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FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2021 30 JUMADA II - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8531 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Build your own plan! Terms & Conditions Apply Qatar,Turkey can make Amir meets Turkish Foreign Minister contribution to resolve regional issues: FMs QNA — DOHA

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- rahman Al Thani praised rela- tions and the strategic cooper- ation between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkey in all fields whether political, or in terms of the economy and other fields. In a joint press conference DohaDoha anandd AnkaraAnkara voice support to a diplo-diplo- with Minister of Foreign Affairs matic solution to Iran nuclear impasseimpasse. of Turkey H E Mevlut Cavu- Turkish FM welcomes normalisation of ties Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met Foreign Minister of the Republic of Turkey H E soglu, Qatar's top diplomat among GCC states, and lauds the mediatory Mevlut Cavusoglu and his accompanying delegation at the Amiri Diwan office yesterday. During the praised the outcomes of the 6th role played by Kuwait. meeting, they reviewed the strategic bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries, means Session of Qatar-Turkey Supreme Strategic Committee Top diplomats of Qatar and Turkey welcome of developing them and the most prominent regional and international developments. held on November 26 last year, progress in peaceful political process in Libya which yielded 10 agreements with election of an interim authority. in different fields. The Deputy Prime Minister Turkey lauds Qatar’s role in Afghan peace No exemption from hotel quarantine and Minister of Foreign Affairs process, saying Ankara will also host Afghan highlighted the importance of meetings soon. the visit by the Turkish Foreign except arrivals from ‘green list’ states Minister to Qatar, adding that reconciliation and the out- Iran nuclear programme, and they discussed a number of comes of Al-Ula summit. He said that both Turkey and Qatar THE PENINSULA — DOHA of the new medical data on from hotel quarantine, as well regional issues. He also thanked added that the two sides dis- call on the US and Iran to work COVID-19 in Qatar and the rest as visitors entering Qatar. Turkey for supporting the GCC cussed developments of the in resolving the crisis All travellers arriving in Qatar of the world, it is decided that The Ministry also confirmed diplomatically. from countries not on the green any previous exemptions from that the existing quarantine The Deputy PM also list (low-risk) will need to hotel quarantine shall no longer policy for travel and return to expressed his appreciation of undergo hotel quarantine. apply for people returning back Qatar for people coming from Turkey’s support for stability Starting February 14, there will to Qatar from countries not on counties on the green list will and the transitional process in be no exemption from the the green list. remain in place. Great to see FM @MevlutCavusoglu in #Doha again. We Libya, welcoming the election mandatory hotel quarantine, "This new policy shall apply The Ministry shall keep exchanged views on ways to deepen bilateral cooperation, of an interim executive the Ministry of Public Health to all entries and exits from these decisions under review developments in the region esp in #Libya and #Syria, and authority in Libya that took (MoPH) has said. Qatar from Sunday, February and update them where appro- a number of issues of common interest. place recently, saying it is a “Building on the previously 14,” the MoPH said on Twitter. priate based on public health landmark in the progress of the announced return from travel The decision impacts those indicators in the State of Qatar Libyan people. `P2 policy to Qatar, and in the light who were earlier exempted and the rest of the world. Doha Film Institute-supported film makes the cut at 93rd Oscars RAYNALD C RIVERA announced on Tuesday along At this year’s Oscars, five films the pandemic, it has been Unknown Saint by Alaa Eddine THE PENINSULA with eight other categories. backed by DFI were the official another successful year for DFI- Aljem (Morocco), and 200 Shot over the course of three entries of their respective coun- supported films having taken Meters by Ameen Nayfeh Notturno, a film by Italian years between Syria, Iraq, tries for the Best International part in many film festivals, some (Jordan). Once again, this reaf- director, cinematographer, Kurdistan, and Lebanon, Not- Feature Film category. of which have won awards. firms DFI’s crucial role in sup- producer and screenwriter Gian- turno follows different people At this year’s Oscars, five porting quality films in the Arab franco Rosi, has made the Oscars from near war zones in the films backed by DFI were the world and internationally. shortlist for Best Documentary Middle East, trying to restart discover how strong they can Documentary, Best Makeup and official entries of their respective Some DFI-granted films Feature following a preliminary their everyday lives. It is a study truly be. Following its world pre- Hair, Best Score, Best Song, Best countries for the Best Interna- have also reached more audi- voting by the members of the of how borders have changed miere at the 77th Venice Inter- Animated Short, Best Live Action tional Feature Film category ences in many countries via Academy. the destiny of people. national Film Festival, the film Short, and Best Visual Effects including Notturno by Gian- streaming giant Netflix. They Co-financed by Doha Film The moving documentary has screened at different fes- were also announced on franco Rosi (Italy), You Will Die include Capharnaum, Sofia, Institute (DFI), Notturno is takes the audience into a world tivals including the Toronto Film Tuesday. Announcement of final at Twenty by Amjad Abu Alala Papicha, A Son, You Will Die at among the list of 15 films chosen where human beings are Festival and the New York Film nominations is scheduled on (Sudan), Gaza Mon Amour by Twenty, Noura’s Dream, Beauty from among 238 films eligible squashed in the middle of con- Festival among others. March 15. Tarzan Abunasser and Arab and the Dogs, Wajib, and Theeb, for the award which was flict and leaves them there to Shortlists for Best Short Despite challenges caused by Abunasser (Palestine), The among others. FIFA President praises Qatar’s World Cup preparations RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA

FIFA President Gianni Infantino When it comes to the delivery of has lauded the plans under- the preparations for the World taken by Qatar to prepare for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Cup and, in spite of COVID-19, despite the COVID-19 pandemic we have never been more ready. disrupting everyday life around I think, based on my experience, the world. never an event has been more Infantino made the remarks before attending the FIFA Club ready than in Qatar. World Cup Qatar 2020 final at Gianni Infantino the Education City Stadium yes- terday. “When Qatar says ‘we will do this’, you can be sure it’s done. You can be sure; and I have to say, I have not seen it fantastic World Cup in Russia. country’s infrastructure had left (such confidence) anywhere But when it comes to the him in absolute awe. yet,” Infantino said in a TV delivery of the preparations for Infantino also praised interview conducted before the World Cup and, in spite of Qatar’s resilience in delivering yesterday’s final. COVID-19, we have never been the 2020 Club World Cup, the Bayern win FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 “I’ve been organising more ready. I think, based on first major FIFA event to take Bayern Munich players celebrate with the trophy after winning the FIFAClub World Cup Qatar 2020, European championships for my experience, never an event place since the pandemic at the Education City Stadium, yesterday. The European champions beat the Mexican side Tigres UANL many years, World Cup once, has been more ready than in upended the sports calendar PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA `Sport P15 &16 1-0 to claim their sixth title of the season. but I came very late for the 2018 Qatar,” he added. Infantino said around the world early last World Cup, which was a the rapid development of year. `P2 02 HOME FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2021 Amir witnesses national service operetta QNA — DOHA The Amir honoured H E Ali military sword of Tamim bin Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin bin Saeed Al Khayarin, Hamad Al Thani for his role in Hamad Al Thani witnessed the the battle to liberate Al Khafji, in national service operetta, which Commander of the Qatari addition, in implementation of PRAYER included honouring the officers, forces that participated in HH the Amir order, everyone TIMINGS non-commissioned officers, and the liberation of Al Khafji who participated in the Kuwait PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMINNGG individuals of the Qatari Armed liberation war will be awarded Forces participating in the with the award of the the medal of military operations, Kuwait liberation war and the military sword of Tamim bin and there number is 2,995. FAJR 04.53 am battle to liberate Al Khafji on the Hamad Al Thani for his role The medal is awarded to SUNRISE 06.12 am occasion of its 30th anniversary. those who participate in military DHUHR 11.48 am The Prime Minister and Min- in the battle to liberate Al operations from the military per- ASR 03.01 pm ister of Interior H E Sheikh Khafji. sonnel or the forces of other Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz countries, and distinguished by MAGHRIB 05.27 pm Al Thani and a number of Their the Al Mazroua area yesterday the type of military operation. ISHA 06.57 pm Excellencies Ministers, senior evening. Also, each of the 1,450 partici- leaders and officials of the Qatar Then, the Amir honoured H pants in the battle to liberate Al Armed Forces attended the E Ali bin Saeed Al Khayarin, Khafji will be awarded the medal operetta, which was held at the Commander of the Qatari forces of courage, which is awarded to National Service Academy that participated in the liberation those who perform acts of valor, Theater in the Miqdam Camp in of Al Khafji with the award of the sacrifice, or courage.

Foreign Minister meets Indonesian counterpart WEATHER TODAY

17oC 28oC Minimum Maximum Misty at places at first becomes moderate temperature daytime with some clouds and slight dust at places at times, cold by night. W ALRUWAIS : 19o → 22o Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed → W ALKHOR : 14o 27o bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met yesterday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of W DUKHAN : 13o → 23o the Republic of Indonesia H E Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi who is currently W WAKRAH : 13o → 28o Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin visiting the country. They reviewed bilateral cooperation relations, especially the affairs of employment and the economy, in addition to issues of common concern. W MESAIEED : 13o → 28o Abdulrahman Al Thani and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, H E Mevlut Cavusoglu, during a joint press conference in Doha, yesterday. W ABUSAMRA : 13o → 23o

HIGH TIDE 05:19 – 16:21 Qatar, Turkey can make contribution to resolve regional issues: FM FROM PAGE 1 LOW TIDE 12:59 – 23:58 bilateral cooperation and con- crisis, expressing his country’s and that the country will regain Qatar and Turkey share the same The Deputy Prime Minister and tinued consultations. thanks to the State of Kuwait for security and peace. He position in that regard.The Minister of Foreign Affairs Speaking on the occasion, the role it played in that regard, expressed his appreciation to Turkish Minister said he also dis- stressed Qatar’s support to their the Turkish Foreign Minister and expressed his hope that ties the UN efforts to restore cussed Palestinian developments brothers in Libya as they look said expressed his delight at between the regional countries security and peace in Yemen. during his meetings in Doha, MoI books over to emerge out of the crisis being in Qatar. He said his return to normal. He added that Cavusoglu said develop- stressing that Qatar and Turkey smoothly and hold elections meeting in Doha yesterday opening the airspace was a ments in Libya were positive, and support a political resolution in 800 for defying that are fair, transparent, and focused on discussing the out- start, stressing that strong ties expressed his hope that the new Palestine. meet the aspirations of the comes of the 6th Session of between neighbours benefits government can assume power He noted that talks related COVID-19 curbs Libyan people. Qatar-Turkey Supreme Stra- development and the security smoothly. He stressed that to the Afghan issue in Doha wee Sheikh Mohammed bin tegic Committee, stressing that of the entire region. Turkey is working on supporting very difficult, expressing his THE PENINSULA — DOHA Abdulrahman Al Thani said the ties between Qatar and Turkey Turkey’s top envoy noted the peaceful political process in appreciation for the leading role two sides also discussed a are going from strength to that there were other issues in Libya, noting that talks in Qatar played by Qatar in that regard. Ministry of Interior (MoI) offi- number of regional issues that strength. He noted that the two the region. He said everyone touched on that issue and He said Qatar played a great cials have intensified their included developments in Syria sides want to increase bilateral must work together to solve stressed Turkey’s continued role in that regard that Turkey efforts to take action against and Iraq, as well as the peace trade volume and work together those problems, especially the support to the Libyan people. supports and appreciates. He individuals violating COVID-19 process in Afghanistan. He more in different fields, ones related to US-Iran ties in He said his talks with his revealed that his country is in precautionary measures in the stressed that Qatar and Turkey expressing his delight with terms of the sanctions imposed Qatari counterpart also focused communication with the Afghan country. enjoyed distinguished and stra- working on enhancing Qatari- on Iran, and the US withdrawal on the Syrian issue, saying he side and will host Afghan The officials booked 811 tegic ties. The Deputy PM said Turkish ties in different fields. from the Iran nuclear deal. He hopes that it can be resolved meetings soon. He noted that individuals and referred them that Qatar is always happy with He also praised Qatar’s efforts stressed that Turkey and Qatar through a political process similar both Turkey and Qatar were to the Public Prosecution for visits by Turkish officials to in hosting the World Cup 2022. can make a contribution to to Libya. He stressed that a cooperating to resolve this violations of COVID-19 pre- Qatar where they can discuss a Cavusoglu praised the nor- resolve all these issues. peaceful, political resolution was issue, praising Qatar’s soft cautionary measures. 786 variety of topics, adding that he malisation of ties between He also expressed his hope the only option for those two power saying Turkey realises were booked for not wearing looks forward for increased parties involved in the GCC that the crisis in Yemen will end issues, saying he was pleased that they are very important. masks in public, while 25 were found violating the limit allowed in a vehicle, which Temporary closure is specified as four persons, COVID-19 virus can have long term health including the driver, except on Ibn Dirham Street for members of the same THE PENINSULA — DOHA family. All the violators were effects for some patients: Health official The Public Works Authority referred to the Public Prose- ‘Ashghal’ announced yesterday cution for further action. FAZEENA SALEEM affect people’s kidney, liver and symptoms that might stay with admitted to hospital with a temporary closure on Ibn “In line with the cabinet THE PENINSULA lungs health for many weeks or the patient, even if he survives. COVID-19 and the number of Dirham Street in both direc- decision based on Law No. 17 months, in a video message These can include muscle people admitted to Intensive tions in the section between of 1990 regarding infectious Some symptoms of COVID-19 posted by Ministry of Public weakness, nervousness, and Care Unit with COVID-19. Al Arab Street and the B Ring diseases, 786 people were can affect patients’ health for a Health in its social media general fatigue and may need The total number of positive Road, starting tomorrow for referred to the Public Prose- longer time, said a senior health accounts. oxygen for a long time. COVID-19 cases recorded in a period of three months, in cution for not wearing masks official yesterday. “The COVID-19 virus is “Just be aware that a Qatar is 155,901 and there are coordination with the and 25 for violating the limit While most persons with transferred by respiratory COVID-19 virus can have longer 7,920 active cases under General Directorate of of passengers in a car,” Min- COVID-19 recover and return droplets. It lives in the body for term effects on you,” cautioned treatment. Traffic, to enable completion istry said in a statement to normal health, some patients about 14 days. During these Dr Al Maslamani. There are 62 cases of hos- of infrastructure works, as yesterday. can have symptoms that can days it can cause renal failure, The MoPH in its daily pital admissions in the last 24 part of the B Ring Road The competent authorities last for weeks or even months hepatic failure or lung failure. COVID-19 report has said that hours taking the total number Upgrade Project. call on the public to adhere to after recovery, said Medical Lung failure means the patient over the past month in Qatar we of patients in the hospital to 572. During this time, road the precautionary and pre- Director of Hamad General will need oxygen and to be have seen a gradual and con- Sixteen were admitted to users wishing to use Ibn ventive decisions in force to Hospital, Dr. Yousef Al admitted in the Intensive Care sistent increase in the number intensive care in the last 24 Dirham Street will be required protect them and others from Maslamani. Unit,” he said. of new daily infections. hours, and so 78 people con- to use parallel streets such as the spread of the Coronavirus He has explained about “If the patient survives, he Additionally, and of great tinue to receive medical Al Bara bin Malik Street and Al in society,” the statement some of the long-term can get rid of these problems. concern, is the recent increase attention in Intensive Care Urouba Street to reach their added. symptoms of COVID-19 that can But there are long term in both the number of people Unit. destinations. FIFA President praises Qatar’s World Cup preparations People can now apply for holding events online FROM PAGE 1 said.The FIFA President said Qatar had of course starting with His Highness “It has been very challenging to get managed itself well during the times the Amir who gives the input,” THE PENINSULA — DOHA here, but I have to say I’m very happy of COVID-19. Infantino said. and proud that we managed to set up “Certainly, it (the preparation) has “But everyone is doing an out- The Ministry of Interior has this year’s Club World Cup, which is (been affected) a little bit but you standing job and when we see that we announced that people can now the first global tournament taking place cannot see it. Why? Because everything can come back, then we can organise submit the application for holding since the outbreak of the pandemic,” was prepared. You (have) plan A,B,C,D, a global tournament since we have events (party and condolences) Infantino said during his interview with you know that if something, if this thirty percent of capacity in the through Metrash2 app without beIN Sports Channel. happens, we go here, so preparations stadium (currently). Of course, I wanted visiting security departments. “Everything has impressed me in were done in such a way that in spite hundred percent. It’s not impossible. The Ministry said in a Qatar. The first time that I came to of something unforeseen happening But 30 percent (of fan attendance) is statement on its official twitter Qatar — it must have been, I don’t like Covid, operations could continue good. account that service can be com- know 15 years ago — there was kind and everything is ready,” Infantino “The atmosphere was great in the pleted through simple steps of one road one hotel. I am exagger- said. games. But this doesn’t happen on its (Metrash2- Communicate with ating of course, but what has happened “The last one was the Club World own. This happens thanks to a very us- Apply to Hold an Event, agree since then, how this country has Cup which was also held here in Doha detailed, very professional, very pro- to the pledge, fill in the details and evolved, is astonishing from a football in December 2019. So, it’s important fessionally-implemented protocol and send). Once these steps are com- perspective, of course, more generally to send a message to the world that health insurance system because pleted, applicants will receive the in the world as well. If you bring it (the football is back to life, especially if we health comes first. It sends out an message in your email inbox, said topic) back to football, I think what speak about a very difficult situation. important message that here in Qatar, that the Ministry. pledging to abide by the procedures impressed me most, for being around This has only been possible thanks to here in Doha, we can organise events In an earlier statement, the Min- and precautionary measures according football in the last 25 years — 16 of the incredible work that has been done safely for every involved — player, istry said that people need to notify to the mechanism determined by the which in Europe in UEFA — is the here in Qatar by the health authorities, official, referee, fan, a World Cup,” the Ministry of Interior of the date and ministry in order limit spread quality in delivery of Qatar,” Infantino by the organisers, by the government, Infantino said. place of the wedding ceremony and COVID-19. FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2021 HOME 03

Qatar, Spain sign pact to enhance cultural and sports ties Qatar attends GCC Health Ministers' extraordinary meeting

The State of Qatar participated in the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Health Ministers, held yesterday in Riyadh. The Minister of Public Health H E Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari represented Qatar in the meeting. The meeting, held via videoconference, covered a number of important topics The State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Spain signed an agreement to promote cooperation in cultural that included Epidemiological indicators developments in the GCC, precautionary measures that can and sports fields. The agreement was signed on the Qatari side by the Minister of Culture and Sports contain the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) variant, as well as the health conditions required H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, and on the Spanish side by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, European from GCC citizens at borders, a proposal to hold a joint study on gene sequencing, and standards Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, H E Arancha Gonzalez Laya. for registering vaccines. QA celebrates Chinese New Qatari citizen recovers from Year with special menu COVID-19 after 144 days THE PENINSULA — DOHA reached lung fibrosis, acute quality of intensive healthcare THE PENINSULA — DOHA with lotus seed brown rice and said: “At Qatar Airways we rec- respiratory failure and com- provided by our medical teams vegetables. Following this, pas- ognise the importance of cele- Hamad Medical Corporation’s plete liver function (physicians, nurses and spe- In celebration of the Chinese sengers can indulge in a tanta- brating the customs of our (HMC) Hazm Mebaireek disorders. cialists), led by Dr. Mohamed Al New Year, Qatar Airways will lising dessert which includes diverse segments of loyal pas- General Hospital (HMGH) Hussein Al Ishaq, Executive Khatib, for COVID-19 patients. take travellers on a journey of dried raspberry kumquat sengers. As they travel with us announced the discharge of a Director of HMGH, underlined This occurs within the flavours with an oriental mousse. Passengers travelling this year, we hope that they 65-year-old Qatari National that the patient had to be put framework of the huge efforts inspired menu on board flights in Economy Class can enjoy enjoy this special occasion and after recovery from COVID-19, on ventilators in the Intensive exerted by our Corporation to to popular Asia destinations stir-fried prawn noodles with the delicious dishes our chefs yesterday. Care Unit (ICU) for a long combat the COVID-19 pan- between February 11 and 12 spring onions and crispy have created for them as they The patient had been suf- period. After that his condition demic, within an integrated (today). At Qatar Airways’ Al youtiao, or sweet and sour celebrate Chinese New Year fering from severe complica- started to improve. He started treatment system under the Mourjan Business Lounge, chicken stir-fried pineapple and enjoy family reunions.” tions due to his COVID-19 to move his limbs and con- supervision of HE Dr. Hanan passengers will also have the rice, as a main dish. For dessert, Qatar Airways’ Premium infection for which he has sciously communicate with the Mohamed Al Kuwari, the Min- opportunity to sample customers can indulge in a tofu passengers travelling via Doha stayed in hospital as an inpa- medical team. Then his con- ister of Public Health. wholesome Asian cuisine and and honey roasted sesame seed will also have the opportunity tient since September 2020. dition became stable. After that The family of the recovered celebrate the traditional mousse. to embrace this important The patient, who had been he was transferred to complete patient praised the man- lunisolar Chinese calendar in Premium passengers will Chinese holiday through a spe- complaining of pulmonary his rehabilitation, physio- agement of Hazm Mebaireek Qatar Airways’ five-star hub also be treated to special cially designed food experience arterial blood pressure, was therapy and occupational General Hospital as well as all Hamad International Airport Chinese New Year touches and bespoke touches in Al admitted to Hazm Mebaireek therapy at the Qatar Rehabili- the medical and technical staff (HIA) during the same period. throughout their on board Mourjan Business Lounge. Pas- General Hospital after being tation Institute. of the hospital who exerted Business Class passengers experience featuring a spiced sengers can enjoy a selection diagnosed with acute pneu- Al Ishaq added that the optimal efforts to secure high travelling to Hong Kong, oriental fizz welcome beverage of dishes from the buffet and à monia due to COVID-19. His recovery of this patient is a quality healthcare service for Malaysia and Singapore can on board, festive tray mats and la carte menu including, condition deteriorated until it good example of the high the patient. select from a delicious à la carte napkin bands with traditional chicken sweet corn soup, ori- menu that will feature Can- good luck and fortune ental slaw salad, golden five tonese style pineapple smoked symbols, chopsticks served on spice chicken, szechuan style salmon, white radish stuffed all trays, and Chinese lucky beef sirloin, as well as coconut MoPH reports 448 new cases and 276 recoveries with cream cheese and dragon knots placed on cutlery rolls. mango szechuan pepper fruit, chicken and prawn Economy Class passengers mousse for dessert. The dining THE PENINSULA — DOHA of COVID-19 vaccinations has started in Qatar wonton soup with shiitake will receive red envelopes experience has been curated to and in the coming months it will be available for mushrooms, spring onion and ‘hóngbāo’ with inspiring mes- include Chinese chopsticks, The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) yesterday the public for free. chili soy sauce, stir-fried sages that symbolise good cutlery packs with a bespoke announced the registration of 451 new However the Ministry has stressed it is handmade noodles with lobster fortune and luck for the New napkin band and Chinese knot confirmed COVID-19. Among them 57 were important for everyone to play their role in in doubanjiang sauce mixed Year ahead. tassel, Chinese inspired lan- travellers returning from abroad. Another 276 controlling the virus by following precautionary with mushrooms and spring Qatar Airways Group Chief terns, and iconic digital menu people have recovered from the virus, bringing measures including adherence to physical dis- onion, and pan seared duck Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, cards. the total number of recovered cases in Qatar tancing, avoid close contact with At HIA, passengers can to 147,727. others, crowded places, and confined closed expect the highest safety All new cases have been introduced to iso- spaces where other people congregate, wearing standards. Qatar Airways lation and are receiving necessary healthcare a face mask and washing hands regularly. recently became the first according to their health status. Ministry reported The Ministry further said that measures to global airline to achieve the one death – 81-year-old - taking the total death tackle COVID-19 in Qatar have succeeded in prestigious 5-Star COVID-19 toll due to COVID-19 to 254 in the country. flattening the curve and limiting the spread of Airline Safety Rating by inter- The total number of positive COVID-19 cases the virus. Due to the measures put in place by national air transport rating recorded in Qatar is 155,901 and there are 7,920 Qatar’s government and the support of the public organisation, Skytrax. This active cases under treatment. in following preventive steps, Qatar succeeded follows HIA’s recent success There are 62 new cases of hospital admis- in suppressing the spread of the virus since its peak as the first airport in the sions taking the total number of patients in the in July. Middle East and Asia to be hospital to 572. Sixteen were admitted to intensive However, over the past month in Qatar has seen awarded a Skytrax 5-Star care, and so 78 people continue to receive a gradual and consistent increase in the number of Oriental inspired flavours on Qatar Airways flight. COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating. medical attention in ICU. While the first phase new daily infections. Qatar University marks World Radio Day THE PENINSULA — DOHA their sentiments on this day. awareness among the public, opinion on different issues.” Dr. Kamal Hamidou, Acting despite modern technologies. “I think that just as cinema Qatar University (QU) marked Department Head of Mass Com- The “podcast” is one of the did not die after the invention of the 9th edition of World Radio munication at College of Arts and examples of this adaptation. television, and television did not Day, annually recognised on Sciences QU, said, “Radio is such Through this technology, the die after the invention of the February 13 worldwide. The a medium which will never die, radio has been able to find a Internet, I also believe that the 2021 edition of World Radio even if we notice a significant place for itself in modern com- radio will not die after the Day is based around three sub- decline in the number of people munication platforms to attract invention of podcasting on the themes: Evolution, Innovation, who use this news medium. Like the young generation towards Internet, but rather, it will extend and Connection. newspapers and television, net- this medium. As for the content, its life for a long time,” he added. Narcotics were hidden inside women’s bag and shoe. QU marked this day to shed works have adapted new ways the podcast provided the radio “The radio remains a beau- light on the importance of radio, of technology easily accessed with an opportunity to present tiful place for constructive dia- which remains the medium to through their mobile phones various exciting topics, which logue and exchange of ideas Customs foils efforts to smuggle reach the widest audience and instead of listening to radio. raises awareness and builds within society as well as is currently taking up new tech- However, radio remains a knowledge among people. between people. We have to heroin, cocaine in postal parcel nological forms and devices. medium that can be used during Dr. Fayez Shaheen, find a way to teach the children THE PENINSULA — DOHA Radio plays a vital role in emer- crises, pandemics, and wars. The Assistant Professor of Mass how to enjoy the radio,” said gencies used by emergency and radio will be an ancient solution Communication at College of Chaker Ayadi, Lecturer of Mass security services to commu- to communicate with the masses Arts and Sciences QU, discussed Communication at College of The Air Cargo and Private Airports Customs Department of the nicate when immediate to reassure them, educate them, the popularity that radio enjoys. Arts and Sciences QU. Postal Consignments Customs section (express mail) of the General assistance is required. Radio is or activate them.” “There is no doubt that the World Radio Day aims to Authority of Customs thwarted efforts to smuggle heroin and also an effective, low-cost Dr. Abdulrahman Al Shami, radio is still popular among the raise greater awareness among cocaine in a postal parcel, the GAC said in a statement. medium to broadcast emer- Associate Professor of Mass public worldwide, and even in the public and the media of the According to the release, the 1kg cocaine was hidden in a gency news and updates, Communication at College of the advanced European coun- importance of radio. The aim is shipment of women’s supplies secretly hidden around women’s available everywhere and Arts and Sciences QU, shed light tries. The radio comes in second to encourage decision-makers bag — also, the narcotic heroin, which weighs 70 grammes and suitable to reach remote com- on the importance of radio in place concerning the public to establish and provide access hidden inside the shoe. The parcel was delivered to the competent munities and vulnerable people. the media and the podcast’s role choice. Radio educates masses to information through radio. It authorities in the state, and a seizure report was issued. Several staff members at (podcasting) in the new era. He from urban areas and is easily is also for improving networking The success in discovering these narcotic substances comes from Mass Communication said that radio plays an adapted. It plays an important and international cooperation the employees’ insight and competence and their experience in Department at QU expressed important role in raising role in developing people’s between broadcasters. knowing the common methods applied by smugglers over the years. MoCI closes several retail outlets for violating COVID-19 measures THE PENINSULA — DOHA commercial companies in Al These measures come as activities, as well as following stipulated in Law No. (5) of 2015 intends to intensify its inspection The Ministry of Commerce and Wakrah, Ain Khaled, and Old part of the Ministry’s keen up on compliance with the Min- on Commercial, Industrial, and campaigns to control violating Industry (MoCI) has announced Airport, for violating the Minis- efforts to monitor and regulate istry’s circulars regarding precau- Similar Public Shops, and Street practices. Any party who violates the closure of several retail try’s circulars regarding precau- markets and commercial activ- tionary and preventive measures Vendors, nor would it allow vio- laws and Ministerial decisions will outlets across Qatar, including a tionary and preventive measures ities across Qatar, and to to confront the COVID-19. The lation of the circulars regarding be referred to the competent gymnasium at the Pearl, a retail to confront the COVID-19 virus, monitor the degree of com- Ministry stressed that it would precautionary and preventive authorities, who will take appro- outlet in Abu Hamour, a cafe in and for failing to meet general pliance with laws and regula- neither tolerate negligence in measures to confront the corona- priate measures against violators Souq Waqif, and three and special requirements. tions governing commercial terms of meeting obligations virus. The Ministry assures that it to protect consumer rights. 04 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2021 Iran holds annual military exercises near Iraq border AP/BLOOMBERG — TEHRAN, IRAN enrichment in exchange for the Oman FM says voices hope lifting of economic sanctions. Iran’s paramilitary Revolu- that all parties would When the US then increased tionary Guard yesterday began return to the 2015 Iran sanctions, Iran gradually and a ground forces drill near the publicly abandoned the deal’s Iraqi border, state TV reported. deal, saying his country limits on its nuclear The report said the annual was prepared to facilitate development. exercise, dubbed the “great communications. Meanwhile, Oman’s Foreign prophet,” is ongoing in the Minister Sayyid Badr bin southwest of the country and Hamad Albusaidi said he was has aimed at readiness and part of a naval drill in the Gulf optimistic all parties would assessment of forces. of Oman, state media reported, return to the 2015 Iran deal and Drones and helicopters will under surveillance of what that his country was prepared be used in the drill, too. appeared to be a US nuclear to facilitate communications. In recent months, Iran has submarine. Albusaidi said the Gulf Arab increased its military drills. That came after speedboats nation based its foreign policy In January the Guard con- parade in the Persian Gulf and on keeping dialogue open with ducted a drill and launched a massive drone exercise across all its neighbours and working anti-warship ballistic missiles the country. closely with multilateral at a simulated target in the Trump in 2018 unilaterally organisations to build peace. Gaza-Egypt border crossing Indian Ocean. withdrew the US from Iran’s He spoke yesterday at an A Palestinian security officer checks passengers at Rafah border crossing after it was opened by A week before that, Iran’s nuclear deal, in which Tehran online panel of the Atlantic Egyptian authorities, in the southern Gaza Strip, yesterday. navy fired cruise missiles as had agreed to limit its uranium Council. Turkish health workers start getting 2nd anti-COVID-19 shots New US envoy AP — ISTANBUL other health professionals on Turkey aims to vaccinate at have arrived since December. administered free of charge in meets Yemen January 14. President Recep least 60% of the population, Turkey is also set to receive hospitals and neighbourhood Turkey yesterday started Tayyip Erdogan, who was Koca said, without providing a at least 4.5 million doses of the health care centres. president administering the second dose among the first to receive the timeframe. shot developed by Pfizer and Koca said Turkey had of the COVID-19 vaccine vaccine in a bid to set an The country has been trying BioNTech by the end of March, detected 263 cases of the REUTERS — DUBAI developed by China’s Sinovac example, also got his second to procure vaccines from mul- with an option to purchase a COVID-19 variant first found in company to healthcare workers shot yesterday. tiple sources, but has expressed further 30 million later, the the U.K., 23 cases of the variant The United States’ new special across the country. “God willing, we aim to vac- a preference for those made minister said. detected in South Africa and 106 envoy to Yemen, Tim Also yesterday, people cinate all our citizens in a short with an older and tested tech- Koca also said Turkey was cases of variants with “unde- Lenderking, met Yemen’s above the age of 70 qualified to period of time,” Erdogan said nology, such as Sinovac’s. seeking to produce Russia’s termined origins.” internationally-recognised receive their first dose of the in a statement released by his Koca announced on Sputnik V vaccine The minister said, however, president and his foreign vaccine as Turkey further office. Wednesday that Turkey had domestically. that a recent increase in infec- minister in Riyadh yesterday, expanded its inoculation After a promising start reached an agreement to pur- Meanwhile, a Turkish tions in Turkey cannot be amid a flurry of diplomatic campaign. which saw 1.2 million people chase another 50 million doses vaccine being developed by attributed to the more infectious activity by the Biden adminis- People aged over 65 will receive their first doses in one of the Sinovac vaccine, bringing Erciyes University, in central variants. tration aimed at ending the qualify as of today, according week, Turkey’s pace of vacci- the total amount to 100 million Turkey, began its phase II Turkey has reported 2.5 war. to Health Minister Fahrettin nation has slowed. In all, around doses. testing this week. It was not million confirmed infections “Our primary objective is Koca. 2.8 million people have He did not say when they clear if the jab was on target to and more than 27,000 deaths to bring the parties together Turkey first began vacci- received their first shots in the would be delivered. A total 15 be ready by April. since the start of the outbreak in coordination with UN nating doctors, nurses and country of 83.6 million. million doses of the vaccine The jab is being in March 2020. Special Envoy Griffiths for a negotiated settlement that will end the war and the suf- Turkey: 2 soldiers fering of the Yemeni people,” Sudan cracks down on ex-ruling party after protests the US embassy to Yemen killed, 4 wounded reported of Lenderking’s REUTERS — KHARTOUM rule in a fragile transitional formally dissolved after the The committee tasked with comments to Yemen’s foreign in northern Iraq arrangement with political coup, former Bashir supporters dismantling Bashir’s repressive minister. A committee tasked with parties that were part of the have led unrest in Khartoum ruling apparatus said it had US President Joe Biden last QNA — ANKARA dismantling the government of uprising against him. and other cities, and the tran- received information about week named veteran US dip- toppled former president Omar Over the past few days, sitional period has seen activities by former NCP lomat Lenderking as a US Turkey’s Ministry of Defence Al Bashir has issued a wide- protests by Bashir-era loyalists reported coup plots and a members “to organise arson special envoy to Yemen. announced yesterday that two ranging order to prosecute have taken a violent turn in botched assassination attempt and looting and terrorise Washington also Turkish soldiers were killed members of Sudan’s ex-ruling major cities across Sudan, with on Prime Minister Abdalla unarmed citizens”. announced an end to its and four others were wounded party following days of violent government buildings and Hamdok. Governors of several states support for Saudi-led military during the second phase of protests across the country. vehicles set on fire and Yesterday the public pros- said the protests were distinct operations in Yemen. Operation Claw-Eagle in Posted early yesterday, the property pillaged. ecution issued an order for the from other, peaceful demon- UN officials are trying to northern Iraq. decree directed state governors Markets were looted in arrest of eight men including strations held in protest against revive peace talks to end the The ministry said in a to take action through the several cities, and a spokesman well-known Bashir allies sus- a worsening economic crisis. war, which the UN says has statement that the deaths and public prosecutor against “all for the committee described pected to have gone into “It was not isolated, nor created the world’s largest wounded came as a result of leaders of the dissolved the situation as an “economic hiding. was it a sudden act or reaction, humanitarian crisis. clashes that erupted with the National Congress Party, and war” against Hamdok’s gov- Hamdok on Wednesday but rather an arranged and The UN special envoy has PKK militants in the Gara its active cadres and the ernment, which has struggled swore in a new cabinet and politically planned action by also visited Iran and Saudi region in northern Iraq, adding leaders of its facades”. with price hikes and fuel and formed a working group of the former regime,” said North Arabia where he held talks that the wounded were taken Military generals ousted bread shortages. ministers to monitor the Darfur Governor Mohamed with Iranian and Saudi foreign to hospital. Bashir in April 2019 and now While the NCP was aftermath of the protests. Hassan Al Arabi. ministers in recent days. The ministry stated that specific targets in the area were bombed with an air strike, which caused the armed African nations still group heavy losses. On Wednesday, Turkey’s Ministry of Defence launched the second phase of Operation encouraged to use Claw-Eagle against PKK targets in northern Iraq to respond to armed attacks and AstraZeneca vaccine ensure security of the coun- AP — NAIROBI, KENYA the East African nation, which try’s borders. has not updated its number of African countries without the infections since April, even coronavirus variant dominant though reports are growing of Morocco receives in South Africa should go ahead a surge in infections there. and use the AstraZeneca Africa is only now 4 million doses COVID-19 vaccine, the Africa beginning to see the large-scale Centers for Disease Control and arrival of COVID-19 vaccines, of AstraZeneca Prevention said yesterday, and this week’s news from while the World Health Organ- South Africa, the continent’s A worker pushes bananas at a packing line at a banana farm in Sidi Fredj, Algeria, on February 7, 2021. vaccine ization suggested the vaccine hardest hit country, was a even for countries with the shock. REUTERS — RABAT variant circulating widely. The Africa CDC says African Algeria turns to bananas in trade gap battle They spoke to reporters a countries with the variant now Morocco received a second REUTERS — SIDI FREDJ, ALGERIA the government to develop the chases from abroad. day after South Africa dominant in South Africa batch of 4 million doses of the crop more widely along the “It is imperative to mod- announced it would not use the should speed up plans to AstraZeneca coronavirus Faced with dwindling energy coast. ernise the (agricultural) sector AstraZeneca vaccine, citing a introduce all COVID-19 vac- vaccine yesterday, having revenues and costlier imports, “Banana cultivation will and provide all facilities for small study that suggested it cines that have received emer- began Africa’s first national Algeria’s government is turning help Algeria gain employment farmers,” he told parliament. was poor at preventing mild to gency use authorization or vaccination campaign two to farmers like Mostefa Mazouzi and wealth,” he said at his In 2020, overall imports moderate disease caused by the approval by regulatory author- weeks ago, health ministry to help narrow its trade gap — banana farm west of the capital, declined 18% to $34.4bn as the variant. ities, while considering their sources said. The shipment of so it’s lent him a hectare of land Algiers. “We are looking for coronavirus pandemic dis- Africa CDC director John effectiveness against variants AstraZeneca vaccines, manu- on condition he use it to grow investment support.” For rupted global trade, but the Nkengasong said seven coun- first reported in South Africa factured by India’s Serum bananas. Algeria, an OPEC member that deficit still widened because tries on the 54-nation African and the UK. Institute, arrived on a Royal Air Mazouzi, who already owns failed to develop its non-energy export earnings dropped 33% continent have reported the Suggesting that countries go Maroc flight in Casablanca. a tomato farm, has built green- sectors before oil prices fell, the to $23.8bn. That was mainly variant and none besides South ahead with the AstraZeneca “This new batch would houses and already harvested need to push the state-con- due to lower prices for crude Africa is “overwhelmed” by it. vaccine even if the variant is enable a steady continuation a banana crop on the new land trolled economy to produce oil and gas, which account for No other has expressed con- circulating widely, the WHO’s of Morocco’s national vacci- near the Mediterranean coast. goods it currently buys abroad 94% of total export revenues cerns about the AstraZeneca Moeti said “what’s important is nation campaign,” said Said While he won’t give figures, is growing ever more urgent. and 60% of the state budget. vaccine. the opportunity is there to con- Afif, a member of the health he says the venture is “very Food imports, accounting “The government should... The seven countries are tinue to study the vaccine” and ministry’s scientific com- profitable”, and the gov- for around 20% of Algeria’s move to other sectors, such as South Africa, Botswana, its effectiveness. mittee. The latest batch of ernment, reaping the benefits purchases from abroad, totalled agriculture to avoid financial Comoros, Ghana, Kenya, AstraZeneca doses are AstraZeneca vaccines follows of early domestic plantings of $8.07 billion in 2019, and the shocks caused by oil crises,” Mozambique and Zambia. expected to start arriving in 2 million doses received last a crop that cost $35m to import government has been providing said Mustapha Djabane, head In a separate briefing, WHO other parts of Africa in the next month and 500,000 doses of in the first quarter of 2019, is loans at low interest rates for of the parliament agriculture Africa chief Matshidiso Moeti two weeks, the Africa CDC’s the COVID-19 vaccine happy too. farmers to grow other crops committee. Mazouzi believes added Tanzania to that list, Nkengasong said. developed by Sinopharm. Mazouzi says bananas earn too. Agriculture Minister Abdel- the sector could end up helping saying two travellers from And the WHO’s Moeti By Wednesday Morocco more for him than other crops hamid Hamdani this week out on both sides of the trade there had been found to be car- looked forward to a significant had vaccinated 746,116 people because mostly imported fruit announced plans to cut that account — by first meeting rying the variant in “the UK, I rollout of vaccines in March, and reported 476,689 corona- is more expensive. He plans to annual bill by at least $2.5bn by domestic consumption and believe.” adding that 34 of Africa’s coun- virus infections and 8,436 create an association for boosting domestic output and then generating supplementary Tanzania’s president has tries now have their rollout deaths. banana producers and wants rationing spending on pur- production abroad. denied that COVID-19 exists in plans in place. FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2021 ISLAM 05 Islamic ethical perspectives on vaccination The understanding of the interaction of religion and science is crucial in addressing the phenomenon of vaccination hesitancy. Moradian’s successful story in 19th century-Baghdad shows the blurred borderlines between the “religious” and “scientific” aspects of vaccination that should be considered in any attempt to engage the public and to win their trust. Involving a religious figure like the Mufti of Baghdad in the vaccination campaign was crucial for mobilizing the public.

MOHAMMED GHALY Moradian’s own son. The example given by the Mufti of Baghdad y the end of 2020, a new hope encouraged people from different reli- was born to contain the gions to get vaccinated, helping them BCOVID-19 pandemic. People dispel the fears and concerns they had worldwide started thinking about what before. course of action would work for them. Eventually, Moradian had great Should they accept the vaccine? Or success and as many as 5,400 children should they not? Some people’s hesi- were vaccinated during a nine-year tancy stemmed from religious grounds, period. Additionally, he later and Muslims were no exception in this broadened the geographical scope of regard. In this article, I argue that this vaccination campaign by involving understanding that the interplay of another Iraqi city, Mosul, with the help religion and science is crucial in of a local priest. Healthcare workers are seen during verification and health screening before receiving Sinovac's vaccine for the coronavirus addressing the phenomenon of vacci- disease (COVID-19) at a hospital in Bandung, West Java province, Indonesia. nation hesitancy. Additionally, the Historical Insights article examines some of the less-high- This story provides important religion in the religio-ethical discourse original nature, for which it was by rich countries to the extent that each lighted issues in the moral discourse insights. Moradian’s successful story on vaccination now continues in the prohibited. citizen can be vaccinated up to five on COVID-19 vaccines. in 19th century-Baghdad shows the modern context of the COVID-19 pan- times, although many of the poor coun- blurred borderlines between the “reli- demic. Almost all the “religious” con- Missing Issues tries would only be able to vaccinate Smallpox Vaccine gious” and “scientific” aspects of vac- cerns that have been circulated in the If religio-ethical discourse is to be one in 10 people. As the smallpox pandemic peaked cination that should be considered in press and on social media are closely premised on reliable science, then good In a message directed to the phar- towards the end of the 8th century, the any attempt to engage the public and related to the scientific knowledge science should also be tied to ethics. maceutical industry, the Grand Imam English physician Edward Jenner to win their trust. Involving a religious that people have access to or believe We have been overwhelmed by an of Al Azhar, Ahmad Al Tayyib, called (d.1823) managed to develop the figure like the Mufti of Baghdad in the to be true. Just as examples, the unstoppable stream of news which for adopting fair policies that are world’s first vaccine in 1796 and he vaccination campaign was crucial for recent fatwa (religious advice) issued influences public opinion about the motivated by human conscience became known as the founder of mobilizing the public. However, it must by the Fatwa Council of the United vaccination, as well as raise questions rather than financial gains to ensure modern vaccinology. have been “scientific knowledge” that Arab Emirates on the COVID-19 vac- around the efficacy of the vaccines, and that vulnerable groups, including ref- On the other side of the world, the enabled Moradian to convince the cines reiterated the idea that deter- possible incompatibility with religious ugees, will have access to the news of this breathtaking discovery Mufti to get vaccinated, together with mining the safety, efficacy and overall norms. This situation impelled religious vaccines. captured the attention of a Baghdad- his family, in public. beneficence of the newly developed scholars to adopt a defensive discourse, In this regard, we must add that based Armenian Catholic merchant, This point was much clearer in the vaccines falls within the scope of sci- which focuses on responding to, and rich Muslim-majority countries are named Owannis Moradian, known for case of the well-known Muslim scholar entists’ expertise and their research refuting, a wide range of claims. Unfor- also under a moral obligation to give his thirst for knowledge, passion about Rashid Rida (d. 1935). In his comment centers. tunately, this approach usually comes a helping hand to poor individuals following modern scientific advance- on Jenner’s smallpox vaccine, Rida Another widely circulated religious at the expense of paying due attention and countries that cannot afford to ments and multilingual proficiency. He stressed that the ruling of such medical concern has to do with materials used to cardinal values such as justice and acquire the COVID-19 vaccines. At was eager to introduce this new practices should be premised on infor- for manufacturing COVID-19 vaccines, compassion, which make an integral the end of the day, how can Muslims, vaccine to people living in Baghdad mation provided by trustworthy phy- fearing that they may include “ritually part of universal ethics recognised by and any morally committed person, and to spread the culture of vaccination sicians who have the expertise to impure” or “religiously prohibited” all religious and secular moral justify accumulating and even there. examine possible benefits and harms. substances, such as pork. In response, traditions. hoarding vaccines in the name of According to historical sources, Available medical knowledge, Rida the fatwa stated that available infor- The lengthy fatwas that stress the “national interest” or under the “Me Moradian’s initial attempts did not concluded, showed that this vaccine mation provided by the developers of need to follow scientists’ instructions First” mantra, whereas other people succeed because of “widespread delu- proved to be dominantly beneficial and the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines indi- regarding vaccination hardly disclose run the risk of losing their lives sions,” some of which had seemingly so should be approved. Furthermore, cates that such religiously controversial anything about the moral obligations simply because they cannot afford to do with certain religious convictions the actual success of the novel vaccine materials were not used. Even if a reli- of the developers of these vaccines and vaccines? that made people suspicious of this in containing the smallpox pandemic giously prohibited substance was used governments towards vulnerable novel medical tool. To overcome these should have been decisive for in manufacturing the vaccine, the groups and poor countries. Because of Mohammad Ghaly is a professor obstacles, Moradian managed to con- Moradian to be able to continue his fatwa held that it would still be per- the marginal role assigned to such of Islam and Biomedical Ethics at the vince the chief Mufti of Baghdad to be campaign for nine years and to missible to use such a vaccine because values, the WHO Director-General College of Islamic Studies, part of vaccinated in public and in the broaden its geographical scope later. the original material (e.g., pork) would recently warned that “The world is on Hamad Bin Khalifa University. The presence of some luminaries in the city, have undergone a chemical transfor- the brink of a catastrophic moral views expressed are the author’s own together with his six children and COVID-19 Context mation during the manufacturing failure.” Some reports have already and do not necessarily reflect the Uni- grandchildren, in addition to The interrelatedness of science and process and, so, would not retain its spoken about hoarding the vaccines versity’s official stance. Islam: Basic Facts -6 Ten principles for those Zakat, the obligatory charity seeking the path of Allah harity is not just recommended by Islam, it is required of every financially stable CMuslim. Giving charity to those who ABU HAMID AL GHAZALI with people as if he were in wird does not have additional deserve it is part of Muslim character and one seclusion, in his fulfillment as source of support from God. With of the Five Pillars of Islamic practice. Zakat is rinciple 1: Have a sincere, if he were hungry, in his pride a wird, the soul opens up in public third pillar of Islam and a compulsory charity; unwavering intention. as if he were humiliated, and and private; it becomes more it is an obligation for those who have received PProphet Muhammad in talking to others as if he mindful of the rights of others; it their wealth from God to respond to those (peace be upon him) said: “Each were silent. increases in loving and hating for members of the community in need. Devoid of person will be rewarded for Principle 4: Base one’s actions others what it loves or hates for sentiments of universal love, some people know what he intended” (Muslim). on following [the prophet’s way itself. Also, having that wird makes only to hoard wealth and to add to it by lending This calls for determination in and scholarly opinions], and not one work more for God in order to it out on interest. Islam’s teachings are the very the heart to continuously act or on innovation. This prevents the please Him, just as a person would antithesis of this attitude. Islam encourages the to abstain from something only following of one’s own desires love that God does for him what sharing of wealth with others and helps people for God’s sake. A sign of having and becoming proud of one’s own he finds pleasing. to stand on their own and become productive sincere intentions is that one opinion. Surely, a person who Principle 9: Be constantly members of the society. does not change his resolve for takes himself as his own ruler will observant of your actions and do In Arabic it is known as zakat which literally fleeting reasons; what is done not succeed. not stray away from the remem- means “purification”, because zakat is con- for God, the Truth, should not Principe 5: Have high ambi- brance of God even the blink of sidered to purify one’s heart of greed. Love of be forsaken to please His tions, and do not procrastinate. an eye. For the one who is always wealth is natural and it takes firm belief in God creation. It is said: “do not leave today’s observant of his heart for the sake for a person to part with some of his wealth. Principle 2: Work purely for work until tomorrow,” because of God, and does not let other Zakat must be paid on different categories of God, (the One) without partners actions are built on each another; than God enter his heart besides, property — gold, silver, money; livestock; agri- or associates. Prophet and whoever is content with a is one who has truly found God, cultural produce; and business commodities — Muhammad (PBUH) said: lower [status] will be deprived of experienced His Benevolence, and is payable each year after one year’s “worship God as though you see a higher one. and has reached ‘ilm al-yaqeen possession. Him, but if you do not see Him Principle 6: Be aware of one’s (certain knowledge). Like prayer, which is both an individual and (know that) He sees you” incapability and insignificance. This is manifested in seeing communal responsibility, zakat expresses a (Muslim). A sign of working This is not referring to laziness in God as the Enabler or Mover of Muslim’s worship of and thanksgiving to God purely for God is to not accept worship or lack of productivity in everything that remains still or by supporting those in need. In Islam, the true anything except the truth, and work. It is about realizing that one in motion around us. One’s mind- owner of things is not man, but Allah. Acqui- to see everything else besides is not capable of doing any action fulness then increases from there sition of wealth for its own sake, or so that it the truth as vain and fleeting. without support from God, the until he recognizes that God is the may increase a man’s worth, is condemned. As the prophet said, “Let the Most Capable, and Most Generous. Sustainer of everything, so His Mere acquisition of wealth counts for nothing slave of the dinar perish” This awareness is also manifested interaction with the creation is in the sight of God. It does not give man any (Bukhari). One should also in viewing other people with characterized by the best of merit in this life or in the hereafter. Islam beware of falling into doubtful respect and reverence, for people manners. (Exemplifying this), the teaches that people should acquire wealth with the intention of spending it on their own matters. As Prophet Muhammad are means and helpers of one Prophet said: “My Lord taught me needs and the needs of others. (PBUH) said: “Leave what is another on the path to God, the good manners, and He gave me “‘Man’, said the Prophet (peace be upon him), ‘says: My wealth! My wealth!’ Do you have doubtful for what is not Exalted and Most Bountiful. the best of manners.” any wealth except that which you give as alms and thus preserve, wear and tatter, eat and doubtful” (Tirmidhi and Nasa’i). Principle 7: Have fear and Principle 10: Know what one use up?” The whole concept of wealth is considered in Islam as a gift from God. Allah, who Principle 3: Align one’s hope, and do not be sure that should be occupied with, both provided it to the person, made a portion of it for the poor, so the poor have a right over one’s desires with the guidelines and your good deeds are accepted internally and externally for wealth. Zakat reminds Muslims that everything they have belongs to God. People are given rulings of the Shari`ah (Islamic until you have witnessed this whoever thinks that he is not in their wealth as a trust from God, and zakat is intended to free Muslims from the love of law). Be patient in times of [on the day of Judgment]. One need of obeying [God and His money. The money paid in zakat is not something God needs or receives. He is above any hardship and difficulty, when should have hope not because messenger] is a broke man who type of dependency. God, in His boundless mercy, promises rewards for helping those in struggling with personal of the good deeds themselves, is in opposition to God’s words: need with one basic condition that zakat be paid in the name of God; one should not expect desires, and in avoiding sinful but because God Himself is the “...Say ‘If you love Allah, then or demand any worldly gains from the beneficiaries nor aim at making one’s names as a acts and pleasures. Whoever Most Benevolent and follow me, Allah will love you’ “ philanthropist. The feelings of a beneficiary should not be hurt by making him feel inferior practices this regularly reaches Generous. ( Quran 3:31) This is the foun- or reminding him of the assistance. Zakat, which developed fourteen hundred years ago, a state whereby he is in his Principle 8: Be consistent in dation upon which have been functions as a form sleep as if he were awake one’s wird (regular litany of built castles like no other. [worshipping], in his mixing worship), for the one without a Source: Suhaibwebb 06 ASIA FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2021 India, China begin troop withdrawal from border AP — SRINAGAR Indian Defence uninhabited mountaintops on the lake’s southern bank, leading China and India have been Minister said the two Beijing to furiously demand that pulling back front-line troops sides also agreed Indian troops withdraw. along disputed portions of their on a “temporary “Reciprocally, the Indian mountain border where they troops will be based at their have been in a standoff for moratorium on permanent base” near Finger months, officials in both coun- military activities” 3, Singh said. “A similar action tries said. would be taken in the south The troops started the dis- on Pangong lake’s bank area by both sides.” engagement on Wednesday at northern bank. Singh said the two sides also the southern and northern bank agreed on a “temporary mora- of Pangong Lake in the Ladakh “Patrolling will be torium on military activities” on region, according to the resumed only when the lake’s northern bank. officials. “Patrolling will be resumed only India and China will remove both sides reach when both sides reach an forward deployments in a an agreement in agreement in diplomatic and “phased, coordinated and ver- diplomatic and military talks that would be ified manner,” Indian Defense held subsequently,” he said. Members of a rescue team work inside a tunnel after a part of a glacier broke away in Tapovan, in Minister Rajnath Singh told Par- military talks that The LAC separates Chinese- the northern state of Uttarakhand, India, yesterday. liament yesterday. would be held and Indian-held territories China’s Defence Ministry from Ladakh in the west to said in a statement Wednesday subsequently.” India’s eastern state of Aru- Rising waters disrupt rescue that both sides had started a nachal Pradesh, which China “synchronised and organised” along the de facto border called claims in its entirety. LAC is disengagement. Line of Actual Control, or LAC, broken in parts where the efforts in tunnel after avalanche The tense standoff high in with troops settling in for the Himalayan nations of Nepal and the Karakoram mountains harsh winter. Bhutan border China. It divides REUTERS — TAPOVAN after river water levels began to Glaciology and Geomorphody- began in early May, when Each side accused the other of areas of physical control rather surge. “There was an input from namics Group (3G) in the geog- Indian and Chinese soldiers instigating the violence. Their gov- than territorial claims. Authorities in India warned a village that the river upstream raphy faculty at the University of ignored each other’s repeated ernments started military and dip- India claims the Chinese- yesterday of rising water levels was swelling so we sounded an Zurich. After clearing more than verbal warnings, triggering a lomatic talks on ending the crisis controlled Aksai Chin plateau as in a Himalayan river valley hit alert. The rescue mission was 100 metres of mud, rocks and yelling match, stone-throwing that has dramatically changed the part of the Ladakh region. by a major avalanche as they stopped for about 30 minutes,” debris, relief workers yesterday and even fist fights at the India-China relationship. According to India, the control scaled back a search for 35 Swati Bhadoriya, Chamoli Dis- sent water tankers and gener- northern bank of Pangong China in its brief statement line is 3,488km long, while China construction workers trapped trict Magistrate, said. ators deep into the tunnel to Lake, where contested ridges did not provide details on the says it is considerably shorter. in a flooded tunnel. Relief workers have been assist in drilling. hump into the glacial lake from disengagement. Singh, India’s Relations between the two Rescue workers have found drilling inside a 2.5-km-long They were searching for eight directions and are defence minister, said the countries have often been the bodies of 36 people since tunnel connected to the signs of life in smaller tunnels referred to as “fingers.” “Chinese side will keep its troop strained, partly due to their dis- Sunday’s avalanche that tore Tapovan project, where slush and rooms branching off from By June it escalated and presence in the northern bank puted border. through dams and swept away and water has been so heavy the main passage, officials said. spread north in Depsang and area to east of Finger 8.” They fought a border war in bridges in the Dhauliganga river that soldiers have made only Relatives continued to Galwan Valley, where India has India claims all eight fingers 1962 that spilled into Ladakh and valley of Uttarakhand state. halting progress in four days. arrive at the site, but five days built an all-weather military road at the Pangong Lake but its mil- ended in an uneasy truce. Since Some 171 people remain Experts have cautioned after the disaster, frustration at along the disputed frontier and itary presence extends up to then, troops have guarded the unaccounted for, most of them there could be still be huge the lack of progress mounted. where tensions exploded into Finger 3. The area between undefined border and occasionally workers at the state-run amounts of rock, debris, ice and “They are not telling us hand-to-hand combat with clubs, Fingers 4 and 8 had traditionally brawled. They had agreed not to Tapovan Vishnugad hydroe- water that could get released due anything,” said Praveen Saini, stones and fists that left 20 Indian been patrolled by both sides attack each other with firearms. lectric project and at the smaller to changes in temperatures. whose nephew, Ajay Kumar soldiers dead. China is believed before the situation escalated in But in September, China Rishiganga dam, which was “Snow melt or rain could Saini, is trapped in the tunnel. to also have had casualties, but May. and India accused each other swept away by the avalanche- trigger a debris flow any Another man was clinging has not given any details. According to India, Chinese of sending soldiers into the driven torrent. moment, probably not of the size to hope that his brother had Since then, both countries soldiers occupied the area other’s territory and fired An official with the National of the event on Sunday, but survived after he was able to had stationed tens of thousands between Fingers 4 and 8 last warning shots for the first time Disaster Response Force (NDRF) critical for anybody and anything ring his mobile phone. “If his of their soldiers backed by year. India responded in August in 45 years, raising the specter said the number of rescue teams close to the river,” said Holger phone survived, maybe he sur- artillery, tanks and fighter jets by occupying at least three of full-scale military conflict. were limited at the tunnel site Frey, a senior scientist with the vived,” Jugal Kishore said. Indian state Melbourne steps up tests as quarantine hotel cluster rises to 11 cases rejects vaccine REUTERS — SYDNEY All 11 cases in the cluster The outbreak in Melbourne, slowly reopened to domestic Australia’s other states, approved without were confirmed to have the where the Australia Open tennis visitors as they go for long including New South Wales, Authorities in Australia stepped variant of the virus that tournament is underway, has stretches without new infec- Queensland and Western Aus- efficacy data up contact tracing and called for emerged in Britain. raised fears of a new wave of tions outside hotel tralia reported no new local people in the city of Melbourne “Clearly, it is a very live infections in the state hardest quarantine. cases yesterday. REUTERS — NEW DELHI to come forward for corona- outbreak,” Victoria’s COVID-19 hit by COVID-19. But South Australia, which Also yesterday, the Sydney virus testing yesterday as the response commander Jeroen Victoria had more than neighbours Victoria, closed its Morning Herald reported that An opposition-ruled Indian number of infections in a cluster Weimar told a televised news 20,000 cases last year and border again this week because an Australian scientist in a state said yesterday it had linked to a quarantine hotel conference. more than 800 deaths, forcing of the Melbourne hotel cluster. World Health Organisation asked the federal government rose to 11. “We are at this stage reas- authorities to impose a strict Australia has been among (WHO) team investigating the to halt the supply of a home- More than 22,500 tests sured by the fact that all of these lockdown for more than 100 the world’s most successful origin of the coronavirus, said grown COVID-19 vaccine until were done in the previous 24 positives are emerging within days, the most severe action countries in handling the novel he believed it emerged in its efficacy could be proven in hours in Australia’s second most the primary close contact field. taken anywhere in Australia. coronavirus, largely because of China, even though official an ongoing late-stage trial. populous city and authorities We have a lot more work to do The latest outbreak was likely decisive lockdowns and borders WHO findings are India has vaccinated more scrambled to contain the spread today, tonight and over the sparked by a medical device sealed to all but a trickle of trav- inconclusive. than 7 million front-line of a highly transmissible variant coming days.” known as a nebuliser being used ellers, with some 22,000 cases “I think the evidence for it workers since January 16 using of the virus from workers at a British scientists have said the by a COVID-positive guest at the and 909 deaths. starting elsewhere in the world COVAXIN developed by Bharat Holiday Inn. UK variant of the virus that is hotel, authorities said. But its quarantine hotels, is actually very limited. There Biotech as well as a vaccine Three new cases were behind a surge in infections there Most of Australia’s eight where all international arrivals is some evidence but it’s not licenced from AstraZeneca and reported yesterday, a manager may be not only more transmis- states and territories closed spend two weeks, have proved really very good,” said Professor Oxford University. at the hotel and the spouses of sible, but also more lethal — with internal borders in 2020 for the to be a weak link in its defences Dominic Dwyer, a microbiol- So far the federal gov- two members of staff, Victoria a mortality risk around 30 percent first time in a century to keep with the cluster in Melbourne ogist and infectious diseases ernment has ordered 10 state authorities said. higher than other variants. the virus out, but they have the latest to emerge from one. expert with NSW Health million COVAXIN doses and 21 million AstraZeneca shots, locally made by the Serum Indigenous NZ Institute of India for low- and Suu Kyi aide, electoral officials arrested in Myanmar middle-income countries. lawmaker wins Bharat Biotech, which REUTERS — YANGON created COVAXIN with the battle against ties state-run Indian Council of A close aide to ousted Myanmar Medical Research, has said leader Aung San Suu Kyi was AP — CHRISTCHURCH efficacy data from the late- detained in a new wave of stage clinical trial on nearly arrests following last week’s An Indigenous lawmaker has 26,000 volunteers will be out military coup, a party official won his battle against wearing by next month, leading to crit- said yesterday, as Washington a tie in the New Zealand icism from epidemiologists moved a step closer to imposing Parliament, ending a long- that it was approved too sanctions on the junta. standing dress requirement hastily for emergency use. The aide, Kyaw Tint Swe, had that he describes as a “colonial The developers and India’s served as minister for the office noose.” drug regulator, however, say of the state counsellor under Suu Rawiri Waititi, the co- the vaccine is safe and Kyi, who has been detained since leader of Maori Party, this effective based on early and the February 1 coup. week sparred over the dress intermediate studies. Regarded as Suu Kyi’s code with Parliament Speaker Chhattisgarh, a central- right-hand man, Kyaw Tint Swe Trevor Mallard, who has the eastern state said it was likely had been one of her represent- job of enforcing the rules — to be soon sent COVAXIN shots atives in crunch talks with the even though Mallard said he after starting its campaign with military days before the civilian didn’t personally agree with 588,000 doses of the Astra- government was overthrown. the necktie rule. Zeneca product. Kyi Toe, an information But by the following “There’s an inhibition/ committee member of Suu Kyi’s evening, Mallard had changed concern among the community National League for Democracy Demonstrators rally outside the Central Bank of Myanmar during a protest against the military coup course. It happened after a in general regarding the use of (NLD), said Kyaw Tint Swe and and to demand the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, in Yangon, yesterday. committee meeting during COVAXIN,” state health minister four other people linked to the which lawmakers heard from T S Singh Deo wrote in a letter previous government had been the country for a sixth straight and boys dressed in short skirts. an executive order for new sanc- Maori. to his federal counterpart, Harsh taken from their homes over- day yesterday. “We don’t take off our skirt until tions on those responsible for “The majority of the com- Vardhan, and shared on Twitter. night, and the top leadership of Hundreds of workers lined we get democracy back,” one the coup, and repeated demands mittee was in favor of Singh Deo also said on the former electoral com- a road in the capital Naypyitaw sign read. for the generals to give up power removing the requirement for Twitter that COVAXIN vials do mission had all been arrested. in support of the civil disobe- The protests have revived and free civilian leaders. ties to form part of ‘appro- not display any expiry date and The military launched the dience movement, chanting memories of almost half a Washington would identify priate business attire’ for that he had requested Vardhan coup after what it said was anti-junta slogans and carrying century of direct army rule, the first round of targets this males,” the speaker wrote in to halt its supply to Chhat- widespread fraud in November placards supporting Suu Kyi. punctuated with bloody army week and was taking steps to his explanation, adding that tisgarh “until these issues are elections, won by the NLD in a In keeping with the crea- crackdowns, until the military prevent the generals in ties would no longer be addressed to the satisfaction of landslide. The electoral com- tivity of recent demonstrations, began relinquishing some Myanmar, also known as required. Waititi hailed the our Health Department to mission had rejected those where some protesters have power in 2011. Burma, having access to $1bn change as a win for Maori and avoid the wastage of the early claims. worn ball gowns and costumes, US President Joe Biden on in Myanmar government funds Indigenous people around the expiration doses of the drug”. Protesters gathered across rallies in Yangon included men Wednesday approved held in the United States. world. FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2021 ASIA 07 Pakistan to allow private firms to import COVID vaccine REUTERS — ISLAMABAD private sector determine the recorded more than 550,000 stopping severe disease. possible to fix a maximum retail maximum price caps. cases of COVID-19 and more Experts have questioned the price." Sultan said it wouldn't Pakistan will allow private Health Minister Faisal Government says it still than 12,000 deaths, is still decision to allow commercial go unchecked. companies to import corona- Sultan confirmed the cabinet plans to inoculate the largely reliant on the GAVI/ imports and no price caps. "We will continue moni- virus vaccines and has agreed decision, saying it was an population for free and WHO COVAX vaccine initiative The doctor leading the toring the prices and obviously to exempt such imports from "approval of the principle that only a "small minority" that is aiming to provide shots CanSinoBIO trial at Islamabad’s we will see their procurement price caps, even as the nation private sector can import" and who wished to pay for to poorer nations. Shifa Hospital, Ejaz A. Khan, price to see if there is any over- scrambles to secure supplies. drive the pricing due to "the Pakistan has yet to receive called on authorities to review pricing, and the government Documents show the non-availability of a reference the shots would have any of the 17 million doses it is the move as the government's always retains the right to National Health Services, Reg- price". that option in the open expected to get through the procurement for public use intervene if there is any pred- ulations and Coordination The decision is significant market. COVAX initiative. seemed inadequate. atory practice." division of the health ministry as Pakistan, a nation of 220 Sultan said last month the "Not setting a price limit for Nasim Salahuddin, the head had sought a special cabinet million, has yet to secure sub- country could receive "in the the private sector opens up the of department of infectious dis- exemption to allow for such stantive volumes of vaccines minority" who wished to pay for range of tens of millions" of a market for misuse," he told eases at Karachi's Indus Hos- imports, while excluding the from any company and only this the shots would have that CanSino Biologics vaccine Reuters. pital, questioned the need to imported vaccines from the month launched a vaccination option in the open market. under an agreement with the The government's decision involve the private sector at this strict price cap regime that is drive with 500,000 doses of "Only those who wish to get Chinese firm. But there remains revolves around a rationale of stage, pointing out that there typically applied to all drug Sinopharm's vaccine donated it via private sector will pay no clarity on a timeline. not being able to find any ref- had been a slow uptake in sales within the country. by China. anything," he said. "Personally, CanSinoBIO on Monday erence price. administering already available The documents show the Frontline health workers my assessment is that when the released interim efficacy results "No information was vaccines since the drive started cabinet of Prime Minister Imran are being given the shots on vaccines are available and we of its multi-country vaccine available; about import prices on Feb 3. Khan has approved the pro- priority. have market competition, that trial, which included Pakistan, of vaccines from different According to government posal, which also sought sus- Sultan said Pakistan still will automatically set the showing 65.7% efficacy in pre- sources," says the document, records, only 27,228 healthcare pension of some related regu- planned to inoculate its popu- prices." venting symptomatic cases and adding: "In view of the above workers have so far been lations for six months to let the lation for free and only a "small Pakistan, which has a 90.98% success rate in factual position, it might not be vaccinated. China reports 2 new COVID-19 Japan reports record 121 virus cases, fewest in over 5 months deaths in a day REUTERS hold in northeastern Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces. Authorities in these AP — TOKYO China reported the fewest number of provinces introduced lockdowns, new COVID-19 cases in over five travel curbs and mass testing in a bid Japan reported yesterday its months, official data showed to contain the disease. worst one-day death toll for yesterday, after a combination of Though the latest wave appears the pandemic — 121 people robust countermeasures helped stamp to have subsided, travel volumes who died from COVID-19 in out a new wave of the disease in the during the Lunar New Year break that the previous 24 hours. northeast that emerged last month. began on Thursday are expected to The number reported by A total of two new cases were be down significantly as authorities Japan’s Health Ministry raised reported on February 10, the National encouraged people to stay put amid the country’s pandemic death Health Commission said in a heightened caution about the disease. toll to 6,678. statement, down from 14 a day earlier New asymptomatic cases, which Japan has not started coro- and matching the total reported on China does not classify as confirmed navirus vaccinations. Shots for September 8. Both of the new infec- COVID-19 cases, rose to 16 from seven medical workers are set to tions were imported cases from a day earlier, the commission said. begin this month. overseas. The total number of confirmed The country also has never Chinese Lunar New Year preparations China saw a resurgence of the COVID-19 cases in mainland China had a lockdown, but a gov- disease in January, when a new to date now stands at 89.736, while ernment-backed state of A worker carries incense sticks to be dried at a home-industry factory, ahead of the Chinese cluster emerged in Hebei province the death toll remained unchanged emergency is now in place for Lunar New Year, in Tangerang, on the outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia, on Wednesday. that surrounds Beijing and later took at 4,636. Tokyo and other urban areas that urges people to stay home and restaurants to close at night. Thailand eyes 10 million COVID-19 shots monthly from June Although coronavirus cases stayed relatively low in REUTERS — BANGKOK government’s vaccine pro- Sopon made no mention being prepared. Each able to do its vaccine strategy and too slow Japan last year compared to curement strategy. of the 50,000 imported 500 doses per day, which over to secure supplies while relying the United States and Europe, Thailand announced plans “We are planning two AstraZeneca vaccines that 20 days comes out to 10 million almost entirely on an agreement infections have been climbing yesterday to inoculate 1 million phases; February to May and Thailand has said it would be doses per month,” Sopon said, with AstraZeneca. The gov- recently. of its most vulnerable people the second, June to December,” receiving. adding that in the early stages ernment has defended its against COVID-19 by May and senior health official Sopon The second phase, between only hospitals with resuscitation approach. start mass vaccinations in June, Iamsirithaworn told a briefing. June and December, authorities areas and equipment would be Thailand has a relatively Jump in cases with the aim of administering The first four months will be plan to administer 10 million used. few infections for its population 10 million doses a month. used to administer 2 million doses monthly until December, Thailand is planning to vac- size compared to most coun- worries S Korea The announcement was the doses of the Sinovac Biotech using 61 million doses of the cinate about 60% of the adult tries, with just 80 fatalities and first clear timeline for its plan vaccine, which are due to arrive AstraZeneca vaccine, which will population by the end of 2021, 24,104 infections so far. as holiday starts to vaccinate about half of its 70 this month, earmarked for be produced locally from June to get closer to “herd immunity”. About 80% of its cases have million population, and comes frontline medical workers in by Siam Bioscience. Critics have accused the been detected in the past two AP — SEOUL amid criticism over the high-risk areas. “About 1,000 hospitals are government of being opaque in months. South Korea has reported 504 new coronavirus cases for the Malaysia offers latest 24-hour period. It is the Philippines to get China-donated vaccines this month highest daily jump in about vaccinations to two weeks and raising worries REUTERS — MANILA but they would not be adminis- security detail. Roque said Moderna, Gamaleya, Janssen, about a potential surge as the foreign residents tered without the approval of the 100,000 of the 600,000 Sinovac Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Sinovac, country begins the Lunar New The Philippines is set to receive Food and Drug Administration doses will be given to soldiers Novavax for 148 million doses Year’s holidays. REUTERS — KUALA LUMPUR 600,000 doses this month of (FDA). and the rest for medical workers. of coronavirus vaccines, the bulk Health officials said yes- Sinovac Biotech’s COVID-19 So far, only shots developed The Philippines aims to start of which are is expected to arrive terday the newly reported Malaysia will extend its free vaccine donated by China, a by AstraZeneca and the vaccine its mass vaccination programme in the second and third quarters cases took the country’s total COVID-19 vaccination portion of which will be used to of Pfizer and BioNTech have using 117,000 doses of the of this year. It is aiming this year for the pandemic to 82,434, programme to all foreigners inoculate military personnel, a been approved for emergency Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to inoculate 70 million adults, with 1,496 deaths related to residing in the country, senior government official said use in the country. secured through the COVAX or two-thirds of the country’s COVID-19. including students, refugees yesterday. Roque said regulators have international vaccine-sharing 108 million people, to achieve In recent weeks, South and undocumented migrants, Presidential spokesman allowed “compassionate use” of facility, which are also due to be herd immunity. Korea’s caseload has displayed the government said Harry Roque told a regular news 10,000 doses of a vaccine delivered this month. The Philippines has recorded a gradual downward trajectory yesterday. conference the February 23 developed by China’s Sinopharm The Philippines has nego- 541,000 infections, including largely thanks to stringent dis- The Southeast Asian arrival of the vaccines is certain, for President Rodrigo Duterte’s tiated supply agreements with 11,400 deaths. tancing rules such as a ban on country is expected to begin social gatherings of five or its vaccine rollout at the end more people. of this month, aiming to cover Officials have urged the at least 80% of its 32 million N Korea’s Kim orders public to maintain vigilance population within a year. and stay at home during the “A safe environment free legal supervision four-day Lunar New Year’s from COVID-19 can only be holidays that began Thursday. achieved when as many over economic plan Millions of people were Malaysian residents as pos- expected to travel across the sible are immunised,” the gov- AP — SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA country to visit hometowns ernment committee on and return home during the vaccine supply said in a North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has holidays. statement. ordered tougher legal supervision to “During a pandemic, pro- support his development plans and erad- viding vaccinations is a icate various economy-related unlawful Two die in blasts humanitarian step.” The com- acts, state media said yesterday, as he works mittee, however, said priority to salvage an economy battered by the in Afghanistan will be given to Malaysians, pandemic and other challenges. with the vaccination schedule Kim spoke on Wednesday during a QNA — KABUL for foreigners to be announced Workers’ Party meeting convened to follow at a later date. up on decisions made at the ruling party’s At least two civilians were Separately, science min- congress in January, where he admitted killed and five more were ister Khairy Jamaluddin said previous economic plans had failed and wounded in two separate foreigners eligible for free vac- announced a new five-year development blasts in eastern Afghanistan’s North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends a plenary meeting of the Workers’ Party central cinations will include asylum- plan. Nangarhar province yesterday committee in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Wednesday. seekers registered with the UN Kim “stressed the importance to morning. refugee agency UNHCR and strengthen legal supervision and control A vehicle was hit by a blast undocumented migrants. over the establishment and executive firmly implement Kim’s order. He said he’ll persistent US-led sanctions. During the in Kama district of the “(The committee) will be process of the national economic plan,” the “offensively” keep legal watch over party congress, Kim described the diffi- province in which one civilian discussing further on how this official Korean Central News Agency said. agencies violating the socialist economic culties as the “worst-ever.” was killed and another was can be implemented,” he said He said prosecutors and other law management order and take “powerful The new five-year plan centres on wounded, Afghan TOLO news on Twitter, adding that author- enforcement organisations must do more measures” against any acts hampering building a stronger self-supporting reported, quoting local ities will bring in state govern- to ensure the economic plan is correctly efforts to strengthen industries, according economy, reducing reliance on imports, officials. ments, foreign embassies and executed and “stage a strong legal struggle to KCNA. making more investments in the metal and The second blast took non-government organisa- for checking all kinds of illegal practices Kim faces what appears to be the chemical industries and increasing pro- place in Behsud district after tions to assist in vaccine revealed in economic activities.” Kim added toughest crisis of his nine-year rule as the duction of consumer goods. But some ana- a roadside was detonated distribution. that “all sectors and units should obey them already-troubled economy is hit by pan- lysts say the new plan still lacks substance, when civilians were passing Malaysia has secured more unconditionally,” KCNA said. demic-related border closings that have noting that North Korea’s difficulties result the area in which one civilian than enough vaccines to reach North Korea’s top prosecutor U Sang sharply reduced the North’s external trade, from decades of mismanagement, self- was killed and four others its targets. Chol told the party meeting that he will a spate of natural disasters last summer and imposed isolation and the sanctions. were wounded. 08 VIEWS FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2021

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

People cycling to celebrate National Sport Day in Doha. PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA EDITORIAL Make weekends productive, relaxing Providing clean energy to avoid Saturday anxiety! QATAR Petroleum (QP), last week, signed a deal for developing its $28.75bn North Field East Project (NFE) point the hate is related to your job is that we have a very specific which is the world’s largest LNG project. directly, but rather to a feeling of routine, which can break down at This expansion is a good news not just for Qatar pressure, such as working hard to the weekend, hence this pattern because the project will generate substantial revenues be well at work, beside pursuing or produced its emotional weekly for Qatar, but for the entire world as it paves way for maintaining financial stability, as cycle, with a feeling of tension increase in supply of an environment friendly and well as following up on the other reaching its peak on Saturday cleaner fuel. The expansion will raise Qatar’s LNG pro- daily responsibilities of your morning, when someone sets for duction capacity from 77 million metric tons per annum family for instance. you a list of household or family (MMTPA) to 110 MMTPA. This certainly leads me to some tasks, for example on the This investment decision is a clear demonstration DR. YOUSUF ALI AL MULLA extent towards arguing the impor- weekend. I should say here that of the unwavering commitment by Qatar to supply the tance of the need to make without a doubt, the most reliable world with the clean energy it needs. Qatar has The last day of the weekend has weekends both productive and way to banish the horror of launched many steps to produce energy in an envi- always been an unpleasant one for relaxing. In other words the Sunday for a number of people ronment friendly manner. Last month, QP launched Following many and despite the fact that the employee for instance needs to get especially if it escalated is to its new Sustainability Strategy, which sets a roadmap certain plans features of the routine work the tasks done and also make sure exercise or walk, or even do some for a sustainable and more prosperous future for Qatar through the week have not that his spirit or that body is activities that you really enjoy on and the world. The strategy is an important step on for you as a changed during the better part of a recharged enough to get more Saturday, so that you temporarily the road to achieve its vision of becoming one of the person who decade. There is something to talk things done during the week. Not distract your mind from fears from best national oil and gas companies in the world, with about the discomfort or even the to mention that a large number of Sunday. roots in Qatar and a strong international presence. is anxious or fear that many people feel on people assert that two days are not At the end, following certain The strategy also acts as a clear direction towards distressed Saturday nights about returning to sufficient for them, for Friday is the plans for you as a person who is reducing the emissions intensity of Qatar’s LNG facil- work or school. day to catch up, then Saturday is anxious or distressed before the ities by 25 percent and of its upstream facilities by at before the This feeling, whether we call it the only true day of rest, or vice workday at night, as is the case on least 15 percent, and reducing flare intensity across workday at anxiety and tension ... whatever it versa for those in the private sector Saturday, by creating a program to upstream facilities by more than 75 percent. night, as is is on a Saturday night, is due to for example ... So, once people prolong the feeling of the weekend One of the most important environmental elements psychological stress on an uncom- start, they are depressed, saying: It may be the most useful. Interest- of the North Field Expansion (NFE) project is its CO2 the case on fortable Sunday for some. is about to end, you are aware of ingly this may be through sched- Capture and Sequestration System (CCS). During 2020, Saturday, by Instead, some jump to conclu- the fact that it is very short! uling family visits and walking in which was a challenging year, QP accomplished many sions and reduce our ability to Perhaps you will agree with the park for example. feats. It continued its march to strengthen its position creating a cope. Everyone should realize that me and notice how Saturdays are I might call here and through in the global LNG market by expanding its footprints program to the uncomfortable stress of busier and more behavioural these words to switch to a four- in foreign markets. In April, QP announced the start Sunday is ultimately manageable closer to the days of the week than day work-week, when people of the development drilling campaign for the North prolong the and they end up coping well. they were in past decades. Espe- spend another day of vacation Field East Project, or NFE (previously known as the feeling of the Indeed, the question comes up cially if we go back to the previous time. Off course, this will opens up North Field Expansion Project). In the same month, it here every weekend for most distant years, you will find this many different possibilities for announced that it had entered into an agreement to weekend may people ... Have you been pro- change more clear. I remember doing things. You, as a person reserve LNG ship construction capacity in China to be the most ductive enough during the week? how the meals on weekend as really want to do and here comes be utilized for Qatar Petroleum’s future LNG carrier useful. Did you relax enough for the other used to be on Thursday and Friday the feeling of being back fresh with fleet requirements, including those of its ongoing North two days? at home, which occupied more resilience and preparation. Field expansion projects. However, some people may than an hour and a half, while In May, QP entered into three farm-in agreements hate their jobs and do not want to shopping was maybe ten minutes. Dr. Yousuf Ali Al Mulla is a to acquire about 30 percent of Totals participating return to work at the start of new Nevertheless, one of the things physician, medical innovator interest in blocks 15, 33 and 34 located in the week. Yet I do not think at such that everyone realizes in the week and writer. Campeche basin, offshore Mexico. In June, QP entered into three agreements to reserve LNG ship construction capacity in the Republic of Korea to be utilized for Qatar Petroleum’s future LNG carrier fleet require- What the WHO coronavirus experts learned in Wuhan ments, including those for the ongoing expansion projects in the North Field and in the United States. EMILY WANG FUJIYAMA & a look at the theories the team suspected of being susceptible. In making its determi- Qatar LNG expansion plan shows country’s com- KEN MORITUSGU AP explored during their visit: At the WHO mission’s closing nation, the team said that such mitment to achieve the highest environmental The bat news conference Tuesday, one leaks are extremely rare and standards. A World Health Organization The mission to Wuhan did team member said some of there’s no evidence the virus team has left China after not change a major theory these animals have been traced existed in that lab or any lab gaining some new insights into about where the virus came to farms or traders in regions anywhere in the world when the origins of the coronavirus from. Scientists think bats are that are home to bats that carry the pandemic began. It also pandemic that has killed more the most likely carriers, and the virus that is the closest reviewed safety protocols at D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR than 2.3 million people - but that they passed it on to known relative of the one that the institute, leading the team with the major questions still another animal, which passed causes COVID-19. to conclude “it was very EMAIL: [email protected] unanswered. The visit was it on to humans. While there The virus could also have unlikely that anything could politically sensitive for China - are other possibilities - a bat been introduced to the market escape from such a place,” EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 which is concerned about any could have infected a human by an infected person. Chinese WHO team leader Peter Ben FAX: +974 4455 7758 allegations it didn’t handle the directly, for instance - the path health officials note that only Embarek said. initial outbreak properly - and through a second animal surfaces at the market tested The cold chain MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 has been closely watched remains the most likely sce- positive for the virus, not any of The joint investigation left around the world. nario, according to the WHO the animal products. A Chinese open the possibility that the DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 Team member Peter team and its Chinese counter- official said Tuesday there virus could have been spread to Daszak sounded upbeat on parts. The question is what appeared to be cases elsewhere humans through frozen food LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 arriving at the airport animal and where. in Wuhan around the same products, a bit of a surprise as Wednesday at the end of the The market time as the market cluster, so foreign experts have generally BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 four-week trip to the central The Huanan Seafood the transfer of the virus from played down the risk. Chinese city of Wuhan, where Market had a cluster of cases at animals to humans could have It’s a theory that has been SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 the first COVID-19 cases were the start of the outbreak and happened elsewhere. widely promoted by Chinese detected in December 2019. was initially suspected as the The lab officials, who have detected the ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 “We have clear leads on place where people first The Chinese and the inter- virus on imported frozen food email: [email protected] what the next steps should be,” became infected. The discovery national experts concluded it is packaging and seized on that to he said. “We know a lot more of earlier cases has all but ruled extremely unlikely the virus suggest the virus could have PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 after the work that’s been out that theory, but researchers leaked from the Wuhan come to China from abroad. email: [email protected] done.” The team’s major con- still want to know how this Institute of Virology, a lab with WHO team member clusions seemed to confirm early cluster happened. an extensive collection of virus Marion Koopmans noted that it ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 what most researchers had The market dealt mainly in samples. Former President still wouldn’t answer the FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] already surmised about the frozen seafood but also sold Donald Trump and officials in question of where the virus virus. The visit was never domesticated wildlife. That his administration were among came from originally. “Its not CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 expected to definitively pinpoint included rabbits, which are those who floated that possi- the cold chain by itself, that email: [email protected] the origin of the pandemic - an known to be susceptible to the bility - prompting angry denials cannot be,” she said at the undertaking that, based on virus, and bamboo rats and from China. And most experts airport. “The virus has to come SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 others, could take years. Here’s ferret badgers, which are have long been skeptical of it. from somewhere.” FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar The country would vaccinate its entire population against COVID-19 in 2021, /Peninsula_Qatar predicting that half would be immunized by /ThePeninsulaNewspaper the end of June and the rest later in the year. Eduardo Pazuello, Brazil's Health Minister +974 6698 6188 FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2021 EUROPE 09 EU rebuffs UK call to reset post-Brexit relationship BLOOMBERG — LONDON In a letter to Cabinet Office Minister Michael But “blanket derogations” community in Northern Ireland yesterday. “Ultimately, we want from EU law as set out in the from its decision to trigger the UK aligning well with the EU. The European Union rebuffed Gove, European Commission Vice-President deal “in respect of Northern Article 16,” the Cabinet Office We want harmonious sensible the UK’s call to reset the two Maros Sefcovic gave a cool response to Ireland cannot be agreed said in a statement. Gove will relationships.” sides’ relationship, saying beyond what the Protocol underline the need for “political Separately, the European Britain needs to honour the Britain’s request to delay the implementation foresees already,” Sefcovic said leadership” when he meets with Commission said Wednesday promises it made on Northern of border checks on some goods entering the in the letter. Sefcovic yesterday, the that it wanted to delay the con- Ireland as part of the Brexit He also said granting more statement said. clusion of the provisional appli- deal. province. flexibility around checks on The letter also drew a cation of the wider post-Brexit In a letter to Cabinet Office seeds and pets crossing the critical response from Northern trade agreement from the end of Minister Michael Gove, emergency clause in the Brexit “The difficulties on the border — two British demands Ireland’s first minister, Arlene February until April 30 to give European Commission Vice- divorce deal to curb vaccine island of Ireland are caused by — “would entail the UK com- Foster, whose Democratic time for governments and EU President Maros Sefcovic gave exports to Northern Ireland. Brexit, not by the Protocol,” the mitting to align with the rel- Unionist Party has long opposed lawmakers to scrutinise the trade a cool response to Britain’s Speaking to lawmakers EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, evant EU rules.” Sefcovic also the Protocol. pact. request to delay the implemen- Tuesday, Gove said the part of Michel Barnier, told the set out a list of what he called She said that Sefcovic has had The European Parliament tation of border checks on some the Brexit deal covering European Business Summit in “shortcomings” in the British his “head in the sand” and has to vote on whether to goods entering the province, Northern Ireland, known as the Brussels yesterday. “The Pro- implementation of the deal, “fingers in his ears” over the approve the deal before the end saying that measures the UK Irish Protocol, wasn’t working, tocol is the solution, I’m sure — saying border control posts are problems affecting the region. of the provisional period. Offi- previously signed up to and called for a reset in the EU’s if it is correctly implemented by still not fully operational and “That’s an incredible state of cials on both sides said it’s “urgently need to be fully and relationship with Britain. everybody.” data-sharing aren’t in place. affairs,” she told on ITV’s “Peston” highly unlikely lawmakers will faithfully implemented.” Johnson Concession Unlike With goods crossing the The UK’s Cabinet Office crit- programme on Wednesday. seek to vote down the accord. The letter, published ahead the rest of the UK, Northern Irish Sea facing delays and dis- icized Sefcovic’s letter and Irish Prime Minister Micheal Any delay, though, would still of a meeting between the two Ireland effectively remained in ruption, Gove is seeking to called for urgent action to Martin called on EU member have to be approved by both the men in London yesterday, is the EU’s customs union and postpone the introduction of full “restore confidence” in the states to “cool it,” saying there UK and EU. likely to inflame tensions single market after Brexit — a checks on food destined for Northern Ireland Protocol. were bound to be teething “It’s a little surprising the EU between the two sides that concession Prime Minister Boris supermarkets, medicines and “It is disappointing that the problems in early days of the wish to change it quite so soon,” escalated dramatically on Jan. Johnson made to the bloc in parcels moving into the Commission has failed to Protocol. David Frost, the UK’s chief 29 when the commission briefly order to secure Britain’s orderly province from the rest of the UK acknowledge the shock and “Tensions were rising unnec- Brexit negotiator, said to a panel threatened to trigger an departure. until 2023. anger felt right across the essarily,” he told RTE Radio of lawmakers on Tuesday. Mutating British variant likely to undermine vaccines: Scientist REUTERS — LONDON Peacock told the BBC. arisen in our kind of communal “It’s concerning that the garden lineage now, at least five The coronavirus variant first 1.1.7, which is more transmis- times - five separate times. And found in the British region of sible, which has swept the so this is going to keep popping Kent is a concern because it is country, is now mutating to up,” Peacock said. mutating and so could have this new mutation that British people should undermine the protection given could threaten vaccination.” expect to receive repeated vac- by vaccines against developing That new mutation, first cinations against COVID-19 in COVID-19, the head of the UK’s identified in Bristol in future to keep pace with muta- genetic surveillance pro- southwest England, has been tions of the virus, Prime Min- gramme said. designated a “Variant of ister Boris Johnson said on She also said the British Concern”, by the New and Wednesday. variant was dominant in the Emerging Respiratory Virus There are three major country and was likely “to Threats Advisory Group. known variants that are wor- sweep the world, in all Britain’s chief scientific rying scientists: the South probability”. adviser, Patrick Vallance, said African variant, known by sci- The coronavirus has killed the Bristol variant had one of entists as 20I/501Y.V2 or 2.35 million people and turned the same mutations as the B.1.351; the British variant normal life upside down for bil- South African. “It is not sur- known as 20I/501Y.V1 or B.1.1.7; lions, but a few new worrying prising that it has happened and and the Brazilian variant known variants out of thousands have it will happen elsewhere as as P.1. Snowfall paints Scotland white raised fears that vaccines will well,” he said on Wednesday. The British variant, which need to be tweaked and people “In getting that variant it is more infectious but not nec- People walk through a snow-covered street in Braemar, Scotland, Britain, yesterday. may require booster shots. does make it slightly more essarily more deadly than Sharon Peacock, director likely to look different to the others, was likely “to sweep the of the COVID-19 Genomics UK immune system so we need to world”, Peacock said. consortium, said vaccines were watch out for it, we need to “Once we get on top of (the Scottish support for independence drops so far effective against the var- measure it, we need to keep on virus) or it mutates itself out of iants in the United Kingdom, top of it and need to keep being virulent - causing disease REUTERS — LONDON would vote for independence once in a generation. but that mutations could poten- testing the vaccine effects in - then we can stop worrying and 42 percent would vote Alongside polling on inde- tially undermine the shots. this situation.” about it. But I think, looking in Scottish support for inde- against, up four percentage pendence support, the survey “What’s concerning about There are so far 21 cases of the future, we’re going to be pendence has fallen four points, with 10 percent still found that Scottish Conservatives this is that the 1.1.7 variant that that variant which has E484K doing this for years. We’re still percentage points, probably due undecided. had gained popularity while we have had circulating for mutation, which occurs on the going to be doing this 10 years to divisions among Scottish Scottish nationalists are there was greater support for some weeks and months is spike protein of the virus, the down the line, in my view.” nationalists, but 47 percent of pushing for an independence both Johnson and the British beginning to mutate again and same change as has been seen The two COVID-19 vac- Scots still support breaking up referendum to be held after this government. get new mutations which could in the South African and Bra- cines developed by Pfizer/ the United Kingdom by going it May’s Scottish parliament In a referendum in 2014, affect the way that we handle zilian variants. BioNTech and AstraZeneca alone, a poll indicated yesterday. election, but British Prime Min- Scots voted 55 percent to 45 the virus in terms of immunity “One has to be a realist that protect against the main British A Savanta ComRes poll for ister Boris Johnson has said percent to remain in the United and effectiveness of vaccines,” this particular mutation has variant. The Scotsman showed 47 percent such votes should happen only Kingdom.

Lockdown won’t last a day longer France, Germany seek Russia sanctions over Navalny than necessary: REUTERS — PARIS enacted in December, which chief, who was in Moscow for including in Germany to have which bypasses Ukraine and allows the EU to take measures a visit. Paris and Berlin now say sanctions. We can’t respond in deprives Kyiv of transit fees. German Chancellor The European Union is likely to against human rights violators there must be a response. any other way.” Berlin, with support from impose travel bans and asset worldwide. Poland, Baltic countries, the Germany has been vocal in Paris, says sanctions should not REUTERS — BERLIN freezes on allies of Russian But Berlin and Paris are still Czech Republic and Romania support of Navalny, who was target the pipeline, despite US President Vladimir Putin, likely to withhold support for had already been pushing for treated there for what Berlin punitive measures against the German Chancellor Angela possibly as soon as this month, tougher steps sought by some sanctions, and the agreement says was poisoning by a Soviet- project and a European Par- Merkel urged Germans after France and Germany European allies, such as halting of the EU’s two most powerful era nerve agent. But it also has liament resolution calling for it yesterday to have a little more signalled their willingness to the huge Nord Stream II gas countries means other EU states close energy links to Russia. to be blocked. patience after agreeing with move ahead, three diplomats pipeline from Russia to Germany. are unlikely to block it. The Russia controls a third of France’s foreign ministry regional leaders to extend a said. Pressure for sanctions has decision could be taken when Europe’s gas market. The $11 said: “The latest developments, coronavirus lockdown until The sanctions, in response grown since Moscow infuriated EU foreign ministers hold their billion Nord Stream 2 project, especially with regard to Alexei March 7 and said restrictions to the jailing of Putin’s main European countries last week next meeting on Febrary 22. led by Russia’s state energy Navalny’s situation, will be fully would not be kept for a day domestic critic Alexei Navalny, by expelling German, Polish and “We can’t avoid sanctions company Gazprom, would taken into account. The EU’s longer than necessary. could be the first to be imposed Swedish diplomats without anymore,” said a European dip- double the capacity of an response must be united, strong Addressing the Bundestag under a new framework telling the EU’s foreign policy lomat. “There is a consensus existing undersea pipeline and comprehensive”. lower house of parliament, Merkel said the extension was needed to avoid a third wave due to the risk posed by new UK newspaper invaded virus variants. “I know what we have achieved in our fight against Meghan’s privacy: Judge the virus has had, and is still having, a high price,” said AP — LONDON He said the duchess “had a Merkel. reasonable expectation that the A gradual fall in new daily A newspaper invaded Duchess contents of the letter would infections has raised pressure of Sussex’s privacy by remain private. The Mail for an easing of tight restric- publishing personal letter to articles interfered with that tions in place since mid- her estranged father, a British reasonable expectation.” Asso- December and Merkel agreed judge ruled yesterday, in a ciated Newspapers contested with state premiers on major victory for the royal in the claim, and a trial was Wednesday that some schools her campaign against what she scheduled for the fall. It would and hairdressers could open sees as media intrusion. have been one of the most sooner than March 7. The former Meghan Markle, high-profile civil legal show- Seeking to reassure 39, sued publisher Associated downs in London for years. Germans that the lockdown was Newspapers for invasion of But at hearings last month, helping, Merkel said she was privacy and copyright lawyers for the duchess asked aware this was the most serious infringement over five Feb- for a summary judgment to curtailment of freedoms in post- ruary 2019 articles in the Mail settle the case without a trial. war Germany. on Sunday and on the The judge agreed, saying She knew many people MailOnline website that pub- the disclosures of Meghan’s were lonely and worried about lished large portions of a letter private letter “were mani- money and their future. “As a Coronavirus hits Germany's carnival festivities to her father, Thomas Markle. festly excessive and hence democracy we have a duty not High Court judge Mark unlawful.” “There is no Revellers take a ride with a rickshaw after carnival festivities were cancelled due to the coronavirus to keep the restrictions in place Warby ruled that the publisher prospect that a different disease pandemic in Cologne, Germany,yesterday. for a day longer than is nec- had misused the duchess’s judgment would be reached essary,” she said. private information. after a trial,” he said. 10 EUROPE / AMERICAS FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2021 Lukashenko vows to defeat foreign-backed ‘rebellion’

AP — KIYEV Speaking at the red-and-white flags and chanting “Stop dictatorship!” The authoritarian leader of assembly, Lukashenko and “Go away!” to demand Belarus yesterday slammed six defended the Lukashenko’s resignation. months of demonstrations Police detained several against him as a foreign- election’s validity, people in Minsk and other cities, directed “rebellion,” and he admitting that local according to the Viasna human announced plans for constitu- rights group. tional reforms, which the oppo- officials could have Mass protests have gripped sition has rejected as window tinkered with it to the ex-Soviet nation of 9.5 dressing. show him winning 80 million people since official Speaking to 2,700 partici- results from the August 9 pants of the All-Belarus People’s percent of the vote election gave Lukashenko a Assembly in the capital of but insisting he won landslide victory. The main Minsk, President Alexander opposition candidate, Sviatlana Lukashenko alleged that “very a strong majority Tsikhanouskaya, and her sup- powerful forces” abroad were anyway. porters have dismissed the behind the protests. result as rigged, and some poll Lukashenko didn’t elab- workers also have described Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko attends the All Belarusian People’s Assembly in Minsk, orate, but in the past several Lukashenko, who has ruled voting manipulation. Belarus, yesterday. months, he has repeatedly Belarus for more than 26 years, Speaking at the assembly, accused the West of fomenting vaguely promised yesterday to Lukashenko defended the elec- water cannons and truncheons Russia to lose Belarus,” statement that yesterday’s the protests. step down someday, saying that tion’s validity, admitting that to disperse the rallies. According Lukashenko said, adding that the assembly is “neither genuine “We must stand up to them “the time will come and other local officials could have to human rights advocates, two countries planned massive nor inclusive of Belarusian no matter what, and this year people will come.” He said a set tinkered with it to show him more than 30,000 people have joint military drills later this year. views and therefore does not will be decisive,” he said at the of constitutional changes would winning 80 percent of the vote been detained since the protests He thanked Moscow for its address the country’s ongoing opening of the two-day be drafted later this year and but insisting he won a strong began, and thousands of them support in the face of protests political crisis.” assembly made up of delegates put to a nationwide vote in early majority anyway. “If some don’t were brutally beaten. but reaffirmed that the union While Lukashenko told the nominated by labor collectives 2022 like 80, let it be 76 or even 68!” During his tenure, agreement between the two gathering that the West har- in sync with state-controlled The opposition has urged he said. “But we won it anyway, Lukashenko has relentlessly countries shouldn’t limit boured aggressive intentions, unions loyal to Lukashenko. Belarusians to take to the streets we were backed by an over- stifled dissent and relied on Belarus’ independence. he also urged the restoration of He convened the group to to protest the assembly. whelming majority.” cheap energy and other sub- The United States and the political ties and economic discuss plans for the country’s A tight police cordon sur- Authorities have cracked sidies from his main ally, Russia. European Union have cooperation. development, but the oppo- rounded the building where the down hard on the largely Yesterday, he said the West responded to the election and Observers described the sition has denounced it as an gathering was held, but dozens peaceful demonstrations, the had incited the protests in the crackdown by introducing assembly as part of Lukash- attempt to shore up his rule and of demonstrators formed “sol- biggest of which attracted up to Belarus as a “bridgehead” sanctions against Belarusian enko’s manoeuvring to secure soothe public anger with vague idarity chains” in other parts of 200,000 people. Police have against Russia. officials. his position without making any promises of reform. Minsk, waving the opposition’s used stun grenades, tear gas, “It’s deadly dangerous for The US Embassy said in a changes.

Portuguese firefighters get Migration through Panama resumes after lockdown AP — BAJO CHIQUITO the first community they 2019, but after losing her job in been arriving every day as days. He said Tuesday he jabs as virus encountered after days of a beauty salon there decided to others continue on. It’s a three- wanted to make it to the US to After nearly a year stalled in walking. Pregnant women, migrate again. hour boat ride to the nearest help his family back in Haiti. deaths stay high migrant camps at the edge of adults carrying babies in their They started to walk into the highway. They recover from The new US administration the jungle, hundreds of migrants arms and others with bags of jungle in Colombia on Friday, their jungle walk in an array of with a kinder tone toward AP — LISBON have begun to move across clothing balanced atop their emerging in Panama five days colourful tents pitched beside immigrants gave him hope. Panama and into neighbouring heads forded a river and then later. They were among 287 the border police station and on “I hope it goes well for us,” Portugal started inoculating Costa Rica in recent weeks. scrambled up the bank to migrants who entered Panama a basketball court. he said. “This president (Joe the country’s firefighters Panama closed its borders waiting border police. on Wednesday, according to Many of the migrants are Biden) is better than the other against COVID-19 yesterday, last March to try to slow the They were told to line up to border police. Haitians, but others come of who was a little harder.” as a January surge of cases COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly register their entry into Panama. “I hope to get to a desti- Cuba, Venezuela and various Ovidia Fernández, left ebbed amid a lockdown but 2,000 migrants suddenly found No measures — temperature nation where I can find work,” African and Asian countries. Havana, Cuba two years ago deaths and pressure on their years-long journey toward checks or social distancing - Mervilier said, holding her As they continue into with her daughter Anabel. They hospitals remained high. the United States suspended. against coronavirus infection passport and that of her boy- Panama, many pass through a spent time in Guyana, Brazil, Portuguese firefighters, But on January 29, Panama were on display. Only one man friend in her hands. Her mother new migrant camp in San Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. who number about 15,000, announced it was reopening its carrying his daughter wore a lives in New Jersey. “My country Vicente, also in Darien, but They arrived in San Vicente on commonly operate ambu- land borders, setting off a surge mask. is a tragedy and forces us to reachable by road. Sunday after walking through lances, and they are to be vac- of migration through the dense Kerline Mervilier, a look for a new life. We had to Paul Saenz, a 27-year-old the jungle for 13 days. cinated over a two-week jungle covering the Colombia- 29-year-old from Haiti, made climb mountains. They electrician from Haiti, flew to “There could be a chance period. Authorities are due to Panama border. it into the line and collapsed assaulted me and stole $160 Ecuador in December. He then of entering the United States,” begin inoculating more than On Wednesday afternoon, complaining of pain in her legs. while I walked.” took a bus to Colombia near the she said. “There are people 40,000 police officers in more than 50 migrants trudged She had traveled with boyfriend There were some 400 Panama border, joined other who believe that with the coming days. out of the dense Darien jungle Isaac Cadichon from Brazil. She migrants in Bajo Chiquito on Haitian migrants and crossed change (of administration) The national vaccine plan into the village of Bajo Chiquito, left Haiti for Brazil in December Wednesday and more have the jungle into Panama in three there’s hope.” launched last month with the inoculation of health workers and staff and residents of care EU frets over homes for older adults. Opposition calls on Haitians to ‘rise up’ as strife grows Health Minister Marta Hungarian radio Temido acknowledged yes- AP — PORT-AU-PRINCE terday there had been some closure, levy on “stumbles” in the country’s Hundreds of Haitians chanted vaccine rollout, which author- “Down with kidnapping! Down Polish media ities largely blame on the late with dictatorship!” as they delivery of doses. Temido said marched through the streets of REUTERS — BRUSSELS the goal is still to give 70 Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, percent of the population — bolstering opposition leaders The European Commission around seven million people who stepped up their demands expressed concern on — a jab by the end of that President Jovenel Moïse Wednesday over media September. resign. freedom in Hungary and The seven-day average of The latest protest is the Poland, both under investi- daily deaths in Portugal is the biggest one yet this year, and it gation for flouting the rule of highest in the world, at 2.05 comes just days after Moïse law, as Budapest shut an oppo- per 100,000 people, announced that police had sition radio station and according to Johns Hopkins arrested nearly two dozen Warsaw proposed a levy on University. people accused of an alleged private media. But the seven-day average coup conspiracy, including a Hungary’s Klubradio, of daily new cases has fallen Supreme Court judge, who was which has been broadcasting from a peak of 122.37 new ordered released. for 19 years and whose cases per 100,000 people on Opposition leaders labelled political and talk show January 27 to 47.56 per the arrests as political guests often criticise gov- 100,000 people. repression while critics accuse ernment policies, lost its The Health Ministry says Moïse of trying to become more A man throws a tear gas canister back at the police during a protest against Haiti’s President Jovenel broadcasting licence on antigen tests are to be more powerful. Moise, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, yesterday. Tuesday and will be forced widely used at schools, fac- “We’re all asking for the off the air. tories and other places where population to rise up,” said one in the international com- The situation in Haiti has Yvickel Dabrézil, who was In Poland, many private people gather as part of a new former Senator Youri Latortue, munity has recognized. caught the attention of the arrested on Sunday. media outlets went off the air strategy to contain the one of Haiti’s opposition leaders. The opposition claims that international community, The US Embassy said it was on Wednesday, running pandemic. “We’re not backing down.” Moïse’s five-year term ended on prompting a public statement scrutinizing the order to slogans such as “This used to Parliament was expected The opposition coalition Feb. 7, but Moïse has reiterated from the US Embassy in Haiti determine if it’s legal. be your favourite programme”, later yesterday to extend Por- recently announced that that it ends in February 2022 on Tuesday, a day after Moïse’s “We are deeply concerned in protest against a proposed tugal’s state of emergency another Supreme Court judge, since he wasn’t sworn in until administration basically fired about any actions that risk media advertising tax they say decree, which allows the gov- Joseph Mécène Jean-Louis, had 2017. Prior to that, a provisional three Superior Court judges by damaging Haiti’s democratic threatens media independence ernment to impose the become Haiti’s supposed tran- president ruled Haiti for one announcing that they had been institutions,” the embassy said and diversity. current lockdown, through sitional president. Jean-Louis year following chaotic elections forced into retirement. Among as it called on Moïse to hold Many privately owned March 1. accepted the position, which no marred by allegations of fraud. the three is Jean-Louis and overdue legislative elections. Polish media outlets, which depend on advertising for their financing, are highly critical of the nationalist government, Catalans fear COVID-19 risk at Sunday’s election while state-owned media, strongly biased in favour of the REUTERS — BARCELONA people chosen by a draw to be the 32-year-old said, referring to risk despite (authorities) saying number of cases per 100,000 ruling Law and Justice (PiS) election supervisors have asked the up to ¤3,000 losses he would it will be very safe,” he said. people in Catalonia in the last party, receive regular large Freelance photographer Jordi to be exempted, despite assur- expect to incur for his business Catalonia’s election is 14 days fell to 391 on injections of cash from the Saragossa is so concerned about ances from authorities in the were he to catch the virus. viewed as a litmus test for the Wednesday, down from a peak state budget. the risk of contracting northeastern Spanish region His discharge request was region’s separatist movement. of over 620 in mid-January. “We have expressed our COVID-19 in Catalonia’s that they could be tested for denied by the electoral board Two pro-independence parties Bernat Sole, Catalonia’s concerns about media regional election on Sunday that COVID-19 prior to the vote and because his justification of a currently govern the region, but government official in charge freedom... in Hungary. he tried — and failed — to be given protective equipment to potential economic impact was opinion polls are split on who of the election, said on The case of Klubradio discharged from mandatory wear at polling stations. not legally considered a proper could win this time. Wednesday he wanted to only aggravates our con- monitoring duty and says he “I would sue saying that I had reason, he said.“There’s obvi- Spain has been among the transmit a “message of calm cerns,” Commission will sue if he gets ill. warned them beforehand and ously an infection risk. It’s worst-hit countries by the pan- and security” regarding polling spokesman Christian Wigand Like him, around a third of that they should cover that cost,” obvious that there is not a zero demic, although the average stations. told a news briefing. FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2021 AMERICAS 11 Ex-Republican officials in talks to form anti-Trump party REUTERS — WASHINGTON More than 120 officials and former elected intraparty rift over Trump’s in this week’s Senate The Biden White House did false claims of election fraud impeachment trial. not immediately respond to a Dozens of former Republican Republicans held a Zoom call to discuss and the deadly January 6 “Large portions of the request for comment. officials, who view the party as the breakaway group, which would run on storming of the US Capitol. Most Republican Party are radical- McMullin said just over 40 unwilling to stand up to former Republicans remain fiercely izing and threatening American percentof those on last week’s President Donald Trump and a platform of “principled conservatism,” loyal to the former president, democracy,” McMullin told Zoom call backed the idea of a his attempts to undermine US including adherence to the Constitution and the but others seek a new direction Reuters. “The party needs to breakaway, national third party. democracy, are in talks to form for the party. recommit to truth, reason and Another option under dis- a center-right breakaway party, rule of law - ideas those involved say have been The House of Representa- founding ideals or there clearly cussion is to form a “faction” four people involved in the trashed by Trump. tives impeached Trump on needs to be something new.” that would operate either inside discussions said. January 13 on a charge of Asked about the discussions the current Republican Party or The early stage discussions inciting an insurrection by for a third party, Jason Miller, a outside it. include former elected Repub- The plan would be to run confirmed to Reuters the call exhorting thousands of sup- Trump spokesman, said: “These Names under consideration licans, former officials in the candidates in some races but and the discussions for a porters to march on the Capitol losers left the Republican Party for a new party include the Republican administrations of also to endorse center-right potential splinter party, but on the day Congress was when they voted for Joe Biden.” Integrity Party and the Center Ronald Reagan, George HW candidates in others, be they asked not to be identified. gathered to certify Democrat A representative for the Right Party. If it is decided Bush, George W Bush and Republicans, independents or Among the call participants Joe Biden’s election victory. Republican National Committee instead to form a faction, one Trump, ex-Republican ambas- Democrats, the people say. were John Mitnick, general Call participants said they referred to a recent statement name under discussion is the sadors and Republican strate- Evan McMullin, who was counsel for the Department of were particularly dismayed by from Chairwoman Ronna Center Right Republicans. gists, the people involved say. chief policy director for the Homeland Security under the fact that more than half of McDaniel. “If we continue to Members are aware that the More than 120 of them held House Republican Conference Trump; former Republican con- the Republicans in Congress — attack each other and focus on US political landscape is littered a Zoom call last Friday to and ran as an independent in gressman Charlie Dent; Eliz- eight senators and 139 House attacking on fellow Republicans, with the remains of previous discuss the breakaway group, the 2016 presidential election, abeth Neumann, deputy chief representatives — voted to if we have disagreements within failed attempts at national third which would run on a platform told Reuters that he co-hosted of staff in the Homeland block certification of Biden’s our party, then we are losing sight parties. of “principled conservatism,” the Zoom call with former offi- Security Department under election victory just hours after of 2022 (elections),” McDaniel “But there is a far greater including adherence to the Con- cials concerned about Trump’s Trump; and Miles Taylor, the Capitol siege. said on Fox News last month. hunger for a new political party stitution and the rule of law - grip on Republicans and the another former Trump Most Republican senators “The only way we’re going out there than I have ever expe- ideas those involved say have nativist turn the party has taken. homeland security official. have also indicated they will not to win is if we come together,” rienced in my lifetime,” one been trashed by Trump. Three other people The talks highlight the wide support the conviction of Trump she said. participant said. Impeachment trial resumes, Dems focus riot ‘terrible toll’

REUTERS — WASHINGTON The House trial “managers” was no longer in office. spent much of Wednesday House managers have said The third day of Donald Trump’s recounting the events that led Trump planted the seeds for the Senate impeachment trial got to the riot and highlighting the riot by encouraging violence underway yesterday, with the threat to Mike Pence, Trump’s and making false claims that the Democrats who are making the vice president. November 3 election was stolen case for his conviction for There also was to be a focus long before January 6. They also inciting the deadly rampage at yesterday on Trump’s “lack of have said he did little to put an the US Capitol set to focus on remorse” during and following end to the violence as it spi- the damage wrought in the the siege, “which is an element ralled out of control, despite rampage and the former pres- in the impeachment calculus,” pleas from many Republicans ident’s role in inflaming the the House aide said. to ask his supporters to stop. rioters. Democrats face a difficult Senators on Wednesday As the Senate reconvened task in securing a conviction and were shown searing security yesterday, the nine House of barring Trump from ever again footage of the pro-Trump mob Representatives lawmakers holding public office given his stalking the Capitol hallways serving as prosecutors planned continued popularity with many chanting “Hang Mike Pence!” to illustrate the riot’s “terrible Republican voters. Trump has and searching for Democratic toll” and Trump’s “role in expressed interest in again House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. House Impeachment Manager Eric Swalwell arrives on the third day of the second impeachment trial assembling, inciting and running for president in 2024. Previously unseen videos of Trump in the Senate, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, yesterday. inflaming the insurrectionists,” While some Republican from inside the Capitol showed a House aide said before the senators in the Senate have said rioters smashing windows and ahead of an advancing mob. The tweeted that Pence “didn’t have Leader Chuck Schumer left session began. that the House managers are fighting with police, coming attack on the Capitol resulted the courage to do what should open the possibility that Con- The Democratic-led House presenting their arguments within 100 feet of the room in the deaths of five people, have been done.” A video gress might seek a different way on January 13 charged the well, many hold fast to their where Pence was sheltering including a police officer. showed rioters spreading word to punish Trump if the Senate Republican former president position that Trump should not with his family. The mob had Trump had repeatedly said of Trump’s tweet to one another acquits him. That includes with inciting an insurrection by be convicted. set up a gallows outside. Pence had the power to stop the on bullhorns. A two-thirds potentially invoking the US exhorting thousands of sup- Republican Senator Marco The footage, which also certification of the election majority in the Senate must vote Constitution’s 14th Amendment, porters to march on the Capitol Rubio told Fox News that while included body-camera views of results, even though he did not. to convict, which means at least which gives Congress the power on January 6 as Congress the January 6 attack was “hor- brutal attacks on Capitol police, Democratic Representative 17 Republicans would have to to bar public officials from gathered to certify Democrat rifying,” impeachment was not showed Pence and lawmakers Joaquin Castro pointed out that defy Trump. holding office if they engaged Joe Biden’s election win. appropriate given that Trump being hustled to safety steps during the rampage, Trump Yesterday, Senate Majority in insurrection or rebellion. Biden calls for China will ‘eat our lunch,’ Biden warns after talks with Xi revamp of US REUTERS — WASHINGTON/ Biden said he spoke to Xi for Kong and treatment Muslims in between Chinese and US “pressure, isolate and punish BEIJING two hours on Wednesday night Xinjiang, and it increasingly leaders since Xi spoke with China.” infrastructure and warned the senators: “If we assertive actions in Asia, former President Donald Trump The Biden administration US President Joe Biden and his don’t get moving, they are going including toward Taiwan. last March 27, nearly 11 months has signaled it will maintain REUTERS — WASHINGTON Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to eat our lunch.” “They’re All the rights issues the US ago. Since then, relations pressure on China, and has held their first telephone call as investing billions of dollars president mentioned were ones between the world’s two biggest endorsed a Trump adminis- President Joe Biden promised leaders and appeared at odds dealing with a whole range of Beijing has explicitly told the economies have plunged to tration determination that US senators from both major on most issues, even as Xi issues that relate to transpor- Biden administration it should their worst level in decades. China has committed genocide parties yesterday to work warned that confrontation tation, the environment and a stay out of. Trump blamed China for against Muslims in Xinjiang. together to modernize an would be a “disaster” for both whole range of other things. We Xi told Biden confrontation starting the COVID-19 pandemic At the same time, it has aging US infrastructure after nations. just have to step up.” would be a “disaster” and the and launched a series of actions pledged to take a more multi- his predecessor Donald Trump While Xi has called for “win- The White House said Biden two sides should re-establish against China, including a trade lateral approach and is keen to failed to tackle the matter. win” cooperation, Biden has emphasized to Xi it was a US the means to avoid misjudg- war, sanctions against Chinese cooperate with Beijing on issues Biden plans to ask Con- called China America’s “most priority to preserve a free and ments, the Chinese foreign min- officials and firms perceived to such as climate change and per- gress this month to invest serious competitor” and vowed open Indo-Pacific, a region istry said. be security threats, while chal- suading North Korea to give up heavily in infrastructure amid to “out compete” Beijing. where the United States and Xi maintained a hardline lenging Beijing’s extensive mar- its nuclear weapons. studies showing close to half Yesterday, Biden told a China are major strategic rivals. tone regarding Hong Kong, Xin- itime claims in Asia. Biden has stressed the rela- of US roads are in poor or bipartisan group of US senators It said he voiced “funda- jiang and Taiwan, which he said Xi congratulated Biden on tionship he established with Xi mediocre condition and more at an Oval Office meeting to mental” concerns about Bei- were matters of “sovereignty his election in a message in when he was vice president than a third of US bridges need discuss the need to upgrade US jing’s “coercive and unfair” and territorial integrity” that he November, even though Biden under Barack Obama, through repair, replacement or signif- infrastructure that the United trade practices, as well as about hoped the United States would had called him a “thug” during more than 24 hours of private icant rehabilitation. States must raise its game in the human rights issues, including approach cautiously. the campaign and vowed to lead meetings and 17,000 miles of “We’re going to see what face of the Chinese challenge. China’s crackdown in Hong The call was the first an international effort to travel together. we can put together,” Biden said at an hour-long White House meeting that included Vice President Kamala Harris Venezuela to buy vaccines and key senators. “There’s a lot we have to do.... We just with cash in frozen accounts have to step up.” Attendees included: Dem- BLOOMBERG — NEW YORK for the 12 million doses, enough ocrat Tom Carper, the Envi- to vaccinate six million Vene- ronment and Public Works Venezuela’s government and zuelans, is approximately $120 Committee chairman; Shelley opposition are in talks with the million, according to two of the Moore Capito, the panel’s top Pan-American Health Organ- people. Republican; Ben Cardin ization to buy vaccines to inoc- Under the terms of the deal, and Jim Inhofe, the top ulate 6 million people against last discussed in a meeting Democrat and Republican Covid-19, according to three earlier today, PAHO and Unicef on the committee’s trans- people with direct knowledge will have strict supervision of portation and infrastructure of the talks. the vaccination plan as well as subcommittee. About 1.4 million of those the refrigeration chain needed The White House said are from AstraZeneca Plc and to keep the vaccines within the Biden shared the administra- will come from the World required temperature range, tion’s vision “for building sus- Health Organization-backed two of the people said. tainable infrastructure that Covax initiative, the people Paolo Balladelli, head of the will withstand the impacts of said. WHO-PAHO mission in Vene- climate change and fuel an The vaccines would be zuela, said on Twitter that the American clean energy available from March, and country is getting is closer to revolution.” would be paid for with offshore accessing coronavirus Transportation Secretary funds frozen by US sanctions, vaccines. Pete Buttigieg, who took part Snow fills Manhattan borough Central Park which can’t be unblocked Health Minister Carlos virtually, said last week the US without the backing of the Alvarado and opposition government must rebuild the A general view of the Central Park after a snowfall in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New opposition. While the source of medical adviser Dr. Julio Castro transportation sector for post- York, yesterday. the remaining vaccines is yet attended the meeting, among pandemic times. to be determined the total cost others, the people said. Business 12

FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2021 EU told 1 million public EV charging stations needed by 2024 The EU Commission quickly needs to take action and set binding targets for the ramp-up of charging infrastructure in the member states.

Oliver Zipse ACEA President & Chief Executive of BMW Business | 13 QSE 10,522.78 -5.74 (-0.05%) FTSE 100 6,528.72 +4.36 (0.067%) DOW 31,430.70 -7.10 (0.023%) BRENT $60.88 (-0.94)

The Qatar Stock Exchange QE Index ends the (QE) Index has surged by 91 points to close at 10,522.78 points yesterday from 10,431 week with gains on previous Thursday. It was a truncated week for stock SACHIN KUMAR Brokerage & Investment Holding THE PENINSULA Company was down 1.1 percent. market with only four trading Volume of shares traded on sessions due to official Qatar’s stock market ended the week Wednesday rose by 37.6 percent to on a positive note as shares registered 202.6 million. Further, as compared holiday on Tuesday because strong gains during the past four to the 30-day moving average of 177.2 of National Sport Day. trading sessions. The Qatar Stock million, volume for the day was 14.3 Exchange (QE) Index has surged by 91 percent higher. Qatar First Bank and points to close at 10,522.78 points Gulf International Services were the yesterday from 10,431 on previous most active stocks, contributing 21.7% declined 0.4 percent to close at Thursday. The index remained largely and 12.6 percent to the total volume, 10,431.4. The Telecoms and Industrials flat yesterday as QE Index declined respectively. indices led the losses. The index fell 5.74 or 0.05 percent on Thursday. On Monday, the QE Index declined on the back of selling pressure from It was a truncated week for stock 0.5 percent to close at 10,445.0. Losses Arab and Foreign shareholders despite market with only four trading sessions were led by the Consumer Goods & buying support from Qatari and GCC due to official holiday on Tuesday Services and Banks & Financial shareholders. because of National Sport Day. Services indices, falling 0.7 percent During yesterday’s trade, the On Wednesday, the QE Index rose each. Top losers were Qatar General volume of shares traded decreased to 0.8 percent to close at 10,528.5. The Insurance & Reinsurance Company 147.2 million from 202.6 million on index rose on the back of buying and Al Khaleej Takaful Insurance Co, Wednesday and the value of shares support from GCC, Arab and Foreign falling 4.5 percent and 3.9 percent, decreased to QR378m from QR570m shareholders despite selling pressure respectively. Among the top gainers, on Wednesday. from Qatari shareholders. The Indus- Gulf International Services gained 4.4 indices led the gains. Doha Bank and from 161.0 million on Thursday. Indices of two sectors ended in trials and Insurance indices led the percent, while Al Khalij Commercial Zad Holding Company were the top Further, as compared to the 30-day green zone, four sectors ended red gains. Bank was up 2.8 percent gainers, rising 3 percent and 2.5 moving average of 175.7 million, and one sector ended unchanged Al Khaleej Takaful Insurance On Sunday, the QE Index rose 0.6 percent, respectively. Among the top volume for the day was 45.4 percent yesterday. QSE Total Return Index Company and Qatari German percent to close at 10,493.1. The index losers, Qatari German Company for lower. Qatar First Bank and Qatari decreased 0.05 percent to 20,302.73 Company for Medical Devices were rose on the back of buying support Medical Devices fell 2.3 percent, while German Company for Medical Devices points and QSE Al Rayan Islamic the top gainers, rising 10 percent and from Arab and Foreign shareholders Al Khaleej Takaful Insurance were the most active stocks, contrib- Index dropped 0.04 percent to 9 percent, respectively. Among the top despite selling pressure from Qatari Company was down 2 percent. uting 19.7 percent and 9.3 percent to 4,295.68 points. QSE All Share Index losers, QLM Life & Medical Insurance and GCC shareholders. Volume of shares traded on Sunday the total volume, respectively. lost 0.03 percent to Company fell 1.4 percent, while Dlala The Real Estate and Industrials fell by 40.5 percent to 95.8 million On February 4, the QE Index 3,232.87 points.

BUSINESS BRIEFS Oman Electricity Transmission issues $600m international bonds Real estate trading QNA — MUSCAT benefited from the improvement in have shown a clear desire to participate development plans in the Sultanate. volume exceeds investors willingness to invest in the Sul- in the offer of the Oman Electricity It is noteworthy that the Oman Elec- QR374m last week The Oman Electricity Transmission tanate, which enhances the strategic Transmission Company with more than tricity Transmission Company has Company has succeeded in attracting importance of the Group Namaa Holding, 83 percent of the record of purchase entrusted the activities and operations DOHA: The total value of real investor interest by offering bonds worth its subsidiaries in the Sultanate and the orders that have been received. of electricity transmission in the north estate transactions in the sales $600 million, due in February 2031, at international financial markets, and for The proceeds from the international of the Sultanate and Dhofar with an contracts registered with the an interest rate of 5.8 percent. investors alike. offering of $600m will be used to finance electric capacity of 400 kilovolts, 220 Real Estate Registration Depart- The companys statement stated that The Oman Electricity Transmission some of the existing loans, including: In kilovolts and 132 kilovolts. ment of the Ministry of Justice in this is the first offering made by a gov- Company succeeded in attracting that, the shareholder loan provided to the Among the basic spending programs the week ending February 4 was ernment-related entity outside the Sul- investor interest in its offering, and Oman Electricity Transmission Company undertaken by the Oman Electricity QR374,292,276. tanate of Oman since 2018 and the return investor confidence was boosted. This and the financing of the capital spending Transmission Company is the implemen- The types of real estate traded of the Oman Electricity Transmission was largely due to the strategic diversi- program in the Oman Electricity Trans- tation of the first phase of the electrical included plots of land, houses, Company to the financial markets after fication operations it carried out. mission Company, thus allowing the grid interconnection project (North and residential buildings, multi-use a four-year hiatus as the offering Investors from Asia, Europe and America company to implement infrastructure South) with a capacity of 400 kilovolts. buildings, and multi-use plots of land. Most of the trading took place in the municipalities of Al Rayyan, German businesses dismayed by lockdown extension Al Da'ayen, Umm Salal, Doha, Al REUTERS — BERLIN threshold for a gradual re- decision to extend the companies and consumers in Shamal, Al Khor, Al Dhakira, and opening of the rest of the lockdown “inappropriate and Europe’s biggest economy Al Shahaniya. The German business economy has been tightened: incomprehensible”. through the pandemic, The volume of real estate cir- community expressed an infection rate of no more If stores are only allowed including liquidity aid for culation during the period from consternation yesterday after than 35 new cases per to open in April, the retail struggling firms and job pro- January 24 to 28, 2021 reached Chancellor Angela Merkel and 100,000 people over seven sector will see sales fall 2 tection schemes for QR529,869,240.-QNA regional leaders agreed to days, down from 50 percent in 2021, but if they employees. extend the coronavirus previously. stay closed until May, the fall Finance Minister Olaf lockdown until March 7. German retailers are cur- will be about 6 percent, the Scholz (pictured) held out the German Deutsche Under the agreement rently losing around €700m HDE estimated. prospect of a faster dis- reached on Wednesday, hair ($849.17m) every day stores Merkel’s coalition gov- bursement of state aid: “It can Boerse Group posts salons will be allowed to stay closed, the HDE sector ernment has launched an happen very quickly now,” he higher Q4 profit reopen from March 1 but the lobby group said, calling the array of measures to help told NTV television.

BERLIN: German Deutsche Boerse Group, which runs the DAX stock market that lists Germany’s 30 Bombardier drops Learjet top companies, reported that total revenue for the quarter improved 19 percent to €1.019bn ($1.23bn) to focus on luxury models from €855.3m in the year-ago BLOOMBERG Officer Eric Martel. period. The moves will go toward a Net revenue for the quarter rose Bombardier Inc. will stop cost-saving target of $400 8 percent to €814.0m. making Learjet planes and cut million annually by 2023, Mon- Net profit attributable to share- 1,600 jobs as part of a wide- treal-based Bombardier said, holders was €236.8m or €1.29 per ranging plan to boost profita- including $100 million this year. basic share, versus €213.2m or bility and reduce costs. Planemakers globally are scaling €1.16 per basic share in the pre- Production of the iconic back to cope with anemic vious year period. private aircraft, which came demand as the coronavirus pan- Adjusted profit attributable to onto the market almost six demic upended global travel. shareholders improved 14 percent decades ago, will cease in the Bombardier has been selling to €276.1m. For 2020, Net reve- fourth quarter, the Montreal- off major units to lower its heavy nue grew 9 percent to €3.21bn, based manufacturer said in a debt burden and improve cash adjusted net profit attributable to statement yesterday. That will flows. The company sold its C shareholders increased 9 percent allow the company to focus on Series narrow-body aircraft to €1.20bn. its larger, faster and more program to Airbus SE, and last Looking ahead, Deutsche lucrative Challenger and Global month completed the sale its rail Boerse expects 2021 net rev- business jets. division to Alstom SA. A factory enue to rise to around €3.5bn, “Given the increasingly chal- in Northern Ireland used to as well as an increase of EBITDA Bombardier’s Global 7500, the first business jet to lenging market dynamics, we make aircraft wings is now reported to around €2.0bn. -QNA have a queen-sized bed and hot shower, is shown have made this difficult owned by Spirit AeroSystems during a media tour in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. decision,” said Chief Executive Holdings Inc. FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2021 BUSINESS 13

Oil snaps 8 day Investors lukewarm on Tesla’s $1.5bn bitcoin splurge rally after cut in REUTERS — NEW YORK bitcoin than it is for Tesla.” investor, who requested ano- Gary Black, former chief nymity because of a position in global demand Investors in high-flying electric executive of Aegon Asset Man- Tesla’s bonds, said the volatility carmaker Tesla Inc are ques- agement and now a private would matter more for equity outlook tioning whether Elon Musk’s investor who has been bullish holders as Tesla has sufficient BLOOMBERG $1.5bn outlay into bitcoin will on Tesla since 2019, on Monday money to pay out its bond- be as good for the company as announced here on Twitter that holders. Tesla last year raised Oil’s longest winning streak in it has been for the cryptocur- he had sold his Tesla shares. He cash, partly to ease future debt two years lost momentum rency. cited the absence of a 2021 pressures. following the International Tesla’s disclosure on delivery target and the com- Musk, Tesla’s chief exec- Energy Agency’s bleaker Monday that it had moved pany’s riskier capital allocation utive, holds the greatest portion outlook for global demand and nearly 8 percent of its reserves strategy, among other reasons. of outstanding Tesla shares, signs that futures were over- into bitcoin sent the price of the Black also tweeted here on according to Refinitiv data, fol- bought. cryptocurrency to all-time Monday: “$TSLA has always lowed by Capital World Prices in New York declined highs, up more than 16 percent been higher risk, but investing Investors, The Vanguard Group less than 1 percent yesterday this week, while Tesla’s shares $1.5B in #Bitcoin makes it more Inc, Baillie Gifford & Co and after rising for eight straight are down nearly 6 percent. risky.” He did not respond to a BlackRock Institutional Trust days. The IEA said the re-bal- Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk speaks at an opening ceremony for Tesla Others may follow Tesla’s lead, request for comment. Inc. Vanguard declined to ancing of the global oil markets China-made Model Y program in Shanghai, China on January 7, 2020. with Twitter Inc’s chief financial The difficulty of valuing the comment, while Capital World remains "fragile” and cut its fore- officer telling CNBC that the notoriously volatile cryptocur- Investors and BlackRock did not casts for world oil consumption company has considered adding rency over the long term was request for comment. Tom Graff, head of fixed respond to inquiries. in 2021 as the pandemic con- bitcoin to its balance sheet. also a cause for concern to Brett Winton, ARK’s director income at Brown Advisory, who Baillie Gifford partner James tinues to limit travel and eco- Shareholders voiced investors. of research, said Tesla’s bitcoin holds Tesla’s asset-backed Anderson told The Times here nomic activity. Still, the market’s concern that the investment by “Elon Musk has exposed investment was an “appropriate securities tied to the company’s that he was content with the prospects look stronger in the Tesla, which recently joined the Tesla to immense mark-to- use of cash” and it did not change auto leasing business but does purchase, but his firm would second half of the year, and benchmark S&P 500 stock market risk,” Peter Garnry, the firm’s outlook on the car- not own its corporate bonds, discuss setting limits on how swollen oil inventories will drop index, could fuel more gyrations head of equity strategy at Saxo maker. “We are comfortable with said while bitcoin can be easily much could be put into the sharply as fuel use picks up. in the company’s shares. Bank, wrote in a research note, the way in which we are fore- converted into cash, “you don’t asset. Baillie Gifford declined "Crude has shown some “It will add volatility to the referring to an accounting casting the positions we are know what kind of value you comment. really strong gains,” said Gary stock due to exposure to method designed to measure putting our clients in front of,” he would get or how quickly you Still, investors in Tesla have Cunningham, director at bitcoin,” said King Lip, chief the fair value of accounts — said. could realize that value.” been rewarded for sticking with Stamford, Connecticut-based strategist at Baker Avenue assets and liabilities — in order On the fixed-income side, “If I were an unsecured one of Wall Street’s most con- Tradition Energy. But "there’s Wealth Management, whose to provide a measure of investors had mixed views on bond holder, I would be very troversial stocks. Over the past some questions as to whether or firm has owned Tesla shares current financial performance. the impact of the bitcoin unhappy about this,” said Graff. 12 months shares have risen 422 not these levels can be main- since 2015. “This is better for Tesla did not respond to a investment. Another fixed-income percent. tained” amid uncertainty over the demand recovery and the ability to keep supply in check. While crude is up roughly 12 EU told 1 million EV charging stations needed by 2024 percent this month, recent stretch of price gains has pushed its REUTERS — FRANKFURT carmakers and power grid momentum as those of com- EU had 224,538 public charging 14-day Relative Strength Index operators plan ahead. bustion engine cars fell during points in 2020. this week to the most overbought The European Union should set “The EU Commission lockdowns in the coronavirus The letter, also signed by level since 1999, signaling a cor- binding targets for one million quickly needs to take action and crisis. consumer lobby BEUC and the rection is due. Meanwhile, Citi- public charging points for set binding targets for the Carmakers are launching Transport & Environment (T&E) group Inc. predicted benchmark electric vehicles by 2024, and ramp-up of charging infra- new EV models to meet tougher caucus, urged the Commission Brent will likely reach $70 a barrel three million by 2029, to give structure in the member states,” EU emissions rules and several to create common standards. by end of year and JPMorgan consumers the confidence to said ACEA president Oliver governments have introduced It should also set a target for Chase & Co. called a new super- switch to the new technology, Zipse, who is also chief exec- EV subsidies as part of pan- around 1,000 hydrogen stations cycle for commodities. the region’s car lobby said utive of German carmaker demic recovery programmes. by 2029, the letter said. Oil’s rebound accelerated yesterday. BMW. However, the rollout of The German government after Saudi Arabia pledged to In a joint letter with con- “Otherwise, even the public charging stations, to on Wednesday agreed a draft deepen output cuts and the sumer and sustainable transport current reduction targets in complement workplace and law to aim for 1,000 fast premium on the nearest contract groups, the European Auto- fighting climate change are at home charging, has been slow charging stations alongside firmed in a bullish backwar- mobile Manufacturers’ Associ- risk,” he said. and there are multiple tariffs motorways by the end of 2023. Oliver Zipse, ACEA President & dation structure, helping to ation (ACEA) told Brussels that Electric vehicle (EV) sales and payment methods. It expects to spend €2bn Chief Executive of BMW unwind global stockpiles built firm targets would also help have recently gained Industry figures show the ($2.4bn). up during the outbreak.

QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE

QNBK - QNB 17.05 17.05 16.95 17.05 62,238 17.02 17.0 69,163 17.02 17.02 -0.03 -0.18 829 2,490,951 42,321,460.13 QIBK - Qatar Islamic Bank 16.85 16.90 16.82 17.00 643 16.97 16.95 12,333 16.97 16.97 +0.12 +0.71 242 622,652 10,522,497.60 CBQK - Comm. Bank of Qatar 4.41 4.41 4.36 4.41 17,446 4.4 4.392 1,100 4.40 4.40 -0.01 -0.23 198 2,122,679 9,331,446.89 DHBK - Doha Bank 2.32 2.301 2.301 2.339 48,281 2.334 2.31 6,500 2.334 2.334 +0.014 +0.60 36 249,719 582,194.259 ABQK - Ahli Bank 3.775 0.000 0.000 0.000 5,000 3.845 3.75 250 3.775 0.000 0.000 0.00 0 0 0.000 QIIK - Intl. Islamic Bank 9.006 9.001 8.905 9.049 40,000 8.98 8.935 44,079 8.935 8.935 -0.071 -0.79 107 259,473 2,322,707.528 MARK - Rayan 4.40 4.36 4.36 4.41 77,244 4.4 4.399 50,002 4.40 4.400 0.00 0.00 413 4,146,528 18,213,663.84 KCBK - Al khalij Commercial Bank 2.119 2.12 2.090 2.127 5,000 2.127 2.1 150,000 2.127 0.000 +0.008 +0.38 82 3,241,010 6,844,731.328 QFBQ - Qatar First Bank (QFC) 1.854 1.86 1.84 1.86 100 1.845 1.84 89,573 1.84 1.84 -0.01 -0.76 178 3,688,332 6,808,450.74 QETF - QE Index ETF 10.362 0.000 0.000 0.000 9,653 10.359 10.329 9,681 10.362 10.355 0.000 0.00 0 0 0.000 QATR - Al Rayan Qatar ETF 2.40 2.392 2.389 2.395 10,185 2.395 2.392 11,503 2.395 2.399 -0.005 -0.21 153 1,666,450 3,986,067.674 QATI - Qatar Insurance 2.402 2.37 2.37 2.45 82,174 2.4 2.385 4,574 2.40 2.40 -0.00 -0.08 94 897,027 2,157,092.65 DOHI - Doha Insurance 1.57 1.588 1.555 1.588 1,312 1.585 1.555 28,706 1.585 0.00 +0.015 +0.96 10 23,782 37,593.750 QLMI - QLM 3.84 3.82 3.80 3.90 18,000 3.888 3.85 149,800 3.85 3.850 +0.01 +0.26 66 705,799 2,726,473.74 QGRI - General Insurance 2.497 0.000 0.000 0.000 1,330 2.496 2.3 2,000 2.497 0.000 0.000 0.00 0 0 0.000 AKHI - Alkhaleej Takaful 2.684 2.727 2.727 2.940 14,194 2.826 2.825 45,000 2.826 2.826 +0.142 +5.29 482 8,487,383 24,038,623.501 QISI - Islamic Insurance 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 3,779 7.05 6.809 3,000 7.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 8 270,000 1,890,000.00 QAMC - QAMCO 0.935 0.933 0.933 0.954 19,682 0.945 0.944 593,000 0.945 0.945 +0.010 +1.07 239 8,863,344 8,373,969.569 QIMD - Ind. Manf. Co. 2.931 2.921 2.921 2.935 3,000 2.94 2.935 400 2.935 0.000 +0.004 +0.14 2 2,100 6,135.500 QNCD - National Cement Co. 4.698 4.750 4.550 4.785 42,134 4.668 4.62 2,400 4.668 4.668 -0.030 -0.64 148 1,051,150 4,865,557.078 ZHCD - Zad Holding Company 14.94 14.94 14.75 14.94 32,223 14.9 14.76 1,000 14.90 14.90 -0.04 -0.27 7 15,931 235,303.54 IQCD - Industries Qatar 12.29 12.20 12.17 12.28 114,110 12.2 12.15 252,000 12.20 12.20 -0.09 -0.73 219 1,225,048 14,947,057.31 UDCD - United Dev. Company 1.62 1.62 1.61 1.63 83,998 1.61 1.605 10,000 1.61 1.61 -0.01 -0.62 155 1,784,075 2,880,296.96 QGMD - Qatar German Co. Med 3.236 3.24 3.18 3.29 50,000 3.23 3.22 30,000 3.22 3.220 -0.02 -0.49 275 4,256,999 13,729,027.17 QIGD - The Investors 1.907 1.93 1.91 2.05 111,083 2.0 1.999 47,311 2.00 2.00 +0.09 +4.88 889 14,731,161 29,338,436.59 ORDS - Ooredoo 8.49 8.542 8.410 8.580 3,247 8.534 8.526 1,385 8.534 8.534 +0.044 +0.52 220 661,417 5,635,774.786 QEWS - Electricity & Water 18.04 17.95 17.83 17.95 3,414 17.95 17.86 14,052 17.86 17.86 -0.18 -1.00 174 412,343 7,388,898.81 SIIS - Salam International 0.621 0.625 0.612 0.632 785,886 0.625 0.622 168,642 0.625 0.625 +0.004 +0.64 281 19,823,017 12,370,509.971 BLDN - Baladna 1.74 1.738 1.730 1.765 27,406 1.75 1.743 269,180 1.743 1.743 +0.003 +0.17 122 1,588,886 2,776,342.806 NLCS - National Leasing 1.205 1.204 1.204 1.234 152,143 1.219 1.218 46,764 1.219 1.219 +0.014 +1.16 160 3,422,587 4,176,125.133 QNNS - Qatar Navigation 7.50 7.50 7.30 7.69 4,274 7.5 7.319 1,200 7.50 7.500 0.00 0.00 275 1,458,628 10,938,399.36 MCGS - Medicare 8.652 8.65 8.48 8.65 52,129 8.52 8.505 15,000 8.52 8.52 -0.13 -1.53 107 500,870 4,265,247.71 QCFS - Cinema 3.743 0.000 0.000 0.000 5,400 3.737 3.603 3,040 3.743 0.000 0.000 0.00 0 0 0.000 QFLS - Qatar Fuel 18.00 18.00 17.98 18.09 21,262 18.09 17.98 1,856 18.09 18.09 +0.09 +0.50 64 133,168 2,399,294.96 WDAM - Widam 6.11 6.10 6.09 6.14 10,000 6.128 6.1 11,110 6.13 0.00 +0.02 +0.33 8 8,252 50,520.97 GWCS - Gulf warehousing Co 5.23 5.230 5.180 5.285 10,000 5.25 5.245 10,000 5.245 5.245 +0.015 +0.29 74 4,700,180 24,658,338.755 QGTS - Nakilat 3.398 3.398 3.356 3.399 44,113 3.399 3.38 20,000 3.399 3.399 +0.001 +0.03 109 1,007,325 3,407,905.058 DBIS - Dlala 1.844 1.824 1.824 1.899 112,887 1.885 1.88 50 1.885 1.885 +0.041 +2.22 194 3,021,147 5,685,493.485 BRES - Barwa 3.338 3.34 3.33 3.36 3,000 3.35 3.331 39,351 3.35 3.350 +0.01 +0.36 157 1,168,088 3,904,273.34 MCCS - Mannai Corp. 2.979 2.986 2.955 2.986 5,000 2.965 2.936 10,000 2.981 0.000 +0.002 +0.07 5 15,152 44,849.882 AHCS - Aamal 0.83 0.827 0.826 0.868 8,102 0.851 0.846 37,090 0.846 0.85 +0.016 +1.93 228 8,994,179 7,637,735.123 QOIS - Qatar Oman 0.847 0.84 0.84 0.87 281,856 0.86 0.859 920,000 0.86 0.86 +0.01 +1.53 67 2,535,660 2,167,670.91 ERES - Ezdan Holding 1.704 1.701 1.701 1.739 41,788 1.72 1.713 62,176 1.713 1.713 +0.009 +0.53 177 5,023,638 8,658,870.135 IHGS - Inma 5.31 5.31 5.28 5.36 3,957 5.3 5.292 9,659 5.30 5.30 -0.01 -0.19 167 1,652,119 8,757,466.60 GISS - Gulf International 1.68 1.678 1.660 1.700 223,386 1.689 1.674 33,410 1.689 1.689 +0.009 +0.54 266 9,819,296 16,522,726.556 MPHC - Mesaieed 1.987 1.966 1.966 1.982 18,153 1.979 1.971 11,380 1.979 1.979 -0.008 -0.40 102 734,549 1,450,548.152 IGRD - Investment Holding 0.543 0.542 0.540 0.568 50,000 0.556 0.555 972,706 0.556 0.556 +0.013 +2.39 598 45,302,715 25,172,814.933 VFQS - Vodafone Qatar 1.519 1.514 1.500 1.519 20,000 1.519 1.509 1,350 1.519 1.519 0.000 0.00 83 7,725,304 11,614,237.037 MERS - Al Meera 20.00 19.82 19.82 20.00 5,000 20.0 19.86 2,511 20.00 20.00 0.00 0.00 21 34,333 686,115.18 MRDS - Mazaya 1.253 1.255 1.245 1.264 89,867 1.249 1.246 25,000 1.249 1.25 -0.004 -0.32 150 4,528,663 5,666,067.046

QE INDICES SUMMARY QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON WORLD STOCK INDICES EXCHANGE RATE

QE Index 10,522.78 -0.05 % 11-02-2021 Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Currency Selling (QAR) Buying (QAR) QE Total Return Index 20,302.73 -0.05 % Index 10,522.78 Dow Jones Industrial Average 31,395.17 +19.34 +0.06% US$ 3.6500 3.6305 Australian Dollar AUD 2.83 2.76 QE Al Rayan Islamic Index - Price 2,407.93 -0.04 % Change -5.74 S&P 500 3,907.26 -3.97 -0.10% Bangladeshi Taka BDT 0.0455 0.042 % -0.05% Nasdaq Composite Index 13,985.62 -22.07 -0.16% QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,295.68 -0.04 % Canadian Dollar CAD 2.92.84 YTD% +0.83 FTSE 100 Index 6,524.36 -7.20 -0.11% QE All Share Index 3,232.87 -0.03 % Volume 185,121,555 Euro EUR 4.48 4.38 DAX Index 13,932.97 -78.83 -0.56% QE All Share Banks & Value (QAR) 382,452,551.56 Indian Rupee INR 0.0525 0.05 CAC 40 Index 5,670.80 -20.74 -0.36% Trades 8,661 Indonesian Rupiah IDR 0.00027 0.00025 Financial Services 4,196.36 +0.02 % Japanese Yen JPY 0.0353 0.0346 Up 25 | Down 16 | Unchanged 05 Nikkei Stock Average 225 29,562.93 +57.00 +0.19% QE All Share Industrials 3,277.45 -0.40 % Hang Seng Index 30,038.72 +562.53 +1.91% Nepalese Rupee NPR 0.033 0.031 10-02-2021 QE All Share Transportation 3,500.03 +0.04 % Shanghai Composite Index 3,655.09 +51.60 +1.43% Pakistani Rupee PKR 0.02326 0.02299 Index 10,528.52 Philippine Peso PHP 0.0785 0.076 QE All Share Real Estate 1,885.41 0.00 % ASX All Ordinaries Index 7,133.80 +31.70 +0.45% Change +83.52 Pound Sterling GBP 5.08 4.98 QE All Share Insurance 2,461.87 +0.29 % % +0.80% South African Rand ZAR 0.243 0.232 QE All Share Telecoms 1,146.83 +0.39 % YTD% +0.89 GOLD AND SILVER Sri Lankan Rupee LKR 0.0197 0.0185 Volume 202,767,955 QE All Share Consumer GOLD QR226.00 per gramme Swiss Franc CHF 4.13 4.05 Goods & Services 7,929.97 +0.17 % Value (QAR) 570,783,263.93 Tunisian Dinar TND 1.38 1.32 Trades 10,193 SILVER QR3.13 per gramme Turkish Lira TRY 0.54 0.51 Sport FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2021 14

Zarandi’s winning circle including trainers and owners are seen after the Al Wajba Cup win at the Qatar and Racing Equestrian Club's Al Rayyan Race Track yesterday. RIGHT: Jockey Ronan Thomas is seen receiving the winner’s trophy after the Al Wabja Cup race. Thomas guides Zarandi to Al Wajba Cup win

THE PENINSULA - DOHA dirt at QREC's Al Rayyan Park. WINNERS Zarandi, winner of Al Wajba Cup, Saadi rode the Zuhair Mohsen- AL WAJBA CUP crosses the finish line with jockey Saeed Nasser Al Qadi’s Zarandi trained 4YO colt to a 2¼-length Horse: Zarandi (IRE), Trainer: Hamad Al Jehani, Ronan Thomas in the saddle. (IRE) (Scat Daddy x Zaralanta) win in the 1100m Class 4 run. Jockey: Ronan Thomas yesterday stormed to Al Wajba Also yesterday, Khalifa Bin THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 4) Cup win on the dirt track at Al Sheail Al Kuwari’s Huwaiteb Superior Moment (IRE), Zuhair Mohsen, Soufiane Saadi THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 5) Rayyan Park. won the Thoroughbred Huwaiteb (GB), Mohammed Riyaz, Alberto Sanna Ronan Thomas rode the Handicap (65-75) at Al Rayyan PUREBRED ARABIAN NOVICE PLATE Hamad Al Jehani-trained 5YO Park. Latam (FR), Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, Tomas Lukasek horse to a 3-length win in the Alberto Sanna rode the LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN NOVICE PLATE 1900m Class 2 run for Mohammed Riyaz-trained 4YO Shaweesh (QA), Hamad Al Jehani, Rashid Ali Al Thoroughbreds. gelding to a 3½-length win in the Marri* (-3kg) Zarandi clocked 2:03.06 as 1900m Class 5 run. THOROUGHBRED NOVICE PLATE (Class 6) Thomas won QR 57,000 in a Al Shaqab Racing’s I Am Thunder (IRE), Hamad Al Jehani, Alberto Sanna field of nine riders. homebred Latam clinched the THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN PLATE (Class 6) High Commander, ridden by issue in the Purebred Arabian Wakeel (IRE), Mohammed Ghazali, Khalid Al Balushi* JP Guillambert, and Ernest Novice Plate race Al Rayyan (-5kg) Aldrich, who had Soufiane Saadi Park. Tomas Lukasek rode the LOCAL THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP in the saddle, finished in second Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki-trained Lehwaila (QA), Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, Carlos Henrique and third spots respectively. 6YO horse to a 3-length win in LOCAL THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN PLATE (3 Year Olds) Guillambert won QR 22,000 the 1900m run for 4YO+. Al Gamamah (QA), Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, Ronan while Saad bagged QR 11,000 for Ahmed Hassan Al Malki Al Thomas his third-place finish. Jehani’s Shaweesh won the Local In a brilliant performance in Purebred Arabian Novice Plate I Am Thunder produced good Kuwari’s Wakeel won the Thor- day, Mohammed Khamis Eisa opening race, the Ibrahim Saeed what was the second big race of in what was the fifth race of the speed to win the Thoroughbred oughbred Maiden Plate when Al-Kaabi’s homebred Lehwaila Ibrahim Al Malki-owned & the night, Abdulaziz Jassim Al night. Rashid Ali Al Saaq rode the Novice Plate. Sanna rode the jockey Khalid Al Balushi rode the won the Local Thoroughbred trained Al Gamamah won the Buainain’s homebred Superior Hamad Al Jehani-trained 6YO Hamad Al Jehani-trained 4YO Mohammed Ghazali-trained Handicap (0-85). Carlos Hen- Local Thoroughbred Maiden Moment completed a double horse to a 3¼-length win in the colt to a ¾-length win in the 5YO horse to a length win in the rique rode the Ibrahim Al Malki- Plate with jockey Thomas riding winning by sealing the deal in 1700m run for 4YO+ 1100m Class 6 run. 1900m Class 6 run. trained 5YO mare to a 2-length the bay filly to a 3 ¾-length win the TB Handicap (0-85) on the Yousuf Mubarak Al Kuwari’s Khalifa Bin Sheail Al In the second event of the win in the 5f run. In the day’s in the 1100m run for 3YOs. 8 overseas players England Rizwan smashes in highest bracket without century as Pakistan for IPL auction injured beat South Africa NEW DELHI - REUTERS Archer for AGENCIES - LAHORE SCOREBOARD Eight overseas players and two Indian players have PAKISTAN chosen to be slotted in the highest bracket of the second Pakistan yesterday beat South Mohammad Rizwan not out ...... 104 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction with a base price Africa by three runs at Lahore’s Babar Azam run out ...... 0 of two crore rupees ($275,000), India’s cricket board Gaddafi Stadium in the first T20I Haider Ali c Snyman b Phehlukwayo ...... 21 (BCCI) said yesterday. Test fixture of the three-match series Hussain Talat st Klaasen b Shamsi ...... 15 Australia’s Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell, Eng- between the two sides. Iftikhar Ahmed c Hendricks b Fortuin ...... 4 Khushdil Shah c Fortuin b Sipamla ...... 12 AP - CHENNAI land’s Moeen Ali, Sam Billings, Liam Plunkett, Jason Mohammad Rizwan hit a Faheem Ashraf c Miller b Phehlukwayo ...... 4 Roy and Mark Wood and Bangladesh all-rounder magnificent ton to put up a good Mohammad Nawaz not out ...... 3 Shakib Al Hasan are in the bracket along with veteran England will be without paceman Jofra Archer (pictured above) because of score for the Men In Green. Extras: (b1, lb3, w2) ...... 6 Indian spinners Harbhajan Singh and Kedar Jadhav. a right elbow injury for the second Tagainst India in Chennai starting today. Rizwan became the first-ever Total: (Overs 20; for six wkts) ...... 169 A total of 292 cricketers -- 164 Indians, 125 Archer has had an injection in the joint, the England and Wales Cricket Pakistani wicket-keeper to score Did not bat: Usman Qadir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, overseas players and three from Associate Nations Board said yesterday, and the team expects he will be fit for the third test in a century in T20Is. He is also the Haris Rauf Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Azam), 2-37 (Haider), 3-69 -- will go under the hammer when the auction takes Ahmedabad starting on Feb. 24. second wicket-keeper batsman (Talat), 4-99 (Iftikhar), 5-134 (Shah), 6-143 (Ashraf) place in Chennai on Feb 18. Archer felt discomfort in his elbow during the 227-run win in the first Test, in the world to score a 100 in all Bowling: Fortuin 3-0-25-1, Pretorius 2-0-13-0, The list was trimmed down from 1,114 players which was also in Chennai. three formats of international Phehlukwayo 4-0-33-2, Sipamla 4-0-37-1, Snyman who had registered after the eight teams submitted “The issue is not related to any previous injury,” the ECB said, “and it is cricket. 1-0-12-0, Dala 2-0-25-0 (1w), Shamsi 4-0-20-1 (1w) their shortlists of players. The annual tournament is hoped the treatment will allow the condition to settle down quickly.” The 28-year old cricketer SOUTH AFRICA set to be played between April and May this year. Fast bowlers Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Olly Stone did not play in scored an unbeaten 104 off 64 J. Malan b Qadir ...... 44 Smith, who captained the Rajasthan Royals, was the first test - Archer and Jimmy Anderson were the specialist pacemen in the deliveries. His innings included R. Hendricks run out ...... 54 J. Snyman b Qadir ...... 2 one of eight players released last month by the fran- team - so are now pushing for inclusion. 7 sixes, which is the highest by a D. Miller c Rizwan b Ashraf ...... 6 chise which finished last in the eight-team league. Pakistani batsman in T20Is. H. Klaasen c Talat b Rauf...... 12 However, they retained the English trio of Ben Stokes, The previous record was held A. Phehlukwayo c Haider b Rauf ...... 14 Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer. by Mohammad Hafeez and D. Pretorius not out ...... 15 Maxwell was among nine released by Kings XI Ahmed Shahzad, both of whom B. Fortuin not out ...... 17 Punjab after an underwhelming season and the fran- had smashed 6 sixes in an innings Extras (w2) ...... 2 England's Livingstone in Total: (Overs 20, for six wkts) ...... 166 chise have the biggest salary cap available with 14 on different occasions. Did not bat: J. Dala, L. Sipamla, T. Shamsi slots to fill, which includes five overseas slots. The Proteas were in a strong Fall of wickets: 1-53 (Malan), 2-61 (Snyman), Royal Challengers Bangalore, led by Indian T20 squad for India series position early in the game before 3-83 (Miller), 4-115 (Klaasen), 5-134 (Hendricks), skipper Virat Kohli, have the most available slots with Usman Qadir's spell of 2 for 21 6-139 (Phehlukwayo) 11 to be filled which includes three overseas slots. turned things around in the field Bowling: Nawaz 4-0-21-0 (1w), Rauf 4-0-44-2, The oldest player on the list is England’s 42-year- LONDON - REUTERS for Pakistan. The next match of the Shaheen 4-0-37-0, Qadir 4-0-21-2, Shah 1-0-6-0, old Nayan Doshi, son of former Indian bowler Dilip, series will be played at the same Ashraf 3-0-37-1 Result: Pakistan won by three runs while the youngest is Afghanistan’s uncapped spinner England batsman Liam Livingstone has been named in the Twenty20 squad venue tomorrow. Noor Ahmad who is only 16. for next month’s five-match series in India, the England and Wales Cricket The final list also includes Arjun Tendulkar, son Board (ECB) said yesterday. of Indian batting great Sachin, with the 21-year-old Livingstone, who last played a T20 international in 2017, has been included who played for Mumbai in the domestic Twenty20 after impressive displays in Australia’s Big Bash League this season, where he championship listed as an all-rounder with a base scored 426 runs in 14 matches for Perth Scorchers. price of 20 lakh rupees ($27,500). Fast bowler Jofra Archer, all-rounder Ben Stokes and wicketkeeper-batsmen Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler are also included but test captain Joe Root has SCOREBOARD been left out. Bonner leads England, who currently lead 1-0 in the four-Test series in India, are WEST Indies first innings Pakistan’s Kraigg Brathwaite c Najmul b Soumya ...... 47 scheduled to play five T20 matches in Ahmedabad, with the opening match John Campbell lbw b Taijul ...... 36 WI to 223-5 to be held on March 12. Mohammed Squad: Shayne Moseley b Jayed ...... 7 AP - DHAKA Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Rizwan during Nkrumah Bonner not out ...... 74 Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Chris Jordan, Liam Living- his century Kyle Mayers c Soumya b Jayed ...... 5 Nkrumah Bonner was stone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, Mark against South Jermaine Blackwood c & b Taijul ...... 28 making up for lost time Wood Afrida in Joshua Da Silva not out ...... 22 Extras (lb 2, nb2) ...... 4 with his second the first of Total ( five wickets; 90 overs) ...... 223 successive half-century three T20 To Bat: Rahkeem Cornwall, Alzarri Joseph, as West Indies ground Remaining international matches in February 2021: internationals Jomel Warrican, Shannon Gabriel out 223-5 against Bang- between the Fall of wickets: 1-66 (Campbell), 2-87 (Mose- ladesh on day one of the Feb 12: 2nd Test, England vs India at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai two sides. ley), 3-104 (Brathwaite), 4-116 (Mayers), 5-178 (Blackwood) second cricket Test Feb 13: 2nd T20, South Africa in Pakistan at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore Pakistan Bowling: Jayed 18-5-46-2, Mehidy 22-5-39-0, yesterday. Feb 14: 3rd T20, South Africa in Pakistan at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore won by three Nayeem 12-1-42-0, Taijul 30-5-64-2 (nb2), Bonner was 74 not Feb 22: 1st T20I, Australia in New Zealand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch runs. Pic: Soumya 8-1-30-1 out when play ended Feb 24: 3rd Test, England vs India at Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad TheRealPCB yesterday. Feb 25: 2nd T20I, Australia in New Zealand at University Oval, Dunedin FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2021 SPORT 15

Club World Cup: African champions beat Brazilian giants in Doha Al Ahly clinch 3rd spot with shootout win FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA

African champions Al Ahly yesterday clinched third position at the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 after defeating Copa Libertadores cham- pions Palmeiras 3-2 on penalties following a goalless draw at Education City Stadium. Goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy emerged as hero for a good number of Al Ahly fans present at the 2022 World Cup venue, blocking Felipe Melo’s last penalty with a long dive on his right, giving the Egyptians third position for the second time in tour- nament’s history. Badr Benoun, Mohamed Hani and Junior Ajayi scored for the winners with Amr El Sulaya and Marwan Mohsen failing to score. Palmeiras succumbed to the pressure as only Gustavo Gómez and Gustavo Scarpa succeeded in their spot kicks with Rony and Luiz Adriano also wasting their penalties. Al Ahly pocketed $2.5m for winning third position while Palmeiras ended up taking $2m in prize for their participation. Al Ahly players celebrate with their goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy after they defeat Brazil's Palmeiras to clinch the third place in the FIFA Club World Cup Yesterday, El Shenawy was also at the Education City Stadium in Doha, yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA firm during action, defying attacks from the Brazilians at the third position play-off. on the opposition late in the first half, goalkeeper collected a near-post minute. Walter Bwalya snatched the kick from El Sulaya but the Nigerian Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira following a dull start to the game. Pal- header from Adriano. ball from Melo on the edge of the box was declared offside. As the game fielded a 4-4-1-1 formation making meiras made three shots on the target Yesterday, coach Pitso Mosimane to pass it to El Sulaya but the Egyptian swung both sides, Al Ahly made four chances as he brought in Mayke, in the opening session but solid had to do reshuffling in the team due midfielder’s cross in an open space another double substitution in 75th Melo, Patrick de Paula and Willian. defending from El Shenawy kept them to absence of key players also was wide with just goalkeeper minute with striker Marwan Mohsen The Brazilians failed to take away from scoring. including Tunisian left back Ali Weverton to beat. In the second half and Malian midfielder Aliou Dieng advantage against Al Ahly in the first The Copa Libertadores champions Maaloul but Al Ahly started on a pos- after Mosimane sent in forward Ajayi coming off the bench to replace Taher session as they were missing their star created their best chance, five minutes itive note looking a better side in the and Mohamed Sherif to replace Mohamed and Akram Tawfik. pair of Mahmoud Kahraba and Hussein before half-time when Rony headed first 30 minutes. Bwalya and Afsha, Al Ahly’s goal in Ferreira also made three substi- El Shahat - suspended by FIFA for vio- a ball on target but El Shenawy made Although, The Red Devils didn’t the 67th minute was disallowed for tutions sending in Gistavo Scarpa, lating coronavirus protocols. a diving save on his left, pushing the take a shot on target in first half, they offside. Danilo and Gabriel Menino but the The Brazilians slightly had an ball away to concede a corner, and created some chances with their best Ajayi struck the ball past Weverton stalemate continued pushing the game upper hand after mounting pressure from that corner kick the Egyptian opportunity coming in the 26th on a rebound after a superb scissor to penalties.

Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his Australian Open AUSTRALIAN OPEN: TODAY'S ORDER OF PLAY New Qatar second round match against Michael Mmoh of the US at Order of play on the main showcourts on the fifth day of the Australian Open today. Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday. ROD LAVER ARENA 18-Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) v 15-Pablo Carreno International 7-Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) v Li Ann (U.S.) Busta (Spain) Not before 0200 GMT From 0800 GMT Baja to join FIM Anastasia Potapova (Russia) v 10-Serena Williams (U.S.) 11-Denis Shapovalov (Canada) v 20-Felix Auger- 32-Adrian Mannarino (France) v 6-Alexander Zverev Aliassime (Canada) series in April (Germany) 15-Iga Swiatek (Poland) v Fiona Ferro (France) From 0800 GMT JOHN CAIN ARENA THE PENINSULA – DOHA 32-Veronika Kudermetova (Russia) v 2-Simona Halep From 0100 GMT (Romania) Hsieh Su-wei (Taiwan) v Sara Errani (Italy) The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle 1-Novak Djokovic (Serbia) v 27-Taylor Fritz (U.S.) Not before 0230 GMT Federation (QMMF) will host the MARGARET COURT ARENA 27-Ons Jabeur (Tunisia) v 3-Naomi Osaka (Japan) 2021 Qatar International Baja, 19-Marketa Vondrousouva (Czech Republic) v Sorana Not before 0400 GMT round three of the FIM Bajas World Cirstea (Romania) Aslan Karatsev (Russia) v 8-Diego Schwartzman (Argentina) Cup, on April 8-10. Not before 0130 GMT Not before 0800 GMT The event’s announcement 14-Garbine Muguruza (Spain) v Zarina Diyas (Kazakhstan) 3-Dominic Thiem (Austria) v Nick Kyrgios (Australia) comes hot on the heels of the con- clusion of the 2021 Qatar Interna- tional Rally that ran successfully in January under stringent COVID-19 Defending champion Kenin protocols put in place. In a compact format laid on by the QMMF, the weekend’s action will get underway with adminis- Nadal unfazed crashes out in Melbourne tration checks and scrutineering at the Losail Sports Arena and a timed super special stage on Thursday, by Mmoh, unruly AP – MELBOURNE April 8. The result of the opening stage fan Down Under American Sofia Kenin’s bid to repeat will determine the starting order for as champion at the Australian Open the opening leg of around 250 com- REUTERS – MELBOURNE ended yesterday when she lost in the petitive kilometres on the following second round to big-serving Kaia day. This selective section will run Rafa Nadal’s march towards the third round of Kanepi 6-3, 6-2. through the north-central Qatar the Australian Open was briefly halted Kanepi hit 10 aces, including on deserts and incorporates one refu- yesterday when an unruly spectator was match point, and had 22 winners to elling point around the halfway removed from the Rod Laver Arena for inter- 10 for Kenin, who was erratic with her mark. rupting play as the second-seeded Spaniard strokes and went 0 for 7 on break- A second selective section of a watched in amusement. point chances. similar distance will run through the The incident had no bearing on the match, Kenin’s run to her first Grand Slam central and southern deserts on Sat- however, as the world number two completed title a year ago helped her break into urday, April 10 and also features a a commanding performance to swat aside the top 10 for the first time, and she refuelling point before finishing American qualifier Michael Mmoh 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 entered this year’s tournament ranked close to Sealine, south of Doha. and stay on track for a record 21st Grand Slam a career-high No. 4. The new Baja will be held under title. Nadal was serving for the second set at Lots of upsets were anticipated, Australia’s Ashleigh Barty in the chairmanship of QMMF Pres- 5-4 when he was interrupted by a disturbance however, in a tournament where action during her second round ident Abdulrahman Al Mannai and in the stands. The chair umpire asked a female routine have been disrupted by the match against Daria Gavrilova. the QMMF’s Executive Director spectator to be quiet and when Nadal looked coronavirus pandemic, and three of Amro Al Hamad. towards the crowd she made an inappropriate the top nine seeded women have For details on concessions and gesture. already lost. Kenin joined No. 8 Bianca Barty lost only 10 points in the the US Open for the first time last Sep- entry information, competitors and “What? Me?” asked a bewildered Nadal in Andreescu and No. 9 Petra Kvitova on opening round, and her match against tember, and her year-end ranking was teams, contact Davy Patterson, the response, maintaining a smile on his face as he the sideline. Gavrilova was equally lopsided until a career-best No. 58. Rogers was side- Competitor Liaison Officer (CRO), looked at the woman. After a couple of points Kanepi, a 35-year-old Estonian, the wobbly finish. She led 5-2 in the lined for 14 months by a knee injury Email: davypatterson777@goog- in the game, she again interrupted play and improved to 13-39 against top 10 second set but was broken twice sustained in early 2018, and her lemail.com. was subsequently removed by security. players. She ended Aryna Sabalenka’s serving for the victory. ranking at the end of that year was Additional information con- Nadal did not play in Spain’s ATP Cup cam- 15-match winning streak last week at In the tiebreaker Barty lost several 780th. cerning Covid-19 protocols is paign last week with a back problem and fol- a tuneup tournament. ugly points. Gavrilova, a wild card, She had little trouble with available from Email: covid- lowing his opening win in Melbourne he had Serena Williams remains the last failed to convert two set points and Danilovic, a qualifier from Serbia [email protected]. said the injury was still bothering him. woman to defend a Grand Slam title committed unforced errors to end the ranked 183rd. The small crowd on The provisional final date for The back issue was still troubling him, the - at Wimbledon in 2016. final three rallies. Court 3 included Novak Djokovic, who entry applications has been set for Spaniard said after reaching the third round No. 1-ranked Ash Barty avoided Rogers reached the third round at sat behind the baseline shouting March 31. For general information where he faces Briton Cameron Norrie, adding an upset, but she blew a big lead in the Australian Open for the first time encourage to his fellow Serb. about the 2021 Qatar International he was trying to find solutions to manage it. the second set and survived a shaky by beating Olga Danilovic 6-2, 6-3. Pliskova, seeded sixth, advanced Baja, contact the Qatar Motor and Nadal showed no discernible sign of dis- tiebreaker to beat fellow Aussie Daria Rogers, 28, came into the tournament by beating American Danielle Collins Motor Cycle Federation (QMMF), comfort against the 177th-ranked Mmoh under Gavrilova 6-1, 7-6 (7). with a career record of 1-4 in Mel- 7-5, 6-2. Pliskova lost serve twice in P.O. Box 8708, Doha, Qatar, Tel: + the closed roof in the evening’s final match and Barty is trying to become the first bourne, but her ranking and fortunes a seesaw first set but pulled it out and 974 443 79885, Fax: + 974 443 peppered the blue court with 40 winners as Australian to win the women’s title at have been on the rise of late. then pulled away to beat Collins, a 79732, E-mail: [email protected] the American looked on helplessly. Melbourne since Chris O’Neil in 1978. She reached the quarter-finals at 2019 semi-finalist at Melbourne Park. and www.qmmf.com. Sport

FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2021 DefendingDefen champ Kenin crashes out in Melbourne I know I couldn't really handle the pressure. I had chances. I justj couldn't take it. I obviously know why because the nerves big-timeb got to me. I'm not there 100% physically, mentally, mym game - everything just feels real off.

SofiaS Kenin Sport | 15

VOLLEYBALL: QATAR CUP Police SC beat Qatar SC 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-23); Al Arabi beat Al Ahli 3-1 (25-19, 27-29, 31-29, 29-27)

German side seals historic title win over Tigres in Doha finale Bayern crowned champions FAWAD HUSSAIN Bayern Munich players celebrate with the FIFA Club World Cup trophy after defeating Tigres UANL in the final yesterday at the THE PENINSULA Education City Stadium in Doha.

Bayern Munich created history when they edged Tigres UANL 1-0 in the final to clinch their second FIFA World Cup title at the Education City Stadium. Frenchman Benjamin Pavard struck the winner just before the hour-mark last night as the European champions sealed their sixth title of the Bayern's season for the first time since the club was formed in 1900. incredible Barcelona – under coach Pep Guardiola – was the first season with side to win six crowns in a single season in 2009. 6 titles Under coach Hans-Dieter Flick – who joined the club in November 2019 - the Bavarians Bundesliga claimed the German Super Cup, German Cup the Bundesliga, the German Cup, the Champions League and Champions League the European Super Cup this European Super Cup season before captain Manuel Neuer lifted the World Cup at German Super Cup the Qatar 2022 venue last night. Yesterday’s triumph also FIFA Club World Cup means that Flick have won more trophies than Bayern lost matches (5) out of 68th com- golden chance to double the petitive games under him. lead but Costa put the ball Bayern, by restricting Tigres straight in Guzman’s hand after from scoring also maintained receiving a pass on a good their record of not conceding a position. single goal from four games, neutral venue before the final, strike in 25th minute. Best FIFA the halftime with a clean sheet Lewandowski – going up for a Bayern continued their equalling Barcelona’s record in were on fire from the start Goalkeeper Neuer punched and succeeded in doing that at cross – referee declared the aggressive display even during the competition. against Tigres, who stunned away a corner after half-hour the cost of a yellow card to Jesús goal legal. It was Pavard’s first four minutes of stoppage time The day of the showdown, Brazilian giants Palmeiras in the mark following a rare surge by Dueñas, who was cautioned by goal since May 30 last year before Gignac made a failed however, did not start well for semi-final. the Mexicans. Ostojich fofor delaying when he scored against Düs- last-gasp effort to equalise as the German side who found out Kingsley Coman and Robert Tigres were eager too go into tactics,tacticc three seldorf in Bundesliga. Bayern secured their second that Thomas Müller was tested Lewandowski – who netted a minutesminuu before After the goal, Flick made World Cup crown after their positive for the coronavirus. brace against Al Ahly – made FIFA CLUB thethe breather.b four substitutions within nine maiden triumph in 2013. With experienced duo of early inroads as Bayern took WORLD CUP TheT minutes sending in Corentin Tigres, despite the defeat, Müller, 31, and central defender control over Tigres after the WINNERS EEuropeanu r Tolisso for Gnabry in 64th have reason to smile as they Jerome Boateng – who flew CONCACAF Champions League championschamp made minutes before calling back became the first Mexican side 2020 Bayern Munich back home for personal reasons winners started the game on a 2019 England Liverpool theirtheeir firstfir attempt Leroy Sane, Lewandowski and to claim silver in the – out of the final, Flick made bright note, with Frenchman 2018 Real Madrid ofof thethhe secondsec half, Coman to send fresh attack in tournament. three changes in the starting XI. André-Pierre Gignac storming 2017 Real Madrid sixx mminutesinutee after the Jamal Musiala, Eric Maxim Lewandowski, who took He retained a 4-2-3-1 for- into the box in the first minute. 2016 Real Madrid titlettitlle clashclasc h resumedr as Choupo-Moting and Douglas home the Golden Ball trophy, mation, fielding Niklas Süle, Joshua Kimmich almost 2015 Barcelona SSeSergerggeg Gnabry, Costa, nine minutes later. said: “We really wanted to win Leroy Sane and Lucas Hern- took the Bavarians ahead in the 2014 Real Madrid rrecreceivingceiving a pass from Ferretti, on the other hand, today. The goal that we scored andez while dropping Marc 18th minute with a superb strike 2013 Bayern Munich DavidDaavidd AlaAlabab targeted made his first change just 10 was probably from the first Roca, who started in 2-0 semi- from around 20 yards out on 2012 Corinthians a farf r cornercorn but his minutes before time, fielding cross that came in. I said to the final win against Al Ahly on the right defeating goalkeeper 2011 Barcelona strikesttrikkek w wentenn wide. Julián Quinones to replace Luis boys at half-time, come on, put Monday. Nahuel Guzmán, but referee 2010 Internazionale TheThe moment Rodriguez. a few more crosses in. They Ricardo Ferretti, on the Esteban Ostojich – after con- 2009 Barcelona finallyfinnally came in Tolisso made his presence managed it once and that’s how other, decided against making sulting with VAR – disallowed 2008 Man United 59th5 minutem for felt with an attempt before we won, and that’s an amazing changes in the starting XI as he the goal ruling that Lewand- 2007 Milan BayernBaye when Tigres escaped an own goal thing! It’s a shame that Thomas adopted a 4-4-2 formation. owski was in offside position. 2006 Internacional PavardPava slotted after a confusion between Muller wasn’t able to be here. Despite missing their main Seeking a breakthrough, 2005 São Paulo homeho and Salcedo and Guzman. We are flying back straight players, Bayern, who won last Bayern continued to attack with 2000 Corinthians aafter VAR Five minutes before time, home to Munich, there is no seven competitive matches on Guzmán saving Coman’s firing check on Choupo-Moting created a time to celebrate.”

Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard (fourth left) celebrates after scoring against Tigres UANL yesterday.PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA