www.thepeninsula.qa Friday 31 January 2020 Volume 24 | Number 8153 6 Jumada II - 1441 2 Riyals

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Pack up to 100 GB when you travel with the new Qatarna 5G plans Amir honours outstanding graduates of Military College

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani reviewing the queue of the 15th batch of Ahmed Bin Mohammed Military College graduates. RIGHT: H H the Amir honouring an outstanding student.

QNA — DOHA 119 graduates include students from Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Sudan, Tunisia, Libya and Mauritania. achievements in the College, the third and fourth courses of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin undergraduate candidates diploma Hamad Al Thani patronised the and friendly countries, guests Tunisian Republic, the State of the national anthem was played. of graduates from sisterly coun- graduated on Wednesday. Last Sep- graduation ceremony of the and parents of graduates. Libya and the Islamic Republic Commander of the Ahmed tries, such as the State of Kuwait, tember, the College received the 15th batch of students of Ahmed Upon H H the Amir’s arrival of Mauritania. Bin Mohammed Military College the Hashemite Kingdom of 19th batch to begin their careers in Bin Mohammed Military College to the podium, the Qatari After that, the graduates Staff Colonel Abdulhadi Jordan, the Republic of Sudan, the field of pride and dignity, he said. at its headquarters yesterday national anthem was played. staged a military parade with Mohammed Al Hajri gave a the Tunisian Republic, the State Staff Colonel Al Hajri noted morning. Then commander of the grad- slow and normal march before speech on the occasion in which of Libya and the Islamic Republic that, in pursuit of H H the Amir’s The graduation ceremony uates’ queue came forward to H H the Amir. he said that the graduating of Mauritania. They have carried vision, the College will be a was attended by Prime Minister request H H the Amir to review H H the Amir then honoured batch takes pride in the honour out internal and external field meeting place to enhance broth- and Minister of Interior, H E the queue of the 119 graduates 10 outstanding graduates. The of H H the Amir’s attendance. training and exercises with erhood and friendship with Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin from the State of Qatar and a 15th batch handed over the flag The 119 graduates, he said, determination and courage in brotherly and friendly countries, Abdulaziz Al Thani, a number number of sisterly countries, to the 16th batch, and the order were distributed over the Armed order to follow the path of pre- and that members from the of Their Excellencies the Min- such as the State of Kuwait, the for promotions was then read Forces, Amiri Guard, Internal vious generations, he added. Republic of Iraq and the Republic isters, a number of leaders of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, out. At the end of the ceremony, Security Force (Lekhwiya), State He pointed out that, as a con- of Rwanda joined for the first military colleges from brotherly the Republic of Sudan, the the graduates took the oath and Security Bureau and a number tinuation of the work plan and time with this batch. `P2

AJCS ranked first Speaker reiterates Qatar’s support for Palestinians’ rights in Gulf region for QNA — OUAGADOUGOU Islamic countries, especially with continued efforts to counter it. His He noted that the Muslim world warns of the threat oppressing the occupation showing greater Excellency expressed Qatar’s sol- has one of the most important minorities could pose to inter- the third year Speaker of the Shura Council, disrespect to the international idarity with Burkina Faso, fol- factors for unity and cooperation, national peace and security. H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin community by expanding in lowing the latest terrorist attacks which is unity of faith. H E expressed hope that the THE PENINSULA — DOHA Zaid Al Mahmoud stressed the occupied Arab land. the country suffered from. H E the Speaker discussed conference will play a role in State of Qatar’s firm position His Excellency stressed that He added that Qatar’s position corruption and said that the State uniting the Muslim world and Al Jazeera Centre for Studies from the Palestinian issue, and the State of Qatar continues its was to reject double standards of Qatar held the conference of finding a mechanism to unite (AJCS) was ranked the top all initiatives that would see the support to the Palestinian people, when it comes to terrorism or the Global Organization of Par- Muslim minorities. He also think tank in the Gulf region Palestinian people gain their and noted that Amir H H Sheikh linking it to one religion, culture, liamentarians Against Corruption, expressed his thanks to Burkina for the third year in a row by right to establish an inde- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani or race. He also called on the and called on non-members to Faso’s president, government, and the Think Tanks and Civil pendent state based on the directed to support the United importance of distinguishing join the organization in order to people for their good reception Societies Program (TTCSP) at borders of June 4 of 1967 with Nations Relief and Works Agency between terrorism and the peo- better fight corruption. and thanked President of the the University of Pennsylvania East Jerusalem as the capital. for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) ple’s right to resist occupation. His Excellency warned that, National Assembly of Burkina in its 2019 Global Go To Think His Excellency was speaking after the United States halted its His Excellency said that lacking a united voice, Muslim Faso Alassane Bala Sakande, who Tank Index (GGTTI) and the at the 15th session of the Parlia- financial support of the agency. Muslim countries suffered from minorities are suffering from is also the head of the conference, fourth in the Middle East and mentary Union of the OIC H E also reiterated the State of policies that antagonised Islam discrimination and dis- along with President of the House North Africa region, a step up Member States (PUIC) Con- Qatar’s firm rejection of violence and Muslims, adding that Muslim placement. He added that the of Representatives in Morocco from last year. It is still the only ference in Burkina Faso and and terrorism, considering it a countries are always accused of State of Qatar calls for uniting Habib El Malki for his efforts in the Arab think tank among the called for cooperation between threat to the peoples, and called for being behind any violent incident. the efforts of Muslims, and previous conference. `P3 global think tanks applying the best quality assurance and integrity policies and proce- 37 countries participate in dures. Calligraphy expo highlights According to the 2019 index, which was released on Souq Waqif Honey Exhibition Wednesday, AJCS was ranked first in the Gulf region among creativity of Qatari artists SIDI MOHAMED which 10 are being displayed for a total of 62 think tanks and THE PENINSULA the first time in the Exhibition. fourth in the Mena region RAYNALD C RIVERA look into the exquisite beauty using different media such as Local companies are partici- among a total of 507 think THE PENINSULA of Arabic scripts used not only special kinds of paper and ink The third Souq Waqif Honey pating in the event because their tanks. In addition, it is the only to express ideas but as an art to introduce the aesthetics of Exhibition 2020 began honey is of superior quality,” Arab institution under the cat- It doesn’t take an under- form from architecture to the various types of calligraphy. yesterday with participation of said General Supervisor of Souq egory of “Best Quality standing of the Arabic language design. Visitors are given a Holding a Bachelor’s degree in over 150 companies, from 37 Waqif Honey Exhibition, Khalid Assurance and Integrity Pol- to appreciate the beauty of the peek into the long history and Computer Science from Qatar countries, showcasing more Saif Al Suwaidi. icies and Procedures” and calligraphic works on display development of Arabic callig- University, Al Hassan has keen than 50 varieties of honey. Speaking to The Peninsula ranked 55th in the world. at “Calligraphy and Illumi- raphy through the variety of interest in Arabic calligraphy The 10-day event is being yesterday, he pointed out that The 2019 index will be co- nation” exhibition which glyphs and forms used by the combined with fine arts and organised by the Private Engi- “For the first times countries launched in 130 cities around launched yesterday at Katara artists. participated in many local exhi- neering Office (PEO) in cooper- like Sweden, Denmark, and the world, including Doha, in Cultural Village. Fakhro said he is partici- bitions and events. ation with the Ministry of Com- America participating in this research symposia on the role A diverse collection of 32 pating with seven of his works With a penchant for Arabic merce and Industry and with the exhibition. The exhibition also of think tanks in states and works by six Qatari calligra- in which he used Kairouan calligraphy and the art of participation of the Ministry of includes Omani laboratory societies with the participation phers are on show at the exhi- Kufic script, and the Kufi cal- gilding and ornamentation, Al Municipality and Environment. which can check the quality of of nearly 1000 researchers bition which runs for two ligraphy of the Holy Qur’an. Saad displays calligraphy com- Compared to last year, the honey. Visitors can get their and experts. weeks. They include those by With a degree in Civil Engi- bined with floral and other dec- number of companies partici- honey tested from this labo- The Think Tanks and Civil Ibrahim Ali, Moza Al Kuwari, neering, Fakhro is a member of orative patterns and characters. pating in the event has increased ratory by paying QR30.” Societies Program at the Uni- Abdullah Fakhro, Nasser Qatar Fine Arts Society who has With BA in English Literature by 25 percent. The exhibition is He expects the sale of honey versity of Pennsylvania ranks Hamad Al Khalaqi, Iman Al participated in numerous exhi- from Qatar University, Al Saad open to the public from 8am to 12 to be more than previous year’s think tanks under 30 criteria Saad and Issa Yousef Al bition both in Qatar and abroad creates artworks whose ele- noon, and from 3pm to 9pm, exhibition. A total of 37 tonnes using strict methodology, ren- Hassan. since 2001. ments are chiefly inspired by except Fridays when it will be of honey was sold during the dering its annual Global Go To With expertise in different In his five works being Islamic manuscripts. She has open from 3pm to 10pm. previous edition, while officials Think Tank Index a unique types of Arabic calligraphy, the showcased, Al Hassan exhibits taken part in many exhibitions “The exhibition includes expect sale of 50 tonnes during resource and a distinguished data artists provide visitors a closer diverse forms and techniques in Qatar. `P3 more than 50 types of honey, of this year’s exhibition. base of global think tanks. 02 HOME FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

FAJR04.59 am SUNRISE 06.18 am o o Misty at some places at first becomesrelatively cold daytime 13 C 21 C with some clouds, cold by night. ZUHR 11.47 am ASR 02.55 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 08:02 – 21:56 LOW TIDE 02:16 – 16:06 MAGHRIB 05.19 pm ISHA 06.49 pm W ALRUWAIS: 13o↗18o W ALKHOR: 11o↗22o W DUKHAN: 11o↗18o W DOHA: 13o↗21o W MESAIEED 11o↗21o W ABUSAMRA 10o↗20o Amir honours outstanding graduates of Military College

TOP: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with officials and graduates at the Ahmed Bin Mohammed Military College, yesterday. ABOVE: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during the graduation ceremony at the military college.

FROM PAGE 1 Endeavour’ was carried out by implementation of such exer- work and effort couldn’t have Deputy PM and Minister of State Ministry of Interior, the Internal He added that with the the Academy candidates in cises is one of the strongest been accomplished without for Defence Affairs, the Security Force (Lekhwiya), the continued cooperation with the cooperation with Ahmed Bin areas of bilateral cooperation God’s grace and success first, as continuous follow-up of H E the Amiri Guard and all the forces, Royal Military Academy Sand- Mohammed Military College on between sisterly and friendly well as the full support and Chief of Staff and the concerted units, bodies and directorates hurst, an exercise entitled ‘Oryx November 2019, where the colleges. Al Hajri said this great permanent directives of H E the efforts of the commands of the in the armed forces. Amir meets heads of military colleges from brotherly and friendly countries QNA — DOHA Mohammed bin Rashid bin Ali General Mohammed Ali, the Al Hosani, the Commander of Commander of the National Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin the Military College in the Defense University of Malaysia Hamad Al Thani met yesterday, Republic of Sudan Staff Major Lieutenant General Abdul at the headquarters of Ahmed General Ahmed Mohammed Al Halim bin Hajj Jalal, the Com- Bin Mohammed Military Hassan Al Amas, the Com- mander of Saint-Cyr Military College, with heads of military mander of the Mutah Uni- Academy in the French colleges from brotherly and versity military wing in the Republic Colonel Jean Marc friendly countries, who called Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Robert, the Commander of upon H H the Amir to greet him Staff Brigadier General Ali National Defense University in on the occasion of their visit to Radwan Al Momani, the Com- Mongolia Colonel Purevsuren the country to attend the grad- mander of the Military Zhargalan, the Commander of uation ceremony of the Academy of Cherchell in the the Royal Military Academy college’s 15th batch. People’s Democratic Republic Sandhurst in the UK Brigadier H H the Amir met with Staff of Algeria Major General Quraid General James Steven Andrew Major General Faleh Shuja Salim, the Commander of the Carr-Smith and the Com- Faleh from Kuwaiti National Royal Military Academy in the mander of Rwanda Military Guard, Staff Brigadier General Kingdom of Morocco Staff Academy Brigadier General Khaled Shuja Al Otaibi from Ali Colonel Rasheed Al Saduqi, the Ephrem Rurangwa. Al-Sabah Military Academy, the Commander of the Turkish Mil- The meeting was attended Commander of Sultan Qaboos itary Academy Gultakin Yarali, by Prime Minister and Interior Military College in the Sultanate the Commander of Pakistan Minister, H E Sheikh Khalid bin of Oman Staff Brigadier General Military Academy Staff Major Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani. Minister of Transport and Communications meets Senegal’s Minister of Tourism and Air Transport

Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim bin Saif bin Ahmed Al Sulaiti held talks at the Ministry offices yesterday with the Minister of Tourism and Air Transport of the Republic of Senegal, H E Alioune Sarr. The two ministers discussed aspects of cooperation in the fields of air transport and civil aviation and means of further enhancing them. They also discussed potential investment opportunities available in those fields and a number of matters of common interest between the two friendly countries. The meeting was attended by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Secretary-General of Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), H E Akbar Al Baker and the delegation accompanying the Senegalese official. FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2020 HOME 03

Qatar reaffirms support to Palestinians’ rights Symposium to shed OFFICIAL NEWS Amir receives light on growth of written message from Prime Fintech in Qatar Minister of Sweden THE PENINSULA — DOHA The symposium will Doha: H H the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received yester- Stakeholders representing the be co-hosted by QU’s day a written message from Prime private sector, start-up Centre for Law and Minister of the Kingdom of Swe- community, banks and regu- den, H E Stefan Lofven, pertaining lators will come together to Development, Qatar to bilateral relations and the means discuss Fintech regulatory Financial Centre and to advance them. The message was developments in Qatar, received by HE Minister of State regionally and globally in a DLA Piper Global Law for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad symposium taking place on Firm. Al Muraikhi, during a meeting with February 4. HE Ambassador of the Kingdom of The symposium is set to providers, and also have a range Sweden to the state Anders Bengt- focus on the emerging regu- of benefits and incentives tai- cen. QNA latory framework supporting lored specifically to them. As a the growth of Fintech in Qatar result, we are welcoming an and is co-hosted by Qatar Uni- increasing number of Fintechs PM receives phone versity’s (QU) Centre for Law with unique propositions onto call from Iraqi and Development, under the our platform.” College of Law, Qatar Financial The aim of this symposium counterpart Centre (QFC) and DLA Piper is to provide a forum where the Doha: Prime Minister and Minis- The Speaker of the Shura Council of Qatar, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, taking Global Law Firm. perspectives of stakeholders can ter of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin part in the 15th session of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) Conference in The symposium will feature be communicated and Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani yes- Burkina Faso. He stressed the State of Qatar's firm position on the Palestinian issue, and all initiatives a special panel session focusing exchanged and to enhance terday received a phone call from that would see the Palestinian people gain their right to establish an independent state based on on the new wave of regulatory awareness of Qatari progress in the Prime Minister of the Repub- the borders of June 4 of 1967 with East Jerusalem as the capital. technologies (RegTech) that is regulating Fintech. lic of Iraq, H E Adel Abdul Mahdi, currently revolutionising the The event is part of a three- in which the Iraqi Prime Minister supervision of financial services year project funded by the Qatar congratulated His Excellency on and other compliance-focused National Research Fund titled the occasion of his appointment as sectors. “Fintech and RegTech: Building Prime Minister, wishing him suc- Managing Director of the a resilient, inclusive and com- cess. During the call, they reviewed Financial Sector Office in QFC petitive legal and regulatory the close bilateral relations between Authority, Henk Hoogendoorn framework for 21st century the two brotherly countries and the reiterated the commitment of finance in Qatar” (NPRP11S- prospects for strengthening them, the QFC to attracting and fos- 1119-170016). The project helps in addition to the latest develop- tering Fintech firms in Qatar. He Qatar achieve its Qatar National ments in Iraq. QNA noted, “In light of the QFC’s sus- Vision 2030 goal of diversifying tained commitment to attracting its economy by examining financial institutions to Qatar, existing Qatari regulations Legal & Legislative we are pleased to support this relating to Fintech, and sup- Affairs Committee event on the growth of Qatar’s porting necessary regulatory financial technology sector and reforms through initiatives such studies law on engage in key discussions on its as expert publications, working minimum wage regulatory development. As groups, policy forums and Qatar’s Fintech strategy is cat- symposiums. Doha: The Legal and Legislative alyzing the presence of local and Centre for Law and Devel- Affairs Committee of the Shura Officials with Qatar University’s research vessel Janan. international Fintechs, the need opment Section Head of Law Council held yesterday a meet- to develop and refine regulatory and Policy Dr. Andrew Dahdal ing, chaired by its Rapporteur frameworks is a growing area commented, “This event is an H E Nasser bin Rashid bin Saree Al of importance.” important opportunity for com- Kaabi. The Committee resumed its MME to monitor deep-sea marine environment He adds, “QFC offers an munication and overcoming study of the draft law on determining extremely conducive envi- silos in Qatar’s Fintech sector. the minimum wages for workers and THE PENINSULA — DOHA University’s research vessel He added a lot of work had ronment for Fintechs to do The ability to express the prior- domestic workers, and decided to Janan. The trip will take place been done to coordinate with business in Qatar. Last year, we ities of enterprise directly to submit their recommendations on The Ministry of Municipality in February. Qatar University and its widened the rules and guidance regulators is vital to building an it to the Council. QNA and Environment’s department Director of the department, research. of licensed firms on the platform effective and resilient Fintech of monitoring and environ- Hassan Al Qassmi, said that it The Ministry’s Ali Al Kuwari to include Fintech service ecosystem.” mental lab will monitor the was part of a project to prepare said that the annual trip focuses marine environment at deep a comprehensive plan on on the country’s economic zone sea in cooperation with Qatar marine life in the country. and lasts for several days. Calligraphy expo highlights creativity of Qatari artists FROM PAGE 1 The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara, with a number of diplomats, officials, artists and art enthusiasts. Commenting on the exhi- bition, Al Sulaiti underlined that the exhibition highlights the creativity of Qatari artists in various fields of art. “The works are distin- guished, beautiful and varied, and we invite everyone to visit Qatari artist Issa Yousef Al Hassan (left) talks about one of his works the exhibition and enjoy the to Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara (right) works presented,” he added. and other guests at the launch of “Calligraphy and Illumination” The exhibition is open until February 12. exhibition at Gallery 1 of Katara Building 19, yesterday. Woqod opens Sealine petrol station customers with access to best- in-class products and services at their convenience and comfort. Woqod has recently accelerated the process for the construction of new petrol sta- tions to meet the fuel needs of the country. Woqod team would like to extend their grat- itude to all concerned govern- mental and private entities that contributed to the completion of this project.” New Sealine petrol station is spread over an area of 12,000 square meters and has three lanes with six dispensers for light vehicles, and one lane with two dispensers for heavy A view of the new Woqod petrol station at Sealine. vehicles, which will serve Sealine and adjoining areas. THE PENINSULA — DOHA Sealine petrol station offers Muhannadi, said: “We are round-the-clock services to pleased to open a new fixed residents, and includes Sidra Qatar Fuel “Woqod” yesterday petrol station in Sealine. Woqod convenience store, manual car opened Sealine petrol station, aspires to expand its petrol sta- wash, oil change and tire repair, raising its network of fixed and tions network in the country to in addition to sale of gasoline mobile petrol stations to 103. meet the rising demand for and diesel products for both Woqod’s Managing Director petroleum products and light vehicles and heavy and CEO, Saad Rashid Al achieve the goal of providing vehicles. 04 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2020

Kuwait, Morocco Palestinians to take call for a just opposition to Trump solution to Palestine issue

‘peace plan’ to UN ANATOLIA — KUWAIT/RABAT

ANATOLIA — UNITED NATIONS Palestinian President Kuwait and Morocco have Mahmoud Abbas called for a fair solution in Palestinian officials will seek Palestine in line with interna- to galvanise opposition to US would address the tional law in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s Security Council in President Donald Trump’s controversial plan for Middle Middle East peace plan. East peace at the UN Security the next two weeks. “While acknowledging US Council in the coming weeks, efforts to end the conflict Palestine’s ambassador to the the national right of the Pales- between Israel and Palestine, UN said on Wednesday. tinian people, and it will not Morocco finds that the solution Speaking with reporters in fly.” “It is not acceptable, and “should satisfy the legitimate New York, Riyad Mansour said those who think the Palestinian rights of the Palestinian Palestinian President people will evaporate — they people,” Morocco’s Ministry of Mahmoud Abbas would will not. Those who think the Foreign Affairs said in a Palestinians hold placards which read “Palestine is not for sale” as they protest against the US peace address the Security Council in Palestinian people will pack up statement. plan proposal at the northern entrance of the West Bank city of Ramallah, yesterday. the next two weeks and out- and leave — they will not,” said Morocco will examine the lined plans for a draft reso- Mansour, flanked by Tunisia’s peace plan’s details “very lution to oppose the peace plan UN ambassador. carefully,” it added. that Trump unveiled on Earlier, UN spokesman Mass protests in Palestine slam peace plan Kuwait’s Foreign Affairs Tuesday. Stephane Dujarric said the Ministry also released a GAZA CITY/ Mansour offered few details world body’s position on ANATOLIA — Special Coordinator for the Health officials said 18 Pal- statement on the plan. RAMALLAH of what would appear in the Israeli-Palestinian peace had Middle East Peace Process estinians were injured in the “A just and comprehensive draft resolution, saying only not changed after the (UNSCO), west of Gaza. clashes and eight of them were solution to the Palestinian that it would use the “strongest announcement of the US peace Thousands of Palestinians in The protesters held banners hospitalised for treatment. issue can be reached only possible” language and that plan and referred back to pre- the Gaza Strip and occupied conveying their categorical According to the Palestinian through compliance with rel- Palestinian officials “would like vious Security Council West Bank yesterday rallied in rejection of the American plan Red Crescent, five of the pro- evant international legitimacy to see strong, large opposition resolutions. protests against US President and affirming Jerusalem’s status testers were shot with rubber resolutions and terms of ref- to this Trump plan.” “The United Nations remains Donald Trump’s Middle East as the capital of Palestine. bullets, another 12 were erence laid down by the inter- On Tuesday, Trump committed to supporting Pales- peace plan. Over in the occupied West affected by tear gas, and one national community, chiefly unveiled a long-awaited plan tinians and Israelis to resolve the Demonstrators in Gaza Bank, a march was held at the was hurt by a stone thrown by an independent and sovereign for Middle East peace that was conflict on the basis of United organised two rallies where northern entrance to the cities an Israeli settler. state on the June 4, 1967 quickly criticised for favouring Nations resolutions, interna- they displayed banners of Ramallah and Al-Bireh. On Tuesday, US President border with its capital in East Israel and dashing Palestinian tional law and bilateral agree- denouncing the so-called “Deal The Israeli army fired Donald Trump released his Jerusalem,” it said. hopes of one day running their ments and realizing the vision of of the Century” and raised rubber bullets and tear gas to much-hyped plan to end the Tunisia also weighed in on own country. two states — Israel and Palestine slogans demanding it be break up the protest while Israel-Palestine dispute. the plan, saying the estab- According to Mansour, the — living side by side in peace scrapped. demonstrators responded by There was, however, no lishment of a fair, compre- proposed deal gives Israelis the and security within recognized The Hamas-run gov- pelting stones and torching Palestinian representative at hensive and lasting peace in “upper hand” and “is not a borders, on the basis of the pre- ernment media office staged a tires. Witnesses also reported the announcement, which saw the Middle East was through recipe for peace or justice. It is 1967 lines,” Dujarric said in a demonstration in front of the similar clashes near the city of Trump referring to Jerusalem the recognition of the rights of a recipe for the destruction of statement. office of the United Nations Al-Khalil (Hebron). as “Israel’s undivided capital”. the Palestinian people. Turkey to airlift Warplanes kill 10, strike hospital in Syria offensive Assault on Idlib citizens from pushes 700,000 warplanes hit a road used by displaced Wuhan in China people trying to leave Ariha. Both the to flee: US Envoy Observatory and the White Helmets said a ANATOLIA — ANKARA local hospital and a bakery were struck. REUTERS — BEIRUT At least 24 people were wounded, A Turkish cargo plane was set including a doctor, a White Helmet vol- An assault on rebel-held to leave for China yesterday to unteer, three women and two children, the northwest Syria by airlift citizens of Turkey and rescuers said. government forces in recent other nearby countries from A video shows the damaged hospital in days has pushed some the city of Wuhan, the heart of a residential area, with medical equipment 700,000 people to flee toward the deadly coronavirus broken, supplies strewn over the floor and the Turkish border, raising the outbreak. windows and doors dislodged from their spectre of an international The cargo plane will leave frames. crisis, US Special Envoy for Etimesgut Military Airport in At least six people, relatives of patients, Syria James Jeffrey said the capital Ankara to evacuate were killed as they waited outside the hos- yesterday. 34 Turkish citizens as well as pital, said Zuheir Qarat, a surgeon. An Backed by Russian air seven nationals of Georgia, anaesthesiologist was critically wounded, power, government forces seven Azerbaijanis, and one Qarat said, and remained at the hospital have rapidly advanced on Idlib Albanian. for over an hour until rescuers were able since last week, upending an The plane will airlift to evacuate him after the raids ended, along area where millions have people stranded in Wuhan at with 15 patients. Hospital generators and taken refugee since the start An aerial view of the rubble and debris at the site of reported air strikes on the town of their request to return to one hospital car were burned, he added. of Syria’s nearly nine-year Ariha in the northern countryside of Syria’s Idlib province, yesterday. Turkey following detailed No patients were hurt. war. health exams under quar- AP — BEIRUT Qarat described three raids before mid- Jeffrey told a news briefing antine conditions. amid Syrian government advances on the night, within minutes of each other. “It that Syrian government and The Turkish plane, at the area, which had been controlled by the destroyed the hospital and put it out of Russian warplanes had hit initiative of the Health Min- Warplanes struck a town in a rebel-held opposition for nearly eight years. service,” Qarat said in a voice message from Idlib with 200 air strikes istry, will carry health per- enclave in northwestern Syria, killing at The Russian Defense Ministry rejected Ariha. “There were also people injured from “mainly against civilians” in sonnel experienced with infec- least 10 people, including some who were claims it was behind the attack, calling them neighbouring buildings.” The Ariha hos- the past three days. tious diseases. fleeing the attack, opposition activists and a “provocation.” The ministry said Russian pital, also know as al-Shami, is the only He said the assault had set a rescue service said yesterday. The attack, warplanes did not fly any combat missions medical facility in the area with surgical “700,000 people who are believed to have been carried out by in the area. facilities. There are no government-run already internally displaced on Former Nigerian Russian warplanes backing a Syrian The Britain-based Syrian Observatory hospitals in opposition-held areas, where the move once again toward government offensive, also put a local for Human Rights said the death toll from health and education services are based on the Turkish border, which will minister bailed in hospital out of service, they said. the airstrikes was at least 10 civilians. The donations and international aid. then create an international The late Wednesday night assault on rescue Syrian Civil Defense, known as the Footage from Ariha showed the main crisis”. oil scandal case Ariha, a town in Idlib province, comes as White Helmets, said 11 people, including a road blocked with rubble from destroyed Moscow and Damascus say AFP — ABUJA the rebel-held enclave is under intense fire child, were killed when the Russian buildings. they are fighting militants.

A former Nigerian justice minister accused of complicity Iraq parties in a billion-dollar oil scandal African leaders gather to involving Shell and Eni was locked in talks yesterday granted bail by a high court in the nation’s over new PM as seek solution in Libya capital. Judge Abubakar Kutigi AFP — BRAZZAVILLE The Berlin conference com- ordered the release of clock ticks mitted world leaders, including Mohammed Adoke from AFP — BAGHDAD African leaders yesterday the presidents of Russia, Turkey custody to face his trial along began a diplomatic push in the and France, to an agreement to with other suspects. Iraq’s political factions were in Congolese capital Brazzaville stop interfering in the long- The judge asked him to high-stake talks yesterday to aimed at bolstering efforts to running conflict, be it through provide surety of 50 million name a new prime minister, end the Libyan crisis. weapons, troops or financing. naira ($139,000) before he after the President set a The talks include Moussa But it failed to forge could leave custody. February 1 deadline to replace Faki Mahamat, chairman of the “serious dialogue” between the The court then adjourned Adel Abdel Mahdi. African Union (AU) Com- warring parties or get them to the case to March 26. Adoke, Months of mass anti-gov- mission, and Ghassan Salame, sign up to a permanent truce. who also served as attorney- ernment protests led Abdel the UN’s secretary-general’s The presidents of Congo, general between 2010 and Mahdi to resign in December, special representative, along also called Congo-Brazzaville, 2015, was arrested last month. but he has stayed on since in a with several African of Mauritania and of Djibouti Anti-govt protesters rush for cover amid clashes with riot police He was accused of money caretaker role while political presidents. were present at the start of following a demonstration in Al Wathba Square Baghdad, yesterday. laundering and collecting a factions have struggled to find They were to meet behind Thursday’s meeting, while bribe worth 300 million naira a successor. closed doors with the head of Algeria’s new president, Abdel- to broker the $1.3bn sale of Two days ahead of tomor- “It is high time to restore tasked by the president with Tripoli’s UN-recognised gov- madjid Tebboune, was repre- lucrative offshore oil block row's deadline, “President confidence by setting aside par- forming a government within ernment Fayez al-Sarraj, and sented by his prime minister. OPL245 to Shell and Eni in Barham Saleh is hosting the tisanship, acting in the interest one month. separately with envoys from German Foreign Minister 2011. Adoke has pleaded not various political blocs to try to of the country and its people,” But Iraq is in uncharted strongman Khalifa Haftar, who Heiko Maas, whose country guilty to the charges along find a consensus candidate,” a said Jeanine Hennis-Plass- waters, as the constitution controls eastern Libya, a Con- had hosted the Berlin talks, had with two co-accused. source from his office said. chaert in a statement. makes no provisions for the golese diplomat said. initially been expected for the Both Shell and Eni have Saleh had sent a letter to “Iraq cannot afford the PM’s resignation and the 15-day The aim is “to search for talks but did not come. denied any wrongdoing in the Iraq’s deeply-divided par- ongoing violent oppression nor period since Abdel Mahdi solutions for resolving the Libya has been mired in case, dubbed the “Malabu liament, giving it until Saturday the political and economic stepped down has long expired. Libyan crisis, as recommended chaos since a 2011 NATO- scandal” after the key to nominate a new premier paralysis.” It is also unclear if the con- by the (January 19) conference backed uprising that killed company involved in the deals. after months of paralysis. Oth- According to Iraq’s consti- stitution allows the president in Berlin,” the office of the Con- longtime dictator Moamer Former Nigerian oil min- erwise, he said, he would name tution, parliament’s largest bloc to name his own candidate in golese presidency said in a Kadhafi. ister Dan Etete is still on the someone unilaterally. must nominate a prime min- this situation. Saleh’s letter sent statement on Wednesday. The crisis has deeply run over the scandal. The As the clock was ticking, the ister within 15 days of legislative factions into last-minute crisis Leaders of the 55-nation AU worried countries to the south Abuja court yesterday issued United Nations’ top official in elections. talks, with one political figure are to meet in Addis Ababa on of Libya, which are already bat- a warrant for Etete’s arrest. Iraq ramped up pressure, too. The candidate is then saying they were “tense”. February 9 and 10. tling a bloody insurgency. FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2020 ISLAM 05

Surely God will raise all the dead. But God has His own plan of things. A day will come when the whole universe will be destroyed and then again the dead will be resurrected to stand Life after death before God. That day will be the beginning of he question whether God has given man, besides the whole universe will be eternal bliss was awaiting them. the life that will never end, and that Day every there is a life after perceptual consciousness, destroyed and then again the But those who abused the death does not fall rational, aesthetic and moral dead will be resurrected to stand bounties of God, caring nothing person will be rewarded by God according to under the jurisdiction consciousness too. It is this con- before God. That day will be the for the life to come, will be in his or her good or evil deed. Tof science, as science is con- sciousness that guides man beginning of the life that will the most miserable state. cerned only with classification regarding realities that cannot never end, and that Day every Drawing a comparison between and analysis of data. Moreover, be verified through sensory person will be rewarded by God them, the Quran says: and murdering were their main and the mountains are lifted up man has been busy with scien- data. That is why all the according to his or her good or “Is he, then, to whom We traits when they had no belief and crushed with a single blow, tific inquiries and research, in prophets of God while calling evil deed. The explanation that have promised a goodly in life after death. But as soon then on that day, the Terror the modern sense of the term, people to believe in God and life the Quran gives about the promise the fulfillment of which as they accepted the belief in shall come to pass, and the only for the last few centuries, after death, appeal to the aes- necessity of life after death is he will meet, like the one whom One God and life after death heaven shall be split for upon while he has been familiar with thetic, moral and rational con- what the moral consciousness We have provided with the they became the most disci- that day it will be very frail. the concept of life after death sciousness of man. For example, of man demands. Actually, if good things of this life, and then plined nation of the world. They Then as for him who is given his since times immemorial. All the when the idolaters of Makkah there is no life after death, the on the Day of Resurrection he gave up their vices, helped each book in his right hand, he shall prophets of God called their denied even the possibility of very belief in God becomes irrel- will be of those who will be other in hours of need, and say, ‘Here take and read my people to worship God and to life after death, the Quran evant, or even if one believes in brought arraigned before God?” settled all their disputes on the book! Certainly I thought I believe in life after death. They exposed the weakness of their God, that would be an unjust and (28:61) basis of justice and equality. should encounter my reck- laid so much emphasis on the stand by advancing very logical indifferent God: having once The Quran also states that Similarly the denial of life after oning.’ So he shall be in a belief in life after death that and rational arguments in created man and not concerned this worldly life is a preparation death has its consequences not pleasing life in a lofty garden, even a slight doubt in it meant support of it: with his fate. Surely, God is just. for the eternal life after death. only in the Hereafter but also in its clusters nigh to gather. “’Eat denying God and made all other “And he has coined for us a He will punish the tyrants whose But those who deny it become this world. When a nation as a and drink with wholesome beliefs meaningless. The very similitude, and has forgotten the crimes are beyond count: having slaves of their passions and whole denies it, all kinds of evils appetite for that you did long fact that all the prophets of God fact of his creation, saying: who killed hundreds of innocent desires, make fun of virtuous and corruptions become ago, in the days gone by.’ have dealt with this meta- will revive these bones when persons, created great corrup- and God-conscious persons. rampant in that society and ulti- “But as for him who is given physical question of life after they have rotted away? Say: He tions in the society, enslaved Such persons realize their folly mately it is destroyed. The his book in his left hand, he shall death so confidently and so uni- will revive them Who produced numerous persons to serve their only at the time of their death Quran mentions the terrible end say: ‘Would that I had not been formly - the gap between their them at first, for He is the whims, etc. The Quran very and wish to be given a further of ‘Aad, Thamud and the given my book and not known ages being thousands of years Knower of every creation, Who emphatically states that the Day chance in the world but in vain. Pharaoh in some detail: my reckoning! Would that it had - goes to prove that the source has appointed for you fire from of Judgment must come and God “Until, when death comes “(The tribes of) Thamud and been the end! My wealth has not of their knowledge of life after the green tree, and behold! you will decide about the fate of each unto one of them, he says, ‘My ‘Aad disbelieved in the availed me, my authority is gone death as proclaimed by them kindle from it. Is not He Who soul according to his or her Lord send me back, that I may judgment to come. As for from me.’” (69:4-29) all, was the same, i.e., Divine created the heavens and the record of deeds: do right in that which I have left Thamud, they were destroyed Thus, there are very con- revelation. earth, able to create the like of “Those who disbelieve say: behind! But nay! It is but a word by the lightning, and as for ‘Aad, vincing reasons to believe in life We also know that these them? Yes, and He is indeed the The Hour will never come unto that he speaks; and behind them they were destroyed by a fierce after death. First, all the prophets prophets of God were greatly Supreme Creator, the All- us. Say: Nay, by my Lord, but it is a barrier until the day when roaring wind, which He of God have called their people opposed by their people, mainly Knowing.” (36:78-81) is coming unto you surely. (He they are raised. And when the imposed on them for seven long to believe in it. Secondly, on the issue of life after death, At another occasion, the is) the Knower of the Unseen. Trumpet is blown there will be nights and eight long days so whenever a human society is as their people thought it Quran very clearly says that the Not an atom’s weight, or less no kinship among them that day, that you might see the people built on the basis of this belief, it impossible. But in spite of oppo- disbelievers have no sound than that or greater, escapes nor will they ask of one another. laid prostrate in it as if they has been the most ideal and sition, the prophets won many basis for their denial of life after Him in the heavens or in the Then those whose scales are were the stumps of fallen down peaceful society, free of social sincere followers. The question death. It is based on pure earth, but it is in a clear Record. heavy, they are successful. And palm trees. “Now do you see and moral evils. Thirdly, history arises: what made those fol- conjecture: That He may reward those who those whose scales are light are remnant of them? Pharaoh bears witness that whenever this lowers forsake the established “They say, ‘There is nothing believe and do good words. For those who lose their souls, in hell likewise and those before him belief is rejected collectively by beliefs, traditions and customs but our present life; we die, and them is pardon and a rich pro- abiding, the fire burns their faces and the subverted cities. They a group of people in spite of the of their forefathers, notwith- we live, and nothing but Time vision. But those who strive and they are glum therein.” committed errors and those repeated warning of the Prophet, standing the risk of being totally destroys us.’ Of that they have against our revelations, chal- (23:99-104). before him, and they rebelled the group as a whole has been alienated from their own com- no knowledge; they merely con- lenging (Us), theirs will be a The belief in life after death against the Messenger of their punished by God even in this munity? The simple answer is: jecture. And when our revela- painful doom of wrath.” (34:3-5) not only guarantees success in Lord, and He seized them with world. Fourthly, moral, aesthetic they made use of their faculties tions are recited to them, their The Day of Resurrection the Hereafter but also makes a surpassing grip. Lo, when the and rational faculties of man of mind and heart and realized only argument is that they say, will be the Day when God’s this world full of peace and hap- waters rose, We bore you in the endorse the possibility of life the truth. Did they realize the ‘Bring us our fathers, if you attributes of Justice and Mercy piness by making individuals running ship that We might after death. Fifthly, God’s truth through perceptual con- speak truly.’ (45:24-25) will be in full manifestation. God most responsible and dutiful in make it a reminder for you and attributes of Justice and Mercy sciousness? Not so, as per- Surely God will raise all the will shower His Mercy on those their activities. Think of the for heeding ears to hold. So have no meaning if there is no ceptual experience of life after dead. But God has His own plan who suffered for His sake in the people of Arabia. Gambling, when the Trumpet is blown life after death. death is impossible. Actually, of things. A day will come when worldly life, believing that an wine, tribal feuds, plundering with a single blast and the earth —www.islam101.net

Why Do Muslims love Jerusalem? Henna and its uses in the past and today f you have a Muslim “The best thing with which to color your gray hair is henna or katm.” co-worker, friend, or [Abu Dawood and At-Tirmithi] neighbour, you might have caught them one abir Ibn ‘Abdullah may Allah be pleased with him narrated that Abu Quhafa, Itime or another slipping the father of Abu Bakr may Allah be pleased with them came on the day of away to complete one of Jthe conquest of Makkah with his hair and beard extremely white. The Prophet their five daily prayers. sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) said: “Change his Because Muslims are hair color with something and do not use black.” required to pray in the Salmah, the Prophet’s sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his direction of the Ka'aba, or mention ) maid, said: “Anyone who complained to the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi Holy Mosque, in the city of wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) from pain in his head, he sallallaahu Makkah, Saudi Arabia, you `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) would say to him, ‘cup it.’ And might find them awk- when complained from pain in the foot, he sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may wardly facing the wall or Allah exalt his mention ) would tell him, ‘Dye it with henna.’” [Abu Dawood and crunched behind their Ibn Majah] She also said: “Whenever the Prophet (PBUOH) had an ulcer, fester desk in an effort to follow or eczema, he ordered me to put henna on it.” [Authentic, Jaami’ Al-Usool by Ibn the practice of the Prophet Al-Atheer] (Peace be Upon Him) in Henna has been utilized since ancient times as a dye to color the nails, hands, praying toward the most feet and hair. The traditional henna is manufactured from a plant known as Law- revered mosque in Islam. sonia Alba. This plant is cultivated in Saudi Arabia, India, Sri Lanka, Iran, Egypt, The golden tomb of the Al Aqsa mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem ( Al Quds) But before Muslims, or North Africa and Australia among others. even the Prophet The effective dye component of henna is called Lawsone. It consists of fat, Muhammad (PBUH) original direction was a to light its lamps. In other none would be harmed or resin, manitol and volatile oils. It is mentioned in the Islamic Encyclopedia of himself, ever began symbolic representation of words, do all that you pos- forced to leave their Medicine that the ancient Egyptians used henna in mummification. praying toward Makkah, the shared beliefs and her- sibly can to support the religion, and just as impor- The Egyptian henna is typically a green substance that gives the hair a reddish they prayed in the itage of Muslims, Jews, and mosque and its congre- tantly, sanctified places brown color. Other colors are obtained by adding other dyes to the natural henna. direction of Masjid Al Aqsa Christians. Muhammad gants, no matter where and items would not be Some women in Sudan add a substance called paraphenylen ediamine to the in Jerusalem. This place of (PBUH) regarded all pre- you are in the world. desecrated. These values henna to reduce the time needed for dyeing from an hour to several minutes. worship is described in the ceding prophets as his were upheld throughout But this mixture can be fatal although its cause is unknown and this is why people Holy Quran as blessed pre- brothers and it was Historical Implications much of historical Muslim who apply henna are warned against adding this substance. Henna in itself is cincts, making it the third through Jerusalem he A few years after the rule of Jerusalem from as safe and doesn’t have any known side effects. It is 100% natural. The henna found holiest site for Muslims could honour their leg- death of the Prophet early as the reconquest of in different brands of shampoos in stores and pharmacies is free of this (after the mosques in acies. The direction of Muhammad (PBUH), Umar Salah Al Din to Ottoman substance. Makkah and Medinah). Its prayer changed later in bin Al Khattab eventually administration over the Recent medical researches: status dates back to the order for Islam to uniquely became the Caliph. It was land for close to five Many people in recent years have been inclined to use natural substances. times of many great contribute to that pro- during his time that Jeru- hundred years. The idea of returning to using some old substances that were once used as cos- prophets such as Abraham, phetic heritage, but for the salem was conquered by Salah Al Din, for metics is gaining ground in the medical field. One of these substances is henna. Solomon, Moses, and Jesus. rest of history, Jerusalem the Muslims. Umar ulti- example, despite the years If we look at the different haircare products available off-the-shelf like shampoos, Muslims believe that the and its sanctuaries would mately made his way to the of bloodshed throughout conditioners, hair color and hair creams, we will find that much of them contain Prophet Muhammad continue to be revered by holy land in order to offi- the Crusades that preceded henna. This substance is described in the Hadeeths as being the best source for (PBUH) once travelled on Muslims for the value they ciate the transfer of power. his reconquest of Jeru- hair dyeing. What is the scientific evidence that encourage the return to the use a winged-creature to Jeru- had for all of God’s When he arrived, the salem, mercifully spared of henna? An American magazine specializing in skin diseases, Cutis, once pub- salem overnight. It was messengers. patriarch invited him to thousands of civilians and lished an article about henna in its first edition in 1986. Dr. Natu is a famous pro- there that he was greeted pray in the Church of the left almost all religious fessor of skin disease from New York University in America, stated that henna by all the prophets to have Religious Significance Holy Sepulcher. Umar sanctuaries undamaged. has several benefits, the most important being as follows: ever walked this earth and Muhammad (PBUH) refused because he feared Similarly, under the 1. Its effects are not permanent. It does not stick permanently to the roots it was there that he led inspired his followers to that if he prayed in the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman, of the hair like other artificial hair colors. Henna starts to fade after 3 to 6 weeks. them all in prayer. Hence, share in his love for both church, Muslims would the Western Wall was It then disappears completely and leaves no residue. this mosque, built upon the Jerusalem and Masjid Al eventually want to honour greatly expanded and 2. Henna is compatible with all natural hair colors. Mount of Solomon, is espe- Aqsa through numerous him by converting the refined, eventually 3. Henna enhances the natural color of hair and gives it shine. One would cially important to all sayings: completing one church into a mosque. Out becoming a place of have to use it severalveral times before any visible changes in ccolorolorr Muslims for its significant prayer in the mosque is of respect for the Christian devotion for many Jews in appear. historical tradition that worth five hundred sanctuary, Umar prayed Jerusalem. Tribunal records 4. Hennaa strengthens each individual hairhair,, commemorated all prayers in merit; if you nearby instead. And, just as during the Ottoman era restores damagedged hair and prevents split ends.ends. prophets and Abrahamic were to travel anywhere he predicted, later Muslims also demonstrate Jewish There are manyy different shampoos and cocon-n- religions. in the world, let the eventually built a mosque participation in Islamic ditioners that containontain hennahenna aandnd do nnotot Later during the life of mosque in Jerusalem be a named after him that courts as plaintiffs and wit- give the hair anyny neneww color. TTheyheyy Muhammad, the direction priority; if your intention stands to this day in the nesses, as well as serving in give it beauty andnd glowglow.. of prayer was changed to is pure in visiting the area he chose to pray in. administrative positions. 5. Extensiveive usausagege off Makkah because God mosque, all of yours sins It was also during this henna is safe in com-com- sensed His Prophet’s love are forgiven; and so on and visit that Umar contracted *Tesneem Alkiek. parison with ootherther for the sanctuary in his so forth. But perhaps the a covenant with the people Yaqeen Institute for artificial sub-b- birthplace. So why, one most resounding narration of Jerusalem, promising Islamic Research Fellow. stances. There might ask, was the of the Prophet is one that their physical well-being, She is a Phd. Candidate at are only rare Henna leaves with powder on a ceramic direction not toward the states: if you are not able and the safety of their Georgetown University in cases of skin bowl. Ka'aba from the very to visit Masjid Al Aqsa, then property, churches, and Islamic Studies. sensitivity. beginning? For one, the at the very least, send oil the community at large; —www.islamicity.org 06 ASIA FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2020 Gunman fires at Indian protesters after going live on Facebook REUTERS — NEW DELHI Minutes before firing, affiliates have painted the pro- testers as anti-nationals. A gunman went live on the shooter, who This week, India’s junior Facebook to warn he was taking identified himself as Finance Minister Anurag Thakur his “final journey” before firing encouraged supporters at a at a protest against India’s new “Rambhakt Gopal” state election rally in New Delhi citizenship law in Delhi had uploaded posts to chant slogans calling for yesterday, wounding a student. traitors to be shot, drawing a The shooter, dressed in a onto his Facebook reprimand from the election black jacket, brandished a profile saying this will commission. single-barrel weapon as he be his “final journey” Minutes before firing, the stood metres away from dozens shooter, who identified himself of policemen outside Jamia and urging readers as “Rambhakt Gopal” had Millia Islamia University, where to “remember his uploaded posts onto his more than 1,000 protesters had Facebook profile saying this will gathered for a march. family”. be his “final journey” and urging He shouted slogans against readers to “remember his People hold placards with the image of Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of the 72nd anniversary of the protesters, including hijab family”. his death as they form a human chain outside Jamma Masjid to demonstrate against the government’s clad women, before firing at By late yesterday, hundreds His video showed him new citizenship law, in New Delhi, yesterday. them in the first such incident of riot police armed with teargas walking through a road near in the capital during more than canisters and backed by water Jamia, where the students were taken down the gunman’s showed comments by leaders of and the perpetrator will not be a month of demonstrations. cannon patrolled the area as pro- gathering. account. the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party spared,” he said. “He was in front of all the testers sang the national anthem On his Facebook the shooter “There is no place on could stoke violence. “Is this what Modi’s government says the people — protesters and policemen and waved the Indian flag. had also posted photos of Facebook for those who commit BJP leaders... intended? Creating citizenship law is needed to help who were standing nearby, but he Yesterday’s shooting raised himself posing with a gun and this kind of violence,” the social an armed militia of radicalised members of persecuted reli- jumped in from this side, bran- concerns from the opposition he is seen wearing a saffron media giant said in a statement. youth,” the party said in a tweet. gious minorities who fled to dished the gun and said ‘Come I that youths are trying to take T-shirt, the colour of Hindu “We have removed the gun- India’s Home Minister Amit India before 2015 from Muslim- will give you freedom’,” a witness the law into their own hands to nationalists. man’s Facebook account and Shah tweeted that he had majority Afghanistan, Bang- who gave his name as Aamir said. crush any dissent against the Police later said they had are removing any content that spoken to the chief of Delhi ladesh and Pakistan. The Citizenship Amendment government. detained the suspected gunman praises, supports or represents police and asked him to take But protesters say the law, Act fast-tracks Indian citi- Prime Minister Narendra but gave no details. They said the gunman or the shooting as strict action. and a proposed national reg- zenship for non-Muslim minor- Modi’s government has rejected one student was injured in his soon as we identify it.” “The federal government ister for citizens, discriminates ities from three neighbouring the protests and members of his hand. The main opposition Con- will not tolerate any such against Muslims and violates countries. Hindu nationalist party and its Facebook later said it had gress party said the shooting incident, will take serious action India’s secular constitution. India reports its first case of Amnesty: Asia seeing growing repression, resistance AP — BANGKOK vision on the continent, per- climate and rights for all,” all governments need to make Australian detentions of refugees coronavirus ceiving minorities as a threat to Bequelin said. more headway in protecting and and asylum seekers and turning Authoritarian governments in ‘national security.’” The effort to silence crit- empowering indigenous popu- boats of people fleeing their REUTERS — BENGALURU, Asia are undermining human The “main takeaway” from icism and prevent the public lations, the report said. home countries back to sea. In rights and demonising their the report is that in Asia, “we from holding public officials In Afghanistan, more than Japan, where refugees rarely are India reported its first case of critics, but they face a rising tide saw an escalation of the and corporations accountable 2,500 people died and 5,676 granted asylum, the government the new coronavirus of protest from young people repression in many countries. is a worrying trend, it said. But people were injured from has not yet ratified the Migrant’s yesterday, saying a woman in who defy grave risks to protest But we also saw an increase in anti-government protests in January to September, mainly Convention to protect rights of the southern state of Kerala such repression, Amnesty Inter- the resistance and protest, often Hong Kong and elsewhere in attacks using homemade a growing population of foreign had tested positive in an national said in its annual report led by young people from Hong showed an abiding will to resist explosive devices that often workers. outbreak. on the region. Kong to India, from Myanmar repression, it said. Some high- were carried out by the Taliban In Pakistan, journalists, The patient was an Indian The human rights group’s to Thailand,” Nicholas Bequelin, lights from the report. against minority ethnic groups. human rights defenders and student of Wuhan University annual survey of the Asia- regional director for Amnesty In Sri Lanka, anti-Muslim In Myanmar, the military members of the Shiá Muslim in China, India’s government Pacific region, released International, said. violence broke out after Easter carried out war crimes in community were among the said in a statement, adding the Wednesday, said India and “We saw increased mobili- Sunday bombings that killed Kachin, Rakhine and Shan hundreds of people who were patient was stable and in iso- China, the two most populous zation by young people to more than 250 people, mainly states, as internal strife con- “disappeared” by security lation in hospital. nations, are trying to impose defend their rights. Demand Christians, in three churches and tinued, the report said. forces, often detained without “We had sent blood their “own bleak, domineering accountability, justice, action on three hotels. Across the region, The report also noted charges or trial, the report said. samples of 20 people from Kerala, of which 10 returned as negative. Out of six that were pending, the sample of a Australia defends plan for female student from Wuhan has come back as positive,” Kerala’s Health Minister, K K island quarantine camp Shylaja Teacher, told AP — CANBERRA appropriate solution,” the asso- reporters. ciation’s president Tony The patient was being Australia’s government Bartone told Nine Network treated in an isolation ward in yesterday defended its plan to television. the district of Thrissur, Teacher send citizens evacuated from But Dutton dismissed that said. the epicentre of China’s novel criticism as based on doctors’ A total of 806 people coronavirus emergency to a longstanding opposition to the recently returned from China remote island used to banish government using Christmas were under observation in asylum seekers and convicted Island, Nauru and Papua New Kerala for any signs of the criminals, despite warnings Guinea to accommodate thou- virus, the state government that some Australians would sands of exiled refugees that said on Wednesday. prefer to stay in China. Australia refuses to accept. A senior Indian gov- Australia is preparing to The United Nations has ernment official said bringing send potentially hundreds of its condemned Australia’s indef- Indian nationals home from citizens rescued from Hubei inite banishing of asylum Wuhan was not the best option province to a quarantine camp seekers to island camps as due to the risk of infection but on remote Christmas Island. inhumane, stoking violence that an aircraft was on standby The Indian Ocean island has and mental illness. and facilities to quarantine been used by the government Christmas Island was also them have been identified. in a widely condemned policy chosen because of its prison- of banishing asylum seekers like facilities to house foreign Japan’s former Avalanche at Japanese ski resort who attempt to arrive by boat criminals who face deportation to offshore camps. after serving sentences in Aus- Japanese media gather at a ski resort in Tomamu in central Hokkaido yesterday, following an avalanche Home Affairs Minister Peter tralian prisons. Emperor Akihito accident. A French national was in critical condition after he was caught with seven compatriots in Dutton said notorious The facilities currently an avalanche near a ski resort in northern Japan, a local official said. better after fainting Christmas Island struck the house only a family of four Sri right balance between sup- Lankan asylum seekers who AP — TOKYO porting Australians stranded in are fighting deportation. China and protecting the wider Dutton said the family and Japan’s 86-year-old former Australia heat wave renews bush fire worries Australian population from the Christmas Island locals would Emperor Akihito fainted at his potentially deadly disease. be kept separate from the quar- residence though he regained AFP — SYDNEY “We’ve had the benefit of into the catastrophic bush fire “The reality is people need antined population. strength after a good night’s some suppressed, benign con- season, which has left at least to be accommodated some- Australia’s Chinese sleep, the palace said yesterday. Australia was bracing for a heat ditions over the last few days. 32 people dead and devastated where for up to 14 days,” diaspora has been scathing of Akihito underwent an MRI wave to sweep across the coun- However, as we’ve heard, it’s vast swathes of the country Dutton told reporters in the island’s re-purposing as a of his brain that showed no try’s fire-ravaged southeast in the going to be hot and dry,” Vic- since September. Canberra. quarantine site, which the clinical condition that could coming days, with the forecast toria Emergency Services Com- “The scale of these fires has “I can’t clear out a hospital opposition argues is the gov- cause a fall, but doctors rec- stoking fears the soaring temper- missioner Andrew Crisp said, been unprecedented and we in Sydney or Melbourne or ernment attempting to justify ommended close monitoring atures could inflame bush fires. urging residents to be prepared must leave no stone unturned,” Brisbane. I don’t have a facility the millions of dollars spent on of his health for a while, Temperatures reached for bushfires to flare. “If you’re Premier Gladys Berejiklian said. otherwise that we can quickly the facilities’ existence. according to the Imperial above 40 degrees Celsius yes- gonna wait until you see the “This inquiry will allow accommodate for what might Australians in China say Household Agency. terday in South Australia state, smoke or the fire at your NSW to learn from this season be many hundreds of people Australian officials have told Akihito abdicated last April where dangerous fire weather doorstep, it’s far too late. You’ve and the catastrophic conditions and Christmas Island is them they will need to pay and now holds the title of warnings were issued in several gotta get out early,” he said. we’ve faced, and apply these purpose-built for exactly this 1,000 Australian dollars ($673) Emperor Emeritus. His wife bushfire-prone areas. Storms are forecast to learnings for the future.” That scenario,” he added. and agree to go to Christmas Michiko was at his side when The heat wave is then follow the heat wave, bringing comes on top of a Royal Com- The Australian Medical Island to be repatriated. Akihito fainted on Wednesday expected to hit Melbourne and rain that could help dampen mission inquiry announced by Association, the nation’s Australian Wenbo Yu, whose at the Imperial Palace and she Canberra today before parts of fires but also the potential for Prime Minister Scott Morrison leading medical advocate, said wife and two children are in called the palace doctor, Sydney reach 45 degrees wild weather, including flash earlier in January. the Australians would be better Wuhan, said his family was con- palace officials said. Celsius on the weekend. flooding. The months-long crisis has quarantined on the Australian sidering rejecting Australia’s The doctors found Akihito Authorities say the searing Extreme weather has bat- sparked renewed calls for Aus- mainland. evacuation offer. “We’d rather still unconscious and sounding heat, accompanied by dry winds, tered parts of Australia in recent tralia’s conservative gov- “We feel that the repatri- they stay in Wuhan,” he told the as if he was snoring. He would bring severe bush fire weeks, bringing giant hail, ernment to take immediate ation to Christmas Island — to Australian Broadcasting Corp. regained consciousness and conditions to parts of New South floods and landslides. action on climate change, with a place previously the focus of “Compared to Wuhan, we went to bed but woke up nor- Wales and Victoria — where The renewed fire threat street protests urging Morrison populations under enormous believe Christmas Island is mally yesterday morning, offi- more than 80 fires are still came as worst-hit New South to reduce the country’s reliance mental and physical trauma even more unpredictable,” he cials said. burning across the two states. Wales announced an inquiry on coal. and anguish — is not a really added. FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2020 ASIA 07 All eyes turn to WHO as China virus deaths rise to 170, infects 7,711 REUTERS — BEIJING, Cases of human-to- Commission Minister Ma Xiaowei said this week the virus Hundreds of foreign evacuees human transmission was infectious during incu- from the Chinese city of Wuhan outside China are of bation, unlike Severe Acute entered quarantine yesterday particular concern to Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), as deaths from a fast-spreading another virus that emerged virus rose to 170 and markets medics, but it is too from China and killed about shuddered at the impact of an early to determine 800 people in 2002 and 2003. inevitable big hit to the world’s The global cost from SARS No. 2 economy. how lethal the was estimated at $33 billion, or All eyes were on the World coronavirus is, as 0.1 percent of world GDP in Health Organisation (WHO), 2003. Many economists fear the which has held off declaring the there are likely to be impact on global growth could flu-like coronavirus a global many cases of milder be bigger this time as China emergency but was to recon- now accounts for a larger share Medical staff in protective clothing are seen carrying a patient from an apartment suspected of having sider that later in the day. infections going of the world economy. the virus in Wuhan, in Hubei province, yesterday. Such a declaration would undetected. Foreign students stuck in trigger tighter containment and Wuhan are launching social information-sharing guidelines, media campaigns, making Three Japanese evacuees from Wuhan test but may disappoint Beijing, 16 places from Japan to the phone calls and writing letters which had expressed confi- United States. urging their governments to get positive for virus, two had no symptoms dence in defeating the “devil” An Italian cruise ship’s them out as soon as possible. virus. 6,000 passengers were kept on Pakistan said that quar- REUTERS — TOKYO Kyoto, was also found to be Shigeru Omi, head of the The coronavirus, which orig- board while tests were held on antine regulations prevented it infected, broadcaster NHK said. Japan Community Health Care inated in an illegal wildlife two Chinese travellers. from flying out the more than Two of three Japanese people That brought the total Organization, told a briefing that market in the central city of The crisis has stoked a wave 500 Pakistani students and their evacuated from China and number of cases in Japan to 13 there were reports of such Wuhan, has now claimed 170 of anti-China sentiment around families from Wuhan. Bang- found to be infected with a new including the three evacuees. transmissions in China. lives and infected 7,711 people in the globe, from shops barring ladesh and India said they were coronavirus had not shown The two people who were Chinese National Health Com- China, latest official data showed. tourists to online mockery. putting aircraft on standby. symptoms, the health ministry confirmed as infected but had mission Minister Ma Xiaowei said Almost all the deaths have “The weapons that will Muhammad Rauf, 30, a said yesterday, adding to not shown symptoms were the this week the virus was infectious been in Hubei province — of protect us from the new coro- Pakistani master’s student, told worries about the fast- first such cases in Japan, though during incubation, which can which Wuhan is the capital — navirus are not fear and Reuters he and around 40 spreading virus and its suspicion has been rising else- range from one to 14 days. where 60 million people are aversion, but trust and cooper- others were locked in their economic fallout. where that people who have the A second charter flight car- now living under virtual ation,” said South Korean Pres- Wuhan dormitory for all but The three cases were among virus but no symptoms can rying 210 Japanese nationals lockdown, staying inside their ident Moon Jae-in as Seoul pre- four hours a day. 206 Japanese people who were infect others. arrived in Tokyo on Thursday. homes and only venturing out pared to evacuate the first of “How long will the evacuated to Tokyo on That would make the virus Chief Cabinet Secretary with masks on. about 700 citizens from Wuhan. lockdown be?... What will we Wednesday from the Chinese much more difficult to control. Yoshihide Suga said 13 of them “Most of the shops are Streets in many Chinese do? Just count down our days?” city of Wuhan, the epicentre of Japan on Tuesday classified felt unwell. closed. We cannot go out and cities were largely deserted and he said, adding they had been the epidemic that has killed 170 the virus a “designated infec- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, buy food,” Si Thu Tun, one of tourist attractions shut. Star- calling for an evacuation plan people in China and infected tious disease”, which would inaugurating a task force to deal 60 students from Myanmar bucks coffee shops were from their government for ten nearly 8,000. allow compulsory hospitali- with the virus, said the gov- trapped in Wuhan, told online requiring temperature checks days. While the vast majority of sation and the use of public ernment would take all steps to news outlet the Democratic and masks. Pakistani Health Minister cases have been in China, more funds for treatment. prevent its spread, including Voice of Burma. Cases of human-to-human Zafar Mirza said he understood than 100 cases have also But the designation - which tracking and checking people “Honestly, I have one big transmission outside China are students were anxious, there appeared in about 15 other takes effect on Feb. 7 after ordi- who had been in Wuhan. potato and three packs of of particular concern to medics, were no current plan to countries. Later on Thursday, a nances are issued - does not Among Japan’s cases was a instant noodles and some rice,” but it is too early to determine evacuate them — but the Chinese man in his 50s, who apply to people without tour bus driver who was he said. Myanmar plans a how lethal the coronavirus is, embassy was providing support. had previously stayed in symptoms. infected after coming into special flight to get the students as there are likely to be many “We are following Chinese Wuhan, was found be infected Asked about concern over contact with Chinese visitors. out within three days. cases of milder infections going regulations according to which in the western prefecture of Mie, transmission of the virus from ANA Holdings, Japan’s biggest As other countries fly cit- undetected. the whole place is under quar- Kyodo news agency reported. people who have not shown carrier, said its bookings for izens out, cut flights and It has an incubation time of antine. As they open it, we will A Chinese woman in her symptoms, a health ministry flights from China in February fell heighten screening, another 105 between one and 14 days. decide accordingly,” he told 20s, who had previously stayed official said it was not clear by half, while those for flights to cases have emerged in at least Chinese National Health Reuters by phone. in Wuhan and was studying in whether that had happened. China plunged 60 percent.

2 US airmen killed in Afghanistan Asia ramps up defences against deadly outbreak AFP — MANILA mainland crossings were sealed Kazakhstan - The Central Authorities have tempo- closed its border with China to crash: Pentagon from Thursday as the city took Asian nation announced rarily stopped issuing visas for cars, temporarily shut schools Asian nations have sealed steps to cut the number of Wednesday it has stopped Chinese citizens from the hard- and suspended all public events. ANATOLIA — ANKARA borders and clamped down on people arriving. issuing visas to Chinese citizens hit areas. The measures announced Chinese visitors as they try to Visitors from the ground- and will cut all major transport Maldives - The Indian Monday by the vast, landlocked Following two days of silence protect themselves from a zero central Chinese province links with China over the Ocean atoll nation of the Mal- country were some of the most and reported investigation, the deadly virus epidemic. Hubei, as well as people who outbreak. dives, which welcomes 284,000 drastic steps taken by any nation. Pentagon has confirmed that The outbreak has killed 170 have visited the area, are Cross-border buses were Chinese tourists every year, has The Philippines - Visa-on- two US airmen were killed in people in China, infected over banned from entering Hong ordered to stop from banned direct flights from China arrival privileges for Chinese an Air Force plane crash 7,700 more and sparked pro- Kong. Wednesday, followed by the from Friday. were suspended Tuesday to Monday in Afghanistan. gressively more urgent precau- Japan - If quarantine suspension of passenger train The ban will affect the slow down the entry of tourists “The Department of tions around the region. authorities judge that an services from Saturday. national carrier, as well as three from the country, while Fili- Defense announced today the Here are some key arriving visitor has the virus, Malaysia - Visitors from Chinese airlines operating five pinos were advised to avoid deaths of two airmen who measures taken outside that person can be barred entry, Wuhan and surrounding Hubei daily flights to the non-essential travel to China. were supporting Operation mainland China: - Hong Kong the Japanese immigration province have been banned archipelago. The Philippines reported its first Freedom’s Sentinel,” it said in - Six of the territory’s 14 service has said. since Monday. Mongolia - Mongolia has case of infection yesterday. a statement released on Wednesday. Lieutenant Colonel Paul K Voss, 46, and Ryan S S Korean officials face eggs Phaneuf, 30, died on Monday in the crash of a Bombardier as quarantine plane takes off E-11A aircraft in Ghazni, central Afghanistan, it said. REUTERS — ASAN/SEOUL who had travelled to Wuhan. The cause of the crash As the South Koreans were remains under investigation. Angry South Koreans volleyed gearing up to fly out of Wuhan, On Monday US Forces eggs and expletives yesterday at protesters in Asan and Jincheon, Afghanistan (USFOR-A) a minister and officials trying to cities about 80km south of spokesman Colonel Sonny defuse their ire over plans to quar- Seoul, the capital, used tractors Leggett announced that a US antine hundreds of citizens set to to block access to facilities ear- Air Force plane crashed in be flown home from the epicentre marked for quarantine centres. Afghanistan, without giving of a new virus epidemic in China. In Asan, demonstrators threw information on casualties. The first of up to four flights eggs and shouted expletives “While the cause of the crash planned to evacuate South when Chin Young, the minister is under investigation, there Koreans from Wuhan departed of interior and safety, arrived to are no indications the crash yesterday night carrying some talk to them on Thursday. Police was caused by enemy fire,” 360, after an unexpected hours- held up umbrellas as a shield. Leggett tweeted. long delay because China had “If it’s so safe why don’t you However, the Taliban only approved one flight. bring them to your home?” one claimed that its forces had shot South Korea also reported protester shouted at Chin. down the US. plane. its fifth and sixth confirmed The minister said he sym- Zabihullah Mujahed, a cases of the virus yesterday, pathised with the concerns, Taliban spokesman, claimed including the first patient saying the facilities were chosen in a statement on social ‘Palace guard’ members in traditional Korean costume wear face masks as they perform for tourists infected in South Korea. Pre- as the only ones large enough media, “All staff and pas- at Deoksugung Palace in Seoul, yesterday. vious cases only involved people to accommodate the evacuees. sengers, including key officers of the CIA, have been killed,” posting pictures and video of a plane with apparent US Pakistan Bar Association seeks changes in accountability law markings. Afghan officials earlier in INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD responsible for accountability The SCBA president said without collection of evidence The most important and the week had said their forces in the country should be up to that NAB was established for the had become a norm and the fundamental rights, including were pushed back by Taliban The Supreme Court Bar Asso- the mark and must meet the purpose of curbing corruption trend of searching evidence for the right to liberty, he said, snipers when they tried to ciation (SCBA) of Pakistan has highest standards set interna- and malpractices at the highest justifying the arrest had become were being compromised due approach the crash site. emphasised the need for legis- tionally for such like institutions level and for establishing the the order of the day, regretted to non-professional approach The US military conducted lative changes in the National of pivotal importance,” said rule of law across the board, but Hassan. of officials of the bureau. 2,434 air strikes in the war-hit Accountability Ordinance (NAO) Syed Qalb-i-Hassan, the pres- the procedure adopted by the Belated accusations, he Therefore, he said, the country to drop 7,423 bombs, as well as improved training ident of the SCBA. bureau had raised questions in said, against different people SCBA wanted legislative marking a steady rise over modules of NAB officials to curb In a statement, he also prudent minds of society about and inquiries spreading over changes and improved training 7,362 weapons released in misuse of power by the anti- expressed concern over proce- the methodology of arrest, years without their finalisation modules for officials of the 2018, the US Air Forces Central graft watchdog. dures and mechanisms used by inquiries, investigations and were against fundamental con- bureau to curb the practice of Command (AFCENT) said in a “The dignity and credibility NAB authorities during pro- delayed trials. stitutional rights of the misuse of power and authority report on Monday. of an institution which is ceedings conducted by them. The arrest of suspects citizens. by them. 08 VIEWS FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas (second right) speaking to Palestinian officials in Ramallah. EDITORIAL

Gender equality flying high ‘Deal of Century’ and the

THE graduation ceremony of the 7th batch of Al Zaeem Mohamed Bin Abdullah Al Attiyah Air College students, held on Wednesday at its headquarters in plan to relocate Palestinians Al Udeid Air Base, was a momentous day in the history of the country as first Qatari female fighter Trump became president. His claim to The decision by Trump to pilot passed out of the academy that day along with bring peace to the Middle East aside, his 96 other cadets. policies since he became president seem recognize Jerusalem as Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, certain to cause serious injury rather the capital of Israel while who presided over the graduation ceremony, hon- than bring peace. The decision by Trump ignoring the legitimate rights oured the fighter pilot, while the commander of the to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of college, Staff Brigadier Pilot Hamad Hadid Mubarak Israel while ignoring the legitimate rights of Palestinians in international Al Ibrahim, expressed his pride in the graduation of GOKHAN BOZBAS of Palestinians in international law was law was seen by international the first Qatari woman as a fighter pilot after finishing ANATOLIA seen by international actors as direct the required hours of training efficiently and support for Israel’s suppression policies actors as direct support for competently. The Israeli authorities have made it a on Palestinians. Israel’s suppression policies She will join the ranks of scores of other women tradition to bomb Gaza at least once a Trump invited the leaders of Jewish who are proudly serving the forces in various capaci- month. Most recently, their F-16 jets have settlers, whom the US recognised as on Palestinians. ties including flying helicopters. There are a good bombed the south of Gaza under the illegal within international law, to his number of women who are employed in medical, IT pretense of retaliation. On the other oath-taking ceremony during his presi- and administrative fields of defence forces. hand, it goes without saying that Israel dency is another important indicator of Like any other modern State, Qatar has always constantly does everything in its power his support for Israel. Another issue in given equal opportunity to women in all fields and to increase pressure on Gaza to make it which international law is neglected is the effort has borne fruit over time as many women uninhabitable to the local people. the refugees’ right to return. Proposing to are now in leadership positions in various institu- In addition to the systematic embargo change the legal definition of Palestinian Century,” in 2019. However, the fact is tions and industries. in effect since 2006, while it enforces refugees, Kushner, who is at the same that many of these countries are strug- This is a huge positive as it is not that common control and limits movement across the time Trump’s son-in-law and chief gling with civil wars and conflicts pre- to see females in decision making posi-tions in many Rafah Border Crossing, it also demol- advisor, sought to change their interna- venting them from prioritizing the Pales- other countries in the region. ished all existing tunnels from the tional legal status. Any change in the def- tinian issue. It is also highly probable that Doha has clearly set an example in the region by enclave. At this point, bombing the inition of refugee will take away almost if their regimes, many of which are on providing equal access to resources like education already strained region strengthens all the rights of Palestinians including thin ice, take such a chance, this will heat without any discrimination that anyone who dreams claims that Israel now aims to drive off their right to return. up the streets in their own countries. big have a very good chance of making it a reality. the local people. When evaluated in terms of the coun- Finally, we should also mention that As mentioned on H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser’s While today it is Israeli experts and tries in the region, it appears that some the plan to relocate Gazans is very likely Instagram feed “Quality education is essential for politicians who broach the idea of relo- events, especially those that took place in to fail. In fact, during the occupation that every child. It can give children equal opportunities cating Gazans to the Sinai Peninsula, the recent years, have brought Jordan and has been going on for over 70 years, to build a better future for themselves and society issue was first proposed to Palestinian Egypt closer to this idea. projects for exiling the Palestinians have as a whole.” President Mahmoud Abbas on August 8, The scenario of relocating of Pales- never been out of the question. However, The impact of easy access to quality education 2014, by the leader and government of an tinians does not seem, in our opinion, an the implementation of such a project in can be seen all over the Qatar workplace. Young cit- Arab nation. easy and immediately acceptable possi- the near future is more likely to trigger a izens are taking charge and bringing about innova- Since its establishment as a state, bility. For this to happen, firstly, an global earthquake than a regional one. tions and applying out-of-the-box ideas in every Israel has constantly been making moves extreme right government must emerge This frightens many international actors, aspects of life. Among them are a good number of to claim Gaza as well as unlawfully from the elections in Israel. Additionally, the U.S. in particular. In spite of this, women leaders who are shining not only in the tra- occupy Palestinian lands. The first Israel has to form an official alliance with Israel’s plan and intention to this end ditional fields such as academics and healthcare, appearance of Gaza on the agenda was Egypt, and subsequently, the actors in the stand before us as a reality. Therefore, but also doing outstanding work in scientific research, actually in 1956 when Igor Ayland pro- region must acknowledge their weakness the peoples of the region and their coun- policy making and sports to name a few. posed that its inhabitants be relocated to in solving the Palestinian issue. At this tries should be more careful about the Many glass ceilings were broken over time and a region in the Sinai Peninsula. point, when we look at the countries of issue. with a supporting leadership and administration more Remaining on the agenda until the the region, even though they do not When looked at carefully, it will be and more girls will join the ranks of the first female present day, this offer was once again express this openly, the fact that they are immediately understood that what pilot, who scripted history, and will see their dreams opened to international debate when all struggling with their own internal Trump calls the “Deal of the Century” is come true. Trump became president of the US and problems certainly encourages the not an issue brought up by Republicans has become a subject of debate more in Zionist regime. Another thing that Israel in the US for the first time. In 2002, then- recent years since Abdel Fattah Al Sisi is aiming for that will serve its own pur- National Security Adviser Condoleezza seizing power through a coup in Egypt. poses is to especially weaken Gaza eco- Rice introduced the Greater Middle East This was because accepting the Pales- nomically and force its inhabitants to Project and said a new world order tinians in the Sinai was a demand migrate. In this regard, it is a very existed under this project. attached to Sisi’s ascension to power. important development that one of the She mentioned many issues that we D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR The plot to relocate Palestinians does most recent studies reveals that one in are currently going through, from the not appear to be an easy and readily- four young people living in Gaza wants to division of Sudan and Yemen to the EMAIL: [email protected] agreeable possibility. For it to materi- live somewhere outside the enclave. Syrian civil war. For this reason, many alise, first, an extreme right government Even though all the current condi- issues that are actually addressed as the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 must emerge from the elections in Israel. tions and the situation seem in favor of “Deal of the Century” will come/be FAX: +974 4455 7758 The proposal to relocate Gazans to Israel, there are also many unknown brought to our attention 10 years from the Sinai Peninsula, so far discussed by dark spots waiting for Tel Aviv. The pos- now. Therefore, the countries of the MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 Israeli experts and politicians, was first sibility of a move towards relocation region should be more attentive today. suggested to Mahmoud Abbas, by an Arab backfiring is fairly high. Such an attempt As a result, the fact that Israel is DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 state and leader on August 8, 2014. will mark the failure of all Israeli strat- intensifying its pressure and military Though the issue appeared to have been egies to seek a peaceful solution before operations in the region does not mean LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 closed with Abbas’s rejection, it now the international public. the people living there will have increas- appears that this was only true for Pales- Again, such a move is initiated, ingly difficult days — in fact, it means that BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 tine’s agenda and that it is just now being pressure from the Arab and Islamic more difficult and troubled days are discussed in regional countries. As such, world will occur and will force Israel and awaiting the region in general. Although SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 in February 2017 in the Jordanian town of its supporters to take a step back. This Israel does not currently have the social Aqaba, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin would again mark an important defeat and political environment in place to ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 Netanyahu met former US Secretary of for Israel before international public realize a relocation in the near future, it is email: [email protected] State John Kerry, King Abdullah II of opinion. investing in persuading regional coun- Jordan and Egyptian President Sisi on the In addition to the possibility of Israel’s tries on Gazans’ future migration by PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 relocation of Palestinians to the Sinai. An use of force to ensure the relocation of taking advantage of these countries’ cir- email: [email protected] international agenda is being pushed as Palestinians living in Gaza to the Sinai cumstances in the current chaotic envi- Israel leaks these talks to the press. Peninsula, there is also a possibility of ronment. Actually, the motive behind its ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 For the plan to be put into motion, achieving this peacefully. However, this increasing, unprovoked pressure on Gaza FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] Israel needs to form an official alliance is dependent on the acceptance of Arab and its constant bombardment of the with Egypt and regional actors must countries in the region. From this end, it region is its intention to invest in the CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 acknowledge their inability to solve the is not a coincidence that Trump’s son-in- future. email: [email protected] Palestinian issue. The issue of relocating law and chief advisor David Kushner Gazans to the Sinai Peninsula has visited the countries of the region one by The author is an academic member of SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 become an issue of debate in the US since one, especially on the “Deal of the Necmettin Erbakan University. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar The previous administration took a view that if the United Kingdom made this decision they'd /Peninsula_Qatar be at the back of the line - we intend to put the /ThePeninsulaNewspaper United Kingdom at the front of the line. Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of State +974 6698 6188 FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2020 OPINION 09 Why Brexit opponents lost the vote and the argument

Neither succeeded. alliance would have been at legitimacy. Remainers The Remainers were its most powerful, and not repeatedly argued that a unable to convince enough forgetting the vast array of democracy can change its lawmakers to back a plebi- new anti-Brexit “center” mind, as many countries scite -- on two occasions non- What’s more, parties. indeed did after referendums binding parliamentary votes Yet these failures speak to on the EU that failed to ratify were lost narrowly. The the cultural gap something more fundamental. a significant change. MATT SINGH debate will continue indefi- underlying the The Remainers didn’t win the However I struggle to There were BLOOMBERG nitely as to whether and to argument. It’s often over- think of a comparable refer- what extent Labour’s Brexit divide looked that public opinion endum in which the change effectively two routes ambiguous Brexit position has not gone hasn’t shifted much from the option had been endorsed by by which Brexit could Britain will leave the EU at 11 hurt Labour itself. But it away. While 52% to 48% outcome in 2016. the public, only for voters to pm London time on Friday, clearly hurt the chances of a Number Cruncher polling be asked to vote again have been stopped — following Boris Johnson’s referendum. many Remainers, indicates that Brits were still without the change being either for parliament victory at last month’s general But nor could they con- particularly those evenly divided on Brexit at the implemented. Attempts by election. Much has been vince voters to elect a par- time of the election, with 46% some activists to delegitimize to legislate for a written, including in this liament that would deliver a on the economic saying it was wrong, 44% the 2016 vote, whether based referendum with column, about the results of referendum. This is only left, have tried saying it was right, and about on allegations of campaign a “remain” option the election, and in particular partly explained by the fact 85% of voters on both sides overspending or foreign inter- how the Labour Party lost it that many voters whose to explain Brexit backing their original vote. ference, failed to move the during last year’s so badly. But Brexit also support such an effort would through economics, The shift in headline dial. standoff, or by means another postmortem - have needed weren’t pre- this was not the numbers has been glacial and It’s also worth consid- why did the efforts to stop pared to back Jeremy Corbyn is largely explained by com- ering the legacy of the 2016 electing a parliament Brexit fall short? as a possible prime minister. main driver of the positional change -- those Remain campaign, and what that would do this. There were effectively two Smaller pro-European Leave vote. who have died since 2016 are lessons were and were not routes by which Brexit could parties could have held the much likelier to have been learned. The predictions of a Neither succeeded. have been stopped - either for balance of power after the Leavers, while those newly year-long recession after the parliament to legislate for a election. Yet the reality eligible to vote are much referendum — which never referendum with a “remain” proved to be a series of Group to the ups and downs likelier to be Remainers. occurred — made it rela- option during last year’s mishaps and missed opportu- of the Liberal Democrats, the Similarly, despite asking tively easy to dismiss all sub- standoff, or by electing a par- nities, from the botched failure of the two to work the question in many different sequent warnings about the liament that would do this. launch of The Independent together when such an forms, few polls showed more costs of Brexit as “project than narrow net support for a fear.” second referendum with an What’s more, the cultural option to Remain. gap underlying the Brexit This paints a very different divide has not gone away. picture than the outpouring of While many Remainers, par- enthusiasm for the EU shown ticularly those on the eco- by thousands marching and nomic left, have tried to the millions signing petitions. explain Brexit through eco- Part of the difference is that nomics, this was not the many 2016 Remain voters -- main driver of the Leave particularly fiscally conserv- vote. ative, “status quo” types -- And finally, the fatigue were quite happy to go along factor. Many people were with David Cameron’s just fed up and wanted to Remain campaign, but were move on from Brexit never staunch Europhiles. gridlock. Boris Johnson’s Much like the parties, the mantra of “Get Brexit done” anti-Brexit campaign groups stuck and his victory pro- were numerous, in some vided the killer blow. But cases reflecting the inter- ultimately, it may well be section of Brexit and tradi- that stopping Brexit simply tional party loyalties. There wasn’t on the cards once the were certainly cases where referendum had delivered its this became an issue -- for verdict. most of the general election campaign the groups couldn’t The author runs Number even agree on tactical voting Cruncher Politics, a nonpar- advice. tisan polling and elections site A file photo of Pro-European Union (EU), anti-Brexit demonstrators wave Union and EU flags as they protest opposite the Houses of Then there were doubts that predicted the 2015 UK Parliament in London. around democratic election polling failure. Coronavirus vaccine research is moving at record speed

the outbreak that triggered the could have done all the phase 1 approaches, in parallel. existing antiviral drugs to see rush. Public interest, funding trials. We could have poten- “The actual technical feat of whether any might work and the urgency that drove the tially been ready to vaccinate in making a vaccine against this against the coronavirus. Paul early vaccine development can China, now,” Hotez said. “This virus is probably not going to Stoffels, chief scientific officer quickly taper. is the problem with the whole be that hard,” Hotez said. “The of Johnson & Johnson, said the “We were getting candidate vaccine infrastructure - it’s problem is you can’t avoid, or company had donated 100 vaccines, the epidemics would reactive, not anticipatory even compress the timelines boxes of an HIV medication, CAROLYN Y JOHNSON die down and they’d get put enough. ‘Oh, SARS is gone now, very much for safety testing.” Prezcobix, to clinicians in THE WASHINGTON POST back on the shelf,” said Jac- let’s move on.’ “What the scien- That means scientists are Shanghai to see whether it queline Shea, chief scientific tific response to the new coro- flooded with public interest in showed any efficacy against officer of Inovio, a biotech navirus has shown so far is how their vaccine efforts right now the illness. Purdue University In a suburb south of Boston, company that has been devel- the first step in the process - and must temper their researchers hope to test experi- robots have already started oping vaccines for Zika, Ebola designing and even beginning excitement with the reality that mental drugs that were initially manufacturing a potential and Middle East respiratory to manufacture the vaccine - there will be a months-long wait, developed against SARS. At the vaccine against the fast- syndrome. can happen nearly overnight, at minimum, for a vaccine that’s University of North Carolina at spreading coronavirus. Another That’s what happened with due to the emergence of new ready for its first tests in people. Chapel Hill, researchers have candidate vaccine - developed severe acute respiratory syn- technologies. “What is the value of a been gearing up to test remde- when a similar virus terrified drome (SARS), to the dismay of Scientists at the National vaccine if development takes a sivir, an experimental antiviral the world - sits in deep freeze Peter Jay Hotez, co-director of Institutes of Health were strate- year in the context of the drug that has shown promise in a repository in Houston, the Texas Children’s Hospital gizing with a Massachusetts current situation, which seems against other coronaviruses but ready to be thawed and formu- Center for Vaccine Devel- biotech company, Moderna, to be moving very rapidly? The failed against Ebola. lated into thousands of vials for opment. Eight years ago, he over the winter holiday break, value of a vaccine is we don’t But every step takes time. further testing. Yet another is and his co-director, Maria about collaborating to build a actually know what the tra- Even having the right labo- being put together at facilities Elena Bottazzi, won federal vaccine for the virus. As soon as jectory of the epidemic could ratory tests, ingredients and in San Diego and Houston, with funding to create a vaccine the genome of the virus was be,” said Richard Hatchett, animal models of the disease projections that it could be against SARS, a coronavirus posted online in early January, chief executive of the Coalition are crucial and time-con- tested in people by summer. that emerged in 2002 and the NIH designed the piece of for Epidemic Preparedness suming steps. Laboratories To scientists, the work to infected 8,000 people and the vaccine that should trigger Innovations, a global alliance have been waiting for the viral create a vaccine against the killed nearly 800. By 2016, they the immune system to rec- that is funding the Inovio and genome to be synthesized by new coronavirus is advancing had manufactured enough of ognize and disable the virus. Moderna efforts and another companies and are anxious to with a speed they could barely the potential vaccine to get NIH sent their design to vaccine being created by get samples of the actual virus. have imagined a decade ago. At through toxicology tests and Moderna, which could inte- researchers at the University of A decade after SARS, the same time, it’s not even human safety trials. grate it into its virus platform Queensland in Australia. another coronavirus emerged When the new close to quick enough to But the team tried and and rapidly scale up manufac- For example, if the out- that caused Middle East Respi- contain the spreading infection failed to win various grants to turing. The NIH hopes to have break is still raging after initial ratory Sydrome (MERS). Many coronavirus - and in many ways, the out- bring their experimental the vaccine in the first safety safety tests, it is possible that think the coronavirus in China genome sequence break will test the capacity of vaccine through further testing. trials by April. experimental vaccines could be is a lesson that this family of was posted to an science to react in real time to a They say about $2 million could At Inovio, a biotech used to protect people on the viruses will continue to cross new and unknown “pathogen have funded essential and company headquartered front lines of treating the from animals into humans and online genetic X” that takes the world by time-consuming toxicology outside Philadelphia, a team disease or in emergency situa- cause potential pandemics. databank in early surprise. studies and ready it for phase 1 began working on designing a tions, before they are approved That means they would like to “Traditional vaccine devel- trials - the technical term for vaccine hours after the for the general population, as be prepared, with vaccine plat- January, Hotez opment efforts have usually the first-in-human studies that sequence appeared, said Shea, happened with Ebola. When forms that can be readily immediately taken decades, not months,” typically determine the dosing Inovio’s chief operating officer. Ebola devastated west Africa in adapted to new infections, and said Barney Graham, deputy and safety of a drug. Although The company farmed out pro- 2014, a vaccine was not ready. antiviral drugs that work saw the close director of the Vaccine the threat of SARS has receded, duction of one piece of its But when Ebola resurfaced in broadly for multiple diseases. similarity to SARS Research Center at the National it was becoming increasingly vaccine to a contract laboratory 2019 in Congo, more than “Emerging viruses, they’re a Institutes of Health, which clear that coronaviruses, long in Houston and is making the 200,000 people were moving target. They come and and realized hopes to have a vaccine in thought to cause mild illness, other component at its facility vaccinated. they go, and sometimes they that the samples human testing by April. “This is, were able to cause serious in San Diego. The company is If the infections have begun come and they don’t go. But it’s sitting in storage first, a response to this new pandemics. gearing up for the lab and to subside by the time vaccines impossible to predict the tra- virus, but it’s also a drill for When the new coronavirus animal tests that will be nec- are through the first round of jectory of an emerging virus,” had the potential pathogen X . . . press the system, genome sequence was posted essary before safety trials in safety testing, getting a vaccine said Timothy Sheahan, to defend to see how rapidly we can go.” to an online genetic databank people. approved would still be useful assistant professor at the When a mysterious new in early January, Hotez imme- Pharmaceutical giant in case the virus flares again - Gillings School of Global Public against the new illness emerges and public diately saw the close similarity Johnson & Johnson has also but showing that it is safe for Health at UNC. “So one way coronavirus. alarm is at its peak, there’s a to SARS and realized that the jumped into the vaccine effort healthy people in the general we’re trying to maximize the race to develop a way to samples sitting in storage had and estimates that it will be population will take time and utility of a given antiviral drug prevent or treat the disease. But the potential to defend against eight to 12 months before their continued effort. is to develop broad-spectrum by the time a promising can- the new coronavirus. candidate is ready for testing in In the meantime, antivirals. Rather than have didate is ready, it’s often too “Had we been able to people. Many countries are also researchers are also looking at one drug for one bug, we want late for it to be helpful against secure the investment, we working on different ways of quickly repurposing one drug for many bugs.” 10 EUROPE FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2020 Decision on Huawei won’t affect UK-US ties: Pompeo EU nations give Brexit final nod AP — LONDON Pompeo's talks with AFP — BRUSSELS US Secretary of State Mike Johnson focused Pompeo said yesterday that the on “strengthening The remaining 27 member US and Britain would retain and states of the European Union enhance their special rela- bilateral ties” and signed off on the Brexit with- tionship once the UK leaves the “the importance drawal agreement yesterday European Union this week. of maintaining with an exchange of diplo- He also said that American matic messages. unhappiness with the British the integrity of Unlike Wednesday night’s decision to allow the Chinese communications emotional scenes in the tech company Huawei to play European Parliament, where a role in the country’s high- networks.” MEPs passed the deal into EU speed wireless network would law, the capitals’ “written pro- not affect broader ties. cedure” was low key. As President Donald British Foreign Secretary The European Council said Trump’s Senate impeachment Dominic Raab before meeting in a brief statement that the trial neared a close in Wash- Johnson. withdrawal agreement would ington, Pompeo met with British “I am confident that as we enter into force at 2300 GMT Prime Minister Boris Johnson work together to figure out how on Friday, the moment Britain to re-register American con- to implement this decision that officially leaves the EU. cerns about Huawei. But he we’ll work to get this right.” “From that time on, the UK stressed that he expected they “We were trying to make will no longer be an EU could be addressed as more the case, as we made the case member state and will be con- details emerge on what limits with every country in the world, sidered as a third country,” the will be placed on the company that we think putting Huawei statement said. and with advances in commu- technology anywhere in your The United Kingdom has nications technology. system is very, very difficult to been a member of the com- Pompeo played down con- mitigate and therefore not munity that became the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (right) greets US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on his arrival cerns that Huawei’s presence worth the gamble,” he said. European Union for 47 years, to hold talks at 10 Downing Street in London, yesterday. in Britain’s 5G network would “But as we move forward but British voters decided to severely disrupt intelligence together to make sure that next quit the bloc in a 2016 sharing within the so-called generation of technology is “strengthening bilateral ties” carriers, ignoring Washington’s administration as the US vies referendum. “Five Eyes” partnership of right, is secure and operates and “the importance of main- warnings that it would sever with China for technological Britain formally leaves the English-speaking nations that under a Western set of values taining the integrity of commu- intelligence sharing if the dominance. EU bodies on Friday, but will includes the US, Britain, Canada, and system, we’ll get to the right nications networks.” company wasn’t banned. Pompeo is in London on the continue to follow EU trade Australia and New Zealand. place,” Pompeo said. On Tuesday, Britain decided Britain’s decision was the first leg of a trip to Europe and and travel rules until the end “That relationship is deep. A State Department to let Huawei have a limited first by a major US ally in Central Asia that will also take of the year under a transition It is strong, it will remain,” spokesman said the talks with role supplying new high-speed Europe, and follows intense him to Ukraine, Belarus, Kaza- period. Pompeo said at an event with Johnson focused on network equipment to wireless lobbying from the Trump khstan and Uzbekistan. German far-right UK to evacuate German nurse ‘poisoned babies with morphine’ leader faces tax citizens from AFP — FRANKFURT AM MAIN harm. The young nurse taken evasion probe Wuhan today into custody has yet to be for- A nurse in Germany has been mally charged but faces five AFP — BERLIN AFP — LONDON arrested on suspicion of counts of attempted man- poisoning five premature babies slaughter and grievous bodily The figurehead of Germany’s Britain has received clearance with morphine, police said harm, Ulm prosecutor Christof far-right AfD party Alexander to evacuate around 200 of its yesterday, adding that the Lehr told reporters. Gauland is being investigated citizens from Wuhan, the infants had survived. She denies poisoning the for tax evasion, prosecutors Chinese city at the epicentre The woman was taken into babies, he added. said yesterday, after his parlia- of a deadly virus outbreak, the custody on Wednesday after Hospital staff initially sus- mentary immunity was lifted government said yesterday. investigators found a syringe pected the infants had caught by MPs. Foreign Secretary Dominic containing breast milk and an infection, “but this could be Gauland, 78, is one of the Raab said the charter flight traces of morphine in her locker ruled out after urine tests”, most prominent figures in the would leave early today at Ulm University Hospital in police chief Weber said. populist “Alternative for (Friday) morning, after southern Germany. The tests did however show Germany” party, which rails receiving the necessary The babies, who were traces of morphine — although against immigration, Islam and clearance from Beijing. between one day and five two of the babies had not been environmentalism. “We are pleased to have weeks old and staying in the prescribed the heavy painkiller Yesterday, German parlia- A view of the children’s hospital, where a nurse reportedly poisoned confirmation from the Chinese same hospital room, all sud- as part of their care. mentarians voted to remove five babies, in Ulm, southern Germany. authorities that the evacuation denly developed breathing The hospital notified the his legal immunity to facilitate flight from Wuhan airport to problems “at almost the same police on January 17. the probe, first reported by the UK can depart at 0500 time” in the early hours of A search of the lockers of woman acted with premedi- “were stable again within 48 German media last March. local time on Friday, 31 December 20, Ulm police chief employees on duty around the tation and “accepted that the hours and they could breathe Frankfurt prosecutors said January,” he said. Bernhard Weber said. time of the incident turned up babies could die” as a result of on their own again”. they would search Gauland’s “The safety and security of “Only because of immediate the syringe “filled with breast her actions, Lehr said. “We very much regret that properties as part of the British nationals is our top action taken by the staff could milk”, said Lehr. Her psychological state is this incident could have hap- investigation. priority. the five lives be saved,” he told Testing “confirmed the ter- currently being evaluated. pened and we sincerely apol- A spokesperson for AfD “Our embassy in Beijing a press conference. rible suspicion that the syringe Ulm University Hospital ogise to the parents and said the investigations con- and consular teams remain in Doctors do not expect the contained morphine”, he said. said “rapid medial intervention” children,” a hospital statement cerned “old proceedings from close contact with British infants to suffer any lasting Prosecutors believe the meant the babies’ conditions said. the year before last”. nationals in the region to ensure they have the latest information they need.” European rights court faults Record heat France for prison overcrowding AFP — STRASBOURG, FRANCE It also criticised a “lack of forecast for privacy in using the toilets” at The European Court of Human the six facilities. coming years Rights yesterday ordered France has about 70,800 France to pay thousands of people behind bars at 188 pen- AFP — PARIS euros in damages to dozens of itentiaries according to official inmates after ruling that figures from October 2019. The coming five years are authorities had not taken suffi- Official capacity is 61,065, for anticipated to be warmest cient measures to end prison an occupancy rate of 116 period on record, Britain’s Met overcrowding. percent. Office said yesterday, warning The case was filed by 32 Nearly 1,500 mattresses are of an outside chance of Earth inmates of six prisons including placed on the floor because no breaching the Paris deal 1.5C one of France’s largest at beds are available. temperature rise cap before Fresnes, outside Paris, which Conditions in French 2024. holds 2,500 people — nearly prisons have long been an In a regular “decadal double the number of beds at embarrassment for the state, forecast” looking at predicted the site. with President Emmanuel near-term climate trends, it “The court considered that Macron himself once describing said that each year between the personal space allocated to them as “disgraceful”. 2020-2024 is set to be 1.06- most of the applicants had An official report on condi- 1.62C hotter than historical fallen below the required tions at the Fresnes prison in averages. France anti-govt protest minimum standard of three 2016 found it to be infested The Met Office forecast it square meters (32 square feet) with rats, and prisoners French anti-riot policemen control unionists demonstrating in front of Amgouleme train station “likely” that the hottest year throughout their period of sleeping three to a 10-square- against the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron during the 47th International Comics festival, on record, 2016, will be beaten detention,” it said in a metre cell. It also criticised a in Amgouleme, France, yesterday. in that time frame. statement. shortage of personnel. “The latest five-year forecast suggests continued warming, consistent with sus- tained high levels of green- MEPs demand universal mobile phone charger in clash with Apple house gases,” said Doug Smith, a Met Office fellow and AFP — BRUSSELS environmental problems with widely used on most other its iPads and laptop computers, it said. But French MEP Geoffroy decadal prediction export. having a variety of chargers on mobile phones, and USB-C ones says legislation to force a uni- Didier said after the vote: “Uncertainties exist within The European Parliament the market as an argument to that are increasingly being used. versal charger for all mobiles in “European consumers deserve the forecast, but most regions demanded yesterday that the finally bring in an EU law on the That range is greatly sim- the European Union is better than indecent waste and are expected to be warmer and EU urgently force tech issue. plified from 2009, when dozens unwarranted. pollution dictated exclusively forecast patterns suggest companies to adopt a universal European legislators have of different types of chargers “We believe regulation that by the commercial interests of enhanced warming over land, charger, setting up a clash with been pushing for a universal were bundled with mobile forces conformity across the a few industrial groups.” especially northern parts of Apple and its widely used charger for a decade, but Apple phones, creating piles of elec- type of connector built into all The European Commission Europe, Asia and North iPhone connector cable. has ferociously resisted. tronic garbage when users smartphones stifles innovation is preparing an impact America — extending the A resolution, voted 582 in The US company insists that changed brands. rather than encouraging it, and assessment on the possibility of ongoing trend.” The forecast favour and 40 against, called on its Lightning cable that charges But the world still generates would harm consumers in forcing manufacturers to offer said barring a large volcanic the European Commission to its iPhones is part of a stand for 50 million tonnes of electronic Europe and the economy as a just one type of charger. eruption that could dent global publish an impact assessment “innovation”. waste a year, MEPs said, under- whole,” it said in a statement. It is due to be completed late heating with Sun-blocking on introducing a common Consumers currently have lining the need to take firmer “We do not believe there is this year, with EU officials to debris, average five-year tem- charger “with a view to pro- to decide between three main measures. The EU accounts for a case for regulation given the decide then whether to send a peratures are expected to be posing mandatory chargers to power their phones: nearly a quarter of that waste. industry is already moving to bill to the European Parliament between 1.15-1.46C above pre- provisions”. Lightning ones for Apple Apple, which already uses the use of USB Type-C through to enshrine that in an EU industrial levels. It cited consumer and handsets, micro-USB ones USB-C connectors on some of a connector or cable assembly,” regulation. FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2020 EUROPE 11 Thousands held on cruise ship at Italy port over feared coronavirus cases

AFP — CIVITAVECCHIA Samples from the Mediterranean,” it said. Italy’s two passengers Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte More than 6,000 tourists were said the government was “not under lockdown aboard a cruise were sent for testing worried, but vigilant and ship at an Italian port yester after after three doctors cautious”. two Chinese passengers were The couple flew in to Milan isolated over fears they could be and a nurse boarded from Hong Kong on January 25, carrying the coronavirus. the Costa Crociere before getting on the cruise at Samples from the two pas- Savona in northern Italy, sengers were sent for testing ship in the port of according to Italian media after three doctors and a nurse Civitavecchia to tend reports. boarded the Costa Crociere ship to a woman running “The couple’s cabin has been in the port of Civitavecchia to isolated and they are in with the tend to a woman running a a fever, the local doctors,” an unnamed passenger Passengers are seen onboard the Costa Smeralda cruise ship of Costa Crociere, in Civitavecchia, fever, the local health author- was quoted as telling ANSA news health authorities Italy, yesterday ities said. agency. Costa Crociere confirmed said. “We’re a bit worried of the ship, carrying some 7,000 course. No-one is getting on or in the Civitavecchia port near preparing to meet yesterday to extraordinary steps to arrest the people in total including the off the ship apart from the Rome “until we have an update decide whether to declare it a spread of the virus, including crew, was in lockdown. on-board hospital last night with doctors. This holiday risks on the health tests,” said port global emergency. effectively quarantining more It came as China reported its her travel companion”, and the ending in a nightmare”. captain Vincenzo Leone. Silvio Brusaferro, president than 50 million people in biggest single-day jump in coro- crew was following instructions The ship then stopped off in There are some 750 other of the Italian national health Wuhan and surrounding Hubei navirus deaths and global fears from the health ministry. Marseilles and Barcelona, as Chinese passengers on board, institute, said that all suspected province. The pathogen is deepened over a spread of the The Costa Smeralda, the well as Parma de Mallorca, who all appear to be in good cases in Italy so far had turned believed to have emerged in a disease, with at least 15 coun- company’s flagship and the fifth- according to an itinerary on its health, media reports said. out to be false alarms, but the market that sold wild game, and tries confirming infections. largest cruise ship in the world, website. The World Health Organi- health service was “ready spread by a Lunar New Year Costa said a 54-year old “came from Palma de Mallorca It had been due to sail for La zation, which initially down- should any cases of infection holiday season in which hun- woman from Macau “was placed and is currently engaged in one- Spezia in north Italy late yes- played a disease that has now emerge”. dreds of millions of Chinese in solitary confinement in the week cruises in the western terday, but would be detained killed 170 in China, was Beijing has taken travel domestically or abroad. Russia reports 1st Russia frees backpacker virus case; closes after Putin border with China pardon ANATOLIA — MOSCOW and the possibility of Chinese citizens leaving Russia,” she REUTERS — MOSCOW Russia has reported its first said. suspected coronavirus case as Russia’s measures come as Russia freed a US-Israeli a citizen who returned from the death toll in China has woman yesterday who had China was hospitalised climbed to 170, with 7,711 con- been jailed on drugs charges, yesterday. firmed cases of pneumonia after President Vladimir Putin Officials said the man caused by the coronavirus, also granted her a pardon. recently travelled to China’s known as 2019-nCoV. Naama Issachar’s release Hainan Island and was Earlier yesterday, China’s came ahead of talks in Moscow admitted for treatment in the National Health Commission yesterday between Putin and city of Tula, around 200km said 38 people died in the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin south of Moscow. country over the past 24 hours Netanyahu, who flew in from The patient was placed and a total of 12,167 people Washington to pass on details under observation at an infec- were suspected of being of a US peace plan, which Israel tious diseases ward on infected. supports and Palestinians reject. Wednesday, the Federal Since the outbreak late last March by pensioners The right-wing Israeli Service for Surveillance on year, China has put Wuhan city leader, under criminal cor- Consumer Rights Protection — where the virus originated - Pensioners march during a one-day general strike called by nationalist trade unions throughout the ruption indictment, faces an and Human Well-Being said in under lockdown. Basque Country and Navarra, in Bilbao, Spain, yesterday. election on March 2 and has a statement. However, the virus has campaigned on his ability to Health officials carried out spread beyond China’s borders, protect Israel’s interests abroad. sanitation and epidemic pre- and cases have been reported Issachar was jailed for seven vention measures at the in Japan, North Korea, South and a half years after being patient’s place of residence, it Korea, Thailand, the US, Sin- EU renews efforts to resume Kosovo-Serbia talks arrested last April when police said. In a separate statement, gapore, France, Malaysia, Aus- found nine grams of cannabis Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana tralia, and Vietnam. AP — PRISTINA, KOSOVO trip to Kosovo before travelling The EU-mediated negotiations in her bags during a stopover at Golikova announced that Travellers from China are today to Serbia. started in 2011, but stalled when a Moscow airport on her way Russia has closed its border being screened for the virus at The European Union’s top “My duty, my task my Kosovo imposed the tariffs on from India to Israel. with China to pedestrian and airports, worldwide and several diplomat yesterday called on endeavour my objective, is to Serbian products about 14 Her family called her vehicular traffic. airlines have suspended flights Serbia and Kosovo to resume accompany, facilitate the nego- months ago. treatment disproportionate and She said railway service to Wuhan. dialogue, saying it’s the only tiations between Serbia and Serbia’s intervention the case opened an unusual was limited from yesterday The World Health Organi- way to normalise their ties and Kosovo,” Borrell said after against Kosovo’s inde- public rift between Russia and midnight and trains will only zation’s (WHO) Emergency achieve a final agreement. meeting with Kosovar President pendence-seeking ethnic Alba- Israel. operate between Moscow and Committee reconvened yes- Talks between the Balkan Hashim Thaci. nians in 1998-99 prompted “It has been a long journey Beijing. terday to assess the situation. neighbours broke down in “Because the problem can NATO to intervene to stop the that I would not wish upon A decision on air traffic will The committee is expected November 2018, when Kosovo only be solved by Serbia and conflict. Serbia doesn’t accept anyone,” Yaffa Issachar, be taken by today, Golikova to decide whether the outbreak imposed a 100 percent tax on Kosovo, with the negotiations Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of Naama’s mother, was quoted as added. constitutes a Public Health Serbian goods over Belgrade’s between the two of them, and independence, although its saying by the Jerusalem Post, “We should implement a Emergency of International refusal to recognise Kosovo’s the result can only come from former province has been rec- having travelled to Moscow for regime that would allow the Concern and present recom- independence. an agreement between the two ognised by about 100 countries, her daughter’s release. “Now, return of Russians with appro- mendations to manage its EU foreign policy chief of them,” Borrell said. including the US and most EU all I want is to hug my daughter priate quarantine measures spread. Josep Borrell is on a two-day “There is no other solution.” nations. Naama.” Italy’s 5-Star braces for splits as identity crisis deepens Immigration to Switzerland REUTERS — ROME long-term alliance with the PD people,” said a senior source, rises ahead of key EU vote in a “progressive front” against suggesting some deserters were Italy’s ruling 5-Star Movement the popular rightist bloc spear- financially motivated to avoid an REUTERS — ZURICH France, Portugal and Kosovo. faces the prospect of desertions headed by League leader Matteo internal 5-Star rule obliging its In a binding referendum on and ruinous splits which may be Salvini. lawmakers to give up part of their Net immigration to Switzerland May 17, voters will decide impossible to stem at a spring This strategy is backed by salaries to fund causes decided rose again last year, official whether Switzerland should congress, party officials are 5-Star’s founder, comedian by party members. data showed yesterday, ahead take back unilateral control of warning. Beppe Grillo, but is resisted by Di Last month, three 5-Star sen- of a May referendum pushed immigration, if necessary at the The anti-establishment Maio and other senior figures ators defected to the League, by the right-wing Swiss cost of abrogating the free- movement, which won twice as who want to remain equidistant depleting the government’s People’s Party on ending an movement pact with the EU many votes as its nearest rival at from left and right, free to join already slim majority, and a accord with the European that took full effect in 2007. the last national election in 2018, forces with one or the other as League official said contacts were Union on the free movement The referendum under the has been beset with problems circumstances dictate. under way to lure another five of citizens. Swiss system of direct ever since. Opinion polls put 5-Star on or six. Immigration contributed a democracy is being billed as It shed votes when in gov- 5-Star’s founder Beppe Grillo about 16 percent support, half its Asked to comment on this, a net 55,000 people to Switzer- Switzerland’s “Brexit moment”. ernment with the hard-right 2018 level and lagging the PD on 5-Star member of the gov- land’s population last year, the The referendum drive League until August last year, and complaining of backstabbing 19 percent and the League on 30 ernment said “it’s possible.” The State Secretariat for Migration reflects unease with the influx has done so since forming a new from colleagues. percent. difficulties of 5-Star, which said. The foreign population of foreigners. But imposing administration with the centre- “The Movement used to be The party’s tensions are likely defines itself as post-ideological, stood at 2.1 million at year’s limits on EU citizens would left Democratic Party (PD). poetry and hope, now it’s guer- to come to a head at a congress may have been inevitable once end, or around a quarter of the violate bilateral accords that Now 5-Star’s parliamen- rilla warfare and suspicion,” said intended to pick a new leader, it transformed itself from an overall 8.5 million. enhance Swiss access to the EU tarians and supporters are Max Bugani, a veteran 5-Star pol- reorganise, and set policy prior- angry protest movement to a Net immigration from the single market, the lifeblood of divided between those who want itician who now works with its ities. Originally set for March, party of government, effectively European Union and EFTA the export-led Swiss economy. a return to its origins as a go-it- mayor of Rome, Virginia Raggi. 5-Star said ytesterday it had been joining the “system” it was born countries Iceland, Norway and Most Swiss oppose the idea alone protest party, those who Bugani, an influential 5-Star pushed back by “a few weeks”. to fight. Liechtenstein increased by of ending the free movement favour cementing the alliance figure since its foundation in But some of its lawmakers “5-Star’s internal organisa- nearly 32,000, mostly as pact, a poll published this with the PD, and those wanting 2009, said the party could soon see defections even before then. tional failings are a key part of its Romanians and Bulgarians took month found. to hook up again with the League. split up, and that this would be They fear that caretaker decline because political parties advantage of the full opening Campaigning to oppose the 5-Star’s candidate won just better than “pushing on together leader Vito Crimi, a low profile are first of all organisations,” said of the Swiss labour market for proposition in the referendum 3.5 percent of the vote in a but arguing every day.” senator, may struggle to impose Mattia Zulianello, a political sci- them as of June 2019. is a priority for the Swiss gov- regional election in northern Italy Prime Minister Giuseppe discipline on an increasingly entist at Birmingham University The biggest groups of EU ernment, which has struggled on Sunday after former leader Conte, an independent close to anarchic parliamentary group. who specialises in populist citizens living in Switzerland to put relations with the sur- Luigi Di Maio resigned, 5-Star, wants it to commit to a “We are going to lose some parties. are from Italy, Germany, rounding EU on a new footing. 12 AMERICAS FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2020 Republicans hopeful Senate will acquit Trump in impeachment trial

REUTERS — WASHINGTON While the Senate is over witnesses and move to either acquit or convict Trump, A Democratic push to force expected to acquit Barrasso said probably today Republicans to accept witnesses Trump and leave him afternoon or late that day. at President Donald Trump’s Other Republican senators impeachment trial in the US in office no matter were predicting a similar Senate appeared to be flagging what happens, outcome in conversations with on Wednesday, raising the reporters during breaks in possibility he could be acquitted allowing witnesses Wednesday’s proceedings. as early as today. could inflict political The Democratic-led House As senators questioned both damage on the of Representatives approved the the Trump legal team and the two articles of impeachment Democratic managers of the president as he being heard in the Republican- trial, Trump lawyer Alan Der- seeks re-election on controlled Senate in December. showitz offered an expansive Democrats have sought to per- Trump Defence team lawyer Jane Raskin arrives for the impeachment trial of US President Donald defence of presidential power November 3. suade at least four Republican Trump on Capitol Hill, in Washington, DC, yesterday that provoked astonishment senators to vote with them in among Democrats. Senator John Barrasso, the favor of witnesses to assure a deputy counsel Patrick Philbin leave him in office no matter security aid — passed by US “If a president does some- third-most senior Republican, majority vote in the 100-seat was asked if Trump agreed that what happens, allowing wit- Congress to help Ukraine battle thing which he believes will help said it was possible the trial chamber. Democratic Senator foreign interference in US elec- nesses could inflict political Russia-backed separatists — him get elected in the public could end on Friday without Chris Coons was asked during tions is illegal. damage on the president as he until Kiev pursued investiga- interest, that cannot be the kind witnesses being called, as Dem- a break if the Democrats’ fight “Mere information is not seeks re-election on November tions into Democrats, including of quid pro quo that results in ocrats want. for witnesses was lost. something that would violate 3. One such witness is former Biden and the former vice pres- an impeachment,” Dershowitz “The momentum is clearly “I don’t know that for sure the campaign finance laws,” national security adviser John ident’s son, Hunter. said, referring to the charge that in the direction of moving to one way or the other,” he said, Philbin replied. Bolton, who left the White On Wednesday, the White Trump abused his power by final judgment today. That vote but called the tone and ques- Democrats said they were House in September after House objected to the book’s using congressionally approved will be today. We still have a tions of senators “not encour- aghast that a lawyer for Trump several sharp disagreements publication. A letter from the security aid as leverage to get a couple of members who said aging.” Democrats were not would suggest it is OK to solicit with Trump over the direction White House National Security foreign power to smear his they want to listen to the conceding defeat, however. foreign interference. of foreign policy. Council to Bolton’s attorney said political rival, Joe Biden. answers to questions, but that’s “My gut tells me we’re “I’m pretty stunned,” said The New York Times has that based on a preliminary Democratic Senator Mazie where the momentum is,” Bar- making progress, progress, Senator Mark Warner, top Dem- reported that Bolton wrote in an review, the manuscript Hirono told reporters: “That was rasso said. progress,” said Senate Demo- ocrat on the Senate Intelligence as-yet unpublished book that appeared to contain “significant one of the most bizarre things Asked when the vote might cratic leader Chuck Schumer. Committee. While the Senate is the president told him he amounts of classified I’ve ever heard as a response.” take place to settle the debate Late yesterday, White House expected to acquit Trump and wanted to freeze $391m in information.” Bolton presses White House over Ukraine chapter of book US House seeks to curb Trump’s BLOOMBERG — WASHINGTON he wanted military aid to News whether the Trump disclosed without the deletion Ukraine withheld unless the administration is trying to stop of this classified information.” military options John Bolton’s (pictured) lawyer country publicly announced an Bolton’s manuscript from being She said it remains under said he’s still waiting to hear investigation into his political published, White House review and and that they’d seek against Iran back from the White House rival, former Vice President Joe spokesman Hogan Gidley said: to “more forward as expedi- after asking last week to Biden. “Absolutely not,” and that the tiously as possible.” BLOOMBERG — WASHINGTON expedite the classification Since those reports, Trump review isn’t a “political Cooper said he has review of the Ukraine portion and his defense team have tried decision.” “received no response what- Congress is once again trying of his client’s book in case he’s to discredit the former senior In a January 23 letter soever” regarding specific con- to curb President Donald called to testify in the Senate aide. Deputy White House released on Wednesday, the cerns with Bolton’s chapter on Trump’s military options, even impeachment trial. Counsel Patrick Philbin on NSC’s senior director for Ukraine since his January 24 after tensions with Iran have Attorney Chuck Cooper on Wednesday said Bolton was records, access and information email in response to Knight’s lessened since the US strike Wednesday released a January “disgruntled” and “wouldn’t security management, Ellen J. letter. “We do not believe that that killed an Iranian general. 24 email that told the National have nice things to say about Knight, indicated the White any of that information could The Democratic-led House Security Council, “Given that the president” after being House was seeking to block reasonably be considered clas- passed two bills yesterday, Ambassador Bolton could be ousted in September. publication of Bolton’s book in sified,” Cooper said in the email. though neither is likely to called to testify as early as next Philbin also said the White current form. Trump himself laid into advance in the Republican-led week, it is imperative that we House counsel’s office had been “The manuscript appears to Bolton in a Twitter thread Senate. The first measure, have the results of your review has emerged as a central figure notified by the NSC that it was contain significant amounts of Wednesday morning. The pres- which passed 228-175, was of that chapter as soon as in the Senate trial after reports reviewing the book to ensure it classified information,” Knight ident said Bolton “begged” him introduced by California Dem- possible.” that he had written a draft man- didn’t contain classified said. for a job, and that he got it ocrat Ro Khanna and would President Donald Trump’s uscript alleging that the pres- material. “The manuscript may not be despite warnings to Trump not ban the use of federal funds for former national security adviser ident had told him directly that Asked yesterday on Fox published or otherwise to hire him. military action against Iran not authorized by Congress. The second, which passed 236-166, was introduced by Kobe Bryant’s death Representative Barbara Lee and would repeal a 2002 mil- itary authorisation the Trump throws spotlight on administration cited as part of the justification for the strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in early crash-warning system January.

AP — LOS ANGELES the aircraft, and they criticized federal regulators for not car- Trump launches The crash that killed nine rying out the NTSB’s recom- people including Kobe Bryant mendation over a decade ago coronavirus has led to calls for crash- to mandate such equipment on warning systems to be installed helicopters with six or more task force in more helicopters, but regu- passenger seats. lators and pilots worry that the While some pilots believe instrument can trigger too TAWS is unnecessary and refer REUTERS — WASHINGTON many alarms and prove to its warnings as “nuisance distracting. alarms,” Peter Goelz, a former The Trump administration has “Another warning system managing director of the NTSB, launched a task force with a screaming at you isn’t going to said there is “no reasonable brief to protect the United help,” said Brian Alexander, a excuse” for the system not to States from the fast-spreading helicopter pilot and aviation be installed on all choppers. coronavirus, as the country lawyer. “From a safety perspective, prepared to evacuate more of “You don’t want to inundate you want all the safety its citizens from the epicenter Police probe apartment fire the pilot.” All nine people killed enhancements that are of the outbreak in Wuhan, Los Angeles Fire Department personnel investigate the scene of a fire at a multi-storey building on in the crash were officially available,” he said. China. Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, on Wednesday. identified as of Wednesday “The trade-off is worth it.” In a statement yesterday, night, according to the Los The NTSB recommended that the US State Department said Angeles County Department of the Federal Aviation Adminis- Washington would arrange Medical Examiner-Coroner. tration require the system after extra evacuation flights from Biden under pressure to prove he can thwart GOP attacks The victims had previously a Sikorsky S-76A carrying Wuhan with capacity for been identified publicly by workers to an offshore drilling private US citizens, on or about AP — SIOUX CITY Moines. The Biden campaign was corruption in need of friends and family. ship, crashed in the Gulf of February 3. mindful that the last-minute GOP investigation. The death of the basketball Mexico near Galveston, Texas, It did not say how many With five days until the Iowa meddling in the Democratic race “A senator from Florida, star Sunday has highlighted the killing all 10 people aboard in planes it would deploy for how caucuses, Joe Biden is fending off provides something of a preview sitting in Washington, has debate over the merits of 2004. Ten years later, the FAA many people, but that pas- a new onslaught of GOP attacks of the election ahead should decided to start running negative what’s known as the Terrain mandated such systems on air sengers would be subject to over his son’s business overseas Biden be the party’s nominee. As ads against Joe Biden just days Awareness and Warning ambulances only. screening, health observations and facing piling pressure to such, it was a test of whether before the Iowa caucus,” the System, or TAWS, which would FAA officials had ques- and monitoring show Democratic voters he can Iowa voters would see strength elder Biden told several hundred have sounded a voice alarm if tioned the value of such tech- requirements. handle the incoming. or weakness in Biden’s response. Iowa voters in Sioux City. the aircraft was in danger of nology on helicopters, which Nearly 200 Americans, As Republicans amplified Biden made his case “What do you think that’s hitting the ground or some tend to fly close to buildings mostly US diplomats and their their allegations against the Wednesday by openly mocking about? Look, it’s simple,” he said, object, such as a tower or a and the ground and could families, were evacuated from former vice president, accusing Florida Senator Rick Scott, a returning to an oft-used line: wire. trigger too many alarms. Wuhan this week and are him of nepotism and worse in a Republican, for running a digital “They’re smearing me... because It is required in medical The pilot in Sunday’s crash, being held in voluntary quar- series of charges stemming from ad in Iowa that repeats Trump’s they know if I’m the nominee, I’m helicopters but not in com- Ara Zobayan, had been antine at a military base in the impeachment trial of Pres- discredited theories about going to beat Donald Trump like mercial ones like the one used climbing out of the clouds when California. ident Donald Trump, the Biden Biden’s work in Ukraine as vice a drum.” Biden adviser Anita by Bryant. the chartered aircraft went into Overnight, the White campaign promised an president and his son’s private Dunn was even more pointed, National Transportation a sudden and terrifying 1,200- House announced the for- aggressive and direct counter- business dealings there. saying of the Scott ad: “We’ll pay Safety Board officials say it is foot descent that lasted nearly mation of a presidential task strategy ahead of Monday’s first The ad came a day after him to keep it up.” too early to tell whether a a minute, investigators said force to lead the administra- nominating contest. Trump’s impeachment defense Biden campaign manager TAWS on Bryant’s Sikorsky hel- Tuesday. tion’s response to the virus, Biden planned to speak yes- team repeatedly framed Hunter Greg Schultz said, “This is all a icopter could have prevented It slammed into a fog- including monitoring and con- terday in Iowa on the same day Biden’s tenure on an energy help to us” because it valid the crash. But they think it shrouded hillside, scattering taining the spread of the Trump plans a rally in Des firm’s governing board as the real Trump’s fear. should have been installed on debris more than 500 feet. disease. FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2020 AMERICAS / CLASSIFIEDS 13

Colombia offers work permits to hundreds of thousands US sending Brazilian migrants to Venezuelan migrants Mexico to await US court hearings REUTERS — BOGOTA known by its Spanish initials as the PEPFF visa, will be Brazilians will be Colombia will allow hundreds granted to Venezuelans who sent to Mexico of thousands of Venezuelan have formal job offers, the migrants to legalise their agency said. It will take force under a programme presence in the country in a few days, it added. known as the through work permits meant The permits are meant to to bring them into the legal help the government identify Migrant Protection economy, the government said Venezuelans residing in Protocols. More than on Wednesday. Colombia and bring them into 57,000 non-Mexican Colombia is the principal the legal economy, in a bid to destination for Venezuelan reduce spending pressures on migrants have been migrants fleeing from political, Colombia, which has com- returned to Mexico social and economic crisis mitted to providing basic under the government of Pres- services like healthcare and under that effort ident Nicolas Maduro. school places to migrants. since it launched a Unlike its neighbours, Last August, President Ivan Colombia has not imposed Duque said Colombia would year ago. stringent immigration require- give citizenship to 24,000 ments on Venezuelans, and 1.6 children born to Venezuelan REUTERS — WASHINGTON million now live in the country. migrant parents in Colombia, Migrants, mostly from Central America, run from security forces, near Frontera Hidalgo, Chiapas, The United Nations said to prevent them from being Mexico, in this file photo. last year the figure could rise stateless and less able to access The United States has begun to 2.4 million by the end of education and healthcare. sending Brazilian migrants The programme is one of southwest border in the last fiscal language, expands its reach 2020. During a visit last week by crossing the border from Mexico several moves by the adminis- year, which began October 1, further. Rogelio Pinal, the head The first permit is a US Secretary of State Mike back there to await their US court tration of US President Donald 2018. The figure was a sharp of the human rights office in renewal of the so-called PEP Pompeo, Duque called on the hearings, the US Department of Trump to limit access to asylum increase from 1,500 arrests a Juarez, Mexico, said that Bra- visa, which was previously international community to Homeland Security (DHS) said at the US-Mexico border. Trump year earlier. zilians who cross the border in used by the government to give mobilise greater resources and on Wednesday. faces re-election in November It was first reported earlier El Paso, Texas, and are sent to legal status to migrants. efforts to help with the crisis. Brazilians will be sent to and has made immigration a this month that the Trump wait in Juarez will be taken to a It could benefit some Managing the crisis will Mexico under a programme focus of his 2020 campaign. administration had weighed the federally run migrant shelter and 200,000 Venezuelans who require $1.35bn this year to known as the Migrant Protection The DHS cited a rising inclusion of Brazilians in the MPP provided with an interpreter. entered the Andean country meet migrants’ basic needs in Protocols (MPP). More than number of Brazilians arrested at programme. The programme The DHS said in its before November 29 last year, 17 countries in Latin America 57,000 non-Mexican migrants the border in its announcement previously had covered Spanish- announcement that US federal the migration agency said in a and the Caribbean that are have been returned to Mexico on Wednesday. speaking migrants. But the law did not limit the scope of the statement. sheltering them, according to under that effort since it launched US Border Patrol caught addition of people from Brazil, programme to any one nation- The second measure, the United Nations. a year ago, according to the DHS. roughly 17,900 Brazilians at the where Portuguese is the official ality or language. Venezuel’s Maduro seeks to re-establish consular relations with Colombia

REUTERS — CARACAS

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday said he was willing to re-establish consular relations with neighbouring Colombia, amid a standoff between the two countries over a fugitive former Colombian senator who was captured in Venezuela. Maduro, a socialist, last year suspended relations and gave Colombian diplomatic and consular staff 24 hours to depart in response to conservative Pres- ident Ivan Duque’s government’s help to the Vene- zuelan opposition’s efforts to bring humanitarian aid into the crisis-stricken country. Colombia, like most Western democracies, rec- ognizes Juan Guaido, chief of Venezuela’s opposition- held National Assembly, as the country’s rightful leader. Colombia’s Justice Ministry earlier this week said it would approach Guaido to request the extradition of Aida Merlano, who was imprisoned last year for vote buying but fled by climbing out her dentist’s office. She was captured in Venezuela on Monday. CHANGE OF NAME “It is a bad joke. Do you think Juan Guaido directs Venezuelan police?” Maduro said during a state tel- I, Nishtha Kalpeshbhai Patel, evision broadcast. Nevertheless, he proposed the I, Shiv Sanjaybhai Patel, restart of consular relations between the two holder of India Passport countries. No. M4812984 holder of India Passport “We are neighbors... we are obligated to have No. U0129198 diplomatic and political relations,” he said. (Qatar ID No. 30735603176) Maduro calls Guaido a US puppet seeking to oust (Qatar ID No. 30635603718) him in a coup and frequently accuses Duque of hereby change my name to aiming to destabilize his government. hereby change my name to On Wednesday he added that Merlano, in Ven- NISHTHA KALPESHKUMAR ezuelan custody, was “saying everything about the SHIV SANJAYKUMAR PATEL. Colombian political class.” Duque earlier on PATEL. Wednesday said Venezuela should deport Merlano through Interpol. He said Maduro had allowed many Any objection, please contact the other countries that recognise Guaido to maintain a Any objection, please contact the diplomatic presence in the country. Immigration and Passport Office within 15 Immigration and Passport Office within 15 days from the publication of this notice. Missing butterfly activist days from the publication of this notice. found dead in Mexico I, Maria Carmina Marasigan Uy, I, Helen Marie Bermas Delos Santos, I, Alco Dela Fuente Marlano, AP — MEXICO CITY holder of Philippines Passport holder of Philippines Passport No. EC6060887 holder of Philippines Passport No. P3839293B Authorities have found the body of a missing farm No. EB8951464 leader who was active in protecting the wintering (Qatar ID No. 29060816310) (Qatar ID No. 28460825524) grounds of the monarch butterfly in Mexico, prose- hereby change my name to (Qatar ID No. 28360820855) hereby change my name to cutors said Wednesday. hereby change my name to Investigators in Michoacan state said the body MARIA CARMINA ANDREANE HELEN MARIE DELOS had been identified as Homero Gómez González, AICO DELA FUENTE MARIANO. who had not been seen since January 14. Last week, UY KAKEFUDA. SANTOS ROWY. prosecutors called in 53 local police officers for ques- tioning in the disappearance of Gómez González,who Any objection, please contact the was head of the management council of the El Any objection, please contact the Any objection, please contact the Rosario butterfly reserve. Immigration and Passport Office within 15 Officials did not give any information on the cause Immigration and Passport Office within 15 days from the publication of this notice. Immigration and Passport Office within 15 of death. Activists said his death could be related to dis- days from the publication of this notice. days from the publication of this notice. putes over illegal logging, water or income from vis- itors’ fees. Authorities did not immediately speculate on a motive in the apparent killing. I, Ayesha Arif Muhammad Arif, Homero Aridjis, an environmentalist and poet who I, Ekaterina Dobrovolskaia, I, Mohammad Rasti, holder of Pakistan Passport is a longtime defender of the butterfly reserve, called holder of Russia Passport holder of Spain Passport the death of Gómez “worrisome.” No. GE1988981 “If they can kidnap and kill the people who work No. 752439087 No. PAA599193 for the reserves, who is going to defend the environment (Qatar ID No. 29558601850) in Mexico?” Aridjis said. (Qatar ID No. 28880400018) (Qatar ID No. 28236400577) hereby change my name to Gómez González was a former communal land hereby change my name to hereby change my name to officer who led efforts to preserve the pine and fir AYESHA ARIF MOHAMMAD mountaintop forests where the butterflies spend the KATERYNA DOBROVOLSKA. MOHAMMAD RASTI SEDIGHI. winter. Millions of monarchs come to the forests of IRFAN. Michoacan and other areas after making the 3,400- mile migration from the United States and Canada. Any objection, please contact the Any objection, please contact the They need healthy tree cover to protect them from Any objection, please contact the rain and cold weather. Mexico has clamped down on Immigration and Passport Office within 15 Immigration and Passport Office within 15 illegal logging, which was once a major threat to the days from the publication of this notice. days from the publication of this notice. Immigration and Passport Office within 15 reserves but which has fallen to about one-third last days from the publication of this notice. year’s level. 14 CLASSIFIEDS FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2020

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FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2020

Your Global Remittance Partner Currency TT Rate Currency TT Rate Currency TT Rate Currency TT Rate QAR/INR : 19.46 QAR/PHP : 13.87 QAR/LKR : 49.70 QAR/BDT : 23.42 EUR/QAR : 4.13 GBP/QAR : 4.88 CAD/QAR : 2.90 AUD/QAR : 2.62 CHF/QAR : 3.90 SGD/QAR : 2.80 KWD/QAR : 12.18 OMR/QAR : 9.55 MAIN BRANCH LULU HYPER MARKET SANAYYA (STREET 17) AL KHOR PH: 44441448 PH: 44650768 PH: 44510088 PH: 44213444 MATAR QADEEM MANSOURA - AL MEERA ABU HAMOUR BIN OMRAN - ALMEERA PH: 44655559 PH: 44357552 PH: 44621271 PH: 44162002 alzamanexchange www.alzamanexchange.com 44441448 QFMA to further boost Qatari capital market: CEO LANI ROSE R DIZON to innovation, technology and unprecedented levels that we THE PENINSULA sustainable development, legis- aspire. But to ensure sustaina- lation, governance and investor bility, continuity, and competi- The Qatar Financial Markets protection. tiveness to keep pace with all Authority (QFMA) is working to “Many of our financial global developments, we are further improve the performance markets have been able to keep required to work together to of Qatar’s capital market, which pace with the development consolidate the principles of gov- has previously been ranked required to meet these chal- ernance, disclosure and trans- among top 10 financial markets lenges. We at Qatar Financial parency to achieve further devel- in the world in various indicators Markets Authority are continuing opment in the financial markets,” related to measuring capital Al Shaibi added. market performance. Speaking to The Peninsula on Qatar’s capital market con- the sidelines of the event, Paul tinued to build on its successes, Andrews, Secretary General of as it achieved growth and devel- the International Organization opment amidst various interna- of Securities Commissions tional and regional conditions, (IOSCO), said Qatar’s capital supported by a robust national market was well-positioned in economy, QFMA Chief Executive addressing challenges affecting Officer Nasser Ahmad Al Shaibi the sector. said yesterday. “The markets here are well- He was speaking at the positioned because they’re opening of the 3rd QFMA Con- thinking about these issues ference which was formally around investors and investor Qatar Central Bank Governor H E Sheikh Abdulla bin Saoud Al Thani (second left) and QCB Deputy inaugurated by Qatar Central inclusion, and how to make the Governor H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani (second right) with other officials, during the 3rd Bank (QCB) Governor H E Sheikh markets as safe as possible, rec- Annual QFMA Conference held at Sheraton Doha Hotel, yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA Abdulla bin Saoud Al Thani, in ognising that markets entail risk. the presence of H E Sheikh QFMA Chief Executive Officer, And I think the issues around dis- Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Nasser Ahmad Al Shaibi, closure, education, which are the technology, which are of great increased by 26 percent to $94 volatile economic and political Deputy Governor of QCB, with addressing the event. key components, are the focus importance amidst rapid devel- trillion in 2019 compared to the conditions, especially those the participation of local, of the QFMA. And it’s very great opments in the global financial previous year, while the Arab related to the exacerbation of regional, and international offi- to develop procedures and to see the focus that we see in markets. He also reiterated the financial markets also increased the international trade crisis cials, specialists, experts, and systems to enhance the per- Qatar on investors, which is very importance of strengthening the to $3.2 trillion last year. and the uncertainty about the stakeholders in the finance formance of the Qatari capital important to an organisation like role of the regulatory bodies in “There has been rapid effects of Britain’s exit from the sector. market, improve its attrac- IOSCO,” he added. protecting the interests of the developments witnessed by the European Union, as well as In his speech, Al Shaibi said tiveness, and increase the In his keynote speech earlier, investors. global financial markets in developments in international the forum seeks to find solutions investment opportunities for Andrews also highlighted the Jalil Tarif, Secretary General various fields, despite the sharp interest rates and oil prices. for the challenges currently faced investors. We are doing all we issues on sustainability and of the Arab Union for Securities fluctuations in the performance These markets have continued by global financial markets can to improve the performance development of smart capital Commissions, said the value of of global financial markets, in the long term from achieving which include challenges related of the capital markets to market systems using financial global financial markets which reflects the their gains,” Tarif added.

French state lender to launch BoE slashes UK growth forecast LONDON multi-billion AFP — economy, the central bank did predict troubles ahead. euro fund The Bank of England yesterday The British economy would slashed its estimates for UK expand by only 0.8 percent this REUTERS — PARIS economic growth this year and year, the BoE said, down next, one day before the sharply on its previous 1.2 French public investment country exits the European percent forecast. bank Bpifrance has raised Union. In 2021, gross domestic several billion euros from It came as BoE policy- product was expected to grow private and sovereign makers, in governor Mark Car- 1.4 percent, down on Novem- investors for a new fund that ney’s (pictured) final monetary ber’s estimate of 1.7 percent. can be used to fend off policy committee (MPC) However the decision to activist investors targeting meeting, voted to keep its main keep the cost of borrowing on French companies, its head interest rate at 0.75 percent by hold lifted the pound by said. a 7-2 majority. “The question around half a percent against Sovereign wealth funds, facing the MPC at this meeting the dollar and euro.“Given French insurers, big com- was whether the new decade growing expectations of a rate panies and wealthy families would start with a bang,” cut this month, the over- are among the first investors Carney told a press conference, whelming vote in favour of to commit money to the new adding that he had “no regrets” holding rates comes as a sur- Carney, soon to become UN fund, which is being called over his monetary policy prise,” said Deloitte economist special envoy on climate action Silverlake. record at the BoE since taking Debapratim De. and finance, steps down as BoE “The aim is to eventually the reins in 2013. “The post-election bounce chief in March. raise a bit more than 10 billion Some analysts had in business sentiment seems Andrew Bailey, head of the euros when the (capital) expected the Canada-born to have bought the bank some UK’s Financial Conduct raising is done,” Bpifrance central banker to have joined time,” he added in reference Authority regulator, replaces Chief Executive Nicolas the ranks of those demanding to the convincing election Carney after the incumbent Dufourcq said. a quarter-point rate cut to 0.50 victory in December for Prime agreed to put back his “We’re doing a first closing percent. Minister Boris Johnson’s Con- departure three times to help Santander Bank Financial Results that should be several billion,” The minutes of the latest servative party that unlocked steer the British economy Dufourcq told a journalists, BoE meeting showed that two Brexit. through Brexit’s delays. Spanish Santander Bank Executive Chairperson Ana Botin (left) declining to give names of the doveish policymakers had Britain departs the EU An economic boost pro- and Santander Group’s Chief Executive Officer Jose Antonio Alvarez initial investors. cited “downside risks” to the today ahead of an 11-month vided by the post-election arrive to announce the company’s 2019 results in Boadilla del The new fund would give bank’s projections arising from transition period during which political stability meanwhile is Monte. Spanish banking giant Banco Santander reported better- extra financial firepower to “Brexit uncertainties and a time Johnson’s government not expected to have a lasting than-expected earnings last year despite Brexit uncertainties Bpifrance, which already weaker world outlook”. will seek to strike new trade impact despite government leading to a massive €1.5bn hit on ($1.65bn) on its British business, manages a €15bn portfolio of While not agreeing to a rate deals with the EU and coun- promises of major infra- slashing 2019 net profit by 17 %. state shareholdings. cut to help prop up Britain’s tries worldwide. structure spending. Berlin passes five-year rent freeze law to check hikes AFP — BERLIN the strong job market move into apartments. Exceptions include of 150, is a flagship policy of the Others fear that the freeze own property, one of the lowest the city. The new law, expected social housing and new apart- local governing coalition of the will simply discourage devel- rates in Europe. For now Berlin Berlin’s Parliament yesterday to come into effect in mid-Feb- ments built since 2014. centre-left SPD, the Greens and opers from building in Berlin is the first and only of Ger- passed a controversial law to ruary, will cap rents until 2025, Some particularly high the far-left Linke parties. and ultimately worsen the cap- many’s 16 federal states to freeze rents for the next five after which any increases will rents could even be lowered But it has faced fierce oppo- ital’s housing crisis. introduce a rental cap. years in a bid to combat soaring be limited to 1.3 percent per after the first nine months of the sition from other political According to the property Yet the SPD, which is also rents and rapid gentrification year in line with inflation. freeze, while landlords who parties and the property sector. website Immowelt, Berliners the junior coalition partner in in the German capital. According to the city’s break the rules could face fines The conservative CDU has spend a quarter of their income Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Berlin has seen its housing department for urban devel- of up to € 500,000($550,000). already indicated that it intends on housing costs. Only 18.4 federal coalition, has pledged costs double over the last opment and housing, it will The rent freeze, passed by to challenge the law in Ger- percent of the city’s roughly to champion rent controls decade as employees lured by affect over 1.5 million a slim majority of 85 votes out many’s constitutional court. four million residents own their nationwide. 16 BUSINESS FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2020 Trade helps US economy grow 2.1% while consumption slows

BLOOMBERG — WASHINGTON slowest rate of the year. So- production climbed 3 percent in called final sales to domestic pur- the fourth quarter after 1.3 US consumer spending chasers, which exclude the vol- percent in the previous period. moderated and business atile trade and inventories com- At the same time, a pickup in investment continued to deteri- ponents of GDP, expanded 1.6 home building helped soften the orate at the end of 2019, while a percent in the fourth quarter. blow. Residential construction smaller trade deficit and more Excluding government pur- outlays increased at a 5.8 percent home construction helped keep chases, final sales advanced just rate, the strongest in two years economic growth steady. 1.4 percent, the weakest in four and following a 4.6 percent Gross domestic product years. advance in the third quarter. expanded at a 2.1 percent annu- Slower consumption growth A narrowing in the trade alised rate in the October- is consistent with the message deficit, largely due to a sharp December period for a second from central bank policy makers. drop in imports amid the US- straight quarter, according to The Fed, in a statement China trade war, gave a signif- Commerce Department data yes- Wednesday at the conclusion of icant boost to the main GDP terday. The median forecast in a biggest trading partners should a two-day policy meeting, sof- number. Net exports added 1.48 Bloomberg survey of economists support the economy as Pres- tened its characterisation of percentage points to growth, the called for 2 percent growth. ident Donald Trump seeks household spending growth to most since 2009. That helped to Consumer spending decel- re-election. “moderate” from “strong” as offset a 1.09 percentage point erated to a 1.8 percent pace, Even so, full-year GDP grew “business fixed investment and drag from inventories. below projections and the 2.3 percent in 2019, the slowest exports remain weak.” Meanwhile, the Fed’s pre- weakest since the first quarter, of Trump’s presidency and below Nonresidential business ferred underlying inflation while a key gauge of prices his promised target of 3 percent. investment declined an annu- measure, the personal con- watched by the Federal Reserve Economists expect growth to alised 1.5 percent after falling at sumption expenditures price index rose less than expected. Nonres- further moderate in 2020, as the a 2.3 percent pace in the previous excluding food and energy, rose idential business investment waning effects of tax cuts and three months. Spending on struc- at a 1.3 percent annualised pace in declined for a third straight cooling wage gains make tures and equipment weakened, the quarter, well below policy period, the longest stretch since achieving that goal difficult in the particularly in the slumping makers’ 2 percent objective. the last recession. late-stage expansion. energy sector, and trade uncer- A separate Labour Bigger cutbacks in business “The consumer is starting to tainty continued to weigh on Department report out yesterday investment remain a risk if they pull back a bit,” said Kevin companies. showed initial filings for unem- translate into weaker job gains Cummins (pictured), senior US “The outlook for the business ployment benefits fell by 7,000 and slower consumer spending. economist at NatWest Markets. investment side of things is pretty to 216,000 in the week ended The suspension of production for While the Fed has signaled it dark,” Cummins said. January 25. The four-week Boeing Co.’s 737 Max, for one, is will hold rates steady barring a Meanwhile, the autoworkers’ average, a less volatile measure, set to weigh on the economy at major shift in the outlook, further strike at General Motors repre- decreased to 214,500. The his- least through the first half. weakness in inflation could spur sented a drag on fourth-quarter torically-low figure suggests a Nonetheless, healthy job cre- the Fed to lower interest rates growth. Motor vehicle output solid labour market. ation, cheap borrowing costs and this year after three reductions subtracted 0.81 percentage point The third-quarter figures will signs of stabilisation in global in 2019, Cummins said. from GDP, the most since late be revised in February and March manufacturing after trade agree- A closely watched gauge of 2015, following the largest boost as additional source data are ments between the US and its underlying demand grew at the since 2009. GDP excluding auto compiled. Deutsche Bank reports fifth annual loss in a row in 2019

AFP — FRANKFURT AM MAIN driven by transformation-related the bottom line to the tune of effects,” the bank said in a €2.8bn. Deutsche reported rev- Germany’s biggest lender statement. A total of three billion enues of €23.2bn, down eight Deutsche Bank said yesterday euros went on charges, write- percent year-on-year, and a that it lost €5.7bn ($6.3bn) in downs in the value of intangible pre-tax loss of €2.6bn. 2019, its fifth annual loss in a row “goodwill” assets and costs Nevertheless, “our new and its second-worst ever result. relating to the restructuring and strategy is gaining traction,” chief Deutsche’s net result was sig- severance pay for the first among executive Christian Sewing (pic- nificantly worse than the €5.3bn over 18,000 planned job cuts. tured) insisted in a statement. loss forecast by analysts surveyed Deutsche slashed its payroll Deutsche says that 70 percent by Factset, dragged down by the in 2019 by 4,100, to around of the costs it expects from the costs of a massive restructuring 87,600, it added. restructuring up to 2022 have launched in July. Meanwhile tax effects related now been accounted for in its 2019’s loss was “entirely to the restructuring weighed on results.

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A 40 year-old playboy's life turns upside down when he comes to know that he has a 20 something year-old daughter. FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 17

TENNIS It's never easy to play Roger. I mean, Australian Open Zimbabwe vs obviously he was hurting. You could see it in men's and women's Sri Lanka his movement. Respect to him for trying his semi-finals at Day 5, First Test ACTION

best: Novak Djokovic TODAY’S Melbourne Park in Super Bowl: Chiefs, 49ers ready as final prep begins

AP DAVIE — FLA helmets and shells on the A general view of the helmets of the San Francisco 49ers freshly resurfaced grass practice and Kansas City Chiefs and the Vince Lombardi Trophy Running back Tevin Coleman fields as they worked on first- on display in Miami, Florida at the Hilton Downtown. returned to practice yesterday and second-down installations, as the San Francisco 49ers just as they would do during a began final preparations for the normal workout yesterday. Super Bowl, while the Kansas The session included City Chiefs had everyone on the 11-on-11 team periods in which field as they put the finishing the offense and defence worked touches on their game plan. against scout team looks. Coleman, who dislocated Meanwhile, the only injury his shoulder in the NFC cham- concerns heading into the week pionship game, took handoffs for the Chiefs were defensive during team drills during the tackle Chris Jones, who was 1-hour, 40-min workout at the hobbled by a calf strain in the University of Miami’s practice AFC title game, and tight end facility. Travis Kelce, who has been He looked to be in good dealing with a sore knee. spirits, too, slapping hands with Chiefs coach Andy Reid said his team-mates and leaping that Kelce was fine and that after one play in particular. Jones was “good to go” after a “We’ll see as the week goes 90-minute workout yesterday. how much the pain tolerance is Reid wanted to keep the week for his shoulder,” said 49ers before the game relatively light, coach Kyle Shanahan, who also so the Chiefs installed virtually has Matt Breida and breakout the entire game plan for Sunday star Raheem Mostert at his dis- night’s game before they posal in the backfield. departed Kansas City. Coleman was listed as That allowed them to deal limited on the injury list along with the circus of opening night with linebacker Kwon Alex- Monday and more media ander, who returned from a responsibilities on Tuesday torn pectoral muscle in the without worrying about putting playoffs, and safety Jaquiski things in place for the game. Tartt, who has been dealing “They loved it,” Reid told a with sore ribs. pool reporter after the workout, got a little sunshine, so they the game Sunday night. Joe crew of Curt Menefee, Michael into the Pro Football Hall of “They all got to go,” which took place at the Miami loved it.” Buck and colour analyst Troy Strahan and Jimmie Johnson Fame - to speak to the team. Shanahan said. “”I’m expecting Dolphins’ practice facility under There were several visitors Aikman were joined by sideline watched the workout. “I competed against him them to be good by Sunday.” sunny skies and with tempera- to practice, including the Fox reporters Chris Myers and Erin At the end of practice, Reid and always respected him,” The 49ers practiced in tures hitting 80 degrees. “They Sports crew that will broadcast Andrews, while the pregame asked Johnson - recently voted Reid said.

Fans wait for the opening of 49ers ‘firing on all cylinders’ the Super Bowl Experience at the Miami Beach Convention Center yesterday. Football fans are in town for Super in preparation for Sunday Bowl LIV between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas REUTERS — NEW YORK plan last week, a luxury giving a team all this time to City Chiefs to be held at Hard afforded by the two-week prepare, but you give a great Rock Stadium on Sunday. Super Bowl LIV is still two days window leading up to Super defence this much time to days away, but the San Fran- Sunday. prepare, it’s going to be sharp,” cisco 49ers are already looking And it wasn’t just the Niners’ Sherman said. sharp and ready for the Kansas offence that was clicking “Guys are gonna be on the City Chiefs with two practices yesterday. details. They’re gonna be on to go this week. “It went fantastic actually,” every indicator, every personnel “It’s awesome,” head coach cornerback Richard Sherman adjustment, every adjustment Kyle Shanahan told reporters said. “Today was one of our we make defensively.” yesterday. “I wish the players better practices, I would say. I’ll As expected, the 49ers are could have two weeks every leave it up to the coaching staff mostly healthy, with only three week to do a game plan. I mean to say, but everybody was really players limited by injury on yes- for them to come out on a today executing. It was a really sharp terday’s report: running back and to be firing on all cylinders, day.” Tevin Coleman (shoulder), line- it’s not usually like that. Chiefs head coach Andy backer Kwon Alexander (pec- “Usually we put in a game Reid’s teams have been histor- toral) and safety Jaquiski Tartt as the week goes how much the “I go into games not truly set the previous two games -- in plan Wednesday morning, and ically outstanding after a bye (ribs). Alexander and Tartt are pain tolerance and stuff is for on, ‘Hey, this guy’s going to get which Jimmy Garoppolo there’s a lot of mistakes.... week, going 18-3 in the regular both expected to play, as they his shoulder.” all of them,’” Shanahan said. attempted just 27 passes -- You’ve got to kind of catch up season and 5-2 in the posts- have throughout the playoff Whether Coleman is able to “When we go in, our guys are Shanahan said the Chiefs’ as the week goes on. Usually eason during his time in Kansas run, while Coleman has a shot play or not, the 49ers feel com- so very similar, and they all defence will dictate much of you feel pretty good by Sat- City and Philadelphia. despite what looked like a fortable spreading the rushing could be our No. 1 back at any what the 49ers do. urday. But when you get a Many credit that record to serious injury sustained less workload around. Raheem time, that it’s not as stressful of “Our philosophy is just, it whole week to go through it, extra time for the offense to than two weeks ago. Mostert erupted for 220 yards a decision as you guys would depends on what the defensive you feel a lot better.” prepare, but Sherman sees the “Tevin looked good today,” and four touchdowns in the NFC think, because they’ve all done philosophy is,” he said. “We’re Shanahan said he put in a sword cutting both ways in this Shanahan said. “... He’s running Championship Game against such a good job.” trying to attack in everything we few new plays yesterday after case. very well, like he always does Green Bay, but Shanahan said While San Francisco will do. Whatever their fronts are, pulling some out of the game “You hear all this talk about when he’s healthy. So we’ll see he has faith in every back. likely have to throw more than whatever their coverages are.” Lakers return to practice amid grief over Bryant’s death AP — EL SEGUNDO, CALIF The current Lakers are still grappling with the loss while they prepare for their next game The Los Angeles Lakers ended practice with a Friday night at Staples Center against Portland. few somber, almost plaintive laughs. As they left “We’ve become a family in a very short time,” the court, they all passed under the oversized 8 Vogel said of the Lakers’ roster, which features and 24 outlined in white on the black wall above only one player who suited up with Bryant. “It’s the door to their locker room. something that we talk about in the NBA with Anthony Davis and several other Lakers your teams, but this group in particular has really paused and looked up at Kobe Bryant’s two grown to love each other very rapidly, and we retired numbers for a moment before they moved understand the importance and the opportunity forward. we have this year. This has just brought us closer The Lakers are still grieving and mourning together.” Bryant’s death Sunday in a helicopter crash along Outside the Lakers’ training complex, a tem- with his daughter, Gianna, and seven others. Los porary wall of remembrance has grown to nearly Angeles’ players and coaches returned to work the entire length of the building, bookended on Wednesday at their training complex with a either side by large photos and colourful memo- determination to keep Bryant and the victims in rials to the Bryants. Fans have streamed through their thoughts while getting on with the business the security gates and up to the wall throughout of basketball and life. the past three days, using markers to inscribe “We want to represent what Kobe was about, their thoughts and prayers on the white surface. more than anything,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel Bryant’s death has temporarily overwhelmed said. “We’ve always wanted to make him proud, an exciting season of rebirth for the Lakers, who and that’s not going to be any different now.” have missed the playoffs for a franchise-record Vogel, who joined the Lakers eight months six straight years. The current Lakers are poised ago, was the only person to speak to the media for a serious run at the franchise’s 17th champi- after the workout. The loss apparently was still onship, with James and Davis leading a bur- too raw for the players, including superstars geoning powerhouse to the Western Conference’s LeBron James and Davis, who played in the best record at 36-10. Olympics with Bryant. The Lakers’ two biggest stars had friendships Although Bryant retired in 2016, he is still with Kobe. James and Bryant were team-mates enormously important to his franchise and his on two US Olympic teams, while Davis also was sport. Ever since the Lakers drafted the 17-year- a young backup on the 2012 Olympic squad. People stand near a makeshift memorial to NBA star Kobe Bryant, who was killed along with his old guard from suburban Philadelphia in 1996, James wrote an emotional Instagram post daughter and seven others in a helicopter crash on January 26, in LA Live Plaza outside Staples Center, Bryant had been a face of this franchise and a about Bryant on Monday, saying: “I promise you yesterday, in Los Angeles. The helicopter that crashed into a Los Angeles hillside killing NBA legend basketball-mad city while he became a five-time I’ll continue your legacy man! You mean so much Bryant and eight others, was not equipped with vital software that alerts pilots when aircraft are too NBA champion and his team’s career leader in to us all here... and it’s my responsibility to put close to the ground, officials said. points and games played. this (team) on my back and keep it going!!” 18 SPORT FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2020

Ailing Roger Federer fails to get going as Novak Djokovic wins Melbourne battle Djokovic powers past Federer into final AFP — MELBOURNE close to his best in terms of who initially set Rod Laver Serbia’s Novak movement,” said defending Arena alight. Djokovic (right) Novak Djokovic shattered the champion Djokovic, who is into The opening game, on Fed- shakes hands hopes of ailing rival Roger his 26th Grand Slam final. erer’s serve, lasted six minutes Federer yesterday to sweep into “He started well at the in an indication of what might with Switzerland’s a record eighth Australian Open beginning and I was pretty be in store. Roger Federer at final and move closer to his 17th nervous. It was very important Then against the odds the the end of their Grand Slam crown. for me to win that first set. Men- 38-year-old, the oldest man in singles semi- In the 50th instalment of tally I relaxed after that.” a Grand Slam semi since Jimmy final match on one of sport’s greatest rivalries, It was the fourth time Connors in 1991, broke Djokovic day 11 of the the Serb shrugged off a tentative Djokovic had beaten Federer at on his first service game with Australian Open start to reinforce his recent the semi-final stage in Mel- an unbelievable backhand in Melbourne dominance, showing no mercy bourne after doing the same in passing shot. yesterday. to the Swiss maestro in a 7-6 2008, 2011 and 2016. The edge didn’t last long (7/1), 6-4, 6-3 win. Federer, the 2018 champion, with the Serb immediately He will play either fifth seed came into the match carrying a hitting back to even it up. Dominic Thiem or seventh- groin injury that he picked up But the power and finesse ranked German Alexander in his five-set, come-from- of the Federer game was trou- Zverev in Sunday’s final, but it behind quarter-final win bling Djokovic, who was on the will take a monumental effort against Tennys Sandgren. back foot and was broken once to prize another title from the He was seen around Mel- more to go 4-1 behind. 32-year-old. bourne Park before the match Federer had three break Of the seven Melbourne with tape on his upper right leg points to make it 5-1, but ‘I can still finals Djokovic has made, he and there were even rumours Djokovic dug deep to fend them has won them all. that he might pull out. But that off as he clawed back, breaking If any extra motivation was is not in the 38-year-old’s once more as the Swiss was win Grand needed, winning on Sunday will nature -- he has only ever given serving for the set. he wasn’t moving as freely in Djokovic was pumped and see the Serb reclaim the number up four walkovers in his long It went to a tiebreaker the second set. Federer rapidly running out of Slams’ - one ranking after Rafael Nadal career -- and the show was on. which the second seed domi- But he clung on until he steam. was sent packing in the last Djokovic was clear favourite nated to pull off a remarkable fluffed an easy shot at the net When the Swiss star was eight. after beating the third seed in turnaround in a set that Federer to hand Djokovic set point at broken to go 4-2 behind in the Federer has “Respect to Roger for every Grand Slam meeting since threw away. Federer took a 4-5 and the Serb cracked a top- third, there was no way back as coming out tonight when he Wimbledon 2012, but in their medical time at the end of it, quality crosscourt volley to go his rival extended his winning no plans was obviously hurt and not even 50th career clash it was Federer apparently for a back issue, and two sets to one in front. record over him to 27-23. to retire Kenin of US ousts No. 1 Barty AFP — MELBOURNE Injury-hit Roger Federer said yesterday he had no plans to retire and insisted he was to reach Australian Open final still in good enough shape to win Grand Slams after AP — MELBOURNE American crashing out of the Australian other than a Open semi-finals to Novak Sofia Kenin never flinched. Not Williams Djokovic. when she was twice a point sister to reach The 38-year-old fell to from dropping the opening set the Australian the Serb 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 6-3, of her first Grand Slam semi- Open final admitting he only had “a final at the Australian Open. Not since Lindsay three percent” chance as he when she was twice a point Davenport in nursed a groin injury picked from dropping the second set, 1995. And up in his quarter-final epic either. Kenin is the against Tennys Sandgren, And the American is into her first American where he saved seven match first major final at age 21 -- woman to points. Despite the disap- beating the woman ranked No. beat the No. 1 pointment, the Swiss great 1, Ash Barty, to get there. Now player at any believes he is still a force to Kenin will need to beat a former major since be reckoned with. No. 1, Garbiñe Muguruza, to Serena topped “Yes, I do believe that,” grab the trophy. Venus at the world number three said, Kenin saved a total of four Wimbledon in when asked he if he was set points to stop home hope 2002. confident about adding to his Barty’s bid to give Australia a “She has 20 Grand Slam titles. “I think long-awaited singles champion the ability to by having the year that I had at Melbourne Park, pulling out adapt,” Barty last year, also with what I Spain’s Garbine Muguruza a 7-6 (6), 7-5 victory on a sti- said. “She’s have in my game, how I’m celebrates after beating flingly hot day yesterday. extremely playing, I do feel that, yeah.” Romania’s Simona Halep “I was telling myself: ‘I confident at Federer, who reached believe in myself. If I lose the the moment, during their singles semi- last year’s Roland Garros set, I’m still going to come out as well.” final at the Australian Open semi-finals and lost a five- and believe,’” said the 14th- Those yesterday. set Wimbledon final to seeded Kenin, who never had inside the Djokovic, said he hopes to been past the fourth round at a sport know. return to Melbourne in 2021 major. “Yeah, I really did a great But Kenin has been over- people haven’t really paid attention, which I like it. Not the air and fly off rackets, ren- for a crack at a seventh title. job with it. I didn’t give up.” shadowed by some of the many attention much to me in the going to lie.” dering it that much harder to “You never know what Muguruza fended off four other American women making past. I had to establish myself, Kenin, who was born in control shots. Add that to some the future holds. Especially set points in the opener of her waves in recent years. and I have,” Kenin said. “Of Russia and moved to Florida as jitters, and neither woman was my age, you don’t know,” he semifinal and wound up “I mean, yeah, I know course, now I’m getting the a baby, burst onto the scene in at her best in the opening set. said. “I’m confident. I’m defeating No. 4 Simona Halep 2019 by winning Barty’s one-handed slice happy how I’m feeling, to be 7-6 (8), 7-5 in a matchup of three singles titles, backhand was not as reliable as honest. I got through a good, Sofia Kenin of the players who have won Wim- upsetting Serena it normally is. Kenin’s nice training block. No plans US celebrates after bledon and the French Open but Williams in the movement and groundstrokes to retire. From that stand- beating Australia’s not the Australian Open. third round at seemed to lack their usual point, we’ll see how the year It was a streaky contest: Ashleigh Barty Roland Garros, and verve. goes, how everything is with Muguruza led 5-3 in the first set during their singles soaring from No. 52 It took Kenin 43 minutes to the family. We’ll go from before Halep took 15 of 17 points semi-final at the to No. 12 in the register just one forehand there. Of course, I hope to be to earn a pair of set points. Australian Open rankings. winner, while 11 of her initial 14 back.” Muguruza then took seven con- in Melbourne She didn’t face points resulted from unforced Federer was seen around secutive points. And so on, until yesterday. a seeded player in errors by Barty. Melbourne Park before the Halep put a shot in the net to this tournament After one lost point, Kenin match with tape on his upper relinquish that set, then until yesterday, but hit herself in the thigh. On the right leg and there were even smashed her racket and sat on did eliminate next, she flubbed a high volley rumours that he might pull the sideline, shaking her head. 15-year-old sen- and dropped her racket to the out of the semi-final. But “I think I played many AUSTRALIAN sation Coco Gauff in ground. Up in the stands, that is not in the 38-year- top-10 players in a row, got the OPEN RESULTS the fourth round. Kenin’s father, Alexander, who old’s nature -- he has only victories. Definitely it’s a sign Collated results on day 11 of the Barty and Kenin is also her coach, put his hands ever given up walkovers four that my tennis is good,” Australian Open Grand Slam at stepped out in Rod on his head. times in his long career, and Muguruza said. “Doesn’t matter Melbourne Park yesterday Laver Arena in the Hours later, he could smile never retired from any of his how many Grand Slams you (x denotes seeding): early afternoon as he looked back at the big win more than 1,500 matches have. Even if you have 15 Grand under a cloudless and ahead to what’s next. over two decades.

Slams, you go out there and you sky and a vibrant “The basic plan that we Federer said the injury WOMEN'S SEMI-FINALS have somebody that can beat sun. The temper- developed, we stuck to it, and did not appear to be serious. you. Sofia Kenin (USA x14) bt ature topped 100 it looked like it worked,” Dad “I’m very happy that I “Excited to have one more Ashleigh Barty (AUS x1) Fahrenheit (38 said. don’t feel any worse than match here.” 7-6 (8/6), 7-5 Celsius) in the first Asked what he thought it when I started. That’s super- Barty - who won the French Garbine Muguruza (ESP) bt set, 20 to 25 (10 to will be like to see his daughter encouraging. So I think we’ll Open last June, beating Kenin Simona Halep (ROM x4) 15) degrees hotter participate in her first Grand go from there and we’ll see along the way - was hardly at 7-6 (10/8), 7-5 than it’s been for Slam final, he replied: “Never if I need to do another scan her best yesterday, especially much of a chillier- been there, so I don’t know. or not,” he said. at the most crucial moments. MEN'S SEMI-FINAL than-usual 1½ Let’s see.” Djokovic said he had Maybe she was burdened by the Novak Djokovic (SRB x2) bt Rog- weeks so far at Mel- Barty had two chances to “huge respect” for the task of trying to become the first er Federer (SUI x3) bourne Park. claim the first set but couldn’t. resilient Federer’s record of Australian woman since 1980 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 6-3 Barty braced Same thing happened in the never retiring from a match. to get to the final of the coun- herself by wearing second. “I did have retirements try’s Grand Slam. an ice towel around Kenin now will climb into throughout my career. I “Unfortunately, couldn’t her neck at the top 10 of the rankings. One know how it feels when quite scrap enough to get over changeovers. more win, and she’ll achieve you’re hurt on the court. It’s the line,” said Barty, who held In addition to something even more signif- an amazing fact that he has her niece on her lap at the post- making it uncom- icant: The right to call herself a never retired his match, not match news conference. “Just fortable for players Grand Slam champion. a single match, throughout didn’t play the biggest points and fans alike, the “She deserves that respect,” his career. Huge respect for well enough to win.” conditions caused Barty said, “and she deserves that.” Instead, Kenin is the first balls to zip through the recognition.” FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 19

Sapporo takes lead in bidding for 2030 Winter Olympics

AP — TOKYO Bach. Sapporo has strengthened its case by The city of Sapporo is the first stepping in at the last minute to officially bid for the 2030 and agreeing to hold the mar- Winter Olympics and becomes athons for this year’s Tokyo the early favorite after the Olympics. The IOC abruptly Japanese Olympic Committee made the change because of approved its candidate file late Tokyo’s fierce summer heat. on Wednesday. There is no timeline for Sapporo was host to the naming an Olympic host city 1972 Winter Olympics and under the IOC’s new bidding could face competition from procedures. Salt Lake City in the United Beijing will hold the 2022 States, which is also being men- Winter Olympics, largely tioned as a possible bidder, because many European cities along with Barcelona and a bid withdrew from the bidding. tied to the Pyrenees. Beijing won in a close final vote Salt Lake held the 2002 against Almaty, Kazakhstan. Winter Olympics and Bar- Milan-Cortina in Italy will celona held the 1992 Summer hold the 2026 Winter Olympics. Olympics. On the summer side, the Sapporo Mayor Katsuhiro IOC has named Paris to hold Hathab Round 7 to begin today at Longines Arena at Al Shaqab Akimoto got a strong the 2024 games with Los Riders guide their horses during the Vet Check yesterday ahead of the Hathab Round 7, which will begin today at Longines Arena at endorsement earlier this month Angeles up for 2028. Al Shaqab. from International Olympic Tokyo’s Olympics open on Committee President Thomas July 24. Zimbabwe victory Klopp doesn’t care about records push in second Test frustrated by as Liverpool close in on title AFP — LONDON they still made these ridic- rain, bad light ulous mistakes. It’s com- Jurgen Klopp insisted Liverpool’s German manager pletely normal that you don’t AFP — HARARE Liverpool are not motivated Jurgen Klopp applauds the fans always perform at the by making history after the following the English Premier highest level. Heavy rain and bad light in the afternoon runaway leaders took League match against West “It is not a motivational frustrated Zimbabwe’s push to build a another step towards the Ham United. problem for us. We are Liv- match-winning position on the fourth Premier League title with a erpool, we have a proper day of the second Test against Sri Lanka 2-0 win at West Ham. history and everyone knows in Harare yesterday. Klopp’s side have turned what we have to do to reach A downpour mid-afternoon forced the title race into a pro- that. the players off the field and, although cession and they moved 19 “If it was easy to get this they returned briefly after tea, only 54 points clear at the top with number of points other overs were bowled in the day, restricting their 23rd victory from 24 teams would have done it. Zimbabwe to 241 for seven at the close, league games this season. It’s just really incredibly an overall lead of 354. Mohamed Salah opened difficult. The Zimbabwe captain Sean Wil- the scoring with a first half “If we reach any records liams, who made a century in the first penalty at the London we will take that when it innings, was 47 not out when bad light Stadium and Alex Oxlade- happens.” forced the players off and must now Chamberlain wrapped up West Ham manager decide whether to declare overnight to Liverpool’s 15th successive David Moyes admitted Liv- give his bowlers a full day to try and win league win after the interval. erpool deserve their place the match and square the two-Test Second placed Man- among the Premier League’s series. chester City are now so far all-time great teams. Brendan Taylor set the tone for the behind Liverpool that the But, as a former boss of home side during the morning session question is not if but when Liverpool’s two greatest when he made his second half-century the Reds clinch their first rivals, he unsurprisingly of the match. English league title since coronation. But Klopp is only unbeaten in the league -- just 19 of the other teams in the stopped short of anointing The 33-year-old struck a rapid 67 1990. concerned about getting Liv- eight away from the league at least once this them the best English as the hosts added 117 during an The Reds have won 31 of erpool over the finish line, 49-match English top-flight season -- the first time the football has ever seen. extended morning session. their past 32 league fixtures, with any landmarks set on record set by Arsenal’s club have achieved that feat “They are as good as Lasith Embuldeniya was again the only dropping points in a 1-1 the way merely the icing on ‘Invincibles’ across 2003 and in the top-flight. there has been at this pick of the Sri Lanka bowlers, striking draw at Manchester United the cake. 2004. Told of the milestone, moment in time. It’s very in the third over of the day when Regis in October. “In a season you have to Matching that Arsenal Klopp maintained his only difficult when you have Chakabva edged to Dhananjaya de Silva With 14 games left, Liv- dig in, you don’t breathe team’s achievement in going motivation was to get the been the manager of at slip having added just a single to his erpool’s incredible run has pretty much, then after 38 an entire league season best from his team in each Everton and Manchester overnight 14. given historic overtones to games you come out of the without defeat is within Liv- match, but he did stop to United to say that!” Moyes Taylor joined Prince Masvaure who their impending title water and see how you did,” erpool’s reach, as is Man- briefly salute the said. was run out for 35 after a needless Klopp said. chester City’s Premier achievement. “They are an excellent mix-up over a second run and in spite Klopp’s side have “I’m not too much con- League record of 100 points. “This game, it was not a side. They have so many of a dramatic dive for safety. turned the title race cerned about records. We Liverpool’s latest success brilliant performance. The strings to their bow. But Timycen Maruma, who was drafted into a procession and had a record at Dortmund on a chilly night in east difficulty tonight was to get when you think of some of in as a ‘concussion substitute’ for Kevin they moved 19 points and Bayern beat it the next London will be just a rhythm, keep rhythm and the great Manchester United Kasuza who was stretchered off on clear at the top with season. footnote when the full story stay concentrated. Their and Arsenal teams of the Wednesday after being hit on the head their 23rd victory from “I don’t want to be of their likely title triumph is biggest chances came past, it’s difficult to judge at short leg, scratched around for 14 balls 24 league games this boring. We just don’t feel like written, but they still because we gave them them (as the best ever). before being off Embuldeniya that.” managed to record another away,” he said. “Two years ago everyone for a duck. season. The European and World small piece of history. “I trust these boys 100 was saying it was impossible At the other end Taylor had picked champions are now 41 games They have now beaten all percent with my kids, but to beat Manchester City.” up quickly from his run-a-ball 62 in the first innings, passing 2,000 runs in on his way to 67 from 75 balls. United bank on Fernandes to quieten fans’ fury His innings, which included eight fours and a six, ended when he was on AFP — LONDON revival of United’s fortunes? the wrong end of an lbw shout from Goals galore One area where Fernandes will cost the Red Lahru Kumara, the ball looking certain Manchester United finally Fernandes clearly fits to slide down the leg side. secured a deal to sign Portu- United’s needs is a goal Devils an initial €55m (£47m, Sikander Raza added 70 with Wil- guese international threat with top scorer Marcus $61m) with up to €25m more in liams for the sixth before also midfielder Bruno Fernandes Rashford sidelined by a back performance-related add-ons. departing leg before, this time to a ball on Wednesday ending a injury to compound the from left-arm seamer Vishwa long-running chase of the absence of Pogba and Fernando that appeared to pitch 25-year-old. McTominay. outside leg stump. United are badly in need He scored 63 times in 137 In the brief 26-ball passage of play of midfield reinforcements appearances for Sporting in the yesterday's evening session due to the absence of Paul since returning to his Tinotenda Mutombodzi stepped too Pogba and Scott McTominay homeland in 2017 after spells far away to off to give himself room through injury, whilst with Novara, Udinese and and lost his leg stump to Suranga Pogba’s future at the club Sampdoria in Italy. Lakmal. beyond the end of the season Of those 47 have come in Williams played serenely for his 47 is very much in doubt. the last season-and-a-half as Bruno Fernandes which came off 76 balls and included Fernandes will cost the he has blossomed into a six fours. Red Devils an initial €55m potent threat, earning com- (£47m, $61m) with up to parisons with Chelsea BRIEF SCORES €25m more in performance- manager Frank Lampard - related add-ons. the top scoring midfielder in Solskjaer’s men have from the Portuguese league, With United languishing Zimbabwe 406 and 241-7 (B. Taylor 67, S. However, United know Premier League history. struggled to break down Fernandes is making the fifth in the Premier League, six Williams 47 not out, P. Masvaure 35, Sikander to their cost that even such a “He is a complete player, this season. move to England in the prime points off the top four, ani- Raza 34; V. Fernando 2-43, L. Embuldeniya huge fee is no guarantee of and if you ask me to compare Moreover, he has also of his career rather than as a mosity towards Woodward 2-81) success after seven years of Bruno with a player, I will say been a creative force during precocious youngster. and the club’s American Sri Lanka 293 (A. Mathews 64, D. Karu- decline since former Frank Lampard,” former his time at Sporting, pro- One of those young owners, the Glazer family, has naratne 44, O. Fernando 44; Sikandar Raza manager Alex Ferguson Sporting manager Carlos viding 42 assists in total and talents went onto become risen among the club’s fanbase 7-113) retired in 2013, despite Carvalhal told talkSPORT. creating the most chances in one of United’s best ever in recent weeks. Match situation: Zimbabwe lead by 354 runs splashing over £1bn on Fernandes’s ability to the Portuguese league for the players when Cristiano They are now banking on with three remaining transfers. shoot from range could be past two seasons. Ronaldo made the move another lavish purchase in So, who is Fernandes the key to unlocking deep- ‘Finished article’ Unlike from Lisbon to Manchester Fernandes to quieten that and can he help lead a lying defences that many products in 2003 as an 18-year-old. discontent. SPORT SPORT | 17 SPORT | 19 LakersLak return to Klopp doesn'tn't care ppractice amid about recordsds as grief over Liverpool closeose inin BrBBryant's death on title

FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2020 Al Gharafa target victory over Qatar SC

FAWAD HUSSAIN draw in their Round 12 game. Rizik hoped for a good per- THE PENINSULA Al Gharafa’s coach Jokanovic, formance from his side. “We will who is hoping to earn full points face Al Gharafa with full force After a stunning victory over Al in today’s game, expects and we have to be careful. God Rayyan last week, Al Gharafa – resistance from Qatar SC at Al Our opponents in willing, we will perform well,” boosted by the arrival of striker Gharafa Stadium. the next game have said Rizik. Jonathan Kodjia - are confident “Qatar SC are one of the “I am convinced that any of giving a good show against any much-improved teams this good players who team should have a bad match, opposition they face at the QNB season. They did not suffer any are able to quickly which happened against Al Stars League (QSL). The Slavisa defeat in recent matches and switch from defence Wakrah (goalless draw). Eve- Jokanovic-coached side will host achieved important victories, ryone admitted that the per- Qatar SC with the same especially against Al Sadd,” to attack, which formance was not enough to approach, eyeing victory in their Jokanovic said at a pre-match may be dangerous satisfy us. It was a lesson for us Round 14 clash today. press conference. and we have benefited a lot." Al Gharafa shocked Al “Our opponents in the next to us, but our target “I am waiting for my players’ Rayyan 4-2 after a hat-trick by game have good players who are is to win despite the reaction against Al Gharafa. I Ivory Coast’s Kodjia, who able to quickly switch from difficulty of the game: consider this match as a special excelled in his debut game in defence to attack, which may be challenge for them. As is the case Qatar following his move from dangerous to us, but our target Al Gharafa coach with all matches, we consider it Aston Villa. is to win despite the difficulty of Slavisa Jokanovic as a big mission for us,” the coach The Cheetahs are currently the game,” he added. said. fourth in the QSL standings with Apart from Kodjia, Al “We did not think we needed 23 points, trailing Al Sadd by 4 Gharafa will be banking on the not be repeated in every game, to change the side in the winter points with Al Duhail (33 points) Algerian duo of Sofianne Hanni, I expect him to increase his focus transfer window on the front of and Al Rayyan (28 points) occu- Adlene Guedioura, Ahmed to provide the same not only at overseas professionals. But I pying the first two spots. Alaaeldin, Amro Seraj, Othman the level of scoring, but also in spoke to the team management They face an opposition in Al Yahri and Muad Hassan in the other aspects,” he said. about recruiting two Qatari Qatar SC, who have shown an match. “We played some games players, who would be good improved performance since “Al Gharafa provided a good without some professional additions,” said Wesam. former Qatar international match against Al Rayyan in the players, but once they all are The match will kick off at Wesam Rizik replaced Spaniard previous round. All players available, we will provide a 6:45pm after today’s first match Al Gharafa striker Jonathan Kodjia Carlos Alos Ferrer as their appeared at a good level, espe- better level and return to vic- between Al Wakrah and Al Sha- (left) with his team-mate during manager. They held points cially new striker Kodjia who tories,” Jokanovic added. hania, which will be played at Al a team's training session. leaders Al Duhail to a goalless scored three goals, which may Meanwhile, Qatar SC coach Wakrah Stadium from 4:35pm. QSL: Al Khor snatch point against Al Ahli as Umm Salal hold Al Arabi THE PENINSULA — DOHA QSL ROUND 14 replaced Ruben de la Baba Djibril blocked the Barrera. The Brigadiers had shot. Al Khor snatched their Yesterday's Results beaten Al Sailiya 1-0 in the As Al Ahli cruised to second equaliser right at the Al Ahli 2- 2 Al Khor previous round. their second successive death to hold Al Ahli to a 2-2 Al Arabi 1-1 Umm Salal Coming into the match, win, Lucca fired the draw in Week 14 of the Today's matches possession was invariably equaliser, which resulted 2019-20 QNB Stars League 4:35pm: Al Wakrah vs Al even for both teams. Al Khor from a free-kick from

at the Al Ahli Stadium Shahania at Al Wakrah Stadium made more use of the wing inside the box. yesterday. 6:45pm: Al Gharafa vs Qatar SC play, while Al Ahli preferred Meanwhile at Al Arabi New recruit Lucca at Al Gharafa Stadium to attack through the Stadium, hosts Al Arabi were Borges was Al Khor’s star as middle. held to a 1-1 draw by Umm he scored a double (23rd a 0-1 defeat at the hands of Abdelrahman took Al Salal in their exciting clash minute and 90+5). Umm Salal in the previous Ahli ahead with a shot from yesterday. Abdelrahman Moustafa round. outside the box. Al Arabi's goal was (11th minute) and substitute Al Khor, in their bid to Lucca helped Al Khor scored by German player Nabil El Zhar (49th minute) improve their results, had draw parity halfway through Pierre-Michel Lasogga in the were Al Ahli’s scorers. offloaded Brazilian Wagner the first half with a 64th minute, while Umm Al Ahli now have 17 Ferreira and recruited his free-kick. Salal's goal was scored by points and Al Khor 10. compatriot Lucca Borges, A minute into the second Raoul Oscar in the 86th Al Ahli had beaten Al who represented Al Rayyan half, captain Nabil came off minute of the match. Khor 3-2 in the first leg of in the 2018-19 season, in the the bench in place of Following the draw, Al 2019-20 QNB Stars League. winter transfer window. Mohsen Hassan and imme- Arabi moved to 19 points Moreover, it was a con- And the move paid off for diately earned a penalty while Umm Salal are on 9 solation and a valuable them. when Musab Abdulmajid points now. point for Al Khor, who are Meanwhile, Al Ahli are fouled him. The first half ended struggling to stay afloat. also doing well under new Nabil placed home the without a goal despite Al Khor's players celebrate their goal against Al Ahli yesterday. The Knights had suffered coach Nebojsa Jovovic, who rebound after goalkeeper attempts from both the sides. ‘No secrets’ as Thiem and Zverev battle for first Aussie final

AFP — MELBOURNE encounters. They have never Thiem and Zverev have played each other eight times, year I actually came into the “Do you have to prove a been forced into a five-setter. with the Austrian holding a 6-2 advantage, including Australian Open with absolutely point to anybody in this world? Dominic Thiem says there are “We have no secrets from their last two encounters. They have never been no expectations.” Maybe to your parents, out of “no secrets” between him and each other. I mean, we played forced into a five-setter. Taking the pressure off has respect or something like that,” Alexander Zverev as they so many times, also on very worked wonders, with Zverev he said. prepare for a battle of “small special occasions already, at the Thiem faces his good friend today after stunning world battling past former champion “But anybody else, this is margins” to make an Australian ATP Finals, semis, French Open Stan Wawrinka and dangerous your life. You do with it what number one Rafael Nadal in the last eight, with a crack Open final for the first time. quarters,” said the Russian Andrey Rublev en route you feel is right. All I’m going to The fifth seed faces his good 26-year-old. at seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in the decider to his clash with Thiem. say, I’m always going to try my friend today after stunning “It’s a nice rivalry we have. at stake. Regardless of what happens best. world number one Rafael Nadal It’s great that we add an Aus- on Rod Laver Arena on Friday,Friday, “II am alwaalwaysys goingg to do in the last eight, with a crack at tralian Open semi-finals to this Seventh seed Zverev has long been tipped for great hhe e iis s cocontentntent wiwithth hihiss everythingeverything I can to win tennis seven-time champion Novak one. Going to be a close match things, but until now the 22-year-old has failed to tennis,tennis, and matches,matches, to at least do the best Djokovicjo ov c in tthe e decdecider de at agaagain.” . deliver at the Majors. hishis life.life. thing I can on the ttennise court stake.stake. “Same“Same if two totop-10p-10 whenwhen I’m playing in front of ThiemThiem aandnd ZvZvereverev playersplayers playplay eacheach otherother people, just to havehave respect in have played each (in(in thethe)) semis of a Slam. making the French Open final is into his first Grandd SSlamlam sesemi-mi- frontfront ooff tthehe crowd.”crowd.” other eighteight times, The decidingdeciding momomentsments over the past two years, beaten final after taking a moremore relaxed Zverev has alreadyalre gone a wiwithth tthehe AustrianAustrian are veryvery small,small, smallsmall each time by Nadal. approach, admittingg that in the longlong way to winningwinning over Aus- holding a 6-2 margins. I’m lookinglooking But this is the furthest he has past he was trying too hard to tralian fans, donatingdonatin $10,000 advantage,advantage, forwardforward to it,” he got on hardcourts at the Majors make his mark. forfor eacheach matchmatch hehe hash won to including added. and knows he is on the cusp of “In a way, I wwasas maybe thethe country’s busbushfireh relief theirtheir llastast ThiemThiem iiss betterbetter a crack at shattering the stran- paying attention to it too much, fund.fund. two known as a clay-courtclay-court glehold Djokovic and Federer to the Grand Slams.s. You knowknow If he claims a specialistspecialist and has exexpe-pe- have had on the tournament, what I mean?” he ssaid.aid. maidenmaiden GGrand Slam rience of the bigbig sharing 12 of the last 14 titles. “I was just playingaying in MelbourneMelb on titime,me, “One of us is going to be in better tennis at the Sunday,Sunda he has the finals. But it’s still a very other tournaments.s. AtAt vowed to also long way to go,” he said. Madrid, Rome, otherher handhand over his Seventh seed Zverev has long Masters, the Worldorld Alexander Zverev A$4.12A$4.1 million Dominic Thiem been tipped for great things, but Tour Finals. The Grandand ($2.78m)($2.78 win- until now the 22-year-old has Slams maybe meantant ner’s cheque to failed to deliver at the Majors. He too much for me. “ThisThisThis thethe ssame cause.