www.thepeninsula.qa Tuesday 1 September 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8367 13 Muharram - 1442 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 13 PENMAG | 15 SPORT | 20

Doha Bank, Classifieds QFA reveals ICSS unite to and Services competition promote skills section roadmap ahead of development included new football season

Choose the network of heroes Enjoy the Internet Over 340,000 students to attend new academic year THE PENINSULA — DOHA year will be very successful and students’ cognitive concepts fruitful for all of us, adding: “Based and strengthens the educational Minister of Education and Dear students and parents, on COVID-19 infection rates in values and principles of human Higher Education, H E Dr. Qatar and driven by our belief in interaction. Mohammed bin Abdulwahed It gives me great pleasure to the importance of resuming the “In parallel, blended learning Ali Al Hammadi, has said that congratulate you on the new education process, the Ministry of will help realise the advantages over 340,000 students will Education and Higher Education, of distance learning. Most attend public and private academic year. I am pretty sure in close coordination with the importantly, it will allow stu- schools for the academic year that this year will be very Ministry of Public Health, decided dents to develop and use IT of 2020/21 which will begin to implement the ‘blended skills. It will also build students’ today. The Ministry has opened successful and fruitful for all of us. learning’ approach, which com- sense of responsibility as well as new public and private schools bines online and classroom-based innovation and creativity capa- and expanded capacity of H E Dr. Mohammed bin learning. The maximum bilities,” said H E the Minister. existing schools by adding new Abdulwahed Ali Al Hammadi, attendance rate will be 30 percent “Here, I would like to classrooms, creating thousands of each school capacity per day. indicate that ‘blended learning’ of extra seats for students. Minister of Education and This is the best possible rate for offers parents a good oppor- “We have been working students under the current tunity to integrate into the edu- over the past period to devise Higher Education situation.” cational system and renews operational plans to receive this The in-person attendance their sense of responsibility number of students. Five new classrooms will be added to the on the ministry’s website. gartens to 334. This will accom- to school premises achieves the toward their children’s learning. public schools were opened, existing public schools with a Moreover, 13 new private modate nearly 215,000 stu- academic objectives of the edu- The success of blended learning, including Qatar Technical Sec- capacity of more than 3,600 schools and kindergartens with dents, he added. cational process and equips stu- however, depends on many ondary School for Girls, which seats to accommodate 124,700 a capacity of more than 7,600 Congratulating students, dents with the necessary skills factors, the most important of brings the total number of students. This is equivalent to seats were opened, which parents on the beginning of the in subjects that require practice which is the partnership public schools and preschools six new schools,” said the Min- brings the total number of new academic year, the Minister and lab-based experiments. between schools and families,” to 283. Additionally, 145 new ister in a statement published private schools and kinder- affirmed in a statement that “this Additionally, it enhances H E the Minister added. `P2 Random COVID-19 test to be done on students this month: Official SIDI MOHAMED Around 98.5 percent of teachers only 1 to 2 persons, out of 100 tests, THE PENINSULA and school staff were tested neg- turned positive during the COVID-19. ative in a test done by the Min- Regarding the opening schools, he Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of the said: “The blended approach, which is National Strategic Group on COVID-19 istry of Public Health. enabling children to return to school, and Head of the Infectious Diseases has been carefully planned with all the Division at Hamad Medical Corpo- Everything is in place to enable relevant authorities and all measures ration, has said that the measures put children to safely return to are being put in place by schools to in place have succeeded in lowering ensure the safety of children and the number of new daily cases over schools. reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection.” Dr. Ibrahim Al Nuaimi (left), and Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, addressing the press the past few months. He said, while children are not conference yesterday. Schools have implemented all nec- Most of the cases of infection immune to COVID-19, they are essary measures to ensure safety of stu- during the last period were found extremely unlikely to experience safely return to schools,” he affirmed. gatherings put many people at risk and dents and around 98.5 percent of teachers within the same family. severe symptoms of the virus and their “We are seeing that a high proportion risk undermining all the efforts that have and school staff were tested negative in a safety is always our first priority. of positive cases among Qatari nationals been done to combat the virus to date”. test done by the Ministry of Public Health. Dr. Al Khal mentioned that random and expat professionals are due to a About the fourth phase, Al Khal He said that random COVID-19 tests for COVID-19 tests will be carried on stu- minority of people within these groups pointed out that the start of Phase 4 students will be done in September. the last period were found within the dents going back to schools in Sep- who continue to ignore preventive will again open new facilities and offer The success is due to the combined same family, which often came from tember. “With a maximum of 30 percent advice – putting themselves and those people more freedom, but it is efforts of the government and members one of its members, he said adding that of children in school each day, in around them at risk,” Dr Al Khal added. important to remember that the further of the public, he said in a press con- the infection rate per hundred tests addition to supporting preventive “We have seen incidences of large scale lifting of restrictions does not mean ference held yesterday on COVID-19. during August ranged between 1-2 measures, we are confident that eve- family gatherings and celebrations with that the virus has disappeared and the Most of the cases of infection during percent, which is low. It means that rything is in place to enable children to more than 100 people. The mass threat to our health has gone. `P2 US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue expected later this month

FAZEENA SALEEM bilateral relations in several issues that concern regional has seen a 35 percent increase in THE PENINSULA areas including trade, edu- perspective, our shared 2019, compared to the previous cation, science and culture. common threat perception and year and attract more Qatari stu- The upcoming US-Qatar Strategic “During the US-Qatar Stra- areas that we want to work on dents to study in the US. US and Qatar are Dialogue, scheduled for later this tegic Dialogue, which is tenta- to develop,” he added. He added that Qatar is a month, will focus on a range of tively scheduled for later this Schenker is in Doha as part of strong and key regional partner working together issues including regional security month, we plan to have high- his visit to Kuwait, Qatar, and in countering terrorism and com- to promote peace, and defence cooperation, said level discussions on trade, Lebanon. In Qatar he will meet gov- bating the financing of terrorism. David Schenker, Assistant investment, education, culture, ernment officials to discuss bilateral “The State Department applauds stability in the Secretary of State for Near labour rights, regional security relations, counterterrorism, regional Qatar for the implementation of Middle East.” Eastern Affairs, yesterday. and defence cooperation, as security issues and preview of US- new anti-money laundering, Addressing a video press well as law enforcement and Qatar Strategic Dialogue. countering the terrorism David Schenker conference in Doha, Schenker counterterrorism and public He also said that discussions financing legislation and appre- said that along with military and health collaboration to combat in the area of culture will focus ciates Qatar’s role as an active defense ties, US and Qatar will COVID-19,” said Schenker. “We on Qatar-US cultural year, partner in the global coalition to work to build upon the strong will discuss a broad range of enhancing bilateral trade which defeat ISIS,” he said. `P2 Doha Metro to resume services today with 30% passenger capacity

THE PENINSULA — DOHA health status and body temperatures FUEL PRICE below 37.8°C will be permitted entry. The Qatar Petroleum (QP) Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) wearing of face masks inside station announced yesterday that the Doha premises and on board is mandatory announced yesterday the prices Metro is set to resume services from throughout the journey. All measures will of super and premium grade today. During this early post pandemic be monitored by security and customer petrol and diesel for September. period Qatar Rail will be operating a full service staff. Any person who fails to service, but on advice from the author- comply with the safety measures will not ities, will be limiting passenger loadings be permitted on the network or asked QR1.25 on trains to around 30 percent maximum to leave. Price of super grade capacity. Hand sanitising units have been petrol for a litre. The health and safety of passengers installed in all stations, near to Travel is an absolute priority and in advance of Card Vending machines, and at plat- reopening, Qatar Rail has introduced a forms. Signage is in place to explain how QR1.20 series of additional measures and oper- to keep everyone safe, including social ating procedures in collaboration with distancing floor signs positioned at Price of premium grade the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and queuing points by the Travel Card petrol for a litre. MoTC to prevent the spread of the virus. Vending machines, goldclub and fare To access stations, passengers will gates. Notices on trains are also in place be required to show their Ehteraz app to reduce overcrowding and elevator QR1.25 health status and have their temperature capacity will be limited to four persons Price of diesel for a litre. checked. Only passengers with green only with signs in place. `P2 Sanitisation in progress at one of the stations. 02 HOME TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

FAJR03.55 am SUNRISE 05.14 am o o Hazy to misty at places at first becomes hot daytime with slight dust at times and clouds with chance of scattered rain. ZUHR 11.34 am ASR 03.04 pm 33 C 38 C Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 03:18 – 16:30 LOW TIDE 10:20 MAGHRIB 05.53 pm ISHA 07.23 pm W ALRUWAIS: 32o↗40o W ALKHOR: 33o↗39o W DUKHAN: 31o↗40o W WAKRAH: 33o↗38o W MESAIEED 33o↗38o W ABUSAMRA 30o↗43o

Minister meets with Turkish Ambassador Kahramaa enters OFFICIAL NEWS Amir congratulates Guinness Book for King of Malaysia DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir largest drinking H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday cables of congratulations to H M Al Sultan water storage tank Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al Mustafa Billah Shah, King of Malaysia on the occasion of his country’s Inde- QNA — DOHA The Guinness Book pendence Day. Prime Minister of Records indicated and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Qatar General Electricity and Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Water Corporation (Kahramaa) that the volume of Thani also sent yesterday a cable achieved a new world record the largest water of congratulations to Prime Min- for Qatar by entering the ister of Malaysia H E Muhyiddin Guinness Book of Records for tank of its kind in Yassin on the occasion of his coun- Largest Drinking Water Storage the world is more try’s Independence Day. -QNA Tank. On its official website and than 436,000 cubic Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti met with the Ambassador Amir congratulates in the approved certificate of the Republic of Turkey to the State of Qatar, H E Mehmet Mustafa Göksu, in the Ministry office metres, which received by Kahramaa, the Kyrgyz President yesterday. The two officials reviewed cooperation between the two friendly countries in the fields Guinness Book of Records indi- qualified Kahramaa DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim of transportation and communications and means of further developing them. cated that the volume of the to set a new world bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy largest water tank of its kind in record. Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin the world is more than 436,000 Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday cubic metres (exceeding 96m cables of congratulations to Pres- Imperial Gallons, 115m US Kahramaa’s goals in supporting ident of the Kyrgyz Republic H E Embassy of Qatar provides Gallons), which qualified Kah- the country’s comprehensive Sooronbay Jeenbekov on the occa- ramaa to set a new world development process as part of sion of his country’s Independence record that reflects the effi- its strategy to enhance Qatar’s Day. Prime Minister and Minister medical aid to Albania ciency of its strategy to enhance water security. It is also within of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin water security in Qatar. the framework of Kahramaa’s Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani also Kahramaa announced that keenness to meet the country’s sent yesterday a cable of congrat- the entry of the major strategic water needs and provide a sus- ulations to Prime Minister of Kyrgyz water tanks project into the tainable and high-quality Republic H E Kubatbek Boronov Guinness Book of Records rep- service in accordance with the on the occasion of his country’s resents new success in the cor- best international and local Independence Day. -QNA poration’s march with the standards in a way that ensures support of the wise harmony between economic, leadership. social and environmental The achievement of this development. South Sudan world record reflects the stra- Kahramaa had launched tegic importance of the project the strategic Water Security President lauds as the backbone of water Mega Reservoirs Project in security in the State of Qatar, December 2018 as the largest Amir’s support for as it meets the country’s aspi- expansion the country has ever peace process rations to raise and secure stra- seen, with a total capacity of tegic water reserves for various about 1,500m gallons, which QNA — JUBA regions, in line with Qatar would cover storage needs until National Vision 2030, as Kah- 2026. Kahramaa plans to ramaa works to raise the level expand the project in the President of the Republic of of efficiency of its networks to future, bringing the number of South Sudan H E Lt General provide the best services for all tanks to 40 with a capacity of Salva Kiir Mayardit expressed sectors in the country. nearly 4,000m gallons, in line thanks and appreciation to the The major strategic water with the Qatar’s requirements Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Qatari and Albanian officials signing an agreement to deliver medical devices from Qatar Charity to reservoirs project supports for water until 2036. Hamad Al Thani for providing the Albanian Ministry of Health and Social Protection. the necessary support for the peace process in the Republic QNA — DOHA Charge d’Affaires of the health system and improve the of Sudan. Embassy of the State of Qatar level of medical services pro- Over 340,000 students to Addressing the ceremony of The Embassy of the State of in the Republic of Albania H E vided to citizens and that it signing the peace agreement Qatar in the Republic of Nada Abdulrahman Al Sayed. came at the best time to combat attend new academic year between the Sudanese transi- Albania has provided new An agreement to deliver the novel coronavirus. tional government and the Rev- medical aid through Qatar medical devices from Qatar For her part, the Acting FROM PAGE 1 students, H E Dr. Al Hammadi, olutionary Front and other Charity to the Republic of Charity to the Albanian Min- Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy Since the outbreak of the pointed out that the Ministry armed movements in Juba, HE Albania in support of its efforts istry of Health and Social Pro- of the State of Qatar in the pandemic, the Ministry has has also arranged to ease pan- Mayardit extended his heartfelt to confront COVID-19 tection was also signed. Republic of Albania said that this quickly moved to automate its demic impact on them. Despite thanks to H H the Amir for pro- pandemic. The Albanian Deputy Min- new aid comes within a series services. So far, 72 percent of the pandemic, the Ministry con- viding the necessary support for Modern and high-quality ister of Health and Social Pro- of assistance provided by the the Ministry services have been tinues to implement its plan to the peace process, within the medical devices were tection expressed thanks and State of Qatar to the Albanian automated to ease the publics’ expand on higher education framework of the efforts of delivered to the University appreciation to the State of government during the period burdens and ensure social dis- institutions. partners, friends and the inter- Hospital Centre “Mother Qatar for its continuous support of the coronavirus pandemic, tancing measures are in place, The Lusail private uni- national community to provide Teresa” in the presence of to the Republic of Albania in all stressing the embassy’s the Minister said adding that versity has been opened to financial and technical support, Albanian Deputy Minister of fields, noting that the Qatari keenness to make efforts to the Ministry did not overlook offer an array of undergraduate which had a great impact on the Health and Social Protection medical devices will increase develop bilateral relations and the quarantined, sick, or virus- programs to over 500 students stability and continuity of the H E Mira Rakacolli, and Acting the capabilities of the Albanian enhance joint cooperation. infected students. in cooperation with overseas mediation to continue negotia- Regarding university universities. tions and reach final agreements. H E Mayardit also praised the 5 held for violating home quarantine rules Doha Metro to role carried out by the parties to the peace process by responding QNA — DOHA achievement of public safety resume services US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue to the call for peace and working and to curb the spread today with 30% to realise it on the ground. The competent authorities (COVID-19). expected later this month yesterday arrested five people They are Nasser Hamad passenger capacity FROM PAGE 1 who violated the require- Salmeen Al Jabri, Jassim Qatar to make the region more FROM PAGE 1 Qatar welcomes ments of the home quar- Ibrahim Hussain Jassim Al Emphasising on the military stable and peaceful for all,” said antine, they committed to Qattan, Ali Mohamed Ali Ajlan Unaccompanied children partnership between Qatar and Schenker. signing of Sudan follow, which they are legally Al Muraikhi, Vijay Vinin under the age of 12 years will US, Schenker said, “It’s (Qatar) Schenker who will be accountable for, in Tampi and Mohamed Yaqoub not be able to travel on the one of our closest military allies leaving to Lebanon from Doha, peace agreement accordance with the proce- Ali Liz Metro at this time. in the region.” lauded Qatar’s assistance QNA — DOHA dures of the health authorities The violators are cur- Housekeeping staff are “There’s more we can do efforts in the wake of the in the country. rently being referred to pros- posted across all stations to enhancing our already excellent August 4 Beirut port explosion. The State of Qatar has This came in implemen- ecution. The authorities con- implement an enhanced bilateral military relationship…. “The next stop, my trip will welcomed the peace tation of the precautionary cerned called on citizens and cleaning regime. This includes US and Qatar are working be Lebanon. And I’d like to agreement initiated by Sudan’s measures in force in the residents under home quar- sanitisation of all touch points together to promote peace, sta- thank the government of Qatar transitional government, country, approved by health antine to fully commit to the at stations and on trains bility in the Middle East,” he and the Amir for working with Sudan Revolutionary Front authorities represented in the Ministry of Public Health’s including the Travel Card said. our Air Force Central Command (SRF) and a number of armed Ministry of Public Health conditions, to ensure their Vending machines, escalators “Our close ties with Qatar to deliver private donations to movements in Juba, South (MoPH) to ensure the safety and the safety of others. and stair rails, and the goldclub are indispensable for main- Beirut earlier this month,” he Sudan. In a statement offices. Regular disinfection has taining security in Gulf region,” said. In reply to a question on yesterday, the Ministry of also been scheduled with Qatar he added. “The US values its Qatar’s humanitarian work in Foreign Affairs affirmed the Ministry announces details of lifting Rail’s suppliers. strategic relationship with the region, Schenker said, State of Qatar’s appreciation Retail outlets at stations will Qatar, and I look forward on “Qatar has been generous and for the State of South Sudan’s curbs on cleaning, hospitality services also re-open in accordance this trip to further strength- they’ve been a great partner to sponsorship of these negotia- with government guidelines for ening the ties between our two the international humanitarian tions. The statement also QNA — DOHA total operating capacity, in commercial premises and food countries and working with community.” expressed the State of Qatar’s addition to adhering to the outlets. To ensure enforcement hope that the rest of the The Ministry of Commerce and requirement of the Ministry of of the new procedures, on-site factions would join the peace Industry (MoCI) announced Public health and the Ministry security guards, customer Random COVID-19 test to be done process in order to achieve yesterday the details of the of Municipality and service agents and revenue comprehensive stability in fourth stage of the gradual Environment. protection staff will strictly on students this month: Official Sudan. lifting of restrictions imposed Based on this decision, the monitor compliance across all The Ministry of Foreign FROM PAGE 1 on cleaning and hospitality MoCI stressed the importance stations and on trains. The use teaching staff and adminis- Affairs expressed Qatar’s aspi- services, which will come into of continuing the adhere to the of re-useable contactless Travel For his part Dr. Ibrahim Al tration in schools and ration for the agreement to force as of today. precautionary and preventive Cards helps to further reduce Nuaimi, Undersecretary at the universities. fulfil the aspirations of the MoCI has decided to allow measures to limit the COVID-19 the number of contact touch Ministry of Education and He also said that the Min- brotherly Sudanese people and cleaning and hospitality spread, calling on customers of points throughout the journey. Higher Education said that istry of Education and Higher their just demands for services companies to resume cleaning and hospitality Customers can now use debit this year, we will receive Education decided not to freedom, peace and justice, their work in workplaces and services companies to apply the cards in addition to credit cards more than 340,000 students count the absence in the first and stressed the firm position homes, provided that the staff COVID-19 preventive to top up online through the and more than 30,000 two weeks, taking into of Qatar in support of the unity does not exceed 30 percent of guidelines. website or Qatar Rail App. employees, including account parents’ concerns. and sovereignty of Sudan. TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOME 03 Sheikha Hind urges community to display 4,800 jobs to be listed values of continuous lifelong learning on Kawader platform

THE PENINSULA — DOHA are as flexible as we want them to be and that we are the self-motivated learners we starting September 7 The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged want them to be.” us all to see if we can be ‘self-motivated H E Sheikha Hind believes it will be QNA — DOHA job seekers to use a phone learners,’ H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al “exciting to see what education will look like number registered in their Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar in the coming years”, saying: “We are seeing The Ministry of Adminis- names to speed up the reg- Foundation, has said. different models around the world, and we trative Development, istration process through As the new academic year begins, with are learning from them and seeing what Labour and Social Affairs the National Authentication schools and universities all over the country works best for us. has listed 4,800 government System (Tawtheeq) of the starting to welcome back students – H E “And this pandemic has really tested and private sector jobs on Ministry of Transportation Sheikha Hind has urged the community to whether we are self-motivated learners. If the National Employment and Communications. display the values of “flexibility, adapta- we don’t have traditional learning infra- Platform (Kawader), and The Ministry of Admin- bility, and continuous lifelong learning” to structure in place, are we still getting up applying for the jobs istrative Development, empower and inspire students to do the every morning and trying to learn some- starting from September 7. Labour and Social Affairs same. thing new? The Ministry has launched Kawader platform “We live in very interesting times, and “Pandemics don’t come easily, and they affirmed its role in last Monday to provide the one thing we always want to instil in our don’t come frequently, so it’s important for approving the registration Qatari citizens and children students is the notion of continuous learning us to understand that we are in a very surreal of job seekers and following born to Qatari women with and flexibility,” H E Sheikha Hind said. “The situation and find ways of continuing edu- up their nominations with direct opportunities to find value in our graduates is the way they cation during this time. It’s also important to the authorities to accelerate jobs in the private and gov- support their communities and the nation, recognise that we now have some big oppor- the interview process as ernment sector that suits and the values we hope they take away with tunities on the table, from education, to the soon as possible, in addition their qualifications. them are being active citizens and way we work, and even to the way we live. to coordination to list the The platform offers pro- nation-builders. “That means we should take time to jobs by the authorities on visions for the beneficiaries “More than ever now, our country needs H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani reflect, understand, and really be informed Kawader platform in a per- to upload their resumes, them and organisations need them. We about what the future could look like; and manent and continuous search for relevant jobs and have students to be proud of and we know ensure that we continue to instil these we should take risks, because that is the way manner. communicate with potential they will make a great impact wherever values in our students year-on-year, and we continue to innovate and grow. And it is The Ministry advised all employers. they go. The important thing for us is to we do that by role-modelling: ensuring we time to really disrupt education.” Ashghal opens traffic signal Mowasalat to resume public, school on Al Waab Interchange transportation services from today THE PENINSULA — DOHA Public bus services

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Mowasalat (Karwa) has will be resumed confirmed its readiness to with 30 percent Coinciding with the start of the operate public and school capacity for ensuring new school year, the Public transport services with the Works Authority (Ashghal) beginning of the fourth phase social distancing. announced yesterday the of the gradual lifting of the All passengers are opening of the traffic signal at precautionary measures, Al Waab Interchange as part implemented by the state to to wear face masks, of Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor fight the spread of COVID-19 get their temperature project works. pandemic, during which it was Work is underway to com- decided to resume public screened inside plete the rest of the bridging transport and metro services buses and at major works on the vital interchange starting from today. Dr. Eng. Saad bin Ahmed after converting it from a On this occasion, Dr. Eng bus stations, also Al Mohannadi traffic signal to an intersection Saad bin Ahmed Al ensuring operating of three levels to improve Mohannadi, Mowasalat “Ehteraz” app before traffic in the area. (Karwa) Chairman, said: “We ensure the safety of our stu- The opening will enhance are confident in our excellent dents, which is our top pri- boarding the bus. traffic movement in all direc- capabilities to resume oper- ority, in order to provide them tions, especially on Al Waab ating our services in line with a safe journey to and from Street and Sabah Al Ahmad the timing set by the state, and schools,” added Al Mohannadi. “Ehteraz” app before boarding Corridor, as the old inter- in collaboration with the Min- Mowasalat (Karwa) has the bus. Unaccompanied section was expanded from istry of Transport and Com- implemented preventive children under the age of 12 five lanes to six lanes, in metro stations for the nearby another bridge linking traffic munications and other con- measures as per Ministry of are not allowed to ride the addition to right turns, to gold line such as Al Soudan coming from Muaither and Al cerned authorities. Transport and Communica- bus, nor people with medical accommodate about 10,000 Station and Al Waab Station. Aziziya to Sabah Al Ahmad “Mowasalat (Karwa) has tions (MoTC) with resuming of conditions or chronic illness, vehicles per hour. Ashghal is currently Corridor in the direction of Al all the capabilities and public bus services at the for their own safety. The intersection will facil- working on completing the Rayyan. expertise to provide safe fourth phase to fight the spread Mowasalat has geared up itate traffic movement to many entire interchange and On this occasion, Engineer transportation taking into of COVID-19 and to ensure safe 2400 school buses to transport important roads such as Doha opening other parts of it soon. Mohammad Sami, from the account passengers safety and transportation for passengers, students with the start of the Expressway, Salwa Road and The interchange consists Highway Projects Department, adhere to precautionary including complete daily san- new school year, with full Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor, it of three levels of traffic signals confirmed that the opening of measures to mitigate the itisation of public transport implementation of precau- will also provide a traffic flow on Al Waab Street, and three the traffic signals at Al Waab spread of the virus in buses, conducting COVID-19 tionary and preventive to Al Waab, Fereej Al Soudan, bridges, to include a main Interchange coincides with the accordance with the recom- tests for all drivers and daily measures, including daily Al Sadd and Mehairja areas to bridge linking the incoming start of the new academic year mendations, conditions and temperature screening to sterilisation of buses, temper- reach Al Rayyan and Muaither traffic on Sabah Al Ahmad to facilitate traffic movement health regulations of the Min- ensure their good health. ature screening for students where there are many different Corridor between Al Rayyan in front of the surrounding istry of Public Health and the Besides, Mowasalat drivers who are requiring to wear face schools, educational and health and Al Waab, which is the schools, pointing out that the Supreme Committee for Crisis are committed to wear face masks. Mowasalat also pro- facilities in addition to resi- longest bridge in Qatar, with rest of the interchange will Management in the State of masks during trips. vides awareness leaflets and dential complexes and malls. a length of 2.6km. open during the year 2020. He Qatar, ” he said. Public bus services will be videos for the safety of stu- The interchange will also The interchange also explained that the new inter- “Mowasalat also provides resumed with 30 percent dents and their families, and facilitate access to a number of includes a bridge that con- change will facilitate the access the highest precautionary and capacity for ensuring social limit the spread of COVID-19, sports facilities such as Khalifa nects traffic on Al Waab Street of metro users to the golden safety measures in school distancing. All passengers are with full adherence to International Stadium, Jassim coming from Al Sadd and line, especially the stations of buses at the beginning of the to wear face masks, get their implement social distancing bin Hamad Stadium (Al Sadd), Doha Expressway towards Al Soudan and Al Waab, which new school year through the temperature screened inside while seated with the help of Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor to coincides with the start of the implementation of procedures buses and at major bus sta- the school supervisor on the and Aspire Zone as well as the Salwa Road, in addition to metro’s operation. that have been put in place to tions, also ensuring operating school bus. Situation of Arabic language in Sweden discussed in SHATIU’s meeting The symposium was opened by Dr. Hanan Arabic to Swedish in contrast Al Fayyad, Media Adviser for the Award, to children’s literature, which she said is much better. highlighting the importance of the event as Dr. Nabila Yoon Eun it brought together a number of intellectuals Kyung, head of the Arabic lan- guage department at Hankook from around the world. She also provided an University of Foreign Studies elaboration to the objectives of the award, its in Korea, spoke about her experience in translation from vision, the distribution of the financial value to Arabic to Korean and the rela- the award categories. tionship of Koreans to the Arabic language, calling for the THE PENINSULA — DOHA need for cooperation between together a number of intellec- the Arab and Korean worlds tuals from around the world. for translation to flourish. The media team of Sheikh She also provided an elabo- She said that the trans- Hamad Award for Translation ration to the objectives of the lation movement from Arabic and International Under- award, its vision, the distri- into Korean flourished in the standing (SHATIU) held its fifth bution of the financial value late eighties, noting that the meeting for the sixth round of to the award categories. number of literary works the award on August 29, Al Fayyad also spoke about translated from Arabic into through Zoom app in cooper- the importance of choosing the Korean amounted to 30 books ation with the Lusail Swedish language as one of the and from Korean to Arabic Experts taking part in a meeting of Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding, Publishing and Distribution five languages within the reached 40 books. which was held online. House and the Arab Book Fair achievement categories for the Dr. Shui Qingguo (Bassam), in Europe. sixth season of 2020, in winner of the Sheikh Hamad The event brought together addition to Pashto, Bengali, the Board of Directors of the activities provided by libraries, the role of translation as one Award in its Achievement Cat- a number of translators and Hausa and Korean. Swedish Libraries Association, which are more than 1,100 of the most successful means egory from Arabic to Chinese in academics interested in trans- Al Fayyad stressed the spoke about the situation of libraries for speakers of of transmitting cultures. 2017, and known for his work lation and award winners in importance of the vital role the Arabic language in Sweden Arabic. She said that she was asso- in Chinese culture and Arab previous seasons. played by the award in pro- and the activities taking place, As for the Swedish writer ciated with translation after relations, addressed the role of The symposium was moting cultural exchange noting that some municipal- and translator Marie Anil, returning from a trip to North translation in strengthening his opened by Dr. Hanan Al between speakers of various ities have made Arabic a spoke about her experience in Africa. Since then she is country and pushing it towards Fayyad, Media Adviser for the languages in the world. second language in the process of translating from engaged in translation works, change, development and Award, highlighting the impor- For his part, Abd Al Latif Al education. Arabic into Swedish, calling for highlighting the scarcity of changing the cultural structure tance of the event as it brought Hajj Muhammad, a member of This is in addition to the the need to consider activating translated materials from of the local community. 04 HOME TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2020

Qatar Museums Splitting Phase 4 of lifting curbs based on announces revised timings infection rate in community: Official THE PENINSULA — DOHA Dr. Al Maslamani also on developments over the between people, green status on Ehteraz status, and singing or “MoPH has set a number of With the phased-in reopening urged the public to coming weeks,” he added. Ehteraz and regular hand dancing is not allowed. Organ- precautions including testing of cultural institutions and Previously it was planned to washing. isers are also expected to keep all staff and drivers. Blocking services continuing, Qatar continue to follow the lift restrictions on social gath- “Wedding, however, will be a list of all invitees and their seats to ensure physical dis- Museums yesterday announced COVID-19 precautionary erings in phase four of lifting allowed during phase 4, but contact information for contact tancing, ensuring everyone updated timings for the Museum COVID-19 restrictions. However, with specific precautionary tracing purposes,” said Dr. Al wears masks, provide hand of Islamic Art (MIA), Mathaf: measures and advice now social gatherings in phase 4 measures. This includes limiting Maslamani. sanitisers on trains, buses and Arab Museum of Modern Art, given by the MoPH. will be limited to 15 people the number of invitees to 40 Buses and metro will at stations, and regular the Fire Station and museum indoors and 30 people outdoors, people indoors and 80 people resume services with a limited cleaning and disinfection,” said libraries, from today. with the importance to adhering outdoor, wearing masks, lim- capacity of 30 percent in phase Dr. Al Maslamani. Health and safety protocols, FAZEENA SALEEM to the wearing of masks, a iting the number of people to 4 of lifting COVID-19 “This is in addition to the in accordance with guidelines THE PENINSULA physical distance of at least 1.5m five for each table, green restrictions. regular temperature checks and from Qatar’s Health Protection The decision to split phase four checking health status of the and Communicable Disease of lifting COVID-19 restrictions passenger on Ehteraz app at Control Office in the Ministry of into two segments has been Parents need not worry about children going back to school entry points,” he added. Public Health, will require vis- taken as a result of continuous Dr. Al Maslamani also urged itors to pre-book tickets on the monitoring of the public health The plan to re-open schools in the country has “The health and safety of school children is para- the public to continue to follow Qatar Museums’ website, indicators and infection rate in been set by giving importance to the health and mount. The Ministry of Public Health and the the COVID-19 precautionary present a “green” health status the community, said Dr. Yousuf safety of children. Therefore, parents need not Ministry of Education and Higher Education measures and advice given by on the Ehteraz virus-tracing Al Maslamani, Medical Director to worry about children going back to school, have worked together on developing a plan for the MoPH. mobile application and wear a of Hamad General Hospital. if all COVID-19 precautionary measures are the new academic year through blended “The fact that we have face mask throughout the “Although most community implemented and followed, said Dr. Yousuf Al learning, where only 30 percent of students moved into phase four of lifting duration of their visit. members adhere to the precau- Maslamani, Medical Director of Hamad General would be allowed to attend in person on any restrictions means that we Ahmad Al Namla, CEO of tionary measures announced by Hospital. given day,” said Dr. Al Maslamani. have managed to control the Qatar Museums, said: “As the the Ministry of Public Health “There is no need for parents to worry about “Schools are required to adhere to key pre- spread of the virus but does not country enters into Phase 4 of (MoPH), there is still a minority children going back to school as long as the pre- cautions including testing all staff prior to mean that the virus has disap- the gradual lifting of COVID-19 that unfortunately does not, cautionary measures are adhered. In phase four opening, ensuring all staff and children of peared. The threat of it restrictions, Qatar Museums has especially when it comes to social of lifting COVID-19 restrictions, children are year 7 or above wear masks (grade 5 and 6 spreading is still there. The only reassessed its opening timings gathering. This has caused an allowed everywhere except in cinemas and the- children are also strongly advised to wear way we can reduce the risk of and is pleased to announce increase in the rate of infection atres,” he said. masks), ensuring the adherence to the physical this happening is by adhering extended hours. With the amongst the Qatari and profes- Schools will be opening with the intro- distancing requirements as well as strict, to the precautionary measures, further easing of restrictions, sional expatriate community,” he duction of blended learning on September 1, regular and thorough cleaning and infection. most important of which is visitors to our cultural institu- told The Peninsula. and a set of precautions and guidelines are set This is in addition to the regular temperature wearing a mask, keeping a tions can enjoy more time “The situation is being by the Ministry of Public Health and the Min- checks and checking of health status on the physical distance of 1.5m from browsing our temporary and assessed on an ongoing basis. The istry of Education and Higher Education to Ehteraz app while entering the school,” he others at all times and washing permanent collections and reimposing or lifting of some control the risk of spreading COVID-19. added. our hand on regular basis,” he dining at one of our cafes or restrictions will be decided based said. restaurants. Sidra Medicine performs life-saving airway WCM-Q orientation stent intervention on 4-year-old Omani girl programme Maryam’s recovery was welcomes new cohort very swift, as her breathing improved on the very same of future doctors day following her procedure. She is expected back at Sidra THE PENINSULA — DOHA With measures to control the spread Medicine in three months, for With highly qualified doctors a follow up consultation. needed now more than ever, of the coronavirus elite medical college Weill still in place, new Cornell Medicine-Qatar THE PENINSULA — DOHA (WCM-Q) welcomed its new students logged in Maryam, a four-year-old girl living in Oman, cohort of incoming students with remotely to meet one suffered catastrophic internal injuries a comprehensive three-day following a blunt trauma to her chest after orientation programme – another, interact with an accident and developed life-threatening delivered fully online this year faculty and staff, and airway problems. She required a highly for the first time in the institu- learn skills designed specialised interventional airway procedure tion’s history. in order to preserve and save her lung; a With measures to control the to help them excel procedure not available in Oman. spread of the coronavirus still in academically and Worldwide, there are only a select Maryam with her father. place, new students logged in number of hospitals with a combination of remotely to meet one another, thrive in their new Cardiac Intensive Care Units (CICU) and inter- with Sidra Medicine, to bring Maryam to Qatar Maryam’s recovery was very swift, as her interact with faculty and staff, environment. ventional radiology expertise that specialise for the highly specialised airway stent breathing improved on the very same day and learn skills designed to help in paediatric airway (bronchial stent) inter- procedure. following her procedure. She is expected back them excel academically and ventions. Sidra Medicine, a Qatar Foundation Maryam’s procedure was planned as a at Sidra Medicine in three months, for a follow thrive in their new practice of medicine, study skills (QF) entity, is one of the few hospitals with a multi-modality, multidisciplinary approach up consultation and a replacement stent with environment. and technology tools. CICU that provides support for infants and with her care at Sidra Medicine involving life- a view of seeing how her airway recovers Dr. Javaid Sheikh, Dean of Dr. Rachid Bendriss, children with congenital or acquired heart saving support from the CICU unit, interven- over time. WCM-Q, said, “We are absolutely Assistant Dean for Student disease. Maryam who suffered severe injuries tional radiology, pulmonology, ENT and pedi- Talal Al Balushi, Maryam’s father, who delighted to welcome our new Recruitment, Outreach and to her left lung, liver and diaphragm as well atric anesthesia. Her ICU care team included accompanied her for the life-saving pro- cohort of students to WCM-Q to Foundation Programmes, said: as a broken arm was being cared for at the ICU specialized physicians, nurses, rehabil- cedure at Sidra Medicine said, “My family and begin learning the art and “Orientation is always a great Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Sultan itation therapy, physiotherapy, speech and I are truly grateful for the support we received science of medicine at a time experience as it marks the Qaboos University Hospital in Oman. Despite language therapists, child-life specialists and every step of the way. From the Sultan Qaboos when such skills are needed beginning of our academic year, having undergone multiple complex sur- dietitians. Hospital team and their treatment abroad more than ever. These talented with all of the energy, hope and geries, and with the surgeons in Oman To improve the outcome of the procedure, programme to the wonderful team here in young women and men are excitement that it brings. I thank repairing the torn bronchus in Maryam’s lung; Maryam’s surgery took place in Sidra Medi- Qatar at Sidra Medicine, including their own excited to learn and to make all of our new students and my her injuries meant that she needed to breathe cine’s state-of-the-art IMRIS hybrid oper- international patient office. I am particularly strong contributions to the health colleagues at WCM-Q for through a tube (tracheostomy) connected ating theatre, which features intraoperative grateful to Dr. Andrew Durward who along of people in Qatar and beyond.” working hard to make this directly to her trachea. imaging capabilities, including a moveable with the team here have been amazing. The incoming cohort is truly year’s orientation not only a Despite being on a ventilator, Maryam’s intraoperative MRI (magnetic resonance “To see Maryam being able to breathe global, comprising citizens of 19 great event, but also one that left lung kept collapsing due to inadequate imaging) and capacity to run highly complex normally just hours after her procedure has different countries: Qatar, Aus- protected the health, safety and air entry as it was not strong enough to remain interventional radiology procedures. Her pro- been so reassuring. Alhamdulillah that my tralia, Bangladesh, Canada, wellness of everyone who open on its own and for her to breathe nor- cedure involved the use of CAT scan, fluor- daughter’s life has been saved and for the Egypt, India, Iran, Jordan, Korea, participated.” mally. This meant that there was a significant oscopy and bronchoscopy working together wonderful cooperation between both our Kuwait, Pakistan, Russia, Sudan, To help the new arrivals get risk of losing her left lung. In order to pre- at the same time to insert the stent under governments and the medical teams in Oman Sweden, Syria, Taiwan, Tunisia, to know one another there were serve it, the PICU team in Oman coordinated direct and indirect visualisation. and Qatar. Thank you!” the UK and the USA. also peer discussion sessions This year’s intake brings 22 and a chance to interact with new students to the college’s existing students to ask about Foundation Programme, all of their experiences at the college. Carrefour helps customers skip queues whom are Qatari nationals. Student Maryam Al There are 51 new pre-medical Quradaghi is beginning the four- students, 23 of whom have been year medical curriculum this promoted from last year’s Foun- semester, having previously with Qatar’s first Scan&Go Mobile service dation Programme, while 28 are completed both the Foundation THE PENINSULA — DOHA Carrefour hypermarkets and supermarkets new arrivals. Programme and the two-year in Qatar. Of the 48 new medical stu- pre-medical curriculum at Carrefour Qatar has launched Scan&Go Laurent Hausknecht, Country Manager dents, 47 were promoted after WCM-Q. Mobile — a first-of-its-kind mobile service of Carrefour Qatar, said, “At Carrefour, we completing the two-year pre- “Despite viewing the world in the region. take great pride in offering the most con- medical curriculum at WCM-Q, through a screen, the excitement The feature provides customers full venient and integrated shopping experi- with one new arrival. Com- that we felt about the upcoming autonomy, enabling them to scan and bag ences possible. We understand that today, bined, the two-year premedical year was still there. Meeting new purchases as they journey around Carrefour more so than ever, customers really do curriculum and four-year professors, learning more about stores using their smartphones. It is one of place a premium on convenience and medical curriculum form the the profession and seeing our many innovations developed by Carrefour quality customer service. Scan&Go Mobile WCM-Q integrated six-year classmates after so long made to help customers shop with ease. enables us to provide that, empowering Medical Programme. The Foun- the event so enjoyable. This Scan&Go Mobile underlines Carrefour’s customers with more autonomy and dation Programme provides year’s orientation was definitely ongoing commitment to creating seamless control. Its use of cashless payments limits intensive instruction in the basic something that I will remember shopping experiences for all its customers, unnecessary contact with other customers sciences, English and mathe- as it heavily reflects every aspect with the new feature allowing customers and touchpoints, offering shoppers even matics to prepare students for of my future career as a doctor,” to skip the inconvenience of long queues. more peace of mind.” the rigours of the six-year she said. Moreover, it enables a truly contactless The introduction of the Scan&Go Mobile Medical Programme. The orientation pro- shopping journey as customers not only An information desk for Scan&Go Mobile service to Qatar follows the July 2020 The orientation pro- grammes, coordinated by use their smartphones, but are also service at one of Carrefour Qatar outlets. launch of Carrefour’s self-checkout grammes began with welcome WCM-Q’s Division of Student encouraged to utilise their reusable bags counters. addresses, followed by intro- Affairs, are carefully designed to to bag as they shop. dedicated Scan&Go checkout area to These counters have been set up in ductions to the curricula. Other familiarise students with the Using the Carrefour Qatar mobile app, process their payment — via a debit or selected hypermarkets to allow customers sessions included information people, curriculum and proce- customers can scan the barcode of each credit card — within minutes. with small shopping baskets stocked with about academic integrity, dures at the college so they can product they would like to purchase as they Set to raise customer service levels, up to 10 items to self-scan and process their student health and wellness quickly feel at home and succeed shop, before making their way to a Scan&Go Mobile is now available across all purchases at check-out. services, legal issues in the in their studies. TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 05 Lebanon names new PM under French pressure

REUTERS — BEIRUT Judge issues 5 new arrest Lebanese leaders named diplomat Mustapha Adib as the new prime minister yesterday, warrants over Beirut blast under pressure from French AFP — BEIRUT who had allegedly carried out President Emmanuel Macron welding at the port’s ware- who will visit Beirut to press for A Lebanese judge leading the house number 12, hours before reforms aimed at dragging the probe into Beirut’s deadly port the explosion, the source Middle East nation out of a blast issued new arrest added. financial abyss. warrants yesterday for two The move brings to 21 the With its economy devas- officials and three Syrian number of people arrested in tated by a financial crisis, a workers, a judicial source said. Lebanon’s probe into the swathe of Beirut in tatters fol- “Investigating judge Fadi monster blast at Beirut’s port lowing a huge port explosion on Sawan interrogated director on August 4 that killed at least August 4, and sectarian tensions of land and maritime 188 people, wounded thou- rising, Lebanon is facing the transport, Abdel Hafiz Kaissi, sands and ravaged swathes of biggest threat to its stability and director of the port, the city. since the 1975-90 civil war. Mohammed Al Mawla... then Sawan was expected to Adib, the former ambas- issued arrest warrants against question four more port offi- Lebanon’s newly-appointed Prime Minister Mustapha Adib (centre) visits Beirut’s badly-hit Gemmayzeh sador to Germany, was named them,” the source said. cials on Tuesday, the source neighbourhood, yesterday. hours before Macron was due He then questioned and said. in Beirut for his second visit in issued arrest warrants for It remains unclear what with Adib, who wore a to different regional masters, honest brokers,” he said. less than a month. The French three detained Syrian workers exactly sparked the explosion. facemask as Lebanon battles Iran and Saudi Arabia. Adib’s name surfaced on president will push politicians COVID-19. Macron made a series of Sunday when he was nomi- to enact reforms that donors There is no time for often taken months in the past. The explosion, caused by phone calls to Lebanese leaders nated by former prime min- have demanded to tackle cor- talk and promises “We welcome the nomi- what authorities say were 2,750 at the weekend that were vital isters, including Saad Al Hariri ruption and waste before they nation of a new prime minister tonnes of ammonium nitrate to securing consensus on Adib. who heads the biggest Sunni will release financial support. ... It’s the time to and hope that a new gov- stored at the port, led to the res- “It was the pressure of his Muslim party. Under the Leb- Senior Lebanese officials work with everyone’s ernment will be formed shortly ignation of the previous gov- calls to everyone, the pressure anese system, the post of said Macron’s mediation was with a mandate to implement ernment, now acting as of his coming to Lebanon, the premier must go to a Sunni. essential in securing agreement cooperation: the policies and reforms that caretaker. pressure of everyone not Hariri’s Future Movement on a new prime minister in the Mustapha Adib Lebanon needs to address the Since October, the crisis has wanting to upset him,” a senior and the powerful Iranian-backed 48 hours before consensus current crisis and restore sus- sunk Lebanon’s currency, Lebanese politician said. Shi’ite party Hezbollah were emerged on Adib. Politicians tainable growth,” an IMF locked savers out of deposits A French presidency source among those nominating him. were deadlocked last week over and promises ... It’s the time to spokesperson said. held by a paralysed banking said Macron was demanding “a With Hariri’s backing, Adib who to choose. work with everyone’s cooper- Adib, who has a doctorate system and fuelled poverty and government of mission, clean, will enjoy more support than “The opportunity for our ation,” he said. in law and political science, unemployment. The root cause efficient, able to implement the Hassan Diab’s outgoing gov- country is small and the mission He called for the formation later visited areas hardest hit by is decades of corruption and necessary reforms in Lebanon”. ernment, nominated by Hez- I have accepted is based on all of a government of competent the port explosion that killed waste overseen by a political Macron told journalists on bollah and its allies which the political forces acknowl- specialists in record time, an some 190 people and injured elite. Friday that the exceptional together have a parliamentary edging that,” said Adib, who immediate start to reforms and 6,500. Macron’s visit coincides moment facing Lebanon led majority. won the support of nearly all a deal with the International “Our children died. We don’t with Lebanon’s centenary, at a him to increase pressure. Lebanon won pledges of Lebanon’s main parties in con- Monetary Fund. Lebanon’s talks recognise you,” a passerby time of profound doubts that it “France has convinced its more than $11bn in support at sultations hosted by President with the IMF on vital support shouted at him as he inspected has a future as a viable state European and American a Paris conference in 2018 con- Michel Aoun. have been stalled since July. the shattered neighbourhoods. under the sway of former war- partners and a good part of the ditional on reforms that it failed “There is no time for talk Forming governments has Another offered to shake hands lords and sectarian leaders loyal regional partners that we are to carry out.

Macron to hold Hamas says deal reached with Israel to calm violence top-level talks in AP — GAZA CITY Hamas said “several projects COGAT, an Israeli defence allow #UN to focus on dealing militant targets, while closing will be announced to serve our body responsible for Palestinian with the #COVID19 crisis,” he Gaza’s only cargo crossing, Baghdad: Officials Gaza’s Hamas rulers said people in Gaza Strip and con- civilian affairs, announced late tweeted. cutting off fuel supplies to the yesterday that they have tribute in mitigating” difficult yesterday that it would imme- Israel and Hamas are bitter territory’s only power plant, and AFP — BAGHDAD reached an agreement through living conditions. diately reopen Gaza’s only cargo enemies that have fought three halting access to fishing waters. international mediators to end Its statement didn’t detail crossing and resume fuel ship- wars and numerous skirmishes Residents had been left with just French President Emmanuel the latest round of cross-border any of the projects but it said ments into the territory. It also since the Islamic militant group four hours of electricity a day Macron will make his first violence with Israel. conditions would return to said it would reopen a 25km seized control of Gaza in 2007. during the sweltering summer. official trip to Iraq on Under the deal, Hamas is to “what they were before the fishing zone off Gaza’s coast. Israel and Egypt have main- Last week’s detection of the Wednesday, government halt the launches of explosives- escalation.” “This decision will be tested tained a blockade of Gaza since first cases of locally transmitted sources in Baghdad said, to laden balloons and rocket fire Under previous, unofficial on the ground: if Hamas, which the Hamas takeover, saying the coronavirus in Gaza has signal solidarity with the into Israel, while Israel said it understandings reached is accountable for all actions restrictions are needed to worsened the situation, with crisis-hit country. will ease a blockade that has through intermediaries, Hamas that are taken in the Gaza Strip, prevent Hamas from arming. Hamas imposing a week-long The one-day visit following his been tightened in recent weeks. has sought a broader easing of fails to stand its obligations, In recent weeks, pro-Hamas renewable lockdown. Years of trip to Lebanon will make The Israeli restrictions have restrictions on movement, Israel will act accordingly,” it groups have launched scores of blockade, conflicts with Israel Macron the most senior worsened living conditions in increased power supplies from said. incendiary balloons, torching and intra-Palestinian political foreign official to travel to Iraq Gaza at a time when it is coping Israel and large-scale economic The UN envoy to the region, wide tracts of Israeli farmland. feuds have left Gaza’s health since Prime Minister Mustafa with a new coronavirus projects to help lower unem- Nickolay Mladenov, welcomed Militant groups have also fired care system overwhelmed and Al Kadhemi ascended to outbreak. ployment hovering around 50 the agreement. several barrages of rockets into under resourced. The World power in May. As a result of indirect medi- percent. It accuses Israel of “Ending the launching of Israel. Health Organization has “He will meet the Iraqi ation efforts led by Egypt, the moving too slowly or not hon- incendiary devices and projec- Israel has responded with warned Gaza cannot handle a prime minister and president United Nations and Qatar, ouring its commitments. tiles, restoring electricity will tank fire and airstrikes on major virus outbreak. and is hoping to hold talks with a range of political actors,” an Iraqi government source said. WFP warns 2.2 million Two other Iraqi officials confirmed the visit. Macron’s office has yet to publically more Syrians risk hunger confirm the trip. The focus, the Iraqi sources AFP — BEIRUT lives in poverty, according to the said, would be on “sover- United Nations, and food prices eignty” — insisting Baghdad Around 2.2 million Syrians risk have doubled over the past year. carve out an independent path joining the fast swelling ranks In that same period, Syrians away from the tug-of-war of the hungry and poor in in government-held areas have between its two main allies, war-torn Syria, the World Food faced a fuel crisis, a plummeting Washington and Tehran. Programme warned yesterday. Syrian pound on the black “Without urgent help 2.2 market and steep price hikes. million more could slip further Damascus has blamed Algeria, Jordan into hunger and poverty,” WFP Western sanctions for its strug- said in a statement on Twitter. gling economy. and Oman report The UN agency said in May But analysts have pointed that a record 9.3 million people to other factors, including a new virus cases in Syria were food insecure, as financial crisis in neighbouring spiralling prices and the novel Lebanon, long a conduit for ANATOLIA — ISTANBUL coronavirus pandemic com- dollars to Damascus-held areas pound the damage of the coun- under sanctions. The novel coronavirus claimed try’s nine-year war. The conflict has killed more more lives in Algeria and That figure had leapt from than 380,000 people and dis- Oman on Sunday, while Jordan 7.9 million six months earlier. placed millions more from their reported new cases. Most of Syria’s population homes since it started in 2011. Ten more people died and A Palestinian policeman stops a motorcyclist at a checkpoint in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip 364 new infections were amid a lockdown due to increasing cases of COVID-19 infections, yesterday. reported in Algeria, according to the country’s Health Min- UN sends 16 truckloads of istry. The death toll now stands Gaza registers 69 new virus infections at 1,501 and the number of humanitarian aid to Idlib cases at 44,145. ANATOLIA & AP— GAZA CITY The ministry warned of a but until now all the infections The Omani Health Ministry ANATOLIA — HATAY civil war since early 2011 when shortage of necessary medical were linked to quarantine facil- said 27 people had died from the Assad regime cracked down Palestinian health authorities supplies to curb the virus out- ities for returning travelers. COVID-19, bringing the The UN yesterday sent 16 on pro-democracy protesters. reported 69 new infections break due to the 14-year Israeli Most lockdown restrictions nationwide death toll to 677. truckloads of humanitarian aid Hundreds of thousands of from the coronavirus in the blockade on the strip. were lifted months ago, with Another 539 infections to northwestern Syria where people have been killed and blockaded Gaza Strip yesterday. Last week, Gaza’ s militant even wedding halls operating were recorded, taking the millions of people are in need more than 10 million displaced, In a statement, the Health Hamas rulers imposed a ter- normally. country’s tally to 85,544 cases of assistance due to internal according to UN estimates. Ministry said the territory’s ritory-wide curfew after Since last December, the and 80,459 recoveries. conflict. Idlib falls within a de-esca- virus count rose to 356 con- authorities detected the first coronavirus has claimed nearly Meanwhile, no new deaths The trucks carrying sup- lation zone forged under an firmed cases, including four local cases of the coronavirus, 847,000 lives in 188 countries were reported in Jordan, but plies entered Idlib province agreement between Turkey deaths, and 72 recoveries. raising fears of a wider out- and regions, according to US’ it registered 73 new infections, through the Cilvegozu border and Russia. “The number of active cases break in the territory that is Johns Hopkins University. according to the Health gate in Turkey’s south. The area has been the in Gaza has reached 280,” the home to some 2 million More than 25.22 million Ministry. The aid will be distributed subject of multiple ceasefire ministry said, going on to call Palestinians. COVID-19 cases have been To date, 15 people have among residents of Idlib, and understandings, which have on residents to pursue social Gaza has registered more reported worldwide, with died from COVID-19, 1,966 nearby rural areas. frequently been violated by the distancing to help stem the than 100 cases and a fatality recoveries exceeding 16.61 have been infected and 1,488 Syria has been ravaged by Assad regime and its allies. spread of the virus. since the start of the pandemic, million. patients have recovered. 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2020

COVID-19 cases Sudan govt, rebel groups reach peace deal exceed 625,000 AFP — JUBA “We know that we are in South Africa going to face some Sudanese leaders and rebel ANATOLIA — ABUJA commanders agreed yesterday problems when we on a “historic” peace deal, a start to move this South Africa registered 2,505 crucial step towards ending 17 new cases of the novel coro- years of conflict in which (deal) from paper to navirus on Sunday, bringing hundreds of thousands of the ground... but we the total number of infections people were killed. to 625,056, said the Health Leaders of the Sudan Rev- have that political Ministry. olutionary Front (SRF), an will,” said Sudan’s It added that 47 more umbrella organisation of rebel information minister. people died from the virus, groups from the western region pushing the number of fatal- of Darfur and the southern ities to 14,028. states of South Kordofan and “I congratulate all in Sudan Health professionals have Blue Nile, raised their fists in on reaching a historic, compre- conducted over 3.67 million celebration after inking the hensive peace that addressed tests and the number of recov- agreement. the roots of the problem and eries has reached 538,604. Fighting in Darfur alone left ended the war, God willing,” The pandemic has claimed around 300,000 people dead Ibrahim said. over 844,000 lives in 188 after rebels took up arms there Sudanese paramilitary com- countries and regions since in 2003, according to the United mander Mohamed Hamdan originating in Wuhan, China Nations, with former gov- Daglo — best known by his in December. The US, Brazil, ernment leaders accused of car- nickname “Hemeti”, and who India and Russia are currently rying out genocide and of commanded fighters in the war the worst-hit countries. crimes against humanity. — signed the deal on behalf of South Sudan President Salva Kiir (centre) holding up the document during the signing of the Sudan More than 25 million Conflict in South Kordofan Khartoum. peace deal with the rebel groups in Juba, South Sudan, yesterday. COVID-19 cases have been and Blue Nile erupted in 2011, “This deal represents .... a reported worldwide, with in the wake of South Sudan’s new dawn,” he said. there were also warnings there transition,” Horner said. “But it 1989 coup in which he grabbed recoveries exceeding 16.5 independence, resuming a war Daglo and the leaders of the was also still a long way to go. is also far from comprehensive, power. million, according to figures that had raged from rebel movements grouped “We know that we are going and only represents a first step Sudan’s transitional author- compiled by US-based Johns 1983-2005. together and shook hands at the to face some problems when we towards peace, while significant ities in February agreed Bashir Hopkins University. “This is a truly historic day,” ceremony in Juba, the capital of start to move this (deal) from hurdles remain in the way of its should stand trial before the Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok neighbouring South Sudan. paper to the ground... but we implementation.” ICC. said as he called on holdout Then the former enemies have that political will,” said Rebels fought troops Human rights groups say Sudan flood death rebel groups to join the deal he briefly danced together. Faisal Mohammed Salih, deployed by now-toppled Khartoum targeted suspected said would build “peace and South Sudanese President Sudan’s information minister. autocrat Omar Al Bashir, who pro-rebel ethnic groups with a toll rises to 89 stability” in Sudan. “We are Salva Kiir — a former comrade Jonas Horner, from the is wanted by the International scorched earth policy, raping, waiting for them.” to some of the rebels during International Crisis Group Criminal Court (ICC) over killing, looting and burning AFP — KHARTOUM Gibril Ibrahim, commander Sudan’s earlier civil war — think-thank, called the charges of genocide and crimes villages. of one of rebel groups, the hosted and mediated the talks. agreement a “milestone” but against humanity in the Darfur The deal was “initialled” and Floods in Sudan caused by Justice and Equality Movement But amid the celebrations said that implementation would conflict. not signed, as a way to leave the more than a month of (JEM), paid tribute to all those and messages of support, be tough. Bashir, who is in jail in door open for two key holdout torrential rains have killed 89 killed or affected by the long including from the United “It is a hugely significant Khartoum convicted of cor- rebel groups to join in a “final” people and injured 44, years of violence. Nations and the Arab League, sign of progress for Sudan’s ruption, is now on trial for the agreement, officials said. according to a new toll announced by the civil defence yesterday. Mayor of Libya’s A total of 37,249 homes Uganda politician complains of threats to presidential bid and 150 public buildings have Misrata dies of been destroyed by the AP — KAMPALA Wine, 38, insisted he filed as People Power, which has cap- time, leaving Wine as the flooding, it added in a virus: Unity govt correct information on his age tured the imagination of many strongest challenger to statement. Ugandan singer and opposition and education in the papers. He Ugandans with its calls for Pres- Museveni. Wine has been Heavy rains usually fall in AFP — TRIPOLI politician Bobi Wine said said he faces a number of accu- ident Yoweri Museveni to retire. arrested or detained many Sudan from June to October, yesterday that he faces “a sations, including tax evasion Museveni, 75, has ruled Uganda times, including over a treason and the country faces severe The mayor of the western city pattern of repression and and even an ownership dispute since taking power by force in charge that he denies. With flooding every year. of Misrata died yesterday of suppression” seeking to derail over the property where he 1986. Wine is urging a united political rallies now banned as “The Blue Nile has reached the novel coronavirus, Libya’s his bid to challenge the coun- lives with his wife and young opposition against Museveni. part of efforts to control the an all-time high since records unity government said, as the try’s long-time president in children outside Kampala. Museveni is accused by his spread of the coronavirus, pres- began more than a century conflict-scarred country elections next year. “Fighting a dictator is no critics of relying on the armed idential aspirants are not able ago,” said the irrigation and struggles with mounting cases. A Ugandan attorney claims simple task,” said Wine. “You forces to stay in power. He is to hold rallies. water ministry. “It was with great sadness that Wine, whose real name is lose friends. You are stabbed in able to seek another term after Museveni accuses Wine and The most recent report that we learned of the death Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, lied the back. You are persecuted. the legislature voted to remove other opposition figures of from the United Nations Office of Moustafa Karwad, mayor of about his age and academic You are prosecuted. You are constitutional age limits on the encouraging young people into for the Coordination of Misrata, Monday morning, record in papers he filed with slandered. You are maligned. presidency. rioting. People associated with Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) after a battle against the coro- the electoral commission. The You’re embarrassed. You are Earlier this month veteran Wine are “a misguided group in Sudan on Thursday said navirus disease,” the Tripoli- attorney asked electoral offi- threatened.” opposition leader Kizza Besigye being used by some foreigners 381,770 people had so far been based Government of National cials to publish Wine’s papers Wine is the leader of a announced that he won’t run to destabilise Uganda,” the “affected” by the floods this Accord said in a statement on for public scrutiny. political pressure group known against Museveni for a fifth president said last week. year. its Facebook page. The municipality of Misrata, 200km east of the capital, said local elections Erdogan vows more aid for would go ahead as planned this week “in accordance with flood-hit Giresun province the wishes of the deceased and the wish of members of the ANATOLIA — GIRESUN of up to 100,000 liras has also (city) council”, after a been made available to SMEs mourning period of three days. Turkey earmarked over 73.5 [small- and medium-sized The United Nations million Turkish liras (nearly enterprises] damaged by the support mission in Libya, $10m) to repair last week’s flood disaster,” he added. UNSMIL, tweeted its condo- damage in the Black Sea region, The President also said that lences, calling Karwad “a ded- the President said yesterday. a project estimated to cost 1.2 icated person totally omitted Addressing locals in Giresun, billion liras ($163,000) would to serving citizens and the Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the be launched to prevent a similar nation”. funds had been sent through disaster. Misrata is the home of pow- Turkey’s Disaster and Emer- On Sunday, the Interior Min- erful armed groups that have gency Management Authority istry said that the death toll from fought on the side of the GNA in (AFAD), as well as related last week’s flooding in Giresun the battle against eastern-based ministries. had risen to 10. military strongman Khalifa Erdogan said the entire sum Rescue teams are still Haftar, who tried to seize the of damages suffered by shop- searching for five missing capital last year. owners in the province of up to people. Libya has seen COVID-19 50,000 Turkish liras ($6,800) According to reports, 157 cases surge, weighing on would be covered in the form people have been rescued so far, An interior view of a damaged building after the flood disaster in Dereli district of Giresun, in Turkey, already stretched health of grants. with at least 12 of them found in yesterday. services. “Interest-free loan support injured condition. Ghana to reopen international Supporters of Gbagbo, Soro file election candidacies airport with new regulations AFP — ABIDJAN he wishes to run again. He is living in Brussels AFP — ACCRA “Any passenger arriving in Supporters of former Ivory pending the outcome of an Ghana must be in possession Coast president Laurent appeal against the ICC ruling. Ghana will reopen its interna- of a negative COVID-19 PCR Gbagbo, who lives in Belgium In the meantime, he can travel, tional airport today but with test result from an accredited after being tried by the Inter- provided the country of desti- new regulations in place to laboratory in the country of national Criminal Court, and nation accepts him. curb the spread of the corona- origin,” he said. exiled former rebel leader Guil- “We have just submitted the virus, the president announced. The test should have been laume Soro yesterday filed their candidacy file of our political Kotoka International done not more than 72 hours candidacies for a tense presi- leader, president Laurent Airport, located outside the before their departure. dential election in October. Gbagbo, the father of democracy capital Accra, was closed in All airlines are to ensure Both had been barred by the in Ivory Coast,” said Georges- March along with other border compliance with the directive electoral commission from Armand Ouegnin, president of points in a bid to contain the for passengers wishing to travel running due to convictions in the the pro-Gbagbo coalition called virus in west African country. to Ghana, he said. country’s courts and it is unlikely Together for Democracy and “I am glad to announce that In addition, arriving pas- that the Constitutional Court will Sovereignty (EDS). Kotoka International Airport sengers must undergo a clear their candidacies. Supporters of former President Laurent Gbagbo gather as they plan Independent Electoral will reopen and resume oper- COVID-19 test at the airport President Alassane to defy the ruling by waiting for the arrival of the representative of Commission chief Ibrahime ations from Tuesday, 1st Sep- terminal at their own cost, Ouattara, 75, and former pres- their candidate to submit application for October election at the Coulibaly-Kuibiert has said that tember 2020,” President Nana though children under five will ident Henri Konan Bedie, 86, independent electoral Commission in Abidjan, yesterday. anyone convicted of a crime Akufo-Addo said in a be exempt, he said. “Passengers, submitted their dossiers last cannot contest. nationwide broadcast late who test positive for COVID-19, week. The country remains lost their lives in several months Gbagbo, 75, was sentenced Sunday, adding that land will be handled by the health The October 31 election in scarred by a conflict that of violence. in absentia to a 20-year term borders would remain closed. authorities for further clinical the world’s top cocoa grower erupted after the 2010 vote Gbagbo, who was freed con- last November over the looting New safety measures have assessment and management.” comes after years of political when Gbagbo refused to hand ditionally by the ICC after he was of the local branch of the been imposed to prevent pas- The virus has so far infected turbulence and civil war, and over power to the victor, cleared in 2019 of crimes against Central Bank of West African sengers bringing the virus into 44,205 people and claimed 276 Gbagbo’s return to national pol- current President Alassane humanity, has not made any States during the post-election the country. lives in the country. itics is highly sensitive. Ouattara. Around 3,000 people public statement about whether crisis. TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2020 ASIA 07 India, China trade blame after new border standoff AFP — NEW DELHI India’s defence tens of thousands of troops into the region. Military and diplo- India and China accused each ministry said Chinese matic talks are at an apparent other yesterday of military troops had “carried stalemate. provocation on their contested Pangong Tso is one of Himalayan border where a out provocative several hotspots where troops deadly showdown erupted in military movements have massed since June. June — even as commanders “Indian troops pre-empted from the two sides held talks to change the status this PLA activity on the southern aimed at easing tensions. quo” in the eastern bank of Pangong Tso lake, China’s military said Indian Ladakh region over undertook measures to troops had crossed the border strengthen our positions and yesterday near Pangong Tso, a the weekend. China’s thwart Chinese intentions to uni- lake at 4,200 metres and military said Indian laterally change facts on ground,” engaged in “open provocation said India’s defence ministry. and caused the border situation troops had crossed Senior officers met at a to become tense”. the border yesterday border post near the scene of “The Chinese military is the standoff yesterday, it added. taking necessary counter- near Pangong Tso. According to Indian military measures,” the People’s Liber- sources, speaking on condition ation Army’s regional command staged regular high altitude of anonymity, Indian troops said in a statement, accusing clashes since. pushed back Chinese troops India of “seriously violating China did not confirm Sat- who crossed the Line of Control. China’s territorial sovereignty”. urday’s incident, but the foreign “PLA soldiers walked into Earlier yesterday India’s ministry said its troops have our area near the south bank of defence ministry said Chinese “always strictly respected” the Pangong, but our soldiers were troops had “carried out provoc- unofficial border known as the prepared and quickly pushed ative military movements to Line of Actual Control. them back without any vio- An Indian fighter jet flies over a mountain range in Leh, the capital of the union territory change the status quo” in the On June 15, troops from the lence,” said one source. of Ladakh, yesterday. eastern Ladakh region over the two sides fought hand-to-hand “They tried to come in again weekend. combat in Ladakh in which 20 several hours later but we stood Actual Control and never Amid calls for boycotts of India has banned at least 49 Military commanders from Indian troops were killed. China firm. There has been no such crossed the line”. Chinese goods, India has Chinese owned-apps — the two sides held talks yes- acknowledged casualties but confrontation in this area in the “Border troops from both sides stepped up economic pressure including the TikTok video terday in a new bid to ease ten- did not give figures. past.” have maintained communication on China since the June battle platform — frozen Chinese sions between the nuclear- The two sides blame each China’s foreign ministry said over issues on the ground,” foreign and repeatedly warned that firms out of contracts and held armed neighbours, who fought other for recent clashes and the Chinese troops “have always ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian relations would suffer unless its up Chinese goods at customs a border war in 1962 and have two armies have since poured strictly respected the Line of told a press briefing. troops pull back. posts. India’s former President Pranab Mukherjee dies COVID-19 cases in AP — NEW DELHI shock. His son, former lawmaker Indira Gandhi and was loyal to Abhijeet Mukherjee, tweeted in her during the Internal Emer- Former President Pranab the evening that he had died. gency she had proclaimed from Australia’s hotspot Mukherjee (pictured), a senior Mukherjee was president 1975 to 1977, when elections leader of India’s Congress party from 2012 to 2017, at the end of were suspended and civil lib- who served in multiple Cabinets a long period when the Congress erties were curbed. Many of her fall to 7-week low during five decades in politics, party held power. The office is opponents were imprisoned. has died. He was 84. largely ceremonial in India, with He lost his position as REUTERS — SYDNEY “If we (remove restrictions) Mukherjee had emergency executive powers resting with finance minister after Indira too quick, if we do this chasing surgery for a blood clot in his the prime minister. Gandhi was assassinated in The state at the epicentre of something that might be brain on August 10 at New Before that, he had been 1984 and her son Rajiv Gandhi Australia’s second-wave of popular for a few weeks, if we Delhi’s Army Hospital Research minister of finance, defence and became prime minister. COVID-19 infections said forget it’s a pandemic and think and Referral after suffering a fall. foreign affairs for three sep- Mukherjee formed his own yesterday the number of new it’s a popularity contest, then The hospital said he tested pos- arate prime ministers and party but later reconciled with cases fell to a near two-month Christmas won’t look normal itive for COVID-19 after the helped manage their fractious Rajiv Gandhi and returned to low, allowing authorities to at all.” surgery and his condition was governing coalitions. the Congress party in 1989. detail in a week’s time how Victoria said its COVID-19 critical. He remained in a coma Mukherjee was a college After Rajiv Gandhi’s assas- stringent lockdown measures death toll rose by 41, including after the surgery. teacher in West Bengal state sination in 1991, Mukherjee will be lifted. 22 fatalities which came from The hospital said his health before first running for public joined the Cabinets of his suc- Mukherjee was awarded Victoria said it has detected aged care facilities in the weeks began declining on Monday after office in 1969. He became a cessors, P V Narasimha Rao and India’s highest civilian honour, 73 new COVID-19 infections in leading up to August 27. Aus- a lung infection resulted in septic protege of then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. the Bharat Ratna, in 2019. the past 24 hours, the lowest tralia’s previous one-day since July 3. record for COVID-19 deaths The easing number of was on August 25 when 25 Landslide, floods COVID-19 cases comes as the people died. India rights lawyer fined token one rupee state capital Melbourne begins Australia has now recorded from monsoon its fourth week of a six-week nearly 26,000 COVID-19 infec- AFP — NEW DELHI sentencing, Bhushan tweeted a bono in the trials of rights activists. lockdown that sees residents tions and 652 fatalities from the rains kill at least photo of him holding a one rupee Hailing from legal blue confined to their homes, a virus — far fewer than other India’s top court imposed a coin — saying his lawyer and blood, he studied at top Indian nightly curfew imposed and developed countries. 41 in India, Nepal symbolic one rupee fine (one senior colleague Rajiv Dhavan universities — and Princeton in large parts of the state economy While Australia has largely US cent) yesterday on a cele- had given him the money. the US — before embarking on ordered to close. avoided high casualty numbers, REUTERS — KATHMANDU/ brated public service lawyer for Bhushan had been ordered to a celebrated career at home. The total lockdown is set to restrictions to slow the spread AHMEDABAD contempt in a case that raised pay the fine by mid-September Following the imposition of end on Sep 13, and with cases of the virus have taken a sig- concern about free speech in or face three months in jail and a a coronavirus lockdown in falling, state Premier Daniel nificant toll on the country’s A landslide and floods caused the world’s largest democracy. suspension from the bar. The case March, Bhushan filed petitions Andrews said his government economy. by heavy rains have killed at Prashant Bhushan, 63, was raised concerns about freedom concerning the plight of mil- will on Sunday detail how Easing restrictions across least 41 people in Nepal and convicted in August for two of speech, but also was seen as a lions of migrant workers who restrictions will be slowly Victoria, the second most pop- India in the past week, officials tweets deemed critical of the battle of wills in India’s legal ether. were left without jobs. eased. ulous state, will boost Aus- said yesterday, as the annual judiciary — including one Bhushan is a vocal critic of In June he tweeted a picture “I want to make sure we tralia’s economy, which is on monsoon season enters its showing a picture of the chief Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s of chief justice Sharad Arvind have a Christmas Day as close course for its first recession in final stretch after claiming justice astride a Harley-Dav- government and over the years Bobde on a motorbike —without to possible as normal,” nearly three decades as hundreds of lives in South Asia. idson motorbike. has filed a number of public a face mask and surrounded by Andrews told reporters in effective unemployment tops Ten people, including four Following yesterday’s interest cases and served pro people despite the pandemic. Melbourne. 13 percent. children, were killed after a landslide buried five houses in remote west Nepal on Sunday, a Home Ministry Lockdown lifted in Auckland official said. At least 269 people have but face masks mandatory died in mostly mountainous Nepal this year in landslides REUTERS — WELLINGTON but made masks compulsory on and floods, while another 76 public transport. people are missing. The Schools and businesses Ardern said yesterday that monsoon season that began reopened in Auckland yesterday she was confident the new around June in South Asia ends after the lifting of a lockdown measure would be taken up in September. in New Zealand’s largest city to across New Zealand, adding that In the western Indian state contain the resurgence of the “a bit of smiling with the eyes of Gujarat, 14 people have died coronavirus, but face masks behind the mask” and kindness in the last two days in various were made mandatory on to Aucklanders in particular, incidents related to heavy public transport across the would help get the country rains and flooding, said offi- country. The Pacific nation of through the latest outbreak. cials at the State Emergency five million people had “We have a plan that we Response Centre. appeared to have succeeded in know will work. We just need Rains in Gujarat are 20 halting community trans- everyone’s compliance and percent higher than the long- mission of COVID-19, but a help. If everyone sticks to those period average, according to fresh outbreak in Auckland guidelines and rules, coupled People wearing face masks prepare to board a bus on the first day of New Zealand’s new coronavirus the local government. The prompted the government to together with all the public disease safety measure, in Auckland, yesterday. state’s desert area of Kutch place the city back in lockdown health measures that we have, received rainfall that was 2.5 earlier this month. we can make this work,” to school after many weeks of dis- it’s still not good enough for them. Auckland remain and the rest of times higher than the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, wearing a mask herself, ruptions. “To me it’s so good for So it’s good to get out of the the country remains in alert level average. Ardern scaled back the restric- told reporters in Auckland. them to go back to school. Online house,” said one parent. 2, which means social distancing More heavy to very heavy tions in Auckland on Sunday, Students in Auckland returned work, online school is alright but Limits on public gatherings in norms must be followed. rains are expected in several parts of the state over the next two days, according to the India Meteorological Australian journalist's arrest in China deals latest blow to relations Department. In Odisha state to the AFP — SYDNEY countries that have seen China family, Payne said in a statement. longer available after news of a statement by Cheng’s family east, floods have killed at warn its citizens of travelling to She provided no further her detention emerged. in Melbourne expressing con- least 17 people in the past China has detained an Australia and vice-versa. details, but public broadcaster The ABC said Cheng was fidence that “In China, due week, displaced thousands Australian news anchor Foreign Minister Marise Payne ABC said Cheng’s friends being held under “residential process will be observed and we and affected more than half working for its state-run said Australia was informed on became concerned after she surveillance at a designated look forward to a satisfactory a million people, officials English-language television August 14 that Cheng was being stopped responding to mes- location”, a form of detention and timely conclusion to the said. network CGTN, Australia’s held by Beijing authorities. sages in recent weeks. that allows investigators to hold matter.” “We ask that you Hundreds have died in the foreign minister said yesterday. Australian consular officials The CGTN website page and question a suspect for up respect that process and under- northeastern state of Assam The detention of journalist spoke to Cheng in her detention which described Cheng as an to six months without them stand there will be no further and neighbouring Bangladesh Cheng Lei is a new blow to deteri- facility via video link on August anchor on the network’s Global being formally arrested. comment at this time,” the this monsoon. orating relations between the two 27 and were in touch with her Business programme was no The broadcaster published statement said. 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

Palestinian policemen stop vehicles during a 48-hour lockdown imposed following the discovery of the first coronavirus case in the EDITORIAL Gaza Strip, on August 25.

Workers' welfare Coronavirus cluster in Gaza IN a historic first of its kind in the Middle East, Qatar enacted labour reforms in bid to protect the interests of employers and employees and provide additional sta- raises fear of wider outbreak bility to the State’s labour market. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued a law setting the minimum laboratory testing equipment.” to the territory’s only power plant, wage for labourers and domestic workers. H H the Amir Last week Gaza had confirmed which shut down last week as a also issued Decree laws amending Labour Law and Law 109 coronavirus infections and result. Daily electricity allocations regulating entry, exit and residency of expatriates. one death, all among people in have been reduced to two to four Qatar always delivers on its promise to expand the quarantine. Since March, Hamas hours a day. labour market in a manner that drives competition, boosts has ordered anyone returning to “We are calling on all con- investment in the local economy, and drives economic the strip to spend 21 days in a gov- cerned parties to maintain a growth in Qatar. In this regard, the Ministry of Adminis- MIRIAM BERGER & ANTONIA NOORI ernment-run isolation center. supply of electricity that is suffi- trative Development, Labour and Social Affairs took a FARZAN THE WASHINGTON POST International journalists and many cient to meet the basic needs of the major step forward in its labour reform programme, intro- humanitarian workers are barred civilian population,” the director of ducing a non-discriminatory minimum wage for all private The Gaza Strip has been under from entering via the designated UN Relief and Works Agency sector workers, including domestic workers, and degrees of lockdown since 2007, crossing point with Israel. affairs in Gaza, Matthias Schmale, removing the No-Objection Certificate requirement to when Israel imposed blockade. Four cases were reported said in a statement. “All parties change jobs for employees. These moves will drive The same conditions that make life after a woman who procured an must show utmost restraint and greater competition in the labour market by allowing a daily struggle there, and have Israeli permit to travel from Gaza protect the civilian population employees to change employers and allowing employers obstructed even the most basic to Jerusalem for medical reasons with full respect for their dignity to attract the best talent on the local market. preparations for the looming tested positive for the virus upon and human rights.” H E Yousuf Mohamed Al Othman Fakhroo, Min- For months, threat of a coronavirus outbreak, arrival. That led Gaza authorities Israel and Hamas fought three ister of Administrative Development, Labour & Social have perhaps made it harder for to uncover a cluster at Al Maghazi wars in a decade, plus countless Affairs, said: “The State of Qatar is committed to cre- aid agencies the virus to find a toehold. That refugee camp, where she lived, in flare-ups in the interim. Gaza has ating a modern and dynamic labour market. In line have warned could be about to change. a dense and dilapidated neigh- faced severe medical shortages with Qatar Vision 2030, these new laws mark a major The coastal enclave’s few borhood near the center of the and currently has only around 100 milestone in this journey and will benefit workers, that the silent points of entry were largely shut in territory. Although all four people ventilators, half of which are employers, and the nation alike.” spread of the March. But last week, the territory who tested positive were already in use, according to The Attracting the desired combination of migrant workers, of nearly 2 million people imposed members of the same family, Associated Press. protecting their rights, and ensuring their safety is part virus through a 48-hour lockdown after author- authorities quickly imposed a It is difficult for Palestinians in of the human development goals of Qatar’s 2030 National the conflict- ities reported the first four con- curfew and announced a 48-hour Gaza to procure a permit to travel Vision. The minimum wage was decided following firmed cases of the virus in the shutdown of businesses, schools, into Israel or the Israeli-occupied extensive consultations with a specialised national weary strip general population. cafes and mosques. West Bank, but many try for better commit-tee composed of relevant authorities in Qatar. could be For months, aid agencies have As the news spread, residents medical care. Rights groups in A Minimum Wage Committee will be formed and tasked calamitous. warned that the silent spread of with the means to do so scrambled Israel have called on the gov- with frequently studying and review-ing the minimum the virus through the conflict- to stock up on food and other ernment to help facilitate medical wage of workers and domestic workers. Gaza has one weary strip could be calamitous. household necessities, Reuters access for sick Palestinians now The Ministry will work with all employers to update of the densest Gaza has one of the densest popu- reported. The rate of unem- affected by the additional closures. all employment contracts where workers earn less lations on Earth, a collapsed ployment in the territory, even “If even well equipped than the amount established by the new Law, which populations health-care system and small sup- according to official numbers, is health-care systems in European will come into force after six months of its publication on Earth, a plies of electricity and clean water. close to 50%, and nearly half the countries have found handling in the official gazette. Health-care workers are bracing population relies on the United this crisis difficult, then the Pales- For his part, Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa collapsed for further signs of a wider out- Nations for food aid. tinian health-care service, which bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani said these decisions health-care break among already vulnerable The lockdown comes amid bears the burden of budget will greatly contribute to enhancing the competitiveness communities. escalating tensions in recent days shortages and decades-long frag- of the Qatari economy regionally and globally, as well as system and “Having this happen on top of across the Gaza border between mentation, is likely to fare much enhancing competition and productivity in the local labour small supplies the existing health system chal- Israel and groups linked to Hamas. worse,” Dana Moss and Ghada market, thus providing the opportunity for private sector of electricity lenges is a matter of concern for Palestinian militants have sent Majadle of Physicians for Human companies to contract with skilled and trained workers, us,” said Ayadil Saparbekov, the incendiary balloons into Israel as Rights wrote in the Lancet. which will contribute to diversify the economy. and clean head of the World Health Organi- part of an effort to pressure Israel All these measures prove that Qatar is moving water. zation’s local health emergencies to ease the blockade. In response, Miriam Berger is a staff writer steadily towards preserving the rights and taking team, according to Reuters. “We the Israelis carried out airstrikes reporting on foreign news for The utmost care of its workers. have been beefing up our support on Hamas-linked targets and Washington Post from Wash- before this event by providing closed Gaza’s only fishing zone ington, DC and Antonia Noori medical equipment and personal and commercial crossing. Israel Farzan is a reporter on The Wash- protective equipment as well as also suspended its fuel shipments ington Post's Morning Mix team.

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] COVID-19: Why are more young people getting infected?

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 Among the available data of A number of possible expla- greater risk of severe illness from FAX: +974 4455 7758 these six million cases, one-third nations are contributing to this COVID-19 the disease caused by of which were from the United trend, Van Kerkhove noted, the new coronavirus - the WHO MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 States, the proportion of infected including the reopening of soci- has reiterated that young people people aged five to 14 years grew eties after months of so-called are “not invincible”. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 from 0.8 percent to 4.6 percent, “lockdown”, with people Last month, WHO chief those aged 15 to 24 years grew returning to their normal Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 SABA AZIZ from 4.5 to 15 percent. routines. said the recent spike in cases in AL JAZEERA Maria Van Kerkhove, “With the opening of soci- some countries was partly due BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 WHO’s technical lead on eties, there’s a change in our to younger people “letting their An increasing number of young COVID-19, said the shift of the behaviour. More people going guard down during the SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 people are now getting infected pandemic towards the younger out, going back to work, northern hemisphere summer”. with the novel coronavirus, with demographic was a “worrying” attending social events ... so What should young people ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 clusters of cases emerging in sign. “Younger people tend to there has been a recent shift in do? Van Kerkhove said young email: [email protected] different locations as countries have mild disease or are asymp- our behaviour, which is people were “absolutely critical” have eased restrictions and tomatic, which is good for them, exposing more younger people in helping to bring the pandemic PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 lifted lockdowns. but many of them live with to the virus,” she said. under control through their email: [email protected] Between February and July, older or vulnerable individuals Another reason is the change actions, voice and leadership. It there was an increase in the ... and if we have more younger in the surveillance strategy. Early is important to continue to take ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 proportion of individuals aged people infected, they have the surveillance for new diseases, all the “precautionary measures FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] between five and 24 being possibility to infect somebody including COVID-19, initially recommended - maintain infected, according to an else, who is part of a vulnerable focuses on more severe cases, physical distancing, frequently CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 analysis of six million cases - out group and we know infected but now countries have wash hands, wear a mask when email: [email protected] of the more than 23 million total vulnerable people are more increased testing and are looking unable to maintain a distance - infections worldwide - reported likely to have severe disease or beyond severe cases. and assess the risks before going SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 to the WHO by member states. die,” she told Al Jazeera. Although older people are at a out,” she said. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar We want to see children returning to school and /ThePeninsulaQatar people returning to work places, but we want to see it done safely. No country can just pretend /Peninsula_Qatar the pandemic is over. The reality is this virus spreads easily. Opening up without control is a /ThePeninsulaNewspaper recipe for disaster.

+974 6698 6188 Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2020 ASIA 09 Czech official to pay ‘heavy price’ for Taiwan visit: China

REUTERS — TAIPEI/BEIJING Czech Foreign statement of the minister. And let me repeat again - this visit Czech Senate Speaker Milos Minister Tomas is by no means meant to polit- Vystrcil will “pay a heavy price” Petricek said ically confront anyone,” he said. for making an official trip to that although the Taiwan Economics Minister Taiwan, the Chinese govern- Wang Mei-hua declined to ment’s top diplomat said government did make any direct comment on yesterday, prompting Prague to not support Milos China’s attack on Vystrcil, but summon China’s ambassador said the two had much in though Vystrcil said he didn’t Vystrcil’s trip, Wang’s common. seek confrontation. remarks were too “The Czech Republic and Vystrcil arrived in Taipei on Taiwan are free and democratic Sunday on a visit to promote strong and he wanted countries which put great store business links with Taiwan, an explanation and on human rights. We have the saying the Czech Republic same values as the Czechs,” she would not bow to Beijing’s would summon the told reporters, speaking before objections. China considers Chinese ambassador. a business forum with Taiwan a breakaway province Vystrcil. ineligible for state-to-state Czech President Milos relations. although the government did Zeman has sought closer Speaking while in Germany, not support the trip, Wang’s business and political ties with Chinese State Councillor Wang remarks were too strong and he China since taking office in Yi said there would be wanted an explanation and 2013, but his efforts have been retribution. would summon the Chinese hit by failed investment plans “The Chinese government ambassador. and Czech wavering about and Chinese people won’t take “I expect that Chinese side allowing China’s Huawei Tech- Czech Senate Speaker Milos Vystrcil attends an investment forum in Taipei, Taiwan, yesterday. a laissez-faire attitude or sit idly will explain them to us. The trip nologies to play a role in devel- by, and will make him pay a has of course an impact on rela- oping next-generation telecoms still lack the capability to launch programme, adding stealth continues to dedicate itself to heavy price for his short-sighted tions with China, but I think that networks. a full assault on the island. fighters, aircraft carriers and strengthening live fire drills, behaviour and political oppor- this has crossed the line,” Pet- Speaking later at a Taipei Beijing is stepping up military other equipment, and the Chinese building its strength for new tunism,” China’s foreign min- ricek told reporters, according university, Vystrcil praised activities around what it views as air force and navy have under- types of battle and developing istry cited Wang as saying. to the CTK news agency. Taiwan and its democratic way sovereign territory. It has never taken regular exercises or mis- emerging technology and Wang said the Chinese gov- Vystrcil said in a statement of life. “I believe democracy renounced the use of force to sions close to Taiwan. weapons. ernment and people will not tol- that Wang’s comments were an with freedom, truth and justice bring democratic Taiwan under In its annual report on “But on the operation of erate such “open provocation” interference in the Czech stemming from it, constitute our its control, a message reiterated China’s military prowess tactics and strategy toward by Vystrcil and the anti-China Republic’s internal affairs. most treasured common by President Xi Jinping last year, delivered to parliament, Tai- Taiwan, it is still restricted by forces behind him, though gave “We are a free country values,” he said. though Taiwan has shown no wan’s Defence Ministry laid out the natural geographic envi- no details of how exactly Beijing seeking to have good relation- Meanwhile, Taiwan's interest in being run by autocratic scenarios for Chinese actions, ronment of the Taiwan Strait, would react. ships with all countries and I Defence Ministry said on Beijing. including blockades and seizing and its landing equipment and Czech Foreign Minister believe this will be the case in Monday China’s armed forces Xi is overseeing an impressive offshore islands. logistics abilities are insuffi- Tomas Petricek said that the future irrespective of the are growing in their prowess but military modernisation It said China’s military cient,” it added.

Thailand delays Afghan women negotiators to face Taliban in peace talks purchase of AFP — KABUL negotiators and a high-profile was threatened with stoning for studying at secondary and ter- aimed at ending the war. women’s rights campaigner. wearing nail polish, she said. tiary level and holding elected Both sides have said they are submarines Five Afghan women who The politician has survived Religious police whipped positions and running busi- ready to fly to Doha for the talks endured the Taliban’s two assassination attempts women in the street if they wore nesses, albeit in disproportion- after a controversial prisoner from China oppressive rule and fought for during her career — the latest anything other than an all-con- ately low numbers. swap has been completed. fragile gains since the militants was just weeks ago near the cealing burqa, and those Koofi is one of a few women Islamic law expert and REUTERS — BANGKOK were ousted are now preparing capital Kabul and came after the accused of adultery were some- who held unofficial talks with negotiator Fatima Gailani, 66, to face the hardline group in Taliban and Afghan government times executed at sports sta- the Taliban in 2019 and knows told AFP that women were Thailand has postponed the peace talks. said they were ready for talks diums after Friday prayers. the battle women negotiators apprehensive about negotia- purchase of two submarines Their presence at the nego- to begin. Today, the traditional patri- will face. tions with the Taliban. from China, officials said tiating table is significant in “Being in such an important archal system remains the norm “It’s not just about what you “Every woman in Afghan- yesterday, following more patriarchal Afghanistan, though role is not something which is and life for most women in rural are talking,” she said. “People istan has a fear... we always than a week of public outcry they will be outnumbered by very common in Afghanistan, areas has improved little since look at what you wear, whether have a fear that whenever there about a multi-million dollar the rest of the Afghan govern- so you really have to find your the 2001 US-led invasion your scarf is of the right size or are changes in Afghanistan and procurement during the coun- ment’s team of 16 men and the way among those people who toppled the Taliban, who not.” whenever there is a political try’s biggest economic slump Taliban’s male-only side. do not believe in a woman’s banned girls from going to Washington signed a deal change, always women are in decades. “The Taliban have to under- presence,” Koofi said before the school and women from with the Taliban in February hurt,” said Gailani, a spokes- Thailand in 2015 approved stand that they are facing a new shooting. working. committing to withdraw foreign woman for the mujaheedin a plan to buy three Yuan Class Afghanistan with which they When the Taliban ruled However, in Kabul and forces in return for a pledge against the Soviets in the 1980s S26T submarines from China, have to learn to live,” said Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, other Afghan cities, progress from the insurgents to hold talks and now the president of the one of which has already been Fawzia Koofi, one of the her husband was jailed and she has been made, with women with the Afghan government, Afghan Red Cross. purchased for 13.5bn baht ($434m). A parliamentary com- mittee earlier this month Angry residents begin clean approved the order of the other two subs for 22.5bn baht up in Karachi after flooding ($723.5m), to be paid in seven annual installments starting AFP — KARACHI residents gathered outside local from next year. authority buildings to blast offi- The move has stirred Karachi residents began cials for failing to fix drainage public anger, with the hashtag cleaning ruined homes and problems in the city of 20 “What are the submarines businesses yesterday after cata- million people. for?” trending on Thai-lan- strophic flooding sent rivers of Municipal and military guage Twitter. filthy water cascading through managers were “grossly incom- The political opposition Pakistan’s largest city, while petent” for neglecting the city’s has questioned the gov- deadly monsoon weather sewerage system, Salman said. ernment spending priorities continued to lash communities Authorities did not imme- with the economy headed for across South Asia. diately comment. its biggest contraction since Successive days of storms Karachi last week saw a the 1990s, due to the global have exposed the long-standing record 230mm of rain, com- impact of the pandemic. failures of Karachi’s neglected pared to the average of 130mm Government spokesman and overwhelmed drainage for the time of year, according Anucha Burapachaisri said the system, and residents used a to the city’s meteorological navy has been told to delay the welcome break in the rain to service. submarine purchase by a year, vent their fury at what they see Videos and images on social so that the allocated budget as gross mismanagement of media regularly show builders can be redirected to alleviating municipal resources. dumping rubble into drainage economic hardship. “Everything got ruined in canals, while shoddy new “We have to talk to China, my basement, with about three buildings are erected with scant the navy has to talk about their Troops install a pump to remove water from a flooded residential area after heavy monsoon rains metres of water inside. The regard for their effect on contract to see if we can delay triggered floods in Karachi, yesterday. water is a mix of rain and maxed-out sewer lines. the payment to next year,” sewage water. It is the fifth day With a population of only Prime Minister Prayuth Chan- and we are suffering horribly,” 500,000 in 1947, Karachi has professor Nauman Ahmed said. swimming in the streets. usually lasts from June to Sep- ocha told reporters. housewife Lubna Salman, who seen its population mushroom During a single day last More than 100 Pakistanis died tember, is essential for irrigating He said the submarine lives in an upscale Karachi “without investing in invisible week, 18 Karachi residents died in August because of the monsoon, crops and replenishing water deal will still go ahead neighbourhood managed by the infrastructure (pipes and sew- from flood-related incidents. which has also destroyed more supplies across the Indian sub- because the submarine is vital military, said. erage) for more than 30 years,” The water was so deep in places than 1,000 homes. continent, home to one-fifth of to Thailand’s long-term Salman and other angry Karachi-based urban planning that children were seen The monsoon, which the world’s population. defence interests. No cramming as new coronavirus rules take hold in Seoul REUTERS — SEOUL wave of coronavirus clusters total of 19,947 infections and company staffer Oh Yun-mi, 36, Sunday, while coffee shops, number of doctors to better erupting at churches, offices, 324 deaths from COVID-19, the who was working from home including Starbucks, are handle health crises like the Private tuition centres shut for nursing homes and medical respiratory disease caused by for the first time. restricted to takeout and delivery. coronavirus. the first time in South Korea’s facilities. the coronavirus. Private after-school tuition More than 60 coronavirus The health ministry yes- capital yesterday and traffic was The Korea Centres for Fewer cars and people were academies, which operated as cases have been tracked back terday postponed a medical light on the first working day of Disease Control and Prevention on Seoul’s streets during the usual in March during South to a Starbucks outlet in Paju, just licence exam set for today to tighter social-distancing rules (KCDC) reported 238 new cases morning rush hours as com- Korea’s first wave of corona- north of Seoul. next week after more than 90 aimed at halting a second wave as of midnight on Sunday, panies encouraged employees virus infections, were Health ministry official Yoon percent of medical students due of novel coronavirus infections. mostly in Seoul and sur- to work from home. shuttered. Tae-ho said it was hoped the to take the test withdrew and South Korea took the unprec- rounding regions, the 18th day The government has cut There are 25,000 cram latest restrictions would bring a joined the walkout. edented step on Friday of of triple-digit rises in daily staffing at offices, while many schools in Seoul and nationally decline in new daily infection President Moon Jae-in has restricting the operation of res- infections. corporations, including tech three out of four children — numbers, cases of unknown urged the doctors to return to taurants, coffee shops and so- “How thoroughly we giants Samsung Electronics, LG from grades 1 to 12 — attend origin and clusters of infections work. called cram schools in the greater implement social distancing this and SK Hynix, have expanded such classes in the hope of by the end of the week. The student and trainee Seoul area, with churches, night- week will be extremely important or reinstated work-from-home improving their prospects in a The infections have fuelled doctors said the government’s clubs and most public schools in our efforts to sever the links of policies. notoriously competitive edu- concern about a shortage of plans would flood an already having already closed. infections and control the “The company allowed it for cation system. hospital beds and they come as competitive market and The decision came after spread,” KCDC director Jeong the first time because the Onsite dining at restaurants, almost 16,000 intern and res- trainees’ salaries should be earlier restrictions on Eun-kyeong told a briefing. number of cases continued to pubs and bakeries in the Seoul ident doctors are on strike over improved to alleviate a shortage movement failed to prevent a South Korea has reported a surge,” said manufacturing area is banned after 9pm until government plans to boost the of doctors in rural areas. 10 EUROPE TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2020 Baltic states sanctions Lukashenko, 29 other officials

REUTERS — VILNIUS The German foreign The three small Baltic to cut off European transit Moscow still sees no need for ministry said it states are all members of the routes across his country in action. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia EU and Nato and Lithuania retaliation against any sanc- The German foreign min- imposed travel bans on Pres- had summoned and Latvia border Belarus. tions. Goods from landlocked istry said it had summoned the ident Alexander Lukashenko the Belarusian Lithuania has been hosting Belarus account for almost a Belarusian ambassador yes- (pictured) and 29 other Bela- Belarusian opposition presi- third of Lithuania’s rail traffic terday in response to the rusian officials yesterday, sign- ambassador yesterday dential candidate Sviatlana and port volume, and Belarus detention of foreign journalists aling impatience with the West’s in response to the Tsikhanouskaya, who fled is also a major overland route in Belarus. cautious approach by there after the election her for European goods bound for During the three weeks of announcing sanctions without detention of foreign supporters say she won. Russia. protests, Lukashenko has lost waiting for the rest of the EU. journalists in Belarus. Tsikhanouskaya will speak Belarus is Russia’s closest the support of a range of public The three Baltic states have to the UN Security Council on ally among former Soviet states, figures from writers and actors led calls for the West to take Friday at Estonia’s invitation, and its territory is integral to to sportsmen. The burly former firmer measures against countries, so far reluctant to her spokesman said. Moscow’s European defence boss of a collective farm, he has Lukashenko, who is accused by back measures against him Three weeks into a mass strategy. President Vladimir taken to appearing on television opponents and the West of personally. need to move forward and to demonstration movement that Putin has invited Lukashenko brandishing a Kalashnikov and rigging an election to prolong Lukashenko, an ally of show an example to other has peaked on the weekends, to Moscow, a sign of Kremlin calling the protesters “rats”. his 26-year rule. Moscow, denies electoral fraud countries.” tens of thousands of protesters support. The two countries’ Yesterday, the Catholic The sanctions, announced and has said the protesters are The European Union has again took to the streets in foreign ministers will hold talks Church in Belarus, which has simultaneously by the three backed from abroad. been working on its own list of central Minsk on Sunday, on Wednesday in Moscow. criticised the harsh treatment Baltic countries, target officials “We said that we need individuals in Belarus to target seeking to keep up pressure on Last week, the Kremlin of protesters by the security that they accuse of vote rigging peaceful dialogue and with similar sanctions, expected Lukashenko to resign. At least announced it had set up a forces, said its head, Tadeush and playing a role in violence agreement between the regime to exclude Lukashenko. 140 people were detained, Rus- reserve force able to intervene Kondrusevich, had been barred against protesters since the and society, but we see that the Western countries have mostly sia’s RIA news agency reported, in Belarus, though it did not see from re-entering the country August 9 election. Including regime is not ready for that,” been cautious, wary of pro- citing the Belarusian Interior a need for such intervention so after a trip to Poland. The Lukashenko himself atop the list Lithuanian President Gitanas voking an intervention from Ministry. far. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry border guards declined to was a prod to other European Nauseda said. “We see that we Russia. Lukashenko has threatened Peskov repeated yesterday that comment.

UK police release Montenegro’s ruling two people held party falls short after Ryanair ‘security threat’ of majority in vote AFP — LONDON REUTERS — PODGORICA Orthodox Church, which since British counterterrorism police December has held daily pro- yesterday released two men President Milo Djukanovic’s pro- tests against a law that allows held after a “security threat” Western party suffered a major the state to seize religious assets aboard a Ryanair flight that led setback in Montenegro’s parlia- whose historical ownership to fighter jets being scrambled mentary election, results showed cannot be proven. The protests to intercept it. yesterday, winning most votes overshadowed the election Police said a 34-year-old but losing its majority and so campaign. man from Kuwait and a requiring a coalition partner to The outcome is a disap- 48-year-old man from Italy, stay in power. pointment for Djukanovic, who were released without charge The Democratic Party of steered Montenegro through the following their detention late Socialists (DPS), which has gov- bloody collapse of Yugoslavia Sunday when the flight from erned the tiny Adriatic republic in the 1990s and the dissolution Vienna landed at Stansted for three decades, secured of a joint state with Serbia in airport. 35.06 percenr of votes in Sun- 2006, then took his country into Officers from the Eastern day’s ballot, the state election Nato in 2017. Region Special Operations Unit commission said, based on a Trying to strike an upbeat Montenegro President Milo Djukanovic holding a press conference over parliamentary election in (ERSOU) had held the men completed preliminary vote note, he told supporters late on Podgorica, Montenegro, yesterday. under terrorism legislation count. Sunday that the DPS, as the after a “suspicious object” — An alliance of mainly Serb largest party, could secure 40 started.” mountainous coastal nation the independence of Mon- later said to be a mobile phone nationalist parties named For deputies in the 81-seat par- Montenegrins who identify closer to Serbia and Russia, but tenegro and its pro-Western — was found in the plane’s the Future of Montenegro, liament with the help of smaller as Serbs account for about a is not expected to take it out of orientation. toilet. which seeks closer ties with parties, but that is still one short third of the 620,000-strong Nato or abandon its bid to join Opposition leaders and “We understandably take neighbouring Serbia and with of a majority. population. Most Montenegrins the European Union. democracy and human rights any reports of suspicious Russia, won 32.55 percent, and “The regime has fallen,” a and Serbs share a language and Djukanovic, who faces re- watchdogs have long accused objects or behaviour on a centrist grouping also opposed university professor and the the Orthodox Christian faith, and election as president in 2023, Djukanovic and his party of flights very seriously and to the DPS, Peace is Our Nation, leader of the pro-Serb oppo- many Serbian citizens have roots and his top associates have running Montenegro as their thankfully on this occasion got 12.53% percent. sition alliance, Zdravko Kri- and families in Montenegro. accused Serbia and Russia of own corrupt fiefdom with links there was no cause for Krivokapic’s bloc is backed vokapic, told his supporters. “A A pro-Serb government, if using the Church and the pro- to organised crime. The DPS concern,” Detective Super- by the powerful Serbian new day in free Montenegro has formed, might try to shift the Serb opposition to undermine denies the charges. intendent Andy Waldie, head of ERSOU’s Counter Ter- rorism Policing unit, said. Electrical glitch The incident prompted the France opens probe after magazine depicts Black MP as slave Royal Air Force (RAF) to traps thousands launch two Typhoon fighters AFP — PARIS has now been opened into Obono tweeted: “The inspired by the Black Lives from a base in nearby Lincoln- “attacks of a racist nature”, extreme right — odious and Matter movement and George shire “to intercept a civilian on French trains French prosecutors yesterday Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz cruel. In short, being itself.” Floyd’s death under the knee of aircraft” and escort it to opened a probe into allegations said in a statement. Valeurs Actuelles, which is a police officer in the United Stansted. AP — PARIS of racism after a right-wing The French presidency said seen by commentators as sym- States. A spokesman for budget magazine published images at the weekend President pathetic to the far-right, Centrist Macron raised eye- carrier Ryanair said its crew Thousands of passengers were depicting a black woman MP as Emmanuel Macron had called however denied the image was brows when he gave an had been alerted to a trapped overnight on high- a slave, prompting a nationwide Obono, who is from the far-left racist. interview to Valeurs Actuelles “potential security threat on speed TGV trains halted by outcry. party France Unbowed, and It said the seven page story last year and praised it as a board”. electrical problems in south- The Valeurs Actuelles “expressed his clear condem- concerning Obono — which it “good magazine”. “In line with procedures, western France, some pleading weekly unleased a storm of nation of any form of racism”. called an “imaginary fiction” — While he has pledged to the captain informed UK for water, food or fresh air. controversy with the publi- Prime Minister Jean Castex was “a work of fiction... but root out racism, he also said authorities and continued to Frustrated travelers raised cation of the images of left- said it was a “revolting publi- never nasty.” France will not take down London Stansted, where the attention to their plight on wing MP Daniele Obono with a cation that calls for clear con- France has witnessed statues of figures linked to the aircraft landed normally and social networks, posting chain fixed to an iron collar demnation” and told Obono several protests in June and July colonial era or the slave trade, taxied to a remote stand where images of children sleeping on around her neck. that she had the government’s against racial injustice as well as has happened in other coun- passengers disembarked floors and describing the chal- A preliminary investigation backing. as colonial and police brutality, tries recently. safely,” it added. lenge of staying masked for as much as 20 hours straight. Several people were evac- uated for medical reasons, 90% of 105 nations’ health broadcast France-Info reported. systems hit by COVID-19: WHO National rail authority SNCF yesterday apologised for ANATOLIA — GENEVA lesson to all countries that “a series of electrical supply health is not an ‘either-or’ incidents” that started Sunday Nine out of 10 countries equation. We must better afternoon and halted traffic in surveyed in a recent report prepare for emergencies but southwestern France and dis- experienced disruptions in their also keep investing in health rupted travel from there to health services during the novel systems that fully respond to Paris. Four high-speed trains, coronavirus pandemic, people’s needs throughout the connecting Bordeaux with according to the World Health life course.” other cities in the region, were Organization (WHO) yesterday. Most countries reported that stuck on tracks into the night, Publishing its first survey on many routine and elective with knock-on effects on other the impact of the outbreak on services had been suspended, routes, SNCF said. health systems based on 105 while critical care — such as Passengers were taken back countries’ reports, WHO found cancer screening and treatment to their departure points over- that low and middle-income and HIV therapy — had seen night and Monday morning, nations reported the most sig- high-risk interruptions in low- then put on buses and other nificant difficulties. income nations. trains to eventually reach their Data had been collected in WHO said that countries on destinations. The problems five regions from March to June average experienced disrup- came as millions of French for what the UN health body tions in 50 percent of a set of 25 people prepared to return to said was its first indicative tracer services. People lie on the grass in the Malieveld to form a message that reads ‘help’ during a protest to work and school this week - global pulse survey on the The most frequently dis- highlight the impact of a lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, in The Hague, recently. many returned Sunday by train impact of the virus. rupted areas reported included from August vacations. “The survey shines a light routine immunisation— out- SNCF will reimburse all on the cracks in our health reach services and facility- and treatment, tuberculosis other services was expected to Disruptions to 24-hour passengers three times the cost systems, but it also serves to based service, non-communi- case detection and treatment have harmful effects on public emergency room services, for of their tickets and distributed inform new strategies to cable disease diagnosis and and antiretroviral therapy. health in the short and long example, were affected in 22 masks, water and food, the improve healthcare provision treatment, family planning and The report also said some term, said the WHO. percent of countries, urgent junior minister for transport, during the pandemic and contraception, treatment for healthcare areas, such as dental “Potentially life-saving blood transfusions were dis- Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, said on beyond,” said Tedros Adhanom mental health disorders and care and rehabilitation, may emergency services were dis- rupted in 23 percent of coun- BFM television. He said 60 km Ghebreyesus, the organisation’s cancer diagnosis and treatment. have been deliberately sus- rupted in almost a quarter of tries, emergency surgery was of track suffered damage to chief. Countries also reported dis- pended by governments. responding countries,” said the affected in 19 percent of the high-power overhead cables. “COVID-19 should be a ruptions in malaria diagnosis The disruption of many report. nations. TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2020 EUROPE / AMERICAS 11 Opening up without control of COVID-19 is recipe for disaster, says WHO

REUTERS & AFP — GENEVA “The virus is real. protests, WHO emergencies chief Michael Ryan pointed out Countries with significant It is dangerous. It that “epidemics and emer- active spread of coronavirus moves fast and it gencies create strong emotions, must prevent amplifying and acceptance of measures is events, as opening up without kills. We have to do always very, very tough. “It is the virus being under control everything to protect really important that govern- would be a “recipe for disaster”, ments don’t overreact to people the World Health Organization ourselves and to protesting against measures,” said yesterday. he told the virtual briefing. “The WHO Director-General protect others,” WHO real important thing to do is to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Director-General enter into a dialogue with recognised that many people groups.” are getting tired of restrictions Tedros Adhanom While acknowledging the and want to return to normality Ghebreyesus said. importance of allowing dif- eight months into the pan- ferent viewpoints to be heard, A woman stops to look at fabric face masks on sale in a shop in Stockholm, Sweden, yesterday. demic. The WHO fully sup- Tedros took issue with the ported efforts to reopen econ- Asked about recent demon- opinions voiced by some that omies and societies, he told a strations in a number of coun- high death rates were not really news conference, adding: “We tries against coronavirus a concern if it is mainly the Sweden bucks trend in refusing want to see children returning restrictions, the WHO Director- elderly who are dying. to school and people returning General said it was important “Accepting someone to die to workplaces, but we want to to “listen to what people are because of age is moral bank- to recommend the use of masks see it done safely. No country asking, what people are saying”. ruptcy at its highest, and we can just pretend the pandemic “We should engage in an honest shouldn’t allow our society to AFP — STOCKHOLM distancing and handwashing Europe seeing a resurgence of is over.” dialogue,” he told reporters, behave this way,” he said. recommendations. cases — such as France, the Neth- He said: “The reality is this stressing though that demon- “Every life whether it is Sweden attracted worldwide “I think it’s a little bit erlands, Germany, Belgium, virus spreads easily. Opening strators have a responsibility to young or old is precious. And attention earlier this year when strange. Sweden, as a small Spain and Italy — Sweden’s data up without control is a recipe ensure protests are safe. “The we have to do everything to it famously stayed open country, they think they know now seem to be pointing in the for disaster.” “Explosive out- virus is real. It is dangerous. It save it.” Tedros voiced under- throughout the first months of better than the rest of the world. right direction: Down. breaks” have been linked to moves fast and it kills,” he said, standing for the growing frus- the coronavirus pandemic, and (It’s) very strange,” says Jenny Its daily death toll peaked gatherings of people at sta- insisting “we have to do every- tration felt as people continue now it is holding out again, this Ohlsson, owner of the Froken in April and is now down to a diums, clubs, places of worship thing to protect ourselves and to have to deal with restrictions time refusing to recommend Sot shop selling colourful fabric couple of deaths a day, the and other crowds, where the to protect others”. eight months into the pan- the use of masks. masks in Stockholm’s trendy number of cases have been in respiratory virus can spread German police on Saturday demic. “We understand that While most of the world has Sodermalm neighbourhood. steady decline since early June, easily among clusters of people, halted a Berlin march by tens people are tired and yearn to come to terms with covering The Scandinavian country and its R-number has pretty Tedros said. “Decisions about of thousands of people opposed get on with their lives. We their noses and mouths in has the world’s seventh highest much stayed under 1 since early how and when to allow gath- to coronavirus restrictions in understand that countries want crowded places, people in death toll at 575 per million July. Sweden’s public health erings of people must be taken the biggest of several European to get their societies and econ- Sweden are going without, inhabitants, mainly due to its officials say they see no reason with a risk-based approach, in protests against facemask rules omies going again,” he said. riding buses and metros, failure to protect the elderly in to change their strategy given the local context,” he said. and other anti-virus curbs. The UN health agency, he shopping for food, and going to nursing homes in the early the seemingly positive trend . The WHO urged govern- Several hundred of the Berlin stressed, “fully supports efforts school maskless, with only a stages of the pandemic. State epidemiologist Anders ments to engage with people protesters then broke through to re-open economies and soci- few rare souls covering up. Sweden never closed its Tegnell of the Public Health demonstrating against barriers and a police cordon to eties... but we want to see it Public health officials here schools, businesses or cafes and Agency insists scientific studies COVID-19 restrictions and storm Germany’s parliament, done safely”. “If countries are argue that masks are not restaurants, allowing the virus have not proven that masks are listen to their concerns, but in a move German Chancellor serious about opening up, they effective enough at limiting the to circulate, and has therefore effective in limiting the spread stressed protesters needed to Angela Merkel condemned as must be serious about sup- spread of the virus to warrant had a consistently high level of of the virus, suggesting they can understand the virus was “shameful”. pressing transmission and mass use, insisting it is more community transmission. do more harm than good if used dangerous. Speaking about the broader saving lives,” he said. important to respect social But unlike many countries in sloppily.

Finland launches Social Democrats return to power in North Macedonia its own virus AFP — SKOPJE justice and discipline is coming, technical government, who pandemic and its economic The July election was the it is time for vetting of the judi- were only supposed to be in effects, as well as make progress first since Zaev’s party added tracing app North Macedonia’s Social Dem- ciary and unselective rule of power until April, when a snap on EU accession talks after the “North” to its name early last ocrats returned to power after law,” Zaev told the assembly. election was initially scheduled. country officially became a can- year in exchange for Greece’s REUTERS — HELSINKI parliament approved their new His governing coalition, a The vote was then delayed didate for membership earlier promise to stop blocking its coalition, ending a months-long tie-up with the largest party rep- because of the coronavirus pan- this year. path to EU membership. Finland’s health authorities leadership void amid the resenting the ethnic Albanian demic until July, leaving the During the parliamentary Athens claimed exclusive yesterday launched the coun- pandemic. minority, was approved by 62 Balkan state without sturdy lead- debate the right-wing oppo- rights to the name Macedonia try’s own and long-waited The vote brings Prime Min- votes in the 120-seat assembly ership as the virus took its toll. sition accused the Social Dem- for its own province. The accord contact tracing smartphone ister Zoran Zaev, credited for following two days of heated After an upsurge of corona- ocrats of corruption and mis- ushered the country into Nato app to combat the spread of putting the Balkan state on an debate that ended just before a virus cases in June and July, the managing the pandemic and and helped secure its status as COVID-19. EU path, back into top office midnight deadline. virus has infected some 14,000 economy. They also accused an EU candidate country. “Everyone of us can start after his party narrowly won a The vote ends a period of and killed nearly 600 in the Zaev’s camp of sacrificing the But it deepened fault lines using it while it’s fully vol- victory over right-wing rivals eight months in which North country of around 2 million. country’s national identity in a in the polarised society, untary... and fully data secured. in July. “A period of order, Macedonia was run by a weak Zaev pledged to tackle the historic agreement with Greece. angering critics on the right. With it we can protect ourselves and our closest ones,” Kirsi Varhila, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Lech Walesa warns over Health told a news conference. Varhila said the application, based on Bluetooth technology, ‘populism’ as Solidarity would not reveal anyone’s identity to other users but it marks 40 years would help trace unknown con- tacts that have remained long AFP — GDANSK, POLAND communist regime backtracked enough nearby a person who on the deal in 1981, imposing later tests positive for COVID-19. Poland’s anti-communist icon martial law to crush Solidarity, In order to respect privacy, Lech Walesa yesterday warned which had snowballed into a a user who gets a positive against populism as his deeply movement of 10 million COVID-19 test result can divided country marked 40 members, or more than one choose whether or not they years since a landmark deal Pole in four. send an exposure alert to their gave rise to the freedom- Solidarity went under- earlier contacts and those who fighting Solidarity trade union. ground, returning to the fore in receive the alert will not know Concerns over the strength 1989, when it negotiated a deal who the alert is coming from of Poland’s democracy have for free elections with the or where and when the mounted since 2015 when the regime. This victory accel- exposure took place. right-wing populist Law and erated the largely peaceful The app, called “Corona Justice (PiS) won office and demise of the entire Soviet bloc International Day of the Disappeared Blinker” in Finnish, was began introducing contro- over the next two years. developed by a private Finnish Relatives of disappeared people gather for a tribute commemorating the International Day of the versial reforms, criticised both Awarded the Nobel Peace software company Solita, after Disappeared in Medellin, Colombia, yesterday. According to victims, over 86,000 people disappeared at home and abroad. Prize in 1983 for his leadership it won a public bidding contest during the Colombian armed conflict. “People today are electing of Solidarity, Walesa went on in June. populists and demagogues to become Poland’s first dem- because they promise change... ocratically elected president they (populists) have correctly after 1989. diagnosed (today’s problems) Poland successfully A digital dance-off spreads from Argentina to the world but their cure is wrong,” Walesa adopted democracy and a told hundreds gathered at the market economy before joining REUTERS — BUENOS AIRES dance, what is happening to them said her dance was to and that people see me, it is like historic Gdansk shipyard on the Nato in 1999 and the European at the moment,” said Argentine encourage people to take steps a stage,” she said. Baltic coast. Union in 2004. But now With theaters closed around the Facundo Luqui, who organized to prevent infections spreading. Performance art globally has It was here on August 31, reforms by the ruling PiS are world, three South American the ‘@stayhomedancecompe- “I started to watch the news been hit hard by the pandemic, 1980, that a deal was sealed tarnishing its democratic cre- dancers have created a digital tition’ event with two other and saw that many people closing theaters and leaving dance between the communist regime dentials with critics, including dance-off for aspiring twirlers, dancers. “What we thought when respected the quarantine, but troupes unable to perform or and striking shipyard workers the European Union, accusing with Instagram the new stage we started this project was that when going out they did not take rehearse at close quarters. “I think led by Walesa — an electrician it of eroding the independence where competitors from anyone can participate,” added measures like putting on a mask, dance at the moment is under- at the time — which enabled of courts and the rule of law. Argentina and Brazil to Israel and Luqui, 23, who is a member of they touched everything and going a great crisis,” said Manuela the creation of Solidarity, the PiS insists the changes are Italy post clips of their moves. the ballet company at Buenos didn’t wash their hands,” said Lavalle, 24, another of the organ- Soviet bloc’s first free union. necessary to tackle corruption The competition, open to all, Aires’ iconic Teatro Colón. Soria. Paz Schattenhofer, an izers, who dances in a company in “We need to take over the ini- in a judiciary still haunted by has attracted hundreds of appli- The competition challenged 11-year-old who studies clas- the United States but is passing the tiative from these populists and the legacy of communism. cants — some professionals, dancers to raise awareness sical dance and who took part quarantine in her native Buenos demagogues and replace it with The party, led by Walesa’s others youngsters dancing from about the pandemic, reference from Buenos Aires, said her Aires. “It’s complicated because wiser solutions and better arch-rival Jaroslaw Kac- lockdown in their homes. A panel the coronavirus and honor an performance was a homage to many companies do not have the structures,” said Walesa, 76. zynski, also insists that post- of renowned expert judges assess artist. In one video, a mother Russian photographer Yulia money they need to get by. I He then placed flowers on 1989 Poland was established each dance, and viewers can also wearing a doctor’s coat and a Artemyeva, who made a series believe the world of dance is the shipyard gate and symbol- on the basis of a flawed com- vote with “likes”. mask guards her daughter while of works comparing ballerinas going to change a lot and we still ically opened it as he did four promise between the commu- “We were struck by the she dances. Giovana Soria, 18, to flowers. “I would love to win do not know how, but it is a decades ago after inking the nists and the liberal wing of desire of participants to be seen, a Paraguayan who has studied it but in reality it’s to have fun. matter of waiting and continuing Gdansk Accords. The Solidarity. to express themselves and their Latin rhythms for two years, It is great when people ‘like’ you to create in the meantime.” 12 AMERICAS TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2020 Uncertainty dominates campaign’s final stretch Democrats and Republicans are preparing for a 64-day sprint to the finish that is widely expected to be one Trump losing of the most turbulent and chaotic periods in modern American history. Each side cast the other as an military existential threat to America’s future as they offered voters starkly different versions of reality over the last support in two weeks of carefully scripted conventions. election: Poll

AP — NEW YORK interview. “We should be ready for lit- AFP — WASHINGTON erally anything in the next couple Within President Donald Trump’s cam- months,” he said. “2020 isn’t done Just 37.4 percent of active personnel paign, some privately feared the worst serving up shocks and surprises.” in the US military support President heading into the national conventions. Rarely have such dire variables loomed Donald Trump’s re-election, while They worried a strong showing by over the closing weeks of an election. 43.1 percent back his Democratic Democrat Joe Biden, combined with A pandemic that has already killed opponent Joe Biden, according to a an underwhelming performance by 180,000 Americans shows little sign of new poll yesterday. Trump, would lock in the certainty of slowing. A scuffling economy has The poll by the Military Times and a blowout loss that would essentially pushed 28 million onto the unem- the Syracuse University Institute for end the election by September. ployment rolls with tens of thousands Democratic presidential candidate former Vice-President Joe Biden gestures as Veterans and Military Families But as the candidates move beyond of businesses feared permanently he arrives at New Castle Airport, in New Castle, Delaware, yesterday. found that half of servicemen and trouble-free conventions and into the closed. Continued police violence women have an unfavorable view final phase of the 2020 election season, against unarmed Black people has suburban women. As part of his “law weeks and would continue to do so, of Trump, and 42 percent strongly both sides acknowledge the contest is sparked sweeping civil rights protests and order” message, Trump has con- despite the pandemic’s mounting death disapprove of him, compared to 38 tightening. And after months of running and new incidents of protest-related sistently sided with police over their toll. “We’ve now ramped up to about 2 percent with a favorable view of the an almost virtual campaign because of violence on the streets. African American victims. He plans to million volunteers that have been acti- Republican leader. the pandemic, Biden has decided to There are the natural disasters: A visit the site of the latest violent clash, vated. We’re knocking a million doors Support for Trump fell from the launch a new phase of in-person events hurricane pummeled the Gulf Coast last Kenosha, Wisconsin, today. a week,” McDaniel said. previous poll in December 2019, to help blunt any Trump gains. week, massive forest fires are burning After almost completely avoiding Trump plans to begin a breakneck when he had a 42 percent favorable “This campaign has always known California, and powerful derecho winds campaign travel since early March, Biden campaign schedule featuring larger rating. The poll of 1,018 people was that it’s going to be a close race, it’s slammed Iowa’s farming industry. will resume in-person campaigning in events in the coming days and weeks. taken before the recent Democratic going to be a tough race,” Biden’s senior And what worries government Pennsylvania. Biden himself has cited He’s grown fond of rallies inside airport and Republican conventions, in adviser Anita Dunn said. She added: watchdogs the most: Trump is openly plans to campaign in at least four states: hangars, which are arguably safer from which the parties laid out the cases “It’s a polarized nation and we expect undermining the integrity of the election Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota and Penn- a health perspective given they are par- for supporting their candidate. this kind of tightening.” by raising unfounded concerns about sylvania, although the specific schedule tially open-air; they also allow the Pres- The poll was weighted more to That leaves Democrats and Repub- voting by mail to avoid long waits at remains a work in progress. ident to energize his crowds by pulling career members of the military licans preparing for a 64-day sprint to polling places during the pandemic. He is expected to rely on smaller up in Air Force One. rather than younger, junior enlisted the finish that is widely expected to be Among the many crises shaping the events in which attendees would adhere Meanwhile, Biden is betting he can personnel, the Military Times noted, one of the most turbulent and chaotic fall campaign, racial tensions have to strict social distancing measures and keep his party’s many disparate fac- so is not a complete snapshot of periods in modern American history. emerged as a critical factor that could wear masks. Biden’s team is not currently tions united behind his White House what the entire US military thinks. Each side cast the other as an exis- decide Trump’s fate. planning to resume in-person can- bid. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders Trump has boasted of strong tential threat to America’s future as they Trump’s campaign believes it is vassing effort. The campaign has more hosted a series of online events over support among the military. But that offered voters starkly different versions benefiting from sometimes violent pro- than 2,000 paid staff and many more the weekend designed to refocus his record is clouded by frequent disputes of reality over the last two weeks of tests in Wisconsin. The President has volunteers making phone calls and party’s final-weeks message on health with the Pentagon’s leadership, carefully scripted conventions. repeatedly cast protesters as angry messaging voters. care and income inequality. “This is not including firing popular defence sec- “America doesn’t feel like one mobs that threaten America’s suburbs, On the other side, Republican only the most important election in our retary Jim Mattis in December 2019, country with all the chaos and division,” an argument with racist undertones National Committee Chair Ronna lifetimes, it is the most important and policy conflicts with the current former Democratic presidential con- aimed at strengthening Trump’s dimin- McDaniel said the GOP has been election in modern American history,” secretary, Mark Esper, and Joint tender Pete Buttigieg said in an ished standing with older voters and actively courting voters in person for Sanders said. Chiefs Chair General Mark Milley. US surpasses US floats idea of early nod Firefighters make headway 6 million against lightning-sparked COVID-19 cases for eventual vaccine AFP — WASHINGTON California wildfires AFP — WASHINGTON The United States yesterday REUTERS — LOS ANGELES ablaze during the past two passed six million coronavirus The head of the US Food and weeks in a series of cata- cases, according to a tally kept Drug Administration raised the California fire officials on strophic lightning storms. by Johns Hopkins University, possibility in an interview pub- Sunday reported significant Firefighters, helped by adding one million new infec- lished on Sunday that a future headway battling the two cooler weather after a record- tions in less than a month. vaccine against the coronavirus largest of dozens of lighting- breaking heat wave abated, The country remains by far might be given emergency sparked blazes raging in and have gained ground elsewhere the most impacted in the world approval before the end of trials around the greater San Fran- across the state, as well. by the pandemic in absolute designed to ensure its safety cisco Bay area since mid- “We definitely have terms, with nearly a quarter of and effectiveness. August, though 60,000 people increased containment on all global infections and 183,203 A request for such extraor- remained under evacuation. of the major fires, evacuations deaths from COVID-19, the dinary approval would have to As of Sunday, firefighters are being lifted and weather Baltimore-based university’s come from the vaccine had managed to carve con- conditions are more favorable,” tracker showed. developer, Stephen Hahn told People wearing face masks exit the subway station in New York tainment lines around 56% of CalFire spokeswoman Christine The number of new daily the Financial Times. “If they do City yesterday. the perimeter of a colossal McMorrow said. “We are def- cases has declined in recent that before the end of Phase wildfire that has burned more initely making progress.” weeks, but the virus is far Three,” which involves large- By the nature of the trials it might be granted for specific, than 375,000 acres across five Nearly 14,00 lightning from disappearing in the US scale human testing, “we may is difficult to predict when high-risk groups. “Our emer- counties north of the bay, strikes, mostly in central and — despite President Donald find that appropriate. We may reliable results will emerge. gency use authorization is not the including a swath of the Napa northern California, have Trump’s repeated assertion find that inappropriate, we will Half of the participants in same as a full approval,” he said. and Sonoma valley wine ignited hundreds of individual that it will — and the national make a determination.” such trials receive an experi- Hahn has faced mounting country region. fires since Aug. 15, many of average hides huge regional But Hahn insisted he was not mental vaccine, while the other criticism from the medical That marked a major gain which merged into bigger con- disparities. acting under pressure from Pres- half are given a placebo. community that he has given from 41% containment listed a flagrations. Those fires have The US charted its five mil- ident Donald Trump, who has Under normal procedures, in to political pressure from the day earlier for the blaze, dubbed collectively charred more than lionth case on August 9. That been pushing hard for a vaccine, test administrators must wait Trump administration, largely the LNU Lightning Complex fire, 1.42 million acres — a land- was just 17 days after it hit four saying one might be ready before — probably for months — to see involving two incidents. according to the California scape larger than the state of million. Global coronavirus US elections November 3. “This whether there is a statistically In March, the FDA gave Department of Forestry and Fire Delaware, according to CalFire. infections have soared past 25 is going to be a science, medicine, significant difference in the emergency authorization for Protection (CalFire). Seven fatalities have been million, as countries tightened data decision,” Hahn said. infection rate of the two groups. the use of hydroxychloroquine Containment of a slightly confirmed, and nearly 2,500 restrictions to halt the health “This is not going to be a As the world desperately to treat COVID-19 after Trump larger fire called the SCU homes and other structures crisis that has upended life for political decision.” Three awaits an effective vaccine repeatedly praised its use. The Lightning Complex, which has have been reduced to ruin. most of humanity. Western drugs makers are well against the deadly virus, China authorization had to be with- charred more than 377,000 Smoke from the fires also along with their Phase 3 clinical and Russia have already drawn in June after serious side acres in four counties east and badly degraded air quality US protesters rally trials, involving tens of thou- approved vaccines without effects emerged. More recently, south of the bay, grew to 50% throughout the region, adding against mandatory sands of participants. waiting for the conclusion of Hahn delivered a far too opti- on Sunday, up from 40% on to health hazards already The three are AstraZeneca, trials — drawing criticism from mistic appraisal of the effec- Saturday, CalFire said. posed by the coronavirus flu shots for students which is partnering with Oxford public health officials in other tiveness of convalescent plasma Those two blazes together pandemic. University in England; Moderna, countries, including the US. against the virus. He said it could — which rank as the second- CalFire said more than AFP — BOSTON collaborating with the US Hahn also said that an emer- save 35 out of 100 patients. The and third-largest wildfires on 60,000 residents remained National Institutes of Health, and gency authorization would not more likely number, experts said, record in California — account displaced throughout the fire Hundreds of people demon- the Pfizer/BioNTech alliance. necessarily cover everyone — it is five in 100. for half of total acreage set zone as of Sunday morning. strated on Sunday in the US city of Boston against a new state rule mandating flu shots for students. The northeastern Lady Gaga wins big at Video Music Awards state of Massachusetts became on August 19 the first in the US AFP — NEW YORK whose spirit touched so many,” she said 34-year-old also won the show’s inau- to add seasonal flu shots to a of the performer who portrayed James gural “Tricon Award,” which recognizes list of mandatory vaccines for Lady Gaga cleaned up at MTV’s Video Brown and Jackie Robinson, and was the an artist who is highly accomplished students, though exemptions Music Awards on Sunday, an unor- first Black superhero in “Black Panther”. across three or more disciplines. are granted for religious or thodox show that paid socially Canadian R&B singer The Weeknd “This has not been an easy year for health reasons. distanced homage to New York City as — whose wins included the coveted a lot of people, but what I see in the Around 70 percent of the themes of voting and racial justice Video of The Year — then launched into world is a massive triumph of courage,” state’s school districts plan to punctuated the night. a performance of the hit “Blinding she said. “Stay safe. Speak your mind bring students back at least The 2020 VMAs — a show known Lights” atop a viewing deck protruding and, I might sound like a broken record, partially in the fall, months more for ostentatious performances, off a Manhattan skyscraper, 1,000 feet but wear a mask. It’s a sign of respect.” after classrooms were shut- made-for-Twitter moments and wild in the air. “It’s really hard for me to cel- Grande and fellow pop star Justin tered due to the pandemic. costumes than the actual awards — was ebrate right now,” he said in accepting Bieber won Best Music Video From Demonstrators opposed to scaled back due to the coronavirus his moon man trophy for Best R&B. Home for “Stuck With You,” while Latin the new rule denounced what pandemic, with performances held at Lady Gaga took home trophies boy band CNCO won Best Quarantine they called an assault on their outdoor spaces and many celebrities including Artist of the Year and Song Performance for “Unplugged At Home”. individual rights. Officials have accepting prizes via video. of the Year for “Rain on Me,” her col- Korean megastars BTS won for Best said the vaccinations could Host Keke Palmer, known for her laboration with Ariana Grande. Pop for “On”. Colombian singer Maluma avoid worsening the health role in last year’s film “Hustlers,” opened The pair staged a futuristic per- won Best Latin for “Que Pena” featuring crisis triggered by the pan- the show with an emotional cold-open formance atop the Empire State Building, J Balvin, as R&B prodigy H.E.R. won demic, but they have stopped paying tribute to actor Chadwick both masked, with Gaga in a BDSM- MTV’s Video For Good, which honours Lady Gaga accepts the award for Song of the short of saying such shots Boseman, who just died after of cancer. esque corseted get-up, one of her many work with a social message, for “I Can’t Year during the 2020 MTV VMAs in this screen should be mandatory. “We dedicate tonight’s show to a man eccentric costumes of the night. The Breathe”. grab image made available on Sunday. BUSINESS TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2020 13 PAGE | 14 PAGE | 14 China manufacturing Keep on dining out, UK logs feeble growth Finance Minister urgeses in August: as popular cut-price Survey offer ends

Doha Bank and ICSS unite to promote skill Ahli Bank offers development and professionals’ employability medium THE PENINSULA — DOHA therefore very proud to be the first bank embracing the YPDP term bonds Doha Bank, one of the largest and to collaborate with a commercial banks in Qatar, visionary organisation like the joined forces with the Interna- ICSS.” worth $2bn tional Centre for Sport Security Mohammed Hanzab, QNA — DOHA (ICSS) by supporting the Young Chairman at ICSS, added: “It is our Professionals Development Pro- great pleasure to establish this gramme (YPDP), a new initiative cooperation with Doha Bank and Ahli Bank has mandated developed by the ICSS aimed at we are very grateful to receive its Barclays, Mizuho Secu- providing fresh graduates and generous support for the YPDP. I rities, QNB Capital and emerging young talents both have no doubt that the young pro- Standard Chartered Bank based in Qatar and internationally fessionals will provide strong as Joint Bookrunners for with a valuable opportunity to contributions to our mission its upcoming offering advance their skills and increase thanks to their fresh ideas and under Ahli Bank’s $2bn employability through gaining enthusiasm. At the same time, I Euro Medium Term Note professional career experience by trust that the YPDP scholarships Program. FROM LEFT: Massimiliano Montanari, CEO at ICSS; Mohammed Hanzab, Chairman at ICSS; Dr. R Seetharaman, being involved in global projects will be a launching pad for many A 5-year fixed rate CEO at Doha Bank; and Slim Bouker, Head of Private Banking at Doha Bank, in Doha recently. in the field of safeguarding sport. young talents and will create the USD Regulation-S senior With the generous support of conditions for improved future unsecured offering will Doha Bank and its dedicated from remote locations across the benefit from gaining knowledge development of new generations employability.” follow as early as today, approach to corporate social world, the YPDP participants will by being tasked with assignments who possess high employability Slim Bouker, Head of Private subject to market condi- responsibility, under the mantra be able to gain experience in varying from research to project potential. At Doha Bank, we Banking at Doha Bank, said: “The tions, according to a of ‘doing well by doing good’, the diverse international work envi- management and other areas of believe that the YPDP programme Doha Private Banking statement posted on Qatar programme will award up to ronments by contributing to work covered by Save the Dream will make a real and sustainable department has recently re- Stock Exchange website. eight scholarships annually to projects that are being delivered activities and the overall mission impact both in the local com- launched its investment platform, Founded in 1983 and young talents providing them in collaboration with the UN of the ICSS. munity and internationally given using the Bank of Singapore as a listed on the Qatar Stock with the opportunity to work on bodies in areas such as: Pro- Dr R Seetharaman, CEO of that the empowerment of youth trusted wealth solution provider, Exchange, Ahli Bank various projects to gain profes- motion of social innovation Doha Bank, said: “As the Qatar is a key element of the Sus- sponsoring this collaboration to serves individual con- sional experience at the ICSS and through sport; Use of sport in the 2030 National Vision envisages tainable Development Goals that support Qatar’s local community sumers, small businesses its global initiatives such as Save humanitarian context; and Pro- a vibrant and prosperous country are put in place by the United and beyond. Private Banking and corporate customers the Dream. tection of children from mistreat- and an advanced, self-sustainable Nations to serve as a blueprint to Clients are invited to support ICSS with a wide range of Working both at the ICSS ments happening in sport. society, one of the key elements achieve a peaceful and pros- directly for donations to this pro- products and services. headquarters based in Doha and The young professionals will to achieve these objectives is the perous world by 2030. We are gramme as well”. Damaged WTO now leaderless as chief Azevedo steps down Italy's economy plunges

REUTERS — GENEVA/BRUSSELS years in fact, and will now be the WTO, which took almost 20 into recession as virus bites functionally leaderless.” In par- years to broker its first global The World Trade Organization’s ticular, the WTO appeals court, agreement, has failed for years AFP — ROME The contraction was even director-general Roberto which rules on international to hold China, the world’s worse than predicted in July, Azevedo (pictured) stepped trade disputes, has been para- second largest economy after Italy posted a record economic when Istat estimated a second- down yesterday, leaving the lysed by Washington’s blockade the United States, accountable contraction yesterday as quarter drop of 12.4 percent. already-damaged global on the appointment of new for unfair trade practices. It also household spending and A recession is commonly watchdog leaderless as it faces judges. says the wider WTO tariff system investment crashed during the defined as two consecutive the biggest crisis in its 25-year Azevedo, a Brazilian, is is unfair to the US. country’s coronavirus lockdown, periods of a quarter-on-quarter history. heading for a job at PepsiCo and Trump has even suggested driving the eurozone’s third- drop in GDP. As the WTO’s influence eight candidates are vying to quitting the WTO, although no largest economy deep into Italy’s economy shrunk 5.4 seeps away, rising international replace him. firm plans have been recession. percent in the first quarter. In the tensions and protectionism In 1999, a four-month gap announced. Peter Ungphakorn, The country’s gross domestic second quarter, household during a COVID-induced leadership vacuum was widely director-general appointed by a former WTO staff member product fell by 12.8 percent in the spending fell by 11.3 percent com- slowdown, most obviously seen as damaging, and guide- consensus. who now writes blogs on trade, second quarter compared to the pared to the first quarter, while between China and President lines to prevent a repeat In practice, trade sources say said there was a risk of a similar previous quarter and by 17.7 exports plummeted 26.4 percent, Donald Trump’s US adminis- envisaged the 164 members the uncertainty around the pres- “messy selection” of the next percent versus the same period the agency said. Italy, the first tration, make reform of global selecting a temporary idential election on November full-time chief, citing trade ten- last year, national statistics European country to be hit full trade rules ever more urgent. replacement from among four 3 in the United States, which has sions and members’ unwill- agency Istat said. force by the coronavirus out- “This is indeed a new, current deputies. But Washing- not said publicly which can- ingness to compromise over the “The full estimate of the break, went into total lockdown though alas not unsurprising, ton’s insistence on its candidate didate it prefers, could delay acting director-general. quarterly economic figures in early March as Covid-19 low point for the WTO,” said prevented agreement, leaving a matters further. The 2021 In theory, day-to-day oper- confirm the exceptional extent tightened its grip on the country. Rohinton Medhora, president of vacuum that will last for months. budget, due to be set at the end ations can be handled by the of the drop in GDP in the second The peninsula is set to suffer its the Centre for International In theory, a winner should of the year, which Washington deputies, including the director- quarter, due to the economic worst recession since World War Governance Innovation. “The be selected by November 7, might question, could also be a general’s key role of selecting effects of the health emergency II this year, with experts esti- organisation has been direc- under an agreed elimination hurdle. The US administration panellists to adjudicate on trade and the containment measures mating GDP to plummet between tionless for some time, several process that seeks to have a new of President Donald Trump says disputes. adopted,” Istat said. 8.0 to 14 percent. New labour reforms a boon for workers, says official

LANI ROSE R DIZON more candidates compared to remuneration provided to the positions are on demand. Hos- THE PENINSULA the available positions. And a lot job applicants, Qadeer said: pitality and other sectors are a of the companies now also ask “Qatar has the highest per capita little on the low side,” Qadeer Over the years, Qatar’s job for certain certifications and income in the world. And now added. market has increasingly become trainings to be done. And candi- with the minimum wage set by His advise to the job appli- more competitive with the dates need to do these. the government, that is also cants who are now manoeu- growing number of highly qual- Employers have more options. going to further benefit both vring through a more compet- ified professionals looking for An employer can now hire a sides, including the employer itive job market: Invest in your new career opportunities in the candidate with the exact rel- and the worker”. ‘personal brand’. country, as it prepares to host a evant experience that a recruiter Despite the impact of the “When you invest your time, successful World Cup in 2022. is looking for,” Syed Qadeer, COVID-19 pandemic, in Qatar efforts, and money on yourself, And with the Qatari government Head of HR & Admin at Vistas several industry sectors are still you always end up with the right recently announcing the new Global, said in an interview with thriving and are currently job, and the most important labour reforms, which include The Peninsula yesterday. offering new job opportunities thing is you will have the right scrapping the No-Objection Cer- “We have a lot of candidates in the local market. skills for the job. Job applicants tificate (NOC) requirement for coming in. The competition is More recently, the Qatar need to upgrade themselves. employees to change jobs and getting much tougher for the Chamber has also partnered Because the trend is changing setting a non-discriminatory candidates. As a business out- with the Ministry of Adminis- on a daily basis. Whether you’re minimum wage, the competition sourcing company, we have trative Development, Labor starting from a technician level in the local job market scene will more selections because of this,” and Social Affairs (MADLSA) in or the CEO level. If you don’t only intensify as the country added Ryan Lopez, Account setting up the online Labor Re- upgrade yourself every time you becomes a more attractive des- Manager at Vistas Global. employment Platform, to help get a chance, then you’re left out. tination for global talent. Vistas Global is one of the the laid-off workers find new One mistake I see from a lot of “The new reforms largest outsourcing companies opportunities in the job market. people here is once they get a announced by the Qatari gov- in the Middle East, with 1,300 “That was a very good ini- Syed Qadeer (right) and Ryan Lopez of Vistas Global during an job, they sit down and they never ernment will provide a lot of employees of 24 nationalities tiative and it was the need of interview with The Peninsula, recently. think of developing it, which is relief to the candidates as well spread across five countries. In the hour. As always, the con- completely wrong. They have to as the job market. Qatar’s job Qatar, the company provides struction sector is where many World Cup projects that need industries. During the pan- develop themselves and see how market has now become an human resources (HR) require- of the job opportunities are to be completed. We also see demic, many companies have to upgrade their skills. So ‘employers’ market’. It’s more ments for various companies coming from. And now, the many reforms happening in the understood the importance of whenever a new opportunity competitive now compared to and institutions. construction industry is going IT sector, especially now that going digital. So IT positions comes, they are always prepared several years ago. There are Speaking about on a very fast pace, with many technology is taking over are on demand. Engineering for it,” he added. 14 BUSINESS TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2020 Norway fund excludes companies China manufacturing over human rights violation risk logs feeble growth REUTERS — OSLO in August: Survey Norway’s $1 trillion wealth AP - BEIJING fund said it has excluded Tai- wan’s Formosa Chemicals and At the end of 2019, China’s manufacturing activity Fibre, Formosa Taffeta and NBIM held a 0.84 held steady in August as domestic India’s Page Industries from its percent stake in demand helped to offset weaker portfolio, saying they posed an orders from exports markets that “unacceptable risk for violation Formosa Chemicals are struggling with the corona- of human rights”. & Fibre, valued at virus pandemic, a survey showed The three companies $144m, and a 0.64 yesterday. named in a statement by the The monthly purchasing world’s largest sovereign percent stake in managers’ index released by the important markets. wealth fund were not imme- Formosa Taffeta Chinese statistics agency and an “The growth engine is now diately available for comment industry group declined to 51 clear. Overseas demand will only yesterday. The Norwegian fund valued at $12.2m. from July’s 51.1 on a 100-point pick up slowly,” said Iris Pang sells holdings before The stake in Page scale on which numbers above (pictured) of ING in a report. announcing such exclusions to Industries at that 50 indicate activity increasing. “Until then China will rely more avoid excessive market moves. A sub-measure for pro- on its own for economic growth.” In recent years the fund, time stood at 0.42 duction declined to 53.5 from the China’s economy grew by an which operates under guide- percent, with a previous month’s 54. Export unexpectedly strong 3.2 percent lines established by the Nor- market value of A pedestrian walks past the headquarters of Norway's central bank-- orders shrank but at a slower over a year earlier in the three wegian parliament, has Norges Bank-- in Oslo, in this file picture. Norges Bank Investment rate. That measure improved to months ending in June, focused on working conditions $15.4m. Management (NBIM) is part of the Norwegian Central Bank. 49.1 from 48.4. rebounding from a 6.8 percent in textile factories in Asia, China, where the pandemic contraction the previous quarter. excluding companies it thinks will also scrutinise oil firm Pet- watchdog, the Council on began in December, was the first Manufacturing is close to normal, pose an ethical risk to its roChina’s work, engaging in Ethics, Norges Bank said. The economy to shut down to fight but retailing, restaurants and investments. Formosa Chemicals & active ownership in the hope board of the Norwegian central the virus and the first to try to other service industries are Set up in 1996 to preserve Fibre, valued at $144m, and a of boosting the company’s anti- bank, which manages the fund, revive business after the ruling struggling. Norway’s oil revenues for 0.64 percent stake in Formosa corruption practices. concluded “active ownership” Communist Party declared Forecasters warn exports are future generations, the fund Taffeta valued at $12.2m. PetroChina was not imme- was therefore appropriate. victory over the disease in March. likely to dip again later in the year holds around 1.5 percent of glo- The stake in Page Indus- diately available for comment. The fund held 0.17 percent Chinese consumer demand once demand for medical sup- bally listed shares and its deci- tries at that time stood at 0.42 PetroChina had been under of PetroChina shares at the end is recovering but not as quickly plies eases. That will increase the sions are often followed by percent, with a market value observation for possible of 2019, valued at $159.6m. It as Beijing wants. The export importance of Chinese con- other investors. of $15.4m. exclusion since 2017 and had did not say whether the stake outlook is uncertain due to rising sumers and government stimulus At the end of 2019, NBIM The fund said in the not responded to inquiries had changed since the start of coronavirus case numbers in the spending in keeping a recovery held a 0.84 percent stake in statement that its management from the fund’s ethics 2020. United States and some other on track. Credit Suisse to move Keep on dining out, UK Finance Minister bankers to Spain in urges as popular cut-price offer ends REUTERS — LONDON government making up the weeks ensuring their restau- difference. rants were safe and to the Brexit: Report British Finance Minister Rishi So popular has it been that chefs, waiters and waitresses BLOOMBERG Sunak (pictured) urged diners more than 64 million meals across the country who have yesterday to keep going out to had been eaten under the worked tirelessly, sometimes eat as a popular government scheme up to August 27, with more customers than Credit Suisse Group will move scheme offering half-price according to the Open Table they’ve ever had before, all many European investment food in restaurants this month online booking website. helping to protect 1.8 million banking operations to Spain drew to a close. “The scheme reminded us jobs in the hospitality sector.” as part of its Brexit planning, The “Eat out to Help Out” why we as a nation love dining Open Table figures showed the the Swiss bank’s head of initiative was designed to boost out and I urge diners to average number of seated investment banking in Spain a hospitality sector that has maintain the momentum to diners between Monday and and Portugal, Wenceslao been especially hard hit by the help continue our economic Wednesday this month was up stopped trading in April, with Bunge (pictured), said in an coronavirus pandemic. It recovery,” Sunak said in a 95 percent on last year. 1.4 million workers furloughed, interview with Expansion. offered 50 percent off the price statement. Prime Minister Boris the highest of any sector. The lender requested a of meals on the first three days “I want to say thank you to Johnson imposed a national Several restaurant chains Spanish banking license last of the week at participating the diners who have fallen lockdown in March and the have already said they will month that will allow it to restaurants, up to a maximum back in love with their local, to Treasury said yesterday around continue offering the discount create a European hub for of £10 ($13), with the the managers who have spent 80 percent of hospitality firms in September. investment banking activities in the country, Bunge told the newspaper. He said he expects the Madrid-based Lebanon blast could cost over $8bn: World Bank investment banking opera- tions will be fully operational will allow Credit Suisse to AFP — PARIS $605m to $760m in urgent housing, the assessment said. contract by 10.9 percent this around mid-2021. begin lending from Spain and financial aid to bounce back On a macro-economic year. The decision represents a turn Madrid into a hub for a The devastating Beirut blast from the disaster, the World level, the bank noted that the In addition to causing a victory for Madrid as broader range of investment caused up to $8.1bn in damage Bank said in a “Rapid Damage impact of the blast will be felt deeper recession, the blasts European financial centers banking activities. and economic loss, and and Needs Assessment” through “losses in economic would increase poverty, which jostle to take business away “Credit Suisse’s priority Lebanon needs hundreds of carried out with the United activity caused by the the bank said already affected from London after Britain’s has always been to ensure millions of dollars in aid to Nations and European Union. destruction of physical capital” 45 percent of the population. decision to leave the that we maintain access to recover, the World Bank said The economic sectors most followed by “trade disruptions Given Lebanon’s dire European Union ended unre- European Union clients and yesterday. affected were housing, resulting in higher transaction financial straits and lack of stricted access to its financial markets regardless of the out- The double explosion on transport and cultural her- costs of external trade, and the foreign exchange reserves, markets. Zurich-based peer comes of the Brexit process,” August 4 shattered a vast itage, including religious and loss of fiscal revenues”. Beirut will rely on interna- UBS Group has shifted traders, a bank spokesman said by section of the city’s port and archeological sites, national It forecast that Lebanon’s tional aid and private risk and back office teams to email. surrounding areas, killing monuments, theatres, archives gross domestic product would investment to recover, the Frankfurt, where it already “Over the last three years, scores of people and plunging and libraries, the study found. decline by an additional 0.4 assessment said. had a large presence in wealth we have added to our existing the country into further eco- According to the World percentage point this year and To obtain sufficient funds, management. capabilities in Spain, Germany nomic turmoil. Bank, beyond the immediate by an additional 0.6 per- officials will have to enact a Bloomberg in 2018 and Luxembourg to provide The cost of material need for hundreds of millions centage point in 2021. credible programme of reported that Credit Suisse this continuity for our clients. damage from the blasts ranges of dollars in aid, Lebanon will The country was already reforms to guard against cor- planned to make Madrid its London will remain a key part from $3.8bn to $4.6bn, while have to come up with an addi- facing a grave economic crisis ruption, and focus on post-Brexit trading hub in the of the bank’s strategy and economic damage amounts to tional $1.18bn to $1.46bn in that has been aggravated the “breaking the hold of elite European Union. The appli- footprint after the UK’s exit $2.9bn to $3.5bn according to 2021. Priorities for gov- coronavirus pandemic, and capture, which has monopo- cation for a banking license from the EU.” a bank estimate. ernment spending would be the World Bank had estimated lised both private and public Lebanon now needs from transport, cultural needs and earlier that its economy would resources.” Amazon’s drone delivery fleet hits milestone with FAA clearance BLOOMBERG highly regulated aviation sector. conducting limited drone deliv- have made significant strides “This certification is an eries under a similar FAA in recent years. They’ve Retail behemoth Amazon took important step forward for approval in Virginia since last invented new devices and a big leap toward delivering Prime Air and indicates the year. UPS flies medical supplies shown, at least on a limited goods from the sky by becoming FAA’s confidence in Amazon’s within a hospital campus in scale, that they’re capable of one of only a handful of com- operating and safety procedures Raleigh, North Carolina. Other flying relatively long distances panies certified by the US gov- for an autonomous drone smaller companies and startups and carrying the payloads nec- ernment to operate as a drone delivery service that will one are also seeking expanded FAA essary for packages. airline. day deliver packages to our cus- approvals. But routine deliveries are The Federal Aviation tomers around the world,” Amazon will begin its own most likely still years off. Administration designated David Carbon, an Amazon vice delivery tests, it said, declining The FAA is preparing to Amazon Prime Air an “air president who oversees Prime to say where and when they finalise a set of regulations by carrier,” the company said yes- Air, said in a statement. would occur. It operates several the end of this year that will terday. That allows Amazon to The FAA confirmed it had test sites in the US Northwest serve as a framework to expand begin its first commercial deliv- granted the approval, saying in and in the nearby Vancouver drone flights over crowds, a eries in the US under a trial a statement that it’s trying to area. It previously performed building block necessary for program, using the high-tech support innovation in the experimental deliveries in the deliveries. Among other things, devices it unveiled for that expanding drone arena while UK. the rules will require all but the purpose last year. ensuring that the devices To receive FAA certification, A file picture of Amazon drone which has been testing for delivering smallest such devices to Amazon and its competitors operate safely. the company had to document some small packages. broadcast their identities and must still clear some imposing Amazon joins Wing, the everything from pilot-training location, to minimise the risks regulatory and technical Alphabet subsidiary, and United programs to drug testing. It also Applicants have had to seek during the Covid-19 pandemic of terrorism or striking other hurdles before small packages Parcel Service as companies demonstrated its operations for waivers for requirements such as consumers turn away from aircraft. holding the likes of cat food or that have gotten FAA approval FAA inspectors in recent days. as the rule that a pilot must traditional stores, some of That’s just the first step, toothpaste can routinely be to operate under the federal The approvals have at times wear a seatbelt, or that flight which were ordered closed, in however. For drones to operate dropped at people’s homes. But regulations governing charter challenged the FAA because its attendants must be present on favour of online purchases. efficiently, they must be able to the action shows that they’ve operators and small airlines. regulations were designed for some flights. Amazon and other com- fly pre-programmed routes convinced the government Wing, with partners Wal- aircraft with humans aboard, The approval comes as panies hoping to revolutionise without human pilots watching they’re ready to operate in the greens and FedEx, has been not unoccupied drones. Amazon’s business has surged the retail world with drones their every move. Tuesday 01 September 2020 To advertise contact: Tel: 44557 857 or email: [email protected] 16 CLASSIFIEDS TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2020 TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2020 CLASSIFIEDS 17

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Call and Whatsapp:55873337 E-mail:[email protected] 18 SPORT TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2020 Tokyo Games to be symbol of hope as flame goes on display

REUTERS — TOKYO museum, held in a small Paralympics are training hard lantern in the corner of the every day while having great At a low-key ceremony to lobby. anxiety (due to coronavirus),” mark the unveiling of the Next year, this flame “Next year, this flame will said Japanese Olympic Com- Olympic flame display be carried by about 10,000 mittee President Yasuhiro will be carried by about yesterday, Tokyo officials reit- torchbearers and will light the Yamashita who received the erated that next year’s Games 10,000 torchbearers and Olympic cauldron,” Tokyo flame from Mori. will be a symbol of hope for the will light the Olympic 2020 President Yoshiro Mori “I am confident that this world as it recovers from the cauldron: Tokyo 2020 said. flame, which is displayed coronavirus pandemic. President Yoshiro Mori “We would like to make today, will be moral support for The flame will be on show efforts towards this so that we such athletes.” from today at the Japanese can ensure a great success of To limit crowds gathering Olympic Museum, located next Fukushima after the torch relay the Games.” to view the flame, there will be to the National Stadium was cancelled following its Organisers have not a reservation system with a purpose-built for the Games arrival from Greece but before announced details of the torch designated date and time. which were due to take place it could start a planned tour of relay. The original 121-day plan The flame will be on this year but were rescheduled Japan following the decision to had the torch travelling to all display from September Yasuhiro Yamashita, President of Japanese Olympic Committee, for 2021 due to the COVID-19 postpone the Games in March. of Japan’s 47 prefectures. 1-November 1. holds the Olympic Flame during the display ceremony at Japan outbreak. Organisers have chosen to “I suppose athletes aiming The Games are due to start Olympic Museum in Tokyo, yesterday. The flame was last seen in display the flame at the JOC to participate in Olympics and on July 23. Ewan wins stage three as Alaphilippe retains lead

REUTERS — SISTERON we can this year because they are quite rare this year.” Australian Caleb Ewan timed Today’s fourth stage is a his effort to perfection to win 160.5km effort from Sisteron to the third stage of the Tour de Orcieres-Merlette for the first France in a bunch sprint at the summit finish of the race, with Kawhi Leonard (left) in action against end of a 198-km hilly ride Briton Adam Yates, who trails Trey Burke of the Dallas Mavericks. through the Alpine foothills Alaphilippe by four seconds yesterday. overall, eyeing the yellow Sam Bennett looked in jersey. control but the Irishman had An all-French breakaway NBA: Leonard stars as probably underestimated the featuring Anthony Perez, polka headwind and settled for dot jersey holder Benoit Cos- second place as he watched nefroy and Jerome Cousin was LA Clippers eliminate Lotto-Soudal fastman Ewan kept on a tight leash by the whizz around him to snatch his bunch as rain began to fall with fourth stage win on the Tour. 150 kilometres left. Italian Giacomo Nizzolo Cousin, who won a Paris- Dallas Mavericks took third place. Nice stage in Sisteron in 2018, REUTERS — NEW YORK NBA RESULTS France’s Julian Alaphilippe tried his luck solo with Perez retained the overall leader’s and Cosnefroy being swallowed Kawhi Leonard had 33 points, Eastern Conference (Second round) yellow jersey. up by the pack despite the lei- 14 rebounds and seven assists Boston 112 Toronto 94 “In the last kilometre I was surely pace. and the Los Angeles Clippers (Boston leads series 1-0) a little bit too far forward so I Perez later abandoned with eliminated the Dallas Western Conference (First round) dropped back a bit into the a rib fracture and a possible col- Mavericks from the play-offs Los Angeles Clippers 111 Dallas 97 wheels then that gave me a bit lapsed lung after crashing into with a 111-97 victory in Game (LA Clippers win series 4-2) of time just to rest the legs a his team’s car, his Cofidis outfit 6 on Sunday in the NBA bubble First Round

little bit,” Ewan explained. said. Cofidis said the 29-year- near Orlando. Denver 119 Utah 107 “In the end it worked old had been taken to hospital Ivica Zubac had 15 points (Series tied 3-3) for further checks. and 11 rebounds, while Paul Today’s fourth stage is Cousin was reined in with George contributed 15 points, a 160.5km effort from Lotto Soudal rider Caleb Ewan of Australia 16 kms left by the peloton con- nine boards and seven assists Doncic’s 3-pointer with 9:28 Sisteron to Orcieres- celebrates his stage win yesterday. trolled by Alaphilippe’s Dece- for the Clippers. Leonard added left in the fourth. But Los Merlette for the first uninck Quick Step as the five steals. Angeles regrouped and pulled summit finish of the sprinters’ teams started to gear The Clippers advanced to away behind the play of race, with Briton perfectly. Coming from behind victories on his first partici- up for the bunch sprint. the second round of the Leonard and Reggie Jackson, Adam Yates, who trails is a bit of a risk but I found my pation in the Tour. “I’m so In-form Wout van Aert, one Western Conference play-offs, who sank four 3-pointers in the way through the barrier and I happy to get another win and of top favourite Primoz Roglic’s where they await the winner final quarter and finished with Alaphilippe by four came with a lot of speed.” then prove last year was no fluke. team mates, crashed some six of the Utah Jazz-Denver 14 points. seconds overall, eyeing Ewan was proud to win Hope to come back more years kms from the line but the Milan- Nuggets series. The Nuggets The Clippers pounced on the yellow jersey. again on the biggest stage, a and keep winning. We have to Sanremo champion finished the won later on Sunday to tie the the Mavericks in the third year after taking three stage take every sprinters’ opportunity stage. series 3-3. Game 7 will be quarter. LA opened the second played today. half with a 20-3 surge, capped Luka Doncic had 38 points, by Leonard’s three-point play nine assists and nine rebounds that made it 77-54 midway Hazlewood for the Mavericks. Dorian through the third. Root returns for one-dayers Finney-Smith added 16 points Consecutive three-point concerned and Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped plays by Doncic, who scored 16 in 10. points in the third, in the final about 'CSK' but left out of T20 squad Dallas rallied from a minute of the quarter pulled the 23-point, third-quarter deficit, Mavericks within 85-74 pulling to within 88-82 on heading into the fourth. virus cases AFP — MANCHESTER ENGLAND SQUADS England batsman Smith. Meanwhile, fellow World REUTERS — LONDON England announced yesterday T20 squad: Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Cup winners Jofra Archer, Jos Jon Rahm they had recalled several World Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Tom Ban- Buttler, and Mark Wood all of Spain Australia’s Josh Hazlewood is Cup winners for their upcoming ton, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, return for both the T20 and ODI celebrates concerned about a COVID-19 white-ball series against Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Chris Jordan, Dawid series, while Chris Woakes is with the outbreak at his Indian Premier Australia but Test captain Joe Malan, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood. back in the 50-over squad. BMW trophy League franchise in the United Root (pictured) has again been ODI squad: Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Jof- Jason Roy, another member after winning Arab Emirates, the seamer said omitted from the Twenty20 ra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton, of England’s World Cup on the first yesterday. squad. Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Tom winning side, has been ruled sudden-

Hazlewood is in England for Fifty-over world champions out of the T20s with the same death Curran, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Chris Woakes, Australia’s limited-overs series, England have been fielding sep- Mark Wood. side strain that has sidelined play-off three Twenty20 matches in arate red and white ball squads him for all three Pakistan T20s, hole against Southampton followed by three in a season hit by the corona- fifties during a five-wicket although England hope the Dustin 50-over internationals in virus pandemic. win over Pakistan in the opener will be fit for the Johnson. Manchester. But with all six Tests second T20 at Old Trafford on one-dayers. After the series he is spanning two series wins Sunday, it is hard to see where Ben Stokes, who has not expected to join the Chennai against the West Indies and Root fits into the national played for England since this Super Kings (CSK) in UAE, where Pakistan now completed, side’s Twenty20 XI. month’s first Test against Rahm secures play-off the 13th edition of the IPL will England have recalled some of England national selector Pakistan, was again omitted be held from September 19 due their multi-format players for Ed Smith said Root was not cur- with the all-rounder still to the COVID-19 pandemic in next month’s limited-overs rently in their best T20 team spending time in New Zealand win at Olympia Fields India. matches against Australia.Australia. “althoughalthough no doors are closed with his father, who has been The Indian cricket board said Root wwasas the third-hthird-highestighest toto him in the future”.future”. diagnosed with brain cancer. REUTERS — NEW YORK Rahm, who won last two players and 11 other people run-scorerrer at thethe 20201616 T20T20 “Joe“Joe plays so much The Twenty20s should have month’s Memorial Tournament, tested positive for COVID-19 World CupCup but has notnot cricket,cricket, gives so much to acted as a warm-up for Octo- Spain’s Jon Rahm sunk a carded a five-birdie 66 in Sat- after arriving in the UAE without played a T20 internationainternationall EnglandEngland every time he ber’s T20 World Cup in breathtaking 66-foot (20 urday’s third round despite for- identifying them. Local media for over a year, despite still plays, it’s not right for Australia. metre) putt to win the BMW getting to put a marker down reported that all of them were wantingg to him tthathat wwee hhaveave But that tournament has Championship in a thrilling on the fifth green before from the 'CSK' camp. feature in him inin the now been postponed because play-off victory over American picking up his ball, which cost “At the franchise, we have a the format.at. ssquadquad if he’s of Covid-19 and the next T20 Dustin Johnson. him a stroke. group WhatsApp, with all the Hee notnot likely to World Cup will take place in The 25-year-old, who He quickly put the embar- information that comes through. has,, be India in 2021, with Smith saying recently spent two weeks as rassing mental lapse behind It’s obviously a little bit of a however,r, starting,starting,”” the upcoming series would help world number one, shot a him. concern. You ideally would have hit scoress added England build towards the flawless six-under par 64 on The second of three Fed- no cases,” Hazlewood told of 64 andd foformerrmer global event. Sunday, saving his best for last exCup play-off events, where reporters on a video conference. 65 forr England face Australia in after carding a lackluster five- 69 players were vying for 30 “They are in quarantine Yorkshiree the first of three Twenty20s at over 75 in the first round. spots in the upcoming Tour now... All my focus is, obviously, in thiss Hampshire’s Ageas Bowl head- Rocketing up the leader- Championship, the tournament on this tour at the moment. Once season’s’s quarters on Friday before the board on Sunday, Rahm then at Olympia Fields Country Club the IPL comes closer we will Twenty2020 Blast.Blast. teams head north to Manches- drained the long putt in the first near Chicago proved a tough think more about that... closer to But wwithith England white-ball ter’s Old Trafford for three hole of a play-off against test, with just five golfers fin- the date we will have a chat with captain Eoinoin Morgan and Dawid one-day internationals starting Johnson, letting out an elated ishing the four rounds under Cricket Australia.” Malan bothboth compilingcompiling finefine on September 11. roar. par. TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2020 SPORT 19

Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic and Djokovic holds Anhelina Kalinina of Ukraine play in front on to No.1 of empty stands at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, spot as US yesterday. Open begins

AFP – PARIS

Novak Djokovic set out on his quest for an 18th Grand Slam title at the US Open with his world number one standing enhanced in the latest ATP rankings released yesterday. Fresh from his success in the ATP Western & Southern Open final against Milos Raonic, the Serb headlined the opening day at Flushing Meadows where he faced Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia-Herzegovina. He leads the ATP chart on Pliskova off to a flying start in 10860 points from Rafael Nadal who like fourth-ranked Roger Federer is skipping the rescheduled US Open being held under tight Covid-19 bid for maiden Grand Slam title health restrictions. While Djokovic heads an unchanged REUTERS – NEW YORK Top seed Pliskova top 10, Raonic jumps 12 places downs first-round to 18th on the back of his run First seed Karolina Pliskova got opponent Anhelina to Saturday’s decider in the US a roaring start to her bid for a Kalinina 6-4, 6-0 to Open tune-up. maiden Grand Slam title at the kick off the action US Open yesterday, downing at an empty Arthur LATEST ATP RANKINGS first-round opponent Anhelina 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 10860 pts Ashe Stadium. Kalinina 6-4, 6-0 to kick off the 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 9850 action in Arthur Ashe Stadium. 3. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 7135 The 28-year-old Czech, Former champion 4. Roger Federer (SUI) 6630 who led the WTA in aces in four Angelique Kerber 5. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 5890 of the last five years, struggled 6. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 5095 with an uncharacteristically beat Australian 7. Alexander Zverev (GER) 3630 uneven serve in the first set, Ajla Tomljanovic 8. Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 2940 committing three double faults 6-4, 6-4 to reach 9. Gaël Monfils (FRA) 2860 to give her unseeded opponent the second round 10. David Goffin (BEL) 2555 a fighting chance. after returning But Pliskova, the 2016 US to action for the Open runner-up, found her first time in seven footing in the second set, Wounded winning all her first-serve points months. and committing just one Karolina Pliskova of Osaka climbs unforced error, as her Ukrainian Czech Republic returns opponent was left scrambling. the ball to Anhelina The US Open is the to ninth in “I think my game was quite Kalinina of Ukraine on first Grand Slam to good for a first round,” said day one of the 2020 US be contested in the WTA rankings Pliskova, the world number Open at the Arthur Ashe COVID-19 era and is three, who played in front of Stadium, part of the being held without AFP – PARIS empty stands with crowd noise USTA Billie Jean King spectators to help piped in as the tournament is National Tennis Center, Naomi Osaka climbed one prevent spread of being held without fans due to in Flushing Meadows, place to number nine in the the coronavirus outbreak. New York, yesterday. the virus new WTA rankings, which “For sure I prefer to have were released yesterday ahead people around me,” she added. of the US Open, after with- Earlier, former champion But despite the lack of Angelique drawing from the Western & Angelique Kerber returned to recent competitive action, the Kerber of Southern Open final at the action for the first time in seven 32-year-old former world Germany returns weekend. months and beat Australian Ajla number one needed only a a shot during her Osaka, who is scheduled to Tomljanovic 6-4, 6-4 to reach handful of games to shake off Women’s Singles meet fellow Japanese Misaki the second round. the rust and never looked back first round match Doi in the first round at The 17th-seeded German, as she improved her career against Ajla Flushing Meadows, pulled out who entered the match having record against Tomljanovic to Tomljanovic of of Saturday’s final because of not competed since the fourth 2-0. a left hamstring injury. Australia, at the round of the Australian Open, Kerber, a three-times Grand Her withdrawal handed the USTA Billie Jean overcame a shaky start on serve Slam champion who triumphed title to Victoria Azarenka who King National and got better as the 88-minute at Flushing Meadows in 2016, climbed 32 places to 27th in the Tennis Center, match at Louis Armstrong traded breaks with Tomljanovic world. Australian Ashleigh yesterday. Stadium wore on. through the first four games of Barty retains the top spot "It's not easy to play your the match and then found her although neither she nor world first match after such a long time footing. number two Simona Halep are and it was my first match after The German southpaw con- taking part in the US Open Australia so I'm really happy verted all three break-point which is being staged without how I played for the first match," chances to pull ahead 5-4 and spectators in a Covid-19 quar- said Kerber. "It's always a little went on to serve out at love to antine bubble. bit different to play points, and grab the first set when world especially a match, than playing number 59 Tomljanovic sent a Czech admitted it took some the 30-year-old said in an on- Kvitova, who suffered a LATEST WTA RANKINGS: just practice points so I am forehand into the net. time getting used to playing in court interview. second-round exit last year at 1. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 8717 pts happy how I did the transition In the second, Kerber front of the empty stands at She also lamented the lack Flushing Meadows, will next 2. Simona Halep (ROM) 6356 to the match court now." quickly settled into a groove Flushing Meadows. of crowd support at the event, face either Kateryna Kozlova of 3. Karolína Pliskova (CZE) 5205 Kerber was sidelined with a and broke her opponent twice The twice Wimbledon which is being played without Ukraine or American Whitney 4. Sofia Kenin (USA) 4590 leg injury before the COVID-19 before sealing the win on her champion converted four of five any fans in attendance due to Osuigwe. 5. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4580 outbreak forced a shutdown of third match point when a Tom- break point opportunities and the COVID-19 pandemic that The US Open is the first 6. Bianca Andreescu (CAN) 4555 global tennis in March and did ljanovic forehand sailed long. fired 23 winners to defeat her has claimed over 180,000 lives Grand Slam to be contested in 7. Kiki Bertens (NED) 4335 not compete in last week's Sixth seed Petra Kvitova Romanian opponent. in the United States. the COVID-19 era and is being 8. Serena Williams (USA) 4080 (+1) warm-up event played on the handily defeated Irina-Camelia "I had to motivate myself "It's really mentally tough, held without spectators to help 9. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 4020 (+1) site of the US Open. Begu 6-3, 6-2 yesterday, but the from the beginning to the end," to be honest," she added. prevent spread of the virus. 10. Belinda Bencic (SUI) 4010 (-2) Milan drawn away Messi misses training as to Shamrock Rovers Barca stand-off continues in Europa qualifiers AFP – MADRID REUTERS – BERN Lionel Messi boycotted Barcelona’s first pre-season training session yesterday, club sources have confirmed to AFP, as the Seven-times European champions AC Milan will striker upped the stakes in his battle to leave this summer. begin their Europa League campaign this season After skipping coronavirus tests on Sunday, Messi was absent away to rank outsiders Shamrock Rovers following again from the club's Ciutat Esportiva training ground, where the draw yesterday for the second qualifying Ronald Koeman held a session at 5:30pm, his first since being round. appointed Barca coach. Milan, who finished sixth in Serie A, are It appears increasingly likely Messi will try to force a transfer returning to European football after serving a one- by refusing to play in La Liga next season, which begins on Sep- year ban for breaching UEFA’s break-even tember 12. Financial Fair Play rules, which resulted in them The 33-year-old and his lawyers believe that participating missing the Europa League last season. Milan’s in Barcelona's pre-season programme would contradict their only previous meeting with an Irish side was in argument that Messi no longer belongs to the club. 1975 when they beat Athlone Town 3-0 on They insist a clause in his contract that allows Messi to depart aggregate in the old UEFA Cup. for free this summer was activated last Tuesday, when the It is arguably the most glamorous tie for a burofax stating his intention to leave arrived at the Camp Nou. League of Ireland team since Cork City faced Bayern But Barcelona maintain that clause had to be activated by Munich in the 1991-92 UEFA Cup, holding out for June 10 and the deadline has not been extended, despite the a 1-1 home draw before losing 2-0 in Germany. season being prolonged due to the pandemic, with the men's According to the specialist website Transfermarkt, Lyon win Women's Champions League title Champions League final played on August 23. Shamrock’s squad has a combined transfer value La Liga backed up Barca's position on Sunday by announcing Lyon’s French defender Wendie Renard raises the winner’s trophy as she celebrates of €1.95m, compared with €393.2m for Milan. that the release clause in Messi's contract, set at €700m ($833m), with team-mates after winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League final against English Premier League side Tottenham still applies. VfL Wolfsburg at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian, on Sunday. Lyon extended Hotspur were drawn away to Bulgaria’s Loko- The club's captain and greatest ever player, who has scored motiv Plovdiv. The games will be played on Sep- its European dominance by beating Wolfsburg 3-1 to win its fifth straight women's 634 goals for them and won 34 titles, now risks being punished tember 17. Champions League title. either by a fine or, if his absence continues, a reduction in salary. SPORT SPORT | 18 SPORT | 19 Ewan wins Pliskova off to a stage three as flying start in Alaphilippe bid for maiden retains lead Grand Slam title

TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2020

Brazilian QFA reveals competition roadmap Guilherme ahead of new football season joins Al Sadd THE PENINSULA – DOHA 3. The largest number of goals in all the matches of the THE PENINSULA – DOHA The 2020-2021 season will be the competition. last of the Qatargas U-23 compe- 4. Most wins in all the matches QNB Stars League giants Al Sadd have tition and it will be replaced by the of the competition. secured the services of Brazilian defensive Reserve League competition 5- Obtaining the least number midfielder Guilherme Torres from Greek side starting from the 2021-2022 season, of coloured cards (red and yellow), Olympiacos. a key official from the Qatar where the yellow card is counted Guilherme is Al Sadd’s second foreign Football Association said in an with one point and the direct or addition ahead of the new QSL season and interview yesterday. indirect red card with three points, resumption of the 2020 AFC Champions Hamad Al Mannai, Chairman of and in the case of the direct red card League with Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla the Competitions Committee of after the yellow card, the two are having signed from Villarreal in early August. QFA, in an interview with the Asso- counted with four points. “We are happy to ciation's web site, provided a 6. A draw between equal teams. complete the contract detailed explanation that shows the with the Brazilian complete roadmap of football in the Q: What are the players’ reg- player Guillerme for a country in the next few months and istration periods for the new period of 3 years, and beyond. season and were there exceptions I hope that he will be The 2019-2020 football season Hamad Al Mannai, Chairman of the regarding transfers of players due a strong addition to has been a long phase that sports Competitions Committee of QFA to the current circumstances? the Al Sadd team fans won’t forget in a hurry because A: Indeed, the current circum- during the next of the COVID-19 situation around stances imposed a new reality and stage,” said the globe. Association was one of the first Bidda, Al Waab and Lusail. The it was necessary to make some Turki Al Ali, In general, the Qatar Football sports federations to resume Qatargas U-23 League will start on exceptions regarding player General Association (QFA) took the lead in football activity in coordination 9/10/2020. transfers as the Executive Com- Manager of Al making the decision to conduct with all concerned authorities in The 2020-2021 sports season mittee of QFA considered granting Sadd Club. local competitions, making Qatar the country and in accordance with will be the last of the Qatargas U-23 some players the freedom to move After starting one of the first countries in the precautionary measures to confront competition and it will be replaced to any other club. his career with region to resume football in the spread of the Covid-19 disease. by the Reserve League competition This is after their contracts Portuguesa in accordance with health and safety QFA employed an integrated plan starting from the 2021-2022 season, expired at the end of June 2020 and Sao Paulo in protocols approved by the that was developed in consultation while preserving the name of the so that the player does not remain 2009, Guilherme government. with all relevant authorities, commercial sponsor, with the par- away from action. As for the regis- joined Brazilian Al Mannai also said that from whether in QFA, QSL, or the con- ticipation of only division clubs par- tration periods for the new season, giants Corinthians 2022, with the abolition of the U-23 cerned authorities in the country, ticipating in the QNB Stars League transfers of players are allowed three years later category list, a total of 28 players especially the Ministry of Public for the 2021 sports season. Also during the stipulated transfer before leaving will be registered in a unified cat- Health. from 2022, with the abolition of the period only, which is in two periods. Brazil in 2014 to egory of the first and reserve teams. We started with medical exam- U-23 category list, a total of 28 join Italian outfit "The Second Division competi- inations of players and technical players will be registered in a Q: Will there be amendments Udinese. tions will start on September 20, staff for the start of the football unified category of the first and regarding the number of players While at which will be limited only to Al Sha- activity in the QNB Stars League reserve teams. in the match list and what about Udinese, the haniya, Al Shamal, Mesaimeer, matches and the games of the substitutions? 29-year-old mid- Muaither, and Al Markhiya. There Second Division League. This also Q: Will there be specific A: It was agreed to increase the fielder had a loan will be no participation from Al included referees and their amendments to the regulations number of players in the match list spell in Spain with Bidda, Al Waab and Lusail. The assistants. for the 2020-2021 season? for (QNB Stars – Second Division – Deportivo La Qatargas U-23 League will start on A: The most prominent modi- Under-23) league matches from 18 Coruna where he September 10," Al Mannai said. Q: What about the start dates fication is the cancellation of the to 23 players, provided that the played for a season Excerpts from the interview: of the other QFA competitions and play-off match to settle the tie for number of substitute players reg- following a per- what are the most prominent first place, as the tie will be broken istered and on the reserve board manent move Q: How do you see the changes? by several tie-breakers, which are: does not exceed more than 12. before he joined resumption of football activity A: The Second Division com- 1. The difference in goals scored Regarding the substitutions, each Olympiacos in with the precautionary measures petitions will start on September in the matches of the concerned team will be allowed to make a 2018. taken by the QFA and the Qatar 20, which will be limited only to Al teams (head to head results), with maximum of 5 substitutions during Stars League? Shahaniya, Al Shamal, Mesaimeer, the goal not counting with two goals one match, provided that the sub- A: At the outset, I would like to Muaither, and Al Markhiya. There outside the ground. stitutions would be made in three emphasise that the Qatar Football will be no participation from Al 2. Goal difference in all matches. calls during the course of a match.

Russia submits US OPEN RESULTS MEN'S SINGLES: FIRST ROUND anti-doping Juan Ignacio Londero (ARG) bt Evgeny Donskoy (RUS) 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 Borna Coric (CRO x27) bt Pablo Andujar (ESP) 7-5, 6-3, 6-1 Egor Gerasimov (BLR) bt Dusan Lajovic (SRB x18) 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 reform plan to Jordan Thompson (AUS) bt Stefano Travaglia (ITA) 6-3, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 Cameron Norrie (GBR) bt Diego Schwartzman (ARG x9) 3-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 7-5 Federico Coria (ARG) bt Jason Jung (TPE) 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 2-0 abandoned World Athletics Alejandro Davidovich (ESP) bt Dennis Novak (AUT) 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 1-6, 6-0

AP – MOSCOW WOMEN'S SINGLES: FIRST ROUND Karolina Pliskova (CZE x1) bt Anhelina Kalinina (UKR) 6-4, 6-0 The Russian Athletics Federation said Caroline Garcia (FRA) bt Jasmine Paolini (ITA) 6-3, 6-2 yesterday it submitted a draft anti-doping Angelique Kerber (GER x17) bt Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) 6-4, 6-4 reform plan to World Athletics, the latest Anna-Lena Friedsam (GER) bt Caroline Dolehide (USA) 6-2, 6-2 step it must follow to avoid being expelled Marketa Vondrousova (CZE x12) bt Greet Minnen (BEL) 6-1, 6-4 by the sport’s governing body. Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) bt Francesca Di Lorenzo (USA) 2-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-0 Alexander Zverev of Germany hits The Russian federation was on the Kristina Mladenovic (FRA x30) bt Hailey Baptiste (USA) 7-5, 6-2 a shot against Kevin Anderson brink of expulsion after missing a July 1 Varvara Gracheva (RUS) bt Paula Badosa (ESP) 6-4, 7-5 of South Africa on day one of deadline to pay World Athletics $6.3m in Danka Kovinic (MNE) bt Lizette Cabrera (AUS) 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 the 2020 US Open at USTA Billie a fine and other costs but was reprieved Petra Kvitova (CZE x6) bt Irina Begu (ROU) 6-3, 6-2 Jean King National Tennis Center, when the Russian sports ministry pro- yesterday vided the funds six weeks later. It had to submit the draft plan yesterday. “Among the main points are the strengthening preventative and anti- doping work, structural reform of RusAF Norrie upsets Schwartzman in marathon five-setter and the (Russian) regional federations.” The plan has not been made public. REUTERS – NEW YORK measure of Norrie after the early exchanges, the fourth set as well while Norrie drastically World Athletics’ Russia task force has winning four of the last five games in the opening reduced his unforced error count and converted until Sept. 30 to make any changes it sees Briton Cameron Norrie claimed his biggest win at set. all three break points to take the match to a decider fit before RusAF implements it. The World a Grand Slam when he came from two sets down Norrie managed to create chances in the second and pile pressure on the Argentine. Athletics council said in March RusAF to beat ninth seed Diego Schwartzman 3-6, 4-6, set but did not convert the big points, giving The final set began with both players dropping must aim to “ingrain throughout Russian 6-2, 6-1, 7-5 in the first round of the US Open Schwartzman a two-set lead before the Argentine serve. Schwartzman turned the tables with another athletics a zero tolerance for doping yesterday. started to lose his way in the third. break at 3-3 before calling for the physio to look culture.” Both players served poorly, resulting in 58 break A time violation saw Schwartzman lose his cool at his wrist following a fall. It’s the latest attempt to resolve an points being up for grabs in total, and 25-year-old and Norrie took advantage to break and lead 3-2. He immediately lost his momentum as Norrie impasse between World Athletics and Norrie saved two match points in the decider before The Briton capitalised on more errors from a saved match points at 5-3 and at 5-4 before taking RusAF, which is still serving a suspension prevailing after nearly four hours. wayward Schwartzman to earn a double break a 6-5 lead as a cramping Schwartzman lost nine imposed in 2015 over widespread Extended rallies and long games were a feature before wrapping up the set. consecutive points and then saw his forehand hit doping. of the match and it was Schwartzman who had the Schwartzman was unable to find his groove in the net on match point.