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FRIDAY Vol. XXXXII No.11990 July 30, 2021 Dhul-Hijjah 20, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir issues Shura Council electoral laws

The right for candidature is for holders of Qatari nationality, that is, to be from a family that resided in Qatar before 1930, as stated in the Constitution of Qatar The law has criminalised foreign funding, especially in the Shura Council elections, and has established deterrent penalties to ensure the absence of such serious violations QNA The law stipulates that the Council consists of 45 members, 30 of Doha whom are elected by direct universal suff rage. The Amir will appoint

is Highness the Amir Sheikh the other 15 from ministers or others Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani Hyesterday issued two laws and a decree paving the way for the Shura shall be elected for each electoral dis- through the electoral law, for the Shura budget of the state, and exercises con- Council elections scheduled to be held trict from the constituencies indicated Council to be a true representative of trol over the executive authority, in the in October. in the table. the will of Qatari citizens. Therefore, manner set forth in the Constitution of His Highness the Amir Sheikh The decree is eff ective from the date the law came to preserve the principle the State of Qatar, such as: Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued of its issuance and is to be published in of popular participation in the legisla-  Proposing laws, expressing wishes Law No. 6 of 2021, on the issuance of the offi cial gazette. tive process and at the same time de- to the government in public matters the Shura Council’s Electoral System His Highness the Amir Sheikh rived its articles and chapters from the  Exercising the oversight role over law. Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani also issued Constitution, which was approved by the executive authority through the The law is eff ective starting from its Law No. 7 of 2021 regarding the Shura voting by the Qatari people. government date of issuance and is to be published Council.  In an eff ort to enhance popular It stipulates that whoever nominates in the offi cial gazette. The law is eff ective starting from its participation in decision-making, the himself for membership of the Shura His Highness the Amir Sheikh date of issuance and is to be published circle of those who have the right to Council, should meet the following terms: Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued in the offi cial gazette. vote has been expanded to include eve- The right for candidature is for hold- decree No. 37 of 2021 defi ning the elec- The important points of the Shura ryone who has got Qatari citizenship, ers of Qatari nationality, that is, to be toral districts of the Shura Council and Council Election System law are: provided that his grandfather is Qatari from a family that resided in Qatar be- their respective regions.  The law is in line with the Qatari and born in the State of Qatar. fore 1930, as stated in the Constitution The decree stipulated that the elec- Constitution and Qatar National Vi-  The Shura Council assumes roles of Qatar, which was issued in 2004 and toral districts of the Shura Council and sion 2030, which aims to enhance the and responsibilities that are compat- was voted on by the Qatari people. (The their respective regions shall be de- participation of citizens in the deci- ible with the requirements of its exist- referendum was approved by 96.6% of fi ned as indicated in the table attached sion-making process. ence. The Council assumes the author- the respondents.) To Page 3 to this decree, and that one member  The wise leadership was keen, ity of legislation, approves the general List of polling stations Page 3 Amir appoints ambassadors to Implementation of amended Phase 3 of Covid relaxations to Turkey, Egypt, recruitment regulations begins Cyprus, Libya continue through August he Ministry of Administra- the signed data and conditions of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim tive Development, Labour and work from the employer. bin Hamad al-Thani issued yesterday TSocial Aff airs (MADLSA) an- The employer is also obligated to he Ministry of Public Health Phase 4 of lifting restrictions delayed Amiri Decision No. 22 of 2021 appointing nounced the start of implementing issue a work contract for the worker (MoPH) has announced the MoPH urges all eligible to vaccinate Sheikh Mohamed bin Nasser bin Jassim the Minister of Administrative De- before his arrival in the country ac- Tcontinuation of the ongoing al-Thani as Ambassador Extraordinary velopment, Labour and Social Aff airs cording to the same conditions that Phase 3 of the Gradual Lifting of Cov- the other hand,” it was explained yes- port, driving schools, wedding halls, and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Decision No. 21 of 2021 amending the worker accepted to work on, in id-19 Restrictions during the month terday. barbershops, amusement parks and Turkey. some provisions of Resolution No. 8 addition, to providing private hous- of August as well instead of launching The ministry called on all people entertainment centres, museums, li- The Amir issued Amiri Decision No. 23 of 2005 regarding regulating the con- ing and meals for the recruited work- Phase 4 as scheduled earlier. who are eligible to receive the Cov- braries, nurseries, educational centres of 2021 appointing Salem bin Mubarak ditions and procedures for licens- ers. Phase 1, launched on May 28, was id-19 vaccination and have not yet and private training centres, as well bin Shafi al-Shafi as Ambassador ing the recruitment of workers from The ministry explained that the followed by Phase 2 on June 18 and been vaccinated, to take the initia- as allowing more people in a group to Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the abroad for the account of others. decision included obligating the li- Phase 3 on July 9. At the time of the tive to receive the vaccination as soon gather in parks and on beaches and Arab Republic of Egypt. According to the decision that censee to guarantee an additional launch of Phase 1, the MoPH had stat- as possible so that they can protect opening playground and exercising The Amir also issued Amiri Decision comes into eff ect, offi ce owners are six-month probationary period for ed that public compliance to precau- themselves, members of their families equipment there. No. 24 of 2021 appointing Ali Yousef bound by the instructions issued by the user, starting immediately after tionary measures will play a key role and members of society from the dan- A maximum of 80% of the total Abdulrahman al-Mulla as Ambassador the ministry and other concerned the end of the three-month prelimi- in the successful implementation of gers of the pandemic and to contrib- number of employees in the gov- Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the authorities for recruiting workers nary testing period, bringing the total the plan. ute to the speedy return to normal life. ernment and private sectors in each Republic of Cyprus. from abroad, the most important of probation period to 9 months, in- “The ministry continues to monitor The highlights of the current phase business entity to work from the of- The Amir issued Amiri Decision No. 25 which is to abide by the amendments cluding 15% of the total due amount, key performance indicators to ensure include allowing private healthcare fi ce, with the rest working remotely of 2021 appointing Khalid Mohamed that are received on labour legisla- for each month the employee spent a balance between the continuity of facilities to operate at full capacity, or upon request depending on the Zabin al-Zabin al-Dosari, as Ambassador tion, regulations and policies in the in the service of the employer during providing protection to the popula- allowing children in cinemas subject circumstances. Exceptions are the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the country from which the labour is the additional probation period, with tion on the one hand and restoring to conditions, increasing the capac- military, security and health sectors. State of Libya. recruited, and to provide the worker deduction of the value of government social and economic life to normal, on ity of Doha Metro and public trans- To Page 3 The decisions are eff ective from the date before he is recruited with a copy of fees incurred by the offi ce. To Page 3 of its issuance and is to be published in the off icial gazette. (QNA) In Peru, presidential pomp and ceremony Corniche Street Development Amir, Deputy Amir, PM greet Peru leadership Project in full swing on Independence Day His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent cables of congratulations to the President of Peru Pedro Castillo on his country’s Independence Day. HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani also sent a cable of congratulations to the Peruvian Prime Minister Violeta Bermudez to felicitate her on the country’s Independence Day. (QNA) CCOMMUNITYOMMUNITY The Corniche Street Development Project, being carried out by the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), is progressing in full swing. Ashghal has Peruvian President Pedro Castillo arrives to Pampa de la Quinua for the symbolic presidential investiture ceremony in See Pages announced a temporary traff ic closure on both directions of Corniche Street Ayacucho, southern Peru, yesterday. The Pampa de la Quinua is the site of the Battle of Ayacucho on December 9, 1824, beginning 12am on August 6 until 5am on August 10. The diversion is meant which sealed the independence of Peru and the rest of Spanish America. (AFP) 4 & 5 to facilitate completion of some construction works. Page 12 Gulf Times 2 Friday, July 30, 2021 QATAR

AlKhater meets Belgian ambassador AlKhater meets Indonesia ambassador

HE the Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs Lolwah bint Rashid AlKhater met with ambassador of Belgium to Qatar Dr Bart de Groof at the end of his tenure. AlKhater thanked the ambassador for his eff orts in supporting and strengthening bilateral relations, wishing him success in his new missions.

Qatar in Afghanistan co-ordination meeting

Qatar has participated in the 23rd meeting of the Joint HE the Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs Lolwah bint Rashid AlKhater met with Co-ordination and Monitoring ambassador of Indonesia to Qatar Ridwan Hassan. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations. Board between the government of Afghanistan and its international partners. The meeting took place via video conference, in the presence of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and a number of high ranking off icials. Qatar attends 12th edition of Qatar was represented in the meeting by acting charges d’aff aires in Afghanistan Abdullah Nasser al-Shahwani. ‘Russia-Islamic World’ summit

QNA Moscow

atar participated in the 12th edition of the In- Qternational Econom- ic Summit ‘Russia-Islamic World’, which was held in the Lebanese PM-designate capital of Tatarstan, Kazan, un- der the patronage of President meets Qatar’s ambassador of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation Rustam Minnikhanov. Qatar was represented by Qatar was represented by ambassador of Qatar to Russia Sheikh Ahmed bin Nasser al-Thani. ambassador of Qatar to Rus- sia Sheikh Ahmed bin Nasser Nasser al-Thani affirmed that al-Thani. During the summit, the summit is an important rounds on Islamic banking economic event that brings were held, as well as dialogues together representatives of in- – amongst the participation of stitutions and businesspersons the young diplomats from the from Russia and Arab and Is- countries of the Organisation lamic countries, with the aim of Islamic Co-operation (OIC), of strengthening co-operation and the Russian Halal Expo Ex- by identifying investment and hibition for halal products in trade opportunities between the Russian Federation. these countries. He noted the This is in addition to other extensive relations of co-op- activities that aim to intro- eration between Qatar and the duce opportunities for trade friendly Russian Federation, and economic co-operation adding that they have been between Russian regions and reflected in St Petersburg In- Islamic countries. ternational Economic Forum, During his speech on behalf which was held in June this of Qatar, Sheikh Ahmed bin year. Prime Minister-designate of Lebanon Najib Mikati met yesterday with ambassador of Qatar to Lebanon Mohamed Hassan Jaber al-Jaber at the end of his tenure. They reviewed bilateral relations. The PM-designate expressed his thanks to the ambassador for the eff orts he made to strengthen bilateral relations, wishing him success in his future assignments. Pest control drive

Al Sheehaniya Municipality’s Cleanliness Section has Romanian FM meets Qatar’s envoy carried out a campaign against flies and mosquitoes Minister of Foreign Aff airs of through spraying at Al Romania Bogdan Aurescu Jumailiya Park, Al Kheraib met with ambassador of Barns Complex and Al Qatar to Romania Abdullah Sheehaniya Sports Club. bin Nasser al-Humaidi on the occasion of the end of his tenure. During the meeting, the Romania FM expressed his thanks to the ambassador for the eff orts he made to develop bilateral relations.

MoPH: Total recoveries of Covid-19 rise to 223,494

QNA 83.3% of the eligible population nity. The third phase of the gradual Doha has now received at least one dose lifting of precautionary restric- of the vaccine. tions began on July 9, and is part of 98.6% of over 60s (the most a four-stage plan to be implement- he Ministry of Public Health vulnerable population group) have ed over the coming months. (MoPH) reported yesterday been vaccinated with at least one The date of implementation and T114 new confi rmed cases of dose, while 93.6% have received the duration of each phase will de- Covid-19 among community and both doses. pend on the pandemic indicators 44 among travellers. The MoPH In recent weeks the combined which depend to a great extent on recorded 118 recoveries from the impact of Covid-19 restrictions the degree of compliance of the virus during the past 24 hours, and increasing vaccination rates, community members with the cur- bringing the total number of cases and the overwhelming support of rent measures, restrictions and recovered in Qatar to 223,494. the community, has resulted in a guidance by the government. consistent reduction in the number Anyone suff ering from Covid-19 Vaccination data of new daily infections in the coun- symptoms should contact 16000 try. helpline immediately. This is im- 3,752,281 Covid-19 vaccine However, it is still important to portant as the earlier the disease doses have been administered since be cautious as the second wave is is detected the easier it will be to the start of the programme. not yet over and there are still two receive the right treatment and re- 21,425 Covid-19 vaccine doses highly contagious and highly viru- cover from it. Visit the MoPH web- have been administered in the past lent strains of the virus that are site for regular updates and new 24 hours. actively circulating in the commu- information. Gulf Times Friday, July 30, 2021 3 QATAR/ARAB WORLD

Ministry of Interior announces polling station locations for Shura Council elections The Ministry of Interior (MoI) said yesterday that Primary School for Boys in Muhairja. School for Boys in Al Dhaayen. Shura Council electoral laws issued it has allocated the polling stations for the Shura  Ninth polling station: Zubaida Secondary  Twentieth polling station: Al Khor Primary Council elections set to take place in October. School for Girls in Nuaija. School for Girls in Al Khor. The ministry said that it determined the polling  Tenth polling station: Hamed bin Hanbal  Twenty-first polling station: Al Kaaban School From Page 1 It is punishable by imprison- form of abuse of competing can- stations in line with the provisions of the law on Secondary School for Boys in Najma. for Girls in Al Kaaban city. ment for a period not exceeding didates under penalty of liability. Shura Council elections and the decree on deter-  Eleventh polling station: Maymouna Primary  Twenty-second polling station: A tent close to •A candidate shall not be less fi ve years and a fi ne not exceed- The law stipulates that the mining the polling stations and their location. School for Girls in Al Matar. Ein Senan Petrol Station in Fuairet. than 30 years of age when the ing QR10mn, or one of the two Council consists of 45 members, The polling stations are as follows:  Twelfth polling station: Al Markhiya Primary  Twenty-third polling station: Al Shamal School nomination is closed; penalties, for any candidate who 30 of whom are elected by direct  First polling station: Jawaan Bin Jassim Model School for Girls in Al Markhiya. for Girls in Ruwais. •Fluent in Arabic, reading and requests, accepts or receives universal suff rage. School for Boys in Onaiza.  Thirteenth polling station: Zainab School for  Twenty-fourth polling station: Al Shamal writing; transferable or secure funds, di- Thirty electoral districts will  Second polling station: Al Quds Model School Girls in Al Waab. School for Boys in Al Shamal. •Registered in the electoral rectly or indirectly, or obtains each choose one representative. for Boys in Umm Ghawlina.  Fourteenth polling station: Al Wakra School for  Twenty-fifth polling station: Al Shamal Primary district in which he is running; an advantage or benefi t from any The Amir will appoint the  Third polling station: Kamal Naji Model School Girls in North Al Wakra. School for Girls in Al Shamal. •S/He should be of good repu- foreign person or entity, to sup- other 15 from ministers or others, for Boys in As Salatah.  Fifteenth polling station: Souda bint Zamaa  Twenty-sixth polling station: Al Ghuaireya tation, good conduct, and known port him or fi nance his electoral and their appointment decision  Fourth polling station: Somaya Primary School School for Girls in South Al Wakra. School for Girls in Al Ghuaireya. for honesty, integrity and good campaign. is to be published in the Offi cial for Girls in As Salatah.  Sixteenth polling station: Al Taawoun Primary  Twenty-seventh polling station: Al Shihaniya manners; Such funds and benefi ts will be Gazette.  Fifth polling station: Heteen Model School for Sdhool for Girls in Al Maared. School for Girls in Shihaniya. •S/He must not have been fi - confi scated, and re-election will Appointed members shall have boys in Al Aziziyah.  Seventeenth polling station: Ali bin Abdullah  Twenty-eighth polling station: Dukhan School nally convicted of a crime against be held in the constituency in the the same rights and the same du-  Sixth polling station: Hamza bin Abdul Mo- Model School for Boys in Al Rayyan Al Jadeed. and Kindergarten for Girls in Dukhan. honour or trust, unless he has event that this candidate wins ties as elected members. taleb School for Boys in Bin Mahmoud.  Eighteenth polling station: Al Shifa bint Abdul-  Twenty-ninth polling station: Sakina bint Al been rehabilitated in accordance the elections. The members’ rights include  Seventh polling station: Hassan bin Thabet rahman Al Ansareya Primary School for Girls in Hussein School for Girls in Rawdet Qadeem. with the law. • The Shura Council elections freedom to express opinions. Secondary school for boys in Al Matar. Umm Salal Mohamed.  Thirtieth polling station: Rashid School and The law criminalises foreign law prohibits any attempt by the According to Article (5), a  Eighth polling station: Omar bin Al Khatab  Nineteenth polling station: Semaisma Primary Kindergarten for Girls in Rawdet Rashid. funding, especially in the elec- campaigner to divide society, stir member may not be held ac- tions of the Shura Council, and up tribal or sectarian strife, or in- countable for the opinions or establishes deterrent penalties fringe on the sanctity of religion, statements s/he expresses before Members are entitled to im- member may not be arrested, the council does not issue its de- this shall be considered as an au- in order to ensure the absence of morals, and authentic societal the council or its committees re- munity from Criminal Proce- imprisoned, searched, or inter- cision regarding the request for thorisation, the permission is is- such serious violations that af- customs. garding internal matters within dure. Article (6) says: “1 – In cas- rogated except with a previous permission within a month from sued by the president outside the fect legislative roles. The law also criminalises any the council’s competence. es other than fl agrante delicto, a permission from the council. If the date of receiving the request, session.” Qatar warns against letting situation 19 dead in Syrian in Palestinian territories to continue fi ghting

QNA and other illegal measures, such Regarding the Syrian crisis, parties on the basis of the out- AFP New York as confi scating and demolish- HE Sheikha Alya’s statement comes of the national dialogue, Beirut ing Palestinian property, as in pointed out that this year wit- the Gulf initiative and relevant Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neigh- nessed the 10th anniversary of UN Security Council resolu- atar has warned against bourhoods, refl ect a policy to the launch of the peaceful dem- tions, especially Resolution ix civilians, including chil- the danger of allowing Judaise Jerusalem, expand set- onstrations of the Syrian people, 2216, stressing that this solution dren, were among 19 peo- Qthe current situation in tlements, and disregard inter- adding that the Syrian crisis is will contribute to overcoming Sple killed yesterday in the the Palestinian territories, and national law and resolutions of still awaiting a solution, which the humanitarian diffi culties in fi ercest clashes to rock Syria’s the lack of a sustainable settle- international legitimacy. will not be achieved by the mili- Yemen and preserving its unity, Daraa province since it was cap- ment of the Palestinian cause, to These measures led to the tary option, but by a purposeful sovereignty and independence. tured by the government, a war continue. recent escalation that caused process that leads to a political On the situation in Libya, Qa- monitor said. Qatar called on the UN Se- hundreds of civilian casualties, transition in accordance with tar expressed satisfaction with Artillery shelling by regime curity Council to assume its including dozens of children, as the Geneva-1 Convention and the eff orts made by Libyans and forces on the village of Al-Yadu- responsibilities in enforcing in- a result of the aerial bombard- the implementation of UN Se- the support of the international dah, northwest of Daraa city, ternational law, implementing ment of residential neighbour- curity Council Resolution 2254. community that led to the en- killed a woman, her child and its resolutions, putting an end hoods in the Gaza Strip, the The statement called for couraging developments that three other youngsters, said the to the illegal occupation and statement said. completing the tasks of the took place over the past year, in- Britain-based Syrian Observa- settlement, and supporting the Qatar has sought to restore Constitutional Committee, cluding the ceasefi re agreement, tory for Human Rights. achievement of peace. security and stability, and has confi dence-building measures the Libyan Political Dialogue Fo- Regime artillery fi re also killed This came in a statement taken diplomatic moves in co- (CBMs) such as settling the fi le rum (LPDF), and the formation a sixth civilian in the district of made by HE the Permanent Rep- ordination with the United Na- of detainees and the forcibly- of the Interim Government of Daraa al-Balad further south, resentative of the State of Qatar tions and friendly countries to disappeared people, and creat- National Unity. according to the Observatory. to the United Nations, Ambas- facilitate reaching a ceasefi re ing conditions for the safe, vol- The statement indicated that The deaths bring the toll in sador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin agreement, the statement said, untary and dignifi ed return of Qatar stressed the importance yesterday’s clashes to a total of Saif al-Thani, at UN Security stressing the importance of a refugees and displaced persons. of ensuring commitment to 19 across the province, which is Council meeting on the “situa- ceasefi re at this stage and avoid- Qatar reiterated the impor- maintaining this progress on the located in southern Syria. tion in the Middle East, includ- ing a re-escalation. HE Sheikha Alya: renewed Qatar’s call to the UN Security Council to tance of ensuring account- political, economic and secu- The fi gure includes at least ing the Palestinian Question”. Qatar has urged the need to assume its responsibilities. ability for war crimes and crimes rity tracks and ensuring that the eight Syrian regime fi ghters The statement drew attention address the urgent needs of the against humanity, including the elections are held on the speci- and fi ve gunmen affi liated with to the repeated provocations and 2mn Palestinians whose suff er- ries of Palestinian employees, UN resolutions, the Arab Peace use of chemical weapons, as ac- fi ed date, in order to consolidate former opposition groups. attacks carried out by the au- ing has worsened this year, and provide fi nancial assistance to Initiative, and the principle of countability is a factor in sus- and sustain stability in the inter- Russian-backed Syrian army thorities of the occupying power who remain under siege in the needy families, operate power the two-state solution. taining peace. est of the Libyan people. and allied forces recaptured in the city of Jerusalem and set- Gaza Strip, the statement added. stations, and develop infra- Under the principle of the The statement said that mil- In conclusion, the state- Daraa from rebels in 2018. tlers on the Islamic and Chris- The statement said that Qa- structure. two-state solution, the State lions in Syria depend on inter- ment underlined that Qatar State institutions have re- tian holy sites, especially the tar continues its pioneering ef- The statement renewed Qa- of Palestine will be established national aid and the mechanism fi rmly believes in the principle turned but the army still has Holy Mosque, which is consid- forts to provide humanitarian tar’s call to the UN Security on the 1967 borders, with East for delivering humanitarian as- of settling disputes by peaceful not deployed across the whole ered one of the most important and development aid to meet the Council to assume its respon- Jerusalem as its capital, ending sistance across borders, praising means, continuing mediation province, and tit-for-tat bomb- holy places for Muslims. urgent needs of the Palestinian sibilities in enforcing interna- the occupation of all Arab lands, the UN’s eff orts in this regard. and other eff orts that contribute ings and assassinations between The statement stressed that people, referring in this context tional law, implementing its and fi nding a just solution to the Qatar is at the forefront of do- to consolidating the foundations former opposition fi gures and any attempt to change the legal, to the $500mn grant directed by decisions, putting an end to the refugee issue. nors to alleviate the humanitar- of sustainable peace at the re- regime forces have since become historical and cultural status of His Highness the Amir Sheikh illegal occupation and settle- The statement also reiterated ian suff ering of the Syrian peo- gional and international levels, routine. the city of Jerusalem constitutes Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for ment, supporting the achieve- Qatar’s continued commitment ple, the statement added. and working with international a violation of international law, the reconstruction of Gaza Strip. ment of peace, which must be to support and participate in With regard to the situation partners to reduce tensions, end relevant Security Council and HE Sheikha Alya’s statement achieved through negotiations all sincere international eff orts in Yemen, Qatar reiterated that crises, and achieve stability, se- General Assembly resolutions, noted that this complements the between the two parties, and on aimed at achieving a just, lasting ending the crisis there requires curity and the common interest Five killed in and that provocative practices grants by Qatar to pay the sala- the basis of international law, and comprehensive peace. negotiation between the Yemeni of all. helicopter crash

Five soldiers died yesterday when their helicopter crashed on a “combat mission” north of Baghdad, the military said. Clashes The helicopter came down near Amerli in Salaheddin province, the military said, in an area at boy’s where Iraqi troops have carried out repeated operations against suspected sleeper cells of the funeral Islamic State (IS) group. The security forces had launched an operation on Tuesday to AFP “search and clear areas in the Beit Ummar south of Kirkuk province”, which borders Salaheddin. The security source told AFP that lashes broke out yester- Family members mourn Mohamed al-Alami during his funeral in the the helicopter that came down day between Israeli sol- town of Beit Ummar, northwest of the flashpoint city of Hebron. was one of two that had been Cdiers and Palestinians at checking pylons carrying high- the funeral of a Palestinian boy in the fl ag of Fatah, Palestin- before departing. voltage power lines in the area, a killed the day before in the oc- ian President Mahmoud Abbas’s Upon checking the area, the frequent target for militants. cupied West Bank, an AFP cor- party, through the streets of Beit soldiers found two bags, one of The IS group lost its last territory respondent reported. Ummar, where he was buried. which contained the body of a An Israeli soldier aims his weapon during the funeral of Mohamed al-Alami. in Iraq in 2017 after a bloody Mohamed al-Alami, 12, died Later, hundreds of Palestin- newborn child, it said in a state- three-year campaign that put on Wednesday after being shot ians pelted Israeli soldiers who ment. the vehicle’s wheels in order to Al-Alami was the second And late on Tuesday, a paid to its hopes of forging by Israeli soldiers while travel- responded by fi ring tear gas, the The soldiers had later spotted stop it,” the army said. young Palestinian killed by Is- 41-year-old Palestinian was a transnational “caliphate” ling in a car with his father in the AFP correspondent said. the vehicle again and attempted “We are looking into the claim raeli fi re in days, after 17-year- shot dead, also near Beita, the straddling the border with Syria. West Bank town of Beit Ummar, The Israeli army said on to stop it using standard proce- that a Palestinian minor was old Mohamed Munir al-Tamimi Palestinian health ministry said. However, the militants retain northwest of Hebron, Palestin- Wednesday that its soldiers had dures, including shouting and killed as a result of the gunfi re,” died on Saturday of gunshot All Jewish settlements in the sleeper cells in desert and ian authorities said. noticed men getting out of a ve- fi ring warning shots into the air. it said, adding the incident was wounds suff ered the day be- West Bank are regarded as ille- mountain areas, used as Yesterday a procession fol- hicle and digging in the ground “After the vehicle did not stop, being reviewed by senior com- fore in the Palestinian village of gal by most of the international launchpads for attacks on the lowed the boy’s body, draped near the Beit Ummar checkpoint one of the soldiers fi red toward manding offi cers. Beita. community. cities. – AFP

More than 26,000 passed through Implementation of amended Abu Samra border from July 18-25 recruitment rules begins More than 26,000 people passed through Phase 3 of Covid-19 relaxations to continue the Abu Samra border crossing between From Page 1 Qatar and Saudi Arabia during the Eid al-Adha period from July 18-25, according to the From Page 1 istry of Public Health (MoPH) on a weekly Toilets and ablution facilities must remain This is applicable in any of the following cases: The em- General Authority of Customs (GAC). basis. closed. ployee refuses to work, the employee quits, or the employee A total of 26,132 travellers passed through Allowed are meetings for workers in the All citizens and residents must contin- No car is allowed to have more than four is ill with a chronic disease. Customs at Abu Samra during this period government and private sectors present at ue to wear masks when leaving the house passengers, including the driver, with the The right of the employer is forfeited when the employer – 14,004 entering the country, and 12,128 their workplace, with the attendance of for any reason, unless the person is alone exception of family members residing in assaults the worker and violates the terms of the contract. exiting, the GAC said in an infographic on no more than 15 people. Others can only while driving a vehicle or with his/her the same house. The competence of the MADLSA, represented by the social media yesterday. attend remotely. family. All must continue to activate the Buses must continue to operate at half Employment Department, is to study special requests for A total of 10,117 vehicles passed through the All employees in the public and private Ehteraz app on their smartphones when their capacity, while taking the precau- recruiting workers from abroad, granting licences to recruit border during the above-mentioned period: sectors, who have not received any dose leaving the house for any reason. tionary measures. workers from abroad, and settling disputes that arise in ac- 5,418 entering and 4,699 exiting the country, or completed both doses of the coronavi- Mosques shall continue opening for Doha Metro and public transport serv- cordance with the law and the decisions implementing it, the infographic showed. rus (Covid-19) vaccine, should undergo a daily and Friday prayers, but children ices capacity is capped at a maximum and referring them to the judiciary if they cannot be settled rapid antigen test accredited by the Min- aged under seven years are not allowed. 50%, throughout the week. amicably. Gulf Times 4 Friday, July 30, 2021 COMMUNITY LEISURE/HOROSCOPE

Wordsearch Super Cryptic Clues Dilbert

F Minus

BONNARD MILLET VUILLARD MANET SIGNAC DEGAS RENOIR COURBET POUSSIN BRAQUE MONET WATTEAU MATISSE SISLEY GREUZE Across Down SEURAT DAVID REDON 1 Screws not replaced in look- 2 Studying in a Berkshire town COROT MORISOT out’s post (5-4) (7) 8 Bit of fun with power line (5) 3 Stop sleeping — we must 9 Red motor belonging to me entertain a king (4) Codeword (7) 5 Board game for science Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. 10 Lions, primarily, warm and crowd (8) Squares with the same number in have the same letter dry in den (4) 6 Water flowing from river not Garfield in. Work out which number represents which letter. 11 Girl in a Spanish resort (8) well (4) 13 Places, so we hear, for spec- 7 Large dress designed any- tacles (6) how (10) 14 Calm father’s left inside 8 Very diff erent - like those in with police (6) Cracow and those in Gdansk? 17 Flowers upset in a storm (8) (5,5) 19 Lake that sounds spooky 12 Substitute with good repu- (4) tation (8) 21 Put on a new coat (7) 15 Girl with right bag (7) 22 A single female? Wrong! (5) 16 Swiss community against 23 Courting a disaster in bat- admitting worker (6) tle (9) 18 Recording time taken by primate (4) 20 Henry has nothing that indicates holiness (4) Big Nate Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Solution Sudoku

Answers Codeword Wordsearch

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a ٩x٩ grid. The grid is also divided into nine (٣x٣) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every .anone is repeated

Colouring Horoscope ARIES TAURUS GEMINI March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20

Technology is highlighted for you today, Aries. It could be that You’re a social creature, Taurus, and today you can expect to Put your aggressions away today, Gemini. Laugh a little! Transform you install a new phone or computer system, which will make life attract a lot of attention. You’re feeling good and looking even your energy from intense, hard, and caustic to lighthearted, fun, just a bit easier. Or perhaps you decide to take a course to learn better – and don’t think that people don’t notice! Make it a point to and loving. This will take you a long way. Little things may crop up to master a technical area that has been diff icult for you to grasp. get out and mingle with others. You’re a talented, capable person that could disrupt your daily routine, but a warm smile is all you Whatever you do or learn today is bound to make you happier and in your own right, but you really shine when you’re with others. need to defuse any frustration or negativity. more productive. This is especially true today. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Something big could be occurring close to home today, Cancer. It You have hidden talents that may be revealed to you today, Leo. You’re a kind, caring individual, Virgo. Today your concern for would be advisable to stay inside, if possible, or at least not stray Perhaps collaboration with someone new has you doing things you others may be so strong that you take steps to do something too far. Traff ic may be gridlocked and the sidewalks crowded with never thought you could. Perhaps you discover a talent for writing, concrete to save, if not the world, at least a few of the individuals pedestrians anxious for a closer look. Use this self-imposed “house graphic design, or money management. You can’t help but delight in it. You may hear of a worthy cause that’s about to fold for lack arrest” to do some neglected chores. Play music and have fun while in this discovery, as it opens up a world of new possibilities. You of volunteers. You could turn out to be just the saviour they need. you organise bookshelves and clear the clutter from your closets. don’t need to take action now. Revel in your untapped potential. One person truly can make a diff erence. You can prove it today. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Today you may develop a deeper understanding of what’s really Your life is likely to enlarge today, Scorpio, either through a new Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than smart, Sagittarius. You’ll learn important to you, Libra. You may be surprised by what you group aff iliation or people you meet. You may be invited to a party this today as good fortune puts you in the right place at the right discover. The material means far less to you than the spiritual. It where a whole world of new and exciting events opens up to time. You may meet someone who makes a big diff erence to your may have taken you a while to learn this, but now there’s no going you. You may be reunited with a good friend from your past who career. Perhaps he or she turns you on to a good job prospect or back. Your possessions feel like dead weight. The mere thought of can open all sorts of professional doors for you. Be receptive to introduces you to someone who ends up being a business partner. your family and friends fills your heart with love and light. anyone and everyone you meet. Your life may change if you’re open to possibilities. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Be open to any invitations that come your way or any new people Today you may wake up and realise that there is serious room for You tend to keep to yourself, Pisces, but today you could be inspired you meet. Change is in the air for you, Capricorn, and you need improvement, Aquarius. If decorating isn’t your strong suit, why to join a group activity. Perhaps some friends have invited you to only be receptive in order for it to come about. You may even not call in the professionals? In the meantime, there’s a lot you come out for drinks. Or maybe a neighbour asked you to consider meet someone at a social event who winds up being your partner can do by simply clearing away the clutter and reorganising your joining a neighbourhood organisation. Whatever the scenario, all for life. Explore all your interests and trust your intuition, for it will bookcases in a more attractive way. Mingle some artwork and signs indicate that any group activity you join will be worthwhile. be a reliable guide. knickknacks among the books for a more interesting visual eff ect. You will do some good and likely make new friends, too. Gulf Times Friday, July 30, 2021 5 COMMUNITY Picture perfect

Though lacking amenities, the rustic Umm Bab Beach, around 85km from Doha on the far west coast, is an excellent spot for sunset silhouettes, thanks to the unique clusters of palms. Pictures by Gulf Times news editor Bonnie James. OFW leaders Meeting on ICC Youth Wing formation held attend Duterte state of the nation address

hree Filipino community leaders based in Doha, Twho were nominated by the Reformed OFW Initiative (ROI), have attended the recent- The Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) hosted an online meeting in connection with the formation of the ICC Youth Wing – Qatar (IYWQ). Treasurer ly-held state of the nation ad- Arshad Ali gave an introductory speech. In-house activities head and IYWQ co-ordinator Mohan Kumar welcomed the gathering. Vice dress (Sona) of Philippine Presi- president Subramanya Hebbagelu presided over the occasion. General secretary Krishna Kumar spoke. HR, Premises and Sports head dent Rodrigo Duterte. Anish George Matthew proposed a vote of thanks. Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal will formally inaugurate IYWQ on August 10. Joseph Timothy Rivera, who represented the Association of Filipino Realtors & Entre- preneur Executives in Qatar (Afreeq), as well as Mildred Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivering his final state of the Ngoaban of the Guardians nation address. League Qatar (GLQ) and Mary Nepali association’s convention Jill Lluz of AKO-OFW Qatar Chapter, attended the virtual event organised by the United Filipino Global (UFG). They were joined by 53 other elects working committee OFW leaders from other parts of the world. Their live screens were fl ashed on the screen four he Ninth National Gen- times during Duterte’s speech as eral Convention of the part of the offi cial audience, ac- TNon-Resident Nepali As- cording to Rivera. sociation National Co-ordina- Lluz underscored that though Mary Jill Lluz Mildred Ngoaban tion Council Qatar (NRNA-NCC the Sona was streamed live Qatar), was held at the Nepal worldwide by Radio Television the message of the Sona itself. embassy in Qatar. Malacañang (RTVM) through Together, let us rise with him and The entire working commit- most media channels and social the entire Filipinos as a nation.” tee of NRNA-NCC Qatar in- media platforms, “being part of “As per protocols laid out by cluding its chairman Mohamed the offi cially invited virtual au- Malacanang, all attendees were Muktda Musalman, has been dience with interactive capabili- required to wear Filipiniana elected unopposed. This is for ties during the president’s sixth (traditional Filipino attire) and the fi rst time that the entire and fi nal state of the nation ad- use an offi cial Philippine fl ag- working committee has been dress has been an honour and a inspired background. This is elected unopposed. The chair- true experience.” now the second Sona wherein a man has also set a new record of Ngoaban added: “Watching signifi cantly large audience from two terms. the president speak while stand- the OFW sector was invited,” The NRNA committee for ing for more than two hours is Rivera explained. Joseph Timothy Rivera the 2021-2023 term was sworn in at the ninth general conven- tion of Qatar held on July 9 at the Nepal embassy. The swear- secretary R K Sharma, spokes- ing organisations established in eral secretary Padam Giri and ing-in was conducted by elec- person D B Kshetri, adviser T B Qatar, social workers and busi- treasurer Binod Kumar Basaula Cannes honourable mention for tion committee co-ordinator Kark, Middle East co-ordinator nessmen were also present on will also remain in their same Ramesh Bhatta. The chief guest Prabeen Gurung, joint co-ordi- the occasion. post for the tenure. As repre- Qatar resident’s short was Nepal ambassador Dr Nar- nators Manoj Kumar Shrestha Ambassador Wagle spoke sentatives of NCC Qatar, seven ad Nath Bharadwaj Wagle and Gorkhali and Rajendra Aryal, about his initiative to build a ICC members were also elected special guests were Nepal em- and Middle East Youth co-or- cultural centre for the Nepali unopposed at the convention. bassy second secretary Prabin dinator Raj Regmi. community in Qatar. He stated They are Naresh Shrestha, Bhattarai, NRNA International ICC founding members, that NRNA Qatar and the Nepal Tanka Kumar Khadka, Sa- A short film produced Co-ordination Council (ICC) honorary council members, embassy are complementary to rita Bhandari Paudel, Ashad by Qatar resident president Kumar Pant, vice ICC members, NCC Qatar past each other. Husaain Mu, Purna Bahadur Gopakumar G Nair president Dr Badri K C, secre- presidents and offi ce-bearers, Along with NRNA-NCC Pokharia, Ramu Regmi, and Tej (Gopan) has won a tary general Dr Hemraj Sharma, representatives of all participat- Qatar president Muktda, gen- Katuwal. honourable mention from the Cannes World Film Festival 2021 in the Best First Time Filmmaker Short category. Dog Brothers is the debut film by Gopan under his banner Gr8 AV Productions. He is a senior cameraman with Qatar Television since 2004. The short, written and directed by Viswan, has already won an award at the Calcutta International Cult Film Festival 2021 and made the off icial selection at the Berlin International Film Festival 2021. Gulf Times 6 Friday, July 30, 2021 WORLD

CRISIS PANDEMIC COMMENT DECISION CO-OPERATION Thailand hospitals short of China provinces see Vaccinate all who want Myanmar jail vaccinates Pentagon chief in beds as Covid cases surge coronavirus outbreaks Covid shot: Duterte hundreds of prisoners Vietnam to boost ties

Hospitals in Thailand’s capital Bangkok and surround- China yesterday reported small coronavirus out- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered his Myanmar’s main prison vaccinated more than 600 US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin yesterday sought ing province are running out of beds due to a jump breaks driven by the Delta variant in three provinces government to open the coronavirus vaccination inmates against Covid-19 on the first day of a drive to to nudge forward security ties with Vietnam that in Covid-19 patients, a health off icial said yesterday. as a cluster linked to an eastern airport spreads campaign to anyone who wants a shot as his coun- inoculate inmates, state media reported yesterday, as have been slowly deepening as both countries Thailand has in the last few months been struggling despite mass testing and a vaccination drive. The try scrambles to protect the population from more military authorities struggle to control a wave of infec- watch China’s activities in the South China Sea with with its worst outbreak since the start of the pan- flare-up, which began after nine workers at the transmissible variants. With only 6% of the Philip- tions across the country. Infections have surged since growing alarm. Despite closer military relations, more demic, driven by the highly contagious Delta variant. Nanjing airport tested positive on July 20, has seen pines’ 110mn people fully vaccinated against Covid-19, June, with 4,980 cases and 365 deaths reported than four decades after the Vietnam War ended in The country’s Covid-19 task force reported yester- 171 cases detected in Jiangsu province, while infec- millions remain vulnerable to infection. The govern- on Wednesday, according to health ministry data 1975, President Joe Biden’s administration has said day 17,669 coronavirus cases and 165 deaths, both tions have spread to at least four other provinces. It is ment is aiming to fully immunise up to 70mn people cited in media. Medics and funeral services put the there are limits to the relationship until Hanoi makes record highs, while it said 21 of the fatalities died at geographically the largest spread for several months, before the year ends. “Give the vaccines to those toll much higher. With the death toll rising, military progress on human rights. Vietnam has emerged as home. “We don’t know where to put the sick people challenging China’s aggressive containment eff orts who want to be vaccinated,” Duterte said expressing authorities plan to build 10 new crematoriums in Yan- the most vocal opponent of China’s territorial claims anymore, the ER (emergency room) units in many which have relied on mass testing, lockdowns and concern over the contagious Delta variant. It was gon. Inmates in Yangon’s Insein jail staged a protest in the South China Sea and has received US military hospitals have to be temporarily closed because they swift contact tracing. Off icials in Jiangsu have locked not immediately clear if his directive meant that the last week over what activists said was a major Covid hardware. Before a meeting with his Vietnamese no longer have bed spaces,” Somsak Akksilp, head of down hundreds of thousands of residents, Lu Jing, a vaccines could now be given to Filipinos not included outbreak in the colonial-era facility, where many pro- counterpart, Austin said the US did not ask Vietnam the department of medical services, said. member of the epidemic prevention taskforce, said. in the government’s priority groups. democracy protesters are being held. to choose between countries. US urged to probe Goodyear Malaysia over labour practices

Reuters was asked by an industrial Kuala Lumpur court to pay back wages to mi- grant workers and comply with a collective pact, after dozens ights group Liberty of foreign workers sued over Shared has asked US cus- unpaid wages and unlawful Rtoms authorities to in- overtime, Reuters reported in vestigate the Malaysian opera- May. tions of US firm Goodyear Tire It has challenged two verdicts & Rubber Co over accusations in the high court. of abusive labour practices, the In its response to the rights group said. group’s comments, Goodyear The Hong Kong-based anti- added that it had strong poli- trafficking group said its June cies to protect human rights. petition to US customs, based “We take seriously any alle- on lawsuits and police reports gations of improper behaviour by migrant workers, was prob- and are committed to ensuring ably the first such effort against that our business practices and a subsidiary of an US-owned those of our associates, opera- company in southeast Asia. tions and supply chain adhere “The conditions and treat- to all applicable legal require- ment they have endured seem ments and the requirements in to satisfy the International our policies,” a spokesperson Labour Organisation’s (ILO) said in an e-mail. forced labour indicators,” the In the past, the company has A police off icer stays guard outside an isolated residential building in Sydney’s western suburb of Blacktown yesterday after several Covid cases were reported among the residents. group’s managing director, declined to comment on the Duncan Jepson, said in its first workers’ accusations, citing the comments to media on the is- court process. sue. Malaysia’s largest fund man- The ILO said it is concerned ager, Permodalan Nasional by the allegations at Goodyear Berhad, which owns 49% of Malaysia but is unable to vali- Goodyear Malaysia, did not im- date them, as it works at the mediately respond to a request policy and sectoral levels. for comment. Military to help enforce The US Customs and Border “The conditions and Protection (CBP) said it does treatment they have not comment on whether spe- endured seem to satisfy cific entities are being inves- the International tigated. Jepson said he under- Labour Organisation’s stood US customs was pursuing (ILO) forced labour the petition he filed. Sydney Covid-19 lockdown indicators” In an e-mail, the CBP told him it had received the petition Reuters Despite an extended lock- break to 13 and the national total sisting police with ensuring New South Wales, our largest Goodyear, one of the world’s on forced labour conditions and Sydney down in Sydney since an out- was now 921. compliance with restrictions state economy, is in getting on largest tyre makers, said it was was reviewing the information. break of the highly infectious With little sign that of restric- next week. top of this virus,” Frydenberg not aware of any petition on the Reuters reviewed the e-mail. Delta variant, 239 new locally tions reducing infections, Bere- Berejiklian extended the Syd- told the Australian Broadcasting matter. The July 19 e-mail does not ustralia’s military will acquired coronavirus cases jiklian said new curbs would be ney lockdown by another month Corporation Malaysia, which employs name Goodyear Malaysia, but help enforce a lockdown were recorded in the city over imposed on the southwestern on Wednesday. Berejiklian has said restric- millions of foreign workers, has Jepson said the petition was Ain Sydney after the city a 24-hour period, the biggest and western areas of Sydney New South Wales accounts tions need to remain as too few faced growing accusations of only about the company, based of 6mn posted a record daily daily rise since the pandemic where the majority of Covid-19 for over a third of Australia’s people in Sydney are vaccinated exploitative labour practices, on civil cases and police reports rise in Covid-19 cases yester- began. cases are being found. economy. amid tight supplies of the Pfi zer/ and received the worst ranking filed by its workers. day and state authorities said “We can only assume that Residents there will be forced Federal Treasurer Josh BioNTech vaccine, with which this month in an annual US re- Last year, after Liberty the outbreak was likely to get things are likely to get worse to wear masks outdoors and to Frydenberg said he expected Australia had hoped to inoculate port on human trafficking. Shared accused Sime Darby worse. before they get better given stay within 5km of their homes. the national economy to shrink everyone under 60 years old. Similar petitions to US cus- of forced and child labour, the The lockdown of Australia’s the quantity of people in- With even tighter restrictions in the September quarter but All adults in Sydney have been toms, including one last year by CBP blocked its products from biggest city has increased pres- fectious in the community,” set to begin today, New South the ability to avoid a techni- urged to seek an AstraZeneca Liberty Shared regarding Ma- entering the US. sure on Prime Minister Scott said Gladys Berejiklian, the Wales Police said it had asked for cal recession would depend on vaccine. laysian palm oil producer Sime Sime Darby has appointed Morrison, who is now trailing premier of New South Wales 300 military personnel to help whether New South Wales can Some, citing rare blood clots, Darby Plantation, have led the auditors to evaluate its prac- in opinion polls, and heightened state, of which Sydney is the enforce lockdown orders. avoid a longer lockdown. are reluctant and would prefer to US to block imports over sus- tices and said it would engage concern that Australia’s A$2tn capital. The personnel will deploy “With respect to the Decem- wait several months when Aus- pected use of forced labour. with the CBP to address the ($1.5tn) economy could slide Berejiklian said one new death today, Defence Minister Peter ber quarter, that does depend tralia is expected to receive ad- Goodyear’s Malaysian unit concerns. into recession. took the toll from the latest out- Dutton said, and will begin as- to a large extent how successful ditional Pfi zer supplies.

River clean-up Malaysia premier digs in aft er BBC’s flood coverage royal rebuke sparks calls to quit Malaysia’s embattled leader about cancelling the regulations yesterday defended his actions as was “inaccurate and confused the he faced calls to quit after rare criti- members of parliament”, said a ‘fake news’, says China cism from the king, who accused statement from the palace. It “did his government of misleading not just fail to respect the princi- parliament over coronavirus laws. ples of the sovereignty of the law.... AFP But Chinese foreign ministry have faced calls for accountability, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin but it undermined the functions Beijing spokesman Zhao Lijian yester- with the wife of one of the subway leads a scandal-plagued coalition and powers of his majesty as head day called the broadcaster a “Fake victims telling local media she that seized power last year without of state,” it said. It is unusual for News Broadcasting Company” would sue the metro operator for an election, but his government Malaysia’s constitutional monarch, eijing yesterday launched a that has “attacked and smeared negligence. is on the verge of collapse after who is widely revered in the scathing attack on the BBC, China, seriously deviating from But despite calls for transpar- allies withdrew support. Parlia- country, to speak out so forcefully Baccusing it of broadcasting journalistic standards”. ency, foreign journalists have been ment convened this week after a against the government. Muhyid- “fake news” and saying the organ- Zhao said the BBC deserved to met with increased hostility as months-long suspension under a din was accused of treason and isation was “naturally unpopular” be “unpopular with the Chinese sensitivity towards any negative state of emergency — ostensibly faced calls from the opposition over its coverage of devastating public” and “there is no such thing portrayal of China mounts. to fight the virus, but which critics and some members of his own fl oods in central China. as hatred without reason”. The Foreign Correspondents’ said was a gambit by Muhyiddin coalition to quit. But his off ice The broadside by the foreign The war of words erupted af- Club of China said in a statement to cling to power. On Monday, the released a statement outlining ministry comes after the BBC ter a youth branch of China’s rul- that reporters in Zhengzhou had law minister told the legislature the discussions between the govern- called on Beijing to put a stop to ing Communist Party on Tuesday been surrounded by angry locals emergency would end on August ment and the monarch over the the harassment of its journalists posted comments online calling and grabbed, while Chinese news 1 and that several regulations regulations, and insisted there had by nationalists who have accused on its 1.6mn followers to track the assistants had received “threaten- enacted under it were being can- been no need for a parliamentary foreign media of biased report- movements of BBC reporters. ing messages”. celled. But angry rival MPs claimed vote on the laws. “The govern- ing. The comments by the Henan “Rhetoric from organisations Muhyiddin was just seeking to ment is of the view that all these Days of heavy rain last week Communist Youth League spurred affi liated with China’s ruling dodge a vote that could test his actions taken are in order and sparked record fl ooding in the death threats against BBC corre- Communist Party directly endan- support — and it was not clear the in accordance with the provi- central province of Henan that spondents from nationalistic In- gers the physical safety of foreign monarch had agreed to revoke sions of the law and the federal has claimed the lives of at least 99 ternet users. journalists in China and hinders the laws, as required under the constitution,” it said, adding people people. A year’s rain was dumped on free reporting,” it warned. constitution. Yesterday the royal should “remain calm”. A key ally of The BBC said its reporters cov- the city of Zhengzhou in just three Reporters from AFP were palace confirmed the king, Sultan Muhyiddin, Deputy Prime Minister ering the deluge had been sub- days last week, leaving 14 people forced by hostile Zhengzhou resi- Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, had Ismail Sabri Yakoob, also said the jected to online vitriol, while other dead and more than 500 commut- dents to delete footage and were Boatmen remove hyacinth from water blocking their not given his consent, and said government still enjoyed the sup- outlets had been harassed on the ers trapped when the city’s subway surrounded by dozens of men way in Buriganga river near Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka that he expressed his “great disap- port of more than 110 MPs in the ground in “attacks which continue system fl ooded during rush hour. while reporting on a submerged yesterday. pointment”. The announcement 222-seat lower house. to endanger foreign journalists”. City and provincial offi cials traffi c tunnel. Gulf Times Friday, July 30, 2021 7 WORLD UK warmer and wetter due to climate change: study

AFP The study – the State of the “slightly above” the global ever recorded is 38.7 degrees having occurred over the last 20 since 1862 have occurred in the logical Society – which publish- London UK Climate 2020 – found that mean, the report said. Celsius (101.7 degrees Fahren- years. last 22 years. es the annual report in its Inter- last year was the third warmest, Lead author Mike Kendon, of heit), set in July 2019. The decade since 2011 has Just last week, fl ash fl ooding national Journal of Climatology fi fth wettest and eighth sunniest the National Climate Informa- “We’re already seeing climate been on average 0.5 degrees Cel- in London followed a scorching – painted a grim picture of the ritain has become warmer, on record in the UK. tion Centre (NCIC), said it was impacts globally and in the UK sius warmer than the 1981-2010 mini-heatwave, while the Met UK’s meteorological future. wetter and sunnier this It was the fi rst time that a sin- “plausible” the country could from our changing climate and, average and 1.1 degrees Celsius Offi ce issued its fi rst ever “ex- “These (heatwaves) are just Bcentury due to climate gle 12-month period has regis- regularly hit summer tempera- clearly, those are set to contin- hotter than 1961-1990. treme heat” warning this month. going to become much more change, an annual report by tered in the top 10 for all three tures above 40 degrees Cel- ue,” Kendon told BBC radio. Britain has also been on aver- Similar extreme weather intense – we’re likely to see 40 leading meteorologists said yes- variables. sius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) by The report revealed that 2020 age 6% wetter over the last three events have been seen around degrees (Celsius) in the UK,” she terday, prompting warnings of The trend has already led to 2040, even with climate change was the UK’s third warmest year decades than the preceding 30 the world this year. said, adding it would “start to record summer temperatures in increasingly extreme weather, mitigation policies. since records dating back to years. Professor Liz Bentley, chief become something that we see future decades. as Britain’s temperatures rise The UK’s highest temperature 1884, with all the top 10 hottest Six of the 10 wettest years executive of the Royal Meteoro- on a much more regular basis.” Hillsborough stadium tragedy claims 97th victim

AFP “He has been supported by London his family and a team of dedi- cated carers, all of whom de- voted themselves to him,” they he number of Liverpool added. fans unlawfully killed in The club said it was “deeply Tthe 1989 Hillsborough saddened” by Devine’s death. stadium disaster has risen to 97, “A lifelong Liverpool sup- after a coroner’s ruling on the porter, Andrew continued to death of a man injured in the attend matches at Anfield when crush. possible despite suffering life- Andrew Devine was badly changing injuries at Hillsbor- hurt in the tragedy at the FA ough,” a spokesman said. Cup semi-final on April 15, “In doing so he defied ex- 1989 and died after 32 years pectations that he would not from aspiration pneumonia. survive for six months after the Liverpool coroner Andre tragedy.” Rebello said Devine’s injuries Players and staff yesterday were considered at a land- observed a 97-second silence in mark inquest that concluded memory of Devine at the club’s People walk over London Bridge during morning rush hour amid the coronavirus pandemic in London yesterday. in 2016 where a jury partly pre-season training camp in blamed police failings for the Austria. deaths. Manager Jurgen Klopp called “The inquest was compre- him “an incredible person”. hensive and thorough and arose The Hillsborough disaster out of the same circumstances remains Britain’s worst sport- that caused the crush injuries to ing tragedy and was caused Andrew Devine, which were to during a crowd surge at one prove fatal 32 years later,” he said end of Sheffield Wednesday’s Vaccine passports will coax in the record of inquest. ground hosting Liverpool sup- “As such, it is proportionate, porters. reasonable and sufficient for The 2016 inquest came after me to adopt the jury’s findings three decades of campaigning and determination in full.” by families of the victims, and Devine, 55, was admitted to found police errors in open- young to get jabs: UK govt hospital on July 12 with aspi- ing an exit gate before kick-off ration pneumonia and fever, caused the fatal crush. Guardian News and Media crowded indoor venues across “It is a little bit of coaxing and make sure students had ad- ed in a direction similar to and died on Monday morning, Police initially claimed that London England from the end of Sep- cajoling,” he told BBC Radio 4’s vanced warning if they were France of requiring proof of the coroner recorded at an in- supporters had stormed the tember. Today programme. going to need to be fully vac- vaccination to allow people to quest hearing held in the city gate. Nor did Johnson and Raab rule He said the government was cinated. gain entry to cinemas and res- on Wednesday. The Sun newspaper is still he government is using out university students need- also “making clear” that if cases Given that most univer- taurants. The coroner said he was pre- shunned on Merseyside after it the threat of domestic ing to be fully vaccinated to live rise in September “we can con- sity terms start in around eight Pressure on people to get disposed to the fatal condition, blamed fans, who were exoner- Tvaccine passports to coax in halls of residence, and the trol that with backstop, safe- weeks – the current gap between vaccinated has increased sig- in which food, drink, vomit or ated at the inquest. and cajole people into getting Cabinet Offi ce minister, Michael guard measures”. fi rst and second doses – any lat- nifi cantly this week, with Gove saliva is inhaled into the lungs, But South Yorkshire Po- fully vaccinated, the foreign Gove, recently suggested it may Raab again hinted publicly er notice is unlikely to give stu- saying those who refuse to get because of the brain injury he lice admitted after the hearing secretary has admitted. be a requirement for fans at Pre- at what several MPs have sus- dents enough time to make sure vaccinated are selfi sh. suffered at the match which af- they got match policing “cata- Dominic Raab said minis- mier League matches next sea- pected, that vaccine passports they meet all of the health re- He said certifi cation was “the fected his swallow reflex. strophically wrong”. ters did not want to “hold the son. may never come to pass, stress- quirements demanded of them right way to go” for some venues “I find that it is more likely Match commander David country back” just because Chelsea FC has already said ing that they could be made re- before term starts. so “people can be confi dent that than not that Andrew Devine Duckenfield was tried twice for some individuals were not com- it will require people attending dundant if people got fully vac- “The only steps that we will those who are attending those was unlawfully killed, mak- gross negligence manslaughter. ing forward to get inoculated, matches at Stamford Bridge to cinated. take are ones that will maximise events are less likely to be carri- ing him the 97th fatality from A jury failed to reach a verdict confi rming publicly what many provide proof of being fully vac- The government’s overriding the freedom that the vast major- ers of the virus”. the events of April 15 1989,” he in the first and he was cleared in suspected about Boris Johnson’s cinated. focus was on increasing take- ity of the country want and are He also said that if businesses added. a second trial in 2019. sudden decision to throw his Raab said he had seen fi rst- up, he said.“Once we’ve done hankering to enjoy,” Raab said. required a certain level of safety Devine’s family said in a The case against two retired weight behind certifi cation for hand in France that when peo- that, the wider questions of vac- “We’ve got to think of it with from customers, then people statement released through former officers and a lawyer nightclubs. ple were told they would need cine certifi cation become much that in mind, the overwhelm- who remained unvaccinated by Liverpool that they wel- who represented South York- In a U-turn last week, the domestic vaccine passports to less relevant and salient.” ing good of the country, and choice should not be surprised if comed the ruling, calling him a shire Police collapsed earlier prime minister announced that access certain venues and events Decisions would not be tak- encourage people to close that they were barred, accusing them “much-loved son, brother and this year after the judge ruled documentation would be com- there was a “big surge” in people en until September, he said, margin.” of “putting other people’s health uncle”. there was no case to answer. pulsory for those gathering in coming forward for their jabs. but he insisted ministers would He denied the UK was head- and lives at risk”. India’s Kerala state orders Rallying for Cuba Australia to return new Covid-19 lockdown ‘stolen’ art to India AFP connected to alleged traffi cker Sydney Subhash Kapoor, a former Man- Reuters test positivity rate is high,” the experts believe the actual fi gure hattan art dealer who was the New Delhi state’s department of disaster could be much higher. subject of a massive US federal management said in a statement It is second only to the US in ustralia will return 14 art- investigation known as Opera- announcing a “complete lock- the number of cumulative infec- works to India, includ- tion Hidden Idol. ndia’s southern state of Ker- down” from Sunday. tions. Aing at least six believed Kapoor, who is awaiting trial, ala yesterday announced a During the last four weeks, The western state of Mahar- to have been stolen or illegally denies all charges. Itwo-day lockdown as federal seven of Kerala’s 14 districts re- ashtra, India’s industrial hub, exported, the National Gallery The National Gallery of Aus- authorities planned to send ex- ported an increasing trend in was the second-most aff ected in announced yesterday. tralia has already returned sever- perts to fi ght the spread of in- daily new infections, govern- the country, accounting for over The Canberra gallery identi- al other works it acquired via Ka- fections in the country’s leading ment data released earlier this 20% of the overall cases, offi cial fi ed the works — which include poor, including a US$5mn bronze Covid-19 hotspot. week showed. data showed. sculptures, photographs and a statue that had been stolen from India’s daily cases have fallen The federal government yes- Maharashtra, the state hit scroll — as either stolen, looted a Tamil Nadu temple. after a devastating second wave terday said it was sending half a hardest by a devastating second or of unknown origin. Mitzevich said it had intro- that overwhelmed the healthcare dozen experts to monitor Kerala’s wave of infections, began lifting The collection is composed duced guidelines to assess any system, and vaccination eff orts worst-hit areas and work with lockdown restricts last month to largely of “religious and cultural legal and ethical issues with are gaining steam. state authorities on strategies to revive the economy. artefacts” worth a total of about works it holds, and was inves- But experts have warned the contain the outbreak. The reproduction rate, or R US$2.2mn, including some dat- tigating three other sculptures authorities against swiftly reo- India’s central government value, of Covid-19 in India hit 1 ing back to the 12th century. from its Asia collection. pening cities. has left decisions on lockdowns on July 24 for the fi rst time since Gallery director Nick Mitzev- “It’s very much a live issue Kerala, with an active case load and reopenings to local state au- May when daily infections were ich said the works were set to be with galleries around the world. of around 154,000, accounts for thorities, leading to an uneven near a peak of 400,000, raising returned to the Indian govern- And we want to make sure that 37.1% of India’s total active cases. response that experts say has al- the risk of an even faster spread ment within months. we can resolve these issues in a Its case positivity rate indicat- lowed new hotspots to develop of infections. “It’s a relief that they can be timely manner,” he said. ing the pace of spread in infec- even as infections fall in previous “The increase (in R value) is returned to the Indian people, Many of the antiquities Ka- tions is now the country’s high- epicentres. expected as we are opening up Members of the Communist Party of India hold placards and it’s a resolution for the Na- poor dealt in dated back to the est. India yesterday reported the country,” Bhramar Mukher- during a protest against the US economic blockade tional Gallery to close a very dif- 11th and 12th centuries, when the “Special intensifi ed stringent 43,509 new coronavirus cases in jee, a professor of epidemiology on Cuba near the US Consulate General in Chennai fi cult chapter of our history,” he Chola dynasty presided over a restrictions are being imple- the previous 24 hours, taking the at the University of Michigan, yesterday. said. fl ourishing of Hindu art in Tamil mented in the areas where the overall tally to 31.53mn, though wrote in a tweet. Thirteen of the works are Nadu. Gulf Times 8 Friday, July 30, 2021 WORLD Biden steps up coronavirus fi ght

 Biden wants $100 payments to newly-vaccinated Americans according to the White House. to follow as they assess getting ployees Union, which has  Vaccination push to aff ect millions “The federal government, we workers back into offi ces and 150,000 federal employees in 34  President calls on Congress to extend eviction moratorium see ourselves as a model for other work places. departments and agencies, said companies and other organisa- “As a large employer, the larg- that it has supported coronavi- Reuters/AFP on vaccination mandate for fed- tions, and that’s something that est in this country, who cares rus vaccination eff orts, including Washington eral workers – something that we don’t take lightly,” said White about individuals who keep the urging agencies to give workers was being considered as the ad- House deputy press secretary government running, we have an time off to get the jab and recover ministration was mulling ways Karine Jean-Pierre. obligation to be good stewards of from any side eff ects. resident Joe Biden has to protect federal workers and set The US Treasure Department the work force and ensure their “We await more information stepped up actions to com- an example for the private sector. said that the $100 payments for health and their safety,” White on the administration’s poten- Pbat the spread of the surg- However, Biden said the nation every newly-vaccinated Ameri- House spokeswoman Jean-Pierre tial vaccine policy for the federal ing Delta variant of the coronavi- needed to remain vigilant. can are an allowable use of funds told reporters. workforce. rus (Covid-19), asking every US “We are not fully out of the from the $350bn in aid granted to Without getting into the spe- Among the details we will federal worker to either declare woods,” he said, urging Ameri- state, local, territorial and tribal cifi cs of the announcement, she be looking for are occupations they are fully vaccinated against cans not to make the issues of governments under the Ameri- said that federal workers would subject to mandatory vaccina- Covid-19 or wear masks and be vaccination or wearing masks can Rescue Plan Act. have a “choice” about what to do tions, how a possible testing tested. political ones. “This is not about The department added that it and she noted the weight of the programme may be rolled out, President Biden speaking about Covid-19 vaccinations in the East “We have the tools to prevent red states and blue states. It’s lit- would provide technical assist- federal government’s example for exemptions for medical or reli- Room of the White House. this new wave of Covid-19 from erally about life and death.” ance in using these funds to sup- other employers. gious reasons, and a timeframe shutting down our businesses, Biden will direct the Pentagon port increased vaccinations. The United States has about for implementation,” said un- dated that its doctors and other that it cannot continue beyond our schools, our society as we to study adding Covid-19 vacci- The Treasury also said it is ex- 2.18mn civilian employees and ion president Tony Reardon in a medical staff get Covid-19 vac- July 31 without authorisation saw happen last year,” the veteran nations to its list of required vac- panding a tax credit that employ- 570,000 others work for the US statement. cines, becoming the fi rst federal from Congress, White House Democrat said in a speech on his cinations for members of the US ers could claim for wages paid to Postal Service (USPS), according The International Federation agency to impose such a require- spokesperson Jen Psaki said. administration’s new initiatives. military. employees to give them paid time to 2020 data. of Professional and Technical ment. Ordered by the Centres for The White House said just He also called on state and lo- off to get vaccinated or to as- It is unclear if Biden plans to Engineers, which has 90,000 The VA comprises the largest Disease Control and Prevention ahead of the address that all 4mn cal governments to off er $100 sist family members and certain apply the requirement to the members, including some US healthcare system, employ- (CDC) in September 2020, the federal employees and on-site as an incentive for holdouts to other individuals with Covid-19 postal service or to contractors 30,000 National Aeronautics and ing more than 367,200 full-time measure “prevented hundreds contractors “will be asked to at- get vaccinated – a nod to what vaccinations. who work for the federal govern- Space Administration (Nasa) en- healthcare professionals and of thousands of Americans from test to their vaccination status”. the White House described as Earlier, New York City Mayor ment. gineers and other skilled federal support staff at 1,293 facilities, experiencing the heartbreak Those who do not declare they successful cash-for-jab eff orts Bill de Blasio announced that an- The US government employed workers, said in a statement that according to its website. (and) homelessness” of eviction are fully vaccinated will be re- already implemented in some yone getting their fi rst Covid-19 3.7mn contract employees as it supported a Covid-19 vaccine Meanwhile, just two days be- if they lost their jobs due to the quired to wear a mask on the job states. vaccine shot at a city-run site of 2017, a New York University mandate for federal workers. fore it is set to expire, Biden urged Covid-19 pandemic, Psaki said in regardless of location, physically The rules regarding getting would receive a $100 payment. study found. “We don’t want any more of Congress to extend the federal a statement. “In light of the Su- distance from co-workers, and vaccinated or masking up and The federal government is the Biden’s pandemic strategy is our members dying,” the union’s ban on evictions. preme Court’s ruling, the presi- “comply with a weekly or twice getting regularly tested should largest employer in the United coming under scrutiny as the president Paul Shearon said in a The 11-month old moratorium dent calls on Congress to extend weekly screening testing re- not just apply to federal work- States and Biden’s move could Delta variant spreads and many statement. was intended to remain in place the eviction moratorium to pro- quirement”. ers, with Biden set to urge private serve as an example for private Americans resist vaccination. The US Department of Veter- through September, but a recent tect such vulnerable renters and The moves stop short of a full- sector employers to follow suit, businesses and other institutions The National Treasury Em- ans Aff airs (VA) on Monday man- Supreme Court ruling signalled their families without delay.”

Pole position No tsunami following Taliban surge poses Alaska earthquake ‘existential crisis’ for

Reuters/AFP 800km (500 miles) from An- Kabul: US watchdog Achorage chorage, Alaska’s biggest city. The US states of Califor- nia, Oregon and Washington AFP terised US-led eff orts to re- sunami warnings were and the Canadian province of Washington build and strengthen Afghani- lifted for Alaska and the British Columbia were not ex- stan and the cost of hundreds Trest of Pacifi c after a pected to see any signifi cant of billions of dollars to the US huge earthquake of 8.2 magni- tsunami threats, Dave Snider, he Afghan government government. tude struck the seismically ac- tsunami warning co-ordinator faces an “existential “The news coming out of tive US state in the late hours of with the NTWC, told Reuters. Tcrisis” after the Taliban Afghanistan this quarter has Wednesday. The Pacifi c Tsunami Warn- doubled their attacks following been bleak,” the report said. In Alaska, small tsunami ing Centre (PTWC) cancelled the February 2020 US deal with Faced by a new Taliban of- waves measuring under a foot warnings issued for Hawaii the insurgents, a watchdog re- fensive, it said, the Afghan above tide level were observed and the US Pacifi c territory of port said yesterday. government security force in Sand Point, Old Harbour, Guam, while the public broad- The report said Taliban at- “appeared surprised and un- King Cove, Kodiak, Unalaska caster NHK said there was no tacks on Afghan targets surged ready, and is now on its back and Alitak Bay, according to the risk to Japan. from 6,700 in the three months foot”. US National Tsunami Warning Authorities in New Zealand up to the Doha agreement to “Particularly concerning Centre (NTWC). also said they did not expect 13,242 in the September-No- was the speed and ease with There were no immediate re- any fl ooding in coastal areas. vember 2020 period. which the Taliban seemingly ports of injuries or damage to According to the USGS, the Attacks have stayed above wrested control of districts in property. quake was followed by over 25 US Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland speaks yesterday at the ‘Red Road to DC Totem Pole Journey’, 10,000 in each subsequent Afghanistan’s northern prov- Several Alaskan coastal aftershocks in the region, with which ended in front of the US Capitol to draw attention and action to sacred sites and indigenous three-month period, accord- inces, once a bastion of anti- communities were evacuated two around magnitude 6.0. rights, during an event in Washington, DC. ing to the report by the US Taliban sentiment.” following the quake. Alaska is part of the seismi- Special Inspector-General for Speaking with journalists Among them was Seward on cally active Pacifi c Ring of Fire. Afghanistan Reconstruction after the report was released the Kenai Peninsula, south of The state was hit by a (SIGAR). yesterday, Sopko said the gov- Anchorage, where sirens blared 9.2-magnitude earthquake in While the rise in attacks had ernment could survive the Tal- and residents were told to move March 1964, the strongest ever long been clear, data had not iban campaign, but that “it’s to higher ground. recorded in North America. previously been available to going to be diffi cult”. The US Geological Survey It devastated Anchorage Equatorial Guinea detains French demonstrate how intense the “They have to come up with (USGS) said the quake, which and unleashed a tsunami that rebels’ off ensive had become. ... a co-ordinated strategy that struck at 10.15pm local time slammed the Gulf of Alaska, The United States agreed uses all of their resources, and (0615 GMT yesterday), was at a the US west coast, and Hawaii. military helicopter, arrests troops to withdraw all troops from they have to do it quickly,” he depth of 35km. More than 250 people were Afghanistan in expectation said. It struck about 91km east- killed by the quake and the tsu- the Taliban would negotiate a He said the entire southeast of Perryville, about nami. Reuters/AFP doro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, torial Guinea decided to detain peace deal with the Kabul gov- 300,000-strong army need- Dakar/Malabo tweeted that a “reconnaisance the helicopter. The issue is being ernment. ed to be involved in the fi ght, helicopter” had landed with- resolved at the diplomatic level.” Since then the Taliban-gov- rather than depending on its Somalia election partly under way out authorisation after violating An anonymous French mili- ernment talks have stalled but elite special forces units for rance said yesterday that Equatorial Guinea’s air space. tary source added that all the the US has steadily pulled out every mission. Voting began yesterday in one of Somalia’s states, days late but one of its military helicop- “This demonstrates once again necessary authorisations had troops to a level of only several Most Afghan army regulars ahead of the rest of the country where the first phase of national Fters carrying six soldiers the intention of France to desta- been obtained for the refuelling hundred now, with an August “refuse to execute missions elections has failed to even start. had been detained after landing bilise the Republic of Equatorial stop. 31 deadline for full withdrawal. without the presence of the Long-overdue parliamentary and presidential elections were in Equatorial Guinea, in a dip- Guinea,” he said. “We stop regularly in Bata but The SIGAR report makes Afghan Special Forces”, he said. supposed to start on July 25, according to a timetable agreed by lomatic incident that demon- French military spokesman we also regularly have co-ordi- clear that the February 2020 “You can’t win that war just Somalia’s political leaders after months of violent disagreement. strated the strained ties between Colonel Pascal Ianni said the six nation problems with the Bata agreement, instead of pro- on the back of the Afghan Spe- Elections in Somalia follow a complex indirect model and in the first Malabo and Paris. soldiers on board the helicopter airport,” the source said, adding pelling Taliban-Kabul talks, cial Forces,” he said. stage of voting, the five regional states were to choose senators for The helicopter landed in Equa- were not armed. that “the control tower in an ex- unleashed an off ensive that Sopko said corruption was the upper house in the national parliament. torial Guinea’s mainland port It was travelling from Douala cess of zeal does not give permis- caught government forces un- also hampering the ability of But not one state was ready and none voted on July 25, throwing of Bata on Wednesday evening, in neighbouring Cameroon to a sion to land”. prepared and increased the the army to fi ght, with more the timetable into disarray. hours after a French court upheld French military base in Libreville, Mangue, whose father has number of civilian deaths. than half of its fuel supplies Jubaland, a state bordering Kenya that had undertaken the most a guilty verdict in an embezzle- Gabon and had stopped in Bata to ruled Equatorial Guinea for 42 Over January-March of being siphoned off illegally. preparations, proceeded with its vote yesterday, electing four ment case against Equatorial refuel, he said, denying any in- years, was found guilty in France 2020, there were 510 civilian “If you don’t have fuel, the candidates to the 54-member upper house. Guinea’s Vice-President Teo- tent to harm Equatorial Guinea. in 2017 of money laundering and deaths and 709 casualties, the Afghan army doesn’t fi ght; if The other four states face varying degrees of delays, sources say. doro Obiang Mangue. “They landed on Wednesday embezzlement. report said, quoting data from they’re not being paid, they South-West state is expected to hold a vote soon, while Hirshabelle Neither side spoke publicly of at 2.15pm (1315 GMT) because He was given a three-year sus- the US-Nato joint force in Af- don’t fi ght,” he said. has not finished the earliest stages of preparation. any link between the two inci- they were out of fuel. That is pended sentence and a large fi ne, ghanistan. The departure of US techni- In Galmudug, the local parliament is on a break and will reconvene dents. when a sequence of administra- and a number of properties were After that the numbers cians helping keep Afghan mil- in early August, while Puntland is not expected to hold a vote until Mangue, who is the son and tive nuisances began,” Ianni told confi scated including a Parisian surged, hitting 1,058 deaths itary aircraft fl ying and other after its anniversary celebrations around the same time. – AFP heir-apparent of President Teo- AFP. “The authorities in Equa- mansion and luxury cars. and 1,959 injured in the third equipment operative is also a quarter of last year and con- threat to the government’s war tinuing at high levels. eff ort, he said. The latest data, for April and He also said the Taliban was May this year, showed 705 ci- winning the propaganda battle vilian deaths and 1,330 casual- and that the government need- Major protests swell in Guatemala against president, A-G ties, the SIGAR report said. ed to communicate its strategy “The overall trend is clearly to the Afghan people. unfavourable to the Afghan He faulted the overall US Reuters Protesters carried banners demonstrations outside the at- government, which could face strategy in the two-decade Guatemala City in Guatemala City, the capital, torney-general’s offi ce and the an existential crisis if it isn’t war, saying it has always been reading: “Giammattei, Resign.” national palace. addressed and reversed,” said focused on short-term results, Civil unrest has been gaining “We are here to tell the presi- the inspector-general, John and unrealistic timelines for housands of people in momentum since Guatemala’s dent that we do not know him Sopko. helping build up the country. Guatemala took to the Attorney-General Maria Porras as president because he no He said the report off ered a “We came into Afghanistan Tstreets in protest yester- removed anti-graft fi ghter Juan longer represents the inter- sobering picture that contrast- thinking that we would create a day, calling for the resignation Francisco Sandoval as head of ests of a country and because ed with “the pervasiveness of strong central government,” he of President Alejandro Giam- the Special Prosecutor’s Offi ce the prosecutor is not fi ghting over-optimism” that charac- said. “And that was a mistake.” mattei and the attorney-gen- Against Impunity (FECI) last impunity,” said Martín Toc, an eral as fallout worsened over week, a move that sparked in- indigenous leader from Totoni- the fi ring of a well-known anti- ternational condemnation. capán, in western Guatemala. Mexico to free thousands of prisoners corruption fi gure. Sandoval, who fl ed Guate- Giammattei’s government Indigenous leaders, social mala last weekend, said he was also faced protests last Novem- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said yesterday groups and student organisa- fi red after trying to investigate ber when a group of demon- that a new presidential decree would liberate thousands of federal tions fuelled the call on social corruption cases with links to strators set fi re to the Congress prisoners in special circumstances, including torture victims. media for a national protest in Giammattei, who has denied building over cuts to education The decree would free by September 15 federal prisoners of any age Mayan indigenous women block a road during a protest demanding 20 areas of the country, block- the allegations. and health in the 2021 budget. who were accused of any crime if they had been victims of torture, the resignation of Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei and ing traffi c at major intersec- Protests started last weekend Days later, Congress retract- Lopez Obrador said in a regular news conferences. Attorney-General Maria Porras, in San Cristobal Totonicapan, Guatemala. tions. and continued yesterday with ed the budget. He said he would sign the decree next week. – Reuters Gulf Times Friday, July 30, 2021 9 WORLD

Russia fi nes Google 3mn roubles Court blocks Facebook rules on hate speech

Reuters content and seeking to compel pro-Kremlin fi gures and media. Reuters a general election in September violating its community stand- book,” a spokesman said. Moscow foreign tech fi rms to open offi ces Yesterday a Moscow court Berlin that polls show may not deliver ards were “null and void”. Germany recently beefed up a in Russia. registered administrative pro- a stable government. This, it added, is because Fa- hate-speech law that fi rst came State communications regu- ceedings against Facebook and It is all the more striking be- cebook does not undertake to into force in 2018 that requires ussia has fi ned Google lator Roskomnadzor said last Twitter for the same off ence, the top German court has cause the comments made by inform the user about the re- platforms like Facebook, Twit- 3mn roubles ($41,017) for month that Google, a subsidiary Interfax news agency reported, ruled that Facebook the unnamed plaintiff evidently moval of an off ensive post at ter and YouTube, the video- Rviolating personal data of Alphabet Incorporated, could but did not set a court date. Aacted illegally in taking violated Facebook’s community least retrospectively, to advise sharing service run by Alpha- legislation, Google’s fi rst fi ne for be fi ned up to 6mn roubles for Facebook and Twitter did not down racist posts and blocking standards governing so-called that it is blocking an account, to bet’s Google unit, to police and that off ence, Moscow’s Tagansky not storing the personal data of immediately respond to requests the account of their author be- hate speech, which is banned give a reason for doing so, or to take down toxic content. District Court said. Russian users in databases on for comment. cause the social network failed under German law if it threat- off er the right of appeal. Google this week requested a Google confi rmed the fi ne and Russian territory. The two companies, fi ned 4mn to inform the user or give a rea- ens the peace or incites violence Facebook said it would review judicial review of a new provi- off ered no further comment. Russia has previously fi ned roubles each in February 2020 for son for shutting them down. against minority groups. the judgment to ensure that it sion in the law, known in Ger- The penalty comes amid a Google for not deleting banned breaching Russian data law, were Yesterday’s judgment by the In its three-page summary, can continue to eff ectively re- man as NetzDB, saying it vio- wider stand-off between Rus- content. warned in May that they must Federal Court of Justice further the Karlsruhe-based court move hate speech in Germany. lated privacy because data can sia and Big Tech, with Moscow Google has also irked the open databases in the country by complicates a fraught debate stated that Facebook’s terms of “We have zero tolerance for be passed to law enforcement routinely fi ning social media gi- Russian authorities by block- July or face fi nes of up to 18mn over toxic discourse on social service regarding the deletion of hate speech, and we’re commit- before it is evident a crime has ants for failing to remove banned ing YouTube accounts owned by roubles. networks as Germany girds for posts and blocking accounts for ted to removing it from Face- been committed.

Pakistan to 4bn Covid-19 vaccine shots mandate vaccination for public administered worldwide sector staff AFP/Reuters Geneva Reuters Islamabad lthough more than four 4bn doses of coronavirus A(Covid-19) vaccines have akistan will ban air travel been administered around the for anyone without a coro- world, poorer countries are still Pnavirus (Covid-19) vac- struggling to secure precious cine certifi cate from August 1, shots despite recent donations. and will require all public sec- At least 4,014,302,550 doses tor workers to get vaccinated by had been injected into people’s August 31, the government an- arms as of 1100 GMT yesterday, nounced yesterday, along with a according to an AFP tally based host of other restrictions. on offi cial sources. From August 31, unvaccinated Global injections have slowed staff will no longer be allowed slightly: the four-billionth dose to enter government offi ces, was reached in 30 days, while it schools, restaurants or shop- took 26 days to reach the previ- ping malls, said Asad Umar, who ous one. heads National Command and The fi rst and second billion Operations Centre (NCOC), a were reached after about 140 and military-run body that oversees 40 days respectively. the pandemic response, at a joint Forty per cent (1.6bn) of the news conference with the health 4bn shots have been adminis- minister in Islamabad. tered in China. Teachers and students above India (451mn) and the United 18, public transport and retail States (343mn) make up the trio staff will also be required to get of countries that have adminis- vaccinated, they said. tered the most jabs. Multiple Pakistan has seen coronavirus In terms of population among infections soar, dominated by countries with more than 1mn choice Delta variant, and its poor health people, the United Arab Emir- Syringes filled with vaccines infrastructure is under extreme ates (UAE) is the leader: 168 fi rst from BioNTech, AstraZeneca, pressure. and second doses administered Johnson & Johnson, and The national positive test rate per 100 inhabitants. Moderna lie on a table (above) for Covid-19 stands at 7.53%, Uruguay follows with 137 per at a vaccination centre in according to the NCOC. 100 inhabitants, then Bahrain Dresden, Germany. The rate in the southern port (134). city of Karachi touched 23% in The UAE is close to hav- Right: A man wearing a face recent weeks. ing 70% of its population fully mask amid the ongoing Covid-19 “If you’re not vaccinated, you vaccinated while Uruguay and pandemic is reflected in a can’t go to teach at schools and Bahrain have both reached more subway entrance in Moscow. colleges from August 1,” Umar than 60%. said. “We can’t put our chil- After this the leading coun- dren’s lives at risk just because tries are Qatar, Chile and Canada that you’re not ready to get the (129 shots per 100 inhabitants), vaccine.” Israel (128), Singapore (125), the After a sluggish start, the gov- United Kingdom, Mongolia and ernment ramped up its national Denmark (124), and Belgium vaccination drive, especially in (122). the heartland Punjab province, These countries have fully with 850,000 doses adminis- vaccinated more than half their tered on Wednesday across the populations. country. Not far off are China (111), the Umar said the target is to United States (104) and the Eu- touch 1mn doses a day. ropean Union (103). According to the NCOC, more The US and EU have fully vac- than 27.8mn people have now re- cinated nearly half their popula- ceived at least one vaccine shot, tion. while 5.9mn have been fully vac- China does not communicate cinated, out of a population of this information. 220mn. However the United States, whose campaign kicked off with gusto, now is vaccinating much Malta responsible more slowly. Over the past week it jabbed for journalist’s only 0.2% of its population every death: inquiry day, far behind China (1.1%) and Protesters demonstrate in Rome against the Green Pass (health pass) the EU (0.7%). plan that will be mandatory for indoor dining, cultural and sports People queue to register themselves and get inoculated with the coronavirus vaccine at a Malta should take responsibility In terms of speed, Bhutan is events next week. The text reads: ‘Green Pass = Blackmail’. vaccination centre in Karachi. for the 2017 murder of a currently leading the vaccina- journalist, having created “an tion race, jabbing 4.9% of its atmosphere of impunity” that population every day. which is most lagging behind, the next six to eight weeks”. There is growing concern these measures ... but we cannot A Catalan court approved the risked her life, a public inquiry As with fi rst doses of its vac- with 4.8 doses administered per Covax is co-led by the WHO, among offi cials in Paris over the ignore the fact that ... the virus regional government’s request concluded. cines earlier this year, the coun- 100 habitants, 10 times less than the Gavi vaccine alliance, and infection rates in France’s over- continues to circulate ... the to extend the nightly curfew be- The October 2017 car-bomb try has administered second the world average of 52 shots. the Coalition for Epidemic Pre- seas territories in the Caribbean, pandemic has not disappeared,” tween 1am and 6am in 163 cities killing of Daphne Caruana Galizia, doses to nearly 60% of its popu- While many rich countries are paredness Innovations, with Indian Ocean and the Pacifi c Prime Minister Antonio Costa including Barcelona and popu- who exposed cronyism and lation in the space of 10 days, a already vaccinating their ado- Unicef using its vaccine logistics where vaccination uptake is far told a news conference. lar beach resorts like Sitges and sleaze within Malta’s political rapidity unmatched by any other lescents, three countries are not expertise to handle the delivery lower than the nationwide aver- Greece’s south Aegean is- Salou. and business elite, sparked country. yet vaccinating at all: Burundi, fl ights. age. lands were marked dark red on The measure was imposed in international outrage and Malaysia and Sri Lanka are Eritrea and North Korea. Under Covax, the 92 poor- La Reunion will from tomor- the European Centre for Disease the northwestern region border- protests that eventually forced next in the speed rankings, jab- Meanwhile, the Covax facil- est countries can access jabs for row go into partial lockdown for Prevention and Control’s Cov- ing France in mid-July and this the resignation of former prime bing 1.5% of their population ity is expecting to receive 250mn free, with donors covering the the next two weeks, with move- id-19 map yesterday after a rise is the second time that it is ex- minister Joseph Muscat. every day. donated Covid-19 vaccine doses cost. ment only allowed 10km from in infections, meaning all but tended. A panel of three judges wrote in In Europe the quickest coun- over the next six to eight weeks, The Serum Institute of India people’s home in the daytime essential travel to and from the Catalonia has Spain’s highest a 437-page report that although tries are Denmark, Ireland and the World Health Organisation plant, producing AstraZeneca and 5km on a Sunday, said its top region is discouraged. Covid-19 incidence rate. they had not, during their nearly Turkey (1.1% each), ahead of (WHO) said. doses, was supposed to be the offi cial, prefect Jacques Billant. The cluster of 13 islands in- Hundreds of people mean- two-year inquiry, found proof of Belgium and France (1%). The infl ux of doses is a major early backbone of Covax’s sup- In the evenings, there will be cludes Greece’s most popular while blocked traffi c in the cen- government involvement in the Most poor countries have boost for the scheme, which is ply chain – but India restricted a strict curfew from 6pm un- destinations for foreign tour- tre of Slovakia’s capital Brati- assassination, Muscat and his now started to vaccinate, mainly aimed at ensuring poorer coun- exports to combat its own dev- til 5am in the morning, with no ists – Mykonos, Santorini and slava, protesting against a law entire former cabinet should be thanks to the Covax scheme and tries can access jabs and has so astating coronavirus surge. movement allowed expect for Rhodes – which, combined, which gives those who have had held collectively responsible. donations of unused doses by far delivered 152 million vaccine Following those delivery essential reasons, he added. draw millions of people every the Covid-19 vaccine easier ac- The state did not take steps to rich countries. doses to 137 participating ter- problems, Covax is increasingly Portugal said yesterday that summer. cess to public events and spaces, protect Caruana Galizia, became The vaccination coverage re- ritories. reliant on donated doses from it would lift a night-time curfew He warned that the situation Slovak media reported yester- a “favourable climate” for her mains very unequal. In a weekly operational up- wealthy countries which have and restrictions on restaurants’ was also worrying on the islands day. assassination, read the report. High-income countries (as date issued on Wednesday, the bought more batches than they opening hours from Sunday, of Zakynthos, Tinos, Lefkada, The legislation, which re- Caruana Galizia, 53, has been defi ned by the World Bank) ad- WHO said that at a recent UN need. with around half of the popula- Santorini, Paros and Rhodes. quires people who haven’t been described as a “one-woman ministered an average of 97 Crisis Management Team meet- France’s Indian Ocean terri- tion fully vaccinated against the Spain’s Catalonia has ex- inoculated to take a test for such WikiLeaks”, and was known doses per 100 inhabitants com- ing it “reported that there will be tory of La Reunion will go into a coronavirus, helping to control a tended for a second time a access, was approved by parlia- for investigating high-level pared with just 1.6 doses in low- increased vaccine donations to partial lockdown at the weekend recent surge in infections. nighttime curfew that was im- ment on Sunday and signed by corruption, and contributed to income countries. the Covax facility, projecting an due to a surge in Covid-19 infec- “Vaccination has contrib- posed on the tourist hotspot to President Zuzana Caputova on the 2016 Panama Papers data Africa remains the continent additional 250mn vaccines over tions. uted very signifi cantly to (allow) fi ght a Covid-19 surge. Monday. leak. – AFP Gulf Times 10 Friday, July 30, 2021 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES A major step forward for global tax justice

Multilateralism has been on the defensive in recent years. In a global setting that is more multipolar than multilateral, competition between states seems to prevail over co-operation nowadays. However, the recent global agreement to reform international corporate taxation is welcome proof that multilateralism is not dead. But it is not healthy, either. While globalisation has continued during the Covid-19 pandemic – albeit more unevenly than before and despite people’s feelings of increased isolation – interdependence is ever more confl ictual. Even soft power is being weaponised, with vaccines, data, and technology standards all becoming instruments of political competition. The world is also becoming less free. Democracy itself is under attack, amid a pitched battle of narratives over which political and economic system can best deliver for its citizens. The European Union continues to believe in and work for a predictable world of rules-based multilateralism, open markets, Bridging the global positive-sum outcomes, and social justice and solidarity. We remain convinced that today’s challenges – from fi ghting the pandemic to tackling climate change – can be handled only through global co- operation. The EU will thus continue to lead on reviving rules-based multilateralism, in order to show our citizens the concrete benefi ts of a seemingly dry, technocratic concept. After all, the alternative to such multilateral engagement – “going it alone” – means reduced access to vaccines, insuffi cient climate health racial divide action, festering security crises, inadequately regulated globalisation, and increasing global inequality. No country, not even the biggest, There is far less clinical within the medical system. Given can succeed on its own. For all these reasons, Italy has rightly put research involving people of the previous exploitation of these multilateralism atop the agenda for its current G20 presidency. communities in clinical research – from African descent than white Tuskegee to Henrietta Lacks – many But it is not enough for populations have longstanding and It shows how the EU merely to emphasise populations, particularly in justifi able mistrust of the medical- its multilateral credentials. genetics, immunology and research system. To address this, the multilateral Europe must demonstrate that scientifi c community must continue multilateral action can deliver related disciplines to expand its diversity and inclusion of both researchers as well as study action can for all if every country invests By Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe participants. This includes much greater foster a more in it. And the new global tax community involvement and outreach, agreement does just that. and Wayne C Koff New York and building understanding of the risks equitable form The deal, endorsed earlier in and benefi ts of research fi ndings for July by G20 fi nance ministers individuals and communities. of globalisation and backed by 132 countries, fter the late Arthur Ashe Second, we need a signifi cant contracted HIV/AIDS, he increase in resources for population- will establish a global minimum commented that the heavi- based clinical research studies of tax rate of at least 15% for multinational corporations and ensure est burden he had to bear was genetics, immunology, and related that these fi rms pay taxes in the countries where they generate their A not the disease but being born black in disciplines among the African profi ts. This is a historic step toward fairer globalisation and a landmark America. In addition to facing systemic diaspora, as well as indigenous and achievement of eff ective multilateralism. racism, black people in the United Latinx communities. These resources In recent years, governments have taken important steps to tackle tax States suff er disproportionately from could come from both the private and disease and have shorter life expectan- public sectors, including corporations, evasion by individuals. According to the OECD, the automatic exchange cies and less healthy lives. foundations, and government. The of tax information between states netted €95bn ($112bn) in additional During the Covid-19 pandemic, recent call for the Three Million tax revenue for G20 countries between 2009 and 2019, while deposits African-American and indigenous African Genomes project is a step in in tax havens fell by 34%. communities have suff ered the right direction. Ethics committees But curbing tax avoidance by multinationals, an even bigger problem, dramatically higher rates of should examine the recruitment has proved more diffi cult. The OECD estimates that multinationals’ hospitalisation and death and vaccine balance between diff erent groups hesitancy among some black people – as part of their assessment of trial tax avoidance results in global revenue losses of $100-240bn each due to their history of being medically protocols, and make sure that year, or 4-10% of total corporate-tax proceeds. Moreover, the current exploited – remains a challenge. populations are equitably represented. international corporate tax system was designed more than a century Bridging this racial divide is a Lastly, we need to address ago and is increasingly out of sync with today’s globalised and prerequisite for achieving a new and black communities’ concerns and digitalised economy. equitable era in global health. But participation in biomedical research by building equitable and inclusive The EU has long strived to mount a global response to this challenge. today, there is far less clinical research involving people of African descent coalitions of scientists and medical But it was the constructive engagement of US President Joe Biden’s than white populations, particularly professionals (giving particular administration over the past six months that enabled the recent in genetics, immunology and related attention to including black voices), breakthrough. This was a striking and welcome sign of America’s disciplines. Unless we redress this health activists and advocates, and return to supporting a multilateral vision of the world. racial imbalance, black people – as well community members. These groups The 132 jurisdictions currently supporting the new corporate- as indigenous groups, Latinx, and other could serve as a conduit for people to people of colour – will continue to be share their medical concerns and past taxation deal represent 90% of global GDP. And while the agreement left behind. traumas. They could lead signifi cant, will not by itself fully solve the issue of multinational fi rms’ tax For example, people with European grassroots educational eff orts, based on avoidance, it is a decisive step forward. It marks the beginning of the ancestry make up just 16% of the global open exchange and trust, to persuade end of the global race to the bottom in corporate tax rates, a contest that population, but account for nearly African-Americans of the benefi ts of has produced some very rich winners but also billions of losers who can 80% of participants in genetic studies. participating in research, while also now start regaining faith in the power of rules. Moreover, less than 2% of genomes allowing health-care workers to share analysed to date are from African people, information and best practices. The agreement will lead to higher and more stable government even though the African diaspora The world is poised to make revenues at a time when all countries must bear the costs of battling contains the greatest genetic diversity. transformative advances in disease the pandemic and mobilise the investments needed to tackle the Thus, as scientists race to unlock the prevention and control over the climate crisis. And it will deliver greater fairness at a time of increasing secrets of our DNA, the knowledge IN BLACK AND WHITE: In the US, black people are glaringly under-represented in coming decades. The global Covid-19 inequalities between the developed and the developing world. gained so far is heavily biased. clinical trials, and experience higher rates of illness than white Americans. response, with scientists developing Above all, the recent tax accord shows how multilateral action can Likewise, our knowledge of the multiple eff ective and safe vaccines in human immune function is being in biomedical sciences and artifi cial four years shorter. African-American under a year, was unprecedented and foster a more equitable form of globalisation. — Project Syndicate distorted by data that vastly over- intelligence, we have the tools to do communities also have worse health underlines the potential to build a new, represent certain populations, this – and potentially transform the outcomes with cancer, heart disease, equitable age of global health. primarily those of white European future of human health. But we need to and HIV, and are more susceptible to But this revolution needs to include descent. This can lead to mistakes, make sure that this revolution benefi ts some autoimmune diseases, such as and benefi t all people, and not become To Advertise such as researchers’ former erroneous everyone, and not just a privileged systemic lupus erythematosus. skewed disproportionately toward belief that cystic fi brosis, a genetic few. Unfortunately, racial inequity in Many of these health outcomes those with a particular skin colour or [email protected] disorder, was not present in African biomedical research remains a major are linked to systemic racism and socioeconomic status. Bridging the populations. Genetic diagnosis had obstacle to achieving this vision. poverty, and to diff erences in income, current racial divide in medical research Display focused on variants found in European In the US, black people are glaringly education, housing, employment, will benefi t us all, and it has never been 44466621 44418811 populations and missed those under-represented in clinical trials, and access to healthcare. But more important. — Project Syndicate occurring among Africans. and experience higher rates of illness limited biomedical research in these Classified Twenty years ago, the sequencing than white Americans. Black babies are populations – combined with the  Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, a 44466609 44418811 of the human genome launched a nearly two and a half times more likely social factors contributing to increased fi ne-art photographer and author, is a revolution in biomedical research. to die in infancy than white babies, poverty and disease – impedes director of the Arthur Ashe Endowment Subscription But the technologies back then were while black women are two to three progress and serves to reinforce health for the Defeat of AIDS. not advanced enough to decode the times more likely than white women inequities rather than mitigate them.  Wayne C Koff , President and CEO [email protected] human immunome, the body’s complex to die in childbirth. Black Americans Tackling racial inequity in biomedical of the Human Vaccines Project, is an immune system for preventing and are three times more likely than white research requires a multipronged adjunct professor of epidemiology at controlling diseases. Today, with Americans to die from asthma and approach, starting with addressing the Harvard T H Chan School of Public © 2021 Gulf Times. All rights reserved the convergence of recent advances their average life expectancy is over the structural racism that has existed Health. Gulf Times Friday, July 30, 2021 11 THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH Call yourself to account The believer in alling ourselves to account is what frees the soul from being captive to its desires times of crises Cand lusts; it frees it from the darkness of misguidance and maintains it upon the Straight Path. n determining the way in prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the Allah encourages the Muslims to do which a Muslim should deal patient.” [Qur’an 2: 153] this by saying (what means): “O you with a time of crisis, it is And Allah told us (what means): who have believed! Fear Allah. And let Iimportant to analyse exactly “And be patient, [O Muhammad, every soul look to what it has put forth what, essentially, a crisis is in the sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam], and for tomorrow…” [Qur’an 59: 18] ‘Umar, context of Islamic understanding; your patience is not but through Allah. radiallaahu ‘anhu, said: “Call yourself particularly as this relates to the And do not grieve over them and to account when you are in bliss before Qadar (predestination) of Allah. do not be in distress over what they the reckoning of that severe Day, for A crisis, by defi nition, indicates conspire. Indeed, Allah is with those whoever calls himself to account when a pivotal period of time in which who fear Him and those who are doers he is in bliss will win the pleasure a situation or condition seems of good.” [Qur’an 16: 127-128] of Allah and achieve happiness, and unstable, chaotic, and liable to Furthermore, the believer whoever allows his life and desires to sudden, drastic, and most often, understands that undergoing occupy all his attention and cause him dangerous change. It implies the external crises, experiencing the to be negligent will be a regretful loser.” precipice that gives way to disaster; oftentimes sharp contrast between While he was the caliph, ‘Umar when every move is crucial, our expectations and the manner in would call himself to account. Anas, either facilitating a healthy and which our circumstances actually radiallaahu ‘anhu, narrated: “One progressive resolution or initiating develop, or when our circumstances day I was walking in the company of the descent into catastrophe. appear dire beyond conceivable ‘Umar, then he entered a garden by Now, Islamically, such a situation resolution, it is an indication, himself; I overheard him from behind does not exist. Life does not proceed in fact, of Allah’s favour. Abu a fence of the garden saying to himself: A picture shows the roof inside Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul. so haphazardly; but rather all things Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with ‘O son of Al-Khattaab! I swear by Allah occur, can only occur, according to him, reported that the Prophet, that either you maintain yourself upon How many times do we hear the wealth. Their hearts have therefore other topic, such as a worldly topic like the Decree of Allah. We understand, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, piety, or Allah will punish you.’” mention of the Hellfi re without it hardened so much that the following medicine which requires specialised therefore, that a “crisis” basically said: “Whenever Allah wills good Maalik bin Deenaar said: “Allah moving us? Does it not contain all saying of the Prophet, sallallaahu and informed opinion; they would in means that circumstances seem to for a person, He subjects him to will be merciful with the slave who forms of punishments or terror, the ‘alaihi wa sallam, applies to them; Abu this case readily admit that the topic be other than we would like them to adversity.” [Al-Bukhari] asks himself: ‘Didn’t you do such and mention of which would crack a Hurairah, radiallaahu ‘anhu, reported is a specialised one that requires a be. That is, our own personal vision Indeed, for the one who accepts such?’ and reproaches himself for mountain, if it were to hear it, out of that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa specialist to address it, and yet they of how our lives and situations what Allah has decreed, and doing so, then forces himself to adhere fear of Allah? sallam, said: “May he be miserable: the dare to talk about matters of the should be developing fi nds itself endures his or her trials patiently, to the commandments of Allah and A Muslim should rebuke himself slave of the Deenaar and Dirham (gold religion without the slightest problem, opposed in one way or another with there is only good to come from leads himself to righteousness.” for not being moved or aff ected when and silver currency).” [Al-Bukhari] as if religion is of less importance than what Allah has decreed for us. external crises, the greater the Maymoon bin Mahraan said: “A hearing verses that address the Hereafter, Many people have indeed become scientifi c knowledge. We therefore reject the validity crisis, the greater the good, if the pious believer holds himself to account punishment in Hellfi re, and the general enslaved to their wealth. Naafi ’, radiallaahu ‘anhu, said: “Once of external crisis, insofar as this is believer engages their circumstance more severely than a stingy man does mention of Allah and His might. The Companions would only work a man came to Ibn ‘Umar, radiallaahu understood to mean a random and with Imaan (faith). with his business partner.” Undoubtedly, we are busied by this to get what suffi ced them and their ‘anhu, and asked him a question. Ibn volatile unfolding of events; and Imaam At-Tirmithi, may Allah Our Salaf (pious predecessors) worldly life and our sins are too many, families for their daily requirements ‘Umar lowered his head and began rather understand the confl ict that have mercy upon him, stated that would admonish themselves and hold and therefore we must exert far greater and shunned collecting and thinking about it. He took so long that arises between our own private will the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa themselves to account, while we on eff ort in holding ourselves to account. accumulating ever greater amounts the man thought that he had not heard and the will of Allah as an internal sallam, said: “Verily, the greatness the other hand, who are far worthier The following are some matters that one of worldly wealth. As a matter of fact, the question, so he said: ‘May Allah have crisis of belief.. of the reward is tied to the greatness of such reproach, are utterly heedless needs to pay closer attention to and hold ‘Umar, radiallaahu ‘anhu, had a friend mercy upon you! Did you not hear my Allah Says (what means): of the trial: When Allah loves a of this, despite us committing actions himself to account regarding: from the Companions who would work question?’ Ibn ‘Umar replied: ‘Indeed “No disaster strikes except by people, He (Allah) puts them to that are destructive and despite our Sincerity: Our Salaf would prefer his job one day while ‘Umar would sit I did, but you people act as if Allah will permission of Allah. And whoever trial. Whoever accepts it, will enjoy being affl icted with diseases of the hiding their good deeds from others, as with the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa not question us about what you ask and believes in Allah – He will guide his Allah’s pressure and whoever is heart and soul that require major this helps a person maintain his sincerity sallam, in order learn from him; then how we respond. Give me time to think heart. And Allah is Knowing of all displeased with it, will incur Allah’s reformation. of intention. Conversely, people nowadays they would alternate so that ‘Umar about your question, and if I have an things...” [Qur’an 64: 11] displeasure.” [At-Tirmithi] We must ask ourselves do we fear like to show off and love others praising would work while the other companion answer I will let you know. Otherwise, I Muhammad Ibn Abdul-Wahhaab, Crises, therefore, present the Allah as He should be feared? Do we them for performing good deeds that would learn. After each day, each will tell you that I do not have knowledge may Allah have mercy upon him, believer with an opportunity to more cry out of fear of Him as our Salaf they witness them doing; this is certainly would teach the other what he had about the matter.’” Note the diff erence cites in his Kitaab At-Tawheed (The fully realise his or her submission to would do? Are we moved when we hear something that requires self-rebuke in learnt from the Prophet on that day. between this companion who was one of Book of Oneness of Allah) that Allah; in essence, to prove oneself verses of the Qur’an being recited? Do order to straighten our hearts and souls. Submitting to the truth: In the scholars of his generation, and some ‘Alqamah, may Allah be pleased and thereby gain Allah’s reward, our hearts shiver and tremble from fear A person nowadays rejoices general, we do not submit to the truth people nowadays. with him, said: “He (i.e., the person and have some sins forgiven. The when Allah is mentioned and therefore when praised, whereas he may be easily, and it may be that some of us Not glorifying the Words of referred to in the above verse) is the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa rush to obey and please Him? Allah committing so many sins that had refuse to submit at all. We may realise Allah: Many people these days one who, when calamity strikes, sallam, said: “No calamity befalls a Says (what means): “Allah has sent others known about it, they would our faults yet refuse arrogantly to memorise the Qur’an, which is a knows that it is from his Lord and Muslim nor any weariness, illness, down the best statement: a consistent have rebuked him rather than praise rectify ourselves; someone may advise praiseworthy matter that would accepts it with equanimity and anxiety, grief, harm or harassment – book wherein is reiteration. The skins him. Our Salaf would hate being us about a certain matter, but we delight the heart of any Muslim, submits (himself to Allah’s Will).” even a thorn which pricks him – but shiver therefrom of those who fear praised and would sometimes even would defend ourselves while knowing but the problem is that the eff ect In other words, the contradiction that Allah expiates with it some of their Lord; then their skins and their be enraged by it. Once a man praised that the advisor is speaking the truth. of this has not materialised in their between what we desire for ourselves his sins.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] hearts relax at the remembrance [i.e., Imaam Ahmad saying: “May Allah Some of the people of knowledge behaviour. Ibn Mas’ood, radiallaahu with what Allah Almighty desires Thus, we fi nd that Imaan is the mention] of Allah…” [Qur’an 39: 23] reward you for what you have done nowadays argue and refuse to adhere ‘anhu, said describing those who for us, produces an inner crisis, a crucial equaliser in all circumstances, Once Imaam al-Maroozi said in service of Islam.” He replied: “Me? to a text presented by another person memorise the Qur’an: “The one who pivotal moment in our hearts when making all external conditions to Imaam Ahmad : “How is your Who am I? What am I?” He lowered simply because they have not heard it memorises the Qur’an should be we can either decide to bemoan our ultimately benefi cial to the believer morning?” He replied: “My morning is and humbled himself before Allah. from those under whom they studied. distinct in his qualities. He should situation and succumb to anxiety who submits to Allah’s decree. As that of one whose Lord is commanding Compare this reaction to ours! They The Salaf on the other hand, would be awake when people are asleep; and dissatisfaction, or when we the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa him to fulfi l his obligations, whose would reject any praise whereas we adhere and submit to the truth as soon he should be heedful when people can acknowledge the superiority of sallam, said: “Indeed amazing are Messenger is demanding him to listen to it with joy and request more. as it was presented to them. are heedless; he should be fasting Allah’s Will, and persevere with the the aff airs of a believer! They are all apply his Sunnah, who has two Wealth: If one of us receives any Along the same lines, many people when people are eating; he should assurances that Allah knows best. for his benefi t; if he is granted ease of angels requesting him to reform his wealth, he rejoices and his heart nowadays are fearless enough to rush be crying when people are laughing, Not only has Allah informed us living he is thankful; and this is best actions, whose lower self is leading becomes attached to it. Conversely, into passing judgment and giving and he should be submissive when that we will face circumstances that for him. And if he is affl icted with a him to give in to his desires, who has our Salaf would re-distribute any rulings on certain issues when they people are playful.” This is another we will regard as hardships, but He, hardship, he perseveres; and this is Satan beautifying sin and immorality wealth they received in every good fi eld neither possess the knowledge to do so issue regarding which we must hold Almighty, has shown us how to face best for him.” [Muslim] for him, who has the angel of death in all directions. nor have any evidence to substantiate ourselves to account. them. He, Almighty, Says (what awaiting the command to take his People in our time are extremely their statements. This is a dispraised means): “O you who have believed, Article source: http://www. soul, and whose family is asking for busy in trade, business and commerce, form of courage, because the same Article source: http://www.islamweb. seek help through patience and islamweb.net/emainpage/ provision.” endeavouring to collect ever more people would not dare address any net/emainpage/ Rush to perform acts of worship with humility

eing hard-hearted: A performing the acts you wished to play a positive role in his community and There are also many other evil qualities do not repel them but speak to them a People nowadays waste their times in widespread disease is that of perform.’” assist in matters of virtue by as much as that we must be mindful of and hold noble word.” [Qur’an 17: 23] games, late nights, socialising, watching being hard-hearted, lazy and he is able, and prevent evil by as much ourselves to account regarding, such The mother of Huthayl bin Hafsah television and in vain talk. They may Blethargic towards performing Not forbidding evil: We may very as he can. Many people stray away from as backbiting, badmouthing others said: “He would collect wood during even go as far as doing so at the expense acts of worship. Many people put off often see evil being committed before the right path because they do not fi nd and tale-bearing, while replacing the summer and peel off the outer layer of their religious obligations, such as the idea of performing acts of worship our very eyes and yet remain silent and anyone to assist them and rescue them them with praiseworthy qualities and of bark himself. Then, when winter their daily prayers, and so on. and therefore delay them to a later motionless, as if the boundaries and from straying, as those around them act morals. would come, he would come to me time, and this is from the whispers of limits of Allah do not concern us in the indiff erently. One should not undermine The Salaf would rebuke themselves whilst I was praying, light a brazier (in Wasting wealth: Many men cave Satan, so that we would end up not least. We know for certain that what is any input he can give in this regard; let us for every word they uttered, words my room) and place the peeled wood in in under pressure from their wives performing them at all. being committed is forbidden, yet we look at the story of when Imaam Ahmad which would be considered very it, as this does not give harmful smoke. and children and therefore spend Contrary to this were the Salaf who do not even think about changing the was imprisoned to see how eff ective a normal to people nowadays: Maalik bin He would do so just so that I would extravagantly, but when they are asked would rush to perform acts of worship evil, let alone preventing it from taking person can be if he takes the initiative Dhayghan said: “Rabaah bin Qays once be warm during prayer. He would do to spend in charity, one would fi nd that and utilise every opportunity they ever place. Abu ‘Abdur-Rahmaan al-‘Amri and does not act indiff erently. When came asking for my father after the ‘Asr so even though we had a servant who they are so stingy that if they were to got in this regard. They would prolong said: “A sign of your heedlessness is to Imaam Ahmad was imprisoned, a thief prayer, but he happened to be sleeping, could do the job. Whenever I thought pull out two ten riyal bills to give in their acts of worship and perform them pass by a prohibition being committed was with him in the same cell. The thief so we informed him of this, to which of stopping him and commanding charity, one would invariably return with a humility and submissiveness and not attempt to stop it.” said to him: “O Ahmad! I persevere and he remarked: ‘Who would sleep at this him to return to his family, I would to his pocket. However, if this same that we cannot even begin to One aspect of this topic is neglecting tolerate the punishment I receive while I time of the day?’ Then he left. We sent remember why he was doing it, and person were to go to a restaurant, he comprehend. Nowadays, if the person forbidding evil and enjoining good am upon falsehood and being punished a man after him to see if he wanted us thus I would allow him to continue.” would have no problem in spending leading the congregational prayer dares amongst our wives and children, as for a sin. Would someone like you, who to wake my father up for him, but this Why was he doing this himself despite multiples of this. to recite a long chapter from the Qur’an well as not teaching them what they is suff ering as a result of being upon man did not return until it was time to him having a servant who could have Allah will ask us about our wealth during it, the people would not be able need to know about their religion and the truth, not persevere and endure?” pray Maghrib. When we asked him why done it for him? It was nothing but because we were informed as such to tolerate it and would protest. This is failing to properly cultivate them, This thief played an important role he returned so late, he said: ‘I followed a refl ection of his full dutifulness by the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi a refl ection of how corroded our hearts while Allah Says (what means): “O you in comforting and consoling Imaam him to ask him, but found that he was towards his mother. wa sallam. Abu Barzah reported: have become as a result of excessive who believe! Protect yourselves and Ahmad and did not take a negative headed to the graveyard while rebuking This type of nobility is not limited The Messenger of Allah said: “Man’s eating, laughing, drinking, indulging in you families from a Fire whose fuel stance towards the issue. himself, saying: ‘What business is it to one’s parents; rather, one should be feet will not move on the Day of this worldly life and its pleasures, and is people and stones, over which are of yours to ask this kind of question? kind to all his relatives and even his Resurrection before he is asked about sinning. [appointed] angels, harsh and severe…” Undermining the grave eff ects of Why do you ask what does not concern fellow Muslims. his life and how he consumed it, his [Qur’an 66: 6] the temptation of women: Examples you? What is it to you when people go knowledge and what did he do with it, Not calling ourselves to account: The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa of this are undermining prohibited to sleep? People are free to sleep any Wasting time: The issue of wasting his wealth and how he earned it and Due to the excessive amount of mixing sallam, would walk to the house of gazing, not adhering to the Hijaab time they desire, why did you indulge time is a very important one indeed. how he disposed of it, and about his and socialising amongst the people, we Faatimah and ‘Ali, radiallaahu ‘anhum, (Islamic attire for women), women in what does not concern you?...’ Note We must be careful about it and hold body and how he wore it out.” [At- fail to fi nd the time to sit in seclusion and wake them up to pray the optional wearing perfume before leaving their how lightly such a question would be ourselves to account regarding it Tirmithi] and hold ourselves to account for night prayer, not the obligatory one, as homes, the spread of immoral fi lms, taken in our time, and how strongly he because we spend much of our time It is not to be understood here what we have said or done. This is a a way of teaching and training them. intermixing between the two sexes, rebuked himself for asking it. uselessly instead of spending it in acts that there are no people who spend great loss indeed. Let us compare this Note that this was after his daughter and other matters that have led to of obedience to Allah, as it should be generously or that there are no people to an example of our righteous Salaf: was married and living in her own people committing sins and indulging Severing ties with kinfolk: The utilised. Allah Says (what means): “And who do any of the abovementioned Ibraaheem At-Taymi said: “I imagined house. Compare this to some modern- in immorality. People nowadays mix most important of kinfolk are one’s it is He who has made the night and the matters correctly. What was intended myself in Paradise eating from its day fathers who neglect the children with the opposite sex in universities, parents, and yet we fi nd many people day in succession for whoever desires and meant is that we need to remember fruits, drinking from its rivers and and wives who are living with them schools and workplaces, while dealing with them in an inappropriate to remember or desires gratitude.” these matters and hold ourselves to enjoying its ladies. Then I imagined under the same roof. Do we ever stop Yoonus bin ‘Ubayd said: “Never be in manner or even severing ties with [Qur’an 25: 62] account with respect to them, as there myself in the Hellfi re eating from its to think how negligent we are in this seclusion with a woman, even if you them altogether. As for those who do Therefore, time was created so that are many of us who are failing to do so. bitter thorny fruits, drinking from its regard? Do we ever blame and rebuke wish to teach her the Qur’an, and even try to fulfi l the needs of their parents, we would fi ll it with acts of obedience boiling pus and suff ering at its chains. ourselves for not performing our duty if only you would be the one reciting.” many of them do it begrudgingly, while to Allah, but many people do the exact Article source: http://www.islamweb. Then I asked myself: ‘What is your in this matter the way it should be expressing discontent or complaining opposite of this. The Salaf were very net/emainpage/ wish?’ The response was: ‘I wish to done? Being ill-mannered: Many people that it is a burden upon them, while keen to make use of every second of be returned to the worldly life so that possess three very evil qualities, Allah commands us to not say even their time. Al-Hasan said: “I have met I could perform more acts of virtue.’ Being indiff erent: This is a lethal namely: lying, cowardice and the least expression of discontent in some people who were stingier with Then I addressed myself saying: ‘You attitude that is killing the Muslim miserliness, and these are the worst this regard, saying (what means): “… their time than they were with their are where you wish to be, so rush in community. A Muslim is commanded to three qualities a person can possess. Say not to them [so much as] ‘Uff , and wealth.” Gulf Times 12 Friday, July 30, 2021 QATAR Temporary traffi c closure coming up on Corniche Street

he Corniche Street Development Project, being carried out by the TPublic Works Authority (Ashghal), is progressing in full swing. Ashghal has announced a temporary traffi c closure on both directions of Corniche Street begin- ning from 12am on August 6 until 5am on August 10. The diversion in co-ordination with the General Directorate of Traffi c aims to facilitate completion of some construc- tion works of the project. The diversion includes closure of Cor- niche Street and parts of some surround- ing streets around Al Bidda Park, Al Diwan Street, Al Rumaila Street, Grand Hamad Street (Banks’ Street) and Mohammed bin Thani Street. However, pedestrians shall be allowed to use the closed roads, in addition to use of public transportation as an alter- native to private vehicles. The development works include com- pletion of implementing four pedestrian tunnels. These tunnels aim to enhance pe- destrian traffi c and connect the paths to the neighbourhoods. The construction works also include three plazas on the Corniche including Al Dafna Plaza, Corniche Plaza and Al Bidda Plaza in addition to studying some infrastructure development works in public utility service. There are seven stations of Doha Metro along Corniche Street including QNCC, West Bay, Corniche, Al Bidda, Souq Waqif, Msheireb, and Qatar National Museum. Additionally, there are six public transport bus stations at various locations including stations beside Dafna Park, City Centre, QNCC Metro Station, Hotel Park, Doha Fishing Port, and Souq Waqif Metro. The public transport buses will operate at intervals of every 10-15 minutes while providing transportation for nine hours on Friday from 2pm to 11.59pm and on Sat- urday and Sunday from 6am to 11pm. The buses will operate in parallel with Metro operating hours except on Friday on which operation of Doha Metro will be suspended. Ashghal will respond to any inquiries through Ashghal Call Center on #188, op- erating 24/7 or through Ashghal’s offi cial social media channels.

Titled ‘Various Crimes and Ways of Prevention from them’, the MoI webinar sheds light on event was held in collaboration with the Criminal Investigation Department CID various aspects of security and attended by representatives By Joey Aguilar “Security is a joint responsi- Qatar and not a runaway worker Staff Reporter bility,” he said, citing the func- or those who are residing in the from various tions and services of the CID and country against the employment giving a number of tips on how to contract that they have signed.” public/private webinar, organised by secure vehicles, residential com- Al-Mansouri reminded resi- entities and the Ministry of Interior’s plexes, and offi ces from theft. He dents to carry their QID at all expatriate A(MoI) Public Relations also shared some precaution- times particularly when going to Department yesterday, high- ary measures while withdrawing public places but should avoid communities lighted the importance of main- funds from banks or automated handing it to anyone for com- taining a ‘sense of security’ to teller machines, stressing that pleting any transaction “in order “give the correct information safeguard valuables, properties, using electronic alternatives to avoid its misuse except for an to the police about the location and workplaces from theft and such as bank transfers or money emergency.” Residents can verify of the incident (house number, other crimes. exchanges remains to be a safer the misuse of their QIDs via the street name, and zone number).” Titled ‘Various Crimes and option. Ooredoo and Vodafone apps. For those who found lost items Ways of Prevention from them’, However, in case it is neces- About photography and fi lm- like mobile phones, money, and the virtual event was held in col- sary to withdraw cash, al-Man- ing, he noted that taking pictures jewellery, al-Mansouri said they laboration with the Criminal In- souri recommends not to leave in public places is acceptable but should hand it over to its owner vestigation Department (CID) of the withdrawn money or any should avoid taking pictures of or to the nearest police station General Directorate of Criminal valuables such as jewellery in the women and men without their within seven days. Investigation, and attended by vehicle when parked elsewhere permission. “The Qatari law pro- Otherwise, the person shall be representatives from various unattended. “For the safety of hibits fi lming the government sentenced with imprisonment for public and private companies, the amount withdrawn from the buildings and locations, military, not more than six months with a schools, and expatriate commu- bank, after fund withdrawal, diplomatic and sensitive organi- fi ne of not more than QR3,000. nities, among others. we urge to head directly to the sations and those premises with a He also discussed related topics Speaking at the webinar, Lt company’s headquarters or the notice prohibiting photography. such as imposing penalties on Fahad Jassim al-Mansouri, of- specifi ed location to utilise the Commercial fi lming of public destroying the properties of oth- fi cer, Technical Offi ce of Crimi- money, without stopping on the Lt Fahad Jassim al-Mansouri with the participants at the ‘Various Crimes and Ways of Prevention from places requires permission from ers, assault, fraudsters and swin- nal Investigation Department of way to fi nish any other tasks,” he them’ webinar yesterday. the authorities concerned,” al- dlers, and ‘using alcohol’. General Directorate of Criminal pointed out. Mansouri said. In submitting criminal com- Investigation, said money and Besides ensuring the doors unattended is extremely danger- premises secured, according to tance of adhering to the residen- About the proper procedures, plaints, al-Mansouri advised valuables should be kept away and windows of cars are closed/ ous and “invites theft”. al-Mansouri. At work, he advised cy and labour laws in the country, if ever a person was robbed or residents to download and use from “the eyes of the weak- locked, he urged drivers to switch Meanwhile, installing alarms residents to “be vigilant to the saying “as the head of the family witnesses something suspicious, Metrash 2 app since it lessens minded people” to heighten off vehicles when leaving even for and CCTVs at home, company suspicious and unjustifi ed be- or owner of the company is urged he said such an incident should the time for receiving the com- one’s security and serves as a a short period. Such practice of headquarters, and residential haviour of workers.” to ensure that the person whom be reported immediately to the plaints, in addition to simplifying protection from theft. keeping the car switched on but complexes also help keep these He also stressed the impor- you employ is a legal resident in police on 999. The person should the procedures.

Date festival ending today The sixth local date festival, organised by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) and Souq Waqif, will conclude today (Friday, July 30) from 4pm to 10pm. The festival, which opened on July 15, recorded sales of a total of 114 tonnes, until Wednesday, the MME announced yesterday. Among the varieties of dates sold, the most impor- tant are Khalas, Shishi, Khenizi, Barhi and others. The festival comes within the framework of the great interest that Qatar attaches to supporting and encouraging local production of all na- tional products, including dates, and in conjunction with the dates production season in the country, and within the eff orts aimed at achieving food security, and attention and keenness to develop the agricultural sector, including palm trees. It is to be noted that for the sixth year, this festival is being organised in Souq Waqif, especially since the fruitful co-operation between the ministry and the market administration played a key role in the success and continuity of the festival.