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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 / JUMADA AL THANI 25, 1442 AH emergency number 112 NO. 17607 16 PAGES 150 FILS FIFTEEN NEW CENTERS APPROVED FOR VACCINATIONS Closures seen up for Sunday review

Photos by Rezk Tawfi q Several business owners on Saturday gathered at the Erada Square in front of the National Assembly building to express their objection to the recent decision of the Cabinet to close some establishments in bid to curb the spread of coronavirus.

MoI threatens jail, fines for violators Opinion By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh out taking into consideration the economic aspect. He asserted that many Arab Times Staff and Agencies countries have presented four to five economic solutions, while Kuwait has yet to take such step. Kuwait needs a PM who has Moreover, MPs Thamer Al-Suwait, Badr Al-Dahoum, Khalid Al-Otaibi KUWAIT CITY, Feb 6: Several owners of spas and and Muhammad Al-Mutair submitted a bill on rescheduling the collection barbershops on Saturday gathered in front of the of payments for citizens’ loans. They suggested exempting citizens from the character of those National Assembly building to express their objec- paying loan interest and the payment period for the loan should be 12 years. tion to the recent decision of the Cabinet to close Vaccine such establishments as a way of curbing the spread Some 15 health centres across Kuwait have been given the go-ahead to who rescued their countries of coronavirus. administer COVID-19 vaccines to nationals and residents, a Health Minis- The demonstrators took this action in a bid to convey their mes- try spokesman said on Saturday. Kuwait’s five health regions have each been granted three health centres sage to the Cabinet through the Assembly. They expressed disap- each, with work at Al-Naseem and Al-Masayel centers expected to begin By Ahmed Al-Jarallah of the two authorities, because the latter pointment over the decision which, they stressed, will worsen their tomorrow, Dr. Abdallah Al-Sanad said in a press statement. Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times imposes what it wants on a weak govern- suffering; asserting that it is unacceptable to close certain business- The other centres will include: ment that is unable to confront one of its es while allowing others to continue their operations. Capital Region: KUWAIT is awaiting the formation of duties as specified by the Constitution. One of the protesters asked why the Ministry of Health approved holding Hamad Al-Humaidhi, Sheikha Al-Sdairawi, Musaed Hamad Al-Saleh the new government, while His Highness Also, the MPs do not seem to be in a the 2020 parliamentary elections that led to gatherings and violation of the hurry to unleash the wheel of legislation and Northwest Sulaibikhat. the Prime Minister is searching for com- rule on social distancing, yet the Cabinet decided to close some establish- Hawalli Region: petent personalities to assume the minis- and oversight. It seems they are comfort- ments even if they adhered to the health regulations. able with this vacuum that gives them a Abdulrahman Al-Zaid, Al-Siddiq and Salwa Specialist. terial portfolios. Many of those who were A woman managing a beauty salon said she has six workers and the Farwaniya Region: contacted turned down the offer, which greater opportunity to market themselves, in light of a government that has never closure of the salon means she has no option but to fire them. She asked Mutab Obaid Al-Shallahi, Al-Ardiya Al-Shamali and Khaitan Al-Janoubi. means the wait will be prolonged. the Cabinet to consider the impact of such a decision on the whole society. Al-Ahmadi Region: On one hand the country will remain in known how to face crises head on. That is why the desires that the MPs de- A spa owner stressed that he is ready to shutdown, but on one condi- Al-Masayel, Sabah Al-Ahmad Health Center E and East Al-Ahmadi. a constitutional vacuum, and on the other, tion - the Cabinet should compensate him or at least promise to do so later. Jahra Region: the legislative authority is also suspend- clare, despite their contradiction with the Constitution and the laws in force in the In a related development, Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim dis- Al-Naseem, Jaber Al-Ahmad Health Center 1 and Al-Nahda. ed. This is why the country is drowning closed that he discussed the issue with HH Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah The official spokesperson pointed out that the ministry is already admin- in interpretations and speculations of the country, clearly indicate a programmed demolition of the prestige of the execu- Al-Khalid who agreed to revise the decision; indicating the Ministerial istering vaccines in centres for the care of the disabled and the elderly and press and social media, which are filled Emergency Committee and representatives of the owners of small and me- plans to launch other campaigns in some public and oil sector establish- with questions about the fate that awaits tive authority. For example, when they insist on a total dium enterprises (SMEs) will meet on Sunday. ments in the country. the country financially and economically, Al-Ghanim also confirmed meeting the representatives of the owners of The Interior Ministry has called on the public to abide by the health authori- especially with the drop in the credit rat- amnesty law for the sake of three or four people who fled to Turkey to escape from SMEs in the presence of MPs Abdullah Al-Turaiji and Ahmed Al-Hamad. ties’ coronavirus-related instructions, warning that flouters will be penalized. ing for the second time in months, and the He said the representatives explained their suffering and the damages they In a press statement, the ministry demanded commitment to the provi- proliferation of international reports on final court rulings, this means that the government is unable to show the truth of have incurred because of the decisions related to combating coronavirus. He sions of law No. 8 of 1969 on health requirements for preventing commu- the decline in the public funds, which is then called on the Cabinet to suspend the implementation of the abovemen- nicable diseases due to the exceptional conditions the country undergo in sovereign money. the matter, given that people are taken in by the hype and the loudest voice. tioned decision as it will negatively affect a large number of Kuwaiti families. light of the coronavirus pandemic. The ministry warned that it will crack According to the viewpoints of some down and take all legal measures against the law violators. short-sighted experts, the sovereign fund As a result of this reality, everything Complaints in the country will have to wait until fur- If convicted, they will be jailed for up to six months and fined for up to is the avenue that can be used to cover MP Abdullah Al-Turaiji disclosed that he met with representatives of the the deficit. However, the reality is that it ther notice, while the economic situation KD 6,000 (USD 33,000) or one of the two penalties, it added. is getting worse. With the precaution- owners of SMEs, during which he listened to their complaints. He quoted The ministry urged both nationals and residents to stop holding gather- qualifies the state for borrowing, provided the representatives as saying that they should not be held responsible for that its assets remain far from any harm. ary measures to confront the new strain ings, including national days’ celebrations, wedding parties, receptions and There is much that can be said in this of COVID-19, there is no doubt that the the mistakes of other institutions, while stressing they are not against the others either in public or private places. regard, but the most important thing is number of institutions coming to financial move to combat coronavirus. He said the representatives have presented In compliance with the directive of high authorities, the Ministry of that the lack of turnout of ministers is default and failing to pay installments of alternative ways to combat coronavirus, without affecting them negatively. Health will speed up the COVID-19 vaccination process next week, reports caused by the lack of governmental sta- loans to banks will increase, and thus de- He appealed to HH Prime Minister to listen to the representatives prior to Annahar daily quoting sources from the health sector. bility and the weak performance that clare their bankruptcy. the implementation of the decision on Sunday. The ministry took this step after the health authorities were criticized for leaves many loopholes, which the MPs The solution is deliberate decisions by He added the owners of SMEs are planning to hold a demonstration on the slow vaccination process, which many described as below expectations. exploit to blackmail the Cabinet. a government that feels the pain of the Sunday to urge the Cabinet to consider their opinions and pay attention to Sources confirmed that the expansion of the vaccination campaign has Therefore, corruption is more wide- people and does not yield to opportunistic the negative consequences of the decision to the economy. two directions — first is to seek ways to accelerate procedures to receive spread instead of reform, which seems to MPs. MP Muhannad Al-Sayer called on the Cabinet to cancel the decision, shipments of vaccines reserved for Kuwait, whether from Pfizer or Oxford be a constructive slogan that will never There are many examples in the world indicating the latter focuses only on the health aspect of the issue with- or contracting other vaccine manufacturers. see the light as long as the solutions are of heads of government who rescued their still the same. The executive authority is countries that had plunged into backward- Riyadh welcomes US security role increasingly overwhelmed by the confu- ness and poverty, and made them among Bahrain prevents sion between meeting the demands of the most powerful economies. These MPs, and the need to exercise its powers leaders include the Prime Minister of that it abandoned in the market of deals Singapore, the Prime Minister of Britain, terror hit on bank and is no longer able, in light of hesita- the German Chancellor, and many others. Biden revokes Houthi terrorist designation Therefore, we wonder if His Highness the MANAMA, Bahrain, Feb 6, (KUNA): Bah- tion, to restore them. WASHINGTON, Feb 6, (Agencies): President Joe have targeted civilians and kidnapped Americans. In all real democracies, every author- Prime Minister will learn from the experi- rain’s Interior Ministry said on Saturday it ences of such leaders or rather, countries. had thwarted plans for a pair of “terrorist” Biden’s administration is moving to revoke the des- “Our action is due entirely to the humanitarian ity exercises its powers without any ignation of Yemen’s Houthis as a terrorist group, consequences of this last-minute designation from pressure, and far from the dictations im- bomb attacks targeting ATM machines be- Email: [email protected] citing the need to mitigate one of the world’s worst the prior administration, which the United Nations posed to serve the interests of MPs and longing to a local bank, the state news agen- humanitarian disasters. and humanitarian organizations have since made influential people who seek to commit Follow me on: cy reported. “As part of security protection President Donald Trump’s administration had clear would accelerate the world’s worst humanitar- violations and throw responsibility on the efforts, authorities foiled two terrorist plots branded the Iranian-backed Houthis as a foreign ter- ian crisis,” the official said. other authorities. Therefore, cooperation targeting two ATMs of a national bank in rorist organization, a move that limited the provision The move comes a day after Biden announced between the government and the National Nuaim and Jidhafs areas in the Capital Gov- of aid to the beleaguered Yemeni people, who have an end to offensive support to Saudi Arabia’s cam- Assembly no longer exists in the lexicon [email protected] ernorate,” BNA news agency quoted a min- suffered under a yearslong civil war and famine. paign against the Houthis. istry statement. Explosives disposal units on A State Department official confirmed the move Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia on Thursday welcomed Wednesday dealt with two bombs placed at Friday after members of Congress were notified of the Biden’s commitment to support to the Kingdom in different locations for a “terrorist purpose,” administration’s plans. The official, who wasn’t au- defend its sovereignty and territories against threats. BNA said, adding that a number of suspects thorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, Newswatch have been arrested in connection with the anonymity, said the removal changed nothing about the Kingdom reiterated its backing to a peaceful so- incident, pending a probe. the Biden administration’s views of the Houthis, who lution for the Yemeni crisis.

KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait said 846 people hensive and permanent peace. were tested positive for coronavirus with This came in Guterres’ speech during Day by Day no related deaths reported on Saturday an opening session of the Committee on taking the total cases up to 170,036 as the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of deaths remain unchanged at 964 respec- the Palestinian People (CEIRPP). WE will miss you, Khaled Al-Ja- tively, according to the health ministry. The UN chief affi rmed that the United rallah. You have served Kuwait The number of people hospitalised with Nations remains committed to support- well. the virus currently stands at 7,979, with ing Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the I remember during one of the 70 of them in intensive care units, accord- confl ict and bring an end to the suffering visits of our late Amir, may God ing to ministry spokesman Dr. Abdullah of Palestinians. (KUNA) have mercy on him, to Saudi Ara- Al-Sanad, who revealed that some 10,651 ❑ ❑ ❑ bia, you were a member of the swab tests were conducted over the last delegation. King Salman — may JERUSALEM: The International Crimi- God bless him — asked you if you day out of a total of 1,590,032. are related to journalist Ahmed He went on to urge nationals and expatri- nal Court said Friday that its jurisdiction extends to territories occupied by Israel in Al-Jarallah. Your response was ates alike that abiding by health precautions, clear: ‘If Ahmed Al-Jarallah writes mainly, following social distancing rules, is the 1967 Mideast war, potentially clearing the way for its chief prosecutor to open a well, he is one of the relatives, but the only way to halt the spread of the virus. if he writes something that annoys The ministry had earlier reported that war crimes probe into Israeli military ac- us, we do not know him’. King some 539 more people had been cured of tions. Salman laughed and said to you, the virus over the past day, raising the to- The decision was welcomed by the ‘Everything Ahmed Al-Jarallah tal of those to have overcome the disease Palestinians and decried by Israel’s prime writes is always good’. to 161,093. (KUNA) minister, who accused the court of “legal It was royal courtesy, and Mr. ❑ ❑ ❑ persecution.” Khaled Al-Jarallah’s response The ICC’s chief prosecutor, Fatou was amusing and sociable. NEW YORK: UN Secretary-General An- Bensouda, said in 2019 that there was a Khaled Al-Jarallah, you did tonio Guterres on Thursday called on Is- “reasonable basis” to open a war crimes well. Perhaps Kuwait will need rael to halt immediately all settlement ac- probe into Israeli military actions in the Photo courtesy of Yas Island Abu Dhabi you after you rest, because the tivities that are a main obstacle to achieve Gaza Strip as well as Israeli settlement Nation always needs experi- Yas Island, Abu Dhabi turns red ahead of the arrival memorate the journey of the Hope probe to Mars, a two-state solution, and a fair, compre- activity in the occupied West Bank. (AP) enced and witty sons. of the Hope probe. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s premier as the intra-planetary spacecraft is due to reach the ... Yet, tomorrow is another day. leisure and entertainment hub, lit up in red to com- Red Planet on Feb 9. Zahed Matar ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 2

US Vice-President Kamala Harris, left, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, right, listen as President Joe Biden delivers a speech on foreign policy, at the State Department, on Feb 4, in Washington. (AP) Riyadh conciliatory in response Biden calls end to Yemen offensive resident Joe Biden announced Thursday the United States was end- Ping support for a grinding five-year Saudi-led military offensive in Special envoy previously served in Kuwait Yemen that has deepened suffering in the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest country, calling the move part of restoring a US emphasis on diplomacy, democracy and human rights. “This war has to end,” Biden told diplomats in his first visit to the Veteran diplomat takes helm on Yemen State Department as president, saying the conflict had created a “hu- manitarian and strategic catastrophe.” im Lenderking is the US Special Envoy to nior Democracy Advisor at the US Embassy, Center. Mr. Lenderking also served in Dhaka, The Yemen reversal is one of a series of steps Biden laid out Thursday TYemen. Mr. Lenderking previously served and the second as the Policy Advisor to LTG Bangladesh, and in Damascus, Syria. that he said would mark a course correction for US foreign policy. That’s as the Deputy Assistant Secretary Charles Jacoby, Commanding Gen- Mr. Lenderking joined the Foreign Service in after President Donald Trump — and many Republican and Democrat- of State for Iran, Iraq, and Regional eral of Multi-National Forces Iraq 1993 after a career in the refugee field, where he ic administrations before his — often sided with authoritarian leaders Multilateral Affairs in the Near East (MNF-I), based at Camp Victory. held numerous positions with American NGOs abroad, in the name of stability. Bureau at the US Department of Before his Iraq tours, Mr. Lenderk- and with the United Nations in New York, Su- The announcement on Yemen fulfills a campaign pledge. But it also State. He is a career member of the ing served as the Economic Counselor dan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Thailand. shows Biden putting the spotlight on a major humanitarian crisis that the Senior Foreign Service. and Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Lenderking received a Masters degree United States has helped aggravate. The reversal of policy also comes as Mr. Lenderking served previous- at US Embassy Kuwait. He was also in History and International Relations from a rebuke to Saudi Arabia. ly as the Deputy Chief of Mission the Political Counselor at Embassy the University of Washington in 1989 and a Saudi Arabia has been conciliatory in its response to rebuffs from Biden, who as a candidate blasted the kingdom’s current rulers for at the US Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Rabat from 2002-2006. Bachelors Degree with Honors from Wesleyan rights abuses and as president has made clear he intends to distance Arabia, from 2013-2016. He served Mr. Lenderking’s other tours in the University in 1985. He is the recipient of the his administration from Saudi leaders. But the Biden administration as the Director of the Pakistan Of- Foreign Service include serving as the Presidential Merit Award, nine Superior Honor also says it will help the kingdom boost its defenses against outside fice at the Department of State from Lenderking Special Assistant to Under Secretary Awards from the Department of State and the attacks, as part of maintaining key security, counterterrorism and 2010-2013. for Political Affairs Marc Grossman Meritorious Civilian Service Award from the military ties with Saudi Arabia, a strategic partner and global oil gi- From 2008-2010, Mr. Lenderking complet- 2001-2002, as the Lebanon Desk Officer 2000- Department of the Army for his service in Iraq. ant. Saudi state media focused on that part of Biden’s announcements ed two tours in Baghdad, the first as the Se- 2001, and as a Watch Officer in the Operations (AP) Thursday. “We welcome President Biden’s stated commitment to work with friends and allies to resolve conflicts, and deal with attacks from Iran & hope to the people of Yemen.” ent defense of Saudi military involvement in Yemen. its proxies in the region,” Saudi Prince Khalid bin Salman, a son of King Biden called Thursday for a cease-fire, an opening of humanitarian “We will deal positively with the attitude of the new US administra- Salman and the kingdom’s deputy defense minister, tweeted. channels to allow more delivery of aid, and a return to long-stalled peace tion, which wants to end the conflict in Yemen,” Bin Mubarak told The Yemen, the biblical kingdom of Sheba, has one of the world’s old- talks. Associated Press late Thursday. est constantly occupied cities — the more than 2,000-year-old Sanaa — Biden also announced an end to “relevant” US arms sales but gave no “This has always been our goal since the war started, and we dealt along with mud brick skyscrapers and hauntingly beautiful landscapes immediate details on what that would mean. The administration already positively with all U.N. initiatives in the past, but we are always faced of steep, arid mountains. But decades of Yemeni misgovernment have has said it was pausing some of the billions of dollars in arms deals with with the intransigence of Houthi militias and Iran’s agenda in the re- worsened factional divisions and halted development, and years of con- Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia’s main partner gion,” he said. flict have now drawn in increasing intervention by Saudi Arabia, the in its Yemeni offensive. Houthi spokesman Mohamed Abdel Salam tweeted late Thursday that United Arab Emirates and Iran. The ending of US support for the offensive will not affect any US peace would not be achieved until “the aggression was brought to a halt The Obama administration in 2015 gave its approval to Saudi Arabia operations against the Yemen-based al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, and the siege was lifted.” leading a cross-border air campaign targeting Yemen’s Houthi rebels, or AQAP, group, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said. President Joe Biden also said the days of the US “rolling over” to Rus- who were seizing ever more territory, including Sanaa. The Houthis In what was seen as the latest in several Saudi gestures toward Biden, sian President Vladimir Putin are gone as he called for the immediate have launched multiple drone and missile strikes deep into Saudi Ara- the State Department said Thursday the kingdom had conditionally re- release of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. bia. The US says the Saudi-led campaign has entrenched Iran’s role in leased two dual Saudi-US citizens detained in a crackdown on civil soci- During his first visit to the State Department as president on Thursday, the conflict, on the side of the Houthis. ety there, and reduced a sentence for a third, Dr. Walid Fitaihi, convicted Biden issued his strongest condemnation of Putin as large protests have US targeting assistance to Saudi Arabia’s command-and-control was of “disobedience” to the government. broken out throughout Russia following the jailing of Navalny. Thou- supposed to minimize civilian casualties in the Saudi-led airstrikes. But The weeks-old Biden administration has made clear that shifting its sands of protesters have been arrested. bombing since then has killed numerous Yemeni civilians, including stance toward the Yemen war, and toward Saudi Arabia over the Yemen The new American president was also seeking to make clear to the schoolboys on a bus and fishermen in their boats. Survivors have dis- offensive and other rights abuses, was a priority. Other measures have world that he’s making a dramatic turn away from Putin following played fragments showing the bombs to be American-made. included a review of the Trump administration’s categorization of the the presidency of Republican Donald Trump, who avoided direct con- The stalled war has failed to dislodge the Houthis and is helping deep- Houthis as a terror group. Critics say the designation hinders delivery of frontation and often sought to downplay the Russian leader’s malign en hunger and poverty. International rights experts say both the Gulf humanitarian aid to Yemenis. actions. countries and Houthis have committed severe rights abuses. Biden also announced the choice of Timothy Lenderking as special Navalny, an anti-corruption campaigner and Putin’s most determined Yemeni activist Tawakkol Karman, a co-winner of the 2011 Nobel envoy to Yemen. political foe, was arrested Jan. 17 upon returning from a five-month Peace Prize for her role in Yemen’s unsuccessful Arab Spring popular Lenderking has been a deputy assistant secretary of state in the depart- convalescence in Germany from a nerve agent poisoning, which he has uprising, urged Biden to stay involved in Yemen peace efforts. ment’s Middle East section. A career foreign service member, he has blamed on the Kremlin. “Deeper US engagement — and a refusal to side with dictators who served in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other countries in the Middle East “I made it clear to President Putin, in a manner very different from my have chosen bloodshed over democratic change — is vital so that the and elsewhere. predecessor, that the days of the United States rolling over in the face of Yemeni people can return to the project of democracy” that warring Yemen’s foreign minister said his government will work with Presi- Russia’s aggressive actions — interfering with our election, cyber at- parties inside and outside of Yemen interrupted, Karman said in a dent Joe Biden’s administration to end the war in the Arab world’s poor- tacks, poisoning its citizens- are over,” said Biden, who last week spoke statement. est country. to Putin in what White House officials called a tense first exchange. “We U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the US action will give more Still, Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak insisted the country’s Houthi rebels will not hesitate to raise the cost on Russia and defend our vital interests space and more hope “not only to the talks but, more importantly, more and their Iranian backers remain the main obstacle to peace — an appar- and our people.” (AP)

editor’s choice ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 3 Weather Expected weather for the next erly wind to light variable wind Abdaly 23 16 Prayer Timings 24 hours: with speeds of 08-28 km/h and Bubyan 19 17 By Day: Fair and partly cloudy some scattered clouds will appear Jahra 22 16 Fajr ...... 05:13 Asr ...... 15:07 with light to moderate north west- with a chance for fog forming over Failaka Island - - Sunrise .. 06:34 Maghrib .. 17:29 erly wind with speeds of 08-30 some areas. Salmiyah 19 17 Zohr ...... 12:02 Isha ...... 18:48 km/h and a chance for scattered Ahmadi 19 18 rain at times. Station Max Exp Min Rec Nuwaisib 23 15 By Night: Rather cold to cold Kuwait City 20 19 Wafra 23 14 with light to moderate north west- Kuwait Airport 21 16 Salmy 22 14 VACCINE REGISTRATION WEBSITE: https://cov19vaccine.moh.gov.kw/SPCMS/CVD_19_Vaccine_Registration.aspx

Other Voices ‘Ignorant person at the top more harmful than the crooked’ By Ahmad alsarraf for the Prime Minister to give the green light to torpedo the current primitive sys- uwait, like other countries of the tem and to introduce a system of tests in world, is managed by a large number K selecting senior offi cials. of ministries, government agencies and semi-government agencies with the help It is unreasonable to appoint a Sharia of hundreds of senior offi cials who have graduate, for example, or a science gradu- been appointed upon decrees and who ate in a technical position and so on. The have great infl uence harm and danger of appointing an igno- over the course of rant employee is much more dangerous the state. than having a capable corrupt employee Any person who at his job. is forced by cir- There is a ceiling for what the latter (the cumstances to deal corrupt) can steal, and he may be arrested with government and convicted but it is diffi cult to notice or agencies sees poor determine the harm done by an ignorant performance in person who may be in charge of education, many of them as a for example, because he hardly knows result of promotion anything about the location of his minis- try and how to access it as its damage will or appointment of alsarraf unqualifi ed and in- extend for generations and it is impossible competent personnel in higher positions, to know its size and its destructive impact. all because of the relationship the person The same applies to the appointment has with the concerned offi cial which has of an unqualifi ed person in charge of nothing to do with the policy of appoint- electricity networks, telephone lines, or ments. aviation control, or an auditor in a super- As a result the most experienced and visory offi ce, and other sensitive jobs that competent person suffers because a min- require a strict, highly qualifi ed, and effi - ister or prime minister does not take into cient career professionals. This cannot be account the requirements of the work and known without the tests system. as a result the interests of citizens and the There is need for the suspension of trib- feelings of the rest of the employees in the al and sectarian appointments. The appli- ministry or institution suffers because of cation of this is suffi cient to put an end to the appointment of incompetent people, this serious damage that is currently hap- all of which is to earn the silence of an pening in the government administration. MP or win his loyalty showing the citi- * * * zens and their interests the door to hell. We fi nish these series of articles which Also, this corrupt appointment causes contain only a few of the matters that concern to a large segment of the citizens, concern a majority of the people, and we and the matter has serious innumerable have a lot of them, and we hope (with oth- negative repercussions. ers) that those whom we entrusted with Due to the absence of a clear and strict solving the problem are not part of it. appointment system, the backwardness of ❑ ❑ ❑ the civil service commission and its slug- KUNA photo gish administration, it became necessary email: [email protected] Kuwait’s Interior Minister Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah during a fi eld tour poses for a picture with the offi cials of the department. Kuwait fi nalizes IMF e-GDDS Partial ‘lockdown’ on the way requirements – Central Bank KUWAIT CITY, Feb 6, (KUNA): Kuwait page will be available on the IMF’s Dissem- Sports activities shut for month has completed all requirements pertaining ination Standards Bulletin Board (DSBB),” to the International Monetary Fund En- the governor added. hanced General Data Dissemination System “The NSDP utilises the Statistical Data By Khaled Al-Hajeri, Abdul-Rahman Al-Shimmari, (e-GDDS), Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) and Metadata Exchange (SDMX) and aims Fares Al-Abdan and Khalid Al-Enezi Governor Dr. Mohammad Al-Hashel said to serve as a one-stop publication vehicle PAM revokes 3 ‘domestics’ licences Al-Seyassah Staff on Thursday. for key macroeconomic and fi nancial data. The IMF remotely provided Kuwait with “In addition, publication of the data KUWAIT CITY, Feb 6: The Public Au- proval for all companies in the private sec- KUWAIT CITY, Feb 6: In a meeting to be technical support, between January 25 and through the new NSDP will provide na- thority for Manpower has revoked the tor, noting that the chamber used to charge February 4, to develop its National Summa- tional policy makers, local and international licenses of 3 domestic labor offi ces for approximately 70 Kuwaiti dinars for the held on Monday, the Cabinet will discuss ry Data Page (NSDP), read a statement by stakeholders - including investors and rating violating rules and regulations, reports Al- fi rst time. several suggestions and recommendations CBK, the coordinator of Kuwait’s e-GDDS agencies - with easy access to information Qabas daily. The sources explained although PAM presented to it in light of the rise in the num- at the IMF. critical to monitoring economic conditions Statistics issued by PAM show 286 com- was previously demanding certifi cation ber of COVID-19 cases. Commenting on the outcome, Al-Hashel and policies.” plaints were registered with the authority from the Chamber, it did not mention the said, the “step is the outcome of joint work He added, “making this information eas- during last January and 57 were referred to reasons for stopping it, pointing out that According to informed sources, some decisions are between CBK, the Ministry of Finance, and ily accessible will allow all users to have the judiciary. other institutions may request certifi cation. expected to be issued in this regard. The expected deci- the Central Statistics Bureau.” simultaneous access to timely data and will It indicated 133 complaints were against ❑ ❑ ❑ sions include imposing a partial lockdown from 8:00 pm “Preparations at the CBK are underway bring greater data transparency. To this end, workers who had escaped from the sponsors to 5:00 am from February 21 to March 7, and reducing to host the National Summary Data Page the State of Kuwait’s NSDP is scheduled for and quit their job, in addition to 141 other The Civil Service Commission (CSC) the percentage of manpower in the government sector (NSDP) on its website, and a link to the launch in April 2021.” cases from employers against their workers. announced that disciplinary measures from 50 percent to 30 percent in all institutions. The total number of domestic workers will be taken against any employees who The recommendation of closing the airport is still on the registered with the Ministry of Interior is violate health requirements and preven- table, and necessary decisions in this regard will be taken Old rooms ... insects crawling 719,988 until last January. PAM stated 93 tive measures that have been imposed by on Thursday. In a bid to ease measures for the citizens, the complaints were settled amicably between respective authorities to combat the spread government is looking into cancelling the institutional quar- the confl icting parties. of the COVID-19 virus. antine and partial lockdown, and instead closing the airport Doctor probed for fi lming colleagues Meanwhile, the Public Authority for In its circular, the CSC affi rmed that the for 14 days. Manpower says it does not need the ap- violators will initially receive a warning, Meanwhile, the Public Authority for Sports has called on KUWAIT CITY, Feb 6: The Ministry of while the Kuwaiti Medical Association said proval of the Chamber of Commerce and which will be followed by gradual deduc- clubs and sports clubs to stop their sporting activities for one Industry, as was the case previously. tion of the salary per day but not exceeding Health referred a doctor for investigation it has contacted the doctor who was referred month, which can be renewed for a further period, taking as the latter took a video of his colleagues for investigation and confi rmed support for Reliable sources told the Al-Seyassah, 15 days at a time. into account the exceptional conditions that the country is PAM and all labor departments do not cur- It called on the government agencies to while they were resting and sent the video his move to seek for improvement of per- going through due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic clips to offi cials in the ministry; thereby, sonnel facilities. rently require the Chamber of Commerce take all necessary disciplinary measures in and the rapid spread of new variants of the virus. and Industry to certify any signature/ap- this regard. infuriating his colleagues who complained ❑ ❑ ❑ This came during a meeting at the authority’s headquar- about this unfair measure, reports Al-Shahid ters which was held to discuss the recent Cabinet decision daily. Interim Minister of Oil, Electricity and on combating the spread of the Covid-19 epidemic, and was The video clips showed the doctors’ Water Dr Muhammad Al-Faris confi rmed mp profile getting to know you attended by Sheikh Hamoud Al-Mubarak, Deputy Director rooms with the dilapidated beds and draw- the recruitment of three children of Kuwaiti of the Authority for the Construction and Maintenance Sec- ers and the spread of insects everywhere, as women married to non-Kuwaitis in the two tor, and Dr Saqr Al-Mulla, Deputy Director for Competitive most of the rooms have not been renovated ministries since the issuance of Decree No. Sports Affairs. for more than 25 years. 17 of 2017 on giving priority to this catego- Voting Record ry in the recruitment process in government Gatherings This has prompted interim Minister of Health Sheikh Dr Basel Al-Sabah to is- agencies, reports Al-Anba daily. ■ Grilling motion against Min- The authority confirmed the continuation of the ban on sue instructions to the directors of public Al-Faris responded to the question of ister of Social Affairs and Labor gatherings within sports bodies of all kinds and whatever hospitals and specialized health centers to MP Osama Al-Shaheen on the recruitment Hind Al-Sabeeh in 2018 – absent their cause, and in particular the general assemblies, whether do an inventory of the rooms allotted for procedures followed in the two ministries, Thamer Al-Suwait Al-Dhefairi as he was on overseas treatment ordinary or extraordinary, as well as stopping the registra- health and administrative personnel to de- stressing those appointed are applicants Sunni/Independent/Tribal trip tion of new members and the payment of annual subscrip- termine what needs to be done in terms of who met the conditions and job controls Fourth Constituency ■ Grilling motion against Min- tions until further notice, which comes into effect next Sun- maintenance and furnishing. applied for the recruitment of those born to ister of Electricity and Water day until further notice. The ministry announced later that the Kuwaiti mothers married to non-Kuwaitis if THAMER AL-SUWAIT AL- Bekheit Al-Rashed in 2018 – ab- The Sports Authority called on the federations that inventory will cover the rooms of doctors, no Kuwaiti applies for the job or if no Ku- DHEFAIRI was born in 1976 and sent as he was on an overseas have foreign ‘engagements’ to submit a ‘letter of excep- nurses, technicians and administrators; waiti is qualifi ed to occupy the post. treatment trip tion’ to the concerned authorities, provided that the tripar- holds a bachelor’s degree ■ in Architecture Engineer- Grilling motion tite committee comprising members from the authority, ing. against Minister Com- Olympic and Health continues its meetings to assess the merce and Industry Kha- new situation, and notifies the federations and clubs ac- He worked at the Experts lid Al-Rawdan 2019 – ap- Directorate in the Ministry cordingly. proved Meanwhile, within the framework of the national action of Justice, served as engi- ■ Grilling motion neer at the Ministry of Pub- against Minister Informa- plan to fight against coronavirus which coincides with increas- lic Works and a member of tion and State Minister for ing the number of covid-19 vaccine recipients, Ministry of Kuwait Engineers Society. Youth Affairs Muhammad Health Spokesperson Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad said the ministry He contested the parlia- Al-Jabri in 2019 – rejected launched training courses for medical staff in charge of ad- mentary elections for the ■ Grilling motion ministering the vaccine safely under the supervision of Head first time in 2009, but he Al-Dhefairi against Minister of Fi- of the Infectious Diseases Control Department in the Public lost as he ranked 16th in nance Khaif Al-Hajraf in Health Sector Dr Hamad Bastaki, reports Al-Jarida daily. the Fourth Constituency. 2019 – approved ■ Grilling motion against Min- Training Courses He won in 2016 elections when ister of Finance Barrak Al-Shitan In a press statement, Al-Sanad revealed the training cours- he ranked first in his constituency. in 2020 – rejected es are for the following: In the 2020 elections, he got 4,935 ■ Grilling motion against Dep- ● Medical staff who will vaccinate employees in some votes that put him in sixth place in uty Prime Minister and Minister security sectors, the Fourth Constituency. of Interior Anas Al-Saleh in Au- ● Medical staff in Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) who will Statement gust 2020 – approved vaccinate employees in the oil sector, ■ Grilling motion against Min- ● Medical staff in Masayel Health Center in the South Al-Suwait responded to ques- ister of Education and Higher Ed- tions on the insistence to ratify and Naseem Health Center in the North, ucation Dr Saud Helal Al-Harbi in ● Medical staff providing healthcare services in the cen- the General Amnesty Law, saying August 2020 – rejected “a nation which seeks reforms, ■ Grilling motion against Min- ters taking care of the disabled under the Public Authority progress and development should ister of Education and Higher Ed- for Handicapped Affairs and Elderly Care Centers of the not disappoint citizens who sac- ucation Dr Saud Helal Al-Harbi in Ministry of Social Affairs. rificed their future and security September 2020 – rejected He added the training courses will continue in order to for the homeland and its people. ■ Grilling motion against Dep- include the medical staff in other sectors and various minis- Any country that does not protect uty Prime Minister and Minister tries, coinciding with the start of the expansion of the anti- its heroes will be subjected to op- of Interior Anas Al-Saleh in Sep- coronavirus vaccination campaign. tember 2020 – approved He also expressed appreciation for the efforts exerted by pression, tyranny and dictator- the Infectious Diseases Control Department headed by Dr ship.” Hamad Bastaki, as well as the medical personnel in the min- istry and other entities. ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 LOCAL 4

Photo by Mohammad Morsi Expatriate passengers departing to their home countries on Saturday, the last day before the 2-week closure of Kuwait International Airport by the authorities due to the spike in the corona cases. Kuwait Airways granted approval to issue aviation medical permits

Kuwait Airways announced its aviation medicine department was approved by the Directorate General of Civil Airways CEO Adel Al-Sanea said in a statement on Saturday. Aviation (DGCA) to issue medical permits related to the aviation field. Kuwait Airways is now the only institution issuing aviation medical permits in Kuwait, he added. (KUNA) The permits allow all aviation employees and companies to execute their duties safely around the world, Kuwait MPs show ire at govt decisions regarding COVID-19 restrictions

‘No room for selectivity, moodiness in state of law’

By Abdul Rahman Al-Shimmari decisions put restrictions on some activities without Al-Seyassah Staff justification and leads to worsening the economic and KUWAIT CITY, Feb 6: The decisions issued by the financial crisis in some sectors. Council of Ministers during the extraordinary meet- The deputies have called on the government to reconsider some ing as part of its efforts to combat the COVID-19 decisions and back-track them because of their negative impacts on the economic and social conditions. pandemic has aroused the ire of the MPs, especially MP Osama Al-Shaheen stressed that there is no room for selectivity and with regard to the closure of restaurants, commercial moodiness in the state of law, and said he is surprised by the decisions of the centers, barber shops and health clubs. They say the Council of Ministers to close some shops and activities. He announced that a parliamen- tary question will be put to the min- ister of health to fi nd out how these activities are related to the increase in the number of people infected with the virus and whether decisions were taken based on an epidemio- logical study or is it just on moods of some people. Al-Shaheen said, “the recent Cabinet decisions has taken us by surprise, so I asked the Minister of Health Sheikh Basil Al-Sabah about the extent of the connection be- tween the activities that the Cabinet decision to close exclusively some outlets and the increase in corona infections, especially with what is Osama Al-Shaheen Yusef Al-Fadhala Osama Al-Munawer reported among citizens that the in- crease in infections was caused by the arrival of some aircraft, and he wondered why the government held the health clubs and personal care centers responsible. He mentioned that there are complaints about selectivity in dealing with the economic issue, noting that deferring the pay- Photo by Rizk Taufiq ments of installments by owners Top and above: some photos of the demolition process. of small and medium enterprises is a good decision, but what about others who are not registered and Demolition of metal company begins financed by commercial banks, so “I made a proposal with a desire With the cooperation of the govern- the Housing Committee of the National to include them in the decision, ment and the National Assembly, and Assembly, the Municipality and the con- because corona pandemic does under direct orders from the Minister of cerned ministers saying that “we will not not distinguish between small en- Public Works, Dr Rana Al-Faris and the rest until all the remaining obstacles in terprises and entrepreneurship.” Kuwait Municipality, work began on the the region are removed.” demolition of the metal company site Member of the Municipal Council, Fa- Closure in the South Saad Al-Abdullah housing hid Al-Muwaisari, said: “We are still with MP Yusef Al-Fadhala called on project. the citizens’ demands regarding hous- the Cabinet to review the closure In this regard, MP Fayez Al-Jamhour ing rights first and foremost, and today decisions and withdraw them, while said the wall of influence has finally been we are following up and supervising the stressing on the existence of the torn down at the expense of the citizens’ removal of the metal company in South continued opening of activities, and housing. He thanked the members of Saad Al-Abdullah Housing Project.” what has already affl icted the proj- Photo by Rizk Taufiq ect owners is suffi cient. He said: Sheikh Salman Al-Hamoud receives a memento from Najat Al-Hashash in the presence of civil aviation “You are aware of the problem you MEW carries out maintenance work officials. have at the land and air ports,” he added. Happiness and Positivity Society honors DGCA employees Commenting on the decisions to Tender to supply 200K smart meters close health clubs and other shops The President of the Kuwaiti Happiness and Posi- Al-Hashash thanked the DGCA President Sheikh and hairdressing salons, and justify- KUWAIT CITY, Feb 6: According to He explained that the team referred two tivity Society, Najat Al-Hashash, honored the em- Salman Al-Hamoud and paid gratitude to civil avia- ing the increase in cases from these reliable sources from the Ministry of violations involving 30 chalets in one of ployees of the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation tion workers for tremendous efforts they made activities, he said: “It is not the Electricity and Water, a tender has been the maritime cities to the prosecution dur- (DGCA) as one of the frontline heroes to protect the for the safe return of Kuwaitis who were stranded truth, and after a year’s experience, signed to supply 200,000 smart meters ing the past year. citizens and residents from the emerging corona abroad and for organizing departure flights for expa- the Cabinet did not benefi t from the during mid-February, reports Al-Qabas A number of violators signed recon- virus (Covid-19) pandemic, reports Al-Seyassah triates stranded in Kuwait to their countries following fact that the problem is not in the daily. ciliation orders and paid the total amounts daily. the closure of the air space. work of projects but their decisions They revealed that the ministry attaches owed to them in the interest of the minis- still harm projects.” great importance to the tender, and has try in return for reconnection of the elec- 2nd phase of joint co-op program MP Dr Abdullah Al-Turaiji been counting on it since the beginning of tricity and water. called on the Council of Ministers, the smart transformation at the level of the Also clearance certifi cates were issued to review its decisions, especially consumption system. before the services were restored. those that affect young people in the API signs MoU with Sudan to boost co-op in private sector and owners of small The sources said, “The ministry is Meanwhile, the Ministry of Electricity and medium enterprises, stressing working on developing an installation and Water was to carry out maintenance that the government must benefi t plan for the meters, especially since the work on some power transformers in the advisory services, institutional support field from the experiences of some coun- first supply will be made four months six governorates, which will result in dis- after the signing. connecting the power supply in a number KUWAIT CITY, Feb 6: The Arab the development planning system the basic factors and requirements tries that have succeeded in contain- ing the epidemic without harming “This period will be used to conduct of areas from 4 am to 8 am, reports Al- Planning Institute (API) and the in Sudan in the fi eld of agriculture, necessary to raise production and the economy. a complete survey of the areas in which Anba daily. Government of Sudan has signed a support for food security programs achieve sustainable economic and He said in a press statement ev- the meters will be installed. Informed sources at the ministry said Memorandum of Understanding for and plans and programs to combat social development. eryone agrees on the need for con- “The survey aims to match the data those power stations which need mainte- enhancing cooperation in the fi eld poverty and unemployment, in ad- For his part, the Sudanese Am- certed efforts to contain and elimi- in the field with those on the ministry’s nance have been identifi ed and they are of advisory services, institutional dition to strengthening the banking bassador to Kuwait, Abdel Moneim nate the virus, which has mutated systems, which represents a historic op- being readied to withstand the pressure support, building national capaci- and fi nancial system. Al-Amin, said the memorandum that concern health authorities in ties and applied studies, reports Al- He explained the MoU will con- includes cooperation in the fi eld of portunity to update all data nationwide during peak times in summer. all countries of the world, but this according to the different stages of in- The sources noted these maintenance Seyassah daily. tribute to preparing the investment capacity building and training in is not a justifi cation for making im- After the signing, the API map and cooperating in the imple- various government agencies and stallation”. operations are periodic and are carried out provised decisions that negatively Meanwhile, head of the inspection according to organized schedules and are Director-General Dr Badr Malal- mentation of advisory studies re- non-profi t institutions in Sudan. affect the lives of citizens. lah, told KUNA the memorandum lated to mechanisms for activating Al-Amin added the memoran- team at the ministry Adnan Dashti re- supposed to be completed before the end MP Osama Al-Munawer called vealed that the total number of citations of next May before the start of the sum- represents the second phase of the the role of the private sector in eco- dum includes strengthening coop- the decision ill-considered because joint cooperation program, which nomic and social development in eration in priority development, re- the Council of Ministers has not tak- issued by the team in 2020 was 1,480, mer season. will extend for the next five years, addition to the fi eld of innovation, search, banking and fi nancial issues, en into account the consequences or including the various forms of viola- The areas where maintenance work including cooperation in develop- entrepreneurship and small and me- building competitive capabilities, the situation of the simple Kuwaiti tions on the network such as tampering to be carried out include Farwaniya, ment fields. dium enterprises. enhancing the role of the private traders. with meters, connecting water or elec- Firdous, Shamiya, northwest Al-Su- Malallah added that the memo- He stressed on the importance of sector, the state’s fi nancial and ac- Al-Munawer added in a statement tricity directly to the network without laibikhat, Hawalli, Salmiya, Fahaheel, randum includes the provision of continuing the process of develop- counting policies, and issues related to journalists the people are con- a meter, changing the sizes of fuses, Sabahiya, Ahmadi, Abu Futaira, Sabah advisory services in the implemen- ing human capabilities, training and to macroeconomic challenges and vinced that all decisions are made in wasting electricity and water, and other Al-Salem, Saad Al-Abdullah and Ish- tation of advisory studies related to investing in human capital as one of development planning. the interest of a group of merchants. forms of irregularities. biliya. ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 LOCAL 5

HH the Amir congratulates New Zealand on National Day Queen Elizabeth II congratulated on throne accession ’versary KUWAIT CITY, Feb 6, (KUNA): His ing also wishes of more success and wel- ing the official on her country’s National Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad fare to Queen Elizabeth II and the British Day. received on Tuesday a telephone contact Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent, Friday, a cable of people. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh from his Tunisian counterpart Dr Ibrahim congratulations to Queen of the United His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Meshaal Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Al-Bertaji, discussing cooperation between Kingdom and the other Commonwealth Meshaal Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah the two states. realms Elizabeth II on the occasion of the Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sent similar Kuwait Army said in a statement the two anniversary of her throne accession, marked Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah also sent simi- cables. minsters exchanged views on a large num- on February sixth. lar cables. ❑ ❑ ❑ ber of issues of joint interest. In the cable, His Highness the Amir Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir sent They have also discussed means of boost- highlighted the strong and historic rela- on Saturday a cable to the Governor-General Defense talks held: Kuwaiti Deputy ing mutual cooperation, joint action and tions linking Kuwait and Britain, express- of New Zealand Patsy Reddy, congratulat- Prime Minister and Minister of Defense expertise swap between the two countries. PAFN team seizes 700-kg expired meat PAAAFR okays transfer of Jahra park’s supervision to NCCAL

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 6: The Mubarak Al-Kabeer Gover- norate Inspection Depart- ment in the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition con- ducted a periodic tour to take random samples from several food establishments in Sabhan Industrial Area, reports Al-Rai daily. The tour resulted in the confisca- tion of about 700 kilograms of expired meat and uncovered viola- tions such as failure to comply with the standard specifications. It also led to the issuance of cita- tions for various violations like non- compliance with health regulations, incorrect preparation of foodstuffs, lack of commitment to public sanita- tion regulations, poor storage of food- stuffs, lack of commitment to health and technical requirements in some facilities, and failure to close sanita- tion chutes. The inspectors of the department issued warnings to control violations and made arrangements for proper disposal of confiscated food items, in preparation for referral of violators to the Public Prosecution. The inspectors checked the level of compliance to health regulations Photo by Iehab Qurtal Ministry of Interior employees sanitizing the Al-Seyassah and the Arab Times building on Saturday. Kuwait witnessed a spike in among the establishments and the corona cases which resulted in partial closure of some establishments from Sunday. health certificates of workers. Legal measures were taken against three establishments, including the decision In a recent statement, PAAAFR dis- attendance. They discussed the mecha- cultural roles. to close them, the department closed a meeting was held in its headquar- nism for transferring the park’s supervi- PAAAFR explained the transfer deci- revealed. ters with Director General of the authority sion to NCCAL in line with the Cabinet’s sion is in response to the demand of those Meanwhile, the Public Authority Sheikh Muhammad Al-Youssef; decision in this regard. residing in Jahra to rehabilitate the nation- for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Secretary-General of NCCAL Kamel PAAAFR affirmed that the officials, al park, so it should be under the supervi- Resources (PAAAFR) has approved Al-Abd Al-Jalil; Municipal Council mem- who attended the meeting, agreed the park sion of NCCAL to preserve it as a heritage the transfer of supervision over Jahra bers Abd Al-Salam Al-Randi, Ahmed is a national heritage site as it reflects the landmark. The authority also expressed National Park to the National Council Hadian and Maha Al-Baghli; and repre- Kuwaiti heritage and is more than 40 years appreciation for the cooperation of various of Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), sentatives of Kuwait Municipality and the old; hence, the need to carry out certain government sectors in serving the nation reports Al-Jarida daily. Fatwa and Legislation Department in works in order to enrich its artistic and and citizens. ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 LOCAL 6 REMEMBER WHEN

DISTINGUISHED GUESTS Photograph courtesy of The Center for Re- The visit of King Abdulaziz Al-Saud to Kuwait in 1936 was no ordinary visit, for the trade blockade search and Studies on he had imposed on Kuwait was lifted soon after. Kuwait and the work He arrived in Kuwait by car, accompanied by some of his sons. The great King is shown in this of Dr Yacoub Al- photograph being received by Sheikh Ahmad Al- Hijji in the book Old- Jaber outside the city wall. (From the book ‘Old Kuwait: Memories Kuwait: Memories in Photographs’) in Photographs fi rst published in 1996.

© R.G.S. Courtesy of The Center for Research and Studies on Kuwait diwaniya A DIGEST OF PUBLIC OPINION ‘Sheikh Abdullah you are a descendant from the glorious past’ “SHEIKH Abdullah Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad is known for his gentleness and economy suffers because of dependence of the sole source of income, and that Qarawi wrote for Al-Anba daily. dedication to serving his homeland, in addition to his high morals and humil- is oil, while the government dominates all sectors and employment and the “Rather, there are those who are distinguished in thought, management, eco- ity, and for this he is like a fruit tree that young people seek to throw stones at, fi nancial situation is not as it has been portrayed, it is reassuringly comfortable, nomics, education and others who are one of Kuwait’s treasures in knowledge which even after giving its fruits stands tall,” columnist Sattam Ahmad Al- the Kuwaiti economy is rock solid, and at other times says the government can- and Science. Many countries and foreign institutions seek their help in studies, Jarallah wrote for Al-Seyassah daily. not pay salaries, then another statement talks about tax, but the urgent question research and opinions. Social relations have an important role in the cohesion of “This man has great popularity. In addition to the good qualities he was is: ‘Who is responsible for these imbalances, is it the government’s policies or society, patriotism and cooperation in its development and elevation. brought up with, everyone shares their joys and sorrows, and there is no doubt the citizen’s?” columnist Mishref Eqab wrote for Al-Shahed daily. “Regrettably, the selection of members of the government is not based on this that Kuwait needs the likes of this man. “A while ago, a government offi cial stated that the government is about to approach. Rather, certain candidates are often put forward and obtain membership. “Sheikh Abdullah is bigger than the “hashtag” some impose tax on citizens and institutions but it is strange that these voices ignore You fi nd it in every formation, such that some are considered distinguished and people try to pull him down with ‘Twitter’ in order to the institutions and the state property used by some companies while focusing worthy of participation because of the ease of style and sweetness of his words — a distort his bright image. These petty games do not dis- on the pocket of the simple citizen. lot of lip service does not have the expertise except for what they did and sometimes courage him from facing diffi culties, because he is one “The defi nition of tax is a sum of money that the state receives from people there is lack of honesty, public interest and justice between creatures. of the statesmen who works untiringly without boredom, and institutions to spend from part of it on infrastructure and on various sectors “The selection process must be pure — based on controls, principles, training and continues day and night to serve their homeland, such as education, health and all services. and commitment to a clear policy, then leaving the rope on the wagon, taking whether they are in higher position or otherwise. “All countries of the world such as America and Europe levy tax but all citi- into account the follow-up and evaluation. “It has become customary in Kuwait, especially for zens’ services are computerized, not to mention infrastructure, roads and health “We also need at this stage a strong government whose concern is the safety of the ‘weak’ souls, to work to obstruct any proposal that and all citizens enjoy all the advantages of services, including roads, subways, Kuwait from all evil, regardless of courtesies, special interests and kissing noses. does not serve their narrow personal interests, or they suspension bridges and modern alternative roads. Our hope in God in light of the new era, a prince, crown prince and prime minis- are afraid of merely talking about a abstract competitor, “Sometimes some respectable voices come out urging the state to tax the ter, is to see good, security and stability for our dear country and our kind people.” and therefore they resort to distorting his image. Al-Jarallah citizen but the question that arises is whether all services are available, similar ❑ ❑ ❑ “They continue with their nonsense unabated, but to developed countries so that the citizen pays a tax in exchange for visiting a they always reap the fruits of their evil deeds that is why we saw how the hospital and taking an appointment which he gets after several months. “The COVID-19 vaccination campaign has began with His Highness the Kuwaitis rushed to support Sheikh Abdullah Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad through “Will the citizen pay tax in exchange for the terrible crowded streets and the lack Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled receiving the fi rst dose of the vaccine, ‘hashtags’ when others wanted to distort this bright image. This was like a ref- of alternative roads and bridges which has been the case for more than 20 years and followed by a number of parliamentarians, ministers, offi cials and the elderly,” taking, will the citizens still have to bear with the boring routine for a whole week erendum on the love and appreciation of men. columnist Dr. Muhammad Al-Duwaihis wrote for Al-Shahid daily. to complete any transaction? What tax the state wants the citizen to pay after we see “Through this campaign reported by various media, His Highness the Prime “Those who know Sheikh Abdullah closely are aware of the summary of all waste of public money as stated in the reports of the Audit Bureau? the good qualities that he took from the Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad School in Minister set an example, and led the offi cials and public to support this cam- “What tax are ‘you’ talking about while the Kuwaiti funds are ‘distributed’ paign. It sends the message that the Pfi zer vaccine is safe and approved by protecting the position and seeking reform and raising the interest of Kuwait all over the globe? What tax with the rationing and cutting off of almost daily above all interests. international bodies, that taking the vaccine is the safest solution to confront electricity like any poor country? It doesn’t mean that we are against tax, to the this pandemic, and to call on the public to adhere to health requirements and “He does not go down to the level of young gamers but continues to give and contrary we are with the law and the application of the tax, but after the citi- work, and does not pay attention to nonsense that only works for those who social distancing so that we are able to return to normal life as soon as possible. zen feels that all services are complete, his transactions are done electronically “We value the support and appreciate the transparency shown by His Highness cannot turn into a fruitful tree to serve their country. similar to the developed countries that impose tax on their citizens.” the Prime Minister, the ministers and MPs during the COVID-19 vaccination “That is why we say to Sheikh Abdullah Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad: You are a ❑ ❑ ❑ campaign. We hope to fi nd such support and transparency for all efforts, laws and descendant from the glorious past.” legislation that support the plans, and the major national projects, as well as the “The number of Kuwaitis with higher degrees — PhD and master’s degrees Also: — exceeds 4,633 people, while many employees in the government and private 2035 development plan for the benefi t of the homeland and its people.” “Citizens are confused and surprised because some offi cials say the Kuwaiti sectors have university degrees in every specialization,” columnist Motlaq Al- — Compiled by Ahmad Al-Shazli Hunt launched for infi ltrators ‘Covid’ violators under probe

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 6: A securi- ty alert has been sounded in Nuwai- seeb and surround- ing areas because of likely infi ltration by the Iranians, reports Al-Anba daily. According to a source securitymen are looking for Iranians who may have infi ltrated into the country via the sea. The same source said, a report received by the Op- erations Room of the Minis- KFSD photo try of Interior stated a cruise The accident that left two dead and vehicles reduced to ashes after catching fi re on boat was found 300 meters impact. from the Nuwaiseeb beach adjacent to the checkpost. Two die, 4 hurt in accidents According to an eyewit- ness, he saw the cruiser after The country witnessed to ashes and led to the overturned on the Sixth noon prayers, and when the three fatal accidents death of two people – one Ring Road at about 6:00 security authorities moved in different parts of the believed to be a Kuwaiti am in which one person the site, they found in the country, reports Al-Anba and another an Indian, died and four were in- cruiser wrapped in plastic, daily. while 4 Indians were tak- jured. 3 buoys and 4 plastic fuel In one of the accidents, en to the Farwaniya Hos- The second accident tanks, 2 of them empty and a bus with 22 passengers pital for treatment and the happened on Al-Salmi overturned, another four- remains of the two men Road. The victim, be- some foodstuffs. wheel-drive was involved were referred to Foren- lieved to be a Kuwaiti, The drinking water boxes in a violent collision which sics Medicine. was trapped inside and bore Persian writing. The reduced both the vehicles The bus allegedly he had died on injuries. sources said, today’s in- fi ltration incident comes weeks after a similar inci- Acting Assistant Undersec- referred to the legal affairs employees. dent that resulted in the ar- retary for Financial and Ad- department for interroga- ❑ ❑ ❑ rest of a number of Iranians. ministrative Affairs, Head tion, reports Al-Jarida daily. ❑ ❑ ❑ of the Committee for Fol- Sari told the daily, a fi nal ‘Go back home’: A pas- senger proven to have Violators probed: Fol- low-up and Monitoring the warning has been given to forged his PCR examination lowing the decision of the Implementation of Health these employees, and in the certifi cate will be required Council of Ministers, to Procedures and Conditions event they fail to adhere to to return on the same fl ight, assign the Civil Service Bu- in the Ministry of Social Af- the health guidelines, a cer- while the concerned airline reau to set a list of penalties fairs, Abdulaziz Sari, said tain amount from their sal- will be fi ned KD500 for and penalties for employees seven employees who vio- ary will be docked. every passenger with forged who violate health require- lated the administrative cir- He confi rmed, all depart- PCR certifi cate, reports Al- ments, the Assistant Under- cular regarding adherence ments will be strictly moni- Qabas daily quoting a reli- secretary for Administrative to health guidelines pertain- tored to ensure commitment able source from Kuwait Planning and Development, ing to Covid-19 have been to health instructions by the International Airport.

ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 LOCAL/MIDEAST 8

Kuwaiti Graduates Society holds hypothetical seminar under the title ‘Guarantees and Ways of Political Stability’ Chaos, political instability due to failure to evaluate previous stages By Fares Al-Abdan Graduates Society, the former parlia- He said the current National also want to redistribute rights to be “Whenever an electoral system comes five years of approval, especially that Al-Seyassah Staff mentarian said there must be a review Assembly is seen as what he called ‘a fair and create a state of political sta- out with a popular will, the reasons any document with experience needs and development of the constitution task council’ and not a ‘full fat’ coun- bility.” for the boycott will end for me, and I to be developed, for example the cur- KUWAIT CITY, Feb 6: Former MP to create a state of stability and cil, adding, “God will reward them if On the issue of national reconcilia- will go to vote, but with regard to my riculum is being developed, let alone Saleh Al-Mulla affirmed that all the involve the people in the executive they adopt some reforms and some tion, Al-Mulla expected that a special candidacy, this is still premature.” a document that needs to be reviewed, chaos, political instability and prob- decision-making process. laws.” pardon would be issued by His Former MP AbdulWahab especially with regard to some of the lems “we are witnessing in the last Al-Mulla added, “All our battles in Al-Mulla went on to say, “We need Highness the Amir before the first Al-Babtain said: “We have a problem government’s competencies. two decades is due to our failure to the recent period are related to indi- a fair distribution of power, as there is session of the National Assembly, of exercising a margin of freedom and Al-Babtain pointed out that he is evaluate the previous stages and re- viduals, and all our problems centered no equality if we measure what repre- indicating that these are expectations practicing democracy within narrow “constitutionally against the return of read the experience and rules of the on people and we abandoned the sents the authority and what repre- and not information, as, “I wish a limits, pointing out that since the the prime minister, because 38 depu- political game.” basic issues so that the experience did sents the people.” comprehensive pardon ... and the spe- Parliament of 1963 we have not prac- ties have voiced their concern against During a hypothetical seminar not develop, and we were late in He emphasized that the govern- cial pardon would come as it is the ticed democracy in the first place.” his return and threatened with ‘no which was held under the title developing the constitution, review- ment has no right to interfere in the generosity of His Highness the Amir.” Al-Babtain stated that when the cooperation’. Our problem is that the ‘Guarantees and Ways of Political ing it and amending some of its arti- formation of committees, whether by Regarding his return to contesting constitution was formed, it was indi- constitution is used and not imple- Stability’ organized by the Kuwaiti cles.” voting or even by attending, and “we and taking part in elections, he said, cated that it could be reviewed after mented.” Kuwait gov’t welcomes ‘election’ of new Libya executive authority

Foreign Ministry commends remarkable UN efforts

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 6, (KUNA): The Kuwait Foreign dossier. Elsewhere, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Dr. Ministry welcomed Friday the election of new leaders of Nayef Al-Hajraf on Friday welcomed election of Libya’s new executive authority the country’s executive authority. represented in the presidential council and prime minister. In a press statement, the ministry commended the remarkable UN Mohammed al-Menfi was chosen as interim presidency council head and Abdulhamid Dbeibeh as prime minister. KUNA photo efforts to reach this goal, hoping this achievement would pave the way for In a statement, Al-Hajraf stressed the importance of this step to reach a perma- Group photo from the event. meeting Libya’s people’s aspirations for security and stability. nent and comprehensive solution to the crisis in Libya. It wished success for the UN efforts to tackle other pending issues in the Libyan He also hoped the new development would help achieve security, stability and development in Libya and meet aspira- tions of Libyans. ‘Loyalty and Loyalty’ He extolled the efforts by the UN mission in Libya, wishing security and peace will prevail in all Libya soon to strengthen its national unity. Campaign commemorates UN acting Libya envoy Stephanie Williams announced earlier in the day late Amir’s ‘achievements’ the winning of the list included al- Menfi and Dbeibeh, and Musa Al-Koni KUWAIT CITY, Feb 6: The him, in addressing the Gulf con- and Abdullah Al-Lafi as two members Kuwaiti ‘Loyalty and Loyalty’ flict; and that of His Highness the of the council. campaign organized a commemo- Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad The Arab League also welcomed ration of the achievements of His Al-Jaber Al- Sabah, may God pro- the election of Libya’s new executive Highness the late Amir Sheikh tect him, who continued the work authority represented in head and Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber in this regard until it yielded the members of the presidential council Al-Sabah - may God rest his soul desired result. and prime minister designate. - at Jumeirah Hotel on Saturday. He affirmed that HH the late A report published by KUNA Amir, may God rest his soul, was a Election revealed that the event showcased proud leader of the Arab nation; In a statement, the League extolled the important role of HH the late indicating this event is considered the success of the Libyan Political Amir in the reunification of coun- the most basic tribute to a leader Dialogue Forum (LPDF) held in Geneva tries in the Gulf region, as well as whose name rings in various parts that led to the election of Mohammed the efforts of His Highness the of the world due to his humanitar- al-Menfi as head of presidency council, Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad ian and diplomatic initiatives. Musa Al-Koni and Abdullah Al-Lafi as Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in this regard. This is also a chance for the citi- council members and Abdulhamid Event zens of GCC countries to express Dbeibeh as prime minister. their love for the late humanitarian It said it looks forward to the inaugura- Present at the event were leader and record his achievements tion of the new council and government Kuwait’s Deputy Assistant in history. as soon as possible to begin their duties Foreign Affairs Minister for Talking about the activities and prepare for legislative and presiden- Protocol Affairs Abdul Mohsen related to this event, he clarified tial elections at the end of this year. Al-Zaid and heads of the diplo- the event kick-started a series of The statement renewed the League’s matic missions of Gulf Cooperation social activities such as the online support to all national efforts made to Council (GCC) nations - poetry competition. “We have reach a final solution to Libya’s crisis. Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman Dr Saleh Al-Kharousi, been witnessing how the citizens It called for unifying regional and of every GCC member nation international stances to support the Bahraini Ambassador Salah Al-Maliki, Deputy Ambassador of expressed their love for the late UN-led efforts to end the decade-long humanitarian leader through artis- conflict. the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Nawaf bin Sayyaf, tic, poetry and literary activities,” The United States welcomed he concluded. Friday’s election of new leaders for Chargé d’Affaires at the United Libya’s Presidency Council and gov- Arab Emirates Embassy Khaled United ernment. Al-Morshoudi and Deputy Qatari Ambassador Muhammad Meanwhile, Ambassador of the “We welcome this news. We fully Sultanate of Oman to Kuwait Dr support this outcome of the UN facili- Al-Mutair. The event is a reflection of the Saleh Al-Kharousi pointed out in a tated process that will lead to a stable, press statement that the Gulf rec- secure Libya and elections in December Gulf reconciliation during the Al-Ula summit in Saudi Arabia, onciliation sought by the State of 2021,” US State Department Kuwait “has borne fruit, so the Spokesperson Ned Price told reporters. which continues to dominate the Arab political and media scene. Gulf house is now united. The Earlier, Secretary General of the return of solidarity is vital as it Gulf Insurance Group building lights up with colors of the Kuwait flag. United Nations Antonio Guterres wel- In a press statement after the event, General Coordinator of the paves way for a unified Arab comed the election of Libya’s new action.” GIG’s building lights up with Kuwait flag to mark national days executive authority. campaign Fawaz Al-Raslani In a statement released Friday, asserted this event will go down in Al-Kharousi added the cam- history as the new beginning of paign is an important occasion, in Gulf Insurance Group-Kuwait (GIG- said: “We take pride in annually and citizenship.” Guterres said, “Today we have very good news in our search for peace. I cooperation among the aforemen- the same manner that the memory Kuwait) announced its participation participating in Kuwait’s national He stressed the importance of tioned countries in a bid to protect of HH the late Amir is a great in the celebrations of the 60th celebrations and holidays, espe- considering health and safety pre- welcome the selection by members of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum the Gulf home and for the Gulf memory. He said the State of Independence Day and the 30th cially as it is an integral part of our cautions for COVID-19 through brothers to unite in facing chal- Kuwait has had many accomplish- Liberation Day of Kuwait. On this culture and our ongoing social wearing facemasks and disinfect- (LPDF) of a unified temporary execu- tive authority.” lenges. He pointed out this event ments during the reign of the HH occasion, the company lights up its responsibility throughout the year. ing all departments and branches is in line with the success of the late Amir. “We ask God Almighty building in colors of the Kuwaiti flag GIG-Kuwait is keen on engaging to ensure the safety of employees Results to forgive him and his memory marking the national holidays with society on such occasions to and customers, not to mention rais- Al-Ula Summit - the result of the kicked off under the theme “peace express love for Kuwait, while ing the spirit of sharing the love of “I call on all members of the dia- efforts and role of HH the late will remain forever. He is the lead- has a home”. spreading awareness as part of its this country and showing responsi- logue and the Libyan and international Amir who was known as the er of humanitarian work, as per the Salman Al-Nejadi, Head of national and social responsibility to bility of individuals and society stakeholders to respect the results of International Humanitarian testimony of the United Nations Marketing & PR at GIG-Kuwait, enhance the meaning of belonging towards fighting the pandemic. the vote,” he added. Leader, may God have mercy on and all other countries,” he said. “I congratulate the three new mem- bers of the Presidential Council and Distance learning likely to continue during second semester the Prime Minister Designate on their selection, but also, I wish them every News in Brief success in their mandate to lead the country for the remainder of the Education unlikely to get ‘Health’ nod Preparatory Phase leading up to national elections on 24 December RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s daily con- CAIRO: The Egyptian Ministry of By Abdulrahman Al-Shimmari 2021,” stated the UN chief. firmed coronavirus cases climbed by Health and Population reported Al-Seyassah Staff and Agencies “I welcome the pledges made by the 386 as related deaths rose by four, the Friday that 540 people tested positive Ma’arafi inspects progress of new executive authority to form a gov- health ministry said on Saturday. for the novel coronavirus (COVID- KUWAIT CITY, Feb 6: In light of the ernment reflecting political pluralism, The death toll now stands at 6,397 19) and 48 others succumbed to the increasing pace of precautionary mea- geographic representation, and its as confirmed cases hit 369,961, min- respiratory illness in the past 24 sures the Ministry of Education pro- work in ‘East Taima’ housing commitment to include no less than 30 istry data showed, as the number of hours. poses return to the traditional school per cent of women in executive posi- recoveries increased by 283 to The figures took the country’s hours gradually according to plan - 50 By Abdel Nasser Al-Aslami Public Authority for Housing tions, as well as to ensure the partici- 361,237. (KUNA) tally to 168,597 infections and 9,560 percent of the students for two days a Al-Seyassah Staff Welfare (PAHW) Engr. Badr pation of youth.” ❑ ❑ ❑ deaths, the ministry’s Spokesman Dr week and three days for the other fifty Al-Waqian and senior officials of “I also call on the new executive Khaled Mujahed noted in a press percent and vice-versa. KUWAIT CITY, Feb 6: The the PAHW. authority and all concerned Libyan DOHA: The number of confirmed release. The education sources told the Minister of State for Housing The statement pointed out that stakeholders to uphold the principles and coronavirus infections in Qatar rose Up to 421 patients have been dis- Al-Seyassah daily, the vision present- Affairs, Minister of State for timelines set out in the Tunis Roadmap.” by 394 on Saturday to raise the Gulf charged from hospitals, bringing the the Minister of Housing confirmed state’s caseload to 153,690, health ed by the Ministry of Education during Services Affairs, Dr. Abdullah that his visit came out of his keen- Guterres said, “I thank the members overall recoveries to 131,632, he the meeting with senior officials of the Ma’arafi recently inspected yester- ministry data showed. added. (KUNA) ness to inspect the on-site works of the political dialogue for success- Some 132 more people were cured Ministry of Health for the return to day the progress of work in the fully shouldering this historic respon- ❑ ❑ ❑ ‘East Taima Homes’ project, and ensure that work is proceeding from the virus over the past 24 hours, traditional school hours during the sec- according to the contracts timeta- sibility.” pushing the total up to 146,754, accord- RABAT: Morocco on Friday report- ond semester includes all details, pre- which is allocated to the category “My appreciation also extends to of those who sold their homes. bles, without compromising on ing to government figures. (KUNA) ed 17 deaths from the novel corona- cautionary measures. the Government of Switzerland for ❑ ❑ ❑ virus and 712 infections in 24 hours. The Ministry says it will sign all Minister Ma’arafi was accom- quality of work and technical spec- hosting the LPDF, to the members of ifications. He pointed out 425 of In a press statement, the pledges and give assurances in the area panied during the tour by members the Berlin Process for their continued BAGHDAD: Iraq’s coronavirus Moroccan Ministry of Health said of health requirements in the event the of the Housing Committee at the the 509 homes in the project have support and to my Acting Special deaths increased by eight as the daily the new statistics increased the Ministry of Health approves a gradual National Assembly and head of the been completed. Representative, Stephanie Williams, confirmed cases rose by 1,660, the death toll to 8,368 and infections to return to traditional education in all for her leadership, commitment and health ministry said on Saturday. 474,379. stages of education. tireless efforts for facilitating the intra- This brings the caseload across the As many as 780 people recovered that the Ministry of Health will approve It is incumbent upon public employ- country’s provinces, including the The sources said in the event the the vision of the Education Ministry. It is ees to adhere to the previously outlined Libyan dialogue.” from the pandemic in the same peri- Ministry of Health does not agree to Kurdistan Region, to 627,416 as the od, taking the total recoveries to likely the distance learning will continue safety measures, which constitutes The United Nations commitment to the proposed scenario, then the minis- death toll hit 13,111, a ministry state- 453,302, it added. (KUNA) during the second semester. “proper workplace etiquette,” the state- support the Libyan people in their try will push strongly to allow students efforts to build a peaceful and prosper- ment read. (KUNA) ❑ ❑ ❑ In other news, Kuwait’s public ment highlighted, warning of stiff pen- ❑ ❑ ❑ to attend the classes since the three ous country will continue, he affirmed. BEIRUT: Lebanon on Friday basic grades of the elementary level workers risk facing disciplinary action alties for non-compliance. First time After the ceasefire that was agreed, if they fail to comply with precaution- violators will receive a warning, while TEHRAN: Iran has recorded 6,983 announced 98 coronavirus deaths and are the most affected by the distance the election that now took place shows daily confirmed coronavirus cases 3,071 infections in the past 24 hours. education system. ary measures aiming to squelch the a second infraction will be met with a that Libya is moving in the right direc- and 76 deaths in the past 24 hours, spread of the coronavirus, the Civil deduction of a day’s worth of pay from Today’s figures raised the death The sources indicated the ministry tion, the statement concluded. health authorities said on Saturday. toll to 3,495 and overall infections to has provided the integrated statistics of Service Commission (CSC) said. The the monthly salary, the statement clari- Delegates to the UN-facilitated The new figures raise the total 315,340, Lebanese ministry of health the numbers of school employees CSC notice comes a day after Kuwait’s fied, adding that repeat violations face Libyan Political Dialogue Forum number of cases to over 1.45 million said in a statement. including the administrators which are government said it would tighten up to a 15-day pay cut. It went on to (LPDF) elected Friday a new interim and deaths to 58,412, health authori- The number of recoveries climbed about 100,000 to the Ministry of restrictions on public gatherings start- urge public bodies to further enforce executive authority to lead the country ties said, adding that recoveries have to 196,430, while the total tests in the Health to vaccinate them in the event ing next week in response to a spike in workplace safety rules, calling for addi- to national elections next risen to over 1.24 million. (KUNA) same period hit 15,351, it noted. of return to schools. COVID-19 infection rates, the body tional steps to protect workers amid the December,announced the acting UN ❑ ❑ ❑ (KUNA) At the same time, the sources ruled out said in a statement. COVID-19 pandemic. envoy to Libya. Ford loses $1.28bn in 2020, raises electric vehicle spending

Ford Motor Co. lost $1.28 bil- The automaker said that ex- ing to FactSet. That also beat accounting charge for falling lion last year as it dealt with a cluding one-time items, it made Wall Street expectations of a pension-fund values. huge restructuring, a costly re- 41 cents per share for the year. 7-cent-per-share loss. The company predicted a call and a decline in the value That beat Wall Street esti- Before taxes the company return to more normal profi ts In this fi le photograph, the of its pension fund. mates of breaking even. Rev- made $1.7 billion for the year, in 2021, forecasting $8 billion company logo shines at But the company said Thurs- enue for the year was $127.1 but it was brought down by to $9 billion in pretax earnings. a Ford dealership in Lit- day it is generating strong cash billion, down 18% from 2019. restructuring costs in Europe, That includes a $900 million tleton, Colorado. (AP) fl ow and will go all-in on elec- Analysts expected $128.2 bil- South America and elsewhere. gain on its investment in elec- tric vehicles. Ford said it would lion in revenue for the year. Also contributing were a $610 tric vehicle startup Rivian, as now spend at least $22 billion Ford also lost $2.8 billion million government-ordered re- well as any adverse impact developing them from 2016 in the fourth quarter. Exclud- call of 2.7 million vehicles with from a shortage of semicon- through 2025, nearly double ing one-time items it made dangerous Takata air bag infl a- ductor chips now hitting the what it previously announced. 34 cents per share, accord- tors and a $1.2 billion one-time global auto industry. (AP)

Market Movements 05-02-2021 Change Closing pts Change Closing pts AUSTRALIA - All Ordinaries +75.04 7,112.93 GERMANY - DAX -3.57 14,056.72 JAPAN - Nikkei +437.24 28,779.19 PAKISTAN - KSE 100 -27.84 46,905.79 FRANCE - CAC 40 +50.72 5,659.26 CHINA - Shanghai SE -5.53 3,496.33 EUROPE - Euro Stoxx 50 +13.65 3,655.77 S. KOREA - KRX 100 +83.15 6,767.61 PHILIPPINES - PSEi +115.43 7,019.18 INDIA - Sensex +117.34 50,731.63 Business

Kuwait not in need of more econ advisers, but of a doer US employers add 49K jobs, By Kamel Al-Harami ernment is unable to make its mind Independent Oil Analyst as to which way to go. Yes, there is no cash in our YES ... we are going through a Central Bank Reserve, but we can financial difficulty and cash short- borrow easily. The government did age ... shortage of cash like the rest underscoring virus’ damage not get the necessary votes from the of the oil exporting countries that parliament for borrowing, perhaps have a single source of income. because of mistrust. Unlike others, Kuwait has heavy Now, the government wants to Unemployment rate falls sharply to 6.3% investments globally and is wealthy put its hand on our sovereign wealth but cannot fund, which is worth about $600 bil- manage its richness. lion. This has been set aside for the WASHINGTON, Feb 6, (AP): at Oxford Economics, forecasts that 6.6 There are future generation of Kuwait. It is America’s employers barely million jobs could be regained by the drying up with the stoppage of addi- too many added jobs last month, under- end of this year, though that would still cooks, and tion of ten percent from annual oil leave the U.S. economy several million our govern- revenues. The government has an scoring the viral pandemic’s short of its pre-pandemic level. ment’s idea of borrowing from the fund by ongoing grip on the economy Last month, service industries that drawers are swapping some of our domestic and likely adding momentum deal with customers in person again filled with assets like monies of Kuwait posted the sharpest job losses as mil- recommen- Petroleum Corporation and interna- to the Biden administration’s lions of consumers continue to hunker dations from tional investments for example. push for a bold rescue aid down at home. Within the service sec- the best Instead of going straight to bor- Al-Harami rowing from international markets, package. tor, restaurants, bars and hotels slashed institutions, The increase of just 49,000 posi- 61,000 jobs. Retailers cut nearly 38,000 former government leaders, and our and going through the normal local channel, i.e., by trying again with tions in January made scarcely any jobs. Employment in transportation and own economic experts. However, warehousing fell by 28,000. who is there to listen and implement the parliament, it has chosen the dent in the nearly 10 million jobs the needed actions? long route and to dilute the value of that remain lost since the virus in- Those declines probably would have Since the fall of oil prices in our future generation fund. been even worse if not for a quirk in the tensifi ed nearly a year ago. The government’s calculations. The gov- November 2014, this paper has been The government can privatize its tepid increase followed a decline of stating that time has come to reduce own departments, industries, and oil ernment uses seasonal adjustments to our budget and find an alternative to facilities, which is part of our short- 227,000 jobs in December, the fi rst In this fi le photo, a person passes the offi ce of the California Employment try to fi lter out the impact of short-term oil. term solutions; but it cannot face the loss since April. Development Department in Sacramento, California. (AP) changes that don’t refl ect underlying Oil is not sustainable and we have parliament or be able to convince the The unemployment rate fell sharply economic trends. One such short-term to move away from it. Our govern- public of the difficulties we are in, in January from 6.7% to 6.3%, the La- roll processor ADP. government provides further stimu- change involves temporary retail em- ment did not do anything at all, and perhaps due to lack of confidence. bor Department said Friday. Most of Soaring new virus infections in late lus, the economy and the job market ployees who are hired for the holiday kept on spending and increasing its Next year we will be facing a defi- the drop in unemployment occurred fall had forced tighter business restric- will strengthen much faster than they shopping season. expenditures, even to the extent of cit of about KD 10 billion or $ 30 because some people out of work tions in California, New York, Virginia did after previous recessions. Bank of Retailers typically hire extra staff for providing its supporters, members of billion. This will continue at the same found jobs, but others stopped looking and other states, thereby reducing the America estimates that growth could the holiday season and then let them go the parliament, and their families rate or at a higher rate in the coming for work and were no longer counted as need for workers. Consumers have also reach 6% this year, which would be the in January. The government’s seasonal and friends summer health vacations years. At such a rate, our sovereign unemployed. been less willing to dine out, travel or fastest since 1984. adjustments factor in this pattern to with pocket monies for up to four- wealth fund will barely last for anoth- go to concert halls and other venues “The tunnel we’re in does have a five people. This cost the govern- Even last month’s small job gain avoid showing a huge job gain before er 20 years and will dry up totally. benefi ted from a technical adjustment as the pandemic has persisted. Some light,” Richardson said. “It’s later this ment public money of about $ 3 bil- Shortage of cash is not such a big the holiday season and then a huge job lion prior to COVID-19 crisis. It to the government’s data. And without business closures, notably in Califor- year when the U.S. economy is reo- loss afterward. problem, provided that our govern- nia, have since been eased or lifted, pened, and after widespread inocula- ignored all advice related to reduc- ment can lead ... but who is going to an increase of 80,000 temporary jobs, This time, though, holiday hiring ing expenses. be our doer and our hero?! the economy would have posted a net but in many cases too late to affect last tion and maybe stimulus. This is not the was weaker because of the pandemic, Now we are in an economic mess. ❑ ❑ ❑ loss for January. month’s jobs data. end of the story by any means. But it and so layoffs in January weren’t as There are solutions at hand but who “What you have is a lousy report that Economists are increasingly hope- does show the recovery could use more large as they typically are. As a result, is going to be in charge?! The gov- email: [email protected] shows a stalling recovery,” said Nela ful that as vaccinations reach a critical support.” the seasonal adjustment process likely Richardson, chief economist at the pay- mass in the coming months and the Gregory Daco, chief U.S. economist infl ated last month’s hiring gain. ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 BUSINESS 10

moped-share co Revel building car charging hub in NYC

Revel, the company that op- electric vehicles, company pany said. The company’s expan- This artist rendering, erates fl eets of shared mo- offi cials, including CEO and The charging stations will sion into charging stations provided in New York, peds in several U.S. cities, co-founder Frank Reig, said be available 24 hours a day comes amid renewed ef- shows the vehicle charg- announced Wednesday that in a news release. to drivers of any type of elec- forts in the United States to ing station by electric it is building a charging hub The initial charging hub tric vehicle, Revel offi cials move away from gasoline- transportation company for electric vehicles in Brook- will be at the site of the for- said. powered cars. Offi cials at Revel, to be built in the Brooklyn borough of New lyn this spring. mer Pfi zer building in the Founded in Brooklyn General Motors announced York. (AP) The charging facility will Williamsburg neighborhood in 2018, Revel now oper- last week that they have set be the fi rst in a network of and will have 30 stations ates 5,000 electric mopeds a goal of making the vast car-charging hubs planned capable of delivering 100 across New York City, Mi- majority of the company’s for New York City in an ef- miles of charge to vehicles in ami, Washington and the vehicles electric by 2035. fort to promote the use of about 20 minutes, the com- San Francisco Bay area. (AP)

Sentencing set for May 7 US productivity in Q4 falls by Fund founder pleads ‘guilty’ in Neiman Marcus-tied case NEW YORK, Feb 6, (AP): A hedge hedge fund would offer. the largest amount in 39 yrs fund founder pleaded guilty to a crimi- Kamensky’s hedge fund managed nal charge alleging he defrauded Nei- assets of over $1 billion as it invested man Marcus creditors by pressuring an in securities in distressed situations, in- investment bank not to bid against his cluding bankruptcies. Services sector operates at highest level in almost two years hedge fund to buy securities from them. Before opening his hedge fund, Ka- Marble Ridge Capital founder Dan- mensky worked as a bankruptcy attor- WASHINGTON, Feb 6, iel Kamensky, 48, entered the plea to ney at a well-known international law a single count of bankruptcy fraud in fi rm and as a distressed debt investor at (AP): U.S. productivity Manhattan federal court. A plea agree- prominent fi nancial institutions, pros- in the October-December ment suggested a sentence of up to 18 ecutors said. months in prison. Sentencing was set Neiman Marcus, an U.S. luxury quarter fell by the larg- for May 7 for the Roslyn, New York, department store chain with outlets est amount in 39 years as resident. nationwide, filed for Chapter 11 the coronavirus pandemic Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey bankruptcy protection in U.S. Bank- Strauss said Kamensky abused his po- ruptcy Court in Texas last May. roiled the labor market. sition as a committee member in the Prosecutors said Kamensky carried Productivity dropped at a rate Neiman Marcus bankruptcy to corrupt out his fraud over the summer. of 4.8% in the fourth quarter after the process for distributing assets and Joon H. Kim, Kamensky’s attor- having risen strongly in the two take extra profi ts for himself and his ney, said his client has admitted what previous quarters, (backslash)the hedge fund. he did was wrong and “deeply regrets Labor Department reported Thurs- Authorities say he coerced a com- his conduct on July 31, 2020 and the day. The decline was the biggest petitor to withdraw a bid for bankrupt- great pain it has caused his family, col- quarterly setback since a 5.1% rate cy estate assets that was higher than his leagues and others.” of decline in the second quarter of 1981. Labor costs rose at an annual rate of Shell posts $21b loss in 2020 6.8% in the fourth quarter after having fallen at a 7% rate in the third quarter. BRUSSELS, Feb 6, (KUNA): The Productivity, the amount of work per oil giant Royal Dutch Shell Thursday hour of output, has produced some posted a loss of USD 21.7 billion in Commerzbank major swings since the pandemic hit 2020 compared with a profi t of nearly early last year, pushing the country into USD 16 billion in 2019. to cut 10K jobs a recession. “2020 was an extraordinary year. After falling 0.3% in the first quar- We have taken tough but decisive ac- FRANKFURT, Germany, Feb 6, ter, productivity shot up at a 10.6% rate tions and demonstrated highly resil- (AP): Germany’s Commerzbank in the second quarter as millions of In this fi le photo, workers on scaffolding lay blocks on one of the larger buildings at a development site where ient operational delivery while caring said that management proposed to people lost their jobs. With employ- various residential units and commercial sites are under construction in Cranberry Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania. US productivity increased at a solid 4.6% pace in the July-September quarter, slightly below the for our people, customers and com- cut 10,000 jobs under a restructur- ment falling faster than output, produc- munities,” Shell chief executive Ben tivity increased. initial estimate, while labor costs fell at a slower pace. (AP) Burden said in a press release at The ing program aiming to increase digitalization, slash branches and Lydia Boussour, lead U.S. econo- “The rapid digital adoption driven ing living standards because more effi- 58.7% in January on a seasonally Hague. cut annual costs. mist at Oxford Economics, said she by the covid crisis could provide a ciency allows employers to pay work- adjusted basis, according to a report Shell has been hit by a combination expected productivity growth to boost to productivity growth in the ers more without increasing inflation. from the Institute for Supply of the oil crisis and the coronavirus The company said in a state- rebound in coming months as the econ- long run,” she said. But she said other But since the 2008 financial crisis, Management, up a full percentage pandemic, which has hammered the ment to investors that the cuts omy gets a boost from the rollout of factors such as lower mobility of the productivity has lagged with econo- point from 57.7% the previous month. sale of petrol, diesel and airline fuel, would affect every third job at the vaccines and another sizeable fiscal labor force might act to depress pro- mists not sure exactly what factors are This was the highest reading since noted the Dutch News NL portal. bank in Germany. Increased use stimulus package which President Joe ductivity gains. causing the slowdown. February 2019 when the index hit Shell last September said it planned of digital technology would en- Biden is lobbying to get Congress to For all of 2020, productivity rose In a separate report, the services sec- 58.8%. The January performance rep- to cut between 7,000 and 9,000 jobs able shrinking the branch network approve. 2.6%, an improvement from a 1.7% tor, where most Americans work, oper- resented the eighth straight month of by 2022 around the world as part of an from 790 to 450. Costs would be She said it was less clear how the gain in 2019 and an even lower 1.4% ated in January at the highest level in growth after sharp declines last spring ongoing restructuring process to create lowered by 1.4 billion euros ($1.7 COVID-19 recession will change pro- increase in 2018. almost two years. when the economy was leveled by a a simpler, streamlined and lower-cost billion), or around 20% by 2024. ductivity over the long term. Productivity is a key factor in boost- Activity climbed to a reading of global pandemic. organisation. ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 BUSINESS 11

Kohl’s, Nordstrom offer mixed picture for holiday quarter

In this Aug 22, Department stores Nordstrom and Kohl’s and credit card revenue should increase Online sales growth rose more than 20%, 2017, file offered a snapshot of their holiday 2020 per- 25% compared to the year-ago period when and accounted for more than 40% of net photo, a car formance that underscored the challenges its sales were temporarily closed because of sales, Kohl’s said. drives by the ahead as they navigate a pandemic. the pandemic, the retailer said. Online sales In a statement, Kohl’s CEO Michelle Gass entrance of a Kohl’s Corp. delivered a better assess- should account for 50% of total sales. attributed the better-than-expected earnings Kohl’s depart- ment of fiscal fourth-quarter earnings, but a Kohl’s, based in Wenomonee Falls, results to its managing expenses tightly. She ment store in key sales measure was down more than Wisconsin, said that preliminary earnings for also noted that initiatives like its partnership Orlando, Fla analysts expected. the quarter ended Jan. 30 are in the range of with beauty chain Sephora will help boost Kohl’s Corp. Upscale Nordstrom reiterated its guidance $1.00 to $1.05 per share. Analysts expected sales. (AP) for the fiscal holiday quarter, saying it 70 cents per share, according to FactSet. In December, Kohl’s announced it would expects to see a drop in total sales in the low Sales at stores opened at least a year were replace its cosmetic areas with Sephora, 20% range compared with the year-ago peri- down 11%. Analysts had expected a 7.9% starting with 200 locations this fall. It will od. But for the current fiscal year, retail sales drop. expand to at least 850 stores by 2023. (AP)

Internet shifting balance of power S&P 500 climbs again, closing What GameStop’s surge says about online mobs out best week since November WASHINGTON, Feb 6, (AP): It’s a who tried to short the stock, encourag- fable for our times: Small-time inves- ing each other to keep buying tors band together to take down greedy GameStop and push it ever higher -”to Global shares rise amid hopes for global economic rebound Wall Street hedge funds using the the moon.” stock of a troubled video-game store. Wilkinson said the forums this week But the revolt of online stock-trad- probably struck newcomers as “really, NEW YORK, Feb 6, (AP): ers suggests much more. The internet really childish and crazy,” full of rock- is shifting society’s balance of power etship emojis, calls to pump stocks Wall Street closed out a in unanticipated ways. And the same written to the tune of sea shanties and winning week as the S&P tools that empower the little guy - a flood of newcomers trying to jump 500 notched its fifth gain in allowing people to organize quickly on the bandwagon, but he said that’s and seemingly out of nowhere, troll not been his usual experience there. a row and its biggest week- powerful institutions and unleash “Some of the people who are on that ly increase since November. chaos - can also give rise to extremist thread are probably on par with the The benchmark index rose 0.4% mobs waging harassment campaigns stock pickers of these hedge funds,” he and ended the week 4.6% higher, or the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. said. “It’s knowing how to know who more than making up for its decline In the world of pseudonymous inter- to listen to and who to ignore. It’s in January. The latest gain nudged net message boards, pranks-gone-wild really just a bunch of people sharing and logic turned upside down amid a ideas. It’s the same thing as when Jim the S&P 500 to another all-time global pandemic, revolts come in all Cramer gets on CNBC smashing but- high. The Nasdaq composite also shapes, sizes and aims. Last week they tons.” capped the week with a record gave us the Great GameStop Stock In 2017, the hashtag “MeToo” high. Small -company stocks fared Uprising. Who knows what this week began going viral as women - and even better than the broader mar- will bring. some men - shared their experiences of ket, a sign that investors are feel- One thing for sure: we’ll be seeing sexual assault on social media. Though ing more optimistic about the more of it. More and more of us have the term was coined in 2006 by activist economy. learned to game the system, whether Tarana Burke, a confluence of the The market largely shrugged off a for a noble cause or, as they say, “for political climate, the case against dismal jobs report for January that the lulz.” If a meme of Bernie Sanders Harvey Weinstein and the rise of showed the U.S. economy remaining in mittens can distract us amid a presi- social media allowed the movement to in dire straits due to the pandemic. dential inauguration and a Reddit mes- take off 11 years later. Social media Investors have been focusing instead sage board can send Wall Street big also helped Black Lives Matter activ- on the prospects for another economic shots running in panic, perhaps some ists organize rallies, record police vio- boost from Washington. Overnight, good can come out of this, too. Right? lence and communicate during the “The internet can democratize marches sweeping the U.S. and other the Senate narrowly passed a measure access, upsetting power dynamics countries following the death of that will fast-track aid. between the people and traditional George Floyd last summer. “It looks as if the Democrats are institutions,” tweeted Tiffany C. Li, a But the mass movement that moving ahead with or without support law professor and tech attorney focus- emerged from online communities from Republicans, and that’s helping ing on privacy and technology plat- designed to let amateur stock traders the market’s tone,” said Quincy form governance. share tips came as a shock to Wall Krosby, chief market strategist at With GameStop, she added in an Street. Prudential Financial. interview Friday, the goal was to upset “What these communities are doing is Surprisingly good company earn- the interests of a few large hedge a gray area,” said Allen Tran, 23, the ings reports, news that a recent surge funds. administrator of a popular Robinhood in new coronavirus cases is easing, “But in other places the goal can be trading group on Facebook that was and progress in the distribution of more nefarious. Online spaces are temporarily shut down amid the frenzy. vaccine, have also helped keep inves- being used to radicalize people toward “The group mindset is where things can tors in a buying mood, she said. extremism, to plan hate crimes and get iffy and get coordinated.” The S&P 500 index rose 15.09 In this photo provided by the New York Stock Exchange, traders work on the floor. (AP) attacks,” she said. “The internet isn’t Sinal Aral, director of the points, or 0.4%, to 3,886.83. Its week- really the villain or the hero.” Massachusetts Institute of ly gain is its biggest since November. Current trading practices not protecting investors Jason Wilkinson had dabbled in Technology’s Initiative on the Digital The Dow Jones Industrial Average stocks but took a deeper dive into the Economy, said the social media frenzy gained 92.38 points, or 0.3%, to Reddit forum WallStreetBets after los- disrupting the stock market this week 31,148.24. The Nasdaq rose 78.55 ing his job at a tech company in the has parallels with the disinformation points, or 0.6%, to 13,856.30. Regulators launch review of stock market turbulence pandemic. The 30-year-old New York campaigns affecting national elections The Department of Labor said WASHINGTON, Feb 6, (AP): The gathered on Reddit, sent shares of City resident started trading between and the movement that led up to the Friday that employers added only nation’s top financial markets regu- severely damaged companies like other part-time jobs doing motorcycle Capitol riot - all situations where it can 49,000 jobs in the month of January, German factory delivery and sharpening knives, and be hard to assign blame. lators say they will look into wheth- GameStop and AMC soaring. started buying shares in GameStop “There’s an important distinction far below economists’ forecasts. The er recent stock market turbulence is They have since shed much of disappointing report came as much of orders fall 1.9% back in November. between an actor who is coordinating the country remains saturated with an indication that current trading their gains. “I went from a $9,000 position up to manipulation, and a retail investor who coronavirus cases. A report on BERLIN, Feb 6, (AP): German practices are not doing enough to The Treasury statement said that about $30,000 as of last night. Today I gets caught up in the movement,” he Thursday showed the number of factory orders fell more sharp- protect investors. both the SEC and the Commodity lost 10 grand,” he said Thursday. “I said. “We witnessed those two types of Americans who filed for unemploy- ly than expected in December, The Treasury Department said Futures Trading Commission were didn’t sell. I’m going to hold. It’s been people in the Capitol riot as well.” ment benefits remained well above suggesting recent coronavirus that regulators believe the core reviewing whether trading practices an emotional week, let’s say that.” One thing distinguishing the historic norms. lockdown measures are start- infrastructure of the markets has were consistent with “investor pro- As with many crowd movements, it GameStop rally from more nefarious “It’s very consistent with data over ing to impact industry in proved to be “resilient during high tection and fair and efficient mar- was hard to trace where it all started, crowdsourced actions is that it’s less last two months which show that job Europe’s largest economy, volatility and heavy trading vol- kets.” though there were at least a few high- about misinformation than about coor- growth is slowing,” said Sameer new statistics showed Friday. ume.” The meeting included officials profile instigators. Among them was dination. It’s not clear whether or how Samana, senior global market strate- Industrial orders fell 1.9% But it said regulators also believe from Treasury, the SEC and CFTC Roaring Kitty, a YouTube personality the actions of those who instigated gist at Wells Fargo Investment in December over the previous the Securities and Exchange and officials from the Federal from a Boston suburb who became a might have crossed the line into mar- Institute. month, following a slightly Commission should investigate Reserve Board and the Fed’s New legendary fixture on the Reddit forum, ket manipulation. Service industries continue to be upwardly revised 2.7% expressing an early interest in buying Tran said some forums have a prob- what happened during the recent York regional bank, which serves as GameStop shares and inspiring a lem with “front loaders” who purchase the hardest hit by the pandemic as increase in November, the market upheaval that pitted smaller, a link for the Fed to Wall Street. people continue to refrain from travel growing legion of followers to pore a large stock position, drum up enthu- Federal Statistical Office online investors against massive In comments earlier , Yellen said through its financials. siasm for it and profit off “the hype and dining out, among other activi- reported. hedge funds. in an ABC television interview that ties. The Reddit-based investors used the that follows.” Economists had forecast a The department issued the state- she had convened the meeting chat platform Discord to fire each The involvement of platforms like “In some ways it seems the reopen- 1% decline for December. ment after a meeting of regulators because it was important “to make other up and the trading app Robinhood Robinhood also called to mind broader ing economy is still struggling a little Domestic orders decreased convened by Treasury Secretary sure that our financial markets are to buy shares with a few clicks on their concerns about how many phone apps bit and it’s responsible for quite a few by 0.9% while foreign orders Janet Yellen. functioning properly and efficiently smartphones. They soon found a are designed in a way that reinforces jobs,” Samana said. dropped by 2.6% in December. The market battle, led by traders and that investors are protected.” shared enemy in hedge fund managers people’s compulsivity. Investors are focused on the pros- pects for more stimulus. President Joe Biden urged Democratic lawmakers heavy volatility. GameStop jumped to 6,840.50, and South Korea’s Kospi this week to “act fast” on his eco- 19.2% to $63.77. That’s far below the climbed 1.1% to 3,120.63. Hong nomic stimulus plan. Democrats and high of $483 it reached last week but Kong’s Hang Seng jumped 0.6% to Republicans remain far apart on sup- still well above the $17 it traded at near 29,279.74, while the Shanghai port for Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus the beginning of the year. Composite fell 0.2% to 3,496.33. package, but it appears Senate The rally in GameStop may have been Asian markets got a lift from posi- Democrats will be using their new- spurred by Robinhood’s move Friday to found majority to push the measure tive employment data from the U.S. lift all the restrictions the online trading on Thursday, which has set off a through without Republican support. platform had placed last week on trading The Russell 2000 index of smaller mood of “confidence about the U.S. in the stock and shares of a few other economy getting back on its feet,” company stocks climbed 30.91 points, companies that were hyped on social or 1.4%, to 2,233.33, a record high. said Venkateswaran Lavanya of When the Russell outpaces other media and internet forums. Mizuho Bank in Singapore. Global shares rose ahead of the indexes it’s a sign that investors are In energy trading, U.S. benchmark growing more confident about the latest U.S. monthly jobs report and as hopes grow for a gradual global eco- crude added 46 cents to $56.69 a bar- economy’s growth prospects. The rel in electronic trading on the New yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to nomic recovery from the damage of the coronavirus pandemic. York Mercantile Exchange. It gained 1.17% from 1.12% late Thursday. 54 cents to $56.23 per barrel on Gains in communications stocks In Europe, France’s CAC 40 rose Thursday. Brent crude, the interna- and companies that rely on consumer 1.1% to 5,670, while Germany’s spending helped lift the market, out- DAX inched up 0.3% to 14,100. tional standard, added 54 cents to weighing a decline in technology sec- Britain’s FTSE 100 was up about $59.38 a barrel. tor stocks. 0.1% to 6,509. In currencies, the dollar was trad- Meanwhile, companies that online Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 ing at 105.66 Japanese yen, up from investors have clambered to over the surged 1.5% to finish at 28,779.19. 105.54 yen. The euro cost $1.1983, past few weeks continued to trade with Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 1.1% up from $1.1967. Merkel stands by backing for Russia gas pipeline BERLIN, Feb 6, (AP): German would make Europe more dependent the new U.S. administration about the Chancellor Angela Merkel stood by on Russian gas and hurt European issue but objects to “extraterritorial her backing for a German-Russian energy security. The Kremlin has sanctions.” gas pipeline project despite the responded by accusing the U.S. gov- Speaking after a videoconference Navalny case and the threat of U.S. ernment of trying to promote sales of with French President Emmanuel sanctions. its own liquefied natural gas. Macron, Merkel downplayed differ- Merkel said her government’s posi- Nord Stream 2 is owned by Russian ences on the issue between the two tion on Nord Stream 2 is still unaf- state company Gazprom, with invest- European heavyweights. fected by tensions over Russian oppo- ment from several European compa- “It’s clear that this is a controversial sition leader Alexei Navalny, who nies. The project is close to comple- project that is being discussed in recovered in Germany from his poi- tion, though the threat of U.S. sanc- Europe,” she said Friday. “But I think soning with a nerve agent last summer tions has caused delays. that, with the framework I have named, and was arrested on his return to Merkel insisted that the European we can reach common solutions.” Russia. Union is able to ensure that it won’t Macron indicated that he at least The Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which become “unilaterally dependent” on won’t oppose the pipeline project. would bring Russian gas to Germany Russia but pointed to a long history of “I had questions at the beginning, under the Baltic Sea, also faces bipar- gas deliveries from Russia and the we coordinated, a decision has been tisan opposition in the United States. former Soviet Union. made and I am in full solidarity,” he Washington has said that the project Merkel has said she wants to talk to said. ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 SCIENCE 12

Coronavirus

Staying ahead of threat US rushes in race to spot mutant viruses NEW YORK, Feb 6, (Agencies): Despite its world-class medi- cal system and its vaunted Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US fell behind in the race to detect dangerous coronavirus mutations. And it’s only now beginning to catch up. The problem has not been a shortage of technology or ex- pertise. Rather, scientists say, it’s an absence of national lead- ership and coordination, plus a lack of funding and supplies for overburdened laboratories trying to juggle diagnostic testing with the hunt for genetic changes. “We have the brains. We have the tools. We have the instru- ments,” said Ilhem Messaoudi, director of a virus research center at University of California, Irvine. “It’s just a matter of supporting that effort.” Viruses mutate constantly. To stay ahead of the threat, sci- entists analyze samples, watching closely for mutations that might make the coronavirus more in- fectious or more deadly. But such testing has been scattershot. Less than 1% of positive specimens in the US are being sequenced to de- termine whether they have worrisome mutations. Other countries do better - Britain sequences about 10% - meaning they can more quickly see threats com- ing at them. That gives them greater op- portunity to slow or stop the problem, whether through more targeted contact Messaoudi tracing, possible adjustments to the vaccine, or public warnings. CDC offi cials say variants have not driven recent surges This July 2020 photo provided by Johnson & Johnson shows a vial of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. On Feb 4, Johnson & Johnson has asked US regulators to in overall US cases. But experts worry that what’s happening clear the world’s fi rst single-dose COVID-19 vaccine, an easier-to-use option that could boost scarce supplies. (AP) with variants is not clear and say the nation should have been more aggressive about sequencing earlier in the epidemic that has now killed over 450,000 Americans. “If we had evidence it was changing,” said Ohio State mo- Coronavirus lecular biologist Dan Jones, “maybe people would’ve acted differently.” US scientists have detected more than 500 cases of a vari- ant fi rst identifi ed in Britain and expect it to become the cause Vaccine appears not as strong as 2-dose competitors of most of this country’s new infections in a matter of weeks. Another troubling variant tied to Brazil and a third discovered in South Africa were detected last week in the US and also are expected to spread. J&J asks FDA to OK its 1-shot vaccine Contagious NEW YORK, Feb 6, (AP): Johnson & The British variant is more contagious and is believed to Johnson asked US regulators Thursday more deadly than the original, while the South Africa one may to clear the world’s fi rst single-dose Britain says new study vindicates render the vaccines somewhat less effective. The ultimate fear COVID-19 vaccine, an easier-to-use is that a variant resistant to existing vaccines and treatments option that could boost scarce supplies. could eventually emerge. J&J’s vaccine was safe and offered delaying 2nd COVID vaccine shot strong protection against moderate to Potentially worrisome versions may form inside the US, LONDON, Feb 6, (AP): Britain’s having a 12-week gap between the too. “This virus is mutating, and it doesn’t care of it’s in Idaho severe COVID-19, according to pre- liminary results from a massive inter- health chief has hailed a new study doses,” Hancock told Sky News. or South Africa,” Messaoudi said. suggesting that a single dose of Some countries, including France, But the true dimensions of the problem in the US are not Picture taken in 2012 in Munich, Ger- national study. the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 have authorized the AstraZeneca clear because of the relatively low level of sequencing. many, shows a newly-discovered It didn’t appear quite as strong as vaccine provides a high level of vaccine only for use in people un- “You only see what’s under the lamppost,” said Kenny species of chameleon which is a con- two-dose competitors made by Pfi zer protection for 12 weeks, saying it der 65, saying there is not enough Beckman, director of the University of Minnesota Genom- tender for the title of world’s smallest and Moderna -- a fi nding that may be supports the government’s con- evidence to say whether it works in ics Center, which started analyzing the virus’s genetics last reptile. Scientists from Madagascar more perception than reality, given dif- tentious strategy of delaying the older adults. Belgium has authorized spring. and Germany called it Brookesia ferences in how each was tested. second shot so it can protect more it only for people 55 and under. After the slow start, public health labs in at least 33 states nana, said the male appeared is just But the Food and Drug Administra- people quickly with a fi rst dose. Yet one of the lead researchers are now doing genetic analysis to identify emerging coronavi- 13.5 millimeters big. (AP) tion is asking its independent advisers Britain’s decision has been criti- on the Oxford vaccine project, Dr. rus variants. Other states have formed partnerships with uni- to publicly debate all the data behind cized as risky by other European Andrew Pollard, said “we expect versity or private labs to do the work. North Dakota, which the single-dose shot -- just like its com- countries, but Health Secretary Matt it to be highly effective in older began sequencing last week, was the most recent to start that petitors were put under the microscope Hancock said Wednesday that the adults” and said more data should work, according to the Association of Public Health Labora- -- before it decides whether to green study “backs the strategy that we’ve be available in the next few weeks. tories. light a third vaccine option in the US. taken and it shows the world that the Pangalos noted that the Euro- The CDC believes a minimum of 5,000 to 10,000 samples The panel will meet Feb. 26. Oxford vaccine works effectively.” pean Medicines Agency had au- should be analyzed weekly in the US to adequately monitor Dr. Peter Marks, FDA’s vaccine Hancock’s comments came after thorized the vaccine for use in all variants, said Gregory Armstrong, who oversees the agency’s chief, has cautioned against making Oxford University released a study people over age 18. advanced molecular detection work. And it’s only now that the comparisons before the evidence is all showing the vaccine cut transmis- “How individual countries decide nation is hitting that level, he acknowledged. in. sion of the virus by two-thirds and to implement vaccines is ultimately “With so much need to get this pan- prevented severe disease. up to them based on the vaccine Still, it is a jumble of approaches: Some public health labs Mene Pangalos, executive vice supplies that they have,” he said. sequence every positive virus specimen. Some focus on sam- demic under control, I think we can’t ignore any tool in the tool chest,” he president of biopharmaceuticals Vaccine supply is a sensitive issue ples from certain outbreaks or certain patients. Others random- Glaw Bloomberg research and development at As- in the European Union, which is un- ly select samples to analyze. told the American Medical Associa- traZeneca, said no patients expe- happy that AstraZeneca cut back on On top of that, labs continue to have trouble getting needed tion last week. “We will have to do our rienced severe COVID-19 or re- the number of doses it plans to supply supplies - like pipette tips and chemicals - used in both gene best to try to make sure that we fi nd quired hospitalization three weeks the EU with in the near term. The com- sequencing and diagnostic testing. Discovery the populations that benefi t the most after receiving a fi rst dose, and that pany said last month that it planned to President Joe Biden, who inherited the setup from the from each of these vaccines and deploy effi cacy appeared to increase up to cut initial deliveries within the EU from Trump administration, is proposing a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 them in a very thoughtful manner.” 12 weeks after the initial shot. 80 million doses to 31 million doses relief package that calls for boosting federal spending on se- Reptile fi ts on fi ngertip: It fi ts on a hu- What The Numbers Show “Our data suggest you want to due to reduced yields from its manu- quencing of the virus, though the amount has not been detailed man fi ngertip, but this chameleon could Overall, the single-dose vaccine was be as close to the 12 weeks as you facturing plants in Europe. and other specifi cs have yet to be worked out. make a big splash. 66% effective at preventing moderate can” for the second dose, Pangalos It has since applied to supply “We’re 43rd in the world in genomic sequencing. Totally Scientists from Madagascar and Ger- to severe COVID-19, according to said during a news conference. 9 million additional doses to the unacceptable,” White House coronavirus response coordinator many say a newly discovered species of early fi ndings from a study of 44,000 The study has not been peer- 27-nation bloc, whose leaders are Jeff Zients said. chameleon is a contender for the title of people in the US, Latin America and reviewed yet, and it did not address facing criticism over what is per- For more than fi ve years, US public health labs have been world’s smallest reptile. South Africa. dosing of the Pfi zer-BioNTech vac- ceived as slow progress in inocu- building up their ability to do genomic sequencing, thanks Frank Glaw, who was part of the inter- But it was 85% protective against cine, the other one currently in use lating the population. largely to a federal push to zero in on the sources of food poi- national team of researchers that classifi ed the most serious symptoms - and start- in the UK Pfi zer recommends that Britain has Europe’s deadliest soning outbreaks. the new species and named it Brookesia ing 28 days after their shot, research- its shots be given 21 days apart coronavirus outbreak, with more At the pandemic’s outset, some labs began sequencing the nana said the body of the male specimen ers found no one who got the vaccine and has not endorsed the UK gov- than 108,000 deaths, and is in coronavirus right away. The Minnesota Department of Health, appeared to be just 13.5-millimeters-long needed hospitalization or died. ernment’s decision to lengthen the its third national lockdown as au- for example, started doing so within weeks of its fi rst COV- (a little more than a 1/2-inch.) Weaker but Still Fights Mutating time between doses. thorities try to contain a new, more ID-19 cases in March, said Sara Vetter, an assistant lab direc- That’s at least 1.5 millimeters smaller Virus But the Oxford research was greet- transmissible virus variant fi rst than the previous record holder, another The one-dose option worked better ed with excitement by U.K. offi cials identifi ed in southeast England. tor. “That put us a step ahead,” she said. under pressure to justify their deci- Other variants are also a con- The CDC likewise worked with certain states to sequence member of the Brookesia family. in the US - 72% effective against mod- Glaw, a reptile expert at the Bavarian erate to severe COVID-19 - compared sion to delay the second dose. “That cern. Public health offi cials in Eng- close to 500 samples in April, and over a thousand samples in State Collection of Zoology in Munich, reduction in transmission, as well as land are going door to door, trying May and June. with 66% in Latin America and 57% in the fact there is no hospitalizations, to test all adults in eight targeted said the tiny male and a slightly larger fe- South Africa, where a more contagious Evidence male were spotted on a mountainside by a the combination of that is very good communities in an attempt to stop mutant virus is spreading. news. And it categorically supports a new strain fi rst identifi ed in South local guide during a 2012 expedition. Scientists have been looking for But many labs didn’t do the same - especially those over- “You really have to get down on your the strategy we’ve been taking on Africa from spreading further. burdened with ramping up coronavirus diagnostic testing. The knees to fi nd them,” Glaw told The Associ- real-world evidence about how vac- CDC’s Armstrong said that at the time, he couldn’t justify tell- ated Press in a telephone interview Friday. cines work as the world races to stay ing labs to do more sequencing when they already had their ahead of the rapidly mutating virus, But those studies were fi nished be- The Supply “They are obviously camoufl aged and they fore the record virus surges of recent J&J said it would have some vac- hands full and there wasn’t any evidence such analysis was move very slowly.” and welcomed the news that the J&J needed. option - while weaker - did still offer months and the appearance of the wor- cine ready to ship if the FDA allows Glaw and his colleagues performed a CT risome mutants, meaning such testing emergency use of the shot, but it didn’t “Up until a month ago, it wasn’t on the list of things that are scan of the female and discovered that it protection. urgently necessary. It was nice to have,” said Trevor Bedford, harbored two eggs, confi rming that it was Other Options might not turn out the same if repeated reveal how much. The pharmaceutical a scientist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in an adult. In large US studies, two doses of the today. giant said it expects to supply 100 mil- Seattle. “There was defi nitely lack of federal resources as- Confi rming Brookesia nana as the small- Pfi zer and Moderna vaccines proved J&J also is studying a two-dose ver- lion doses to the US by the end of June. signed to doing exactly this.” est reptile species will require fi nding more 95% protective against any sympto- sion of its vaccine, but results won’t be It expects to fi le a similar applica- At the same time, because of stay-at-home orders imposed of them, which might take several years, matic COVID-19. available for several more months. tion with European regulators soon. during the outbreak, researchers at some labs were told not to he said. go in to work, Messaoudi said. The team’s research was recently pub- “Instead of having a call to arms,” she said, “they sent eve- lished in the journal Scientifi c Reports. Bloomberg “will engage government accelerate the transition to a clean energy African customs offi cials have seized more ryone home.” Chameleons are threatened by defor- offi cials and members of the private sec- economy,” the UN said. (AP) than $3.5 million worth of rhino horns at Over the summer, though, a group of scientists sounded the estation on Madagascar, which is home to tor and civil society to fi nalize and imple- ❑ ❑ ❑ the O.R Tambo International Airport in Jo- alarm about the state of genomic surveillance in the US and numerous species. (AP) ment plans, particularly in high-emitting hannesburg on Thursday. began pushing for something more systematic. ❑ ❑ ❑ countries, industries and sectors, to vastly SAfrica seizes rhino horns: South A shipment of the 18 pieces of horns weighing 63 kilograms (139 pounds) des- In November, the CDC began to roll out a national program Bloomberg climate envoy: The United to more methodically pull and check specimens to better deter- tined for Malaysia was discovered at the Nations says American billionaire Mi- airport’s courier facilities. The package mine what strains are circulating. Then in December, the US chael Bloomberg has been reappointed as was labeled “HP cartridges” but an x-ray got a wake-up call when British researchers announced they a special envoy to engage governments and scan revealed images resembling horns so had identifi ed a variant that seems to spread more easily. businesses in tackling the threat of global the customs offi cials inspected it to dis- The CDC reacted by announcing its surveillance program warming. cover the contraband, the South African would scale up to process 750 samples nationally per week. Bloomberg, who has long campaigned Revenue Services said in a statement. The agency also contracted with three companies - LabCorp, on the issue of climate change, was fi rst This is the fourth rhino horn bust at the Quest Diagnostics and Ilumina - to sequence thousands more tapped for the position in 2018. airport by customs offi cials since July last each week. State labs are doing thousands of their own. The UN said Friday that Secretary-Gen- year, with a total of 277 kilograms (611 Meanwhile, the outbreak is almost certainly seeding more eral Antonio Guterres wants the former pounds) of rhino horn worth more than $15 COVID-19 mutations. New York mayor to “mobilize stronger and million confi scated, said the statement. “Where it has free rein of the place, there’s going to be sig- more ambitious climate action” in the lead- “Those that are determined to destroy nifi cant variants that evolve,” Scripps Research Institute scien- up to a November global climate summit. the rich natural endowment of our country, tist Dr. Eric Topol said. “The more genomic sequencing, the The summit, delayed by a year due to which is a common treasure and heritage more we can stay ahead of the virus.” the coronavirus pandemic, is seen as a key for all that we should look after for future The US recorded 119,931 new coronavirus cases and 4,941 moment in the international effort to curb generations, will be met with the unwaver- virus-related fatalities in the past 24 hours, according to Johns man-made climate change six years after ing commitment of our offi cers to enforce Hopkins University. the creation of the Paris accord. the law,” revenue service commissioner The tally showed that the confi rmed cases nationwide The2015 treaty commits countries to Edward Kieswetter said. reached 26,676,957 and at least 455,738 deaths. cutting their greenhouse gas emissions so Earlier this week the government an- Furthermore, 88,668 people are currently hospitalized with temperatures don’t rise more than 2 de- nounced that rhino poaching in the country coronavirus in the US, according to the COVID Tracking Pro- grees Celsius (3.6 F), ideally 1.5 degrees had declined by 33% in 2020 partly due ject. Celsius (2.7 F), by the end of the century In this Feb 1, 2021 fi le photo, a health worker prepares a dose of China’s Sino- to the COVID-19 lockdown regulations Meanwhile, at least 35,203,710 vaccine shots have been ad- compared to pre-industrial times. vac CoronaVac vaccine during a priority COVID-19 vaccination program for the restricting movements around the country. ministered, according to the US Centers for Disease Control Guterres has called on leaders to put elderly at a drive-thru vaccination center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Regulators A total of 394 rhinoceroses were and Prevention. their economies on a path to stop adding gave conditional approval for Sinovac Biotech Ltd’s shot, CoronaVac, on Feb 5, poached for their horns in 2020 down from further planet-warming gases to the atmos- clearing the way for general use, The National Medical Products Administration 594 killed in 2019, according to the envi- phere by 2050. announced in a statement on Feb 6. (AP) ronment ministry. (AP) Music SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 FFeatureseatures the fi Bowl paradehasbeen nixed,but and hireonlyunionactors.(AP) ductions abidebyunioncontracts performing. Butmostmajorpro- doesn’t disqualifyanyonefrom annual awards. Guild announcednomineestoits continued. among manyothers,”Trump as MSDNCandFakeNewsCNN, thousands ofjobsatnetworkssuch involved inpolitics),andcreated not muchtimeleftuntilIgot (said tobeadyingplatformwith cable newstelevisionbusiness wrote Trump. prentice’ —tonamejustafew!” in televisionhistory,‘TheAp- one ofthemostsuccessfulshows day NightLive,’andofcourse, Fresh PrinceofBel-Air,’‘Satur- television showsincluding‘The Street: MoneyNeverSleeps’;and Alone 2,’‘Zoolander’and‘Wall work onmoviessuchas‘Home your work,I’mveryproudofmy he wrote. in suchahearing.“Whocares?” president saidhehadnointerest mittee. Inhisletter,theformer weighed byadisciplinarycom- bers.” whom areSAG-AFTRAmem- the safetyofjournalists,many ing andultimatelythreatening misinformation aimedatdiscredit- sustained “arecklesscampaignof siege. Trump,theguildsaid,had by hisroleintheJan6Capitol its guidelinesformembership able causethatTrumpviolated board votedthattherewasprob- short statement:“Thankyou.” You havedonenothingforme.” resignation fromSAG-AFTRA. is toinformyouofmyimmediate actors guild.“Assuch,thisletter Trump inalettersharedbythe sociated withyourunion,”wrote of since1989. union thathehadbeenamember said hewasresigningfromthe dent addressed toSAG-AFTRApresi- Capitol riotinJanuary. to expelhimforhisroleinthe Guild aftertheunionthreatened resigned fromtheScreenActors ORLANDO, Fla: NEW YORK: This imagereleasedbyNetfl in TheWelshDragonBarWellington,whichhesaidwas“ablast.” back outthereandperformtheirbiggestshowattheendofJanuary gain tractioninthechartsandnewsencouragedbandtoget ing oninthere?’” want peopletobewalkingpastthepubthinking,‘Whathellisgo- pub involvedwithus,sothatyoucanreallybringthehousedown.You across Wellington. ago asan“excusetogoforapintonweeknight,”performinginpubs New ZealandbandTheSaltyWailersstartedsingingtogetherayear man,” whichheoriginallyperformedonTikTok. record intheUKforhisrecordingofNewZealandsong“Weller- Johns signedrecorddealslastweek,withEvansevensecuringaNo.1 performances. music withtwoUKartistslandingrecorddeals,followingtheironline joying arenaissanceonsocialmediaandisnowmovingintopopular LONDON, Feb6,(AP):Thelongforgottenseashantyhasbeenen- Social mediastarssailawaywithseashantyrecord deals Losing guildmembership On Thursday,theScreenActors “I’ve alsogreatlyhelpedthe “While I’mnotfamiliarwith Trump’s casewastobe Last month,theSAG-AFTRA The guildrespondedwitha “I nolongerwishtobeas- In aletterdatedThursdayand He addedthatnoneofthegrouphaveTikTok,buthearingmusic Group memberBenBamfordsaidtheintentionwas“togetentire For someartists,theseashantyhaslongbeenpartoftheirrepertoire. Scottish postmanNathanEvansandBristolfolkbandTheLongest lming ofthe “I’mGoingto Gabrielle Carteris ❑ Donald Trump Disney’s Super , Trump has ix showsMichaelPotts,(fromleft),ChadwickBosemanandColmanDomingoin‘MaRainey’sBlackBottom.’receivedtwop usually featuring theMost Valu- fi demic. Buttheresort stillplansto because ofthecoronavirus pan- featuring thegame’s starplayers nual SuperBowlparadethisyear resort wouldn’tbehostingitsan- said Fridaythatthethemepark the biggameisstillon. Disney World”commercialafter lm itsannualadafter thegame, Offi became thefi Joon Ho’s“Parasite”wontheSAG’stophonor(and of Water”weretworecentexceptions.Lastyear,Bong SAG Awards,though“GreenBook”and“TheShape ture winnerisfi of theacademy.Usually,eventualOscarbestpic- Awards, whereactorsaccountforthelargestpercentage are consideredafarbetterbarometerfortheAcademy egory bytheHollywoodForeignPressAssociation. Korean dialogue,wasevenruledineligibleforthecat- matic fi Wednesday bytheGlobesinitstopaward,bestdra- “The TrialoftheChicago7.” Bloods” andAaronSorkin’s1960scourtroomdrama Bottom”; LeeIsaacChung’s“Minari”;Lee’s“Da5 the AugustWilsonadaptation“MaRainey’sBlack in Miami,”abouta1964meetingoffourBlackicons; award, bestensemble. strikingly morediverseslateofnomineesforitstop casts initstopsawards,theactorsguildnominateda Press Associationspurnedfi nounced thedaybefore.WhileHollywoodForeign fered notablyfromtheGoldenGlobenominationsan- among thenomineesforbestensemble. Lee’s Vietnamveterandrama“Da5Bloods”were Korean Americanfamilydrama“Minari”andSpike Screen ActorsGuildAwardsonTthursday,whilethe ceived twoposthumousnominationsfromthe27th NEW YORK,Feb6,(AP):ChadwickBosemanre- ‘Ma Rainey,’ ‘Minari’leadSAGnoms award for “Black Panther.” “We all know what it’s like to award for“BlackPanther.”“Weallknowwhatit’sliketo fi a singleyeartierecord—andsetnewoneforsolely ensemble nods,Boseman’sfourSAGnominationsin Bloods.” Withtwoindividualnominationsand Black Bottom,”butalsohissupportingrolein“Da5 nated notjustforhisleadperformancein“MaRainey’s madland” —werebothnominatedbytheactorsguild. Gary Oldmanin“Mank,”FrancesMcDormand“No- ern roadmovie“Nomadland.”Thestarsofeach— Globes withsixnominations)andChloeZhao’sWest- golden-age Hollywooddrama“Mank”(whichledthe nees leftoutapairoffrontrunnersinDavidFincher’s umphing attheOscars. lm categories. But theSAGAwards,presentedbySAG-AFTRA, All ofthosefi Up forbestensembleareReginaKing’s“OneNight The nominees,announcedonInstagramLive,dif- In 2019, he memorably a ccepted the SAG ensemble In 2019,hememorablyacceptedtheSAGensemble Boseman, whodiedlastAugustatage43,wasnomi- The ScreenActorsGuild’sfi cials atWaltDisneyWorld Variety lm. “Minari,”setinArkansasbutwithlargely rst non-Englishfi rst nominatedforbestensemblebythe lms,exceptSorkin’s,wereoverlooked lms withlargelynon-white lm todoso)beforetri- SAGs eld ofensemblenomi- im Trump Simms predictable natureofthesong. ple becauseofthe“simplicityahumanvoice,”andrepetitive, neurologic musictherapist,saidshethinksseashantiesappealtopeo- on TikTok,hasgotten10.9millionviewstodate.ClaireMaddocks,a ing ithascausedastironline.Evans’rendition,postedlateDecember since itisabout“maritimematters”suchaswhaling. explained. nails andhavingafagsoon.That’snotgoingtowork,”Smyth rybody joinsinonthechorus,sailorsaresittingaround,bitingtheir cally demandingtasks. used sosailorscouldsingandworkinunisonwhileperformingphysi- technically one:Shantieshaveacall-and-responsestructurethatwas High Seas,”pointsoutthatchart-toppingsingle“Wellerman”isn’t University andauthorof“SailorSong:TheShanties&Balladsthe vessels. GerrySmyth,anEnglishprofessoratLiverpoolJohnMoores Boseman receives 2posthumousnominations ‘Wellerman’ causesstironline “We hear exactly where it is going to go next” so we are drawn in, “We hearexactlywhereitisgoingtogonext”sowearedrawnin, Whether ornot“Wellerman”countsasashanty,thereisnodeny- However, theprofessorsaidsongcouldbeadaptedforashanty “When (Evans)issingingthefi Sea shantieswereworksongsdevelopedon19thcenturysailing Actros GuildAwardsonThursday.(AP) land”; CareyMulligan,“PromisingYoungWoman.” “Pieces ofaWoman”;FrancesMcDormand,“Nomad- la Davis,“MaRainey’sBlackBottom”;VanessaKirby, ■ Yeun, “Minari.” Hopkins, “TheFather”;GaryOldman,“Mank”;Steven Boseman, “MaRainey’sBlackBottom”;Anthony ■

Female actor: Awards: Great” and“TedLasso.” were “DeadtoMe,”“TheFlightAttendant,” The othernomineesforbestcomedyseriesensemble Daniel Levywereallnominatedfor“Schitt’sCreek.” and “LovecraftCountry.” semble, alongwith“BetterCallSaul,”“Bridgerton” “Ozark” (LauraLinney,JuliaGarner). Crown” (GillianAnderson,Colman,EmmaCorrin)or in adramaseriesnomineescamefromeither“The Creek” and“Ozark”dominated.Allofthefemaleleads nees inall,abouttripletheclosestcompetitor. demic, Netfl which manytheaterswereoftenclosedduetothepan- Night inMiami”). Leto (“TheLittleThings”)andLeslieOdomJr.(“One cha BaronCohen(“TheTrialoftheChicago7”),Jared Daniel Kaluuya(“JudasandtheBlackMessiah”),Sa- gel (“NewsoftheWorld”). Father”), Yuh-JungYoung(“Minari”)andHelenaZen- Glenn Close(“HillbillyElegy”),OliviaColman(“The were MariaBakalova(“BoratSubsequentMoviefi sa Kirby(“PiecesofaWoman”). Woman”), AmyAdams(“HillbillyElegy”)andVanes- side McDormand,CareyMulligan(“PromisingYoung nominated forbestfemaleactorinaleadingrolealong- ven Yeun(“Minari”). of Metal”),AnthonyHopkins(“TheFather”)andSte- best maleactorinaleadrolewereRizAhmed(“Sound yet youareyoung,giftedandBlack,”Bosemansaidthen. be toldthatthereisnotaplaceforyoutofeatured— Actor: List ofnomineesforthe27thScreenActorsGuild Annie Murphy,CatherineO’Hara,EugeneLevyand Both serieswerenominatedforbestTVdramaen- In thetelevisioncategories,“TheCrown,”“Schitt’s In analreadyrecurringthemeforamovieyearin The othersupportingnomineesformaleactorswere Nominated forbestfemaleactorinasupportingrole Viola Davis,Boseman’s“MaRainey”co-star,was Aside fromBosemanandOldman,thenomineesfor Riz Ahmed,“SoundofMetal”;Chadwick rst fourlinesonhisownbeforeeve- ix ledallstudios.Itaccountedfor30nomi- passing or runningandscenes of over shotsofthefeatured player You WishUpona Star”plays championship win. fi Simms Bowl starssince1987when and sayingthosefamouswords. able Playerlookingatthecamera rst appearedfollowinghisteam’s In theads,song “When The adshavefeaturedSuper Amy Adams,“HillbillyElegy”;Vio- Movies of theNewYorkGiants Phil lm”), on major TV networksand social big gametocatch the commercial Disney World!” player responds“I’m Goingto going todonext?” and askstheplayer,“Whatareyou acknowledges theSuperBowlwin the end,anoff-cameraannouncer fans screamingandjumping.At man” ashantyiftheywantto. Records andUTA.TheyhaveannouncedaUKtourforlaterthisyear. popular YouTubeversionof“Wellerman”—signeddealswithDecca Yates. InthepastweekTheLongestJohns—whoalsorecordeda can sing“whilewaitingfortheirUberEats”addedhisbandmateAndy about otherwaystointeractwithsomeoneovertheinternet.People kept usgoing.” one stuckinthehouse,”performing“Wellerman”has“upliftedusand artist, having“manyvoicestogether.” and theapp—duetfunctionallowsuserstosingalongwith year becauseofthefeelinginclusivitypromotedbybothformat thinks seashantiesarehavingamodernmomentonTikTokandthis and releasedbyPolydorRecords/UniversalMusic.Theproducer character. There’salmostthatkindofemotionaldrawtothat.” Netfl Maddocks says.“Iguessabitlikewhenyoustartwatchingsomethingon “Be suretostaytuned afterthe Amid jubilantcelebration,the And ProfessorSmythsayshe’sfi David RobinsonofTheLongestJohnsagrees,sayingthetrendis Evans addsinthecontemporarycontextoflockdown,with“every- Nathan Evans’versionof“Wellerman”wasremixedby220KID “Wonder Woman1984.” “News oftheWorld”;“TheTrialChicago7”; ■ “Westworld.” bra Kai”;“LovecraftCountry”;“TheMandalorian”; ■ “Ted Lasso.” “The FlightAttendant”;Great”;“Schitt’sCreek”; ■ “Bridgerton”; “TheCrown”;“LovecraftCountry”;“Ozark.” ■ “Schitt’s Creek”;CatherineO’Hara,Creek.” Kaley Cuoco,“TheFlightAttendant”;AnnieMurphy, plegate, “DeadtoMe”;LindaCardellini, ■ Youssef, “Ramy.” “Schitt’s Creek”;JasonSudeikis,“TedLasso”;Ramy Great; DanielLevy,“Schitt’sCreek”;Eugene ■ Laura Linney,“Ozark.” Emma Corrin,“TheCrown”;JuliaGarner,“Ozark” derson, “TheCrown”;OliviaColman, ■ Page; “Bridgerton.” Crown”; BobOdenkirk,“BetterCallSaul”;Regé-Jean Sterling K.Brown,“ThisIsUs”;JoshO’Connor,“The ■ Bird”; MarkRuffalo,“IKnowThisMuchisTrue.” Grant, “TheUndoing”;EthanHawke,GoodLord Queen’s Gambit”;DaveedDiggs,“Hamilton”;Hugh ■ ton, “LittleFiresEverywhere.” Taylor-Joy, “TheQueen’sGambit”;KerryWashing- Destroy You”;NicoleKidman,“TheUndoing”;Anya Blanchett, “Mrs.America”;MichaelaCoel,“IMay ■ ix and you kind of start to keep watching because you care about the ix andyoukind of starttokeepwatchingbecauseyoucareaboutthe Ensembleinadramaseries: ActorinaTVmovieorminiseries: Filmstuntensemble: Televisionstuntensemble: Ensembleinacomedyseries: Femaleactorinacomedyseries: Actorinacomedyseries: Femaleactorinadramaseries: FemaleactorinaTVmovieorminiseries: Actorinadramaseries: cago 7.” “Minari”; “OneNightinMiami”;“TheTrialoftheChi- ■ “Minari”; HelenaZengel,“newsoftheworld.” egy”; OlviaColman,“TheFather”;YounYuh-jung, Subsequent Moviefi ■ in Miami” Leto, “TheLittleThings”;LeslieOdomJr.,“OneNight Daniel Kaluuya,“JudasandtheBlackMessiah”;Jared of theChicago7”;ChadwickBoseman,“Da5Bloods”; ■ Cast: Supportingfemaleactor:

Supporting actor: “Da 5Bloods”;“MaRainey’sBlackBottom”; osthumous nominationsfromtheScreen Television lm”; GlennClose,“HillbillyEl- Sacha BaronCohen,“TheTrial “Da 5Bloods”;“Mulan”; JasonBateman,“Ozark”; spread of thevirus.(AP) mer followingaclosure duetothe parades sinceitreopened lastsum- favorite playerinthe park.” Disney fansseeandcheerontheir including lettingfootballand Super Bowltraditionsnextyear, to beablebringbackourother a blogpost.“DisneyParkshopes media!” Disneyoffi ne withpeoplecalling“Weller- Maria Bakalova,“Borat Nicolas Hoult,“The “TheBoys”;“Co- Disney Worldhas nothad “Better Call Saul”; “BetterCallSaul”; Bill Camp, “The Bill Camp,“The “Dead toMe”; Christina Ap- Gillian An- Cate cials saidin ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES 14

People & Places

Obit

An actor’s actor Plummer got 3rd act worth singing about By Lindsey Bahr t’s one of the great Hollywood ironies that Chris- Itopher Plummer didn’t like the film that made him a legend. He was an actor’s actor and had cut his teeth doing Shakespeare. “The Sound of Music,” he thought, was sentimental shlock. And he wasn’t alone - reviews at the time were famously terrible. Then, like a personal curse, it would go on to be- come a universally beloved classic. He’d played Henry V and Hamlet and yet Captain von Trapp, he said in 1982, followed him around “like an al- batross.” But even Plummer, who died Friday at the age of 91, lived long enough to soften a bit. And why wouldn’t he? He also got to enjoy something that so few actors do: A genuine third act with terrifi c roles as “60 Minutes” correspondent Mike Wallace in Michael Mann’s “The Insider,” a widower who comes out later in life in Mike Mills’ “Beginners” and, most recently, a slain mystery writer in Rian Johnson’s who- dunnit “Knives Out.” He got Plummer three Academy Award nomi- nations in one decade and, at age 82, would become the oldest actor to ever win an Oscar (for “Beginners”). He still holds that title. “You’re only two years older than me, darling. Where have you been all my life?” he said to his Os- car in 2012. “When I fi rst emerged from my moth- Christopher Plummer poses for a portrait on July 25, 2013, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Plummer, the dashing award-winning actor who played Captain von Trapp in the er’s womb, I was already rehearsing my Academy film ‘The Sound of Music’ and at 82 became the oldest Academy Award winner in history, has died. He was 91. Plummer died Friday morning, Feb 5, at his home thank you speech. But it was so long ago, mercifully in Connecticut with his wife, Elaine Taylor, by his side, said Lou Pitt, his longtime friend and manager. (AP) for you I’ve forgotten it.” Dapper and dashing with an aristocratic air, Plummer could have been a leading man without the talent. With it he was a star with a character ac- Obituary tor’s spirit, which he later would attribute his lon- gevity to. “I’m thrilled that I turned into a character actor quite early on. I hated being a poncey leading man,” The oldest Academy Award acting winner in history he told Vanity Fair in 2015. “You really start to worry about your jawline. Please.” Voice ‘Sound of Music’ star Plummer dies Born in Toronto in 1929, Plummer was the great grandson of Canadian Prime Minister John Abbott NEW YORK, Feb 6, (AP): Christopher and fell for the theater at a young age. Classically Plummer, the dashing award-winning trained, he was a self-proclaimed snob about the actor who played Captain von Trapp in Andrews, Evans, Mirren, Shatner pay stage and resisted the allure of the big screen for a the fi lm “The Sound of Music” and at time. As if to prove his own point, his fi rst few fi lms 82 became the oldest Academy Award are not well-remembered. Then came “The Sound acting winner in history, has died. He ‘tribute’ to legendary actor Plummer was 91. of Music.” It didn’t help that he got the added blow NEW YORK, Feb 6, (AP): Reac- Trudeau in a statement. that his singing voice was going to be dubbed in the Plummer died Friday morning at tions to the death at 91 of Oscar “What an unbelievable loss. Few fi nal fi lm. his home in Connecticut with his wife, winner and “Sound of Music” star careers have such longevity and “The only reason I did this bloody thing was so I Elaine Taylor, by his side, said Lou Christopher Plummer: impact. One of my favorite memo- could do a musical on stage on fi lm!” he said. But Pitt, his longtime friend and manager. “The world has lost a consummate ries from Knives Out was playing he did get a lifelong friendship with Julie Andrews This photo shows Eric Church per- Over more than 50 years in the in- actor today and I have lost a cher- piano together in the Thrombey forming at the 2016 Stagecoach dustry, Plummer enjoyed varied roles ished friend. I treasure the memories house between set ups. He was a out of the deal. Festival in Indio, Calif, on April 29, He retreated to the theater for a time, which would ranging from the fi lm “The Girl With of our work together and all the hu- lovely man and a legendary talent.” 2016. Church will join forces to sing the Dragon Tattoo,” to the voice of the mor and fun we shared through the — Chris Evans, who co-starred be a refrain through his life. He won Tony Awards the national anthem at the Super villain in 2009s “Up” and as a canny years. My heart and condolences go with Plummer in 2019’s “Knives for Cyrano and Barrymore and would even get to Bowl, Feb 7, where Grammy-winning lawyer in Broadway’s “Inherit the out to his lovely wife, Elaine, and his Out,” on Twitter. go back to Shakespeare, as King Lear, later in life. singer H.E.R. will perform ‘America Wind.” In 2019 he starred as murdered daughter, Amanda.” — Plummer’s “RIP to Christopher Plummer, a Over his six-decade career, his screen credits the Beautiful.’ (AP) mystery novelist in Rian Johnson’s “Sound of Music” co-star Julie An- living legend who loved his craft, would prove wildly diverse. He was in “Malcolm whodunnit “Knives Out” and in the TV drews, in a statement. and was an absolute gentleman. X” and “Must Love Dogs.” He was a Klingon in a suspense drama series “Departure.” “He was a mighty force both as So lucky to have shared a set with “Star Trek” and Tolstoy in “The Last Station,” Rud- But it was opposite Julie Andrews Man and Actor. He was an actor him.” — “Knives Out’ director Rian yard Kipling in “The Man Who Would Be King” Variety as von Trapp in 1965 that made him in the 19th century meaning of the Johnson, via Twitter. and Captain Newport in “The New World.” a star. He played an Austrian captain word-his commitment to his profes- “My heart is broken, my dear Chris. “For a long time, I accepted parts that took me who must fl ee the country with his sion. His art was total, theater be- I feel your loss deep inside. How lucky WINNIPEG, Manitoba: A judge on ing a constant and the most impor- was I having you next to me in what’s to attractive places in the world. Rather than shoot- folk-singing family to escape service tant part of the totality of his drive bveen one the best experiences of my ing in the Bronx, I would rather go to the south of Friday denied bail to Canadian fashion in the Nazi navy, a role he lamented mogul Peter Nygard, who was arrested in to engage with storytelling. He was career.” — “Knives Out” star Ana de France, crazed creature than I am,” he told The As- was “humorless and one-dimension- fearless, energetic, courageous, Armas on Instagram. December on US charges that alleging he al.” Plummer spent the rest of his life sociated Press in 2007. “I sacrifi ced a lot of my ca- sexually abused women and girls he lured knowledgeable, professional and a “Chris Plummer knew every act- reer for nicer hotels and more attractive beaches.” referring to the fi lm as “The Sound of monument to what an actor can be. ing trick in the book — and many with promises of opportunities in fashion Mucus” or “S&M.” Plummer was also a legendary “hard-fi sted” and modeling over the last 25 years. A Great Actor in the truest sense.” that weren’t even in the book.” — drinker, alongside similarly inclined friends like That means Nygard, 79, will await his “We tried so hard to put humor — Helen Mirren, who co-starred Taylor Hackford, who directed Jason Robards, Richard Harris and Peter O’Toole. extradition hearings in jail. Nygard was into it,” he told The Associated Press with Plummer in his Oscar-nomi- Plummer in 1995’s “Dolores Clai- arrested in December in Winnipeg and in 2007. “It was almost impossible. It nated role of Tolstoy in “The Last borne,” in a statement. “Our intention was that we should be if were to be Station,” in a written statement. “He was what I call a friend. What called men. We must drink as much as we can. And faces nine counts in the Southern District was just agony to try to make that guy of New York. not a cardboard fi gure.” “Mr Plummer was a timeless ac- is the definition of a friend? Some- if we can still get through Hamlet the next day with- tor who entertained millions around body you know intimately whose out a hitch, that made you a man, my son,” he told Justice Shawn Greenberg said she Acclaimed has concerns about a history of Nygard the world and inspired many to pur- every breath and every thought that Terry Gross in 2008. “You weren’t worth anything not showing up to court and using em- A GIF of the captain ripping a Nazi sue the arts. A true gentleman and is so much like yours or can a friend unless you could.” ployees to tamper with evidence. fl ag became a popular meme in recent a consummate professional, his be someone whose life is intertwined presence both on and off the stage near and afar with great gaps of time Memoir Defense lawyer Jay Prober argued in years, and gave Plummer a new does court last week that his client’s health is of fame. will be thoroughly missed. On be- between meetings? That was the kind A little Fernet-Branca laced with creme de at risk behind bars. half of all Canadians, I extend my of friend Chris Plummer was to me.” The role catapulted Plummer to deepest condolences to his family, — William Shatner, who starred with menthe was his preferred “pick me up” before go- The defense had proposed an in-home stardom, but he never took to lead- ing on stage after an especially heavy night. But, security guard and 24-hour video surveil- his friends, and his many fans.” — Plummer in “Star Trek VI: The Undis- ing men parts, despite his silver hair, Canadian Prime Minister Justin covered Country,” on Twitter. he warned, stick to one. Two or three and “you’re lance to monitor Nygard if he was released. good looks and ever-so-slight English drunk again.” Federal lawyers told the court that accent. He preferred character parts, He slowed down in later years and would write Nygard has the means to fl ee and that the considering them more meaty. His new relationship. Trek” — as a Klingon, no less. But about his own antics in his acclaimed memoir “In charges he faces in the US are too serious memoir in 2012 was titled “In Spite of “Too many people in the world are Plummer had other reasons than the Spite of Myself.” Plummer had decided that he to allow for his release. (AP) Myself.” unhappy with their lot. And then they scripts in mind. ❑ ❑ ❑ was going to “keep crackin’” since “retirement Plummer had a remarkable fi lm re- retire and they become vegetables. “For a long time, I accepted parts in any profession is death.” And he did, marking NASHVILLE, Tenn: Hall of Fame naissance late in life, which began with I think retirement in any profession that took me to attractive places in his turn in “The Insider,” from 1999, as a turn- songwriter Jim Weatherly, who wrote his acclaimed performance as Mike is death, so I’m determined to keep the world. Rather than shooting in the ing point. “Midnight Train to Georgia” and other Wallace in Michael Mann’s 1999 fi lm crackin’,” he told AP in 2011. Bronx, I would rather go to the south “Then the scripts improved. I was upgraded! hits for Gladys Knight, Glen Campbell “The Insider,” continued in fi lms such Plummer in 2017 replaced Kevin of France, crazed creature than I am,” Since then, they’ve been fi rst-class scripts,” he told and Ray Price, has died. He was 77. as 2001’s “A Beautiful Mind” and Spacey as J. Paul Getty in “All the he told AP in 2007. “And so I sacri- the AP at the time. “Not all successful, but worth The Nashville Songwriters Hall of 2009s “The Last Station,” in which he Money in the World” just six weeks fi ced a lot of my career for nicer hotels doing.” Fame said in a release on Friday that played a deteriorating Tolstoy and was before the film was set to hit theat- and more attractive beaches.” Weatherly’s family confi rmed his death nominated for an Oscar. ers. That choice that was officially In 2017 in the thick of the fi rst #MeToo revela- on Wednesday at his home in Brent- The Canadian-born actor per- “He was a mighty force both as validated in the best possible way for formed most of the major Shake- tions, he made headlines when he replaced a dis- wood, Tennessee. Man and Actor,” Helen Mirren, his the film — a supporting Oscar nomi- graced Kevin Spacey as J. Paul Getty in Ridley Weatherly, who was also a star co-star in “The Last Station,” said in nation for Plummer, his third. “I was speare roles, including Hamlet, Iago, Scott’s “All the Money in the World” just six weeks quarterback for Ole Miss in the 1960s, a statement Friday. “He was fearless, just hopeful that at my age, my mem- Othello, Prospero, Henry V and a before the fi lm was set to hit theaters. Not only did wrote a number of hits for Gladys Knight energetic, courageous, knowledgeable, ory would serve me,” he said at the staggering “King Lear” at Lincoln the rush recall the energy of the theater for him, it & The Pips, including “(You’re the) professional and a monument to what time. “I had to learn my lines very Center in 2004. He was frequent star also proved professionally fruitful: The role got him Best Thing That Ever Happened To an actor can be.” quickly.” at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival his third Oscar nomination. Me,” “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be in Canada. the First to Say Goodbye)” and “Where In 2012, Plummer won a supporting Director Ridley Scott said he had “a And although he retained some of that charming actor Oscar for his role in “Beginners” wonderful experience” with Plummer “I’ve become simpler and simpler Peaceful Waters Flow.” with playing Shakespeare,” he said arrogance to the end, Plummer was also a man capa- “We were just made for each other. as Hal Fields, a museum director who on the fi lm. “What a guy. What a tal- ble of evolving, even about “The Sound of Music.” We grew our lives together. I’m gonna becomes openly gay after his wife of ent. What a life,” Scott said in a state- in 2007. “I’m not as extravagant as I “As cynical as I always was about ‘The Sound of miss him terribly and love him always,” 44 years dies. His loving, fi nal rela- ment. used to be. I don’t listen to my voice so Music,’” Plummer told Vanity Fair, “I do respect Knight said in a post on Twitter. tionship becomes an inspiration for his There were fallow periods in his ca- much anymore. All the pitfalls of play- that it is a bit of relief from all the gunfi re and car Gladys Knight & The Pips won son, who struggles with his father’s reer — a “Pink Panther” movie here, a ing the classics — you can fall in love chases you see these days. It’s sort of wonderfully, Grammy Awards for their performances of death and how to fi nd intimacy in a “Dracula 2000” there and even a “Star with yourself.” old-fashionedly universal.” “Midnight Train to Georgia” and “Neither Plummer entered his 80s worried about what he’d One of Us” in 1974. Weatherly helped be able to accomplish, but a few years in he had put write hit country songs like “A Lady Like You” by Glen Campbell, “Where Do I Put those worries aside. Her Memory” by Charley Pride, “Roses Levine Daniel. She said he died from Engaging and quick-witted, Levine “I’m enjoying myself very much. And in my 80s, and Love Songs” by Price and “Someone diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. She was best known for his call-in radio I had another career. I’m very happy about that. It’s Else’s Star” by Bryan White. (AP) and brother Jeremy were with him when shows. His banter with callers was often gone better than most other decades have,” he said ❑ ❑ ❑ he died. entertaining whether the discussions in 2018. “I played everything in the theater. I still “He fought so hard for so long, and revolved around problems with the Indi- would like to do something else in the theater, of CLEVELAND: Les Levine, a longtime went out on his own terms,” she said. ans’ bullpen or if the Browns could fi nd a course. But I’ve played all the great parts. And not broadcaster and the self-proclaimed Levine, a fi xture of Cleveland sports starting quarterback. too shabbily. Now I want the same great parts, if “voice of truth and reason” when it for more than 50 years, continued to One of the staples of Levine’s shows came to analyzing Cleveland’s sports work for several years following his Par- were his “How Come Quickies,” innocu- I can, on the screen. And so far, yes. I’ve played teams, has died. He was 74. kinson’s diagnosis. He was open about ous questions that led to puns. The only marvelous characters.” (AP) His death Wednesday night was his struggles with the disease and vowed rule was the question had to begin with, announced by his daughter, Dr Jamie that it wouldn’t slow him. Nygard Weatherly “How come.” (AP) ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 SPORTS 15

Bruins score 2 in 27-second span of third, edge Flyers 2-1 Lightning stay unbeaten at home with win over Red Wings TAMPA, Florida, Feb 6, (AP): Bar- clay Goodrow scored a pair of goals and Tampa Bay remained undefeated on home ice with a 3-1 victory over Detroit. Durant pulled as Pat Maroon also scored for the Lightning, who improved to 5-0 at Amalie Arena. Andrei Vasilevskiy fi n- ished with 27 saves. Goodrow’s second goal of the game Raptors top Nets was the 6,000th goal in Lightning fran- chise history. Tampa Bay extended its point streak against Detroit to 19 games (18-0-1) Jazz continue roll and has won 16 consecutive regular- season home games against the Red Wings. NEW YORK, Feb 6, (AP): Mitchell had 30 and the Jazz beat the Vladislav Namestnikov scored With Kevin Durant forced Hornets for their 14th victory in 15 for Detroit, which is winless in eight games. games (0-6-2). Thomas Greiss fi nished out of the game in the third Rudy Gobert added 12 points and 15 with 29 saves. quarter because of the rebounds for the Jazz, who overcame an early 12-point defi cit by outscoring Bruins 2, Flyers 1 NBA’s health and safety the Hornets 39-22 in the second quarter. In Philadelphia, Sean Kuraly and protocols, the Toronto Utah shot 26 of 50 from 3-point range, Brad Marchand scored 27 seconds with Mitchell chipping in with fi ve 3s. apart in the third period to lead the Raptors beat the Brook- Boston Bruins to a 2-1 victory over the lyn Nets 123-117 behind 33 Celtics 119, Clippers 115 Philadelphia Flyers. points from Pascal Siakam. In Los Angeles, Jayson Tatum led a Tuukka Rask made 23 saves for the 3-point shooting spree and scored 34 Bruins, who have won seven of eight Durant’s first game against the points, helping the Celtics hold off the overall and all four matchups against Raptors since rupturing his Achil- Clippers without Paul George in the the Flyers this season. les tendon in the 2019 NBA Finals Los Angeles lineup. James van Riemsdyk scored for was a frustrating one for him and a The Clippers sure could have used Philadelphia. Brooklyn Nets’ Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, (right), defends against Toronto Raptors’ Kyle Lowry (7) during the first the NBA’s 3-point shooting leader. confusing night for everyone. The George, who is hitting 48% from long Kuraly netted the game-winner with half of an NBA basketball game, on Feb 5, in New York. (AP) superstar forward wasn’t avail- a wrist shot from above the left circle range, sat out with a sore right foot two that beat Brian Elliott on the glove able to start the game - entering nights after making 8 of 9 3-pointers in side, went off the post and in with 7:32 Root scores double century as a reserve for the first time in his a win at Cleveland. remaining. 867-game NBA career - then was Pelicans 114, Pacers 113 told he had to depart in the third In Indianapolis, Brandon Ingram quarter. scored 30 points to lead the Pelicans to ICE HOCKEY England in command at 555-8 vs India NBA spokesman Tim Frank said in the road win. CHENNAI, India, Feb 6, (AP): Eng- batsman to score a double hundred little help from the pitch, even with the a statement that Durant had tested neg- Lonzo Ball added 20 points and Boston has more third-period goals land fi nished day two of the fi rst test at Chennai after Mike Gatting and odd low bounce. However, through the ative three times in the last 24 hours, nine rebounds as New Orleans won (19) than all other periods and over- against India at 555-8 after Joe Root Graeme Fowler. Overall, he is the fi fth last session, there was more spin ex- including two negative PCR tests Fri- for the fourth time in six games. Zion time combined (15). scored his fi fth test double hundred. visiting batsman to achieve the feat tracted from the surface. day. He said someone whom Durant Williamson had 18 points, and Steven The teams next will meet on Feb. 21 Root scored 218 runs, facing 377 at this ground, with Australians Dean Bumrah fi nished day two with 2-81, interacted with in the afternoon had an Adams fi nished with 12 points and 12 as part of the NHL’s outdoor series at deliveries, and hit 19 fours as well as Jones and Mat- while Sharma took 2-52. The latter inconclusive test result return shortly rebounds. Lake Tahoe. two sixes. thew Hayden the took a brace off consecutive deliver- before the game. Durant was initially Panthers 2, Predators 1 Celebrating his 100th test in style, other two. ies in the fi nal session as England was held out while that result was being In Sunrise, Fla., Carter Verhaeghe Root racked up the highest individual Root and pegged back. reviewed. BASKETBALL had the go-ahead goal and an assist, score in the milestone test, passing Stokes added Sharma made it a double blow when Jazz 138, Hornets 121 and Aleksander Barkov also scored as Inzamam ul Haq’s 184 for Pakistan in 124 runs for the he bowled Jos Buttler (30) and Jofra In Charlotte, N.C., Bojan Bog- Bucks 123, Cavaliers 105 Florida defeated Nashville. 2005. fourth wicket and Archer (0) off successive deliveries in danovic scored 31 points, Donovan In Cleveland, Giannis Antetok- Chris Drieger turned back 24 shots dominated the the 170th over. ounmpo scored 33 points, and Milwau- for Florida, which improved to 6-0-2. CRICKET morning session. Jack Leach (6 not out) and Dom kee won the opener of a six-game road Colton Sissons had the lone goal for Stokes scored Bess (28 not out) then batted out the NBA Results/Standings trip that began with travel delays. the Predators, who split the two-game his 23rd half-cen- remaining session. Rohit Sharma Antetokounmpo picked up two early series. Pekka Rinne had 34 saves for Root reached the milestone off 341 tury and attacked dropped Bess on 19 not out, off Wash- fouls and started slowly. But the reigning Nashville. deliveries shortly before tea. He be- Root the spinners. He ington Sundar (0-98). NBA MVP found his groove in the sec- Golden Knights 5, Kings 2 came the fi rst visiting batsman to score was out caught in Ravichandran Ashwin fi nished the WASHINGTON, Feb 6, (AP): Results and ond half, scoring 22 points and muscling In Las Vegas, Nic Hague and Wil- a double hundred in tests in India since the deep post lunch in a bid to further up day with 2-132. India bowled 19 no standings from the NBA games on Friday. his way inside for easy baskets. New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum the ante against Shahbaz Nadeem (2-167). balls so far in this innings. Orlando 123 Chicago 119 liam Karlsson each had a goal and two New Orleans 114 Indiana 113 Suns 109, Pistons 92 assists as Vegas returned to action af- in 2010. McCullum was also the last Stokes scored 82 runs off 118 deliv- On day one, Root became the ninth Milwaukee 123 Cleveland 105 batsman to reach that mark against In- eries with 10 fours and three sixes. batsmen to score a hundred in his Toronto 123 Brooklyn 117 In Phoenix, Devin Booker scored 23 ter being sidelined due to COVID pro- points, Chris Paul added 20 points and tocols and beat Los Angeles. dia, seven years ago in Wellington. England’s batsmen frustrated Indian 100th test as England had reached 263- Minnesota 106 Oklahoma City 103 Overall, Root is the third English bowling throughout the day. There was 3 at stumps. Dominic Sibley scored 87. Miami 122 Washington 95 nine assists, and the Suns rolled to the win. Vegas was playing for the fi rst time Utah 138 Charlotte 121 Paul continued his high-production since Jan. 26. Phoenix 109 Detroit 92 Boston 119 LA Clippers 115 run of the past few weeks. The 10-time Mark Stone and Jonathan Marches- Dustin Brown scored his fourth. Goal- and Ryan Donato scored shootout also scored for the Sharks, and Martin Eastern Conference All-Star - who came to the desert in a sault also scored for Vegas with goals 62 tenders Jonathan Quick and Calvin goals on similar moves and San Jose Jones made 33 saves. Atlantic Division trade with Oklahoma City during the seconds apart. Cody Glass also scored Peterson combined to make 32 saves. snapped a two-game losing streak with Max Comtois had two goals, Troy W L Pct GB offseason - is averaging more than 22 for Vegas, while Marc-Andre Fleury im- a win over Anaheim. Terry had a goal and an assist, and Philadelphia 16 7 .696 - Quick allowed Vegas’ fi rst four goals. Brooklyn 14 10 .583 2-1/2 points over the past seven games, and proved to 4-0-0 after making 27 saves. Brent Burns and Evander Kane Adam Henrique also scored for Boston 12 9 .571 3 the Suns have won four of them. Austin Wagner scored his fi rst goal Sharks 5, Ducks 4, SO each had a goal and an assist in regu- Anaheim. John Gibson stopped 26 Toronto 10 12 .455 5-1/2 of the season for the Kings, while In Anaheim, Calif., Kevin Labanc lation. Matt Nieto and Logan Couture shots. New York 10 13 .435 6 Heat 122, Wizards 95 Southeast Division In Miami, Kendrick Nunn had 25 points W L Pct GB Atlanta 10 12 .455 - and eight rebounds, and Miami shut down Charlotte 10 13 .435 -1/2 Washington’s Bradley Beal in the win. NHL Results/Standings Austria’s Gleirscher wins final Orlando 9 14 .391 1-1/2 Bam Adebayo scored 21 for Miami, Miami 8 14 .364 2 Washington 5 14 .263 3-1/2 which lost 103-100 to Washington on Central Division Wednesday night. Kelly Olynyk and WASHINGTON, Feb 6, (AP): Results and standings from the NHL games on Friday. men’s WC luge race of season W L Pct GB Tyler Herro each had 17 points. Milwaukee 14 8 .636 - Tampa Bay 3 Detroit 1 Vegas 5 Los Angeles 2 Indiana 12 11 .522 2-1/2 Magic 123, Bulls 119 Florida 2 Nashville 1 San Jose 5 Anaheim SO 4 ST. MORITZ, Switzerland, Feb 6, ons Andris Sics and Juris Sics by 0.064 (AP): Nico Gleirscher of Austria won seconds. Ludwig Rieder and Patrick Cleveland 10 13 .435 4-1/2 In Orlando, Fla., Nikola Vucevic Boston 2 Philadelphia 1 Chicago 8 13 .381 5-1/2 East Division West Division the fi nal men’s World Cup luge race Rastner of Italy took third, 0.207 sec- scored a career-best 43 points and Detroit 5 17 .227 9 grabbed 19 rebounds, heling Orlando GP W L OT Pts GF GA GP W L OT Pts GF GA of the season on Saturday, holding off onds back. Western Conference Boston 11 8 1 2 18 36 24 Germans Max Langenhan and Felix For the US, Mazdzer and Jayson Southwest Division stop a four-game losing streak. Philadelphia 12 7 3 2 16 39 37 Colorado 11 7 3 1 15 38 24 W L Pct GB Evan Fournier hit a baseline jumper Washington 11 6 2 3 15 40 38 St Louis 11 7 3 1 15 39 36 Loch for the victory. Terdiman were ninth in the doubles San Antonio 12 10 .545 - Pittsburgh 10 5 4 1 11 30 37 Vegas 8 6 1 1 13 28 19 Gleirscher fi nished in 2 minutes, race. Memphis 9 8 .529 -1/2 and two free throws in the fi nal 81 sec- New Jersey 9 4 3 2 10 23 26 Minnesota 11 6 5 0 12 30 30 15.852 seconds in luge’s fi rst World The fi nal day of the major interna- Houston 11 10 .524 -1/2 onds to give the Magic enough breathing NY Rangers 10 4 4 2 10 29 28 Anaheim 12 4 5 3 11 23 33 New Orleans 9 12 .429 2-1/2 Arizona 10 4 5 1 9 27 29 Cup trip to the St. Moritz track in nine tional luge season is Sunday, with the room for the win. Vucevic set his career Buffalo 10 4 4 2 10 30 32 Dallas 9 14 .391 3-1/2 high and sealed the win with two free NY Islanders 9 3 4 2 8 19 24 San Jose 9 4 5 0 8 27 35 years. Langenhan was 0.060 seconds women’s race – where Natalie Geisen- Northwest Division Central Division Los Angeles 10 3 5 2 8 28 34 W L Pct GB throws with 2.6 seconds remaining. North Division back and Loch, the runaway winner of berger of Germany will look to seal her GP W L OT Pts GF GA the men’s World Cup title this season, eighth seasonlong championship – and Utah 18 5 .783 - Tampa Bay 9 7 1 1 15 32 18 GP W L OT Pts GF GA Denver 12 9 .571 5 Timberwolves 106, Thunder 103 Florida 8 6 0 2 14 29 23 Toronto 11 8 2 1 17 40 32 was 0.074 seconds off the pace. the team relay. Portland 12 9 .571 5 In Oklahoma City, D’Angelo Russell Columbus 12 5 4 3 13 31 37 Montreal 11 7 2 2 16 46 30 Chris Mazdzer had the top fi nish for Geisenberger and fellow German Oklahoma City 9 12 .429 8 made a 3-pointer with 3.7 seconds re- Carolina 8 6 2 0 12 26 19 Winnipeg 11 7 3 1 15 39 32 USA Luge, fi nishing 14th. Tucker West Julia Taubitz are the only contenders Minnesota 6 16 .273 11-1/2 maining to lift Minnesota to the road win. Chicago 12 4 4 4 12 35 39 Edmonton 12 6 6 0 12 42 43 Pacific Division Dallas 8 5 2 1 11 32 21 Vancouver 14 6 8 0 12 48 55 was 17th and Jonny Gustafson 21st. left in the race for the women’s overall W L Pct GB Russell dribbled near midcourt to let Nashville 11 5 6 0 10 29 36 Calgary 10 4 5 1 9 27 27 In doubles, the Latvian team of Mar- title; Taubitz won the crown last sea- LA Lakers 17 6 .739 - the clock run, took a couple of steps to- Detroit 12 2 8 2 6 22 43 Ottawa 11 2 8 1 5 27 50 tins Bots and Roberts Plume got their son while Geisenberger was out for the LA Clippers 17 7 .708 -1/2 ward the basket and pulled up a few feet Phoenix 12 9 .571 4 Note: Two points for a win one point for overtime loss. The top four teams in each division will fi rst World Cup victory in 1:48.274, birth of her fi rst child. Geisenberger Golden State 12 10 .545 4-1/2 behind the 3-point arc for the winning qualify for playoffs under this season’s temporary realignment. holding off fellow Latvians and this needs only a 14th-place fi nish on Sun- Sacramento 10 11 .476 6 shot. Oklahoma City’s Hamidou Diallo season’s World Cup doubles champi- day to clinch the title. missed a 3-pointer as time expired. ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 16

Sweden’s Felix Monsen speeds down the course during an alpine ski, men’s World Cup super-G race in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, on Feb. 6. (AP) Sports Latest sports scores at — http://sports.arabtimesonline.com Wolfsburg consolidate 3rd place, Mainz boost chances of survival Dortmund lose again in Bundesliga; Leverkusen, Leipzig win BERLIN, Feb 6, (AP): Borussia Dort- mund slumped to another Bundesliga defeat, 2-1 in Freiburg to lose more ground in the race for Champions League qualifi cation on Saturday. Quick-fi re goals from Jeong Woo- Watkins’ early goal helps yeong in the 49th minute and an own goal from Dortmund goalkeeper Mar- win Hitz in the 52nd saw the visitors lose their eighth game in 20 rounds and drop three points behind Bayer Leverkusen in fourth, the last qualify- ing place for Europe’s premier compe- Villa down Arsenal in EPL tition. The 16-year-old Youssoufa Mouk- oko’s 76th-minute strike came too late Southampton beaten for Dortmund. Leverkusen’s 5-2 win over Stuttgart was capped by new signing Demarai BIRMINGHAM, England, Gray’s fi rst goal on his Bundesliga de- but after switching from Leicester. Dortmund’s Marco Reus (left), and Feb 6, (AP): Aston Villa Kerem Demirbay scored twice to Freiburg’s Nicolas Hoefl er chal- maintained its push for put Leverkusen on course before Sasa lenge for the ball during the Ger- a fi nish in the European Kalajdzic pulled one back in the 50th. man Bundesliga soccer match be- qualifi cation positions by Leon Bailey made it 3-1 though tween SC Freiburg and Borussia there were justifi ed complaints from Dortmund in Freiburg, Germany, beating Arsenal 1-0 in the Stuttgart that Timothy Fosu-Mensah on Feb. 6. (AP) Premier League thanks to a goal after 74 seconds by SOCCER Granada, Levante draw Ollie Watkins on Saturday. Bertrand Traore pounced on a loose pass by Cedric Soares and should have been penalized for hand- Varane & Madrid crossed to Watkins, whose fi rst- ball at the other end. The Dutch de- time shot from a central position fender stopped Kalajdzic’s effort with edge Huesca 2-1 his arm. took a defl ection off Rob Holding MADRID, Feb 6, (AP): Defender Raph- and squirmed into the net past Mat Bailey, Patrik Schick and Mous- sa Diaby were involved before the ael Varane spared Real Madrid some Ryan - an Arsenal debutant in goal. blushes as his second-half goals helped Emi Martinez, a goalkeeper sold by 17-year-old Florian Wirtz headed Lev- erkusen’s fourth, and Gray killed the the defending champions come from be- Arsenal in the last offseason, preserved hind to win at last-placed Huesca 2-1 in Villa’s win with several fi ne saves, no- game in the 84th after Kalajdzic scored the Spanish league on Saturday. tably from a free kick by Granit Xhaka his second. The victory moved Madrid back into Former Germany defender second place in the standings, closer to Shkodran Mustafi made his Schalke league leader Atlético Madrid, which SOCCER debut despite not training with the visits struggling Celta Vigo on Monday. team after joining from Arsenal, but Madrid trails Atlético by seven points and his new team lost at home to second- is three points in front of third-placed Bar- that was heading into the top corner. placed Leipzig 3-0. celona, which is at Real Betis on Sunday. Villa moved into eighth place and Schalke remained last and a fi rm Among Madrid’s recent setbacks only fi ve points behind Liverpool, which candidate for relegation with just one were a loss to Athletic Bilbao in the came into the 23rd round of games in win and eight points from 20 games. semifi nals of the Spanish Super Cup fourth place. Villa has a game in hand, Wolfsburg consolidated third place and embarrassing elimination by third- too, after missing two fi xtures early in by beating Augsburg 2-0, and Mainz division club Alcoyano in the Copa del the new year because of a coronavirus boosted its chances of survival by Rey round of 32. outbreak in the squad. downing 10-man Union Berlin 1-0. It was a second straight loss for mid- Another was on the cards when Hues- Union defender Nico Schlotterbeck ca scored from Javi Galán’s shot into table Arsenal, which was beaten 2-1 by conceded a penalty that Moussa Ni- Wolverhampton on Tuesday when it Newcastle’s Jonjo Shelvey holds back Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse during the English Premier League the top corner following a 48th-minute also had goalkeeper Bernd Leno and de- soccer match between Newcastle United and Southampton, at St James’ Park Stadium in Newcastle, England, akhaté converted in the fi rst half, be- counterattack. The hosts twice hit the fender David Luiz sent off. on Feb 6. (AP) fore he was sent off for his second yel- woodwork while leading but Madrid Newcastle 3, Southampton 2 low card early in the second. equalized with a close-range header by In Newcastle, four days after losing Miguel Almiron netting twice after the utes later after receiving his second yel- match Brighton 1-1 as both sides inched Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s fl ight Varane in the 55th after Karim Benze- 9-0 for the second time in 15 months, opener from Joe Willock on his debut. low card for a pull of the jersey, and further away from the English Premier to Qatar for the Club World Cup was ma’s free kick struck the crossbar. Southampton produced another ragged Takumi Minamino, another player Fabian Schar was carried off in the 78th - League relegation zone. ‘severely delayed’ after local authorities Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois defensive display to lose to a Newcastle making his debut after a deadline-day by which time Newcastle had made three Lewis Dunk’s towering header from in Berlin refused permission for take- made some key saves to secure the win side 3-2 that ended the English Premier move on Feb. 1, replied for Southamp- substitutes because of previous injuries a corner sailed into the net in the 36th off shortly before midnight Friday. The for Madrid, whose injury list was added League match with nine men on Satur- ton for 2-1, and the visitors pulled it back to Callum Wilson and Javier Manquillo. minute despite the presence of Gud- Bundesliga leaders were forced to wait to by Álvaro Odriozola in the second day. to a one-goal defi cit again when James Burnley 1, Brighton 1 mundsson at the back post, with the until 7 a.m. Saturday to leave, the club half because of an apparent muscle Newcastle scored three in the fi rst half Ward-Prowse scored off a stunning In Burnley, Johann Berg Gudmunds- Iceland winger seemingly losing his said, despite having moved their game problem. Earlier, veteran striker Rober- of a top-fl ight match for the fi rst time 30-meter free kick in the 48th. son made amends for an earlier mistake footing in the pouring rain at the cru- Friday ahead by 30 minutes to facilitate to Soldado scored in second-half injury since 2015 to lead 3-1 at halftime, with Jeff Hendrick was sent off two min- by scoring the equalizer for Burnley to cial moment. its planned 11:15 p.m. departure. time for Granada to draw at Levante 2-2. Swiss’ Odermatt fi nishes 3rd Ashraf, Rizwan guide hosts to 129-6 in second innings at stumps Kriechmayr leads Austrian 1-2 Pakistan lead by 200 against SAfrica in 2nd Test in last WC race before worlds RAWALPINDI, Pakistan, Feb 6, (AP): The lower order increased Pakistan’s GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, lead to 200 runs against South Africa Dupont shines, France rout Italy in 6N opener Germany, Feb 6, (AP): Vincent on the third day of the second and fi nal Johnson captures Kriechmayr extended his lead in the Test on Saturday. ROME, Feb 6, (AP): Antoine Dupont The Tricolors fi nished behind England line with no Italians home and Fickou season’s super-G standings on Sat- Allrounder Faheem Ashraf and Mo- scored a try and set up three others as on points difference and were also grounded the ball. lead in Saudi Int’l urday by winning the last World Cup hammad Rizwan were dropped off suc- France got its Six Nations campaign runners-up to Eddie Jones’ side in the Moments later, Dupont hacked at a KING ABDULLAH ECO- race before the world championships. cessive deliveries before featuring in a off to a thumping start by defeating Autumn Nations Cup. dropped pass by Italy, Villière got a NOMIC CITY, Saudi Arabia, Kriechmayr edged Matthias Mayer 52-run sixth-wicket stand which guided Italy 50-10 in Rome on Saturday. It didn’t take long to make its mark. kind bounce, Dupont was in support Feb 6, (AP): Top-ranked Dus- by 0.17 seconds for an Austrian 1-2 the home team to 129-6 in the second Teddy Thomas scored two tries and Thomas launched an attack from a and threw a no-look pop-up for center tin Johnson birdied the last two fi nish. innings at stumps. Dylan Cretin, Gaël Fickou, Arthur standing start on the right wing inside Vincent to grab and score and make it holes to shoot 4-under 66 in his “I’m really proud about my skiing Rizwan was unbeaten on 28 but Vincent and Brice Dulin also crossed his half, left wing Gabin Villière took 24-3. France had three tries and spent and about this result,” Kriechmayr Ashraf fell late in the second session third round and take a two-stroke for France. Matthieu Jalibert was per- 54 seconds in Italy’s 22. said. for 29 when he sliced a catch at point fect off the tee with six conversions Italy thought it fi nally got a try just lead at the Saudi International as He led Mayer throughout his run, to give George Linde (3-12) his third and a penalty. RUGBY before halftime when scrumhalf Ste- he looks to win the European though the advantage was only two- wicket. While outclassed, Italy fought to the phen Varney dummied twice and put Tour event for the second time hundredths at the fi nal split. Mayer “We dropped a couple of catches, but end and Luca Sperandio scored in the in left wing Montanna Ioane, but the in three years. was slowed as he came wide in the fi - I am sure the boys will be hungry to- last quarter. Paolo Garbisi converted to it to the line and the fl anker Cretin pass was ruled forward. The American returned early nal turn before the fi nish. morrow to win the match and level the add to a fi rst-half penalty. crashed over beside the posts for his France also made a fl ying start in Saturday to complete his sec- It was the eighth career win for series,” Linde said. It was Italy’s record-extending 28th fi st test try. the second half. Italy fullback Jacopo ond round and made birdie at Kriechmayr, and the sixth consecu- “Anything under 300 (runs), we will consecutive Six Nations defeat. It Italy worked overtime to get into Trulla just beat Thomas to a Dupont the last for a 6-under 64, leav- take it ... and I am sure batters will take hasn’t won since 2015. France’s 22 twice and threaten but was grubber over the tryline, but the bonus- ing him a shot off the lead us over the line in the next innings.” France was looking for a strong start undone by self-infl icted errors. point try came moments later when shared by Ryan Fox and Ste- SKIING Earlier, fast bowler Hasan Ali’s (5- against the tournament’s weakest team But France had the ball, it hardly Dulin counterattacked from outside his phen Gallacher. 54) fi ve-wicket haul earned Pakistan to boost its aim of going one better had to sweat. Setting up a lineout maul, 22, gathered Villière’s chip and scored Johnson reached the back nine a vital 71-run fi rst innings lead as the than last year’s second-place fi nish. Dupont threaded through a chip to the in the left corner. of his third round in the outright tive podium result in a speed race for visitors were bowled out for 201, half lead but brought the fi eld back Mayer, who is the Olympic super-G an hour after lunch. Hasan, returning to the fi ve-day format after a two-year ab- needless second run. into play by making a double bo- champion. George Linde scored a run-a-ball 21 gey at No. 13, his fi rst dropped Swiss skier Marco Odermatt was sence due to injuries in Pakistan’s sev- en-wicket win in the fi rst test, picked with three fours and a six before he was shots of the week. 0.49 behind in third, followed by Nils deceived by Hasan with a slower deliv- Allegre of France in fourth and Christ- up three wickets on Saturday, but poor running cost South Africa with two ery and was clean bowled. of Innerhofer of Italy in fi fth. Resuming on 106-4, captain Quinton Kriechmayr will enter Tuesday’s batsmen getting run-outs. “I am really excited because it was de Kock’s poor run of form in the se- super-G at the worlds in Italy coming ries continued when he could add only off back-to-back wins in the discipline, really frustrating to stay out of test matches for so long with multiple inju- fi ve to his overnight score of 24 and was following his triumph in Kitzbühel two ries,” Hasan said. “The old ball was re- clean bowled by Shaheen Afridi (1-37) weeks ago. in the third over of the day. Still, he didn’t regard himself the fa- De Kock, who hit fi ve boundaries late vorite for gold in Cortina d’Ampezzo. CRICKET on the fi rst day, attempted an over-am- Dominik Paris, who is the defend- bitious drive against Afridi too soon and ing world champion, fi nished eighth dragged the ball back onto his stumps. on Saturday, a day after winning the verse swinging and I bowled at the right Pakistan should have got Maharaj downhill on the same hill. That victory areas.” Temba Bavuma, who resumed without scoring before lunch but Yasir was the Italian’s fi rst since blowing out on 15, fought a lone battle to remain un- Shah dropped him in the second slip his knee a year ago. beaten on 44 off 138 balls before Hasan before Nauman missed a sitter shortly With two races remaining after the wrapped up the innings by claiming the after the break. Umpire Ahsan Raza worlds, Kriechmayr holds a lead of last two wickets of successive deliver- Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan bats during the third day of the second erred for the second time in the day 101 points over Mayer in the disci- ies. cricket Test match between Pakistan and South Africa at the Pindi Stadium when Maharaj successfully went for pline standings. A race win is worth The diminutive Bavuma successfully in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on Feb 6. (AP) lbw television review after the on-fi eld Austria’s Vincent Kriechmayr cele- 100 points. The winners of the fi rst overturned a leg before decision against umpire had ruled him out off Hasan as brates on the podium after winning three super-G races this season are him in the fourth over of the day, but in for 90 minutes and raised a half cen- the spinners as he lofted Yasir Shah for South Africa moved to 188-7 at lunch. an alpine ski, men’s World Cup all out with injuries: Mauro Caviezel, could not get enough support from the tury stand before Pakistan struck with a six over long off and also swept well Hasan returned after lunch and cleaned super-G race, in Garmisch-Parten- Aleksander Aamodt Kilde and Ryan lower order. two quick wickets. against left-arm spinner Nauman Ali bowled both Maharaj and No. 11 An- kirchen, Germany, on Feb 6. (AP) Cochran-Siegle. Bavuma and Wiaan Mulder (33) dug Mulder was shaping up well against before he was run-out while going for a drich Nortje and Rabada was run out.

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