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THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021 19 SHA'ABAN - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8579 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Amir visits National Security Shield Center

QNA — DOHA Amir listens to a Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin briefing on the Hamad Al Thani visited conference of yesterday morning the National Security Shield Center in Duhail forming a duty camp complex . force for joint During the visit, H H the Amir listened to a briefing on operations tasks the conference of forming a for FIFA World Cup duty force for joint operations tasks for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, with Qatar 2022, with the partici- the participation of pation of a number of brotherly and friendly coun- Turkey, the US, the tries represented by the Republic of Turkey, the United UK, France, Italy States of America, the United and Nato. Kingdom, the French Republic, the Italian Republic, in addition to the North Atlantic administrative and military Treaty Organisation (Nato). cadres and their performance in H H the Amir also listened the vital mission areas by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah and other dignitaries to another briefing on Invincible developing inter-operability `P2 Security Sentry 2021 exercise’ , between the two countries, during the visit to the National Security Shield Center in Duhail camp complex, yesterday. which was held in cooperation enhance coordination and between the Qatari armed planning in order to respond to After that, H H the Amir H H the Amir was accom- Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Mohammed Al Attiyah and a forces and the US forces. It aims transnational terrorist threats, toured the operations room and panied during the visit by Deputy Prime Minister and number of Their Excellencies to ensure bilateral planning, and to strengthen ways of dealing the halls of the air, land and sea Prime Minister and Minister of Minister of State for Defence ministers and senior military enhance the efficiency of the with regional security threats. halls. Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Affairs H E Dr. Khalid bin officials. Vaccine given Cabinet curbs services in private health facilities only to those who QNA — DOHA Minister of Justice and Acting regulate, develop and invest in the and the government of the Peo- Minister of State for Cabinet tourism and hospitality industry, ple’s Republic of Bangladesh meet eligibility The Cabinet yesterday ordered Affairs H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al demonstrate the civilizational, regarding the elimination of to stop the provision of medical Jafali Al Nuaimi said that at the cultural, artistic, and tourism fea- double taxation in relation to criteria: MoPH services in private health facil- outset of the meeting, the tures of the state, and cooperate income taxes, prevention of ities, except for emergency Cabinet listened to the expla- with all activities, services, and evasion and tax avoidance. QNA — DOHA cases. nation provided by H E Minister entities operating in the tourism It also approved a draft The Cabinet also allowed of Public Health on the latest sector within the state. memorandum of understanding The Ministry of Public Health any of these private health facil- developments to limit the It also gave approval of the regarding conducting political (MOPH) affirmed in a statement ities to provide some of their spread of the coronavirus Cabinet’s draft decision to consultations on issues of on Tuesday that the COVID-19 medical services if possible (COVID-19), and affirmed the The Cabinet allowed any of reconstitute the Lawyers common interest between the vaccine is only given to people through modern means of com- continuation of implementing these private health facilities Admission Committee. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the who have received invitations munication. This decision is the precautionary measures in The Cabinet also approved the State of Qatar and the Ministry to get the vaccine and who to provide some of their effective from tomorrow (April order to combat this draft decision of the Minister of of Foreign Affairs and Interna- have met the criteria set forth 2, 2021). pandemic. medical services if possible Transport and Communications tional Cooperation in the in the framework of the Prime Minister and Minister The Cabinet also gave through modern means of to establish sections in the admin- Republic of Rwanda. COVID-19 National Vaccination of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid approval of a draft Amiri communication. This decision istrative units at the General The Cabinet also approved Programme. bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al decision to establish Qatar is effective from tomorrow. Authority for Civil Aviation, and a draft memorandum of under- MoPH said that it has fol- Thani chaired yesterday via Tourism. The preparation of the to define their functions. standing on energy cooperation lowed up the severe over- video conference the Cabinet’s draft resolution comes to The Cabinet also approved between Qatar Petroleum in the crowding which took place at regular meeting. replace the Amiri Decree No. 74 National Council for Tourism. a draft agreement between the State of Qatar and the Ministry the Qatar National Convention Following the meeting, of 2018 establishing the Qatar Tourism aims to government of the State of Qatar of Energy in Ukraine. `P2 Center (QNCC) earlier on Tuesday, after a large number of people arrived at the same time to get the vaccination PHCC conducts study on extent QNTC launches Chefs of without a prior appointment. The large and temporary Qatar Virtual Food Festival crowding led to a lack of of COVID-19 spread in Qatar observance of social dis- tancing standards, which is THE PENINSULA — DOHA reflects this diverse and eclectic unacceptable.`P3 QNA — DOHA range of influences. From sam- PHCCP has conducted a study to Qatar National Tourism Council pling cuisine by world- The Primary Health Care Corpo- eestimate the extent of the spread (QNTC) in collaboration with renowned chefs to the chance ration (PHCC) has conducted a ofo the coronavirus (COVID-19) talabat and Qatar Airways kicks to win free airline tickets, Chefs study to estimate the extent of ppandemic using the molecular test off today its inaugural Chefs of of Qatar showcases the best of the spread of the coronavirus Qatar Virtual Food Festival. Qatar.” FUEL PRICE (COVID-19) pandemic using the (P(PCR) in addition to blood samples to Running until May 12, Chefs The festival will allow molecular test (PCR) in addition determined the level of immunity. of Qatar features world-class foodies to ‘travel the world’ to blood samples to determine chefs from Qatar’s top restau- from the comfort of their own the level of immunity. rants sharing their stories and homes, enabling them to order The prevalence rate based on The first phase of the survey signature dishes to bring fla- exclusive three-course meals Qatar Petroleum announced the was carried out at the end of antibody and molecular tests vours of the world to including a starter, main and among the registered population Third of the fuel prices for the July 2020. The prevalence rate doorsteps. dessert, prepared by world- month of April 2021. based on antibody and 14.614 6 at PHCC was estimated. participants who QNTC Secretary-General renowned chefs in Qatar with molecular tests among the reg- were positive and Qatar Airways Group Chief prices capped at QR200. istered population at PHCC was The total prevalence of the in the antibody Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, Twenty-three fine dining QR1.85 pandemic in Qatar within 8 estimated at 14.6 percent. test showed a said: “We are very pleased to restaurants with 19 prominent Price of super grade This rate was the lowest months among the primary decrease in the bring the first Chefs of Qatar Qatari and international chefs petrol for a litre among children between the ages health care community was concentration of Virtual Food Festival to life. In are participating in the of 10 and 17 years (9.7 percent), antibodies. the absence of in-person fes- festival. QR1.80 and the highest among the elderly 19.1% tivals and large-scale events, The global and local (19.8 percent) aging 60 years and this virtual culinary festival celebrity chefs and their restau- Price of premium grade over. The percentage of infection enriches domestic tourism rants participating in the festival petrol for a litre was higher in males compared to The second phase of the phase of the study were invited while supporting the F&B include Salvatore Silvestrino, females with a great variation study was carried out by the end to retest the antibodies in sector. Chef Gina, Vinay Kumar, Mert QR1.70 according to nationality and of October 2020. The individuals addition to the molecular test by A melting pot of cultures, Duran, Sezar Esper Eliass, Timur Price of diesel for a litre. municipalities. who participated in the first nose and throat swabs. `P3 Qatar’s vibrant food scene Fazilov. `P3 02 HOME THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021

Amir visits National Security Shield Center

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Amir meets ConocoPhillips chairman Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, and top-ranking military officers during his visit to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met at Al Bahr Palace yesterday morning with Chairman the National Security Shield Center in Duhail camp complex yesterday. and Chief Executive Officer of ConocoPhillips, Ryan Lance, who called on H H the Amir to greet him on the occasion of his visit to the country. They reviewed the existing cooperation and relations between the two sides and the prospects for their development. The Amir also met with Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft Oil Company, Igor Sechin, who called on the Amir to greet him on the occasion of his visit to the country. They reviewed the existing cooperative relations between the two sides and means of enhancing them.

780 new virus cases, 2 deaths OFFICIAL NEWS THE PENINSULA — DOHA hospital admissions in the last 24 hours taking the total Amir sends The Ministry of Public Health number of patients in the hos- written message (MoPH) reported 780 new cases pital to 1668. of COVID-19 yesterday. Among A total of 25, 808 doses of to King of Spain them, 118 were travellers COVID-19 vaccines have been returning from abroad. administered in 24 hours. The Madrid: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim A total of 437 people total number of vaccine doses bin Hamad Al Thani sent a written recovered from COVID-19 yes- administered since the start of message to King of Spain H M terday, bringing the total the vaccination campaign is Felipe VI, pertaining to bilateral number of people recovered in 816,484. relations and ways to enhance and Qatar to 164,121. “Every day, hundreds of develop them. The message was Speaker reviews parliamentary ties with envoys The total number of pos- people are becoming sick due handed over by Ambassador of itive COVID-19 cases recorded to the COVID-19 with many the State of Qatar to the Kingdom Speaker of the Shura Council H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud met yesterday separately in Qatar is 179,964 and there requiring admission to hospital of Spain H E Abdullah bin Ibra- with Ambassador of the Dominican Republic H E George Bahsa Hazeem; Ambassador of the Federal are 15,552 active cases under to manage their symptoms. him Al Hamar, during his meeting Republic of Germany in Doha H E Claudius Fischbach; and Ambassador of the Republic of Poland H E treatment. Since 1 February, the number with Minister for Foreign Affairs, Janusz Janke. The meetings dealt with reviewing cooperation and relations between Qatar and the The Ministry also of people with COVID-19 European Union and Coopera- Dominican Republic, Germany, and Poland, particularly in the parliamentary field. announced two deaths aged 49 admitted to hospital has tion of the Kingdom of Spain H E and 62 years old. doubled,” said the Ministry in Arancha Gonzalez Laya. — QNA There are 239 cases of its daily COVID-19 report. Cabinet curbs services in private health facilities FROM PAGE 1 The Cabinet also reviewed the results of the extraordinary meeting of the Committee of Health Two arrested for violating home quarantine Ministers in the GCC states and took the appropriate decision in this regard. QNA — DOHA legally accountable for in force in the country, approved accordance with the proce- by health authorities. The designated authorities dures of the health authorities The violators being referred arrested yesterday two people in the country. to prosecution were identified for violating home quarantine The arrest of the violators as Saad Saeed Saad Al Rafada requirements they committed came in implementation of the Al Marri and Ibrahim Abdullah to following, which they is precautionary measures in Saeed Saleh Al Junaibi. Qatar reiterates condemnation of violence against civilians, rights abuses in Syria

QNA — NEW YORK

The State of Qatar has reit- H E Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani said erated its firm position the State of Qatar has been committed to its humanitarian condemning violence against responsibility and has been at the forefront of countries that civilians and flagrant violations contributed to providing humanitarian aid to the Syrian of international humanitarian people, which exceeded $2bn. law and international human rights law in Syria, which were confronted with oppression and excessive violence, coinciding Syrian people, which exceeded independence. with the tenth anniversary of $2bn. She reiterated Qatar’s the launch of the peaceful Her Excellency noted the support for the efforts of the protests of the Syrian people. legal and moral responsibility Special Envoy of the Secretary- This came in a statement of the State of Qatar towards General to reach a solution made by Permanent Represent- ensuring justice and account- through a meaningful political ative of Qatar to the United ability for war crimes and process that leads to a political Nations in New York H E crimes against humanity and transition in accordance with Ambassador Sheikha Alya addressing impunity, as one of the Geneva Declaration and the Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, before the factors contributing to the full implementation of Security the United Nations General sustainability of peace and pre- Council Resolution 2254. Assembly in its informal venting the recurrence of She also stressed the need session, in which Her Excel- crimes. to support the Constitutional lency briefed H E Secretary- She explained that the Committee to achieve its General of the United Nations atrocities committed in Syria purpose, stressing the need for Antonio Guterres on the are the most documented, and measures to build confidence General Assembly decisions they also include the worst use and protect human rights, espe- 193/75 on the situation in Syria, of banned chemical weapons cially addressing the issue of about the resolution on the against civilians, in blatant vio- detainees urgently, she also human rights situation in Syria. lation of international law, in called for ensuring that human- The Permanent Represent- this context, Her Excellency itarian aid reaches all those in ative of Qatar to the United referred to the effective role need, and that it is delivered Nations in New York said that played by the State of Qatar, without hindrance. these violations have caused along with the Principality of Furthermore, she pointed the worst humanitarian crisis Liechtenstein, in establishing out that these and other witnessed, and led to the esca- the international, impartial and important elements were lation of terrorism, and to dire independent mechanism under emphasized in the joint min- consequences for peace and General Assembly Resolution isterial statement of the State security in the region and the 71/248, calling for continued of Qatar, the Republic of world, adding that it is espe- support for the mechanism that Turkey and the Russian Fed- cially unfortunate that the has proven effective in eration issued on Mar. 11, 2021 children who have most bore addressing impunity. in Doha. the brunt of the crisis are The Ambassador went on At the conclusion of her children, of whom millions saying that after ten years of the statement, the Permanent Rep- have only known the scourge crisis, it has become clear to resentative of Qatar to the of wars. everyone that military solutions United Nations in New York The Permanent Represent- have not and will not succeed, Ambassador Sheikha Alya ative added that in view of this and will only lead to more suf- Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, reit- catastrophic humanitarian sit- fering and regional instability, erated the State of Qatar’s con- uation, the State of Qatar has stressing that a sustainable tinued cooperation with inter- been committed to its human- solution requires a political national partners, and sincerely itarian responsibility and has process that fulfills the legit- and earnestly seek possible been at the forefront of coun- imate aspirations of the Syrian ways to contribute construc- tries that contributed to pro- people and maintains unity in tively to ending the Syrian viding humanitarian aid to the Syria and its sovereignty and crisis. THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021 HOME 03 Prime Minister meets Rosneft CEO QNTC launches Chefs of Qatar Virtual Food Festival FROM PAGE 1 restaurants and their menus each. These tickets will be valid The participating chefs and including the three-course meal for travel for 1 year. One order restaurants also include Marios curated by their top chef for the from the Chefs of Qatar col- Papadopoulos, Steffen festival. lection through the talabat app Schnetzke, Marc Fery, Kamal Francisco Miguel de Sousa, equates to one entry. Mers, Friedemann Heinrich, Managing Director of talabat The festival will also Steven Peter, Elias Gemayel, Qatar said, “We are very happy provide the patrons an oppor- Maroun Gebrael, Hisham AlB- to host the Chefs of Qatar tunity to care for those in need. rahim and Chaiwat virtual food festival on talabat. Automatically on each order Kawikitpraphat. Through this initiative, talabat placed from Chefs of Qatar col- In addition, Mondrian’s is proud to contribute to the lection, a meal will be donated Chef Timur from Morimoto is development of the hospitality to charity, so residents can help collaborating with renowned sector in Qatar, providing the out by staying in. Qatari chef Hassan Al Ibrahim, opportunity to all participating QNTC continues to prior- Park Hyatt’s Chef Steffen is restaurants to run the event vir- itise the health and safety of hosting Noor Al Mazroei, and tually through our app and residents, ensuring all restau- InterContinental Doha’s Chef benefit from our logistics rants participating in the Chefs Marc is teaming up with Sara capabilities.” of Qatar Virtual Food Festival Al Sayed, to offer curated The festival partner Qatar are Qatar Clean certified. Based menus and cuisines during the Airways will be giving away 24 on international hygiene and festival. return tickets to any Qatar safety standards, the pro- Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani met talabat is the exclusive Airways destination worldwide gramme is in partnership with yesterday morning with Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft Oil Company, H E Igor Sechin, and the partner for the Chefs of Qatar from Doha throughout the fes- Ministry of Public Health and is accompanying delegation, on the occasion of their visit to the country. They discussed cooperation festival. In its new Chefs of tival. Two winners will be being implemented across and relations between the State of Qatar and the oil company, particularly in the energy field. Qatar collection, the app will chosen randomly every week hotels and restaurants in the host all the participating to receive two return tickets country. Republic of San Marino awards Equestrian Order to Qatari envoy

QNA — ROME

The Republic of San Marino awarded H E Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Malki, non-resident Ambassador of the State of Qatar, the Equestrian Order, which is an order of merit awarded to distin- guished international personalities who contribute to the development of prospects of cooperation and friendship. San Marino’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, International Economic San Marino’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs H E Luca Cooperation and Telecommunications, Beccari presenting the Order to H E Ambassador Abdulaziz H E Luca Beccari, presented the Order QNTC Secretary-General and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, with chefs. bin Ahmed Al Malki. to Ambassador Al Malki. QOC Secretary-General meets Vice-President of Saudi Olympic Committee PHCC studies extent of Covid QNA — DOHA provides. Prince Fahd bin The Saudi Olympic Jalawi bin Abdulaziz toured the spread in Qatar Secretary-General of Qatar Committee Vice-President Academy and viewed its spe- FROM PAGE 1 Olympic Committee (QOC) is visiting Doha to attend cialised halls equipped with the Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain the Purebred Arabian latest educational tools that The results showed that a met with Vice-President of the Camel Festival for the provide the ideal environment total of 943 out of 2,044 people Saudi Arabian Olympic Sword of H H the Amir. for learners to receive various who participated in the first Committee H H Prince Fahd bin sciences in the best educational phase of the study completed Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin atmosphere, in addition to the the second phase successfully. Musaed, who is currently of the relationship between the library of the Academy which One of the important motiva- visiting Doha to attend the Saudi and Qatari Olympic contains more than 6,500 tions for implementing the Purebred Arabian Camel committees. books, references and sources. second phase of the study was Festival for the Sword of H H The Vice-President of the The visit also included a the conflicting global evidence the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Saudi Arabian Olympic Com- detailed explanation of the indicating that the concen- Hamad Al Thani. mittee also visited the head- logo and identity of Qatar tration of antibodies in the During the meeting, they quarters of Qatar Olympic Olympic Academy and the blood diminishes over time reviewed aspects of Olympic Academy in Al Gharrafa yes- vision it carries, in addition to after infection. The results also cooperation and ways of terday, where he was briefed an introductory presentation showed that the antibody test enhancing and promoting it. about the programmes, the on its objectives, programmes was able to detect twice the Secretary General of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Jassim bin Prince Fahd expressed activities and courses offered and courses that were held number of infected cases dis- Rashid Al Buenain, meeting with Vice-President of the Saudi Arabian thanks to the officials of the by the Academy, in addition to during the past period, and a covered by the PCR test alone. Olympic Movement in the State the means of training and the review of its future programs Olympic Committee H H Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin The total prevalence of the of Qatar, stressing the strength agenda of training courses it and plans. Musaed in Doha, yesterday. pandemic in Qatar within eight months among the primary health care community was 19.1 percent. Ashghal completes two 7,500 receive QRCS aid in Afghanistan Nearly third of the partic- ipants who were positive in the THE PENINSULA — DOHA groups like patients, persons nonfood items were procured, antibody test in the first phase water drainage projects with disability, children, and supplied, and distributed over showed a decrease in the con- THE PENINSULA — DOHA Qatar Red Crescent Society women. In Paktika, food parcels two phases, each covering 625 centration of antibodies, while (QRCS) is executing its Warm were distributed, each con- families in the two districts. only 8.8 percent of the partic- The Public Works Authority Winter 2020-2021 project in taining 55 kg of flour and veg- During the distribution cer- ipants showed no evidence of (Ashghal) has announced the Afghanistan. etable oil, in addition to four emony, Ibrahim Katwazi, Vice- retaining the antibodies to the completion of the surface water Its representation office blankets per family, to a total Governor of Paktika, thanked disease. Director of the Clinical drainage network at a length there works with local partners of 1,250 families, or 7,500 ben- QRCS and the local partner for Research Department at PHCC of 7.2 km to serve the areas to distribute food and nonfood eficiaries, in the districts of this assistance and commended Dr. Hamda Qutbah said that it running from Al Hamm Street aid packages to the poorest Zarghun Shahr and Yusuf Khel. the accurate, fair, and trans- is reassuring that more than to Al Sailiya Road. families worst hit by conflict Both the Afghan Education parent mechanism of selecting 90 percent of the individuals This network is connected to and natural disasters in Paktika and Aid Organization and the beneficiaries. who showed evidence of anti- another one which Ashghal com- and Logar provinces, at a total district offices of Afghanistan’s He hoped that QRCS would bodies to the disease in the pleted in November 2020, at a cost of $181,756. Ministry of Hajj and Religious continue to provide multi- first phase retained it after length of 4.4 km and which serves The purpose of the project Affairs were engaged in the faceted support in other parts three months of follow-up. Fereej Al Manaseer, South Eng. Fahad Al Otaibi also is to help the needy families to distribution. of the province. Fateh Muaither, Bu Sidra to Al Furousiya stated that the two completed withstand the too cold weather Under an agreement with Mohamed, a beneficiary in Street. Hence, both networks networks provide an integrated in their underserved areas, thus the Afghan Education and Aid Zarghun Shahr, said this was Vaccine given only were carried out at a total length solution to discharge surface protecting their lives and pre- Organization, all the logistic the first aid he received, even of 11.6 km and serve several water and stormwater in the serving their dignity. Special and technical procedures were he was a poor man who could to those eligible Western Areas in Doha such as main streets in order to reduce focus is given to the vulnerable carried out. Then, the food and not afford to support his family. FROM PAGE 1 Al Sailiya, Al Mearad, Rawdat Al stormwater accumulation Naisar, Muaither, Bu Sidra, during the rainy season and The Ministry underlined Southwest Muaither, Al Rayyan facilitate discharging of ponds that it is currently working East until Fereej Al Manaseer. and rainwater effectively, closely with the concerned Eng. Fahad Al Otaibi (pic- thereby reducing congestion authorities to ensure the tured), Head of Western Areas and the risk of traffic accidents effective and safe organization Section, at Ashghal’s Roads in the rainy season. They will of the vaccination program, Projects Department, pointed also contribute to lowering the and to emphasize the out that the recently imple- groundwater level to protect observance of social dis- mented project involved pipe the foundations of buildings tancing standards at all times. laying works for stormwater and roads in these areas. The Ministry reiterated drainage network and con- Both networks provide 93 that the vaccination appoint- structing 32 rainwater drainage tie-ins and 60 rainwater ments at QNCC are organised manholes. The surface water drainage manholes which serve through prior invitations only, drainage pipes within the 7 areas West of Doha and they and entry into the vaccination project are laid along Al Sailiya include surface water and rain- centre is permitted only after Street, Al Hamm Street, Umm water drainage network pipe- the completion of the Al Shawahin Street and New lines laid at depths ranging appointment verification proc- Al-Sailiya Road, to tie into the from 7m to 23m underground. esses, stressing that entry to pipeline in Al Waab Street up The two newly constructed net- the center will not be per- to Al Furousiya Street. The works come as part of Ash- mitted without a prior network eventually flow into ghal’s strategy to preserve the appointment. Those willing to Bu Sidra and Al-Manaseer environment and public health vaccinate should register at the pumping stations. and safety. Beneficiaries during a QRCS aid distribution ceremony in Afghanistan. ministry's website. 04 HOME THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021 Preparation for FIFA World Cup 2022 progressing at rapid pace

QNA – DOHA expressing hope to overcome the that will be held in Doha in 2022, COVID-19 pandemic before the in terms of infrastructure, sports Ambassador of the State of Qatar end of next summer. accommodation, equipment, to the French Republic H E He said that major French security, and housing services. Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani has companies supported the imple- He also expressed hope for con- affirmed that work in the mentation of Qatar National tinued cooperation with French construction sites of FIFA World Vision 2030 and the World Cup companies. Cup Qatar 2022 is progressing at a rapid pace, and that the construction is almost complete. The Ambassador expressed the State of Qatar’s aspiration to host a historic and unprece- dented World Cup, considering that it would be a carbon-neutral and environmentally friendly tournament. This came in his speech at the inauguration of a virtual symposium organized by the Qatari-French Economic League (Cadran) on the last preparations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and creating long-term growth levers for Minister of State for Foreign Affairs meets French companies in Qatar. In his opening speech, Sheikh Secretary-General of Mali’s Foreign Ministry Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani wel- comed the participants in the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met yesterday with Secretary- symposium that brought together Ambassador of Qatar to the French Republic H E Sheikh Ali bin General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Mali H E Boubacar Gouro Diall. During high-level French and Qatari Jassim Al Thani during the inauguration of a virtual symposium the meeting, they reviewed bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries. economic representatives, organised by the Qatari-French Economic League. QEERI showcases research, applied solutions at AgriteQ and EnviroteQ

THE PENINSULA – DOHA The team presented a Qatar Environment and Energy patented water Research Institute (QEERI), part desalination system which of Hamad bin Khalifa University The annual awards ceremony featured nearly 100 student projects can potentially lower the (HBKU), showcased its research representing Northwestern Qatar students’ scholarly and journalistic cost of municipal drinking and pilot projects during the excellence. eighth Qatar International Agri- water production from cultural Exhibition (AgriteQ) seawater on a large scale Media and Research Awards and second Qatar International by 30%. Environmental Exhibition (EnviroteQ), held at the Doha highlights NU-Q students' works Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) recently. analysis for agriculture, THE PENINSULA – DOHA recognition they may receive. QEERI’s Water Center industry, and animal It is also a signal – a signal to showcased the consultancy and QEERI’s exhibition booth at AgriteQ and EnviroteQ 2021. husbandry. Northwestern Qatar has the world – of the immense evaluation services that the They were able to demon- announced the 2021 Media and talent, imagination, and intel- institute provides for irrigation, strate their continuous mon- Research Awards, recognizing ligence that is present here … in groundwater treatment, and for off-grid rural water patented water desalination itoring of the indoor air quality nearly 100 projects repre- our students at Northwestern liquid waste disposal treatment treatment for developing coun- system which can potentially at the DECC and highlighted senting NU-Q students’ University in Qatar.” for agricultural initiatives and tries, and a system for the lower the cost of municipal the services provided by scholarly and journalistic Due to the global pandemic, farms. QEERI demonstrated treatment of air conditioning drinking water production from QEERI in air quality fore- excellence over the past two last year’s awards ceremony was several of the systems it has condensate water which can be seawater on a large scale by casting. QEERI’s team also years. postponed, and the winners developed, including polishing used for irrigation or other ben- 30%. QEERI’s Environment and spoke about the various This year’s finalists, which were announced along with this filtration systems for point-of- eficial uses, potentially con- Sustainability Center show- projects, facilities, and capa- include submissions from the year’s winners. There were use water treatment (suitable serving millions of liters of cased the capabilities of its bilities that the institute pos- academic years 2019-20 and nearly 100 submissions in three for household, medical, or water per year. Water Quality Labs, which can sesses for solar forecasting 2020-21, featured journalistic, main categories — Written dental use) that are also suitable The team also presented a perform high quality water and corrosion research. multimedia, and research Word, Moving Image, and Co- projects tackling pressing curricular Projects — from the global issues, ranging from a last two academic years. film on a Yemeni refugee who At the ceremony announcing HBKU holds webinar on early detection of heart, brain diseases found love in South Korea to the winners, the president of THE PENINSULA – DOHA news articles on racism in the NU-Q’s Student Union, Hamad vascular-related disease out- Arab World and social dis- Alfayhani, complimented the Demonstrating its commitment comes can be improved through tancing, to research projects on students on the work they pro- to providing essential educa- the novel early detection tech- digital diplomacy, education in duced during a global pandemic. tional and research training, the niques of noninvasive imaging.” Palestine, and the politics of “In times when our ability to College of Health and Life Speaking after the webinar, climate change. create has been constrained by Sciences (CHLS) at Hamad Bin Dr. Edward Stuenkel, Founding In past years, projects that circumstances outside our Khalifa University (HBKU) held Dean, CHLS, said: “We remain have been recognized in the control, we found the resilience an online webinar for physi- focused on supporting the award ceremony have received within our community to push cians on March 23, focusing on delivery of high-quality recognition globally. “From a forward and accomplish our the early detection of cardio- healthcare through highly- nomination for a Student joint vision,” he said. “This year vascular and brain diseases. trained medical professionals to Academy Award – a rare honor forced us all into a continuous The CPD-accredited fulfill the Qatar National Vision for an undergraduate – to films period of self-reflection – having webinar was delivered by two Dr. Charalambos Antoniades and Dr. Pedram Parva during the 2030. In Qatar, where cardiovas- being broadcast over Al Jazeera those moments is what we all eminent experts in the field: Dr. webinar. cular disease is the number one and honored at film festivals needed to find our way back to Charalambos Antoniades, Pro- cause of death from non-com- around the world, including doing what we truly love to do.” fessor of Cardiovascular Med- analysing the changes of com- of CPD committee, CHLS, who municable diseases, ensuring Cannes, Northwestern Qatar stu- Shortlisted projects for this icine at the University of Oxford, puterized tomography (CT) moderated the webinar, said: early diagnosis is a major pri- dents – and alumni – are telling year’s awards were submitted where he also heads the Acute attenuation of perivascular fat “The early detection of vascular ority. We are therefore deter- their stories to the world,” said and evaluated by a panel of Vascular Imaging Centre; and tissue. Participants also heard disease is crucial because it mined to support the devel- Marwan M. Kraidy, Dean and judges, which included North- Dr. Pedram Parva, Assistant from Dr. Parva about the latest allows for quicker action and opment of such a cadre of health CEO of Northwestern Qatar. western Qatar faculty and Professor in Radiology at advances in early detection for preventing complications, professionals through our aca- He went on to say that industry experts from leading Boston University, and lecturer technologies using MRI imaging in particular, the patients who demic programs and seminars while he expects this year’s media organizations, including at Harvard Medical School. of perivascular spaces to help present with sub-clinical active that offer knowledge and winners to also receive wide Al Jazeera, Doha Film Institute, Dr. Antoniades talked about diagnose different brain diseases such as atherosclerosis. insights into the latest tools, recognition, the work done by Ginger Camel, The Film House, developing a new biomarker diseases. Specific efforts are needed to approaches, and solutions to Northwestern Qatar students I Love Qatar, Gulf Times, Memac that detects inflammation in the Dr. Ayman Al Haj Zen, raise awareness among pressing healthcare is “more than the awards and Ogilvy, Al Kass Sports channels. human coronary arteries by Assistant Professor and Chair healthcare professionals that challenges.” Mandarin Oriental, Doha announces launch of MO Club

THE PENINSULA – DOHA and an open-air private garden Club, the hotel has created an courtyard offering a tranquil Accessed via a grand enticing introductory offer called Mandarin Oriental, Doha has retreat in the heart of Msheireb staircase, the MO Club MO Club Staycation, so that guests announced the launch of MO Club Downtown Doha. Lounge enjoys a stately and can stay and relax in style. The MO the latest addition to the hotel’s Guests staying in the Club intimate setting. It features Club Staycation offer includes an impressive facilities. Offering an Deluxe Room or Club Studio Suite semi-private seating, a cigar exclusive and complimentary exclusive experience and new can access the MO Club Lounge afternoon delights served daily heights of luxury, MO Club for complimentary breakfast, lounge with dedicated from 5 to 8pm in addition to the provides guests who stay in the tastefully crafted all-day refresh- humidors, a boardroom and other pre-determined benefits. Club Deluxe Room and Club Studio ments and evening beverages an open-air private garden With the afternoon delights, guests Suite with a host of benefits that with savoury delights served courtyard offering a tranquil will experience a culinary journey include bespoke service, privileged daily from 6pm to 8pm. Also, an retreat in the heart of MDD. reflection of regions along the dining and private amenities. exquisite new à la carte menu by ancient Silk Route, which stretches Accessed via a grand Executive Chef Kim for either from the Far East to Europe, truly staircase, the MO Club Lounge lunch or dinner at privileged delighting the senses. The enjoys a stately and intimate prices is available. Further ben- room check-in, early check-in afternoon delight includes a setting. It features semi-private efits include complimentary and late check-out upon selection of bites like the soft-shell seating, a cigar lounge with ded- pressing or laundering of up to availability. crab roll, cheese and date rakakat icated humidors, a boardroom two items per day, private in To celebrate the launch of MO roll and mushroom bun. THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021 HOME 05 Qatar, Mali hold round of political talks Shura Council, US Congress discuss parliamentary relations

A round of political talks was held in Doha yesterday between the foreign ministries of the State of H E Dr. Hind bint Abdulrahman Al Muftah, H E Reem bint Mohammed Al Mansoori members of the Qatar and the Republic of Mali. The Qatari side was headed by Secretary General at the Ministry of Shura Council, met on Wednesday with a delegation of members of the US Congress, who is currently Foreign Affairs H E Dr. Ahmad bin Hassan Al Hammadi, while the Malian side was headed by Secretary visiting the country.During the meeting, they reviewed parliamentary relations between the Shura General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H E Boubacar Gouro Diall. Council and the US Congress, and ways to support and develop them. The meeting was attended by Talks dealt with reviewing bilateral cooperation relations. Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Washington H E Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Thani. QU-CPH hosts virtual campaign on proper disposal of medications THE PENINSULA-DOHA and how to dispose of unused health, economic and environ- institutions could play in educating the public on how to medicines safely over a week. mental impact of improperly ensuring sustainable wider The outreach campaign properly dispose of their unused Qatar University (QU) College The webinar was held disposing of unused medication public awareness related to included a webinar, home medication through of Pharmacy (CPH) hosted the through WebEx and streamed at home and ways to minimise medication wastage and unused daily social media several videos on social media first virtual outreach campaign live on YouTube, with guest this medication. The webinar medications messages on how to platforms and a webinar. We are to raise awareness of the proper speaker Dr. Mutaseim Makki, was followed by a rich dis- Dr. Mohammad Diab, Dean proud of the College’s achieve- disposal of unused medications Scientific Researcher at the cussion that covered many of QU-CPH, commented: “While dispose of medicines ments and of its efforts to advance at home titled “Dispose your School of Pharmaceutical Sci- aspects, including the proper this time is very challenging and correctly, and a healthcare in Qatar and the world Unused Home Medications ences, University Sains ways of disposing of different with all the safety measures, we promotional video through excellence and innovation Correctly: Safe Use, Safe Malaysia. Panelists for the medications dosage forms at believe it is important to reach highlighting the harms in pharmacy education, research, disposal.” webinar included QU Health home, the role of health care the public and educate them to and risks of unsafe and service,” he added. The outreach campaign Director of Academic Quality providers in minimising the risk take the right action. The College Dr. Zachariah Nazar said, included a webinar, daily social Assurance Dr. Derek Stewart, of improper medication dis- of Pharmacy successfully con- disposal of medications “Inappropriate disposal of medi- media messages on how to QU-CPH Professor Dr. Hesham posal, local and international ducted its first virtual outreach and how to dispose of cations can have serious repercus- dispose of medicines correctly, Korashy, and QU-CPH Assistant rules and regulations regarding campaign entitled ‘Dispose Your unused medicines safely sions, both on the environment and and a promotional video high- Professor Dr. Zachariah Nazar. proper medications disposal, Unused Home Medications Cor- over a week. public health. This campaign is lighting the harms and risks of The webinar aimed to and the roles governments, rectly! Safe Use, Safe Disposal’.” essential in delivering critical mes- unsafe disposal of medications educate the public on the health, and academic “This campaign aims at sages . Sidra Medicine experts applaud role of QF’s Doha Debates podcast positive parenting for children with ASD downloaded in 206 nations, territories THE PENINSULA - DOHA partnership with their children. THE PENINSULA-DOHA One of the biggest strengths to Experts from Sidra Medicine have come out of these rela- Qatar Foundation’s Doha have advised parents of tionships is the impact of pos- Debates Course Correction children with Autism Spectrum itive parenting.” podcast launched its second Disorder (ASD) on the impor- Positive parenting strat- season with a series of weekly tance of positive parenting, egies for families with children episodes examining polarizing early intervention and main- with ASD, allow the child to feel issues ranging from lockdown taining routines. secure, loved which in turn politics to reparations to “cancel ASD is characterized by dif- helps in their development. culture”, with program host ficulties in social interaction The process also helps the Nelufar Hedayat having bridge- and communication and by families to handle the chal- building conversations with repetitive and stereotyped lenges together and not feel people she disagrees with. Hedayat strives to identify solu- much a muscle I’m learning to behaviors. It is amongst the overwhelmed, especially when Each episode addresses one tions and overcome differences strengthen and flex,” she said. most frequent and severe Dr. Fatima Janjua tasks and routines become a polarizing issue, and Hedayat on divisive issues such as pan- This season of Course Cor- developmental disorders. shared responsibility. will engage with people whose demic politics and the limits of rection is produced by Doha Sidra Medicine’s Autism Awareness Day is a The Sidra Medicine experts opinions are very different from free speech. The 12-episode Debates with production Department of Psychiatry fea- wonderful global effort to work advised parents who notice her own — and try to keep an second season of Course Cor- assistance from Foreign Policy tures Child and Adolescent closely with families, partners signs of ASD in their children, open mind. In addition to these rection follows last year’s debut magazine. Mental Health, Developmental and the wider community in to seek assessment from their challenging conversations, season, which attracted a Amjad Atallah, Managing Pediatrics and Adolescent Med- helping children with ASD to health care center. Early signs Hedayat works to under- quarter of a million downloads Director of Doha Debates, said: icine services for the diagnosis, reach their very best potential," of ASD in babies or toddlers can stand the wider context of in 206 nations and territories. “This new season of Course care and treatment of children he said. include lack of awareness of divisive issues by engaging with Hedayat said that the series Correction tackles polarization and young people with ASD World Autism Awareness their surroundings; lack of eye activists, authors, scientists, and provides bridge-building tips itself across a multitude of including other mental health Day was first proposed in 2007 contact or making very little even a former head of state, for all its listeners. “For me, issues in unique, compelling support. at the United Nations (UN), by eye contact; doesn’t respond to identifying solutions and making Course Correction ways. Prof. Muhammed Waqar H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, a parent’s reaction or facial bridging gaps for herself and for season two has been a thought- These podcast episodes Azeem, Inaugural Chair of the the Chairperson of Qatar Foun- expressions; doesn’t point to listeners. Hedayat’s Course Cor- provoking experience in which are enlightening and Department of Psychiatry at dation and Sidra Medicine. It objects or respond to events rection guests include a speaker I’ve sat across from people that engrossing, regardless of Sidra Medicine said: “Our team was adopted by the UN in when pointed out by the parent. described as the “godfather of I fundamentally disagree where you stand, made all the is committed to providing 2008 as a world observance Dr. Janjua said: “In Qatar, fake news”, a Swedish doctor with—and even find hard to better with the production and pro- children and their families with and is annually marked on the first step for a parent who who opposed pandemic lock- stomach. motional support provided by our quality mental health services April 2. is concerned that their child is downs, and a lawmaker with “Yet I take a deep breath partners at Foreign Policy.” New and resources. This is particu- Dr. Fatima Janjua, Division showing signs of ASD, would strong views on what can con- and I open myself up to the Course Correction episodes will be larly the case for children with Chief of Developmental Pedi- be to go to their local Primary stitute feminism. opportunity of learning, to at released every Wednesday ASD, to ensure that our support atrics at Sidra Medicine said: Health Care Clinic, where the In each podcast episode, least see what they see. It’s very over the next 11 weeks. makes them feel safe, a part of “This past year has been a chal- pediatricians have a screening society and respected. As a spe- lenging time for parents the questionnaire. cialist healthcare organization, world over, and even more so "If the questionnaire, shows Sidra Medicine is involved in a for parents of children with any indication that the child number of Autism related ASD. The pandemic has dis- might have ASD, they can make initiatives. rupted their children’s routines a referral to see the specialists It incudes Qatar’s National and had taken away their sense either at Sidra Medicine or Autism Plan as well as a of stability to their schedules. Hamad Medical Corporation. working group with the World However, one year on, I The earlier the intervention, the Health Organization to develop must applaud parents who easier for the child to catch up with evidence based interventions have overcome these chal- schooling, language development for individuals with ASD. World lenges and worked in and social interaction," she said. QNCECS concludes workshop on preserving environment QNA - DOHA recycle, raising awareness of important of which are: concepts the importance of recycling to about the recycling process, the Qatar National Commission for protect natural resources and importance of recycling in Education, Culture and Science preserving the environment, At protecting the environment and (QNCECS) concluded the virtual the beginning of the workshop, energy resources, facts about workshop on recycling and the Municipality of Al recycling of all kinds of materials preserving the environment, Shahaniya was introduced and (plastic, organic, paper, glass, and which it organized in its accession to the United aluminum), and presenting useful cooperation with the Nations Educational, Scientific and creative models and ideas that Municipality of Al Shahaniya and Cultural Organization illustrate the process of recycling. and the schools affiliated with (Unesco) network of learning In addition the workshop the Arab League Educational, cities, and its efforts and aimed at introducing students Cultural and Scientific interest in spreading the to the process of recycling and Organization (ALECSO) via principles of education and waste management in the remote visual communication environmental protection for State of Qatar, and reviewing technology. sustainability. some of the effects of waste The workshop aimed at The workshop included talks accumulation on the introducing students to how to about several axes, the most environment. 06 HOME THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021 Josoor Institute series gives insight on sports and events trends THE PENINSULA — DOHA industry professionals to lev- Bocconi School of Management; erage Qatar’s hosting of the The three-day online and Professor Simon Rofe, from Hundreds of sports and event FIFA World Cup. It has helped series covered a host of SOAS University of London. A management professionals thousands of professionals key topics, including host of SC employees also took from across the region attended develop new skills and further part, including Afrodite the second edition of Josoor their careers over the past eight industry trends, the Moschoudi, Aisha Al Kuwari, Hiwar — a series delivered by years. impact of COVID-19, Talar Sahsuvaroglu, Samantha Josoor Institute, the FIFA World Afraa Al Noaimi, Executive sports diplomacy, and Sifah, Mark Dyer, Caspar Cup Qatar 2022 education and Director, Josoor Institute, said: future skills. Morley, Gordon Penney, and training programme launched “It was a pleasure to host dele- Bashir Mirza, along with Mo by the Supreme Committee for gates and colleagues for the Mohammadi from the FIFA Delivery & Legacy (SC). latest Josoor Hiwar event. This Horizon Group; Nicolas Jutigny, World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC. The three-day online series type of industry gathering helps of Publicis Live; Matt Crisp, from Day one of the conference featured expert insight from people network with like- beIN SPORTS; George Prior gave delegates an overview of Sports and events professionals from Qatar and abroad during an sports and events professionals minded professionals and keep from AC Milan; Sara Eddleston the current economic implica- online session as part of 'Josoor Hiwar'. in Qatar and around the world. up with the latest business from YouGov Sport; Ahmed tions of COVID-19, along with A host of key topics were trends. I would like to thank all Abbassi, from the Qatar Stars looking at trends already in covered, including industry our expert speakers for their League; Natacha Schauenburg, place before the pandemic. Day planning in collaboration with KAS Eupen, Save the Dream, trends, the impact of COVID-19, contributions, along with the from Infront Sports & Media AG; two focused on key develop- Global Sports. The dedicated UCFB, and Buzztech. The sports diplomacy, and future attendees, for their valuable and Robert Wispelweij, from ments in the run-up to Qatar careers section of the event meetings allowed delegates and skills. The event also included input.” FIFA. 2022, including accommodation, allowed delegates and alumni alumni to find out what skills a careers section for Josoor Famous local participants Key contributors from the safety, and security, inclusivity, to use virtual booths to meet and expertise these organisa- Institute alumni and included composer Dana Al academic community were Pro- and accessibility. A session on with representatives from tions need. The next Josoor delegates. Fardan and entrepreneur fessor Daniel Kelly, from Tisch sports diplomacy was also held. various organisations, including Institute session, on the topic of Launched in 2013, Josoor Ghanim Al Sulaiti. Other con- Institute for Global Sports at Day three included information the Qatar Stars League, Aspire ‘Sustainability & Circular Institute offers education and tributors included Margareta New York University; Professor about future skills for the Academy, QF Sports, beIN Economy’, will take place on training to sports and events Drzeniek-Hanouz, from Elisabetta Trinchero of SDA evolving job market and career SPORTS, Paris Saint-Germain, April 6, at 6 PM Doha time. Parents, QF expert highlight need for inclusivity of all children

THE PENINSULA — DOHA For any parent, the pain and that there are many challenges rejected by society, and even- child’s condition, and empow- situation through efforts within disappointment of their child that face us. And we work with tually become robbed of their ering them in finding ways to their own surrounding commu- While parents of autistic being rejected is simply heart- parents and society members independence,” says Satouf. develop positive interaction and nities. Families should look for children try very hard to help breaking. And so, providing in helping them realize that In this context, and through communication with their opportunities to create their children develop social such families with a safe envi- autism should not become a various partnerships, QF is children. We also have pro- awareness about acceptance of skills, they are often left disap- ronment, in which their cause of fear that comes from aiming to build an autism- grams that run in collaboration such children, look for positive pointed by society’s rejection of children can lead normal lives, long stares in public places or friendly environment in Qatar. with other QF departments,” ways in dealing with pressures them. “What we go through becomes extremely important. rejection in recreational activ- Among these partnerships is a Satouf said. arising from unpleasant societal daily indicates that there is defi- On World Autism ities. When we understand collaboration with the National Husa Khaled Al Khathani, a experiences, and continue inte- nitely a lack of awareness when Awareness Day, observed on autism, we will realize how Autistic Society (NAS), where mother of two children with grating their children into it comes to autism and autistic April 2 every year, specialists, wonderful children with autism experts from NAS train Renad autism, says that despite Qatar’s society by taking them to public children,” said Deena Adel and parents of children with are.” Academy employees to help efforts in establishing autism places, talking about them and Alselaiteen, a mother of a autism highlight the importance Although at Renad them amplify their autism laws, the society at large still sharing their experiences with student at Renad Academy, a of acceptance — that these Academy, children get the right awareness initiatives – one of needs to become more aware others so that they are under- specialised school that is part children need to be accepted by opportunities in a safe envi- them being creating awareness and accepting. stood and accepted. of Qatar Foundation’s (QF’s) every member of their com- ronment to develop their skills, among corporate “Although we hold special “Share your stories, reach Pre-University Education. munity before they feel fully their acceptance into society is stakeholders. cards that allow us priority in out to friends, and make people “For example, one of the integrated into society, some- still a long way ahead. Going to “Many organisations in waiting lines and crowded aware of how wonderful autism employees in a recreational thing that takes time and effort. malls or any other public place Qatar have received some of places, the response from can be. For some, it may be their centre, where my daughter “Creating an autism- becomes extremely daunting these trainings, such as Qatar people, however, is still ethical, first chance to really understand Lulwa has had a membership friendly environment in Qatar for these children. “The lack of National Library and Msheireb and not obligatory,” Al Khathani what it means to have autism for three years, told me that my is the goal that we focus on at appropriate environment and Museums. In addition, we have says. It may be hard, but fam- and see the beauty that comes daughter was a disturbance to Renad Academy,” says Rola community services has a neg- run trainings for parents and ilies should not give up hope. with it. Once that happens, other children, and that they Ayoub Satouf, a parent trainer ative impact on these children. care providers of children, to Instead, they should strive to acceptance isn’t just possible; would cancel her subscription.” at Renad Academy. “We realize They will be inactive, feel help them understand their change and improve the current it’s inevitable,” Satouf says. Qatar rain gauges and their importance Scientists examine potential uses of hy are rain gauges important? diabetes drug in fight against COVID-19 Monitoring rainfall has never been more important as part of com- mitments to improve water cycle THE PENINSULA — DOHA Wmanagement in ever-challenging climates. An increasingly large global population is Researchers at Weill Cornell facing a growing number of climate challenges, Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q) including heat waves, droughts, floods and the aviation sector. They have functions in terms have examined whether a natural disasters, making water cycle man- of climatology and meteorology and offer infor- common diabetes drug could agement and smart monitoring of meteorological mation that is vital for maintaining safety standards. provide some protection conditions extremely important. The measurements taken by these systems depend against hospitalisation and Smart water management, including the use on specific configuration, but typically include the death in patients with of rain gauges for monitoring, can have a range likes of barometric pressure, wind gusts and wind COVID-19. of benefits. These include the prevention of speed, dew point and temperature, sky conditions, In the article, Dr. Samson wastage and the provision of better outcomes precipitation, freezing rain, thunderstorms and Mathews Samuel, Elizabeth based on information about the lifecycle of water. surface conditions on runways. Varghese, and lead investigator Monitoring rainwater, for example, can provide The role of Bayanat Engineering in Qatar Dr. Dietrich Büsselberg outlined vital information about the nature of this water and rain gauge supply: Bayanat Engineering Qatar the possibility of re-purposing Dr. Dietrich Büsselberg, Dr. Samson Mathews Samuel and Elizabeth pressure levels. It can also offer data on purification was awarded the project to supply and test the metformin as a potential drug Varghese and temperature, and even deliver information on Automatic Rain Gauge initiative. This contract that can protect against and conditions in more remote locations. features the supply of 50 units including Data- treat severe effects of the novel The benefits of this for aviation: Weather loggers, rain gauges and 4G modems to monitor coronavirus. individuals who previously did metformin are less likely to monitoring is vital for the aviation sector, espe- rainfall and how intense this is. Diabetic patients already not have a diagnosis of dia- develop severe symptoms and cially given the dangers posed to pilots from Rain gauge system - how does it work? have a compromised immune betes. This new-onset diabetes require hospitalisation, and adverse weather conditions. Important moni- A rain gauge is a system used by meteorologists response and are more prone also occurs among infected have higher chances of survival. toring for the aviation industry can include eve- to measure the amount of rainfall over a particular to severe bacterial and viral children. Hence, it is necessary Hence, by offering metformin rything from RADARs used by air traffic control area. It is also used in aviation to inform flight-related infections, require more to monitor the blood glucose to people with diabetes, it may to monitor cloud systems to decision support decisions. There are several types of rain gauges, recovery time, and present levels of COVID-19 patients and reduce serious complications systems to offer short-term forecasts to help and most collect precipitation to give a reading - longer-lasting adverse effects remain vigilant regarding pos- from COVID-19. Whether met- pilots prepare for conditions. usually in millimetres of height across each square than their non-diabetic coun- sible signs of hyperglycemia.” formin can be administered to Bayanat Engineering Qatar is a key player when metre. Rainfall is measured over a certain period - terparts. Proper management The drug metformin, which non-diabetic COVID-19 it comes to providing this information and has built usually a day. However, in aviation, readings are of controlled blood glucose is already proven to be safe and patients and whether this airport weather forecasting systems used at air- often taken at much shorter intervals. levels is closely related to the well-tolerated, not only regu- would be beneficial is yet to be ports around the world. This equipment is vital Let's take a closer look at the types of rain body’s ability to regulate lates blood sugar levels and answered. However, it must be when it comes to keeping pilots safe and ensuring gauges and their uses. immune and inflammatory increases insulin sensitivity – noted that metformin may not a smooth and pleasurable experience for pas- Manual versus automatic rain gauge responses and fight infections in common with other anti-dia- be an appropriate choice in sengers. Rainfall management can play a key part systems: Rain gauge systems can measure rainfall in chronic diabetic patients. It betic drugs – but also could patients with severe respiratory in this and in overall water management, deliv- either automatically or manually. Manual systems is known that COVID-19 is inhibit the virus from binding distress, kidney impairment, or ering a multitude of specialist information to help tend to be simpler, whereas companies will use potentially more severe in dia- to the cells, reduce endothelial heart failure, and hence caution protect both human life and the wider planet. automatic systems in instances where more pre- betic patients, with a higher risk dysfunction, and change how must be exercised before drug Rainfall has also long been known to have an cision is required, such as for aviation purposes. of hospitalisation and death. the body’s inflammatory and selection and administration.” impact on aviation safety. It can have an adverse Manual rain gauges have their limitations in The virus’s disease severity immune systems respond, to The researchers empha- effect on aerodynamics, as well as causing diffi- their accuracy. This is because some rainfall will and the risk of mortality in dia- the benefit of the patient. The sised that everyone hopes that culties due to visibility impairment, for example. often stick to the gauge's sides in the form of betic patients can be correlated researchers surmise that those the current vaccines are suc- Bayanat Engineering was chosen to provide droplets, thus causing the accurate rain levels to to hyperglycemia, diabetes- diabetic patients taking met- cessful. However, the emer- and install 50 rain gauges by the Qatar Civil Avi- be under-recorded by small amounts. associated endothelial dys- formin before they catch the gence of highly transmissible ation Authority (Qatar Meteorology Department) Rain gauges may also be challenging to use function, and hyperactive virus are less likely to be hos- coronavirus mutants has raised to help it to ensure that it is up-to-date with mete- in extreme weather conditions. String storms and inflammatory and immune pitalized or to die. concerns that these variants orological standards and to help it to develop cyclones, for example, may cause wind damage responses. Dr. Büsselberg, professor of could evade the body’s immune working mechanisms. Automatic weather moni- to the device. Wind can also cause inaccuracies The study is entitled ‘Ther- physiology and biophysics at response and threaten the vac- toring stations, or AWOS (Automated Weather in readings as it may blow the water out of the apeutic Potential of Metformin WCM-Q, and the team super- cine’s efficiency. While effective Observing Systems), provide continuous meteor- gauge after it has landed. Another factor that can in COVID-19: Reasoning for its visor suggested that prescribed vaccines and efficient vacci- ological information in real-time. They are com- impact the accuracy of rain gauges is cold Protective Role,’ and has been metformin could offer some nation programmes are at the monly used and controlled by providers in weather. The formation of ice in the gauge can published in the high-impact protection for diabetics and forefront in the fight against block the entrance, leaving new water unable to journal Trends in even people with associated COVID-19, drugs such as met- enter. Many of the more advanced rain meas- Microbiology. comorbidities. He said: “It is formin, which are routinely urement systems are equipped with built-in Dr. Samuel, the first author well-established and accepted used for other pathological con- heating systems to prevent ice build-up. of the article, emphasised the that metformin protects against ditions, must not be overlooked To summarise, a rain gauge is a standard need for proper control of blood diabetes-related adverse in terms of their efficiency to device to measure rainfall and is an essential tool glucose levels in diabetic effects. Now evidence also treat COVID-19. However, there in informing aviation decisions. COVID-19 patients. He said: points to the beneficial effects are questions still to be For more information about how a rain gauge “Additionally, COVID-19 infec- of metformin in the treatment answered, though, not least, the could help your engineering systems, contact the tions can lead to new-onset of COVID-19 patients. Studies long-term effect of metformin team at Bayanat Engineering Qatar today. diabetes in coronavirus infected reported that patients on on COVID-19 patients. THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021 MIDDLE EAST 07 Gaza sees spike in virus cases: Health ministry AL JAZEERA — GAZA STRIP “The epidemiological Authority for the roughly three million Palestinians living in the Gaza’s health ministry said situation in the Gaza occupied West Bank. yesterday that more than a Strip is dangerous,” Earlier this month, Israel thousand cases of coronavirus started to inoculate Palestinians were recorded during the said Magdy Dahir, working in the country and set- previous day, the highest daily deputy director of tlements in the occupied West infection toll in several primary care at Bank, more than two months months. after launching an immuni- The spike in the coastal Pal- the Gaza health sation blitz of its own estinian enclave, governed by ministry. “There is population. Hamas since 2007, stands in The latest daily increase in contrast to the slowdown in a clear increase in Israel was 442 cases, down infections in Israel, which hospitalisations.” from thousands of daily cases maintains an air, land and sea earlier in March. blockade on Gaza – home to With more than 4.6 million two million people. In the West Bank, more residents vaccinated, Israel “The epidemiological situ- than 175,000 people have been continues its world-beating Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince H H Mohammed bin Salman welcomes Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al ation in the Gaza Strip is dan- infected and 2,004 deaths have campaign that sent infection Kadhimi, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, yesterday. gerous,” said Magdy Dahir, been recorded. rates plummeting and allowed deputy director of primary care The Palestinian health min- for some limited loosening of at the Gaza health ministry. istry announced that, as of restrictions. Iraqi PM makes first visit to Saudi “There is a clear increase in Monday morning, more than Israel says Palestinians hospitalisations.” 69,000 Palestinians in the West are responsible for such ANADOLU — BAGHDAD Thursday to Al Kadhimi to visit Commission to Saudi com- At least 65,500 people have Bank and Gaza had received health measures in their Saudi Arabia and meet Crown panies, and provision of facil- been infected with the corona- one vaccine jab. semi-autonomous areas but Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Prince H H Mohammed bin ities by the Iraqi government to virus and 610 deaths recorded The Gaza Strip has received critics, rights groups and Kadhimi arrived in Riyadh Salman to discuss ways to Saudi companies and since the start of the pandemic more than 80,000 vaccines, some Democratic Party leg- yesterday, on his first visit to strengthen relations between embarking towards establishing in the besieged Palestinian mostly Russian, from the islators in the United States Saudi Arabia since he took the two countries. joint projects.” enclave. United Arab Emirates while the have pointed out that as an office in April. Hussein Allawi, an adviser Last July, Iraq and Saudi The Hamas-run gov- Palestinian Authority received occupying power, Israel bears The Iraqi premier is accom- to the prime minister, told the Arabia formed a coordination ernment, which imposed a 9pm vaccines from the United the responsibility for inocu- panied by a large delegation official Al Sabah newspaper council between the two coun- curfew on Saturday to curb Nations World Health Organ- lating the population it exerts during his visit to the oil-rich that Al Kadhimi’s delegation tries aimed at upgrading transmission, has ordered new isation’s COVAX initiative as control over. kingdom, according to the includes ministers and bilateral relations in the restrictions on gatherings well as Russia’s Sputnik V Israel has given limited official Al Iraqiyya TV. members of the Iraqi-Saudi political, security, and eco- beginning yesterday, the Gaza vaccine. doses to some Palestinians, but Earlier yesterday, Al Coordination Committee. nomic fields. Hotels and Restaurants Asso- ‘Vaccine apartheid’ Israel, it says the Palestinian Authority Kadhimi tweeted that he was “This is an important visit Al Kadhimi was initially ciation said. which has vaccinated more is responsible for the general travelling to Saudi Arabia to that comes at a very special scheduled to visit the kingdom But in the occupied West than half of its roughly 9.3 vaccination campaign. “consolidate the distinguished time”, Allawi said. “The visit will on July 20, but the visit was Bank, Palestinian Authority million residents, has been On Tuesday, the Israeli relations between the two discuss a number of files of postponed due to a health Health Minister Mai Al Kaila accused of “vaccine apartheid” health ministry said it detected brotherly countries” and to interest, including ways to con- setback the king experienced. told the official Voice of Pal- for denying jabs to the Pales- a new Israeli variant of the foster regional cooperation. front crises in the region, eco- Saudi Arabia resumed its estine radio that the rate of tinian territories it occupies coronavirus. It said the strain The premier’s visit comes nomic coordination, and diplomatic relations with Iraq increase was slowing, after a illegally. was rare, and not more conta- upon an invitation by the Cus- support for development and in December 2015 after a break wave of infections packed local Israel has provided 2,000 gious or deadly than other todian of the Two Holy Mosques investment plans presented by of 25 years following the Iraqi hospitals. shots to the Palestinian variants. King Salman bin Abdulaziz last the Iraqi National Investment invasion of Kuwait in 1990. Palestinian right to return sacred, Yemen gets first vaccines as second wave spreads REUTERS — ADEN government’s interim capital - country, spokesman for the itself at the back of the queue,” cases have risen rapidly since says Hamas chief patients at an isolation centre government’s health ministry said MSF’s Head of Mission in mid-February. Yemen received its first in the grounds of a hospital lie Ali Al Walidi confirmed last Yemen, Raphael Veicht. Yemen’s emergency coro- ANADOLU — ISTANBUL COVID-19 vaccines yesterday, on temporary beds in tents next week, two days after it declared Yemen’s health system has navirus committee reported 132 a week after the war-ravaged to oxygen cylinders, breathing the health emergency in areas been battered by war, economic confirmed and 19 deaths on Hamas political chief Ismail country’s internationally-recog- heavily. under its control. collapse and, recently, a Tuesday. It has recorded more Haniyeh has stressed that the nised government declared a “We need more staff, Walidi also said more shots shortfall in humanitarian aid than 4,100 coronavirus infec- Land Day is an affirmation of health emergency in response because the rise in cases is not would arrive in May. funding. tions and 864 deaths so far. the Palestinian right to return to a second wave of the normal. We are exhausted from Aid group Médecins Sans Assessing the true spread of Walidi said the true figures to their homeland. pandemic. work, exhausted,” said Zainab Frontières (MSF) said last week COVID-19 there has been hard. were likely much higher, a view In exclusive statements to The 360,000 doses of Astra- al-Qaisi, a doctor and director it has seen a dramatic influx of Its six-year war has shared by the U.N. and aid Anadolu in Istanbul, on the Zeneca’s vaccine arrived by of the centre, set up by the Red critically ill COVID-19 patients restricted testing and reporting, agencies. 45th anniversary of the Pales- plane at Aden, part of a con- Cross last year. in various parts of the country, with the Houthi movement that COVAX is co-led by the tinian Land Day, marked on signment from the global “The centre is over- and that all aspects of the is battling a pro-government GAVI alliance, which secures March 30, Haniyeh said the COVAX vaccine-sharing scheme whelmed. We need oxygen, to COVID-19 response were coalition, and which controls vaccines for poor countries, the occasion affirms adherence to expected to total 1.9 million expand intensive care across all lacking. most large urban centres, World Health Organization, the “the homeland and the right doses, UN Children’s Fund provinces.” The COVAX vac- “While some countries have having provided no figures Coalition for Epidemic Prepar- of return. It is a sacred right Unicef said. cines will be free, and dis- successfully vaccinated half of since an initial few in May. edness Innovations and that no one can abandon or In the southern city - the tributed across the divided their population, Yemen finds But numbers of confirmed UNICEF. neglect.” “The Land Day is an eternal day in the memory of the Pal- estinian people. It marks a Iran launches operation direct confrontation between the people of the land occupied in 1948 and the Zionist occu- to fight desert locusts pation, which was trying to control and settle in a precious AL JAZEERA — TEHRAN and disastrous invasion to the part of our occupied Pales- country’s southern parts, which tinian land,” Haniyeh said. Iranian authorities are engaged have done massive damage to “During (the confron- in a large-scale operation the agriculture sector, natural tation), a number of people across several provinces in resources, and the envi- were wounded and martyred. southern Iran to battle swarms ronment,” said PPO deputy The Palestinian people cele- of migratory locusts that Masoud Latifian earlier this brate this memory every year threaten billions of dollars week. because it carries many worth of food in farmlands at Iranian officials have had symbols, the most important a critical time for the country. to enlist the help of the military of which is that the land is the Large waves of yellow-col- in battling the swarms in the core of the conflict between oured desert locusts, which are past two years. There have us and this occupation,” he regarded as some of the most been no reports of the military said. destructive migratory pests in being called for the operation Haniyeh added that the the world, have travelled to to combat swarms so far this Palestinian people do inval- Iran from the Arabian year. uable and precious sacrifices Peninsula for a third year in a The locust swarm comes as “in order to protect the land row. Iran is increasingly relying on and the homeland and to con- At least seven provinces its agriculture sector to boost front the annexation and set- towards the south and west of an economy that has been tlement plans that the occu- Israeli police manhandle Palestinians Iran are now actively fighting ailing under Unites States sanc- pation has been trying to the insects, according to tions for the past three years, implement since it occupied A Palestinian demonstrator is pushed by an Israeli policeman during a protest against visits by Israeli authorities, a number that and was dealt a new blow from blessed Palestine.” settlers, in Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, yesterday. could grow to 13 of Iran’s 32 the COVID-19 pandemic last provinces. year. Saeed Moein, the head of Authorities, however, say Iran’s Plant Protection Organ- the Iranian economy is no Israel's Rivlin: ‘Unconventional’ unions needed after vote ization (PPO), said earlier this longer contracting, partially week he expects to battle due to a strong contribution by AP — JERUSALEM longest-serving premier who is by a failure to assemble a of a “witch-hunt” to remove him locusts in as many as 600,000 the agriculture sector as oil shadowed by his ongoing cor- 61-seat majority. from office. The “anyone but hectares (1.5 million acres) of exports lag. Israeli election officials yesterday ruption trial. Those judicial pro- “I am hopeful that those Bibi” factions, though, share little land by mid-summer. Last year, India, which has handed over the results of last ceedings are slated to recom- elected by the public will in common other than their The PPO, he said, has been dealing with the same week’s vote to President Reuven mence next week, as Rivlin succeed in hearing the people opposition to him. already distributed 150bn rials problem, proposed a regional Rivlin, nudging forward the meets with Netanyahu and of Israel, be wise enough to hear Netanyahu’s religious and ($3.6m) among provinces to cooperation plan with Iran country’ elusive efforts to break other party leaders. its demand for unconventional nationalist allies are more ide- fight the locusts and has and Pakistan to combat the political deadlock, form a The key to Rivlin’s decision, unions, for cooperation crossing ologically aligned. His Likud is requested a further one trillion locusts. government and avoid an he said yesterday, will be sectors, for constructive and the largest single party, with 30 rials ($24m) from the gov- New Delhi has so far unprecedented fifth consecutive which party leader can “earn devoted work for the sake of seats. But with his traditional ernment that is expected to be delivered two shipments of round of balloting. the trust of the Knesset” and Israeli citizens,” Rivlin said. nationalist and ultra-Orthodox approved in April. pesticides to Iran. The first Rivlin is now tasked with build “a government that will His invocation of trust comes allies, he has secured only 52 The operation, which is shipment of 20,000 litres of choosing the prime minister- succeed in mending the rifts after 12 divisive years under seats in parliament. expected to last until Sep- pesticide was delivered in June designate he thinks has the best between us and rehabilitate Netanyahu, who stands accused Senior Likud party politi- tember, has also been affected 2020 while Iran received the chance of assembling a majority Israeli society.” of fraud, breach of trust and cians responded to Rivlin’s by high wind speeds and second, in the same amount, in the 120-seat Knesset. Among That, he said, is what Israelis accepting bribes. Netanyahu has remarks, saying that “the pres- decreased rainfalls in recent earlier this month just before the contenders is Prime Min- want, rather than an unprece- denied all the charges and has ident does not determine the days. Nowruz – the Iranian new year ister Benjamin Netanyahu, dented fifth consecutive accused the media, law results of the election! He must “In recent years, desert that marks the beginning of leader of Likud and Israel’s election that would be triggered enforcement and justice system not be a political actor.” locusts have had a widespread spring. 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021 Mali needs climate solutions, Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI not more troops

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AHMED MAIGA & CAMILLE DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI MARQUETTE — AL JAZEERA [email protected] On February 15, the five Sahel ACTING MANAGING EDITOR countries along with France MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED held a “Sahel G5” summit to [email protected] discuss the security situation in the region. The leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Mauritania, Niger, and France MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI agreed to step up counterter- [email protected] rorism efforts. Yet again, the debate around how to reduce the continuing bloodshed in West Africa was framed militarily. EDITORIAL The focus was on a possible French withdrawal and the need for replacement forces. French President Don’t drop the guard Emmanuel Macron was ulti- IN RECENT days, huge crowds have descended upon mately persuaded that the the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), which 5,000 French men and Cattle drinking water from the Lake Wegnia, in Sahel region of Koulikoro, Mali. has been turned into a major COVID-19 vaccination women deployed in the Sahel centre, to get the jabs. Though the authorities have as part of Operation Barkhane central Mali, some 160 According to recent esti- resource management as much been inviting those eligible for the vaccine through prior should stay a little longer, until civilians – mostly semi- mates, if no action is taken, as they have in maintaining appointments, the rumours that walk-in registration and other countries can deploy nomadic herders of Fulani this situation could result in security. The UNSC, and the UN vaccination is allowed led to thousands gathering at troops to replace them. ethnicity – were killed, the loss of welfare ranging in general, can support the the venue, which has at times led to disregard for social It has been nine years allegedly by Dogon commu- from $70 to $142m and an “return of the state” to distancing at the venue. The Ministry of Public Health since the war in Mali broke nities, who are mostly increase of those at risk of peripheral regions, not only (MoPH) has taken notice of this and reminded the public out, and eight since French farmers. The international hunger from 44 percent to through the deployment of that only those with appointment should proceed for forces intervened to support community looked first to more than 70 percent of the peacekeepers, but also through the vaccination. the Malian army. And yet the ethnic divisions and radicali- Malian population. enhancing welfare provision, MoPH said it was working with the authorities to conflict is nowhere near a res- sation to explain the attack. Mali is not the only good land governance, and ensure strict enforcement of social distancing and other olution today. To us, at Inter- But the reality is that dimin- country severely affected by justice system reforms that COVID-19 preventive measures at the venue. But people national Alert, and many other ishing access to water and climate variability in the reinforce equitable access to should not forget that it is entirely on the authorities to organisations working on the fertile land have long pitted region and there is an water and land. ensure everybody follows the required measures put ground in the Sahel region, it is herders against farmers. increasing risk that the con- International support in place to keep the spread of the virus checked. clear that the solution to this This conflict is increasingly flict raging within its borders should also focus on young The fact that a few people who approached centre conundrum cannot be solely a becoming a political one as well. can spill over to its neigh- people. In Mali, and else- without an appointment for vaccination received the military one. Mali, its neigh- Herder communities’ access to bours. The disruption of where in the region, the youth shot should not be considered as an opportunity for bours and the international and control of land is decreasing weather patterns and the mis- from communities that have everybody who is not invited there. The staff manning community need to invest in a and they are increasingly feeling managed human responses not been engaged with are the centre are working under tremendous pressure as major peacebuilding cam- that the government is taking no have created environmental already involved in the acqui- healthy authorities are racing against time vaccinate to paign that focuses on the roots action to alleviate their degradation that has under- sition and storage of weapons. all eligible people within the targeted deadline. of the conflict, not on its problems. As a result, herders mined the livelihoods of the The proliferation of small The authorities in the country under the supervision consequences. have come to perceive them- whole Sahel region, which arms throughout northern of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management have Northern Mali has suffered selves as “victims” of partisan has been proclaimed “ground and central Mali, com- been very vigilant to avoid a coronavirus catastrophe in instability and conflict since the governance and consider taking zero” of climate change pounded by smuggling, has Qatar, right from the day the first case was detected here. country gained its inde- up arms – which are now because of its significant vul- promoted banditry in border Through a number of timely press conferences, media pendence from France in 1960. abundant in Mali – as the way nerability to its effects. areas already scarred by the campaign etc they have been spreading the message In 2012, a year after the Libyan to correct the injustices they On February 23, a week conflict. Engaging the youth in about the seriousness of the situation and appealing to uprising and a NATO operation face. after the Sahel summit took climate change-related initia- people to strictly follow precautionary measures. brought down the regime of Climate change has fuelled place, Macron attended a UN tives can provide them with No country in the world can control the spread of Muammar Gaddafi, instability tensions not only in the north Security Council meeting alternative livelihoods which the pandemic without the cooperation of the people. spilled over into Mali. and the centre, but also focused on climate security would certainly improve the Every agency in the country, whether it is law Small arms proliferation increasingly in the relatively that stands to set the tone for security situation in the enforcement agencies, different ministries or health and the movement of Tuareg more stable south. In recent multilateral talks in the year border regions and the care professionals cannot ward off a pandemic of this fighters from Libya to Mali years, the Sikasso region in building to the COP26 con- country as a whole. magnitude. Every person in the country has a respon- fuelled a rebellion. While southern Mali has also seen ference in Glasgow. He chose A managed transition sibility to themselves, their families, relatives and more people in the north had had frequent incidents of violence this moment to propose a away from military interven- importantly to the country. In these times of struggles longstanding political griev- between farmers, pastoralists special envoy for climate tions needs to be interna- it is a national duty of each person to chip in whatever ances, their socioeconomic and state employees tasked security to member states, tionally supported, locally way he/she can help prevent this virus from reaching situation had been severely with forest protection over the saying, “The fight against owned and delivered through a point of explosion. affected by water shortages use of land and natural climate change and for the inclusive, informed politics. Qatar’s vaccination programme is progressing at and desertification due to resources. The Inner Niger protection of the environment Peace for Malians can be lightening speed, and the country has several times climate change and other Delta, which stretches over is a matter of peace and achieved through creating reassured that everybody will get the vaccine free. Now, environmental factors. central and southern Mali, has security.” platforms for dialogue our duty is to be patient and wait for our chance to Competition over ever- been particularly affected by We cannot agree more. between local communities come for the vaccination. It is dangerous to pile more shrinking water resources and climate change, as rainfall has And Mali is a prime example on climate responses, not pressure on the authorities especially the already over- fertile land had fuelled ten- diminished by 30 percent over why this statement is true. multilateral conversations on stretched health care system. Don't drop the guard, be sions between different com- the past 50 years and there has Macron, however, should act replacing one international responsible and strictly follow all the health measures. munities. That is why the been a mean annual temper- on his words and incorporate battalion with another. Malian conflict cannot be seen ature increase of 0.8 degrees climate action into France’s Ahmed Maiga is Country only as the result of an Islamist Celsius. The alternation of response to the Sahel crisis. Director for International force rebelling against the droughts and floods has He and the international Alert in Mali, Camille Mar- central government. diminished crop yields and community need to assist quette is Pacebuilding Adviser On March 23, 2019, in affected herding and fishing. Sahelian governments in at International Alert D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] Carefully examine use, impact of digital educational materials EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758 JAPAN NEWS expressed no concerns. Children’s understanding A succession of studies MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 A panel of experts at the and retention of learning have been published in Japan Some people in the field of Education, Culture, Sports, affects the foundation of edu- and overseas showing that DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 education have voiced Science and Technology Min- cation. If children’s academic paper is superior to digital concerns about the digiti- istry has urged the gov- abilities decline as a result of devices in terms of memory LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 zation of textbooks. Before ernment to look into the hastily moving forward with retention and deep under- BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 work is accelerated to spread effects and issues of digital digitization, the harm would standing. In the survey, some the use of digital textbooks, materials for one year over be irrevocable. Examining the governments also said that SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 efforts must be made to dispel the new academic year, and effects and issues should be paper materials allow people these concerns by carefully to seek the full-fledged intro- carried out thoroughly, to read thoroughly and ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 examining the effects of and duction of digital textbooks in without setting the time improve their ability to read email: [email protected] issues related to digital the 2024 school year. period at one year. and think, while others said PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 educational materials. However, in the survey, A University of Tokyo team such materials are easy to email: [email protected] The Yomiuri Shimbun sur- 40% of the governments said has released research results handle and help people con- veyed the governments of “more than three years” were suggesting that the use of paper centrate on learning. MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 cities nationwide and the 23 needed for examining the is more helpful for people to Digitization is an urgent email: [email protected] wards in Tokyo with juris- effects and issues. As issues to retain memories, based on an task in the administrative and diction over public ele- be examined, many experiment in which partici- business sectors, where effi- ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 mentary and junior high respondents cited the level of pants recorded their schedules cient operations and more con- FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] schools. According to the children’s “understanding and by hand in a planner and on venient services are being CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 survey, 86% of the govern- retention of learning,” “teachers’ tablets and smartphones. The sought. For children’s learning, email: [email protected] ments said they were teaching skills in ICT” and “the team said the findings show the however, it is desirable to use “greatly” or “slightly” con- telecommunications envi- effectiveness of learning using paper as the base and digital SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 cerned about the introduction ronment both inside and printed textbooks and elements as supplementary FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] of digital textbooks, while 7% outside schools.” notebooks. educational materials.

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/ThePeninsulaQatar According to the current scientific knowledge, there is no evidence that would support /Peninsula_Qatar restricting the use of AstraZeneca vaccine in /ThePeninsulaNewspaper any population.

+974 6698 6188 Emer Cooke, European Medicines Agency Executive Director THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 Niger foils coup attempt days before transition REUTERS — NIAMEY The assailants, from a nearby air base, fled after disputed by his opponent supporters took to the streets said it was closed for the day Mahamane Ousmane. for a scheduled protest and due to gunshots heard in the A military unit tried to seize the the presidential guard met their attack with Former US Sahel envoy J clashed with police, who fired neighbourhood and warned presidential palace in Niger’s heavy shelling and gunfire, three security sources Peter Pham earlier tweeted that teargas to disperse them, that the security situation capital Niamey overnight in an both the president and pres- according to witnesses, who remained fluid in the post- attempted coup but order has said. Government spokesman Abdourahamane ident-elect were safe, and the also said roads out of the city election period. been restored, the government Zakaria said several people had been arrested president’s office shared photos had been closed. Rising insecurity in the said yesterday, days before the while others were still being sought. on Twitter of Issoufou presiding Bazoum’s election is the first region caused by jihadists country’s first democratic over the swearing-in ceremony democratic transition of power linked to Al Qaeda and Islamic handover of power. for two top judges. in a state that has witnessed State has compounded eco- The assailants, from a Ousmane’s whereabouts four military coups since inde- nomic challenges for Niger nearby air base, fled after the ation was under control. and the other defence and were not known. pendence from France in 1960, including drought, the presidential guard met their “The government condemns security forces for their prompt There have been growing including one which toppled COVID-19 pandemic, and low attack with heavy shelling and this cowardly and retrogressive reaction, a testament of their attacks by Islamist militants as Ousmane in 1996. prices for its top export gunfire, three security sources act that aims to endanger loyalty to the republic.” He did well as protests in the country The heavy gunfire started uranium. said, requesting anonymity democracy and the rule of law not take questions. following Bazoum’s victory in around 3am local time (0200 A coup in neighbouring Mali because they were not to which our country is reso- President Mahamadou Iss- a February presidential election GMT) and lasted for around 30 in August last year overthrew authorised to speak to media. lutely committed,” he told a oufou is stepping down after runoff. Ousmane, a former minutes, according to a Reuters president Boubacar Keita. Government spokesman news conference. two five-year terms and pres- president who lost that contest, witness. By 10am traffic had Under pressure from regional Abdourahamane Zakaria said Assuring people they could ident-elect Mohamed Bazoum, has rejected the results and said resumed in the area and the sit- states, the junta ceded power to several people had been go about their daily lives, he the ruling party candidate, is there was fraud. uation appeared normal, said a transitional government that arrested while others were still said: “The government congrat- due to be sworn in on Friday In pockets of the capital several witnesses. will govern until elections next being sought, but that the situ- ulates the presidential guard after an election victory yesterday, Ousmane The US Embassy in Niamey year. Algeria elections ‘tool for change’: Opposition leader ANADOLU — ALGIERS on the arrangement set by the system” and accusing the party. authorities of using elections as Islamist opposition leader The latest figures by the a pretext to “jump over the real Abdullah Djaballah believes Supreme Elections Authority demands for change”. that the June 12 parliamentary show that about 10,000 Djaballah believes everyone elections in Algeria could be an potential candidates distributed has “the right to go to the streets “important tool for change” in among the independent parties and demand their rights” if the North African country. and lists have withdrawn their authorities violate them. “The elections could be an candidacies since the start of He argues that the popular important tool for change if the process in mid-March. movement must have a clear they are conducted in a free and Alliance of Islamists? Com- vision of what they want and fair setting,” Djaballah, the menting on the possibility of its leadership should be “strong, leader of the Justice and Devel- establishing an alliance of effective and honest” if it hopes opment Front, told Anadolu Islamists in the elections, Dja- to be successful. Agency. ballah ruled out the formation Djaballah blamed the The polls come as part of a of a “big” alliance but expected authorities for exploiting the roadmap announced by Pres- some “form of coordination”. word “people” while conspiring ident Abdelmadjid Tebboune The law requires inde- against them, including on December 19, 2019, fol- pendent lists to collect 100 sig- aborting the revolution. A freed prisoner loyal to Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar, hugs his mother after he was lowing the resignation of natures for each seat in the In February 2019, Algerians released, during an official ceremony at the Olympic Club Stadium in Zawiya, Libya, yesterday. Abdelaziz Bouteflika in April of electoral district. went to the streets demanding the same year amid protests “Everyone is currently the regime to leave. According against his rule. interested in the issue of col- to Djaballah, by ensuring the Libya frees prisoners in reconciliation gesture Last month, Tebboune dis- lecting signatures,” Djaballah continuation of its institutions, solved the National People’s noted, adding that partial coa- the regime “deluded” the REUTERS — TRIPOLI to agreement on a new unity “This is the real project for Assembly, the lower house of litions are possible but said the people and was not “sincere” government to replace the two national reconciliation,” said the parliament, and called early final decision on the matter is to their demands. Forces in Zawiya in western Libya rival administrations that had Ramadan Ahmed Abujanah, parliamentary elections in an left to the National Shura He criticized the popular yesterday released more than 100 ruled in east and west. deputy prime minister in the attempt to calm down protests Council. movement for lacking a “clear captives taken from Khalifa The process, seen as Libya’s new unity government, in the country. Fate of popular movement vision” and for mistrusting Haftar’s eastern-based Libyan best chance in years to end the addressing the ceremony. The upcoming vote will A number of opposition parties each other, something the National Army (LNA) to solidify a decade of chaos and violence The released men wore tra- witness, for the first time, the and activists had previously regime exploited to its months-long ceasefire and moves since the 2011 Nato-backed ditional white tunics and adoption of an open list system announced their refusal to go advantage. towards national unity. rising against Muammar skullcaps to cover their prison- for selecting candidates under to early parliamentary elec- He also criticized the con- The men had been held since Gaddafi, remains fragile with shaven heads at the ceremony a new election law adopted by tions until an agreement on a stitutional amendments April 2019 when Haftar launched myriad armed groups still in Zawiya stadium. Their fam- Tebboune. comprehensive political approved last November, which an assault to seize control of the wielding control on the ground. ilies cheered and waved their The open list system allows roadmap in the country is were hailed by Tebboune as a capital, Tripoli, and other areas “Such joy has no price,” said hands before being reunited. voters to arrange the candidates reached. “cornerstone” in building the in the northwest, ending with his Khalif Al Kilan, 92, the father of Haftar’s LNA, though based within the same list according On February 22, protesters so-called “a new Algeria”, as retreat last summer. one of the captives who in eastern Libya, is drawn from to his/her preference. On the resumed their rallies across “mere slogans” that will not Libya’s warring sides agreed attended a ceremony in Zawiya, a coalition of different factions contrary, the closed list forced Algeria demanding “funda- lead to a “real democratic a ceasefire in October in Geneva, 45km west of Tripoli, to release and includes fighters from voters to choose the list based mental changes in the ruling transition.” and political talks led this month them. across the country. UN: 2 women, 3 children drown in Gunmen kill 30 people in attack in western Ethiopia REUTERS — NAIROBI Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Wossen by phone. He said Amhara are its second largest. The lawless outfit,” he wrote. Elias shipwreck off has promised to hold the first he and his family had heard two neighbouring regions of Umeta, head of Western Wollega Gunmen killed 30 civilians in free and fair polls, but some of gunshots and fled to a nearby Amhara and Oromiya share a Zone, didn’t respond to requests Libya’s coast an attack on a village in the west his reforms have also government office to wait for border. Civilians from one ethnic for comment. The Oromiya of the Ethiopian region of emboldened regional protection from federal troops. group living on the other side of region’s communications office AP — CAIRO Oromiya, witnesses said strongmen and groups angered Local authorities blamed the border have both been subject issued a statement saying OLF yesterday, the latest outbreak by what they describe as the attack, in which 15 more to attacks in recent months. Shane had killed an unknown Two women and three of ethnic violence to challenge decades of government people were wounded, on a OLF Shane says it is fighting number of civilians. children drowned when a the federal government in the repression. splinter group from the Oromo for the rights of the Oromos. The state-affiliated Ethiopian boat carrying dozens of fractious nation. Farmer Wossen Andaege, Liberation Front (OLF), known Odaa Tarbii, a spokesperson for Human Rights Commission said: Europe-bound migrants Ethiopia, Africa’s second 50, said his neighbours were as OLF Shane or the Oromo Lib- the group, denied responsibility “The latest attacks on civilians in capsized off Libya, a UN most populous country, is strug- killed during the Tuesday night eration Army. The OLF is an for the attack in an email. Western Wollega show that the official said Wednesday. It gling to control several flash- attack in the West Wollega Zone opposition party that spent “These allegations directed security situation in the area has was the latest shipwreck points where ethnic rivalries of Oromiya. He identified the years in exile but was unbanned towards us are false and are part not improved and is instead involving migrants seeking a over land, power and resources victims as ethnic Amharas. after Abiy took office in 2018. of a long-running concerted oper- spreading to neighbouring better life in Europe. have ignited ahead of national “We took the bodies using The Oromo are Ethiopia’s ation by the government to frame regions and causing additional Safa Msehli, spokesman for elections scheduled for June. a car and we buried 30 people,” largest ethnic group and the the Oromo Liberation Army as a human rights violations.” the International Organisation for Migration, said the incident took place late Tuesday. A fishing boat and Libya’s coast Military contractor fighting guard managed to rescue some 77 migrants and returned them to shore, she said. A total of 400 migrants Mozambique militants to exit were intercepted and returned to Libya late Tuesday and BLOOMBERG — MAPUTO have taken the conflict in International, which accused it taken to detention centers in Mozambique’s northern Cabo of firing indiscriminately into the North African country, The private military contractor Delgado province closer to the crowds — allegations Dyck said Msehli said. At least 480 providing aerial support to natural gas finds that are crucial the company is investigating. migrants were intercepted and Mozambican ground forces for the nation’s economic future. The US government has said the returned to Libya over the battling Islamic State-linked The three-year insurgency is contractors aren’t playing a weekend, according to the insurgents near a $20bn natural putting as much as $120bn of helpful role and its marines are IOM. gas project is set to leave the investment at stake. now training Mozambican sol- Tuesday’s deadly ship- country in a week. “House clearing is the most diers to defeat the group it has wreck was the latest along the Dyck Advisory Group’s one- dangerous form of combat,” labelled as a terrorist Central Mediterranean year agreement is coming to an Dyck said. “It helps a hell of a organization. migration route. More than 55 end and hasn’t been extended, lot if you have the aerial support The government hired migrants were reported dead with the last helicopter gunship for that. And the aerial support Dyck’s company a year ago as last month off Libya. flights on April 2, Lionel Dyck, has got to be little helicopters the insurgents were raiding Libya has emerged as the the South African company’s like mine, which are nippy and major towns in Cabo Delgado, dominant transit point for founder, said by phone. That can turn around and duck and and rapidly advancing toward migrants fleeing war and could leave state troops dive.” the provincial capital of Pemba. poverty in Africa and the exposed as they continue a While the Total site isn’t at “The insurgents would’ve Middle East. house-to-house mission to find risk of a direct raid at present, been in Pemba” were it not for The oil-rich country insurgents remaining in Palma, the militant’s use of mortars his company’s involvement, he plunged into chaos following the closest town to the Total SE allows them to fire from a dis- said. “A year ago, Pemba was at a Nato-backed uprising that site where fighting is con- tance, he said. risk. It’s no longer at risk, but if toppled and killed longtime A message asking for help seen in the grounds of a hotel in tinuing, he said. DAG has come under crit- we leave and there is no real ruler Moammar Gadhafi in Palma, where many locals and foreigners hid during the attack, The attack on Palma is the icism for its involvement in the effort to protect it, it will be a 2011. in Mozambique. latest in a series of assaults that war, including from Amnesty problem.” 10 ASIA THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021 Philippines demands China remove vessels at six islands and reefs

AP — MANILA After carrying out Mischief Reef, the Philippine aerial and maritime officials said. China took control The Philippine government said of the reef in 1995, drawing yesterday that more than 250 patrol missions, strong protests from the Phil- Chinese vessels it believes are Philippine officials ippines and other claimant operated by militia have been states. spotted near six Manila-claimed said 44 Chinese About 45 Chinese vessels islands and reefs in the disputed “maritime militia” were in the vicinity of the Phil- South China Sea and demanded ippine-occupied island of Thitu, that China immediately remove vessels were still which Manila calls Pagasa, the them. moored on Monday at officials said. The gathering of the “The Philippines calls on Chinese-flagged vessels, along Whitsun Reef, which China to immediately withdraw with four Chinese navy ships at Manila calls Julian these vessels flying its flag,” the a Chinese-occupied manmade Felipe. National Task Force for the island base, “is hazardous to West Philippine Sea said in a navigation and safety of life at statement. “Neither the Philip- sea” and may damage coral After carrying out aerial and pines nor the international Chinese vessels, believed to be manned by Chinese maritime militia personnel, are seen at Whitsun reefs and threaten the Philip- maritime patrol missions, Phil- community will ever accept Reef, South China Sea. pines’ sovereign rights, a gov- ippine officials said 44 Chinese China’s assertion of its so-called ernment body overseeing the “maritime militia” vessels were `indisputable integrated sover- rights to fish and harness claimed by China, Vietnam, peace and security in the region.” disputed waters said. still moored on Monday at eignty’ over almost all of the potential undersea gas and oil Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei. Beijing denied the vessels were China has ignored a Phil- Whitsun Reef, which Manila South China Sea.” deposits and other resources. China has turned seven dis- part of a maritime militia. ippine government diplomatic calls Julian Felipe. More than The interagency body led by “Their swarming... poses a threat puted reefs into missile-pro- Duterte has nurtured protest and a call more than a 200 other vessels from the President Rodrigo Duterte’s to the peaceful exercise of sov- tected island bases, ratcheting friendly ties with Beijing since week ago by Philippine Defence Chinese flotilla have apparently national security adviser ereign rights of the Philippines up tensions in recent years. taking office in 2016 and has Secretary Delfin Lorenzana for dispersed to five other areas in released surveillance photos of in its EEZ,” the task force said. The United States has been criticized for not immedi- about 200 Chinese vessels to the Spratly group of islands, the Chinese flotilla in the dis- The Philippines regards the expressed support to the Philip- ately demanding Chinese com- leave Whitsun Reef, stating that including three Chinese- puted areas, which the Phil- Spratlys, where it occupies nine pines, its long-time treaty ally, pliance with an international the maritime territory belongs occupied artificial islands, they ippine government says are in islands and islets, as part of its and accused China of using arbitration ruling that invali- to it and the Chinese vessels said. its internationally recognized western province of Palawan. “maritime militia to intimidate, dated Beijing’s historic claims were sheltering from rough At least four Chinese navy exclusive economic zone, or But the resource-rich chain of provoke and threaten other to virtually the entire South seas. ships were at Chinese-occupied EEZ, where it has exclusive islands, islets and atolls is also nations, which undermines China Sea. Australia’s COVID-19 US orders staff to leave Myanmar; lawyer talks to Suu Kyi REUTERS — YANGON Only the legal cases against steps towards democracy has armed convoy. even horrifying violence” vaccine rollout her filed since the coup were triggered unrelenting Media reported a gun battle against demonstrators. Myanmar’s deposed leader discussed during the video con- opposition. between security forces and City-based opponents of misses targets Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in ference, the lawyer said. At least 521 civilians have civilians near the northwestern military rule have called for a good health in a video meeting Suu Kyi, 75, was arrested been killed in protests, 141 of town of Kale. Voice of Myanmar united front with insurgent REUTERS — CANBERRA yesterday, one of her lawyers the same day the military seized them on Saturday, the bloodiest said one villager was killed and groups that have battled the gov- said, as the United States power and faces charges that day of the unrest, according to several policemen wounded. ernment for decades for greater Australia has fallen far behind ordered its non-essential include illegally importing six the Assistance Association for Police and a spokesman for autonomy in the border regions. its target for COVID-19 vacci- embassy staff to leave after handheld radios and breaching Political Prisoners (AAPP). the Myanmar junta did not The military has defended nations, figures showed “horrifying” violence against coronavirus protocols. Fighting has also flared answer calls seeking comment. its long grip on power by saying yesterday, with only about opponents of a coup. The military has also between the army and ethnic There is growing interna- it is the only institution capable 670,000 people inoculated The detained Nobel lau- accused her of bribery in two minority insurgents in frontier tional concern about prospects of holding the country together. against an initial target of 4 reate, who has been held in recent news conferences. regions. Refugees fleeing the for the country with no sign of Myanmar’s oldest rebel million by end-March. custody since the military Her lawyers say the charges turmoil are seeking safety in a path out of the crisis. The junta group, the Karen National The slow roll-out, which seized power on February 1, had were trumped up and dismissed neighbouring countries. has not taken up offers from its Union (KNU), said on Tuesday puts Australia behind many wanted to meet lawyers in the accusation of bribery as a Thousands of protesters Southeast Asian neighbours to it was bracing for a major gov- other developed countries, has person and did not agree to a joke. The next hearing in her were out again yesterday in dif- help find a solution. ernment offensive on its areas been blamed by the gov- wide discussion by video in the case is today. ferent parts of the country. The United States on of operation along the eastern ernment on supply issues from presence of police, lawyer Min The military seized power Residents in the main city Tuesday ordered the departure border with Thailand. Europe, while recent floods Min Soe said by telephone. saying that November elections of Yangon banged pots and pans of non-emergency US gov- The KNU urged the interna- across the east coast have “Amay looks healthy, her won by Suu Kyi’s party were and honked their car horns in ernment employees and family tional community, and Thailand slowed the delivery of complexion is good,” Min Min fraudulent. The election com- a clamour of defiance as a news members due to concern over in particular, to help Karen vaccines. Soe said, using an affectionate mission said the vote was fair. crew from CNN was shown what US Secretary of State people fleeing the “onslaught” State governments have term meaning “mother” to refer The reimposition of military around in what its corre- Antony Blinken called the and called for countries to cut also complained about slower- to Suu Kyi. rule after a decade of tentative spondent said was a heavily “increasingly disturbing and ties with the junta. than-expected distribution and a lack of certainty on sup- plies, while local media have reported errors by private con- Australia to build guided tractors hired to assist with the roll-out. missiles to boost defence Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt yesterday, however, AP — WELLINGTON chains that had been exposed pointed to a record 72,826 vac- by the coronavirus cinations on Tuesday, which he Australia announced yesterday pandemic. said showed the inoculation it would begin building its own He said Australia’s most programme was accelerating guided missiles in close collab- pressing need was for long- following the start of domestic oration with the US as it seeks range anti-ship missiles that production of the AstraZeneca to boost its defence capabilities. could be fired from warships vaccine by Australian biotech The news comes amid or aircraft. He said that new company CSL Ltd. growing unease in the Pacific army fighting vehicles also “We remain on track to region about China’s increasing needed missile capabilities. complete first doses for all assertiveness and military Shoebridge said it would Australians who seek it by the abilities. make sense for Australia to end of October,” he told a Citing the “changing global build a new generation of media conference. environment,” Prime Minister hypersonic missiles in collab- Australia has largely cur- Scott Morrison said it would oration with the US He said tailed the spread of the coro- partner with a weapons man- potential commercial partners navirus, with snap lockdowns, ufacturer to build the missiles included large US weapons border closures and speedy in a plan that would create manufacturers like Lockheed tracking systems, reporting thousands of jobs as well as Martin and Raytheon, although just under 29,300 COVID-19 export opportunities. other manufacturers might be cases and 909 deaths. Morrison said it would ini- involved in developing specific However, health officials Swab sample collection in New Delhi tially spend A$1bn ($761 m) on systems, for instance conceded the slow vaccination the plan as part of a huge propulsion. pace means the risk of another A healthcare worker collects a coronavirus disease test swab sample from a man, at a temporary 10-year investment in defence Australia is part of the “Five wave of cases has not shelter for the homeless in New Delhi, India, yesterday. and the defence industry. Eyes” intelligence alliance, diminished. “Creating our own sov- along with the US, Canada, “We are in a situation where ereign capability on Australian Britain and New Zealand. we are at as high a risk as we soil is essential to keep Aus- “We will work closely with have been since the beginning Australian judge says man who tralians safe,” Morrison said. the United States on this of the pandemic,” Australia’s It has been decades since important initiative to ensure Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly Australia last manufactured that we understand how our said on Tuesday. filmed dying officers is hated advanced missiles, and it cur- enterprise can best support The missed target comes as rently relies on importing them both Australia’s needs and the an outbreak of COVID-19 cases AP — MELBOURNE tence of five years in prison. “absolutely amazing” and rep- from allies including the US growing needs of our most in Queensland state has led to Pusey, a mortgage broker, resented “justice.” Australia does currently build important military partner,” a snap three-day lockdown of A man who filmed four dying was pulled over by the officers Others at the scene urged a decoy rocket aimed at dis- Defense Minister Peter Dutton its capital Brisbane, throwing police officers at a crash last for speeding at 149km per hour Pusey to help, but he shrugged rupting incoming missiles. said. Easter holiday plans for thou- year while describing it as in his Porsche. The officers them off, saying “they’re dead.” Michael Shoebridge, the He said building weapons sands in disarray. justice was “probably the most were discussing whether to He later pleaded guilty to out- director of defense, strategy in Australia would not only Queensland yesterday said hated man in Australia,” a judge impound the car when a truck raging public decency, speeding and national security at the enhance its capabilities but it had detected only two new said yesterday while consid- swerved into them. It missed and reckless conduct. He also independent think tank Aus- would also ensure the nation local cases of COVID-19 in the ering his sentence. hitting Pusey because at the admitted possessing ecstasy, after tralian Strategic Policy Institute, had sufficient supply for past 24 hours, fuelling some Judge Trevor Wraight said time he was urinating at the returning positive tests for both said the announcement was combat operations if there was optimism that a three-day the public outrage over the side of the highway. ecstasy and marijuana at the time welcome news and filled a stra- any disruption to global supply snap lockdown in state capital actions of Richard Pusey was As other witnesses rushed he was pulled over. tegic gap. chains. Brisbane will be lifted today. understandable. to help, Pusey got out his phone Defence lawyer Dermot “It’s being driven by the two Before the announcement, More than two million res- The judge was speaking at and made two videos of the Dann said Pusey had asked him Cs, China and COVID,” Shoeb- the Australian Strategic Policy idents of Australia’s third- a pre-sentencing hearing after scene. He zoomed in on the to apologize to the families of ridge said. Institute had estimated that largest city have been asked Pusey, 42, pleaded guilty earlier faces and the injuries of the the officers. “He’s ashamed, and He said China’s increasing Australia would need to spend to stay home as authorities try this month to several charges. three male and one female was ashamed, of the recording aggression was a big concern AU$100 billion over the next 20 to contain two distinct virus He is due to be sentenced April officers, called the officers vul- and what is said on the for Australia, as was the vul- years on buying missiles and clusters. 28 and faces a maximum sen- garities, and said the scene was recording,” Dann said. nerability of global supply guided weapons. THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021 ASIA 11 China calls on WHO to respect scientists’ Covid origin findings BLOOMBERG should play a leading role.” In which called it incomplete and the examination was sufficient so didn’t receive the same depth a separate briefing, Chinese sci- The coronavirus probably overly controlled by China. or not should be judged by sci- of attention and work as other China has called on the World entists working alongside the WHO Director-General entists and history.” The coro- theories. The team didn’t do a Health Organization (WHO) to 17 international experts spread from bats to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus navirus probably spread from full investigation of the labs, he take the lead in respecting the assembled by the WHO for the humans via another unexpectedly also critiqued the bats to humans via another said. Hua, the Chinese Foreign conclusions of scientists, a day mission to Wuhan also animal, according to the report, saying it hadn’t suffi- animal, according to the WHO- Ministry spokeswoman, also after the international organi- defended the thoroughness of WHO-China study. The ciently examined the contro- China study. The most pro- pushed back at claims that sation’s director-general faulted their findings and conclusion. most productive research versial hypothesis that the virus ductive research would be to Beijing had meddled and pres- the findings of a mission to Liang Wannian, an epidemiol- could have leaked from the look for such an animal link, it sured scientists involved in the study the origins of COVID-19 ogist who headed the team of would be to look for such Wuhan Institute of Virology — said. study and blocked them from in China. Chinese experts working with an animal link, it said. where researchers have been Peter Ben Embarek, co- having full access to data. “We need to respect science the WHO, said the merit of the studying different coronavi- leader of the WHO investigation “They want to spread and respect the opinions and report should be judged by ruses, including ones with sim- trip to Wuhan, has said that the rumours and push their hidden the conclusions reached by sci- scientists. written after four weeks of ilarities to SARS-CoV-2, which lab hypothesis — which was political agenda,” she said. The entists,” Chinese Foreign Min- China’s comments came a investigative work in the causes COVID-19. promoted by former US Pres- experts “said they went to istry spokeswoman Hua day after the release of the long- mainland city of Wuhan, drew “I’m not sure how he under- ident Donald Trump’s admin- places they wanted to and they Chunying told a daily briefing awaited study into the origins widespread criticism from stands the issue,” Liang said of istration — wasn’t the main met with people they wanted in Beijing yesterday. “The WHO of COVID-19. The report, countries including the US, Tedros’s comments. “Whether focus of the investigation and to.” Pakistan PM rules Indonesia recovers cockpit voice Woman killed after shooting out general lockdown recorder of crashed Sriwijaya Air jet gun in Indonesia REUTERS — ISLAMABAD/KARACHI REUTERS — JAKARTA police HQ

Pakistani Prime Minister Indonesia has recovered the AP — JAKARTA Imran Khan (pictured) cockpit voice recorder from a yesterday ruled out a general Sriwijaya Air jet that crashed A woman entered Indonesia’s lockdown while acknowl- into the Java Sea in January, and National Police Headquarters edging the country was going the air accident investigator in Jakarta and fired a gun at through a third wave of the said yesterday it could take up several officers before being pandemic. to a week to be able to listen to shot dead by police, officials Pakistan reported 4,757 the recording. said. There were no reports of new infections and 78 deaths The CVR could help inves- injuries among the police. on March 30, with two thirds tigators understand the actions Authorities had earlier of ventilators and around 80% taken by the pilots of the imposed a counterterrorism of beds with oxygen facilities mask mandates. doomed jet, which crashed crackdown and were on in major cities occupied. Some 800,000 doses of shortly after take-off on Jan. 9, heightened alert for possible “We have to adopt a bal- vaccine have been adminis- killing all 62 people on board. attacks against police and anced policy where the spread tered in Pakistan so far, all of A preliminary report by places of worship following a Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee officials carry of the virus can be prevented them Sinopharm donated by investigators released in Feb- suicide bombing during Palm a safety box containing the Cockpit Voice Recorder of Sriwijaya Air and where the poor man and Beijing, Health Minister Faisal ruary said the plane had an Sunday Mass at a Roman the country’s economy are least Sultan said. imbalance in engine thrust that flight SJ 182, at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, yesterday. Catholic cathedral on Sulawesi affected,” Khan told a national Sultan said half of another eventually led it into a sharp roll island which wounded at least coordinating committee million doses bought from and then a final dive into the being dried out and cleaned of air accidents are caused by a 20 people. meeting. Sinopharm had arrived yes- sea. The report included infor- mud and salt because it has combination of factors that can Television video yesterday Pakistan has opted for what terday and the other half would mation from the flight data been at sea for a long time, take months to establish. Under showed a woman wearing a officials call “smart lockdowns” arrive today (Thursday). recorder (FDR). Indonesia National Transpor- international standards, the long black robe and a blue veil — short-term restrictions Pakistan is scrambling to Divers found the casing and tation Safety Committee (KNKT) final report is due within a year walking near a parking lot at imposed often at neigh- get more vaccine as it awaits beacon of the CVR from the investigator Nurcahyo Utomo of the crash. the police headquarters bourhood level — to try to tame WHO/COVAX/GAVI allocations 26-year-old Boeing Co 737-500 said. He said the memory unit If it is not ready by then, toward the police chief’s office the disease while keeping the of AstraZeneca’s vaccine, which within days of the crash but had had not been damaged by the Indonesia could release an building. She pointed a gun economy afloat. have been delayed. been searching for the memory impact. interim report that includes the and fired at several police While federal and pro- The country is planning to unit in relatively shallow but “We will take CVR to lab for CVR analysis, Nurcahyo said. officers before being shot dead vincial governments have acquire enough of a concen- muddy waters, where currents reading, about three days to one “We hope everything will be by other officers, National announced restrictions on trated form of the Chinese are sometimes strong. week,” KNKT head Soerjanto clear, we will know what had Police Chief Listyo Sigit gatherings, public transpor- CanSino Biologics vaccine next The CVR of flight SJ182 was Tjahjono said. “After that we’ll happened to the flight, what Prabowo said. tation, and mask mandates, the month to locally produce 3 located late on Tuesday, Indo- transcribe and match it to FDR. happened when it was in the A bomb squad member measures have largely not been million doses. nesia’s transport minister told Without a CVR, in the Sriwijaya air before SJ182 fell,” said Ardi approached her body, which enforced. “We are speeding up this a news conference. 182 case it would be very dif- Samuel Cornelis Wadu, the was lying in the rain with the Khan said he would direct process and want to take it to It was found in mud sucked ficult to determine the cause.” brother of a flight attendant gun nearby, and determined the government to reinforce the the next stage,” Sultan said. up by a dredging ship and is Safety experts say most who died in the crash. there were no dangerous materials in the area before the body was removed, the Pakistan to videos showed. Five Thais indicted over blocking of queen’s motorcade Prabowo identified the resume trade woman by her initials, ZA, and REUTERS — BANGKOK bail without conditions, said she was a 25-year-old with India after Poonsuk, said with the next university dropout. Five Thai activists were indicted hearing scheduled for April 26. He said at a news con- 19-month hiatus yesterday on charges of “I’m very grateful that the ference late yesterday that she attempted violence against the court granted us bail, but our came to the main building’s BLOOMBERG queen during a pro-democracy fight has not stopped. We will security post and fired at demonstration last year, when have to fight these accusations,” officers six times, prompting Pakistan’s government will a royal motorcade encountered Bunkueanun said. other officers “to take decisive resume trade with India, in the dozens of protesters. Anti-government protesters action.” He didn’t say whether latest sign that tensions are Their lawyer Poonsuk that emerged last year any police were injured. Tel- easing between the two Poonsukcharoen said prose- demanded the resignation of evised videos indicated she nations. cutors indicted the five under a Prime Minister Prayuth Chan- was about 10 metres (30 feet) Prime Minister Imran section of the law that carries a ocha and broke longstanding from the nearest officers, who Khan’s economic coordination minimum sentence of 16 years taboos by openly calling for ran into the building when she committee approved in prison for violence or reforms of the powerful fired. importing cotton yarn until attempted violence against the monarchy. A preliminary investigation June, Finance Minister queen, heir-apparent or regent. The Royal Palace has not showed she was acting inde- FROM LEFT: Suranat Panprasert, 35; Ekachai Hongkangwan, 45; Muhammad Hammad Azhar “I did not have such inten- commented directly on the pro- pendently, “a lone wolf with and Bunkueanun “Francis” Paothong, 21, turn up at the attorney said at a briefing in Islamabad tions, nor was I trying to do so. tests since they began last year. the radical ideology of the yesterday. It will also purchase I’ve reaffirmed these facts over general’s office in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. There are currently 19 Thai Islamic State,” he said. 500,000 tonnes of sugar to the past few months,” said one youth activists in jail having “However, we will con- help stabilise prices since the of the accused, Bunkueanun Panprasert, 35, a coordinator last year when Queen Suthida’s been denied bail. tinue to thoroughly investigate sweetner is 15%-20% cheaper “Francis” Paothong, 21. for a youth group, Ekachai convoy passed through a group They face a litany of any possible connection of in India, he said. More serious breaches of Hongkangwan, 45, and two of protesters on October 14. charges, including sedition, radical networks to the Pakistan downgraded dip- the same law can result in life others. All have denied the Video from the incident while 12 of them are also suspect,” Prabowo said. lomatic relations and sus- imprisonment, or a death sen- charges and are seeking bail. showed police pushing pro- charged with lese majeste, or Before she died, the pended bilateral trade with tence if an act is likely to The case centres on an testers away from the queen’s insulting the monarchy, a crime woman said goodbye to her India in August 2019 after New endanger their life. encounter at the height of anti- car. punishable by up to 15 years in family in a WhatsApp message, Delhi revoked autonomy for Others include Suranat government demonstrations The court granted the five prison. he said. the disputed Muslim-majority state of Jammu and Kashmir. The nuclear-armed neigh- bours surprised the world last South Korean foreign minister going Attacks in Afghanistan kill 4, month with a rare joint com- mitment to respect a 2003 including religious scholar ceasefire agreement along a to China for first time in three years disputed border that has seen AP — KABUL Separately, a bombing in three wars and regular gunfire. REUTERS — SEOUL/BEIJING on the Korean Peninsula, after a row broke out in 2016 northern Balkh province killed The India-Pakistan cease-fire regional and international over a US anti-missile system A series of bombings and two people yesterday, including marked a milestone. A South Korean foreign minister issues,” the statement said. placed in South Korea resulted shootings in Afghanistan killed a child, and wounded 16. Adil In a further sign of thawing will visit China this week for the Chinese foreign ministry in a sharp slump in its tourism, at least four people yesterday, Shah Adil, spokesman for the relations, Khan replied to first time in three years, looking spokeswoman Hua Chunying cosmetics and entertainment including a religious leader and provincial police chief, said the Prime Minister Narendra for ways to improve ties even told a briefing in Beijing said industries, which had pros- an army officer, officials said. bomb was placed inside a cart Modi’s greetings on Pakistan as tensions are running high relations with South Korea pered thanks to Chinese In one of the attacks, in and was remotely detonated. Day with a March 29 letter between Beijing and the United were “enjoying sound devel- demand. China is South Korea’s northern Takhar province, an No one immediately calling for the creation of an States, the South’s most opment” and the coming year biggest trading partner. explosion targeted the vehicle claimed responsibility for the “enabling environment” important ally. will be one of cultural Relations have improved of Mawlavi Abdul Samad Takhar and Balkh bombings. between the two countries to Chung Eui-yong will go to exchanges ahead of 2022, since then, and political leaders Mohammadi, the head of the Afghan President Ashraf resolve outstanding issues. China on Friday, and on Sat- which will mark the 30th anni- from both countries have province’s Ulema Council, the Ghani in a statement con- Pakistan’s army chief, urday will meet with the versary of the two countries’ visited, including most recently, top religious body in the area. demned the attacks. General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chinese government’s top dip- ties. “China is ready to work a visit to South Korea by Yi in Khalil Aser, spokesman for “Targeting religious also asked India “to bury the lomat, State Councillor Wang with the Republic of Korea to November. The last time a the provincial police chief, said scholars and killing civilians, past and move forward” in Yi, South Korea’s foreign min- implement the important con- South Korean foreign minister the blast took place in the pro- especially children, is a crime rare comments made this istry said in a statement. sensus reached by the two visited China was in 2017. vincial capital of Taleqan and against humanity and Islamic month. “This meeting of the diplo- heads of state, deepen commu- Neither side elaborated on was caused by a so-called values,” said a statement Pakistan’s move to import matic ministers of Korea and nication and practical cooper- the agenda, but one diplomatic sticky bomb attached to the released by Ghani’s office. cotton follows a drop in local China will serve as an oppor- ation so as to move forward the source said that Chung would cleric’s car. The cleric was Also yesterday, the Taliban production, which is estimated tunity to explore ways to strategic cooperative part- like to persuade Beijing to ease returning home from attending ambushed a military convoy on to be below six million bales develop bilateral relations nership,” she said. an informal boycott of Korean a graduation ceremony. Three a main highway linking Logar as of March 1, the lowest in at between Korea and China and South Korea has been entertainment in place since the people were also wounded in and Paktia provinces, killing an least 30 years. to exchange in-depth opinions seeking to mend ties with China missile dispute. that attack, Aser said. army officer. 12 EUROPE THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021

EU delivers over Report: Britain is a model for racial equality 100 million virus

REUTERS – LONDON Campaigners organisers said Johnson’s problems, such as why Black were more significant factors on vaccines in first called the report a choices for the commission did people were nine times more life chances than the existence of Britain should be seen as a not represent their views and likely to be stopped and racism. quarter “model for other white-majority whitewash instigated should be replaced because searched by police. It highlighted educational countries” but more still needs to gloss over deep- those appointed, like Sewell, a “Another total whitewash. attainment by ethnic minority BLOOMBERG — BRUSSELS to be done, a review into race Black educational consultant, While the Tories (Conserva- groups as demonstrating that inequality said yesterday, a rooted problems, such did not believe that Britain had tives) pat themselves on the institutional racism was not to The European Union will have conclusion that provoked fury as why Black people a problem with institutional back, their report just sets back blame for disparities, pointing delivered 107 million from critics who branded it a were nine times more racism. the clock on ending racial ine- out that Black Africans per- COVID-19 vaccines by the end “whitewash”. Prime Minister Boris quality even further,” Labour formed better than those from of this week, reaching the The report by the Com- likely to be stopped Johnson hailed “this important lawmaker Bell Ribeiro-Addy Black Caribbean as well as bloc’s targeted goal to ship 100 mission on Race and Ethnic Dis- and searched by piece of work” which he said said on Twitter. “Ignoring the white backgrounds. million doses in the first three parities was ordered by Prime was a detailed, data-led exam- deep racial disparities afflicting The country had come a months of the year. Minister Boris Johnson’s gov- police. ination of inequality and the people across UK society gets long way in 50 years and “the The milestone was con- ernment after widespread Black Conservative government us nowhere.” success of much of the ethnic firmed by European Com- Lives Matter (BLM) protests last Too often ‘racism’ is the catch- would now consider its 24 Halima Begum, head of the minority population in edu- mission spokesperson, Dana summer, triggered by the death all explanation, and can be recommendations. Runnymede Trust race equality cation and, to a lesser extent, Spinant to reporters yesterday of George Floyd in police simply implicitly accepted rather “The entirety of government think-tank told BBC television: the economy, should be and reported earlier by custody in the United States. than explicitly examined.” remains fully committed to “All it is is a whitewash and a regarded as a model for other Bloomberg News. It was a “Put simply we no longer The BLM movement, which building a fairer Britain and script that has been written to white-majority countries”, the revised goal that had to take see a Britain where the system saw tens of thousands of Britons taking the action needed to 10 Downing Street.” commission said. into account multiple delays is deliberately rigged against join demonstrations, caused address disparities wherever The report said overt and Its recommendations in the deliveries from Astra- ethnic minorities,” Tony Sewell, Britain, like other Western they exist,” he said. outright racism did persist, par- included ending the use of the Zeneca Plc. the commission’s chairman, countries, to look more closely However, opposition ticularly online, and Britain was BAME (Black, Asian and The drug maker, one of said in a foreword to the report. at race relations and its colonial Labour leader Keir Starmer said not yet a “post-racial society” Minority Ethnic) acronym four suppliers authorised in The impediments and dis- past, with campaigners he was disappointed by the of equal opportunity. because of the differences in the the EU, had committed to pro- parities do exist, they are varied, demanding action to end struc- report, while campaigners But it concluded geography, experiences of minorities, and viding 30 million doses by the and ironically very few of them tural bias. called it a whitewash instigated family influence, socio-economic changes to policing and the end of this quarter, well below are directly to do with racism. At the time, protest to gloss over deep-rooted background, culture and religion criminal justice system. the originally planned 120 million shots. The other phar- maceutical companies have Spain widens use delivered on schedule. Queen Elizabeth returns to A spokesman for Astra- of AstraZeneca Zeneca said on Tuesday that public duties after lockdown the company was on track to COVID-19 vaccine ship 30 million doses to the EU REUTERS — LONDON performed in public came in by the end of March. REUTERS — MADRID December at Windsor when she The milestone is a rare Britain’s Queen Elizabeth thanked local volunteers and vaccine win for the EU, which Spain said yesterday it would carried out her first face-to-face key workers, and has rarely left has been struggling to ramp up extend the use of Astra- engagement this year yesterday, the castle since the outbreak of a sluggish inoculation cam- Zeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine to two days after the country’s the pandemic in March last paign that lags behind western essential workers over 65 strict COVID-19 lockdown was year. countries such as the UK and years old to include previously eased. Earlier this month, the royal the US. excluded groups, while the The 94-year-old monarch, family was plunged into its The bloc expects to receive infection rate surpassed the who has continued to carry out biggest crisis in decades by the 360 million doses in the level deemed a “high risk” for her official duties by videolink interview Prince Harry and his second quarter and is aiming transmission. since a lockdown was imposed wife Meghan gave to Oprah to vaccinate 70 percent of its As measured over the pre- at the start of the year, visited Winfrey in which her grandson adult population by the end of ceding 14 days, the rate rose the Air Forces memorial in Run- criticised his relatives for failing the summer. Meanwhile, to 152 cases per 100,000 nymede to mark the centenary to stand up to what he regarded several large EU countries people from Tuesday’s 147, of the Royal Australian Air as abusive press treatment of have reimposed lockdown health ministry data showed, Force. his wife. measures. exceeding the 150-case Runnymede is close to Meghan said a member of The bloc has administered threshold for the first time Windsor Castle, west of London, the royal family had made a 15 doses per 100 people, less since March 5. where the queen has been racist comment by asking how than a third of what the UK has The cumulative tally of staying with her 99-year-old dark their son Archie’s skin managed, according to cases rose by 8,534 yesterday husband Prince Philip, who might be before he was born. Bloomberg’s Coronavirus to 3.28 million, while the death recently spent four weeks in In a statement, the queen Vaccine Tracker. toll climbed by 154 to 75,459. hospital for treatment for an said the royals were saddened The European vaccine Health Minister Carolina infection and to have a heart by the “challenging experi- campaign faced another Darias told a news conference procedure. ences” of Harry and Meghan, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II visits the Royal Australian Air Force setback after Germany said it Spain would take delivery of “It’s been a long time since and promised their concerns Memorial, in Runnymede district, Britain, yesterday. would halt the use of Astra- 1 million doses of the shots I’ve been here,” said Elizabeth, would be seriously addressed Zeneca’s vaccine for people today, and that the gov- who is also Queen of Australia, in private by the family, While the fallout from the media, other members of the younger than 60 after a ernment was on track to hit a as she arrived. although adding “some recol- interview continues to rumble royal family have continued handful of new cases of severe target of vaccinating 70 The last engagement she lections may vary”. on in the background and in the their official duties. blood clots emerged. percent of the population this summer. Shots made by the Anglo- Swedish drugmaker were pre- Italy expels Russia embassy officials, arrest Navy captain for spying viously destined for essential workers like police officers AP — ROME outskirts of Rome allegedly Embassy official allegedly The Russian Embassy in and teachers up to the age of caught the Italian and one of the involved, Di Maio told law- Rome confirmed the detention 65, while vaccines from Italy yesterday ordered two Russians in a “clandestine oper- makers. Di Maio didn’t provide of a diplomat who was part of Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech Russian Embassy officials ation” to exchange the docu- details about the suspected role the military attache’s office but are reserved for people over expelled and arrested an Italian ments late Tuesday. of the second Russian. wouldn’t comment on the 80. Navy captain on spying charges Italy’s Carabinieri paramil- Italy’s special operations incident. But that meant a small after police caught the Italian itary police said in a statement forces in Rome staged the sting “In any case, we hope that number of key workers over allegedly giving classified docu- that the Italian naval officer, “during a clandestine operation it wouldn’t affect bilateral ties,” 65 were left out of the ments to one of the Russians in who is a frigate captain, had between the two, surprising it said in a statement. programme. exchange for money. been arrested. The Russian them red-handed immediately Speaking in a conference Along with a dozen other Foreign Minister Luigi Di observed with him, a member after the handing over of clas- call with reporters, Russian countries, Spain temporarily Maio (pictured) told a joint of the Russian armed forces sta- sified documents by the Italian President Vladimir Putin’s suspended the AstraZeneca session of the Italian Parlia- tioned at the Russian Embassy official in exchange for a sum spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, shot in early March over con- ment’s foreign relations com- in Italy, was initially detained of money,” said the Carabinieri said the Kremlin was unaware cerns it caused a rare clotting mittees that the alleged incident but not immediately placed statement. of details of the incident, but disorder but resumed using it was a “hostile act of extreme under arrest given his diplo- The Carabinieri said both noted that “we hope that the once the European Union drug gravity.” Ambassador Sergey Razov to matic status. were accused of “serious crimes quite positive and constructive regulator EMA gave its The Italian Foreign Ministry protest the “grave incident” He was ordered expelled concerning espionage and state character of the Russian-Italian backing. said it summoned Russian after a sting operation on the along with another Russian security.” relations will be preserved.” France, Italy set to extend curbs to contain COVID-19 pandemic

BLOOMBERG — PARIS/ ROME measures, would effectively 60 from yesterday. The policy amount to a new lockdown, the change, endorsed by regional France and Italy are set to people said. health ministers, came after the extend virus restrictions as In Italy, Prime Minister release of new data on potential Europe struggles to contain a Mario Draghi’s government will side effects. sharp increase in infections due extend current restrictions on In the meantime, as govern- to new variants. movement and business ments wait for the shots to be The resurgence in the out- openings in high-risk areas until administered, tighter restric- break is a setback for govern- the end of April 30, according tions are deemed necessary. ments, whose plans to get life to a draft of the new decree seen “The key factor of our back to normal and revive their by Bloomberg News. Extra decision is the situation in hos- economies have already been measures include making vac- pitals,” Attal said. Around 5,000 stymied by a slow vaccine cination mandatory for medical people are now receiving rollout across the European staff. intensive care, higher than the Union. The French virus spike A full lockdown for France peak reached in November last has been particularly bad, and would represent a reversal for year, during the epidemic’s Germany and Spain last week Macron. He had favoured a second wave. “The triage of imposed border restrictions to localised approach, and his patients is not an option,” he said. A woman waiting to catch a train at Termini train station in Rome, yesterday, as Italy imposes a travelers coming from the rejection of advice for stricter Earlier this month, the mandatory five-day coronavirus quarantine for people arriving or returning from trips to EU nations. country. measures sooner could be polit- French government placed French President Emmanuel ically damaging a year out from more than a third of the country Macron is due to address the presidential elections. In including the Paris region under a debate and vote on the The French leader so far has stricter restrictions. Instead, the nation and is planning to Germany, Chancellor Angela a lighter lockdown. The UK measures needed to address the been unapologetic about his government imposed a announce tougher measures Merkel announced a major went through a similar process epidemic, according to Macron’s government’s handling of the nationwide curfew, closed malls then, according to people u-turn on Easter restrictions, last year, abandoning a four-tier party. pandemic and his decision to and added travel curbs. It was familiar with the matter, who undermining her party’s strategy that proved over-com- Macron’s administration postpone new curbs for as long earlier this month that the gov- asked not to be identified. A ban standing with voters. plicated and didn’t work to had also insisted on keeping as possible. ernment shuttered a large on intercity travel and well as a Merkel said Germany will contain infections. schools open over the past year, In January, Macron ignored swathe of the country, although closing of schools is possible, halt the use of AstraZeneca Plc’s Prime Minister Jean Castex in contrast to many European the advice of his health minister some open-air activities were which along with current vaccine for people younger than will speak in parliament during neighbours. who began advocating for encouraged. THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021 EUROPE 13 Warm weather in northwest Europe raises fresh virus worries

AP — BRUSSELS outdoors, there are worries that force, many did not bother with care unit occupancy could reach rapid rollout of vaccines. traveling could lead rise to more In Belgium, the mercury the rule. a critical level by April 10 if the Restrictions on gatherings Much of northwest Europe is infections. has hit 24.5 degrees Brussels prosecutor’s office pace of infections does not slow were eased on Monday, and basking in unusually warm In response to the number Celsius (76 Fahrenheit), issued a warning yesterday fol- down. groups of up to six, or two weather yesterday, prompting of passengers on its trains, Bel- prompting thousands of lowing the announcement on Parks in the neighbouring households of any size, can many people to throw caution gium’s national rail company, people to head to beaches social networks of two illegal Netherlands also are getting meet in parks and gardens once to the wind despite a worrying SNCB, has been forced to festivals scheduled to take place crowded in the warm spring more, while outdoor sports uptick in coronavirus cases in activate a “stop-and-go” system and parks. The fine today and tomorrow in two of weather. In the city of Utrecht, facilities can reopen. Face parts of the continent. to prevent travelers in several weather is expected to the city’s parks. The office said authorities have begun painting masks are not required in most Temperatures in Belgium, train stations from boarding continue until tomorrow police will be deployed and that circles on the grass in parks in outdoor settings in England. which is facing a resurgence of packed-out trains. and the start of the Easter anyone breaching restrictions an attempt to get visitors to With the fine weather set to the virus, have never been so Currently, residents in weekend. Though it’s could be prosecuted. maintain social distancing when be short-lived, there is clear high so early in the year, while Belgium are banned from One of the parties is pro- they sit or lie in the sun. evidence that some people are those in England, where restric- traveling abroad but can move proven that the virus is far moted by a collective called the In Amsterdam, the munici- stretching the rules to the limit. tions are being loosened fol- freely across the country. A less easy to catch Abyss. The group said it does not pality closed the city’s central Local police said no fines lowing a dramatic fall in new night-time curfew is in place. outdoors, there are question the government’s Vondelpark, saying it was too were issued but that there cases, could nudge the all-time Many did not resist the worries that traveling strategy but fights for citizens’ busy and only letting people out. would be extra officers in the March high. appeal of a grand day out to could lead rise to more rights to gather outdoors. Coronavirus infections have area on Wednesday to ensure In Belgium, the mercury has North Sea beaches, especially “Some people say we have been rising for weeks in the that the rules are being abided hit 24.5 degrees Celsius (76 after the government decided infections. fallen into a health dicta- Netherlands, despite a months- by. British Health Secretary Matt Fahrenheit), prompting thou- last week to shut down schools torship,” the group said. “We long tough lockdown. Hancock urged people to act sands of people to head to for an extra week before the want to prove that it is still pos- Many parts of the UK are responsibly. beaches and parks. The fine Easter school break in a bid to trips to the coast, but the situ- sible to live and therefore to cel- enjoying the turn of the “We have come so far, don’t weather is expected to continue slow infections. ation in big cities is also a source ebrate even in the midst of a weather, but the coronavirus blow it now,” he said on Twitter. until tomorrow and the start of That move could ultimately of worry. pandemic, as our grandparents backdrop in the country is very The easing was sanctioned the Easter weekend. backfire. In Brussels, for instance, did during the war.” different to elsewhere in after a dramatic fall in new Good news for the 11.5 “It’s too crowded. And you crowds gathered in one of the Belgium has reported over Europe. The rise in tempera- coronavirus cases over the past million Belgians craving sun don’t have to be a great scientist city’s largest parks to enjoy 876,000 confirmed coronavirus tures towards the all-time few weeks that has seen the UK after a gloomy winter, but a real to predict that,” Western outdoor games. Despite restric- cases and almost 23,000 virus- March high of 25.6 Celsius (78 go from being the European worry for the government Flanders Governor Carl tions limiting outside gatherings related deaths. Hospitalisations Fahrenheit) recorded in 1968 country with the worst outbreak struggling to deal with a third Decaluwe told Het Niewsblad to four people, bigger groups due to COVID-19 have risen has come at a time when at the start of the year to one wave of infections. newspaper. were spotted sitting on the consistently in recent weeks, restrictions on socialising have with one of the lowest rates of Though it’s proven that the Both Decaluwe and the grass. And although mandatory and the country’s health author- been eased following a near infection in the whole virus is far less easy to catch SNCB are now advising against mask-wearing outdoors is in ities have warned that intensive three-month lockdown and the continent. EU takes Poland to Thousands rally in Romania against coronavirus curfew court over judicial REUTERS — BUCHAREST Thousands gathered in Roma- independence concerns nia’s main cities for a third day running on Tuesday, rallying AP — BRUSSELS “The mere prospect for judges outside government’s offices in of having to face proceedings Bucharest, to demand an end The European Union is referring before a body whose inde- to coronavirus restrictions Poland to Europe’s top court pendence is not guaranteed including a curfew enforced by over long-standing concerns creates a ‘chilling effect’ for the centrist government. about respect for the rule of law judges.” Seeking to rein in a rapid and the independence of the In Warsaw, government spread of the virus over the past country’s Supreme Court judges, spokesman Piotr Mueller ques- weeks in what they call a third EU officials said. tioned the EU’s authority in the wave of pandemic, authorities The bloc’s executive com- matter. “Regulation of the justice extended the start of a night- mission said it will ask the system area belongs solely to the time home confinement by 2 European Court of Justice to national authority, and is the hours to 8 pm on Sunday in order interim measures until a direct result of the provisions of cities with infections above 4% final judgment is given in the Poland’s Constitution and of the per 1,000 people. case “to prevent the aggravation EU treaties,” he said. Protesters, many unmasked, of serious and irreparable harm Mueller also said on Twitter called on the three-month-old inflicted to judicial independence that the Commission’s motion cabinet of Prime Minister Florin and the EU legal order.” to the court “has no legal or Citu to quit and lift a months The European Commission factual grounds.” He insisted long state of alert implying had previously warned Poland that “regulations in Poland are mandatory use of face masks People march demanding an end to coronavirus restrictions, in Bucharest, Romania, on Tuesday night. that it might go to the European in line with the standards in at all times outdoor and indoor, Court of Justice if the gov- force in the EU.” travel curbs and business shouted, many blowing spiracy movements. rampant increase in the number ernment did not take action to A series of legislative acts closures. vuvuzela horns, raising Roma- In a speech referring to the of infections, which would lead fix the problems with the Polish in late 2019 governs the way “Down with government,” nia’s flags in the Bucharest rally, need to keep restrictions Pres- to the blockage of the health law on judicial power. Poland’s justice system “Freedom, Freedom,” “Down also backed by an ultra-nation- ident Klaus Iohannis said: “There system... The virus has no “It’s a crucial step in the operates. The laws took effect with the dictatorship,” they alist parliament group, and con- is no other choice to halt a political colour, no opinions.” infraction procedure,” EU in February 2020. The Justice Commissioner Didier European Commission started Reynders said of the court infringement proceedings Kiev sets strict referral. The EU commission’s against the right-wing gov- World’s worst-hit Covid region case is part of a long-running ernment in Warsaw in April, lockdown amid dispute between Brussels and and took further steps in the nationalist governments in October and December. grapples with surge in deaths record COVID-19 Poland and Hungary over dem- In November, the Disci- ocratic standards and the rule plinary Chamber suspended BLOOMBERG — BUDAPEST restrictions as soon as they Prime Minister Viktor death toll of law in the 27-nation bloc. Judge Igor Tuleya and cut his should be,” said Alexandru Orban is continuing to ignore a The commission considers salary by 25%. Tuleya, who was Hungary, which currently has Moise, a researcher focusing plea by Hungarian doctors to REUTERS — KIEV Poland in violation of EU law critical of the changes to the the world’s highest COVID-19 on the politics of healthcare further tighten virus curbs as for allowing the country’s Dis- justice system, has become the death rate, reported a jump in at the European University understaffed hospitals are over- Ukraine’s capital Kiev will ciplinary Chamber of the symbol of the struggle for fatalities as the virus situation Institute near Florence, Italy. whelmed by patients. impose a strict lockdown from Supreme Court to make deci- judicial independence in worsened sharply across most “Any country would be over- Instead, the government is April 5 amid a gloomy sions which have a direct Poland. Tuleya’s immunity was of eastern Europe. whelmed if it would let the touting its vaccination cam- prediction for a further surge impact on judges and the way also waived, allowing prose- The rapid spread of the virus spiral out of control to paign, the second-fastest in the in infections and a record daily they do their jobs, undermining cutors to press charges against virus is testing the resolve of the this extent.” European Union, which it has number of coronavirus- judicial independence. the judge for having allowed region’s governments to enact That applies to Hungary, said will allow for most stores related deaths, Mayor Vitali “These matters include journalists to hear the verdict even tougher curbs to arrest the which yesterday reported that to open as soon as next week. Klitschko said yesterday. cases of the lifting of immunity in a politically sensitive trial. more contagious UK variant, a record 302 people died in a More than two dozen Hun- Ukraine’s Health Minister of judges with a view to He was the third judge which is now widespread. single day, a 10% jump from the garian media outlets, including Maksym Stepanov said there bringing criminal proceedings critical of Polish Justice Min- Currently 10 out of the 11 previous day, according to RTL Klub, the most-watched were 407 coronavirus-related against them or detain them, istry policies to be suspended countries with the highest level health authorities. television network, published deaths recorded in the country and the consequent temporary by the Disciplinary Chamber of fatalities as a share of popu- Poland, the region’s biggest an open letter addressed to over the past 24 hours, and suspension from office and the of the Supreme Court, which is lation are from eastern Europe. nation, reported a 10% increase Orban, asking for permission warned infections were likely reduction of their salary,” the largely composed of gov- “Clearly countries of the in new cases and a 14% rise in to report from inside Covid to rise further over the next European Commission said. ernment loyalists. region are not imposing deaths from a week ago. wards. one to two weeks. The country began rolling out vaccinations against the Sweden postpones easing of some COVID-19 pandemic last month and 231,564 people had restrictions amid third virus wave received the first shot by yes- terday, yet Stepanov described the situation as “tense REUTERS — STOCKHOLM has gradually ratcheted up still enough”. mostly voluntary restrictions Kiev, with the highest Sweden’s government will on public gatherings and social infection rate in the ex-Soviet postpone a planned easing of activities. Sweden registered republic of 41 million people, some COVID restrictions until 8,441 new cases and 35 deaths will restrict public transport, at least May 3 amid a severe on Wednesday. Cases have close all schools and kinder- third wave of the virus, Prime risen sharply in recent weeks gartens for the period from Minister Stefan Lofven said to levels last seen in December, April 5 to April 16, Klitschko yesterday, but stopped short of while deaths have remained at said. “We have no other introducing more measures. a relatively low level. option. Otherwise, there will “The situation is serious,” “We are getting reports of a be hundreds of deaths every Lofven said at a news con- strained situation in healthcare. day,” he said on Telegram ference. “The spread of In many regions, the spread of messenger. infection is at a high level.” infection is increasing dramati- Earlier yesterday he said The health agency asked cally,” Swedish Health Agency 1,100 new coronavirus cases the government to postpone the Director General Johan Carlson were registered in the city over previously announced easing, said. The country of 10 million the past day with 35 deaths. which included raising the limit inhabitants has seen more than Kiev hospitals dedicated to on the number of visitors to 13,000 COVID-related deaths. COVID-19 treatment were House destroyed during Ukraine conflict amusement parks, concerts and It has a death rate per capita now 80% full, Klitschko said. football matches. many times higher than that of A major spike in infections last Local resident Roman, 48, is seen at the ruins of his house destroyed during a military conflict Sweden has taken a dif- its Nordic neighbours’ but week to a 24-hour record of between militants of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic and the Ukrainian armed forces, ferent path from most countries lower than in most European 18,132 prompted almost half in Donetsk, Ukraine, yesterday. during pandemic, opting countries that opted for the country’s regions to against lockdowns, though it lockdowns. impose a tight lockdown. 14 AMERICAS THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021

Mexico’s indirect Brazil detects new COVID-19 deaths virus variant similar may be over 120,000 to South African AP — MEXICO CITY

REUTERS & BLOOMBERG — Many of the over 120,000 SAO PAULO “It is a variant similar to excess deaths Mexico suffered that of South Africa, so far during the pandemic may Brazil has detected a new although there is no have been indirectly caused by COVID-19 variant in Sao Paulo history of travel or contact the coronavirus, even if those state that is similar to the one people didn’t die of COVID-19, first seen in South Africa, the with travelers from South Mexican officials said. head of the state’s Butantan Africa. There is a A “very significant part” of biomedical institute said possibility that it is an those deaths were people who yesterday. evolution of our P1 were suffering heart problems Speaking at a press con- towards this mutation in but were too afraid to go the hos- ference the day after Brazil suf- pital for fear of getting infected, fered a record 3,780 deaths in South Africa,” Dimas said Dr. Ruy López Ridaura, the a day, Butantan President Covas ,the head of the country’s director of disease pre- Dimas Covas said the patient state’s Butantan vention and control. Migrants cross the Rio Bravo river to El Paso, Texas, US, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, yesterday. with the variant had no history biomedical institute said. “Clearly, even those cases of travel to South Africa. that aren’t directly associated The South African variant with (coronavirus) infection... Hundreds of migrants set out has alarmed public health in some way are associated experts as there are questions said it will use it at over 2,600 with the pandemic, right, over how effective current vac- public health clinics, as well as because they were associated from Honduras, dreaming of US cines are against it. Brazil is also to build more hospital beds. with the burden on hospitals, grappling with its own home- COVID-19 has run rampant the fear that people had,” AP — CORINTO, HONDURAS several more military “the significant risks to those grown variant, called P1, which through Brazil over the past López Ridaura said. checkpoints. leaving their homes and making appears to be fueling a record- year and now, in just a few “It is not unreasonable to A few hundred Honduran Calls to form a new migrant the dangerous journey to the breaking run of infections. days, it has pushed President think that a very significant part migrants set out for the Guate- caravan had circulated for days, United States, especially during “It is a variant similar to Jair Bolsonaro up against a wall is due to people not seeking malan border before dawn on but the turnout was smaller a global pandemic.” that of South Africa, although where he’s struggling mightily medical attention,” he said. Tuesday in hopes of eventually than one that formed January. Harris and Giammattei dis- there is no history of travel or to escape. “They were in a certain way reaching the United States, but That caravan, which grew to a cussed efforts to address the contact with travelers from Nine of his most senior offi- afraid to go to a system that was by afternoon they had largely few thousand migrants, was root causes of migration and South Africa,” Covas said. cials have quit or been sacked caring for a lot of COVID dispersed. eventually dissolved by author- Harris thanked him for “his “There is a possibility that it is since Monday, including min- patients, for fear of getting Other recent caravans have ities in Guatemalan using tear efforts to secure Guatemala’s an evolution of our P1 towards isters of defence, justice and infected.” The number of been broken up by Guatemalan gas and riot shields. southern border.” US author- this mutation in South Africa.” foreign affairs, along with the deaths from heart disease and authorities and this relatively The Guatemalan and ities are expelling immediately Brazil is currently grappling chief of every branch of the diabetes skyrocketed during small one appeared to dissolve Mexican governments have the majority of migrants who with the worst phase of its out- military. The changes are part 2020. For example, deaths before reaching the Guatemala taken a harder line against such cross the southern border, break, the world’s second- of a broad government shake- from cardiac ailments border on a day that US Vice- caravans in recent times under though a high number of unac- deadliest after the United up launched by the president increased 36% last year, as President Kamala Harris spoke pressure from the United States. companied children, which the States. A slow vaccine rollout to accommodate those who are compared to 2019, and deaths with Guatemala President Ale- The large traveling groups, Biden administration has said it and lack of social distancing are still willing to support him, from complications of diabetes jandro Giammattei about however, represent only a will not expel, have created logis- contributing to Brazil’s spi- even as rage over his handling were up 46%. migration. Young men and fraction of the regular daily tical challenges. In Central raling caseload, which is of the pandemic grows. Fear may not have been women, as well as families migration flows, which typically America, some have taken the pushing the country’s Thousands die daily, half a the only factor. Many hospitals toting small children, walked go relatively unnoticed. Mexico situation as a sign that if they healthcare system to the brink. million get sick every week and in Mexico simply did not have along a busy six-lane road last week began restricting bring young children, their Brazil currently accounts vaccines are in short supply fol- room for non-COVID-19 heading out of San Pedro Sula crossings at its southern border chances of being allowed to for about a quarter of COVID-19 lowing months of his ignoring patients, or treatment may early Tuesday. They strung out to essential travel and stepped remain in the U.S. will be higher. daily deaths worldwide, more medical advice and pleas from have been delayed because into small groups with many up operations to intercept The Northern Triangle than any other country. allies to take the virus more ambulances were tied up hitching rides toward the migrants, especially families, in countries — Guatemala, Hon- Brazilian President Jair Bol- seriously. during the pandemic, or border crossing at Corinto. the south. duras and El Salvador — have sonaro, who has come under An anti-establishment pol- because some hospitals would But relatively few arrived There has been hope among accounted for the majority of fire for his handling of the pan- itician with no party of his own, not treat emergency patients at the official border crossing migrants that the adminis- migrants arriving at the U.S. demic, on Tuesday signed an Bolsonaro swept into office two until they had been tested for and likely decided to cross at tration of President Joe Biden southern border in recent years. executive order to disburse years ago on a promise of the coronavirus. Not including the numerous blind points would take a more compas- Gang violence and a lack of eco- 5.3bn reais ($918m) in new ending corruption, promoting the indirect deaths, officials list along the border to avoid sionate view of them, but White nomic opportunities are the main loans to fight the COVID-19 the military and freeing the 322,263 deaths directly caused detection. There were three House officials have tried for reasons migrants give for leaving. pandemic. economy from the weight of by COVID-19. While case checkpoints before the border months to make it clear that the The economic situation in those The new loans will be used state bureaucracy. Instead, it’s numbers have been declining, on the Honduras side where US border is closed. countries has only grown more to prop up Brazil’s health all about the pandemic now. Mexico recorded 807 test-con- authorities checked documents, On Tuesday, the White acute under pressure from the system, the Finance Ministry And while few believe he’s firmed deaths on Tuesday, a especially for those traveling House said in a statement that COVID-19 pandemic and two said. The Health Ministry, defeated, all agree he’s in relatively high number com- with children. Across the border the US vice president had major hurricanes that raked the which will receive the funding, trouble. pared to recent weeks. in Guatemala, there were spoken with Giammattei about region in November. Honduran Venezuela and Colombia President involved in drug rights groups ask for UN trafficking, says envoy amid border violence US prosecutor REUTERS — CARACAS BLOOMBERG — TEGUCIGALPA Human rights groups from Venezuela and Colombia yesterday The president of Honduras has called on the United Nations to appoint a special envoy to address participated in a violent the humanitarian crisis caused by clashes between Venezuelan cocaine trafficking conspiracy, troops and Colombian armed groups near the countries’ border. a US prosecutor said at a Colombian officials estimate that some 4,000 people have hearing where the president’s fled Venezuela for Colombia since March 21 following a military brother was sentenced to life offensive in Venezuela’s Apure state. in an American prison. Some of those who fled to the Colombian border town of Arau- President Juan Orlando quita accused Venezuelan troops of arbitrary detentions, murders Hernandez’s brother, Juan of civilians, as well as looting and burning homes, charges that Antonio Hernandez, received were denied by Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino. his sentence on Tuesday for “We consider it urgent that the Secretary General of the United conspiring to smuggle almost Nations designate a special envoy for the border crisis,” reads the 200,000 kg of cocaine into the statement, which is signed by 60 organizations including human US, as part of what prosecutors rights and humanitarian groups. said was a state-backed traf- The border between the two nations has been for years a center ficking operation that netted of drug trafficking and smuggling. him nearly $140m. The Information Ministry and the United Nations did not imme- During the hearing, in diately respond to requests for comment. federal court in Manhattan, Cherry blossom season “Reactions in Colombia after the (armed forces) operations in prosecutor Matthew Laroche Apure have been so absurd, fanciful and schizoid, that they only Pedestrians walk along cherry trees at the Tidal Basin near the National Mall in Washington DC, US, called the brother, known as confirm that the Colombian mafias and drug trafficking routes yesterday. Cherry blossom trees in Washington DC have now reached peak bloom, according to the Tony Hernandez, “a central have suffered a strong blow,” Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza wrote figure in one of the largest and National Park Service. on Twitter yesterday. most violent cocaine traf- ficking conspiracies in the world.” He said Hernandez, 41, and Salvadoran woman who died in police custody was also abused his conspirators “operate Hon- duras as a virtual narco-state” AP — MEXICO CITY account that the arrested man, image,” but the state’s problems lately by land disputes, gang Floyd was declared dead after and that “they are able to do a Mexican, had sexually abused didn’t end there. Prosecutors said activity and increasing a white police officer pressed so by conspiring with some of A Salvadoran woman who died the daughter. a foreign woman was wounded development. his knee against the Black man’s the most powerful people in in police custody over the “Victoria filed a complaint on Tuesday in a shooting in The four police officers — neck for about nine minutes, the country, including his weekend in a Caribbean beach weeks ago and took her Tulum. The prosecutors’ office three men and a woman — holding his position even after brother, the president of resort had also suffered abuse by daughter to a shelter to protect did not give the woman’s nation- arrested in Salazar’s death had Floyd went limp. Honduras.” her companion, who has been her,” Bukele wrote. “Unfortu- ality, but did say she had been been scheduled to appear in Manuel Barradas, owner of The US has implicated the arrested, Mexican authorities nately, nothing was done until treated and released from a local court on Tuesday, but prose- a small convenience store in Honduran president in the said. now, with Victoria murdered, hospital. It said a suspect had cutors said the defence asked Tulum, said Salazar appeared conspiracy through multiple Quintana Roo state Gov. it is not until now they are fol- been detained. for an extension until Saturday. “off” to him so when she prosecutions of other traf- Carlos Joaquin did not specify lowing up on the case.” In another case of violence, All four remain in custody. approached his store he barred fickers and Honduran officials whether the abuse allegedly Salazar died on Saturday the governor said that the Quintana Roo State Prose- her entry. Police detained her a in the same court, saying he suffered by Victoria Esperanza after a female police officer was killing of a woman over the cutor Oscar Montes de Oca said short time later. Authorities made met with traffickers, promised Salazar was sexual or physical. seen kneeling on her on a street weekend in the resort of an autopsy confirmed that Salazar’s no mention of Salazar being to protect them and accepted He said one of the woman’s in the resort of Tulum, and offi- Holbox, on the state’s northern broken neck “coincides with sub- under the influence of anything bribes. two daughters also had been cials have said four officers are coast, “had to do with a senti- mission maneuvers applied to the in discussing the autopsy. He has not been charged abused and the man was being investigated. An autopsy mental or passion motive,” and victim during her detention” and Salazar’s death increased by US authorities and has arrested as part of the state gov- found that the woman’s neck that a suspect in that case had demonstrate a “disproportionate” tensions in Quintana Roo, denied wrongdoing. The Her- ernment’s effort to ensure was broken. also been arrested. use of force by police. where police used live ammu- nandez government has been justice for Salazar. Joaquin acknowledged that Tulum’s reputation as a The scenes were remi- nition to ward off a throng of one of Washington’s allies in Salvadoran President Nayib Salazar’s death “did a lot of laid-back, low-key beach resort niscent of the death of George about 100 demonstrators in the region. Bukele wrote in his Twitter damage to Quintana Roo’s unlike Cancún has been marred Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020. Cancun in November. THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021 AMERICAS 15 Biden holds first Cabinet meeting today amid infrastructure push

AP — WASHINGTON The sessions also are an oppor- Secretary of State Antony tunity for the president to make Blinken and Pentagon chief Joe Biden will convene his first his priorities and values clear. Lloyd Austin - will attend in Cabinet meeting today, a pres- Policy debates are generally person. So will other Cabinet- idential rite of passage that will reserved for smaller, subject- ranked officials, including be used to promote his new specific gatherings of Cabinet White House chief of staff Ron infrastructure plan. The gath- officials and senior advisers, Klain and Director of National ering will look very different such as the National Security Intelligence Avril Haines. from those held by his prede- Council and the Domestic Policy Shalanda Young, acting cessor. Council. budget head, will attend To begin with, the full “As the federal government because Neera Tanden, Biden’s Cabinet won’t meet in the room has become increasingly first choice for that job, that bears its name, instead complex over the years, the role withdrew her nomination amid assembling in the more spa- of the Cabinet has evolved as Senate opposition. Biden is also cious East Room to allow for well,” said Chris Lu, President awaiting the confirmation of social distancing. All attendees, Barack Obama’s first-term Eric Lander to be the director including the president, will Cabinet secretary. “In addition of the Office of Science and wear masks. Also, the afternoon to serious policy discussions, Technology Policy, a post that meeting probably will not Cabinet meetings are an oppor- the president has elevated to include the over-the-top tunity for the president to lay Cabinet rank. tributes to the chief executive out broad directions for how his Biden has faced questions that came to define Cabinet team should operate.” about why his Cabinet meetings held by President “The meetings can help department heads do not Donald Trump. align priorities, build morale, include an Asian American. The US President Joe Biden exits his limousine prior to boarding Air Force One as he departs Washington The timing of the first and allow Cabinet members to White House has highlighted for travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, US, yesterday. meeting was deliberate: A week develop relationships with col- that this Cabinet is the most after the full Cabinet was con- leagues who they don’t nor- diverse in history. Katherine firmed and a day after Biden midterm elections. continuing to emphasize the Cabinet meetings in the mally see,” Lu said. Tai, the US trade representative, was poised to release his infra- With the sales blitz for the benefits of the $1.9 trillion modern era are less about All 16 permanent members will be in attendance today. structure plan in Pittsburgh, plan just beginning, the focus COVID-19 relief bill that Biden setting administration policy of the Cabinet - the vice pres- The CIA director is not a which will likely dominate of the meeting will be on how signed into law this month, said than ensuring that all the gov- ident and heads of the executive Cabinet-ranked position in the Washington through the the package can help across White House deputy press sec- ernment agencies are on the departments, including Biden administration, as it was summer and shape next year’s government, as well on retary Andrew Bates. same page, say former officials. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, under Trump. Wisconsin Supreme Store cashier expresses disbelief, guilt over Floyd Court strikes down AP — MINNEAPOLIS The convenience store cashier who was handed a counterfeit $20 bill by George Floyd— mask mandate setting in motion the Black man’s ill-fated encounter with AP — MADISON, WISCONSIN police — testified yesterday that The 4-3 ruling from the he watched Floyd’s arrest The Wisconsin Supreme Court conservative-controlled court outside with “disbelief — and yesterday struck down Gov. guilt.” Tony Evers’ statewide mask is the latest legal blow to “If I would’ve just not mandate, ruling that the attempts by Gov. Tony Evers tooken the bill, this could’ve Democrat exceeded his to control the coronavirus. It been avoided,” 19-year-old authority by issuing the order. comes after Republicans in Christopher Martin lamented at The 4-3 ruling from the Officer Derek Chauvin’s murder conservative-controlled court the Legislature voted to trial, joining the burgeoning list is the latest legal blow to repeal the mask mandate in of onlookers who expressed a attempts by Evers to control the February, only to see Evers sense of helplessness and lin- coronavirus. It comes after quickly re-issue it. gering guilt over Floyd’s slow Republicans in the Legislature death last May. voted to repeal the mask Prosecutors used Martin mandate in February, only to times since then, most recently and other witnesses to help lay see Evers quickly re-issue it. on Feb. 4 immediately after the out the rapidly escalating The court last May struck Legislature repealed it. sequence of events that ended down Evers’ “safer at home” Nearly 60 organizations in tragedy. They also played A memorial at the place where George Floyd died is seen in front of Cup Foods at George Floyd order, saying that his health sec- opposed repeal of the mask store security video of Floyd Square while the city of Minneapolis enters its third day of the trial of Derek Chauvin, who is facing retary did not have the authority mandate, including groups rep- inside Cup Foods and yet murder charges in the death of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US, yesterday. for such an order. Evers’ attempts resenting hospitals, doctors, another piece of amateur to limit capacity in bars, restau- nurses, EMTs, school adminis- footage of him outside, adding his own “tab” but then second- the harrowing bystander video flowing through his body. rants and other indoor places trators, businesses, children, to the mountain of video doc- guessed himself and told a of him gasping for breath as After police arrived that were also blocked by a state unions, Milwaukee schools, umenting what happened. manager, who sent Martin onlookers yelled at Chauvin to day, Martin went outside as appeals court in October. American Indian tribes, phar- Together, the witness outside to ask Floyd to return get off him, triggered some- people were gathering on the In the latest case, the court macists, firefighters, local accounts and video began to to the store. But Floyd and a times violent protests around curb and yelling at officers, ruled that any public health health departments, senior cit- show how events spun out of passenger in his SUV twice the world and a reckoning over then called his mother, with emergency issued by Evers is izens, churches and dentists. control, as a scene of people refused to go back into the store racism and police brutality whom he lived in an valid for just 60 days and can’t With no state order in place, apparently joking around inside to resolve the issue, and the across the US. apartment upstairs, and told be extended without legislative it will be up to local govern- the neighborhood market soon manager had a co-worker call Martin said that inside the her to stay inside. He then took approval. “The question in this mental units to enact their own gave way to the sight of officers police, Martin testified. store, he asked Floyd if he out his phone and began case is not whether the governor mask policies. Many commu- removing Floyd from his SUV Floyd was later arrested played baseball, and Floyd said recording. acted wisely; it is whether he nities had moved to enact local at gunpoint. outside, where Chauvin pinned he played football, but it took He said he saw Officer Tou acted lawfully. We conclude he ordinances as the Legislature Martin said he immediately his knee on the man’s neck for Floyd some time to respond, so Thao push one of his co- did not,” Justice Brian Hagedorn looked to repeal the mandate. believed the $20 that Floyd what prosecutors said was 9 “it would appear that he was workers. Martin said he also wrote for the majority. Mask orders are in place in cities gave him in exchange for a pack minutes, 29 seconds, as a hand- high.” But he described Floyd held back another man who Evers spokeswoman Britt including Milwaukee as well as of cigarettes was fake. But he cuffed Floyd lay face-down on as friendly and talkative. was trying to defend himself Cudaback didn’t immediately Dane County, home to Madison. accepted it, despite a store the pavement. Floyd, 46, was The defense has argued that after being pushed by Thao. respond to a message seeking When the court struck down policy that said the amount later pronounced dead at a Chauvin did what he was Martin later deleted his comment. Evers had argued Evers’ “safer at home” order in would be taken out of his pay- hospital. trained to do and that Floyd’s recording, explaining that the that he can issue multiple May it was controlled 5-2 by check, because he didn’t believe Chauvin, 45, is charged with death was not caused by Chau- ambulance didn’t take the health emergencies because of conservatives. In that ruling, Floyd knew it was counterfeit murder and manslaughter. The vin’s knee on his neck, as pros- fastest route to the hospital so the changing nature of the conservative justice Brian and “I thought I’d be doing him most serious charge against the ecutors contend, but by a com- he thought Floyd died. ongoing pandemic. The mask Hagedorn sided with liberals in a favor.” now-fired white officer carries bination of illegal drug use, “I just didn’t want to have order first took effect in August the minority in arguing the order Martin said he initially up to 40 years in prison. heart disease, high blood to show it (the video) to and Evers extended it four should not be struck down. planned to just put the bill on Floyd’s death, along with pressure and the adrenaline anyone,” he said. Suspect in attack on Asian American woman arrested Blinken reaffirms Trump-era ruling on Hong Kong autonomy AP — NEW YORK of prison — not to give them discharged from the hospital on shouted anti-Asian slurs and second chances, but to put them Tuesday after being treated for told her, “You don’t belong AP — WASHINGTON A parolee convicted of killing into homeless facilities or serious injuries. She has been here” before casually walking his mother nearly two decades shelters, or in this case a hotel speaking to police, Shea said. away as onlookers watched. Secretary of State Antony Blinken yesterday reaffirmed a deter- ago was arrested on assault and - and expect good outcomes,” Philippine Ambassador to Shea called it a “completely mination made last year by the Trump administration that Hong hate crime charges in an attack Police Commissioner Dermot the US Jose Manuel Romualdez unprovoked violent attack on Kong is no longer autonomous and remains undeserving of special on an Asian American woman Shea said at a news conference said the victim is Filipina an innocent, defenseless treatment by the United States. in New York City, police said yesterday. “We need real American. The country’s foreign woman.” In a notice sent to Congress, Blinken said China had continued early yesterday. opportunities. We need real secretary, Teodoro Locsin Jr., “This brave woman belongs to “dismantle” Hong Kong’s autonomy since his predecessor, Police said Brandon Elliot, safety nets.” condemned the attack, writing here,” Vance said. “Asian Mike Pompeo, first made the determination in May 2020. As a 38, is the man seen on surveil- Elliot, who is Black, faces on Twitter: “This is gravely American New Yorkers belong result, Blinken said, the former British colony does not warrant lance video kicking and stomping charges of assault as a hate noted and will influence Phil- here. Everyone belongs here.” US trade and financial perks it had enjoyed since it reverted to the woman near Times Square crime, attempted assault as a ippine foreign policy.” He didn’t Monday’s attack, among the Chinese rule in 1997 with a pledge from Beijing that it would enjoy on Monday. They said Elliot was hate crime, assault and elaborate how. latest in a national spike in anti- significant autonomy for 50 years. living at a hotel that serves as a attempted assault in Monday’s The Philippines and United Asian hate crimes, drew wide- The decision is yet another indication that President Joe Biden’s homeless shelter a few blocks attack. It wasn’t immediately States are longtime treaty allies, spread condemnation and con- administration has not strayed from the hard line that was taken from the scene of the attack. He known whether he had a lawyer but Philippine leader Rodrigo cerns about the failure of by President Donald Trump on China. was taken into custody at the who could speak on his behalf. Duterte is a vocal critic of US bystanders to intervene. New hotel around midnight. Tips from He was expected to be security policies who has York City Mayor Bill de Blasio Nasa upsets China by calling Taiwan a country the public led to his appre- arraigned by video Wednesday. moved to terminate a key called the attack “absolutely dis- hension, police said. Manhattan District Attorney agreement that allows lar- gusting and outrageous” and said BLOOMBERG — WASHINGTON Elliot was convicted of Cyrus Vance Jr. said prosecutors gescale military exercises with it was “absolutely unacceptable” stabbing his mother to death in will seek to have Elliot jailed US forces in the Philippines. that witnesses didn’t help the Nasa has become the latest foreign organisation to upset China the Bronx in 2002, when he was without bail pending trial. He “I might as well say it, so no woman. The attack happened by referring to Taiwan as a country, the latest in a string of quarrels 19. He was released from prison faces up to 25 years in prison if one on the other side can say, just weeks after a mass shooting the Asian nation has waded into over wording it deems politically in 2019 and is on lifetime convicted, Vance said. ‘We didn’t know you took racial in Atlanta that left eight people sensitive. The US space agency has hurt the feelings of the Asian parole. The parole board had The victim was identified as brutality against Filipinos at all dead, six of them women of country’s 1.4 billion people with the reference on its website, said previously twice denied his Vilma Kari, a 65-year-old seriously.’ We do,” Locsin said. Asian descent, and just a few Zhu Fenglian, a spokeswoman for the Beijing office that handles release. His record also included woman who emigrated from the Kari was walking to church days after a 65-year-old Asian matters related to the democratically ruled island. an arrest for robbery in 2000. Philippines, her daughter told in midtown Manhattan when American woman in the same The space agency needs to “correct its mistake as soon as pos- “For the life of me, I don’t The New York Times; the news- police said Elliot kicked her in midtown Manhattan neigh- sible,” Zhu said at a regular press briefing in Beijing. A commentary understand why we are paper did not identify Kari’s the stomach, knocked her to the borhood was threatened and published by People.cn on Monday described the incident as releasing or pushing people out daughter by name. Kari was ground, stomped on her face, heckled with anti-Asian slurs. “unforgivable.” THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021 16

Grizzlies expand Google Maps to start directing turf but still need protection, say drivers to ‘eco-friendly’ routes scientists PRAYER TIMINGS REUTERS — NEW YORK AP — BILLINGS, MONTANA PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING Google’s Maps app will start directing drivers along routes Grizzly bears are slowly FAJR 04.08 am estimated to generate the expanding the turf where they SUNRISE 05.26 am lowest carbon emissions based roam in parts of the northern on traffic, slopes and other Rocky Mountains but need DHUHR 11.38 am factors, the company continued protections, ASR 03.06 pm announced yesterday. according to government MAGHRIB 05.52 pm Google, an Alphabet Inc unit, scientists who concluded that said the feature would launch no other areas of the country ISHA 07.22 pm later this year in the United States would be suitable for reintro- and eventually reach other coun- ducing the fearsome predators. tries as part of its commitment The Fish and Wildlife to help combat climate change Service yesterday released its through its services. first assessment in almost a Unless users opt out, the decade about the status of default route will be the “eco- grizzly bears in the contiguous friendly” one if comparable US The bruins are shielded options take about the same from hunting as a threatened time, Google said. When alter- species except in Alaska. WEATHER natives are significantly faster, Grizzly populations grew TODAY Google will offer choices and over the past ten years in two let users compare estimated areas — the Yellowstone emissions. accuracy of its estimates. In another development, to have one in order for Googlers region of Wyoming, Montana “What we are seeing is for The potential effect on Google said it will allow to return to the office.” and Idaho, with more than 700 around half of routes, we are able emissions from the feature is employees to return to some US Alphabet Chief Executive bears; and around Glacier to find an option more eco- unclear. A study of 20 people at offices within the next month, in Officer Sundar Pichai told National Park in Montana, o o friendly with minimal or no time- California State University, another sign the Technology employees in December that the which is home to more than 23 C 35 C cost tradeoff,” Russell Dicker, a Long Beach, last year found industry is trying to get back to company would pilot a hybrid 1,000 of the animals. Minimum Maximum director of product at Google, told participants were more inclined the workplace after more than a model in which teams come Grizzly numbers remain reporters on Monday. to consider carbon emissions year of remote work during the together for "collaboration days” low in other parts of the Hazy to misty at places at first becomes relatively hot daytime, Google said it derives emis- in route selection after testing Covid-19 pandemic, Bloomberg in the office and can spend the Northern Rockies, and scien- mild by night. sions relative estimates by an app that showed estimates. reported. other days working from home tists said their focus is on bol- testing across different types of Google’s announcement Employees can choose or the office. Under the plan, stering those populations W ALRUWAIS : 21o → 26o vehicles and road types, included additional climate- whether to go into Alphabet Inc. which won’t be available to all rather than reintroducing them W ALKHOR : 20o → 32o drawing on insights from the focused changes. From June, it unit’s offices until September, employees because of their role, elsewhere in the country. W DUKHAN : 22o → 33o U.S. government’s National will start warning drivers about Fionna Cicconi, a senior vice workers must be in the office at Conservationists and some W WAKRAH : 19o → 34o Renewable Energy Lab (NREL). to travel through low emissions president and Google’s Chief least three days a week. university scientists have Road grade data comes from its zones where some vehicles are People Officer, wrote Wednesday Cicconi said Google offices pushed to return bears to areas W MESAIEED : 19o → 34o Street View cars as well as restricted in Germany, France, in a memo to staff. won’t look the same as including Colorado’s San Juan W ABUSAMRA : 19o → 33o aerial and satellite imagery. the Netherlands, Spain and the "Offices will begin to open in employees remember, but the Mountains and California’s NREL mobility group United Kingdom. In the coming a limited capacity based on spe- company will continue to provide Sierra Nevada. manager Jeff Gonder said the months, Maps app users will be cific criteria that include meals, snacks, and amenities The 368-page assessment HIGH TIDE 6:12– 19:44 lab, which developed a tool able to compare car, biking, increases in vaccine availability where possible. If an employee makes no recommendation on known as RouteE to estimate public transit and other travel and downward trends in is working from a different the topic, but scientists looked LOW TIDE 01:56 – 14:03 vehicles’ energy usage, reached options in one place instead of Covid-19 cases,” Cicconi wrote. country from where they are at the possibility of bears in a deal this month to get funding toggling between different "We advise you to get a vaccine, employed, they have until Sept. more areas after the gov- from Google and study the sections. though it will not be mandatory 1 to return to the US. ernment was sued by environmentalists. That analysis of potential habitat showed grizzlies would Japan’s famous cherry blossoms bloom early as climate warms be unable to sustain them- selves in the San Juans, the Sierra Nevada or two other AP — TOKYO areas that officials examined — Utah’s Uinta Mountains and Japan’s famous cherry blossoms New Mexico’s Mongollon have reached their flowery Mountains. “They were looking peak in many places earlier this for areas that could sustain year than at any time since grizzly bears as opposed to formal records started being areas that would continuously kept nearly 70 years ago, with need for humans to drop bears experts saying climate change in there,” said Hilary Cooley, is the likely cause. the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Japan’s favourite flower, grizzly bear recovery called “sakura,” used to reach coordinator. their peak bloom in April, just In each case, officials said, as the country celebrates the bears would face the same start of its new school and challenge: not enough pro- business year. Yet that date has tected public lands, high den- been creeping earlier and now sities of humans and little most years the blossoms are chance of connecting with other largely gone before the first day bears populations to maintain of school. healthy populations. Tens of This year peak bloom was Boys playing next to a blooming cherry tree at a park in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. RIGHT: Women taking photos next to a blooming tree thousands of grizzlies once pop- reached on March 26 in the during cherry blossom season in Yuyuantan Park in Beijing, China. ulated western North America ancient capital of Kyoto, the before hunting, trapping and earliest since the Japan Mete- from Kyoto. Osaka Prefecture global warming,” said Shunji about two weeks each year to 10.6 degrees Celsius (51.1 F) habitat loss wiped out most by orological Agency started col- University environmental sci- Anbe, an official at the obser- from first bud to all the in 2020 from 8.6 C (47.5 F) in the early 1900s. lecting the data in 1953 and 10 entist Yasuyuki Aono, who vations division at the Japan blossoms falling off. Cherry 1953. So far this year’s average Grizzly bears have been days ahead of the 30-year tracks such documents, said the Meteorological Agency. trees are sensitive to temper- March temperature in Japan has protected as a threatened average. Similar records were earliest blooms he has found The agency tracks 58 ature changes and the timing of been 12.4 C (54.3 F). species in the contiguous U.S. set this year in more than a before this year were March 27 “benchmark” cherry trees their blooming can provide val- Sakura have deeply influ- since 1975, allowing a slow dozen cities across Japan. in the years 1612, 1409 and 1236, across the country, and this year uable data for climate change enced Japanese culture for cen- recovery in a handful of areas. Some say it is the earliest though there are not records for 40 of those already have studies, Anbe said. turies and regularly been used An estimated 1,900 live in the peak bloom ever based on some years. reached their peak bloom and According to the agency in poetry and literature with Northern Rockies of Wyoming, records from historic docu- “We can say it’s most likely 14 have done so in record time. data, the average temperature their fragility seen as a symbol Montana, Idaho and Wash- ments, diaries and poetry books because of the impact of the The trees normally bloom for for March in Kyoto has climbed of life, death and rebirth. ington state. Pfizer says COVID-19 vaccine safe, effective on adolescents in trial REUTERS — CHICAGO towards reaching “herd in a statement. group before the start of the shots on younger people. immunity” and taming the pan- The vaccine was next school year.” A trial by Moderna Inc to Pfizer and BioNTech’s demic, which has killed more well tolerated, with Shortly after the news, test its COVID-19 vaccine in COVID-19 vaccine is safe, than 2.9 million and infected side effects in line Israel, which is leading the children aged six months to less effective and produces robust 128.3 million. with those seen world in its vaccination roll-out, than 12 years was launched this antibody responses in 12 to Young people are less likely among those aged 16 said it would start administering month, while Johnson & 15-year olds, they said to have severe disease and more to 25 in the adult trial. the shot to adolescents if the Johnson, which recently won yesterday, paving the way for likely to have asymptomatic The companies did FDA gives it the green light. approval for its vaccine in them to seek US and European infection, allowing them to not list the side effects Scientists welcomed the adults, has yet to begin a approval in weeks to use the transmit the disease to others, for the younger news, which has not been pub- planned trial. shot in this age group. said Dr Peter English, a retired group, but the adult lished in a medical journal or AstraZeneca in December The read-out from a clinical consultant in communicable trial’s side effects peer reviewed, but said more removed children from a mid- trial, which puts the pair ahead disease control. The Pfizer and generally were mild data was needed. to-late stage trial of its of other Western vaccine devel- BioNTech vaccine is already to moderate and “It will be important to do COVID-19 vaccine in Britain. opers in the quest to protect authorized for use in people included injection- this (vaccinate younger people The British drugmaker’s children, will likely allow for the starting at age 16. The new study site pain, headaches, Vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are to achieve herd immunity,” said vaccine has been linked this year use of the vaccine in that group offers the first evidence of how fever and fatigue. English, who is also former with a very rare form of blood pictured in a vaccination centre in Geneva, before the next school year, the vaccine will also work in The companies chair of the British Medical clotting in the brain, prompting Switzerland. Albert Bourla, Pfizer’s chief school-age adolescents. also studied a subset Association’s Public Health some European countries to halt executive, said in a statement. In the trial of 2,260 adoles- of teens to measure Medicine Committee. its use in younger adults even Whether COVID-19 vac- cents aged 12 to 15, there were the level of virus-neutralizing planned to seek emergency Last week, the companies though the cause of the condition cines work and are safe to use 18 cases of COVID-19 in the antibodies a month after the authorization from the US Food gave the first vaccine doses in remains unclear. Top US infec- on children is one of the big group that got a placebo shot second dose and found it was and Drug Administration (FDA) a series of trials testing the tious disease expert Anthony questions drugmakers are and none in the group that got comparable to study partici- “in the coming weeks and... vaccine in younger children, Fauci in January raised the trying to answer. Inoculating the vaccine, resulting in 100% pants aged 16 to 25 in the pivotal (from) other regulators around that will eventually go to those prospect of a US vaccination children and young people is efficacy in preventing trial in adults. the world, with the hope of as young as 6 months of age. campaign for children by late considered a critical step COVID-19, the companies said Bourla said the company starting to vaccinate this age Rivals are also testing their spring or early summer.