SHAWWAL 7, 1442 AH WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021

16 Pages Max 46º Min 26º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18437 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Experts warn Australia Scrutiny increases of Gates Special delivery: Man donates Data, tracking technology ‘very 7 becoming ‘hermit nation’ 8 after Microsoft affair surfaces 13 $550,000 in cash to Japan city 15 important’ for young coaches

Death toll climbs in Zionist attacks on ‘day of anger’ France, Egypt, Jordan hold talks amid frantic diplomacy

GAZA CITY: Heavy air strikes and rocket fire in the Zionist entity, Kerem Shalom, was halted when the Zionist-Gaza conflict claimed more lives yesterday as Zionist entity quickly shuttered it again, citing a mor- tensions flared in Palestinian “day of anger” protests tar attack on the area. The UN Security Council ses- in Jerusalem and the West Bank. The UN Security sion, the fourth since the conflict escalated, was called Council was to hold an emergency meeting amid a after the United States, a key Zionist ally, blocked diplomatic push to end the fighting, as Zionist Prime adoption of a joint statement calling for a halt to the Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed the Zionist enti- violence on Monday for the third time in a week. ty would continue its military onslaught on the coastal US President Joe Biden, having resisted joining oth- enclave “as long as necessary”. er world leaders and much of his own Democratic par- Zionist forces and protesters meanwhile clashed at ty in calling for an immediate end to hostilities, told multiple flashpoints across the occupied West Bank Netanyahu Monday night he backs a ceasefire, but and in east Jerusalem, hospitalizing scores after stopped short of demanding a truce. France and Egypt Palestinians took to the streets in solidarity with their are pushing for a ceasefire deal, while Qatar and Egypt besieged counterparts in Gaza. The Zionist entity’s are working through another channel, via the UN. intense bombing campaign on Gaza has killed 213 The conflict risks precipitating a humanitarian dis- Palestinians, including 61 children, and wounded more aster, with the UN saying nearly 40,000 Palestinians than 1,400 people in Gaza in more than a week of have been displaced and 2,500 have lost their homes. fighting against Islamist group Hamas, according to Fighter jets have hit what the Zionist military dubs the the health ministry in Gaza. “metro”, its term for Hamas’s underground tunnels, The death toll on the Zionist side rose to 12 when a which the Zionist entity has previously acknowledged volley of rockets Hamas fired at the southern Eshkol run in part through civilian areas. region killed two Thai nationals working in a factory A strike Monday knocked out Gaza’s only COVID- and wounded several others, police said. Zionist 19 testing laboratory, the health ministry said, and the strikes that again sent fireballs, debris and black Qatari Red Crescent said a strike damaged one of its smoke into the sky have levelled homes and multi- offices in the enclave. The rate of positive coronavirus storey towers, cratered roads and left two million tests in Gaza has been among the highest in the world, NABLUS: Palestinian protesters confront Zionist troops at the Hawara checkpoint in the occupied West Palestinians in Gaza desperate for reprieve. at 28 percent. Hospitals in the territory, which has Bank yesterday during a demonstration in support of those under bombardment in Gaza. — AFP A convoy of international aid trucks that started been under Zionist blockade for almost 15 years, have rolling into Gaza through a border crossing from the Continued on Page 2

describing some of the measures as unconstitutional. mitted a proposal calling on the government to offer News in brief Govt allows dine-in MP Abdulkarim Al-Kandari said the government PCR tests to traveling citizens free of charge. should differentiate between urging people and forc- Meanwhile, Finance Minister Khalifa Hamada said Saudi furious over Lebanese ‘insults’ ing them to take the COVID-19 vaccine, adding that yesterday that the government has no plans to impose amid calls to scrap the government should not compel people to get vac- direct or income taxes on citizens. In a reply to a cinated. Kandari said linking activities and travel to question by MP Khalil Al-Saleh, the minister also said Saudi Arabia yesterday summoned RIYADH: vaccination is illegal and the government should abol- low- and medium-income people will not be affected Lebanon’s ambassador to the kingdom to protest some health curbs ish such unconstitutional decisions. MP Hamad Al- by the government’s plans for economic reforms. “insulting” remarks by his country’s foreign min- By B Izzak Matar called on the government to halt mandatory Opposition MP Abdullah Al-Mudhalf yesterday ister Charbel Wehbe, who appeared to blame vaccination for travel, especially for students, stop submitted a proposal calling on the National Gulf states for the rise of the Islamic State group. KUWAIT: The Cabinet decided yesterday to allow forcing travelers to pay KD 60 for two PCR tests, Assembly’s public funds defense committee to launch He made the comment during a verbal duel with a restaurants and cafes to receive people for dine-in institutional quarantine at hotels and banning dining at an investigation into a number of suspected high-pro- Saudi guest on the show, who blamed Lebanon’s services with the implementation of health safety pre- restaurants. file corruption cases. The lawmaker said the Assembly President Michel Aoun for “handing over” his cautions. The decision will go into effect on Sunday, MP Hisham Al-Saleh asked Health Minister Sheikh should ask the committee to prepare reports on such country to Hezbollah. Wehbe apologized yester- May 23. The Cabinet’s decision came after a number Dr Basel Al-Sabah about the legal basis for banning cases. Ten lawmakers yesterday submitted a motion day for his remarks, saying he did not mean to of lawmakers called on the government yesterday to unvaccinated citizens from traveling and why the gov- calling to hold a special Assembly session to discuss offend “brotherly Arab countries”. — AFP abolish or ease health measures imposed to combat ernment is charging citizens arriving from abroad KD problems and obstacles facing housing projects with the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, with some 60 for two PCR tests. MP Osama Al-Munawer sub- the aim to speed up such projects. Tech ‘Nobel’ for DNA sequencing pm, according to local media reports. HELSINKI: Two British chemists who devel- Panic as China Completed in 2000, the tower is oped a super-fast DNA sequencing technique home to a major electronics market as that paved the way for revolutionary healthcare well as various offices in the downtown advances were yesterday awarded Finland’s ver- skyscraper of one of China’s fastest-growing cities. sion of the Nobel science prizes. Cambridge Emergency management officials are University professors Shankar Balasubramanian wobbles investigating what caused the tower in and David Klenerman took home the Ä1 million Shenzhen’s Futian district to wobble, Millennium Technology Prize for their work over BEIJING: One of China’s tallest sky- according to a post on the Twitter-like 27 years creating ever faster and cheaper ways scrapers was evacuated yesterday after Weibo platform. “After checking and to sequence the human genome. — AFP it began to shake, sending panicked analyzing the data of various earth- shoppers scampering to safety in the quake monitoring stations across the Campbell welcomes first child southern city of Shenzhen. The near city, there was no earthquake in 300-m-high SEG Plaza inexplicably Shenzhen today,” the statement said. NEW YORK: British supermodel Naomi began to shake at around 1 pm, The district said in another state- Campbell has become the mother of a baby girl prompting an evacuation of people ment late yesterday that everyone at the age of 50, she said yesterday in a surprise inside while pedestrians looked on inside had been safely evacuated and announcement on Instagram. “A beautiful little open-mouthed from the streets outside. that no further movements of the SHENZHEN: The 300-m-high SEG Plaza is seen after it began to shake blessing has chosen me to be her mother,” she The building was sealed shut as of 2:40 Continued on Page 2 yesterday. — AFP wrote with a photograph of her hand cradling a tiny pair of infant feet. — AFP dubbed Cyclone Tauktae is the latest India cyclone in what experts say is a growing num- Mammals can breathe through anus ber of increasingly severe storms in the Arabian Sea as climate change warms WASHINGTON: A team of Japanese scientists leaves 33 dead, its waters. has shown it is possible for mammals to absorb Hundreds of thousands of people oxygen via the anus. Intrigued by how certain dozens missing were left without power after the storm sea creatures breathe through their intestines in hit the Gujarat coast in western India emergencies, researchers at Tokyo Medical and MAHUVA, India: At least 33 people on Monday evening, leaving a trail of Dental University were able to prove the same died and more than 90 were missing death and destruction. Winds up to 130 was true under experimental circumstances for yesterday after a monster cyclone km per hour smashed seafront win- mice, rats and pigs. They say the finding might slammed India, compounding the dows and knocked over power lines also apply to humans who are in respiratory dis- country’s woes as it posted a new and thousands of trees, blocking roads tress when ventilators are not available or inad- record number of coronavirus deaths leading to affected areas, officials said. DIU, India: A truck is stranded on a highway yesterday after Cyclone Tauktae equate. — AFP in 24 hours. The swirling system Continued on Page 2 hit the west coast of India with powerful winds and driving rain. — AFP 2 Established 1961 Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Local Amir, Crown Prince receive Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness Sheikh His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets Abdulaziz Dekheel Al-Dekheel, Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. — Amiri Diwan and KUNA photos head of the Diwan of His Highness the Prime Minister.

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness Sheikh His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets Abdulaziz Dekheel Al- Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Dekheel, head of the Diwan of His Highness the Prime Minister.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- of His Highness the Prime Minister. Meanwhile, His Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable of as well as voicing trust that officials in the friendly Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received His Highness Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al- condolences yesterday to India’s President Ram country are able to overcome impacts of such natural Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received His Highness Nath Kovind over the victims and casualties of disaster. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh at Bayan Palace yesterday. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad and Dekheel at Tauktae cyclone. In the cable, His Highness the Amir Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His also received Abdulaziz Dekheel Al-Dekheel on the Bayan Palace. prayed to Allah Almighty to bestow mercy upon the Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled occasion of his appointment as head of the Diwan In other news, His Highness the Amir Sheikh dead and wished a speedy recovery for the injured, Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sent similar cables. — KUNA

Kuwait ready to Nepalese envoy fund perpetual praises Kuwait Red Sudan development Crescent Society KUWAIT: The Ambassador of the Republic of KUWAIT: Kuwait’s foreign minister and repre- Nepal to the State of Kuwait, Durga Prasad Bhandari, sentative of His Highness the Amir said on has lauded Kuwait Red Crescent Society’s efforts to Monday his country stands ready to finance con- relieve victims of catastrophes particularly amid the tinued development in Sudan at debt-restructur- PARIS: Kuwait’s foreign minister Sheikh Dr coronavirus crisis. Ambassador Bhandari, in remarks KUWAIT: Ambassador of Nepal to Kuwait Durga ing talks in Paris that aim to lure foreign invest- Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah speaks at to the press yesterday, said following a meeting with Prasad Bhandari (left) meets KRCS Chairman Dr ment into Khartoum, a measure needed to resus- the international conference for Sudan, in Paris, the KRCS Chairman Dr Hilal Al-Sayer that his dis- Hilal Al-Sayer. — KUNA citate its ailing economy. Commending Sudan’s France on Monday. — AFP cussions with the society chief dealt with humanitari- transitional government, formed under a military- an issues concerning the two countries. Kuwait plays need for medical supplies. Meanwhile, Dr Sayer civilian power-sharing deal, Sheikh Dr Ahmad billion worth of development projects come to a distinctive and pioneering role at the humanitarian expressed readiness to help Nepal at this level in Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah said the efforts fruition in the African nation. He emphasized his level, he said, praising its apparatuses’ efforts in coordination with the Nepalese Red Cross. In the of Sudan’s international partners and creditors country’s support for broader relief on Sudan’s fighting the virus and immunizing the population. He past, the Kuwaiti association dispatched a medical show a “brighter future ahead” for Khartoum, external debt, clearing the way for wider econom- indicated that the talks also touched on prospects of team to Nepal where they conducted 40 surgeries with “significant development projects” on the ic relief efforts in the country, in line with the aiding his country against the coronavirus; noting the for low-income patients. — KUNA way funded by Kuwait-based Arab Fund for enhanced heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) Economic and Social Development. The minister initiative. “The talks today are only the beginning hoped the talks would help propel Sudan into a of a new and more resilient Sudan,” he added, as dead by Zionist troops in Al-Bireh, north of new era of development and stability, citing “illus- International Monetary Fund member countries Death toll climbs Ramallah, the Palestinian health ministry said. The trious” bilateral ties that date back more than six agreed to relief Sudan’s arrears, allowing it access ministry reported 70 people hospitalized due to decades, which witnessed more than USD one to more international financing. — KUNA clashes with Zionist forces throughout the West in Zionist attacks... Bank, five of them in a serious condition. Earlier in the day, an assailant who attempted Continued from Page 1 to attack soldiers in the West Bank city of Hebron was shot dead. Tensions again flared in east aged to minimize human casualties,” said Rupani. been overwhelmed by patients and there are Jerusalem’s flashpoint Sheikh Jarrah neighbor- The cyclone barreled inland, weakening slightly India cyclone frequent power blackouts. hood, where Palestinian protesters faced off but still bringing heavy rains and gale-force winds. Palestinians across the West Bank and in against police, who used stun grenades and Forecasters said it had eased into a deep depression Zionist-annexed east Jerusalem mobilized yes- “skunk water” cannon to disperse protesters. leaves 33 dead... and would further weaken into a depression terday for protests and a general strike that The Zionist entity has been trying to contain overnight. The deadly weather system hit as India’s shuttered non-essential businesses, in support violence between Jews and Arabs, as well as Continued from Page 1 healthcare system struggled with a coronavirus of those under bombardment in Gaza. unrest in the occupied West Bank, where surge that in the past 24 hours killed a record 4,329 Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah Palestinian authorities say Zionist forces have “I have never experienced such intensity in my people. movement had called for a “day of anger”, a call killed 22 Palestinians since May 10. France’s life,” a hotel owner in the town of Bhavnagar said. “It Mumbai shifted about 600 COVID-19 patients echoed in Arab and ethnically mixed towns President Emmanuel Macron, his Egyptian coun- was pitch dark as power was cut off and winds were from field hospitals “to safer locations”. In Gujarat, inside the Zionist entity. terpart Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Jordan’s King making a roaring sound. It was scary.” Prime all Covid-19 patients in hospitals within five kilome- The Zionist army said troops came under fire Abdullah II held talks yesterday aimed at seeking Minister Narendra Modi was set to visit the ters of the coast were moved. Authorities worked to north of Ramallah. It said two soldiers suffered leg a ceasefire. Sisi is currently in Paris for summits on cyclone-hit regions in Gujarat, his home state, today. ensure there would be no power cuts in hospitals injuries and were taken to hospital. In a separate Africa while Abdullah joined by video conference, One support vessel serving oil rigs that were wal- and 41 oxygen plants. More than 120 hospitals with incident, a 25-year-old Palestinian man was shot the Elysee Palace said. — AFP loped by eight-meter waves off Mumbai sank and 93 COVID-19 patients experienced power disruptions, of the 273 people who had been on board were although electricity supply had been restored to missing, the Indian Navy said yesterday. The defense many of them, officials said late yesterday. ministry said 180 people were rescued, with war- However, one COVID-19 patient died in the completely evacuated,” wrote one Weibo user in a ships attempting to save the rest of the crew in town of Mahuva after he could not be moved in Panic as China caption to a video of hundreds of people milling “extremely challenging sea conditions”. time before the storm hit, doctors said. The state about on a wide shopping street near the tower. Navy helicopters managed, however, to rescue all also suspended vaccinations for two days. The building is named after the semiconductor and 137 people stuck on another barge that also slipped Mumbai did the same for one day. “This is one of skyscraper... electronics manufacturer Shenzhen Electronics its anchor and ran aground. One other barge and an the most powerful cyclones we’ve faced in India Group, whose offices are based in the complex. It is oil rig were also adrift. Elsewhere, seven new fatali- for decades, and after weeks of chaos and devas- Continued from Page 1 the 18th tallest tower in Shenzhen, according to the ties took the toll to 33, with most of the deaths tating loss of life caused by COVID-19, it could Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat sky- occurring when houses or walls collapsed, Gujarat not have come at a worse time,” Save the building had been detected. Experts “found no scraper database. Chinese authorities last year state chief minister Vijay Rupani said. Children India’s Santanu Chakraborty said in a safety abnormalities in the main structure and sur- banned the construction of skyscrapers taller than More than 16,500 houses were damaged, 40,000 statement yesterday. rounding environment of the building,” and the interi- 500 m, adding to height restrictions already enforced trees were uprooted and nearly 6,000 villages were Last May, more than 110 people died after or and exterior components of the building appeared in some cities such as Beijing. without electricity. Just over 2,100 villages had their “super cyclone” Amphan ravaged eastern India undamaged, the district said. The new guidelines for architects, urban planners power restored, officials said late yesterday. and Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal. The Arabian It was not immediately clear how authorities will and developers aimed to “highlight Chinese charac- Although the cyclone was one of the fiercest in Sea previously experienced fewer severe cyclones handle a dangerous tower of its scale in the heart of a teristics” and also banned tacky “copycat” buildings decades, better forecasting than in previous disas- than the Bay of Bengal but rising water tempera- city of over 12 million people. Bystander videos pub- modelled after world landmarks. Five of the world’s ters meant that 200,000 people in danger zones tures because of global warming was changing lished by local media on Weibo showed the sky- tallest skyscrapers are located in China, including the were evacuated from their homes. “Our planning that, Roxy Mathew Koll from the Indian Institute scraper shaking on its foundations as hundreds of ter- world’s second-tallest building, the Shanghai Tower, over the last three days has paid off. We have man- of Tropical Meteorology told AFP. — AFP rified pedestrians ran away outside. “SEG has been which stands at 632 m. — AFP Established 1961 3 Local Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Defense Minister inquires about Kuwaiti troops in Saudi Arabia

KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah is seen during a video call with Kuwaiti forces partaking in the “Operation Restore Hope” in Saudi Arabia and Kuwaiti Army personnel in the joint forces in Bahrain. — KUNA photos

KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah yester- day inquired in an audio-visual contact about status of the Kuwaiti forces partaking in the “Operation Restore Hope” in Saudi Arabia and Kuwaiti Army personnel in the joint forces in Bahrain. The kingdom security has remained inseparable from security and stability of the State of Kuwait, Defense Minister Sheikh Hamad stated, according to a Kuwait Army statement, noting that he conveyed greetings from Their Highnesses the Amir and the Crown Prince to the Kuwaiti forces. The Kuwaiti military forces have always supported the armed forces in the other GCC countries, the Kuwaiti defense minister affirmed. The audio-visual contact was attended by the Kuwait Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Khaled Saleh Al-Sabah, Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Fahad Al-Nasser and a number of senior military command- ers. Later on, the minister met a number of ranking officers, expressing belated congratulations for Eid Al-Fitr and lauding the personnel for their dedication to serving the homeland. — KUNA

Fire Force brings in advanced water pumps

KUWAIT: Kuwait Fire Force Chief Lieutenant General Khaled Al-Mekrad oversaw the launching of 15 advanced mobile water pumps during a visit to the KFF workshop in Rai yesterday. The pumps come in two sizes; each with a pumping power of 8,000 and 3,000 liters per hour respectively, and will be used to pump rainwater and for boat rescue operations.

Crimes

Cop questioned for ‘improper behavior’

KUWAIT: Ministry of Interior summoned for questioning a policeman who was seen in a video acting improperly toward an expatriate standing in line to receive the coronavirus vaccine inside a mall on Monday. Interior Ministry Relations and Security Information department said in an official statement: “This is an individual behavior that is unacceptable by the security establishment that works to pre- serve the rights and duties of citizens and expats, adding that there is no one above the law.”

Suspect released

The public prosecution released an Egyptian woman who fought with her husband, who died during the fight in their Salmiya apartment. The woman insisted she did not stab her husband, and only injured his hand while defending herself, adding he collapsed all of a sudden, Al-Rai Arabic daily reported yesterday. The prosecution sum- moned the two neighbors who entered the flat to take their testimony. Preliminary reports indicate that the man died of a cardiac arrest.

Mirqab blaze

Firemen fought a blaze reported in a Mirqab building Monday evening. The building was evac- uated and no injuries were reported, Kuwait Fire Force said in a statement to the press. An investi- gation was opened to reveal the cause of the fire.

Five sentenced

The cassation court sentenced a Kuwaiti lawyer and four Egyptians to 15 years in jail for kidnap- ping, stealing and blackmailing lawyer Saud Al- Halfi, reported Al-Rai. The court said the suspects kidnapped the victim and took him from his office to a Farwaniya stable after handcuffing and blind- folding him, with the intention to harm and black- mail him. The court said the use of violence against the victim caused him injuries as described in a medical report. The suspects claimed they were detectives during the incident and acted as such. The first accused took pictures of the victim while beating him. 4 Established 1961 Local Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Established 1961 The First Daily in The Arabian Gulf Amiri Hospital sets new benchmarks for THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961 digital healthcare services in Kuwait Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN KUWAIT: Amiri Hospital, one of “The Aruba architecture, designed, technologies.” Editor-in-Chief Kuwait’s most established medical successfully deployed and NOC man- The COVID-19 pandemic best ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN facilities, has leveraged new network aged by the company’s partner in demonstrated the value and capabili- architecture from Aruba, a Hewlett Kuwait, has enabled an SLA of 99.9 ties of Aruba’s infrastructure. “Nearly EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 Packard Enterprise company, to pio- percent at Amiri Hospital,” said Eng overnight, we had a pressing need to FAX : 24835620/1 neer new innovations and standards in Mazyad Al-Ardi, IT Manager of the serve thousands of patients remotely,” CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 digital health, telemedicine and in- Capital Governorate. said Dr Hashem. “We suddenly had to ACCOUNTS : 24833199 Extn. 125 patient care in Kuwait. In line with its Digital manage remote network access for COMMERCIAL : 24835618 P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. The implementation has resulted in Transformation vision, the hospital thousands of people, and the platform Email: [email protected] 99.9 percent network availability, now delivers all services - including not only delivered the performance we Website: www.kuwaittimes.net enabled introduction of remote health- registration, appointment setting, and needed, but also effectively protected care, staff mobility, and other digital prescription management - through the network from the fifty plus attacks Dr Raed Hashem healthcare services, facilitated 60 per- the Digital Gateway “Derwaza”. “We and malicious access attempts we typ- cent reduction in hospital footfall while have set up the Gateway for the con- ically faced each day,” he added. Kuwait vaccinates serving same patient volumes and venience of our patients with seamless During the lockdown, the hospital mobile engagement platform to facili- increased appointment efficiency by and secure access, and high-perfor- successfully migrated 80 percent of its tate wayfinding and location-based 120 percent. mance for a remarkable user experi- services to digital channels and conse- services around the hospital to nearly 30,000 in one day The IT Infrastructure supports the ence,” he said. quently were able to reduce the foot- enhance patient experience while also Health Informatics Platform, employing With a pervasive wireless coverage fall by 60 percent while still offering preventing overcrowding in corridors KUWAIT: Health workers in Kuwait have adminis- best of breed solutions and integrating now in place, underpinned by a robust world class care to its patients. As and other common areas. It is also tered COVID-19 vaccine shots to 29,979 people on Monday, as the Ministry of Health scrambled to vac- with existing systems, delivered and scalable wired network, Amiri hos- pandemic related restrictions were lift- testing an asset management system cinate mall workers around the country. Meanwhile, through the Kuwait based systems pital has been able to introduce new ed, Amiri Hospital managed to maintain based on Aruba Asset Tags, to enable the ministry announced Monday recording 861 new integrator - Ms Virtus Informatics and innovative technologies to this reduction in footfall while enhanc- better inventory management and pre- coronavirus infections and three related deaths in the Company WLL. enhance patient care. “We have imple- ing patient and staff satisfaction. vent equipment like oxygen tanks and previous 24 hours. The figures took the total cases in “To enhance our operations, we mented over 50 portable devices, that “Today, we still have over 400 patients wheelchairs from going missing. the country up to 292,490 and deaths to 1,696 were seeking a HIMSS EMRAM Level give our medical practitioners instant per day who receive remote consul- “Because it works silently in the respectively as of Monday, noted the ministry’s 5 certification and aimed to establish secure access to patient records, tancy. This is not only more convenient, background, the network isn’t some- spokesman Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad. He pointed out that ourselves as a Smart Hospital that wherever and whenever they need it,” but it has also enhanced appointment thing staff and patients think about some 1,004 more people had been cured of the virus offers digital services and advanced said Dr Raed Syed Hashem, Head of efficiency by 120 percent as we have unless something goes wrong. The plat- over the same period, raising the total of those who technologies for patient care. We rec- Disaster Management Team. “This not been able to manage scheduling and form has given us the confidence to have overcome the disease to 278,824. The number of ognized that a secure, reliable, and only empowers our staff to perform staff utilization in a far more effective deliver innovation, at scale and at an people hospitalized with the virus stood at 11,970 as high-performance network infrastruc- their duties more effectively, but it also manner,” he said. accelerated pace,” said Dr Hashem. of Monday, with 191 of them in intensive care units, he ture would be essential to achieving serves as a highly visual example to The Hospital’s IT team is looking to “With the wellbeing of our patients ulti- added. Dr Sanad revealed that some 7,570 swab tests this ambition,” said Dr Ali Al-Alanda, patients, of Amiri Hospital’s commit- continue to use Aruba’s solutions in mately dependent on our network and were conducted over the same period, bringing the Director of the Hospital. ment to pioneering the latest digital further innovative projects. It is cur- digital services, this translates to better total to 2,467,673. — KUNA rently assessing Aruba’s Meridian care and outcomes,” he concluded.

News in brief

Oil union burns Zionist flag

KUWAIT: Members of the Kuwait Oil and Petrochemical Industries Workers Union burned a Zionist flag during a press conference Monday night. A number of MPs attended the event which the union organized to express support for Palestine.

Oil price up

KUWAIT: The price of Kuwaiti oil went up by $1.85 to $68.54 per barrel on Monday, as opposed to $66.69 pb Friday, said the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) yesterday. Globally, the Brent crude and the West Texas Intermediate followed an upward trend, going up by 75 and 90 cents respectively to $69.46 and $66.27 per barrel.

Embassy announces Japanese government scholarships for 2021 KUWAIT: The Embassy of Japan in Kuwait is pleased to announce that the government of Japan offers scholarship to those who wish to study at Japanese universities as under- graduate and research students. The Japanese Government Scholarship was established in 1954 in order to increase mutu- al understanding between the people of Japan and other countries as well as to make an international contribution to the intellectual field. All Kuwaiti cit- izens who meet the qualifica- tions are eligible to apply. The deadline for submitting appli- cations is Monday June 21, 2021. Only soft copies, PDF for- mat, and sent by email to the embassy, will be accepted. The application process consists of document screening, written exams, and personal interview.

governmental institutions NBK continues to and civil society for the farewell of our communi- support vaccination ty,” he noted. “Since the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, NBK contin- centers in Kuwait ued to fulfill its social responsibility in line with KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) contin- its sustainable growth.” ues to support Ministry of Health’s vaccination efforts It is worth mentioning in facing COVID-19. NBK provided fridges to five that in response to the Talal Al-Turki different vaccination centers in addition to Kuwait pandemic, NBK donated International Fairgrounds in Mishref Area. These five KD1 million to the Kuwait centers are located in Farwaniya, Al-Assimah, Red Crescent Society (KRCS) to purchase medical Hawally, Al-Ahmadi and Al-Jahra governorates. devices and ventilators in addition to deploy a field NBK volunteers will tour around to ensure that hospital fully equipped with the latest medical equip- water is delivered on daily basis to the fridges in the ment, an ICU, a medical laboratory, a radiology cen- selected governorates. The fridges are part of NBK’s ter, and a fully-equipped pharmacy. NBK maintains donation that included previously Golf Carts to pro- its leading position among the private sector institu- vide free rides for elderly patients and people with tions through its commitment to fully support social disability from and to the parking area as well as programs in the areas of healthcare, childcare, social, shelters to the outdoor waiting areas at the Kuwait environmental, sports and education. Vaccination Center in Kuwait International Fairground in Mishref. “NBK is a key supporter of government vaccina- tion efforts”, said Talal Al-Turki, NBK Public Relations Senior Manager. “NBK has long been engaging in launching and managing numerous cam- paigns and social development initiatives.” Turki expressed his sincere appreciation to the national efforts in providing support to face the COVID-19 pandemic. “Throughout the bank’s history, we have been committed to meeting our responsibili- ties towards society and to support the efforts of International WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021 Morocco intervenes after record migrant influx to Spanish enclaves Shuttered Australia is becoming a ‘hermit nation’, warn experts Page 7 Page 6

GAZA CITY: Palestinian mourners gather around bodies of members of the Abu Hatab and Al-Hadidi families during a funeral procession in Gaza city. —AFP photos Bereaved Gaza father clutches wounded boy ‘No one left but you’: Al-Hadidi loses wife and other sons in Zionist air strikes GAZA CITY: Inside a Gaza hospital, ‘Begged to stay the night’ among the dead. Mohammad Al-Hadidi cradled his baby Saturday’s strikes hit at the conclu- A video widely shared on social boy Omar-his only surviving child after sion of Eid Al-Fitr, usually a time of joy media shows Hadidi clutching his son Zionist air strikes killed his wife and when Muslim families gather to mark to his chest, overwhelmed that he had four other sons in the night. “I have no the end of the holy fasting month of survived. one left in the world but you,” the 37- Ramadan. On Friday, Omar’s mother year-old father said. After the strikes, had taken him and his brothers to visit ‘God was preparing us’ rescue workers pulled the five-month- their cousins nearby in the Shati Hadidi gently touched his son face. old from the arms of his dead mother refugee camp outside Gaza City where “All my other sons breastfed, except for early Saturday, one of his tiny legs frac- they all lived. “The kids put on their Eid Omar who refused from day one,” he tured in three places. clothes, took their toys and headed off said wistfully. “God was preparing us All his other children-Suhayb, 13, to their uncle’s house to celebrate,” and we had no idea.” Zionist air raids Yahya, 11, Abderrahman, 8, and Osama, Hadidi said. have killed 200 people including 59 6 — perished in the bombing along “They called in the evening to beg children in the besieged coastal enclave with their mother Maha Abu Hattab, 36. to stay the night and I said OK.” since last Monday. “They’ve gone to find God, we don’t Hadidi then paused to gather himself Hadidi accused the Jewish state of want to stay around here for much as he recalled what would become a deliberately targeting children. “What longer,” the bereaved father said, sob- fateful night. have they done to deserve being bing. “We will meet them soon, you and I slept “at home alone... (and) woke bombed without any warning to evacu- I. Oh God, let it not be too long.” Sitting up suddenly to the sound of bombing,” ate the home?” on the edge of a hospital bed, Hadidi he said. Soon a neighbor called to say But human rights groups have GAZA CITY: A nurse holds Omar Al-Hadidi, who was pulled alive from under the rubble carefully kissed his child’s cheek. a Zionist missile had hit his brother-in- repeatedly condemned strikes that have while seven other family members perished, at Al-Shifa Hospital, after Zionist air In his arms, Omar rested peacefully, his law’s home. “I hurried over as fast as I killed women and children in the over- strike struck Al-Shati Refugee Camp without advance warning during the night. right leg poking out of his romper in a could, but when I got there the home crowded territory of some two million plaster cast. Under a crown of tiny brown was rubble, and rescue workers were inhabitants. The Gaza-based Mezan aerial bombardment. Even with air enough for him to take him home. curls, his eyelids were bruised dark and pulling out bodies.” His sister-in-law Centre for Human Rights says 341 resi- strikes ongoing, Hadidi said he was “I will care for him and bring him up swollen, and his face covered in scratches. and four of her children were also dential units have been damaged in the waiting for his baby to be declared well on my own,” he said. — AFP

With Iran’s help, Hamas can Erdogan says Biden muster ample firepower has ‘bloody hands’ PARIS: Hamas can count on abun- Middle East. “Hamas’s firepower, dant stocks of rockets and other both in terms of number of rockets weaponry in its ongoing conflict and their reach, far surpasses earli- for backing Zionists with Zionist entity, with the er escalations, and Zionist retalia- ANKARA: Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Palestinian militant group boasting tion has been swift and devastat- Monday said US President Joe Biden had “bloody an even deeper and more effective ing,” said the International Crisis hands” because of his support of the Zionist entity in arsenal than in previous standoffs. Group (ICG). the raging conflict in the Gaza Strip. The Turkish presi- Analysts say Hamas is able to fire “Militarily, occupation forces dent’s comments in a nationally televised address rep- more frequently and further into were caught off guard by Hamas’ resented one of his strongest attacks on Biden since his Zionist state compared with past expanded operational capacity to arrival in the White House in January. conflicts over Gaza, partly due to fire so many rockets at once and at Erdogan had spent the past few months trying to backing from Iran. such distant targets,” it added. mend relations with Washington and reaching out to Here is a look at Hamas’ arsenal, Rockets are launched towards Zionist state from the southern Gaza Strip. —AFP other Western allies after a year of sharp disputes. But how it has evolved in recent years Who is supplying arms to he lashed out at Biden directly in a furious nationally and what effect it has on the cur- Hamas? televised address. “You are writing history with your rent conflict. What has this conflict Until a few years ago, Sudan Yemen,” it added. capacities are difficult to evaluate. bloody hands,” Erdogan said. shown us? The Islamist movement, supported the Palestinians, notably A closely-followed weapons “They don’t want to be in a situ- “You forced us to say this. Because we cannot stay in power in Gaza despite a Zionist through arms assembly units smug- expert who remains anonymous, ation where they are going to run silent on this anymore.” Erdogan has gained support blockade for nearly 15 years, has gled through Egypt. But the 2020 but publishes findings on Twitter as out of missiles in two weeks so I across the Middle East by championing the Palestinian surprised Tel Aviv and other Jewish peace agreement between Sudan Calibre Obscura, told AFP the expect the stocks have been under- cause during his 18-year rule. He accused the Jewish cities with the violence and fre- and the Zionist entity following the Iranian approach was not just about reported,” said Calibre Obscura. state last week of waging “terrorism” and vowed to ral- quency of its strikes. ousting of its leader Omar Al-Bashir transferring weapons. “They are “They definitely have substantial ly the world to Gaza’s defense. More than 3,000 rockets have brought the arrangement to an end. about transferring know-how, stocks. I think they are prepared for “Today we saw Biden’s signature on weapons sales fallen on Zionist state in the past Syria under President Bashar design templates and best prac- an extended period of time.” to Zionist entity,” Erdogan said on Monday in reference week, a pace aimed at overwhelm- Al-Assad also supplied rockets in tice,” said the analyst. “Hamas has a long history of rocket to US media reports of a new arms shipment approved ing Zionist Iron Dome missile the past. But now Iran is by far the The rockets “are designed espe- manufacturing themselves and by the Biden administration. “Palestine territories are defense system. For the first time, most significant supporter of the cially for proxy forces to be simply they’ve proven to be sensible, awash with persecution, suffering and blood, like many Hamas used the Ayyash 250 missile, Palestinian groups. “Support for manufactured and easily to be put inventive, creative with engineering other territories that lost the peace with the end of the which has a range of 250 kilometers regional actors has become a together with simple tools”. big rockets,” said the analyst. In the Ottomans. And you are supporting that,” Erdogan told (155 miles). prime pillar of Iran’s military pos- past Hamas even managed to obtain Biden. He also lashed out at Austria for flying the flag “The most impressive fact of this ture,” the International Institute for How deep are Hamas’ stocks? unexploded British World War I of the Jewish state in a sign of “solidarity” with the war is just how many rockets they Strategic Studies said in a report According to experts contacted munitions from a vessel that sank off Jewish state last week. “I condemn Austria for hanging managed to fire in a short period of last month. “Iran’s proliferation by AFP, Hamas could count on an Gaza, the analyst noted. Analysts the terror state’s flag,” Erdogan said. “The Austrian time and simultaneously,” said activity has focused on the Syrian already considerable strike force of warn that any Zionist ground offen- state seems to be trying to make Muslims pay the price Fabian Hinz, an independent analyst regime and non-state actors in 12,000-13,000 rockets before the sive into Gaza would trigger a fresh for (its role) in the Holocaust.” — AFP who focuses on missiles in the Gaza, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and present conflict began. Production spiral of violence. — AFP 6 Established 1961 International Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Morocco intervenes after record migrant influx to Spanish enclaves Brussels urges Morocco to block Ceuta migrant crossings FNIDEQ, Morocco: Moroccan security forces from sub-Saharan Africa, attempted to cross into intervened yesterday after a record 6,000 migrants Spain’s other North African enclave of Melilla by crossed largely unimpeded into a Spanish North scaling a high barrier. Authorities in Melilla said “85 African enclave amid diplomatic tensions between men and one woman succeeded in entering”. Rabat and Madrid. Reinforcements deployed at Morocco’s Fnideq border crossing with the enclave ‘I’ll try again’ of Ceuta and fired tear gas to disperse a large Amal, 18, said he had hurried to the Ceuta border crowd of would-be migrants who had gathered in with his brother and two friends in the hope of slip- the hope of seizing a rare opportunity to slip across, ping into Spanish territory. “Many of our friends an AFP correspondent reported. managed to get across. We came later when we The surge in numbers came after some migrants heard about it,” he said. “We tried to climb over the were able to cross into the tiny Spanish territory of mountain but the police blocked us”. some 84,000 people virtually unimpeded by The migrants reached Ceuta by swimming or by Moroccan border guards. The Moroccan govern- walking at low tide from Moroccan beaches a few ment has been angered by Spain’s decision provide kilometers to the south. Some used inflatable swim- medical treatment for the leader of the Western ming rings and rubber dinghies. In the early hours Sahara independence movement who has been seri- of yesterday, hundreds more men and women of all ously ill with COVID-19. ages flocked to the border to try their luck. They Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called off a walked down a path to the beach in their dozens, planned trip to Paris to oversee his government’s before running towards Ceuta along the coastline, response while the EU commissioner for home affairs, as a handful of Moroccan policemen watched on Ylva Johansson, urged Morocco to take action to without intervening. “I saw on Facebook that it was stop the “worrying” increase in the number of possible to cross the border, so I took a taxi here migrants crossing illegally. Spain sent back around a with my friend as I can’t feed my family anymore,” A Spanish Civil Guard holds a migrant who arrived swimming at the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, yesterday. — AFP quarter of the 6,000 or so migrants, mostly 26-year-old Ouarda, from the neighboring town of Moroccans, who entered the Ceuta enclave in the Tetouan, said. just beachwear but others clad in normal outdoor enclave in the north African country after 6,000 past 36 hours and was preparing further repatriations, “I’m not scared-I’ll either die or I’ll cross,” the clothes-setting off from rocky beachheads. “They crossed into it. The migrants began flowing into Ceuta Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska told unemployed, divorced mother-of-two said. One stopped me from getting through, but I’m going to on Monday, many of them swimming and crossing by public television. Monday’s arrival figures were the man drowned trying to swim across, Spanish offi- try again,” said one 26-year-old job-seeker. foot at low tide along the coastline from Moroccan highest ever for a single day, authorities in Ceuta said. cials said on Monday. Videos posted on social Meanwhile, Brussels yesterday urged Morocco to territory. A smaller number, 86 migrants, made it into Early yesterday, another 300 migrants, said to be media showed dozens of migrants-some wearing stop the irregular entry of migrants into Spain’s Ceuta Melilla, Spain’s other enclave in Morocco. — AFP

News in brief Over 50 missing Italy intercepts 400kg cocaine after boat from ROME: Italian border police said yesterday they seized more than 400 kilograms of Libya sinks cocaine from South America in a joint opera- tion with Kosovar and Albanian authorities. The TUNIS: More than 50 people were missing yester- drugs, with an estimated market value of more day when their boat sank after leaving Libya head- than 100 million euros ($122 million), were first ing to Europe, Tunisia’s defense ministry said, with detected at the port of Gioia Tauro, in the 33 others rescued. Defense ministry spokesman southern Italian region of Calabria. They were Mohamed Zikri said the survivors of the shipwreck hidden in a container coming from Santos, were picked up after clinging to an oil platform off Brazil “officially containing chicken,” the the southern coast of Tunisia. Guardia di Finanza border police said in a “There are 33 survivors, all apparently from statement. — AFP Bangladesh,” Flavio Di Giacomo, a spokesman for the International Organization for Migration, told AFP. “At least 50 are missing.” Malaysian police kill militants The boat, crammed with over 90 passengers, left This representational image shows a boat tragedy in Mediterranean Sea the Libyan port of Zuwara on Sunday. It was not KUALA LUMPUR: Five suspected mem- immediately clear what caused the boat to sink, but sea, according to the United Nations. “Two days ago about 680 migrants were inter- bers of Philippine militant group Abu Sayyaf vessels leaving the North African coast for Europe Libya is a key gateway for Europe-bound cepted at sea and returned to Libya by the have been shot dead in a firefight with police are often heavily overloaded makeshift crafts, migrants. According to the IOM, more than 500 Libyan,” Di Giacomo said. “Almost 9,000 have on the Malaysian part of Borneo island, departing at night even in rough weather to avoid people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean been intercepted at sea and returned to Libya in authorities said yesterday. Police were detection from the coastguard. Tunisian rescuers Sea from the shores of North Africa to Italy and 2021 so far,” he added. Safa Msehli, IOM spokes- attacked by men armed with guns and were bringing the survivors to the port of Zarzis, Malta since the start of 2021. On Monday, the woman for the Geneva-based UN agency, said machetes Monday when they raided a settle- some 100 kilometers (70 miles) northwest of Tunisian navy said it had rescued more than 100 that support for search and rescue teams “should ment near the town of Beaufort in Sabah Zuwara. “We don’t know the nationality of the more migrants, mainly from Bangladesh and Sudan, be contingent on no one? being arbitrarily state, and returned fire. “Five male suspects than 50 who are missing,” Di Giacomo added. At whose boat was “on the verge of sinking”. Several detained or subjected to human rights violations”, were successfully defeated,” said Sabah least 1,200 migrants died in the Mediterranean last boats were also stopped by Libyan coastguards warning that “without such guarantees, such sup- police commissioner Hazani Ghazali in a year, most of them crossing the central part of the and brought back to shore overnight Sunday. port should be reconsidered”. — AFP statement. They were believed to be from the Abu Sayyaf group, police said, self-pro- claimed Islamic militants whose stronghold is in the Muslim-majority southern Philippines, Choose electric chair or firing not far from Sabah. — AFP squad: US state gives option 9 bodies found in truck in Mexico WASHINGTON: The US state of group the Incarcerated Outreach South Carolina has introduced a law Network called the move “appalling, MEXICO CITY: The bodies of nine people, requiring death row prisoners to shocking, abhorrent” while the South apparently dead of bullet wounds, were found choose between firing squad and Carolina branch of the American Civil in a truck in the western Mexican state of electric chair after a lack of lethal Liberties Union it was “about finding Michoacan, local prosecutors said Monday. injection drugs halted executions for a a new way to restart executions with- “Eight men and one woman were found, who decade. “This weekend, I signed legis- in a racist, arbitrary, and error-prone have not yet been identified,” a statement from lation into law that will allow the state system.” Michoacan prosecutors said. “The bodies had to carry out a death sentence. The “South Carolina’s criminal justice gunshot wounds.” The vehicle in which they families and loved ones of victims are system makes mistakes,” executive were found was parked in a central area of the owed closure and justice by law. Now, director Frank Knaack, said in a state- city of Zitacuaro and was reported to authori- we can provide it,” Governor Henry ment. “Yet, capital punishment is irre- ties by neighbors. Officials opened an investi- McMaster said on Twitter. versible... Black people make up more gation while the bodies were transported to The pro-death penalty Republican than half of South Carolina’s death An electric chair nicknamed “Old Sparky,” which stands at the Texas Prison Museum in Huntsville, Texas. The chair was used to execute 361 prisoners. — AFP the medical examiner. — AFP wants to resume executions after a row despite being only 27 percent of 10-year hiatus caused by a shortage the state’s population.” of drugs used in lethal injections. The electric chair has not been three convicts have died before a fir- associated with the death penalty. Canada taps woman general Before the pause, death row inmates used in South Carolina since 2008 ing squad, all in Utah, since the US Lethal injections are generally carried would choose between the chair and and the last execution by lethal injec- Supreme Court reinstated capital out with three substances adminis- MONTREAL: Coordination of Canada’s injection, with the injection being tion was in 2011, according to the punishment in 1976, according to the tered in succession: the first induces a coronavirus vaccination campaign is set to be administered if no choice was made. state’s Department of Corrections. center. coma, the second paralyzes, and the taken over by another army general, the public The new law, signed Friday, makes South Carolina is the fourth US state An acute shortage of the deadly third stops the heart. But in several health agency said Monday, after a probe into the electric chair the default option if to allow death by firing squad, along drugs used in lethal injections has executions in recent years, the first allegations of sexual misconduct sidelined her lethal injection is unavailable, and cre- with Mississippi, Oklahoma and Utah, lasted several years, as several major drug failed to render prisoners fully predecessor. Brigadier General Krista Brodie, ates the alternative option of a firing according to the Death Penalty laboratories refuse to stock US pris- unconscious, causing them intense a logistic expert who served in the Balkans squad. Local prisoner advocacy Information Center (DPIC). Only ons to avoid the bad PR of being suffering prior to death. —AFP and Afghanistan, is to replace General Dany Fortin, who was dismissed due to a military investigation into what media reports said my,” Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled Al- ‘Upward curve’ involved allegations of sexual misconduct dat- Egypt prioritizing Enani said. “In May, I will announce, along with the He said Egypt welcomed 500,000 tourists in ing back some 30 years, a charge which he has minister of health, the complete vaccination of April, more than double the number in January and strongly denied. — AFP Egyptian workers in hotels, resorts, businesses and up from just 200,000 tourists a month in the sec- vaccination of restaurants in South Sinai and the Red Sea,” he said ond half of last year. “The important thing is there on the sidelines of a travel industry conference in is an upward curve,” Enani said. UN meeting on Myanmar postponed tourism workers Dubai. About 65 percent of tourists in Egypt head “We hope the numbers will increase again in the to those coastal destinations, he said. near future with the opening of some countries and UNITED NATIONS: A UN General DUBAI: Egypt is prioritizing the vaccination of Enani said other tourist spots will follow, such as the easing of restrictions, including in Arab countries, Assembly meeting set for yesterday to discuss tourism workers to support the sector’s recovery Luxor, Aswan and the capital Cairo, home of the Europe and Russia,” he said. “The return of tourism a non-binding resolution on halting arms and is on track to announce full inoculation of two Giza pyramids and major museums. Egypt, which in Egypt does not only depend on us, but remains transfers to Myanmar was postponed indefi- resort areas this month, its tourism minister said has a population of approximately 100 million, has linked to other countries.” Cairo has announced sev- nitely because there was not enough support Monday. administered some one million doses, according to eral major new archaeological discoveries in recent to pass the text, diplomatic sources said While Egypt’s tourism industry is still reeling authorities. months, hoping to revive a sector which was battered Monday. The authors “did not have the sup- from the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector has About two million people work in the tourism by a 2011 uprising, political unrest and jihadist port they expected” in order to pass the picked up in recent months, with more visitors industry or organizations linked to it. Along with its attacks. While the industry recorded a rebound of motion with a large majority of the Assembly’s heading to resorts along the Red Sea and pyramids and Pharaonic temples, Egypt is also nearly $13 billion in revenues for 2018-2019, tourism 193 member countries, one diplomat said on Mediterranean coasts. known for its seaside resorts. After experiencing was hit hard again by the COVID-19 pandemic. condition of anonymity. — AFP “We will prioritize workers in the tourism indus- “significant and continuous loss” since the coron- Official figures show a drop of more than 20 percent try, which is an essential sector for Egypt’s econo- avirus outbreak, the sector has picked up, said Enani. in revenues for mid-2019 to mid-2020. — AFP Established 1961 7 International Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Shuttered Australia is becoming a ‘hermit nation’, warn experts Borders could remain closed for another year SYDNEY: Prime Minister Scott Morrison defend- Panel member Professor Marc Stears said the ed his “Fortress Australia” COVID-19 restrictions initial snap measures to keep the pandemic at bay yesterday, as experts warned that plans to keep the were understandable. “You have to remember there borders closed for another year will create a “her- really was terror,” he told AFP. “At the start of the mit nation”. “Everyone is keen to get back to a time pandemic the Australian public were inundated with that we once knew,” the conservative leader said in images from Italy and New York.” “There were the face of growing calls for international borders to strong demands for strong action, so the govern- reopen. “The reality is we’re living this year in a ment took the decision to close the border. I don’t pandemic that’s worse than last year.” think anyone really knew how effective a policy that Last March, Australia took the unprecedented would turn out to be.” But, Stears said, as much of step of closing its borders to foreign visitors and the world tentatively reopens, the costs of isolation banning its globetrotting citizens from leaving. That are mounting. “Not only have you got immediate prompted the first population decline since World economic and social costs, but you have the charac- War I, stranded tens of thousands of Australian citi- ter of the country in question here. There is a fork in zens overseas and separated hundreds of thousands the road moment for openness versus closedness.” of residents from family members. But the country now has almost no community transmission and life Vox populi for most is relatively normal. And the government’s The economic impact of border closures has recent suggestion that borders could remain closed been blunted by massive stimulus spending, but a for another year has sparked fierce debate. growing number of business leaders from hard-hit Australian Medical Association president Omar industries are also speaking out. Virgin Australia Khorshid yesterday warned: “Australia cannot keep CEO Jayne Hrdlicka led the charge Monday, arguing its international borders closed indefinitely.” He Australia needs to accept that COVID-19 will not SYDNEY: People cross a street in front of a mural of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on a building in called for improved quarantine facilities and vacci- be eradicated and borders should gradually reopen. Sydney. — AFP nation efforts to permit borders to slowly open. “At “Some people may die, but it will be way smaller some point, it will not be possible to justify the than with the flu,” she said. Morrison called the 73 percent of Australians want travel banned until three million doses have been delivered in a coun- maintenance of border closures given their impact comments “somewhat insensitive”, insisting he at least mid-2022. Leaders in Queensland, try of 25 million people. The premier of Australia’s on lives and livelihoods,” he said. A University of would maintain the tight border regime as long as Tasmania and Western Australia who made a most populous state New South Wales yesterday Sydney task force examining how Australia can necessary. “I’m not going to take risks with virtue of banning travellers from other Australian indicated a target of around 80 percent of adults safely reopen this week went further, warning the Australians’ lives,” he said. states in response to outbreaks, have won reelec- fully vaccinated. “I don’t want us to be closed off country “cannot continue to lock itself off from the The border closures appear to have widespread tion at a canter. Slowly, officials are starting to link from the world longer than we need to,” said world as a hermit nation indefinitely”. public support. A recent Newspoll survey showed reopening borders to vaccine targets. So far only Gladys Berejiklian. —AFP

tion, Islam spent five hours at the health News in brief Bangladesh ministry that has accused her of stealing documents, according to a ministry complaint seen by AFP. Austria to phase out AstraZeneca journalist Leaders of journalist unions and advocacy groups who spoke at the VIENNA: Austria will phase out faces court protests said Islam had been arrested AstraZeneca from its COVID-19 immu- because of her reports on the govern- nization program because of delivery DHAKA: The arrest of a top Bangladesh ment’s response to the pandemic. Her problems and wariness among the pop- reporter, who wrote scathing stories on stories included how urgent medical ulation following reports of the vaccine’s the country’s response to the coron- equipment has been left at Dhaka airport rare side effects, the health minister said. avirus pandemic, sparked protests by for months, bribes being offered to Austria becomes the third European hundreds of reporters yesterday. Rozina recruit doctors and alleged graft in pro- country to drop AstraZeneca, after Islam, an investigative journalist for curement at the health ministry. “Her Norway and Denmark ditched the vac- Prothom Alo newspaper, was detained reports have clearly exposed the weak- cine over rare cases of severe blood late Monday under the Official Secrets nesses of the ministry to safeguard the clots in people receiving the jab. “We Act, police said. She appeared in court health rights of the people during the will probably continue to do first shots yesterday charged with stealing health coronavirus pandemic,” the Law and DHAKA: Police escort investigative journalist Rozina Islam (center) to a court in Dhaka with AstraZeneca until early June, and ministry documents under the same act. Mediation Centre group said. yesterday, a day after being arrested on accusation of stealing documents and taking then that’s it... AstraZeneca will be dis- images by the health ministry. — AFP A new hearing was set for tomorrow. It demanded Islam’s immediate continued,” Health Minister Wolfgang Rights groups say a crackdown on release. Bangladesh has reported just Mueckstein told private TV channel Puls the media has grown during the coron- over 12,000 coronavirus deaths and security law to stifle criticism. According arrest “is an attack on journalistic free- 24 late Monday. —AFP avirus crisis and hundreds of journalists nearly 800,000 infections, but experts to Rezaur Rahman Lenin, a UN rights dom. “The authorities must drop the went to the Dhaka police station where say this grossly under reports the true consultant, at least 85 journalists have cases against the journalist and release the 42-year-old reporter was taken on toll. Activists also say the pandemic has been charged under the 2018 law during her immediately in the interest of the German police nab fugitive twin Monday. Some tried to block entrances worsened freedom of press in the pandemic. state’s international commitment at pro- to the building and the protests contin- Bangladesh, with the government Saad Hammadi, South Asia expert for tecting the right to freedom of expres- BERLIN: German police have arrested ued yesterday. Before her formal deten- increasingly using a draconian digital Amnesty International, said Islam’s sion,” he said. —AFP a twin brother from a notorious organ- ized crime family who had been on the run over the pilfering of priceless jew- tions about how he plans to handle relations with els from a top museum, prosecutors New HK bishop local and mainland authorities at his first press said yesterday. Abdul Majed Remmo, appearance since his appointment. 22, was detained on Monday evening in says religious “Religious freedom is a basic right. We hope in our Berlin, prosecutors in the city of talks to the government to remind it that it doesn’t Dresden said. The suspect’s twin forget that,” he told reporters. But he also trod care- brother was arrested in Berlin in freedom must stay fully on questions about China’s treatment of religions December over the spectacular heist and the destruction of churches in the mainland. “I on the Green Vault museum in HONG KONG: Hong Kong’s newly appointed don’t think it’s wise for me to comment on matters like Dresden’s Royal Palace on November Catholic bishop yesterday said he would need to China that I don’t quite understand, I don’t have 25, 2019. The twins had eluded German tread carefully with Beijing as it cracks down on dis- enough knowledge about,” he said. “Not that I am authorities when they carried out raids sent-but vowed to plead with authorities to defend afraid. But I believe that prudence is also a virtue.” in November and arrested three mem- religious freedoms. The Vatican announced Monday bers of the Remmo clan, an extended Balancing act that Stephen Chow, 62, would be the southern family of Arab origin notorious for its Chow said he does “not feel good” about the HONG KONG: Newly appointed Bishop of Hong Kong Rev Chinese city’s new bishop, filling a role that had ties to organized crime. —AFP destruction of churches, but caveated it with: “I do Stephen Chow (center) says a prayer after a press con- remained vacant at a tumultuous time for religious not want to use the word ‘oppression’”. His appoint- ference with Cardinal John Tong (left) and Auxiliary congregations. China’s leaders have brought their ment comes at a sensitive time for relations between Bishop Joseph Ha in Hong Kong yesterday. — AFP brand of authoritarian rule to the semi-autonomous the Holy See and Beijing. In 2018, the Vatican reached French cops arrest 4 over burglary Hong Kong after huge and often violent democracy a landmark agreement with Beijing over the appoint- against humanity and potentially genocide. Hong protests rocked the financial hub in 2019. ment of bishops in mainland China. It allows the Kong’s 400,000 Catholics are also bitterly divided by VERSAILLES: Four suspects were It has blanketed the city in a broad security law Chinese government a say in naming bishops, some- the city’s own polarized politics. Many Catholics have arrested yesterday as part of the that criminalizes much dissent and vowed to ensure thing critics believe sells out the underground church been staunchly supportive of the democracy move- investigation into the burglary at the non-patriots are weeded out of public life. In main- in China administered by bishops loyal to Rome that ment, such as Cardinal Joseph Zen and jailed media home of Paris Saint-Germain defender land China, organized religions are strictly controlled has long been persecuted. tycoon Jimmy Lai. Others are committed Beijing loy- Marquinhos in March, the Versailles by authorities and many congregations in Hong Kong The deal also came despite Beijing launching a alists, including Hong Kong’s unpopular appointed prosecutor’s office said. The four sus- fear the city’s position as a bastion of free faith is mass internment and re-education program against leader Carrie Lam. Chow said he was aware of the pects in custody, aged 17, 20, 28 and under threat. Chow, the head of the Vatican’s Jesuit Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, a campaign that rights frictions within his congregation, including at the 29, were arrested in Paris and its sub- order in the China region, was peppered with ques- groups and researchers say amounts to crimes schools he has taught at. —AFP urbs, the prosecutor’s office told AFP. The burglary occurred on March 14, while PSG were losing to Nantes at Teodoro Locsin tweeted an expletive- the Parc des Princes in Ligue 1. A Duterte bans tagged demand for the Chinese vessels gang broke into the PSG captain’s to leave the area. His online swearing Red Cross urges measures home in the Yvelines, west of Paris, ministers from prompted a rebuke from Beijing and while members of his family were Locsin later apologised to his Chinese to boost COVID jab access there. —AFP counterpart. “This is my order now to GENEVA: speaking on the cabinet... to refrain (from) dis- The Red Cross yesterday er for COVID-19 vaccines is a neces- stressed the need for “extraordinary sary political commitment to address cussing this West Philippine Sea (issue) UK police probe girl ‘link’ to killer steps” to increase access to COVID- inequities in access at the scale and with... anybody,” Duterte said in a South China Sea 19 vaccines around the world, includ- speed we need,” Francesco Rocca, recorded speech late Monday, using the LONDON: British police yesterday ing speeding up negotiations towards president of the International MANILA: Philippine President local name for the sea. “If we have to said they were beginning excavations patent waivers. The International Red Federation of Red Cross and Red in the hunt for a missing teenager who Rodrigo Duterte has banned his cabinet talk, we talk only among us,” Duterte Cross and Red Crescent Movement Crescent Societies (IFRC), said in a from speaking out in public on the told several cabinet members, including may be a victim of one of the coun- called for states and pharmaceutical statement. try’s most notorious serial killers. A South China Sea dispute, after key min- Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana companies to move much faster “Millions of lives depend on it and isters engaged in a war of words with who previously described the presence forensic team has begun exploratory towards evening out glaring inequities on the equally important transfer of work at a cafe in Gloucester, western Beijing. Tensions between Manila and of Chinese boats as an “incursion”. in access to the jabs around the world. technology and knowledge to Beijing over the waterway-which China Presidential spokesman Harry England, after police were given infor- Among other things, countries increase manufacturing capacity mation possibly linking the site with claims almost entirely-flared in March Roque was allowed to address the should accelerate thorny negotiations worldwide,” he added. The WTO has after hundreds of Chinese boats were issue in public, Duterte added. China 15-year-old Mary Bastholm, who was at the World Trade Organization since October faced calls led by last seen in January 1968. Fred West, spotted inside the Philippines’ Exclusive has ignored a 2016 international tribu- (WTO) towards removing intellectual India and South Africa for the tem- Economic Zone. While Duterte has nal decision that declared its historical who killed himself in jail in 1995 while property protections for the COVID porary removal of intellectual prop- awaiting trial accused of 12 murders, been reluctant to confront China over claim over most of the South China Sea vaccines, and other barriers blocking erty protections on COVID-19 vac- the issue, his foreign and defense secre- to be without basis. Duterte has set including his 16-year-old daughter a rapid scale-up of production of the cines, in what proponents say will and eight-year-old stepdaughter, is taries have repeatedly criticized Beijing aside the ruling in exchange for prom- jabs around the world, it said. “In the boost production in developing for its refusal to withdraw the ships ises of trade and investment from said to have confessed to killing middle of the worst pandemic in 100 countries and address the dramatic Bastholm to his son. — AFP from the disputed waters. China that critics say have largely not years, the intellectual property waiv- inequity in access. —AFP Earlier this month, Foreign Secretary materialized. —AFP Established 1961

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021 Gates comes under fresh scrutiny after Microsoft affair resurfaces Tech giant probes Gates’ intimate relationship with a staffer

WASHINGTON: Bill Gates’s tenure at Microsoft has Masculinity: Men, Validation, and Infidelity.” come under fresh scrutiny amid revelations that the “On the other hand, folks tend to overlook men’s tech giant probed the billionaire founder’s intimate infidelity as expected. This is especially the case for relationship with a staffer before he left the board of rich and powerful men.” directors. The latest news, days after Gates and his wife Melinda announced their divorce, could have Conspiracy theorists major repercussions for the tech founder who has cul- According to the Times report, Melinda Gates tivated an image as one of the world’s most dedicated hired divorce lawyers in 2019 to set in motion the philanthropists. Recent reports suggested a streak of breakup when revelations surfaced about her hus- questionable behavior by the 65-year-old Gates, one band’s relationship with Epstein, who had been await- of the most prominent members of the US business ing trial on criminal charges when he was found dead, elite who has been the target of conspiracy theorists in what was ruled a suicide. Gates co-founded over his funding of the development of COVID-19 Microsoft in 1975, building it into the world’s most vaccines. Microsoft confirmed reports over the week- valuable company. He stepped aside as chief execu- end that its board began an investigation with an out- tive in 2000 and as chairman in 2014. He remained a side law firm of an affair with an employee. board member until last year and has continued as a “Microsoft received a concern in the latter half of technical advisor to CEO Satya Nadella. He and his 2019 that Bill Gates sought to initiate an intimate rela- In this file photo, Melinda and Bill Gates attend a session at the Congress Center during the World Economic Forum wife, who co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates tionship with a company employee in the year 2000,” (WEF) annual meeting in Davos. — AFP Foundation two decades ago to battle global poverty a company spokesperson said. But Gates has denied and disease, announced their divorce on May 3 after that the relationship prompted him to leave the charges. Gates’s team assured the board the amid heightened scrutiny of sexual harassment and 27 years of marriage. Microsoft board last year. A spokeswoman for Gates Microsoft founder had met Epstein for “philanthropic misconduct in the tech sector and the #MeToo The breakup has raised questions about the future told the Wall Street Journal: “There was an affair reasons” and “regretted doing so,” the Journal said. movement which has already led to the downfall of a of one of the world’s richest charitable foundations almost 20 years ago which ended amicably.” She The New York Times reported that Melinda number of powerful men. with 1,600 staff members and which provides some added that Gates’s decision to “transition off the Gates expressed dismay over her husband’s meet- While none of the reports have suggested sexual $5 billion each year in areas like global public health board was in no way related to this matter.” ings with Epstein but that Gates continued to meet misconduct by Gates himself, his actions and associa- and development. Gates himself has become a leading him. The Times reported Melinda Gates was also tions have nonetheless tarnished the image of a man figure speaking out against climate change and pro- Dismay upset over a private settlement of a sexual harass- long respected and admired. “On the one hand, moting science-based solutions to the coronavirus Other reports pointed to meetings between Gates ment claim against her husband’s financial manager, Americans disapprove of infidelity. So, his image will pandemic, while becoming the target of conspiracy and Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender who and about Gates’s advancements toward other take a hit,” said Alicia Walker, a Missouri State theorists who claimed he knew in advance about died by suicide while awaiting trial on trafficking Microsoft employees. The focus on Gates comes University professor and author of “Chasing COVID-19. — AFP

Meanwhile, housing investment rose 1.1 percent. And Japan Q1 GDP while exports were up 2.3 percent, imports rose by a larger 4.0 percent, “so net trade knocked 0.2 percent- points off GDP growth,” Thieliant added. shrinks 1.3%, hit Economists warn that the slowdown is likely to continue, with the government forced to impose a by virus curbs third state of emergency in several parts of the coun- try-including economic engines Tokyo and Osaka- earlier this month. The emergency measures are TOKYO: Japan’s economy contracted 1.3 percent in tougher than in the past, and have been extended to the three months to March after the government reim- the end of May as well as expanded to several other posed coronavirus restrictions in major cities as infec- regions in recent days. tions surged, data showed yesterday. The quarter-on- quarter fall came after the world’s third-largest econo- Olympics impact ‘limited’ my grew for two quarters to December, but the expan- “The GDP slump will continue in Q2 2021. The third PARIS: African Union President Felix Tshisekedi (left), French President Emmanuel Macron (center) and International sion was stopped in its tracks by a winter increase in state of emergency introduced in April calls for shorter Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva (right) give a statement on the sidelines of the Summit coronavirus cases. working hours and longer leave periods than previous on the Financing of African Economies at the Grand Palais Ephemere. — AFP The government imposed new virus states of emer- ones, and may even be extended further,” wrote gency in January in response, urging people to stay at Oshikubo. Whatever happens with this summer’s pan- home and calling for restaurants to close earlier. The demic-postponed Tokyo Olympics is unlikely to affect even the expansion of terrorism. International financial contraction was largely in line with economists’ expec- the economy in a big way, he said. leaders attending include IMF chief Kristalina Macron hosts tations. “Personal consumption has been particularly “Even if the Games are cancelled, this won’t come Georgieva and World Bank managing director of oper- hard-hit by the COVID-19 emergency measures,” as a surprise and the impact on the economy and the ations Axel van Trotsenburg. Naoya Oshikubo, senior economist at SuMi TRUST, summit on The summit, which got under way at 1100 GMT, is market should be limited.” Further complicating the to wind up with a 1600 GMT press conference with said in an analysis issued ahead of the official data. growth picture is Japan’s comparatively slow vaccine Africa finance Macron and Democratic Republic of Congo President The figures released by the cabinet office shortly rollout. “With the medical situation still worsening and Felix Tshisekedi, whose country holds the rotating before markets opened showed private consumption the vaccine rollout too slow, it will take until the end of African Union presidency, as well as Senegal President fell 1.4 percent, following two quarters of expansion, the year for output to return to pre-virus levels,” PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron yester- Macky Sall and Georgieva. reflecting slower spending in the services sector. Thieliant said. Japan’s economy registered its first day hosted African leaders and global financial institu- Capital expenditure, including manufacturing, was annual contraction since 2009 last year, reeling from tions for a summit seeking to provide Africa with criti- ‘New, cheaper, longer’ down 1.4 percent, but economists said that was only the effects of the pandemic despite experiencing a cal financing after the COVID-19 pandemic depleted Serge Ekue, the president of the West African relative to a sharp increase in the previous quarter and smaller outbreak than many countries. the continent’s coffers. Africa has so far been less bad- Development Bank (BOAD), told AFP that Africa need- the overall recovery trend was on track. Revised figures released yesterday showed the ly hit by the pandemic than other global regions-with a ed much longer loan maturities going beyond seven The drop in private consumption was not as bad as annual contraction was marginally better than initially total of 130,000 dead across the continent, compared years and interest rates of 3.0 percent rather than 6.0 some had feared, said Marcel Thieliant, senior Japan estimated, at -4.7 percent, from the earlier -4.8 per- with 3.4 million worldwide. percent. “In West Africa, the average age is 20. You economist at Capital Economics. The two “big disap- cent figure. Japan has registered around 11,500 coron- But the economic cost is only too apparent, with walk in (Ivory Coast’s economic capital) Abidjan and pointments”, he wrote in a note, came from drops in avirus deaths and has avoided the strict lockdowns the International Monetary Fund warning in late 2020 there is incredible energy,” he said, noting that Africa non-residential investment and public demand. seen in some places. — AFP that Africa faces a shortfall in the funds needed for had seen growth rates of five to six percent in the last future development-a financial gap of $290 billion up years. “The issue is therefore not so much a moratori- to 2023. While richer countries are running major eco- um as obtaining low rates. Because it is better to issue nomic recovery programs, Africa “does not have the new, cheaper and longer debt than to obtain a suspen- financial means today to relaunch its economy,” sion,” he said. Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire told RFI radio. Togo President Faure Gnassingbe announced that He warned against the risk of a “great economic his country had secured an additional $240 million divergence between Africa, which would go back- package from the IMF. The summit comes a day after a wards, while the United States, Europe and Asia conference on Monday attended by several heads of recover strongly”. A moratorium on the service of state that aimed to rally support for the Sudan govern- public debt agreed in April last year by the G20 and ment under Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok in the the Paris Club, a group of creditor countries that tries transition after the 2019 ouster of longtime strongman to find sustainable solutions for debtor nations, was Omar al-Bashir. Macron notably announced that welcomed but will not be enough. France would cancel almost $5 billion in debt owed by Many want a moratorium on the service of all Khartoum in order to help a transition he described as external debt until the end of the pandemic. “We are an “inspiration”. Both meetings, held in a temporary collectively in the process of abandoning Africa by exhibition center under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower TOKYO: Pedestrians cross a street in Tokyo yesterday as Japan’s economy contracted 1.3 percent in the three using solutions that date from the 1960s,” Macron said in Paris, are a chance for Macron to show himself as a months to March after the government reimposed coronavirus restrictions in major cities as infections surged, data last month, warning that failure would lead to reduced statesman on Africa whose influence goes beyond the showed. — AFP economic opportunity, sudden migration flows and continent’s francophone regions.—AFP

Index (CBECI), his latest missive in a salvo that’s Citing its energy consumption particularly by miners protocol. “Proof of work” was one of the founding Why does caused bitcoin’s price to drop. Obtaining bitcoin is an who use coal, Musk on Wednesday said Tesla would principles of the best-known cryptocurrency, created energy intensive endeavor, and the chart showed the no longer accept bitcoin as a means of payment for its in 2008 by an anonymous person or group that want- evolution of its power usage, rising constantly from electric cars. The announcement sent the cyrptocur- ed a decentralized digital currency. bitcoin consume 2016 and accelerating sharply in 2020 on an annual- rency’s value down 15 percent to a two-and-a-half The system is designed so that around every 10 ized basis to hit its current level of 149 terawatt-hours month low, a reversal from late March, when Tesla minutes, the network awards some bitcoin to those ‘insane’ energy? (TWh), an all-time high. announced it would accept the digital currency as who have successfully cracked the puzzle. But as the That’s compared to Google’s entire energy usage of payment after announcing a $1.5 billion investment in price of bitcoin has risen, interest in obtaining it has 12.2 TWh, and the approximately 200 TWh used by all bitcoin. followed, along with electricity consumption. NEW YORK: Cryptocurrency fans have counted data centers in the world except those that mine bit- Last month, scientific journal Nature published a Tesla boss Elon Musk as among their champions, coin, according to George Kamiya, an analyst at the Big reward study saying that emissions from mining in China, but this week he rocked their world by questioning International Energy Agency (IEA). “If Bitcoin was a The promise of a juicy reward has fueled the rise in which powers nearly 80 percent of the global cryp- the future of the digital assets and singling out car- country, it would use around the same amount of elec- giant data centers dedicated to bitcoin, which reached tocurrency trade, could compromise the country’s cli- bon emissions from bitcoin mining for particular tricity a year to mine as Switzerland does in total,” a $1 trillion market capitalization earlier this year, mate goals. That country relies on a particularly pol- criticism. Deutsche Bank analysts said in a note. before falling back. The cryptocurrency is earned by luting type of coal, lignite, to power some of its mining. “Energy usage trend over past few months is Indeed, the CBECI predicts the situation could participants in the network called “miners,” who solve Bloomberg predicts that it will take until 2060 insane,” Musk tweeted on Thursday, sharing a chart worsen: if miners used the most energy intensive deliberately complicated equations using brute force before China can meet its cryptocurrency industry’s from the Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption equipment, their consumption could rise to 500 TWh. processing power under the so-called “proof of work” needs through renewable energy.—ÅFP Established 1961 9 Business Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Global Finance awards KFH ‘World’s Best Islamic Financial Institution 2021’

KUWAIT: Global Finance Magazine has World’s Best Islamic Financial state-of-the-art technological financial awarded Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Institution Award confirms the success of services “FinTech” and applying AI and World’s Best Islamic Financial Institution KFH’s efforts in providing the highest stan- robotic technology in banking transac- 2021 Award in its 14th annual awards for dards of Islamic financial services, while tions. KFH succeeded in offering several the World’s Best Islamic Financial contributing to the development of the digital services on the mobile app Institutions for this year. banking industry. This is in line with the KFHonline and on various alternative In addition to this award, KFH has also methodological and sharia support that channels including KFH Go smart received 4 prestigious awards which are: KFH is keen to provide to spread the branches in several areas of Kuwait. This World’s Best Islamic Project Finance Islamic finance industry. helps enhance the customer’s digital Provider, World’s Best Islamic Financial The awards KFH received were well- experience and lead digital development Institution 2021 in Turkey for KFH-Turkey, deserved in view of the bank’s contribution in the banking industry. World’s Best Islamic Financial Institution in to the growth of the Islamic finance indus- World’s Best Islamic Project Finance Europe for KT Bank AG-Germany, and try in the markets it operated in, its suc- Provider award confirms the wide experi- ence of KFH in Islamic finance industry, Sukuk issuance for many banks, corpo- rates and governments and arranging major financing deals for mega infrastruc- • KFH won World’s Best Islamic Project Finance ture development projects including vital sectors as well as contributing to driving Provider economic growth and developing many financial products and alternative funding options, which are currently used in inter- • KFH-Turkey won Best Islamic Financial national markets. The awards indicate the capability and Institution in Turkey efficiency of the Group subsidiaries, while reflecting their consistent performance based on specific rules, clear systems and • KFH-Germany won Best Islamic Financial sound foundations. This reflects the suc- cessful efforts in coordination and cooper- Institution in Europe ation among the Group subsidiaries. KFH succeeded in strengthening its roles and expanding its activities locally • KFH-Takaful won World’s Best Islamic Takaful and globally, represented by Kuwaiti mar- ket and Group’s markets. Being the first Islamic bank in Kuwait, KFH achieved many successes in several areas, includ- ing building solid economic basics World’s Best Islamic Takaful for KFH cess in meeting the customers’ needs of depending on developing human Takaful. All selections were made by the Sharia-compliant products and establish- resources, and offering products and serv- highly professional team of Global Finance, ing sustainable future growth with high ices that meet the market’s requirements. after extensive consultations with bankers, efficiency for the Islamic finance industry It is worth noting that Global Finance mag- corporate finance executives and analysts and keeping up with the latest financial azine is headquartered in New York and throughout the world. The stringent criteria and banking technology. founded in 1987. It has readers in more of giving the awards included new business The excellence of KFH Group is reflect- than 190 countries and 34 years of experi- development and product innovation, meet- ed in its keeping pace with the develop- ence in international financial markets. ing all customer’s requirements, geograph- ment of digital banking services, adoption The magazine is an international refer- ic reach and strategic relationships. Also, of technology, commitment to the highest ence in the financial sector, covering top- among the criteria considered were reputa- levels of professionalism. ics of corporate finance, joint ventures, tion, the adherence to ethical standards KFH is moving forward in its digital capital markets, currencies, banks and risk and customer satisfaction. transformation strategy, adopting the management. KFH headquarters 10 Established 1961 Business Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Toyota Corolla Sport with hydrogen engine Toyota accelerating development of hydrogen engine technologies through Motorsports

KUWAIT: Underlining its commitment to achieving a carbon-neutral mobility society, Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has announced that it is devel- oping a new hydrogen engine. The engine has been Adapted Corolla Sport to installed on a racing vehicle based on Toyota’s Corolla participate in Super Taikyu Sport, which will participate in competitive motor- sports under the ORC ROOKIE Racing banner. Series 2021 using new The vehicle is powered by a 1.6 liter in-line 3-cylin- der turbo engine that uses compressed hydrogen as its zero-emission engine that fuel source. Its first race event will be the Round 3 combines outstanding NAPAC Fuji Super TEC 24 Hours Race, which takes place on May 21-23 as part of the Super Taikyu Series environmental performance 2021 Powered by Hankook. By honing its hydrogen engine in the challenging environment of motorsports, with a fun and responsive Toyota aims to contribute to the realization of a sus- driving experience tainable and prosperous mobility society. “We are excited to put our new hydrogen engine technologies to the test during this year’s Super Taikyu

Series,” commented Kei Fujita, Chief Representative, environmental performance, hydrogen engines also Middle East and Central Asia Representative Office, have the potential to relay the fun of driving, including Toyota Motor Corporation. “Our participation under- through sounds and vibrations. lines Toyota’s commitment to achieving carbon-neutral Toyota has long engaged in the innovation of mobility by exploring diverse technology options. I am engine technology and is applying the technologies especially excited as I believe there is a huge opportu- that it has continued to refine through its participation nity for the uptake of hydrogen in the Middle East. The in motorsports in production vehicles, with the GR region has a strong potential to produce clean hydro- Yaris launched last September being one example. In gen from both renewable energy and fossil fuel addition, Toyota intends to apply the safety technolo- through the technology of Carbon Capture, Utilization, gies and know-how that it has accumulated through and Storage (CCUS).” the development of fuel cell vehicles and the commer- Fuel Cell Electrified Vehicles (FCEVs) such as cialization of the Mirai. Toyota’s Mirai use a fuel cell in which hydrogen chemi- The hydrogen-powered race vehicle will be fueled cally reacts with oxygen in the air to produce electric- using hydrogen produced at the Fukushima Hydrogen ity that powers the motor. Meanwhile, hydrogen Energy Research Field in Namie Town, Fukushima engines generate power through the combustion of Prefecture. Toyota has been strengthening its efforts hydrogen using fuel supply and injection systems that toward achieving carbon neutrality by promoting the have been modified from those used with gasoline use of hydrogen through the popularization of FCEVs engines, emitting zero CO2 in the process. and numerous other fuel-cell-powered products. By Combustion in hydrogen engines occurs at a faster further refining its hydrogen-engine technologies rate than in gasoline engines, resulting in a characteris- through motorsports, Toyota is targeting the realiza- tic of good responsiveness. While having excellent tion of an even better hydrogen-based society.

NBKE Economic Report

as industry (+3.4 percent y/y) and oil/gas (+3.2 percent). Kuwait: Robust On the other hand, credit to the trade sector continued to be among the weakest since mid-2020, falling by 7.6 per- cent y/y through March. Credit to real estate, the sector’s household but heavyweight, increased by 2 percent to account for around 43 percent of total business credit by the end of weak business 1Q2021. Household credit remained robust in 1Q2021, with y/y credit in 1Q2021 growth at 8.1 percent through March, the highest annual expansion in 4.5 years. This accelerating expansion was driven by housing loans, which increased by 8.7 percent. KUWAIT: Domestic credit started the year on a rela- In contrast, personal consumption loans were broadly flat tively weak note as it increased by 1 percent q/q, with in 1Q2021 and y/y growth softened to 8.9 percent, likely y/y growth at 2.8 percent through March. For the third impacted by the shrinking expatriate population. consecutive quarter, household lending was the main Credit for securities purchase supported overall growth driver, while business credit remained muted. The growth in 1Q2021 as it expanded by the fastest quarterly pandemic-related uncertainty and disruptions continued rate in 1.5 years. On the other hand, deleveraging by non- to weigh on business lending so far this year. In addition, bank financial institutions continued in 1Q2021 with credit drag on growth. The approval of the “loan guarantee” business lending was supported last year by the emer- to that segment falling 16 percent y/y. law, while positive for SMEs, is not expected to have a gency tapping of credit lines, which expectedly is playing Looking ahead, we still expect credit growth of main impact on overall credit growth given its small size a less important role so far this year. On the other hand, around 4-5 percent in 2021. The six-month deferral of (capped at KD 500 million), which represents only 1.2 percent of total outstanding domestic credit by the end of March. Finally, in an effort to continue supporting the banks and the overall economic recovery, the Central • Domestic credit started the year on a relatively weak note as it increased by Bank of Kuwait (CBK) extended its relaxed capital ade- 1% q/q, with y/y growth at 2.8% through March. quacy and liquidity measures for an additional six months (until the end of June 2021). • Business credit continued to be muted, with y/y growth of just 0.6% by the end Weak deposit growth in 1Q2021 of March. Domestic deposit growth continued to be muted (+1 • Household credit remained robust growing by 8.1% y/y, the highest annual percent y/y), driven by both private-sector deposits as well as government ones. Private-sector deposits expansion in 4.5 years. dropped (-2 percent) for the second quarter in a row, pressuring the y/y growth to just 1.9 percent. • Domestic deposit growth was weak in 1Q2021, driven by both private-sector Government deposits were even weaker, falling by 8.2 deposits as well as government ones. percent (KD 655 million) q/q, which may be related to 90 percent by the end of 1Q2021 from 87 percent at the the liquidity constraints that the government has been end of 2020. Finally, the deferral of household credit • The six-month deferral of household credit installments of Kuwaiti borrowers, facing. instalments of Kuwaiti borrowers is expected to provide Looking at the breakdown of KD private sector some support for the growth of private-sector deposits all else equal, is expected to strengthen even further the net growth of house- deposits, however, shows a more favorable view for the going forward. hold credit. banks with sight and savings accounts actually soaring by around 20 percent y/y, while the more expensive Policy interest rates on hold time deposits dropped by 9.5 percent y/y. The steep The CBK’s discount rate has remained at 1.5 percent ongoing high demand/resilient valuations in the residen- household credit instalments of Kuwaiti borrowers, all fall in interest rates and the deferral of credit instal- since March 2020 and will probably stay at that level tial real estate sector and robust consumer spending are else equal, is expected to strengthen even further the net ments last year are two drivers for the changing com- for now given that the US Federal Reserve is unlikely to supporting household lending growth, which has touched growth of household credit, given that the deferral results position of private sector deposits. Money supply (M2) hike its policy rate anytime soon. Commercial interest multi-year highs. in loans staying longer on banks’ balance sheets. An broadly tracked private sector deposits, increasing by rates (weighted averages as calculated by the CBK) on Business credit growth stood at just 0.6 percent y/y improvement in the operating environment, including 1.9 percent y/y. KD-denominated loans and deposits continue to very by the end of March 2021, impacted by very high growth positive developments on the virus front, will likely sup- The weakness in domestic deposits so far this year gradually trend lower after the relatively sharp in March of last year that was likely driven by emergency port business credit growth, although lower projected was partially compensated by higher non-resident decrease witnessed last year, partly reflecting, on the tapping of credit lines given the onset of the pandemic. emergency working-capital funding (a phenomenon wit- deposits, which have increased by 7.2 percent q/q, while lending side, the ongoing downward repricing of Nevertheless, growth was resilient in some sectors, such nessed strongly in 2020 given the pandemic) might be a the sector’s simple loans-to-deposits ratio inched up to household loan portfolios. Established 1961 11

Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Business

KAMCO Invest Oil Market Monthly Report Demand growth expectations continue to buoy oil market Surge in COVID cases in India partially dents demand growth story KUWAIT: Oil prices remained elevated during May- Oil prices there were revisions within quarters with Q1-2021 output from non-OPEC producers that was partially 2021 gradually marching towards the $70/b mark after The trend in oil prices remained mixed during the estimated to have shown smaller-than-expected offset by higher production coming from OPEC. Non- touching a 9-week high level led by expectations of first half of May-2021 but generally positive after sev- growth in oil demand, especially in the OECD OPEC producers lowered production by 0.18 mb/d higher demand in the near-term backed by economic eral reports pointed to improving oil demand. Brent Americas region. The demand trend for Q2-2021 is and produced at an average rate of 67.97 mb/d. The recovery in key regions as vaccinations picked up. crude futures peaked at above the $69/b mark, a two expected to be affected by the resurgence of COVID- decline was mainly due to a fall in production in Other factors that supported prices included the gaso- month high, after the rate of vaccinations picked up 19 cases in India and Brazil that would affect the Canada and Norway by around 0.5 mb/d due to line shortage in the US, fall in US crude exports, prom- globally coupled with positive demand outlook and demand forecast for 1H-2021. These declines are planned maintenance. On the other hand, OPEC pro- ising oil demand data from China and a general com- controlled supply. Prices were also supported by the expected to be offset by a stronger-than-expected ducers increased output marginally by 26 tb/d to modity price boom. In addition, supplies remained cur- hacking incident at the largest US fuel pipeline com- demand revival during 2H-2021. According to the 25.08 mb/d, according to OPEC secondary sources. tailed as OPEC+ producers continue to stick to their pany that led to shortages of gasoline across the fuel OPEC monthly report, higher demand during 2H-2021 The increase was mainly led by an higher production voluntary production cuts. pumps along the US East Coast. The Colonial Pipeline, is expected to come from an increase in transporta- by Nigeria, Iran and Saudi Arabia partially offset by Nevertheless, the surge in COVID-19 cases in India which carries 2.5 mb/d of gas, jet fuel and diesel, was tion fuel requirements in the US coupled with faster lower output mainly from Venezuela, Libya and Angola. and the reimposition of stricter restrictions in hacked shutting supplies for six days. The hack result- vaccine administration in multiple regions that would The marginal increase in output by OPEC producers Singapore and Taiwan partially dented the oil demand ed in excess refined products at the refiners end that result in higher oil requirements. The return to nor- resulted in a 0.1 percent increase in OPEC’s market growth story. Global COVID-19 vaccine administra- were stored in oil tankers. As refiners were mulling malcy is expected to especially reflect in oil demand share during the month to 27.0 percent. tions have picked up pace over the last few weeks curtailing run rates to deal with excess fuel after the data for the Middle East and Other Asia regions dur- Non-OPEC oil supply estimates for 2020 remained averaging above the 20 million per day mark. The US hacking, there were also speculation that Brazil and ing 2H-2021. unchanged showing a contraction of 2.5 mb/d with an and China remain led the way, with China reportedly average supply of 62.9 mb/d. For 2021, non-OPEC administering close to 14 million doses a day recently supply forecast was revised down by 0.23 mb/d and while the US and Europe administered close to 2.7 supply is now expected to grow by 0.7 mb/d to aver- million doses and 5 million doses, respectively. age at 63.6 mb/d. The revision mainly reflected low- In terms of oil demand, the US witnessed higher ered forecast for supply from Norway (-79 tb/d) and domestic demand for crude oil that led to a decline in Canada (-24 tb/d) due to extensive seasonal mainte- exports to around 1.8 mb/d, the lowest since October- nance, in addition to lowered forecast for the US (-229 2018, according to data from EIA. Furthermore, the tb/d) led by supply disruptions caused by the winter economic growth story remains upbeat in China with storm and the cold snap in February-2021 that resulted the country recording 9.8 percent y-o-y growth in in 2.2 mb/d in production outages. industrial output in April-2021 and a 17.7 percent y-o- y growth in retail sales. This comes after record eco- OPEC oil production & spare capacity nomic expansion during Q1-2021. This was also OPEC crude oil production remained flattish during reflected in the crude oil market in China with record April-2021 after witnessing growth during March- amount of crude oil processed during the first four 2021. Monthly production averaged at 25.27 mb/d, months of the year as new refineries went online cou- Mexico would be able to access cheaper gasoline due Oil demand from two of the world’s biggest con- registering a m-o-m decline of 50 tb/d, according to pled with a rebound in fuel demand. Monthly data for to the excess supplies. Nevertheless, the rising Covid- sumers, India and China, took differing paths recently Bloomberg. OPEC’s secondary sources showed a mar- April-2021 showed China’s oil demand increasing by 19 case count in India continued partly dented expec- based on how severely the COVID-19 pandemic ginal increase in production by 26 tb/d to an average 9.7 percent y-o-y to 12.96 mb/d, whereas YTD-2021 tations of a strong global oil demand recovery in 2021. affected the two nations. Official data from India of 25.08 mb/d. The overall compliance to OPEC+ cuts demand was up 16.26 percent, according to Data on crude oil inventory in the US also support- showed that fuel demand declined by 9.4 percent m- have made sure that OPEC production remained in a Bloomberg. ed the recent increase in oil prices. US crude oil inven- o-m during April-2021 to 17.01 million tons from tight range over the last six months to average at Recently released oil demand estimates from OPEC tory declined by 0.4 mb/d in EIA’s latest inventory 18.77 million tons in March-2021 led by COVID-19 around the current rate of production. This comes and IEA showed promising trends by the end of the data, a second consecutive week of decline. Total lockdowns in several states, in addition to record high despite volatile production from some of the swing year, but the IEA slashed demand forecast for 2021 by inventory has declined by 17.1 million barrels since the fuel prices in the country. Sale of gasoline declined producers in OPEC. During April-2021, Iran reportedly 0.27 mb/d to a smaller growth of 5.4 mb/d. The revi- start of April-2021. On the other hand, rig count in the by 13 percent during the month to 2.38 million tons raised production to a 2-year high level of 2.4 mb/d, sion reflected lower-than-expected demand growth in US has remained largely unchanged over the last three while that of diesel declined by 7.5 percent to 6.67 while Nigeria raised production to around 1.6 mb/d. the Americas and Europe during Q1-2021 as well as weeks at 344 oil rigs. million tons. The trend during the first half of May- These increases were offset by a fall in production in lowered estimates for requirements from India during The average price for OPEC crude basket declined 2021 showed demand for road transport fuel down by Libya and Venezuela (as per OPEC secondary Q2-2021 as the country struggles from the pandemic. after touching a 14-month high in March-2021. The a fifth vs. April-2021. India’s oil demand forecast was sources). The group’s biggest producer, Saudi Arabia, The IEA said that demand is expected to outstrip sup- crude oil basket averaged at $63.2/b during April- slashed by 28 percent recently by S&P Global Platts produced at 8.1 mb/d during the month recording a plies for the remainder of the year even after consider- 2021, registering a monthly decline of 2.0 percent. which now expects demand growth to come in at marginal change as compared to last month. ing a return of Iran with higher output. Higher crude Kuwait crude grade witnessed a slightly smaller 0.35 mb/d in 2021 from its earlier forecast of 0.485 Iran raised production during the month to become oil demand also resulted in a fall in OECD commercial decline of 1.7 percent and averaged at $63.8/b where- mb/d. That said, the agency expects 2H-2021 demand the fourth biggest producer in OPEC overtaking crude oil inventory which stood at 1.7 mb/d above its as Brent spot crude averaged at $64.5/b. The consen- to see a growth 0.65 mb/d vs. 1H-2021 demand driv- Kuwait. The increase came as the country prepared for 5-year average during March-2021. sus estimates for Brent underwent a wave of positive en by a broad-based pickup in economic activity led a lifting of sanctions as talks on the nuclear deal with On the supply side, estimates suggest that US revisions and now shows the crude grade consistently by vaccine rollouts. On the other hand, demand from the US continue in the positive direction. According to crude output is expected to decline despite the ele- above the $65/b mark over the next six quarters. China remained elevated, although the refinery main- reports, Iran can reach pre-sanction production levels vated prices. According to the EIA, oil production in tenance season led to a decline in oil imports during of around 4 mb/d in three months, however, Iran’s the US is expected to average at 11.02 mb/d in 2021 World oil demand April-2021. OPEC envoy said that buyer reluctance and removal of vs. 11.04 mb/d in its previous forecast. OPEC believes World oil demand estimates for 2020 remained hurdles would mean a more gradual return of produc- that the decline in capex would be the key reason for unchanged with a decline of 9.5 mb/d to average at World oil supply tion. Nevertheless, in a recent report, IEA said that lower output, in addition to hedging at lower prices 90.5 mb/d. The forecast for 2021 also remained World liquids production showed a marginal with the increasing pace of vaccinations globally, the that offers little incentive for producers to raise out- unchanged with the year expected to show a demand monthly decline of 0.15 mb/d during April-2021 to resultant demand would be large enough to absorb the put, as per IEA. growth of 6.0 mb/d to average at 96.5 mb/d. However, average at 93.06 mb/d. The decline reflected a fall in increase in supply from Iran.

load of one ton, the front-wheel drive vehicle was also April 2011. has too: the purely electric eVito has been on the mar- The Mercedes-Benz suited to carrying heavy goods. The four-cylinder The second-generation Vito surpassed its out- ket since 2018. Since 2014 more than 600,000 of the engines required minimum installation space while standing predecessor and in its most successful sales current Vito variants have been sold. boasting low fuel consumption and an attractive driv- year was sold almost 80,000 times. In total Mercedes- Vito: A reliable ing performance. Industry experts and trade profes- Benz sold almost 750,000 of the second-generation 2020 technical updates and facelift sionals applauded the new vehicle immediately and mid-size van. Following a new look and technical update in 2020, voted it “Van of the Year 1996”. Thanks to the facelift the Vito is more attractive than ever thanks to new partner for 25 years in 1999 demand for the Vito continued to remain high. Third generation four-cylinder diesel engines and a well-balanced By 2003 Mercedes-Benz had sold almost 473,000 In May 2014, the third generation of the Vito cele- price-performance ratio. Innovations in the current DUBAI: More than a quarter of a century ago, the first-generation vehicles. brated its premiere. Thanks to a new design, this new generation of Vito vans include the upgraded infotain- production of the mid-size Vito van started at the addition was extended by up to 13 centimeters in ment portfolio, the 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, Mercedes-Benz works in Vitoria in northern Spain. The second generation: With rear-wheel drive, length to a maximum 5.37 meters although the wheel- AIRMATIC air suspension for increased driving com- The first van generation didn’t just mark the beginning greater comfort and greater variety of a new era for light commercial vehicles from the A new generation was launched in July 2003. brand with the three-pointed star, but also saw the Completely re-designed, all of the Vito variants now historically important factory in the Basque capital of relied on rear-wheel drive rather than front-wheel Vitoria-Gasteiz enjoy a renaissance: with this funda- drive. Furthermore an all-wheel drive variant added to mental modernization, annual production capacity rose the model diversity, opening the way for the robust to 80,000 vehicles then. Thanks to the extension of van to operate off the beaten track. There was also a the factory, a new logistics center and a high level of range of more powerful engines to choose from: while automated manufacturing processes, one of the most the top-of-the-range diesel engine boasted an output modern European Mercedes-Benz sites was created. of 224 hp, the top performing V6 petrol engine now provided 258 hp. The first generation: With four-cylinder diesel and Depending on the model variant, the vehicle length petrol engines mounted transversely was extended by up to 58 centimeters to a maximum In 1996 Mercedes-Benz introduced the compact 5.24 meters. For the first time ever the new Vito was Vito, a van in the 2.6 to 2.8 ton class which was of a available in three different body lengths, two roof completely new design and which heralded the start of heights, with five different engines and was better a new age for light-weight commercial vehicles. Its equipped than ever to fulfil the diverse range of base remained unchanged and thus offered more fort and further safety systems. An update for design very name underscores this new era: instead of using a demands from a multitude of sectors. This huge leap in space for both cargo and passengers. Furthermore details both on the exterior and interior completes the combination of letters and numbers the new arrival evolution paid off: in 2005 the European jury voted customers now had a greater choice with regard to the facelift. Just as it celebrates the 25th anniversary of its was given the name Vito - a direct reference to its the Vito “Van of the Year.” drive system: in addition to the rear-wheel and all- market launch, the versatile van is now available with “birthplace”, the van production plant steeped in tra- The second generation of Vito vans also set a stan- wheel drive, front-wheel drive was once again avail- Rear Cross Traffic Alert in combination with Blind Spot dition in the Basque capital, Vitoria-Gasteiz. dard with regard to electrification: at a very early able in conjunction with the entry diesel engine in two Assist without additional charges. In line with the 2020 Introduced in Spain and Portugal at the end of stage Mercedes-Benz intensified the development of output stages. In 2016, the engine portfolio was facelift, Mercedes-Benz Vans introduced further safety 1995, this new development combined an attractive alternative drives and in 2010 already began produc- extended with the introduction of the four-cylinder and driver assistance systems for the Vito; namely design with compact dimensions. With a vehicle height ing a small series of 100 Vito E-CELL vehicles. The turbo-charged petrol engine which boasts 211 hp. This DISTRONIC, Active Brake Assist and a digital inside of 1.89 meters the midsize van fit in every garage. battery-driven van was equipped with a 70-kW (95- variant has seen great success in the Middle Eastern rearview mirror. However the cargo area of 3.6 m2 provided a loading hp) electric motor and a lithium-ion battery with a region and become the most sought engine version. Reliable, robust and safe: it’s now a quarter of a capacity of almost 5 m3 so that the Vito could also capacity of 32 kWh. Following the testing phase, the Not only has the range of conventionally driven century since the Mercedes-Benz Vito first established transport bulky cargo without problem. With a pay- first purely electric vans left the factory for delivery in midsize vans grown; the offering for electric vehicles itself as a spacious and flexible van in many sectors. 12 Established 1961 Lifestyle Features Wednesday, May 19, 2021

he MedicAid medical services company, under the sponsorship of French Ambassador Anne- TClaire Legendre, launched the LANGÈ Paris brand at Faces store at The Avenues mall. LANGÈ Paris is a French beauty brand of skincare products that carefully selects its ingredients from among the most effective active substances found in nature, since the brand’s creation in 2006 until now. LANGÈ Paris is distributed in more than 15 coun- tries across the globe and has proven its worth in the care of women and developing treatments extracted from algae, plants and flowers to suit each user depending on their age, skin and climatic conditions. Today, the LANGÈ team continues to expand the product range in line with the brand’s values to trans- form natural materials into diverse products and cre- ate treatments for all women, because everyone is unique, and to celebrate women by making them feel beautiful every day.

he famous rock formation off the Galapagos biologist Charles Darwin-whose study of finches on TIslands known as Darwin’s Arch has collapsed the islands in the 19th century helped him describe the due to “natural erosion,” the Ecuadoran Ministry of theory of evolution-is considered a premier diving loca- Environment said Monday. “The collapse of Darwin’s tion. The Galapagos Islands, some 600 miles (1,000 Arch, the attractive natural bridge found less than a kilo- kilometers) off the coast of Ecuador, contain unique meter from the main area of Darwin Island, was report- flora and fauna not seen anywhere else on earth and ed,” the ministry said in a statement. The ministry said are part of a biosphere reserve. The archipelago, a its collapse was a “consequence of natural erosion” and World Heritage site, is made up of 234 islands, inlets images distributed by officials show that only the two and rocks. Four of them are home to some 30,000 stone supporting columns remain. people.— AFP The formation, which is found in the northern part of the archipelago and named after the famous English

ir Rod Stewart’s daughter Renee is previously opened up about being Rod’s through an amazing time in music. He has S mourning the loss of her dog daughter. Speaking of her younger years, worked so hard. And of course at some Jagger. The 28-year-old actress - she said: “It’s just not cool to talk about your point you open your mouth and wonder if a who is the daughter of the ‘I Don’t Want to parents. When I was at school in LA, if peo- soulful rasping voice will come out. My sis- Talk About It’ hitmaker and his second wife ple asked me what my dad did I’d say, ‘Oh ter Ruby was lucky. She has the voice and Rachel Hunter - has paid tribute to her res- he’s in entertainment.’ “No disrespect to is in a band [the Sisterhood], but I don’t cue pooch, who she has had for 13 years. him, but you want to make your own life. have it. “In terms of a music career, I actual- As reported in the Daily Mail newspaper’s You want to be your own person. Trading off ly think it might be harder to make it in Sebastian Shakespeare column, Renee it can really screw you up and it kind of music these days. I don’t think the next Winfrey recalls ‘out wrote in tribute: “This is one of the hardest makes people cringe.” And Renee praised Rolling Stones or Naomi Campbell would things I have had to go through. The grief her dad’s longstanding career in music but stand a chance of making it now because of body’ experience and loss I’m feeling is indescribable. But thinks it would be much harder now for simi- there are literally millions of people on social you are no longer in pain and you passed lar people to be successful because of media launching careers.” onstage with Turner peacefully in my arms.” Meanwhile, Renee social media. She added: “Oh, Dad lived prah Winfrey had an “out-of-body kept his shoes and nice items bagged. He than that but you can, because then I got O experience” when she shared the Paltrow’s daughter really looked after his things. “He was sort my grandchildren, which is better than any- stage with Tina Turner. The media of the opposite of that fast-fashion mentality. Sir Michael Caine thing. “The wonderful thing about grandchil- mogul admits she was “so out of her own He really instilled that in me. Buy things of dren is something someone once said, comfort zone” when she spent time with the doesn’t like really good quality, take care of them and which is they fill a hole in your heart which ‘Proud Mary’ singer and quipped that keep them forever. I have tons of clothes ‘cuts down’ you didn’t know was empty. And I think “maybe she was near death and didn’t from the ‘90s that I’ve saved. I’ve saved that’s absolutely true.” Despite his career know it” because she was so in awe of fashion advice basically all my red carpet dresses. My dad accomplishments, Michael is “proudest” of being with the singer. She said: “I’ve heard bought a sweatshirt from my high school; it on alcohol for his parenting. Speaking to Candis maga- many people describe being out of body as was his and now I wear it. It’s pretty cute.” zine about fatherhood, he shared: “One of some kind of near-death experience, so from her mom the things that I am proudest of in my life is maybe I was near death and didn’t know it grandchildren that I am a great father. “And I know I am a wyneth Paltrow’s daughter doesn’t great father because if you ask my daugh- ... “I remember thinking, ‘Oh, knees knock- G like her mom’s fashion advice. The ing, that’s actually a thing that happens, so ters, they’ll tell you so too. The best thing I Goop founder may be happily giv- ir Michael Caine has “cut down” on ever heard about being a father to daugh- let me keep my knees apart, so they don’t ing out advice on outfits and shopping to her shake together. I have never been so out-of- S drinking for the sake of his grand- ters was that a great father is a man who fans and followers through her lifestyle web- children. The 88-year-old actor - spends time with his daughters, not money body, so out of my own comfort zone, out of site, but her daughter Apple, 15, isn’t as my realm of what is normal for me.” Oprah who has daughters Natasha and on them. Well, I spend the money too, keen on the idea for herself and prefers to Dominique with wife Shakira - admitted 12- because I have some - to tell you the truth, I has described it as “one of the most memo- sort out her own fashion sense. She said: rable moments of her life”. Speaking with year-old Taylor and 11-year-old twins Miles tend to spoil them. But the time is the impor- “She does not want my advice whatsoever and Allegra have given him a “new lease of tant thing. I love spending time with them Clive Davis at his virtual Grammy bash, she on anything. She has all of her online stores admitted that she managed to calm down life” so he’s trying to lead a healthier lifestyle and they seem to like spending time with that she loves, and my son is the exact in order to be around longer for them. He me.”— Bang Showbiz for the last minute and 36 seconds, adding: opposite. My daughter likes my style now, “I saw the stadium for the first time. I could said: “I’ve cut down on the drink and got a which is great because there was a period new outlook on life. “I thought I wasn’t see her for the first time, and it’s still one of of time where she thought I was a total los- the most memorable moments of my life - going to have grandchildren and suddenly I er. My son, he never likes it if I wear any- have three. They’re my fountain of youth and most nervous.” Meanwhile, Tina has thing revealing, like vaguely see-through or been plagued with a number of health and they’ve given me a whole new lease of too low cut or too high cut. He wants me to life without any of the worries or the trou- issues in recent years, including kidney fail- dress very conservatively when I leave the ure, and it was her husband who stepped bles. I’m completely besotted and so is my house.” Gwyneth got a lot of shopping tips wife.” The ‘Alfie’ star has found being a up to donate a kidney to her in 2017. During from her father Bruce Paltrow. She told her health battle, the singer admitted she grandfather has surpassed anything else in People magazine: “My dad was more of a his life, including his previous “highs” of “began to think about death” and would shopper than my mom. He always said to “accept” if it was her time to go. She said: “It being knighted and winning two Academy buy things of great quality, and look after Awards. He added: “I’ve had some high wasn’t my idea of life but the toxins in my that. Whenever he would wear a cashmere body had started taking over. I couldn’t eat. I points in my life - I’ve won two Academy cable knit sweater, he would put it back in a Awards and I’ve been given a knighthood was surviving, but not living. “I began to plastic bag with a little cedar chip in it. He think about death. and I used to think you couldn’t get better Established 1961 13 Lifestyle Features Wednesday, May 19, 2021

This handout photo taken on Monday and received from Yokosuka City yesterday shows 60 million yen (550,850 USD) in merican pop star Ariana Grande mar- Grande told People magazine, which con- caption “forever n then some.” cash donated by an elderly man ried her luxury real estate agent firmed a report from TMZ. “The couple and The couple was seen for the first time A anonymously to Yokosuka City, fiance Dalton Gomez at her home in both families couldn’t be happier,” the repre- together in public in a music video for “Stuck Kanagawa prefecture. — AFP Los Angeles on Sunday, US media reported sentative said. Grande announced her with U,” a charity song she recorded with Monday. “It was tiny and intimate - less than engagement to Gomez in a December Justin Bieber during the coronavirus lock- 20 people. The room was so happy and full Instagram post that included photos of the down in California and released earlier this of love,” a representative for 27-year-old pair and her diamond and pearl ring with the month. The lyrics of the song refer to the million yen ($550,850) in cash inside and a couple spending the lockdown together. letter saying ‘This is the money I’ve been The song tells a story familiar to many Special delivery: saving since the first grade. Please make young couples in the pandemic era-forced use of it. It’s a donation,’” said the official. to settle down together quickly or be kept The man appeared to be in his 70s or apart thanks to virus mitigation restrictions. Man donates 80s and declined to give his name, saying The experience seemed to have a happy he wanted to stay anonymous. “We’ve nev- ending for the “thank u next” artist. er received such a big donation from an Grammy-award winning Grande was $550,000 in cash anonymous person,” the official added. also engaged to comedic actor Pete Mayor Katsuaki Kamiji said in a statement Davidson in 2018. And Ariana Grande he was “surprised and moved” by the dona- made headlines outside of the US in 2017 tion, particularly during the hardship of the when a stadium concert of hers was the tar- to Japan city pandemic. “I’m speechless and full of grati- get of a suicide bombing terrorist attack in tude,” he said. Japan is no stranger to anonymous donors. Last year, a man Manchester, England, leaving 22 people n elderly Japanese man has anony- appeared at the Nara city hall with a bag dead and hundreds injured. — AFP mously donated his life’s savings-in A filled with 30 million yen in cash. He left a cash-to a city outside of Tokyo, an note inside saying he wanted the money to unexpected financial windfall as the econo- be used to help the poor and fund educa- my reels from the fallout of the coronavirus tion, according to local media. And else- pandemic. The man, who did not identify where last year, a hospital in Kobe received In this file photo US singer-song- himself, appeared at city hall in Yokosuka five million yen in cash sent by mail by an writer Ariana Grande performs dur- on Monday and asked that a backpack with anonymous donor. — AFP ing the 62nd Annual Grammy a letter inside be given to the mayor, the offi- Awards in Los Angeles. — AFP cial who met him told AFP. “We found 60

the post-pandemic era is due to take place kitchen work surface to stretch. The Moulin ond wave of the pandemic in late October on September 10 under the iconic windmill Rouge has been shut since March 12, 2020 only to be extended through the spring as a Yes we cancan: in Montmartre. Twelve dancers, in matching — the longest closure since the theatre was third wave hit the country. masks and feathers, braved the morning destroyed by fire in 1915. “Today, the plan- The Moulin Rouge at the foot of chill outside the Moulin Rouge on Monday ets are aligning. We are pleased to be work- Montmartre opened at the height of Belle Moulin Rouge to reveal the opening date stitched into their ing on this restart,” said Jean-Victor Clerico, Epoque Paris in 1889, quickly associated dresses, much to the surprise of passing director general of the Moulin Rouge. with the wild cancan dance and immortal- motorists on the Boulevard de Clichy. “I’m “If everything goes well, there won’t be ized in the paintings of Henri de Toulouse- to return in extremely happy,” said 32-year-old dancer any distancing even inside. There are still Lautrec. It has lived many lives, rebuilt after Mathilde Tutiaux. some unknown factors. If one-meter (three the fire, surviving through World War II, its “It feels so good to finally have a date. feet) distancing is still needed, we will have boards graced by legends from Edith Piaf to he curtain went up again in Britain’s September We are desperate to see our audiences to reduce capacity to 50 percent.” The other Charles Aznavour, and then getting another Ttheatres this week, after a year of clo- again. The first cancan of the restart will be renowned centers of Parisian “nude chic” global boost with the release of the 2001 sure due to the coronavirus pandemic, something else. It’s a very technical number will reopen around the same time: Crazy eponymous film starring Nicole Kidman and bringing hopes of recovery for the belea- he Moulin Rouge in Paris will be high- and after a break of more than a year, we Horse on September 9 and Le Lido on Ewan McGregor. Today, it remains a guered culture sector. College lecturer kicking its way back on stage in will have to rehearse very hard this sum- September 16. With infection rates falling favorite with tourists, who account for half its Denise O’Brien, 49, seized the opportunity T to visit London’s Bridge Theatre on Monday, September, it announced with a flour- mer.” Like the other 60 members of the and vaccine rates rising, France is set to business in normal times. — AFP ish on Monday, after the longest shut down cast, Tutiaux was forced to train alone at reopen many cultural sites today after a six- as restrictions on indoor mixing were finally in more than a century. The first cancan of home during the shutdown, using her month shutdown that began during the sec- eased. “It’s a really controlled environment. I’ve always loved the theatre-the industry is going to die if we don’t go,” she told AFP. Heather Alderson, a 56-year-old adver- tising employee, braved a downpour and booked an hour off work to visit a theatre for the first time in more than 12 months. “You can get narrative from anywhere, but noth- ing beats theatre in its immersiveness and the fact that it’s live,” she said. Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap”-the world’s longest-running play-returned to St Martin’s Theatre in London’s West End entertain- ment district on Monday. A special concert production of “Les Miserables” takes centre stage at the Sondheim Theatre from Thursday, while “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” returns to Shakespeare’s Globe from Wednesday. ‘A mixed picture’ Thousands of jobs were threatened as theatres were shut and Britain lurched from one period of restrictions to another throughout 2020. But despite the reopening, Dancers from the Moulin Rouge cabaret, wearing French cancan outfits, pose for photographers in Dancers from the Moulin Rouge cabaret, wearing French cancan outfits, pose for photographers. many larger venues will not welcome back Paris, to announce the cabaret’s reopening next September 10. — AFP photos theatregoers immediately as social distanc- ing requirements mean some shows are museum in Amsterdam say they want to the history department. One story is that of the Dutch East India Company and Dutch not profitable. Julian Bird, chief executive of start a “better conversation” in a country still Wally, a slave on the Palmeneribo planta- West India company remains widely known, the Society of London Theatre and UK reckoning with its role in colonialism, and tion in Suriname, who took part in a slave Dutch links to slavery have themselves also Theatre, welcomed the changes, even Dutch slavery with questions raised by the Black Lives revolt in 1707 and escaped but was then remained hidden away. “The history of though only one-third of West End theatres Matter movement last year. recaptured and burned to death. slavery is something that people in school plan to reopen straightaway. “This is national history, not just for a Paintings of slaves on the plantation sit have not been taught a lot about, and at the “We are desperate to have everything small group but for every one of us,” Valika open, but it’s fantastic that we can open in exhibition Smeulders, head of the Rijksmuseum histo- parts,” he told AFP. “It gets audiences back ry department, told AFP during a preview. into theatres and, crucially, provides “The colonial past is an important element in employment for people in our sector.” Bird our national history. So it was timely, as it previously warned that 70 percent of the- confronts was not done before, to present an exhibi- atres would go bust by the end of 2020 tion on slavery.” In a sign of the changing without state support, while a study for the times, Dutch King Willem-Alexander will for- Creative Industries Federation predicted mally opened the exhibition yesterday. It will 200,000 job losses without government brutal past open to the public as soon as coronavirus intervention. Now he remains optimistic measures are lifted for museums, but be about British theatre’s future and the inter- viewable immediately online and for school national primacy of the West End, which set of leg irons that once chained parties. drew over 15 million visitors and generated Aslaves by the ankles for punishment. revenues of almost £800 million ($1.1 bil- A pair of Rembrandt portraits of a rich Burned to death lion, 928 million euros) in 2019. Dutch couple dressed in slavery-funded fin- Called simply “Slavery”, the exhibit Items displayed at the exhibition “Slavery” at “It’s a mixed picture but not nearly as bad ery. Dozens of objects like these went on traces the 10 individual stories using both the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. as it looked like being,” he said. “We’ve show yesterday at the Dutch national objects from the Rijksmuseum’s collection- learned a lot about COVID and I’m proud Rijksmuseum as it opens a landmark exhi- some never seen before-and from other alongside a manuscript detailing Wally’s we have this safety mark for theatres. “The bition on slavery highlighting the museums. But it also uses songs and oral interrogation by slave owners. Like the other pipeline of production is coming through Netherlands’ dark colonial past. Focusing sources, which visitors listen to on an audio stories in the exhibition, his tale is told in the and new shows are opening. That creativity on the stories of 10 people ranging from tour, to fill the gaps where no records exist. audiotour by someone with a connection-in and flair hasn’t gone at all.” enslaved people to slave owners, the show “They tell about people who had to leave his case Dutch former world champion kick- Although government support has kept covers 250 years of Dutch involvement in their children behind, or they feel they’re boxer Remy Bonjasky, whose ancestors are organizations afloat, some people have fall- slavery in Suriname, Brazil, the Caribbean, treated as tools and not human beings,” believed to have fled the same plantation. en through gaps in the safety net. Asia and South Africa. Curators at the said Eveline Sint Nicolaas, senior curator in Elsewhere sit the austere portraits of afflu- Freelancers make up an estimated 70 per- ent Amsterdammer Oopjen Coppit and her cent of theatre workers and were hit hard by husband Marten Soolmans, which they lockdowns due to their fragile employment commissioned legendary artist Rembrandt status. Freelance lighting designer Robbie to paint in 1634. Soolmans’ family made a same time you see that in the public debate Butler, 27, worked in the West End before fortune from a sugar refinery supplied by it is a very important subject,” said the pandemic and received self-employ- slave plantations in Brazil. After he died, Smeulders. ment income support.—AFP Oopjen remarried to a man who had once The Rijksmuseum is itself also con- kept slaves in Brazil. fronting the role of slavery in the “Golden “We know Oopjen had several links with Age” of Dutch art that it houses, adding slavery and that’s also very interesting,” said extra information to 80 objects in its perma- Sint Nicolaas. “It really affected Dutch socie- nent collection to highlight “hidden links to ty in many ways, it wasn’t history that just slavery”, it said. The Netherlands has never happened far away in the colonies.” formally apologized for its role in the slave trade. But Prime Minister Mark Rutte admit- ‘Very important subject’ ted last year in the wave of the Black Lives The entire exhibition, previewed by AFP, Matter protests that racism remained a features jarring contrasts of art and atrocity, problem in the Netherlands. The time is now brushstrokes and branding irons. What was right for the Rijksmuseum to address the long thought to be a gilt dog collar in the issue, said Smeulders. “Yes, you could museum’s collection may actually have even say that we should have done this been a neck ring for a slave. Closer inspec- earlier. But when we decided to do this, we tion of Dutch family portraits reveals slaves wanted to do it well,” she said. — AFP in the shadows. Similarly, while the A man visits the exhibition “Slavery” at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. — AFP photos Netherlands’ history of colonialism under 14 Sports Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Kuwait’s Rashidi Photo of the Day wins gold at shooting world cup

LONATO: International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) congratulated Kuwait for the latest achievement of shooter Talal Al-Turki Al-Rashidi, who won the gold medal at the ISSF World Cup Shotgun in Lonato, Italy. Kuwait’s delegation said ISSF President Vladimir Lisin and Secretary General Alexandar Ranter congratulat- ed President of Kuwait and Arab Shooting Federations Duaij Al-Otaibi for this important win, which further boosts Kuwait’s shooting status. The ISSF officials mentioned Kuwait’s qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics with four shooters - Abdulrahman Al-Faihan, Talal Al-Turki, Saud Habib and Mansour Al- Rashidi. Meanwhile, Italian Shooting Federation President Luciano Rossi lauded Kuwait’s shooting school and outstanding performances. Turki was proud with this success and thanked those caring for the sport of shooting in Kuwait. He appreciated the support of Public Authority for Sports Director General Humoud Fulaiteh and all those who support the sport. — KUNA

Participants perform during Red Bull Neymar Jr’s Five Qualifier in the UAE. — Photo taken from www.redbullcontentpool.com LONATO: Talal Al-Rashidi (left) receives his gold medal. — KUNA Fury-Joshua in jeopardy over News in brief Cantona into HOF

LONDON: Manchester United legend Eric Cantona says he is “proud” but “not surprised” to Wilder rematch order: Reports be inducted into the English Premier League Hall of Fame. The 54-year-old former France international LOS ANGELES: Tyson Fury’s heavyweight unifica- ment. Fury’s promoter Frank Warren told the BBC fuming by the latest glitch, blaming Fury’s camp for joins Alan Shearer and fellow Frenchman Thierry tion fight with Anthony Joshua could be put on hold yesterday he hoped Wilder would, for a lucrative fee, being complacent over the arbitration hearing. “We Henry in being named. Cantona, who began his after an independent arbitrator ruled that the WBC agree to step aside and allow the bout to go ahead. can’t wait around,” Hearn said on his company career in England at Leeds, scored 70 goals in 156 heavyweight champion must face former champion “Until we can reach an accommodation with Matchroom’s social media channels. “We had a deal Premier League appearances and won four titles in Deontay Wilder in a rematch. Deontay Wilder’s people, I can’t say that (Fury’s fight in place with Tyson Fury and we were told the arbi- five seasons for Manchester United. He was also Retired judge Daniel Weinstein upheld a claim with Joshua) will definitely happen,” said Warren. tration wouldn’t be an issue, that we could move on instrumental in Leeds winning the last ever First lodged by Wilder that Fury must face him in a third “But we are working hard to get that over the line. with this fight. They were wrong and that’s on them, Division title in 1991/92. — AFP fight by September 15 following their February 2020 We were talking last night and hopefully we can do that’s their responsibility and their problem. We hope title battle. While the arbitrator’s ruling is not a for- that. If not then Tyson, if he wishes, will go to the they can solve that problem, but we have to look mal court order, it would be deemed enforceable by fight with Wilder. They’re the only two options.” after ourselves and Anthony Joshua. We have to courts if Wilder and Fury are unable to reach agree- Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn was left maintain the position of unified world champion, and Kroos ruled out those talks will continue and we want to be in a posi- tion by the end of this week to know, are we fighting MADRID: Real Madrid’s German midfielder Toni Tyson Fury or are we moving forward with another Kroos has tested positive for COVID-19, which option.” rules him out of the decisive final league game of the Monday’s ruling comes just a day after Fury season this weekend. Real are second in La Liga, announced he had agreed to fight Joshua in Saudi two points behind city rivals Atletico Madrid with a Arabia on August 14 where the WBC, WBA, IBF and single game against Villarreal on Saturday remain- WBO heavyweight belts will be up for grabs. ing. Kroos had been self-isolating after being in “Massive announcement FURY VS JOSHUA IS ON contact with someone with the virus but has now AUGUST 14 in The kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The tested positive himself. — AFP worlds (sic) biggest sporting event all eyes on us,” Fury wrote on Twitter, describing the bout as “100 percent on”. Weinstein’s ruling on Monday did not grant River Plate in trouble Wilder any monetary damages and also said an extension to the September 15 deadline was permis- BUENOS AIRES: Argentine club River Plate sible if both the Wilder and Fury camps could reach reported six more COVID-19 cases among players agreement. and staff on Monday, leaving the club struggling to Wilder’s camp had argued their fighter had a con- raise a side for this week’s Copa Libertadores group tractual right to a third fight with Fury. But after clash with Colombia’s Sante Fe. The new cases came delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic led to after 15 players tested positive for COVID-19 ahead last July’s contest being postponed, Wilder’s team of Sunday’s Argentinian League Cup game with sought to move the bout to 2021. Fury refused the arch-rivals Boca Juniors, won by Boca on penalties 2021 date and said he would move on which after a 1-1 draw. The outbreak means River coach prompted the mediation. Marcelo Gallardo currently has only 10 fit players Neither Fury nor Wilder have fought since clash- — and no goalkeeper — available for the ing in Las Vegas in February last year, where Fury Libertadores game in Buenos Aires. — AFP outclassed the previously unbeaten American to win via a seventh-round technical knockout. The two LAS VEGAS: In this file photo Tyson Fury punches Deontay Wilder during their Heavyweight bout for Wilder’s fighters had previously clashed at the Staples Center WBC and Fury’s lineal heavyweight title on February 22, 2020 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, in Los Angeles in 2018, battling to an epic draw after Nevada. — AFP Kuwaiti for FINA seat Fury survived a 12th round knockdown. — AFP KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Hussain Al-Musallam looks set ers to consult the International Olympic Committee 11,500 deaths, but its vaccine rollout is moving slowly to become the new chief of swimming’s world gov- Tokyo doctors with the aim of cancelling the event. and the latest spike in cases has medics warning of erning body FINA, after his only challenger pulled The statement came after a separate union of shortages and burnout. out of upcoming elections for the top spot. The Japanese hospital doctors warned last week that hold- The government on Friday expanded a virus state withdrawal of Italy’s Paolo Barelli, who declared his association calls for ing the 2020 Games safely was “impossible”. Japan’s of emergency that will be in force until the end of support for Musallam, the Asian Swimming virus outbreak has been relatively small, with around May, less than two months before the Games open on Federation’s candidate, means the Kuwaiti sexage- Olympics cancellation July 23. Tokyo 2020 organizers said yesterday that narian is almost certain to claim the FINA top seat, nearly double the required number of certified sports he said on Monday. FINA’s elections take place next medics had applied to volunteer at competition ven- month. — KUNA TOKYO: A Japanese doctors’ group has urged the ues and in the athletes’ village. cancellation of the Olympics, even as Games organ- Controversy had previously surrounded the organ- izers reported a surplus of applications from medics izers’ request for the services of 500 nurses, which to volunteer at the virus-postponed event. With less sparked accusations of diverting crucial medical Arrests over burglary than 10 weeks until the Tokyo Games begin and as resources. More than 80 percent of people in Japan Japan battles a surge in infections, public opinion want the Tokyo Olympics to be cancelled or post- VERSAILLES: Four suspects were arrested yes- remains strongly opposed to the event going ahead poned again, according to the latest poll by the Asahi terday as part of the investigation into the burglary this summer. Shimbun daily. at the home of Paris Saint-Germain defender But Olympic officials say it can be safely held with At a shooting test event yesterday, top Games offi- Marquinhos in March, the Versailles prosecutor’s COVID-19 countermeasures and point to successful cial Yasuo Mori said the knowledge gained at such office said. The four suspects in custody, aged 17, test events, including some featuring overseas ath- rehearsals would be used to update virus rulebooks 20, 28 and 29, were arrested in Paris and its sub- letes. An association of around 6,000 doctors work- for athletes and other participants. “Throughout the urbs, the prosecutor’s office told AFP. The burglary ing in Tokyo said they were “struggling with the fourth test events, only a few people tested positive for the TOKYO: A woman takes part in a protest against the occurred on March 14, while PSG were losing to wave” of virus cases, calling it the largest so far. virus, and we were able to go through procedures at hosting of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in front of Nantes at the Parc des Princes in Ligue 1. A gang “Cancelling an event that has the potential to the airport smoothly,” he said. “However... there were a the Japan Olympic Museum in the headquarters broke into the PSG captain’s home in the Yvelines, increase the number of infections and deaths is the relatively smaller number of people than will be at the building of the Japanese Olympic Committee in Tokyo west of Paris, while members of his family were right choice,” the group said in a statement on Olympics, so we will have to discuss how we manage yesterday. — AFP there. — AFP Monday. It urged the government and Games organiz- the Olympics in the summer.” — AFP Established 1961 15 Sports Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Data, tracking technology ‘very important’ for young coaches PARIS: Player tracking and live data in football offer tracking technology showed how her team pressed tactical boosts to coaches, with incoming Bayern better than their rivals when they claimed a shock title Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann saying modern tech- at the women’s Euro 2017. “About the pressing part, nology is “very important”. Teams are using technology after the Euro, we had a few statistics from the coaches which transmits data immediately to a computer screen and they also showed that we were being really com- with players’ positions shown by colored dots, much pact and that also was what made us successful com- like fans would have seen on television coverage. pared to other teams,” she said. “It can help tactically Coaches and club staff can see different live data, to be better if you see those things on the screen.” including by using a microchip inside the ball, to dis- But the 26-year-old Wolfsburg player admits that cover the distance of passes played, the speed of pass- you “cannot substitute the human part with data”. “You es, and size of the average gap between defenders. “I need explanations if you’re not in the starting XI,” think data is a big topic, and will become bigger in the Janssen said, pointing out that human interaction in future,” said Nagelsmann, who is leaving RB Leipzig to football will always be crucial. take over at six-time European champions Bayern at “Obviously we won’t replace that human factor, we the end of the season. The 33-year-old was speaking can bring things together, we can give you information, over video call during the official announcement of but of course at the end, data won’t win the game,” FIFA’s new partnership with football data company agrees the head of research at FIFA, Nicholas Evans. Kinexon. Like most clubs in Europe’s biggest leagues, “To control things by data is important, to control Bundesliga side Hoffenheim have used such technology the efforts of the guys and the training is still a big top- for several seasons. ic for me, but in the future it will become more impor- “Having the live data gives you an idea of how a tant to control the tactics for a young manager like me,” player should work in training. And in a match, (that) he added. “Because of the tracking possibility for the immediately gives us the opportunity to react,” Sascha ball, it’s important to try to improve the tactical things. Haertel, the performance scientist at the German team, It’s important to learn what is a ball-winning moment, told AFP. Kinexon co-founder Maximilian Schmidt said what is a ball-losing moment, what is a counter-press- the technology can cost a club between 25,000 euros ing (moment), what is a counter-attack (moment).” ($30,379) and 75,000 euros per season “depending on BERLIN: Leipzig’s German headcoach Julian Nagelsmann reacts after the German Cup (DFB Pokal) final football match Netherlands defender Dominique Janssen said the scope of the services offered”. — AFP RB Leipzig v BVB Borussia Dortmund, in Berlin on May 13, 2021. — AFP

Croatia have been drawn in Group D, and will play Badelj as well as attackers Ivan Perisic, Andrej Veteran Modric England in London on June 13. Dalic described that Kramaric and Ante Rebic. opening match as the toughest in the group stage as While expectations from the team at home are high, England “have good quality and we play at Dalic is cautious. “The bar is set too high, our ambi- to lead Croatia Wembley”. Croatia then travel to Glasgow where tions are not realistic,” he said in an interview with they will face the Czech Republic on June 18 and Sportske Novosti daily Monday. “We are still among at Euro 2020 Scotland four days later. “We have difficult oppo- the 10 strongest (teams) in Europe, but there are many nents, but I believe in us. We are at our best when the candidates for the throne who are ahead of us.” going gets tough,” Dalic said. Young players like midfielder Nikola Vlasic, for- ZAGREB: Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic named a 26- Captain Modric, 35, is among several players who ward Josip Brekalo and goalkeeper Dominik man squad for Euro 2020 on Monday, comprising took part in Croatia’s wonderful run at the World Cup Livakovic bring a new energy, but they need time to players who won silver at the 2018 World Cup and in Russia in 2018 where they beat England in the reach their maximum, he said. Dalic’s squad includes their younger peers and led by veteran Luka Modric. semi-final before losing 4-2 to France in the final. That also uncapped 19-year-old Dinamo Zagreb defender “Our latest results were not the best, but I’m an opti- group of experienced players includes defenders Josko Gvardiol. The squad includes a stand-by list of LONDON: In this file photo taken on May 16, 2021 Crystal mist. Our first goal is to get out of the group,” Dalic Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren and Sime Vrsaljko, mid- eight players. It must be officially declared to UEFA Palace’s English manager Roy Hodgson arrives for the English told reporters. fielders Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic and Milan by June 1 at the latest. — AFP Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa at Selhurst Park in south London. — AFP Premier League champions Manchester City, Kane wants to Manchester United and Champions League finalists Chelsea have all been mooted as likely suitors for Hodgson to step Kane, who has scored 32 goals in all competitions this Mancini names leave Spurs: Reports term. Paris Saint-Germain, managed by Kane’s former down as Palace Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, and Spanish pre-Euro 2020 LONDON: Tottenham striker Harry Kane has told the giants Real Madrid have also been linked with the club he wants to leave at the end of the season, striker. boss at season’s end according to reports on Monday. Kane is unhappy at Kane, a product of the club’s youth academy, has friendly squad Tottenham’s lack of progress this season and is willing scored 220 goals in 334 total appearances for Tottenham, establishing himself as one of the world’s LONDON: Roy Hodgson is to step down as Crystal to leave after 12 years with the north London side, according to Sky Sports. best forwards. But he sparked speculation about a Palace manager at the end of the season, the club ROME: Italy coach Roberto Mancini on The England captain reportedly wants his future potential move earlier this season when he said it was announced yesterday. The 73-year-old will bring the Monday named a 33-man squad for a pre- resolved before the delayed Euro 2020 starts on June “hard” to talk about his future. curtain down on his four-year spell at his boyhood Euro 2020 friendly with San Marino after 11. Kane’s contract with Tottenham has another three He has regularly spoken about his desire to win tro- club against one of his former sides, Liverpool, on signing a new deal with the national team that years to run and chairman Daniel Levy is known to be phies, but is yet to land one with Tottenham, who are Sunday. The former England manager’s contract was runs until June 2026. The ‘Azzurri’ face San a tough negotiator, which could ruin the 27-year-old’s without major silverware since the 2008 League Cup. due to expire in the close season after another cam- Marino on May 28 in the Sardinian city of hopes of a quick resolution. During Kane’s time in Spurs’ first team, they have lost paign in which he maintained Palace’s Premier League Cagliari in one of their final two tests before Tottenham refused to be drawn into debating in the 2019 Champions League final against Liverpool status. kicking off the European Championship Kane’s future in public as they focus on their final two and been beaten in two League Cup finals, including “After more than 45 years of coaching, I have against Turkey in Rome on June 11. Premier League games, with Europa League qualifica- this season’s against Manchester City decided that the time is right for me to step away from They will then face the Czech Republic in tion in their sights. “We won’t be commenting - our Tottenham are currently without a permanent man- the rigors of top-flight Premier League football,” Bologna on June 4, by which time Mancini will focus is on finishing the season as strongly as possible. ager following Jose Mourinho’s dismissal last month. Hodgson said in a statement. “So our final two matches have named his 26-man squad for the conti- That’s what everyone should be focused on,” a club With caretaker boss Ryan Mason in charge, Tottenham will be my last ones as manager of Crystal Palace. It’s nent-wide tournament. Mancini gave Sassuolo spokesman said. will qualify for the Europa League if they win their been a particularly rewarding period of my football life forward Giacomo Raspadori his first senior final two games of the Premier League season. — AFP and career to have been able to spend these last four call-up, while Paris Saint-Germain midfielder seasons with Palace.” Marco Verratti has been selected despite Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has been picking up a knee injury that could yet rule mentioned in the media as a potential replacement for him out of the Euro. Hodgson at Palace. Palace fans will recall Hodgson’s Veteran Juventus defenders Giorgio first season in charge with particular affection. He was Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci are also appointed early in the 2017-18 campaign, Palace were included. Former Italy forward Mancini’s new pointless and had failed to score during their opening deal will keep him as coach until after the four league games after a disastrous start to life under 2026 World Cup, being held in the USA, Frank De Boer. Canada and Mexico. He took over in May The former Inter Milan and Switzerland manager 2018 and was charged with helping his coun- looked to have an insurmountable task when the try forget the humiliation of failing to qualify Eagles lost their first three games under him. However, for that year’s World Cup. he engineered an astonishing revival which saw them Mancini, 56, has led Italy to qualification preserve their elite status, eventually finishing 11th in for Euro 2020 and the Nations League semi- the table. It was the first time in Premier League histo- finals, and has also claimed three wins from as ry a team had stayed up in the top flight after losing many 2022 World Cup qualifiers. He coached their first seven games (itself a Premier League Italy to 11 straight wins in 2019, breaking a record). record that had stood since the 1930s. “I’m very happy... we want to continue a ‘Give us stability’ job that has started to bear fruit. In the next They are presently enjoying their longest consecu- year we will have the Euro, the Nations tive spell in the top flight — they have been in the EPL League finals and the World Cup,” said since the 2013/14 season. “It has been an absolute Mancini. “The goal is to win knowing that it privilege and pleasure to work alongside Roy, who is won’t be easy and that we will need a bit of both a magnificent human and an outstanding football luck.” — AFP manager,” said Palace chairman Steve Parrish. “I know how much it has meant to Roy managing the club he supported as a child. His record with us simply cannot be overstated, he is the only Palace manager to secure four years in the Premier League and he has helped give us stability in the most turbulent of times.” LONDON: In this file photo taken on March 4, 2021 Tottenham Hotspur’s English striker Harry Kane reacts during the Hodgson is a much respected coach despite low English Premier League football match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage in London. — AFP points with Liverpool and ultimately England. He resigned after England lost to minnows Iceland in the Last 16 clash at Euro 2016 — following a first round exit at the 2014 World Cup. However, he has worked Martinez targets trophy as he names wonders with mid-level teams. He built his reputation firstly with Malmo in Sweden Belgium’s Euro 2020 squad and then taking Switzerland to the 1994 World Cup and Euro 96. After a rebuilding job with Inter Milan BRUSSELS: Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said Axel Witsel has been included in the squad even and further league title glory with Copenhagen, his target was to lift the trophy as he named a 26- though he underwent an operation on his Achilles Fulham offered Hodgson the chance to boost his repu- strong squad for Euro 2020 on Monday. Former tendon in January and resumed running just a few tation in England in 2007 and he enjoyed a memorable Everton boss Martinez however said he felt England days ago, leaving his availability for the June 11-July three years there taking them to the 2010 Europa would be favorites for the tournament but was plan- 11 tournament in doubt. League final. ning to scupper Gareth Southgate’s men as was the “With a squad extended to 26 (instead of 23), I Another successful survival battle at West Brom case in the 2018 World Cup’s third-place play off. “We can take this risk (on Witsel), he’s a unique player,” secured him the England job when Fabio Capello are stronger than we were at the last World Cup,” said Martinez. The squad, which also includes a walked out prior to Euro 2012. The England job was Martinez told television channel RTBF. “Many of our stand-by list of 11 players, must be officially declared expected to be his last but the temptation to manage a players have more experience at the top level now.” to UEFA by June 1 at the latest. Belgium, the world’s club so close to his heart proved too much. He departs “England have a superb generation of young play- top-ranked side, have been drawn in Group B and will Palace with the record of being the oldest person to Roberto Mancini ers and will have home advantage for most of their play Russia on June 12, Denmark five days later and ever manage in the Premier League. — AFP matches especially if there are fans,” Martinez added. Finland on June 21. — AFP Established 1961 Sport

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021 Gasperini targets first Atalanta trophy against Juventus as fans return for Coppa Italia final

REGGIO EMILIA: Gian Piero Gasperini can cap League was also unimaginable,” conceded the for- his transformation of Atalanta into a team now among mer Palermo and Genoa coach. the elite of European football with his first coaching “It is the result of a growth path during these five trophy in the Italian Cup final against Juventus in years and I must say that this year was more difficult Reggio Emilia tonight. than the others. It is always said that you have to The 63-year-old has revolutionized the Bergamo raise a trophy otherwise it seems that nothing has side since taking over five years ago. Tonight, they been won. “Instead I am convinced that what we bid for just their second ever trophy, after the 1963 have done at Atalanta is equivalent to many victories Italian Cup, as fans return to football stadiums in Italy on the pitch. We have also scored 78 points this year, for the first time in over a year. equaling the historical record. We have the possibili- Juve’s season is now effectively in the hands of ty to improve them, we have set the target around 80 Gasperini’s side who have already assured them- points in the league for three years in a row.” selves a third consecutive season of Champions League football. But Juve’s top-four finish will be Fans return dependent on Atalanta beating European rivals AC As Atalanta, also three-time Cup runners-up in GENOA: Atalanta’s Italian coach Gian Piero Gasperini Milan in Bergamo next Sunday. 1987, 1996 and 2019, approach the game serenely, looks on during the Italian Serie A football match It has been a mixed debut season for rival coach Juventus are under pressure. Pirlo won his first tro- Genoa vs Atalanta Bergamo on May 15, 2021 at the Andrea Pirlo who is chasing a second trophy after phy, albeit a minor one, in a season of slip-ups and Luigi-Ferraris stadium in Genoa. — AFP beating Napoli to win the Italian SuperCup in errors, but chalking up another with a 14th Coppa January. The Turin club’s Champions League qualifi- Italia trophy would be a lift going into a key weekend. cation will go down to the wire in Sunday’s final Without the Champions League, the club’s already game at Bologna. shaky finances would take a big hit. “I made many “Clearly it is an important final we are playing mistakes, but I’d make them all again,” said Pirlo. Guardiola warns Aguero over against Juventus,” said Gasperini of a trophy which “This is my first season, I needed those experiences would cap a stellar season for Atalanta. “For the fans, for the present and the future.” Champions League final berth the cup represents a trophy, and we will do every- “This was a more complicated campaign,” added thing to please them.” veteran captain Giorgio Chiellini, who in addition to LONDON: Manchester City manager Pep appearance at the Etihad Stadium against Everton Atalanta are also in the running for a club high nine league titles has also won four Coppa Italia tro- Guardiola has warned Sergio Aguero there will be on Sunday. But Guardiola refused to give any second-placed finish in Serie A behind champions phies with the club. “We’ll keep trying till the end.” no room for sentiment when he picks his team for guarantees the 32-year-old will feature in City’s the Champions League final against Chelsea later first Champions League final on May 29. Inter Milan, and can also exceed their best-ever The Coppa Italia final will have a limited number of this month. Aguero has announced he will leave “I would say I would be cold,” Guardiola points tally, already equaled with 78. In addition, they fans present with 20 percent of the Mapei Stadium in City at the end of the season after 10 successful said of his attitude towards selection. “I have to could claim a club record number of league games Reggio Emilia, home to Serie A side Sassuolo, open years with the Premier League champions. take a decision which is the best to win that won, now equaled with 23, and already have the top to the public. The Argentina striker is City’s all-time record game, so I have to be. If Sergio is fit he is going attack in the league with 90 goals scored. Fans are returning for the first time in more than a goalscorer, but he may not have a fairytale farewell to help us, that is for sure, if he is going to help year amid the Covid-19 pandemic, having also been at the end of an injury-ravaged campaign in which us score goals he is going to play, but it’s the ‘Growth path’ allowed during the Italian Open tennis in Rome last he has been limited to just 18 appearances. Aguero final of the Champions League. I have to take Gasperini has put the northern Italian club among week. Rome’s Stadio Olimpico will also be at at least will miss Tuesday’s match at Brighton with an the decision that gives us the best chance of the elite of European football for the first time. 25 percent capacity for Italy’s Euro 2020 matches adductor problem. He could return for one last winning that game.” — AFP “When I first signed, qualification in the Europa next month. — AFP