www.thepeninsula.qa Tuesday 18 August 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8353 28 Dhul-Hijja - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 13 PENMAG | 15 SPORT | 20

QIIB launches a Classifieds Al Duhail major update of and Services focused on win its mobile banking section over Al Ahli: application included Ali Afif

Choose the network of heroes Enjoy the Internet Contract awarded for Edutainment Ride at Qetaifan Island North THE PENINSULA — DOHA brands, museums and theme in today’s world. The ride parks all over the world. follows a track through a set of Qetaifan Projects, a company This step comes within the scenes. With the addition of owned by Katara Hospitality, construction works and aug- special effects such as 3D has announced that it has mented reality preparations for mapping, animatronics, pro- awarded the design and build one of the waterpark rides, jection, special lighting, heat, contract for the edutainment which number up to 36. In vibration, lightning, drilling immersive water ride in addition to the Icon Tower, machines and fog screens. Qetaifan Island North to British which is 80 metres high. The story is enhanced and company Sarner International. The Edutainment Ride is enriched into an exciting and Sarner International is an inspired by the history of oil dis- immersive ride with thrills and award-winning design and covery in Qatar; it is to explain exhilaration throughout its length. audiovisual studio for design, the process of how oil is formed, The ride will be designed in coop- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al building and installation of located, drilled, extracted, trans- eration with Qatar Museums in Attiyah, and Turkey’s Minister of Defence, H E Hulusi Akar, met yesterday with Chairman of the innovative experiences for ported, separated and then used order to ensure the quality of the content and its historical validity Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord of Libya, H E Fayez Al Sarraj, in Tripoli. and to come out with the best During the meeting, they discussed the latest developments in Libya. The meeting was attended by The waterpark spans 137,000sqm and is realistic image stemming from the the State of Qatar’s Ambassador to Libya, H E Mohammed bin Nasser bin Jassim Al Thani, along with a lineup of Qatari Armed Forces’ senior officers.` P2 surrounded by six beaches and a hotel with the Qatari perspective and culture for oil exploration and extraction. capacity of 350 keys, in addition to the beach Guests enter the Edutainment Deputy PM, Turkish Defence Minister meet club and retail area. Ride through an introductory exhibition which explains some of the background events that Chairman of Libya's Presidential Council The waterpark features 36 waterslides and rides happened when oil was first sus- and is part of Qetaifan Island North, which is part pected in the region. The QNA — TRIPOLI High Council of State H E Ministry’s Undersecretary H attraction is housed in two Khalid Al Mishri in Tripoli. E Salah Al Namroush, Com- of Lusail City. buildings and one ride tower, and Deputy Prime Minister and During the meeting, they dis- mander of Central Region a cave houses the log flume ride Minister of State for Defence cussed the latest developments Major General Mohammed Al The whole island spans approximately 1.3 million with entrance and exit exhibition Affairs H E Dr. Khalid bin in Libya. Haddad and Tripoli region areas to display the story, as well Mohammed Al Attiyah and Deputy Prime Minister and Commander Major General sqm, and the project’s area on the island extends as disembarkation and embar- Turkey’s Minister of Defence Minister of State for Defence Abdulbasit Marwan. During to approximately 830,000sqm. kation of the ride. H E Hulusi Akar met yesterday Affairs H E Dr. Khalid bin the meeting, they discussed From the platform, the with Chairman of the Presi- Mohammed Al Attiyah and Tur- the latest developments in guests are taken on to one of dential Council of the key’s Minister of Defence H E Libya. three boats of the ride and enter Government of National Accord Hulusi Akar also met with The meetings were the Edutainment Cave; each of Libya, H E Fayez Al Sarraj in Libyan Minister of Interior H E attended by the State of Qatar’s boat can take a maximum of 16 Tripoli. Fathi Bashagha in Tripoli. Ambassador to Libya H E guests. After exiting the cave, During the meeting, they During the meeting, they dis- Mohammed bin Nasser bin the guests enjoy the outside discussed the latest develop- cussed the latest developments Jassim Al Thani along with a section of the ride until they ments in Libya. in Libya. lineup of Qatari Armed Forces’ reach the Edutainment Tower; H E the Deputy Prime Min- H E the Deputy Prime Min- senior officers. where the boat will be elevated ister and Minister of State for ister and Minister of State for H E the Deputy Prime Min- to another level so they can Defenxe Affairs and H E the Defence Affairs and H E Tur- ister and Minister of State for enjoy the second half of multi- Turkish Minister of Defence key’s Minister of Defence also Defence Affairs arrived in Libya media presentations. `P3 met with President of Libya's met with Libyan Defence yesterday on an official visit. HMC reminds people of ‘safe Qatar Post supports country by delivering zone’ for elderly at homes one million packages during COVID-19 FAZEENA SALEEM Health Department and co-chair THE PENINSULA of the National Pandemic Prep- aration Committee, said that cre- THE PENINSULA — DOHA Health Care Centre (PHCC) for been delivering over 10,000 and home accessories. With the recent call by the ating a ‘safe zone’ in the house the home delivery of vital med- items per month for these com- The Medicine Delivery health authorities to create a for elderly is an important action Qatar Post, the national ications to thousands of house- mercial businesses, connecting program allows patients to order ‘safe zone’ in the house for the that people can take to protect provider of postal services, holds across the country has local consumers with their pur- their refill medication directly elderly to protect from the vulnerable section of society continues to offer reliable, been met with high praise and chases from a range of Qatari from HMC and PHCC, as well as COVID-19, Hamad Medical from COVID-19. timely and secure delivery appreciation by MoPH partners and international retailers from to acquire newly prescribed Corporation in a social media Also Qatar has enhanced services in spite of COVID-19 and patients. various outlets across fashion, medication, and have them campaign has reminded people targeted care to protect the challenges. On average, Qatar Post has sports, electronics, cosmetics delivered directly to their homes. about the guidelines. elderly and most vulnerable Commenting on the success The service was launched within It highlighted that creating during COVID-19. of their services Hamad Al three weeks of the approach to a safe zone in the home can Global evidence has shown Fahida, Chief Operating Officer, The Medicine Delivery Qatar Post by the Ministry of protect the elderly family that while COVID-19 can affect at Qatar Post said: “These difficult program allows patients to Public Health and involved the members and those with people of all ages and health circumstances have given rise to mobilisation of additional chronic conditions. status, the elderly are much greater opportunities for Qatar order their refill medi- resources in record time. The ‘safe zone’ will be a des- more likely to experience Post to show its innovation for cation directly from HMC The speed and quality of ignated area of the house for severe symptoms and are delivery solutions and we have and PHCC. these vital deliveries are mon- these at-risk people. Anyone therefore more at risk from delivered over one million items itored daily and managed who enters this zone must wash becoming seriously ill if they to valuable customers and our Since its launch, the service through weekly virtual pro- their hands, wear a mask and contract the illness. Qatar community during this gramme meetings with MoPH maintain physical distancing. In response to this evi- pandemic period.” has witnessed over Officials and the Qatar Post The area should be thoroughly dence, Hamad Medical Corpo- Qatar Post’s agile response 80,000 deliveries per Team. Since its launch, the sanitised and kept clean as ration (HMC), in collaboration to the Ministry of Public month across the country service has witnessed over possible. with the Ministry of Public Health’s (MoPH) call for collab- during the pandemic. 80,000 deliveries per month “Keep the number of people Health and Primary Health oration with Hamad Medical across the country during the who visit and interact with Care Corporation (PHCC), has Centre (HMC) and Primary pandemic. `P2 elderly relatives and those with established a comprehensive chronic conditions to a plan to help protect this vul- minimum. This small group of nerable group of society. people should ensure they follow The plan includes compre- QM's Open Call for second 6/5 initiative preventive advice at all times to hensive public education and minimise their risk of contracting awareness campaign to inform THE PENINSULA — DOHA The 6/5 Open Call invites Qatar’s recent history, but also the virus and passing it onto the elderly citizens and their fam- artists to conceptualise and provides a creative platform for vulnerable family member. ilies about adhering to important In its continued efforts to take art propose a permanent public young and talented artists in These people should isolate guidelines for their safety. beyond Museum walls and artwork that explores the theme Qatar to contribute to the coun- themselves at the first sign of any Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad, nurture Qatar’s public art land- of “blockade” to commemorate try’s thriving cultural landscape. symptoms and get a test,” it said. National Lead for Healthy Ageing scape, Qatar Museums (QM) has 5th of June, 2017, when the “Public art is key in sparking To recall, addressing a press in Qatar and Medical Director of announced the Open Call for the blockade was imposed on Qatar. dialogue, and we invite all aspiring SEMI-FINAL conference organised by the Rumailah Hospital and Qatar second edition of its 6/5 initiative, Commenting on the public art and established artists to apply to Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Rehabilitation Institute, has said which will see artists from across initiative Abdulrahman Al Ishaq be part of this unique opportunity TODAY'S FIXTURE last week, Dr. Hamad Al that with increasing age, natural the country mark the blockade Acting Director of Public Art to unleash their creativity and PSG vs RB Leipzig Romaihi, Director of Health Pro- immune system becomes less through a commissioned Department at Qatar Museums, engage the community through tection and Communicable able to cope with the symptoms sculpture to be installed at a des- said: “The 6/5 initiative not only sculptures that represent Qatar’s Kick off at 10:00pm Qatar time Disease Control at the Public caused by the virus. `P3 ignated location in Doha. marks an important date in history, unity and resilience.” `P3 02 HOME TUESDAY 18 AUGUST 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY Hot daytime with some clouds and slight dust at times. FAJR03.48 am SUNRISE 05.09 am 34oC 43oC ZUHR 11.38 am ASR 03.07 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 16:33 – 02:39 LOW TIDE 09:37–00:00 MAGHRIB 06.09 pm ISHA 07.39 pm W ALRUWAIS: 33o↗37o W ALKHOR: 29o↗42o W DUKHAN: 35o↗40o W WAKRAH: 29o↗45o W MESAIEED 28o↗45o W ABUSAMRA 29o↗40o

Deputy PM, Turkish Minister of Defence meet Libyan OFFICIAL NEWS Amir congratulates Minister of Interior and Defence Ministry officials Indonesia President

DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, and Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani sent yesterday cables of congratulations to President of the Republic of Indonesia H E Joko Widodo on the anniversary of his country’s Independence Day. -QNA

Passengers arriving from Turkey to show COVID-19 test results: Qatar Airways

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, and Turkey’s Minister of Defence, H E Hulusi Akar, met with Libyan Minister of Interior, H E Fathi Bashagha, in Tripoli (left) and Libyan Defence Ministry’s Undersecretary, H E Salah Al Namroush, Commander of Central Region Major General Qatar Airways has said that Mohammed Al Haddad and Tripoli region Commander Major General Abdulbasit Marwan. effective from today, passengers arriving in Qatar from Istanbul, Turkey, must present a negative result of Qatar Post delivered one million a COVID-19 medical test Secretary-General of Ministry of Foreign taken within 48 hours of packages during COVID-19 arrival to Doha at an Affairs bids farewell to Iranian envoy accredited medical centre. “Passengers travelling FROM PAGE 1 Throughout the COVID-19 from other gateways in Qatar Post has extended the period, Qatar Post has also con- Turkey to Doha will be same delivery arrangements to tinued to support various gov- required to take a COVID-19 cover the distribution of medical ernment ministries by providing medical test on arrival at reports, medical consumables, a trusted, timely and safe Hamad International Airport nutritional and diabetes-related delivery service for important (HIA),” Qatar Airways products keeping patients away documents on behalf of Qatar’s tweeted yesterday. from pharmacies and health Metrash2 e-Government service. The Ministry of Public centres in an effort to contain the This includes the delivery of Health has accredited potential spread of the driving licences, vehicle regis- COVID-19 testing centres in coronavirus. trations, Qatar IDs and passports Turkey including Ankara These services have now to citizens and expats enabling Sehir hospital, Basaksehir further expanded to include the day to day life in Qatar to Cam ve Sakura Sehir hos- service providers from the continue. During the pandemic, pital, Kartal Dr. Litfi Kirdar private sector such as Sidra Med- Qatar Post has dealt with a 30 hospital and Sakarya Üniver- icine for the delivery of medica- percent increase in these sitesi Eğitim Ve Araştırma tions and supplements. important deliveries. Hastanesi. Ashghal completes main upgrading works on Umm Al Dome,

Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, met yesterday with Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the State of Qatar, H E Mohammed Ali Subhani, on Al Muaither and Al Innabi Streets the occasion of the end of his tenure. H E Hammadi extended thanks to H E the Ambassador for his efforts in strengthening bilateral relations, and wished him success in his future duties. THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced the completion of main upgrading Qatar Airways to operate flights works on Umm Al Dome, Al Muaither, and Al Innabi Streets and their opening to to and from 13 Indian cities traffic, at a total length of 6km. THE PENINSULA — DOHA Eligible travellers from quarantine measures in place, Besides, three new sig- Doha are: Indian nationals in please visit the Ministry of nalised intersections were Qatar Airways will be oper- Qatar, Qatari nationals Public Health website or Qatar constructed and opened as ating flights between India holding valid visa to enter Portal website .” It further part of Umm Al Dome Street and Doha from 13 cities in India. added. Improvement Project in India effective August 18 to “On our flights, we will The airline reiterated that Muaither area. August 31, 2020 a part of the only be able to accommodate “respective Government’s On this occasion, Eng Qatar-India ‘air bubble’ deal. the passengers who qualify for entry regulations will apply Fahad Mohamed Al Otaibi, Eligible travellers from one of the mentioned cate- to all passengers and urged Head of Western Areas India are: Qatari national, any gories,” the airline said on its everyone to check their Section in the Roads Projects Indian national holding a valid website. website for information about Department, said: “The Qatar visa with permission to “For more information COVID-19 RT-PCR medical recently developed Umm Al enter based on Qatar’s current about the process of returning test. Dome, Al Muaither, and Al entry regulations. to the State of Qatar and the Innabi Streets are among the most important commercial streets in the area, and the most crowded as well. Collec- Besides, three enhance traffic safety levels Qatar Embassy provides medical tively they serve the needs of new signalised especially after turning Umm many commuters who use Al Dome Street into a these streets on a daily basis intersections have one-way street with two equipment for workers in El to go to local shops, service been constructed lanes, starting from Muaither centres, public facilities, and North Street until Al Innabi schools which are served by and opened as Street as well as converting these streets.” part of Umm Al Muaither Street to a Salvador’s penitentiary centres “After having studied the one-way route with two traffic in this pivotal area, we Al Dome Street lanes, starting from Al Innabi QNA — SAN SALVADOR H E Al Othman affirmed at the press conference concluded that the best Improvement Street until Muaither North solution to be applied was to Project in Muaither Street. The Embassy of the State of Qatar that Qatar will continue to support El Salvador convert the traffic on Umm Al Eng Alateeq pointed out to the Republic of El Salvador, in to confront the outbreak of the COVID-19 crisis. Dome Street and Al Muaither area. that Ashghal has included coordination with the United Street to one-way streets, Umm Al Dome and Al Nations Office on Drugs and He said that providing support for front line which has significantly con- Muaither streets in the same Crime (UNODC) in El Salvador, workers in prisons and penitentiary centres tributed in easing the traffic On his part, Eng project in order to expedite provided medical and preventive comes in coordination with the UNODC within the flow.” Mohammed Masoud Alateeq, their completion since they equipment for workers in prisons Al Otaibi said that Ashghal the project engineer introduce a new traffic plan and penitentiary centres in El framework of the Doha Declaration. will implement a new project explained: “These recently in the area. The project Salvador, as part of the Global in the near future to serve the upgraded streets are also con- involved providing full infra- Programme for the Implemen- area and improve the con- sidered main roads that serve structure, including 1,135 car tation of the Doha Declaration. Tariq Othman Al Othman, and He said that providing nection with Umm Al Dome many residential neighbour- parking bays and installed A press conference, held on Head of the United Nations support, including personal and Al Muaither Streets hoods around the area such new LED street lights. this occasion, was attended by Office on Drugs and Crime protection supplies, for front through the upgrade of the as Muaither and Al Rayyan The project is currently El Salvador’s Deputy Minister Monica Mendoza. line workers in prisons and intersecting streets to reduce areas.” working on completing some of Justice and Director-General H E Al Othman affirmed at penitentiary centres in El Sal- the travel time for road users The opening of the two of the remaining works, of Penitentiary Centres H E the press conference that Qatar vador comes in coordination who wish to use either one of streets has helped improve which include the completion Osiris Luna, Acting Charge will continue to support El Sal- with the UNODC within the the two streets and change traffic flow, alleviate daily of road marking, landscaping d’Affairs at the Embassy of the vador to confront the outbreak framework of the Doha their destinations. traffic congestion, and and beautification works. State of Qatar to El Salvador HE of the COVID-19 crisis. Declaration. TUESDAY 18 AUGUST 2020 HOME 03 National libraries have potential to play crucial role in 288 new virus cases and promoting interaction between nations: Al Kuwari 294 recoveries FAZEENA SALEEM “National libraries Tangara, Minister of Foreign reported THE PENINSULA must not lag behind Affairs of Gambia; Bocchit Edmond, Adviser to the Pres- THE PENINSULA — DOHA National libraries have the in their vital role ident of Haiti and former Min- potential to play a crucial role of promoting ister of Foreign Affairs; Ram- The Ministry of Public Health in promoting constructive onjavelo Manambahoaka (MoPH) yesterday announced interaction and sharing constructive Valery Fitzgerald, Secretary the registration of 288 new knowledge between nations, interaction between General of the Presidency of confirmed cases of COVID-19 said H E Dr Hamad bin Madagascar; Ali Said Faqi, in the country. Another 294 Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Minister nations and creating Office of the President of people have recovered from the of State and President of Qatar opportunities for Somalia, Somali Ambassador virus, bringing the total number National Library, while to Benelux and the European of recovered cases in Qatar to speaking at a virtual forum cooperation and Union; H E Peter David, 112,088. recently. interaction that Foreign Minister of Grenada All new cases have been Qatar National Library empower our and several others. introduced to isolation and are and the United Nations The panel discussed the receiving necessary healthcare Institute for Training and universities, research vital role of national libraries according to their health status. Research (UNITAR) held the centers, scholars and and create a global knowledge The Ministry further said forum on ‘Cultural Diplomacy: sharing opportunity in the that measures to tackle The Role of National Libraries intellectuals,” said post COVID-19 world. COVID-19 in Qatar have suc- in Developing Nations,’ and Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library H E Al Kuwari. “We have a five-year plan ceeded in flattening the curve brought together government H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari to digitise our national and limiting the spread of the leaders, foreign ministers, high library, and to work with virus. The number of daily new commissioners and inde- partners such as Qatar to cases and hospital admissions pendent policy advisers. improve the services to our has gradually declined over the “National libraries must people,” said Moses Mose, past few weeks. not lag behind in their vital Solomon Islands Ambassador However, the Ministry has role of promoting constructive to the EU, discussing about his emphasised on the importance interaction between nations country’s national library. of taking precautions against and creating opportunities for While, Peter David, COVID-19. “Even though cooperation and interaction Foreign Minister of Grenada, restrictions are being lifted, and that empower our universities, focused on the new national numbers are declining, this does research centres, scholars and library project on of his not mean that the COVID-19 intellectuals,” said H E Al country and said, “For us, cul- pandemic is over in Qatar.,” the Kuwari. tural relations are so Ministry said. “Other human activities, important. Our national such as sports, can boost cul- library was destroyed in a tural diplomacy to spread hurricane, and preserving our HMC reminds wider and reach bigger audi- cultural heritage became a ences, and Qatar is a leader in priority. Developing our new people of ‘safe this field,” he added. public library is critical as a H E Al Kuwari explained focal point of cultural contact, zone’ for elderly that cultural diplomacy has where we can come together long been complementary to, with other countries like at homes and supportive of, traditional Qatar to help us deepen our FROM PAGE 1 diplomacy through the mutual Qatar National Library and UNITAR host a virtual forum on Cultural Diplomacy and the Role of National relations with the world.” representation of countries Libraries in Developing Nations. The Forum concluded with “The COVID-19 symptoms and the role of embassies. some recommendations to can include high fever, per- The Minister of State also and Doha is its capital,’ shares cultural diplomacy reveals the world are underfunded and boost cooperation and sistent dry cough, aches and expressed his sympathies Beirut’s grief and affirms its soul of the nation. Qatar neglected, shows a desire to enhance interaction between pains and extreme fatigue, and regarding the recent explosion confidence in the continuing National Library’s com- build bridges and facilitate libraries across the world, these can be challenging for in Beirut. “Beirut is a truly dis- cultural status of Beirut,” he mitment to working with understanding and knowledge including harnessing tech- anyone, but often more so as tinguished capital of culture said. partners across the world, sharing across the world,” he nology to enhance the digiti- we get older and our resilience not only in the Middle East, but He also explained the especially those from devel- said. zation of libraries; enhancing to deal with the symptoms of across the whole world,” he Qatar National Library’s oping nations, will ultimately The forum was moderated communication and inter- an infection weakens. The said, mission and vision to be a hub benefit the nation of Qatar, the by Rabih El Haddad, Director action between libraries as problems are exacerbated “Lebanon’s intellectual of knowledge, research and region and the international of the UNITAR Division for part of cultural diplomacy to when people have additional freedom made it a refuge from science for the community, the research community,” said H Multilateral Diplomacy and spread science and knowledge, chronic health condition, such the harshest conditions for region and the world. He also E Al Kuwari. the panel included Félix Ulloa, and using cooperation as diabetes, heart and kidney every oppressed writer, discussed the important activ- “Qatar National Library, Vice President of El Salvador; between national libraries as disease or similar; many of thinker, novelist and creative ities and initiatives such as and the nation’s commitment Dr. Amina Mohamed, Minister a means to enhance cultural which become more prevalent artist. Doha, under its slogan Qatar Digital Library. to knowledge acquisition, at a of Sports, Heritage and and educational relations with increasing age,” she said, ‘Arab culture is a homeland, “It’s often remarked that time when libraries around the Culture of Kenya; Mamadou between countries. recently. Contract awarded for Edutainment Ride at Qetaifan Island North FROM PAGE 1 On this occasion, Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Head of the Business Devel- opment Department at Qetaifan Projects, said, “This cooperation comes as a continuation of the realization of the company’s vision to make Qetaifan Island North the first entertainment destination of its kind in Qatar. This matter is of great impor- tance and we consider it a national duty due to the contri- bution it will add in the sectors of tourism, hospitality and enter- Qetaifan Island North will be the first entertainment destination tainment, not only that, but in of its kind in Qatar. terms of competitive interna- tional standards that express the Qetaifan Island North as a an immersive water ride that is concerted efforts exerted in pro- modern entertainment desti- not only fun but also educational. moting Qatari tourism. “ nation that provides a unique We are therefore delighted to He continued, “There is no experience and actively con- have been awarded the contract, A view of the reception organised by Ambassador of Qatar to France, H E Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al doubt that adding an tributes to providing sustainable working with some of the best Thani, in the French city of Cannes on the occasion of Qatar-France Year of Culture 2020. edutainment ride introducing solutions that serve tourism and teams in the world to deliver visitors to the history of Qatar hospitality.” what will be another award- would work to attract the largest The waterpark and its Icon winning project that will stand number of tourists of different tower will be managed and the test of time.” Qatar’s envoy to France holds reception age groups, especially those operated by Rixos International The waterpark spans interested in exploring different Hotels Group for the first time in 137,000 square meters and is cultures. Of course, there will be Qatar, along with the hotel and surrounded by six beaches and on Qatar-France Year of Culture 2020 regular school trips and more the Beach Club. Rixos Group is a hotel with the capacity of 350 QNA — PARIS how they evoke the multiple emphasised the growing role that local partnerships with bodies famous for its ownership of the keys, in addition to the beach aspects of Qatari culture by Qatar devotes to sports, and the and institutions interested in art Land of Legends Waterpark in club and retail area. The Ambassador of the State of Qatar mixing traditional Arab heritage efforts aimed at highlighting the and culture.” Turkey. waterpark features 36 to the French Republic H E and modernity. sports sector from a cultural and He added, “This cooperation Ross Magri, Managing waterslides and rides and is part Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani He pointed to technologies scientific perspective, and thus comes within a series of local and Director of Sarner International, of Qetaifan Island North, which held a reception in the French used in the construction of these highlighting the social, economic, global partnerships that will said “Sarner’s 50 year experience is part of Lusail City. It will be city of Cannes on the occasion of stadiums, which make most of technical and artistic stakes in prepare to host the 2022 World in both the theme park and the first entertainment and tour- Qatar-France Year of Culture them eco-friendly, while most of this sector. Cup and serve Qatar Vision 2030, museum markets is perfectly istic island in Qatar, making it a 2020, and to strengthen ties of the stadiums relied on the tech- Some of the French officials, especially since we at Qetaifan suited for this innovative project distinctive waterfront for the friendship and cooperation with nology of creating innovative who attended the function, Projects are working to position that combines the two, to create city. various French regions. stadium units so that their upper expressed their admiration for The ceremony was attended layers are removed after the these stadiums, as they reflect the by a number of the most prom- matches and offered later to rich diversity that enriches the inent officials in Cannes, and a developing countries lacking society in Qatar and how they QM’s Open Call for second 6/5 initiative group of French personalities in infrastructure. emulate the overall dimension FROM PAGE 1 the sectors of culture, arts, sports His Excellency stressed that of the World Cup as a platform Artists should consider the posed public artwork. and performing arts. During this offering stadiums to developing for exchanging cultures from dif- The QM 6/5 initiative is open relevance of the piece to the For more information function, the models of the eight countries is an integral part of the ferent countries all over the to Qatari artists and artists of community and the message about the 6/5 Open Call and Qatari stadiums designated to file of the State of Qatar hosting world. any nationality who are based they would like to convey to download an application host the 2022 World Cup were this important sporting event, They pointed out that these in Qatar and hold a valid through their artwork, and form, please visit https:// displayed. and it would help to develop stadiums, inspired by the Qatari Qatar residency permit. also take into consideration www.qm.org.qa/en/65-open- In a speech during the cer- football on the international and Arab culture, are in harmony Artists can be at any stage of weight, dimensions, materials call-2nd-edition. Artists must emony, H E the Ambassador stage. He also referred to the with the components of football their career but must possess and budget. send a completed application explained the most prominent metro network that Qatar is and carry a translation of the sus- strong skills to execute the Successful applicants will form and proposal to PAO- engineering and technical char- building to facilitate access to all tainable legacy that the event will proposed project by May 5, receive a commission con- [email protected] before acteristics of these stadiums and stadiums. His Excellency leave. 2021. tract to execute their pro- September 17, 2020. 04 HOME TUESDAY 18 AUGUST 2020

The stadium boasts a range of Education City Stadium: A eco-friendly features, including incorporating a passive design, which takes advantage of the climate to maintain a comfortable beacon of sustainability temperature inside the structure. THE PENINSULA — DOHA include low-flow water fixtures, an efficient irrigation system, native and Sport is a tool that brings people drought-tolerant flora, and energy- together, regardless of age, interests, efficient LED lighting systems. language, and ethnicity. And major Further demonstrating that sporting events hosted in ‘green’ learning is at the very heart of the buildings can be used as vehicles to stadium, following the conclusion of educate the public on the importance the World Cup – and as it moves into of sustainability. its legacy phase – 20,000 seats will be “For a developing nation as multi- donated to support the construction of cultural as Qatar, sport is a way of stadiums in developing countries. And bringing people together, and allowing it is set to serve as a hub for social and them to share memorable moments,” community engagement by also said Hamoda Y Youssef, Head of Tech- housing two progressive QF schools – sustainable, you are delivering a pow- will think that only expensive nical Affairs at Qatar Green Building Qatar Academy for Science and Tech- erful message to the world.” buildings with endless resources can Council, a member of Qatar Foun- nology and Academyati, both part of These buildings, according to be sustainable.” dation (QF). QF’s Pre-University Education. Youssef, can serve as education tools Youssef refers to this as non- “Sport on its own is a great gath- “Typically, cities are shaped by the – not just on the global stage, but also intrusive learning. “It’s not a Hamoda Y Youssef, Head of Technical ering point, and can serve as a platform architecture of their iconic buildings at a grassroots level, where members classroom,” he says. “Use subtle, non- Affairs at Qatar Green Building Council. for people to interact and engage pos- – for example, the Eiffel Tower in Paris of the community have the opportunity intrusive learning tips and tricks. Allow itively. So to send the message of sus- or the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala to engage and learn from them first- people to learn without feeling over- tainability through a sporting event or Research & Development. Lumpur,” said Youssef. hand, and reflect what they learn in whelmed, unsettled, or guilty. building is very powerful.” The stadium boasts a range of eco- “In Qatar, as we are gearing up for their daily lives and actions. “For example, within Education The Education City Stadium, which friendly features, including incorpo- the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the “By demonstrating the various City, QF’s Student Housing complexes was officially inaugurated earlier this rating a passive design, which takes stadiums will be our new iconic sustainable features to visitors, you boast dashboards detailing how the year within QF’s Education City, is a advantage of the climate to maintain buildings for the next few years, and can educate people on how to utilize buildings are energy efficient, water beacon of education and sustainability a comfortable temperature inside the even after the event itself. different eco-friendly tools within efficient, and in some cases high- to the world, and was the first FIFA structure. It also utilizes sustainable “There will be enormous memories their homes and within their own lighting their air quality. In QF’s World Cup Qatar 2022 venue to materials, sourcing 85 percent shared within these stadiums, billions wider communities, and show how Oxygen Park, the Qur’anic Botanic achieve a five-star Global Sustaina- regionally and 55 percent locally, while of people – even if not actually in Qatar these measures can be scaled accord- Garden has added detailed labels to bility Assessment System certification 29 percent was generated from – will experience the matches. And if ingly,” he said. “This is significant, the plants, including the history of the from the Gulf Organisation for recycled content. Other key features you promote these iconic buildings as because if you don’t do that, people species.” Carnegie Mellon Qatar appoints associate dean for diversity, climate THE PENINSULA — DOHA her new role, Vincent will development and faculty hiring. many of our faculty members opted to begin the academic provide leadership in planning, The areas heads are: Gordon choose to stay in Qatar, to grow year in remote learning mode, Michael Trick, the dean of implementing, and evaluating Rule in Biological Sciences, Fuad their careers and to give back to with the possibility of shifting to Carnegie Mellon University in goals related to diversity, Farooqi in Business Adminis- this academic community hybrid mode when it is safe to Qatar (CMU-Q), has created a inclusion, climate and equity. tration, Khaled Harras in Com- through university service.” do so. new leadership role to oversee Trick said: “This new role is puter Science, Selma Limam Farooqi replaces John “CMU-Q’s primary focus is and guide the campus’ efforts to integral to the Carnegie Mellon Mansar in Information Systems, O’Brien, who will continue as to provide a quality education become a more diverse, mission of cultivating a diverse, and Marion Oliver and Dudley senior associate dean for faculty to our students, no matter what. inclusive and equitable learning world class talent, encouraging Reynolds in Arts and Sciences. and outreach. Harras replaces This leadership team is seizing and working community. collaboration and ensuring indi- “While some of the area Kemal Oflazer, who will remain the challenge of pandemic Annette Vincent (pictured) viduals can achieve their full heads are new in their roles, all associate dean of research. restrictions and guiding our will be CMU-Q’s first associate potential. I am very pleased that of them have been at Carnegie The new leadership team is entire faculty to adapt the way dean of diversity and climate. Professor Vincent will be Mellon University in Qatar for already tackling their first chal- we teach and engage with our Vincent joined the CMU-Q guiding our community as we several years,” said Trick. “I am lenge. As the pandemic con- students,” said Trick. “Although faculty in 2012 and has served continue to grow and thrive.” area heads, a key role that proud to see that CMU-Q not tinues to shift the way univer- this year will look a little dif- as program director for Bio- Trick is also expanding the encompasses education, cur- only attracts superb educators sities worldwide are delivering ferent, I am excited to see how logical Sciences since 2016. In responsibilities of the academic riculum, budget, program from around the world, but their curricula, CMU-Q has our community comes together.” VCUarts Qatar researchers awarded HBKU Innovation Center Grant

THE PENINSULA — DOHA One of the main “To allow for the project out- drivers of the project comes to be easily replicated, we A proposal submitted by three will use VR-based collaboration researchers from Virginia is to help education tools that have already been Commonwealth University leadership and adopted in the industry, and School of the Arts in Qatar faculty overcome evaluate these within the context (VCUarts Qatar), a Qatar Foun- of education,” said Rafehi. dation (QF) partner university, the challenges “What is unique about our to develop an innovative peda- of using cutting- approach is the use of virtual HBKU faculty gogical model that employs edge technology embodiment to promote resil- virtual reality technology as a ience, innovative problem- member inducted medium of instruction, has been and software in solving, and optimism among recently awarded a grant by QF’s classroom settings. learners on a local or global into prestigious Cross-campus collaboration within Qatar Foundation campuses Hamad Bin Khalifa University scale.” addresses challenges in traditional education amplified (HBKU). This novel cross-disciplinary academy by COVID-19. The VR-based project – by HBKU for investigating inno- approach is intended to improve titled, ‘Reimag- vative methods to address student engagement, construc- THE PENINSULA — DOHA ining Edu- expected changes beyond the tivist learning, as well as build cation Beyond COVID 19 pandemic and its 21st century skills such as A Hamad Bin Khalifa University COVID-19 repercussions on the economy, empathy, critical thinking, and (HBKU) faculty member’s dedi- With Virtual society, trade and international innovation, to name but a few. cated work in many fields, Embodiment’ relations. In short, education is re- including public health, popu- – addresses All three researchers – imagined to be more forward- lation health and social the main chal- Sherin Karawia, Assistant looking, and resolve the chal- computing, has been recognised lenges in the Instructor, VCUarts Qatar; Mona lenges brought on by traditional with a prestigious honour. global edu- Kassem, Instructional Technol- teaching methodologies. Dr. Mowafa Said Househ cation system, ogist and IT Analyst, VCUarts “The investigation itself will PhD (pictured), an Associate and can be Qatar; and Mariam Rafehi, be carried out as a collaboration Professor in the University’s adapted to Adjunct Faculty at both North- between VCUarts Qatar and College of Science and Engi- both hybrid western University in Qatar NU-Q; the innovative peda- neering (CSE), has been elected and remote (NU-Q) and VCUarts Qatar – gogical model will be tested on Fellow of the International learning envi- have previously worked on student cohorts at both univer- Academy for Health Sciences ronments various projects that explore the sities over the fall semester,” said Informatics (IAHSI), estab- within Qatar. applications of technology in Kassem . lished in 2017 through the The draft education. “The results generated in the auspice of the International proposal was One of the main drivers of study will serve as a proof-of- Medical Informatics Associ- submitted in the project is to help education concept. The outcome of this ation (IMIA). response to a leadership and faculty overcome project will be a web-based IMIA is the world body for Rapid the challenges of using cutting- resource that will explain how health and biomedical infor- Response edge technology and software the VR model can be adopted by matics. It provides leadership and Innovation Call in classroom settings. the wider education community expertise to multidisciplinary, within Qatar.” health-focused community and VCUarts Qatar’s research policy makers to enable the proposal could not be timelier – transformation of healthcare in it comes at a watershed moment accord with the global vision of in the history of education. improving the wellbeing of the Karawia notes how the planet’s human population. recent transition to online class- The election into the rooms – brought on by the academy is a prestigious honor ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – in the fields of biomedical and amplified the aforementioned health informatics, as it seeks to challenges. recognize highly qualified “The limitations of tradi- experts in these fields. tional education forced the con- Dr Mowafa’s primary versation upon educators and research interests are around policy-makers across the the use of information and com- globe,” she said. “The sheer munication technologies to number of webinars and empower patients and clini- online-discussions on the topic cians, specifically focusing on – hosted by various stake- social media and mobile tech- holders such as the UNESCO, nologies in healthcare in the through CNN, to individual gov- promotion of public health ernments – since the start of the practice and healthcare pandemic, vouch for this. literacy. TUESDAY 18 AUGUST 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 05

Turkey imposes Customs chief arrested over Beirut blast new virus curbs AP — BEIRUT Thirty people are still before issuing the arrest responsible for handling and 10 and continues to serve in a in Istanbul missing after the warrant, the agency said. Daher securing it. caretaker capacity. The head of Lebanon’s customs will remain in custody as the Aoun said the FBI and There are no formal consul- ANATOLIA — ANKARA authority was formally arrested August 4 blast, which investigation continues. French investigators were tations underway on who will yesterday after being ques- caused an estimated NNA said that after ques- helping because “they, more replace Hassan Diab as prime People, who are 65 years of tioned over the massive tioning Daher, Sawwan headed than us, have the capability and minister and no likely candidate age and above or those explosion in Beirut earlier this $10bn to $15bn in to the scene of the blast to ability to find out the details of has emerged. suffering from chronic month, the state-run National damage. survey the damage and will what got the ship here, what is Meanwhile, Lebanon is diseases, in the Turkish capital News Agency reported. later return to question Hassan the source and who owns it.” facing a surge in coronavirus Ankara have been restricted The investigation is focused Koraytem, who was the top A nine-member team of FBI cases after the Beirut port blast, access to weddings, funerals, on why nearly 3,000 tonnes of after the blast, the single most port official until the day of the investigators landed in Beirut prompting medical officials to condolences, market places explosive ammonium nitrate destructive in Lebanon’s blast. on Sunday, according to a Leb- call for a two-week lockdown and social activities, where was being stored at the city’s history, showed that officials Lebanese President Michel anese aviation official, and were to try to contain the pandemic. masses gather, the country’s port. The ignition of the have known for years that 2,750 Aoun said the probe into the believed to have joined the The blast overwhelmed the authorities said yesterday. stockpile caused an explosion tonnes of ammonium nitrate devastating blast is “very investigation. French investi- city's hospitals and also badly The duration of the street that tore through the capital, were stored in a warehouse at complex” and would not be fin- gators have been active for days damaged two that had a key wedding parties in Ankara has killing at least 180 people and the port and knew about the ished quickly, adding that the at the port. role in handling virus cases. been limited to two hours, wounding 6,000. dangers. probe is divided into three parts. Popular anger has swelled Medical officials had warned of while the mass serving of food Thirty people are still Judge Fadi Sawwan ques- The first aims to determine the over the ruling elite’s corruption the dangers of crowding at hos- to wedding attendees has also missing after the August 4 blast, tioned customs chief Badri circumstances surrounding the and mismanagement. Lebanon’s pitals in the aftermath of the been banned. which caused an estimated Daher, who was detained days cargo, the second where it came government, which is supported explosion, at funerals, or as As part of measures to curb $10bn to $15bn in damage. after the blast, for 4 1/2 hours in from and who shipped it, and by the militant Hezbollah group people searched through the the spread of the virus, public Documents that surfaced the presence of his two lawyers the third to find who was and its allies, resigned on August rubble. transport and taxis will be required to place a fiberglass separator in vehicles between drivers and passengers. One dead as US forces As of Sunday, Turkey had registered a total of 5,974 deaths due to coronavirus. clash with Syrian troops Currently, there are nearly 250,000 confirmed cases in AP — DAMASCUS coalition forces and allied the country. Syrian Kurdish-led fighters US forces clashed with Syrian encountered a Syrian army troops in the northeast checkpoint after carrying out a Total confirmed yesterday, killing at least one patrol against the IS militant soldier and wounding two group. It said they were granted COVID-19 cases in others, state media said, while safe passage. the US military said it It said the patrol then came Oman reach 83,226 responded to small arms fire under small arms fire from the near a Syrian checkpoint. vicinity of the checkpoint and QNA — MUSCAT Tensions have been rising returned fire. There were no in northeastern Syria in recent casualties among US-led coa- The Omani Ministry of Health months as the Syrian military lition forces or the Kurdish-led said yesterday that the total has cut off American access to fighters, the statement said. number of coronavirus several areas. It denied a helicopter (COVID-19) cases in the State news agency SANA gunship attacked the Syrian country reached 83,226. quoted an unnamed Syrian mil- army checkpoint. The Ministry added that itary official as saying a US hel- Hundreds of US troops are the total number of COVID-19 icopter gunship attacked an stationed in northeastern Syria, related death cases stood at army checkpoint in the village working with their local 588, while the number of of Tal Dahab, near the town of partners from the Kurdish-led recoveries stood at 77,812, Qamishli, at around 9:45am Syrian Democratic Forces to comprising 93.5 percent. (0645 GMT). The official said a combat the Islamic State group. US forces patrol the area of the town of Tal Tamr, in Syria’s northeastern Hasakeh province, yesterday. The Ministry also pointed Syrian soldier was killed and Elsewhere in Syria, a out that 54 cases were hos- two others were wounded. Turkish military vehicle was Idlib province, Turkey’s military March. Russia is a close ally of military reported in a statement pitalised over the past 24 SANA said the Syrian army “slightly damaged” during an said. the Syrian government, while posted on Twitter. hours. prevented an American convoy attack yesterday on Turkish Turkey and Russia have Turkey supports the armed The statement said Turkish On Sunday , the Ministry from passing through. troops who were on a joint been conducting joint patrols Syrian opposition. troops had responded to the said that the total number of The US military said a joint patrol with Russian counter- of the region as part of a cease- The attack occurred during attack and that an operation confirmed cases in the Sul- force made up of US-led parts in Syria’s northwestern fire agreement they reached in the 25th such patrol, the was continuing. tanate was 83,086.

Israeli tanks pound military posts in Iraq Prime Minister says country still needs US help Gaza Strip AP — BAGHDAD launched in June to reconfigure struggling with the aftershocks an interest in profiting from US-Iraq ties. of the global coronavirus chaos. Iraq’s Prime Minister said In an exclusive interview pandemic. “These criminal acts are the AFP — JERUSALEM yesterday ahead of a much yesterday with the AP, he said Despite this, his adminis- result of many years of conflict,” anticipated trip to Washington Iraqi forces are capable of tration set a lofty agenda he said, blaming the poor pol- Israeli tanks pounded Hamas that his country still needs US fighting IS without the need for including economic reform, icies and improper man- targets in the Gaza Strip assistance to counter the threat foreign combat troops on the battling corruption, avenging agement of his predecessors yesterday in what has become posed by the IS militant group ground. But, he said, the next protesters and bringing arms which has undermined the a daily response to Palestinian and that his administration is stage of cooperation with the under the authority of the state. authority of the state. “It is not rockets and airborne fire- committed to introducing US would require continued The latter has pitted his gov- surprising then that criminals bombs launched into southern security sector reforms as rogue training and weapons support. ernment against rogue Iran- work here and there to desta- Israel and to clashes on the militia groups stage near-daily Sworn in as premier in May backed militia groups. bilize security.” border. attacks against the seat of his in the wake of historic mass The recent assassination of “We are committed to “Tanks targeted a number government. anti-government protests, al- prominent Iraqi commentator reforming the security estab- of military observation posts “In the end, we will still depend on the changing nature Kadhimi’s administration Hisham al-Hashimi and the kid- lishment and enhancing its belonging to the Hamas terror need cooperation and of the threats posed by terrorist inherited a myriad of crises. napping of German art curator ability to deal with these kinds organisation in the Gaza Strip,” assistance at levels that might groups. State coffers in the crude- Hella Mewis have lead many to of challenges and holding an army statement said in require direct and military Al Kadhimi is slated to meet dependent country were question the limits of his accountable those who fail to English, referring to the mil- support, and support on the with President Donald Trump slashed following a severe drop leadership. protect civilians and put an end itant group that rules the ground,” Mustafa Al Kadhimi in Washington this week to con- in oil prices, adding to the woes But Al Kadhimi said these to these outlawed groups,” he enclave. (pictured) said, but the levels clude a strategic dialogue of an economy already were perpetrated by those with said. The army said that in addition to cross-border attacks with explosives and incendiary devices suspended Israel President invites from balloons, dozens of people had also “instigated riots along the Gaza Strip UAE’s de facto leader security fence” on Sunday evening. The latest incidents follow to Jerusalem a week of heightened tensions, including border clashes, REUTERS — JERUSALEM “I have no doubt that future during which Israel has also generations will appreciate the closed its Kerem Shalom goods Israel’s president yesterday way you, the brave and wise crossing with the Gaza Strip invited the United Arab leaders, have restarted the dis- and Sunday shut down Gaza’s Emirates’ de facto leader to visit course on peace, trust, dialogue permitted coastal fishing zone. Jerusalem, praising his role in between peoples and religions, Israeli fire services in the achieving a “noble and coura- cooperation and a promising border areas reported 28 geous” deal to normalise rela- future,” Rivlin wrote. outdoor fires Sunday, and tions between Israel and the “On behalf of the people of farmers said that extensive UAE. Israel and (me) personally, I damage was caused to an Both countries announced take this opportunity to extend avocado orchard. on Thursday they would forge an invitation to Your Highness A fires services statement formal ties under a US-spon- to visit Israel and Jerusalem and on Sunday evening said that sored deal whose implemen- be our honoured guest,” Rivlin since August 6 its investigators tation could recast Middle East said in the letter, which his had identified 149 fires in politics ranging from the Pal- spokesman released publicly. southern Israel caused by estinian issue to dealing with The Palestinians have incendiary balloons from Iran, the common foe of Israel called the deal a “betrayal” by Gaza. and Gulf Arabs. an Arab country that they have On Saturday evening, Pal- The deal drew anger and long looked to for support in estinian “rioters burned tyres, dismay in much of the Arab establishing a state in Gaza, hurled explosive devices and world and Iran but a quiet East Jerusalem and the grenades towards the security welcome in the Gulf. occupied West Bank, lands fence and attempted to “In these fateful days, lead- Israel captured in the 1967 approach it,” an Israeli army ership is measured by its Middle East war. statement said. courage and ability to be “I am hopeful,” Rivlin’s That was followed on groundbreaking and far- letter went on, “that this step Sunday by Israeli air strikes on sighted,” Israeli President will help build and strengthen Hamas, including what a mil- Reuven Rivlin wrote in a letter the trust between us and the itary statement called “a mil- to Sheikh Mohammed bin peoples of the region, a trust itary compound used to store Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown that will promote under- rocket ammunition”. prince of Abu Dhabi. standing between us all. 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA TUESDAY 18 AUGUST 2020 German Minister warns of ‘deceptive calm’ in Libya

AFP — TRIPOLI Heiko Maas urged Fayez Al Sarraj and Interior Libya to find ways Minister Fathi Bachagha. Libya faces a “deceptive calm” Turkish Defence Minister since fighting stalled around out of “this very Hulusi Akar and Qatar’s Min- Sirte, the central hometown of dangerous situation” ister of State for Defence, Khalid fallen dictator Muammar bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, were Gaddafi, German Foreign and backed a UN also in Tripoli yesterday. Minister Heiko Maas warned proposal to establish In a joint meeting with during a surprise visit yesterday. a demilitarised zone Sarraj, they discussed “the latest Outside powers are “con- developments in Libya and the tinuing to massively arm the around Sirte, some military mobilisation east of country,” said Maas, whose gov- 450km east of Tripoli. Sirte and in the Al Jufra region”, ernment has tried to broker according to the GNA media peace in the war-torn North office. African nation. pro-GNA forces expelled Speaking at a joint press “In Libya at the moment we Haftar’s troops from much of conference with Maas, his GNA are observing a deceptive western Libya and pushed them counterpart Mohamad Taher calm,” he told journalists in eastwards to Sirte, a gateway to Siala objected to the European Tripoli, seat of the UN-recog- Libya’s rich oil fields and export Union’s naval mission Irini, nised Government of National terminals. which aims to enforce a UN Accord (GNA). Now, said Maas, “both sides arms embargo on Libya. Libya’s internationally-recognised Prime Minister Fayez Al Sarraj meets with German Foreign Minister Libya has been in chaos and their international allies are He said it deprives the GNA Heiko Maas in Tripoli, yesterday. since a Western-backed continuing to massively arm the of military aid “to counter the uprising toppled Gaddafi in country and holding firm to aggression” of Haftar but “does tions with Israel. it to do so, in the spirit of the groups have reported wide- 2011, and has become a major their preconditions for a not monitor the arrival of arms Maas said UAE had “shown Berlin Process,” he said, spread abuses and departure point for desperate ceasefire”. and mercenaries by air, sea and that it has the ability to make referring to a January peace mistreatment. migrants trying to reach Europe Maas urged them to find land via Egypt” in support of an important contribution to conference. “For a long time we have with the help of traffickers. ways out of “this very dan- Haftar. peace in the region” and added “Only those who participate been calling for the closure of Eastern-based military gerous situation” and backed a Germany’s top diplomat on that now he also hoped “to see in a political process will be part the detention centres and the commander Khalifa Haftar UN proposal to establish a his two-day trip was next due encouraging signs from Abu of Libya’s future,” Maas added. establishment of alternatives in launched an offensive in April demilitarised zone around Sirte, to visit the United Arab Dhabi on the issue of Libya”. Maas said he also wanted to urban regions,” he said, calling 2019 to seize Tripoli. some 450km east of Tripoli. Emirates, one of Haftar’s main “The United Arab Emirates discuss the fate of migrants for “effective measures to After 14 months of fierce He said he had discussed backers which last week agreed is in a position to influence stuck in Libyan detention finally combat human traf- fighting, Turkish-backed this idea with Prime Minister to normalise diplomatic rela- General Haftar, and we expect centres, where human rights ficking networks”.

SADC summit Tehran says ships targeted by US were holding Iranian fuel backs Mozambique BLOOMBERG — TEHRAN they held. commercial shipping amid per- victory for itself in the middle might commit a provocation, James Malloy, commander ceived Iranian threats, Malloy of this,” Zanganeh said yes- whether they’re going to do in ‘terrorism’ fight Four tankers whose cargoes of the US Fifth Fleet based in said. terday at a briefing in Tehran. what they did last week, where AFP — MAPUTO were seized by the US over the Bahrain, said yesterday that Iran has the means to “The fuel was Iranian, but it they signaled their anger by past month were heading to Washington used contracted disrupt the flow of international had been sold to Venezuela seizing a vessel.” Countries around southern Venezuela with gasoline loaded vessels to seize the Iranian fuel tankers transiting the Strait of and its payment had been While Iran regularly inter- Africa yesterday voiced in Iran, according to Iranian Oil and transfer it to other ships. Hormuz, the world’s most cleared.” cepts ships it alleges have support for Mozambique as it Minister Bijan Namdar Two of the transfers took place critical choke point for oil ship- Malloy drew a sharp dis- entered its waters or are ille- grapples with jihadist insur- Zanganeh. in the Gulf of Oman, and the ments. However, the impact tinction between what he gally smuggling fuel, last week’s gents who have seized a key His comments are the first other two occurred off the coast that such interference might described as non-military sei- boarding evoked memories of port in its gas-rich north. acknowledgment by Tehran of Mozambique, he said on a have on oil prices would zures ordered by the US and a spate of attacks on vessels in A statement issued by that the vessels were trans- call with reporters. probably be limited, given that Iran’s forcible boarding of a 2019 that even saw Britain and leaders of the 16-nation porting shipments from the The seizure was an unprec- pandemic-driven lockdowns smaller tanker, the Liberian- Iran engage in tit-for-tat Southern African Devel- Islamic Republic when the US edented step by Washington, have battered demand for flagged Wila, on August 12 in the seizures. opment Community (SADC) confiscated them. Iran’s Pres- which said the ships contained energy. Gulf of Oman. Iran has been exporting declared their “commitment ident Hassan Rouhani said on 1.1 million barrels of gasoline, “The cargoes were loaded Molloy said Iranian per- gasoline to Venezuela in to support Mozambique in Saturday it was a “lie” that the and it could destabilise global from Iran, but neither the sonnel beat up crew members defiance of US sanctions that addressing the terrorism and tankers were Iranian, though oil markets if Iran retaliates. ships nor the cargoes belonged of the Wila and stole equipment. are intended to choke off both violent attacks.” he didn’t comment on what The US Navy is in contact with to Iran, and the US declared “We don’t know when Iran nations’ oil revenue. Leaders, conferring in an annual summit that was held by video conference, also praised Maputo for its “con- Sudan protests mark one tinued efforts.” At least 1,500 people have year since post-Bashir deal died and around a quarter of a million have fled their homes AFP — KHARTOUM On August 17, 2019, after since a shadowy jihadist group weeks of intense negotiations, began attacks on remote loca- Sudanese protesters in the the military rulers and protest tions in northern Mozambique capital Khartoum yesterday leaders signed a “constitutional in October 2017. called for “justice” and “peace” declaration” under which a sov- The low-key insurgency has as they marked the one-year ereign council of six civilians become increasingly brazen, anniversary of a transitional and five military figures will and last week fighters seized the government following the govern for a transitional period. port of Mocimboa da Praia, the ouster of long-time autocrat However, demonstrators cornerstone of a plan to develop Omar Al Bashir. said the government had not the region’s gas riches. Large crowds marched fulfilled its promises. The port has been under through the government district “I am here to protest the militants control for six of the capital Khartoum, some because we want to see the days now, despite deployment burning tyres, before police goals of our revolution by the Mozambican army. fired tear gas to break them up, achieved,” said 22-year-old Analysts said the SADC’s a journalist said. Sawsan Mohammad. commitment fell far short of Clashes erupted at the end Protesters called for justice concrete plans of collective of the rally when an adviser to for those killed during the dem- action. Prime Minister Abdallah onstrations against Bashir and “They could have Hamdok came out to collect a military rule, and several appointed special envoys... a letter written by the demon- carried flags and banners Demonstrators gather to stage a protest, demanding fulfilling of December 2018 revolution’s goals, fact-finding mission, they could strators, who demanded that bearings slogans including outside Prime Ministry building in Khartoum, Sudan, yesterday. have talked about the human- the head of the government “Justice”, “Peace”, “Reform the itarian crisis — but there is receive it personally. security sector” and “The people But demonstrators say However, he also acknowl- must... be modernised to be in nothing of that sort,” said Liesl Bashir, currently on trial are still suffering”. action has been too slow. edged the challenges. the service of citizens”. Louw-Vaudran, a senior over the military coup that Sudan’s transitional gov- Prime Minister Hamdok “Issues of justice... remain Hamdok has made finding researcher at the Pretoria- brought him to power, was ernment has been pursuing a outlined in a statement yes- one of the most important tasks a peace deal with rebel groups based Institute for Security overthrown by the army on string of reforms, seeking to terday his transitional govern- we face,” Hamdok said in the a priority, in order to bring sta- Studies (ISS). “It is disap- April 11, 2019 after a wave of rebuild ties with the US, boost ment’s achievements over the statement. bility to the restive regions of pointing. You get a sense it still mass protests against his three- its international standing and past year, including negotia- “The state apparatus must Darfur, Blue Nile and South being treated as Mozambique decade, iron-fisted rule. rescue its ailing economy. tions with multiple rebel forces. be rebuilt, and civil service Kordofan. is handling (the conflict) alone”. Italy has no more room for illegal migrants, minister tells Tunisia Officials: Niger troops free

AFP — TUNIS Italy’s Interior Minister 11 Boko Haram hostages Luciana Lamorgese joined Di Italy has no more room for Maio along with the European AFP — NIAMEY two villages in Gueskerou, a illegal migrants, its foreign Commissioner for Enlargement district on the Niger side of minister Luigi Di Maio said Oliver Varhelyi and European Troops from Niger have freed Lake Chad. yesterday on a visit to Tunisia, Commissioner for Home Affairs 11 villagers, four of them The marshy shoreline of the from where many of them cross Ylva Johansson. children, who had been seized lake, shared by Chad, Niger and the Mediterranean Sea. Negotiations between Italy by Boko Haram jihadists and Nigeria, has become a hunting After a meeting with the and Tunisia will continue “to taken across the border into ground for cross-border Tunisian President Kais Saied, find formulas for bilateral coop- Nigeria, local officials said jihadists, who attack remote Italy’s top diplomat said Rome eration,” the Italian foreign yesterday. communities and often carry “is ready to present all the nec- minister said, according to the “The hostages were freed out ransom kidnappings. essary aid to Tunisia” to combat Tunisian presidency. by our troops on the Nigerian According to Niger’s state illegal immigration. The Italian delegation had side of Lake Chad, near a Boko TV, the troops tracked the kid- But he stressed that “there expressed its “political and Haram base,” Yahaya Godi, nappers and freed the hostages is no question of leaving in Italy Tunisian Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Salma Ennaiefer economic support” to secretary of the Diffa region just as their families were about those who arrive illegally,” (left), welcomes Italian Foreign Minister, Luigi Di Maio, upon his strengthen Tunisia’s efforts ... governorate in southeast Niger, to pay a ransom of $3,600. according to a statement by the arrival in Tunis, yesterday. to encourage investment and added. It showed guns and ammu- Tunisian presidency. job creation, especially in the “There are 11 people, nition that had been recovered Italy has been struggling in ongoing coronavirus crisis. Migrant arrivals to Italy interior regions,” the statement including three women and from the abductors. recent months to deal with daily Tunisia meanwhile is bat- rose by nearly 150 percent over added. four children, two of them “The army has delivered arrivals of hundreds of migrants tling high unemployment and the past year, with the majority Tunisia’s Saied said that babies, who were seized by the a heavy blow to the enemy,” to its southern shores, a task political instability, pushing coming by boat from Tunisia, “security solutions alone do not Boko Haram terrorist group.” said Godi, who welcomed the complicated by security more so-called economic Italy’s interior ministry said on make it possible to fight against The abductions took place group of hostages after their measures imposed by the migrants to cross to Italy. Saturday. irregular immigration”. on August 11 and 12 in ordeal. TUESDAY 18 AUGUST 2020 ASIA 07 Coronavirus deaths surpass 50,000 in India AFP — NEW DELHI “Successful But experts say India’s testing rates per million inhab- India’s official coronavirus implementation itants are far lower than other death toll soared past 50,000 of testing countries, and that too few yesterday as the pandemic deaths are properly recorded rages through smaller cities and aggressively, tracking — even in normal times. rural areas where health care comprehensively and “(A) couple of studies have is feeble and stigmatisation rife. treating efficiently indicated that... only one in four Many experts say the real deaths is certified and a cause numbers may be far higher due through a plethora of death is established,” Lalit to low testing rates and because of measures have Kant, former head of epidemi- deaths are often not properly ology and communicable dis- recorded in the vast and impov- contributed to the eases at the Indian Council of erished nation of 1.3 billion existing high level of Medical Research, said. people. In addition, many of the India last week overtook recoveries,” the Health tests being done — up to 30 Britain with the world’s fourth- Ministry said. percent nationally — are the less highest number of fatalities, reliable rapid antigen tests behind the United States, Brazil where “false negatives” can be and Mexico, and as of yesterday recoveries,” the ministry said. reported in up to half of cases, had recorded 50,921 deaths, According to tracking according to media reports. according to the Health website Worldometer, the Prime Minister Narendra Ministry. United States, with 170,000 Modi’s government imposed in With some of the world’s deaths, has a death rate of 3.11 March one of the world’s biggest megacities and slums, percent while Brazil, with strictest lockdowns. India is already the third-most almost 110,000 fatalities, sees It dealt a heavy blow to infected nation behind the US 3.22 percent of those who test Asia’s third-biggest economy Muslim devotees wearing face masks pray inside the Sheikh Abdul Qadir Geelani shrine in downtown and Brazil with 2.65 million positive die. and caused misery for the coun- Srinagar, yesterday. Authorities reopened religious places in Kashmir nearly five months after they infections. According to the Indian try’s poor, with tens of millions were closed as a preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19. Despite the rising death toll, health ministry, the US “crossed of migrant workers left jobless the health ministry said on 50,000 deaths in 23 days, Brazil almost overnight. severely short of workers. suggests that measures to stop severely stretched. Sunday that India’s virus mor- in 95 days and Mexico in 141 Vast numbers trudged back State and local governments the spread such as masks and “In smaller cities and towns tality rate of 1.92 percent was days. India took 156 days to penniless to their home villages across the country have mean- distancing are widely ignored. and rural areas tests of “one of the lowest globally”. reach this national figure.” Pos- from cities including New Delhi, while reimposed lockdown In addition, a lack of public COVID-19 may not be “Successful implementation sible reasons that have been Mumbai and Ahmedabad, many measures as the virus has awareness has contributed to available,” Lalit said. of testing aggressively, tracking suggested include India’s rela- of them on foot. Some died on spread to smaller cities and those with the virus being ostra- “Patients with COVID-like comprehensively and treating tively young population, its the way. rural areas, where around 70 cised, making people more symptoms are often turned efficiently through a plethora climate and greater exposure The lockdown has since percent of Indians live. reluctant to get tested. away from heath care facilities, of measures have contributed to pathogens that cause tuber- been steadily eased but many In many rural regions Health care facilities outside some may die without a test to the existing high level of culosis than elsewhere. sectors complain that they are however, anecdotal evidence the major cities are also being done.” Australian state premier apologises for cruise ship failures New Zealand’s Ardern

REUTERS — SYDNEY toria have proven costly. “I can’t imagine what it would Authorities in the south- “The lessons weren’t learnt be like having a loved one or being eastern state said 282 new postpones election as The leader of Australia’s New soon enough and again I apol- someone yourself who continues COVID-19 cases had been South Wales state apologised ogise unreservedly on behalf all to suffer and experience trauma detected, about the same as the yesterday for failing to stop of those individuals and as a result,” she said. 279 cases reported on Sunday. COVID-19 flares up people carrying the novel coro- agencies who made those mis- The inquiry commissioned Those numbers are well navirus from disembarking takes,” Berejiklian told by Berejiklian’s government below the peak of more than REUTERS — WELLINGTON Winston Peters, who had called from a cruise ship in Sydney in reporters in Sydney. found that NSW health officials 700 daily cases in Victoria for a delay, said “common March, triggering what was at A public inquiry in the Ruby failed to ensure the ship knew earlier this month and officials New Zealand’s prime minister sense has prevailed”. the time Australia’s worst Princess outbreak concluded of heightened screening for the are confident a strict lockdown postponed the country’s The leader of the populist outbreak. last week that NSW health offi- virus, or ensure that sick pas- in Melbourne is working. general election yesterday by New Zealand First party The apology from NSW cials made “inexcusable” mis- sengers were isolated in their NSW was the only other a month to October 17 as the delivered government to Premier Gladys Berejiklian for takes when they allowed about cabins. state on Monday to report new city of Auckland remains in Labour through a coalition deal her government’s poor handling 2,700 passengers, 120 of whom They also failed get quick COVID-19 cases, with seven lockdown due to a growing after no party won a majority of the outbreak aboard the were feeling unwell, to leave test results for unwell pas- detected in the past 24 hours. coronavirus outbreak. at the 2017 election. Ruby Princess came as the the Carnival Corp-owned ship sengers before they Australia is in talks with Jacinda Ardern bowed to The Election Commission number of deaths from a second on March 19. disembarked. vaccine manufacturers to pressure to delay the polls after said it was ready to hold a vote wave of infection in Victoria The inquiry found 914 infec- Victoria state, where a secure supplies, Health Minister parties complained they could with health measures including state hit a record 25. tions could be traced back to the second wave of infection Greg Hunt said on Sunday. not campaign with nearly a hand sanitiser and physical dis- Australia has reported Ruby Princess, mostly among erupted in the capital of Mel- He declined to comment on third of New Zealand’s five tancing in voting centres, pro- 23,500 COVID-19 cases and 421 passengers. The outbreak led bourne in June, said the number media reports that Canberra million people under lockdown tective gear for staff and deaths, far fewer than many to 28 deaths. of new infections were steady will reach a deal with British in Auckland. contact-tracing systems. other developed nations, but Berejiklian apologised par- over the past 24 hours. The drugmaker AstraZeneca to “Ultimately, the 17th of “These are challenging missteps in the handling of the ticularly to the 62 people who daily death toll of 25 surpassed secure the University of October... provides sufficient times for everyone, but we will Ruby Princess and possibly also contracted the virus from a the previous record of 21 set on Oxford’s vaccine as soon as the time for parties to plan around have measures in place so that with hotel quarantine in Vic- passenger. August 12. first half of next year. the range of circumstances we people can vote in person at a will be campaigning under,” voting place this October,” Ardern said at a news Chief Electoral Officer Alicia Sri Lanka plunges conference. Wright said. The prime minister ruled Ardern’s opponents accuse into darkness as out delaying the polls any her of using the pandemic to power outage hits further, as her Labour Party shore up support as she appears maintains a strong lead over on television nearly every day entire nation the conservative National Party to reassure New Zealanders, in opinion polls. while other party leaders AFP — COLOMBO “We are all in the same struggle to get attention. boat. We are all campaigning Her rivals are hoping The entire nation of Sri Lanka in the same environment,” Ardern loses some of her appeal was left without power Ardern said. once economic hardships yesterday in a seven-hour New Zealand on Monday caused by the lockdown begin outage following a failure at a recorded nine new cases of to bite. key electricity facility, officials COVID-19, taking the number New Zealand has fared far said. of active cases to 78. There have better than most countries Minister of Power Dullas now been a total of 1,280 cases during the pandemic but an Alahapperuma said an in the country, and 22 deaths. abrupt resurgence of COVID-19 unspecified “technical issue” An earlier election would last week in Auckland at the Kerawalapitiya power have worked in Ardern’s prompted Ardern to extend a complex just outside the favour, as her success in stifling lockdown for the city’s 1.7 capital Colombo was the cause COVID-19 and keeping the million residents until Aug. 26, of the blackout, which hit the country virus-free for 102 days while social distancing rules are entire nation of 21 million until the latest outbreak had in place in other towns and people at about midday. boosted her popularity. cities. Power was restored in The election was scheduled The origin of the new out- Colombo after seven hours, for September 19 and New break is still unknown. Author- but some other parts of the Zealand law requires it to be ities said previously that it island nation were yet to be Sri Lankan Minister formally begins work held by November 21. Advance could have been through an reconnected. Sri Lanka’s Irrigation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa (centre) formally begins work on his second portfolio voting will now start on Americold cold-storage facility It was the worst disruption as the State Minister of Internal Security at his office in Colombo, yesterday. October. 3. where one of the infected indi- since March 2016, when the Deputy Prime Minister viduals worked. whole country was without electricity for more than eight hours following a massive system breakdown. India ruling party denies preferential treatment by Facebook The public utilities regulator said there would be a probe into AP — NEW DELHI The party members instead were “flagged internally for Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore Labs, a South Asia research the failure and gave the state- accused Facebook of censoring promoting or participating in wrote in an op-ed in the Indian organisation, showed that run electricity monopoly, the Members of India’s governing pro-India content. violence.” Tejasvi Surya, a BJP Express newspaper. groups sharing anti-Muslim Ceylon Electricity Board, three party yesterday rejected alle- Opposition Congress party lawmaker and a member of the Facebook said in a statement content on Facebook were sup- days to explain the massive gations that Facebook had lawmaker Shashi Tharoor said parliamentary committee on IT, yesterday that it prohibits hate porters of Modi’s party or were disruption. chosen to turn a blind eye to the information technology rejected the idea that Facebook speech and content that incites linked to the Rashtriya The power cut caused partisan hate speech on its committee he heads in Par- was showing favoritism to the violence and enforces these Swayamsevak Sangh, a Hindu chaos on already congested platform to protect its growing liament will take up the findings governing party, and instead rules globally “without regard nationalist paramilitary vol- roads in Colombo, with traffic business interests in India. of the August 14 report in The charged it was “censoring pro- to anyone’s political position or unteer organization and the lights not operating and police As usage has spread across Wall Street Journal. Congress India and pro-Hindu voices.” party affiliation.” ideological parent of the BJP. struggling to man key India, Facebook and its sub- leader Rahul Gandhi accused the “There are millions of posts Modi’s party leaders have The controversy comes as intersections. sidiary WhatsApp have become BJP of “controlling” Facebook mocking Hindu deities and come under scrutiny for running Facebook and Jio, India’s Water supply was also fierce battlegrounds for India’s and demanded a joint probe by abusing right-of-center leaders. online campaigns laced with false cheapest and most popular affected as there was no elec- political parties, but spokesmen Parliament’s two houses. But Facebook’s advanced algo- claims or with vitriolic attacks on phone service provider, await a tricity to operate the pumps. for Prime Minister Narendra The Wall Street Journal rithms and community India’s minority Muslim popu- green light from India’s Supreme Hospitals and other critical Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party report said Facebook India’s standards fail to catch them. lation, posting videos or images Court to roll out WhatsApp Pay, infrastructure in the country denied a newspaper report that head of public policy, Anhki However, unsuspecting that range from accusing Muslims an e-commerce and digital pay- had power generators. The asserted Facebook officials Das, “opposed applying hate- common people running pro- of converting Hindu girls to Islam ments platform poised to help main airport has remained chose not to take action against speech rules” to at least four right-of-center pages are sus- to intentionally spreading the the social media behemoth mostly shut because of the party members whose posts vio- individuals and groups linked pended with no right to appeal,” coronavirus. further penetrate India’s trillion- coronavirus pandemic. lated rules against hate speech. with the BJP even though they fellow BJP lawmaker A 2019 analysis by Equality dollar digital market. 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 18 AUGUST 2020 Perpetual search for happiness 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]

DR YOUSUF ALI AL MULLA DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected] We realize that happiness can predict health and longevity at times and it can be used as a standard to measure the social progress as well. EDITORIAL Everyone seeks happiness, but what kind of happiness does people want? Is it the experience of happiness at its Supporting Lebanon moment or when we look QATAR is extending all help to Lebanon. The State is back on the past remem- at the forefront and leading global efforts in providing bering our happy times? With A happy girl holds a parrot in Gundonovia at the National Park Isiboro Secure, known by its Spanish medical and relief aid and help in reconstruction efforts a remarkable start, I could say acronym TIPNIS, some 132 miles east of La Paz. for people affected in the aftermath of Beirut port here that happiness is like a explosion. butterfly when you follow it, it In implementation of the directives of the Amir H is always out of your grip but other emotions is not some- came to draw the attention of you will never arrive. When I H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, a shipment of if it sits still and quietly it may thing you get but rather psychology towards positive mention the experience of urgent assistance provided by Qatar Red Crescent burn! something you live. When you elements that will help people happiness in life, we should Society (QRCS), arrived in Beirut on board two Amiri In fact, people search for get confused and angry while create a happier life. not always think about short- Air Force aircraft, accompanied by a relief team com- happiness here and there, and you are driving your car, for Moreover, to simplify an term emotions at all, but prising of members and volunteers of QRCS. some people may continu- instance as a result of traffic easy way to boost your hap- rather about the quality of life Qatar has sent two field hospitals to Lebanon. ously try to look for that jam, you do not feel self-con- piness scale, you can try to that we live and a long-term Last week, the second Qatari field hospital was inau- strange formula to make their scious about the state of stay in a place with good view of the meaning of the gurated at Lebanese Hospital Geitaoui in Beirut, as life happier. Perhaps it is the anger, in fact here you do not weather for half an hour, for word happiness! part of the medical aid and supplies provided by Qatar fact that a person always think of yourself (is what I am example every day. Just by Actually, the experience of to support Lebanon. The 500-bed hospital includes aspires to be better and to be doing right!), you just live the staying in the good and beau- being satisfied with long-term a pharmacy equipped with medicines, an operating happy. However by looking anger and adopt it! That is tiful weather, it becomes clear life is originally made up of room, an intensive care room, and a cancer treatment around you, people might why it is important to realize to you how it can significantly feelings of joy and pleasure in department. The first Qatari field hospital was inau- question their happiness that finding happiness is not enhance your positive mood the short term. If you are gurated in Beirut on August 11 at Al Roum when something important achieved by itself, but rather and it can also help in waiting for enough money to Hospital. happens in their lives! Inter- is a side effect of a certain set improving your memory. This be generous, you will never Qatar, with all its institutions, continues to provide estingly man’s life experience of continuous life leads us all to realize the get there. Rather, you should relief and support to Lebanon. QRCS and Qatar Charity releases him to discover experiences. importance of weather and its choose to be generous with have started distributing aid and begun relief cam- himself , is it the loss of a What I would like to point effect on happiness and likely your time and money, with a paigns in Lebanon. QRCS repaired 25 homes damaged loved one, the loss of his job, out is that most people set the relationship of self-hap- little discipline in your life to by the explosion as part of 500 homes planned to be his retirement or a change of certain goals in their life and piness to temperature. be happy today and repaired for immediate return of families to their homes. the place?.....Of course, they when that goal is achieved, One of the studies showed tomorrow. On other hand, it is The aid from Qatar will not be limited to food and med- are experiences, nevertheless they are definitely filled with that the temperature at 13.9 important to recall that close icine, but will include other aspects in coordination for many of us the key to hap- joy and happiness. Therefore degrees Celsius may increase relationships with your with relevant authorities in Lebanon. The Qatari search piness often lies in ourselves, at this stage if I am right, it has and even maximize the friends and family are more and rescue team from Lekhwiya are also actively hidden in our subconscious. removed the previous emo- measure of happiness! Not to important than fortune and involved in rescue efforts in Beirut. Probably happiness like tional and mental burden and mention that exercise and fame and I believe it does These efforts have been praised by Lebanon at all began to approach the next eating a healthy diet also have make people happy official levels. The Health Minister in the Lebanese In fact, people phase of his or their life with a important roles in raising the throughout their lives and caretaker government Dr. Hamad Hassan thanked search for happiness lighter approach, from finding happiness level, as studies even help them delay mental Qatar for its aid and constant support for Lebanon, here and there, and a job or getting ready for mar- also confirmed that physically and physical deterioration praising the depth of Qatari-Lebanese relations. He riage for example, the person active people have a lower over time. stressed the importance of the field hospitals in light some people may feels happy and prepares to risk in view of psychological At end, I should remind of the difficult conditions faced by the health sector continuously try to pursue his next goal of disorders such as anxiety and you that the most effective in Lebanon due to the Beirut port explosion and the happiness. depression. way to achieve lasting hap- full or partial closure of several hospitals in addition look for that strange Of course, another aspect In addition, exercising piness is not only by looking to confronting the COVID-19 pandemic. formula to make their that must be taken into daily releases of endorphins at your own interests, but Qatar was the first to send an airlift loaded with account is the science of hap- that make you feel better and also at the interests of others. field hospital, medical, food and relief supplies, which life happier. Perhaps piness. Neurochemicals such eating foods such as poultry, When we shift our focus is still ongoing. The moral and material support by it is the fact that a as dopamine and serotonin fish, milk and bananas help to away from ourselves, we are Qatar shows the spirit of brotherhood, cooperation may differ from person to sort out dopamine, which in living a life of greater and and solidarity in crises, and reflects Qatar’s human- person always aspires person. Interestingly, they are turn regulates the reward and deeper meaning, thus it is not itarian duty towards Lebanon and other friendly to be better and to be not the only thing you need to joy centers in the brain. easy for many to seek countries. These humanitarian initiatives reflect the happy. be happy as there are other In any case, I believe that happiness. positive role that Qatar plays at the regional and reasons that have been happiness is an option and not The writer is Physician, international level, especially in times of crisis and studied and good concepts only as a result of current cir- medical innovator & writer. ordeals. have evolved over the past 20 cumstances, so do not fall into For any queries regarding the years and possibly one of the trap of thinking that your content of the article, he can them is the concept of positive circumstances must change be contacted at dryusufal- psychology, which really before you are happy because [email protected]

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR Apple’s ‘extreme’ app policies give Google defence in Fortnite antitrust suit EMAIL: [email protected] PARESH DAVE — REUTERS be installed through the App “With Apple, things are Match spokeswoman Store, Google allows such instal- extreme because there’s no Vidhya Murugesan expressed EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 Alphabet Inc’s Google has a lation through several different alternative whatsoever. That support for Epic Games’ FAX: +974 4455 7758 better chance than Apple Inc app stores, in one of several key makes for a stronger potential lawsuit against Apple, but at defeating Fortnite video policy differences that could help case.” Google spokesman Dan declined to comment on MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 game maker Epic Games in it beat the allegations of anti- Jackson said that most Android Epic’s Google filing. court over its allegations the competitive conduct. phones were sold with mul- The Netherlands’ compe- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 two companies breached Google encourages phone tiple app stores installed. tition regulator last year found anti-trust laws. makers to set the Play store as He added that the Play as part of an investigation of LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 Epic sued Google and the default, and it erects store, in contrast to the App app stores that Apple’s Apple separately in US district security roadblocks when Store, allowed users to access enforcement of its rules “is BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 court on Thursday, accusing users try to download from apps paid for elsewhere, stricter” than Google’s, “and, the companies of using their some other options. without requiring developers as such, the complaints of app SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 dominance to charge app Those practices are to include an in-app pur- providers focus mostly on developers an “exorbitant” drawing scrutiny from US chase option for potential Apple.” Developers are more ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 30% fee on sales and impose state attorneys general, people new customers that is subject reliant on Apple, with roughly email: [email protected] other restrictions that benefit familiar with the matter have to the 30% fee. Google also 70% of US app revenue their own businesses. Nearly said. But in the end, alterna- allows apps to encourage coming from App Store users. PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 all of the world’s smartphones tives exist, said Nicholas customers to make purchases Epic did fine financially email: [email protected] outside restricted markets Economides, a New York Uni- outside of the app to avoid when it removed Fortnite such as China come with versity economics professor the fee. from the Play Store for a ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 either Google’s Play store or who studies online market- Its greater flexibility last recent 18-month period and FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] Apple’s App Store. places. “Having other options year enabled dating apps directed users to alternative But proving Play store definitely makes it a bit harder maker Match Group, for stores, said Shili Shao, who CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 rules violate antitrust laws to say something is anticom- instance, to start offering its researched app stores over email: [email protected] may be more difficult than petitive,” Economides said, own payment tools in Tinder the last year at Yale Univer- with the App Store. speaking generally about app on the Play store - a tactic sity’s Thurman Arnold Project SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 While Apple requires all apps stores. barred on the App Store. for antitrust studies. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

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+974 6698 6188 TUESDAY 18 AUGUST 2020 ASIA 09 South Korea battles worst virus outbreak in months, warns of crisis REUTERS — SEOUL The outbreak linked to the Sarang Jeil Church in Seoul is the country’s biggest in nearly South Korea warned yesterday of a looming novel coronavirus six months and led to a tightening of social crisis as new outbreaks flared, distancing rules on Sunday. including one linked to a church where more than 300 members of the congregation “We’re seeing the current congregation. have been infected but situation as an initial stage of Vice Health Minister Kim hundreds more are reluctant a large-scale transmission,” Gang-lip told reporters earlier to get tested. KCDC director Jeong Eun- the Presbyterian church had The outbreak linked to the kyeong told a briefing. provided inaccurate lists of its Sarang Jeil Church in Seoul is “We’re facing a crisis where 4,000 members. While nearly the country’s biggest in nearly if the current spread isn’t con- 320 of them had tested pos- Government officials wearing protective clothing stand at a temporary check point to restrict access six months and led to a tight- trolled, it would bring an expo- itive, including Reverend Jun to the Sarang Jeil Church, in Seoul, yesterday. ening of social distancing rules nential rise in cases, which Kwang-hoon, more than 600 on Sunday. could in turn lead to the col- who authorities want to see in ouster of liberal President was a victim of “virus terror”. and “obstructing” contact The Korea Centres for lapse of our medical system isolation were unaccounted Moon Jae-in, raising concern A ban on church services tracing by holding the Saturday Disease Control and Prevention and enormous economic for. that the virus has been was lifted in April though rally and failing to provide a (KCDC) reported 197 new cases damage.” The outbreak at the “We’re very concerned,” spreading at his protests too. attendees are required to reg- full list of members. as of midnight on Saturday, Seoul church has revived fears Kim said, dismissing rumours Jun, 64, took part in a ister and sit apart. Jun faces earlier charges of mostly in the Seoul metro- seen in February when author- that authorities wanted to protest on Saturday in defiance Kim said if the rate of new violating election laws and had politan area, marking the ities struggled to contain an round up church members and of a government order that all infections did not stabilise this been banned from joining pro- fourth day of a three-digit tally. outbreak that emerged in a would record every test as pos- church members self-isolate week the government would tests as a bail condition. A pros- South Korea has been one secretive Christian sect in the itive regardless of the truth. and get tested. tighten distancing, shut high- ecutors’ office said on Sunday of the world’s coronavirus mit- city of Daegu and became the “That’s impossible. We His lawyers said at a news risk facilities and ban indoor it wanted his bail revoked. igation success stories but it country’s deadliest cluster. can’t fabricate test results,” he conference yesterday that Jun meetings of 50 people or more Among smaller clusters of has nevertheless battled per- As in the earlier case, said. did not violate quarantine rules and outdoor gatherings of 100 cases, 131 infections have been sistent spikes in infections. The authorities are facing some Jun, leader of the church, is nor intentionally offer incom- or more. traced to a Christian church in latest cases brought its total reluctance to cooperate and a conservative activist who has plete lists. Jun said in an The health ministry has the city of Yongin and about 42 infections to 15,515 including difficulty in tracking some of also been organising anti-gov- interview with a Christian filed a complaint against Jun linked to a coffee outlet in the 305 deaths. the members of the ernment rallies calling for the media outlet that his church for violating quarantine rules city of Paju. Japan PM’s hospital trip sparks health speculation Remittances to Pakistan

AFP — TOKYO longest-serving prime minister, but his first term ended abruptly hit record high for a Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo with his resignation just one Abe, whose first term in office year into office in 2007, when single month in July ended in part for health he cited his health among other reasons, sparked fresh specu- factors. REUTERS — KARACHI Remittances from Saudi lation yesterday about his well- His illness came after a Arabia in July amounted to being with an unexpected, series of scandals surrounding Remittances from Pakistani $821.6m, the United Arab hours-long hospital visit. his government that drove down workers employed abroad hit Emirates $538.2m, the United Abe emerged from the his approval ratings and resulted the highest level for a single Kingdom $393.9m and the Tokyo hospital where he was in a massive election loss. month in July, officials said United States, $250.6m. previously treated for ulcerative Abe was diagnosed with yesterday, increasing 36.5 “Given the impact of colitis more than seven hours ulcerative colitis, but upon percent year on year, mostly COVID-19 globally, this after he entered, and left by car returning to power in 2012 said thanks to less spending on Haj increase in workers remit- without saying anything, he had overcome the condition pilgrimages because of the tance is encouraging,” Paki- according to TV footage of local with new medication. coronavirus pandemic. stan’s central bank said in a Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (centre) arrives at his residence media. While Japan has seen a com- The global economic statement. after returning from Keio University Hospital, in Tokyo yesterday. His previously unan- paratively small coronavirus slowdown had raised fears that It added that the growth nounced arrival yesterday outbreak compared to the remittances, key to Pakistan’s rate compared to the same morning prompted a local over the government’s handling annual health check-up in June world’s worst-hit countries, Abe dwindling foreign exchange month in 2019 was around media frenzy and comes after of the coronavirus outbreak but cited an aide as saying he has been criticised for several reserves, would decline given twice as high because of weeks of speculation about his domestically, where infections was now undergoing an addi- policy flubs in handling the falling employment in countries decreased spending over the health. are increasing. tional “one-day regular health crisis. from where most of the money Muslim Eid Al Adha season. A weekly magazine report Analysts have suggested the check-up”. His programme to distribute is sent — particularly Saudi “Not much cash movement in July claimed Abe had been prime minister has struggled to Over the weekend, a senior cloth masks to each household Arabia and United Arab on flights or Haj and Umrah vomiting blood, but gov- answer questions in public member of Abe’s Liberal Dem- was widely mocked, and he was Emirates. pilgrimages has taken place ernment spokesman Yoshihide appearances, and one television ocratic Party appeared to forced into an embarrassing But July remittances rose this year. This trend can con- Suga insisted the prime minister even analysed the speed with suggest the prime minister U-turn on distribution of to $2.768bn, the State Bank of tinue for some months, which was healthy. which Abe walked a route in the needed to take a break. stimulus funds. Pakistan said, adding the is a positive development for More recently, questions prime minister’s office, con- “We need to force him to get His approval ratings have increase was up 12.2 percent the economy,” Saad Hashemy, have been raised about the cluding he was moving slower rest, even just for a few days,” sunk during the crisis, though from June, when remittance Executive Director BMA prime minister’s decision to of late. Akira Amari told a local tele- the country’s divided opposition numbers were also high. Capital Management, said. avoid holding any press con- Local media said yesterday vision station. have regularly failed to capi- “More good news for Pakistan has opened all ferences, despite rising criticism that Abe completed his regular Abe is now Japan’s talise on falls in Abe’s ratings. Pakistan economy,” Prime sectors of the economy in a Minister Imran Khan tweeted. bid to revive its hard-hit “Remittances from overseas economy. Hong Kong Pakistanis reached $2,768m The country has reported in July 2020, highest ever 289,215 positive COVID-19 records 44 new amount in one month in the cases of which 269,087 have history of Pakistan.” recovered, with 6,175 deaths. virus cases REUTERS — HONG KONG Australia, France object Hong Kong reported 44 new coronavirus cases yesterday as the government announced an to release of final Taliban extension to social distancing measures aimed at controlling prisoners: Officials further spreading of the virus, which has seen a resurgence in REUTERS — KABUL they were opposed to certain the Asian financial hub since prisoners being released, without early July. Some Western nations including specifying how many. While the number of daily France and Australia have urged “France asks the Afghan gov- cases have come down from Afghanistan not to free all of a ernment not to proceed with the triple digits in recent weeks, final batch of prisoners release of several terrorists con- authorities have cautioned demanded by Taliban militants, victed of killing French citizens residents from becoming com- officials said, posing a further in Afghanistan,” the French placent, warning that the sit- possible complication to long- Embassy in Kabul said on uation remained “severe”. awaited peace talks. Twitter. Restrictions including a ban on The Afghan government, Australian Foreign Minister dining at restaurants from Indonesia Independence Day activities under pressure from the United Marise Payne told media last 6pm and the mandating of States as it withdraws its troops week the Australian government masks in all outdoor public Children participate in a sack racing competition using helmets as face shields in anticipation of the from a war which started in had been in touch with Wash- areas are set to remain in force spread of the novel coronavirus during celebration of Indonesia’s 75th Independence Day in Deli 2001, agreed last week to begin ington and the Afghan gov- for a further seven days until Serdang, North Sumatra, Indonesia, yesterday. Various activities were held while applying health releasing the final 400 prisoners ernment asking them not to free August 25. protocols to curb the spread of coronavirus. demanded by the Taliban as a one of the prisoners, Hekmat- pre-condition to start peace ullah, a former Afghan army ser- talks. geant who killed three Australian Malaysia’s Penang halts medical tourists after arrivals from Indonesia It was not immediately clear solders. whether the Western objections One solution proposed, the REUTERS — KUALA LUMPUR months with no cases. The state did not say if the medical charter flight to Penang were delaying the talks, which sources said, was “house arrest” In a statement, the gov- three had tested positive for the from the Indonesian city of are set to begin in Doha soon under which the prisoners would Malaysia’s northern state of ernment said three Indonesian virus. But Penang authorities Medan on Friday, with another after the remaining 320 pris- be placed under supervision Penang has barred entry by patients had arrived by special were told the patients had fol- charter from Jakarta scheduled oners are freed. Eighty have outside the prison system. . overseas visitors seeking medical flights last Friday to be treated at lowed all the standard operating for next Monday. already been released. Afghanistan’s acting foreign treatment until it finalises new private hospitals, two victims of procedures, the chief minister Penang authorities have also Two Western diplomats in minister Mohammad Haneef health and safety procedures in cancer and one in need of imme- said. ordered all agencies related to Kabul said the full list of pris- Atmar said on Sunday the gov- light of the coronavirus crisis, the diate treatment. The ban will stay until the health tourism to provide notifi- oners had not been shared with ernment was working to achieve chief minister said yesterday. “The state government healthcare ministry finalises pro- cations and information. many nations until last week and “consensus” among the interna- Authorities toughened deeply regrets that it was not cedures to deal with healthcare The southeast Asian nation that France and Australia were tional community. curbs on movement in some informed of the ‘sudden’ arrival tourism, he added. has detected a highly infectious strongly opposed to a few pris- “The world has protested... parts of the island over the of the patients,” Chief Minister AirAsia.com, the digital mutation of the virus, it said on oners on the list going free. Our work will be to create con- weekend, as new infections Chow Kon Yeow said, platform of budget airline AirAsia Sunday, when the tally of cases French and Australian offi- sensus on it with the world,” he emerged after more than three announcing the ban. Group Bhd, said it flew its first stood at 9,200. cials confirmed in recent days told journalists. 10 EUROPE TUESDAY 18 AUGUST 2020 Lukashenko offers to hand over power after referendum

REUTERS — MINSK “I am ready to take Ukraine recalls responsibility and Alexander Lukashenko, the ambassador to leader of Belarus, said yesterday act as a national that he would be ready to hold leader during this Belarus new elections and hand over power after a constitutional period,” opposition REUTERS — KIEV referendum, an attempt to politician, Sviatlana pacify mass protests and strikes Tsikhanouskaya, said. Ukrainian Foreign Minister that pose the biggest challenge Dmytro Kuleba said that he yet to his rule. had recalled the ambassador He made the offer, which he provide military help in the to Belarus for consultations insisted would not be delivered event of an external threat. to assess the prospects of on while he was under pressure Russia is watching closely further bilateral relations from protesters, after exiled as Belarus hosts pipelines that between the two neighbours opposition politician Sviatlana carry Russian energy exports to “in the new reality”. Tsikhanouskaya said she was the West and is viewed by “The development of willing to lead the country. Moscow as a buffer zone against events in Belarus, whose Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko addressing workers as he visits the plant of the heavy off- In a sign of his growing vul- Nato. Lukashenko and Russian society has expressed a vote road vehicles manufacturer MZKT in Minsk, yesterday. nerability, Lukashenko faced President Vladimir Putin spoke of no confidence in the official heckling and chants of “step twice this weekend. results of the presidential referendum if that was what as loyal to the 65-year-old pres- flags and posters joined pro- down” during a speech to A burly former Soviet col- elections in Belarus, is funda- they wanted. ident. Some police, a sitting testers to rally outside the workers at one of the large state- lective farm manager, mentally changing the situ- Speaking in a video address ambassador, prominent athletes building, which was being run factories that are the pride Lukashenko used blunt lan- ation in Belarusian-Ukrainian from Lithuania, opposition pol- and a former prime minister guarded by security forces. of his Soviet-style economic guage while speaking to relations,” Kuleba said in a itician Tsikhanouskaya urged have also voiced solidarity with “We want to work honestly, model and core support base. workers yesterday. statement. security and law enforcement the protesters. we do not want to be forced to He faces the threat of “We’ve held elections,” he officers to switch sides. The state broadcaster lie,” TV host Oleg Titkov said. European Union sanctions after said. “Until you’ve killed me not under pressure or because “I am ready to take respon- showed re-runs yesterday Thousands of protesters had a bloody crackdown on protests there won’t be any new of the street,” Lukashenko said, sibility and act as a national morning before issuing a fresh earlier marched to a factory following what demonstrators elections.” in remarks quoted by the leader during this period,” news bulletin. Videos on social where Lukashenko flew by hel- say was his rigged re-election But he offered to change the official Belta news agency. Tsikhanouskaya said. media suggested BT had at one icopter to speak to striking victory last week. He denies constitution, an apparent con- You know my harsh side. Her video was released as point aired footage of an empty workers. He got a rough losing, citing official results that cession that seems unlikely to I’m not eternal. But if you drag hundreds of employees from studio with white sofas, and reception. gave him just over 80 percent satisfy protesters who say it’s down the first president you’ll the state broadcaster BT went music playing. “Thanks, I’ve said every- of the vote. something he has spoken about drag down neighbouring coun- on strike, as several presenters Reuters could not inde- thing. You can (continue to) The EU is also preparing to before. tries and all the rest.” and staff publicly resigned in pendently confirm that and the shout ‘step down,’” he said, send a message to Russia not to “We’ll put the changes to a He also said people could solidarity with the protesters. broadcaster could not immedi- struggling to be heard. meddle, after Moscow told referendum, and I’ll hand over hold parliamentary and presi- The strike came as protests ately be reached for comment. He then walked away as the Lukashenko it was ready to my constitutional powers. But dential elections after the spread to those normally seen Factory workers waving crowd chanted “Step down”. Russia summons Spain’s former King Dutch diplomat over spying confirmed to be in UAE AFP — MOSCOW amid financial probes Russia’s foreign ministry yesterday said it had AP — MADRID The spokesman declined to summoned the Dutch charge say if the UAE would be Juan d’affaires in Moscow to protest Former monarch Juan Carlos I Carlos’ permanent residence. over what it said was spying of Spain has been in the United Juan Carlos facilitated on Russia’s military attache in Arab Emirates since he left his Spain’s transition to democratic the Netherlands. country amid a growing rule in the 1970’s, when the heir Russia “strongly protested” financial scandal, the Spanish of the Bourbon dynasty to the Dutch diplomat after the royal household said yesterday, replaced former Gen Francisco discovery of “spy equipment” resolving a two-week mystery Franco as the country’s head of in the official car of the and reining in speculation over state. He reigned for nearly four Russian military attache in the the ex-king’s whereabouts. decades while Spain mod- Netherlands, the ministry said The Spanish government ernised and joined the in a statement. and Royal House officials have European Union. “These unfriendly actions been tight-lipped about Juan But criticism grew as his further complicate the already Carlos’ location since August 3, luxurious life and corruption difficult relations between the when he published a letter to scandals tarnishing members two countries,” the statement his son, King Felipe VI, that said of the royal family offered a A file photo shows an iceberg calving with a mass of ice breaking away from the Apusiajik glacier, said. he was moving outside Spain striking contrast with the suf- near Kulusuk (also spelled Qulusuk), a settlement in the Sermersooq municipality located on the Moscow called for imme- due to the “public repercus- fering of Spaniards during the diate measures to prevent island of the same name on the southeastern shore of Greenland. sions of certain episodes of my global financial crisis. similar incidents in the past private life.” In 2014, Juan Carlos abdi- future, according to the Greenland ice melting past ‘tipping point’: Study At 82, the former king is the cated the throne that then went ministry. target of official investigations to Felipe, who has taken steps According to Dutch public AFP — COPENHAGEN melt posing a threat to millions greenhouse gas concentrations in Spain and Switzerland into to shield the monarchy from television, Prime Minister of people around the world. will rise,” Ruth Mottram, a cli- possible financial the scandals. Mark Rutte declined to The melting of Greenland’s ice In the 1980s and 1990s, the matologist at Denmark’s Mete- wrongdoing. Felipe VI has not publicly comment. cap has gone so far that it is ice cap lost around 450 billion orological Institute said. Conservative Spanish spoken about his father’s Espionage cases have mul- now irreversible, with snowfall tonnes of ice per year, which The published results show newspaper ABC had published departure earlier this month. tiplied in recent years between no longer able to compensate was compensated by snowfall, that “even if we stabilised tem- a photo of Juan Carlos stepping Spanish Prime Minister Russia and Western govern- for the loss of ice even if global the scientists said after ana- peratures (and greenhouse gas out of a plane at an airport in Pedro Sánchez, whose mon- ments, with relations at their warming were to end today, lysing 40 years of data. emissions) at the present level, Abu Dhabi. archy-supporting Socialist lowest since the Ukrainian according to researchers. But the ice melt has accel- the ice sheet would still con- But without any official Party is in a coalition gov- crisis and Moscow’s annex- “Greenland’s glaciers have erated this century, climbing to tinue to melt, but only until the confirmation, Spanish media ernment with the pro-republic, ation of the Crimean peninsula passed a tipping point of sorts, 500 billion tonnes and no size of the ice sheet is once had placed him in places as far far-left Unidas Podemos in 2014. where the snowfall that replen- longer sufficiently replenished more in balance with the afield as the Dominican (United We Can), has praised Also yesterday, Norway's ishes the ice sheet each year with snow. climate,” Mottram said. Republic, Portugal, Switzerland the Royal House’s decision to intelligence service said that its cannot keep up with the ice that “The Greenland ice sheet is Another recent study from or New Zealand. take distance from the former agents had arrested a Nor- is flowing into the ocean from losing mass at accelerated rates Britain’s University of Lincoln Ending the swirl of specu- king. wegian man suspected of glaciers,” said a statement from in the 21st century, making it concluded that Greenland’s ice lation, a Royal House Spain’s king has a mostly passing sensitive information Ohio State University, where the largest single contributor to melt alone is expected to con- spokesman said yesterday that ceremonial role. Executive to Russia. several authors of a study pub- rising sea levels,” the study said. tribute 10 to 12 centimetres to the Juan Carlos had asked to power lies with the elected par- “The man is formally sus- lished on August 13 in Commu- While researchers are in world’s rising sea levels by 2100. convey that he had traveled to liamentary government. pected of providing information nications Earth and Envi- agreement that the Greenland The UN’s IPCC climate UAE on August 3. Despite relocating outside to a foreign country that could ronment are based. ice melt is worrying, not all science advisory panel said in “That’s where he currently of Spain, Juan Carlos has damage fundamental national Climate change is having a agree that it has reached a 2013 that it expected sea levels remains,” the official, who pledged via his lawyer to make interests,” the PST intelligence devastating effect on the ‘tipping point’. to rise by 60 centimetres by the wasn’t authorised to be quoted himself available to prosecutors agency wrote on Twitter. world’s glaciers, with the ice “We don’t know how much end of the century. in media reports, said. in Spain. Concerns mount over rising COVID-19 infections in Germany New virus crackdown

ANATOLIA — BERLIN 9,231 deaths, according to figures extended to more released by the Berlin-based disease Germany is concerned over the control centre, Robert Koch Institute. Spanish regions increasing numbers of novel corona- Last week, German Health Min- virus (COVID-19) infections in the ister Jens Spahn called on people to AFP — MADRID country, local media reported adhere to hygiene measures after the yesterday. country reported its highest daily rise Clubs closed their doors yesterday in four more Speaking at a video conference of in COVID-19 infections since May 9. regions of Spain as new measures to curb a rise the presiding board of her Christian “This obviously — if we don’t watch in COVID-19 infections came into effect, a day Democratic (CDU) party, Chancellor out now — can lead to a certain after a noisy Madrid protest against virus Angela Merkel said that while she was dynamic,” Spahn said, pointing out that restrictions. worried over the rise in infections, the nearly all regions across the country Spain’s most populous region, Andalusia, country-wide virus situation was still had now been affected by outbreaks along with Galicia and Cantabria in the north under control, according to the weekly of varying severity. and Castilla and Leon in the centre were the Focus news magazine. As part of the German govern- latest Spanish regions to begin enforcing 11 German news agency dpa ment’s strategy to curb the spread of measures the government unveiled Friday to reported that Merkel currently ruled COVID-19, areas with localised coro- curb one of the fastest virus growth rates in out any further easing of restrictions navirus outbreaks will be cordoned Europe. Two other regions, La Rioja and Murcia, meant to stem the spread of the coro- off more fully, with residents banned began applying the measures on Sunday. navirus, including professional from traveling beyond their borders. They include the closure of all discos, clubs football games. The Merkel government is worried and dancing halls while restaurants are Director Juergen Scheuermann welcomes students as schools re-open The number of confirmed corona- over a second possible outbreak wave required to close by 1:00am, with no new guests after summer holidays and the lockdown due to the outbreak of the virus cases in Germany rose to 223,453, this fall, plunging the country into an allowed in from midnight in a country known up 625 from the previous day, with even deeper economic crisis. COVID-19 at the Karl-Rehbein high school in Hanau, Germany, yesterday. for late-night partying. TUESDAY 18 AUGUST 2020 EUROPE / AMERICAS 11 Angry students force UK government U-turn over virus-hit exams

AFP — LONDON England’s exam — particularly with another key regulator said it set of results, for GCSEs taken The British government was by 16-year-olds, due on forced yesterday to abandon its would accept at face Thursday. policy for grading exams that value assessments Teachers had also raised were cancelled because of the made by teachers in concerns that schools would be coronavirus pandemic after tied up lodging appeals against protests by students and lieu of high school results when they were trying warnings that it threatened the exams, abandoning a to prepare to reopen fully in career prospects of the most moderation process early September for the first disadvantaged pupils. time since the March lockdown. England’s exam regulator intended to avoid Johnson’s Education Sec- said it would accept at face widespread grade retary Gavin Williamson apol- value assessments made by ogised for the handling of the teachers in lieu of high school inflation. process, saying he had decided Students hold placards as they protest outside Codsall Community High School near Wolverhampton, exams, abandoning a moder- to act after “unfairnesses” central England yesterday to demonstrate against the downgrading of A-level results. ation process intended to avoid became clear. widespread grade inflation. this really does feel like the gov- “I am sorry for the distress The publication of A-level ernment is saying ‘we don’t care this has caused young people demanding a change, and two desperately, desperately in April, May and June had to be results last week sparked about you’,” 18-year-old Curtis and their parents but hope this legal groups representing stu- unfair.” - ‘Complete fiasco’ - The abandoned because of the pan- outrage when it emerged that Parfitt-Ford, who launched a announcement will now dents threatened to take the leader of the main opposition demic. Teachers were asked 39 percent of teachers’ assess- petition and a legal challenge provide the certainty and reas- government to court. Labour party, Keir Starmer, instead to make an assessment ments had been downgraded against the policy, said. surance they deserve.” The director of one of them, welcomed the “screeching of their students’ grades, which under an algorithm based on a As angry parents lobbied The devolved government Good Law Project’s Jolyon U-turn”. “This is a victory for the were then modified based on a school’s past performance. their MPs, opposition parties in Northern Ireland later Maugham, said pupils had thousands of young people who school’s past performance. A-levels are key school- scented an opportunity, and announced it would also change missed out on places at uni- have powerfully made their Despite the high percentage leaving exams for 18-year-olds. increasing numbers of Prime its policy. versity, medical school and voices heard this past week,” he of results downgraded, the Pupils took to the streets and Minister Boris Johnson’s Con- Former Tory leader Ruth employer training, which all said. number of pupils in England, threatened legal action, com- servative party called for a Davidson noted the exams rely on final A-level grades. “However, the Tories’ han- Wales and Northern Ireland plaining the system made it rethink. chaos “is not just one of these “It’s also affecting those stu- dling of this situation has been receiving the highest A-level harder for bright children in The devolved governments bubble issues. This is something dents who are leaving school to a complete fiasco. Incompe- grades increased. disadvantaged areas to do well, in Scotland and Wales had that cuts through everything” enter the jobs market, the most tence has become this govern- Under the new policy, stu- while rewarding mediocre stu- already reverted to teachers’ — and many MPs agreed. difficult jobs market in the UK ment’s watchword.” dents whose results were mod- dents in private schools. assessments, putting pressure More than 250,000 people for many generations,” he said. Like in many countries hit erated upwards will be able to “To a lot of young people on England to follow suit had also signed a petition He added: “That’s by COVID-19, exams in Britain keep those grades. Britons dine out Outcry in France over mass show at theme park on govt-backed

AFP — PARIS former culture minister and “I understand the emotion allowing the Puy du Fou to will be a real question for the restaurant ex-MP, is according to French and the anger of the profes- welcome up to 9,000 people for government and it will need to The French government has media on friendly terms with sionals and the artists who had its Cinescenie theatrical show answer it and explain,” he added. scheme defended a decision to allow a President Emmanuel Macron. to cancel their activities and it on Saturday. The Cinescenie is Bachelot said that in the theme park to stage a show Participants in France’s cul- is a real heartbreak,” said the park’s summer showpiece, coming days she would receive AFP — LONDON attended by up to 9,000 people, tural scene, ravaged by the Bachelot, quoted by Le Parisien a spectacular historical show representatives of the cultural after critics blasted the move as coronavirus and ensuing website late on Sunday. But, with fireworks and hundreds sectors most impacted by the A British government scheme wildly irresponsible and hypo- restrictions, have expressed “the park of Puy du Fou did not of actors and horses. virus and resultant lockdown. to encourage people to visit critical due to the coronavirus outrage that the weekend event benefit from any special priv- “These are double standards! “We have a feeling of being restaurants, by paying a slice epidemic. was allowed to go ahead when ilege,” she insisted. In these times of major crisis for abandoned,” said Aurelie Han- of the bill, has boosted a sector The Puy du Fou historical major summer festivals were Prime Minister Jean Castex events, concerts, sports and clubs nedouche, of the SMA union of devastated by the coronavirus, theme park in western France cancelled. last week extended a corona- it is even more unbearable to modern music. “Irritated, alone, according to a study published was given an exemption by Culture Minister Roselyne virus-busting ban on gatherings witness!!", tweeted prominent fed up, that’s what we feel: we yesterday. local authorities to allow the Bachelot, however, denied that of more than 5,000 people until French show business promoter are the only sector that has not The incentive — “Eat Out to show with up to 9,000 spec- the Puy du Fou, which attracts October 30. The measure has Pascal Negre, a former president got back to business,” she added. Help Out” — valid Monday to tators, even though the number millions each year with its already cost France some of its of Universal Music France and The Puy du Fou, France’s Wednesday through August of people permitted to gather mediaeval and history-themed top summer cultural festivals former vice-president of Uni- second-most popular theme sees the government contribute in France is limited to 5,000 attractions, had received special including Avignon for theatre versal Music International. park after Disneyland, wel- 50 percent of the cost of a cafe, due to social distancing rules. treatment. Local authorities and Vieilles Charrues for music. “It’s incomprehensible”, comed over 2.3 million visitors restaurant or club meal, up to The controversy is even have the power to grant excep- On Friday, the local author- Jean-Michel Ribes, director of the in 2019. It reopened its doors £10 ($13, €11) per person. more acute given that the park’s tional permission for gatherings ities in the Vendee region of Parisian Rond Point theatre, told on June 11 following the coro- In the first two weeks of founder Philippe de Villiers, a of more than 5,000 people. western France issued a decree Europe 1 radio. “I think that there navirus lockdown. August, the number of people who ate out on the scheme’s active days leapt 26.9 percent, analysis from the Centre for Eco- Attacks on aid workers nomics and Business Research showed. It noted the month-long scheme, crafted by Finance Min- at record high in 2019 ister Rishi Sunak, would give Britain “a much-needed boost REUTERS — LONDON vulnerable civilians in their towards normality”. hour of greatest need is a sign In contrast to the healthy Aid workers suffered a record of civilisation; it’s a right under restaurant figures for Monday 277 major attacks around the international law,” Jan Egeland, to Wednesday, diner numbers world last year, an independent Secretary-General of the Nor- fell 21.3 percent on Thursday humanitarian research organ- wegian Refugee Council, said to Sunday, it said, citing figures isation said yesterday, with in response to the figures. from OpenTable, an online healthcare workers responding Although casualties were restaurant reservation service. to crises facing a spike in up overall, the number of aid The government has set deadly violence. worker who were killed aside £500m to fund the “Eat A total of 483 aid workers dropped slightly to 125, from Out to Help Out” policy, which were killed, kidnapped, or 131 a year previously, according is aimed at aiding the strug- wounded in 2019, showed data to the data, which draws on gling hospitality sector. from Humanitarian Outcomes, public reports, security organ- More than 22,000 res- the highest number since the isations and aid groups. Health taurant jobs have been cut since start of its records in 1997. workers made up more than the start of the year, twice as “The ability to help 40% of the fatalities. many as for 2019 as a whole. Pilot dies in hot Bolivia surpasses 100,000 An aerial view of a burning area of Amazon rainforest reserve, south of Novo Progresso in Para air balloon crash state, on Sunday. in Germany virus cases; deaths at 4,058 REUTERS — LA PAZ elections. The Electoral Court Amazon blazes burn forest, AFP — FRANKFURT decided in July to postpone the Bolivia surpassed 100,000 vote until October 18. The pilot of a hot air balloon coronavirus cases on Sunday, In recent weeks, thousands farmland and threaten homes died and two passengers were the country’s Ministry of Health of people including supporters severely injured after it reported, predicting that the of unseated former leftist leader REUTERS — PORTO VELHO, BRAZIL this. Nobody knows who does it. According to government crashed near the banks of the virus would reach its peak Evo Morales have taken part in this. They come and burn eve- data, the first 15 days of August River Rhine in Germany, police there in September. demonstrations and blocked Residents and firefighters in rything and run away,” said have seen about a 17% decrease said yesterday. Bolivia’s confirmed coro- roads around the country to northwestern Brazil are battling bricklayer Rosalino de Oliveira in the number of fires as this The balloon was caught by navirus infections reached demand that the polls take place fires that are raging in the as he watched a firefighter hose time last year, when a sharp a gust of wind as it came into 100,344, the ministry said, and as planned on September 6. Amazon, destroying farmland flames that came dangerously increase in blazes across the land at about 8pm (1800 GMT) there have been 4,058 deaths The election is being fought and threatening their homes. close to his clap-board home. Amazon attracted international on Sunday near Urbar, south of since the virus first emerged in between Morales’ Movement for The blazes, that occur every “We are poor. I can barely condemnation amid alarm over Koblenz in western Germany. the country in early March. Socialism (MAS) party and a frag- year in the dry season, sent feed my family on my salary. The the deforestation of a region The balloon hit the ground “Cases are climbing steadily, mented conservative opposition, clouds of smokes billowing into fire comes to destroy everything crucial to the fight against several times, throwing four at least in the western side of the including interim President the sky that could be seen and in a matter of seconds,” he said, global warming. passengers out of the basket, country. By the end of the month, Jeanine Anez, who took over in smelt from the capital of Ron- shielding his face from the suf- Deforestation rose 34.5% in before being dragged down a we will reach... 130,000 to a power vacuum last year prom- donia state 38km away. focating smoke. His sister the 12 months through July, hill and getting caught in a tree, 150,000,” Rene Sahonero, the ising swift new elections. Experts say the fires that Miraceli said she feared losing compared to a year earlier. Bol- police said. ministry’s director general of Bolivia’s government has threaten the world’s largest the few possessions they had. sonaro has dispatched the mil- The pilot, who was stuck hospitals, told state television. ordered police and military onto rainforest are rarely a natural Last week, Brazil’s far-right itary to fight fires and deforest- in the basket, died from his Sahonero said cases had the streets to protect key instal- phenomenon and are mostly set President Jair Bolsonaro denied ation since May, but environ- injuries. The two injured are accelerated among Bolivia’s lations and the transport of deliberately by speculators to there were any fires in the mental experts question in a serious condition but out of population of 11.6 million after medical supplies after more than clear land for pasture. Amazon, calling it a “lie” and whether these deployments are danger. Over 100 people recent protests linked to the 30 virus patients died during the “Every year I suffer from blaming the media for spreading working. assisted in rescue operation. postponement of general protests due to lack of oxygen. 12 AMERICAS TUESDAY 18 AUGUST 2020

Washington not Michelle Obama opens Democratic convention pressuring other

AFP — MILWAUKEE “We may be Gulf states to physically apart, but American voters will be offered recognise Israel, competing political visions this week Democrats says Kushner when former first lady Michelle are coming together Obama addresses the now- virtual Democratic National from across the REUTERS — JERUSALEM/DUBAI Convention set to anoint Joe Biden, and President Donald nation to put forth The United States will not Trump delivers a speech in bat- our vision for a consent to Israeli annexations tleground Wisconsin. in the occupied West Bank for Barack Obama’s wife, better America,” the “some time,” preferring to widely respected in her own Democratic veteran focus on the Israel-UAE nor- right, anchors the primetime malisation deal and wider slot on the opening night of this Joe Biden tweeted regional peacemaking, senior year’s anything-but-normal as he encouraged White House adviser Jared convention. Kushner said yesterday. The four-day jamboree was voters to tune in. “Israel has agreed with us to be held in Milwaukee in a that they will not move sign of eagerness to win back forward without our consent. Wisconsin, one of a handful of Milwaukee arena where Dem- We do not plan to give our Democratic strongholds which ocrats had intended to gather. consent for some time,” flipped to Trump in 2016. “I know all of these people Kushner told reporters in a tel- But the deadly coronavirus very well, I beat them all last Men pass in front of the Chase Center, where Democratic US presidential candidate Joe Biden will ephone briefing. “Right now pandemic upended all aspects time,” Trump told Fox News make his acceptance speech later this week to the Democratic National Convention, in Wilmington, the focus has to be on, you of life including presidential about the Democrats addressing Delaware, US, yesterday. know, getting this new peace campaigning and the con- the convention, including both agreement implemented. vention now is occurring almost Obamas, 2016 nominee Hillary democracy” by highlighting steady hand at the tiller. That’s go high.” Four years later, amid “We really want to get as entirely online — as is the Clinton and erstwhile Biden efforts to protect voting by mail. Joe Biden, and that’s Kamala a steadily coarsening political much interchange between Republican event, which begins rival Bernie Sanders. “They “This president can’t win on Harris,” Perez said. culture led by Trump’s take-no- Israel and the United Arab on August 24. can’t unite,” Trump said. the merits and so he has to Biden enters the convention prisoners style, Obama’s speech Emirates as possible and we Biden sought to downplay The declaration was a clear cheat. And it’s shameful,” Perez with significant but tightening will be carefully watched. want Israel to focus on cre- the awkwardness of an dig at Democratic Party factions told a Washington Post webcast. poll leads over Trump, and Tuesday will see speeches ating new relationships and American political ritual being aiming to project a unified front Planners, meanwhile, have hoping his pick of Harris — the from former president Bill new alliances.” The US-UAE- held without the usual roaring behind Biden and a common been struggling to find virtual first woman of color on a major Clinton and Jill Biden, the nom- Israel joint statement on the crowds, in-person delegate determination to oust Trump in replacements for the usual party’s presidential ticket — is inee’s wife. On Wednesday, normalisation deal said Israel count and falling confetti. the November 3 election. circus-like atmosphere of a widely popular among Demo- Barack Obama will speak, and had agreed to “suspend” the “We may be physically apart, The convention takes place convention. The experimental crats. Harris, a senator, former Harris will have her spotlight annexation plan. but this week Democrats are amid a furore over Trump’s format will allow speakers to prosecutor and the daughter of moment before the convention Kushner said the onus was coming together from across the efforts to limit mail-in voting. address American voters unfil- Indian and Jamaican immi- culminates on Thursday when on the Palestinians to come nation to put forth our vision for The President, insisting tered — largely shorn of the grants, is 55 and brings rela- Biden formally accepts the around to a new peace pro- a better America,” the Demo- without proof that mail-in voting usual overwrought stagecraft tively youthful energy to bolster Democratic nomination and posal it unveiled in January. cratic veteran tweeted as he fosters fraud, has threatened to and screaming delegates. the 77-year-old Biden. delivers his acceptance speech Kushner said Washington encouraged voters to tune in. block extra funding that Demo- Perez insisted the “sober The opening day's top via videolink. was not pressuring other Gulf Trump, not to be outdone — crats say is urgently needed to moment” in US history meant speakers will be Sanders, a Trump’s efforts to steal the Arab states to recognise Israel. and essentially ignoring the allow the US Postal Service to Democrats need to show the leader of the party’s progressive show include delivering a speech Kuwait, he said, was “out there pandemic’s threat — flew yes- process millions of ballots. election is about leadership and wing, and Michelle Obama. near Scranton, Pennsylvania — taking a very radical view on terday to the Midwest for two Democratic Party chairman “trust” during the pandemic that At the 2016 convention that the blue-collar town where the conflict to date in favour speeches including one in Tom Perez said the convention has killed 170,000 Americans nominated Clinton, she mem- Biden grew up — to coincide of the Palestinians and obvi- Oshkosh, Wisconsin about a will push back against the pres- and outrage over police bru- orably told Democrats: “Our with the biggest moment in ously that hasn’t been very 90-minute drive north of the ident’s “assault on our tality and racism. “We need a motto is, when they go low, we Biden’s political life. constructive”. Cardi B gets real with New global Congressional Democrats plan vote on Joe Biden on police temperature Postal Service as Trump defends cuts record set in brutality, health care REUTERS — WASHINGTON Death Valley President Donald Trump yes- AFP — NEW YORK terday denied trying to REUTERS — CALIFORNIA undermine the Postal Service’s In a wide-ranging ability to handle a flood of interview published yes- The hottest air temperature mail-in ballots ahead of the terday, superstar rapper recorded anywhere on the November election, as Demo- Cardi B candidly quizzed planet in at least a century, and crats in Congress set a Saturday Democratic presidential possibly ever, was reached in vote on legislation to halt his hopeful Joe Biden on Death Valley in California’s policy changes. issues including police Mojave Desert on Sunday “No, we’re not tampering,” brutality, health care afternoon where it soared to Trump said in an interview with reform and higher 130 Fahrenheit (54.4 Celsius). Fox News amid an outcry from education. An automated observation Democrats and other critics who Speaking via Zoom system run by the US National accuse him of trying to hamstring for Elle Magazine, the Weather Service at Furnace the Postal Service to suppress Cardi B (left) and Joe Biden Grammy winner and the Creek reported the record at mail-in voting as he trails Dem- former vice- president 3:41pm. local time. It was a dry ocratic presidential challenger kicked off by agreeing on their social divisions in the United heat: humidity fell to 7%. But Joe Biden in opinion polls. mutual goal of removing Repub- States, which Cardi B warned it felt “insanely hot” all the “We want to make it run effi- A sign thanking US Postal Service workers is seen at an employee lican Donald Trump from the “could be the start of a civil war”. same, according to meteorol- ciently, run good. We want to entrance to a mail sorting facility in New York. White House, which Cardi B said “Nobody wants to feel targeted. ogist Daniel Berc, who is based make it run for less money, much was particularly vital considering Nobody wants animosity. Eve- in the NWS Las Vegas bureau better, always taking care of our Democrats in Congress, overtime, restrictions on extra the tumultuous federal pan- rybody just wants the best for and forecast that the heat postal workers,” the Republican alarmed at Postal Service mail transportation trips and demic response. themselves, their future, their wave would continue all week. President said, describing the changes put in motion under new mail sorting and delivery The rapper also reiterated kids’ future,” she said. “It’s literally like being in Postal Service “one of the dis- Trump with the election policies as changes that her support for Medicare for All The mother of a two-year- an oven,” he said. “Today is asters of the world”. looming, stepped up pressure threaten to slow mail delivery. along with free higher edu- old, Cardi B also brought up the another day we could take Trump, who himself plans on the president and his Post- House Democratic Con- cation. “And I want Black issue of childcare so parents can another run at 130F.” A tem- to cast an absentee ballot by master General Louis DeJoy, a ference Chairman Hakeem Jef- people to stop getting killed and work, a need that has become perature of 134F (56.7C) was mail in Florida, and many other major Trump political donor. fries and Representative Ted no justice for it,” said the particularly acute with schools recorded in Death Valley in Republicans have opposed an The Democratic-led House Lieu also called on the FBI to 27-year-old, born Belcalis closed due to COVID-19. Biden July 1913. Some meteorologists expansion of mail-in voting to of Representatives will meet on open a criminal probe into Almanzar to a Dominican agreed, pointing to his struggles dispute the older record, accommodate people con- Saturday to consider legislation DeJoy. “There is evidence that father and Trinidadian mother. as a single father when his wife however, with recent research cerned about going to the polls prohibiting changes to Postal making mail-in balloting more “There’s no reason why we and one of his children died in a pointing to the likelihood it to vote in-person due to fears Service levels that were in place difficult may be one of the can’t have all of that,” Biden car accident, with two of his boys was the result of observer amid coronavirus pandemic. on January 1, 2020, the cham- motivations for the changes answered. “Presidents have to surviving. error. He also expressed support ber’s No. 2 Democrat, Majority instituted at the Post Office,” take responsibility.” Cardi B emphasized the need “That’s an official record for expanded in-person voting Leader Steny Hoyer, said. Jeffries and Lieu wrote in a Biden encouraged Cardi B’s for bolstering initiatives in until it’s debunked through the including more voting booths, Senate Democrats led by letter yesterday to FBI Director young fanbase to stay politically underserved communities, also scientific process and accepted early voting and other efforts, Senator Chuck Schumer urged Christopher Wray . engaged and vote, telling her saying some of those policies by the World Meteorological while he reiterated his attacks the Postal Service board of gov- Several Democratic state “the reason I’m so optimistic is must extend beyond K-12 Organization,” Berc said. on mail-in voting. Trump has ernors to reverse a series of attorneys general also consid- because of your generation”. schooling and that as a college The record comes as claimed repeatedly and without changes adopted by DeJoy that ering potential legal action to “You’re the smartest, the best student she couldn’t always climate scientists warn of the evidence that a surge in mail-in they said have led to mail stop Postal Service changes that educated, the least prejudiced, afford meals. Cardi B, whose hits dangers of a warming planet. voting would lead to fraud in service delays. could affect the election and the most engaged gener- include “Bodak Yellow” and Last month was the world’s the November 3 election. Concerned by the cuts outcome. Top Democrats in ation in history,” Biden said. “Money,” once floated the notion third-hottest July on record, Voting by mail is nothing coming in a year when up to Congress called on DeJoy and Saying that Trump “appeals of running for office herself, saying and three of the hottest ever new in the United States, and half of US voters could cast another top postal official to to... prejudice,” Biden vowed to she could “shake the table” as a Julys all occurred within the one in four voters cast ballots ballots by mail, Democrats have testify next week at a hearing on work towards repairing stark member of US Congress. last five years. that way in 2016. pointed to reductions in Postal Service policy changes. COVID-19 forces some US schools to close; new cases remain high in most states

REUTERS — NEW YORK centers — have opted for a third of students under students posted images on social said it was unsafe to return and COVID-19 fell for a fourth week online-only learning, while quarantine. media, showing pupils massed called in sick. Greater Phoenix’s in a row but infections remain at Almost as quickly as they wel- others have chosen in-person “As we have said since we together in hallways, many of J.O. Combs Unified School Dis- high levels in most states and comed students back, some US learning, or a hybrid of the two. announced our reopening, we them not wearing masks. trict had been set to begin in- deaths continue to average 1,000 schools are closing again due to But outbreaks or staffing will not hesitate to quarantine Georgia’s new cases are person learning, contravening people a day. Over 30 states have outbreaks of COVID-19, the shortages have forced some students and close classrooms in down slightly from their peak state safety guidelines. test positivity rates over 5% and latest challenge as the nation schools to halt in-person an effort to continue operating but the state reported over A Nebraska school district Mississippi, Nevada, Florida and tries to reopen while the level learning already. school in-person for as long as 20,000 new infections last said on Saturday it had can- Idaho are over 16%. of new cases per day remains A third high school in Geor- possible,” the district said in a week and a 12% positivity rate, celled classes after three staff New York has an infection high in most states. gia’s Cherokee County has statement, postponing the which suggests there are more members tested positive and 24 rate below 1%, along with Con- Schools in the United States closed for in-person classes, the planned start to in-person classes cases in the community that more were in quarantine for necticut, Maine and Vermont. are set to reopen for the start of county’s school district said, from yesterday to August 31. have not yet been uncovered. exposure in the Broken Bow New York state Governor the academic year either this citing an increase in the number Cherokee County schools The problems in Georgia School District, about 300km Andrew Cuomo said yesterday month or early September. of positive cases at Creekview were featured in the national follow an Arizona school district west of Omaha. that gyms could reopen from Some — particularly in urban High School to 25, with nearly media earlier this month after having to cancel classes after staff Nationwide, new cases of next week.