Amir Holds Talks with Saudi Crown Prince Talks with Turkish

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TUESDAY 11 MAY 2021 29 RAMADAN - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8619 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Amir holds phone Amir holds talks with Saudi Crown Prince talks with Turkish

QNA — JEDDAH President

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al QNA — DOHA Thani and Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HRH Al Thani held via telephone a Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz conversation with President of the Al Saud, held a talks session at Al Salam Republic of Turkey H E Recep Palace in Jeddah yesterday. Tayyip Erdogan, during which they At the beginning of the session, HRH reviewed strategic bilateral coop- the Crown Prince welcomed H H the eration, and the means to enhance Amir and the accompanying delegation and develop it. to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, con- The call also focused on veying the greetings of the Custodian of reviewing the most prominent the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin regional and international devel- Abdulaziz Al Saud. For his part, H H the opments of joint interests, particu- Amir expressed his greetings to the Cus- larly developments in Palestine and todian of the Two Holy Mosques. escalations in Al Aqsa mosque, H H the Amir and HRH the Saudi calling for the importance of ending Crown Prince exchanged greetings on the Israeli occupation forces’ attack the advent of Eid Al Fitr, praying to Allah on unarmed civilians, de-escalation, the Almighty to accept all good deeds exercising restraint, and respecting and bless the occasion for the Arab and international and humanitarian law. Islamic Ummah. The session dealt with discussing Amir exchanges Eid brotherly bilateral relations and the means to enhance them in different greetings with fields, in addition to discussing the most prominent regional and international Sultan of Oman issues, particularly developments in the region. QNA — DOHA The session was attended by Their Excellencies members of the official del- Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad egation accompanying H H the Amir. Al Thani exchanged greetings with It was attended on the Saudi side by H M Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of the HRH Minister of State and Member of the Sultanate of Oman on the occasion Cabinet Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin of the blessed of Eid Al Fitr, in a Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, HRH Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani being received at the Jeddah airport by Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy PM and phone call H H the Amir received Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Minister of Defence, HRH Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, yesterday. yesterday morning. Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, HRH the Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Defence in honour of His Highness and the accompa- bin Abdullah Al Saud, H E Minister of State, nying delegation. Member of the Cabinet, and National Earlier, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Security Advisor Dr. Musaed bin arrived in Jeddah yesterday evening, on an official visit Mohammed Al Aiban, and HE Governor to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. of the Public Investment Fund Yasser bin H H the Amir and the accompanying delegation were Othman Al Rumayyan. welcomed upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International H H the Amir attended a Suhur Airport by Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and banquet held by HRH the Crown Prince, Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HRH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Palestinians disperse as a stun grenade fired by Israeli security forces explodes near Damascus Gate just outside Jerusalem's Old City, yesterday. 21 Palestinians martyred in Israeli strikes AGENCIES — JERUSALEM rockets at Israel, following the Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ expiration of the group’s ulti- military wing, said in a The total number of Palestinian matum demanding Israel stand statement that the group would martyrs of Israel's air raids on down forces from the Al Aqsa respond if Israel does not Gaza rose to 21, including nine Mosque compound in Jeru- “break the siege on worshippers children, yesterday. salem. Earlier yesterday ten- in Al Aqsa Mosque”. The Ministry of Health in sions at the compound esca- In Ankara, thousands of Gaza strip said in a statement lated with more than 300 Pal- people rallied late yesterday that the bombing targeted dif- estinians wounded when Israeli outside the Israeli embassy and ferent areas of the strip, injuring police stormed the mosque, the country’s consulate in 75 people. firing rubber bullets, stun gre- Istanbul in protest of recent The attacks were carried nades and tear gas. Israeli violence against Pales- out after Hamas fired several A spokesman for the tinians. Full story `P6

Call for sighting of Shawwal Moon today Ramadan QNA — DOHA whoever witnesses the crescent Timing Moon should head to the head- The Crescent Sighting Committee quarters of the Ministry of Awqaf Today's Iftar: at the Ministry of Awqaf and and Islamic Affairs in Dafna 6:12pm Islamic Affairs has called on all (Towers) area to report his Muslims living in Qatar to sight testimony. The Committee will Tomorrow's Imsak: the crescent Moon of Shawwal meet immediately after the 03:16am today. The Committee said Maghrib (sunset) prayer today. 02 HOME TUESDAY 11 MAY 2021 Amir holds talks with Saudi Crown Prince in Jeddah

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FAJR 03.26 am SUNRISE 04.52 am DHUHR 11.30 am ASR 02.58 pm MAGHRIB 06.12 pm ISHA 07.42 pm

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani holds talks with HRH Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister WEATHER TODAY and Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in Jeddah, yesterday. MoPH unit to support vaccination Ministry books 10 Banks to close persons for gathering from tomorrow 28oC 41oC of key service workers — DOHA Minimum Maximum in parks and Corniche THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Ministry on its Twitter account said that — DOHA to support the gradual easing of restrictions THE PENINSULA Banks and other financial Hot daytime, mild by night. A dedicated COVID-19 vaccination sched- institutions will remain closed uling unit has vaccinated thousands of key it will be important that workers in the Ministry of Interior (MoI) officials have from tomorrow till May 16 for W ALRUWAIS : 26o → 36o service workers, said the Ministry of Public service industries are protected against intensified efforts to take action against Eid Al Fitr holiday. W ALKHOR : 27o → 40o Health (MoPH) yesterday. COVID-19. individuals violating various COVID-19 Qatar Central Bank (QCB) The Ministry on its Twitter account said precautionary measures in the country and announced yesterday that the W DUKHAN : 23o → 38o that to support the gradual easing of restric- to schedule vaccination appointments for have reported 321 violations in the country. Eid Al Fitr holiday for the → W WAKRAH : 23o 42o tions it will be important that workers in their staff via — [email protected] The Ministry referred 10 persons to the current year for all financial W MESAIEED : 23o → 42o the service industries are protected against The Ministry in a press conference on public prosecution for gathering in parks institutions in the country W ABUSAMRA : 22o → 40o COVID-19. Sunday announced that most of the key and in Corniche. A total of 261 were booked (banks, currency exchanges, “To facilitate this, MoPH has set up a sectors which will see lifting of restrictions for not wearing masks in public. insurance companies, finance, COVID-19 Vaccination Scheduling Unit (VSU) need the employees to be vaccinated. The The Ministry officials also referred 48 investment, and financial con- HIGH TIDE for the vaccination of business workers in plan to gradually lift restrictions will be people for not maintaining safe physical dis- sultants) will start from next 3:25– 17:16 support of the National COVID-19 Vaccination delivered over four phases with each phase tancing and two for not installing the Ehteraz Wednesday (May 12, 2021) and LOW TIDE 11:13 – 0:00 Program,” said the Ministry. lasting three weeks. application. The officials referred them to will end on Sunday, (May 16, The Unit supports the vaccination of “It is very encouraging that we are the Public Prosecution for violations. 2021) provided that all workers in all businesses, but priority would seeing clear evidence that the vaccines are Till now the ministry has referred thou- financial institutions return to be given to key businesses that are in direct protecting people from developing sands of people to the Public Prosecution for work before the public on contact with the rest of the community such symptoms of COVID-19 and becoming ill. violating the Covid-19 precautionary Monday, May 17, 2021. All as barbers and hairdressers, restaurants, The next phases of the plan to lift restric- measures in the country. financial institutions operating retail shops, supermarkets, hotels and other tions will include for those who have been “In line with the cabinet decision based in the state must fully close all hospitality services. “This vaccination vaccinated. They can dine out and will be on Law No. 17 of 1990 regarding infectious its branches during the service has already started, and tens of given priority at sports centres, among diseases, the competent authorities vacation period, said QCB in a thousands of workers have been vaccinated others,” said Chair of the National Health referred several people to the Prosecution statement posted on its so far,” the Ministry said. Strategic Group on COVID-19 and Head of for violating COVID-19 preventive and pre- website. Qatar Stock Exchange According to the Ministry, businesses Infectious Diseases at Hamad Medical Cor- cautionary measures in force,” Ministry will also remain closed from establishments can contact the Unit directly poration, Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal. said in a statement. May 12 to May 16. TUESDAY 11 MAY 2021 HOME 03

Shura Council takes part in 31st Amir’s move to update laws Forum of Women Parliamentarians ensures justice and equality

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has updated laws to abolish This confirms that our leadership places previous immunity provisions for integrity and honesty as a top priority. ministers, Doha News has reported citing These laws will be applied to everyone Official Gazette. with complete equality to prevent The decision was taken a day prior to the arrest of the country’s minister of financial and administrative violations finance over corruption charges. The update as well as all that affects integrity, in law scraps the Accountability of Min- transparency and the rule of law. isters Law which lifts protection provided to government officials in the face of civil Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi or criminal prosecution, as is the case with Editor-in-Chief of The Peninsula all residents and citizens, according to the Gazette, Doha News reported. Earlier few days ago, H H the Amir had Shura Council member Reem bint Mohammed Al Mansouri attends replaced the arrested finance minister with 31st Forum of Women Parliamentarians via videoconference. Minister of Commerce and Industry Ali bin corruption and support good governance financial and administrative violations as Ahmed Al Kuwari. In an interview with as well as the rule of law,” Al-Shafi said. well as all that affects integrity, trans- Doha News, prominent Qatari journalist “These are the laws of the countries parency and the rule of law,” Al-Shafi THE PENINSULA — DOHA the 142nd General Assembly and Editor-in-Chief of The Peninsula Dr. that apply justice and Qatar has made great stated. of the IPU from a gender per- Khalid Al-Shafi said the move, which was strides in that regard,” he added. “The international community views The Shura Council participated spective, as well as the elec- also mentioned in his speech during the “The new laws do not abolish the rights Qatar as a model for transparency and in the Inter-Parliamentary tions of the office of Women last Shura Council session, clearly implies of minister but rather declares that integrity, as confirmed by many interna- Union's 31st Forum of Women Parliamentarians in the that Qatar’s laws apply to all state agencies criminal laws apply to all citizens of the tional institutions and organisations, and Parliamentarians, which took current session. to enforce transparency and Qatari community equally,” he stressed. this motivates the state to achieve more place via videoconference. The Shura Council was accountability. “This confirms that our leadership successes and make further progress in The three-day event will represented in the meeting by “These directives coincide with broad places integrity and honesty as a top pri- establishing the rule of law,” he said, noting cover a number of issues, the member of the Council H E legal reforms that have made the State of ority. These laws will be applied to eve- the latest decision was met with praise most important of which is the Reem bint Mohammed Al Man- Qatar at the forefront of countries that fight ryone with complete equality to prevent nationwide. impact the COVID-19 pan- souri, who is also a member of demic had on gender equality, the office of the IPU’s Women contributing to the work of Parliamentarians. Qatar stands with workers regarding labour contracts: Envoy QNA — BERLIN the implementation of all employer within three months utmost secrecy. reforms by all operating com- before the expiration of their In the statement, the MoPH reports 397 new Ambassador of the State of panies in the state. residence. He stressed the Ambassador indicated that the Qatar to the Federal Republic He stressed support for all importance of the legal amend- new amendments are imple- of Germany H E Abdulla bin workers in obtaining their ments issued in September mented in conjunction with virus cases, 4 deaths Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani rights and encouraged them to 2020 and their positive effects holding workshops and has said that the decision of the use appropriate communi- on the situation of foreign awareness campaigns for THE PENINSULA — DOHA all of them received necessary Ministry of Administrative cation channels to submit their workers. workers to inform them of their medical care. As many as 31,418 Development, Labour and complaints in the event of any The Ambassador said Qatar rights. The Ministry of Public Health doses of COVID-19 vaccines have Social Affairs was in favour of violations. has established new channels Concerning the violation (MoPH) reported 397 new cases been administered during the workers regarding the recent The Ambassador affirmed for communicating complaints committed by the company, the of COVID-19 yesterday. Among past 24 hours. The total number dispute with EGSSCO. that the workers of the afore- about violations that companies statement said the initial inves- them, 120 were travellers of vaccine doses administered In a statement distributed to mentioned company who do may commit, where workers tigations have shown that returning from abroad. since the start of the vaccination the German News Agency and not wish to continue their work can submit these complaints to workers’ salaries are in line A total of 1,063 people campaign is 1,844,658. other German media outlets, the with the company will be able a specialised office at the Min- with the minimum wage recovered from the virus, “Every day, hundreds of Ambassador affirmed that the to submit their written resigna- istry of Administrative Devel- standards stipulated in the new bringing the total number of people are becoming sick due to State of Qatar will not tolerate tions, taking into account the opment, Labour and Social regulations of the Labour Law people recovered in Qatar to the COVID-19 with many any company that violates the legal notice period stipulated Affairs, or via the ‘Amerni’ but the contracts contain con- 201,530. The Ministry also requiring admission to hospital new labour law as the Qatari by the law and after they obtain mobile application, stressing ditions that contradict the con- announced deaths of four to manage their symptoms,” said government is committed to their resignation, they will be that the Qatari authorities deal ditions for including the non- persons 46, 52, 54 and 62. All of the Ministry in its daily COVID-19 protecting workers by ensuring able to search for a new with these complaints with competition clause. them had chronic diseases and report. 04 HOME TUESDAY 11 MAY 2021 QF-funded ADGS in top 50 most innovative companies in 2021

THE PENINSULA – DOHA to overcome inevitable chal- Praised as one the 15 most lenges faced when growing Renowned international remarkable health their venture.” business magazine The CEO innovations at the last QF and QSTP, with extraor- Views has identified Application dinary prescience, have strongly Design for Global Solutions edition of WISH (World supported the creation of ADGS, Computer Systems (ADGS), an Innovation Summit for the very first Deep Technology innovator in deep technology Health), ADGS was more company in Qatar. Deep Tech- that uses fundamental science recently selected as one of nology companies are known and advanced technologies to the most promising to drive the technological lead- build futuristic applications, as ership of countries, and are nat- one of the top 50 most inno- startups by the American urally found in the world’s vative companies to watch in incubator ‘500Startups.' richest and most powerful 2021. nations. Praised as one the 15 most “The question one might remarkable health innovations which is part of Qatar Foun- have is if they are rich and at the last edition of WISH dation Research, Development, powerful because of these (World Innovation Summit for and Innovation (QF RDI), we are Deep Tech companies or if Health), ADGS was more determined to champion Qatari they host Deep Tech com- recently selected as one of the businesses, innovators, and panies because they are rich,” most promising startups by the entrepreneurs through our said Co-founder and CEO American incubator vibrant ecosystem, which is Christophe Billiottet. “In a ‘500Startups’, and the founders why it is fantastic to see another region more prone to trading were also featured in the Amer- success story in the form of goods and selling fossil fuels, ican-based APAC Entrepre- ADGS, who are at the forefront Deep Technology companies neur’s ‘10 Most Dynamic Entre- of this sector.” have a major role to play, and FROM LEFT: Hassan Al Ansari, President, ADGS; Christophe Billiottet, CEO, ADGS; Richard O’Kennedy, preneurs of Qatar in 2021’. And Dr. Nabeel Al Salem, we must say that Qatar Foun- Vice-President of QF; and Dr. Salvino Salvaggio, Executive Director, VP RDI Office, QF. “Every entrepreneur would Chief Advisor Partnerships of dation is one of the very few be proud to be selected as one QF RDI division, added: “Iden- organizations that fully under- of the 10 most dynamic entre- Hassan Al Ansari, Co-Founder is at the very heart of what we Dojo. tifying the potential impact of stands this,” he noted. preneurs of Qatar or as one of and President of AGDS. do at QSTP. We are proud to “It is certainly an honour for ADGS’s technologies early on in “QF knows that private the top 50 most innovative Aysha Al Hamadi, Qatar have supported ADGS right ADGS to be recognized interna- its development, QF RDI sector Deep Technology is a companies to watch, by US Science & Technology Park from the start of their journey, tionally by The CEO Views, and awarded it our very first ‘Inno- long-term strategic choice for magazines, but I must (QSTP) Product Development via our Product Development there is no doubt that innova- vation Coupon’. This award is Qatar. By producing and relying emphasize that nothing would and Grants Management Fund Fund (PDF) awards and tions in deep technology are designed to help Qatar-based on Deep Tech, Qatar would not have been possible without the Director, said: “Recognizing the intensive mentorship through becoming increasingly small and medium-sized enter- only be less dependent on tech- excellence of my team, my value of an innovative idea, its participation in two of our important on the global stage prises (SMEs) and start-ups that nological countries but could partner, and the strong support even before it matures into a highly-regarded accelerator as well as for the digital trans- are developing new technology- build considerable wealth from of the Qatar Foundation,” said viable commercialized product, programs – XLR8 and MENA formation in Qatar. At QSTP, focused products and services, it,” adds Al Ansari. In solidarity with Palestine CNA-Q distributes Iftar meals to workers on campus

THE PENINSULA – DOHA seek to spread in society. We strive to achieve human As part of its social dignity and community commitment towards the development for the sake of workers on campus, College our Nation and the society’s of the North Atlantic – Qatar well-being.” (CNA-Q) collaborated with Suhoor and Iftar are two Qatar Charity to distribute 350 elements of Ramadan that Iftar meals. This activity aims have great significance to all to reach workers in different worshippers. It is a manifes- campus divisions such as tation of solidarity and fel- security, cleaning, technical, lowship. College of the North fire, and safety, civil and more. Atlantic – Qatar has always In line with the COVID-19 been committed to the com- restrictions, meal boxes were munity causes and has worked packed and loaded onto relentlessly to encourage vol- Qatar’s Charity decontami- unteering and actions that nated delivery van. Workers make a difference. received their meals directly It is worth noting that this from the van while respecting event falls under the social distancing and coro- Ramadan initiatives A worker at CNA-Q receives Iftar meal box as part of the college's navirus prevention measures. organized by Qatar Charity. Ramadan meal initiative. Dr. Salem Al-Naemi, The projects implemented by CNA-Q’s President, said, the organization in Qatar “Ramadan is the time to be work and efforts they put into thrive on community service during Ramadan target selfless and understand there their jobs, even during fasting and solidarity. 490,000 persons. is no way we can overcome hours. We also extend our Al Kuwari thanked CNA-Q These projects include the difficulties without showing appreciation to Qatar Charity for choosing Qatar Charity as mobile Iftar, which contains grace to others. While many and the volunteers who made a partner in humanitarian Iftar meals and food baskets The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is lit red to show solidarity with the of us gather at home to share this event possible.” actions and said, “Qatar for workers and drivers, in Palestinian people being forced out of their homes in East Jerusalem. Ramadan Iftars, for many shift Yousuf bin Ahmed Al Charity is keen on collabo- addition to Ramadan supplies Yesterday, 21 Palestinians, including nine children, were martyred workers, it is not that simple Kuwari, CEO of Qatar Charity, rating with all sectors, gov- for families with limited in Israeli strikes in Gaza. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said to break their fast. We wanted praised CNA-Q’s initiative ernmental or educational income, assistance, and food over 300 Palestinians were injured in clashes with police. to show CNA-Q’s workers guided by the core values of entities, to strengthen the baskets for those affected by appreciation for all the hard this educational institute that values that we believe in and the coronavirus disease. Ministry takes action against environmental violators

THE PENINSULA – DOHA and implementing plans for its protection, in coordination with The Ministry of Municipality the competent authorities. and Environment (MME), repre- It also catches environment- sented by the Department of related violations on land, Protection and Wildlife, has marine, and those committed by recorded a violation against a livestock farms locally called (Al company for transporting Adhab). The violators are referred construction filling materials to the authorities concerned. without obtaining an environ- The Department monitors mental license. Dumpers carrying quarries and crushers to curb The necessary legal measures construction filling the violations related to have been taken against the vio- materials. obtaining prior permits for the lator to preserve the environment extraction and transportation of Qatar, said the Ministry in a of construction filling materials statement. The Ministry stressed The action was taken within The Department is con- and removing the causes of the importance of adhering to the Department of Protection and cerned with monitoring and pro- these violations in coordination environmental requirements and Wildlife's efforts for preserving tecting wild and marine life in the with the competent preserving natural resources. the environment. country, developing authorities. beIN invites families to celebrate Eid with exciting festive favourites Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha rolls

THE PENINSULA – DOHA Kickoff, Premium, and Ultimate, For lifestyle show lovers, Series will also broadcast season out special 40% discount to which viewers can subscribe to season 1 of Ty Breaker will be 2 of Nancy Drew starting at 22:00 beIN Media Group has on beIN’s website. broadcast on May 17 at 20:00 Mecca Time (GMT +3) on May 13. honour healthcare professionals announced a festive schedule of beIN’s thrilling schedule also Mecca time on HGTV. The show Season 4 of Black Lightning will entertainment for families and offers more entertainment focuses on host Ty Pennington also be broadcast on beIN Series THE PENINSULA – DOHA sionals until the end of Sep- households across the Middle options than ever before through who helps families struggling to 2 every Monday at 21:00, starting tember 2021. East & North Africa (MENA) to beIN’s international partners and make their homes work for their from Monday, May 17. Season 1 As a gesture of gratitude General Manager of Hyatt enjoy, including legendary plays, channels, such as Fox, CBS, changing lives. Ty creates solu- of Superman and Lois will be towards healthcare workers Regency Oryx Doha Julien movies, drama series, cookery HGTV, Food Network, Nat Geo, tions to the problem areas while showcased every Tuesday on who have risked their health Gonzalvez said, “As one way shows, and more. Fatafeat, and more. his guest designer shows the beIN Series 2 at 21:00. to care for us and the of extending care to these Special content curated for Movie lovers will get to enjoy family how to make a new house With Eid being a time of cel- communities, Hyatt Regency heroes and appreciate all the all ages and interests will be the best movies on beIN’s Box work for them. ebration, beIN is also encour- Oryx Doha, the newly healthcare professionals, we showcased on beIN channels Office channels, with 6Oscar For Children, CBeebies will aging subscribers to watch and opened Hyatt Regency brand want them to recharge and over the coming days, including nominee and winner of ‘Best be launching a new series for the laugh hard at one of the best in Qatar, is pleased to reconnect with their loved beIN Movies, beIN Drama, beIN Picture’, ‘Best Supporting Actor’, first time in the Middle East, and Egyptian plays, the famous announce a special hotel stay ones; whenever they can.” Series, beIN Gourmet, Baraem and ‘Best Original Song’ Judas North Africa called Bluey. The Madrasat Al Moshaghibin on and dining offer for them. “We are very much Channel, and Jeem TV; so that and the Black Messiahstarting new series will start on May 14 beIN Drama – which will leave Coinciding with the Eid looking forward to extending subscribers can celebrate Eid Al from May 13 to May 19 on beIN exclusively on the beIN channels. everyone entertained. beIN Al Fitr festivities, the hotel our hospitality to all the Fitr to the tune of their favourite Box Office 1. Gerard Butler’s 2020 On beIN Series, subscribers Drama will also showcase leg- offers a 40% promotional healthcare workers in the shows. The channels are thriller Greenland will also be can enjoy The Late Late Show endary plays such as Alabanda, offer on stay and 20% off on country and pamper them as available on beIN’s recently rede- available on beIN Box Office 2 with James Corden starting at Alashan Khater Oyounik, and El dining and food takeaways they take their hard-earned signed packages Together, from May 13 to May 19. 22:00 Mecca on May 12. beIN Ayal Kibret. to all the healthcare profes- break,” he added. TUESDAY 11 MAY 2021 HOME 05 06 GULF / MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA TUESDAY 11 MAY 2021 Rockets fired into Israel; 21 martyred in Gaza

REUTERS & AP — JERUSALEM/ Palestinian health Israel was a sign to Palestinians, GAZA officials in the Gaza whose own elections have been postponed by President Palestinian fighters in the Gaza Strip said a total of 21 Mahmoud Abbas, that it was Strip fired rockets towards the people, including nine now calling the shots in holding Jerusalem area and southern children, have been Israel accountable for events in Israel yesterday, carrying out a Jerusalem. threat to punish Israel for martyred in fighting Recent clashes in Jerusalem violent confrontations with with Israel. The death have raised international Palestinians in Jerusalem. toll made it one of concern about wider conflict, Palestinian health officials and the White House called on in the Gaza Strip said a total of the bloodiest days of Israel to ensure calm during 21 people, including nine fighting in several years. “Jerusalem Day”. children, have been martyred The Sheikh Jarrah neigh- in fighting with Israel. The death bourhood in East Jerusalem has toll made it one of the bloodiest sections of the holy city in the also been a focal point of Pal- days of fighting in several years. 1967 Arab-Israeli war, violence estinian protests during the holy The Health Ministry did not erupted at the mosque, Islam’s month of Ramadan. Several provide a breakdown on the third most sacred site. Palestinian families face cause of deaths. At least seven The Palestinian Red eviction, under Israeli court members of one family, Crescent Society said more than order, from homes claimed by including three children, were 300 Palestinians were injured Jewish settlers in a long-running killed in an explosion in in clashes with police who fired legal case. northern Gaza whose origins rubber bullets, stun grenades In an effort to defuse ten- were unknown. and tear gas in the compound, sions, police changed the route The Isareli military said it which is also revered by Jews of a traditional Jerusalem Day struck a number of Hamas at the site of biblical temples. march, in which thousands of targets in response to continued The skirmishes, in which Israeli flag-waving Jewish youth rocket fire out of Gaza. The Gaza police said 21 officers were also Streaks of light are seen as Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from walk through the Old City. They health ministry said nine Pal- hurt, at Al Aqsa had died down the Gaza Strip towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, yesterday. entered through Jaffa Gate, estinians, including three by the 6pm (1500 GMT) deadline bypassing the Damascus Gate children, were killed “in a series Hamas had set. between Israel and Hamas in will pay a heavy price.” He said Hamas and the smaller outside the Muslim quarter, of strikes in northern Gaza”. “Israel will respond very the past, were in contact with Israel had carried out an air Islamic Jihad group claimed which has been a flashpoint in Rocket sirens sounded in forcefully. We will not tolerate the group’s leader Ismail strike in northern Gaza against responsibility for the rocket recent weeks. Jerusalem, in nearby towns and attacks on our territory, our Haniyah. Israeli Lieutenant- Hamas and was looking into attacks. “This is a message the Police rushed the marchers in communities near Gaza capital, our citizens and our sol- Colonel Jonathan Conricus said reports that children were enemy should understand well,” to cover at Jaffa Gate after the minutes after the expiry of an diers. Whoever strikes us will that yesterday, at least six of the killed. “We had multiple events said Abu Ubaida, a spokesman sirens went off. Israel views all ultimatum from the enclave’s pay a heavy price,” Prime Min- 45 rockets fired from Gaza were of rockets fired from Gaza for Hamas’s armed wing. of Jerusalem as its capital, ruling Hamas Islamist group ister Benjamin Netanyahu said launched towards Jerusalem’s falling short. This might be the The hostilities caught including the eastern part that demanding Israel stand down in a speech.. outskirts, where a house was same,” Conricus said. Netanyahu at an awkward time, it annexed after the 1967 war in forces in the al Aqsa mosque International efforts to stem hit. No casualties were reported. Along the fortified Gaza- as opponents negotiate the for- a move that has not won inter- compound and another flash- the violence appeared to have “We have started to attack Israeli border, a Palestinian mation of a governing coalition national recognition. Pales- point in the holy city. already begun. A Palestinian Hamas military targets,” Con- anti-tank missile fired from to unseat him after an incon- tinians want East Jerusalem to As Israel celebrated “Jeru- official told Reuters that Egypt, ricus said in a briefing to foreign the tiny coastal territory clusive March 23 election. be the capital of a state they salem Day” earlier on Monday, Qatar and the United Nations, reporters, putting no timeframe struck a civilian vehicle, For Hamas, some commen- seek in Gaza and the Israeli- marking its capture of eastern which have mediated truces on any Israeli offensive. “Hamas injuring one Israeli, he said. tators said, its challenge to occupied West Bank. Turkish Foreign Iran protests Iraq over raid on diplomatic site in Karbala Minister in Saudi

AP & REUTERS — BAGHDAD protesters set fire to trailers Similar scenes played out in should always welcome outcome of the talks, he said: Arabia for talks belonging to Iran’s consulate in November 2019 during protests removal of antagonism. We “We welcome resolving of the Iran’s foreign ministry said Karbala amid widespread anger in Baghdad and Iraq’s majority- hope to reach a meaningful issues that have existed REUTERS — RIYADH/ANKARA yesterday it “strongly condemns” over the killing of Ehab Wazni, Shiite provinces in the south. understanding on both bilateral between the two countries... We Iraq’s raid on Tehran’s consulate an activist who took part in The remarks came as Khat- relations and regional issues.” will use our best efforts in this Turkey’s foreign minister in Karbala over the killing of a anti-government protests that ibzadeh yesterday for the first- Meanwhile, Iran confirmed regard.” arrived in Saudi Arabia prominent activist. swept Iraq in October 2019. He time confirmed that a recent publicly for the first time yes- Ambassador Rayed Krimly, yesterday for official talks. Ministry spokesman Saeed was shot overnight Saturday talks between Iran and its terday that it is in talks with head of policy planning at Saudi Turkish officials had said Khatibzadeh told reporters that outside his home by unknown regional rival Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia, saying it would Arabia’s foreign ministry, last Foreign Minister Mevlut Iran late Sunday handed over a assailants. hosted by Iraq, the first public do what it could to resolve week said that talks between Cavusoglu’s visit could include “letter of protest” to the Iraqi Wazni’s death sparked recognition of Baghdad’s role issues between them. Saudi Arabia and Iran were talks on possible sales of embassy in Tehran and urged daylong protests in Karbala, as mediator. “De-escalation of tensions aimed at reducing regional ten- Turkish drones to Saudi the neighboring Arab nations with demonstrators blocking The talks with Saudi Arabia between the two Muslim coun- sions. He said it was too early to Arabia, which they said Riyadh to pursue the case under inter- roads and bridges with burning have focused on “both bilateral tries in the Gulf region is in the judge the outcome and Riyadh had requested. The current national conventions. tires. On Sunday night, dozens and regional” issues, said Khat- interest of both nations and the wanted to see “verifiable deeds”. violent clashes in Jerusalem “Iran strongly condemns of protesters gathered outside ibzadeh. “We have always wel- region,” foreign ministry The two countries cut diplomatic may also overshadow the attacks on its diplomatic sites the Iranian consulate, burning comed these talks at any level spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh ties in 2016. Middle East officials bilateral talks. in Iraq,” said Khatibzadeh in a tires in front of the building and and in any form.” said in a televised weekly news and sources said last month that “In Saudi Arabia to discuss weekly briefing in Tehran. setting fire to several trailers Khatibzadeh did not elab- conference. they had held two rounds of bilateral relations and A day earlier, Iraqi parked outside. orate on details but said, “We Iran was waiting for the talks. important regional issues, especially the attacks at the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Suicide bombing oppression against the Pales- Sudanese search for oxygen cylinders as virus infections swell tinian people,” Cavusoglu by Al Shabaab wrote on Twitter upon his group kills six REUTERS — KHARTOUM arrival in Saudi Arabia. Sudan is struggling to provide Saudi-led coalition REUTERS — MOGADISHU hospital beds, drugs and medical oxygen to COVID-19 intercepts armed A suicide bomber killed six patients hit by a third wave of police officers in front of a infections that is straining the drone fired at district police station in the country’s patchy healthcare Abha airport Somali capital Mogadishu late system beyond what it can cope on Sunday, police said, in an with. REUTERS — DOHA attack claimed by the al With a population of over Shabaab Islamist group. 40 million, Sudan has recorded The Saudi-led coalition “Six police officers 33,000 cases and over 2,600 fighting Houthi forces in including the commander of deaths since the start of the Yemen said yesterday it had the Waberi (district) police were pandemic, but officials say the intercepted and destroyed an confirmed dead and six others real numbers are likely to be explosive drone fired towards were injured in the blast,”Somali much higher given low rates of Abha airport in the south of police spokesman Major Sadiq testing. Saudi Arabia. Aden Ali Doodishe told a news In recent weeks, an acute A military spokesman for conference. Al Shabaab shortage of oxygen, partly due Yemen’s Houthis wrote on claimed responsibility for the to power cuts that impeded Twitter later on Monday that assault but said they had killed production at the country’s the group had hit an important five police personnel. main plant, has left hospitals military target at Saudi Ara- “Our target was to kill unable to provide adequate care bia’s Abha international airport police commanders and we to desperately ill COVID using a drone. killed five police (personnel) patients. The Iran-aligned Houthi including the commander of “My father passed away Workers prepare oxygen cylinders for coronavirus patients inside the Sudanese Liquid Gas Company group regularly fires drones and the Waberi police station,” Al due to the lack of an intensive in Khartoum, Sudan. missiles into Saudi Arabia. Shabaab’s military operations care bed with a ventilator,” said spokesman, said. The Al Khartoum resident Sayda pain from shortness of breath desperate pleas for help from ventilators are available in the Chad’s new leader Shabaab insurgency has Mahmoud, 34, crying as she for hours until he took his last relatives seeking beds, drugs country, a number that is battled since 2008 to over- recounted his last moments. breath while waiting in a gov- and oxygen cylinders for their nowhere near what would be visits Niger in first throw Somalia’s interna- “I saw him in front of me as ernment hospital,” she said. loved ones. needed to respond to the tionally-backed government. he was dying, suffering and in Social media is awash with Officials say about 300 current emergency. international trip

AP — NIAMEY, NIGER

South Africa: ANC threatens to further discipline suspended Magashule Chad’s new leader Gen. Mahamat Idriss Deby travelled REUTERS — JOHANNESBURG secretary-general of the party Ramaphosa is expected to seek Ramaphosa told the ANC’s apologise because he believes to Niger yesterday, making his over corruption charges. In a re-election. national executive yesterday what he did was legally correct. first international trip since the South Africa’s ruling African letter last week, Magashule Magashule is the most high- that Magashule had no mandate In an interview with the public military put him in charge last National Congress will further tried to retaliate by suspending profile politician to be charged to suspend him. He said broadcaster on Friday, month following the death of discipline top official Ace Ramaphosa, claiming he had with corruption since former Magashule’s deputy Jessie Magashule called the corruption his father. Deby arrived in Magashule if he does not apol- the authority to do so as sec- president Jacob Zuma, who is Duarte would act as secretary- charges against him flimsy and Niger’s capital, Niamey, where ogise for trying to retaliate retary-general. His attempt awaiting trial over an arms deal. general, a powerful post in said he was being treated he was greeted by Niger’s Prime against President Cyril failed. Ramaphosa has staked his charge of the day-to-day running unfairly. Magashule was sus- Minister Ouhoumoudou Maha- Ramaphosa for his suspension, The public spat has exposed reputation on cleaning up the of the ANC, while Magashule was pended in line with tougher madou and other dignitaries. the president said yesterday. a bitter power struggle in the ANC’s image and cracking away from his post. rules for ANC members charged The 37-year-old Chadian head Magashule, one of Ram- party of liberation hero Nelson down on corruption, but his Magashule has yet to with corruption and other of state is expected to meet with aphosa’s main ANC rivals, is Mandela, ahead of a leadership opponents accuse him of using respond to the comments. A serious crimes, agreed by the Niger’s new President Mohamed currently suspended as contest next year in which the crackdown to sideline them. close aide said he would not party’s executive in late March. Bazoum. TUESDAY 11 MAY 2021 ASIA 07

Pakistan reaffirms Malaysia announces support for Afghan one-month lockdown peace process AP — KUALA LUMPUR REUTERS — KABUL New virus cases have All of Malaysia will be placed exceeded 3,500 a day in The Pakistani army chief under a near lockdown for offered Islamabad’s support about a month to fight the coro- recent weeks, pushing for the Afghanistan peace navirus, but businesses will be Malaysia’s total tally up process in a meeting with allowed to continue to operate three-fold since January to President Ashraf Ghania in at reduced capacity, Prime over 444,000. Deaths Kabul yesterday amid growing Minister Muhyiddin Yassin have also surged to 1,700. violence as the United States announced yesterday. withdraws its troops. The lockdown, starting Britain’s chief of defence tomorrow (Wednesday) until worrying. Muhyiddin said all staff also attended the meeting. June 7, took the nation by sur- inter-district travel, sports and Pakistan is a key player in prise because restrictions on social events will be banned. He moves to resolve the conflict movement are already in place said Muslims cannot visit each between the Western-backed in many parts of the country, other or visit family graves as government and the Taliban A view shows traffic jam on a road heading towards Kuala Lumpur during lockdown ahead of the Eid including Kuala Lumpur and is customary during the Eid fes- insurgents. Al Fitr celebrations, in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, yesterday. the richest state of Selangor. tival. All education institutions Western powers have Muhyiddin said drastic will be shut, except kinder- acknowledged Islamabad's action was needed to battle a gartens and daycare centres. weeks, pushing Malaysia’s total capacity. “I wish to remind all emergency the government efforts to push the militant new aggressive outbreak before Dine-in service will not be tally up three-fold since January that the (outbreak) that we are imposed in January that only group to take part in peace it turns into a national catas- allowed in restaurants, and no to over 444,000. Deaths have currently facing is more involves the suspension of Par- talks. trophe. He said the emergence more than three people will be also surged to 1,700. aggressive and critical. We have liament. The emergency was Pakistani Army Chief of of new virus variants with allowed in private vehicles. Unlike the country’s first not won. God willing, we will widely seen as a political move Staff General Qamar Javed higher infection rates, con- Religious institutions can open national lockdown last year that beat this virus,” Muhyiddin said. by the embattled leader, whose Bajwa reiterated to Ghani that straints on the public health with limited numbers. halted most economic activities, The lockdown comes amid leadership is being challenged “a peaceful Afghanistan means system and public failure to New coronavirus cases have Muhyiddin said all businesses renewed calls by Muhyiddin’s by both the opposition and his a peaceful region in general observe health measures were exceeded 3,500 a day in recent can operate but at reduced critics to end a coronavirus allies. and a peaceful Pakistan in par- ticular,” a Pakistani military statement said. “We will always support Moon hopes to restart North Korean diplomacy with Biden ‘Afghan led-Afghan owned’ Peace Process based on AP — SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA In a nationally televised leader-to- five-year term is to end next mutual consensus of all stake- news conference, President leader summit. May, said he’ll focus on estab- holders,” it said. South Korea’s leader said Moon Jae-in said he welcomes Moon said lishing lasting peace on the General Bajwa was accom- yesterday he’ll use his upcoming the direction of the Biden when he meets Korean Peninsula during his panied by British Chief of summit with President Joe administration’s North Korea Biden for their final year in office. Defence Staff General Nicholas Biden to push to restart policy, which he said was first summit “I will not be pressed by Patrick Carter. Britain still has diplomacy with North Korea, finalised after consultations talks in Wash- time or become impatient troops in Afghanistan. saying that Biden favours a with South Korea. Moon said ington on May during the remainder of my In recent weeks, Pakistan diplomatic, phased approach to Biden’s North Korea policy aims 21, he’ll try to term. However, if there is an has been negotiating with the resolve the North Korean to achieve “the Korean Penin- bolster the opportunity to restart the clock insurgents to try to get them nuclear crisis. sula’s complete denucleari- bilateral mil- of peace and advance the peace to commit to a ceasefire, The White House recently sation through diplomacy with itary alliance, process on the Korean Taliban and diplomatic said officials completed a a flexible, gradual and practical boost policy Peninsula, I will do everything sources have told Reuters. review of North Korea policy approach.” The Biden admin- coordination I can,” Moon said. “I look South Korean President Moon Jae-in delivers his and suggested the Biden admin- istration hasn’t disclosed details on North forward to North Korea speech during a news conference at the Presidential istration would seek a middle of its North Korea policy review. Korea and find responding positively.” Taliban announce ground between Donald But administration officials Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, yesterday. ways to Moon once shuttled Trump’s “grand bargain” and have signalled they are trying resume stalled between Pyongyang and Wash- 3-day ceasefire Barack Obama’s “strategic to set the stage for incremental actions, including sanctions talks between Washington and ington to facilitate the now- patience” approaches as a way progress, in which denucleari- relief, rather than a Trump-style Pyongyang and between Seoul dormant nuclear diplomacy for Eid holiday to curb the North’s nuclear sation steps by the North would push for an immediate, com- and Pyongyang. between North Korean leader ambitions. be met with corresponding prehensive deal through a Moon, whose single Kim Jong Un and Trump. AP — KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

Afghanistan’s Taliban China defends yesterday announced a three- India: COVID-19 cases stay close to record highs day cease-fire for the Eid Al handling of falling Fitr holiday this week marking REUTERS — NEW DELHI cinemas, restaurants, pubs and the end of Ramadan. rocket debris shopping malls. The cease-fire would begin AP — BEIJING Indian coronavirus infections But pressure is mounting on on either Wednesday or and deaths held close to record Modi to announce a nationwide Thursday, depending on the China’s government defended daily highs yesterday, lockdown as he did during the sighting of the new moon. its handling of a rocket booster increasing calls for the first wave of infections last year. Just hours after the that burned up over the Indian government of Prime Minister He is battling criticism for pending cease-fire was Ocean and said yesterday it Narendra Modi to lock down allowing huge gatherings at a announced, a bus in southern was unfairly being held to the world’s second-most religious festival and holding Zabul province struck a different standards than the US populous country. large election rallies during the roadside mine killing 11 and other space programmes. The 366,161 new infections past two months even as cases people, said Interior Ministry The administrator of the and 3,754 deaths reported by surged. “A failure of governance spokesman Tariq Arian. At American space agency and the health ministry were off a of epic and historic propor- least 24 more people on the others accused Beijing of little from recent peaks, taking tions,” Vipin Narang, a political bus were injured. acting recklessly by allowing India’s tally to 22.66 million science professor at the Massa- Taliban spokesman Suhail its rocket to fall to Earth seem- with 246,116 deaths as hospitals chusetts Institute of Technology Shaheen said Taliban fighters ingly uncontrolled on Sunday run out of oxygen and beds and (MIT) in the United States, said have been ordered to stop all Cryogenic tankers carrying liquid oxygen are seen onboard a train after carrying a space station morgues and crematoria on Twitter. offensives, “to provide a after reaching a railway station, in New Delhi, India, yesterday. into orbit. overflow. Experts have said Sonia Gandhi, the chief of peaceful and secure atmos- The Chinese space agency India’s actual figures could be the main opposition Congress phere to our compatriots... so said most of the 30-metre far higher than reported. party, blamed the government over 34.8 million, or about 2.5%, at this hour is to save lives,” he that they may celebrate this (100-foot) -long main stage of Sunday’s 1.47 million tests for abdicating its responsibility of a population of about 1.35 said in a televised address. joyous occasion with a greater the Long March 5B rocket for COVID-19 were this month’s by leaving vaccinations to billion, government data shows. Late on Sunday, the peace of mind.” burned up above the lowest yet, data from the state- states, Reuters partner ANI said New Delhi entered a fourth northern state of Uttarakhand The cease-fire Maldives. run Indian Council of Medical on Twitter. week of lockdown, with tougher said it would impose curfew announcement comes amid “China has been closely Research showed. The figure Delhi’s health minister said curbs such as the shutdown of from Tuesday until May 18, just heightened violence in the tracking its trajectory and compared with a daily average the city was running out of vac- the suburban rail network, days after mass religious gath- country and follows a brutal issued statements on the re- of 1.7 million for the first eight cines, with just three to four while residents scrambled for erings held in the state became attack on a girls’ school on Sat- entry situation in advance,” days of May. days of supplies remaining of scarce hospital beds and oxygen virus super spreading events. urday that killed as many 60 Foreign Ministry spokesperson The number of positive AstraZeneca, made by the supplies. “This is not the time Shops selling essential food people, most of them students Hua Chunying said. “There has results from the tests was not Serum Institute of India and to be lenient,” Delhi chief min- items will stay open for some between 11-15 years old. The been no report of harm on the immediately clear, however. branded Covishield, the NDTV ister Arvind Kejriwal said on hours in the morning, while death toll from the three ground. China also shares the Many states have imposed news channel reported. Sunday. malls, gyms, theatres, bars and explosions continues to climb. results of re-entry predictions strict lockdowns over the last By yesterday, the world’s “This phase is so tough, this liquor shops are among the The Taliban denied any through international cooper- month while others have placed largest vaccine-producing wave is so dangerous, so many enterprises that will be shut, the responsibility and condemned ation mechanisms.” The rocket curbs on movement and shut nation had fully vaccinated just people are dying...the priority government said. the attack. carried the main section of the Tianhe, or Heavenly Harmony, space station into orbit on April 29. China plans 10 more Nepal PM loses confidence launches to complete con- struction of the station. vote amid surging pandemic Booster rockets usually fall back to Earth soon after REUTERS — KATHMANDU Oli has been rejected,” Sapkota takeoff. China’s space agency said at the end of the counting of hasn’t said why the Long Nepali Prime Minister K.P. ballots. March was sent temporarily Sharma Oli lost a confidence vote The head of the main Maoist into orbit. Hua, the Chinese in parliament yesterday, the group, who goes by his nom de spokesperson, complained speaker said, pitching the country guerre of Prachanda, accused the that Beijing was being treated into political turmoil at a time 69-year-old premier of sidelining unfairly. She pointed to the when it is battling a major second party leaders, ignoring collective reaction to debris from a wave of coronavirus infections. decision-making and under- rocket launched by US aero- Oli’s moderate communist mining the role of parliament. space company SpaceX that party split from former Maoist Oli has been criticised by fell to Earth in Washington and rebels in March after differences opponents and on social media on the Oregon coast in March. cropped up over its power- for playing down the risk of the “American media used sharing deal, wiping out their pandemic and asking citizens to romantic rhetoric like ‘shooting governing majority. “wash the virus down” the throat stars lighting up the night sky,’” Political parties will now try by drinking a solution of hot she said. “But when it comes to to cobble together a new ruling water, guava leaves and turmeric the Chinese side, it’s a com- coalition. power. pletely different approach.” Parliament speaker Agni Nepal on Monday reported a “We are willing to work with Sapkota said that of 232 law- new 24-hour tally of 9,127 infec- other countries including the Bangladesh Eid travel rush makers present, 93 voted in tions, 27 times the number US to strengthen cooperation favour of Oli while 124 were recorded on April 10. The total People pack an overcrowded ferry to get home for Eid Al Fitr celebrations after the government in the use of outer space, but against him and 15 did not vote. caseload stands at 403,794, with imposed COVID-19 restrictions on long-route public transport in Munshiganj, Bangladesh, yesterday. we also oppose double “The confidence vote sought 3,859 deaths, according to gov- standards on this issue.” by Prime Minister K.P. Sharma ernment data. 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 11 MAY 2021 Why American politicians cannot Established in 1996 CHAIRMAN say the words ‘Israeli apartheid’ DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED MARIAM BARGHOUTI [email protected] Over the past few weeks, as DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR the Israeli colonial forces MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI escalated their brutal violence [email protected] against the Palestinians of occupied Jerusalem, many hoped for some kind of a sharp reaction from the new Biden administration. EDITORIAL But that did not come. Instead, we once again heard about how “deeply con- A welcome move cerned” the US State Department is about “uni- IN a welcome move, Qatar has decided to gradually lateral steps that exacerbate lift restrictions in several stages to ensure that a third tensions” and that both Israeli wave of the virus does not occur. Over 1.8 million and Palestinian officials need Jordanians demonstrate to express solidarity with the Palestinian people, near the Israeli embassy vaccine doses have been administered since the start “to act decisively to de- in Amman, yesterday. of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Program. escalate tensions”. Citizens and residents are being urged to take the Some Palestinians also the Israeli occupation of Pal- very much like Israel: in both should also reflect on our own vaccines to facilitate the lifting of restrictions that will expected more from the “pro- estinian lands. Yet, the countries, your rights and perceptions and expectations begin in four phases, each lasting three weeks, from gressive” members of the US problem here is not just what opportunities are inescapably as Palestinians. Why is it that May 28. The second phase will start on June 18, the legislature. But they too they say but also why they decided by your racial or we still cling on to a hope of third on July 9, and the fourth on July 30. The Ministry dressed their words in euphe- feel compelled to say it. ethnic background. hearing something different of Public Health has established a unit to schedule misms. Representative André This is the language that Challenging this hege- from American politicians vaccination appointments to support lifting Carson tweeted that he is has long been entrenched and monic language means chal- after all these years of staunch restrictions. “extremely dismayed by engineered by the powerful lenging head-on the whole pro-Israel US foreign policy? Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of the National Health Israel’s efforts to forcefully Israeli Lobby in the US to political system and its power Why is it that the US still holds Strategic Group on COVID-19 and Head of Infectious evict Palestinians from their whitewash the Palestinian structures. And for a member some kind of importance for Diseases at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), said: homes”. Representative Marie reality by presenting the Israeli of Congress, that is a dan- us? The fact that Palestinian “Unlike last year, we will be able to make more freedoms Newman called on the State apartheid and colonialism as gerous proposition. politicians still care so much available to those people who are vaccinated where Department to “immediately an issue of “conflict resolution We have to recognise that about what American politi- they will enjoy certain privileges before others.” condemn these violations of and mediation”. By focusing while some members of Con- cians and other public figures Dr. Al Khal explained that a new research study in international law”. Repre- on “peace” as a matter of gress have progressive views, say about Palestine shows Qatar showed that the two-dose vaccination, 14 days sentative Mark Pocan co- negotiation between two sides they run and get elected to that they still see the US as the after receiving the second dose, is 89.5 percent effective authored a letter with others, engaged in a “conflict”, this first and foremost serve their legitimate broker for peace, in preventing infection with the British strain, and by expressing “deep concern rhetoric obscures the communities, where they which it has repeatedly 75 percent in preventing infection with the South African about Israel’s imminent plan imbalance of power between focus their energies on proven it is not. They still hold strain. He said the study concluded that vaccination to forcibly displace nearly the occupier and the occupied American domestic issues. A on to old promises the US has was 97.4 percent effective in preventing severe or 2,000 Palestinians”. and muffles Palestinians calls statement on Israel deemed broken many times. critical illness or death in these two strains and added And for her part, Repre- for justice for Israeli coloni- “problematic” by their party The Oslo Accords – the the Indian variant of the coronavirus has not been sentative Alexandria Ocasio- sation and crimes. establishment could close a much-taunted “success” of US detected in Qatar. Cortez called the Israeli army’s The fact that American lot of doors for them and diplomacy – were unviable “These statistics and results give us optimism about actions “inhumane” and said politicians across the prevent them from fulfilling from the start because the the ability to return to normal life after vaccinating the “the US must show more lead- spectrum feel compelled to their obligations to their com- treaties were written in the majority of the population eligible for vaccination in ership in safeguarding Pales- use this language reflects not munities. It can also mean American political language – Qatar, stressing that the vaccine has proven to be very tinian rights”. Just a month only the significant influence losing their elected office. ie, in the language of racial safe, including for people who are allergic to some ago, in an interview with the Israeli Lobby enjoys in the One just has to look at the hierarchies, not of justice. Yet medicines, food or other vaccines,” he added. Rabbi Michael Miller, head of US, but also the structural backlash New York-based Palestinian politicians remain Precautionary measures, including wearing a mask the Jewish Community Rela- racism of US society and gov- Human Rights Watch is expe- faithfully committed to these and maintaining physical and social distancing, avoiding tions Council of New York, the ernment. In other words, the riencing for publishing last tragic agreements, which have crowded places, and getting the vaccine at the “progressive” congresswoman hesitation to show support month a report calling the only further entrenched Pales- scheduled times, and acting responsibly will prevent also talked about “valuing a towards the Palestinian cause Israeli oppression of the Pal- tinian dispossession and the number of infected people from rising again. process where all parties are is also rooted in the inability estinians what it is – strengthened the Israeli mil- Qatar is vaccinating its citizens and residents with respected” and building “a of American politics to sin- apartheid. The American itary occupation. More than Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. Both vac- path to peace”. cerely acknowledge the white Jewish Committee said its this, the accords also maimed cines have shown high levels of safety and efficacy. Conspicuously absent supremacy, racialised hierar- arguments “border on our own political language, The State has ramped up its vaccination drive by from all these statements are chies and socioeconomic dis- antisemitism”, while the which – in a similar fashion to opening more centers including the drive-through words that objectively assess crimination it reinforces and International Legal Forum the US – is used to obscure the centers. the situation in Palestine, such protects on American soil. called it “anti-Semitic” “blood reality of Palestinian The fight against COVID-19 has proved that Qatar’s as “occupation”, “apartheid”, American politics cannot libel”. It is such attacks that oppression. It is used to cover healthcare system has the efficiency to respond to a “settler-colonialism”, and truly embrace the values of American politicians fear. up the despotism of Fatah and pandemic. Over the years, Qatar has made significant “ethnic cleansing”. justice, accountability and Their complacency is disap- Hamas, which put maintaining investments in healthcare infrastructure, as well as It is disappointing, equality – which are part of pointing but it is a reflection their regimes above the interest promoting a comprehensive approach for the well although not surprising at all, the Palestinian and other pro- of the US political reality. of the Palestinian people. being of all. that American politicians gressive struggles – because it But while condemning Barghouti is a Palestinian choose to use such language is crafted to feed white priv- such obfuscating rhetoric American writer based in that obfuscates the reality of ilege. And in that, the US is from American politicians, we Ramallah. Futuristic computer game hopes to be tonic for climate change anxiety D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] KIM HARRISBERG — REUTERS “This is a game for eve- 1.6 million student protesters innovations that can help ryone, but particularly for calling on their governments restore order or trigger EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758 It is the year 2050, the planet climate nihilistic Gen Z’s who to urgently tackle climate anarchy. is warming up, meals come know about climate change change in March 2019. “Play can be an incredibly MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 from nutritional food packs and feel hopeless and frus- While the U.N. Climate powerful way to engage people and dozens of new zoonotic trated at the inaction they are Change Conference (COP26) and it isn’t didactic, it doesn’t DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 viruses are spreading. As the seeing,” said Samantha due to take place in aim to tell you facts and things editor of an influential news- Beckbessinger, an author and November could accelerate to do, it lets you play and LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 paper, how would you try to game creator. moves by the world’s biggest explore,” Beckbessinger said. BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 shape public opinion? This is “We wanted to engage polluters to reduce climate At the end of the game, players one of the scenarios encoun- them with a sense of hope- risks, Survive the Century’s are directed to a climate organ- SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 tered by players of an online fulness that the future is long creators wanted to bring isation near them. game launched on Monday, and there are a lot of choices ordinary people into the Trisos has already been ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 which uses humour and inter- ahead of us,” she told the debate too. approached by high schools email: [email protected] active decision-making to Thomson Reuters Foundation “We’re used to the nar- and universities interested in PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 encourage people to think in a video call. rative: don’t eat beef, don’t fly using the game as part of their email: [email protected] about the future of climate Climate anxiety - so much and those are the curriculum. change, and what they can do including panic attacks, choices you can make on “Climate change is made MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 about it. insomnia, and obsessive climate change, but this game and experienced by people,” email: [email protected] Survive the Century is the thinking - linked to worry puts you in a different said Simon Nicholson, project work of scientists, economists about the threat of environ- position,” said Christopher lead and an associate pro- ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 and writers around the world mental disaster, has become Trisos, project lead and an fessor at the Washington- FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] brought together by U.S.- more common in young environmental scientist. based American University. CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 based research group the people, according to The The game takes players “How the future will play email: [email protected] National Socio-Environmental Lancet medical journal. through different decision- out is going to be shaped by Synthesis Center (SESYNC), This is partly linked to making scenarios, based on choices taken by people SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 and lets players navigate the youth being at the forefront of science, from vaccine roll- today, and tomorrow, and the FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] future from 2021 to 2100. climate protests, with about outs to funding technological day after.”

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar The fact that over this weekend, we have witnessed again, migrant arrivals through the central /Peninsula_Qatar Mediterranean is further proof that ... Europe needs predictable mechanisms to deal with these matters. /ThePeninsulaNewspaper Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees +974 6698 6188 TUESDAY 11 MAY 2021 EUROPE 09 French court dismisses ‘Agent Orange’ lawsuit

AP — PARIS A French-Vietnamese defoliate Vietnamese jungles and to destroy Viet Cong crops A French court yesterday woman sued during the war. dismissed the case of a French- producers of defoliant “I was hoping the crimes Vietnamese woman who sued would be recognised,” Tran 14 companies that produced dioxin Agent Orange said. “I was hoping those who and sold the powerful defoliant for damage to health. hurt the humankind would dioxin Agent Orange used by US have the courage to recognize troops during the Vietnam War, what they did before we could, her lawyers said. multinational companies Dow together, talk about how we The judicial court of Evry, a Chemical and Monsanto, now might help the victims.” Paris suburb, ruled that the case owned by German giant Bayer. “The pain and the suffering fell outside its jurisdiction as the She is seeking damages for is the same for everyone. defendants said they acted her multiple health problems, There’s no difference between under the constraint of the US including cancer, and those of the victims, whether they’re government in wartime. her children. American or Filipino, Korean, Tran To Nga, a 79-year-old Her lawyers said they will Australian,” she added. former journalist, told the AP argue at the appeal court that So far only military veterans she will appeal the decision. the companies were not from the US and other coun- Migrants, wrapped in emergency thermal blankets, walk after arriving by the hundreds on the southern Tran said she had prepared for coerced into producing Agent tries involved in the war have island of Lampedusa, Italy, on Sunday. what she described as the Orange. They also said they won compensation. The justice worst-case scenario but the hoped that their client’s health system in France allows citizens decision still puzzled her. will allow her to continue her to sue over events that took “Frankly, I’ve been fighting struggle until the end of the place abroad. UN says Europe needs more efficient for 10 years and the trial took judicial process. Between 1962 and 1971, the 6 years (before taking place). Bayer said in a statement “it US military sprayed roughly 11 How is it that during those 6 has been well-established by million gallons of the chemical mechanisms to handle migrant arrivals years, they didn’t say that my courts for many years that agent across large swaths of complaint was not eligible?” wartime contractors ... oper- southern Vietnam. Dioxin stays REUTERS & AP — BRUSSELS backs of would-be migrants last miles to port early yes- she asked. ating at the behest of the US in the soil and in the sediment that are happening at external terday by Italian coast guard or Tran described in a book government, are not respon- of lakes and rivers for genera- Europe could easily manage borders of the European Union custom police vessels. The 635 how she breathed Agent Orange sible for the alleged damage tions. It can enter the food hundreds of migrants arriving should be stopped. latest arrivals followed more in 1966, when she was a claims associated with the gov- supply through the fat of fish on its shores if it had more Grandi said he agreed with than 1,400 who arrived on member of the Vietnamese ernment’s use of such product and other animals. predictable state-led systems European Commissioner for Sunday. Communists, or Viet Cong, that during wartime.” Vietnam says as many as 4 to deal with such matters, the Home Affairs Ylva Johansson Many migrants slept on the fought against South Vietnam Backed by a group of NGOs, million citizens were exposed UN’s refugees chief said, that Europe needs a mechanism dock after Lampedusa’s and the United States. Tran’s legal action also aims at to the herbicide and as many as pointing to the arrival of that balances “proper arrival migrant housing centre, which She filed a lawsuit in 2014 gaining better recognition of 3 million have suffered illnesses hundreds on Italy’s Lampedusa arrangements with solidarity had been empty until Sunday, in France against firms that civilian victims and the damage from it, including the children island at the weekend. through relocation”. rapidly surpassed its 200-plus produced and sold Agent done to the environment. US of people exposed during the “The fact that over this “I personally think that this capacity. Hundreds more were Orange, including US forces used Agent Orange to war. weekend, we have witnessed is the least that Europe could being transferred to an unused again, arrivals through the put in place”, he said. “We also passenger ferry offshore for central Mediterranean is further need ... a good, efficient and fair, quarantine until they can be French serial Putin: 21.5 million vaccinated proof that ... Europe needs pre- right space, but nevertheless tested for COVID-19. Another dictable mechanisms to deal fair mechanism of return to commercial passenger ship was killer dies at 79 in Russia against coronavirus with these matters,” said Filippo their countries of those that are being dispatched to Lampedusa Grandi, Commissioner of the not recognised as refugees.” to take on some more. AP — PARIS United Nations High Commis- Several hundred more “The situation on REUTERS — MOSCOW shared on the Kremlin website, sioner for Refugees. migrants reached a tiny Italian Lampedusa is literally A French serial killer adding that the number of daily “Yes, there were several island before dawn yesterday, explosive,said a police union sentenced twice to life impris- President Vladimir Putin said cases was holding steady. boats coming but we’re talking swelling to past 2,100 the official,” Domenico Pianese, in onment for the murder of eight yesterday that 21.5 million Putin also said he tested his about manageable numbers: number of arrivals in around a statement which noted that women has died Monday at 79, Russians — about 15 percent of own levels of protective anti- through a rational and agreed 24 hours and fueling calls from some 2,150 migrants had the Paris prosecutor said. the population — had now been bodies on Sunday, after being mechanism this would be very across the political spectrum for stepped ashore on the island Michel Fourniret, one of vaccinated against COVID-19 vaccinated over a month ago, manageable, in our opinion,” he the Italian government to since before dawn on Sunday. France’s most notorious serial and urged all to follow suit. and that results were good. told a news conference with EU’s strengthen its migration ”If we have another day like yes- killers, died in a secure unit of “We need to actively con- Russia reported 8,465 new home affairs commissioner. policies. terday, with an incessant suc- a Paris hospital, prosecutor tinue getting tested (for coro- coronavirus cases in the last 24 He said a system is needed Italian state radio said four cession of disembarking, it won’t Remy Heitz said in a statement. navirus) and getting vacci- hours yesterday, taking the for disembarkation and relo- boats arrived at Lampedusa be possible to manage public Arrested in 2003 in nated,” he said in comments national tally to 4,888,727. cation of migrants, and push island after being escorted the and health safety,” he said. Belgium, Fourniret was con- victed to life in prison in 2008 for the murder and the rape or attempted rape of seven EU may begin Albania entry female teenagers and young women. The crimes were talks without N Macedonia committed in France and Belgium between from 1987 BLOOMBERG — TIRANA There is no more time to lose.” to 2001. Bulgaria continues to block Fourniret’s wife, Monique The European Union may North Macedonia’s path to the Olivier, received a life sen- change tack in its plan to EU over the name of its lan- tence as an accomplice in expand in the western Balkans guage, among other objections. several of the cases. and start entry talks with A final decision must be agreed- Ten years later, he was Albania only as North Macedo- on by all member states, some convicted again to life impris- nia’s efforts remain blocked by of which in the past have argued onment for the murder of the another member state. against decoupling the two companion of a former EU foreign ministers are candidates. cellmate, who had disappeared expected to discuss the situ- If only Albania advances, in 1988. The same year, he con- ation in the western Balkans as North Macedonia’s perception fessed two other murders. they meet in Brussels. of being stuck in a limbo is likely In 2019, Fourniret was Accession talks with the two to deepen. That would com- charged in the case of Estelle candidates were expected to plicate matters for the ruling Mouzin, a 9 year-old girl who start as early as next month. coalition in Skopje that has disappeared in 2003 as she “Our goal remains staked its credibility and political was coming back from school unchanged: We’d like to start future on the EU accession goal. in Guermantes, a small town accession talks with Albania and “We’re ready for talks and east of Paris. In March last North Macedonia,” EU we believe there should be year, Paris prosecutor said Enlargement Commissioner another attempt” to unblock Fourniret confessed to the Oliver Varhelyi told Hungarian negotiations, Zoran Zaev, North murder of Mouzin. daily Magyar Nemzet yesterday. Macedonia’s prime minister, Olivier, who divorced him “If we can’t solve the North said. “But our colleagues in Bul- in 2010, has accused Fourniret Colour exhibition Macedonia issue, then we must garia and everyone in the EU of several other murders in think about starting with should know that we will Professor Andrew Parker posing for a photograph among examples of his invention “Pure Structural which he was suspected of Albania alone. We must make neither discuss nor negotiate Colour” at the Naturally Brilliant Colour exhibition at Kew Gardens, in London, Britain, on Thursday. being involved. progress with enlargement. about our identity.” Missing doctor who treated Blame game in Spain after street parties break out Navalny reappears after 3 days REUTERS — MADRID cases police moved in to break them has to individually ask courts to up and fine some individuals. approve any restrictions they see as REUTERS — MOSCOW precaution, RIA cited the authorities The Spanish government and oppo- “The absolute irresponsibility of the necessary for their territory. And the as saying. sition blamed each other yesterday government of Sanchez costs lives,” government said regions had the A Siberian doctor who treated Murakhovsky was head doctor at after crowds of mostly maskless youths said Pablo Casado, leader of the con- option of asking for a state of emer- poisoned Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny the hospital in the Siberian city of partied in the streets of Madrid and servative People’s Party, added that gency to be reinstated locally if needed. last year reappeared yesterday after Omsk that treated Navalny, President Barcelona when a state of emergency the opposition wanted a new law that “... no one is giving up on their being reported missing while on a Vladimir Putin’s most prominent critic, imposed to curb the pandemic ended would allow regions to maintain responsibilities or abandoning regional hunting trip, Russian news agencies after he collapsed on a flight last year. at the weekend. restrictions. governments,” Justice Minister Juan cited the regional government as After tense negotiations with the Imposed last October amid an For its part, the government Carlos Campo said in an op-ed in El saying. authorities, Navalny was airlifted to alarming second wave of infections, blamed the opposition, including con- Pais, hitting back at critics and saying A search was launched in the Germany from Omsk for further the state of emergency allowed the servative leader of the Madrid region, a nationwide state of emergency was forests of the Omsk region, about treatment. temporary suspension of some civil Isabel Diaz Ayuso, who has just won not necessary anymore. 2,200km east of Moscow, after phy- Laboratory tests in three European liberties, including a nationwide re-election thanks in part to a rela- Meanwhile, medics voiced concern sician Alexander Murakhovsky left a countries, confirmed by the global curfew and local travel bans. tively relaxed approach to coronavirus that such celebrations could set the forest hunting base in an all-terrain chemical weapons watchdog, estab- Its expiry, partly because the restrictions. country back after more than a year vehicle on Friday. lished that Navalny had been poisoned minority government of Socialist Prime “When you spend months and fighting a disease that has at times Murakhovsky exited the forest with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve Minister Pedro Sanchez would struggle months and months sowing false overwhelmed Spain’s health system. himself and made contact with resi- agent. to win a majority in parliament to freedom in the citizenry ... that’s what Spain has reported close to 79,000 dents of the village of Basly, RIA news The Kremlin has repeatedly prolong it, spurred celebrations as well you get,” senior government official deaths from COVID-19 and more than agency quoted the Omsk regional gov- rejected any suggestion that Russian as concerns that such behaviour could Mercedes Gonzalez told Cadena Ser 3.5 million cases since the beginning ernment as saying. authorities tried to kill Navalny. Upon lead to another spike in cases. radio, referring to maskless partying of the pandemic. But the number of He was in “normal condition” his return to Russia in February, he Crowds of several hundred people in the streets of Madrid. cases per 100,000 people over 14 days though was being examined at was jailed on what he said were breached rules on social distancing and Now that the state of emergency has fallen to 199, from 523 in Bolsheukovsky District Hospital as a trumped up charges. mask wearing in public, and in some has expired, each of Spain’s 17 regions mid-January. 10 AMERICAS TUESDAY 11 MAY 2021

Man charged Watchdog: Capitol with using COVID-19 loans Police deficient at to buy Ferrari monitoring threats AP — IRVINE, CALIFORNIA A Southern California man has AP — WASHINGTON pleaded not guilty to charges The rioters were hunting he obtained $5m in federal The Capitol Police force was for lawmakers, calling out coronavirus-relief loans for hobbled by inadequate intelli- House Speaker Nancy phony businesses and then gence gathering ahead of the Pelosi and then-vice- used the money for lavish January 6 siege, the depart- president Mike Pence by vacations and to buy a Ferrari, ment’s watchdog told Congress Bentley and Lamborghini, yesterday, alarming lawmakers name as they roamed the prosecutors said yesterday. who are concerned for their building and members fled Mustafa Qadiri, 38, was own safety amid rising threats the House and Senate. In a arrested last week on sus- against members of Congress. statement Friday, the picion of scheming to defraud Capitol Police Inspector Capitol Police said that the Paycheck Protection General Michael Bolton tes- there has been a 107% Program, which was imple- tified in the first of three House mented last year to help small hearings this week on what increase in threats against businesses struggling during went wrong during the January members of Congress this Blinken meets Jordanian counterpart the COVID-19 pandemic. 6 insurrection. Lawmakers are year compared to 2020. Qadiri, of Irvine, pleaded investigating the riots as they US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (right), and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi attend not guilty on Friday to multiple contemplate overhauling a news conference at the State Department in Washington, US, yesterday. Safadi urged the United charges including bank fraud, security, and Bolton has recom- dedicated to assessing threats. States to play a leadership role in reducing the violence in the Middle East. wire fraud, aggravated identity mended that the Capitol Police Bolton said there were multiple theft, and money laundering, create a new stand-alone deficiencies that led to a lack according to the US Attorney’s division that would gather intel- of communication and Office. Qadiri’s attorney, Bilal ligence about threats and protect guidance ahead of the siege. Top US House Republican sets A. Essayli, declined further members similar to the way the “A stand-alone entity, with comment. US Secret Service protects the a defined mission dedicated to Prosecutors said Qadiri president. countersurveillance activities vote for Cheney ouster tomorrow submitted fraudulent PPP loan Many lawmakers are in support of protecting the applications to three banks on receiving threats and worry for Congressional Community, REUTERS — WASHINGTON But other Republicans view behalf of four companies that their safety after the US Capitol would improve the Depart- the move to eject Cheney from didn’t actually exist. The appli- was so easily breached on ment’s ability to identify and The top Republican in the US her post as the latest sign of cations included altered bank January 6 by supporters of disrupt individuals or groups House of Representatives set Trump’s control of the party records, fake tax returns and then-president Donald Trump intent on engaging in illegal tomorrow for the chamber’s and warn it could ultimately false information about who wanted to overturn the activity directed at the Con- 212 Republican members to sink Republican hopes in 2022 employees, according to the election. The rioters were gressional Community and its vote on removing Donald by alienating swing voters indictment. hunting for lawmakers, calling legislative process,” the report Trump critic Liz Cheney including independents, Qadiri also used someone out House Speaker Nancy says, according to a summary (pictured), from her lead- women and suburbanites. else’s name, Social Security Pelosi and then-vice-president released by the House Admin- ership post, according to a Cheney is the daughter of number and signature to Mike Pence by name as they istration Committee ahead of media report yesterday. former Vice President Dick fraudulently apply for one of roamed the building and the hearing. Bolton has not The vote, announced by Cheney. the loans, prosecutors said. members fled the House and released the full report. House Republican leader Kevin “Expelling Liz Cheney from He received $5m in loans Senate. In a statement Friday, Bolton told the panel that McCarthy and reported by leadership won’t gain the GOP that investigators said he used the Capitol Police said that the Capitol Police is in the Punchbowl News, is likely to Conference as necessary to one additional voter, but it will to pay for trips, sports cars and there has been a 107% increase process of opening up two result in the ouster of Cheney, unify Republicans in the run-up cost us quite a few,” Republican personal expenses. in threats against members of regional offices so it can better who voted to impeach Trump to the 2022 congressional elec- Senator Mitt Romney said on Federal agents have seized Congress this year compared to protect lawmakers at home. in January and has repeatedly tions when they hope to reclaim Twitter yesterday, after coming the Ferrari, Bentley and Lam- 2020 and “provided the unique The department confirmed that criticized the former president’s control of the House. under fire himself for voting to borghini cars that Qadiri pur- threat environment we currently yesterday, saying they will be false claim that the 2020 “Each day spent relitigating convict Trump of inciting insur- chased, along with about $2 live in, the Department is con- opening up offices in San Fran- election was stolen. the past is one day less we have rection earlier this year. million from his bank fident the number of cases will cisco and Miami. “Having heard from so to seize the future,” he said. Trump was impeached in accounts, prosecutors said. continue to increase.” Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis, many of you in recent days, it’s Most Republican law- the House, and tried and US District Judge Josephine A new inspector general the top Republican on the com- clear that we need to make a makers, including McCarthy, acquitted in the Senate, after L. Staton scheduled a jury trial report, one of several Bolton is mittee, said he hopes they open change. As such, you should have sought to placate Trump, delivering a fiery January 6 for June 29. Qadiri was preparing in response to the up more offices around the anticipate a vote on recalling who continues to insist falsely speech to supporters, many of released on $100,000 bond. insurrection, said the country and prosecute more the Conference Chair this that he lost November’s election whom then stormed the US department “has experienced people who are making the Wednesday,” McCarthy said in because of widespread fraud, Capitol in a bid to block certi- Argentina confirms issues” because of the increase threats. He noted that he has the letter. a claim that has been shot down fication of his election loss to in threats over the last five received threats himself - a McCarthy cast Cheney’s in multiple courts as well as by Democrat Joe Biden. Five first cases of virus years and recommended the man was arrested in 2019 for expected removal as chair of state and federal election people including a police officer variants from India, force hire more agents who are threatening to shoot him. the House Republican officials. died in the melee. South Africa US unions file first trade labour complaint against Mexico REUTERS — BUENOS AIRES Argentina’s Health Ministry yesterday confirmed its first AP — MEXICO CITY Matamoros is. “I still cannot go union at a factory and install a Under the trade pact, remain about one-tenth of pre- cases of the more contagious to Tamaulipas, nor travel new one. In return for the Mexico agreed to reform its vailing U.S. rates. COVID-19 variants discovered US and Mexican unions abroad, nor live in any state charges being dropped, she had labour laws to guarantee secret- The Mexican government in India and South Africa in three yesterday filed the first labour other than Chihuahua,” Prieto to adhere to the unusual travel ballot votes on union represen- has promised to enforce the travellers returning to the South complaint against Mexico under said. restrictions. tation and contracts and the labour law reforms, but it has American country from Europe. the US-Mexico-Canada free Prieto said about 600 union Mexico’s old-guard unions right to organize freely. It also been a difficult fight with deeply The Indian variant of the trade pact. supporters have been fired from - often linked to the former requires that 40% to 45% of auto entrenched old-guard unions. coronavirus was detected in The complaint argues that the Matamoros plant in retali- governing party - signed thou- content be made by workers In April, a vote on whether two minors who returned from Mexico has not lived up to its ation for their fight to oust on sands of “protection” labour earning at least $16 per hour. to keep an old-guard union had Paris, while the South African pledge under the trade accord, old-guard union. contracts in the past, often If Mexico doesn’t comply to be postponed after the union variant was found in a 58-year- known as the USMCA, to guar- In a statement, Prieto said: before factories even opened. with the new rules, under the was caught apparently old passenger returning from antee workers the right to freely “We are fighting so that no one They guarantee employers USMCA it has agreed to dispute- destroying ballots at a General Spain, the ministry said in a organise and join the union of ever is afraid of freely electing labour peace and low wages, resolution panels, which could Motors plant in northern statement. their choice. the union they wish to represent but workers often couldn’t vote include banning a factory’s Mexico. The three passengers The complaint centers on them and to make history, in their contract negotiations or product from entering the Israel Cervantes, who helps arrived at Buenos Aires’ inter- the Tridonex auto parts ending several generations of for their union leaderships, United States. lead the Generating Movement national airport on April 24 and assembly plant in the Mexican modern slavery.” except by show-of-hands votes. When the old North campaign to get a new union at were quarantined in a hotel. border city of Matamoros where In 2019, Prieto led a historic The USMCA sought to stem American Free Trade the GM pickup truck and trans- “Since we began surveil- workers have been fighting to and largely successful battle for the flood of manufacturing jobs Agreement was approved in mission factories in the lance of genomic sequencing join a new union. higher wages in Matamoros, but moving to Mexico to take 1994, leaders promised it would northern city of Silao, said old- in travelers, we have identified The outside organiser of she was arrested for allegedly advantage of wages that amount boost Mexico’s wages, some- guard union officials had ‘priority’ variants in almost that union, lawyer Susana inciting a riot, threats and to a dollar or two an hour. The thing that never happened, in broken open ballot boxes, 50% of positive cases,” Analia Prieto, has been jailed, harassed coercion stemming from a Tridonex plant operates for a US part because of unrepre- destroyed “no” votes and Rearte, the ministry’s head of and prohibited from traveling protest at a local labour board company that moved part of its sentative unions. Average replaced them with ballots epidemiology and strategic to Tamaulipas, the state where that sought to revoke an existing manufacturing to Mexico. Mexican industrial wages marked “yes.” information, said. Vigilantes fight indigenous group in besieged Colombian city BLOOMBERG — BOGOTA discuss a plan to restore order the city on May 2 to support the in the nation’s third-largest city. anti-government protests, said Colombian President Ivan Anti-government protesters Yamir Adolfo Conejo, a delegate Duque flew to Cali in the middle have been blockading the from the Totoroez indigenous of the night after violent chaos highways into Cali for nearly community. roiled the city as vigilantes two weeks, causing shortages Indigenous people are clashed with anti-government of fuel and other basic goods, organising some of the protesters from indigenous and hurting local businesses. blockades around the city, ethnic groups. Cali residents opposed to while truckers, groups of small Indigenous leaders said uni- the protests, and frustrated by farmers, students, Afro- dentified shooters in civilian the authorities’ failure to lift the Colombian communities, labor clothes opened fire on buses on road blocks, have begun taking unionists and people from which they were traveling on a matters into their own hands, poor neighborhoods in Cali are highway south of the city on confronting demonstrators and manning others, Conejo said Sunday, leaving at least ten trying to remove the barriers in a phone interview from the people with gunshot wounds. themselves. city. There was also fighting in a The government pledged to The organizers will partially wealthy neighborhood in the deploy 10,000 police and 2,100 lift the barriers on Monday and south of the city. Authorities are troops to the region, to lift the Tuesday to allow food, gasoline still investigating the events. blockades and restore order, the and medical supplies to enter A burned car is seen on a street after clashes between indigenous people, police and civilians in the Duque said on Twitter that Defense Ministry said Monday. the city, he said. Ciudad Jardin neighbourhood in Cali, Colombia, yesterday. he held an emergency meeting Indigenous groups mainly Protests began across the with the mayor and security from the mountainous Andean nation last month over the gov- to curb its ballooning fiscal spending. But demonstrations unpopular plan was officials in the early hours to region south of Cali came into ernment’s attempt to raise taxes deficit and fund welfare have continued even after the withdrawn.