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Qatar Stands Firmly with Palestinian Cause

Qatar Stands Firmly with Palestinian Cause

1996 - 2021 SILVER JUBILEE YEAR

WISHING YOU ALL

THURSDAY 13 MAY 2021 1 SHAWWAL - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8621 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Amir to perform Amir exchanges Eid greetings with Arab and Islamic leaders Eid prayers QNA — of , H E Mohammad Ashraf bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, on and Vice-Presidents of the brotherly at Al Wajba Ghani on the occasion of the blessed Eid the occasion of the blessed Eid Al Fitr, Arab and Islamic on the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Al Fitr, in a phone call H H the Amir which included his congratulations as occasion of the blessed Eid Al Fitr. praying Thani exchanged cables of greetings, received last evening. well as from the Shura members. H H Prime Minister and Minister of with a number of their Highnesses and H H the Amir also received cables of the Amir responded with a cable of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa leaders of Arab and Islamic greetings on this occasion from a thanks. bin Abdulaziz Al Thani exchanged cables QNA — DOHA countries, on the occasion of the blessed number of leaders of friendly Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah of greetings with Their Excellencies Eid Al Fitr. countries. bin Hamad Al Thani also exchanged prime ministers of Arab and Islamic The Amiri Diwan announced H H the Amir exchanged greetings Amir received a message from cables of greetings with Their High- countries on the occasion of the blessed that Amir H H Sheikh Tamim with President of the Islamic Republic Speaker of the Shura Council H E Ahmed nesses and Excellencies crown Eid Al Fitr. bin Hamad Al Thani will perform the blessed Eid Al Fitr prayer along with citizens at Al Wajba praying area today morning. The Amiri Diwan stands firmly wished that this blessed occasion be full of goodness and blessings for Qatar, Arab with Palestinian cause and Islamic nations.

QNA — DOHA firmly and is acting responsibly to FM receives ensure Al Quds and Al Aqsa mosque Speaker of the Shura Council H E return to the Arab and Islamic , phone calls from Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al and establish an independent Pales- top officials on Mahmoud stressed that the State of Qatar tinian state based on the borders of under the leadership of Amir H H Sheikh June 4 of 1967 with East Al Quds as Palestine issue considers the its capital. Palestinian issue its main cause, and stands He noted that Qatar strongly QNA — DOHA condemned the Israeli aggression and called on the international com- Deputy Prime Minister and munity to interfere and stop it. Minister of Foreign Affairs H Qatar is acting responsibly to ensure Al His said, at an emer- E Sheikh Mohammed bin Quds and Al Aqsa mosque return to the gency meeting of Arab Parliaments’ Abdulrahman Al Thani Speakers, organised by the Arab Inter- Speaker of the Shura Council H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud received yesteray a phone call Arab and Islamic World, and establish addressing the emergency virtual meeting of Arab Parliaments’ Speakers, organised an independent Palestinian state based Parliamentary Union, that the Arab from Minister for Foreign Ummah is facing a decisive moment and by the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union, yesterday. Affairs of Finland H E Pekka on the borders of June 4 of 1967 with a grave challenge represented in how to Haavisto. During the call, they East Al Quds as its capital. protect Al Quds, Al Aqsa Mosque, and the the past day in a clear challenge to inter- the aspirations of the Arab people and reviewed developments in H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Palestinian people in the occupied terri- national law and disregard of the feelings honoring the struggle of the Palestinian Palestine, and the need for joint tories from the racist, inhuman, set- of millions of , , and people. action to reduce recent esca- Zaid Al Mahmoud tlement aggression exercised by . He added that the time for condem- lation in and Gaza. using its army, police, and settlers over The Speaker paid tribute to the Pal- nation and denunciation has passed, and Foreign Minister received a estinian people who are standing up to that now is the time of honest and serious phone call from protect Al Aqsa mosque, the work that protects Al Quds and supports Security Advisor in the United Gate, the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood, the struggle of the Palestinian people States of America, H E Jake Sul- and Gaza in the face of bullets. He called who are showing a heroic example of livan. They reviewed develop- for participants in the meeting to make defending your rights, led by their right ments in Palestine. Foreign Min- sure they conclude the meeting with a to establish an independent state on the ister also received a phone call united position that would regain trust in borders of their territories that were from UN Special Coordinator for joint Arab work, that becomes the basis occupied in 1967. the Peace Process, H for a new way of working to face the arro- The Speaker of the Shura Council E Tor Wennesland. They Smoke and gance and crimes of Israeli occupation, concluded his speech by expressing hope reviewed developments in Pal- flames rise from a and support the Palestinian people that Arab parliaments can reach a position estine, and the need for joint residential tower beyond supportive words and that helps end that aggression against holy action to reduce recent escalation as it is destroyed statements. sites, and protects the Palestinian people in Jerusalem and Gaza. He stressed that the first step is Arab in the occupied territories from being Foreign Minister received by Israeli air strikes solidarity and forming a united Arab murdered, oppressed, terrorised and dis- a phone call from the Minister amid a flare-up of position with strong influence on the placed in a genocide and war crimes. of Foreign Affairs and Minister Israeli-Palestinian international community. He stressed The Shura Council delegation for Defence of Ireland, H E violence, in Gaza the importance of Arab parliamentary included members of the council, Hady Simon Coveney. They City. work in these difficult time, saying it will bin Said Al Khayarain and Saqr bin Fahd reviewed developments in have a big impact on meeting Al Muraikhi. SEE ALSO PAGE 6 Palestine. Public urged to follow precautions Children aged 12-15 eligible to receive vaccine during Eid celebrations THE PENINSULA — DOHA them against the virus but will “Global evidence is also for children aged 12 to 15 years give us the opportunity to have clear that the protection the to take the Pfizer vaccine comes FAZEENA SALEEM Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al The Ministry of Public Health less restrictions in schools in the COVID-19 vaccines provide is shortly after Pfizer said that its THE PENINSULA Thani, Director of Public Health at (MoPH) has announced three future and may significantly lasting beyond 6 months which study of the vaccine’s use in par- MoPH said: “We urge everyone to changes to the national reduce the interruptions to the is very encouraging for ticipants 12 to 15 years old found Eid Al Fitr celebrations begin fully adhere to the preventive COVID-19 Program including education system that we have everyone. The announcement that it was ‘safe and extremely today amid COVID-19 restric- measures during Eid prayer and to children aged from 12 to 15 years seen at times during the pan- extending the validity of the effective in preventing COVID-19 tions in the . The avoid physical contact. We recall are to be offered the Pfizer- demic. It will also allow our vaccine from 6 months to 9 cases’, and the US Food and Drug Government Communications the Cabinet’s decision to prevent BioNTech vaccine in Qatar. younger people to have greater months should give everyone Administration approved the Office (GCO) and the Ministry of social gatherings and visits in The Ministry in a statement freedoms to socialise and par- much greater piece of mind,” Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Public Health (MoPH) have urged homes and majalis and allowing said that the validity for quar- ticipate in activities going said Dr. Al Khal. vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds in the people to follow precautions only five fully vaccinated people antine exemption of all vaccines forward. Extending the opportunity the US. `P4 during the Eid holidays. to gather outdoors.” Dr. Hanadi administered in Qatar will be “It is vital that precau- Al Hamad, National Lead for extended from the previously tionary measures continue to Healthy Ageing on the Qatar approved six months to nine All people aged be followed during the blessed National Health Strategy has also months. Children Eid Al Fitr to ensure the safety emphasised on the importance The Ministry also confirmed aged from over 30 will be of our families and society and of following the list of restrictions that all people aged over 30 will 6 9 12 to 15 eligible to to support the ongoing efforts released by the Ministry. She also be eligible to receive the vaccine years are to receive the of the State of Qatar in limiting advised people to greet the after the Eid holidays. be offered vaccine after the spread of COVID-19,” said elderly without touching them Chair of the National Health 30 the Eid holiday. GCO on its Twitter account. and avoid elders giving gifts such Strategic Group on COVID-19 and the Pfizer- It also reminded people to as money to children. Head of Infectious Diseases at BioNTech wear masks and maintain social Dr. Ahmed Mohammed, Hamad Medical Corporation, Dr. COVID-19 Protection the distancing during prayers at the Acting Chairman of Hamad Abdullatif Al Khal said: “We now Validity for quarantine vaccine. mosques, and that indoor gath- Medical Corporation’s Intensive have very strong scientific evi- exemption of all COVID-19 CoronavirusCoCororooronavirususs erings are prohibited as well as Care Units, has reminded the dence that shows that the Pfizer vaccines administered vaccines provide VACCINEVACCIVACCVACCICCINNE maximum of five fully vaccinated public that Eid celebrations now vaccine is safe and effective for in Qatar will be is lasting beyond people are allowed to gather are different from how it used to 12-15-year-olds and we want to extended from the 6 months outside. Health sector’s medical and be. He urged the public to avoid ensure that every child in this age which is very administrative staff congratulated crowded places, home visits, group has the opportunity to get previously approved six months to nine months. encouraging the people of Qatar on Eid Al Fitr going to malls and ensure the vaccinated soon. news. stressing the importance of safety of everyone by adhering “Getting our young people adhering to prevention guidelines. to preventive measures. vaccinated will not only protect 02 HOME THURSDAY 13 MAY 2021 HMC emergency centre to QSRSN holds lecture on benefits of remain open during Eid for people with disabilities

THE PENINSULA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA lectures on the holy PRAYER month of Ramadan TIMINGS Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has announced that the Trauma The Qatar Society for Rehabil- organised by the Qatar PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING and Emergency Center continues to operate throughout the itation of Special Needs Society for Rehabilitation 24-hour during the Eid holidays. (QSRSN) recently organised of Special Needs. FAJR 03.25 am The Pediatric Emergency Centers will also remain open another lecture through video He said that the lec- 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week for medical emergencies conference on the benefits of tures focused on cultural, SUNRISE 04.50 am involving children under the age of 14 years. The Ambulance holy month of Ramadan. scientific and awareness DHUHR 11.30 am Service will continue to operate 24-hours-a-day, seven days a The lecture was delivered aspects targeting people ASR 02.57 pm week for people requiring emergency medical assistance by a graduate of the Higher with disabilities, their The Nesma’ak call center will be closed from Wednesday May Institute of Islamic Studies in families and those pro- MAGHRIB 06.12 pm 12 to Friday 14 May in observance if Eid Al Fitr will reopen on Sat- and a member of Society, viding services to them. ISHA 07.42 pm urday May 15 at 10am. Sheikh Osman Yusef Sheikh Thani said that The Urgent Consultation Service will be closed from May 12 Ahmed. pretty good number of to 14 and reopen on Saturday 15 May 8am to 3pm. The lecture focused on ben- people with special needs The National Mental Health Helpline will close from May 12 efits of Ramadan for fasting as well as a large group of Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani, to 14 and reopen on May 15 from 9am to 7pm. people including rewards media professionals and Chairman of the Board of Directors The Pharmacy Home Delivery Service will be closed from which they will get for offering community activists par- of QSRSN. May 12 to 14 and reopen on May 15 from 8am to 2pm. prayers apart from health, ticipate in events and The drive-through vaccination centers at and Al Wakra social and religious benefits. workshops organised by the Sheikh Thani also urged will continue to operate throughout the holiday from 1pm to 12pm During the lecture, Sheikh Society. people to offer prayers and good with the last entry at 11pm. Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani, He called people to utilise deed as much as they can and WEATHER HMC’s Blood Donor Centers will be closed from Wednesday Chairman of the Board of the holy month of Ramadan to extend their helping hands to TODAY May 12 until Friday May 14 and will re-open Saturday May 15 Directors of the Qatar Society enhance their social values, to poor and needy people of the from 12pm to 8pm. The temporary donor centers at Msheireb and praised Sheikh Osman Yusef cooperate each other in a bid community. He said cooperation will also be closed and re-open Saturday May 15 from Muhammad Ahmed for deliv- to promote coexistence in the helped community to make 4pm to 8pm. ering a number of valuable community. progress and development.

25oC 42oC MME intensifies inspection campaigns across the country Minimum Maximum THE PENINSULA — DOHA on shopping complexes, shops inspection on Fish Market and Al for traditional foods, butcheries, Shamal Municipality launched Hot daytime with slight dust at for sweets and nuts and eateries Wakra Central Market focusing and poultry shops to ensure the a cleaning campaign ahead of places at times, mild by night. The Ministry of Municipality for traditional foods to ensure especially on eateries and outlets compliance of health rules. Eid Al Fitr across the and Environment (MME) repre- the safety of food items offered for nuts and sweets which have The Ministry said that the municipality. W ALRUWAIS : 26o → 36o sented by the municipalities has by these outlets. high demand during Eid. Municipality in coordination with Under the campaign, Eid W ALKHOR : 26o → 43o launched intensified inspection The municipal inspectors The intensified inspection Wida Food Company will provide prayer grounds and mosques campaigns on commercial also inspected outlets for fruits campaigns will continue during a complete team of butchers, have been cleaned out and W : 24o → 40o outlets, sweet shops and and vegetables at Central Eid Al Fitr. The inspectors are cleaning workers and security disinfected. WAKRAH 25o → 42o W : eateries ahead of Eid Al Fitr to Market for the safety and health receiving complaints from the person at slaughterhouse. The health monitoring W : 25o → 42o ensure the compliance of health of consumers during Eid Al Fitr. consumers and responding The meat health unit at the section at the Municipality has W ABUSAMRA : 23o → 39o and hygienic rules. A team of inspectors with immediately. monitoring section of Al Shee- deployed a team of municipal The Ministry said in a veterinary doctors have been Al Sheehaniya Municipality haniya Municipality will also inspectors with veterinary statement that the intensified deployed at slaughterhouses, also announced its action plan provide high quality veterinary doctors to slaughter- HIGH TIDE inspection campaigns will con- meat and fish shops. during Eid Al Fitr. As per the services at Al Sheehaniya house to ensure health and 4:17– 18:16 tinue across the country during Municipal inspectors from Al action plan, the health moni- Central Market. The Munici- safety of consumers.The LOW TIDE 11:52 – 0:43 Eid celebration. Wakra Municipality launched toring section of the Munici- pality said that the slaughter- municipal inspectors also The health monitoring inspection campaigns on food pality intensified inspection house will work throughout Eid checked for shops of meat, section of Doha Municipality outlets across the municipality. campaign on food outlets, shops Al Fitr celebration from 7am to chicken and fish to ensure the conducted inspection campaigns The inspectors conducted for selling sweets, nuts, eateries 1pm. The Cleaning Section at Al compliance of health rules. Virtual fireworks, competitions Three deaths, 392 new COVID-19 to mark Eid Al Fitr at Katara cases reported THE PENINSULA — DOHA In order to keep everyone safe and also to make children happy on THE PENINSULA — DOHA To celebrate Eid Al Fitr, the Cultural this occasion, there will be compe- Village Foundation-Katara will tition for the most beautiful Eid The Ministry of Public Health provide from today a distinguished dress, which is dedicated to boys and (MoPH) reported 392 new set of competitions and events girls up to the age of 13 years and cases of COVID-19 yesterday. through its social media account and continues three days. Among them 168 were trav- its website. Six winners will be selected ellers returning from abroad. The celebration, which will con- and announced on the fifth day of Also 862 people recovered tinue for four days, will meet the Eid. from COVID-19 yesterday, precautionary measures adopted by Also there will be a competition bringing the total number of the country to limit the spread of (Congratulations on Eid), and the people recovered to 204,408. coronavirus. participants will be selected only The Ministry also Katara will also provide virtual under the post on Instagram, and announced three new deaths, fireworks on its website. This is in daily winners will be chosen, and 56, 58, and 72 years of age. All addition to the Eid competition, the competition will continue for 3 of them had chronic diseases which includes (Question and days of Eid. and all of them received nec- Answer) and continues four days Through its website, the public essary medical care. where children will be contacted will be able to enjoy virtual fire- As many as 35,485 doses through the Zoom programme and works displays at 8 pm, which will of COVID-19 vaccines have The celebration will continue for four days and will meet the precautionary measures broadcast the episodes on Katara’s continue throughout the 4 days of been administered during the accounts during the Eid days. Eid. adopted by the country to limit the spread of coronavirus. past 24 hours. Qatar Care marks International Nurses Day

THE PENINSULA — DOHA physiotherapy, taking care of elders and newborns and their mothers, Qatar Care yesterday marked Inter- participated in protocol of MoPH and national Nurses Day and distributed gave some gifts to our staff who are gifts among staff working as volun- working as volunteers.” teers. “We are the only company who Qatar Care, established in 2007, are volunteering during the is the first company to provide home COVID-19 pandemic. There was nursing and medical services in the small celebration and I would like to state of Qatar and first Home Care say as CEO of Qatar Care that nursing and Medical Services Agency in Qatar job is not normal. It involves taking with the Diamond Level of Accred- care of the patients — their wellbeing, itation granted by Accreditation their happiness, their feelings. It is Canada International. the job which gives to people more At the occasion, CEO of Qatar than they take from them.” Care, Saleh Al Eida (pictured), said, He added: “The medical teams “Today is the International Nurses especially the nurses are the people International Nurses Day but this Day, so Qatar Care as first company who are always on the front during year it is different due to pandemic. for home care in Qatar and whose pandemic and other calamities. We tried to do the best and we are major work is nursing, Every year, we celebrate very proud for our contribution.”

Qatar Care medical staff celebrates International Nurses Day yesterday. THURSDAY 13 MAY 2021 HOME 03 04 HOME THURSDAY 13 MAY 2021 VCUarts Qatar hosts commencement Contrast wins top honours at Drum ceremony for Class of 2021 Online Media Awards THE PENINSULA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA Editor of the Year for producing observational documentaries A virtual commencement Al Jazeera recently won a top about ordinary people in ceremony held recently marked jury prize and six “highly extraordinary circumstances. the successes of the latest commended’ second places in News and current affairs cohort of graduates from the Drum Online Media Awards podcast, The Take also earned Virginia Commonwealth recently. a ‘highly commended’ in the University School of the Arts in The awards, which rec- Editorial Team of the Year cat- Qatar (VCUarts Qatar). ognise excellence in digital egory for its award-winning As mnay as 85 students, journalism and innovation, global news coverage. from VCUarts Qatar’s Art were announced during a ’s mul- History, Fashion Design, virtual ceremony webcast from tiple award-winning investi- Graphic Design, Interior Design, London recently. gative TV series, 101 East, also MFA in Design, and Painting + AJ Contrast, Al Jazeera’s partnered with AJ Digital’s Printmaking programs, intend immersive storytelling and interactive unit, AJLabs, to win to graduate from the art and media innovation studio, led a ‘highly commended’ second design university, this year. the wins, earning top prize in place for the graphic My Though online the event cap- the Editorial Innovation of the Son, the Stranger, in the Best tured the enthusiasm and energy Year category for Still Here, the Website Design category and of the senior students, with virtual and augmented reality the Best Campaigning /Inves- faculty, staff, friends and family VCUarts Qatar’s online commencement ceremony celebrated the success of its Class of 2021 BFA installation premiered in the tigative Journalism category for further infusing the momentous and MFA students. 2020 Sundance Film Festival. The $5 Forests. occasion with their good wishes Created in partnership with Al Jazeera English’s Ali Rae and congratulatory messages. Commencement Speaker. In South Pole. She is only the third heart of practically everything the Women’s Prison Associ- also earned a ‘highly com- Phrases such as ‘a year of addition to being a designer, Qatari to ever attempt the we do,” Dean Berbić said. “It’s a ation in New York City, the mended’ for the AJE series All grit’, ‘resilience and perse- Sheikha Al Thani is renowned climb and, if successful, would trait that kicks into autopilot installation come web expe- Hail the Lockdown, which she verance’, and reminders to ‘keep as an avid sportswoman, become the first Qatari woman mode when confronted with a rience explores the impact of produces and hosts. in touch’, and to ‘keep laughing, adventurer and explorer. in history to stand 8,849 challenge, helping us maneuver incarceration and gentrification Al Jazeera ’s online learning and inspiring’, suffused Sheikha Al Thani delivered meters above sea level. our way through the obstacles on Black women in the US – site, Arabic Net, also received the digital event with warmth her message via a pre- The event was attended by across our paths. And in a year one of the groups most affected a ‘highly commended’ in the and conviviality, as faculty and recorded video, as she is cur- VCUarts Qatar’s Dean Amir dominated by the COVID-19 by disproportionate – and Online Commentary and staff and students exchanged rently away in Berbić; Interim Associate Dean pandemic, each one of you did growing – rates of Blogging category for The their – often emotional – attempting to summit Mt. for Academic Affairs, Dr. Cherif just that. incarceration. they Detest, which thoughts with each other. Everest – part of her journey Amor; Dr. Katherine Wildman, "For that very reason when The immersive experience exposes widespread discrim- Sheikha Asma Al Thani, to become the first woman Assistant Dean for Student you leave VCUarts Qatar, you’re brings into relief the steep chal- ination and classism in Director of Marketing and Com- from the Middle East to com- Affairs; the chairs of the Uni- leaving with more than a lenges facing these women Egyptian society. munications, Qatar Olympic plete the Explorers Grand versity’s many programs and degree in design or the arts; after years spent in the New “In these challenging times, Committee, and VCUarts Qatar Slam, which involves climbing departments, faculty, and staff. you’ll be leaving with a degree York correctional system, from where we’ve seen freedoms we Graphic Design Class of 2010 all of the Seven Summits and “As an art and design uni- in adaptability and grit.," he reuniting with their families to once took for granted greatly alumna, was the reaching the North Pole and versity, problem-solving is at the said. landing work and finding a curtailed, these wins reveal the place for themselves on the growing reach of our digital growing number of city blocks footprint,” said Al Jazeera’s where affluent whites have Director of Digital Innovation Eco Souk, EPR sign MoU on environmental sustainability increasingly displaced black and Programs, Carlos van residents who have lived there Meek. THE PENINSULA — DOHA for generations. “I’m grateful to see that our Several ‘highly com- hard work is being In an effort to reduce waste and mended’ second place wins recognized.” its accumulation and damages also streamed in for three dif- The winners emerged from to the environment and society, ferent Al Jazeera divisions – Al a diverse pool of competitors, Eco Souk and Elite Paper Recy- Jazeera Digital, Al Jazeera including Bloomberg, Reuters, cling Factory have signed a English, and Al Jazeera Arabic Channel 4, ITV News, Wired, Memorandum of Under- Net. CNN International, BBC Arabic, standing (MoU). Al Jazeera Digital’s Andrew BBC World Service, Middle East The MoU was signed in the Phillips, who helped create the Eye, Ruptly, and many others presence of Laura Brennan, Eco short documentary unit, AJ across a wide range of online Souk Managing Director and Close Up, took second place for and broadcast outlets. Catina Aghayan, Elite Paper Recycling Factory Business Strategy and Communication Advisor. Children aged 12 to 15 The agreement represents a step towards sustainable envi- ronmental efforts and awareness, eligible to receive vaccine as it aims to embody a mutual FROM PAGE 1 desire to promote awareness in that vaccinated people will the field of environmental sus- have longer to take advantage tainability and for a healthier and Offering the vaccine to 12 of the additional privileges more aware society, and to agree to 15-year-olds in Qatar will announced through the Lifting to increase cooperation to help to ensure a return to of Restrictions plan published Eco Souk and Elite Paper Recycling Factory representatives during the MoU signing ceremony. promote environmental sustain- greater normality when the earlier this week. ability and recycling. school year starts this coming It also means that fully vac- It is within the framework instill the correct concepts sustainable living in Qatar,” said of the importance of recycling . Parents will be able cinated people are exempt of their programs and activities among children of the next Brennan. and using eco-friendly to register their children to take from quarantine requirements in order to achieve a sustainable generation. “Another milestone! We are products. Together we complete the vaccine through the Min- following travel abroad (except future in societies and work “We are delighted to be very proud today partnering each other and deliver suc- istry website (www.moph.gov. for six specific countries — together and earnestly to find partnering with Elite and with Eco souk, the Qatari based cessful legacy for Qatar and for qa) from Sunday May 16, after , Nepal, , solutions to the persistent envi- excited to be combining our SME - EPR / EWRM & Eco souk its environment. " which they will be contacted , and the ronmental problems as well as efforts in raising awareness of joining efforts on raising I am proud to state that we by the Primary Health Care ) and following awareness for are introducing a new area Cir- Corporation. exposure to a COVID-19 pos- sustainability cular Ventures, the Recycling In addition to this, following itive case for a period of nine and recycling Partnership pioneering the cir- a range of global studies months — starting 14 days after in Qatar,” said cular product concept,” she said. looking at the effectiveness of receiving the second dose. Aghayan. “We are striving every day the vaccine, the Ministry also The announcement has “We are to set a nationwide recycling announced the validity for been made in the week when keen that our concept, contributing to the quarantine exemption of all Qatar announced that more partnership micro- vaccines administered in Qatar than half the eligible population will con- through our unique business will be extended from the pre- has been vaccinated with at tribute tre- model of circular economy. viously approved six months to least one vaccine dose as well mendously to Together for better tomorrow,” nine months from today as setting out a route map to the the awareness she added. onwards. The extension means gradual lifting of restrictions. DPS-MIS organises Senior School Investiture Ceremony THE PENINSULA — DOHA

DPS- Modern Indian School recently organized ‘Senior School Investiture Ceremony 2021-22’ in a digitally pompous way using the Zoom audi- torium recently. It was a solemn occasion where the young talents were all prepared to don the mantle of leadership and discharge the responsibilities entrusted upon them with their commitment, confidence and competence. The Chief Guest Hassan Chougule, President DPS-Modern Indian School congratulated the new appointees and inspired them to choose not-so-con- ventional career paths to bring a sig- nificant change in the world. The Students and teachers during the virtual event. Guest of Honour, Dr. Rehab Yasir Nainar, alumna DPS-Modern Indian decided to ‘lead by example’ and stellar by the presence of the Chief School expressed her heartfelt grat- advised them to think differently, and Guest Hassan Chougule President itude towards its alma mater for its manifest virtuous leadership skills to DPS-Modern Indian School, Vice contribution in her success story and create a positive difference around, President Yasir Nainar, Guest of highlighted the essential attributes of abiding by the school’s motto ‘service Honour Dr. Rehab Yasir Nainar, a true leader. before self’. alumna DPS-Modern Indian School, She urged the students to think The newly appointed Head Boy Principal Asna Nafees, Vice Principal about new and innovative techniques - Aarav Bedi and Head Girl - Saumya Senior Secondary School Soma Bhat- to tide over the present pandemic sit- Murgai took oath of office with other tacharjee, Vice Principal Senior uation and serve the humanity. Prin- appointees and delivered their School Mary Cruz, Vice Principal cipal Asna Nafees, complimented the acceptance speeches. Junior School Shifa Shaikh and key jubilant corps d’elite who have The virtual ceremony was made functionaries. THURSDAY 13 MAY 2021 HOME / MIDDLE EAST 05 QF’s Quranic Botanic Garden winds up Ramadan activities

THE PENINSULA — DOHA of events throughout the The month of April also saw month, including a webinar on three high school students, who, ’s Quranic local plant conservation and provided with guidance and Botanic Garden (QBG), the first food security initiatives, and support by QBG, presented envi- garden in the world to exhibit an online lecture organised ronmental projects at the College all plant species mentioned in with the Ministry of Culture of Islamic Studies at Qatar Foun- the Holy Quran, Hadith and and Sports and Al Arabi Sports dation’s Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- Sunnah, hosted a wide range of Club, presented by QBG versity’s Ramadan Summit: virtual community-oriented Assistant Researcher, Ahmed Design Post-Covid Humanity: activities during the Holy Month El-Gharib, on the plants of the Taarfuf, Taawun, Tarahum. of Ramadan. Holy Quran. The lecture Ahmed Abdelkader of Doha One of the highlights was attracted around 100 attendees Secondary School, presented QBG’s daily Ramadan compe- and featured a prize his project on the impact of tition, where keen botanists competition. herbariums and the use of a and gardeners of all ages could In addition, as part of smartphone app to document win prizes by answering ques- QBG’s Ramadan activities taxonomic history and raising tions on QBG’s social media line-up, webinars were con- people’s awareness about flora pages about verses in the ducted underscoring the sig- in Qatar. Sara Al-Nama from Hadith related to environ- nificance of food self-suffi- Al Bayan Secondary School for mental and botanical termi- ciency and sustainability, as Girls’ project topic involved the nology. This month, QBG also well as Qatari plant conser- use of the rootstock of Sidra in announced the winners of its vation initiatives to preserve grafting apple trees in Qatar, Fun and Learn, Environment local flora. The webinars while Ahmad Makableh from Research and Food Security brought together local pan- Ahmed Bin Hanbal Inde- competitions. elists and experts from around pendent Secondary School for For this year’s , Qatar, which participants were Boys, focused on an electronic marked on April 22 each year, able to actively engage with system for the remote moni- Eid shopping which took place during the through questions during the toring of water quality in People doing last minute shopping before Eid yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT/ THE PENINSULA Holy Month, QBG held a series live stream. Qatari fish farms. Mall of Qatar delivers QR10,000 worth of prizes to ‘Scratch & Win’ winners SIS organises inter-house THE PENINSULA — DOHA occasion’s essence and tradition to ensure a series of authentic shopping debate contest Mall of Qatar delivered Gift Cards prizes experiences. to more than 30 winners in the “Scratch To participate in the shopping fes- THE PENINSULA — DOHA & Win” campaign, with total value worth tival at the Mall of Qatar, visitors need QR10,000 on the first week. to purchase QR200 and above in any Shantiniketan Indian School The biggest value prizes in a week of the Mall outlets to be eligible for the (SIS) recently organised its are granted to shoppers allowing them draw. They can redeem their receipts inter-house debate compe- to leverage from immediate in-kind and with coupons from the Mall customer tition ‘SIS Championship’s cash gifts presented by Mall of Qatar and service desks and put them in the ded- Polemic Challenge — 2021’ several stores in the Mall. Just a week icated box to enter the big raffle draw recently. before Eid Al Fitr, the recently delivered on Range Rover Velar that will take Eight students from 4 prizes will give winners an ideal support place on July 1 at the Oasis stage. houses contested with each to buy their needs and leverage from Besides, Customers will receive other and debated on the topic those prizes in the best way. The winners ‘Scratch & Win’ Tickets as per the ‘School Examinations should received their prizes from Customer number of coupons issued for the ‘Shop be Redesigned to be Online Service Desks located next to the Oasis & Win’ to win Instant Prizes. ‘Scratch & During the Pandemic and stage in the Mall. Win’ winners of MoQ Gift Cards and Beyond’. The ‘Scratch & Win’ festival is simul- MoQ items can move to a dedicated The debate competition taneous to the current ‘Shop & Win’ fes- desk to collect their instant prizes with was conducted remotely on tival, which was recently launched by the value range from QR200 to the virtual ZOOM platform. Mall of Qatar, granting customers the QR10,000, while winners of tenants’ The debate was very pro- opportunity of winning instant valuable A combination pictures of the winners of Mall of Qatar's “Scratch & Win” campaign vouchers can redeem their prizes fessionally moderated by Safa prizes of total value worth QR1m. after receiving their prizes. directly from the tenant’s stores at the Sadique Basha of Grade XI. Running until June 30, 2021, the fes- Mall. The students debated on a tival allows shoppers to enter the big Cards and in-kind gifts from various precautionary measures to offer them a For more information, terms, and topic that is so relevant and raffle draw on Range Rover Velar 2021 stores in the Mall. safe and comfortable shopping expe- conditions of the festival, please visit: close to their academic and leverage from a wide range of Mall of Qatar continues to welcome rience. Besides, the decorations and www.mallofqatar.com.qa or follow Mall development. instant gifts, including Mall of Qatar Gift visitors during Eid days with the highest glamorous crystal chandeliers reflect the of Qatar’s social media channels. Shyam Sundar, Durga Mavuru and Vijay Lata Aurora formed the distinguished ready for panel of judges. The panel was EU prepares sanctions on Lebanese politicians extremely happy with the closer ties with opinions shared and points REUTERS — PARIS/BRUSSELS — so-called designation criteria travel bans and asset freezes. but the political leaders are not argued upon by the con- : FM - after EU foreign ministers on There are divisions among taking responsibility while the testants leaving the audience The European Union is drawing Monday agreed to take action. the 27 EU states over the country is literally falling apart,” with a lot of takeaways and AP — DAMASCUS up sanctions on politicians in As many senior Lebanese wisdom of EU sanctions, but the EU foreign policy chief Josep the institutions to think and seen as blocking the politicians have homes, bank bloc’s two main powers, Borrell told reporters. work upon strategies to Iran’s foreign minister said formation of a government, accounts and investments in the and Germany are in favour, “We are working on an redesign the ways in which yesterday that his country is readying the bloc’s first EU, and send their children to which is likely to prove pivotal. approach that combines carrots examinations can be con- ready for closer ties with penalties on its Middle Eastern universities there, a withdrawal A larger group of nations has and sticks,” he said. ducted moving forward post regional rival , ally in frustration at the ruling of that access could be a lever yet to specify their approach. An EU options paper lays pandemic. adding that he hoped recent elite’s mismanagement, to focus minds. However, officials say it is out how Lebanon could benefit Sahla Muneer of Class IX A talks between the two sides diplomats said. Paris says it has already usual at the technical, prepar- financially from a variety of aid, emerged as the best debater, would lead to greater stability Led by former colonial taken measures to restrict entry atory stage that countries remain but diplomats said there was Shourya Pratap Bisht of Class in the region. power France, the bloc is for some Lebanese officials, for circumspect and that once a nothing to suggest these carrots XII A was the second runner Mohammad Javad Zarif seeking to ramp up pressure on blocking efforts to tackle the political agreement among EU would entice Lebanese politi- op and also awarded for the was speaking in Damascus Lebanon’s squabbling politi- unprecedented crisis, which is governments is in place, they will cians and that it was now all Best Rebuttal. Naren Sanjay of after a meeting with Syrian cians, after 10 months of crisis rooted in decades of state cor- rally around France. about the “sticks”. Class IX B got the award for President Bashar Assad. that has left Lebanon facing ruption and debt. “It’s just a question of time. Diplomats have also said the second runner up. Green recently con- financial collapse, hyperin- “The level of impatience We have what we wanted,” said the EU would also have to house was declared as the best firmed it hosted -mediated flation, electricity blackouts, with the ruling class is growing. a senior French diplomat fol- decide whether and how to team. talks between Iran and Saudi and fuel and food shortages. They don’t seem to have their lowing Monday’s meeting. target the political arm of Hez- Dudley O’Connor con- Arabia last month. The talks No names have been dis- peoples’ interest at heart. Given ’s opposition, bollah, the Iranian-backed gratulated all the winners have occurred “more than cussed and Hungary has publicly Expect to see a decision in the the working hypothesis is now armed movement that wields and expressed happiness in once,” the hosts said, denounced EU efforts to pressure next three to four weeks,” said to go for the approach of each enormous power in Lebanon the way the students debated describing the discussions as Lebanese politicians, but six dip- a senior EU diplomat. of the remaining 26 EU coun- and is also held responsible for on the topic which will pave ongoing, “important and lomats and officials told Reuters The EU first needs to set up tries to individually place sanc- part of the political status quo. the way to some reconsider- significant.” that technical work has now a sanctions regime that could tions, as well as offering aid. The group is less likely to ation in the examination Zarif said he hoped they begun on preparing sanctions then see individuals hit by “The people are suffering have interests in the EU. process. would “come to fruition” and lead to cooperation between the two rivals to bring more stability and peace to the Iran’s former president Ahmadinejad to run again for office region, particularly in . “We certainly are ready AP — TEHRAN watchdog, Council crushed by sanctions and the try’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. and have always been ready ultimately disqualified him. coronavirus pandemic. Abroad, he became a cari- for close ties with Saudi Iran’s former firebrand pres- Khamenei says he will not Nevertheless, many view cature of Western perceptions Arabia,” Zarif told reporters in ident will run again for office in oppose the nomination of any the country’s hard-liners as of the Islamic Republic’s worst Damascus, speaking in upcoming elections in June, candidate, although the elec- ascendant — even as the US attributes, such as denying the English. raising the possibility of a toral council may still block under President tries Holocaust and hinting Iran Tehran and Riyadh have bolstered hardline leadership Ahmadinejad’s candidacy. In to find a way to re-enter the could build a nuclear weapon long been rivals and support at a time of tense negotiations either case, the populist’s return atomic accord. if it chose to do so. opposite sides in Yemen, with the West. to the political scene may Whoever wins the June 18 At home, however, the and elsewhere in the region. Thronged by shouting sup- energize discontent among vote will take over from former Tehran mayor drew Relations worsened con- porters, Mahmoud hard-liners who seek a tougher Rouhani, a relative moderate support from the countryside siderably in 2016, when Ahmadinejad (pictured) stance against the west - par- within the Islamic Republic for his populist cash handouts Riyadh removed its diplomats marched to a registration centre ticularly Israel and the US. whose two four-year terms and home-building programs. after protesters attacked its at the Interior Ministry where Iran opened registration on began with Iran reaching the As his two-term presidency embassy in Tehran and con- he filled out registration forms. Tuesday, kicking off the race as nuclear deal. His time in office drew to a close and in his life sulate in Mashhad in retali- He held up his hands in a “V for Ahmadinejad in recent years uncertainty looms over now draws to a close with the after office, he also crossed the ation for the kingdom exe- Victory” salute, before has tried to polish his hardline Tehran’s tattered nuclear deal accord unraveled after the US clear of Iran’s Shiite cuting a prominent Shia cleric, addressing reporters. image into a more centrist can- with world powers and tensions unilaterally withdrew from it theocracy, directly challenging Nimr Al Nimr. “My presence today for reg- didacy, criticising the gov- remain high with the West. under President Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Asked if the Iran-Saudi istration was based on demand ernment for mismanagement. President Hassan Rouhani in 2018. Khamenei, who has final say on talks would lead to improved by millions for my participation The Holocaust-denying can not run again due to term Ahmadinejad pushed his all matters of state. relations between Damascus in the election,” he said, adding Ahmadinejad has previously limits, yet with the poll just a nation into open confrontation Ahmadinejad entered office and Riyadh, Zarif said: “I am that the move also came after been banned from running for month away no immediate with both the West over its in 2005 and left in 2013, after sure our Syrian brothers have “considering the situation of the the presidency by Supreme favorite has emerged among the nuclear program and its own the election of President Hassan always welcomed cooperation country, and the necessity for a Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei many rumored candidates. people after his disputed 2009 Rouhani, who would go onto to in the . And we are revolution in the management in 2017, although then, he reg- There also appears to be little re-election sparked the biggest make the nuclear deal with also in that mood.” of the country.” istered anyway. A constitutional interest in the vote by a public mass protests since the coun- world powers. 06 GULF / MIDDLE EAST / THURSDAY 13 MAY 2021 Israeli aggression on Curfew in Arab-Jewish town hit by violence leaves 56 martyred, 335 injured REUTERS — LOD, ISRAEL Burnt-out cars lined on the streets in an ethnically mixed Israeli QNA & BLOOMBERG — town hit by violence incensed at air strikes on Gaza. Moving to head off further violence in Lod, which has seen Palestinian Ministry of Health assaults by Jews on Arab passersby, police declared a night- said yesterday that three days time curfew and deployed heavily armed reinforcements. of Israeli bombardment of the In several other areas populated by Israel’s 21% Arab Gaza Strip left 56 minority, Palestinian flags adorned electricity poles and hun- martyred, including 14 children, dreds of residents have turned out for protests, sometimes five women, and one elderly clashing with police or Jewish residents. person, while 335 people were “We have lost control of the city and the streets,” Lod Mayor wounded. Yair Revivo told Channel 12 News after nightly confrontations Palestinian Wafa news in which an Arab townsman was shot dead, a killing in which agency said an Israeli warplane two Jewish suspects have been arrested. fired nine missiles at the Scores of other people have been arrested in Lod and in 14-story tower in Rimal neigh- majority-Arab towns in central and northern Israel, including bourhood, west of Gaza City, Umm Al Fahm along the West Bank border and Jisr Al Zarqa on destroying it in total. the Mediterranean coast, police said. The building houses media Israel’s Arab minority — Palestinian by heritage, Israeli by centers, commercial offices as — is mostly descended from the Palestinians who well as residences and is con- lived under Ottoman and then British colonial rule before staying sidered the second highest in Israel after the country’s 1948 creation. building in Gaza, it added. Most are bilingual in Arabic and Hebrew, and feel a sense This is the third high rise to of kinship with Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and the be bombed in the Gaza Strip Gaza Strip. They often complain of systemic discrimination, since Israeli occupation began unfair access to housing, healthcare, and education services. on Monday its airstrikes on the Tension in Arab-Jewish towns has risen as Israel conducted Gaza Strip. Fierce clashes Streaks of light are seen as Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from air strikes in Gaza and Palestinian fighters fired rockets into Israel between the Israeli military and the Gaza Strip, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, yesterday. in an escalation of violence since clashes in East Jerusalem on rocket squads in the - Monday morning. Ibrahim, an Arab councillor with the Lod munic- ruled Gaza Strip spurred a con- overnight are harrowing and the commercial heartland, and bombing of an evacuated ipality, said: “What is happening now is (an) uprising that is going certed diplomatic push to end loss of any civilian life is a Israel’s south that overwhelmed building that housed offices of on (in) cities like Ramle, Lod, Jaffa, Acre and Haifa,” calling events the most serious fighting to con- tragedy,” US Secretary of State missile defences. Netanyahu Hamas and the Islamic Jihad in Gaza and Jerusalem a “red line” for Arabs. vulse the area since a 2014 war. Antony Blinken said. “I’ve asked warned that “Hamas will pay a group. Hamas said more than The US dispatched an envoy Deputy Assistant Secretary of very heavy price for its 550 government and residential to the region, and Palestinian State, , to go to the aggression,” and a torrent of buildings had been targeted in beginning,” he said at a Tel Aviv- hostilities spilled over from media reported that Egypt and region immediately to meet with airstrikes followed, targeting Israeli raids. area hospital where some of the weeks of clashes between Qatar are also involved in medi- Israeli and Palestinian leaders.” military facilities, buildings used Israeli defence officials Israeli wounded had been Israeli security forces and Pal- ation efforts, as relentless Israeli Blinken spoke by phone with by the Islamic militant group, accused fighters of using Gaza taken. Military spokesman Lieu- estinians in contested Jeru- air raids and Palestinian rocket Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin and key intelligence and mil- civilians as human shields by tenant-Colonel Jonathan Con- salem. “The occupation set this barrages sent the death toll Netanyahu and told him it was itary commanders. shooting rockets from civilian ricus told reporters in a briefing fire in Jerusalem and is responsible climbing. Fifty-six Palestinians “vital now to deescalate.” Israel reported in excess of structures such as schools and that preparation for a ground for any bombing that takes place,” have been reported martyredin The bombardments esca- 1,000 rocket strikes, including populated neighbourhoods. maneuver “is not where we are Hamas leader Ismail Haniyah said. Gaza and six people in Israel lated sharply on Tuesday a new nighttime barrage in Netanyahu warned that at this stage.” “If the occupation wants to since the violence abruptly evening as Hamas unleashed a response to the assassination other senior militant com- The UN Security Council escalate, then the resistance is exploded late on Monday. massive volley of rockets at yesterday of a group of Hamas manders would be targeted for scheduled a second emergency ready, and if it wants to stop, the “Images that came out metropolitan Tel Aviv, Israel’s military commanders and the assassination. “It’s only the session on the crisis. The resistance is also ready.” Two killed as protesters mark anniversary of massacre in Sudan

REUTERS — authorities, including handing and more than 20 people were over anyone shown to be injured. A spokesman for the Two men were killed on involved. police could not be reached Tuesday after Sudanese security In a separate statement for comment. forces fired live rounds and tear Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla At the time of the 2019 raid, gas at demonstrators marking Hamdok described the use of Sudan’s opposition said 127 the anniversary of a deadly raid gunfire against peaceful pro- people were killed, while on a protest site during the testers as a crime demanding authorities put the death toll at country’s 2019 uprising, said immediate justice. 87. No one has been held medics, protest groups and Crowds had gathered in accountable, as a long-running eyewitnesses. central Khartoum to commem- investigation has not yet In response, late night orate the second anniversary, concluded. demonstrations sprung up according to the Islamic cal- In response to Tuesday’s across the capital Khartoum endar, of the raid on a sit-in killings, the alliance of fam- and photos of protesters protest in 2019. ilies of those killed during the blocking roads with bricks and Despite roads leading to the uprising said on their official burning tires appeared on sit-in site in front of military Facebook page that they social media. headquarters being blocked, would begin organising In a statement early yes- eyewitnesses said crowds nationwide non-violent terday morning, Sudan’s mil- rallied, demanding justice for resistance. itary said two people died in the 2019 raid. “The slowness of the what it called “unfortunate Two men died from justice system in uncovering events” as protesters were gunshot wounds, said a crimes and bringing the crim- Solidarity with Palestinians leaving a protest site. It said it medical source, protest group inals to trial has became a People attend a demonstration to express solidarity with the Palestinian people, near the Israeli would investigate and coop- the Sudanese Professionals constant cause for concern,” erate fully with judicial Association and eyewitnesses, Hamdok said in the statement. embassy in , , yesterday. Saudi reports Syria releases hundreds of social media critics ahead of election 1,020 new virus REUTERS — AMMAN ahead of the May 26 election a moderate loyalist camp... is to crime law on mostly Assad sup- the head of the journalists’ cases, 13 deaths that is expected to hand Pres- generate a facade of entertaining porters was intended to instil union, Musa Abdul Noor, had Syria has freed more than 400 ident Bashar Al Assad a fourth some form of dissent to further fear ahead of elections, earlier confirmed that jour- civil servants, judges, lawyers term. make elections look credible,” according to two released nalists had been held for social QNA — RIYADH and journalists detained this Most of the freed social said Sara Kayyali, Syria detainees, who requested media comments on their per- year in a crackdown on social media critics were supporters researcher with US-based anonymity. sonal accounts but not under The Saudi Ministry of Health media dissent, a move seen by of Syrian authorities’ handling Human Rights Watch. None of those arrested had another law that technically reported yesterday 1,020 new rights activists and former of the uprising in 2011 that spi- The group had seen an criticised Assad, a capital bans the arrest of journalists. confirmed cases of the Coro- detainees as intended to win ralled into a war that has killed uptick in arrests for online offence, and most were rounded At least 60 of those navirus (COVID-19) during the over public opinion ahead of hundreds of thousands. activities in recent months to up by security forces for online released are well-known in past 24 hours, bringing the presidential elections. The amnesty excluded tens silence public disaffection over posts ranging from a “like” on their local communities, total number to 423,389. Those released after being of thousands of Assad oppo- Syria’s economic crisis. a Facebook comment lamenting including senior police officers, The ministry added that held under Syria’s cyber crimes nents and political detainees Its economy is collapsing growing hardship and critical judges and a senior customs the recoveries’ toll reached law were among thousands held for years without trial, under the weight of war, sanc- of the government to remarks inspector, state employed jour- 413,010. It also announced 13 freed this month under a many of whom are believed tions and COVID-19, but public decrying state corruption. nalists, lawyers, university stu- new virus-related deaths, general amnesty for currency dead, rights groups say. criticism of deteriorating living Syrian officials were not dents, businessmen and bringing the fatalities tally to speculators, drug dealers, “The auspicious timing of the conditions is not tolerated. immediately available for women’s rights advocates, four 7,111. smugglers and kidnappers release right before elections of The crackdown under cyber comment on the releases but detainees said. UN Yemen envoy Virus cases in South governors demand President speak on security worries to stay in job until Africa surge; officials transition announced say not third wave BLOOMBERG — LAGOS grave concern on the security It’s also facing a growing decisions were made” at the challenges currently plaguing number of abductions of stu- talks, without providing any REUTERS — NEW YORK Governors from Nigeria’s the nation and strongly urged dents that have shut down hun- information on what measures BLOOMBERG — LAGOS southern states called on Pres- that Mr. President should dreds of schools. are planned. UN Secretary-General Antonio ident Muhammadu Buhari to Nigerians on the chal- Buhari on Tuesday met mil- Nigeria’s security forces Guterres appointed veteran ’s Department of address the nation over growing lenges of insecurity and itary, intelligence and other have so far failed to stem the British diplomat Martin Grif- Health said that while insecurity in Africa’s top oil restore the confidence of our officials to discuss the security Islamist insurgency in the fiths as the world body’s new COVID-19 infections climbed producer. people,” the governors said. situation in Nigeria. northeast that’s left thousands aid chief yesterday, and said 46% in the last week the The leaders of 17 states also Africa’s most-populous It was the third such of people dead and forced Griffiths would continue as the country has not yet reached a called for a national dialog to country is contending with a meeting in two weeks, and almost 2 million others to flee UN Yemen mediator “until a “resurgence threshold.” address “widespread agitations” decade-long war against followed attempted bur- their homes. transition has been Cases are rising fastest in in the West African nation, Islamist insurgents in the glaries at the homes of two Separatists have also begun announced.” the Northern Cape and Gauteng according to a statement northeast, a worsening conflict officials who live near to the carrying out attacks in south- Several sources said on provinces, the department said emailed by the Lagos state’s between nomadic cattle herders presidential villa in Abuja, eastern Nigeria — the nation’s Tuesday that Griffiths had in a statement. While deaths government after a meeting of and crop farmers in the central the capital. oil-producing hub — including been tapped to replace Mark rose 18% in the week the the Southern Nigeria Governors and southern regions, and a Chief of Defence Staff Lucky assault on police stations last Lowcock as the UN under-sec- number of hospitalizations has Forum Tuesday. new separatist rebellion in the Irabor told reporters after the weekend that left 12 policemen retary-general and emergency not increased, it said. “The meeting expressed southeast. meeting that “far-reaching dead. relief coordinator. THURSDAY 13 MAY 2021 07 Virus strain behind India outbreak detected in 44 countries, says WHO

BLOOMBERG & REUTERS — The coronavirus Besides variants racing GENEVA/ death toll in India through the crowded country of about 1.4 billion people, WHO The more-infectious corona- crossed 250,000 said that “several religious and virus driving a catastrophic yesterday in the political mass-gathering events COVID-19 epidemic in India deadliest 24 hours which increased social mixing” was detected in 44 countries, and reduced adherence to social according to the World Health since the pandemic distancing measures also played Organization, which urged began. Infections a part in the current crisis. more studies to understand its rose 348,421 taking “The exact contributions of severity and propensity to cause each of these factors on reinfections. the tally past 23 increased transmission in India The strain, identified in million. are not well understood,” the October, spawned three ver- report said. Preliminary labo- sions — B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2 and ratory studies awaiting peer People wearing protective face masks wait to receive their second dose of Covishield vaccine B.1.617.3 — amid an unprece- The B.1.617 lineage is the review suggest reduced “neu- manufactured by Serum Institute of India, outside a vaccination centre in Kolkata, India, yesterday. dented spike in COVID-19 cases fourth variant of concern des- tralization by antibodies”, that made the South Asian ignated by the implying that some vaccines the deadliest 24 hours since the million, health ministry data city of Pune and Covaxin by country the site of world’s worst agency — a label that marks it may be less effective. More pandemic began, as the disease showed. Experts believe the Bharat Biotech but has fully coronavirus crisis. as one of the most worrisome robust studies are urgently rampaged through the coun- actual numbers could be five to vaccinated barely 2.5% of the Though there may be strains frustrating the global needed, according to the report. tryside, leaving families to weep 10 times higher. Funeral pyres population. important differences among the fight against the pandemic. Fearing an influx of infec- over the dead in rural hospitals have blazed in city parking lots, The country accounts for three, the available evidence is The B.1.617 variants — tions and mindful of the new or camp in wards to tend the sick. and bodies have washed up on half of COVID-19 cases and 30% too limited to characterize them sometimes referred to as a variant, countries including Sin- Indian state leaders clam- the banks of the holy river of deaths worldwide, the World individually, the WHO said in a “double mutant” because of two gapore, the UK, and oured for vaccines to stop the Ganges, immersed by relatives Health Organization said in its report. Any impacts on effec- mutations in the strain’s spike have curbed travel to second wave and the devas- whose villages were stripped latest weekly report. tiveness of vaccines or thera- protein — stoked a dramatic and from India. Epidemiologists tation that it has wrought, bare of the wood needed for The full impact of the B.1.617 peutics remain uncertain, it said. wave of COVID-19 cases in have also raised concern that urging Prime Minister Narendra cremations. variant found in India, which the Early analysis suggests India that overwhelmed hos- the sheer scale of the outbreak Modi to stop exporting vaccines, Lacking beds, drugs and WHO has designated as being of B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.2 have a pitals and crematoriums. After in India may induce additional ramp up production and help oxygen, many hospitals in the global concern, is not yet clear, it substantially higher growth rate reported daily infections dipped virus mutations, potentially them procure urgent supplies world’s second-most populous added. The variant has been than other circulating variants to fewer than 20,000 cases in prolonging the calamity for from overseas. nation have been forced to turn detected in six countries in the in India, suggesting potential early March, the epidemic curve India and the rest of the world. Deaths grew by a record away droves of sufferers. Americas, the Pan American increased transmissibility. The climbed almost exponentially Meanwhile, the coronavirus 4,205 while infections rose India is using the Astra- Health Organisation said, adding strains rapidly appeared in mul- to exceed 300,000 for almost death toll in India crossed 348,421 in the 24 hours to yes- Zeneca vaccine made at the that it was worried that it was tiple countries, the WHO said. three weeks. 250,000 yesterday in terday, taking the tally past 23 Serum Institute in the western highly transmissible. Virus vaccine booking system crashes in HK legislators pass REUTERS — disruption”, later updating to Japan has only inoculated other logistical snags. Taro say services had been mostly 2.8% of its population, the lowest Kono, the minister in charge of ‘patriotic’ oath law Technical problems derailed restored. “Making an rate among wealthy countries vaccines, has urged the public Japan’s coronavirus vaccination appointment for a vaccination despite an ambitious government to be patient and to take steps booking system yesterday, seems to be a tall order for the target of giving shots to its 36 to streamline the booking REUTERS — liament last June. compounding frustration over elderly,” wrote Twitter user @ million elderly people by July, process. The new law allows the the government’s handling of obachan66972352. when the Olympics Games are Christophe Weber, chief A new law that tightens patriotic city’s Secretary for Justice to new outbreaks of infections and “Please consider making it due to open in Tokyo. executive of Japan’s biggest loyalty tests for Hong Kong poli- launch action against a poli- an inoculation drive that critics possible to get the vaccine But according to government drugmaker Takeda Pharmaceu- ticians will take effect later this tician or official who is deemed say has been woefully slow. without an appointment.” A projections, about 86% of Japan’s tical Co, acknowledged on month after being passed by the to have violated an oath under The online system to book a representative of the health 1,741 cities and towns would meet Tuesday that the country was city’s legislature yesterday, local a “negative list” that proscribes vaccine crashed in many places ministry’s vaccine office was that goal. Health Minister behind on its inoculation push media reported. a broad range of unpatriotic including parts of Tokyo and the not immediately available when Norihisa Tamura said to meet the and needed to accelerate. The law is widely expected acts, from insulting the flag to western city of Minoh because of contacted by Reuters. target, about 1 million shots a day Some 75% of Japanese are to further stifle democratic endangering national security. a global problem with US cloud The ministry has faced had to be delivered, about three dissatisfied with the vaccine opposition in the global financial Those accused would be computing vendor Salesforce. numerous technical problems times the current pace. rollout, and they had the hub, extending oath-taking immediately suspended from com Inc, public broadcaster NHK throughout the pandemic, from Japan’s inoculation cam- lowest opinion of their gov- requirements to community office and, upon a court con- reported. a contact tracing application paign was initially slow because ernment’s handling of the level district councils that are viction, ousted and then barred Salesforce chief technology that failed to pass on vital infor- of tight supplies of imported pandemic among six major dominated by pro- from standing for an election officer Parker Harris said on mation to a cumbersome doses of Pfizer Inc’s vaccine but economies in a survey by politicians following a landslide for five years. Lawyers, aca- Twitter that the company was database that health workers has since been plagued by a global consultancy Kekst CNC win in November 2019. demics and diplomats have told experiencing a “major were reluctant to use. shortage of manpower and released yesterday. Publicly-funded broad- Reuters they fear the city’s caster RTHK reported that independent judges could also more than 20 district coun- find themselves ensnared by forces cillors have resigned in recent the vague terms of the law. months, some because they The Hong Kong government fight to recapture were not willing to take the launched the bill in , a -held oath and others after being day after a senior official in detained under a sweeping ’s cabinet said provisions district near national security law imposed should be made to ensure only on the city by China’s par- “patriots” ran the city. REUTERS — KABUL Afghan security forces mounted Philippines flags ‘incursions’ by an operation to recapture a Taliban-held district outside the nearly 290 Chinese militia boats capital Kabul yesterday just before the start of a three-day REUTERS - The Philippine foreign min- ceasefire at midnight, a local istry has repeatedly com- official said. The Philippines yesterday plained to China in recent Taliban insurgents had reported what it said were incur- weeks about a “swarming and killed or captured some gov- sions into its exclusive economic threatening presence” of ernment soldiers and forced zone (EEZ) by 287 maritime Chinese vessels in its EEZ and others to retreat after storming militia vessels from China, in a has demanded they be the district centre, which lies further sign of cracks reap- withdrawn. in Wardak province less than pearing in a relationship after a The Philippines has an hour’s drive from Kabul. period of rapprochement. recently boosted its presence Government forces have “This incident along with in the South China Sea through been struggling against continued illegal incursions of “sovereignty patrols”, in a show stepped-up attacks by the foreign vessels sighted near of defiance that critics say has insurgents. Wardak mayor Eid rush Philippine-held islands have been lacking under its pro- Zarifa Ghafari said that if the been submitted to relevant China president, Rodrigo People on motorcycles rush to board a ferry at Mawa Ferry Terminal to get home to celebrate Eid Al district was not taken soon, agencies for the possible dip- Duterte, who has drawn Fitr, after the government imposed COVID-19 restrictions on long-route public transport, in Munshiganj, fighting would reach the gates lomatic actions,” the task force domestic flak for his refusal to of Kabul in a few days. The Bangladesh, yesterday. on the South China Sea said. stand up to . defence ministry said special forces have been deployed in the area to retake the district after troops made a “tactical protesters decry arrests as army fights for control retreat” on Tuesday. A senior government REUTERS — describe their cruelty,” Aung Pyae Myanmar’s legitimate authority confiscating many motorcycles. an attack by “terrorists”. official said they aimed to Sone Phyo, 21, a protest leader, and pushed hard for interna- “They pushed their faces to the It followed an ambush that regain control before a three- Myanmar security forces fired said. “They used enormous force tional recognition and support. wall. Some were beaten by the killed three soldiers on Monday, day ceasefire announced by shots and arrested about 30 to crack down on us. More than The State Department said soldiers and plainclothes claimed by another militia in the Taliban for the Muslim reli- people at an anti-coup rally in the 10 military vehicles filled the little yesterday that US officials had security members,” she said. Sagaing, just days after the NUG gious holiday of Eid, which country’s second-biggest city ward, they blocked every road in held conversations with the Myanmar has seen a suc- announced the formation of a starts today. “We will have to yesterday, witnesses said, as the area,” he said. “We will keep NUG where it outlined its cession of small explosions in People’s Defence Force to fight do it today because after the protesters kept defying a months- doing what we are doing until inclusive vision for a diverse, recent weeks, some at gov- the military. ceasefire, it will give the long crackdown by a junta strug- our revolution prevails.” unified, federal democracy. ernment offices and military Military-controlled media Taliban enough time to dig in gling to impose order. Myanmar has been gripped “The US will continue to facilities, while several junta- said 39 people had been and will complicate the oper- Chaos erupted in Mandalay, by protests and deadly violence support all those working appointed administrators have arrested across the country on ations and increase our casu- a hotbed of anti-military sen- since the military seized power peacefully to restore Burma to been fatally stabbed. suspicion of orchestrating alties,” the official said. timent, when plainclothes from an elected government on the path of democracy and A group calling itself the explosions and arson attacks, The government carried police emerged from vehicles February 1, unleashing an out- urges the military to cease its People’s Defence Force in Tamu as well as seeking military out air strikes at the start of the minutes into a protest, firing pouring of public anger and violent actions and release all in the central Sagaing region training with an ethnic minority operation, the defence min- guns and beating demonstrators international condemnation of those unjustly detained,” a State said it had killed 15 security per- rebel group. istry said. The insurgents have who fell as hundreds fled, the junta’s lethal response. Department spokesperson said. sonnel in separate clashes on It said 48 “handmade maintained a strong presence according to four witnesses. Many demonstrators back Hnin, a frontline protester Tuesday night and early yes- mines”, 20 sticks of TNT, gun- in Wardak and nearby Logar They said they saw about 30 a National Unity Government in Mandalay, said security terday. State MRTV in its nightly powder, detonators, fuses and province to the south over the people arrested. (NUG), an anti-junta coalition forces held demonstrators to news said one member of the other material had been seized years. “There are no words to that has declared itself the ground, beating some and security forces was wounded in in a raid. 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 13 MAY 2021

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

Palestinian supporters marching through Times Square after holding a protest near the Israeli Consulate following a flare-up of Israeli- EDITORIAL Palestinian violence, in the Manhattan borough of New York City, yesterday. Jerusalem, the unfolding tragedy sector sees growth coalition government, they Netanyahu helped equalize the rights of the Arabs QATAR’S construction sector continues to witness have succeeded beyond these racist fanatics to the rights of the Jews in the growth, even in these trying times when other coun- expectations, winning six city – empty talk … Both Levi tries are struggling with impact of coronavirus pandemic. decisive seats in the new par- organise and unite Eshkol and Menachem Begin According to a recent report released by the Planning liament and unleashing a into the Religious also promised them equal and Statistics Authority, the total number of building tirade of violent provocations, rights – both violated their permits issued by the municipalities in Qatar reached starting with Jerusalem. Zionist Party, to promise … Never have we given 500 in April, compared to 483 permits in April last year. MARWAN BISHARA Meanwhile, late last ensure they pass the them a feeling of being equal This growth demonstrates the resilience of the con- AL JAZEERA month, the relentless before the law. They were and struction sector of Qatar which is getting continuous Netanyahu vetoed occupied minimum threshold remain second- and third-class support from the government. Israel is a colonial war East Jerusalem’s Palestinians to enter the Knesset citizens. Building permits and building completion certifi- machine that never sleeps. Its from voting in their upcoming and join his planned Ma’ariv: And this is said by cates data is important as it is considered an indicator mounting provocations in national election, as they had a mayor of Jerusalem who did for the performance of the construction sector which Jerusalem in recent weeks done before, further infuri- coalition. so much for the city’s Arabs, in turn occupies a significant position in the national have predictably driven ating the Palestinians and who built and paved roads and economy. According to the report, munici- Palestinians to the streets in hampering their internal dem- developed their quarters? pality came at the top in terms of issuance of building protest. ocratic process. Kollek: Nonsense! Fairy tales! permits as it issued 162 permits, accounting for 32 Hence, the short answer to Ironically, the Palestinian The mayor nurtured nothing percent share in of the total issued permits. the question, “why?”, is Authority’s President and built nothing. For Jewish Doha municipality came in second place with 105 simply, “why not?”, consid- jumped on Palestinians are worried that Jerusalem I did something in permits, with a share of 21 percent, followed by Al ering that every new Israeli the opportunity, postponing Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third the past 25 years. For East Wakrah municipality with 79 permits (16 percent) and day brings along more Pales- the elections he feared he holiest site in , could be Jerusalem? Nothing! What did Al Da’ayen municipality with 73 permits. Umm Slal tinian dismay. would lose. Even more ironic next, considering Israel’s I do? Nothing. Sidewalks? municipality issued 30 permits, municipality 27 The Israeli occupation, is that the Palestinians are colonial record. Nothing. Cultural institutions? permits, Al Sheehaniya municipality 14 permits while repression, disruption, dis- rebelling the most in areas Jerusalem is in fact a Not one. Yes, we installed a Al Shamal municipality issued 10 permits. crimination, property confis- where Abbas commands no microcosm of occupied Pal- sewerage system for them and Construction sector has been witnessing continuous cation or home demolition are security control or coordi- estine, where for decades, improved the water supply. Do growth in the past many months. The number of building a decades-long daily affair. nation with Israel. Israel has confiscated or you know why? Do you think permits issued by municipalities in the country had Likewise, racist and violent Meanwhile, Netanyahu has demolished Palestinian lands, it was for their good, for their reached 1,194 in March, an increase of 8 percent com- provocations by Israeli jumped on the threats by the homes, and businesses in welfare? Forget it! There were pared to February. fanatics are common practice Islamist movement Hamas to favour of its Jewish immi- some cases of cholera there, The growth in construction sector is supported by in the occupied Palestinian retaliate against Israel, if it con- grants, and deconsecrated or and the Jews were afraid that Qatar’s buoyant real estate sector. As per the Ministry territories. tinued its siege on Al-Aqsa reconsecrated many of Pales- they would catch it, so we of Justice report, the value of deals and number of deals Not surprisingly, compound, to further escalate tine’s holy sites in further the installed sewerage and a water has witnessed significant growth in March compared Netanyahu justifies the Israeli the tension leading to attacks, process of Judaisation. system against cholera.” This to February. Qatar’s real estate sector witnessed deals repression of peaceful protest counterattacks and, sadly, Former deputy mayor of goes to show how Israel’s worth QR2.57bn in March compared to QR1.77bn in and religious worship by por- scores of mostly Palestinian West Jerusalem, Meron Ben- bigotry in Jerusalem is nothing February this year, recording a surge of around 45 traying it as “a struggle casualties, and steering the venisti, who also served as the new; in fact, it has been going percent, according to the Real Estate Bulletin released between tolerance and intol- attention away from the head of Jerusalem planning on for decades, and it has by the Ministry of Justice. erance; law and order and law popular upheaval in Jerusalem. department from 1971 to 1978, gotten worse as more Other reports have also validated the strength of breaking and violence”. I have no doubt that argued in his book, Sacred extremist mayors have taken Qatar’s real estate sector, which is playing a crucial role Netanyahu’s carefully Netanyahu will use the new Landscape: The Buried History the rein, contributing that in stimulating national economy. articulated, self-righteous escalation to stay in power, of the Holy Land Since 1948, much more to the pent-up Last year saw the further opening of real estate trademark “hasbara” has whether by denying the oppo- that: “There was nothing novel tension in the city. Meanwhile, sector by allowing foreigners to own real estate in more grown tired, blatant and inef- sition the chance to form a about the victorious Jews’ the Israeli authorities have areas in the country. In October, the government fective, alienating instead of coalition or by insisting on takeover of sites sacred to the continued their sermons about announced the decision to allow foreign companies deceiving the allies, and infuri- another national emergency Muslims, save for the fact that it tolerance and peace. and individuals to own real estate in 25 areas in the ating Palestinians, Arabs and government. was something that might have Today, the self-proclaimed country. According to the new decision, the owners of Muslims the world over. But it But while he has had a been plucked from another era; “only democracy in the Middle property which is worth no less than QR730,000 will be works at home. major role in the ongoing not since the end of the Middle East” with the self-proclaimed offered residency for them and their family. The support In fact, the short answer to escalation, he is by no means Ages had the civilised world “eternal, united capital”, stands from government agencies ensures that Qatar’s con- the other frequently asked the first, nor it seems, the last witnessed the wholesale once again exposed for its struction sector is poised for growth in future. question, “why now?” is well, to provoke violence and war. appropriation of the sacred hypocrisy and double standard, Netanyahu, of course. Duh! The Netanyahu, like his right- sites of a defeated religious having once again fuelled the man widely believed to be a and left-wing predecessors, community by members of the cycle of hate and violence in serial liar and a skilled manipu- has been guided by his ideo- victorious one. It’s true that Jerusalem and beyond. lator is on trial in Israel on logical guru, Ze’ev Jabotinsky, places of worship in many Israel annexed East Jeru- various corruption charges, who published almost a countries have been vandalised salem and extended its juris- D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR including fraud, breach of trust century ago his revisionist – even recently – from the diction and administration to treatise, “The Iron Wall”, bombing of mosques in the captured city after the 1967 EMAIL: [email protected] and accepting bribes. If he loses his premiership, there is little advising the Zionist leaders to Sarajevo in the 1990s and the war, but for the Palestinians doubt he, like his predecessor do all to snuff out any glimmer blowing up of churches by the and for much of the world, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 of Palestinian hope that they Bolsheviks following the Al-Quds remains an occupied FAX: +974 4455 7758 Ehud Olmert, will go to jail. Netanyahu has resorted to might be able to prevent the October Revolution, down to city, albeit with better medical MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 all possible means to maintain transformation of “Palestine” the plundering of churches and insurance. It is also an isolated power, including grooming, into the “Land of Israel”. monasteries during the French city. Israel severed Jerusalem DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 empowering and allying with Jabotinsky argued that the Revolution. But to find accurate from its Palestinian hinterland the most fanatic elements of Palestinians are no fools to be parallels for the reconsecration in the occupied West Bank LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 the Israeli society – even more deceived or bribed into giving of places of worship by a con- soon after it signed the Oslo BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 extreme than his extremist up their homelands to the queror, one must go back to accords in 1993, making it ever Likud party. Jewish newcomers, and no Spain or the Byzantine harder for its residents to SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 These are the same ultra- reward would ever be enough in the middle of the late 15th connect with their own fam- religious “neo-fascists” who, to compensate them for the century.” Another such ilies and loved ones. ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 according to one Israeli jour- loss of their homeland, and example of rare candour came In short, Jerusalem high- email: [email protected] nalist, in mid-April descended therefore, they must be driven from none other than Teddy lights Israel’s greed and Pales- Kollek, who was West Jerusa- PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 on the Palestinian areas of the into total despair by coercion tine’s creed like no other. The email: [email protected] city, intimidating, beating, or force. This may be shock- lem’s mayor for almost two Palestinians generally accept looting, and destroying Pales- ingly brutal, but unlike Netan- decades, notably after the 1967 to share the city, the Israelis MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 tinian property. yahu’s spin, it is at least candid, occupation of the eastern part mostly insist on having it all email: [email protected] Netanyahu helped these especially in Jerusalem, the of the city. He revealed Israeli for themselves, come what racist fanatics organise and focal point of the Zionist chauvinism in a telling may. But Israel should be DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 unite into the Religious Zionist conquest. interview with Ma’ariv news- careful what it wishes for as it FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] Party, to ensure they pass the Israel has systematically paper soon after the Al-Aqsa might just come true. The only CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 minimum threshold to enter Judaised Jerusalem at the massacre in October 1990: way Jerusalem will be truly email: [email protected] the Knesset and join his expense of its Palestinian “Kollek: We said things without united is as the capital of a planned coalition. inhabitants, whether current meaning them, and we didn’t binational state. SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 But while he has thus far or refugees prevented from carry them out, we said over Marwan Bishara is senior FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] failed to form another returning. And today, the and over that we would political analyst at Al Jazeera.

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar What we are trying to accomplish is the saving of lives. Ending the pandemic is /Peninsula_Qatar a necessary first step in any policy /ThePeninsulaNewspaper going forward. Katherine Tai, US Trade Representative +974 6698 6188 THURSDAY 13 MAY 2021 EUROPE 09 WHO panel calls for new global system to probe disease outbreaks REUTERS — GENEVA disease outbreaks, and to Co-chair Ellen a stronger WHO,” WHO The experts noted that failed to grasp that the emer- publish their full findings Johnson Sirleaf, a Director-General Tedros Chinese doctors in the central gency declaration was the A new global system should be without delay. Adhanom Ghebreysus said. city of Wuhan had reported WHO’s “loudest possible alarm”, set up to respond faster to “It is critical to have an former president of The panel urged the WHO cases of unusual pneumonia in the experts said. disease outbreaks to help empowered WHO,” panel co- Liberia, said: “We and December 2019, with the WHO “It is glaringly obvious to the ensure no future virus causes a chair and former New Zealand are calling for a new to convene governments and picking up reports from the Panel that February 2020 was pandemic as devastating as Prime Minister Helen Clark told drugmakers to hammer out an Centers for Disease a lost month, when steps could COVID-19, an independent reporters on the launch of the surveillance-and-alert agreement on voluntary Control and others. and should have been taken to World Health Organization report “COVID-19: Make It the system that is based licensing and technology But when the WHO’s Emer- curtail the epidemic and fore- review panel said yesterday. Last Pandemic”. on transparency transfers to boost vaccine pro- gency Committee met on Jan. stall the pandemic.” The experts found crucial Co-chair Ellen Johnson duction. If a deal can’t be 22, it stopped short of declaring Instead of preparing their shortcomings in the global Sirleaf, a former president of and allows WHO to reached in three months, then an international health emer- hospitals for COVID-19 patients, response in early 2020 — Liberia, said: “We are calling for publish information a so-called TRIPS waiver on gency. That declaration did not many countries engaged in a including a delay in declaring an a new surveillance-and-alert patents should apply, it said. come until eight days later, “winner-takes-all” scramble for emergency, a failure to impose system that is based on trans- immediately.” Clark called for “banging costing crucial time. protective equipment and med- travel restrictions and an entire parency and allows WHO to heads together” to get a com- The committee, acting under icines, it said. “lost month” when countries publish information mitment to secure licenses the WHO’s International Health The panel did not lay spe- neglected to respond to warnings immediately.” reform efforts at the UN along with tech and knowledge Regulations, also declined to cific blame on China for its - that let the virus quickly spread Health ministers will debate agency though this will take transfers. endorse international travel actions in the early days of the into a crippling pandemic. the findings at the WHO’s time. “We look forward to “Let’s be clear about this. restrictions that would have pandemic, or on WHO head To address those problems, annual assembly opening on working with our member We’re dealing with pharmaceu- slowed the spread of the virus. Tedros, who was accused by the the WHO should be given the May 24. states to discuss the recom- tical companies in the North The experts said those guidelines United States under then-Pres- power to send investigators Diplomats say the mendations of this panel and that have the technology,” need to be changed. ident Donald Trump of being swiftly to chase down new European Union is driving the other committees to build Johnson Sirleaf said. Governments, meanwhile, too deferential to Beijing. EU countries Johnson announces urged to halt inquiry into handling non-essential travel from India of pandemic in UK REUTERS — BRUSSELS REUTERS — LONDON decision-making at the heart The European Union’s exec- of the British state when min- utive yesterday called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson isters mulled the imposition of countries of the bloc to tempo- announced an inquiry next year unprecedented peacetime rarily halt non-essential travel into the handling of the restrictions and scrambled to from India, to limit the spread COVID-19 pandemic that is buy billions of pounds worth of of a COVID-19 variant. likely to focus on why the drugs and equipment. The European Commission suffered The UK’s official death toll is said its proposal followed the Europe’s worst death toll and 127,629 — Europe’s worst figure WHO proposal on Monday to one of the world’s deepest and the world’s fifth worst, after reclassify the B.1.617.2 variant economic slumps. the United States, , India of COVID-19 found in India as In the face of accusations and Mexico, according to Johns a “variant of concern”, raising he was slow to impose lock- Hopkins University. the alert from a “variant of downs, Johnson and his min- The initial outbreak spread interest”. EU countries should isters have admitted there are fast due to what critics say were apply an “emergency brake” lessons to be learned from the unnecessary delays in locking on non-essential travel from crisis, but point to the United the country down in March India, it said in a statement. Kingdom’s swift vaccine rollout 2020 and infections hit the International Nurses Day “It is important to limit to as evidence that there were heart of government, with the strict minimum the cate- Britain’s Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, speaks to Zoe Broadhead, critical care outreach sister, during also successes. Johnson himself hospitalised. gories of travellers that can a visit to Whittington Hospital on International Nurses Day in London, Britain, yesterday. “This process will place the Johnson has also been crit- travel from India for essential state’s actions under the micro- icised for overseeing mistakes reasons and to subject those scope,” Johnson told par- in transferring vulnerable who may still travel from India liament yesterday in patients into care homes and to strict testing and quarantine announcing the timing of the for building a costly test and Greece presents labour reform bill arrangements,” it added. investigation. “Amid such trace system that failed to stop Last week the Commission tragedy, the state has an obli- a deadly second wave. REUTERS — ATHENS Hatzidakis told a news conference. emails - as in France and Italy. proposed that the EU’s 27 gation to examine its actions as Polling data shows public “The core of the bill goes back to Further, it would introduce member states ease COVID-19 rigorously and candidly as pos- perception of the government’s Greece’s conservative gover- 1982. In 1982 the Internet, let alone a “digital work card” to monitor travel restrictions from June to sible and to learn every lesson handling of the pandemic has nment yesterday outlined plans teleworking, was a distant dream.” employees working hours in real allow foreign travellers from for the future.” been improved by a COVID-19 to overhaul “antiquated” labour Prime Minister Kyriakos Mit- time, as well as increase legal more countries to enter the bloc, Johnson, who had earlier vaccination programme which laws by liberalising working sotakis said the bill was intended overtime to 150 hours a year. while keeping the option to resisted calls to begin an inquiry has run ahead of international hours, a move criticised by the to protect workers. “It strengthens However, Greece’s main quickly restrict travel from while the government was still peers. So far 35.6 million people left-wing opposition and unions their rights..., corrects injustices of civil servants union ADEDY countries where the health sit- handling the crisis, said it would in the United Kingdom, more who fear the changes will the past. In short, it gives power to says the government seeks to uation deteriorates sharply. start in spring 2022 once some than two thirds of the adult pop- undermine worker rights. the employee,” he tweeted. raise the eight-hour working The European Commission of the worst pressures had sub- ulation, have had a first dose. Labour Minister Kostis Hatzi- The most contentious part of day to 10 hours and scrap the said limited exemptions should sided, warning of the risk infec- Johnson said the country dakis said the measures would the bill introduces flexibility to five-day working week and col- apply to its proposed halt to tions could surge again. deserved answers within a rea- bring overdue changes to laws that the eight-hour workday by lective bargaining agreements. travel from India, including to He did not say when it would sonable timeframe and the date back decades, offering more allowing employees to work up As Hatzidakis spoke, dozens of those travelling for “imperative issue its final report, which could inquiry must be “free to scru- freedom to decide working hours to 10 hours on one day and fewer members of the communist- family reasons” or EU citizens define his political legacy and tinise every document, to hear as well as tackling exploitation, on another, or take time off. affiliated trade union PAME and long-term residents. Those influence voters ahead of a from all the key players”. unpaid overtime and undeclared It will also give workers the protested outside the labour travellers should face additional national election currently due He did not set out its terms work, which have fuelled a large, right to disconnect outside of ministry and painted “Hands health measures on arrival in some time before 2024. of reference, or say who would untaxed grey economy. office hours - for example, refuse Off the 8-Hour Day” in red on the EU, such as strict testing or It will delve into the lead it. “The labour law is antiquated,” any work on off-days, or to check one of its walls. quarantine requirements, it said. Russians pay French lawmakers okay COVID-19 tribute to victims ‘health pass’ at second attempt of mass shooting REUTERS — PARIS President Emmanuel Macron’s at Kazan school ruling party, after centrist France’s National Assembly MoDem allies rebelled. MoDem REUTERS — KAZAN, approved yesterday the lawmakers accused the gov- creation of a COVID-19 “health ernment of being deaf to the Mourners left toys and flowers pass” that people can use to party’s red lines. yesterday in tribute at a Russian attend sports events, festivals The health pass was school where nine people, and theme parks with large approved on a second vote in including seven children, were crowds, a hotly contested the early hours yesterday after killed after a teenage gunman government measure to help the government shortened the opened fire at a school. safely re-open the economy. transition period during which The attack on Tuesday in The health pass, which will it will be able to re-impose the city around 725km east of come into effect from June 9, restrictions such as a curfew Moscow was the deadliest will provide proof that a person without the permission of par- school shooting since 2018 has either been vaccinated liament once France’s state of when a student at a college in against the coronavirus, holds emergency is lifted on June 2. Russian-annexed Crimea killed a recent negative PCR test, or France has begun slowly 20 people. “(I came here) is recovering from COVID-19 unwinding a third national because this is such a disaster... and therefore has natural lockdown despite registering It’s impossible to just remain antibodies. nearly 20,000 new cases every indifferent,” a woman who gave German town eases lockdown policy The proposal was initially day. On May 19, restaurants, her name only as Albina said shot down in the lower house cafes and clubs will be allowed People sit in a cordoned-off area of an Italian ice cream cafe on the historic main market square of after coming to pay her respects on Tuesday evening over fears to reopen for outdoor service Soest, Germany, yesterday, as the North-Rhine Westphalian town eased their lockdown policy amid at School Number 175. it would impinge on civil and shops, museums and The head of Russia’s the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. freedoms, a rare defeat for cinemas will reopen. Muslim-majority region of Tatarstan, where Kazan is the main city, has called it a national tragedy and the Kremlin has UK Premier apologises ‘unreservedly’ for 1971 Belfast killings called for tighter gun controls. Around 100 people, some REUTERS — LONDON killed in the incident, which between the prime minister and 38-year-old priest who was a proper investigation into the of them wearing face masks sparked an upsurge of sectarian Northern Ireland’s First and among the 10 who died, was deaths. No one has been because of the COVID-19 pan- Prime Minister Boris Johnson violence during the “Troubles” Deputy First Ministers. helping an injured man and charged or convicted in con- demic, gathered at a traditional yesterday apologised “unre- in Northern Ireland, a British The deaths over a three-day waving a white object before he nection with any of the deaths. Muslim funeral for Elvira Igna- servedly” on behalf of the British province. period of disorder in the Bally- was shot twice in the back, the The inquest was a fact-finding tieva, an English teacher who government for the deaths of 10 “The Prime Minister apolo- murphy area of Belfast — a inquiry found. There was insuf- exercise and not a criminal trial. was among the victims. innocent people killed in a 1971 gised unreservedly on behalf of sprawling housing estate of ficient evidence to say whether The government plans to Twenty-three people were incident in Belfast during a British the UK Government for the Catholics who opposed British the army was responsible for “deliver a way forward in still in hospital, including 12 Army operation. events that took place in Bally- rule — occurred in the days the death of one of the victims, Northern Ireland that focuses on children with gunshot wounds, A judge-led inquiry on murphy and the huge anguish after the introduction of John James McKerr. reconciliation, delivers for the TASS said. Tuesday found that British sol- that the lengthy pursuit of truth internment without trial for However Judge Siobhan victims of the Troubles and ends Five children were in a serious diers unjustifiably shot or used has caused the families of those suspected militants triggered Keegan, who oversaw the the cycle of reinvestigations,” condition and one of them was disproportionate force in the killed,” a spokesman for disorder on the streets. inquiry, said it was “shocking” Johnson was quoted by the critical, it said. deaths of nine of the 10 people Johnson said following a call Father Hugh Mullan, an that the state did not carry out spokesman as saying. 10 AMERICAS THURSDAY 13 MAY 2021 US advisers endorse Pfizer COVID-19 shot for kids 12 and up

REUTERS — WASHINGTON The Advisory weeks. The rollout of a vaccine Committee on for adolescents should help US states are set to begin using further limit the spread of the the vaccine from Pfizer Inc and Immunization virus at a time when more con- BioNTech SE to inoculate Practices (ACIP), tagious variants are circulating, younger adolescents against which provides and could shorten the road to COVID-19 after advisers to the normalcy for Americans. US Centers for Disease Control recommendations to “I think we should be in full and Prevention (CDC) backed the CDC, voted 14-0 school, full in-person school, in the plan in a unanimous vote to back the vaccine, the fall,” CDC Director Rochelle yesterday. Walensky said at a CNBC health The US Food and Drug after reviewing summit on Tuesday. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell attend a meeting Administration on Monday trial evidence that Children have been con- on infrastructure with US President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris in the Oval Office authorized the vaccine for sidered by health officials as of the White House, in Washington, DC, yesterday. children aged 12 to 15, offering showed no one in the being at a lower risk for severe relief to parents eager to get their 12-15 age group who COVID-19, but they can still children back to schools and received the vaccine spread the virus. More than 1.5 Biden seeks consensus with Republicans summer camps, and the action million cases have been by the CDC group is an important, got COVID-19, and reported among 12- to 17-year- REUTERS — WASHINGTON Senate and House of Represent- plenty of room to try to broker a but not required, final seal of there were no cases olds, and as more adults atives respectively. deal, but they are preparing for the federal regulatory approval. become vaccinated, adoles- President Joe Biden held his Recent history does not possibility of moving a massive Some states, including , of Bell’s Palsy or cents are accounting for a first White House meeting with augur well for a deal. No Repub- spending bill along strictly party Delaware and Arkansas, began severe allergic higher proportion of total cases. Republican leaders from Con- lican voted for Biden’s $1.9 lines if Republicans do not join in offering the vaccine to younger reactions. Adjusted for underreporting, gress yesterday in search of trillion COVID-19 relief plan that negotiations. teens on Tuesday. the working group estimated common ground on his pro- passed in March. House Majority Congressional Democrats The Advisory Committee on 22.2 million US COVID-19 infec- posals to spend trillions of Leader Steny Hoyer, a Democrat, may still struggle to retain the Immunization Practices (ACIP), protection for 12 to 15 year tions in those aged 5 to 17. dollars on US infrastructure, said on Tuesday that the Biden necessary support of enough of which provides recommenda- olds,” said Dr. Henry Bernstein, Pfizer is running a separate education and childcare. administration was “not going to their own members to pass tions to the CDC, voted 14-0 to a member of the advisory com- trial testing the vaccine in Biden, a Democrat and wait a long time if we don’t see Biden’s spending proposals back the vaccine, after mittee and professor of pedi- children as young as 6-months- former longtime US senator from that agreement is possible.” through both chambers, where reviewing trial evidence that atrics at Zucker School of Med- old, and has said it expects data Delaware, has sought to reduce It is the first time that Biden they have slim majorities. They showed no one in the 12-15 age icine at Hofstra/Northwell. on its use in 2- to 11-year-olds partisan tension in Washington has hosted the two highest- are betting the sheer volume of group who received the vaccine “It will decrease trans- in September. The 2,260 par- and pledged to work with both ranking Republicans in Con- the spending measures will got COVID-19, and there were mission within their family. It ticipants in the 12-to-15 age parties to advance his policy gress at the White House. include enough attractive items no cases of Bell’s Palsy or will contribute to community group — half of whom were goals, which face stiff opposition Asked in the Oval Office yes- to overcome any internal oppo- severe allergic reactions. immunity, and it allows the kids given placebo — were tested as from Republicans. terday how he expected to come sition, the sources told Reuters. Moreover, the vaccine pro- to more safely go back to camps an expansion of Pfizer’s more “The bottom line here is to a compromise, Biden quipped Biden’s $2.25 trillion infra- duced robust antibody this summer, and back for in- than 46,000-person trial. we’re going to see whether we that he would just “snap my structure bill and a $1.8 trillion responses in the age group and person school.” The committee will hear can reach some consensus” on fingers”. Democratic House education and childcare plan showed 100% efficacy in the About a third of all Amer- from Pfizer about the vaccine’s a compromise over infra- Speaker and Senate have met with sharp resistance trial, with no cases of sympto- icans have been fully-vacci- safety and efficacy in adoles- structure, Biden said at the start Majority Leader Chuck Schumer from Republicans in Congress, matic COVID-19 among the nated according to the CDC cents and will consider the of talks with Mitch McConnell joined their Republican counter- with disagreements over the fully vaccinated adolescents. data. But the pace of vacci- views of a handful of CDC offi- and Kevin McCarthy, the parts in the meeting. Congres- price tag, scope and funding “This will provide nation has slowed in the recent cials on its implementation. Republican leaders in the sional Democrats are giving Biden proposals.

CDC finds more clotting cases Republicans oust Liz Cheney for rejecting Trump’s ‘big lie’ after J&J vaccine, REUTERS — WASHINGTON After her ouster as the No. Cheney, is a lawmaker with pro-Trump mob then stormed with his language,” Cheney said 3 House Republican was carried impeccable conservative the US Capitol building, an of Trump. Cheney ended her sees causal link US House of Representatives out in mere minutes in a closed- credentials. attack that left five dead. During brief remarks to reporters Republicans yesterday removed door meeting, a defiant Cheney She one of 10 House Repub- Trump’s time as president, without spelling out whether REUTERS — CHICAGO Liz Cheney from their lead- told reporters that she would licans who voted with the Dem- Republicans lost their major- she will remain in the House ership, punishing her for lead the fight to bring her party ocrats in January when the ities in the House and Senate and run for re-election next The US Centers for Disease rejecting what she called former back to “fundamental principles House impeached Trump on a and he lost the White House. year — she could face an uphill Control and Prevention said President Donald Trump’s “big of conservatism”. “We must go charge of inciting insurrection. Cheney’s critics said her battle in Wyoming, where yesterday that it had found lie” that last year’s election was forward based on truth. We Senate Republicans provided criticism of Trump’s false claims Trump is still revered by Repub- more cases of potentially life- stolen from him through cannot both embrace the big lie the votes in the following month about the 2020 election dis- lican voters — or take another threatening blood clotting election fraud. and embrace the Constitution,” to prevent Trump from being tracted from party messaging path. among people who received The action signaled that Cheney said. barred from holding future about Democrats and President In a statement issued after the Johnson & Johnson Trump, despite his decisive She also vowed to prevent public office. Joe Biden’s agenda. the vote, Trump launched per- COVID-19 vaccine and sees a election loss to Democrat Joe Trump from ever regaining the Trump’s January Cheney rejected House sonal attacks on her, saying, “plausible causal association”. Biden in November, has solid- presidency, telling reporters: “I impeachment — his second — Republican Leader Kevin McCa- “Liz Cheney is a bitter, horrible The CDC said in a presen- ified his hold over House will do everything I can to focused on an incendiary rthy’s contention that Repub- human being.” He added, “She tation the agency has now Republicans as he jockeys to ensure that the former pres- January 6 speech in which he licans must refrain from criti- has no personality or anything identified 28 cases of throm- play a major role in the 2022 ident never again gets any- urged his followers to “fight” his cizing Trump to win back good having to do with politics bosis with thrombocytopenia congressional elections and where near the Oval Office.” election defeat, which he control of Congress in 2022. or our country.” The Cheney syndrome (TTS) among the flirts with another run for the The congresswoman, daughter claimed falsely was the result “We have seen the danger drama could further deepen more than 8.7 million people presidency in 2024. of former Vice President Dick of widespread fraud. A that he continues to provoke divisions within her party. who had received the J&J vaccine. TTS involves blood clots accompanied by a low level of platelets — the cells in Minnesota judge finds the blood that help it to clot. So far, three of the 28 have died. Previously, as of April 25, aggravating factors in the CDC had reported 17 cases of clotting among nearly 8 million people given vaccines. George Floyd murder The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices or REUTERS — NEW YORK murder and manslaughter on ACIP, which advises the US April 20 after hearing three CDC, recommended on April A Minnesota judge has ruled weeks of testimony in a highly 23 that the US lift a 10-day that aggravating factors were publicized trial. pause on the J&J vaccinations involved in the death of George Floyd’s death after he was imposed to review safety data Floyd, opening the possibility handcuffed on a Minneapolis on the clotting issue. of a longer sentence for former street with Chauvin’s knee on his The CDC said the events Minneapolis police officer neck for more than nine minutes appear similar to what is being Derek Chauvin. prompted massive protests observed following adminis- Chauvin, a white former against racism and police bru- tration of the AstraZeneca officer convicted in a Min- tality in many US cities and other COVID-19 vaccine in Europe. nesota state court of murdering countries last summer. Both vaccines are based on Floyd, a 46-year-old Black Three other former officers a new technology using ade- man, during an arrest last May, who were at the scene have noviruses, which cause the Demonstrators take to the streets in anti-government protests demanding the end to police violence, is scheduled to be sentenced on been charged with aiding and common cold, that have been economic support as the COVID-19 pandemic batters incomes, and the withdrawal of a health reform, June 25. abetting second-degree murder modified to essentially render in Cali, Colombia, yesterday. In a six-page ruling dated and second-degree man- them harmless. The viruses are Tuesday, District Court Judge slaughter in Floyd’s death and used to carry instructions into Peter Cahill found that prose- are set to go on trial on Aug. 23. the body to make specific Colombia protests enter third week cutors had proven Chauvin Cahill, who presided over coronavirus proteins, priming abused his position of trust and the trial, will also sentence the immune system to make REUTERS — BOGOTA/CALI President Ivan Duque has countries — already deeply authority, treated Floyd with Chauvin, who technically faces antibodies that fight off the offered dialogue, but smaller unequal — have been hit hard particular cruelty, committed a combined maximum 75 years actual virus. Scientists are Anti-government protests in demonstrations and road by the COVID-19 pandemic, the crime as a group and did so in prison if the sentences run working to find the potential Colombia entered their third blockades have continued daily which has rolled back some with children present, all consecutively. mechanism that would explain week yesterday as unions, around the country amid skep- recent strides against poverty. aggravating factors. Prosecutors on April 30 the blood clots. A leading student groups and other ticism from protest leaders that Similar protests over ine- “The slow death of George asked Cahill to consider several hypothesis appears to be that the organizations convened a government promises will lead quality and the impact of Floyd occurring over approxi- aggravating circumstances in vaccines are triggering a rare national strike after fruitless to concrete change. COVID-19 may occur in other mately six minutes of his posi- Floyd’s death so that he could immune response that could be talks with the government. Violence has plagued pro- countries like Brazil, said tional asphyxia was particularly make “an upward sentencing related to these viral vectors. Demonstrations fueled by tests, with as many as 40 Gimena Sanchez, Director for cruel in that Mr. Floyd was departure” in the case. The syndrome does not outrage at a now-cancelled civilian deaths being investi- the Andes at the Washington begging for his life and obviously While Cahill accepted most appear to be associated with plan began in the Andean gated by Colombia’s human Office on Latin America. terrified by the knowledge that of the prosecutors’ arguments vaccines produce by Pfizer Inc country on April 28. Protesters’ rights ombudsmen. Local and The United States and United he was likely to die but during that aggravating circumstances and BioNTech SA or Moderna demands have expanded to international human rights Kingdom have condemned which the defendant objectively were present, he rejected one Inc. Most of the cases were include a basic income, an end groups allege the toll may be protest violence, while the United remained indifferent to Mr. of them, finding that they had among women aged 18 to 49. to police violence and the with- even higher and have blamed Nations and the European Union Floyd’s pleas,” Cahill wrote. failed to prove beyond a rea- Only six of the clotting events drawal of a long-debated health police for the killings. have warned against excessive A jury convicted Chauvin, sonable doubt that Floyd was identified were in men. reform. Many Latin American force by police. 45, of second- and third-degree “particularly vulnerable.” Business 11

THURSDAY 13 MAY 2021 Airline CEOs call for relaunch of UK-US travel You see some politicians just afraid to make decisions because they're afraid of the consequences, whereas (in) the airline industry we live with that all the time.

Willie Walsh Business | 12 Former CEO of British Airways QSE 10,925.24 -25.48 (0.23%) FTSE 100 7,004.63 +56.64 (0.82%) DOW 33,865.90 −403.26 (1.18%) BRENT $69.55 (+0.98)

Better infrastructure makes Lusail attractive for offices Weekly realty

DEEPAK JOHN deals value THE PENINSULA Grade A office supply in Lusail has now reach QR527m Lusail Marina District has over- surpassed 600,000 sqm taken as the location with Hermas Business QNA of choice for most companies seeking new office space. Occu- Park the latest The volume of real estate piers are being attracted to significant development transactions in sales contracts Lusail by the improved access, on offer to the market, registered with the Real Estate infrastructure provisions, car according to a report by Registration Department at the parking availability, rental Cushman and Wakefield Ministry of Justice during the prices, and the number of period from May 2 to 6 government entities locating in Qatar. reached QR527.37m. the area, according to real The weekly bulletin issued estate consultant, Cushman and by the administration stated Wakefield Qatar (CWQ). their need for physical office that the list of real estate Grade A office supply in space while offering staff more traded for sale included vacant Lusail has now surpassed flexible ‘work from home’ solu- lands, residences, residential 600,000 sqm with Hermas tions when required. New buildings, a residential Business Park the latest signif- demand from international complex, a multi-use space icant development on offer to occupiers remains low, with re- An aerial view of Lusail City. PIC: ABDUL BASIT/ THE PENINSULA land and commercial the market, according to the locations within Qatar domi- buildings. Sales operations report. nating leasing activity over the world-class free zones in Qatar, demand has resulted in rents absorption in Lusail increases, were concentrated in the Occupancy rates are cur- past year. offering outstanding opportu- falling by between 40 percent we expect this gap to close, said municipalities of Al-Daayen, rently relatively low due the The establishment of the nities and benefits for busi- and 50 percent since 2015, the report. Office space in loca- Al-Rayyan, Doha, Al-Wakra, sharp rise in new supply; Qatar Free Zone Authority nesses seeking to expand their when available space was at a tions such as Old Salata, , Al-Khor, Al-Dha- however, CWQ’s first-quarter (QFZA) will play an essential global operations. The authority premium. Offices in West Bay and C-Ring Road is now typi- khira and Al-Shamal. The report about Qatar’s real estate role in attracting inward oversees two free zones in are now available to lease for cally available to lease for volume of real estate trans- sector expects a trend in occu- investment and creating Qatar; Ras Boufantas and Umm between QR100 and QR140 per between QR60 and QR80 per action during the period from piers moving to Lusail in the demand for office space as we AlHoul and offers outstanding sqm per month exclusive of sq m per month. April 25 to 29 had reached coming years as the area move beyond the pandemic,” opportunities and benefits for service charges. There is currently very little QR378.56m. matures. noted the report. businesses seeking to expand Office suites in Lusail are demand for ‘shell-and-core’ Qatar’s real estate sector “While the IT sector is con- QFZA is an independent globally. typically available at lower space as tenants look to avoid witnessed deals worth over sidering reducing its footprint, authority created in 2018 to The increase in office supply rents than their equivalent in the capital expenditure required QR1.99bn in April compared many sectors intend to maintain oversee and regulate the and relative slowdown in West Bay, although as for an office fit-out. `P12 to QR2.57bn in March this year.

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