see more similar efforts by allow- ty. Zain’s support to this initiative comes in line with And now, imagine this. One day you are sitting hav- Asimah Governor Sheikh Talal Khalid Al-Ahmad ing private sector organizations to volunteer and its core objectives that aim at shouldering the ing breakfast, and you hear the news. And you realize: Al-Sabah praised Zain Kuwait’s initiative in building serve their nation. He affirmed that the joint collabo- advancement of the community as a whole on all lev- Wait a minute. This is not imagination. It is reality. With a unique monument at the Governorate, a step that ration between the Governorate and Zain Kuwait will els, where the company reaffirms the principal of your hope of a better tomorrow keeping you afloat, will add an elegant aesthetic in the area. The continue to serve the local community as per the set partnership through similar efforts with the aim of and the fear of having nowhere to live, you have to find Governor added that the monument would be built a way to tell your mother that they should start looking laws and regulations, with the collective aim of contributing to the further progress of national goals soon. The remarks came as part of a press statement for somewhere else to stay. You know it’s time to pack. opening up new horizons of collaboration in the and serve the country’s developmental efforts. Established 1961 3 Local Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Real estate prices in Kuwait still high, but could drop this year Annual real estate trade in Kuwait around KD 4 billion By Nawara Fattahova for loans, which was common before government is not regulating this matter. 2008, as stocks were considered as Annual real estate trade in Kuwait is KUWAIT: The price of real estate in assets. Banks now only accept real estate around KD 4 billion, but this sum is not residential areas in Kuwait is still high as guarantees for loans. But real estate is included in the GDP and does not pro- and even increased compared to last mostly mortgaged and there is no supply, vide jobs. Sales in residential areas year, despite the pandemic that negative- which affected prices and led to a hike,” should be regulated, but there are no ly affected the economy. But economist he explained. legal rules for that,” he said. Hajaj Bukhadour expects property prices “Although there is a recession and a “Kuwait is the only country where in residential areas will drop this year. housing crisis, some areas are controlled property prices didn’t drop. Around the According to him, there are various by brokers and a number of businessmen. world, the average price of a house is factors affecting the real estate prices. This phenomenon should be eliminated around 20 times the annual income of a “The price of real estate in Kuwait is not after the issuance of the new housing law, citizen. But in Kuwait, the figure is much regulated by the rules of the market. which restricts trade in governmental higher. In the past, around 3,000 appli- Besides supply and demand, there are houses. So an owner who receives his cations for a government house were other reasons for real estate perform- house from the government can only sell withdrawn, while today nobody is with- ance, including monopoly of land and real this house to another citizen who is wait- drawing their application, which indicates estate by businessmen, population ing for his turn to get his house,” con- that people don’t have resources to buy growth and others,” Bukhadour told cluded Bukhadour. their own house,” stressed Anezi. Kuwait Times. Anezi called for a change in housing KUWAIT: An archive picture showing a general view of Kuwait City. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Kuwait’s economy is based on two Increased liquidity policy. “Rules should be set that those activities - real estate and stocks. “Since According to economist Homoud Al- who receive a house from the govern- institutions were providing houses such the housing authority. If this is still 2008 (the global financial crisis), local Anezi, increased liquidity is behind the ment will not be allowed to sell it for at as oil companies and the ministry of applied, it will positively affect the prices banks do not accept guarantees of stocks high prices of real estate in Kuwait. “The least 30 years. Also in the past, other defense, which relieved the pressure on of real estate,” he added.

said. Amer said an investigation ing value. The awards Two workers would be launched over the Kuwaiti photographer wins honorary ceremony for 2021 was causes of the fire. held last Saturday, vir- injured in Meanwhile, Kuwait Fire Force award of ‘Memorial Maria Luisa’ tually, on the official (KFF) announced yesterday a website of the competi- decrease by 11 percent of tion, due to restrictions Burgan MADRID: Kuwaiti photographer Mohammad particular and in the world in general, he said, reports that fire and rescue imposed because of Murad won the honorary award for one of his as participation in international contests gives teams dealt with and a 13 per- COVID-19 pandemic. photographs at the 31st International the photographer a vision of his photograph- oil field fire cent decrease of all kinds of res- Mountain, Nature and Adventure Photo and Photographer cue operations and other acci- Video Contest ‘Memorial Maria Luisa’. In a Mohammad Murad KUWAIT: Two oil workers were dents. In a press release issued statement to the press, Murad said yesterday slightly injured when a fire by the Public Relations and that his photograph ‘Two Faces One Soul’ won described as limited broke out in Media Department, the head of the honorary award for Animal World catego- an operation site in Greater the statistics department of KFF, ry. He added that 1,511 photographers partici- Burgan oil field, southeastern Aisha Al-Zaidani added that pated from 89 countries, as they submitted Kuwait, yesterday morning, injuries decreased by 37 per- 16,000 photographs and 121 videos in 15 dif- Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) cent, and deaths decreased by ferent categories. “Wildlife and bird photogra- announced, but production was six percent. She added that the phy is about capturing animal or bird behavior not affected. The workers, of a material losses rose by 60 per- with proper light in less than fraction of a sec- contracting company, were cent, most of which were due to ond to give the image feelings that both pho- whisked to Al-Ahmadi hospital fires in non-residential areas, tographer and viewer feel,” he said. and their conditions are stable, buildings under construction and “The photographer cannot change the Qusai Al-Amer, KOC’s abandoned buildings. She nature that Allah has created, nor can he con- spokesman and Deputy CEO for stressed the importance of com- trol the lighting, atmosphere, and animal Administrative Affairs, said in a munity awareness, intensification behavior as wildlife photography needs lots of statement. KOC firefighters and of inspections, and the imple- patience,” Murad added. The annual Spanish response teams rushed to the mentation of the awareness plan site and succeeded in controlling carried out by the Fire Force to Memorial Maria Luisa contest is one of the The winning photo ‘Two Faces One Soul’. most prestigious competitions in Europe in the fire which “had no impact on reduce the rates of accidents oil production operations,” he and its causes. —KUNA

to the diversification and growth of Kuwait’s economy Mezzan Holding in line with its New Kuwait Vision 2035. I am proud to be witnessing a promising partnership between Abbott with KSP (subsidiary of Mezzan Holding KSCP), a lead- localizes production ing Kuwaiti pharmaceutical firm.” Both Alina L Romanowski, US Ambassador to of 26 Abbott Kuwait and Salem Al Sabah, Kuwait’s Ambassador to the United States, spoke on the significance of this investment to the bilateral economic relationship products in Kuwait between the two countries. The partnership between KUWAIT: In an event held virtually by the US-Kuwait Abbott and KSP (a subsidiary of Mezzan Holding Business Council, the multinational medical devices and KSCP), is a precursor to attracting further foreign health care company, Abbott Laboratories, signed a investments in various sector, and specifically the partnership agreement with Kuwait Saudi healthcare sector, as Kuwait continues to invest efforts Pharmaceutical Industries (KSP), a subsidiary of in attracting foreign investment and promoting a busi- Mezzan Holding, to manufacture 26 innovative products ness-friendly environment. locally in Kuwait. The 26 products owned by Abbott Laboratories will The partnership marks a milestone for Kuwait with be manufactured by KSP, which holds a 15-year track an international pharmaceutical company investing in record of successful manufacturing and distribution of local manufacturing. The agreement was facilitated and pharmaceutical products for local and regional cus- supported by Kuwait Ministry of Health and the US tomers. KSP has in recent years invested in its manufac- Chamber. The manufacturing of these pharmaceutical turing lines, manufacturing buildings, acquisitions, and products will be localized, giving Kuwait easier and partnerships to develop the product and portfolio faster access to these products, while also benefiting range. Today, the company manufactures over 120 from transfer of technologies, employment opportuni- products, making them available to the Kuwaiti market ties and training programs to handle the most up-to- as well as the Middle East, and aim to continue expand- date equipment and tools. ing its portfolio with high-quality medicines. The signing was concluded between Abbott’s Mohammed Al Wazzan, Vice Chairman of Mezzan Divisional Vice President for the Middle East, Turkey, Holding, said, “The partnership confirms that Mezzan Africa and Pakistan, Asim Cifter and Chairman and Holding made the right investment when acquiring KSP Managing Director of KSP, Dr Rashed Khazal. The event and reaffirms the company’s strength in delivering was also attended by US Ambassador to Kuwait, Alina L world-class products, as well as the value added to Romanowski, Kuwait’s Ambassador to the United States, Kuwait’s economy. Mezzan Holding has been a partner Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah, Assistant Undersecretary for to leading international pharmaceutical companies in its Drug and Food Control, Ministry of Health, Dr Abdullah 75-year history and continues to expand its portfolio Al Bader, General Manager of the Public Authority for through ground-breaking partnership such as this one. Industry, Abdulkareem Taqe and Mezzan Holding Vice We are confident that the many benefits of this invest- Chairman, Mohammed Al-Wazzan. ment will be palpable in the soon future. We remain Commenting on the new partnership, Dr Abdullah committed to supporting our country in delivering to Al-Bader, Assistant Under Secretary for Drug and Food the needs of its people through global partnerships.” Control, Ministry of Health, said, “Kuwait’s Ministry of “We are immensely proud to be partnering with Health places great importance to the quality of med- Abbott in this milestone agreement for our company ications and pharmaceutical products that it procures, and Kuwait. Abbott is a solid brand when it comes qual- and securing the needs of our country. The welfare of ity and innovation and we believe this is a start to a our nation is our priority. Today, Kuwait will proudly long-term partnership that will help us advance our have direct access to innovative and quality products manufacturing capabilities and the pharmaceutical sec- that cater to the local needs, while also benefiting from tor in Kuwait,” added Dr Rashed Khazal, Chairman and the knowledge it will be gaining. Ultimately, investments Managing Director of KSP. The first release of the local- from multinational companies such as Abbott not only ly manufactured products is scheduled for the first contribute to the wellbeing of our local community but quarter of 2022. 4 Established 1961 Local Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Ramadan Diwaniya In my view

Established 1961 The First Daily in The Arabian Gulf Kuwait’s Future THE LEADING INDEPENDENT Domestic labor union aims to DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961 is Green Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN develop recruitment market Editor-in-Chief ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN Union is a link between countries exporting labor to Kuwait: Shammouh By Samia Ahmed Alduaij EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 By Ben Garcia Kuwait Times: You FAX : 24835620/1 are also a recruitment CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Professionals and ordinary peo- agency owner. How’s [email protected] ACCOUNTS : 24833199 Extn. 125 COMMERCIAL : 24835618 ple of Kuwait are interviewed here by the Kuwait business so far? Times to introduce to our readers and know the Shammouh: I’m the P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. s the world is slowly recovering from nature of their jobs and probably changes and chal- owner of an office Email: [email protected] the coronavirus pandemic, another Website: www.kuwaittimes.net lenges during pandemic. The following are excerpts recruiting domestic global crisis is taking center stage: the from our interview with Ali Shammouh, Secretary workers for more than A climate crisis. In 2015, the world came togeth- General of Kuwait Union for the Domestic Labor 30 years. I love my work, er to sign the Paris Agreement to “hold the Offices. because it is a humani- rise in global average temperature to well Ali Shammou tarian service that con- below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial Slovak Ambassador Kuwait Times: What is missing in this Ramadan tributes to assisting oth- levels and to pursue efforts to limit the tem- compared to the past? ers, resolving problems perature increase even further to 1.5 degrees sends Eid greetings Ali Shammouh: I would like to congratulate faced by migrant workers as well as working with Celsius.” everyone for the successful holy month of fasting. I citizens. The role of the recruitment office is con- Recent statements by world leaders thank Allah for everything! I hope Almighty Allah sidered a social and humanitarian one, whose main emphasize the urgent need to take action on KUWAIT: Ambassador will have mercy on our dead, heal our patients, heal goal is to please others and maintain the reputa- climate change.ritish Prime Minister Boris of the Slovak Republic to our bodies and may the Almighty shield us from all tion of our country at international forums for Johnson declared that climate change poses a Kuwait Igor Hajdusek harm and bad situations. We want this coronavirus human rights. security risk to the world at the launch of the released a statement in pandemic to end in this holy month. Last year and The friendly Republic of the Philippines is one of UN Climate Change Conference which will be which he expressed Eid this year’s Ramadans will be remembered as being the main countries in the field of domestic helpers in held in Glasgow, UK, this coming November. Al-Fitr greetings to the very less interactive, because of so many restric- Kuwait, as they are well-educated, fluent in English, In an interview with The Economist, the US State of Kuwait. “As we tions and social distancing and proficient in their work International Climate Envoy John Kerry stated bid farewell to the holy implemented by our gov- of cleaning and raising chil- that this decade is the decade to advance month of Ramadan, on ernment. But this is the sit- dren and caring for the dis- ambitions to keep the 1.5-degree goal and lay behalf of the Slovak uation in many countries Our role is abled and the elderly, with out a road map to achieve net zero carbon Embassy I would like to emissions by 2050, that is when any remaining around the world. We pray honesty and dedication to convey our best wishes Igor Hajdusek social and human-caused Green House Gas emissions and warm regards to HH for Allah’s mercy and pro- work. are balanced out by removing them from the Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad tection! humanitarian I began recruitment atmosphere. And the Biden administration has Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, HH Kuwait Times: You are activities in 1987 and have abided, promising to cut half its greenhouse Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Secretary General of traveled and held meetings gas emissions by the end of the decade. Crown Prince, the government, the Kuwaiti people, Kuwait Union for the with responsible authori- The challenge is great but the willingness Slovakia’s friends on the occasion of the Eid Al- Domestic Labor Offices ties in countries sending and broad support from key stakeholders is Fitr,” the ambassador said. (KUDLO), also known as domestic labor. We were there. Even the private sector is on board, “This year, Ramadan, in appearance, may have the Kuwaiti Federation of Home Employment able to facilitate a lot of good rules and regulations with many investment firms, banks and hedge been different in view of social distancing and oth- Recruitment Offices (KFHERO). What are the activ- for the domestic help sector. We also help in set- funds gradually beginning to divest from cli- er COVID related safety measures. Allah’s infinite ities of KUDLO and how does it function? ting regulations for the benefit of the domestic mate polluting industries and large firms like blessings nevertheless know no bounds. Humility, Shammouh: The nature of a union’s work is col- labor sector. We have given suggestions that con- Apple and Microsoft pledging to be carbon compassion, self-control and patience are the hall- lective action, taking the opinion of the majority and tributed to amending some laws and decisions that neutral by 2050. China and the EU are marks of submission and spirituality associated holding regular meetings. The aim is to develop the are in the interests of all parties. aggressively pushing towards electrification with fasting. May Allah Almighty accept the recruitment market and contribute productively to Kuwait Times: When do you expect the arrival and energy transition to achieve energy inde- prayers and have mercy on all. We also remain remove difficulties. The union is a link between of newly-hired workers from the Philippines? pendence and geopolitical security while also mindful of millions of people who have been countries exporting labor to Kuwait, which is inter- Shammouh: With regards to the arrival of reducing their carbon emissions. Many coun- affected by the pandemic around the world, and nationally recognized, as unions prepare memoran- domestic helpers to Kuwait after a pause of more tries around the world would follow suit given require our support and solidarity. We hope and da of understanding that help and facilitate govern- than a year, I expect and hope that it will be no later the chance. The energy transition is coming a pray for the improvement and early normalization ment agencies’ work, but the final decision is with than the end of May, as government agencies on lot sooner than we expect and even if there is of the situation. Let us observe this Eid in simplici- the official authorities. We are dealing directly with both sides are working hard to hasten the resump- still a market for oil products, the demand will ty, adherence to the precautions measures and gradually decrease with Kuwait expected to the Public Authority for Manpower. tion of the process of sending workers. prayers. Eid Mubarak.” lose almost 40 percent of oil and gas revenue according the latest report from OECD Carbon Tracker. Kuwait Food Bank, Where does that leave Kuwait? The urgency for economic diversification is greater than ever, with the pandemic exposing distributes 23,000 how vulnerable Kuwait is to oil price shocks and drop in demand. Add to that the risk of meals to workers climate change itself on Kuwait, from increased heatwaves, dust storms and sea lev- KUWAIT: Kuwait Food and Relief Bank announced el rise and the damage it could have on the the completion of its charitable food campaign, health and productivity of society as well as which aimed to distribute about 23,000 meals to the existing infrastructure and the exorbitant workers during the holy month of Ramadan, in col- bill from future energy consumption just to laboration with the General Secretariat of Awqaf. In keep the buildings cool enough to live in. a press statement yesterday, Deputy Chairman of According to a 2013 study by the World Bank, the Kuwait Food Bank Mishal Al-Ansari said that current environmental degradation costs the this campaign came within a group of initiatives economy almost KD 400 million annually, launched by the Food Bank during Ramadan while without taking into account the impacts of cli- facing the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign suc- mate change. Imagine what it would be if we ceeded in securing the requirements of the impacted did factor in the expected impacts. workers in Kuwait during Ramadan, Ansari added. Our budget deficit is at all time high and The General Secretariat of Awqaf spares no effort to the combination of salaries and subsidies support all charitable and voluntary activities under- amount to 70 percent of the annual budget. taken by the Food Bank to serve Kuwait’s communi- Our government needs to create new jobs for ty, commending its efforts in facilitating all ways to the thousands of graduates that are expected make the campaign a success this year, in addition to to join the job market in the next ten years other charitable activities and projects, he under- while also reducing our carbon emissions to lined. Kuwait Food Bank is considered one of the meet obligations under the Paris Agreement. first charitable organizations in Kuwait to launch Current policies, which will develop the charitable campaigns covering all areas and the six downstream hydrocarbon industry is counter- governorates, he explained, indicating that the food intuitive. It will not prepare Kuwait for a low campaign this year was the largest due to its cover- carbon future. Maybe it’s time for Kuwait to age of all regions of Kuwait through a team of consider a greener path to economic diversifi- trained volunteers. — KUNA cation, through the sustainable utilization of its natural resources and by reducing its car- bon and energy intensity. What would that look like? Subsidy reform Indian military to focus on energy and water efficiency, developing carbon capture and storage capa- bilities to reduce carbon emissions, increasing ship carries aid the share of energy generated from renewable energy, developing a robust waste sector with from Kuwait better sorting, recycling, composting facilities, utilizing degraded land to generate renewable NEW DELHI: An Indian Navy ship arrived yester- energy through the construction of solar day at New Mangalore Port in the southern Indian farms, introducing green building codes, state of Karnataka carrying medical aid from Kuwait improving public transportation and encour- to help India fight the second wave of COVID-19. aging the electrification of transport, better Kuwaiti Ambassador to India Jassem Al-Najem said management of natural resources through that Indian Naval Ship ‘Calcutta’ is the first vessel of sustainable climate friendly agriculture and ISSUE NO: 18432 RAMADAN 29, 1442 AH Indian Navy to reach Indian port carrying relief aid fisheries practices to ensure food security, from Kuwait. The Ambassador explained that the ship developing eco-tourism through better man- which set off from Shuwaikh port last Wednesday agement of protected and recreational areas Established 1961 Ramadan Quiz Established 1961 Ramadan Quiz carries 40 metric tons of liquid oxygen and 200 oxy- and finally supporting local green SMEs. 29- What is the name of the food eaten before Date : gen cylinders. “Few more ships carrying 175 tons of Each example mentioned can be done liquid oxygen and about 2,400 oxygen cylinders are through the private sector or a public private beginning the fast called? Name : on their way to India,” he added. The sea bridge from partnership or foreign direct investment or ❏ Shuwaikh and Shuaiba ports carries a total of 215 even the issuance of green bonds. Each A. Iftar Civil ID : metric tons of liquid oxygen and 2,600 oxygen cylin- example will require highly trained and moti- ❏ B. Suhur Tel : ders. Najem reiterated keenness of Kuwait to alleviate vated work force with minimal reliance on suffering of the friendly people of India at this critical expatriates. Each example in will catapult ❏ C. Zakat Email : time as the country is passing through exceptional Kuwait to the 21st century and make it an circumstances due to the health disaster. Kuwait attractive place to do business. Cabinet decided recently to send emergency aid to Green growth might appear expensive ini- India to help it fight the spread of a new mutated tially but the alternative - the status quo - strain of the Coronavirus. Last week, an aircraft of would prove even more costly. Investment Kuwait Air Force arrived in New Delhi carrying 40 now will position Kuwait to adapt to a chang- tons of emergency aid from Kuwait Red Crescent ing global economy and the inevitable shift to Society, including 282 oxygen cylinders, 60 oxygen reduced reliance on hydrocarbons. concentrators, ventilators, medicines and other med- - Alduaij is an environmental expert. ical supplies. — KUNA International TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021 Taleban, Afghan forces declare Eid holiday ceasefire as violence soars List of military candidates stirs unease over Iran vote Page 6 Page 7 Zionist forces storm Al-Aqsa Mosque

Occupation forces wound over 300 Palestinians in Mosque’s compound

RAMALLAH: Zionist forces shot and wounded more than 300 Palestinians in Al-Aqsa Mosque’s compound yesterday after storming the Mosque’s Dome of the Rock and Al-Qibli Mosque compound. They attacked and stormed the shrine by firing teargas and stun grenades to disperse the worshipers, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said. The society added more than 200 people were hospitalized, five of them in critical condition. Three people lost one eye each, said surgeon Firas Abu Akari at east Jerusalem’s Maqassed hospital. The society said the injured included paramedics, and one critical case needed a ventilator. The occupa- tion forces obstructed the Red Crescent teams from helping the people in Al-Aqsa Mosque and the sur- rounding areas of the Old City. Loud booms and angry screams echoed from the ancient stone walls of the compound, revered by Muslims, where tear gas fired by the regime forces filled the air and the ground was littered with rocks, stun grenade fragments and other debris. The violence was the latest in days of the worst such disturbances in Jerusalem since 2017, fuelled by a long-running bid by the settlers to take over nearby Palestinian homes in the annexed east Jerusalem. Despite mounting international condemnation, the entity supported the police brutal force as “just strug- gle” amid the rising attacks on Palestinian worship- pers in Jerusalem. The UN Security Council was to meet at Tunisia’s request later on the unrest that has escalated since the last Friday prayers of the fasting month of JERUSALEM: Palestinians clean Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound yesterday after it was stormed by Zionist forces firing at the Palestinian worshippers with Ramadan. A key court hearing scheduled for yester- stun grenades and tear gas canisters.— AFP day on Sheikh Jarrah, the flashpoint east Jerusalem neighborhood at the center of the property dispute, has meanwhile been postponed. There were fears of especially Friday’s clashes at Al-Aqsa has met wide- Aqsa mosque”. Indonesia, the world’s most populous eral Palestinians from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah. A further violence ahead of a planned march by Zionists spread criticism. All six Arab nations that have diplo- Muslim-majority nation, urged “the UN Security lower court ruling this year backing the settlers’ to commemorate the takeover of Jerusalem in the matic ties with the regime - Egypt, Jordan, the United Council to take measures on the repeated violations” decades-old claim to the plots infuriated Palestinians. 1967 Six-Day War. Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan-have carried out by the occupation forces. The Middle East The Zionist entity annexed East Jerusalem following also condemned the entity. quartet of envoys from the EU, Russia, the US and the the 1967 takeover. Palestinian president Mahmud US ‘serious concern’ In Jordan, the custodian of Jerusalem’s holy Islamic UN-and Pope Francis-have all called for calm. Abbas has expressed “full support for our heroes in The United States expressed “serious concerns” and Christian sites, King Abdullah II condemned “the Much of the recent violence stems from a long- Al-Aqsa”. The occupation forces yesterday shelled about the situation. The entity’s role in the hostilities- violations and escalatory practices at the blessed Al- running legal effort by the settler groups to evict sev- several sites in Gaza Strip also. — Agencies Embattled Nepal PM loses vote of confidence

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli lost a confidence vote yesterday, trig- gering fresh political uncertainty just as the Himalayan nation reels from the pandemic. Oli, 69, decided to seek a vote of confidence following months of feuding within his ruling communist party KATHMANDU: Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and coalition partners. speaks at the parliament in Kathmandu yesterday as “If you want a stable parliament you should vote he lost a confidence vote, triggering fresh political for the continuity of this government,” he said in his uncertainty just as the Himalayan nation reels from address to the legislature before the vote. But the the pandemic. —AFP former political prisoner was able to secure only 93 votes in the parliament instead of the 136 needed. positive. However it was more political infighting More than 120 parliamentarians voted against and rather than his handling of the pandemic that nearly two dozen leaders from Oli’s own party caused him to lose the vote of confidence. skipped the process. According to procedure, the Yesterday, Nepal reported 9,127 cases, the high- president will now call for parties to propose a new est increase yet. Nearly 4,000 people have died candidate, backed by a majority. Nepal has been since the pandemic began, according to official fig- roiled by months of turmoil after Oli dissolved parlia- ures. “Both the parliament and the government have ment in December, accusing members of his Nepal failed to address the COVID-19 crisis in the country. Communist Party (NCP) of being uncooperative. Instead they are engaging in a political game when The NCP was formed in 2018 by a merger most citizens were struggling for oxygen cylinders between Oli’s communist party CPN-UML and the and hospital beds,” said Gunaraj Luitel, editor of Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) of for- Nagarik newspaper. The NCP’s triumph over the mer rebel leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal. incumbent Nepali Congress party in elections in Two months later, the Supreme Court reinstated 2017 had been seen as the final step in Nepal’s post- parliament. Another ruling broke the merger and civil war transformation into a republic. Brittle split the ruling party into two. In recent months, Oli alliances have been struck between Nepal’s three has faced fierce criticism over his handling of the dominant parties since 2008, and there was hope a pandemic as the second wave sweeps over the majority government would bring stability and country, with half of people tested now returning much-needed development to the nation. — AFP

he had been “briefed in advance” about the effort to Iran confirms Saudi “broker a better relationship and decrease tensions”. Iran on April 29 welcomed a “change of tone” talks, says ‘too soon’ from the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman towards it after he called for a “good and special to discuss results relationship” with Tehran. The regional rivals have backed opposite sides of several regional conflicts, from Syria to Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is TEHRAN: Iran’s foreign ministry yesterday for the fighting the Houthi rebels. first time confirmed the Islamic republic is holding talks with Saudi Arabia, but said it is “too soon” to Nuclear talks discuss the results. Media reports, later confirmed by diplomatic and Iraqi government sources, revealed Iran said yesterday it may extend an agreement that Iranian and Saudi officials met in Baghdad in allowing UN inspectors to monitor some key activi- April, their first high-level meeting since Riyadh cut ties if talks with world powers on its nuclear program diplomatic ties with Tehran in 2016. continue “on the right track”. The International “The purpose of the talks was both bilateral and Atomic Energy Agency is hosting talks aimed at get- regional,” Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Saeed ting the US to return to a 2015 deal abandoned under Khatibzadeh told reporters. “But let us wait and see former president Donald Trump and lift sanctions, the results of these talks ... it might still be too soon to and to bring Iran back to full compliance with nuclear talk about the details of the negotiations,” he added, obligations it retreated from in response. An agree- noting that Iran has “always welcomed such talks at ment reached with the IAEA in February is due to any level and in any shape”. expire later this month, potentially impeding the talks The neighboring countries cut ties in 2016 after in Vienna. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Iranian protestors attacked Saudi diplomatic missions Khatibzadeh said an option after May 21 could be to following the kingdom’s execution of a revered cleric. extend that date “in case the talks are on the right The talks in Baghdad, facilitated by Iraqi Prime track and Tehran agrees as well”. “Since we are in no Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhemi, remained secret until rush to conclude these talks, in addition to not allow- the Financial Times reported that a first meeting was ing them to drag on... we do not want any date to held on April 9. An Iraqi government official con- prevent our negotiating team from precisely carrying firmed the talks to AFP, while a Western diplomat said out Tehran’s instructions,” he told reporters. — AFP 6 Established 1961 International Tuesday, May 11, 2021 List of military candidates stirs unease over Iran vote Possible militarization of country’s politics ignites fears TEHRAN: A string of military figures on the list of former Guards member, and General Hossein Iranian presidential hopefuls is stirring unease over Dehqan, who was defense minister in outgoing a possible militarization of the Islamic republic’s President Hassan Rouhani’s first government. politics. Registration for the June 18 poll runs from Moderate daily Jomhouri-e Eslami has warned the Tuesday to Saturday, after which names will be election of a “military figure to head the govern- handed to the conservative-dominated Guardian ment” could have “negative consequences” for the Council for vetting. State news agency IRNA has country. And Ali Motahari, a former lawmaker from pointed to “the longest-ever list (of potential candi- the reformist camp who has announced he plans to dates) in a presidential election with a military run, has said the long struggles to end military rule background”. in Turkey and Pakistan should serve as a warning. The participation of candidates with a military But General Dehqan has rejected any sugges- background “is not new”, said Ahmad Zeidabadi, an tion that “military figures would bring in martial independent journalist in Tehran. However, none of law or restrict freedoms”. “In Iran, there’s no them were serving members of military forces dur- chance of militarization of the state,” said Dehqan, ing their candidacy, said Habib Torkashvand, a jour- currently an adviser to supreme leader Ayatollah nalist with the Fars news agency which is close to Ali Khamenei. Iran’s ultra-conservatives. This time around, hopefuls include Saeed No military ‘interference’ Mohammad, an adviser to Guards commander The Islamic republic’s late founder, Ayatollah Major General Hossein Salami, and former oil minis- Ruhollah Khomeini, repeatedly urged the military ter Admiral Rostam Ghasemi, an economic affairs “not to interfere in politics”. But under his successor aide to the head of the Guards’ elite Al-Quds force. Khamenei, the Revolutionary Guard Corps has Two members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps- expanded its economic and political influence to TEHRAN: In this file photo taken on February 26, 2016, Iranian candidate Ali Motahari (right) casts his ballot at a parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf such an extent that analysts regard it as a state polling station in Tehran. The high number of presidential hopefuls from the ranks of the military for Iran’s June and his predecessor Ali Larijani-have both run for within a state. 18 election is stirring unease over a possible militarization of the Islamic republic. — AFP president in the past. So has Admiral Ali Shamkhani, The military’s influence on Iranian diplomacy has secretary general of the Supreme National Security been at the centre of a furor in recent weeks after commander of the elite Republican Guards and for- Kadkhodai, spokesman for the Guardian Council Council. The three have been touted as possible an audio leak in which Foreign Minister Mohammad mer presidential hopeful, criticized Zarif as he electoral body, has told to AFP that Iranian law candidates for this year’s race too, although they Javad Zarif complained of having “sacrificed diplo- announced his candidacy. does not ban members of the military from running have yet to declare their intentions. macy for the military field rather than the field serv- Revolutionary Guards chief Salami has since for election. icing diplomacy”. said that only “personal initiative” motivated any It does however forbid military “interference”, ‘No chance of militarization’ Zarif said he regretted his comments were member to run for office, and said his organization such as announcing a candidate or changing the The field also includes Ezzatollah Zarghami, a leaked. Shortly after, General Mohsen Rezai, an ex- did not instruct members how to vote. Abbas-Ali outcome of a poll. — AFP

News in brief Iraqi reporter Norway may drop AZ, J&J jabs seriously shot OSLO: An expert committee set up by Norway’s KARBALA: An Iraqi journalist was in intensive care government to evaluate AstraZeneca’s and after being shot in the head early yesterday, doctors Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccines said said, only 24 hours after a leading anti-government yesterday that both should be abandoned over risks of rare but serious side effects. In order to activist was killed. Anti-corruption campaigner Ihab avoid a slowdown of the vaccine rollout the com- Al-Wazni was shot dead early Sunday in Karbala, mittee recommended that the two jabs should be sending protest movement supporters onto the made available for people on a voluntary basis. streets to demand an end to such bloodshed and offi- The committee’s head Lars Vorland said they did cial impunity. “not recommend the use of adenoviral vector Wazni had led protests in the Shiite shrine city of vaccines in the national immunization program”, Karbala, where pro-Tehran armed groups hold major as he handed in their report. — AFP sway. He was shot overnight outside his home by men on motorbikes using a gun equipped with a silencer, in an ambush caught on surveillance cameras. His Case over agent Orange use dismissed death was confirmed by security forces and activists. Hours after his death, reporter Ahmed Hassan was in KARBALA: Mourners pray by the body of Iraqi anti-government activist Ihab Al-Wazni (Ehab Al-Ouazni) during his EVRY, France: A French court yesterday dis- intensive care after receiving “two bullets in the head funeral at the Imam Hussein Shrine in the central holy shrine city of Karbala Sunday. —AFP missed a case by an elderly French-Vietnamese and one in the shoulder,” a doctor said. woman against several agrochemical companies, “He was targeted as he got out of his car to go incompetence in October 2019. Watani (National Bloc) party born out of the anti- including Monsanto and Dow Chemical, over the home,” in Diwaniya in the south of the country, Around 600 activists from the movement have government protests also said they would boycott use by the US military of Agent Orange during been killed, whether on the streets during rallies or Iraq’s October parliamentary elections in protest. the Vietnam War. The court in the Paris suburb of according to a witness. Wazni had narrowly escaped targeted on their doorsteps. Protests broke out in In a video recording in the morgue where Wazni’s Evry ruled that it did not have the jurisdiction to death in December 2019, when men on motorbikes judge a case involving the wartime actions of the used silenced weapons to kill fellow activist Fahem Karbala, Nassiriya and Diwaniya in southern Iraq in body was initially held, a fellow activist blamed US government, according to the ruling seen by Al-Tai as he was dropping him home in Karbala. Both reaction to Wazni’s killing, as people called for an end pro-Tehran groups for the killing. “It is the Iranian AFP. Tran To Nga, who was born in 1942 in what were key figures in a national protest movement that to the bloodshed and to rampant corruption. militias who killed Ihab,” said the activist, who was was then French Indochina, accused the chemicals erupted against Iraqi government corruption and The Iraqi Communist Party and the Al-Beit Al- not named. — AFP firms of causing grievous harm to her and others by selling Agent Orange to the US government, town northeast of the capital Port-au- which used the toxic chemical to devastating Fear of execution: Prince on April 11, has become the most effect in the war. — AFP visible example of the country’s recent Haiti kidnap spike in kidnappings for ransom. Italian woman gets 6 doses of vaccine Briand, and nun Agnes Bordeau, 80, victims tell told AFP they were en route to a ROME: A 23-year-old Italian woman was under priest’s ordination when their group observation in a hospital in Tuscany after came upon a dozen armed men who receiving six doses of the Pfizer vaccine in of ordeal had blocked the road on the outskirts of the capital. “We were in the wrong error, news agency AGI reported yesterday. The PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti: Living in woman was in good condition after receiving place at the wrong time,” said Briand, fluids and paracetamol following the injection squalid conditions, fearing execution who believes the gang members had Sunday, AGI reported. Instead of injecting just and constantly being shuffled to new not planned their kidnapping. one dose into the arm of the student, a nurse locations-a nun who was among a “As I entered the forest I saw a fire,” mistakenly injected the entire vial, the equiva- group of 10 people captured in Haiti Bordeau told AFP. “And I thought, ‘Oh lent of six doses. Previous studies to test over- told AFP she believed their bodies that’s it, they’re going to kill us and then doses of the Pfizer vaccine were limited to four would be burned or dumped into a they’re going to burn us.’” “Very quick- doses, AGI wrote. —AFP mass grave. But Michel Briand, a 67- ly too, I heard the sound of pickaxe year-old priest also in the abducted strikes against the ground. I said to Sister Agnes Bordeau poses for a photo in the gardens shared with the Priests of group, said he does not blame his cap- myself, ‘Well, they are in the process of St. Jacques, located at the Fleur Ducheine in Port-au-Prince. — AFP Spain parties mark curfew’s end tors for the ordeal. He faults Haiti’s pub- making a mass grave and they are lic authorities. going to throw us in there and kill us,’” was able to interact with the gang. He Bordeau said. Throughout the entire MADRID: Spain’s government called yesterday Undermined by extreme poverty she said, now able to laugh at how very said in the first minutes, the men “did ordeal, no one in the group, which for “responsibility”, insisting health restrictions and political instability, Haiti has seen a not know where to put us,” and later included French and Haitian clergy plus were still in place after weekend images showed dark her assumptions were. recent increase in violent gangs in its While Bordeau has worked in Haiti threw cardboard on the ground, which lay people, was ever attacked. “The people celebrating the state of emergency’s end third place was the most terrible without masks or social distancing. “The end of poorer neighborhoods, which the since 2019 after spending decades in became the captives’ home for five because it was unsanitary, really small, the state of emergency does not mean the end country’s meager public investment Central Africa, Briand has been a mis- days. The captives were moved con- of restrictions. Far from it. The virus threat still efforts have passed over. The abduction sionary in the Caribbean since 1986 stantly, with each change eliciting hope and they decreased our food,” Bordeau exists,” Justice Minister Juan Carlos Campo of the 10 in Croix-des-Bouquets, a and speaks fluent Creole, meaning he of release and fear of execution, said calmly. — AFP wrote in an opinion piece in El Pais daily. “That’s why the authorities will continue to take action in a press conference yesterday, including the India variant worries and the public must keep on behaving responsi- Britain to ease reopening of indoor seating in pubs and restaurants. India, suffering from one of the worst outbreaks bly.” After more than six months of curfews and a ban on travel between Spain’s 17 regions When asked during a BBC interview Sunday if hug- in the world, reported nearly 370,000 fresh infec- under a state of emergency which was imposed lockdown; India ging would be allowed, senior minister Michael tions and more than 3,700 new deaths yesterday. in late October, Spaniards were afforded new Gove said: “Without prejudice to a broader review The devastating wave has overwhelmed India’s freedoms when the measure expired in the early variant worries of social distancing... friendly contact, intimate con- healthcare system, and experts have said the official hours of Sunday. —AFP tact between friends and family is something that figures for cases and fatalities are much lower than LONDON: Britain yesterday was set to announce a we want to see restored.” Cinemas are also expect- the actual numbers. further easing of its coronavirus lockdown, joining ed to reopen, as well as some large indoor venues The situation in India has been worsened by a Worker dead in New Caledonia blast several European nations in gradually reopening after the government held several pilot events- new variant, which is more contagious and there their economies, but India remained in the grip of a including a rock concert-to test safety measures. are fears it could potentially dodge some vaccine NOUMEA, France: An explosion rocked a devastating outbreak. Rapid vaccination programs This follows Spain’s lifting of a state of emer- protections, the World Health Organization’s power plant supplying electricity for a metals have allowed a number of wealthy nations to start gency in place since October, allowing people to chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan told AFP on processing site in France’s Pacific territory of taking steps towards normality, but the virus is still travel between regions. “It’s like New Year’s,” said Saturday. New Caledonia yesterday, killing one employee, 28-year-old Oriol Corbella in Barcelona, where the The Indian outbreak has spread to some of its its operator said. Investigations are underway surging in many countries and concerns are grow- to determine the cause of the blast in the capi- ing about global vaccine inequality. end of the curfew was met with shouts, applause neighbors, with Nepal reeling from a worrying spike tal Noumea, which occurred during testing to The pandemic has claimed close to 3.3 million and music. in cases. Because of the outbreak in the Himalayan bring a boiler back online after maintenance lives worldwide and Britain has the highest death In Germany, people fully vaccinated against nation, China will set up a “separation line” on the work. “All technical precautions have been tak- toll in Europe, but its successful vaccination pro- COVID-19 were exempt from many restrictions summit of Mount Everest-which straddles the en to secure the site,” Nicolas de Cointet, oper- gram has allowed the authorities to start relaxing from Sunday after the government passed new leg- China-Nepal border-to avoid possible infections by ations director at the Enercal plant, told a press curbs. islation. And Cyprus exited a third partial lockdown climbers from Nepal, state media reported. Dozens conference. — AFP Prime Minister Boris Johnson was due to with a new coronavirus “safety pass” system to have been taken ill from the Everest base camp in announce the latest measures-effective May 17 — allow people to move freely. recent weeks. — AFP Established 1961 7 International Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Taleban, Afghan forces declare Eid holiday ceasefire as violence soars 11 killed as bomb hits bus in Zabul province

KABUL: The Taleban and Afghan government yester- day declared a three-day ceasefire for this week’s Eid Al-Fitr holiday, following a sharp spike in violence as News in brief Washington goes about withdrawing its remaining troops from Afghanistan. Violence has soared since May 12 dead in Burundi ambush 1 — the deadline missed by the United States to with- draw the last of its troops-and while the Taleban have NAIROBI: At least 12 people, including a senior avoided engaging American forces, attacks against gov- army officer, were killed and several others wound- ernment and civilian targets have not stopped. ed in a roadside ambush in central Burundi, adminis- In the latest, the interior ministry said yesterday that trative and medical sources said yesterday. Police at least 11 people were killed by a bomb that struck a said late Sunday that eight people were killed when bus overnight in southeastern Zabul province. That fol- bandits set upon four vehicles near Muramvya, a lowed Saturday’s carnage outside a school in the capi- provincial capital about 50 kilometers (31 miles) tal Kabul when a series of bombs killed at least 50 northeast of the main city of Bujumbura. But resi- people and wounded more than 100 — most of them dents and official government and hospital sources young girls. told AFP the real toll was higher, and that a child Early yesterday, the Taleban instructed their fighters was among the dead. “Ten people were killed on “to halt all offensive operations against the enemy the spot and two others, including a little girl, suc- countrywide from the first till the third day of Eid”. That cumbed to their injuries,” an administrative source was matched later in the day by Afghan President told AFP on condition of anonymity. — AFP Ashraf Ghani, who went further by urging the Taliban to announce a permanent truce to end the bloody war. Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, Ireland eases virus restrictions and the holiday begins according to the sighting of the KANDAHAR: A man pushes an injured boy on a stretcher along a hospital corridor in Kandahar yesterday as he new moon. receives medical treatment after being hurt by a roadside bomb that struck a bus overnight killing at least 11 DUBLIN: Ireland yesterday lifted domestic travel people. — AFP Permanent ceasefire needed restrictions and began a phased reopening of non- The Taleban and government have declared similar essential retailers in the most significant loosening ceasefires in the past to mark Islamic holidays. On ‘Why are they fighting Afghans?’ Taleban insist they have not carried out attacks in of pandemic curbs so far this year. After more than Saturday, a series of bombs detonated outside a girls’ Kabul resident Rashed Hashimi said the Taleban Kabul since February last year when they signed the five months of severe restrictions, a ban on travel school in Dasht-E-Barchi, a suburb of Kabul largely should stop fighting as US forces were leaving. “The deal with Washington that paved the way for peace between counties was finally lifted to allow citizens populated by the Shiite Hazara community which is Taleban were saying they were fighting the foreigners, talks and withdrawal of the remaining US troops. But to move freely throughout the Irish Republic. often targeted by extremist Sunni Islamist militants. but now the foreigners are leaving,” he said. “So, why they have clashed daily with Afghan forces in the Meanwhile hairdressers and other personal servic- It was the deadliest attack in more than a year and are they fighting Afghans?” Political analyst Fawad rugged countryside. The United States was supposed es, as well as non-essential shops, were permitted to came as residents were shopping ahead of the Eid holi- Kochi said the ceasefire was a way for the Taleban lead- to have pulled all forces out by May 1, but Washington trade once again on an “appointment only” basis. day. On Sunday, on a desolate hilltop cemetery, bodies ership to give its forces a brief respite from fighting that pushed back the date to September 11 — a move that Galleries, museums, libraries and other cultural in small wooden coffins were lowered into graves, one has intensified since the US troop withdrawal formally angered the insurgents. attractions were also allowed to unlock their doors by one, by mourners still in shock. “I rushed to the scene commenced on May 1. Taleban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada reiterated in to the public. — AFP and found myself in the middle of bodies, their hands “The government will try all possible channels to a message released ahead of Eid that any delay in with- and heads cut off and bones smashed,” said Mohammad extend the ceasefire but the Taleban will go back to drawing the troops was a “violation” of that deal. “If Taqi, whose two daughters were students at the school the battlefield right after Eid,” he said. “The Taleban America again fails to live up to its commitments, then but escaped the attack. “All of them were girls. Their know that a prolonged ceasefire will split them and kill the world must bear witness and hold America account- 4 stabbed in ‘random’ NZ attack bodies piled on top of each other.” their momentum. They will never want that.” The able for all the consequences,” he warned. —AFP WELLINGTON: A knife-wielding attacker stabbed four people in a New Zealand supermarket yesterday critically injuring three, in a rampage Afghanistan’s authorities said was “random” and not terror relat- ed. Police said the attack-highly unusual in the nor- Hazara, a mally peaceful South Pacific nation-occurred at a Countdown supermarket in central Dunedin at 2.30pm (0230 GMT) and a man had been taken into persecuted minority custody. Witnesses told local media a man carrying two knives stabbed staff in the supermarket and bystanders who tried to stop him were also injured. KABUL: Afghanistan’s Hazara community was target- The most recent mass-casualty attack in New ed again over the weekend when a series of explosions Zealand was the Christchurch mosques shootings in outside a school in western Kabul killed more than 50 March 2019, when a white supremacist gunman people-mostly schoolgirls-and wounded over 100. The murdered 51 Muslim worshippers and severely attack was the latest in a series of brutal assaults injured another 40. —AFP aimed at the Hazaras, who are mostly Shiites. This handout photo taken and released by Dawei Watch yesterday shows protesters participating in a demon- Here’s a brief history of Afghanistan’s Hazara and stration against the military coup in Dawei. — AFP their brutal treatment over the years. Man killed at Vancouver Airport Who are the Hazara? of the youths who are still fighting. Hailing from the country’s rugged central highlands, Myanmar counts “They are sacrificing their lives for their future.” VANCOUVER, Canada: A man was killed in a the Hazara are believed to trace their lineage from Night after night, soldiers and police raid homes to shooting at Vancouver International Airport on Gengis Khan’s Mongol invaders who ransacked cost of coup, arrest suspected activists-both protesters and those Sunday, police said, with the suspects still at large Afghanistan in the 13th century. Comprising between taking part in the civil disobedience movement that has after firing at police from their getaway vehicle. The 10 to 20 percent of the country’s 38-million people, 100 days on crippled the state’s ability to function. Despite the dan- shooting happened outside the departures terminal Hazaras have been marginalized for their largely Shiite gers, the movement persists, fuelled by a young genera- at about 3 pm (0800 GMT), Richmond police said faith by hardliners in a country riven by deep ethnic tion who came of age since democracy dawned and the on Twitter, adding that there was “one male victim”. country began opening up a decade ago. “We want to divisions. YANGON: One hundred days after the military seized Police intercepted the getaway vehicle but were By some estimates, nearly half of the Hazara popu- stand on the right side of history,” said a protester in shot at by the escaping suspects, though no officers power in Myanmar, the nun who pleaded for protesters Myanmar’s former capital Yangon. lation was wiped out in the late 19th century, with on her knees in the street says the coup has cast a pall were injured, the tweet continued. Local police were many later enslaved during the conquest of their tradi- still investigating the “disturbing” incident, said of fear and depression over the country. The image of ‘It’s not going to quiet down’ tional homeland by Pashtuns. Throughout the cen- Sister Ann Rose Nu Tawng kneeling in the dust, arms Minister of Public Safety Bill Blair, though he also turies, the group has been subjected to slavery, reli- The bloody intensity of the crackdowns has ebbed in suggested the shooting was linked to armed gangs. spread, begging police not to shoot “the children” went recent weeks-partly as demonstrators have switched to gious and economic persecution, as well as displace- viral in March as an uprising swelled in Myanmar. “My thoughts are with the communities in the lower flashmob tactics to avoid the risk of being shot. But if ment and ethnic cleansing. Today, the 45-year-old nun works in a clinic in mainland who have been impacted by gun and gang the violence in Myanmar’s urban centers has slowed, They have also been targeted by an array of differ- Myanmar’s northernmost Kachin state, tending to violence far too often,” he said. —AFP clashes between the military and ethnic rebel armies in ent groups during the past four decades of conflict, patients injured by security forces, sickened from stress, its border regions have intensified. “It’s not going to including the vicious shelling of their areas by fighters. and even those who try to kill themselves. “With the quiet down,” said Yangon-based political analyst Khin Hazara militia fighters were accused of carrying out consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and brutal Zaw Win. atrocities of their own during the internecine civil war actions of the military, there are more people who feel Suicide attack in Mogadishu “The regime thinks that everything will be okay by that followed the withdrawal of the Soviet army in the depressed and want to commit suicide,” she said. June, but it is a delusion.” In eastern Karen state, the late 1980s. Thousands were believed to have been “People are living in fear and they feel hopeless.” MOGADISHU: A suicide bomber killed at least six Karen National Union-who are sheltering dissidents slaughtered by the Taleban during the militants’ Today, 100 days will have passed since the generals people and wounded six more in a massive blast at a scorched-earth takeover of the country in the late made their lightning power grab in the early morning of fleeing to their territory-has captured military posts and police station in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, 1990s. February 1, ousting and detaining civilian leader Aung been hit with multiple air strikes in return. Clashes in Sunday evening, police said. The attack targeted the San Suu Kyi. The period has seen Myanmar plunge into northern Kachin state have also ticked up, and in a dra- station at Waberi, in the south of the city, on the busy Why are they targeted? chaos as the army struggles to control widespread matic display of the rebel forces’ capabilities, last week Maka Al-Mukaram road. “The blast was so huge that The Hazaras make up the bulk of the country’s opposition to its rule. the Kachin Independence Army shot down a military it destroyed parts of the building,” Somali police Shiite minority, which has historically been despised Around 780 civilians have been killed, according to a helicopter. Several groups have come out in support of commander Ibrahim Mohamed, said. Somali police by hardliners who consider the sect heretics. The local monitoring group, as security forces have sought the anti-junta movement, even providing basic training spokesman Sadik Dudishe told AFP: “Six people, four group has also been accused of being too allied to to suppress near-daily protests with brutal crackdowns to the young protesters. But so far, calls for the dis- of them civilians and two police officials, died in a neighboring Iran, and tens of thousands have moved and live rounds. While praised for her bravery months parate rebel factions to unite into a “federal army” have suicide attack targeting a police station.” —AFP over the years as economic migrants to work mostly ago, Sister Ann Rose Nu Tawng said she thinks instead not borne fruit.—AFP menial jobs. Thousands of Hazaras have been trained by Iranian talks online on Saturday to discuss the vaccine gap. “We are hoping that there will be a continuous sup- security forces and deployed with Shiite militias in “The vaccines situation is extremely complex now ply of vaccines through Covax from India, but we are Syria over the past decade. Last year, the Iranian for- India’s COVID battle because of the situation in India,” said Cameroonian watching in total horror and disbelief what is going on eign minister called the Hazara militia fighters the “best virologist John Nkengasong, director of the Africa in India and we don’t expect that vaccines will be forces with a military background” that could be used stokes vaccine Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the AU’s shipped out of India anytime soon.” Of all the conti- against the Islamic State group in Afghanistan. health watchdog. nents, Africa has been relatively spared the worst of the worries in Africa pandemic so far with just over 124,000 deaths officially What happens to them when US troops leave? recorded for 4.6 million cases. Few groups have taken as much advantage of the On the other hand, Africa has overcrowded new order established after the US invasion and over- NAIROBI: Africa is watching aghast as India struggles cities, with slums that are a breeding ground for the throw of the Taleban regime. The Hazara rushed to put with coronavirus, fearing a long-running shortfall in the virus, and a fragile health infrastructure-risk factors their children in schools-including their daughters-and Indian-made vaccines that it needs to help shield its that also feature prominently in India’s tragic expe- entered the political scene and workforce in unprece- people. Often dubbed the “world’s pharmacy”, India is rience. The continent has administered 19.6 million dented numbers. one of the biggest suppliers of the AstraZeneca vaccine doses, or just two percent of the global total- But those gains remain tenuous. The group has under the Covax program to help immunization in poor- according to the World Health Organization (WHO), increasingly taken the brunt of escalating violence as er countries. 80 percent of doses have been administered in jihadist Islamic State suicide bombers targeted their But India has been hammered by an explosive wealthier countries. mosques, schools, rallies and hospitals in western growth in infections-accelerated, say scientists, by a Lacking the means to manufacture their own vaccine Kabul’s Hazara enclave of Dasht-E-Barchi, killing new variant. The country has recorded 22 million cases in bulk, African countries have so far had to turn to the hundreds. out of a population of 1.3 billion, inflicting a death toll of open market or the Covax scheme. The AU’s African Fearing they will again be slaughtered when inter- nearly a quarter of a million. Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) hopes to national troops exit Afghanistan this summer, some in NEW DELHI: A COVID-19 coronavirus patient reacts After sending more than 60 million doses abroad, acquire vaccines through its own program by the end of the community have started to rearm-with a small mili- while sitting on a bed inside a banquet hall temporar- India announced at the end of March that it was delay- July or early August, and Nkengasong said that while he tia based in Wardak province recruiting and training ily converted into a COVID care center in New Delhi ing overseas supplies as it works to meet its own needs. hoped that date could be brought forward he could Hazaras to fight back. — AFP yesterday. — AFP African Union (AU) health ministers held emergency make no guarantees.—AFP Established 1961

TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021 Business Boursa Kuwait announces profits of KD 3.26m for period ended March 31, 2021

Increase of 58.5% in shareholders’ equity l Increase in operating revenue by 80.3%

KUWAIT: In a meeting of its board members on company compared to its total of 16.27 fils over the resiliency inherent within its business notwith- 10 May 2021, Boursa Kuwait announced an operat- same period in 2020. standing the circumstances. ing profit of KD 3.77 million for the three month Meanwhile, total operating revenue came in at Mohammed Saud Al-Osaimi, Boursa Kuwait’s period ended March 31, 2021, a 74.32 percent KD 6.73 million, an increase of 80.30 percent over Chief Executive Officer, commented on the compa- increase compared to the same period in 2020, the same period in 2020 which stood at approxi- ny’s quarterly financials, saying: “As a result of the when the company recorded a profit of KD 2.16 mately KD 3.74 million, while total operating consolidation of the Kuwait Clearing Company, the million. The company also announced that it expenses were KD 2.96 million, an increase of company has seen a marked increase in its assets recorded profits attributable to equity holders of 88.52 percent over the same period’s 2020 total of and total operating revenue, as assets were up over the parent company of KD 3.26 million for the KD 1.57 million. 150 percent while total operating revenue three months period ended March 31, 2021, a com- Boursa Kuwait Chairman Hamad Meshari Al- increased by over 80 percent. parable performance compared to the same period Humaidhi commented: “We are pleased to have “Building on these results, we look forward to the in 2020, when the company recorded a profit of recorded profits of around KD 3.26 million for the further diversification of our operations and invest- KD 3.27 million. first quarter of 2021, in spite of the extraordinary ments. I would like to thank the Board of Directors As a result of the consolidation of the Kuwait challenges emminating from the COVID-19 pan- for their support of the company’s strategy and its Clearing Company, which was previously classified demic. The results we see today mirror the strength operations, as well as my fellow Executive Team Hamad Al-Humaidhi Mohammed Al-Osaimi as an associate company, as a subsidiary, the com- of the operational model and the solid strategy in members and all Boursa Kuwait employees for their pany’s total assets came in at approximately KD place, as well as the company’s underlying strong continuous efforts and contributions.” Boursa 110.42 million, which is a 150.65 percent increase financial health, and indicate that the company is Kuwait continues to refine its products and services and globally. versus its 2020 total for the same period of KD able to overcome all obstacles in the market today, to benefit issuers and investors of all asset classes in Boursa Kuwait continues to implement many 44.05 million. Shareholders’ equity attributable to thanks to the tireless work and professionalism of collaboration with the Capital Markets Authority steps in accordance with international practices equity holders of the parent company also our Executive Management and employees.” and the Kuwait Clearing Company. Since its incep- and standards to transform Kuwait into a regional increased from KD 35.37 million in March 2020 to Boursa Kuwait has matured to become very flexi- tion, the company has strived to develop a strong and global investment destination, by focusing on KD 56.07 million for the period ended March 31, ble during the period of uncertainty brought upon financial market with high liquidity and credibility creating an attractive issuer base and broadening 2021, an increase of 58.53 percent, while the com- by the pandemic, and has diversified its operations through the implementation of a range of structural its investor base, increasing the depth and pany generated 16.26 fils earnings per share, which with the consolidation of the Kuwait Clearing and technical developments and initiatives that will breadth of its products, as well as upgrading its is attributable to the equity holders of the parent Company, providing further testatement to the enhance the position of the exchange, regionally infrastructure and business environment to inter-

access their money by exchanging it into the local Lebanon announces currency at a rate of 3,900 to the greenback. The dollar is currently trading for more than 12,500 pounds on the black market. The central bank said ‘conditional’ plan for Sunday it was negotiating “a mechanism (with Climate to Lebanese lenders) under which the banks would dollar withdrawals begin to gradually give (clients) access to their ravage Kenya’s deposits... in all currencies.” BEIRUT: Lebanon’s central bank on Sunday The institution is mulling a plan that would announced a “conditional” plan that would allow involve banks “paying (savers) sums of up to tea production depositors, hit by strangling financial restrictions, to $25,000 in US dollars or any (other) foreign access part of their foreign currency savings stuck currency along with its equivalent in Lebanese PARIS: Climate change is set to devastate in Lebanese banks. Lebanon is in the grips of its pounds,” the statement added. It did not speci- Kenya’s tea production as the world’s worst economic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war, fy the exchange rate for amounts converted to largest exporter faces rising temperatures, BEIRUT: Mock Lebanese banknotes bearing only zero digits and more than half of the population is now in the local currency. The central bank said the erratic rainfall and insect infestations, and reading “Bank of Dreams” are seen at an art installa- poverty. plan would “begin from June 30” and be spread tion titled ‘Menhara’ (collapsed) by Lebanese artist Carlo according to analysis released yesterday. The Lebanese pound, officially pegged to the out over an unspecified period of time, but Tea is the world’s most consumed drink after Kassabian, reflecting on the currency devaluation, at a club dollar at 1,507 since 1997, has lost more than 85 would be applied “on condition of obtaining in Beirut on May 8, 2021. —AFP water and disruption in supply from the east percent of its value against the greenback on the legal cover”. African nation is predicted to have a global black market. Since Autumn 2019, banks have large- A central bank source told AFP that this meant impact. ly prevented ordinary depositors from accessing “the adoption by parliament of a law on capital have been unable to form a new cabinet. Two asso- A report from the charity Christian Aid their dollar savings or transferring them abroad, controls”. Draft legislation on capital controls has ciations said this week they had filed a legal com- outlined the various threats Kenya faces to forcing them to resort to the black market to obtain long remained a dead letter. Lebanon’s government plaint against central bank governor Riad Salameh, its key black tea crop, as well as the dangers foreign currency. stepped down after a massive blast at Beirut’s port whom they accuse of fraudulently amassing a large that other countries are likely to encounter Holders of dollar accounts have only been able to in August last year, but deeply divided politicians fortune in Europe. —AFP as the planet continues to warm. Citing a peer-reviewed study, the report said that the quadruple threat of rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, droughts and new insect Brexit hit us too: infestations are forecast to destroy 26.2 per- cent of the country’s optimal tea growing Jersey fishermen react areas by 2050. And climate change is expected to reduce the areas with medium quality growing con- to French protest ditions by nearly 40 percent in the same SAINT HELIER, United Kingdom: “If it goes on like time frame. “For generations we have care- this, there won’t be any more fishing around here,” warns fully cultivated our tea farms and we are Loic Farnham, a 30-year-old fisherman, after post-Brexit proud that the tea that we grow here is the rule changes prompted a furious French protest. Jersey’s best in the world,” said Richard Koskei, a tea picturesque main port of Saint Helier on Thursday saw farmer from Kenya’s western highlands. “But French fishermen stage an angry protest over the new climate change poses a real threat to us. We system of allocating fishing rights. cannot predict seasons anymore, tempera- A flotilla of boats sailed over at dawn and threaten- tures are rising, and rainfall is more erratic.” ing to blockade the harbor. The standoff briefly escalat- Karimi Kinoti, head of Christian Aid’s ed, with Britain sending over gunboats. Fishermen Africa division, said tea was just another based in Jersey varied in how harshly they viewed the example of how people living in countries French direct action. But they agreed that the post- least responsible for the climate crisis are Brexit deal hit their fragile livelihoods and relations with bearing the heaviest burden. “Africans make nearby France. “If we’d have gone across to a port in France I hate to up 17 percent of the world’s population but French fishing boats protest in front of the port of Saint Helier off the British island of Jersey to draw attention think what would have happened to our boats,” said 69- we generate just four percent of the green- to what they see as unfair restrictions on their ability to fish in UK waters after Brexit, on May 6, 2021. —AFP house gas emissions that have caused the year-old Richard Lebrun, who has been a fisherman for climate crisis,” she said. “And yet it is we 40 years, in defence of the UK’s reaction. “Let’s be hon- who are suffering the brunt of the impacts est, you’re rather well known for kicking off and firing said. “We are supposed to have the right to say who ing fleet. “The ones that have fished with us for years of climate change.” petrol bombs,” he told a French AFP reporter. does and who doesn’t fish in our waters.” would be OK, there’s got to be a cap on the fleet some- The French fishermen protested over an abrupt The post-Brexit agreement signed in late December where,” he said. ‘World will be watching’ change in rules on licenses to fish in Jersey’s waters. Until by London and Brussels allows French fishermen to ply a During the protest, some local residents from Gouray, The report warned that the livelihoods of the post-Brexit deal, the rules for French boats had been zone of the British offshore waters, which are rich in fish a village in Jersey’s southeast came to meet the French. fixed under an agreement called the Granville Bay Treaty more than three million people in Kenya’s and less stormy, as long as they could prove they had Acting as a mediator was Chris Le Masurier, an oyster signed in 2000 between Jersey and France. done this in the recent past. This zone includes waters off farmer and owner of a boat used for freight, the tea industry would come under threat in the “It was never right, anyway because the French were the Channel Islands, which belong to the Crown but are Normandy Trader. “What may work between France and next two decades. Britain, the biggest per giving the French fishermen permits to fish in Jersey self-governing and not part of the United Kingdom and Britain won’t work here,” with the Normandy coast capita tea consumer, is set to host crunch waters,” Lebrun said, blaming this on Jersey’s “weak therefore did not even vote in the Brexit referendum. around 20 km away, he insists. “There absolutely must UN climate talks in Glasgow in November. politicians”. “They had carte blanche to fish there since For 60-year-old local fisherman Wayne Lowe, the be a separate agreement. We need access to the Mohamed Adow, director of the Power Shift that time. And now because of Brexit it’s changed,” he problematic factor is the large size of the French fish- European market to sell our goods,” he added. —AFP Africa climate and energy think tank, said the COP26 negotiations presented a vital opportunity for richer nations to provide The company said it was the victim of a cybersecurity motor vehicle operations that are part of the emergency proper support for poorer ones already Major US pipeline attack involving ransomware - attacks that encrypt com- support efforts. having to adapt to climate change. puter systems and seek to extract payments from opera- Colonial said earlier Sunday that it had opened some “As a major historical polluter and the struggles to reopen tors. “This Declaration addresses the emergency condi- smaller delivery lines, but the main system was not yet creator of the industrial revolution the UK tions creating a need for immediate transportation of back up and running. “While our mainlines remain offline, has played a big part in the climate emer- after ransomware attack gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other refined petroleum some smaller lateral lines between terminals and delivery gency which we Kenyans are suffering products and provides necessary relief,” the Department points are now operational,” Colonial said in a statement, from,” he said. “This year, as hosts of the G7 WASHINGTON: The US government declared a of Transportation said in a statement. adding it would “bring our full system back online only and COP26, the UK has a big role to play in regional emergency Sunday as the largest fuel pipeline The emergency declaration allows for fuel to be when we believe it is safe to do so.” tackling it. “The whole world will be watch- system in the United States remained largely shut transported by road to the affected states: Alabama, “We have remained in contact with law enforcement ing, especially Kenyan tea farmers and other down, two days after a major ransomware attack was Arkansas, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, and other federal agencies, including the Department of Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Energy who is leading the Federal Government people on the front lines of the climate cri- detected. The Colonial Pipeline Company ships gaso- line and jet fuel from the Gulf Coast of Texas to the New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, response,” it added. “Maintaining the operational securi- sis,” added Adow. —AFP populous East Coast through 8,850 km of pipeline, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. The dec- ty of our pipeline, in addition to safely bringing our sys- serving 50 million consumers. laration also provides regulatory relief to commercial tems back online, remain our highest priorities.” —AFP Established 1961 9

Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Business

NBK ECONOMIC UPDATE Oil heads towards $70 on oil demand optimism, despite India COVID worries

KUWAIT: Oil prices are benefitting from renewed oil the last month. And despite pockets of serious oil kb/d to 5.69 mb/d, respectively. This will bring average mb/d of withheld production over these months. demand optimism as the vaccine rollout in advanced demand weakness, notably in India, and the prospect of oil demand in 2021 to around 96.6 mb/d - still short of Therefore, OPEC+ supply, excluding Iran, Venezuela and economies gathers pace, bringing with it hope of the increased oil supplies from May onwards as OPEC+ pre-pandemic levels. The bulk of the agency’s revisions Libya, is expected to rise by more than 2.6 mb/d to removal of mobility restrictions and economic normaliza- eases its supply cuts, the forward structure remains firm- centered on Q3 and Q4 of this year. Oil demand growth 38.094 mb/d by end-July. This level also does not take tion. Brent is within touching distance of a two-year high ly in ‘backwardation’ (near-term prices higher than later- in the current quarter is up more than 12 mb/d year-on- into account volumes that need to be cut as compensa- of $70/bbl. Despite severe oil demand weakness in dated prices). Speculative net length (the difference year (y/y) and reflects the base effect of the massive, tion by members for failing to fully comply during the last major oil consumers India and Brazil, where COVID-19 between the number of ‘long’ contracts bought on the unprecedented drop in oil demand in 2Q20 at the onset year. OPEC+ Compliance was 115 percent in March. infections are surging, and increased OPEC+ supplies, expectation of the price increasing and the number of of the pandemic. Looking ahead, the bullish outlook for 2H21 is predi- tighter fundamentals are being priced in; OPEC esti- ‘short’ contracts bought on the expectation of the price Both agencies reiterated that continued gains in oil cated on global demand growth outpacing supply mates that the pandemic supply glut could be worked off falling), was up at 305,099 contracts in the final week of demand are contingent on an acceleration in the rollout growth leading to sizeable stock draws. That, in turn, will by the end of 2Q21. April - though still down 12.5 percent from the 2021 peak of vaccines and robust efficacy against new COVID vari- depend on a much higher level of vaccine penetration Markets have grown more optimistic about the out- in February. ants. Fears of viral resistance to the currently available facilitating a return to more robust economic activity. look for oil demand over the next few months as the World oil demand expectations for 2021 have gener- vaccines and another round of mobility restrictions being Transportation fuel consumption will be key over the vaccine rollout progresses, pushing oil prices to levels ally brightened over the last month thanks to progress triggered as a result is the key downside risk factor. In next few months as northern hemisphere countries take last seen in mid-March. International crude oil bench- in the global vaccination drive, though the critical pub- upgrading their forecasts, OPEC and the IEA have also to driving and travel during the summer. mark Brent closed on Wednesday at $68.96/bbl (+33.1 lic health emergency in the world’s third largest oil taken their cues from the International Monetary Fund’s While the market tightens in the Atlantic basin, percent ytd), close to a two-year high, having posted importer, India, and rising coronavirus cases in Brazil, (IMF) upward revision in April to global economic though, the situation in emerging economies, with the gains of 5.8 percent in April. US marker West Texas remain key sources of near-term demand concern. In growth this year and in 2022, to 6 percent y/y and 4 per- exception of China and a few others, is more uncertain. Intermediate (WTI), which gained 7.5 percent in April, the US and Europe, road and air traffic has improved cent y/y, respectively. Given that non-OECD countries account for the majority was up at $65.63/bbl, while local crude blend Kuwait considerably, according to high frequency mobility OECD oil stock data shows a seventh consecutive of global oil demand, for prices to stay ‘higher for longer’, Export Crude (KEC), reached $69.11/bbl on data. In the US, demand for gasoline is within 5 percent monthly decline in total crude and petroleum product markets will be looking for more effective virus contain- Wednesday (+36.5 percent ytd), having increased by of the pre-pandemic level for this time of the year, while inventories in February to 2,978 mb (-44.9 mb m/m; ment and more widespread vaccination that could then 3.5 percent in April. in China, oil consumption is believed to be above pre- +94.1 mb y/y). This leaves total stocks 29 mb/d above set the stage for a more robust economic recovery. Oil’s increase is also part of a broader gain in the pandemic levels. the latest 5-year average and providing cover for 68 On the supply side outside of OPEC+, potential price of commodities. From energy to metals and food- In India, however, with cumulative coronavirus cases days of oil demand. Crude stocks, however, gained supply gains from the US, Canada, Brazil and stuffs, prices have surged, propelled by burgeoning passing the 20 million mark and record numbers of daily slightly in February to 1,498, and preliminary estimates Norway is an obvious downside risk factor for oil demand from economies emerging from the pandemic. deaths, economic activity has weakened considerably. Oil for March in Europe, Japan and the US point to another prices, though oil production in the US has strug- Demand for metals intrinsic to the clean energy transi- demand has been adversely affected: in April, oil ship- stock build. gled to top 11 mb/d (-2.2 mb/d from its peak) even tion, such as lithium and cobalt (used in batteries etc), has ments directed to public sector refineries fell to a 7- OPEC+, in its brief 27 April meeting, though, esti- while oil rig counts continue to rise, albeit slowly. skyrocketed. The Bloomberg Commodities spot Index, month low, according to Vortexa, an analytics firm, while mates that the glut that accumulated during the pandem- Iran is another wildcard with the potential to con- which tracks 23 raw materials including crude, foods and gasoline and diesel sales dropped to their lowest levels ic will have been worked off by the end of June as the tribute significant volumes to global markets. Some metals, is up more than 66 percent over the last year to since last August and October, respectively. global economic recovery proceeds. The exporters’ progress appears to have been made in the current its highest level in almost 10 years (470). Both OPEC and the International Energy Agency group therefore agreed to continue with its planned out- nuclear negotiations, but it is still too early to esti- In the futures market, the price of contracts across the (IEA) in April revised up their global oil demand esti- put increases for May (+350 kb/d), June (+350 kb/d) mate timelines for a sanctions-free Iran to reemerge 12-month Brent forward curve has shifted upwards over mates for the year, by 70 kb/d to 5.95 mb/d and by 230 and July (+450 kb/d). Saudi Arabia will also restore its 1 on the global oil scene.

2021 models from Mazda, Al Shaya and Al Sagar, bedazzle visitors at Avenues New Japanese Mazda with European luxury

KUWAIT: As part of its celebration of the launch and families. it is a sports saloon equipped with everything entirely manufactured in Japan, the company has of latest and distinct models for the year 2021, On this occasion, Salmeh said: “KAICO needed in the cockpit, which is customized to help developed the “Mazda 6” to become one of the Kuwait Automotive Imports Company, KAICO Al- always strives to present the latest models of you enjoy your trip. The Mazda 6 is equipped with best sedans that combines the advantage of luxu- Shaya and Al-Sagar, the exclusive distributors of 100 percent Japanese Mazda cars, and to satisfy a highly efficient SKYACTIV-G direct injection rious appearance and sculpted sporty design, in Mazda cars in Kuwait, displayed the 2021 Mazda our customers, we have launched two different petrol engine, which achieves fuel efficiency of up addition to a full range of SKYACTIV Technology. cars at The Avenues during the holy month of Mazda models at once.” He added: “The best to 14 km/liter. Ramadan. With the presence of Ashish Tandon, way to choose a car for you and your family and The car is also equipped with an advanced set Mazda CX-9...the new definition of luxury General Manager, and Nader Salmeh, Senior the conviction that it is the perfect car Is to try of safety systems that include Driver Monitoring, Mazda CX-9: The pure beauty of “less is Executive Manager-Vehicle Sales, the event pro- it yourself, and drive it your way; that’s why we Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure assistant more”. Clean curves and undulating surfaces, vided an opportunity for car fans and customers in provided the opportunity to pre-book your test and Blind Spot Monitoring System to ensure the embracing and reflecting the surroundings. Sleek, general and Mazda in particular to discover drive for the two new models.” safety of your loved ones while driving, while the bold proportions lifting and energizing the spirit. Mazda’s concept of luxury and new updates. interior is equipped with the MZD CONNECT Inside, the cabin is a study in premium materials This celebration invited all Mazda followers and Mazda 6...Modern design & joyful driving system that gives you superior Internet connec- and superior craftsmanship. The new Mazda CX- fans to be among the first customers to have the experience tivity, advanced navigation and 360-degree 9 boasts many specifications, including standard opportunity to discover the new Mazda 6 and The Mazda 6 is the leading model in the design monitoring. cylinder deactivation technology that can close Mazda CX-9 up closely. With the launch of these of Mazda models, being the most elegant thanks to While Mazda maintains its established tradi- the outer cylinders when there is no need to two models at the beginning of the year, Mazda is its dynamic and streamlined design in the rear, and tions of being among the few cars that are still increase fuel efficiency. adding to its assortment of cars of various sizes The new Mazda CX-9 is fitted with the SKY- and designs. Its new models enhance diversity and ACTIV-G engine, a 4-cylinder 2.5-liter turbo introduce the latest modern models. These new engine with 231 horsepower linked to a 6-speed cars offered by Mazda are considered the latest automatic transmission. The stunning KODO and best, as they reflect creativity in design, design of the all-new Mazda CX-9 also infuses employment of the latest technology applications, pure vitality and solidity that raises it to the status use of the best safety features, and great attention that it deserves and defines an SUV. to performance. The new CX-9 offers a well-thought-out cabin During the event, KAICO pre-registered test that makes life in the driver’s seat - and passenger drive requests under the supervision of Mazda seats - enjoyable and easy. From the perfect experts. Tandon expressed his pride in launching placement of the dashboard and reclining on the the latest cars from Mazda in 2021 to make them back seats, to the many features such as HMI accessible to customers at Mazda showrooms in Control Switch, Noise Reduction and High Kuwait. These models reflect an energetic and Vibration (NVH), a human-centered cabin that’s attractive picture for young men, young women ideal for long distances and every day. 10 Established 1961

Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Business Jazeera Airways gives positive outlook on demand for travel starting Q4 2021

KUWAIT: Jazeera Airways announced its earn- the month of March despite limited capacity.” crew and supporting ings for the first quarter of 2021, reporting an teams have already been operating revenue of KD 8.1 million. The number New Routes and Travel Rights vaccinated as part of the of passengers flown during the quarter reached Jazeera grabbed a 25 percent market share of airline’s commitment to 104,116, down from 496,484 in the first quarter of all passengers flown through Kuwait International the safety of passengers 2020, as restrictions continue at Kuwait Airport, and launched two new routes to Colombo, and crews since the International Airport (KWI). The airline’s load Sri Lanka, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. These beginning of the COVID- factor stood at 58.4 percent, while yield routes serve a resilient demand for travel by expa- 19 pandemic in 2020. increased by 105.2 percent to KD 74.9. The air- triates in the region. The airline also took delivery The airline is also pre- line registered a net loss of KD 5.2 million; an of its sixth Airbus A320neo aircraft, as part of a pared to conduct PCR improvement of 14 percent from a net loss of KD scheduled order of four A320neo to be delivered tests at Jazeera Terminal 6.0 million in the first quarter of 2020. this year. Commercial flights from 35 countries 5 (T5) upon arrival and Commenting on the results, Jazeera Airways continue to be suspended at Kuwait International is working closely with Marwan Boodai Chairman, Marwan Boodai said: “While restric- Airport, while arrival capacity at the airport has authorities to ensure its tions continued at Kuwait International Airport been limited to only 1,000 Kuwaiti nationals per readiness to integrate systems related to vacci- during the quarter, Jazeera focused on connecting day since February 7, 2021. nations and PCR test results with the IATA rights, an efficient fleet and a network that con- flights, targeting underserved segments of passen- Travel Pass. nects passengers from point to point. gers within its network, which accounted for 28 Readiness for Return of Travel Demand Boodai concluded: “As we take the next step, “Our outlook on demand for travel remains pos- percent of total passengers. The airline also As the rollout of the vaccination accelerates in Jazeera is equipped with a strong financial posi- itive and we expect a recovery starting from the launched two new destinations and acquired six Kuwait and worldwide, restrictions at KWI will be tion and an experienced team that continues to last quarter of the year. It is a matter of time as new traffic rights as it prepares to launch new lifted slowly in the next three quarters. This will deliver excellence and a fast turnaround in chal- vaccines are administered. Safety measures will routes in the summer season. Overall, Jazeera encourage more people to travel and demand is lenging circumstances and in every aspect of our continue to be mandated by our airline and at T5 acquired the largest market share at KWI during expected to return gradually. Jazeera pilots, cabin business. The airline has a solid portfolio of travel to ensure a safe return to travel.”

region, 6thStreet.com offers the latest collec- Check out AppGallery tions from over 440+ international brands. The online platform also provides free 100 day to download top returns both in-stores and online, cash on deliv- KIB offers free ery, and the option for click and collect with e-commerce apps real-time integration with 1,337 stores. Eidya delivery KUWAIT: Eid Al-Fitr is one of the most popu- Centrepoint Online: lar celebrations as it marks the end of the Centrepoint is one of the largest omnichan- service to Black month of Ramadan. Usually, family and friends nel retail brands in the Middle East. A part of gather together to exchange gifts and greet- the Landmark Group, it offers a visually excit- Segment customers ings and enjoy several days of festivities. ing shopping destination for the family, focus- During this time of the year, shopping is the ing on great value for money across fashion, 23 African countries like Algeria, Cameroon, KUWAIT: As part of its most popular trend, and e-commerce platforms baby products, beauty, and home. Centrepoint Angola, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, ongoing commitment to became the number 1 destination to get every- has played a key role in shaping consumer per- Kenya, Morocco, Tanzania, Senegal, Zambia, offering customers the thing sorts out on the go! ceptions, increasing brand worth, and fueling Uganda, and so on. The company is also a best services and added Following this trend, AppGallery, the official growth for the group. First launched in 2005, logistics service, enabling the shipment and value benefits, Kuwait distribution platform from Huawei and one of Centrepoint has 140 stores across the UAE, delivery of packages from sellers to con- International Bank (KIB) the top three marketplaces globally, has select- Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, sumers, and payment service, facilitating trans- announced that on occa- and Lebanon. In 2018, the brand launched E- actions among participants active and Jumia’s sion of Eid Al Fitr, it will ed for you the top e-commerce platforms in the region that will get you all sorted this Eid. If commerce with the CentrepointStores.com site platform. It has partnered with more than be offering free Eidya 110,000 active sellers and individuals. delivery services to its you are short on gift ideas, too busy to run and apps to cater to a wide audience of online Black Segment customers. around shops inside the malls for your Eid shoppers. the service will allow cus- attire, or even struggling to find the best deals Namshi Online Fashion Shopping: Noon shopping: Namshi, one of the Middle East’s most tomers to have Eidya Musab Al-Shalan for home decoration, stay right here as this delivered with utmost article is made for you! noon is the leading digital marketplace for the prominent online fashion destinations. Users convenience right to their AppGallery is actively watching where the Middle East region. The app is available in the can enjoy on-the-go shopping for the latest door step and to their address of choice. trends in online shopping are heading based on United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. fashion picks for men, women & kids - Speaking about the service, Musab Al-Shalan, users’ download trends. For this Eid, we believe It provides a large online selection of leading including over 600+ brands and 50,000+ Deputy General Manager of KIB’s Retail Banking these regional e-commerce apps should be on brands in electronics, fashion, health & beauty, Clothes, Shoes, Bags, and accessories right at Department, said: “At KIB, we are always looking to top of your download! fragrances, grocery, baby products, and home- the fingertips. provide customers with a complete suite of banking ware. noon has over eight million product list- Other global brands like Alibaba, AliExpress, solutions and added values services, to furnish them ings and the largest last-mile fleet in the region, Shein, Fordeal and Jollychic became very pop- with an easy, hassle-free and streamlined banking 6thStreet Online Fashion Shopping: 6thStreet.com is an omnichannel fashion e- providing unrivaled coverage and service. ular lately and made it to the AppGallery’s experience. Our strategy continues to be focused on most downloaded e-commerce apps in the developing packages and offers that cater to the commerce destination that offers high-street diverse and ever-changing needs of all of our cus- fashion and beauty brands in the UAE, KSA, Jumia Online Shopping: region. They are also well known for their com- tomers. Within this vein, we decided to offer this Eidya Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar. Being one of Jumia is an online marketplace for electron- petitive pricing, ultimate convenience, and fast delivery service to our Black Segment customers to the largest destinations for footwear in the GCC ics, fashion, and much more with a presence in delivery. cater to the needs of their more affluent lifestyles” The Eidya delivery service entails the delivery of cash directly to the customer within two business days, cash deposit machines. The cash deposit in fresh bills and in the denominations requested by Round-the-clock machines receive 300 notes per transaction. them. Customers can request a delivery by simply Moreover, customers can perform a variety of placing a call to their relationship managers or to the KFH banking services interactive banking services through KFH Go’s KIB contact center. 10 branches located in various places in Kuwait, On her part, Head of Premier Banking at KIB, Nour including Kuwait International Airport, such as: Al-Baghli, further added: “This service is simply the during Eid holiday latest seasonal addition to our Black Segment’s Establishing “Murabaha” financing transactions, impressive package of benefits and added-value serv- requesting credit and prepaid cards, updating ices. These benefits include the ability to issue a Visa KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) contin- data and phone numbers, activating bank cards, Infinite credit and debit card, which in turn offers a ues to provide its banking services around the opening deposits and accounts, instant cheque world of benefits, rewards and privileges both in clock through a group of various technological printing, receiving gold biscuits (10 grams), Kuwait and abroad. and digital tools during Eid holiday. opening (gold, savings, Al-Rabeh, electron) “Our Black Segment also allows customers to facili- Most of the banking services are available in accounts, online gold purchase and sell, cardless tate their banking transactions with utmost conven- several channels around the clock, whether withdrawals using QR code through mobile, or ience and privacy through a private account manager, through the bank’s website, KFH.com, or via the by using Civil ID or phone number, in addition to in addition to offering them priority routing when KFHOnline mobile application, or through the many other financing and banking services con- completing financial transactions and deposits within KFH Go electronic branches that are spread in ducted quickly, easily and safely. designated branches, with the help of tellers or many important locations, in addition to the KFH The electronic banking services at KFH are through the Bank’s call center. Other free-of-charge accounts on social media and many E-service also characterized by their high efficiency in benefits include: document delivery services; cash and channels as per the latest financial technology addition to ease and safety. This was evident in card delivery services; the ability to conduct local and reporting a lost credit/debit cards, checking the and digital platforms. the number of electronic banking operations that international transfers; the ability to issue cheque financing obligations and the number of install- KFH Go branch is considered a new electron- KFH customers carried out via KFHonline, on books; cash deduction services; and much more.” ments, perusal of investment plans, receiving ic channel that helps transfer normal customer the website or through the mobile application, It serves to note that KIB had designed its elite account balances and deposits summary, along transactions to an innovative automated branch, which amounted to about 140 million banking Black Segment offering specifically to cater to the with other wide range of digital services. that provides capabilities that allow customers transactions during 2020. more affluent of its customers, who enjoy a monthly Meanwhile, the call center continues to pro- to benefit from highly efficient banking services. The e-banking transactions includes: Opening salary of KD 3,500 and above or who have a total vide services around the clock to receive cus- It includes more than 80 percent of the services a bank account online for citizens and residents deposit of KD 250,000 and above. This comes as part tomer calls, listen to their enquiries and respond of the Bank’s ongoing efforts to upgrade and enhance and business provided by the branches in their to join become a KFH customer without having to them through a qualified and technically its customer experience in order to offer its customers traditional sense, which makes KFH Go branches to visit the branch, local and telex financial advanced staff. KFH provides the automated unique and innovative banking solutions exclusively the preferred choice to many segments of cus- transfers, opening deposits, adding beneficiaries, telephone service 1803333 that works with the tailored to their lifestyles and individual needs. tomers, especially the youth. balance inquiry, chequebook request, requesting same efficiency and speed, to respond to trans- KFH GO branches include the XTM device financing, opening an account, requesting Al- fers between accounts, inquire about financial that allows direct video call with service person- Kheir Card, and checking the PINs for credit operations, pay bills, and recharge mobile phone nel, as well as automatic teller machines and and debit cards, activating new bank cards, Burgan Bank will cards, along with other services. with its second enhanced version, enables cus- be officially closed AUB customers can use tomers to send the Eidya electronically in swift and flexible steps that allow customers of all ages to use Eidity App for gifting the app in ease with adherence to social distancing during Eid holiday requirements to combat Covid-19. The Eidya sum can be sent to any mobile number KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yesterday that Eidya electronically registered in the State of Kuwait, even to recipients it will be officially closed for five days during the who do not have bank accounts. The app includes Eid Al-Fitr holidays, starting from Wednesday, KUWAIT: On the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, which is newly added features; it enables users to track and 12th of May 2021 until Sunday, 16th of May 2021 linked to gifting Eidya (monetary gift), Ahli United monitor the status of the Eidya and confirm if the and will resume business on Monday, 17th of May Bank (AUB) announced that its customers can send money had been delivered. There is also an option 2021. Airport branch will serve clients during Eid and receive Eidya electronically through Eidity App of sending a special note to the recipient, and both from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm. launched by the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) senders and recipients are eligible for more bene- On this occasion, Burgan Bank extends its best through an electronic application in cooperation fits, both monetary and in-kind. Full details can be wishes and greetings on the coming of Eid Al- with Kuwaiti banks and the Shared Electronic obtained through downloading the app, available Fitr. To ensure customers continue to enjoy their Banking Services Company (K-net). Eidity App is for iOS and Android. banking services during the holidays, Burgan the first of its kind in the region. Al-Humaidhi invited AUB customers to use Bank’s online services will remain operational Commenting on this initiative, Jehad Al- Eidity app to send Eidya to wishing family members at the same time this initiative reflects advantages of through its website www.burgan.com and Mobile Humaidhi, Acting CEO of AUB confirmed that AUB and friends, emphasizing that Eidity app is a dis- the switch to digital services and utilizing latest application. The dedicated contact center and supports Eidity App and praises CBK’s role in tinctive initiative and a good humanitarian gesture technology to develop electronic payment and WhatsApp service at 1804080 will also be avail- launching this initiative, which represents an added that helps customers to send and receive Eidya, transfer services and business models to provide able around-the-clock. value for customers, pointing out that Eidity App, which strengthens social and humanitarian ties, and flexible, swift, and secure services. Established 1961 11 Business Tuesday, May 11, 2021

GBK's CEO and UNHCR representatives. GBK's corporate communications team with Hamad Al-Ali.

Distributing Ramadan gifts. Gulf Bank wraps up Ramadan with community activities as part of its sustainability program

KUWAIT: With the end of the holy month fast refugee families, including housing rent, tributing treats to frontline workers, and support of local brands, Gulf Bank teamed approaching, Gulf Bank is wrapping up a food, and health services, in addition to debt handing out girgian to passersby in the walk- up with a number of local outlets to present successful Ramadan, full of a multitude of repayment. ing paths in residential neighborhoods - all Ramadan gifts to the Bank’s customers. community activities and charity initiatives while being mindful of health and safety pre- Every Thursday throughout the holy month organized and spearheaded by the Bank. ‘Stories with Hamad’ show cautions. In recognition of the continuous of Ramadan, customers received a free gift Throughout the holy month, the Gulf Bank This year, Gulf Bank was the title sponsor efforts of frontline workers throughout the upon visiting any Gulf Bank branch and pre- team has been hard at work organizing mul- of “Stories with Hamad” the latest show host- past year, Gulf Bank was also keen to have senting their Gulf Bank bank card. tiple efforts to engage various groups of ed by popular media personality, Hamad them join in its girgian celebration, distribut- To learn more about Gulf Bank’s various society, in an effort to encourage sustainabil- ity and give back to the community at large. Commenting on the initiatives, Ahmad Al- Amir, the Assistant General Manager of Corporate Communications at Gulf Bank, said: “Social responsibility has always been one of the major pillars through which Gulf Bank contributes in service of our beloved country. At Gulf Bank, we are constantly striving to seize every opportunity to support those in need in pursuit of achieving our sus- tainability goals.” Throughout the holy month, Gulf Bank Ahmad Al-Amir has spearheaded several community initia- tives, including:

Gulf Bank supports efforts by the Kuwait Red Crescent Society As part of Gulf Bank’s ongoing commit- ment to sustainability and its dedication to impacting the local community, Gulf Bank participated in a humanitarian campaign led by the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) to distribute electrical devices to disadvan- taged families in Kuwait. As part of the initia- tive, several Gulf Bank employees volun- teered to support the KRCS team’s efforts to GBK's team with interior ministry staff. distribute the appliances to local families residing in Kuwait. Alali, which aired every day after iftar on ing baskets of various sweets and treats to activities and initiatives, customers can visit Gulf Bank aids UNHCR both ATV and YouTube. As an audio and frontline workers. one of the Bank’s branches, or visit the Gulf humanitarian efforts video storytelling podcast, the show high- In celebration of the holiday, Gulf Bank Bank website at www.e-gulfbank.com. As part of its commitment to community lighted a true story or event told by those also launched a digital girgian game for Customers can also use the WhatsApp serv- sustainability, and in keeping with interna- who lived it over the course of 15-minute dai- passersby in residential neighborhoods, ice on 1805805 for round-the-clock assis- tional efforts towards achieving the ly segments. The podcast show consisted of sparking notable interaction on social media. tance from Gulf Bank representatives, or call Sustainable Development Goals set by the interviews with several guests and stars The digital girgian game allowed community the Customer Contact Center on the same United Nations, Gulf Bank contributed its across various fields, who spoke about their members to participate in the girgian spirit, number. support to the United Nations High stories publicly for the first time over the with winners receiving valuable gifts from Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). course of the show. Gulf Bank. During the month of Ramadan, Gulf Bank’s efforts included providing humanitarian aid Girgian activities Gifts every Thursday and basic daily needs to refugees. Gulf This year, Gulf Bank celebrated girgian from Gulf Bank Bank’s support covered basic costs for with several initiatives, with employees dis- In appreciation of its customers and in

Group photo of GBK team and KRCS team. GBK's team with firemen. 12 Established 1961 Lifestyle Features Tuesday, May 11, 2021

organized tours of sites including Yan’an and Jinggangshan-the “birthplace” of the In China’s ‘Red Red Army-where local officials are keen to show off infrastructure and poverty allevi- Holy Land’, tourists ation efforts. Officials in Yan’an repeatedly cited Edgar Snow, an American reporter known for his friendship with Mao in the mark Communist 1930s, as a model for telling China’s story to the world, urging today’s foreign corre- Party centenary spondents to follow his example. Party PR drive China’s President Xi Jinping, who is ourists pose for photos on Chairman also the general secretary of the Mao’s bed as the Chinese Communist Party, has been on an image- TCommunist Party — much-criticized making drive that puts his power and influ- overseas-marks its centenary year at ence on a comparable level with Mao. But home with PR push including office histo- Yemenis gather at a market in Yemen’s northeastern city of Marib. — AFP photos in the age of tech and mass entertain- ry outings, big-budget movies and careful- ment, his party has greater tools at its dis- ly constructed media tours. The ruling par- posal to reinforce its narrative. A block- ty, which celebrates the 100th year of its buster film, “1921”, starring A-listers in a founding in Shanghai this July, has reenactment of the Communist Party’s launched a propaganda blitz lauding its founding, is set to hit Chinese theatres on achievements over the past century in July 1, the official anniversary date. shepherding a poor, divided nation evis- “Outstanding” party members will receive cerated by war into a global superpower. a “July 1 Medal” at a grand ceremony in The pomp is undiluted by the acrimony Beijing on the same day, state media from the West, where politicians, experts reported. and business leaders warn of the party’s arkets in Yemen’s embattled Marib turnout this Eid is just like every other ‘Great joy’ The Communist Party of China has supersized ambitions and criticize its city are bustling with people gear- year,” Mohammed Ibrahim, a shop owner, But far from the frontlines, twinkling more than 91 million members, according human rights record. In Yan’an, a western ing up for the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, told AFP. “Despite what’s happening lights have been strung up around shops to the official Xinhua news agency-many M Chinese city that bills itself as a “Red despite fighting that has raged nearby around Marib, thank God, everything is and stores in Marib, where families of them grassroots cadres and ordinary Holy Land” where the party hunkered between government forces and Houthi good.” browsed through the many stalls selling civil servants. That makes it the world’s down in 1935 at the end of the Long rebels. While shoppers this week crowded Marib, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) products ranging from raisins and candy second-largest political party behind March to build a revolution, thousands of the streets of the city to buy clothes, east of the rebel-held capital Sanaa, had to sandals and watches. Customers India’s Bharatiya Janata Party. Beijing tourists flock each day to the dark caves sweets and nuts for the feast marking the witnessed relative stability since the war could be seen haggling with a vendor points to China’s rapid economic growth where Mao Zedong and his comrades end of the Muslim holy month of erupted in 2014 — becoming a safe selling new clothes for the holiday, while in recent decades and rising living stan- made home. Ramadan, pro-government forces stood haven for hundreds of thousands who others walked around and chatted with dards as evidence of the party’s enduring Tourists come in large family groups or guard with rifles in hand. fled frontline fighting. Its loss to the Iran- absolutely no health measures in place or value. But it is less keen, however, to on tours arranged by their employers, masks to curb the spread of the novel draw attention to the past century’s dark- including one group from Hunan who coronavirus. er chapters, including famine, the Cultural unveiled a banner in Chinese made for And while some customers complained Revolution, and crackdowns on resist- the centenary, declaring their employment of price inflation and of the struggles of ance movements. Discussion of the at a property management company. war, many said they found comfort in the bloody Tiananmen Square crackdown in Zhang Zhenxing, a tech employee from city’s ability to remain a sanctuary for now. 1989 continues to be censored on Hebei on a company-organized trip, said “Despite the Houthi missiles and the high Chinese social media, while China’s he wanted to “experience how the revolu- prices, there is great joy in the hearts of cyberspace authority last month urged tionary forebears achieved victory in such the citizens of this city because there is internet users to report “harmful” com- a difficult environment”. security and safety,” Hamdi Ahmed, a ments showing “historical nihilism”-narra- “That they could build a new China store owner, told AFP. The UN has sought tives that go against the party’s official under such difficulty was really not an to broker a deal between the warring history. — AFP easy feat, so I admire them deeply,” sides, but intense diplomacy has yet to Zhang told AFP. Foreign media including yield results. AFP have been invited on government- “For Yemenis, the battle of Marib has an existential importance-for their lives, their children, their future,” the head of Yemen’s office of the presidency, Abdallah Al-Alimi, said on Friday. For Yehya Al-Ahmedi, a city resident, it is clear that the people of Marib do not want Houthi rule. “The Houthis have not learnt the lesson... as they continue to try Since February, loyalists have faced a backed Houthis would be a major blow and enter the city, that the people reject fierce Houthi campaign to take over the for Yemen’s government, which is backed them and the reality rejects them,” he told city and its surrounding oil fields, which by a Saudi-led coalition, and could AFP. “They will continue to kill themselves make up the government’s last significant unleash a humanitarian disaster for the on the outskirts of the city, and the people foothold in the north of the war-torn coun- region’s civilians. Both sides sustained here will live in the joyous atmosphere of try. But residents are eager to celebrate heavy casualties at the peak of the fight- Eid... as if there is no war.”— AFP the holiday, even in the shadow of the ing, which went into a lull earlier this long conflict that has devastated the coun- month during talks in Oman aimed at This picture shows a tourist posing on a bed for a photo in the former residence of former try and plunged it into what the UN calls securing a ceasef ire, only to flare up Chinese leader Mao Zedong.— AFP the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. “The again in recent days.

he Little Mix singer is expecting expecting a baby with her fiance Andre been hiding it for so long. I just feel T her first child with her “soulmate”, Gray. Like Perrie - who has been dating relieved that I can embrace my bump so I Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and is Alex for four years - Leigh-Anne showed feel good. It’s such sensitive information excited to be embarking on the “wild jour- off her bump on Instagram to announce and I wanted to be the one to tell the ney” of pregnancy and parenthood. her pregnancy. She wrote alongside her world. This felt like the right time to bring it Alongside photos of her growing bump, picture: “We’ve dreamed about this out and say it. It’s scary ... I wanted to he 26-year-old model enjoyed her including one picture with Alex, the 27- moment for so long and we can’t believe enjoy the moment and I was scared that it T first Mother’s Day since she and year-old singer wrote on Instagram: “So the dream is finally coming true... we can’t was going to come out and I wasn’t going partner Zayn Malik welcomed happy to be on this wild journey with my wait to meet you. [heart and heart eye to be able to control that. You want to own baby Khai into the world in September soulmate. “Me + Him = You [world and emojis] (sic)” And after making the news it yourself. I’m happy I got to release that and she admitted she feels “so lucky” to heart emojis] “We can’t wait to meet you public, the ‘Black Magic’ singer admitted it imagery!” be a parent to the little girl. Marking baby Ox! (sic)” Perrie’s baby news comes was a huge relief to be able to speak Mother’s Day on Sunday, Gigi shared just a week after her bandmate Leigh- openly about it. She said: “I’m having a three new photos of her and her daughter Anne Pinnock announced she is also baby! It feels so weird saying it as I’ve - one out of focus of them in matching beige outfits, a second of the blonde beauty pushing the tot’s pram and a third Legend pays of them cuddling together in bed - on Instagram and wrote: “The rumors are true: my best friend, purpose, muse, tribute to Teigen for greatest pride & joy. “I feel so lucky and inspired bein your mama, my Khai !! An old soul full of sunshine, you light up getting through everyone’s days! Thank you thank you im Kardashian West’s youngest amazing smile and laughter and your thank you.(sic)” Gigi’s sister, Bella Hadid, K son has brought “calmness and sweet personality! Your tender spirit commented on the post, writing: “Khai the evenness” into her life. The brightens every day!!! You bring such hap- ‘testing’ year Goat.(sic)” And Dua Lipa - who is dating ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’ star piness to us ... and you just happen to be Gigi’s brother, Anward Hadid - replied: and her estranged husband Kanye West’s the best scooter driver I have ever seen!!! “”little bunnnyyyyy girl!!!!!(sic)” Last month, ohn Legend has praised Chrissy boy Psalm turned two on Sunday and the Best in the land!!!! “Thank you for all of Gigi’s mother, Yolanda Hadid, thanked her Teigen for coming out of a “test- brunette beauty was pleased to share the love you give to me and what a bless- J daughter for giving her the “greatest gift” ing” year even “stronger”. The ‘All Mother’s Day in the US with the young- ing you are in all of our lives !!! Being your in Khai in a sweet birthday tribute to the of Me’ hitmaker and his wife tragically lost ster’s special day. Kim - who also has Grandmother is my greatest gift and I love model. She wrote on Instagram: “Happy their son Jack when the ‘Lip Sync Battle’ North, seven, Saint, five, and Chicago, you more than you will ever know!!! (sic)” birthday to you my sweet Angel..... I have star was 20 weeks pregnant in three, with Kanye - shared a new photo of always been so very proud of the young September and the 42-year-old singer Psalm on Instagram and wrote: “My woman you grew up to be every step of has paid tribute to the brunette beauty for Taurus baby Psalm. He turns 2 today on your life time but watching you give birth the way she’s coped over the last few Mother’s Day. “Such a special day to and become a mother yourself has given months. Marking Mother’s Day on pens to so many other families around the share together. He’s my child that looks “Proud” a whole other meaning ... You are Sunday, John shared a slideshow of pho- world. “We felt a real sense of community most Armenian to me like my grandpa extraordinary!!! Thank you for giving me tos of himself, Chrissy, and their two chil- by sharing it with other people. They felt and reminds me so much of my dad. He this greatest gift, I wasn’t sure how to get dren, Luna, five, and Miles, two, on seen by us, we felt seen by them, and I is the sweetest baby ever!!! “I can’t even by without my mamma but loving Khai Instagram. He captioned the post: “Happy think it helps everyone deal with their grief describe his smile and sweetness that awoke a part in my heart I never knew Mother’s Day to my wonderful wife! “It’s when they know there are other people everyone just feels when they are with existed. #HappyBirthday #Gigi (sic)” been a year that tested you in so many out there feeling it too.” And John is “so him. Psalm- you have brought such calm- ways but you’ve come through stronger, glad” he went along with Chrissy’s ness and evenness into all of our lives! All wiser, happier and a better mother than “instinct” to share their pain because he of your cousins and siblings love you so ever. “I’m so fortunate to have you as my now thinks it was the “right” thing to do. much! You really are the joy of our crew! partner, my inspiration and my best friend. He added: “I am so glad Chrissy’s instinct Mommy loves you SOOOOOO I love you forever.” John recently admitted was to share this, because it was really much!!!(sic)” Psalm’s grandmother, Kris he was thankful he and Chrissy had spo- the right thing to do. “I think it helps us get Jenner, also payed tribute to the tot’s ken out about their baby loss because he through it, and I think it helped other fami- “sweet personality” and “tender spirit”. thinks they’ve been able to help others as lies going through the same thing get She shared a series of family photos and much as they’ve received support. He through it.”— Bang Showbiz wrote on Instagram: “Happy Birthday to said: “You know, Chrissy always is more my youngest grandchild!!! My beautiful, sharing that I am. I’m a bit more private. precious Psalm who is the light of our “But what I’ve learned through that lives!!! Thank you little Psalmy for bringing process is, first of all, how often this hap- such magical joy into our lives with your Established 1961 13 Lifestyle Features Tuesday, May 11, 2021

This picture shows rescued bees on a honeycomb in the parking lot of an apartment building in Kuala Lumpur. Ooi Leng Chye releasing rescued bees into a Langstroth hive at a house in Kuala Lumpur.— AFP photos

lacing his bare hands into a every day nationwide, acting on tip-offs swarm of thousands of bees, a from officials and the public. The tradi- PMalaysian man uses his fin- tional solution in Malaysia had been to gers to gently guide some of call the fire brigade, which has been them into a rattan basket. Ooi Leng known to torch nests and their inhabi- Chye is a member of a group that tants to a crisp to dispose of them. saves bees and their nests when they Part of My Bee Savior Association’s are discovered in cities, seeking to work is to try to convince official bodies prevent the creatures from being such as the fire service to deal with destroyed by those who view them as bees in a different way, said group pests. Bees play a vital role in ecosys- chairman Norowi Hamid. Norowi tems as pollinators of major crops, but helped set up the group after the mid- their numbers have been falling rapid- 2000s when many colonies in the US ly due to habitat loss, pollution and and Europe were wiped out by a mys- pesticides. terious scourge called “colony collapse

Ooi Leng Chye shows rescued honeycombs into a Langstroth hive at a house in Kuala Lumpur.

was in the car park of an apartment On this trip, Ooi’s arms were stung building in Kuala Lumpur, whose man- about four times but he shrugged off agers had reported a suspected nest. the pain as “pretty light”. Though his In an empty space behind a wall arms are covered in stings from previ- under plasterboard, he and two other ous expeditions, he only puts on a volunteers discovered half a dozen beekeeper’s suit when facing the honeycombs and countless bees, a most aggressive of the insects. “(With colony they believe had been there for a suit), you won’t be able to be as months. Wearing a short-sleeved shirt, gentle when scooping up the bees,” Ooi Leng Chye from the The United Nations warns that 40 trousers and sandals, Ooi-whose day he said. After nearly two hours, MY Bee Savior percent of invertebrate pollinators-in job is as a software developer-was almost the entire nest is collected, disorder”. He said it remains a challeng- This picture shows res- Association transferring particular bees and butterflies-risk relaxed as he scooped up the bees with a basket of bees wrapped in a ing task to convince Malaysians not to cued bees flying and bees to rescue them in global extinction. In Malaysia, green with his hands into the basket. “I’m cloth and net, and the honeycomb be afraid of them. But he added that “if gathering inside a the parking lot of an activists founded the “My Bee Savior not afraid of them,” the 48-year-old lat- inside plastic bags. we do not manage the bees properly, Langstroth hive at a apartment building. Association” to help stem the decline. er told AFP as scores of bees buzzed All are taken to another volunteer’s then maybe one day (they) will not be house in Kuala Lumpur. When the group is tipped off about around his uncovered face. “Bees only house, where the honeycomb and here anymore. “Then our future genera- nests in areas such as under roofs and attack out of self-defense. They won’t bees are placed inside a makeshift tions will curse us.”— AFP near trees, their volunteers try to care- attack you for no reason-you just need wooden box, which becomes their new fully remove the bees and take them to to understand their behavior.” hive. The group’s volunteers can han- new sites. One of Ooi’s recent cases Protect bees for ‘future generations’ dle about 10 cases of nest discoveries

Ooi Leng Chye transferring bees from a honeycomb into a rattan basket in Ooi Leng Chye transferring rescued bees from honeycombs into a rattan Ooi Leng Chye transferring rescued bees from honeycombs into a rattan the parking lot of an apartment building in Kuala Lumpur. basket. basket.

fully grown and that it delayed making a “What did these young leopards do public statement to avoid causing panic, wrong to have to suffer the conse- Leopard on the but it faces accusations that keeping quences of such serious mismanage- mum recklessly endangered residents. ment, and to be tracked and mauled by a Local officials said yesterday that five search team with vicious dogs?” asked loose: Escaped people associated with the park-including one of a string of angry posts accompa- its general manager-had been detained nying the clip on China’s Twitter-like and that police had launched an investi- Weibo. “Is this how we look after our big cat sparks gation into the incident. Chinese media nationally protected animals?” Leopards, reported that a search team was on the which still exist in isolated pockets in the trail of the third leopard after fresh paw wild in China, are a protected species fear in China prints were found on Sunday, in an effort under Chinese law, with strict bans on that included a spotter hovering over the hunting or trafficking in leopard-derived plantations in a powered parachute. products. ne leopard remained at large in Some of the fiercest criticism was Chinese zoos and wildlife parks fre- eastern China yesterday after sparked by videos of the recapture of at quently face criticism over recurring reve- Oescaping from a safari park with least one of the cats-looking nearly full- lations of horrific conditions in captivity or two of its fellow big cats, prompting grown-showing a pack of at least five deadly incidents blamed on lax manage- fierce public criticism of the wildlife dogs mauling the leopard as it clawed ment. Chinese state media reported in attraction over the safety lapse and for desperately at them. Video from a 2017 that a tiger killed a visitor to a brutally hunting down the escapees with Chinese state-run television outlet wildlife park in the eastern city of Ningbo packs of dogs. Residents of the city of released over the weekend also appears after the man apparently entered its Hangzhou first reported seeing leopard to show one of the recaptured leopards enclosure, and tigers at a Beijing park sightings in local tea plantations late last resting in an enclosure with one of its killed one woman and injured another the week, but the Hangzhou Safari Park hind feet missing. The stump appeared previous year after the pair left their vehi- only acknowledged the outbreak after freshly wounded and was unbandaged. cle. The Hangzhou park has been tem- This photo shows rescuers searching leopards which escaped from a wild park in Hangzhou, in the news went viral. The safari park has not yet commented porarily closed.—AFP China’s eastern Zhejiang province. — AFP The park has said the cats were not on the videos. 14 Established 1961 Sports Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Emotional Mother’s Day win for Wolves’ Towns, Doncic tossed in Mavs’ victory

LOS ANGELES: Karl-Anthony Towns scored 27 the second game of a home-and-home series to points to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a improve to 40-28 on the season. Dallas are in 128-96 rout of the Orlando Magic Sunday, then fifth place in the Western Conference with four lifted the lid on how emotional it is for him to games left in the regular season. play on Mother’s Day. The two-time all-star Doncic was ejected just under two minutes Towns lost his mother, Jacqueline Towns, to into the third quarter for fouling Cavaliers’ Collin COVID-19 last April. Sexton as the two tussled at the side of the bas- “I have been emotional all day,” Towns said. “I ket. Sexton appeared to push Doncic, who swung told my dad it will be very difficult to come out his arm backwards, striking Sexton near the groin here. But my family, my memories and this team area. “I hit him. It wasn’t nothing on purpose. That gives me strength to come out here and play the kind of stuff happens all the time in the games,” game. It is difficult, but to all the mothers out Doncic said. (there) that hold the house down, and all mothers Dallas was already playing without Kristaps not here anymore... today is for you. Happy Porzingis, who has missed six straight games and Mother’s Day. There is no bigger job in the world nine of the past 10 with a sore right knee. Josh than a mother.” Richardson added 20 points for the Mavericks, He spent the day with his father Karl Towns Sr, Jalen Brunson hit for 13 points and Dwight Powell and the two shared a touching embrace at court- scored 12. side before Sunday’s victory in Florida. “It’ll be Meanwhile, the New York Knicks showed why emotional. But it’ll be rewarding because she’ll be they are headed to the postseason as Derrick happy to know we’re still doing the stuff that she Rose scored 25 points in a 106-100 win over the would want us to do,” Towns Sr told USA Today Los Angeles Clippers. The Knicks used a combi- ahead of the game. nation of well-executed perimeter shooting and Towns has not only lost his mother, but also six solid defense to break down Los Angeles and other family members over the last year to the bust the game open in the second quarter before coronavirus, before testing positive himself in holding on in the fourth for their third win on a January. On Sunday, he and D’Angelo Russell six-game road swing. ORLANDO: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball against the Orlando both finished with 27 points to snap a three-game The Knicks also have two losses on the road Magic on Sunday at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. —AFP losing streak for the Timberwolves. Towns also trip, which closes Tuesday against the reigning had nine rebounds and four assists, and Russell NBA champions Los Angeles Lakers. Rose came chipped in eight assists and six rebounds. off the bench to deliver eight assists, while guarding a tough opponent, he never stops work- nated the Phoenix Suns 123-110 in the late game Elsewhere, Tim Hardaway scored 25 points and Reggie Bullock scored 24 points and made five ing on the defensive end,” Knicks coach Tom in Los Angeles. Los Angeles avoided the three- drained seven threes as red-hot Dallas overcame threes for the Knicks, who have five games left in Thibodeau said of Bullock. “He’s got to continue game season sweep by the Suns and stayed one the ejection of their top scorer Luka Doncic to the season and all against clubs headed to the to do that for us, it opens up so many things.” game behind the Portland Trail Blazers for the beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-97. The postseason. Also, Anthony Davis finished with 42 points seventh spot in the Western Conference stand- Mavericks won their fourth consecutive contest in “He’s sort of the unsung hero. Every night he’s and 12 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers domi- ings with four games left. —AFP

lap 25, but the pit stop was slow by a couple of sec- Mercedes masterstroke onds in another minor but potentially critical error in Spain helps Hamilton by the Red Bull title pretenders. ‘Sitting duck’ deny Verstappen The Mercedes pit wall pulled Hamilton in for a lightning stop a few laps later as they pinned their BARCELONA: Lewis Hamilton claimed his fifth suc- hopes on fresher medium tyres making the differ- cessive Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday ahead of Red ence towards the finish. At the midway point Bull’s Max Verstappen after a Mercedes pit-stop Hamilton set the fastest lap to go less than two and masterstroke. Hamilton moved on to 98 career wins a half seconds behind his Dutch rival. The gap was after a surprise second change of tyres hoodwinked less than a second shortly after. Red Bull to lift him 14 points clear of Verstappen in On lap 43 Mercedes played their ace card. the drivers’ standings. Hamilton, half a second off the lead, came into the MONTMELO: Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton “It was a really great strategy by the team. What pits for a second new set of mediums. He reemerged drives ahead of Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri a day!” beamed Hamilton, who was quick to with under 23sec to make up on Verstappen, who Bottas during the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix acknowledge the smattering of fans allowed in to with tyre wear was in danger of becoming what he race at the Circuit de Catalunya on Sunday in MADRID: Germany’s Alexander Zverev holds up the watch, a rare occurrence in the time of coronavirus. would describe afterwards as “a sitting duck” for Montmelo on the outskirts of Barcelona. —AFP winner’s trophy after beating Italy’s Matteo “It is great to see. I saw a British flag out there the man in pursuit of a record eighth drivers’ title. Berrettini during their 2021 ATP Tour Madrid Open which I haven’t seen for a long, long time. I feel Hamilton asked his pit wall: “How far have I got to tennis tournament singles final match at the Caja great after this. I feel like I could go again.” catch up?” team asked because there is a great trust between Magica in Madrid on Sunday. —AFP Hamilton had set off from pole for the 100th time “Currently 22 seconds... we’ve done it before...” us. Remarkable job by everyone in this team. What but was beaten to the first corner by Verstappen, came back the reply. There was a note of despera- a day.” with Charles Leclerc for Ferrari dishing out the tion on Red Bull’s radio with Verstappen suggesting Red Bull boss Christian Horner was magnani- Zverev clinches second same treatment on Valtteri Bottas on turn two. On “I don’t know how we are going to make it to the mous in defeat, saying: “In fairness, hats off to lap eight Yuki Tsunoda’s Sunday drive in Catalonia end”. Hamilton moved into second but there was no Mercedes and Lewis.” Verstappen said: “We’re not Madrid Open title for suffered a premature end when his AlphaTauri came hint of team orders with Bottas forcing his team- where we want to be and we still need to push hard to a grinding halt. mate into full overtaking mode. and catch up because at the moment we are a little “Engine stop” the Japanese rookie lamented as Ten laps to go and Hamilton had only three sec- bit slower. But compared to last year, it has been a Roland Garros boost the safety car emerged briefly to remove the immo- onds to make up on Verstappen and on lap 60 he jump for us.” bile obstacle. Verstappen held off Hamilton comfort- did it, surging past the Dutchman on turn one - Toto MADRID: Alexander Zverev recovered from a set Bottas took third in the second Mercedes with ably on the restart on lap 11, with Leclerc continuing Wolff, his team boss, punching the air with delight down to defeat Matteo Berrettini 6-7 (8/10), 6-4, Leclerc’s Ferrari in fourth and Sergio Perez in the to split the two Mercedes. as their masterstroke paid off. 6-3 and win the Madrid Open for a second time second Red Bull completing the top five. Formula With a third of the race completed the first round Hamilton said he was in two minds as to whether Sunday as he clinched a fourth Masters 1,000 title. One takes a breather next weekend before return- of pit stops began, with all eyes on which of the to obey the order to come in. “I was about to get a The German fifth seed recorded his third consecu- ing for the Monaco Grand Prix with Hamilton possi- front two with less than a second between them shot to get past him as I pitted. I was really conflict- tive top-10 victory this week, having eliminated bly having a tilt at his century of wins in Azerbaijan would blink first. Verstappen it was who came in on ed - ‘do I come in or ignore the call?’. I did what the five-time Madrid champion Rafael Nadal and at the start of June. —AFP Dominic Thiem to reach the final. Zverev, last year’s US Open runner-up, added to his 2018 Madrid triumph as he denied Berrettini suc- banned Baffert from entering any horses at the cessive titles following the Italian’s win in Belgrade last Kentucky Derby racetrack while it awaits the conclusion of an inves- month. “It is great (to win this title), especially after tigation by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. losing my last three finals I played at Masters 1000 winner Medina Spirit It would take a second positive result from a split events,” Zverev said. “This is definitely special and I sample for the horse to be disqualified. But if the just want to enjoy this one.” second sample does come back positive Medina Zverev was full of praise for his Italian rival. tests positive Spirit’s results would be invalidated and runner-up “Matteo was an extremely difficult opponent, Mandaloun will be declared the winner, Churchill because I had not faced anyone who serves at 235 for banned substance Downs officials said. km/h, who dominates the ball like him. Against Rafa “Failure to comply with the rules and medication (Nadal) and Dominic (Thiem), the matches were dif- WASHINGTON: Kentucky Derby winner Medina protocols jeopardizes the safety of the horses and ferent, although they are obviously excellent clay Spirit has tested positive for a banned substance, jockeys, the integrity of our sport and the reputa- players, perhaps the two best at the moment. Against trainer Bob Baffert said Sunday, and the horse could tion of the Kentucky Derby and all who participate. Matteo, it was extremely difficult to just put the ball be stripped of its history-making victory. Baffert Churchill Downs will not tolerate it,” the racetrack LOUISVILLE: In this file photo taken on May 1, 2021, back in the court.” told reporters at a Sunday news conference at said in a statement. Zverev is targeting a second Rome title at the Foro Medina Spirit #8, ridden by jockey John Velazquez, Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, that post- “Given the seriousness of the alleged offense, Italico next week. He captured his first Masters there race testing showed Medina Spirit was positive for (right) crosses the finish line to win the 147th running Churchill Downs will immediately suspend Bob of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on in in 2017 before also winning in Montreal later that year. 21 picograms of betamethasone, an anti-inflamma- “Rome is also an event I like and enjoy, so I hope I can Baffert, the trainer of Medina Spirit, from entering Louisville, Kentucky. —AFP tory steroid medication not allowed to be used any horses at Churchill Downs Racetrack. We will perform in the same way as I did here and we will see within 14 days of competition. how it goes there. I feel awesome,” said Zverev. await the conclusion of the Kentucky Horse Baffert denied treating the colt with the medica- Racing Commission’s investigation before taking we need to do a better job in racing.” After Rome, the German star will target a maiden tion and said he will investigate the test result to Grand Slam title at Roland Garros. However, he has yet further steps.” “I don’t feel embarrassed,” Baffert said. “I feel determine how the substance got into the horse’s to get beyond the quarter-finals in Paris. “To play well But critics were already piling on the three-year- like I was wronged. “There’s problems in racing, but at Roland Garros, you have to play well during the system following the race. “I got the biggest gut old colt and his trainer, former US President Donald it’s not Bob Baffert.” Baffert set a record for the season on clay. In that sense, it’s (Sunday’s win) impor- punch in racing for something I didn’t do,” said Trump saying, “So now even our Kentucky Derby most wins by any trainer in the Derby’s 147-race tant to me,” said Zverev. Berrettini, making his Madrid Baffert, who claimed a record seventh Kentucky winner, Medina Spirit, is a junky... the whole world is history on May 1 when 12-1 Medina Spirit won main draw debut this week, was attempting to become Derby victory with Medina Spirit but who is now laughing at us.” Baffert wasn’t laughing, however, under jockey John Velazquez to give Baffert his sev- this year’s third first-time Masters champion after again under scrutiny after this latest in a string of vowing to challenge the finding as far as he could. enth career Derby title. Two of his Kentucky Derby Hubert Hurkacz (Miami) and Stefanos Tsitsipas drug test failures. “It’s disturbing,” Baffert said. “It’s “I’m going to fight it tooth and nail,” Baffert said. “I winners, Justify and American Pharoah, went on to (Monte Carlo). —AFP a complete injustice to the horse.” owe it to the horse, I owe it to the owner and I owe claim the Triple Crown with wins in the Preakness Churchill Downs announced Sunday it has it to our industry. Our industry needs to step up and and Belmont Stakes. —AFP

Engineering and Technology on Sunday, also found light enough, even for today’s fast-scoring, short off a yorker for starters, but it’s exciting for all kinds Bamboo bats could the laminated bamboo bat possessed a larger sweet forms of the game.” of strokes,” he added. spot, making it “a batsman’s dream”. Willow trees The study found that bamboo is 22 percent Bamboo’s higher density means that the bat’s take 15 years to mature enough to produce cricket stiffer than willow and that its sweet spot performed shape would have to be redesigned to make a revolutionize cricket bats, whereas bamboo only requires five to six 19 percent better. The prototype bat’s sweet spot — lighter product before batsmen can blast bowlers years and abounds in China, South America and the point where the ball is hit most effectively — is with their new weapon. The London-based LONDON: Cricket is a sport defined by tradition, southeast Asia as well as cricket-obsessed India. larger than a traditional bat’s and located closer to Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) — the conserva- but change may be in store after research suggest- Bamboo bats could increase participation in low- the toe. That allows it to transfer more energy to the tive custodian of cricket’s laws — must approve any ed bamboo could be an attractive alternative to wil- er-income countries thanks to lower production ball, the researchers said. change to the material used to make bats. low in the manufacture of bats. The Cambridge costs and make cricket much more sustainable with- Cricketers have long experimented with different University study said its prototype bamboo bat was out compromising quality, the study claimed. Co- Technological evolution types of bat, from the length of the handle to thick- cheaper to produce, more sustainable and stronger author Ben Tinkler-Davies said: “Whether you’re Bamboo bats would be “a batsman’s dream”, ness of the blade and weight, to try to gain a com- than traditional willow blades and could grow the playing or spectating, you wouldn’t notice much of a according to co-author Darshil Shah, who played petitive edge. In 1979, Australia’s Dennis Lillee game worldwide. difference. “Because laminated bamboo is so strong, cricket for Thailand at youth level. “The sweet spot caused controversy by using an aluminum bat, The article, published in the Journal of Sports we’re very confident we can make a bamboo bat on a bamboo bat makes it much easier to hit a four which was then banned. —AFP Established 1961 15 Sports Tuesday, May 11, 2021 A month before Euro 2020, uncertainty off the pitch and on

PARIS: Postponed last year because of the pandem- capacity, with the exception of Munich. The German wonder is how manager Gareth Southgate will ic, Euro 2020 finally kicks off in a month’s time when city aims to host at least 14,500 fans at the Allianz accommodate emerging superstars like Phil Foden Italy face Turkey in Rome but the health crisis con- Arena, but mayor Dieter Reiter said in April there and Mason Mount. With group games at Wembley, tinues to cast a shadow over a tournament being held had been “no promises, of any kind, to guarantee and the incentive of the semi-finals and final being for the first time at venues all across the continent. spectators”. In contrast, Budapest could allow a full played at home too, England may sense this is their UEFA’s focus this week is on the headache of house of 61,000 at the Puskas Arena, albeit with chance. what to do with the Champions League final amid “strict stadium entry requirements for spectators”. pressure from the UK government to move the all- Nevertheless, Euro 2020 will not quite be the France aim for double English showpiece from Istanbul to England. pan-continental party envisaged when, under for- Yet they can hardly ignore the multiple threats European football’s governing body has already mer president Michel Platini, UEFA announced the from elsewhere, not least the one directly across dealt with similar difficulties surrounding the Euro, format of Euro 2020 to mark the 60th anniversary the Channel. France, after all, are the reigning which will be staged in 11 cities, concluding with the of the competition. No travel exemptions are being world champions and aim to repeat their perform- final in London on July 11. made for ticket-holders, meaning those entering ance in 2000, when they won the Euro as World Dublin was due to be the 12th host but was countries from abroad could have to quarantine on Cup holders. dropped in April after local authorities refused to arrival. They may simply not be allowed in at all. “You don’t just win titles with a click of your fin- Germany have not had their problems to seek, includ- give guarantees about a minimum number of spec- Fans who are able to get in will be assigned a gers,” France coach Didier Deschamps told AFP. ing losing 6-0 to Spain and then being beaten at tators attending matches. Its games have been 30-minute time slot to arrive at stadiums, in an “The other nations are progressing. They’re not sit- home by North Macedonia in World Cup qualifying. moved to Saint-Petersburg and London, while attempt to limit gatherings outside grounds. After all ting still, but when a competition starts we want to After their own 2018 World Cup debacle, when coach Bilbao was dropped for the same reason but Spain that, there will be the football, and the hope is the go as far as possible.” Julen Lopetegui left on the eve of the tournament, will still stage four matches with Seville stepping in. second 24-team European Championship will live Portugal, who defeated France in the Euro 2016 Spain look in better shape now under Luis Enrique After a year of football in empty stadiums, UEFA up to expectations on the field. The list of con- final, will not give up their title easily, even with and will be at home in Seville in the group stage. was determined supporters would be able to attend tenders is a long one, and it remains to be seen Cristiano Ronaldo now aged 36. However, they are The Netherlands and Italy are two more rejuve- games at the 24-team European Championship. which teams might benefit from the one-year post- in the same group as both Les Bleus and Germany. nated teams playing group games at home, while ponement. There are nevertheless big doubts about the World Cup semi-finalists Belgium remain the top- Munich: ‘No promises’ Twelve months ago England were sweating on Germans, in their last major tournament before ranked nation in the world and are another side to The remaining venues have all confirmed fans the fitness of Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford Joachim Loew stands down as coach. be taken very seriously when the football, eventual- will be allowed to fill between 25 and 100 percent of before the tournament was put on ice. Now the Since making a mess of the 2018 World Cup, ly, takes center stage. —AFP

blockbuster weekend also finished honors Real Madrid title even, meaning the situation at the top is unchanged with three games now hopes hit by remaining. Atletico are two points clear of both Real Madrid and Barcelona, with the Neymar on target dramatic draw title very much back in their hands. A Sevilla victory might have given but PSG draw leaves MADRID: Eden Hazard’s 94th-minute them an outside chance but instead they equaliser salvaged Real Madrid a dramat- remain six points back and are surely ic 2-2 draw against Sevilla on Sunday as out of the running. “We’re disappointed Lille closer to title but we are not going to give up,” said an extraordinary penalty decision swung PARIS: Neymar was on target the day after sign- La Liga’s title race back in Atletico Sevilla coach Julen Lopetegui. “We are going to try to keep this dream going a ing his contract extension but Paris Saint- Madrid’s favor. Germain were held to a 1-1 draw at Rennes on Zinedine Zidane’s side had leveled little longer.” With a superior head-to-head record Sunday that leaves Lille a step closer to a through Marco Asensio midway through remarkable Ligue 1 title triumph. PSG led at half- the second half and thought they had a over Barcelona, Real Madrid scraping a draw could also yet prove decisive, given time after Neymar converted a controversial penalty when Karim Benzema was penalty award, but they were pegged back in the brought down after rounding Sevilla they only have to overtake one team now MADRID: Real Madrid’s Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois reacts to Sevilla’s sec- second half as Serhou Guirassy headed in the goalkeeper Yassine Bono. instead of two. “It’s a shame but we’re ond goal scored by Sevilla’s Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic during the Spanish equaliser. But VAR prompted referee Juan alive,” said Luka Modric. “We have seen that everyone is dropping points so you League football match between Real Madrid CF and Sevilla FC at the Alfredo di Presnel Kimpembe was later sent off for Martinez Munuera to check an Eder Stefano stadium in Valdebebas, on the outskirts of Madrid on Sunday. —AFP Mauricio Pochettino’s side, who could not get Militao handball a few seconds before, have to have faith.” Hazard had to come off the Real bench after his controversial back to winning ways on their return to domestic with a huge decision seeing Madrid’s action following their Champions League semi- reaction to the Champions League defeat minute and it was brilliantly worked, a first time into the net. penalty cancelled and a spot-kick award- final exit against Manchester City. by Chelsea and while the equalizer was short free-kick down the right improving Madrid had the momentum and they ed to Sevilla instead. PSG are now three points adrift of Ligue 1 eventually credited to him, there was the angle before Rakitic’s cool header thought they had a penalty before the Ivan Rakitic converted and while leaders Lille, who know they will be champions hardly a sense of redemption given how down gave Fernando Reges the chance. pendulum swung one way and then the Madrid still managed to hit back in for the first time since 2011 by taking four points little the Belgian knew about it. He dummied past the diving Casemiro other in a matter of seconds. Sevilla’s cor- injury time, Toni Kroos’ shot deflecting from their remaining two matches of the season. Sevilla had 75 per cent of the ball in before slotting in. ner was cleared and Benzema was sent in off Eden Hazard’s foot, the draw hands The Parisians have won the French title in seven the first 10 minutes but it felt like more, through one-on-one, rounding Bono and the advantage back to Atletico at the of the last eight years but they have regularly with Madrid chasing shadows and inca- Asensio’s rapid response going down for what looked an obvious end of another dramatic weekend in the wobbled this season and the decision to replace pable of escaping their own half. They Madrid emerged early after half-time. spot-kick. Instead, Martinez was prompt- Spanish title race. “They have to explain coach Thomas Tuchel with Pochettino during the scored with their first attack, Benzema Vinicius Junior poked onto the outside of ed to look at the monitor, where he saw the exact rules of the hands to me,” said winter break looks like it will not have the desired rising above Jules Kounde to head in, only the post after a clever short corner before Militao had dangled an arm onto the ball Zidane afterwards. “But now we have to impact. for the goal to be chalked off, with Alvaro Modric departed for Asensio, who scored before Sevilla’s corner was cleared. Both think about the next game. It is not up to “We will keep believing until the end, we won’t Odriozola offside in the build-up. 65 seconds after coming on. Sevilla’s Joan benches made their feelings clear while us now, but we will fight to the end, to lose faith, but at Paris Saint-Germain we need to Madrid looked jaded, the usually reli- Jordan was caught in midfield and the voices from the stand in front of the death.” do much better,” captain Marquinhos told broad- able Modric guilty of sloppy passes while Benzema sped away. Asensio looked like Martinez, most of them belonging to After Barcelona and Atletico played caster Canal Plus. “Lille are a really good side and Kroos and Casemiro struggled to affect he had overrun the ball but it was Madrid, insisted the ball had struck out a goalless draw on Saturday at Camp are winning every match. We have two games left the game. Sevilla took the lead in the 22nd returned to him by Kroos and he swept Militao’s back. — AFP Nou, the second installment of La Liga’s and we need to believe, focus on ourselves and perform better.” Lille had opened up a provisional four-point Milan knock Juve half time with Diaz scoring on the lead by winning 3-0 at Lens on Friday, with Burak rebound after Juventus goalkeeper Yilmaz scoring twice. It appeared PSG might out of top four Wojciech Szczesny cleared a Hakan respond in kind, despite being without the sus- Calhanoglu free-kick. Milan should pended Kylian Mbappe or the injured Marco with thumping win have gone two up just before the hour Verratti in Brittany. when Giorgio Chiellini was judged to They were given the chance to take the lead in have handled the ball, but Szczensy first-half stoppage time when referee Ruddy MILAN: AC Milan pushed Juventus denied Kessie’s weak penalty. Buquet surprisingly awarded a penalty after out of the Serie A top four with a 3-0 Milan’s star striker Zlatan reviewing footage of Rennes defender Nayef win in Turin on Sunday which increas- Ibrahimovic came off with a left knee Aguerd attempting to block a Layvin Kurzawa shot. es their hopes of Champions League injury after 65 minutes with Diaz also Neymar marked Saturday’s announcement that football for the first time since 2014. replaced five minutes later. “He wasn’t he had extended his contract until 2025 by Brahim Diaz put Milan ahead just at his best, but he didn’t want to miss stroking home from the spot. However, Rennes before the break with Anton Rebic the match,” said Pioli of the 39-year- are chasing European qualification and they went and Fikayo Tomori adding two more old Swede. “He has a sore knee, but I looking for the equalizer, getting their reward 20 in the second half after Franck Kessie don’t think it’s something serious.” minutes from time when Guirassy headed in had missed a penalty. Rebic doubled Milan’s lead with a Benjamin Bourigeaud’s corner. Milan move up to third, equal on 72 fantastic strike with 12 minutes to go PSG were then reduced to 10 men three min- points with second-placed Atalanta, and Tomori put the cherry on the cake utes from time when Kimpembe’s lunge on with Napoli a further two points TURIN: AC Milan’s Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (center) and Juventus’ when he headed home the third min- Jeremy Doku earned the defender a straight red behind in fourth and the final Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (right) eye the ball during the Italian utes later. Juventus coach Andrea card. PSG’s last two games are at home to Champions League berth. Juventus are Serie A football match Juventus vs AC Milan on Sunday at the Juventus stadi- Pirlo was at a loss to explain what Reims and away at relegation-threatened Brest, now fifth, one point behind the top four um in Turin. —AFP went wrong with star striker Cristiano while Lille finish at home to Saint-Etienne and with three games left to play, including Ronaldo failing to add to his Serie A- away at Angers. next weekend’s clash with newly- leading 27 league goals. ues. “I think I can do better. There are lot can happen,” said Gasperini. Earlier, a first senior goal for Belgian youngster crowned champions Inter Milan. “We got into the game pretty well three games left and I will continue to Atalanta have the top attack in Eliot Matazo gave Monaco a 1-0 win at Reims “We had a great game, a victory and then little by little we fell apart ... do my job as long as I can.” Serie A ahead of newly-crowned that kept the principality club on course for a over a direct rival at this moment in It’s hard to explain,” said Pirlo. “When champions Inter Milan which they top-three finish and a return to the Champions the championship is very important,” you lose 3-0 in such an important Atalanta second added to in Parma with Ruslan League. Teenager Matazo, signed from said Milan coach Stefano Pioli whose game, it means that there are a lot of Earlier Atalanta brushed aside rele- Malinovskyi grabbing the first after Anderlecht aged 16 in 2018, struck in the 20th side lost 3-1 to Juve in the San Siro in things that did not work.” gated Parma 5-2 to move back into 12 minutes. Luis Muriel and Matteo minute and Monaco then saw out the victory to January. “We still have to fight. But I Pirlo ruled out resigning, insisting: second. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side Pessina came on after the break get back on track after losing at home to rivals have a very young team, that is matur- “No I won’t step aside. I undertook are closing in on a third consecutive and the Colombian set up the Lyon last weekend. —AFP ing as this evening proved.” this work with a lot of enthusiasm, season of Champions League football. Italian for the second six minutes The breakthrough came just before with difficulties, but my work contin- “There’s still two weeks to go and a later. —AFP

ing the drop. But they were 2-0 down just past the the sacked Slaven Bilic in December with West Leicester with three games to play. Eighth-placed West Brom relegated half-hour mark thanks to well-taken goals from Brom just one place off the bottom. Our real prob- Everton remain in the hunt for Europa League Emile Smith Rowe and Nicolas Pepe. lem was not beating the bottom-six sides when we qualification. from Premier League Matheus Pereira pulled one back in the 67th came up against them. The results against Chelsea, Brighton blew a chance to secure their survival in minute after running the length of the Arsenal half. Manchester United and Manchester City should a dramatic 2-1 defeat at Wolves. The Seagulls took But Willian’s 90th-minute free-kick, his first goal for have been bonus points.” the lead in the 13th minute when Lewis Dunk head- after Arsenal defeat Arsenal, confirmed West Brom’s fate one season Victory for Arsenal came just days after they ed in Pascal Gross’ corner in a match Brighton after they were promoted. failed to reach the Europa League final following a needed to win to be sure of avoiding relegation. LONDON: West Bromwich Albion were relegated Defeat meant Baggies boss Sam Allardyce had lacklustre goalless draw against a Villarreal side But Brighton captain Dunk was sent off in the from the Premier League after losing to Arsenal 3-1 suffered the first Premier League relegation of his managed by former Gunners boss Unai Emery. “We 53rd minute after he pulled back Fabio Silva. on Sunday. Meanwhile, West Ham’s top-four bid managerial career. “It’s not sunk in yet, but I’m sure needed that win,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Wolves equalized in the 76th minute through suffered a major setback with a 1-0 defeat by I’ll wake up tomorrow and realise the situation,” Arteta. “It has been a while since we won at home.” Adama Traore and Morgan Gibbs-White won it in Everton. Allardyce told BT Sport. Across London, West Ham were rocked by the 90th minute with his first Premier League goal. West Brom arrived at the Emirates Stadium “I’m bitterly disappointed we’re not still in the Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s 24th-minute goal. The Brighton’s Neal Maupay was sent off for foul and needing a win to maintain their slim hopes of beat- fight,” added the ex-England boss, who replaced Hammers are now five points behind fourth-placed abusive language after the final whistle. —AFP Established 1961 Sport

TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021 Fake cheers, empty seats: Tokyo gives glimpse of COVID-era Olympics

TOKYO: Fake cheers, empty seats and majority of Japanese oppose. “COVID-19 the sound of pounding feet: welcome to infection numbers are high in Tokyo and the COVID-era Tokyo Olympics, which Osaka, with many severe cases,” said Japan seems determined to hold at all protestor Takashi Sakamoto. “I would costs. An athletics test event brought like the money (for the Games) to be home the reality of hosting an Olympics used in hospitals instead,” he told AFP. during the pandemic, with athletes com- International Olympic Committee peting in a muted atmosphere and president Thomas Bach was forced yes- excitement hard to muster. terday to postpone a trip to Japan over Foot-strikes echoed around Tokyo’s the state of emergency. And a poll by 68,000-capacity Olympic Stadium dur- the Yomiuri Shimbun daily found 59 per- ing Sunday’s track events, with recorded cent of respondents want to cancel the crowd noises reaching a crescendo as the postponed 2020 Games, which will open runners approached the finish. A fanfare on July 23. The poll did not offer the of music greeted the end of the race, option of a further postponement. A before the runners quickly departed separate survey by the TBS television down the tunnel, leaving a smattering of channel found 37 percent back cancella- media and officials in the otherwise emp- tion, while 28 percent want the Games ty stadium. “It’s weird running in a stadi- delayed again. um with no fans,” US sprinter Justin Gatlin said after winning the men’s 100m. ‘Beyond safe’ “It feels almost like a time trial or kind of Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga like an intra-squad meet.” was forced on the defensive yesterday, The athletics meet, one of a series of insisting in parliament he has “never put test events taking place in Tokyo, the Olympics first” and his priority involved more than 400 competitors, remains “the lives and health of the only nine of them from overseas. The Japanese people.” An online petition urg- atmosphere could be similar at this ing the Games be cancelled has gathered summer’s coronavirus-delayed Games, more than 315,000 signatures since last with overseas fans already barred and Wednesday, but Games organizers insist TOKYO: Ryuji Miura of Japan competes and sets a national record in the men’s 3000m steeple-chase during an athletics test event for organizers set to decide in June how the mega-event can be held safely with the Tokyo Olympics at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Sunday. — AFP many domestic spectators can attend, if strict virus rules. “I felt beyond safe,” said any at all. Gatlin. “I’ve been tested every day, either in silence with no fans present. “We’ve trainers,” he told reporters. “It would at reported two coronavirus cases during Although the test events are unusual, saliva or nasal swab every morning. The been spitting in tubes a lot,” said British least be nice if we got a chance to walk the events: a diving coach who tested they lend weight to the argument that the bubble has been very successful. The diver Tom Daley. There were some frus- in the hotel garden or car park... it positive on arrival in Japan and was Olympics can be held despite the pan- only time I’ve seen the outside is when trations, with Germany’s sport director would be good if there was a way to fix quarantined, and a support member of a demic, which has left Tokyo and other we get on the bus to go to the track.” Lutz Buschkow describing the restric- these things.” rowing team who tested positive during areas under a state of emergency. There The rules were similarly strict at the tions as slightly claustrophobic. Gatlin said he hoped organizers the competition. But neither case forced was more noise outside the stadium on Diving World Cup the previous weekend, “The most disappointing thing is that might be “just a little more lenient” come a halt to events, and there were no Sunday, with around 100 people protest- which featured more than 200 divers we can’t breathe any fresh air. That’s a the Games, but that is unlikely. In an immediate reports of additional cases ing against an Olympics that polls show a from almost 50 countries somersaulting really big burden for the athletes and indication of the risks, organizers being detected. — AFP