QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Wednesday JuLY 15, 2020 Dhu Al-Qa’da 24, 1441 Vol.13 no. 4999 qR 2

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World 8 Business 9 Sports 13 Second virus wave in Qatar’s consumer price Sustainability at the heart UK winter could see index rises 0.26% in of Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World 120,000 deaths June, says PSA Cup preparations

Historic victory for Qatar in air

Amir congratulates blockade case at UN top court French president ICJ rejects appeal by Saudi Blockading countries will Qatar can challenge airspace QNA Doha Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and face justice after ICJ restrictions at ICAO,

His Highness the Amir of State of Egypt over air blockade ruling, says minister rules UN top court Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday sent a cable of Tribune News Network congratulations to President of the Doha ● The ICJ rejected all three French Republic Emmanuel Macron grounds of appeal raised by on the occasion of his country’s The International Court of Justice (ICJ), National Day. the United Nation’s top court, has ruled in the blockading states favour of Qatar in a dispute with four Arab countries that imposed an air blockade ● The UN top court said the against Doha more than three years ago. ICAO has jurisdiction to hear The Hague-based ICJ on Tuesday re- Qatar’s claims Amir greets Polish jected the appeal by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt against a deci- ● prez on re-election sion by the world civil aviation body — the The ICAO Council will now International Civil Aviation Organization ICJ President Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf resume its proceedings His Highness The Amir of State of (ICAO) — in favour of Qatar over sovereign Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al airspace, ICJ President Abdulqawi Ahmed Thani on Tuesday sent a cable of Yusuf said on Tuesday. ● We welcome today’s decision congratulations to President Andrzej Qatar welcomed the ICJ ruling, saying by the ICJ that will see the Duda on the occasion of his re-elec- the blockading countries will now face jus- blockading states finally Special judge appointed by siege tion as President of the Republic of tice for violating international rules. Poland. (QNA) Minister of Transport and Communi- face justice for violating cations HE Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti international aviation rules states voted against them: Khulaifi said, “We welcome today’s decision by the ICJ that will see the blockading states fi- ● We are confident that the Tribune News Network nificance of these defences and their lack of COVID-19 recoveries nally face justice for violating international ICAO will ultimately find Doha credibility in the court of law,” Dr Al Khulaifi told aviation rules. We are confident that the these actions unlawful Al Jazeera in an interview. reach 101,160 ICAO will ultimately find these actions un- Dr Mohammed Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, a repre- “As you know, Qatar has submitted its lawful. This is the latest in a series of rul- ● sentative of Qatar at the International Court of complaint to this organisation concerned with ings that expose the blockading countries’ This is the latest in a series Justice (ICJ), has described as a rare instance deciding civil aviation issues since the begin- continued disregard for international law of rulings that expose the ruling given by the UN top court in favour of ning of the blockade. The council approved by and due process. Step by step their argu- the blockading countries’ Qatar regarding the jurisdiction of the Interna- a majority votes to accept jurisdiction in mid- ments are being demolished, and Qatar’s continued disregard for tional Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in con- 2018... The blockading countries decided on position vindicated.” international law and due sidering the Qatari complaint in the airspace the basis of Article 84 of the Chicago Agree- In a statement, the Government Com- blockade issue. ment and Article II of the (IASTA) agreement on munications Office (GCO) said, “Qatar wel- process Dr Al Khulaifi said the ruling was unani- air services for transit, to resume this decision comes the ruling by the International Court mous by the members of the tribunal, including before the ICJ. Today, we are pleased with this of Justice that it has the right to challenge ● Step by step their arguments the special judge appointed by the blockad- decision,” he said. airspace restrictions imposed by Saudi Ara- are being demolsoihed, and ing countries. In a rare instance, the special “We congratulate the government and peo- bia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt before the Qatar’s position vindicated judge voted against the blockading states that ple of Qatar on this third judicial victory since UN’s aviation body – the International Civil appointed him. “This is a sign of the insig- the beginning of the siege,” he added. page 2 Aviation Organization (ICAO).” Since June 2017, the blockading states The verdict is the latest in a series of have prohibited Qatar-registered aircraft international judgments vindicating Qa- from flying to or from their airports and tar’s position. It follows a ruling by the overflying their national airspaces, in fla- World Trade Organization in June that grant violation of international law. Saudi Arabia breached global trade rules We’ll take action immediately: CAA In two judgments released on Tuesday, by failing to take action against, and in- The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has wel- air embargo and demanded an end to it. In a Qatar on Tuesday reported 517 new the ICJ rejected all three grounds of ap- stead actively promoting, broadcast pirate comed the ruling of the International Court of statement, the CAA said it would immediately coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, the Minis- peal raised by the blockading states, find- beoutQ. Justice in favour of Qatar. initiate the complaints procedures submitted try of Public Health said in its daily report. ing that the ICAO has jurisdiction to hear Qatar’s decision to bring claims before In a landmark judgment, the ICJ recognised in 2017 to prove to the world the violations As many as 533 people recovered from Qatar’s claims. The ICAO Council will now the ICAO follows repeated attempts to ne- the competence of the ICAO to consider Qa- of the four countries of the Chicago Conven- the virus in the last 24 hours, bringing resume its proceedings. gotiate an amicable settlement, which have tar’s complaint against the four countries. tion 1944 and the transit agreement annexed the total number of recoveries in the Since the start of the illegal blockade in been consistently rejected by the blockad- Qatar submitted complaints to ICAO in thereto, in which they claimed that the meas- country to 101,160. Sadly, a 53-year-old June 2017, Qatar has maintained that the ing states. which it presented in detail all the violations ures taken by Qatar were invalid before the patient succumbed to the virus, bringing blockading states have acted illegally and committed by the four countries regarding the ICAO. (TNN) the death toll to 150. (TNN) in violation of international law. Continued on page 2 

MADLSA to launch e-platform Amir attaches great importance beIN slams Saudi move to for Qatarisation of jobs soon revoke its licence illegally A new electronic platform will This came during a press to healthcare sector: Minister be launched soon that will conference on Tuesday to clarify QNA Tribune News Network allow Qataris, who are looking the mechanisms of a draft Doha Doha for jobs, to identify available decision to raise the propor- opportunities. tion of Qataris to 60 percent in Minister of Public Health beIN MEDIA GROUP has criti- This was revealed by the state-owned companies, and HE Dr Hanan Mohammed cised Saudi Arabia’s decision Assistant Undersecretary of other companies subject to Al Kuwari has affirmed that to permanently terminate the Administrative Development Af- retirement and pension law. His Highness The Amir of licence to broadcast beIN fairs at the Ministry of Adminis- He explained that no exter- State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim in the kingdom, saying the trative Development, Labor and nal contract is approved in the bin Hamad Al Thani attach- decision was based on false licence to broadcast in Saudi Social Affairs Abdulah Musalam ministry until a comprehensive es great importance to the legal procedures that repeat- Arabia. This decision was Al Dosari. study is conducted to identify healthcare sector. The won- edly violated the channel’s arrived at through sham legal The platform will also pro- a citizen who has qualifica- derful results achieved in this legal rights. proceedings that repeatedly vide the opportunity for private tions allowing him to work in sector today are a direct result It said the Saudi decision violated beIN’s due process companies to place vacant and state-owned companies and of HH The Amir’s wise vision not only contradicts interna- rights at every turn and the required jobs, with a view to other companies. Al Dosari of investing in the healthcare Minister of Public Health HE Dr Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari with tional law but also the most decision itself is not only implementing a draft decision stressed that the ministry will sector. health officials. basic principles of competi- contrary to international law to raise the proportion of Qa- review and verify the state- The health minister made tion law. but also the most basic prin- taris to 60 percent of workers owned companies or in which the remarks during her meet- ficient clinical capacity with She said Qatar has the sec- “We note the latest ciples of competition law,” in state-owned companies or in the state is contributing, and ing with a group of cadres of intensive care units and high- ond lowest COVID-19 death pronouncement by the beIN MEDIA GROUP said in a which the state is contributing, other companies, and achieve intensive care units affiliated quality treatment are the key rate in the world, despite the Saudi General Authority for statement. and other entities subject to the required percentage for with Hamad Medical Corpora- elements that enable Qatar high incidence of the disease. Competition purporting to the retirement and pension law. Qatarisation. (QNA) tion on Tuesday. to manage the coronavirus permanently terminate beIN’s Continued on page 3  Dr Al Kuwari said suf- (COVID-19) pandemic. Continued on page 2  02 Wednesday, July 15, 2020

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Quick read Shura speaker emphasises GOPAC’s ICJ unanimously quashes blockading Amir congratulates Dominican president-elect key role in protecting public money countries’ three grounds of appeal The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday held a telephone conversation with Luis Rodolfo Abinad- Speaker of the Shura Council HE Continued from page 1  when it rejected the first preliminary er, during which HH the Amir congratulated him on his victory in Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al objection by the appellants relating to its the presidential elections of the Dominican Republic and wished Mahmoud, who is also president of the IN the dispute under the Chicago Con- jurisdiction”, and that the claims brought him success. During the phone call, they reviewed bilateral rela- Global Organization of Parliamentar- vention, the ICJ ruled that with respect before the council were admissible. tions and the means of developing them in various fields.(QNA) ians Against Corruption (GOPAC), on to the blockading states’ first ground The blockading states’ third ground Tuesday chaired the organisation’s ex- of appeal, which alleged that the ICAO of appeal, which incredibly claimed Deputy Amir congratulates French president ecutive committee meeting via video Council “failed to uphold fundamen- that Qatar never made a “genuine at- conference. The meet was held to dis- tal principles of due process”, the ICJ tempt to initiate negotiations” prior to The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al cuss future activities of the organisa- unanimously found that “the proce- filing its claims under the Chicago Con- Thani on Tuesday sent a cable of congratulations to President of tion and evaluate the measures it aims HE Speaker of the Shura Council Ahmed dures followed by the council did not vention and IASTA, was equally unani- France Emmanuel Macron on his country’s National Day. (QNA) to pursue to achieve its objectives in bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud prejudice in any fundamental way the mously rejected. “Qatar made a genu- collaboration with world parliaments requirements of a just procedure.” ine attempt within ICAO to settle by Deputy Amir sends greetings and other international organisations also highlighted the leading role of The ICJ also rejected the blockading negotiation its disagreement with the to Polish president focused on fighting corruption. Qatar in the fight against corruption states’ second ground of appeal, which appellants regarding the interpretation At the start of the meeting, the Shu- and commended the decision of the claimed that the “real issue” in dispute and application of the Chicago Conven- The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al ra speaker stressed the important role Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin was not their violations of the Chicago tion”, the ICJ said. Thani sent on Tuesday a cable of congratulations to President that the organisation must play in pro- Hamad Al Thani to award the Sheikh Convention and IASTA, but their bla- Accordingly, it rejected the block- Andrzej Duda on his re-election as president of Poland. (QNA) tecting public money and in enhancing Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Anti- tantly false accusations that Qatar sup- ading states’ third ground of appeal as transparency and the rule of law in or- Corruption Excellence Award, which ports and finances terrorism. The ICJ well. The court reached virtually identi- PM congratulates French counterpart der to serve sustainable development coincides with the International An- once again refused to give any credence cal conclusions in rejecting the blockad- in countries around the world. ti-Corruption Day on December 9 of to those falsehoods and unanimously ing states’ appeal of the ICAO Council’s Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin The speaker of the Shura Council each year. (QNA) concluded that “the council did not err decision in the IASTA proceedings. Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on Tuesday sent a cable of con- gratulations to Prime Minister of Franc Jean Castex on his country’s National Day. (QNA) Special judge appointed by siege states QCAA hails ICJ verdict against siege countries voted against them at ICJ: Dr Al Khulaifi Tribune News Network “This is a sign of the insig- cusations that Qatar supports “The blockading countries Tribune News Network Doha nificance of these defences and and finances terrorism. The now have seven days to re- Doha their lack of credibility in the ICJ once again refused to give spond in writing to the Qatari Dr Mohammed Abdulaziz Al court of law,” Dr Khulaifitold any credence to those false- complaint. Then the council Chairman of Qatar Civil Khulaifi, head of the legal team Al Jazeera in an interview. hoods, he added. will see what it deems appro- Aviation Authority (QCAA) and representative of Qatar in “As you know, Qatar has Dr Khulaifi pointed out priate either by giving the par- Abdullah bin Nasser Turki Al the International Court of Jus- submitted its complaint to that the court also refused to ties another round of written Subaie has hailed the ruling of tice (ICJ), has revealed a rare this organisation concerned respond or address these de- notes or directing them for the International Court of Jus- instance in the ruling issued with deciding civil aviation fences that are not based on oral arguments.” tice (ICJ) in favour of Qatar by the UN top court in favour issues since the beginning of valid evidence. Responding to a question in the Gulf airspace blockade QCAA Chairman Abdullah bin of Qatar regarding the juris- the blockade. The council ap- “The four countries were about any proactive steps from case as “historic”. Nasser Turki Al Subaie diction of the International proved by a majority votes to Dr Mohammed Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi unable to provide any convinc- the blockading countries with In a tweet on Tuesday, Civil Aviation Organization accept jurisdiction in mid- ing evidence to the court and regard to the air embargo, he Subaie said, “Thank God, Qatar agreements before the world in (ICAO) in considering the Qa- 2018. The blockading coun- since the beginning of the the result was the unanimous said, “The door is open for the achieved a historic victory over a civilised manner.” tari complaint in the airspace tries decided on the basis siege in June, 2017,” he added. rejection of all of these ap- blockading countries to resort the blockading states in the The ICJ on Tuesday ruled blockade issue. of Article 84 of the Chicago Dr Khulaifisaid the sec- peals,” he said. to all the means stipulated in International Court of Justice. that the ICAO did not make a Dr Khulaifi said the ruling Agreement and Article II of ond ground of appeal, which In response to a question the agreement to resolve this And with this ruling in our fa- mistake and was right when it came by unanimous votes by the (IASTA) agreement on air claimed that the “real issue” related to the next legal step, dispute.” vour, we will complete the pro- rejected the appeals of the four the members of the tribunal, services for transit, to resume in the dispute was not their Dr Khulaifi said the ICAO He said the reason Qatar cedures for national complaints blockading countries against including the special judge this decision before the ICJ. violations of the Chicago Con- Council gave the blockading resorted to ICAO from day at the International Civil Avia- Qatar by not having jurisdic- appointed by the blockading Today, we are pleased with vention and IASTA, but rather countries a certain period to one is that it is the competent tion Organization ICAO, and, tion to consider their appeals countries. In a rare instance, this decision,” he said. an issue of countermeasures respond to the Qatari com- authority to look into this civil by the grace of God, we will on the issue of the air embargo the special judge voted against “We congratulate the gov- taken by these countries to plaint and this period will ex- aviation dispute and it will once again demonstrate the imposed by these countries on the blockading states that ap- ernment and people of Qatar protect their national security pire based on the date set after only be resolved under the violation of these international Doha since 2017. pointed him. on this third judicial victory on the basis of their false ac- seven days from now. umbrella of this organisation.

Qatar Executive unveils ‘Diamond Agreement’ for private jet travel Healthcare system in Qatar Tribune News Network clusive and fixed-hourly rates ed times, travel requirements efficient, effective: Minister DOHA cover both flight hours and taxi often change and as such, our time. customers can rely on us for a Continued from page 1  Qatar has dealt with this Qatar Executive has an- Designed to simplify private bespoke service, with unused pandemic decisively and ef- nounced the introduction of its jet travel, pre-purchased Dia- hours being refundable at any “All components of the fectively through the imple- new and exclusive Diamond mond Agreement hours have time.” healthcare system in Qatar mentation of strict meas- Agreement, which enables cus- no minimum annual usage and Qatar Executive currently have worked since the begin- ures that helped contain tomers to pre-purchase flight no maximum carry-over, mak- operates a fleet of 18 state-of- ning of the pandemic to en- the spread of this virus, she time at fixed-hourly rates on ing the programme unrivalled the-art private jets and includes sure their ability to provide added. state-of-the-art long-range and in terms of its flexibility. Qatar Gulfstream G650ERs, Gulf- the best services,” she said. “We have all made great ultra-long-range private jets. Executive’s customers are also stream G500s and Global 5000 Qatar expanded the ca- sacrifices, but it is important The Diamond Agreement offered guaranteed availability aircraft. It is the proud launch pacity of intensive care units that we continue to adhere to is precisely tailored to the in- for reservations booked from customer for Gulfstream’s flag- to provide the necessary the precautionary measures dividual customer’s needs and just 72 hours in advance. ship jet, the Gulfstream G700. treatment for each patient to protect the most vulner- requirements, offering a truly Qatar Airways Group Chief The new aircraft brings an un- who needs it without delay, able groups in our society. unique flying experience. Executive Akbar Al Baker high levels of service and safety private clients. The programme precedented combination of she noted. It is very important that we The Diamond Agreement said, “As part of Qatar Airways onboard our state-of-the-art offers the ultimate in flexibility performance, technology and The minister said the must ensure social distancing guarantees unrivalled service Group, Qatar Executive offers aircraft.” at a fixed price. Furthermore, cabin size to Qatar Executive’s healthcare system in Qatar, as well as continuing to wear on board Qatar Executive’s an exceptional travel experience Qatar Executive’s Acting we understand that as a result fleet. with its efficiency, effective- masks,” she said. state-of-the-art fleet of private for private jet customers. With Executive Vice-President Mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, Over the past few months, ness and world-class level, For his part, Dr Saad Al jets. To join this programme, the Diamond Agreement, we Hardman said, “We are de- clients are looking for versatile, Qatar Executive has maintained made it possible to rapidly Kaabi, System Wide Incident customers need to purchase a can now offer even more flex- lighted to launch our bespoke high-quality services from a a robust and agile network de- expand and reuse existing Command Center (SWICC) minimum of 50 hours’ flight ible and bespoke travel options Diamond Agreement, which is reputable and financially secure spite the challenging operation- resources and facilities. “This Committee Chairman, said time, without any associated for Qatar Executive passengers, tailored to suit the exact travel operator. al environment, getting cus- helped us in providing 3,500 many employees worked be- membership fees. The all-in- who can continue to expect our profile of both corporate and “During these unprecedent- tomer’s home safely. hospital beds and 700 beds in hind the scenes to present a intensive care units for COV- plan to ensure the provision ID-19 patients,” she said. of the best possible care. Dr Al Kuwari praised all He pointed out that sev- the intensive care unit teams en facilities have been dedi- Fereej Abdul Aziz Intersection on B-Ring Road to become temporary R/A at Hamad Medical Corpora- cated for providing care to tion hospitals, especially in COVID-19 patients. The ca- Tribune News Network 16, 2020 for a period of six can use Salah Al Deen Street Hazm Mebaireek General pacity and efficiency of criti- Doha months to facilitate expan- then turn left towards Ibn Al Hospital, for providing qual- cal and acute care services sion and upgrading works on Awwam Street then right to- ity healthcare services to have been expanded through The Public Works Authority Fereej Abdul Aziz Intersection wards B Ring Road to get to COVID-19 patients. the hard work of all teams, (Ashghal) will convert Fereej and installation of new traffic Fereej Abdelaziz temporary She pointed out that the he added. Abdul Aziz Intersection known lights, as part of the B Ring roundabout and continue to death rate among COVID-19 Dr Ahmed Al Muhammad, as Hafsa Intersection on B Road Development Project. reach their destinations. patients in intensive care head of Internal Medicine De- Ring Road into a temporary Ashghal has previously an- The Public Works Author- units in Qatar was about 9 partment at Hamad Medical roundabout while keeping two nounced a temporary closure ity will instal road signs to percent, compared to 35 per- Corporation, said more than lanes open in all directions. on the B Ring Road from Al guide motorists of the closure. cent in the most developed 1,370 patients infected with In coordination with the Doha Al Jadeeda Intersection Ashghal requests all road us- countries. COVID-19 have been cared for General Directorate of Traf- to Fereej Abdelaziz Intersec- ers to abide by the speed limit In this context, Dr Kuwari in the intensive care units of fic, this change will be imple- tion. Thus, for road users com- and follow the road signs to appreciated the work done by Hamad Medical Corporation mented from Thursday, July ing from Al Matar Street, they ensure their safety. the intensive care unit teams. since last March. Nation Wednesday, July 15, 2020 03 QFFD, Qatar Charity to discuss building resilience in fragile countries amid coronavirus at UN event tribune news network UN to review global progress contribute to the interna- the needs exceed by far the sional challenges across all doha concerning the implementa- tional efforts aimed at tack- resources available for aid. sectors caused by COVID-19, tion of Sustainable Develop- ling coronavirus and de- We need to reflect on this un- and with only 10 years left to QATAR Fund for Develop- ment Goals (SDGs). livered aid to more than 25 precedented crisis and build achieve the SDGs, the pan- ment (QFFD) and Qatar The event of this year countries since the outbreak on the momentum to help demic may put us off track Charity (QC) will hold a vir- is linked to unprecedented of the pandemic. fragile communities with- in the implementation of the tual side event panel discus- conditions due to the coro- Yousuf AlKuwari, chief stand future shocks. This 2030 Agenda for Sustain- sion, ‘Building resilience in navirus pandemic, which executive officer of Qatar crisis is a true test for the in- able Development. However, fragile countries amid COV- has impacted the imple- Charity, said: “Progress to- ternational community to act this should not impede our ID-19 and beyond: A Qatari mentation of the 2030 wards the implementation in the interest of global soli- efforts. On the contrary, we perspective’, in New York. Agenda for Sustainable De- of the Sustainable Develop- darity and ensure that fragile must turn this challenge into The high-level political velopment. Yousuf AlKuwari, chief executive Khalifa Al Kuwari, director gen- ment Goals has experienced communities have access to an opportunity to rebuild in forum is held annually under In addition to QFFD and officer of Qatar Charity eral of QFFD a setback like no other this the knowledge, tools and ex- a way that makes us more re- the auspices of the United QC, Qatar Red Crescent So- year. Qatar Charity allocated pertise to protect themselves silient to future shocks post Nations Economic and So- ciety, Start Network, OCHA, in this symposium, featuring It is worth mentioning more than $20 million to from future shocks.” COVID-19 crisis”, stated cial Council (ECOSOC). It is and the Bill & Melinda Gates presentation of papers by the that the QFFD and QC mo- contribute to the global fight “Today our world is con- Khalifa Al Kuwari, director the primary platform of the Foundation will participate participants. bilised resources swiftly to against the coronavirus but fronted with multidimen- general of QFFD.

Corruption harms QCS and HMC hold first joint beIN rule of law, ability questions of states to better CPD webinar on lung cancer Saudi ban tribune news network governance: Qatar doha Continued from page 1  QATAR Cancer Society (QCS ) “The decision is nonsen- QNA parency Authority in 2011 to and Hamad Medical Corpora- sical on every single level, Geneva focus on oversight, transpar- tion (HMC) organised the first banning beIN for packag- ency and integrity of public online continuous professional ing its rights in the stand- Qatar has said that corrup- office and combat corruption development (CPD) webinar ard way that sports and tion harms the rule of law in all its forms. titled ‘Suspected Lung Cancer entertainment broadcast- and the ability of states to He also pointed to Qatar’s Referral Guidelines on a Qa- ers all around the world do, strengthen governance sys- provision of all support to the tari Digital Platform-Master- and indeed as other broad- tems that respect and comply Rule of Law and Anti-Corrup- Badge Meet’. The webinar tar- Dr Mohammed Ussama Al Homsi Dr Reyad Mohsen Dr Hadi Abu Rashid casters active in the Saudi with human rights standards. tion Center in Doha, which geted 200 primary healthcare market also do. Moreover, This came in the speech of was established in 2013. The providers, nurses and allied at HMC will promote QCS’ diagnosed cancer in Qatar in tion, Research and Quality at the very idea that perma- the State of Qatar, delivered centre is promoting respect health practitioners from both continuous medical educa- 2016 and the first causing- The National Center for Cancer nently banning a leading by Deputy Permanent Repre- for the rule of law and fight- the governmental and private tion activities through digital death. The survival rate from Care and Research, said “We competitor from a market sentative of the State of Qatar ing corruption, in addition health sector. platforms in order for HMC’s 2013 till 2016 was 24.24 per- thank QCS for their support, could in any way promote to the UN Office in Geneva, to providing various training Dr Hadi Mohamad Abu medical staff to benefit from cent, he informed. which enables us to reach pri- competition is plainly ab- Abdullah Hamad Al Nuaimi, programmes, including pro- Rashid, head of Professional the programmes.” It is noteworthy that the mary healthcare providers in surd,” the statement added. during an interactive dialogue grammes for prosecutors and Development and Scientific Dr Abu Rashid stressed the Qatar National Cancer Pro- Qatar. The webinar supports on the Special Rapporteur’s judges in many countries, he Research Department at QCS, charity’s keenness to organise gramme did a survey in May, the mission to provide excel- report on the independence of said. said: “This CPD activity is a nationally and internationally 2016, which revealed that 68 lent cancer care in the county.” judges and lawyers under the “Qatar appreciates the Category 1 - Accredited Group accredited professional devel- percent of health experts in Dr Reyad Mohsen, senior great confidence the UN has learning activity as defined by opment programmes for the Qatar were of the opinion that consultant, Oncology, National in the Qatari Attorney General the Accreditation Department medical staff aimed at enhanc- future investment should be Center for Cancer Care, said : Qatar has taken advanced by choosing him to occupy the of Qatar Council for Health- ing Qatar’s health care system. made in capacity building of “The webinar aims to provide steps in the field of com- position of UN Special Advo- care Practitioners (QCHP) and During the webinar, the primary healthcare provid- the participants with practical cate for the Prevention of Cor- is approved for a maximum of latest lung cancer statistics ers and the community health knowledge about lung cancers bating corruption at the ruption,” he added. 1.5 hours.” globally and locally were pre- workforce to fight cancer. and its early signs and symp- national and international Nuaimi said Qatar has He added, “In the frame- sented. According to the Qa- Dr Mohammed Ussama toms, in order to help them de- levels, pointing to the emerged as an active and work of the strategic partner- tar National Cancer Registry Al Homsi, senior consultant, termine when a patient should “We would also ques- establishment of the serious country in the fight ship between the HMC and (QNCR) 2016, lung cancer Oncology, and deputy medi- be referred as a suspected case tion – as we have for three Administrative Control and against corruption globally QCS, the communication team was the ninth most commonly cal director of Clinical Educa- of cancer.” years – how Saudi citizens through joining the UN Con- can watch Premier League Transparency Authority in vention against Corruption matches legally in Saudi 2011 to focus on oversight, and by allocating an annual Arabia with this “perma- transparency and integrity award bearing the name of nent” ban on the Premier of public office and combat HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim CNA-Q announces first applied degrees in Qatar League’s licensed broad- corruption in all its forms bin Hamad Al Thani, aimed caster. Or indeed how at raising awareness on the Tribune News Network work graduates in the industry. Saudi citizens can legally importance of addressing Doha This is an extremely important watch most major inter- third item on the agenda of the corruption, encouraging the step in enabling students to con- national sport and how Human RightsCouncil. implementation of decisive The College of the North Atlan- tinue their post-secondary expe- this fits into Saudi Arabia’s “Qatar agrees with what measures of the UN Conven- tic–Qatar (CNA-Q) announced a rience in Qatar. Applied degrees 2030 Vision.” was stated in the report that tion against Corruption and first for Qatar – applied degrees. provide a mix of theoretical and The statement added, corruption is harmful to the honouring the exceptional The College will be offering a analytical skills with career-ori- “We also note that Saudi rule of law and the ability of projects and efforts aimed at Bachelor of Applied Science in ented, practical education and Arabia’s state-sponsored states to strengthen govern- fighting corruption. Maintenance Engineering Tech- training. For example, a Bach- pirate channel, beoutQ, ance systems that respect and “In a continuation of these nology, a Bachelor of Applied elor of Applied Science degree is bundled rights and re- comply with human rights efforts and in implementation Business Administration in Hu- designed to increase the profes- moved competition for standards, as well as its im- of the Doha Declaration on man Resource Management and veloping the economy of Qatar,” tar,” he added. sional management skills of the nearly three years; yet the pact on the ability of states Integrating Crime Prevention a Bachelor of Applied Science in said Dr Mohammed bin Saleh “These programmes offered learner and to meet the demand only action the Saudi au- to provide the resources nec- and Criminal Justice issued Clinical Radiography starting in Al Sada, chairman of the Board by the college today will be fol- for leadership of highly technical thorities have taken is to essary to fulfill economic, in 2015, Qatar and the UN re- the upcoming academic year. of Trustees of the College of the lowed by other university pro- professionals at the workplace. deliberately block FIFA, social and cultural rights, in cently signed a declaration of “Today, the College is wit- North Atlantic, Qatar. grammes in the coming years, “I know a lot of students UEFA, the Premier League addition to it being a major intent regarding the establish- nessing the launch of a new “The College of the North as we are now in the advanced have been eagerly waiting for and others from taking le- obstacle to achieving the Sus- ment of the United Nations phase in which it will be better Atlantic-Qatar was established stages of preparing to transform this news,” Dr. Salem said. gal action nine times in tainable Development Goals,” Judicial Integrity Center for able to deliver distinguished ed- in Qatar to meet the state’s de- the college into an applied uni- “I invite them to check out complete breach of WTO Nuaimi said. research and training in Doha, ucational outputs to the labour velopment needs from qualified versity, the first of its kind in the the details of the new degrees rules. Saudi Arabia’s re- He added that Qatar has as a step complementing the market by launching unique ap- cadres in a scientific, practical State of Qatar.” on our website and consider at- lentless failure to pay any taken advanced steps in the efforts to create the global net- plied Bachelor programmes that and technical way, as the College “I am very pleased to make tending CNA-Q, or coming back heed to the rule of law or field of combating corruption work of judicial integrity that will open the way for the college keeps pace with developments this announcement today,” said to CNA-Q for their studies. The international norms is only at the national and interna- aims to help judicial bodies to expand in the provision of in the state and puts its pro- CNA-Q Acting President Dr. Sa- degrees offer plan is perfectly harming sports fans in tional levels, pointing to the enhance judicial integrity and diverse and comprehensive pro- grams in quantity and quality in lem Al Naemi. “Applied degrees aligned with the CNA-Q Strate- Saudi, and sports organisa- establishment of the Admin- prevent corruption in the ju- grammes that will contribute to line with the requirements of the are a response to the growing gic Plan, which lists student suc- tions all around the world.” istrative Control and Trans- dicial system,” Nuaimi added. the process of building and de- various sectors in the state of Qa- need for highly skilled, ready-to- cess as a priority.” QF keeps skills of Qatar’s young debaters sharp amid COVID-19 Tribune News Network and books in Qatar Founda- 2017, has just graduated from preparation, wake-up calls, Doha tion (QF) member QatarDe- the International School and technical glitches and bate’s classroom, dedicated of London, and is about to solutions, this form of debate Its 9:03am, and Reem Al to enabling them to prepare join QF partner university training has become part of Kubaisi is frantically search- for major championships. Georgetown University in the team’s new normal. ing for her earphones. Qa- But due to the pandemic, Qatar (GU-Q). Team Qatar member and tarDebate coach Mubarrat and the lockdown measures It has now been more Al Bayan Secondary School Wassey is a stickler for time, and travel restrictions it has than 100 days since the team for Girls student Moza Al and training starts at 9am. led to, their training this has seen each other in per- Hajri, who is part of both the The reason for her search year is purely online, as they son. Team Qatar training, like English and Arabic national is that Reem – together with equip themselves both for Alanoud Al Thani Reem Al Kubaisi Moza Al Hajri everything else, was abruptly debating teams, has been her fellow debaters on Team the OWSDC and the World halted in March because of training in both languages Qatar, which will be repre- Schools Debating Champion- part online, including spar- with Alanoud Al Thani be- of Edinburgh, as well as uni- the pandemic. QatarDebate online, and has not been senting the nation at the On- ship in Mexico City, which ring against other national ing named the Best Novice versities in Berlin, Utrecht, subsequently moved training fazed by the shift to online line World Schools Debating was due to be held this month teams, such as those from Speaker as well as the 8th Tallinn and Stockholm Uni- online. Having been selected preparation. “While I truly Championship (OWSDC) but has now been postponed Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Best Speaker Overall. The versity. in January, the team trained miss the atmosphere of pre- that starts this week – are until January. and getting acquainted with championship consisted of bi-weekly up to April, before COVID-19 training, where learning the art of ‘virtual’ Because of this delay, the online tournament by 56 teams and featured some A new debating normal – following Ramadan, Eid debates were more heated debating amid the COVID-19 the organisers of the World taking part in the Helsinki of the best university debate “We feel like they are once and the exam period – inten- and everyone would interact pandemic. It means their Schools Debating Champi- Online Open Debating Cham- teams from across Europe, again re-learning how to use sive training began in June, more passionately in discus- preparations are a little dif- onship have given their en- pionship earlier this month. including tfrom the London Microsoft Teams, which is with three sessions a week. sions, meeting via Microsoft ferent from this time last dorsement for the OWSDC The Helsinki tourna- School of Economics, Impe- the platform we are using for This has been stepped up in Teams is not so bad and we year. to be held from July 17 to Au- ment showed them that hard rial College London, Trinity online debating,” says Reem, July, with online sessions are still able to have good and Back then, the team were gust 2. Team Qatar’s inten- work pays off, as they went College Dublin, University of who has been part of the Qa- every day except Fridays. And efficient training sessions,” surrounded by papers, files sive training has been taking on to win the championship, Glasgow and the University tarDebate community since after over 120 hours of online she says. 04 Wednesday, July 15, 2020 Nation HBKU Press enables home delivery of books via on-demand courier services

market for consumers using titles. Orders are delivered clude ‘Monsters are Afraid of Books suitable for the whole family delivery applications because within 60 to 90 minutes max- Mama’, the story of a ‘super- of the sheer convenience alone. imum. Rafeeq and Snoonu mom’ with a gift for explain- can be purchased securely through Our partnership with Rafeeq ensures orders are delivered ing away common childhood Rafeeq and Snoonu mobile apps and Snoonu serves to comple- safely in line with the neces- fears. Other noteworthy titles ment our retail activities. We sary COVID-19 precautionary include, ‘We Are All Won- Tribune News Network versity Press (HBKU Press), have many great books and we measures. ders’ and ‘Candy the Mean- Doha in its ongoing mission to in- want to ensure they are avail- In addition to Rafeeq and est Camel in Town’, Johanna still a love of reading among able to readers to purchase Snoonu, HBKU Press also has Handley’s tale of a camel that’s OVER the past few months, the community, is collaborat- through multiple avenues. a healthy presence on other rude to her classmates and her parents and children have had ing with Rafeeq and Snoonu’s “COVID-19 has thrown the applications and platforms. teacher. to adjust to working and learn- on-demand courier service to world a curveball and Qatar These include Kindle, which “Whether it’s an inspi- ing remotely. As the summer deliver books to homes across has set a precedent around hosts 125 HBKU Press titles, ration for a new hobby, an school break comes into ef- Doha. the world with how well it as well as Overdrive, Abjad edge-of-your-seats thriller - or fect, students welcome the Members of the commu- has adapted to the global up- (for Arabic titles only), Lu- anything in between - read- spare time to spend time doing nity can purchase books se- bestsellers at the moment. Mounir Slim, head of Publish- set. In all aspects of the pub- sail and Streetlib. In the case ing has been the only source things they enjoy. With certain curely through the Rafeeq and We believe that with schools ing Services, HBKU Press. lic sphere, Qatar has adopted of the latter, Streetlib offers of comfort and relaxation for restrictions still in place across Snoonu mobile applications, having provided classes re- Through its partnership digital technologies to ensure 40+ partners through which many people in lockdown”, Qatar to contain the spread of which boast hundreds of titles motely and the majority of with Rafeeq and Snoonu, business continuity”, added HBKU Press can highlight its added Mounir Slim. “Books COVID-19, leisurely activities for the whole family. These people working from home, HBKU Press is able to meet a Mounir Slim. publications to readers young have also become essential for children remain limited. include academic books, non- parents are looking at ways consumer need and adapt its Members of the commu- and old. features of parents’ strategies However, the extra time in- fiction and fiction for children to continue their children’s e- services to changing times as it nity can download the Ra- Even before lockdown, to their children occupied and doors affords an opportunity and adults across various gen- learning with books. Reading continues to promote literacy feeq and Snoonu mobile ap- online and in-store sales engaged in learning activities. to engage in other enriching res, in both English and is a great leisurely activity that in Qatar. plications on iOS or Android highlighted the popularity of It’s been an honour to provide hobbies. Arabic. also provides children with a “Even when things return to browse and purchase a HBKU Press’ offerings for 7 this service during these diffi- Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- “Children’s books are our break from screen time”, says to ‘normal’ there will still be a complete list of HBKU Press to 12-year-olds. Bestsellers in- cult times.” HEC Paris alumni to conduct webinar on PSD embraces distance learning career development as new academic year kicks off Tribune News Network is in Qatar, Eman Al Kuwari Doha said, “I enjoyed the unique set- The Philippine School Doha welcomed over 3,000 students to a new school year early this week up of the modules and the in- HEC Paris will hold a Q&A teractive educational courses Ailyn Agonia On the part of the par- webinar session, which will be were quite challenging.” DOHA ents, Joseph Rivera stressed delivered by two of its alumni With more than 60,000 their important role as their on Monday, July 20, at 4.30 alumni worldwide in more The Philippine School Doha children navigate through pm Qatar time. than 120 countries, HEC Paris (PSD) welcomed more than distance learning. The interactive session was recognised by The Econo- 3,000 students to a new He said, “I see this change will be attended by graduates mist as the world’s leading school year early this week. as something mandatory and Eman Al Kuwari of the Spe- alumni network in 2019. Its Given the prevailing not just an option given these cialised Master in Strategic objective is to support the par- health crisis, the return to challenging times. Although Business Unit Management ticipants and graduates of the school for the Filipino stu- PSD’s online learning plat- (SBUM) 2020 cohort and Sal- HEC Paris degree programs dents was nothing like before. form has a dedicated teacher- man Shaban of the Interna- throughout their careers by The students started a fresh student ratio per section with tional Executive MBA (EMBA) offering them tailor-made ser- school year remotely, an expe- more synchronous than asyn- 2019 cohort. The discussion vices. All alumni of the HEC rience new to all but one that chronous learning sessions will provide advice to pro- Paris degree programmes are the PSD community -- faculty which is better than conven- spective participants on how members of the association. members, students and par- tional self-study modes of to achieve their career goals The International Execu- ents -- is keen to embrace to PSD Principal Dr Alexander The Riveras on the first day of school regular homeschooling, dedi- through the cutting-edge HEC tive MBA is a practical and in- ensure the uninterrupted edu- Acosta der brother, Timothy Elijah cated parental attention in Paris degree programs in Qa- tensive 16-month programme cation of the students as the wake up at 6am instead also finds distance learning guiding our kids even at least tar. designed to provide partici- world grapples with the coro- produce different practical ac- of 4:49am when there is a so far as an interesting way of for the first two weeks of their Commenting on the fac- pants with an understanding navirus pandemic. tivities for kinesthetic learners need to physically travel to engaging with his classmates. classes is still imperative.” tors that need to be considered of the social, economic and “The goal of PSD is to who favour a more hands-on the campus. By 6:30am, he Among the perks of remote Another parent Dr Gerry when selecting a specific pro- environmental aspects of in- foster students who are pro- type of scheme than just lis- should be in his school uni- learning, he mentioned, was Macasa Jr highlighted the gramme, Salman Shaban said: ternational business as well ficient in doing innovative tening to lectures. form, a policy of PSD despite doing less writing as all les- critical importance of active “The highly acclaimed Inter- as the ability to deliver on things. We want to instil to He said the school will the new distance learning sons are downloaded and com- involvement of parents in the national Executive MBA pro- their vision. The curriculum every PSDian that education provide numerous electronic setup, and by 6:50am, he has municating animatedly with education of their children in gramme at HEC Paris helped consists of three components: is the most formidable weap- instructional modules for to be comfortably settled in his classmates through chat these unprecedented times. me develop a deep under- 11 core courses covering key on that they can use to change each grade level and each front of his laptop and logged groups without being marked “The biggest challenge standing of how to best use my business areas, a specialisa- the world even if it’s done vir- subject area every week. in to the PSD e-desk where noisy as it would be in a tradi- is understanding how to re- potential, with a strong focus tion (major) and a final strate- tually. Through this remote “Everyone must make a the lessons and modules for tional classroom setting. duce the negative impact this on international business and gic business project (capstone learning, every child would rigorous determination to the day can be accessed and But for another seventh pandemic has brought to our mentorship combined with project). Comprehensive core have an education that would ensure that children are not where sharing of ideas and grader PSD student Kristiana children as much as possible. an unparalleled professional courses include modules on introduce it properly into a deprived of their fundamental interactions between teach- Louriane Macasa, the new- Parents need to be involved network-all rolled into one strategy, analysis and imple- realm without further ex- right to education and pro- ers and students among ness of the experience makes more than ever in our chil- package, with no emphasis mentation, as well as lead- pense to anybody. The deliv- tected at the same time. The classmates happen. her long for the face-to-face dren’s education process and on international business and ership and human resource ery modes of PSD comprised PSD’s School Management “The new normal learning interaction on the campus. this includes improving our mentorship. management. The next phase virtual learning and the use reiterates its dedication to at home is fun. It is interest- She said while she ap- digital expertise. I do also In the meantime, describ- of the Executive MBA will be of instructional e-modules cultivating a comprehensive ing and it is easier for us to preciates the comfort of be- trust the PSD school manage- ing her experience at HEC Par- in February 2021. containing various reading learning continuity plan to ad- study and feels comfortable. ing home while avoiding the ment, being our closest ally to materials, exercises and tasks dress challenges through the Also, at least, we don’t need hassle of waking up early and the education welfare of our that students can work on in essential tunings in the cur- to wake up so early. However, the daily grind of travelling children. I believe they have their homes. The school be- riculum alignment of learning learning might not still be as to school, she still missed the prepared and installed an lieves that the new technology materials and pertinent sup- great as the actual physical school environment. education and support sys- would enable more students port to teachers, students and classroom in the long run,” “Going to school is not tems to cope with this crisis to overcome the usual barri- parents,” said Acosta. Timothy Jeremiah fondly only about learning math and with a better understanding ers to education,” PSD Princi- Eleven-year-old Timothy shared. science, but developing my and sense of urgency of clos- pal Dr Alexander Acosta told Jeremiah Rivera, a seventh His brother Timothy Eli- socio-emotional skills, in- ing the gap brought by this Qatar Tribune. grader at PSD, described the jah, a sixth grader, starts his teracting with my colleagues pandemic and ensure that Acosta said with the com- new learning setup as fun and day at 10am and has to be and learning more about how our children will continue to petent and qualified educators interesting experience so far. virtually present in his class to contribute to society as a enjoy the best quality of edu- at PSD, the school assures to On school days, he would by 11:50am. Just like his el- citizen,” said Kristiana. cation,” he said.

MES Indian School students excel in Class XII CBSE examination Tribune News Network Doha

THE MES Indian School has achieved excellent results in the Central Board of Second- ary Education (CBSE) Grade XII examinations held in March, 2020. A total of 499 students appeared for the ex- ams. Abdul Rasheed Anjana CK Athira Aravind Eliza Mary Mathew Gaadha Vinukumar Hafsa Anjum Meenakshi G Nafea Inayat In Science stream, Ab- dul Rasheed Mohammed Ali cured A1 in all five subjects. harali Pongle. Rajeev got 99 percent in Eco- emerged as the school top- They are Abdul Rasheed The top scorers in dif- nomics. Athira Aravind top per with 97.4 percent marks, Mohamed Ali, Deep Chan- ferent subjects are: Sherin scored in Accountancy with closely followed by Nafea In- dra, Aman Selvaraj, Abdul Thomas Samuel (English) 95 percent; Hafsa Anjum in ayath and Sneha Mary Biju Kalaam Peermohamed, Vi- with 99 percent and Asiya History (95%); Sherin Thom- sharing the second position gnesh Suresh Iyer, Nafea In- Anas (Mathematics) with 100 as Samuel and Sharin Mary with 97.2 percent, and Anjana ayat, Sneha Mary Biju, Anja- percent. In Physics, Abdul Siji in Informatics Practices C K and Gaadha Vinukumar na CK, Gaadha Vinukumar, Rasheed Mohamed Ali and (97%); Sneha Mary Biju in sharing the third position Yashaswini Ganesh, Sharin Yashaswini Ganesh emerged Computer Science (98%) and with 96.8 percent marks. Mary Siji, Maryam Rahma- as the toppers with 98 percent Nafea Inayat in Home Science In Commerce stream, Nihala PS Rizana Roshini Ray Sneha Mary Biju tullah, Asiya Anas, Asiya marks. (98%) Athira Aravind and Meenak- Mubeen, Niyathi Mohanan, Abdul Rasheed Mohamed The school management shi Gopikrishnan were the positions with 92 percent Nihala Parampath Sageer and secured 100 percent marks Hamiya Cheerathadayan, Ali and Gaadha Vinukumar and Principal Mrs Hameeda joint toppers of the school and 90.6 percent marks re- Rizana secured the second in Mathematics while Nibraz Nazreen Nassar, Reha Ra- top scored with 99 percent Kadar have expressed their with 93.2 percent marks spectively. and third positions with 90.4 Iqbal Tasbi and Jaseena Ha- him, Varsha Sajeevkumar, in Chemistry. Gaadha Vinu- appreciation of the com- while Eliza Mary Mathewnd In Humanities, Hafsa An- percent and 89.8 percent meed scored 100 percent in Hafsa Anjum, Fatima kumar and Liya Mariyam mendable achievements of Roshini Ray Varghese jum topped the school with marks. Engineering Graphics. Fiaz, Fida Mukthar, Cheerakkottu scored 99% in students and the contribution bagged the second and third 95.6 percent marks whereas Meanwhile, Asiya Anas A total of 24 students se- Mary Gloria and Nishat Jo- Biology while Mahalakshmi of teachers. Wednesday, July 15, 2020 05 Reports by L N Mallick For events and press releases email [email protected] or L N Mallick Pakistan Prism L N Mallick call (974) 4000 2222 L N Mallick Community members pay rich tributes to ‘First Lady of Pakistani Cinema’ Sabiha Besides working in more than 200 Urdu and Punjabi films, Sabiha Khanum performed in theatre and Muhammad Ibrahim with his father Shakeel Ahmad sang patriotic songs for TV Young poet dedicates his poem to those undergoing self-isolation in the face of coronavirus

uhammad Ibrahim, aged 12, is an upcoming and promising poet. A student of Doha College going Minto year 8, he is originally from Pakistan. His family akistani communi- of her movies, Sabiha played moved to Qatar from England five years ago.H is father, ty members in Qatar the lead roles along with her Shakeel Ahmad is a family medicine consultant who has have expressed their husband, late Santosh Kumar a strong passion for Urdu poetry. Inspired by his father, heartfelt grief over the (Syed Musa Raza). Ibrahim has decided to write poetry at his tender age. “My Pdemise of Pakistan’s leading ac- Sabiha and Santosh built father has a sincere passion for poetry in Urdu and has tress of yesteryear Sabiha Kha- a substantial fan following as passed down that same passion to me,” said Ibrahim, who num, who passed away in the they were highly popular due has recently penned a poem titled ‘Isolation (COVID-19)’ US after a protracted illness. to their on-screen chemistry. to pay tribute to those who are undergoing self-isolation in Acknowledged as the ‘First Together they starred in 47 the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Lady of Pakistani Cimena’ and movies and played a couple in “Like most children, I was inspired by my father. Only dubbed as one of the greatest a majority of them. this time it was to venture through the depths of poetry. actresses of the Pakistani silver Sabiha’s debut movie was Poetry has lured me into it through the help of my beloved screen, Sabiha had been living Beli,which released in 1950. father. It has helped me express my thoughts and feelings with her daughter and grand- Some of her notable films in- onto paper, in a way that is harmonic and rhythmic. Po- children in the US for more clude Do Ansoo, Sassi, Gum- etry is a beautiful art, one that cures both stress as well as than a decade. naam, Dulla Bhatti, Sarfa- depression. However, on the other hand, isolation ignites Sabiha, who died at the age rosh, Mukhra, Devar Bhabhi, both of these cancers, leaving people broken. Combining of 85, was one of the most pop- Mere Hazoor, Aag Aur Zind- these two things led me to an idea of writing a poem on ular actors of the 1950s-60s. agi, Abhi Tau Mein Jawan ordeal of isolation,” remarked Ibrahim. She was suffering from renal Huun, Haidar Ali, Shera, Ta- disease and had been bedrid- mashbeen, Do Raastey, Raja den for the last few months. Ki Aaye Gi Barat, Ishq-e-Laila, Isolation (COVID-19) Besides working in more Waday Ki Zanjeer, Badmashi by Muhammad Ibrahim than 200 Urdu and Punjabi Band, Rishta, Anokha Daaj, films, she also performed in Qatil, Chand Suraj, Parvah I showed a symptom of Covid 19, theatre and sang patriotic songs Nahin, Sangdil, Hatim, Wohti But now it’s gone away, for television such as ‘Sohni Jee, Ishq Nachawey Gali Gali, I feel fine more than ever, dharti Allah rakhay qadam Kamyabi, Deewane Do, Me- But still I have to stay, qadam aabad tujhay’ and ‘Jug hak, Mohabbat Ho Tau Aisi jug jeeye mera pyara watan, lub and Saranga. I am stuck up in my room, pay dua hai dil mein lagun.’ Sabiha received several Boredom overwhelming me, She also appeared in sev- awards including five Nigar I can’t even touch my family, eral television dramas, includ- awards and Pride of Perfor- How can I live happily, ing the most popular ones mance Award by the president Sabiha Khanum with her husband Santosh Kumar likeDasht and Ehsaas.In most of Pakistan in 1986. They put me in isolation, Man I can’t handle this separation, Been a long time and I aint seen my friends, Can’t wait to jump in the back of that benz, All I wanna do is Netflix and chill, But my mum keeps nagging me ‘take that pill’,

I am stuck up in my room binge-watching YouTube, I’ve got nothing better to do than solve a Rubik’s cube, Damn, the temptation is killing me, I can’t even touch my own family, How am I supposed to live happily, Isolation is a tra-tra-tragedy,

I showed a symptom of Covid 19, But now it’s gone away, I feel fine more than ever, But still I have to stay,

I am stuck up in my room, Boredom overwhelming me, I can’t even touch my family, How can I live happily, Qatil I’m in my room, Ishq-e-Laila Hatim Talking to my friends on zoom, First Silver Jubilee film of Pakistan Do Ansoo. Boredom overwhelming me, It’s time for me to be free, But I need Harry Potter’s broom, To fly out the window in my room, I’ll do it at night, And not in daylight, So my parents can’t see, When it’s time for me to flee,

Cuz a hard time it has been, And I’m not even a teen, And I may have COVID-19, But I’m focusing on my deen, It’s been a long time and I haven’t seen, My PS4 screen, Where I’m the king and my bro’s the queen.

I showed a symptom of COVID-19, But now it’s gone away, I feel fine more than ever, But still I have to stay,

I’m stuck up in my room, Boredom overwhelming me, I can’t even touch my family, How can I live happily, Mukhra Sassi Sultanat Parwaz Isolation is a tragedy, May Allah protect everybody. 06 Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Established September 3, 2006 hamad bin suhaim al thani chairman Opinion adel ali bin ali managing director dr hassan mohammed al ansari editor-in-chief

California Condors Pass Another Milestone On The Europeans Are Sending Kids Back Road To Recovery To School. Why Can’t The US? It took federal support, belief in a bigger cause and trust in science to bring back and protect The US has failed to adopt the strategies that European countries had applied in terms critically endangered species of testing and contact tracing, which helped flattened the COVID-19 curve

OR a long time, the California condor cause and trust in science to bring back seemed to be flying toward extinction. this critically endangered species. Trudy Rubin FThe fates of the earliest ones released The current absence of that kind of Tribune News Service to the California wild nearly dashed all federal government affects almost every hope. They electrocuted themselves aspect of American life for the worse. In N Denmark, Germany and Austria, kids on power lines, drank antifreeze, were recent months, it has hamstrung efforts began returning to classrooms in April poached by heartless dolts and worst of to tame COVID-19, opening the door and early May, and there haven’t yet all, gobbled carrion that was poisoned by to new virus surges, increased deaths been spikes of new cases. Schools reo- lead bullets from hunters’ guns. and renewed damage to the economy. pened in Norway, but the spread of in- Scientists in the condor rescue President Trump’s insistence on boost- Ifection in the country keeps trending down- programme trained the birds to avoid ing himself and business profits at the ward. Italian kids will go back to classes in power lines. They placed lead-fee car- expense of science harms our health as September. rion in condor nesting areas and recap- well as the environment. The reason European countries are tured the birds for regular checkups Would the Trump administration reopening schools and parents are willing and, if necessary, chelation to get the have saved the condor? His record on to send their kids is because most of those lead out. Were these birds ever going endangered species gives little reason countries had flattened the curve on COV- to be truly wild, or pallid domesticated to think so. The Trump administration ID-19 by May or June (our East Asian allies versions of the species? announced changes last year to how the did so even earlier). Finally, the numbers began to turn in Endangered Species Act will be carried That is true even of countries like Italy the condors’ favor. In 2007, Gov. Arnold out, shrinking the role of science in de- and Spain that botched their virus response Schwarzenegger signed into law a ban on termining whether a species is imperiled at the outset. Yes, there have been some new lead ammunition in condor territory, a and allowing industry concerns to play spikes as young people surge into bars but U-shaped area formed a major role in such nothing that isn’t containable. of coastal mountains decisions. The impacts Americans don’t have to numb them- and the Sierra Ne- of climate change on selves to at least 70,000 more dead by fall vada with the Tejon habitat, migration pat- and accept tens of thousands of new cases a Ranch as the bottom terns and other crucial day as the new normal — as the White House bridge of the U. In factors can no longer clearly hopes they will. The European expe- 2008, more condors be taken into account, rience proves that such an option is obscene. Now, she says, the key to keeping the over summer break before making final lived in the wild than despite the enormous I asked Lucia Annunziata, one of Italy’s rate down is “check, chase, and catch,” plans for reopening. in captivity. In 2015, effect they’re having leading journalists and talk-show hosts, meaning identifying any spike as soon as it There were three key elements to Ger- the wild population on polar bears and how her country emerged from an awful appears, tracing all contacts, and isolating many’s success, Sauerbrey told me: the increased itself; more many other species. outbreak and heavy death toll to the current the sick. “People ask you everywhere you country’s early reaction to the virus, its condor chicks hatched The priority used to reopening of businesses, restaurants, cin- visit to sign in with your phone, for example strong health system, and an immediate and fledged in the wild be preserving nature; emas, and low caseload. in restaurants, entertainment, or ferries,” resorting to intensive and widely available than the number of now, scarce plants and As of July 8, the seven-day average she explained, “so if anyone becomes in- testing – along with contact tracing. “Once condors that died. animals are subject to of new cases in Italy was 198, while in the fected they can track their contacts and see it spreads as in the United States it is very The following year, cost-benefit analysis. United States over that period, the average where the cluster is.” hard to control,” she correctly noted. a study reported that It’s hard to imag- was 52,636. (Italy is roughly one-fifth the That kind of testing and contact trac- But equally critical for virus control and the birds were adapt- ine the California con- size of the United States.) And the disparity ing regime requires coordination from top reopening society was the leadership of ing to the wild, ex- dor winning in that is not due to US testing, as Italy is testing governmental levels down to state and lo- Chancellor Angela Merkel, she said. “Mer- panding their range and finding their calculus. Saving them has meant cutting far more intensively than the United States. calities. This has yet to emerge in any sys- kel brought together the heads of the 16 fed- own food. There hadn’t been an electro- back on construction and other indus- Annunziata told me: After a slow start, tematic way in the United States. Instead, eral states (from different political parties), cution in 12 years, a sign that adult con- trial activity in places. The recovery pro- when the virus spread ferociously in north- President Donald Trump confuses the sheer who have the power to shut schools and dors were teaching power-line safety to ject itself has been expensive. And yet ern Italy, the country went through a fairly numbers of US tests with an effective testing public transport, and got them to agree on a their offspring. the darn birds bring in no cash! Their serious lockdown, with schools closed, with strategy that would keep infections down by few rules. So it was easy for German citizens A statewide ban on lead ammuni- struggle nonetheless fires our collective each region closing its borders to the oth- tracing outbreaks and limit their spreading. to understand how to behave, because there tion went into effect last year. And this imagination, enough that the image of ers. When natives of southern Italy jammed The lack of such a US strategy, at the top or were the same rules everywhere.” year, the condor has landed, at least in a condor was included on the Califor- trains to return home from the north, they at state levels, makes it almost impossible to That national-state political unity has Sequoia National Park, where it hadn’t nia quarter produced in 2005. It rides were met at train stops by carabinieri who contain the virus. fractured, Sauerbrey says, as elected officials made its home in half a century. Its ranks the air currents near Half Dome above asked them to go be tested. I heard a similar story about Ger- compete for reopening, but “it makes less have swelled to more than 500 world- Yosemite Valley, with John Muir in the Gradually, a strong health system in the many’s reopening from Anna Sauerbrey, difference when the country is already safe.” wide with more than half in the wild. foreground, a remembrance of when north brought the caseload and death rate deputy editor in chief of the Berlin daily In other words, once Germany, Italy At a time when our nation feels out- the vulture with the 10-foot wing span down. But, as elderly people died by the Der Tagesspiegel. Germany is one of Eu- and other European states have crushed done by a deadly new virus and uncer- soared there. thousands, Italians took the disease very se- rope’s premier pandemic success stories, the curve, they are in position to reopen tain whether or when we might subdue The day of the condor’s return to riously, especially masking and testing. with roughly 9,000 deaths in a popula- and cope with new spikes by testing, trac- it, the condor’s new milestone is a source Yosemite might not be that far off. A “A virus here is seen as a virus, not a tion of 83 million. ing and isolating. We all know what needs of hope, an inspiring message of deter- year ago, four of the birds briefly flew political instrument,” Annunziata told me Businesses (which were never fully to be done. Tragically, we can’t imitate what mined scientists prevailing despite mul- to a spot outside the city of Mariposa, by phone from Capri, where she was finally locked down) are open, while most people our European allies have done so long as we tiple setbacks. It also is an instructive less than an hour’s drive from Yosem- getting a break from work as the virus threat still mask in markets, shops and public have a president who pretends the disease tale about the federal government’s role ite Valley. Science and perseverance diminished. “When Matteo Salvini (a right- transportation. Schools have partly reo- will disappear by itself. in difficult yet worthy public campaigns. in pursuit of a worthy goal have done wing populist touted as a future prime min- pened and are mostly operating in shifts It took federal support, belief in a bigger Muir proud. ister) tried not to mask in public, people in order to allow more space for social (Trudy Rubin is a columnist and made fun of him and said ‘put it on,’ even distancing. Germany’s federal states are editorial-board member for the (Tribune News Service) his supporters.” waiting to see whether infection rates rise Philadelphia Inquirer) Post COVID-19 World: Predicting The Unpredictable The author foresees four major changes that could emerge once the COVID-19 pandemic is over

knowledge, often making it even and sanitised my hands to an extent changes that could emerge once the erasing a layer of privacy from the certain groups, such as adults, car- harder to distinguish fact from hoax that my fingers slip on pressing the COVID-19 pandemic is over: lives of citizens. It brings a whole egivers and people with underly- and rumour. For that matter, for alphabets. From being just a piece Brand spanking new habits new dimension to problems relat- ing health conditions. The main every case, whether political or apo- of news, COVID-19 has penetrated - Awareness for personal and public ing to privacy and ethics. But such psychological impact will be seen litical, that tendency can be seen. On every life, affected every household hygiene measures will see a strong interventions could become the as high stress or anxiety. Perhaps one hand, text messages, news chan- and affected every country in one surge. Regular soap handwashing standard, under the pretext of an- the post-quarantine stressors such nels, social media and health experts way or another. A virus that is be- that most of us used to ignore will other major public health crisis. as working from home, temporary anticipate national lockdowns and coming so viral worldwide has made now become a routine. Prolonged The immunity passport - unemployment, home-schooling of try to deliver the right information us all introspect about our lives, hab- period of social distancing will be Such a passport should work in a children, and lack of physical con- and updates but at the same time, its and newer concepts. From being in place. Facemasks will become an manner similar to how the pass- tact with other family members, there is also circulation of myths dismissive to being panicky and integral part of our daily attire. The ports and visas work. You will get a friends and colleagues will continue and fake news, which jeopardise nervous, this intangible being has fun-filled birthday parties, cinema pass to resume your daily routine if to deteriorate our mental as well as public health, trigger confusion and made us go through so many phases visits, sport activities, social gather- you are confirmed to be immune to physical health. fear, and deter important data from of human emotions. ings, travel, wedding and graduation the virus, and if not, you will have In a recent statement, the WHO Ajaz Ahmad Bhat reaching people during a crisis. When I see the news, the rising celebrations aren’t going to be the to remain indoors. This sounds like said that the coronavirus could live Doha From social distancing, working cases, the death toll and the reaction way they were. These new-formed a break between the haves and the for perhaps too long and who knows from home and panic buying, life of people to COVID-19, I feel that habits could linger way after lock- have-nots, and is the subject of on- that it may exist forever like HIV. HE world was sailing at its own took a sudden turn for the worse. As this is no longer just a medical prob- downs are lifted, leading to overall going discussions. Some might vol- While governments and societies are pace in the ebb and flow of life the new normal takes hold, mental lem; instead, it is becoming more of transformation in daily routine. We untarily go out to catch the virus in rushing to reopen businesses and re- Tuntil the coronavirus disease health has become a national con- a mental challenge for us all. And in may not like this transformation, but the hopes of gaining immunity to it. covering economic losses, health ex- (COVID-19) hit us. It felt like a giant cern as more people are forced to these stressful unprecedented times, we are left with no option. There will be the constant risk of un- perts caution against unlocking the wave upended us in a moment when remain isolated from loved ones and when everything seems bleak and Surveillance measures - No employment due to being forced to system as such activities can bring we are least expecting it. Hard hit by support systems. While some people unfathomable, it becomes a revo- one wants privacy to be monitored live in solitary confinement without insurmountable damage. We must the shock of COVID-19, everyone work from home for months, many lutionary act to remain calm. Wor- or encroached, but what if it’s for such a passport. strike a fine balance between being starts losing contact with reality and of us, including myself, are new rying brings stress into your being, the better? Some countries needed Mental Health - There will be vigilant and being too tight. soon entered the inscrutable world to the experience. I have already and that affects the quality of life to return to that to facilitate con- a substantial amount of fear, anxi- of worries. This global epidemic has cleaned my laptop screen and key- and your immune system. As a sci- tact tracing. This could result in ety and concern among the general (Ajaz Ahmad Bhat is research sparked proliferation of individual board a few times while writing this entist, I foresee following four major certain, totalitarian governments population and in particular among scientist at Sidra Medicine)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Wednesday, July 15, 2020 07 Russian, Turkish troops wounded US forces pull out of five military in bomb attack in Syria’s Idlib bases in Afghanistan DPA ment says that the US forces capital on Monday that killed DPA A convoy of Russian and Kabul will leave five bases and reduce 12 members of the Afghan spy Moscow/Istanbul Turkish vehicles was hit by a the level of its forces to 8,600 agency and wounded 63 oth- car bomb, Turkey’s Defence American troops have with- within 135 days - that deadline ers, adding that it contradicted Several Russian and Turkish Ministry said, blaming the at- drawn from five military bases ended on Monday. the Taliban’s commitment to troops were wounded in a bomb tack on “terrorists” without in Afghanistan based on provi- The Taliban welcomed the reduce violence. attack during a joint patrol in naming any specific group. sions of an agreement Wash- steps but blamed the US mili- The US official said that Syria’s north-western Idlib re- “Two vehicles sustained par- ington signed with the Taliban tary for carrying out air strikes in the next phase of the im- gion on Tuesday, the Russian tial damage, there was no loss of late in February, both sides in areas “outside active combat plementation, he will push for military said in a statement. life,” the ministry said, without confirmed on Tuesday. zones.” The US peace envoy for the completion of an ongoing “There is no threat to their saying if anyone was injured. The two sides did not dis- Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, prisoner release by the Afghan lives,” it said, adding that such Turkey is committed to con- close the exact location of the on Tuesday confirmed that government and the militants, patrols would be discontinued tinuing joint patrols with Russia vacated bases but information Washington has carried out the reduction of violence, complete for the present time. after necessary security meas- provided by Afghan and US first phase of its commitments delivery on the Taliban’s coun- Three Russian troops and ures are taken, Turkey added. officials indicates that soldiers under the agreement. ter-terrorism commitments multiple Turkish troops were The patrols were initially left bases in Helmand, Uru- But Khalilzad criticized and the start of peace talks wounded in the attack, Rus- focused on a secure corridor zgan, Paktika, and Laghman the high level of violence in among Afghans that could ul- A fireball erupts from the site of an explosion reportedly targeting a joint sia said, without disclosing the along the strategic M4 east- provinces. the country and condemned a timately end decades of war in Turkish-Russian patrol on the strategic M4 highway on Tuesday. (AFP) number of Turkish troops. west highway. The US-Taliban agree- Taliban attack on a provincial the country.

News in brief

Libya tensions rise after Indian state of Bihar to go into lockdown: Deputy chief minister New Delhi The northern Indian state of Bihar, which has a popu- lation around 125 million people, will go into a 15-day corona- Egypt threat to intervene virus lockdown to combat coronavirus, its deputy chief minister said Tuesday. AFP Years of international ef- “Bihar government has decided on a 15-day lockdown from Benghazi forts have so far failed to bring July 16 to July 31. All city municipalities, district headquarters, a lasting peace to the North block headquarters will stay under lockdown. The guidelines are A war of words was heating African country which has the being finalised,” Sushil Kumar Modi tweeted. up Tuesday in oil-rich and continent’s largest proven oil The announcement came a few hours before the southern conflict-torn Libya, where two reserves. city and IT hub Bangalore was due to go into a week-long lock- rival administrations are bat- Sisi in June called Sirte a down. Other states and cities have also imposed restrictions as tling for control and tensions “red line” for Egypt, while An- India’s caseload nears one million. (AFP) have risen between outside kara has urged Haftar to with- forces Egypt and Turkey. draw from the strategic city Three Pakistani soldiers killed in The Libyan parliament and negotiate a ceasefire. aligned with strongman Khal- Relations between Cairo militant attack ifa Haftar issued a statement and Ankara have been dete- Islamabad Militants on Tuesday opened fire on Pakistani se- late Monday giving in-prin- riorating since 2013, when Sisi curity forces, killing three soldiers and wounding eight others in ciple support to a threatened led the army’s ouster of Islam- the country’s troubled southwest, the military said. Egyptian military intervention ist president Mohamed Morsi, The incident took place near Gichak Valley in Pakistan’s restive against what it termed a “Turk- a Muslim Brotherhood figure Balochistan province which borders Afghanistan and Iran. ish occupation”. close to Turkey. “Security forces were on routine patrolling when they came Libya has been torn by Libya expert Jalel Har- under terrorist fire that killed three soldiers and wounded eight violence since the 2011 ouster chaoui of the Clingendael In- others including an officer,” a senior security official told AFP. of long-time dictator Moamer stitute in The Hague said Tues- The “condition of five security officials is critical,” a military Kadhafi in a NATO-backed day that, despite the rhetoric, statement said, adding that injured soldiers had been evacu- uprising, and the conflict has he did not see the imminent ated to a combined military hospital in the provincial capital since drawn in multiple for- risk of major military escala- Quetta. eign powers. A photo shows a business, damaged during the 14 months of fighting between the UN recognised Govern- tion. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack The Turkish-backed and ment of National Union (GNA) and Marshal Khalifa Haftar in Tripoli. (AFP) “The military reality but Baluch separatists demanding greater autonomy have been UN-recognised Government of around Sirte has not changed waging an insurgency for years in the region, while the province National Accord (GNA) based month that Cairo could send countries”. ad Gnounou pledged Tuesday significantly in the past two is also riven by sectarian strife and Islamist violence. in Tripoli in the west has been troops into Libya. Libya and Egypt should that their forces would ad- weeks,” he said. Mineral-rich Balochistan is the largest of Pakistan’s four fightingH aftar’s forces, which He threatened to send in work together, the assembly vance toward the “cities taken Sirte remained well-de- provinces, but its roughly seven million inhabitants have long are supported by Egypt, the his army if GNA forces capture said, “to guarantee the occu- hostage” and “eradicate all fended by pro-Haftar Russian complained they do not receive a fair share of its gas and min- United Arab Emirates, Russia Sirte, which is located more pier’s defeat and preserve our outlaw groups”, an allusion to and Syrian mercenaries with eral wealth. (AFP) and others. than 800 kilometres from the shared national security” in the pro-Haftar forces. UAE logistical support as well The GNA, with stepped-up Egyptian border and now held the face of “the dangers posed Egypt’s military said Satur- by dangerous minefields to the Turkish support, in June re- by Haftar’s troops backed by a by the Turkish occupation”. day it had carried out exercises west of the city. Two men executed Iran reports pelled a 14-month siege of the local Salafist militia. Sisi’s warning was per- involving navy, airforce and “Cairo’s political desire for in Iran after bomb 179 new virus capital by Haftar and launched The pro-Haftar parliament ceived as a “declaration of war” special forces near the Libyan a visible and officialE gyptian attack deaths a counter-offensive that is now said Monday on its website by the GNA but received the border in response to the “se- intervention remains very ten- stalled outside the coastal city that it would back an Egyptian full support of the UAE, Saudi vere and rapid changes” in the uous,” he added. Tehran Two men have been Tehran Iran on Tuesday of Sirte, Kadhafi’s hometown. intervention if necessary “to Arabia, Bahrain and Jordan, region. At a time of regional eco- executed in Iran after a bomb reported 179 new deaths Egypt’s President Abdel protect the national security of all members of the pro-Haftar The UAE on Tuesday is- nomic and pandemic woes, he attack in the city of Mahabad from the novel coronavirus Fattah al-Sisi, alarmed by Libya and Egypt if they see an axis. sued an implicit warning to said, “Egypt has other prob- in West Azerbaijan province as authorities announced a Haftar’s setback, warned last imminent danger to both our GNA spokesman Moham- GNA forces advancing on Sirte. lems at the moment”. in 2010, the local judicial decision to once more shut- agency said, according to the ter some businesses in the ISNA news agency. capital to contain the virus’ Both were hanged in the resurgence. provincial capital Urmia on Health ministry spokes- House-to-house check on Ethiopia partially restores internet Tuesday after their death woman Sima Sadat Lari sentence was upheld by the raised the country’s over- COVID-19 patients in Philippines Supreme Court. all COVID-19 death toll to after two-week shutdown According to the judiciary, 13,211 with the 179 fatali- DPA lice will go house to house and 12 people were killed and ties recorded on Tuesday. Manila we will take the patients to AFP that promotes digital rights, of protests and ethnic violence more than 40 injured in the She added that 2,521 Covid isolation facilities.” Addis Ababa showed connectivity approach- in the capital and the Oromia attack. people had tested positive for Philippine police will go “You are endangering the ing half the level recorded be- region which surrounds it. Isna gave no information the coronavirus in the past from house to house in search lives of other people when you Ethiopia on Tuesday partial- fore the internet was switched Police officials have provid- about the background to or 24 hours, raising the total for COVID-19 patients who stay at home,” he added. ly restored internet connectivity off on June 30. ed death tolls ranging from 179 the motive for the attack. cases confirmed to 262,173. should be isolated in quaran- “You will get well faster, two weeks after taking the en- Ethio Telecom, Ethiopia’s to 239 in recent days, with most (DPA) (DPA) tine facilities to boost efforts it’s just 14 days in quarantine tire country offline in response monopoly telecoms provider, fatalities occurring in Oromia. to contain the spread of the and food is free.” to protests and ethnic violence did not immediately respond to Calm has returned to most coronavirus, an official said Ano urged the public to prompted by the murder of a a request for comment. of the country despite wide- Tuesday. report to authorities if they pop singer. Hachalu Hundessa, the spread rumours that protests Interior Secretary Eduar- know someone who was in- Wifi connections returned slain singer, was a hero to many would pick up again last week- do Ano said mild and asymp- fected to help stop the spread in the early evening, though members of Ethiopia’s larg- end. Algeria reports 527 tomatic Covid-19 patients of the virus. mobile data connections were est ethnic group, the Oromo, Abiy’s government is pre- should not be in home quar- The Department of Health not available and certain social especially during years of anti- paring to issue two new tele- new coronavirus cases, antine unless they have their on Tuesday reported 634 addi- media programmes like Face- government protests that swept coms licences that would break own room and bathroom and tional cases of coronavirus in- book and Instagram were not Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to up Ethio Telecom’s monopoly, highest daily record if they do not have vulnerable fections, bringing the national accessible without use of a vir- power in 2018. and officials want to eventually family members. tally to 57,545. The death toll tual private network (VPN). His shooting death in Addis sell a 40-percent stake in Ethio DPA “So with the help of the lo- rose to 1,603 with six addition- A live tracker produced by Ababa on June 29 -- which re- Telecom, a move they hope will Algiers Mosques are closed nation- cal government units, the po- al mortalities, it added. NetBlocks, a civil society group mains unsolved -- sparked days make the firm more efficient. wide. Since March, interna- Algeria has recorded 527 new confirmed cases of Cov- tional and domestic flights id-19 on Tuesday, health au- have been suspended and thorities said, the highest sin- land borders closed. Third of Bangladesh underwater as monsoon drenches region gle-day increase in the North African country. AFP worst flood in a decade,” Bang- than normal and threatening to In recent weeks, the num- have put pressure on health- Biswambharpur ladesh’s Flood Forecasting and burst its banks, district adminis- ber of infections in Algeria has care facilities in the country, Warning Centre chief Arifuzza- trator Farook Ahmed told AFP. been on an upward trend. prompting President Abdel- Almost four million peo- man Bhuiyan told AFP. Most villagers were trying Tuesday’s update brings madjid Tebboune last week to ple have been hit by monsoon The heavy rains have swol- to stay near their flood-dam- the total number to 20,216 order increasing equipment floods in South Asia, officials len two main Himalayan river aged homes, but some 15,000 cases, including 1,028 deaths, and medical oxygen at hospi- said Tuesday, with a third of systems -- the Brahmaputra had fled severely affected ar- according to Djamel Fourar, tals across the country. Bangladesh already underwa- and the Ganges -- that flow eas, officials said. the spokesman for the com- Tebboune also authorized ter from some of the heaviest through India and Bangladesh. In the northern town of mittee monitoring the pan- public and private laboratories rains in a decade. Bhuiyan said about a third Biswambharpur, villagers said demic. to carry out blood tests related The monsoon -- which usu- of flood-prone Bangladesh was most of the houses were partly On Friday, the govern- to Covid-19 to ease pressure ally falls from June to Septem- underwater, and at least 1.5 underwater after the Surma, a ment put 29 provinces out of on the governmental Pasteur ber -- is crucial to the economy million people were affected, major river in northeast Bang- the country’s 48 under lock- Institute. of the Indian sub-continent, with village homes and roads ladesh, burst its banks. down for one week. A night- Mosques are closed na- but also causes widespread flooded. An aerial photo shows inundated houses in Sunamgong on Tuesday. In Assam, northeast India, time curfew is in place in these tionwide. Since March, inter- death and destruction across In north-central Bangla- Almost four million people have been hit by monsoon floods in South more than 2.1 million people provinces, including the capi- national and domestic flights the region each year. desh, the Brahmaputra river was Asia, with a third of Bangladesh already underwater from some of the have been affected since mid- tal Algiers. have been suspended and land “This is going to be the almost 40 centimetres higher heaviest rains in a decade. (AFP) May. The increasing infections borders closed. 08 Wednesday, July 15, 2020 World US carries out first federal execution in 17 years China to hit Lockheed Martin with DPA The victims’ relatives had Washington earlier attempted to delay the execution, citing concerns that sanctions over Taiwan deal The United States on Tuesday they would be exposed to the carried out the first federal ex- coronavirus if they attended, AFP arms sales to Taiwan”, foreign maintain peace in the Taiwan ecution in 17 years, after a series though that halt was overturned Beijing ministry spokesman Zhao Li- Strait,” said spokeswoman of legal battles that ended in the by a federal appeals court. jian told a regular briefing on Joanne Ou. “It is also a legiti- Supreme Court clearing the way The decision to go ahead China said on Tuesday it Tuesday, urging Washington to China firmly opposes US mate action to defend our na- for the administration to revive with the execution - the first at would impose sanctions on US abide by the concept that Tai- arms sales to Taiwan. The US tional sovereignty and demo- capital punishment by the fed- a federal level since 2003 - has defence group Lockheed Mar- wan is part of “one China”. should stop arms sales to cratic system,” she added. eral government. been criticized as a political tin, days after the United States Zhao added that the US Taiwan and cut military ties Tensions between the US Daniel Lewis Lee, a white move, with civil rights activists approved a potential $620 mil- should “stop arms sales to Tai- and China have been increasing- supremacist who was convicted Anti-death penalty activist expressing concern about cases lion upgrade package for mis- wan and cut military ties with it, with it, so as not to do further ly strained as the two sides tussle of murdering a family of three in demonstrates in front of the US being rushed. siles to Taiwan -- fuelling ten- so as not to do further harm to harm to China-US relations on various fronts -- ranging from the 1990s, was put to death by Justice Department in Washing- Three more federal execu- sions between the countries. China-US relations and peace and peace and stability the origins of the coronavirus lethal injection in the US state ton on Monday. (AFP) tions are scheduled in the next The possible foreign mili- and stability across the Taiwan across the Taiwan Strait pandemic and China’s policies in of Indiana, the Department of few weeks. tary sale involves Patriot Ad- Strait”. Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang. Justice said in a press release. lenges against the new lethal Attorney General William vanced Capability-3 missiles, Taiwan’s foreign ministry China’s Foreign Ministry Taiwan has been ruled The execution was due to injection protocol announced Barr last summer announced and would be the island’s latest countered that it “strongly con- Spokesman Zhao Lijian separately from the mainland take place on Monday, but was by the government last year. he was bringing back the death purchase from the US to boost demns” China’s “irrational out- since 1949, although Beijing delayed by a US District Court The Supreme Court then penalty, of which President its defence capabilities as China bursts and crude threats” over to acquire military equipment views the island as part of its judge to allow death row in- overturned the halt in a late- Donald Trump has been a long- grows in strength. the US announcement. from abroad and to strengthen territory and has vowed to seize mates to continue legal chal- night order. time vocal advocate. China “firmly opposes US “It is necessary for Taiwan its self-defence capabilities to it by force if necessary.

News Second virus wave in UK winter in brief Baby infected with COVID-19 in the womb: French study PARIS: Doctors in France have described what they said was the first confirmed case of a newborn infected in the womb with could see 120,000 deaths COVID-19 by the mother. published last Friday. The baby boy, born in March, suffered brain swelling and Scientists say winter Stephen Holgate, who led neurological symptoms linked to COVID-19 in adults, but has the study Academy of Medi- since recovered, they reported on Tuesday in the journal Nature outbreak could be cal Sciences study, said the Communications. Earlier research had pointed to the likely worse than first 120,000 figure was “not a pre- transmission of the virus from mother to foetus, but the study diction but it is a possibility”. offers the first solid evidence, said senior authorD aniele De AFP “The modelling suggests Luca, a doctor at Antoine Beclere Hospital near Paris. London that deaths could be higher “We have shown that the transmission from the mother with a new wave of COVID-19 to the foetus across the placenta is possible during the last A second coronavirus wave in this winter, but the risk of this weeks of pregnancy,” he said. Britain this winter could see happening could be reduced if Last week, researchers in Italy said that data on 31 preg- 120,000 deaths in hospitals we take action immediately.” nant women hospitalised with COVID-19 “strongly suggested” alone in a “reasonable worst- The group of 37 scientists that the virus could be passed on to unborn infants. case scenario”, scientists involved in the report said the A JAMA study in March reporting on a similar number of warned on Tuesday. government needed to prepare pregnant COVID-19 patients came to a similar conclusion. But The Academy of Medical immediately because of the evidence remained circumstantial. (AFP) Sciences report, commissioned “serious risk” to health of a po- by the government’s chief sci- tential surge in cases. Germany, Sweden Austria bans flights entific adviser Patrick Val- A winter outbreak could be lift COVID-19 travel from Balkans to lance, urged immediate action worse due to people spending to mitigate a second wave. more time indoors, where the restrictions prevent imported With hospitals also bat- virus can spread more easily, BERLIN: Germany has lifted virus cases tling seasonal flu cases, a sec- added Azra Ghani, from Impe- its travel warning for Sweden VIENNA: Austria on Tues- ond wave could eclipse the Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson (left) elbow bumps an employee during his visit to the headquarters rial College London. as the number of coronavirus day said it was suspending current outbreak resulting in of the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust in central London on Monday. (AFP) The report calls for “in- cases there has fallen since passenger flights from most up to 120,000 deaths between tense preparation” this month the beginning of July. Balkan countries, Moldova September and June next and next to prevent the coun- Sweden was the last and Egypt to lower the risk of year. The modelling does not UK U-turn as government confirms face mask order try’s state-run National Health country in Europe where the travellers infected with coro- include deaths in care homes LONDON: Face masks will become compulsory in shops and supermarkets in England from next Service (NHS) from being German Foreign Ministry had navirus entering the country. or the wider community, and week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Tuesday, marking a U-turn on previous policy. overwhelmed. a travel warning in place. The measure will take effect assumes no government ac- The new legislation will come into force in England on July 24, Hancock told parliament after That includes work to mini- Now, all border crossings from Thursday, the Health tion to prevent a fresh surge in weeks of wrangling from ministers about their effectiveness. mise community transmission, are open and nationals from Ministry said. cases. “We want to give people more confidence to shop safely and enhance protections for those a public information campaign the EU and Switzerland, their The new ban covers Britain has seen almost who work in shops,” Hancock told MPs. and ensuring enough protec- family members and those arrivals from Albania, Bosnia- 45,000 deaths so far in the “Both of these can be done by the use of face coverings.” The move brings England into line tive equipment for frontline holding EU residence permits Herzegovina, Kosovo, Mon- first wave -- the highest toll in with Scotland, and several other European countries which are gradually reopening after lengthy medical and social care staff. may enter without restriction, tenegro, North Macedonia, Europe and third only to the periods locked down. The government’s test, the German ministry said. Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, United States and Brazil. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who spent several days battling COVID-19 in intensive care, trace and isolate programme In return, Sweden said Moldova and Egypt. Flight The latest predictions are said the measure was “extra insurance” against the spread of the virus. (AFP) also needed to be scaled up, from Wednesday on, it will bans will remain in place for based on an assumption that along with surveillance and lift its warning against non- Belarus, Britain, China, Iran, the R rate -- which measures rises to 1.7 from September. rate of 1.5, which would lead to tween 0.7 to 0.9 across the ensuring at risk individuals, essential travel to Germany, Portugal, Russia, Sweden and how many people an infected The scientists also mod- 74,800 deaths. whole country, according to health and care workers get Poland and Andorra. (DPA) Ukraine. (DPA) person is expected to infect -- elled for a lower increased R The R rate is currently be- the latest government figure flu jabs.

Tell-all book by Trump’s niece US stance on South China Sea undermines regional peace: Beijing released after family bid to block it DPA port allies and partners in the DPA Beijing region. Pompeo accused China Japan defence review slams China’s virus ‘disinformation’ New York of carrying out a “campaign of China on Tuesday criticised bullying” against states in the TOKYO: China has been spread- Kong. herbal medicines can treat the A tell-all book by US President Washington for challenging Bei- area. ing “disinformation” about the The closely watched paper disease. Donald Trump’s niece was jing’s claims in the South China China claims almost the en- coronavirus and its naval activi- on Japan’s defence policy ac- China has “relentlessly con- published in the United States Sea amid escalating tensions be- tire South China Sea, a key ship- ties are a matter of “grave” con- cused China of “propaganda tinued its unilateral attempts on Tuesday, despite attempts tween the two countries. ping lane believed to be rich in cern, Japan said in its annual efforts... including the spread of to change the status quo by by family members to stop its Chinese Foreign Ministry marine and mineral resources. defence review published on disinformation” over the virus, coercion in the sea around the release. spokesperson Zhao Lijian said It has built artificial islands with Tuesday. which first broke out in the Senkaku islands”, the review In the memoir, ‘Too Much the United States was a “trou- military-capable facilities over After a period of warming Chinese city of Wuhan. says, referring to disputed islets and Never Enough: How My blemaker” in the South China disputed reefs and outcrops in relations between the two Asian A Japanese defence official the Chinese call the Diaoyu. Family Created the World’s Sea region. A position paper the area. powers last year, ties have presenting the report cited as This is a “grave matter of Most Dangerous Man’, Mary Mary Trump’s new book about issued by Washington on Mon- The Philippines, Vietnam, cooled in recent months amid examples comments made on concern”, Japan said, adding Trump describes how a toxic US President Donald Trump is day “deliberately stirs up ter- Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan international souring of senti- Twitter by China’s foreign min- that Beijing “has sustained family dynamic, led by the on display at a book store, in the ritorial maritime disputes and also assert claims in the sea. ment on China over the virus istry that US forces may have a high-level defence budget Trump patriarch Fred, created Brooklyn borough in New York undermines regional peace and Zhao said China was com- and Beijing’s imposition of a brought the virus to Wuhan, without transparency over more an emotionally void presi- City, on Tuesday. (AFP) stability,” Zhao said during a mitted to working with Associa- national security law on Hong as well as claims that Chinese than 30 years”. (AFP) dent who “now threatens the press briefing. tion of Southeast Asian Nations world’s health, economic secu- “destroyed” the president and US Secretary of State Mike (ASEAN) countries to safeguard the South China Sea. has “indisputable” claims in the between Beijing and Wash- rity, and social fabric,” accord- rid him of the ability to “expe- Pompeo had labelled as “unlaw- stability in the region. “Taiwan should be included region. ington in the past few months. ing to the publisher’s website. rience the entire spectrum of ful” Beijing’s claims to offshore Meanwhile, Taiwan said on in multilateral dispute resolu- The US paper on the South The two countries are sparring Mary Trump, a clinical psy- human emotion,” according resources outside of its own in- Tuesday it should participate tion mechanisms,” Foreign China Sea is the latest move over issues including trade, the chologist, argues that Trump’s to excerpts published in the ternationally recognised waters in any multilateral negotiations Ministry spokeswoman Joanne in a tit-for-tat conflict that has coronavirus outbreak and Hong father was a “sociopath” who Washington Post. and vowed the US would sup- regarding territorial claims in Ou said, adding that Taiwan unfolded on multiple fronts Kong’s autonomy. Scaled-down Bastille Day parade pays homage to French health workers DPA to view the display this year, but 80th anniversary of his appeal Paris health workers and the families French president wants face masks mandatory indoors as virus picks up from London for the French to of medical staff who died fight- continue fighting against Nazi France on Tuesday paid ing the epidemic took pride of PARIS: French President His comments, in a masks mandatory in all en- Germany despite the govern- homage to medical workers for place among the invited guests. Emmanuel Macron said on television interview marking closed public spaces,” Macron ment’s surrender, and the 50th their role in the fight against the The health ministers of Ger- Tuesday that face masks could Bastille Day, came after he said in the interview, a Bastille anniversary of his death. coronavirus as part of a Bastille many, Austria, Luxembourg soon be required in public oversaw the traditional military Day tradition he had shunned One part of the traditional Day parade slimmed down to and Switzerland were guests indoor spaces to curtail the ceremony that was drastically since taking office three years ceremony was able to go ahead respect health precautions. of honour, as a mark of thanks coronavirus outbreak, acknowl- downsized because of the ago. “We have indications that as usual despite coronavirus Instead of the traditional to those countries for taking in edging that infections were pandemic. (the outbreak) is accelerating precautions - the fly-past by French President Emmanuel military parade down the virus patients from crowded again on the rise. “I would like to make a bit.” (AFP) display and working units of the Macron reviews the guard of Champs Elysees, President French hospitals. French air force. The Bastille honour during the annual Bastille Emmanuel Macron oversaw a France was hit hard by the mid-May. Concorde as an initial display War II and founder in 1958 of Day parade comes a day after Day military ceremony on the smaller military display on the virus, with more than 30,000 Some 2,000 military per- paid tribute to General Charles the current Fifth Republic. the government signed a deal Place de la Concorde in Paris on nearby Place de la Concorde. deaths. A strict lockdown was sonnel stood in square forma- de Gaulle, the leader of the Free This year marks the 130th with unions to put $8.6 billion Tuesday. (AFP) The public was not allowed put in place from mid-March to tions around the Place de la French forces during World anniversary of his birth, the into health workers’ pay hike. Profits hit as US banks set aside billions for bad loans page 11

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

26,456.79 9,319.40 36,033.06 1,808.17 +370.99 pts +21.60 pts −660.63 pts Gold +0.30% Singapore enters recession as Dow QE sensex economy contracts 41% page 10 Price percentage Price percentage 19.52 Brent 42.86 +0.33% WTI 40.26 +0.40% Silver -1.38%

Qatari stocks resume Qatar’s consumer price index upward trend, QSE up 0.23% Tribune News Network rises 0.26% in June, says PSA Doha Qatari stocks resumed gain- PSA data shows transport, food and beverages segments driving inflation up on monthly basis ing trend as the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) main index Tribune News Network seven groups namely ‘recrea- increased 21.60 points, or 0.23 Doha tion and culture’ by 16.17 per- percent, on Tuesday to close at cent, ‘clothing and footwear’ 9,319.40 points. Qatar’s cost of living, based by 4.85 percent, ‘transport’ by The volume of shares on consumer price index (CPI) 4.56 percent, ‘housing, water, traded increased to 377.603 inflation, increased 0.26 per- electricity and other fuel’ by million from 248.785 million cent to reach 95.91 point in June 3.62 percent, ‘communication’ on Monday and the value of 2020 when compared to CPI of by 3.26 percent, ‘food and shares increased to QR611.417 May 2020, Planning and Sta- beverages’ by 0.70 percent, million from QR568.892 mil- tistics Authority (PSA) said in a and ‘furniture and household lion on Monday. report released on Tuesday. equipment’ by 0.39 percent. Four out of seven sector in- The PSA data, however, An increase has been dices closed in the positive ter- showed that a decrease of 3.41 shown in price levels in five ritory. The QSE Total Return percent has been recorded in groups namely ‘tobacco’ by Index gained 0.23 percent to CPI for June this year when 4.41 percent, followed by close at 17,916.23 points. QSE compared with the CPI for ‘miscellaneous goods and ser- Al Rayan Islamic Index in- June last year. This CPI for vices’ by 2.5 percent, ‘health’ creased 1.26 percent to close June, which is the sixth is- and “education’ by 1.19 per- at 3,784.98 points. The QSE suance using the new base of cent each and ‘restaurants All Share Index added 0.16 2018, is calculated from the and hotels’ by 0.35 percent. percent to close at 2,909.87 results of the household in- The CPI of June 2020 points. come and expenditure survey. excluding ‘housing, water, The insurance sector, An analysis of the monthly electricity and other fuel’ which gained 2.21 percent, data of CPI for June com- A decrease of 3.41 percent has been recorded in Qatar’s CPI for June 2020 year when compared with the CPI for June 2019. group stands at 96.59 points was the best performing sector pared with CPI for May this showing an increase of 0.33 index for the day. year shows that there are five and beverages by 2.52 per- education by 0.01 percent. 0.62 percent. hotels’ had remained flat at the percent when compared to Market capitalisation of main groups where respective cent, miscelleneous goods and A decrease has been re- The groups of ‘tobacco’, last month’s price level. the index of May 2020, and QSE rose to QR543,657 billion indices in this month have in- services by 0.74 percent, fur- corded in ‘recreation and ‘housing, water, electricity and This price decrease on an- a decrease of 3.26 percent on the day that saw 27 stocks creased. ‘Transport’ index in- niture and household equip- culture’ by 6.06 percent, and other fuel’, ‘health’, ‘commu- nual basis was primarily due when compared to the CPI of out of 46 stocks traded make creased by 3.22 percent, food ment by 0.06 percent, and ‘clothing and footwear’ by nication’, and ‘restaurants and to the prices decline seen in June 2019. gains. Remittances to Pakistan hit all-time high of $23.1 billion Agencies June 2020 pandemic period in- Islamabad creased 7.8 per cent compared with the corresponding period of 2019. Pakistan recorded 6.4 percent “Since many of the countries increase in remittances that hit an eased lockdown in June, overseas all-time high mark of $23.12 billion Pakistanis were able to transfer ac- during the financial year 2019-20, cumulative funds, which they were the latest data shows. unable to send earlier. Further, it is Analysts and experts said a also believed that they sent remit- steady growth in remittances to tances to support extended families Pakistan will continue despite the and friends due to COVID-19,” said worldwide economic slowdown the central bank. and overseas Pakistanis may send The central bank further said $25 billion in the present fiscal year extension of reimbursement of TT of 2020-21. Oversees Pakistanis may remit $25 bn charges scheme, which allows to They further said higher remit- in the fiscal year of 2020-21. send remittances free of charge to tance inflows will help provide cush- small remitters by reducing thresh- ion to the economy, which recorded central bank, said workers’ remit- old from $200 to $100, also played negative 0.4 per cent GDP growth tances rose by 50.7 per cent during an important role to increase in- during last financial year 2019-20 June 2020 to reach a record high flows through official channels. that ended on June 30, 2020. Pa- of $2.466 billion compared with Moreover, the central bank kistan envisaged one per cent eco- $1.636 billion in the same month also brought technology-based nomic growth for the current fiscal last year. money transfer firms onboard year. The central bank said inflow of which helped absorb the shock of State Bank of Pakistan, the workers’ remittances during March- lockdowns. OPEC sees uptick in oil demand

Tribune News Network ed to contribute around 3.5 mbd to Doha growth, driven by positive devel- Oil price rally! opments in Americas,” it said. Improved market conditions are ● Oil prices have since early May Oil markets will now be keep- helping to nudge oil demand back rallied to the low $40 range as a ing a close eye on Wednesday’s up, with OPEC improving its fore- result of steep production cuts OPEC+ meeting, which will decide cast by 0.1 million barrels a day in on whether to extend existing cuts its latest monthly report. Demand by OPEC+ and increased or to start easing off and bringing is now set to fall by 8.9 mbd this demand 2 million barrels of oil back into year compared to the previous 9.1 ● Oil markets will now be the markets. mbd drop. keeping a close eye on “If OPEC+ proceeds to reduce “Better-than-expected data in production curtailments, this the Organisation for Economic Wednesday’s OPEC+ meeting, should not come as a surprise,” Cooperation and Development which will decide on whether to said Louise Dickson, Oil Markets (OECD) region in second quarter extend existing cuts analyst at Rystad Energy. of 2020 slightly eased the histori- “That was the plan on the first cally steep drop,” the report notes. global economies gradually reo- place and it should have already “And more than offset the pened from lockdown. been priced in. Increasing the pro- downward adjustment, in non- Prices on Tuesday saw Brent duction was planned to coincide OECD oil demand, mainly in Asia. crude at $42.40 and West Texas with an increase in demand. But While the market still finds itself Intermediate (WTI) at $39.69 in COVID-19 is now putting a shad- in the midst of the crisis, gradual the late afternoon hours. ow over demand recovery, which stabilisation is expected to begin “Demand is forecast to show is expected slower than what the in second-half of 2020, leading historic high growth of 7 mbd,” the market expected when the OPEC+ to a cautious forecast of renewed report said. deal was in the making,” it said. growth in the year to come,” it said. “Encouraging improvements “Even if the plans proceed as Oil prices have since early May in economic momentum are as- agreed, OPEC+ will still be cutting rallied to the low $40 range as a sumed to be the driving factors for 7.7 mbd. That’s still a balancing result of steep production cuts by increasing demand in 2021. In re- power to keep prices healthy,” the OPEC+ and increased demand as gional terms, the OECD is estimat- report said. 10 Wednesday, July 15, 2020 Economy & Business New COVID-19 lockdowns hit Singapore enters recession global markets AFP ties lower Tuesday, while as economy contracts 41% London oil prices were also hit by speculation top producers World stock markets fell will begin tapering their Virus impact: The 41.2 percent quarter-on-quarter drop is the worst ever recorded in the city-state Tuesday as fears resurfaced output cuts. over a spike in coronavi- Meanwhile, Hong Kong AFP rus infections around the on Monday announced Singapore world, dealers said. sweeping new curbs as the Europe’s stock markets city suffers a relapse. Mel- Singapore’s economy were up to around 1.5 per- bourne is already under a shrank more than 40 per- cent down, with London new lockdown and there cent in the second quarter as doing better than most de- are signs of new outbreaks the coronavirus plunged the spite grim UK output data. in Sydney. Southeast Asian financial hub Wall Street was a touch The new spikes come into recession for the first time weaker at the opening bell as World Health Organi- in more than a decade, official as global sentiment was hit zation chief Tedros Adha- data showed Tuesday. by the reimposition of some The 41.2 percent quarter- containment measures in on-quarter drop was the worst parts of the United States, ever recorded in the city-state, Australia and Hong Kong. which is considered a barom- “The shutdown fuels eter for the health of global fears that the growing num- trade. ber of coronavirus cases Asia down On-year, the economy con- will hamper the fragile eco- tracted 12.6 percent in April- nomic recovery,” said City In Asia, along with June, according to preliminary Index analyst Fiona Cin- coronavirus fears, the data released by the trade min- cotta. reimposition of istry. California, the richest containment measures and It marked the second con- of the US states, ordered China-US tensions pushed secutive quarter of contraction, all indoor restaurants, equities lower Tuesday, meaning the city state has en- bars and movie theatres to while oil prices were also tered a recession for the first re-close, while churches, hit by speculation top time since 2009, when it was gyms, shopping malls, hair producers will begin battered by the global financial salons and non-essential tapering their output cuts. crisis. offices have been told to Trade-dependent Singa- shut up shop in several pore is one of the first countries densely populated counties, nom Ghebreyesus warned: to report growth data for the including Los Angeles. “There will be no return period when many nations en- A cyclist rides along Marina Bay overlooking the financial business district in Singapore on Tuesday. Singapore plunged into recession in the The measures follow to the ‘old normal’ for the tered lockdowns, and offers an second quarter as the economy contracted more than 40 percent. new restrictions imposed in foreseeable future.” ominous warning of the dev- Texas, Arizona, Florida and He added that with- astation being wrought on the many businesses. tracing, only for serious out- tion campaign, some of the other major states. out governments adopting global economy. It also attributed the shrink- breaks to later sweep through budget measures targeting The British pound slid a comprehensive strat- The worse-than-expected age to weak external demand In numbers crowded dormitories housing jobs may potentially be ex- on data showing that the egy, the situation would figures will also ring alarm as other countries imposed ● low-paid migrant workers. tended if the domestic labour virus-plagued UK economy get “worse and worse and bells for other Asian economies strict lockdown measures. Sin- On-year, the economy It has reported more than market continues to soften,” shrank by almost a fifth in worse”. reliant on trade -- typically, gapore stocks fell slightly after contracted 12.6 percent in 46,000 infections, including said Selena Ling, from OCBC the three months to April. The developments Singapore is hit first before rip- the data was released, but were April-June 26 deaths. Bank. A weaker British cur- overshadowed an an- ples spread across the region. flat in the afternoon. ● The construction sector The long-ruling People’s Rajiv Biswas, Asia Pacific rency tends to boost share nouncement from Pfizer “It’s the worst-ever quar- Action Party saw its support chief economist at IHS Markit, prices of companies listed and BioNTech that two of terly figure in Singapore’s 55- ‘The trough’ shrank 54.7 percent slip at a general election last said international travel bans in London who earn much four vaccine candidates for year history,” CIMB Private The construction sector year-on-year and 95.6 week, although it still comfort- will remain a major constraint of their income in dollars. the virus had received “Fast Banking regional economist shrank 54.7 percent year-on- percent compared with the ably retained power, with vot- to Singapore’s recovery in the World oil prices fell fur- Track” designation from Song Seng Wun told AFP. year and 95.6 percent com- previous quarter ers concerned about job secu- second half because of its role ther on speculation that top the US Food and Drug Ad- “But it’s not a surprise as pared with the previous quar- rity and the economy during as a hub for commercial avia- crude producing nations ministration. the bottom line is that Singa- ter, the figures showed. the pandemic. tion and financial services. will agree to taper their Sydney fell 0.6 percent, pore is a small city state, ex- Services, including tour- The data released Tuesday The affluent country’s “This is particularly the output cuts at an expanded Seoul was off 0.1 percent, tremely dependent on trade in ism-related businesses and are based on so-called “ad- government has already an- case as competing commer- OPEC+ meeting this week. Mumbai shed two percent goods and services.” air transport, fell 13.6 percent vance estimates” and the fig- nounced about Sg$100 billion cial centres in Europe such as In Asia, along with and Bangkok eased 0.9 The trade ministry said year-on-year. But manufactur- ures are often revised once the (US$72 billion) in stimulus London, Frankfurt and Paris coronavirus fears, the re- percent. the huge contraction was be- ing expanded 2.5 percent from full quarter’s results are avail- packages, but the poor data are largely reopening for inter- imposition of containment Taipei, Jakarta and Ma- cause of restrictions imposed the same period a year earlier, able. could pile pressure on leaders national travel within Europe, measures and China-US nila were all flat but Wel- from early April to early June mostly because of an output Singapore initially kept the to do more. as well as with countries such tensions pushed equi- lington was up 0.5 percent. to stem the spread of the virus, increase in the biomedical sec- virus in check through a strict “Given that jobs featured as Japan and South Korea,” he which included the closure of tor. regime of testing and contact- highly during the recent elec- told AFP. Poland’s top oil group PKN ORLEN eyes global markets with merger

AFP Polish companies will cre- transformation,” the head of company in Poland. Poland into its first recession mier said. Warsaw ate an entity with diversified Poland’s biggest refiner added. Polish Prime Minister Ma- since the collapse of commu- He spoke during a joint revenues, a large raw mate- Earlier in the day, PKN teusz Morawiecki called the nism, Morawiecki estimated press conference with Obiatek Poland’s top oil company on rial base, modern processing, ORLEN received European planned merger “a bold devel- the merged group could gen- in Warsaw. Tuesday set in motion plans clean energy and integrated Commission approval to ac- opment” that would build “a erate substantial profits. Poland still depends to merge the country’s four detail,” Daniel Obiatek, chief quire smaller Polish refiner champion, not only in Poland, “With good management, on coal for around 80 per- top energy companies into an executive of PKN ORLEN said Lotos in addition to a previous but on a European scale with it will be able to generate... cent of its electricity, and entity with enough clout to in a tweet to announce the takeover of the utility compa- ambitions extending to other profit before interest, tax and Morawiecki’s government has compete in the international move. ny Energa. markets”. depreciation of... up to 20 bil- rejected the EU’s 2050 zero arena. “We will be able to invest in The group also plans to With fallout of the coro- lion zloty” (4.5 billion euros, emissions goal, saying it could “The merger of leading large projects related to energy buy PGNiG, the largest gas navirus pandemic sending $5.1 billion) annually, the pre- cripple the economy.

Al arm bells India IT hub locks down as virus ravages economies

AFP a new hotspot and the southern tory on public transport across the the Golden State’s worst-hit and Bangalore city started new a seven-day lock- country since June 15, and Scot- most densely populated counties, down at 8:00 pm (1430 GMT). land has already made the cover- including Los Angeles. India’s IT hub Bangalore went Firms in the city’s lifeblood ings compulsory for shoppers. The bruising economic impact into a new week-long lockdown IT sector handling the back-office After overseeing drastically of the pandemic was starkly shown Tuesday as the number of corona- operations of dozens of global cor- downscaled Bastille Day celebra- in Singapore, where the economy virus cases surged, while economic porations can continue operating, tions in Paris, French President shrank more than 40 percent in data from Singapore to Britain but with only half the staff allowed Emmanuel Macron said also said the second quarter, plunging the revealed the shocking extent of on premises at any one time he would like to make masks man- Southeast Asian financial and the damage wrought by the global Transport is banned except datory in enclosed public spaces. trading hub into recession for the pandemic. for emergencies, and only shops “We have indications that (the first time in a decade. India joins a raft of countries selling essential items are allowed outbreak) is accelerating a bit,” he “It’s the worst-ever quarterly and cities across the globe to reim- to open. said. figure in Singapore’s 55-year his- pose restrictions in the face of new “I do not want to take chanc- Macron’s comments come as tory,” CIMB Private Banking re- outbreaks of the disease. es... I am stocking up for two doctors have warned of a potential gional economist Song Seng Wun After imposing one of the weeks,” said Mangala, a house- second wave of infections, possibly told AFP on Tuesday. world’s strictest lockdowns in late wife, as she joined a long queue in the coming weeks, which could The worse-than-expected fig- March, the country of 1.3 billion to buy provisions ahead of the again overwhelm hospitals and ures will ring alarm bells for other people had been steadily easing deadline. require new lockdowns that could economies reliant on trade. rules to lessen the huge economic Bihar, home to around 125 further hammer the economy. Britain also saw its economy impact -- particularly on vast million people and one of India’s Meanwhile, California drasti- shrink by nearly a fifth in the three numbers of poor Indians who lost poorest states, will follow into Other countries have been without governments adopting a cally rolled back its reopening months to May compared with the their jobs. lockdown on Thursday for 15 days, reimposing restrictions as new comprehensive strategy, the situ- plans on Monday and ordered previous quarter as the lockdown But infections have continued the local government announced, infections spread like wildfire. ation would get “worse and worse all indoor restaurants, bars and crippled activity. to soar, passing 900,000 with al- following a record surge in cases. and worse”. cinemas to close again as cases Across the globe, the pandemic most 24,000 deaths, according to The western city of Pune No return to ‘normal’ In England, face masks will soared across America’s richest has infected nearly 13 million Tuesday’s health ministry figures and other states including Uttar “There will be no return to the become compulsory in shops and and most populous state. people, killed more than 566,000 that many experts say underplay Pradesh, home to 200 million ‘old normal’ for the foreseeable fu- supermarkets from next week, the Churches -- as well as gyms, and triggered massive economic the severity of the situation. people, badly hit Tamil Nadu and ture,” World Health Organization health secretary said Tuesday in a shopping malls, hair salons and damage in the seven months since Bangalore, home to more than Assam have also introduced new chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreye- U-turn on previous policy. non-essential offices -- must also it was detected in the Chinese city 13 million people, has emerged as restrictions. sus said Monday, warning that Face masks have been manda- shut indoor operations in half of of Wuhan. Economy & Business Wednesday, July 15, 2020 11 Virus-hit Virgin Atlantic airline lands £1.2 billion rescue AFP demic on the global economy, carrier. company’s plan to slash an- virus pandemic, resulting in London the nation and the travel and Restructuring, subject to nual costs by £280 million bailouts and thousands of job aviation industry,” it said in a creditor approval, “is based on per year and the refinancing of losses. Virus-hit airline Virgin At- statement. a five year business plan, and new aircraft deals. Lufthansa has received a lantic, part-owned by British The news comes after Vir- with the support of sharehold- “The solvent recapitali- nine-billion euro ($10.1 bil- tycoon Richard Branson, said gin Atlantic in May announced ers Virgin Group and Delta, sation of Virgin Atlantic will lion) bailout from the German on Tuesday it had secured its plans to axe more than 3,000 new private investors and ex- ensure that we can continue government, saving Europe’s future thanks to private recap- jobs as the pandemic grounded isting creditors, it paves the to provide vital connectivity largest airline group from italisation worth £1.2 billion a large number of passenger jets. way for the airline to rebuild and competition to consumers bankruptcy. ($1.5 billion). Branson meanwhile warned its balance sheet and return to and businesses in Britain and “Global aviation was one “Virgin Atlantic has that Virgin Atlantic would col- profitability from 2022”, Tues- beyond,” Virgin Atlantic chief of the first industries impacted reached a major milestone lapse unless it received financial day’s statement said. The £1.2 executive Shai Weiss said in by the COVID-19 pandemic towards securing its future to- aid from the UK government to File photo of Virgin Atlantic airline planes at Manchester Airport in billion package, comprising the statement as the carrier and will be one of the last day, by announcing plans for a weather the crisis. north-west England. (AFP) £200 million from Branson’s prepares to restart passen- to fully recover,” Virgin said private-only solvent recapital- With the state unwilling to Virgin Group, will be delivered ger flights from Monday next Tuesday, adding that pre- isation... following the severe help save the 36-year-old air- for a privately-funded package the help of Delta Air Lines, over the next 18 months. week. Airlines globally have crisis levels of flying were un- impact of the COVID-19 pan- line, Virgin scrambled around -- which it has secured with which owns 49 percent of the It comes alongside the been slammed by the corona- likely until 2023.

UK GDP falls 20%, set for worst decine in 300 years AFP than most people antici- London pate.” The UK economy re- Britain’s coronavirus- mains about 24.5 percent ravaged economy slumped below its size in Febru- almost one-fifth during the ary before the pandemic country’s lockdown and re- spread. mained set for its sharpest “Manufacturing and decline in annual output house-building showed for 300 years, official data signs of recovery as some showed on Tuesday. businesses saw staff return The Office forN ational to work,” said Jonathan Statistics (ONS) said gross Athow, deputy national domestic product plunged statistician at the ONS, in 19.1 percent in the three reference to the May data. months to the end of May “Despite this, the econo- “as government restrictions my was still a quarter small- on movement dramatically er in May than in February, reduced economic activity”. before the full effects of the The Office for Budget pandemic struck. Responsibility, in charge of “In the important ser- the government’s economic vices sector we saw some forecasts, said the “UK is on pick-up in retail, which saw track to record the largest record online sales. decline in annual GDP for “However, with lock- 300 years”, estimating that down restrictions remain- File photo of JPMorgan Chase world headquarters in New York. (AFP) the economy could shrink ing in place, many other by as much as 14.3 percent services remained in the in 2020. doldrums, with a number The Bank of England of areas seeing further de- had already forecast that clines,” Athow added. the UK economy could have The OBR said in a its sharpest annual contrac- worst-case scenario, British Profits hit as US banks set tion in centuries. GDP would recover to pre- GDP output grew 1.8 crisis levels only in the third percent in May from April quarter of 2024. as the government began to Britain has been one ease restrictions, particu- of the countries worst hit larly boosting construction by the virus, with nearly aside billions for bad loans and manufacturing. 45,000 deaths from positive May’s data “is a disap- coronavirus cases, accord- pointing first step on the ing to an official government At Citigroup, net income fell 73 percent to $1.3 billion, while revenues rose 5 percent to $19.8 billion road to recovery and sug- tally. Broader statistics tak- gests that hopes of a rapid ing into account suspected AFP backstop in the first quar- the deterioration in Citi’s pointed” in the decision, but eral stimulus funds, Piepszak rebound from the lockdown cases puts the death toll at New York ter, as it now expects a more view of the macroeconomic said, “Our view of the length said, adding that the coming are wide of the mark”, noted more than 50,000. “protracted” economic recov- outlook,” as well as down- and severity of the economic period would be “much more Capital Economics analyst Britain is in the fi- Large US banks have set ery in the second half of 2020 grades in loan quality due to downturn has deteriorated challenging.” Thomas Pugh. nal stages of rolling back aside billions of dollars in compared with its earlier the hit from COVID-19, the considerably from the as- The bank expects there “Indeed, the path to nationwide coronavirus additional reserves for bad outlook, Chief Financial Of- bank said in a statement. sumptions used last quarter.” will be more stimulus ahead, full economic recovery will restrictions imposed on loans, according to earnings ficer Jennifer Piepszak said. And Wells Fargo put an- At JPMorgan, net income but that is not certain, Piep- probably be much longer March 23. reports on Tuesday that un- JPMorgan Chief Execu- other $8.4 billion in reserves fell 51 percent to $4.7 billion, szak said in a conference call derscored the weakening tive Jamie Dimon said that in the second quarter, point- translating into earnings- with reporters. The bank ex- economic outlook due to the amid the uncertain outlook, ing to the “unprecedented” per-share that topped analyst pects double-digit US unem- coronavirus pandemic. the bank was “prepared for nature of the pandemic. forecasts. Revenues jumped ployment to persist through Even amid gradual signs all eventualities as our for- Those increased reserves 15 percent to $33.8 billion, the middle of 2021. of a rebound as businesses tress balance sheet allows led to steep drops in profits at its highest ever for a quarter. At Citigroup, net income reopen, the measures to con- us to remain a port in the JPMorgan and Citigroup, al- While the bank reported fell 73 percent to $1.3 billion, tain COVID-19 have caused a storm.” though the banks benefitted a loss in consumer and com- while revenues rose five per- devastating hit and millions The biggest reserves were from improvements in some mercial banking, it garnered cent to $19.8 billion, boosted of lost jobs in the world’s added in consumer banking, divisions, such as trading. a big profit increase in its by higher revenues in its in- largest economy. That has mostly in credit cards. However, Wells Fargo corporate and investment stitutional clients group that raised fears households will The results come on the reported a loss of $2.4 bil- bank division. And the bank offset a decline in consumer not be able to pay their home heels of actions by California, lion, compared with $6.2 reported higher investment banking. mortgages, car loans and Texas and other states to halt billion in profits in the year- fees, while trading revenues Shares of JPMorgan credit card debts. And com- or roll back the reopening of ago period. The bank said it soared amid volatility in fi- rose 1.4 percent to $99.11 in panies, too, have high debt their economies due to a re- was cutting its dividend to 10 nancial markets. pre-market trading, while levels. surgence of COVID-19 cases. cents a share from 51 cents. JPMorgan saw improving Citigroup fell 1.2 percent A man wearing a mask rides a scooter on Oxford Street in Lon- JPMorgan Chase estab- Meanwhile, Citigroup Wells Fargo Chief Execu- economic conditions in May to $51.60 and Wells Far- don on Tuesday. (AFP) lished another $8.9 billion added $5.6 billion in re- tive Charlie Scharf said the and June, but those were the go slumped 6.0 percent to in reserves, more than the serves, “primarily reflecting bank is “extremely disap- “easy months” due to fed- $23.90. Venezuela’s fuel shortages persist despite Iran deliveries could only get half a tank, the increased fuel prices on June Venezuela’s oil produc- Despite enormous reserves, oil-producing Ven- quota per vehicle. 1. tion, which reached 3.2 mil- ezuela is experiencing a serious fuel shortage Up until 2018, Venezuela In a country where fuel has lion barrels a day 12 years ago, was sending 500,000 barrels been practically free, a liter is collapsing. per day to the United States of high-octane gasoline rose Analysts expect the month- AFP tal, where long lines, sleepless alone, and received in return to 50 cents, though subsidies ly report of the Organization Caracas nights and anxiety have now 120,000 bpd of light oil, dilu- have been maintained within of Petroleum Exporting Coun- become the norm for those ents and fuel-producing sup- strict consumption and regis- tries (OPEC), due on Tuesday, Long queues at gas stations seeking fuel. plies. Sanctions, however, have tration limits. to reflecta further drop after around the country under- Despite enormous re- forced Venezuela -- which used The country is almost en- Venezuelan output fell below score Venezuela’s continuing serves, oil-producing Ven- to refine enough oil for its own tirely dependent on oil exports 600,000 bpd last month. fuel shortages, despite Iran ezuela is experiencing a seri- needs -- to turn to allies such for revenues, but production Its refining system has dis- stepping in to help its Latin ous fuel shortage, exacerbated as Iran to alleviate a desperate has fallen to roughly a quarter integrated along with produc- American ally with a major by the economic effects of the gasoline shortage. of its 2008 level as Venezuela tion. With capacity to process fuel shipment last month. coronavirus pandemic. Tehran duly sent five tank- enters its sixth year in reces- 1.3 mpd, it was barely ticking “Iranian petrol is an illu- “The gasoline never ar- ers in May, laden with 1.5 mil- sion. over at 12 percent of its poten- sion that has lasted a month,” rived,” says Pedro Perales, a lion barrels of fuel, additives, People offer gasoline for sale on the streets of Maracaibo, Zulia State, Maduro’s government tial in the first quarter of 2020, driver Nestor Hernandez told resident of Puerto Ordaz in the spare parts and other materi- Venezuela, recently. (AFP) blames the loss in production according to industry sources. AFP in Maracaibo, the coun- eastern state of Bolivar, which als. on US sanctions, including Ezio Angelini, head of the try’s second-largest city. borders Brazil. The situation improved a mile-long) queues to form again after running dry in those levied against the state Maracaibo Chamber of Com- He said he still had to He said he spent two days initially at gas stations with again. March, during the first weeks oil company PDVSA, but many merce, said what’s happening queue for hours at petrol sta- straight, including the night, dollarized prices in several The exception is Caracas: of the coronavirus lockdown. analysts say the regime has at the gas stations in his city tions in the city that once was in his car waiting his turn to regions, but it did not take service stations in the capi- The socialist government failed to invest in or maintain “is the chronicle of a death Venezuela’s booming oil capi- fill up with gas. Even then, he long for kilometer-long (half tal are functioning normally of President Nicolas Maduro infrastructure. foretold.” 12 Wednesday, July 15, 2020 Economy & Business China renews push for increased global role for the yuan The increasing spillover of Sino-American tensions into the financial sphere has ignited a fresh push by China to promote the global use of its currency

Tribune News Service Doha

Faced with the prospect of restrict- ed access to US dollars, China’s an- swer is to get more people to use its own currency instead. The increasing spillover of Sino-American tensions into the financial sphere has ignited a fresh push by China to promote the global use of the yuan. A growing number of government officials and influential market watchers have in recent weeks urged greater efforts on the endeavour, which gained renewed significance after China’s new Hong Kong security law triggered the threat of retalia- tion from Washington. While such drastic action is far from being implemented by the U.S. — and could potentially do major damage to American interests and the entire global financial system — the risks alone have raised alarm bells. With almost a trillion dollars in offshore bonds and loans and $1.1 trillion in state-owned bank liabili- ties, access to the greenback is vital for Chinese companies and lenders. “Yuan internationalization morphed from a desirable to an indispensable thing for Beijing,” said Ding Shuang, chief economist for greater China and north Asia at Standard Chartered Plc. “China needs to find a replacement for the dollar amid the political uncertain- ty; otherwise, the nation will see fi- nancial risks.” Similar calls for moving away from the dollar followed the 2007- 09 financial crisis. WhileC hina over the years made some progress — promoting offshore yuan trading, winning official reserve-currency status from the International Mon- etary Fund and launching commod- ity contracts priced in yuan — the renminbi is a small player on the global stage. Yuan internationalization morphed from a desirable to an indispensable thing for Beijing. (Dreamstime/TNS) The yuan’s share in global pay- ments and central bank reserves re- yet ready for,” said Yu Yongding, a ity, is also aiming to become a more ing demand in greater China for mains low, at about 2%. And while a former adviser to the People’s Bank Recent voices expressing urgency for prominent yuan trading center. greenbacks. steady opening of China’s financial of China. “China is facing a severe Hong Kong regulators last “It’s not possible for China to markets to overseas investors has challenge of a series of potential yuan internationalisation in China month kicked off the Wealth Man- have a significantly internation- lured inflows, foreign ownership of U.S. financial sanctions and we agement Connect, which will allow alized currency as things stand” mainland stocks and bonds is rela- can’t even rule out the possibility ● Fang Xinghai, a top official at China’s securities regulator, said last cross-border investments among now, said George Magnus, re- tively minor. that they may freeze China financial month “our ability to defend against potential decoupling will be residents of Hong Kong, Macau and search associate at Oxford Uni- To accelerate reaching a par assets one day. I believe regulators enhanced significantly” through yuan internationalization. southern China. The move has im- versity’s China Centre and author with counterparts such as the yen have a contingency plan.” plications including boosting the of “Red Flags: Why Xi’s China Is or euro, China would need to pull What’s unclear is how hard the ● Huang Yiping, a former adviser to the central bank, said it’s yuan’s international use and testing in Jeopardy.” down its capital controls, which Trump administration is prepared necessary for the country to reduce its reliance on the greenback. capital-account opening, analysts With a global yuan still years or were tightened in the wake of a to push. Moves to curb a govern- ● have said. decades away, what’s left to China messy devaluation in 2015. But that ment pension fund from investing Zhou Li, an ex-deputy director of a government body that manages Stronger steps could include meantime could be the threat of would raise the risk of destabilizing in Chinese stocks are already un- relations with foreign parties, decried China’s vulnerability to “dollar China insisting on paying for some countermeasures, and highlight- outflows.C hina could alternatively der way, along with tighter scrutiny hegemony,” and said the greenback is a major risk that “has us by the imports in yuan, making direct in- ing the global implications of the expand imports and run persistent of Chinese companies’ listings on throat.” vestments abroad in yuan and pro- most extreme U.S. action. Chinese current-account deficits — as the American exchanges. But systemati- ● viding loans in renminbi — the cur- banks and offshore bonds have U.S. does — to generate a pool of cally restricting access of the world’s Zhou Yongkun, an official at the People’s Bank of China, said last rency’s official name. Still, the fact after all become key cogs in the yuan balances overseas. That, too, second-largest economy to dollar week that the country will introduce direct trading between the yuan and that over half of Hong Kong bank world system. would require a hard-to-envision funding and transactions would be additional currencies, without specifying which ones. deposits are denominated in for- “Cutting off the banking sys- policy shift. a step unprecedented since the U.S. eign currencies (led by the U.S. dol- tem’s U.S. dollar funding would be “Yuan globalization is largely first tolerated unregulated use of its ing the China International Pay- where the U.S. holds sway. Hong lar) and Chinese banks themselves a serious blow — for this reason, I hinged on convertibility under capi- currency abroad in the 1960s. ment System to settle transactions Kong, which supplies around half have about $747 billion in foreign- don’t expect it to happen” to main- tal account — which China is not Chinese regulators are build- outside the dollar-based platforms of the world’s offshore yuan liquid- exchange deposits speaks to endur- land China, said Magnus.

Britain bans China’s Huawei from its 5G network, handing US big win carry a big cost for UK mobile “This disappointing deci- private Chinese company nies have warned that strip- providers that have relied on sion is bad news for anyone in could either spy for Beijing or Implications ping out all existing Huawei Huawei equipment for nearly the UK with a mobile phone.” shut down rival countries’ 5G equipment could cost them 20 years. networks in times of war. ● The UK decision hands billions and take years to im- Digital minister Oliver US sanctions Huawei has always de- a major victory to US plement. Dowden’s announcement fol- Johnson infuriated Trump nied this and pointed to two President Donald Trump’s BT chief executive Philip lowed a meeting chaired by and upset some members of decades of cooperation with administration in its Jansen even raised the possi- Prime Minister Boris Johnson his own Conservative party by British security agencies that bility of Britain suffering ser- of his cabinet and National allowing the Chinese leader in checked on the safety of its geopolitical and trade vice “outages”. Security Council. global 5G technology to help existing 3G and 4G networks. battle with China. Dowden conceded that “From the end of this year, roll out Britain’s speedy new The British review was ● But it may damage Tuesday’s announcement telecoms providers must not data network in January. triggered by new US sanctions means more Britons will have buy any 5G equipment from The UK was then com- in May that blocked Huawei’s Britain’s relations with the to wait longer to get full access Huawei,” Dowden told parlia- pleting its tortuous departure access to US chips and semi- Asian power and carry a to the speedy new network. ment. from the European Union and conductors at the heart of 5G big cost for UK mobile “This means a cumulative He said the new guidelines looking to establish strong networks. providers that have relied delay to 5G roll-out of two to All of Huawei’s existing 5G gear in the UK has to be stripped out by also required all of Huawei’s ties with powerful Asian The restriction raised the on Huawei equipment for three years and costs of up to 2027. existing 5G gear to be stripped economies that could fulfil possibility of Huawei having nearly 20 years. £2 billion ($2.5 billion, 2.2 out “by 2027”. Johnson’s vision of a “Global to switch from trusted US sup- billion euros),” he said. AFP Beijing. Huawei called the deci- Britain”. pliers to alternatives whose China for its treatment of “This will have real conse- London The policy reversal hands sion “disappointing” and mo- But the Trump adminis- safety could not be guaran- Hong Kong and repression of quences for the connections a major victory to US Presi- tivated by politics. tration told the UK govern- teed by UK security agencies. ethnic Uighurs in the western on which all our constituents Britain on Tuesday bowed dent Donald Trump’s admin- “Regrettably our future ment that its decision imper- Xinjiang region. rely.” to US pressure and approved istration in its geopolitical and in the UK has become politi- illed intelligence sharing and ‘Outages’ But he also pledged to vot- Johnson has challenged the phased removal of Chi- trade battle with China. cised, this is about US trade could even result in the relo- Johnson had come under ers last year to bring broad- the Trump administration to nese telecoms giant Huawei But it threatens to further policy and not security,” Hua- cation of some US fighter jets growing political pressure to band access to all Britons by come up with a reliable and from its 5G network despite damage Britain’s relations wei UK spokesman Ed Brew- from England. not only dump Huawei but 2025. cost-effective alternative to warnings of retaliation from with the Asian power and ster said. Washington believes the also adopt a tough line with British telecoms compa- the Chinese firm. Real Madrid one win away from La Liga crown Page 14

WEDNESday, JULY 15, 2020 Sustainability is at heart of Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World Cup preparations All-female panel outlines commitment to carbon-neutral and environmentally-sensitive FIFA World Cup

Sc.qa (QGBC). The event was moder- Through the implementation setting green building stand- World Cup and to ease pres- Doha ated by Dr Talar Sahsuvaroglu, of environmental initiatives in ards supporting Qatar Nation- sure on our country’s envi- Sustainability and Environ- the strategy, we are protecting al Vision 2030.” ronment and services during Qatar’s commitment to mental Subject Matter Expert Qatar’s delicate environment Another topic discussed the tournament.” hosting a carbon-neutral FIFA at the SC. and contributing towards Qa- was the Green Key award – Josoor Institute is a centre World Cup™ and deliver- At the heart of discussions tar National Vision 2030 and an international eco-label for of excellence for the sports and ing environmentally-friendly was the Qatar 2022 Sustain- the UN Sustainable Develop- tourism facilities stipulated by events sectors. Inspired and tournament facilities was dis- ability Strategy, which was ment Goals.” the Foundation for Environ- developed by the SC, Josoor cussed during a webinar host- published earlier this year by Noreisch described the mental Education. QGBC has Institute is a core Qatar 2022 ed by the Josoor Institute. FIFA, the SC and the FIFA strategy as one of the most been the national operator for legacy programme which Speakers on the all-female World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC. ambitious in the history of the scheme since 2017 and be- aims to ensure the knowledge panel, titled ‘Delivering Envi- It is the first World Cup sus- the World Cup. She praised lieves it will help Qatar achieve gained by hosting the World ronmental Sustainability for tainability strategy to be de- Qatar’s dedication to sus- its goal of delivering a carbon- Cup is passed to the next gen- the FIFA World Cup Qatar livered jointly by FIFA, the tainability, particularly the neutral tournament. eration of industry profession- 2022™’, included Engineer host country and local organ- strong collaboration with key Hinnawi said: “Green als across the Middle East and Bodour Al Meer, Sustain- isers and outlines five com- stakeholders. that we continue to focus our tainability, the SC is leading Key-compliant hotels in Qatar Arab world. ability & Environment Senior mitments, 22 objectives and “At FIFA, we are commit- efforts on the most relevant by example with the deploy- exhibit best practices which Vasco Kurkjian, Josoor Manager, Supreme Commit- more than 70 initiatives. ted to doing our utmost to pro- sustainability issues, as was ment of the latest green tech- reflect a high level of respon- Institute’s Capability Building tee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Al Meer said: “Environ- tect the environment and were done for the 2014 and 2018 nologies in World Cup venues. sible operation and awareness, Senior Manager, said: “Josoor Madleen Noreisch, FIFA’s mental sustainability is a delighted to find a local part- editions of the World Cup.” The recently launched Edu- from setting environmental Institute is committed to de- Senior Sustainability Man- key part of the SC’s vision ner in the SC that is equally Each Qatar 2022 tourna- cation City Stadium – which policies, operational plans and veloping the expertise and ager, Dr Eiman Eliskandarani, and commitment as the next committed to this cause,” said ment venue is mandated to achieved a five-star GSAS rat- targeting water and energy skill sets of industry profes- Director of Global Sustain- hosts of the FIFA World Cup. Noreisch. achieve GSAS certification. ing – signifies a vast spectrum reduction, in addition to pro- sionals in Qatar and the region ability Assessment System Our joint sustainability strat- “Together, all the key par- The scheme is administered by of possibilities for any mega viding innovative solutions for to deliver the tournament and (GSAS) Trust at the Gulf Or- egy provides an excellent ties delivering the tournament GORD and approved by FIFA project willing to embrace en- staff and guest management. other major events, through ganisation for Research & De- example of timely planning, have developed, published and as the official green building vironmental sustainability. “Green Key will provide a our professional diploma and velopment (GORD), and Ruba communication and respon- are well underway towards im- rating system for Qatar 2022. “GORD is proud to play sustainable framework for ho- executive development pro- Hinnawi, Technical Specialist, sible decision-making from plementing the sustainability Eliskandarani said: “When a significant role in building tels to ultimately contribute grammes, workshops and re- Qatar Green Building Council the tournament organisers. strategy. This strategy ensures it comes to environmental sus- a sustainable future through to achieving a carbon-neutral search on the MENA region.”

QNB STARS LEAGUE Qatar’s Sanchez among nine Al Sailiya: Hopes high to be in Top 4 greatest Asian Cup coaches

Tribune News Network Doha AFC online poll seeks to name Al Sailiya are gearing up for the remainder of the QNB the best in its Stars season under the alert eyes of Tunisian coach Sami 64-year history Trabelsi. They will play Al Wakrah in Week 18 at the Al Tribune News Network Janoub Stadium on July 26 Doha (4:45pm kick-off). QSL clubs are continuing Qatar coach Felix Sanchez their preparations ahead of the has been selected as one resumption of 2019-20 QNB of the top nine great AFC Stars League, with Week 18 coaches amongst 16 coaches matches starting on July 24. to have won the Asian Cup in The tournament, which its 64-year-history. The AFC Coach Felix Sanchez led Al Annabi to their first continental triumph – had a long break due to the has asked fans to vote for the 2019 Asian Cup title in the UAE winning all seven matches. Covid-19 pandemic, will re- greatest on their website. start as per the general plan Sanchez led Al Annabi The Spaniard is listed Another Brailian Zico who and protocol for the remaining to their first continental tri- amongst top coaches to have had a phenomenal career as five rounds. Teams are fight- umph – 2019 Asian Cup title graced the continent like a player took Japan to the ing to occupy the top posi- in the UAE. The Qatari team KSA’s Khalil al Zayani who pinnacle of Asian football in tions, improve their rankings was dominant throughout the won the trophy in 1984 with 2004. Japan’s victory in the and avoid the ignominy of rel- competition winning all seven Saudi Arabia, Iran’s 1972 win- 2004 tournament – their third egation. matches on way to the title ning coach Mohammad Ran- Asian title in four attempts Al Sailiya are sixth in the Al Sailiya are currently sixth in the QNB Stars League standings with 23 points. while conceding just one goal. jbar, Heshmat Mohajrenai of since 1992 – was confirmed QNB Stars League standings The tournament also saw Qa- Iran who won the titles in 1976 with a 3-1 win over hosts China with 23 points. ons League, just like they did virus test, the players as well Serigne Mbodji, Majdi Siddiq, tar’s Almoez Ali break the tour- with Iran, and led the UAE to PR in a tense final in Beijing, The Peregrines have re- last season when they secured as technical and administrative Maher Yousef, Mohammed nament’s goalscoring record set the group stage in 1980. Other to make the cut are corded seven wins, two draws a third-place finish, their staff signed a pledge to abide by Muddather, Mostafa Abdel- by legendary Iranian Ali Daei. Legendary Brazilian coach French coach Philippe Trouss- and eight defeats, and their goal best-ever performance in the the protocol for leaving team hafiz and GhanemA l Qahtani. Few observers had pencilled Carlos Alberto Parreira is ier whose Japan side lifted difference is -3, having scored league. hotel for home quarantine. Besides intense training, Al Qatar in as pre-tournament fa- the only man to win the AFC the title in Lebanon in 2000, 19 goals and conceded 22. Following their first coro- Al Sailiya succeeded in Sailiya are readying for the re- vourites for the 2019 AFC Asian Asian Cup with two different Iraq’s legendary 2007 coach Al Sailiya had lost 1-2 to ta- navirus test, held as per the extending the contracts with sumption of action by playing Cup, but the Félix Sánchez-led countries, leading Kuwait to Jorvan Vieira and Italy’s Al- ble toppers Al Duhail in Week protocol developed by the QSL their overseas professionals friendlies. They beat Al Markh- side produced a superb month glory in 1980, before repeating berto Zaccheroni whose Japan 17 on March 7 before the long in co-ordination with club au- with the exception of Moroc- iya 3-0 in one such game. of football in the first ever 24- the success with Saudi Arabia side won a record fourth title break. thorities and approved by the can Mubarak Boussoufa and Al Sailiya’s other remain- team AFC Asian Cup. eight years later. in Qatar in 2011. Trabelsi’s squad still nur- Ministry of Public Health, Al the squad is complete with the ing matches in the QNB Stars With Asian glory achieved, Also, Australia’s Ange Poste- Fans can vote for the gre- tures high hopes of ending Sailiya squad members en- recovery of injured players. League are against Al Sha- Sanchez is now tasked with coglou makes the cut after mas- tatest coach of their choice on up in the top-four bracket tered their team hotel and got The team relies mainly on hania (Week 19), Al Rayyan leading Qatar at their first terminding Australia’s greatest on the Asian Football Confed- and thereby playing in the engaged in training. Algerian Nadir Belhadj, Ira- (Week 20), Al Arabi (Week 21) FIFA World Cup, which footballing moment on the con- eration website, voting will Qatar Cup and AFC Champi- After their second corona- nian Karim Ansari, Senegalese and Umm Salal (Week 22). West Asia will host in 2022. tinent on home soil in 2015. close on July 20. 14 Wednesday, July 15, 2020 Sports Solskjaer vows to put it right after Man Utd drop points

AFP London

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Manchester United “will put it right” after conceding a late goal against Southampton on Monday to dent their hopes of reaching next season’s Cham- pions League. United were on course for a fifth successive Premier League victory after bouncing Manchester United’s Norwegian back from Stuart Armstrong’s manager Ole Gunnar Solsk- early opener through strikes jaer during the match against from Marcus Rashford and Southampton at Old Trafford in Anthony Martial. Manchester on Monday. (AFP) But just as third place beckoned for Solskjaer’s men of the boys has been brilliant,” Saints substitute Michael said the Norwegian boss. Obafemi struck in stoppage “We’ve had a few setbacks over time to seal a 2-2 draw at the season, of course, and this Old Trafford. is another challenge for us. Earlier on Monday the Court “I am very confident in the of Arbitration for Sport an- mentality of them. Very disap- Real Madrid’s French forward Karim Benzema (2nd left) celebrates after scoring during the Spanish League match against Granada FC at Nuevo Los Carmenes stadium in Granada nounced Manchester City’s two- pointed, of course, but we have late on Monday. (AFP) season European ban would be to take the disappointments as lifted, meaning only the top four well as the positives when you teams will qualify for next sea- win games.” son’s Champions league. “We’ve learned a hard les- United’s next two games son today hopefully, so we’ll Real Madrid, a win away are against Crystal Palace and make it right, we’ll put it right. West Ham before a potential I trust the boys in that re- last-day shoot-out against spect,” he added. Leicester, who are currently in Scoreline: Manchester United fourth place, ahead of Solsk- 2 (Rashford 20’, Martial 23’) jaer’s men on goal difference. Southampton 2 (Armstrong 12’, from claiming the title “I have to say the mentality Obafemi 90+6’). AFP to clear one shot off the line as STANDINGS (TOP 8) while Barcelona visit Alaves. A scramble in Madrid’s six- Madrid Zinedine Zidane’s side dug in Machis’s goal was the yard box saw several players Club P W D L GF GA Pts for a ninth consecutive victory. first Madrid have conceded hacking at the ball in panic and Real Madrid 36 25 8 3 66 22 83 Real Madrid need one victory “Our vision when we start in six matches but few would Courtois was twice required to Barcelona 36 24 7 5 80 36 79 Arsenal’s Arteta hits out to secure La Liga after they every season is to win the have seen it coming after the make smart saves late on. Atletico Madrid 36 17 15 4 48 26 66 held off a second-half come- league,” said Zidane. “There first half. The closest Granada came Sevilla 36 18 12 6 53 34 66 at ‘crazy minutes’ back from Granada on Mon- are two games left. We are Madrid scored twice in six was when the ball fell to Ra- Villarreal 36 17 6 13 58 47 57 day to win 2-1 and move four close but we’re not there yet.” minutes, with both goals com- mon Azeez at the back post players are Getafe 36 14 12 10 43 34 54 points clear of Barcelona. When the final whistle Real Sociedad 36 16 6 14 55 47 54 ing from breaks down their left. and he fired towards the near With two games left, Ma- blew, Zidane roared with relief Athletic Bilbao 36 13 12 11 41 32 51 Mendy had space in front post with Courtois stranded clocking up drid will be crowned champi- and Ramos clenched his fists of him and kept going, acceler- but Ramos was on the line to ons if they beat Villarreal at after coming through their ating between Victor Diaz and clear. AFP point. “We have only had an home on Thursday regardless toughest test since the restart. Dimitri Foulquier before firing Earlier, Villarreal’s hopes London advantage in one – which was of how Barca fare at the Camp “We can’t relax, we’re a bit high and into the roof of the of Champions League football against Spurs,” he told his pre- Nou against Osasuna. closer but we have to carry on,” net from an acute angle. were dashed after they lost 2-1 Arsenal boss Mikel Ar- match press conference. “But But they were made to said Ramos afterwards. The second goal came at home to Real Sociedad to teta has bemoaned the fixture look at the boys, they keep go- sweat by a Granada team that “We let our guard down down the same side, Isco’s confirm that fourth-placed Se- scheduling since the Premier ing, they go full-gas, it doesn’t are gunning for Europe and here a bit on the second half. backheel allowing Luka Modric villa will join Atletico Madrid, League restart, saying on Tues- matter and we will do it again.” have been arguably the divi- We won the first half and lost to switch left to Benzema, who Barcelona and Real Madrid in day his players have amassed An FA Cup semi-final sion’s surprise of the season the second and maybe that’s this time cut inside Diaz and the competition next season. “crazy minutes” on the pitch in against City is next up for Arse- after being promoted from sec- a warning for us. We have to shot into the far corner. Villarreal remain fifth, recent weeks. nal after the Liverpool clash. ond tier last year. make sure we don’t repeat that Madrid cruised through three points ahead of Getafe The Gunners host newly “Obviously they’ve been Ferland Mendy and Karim mistake.” the rest of the half, pushing the and Real Sociedad, with all crowned Premier League cham- hit and a lot of them have Benzema looked to have set Madrid could win La Liga ball around at will, but comfort three hoping to secure a place pions Liverpool on Wednesday, played some crazy minutes up Madrid on course for a com- for the third time in eight years perhaps created complacency in the Europa League. Getafe three days after falling to defeat until now and again we’re go- fortable win at Los Carmenes at the Alfredo di Stefano Sta- and Granada improved after drew 0-0 against Alaves. to Tottenham in the north Lon- ing to have games every two- but Granada were transformed dium on Thursday night. “It came back and reacted. We’re the break. don derby. In the five games that and-a-half days.” after the break and Darwin would mean a lot,” said Ra- in the race and hopefully on Machis pulled a goal back, Monday results: Villarreal 1 followed their opening game of Defeat against Spurs in- Machis’s 50th-minute strike mos. Thursday we can celebrate.” striking through the legs of (Cazorla 85’) Real Sociedad 2 Project Restart – a 3-0 defeat at creased the chances of Arsenal gave them hope. “It’s the prize for consist- If Madrid slip up against Courtois after Casemiro was (Willian Jose 61’, Llorente 75’); Manchester City – Arsenal’s op- failing to qualify for Europe An increasingly nervous ency over the whole year. May- Villarreal, they will still have dispossessed in midfield and Alaves 0 Getafe 0; Granada ponents had longer to prepare, for the first time since the Madrid were clinging on by the be we had a period of reflection a second chance on Sunday Madrid were rattled as Grana- 1 (Machis 50’) Real Madrid 2 with Arteta keen to stress that 1994/95 season. end and needed Sergio Ramos during the suspension and we when they finish atL eganes da began to dictate play. (Mendy 10’, Benzema 16’). Guardiola ‘incredibly happy’, but rivals brand Man City let-off a ‘disgrace’

AFP other way if you are guilty you London should be banned so it is also a disgraceful decision. In any Pep Guardiola said on Tuesday case the decision is a disas- a weight had been lifted from It’s a disgraceful ter,” said Mourinho. Manchester City after their decision, because if Man On Wednesday, Totten- European ban was overturned City is not guilty then to ham face Newcastle, a club by the Court of Arbitration for be punished with some which could benefit from any Sport (CAS), but rival manag- relaxation of FFP rules should ers Jose Mourinho and Jurgen millions is a disgrace. If a Saudi-backed takeover be ap- Klopp criticised the ruling. you are not guilty, you proved by the Premier League. The court on Monday are not punished. By And Mourinho believes lifted a two-year ban imposed the other way if you that in light of the City deci- Inter Milan’s Uruguayan defender Diego Godin (left) celebrates with Italian defender Alessandro Bastoni earlier this year on the Pre- are guilty you sion, any prospective new own- (centre) and Croatian defender Marcelo Brozovic after scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A mier League club by Europe- ers will not feel the need to match against Torino at the San Siro stadium in Milan late on Monday. (AFP) an football’s governing body should be banned. comply with the regulations. UEFA over Financial Fair Jose Mourinho “I truly believe FFP is Play (FFP) breaches. Tottenham Hotspur gone,” he added. “New owners “I am incredibly happy will have this feeling the circus Inter move second, close for the decision. It shows all manager opened the door so let’s go and the people said about the club enjoy it.” wasn’t true,” said Guardiola. Klopp is hopeful City’s in on Champions League “People cannot understand participation in next season’s how difficult it was for everyone Champions League will help AFP SERIE A STANDINGS (TOP 6) let’s see where we can finish, as a club being under suspicion. his side’s chances of retaining Rome but it’s difficult to get closer to Now we have proven it at the the Premier League. Club P W D L GF GA Pts Juventus.” court, we go again on the pitch.” But the German believes Inter Milan put one foot Juventus 32 24 4 4 67 32 76 Torino meanwhile still Tottenham manager Mour- have the right to defend our- gations fell outside the five- any demise of FFP, which has in next season’s Champions Inter Milan 32 20 8 4 68 34 68 have to look over their shoul- inho said the court’s decision selves when we believe what we year time limit in its own helped bring down debt across League on Monday after coming Lazio 32 21 5 6 68 35 68 ders following their fourth de- was a “disaster” and showed have done is correct and three regulations. the European game, would be from behind to beat relegation- feat since the league restarted FFP, which limits club’s spend- independent judges said this.” An initial fine of 30 million bad for football. threatened Torino 3-1 and move Atalanta 32 20 7 5 87 41 67 last month. ing in line with their revenue, is City were punished by euros ($34 million, £27 mil- “From a personal point of up to second place in Serie A. Roma 32 16 6 10 59 43 54 Moreno Longo’s side are now dead, while Liverpool boss UEFA in February over “seri- lion) imposed by UEFA was view, I’m happy Manchester Antonio Conte’s Inter Napoli 32 15 7 10 52 43 52 16th, five points above the rel- Klopp said City’s reprieve was a ous breaches” of FFP regula- reduced to 10 million euros by City can play in next season’s moved above Atalanta and egation zone with the visit of bad day for football. tions but immediately contest- CAS. However, the fine related Champions League, because if Lazio to go eight points be- However, with a first fellow strugglers Genoa com- However, Guardiola feels ed the ban. only to City’s failure to cooper- they have 12 games less, I don’t hind league leaders Juventus league title since 2010 un- ing up on Thursday. it is City who are owed an The club were accused of ate with UEFA’s investigation see any chance for any other thanks to two goals early in likely, the most important Inter, who were missing apology. deliberately inflating the value rather than FFP breaches. teams in the Premier League,” the second half from Ashley statistic for Inter is the star striker Romelu Lukaku “We should be apologised of income from sponsors with Mourinho said if they were said Klopp. Young and Diego Godin and 14-point gap between them and started without regular to because if we did some- links to the Abu Dhabi United guilty, City should be banned – “I don’t wish anything bad another from Lautaro Mar- and fifth-placed Roma with first-teamers Milan Skriniar, thing wrong we would ac- Group, which is also owned by but if they were innocent, they on anyone but I don’t think it tinez just after the hour mark. six matches left to play. Christian Eriksen and Anto- cept the decision from UEFA, City owner Sheikh Mansour, to should not have to pay a penny. was a good day for football. The Milanese club are level “It’s important to win nio Candreva, didn’t have it all because we did something avoid falling foul of FFP rules “It’s a disgraceful deci- Financial Fair Play is a good on 68 points with off-form matches like this any way you their own way at the San Siro. wrong,” he said at a press between 2012 and 2016. sion, because if Man City is idea and it was there to protect Lazio, who slumped to a 2-1 can ... I think we deserved to conference on Tuesday. not guilty then to be punished teams and the competition, defeat at Sassuolo on Satur- win,” said Godin. Scoreline: Inter Milan 3 (Young “We don’t expect Liverpool, ‘Bad decision for football’ with some millions is a dis- and clubs have to make sure day, and one ahead of flam- “We’re second now and we 49’, Godin 51’, Martinez 61’) Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea UEFA recognised in a state- grace. If you are not guilty, the money they want to spend boyant Atalanta in fourth. want to continue winning ... Torino 1 (Belotti 17’). or Wolves to defend us but we ment that many of the alle- you are not punished. By the is from the right sources.” Sports Wednesday, July 15, 2020 15 Black players allege racial divide in South African cricket AFP for South Africa. Johannesburg Also on Tuesday, Omphile Ramela, president of the SA Racial divisions in South Cricketers’ Association, re- African cricket were laid bare on leased a letter, apparently Tuesday when 30 black former written in his personal capac- international players issued a ity, to sports minister Nathi statement alleging racism re- Mthethwa, seeking govern- mained a factor in the game. ment intervention for what The letter commended cur- he claimed was the illegal ap- Vodafone Qatar’s 5G holographic call with Qatar’s star footballer Abdelkarim Hassan last year saw the rent fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, pointment of eight white offi- national team defender appear as a live 3D hologram sharing footballing advice with future athletes – who last week expressed sup- cials by CSA and its affiliates. a prime example of the new fan experiences created by technology. port for Black Lives Matter, and “In the last six months all called for Cricket South Africa eight new appointments with- (CSA) to come out strongly in in the executive management favour of the movement. of cricket have all been white Vodafone’s 5G provides sports Signatories included fast males,” wrote Ramela, a for- bowler Makhaya Ntini, who Thirty black former international players, including Makhaya Ntini mer franchise player who rep- played in 101 Test matches, (centre) and Herschelle Gibbs (right), have issued a statement alleging resented South Africa A. fans real-time experience to and other former stars such as racism remained a factor in the game. “Transformation is a leg- Vernon Philander, Herschelle islated policy, it is a law in Gibbs, Ashwell Prince, Paul We see this an opportunity for “We are not surprised at South Africa... they are break- get closer to the game Adams and JP Duminy. A to- CSA to be unequivocal about their comments. Given South ing the law and must face the tal of 36 people, including five its position and to make sure Africa’s well-known past, black consequences.” Tribune News Network work including fibre and 5G tional team defender appear coaches, were named on the the problem is confronted and cricketers have borne the brunt Ramela’s letter came Doha is providing the connectiv- as a live 3D hologram sharing document. we also invite our fellow white of subtle and overt racist behav- against the backdrop of a cam- ity for premium fixed services footballing advice with future Current black players such cricketers to join in this move to iour for many years, including paign on social media challeng- After months of waiting, our from ‘GigaHome’, powering athletes – a prime example of as Kagiso Rabada and Ngidi defend human dignity.” from some colleagues.” ing the appointment of former favourite international sports data intensive services such as the new fan experiences cre- were not included, nor were There was no immediate Prince, who played in Test wicketkeeper Mark Bouch- stars are back on the field, and streaming, video on demand ated by technology. any white players. response from CSA. 66 Tests, posted a Twitter er as national team coach, al- the 2019-20 QNB Stars League and OTT services. Vodafone With these capabilities, The statement claimed de- The statement noted criti- thread at the weekend claim- leging there had been a lack of finally resumes on July 24. But currently partners with several 5G has the potential to put the spite three decades of cricket cism of Ngidi by former play- ing racial transformation had due process before he was ap- with precautionary measures leading OTT platforms to give live thrill into the experience of unity, “the views expressed from ers, including Pat Symcox, been met with resistance and pointed by his former captain, against COVID-19 still in place, its customers a wide array of in-home viewing, driving the one side of the racial divide are Boeta Dippenaar, Rudi Steyn “there had never been any CSA director of cricket Graeme it may be some time before on-demand content. continued growth of streaming still very much part of our lives... and Brian McMillan. unity” in the decade he played Smith. Both are white. fans return to the stadiums The capability of 5G to de- and OTT services. Sports rights or are able to watch on a big liver high-speed, low latency holders will gain opportunities screen with friends. communications has no bet- to grow their revenue by offer- It’s not all bad news; lead- ter proof of concept than the ing premium experiences that Woods cautious ing telecommunications ser- broadcasting of high-quality, were not possible before. You try returning Kvitova’s serves, vice providers are looking at real-time video streaming. Of course, we can expect of return ahead ways to enhance the experi- Network limitations is one even more exciting applica- ence for those watching sports of the factors that has kept tions for 5G inside the stadi- of Memorial Petkovic tells Instagram troll at home. livestreaming back. While the ums. While traditional pay TV common perception is that live Since Vodafone Qatar AFP AFP been in the top ten in 2015, currently dominates the live streamed content is the same started deploying its GigaNet Washington Berlin had planned to end her career sports arena, broadband roll- as real-time, most streams suf- 5G network, the country’s foot- in 2020, but will play on into out, improved internet speeds fer from latency, a delay from ball spectators are seeing just Tiger Woods admitted Tues- Andrea Petkovic has dealt next year because this season and high performing, video- the broadcast feed, that lasts why 5G is a game-changer for day that concern over the cor- with a critic on social media has been affected by the coro- capable devices have made live anywhere from 10 to 90 sec- live events. In 2019, Vodafone onavirus delayed his return to by telling him to try dealing navirus pandemic. streaming and over-the-top onds, which can be crucial in a brought thousands of football the PGA Tour as he prepares with Petra Kvitova’s serves af- The German then followed (OTT) media services (that sports match. fans customised VR and AR to play his first event since ter the German lost in straight up on Twitter by adding, “oh deliver content through an in- For ultra-high-definition experiences at their high- tech February at this week’s Me- sets to the former Wimbledon and btw, I got used to these ternet connection) increasingly (UHD) video streaming, 5G ‘Fan Zone’ at the Arabian Gulf morial Tournament in Ohio. champion at an exhibition things years back and do not popular. networks can reliably send Cup, and the country and the The former world No. 1 has event in Berlin. care whatsoever. Among the advantages of large video files with no de- region’s first-ever live 5G and not played since appearing in “You are so terrible! I think “I had ten of these today digital streaming platforms tectible delays (latency) and 360-broadcast. the Genesis Invitational in Los you should quit tennis and do AFTER AN EXHO (exhibition are access to more entertaining no degradation to video qual- Creating experiences that Angeles in February but will tee [sic] a different career,” wrote game), but the career thing and interactive content such ity transmitting at very high fans remember is a big part off at Muirfield on Thursday an Instagram user after Pet- German Andrea Petkovic dealt was funny to me - wrong per- as player statistics, instant speeds (throughput). 5G has of the reputation that Qatar is chasing a sixth victory in the kovic’s 6-4, 6-1 defeat to Czech with a critic on social media. son, buddy, wrong person.” replays, different angle shots the bandwidth for sports fans building as a destination for Jack Nicklaus-hosted event. Republic star Kvitova, ranked As well playing tennis pro- and live comments from other to enjoy the definition and im- hosting international sports “I just felt it was better to 12th in the world, on Monday. ing under a rock? 1) I have fessionally, Petkovic is also a fans etc., at the tap of a button age clarity that is so important events, along with seamless stay at home and be safe,” the However, Petkovic, 32, 3 careers going at the same presenter for German broad- on an internet-connected de- for a sense of realism when event management. Investing 44-year-old Woods said on fired back in style onT witter and hate to toot my own horn caster ZDF. vice. This interactive content watching a game at home. in 5G connectivity in stadiums Tuesday. “Coming back and alongside a screen shot of the but I’m awesome and 2) you The renowned bookworm is available to the viewer as an Several leading sports apps can ensure more reliable com- playing the tour, in my case social media troll’s comments. try returning Petr’’s leftie has written her biography, due overlay or in a side window are taking advantage of 5G ca- munications between organ- over the 20-some-odd years “Missed this!,” Petkovic serve on grass and then get out in October, and in March while the live sports stream pabilities to incorporate aug- isers, improved crowd safety I’ve been out here, that’s re- replied after defeat in her first back to me. Love.” she founded an online book continues uninterrupted. mented reality (AR) and virtual through connected CCTV ally hard to say, that I’m used to match for ten months. Petkovic, who is ranked club, which has just under And in this space, 5G and reality (VR) to let fans join the networks, and help athletes having so many people around “Bro, have you been liv- 87th in the world having last 5,000 followers on Instagram. live sports is a winning combi- action on the field. improve their training pro- me or even touch me, going nation, says Vodafone Qatar. Wearing a VR headset will grammes. from green to tee.” The telecommunications let you enjoy lifelike immersive Vodafone Qatar is leverag- PGA Tour officials con- company is confident that experiences on the couch: 360 ing its capabilities and smart firmed that the remainder of the 43 NHL players test positive in training period the technology can open new degree VR content that lets you digital expertise to make things 2019-2020 season would take dimensions for interactive switch to the view of the goal- better for people when they place without fans. It means New YORK: A total of 43 play- Over the latest “Phase 2” ers during the five-week period, sports content while we watch keeper or penalty scorer, or can’t go out to see the game. Woods will tee off on Thurs- ers in North America’s NHL training period, which involved while the NHL said it was aware at home, and after COVID-19, watch a holographic presenter More innovations are still to day alongside world number professional ice hockey league players doing limited fitness of 13 other players who tested power the digital transforma- doing live interviews. come. At each stage, Vodafone one Rory McIlroy and Brooks have tested positive to the nov- training at their own facilities, positive “outside the proto- tion we’ve started seeing inside Vodafone Qatar’s 5G holo- Qatar will find ways to bring Koepka without the customary el coronavirus in recent weeks, 30 players tested positive. col” which likely means they Qatar’s stadiums. graphic call with Abdelkarim spectators new and enhanced horde of spectators that usually the league said in a statement More than 4,934 tests were returned positive tests from Vodafone’s GigaNet net- Hassan last year saw the na- experiences. follows him around a course. on Monday. conducted on over 600 play- non-NHL facilities. (DPA)

OFF THE FIELD I’m fine, I’m home: Atalanta’s Muriel Wales teen Matondo trains in Dortmund shirt, angers Schalke out of hospital after head injury AFP porter wrote: “When it comes Berlin to football, it’s just a no-go for AFP me and I don’t care whether it Milan Wales attacker Rabbi Ma- was a bet or if he likes the col- tondo has fallen out with our yellow.” Atalanta’s Colombia strik- supporters of his Bundesliga Despite their clubs’ deep er Luis Muriel reassured fans club Schalke over a social rivalry, Matondo is friends he was on the mend after being media post of him training with Dortmund star Sancho. taken to hospital in Bergamo in a Cardiff gym wearing the Matondo joined Schalke on Tuesday after hitting his shirt of arch rivals Borussia in January 2019 for around head in a domestic accident. Dortmund. 10 million euros ($11 million) The 29-year-old, who has Matondo, was pictured in from Manchester City, where scored 17 goals in Serie A this a Dortmund jersey bearing the he had played in the club’s season, received stitches but was name of England winger Ja- academy alongside Sancho, later discharged after getting the don Sancho. 20, who signed for Dortmund all-clear following a scan. Atalanta’s Colombian forward Luis Muriel. (AFP) “I made it very clear to in August 2017. “I’m fine, I’m home,” Mu- Rabbi Matondo on the phone While Sancho netted 17 riel said on Instagram. while Sky Italia said he fell cident, Luis Muriel will not what I think of such an ill- goals and created as many “Fortunately, nothing seri- at the swimming pool at his be available for the Atalanta- considered action,” Schalke Wales attacker Rabbi Matondo. (Inset) Training in Dortmund shirt. assists as Dortmund fin- ous happened. Tonight I will home during a get-together Brescia match,” Atalanta said sports director Jochen Sch- (Pic: Alkass Digital Twitter) ished Bundesliga runners- be at the stadium to cheer Ata- with some friends. in a statement. neider told AFP subsidiary up to champions Bayern lanta, and already tomorrow Atalanta confirmed Mu- “The player will be regu- SID on Tuesday. miles) separates Gelsenkirch- angry comments from Schalke Munich in 2019/20, strug- I will return to train with my riel will miss their Serie A larly available for the training “He is only 19 years old, en-based Schalke and Dort- fans, including “There’s the gling Schalke and Matondo teammates. Thank you for the game against Lombardy rivals session tomorrow, July 15th.” but that still shouldn’t have mund, but there is no love lost door!” and “Rabbi Matondo had a season to forget. affection you have shown me Brescia later on Tuesday, when Atalanta are through to the happened. between the sides in the Ruhr wearing a BVB jersey in the He managed two goals in these hours.” the Bergamo side can move up Champions League quarter- “We clearly told him that Valley, the industrial heart- gym. You couldn’t make it up!” in 20 matches as his side Details of the accident to second in the league, but finals in their debut season in he had to show the right reac- land of western Germany. Several Royal Blues follow- went winless in their last 17 remain uncertain with news should return for the trip to the competition and will play tion to his misconduct both on The post of Matondo in ers said they hoped Matondo games to finish 12th in the agency AGI reporting the for- Verona this weekend. Paris Saint-Germain in the and off the pitch.” a Dortmund top was quickly was wearing the shirt for a bet. league table having been ward slipped in the shower, “Following a domestic ac- last eight next month. Just 30 kilometres (19 taken down after a flurry of However, one furious sup- third in December. 16 Wednesday, July 15, 2020 The Last Word ‘Optimism, self-care key to mitigating impact of physical distancing’ Tribune News Network historical origin of physical dis- Policy and Research at WCM-Q, Dr Sheikh also recommended Doha tancing measures during pandem- said: “Social isolation is a major that younger family members could ics, the potential impact of social causal factor in an observable rise empower elderly friends or rela- Maintaining a hopeful attitude, distancing on mental health and in anxiety and depression, particu- tives stay socially connected by vis- developing personal resilience, wellbeing, and practical ways to larly among young adults; but other iting them to help set up laptops consciously practising self-care, prevent or mitigate these effects groups are also at risk, especially or other communications devices, surrounding oneself with optimis- through deliberate social contact, the elderly, the unemployed and provided that they maintain ap- tic people, and taking part in activi- particularly by utilising modern people with long-term illness. It is propriate physical distancing and ties help relieve stress and encour- communications technologies. therefore extremely important dur- wear the correct PPE while doing age social engagement with others, At the webinar, titled ‘A Tale of ing the COVID-19 pandemic to take so. Young children would also ben- said Dr Javaid Sheikh, professor of Two Distances: Promoting Physi- advantage of modern communica- efit from their parents arranging Psychiatry and dean of Weill Cor- cal but Minimising Social Distance tions technologies to maintain so- online playdates for them and al- nell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q). During the COVID-19 Pandemic’, cial connectedness by using video lowing them to see other children He made this point during a live Dr Sheikh said that healthy life- chat apps to speak to family, play while observing physical distancing webinar on the ways to minimise style habits such as getting enough games with friends online, organise guidelines, he added. physical contact while maximising sleep, taking plenty of physical game or quiz nights or even doing The webinar was accredited social contact during the COVID-19 exercise and eating a healthy diet group exercise sessions or virtual locally by the Qatar Council for pandemic. all help to promote good mental Dr Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCM-Q, speaks about the practical measures to safe- yoga sessions. Healthcare Practitioners-Accred- Dr Sheikh, who is an interna- health. guard mental health during the pandemic. “Anything that allows you to so- itation Department (QCHP-AD) tionally-renowned researcher and The webinar was the latest in a cially connect with people in a posi- and internationally by the Accredi- clinician-scientist in the field of series of COVID-19-themed online vision of Continuing Professional Dr Sheikh, who also holds the tive and fun atmosphere will be of tation Council for Continuing Med- anxiety disorders, spoke about the sessions organised by WCM-Q’s di- Development. position of professor of Healthcare enormous benefit.” ical Education (ACCME). QRCS official praises medical QC & QRCS receive 700,000 professionals for ‘extraordinary performance’ amid pandemic medical gloves from ICBC in Tribune News Network Doha support of frontline workers DR Hassan Ali Kassem, chief medical officer of Qatar Red Crescent Soci- Tribune News Network ety’s (QRCS) Medical Affairs Division, Doha has praised medical professionals for their “extraordinary performance in The Industrial and Commercial fulfilling their humanitarian and pro- Bank of China (ICBC) Doha (QFC) fessional responsibilities”. Branch has donated hundreds of According to him, they were of thousands of medical gloves to Qa- the biggest effect, together with other tar Charity and Qatar Red Crescent government and non-government Society as part of its national ef- players, in combating coronavirus forts to ensure people’s safety and (COVID-19). to support the government’s guid- “The Medical Affairs Division is ance in these uniquely challenging responsible for providing medical QRCS works with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) to operate health centres circumstances. and treatment services for expatriate in different parts of the country in order to provide medical and ambulance The donation of 600,000 workers. Under a contract with the services for workers. disposable medical gloves and Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), 100,000 surgical gloves comes in we work with Hamad Medical Corpo- the COVID-19 System Wide Incident tioned at the isolation centres at Me- line with ICBC Doha’s Corporate ration (HMC) to operate health cen- Command Committee (SWICC). If kaines, Abu Sidrah, and Umm Salal Social Responsibility Programme tres in different parts of the country not, he is allowed to resume his nor- (Umm Qarn), to transport the pa- to support the local community and to provide medical and ambulance mal life, while strictly observing the tients. to reduce the impact of coronavirus services for workers”, said Dr Kassem. preventive requirements. “At QRCS’ Training and Devel- through health and hygiene meas- He added: “Since the outbreak, “During the swabbing process, the opment Center, extensive training ures to help reduce the shortage of there was effective cooperation among person is registered with QRCS’ medi- courses were held, both in-house and personal protective equipment. QRCS, MoPH, HMC and Primary cal system, which is synchronised on the field. The health trainers and Zheng Chunyi, Managing Direc- Health Care Corporation (PHCC). A with Cerner, the standard system of educators visited many locations to tor of the Industrial and Commer- special department was created for MoPH and HMC. Then, the swabs raise public health awareness about cial Bank of China (ICBC), said: “In The donation of 600,000 disposable medical gloves and 100,000 surgical gloves the patients with respiratory illnesses are preserved in special containers the pandemic. The medical profes- recognition of the dedication of the comes in line with ICBC Doha’s Corporate Social Responsibility Programme. who show symptoms similar to those and sent for lab testing. At the same sionals and first responders attended frontline workers who are fighting of COVID-19. It is a separate building time, the results show on the Ministry informative sessions on the disease, COVID-19 and their ongoing efforts China (Middle East) Limited (regu- nomic bridge and channel between with its own entrance, exit, clinics, of Interior’s (MoI) system, reflecting its causes, ways of prevention, how to to protect the Qatari community, lated by the DFSA) and the Indus- China and the Middle East region. pharmacy and cashier. First, a patient on the person’s Ehteraz app (red for deal with infections, and the right way ICBC is proud to support the coun- trial and Commercial Bank of China The clients of the Industrial and is admitted to the triage room to eval- positive and green for negative). The to use personal protective equipment try’s fight against the current pan- (QFC) Branch of Doha (authorised Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) uate the case and prescribe the medi- result is also sent via SMS. (PPE) while moving the patients. demic. It is our core responsibility by QFCRA) in rapid succession and include leading Qatari financial in- cation. Then, he is referred to HMC’s “Formerly, the swabbed persons “The slogan used here is: ‘Your as a company operating in Qatar to start-up. This has enabled ICBC stitutions such as QNB, CBQ, QIB, Communicable Disease Center (CDC) had to stay at the health facility until Safety Is My Safety’. The medical per- offer our support to the community to become a pioneer in the Middle etc., as well as iconic local compa- for coronavirus testing. the results were reported. This caused sonnel are always advised to protect these difficult times.” East region of China-owned banks. nies such as Ooredoo and Qatar “As the number of cases climbed, trouble for the person and crowds in their safety first, in order to be able to “Qatar Charity and Qatar Red With its superior market position, Airways. an internal coronavirus testing unit the place. Now, every person swabbed help others. They are the first line of Crescent are incredibly valuable excellent customer base, multiple ICBC Doha Branch will con- was created at the Al-Hemailah is advised to isolate himself at home defence against such an invisible en- resources for many different seg- product structures, strong innova- tinue to improve its network across Health Center, followed by another until the result is received. For those emy. ments of society, and both organi- tive capabilities and high brand the Middle East by relying on an one at the Fereej Abdulazeez Health who are positive, they are transported “Even the cleaning workers, se- sations have taken on far greater re- value, ICBC has been able to sup- abundance of market resources, in- Center. Together, they conduct 500- by QRCS’ buses to the quarantine fa- curity guards, and ambulance drivers sponsibilities. We are very pleased port various infrastructure financ- sisting on prioritising commercial 700 swabs on an average per day. Af- cility, in coordination with SWICC. received training several times before to support our community during ing needs in Qatar and the Middle banking, striving to develop invest- ter that, the visitor is given a sick leave “QRCS’s ambulance fleet works being allowed into the Red Zone. this challenging period, “he added. East. It has also provided a wide ment banking and asset manage- for 2-3 days until the swab result is re- closely with HMC’s Ambulance Ser- Ambulance vehicles are constantly In October 2008, the Industrial range of financial services, includ- ment, strengthening the influence ported by HMC’s laboratory. If found vice. We also worked with PHCC for disinfected to avoid transmission of and Commercial Bank of China ing international trade, domestic and competitiveness of ICBC, and positive, the person is referred to an transportation of the patients. Some the virus from an infected person to (ICBC) formally established the In- guarantees and oversea loans, pro- becoming the most influential and isolation centre, in coordination with QRCS ambulance vehicles are sta- a healthy person”, Dr Kassem stated. dustrial and Commercial Bank of ject financing, becoming the eco- respectable bank in the region. Qatar National Library all set to welcome back visitors today

Ailyn Agonia sertations, among others. pre-book their slot online for a to over 20,000 children at home DOHA “Our events are curated by morning (9am to 11am) or after- through collaborations with a experts and they are driven by noon (12pm to 2pm) visit. number of local educational Engagement levels have demand. We make sure that we Precautionary measures to and entertainment institutions. been consistently high for our always gather feedback from at- ensure the health and safety of We have worked with children’s online events throughout the tendees after each online event patrons will be in place, such as broadcaster Baraem TV and lockdown period, which has al- to find ways to improve con- thorough cleaning and disinfec- Qatari educational institutions lowed us to reach a larger au- tent and delivery. We also have tion of areas of high touch points KidZania, Katateeb, Generation dience than ever before, said responded to the COVID-19 by to be carried out before and af- Amazing and Maktaba to reach Khalid Al Yafei, operations di- offering a range of events that ter each slot, reduced capacity out to young people across the rector at Qatar National Library reflect the lockdown situation, of elevators and rooms, and the country via social media to help (QNL). including live cooking sessions, closure of certain library spaces. strengthen the culture of read- As the library welcomes virtual knitting classes and Khalid Al Yafei The building will remain closed ing and learning. people back during its phased reading for self-development. as feedback from attendees as social media channels for regu- on weekends. All entrants will “Many of our staff members reopening from July 15, Yafei Our team has adapted quickly Ministry of Transport and Com- proof that demand will still ex- lar updates of the events taking be required to wear masks at live-streamed and pre-recorded underscored the popularity of to the current situation and tai- munications, to help children ist even when lockdown restric- place.” all times and have their tem- stories for children of all ages. their digital services and on- lored our events to offer practi- discover a wealth of new digital tions are fully lifted. Yafei said the iconic building perature checked upon arrival. For example, children’s librar- line workshops that kept QNL cal solutions to being at home skills from the comfort of their He said, “Our digital of- will be opening its doors with Only visitors with a green status ian Ebrahim Al Bishri read Ae- patrons and bookworms in the for most of the day,” said Yafei. homes. The “Makers at Home” ferings have come to the fore- scaled-back services and phase on their Ehteraz app will be ad- sop’s The Lion and the Mouse country busy during the facil- Aside from the library’s series allowed hundreds of chil- front in recent months and we in their regular offerings fol- mitted, and once inside, visitors in English and Arabic in his own ity’s temporary closure as pre- online databases containing a dren to discover a variety of new are committed to supporting lowing recommendations from should follow the social distanc- unique style live on KidZania cautionary measures due to wealth of references on various digital skills, including gaming, lifelong learning across all age Qatar’s Health Protection and ing stickers and keep formal and Doha’s Facebook and Instagram COVID-19. subjects, he said QNL runs on- digital electronics, 3D modeling, groups and interests. Our li- Communicable Disease Control informal gatherings restricted to live feeds.” In an interview with Qatar line events showing how mem- coding and app development, brarians are ready and willing Office of the Ministry of Public five people or fewer. He added, “We will be run- Tribune on the eve of QNL’s bers can get the most from these and virtual reality. The aim is to to assist everyone here in Qatar Health. Commenting on engaging ning more of these programmes much-awaited reopening, Yafei resources, with the next event of help create the digital develop- on their educational journeys, He underlined the prepared- younger readers as the reopen- and increasing the number of said since the lockdown began, this kind to be held on July 16, ers of the future. We’ll announce whether that’s in our library ness of QNL to welcome people ing of the library will only allow overall events for children and the library has run more than while events in July focus par- further programmes like this building or from their own through their doors once again, visitors aged 13 to 60, Yafei said young adults. We also have a 100 online events and work- ticularly on science enrichment soon.” homes. The library’s events adding that robust plans have they have been busy increasing wealth of online resources ca- shops for people of all ages and for young and old, as well as a On helping residents and and workshops will continue to been put in with the well-being their resources and services for tering specifically to children — on a broad range of subjects. series of talks providing a look library visitors maximise their be offered online until further of staff and visitors as prior- children and young adults, and audiobooks, comics, magazines, Also during the period, he said at rare historical works from membership while coping with notice, despite reopening our ity, based on safety protocols to they will continue to do so while encyclopedias, videos and bed- the members remain in access to QNL’s Heritage Library’s manu- the ‘new normal’, Yafei reiter- doors to the public with lim- control the spread of COVID-19. the library remains closed to time stories in English and Ara- the library’s more than 190 da- script collection. ated QNL’s efforts to find new ited services starting on July 15, During the phased reopen- them for the foreseeable future. bic, selected from the world’s tabases, over 600,000 e-books, He added, “Last month, ways to offer value to their to ensure the safety of our pa- ing, the library will operate Yafei said,“For exam- best publishers. There’s some- 16,000 journals and more than we ran a series of events with members citing the popularity trons. Please visit our website with a lower capacity initially, ple, during the lockdown, we thing to entertain and educate 465,000 reports, theses and dis- Studio 5/6, an initiative of the of their online events, as well (www.qnl.qa) and check our and patrons will be required to brought the magic of storytelling children of all ages.”