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Sheikh Joaan honours winners of 12th Qatar Qatar affirms commitment International Falconry & Hunting Festival to GCC unity at UN meeting

QNA — NEW YORK Qatar prioritizes the unity of the GCC and The State of Qatar affirmed its regaining cohesion among its people, Per- commitment to the unity of manent Representative of Qatar to the the GCC and the restoration of the cohesion of the peoples United Nations H E Ambassador Sheikha of the region, and its aspi- Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani said at a ration to achieve the people’s virtual meeting of the United Nations aspirations for greater soli- Security Council on conditions in the Middle darity, growth and stability, stressing that it continues to East, including the Palestinian issue. work sincerely towards creating the conditions for it and in the interest sought by its people and the peoples of Saif Al Thani, at a virtual Supreme Council of the Coop- the region as a whole. meeting of the United Nations eration Council for the Arab The State of Qatar reit- Security Council on conditions States of the Gulf (GCC) on erated its welcome of Al-Ula in the Middle East, including January 5, which Amir H H Declaration, and its com- the Palestinian issue. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al mitment to reducing tensions She said that Qatar prior- Thani participated in. and resolving crises through itizes the unity of the GCC She added that the summit dialogue in accordance with the and regaining cohesion came at a pivotal moment that principles of the peaceful set- among its people, as it looks built on the history of GCC, tlement of disputes. forward towards more growth Arab, and Islamic cooperation. President of Qatar Olympic Committee, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, yesterday honoured This came in the statement and stability, expressing The Ambassador noted that this winners of the 12th Qatar International Falconry & Hunting Festival (Marmi) at Sabkat Marmi in Sealine. delivered by Permanent Rep- Qatar’s welcoming of Al-Ula moment saw a triumph of pri- resentative of Qatar to the declaration that was oritizing the common good, and The festival was organised by Qatar Al Gannas Society under the patronage of H E Sheikh Joaan bin United Nations H E Ambas- announced on the sidelines of entrenched the principles of Hamad Al Thani. The field championship concluded yesterday with final contest of Hudad Al Tahadi sador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin the 41st session of the mutual respect. `P3 between 50 Shaheen falcons and pigeon (Zajil) of Abdullah Fakhro. Qatar Airways launches flights to Seattle HMC’s dermatology THE PENINSULA — DOHA Asia-Pacific, South Asia and the QA temporarily suspends bookings Middle East. services expanded Qatar Airways yesterday intro- Chargé d’Affaires of the US duced flights to Seattle (SEA) – from UAE over UK concerns Embassy in Doha, H E Ambas- FAZEENA SALEEM The Department provides allowing passengers travelling sador Greta C. Holtz, stated: “I THE PENINSULA the best medical service at from the Pacific Northwest THE PENINSULA — DOHA am honoured to celebrate the world-class standards with a even more flexible travel launch of Qatar Airways flights The Department of Derma- holistic approach to patients and options via the most connected Qatar Airways has announced a temporary suspension on to yet another US destination – tology and Venereology at the has seen a significant progress and Best Airport in the Middle accepting new bookings from UAE. operated on US-made Boeing Hamad Medical Corporation in the past four years with a 30% East, Hamad International “Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended acceptance of aircraft. This new route will open (HMC), as a centre-of-excel- increase in the total number of Airport (DOH). new bookings from UAE for the next 7 days due to UK gov- doors for more tourism, business, lence for skin care, provides patients seen across clinics at a Seattle marks the airline’s ernment concerns,” said a Twitter message. and education opportunities. new services, facilities, and reduced waiting time, Prof. eleventh US gateway, sur- In the same tweet, Qatar Airways stated that South Africa Opening this new route is just wide range of outpatient clinics Steinhoff told The Peninsula. passing the number of destina- and Rwanda are also temporarily suspended with exceptions one more indicator of the for all important subspecialties An experienced team of tions it operated in the US pre- including GCC nationals as well as resident permit holders growing ties between Qatar and in Qatar at an international dermatologists provides a high COVID-19. The four weekly returning to other GCC countries. Furthermore, Qatar Airways the United States in all respects.” standard, said a senior official. level of care and a wide range flights will be operated by Qatar also mentioned that “acceptance of previously booked pas- Qatar Airways Group Chief The new services at the of dermatology health services Airways’ state-of-the-art sengers will be dependent upon COVID-19 protocols and gov- Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, Department of Dermatology and annually for about 70,000 Boeing 777 featuring 42 seats in ernment permission to enter the country of their final said: “An international desti- Venereology include for example patients with mild to severe Business Class and 312 seats in destination.” nation renowned for innovation, laser treatments for medical skin conditions at Rumailah, Al Economy Class. “If you have a booking with Qatar Airways from the UAE, technology and natural beauty, indications, eczema, psoriasis, Wakra, Al Khor and Cuban Kicking off 2021 by please visit http://qatarairways.com for further information,” we are delighted to serve this vitiligo, hair fall, and many Hospital, said Prof. Steinhoff. expanding its West Coast foot- Qatar Airways stated in a separate tweet. increasingly important business others. For elderly with special “The Department of Der- print with inaugural fights to the and leisure market. And, as one needs virtual Geriatric-Derma- matology and Venereology has Emerald City comes as the airline of the top airports in the U.S., pas- tology (GeriDerm) and Homecare established clinics for 16 sub- continues rapidly rebuilding – As a leading global con- Passengers travelling to and from sengers will have an increased Dermatology (HomeDerm) specialities, clinics are open and expanding – its network nector, Qatar Airways currently Seattle can enjoy seamless con- number of convenient connec- clinics were established, said from 7am to 3pm with plans to across the globe. The new flights operates over 800 weekly flights nections via the Best Airport in tions when Alaska Airlines joins Chairman of the Dermatology open evening clinics. In all from Seattle follow last month’s to more than 120 destinations, the Middle East, Hamad Interna- the oneworld alliance on March Department and Director of the these clinics we aim to provide successful San Francisco (SFO) with plans to increase to over 130 tional airport with the widest 31st—including to Alaska, Dermatology Institute at HMC, the best care for our patients in to Doha launch. destinations by the end of March. network of destinations in Africa, Canada and Hawaii.” `P3 Prof. Martin Steinhoff. Qatar,” he added. `P3 Photography contest at horse festival

RAYNALD C RIVERA qa. Priority will be given to the first 30 THE PENINSULA Organisers said the competition registrations. A panel of judges who is open to all citizens and have expertise in photography will Photography enthusiasts in Qatar residents of Qatar. A participant select the winning photos, decision have the chance to showcase their may submit a maximum of six of which will be final. All rights to talent and win cash prizes in a the winning photos will be owned by competition being organised in line high-quality photos (JPEG - Katara and participants are not with Katara International Arabian TIFF) DPI 300 which must allowed to use the winning photos Horse Festival (KIAHF) which takes depict the beauty of the for other competitions. place next week. purebred Arabian horse taken The photo contest is one of the side Announcing the competition on at the venue of the festival. events of the inaugural KIAHF which its official social media accounts yes- will be held on Katara Beach from Feb- terday, the Cultural Village Foun- ruary 2 to 6 with a wide international dation (Katara) said KIAHF is inviting the participant must be clearly participation in one of the highest “amateur photographers to partic- included in all entries. No personal beauty contests for purebred Arabian ipate in the Best Photo competition information or watermark may be horses, with prizes worth QR13m. for purebred Arabian horses.” included in the photos and no major Katara is organising the Festival Cash prizes are at stake for top change may be made to the image; in cooperation with Qatar Equestrian three winners including QR20,000 only minor adjustments are per- Federation, Qatar Racing and Eques- for first place, QR15,000 for second mitted. The deadline for submission trian Club and Qatar Foundation. place and QR10,000 for third place. of entries is on February 7. The Festival will also include auc- Organisers said the competition In order to be allowed to take tions of purebred Arabian horses as is open to all citizens and residents of photos at the festival venue, partici- well as various educational and South Korean club arrives for FIFA Club World Cup Qatar. A participant may submit a pants must register which will give entertainment activities for equine maximum of six high-quality photos them permit to take pictures at the enthusiasts and the public. Players of South Korean club Ulsan Hyundai arriving at the Hamad International Airport (JPEG - TIFF) DPI 300 which must arena. The registration form is To ensure the safety of the par- in Doha yesterday ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup which kicks off on February depict the beauty of the purebred available in the media section of the ticipants and the masses, the Festival 4. The 2020 Asian Champions League winners will play their first match against Arabian horse taken at the venue of festival website: Kiahf.qa and the com- will be held amidst COVID-19 pre- CONCACAF title winners Tigres UANL on the opening day of the six-team tournament. the festival. pleted registration form shall be cautionary measures in coordination The name and phone number of emailed to photography@kiahf. with the Ministry of Public Health. 02 HOME SATURDAY 30 JANUARY 2021 Qatar Census 2020 vital for MoTC’s development plans

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Resolution in this regard. PRAYER “The Ministry seeks to TIMINGS The Ministry of Transport and provide a safe, efficient, and PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING Communications (MoTC) has environment-friendly said that Qatar Census 2020 transport system and an FAJR 04.58 am project, implemented by the advanced communication Planning and Statistics system that keep pace with the SUNRISE 06.18 am Authority, is one of the prom- rapid and advanced DHUHR 11.47 am inent national projects. technology. ASR 02.55 pm The Ministry said that Qatar “Here comes the influential Census 2020 aimed at and main role of the Census MAGHRIB 05.19 pm enhancing development plans aimed at creating a high- ISHA 06.49 pm and programmes, including the quality central data register Ministry’s programmes and that meets the needs of sus- plans, through mechanisms tainable development in that determine and evaluate accordance with a method- Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulwahid Al Hammadi prepares the availability of basic services ology that supports data to plant a tree with other officials at Ahmed Mansour Primary School for Boys in Legtaifiya. for households, population, quality,” added Shahdad. housing and establishments of Shahdhad further indicated various classifications, as well that the Ministry, through its as identifying and prioritizing ambitious programmes and Education Minister participates the areas in need of these initiatives, seeks to stimulate WEATHER services to look after them. economic development and TODAY On the occasion of the encourage entrepreneurship, in ‘Plant Million Tree’ initiative implementation of the last field as well as contribute to creating phase of Qatar Census 2020, a physically and digitally con- THE PENINSULA — DOHA the country. He stressed that the system that reduces pollution. Nour Ibrahim Shahdad, nected society. participation of the Ministry of In addition to encouraging Director of Public Relations and “Hence, the Census gains Minister of Education and Education and Higher Edu- students to plant trees and Communications Department great importance, as its results Higher Education H E Dr. cation (MOEHE) is driven by its increase the green space, the at the Ministry of Transport and are used in developing the 17oC 27oC Mohammad bin Abdulwahid Al commitment to promoting sus- MOEHE gets involved in various Communications, explained implementation plans for such Minimum Maximum Hammadi on Thursday took tainability, minimising pollution pollution control activities, that the Ministry’s plans and initiatives and programmes in Misty at places at first becomes part in a tree plantation event and creating a healthy envi- including beach cleaning projects for the development order to achieve Qatar National moderate temperature daytime with at Ahmed Mansour Primary ronment and a better life for campaigns. of the transport, communica- Vision 2030.” scattered clouds and blowing dust at School for Boys in Legtaifiya. everyone. The Ministry urged students tions and information tech- She added: “The Census is times, cold by night. The event was held under MOEHE contributed to the to participate in research com- nology sector require accurate a national achievement and a W ALRUWAIS : 16o → 27o ‘Plant Million Tree’ initiative of implementation of the National petitions on the environmental statistics and data on popu- strategic value that contributes W ALKHOR : 16o → 27o the Ministry of Municipality and Committee on Climate Change’s protection. lation, housing and to formulating sound policies Environment to increase the action plan by establishing Various campaigns have establishments. and decisions on which com- W DUKHAN : 14o → 26o greenery across the country. environmental awareness con- been organised by the Ministry This data will undoubtedly prehensive development plans WAKRAH 13o → 28o W : On this occasion, Dr. Al cepts into education curricula to rehabilitate and cultivate be provided by Qatar Census are based, aiming to build the W MESAIEED : 13o → 28o Hammadi commended the in all education stages, while green areas and grazing lands, 2020 implemented by the country and improve the cit- W ABUSAMRA : 12o → 28o efforts made by the MME to focusing on reducing carbon including Al Ghashamiya and Planning and Statistics izens’ economic level based on increase the green space across emissions and building an eco- Bakhila in Simaisma. Authority as per the Cabinet’s accurate real life data”.

HIGH TIDE 05:54 – 16:44 LOW TIDE 13:32 – 0:00 QFFD signs Contribution Agreement with Adaptation Fund THE PENINSULA — DOHA The new partnership “The partnership with the contribution to the Adaptation partnership with Qatar and between QFFD and the Adap- Adaptation Fund will help address Fund, Qatar is demonstrating its QFFD to address these chal- The Qatar Fund for Devel- tation Fund will focus on helping and combat climate change chal- leadership and commitment in lenges together,” said Mr. Ibila opment (QFFD) has signed an the most vulnerable countries lenges specifically related to LDCs supporting climate resilience Djibril, Adaptation Fund Board Visa applications unearmarked Contribution adapt and build resilience to and SIDS [and other vulnerable and adaptation through its Chair. Agreement with the Adaptation climate change and will be developing countries]. Such a ongoing partnerships with and The Adaptation Fund was for visiting Fund that will go towards strongly aligned with climate partnership will ensure concrete contributions to multilateral created in 2001 and launched in funding adaptation and resil- change integration guidelines adaptation activities that reduce climate funds. 2007 under the United Nations Pakistan to be ience programs for the most between both parties. the adverse effects of climate “This contribution to the Framework Convention on vulnerable countries to climate In addition to the Fund’s con- change facing communities, Fund will directly help improve Climate Change (UNFCCC) and processed online change. crete adaptation projects on the countries, and sectors. livelihoods of the most vul- formally serves the Paris Climate The new contribution aims ground, the partnership will “We look forward to nerable communities in devel- Change Agreement. To date it THE PENINSULA — DOHA to finance climate change adap- support the Fund’s actions to working together towards oping countries, including in has committed about US$ 783 tation projects in developing foster scaling up of effective capacity building, for preventive SIDS and LDCs, by financing million for climate change adap- The Embassy of Pakistan in countries that are particularly projects, and spreading learning measures, planning, prepar- tangible and effective adaptation tation and resilience projects Qatar has announced that in vulnerable to the adverse and knowledge and innovative edness and management of dis- actions on the ground. These and programmes, including 115 compliance with Government impacts of climate change, solutions in adaptation to help asters relating to climate countries are heavily impacted adaptation projects in the most of Pakistan decision, visa including those in least address the continued urgency of change,” said Khalifa bin Jassim by the COVID-19 pandemic, vulnerable communities of applications for visiting developed countries (LDCs) and climate change and build broader Al-Kuwari, Director General for while also dealing with the developing countries around the Pakistan will henceforth be small island developing states resilience in the face of the the Qatar Fund for Devel- impacts of climate change. We world with over 9 million direct processed through online visa (SIDS). COVID-19 pandemic. opment. “With this first-time are excited to launch this new beneficiaries. portal only. Accordingly, Embassy of Pakistan, Doha shall not be Scholarship success for accepting or processing visa Faculty at Northwestern Qatar applications with effect from January 31, 2021, said the high-achieving WCM-Q alumnus Embassy in a statement. and HBKU awarded QNRF grant Applicants intending to THE PENINSULA — DOHA visit Pakistan are advised to apply online through e-visa THE PENINSULA — DOHA WCM-Q alumnus Dr. Nigel portal: www.visa.nadra.gov.pk. Pereira has been awarded a Step by step guidelines are The Qatar National Research prestigious scholarship title in available on the portal. Fund (QNRF) has awarded recognition of his excellence in In case of requirement of Northwestern Qatar Professors research into the health of additional information or ver- Venus S. Jin and Jocelyn Sage children conceived by in vitro ification, some applicants may Mitchell, along with HBKU fertilization (IVF). be required to visit the Professor Mohamed Evren Tok, Dr. Pereira, who graduated Embassy for interview. For this a grant to study the obstacles from Weill Cornell Medicine- advance intimation will be and successes of women entre- Qatar (WCM-Q) in 2010, was conveyed. preneurship in Qatar. The named the ‘Tessler Grand- $700,000 grant was awarded children Clinical Scholar II’ by by QNRF’s National Priorities the Board of Overseers at Weill WCM-Q alumnus Dr. Nigel Research Program. Cornell Medicine in New York, 341 new virus Pereira. Entrepreneurship is a key Northwestern Qatar Professors Venus S Jin (left) and Jocelyn where he now practices as an cases: MoPH component in Qatar’s National Sage Mitchell Assistant Professor of Obstetrics Vision 2030 and Jin, the lead and Gynecology and Assistant an integral part of scientific THE PENINSULA — DOHA principal investigator on the women are not participating at research assistants to collect Professor of Reproductive publishing but often goes unno- project, pointed out that the the same rate as men but also data through a series of focus Medicine. ticed. A good reviewer improves The Ministry of Public Health country’s interest in this sector why when they do participate, groups and in-person inter- The scholarship the quality and impact of a man- (MoPH) yesterday announced has increased following three they are so successful, drawing views that are designed to appointment recognizes Dr. uscript by providing critical the registration of 341 new pivotal events. from the ‘entrepreneurial eco- understand the challenges and Pereira’s excellence in research feedback about study method- confirmed cases of COVID-19, “The entrepreneurial scene system’ and ‘social capital’ obstacles that Qatari women into both the immediate peri- ology or data analysis. For these among them 21 are from trav- as a whole has been growing in perspectives.” face when it comes to starting natal and long-term health of reasons, I am very honoured to ellers returning from abroad. response to the 2017 blockade, Dean and CEO of North- their own business. Some of the children conceived by IVF. be named a Star Reviewer by Also, 142 people have which increased the demand western Qatar, Marwan M. topics that will be addressed Dr. Pereira said: “I have Fertility and Sterility.” recovered from the virus for local goods and services. Kraidy noted that this project include the motives of entre- always been interested in Dr. Pereira has also been bringing the total number of While at the same time, a global reflects the important contri- preneurial endeavors, person- studying the safety of IVF and included in the 2021 ‘Super cases recovered in Qatar to pandemic is reshaping how butions that NU-Q faculty ality traits, family support, the long-term health of IVF Doctors’ list of elite-level phy- 145,556. businesses operate and inno- research is making to Qatari social pressures, networks, and babies. This scholarship pro- sicians practicing in the United All new cases have been vative solutions are entering the society. “All of us are proud of educational backgrounds. vides me an impetus to pursue States and was named by the introduced to isolation and are market. Finally, Qatar is pre- the work of our faculty,” Kraidy The researchers have also these ongoing research interests Super Doctors organisation as receiving necessary healthcare paring to host the 2022 FIFA said, “and this project is another partnered with entrepre- and I am truly humbled and one of New York’s Rising Stars according to their health World Cup, one of the world’s example of Northwestern neurship-focused entities such grateful to receive this honor.” for 2021, honours he was also status. largest sporting events that will Qatar’s contribution to the as the Qatar Businesswomen In another recent success, accorded in 2019 and 2020. The Ministry further said bring plenty of new business Qatar National Vision 2030 ini- Association and NAMA Empow- Dr. Pereira was named a ‘Star Dr. Javaid Sheikh, Dean of that measures to tackle opportunities,” she said. tiative. We are grateful to QNRF erment to better understand the Reviewer’ for excellence in his WCM-Q, said: “Dr. Pereira’s out- COVID-19 in Qatar have suc- According to Jin, while the for supporting this project and processes in place and make work as a peer reviewer for Fer- standing contributions to ceeded in flattening the curve sector has grown in the country, look forward to seeing the rec- recommendations that will tility and Sterility, the official research into IVF and children’s and limiting the spread of the the participation of Qatari ommendations that will result strengthen their existing pol- publication of the American health reach the very highest virus and the number of new women in entrepreneurial ini- from the research.” Taking icies and enhance their Society for Reproductive Med- standards of excellence and are daily cases and hospital tiatives is far lower than their NU-Q research to the next level programs. icine and one of the most pres- testament to his unwavering admissions is continuing to male counterparts. Interest- of excellence and re-focusing Findings from this research tigious journals in its field. commitment to his work and to decline each week. Qatar’s ingly, Jin notes that while the the research enterprise on will also inform the national Dr. Pereira added: “The peer his patients. His achievements proactive and extensive testing percentage of women in the Qatar, the Arab world, and the academic curricula on entre- review process helps me refine bring great pride to all of us at of suspected cases has enabled sector is low, the women who Global South are priorities for preneurship to ensure that the my own research questions and WCM-Q and we are extremely the Ministry to identify a high do participate are very suc- Kraidy. courses are designed to cul- occasionally presents me with happy to see his excellent work number of positive cases in the cessful. “Our research,” she As part of their research, the tivate an entrepreneurial spirit new ideas to explore - I find it receive the recognition it community. said, “will not only look at why faculty will work with student in the classroom and beyond. very rewarding. Peer review is deserves.” SATURDAY 30 JANUARY 2021 HOME 03 Qatar Airways launches flights to Seattle Qatar affirms commitment

FROM PAGE 1 to GCC unity at UN meeting

Alaska Air Group Chairman FROM PAGE 1 and CEO, Brad Tilden, said: “Qatar Airways is an out- standing airline known around H E Ambassador Sheikha On the Palestinian issue, the world for its excellent Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani H E the Ambassador quality and service. We’re tre- also said that Al-Ula decla- reiterated that a just, mendously proud to join them ration crowned the efforts two months from now as a one- made by the late H H Sheikh comprehensive and world alliance member. Our Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al lasting settlement of the guests will be able to earn and Sabah, which were built on by Palestinian issue redeem miles on Qatar to Amir of Kuwait H H Sheikh inevitably requires amazing global destinations, Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al adherence to the along with an ease-of-travel Sabah. She expressed the State experience and oneworld ben- of Qatar’s appreciation of the principle of a two-state efits for our elite flyers. Making US role in bringing viewpoints solution on the basis of connections even easier for our closer. international law. guests, Qatar flies to Doha not On the Palestinian issue, the only from Seattle, but also from Ambassador reiterated that a two of our other West Coast just, comprehensive and lasting start of the crisis that resulted hubs: San Francisco and Los settlement of the Palestinian in severe human suffering due Angeles.” As a oneworld issue inevitably requires to violations of international partner, Alaska Airlines will adherence to the principle of a law, calling on the international connect customers from the US two-state solution on the basis community to support the West Coast to Doha and beyond of international law and the effort of the UN Special envoy Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker; Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in via its other hubs in Los Angeles Charter and resolutions of the to reach a political resolution Doha, Ambassador Greta C. Holtz, and other officials at the launch of Qatar Airways flights to Seattle. and San Francisco, comple- United Nations, and, in to the crisis in line with the menting Qatar Airways’ existing accordance with the Arab 2254 resolution, which will strategic partnerships with are also working closely on configuration, providing pas- US, connecting onwards to Peace Initiative, to the estab- maintain the unity and sover- JetBlue and oneworld carrier developing a strategic code- sengers with the most spacious, hundreds of American cities lishment of a Palestinian State eignty of Syria. American Airlines. share agreement and com- fully private, comfortable and through strategic partnerships on the borders of 1967 with East On the Libyan issue, the Qatar Airways Privilege mercial cooperation in line with socially distanced Business with Alaska Airlines, American Al Quds as its capital, which Permanent Representative of Club and Alaska Mileage Plan the U.S. carrier joining one- Class product in the sky. Airlines and JetBlue. Atlanta lives side by side with Israel in Qatar to the United Nations wel- members can now earn fre- world at the end of March. Seattle is the seventh new and Seattle join existing US security and peace. comed the latest development quent flyer miles on both car- Business Class passengers destination and the second in destinations including Boston She stressed the need to end that gave the Libyan people riers. Beginning 31 March, flying to and from Seattle will the US to be added by Qatar (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas- the occupation of Arab lands hope for peace, stability, members can also redeem fre- enjoy the award-winning Airways since the start of the Fort Worth (DFW), Houston and illegal settlements in the security, in addition to putting quent flyer miles on both car- Qsuite business class seat, fea- pandemic. The launch of flights (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami occupied territories, and to an end to the humanitarian vio- riers’ full networks and elite turing sliding privacy doors and to Seattle and resumption of (MIA), New York (JFK), Phila- resolve the refugee issue justly, lations and the difficult eco- oneworld Ruby, Sapphire and the option to use a ‘Do Not Atlanta in June will increase delphia (PHL), San Francisco refrain from all attempts to nomic conditions, thanks to the Emerald status perks including Disturb (DND)’ indicator. The Qatar Airways’ US network to (SFO) and Washington, D.C. annex territories, seize and steps taken to implement the lounge access. The two airlines Qsuite seat layout is a 1-2-1 12 destinations in the (IAD). demolish Palestinian property, ceasefire agreement and launch and violate religious sanctities a Libyan political dialogue. and any other practice that She called on putting undermines the two-state Libyan national interests first, HMC’s dermatology services expanded solution. She also reiterated the that would ultimately lead to State of Qatar’s position of sup- holding elections and reaching FROM PAGE 1 porting the rights of the Pales- a comprehensive settlement reduce negative side effects,” he appointments will be arranged conditions like ichthyosis or epi- tinian people, and national rec- that maintains the unity and “We have made extensive added. as either in-person or virtual dermolysis bullosa, for example, onciliation efforts in Palestine. independence of Libya. She progress to invest in new tech- According to Prof. Steinhoff, consultation, depending on as well as autoimmune diseases She stressed the importance praised the efforts of the UN nologies, diagnostic tools, and the GeriDerm and HomeDerm clinical need and patient or skin cancer. of continuing to provide human- mission in Libya in that regard. novel therapies recently. We clinics have expanded their preference. According to Prof. Steinhoff itarian aid to the Palestinian The Ambassador concluded by have introduced new therapies, patient care services by adding Department of Dermatology with the new services and facil- people to alleviate the humani- saying that the Middle-East procedures for all types of skin face-to-face consultations and and Venereology includes clinics ities the waiting time at derma- tarian crises and economic dif- needs, more than any time in disorders, and provide interna- convenient virtual sessions for for general complex conditions, tology clinics has reduced from ficulties they are facing, noting the past, to put an end to the tional standard quality of care older patients with skin diseases. emergencies, follow-up clinics, 8 months to two weeks. “In case that the State of Qatar continues crises and place a framework in Qatar,” said Prof. Steinhoff. All new referrals to the clinic will and subspecialties for dermato- if a patient fails to get an to provide assistance to improve for collective security and “The laser medicine unit and be seen by an interdisciplinary logical surgery, laser medicine, appointment within three conditions in Gaza. cooperation that benefits the new target therapies provided team of dermatologists and ger- phototherapy, allergies, eczema, weeks, we suggest them to call On the Syrian crisis, the people, particularly as the for skin disorders increase the iatricians for the patient’s first psoriasis, vein diseases, STI the help desk,” said Prof. Ambassador said that close to world faces challenges such as efficiency of treatment and appointment. Follow up clinic, acne, vitiligo, genetic skin Steinhoff. a decade has passed since the the health crisis. Webinar on paper recycling held

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Represented by Public questions that accumulate dis- Relation Director, Maryam S. cussions. “The children were A Flower Each Spring’s Al Sayed, the recycling very keen to share their expe- EcoKids online activities company informed children riences and show off their arts based in Qatar collaborated on what their factory does, and crafts as always. with Elite Paper Recycling on visualising the recycling “They had many smart an episode titled ‘Recycling process, and directing them and good questions for Paper Factories’ on January 17 on how they can contribute to Maryam, and they talked via its regular Zoom sessions. the environment through Elite through different ways of The only paper manufac- Paper Recycling or any nearby encouraging recycling and turing company in Qatar that paper recycling companies in awareness in their schools, can recycle all types of waste their allocated countries. neighbourhoods, and home paper since 2014 shared its During each episode, the environment,” said Fatma eco-friendly source of envi- EcoKids sessions not only Hassan, Host of the EcoKids ronmental awareness with the work on providing knowledge English sessions and Event/ young participants in Qatar of the selected topic but con- School Coordinator for A and around the world. centrates on critical thinking Flower Each Spring Program. DPS-MIS students win accolades in speech competition Winners of Cycling Championship honoured THE PENINSULA — DOHA for the students of all Indian The winners received their schools in Qatar. trophies and certificates in an Winners of Ashghal National Cycling Championship 2021 during a honouring ceremony, yesterday. DPS-Modern Indian School A total of 13 students partic- award ceremony conducted The Championship kicked off in the morning, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) tweeted. students won accolades in Dr. ipated in the competition. After recently by QTS. The competition APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial the preliminary round, six stu- was conducted online through Inspirational Speech Compe- dents qualified for the finals. Var- Zoom platform and was live- tition-2020, organised by Qatar nikha Alagappan (III H) and streamed on Facebook. The stu- Tamizhar Sangam (QTS) under Sejavarthana Anbalagan (X D) dents were trained by the QRCS delivers food parcels to the aegis of Indian Cultural bagged the second prize in Sub- teachers of Tamil Department Centre, Qatar. Junior Category and Senior Cat- headed by Elavarkuzhali. Certif- The Tamil speech compe- egory respectively. In Junior Cat- icates were given by QTS to all 68,670 beneficiaries in Yemen tition conducted in three cate- egory, Aruna Magathi Sankara the students who participated in gories - Sub- Junior Category Narayanan (VI B) won the third the competition and all the par- (Classes III – V), Junior Category prize and Dharsini Nakulan ( VIII ticipating schools received THE PENINSULA — DOHA to a total of 9,810 families providers reaching out to such (Classes VI – VIII) and Senior Cat- A) was presented with the con- mementos as a mark of across the target groups in the villages of Mabyan egory (Classes IX – XII) was open solation prize. recognition. Qatar Red Crescent Society governorates. District and the countryside of (QRCS) has implemented a Under the close supervision Hajjah City. project to distribute food of QRCS’s personnel, the list of Dr. Abdul Karim Nassar, parcels in five governorates of beneficiaries was selected, ver- Head of Yemen Red Crescent’s Yemen, for the benefit of ified for eligibility, and assigned chapter in Hajjah, described the 68,670 persons, at a total cost to the distribution locations. To distribution of food items as of $497,634 (QR1,816,346). ensure the safety of benefici- consistent with the shared In partnership with Yemen aries, they received protective objective of alleviating the suf- Red Crescent Society, QRCS’s supplies and were advised to fering of Yemeni people amid personnel distributed the food follow preventive measures. the harsh war. parcels to displaced and poor In Hajjah Governorate, The food aid, he explained, families in Amanat Al Asimah, Ellan Fadael, Chairman of the was addressed to the governo- Saada, Hajjah, Taiz, and Dhale Supreme Humanitarian Affairs rate’s poorest families, totalling cities of Yemen with special Council, praised the collabo- 1,300 recipients of food parcels focus on the families with ration between QRCS and from the distribution com- orphans and special needs,in Yemen Red Crescent to jointly mittees. Regarding the impor- order to reduce malnutrition execute charitable and human- tance of this support, Rima Al rates among the most vul- itarian programs there, helping Khatib, Relief Officer at QRCS’s nerable groups. the target families and the poor mission in Yemen, said, “The The beneficiaries welcomed in general. most vulnerable beneficiaries this humanitarian aid, in the He highlighted QRCS’s received food aid to improve form of food parcels, each con- efforts and attention to the their living conditions. They taining 88kg of food staples like needy people, emphasising the were selected based on strict flour, wheat, rice, sugar, beans, importance of charitable initi- criteria, in cooperation with the vegetable oil, and salt, delivered atives and humanitarian local authorities”. Winners posing with certificates and trophies. 04 GULF / MIDDLE EAST SATURDAY 30 JANUARY 2021 Iran says won't reverse nuclear steps before US sanctions are lifted

REUTERS & AP —ISTANBUL Earlier this month, Iran resumed enriching

Tehran will not accept US uranium to 20% at its underground Fordow demands that it reverse an nuclear plant — a level it achieved before acceleration of its nuclear programme before Washington the accord. However, Tehran has said it lifts sanctions, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said can quickly reverse those violations if yesterday. US sanctions are removed. “If the United The demand “is not prac- tical and will not happen”, he States fulfils its obligations, we will fulfil said at a joint news conference our obligations in full,” said Foreign Minister in Istanbul with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Mohammad Javad Zarif. Cavusoglu. The new administration of US President Joe Biden has said violations if US sanctions are to procure Russian S-400 Tehran must resume com- removed. “If the United States defence systems. “The US gov- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (centre), accompanied by Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu pliance with curbs on its nuclear fulfils its obligations, we will ernment is addicted to sanctions (left), meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Istanbul, yesterday. activity under the world powers’ fulfil our obligations in full,” … and this harms the world and 2015 deal before it can rejoin Mohammad Javad Zarif said. the US itself,” he said. God willing, the sanctions and reported on Thursday that Iran would include Armenia, the pact. “The United States unilat- Meanwhile, Turkey hopes embargoes imposed on has exceeded 17 kilograms of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Iran breached the terms of erally withdrew from this com- the United States will return to brotherly Iran are lifted.” 20% enriched uranium within Russia and Turkey, and the accord in a step-by-step prehensive course of action,” the nuclear deal with Iran under Former US President a month, moving its nuclear encourage cooperation between response to the decision by Zarif told journalists. “It is the US President Joe Biden’s admin- Donald Trump unilaterally program closer to weapons- the countries. Biden’s predecessor Donald duty of the United States to istration, Foreign Minister withdrew America from Iran’s grade enrichment levels. The initiative was proposed Trump to abandon the deal in return to this agreement and to Mevlut Cavusoglu said. nuclear deal in 2018. Under the Biden, who was vice-pres- following a cease-fire 2018 and reimpose sanctions on fulfill its obligations. Cavusoglu said Turkey deal, Tehran had agreed to limit ident when the deal was signed agreement in November that Tehran. Iran’s parliament passed would also like to see sanctions its uranium enrichment in during the Obama adminis- halted weeks of conflict Earlier this month, Iran legislation last month that imposed on Iran lifted. exchange for the lifting of eco- tration, has said he hopes to between Armenia and resumed enriching uranium to forces the government to “I hope that with the Biden nomic sanctions. return the US to the deal. Azerbaijan over the separatist 20% at its underground Fordow harden its nuclear stance if US administration, the United After the US then ramped up Zarif was in Turkey as part territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. nuclear plant—a level it sanctions are not eased within States return to this agreement sanctions, Iran gradually and of a tour of countries of the “The existing cease-fire must be achieved before the accord. two months. Zarif also con- and cooperation on the publicly abandoned the deal’s south Caucasus aimed at rendered more lasting and trade However, Iran has said it demned US sanctions against (nuclear) issue is restored,” limits on its nuclear devel- building support for the creation and economic cooperation must can quickly reverse those Turkey over Ankara’s decision Cavusoglu said. “In this way, opment. Iranian state TV of a regional platform that be invigorated,” Zarif said. Saudi postpones end of travel and World’s most vaccinated nation struggles with virus variants BLOOMBERG — TEL AVIV Netanyahu’s pledge at Davos to made up 2% or less of those Although the vaccine is Nachman Ash has said. More port restrictions make Israel a test case for how hospitalised, said Head of Public believed to work against the than 4,600 people in Israel have to May 17 With more than 30% of its popu- quickly Covid shots can help Health Sharon Alroy-Preis, British variant, the mutation’s died from the virus, and more lation vaccinated, Israel leads the reopen economies. adding that “they were defi- more contagious nature means than 7,600 people are being AGENCIES — RIYADH fight against Covid-19. Yet the “We see a wave of infection nitely more protected.” Still, not higher infections and hence diagnosed with it daily. emergence of more infectious that refuses to decline, appar- enough people have completed more hospitalizations. The Balicer said it would likely Saudi Arabia has postponed variants is overwhelming its ently because of the mutation,” the inoculation cycle to draw health ministry’s main goal now take another 10 days before the the end of a ban on travel for its hospitals, showing the long road Health Minister Yuli Edelstein conclusions about the efficacy is to bring down the numbers country sees critical cases citizens and the reopening of its ahead for the rest of the world. said at a press conference. of the vaccine, Ran Balicer, head of the seriously ill who are over- decline, allowing the economy land, sea and air ports to May After inoculating 82% of As the European Union fights of the Covid-19 National Experts whelming hospital wards and to begin to return to normal. 17, the Saudi state news agency Israelis aged 60 and more, to get adequate supplies of vac- Team, said on Ynet television. exhausting medical teams. Netanyahu has set a target SPA said yesterday, citing an going into a nearly month-long cines and the U.S. pushes to get The so-called British variant, The rate of infections in of inoculating all Israelis older interior ministry official. lockdown and shutting down more shots into arms, the Israeli 50% more infectious and possibly Israel has declined slightly to than 16 by the end of March. The ministry had previ- the national airport this week, situation is evidence of the diffi- more virulent than the original about 9% and people seriously “The faster we vaccinate ously said on January 8 that it Israel is indicating the end of the culty of fighting a virus whose virus, is to blame for the inability or critically ill has stabilized at and the faster the population would end a ban on travel for tunnel may be further away. ability to quickly mutate keeps it a so far of the vaccination cam- about 1,100. goes to get vaccinated, the its citizens and the reopening That dents hopes for a rapid step ahead of efforts to contain it. paign and the lockdown to curb But the number of patients faster we can bring the spread of its ports from March 31. vaccine-driven global recovery People who have gone the spread, Israeli health ministry on respirators has hit a record, under control,” said Hezi Levi, Interior ministry spokes- after Prime Minister Benjamin through the vaccination cycle officials said. Corona Commissioner Health Ministry director. person said the decision was taken “given the importance of reaching high levels of com- munity immunity in the 20 IS militants killed in Kingdom before travel is per- mitted, in light of a possible second wave of the pandemic airstrike in northern Iraq in many countries, in the interest of public health in the QNA & REUTERS —BAGHDAD al-Issawi, an Islamic State Kingdom and to maintain low commander who had claimed infection rates.” Twenty Islamic State (IS) mili- to be the leader of the group in The spokesperson said tants were killed in an airstrike Iraq and its "deputy caliph". travel suspension for citizens by Iraqi army on sites in the "Our heroic armed forces would be lifted and land, sea south of Kirkuk governorate in have eliminated Daesh com- and air ports completely northern Iraq. mander Abu Yaser Al Issawi as opened from 1 am on Monday, The Iraqi support forces said part of an intelligence-led May 17, with the Ministry of that after receiving confirmed operation," , Prime Minister Health continuing to follow intelligence information, the Mustafa Al Kadhimi tweeted. developments related to the army’s aircraft attacked a group "If this is indeed confirmed, pandemic. of IS militants in Wadi Al Shay, it's significant news,Al Issawi Saudi Arabia announced south of the Kirkuk governorate, headed up IS's entire Iraq oper- two deaths from COVID-19 killing 20 militants on the spot, ation," tweeted Charles Lister, and 267 new infections yes- and destroying cars, rockets and a director at the Middle East terdday. Of the new cases, 89 mortar bombs that were in their Institute think tank in Wash- were recorded in Riyadh, 70 possession. The statement ington. "It's worth awaiting in the Eastern Province, 49 in added that the support forces more substantive evidence (..) Makkah, 12 in Asir, six in also killed two other IS members previous claims have turned Madinah, five in Najran, and Stormy day during their raid on one of the out to have been false." Last three in Jazan. Kuwaiti Min- A man runs with his umbrella at Pisgat Zeev, which lies on occupied land that Israel annexed to dens in the same area following week, IS claimed responsibility istry of Health reported yes- Jerusalem after the 1967 Middle East war, on a stormy day and while Israel is under a lock down as the said airstrike. for a twin suicide bombing that terday 685 new cases of coro- part of the coronavirus disease restrictions, in Jerusalem yesterday. On Thursday, Iraqi security killed at least 32 people in a navirus in the past 24 hours. forces have killed Abu Yaser crowded Baghdad market. Thousands left homeless by storms and floods in Idlib

AP — IDLIB, SYRIA response to the effects of the Aleppo last year witnessed a in March 2011, has left half a building another tent nearby, problem, cough continuously. storm in a region already suf- crushing Russian-backed gov- million people dead and half the making sure to surround it with “We have no other choice For those who have fled war to fering from shortage of human- ernment offensive that displaced country’s prewar population of sand from all sides to prevent but to turn it on, otherwise we shelter in Syria’s last rebel-held itarian aid. hundreds of thousands and 23 million displaced, with more water running in. will freeze,” said the jobless, stronghold, suffering knows no “The reality is that people in damaged dozens of clinics and than 5 million of them living as “Conditions are miserable 34-old man. The war displaced end. A rainstorm lashing the this area are facing a cata- hospitals. More than 3 million refugees outside the country. over here,” said al-Yassin, his family from the village of country’s northwest these days strophic situation,” said Mark people, many of them already Residents and aid groups speaking over the phone as a Abad in nearby northern is spreading more misery, after Cutts, the UN’s deputy regional displaced by Syria’s nearly have complained that the slow strong wind howled in the back- province of Aleppo. rain and flooding less than two humanitarian coordinator for 10-year conflict, live in the region. arrival of assistance into the ground. Luckily, a few days ago The relief Syrian Response weeks ago killed one child and Syria. “People in these camps The heavy rain led to floods almost besieged region is the they received some packs of Coordination Group, active in destroyed hundreds of tents, are desperate, and humani- in some of the tent settlements, result of last July’s decision by pasta they are eating with veg- northwestern Syria, said the leaving tens of thousands of tarians are overwhelmed by a washing away many of the peo- the U.N. Security Council to limit etables for the time being. storm that began on Thursday internally displaced Syrians crisis that the United Nations ple’s belongings, including food, for a year humanitarian aid Another Idlib resident, Ali is hitting the same areas that homeless once again. warned was coming.” at a time when the local currency deliveries to Syria’s northwest Ibrahim and his family of five, were struck earlier this month. The harsh weather condi- Cutts’ statement said at least briefly hit a record low of 3,600 to just one crossing point from had to spend a night in the rain It called for international help tions add to an already disas- 121,000 people in 304 sites in Syrian pounds to the dollar on the Turkey. When the first strong after their tent “collapsed on our to improve infrastructure in the trous humanitarian situation the region were badly affected black market this week, eradi- storm hit the region 10 days ago, heads.” They set it up again and tent settlements to limit damage with the spread of the corona- when torrential rain and strong cating much of the citizens’ pur- Abed al-Yassin was sitting with now they are staying inside in the future. International aid virus and a worsening economic winds damaged or destroyed at chase power. The region has also his wife, three sons and one during the latest storm. group CARE said the storm has crisis. least 21,700 tents. He said one registered more than 20,000 daughter when their tent col- Ibrahim said his main turned camps into lakes in some International aid groups child was killed and three other cases of coronavirus and 382 lapsed and mud flooded in, problem in winter is not the rain 87 sites for displaced people, have warned that reduced people were injured. deaths amid a severe shortage of forcing them to run to his but their wood heater, which causing loss of the only humanitarian access to this part The rebel-held Idlib medical equipment. neighbors’ more solid tent. The makes his six-year-old son, belongings people had after of Syria will impede the province and western parts of Syria’s conflict, which began next morning, he started Ahmad, who has a heart years of conflict. SATURDAY 30 JANUARY 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 05 Biden’s pledge to reopen PLO mission faces legal hurdles

REUTERS — pledge to resume economic aid Talks are ongoing with the JERUSALEM/WASHINGTON to the Palestinians. The Taylor UN chief sees hope for Israel-Palestinian peace progress administration and Congress Force Act, passed by Congress about finding a “fix” to the US President Joe Biden’s plan in 2018, restricts some aid until AP — NEW YORK support for a two-state solution. amendment that would allow to work to reopen the Pales- the Palestinians end payments But the secretary-general made clear that the PLO mission to reopen, an tinians’ diplomatic mission in to people jailed by Israel over Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Biden’s more even-handed approach opened American legal adviser to the Washington could be held up violent crimes, among other Thursday “there are reasons to hope” for the possibility of meetings of the Quartet of Palestinians said, adding that over a law that exposes Pales- conditions. progress towards ending the decades-old Middle East mediators — the US, UN, European the Palestinians “don’t have the tinian officials to US anti-terror Speaking to the United Israeli-Palestinian conflict after years of Union and Russia—that were previously blocked money to pay” the financial lawsuits, officials and advisers Nations Security Council, Acting inaction. He said the United Nations will explore as well as broader peace efforts. claims against them. Palestinian to the Palestinians say. US envoy Richard Mills said all initiatives to facilitate “a true peace process” “We have tried for a long time to make the officials declined to comment. The Biden administration Washington “intended to take based on the two-state solution. Quartet meet, but we never had the agreement of The anti-terror amendment hopes to repair relations with steps to reopen diplomatic mis- Clearly referring to the former US adminis- all the members for that to be possible,” Guterres makes the Palestinians liable for the Palestinians after a sharp sions that were closed for the tration without naming then president Donald told a press conference. “And we have tried to the hefty financial penalty that deterioration under former last US administration”, without Trump, the UN chief said: “We were completely have inclusive other formulas — possible of an a US jury awarded against them President Donald Trump, who giving a timeline. The legal locked down in a situation in which there was enlarged Quartet with several other important if they establish or maintain any closed the Palestine Liberation hurdles underscore the range no progress visible.” Guterres also made no players in the region, and unfortunately, this has facilities in the United States, Organisation’s Washington of challenges Biden may face in mention of Tuesday’s announcement by US not been possible until now.” “I think it became conduct activity on behalf of the office in 2018 and cut millions restoring ties with the Pales- President Joe Biden’s administration that it was possible now,” he said, but stressed that a peace PLO or the Palestinian of dollars in aid to the West tinians and reversing actions restoring relations with the Palestinians and process can only be successful if it is based on a Authority, or make payments Bank and Gaza Strip. taken by Trump, who over- renewing aid to Palestinian refugees, a reversal two-state solution and “all the international agree- to Palestinians imprisoned over But under an anti-terror turned longtime US Middle East of Trump’s cutoff and a key element of its new ments that already exist in this regard.” violent crimes against Amer- amendment passed by Congress policy with a series of pro-Israel icans, among other conditions. and signed into law by Trump steps including ending US oppo- The jury award stems from law- in 2019, the Palestinians would sition to Israeli settlements in envisaging a Palestinian state in laws passed by Congress and are including the Taylor Force Act.” suits by 11 American families become liable for $655.5m in the West Bank. Israeli-occupied territory. Pales- not as easily changed. The official did not comment on who sought to hold the PA and financial penalties against them Palestinians say his actions tinian leaders have welcomed Asked for comment, a US whether the Biden administration PLO liable for shootings and in US courts if they open an discredited the longtime US role Biden’s pledges of rap- State Department official told would look into working around bombings by between 2002 and office in the United States. as chief mediator in their conflict prochement, but while he can Reuters: “In administering aid, the the anti-terror amendment to 2004 in Jerusalem that killed There are also questions with Israel and further dimmed reverse some measures through Biden-Harris Administration will help rebuild relations with the 33 people, including several about how Biden will fulfil a any chance of a peace deal executive orders, others involve fully comply with US law Palestinians. Americans. UN chief to foreign forces: ‘Leave the Libyans alone’ REUTERS & AP — the withdrawal of their forces NEW YORK/TRIPOLI from the country and the “It’s essential that all removal of the foreign merce- The UN Security Council and foreign troops and all naries and military proxies that Secretary-General Antonio foreign mercenaries they have recruited, financed, Guterres called for thousands move first to Benghazi deployed, and supported in of foreign fighters and merce- and to Tripoli and, from Libya,” he said. naries to immediately leave The US deputy ambassador Libya, with Guterres demanding there, move back and to the UN singled out the three that they “leave the Libyans leave the Libyans alone, key foreign backers of Libya’s alone.” Libya has been divided because the Libyans rival governments in a speech since 2014 between the inter- have already proven to the UN Security Council, a nationally recognised that, left alone, they are clear shift by President Joe Government of National Accord Biden’s administration com- (GNA) in the capital Tripoli, in able to address their pared to the Trump adminis- the country’s west, and Khalifa problems,” UN Security tration which essentially had no Haftar’s eastern-based Libyan Council and Secretary- policy. National Army (LNA). General Antonio Richard Mills spoke after The rival administrations Guterres said. acting UN envoy Stephanie Wil- Morocco vaccination drive agreed a ceasefire in October, liams said “blatant foreign but have not pulled back. Haftar interference continues,” People wait to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, during a national coronavirus vaccination campaign, in is supported by the United Arab pointing to flights carrying mil- Sale, Morocco, yesterday. Morocco's King H M Mohammed VI received a shot against the coronavirus Emirates, Egypt and Russia, Council discussed the situation itary cargo continuing to both on Thursday to officially kick off his country's vaccination campaign, which initially will primarily while the government is backed on Thursday and in a statement sides and “undermining” the target health care workers, security forces and people over age 75, according to authorities. by Turkey. called for the withdrawal of all cease-fire agreement. She “The ceasefire is holding,” foreign fighters and merce- called for all foreign fighters Guterres told reporters. naries “without further delay”, and mercenaries who were Congo PM resigns after lawmakers vote him out “It’s essential that all foreign and for all Libyan and interna- supposed to leave Libya by Jan. troops and all foreign merce- tional actors to respect the arms 23 to leave now. AP — KINSHASA now a senator, who helped put African nation for 18 years. naries move first to Benghazi and embargo and ceasefire Mills made clear that the him in the post. The National Tshisekedi won the 2019 to Tripoli and, from there, move agreement. Biden administration backs the Prime Minister Sylvestre Ilunga Assembly on Wednesday voted election despite widespread back and leave the Libyans alone, Acting US Ambassador to the rival Libyan parties’ demands Ilunkamba submitted his letter with 367 out of 377 votes to allegations of large-scale fraud because the Libyans have United Nations, Richard Mills, for the end to military inter- of resignation yesterday to remove Ilunkamba, citing by Kabila to keep his party in already proven that, left alone, called out the countries by name. vention and the withdrawal of Congo’s president, two days incompetence. power. Tshisekedi became they are able to address their “We call on all external parties foreign forces and mercenaries after lawmakers voted over- The move paves the way for president, but Kabila’s party problems,” he said. to respect Libyan sovereignty as outlined in the Oct. 23 cease- whelmingly for his ouster. Tshisekedi to appoint someone retained initial control of the Libya initially descended and immediately cease all mil- fire agreement. “External actors After 15 months heading the more loyal as he distances legislature. Tshisekedi dis- into chaos after the Nato- itary intervention in Libya,” Mills who have militarily intervened coalition government, he himself from a coalition formed solved the coalition late last backed overthrow of leader told the council. in this conflict have wholly and thanked President Felix Tsh- with his predecessor, Kabila, year and has mustered enough Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. “We call on Turkey and briefly ignored Libyans’ isekedi as well as the former the strongman who governed support to sideline Kabila’s The 15-member Security Russia to immediately initiate demands,” he said. head of state Joseph Kabila, the impoverished Central party. Kenya aims to Somalia says it lost confidence in vaccinate 16 million people Kenyan forces serving in country against COVID-19 REUTERS — MOGADISHU by June 2022 Somalia said yesterday it had lost confidence in Kenyan troops serving in an African Union (AU) peacekeeping force, in the latest REUTERS — NAIROBI sign of worsening relations between the two neighbours. The friction could strain cooperation in the campaign against Kenya said yesterday it was the Islamist group al Shabaab in Somalia, where the Kenya Defence seeking an extra 11 million Forces provide about 3,600 troops to the AU force. doses of COVID-19 vaccines, Last month, Somalia cut diplomatic relations with Kenya after on top of 24 million already accusing it of meddling in its politics. It recalled its diplomats from ordered, and hopes to have 16 Nairobi and ordered Kenya’s diplomats to leave Mogadishu. million people inoculated by The government had lost confidence in the “KDF’s ability to June next year. support the effort to stabilize and bring about a long term peace Sourced from major phar- and security, given the overt manner that the government of Kenya maceutical manufacturers like has sought to exploit its presence in the country as a pretext to Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, further its national interest,” the Somali foreign ministry said. the extra doses will be “The KDF cannot both support stability and be an instigator acquired through the African of insecurity in Somalia,” a ministry statement added. In November, Union’s disease control and Protest in Lebanon Somalia expelled Kenya’s ambassador and recalled its own envoy prevention body. The country Members of the Lebanese army stand near burning tyres during a protest against the lockdown and from Nairobi after accusing Nairobi of interfering in the electoral will obtain supplies from man- worsening economic conditions, amid the spread of the coronavirus disease, in Tripoli, Lebanon, process in Jubbaland, one of Somalia’s five semi-autonomous ufacturers directly if needed, yesterday. states. it said. The East African nation of more than 50 million people aims to vaccinate 1.25 South Africa okays limited use of parasite drug for COVID-19 million in phase one of the campaign by June this year, AP — JOHENNASBURG quietly allowed use of the drug. appeals for access to the drug. The agency said it would discussions around the context senior health ministry official Ivermectin has long been In South Africa, the drug is only allow “controlled and compas- we find ourselves in with the Mercy Mwangangi told South Africa is allowing the used elsewhere for parasites, registered for use in animals to sionate use” for COVID-19 and pandemic,” said the agency’s reporters. limited use of a medicine to and interest grew when a report fight lice and worms. The provide clear guidance on its chief Boitumelo This would cover health treat COVID-19 even though suggested it might inhibit the agency said doctors were using use and monitoring. Its Semete-Makokotlela. and care-home workers as regulators acknowledge coronavirus in a lab dish. But the veterinary product or ille- statement noted that other reg- In the United States, iver- well as security and immi- there’s not enough evidence large, definitive experiments gally imported versions for ulators haven’t acted on the mectin is approved for treating gration personnel. that it works or is safe for this have not been done to establish people. drug because of insufficient some parasitic illnesses but not The objective is to vac- purpose. whether it’s safe or effective for “This widespread unregu- proof it helps COVID-19 COVID-19. The Food and Drug cinate 16 million against The South African Health treating COVID-19. lated use of ivermectin has patients. Administration has warned COVID-19 by June next year, Products Regulatory Authority this The South African agency meant that the quality and “This doesn’t mean that our against people taking the vet- she told a news conference. week announced the drug iver- said it took the action in an content of the ivermectin being position has changed on the erinary version of the drug. “If more vaccines become mectin could be used in excep- effort “to curb the current wide- prescribed cannot be guar- lack of availability of scientific Africa’s top health official available...then this target may tional circumstances. Neighboring spread uncontrolled use of iver- anteed,” the agency said in a data, but we had to, as a regu- has discouraged the use of iver- change,” she said. Zimbabwe also has apparently mectin” and meet doctors’ statement. lator, have very in-depth mectin for COVID-19. 06 HOME SATURDAY 30 JANUARY 2021 SATURDAY 30 JANUARY 2021 ASIA 07 India: Oppn shuns Parliament, backs farmers’ demands

AGENCIES — NEW DELHI 150 members in the lower house and 125 in the upper Major Indian opposition A statement by the main house. parties boycotted the opening opposition Congress After the violence, three day of Parliament’s budget party said 16 opposition smaller groups among more session yesterday in solidarity parties boycotted the than 40 farmers’ organizations with protesting farmers disassociated themselves from engaged in a 2-month standoff president’s address to the protest. Police said they over new agricultural laws the Parliament “in full have arrested 19 protesters government refuses to repeal. solidarity with the and detained 50 others for The protests were marked agitating farmers, whom questioning under strict by violence on Tuesday, the Modi government is sedition and other laws, and India’s Republic Day, when leaders of the farmers were tens of thousands of farmers trying to defame.” being sought for questioning. riding tractors and on foot People living near the stormed the 17th century Red farmers’ campsites on the out- Fort in a brief but shocking A statement by the main skirts of New Delhi also are takeover shown live on news opposition Congress party said demanding the farmers leave channels. Clashes between the 16 opposition parties boy- the area due to disruptions to People shout slogans and wave India’s flags as police officers try to stop them, at a site of the protest protesters and government cotted the president’s address their businesses and lives. against farm laws, at Singhu border near New Delhi, yesterday. forces left one protester dead to Parliament “in full solidarity Yesterday, about 300 and nearly 400 police officers with the agitating farmers, people hurled stones at injured. whom the Modi government farmers camping in the Singhu convince the farmers to go modernize Indian farming. Mobile Internet in 15 of 22 India’s President Ram Nath is trying to defame.” area and uprooted some tents. home. The farmers say the new districts in Haryana state bor- Kovind listed the govern- Modi’s party has 302 seats They shouted slogans asking They have vowed to stay laws will turn agriculture cor- dering the capital New Delhi ment’s priorities in an address in the 545-member Lok Sabha, the farmers to go home. until the laws are repealed, but porate and leave them behind., will be unavailable until 1700 to Parliament. The budget is the more powerful lower Police used tear gas to dis- talks with the government Meanwhile, an Indian state local time today, according to to be presented on Monday. house of Parliament that elects perse them. have been unsuccessful. blocked mobile Internet across a circular from the state gov- He described the violence the prime minister and runs Traffic crawled on the out- The protests are the biggest most of its districts yesterday, ernment. Authorities used tear as “unfortunate” and said the government, and has 93 of skirts of the Indian capital yes- challenge to Prime Minister following clashes between gas and batons yesterday to people in a democracy are the 245 seats in the upper terday as authorities rushed Narendra Modi since he came protesting Indian farmers and break up the clashes at Singhu expected to respect the rule of house, or Rajya Sabha. The hundreds of riot police to three to power in 2014. He says the groups of men shouting anti- in Haryana, one of several law. boycotting parties have about of the campsites hoping to new laws are necessary to farmer and pro-police slogans. protest sites near Delhi. UN voices alarm about Myanmar after coup fears Nepal top court serves contempt notices to beleaguered PM Oli REUTERS — YANGON States, and 12 other nations, in Nov. 8 poll, only the second Senior General Min Aung a separate statement urged the election deemed free and fair Hlaing, told military personnel The United Nations and military to “adhere to demo- by international observers since on Wednesday that the consti- REUTERS — KATHMANDU questioned the involvement of Western governments voiced cratic norms”. the end of direct military rule tution should be repealed if it a 94-year-old lawyer Krishna alarm yesterday over threats by They said they opposed in 2011. was not abided by, citing pre- Nepal’s Supreme Court has Prasad Bhandari in petitions Myanmar’s military that have “any attempt to alter the But allegations by the army vious instances when charters issued two contempt of court filed against his political stirred fears of a coup in the outcome of the elections or of widespread voter fraud, had been abolished in notices to caretaker Prime decision. aftermath of an election the impede Myanmar’s democratic which the electoral commission Myanmar. Minister KP Sharma Oli, Bhandari had earlier stated army says was fraudulent. transition”. denies, have led to the most A Western diplomat in demanding he explain why he before the court that the leader United Nations Secretary- A military spokesman did direct confrontation yet Yangon said information about mocked lawyers challenging (Oli) had no prerogative to dis- General Antonio Guterres said not answer phone calls seeking between the civilian gov- the situation was hard to verify his decision to dissolve solve the parliament and had he was following with “great comment. ernment and the military. because “not many people parliament and call early polls. acted unconstitutionally. concern” developments in Talks between the civilian The country’s constitution speak with one of the sides”, The contempt of court suits This week two lawyers filed Myanmar, where the army has government and army failed to reserves 25% of seats in par- referring to the army, but a are the latest challenges for the contempt cases against Oli for said it would take action if com- ease tensions ahead of parlia- liament for the military, which coup would be a “tragic beleaguered leader after being making statements which they plaints about the election are ment’s opening on Monday, a has demanded a resolution to eventuality”. expelled from his party earlier deemed were “a direct insult” not addressed. An army ruling party spokesman said as its complaints ahead of Monday, “The country is defined by this week. to the legal fraternity. spokesman on Tuesday pro-military protesters when parliament is set to that history, so this would be The Supreme Court has Oli’s lawyer Ramesh Badal declined to rule out the possi- gathered in two cities. convene, and has refused to be unforgiveable. The people from ordered Oli to “present his said the leader was yet to get a bility of seizing power. Aung San Suu Kyi’s National drawn on whether its law- Myanmar would consider that written replies within seven communication from the court. Australia, Britain, Canada, League for Democracy (NLD) makers will show up. unforgiveable,” the diplomat days,” Devendra Dhakal, a “Once the formal letter the European Union and United won a resounding victory in the The commander-in-chief, said. Supreme Court official said. comes he (Oli) will reply The Supreme Court judges accordingly,” Badal said. are dealing with more than a Oli has justified the disso- dozen petitions against Oli’s lution saying the ruling Nepal Bangladesh sends surprise move in December last Communist Party had not year to dissolve the parliament cooperated with the gov- more Rohingya and call fresh elections a year ernment in policy decisions, ahead of schedule, a move that while his opponents say he had to remote island has triggered nation wide pro- ignored the party decision and tests amid the coronavirus pan- abruptly dissolved the par- demic and plunged the young liament instead of sorting out REUTERS — DHAKA Himalayan republic into a differences with party political crisis. colleagues. Bangladesh moved another group of Rohingya Despite protests, Oli at a The court is expected to Muslims yesterday to a remote island in the public function last week, give its verdict in February. Bay of Bengal, despite concerns over the risk of storms and floods lashing the site, even as some refugees despaired of finding solutions Thailand on track to distribute to their plight. The densely-populated south Asian locally-made vaccines in June country wants to transfer to the island a tenth of the 1 million refugees living in ramshackle border camps after they fled violence in neigh- REUTERS — BANGKOK Thai king’s vast business bouring Myanmar. holdings. “What options do we have? How long can Thailand’s plan to produce the Tests of the first batches are we live in the crowded camps under tar- AstraZeneca coronavirus due to be completed by the end paulins?” asked Mohammed Ibrahim, 25, as vaccine locally is on track to be of May, the head of the National Rohingya refugees sit on wooden benches of a navy vessel on their way to the Bhasan he sailed to the island of Bhasan Char, to which ready to begin mass inocula- Vaccine Institute, Nakorn Char island in Noakhali district, Bangladesh. some of his relatives have also been moved. tions in June, with a capacity to Premsri, told Reuters in an “This is going nowhere, the way the inter- make up to 18 million doses per interview. national community is handling our crisis,” he “We are receiving them,” he told Reuters the island, citing the building of a 12km long month, a senior official said “The industrial batch will spoke by mobile telephone, referring to floun- by telephone. “So far, so good.” They will join stretch of embankment 2 metres high, in yesterday. come out by June,” Nakorn said. dering efforts to return the refugees to their the roughly 3,500 Rohingya sent there since addition to housing for 100,000 people, hos- It was still unclear how Siam Bioscience underwent homeland. early December, making a journey of several pitals and cyclone centres. Bangladesh has many would go to Thai citizens a five-day virtual audit in The Rohingya are a minority group, most hours from the southern port of Chittagong. drawn criticism for reluctance to consult with and how many would be December and all the batches of whom are denied citizenship by Buddhist- Rohingya living on the island, which aid bodies, including the UN refugee agency, exported to other Southeast it produces will also undergo majority Myanmar, which considers them emerged from the sea just two decades ago, over the transfers. The United Nations High Asian countries under a deal quality testing, AstraZeneca illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, even are not allowed to move away unless they have Commissioner for Refugees says the agency with AstraZeneca that has come said in a statement. though many trace their roots back for gen- government permission. has not been allowed to evaluate the safety under fire from opposition Nakorn said Thailand chose erations in the western state of Rakhine. Five Bangladesh says the relocation is vol- and sustainability of life on the island. critics for being too slow and to produce locally because it ships moved 1,776 Rohingya and their untary, but some of the first group of refugees, “We look forward to continuing a con- lacking transparency. wanted to safeguard its own belongings, with more set to be moved on Sat- moved in December, spoke of being coerced. structive dialogue with the government Thailand’s vaccine strategy vaccine supply amid the global urday for a two-day total of more than 3,000, The government also says overcrowding in regarding its Bhasan Char project, including revolves around production of rush to protect against a virus said Commodore Abdullah Al Mamun Chow- camps in the Cox’s Bazar district fuels crime. the proposed UN technical and protection AstraZeneca shots by local firm that has killed more than two dhury, the officer in charge of the island. It has also dismissed flood concerns over assessments,” it said in an email. Siam Bioscience, owned by the million people worldwide. India’s vaccination platform readied to handle 10 million shots daily REUTERS — NEW DELHI country after China has vacci- overseeing CoWIN, said in a Cadila Healthcare’s ZyCov-D. nated around three million Zoom interview. “We will be Sharma said individuals The digital platform anchoring healthcare workers in the first able to do 10 million vaccina- would be able to choose vacci- India’s massive COVID-19 vacci- two weeks of the campaign, at tions per day.” Sharma said nation slots and get QR-coded nation drive will be able to a rate of just over 200,000 a day CoWIN would be integrated into certificates once they have taken handle up to 10 million shots on average, but this will have to government contact-tracing app their shots through CoWIN, daily to meet the country’s target be raised many times over if “Aarogya Setu”, or Health allowing them to carry a proof of covering 300 million people India is to meet its summer cov- Bridge, which has been down- that can be used for, say, air or by July-August, a government erage target. loaded by around 150 million foreign travel. official told Reuters. Though initial glitches in the people. “It’s not a fad,” he said, “It India, which has the world’s software slowed the immuni- It is using a vaccine cannot be done without tech- second-highest number of coro- sation programme, which began developed at home by Bharat nology.” India, the world’s navirus cases, is relying on on Jan. 16 with frontline workers, Biotech and the Indian Council biggest vaccine maker, is also CoWIN to link beneficiaries with the government says modifica- of Medical Research, and gifting or selling shots to more vaccines in what the gov- tions have been made to ensure another licensed from Oxford than a dozen countries, and ernment touts as the biggest there is no such repeat. University and AstraZeneca. Sharma said there had already inoculation campaign “Big numbers won’t be a In the coming months, India been some international interest A paramedic receives a dose of COVID-19 vaccine at the Civil Hospital anywhere. problem for us,” R.S. Sharma, is expected to approve two more in using the CoWIN platform, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, yesterday. The world’s most populous who chairs a government group vaccines, Russia’s Sputnik V and including from South Africa. 08 VIEWS SATURDAY 30 JANUARY 2021 World leaders pledge a ‘great Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI reset’ after the pandemic

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED ISHAAN THAROOR [email protected] THE WASHINGTON POST

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Greetings from the snowy MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI slopes of virtual Davos. No, this [email protected] column did not make the trek up the mountain to the World Economic Forum’s annual gathering of global political and EDITORIAL business elites. Because of the pandemic, there was no physical event to attend, no schmoozing with the great and Ensuring quality education the good, no rubbing shoulders with policymakers at pop-up THE Ministry of Education and Higher Education espresso bars, no foraging for through a number of programmes, initiatives as canapés in the pavilions of big German Chancellor Angela Merkel preparing to speak in a virtual dialogue meeting of the World envisaged in its strategy continuously strives to ensure tech firms. Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos, from the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany on Tuesday. and maintain quality of education in the country from But, through its digital primary to higher education level. platform, the forum’s organ- Monday by the International echoed by German Chancellor director, said that the Under different programmes of the Ministry meant to izers nevertheless set out an Labor Organization. Oxfam, the Angela Merkel, who once yawning inequities revealed evaluate and ensure quality education in Qatar’s schools agenda that’s arguably more anti-poverty nonprofit, sepa- more used her bully pulpit at by her organization ought to is an annual exercise of conducting educational surveys. ambitious than before. Klaus rately found that while the Davos to decry nationalism make us “think of taxing dif- Recently, the Schools Evaluation Department at the Schwab, WEF’s founder and world’s 1,000 richest people and called attention to the ferently.” She pointed to a Evaluation Sector of the Ministry of Education and executive chairman, invoked recouped their losses during new challenges posed by new one-off wealth tax Higher Education began the implementation of first the need to help provoke a the pandemic in a matter of unequal vaccine distribution passed in Argentina that will phase of the comprehensive educational survey for the “great reset” around the world months, it could take more around the world. “Let’s not raise funds for the country’s academic year 2020-2021. The survey is annually imple- in the wake of the pandemic. than a decade for the world’s kid ourselves: The question of pandemic recovery efforts. mented by the department for all the government and “The COVID-19 crisis has poorest to recover from its eco- who gets which vaccine in the “This should be now the private schools and preschools. shown us that our old systems nomic impact. world will of course leave norm,” said Bucher. “We can’t The first phase, which will last by the end of February, are not fit anymore for the 21st Faced with these grim new wounds and new mem- think of small adjustments. We includes four questionnaires: school questionnaire, pre- century,” he said in a podcast conclusions, world leaders, at ories, because those who get need to fund a fair and just school questionnaire, school principal’s questionnaire, ahead of events this week. least rhetorically, rose to the such emergency help will recovery that is redistributing and the preschools director’s questionnaire, to be filled What does that reset look occasion. French President remember that,” she said. at the same time as it enables out by an online link for each school and preschool. like? Schwab and his col- Emmanuel Macron declared Of course, reasons for all the participants of the The department has urged school leaders to fill these leagues are pushing the Tuesday that “we will get out skepticism abound over the economy to remain active.” questionnaires, where it considered as a community concept of “stakeholder” cap- of this pandemic only with an utility of such gatherings. In Sadiq Khan, the mayor of mirror that reflects the quality of the advanced edu- italism - an approach to economy that thinks more the United States, the contro- London, spoke of how his cation in all the schools in the State of Qatar, via school business and economic poli- about fighting inequalities.” versy over the GameSpot city’s experience of the virus leaders surveys, getting acquainted with their experi- cymaking that looks beyond He argued that the financiali- stock - where ordinary retail revealed gaps along socioeco- ences and opinions on teaching and learning in those the interests of shareholders zation of the economy had led investors organized online to nomic, racial and gender schools, and comparing between the government and and toward the well-being of to a focus on “profits that are dramatically upend the lines, with Black Londoners private education performance indicators. society (and fleshed out now not linked to innovation or schemes of a clutch of hedge statistically more vulnerable The results of analysing these questionnaires are in a new book by Schwab and work” and that liberal democ- funds - is a reminder of the than others and mothers considered an important tool to help the Ministry’s spe- his colleague Peter Vanham). racies needed to move deep populist contempt more likely to have lost their cialists in identifying the problems facing schools, and For many years, WEF has beyond a now-outdated rev- among many Americans for jobs than fathers. “Not only working to find appropriate solutions to it, in addition embraced this sort of socially erence for deregulation and the sort of institutional has this pandemic exposed to identifying the quality of services available in each conscious language, urging hostility toward state investors who populate Davos those structural inequalities, school in the State of Qatar. corporate leaders to be more intervention. each year. but it’s exacerbated them,” Meanwhile, Assistant Undersecretary for Education politically minded and gov- “The capitalist model “The right sees the WEF said Khan. Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Edu- ernments to better collab- together with this open arguments about restruc- Darren Walker, president cation, Fawzia Al Khater, has asked principals of orate with the private sector economy can no longer work turing the global economy as of the Ford Foundation, primary schools to create awareness of international on a swath of development in this environment,” said a dangerous attempt to argued that “if capitalism is to tests among their students. During a meeting with projects and social programs. Macron. impose ‘socialism’ and dis- be sustained, we must inten- principals of primary schools yesterday, she also asked WEF points to a growing cata- Kristalina Georgieva, mantle the traditional society, tionally put the nail in the the principals to give importance to internationals logue of positive initiatives managing director of the or what remains of it,” sum- coffin” of the neoliberal studies and take its results seriously. The meeting taken by governments and International Monetary Fund marized the Indian geostrat- orthodoxy championed by the emphasised that the performance of Qatar’s students commitments made by major - a global institution once egist C. Raja Mohan. “The left late American economist in the international tests (TIMSS, PIRLS, PISA) is con- corporations thanks to the synonymous with neoliber- scoffs at the Davos Man’s talk Milton Friedman, which, sidered a major indicator of the performance of the convening power of Davos. alism - said that “unless capi- on the crisis of capitalism. It Walker said, has left the “ide- educational system in the country compared to other But at this year’s con- talism globally brings people points to the complicity of the ological scaffolding” for pol- countries of the world. ference, the toll of the pan- closer together, we won’t be Davos forum in promoting icies and worldviews that are In a related development, the Ministry of Education demic has hammered home a winners after this crisis.” She policies that have brought the deepening inequality. and Higher Education has said that 18 private schools new urgency. At least 225 added that the pandemic had world to the current impasse That world that existed have been selected out of 42 schools to participate in million jobs disappeared widened the gap between and question its capacity to before the pandemic “is over,” the pilot Programme for International Student worldwide over the past year - wealthy and poorer nations produce solutions.” said Walker, and that “means Assessment (PISA) 2021 test which will take place in losses that were four times and that global cooperation I moderated a virtual that many of the norms and March and April of this year. larger than what was exacted on addressing a crisis that session of Davos attendees understandings and struc- by the global financial crisis knew no borders was “not up eager to bring the world out tures of that world in a post- more than a decade ago - to par.” of this impasse. Gabriela coronavirus world must be according to a report published Those sentiments were Bucher, Oxfam’s executive reorganized and dismantled.”

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] Suga, Biden should repeat talks to deepen Japan-US alliance JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI foreign and security policies expressions as "secure and feared that the country's mil- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 have been fully formulated. It prosperous" when describing itary and coast guard will FAX: +974 4455 7758 The Japan-US alliance is the is necessary for the leaders his policy on the Indo-Pacific, become more integrated in cornerstone of Japan's foreign and ministers of the two but it is significant that the order to carry out more MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 policy. Tokyo should build a countries to hold multilayered leaders of Japan and the aggressive operations around relationship of trust with the talks to establish a strategy for United States shared the prin- the Senkaku Islands in DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 new US administration peace and stability in Asia. ciple of "free and open." Okinawa Prefecture. through repeated communi- During the phone conver- China and North Korea Biden reiterated that the LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 cation. sation, Suga and Biden agreed continue to advance their Senkakus are covered by the Prime Minister Yoshihide to cooperate to realize the military buildups, making Japan-US Security Treaty, BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 Suga spoke with US President vision of a "free and open Japan's security envi- which stipulates US defense Joe Biden by phone for about Indo-Pacific." ronment even more difficult. obligations to Japan. This SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 30 minutes. Suga offered his While China has been It is reassuring that during remark should keep China in congratulations to Biden on accelerating its unilateral the phone talks, Biden check. ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 the president's inauguration maritime advance, it is expressed his commitment Suga and Biden also email: [email protected] and expressed his willingness becoming more important for to providing "extended affirmed that they will work to visit the United States as such principles as the rule of deterrence" to Japan through together for the denucleari- PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 soon as possible. "I will law and freedom of navi- military force, including zation of North Korea, a task email: [email protected] deepen my personal rela- gation to take root in the vast nuclear weapons. that requires cooperation tionship with Mr. Biden and waters of the region. Japan, The government should among Japan, the United ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 work to strengthen our the United States, Australia enhance the role of the Self- States and South Korea. The FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] alliance," Suga said following and India are deepening their Defense Forces to steadily government must also tena- the phone talks. cooperation, and major deepen the Japan-US alliance. ciously continue to call for CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 With just over a week European countries are also Beijing has decided to US cooperation to resolve email: [email protected] having passed since Biden's showing great interest in the allow the Chinese Coast the issue of Japanese inauguration, it is hard to say issue. Guard, a maritime safety nationals abducted by North SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 that his administration's Biden used to employ such agency, to use weapons. It is Korea. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar There are reasons to hope for progress toward ending the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict /Peninsula_Qatar after years of inaction. The UN will explore all initiatives to facilitate a true peace process based /ThePeninsulaNewspaper on the two-state solution. +974 6698 6188 Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General SATURDAY 30 JANUARY 2021 ASIA 09 Pakistan seeks review of decision to free man in Daniel case

REUTERS — KARACHI Sheikh and three others, who The government in southern Sindh province orders would stand irrespective United States when he was kid- had been convicted in 2002 on filed a petition asking the top court to review of the review petition, pro- napped. A video of his Pakistan’s government charges of kidnapping and vincial law minister Murtaza beheading emerged weeks yesterday appealed to the murder of the Wall Street its decision, the Pearl family’s lawyer, Faisal Wahab said. later. Supreme Court to review its Journal reporter. Siddiqi, and a government prosecutor said. “We haven’t received the His parents expressed decision to free a British-born The court ordered the men release orders yet,” he said, shock over the Supreme Court’s man and three others convicted to be released forthwith if not adding that they were not likely decision, which US Secretary of beheading US journalist required in any other case. “We have filed three review “Being aggrieved of and to be freed over the weekend, of State Antony Blinken called Daniel Pearl, a day after the The government in southern petitions,” prosecutor Faiz dissatisfied with the judgment, as it usually takes some days “an affront to terrorism victims United States expressed “deep Sindh province filed a petition Shah said, explaining that the the petitioner files an instant for court orders to be sent to everywhere, including in concerns” over the ruling. asking the top court to review petitions would seek a reversal criminal review petition for prison authorities. Pakistan”. A panel of three judges of its decision, the Pearl family’s of the acquittal and the rein- leave to appeal on matters of Pearl, 38, was investigating Washington was also pre- the court on Thursday lawyer, Faisal Siddiqi, and a statement of Sheikh’s death law, facts and grounds,” the militants in Karachi after the pared to prosecute Sheikh in acquitted Ahmad Omar Saeed government prosecutor said. penalty. petition said. The release Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the the United States, Blinken said. Vietnam reports 9 more cases; infections spread to Hanoi REUTERS — HANOI health minister Nguyen Truong VnExpress quoted Hanoi health Son said. department deputy director Vietnam reported nine more Vietnam has been one of the Hoang Duc Hanh as saying. new COVID-19 infections early world’s virus mitigation success “Without good management, yesterday as its first outbreak stories. Its total number of cases the capital could become a for nearly two months spread since the coronavirus was first COVID-19 hot spot.” to Hanoi, the capital, where the detected in Vietnam a year ago Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan ruling Communist party is stands at 1,651, including Phuc urged calm and promised holding its five-yearly congress. imported cases, with 35 deaths. swift action at an urgently called The new cases, including one The ministry is scheduled to meeting on the sidelines of the in Hanoi and eight in nearby provide an update on the out- congress on Thursday, when the Haiphong city and Hai Duong, break at 1100 GMT. wearing of masks at the gathering Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh prov- The ministry said the case in was made mandatory. inces, brought the total number Hanoi was linked to an airport Against a backdrop of a of cases in the outbreak that worker in Quang Ninh province buoyant economy, bolstered by began on Thursday to 93, the who tested positive on Thursday largely keeping coronavirus cases Ministry of Health said. along with 83 others, the first in check, the congress will select One of the first two cases locally transmitted cases for 55 Vietnam’s leadership and shape recorded on Thursday was a days and Vietnam’s biggest policy for the next five years and A family wears protective masks as they ride a motorbike in a street amid coronavirus disease factory worker exposed to an single-day outbreak. beyond. outbreak in Hanoi, Vietnam, yesterday. individual who had tested pos- Early yesterday, authorities Congress delegates were itive in Japan for the more con- imposed a lockdown at a 27-floor tested for the virus at their hotels tagious UK variant of the coro- apartment building in a central on Thursday, state media previously said it conducted State television quoted the The government late on Thursday navirus. The ministry said it was Hanoi district where the person reported. Anti-virus measures 10,000 tests in association with coronavirus taskforce chief as said it will build three field hos- analysing gene sequences to who tested positive lives, state were also stepped up at the con- the congress, all of which were saying preparations should be pitals in Hai Duong province, determine if the new patients had media reported. All residents in gress venue yesterday: all support negative. made for a scenario of up to without giving their sizes. contracted the new variant. the block, home to hundreds of staff and media in attendance At an urgent meeting on 30,000 COVID-19 cases. State media cited a Hanoi Most of the 2,340 workers at people, were asked to remain in underwent another round of Thursday night, Hanoi author- The health ministry has pro- deputy police chief as saying the factory in Hai Duong province their apartments. testing - the third for those ities said they were ramping up posed halting international flights there was no shortage of had tested negative for the virus. “Hanoi faces a high risk of involved since the run-up to the tracking and testing capabilities, and banning large gatherings policemen to help handle the out- Authorities will conduct mass detecting new community trans- event began. adding that the city could conduct ahead of the Lunar New Year break, despite the Party testing in affected areas, deputy missions,” media outlet The health ministry 10,000 tests a day. holiday, just two weeks away. congress. South Korea Philippines extends partial coronavirus restrictions in Manila delays easing REUTERS — MANILA its worst economic decline in gradually eased, but a new rise prolonged. Acting economic Manila yesterday also 2020 as a strict coronavirus in the number of coronavirus planning chief Karl Kendrick relaxed travel curbs on for- of social The Philippines extended lockdown shuttered businesses infections and local trans- Chua separately warned the eigners coming from more than yesterday partial COVID-19 and put millions out of work. mission of a more contagious country must learn to live with 30 countries, including the distancing curbs restrictions in the capital Manila The Manila region, which COVID-19 variant have pre- the virus to avoid derailing an United States and China, that until the end of February in a accounts for 40% of the coun- vented the Philippines from economic recovery. have detected cases of the more REUTERS — SEOUL bid to slow a spike in infections try’s economic output and is reopening its economy faster. “There’s no country that I contagious British variant of the after year-end holidays, offi- home to at least 12 million The presidential spokesman know with a level of quarantine coronavirus starting from next South Korea has delayed until cials said, warning the curbs people, remains the epicentre confirmed in a statement that is so broad, so deep and so month. The move covers for- tomorrow (Sunday) any easing could further delay economic for the outbreak in the Philip- restrictions that include limited long”, Chua told foreign corre- eigners previously allowed to of social distancing measures recovery. pines, which has the second- operations at shopping malls spondents yesterday. enter the Philippines, including because outbreaks involving From one of Asia’s fastest highest case load in Southeast and dine-in eateries, as well as The Philippine economy those holding work visas and mission schools are threat- growing nations before the pan- Asia. curbs on gatherings and public contracted 9.5% in 2020, the spouses of Filipinos, but tourists ening to undermine efforts to demic, the Philippines suffered Some curbs have been transport capacity, would be biggest slump on record. would remain banned. keep new infections under control ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays. The number of cases China derecognises British linked to Christian schools nationwide grew further yes- National Overseas passport terday, reaching 344 infec- tions in total in seven AP — BEIJING democracy protests. facilities. “The British side’s attempt Prime Minister Chung Sye- China said yesterday it will no to turn a large number of Hong kyun said yesterday that the longer recognise the British Kong people into second-class government would not care- National Overseas passport as British citizens has completely lessly reduce social distancing a valid travel document or form changed the nature of the two rules, citing experts who view of identification amid a bitter sides’ original understanding of the recent surge in cases as a feud with London over a plan BNO,” Zhao told reporters at a sign of another massive wave to allow millions of Hong Kong daily briefing. of infections. residents a route to residency “This move seriously “We want to be cautious and eventual citizenship. infringes on China’s sovereignty, as making a wrong judgment The announcement by grossly interferes in Hong Kong ahead of the Lunar New Year Foreign Ministry spokesperson affairs and China’s internal holidays could end up tum- Zhao Lijian yesterday throws up affairs, and seriously violates bling the anti-virus measures new uncertainty around the international law and the basic we have been building up in plan just hours after the UK said norms of international rela- an instant,” Chung told a gov- it would begin taking applica- tions,” he said. ernment meeting. tions for what are called BNO “China will no longer rec- South Korea’s social dis- visas beginning late tomorrow. ognise the so-called BNO tancing policy has become a Under the plan, as many as passport as a travel document whack-a-mole game, a repe- WHO team visits Wuhan hospital 5.4 million Hong Kong resi- and proof of identity starting tition of tightening and easing dents could be eligible to live from January 31st, and reserves of the curfews and restric- and work in the UK for five the right to take further tions, said Kim Woo-joo, a Medical workers are seen as members of the World Health Organisation team tasked with investigating years then apply for citizenship. measures.” Many Hong Kongers professor of infectious dis- the origins of coronavirus disease leave Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Demand soared after Beijing carry multiple passports and it eases at Korea University Guro Medicine in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, yesterday. last year imposed a sweeping is unclear what if anything the Hospital in Seoul. new national security law on Chinese government could do “The nation is reeling with the former British colony fol- to prevent people entering the false hope of a return to Australia eyes reopening New Zealand travel bubble lowing months of pro- UK through the BNO visa plan. normal in February since the vaccination starts then, but the REUTERS — MELBOURNE first time this year. with their entire performance eradication is impossible with The trans-Tasman bubble, over the course of the pandemic, South Korea rebukes opposition over so many locally transmitted Australia may resume its travel which has allowed New Zealand then we hope to be in a position cases,” Kim said. bubble with New Zealand in residents to travel to Australia to resume (travel) in the coming nuclear plant plan in North Korea The Korea Disease Control coming days, its health minister without quarantining, was frozen days,” said Hunt. and Prevention Agency said yesterday, as the state of after New Zealand confirmed its New Zealand and Australia REUTERS — SEOUL to set up a nuclear plant in (KDCA) reported 469 new Victoria eased border controls first case in months on Monday both ranked in the global top 10 North Korea. coronavirus cases as of mid- ahead of hosting the first tennis of a variant that emerged in in an index of almost 100 coun- South Korea’s presidential The documents were night on Thursday, bringing Grand Slam on 2021, the South Africa. tries based on their containment office yesterday issued a among 530 files that prose- the national tally to 77,395 Australian Open. Evidence that it has con- of the coronavirus, which has rebuke to an opposition leader cutors say the ministry had cases and 1,399 deaths. Health officials are reas- tained the worrying spread, with paved the way for the state of who accused it of “abetting the illegally deleted to conceal that The government on sessing daily a pause on Aus- zero cases of community trans- Victoria to stage the Australian enemy” after a news report it had distorted feasibility Thursday unveiled a plan to tralia’s travel corridor with mission yesterday, have meant Open starting Feb. 08. that Seoul had planned to build studies to shut down a reactor inoculate 10 million high-risk New Zealand after the Pacific there is reason for health officials The state Victoria began a nuclear plant in North Korea. in South Korea, the report said. people by July, starting with nation’s strong response to an to reconsider the travel pause, relaxing month-long travel Local broadcaster SBS Kim Chong-in, leader of key groups in February. outbreak of a contagious Australia’s Health Minister Greg restrictions on visitors from unveiled a prosecution the main opposition People Chung has said that Asia’s strain of COVID-19, while Hunt told media. Sydney yesterday. indictment listing more than a Power Party, called the fourth largest economy would borders between Australia’s “If there are continued Australia has recorded nearly dozen documents from the potential plan a “shocking and hopefully have achieved herd two most populous states may excellent results out of New a fortnight free of community energy ministry that suggested appalling act that abets the immunity by November and next week open freely for the Zealand, which is commensurate transmission. a previously unknown project enemy”. a return to normal life. 10 EUROPE SATURDAY 30 JANUARY 2021 EU sets vaccine export controls from today

BLOOMBERG — BRUSSELS Separately, the EU’s drug regulator cleared a COVID-19 vaccine from AstraZeneca and the The European Union unveiled a drastic plan to restrict the University of Oxford for all adults. The go-ahead export of COVID-19 vaccines, clears the way for the commission to issue a stepping up its fight over access conditional marketing authorization for the shot. to millions of doses it says it has been unfairly denied. With the EU far behind the the University of Oxford for all hamstrung since 2019, meaning UK and US in the race to vac- adults. The go-ahead clears the a challenge wouldn’t have a cinate its people against the coro- way for the commission to issue remedy at the Geneva-based navirus, the move by the a conditional marketing author- trade body. European Commission will oblige ization for the shot. “We now need transparency drug companies such as Pfizer The decision to include on where the vaccines we Inc and AstraZeneca Plc to obtain older adults in the approval secured are going and ensure that prior authorization before comes after Germany’s immu- they reach our citizens,” EU sending shots manufactured in nization commission recom- Health Commissioner Stella Kyr- People enter a COVID-19 vaccination centre at the Westfield Stratford City in London, yesterday. the bloc to other countries. mended on Thursday that the iakides said, adding that the bloc “The protections and safety inoculation be authorised only provided funding so companies of our citizens is a priority and for people between the ages of could build manufacturing Moderna vaccines delayed in Europe the challenges we now face left 18 and 64 due to a lack of trial capacities. “We are accountable us with no choice but to act,” EU data in older groups. towards the European citizens Trade Commissioner Valdis The new export restrictions, and taxpayers — that is a key and elsewhere, adding to shortfalls Dombrovskis told reporters yes- which go into effect today and principle for us.” terday in Brussels. “This is a race run until the end of March, will The crisis has escalated over REUTERS — MILAN after France and Switzerland journey from contract drug man- against the clock — we cannot allow EU states to block exports the past week after AstraZeneca announced similar shortfalls. ufacturer Lonza in Switzerland lose time because of vaccines not if a set of pre-defined criteria warned that deliveries of its Shortfalls in COVID-19 vaccine European countries are now to fill-and-finish facilities in Spain being delivered on schedule.” haven’t been met, although offi- doses to the EU this quarter deliveries from US drugmaker grappling with broad vaccine to a Belgian logistics centre, The move could affect coun- cials were eager to point out would be less than half what Moderna have spread across delays, at least temporarily, as all before it is shipped out. tries including the UK, US and that the move stopped short of was initially planned. The EU Europe, as Italy joined France and Western vaccine makers with On Thursday, France said it Canada, which weren’t included blanket bans. The main con- claimed the company breached Switzerland in announcing the approved shots — Moderna, expected 25% fewer doses of in a list of more than 90 nations dition will be that companies terms by prioritizing Britain company’s shipments for February Pfizer- BioNtech, and Astra- Moderna vaccines, just after that were granted exemptions have already delivered a suffi- over the EU. would miss expectations. Zeneca — fall behind their initial Switzerland said Moderna from the mechanism. cient number of dosages to EU Earlier yesterday, Com- Moderna told Reuters it had delivery targets. would not meet its February The step represents a dra- members, as set out in existing mission President Ursula von revised short-term delivery AstraZeneca and the target, jeopardising the coun- matic escalation in the global purchase agreements. der Leyen demanded that guidance for Europe and else- European Union are already try’s 1-million-vaccine-dose battle for vaccines, with thou- The curbs will affect vaccine AstraZeneca fulfill its con- where outside the United States embroiled in a dispute over deliv- delivery target for the month. sands dying every day and the production and filling facilities tractual obligations for the based on the “ramp-up tra- eries, while Pfizer said it needed Among Moderna’s confirmed European economy struggling operated by Astra, Moderna Inc. vaccine, and the bloc made jectory” at its drug substance to slow production at a Belgian global orders, the United States under lockdown measures that and Pfizer in Belgium, the Neth- public its contract with the supplier, which is Swiss contract plant in order to increase it in the is due 200 million doses, the have lasted almost a year. erlands, Spain, France and else- pharmaceutical company. drug manufacturer Lonza. The long term. “Minutes ago, Moderna European Commission 160 But the move risks drawing where. While the move raises “What irritated us was that, company said in normal cir- told us about the cut. In the week million, Japan 50 million, Canada accusations of protectionism as questions about its legality, unlike the other companies, cumstances the industrial beginning February 7, only 40 million, South Korea 40 the EU tries to compensate for World Trade Organization rules AstraZeneca very suddenly launch of a vaccine could take 132,000 doses will arrive, 20% million, Switzerland 7.5 million, perceived missteps in negotia- regarding export restrictions announced that it was drasti- three to four years to prepare. less than agreed,” Italy’s and Britain 17 million doses, with tions with drugmakers and the have exemptions in the event cally reducing its agreed deliv- Italy now expects Moderna Domenico Arcuri said and added other markets including Israel and slow rollout of national vacci- of critical shortages of essential eries for the first quarter and did to deliver 20% fewer vaccine shortfalls from all suppliers had Singapore also due, based on infor- nation programs. products or the need to protect not provide understandable doses than promised in the left Italy with 300,000 fewer mation from the company. Separately, the EU’s drug human life and health. reasons why,” she told Ger- week starting on February 7, shots than expected. Moderna has committed to pro- regulator cleared a COVID-19 And the WTO’s dispute set- many’s DLF radio. “Now we Italy’s special commissioner for Moderna’s Europe-bound ducing 600 million doses of its vaccine from AstraZeneca and tlement system has been want clarity on that.” COVID-19 said yesterday, a day vaccine makes a long, complex vaccine in 2021. Hungary signs Online film about alleged deal for Sinopharm Putin's 'palace' watched vaccine over 100 million times REUTERS — BUDAPEST REUTERS — MOSCOW footage of the property showing construction work Hungary became the European An online video made by jailed under way at the site and in its Union’s first member to Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny interior. Hours later, state tel- approve China’s Sinopharm alleging that Vladimir Putin is evision cited a builder at the COVID-19 vaccine, sealing a the ultimate owner of an site who said the property was deal yesterday for 5 million opulent palace, something the being built as a hotel. doses a week after becoming President denies, has now been In his video, Navalny had the first EU member to buy viewed more than 100 million noted building work at the site Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine. times, YouTube data showed. and said the property had been Prime Minister Viktor Navalny, who is serving a ready years ago but that flaws Orban, whose nationalist gov- 30-day jail stint for parole vio- in its design had forced builders ernment frequently bucks the lations he says are trumped up, to start again from scratch. consensus of its EU neigh- released the video last week in “Everything was ready a bours, said he would per- an effort to encourage people long time ago but then a catas- sonally opt to receive the Heavy snowfall to take to the streets to demand trophe known as mold and Chinese vaccine, as he trusted his freedom. Tens of thousands sloppiness struck,” he said. “So A pedestrian walks along a street during heavy snowfall in Stavropol, Russia, yesterday. it more than others. did so last weekend. they decided to redo every- The announcement came Navalny’s allies are con- thing. Absolutely everything.” a day after Hungary’s gov- tinuing to promote the video to Navalny rose to promi- ernment issued a decree try and mobilise people to nence in Russia during anti- calling for any vaccine that German lawmakers propose protest, this time on Sunday. Kremlin protests in 2011-12 and had been administered to at Authorities say such protests are has carved out a large online least 1 million people else- illegal under Russian law as they following, particularly among where in the world to be given require pre-authorisation. younger Russians in big cities. emergency approval. new law on assisted suicide Putin, who has dominated He was arrested this month China has been heavily Russian politics for more than after flying back to Moscow from marketing its two coronavirus REUTERS — BERLIN Helling-Plahr, a member of the lethal sodium pentobarbital drug two decades and has avoided Germany where he had been vaccines, made by Sinopharm liberal Free Democrats (FDP) would have to prove that their even uttering Navalny’s name recovering from a nerve agent and Sinovac, with millions of Members of Germany’s par- told a news conference. wish is permanent and they had in public, has said the palace, poisoning last August. Navalny doses shipped around the liament proposed legislation Euthanasia is particularly not been pressured by anyone. in southern Russia, does not has accused Putin of ordering his world to developing countries, yesterday that would allow sensitive in Germany due to the Members of the opposition belong to him or his family. poisoning. Putin has denied the particularly in Asia and Latin assisted suicide for terminally legacy of the Nazis, who mur- Greens have drawn up a separate Navalny’s video says the authorities tried to poison him America. ill adults once they have dered an estimated 300,000 draft law that would require two property, built in the Italian and said Russian agents would Hungary’s drug regulator received counselling. people with disabilities and doctors’ opinions before patients palazzo style, has its own have finished the job if they had gave emergency use approval Germany’s top court last psychological ailments under can be given a prescription for underground ice rink, swim- wanted him dead. to the Sinopharm vaccine, year ruled in favour of groups its “euthanasia” programme sodium pentobarbital, daily ming pool, theatre and some- Meanwhile, a Russian court rather than wait for the bloc’s that help people die, saying an because their lives were Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung thing called an aqua-disco. has ordered that the brother of European Medicines Agency existing law that bans assisted deemed unworthy. reported on Thursday. The latter has even inspired a Navalny be held under house (EMA) to give the go-ahead, suicide services breached the Under the draft legislation Some palliative medics had pop music track and video arrest until March 23 for adding it to a list that also constitution. presented by members of the argued against any change in entitled “Akvadiskoteka” that breaching COVID-19 restric- includes the Pfizer, Moderna “Everyone who is able to Social Democrats, who are in the Germany’s law, fearing that has since gained over three tions. Oleg Navalny was and AstraZeneca vaccines as make decisions for themselves ruling coalition, as well as the could risk premature action in million YouTube views. detained on Wednesday when well as Russia’s Sputnik now should also be able to decide opposition FDP and Linke, cases not properly based on a A pro-Kremlin outlet on the police raided Moscow offices of approved in Hungary. when they want to die,” Katrin patients who want to take the wish to die. Telegram messenger published Navalny's group. Foreign Minister Peter Szi- jjarto said on his Facebook page yesterday that the Sinopharm vaccines would be delivered in Almost 1 million Russian civilians receive COVID-19 shot four batches over four months. The 5 million doses would REUTERS — MOSCOW opened up to the general pop- since the start of the country’s reported the most doses admin- She did not specify whether that enable Hungary to inoculate 2.5 ulation in early January. vaccination drive. Sputnik V is istered as a share of population, number covered the military million people, about a quarter Almost 1 million Russian So far more than 957,000 administered in two doses, with Reuters data shows. and law enforcement. of its population, he said. civilians have received citizens have received a shot, the booster shot given 21 days Deputy Prime Minister About 320,000 people had Orban told state radio that COVID-19 vaccine doses, according to the Reuters tally after the first. The tally covered Tatiana Golikova said on been vaccinated in Moscow as the government had been according to a Reuters tally, as based on data from local health the number of people who have Thursday that 8.2 million doses of January 28. A further 65,954 monitoring the outcome of authorities strive to meet a authorities in each of Russia’s received at least one dose. of the vaccine had been produced people have been vaccinated in mass inoculations using the target of 20 million vaccinations 85 regions, either published on This tally found that Russia, in Russia thus far, of which 2.7 the Moscow region, and 49,408 Chinese vaccine in Serbia. in the first quarter of the year. official sites or reported by among the first in the world to million doses had been dis- in St. Petersburg. Another 21 In Hungary, which has close The country’s mass inocu- regional media outlets. register a COVID-19 vaccine last tributed to medical facilities. regions, including Tatarstan, to 10 million people, 364,909 lation drive with the domesti- The data was reported year, has inoculated 0.7% of its Golikova said on January 23 Bashkiria, Sverdlovsk, have people have been infected and cally produced Sputnik V between January 20 and population of 146.2 million so far. that authorities expected 20 each reported vaccinating 12,374 people have died of vaccine began in December for January 28 but covered the total That would put it outside the top million Russian citizens to be between 10,000 and 20,000 COVID-19 so far. certain groups and was then number of shots administered 15 countries globally who have vaccinated in the first quarter. people so far. SATURDAY 30 JANUARY 2021 EUROPE / AMERICAS 11 J&J one-dose shot offers new hope against virus REUTERS — NEW YORK lower effectiveness in South COVID-19 is rising across all geographies and Stoffels declined to say how that a South African variant has Africa. Rival shots from Pfizer/ in 37 countries and against multiple variants 28 many doses. J&J’s vaccine uses mutated in areas of the virus Johnson & Johnson said yes- BioNTech and Moderna were days after immunization. That a common cold virus to that are key targets of vaccines, terday that that its single-dose both around 95% effective in infections have “will potentially protect hun- introduce coronavirus proteins reducing their efficacy. “What vaccine was 66% effective in preventing symptomatic illness surpassed 101 million dreds of millions of people from into cells and trigger an immune we are learning is there is dif- preventing COVID-19 in a large in pivotal trials when given in globally. Unlike other serious and fatal outcomes of response, whereas the Pfizer/ ferent efficacy in different parts global trial against multiple var- two doses. COVID-19,” Paul Stoffels, J&J’s BioNTech and Moderna vac- of the world,” Stoffels said. iants, giving health officials Those trials were conducted vaccines, J&J’s does chief scientific officer, said. cines employ a new technology In a sub-study of 6,000 vol- another weapon to tackle the mainly in the United States and not require a second J&J plans to seek emergency called messenger RNA. unteers in South Africa, Stoffels pandemic. before the emergence of new shot weeks after the use authorization from the US Unlike these vaccines, J&J’s said, the J&J vaccine was 89% In the trial of nearly 44,000 variants. These mean that the Food and Drug Administration does not require a second shot effective at preventing severe volunteers, the level of pro- world is racing against time and first or need to be next week and will soon follow weeks after the first or need to disease. In the South Africa tection against moderate and with limited supplies to vaccinate kept frozen, making up with the European Union and be kept frozen, making it a strong portion of the trial, 95% of cases severe COVID-19 varied from as many people as possible, and the rest of the world. It has said candidate for use in parts of the were infections with the South 72% in the United States, to 66% quickly, to prevent virus surges. it a strong candidate it plans to deliver 1 billion doses world where transportation and African variant. in Latin America and just 57% COVID-19 is rising in 37 for use in parts of of the vaccine, which it will make cold storage present problems. “I am overwhelmed by the in South Africa, from where a countries and infections have the world where in the US, Europe, South Africa “Most countries are still des- fact that this vaccine protected worrying variant has spread. surpassed 101 million globally. and India, in 2021. perate to get their hands on against severe disease even in The data showed that the Top US infectious disease spe- transportation and Public health officials are doses, regardless of whether or South Africa,” said Glenda Gray, vaccine’s effect on the South cialist Anthony Fauci said the cold storage present counting on it to increase much- not the vaccine is considered the joint lead investigator of the Africa variant was diminished world needs to vaccinate quickly needed supply and simplify highly effective. Moderately South African vaccine trial. In the compared to the unaltered to try to get ahead of these problems. immunization in the United effective will do just fine for J&J trial, which was conducted in virus, but infectious disease and changes in the virus. “It’s really a States, which has a deal to buy now,” Michael Breen, Director eight countries, 44% of partici- public health experts said it can wake up call for us to be nimble prevention of moderate to 100 million doses of J&J’s vaccine of Infectious Diseases and Oph- pants were from the United still help contain the virus and to be able to adjust as this severe COVID-19, and the and an option for an additional thalmology at research firm States, 41% from Central and spread and prevent deaths. Mid- virus will continue for certain to vaccine was 85% effective in 200 million. J&J said the vaccine GlobalData, said. South America and 15% from stage trial data from Novavax evolve,” Fauci said. stopping severe disease and would be ready immediately Several studies have South Africa. Just over a third of on Thursday also documented J&J’s main goal was the preventing hospitalization upon emergency approval, but emerged this month showing the volunteers were over 60. UK adds UAE, Burundi WHO says vaccine hoarding ‘keeps and Rwanda to travel pandemic burning’ ban list, flights cancelled REUTERS — GENEVA Rich countries squabbling over REUTERS — LONDON/SYDNEY airline. Britain’s transport COVID-19 vaccine supplies department advised nationals must consider the situation in Britain banned direct passenger now in the UAE to use indirect poorer parts of the world, the flights from the United Arab commercial routes to fly back World Health Organization Emirates from yesterday, to Britain. said yesterday, warning that shutting down the world’s Border closures caused by hoarding of shots “keeps the busiest international airline COVID-19 made Dubai to pandemic burning”. route from Dubai to London. London the world’s busiest WHO officials were Britain said it was adding international route in January, speaking after the European the United Arab Emirates, with 190,365 scheduled seats Commission said it had agreed Burundi and Rwanda to its over the month, airline data a plan to control exports of coronavirus travel ban list provider OAG said. vaccines from the European because of worries over the Emirates and Etihad nor- Union arguing it needed to do spread of a more contagious mally carry large numbers of so to ensure its own supplies. and potentially vaccine- passengers connecting from The EU is scrambling to get resistant COVID-19 variant first Britain to destinations like Aus- supplies just as the West’s identified in South Africa. tralia through their airport biggest drugmakers slow “This means people who hubs, meaning the decision to Firefighters work at the site of COVID-19 hospital Matei Bals, after a fire broke out in one of its deliveries to the bloc due to have been in or transited cancel those flights will have buildings, in Bucharest, Romania, yesterday. production problems. through these countries will be far-reaching implications. “If we hoard vaccines and denied entry, except British, The Australian government we are not sharing, there will Irish and third country said it will add more charter Fire at COVID-19 hospital in Bucharest, 5 dead be three major problems. One, nationals with residence rights flights from Britain if needed I have said it, it will be a cata- who must self-isolate for ten as a result of the Emirates and REUTERS — BUCHAREST bathroom. Prosecutors were patients were in hospitals strophic moral failure and two days at home,” UK Transport Etihad cancellations. investigating the cause of the fire. across Romania as of yesterday, it keeps the pandemic burning Minister Grant Shapps said on Eran Ben-Avraham, an Aus- A fire killed five patients at a The building where the blaze including 989 in intensive care and three very slow global Twitter on Thursday. tralian stranded in Britain due to COVID-19 hospital in the broke out was built in 1953 and units. The country has reported economy recovery,” Tedros On its website, Emirates strict limits on the number of Romanian capital Bucharest yes- had been completely renovated, 721,513 coronavirus cases and Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO said it would suspend all UK arrivals in Australia, said his terdayand 102 others were evac- its manager said. Matei Bals is 18,105 deaths. Director-General, told a virtual passenger flights from 1300 options for getting home were uated, officials said, the second one of the largest and most used “Before we talk about the briefing. “So it is our choice and GMT, when the ban takes effect. continually shrinking. deadly hospital fire in the country COVID-19 hospitals in Romania. overall healthcare system we I hope we will choose the right Etihad Airways said it would “At the moment it is only in under three months. The evacuated patients had must first learn what happened things,” he said, almost a year only suspend flights to Britain, giving us three options of flying The fire, which has since medium to serious COVID-19 here tonight,” Health Minister since he declared a public health with those from the UK Qatar, ANA or Singapore Air- been extinguished, broke out at infections and most were using Vlad Voiculescu said. “The reality emergency over the emergence remaining unaffected. lines,” he told the Australian around 0300 GMT in one of the oxygen, the hospital’s manager is that the state of an over- of the coronavirus. In a statement, Dubai Broadcasting Corporation. buildings of the Matei Bals hos- said. They were re-located to whelming majority of our hos- Mike Ryan, WHO’s top airport advised those booked “Every day it is making it more pital. Four rooms were affected. other COVID-19 hospitals pitals is simply the result of emergency expert, told the on flights due to arrive in Britain difficult to get home. The flights Three victims died on the scene, across Bucharest or to other chronic underfunding and briefing — also attended by a after the ban not to go to the back are anywhere from like a fourth during resuscitation, buildings at Matei Bals. opaque acquisitions which led to midwife from Uganda and a airport and instead contact their 4,000 pounds ($5,487).” while a fifth was later found in a Nearly 7,700 COVID-19 a long string of improvisations.” nurse from Pakistan — that people had to think about frontline colleagues like them. He decried countries Bolivian doctors demand lockdown as infections surge “fighting over the cake” when when frontline health workers REUTERS — LA PAZ of 2,866 this week and deaths current COVID-19 wave — COVID-19 cases in the nation seven doctors died, yesterday in poor countries “don’t even attributed to the epidemic Bolivia’s second — passes. of 11.5 million stand at around another doctor died and today have access to the crumbs”. Bolivian doctors are demanding climbed above 10,000. But the government has 210,000 — and say that every another... and the government The WHO said the world a nationwide lockdown and “At the rate we are going, been reluctant to further day more than one doctor or does not want to order a quar- needed to diversify the supply threatening to stop taking in there will be a total collapse,” undermine the landlocked health worker loses their life. antine not even for fifteen chain for making COVID-19 new patients as a surge in said Ricardo Landivar, a country’s already reeling In cities, hospitals are often days... because it is more inter- vaccines and that it was looking COVID-19 cases, which they say director of the La Paz Medical economy. Arce, due to be one visibly crowded inside and out, ested in the economy.” at other suppliers. The organi- is killing an average of one College. “... We are going to have of the first in the country to get with signs on doors and walls Bolivia’s government has zation said last week it had medic per day, strains hospitals patients dying in the streets inoculated with Sputnik V, has warning: “no room for new agreements for a combined 15 reached an agreement with to breaking point. without being able to be treated said the arrival of the Russian patients” and “the emergency million doses of Sputnik V, the Pfizer/BioNTech for 40 million New daily coronavirus infec- by medical staff.” vaccine can help Bolivians units have collapsed”. AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine doses of its vaccine and should tions in the Andean country, Health workers’ and “breathe a bit easier”. “Doctors are dying day by and others via the interna- be able to start delivering vac- which received its first batch of doctors’ unions are demanding Medical union leaders day,” said Patricia Almanza, a tional COVAX mechanism co- cines to poor and lower-middle Russian Sputnik V vaccines on that leftist President Luis Arce however point to the high doctor at the Hospital Petrolero managed by the World Health income countries next month Thursday, hit a single-day record return to lockdown until the fatality rate — confirmed in La Paz. “The previous week Organization. under the COVAX programme. Mexican woman Almost 700 migrants stranded released from Texas in the Caribbean region prison after 18 years REUTERS — BOGOTA “This isn’t possible because REUTERS — MEXICO CITY there is a presidential order to close Some 700 migrants bound for the the borders and additionally A Mexican woman who spent 18 years in United States are stranded on a Car- Panama has also closed its borders,” prison in the United States for the death ibbean beach in Colombia because Espinosa said, adding that migrants of a minor was released on the order of the South American country’s will receive humanitarian aid while a Texas judge, according to Mexico’s borders remain closed to curb the border controls with Ecuador will be foreign ministry, which has said there spread of coronavirus, the migration stepped up to prevent more immi- were “irregularities” in her 2005 trial. agency said yesterday. grants from entering Colombia. Rosa Estela Jimenez left prison on The migrants are stuck on Colombia has closed its land and Wednesday and would stay in the United beaches in Necocli, a municipality in river borders since March 2020, a States to meet the conditions of her Colombia’s Antioquia province, from measure it will keep in place until at release, the ministry said in a statement. where they hope to pass through the least March 1. It deported some 3,800 Jimenez was arrested in 2003 and dangerous Darian Gap towards illegal migrants last year, the majority convicted in 2005 after a jury found Panama and then north towards the from Haiti, according to agency sta- her guilty in the abuse and death of a United States, said migration agency tistics. Migrants from Cuba, African minor who was under her care. The jury director Juan Francisco Espinosa. and Asian countries are also detained handed her two sentences of 99 years The stranded migrants include in Colombia as they look to travel to and 75 years. some 647 Haitian nationals, as the United States with help from The Mexican consulate in Austin con- Vaccination drive in Brazil well as 23 Cubans, and 19 migrants people-trafficking networks. tributed to legal fees in the course of her from African countries, Espinosa Migration authorities, with help Healthcare workers line up before receiving the first dose of the Sinovac’s appeal. The New York-based Innocence said. Just in the last week more than from the military and police, cap- CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine in the Positivo event center at the Barigui Park in Project, which helps people who were 500 migrants have arrived in tured 198 people traffickers in wrongfully convicted, also worked on Curitiba, Brazil, on Thursday. Necocli, demanding they be allowed recent months and dismantled 60 her release, the ministry said. to travel to Panama. trafficking networks, Espinosa said. 12 AMERICAS SATURDAY 30 JANUARY 2021 First US cases of potent virus variant from SA found in South Carolina

REUTERS — NEW YORK Medical experts said a weaker immune response. arrival of the so- The companies said this A potent coronavirus week they were considering variant originating in South called South African making new versions of their Africa and found to be partly variant presented shots just in case. Moderna also resistant to current vaccines an alarming new plans to test giving a third shot and antibody treatments has of its vaccine to bolster been detected for the first time challenge in efforts antibody levels. in the United States in two to contain a raging The South Carolina South Carolina patients, health pandemic that has Department of Health and officials said. Environmental Control said the Medical experts said arrival claimed at least two newly discovered cases of of the so-called South African 430,000 American the South African variant, a variant presented an alarming strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus new challenge in efforts to lives in 11 months. known to scientists as B.1.351, contain a raging pandemic that appeared to be unrelated to US President Joe Biden visits Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, has claimed at least 430,000 each other. The agency said US, yesterday. American lives in 11 months, as US appearance last month in neither of the two adults who authorities struggle to launch Colorado and has since been contracted it had a recent travel the largest mass-vaccination detected in at least 28 states. history that would account for Action on COVID-19 stimulus campaign in US history. The flurry of variants taken the infections, suggesting the All viruses mutate fre- together “have really changed variant was transmitted locally. quently, and scientists have the entire picture of the The South Africa variant has identified several variants of COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. been detected in more than 30 needed now, says Biden the novel coronavirus found to Michael Osterholm, Director of countries. “I’m very worried be more transmissible than the the University of Minnesota’s about the variants, all of them,” REUTERS — WASHINGTON no ifs, ands or buts,” Biden said. Kamala Harris wielding the tie- original strain. Center for Infectious Disease Vivek Murthy, nominated to be Biden spoke as Democrats breaking vote, Democrats are But the presence of the Research and Policy, said. “We’re the next US surgeon general, said US President Joe Biden said who lead the US Senate and preparing to use a parlia- South African variant, which now in by far the most dangerous in a Washington Post interview. yesterday that Congress needs House of Representatives pre- mentary tool called “reconcil- has shown no evidence of period of the pandemic.” “All have the potential to be to take immediate action on his pared to take the first steps next iation” that would allow the causing more severe disease, is The US Centers for Disease much more transmissible than $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief week toward delivering fresh chamber to approve COVID-19 nonetheless especially con- Control and Prevention (CDC) the current version of COVID that proposal, adding that most assistance to Americans and relief with a simple majority. cerning because several labo- has predicted the UK variant we seem to be dealing with in the economists believe additional businesses reeling from a pan- Because of Senate rules, legis- ratory studies have found that could become the dominant United States.” economic stimulus is needed. demic that has killed more than lation usually requires 60 votes it reduces vaccine and antibody strain in the US by March. The CDC has said the advent “We have to act now,” Biden 433,000 people. to pass in the chamber. therapy efficacy. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the of more transmissible variants told reporters at the White Congress enacted $4 “There is no time for any Confirmation of two leading US infectious disease underscores the need for rapid House. “There is an over- trillion in COVID-19 relief last delays,” Biden said on Friday. patients with that variant in specialist, told MSNBC all the rollout of vaccines to limit the whelming consensus among year. On Thursday, Senate “We could end up with 4 million South Carolina came days after new variants were worrisome, ability of the virus to keep economists... that this is a Majority Leader Chuck fewer jobs this year... It could the Minnesota Department of but “the one that is of greater mutating, as well as for greater unique moment and the cost of Schumer said the sharply take a year longer to return to Health identified the first concern and that really could adherence to mask-wearing in inaction is high.” The president divided chamber would begin full employment if we don’t act known US case of another be problematic is the mutant public and social distancing. later said he supported passing work on robust legislation and don’t act now.” highly contagious strain that that is now dominant in South Scientists have warned that COVID-19 relief with or without next week, despite misgivings House Speaker Nancy originated in Brazil. Africa”. So far, the two-dose another onslaught of infections Republican help. among Republicans and some Pelosi predicted on Thursday Yet a third form of the virus vaccines made by Moderna Inc looms on the horizon. To date, “I support passing COVID Democrats about the size of that both chambers of Congress from the UK that is more infec- and Pfizer Inc with BioNTech the United States has logged relief with support from Repub- Biden’s proposal. would be ready to move tious, and associated with appear protective against the nearly 26 million known licans, if we can get it. But the With the 100-seat Senate forward through reconciliation higher mortality, made its first South African variant, despite COVID-19 infections. COVID relief has to pass with split 50-50 and Vice-President by the end of next week. Biden renews Robert Malley named as special envoy for Iran deportation

REUTERS — WASHINGTON views. Leading that team as our defense, praising him as a his foreign policy aides move to The nuclear deal, formally relief for Syrians Special Envoy for Iran will be respected, even-handed dip- craft their approach to Iran. called the Joint Comprehensive living in the US President Joe Biden has named Rob Malley, who brings to the lomat. The post would make Malley is expected to report Plan of Action (JCPOA), was Robert Malley as special U.S. position a track record of Malley the point person in directly to Blinken, a source struck by Iran and six major REUTERS — WASHINGTON envoy for Iran, a senior official success negotiating constraints Biden’s efforts to deal with Iran familiar with the matter said. powers and committed Iran to said, giving the veteran diplomat on Iran’s nuclear program,” the after years of worsening rela- Biden’s top diplomat on restricting its nuclear program in The administration of Pres- a leading role in one of most State Department official said. tions under Trump, who, after Wednesday stuck to the new return for sanctions relief from ident Joe Biden yesterday daunting and politically divisive “The Secretary is confident pulling out of the 2015 nuclear administration’s stance that the United States and others. extended deportation relief for foreign policy challenges facing he and his team will be able to deal with Tehran, reimposed Tehran must resume complying Israel and Gulf Arab states several thousand Syrian immi- the new administration. do that once again,” the official, crippling economic sanctions. with the Iran nuclear deal strongly opposed the deal as not grants living in the United Malley was a key member speaking on the condition of Malley held numerous senior before Washington would do so. stringent enough on Tehran. States, an early move that of former President Barack anonymity, said, referring to positions in the Democratic Making his first public com- Malley, the son of an Egyptian aligns with his broader pro- Obama’s team that negotiated Biden’s Secretary of State administrations of Obama and ments on Iran as secretary of journalist and Iran expert, was immigrant platform. the 2015 nuclear accord with Antony Blinken. former President Bill Clinton with state, Blinken reiterated Biden’s an informal adviser to Obama’s The US Department of Iran and world powers, an When Malley’s name first a focus on Middle East and Gulf policy “that if Iran comes back 2008 campaign but resigned Homeland Security announced agreement that former pres- surfaced in news reports as a policymaking and informally into full compliance with its after it emerged he had met with that acting Secretary David ident Donald Trump abandoned leading candidate for the post, advised Biden’s team during the obligations under the JCPOA, representatives of the Palestinian Pekoske would extend Tem- in 2018 despite strong oppo- he drew criticism from some 2020 campaign. the United States would do the militant group Hamas while porary Protected Status (TPS) sition from Washington’s Republican lawmakers and pro- Most recently, he was the same thing.” But Iran’s Foreign working for the International for 6,700 eligible Syrians European allies. Israel groups that expressed president of the International Minister, Mohammad Javad Crisis Group. Malley was later through September 2022 and “Secretary Blinken is concern that he would be soft Crisis Group, a non-profit Zarif, said on Twitter on brought into the Obama admin- allow an additional 1,800 people building a dedicated team, on Iran and tough on Israel. organization focused on global Thursday that the United States istration, in which Biden served to file initial applications. drawing from clear-eyed But a number of foreign conflict. Malley’s expected should make the first move by as vice president, as a top Middle The program grants immi- experts with a diversity of policy veterans rushed to his appointment comes as Biden and returning to the nuclear pact. East adviser. grants who cannot return to their countries safely, for reasons like natural disasters or armed conflict, the ability Six dead in liquid nitrogen leak to stay and work in the United States legally for a defined at Georgia state poultry plant period that can be renewed. Biden has pledged to REUTERS — ATLANTA frozen food processing plants. embrace a more welcoming However, liquid nitrogen gas approach to refugees and At least six people were killed released in a confined space immigrants. The stance con- and 12 hospitalised on can rapidly displace oxygen in trasts with the hardline pol- Thursday after a suspected the air and lungs, according to icies of former Republican liquid nitrogen leak at a poultry the University of Delaware, President Donald Trump, who plant in the US state of Georgia, leading to unconsciousness and rolled back many humani- fire services officials said. lethal asphyxiation. tarian protections. Five people died at the Last month, two workers at Trump largely sought to Foundation Food Group plant a Golden West Food Group plant phase out enrollment in the in Gainesville, 97km northeast in Los Angeles County, lost con- TPS program for immigrants of Atlanta, and one died after sciousness and died following an from Central American and being transferred to hospital, apparent liquid nitrogen leak other countries but was the officials said. Nicholas there, according to the Los stymied by legal challenges. Ancrum, a spokesman for Angeles County Fire Department. Despite his tough stance, his Foundation Food Group, said Four firefighters were administration twice extended Ontario Premier Doug Ford watches a healthcare worker prepares a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine it appeared a nitrogen line had injured in Thursday’s suspected protections for Syrians due to at The Michener Institute, in Toronto, Canada, on January 4, 2021. burst and the cause was under leak, suffering respiratory ail- ongoing armed conflict and investigation. ments, while around 130 other limited access to medical care “All these folks who came to people were evacuated to a in the country. Trump, Canada expects further Pfizer vaccine delay work today didn’t expect some- nearby church, officials said. however, did not allow new thing like this, so please keep The Foundation Food Group applicants into the program. REUTERS — OTTAWA Tensions have been growing said Tyler Shandro, Alberta’s them in your prayers,” County plant processes raw chicken into With Biden’s designation, over the slow rollout of Canada’s health minister. Ontario Sheriff Gerald Couch said. All the products like frozen chicken additional Syrians in the Canada said that it expects a vaccination program, caused in Premier Doug Ford said Pfizer bodies had been removed from tenders and individual chicken United States can now seek further delay in Pfizer Inc’s part by Pfizer cutting its promised “has let us down tremen- the plant and authorities were cuts for restaurants and food protection under TPS. The COVID-19 vaccine deliveries deliveries for January and Feb- dously” and called for “a loud working on identifying them and service operations. It was known move fits with his broader in coming weeks, prompting ruary. Canada has made deals voice to make sure we get our notifying the families, Couch as Prime Pak Foods until the start plans to expand protections protests from provincial to buy more doses per capita fair share of vaccines.” said. Of the 12 people injured, of the year, when its name was under the program. Biden also leaders in charge of adminis- than any other nation, but only Deputy Prime Minister three were in critical condition, changed under a merger pledged to grant TPS to immi- tering inoculations. two vaccines have so far been Chrystia Freeland said the gov- five were listed in fair condition between the two companies. grants from Venezuela due to Ottawa, which had initially approved by the regulator - ernment is still on track to inoc- and the remaining three had Georgia Governor Brian the economic conditions in said Pfizer would deliver 4 Pfizer’s and Moderna Inc’s. ulate every Canadian by the end been released from hospital, offi- Kemp said on Twitter that he that country, although Trump million doses by the end of “The federal government of September, and that Prime cials said. and his family are heartbroken had pre-empted that move by March, told the provinces on is failing Canadians. This is a Minister Justin Trudeau had Nitrogen, typically an inert over the news, and asked for providing the protections Thursday that it would now be grim situation that seems to been speaking directly with gas that becomes a liquid when all Georgians to pray for the through a similar program 3.5 million doses. be getting worse every week,” vaccine manufacturers. supercooled, is widely used in families of the victims. before he left office.