www.thepeninsula.qa Wednesday 19 August 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8354 29 Dhul-Hijja - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 13 PENMAG | 15 SPORT | 20

Only ‘good’ debt Classifieds Diamond League can save and Services to resume Europe’s section Qatar’s sports economy: Draghi included season

Choose the network of heroes Enjoy the Internet QA refunds over $1.2bn to customers since March

THE PENINSULA — DOHA passengers. Qatar Airways automation capabilities, with tickets are now valid for two customers being able to request Qatar Airways has paid out over years from the date of issuance. their refund online, from which $1.2bn in refunds to almost Passengers can also choose point it can largely be processed 600,000 passengers since to change their travel date or des- automatically. The airline also March, demonstrating its tination free of charge as often as automated travel voucher commitment to honouring its they need, change their origin to requests, so that passengers were obligations to passengers who another city within the same able to receive a voucher within need to change their plans due country or any other destination 72 hours of requesting it online. to the impact of the COVID-19 on the airline’s network within a In terms of manpower, Qatar pandemic on global travel. 5,000 mile radius of the original, Airways redeployed employees In the context of unprece- exchange their ticket for a future from other areas of the business dented numbers of refund travel voucher worth 110 percent – for example its Cabin Crew requests as airlines and pas- of the original ticket value, or and Ground Services staff – to sengers navigate entry restrictions swap their tickets for Qmiles. join the airline’s global network imposed by countries around the Over one third (36%) of Qatar of customer contact centres to world to limit the spread of Airways passengers selected one help manage the large volume Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, the airline has COVID-19, Qatar Airways has of these options over a refund. of online requests and customer offered unrivalled flexibility and reliability to worked hard to process almost all Qatar Airways Group Chief phone calls. customers that need to change their travel plans. refunds requested since March Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, said: The airline has also worked 2020 (96%). The airline is now “With the impact of COVID-19 on hard to make the refund and processing all new refunds back global travel, passengers have had rebooking process as easy as pos- to the original form of payment in to change their plans at short notice an airline they can trust.” and trade partners and as an unprecedented number of refund sible for its trade partners, con- less than 30 days. and it has been difficult for them “The amount we have paid airline we are strong enough to requests – over 10,000 per day at tinuing to use the industry standard Additionally, the airline to plan ahead with any certainty. out in refunds has undoubtedly mitigate the impact of this.” the height of the crisis – from pas- global distribution system (GDS) – introduced an unrivalled What they want and deserve are had an impact on our bottom Qatar Airways took a number sengers that needed to change their a largely automated process that flexible booking policy that has flexibility and reliability, and in line, but it is our duty to do the of important measures to ensure travel plans in light of COVID-19. is simple to use for travel agents – proved extremely popular with Qatar Airways we hope they find right thing by our customers that it could manage the Firstly, it increased its to pay out refunds. `P3 Qatar Petroleum enters exploration agreement in Angola THE PENINSULA — DOHA approximately 3,600sq km, and securing interests in promising in-country presence. We would in Block 48 will be as follows: is expected to be drilled as part exploration blocks in diverse like to thank the Angolan Total (40% - Operator), Qatar Petroleum has entered of a 2020/2021 drilling geographies, we are pleased to authorities, and our partners Sonangol (30%), and Qatar SEMI-FINALS into a farm-in agreement with programme. be part of this exciting ultra- in this block for their support. Petroleum (30%). Sonangol, the national oil Commenting on the deep water opportunity in We look forward to a long- Block 48 is located in the YESTERDAY'S RESULT company of Angola, and Total agreement, H E Saad Sherida Al Angola, a leading oil and gas standing and fruitful ultra-deep waters offshore to acquire a 30 percent partic- Kaabi, Minister of State for producing country.” partnership”. Lower Congo Basin, approxi- PSG 3 – 0 RB Leipzig ipating interest in Block 48, Energy Affairs, and President He added: “This is our first The farm-in agreement is mately 400km northwest of located in the ultra-deep waters and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, opportunity in Angola with subject to customary approvals Luanda and 200km West of TODAY'S FIXTURE offshore Angola. said: “Continuing on our both Sonangol, and our long- by the Angolan Government. Soyo onshore facilities. The Bayern Munich vs Lyon The block, with a drill ready journey to build a world-class term partner, Total, an experi- Upon receipt of such approvals, average water depth in the Kick off at 10:00pm Qatar time opportunity covers an area of exploration portfolio, by enced operator with significant the parties respective interests block is around 2,500 metres. Qatar Islamic Insurance Group and Allianz International and its associates sign agreement in health insurance cooperation

Qatar's first cable-stayed bridge coming up Work in progress for Qatar’s first cable-stayed bridge which will convert Haloul Roundabout into a two- level interchange as part of Sabah Al Ahmed Corridor project. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA Ministry of Culture, QFFD continue work on project to support displaced Syrian children Sheikh Abdullah bin Thani Al Thani (left), QIIC Board of Directors Chairman; and Ali Ibrahim Al Abdulghani, CEO and Group President of Qatar Islamic Insurance. THE PENINSULA — DOHA QFFD’s QR7m support for the project shows the deep commitment of Qatar to support the Qatar Islamic Insurance Group Mr. Ali Ibrahim Al-Abdulghani – the Group The Ministry of Culture and (QIIG) and Allianz Interna- president – Qatar Islamic Insurance Group Sports and the Qatar Fund For humanitarian needs of the Syrian people. tional and its associates in Development (QFFD) continue insurance operations cele- addressed the ceremony and assuring to implement a project to The project aims to increase knowledge and brated the signing and inau- that Qatar Islamic Insurance Group always support knowledge and reading reading activities for displaced Syrian children. guration of the exclusive activities for displaced Syrian agreement in health insurance does not spare effort in looking for the children in the camps in Turkey, cooperation that has been Jordan and Lebanon, as part of Al Ali said: “Supporting Syrian support Syrian refugees who concluded between Qatar best way and means to provide the best the ‘QUEST’ fund initiative. refugee children is a humani- were affected during the Syrian Islamic Insurance Group (QIIG) services to its customers. QFFD’s support for the tarian duty aimed at empow- crisis to reach good regular and the strategic partner, M/s. project amounted to QR7m, ering them with the right to education and develop the Allianz International which is showing the deep commitment knowledge, strengthening the capacities of youth and children considered as one of the Al-Abdulghani - the Group Therefore, its choose was to of the State of Qatar to support will to live in their conscience, to ensure a good future for leading companies in respect president – Qatar Islamic be a partner with the leading the humanitarian needs of the instilling optimism in them and them, as this project serves of health insurance in the Insurance Group addressed health insurance company in Syrian people, and affirming the developing their creative talents development goals.” world. the ceremony welcoming eve- the world, which is Allianz, role of education and to contribute to the renaissance The partnership between the The ceremony was held rybody and assuring that noting that this exclusive part- knowledge in shaping the of their society in the future.” Ministry of Culture and Sports yesterday, August 18, 2020 via Qatar Islamic Insurance nership will enable QIIG to future of Syria, in partnership Director General of QFFD, and the QFFD is a model for remote communication tech- Group always does not spare provide the best and faster with international and regional Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari Qatari institutions to interact to nique due to the precautions effort in looking for the best service to its customers in the organisations, said a statement. said: “This partnership comes implement Qatari support and taken because of COVID-19. way and means to provide the State of Qatar and across the Minister of Culture and as part of the QUEST initiative aid for Syrian refugees and dis- Mr. Ali Ibrahim best services to its customers. world as well. Sports, H E Salah bin Ghanem supported by the Fund to placed persons. `P2 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY 03.48 am 05.09 am o o Hazy at some places at first becomes hot daytime with FAJR SUNRISE 33 C 40 C some clouds. ZUHR 11.38 am ASR 03.07 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 17:04 – 03:27 LOW TIDE 00:12–10:42 MAGHRIB 06.09 pm ISHA 07.39 pm W ALRUWAIS: 33o↗36o W ALKHOR: 32o↗39o W DUKHAN: 33o↗39o W WAKRAH: 28o↗43o W MESAIEED 28o↗43o W ABUSAMRA 27o↗38o

Minister meets Qatar orders largest number of seasonal flu with Ukrainian Ambassador vaccine; will be available free for all: MoPH THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Sheikh Dr. Mohammed, urged people with a number of governmental, Minister of Transport and — citizens and expatriates — to avoid educational and research insti- Communications H E Jassim tutions in Qatar to support and Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti met with participating in large gatherings and keep enhance surveillance and the Ambassador of Ukraine to adhering strictly to the preventive and contact tracing efforts. the State of Qatar H E Andrii During the pilot phase, inno- Kuzmenko, at Ministry offices precautionary measures like wearing a mask, vative technology was used to yesterday. social distancing and avoiding crowded places collect surface, air, and waste- The two officials reviewed to curb the spread of COVID-19. water samples and test for the cooperation between the two presence of COVID-19. friendly countries in the fields Sheikh Dr Mohammed, of ports, transportation and THE PENINSULA — DOHA developed very fast, thanks to urged people — citizens and communications and means the collective efforts. expatriates — to avoid partici- of further developing them, Qatar has ordered the largest The Ministry of Public Health pating in large gatherings and said a statement. number ever of vaccine for in coordination with authorities keep adhering strictly to the pre- seasonal flu, Director of the concerned conducted environ- ventive and precautionary Public Health Department at the mental tests on surfaces, air and measures like wearing a mask, 293 new virus Ministry of Public Health, Sheikh wastewater for the presence of social distancing and avoiding Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al COVID-19 and results suggest crowded places to curb the Thani, said. that coronavirus is not infecting Director of the Public Health Department at the Ministry of Public spread of COVID-19. cases, 267 “The vaccines for seasonal from air as its presence is very Health, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, speaking during “We, in the State of Qatar, flue are expected to be available meagre, said Sheikh Dr. a Qatar TV programme. are proud to conduct the tests recoveries by end of next month at all Mohammed bin Hamad Al on the largest possible number health centres free of cost,” he Thani. on wastewater, he said that indications about coronavirus of people, especially when the reported added, urging people to get “However, some virus was coronavirus was found in waste- infections and later if required cases were increasing, and now vaccinated. found on surfaces at some places water during the tests and Min- random tests are conducted. We the situation has become satis- THE PENINSULA — DOHA Speaking to Qatar TV on but it is not confirmed whether istry is expanding these tests as thank the Ministry of Munici- factory as the cases are Monday, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed they could be infectious,” said these are cheaper than testing pality and Environment and declining,” said Sheikh Dr. The Ministry of Public Health also said that COVID-19 vaccines Sheikh Dr. Mohammed, stressing large number of people. Public Works Authority Mohammed. (MoPH) yesterday announced have reached registration stage on cleaning surface properly and He said that the tests of sur- (Ashghal) for facilitating the “The decrease in the number the registration of 293 new in some countries after passing maintaining necessary hygiene faces are being held in public testing,” said Sheikh Dr. of daily infections does not mean confirmed cases of COVID-19 several phases of approvals. He at places which attract large places, which attract large Mohammed. we can relax in dealing with in the country. Another 267 said that a vaccine usually takes number of people like airport, number of people and waste- The COVID-19 environ- coronavirus,” said Sheikh Dr. people have recovered from the from 12 to 18 months to reach educational and health water tests are done in schools, mental testing pilot was Mohammed, asking people to virus, bringing the total number production but this time institutions. complexes, hotels and big firms. launched by the Ministry of adhere to the preventive of recovered cases in Qatar to COVID-19 vaccines are being Regarding tests “Such tests give us Public Health in partnership measures. 112,355. All new cases have been introduced to isolation and are receiving necessary healthcare MoPH produced over according to their health status. The Ministry further said that measures to tackle 1,000 awareness COVID-19 in Qatar have suc- ceeded in flattening the curve and limiting the spread of the materials on COVID-19 virus. The number of daily new cases and hospital admissions THE PENINSULA — DOHA reliable information to people. has gradually declined over the Besides the awareness mes- past few weeks. The Ministry The Ministry of Public Health sages on social media in lan- said that Qatar has one of the (MoPH) with its partners guages, including Arabic, lowest COVID-19 death rates in including Hamad Medical English, Hindi and Malayalam, the world, as a result of, Qatar’s Corporation (HMC) and Primary a hotline was launched to reply young population, proactive Health Care Corporation queries of people,” said Al testing to identify cases early, (PHCC) has implemented an Khater in a video message. expanding hospital capacity, intensified awareness More than 80 press especially intensive care to campaign on COVID-19 releases, 500 posters, ensure all patients receive the preventive measures, guide- awareness video and 800 medical care they need, pro- lines and several other infor- interviews were published tecting the elderly and those mation through different related to COVID-19, according with chronic diseases. channels. to Hassan Al Hail Executive It includes more than 1,000 Director for Media and Public Ministry of Culture, media materials such as press Relations in Corporate Com- releases, posters, interviews munications at Hamad Medical Mexico’s Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs at the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs, H E Martha Delgado, QFFD continue and awareness videos, in dif- Corporation and Member of with Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Mexico, H E Mohammed bin Jassim Al Kuwari, in Mexico City. ferent languages. Supreme Committee for work on project to “In a bid to educate people Healthcare Communication at support displaced and keep them safe from Ministry of Public Health. Qatar’s embassy provides medical, COVID-19, the health sector Nayef Al Shammari, Acting Syrian children has published various media Executive Director for Media messages in all languages,” at Hamad Medical Corporation FROM PAGE 1 preventive aid to Mexican states said Ali Abdullah Al Khater, has said that more than 1,380 Chair of the Supreme various media materials have The Ministry of Culture and QNA — MEXICO CITY Secretariat of Foreign Affairs and acknowledged the bilateral Healthcare Communications been published since the Sports, represented by the H E Martha Delgado with relations between the two Committee. beginning of the COVID-19 Qatari Publishers and Distrib- The Embassy of the State of Ambassador of the State of countries. For his part, H E He stated that the pandemic to raise public utors Forum, selected and Qatar in the United Mexican Qatar to Mexico H E Ambassador Al Kuwari stressed awareness activities started awareness. acquired books according to States announced that it will Mohammed bin Jassim Al the distinction of the Qatari- since the beginning of the pan- “The awareness messages criteria that respond to the provide medical and preventive Kuwari, in the presence of Min- Mexican relations and joint demic and continue till date were not only on precautions great perceptions that nurture aid from Qatar Charity to the ister of Health in Morelos Marco cooperation between the two as a social responsibility. and guidelines but on issues human thought and establish states of Morelos and Guerrero H E Antonio Cantu and Under countries in various fields, and “It’s a challenging situation like mental health problems in new generations. in Mexico, to combat the Secretary of Tourism in noted the efforts of the State of at the global level. Qatar has due to COVID-19,” he said. The 28th Doha Interna- outbreak of the coronavirus Guerrero H E Noe Peralta. Qatar to provide the necessary taken a wide range of To mention, educational tional Book Fair witnessed the (COVID-19) epidemic. H E Undersecretary of medical assistance to friendly measures to control the spread and awareness materials about start of the implementation of This came during a meeting Foreign Affairs expressed her countries to combat the out- of COVID-19 in the country. COVID-19 are also being pub- the Memorandum of Under- of Mexico’s Undersecretary for gratitude for the State of Qatar’s break of the COVID-19 Besides care and prevention, lished on a dedicated website standing (MoU) between the Multilateral Affairs at the continuous support for Mexico, pandemic. we were obliged to share by the Ministry. Ministry of Culture and Sports represented by the Qatari Pub- lishers and Distributors Forum and the Qatar Fund for Devel- New research zone established at QF to support sustainability vision opment in early December 2017, to support cultural activ- THE PENINSULA — DOHA monitor performance in real of Innovation and Change Man- environments, where solar France’s Total was also a ities for Syrian refugee and dis- time and validate the results agement at Total Qatar and irradiance is significantly dif- natural choice for Qatar, which placed children in camps in A new solar research zone at through simulation tools. Acting Director of Total ferent from other regions. already shares a close rela- Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon. Qatar Environment and Energy The project is part of not just Research Centre-Qatar, which Solar energy is also, according tionship with France through The partnership continued Research Institute (QEERI), part Qatar’s vision, but Total’s is located in Qatar Foundation’s to Dr. Vermeersch, an inex- political support, cultural ties to the 30th edition of the exhi- of Qatar Foundation’s Hamad increasing move into sus- Qatar Science & Technology pensive energy source. and joint investments. bition, and according to the Bin Khalifa University, is one of tainable energy. The company Park. It’s a message that is But while the Middle East agreement, various books several projects getting off the aims to reach zero carbon emis- Dr. Marc Vermeersch, Exec- becoming increasingly louder, has the most potential for solar were purchased from various ground around the country, in sions within their operations by utive Director of QEERI, said the especially as Qatar moves into deployment, due to its natural publishers and then sent to an effort to promote sustainable 2050, and is therefore investing new solar research zone is in the limelight as host of the FIFA environment, installation Syrian refugee children thanks energy. highly in low-carbon line with what he worked World Cup Qatar 2022. With a capacities are moving at a to the efforts of the Qatar Red Since mid-June, and con- solutions. towards during his nine years global focus on sustainable slower rate than in Europe or Crescent. tinuing over a two-month In addition to the solar at Total. The trained physicist energy and Qatar’s exceptional the US. Countries like Qatar are The QUEST initiative seeks period, Total’s Gas, Renewables research zone at QEERI, Qatar was instrumental in Total’s sun exposure, experts believe quickly realizing that solar is to ensure that children and & Power branch — and specif- recently signed an agreement move into solar energy, and the country can’t afford not to the future,” said Eyl-Mazzega, youth affected by the Syrian ically its Paris-based T-lab — with Total, alongside Japan’s continues to promote sus- move towards solar energy not just for environmental crisis have access to quality has expanded its solar research Marubeni, to build a solar tainable energy at QEERI. innovations. reasons but for economic and education and skills that will zone at QEERI’s Outdoor Test power plant that will be capable He said that solar photo- “It’s the right time,” said political ones as well. ensure building a bright future Facility. of producing 800 megawatts – voltaic energy conversion, Marc-Antoine Eyl-Mazzega, the “Total’s solar testing facility for them and improve their The extension, featuring meeting 10 percent of Qatar’s which converts sunlight into Director of the Centre for at QEERI reduces carbon emis- societies through the transition three trackers, bifacial modules, peak electricity demand. electricity, is the most useful Energy & Climate at the French sions, whilst supporting Qatar to formal education. inverters, sensors and power “Total aims to develop and technology for the Middle East. Institute of International Rela- in developing leading-edge The Ministry of Culture and optimisers, looks to improve the commercialize new low-carbon Solar thermal energy – which tions in Paris. “All stars are technologies and inspiring Sports, through the project to performance of Total’s photo- solutions to provide sustainable harnesses sunlight to aligned for this type of project future engineers to work on support the activities of dis- voltaic components in desert energy for the future,” said transform it into heat — is less to take off.” more sustainable solutions,” placed Syrian children in the conditions. The zone will also Yousef Al Jaber, Vice President appealing to desert “Choosing to work with said Total’s Al Jaber. camps. WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST 2020 HOME 03

MoPH organises Italian Embassy, QF launch virtual orientation events for social media campaign CPD providers RAYNALD C RIVERA THE PENINSULA — DOHA THE PENINSULA The Ministry of Public Health The Embassy of Italy and (MoPH) has organised two Qatar Foundation (QF) have virtual orientation events for launched a joint social media the CPD providers in Qatar. campaign on bilateral coop- The first orientation on eration in the field of research Activity-Based Accreditation and science diplomacy. System, targeted non- The recently launched accredited CPD providers in campaign features a series of the Qatar and was attended by video clips by Italian and local CME/CPD programme coor- QF researchers who highlight dinators from various their ongoing research healthcare institutions within projects and share their expe- the country. riences of being part of Qatar’s H E Alessandro Prunas, Ambassador of Italy to Qatar, during the The presentation detailed and QF’s RDI ecosystem. The launch of a joint social media campaign of Italian Embassy and the activity-based accredi- videos are a window to the Qatar Foundation on bilateral cooperation. tation process and was fol- cutting-edge initiatives that lowed by an intensive dis- have the potential to bring The campaign has been developed to highlight cussion, and questions and about positive impact on both the personal commitment of scientists and answers session, as part of the countries as well as the wider National Continuing Medical international community. experts, who are devoted to their academic Education and Professional “Science diplomacy” or, as and professional careers in areas that are key Development Accreditation I like to call it, “diplomacy for System. science and research” can be to the future of the next generations, such The session highlighted Chairman of Qatar General Organisation for Standardisation and instrumental in building delivering online activities in Metrology, Engineer Mohammed bin Saud Al Musallam, attending as Environmental Policies and Sustainability, bridges between the scientific accordance the new global a meeting of GCC Standardisation Organisation which was held Artificial Intelligence, Precision Medicine and, communities of our countries trends emerging after the via virtual communication technology. and bring about closer inter- more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. ongoing pandemic and restric- action for the benefit of people tions on gatherings. beyond borders. The The second event, which Qatar participates in 44th COVID-19 global emergency leading Qatari entities like QF future global challenges with is CPD Provider Accreditation has made us realise that we Research Development and innovative solutions and Orientation, aimed at detailing meeting of GCC need to improve common Innovation’s (QF RDI) inter- enhancing human capacity the standards and processes tools to respond to health nationally recognised Qatar through greater interaction for the accreditation of CPD Standardisation Organisation crises and this can be achieved Genome Programme, as well among researchers and providers, application review, by reinforcing the network of as the three national research knowledge exchange. decision-making, audit, live QNA — DOHA of the presidency of the Stand- relations that are already in institutes — Qatar Biomedical In this regard, QF has audit and appeal processes in ardisation Organisation on the place between our countries. Research Institute, Qatar played a crucial role, especially a very interactive discussion. The State of Qatar participated outcomes of the Technical Italy is eager to further Computing Research Institute, in enhancing connections with The two workshops were in the 44th meeting of the GCC Committees (TCs) for Metrol- increase diplomatic efforts to Qatar Environment and leading Italian research insti- held as part of part of efforts Standardisation Organisation. ogy’s meetings during the encourage research and sci- Energy Research Institute, that tutes and universities, and by the Health Professions Chairman of Qatar General period from November 2018 entific cooperation with are part of Hamad Bin Khalifa engaging them in Qatari Department at MoPH aiming Organisation for Standardi- until June 2020, in addition to Qatar,” said H E Alessandro University (HBKU). research, development, and at raising the level of health sation and Metrology (QGOSM) the report of the President of Prunas, Ambassador of Italy “Collaboration is a crucial innovation projects. services in the country by pro- Engineer Mohammed bin Saud the Gulf Metrology Association to Qatar. factor for highly effective “When I took office few viding accredited professional Al Musallam represented Qatar for the period from April 2017 The campaign has been research. It contributes to both months ago, I had the chance development activities. As a in the meeting that was held via until June 2020. developed to highlight the accelerating scientific to meet many Italian result,licensed health practi- virtual communication tech- Besides, the meeting dis- personal commitment of sci- progress and it enhances researchers working at QF tioners in Qatar can enhance nology. cussed authorising the Stand- entists and experts, who are quality of the work. Our part- institutes, and I realised that their skills and professional The meeting discussed a ardisation Organisation to sign devoted to their academic and nership with Italian research there was a growing number knowledge to keep up with all number of important issues, the agreement on translating professional careers in areas centres and scientific experts of local projects involving top new developments in the including the memorandum of the standards issued by the that are key to the future of is part of QF RDI’s effort in Italian research centres. health field, in addition to the presidency of the Standard- International Electrotechnical the next generations, such as placing Qatar at the forefront “When I discussed with the meeting the requirements of isation Organisation regarding Commission (IEC). The unified Environmental Policies and of scientific research and QF the ways to enhance renewal of licence for health the follow up to the decisions financial system for imple- Sustainability, Artificial Intel- technological advancement bilateral cooperation, we felt practitioners. of the Organisation’s technical menting standardisation ligence, Precision Medicine and providing solutions to it would be essential to dis- meetings No. 42 and 43. services was also discussed. and, more recently, the national and global needs,” seminate information about With regards to the speci- The meeting concluded by COVID-19 pandemic. said Dr. Richard O’Kennedy, existing QF programmes to fications and standards, the discussing and reviewing the “These are just a few Vice-President for Research, generate greater awareness QA refunds meeting discussed the adoption implementation of the strategic examples of areas of joint Development, and Innovation among the Italian scientific of Gulf standards and technical plan of the GCC Standardisation interest which are also top (RDI) at QF and Vice-Pres- research community, as well over $1.2bn to regulations and their amend- Organisation during the period national priorities in Italy and ident for Research at HBKU. as highlight the contribution ments, in addition to the follow from 2016-2020, in addition to Qatar,” said H E Ambassador The common interest of of Doha-based Italian scien- customers up of the work of the GCC tech- the Organisation’s strategic Prunas. Italy and Qatar in the fields of tists and experts as a means to nical standardisation plan for the period from The campaign, which is scientific research and tech- encourage new research, since March committees. 2021-23. promoted on the official nology has seen the two coun- development and innovation The meeting also discussed The meeting took appro- Twitter and Facebook tries develop various forms of partnerships between our technical work guides and the priate decisions regarding these accounts of the Italian cooperation and partnerships countries,” said H E Ambas- FROM PAGE 1 memorandum memorandums. Embassy in Doha, features aimed at facing present and sador Prunas. Although Qatar Airways is now seeing a decrease in the number of refund requests, it remains committed to hon- Ashghal opens Green Award entry submissions for year 2020 ouring its policies to pas- sengers and trade partners. THE PENINSULA — DOHA August 31, 2020, said Ashghal consultancies to adopt the best share innovations and practical ceremony where the winners Qatar Airways is one of the in a statement. practices for environmental solutions with others for of the overall Green Award few global airlines to have The Public Works Authority The expansion of the initi- and sustainability measures, adoption on a wider scale. and Special Recognition never stopped flying (Ashghal) has announced the ative is aligned with Ashghal’s targeting all aspects including A selection committee will Awards for Year 2020 will be throughout this crisis and con- opening of the submission continuous improvement air quality management, be established with the repre- announced. tinues to utilise its full fleet of entries for the Green Award strategy and its commitment ground water recycling, sentatives from Ashghal’s QSD The Green Award Initiative 30 Boeing 787 and 49 Airbus for year 2020, which has been to raise the bar on the imple- carbon emissions reduction, and representatives from by Ashghal has proven to be a A350 aircraft. The airline’s expanded to include all the mentation of the best interna- material recycling, and cost departments of Projects Affairs. great success, and has been variety of modern, fuel-effi- contractors of Ashghal’s tional practices for environ- efficiency. The selection committee awarded as the ‘Best Gov- cient aircraft has meant it can ongoing projects under the mental permitting, processes The initiative aims to assess will review all applications and ernment Initiative’ for sustain- continue flying by offering the Project Affairs, and is no and procedures at Ashghal and the effectiveness of sustaina- shortlist a number of projects ability policy by the Qatar’s right capacity in each market. longer limited to the projects the construction industry. bility management across for the Green Award 2020. Green Building Council 2019 Due to COVID-19’s impact within Ashghal’s Roads The Green Award is an projects under implementation, The shortlisted projects and recently shortlisted for the on travel demand, the airline Projects Department (RPD). annual award event launched and reward companies with will be visited on site and call 2020 Sustainability Impact has taken the decision to The timetable for this in 2018 by Ashghal’s Quality outstanding and continuous for a 15-minute presentation Awards by British Institute of ground its fleet of Airbus year’s event was formally and Safety Department (QSD) performance on theprojects. each. Following the site visits Environmental Management A380s as it is not commercially released by Ashghal’s QSD on and Roads Projects The initiative also aims to and presentations, the and Assessment (IEMA) in the or environmentally justifiable July 12 and the applications are Department (RPD), developed identify distinguished sustain- selection committee will Sustainability Campaign for to operate such a large aircraft requested to be submitted by to encourage contractors and ability practices on site and confirm the date of the awards Public Sector category. in the current market. HBKU Press, QNL sign open access publication funding agreement

THE PENINSULA — DOHA to disseminate local research can, we will support innovative citation and visibility for to publish their work. available online. The articles regionally and internationally,” scholars, creative thinkers and authors as there are no restric- Qatar National Library is in QScience Connect are Hamad Bin Khalifa University said Dr. Rima Isaifan, Head of scientific pioneers to maximise tions to downloading and providing a solution to the licensed under the terms of Press (HBKU Press) and Qatar Academic and Journals Pub- the impact of their work across reading these articles. financial barrier to publishing the Creative Commons Attri- National Library (QNL) recently lishing at HBKU Press. the world. However, the cost of pub- by making funding available bution 4.0 International signed an agreement that funds “HBKU Press endeavours “Open access is one of our lishing open access varies and for Qatar-based researchers Licence (CC BY 4.0), which and supports researchers from to consistently support the local core values and working with is sometimes exclusionary to to offset associated costs. It permits unrestricted use, dis- Qatar-based universities and academic publishing landscape. partners like HBKU Press researchers who are unable will provide financial support tribution and reproduction of institutions to publish their Through agreements like these enables us to reach out to more to fund the publication of their to authors with a restricted the content in any medium, research freely as open access we are able to establish our- Qatari scholars and help further work. With open access, the budget and pay the article provided that the original works. selves as a cornerstone of their progression.” charges associated with pub- processing charges associated author(s) and source are The published content Qatar’s knowledge-based Open access content is free lishing scholarly communi- with publishing their research. credited. QScience Connect is funded by Qatar National economy by providing a unique to readers and patrons of aca- cation have shifted from being Authors are requested to indexed in the Directory of Library will be made available local and international demic libraries to access and paid by the end users or aca- make the funding request Open Access Journals (DOAJ), in QScience Connect, HBKU platform for scholarship and read. The benefits of publishing demic libraries to the authors/ during the submission process EBSCO and Google Scholar. Press’ multi-disciplinary, peer- discovery.” open access research are many. researchers themselves, to QScience Connect. Interested authors and reviewed online journal, hosted Dr. Alwaleed Alkhaja, The lack of subscription bar- which is not always The final research will be researchers who are affiliated on QScience.com, or as open Senior Intellectual Property riers allows research to be possible. made available to the global with a graduate institution in access monograph books. Librarian and Open Access accessed by readers from low For academic researchers, scholarly community in the Qatar and who would like to “By working with Qatar Fund Manager at Qatar and high income countries publishing a number of QScience Connect journal, publish their work with HBKU National Library, we are able National Library, said: “We are alike; it increases the discov- research papers annually is which is fully open access Press with funding opportu- to provide affordable pub- committed to supporting the erability of the work which essential for career pro- under HBKU Press. The nities provided by Qatar lishing solutions to local researchers of Qatar to pub- allows for more developments gression. However, without journal publishes articles in National Library can send researchers who seek publi- licise their findings as far and within the field and possible financial support, many English or in Arabic which are queries to infoqscience@ cation and a dedicated journal wide as possible. Wherever we collaborations; and it increases researchers are simply unable immediately and permanently hbku.edu.qa. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST 2020 Pakistan FM meets Qatar’s envoy Sidra Medicine to take QNA — ISLAMABAD Minister of Foreign part in virtual PICS-AICS Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan THE PENINSULA — DOHA to bringing the symposium online H E Makhdoom Shah as we firmly believe that the need Mahmood Qureshi Sidra Medicine, a member of to network and educate within met with Ambassador Qatar Foundation, will be partic- Our virtual presence at the clinical fraternity is an of the State of Qatar to ipating in the 23rd Annual Pedi- PICS-AICS this year is ongoing process. The live trans- Pakistan H E Sheikh atric and Adult Interventional part of our commitment missions are also a testament to Saoud bin Abdul- Cardiac Symposium (PICS-AICS) to optimising healthcare our focus on medical education rahman Al Thani. from September 11 to 13. PICS- and the sharing of best practice During the meeting, AICS is one of the largest cardiac for patients and playing a methodologies with peers from they reviewed symposia dedicated to the latest key role in advocating for all over the world,” continued bilateral cooperation, breakthroughs in the treatment cutting edge therapies to Prof.esor Hijazi. in addition to issues of of patients with congenital and care for children and The live interventional common concern. structural heart diseases. adults with congenital cardiac procedures relayed from More than 2000 healthcare heart disease. Sidra Medicine’s Heart Center in professionals are expected to vir- Qatar will be conducted on two tually sign in to join PICS-AICS Prof. Ziyad M Hijazi patients born with congenital this year. Sidra Medicine will also heart defects. The procedures will Ooredoo announces cashback on transmit (via broadband) two live be led by Professor Hijazi, who is interventional cardiac proce- also the Executive Chair of Med- dures from its brand new state- icine and the Medical Director the money transfers to Lebanon of-the-art Cardiac Catheteri- Heart Center and Dr. Younes zation Laboratory at its Heart Boudjemline, Director of the THE PENINSULA — DOHA to Lebanon using MoneyGram via communities in which we Center, to the PICS-AICS dele- Cardiac Catheterization Labora- Ooredoo Money will get 100 percnet operate — especially in times of gates on September 13. tories and Dr. Hesham Al Saloos, Qatar’s leading telecommunica- of their transfer fee as cashback to need — is a key focus for Commenting on Sidra Medi- Medical Co-Director of the Heart tions operator, Ooredoo has their accounts, meaning the Ooredoo as part of our corporate cine’s participation, Professor Center. announced a special new transfers will be sent free. This offer social responsibility strategy, and Ziyad M Hijazi, who is the founder The Sidra Medicine Heart promotion in support of its is in addition to giving Lebanese we’re proud to be doing what we of PICS-AICS as well as the Acting Center provides preventative, customers with loved ones in customers extra free minutes to call can to support our customers Chief Medical Officer at Sidra medical, and surgical care for Lebanon, in the wake of the devas- their loved ones. during such a difficult time.” Medicine said: “I am very proud patients with congenital heart tating explosion at Beirut’s port. Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, Customers who do not yet to see the Sidra Medicine banner disease (including adults) or The new offer for Ooredoo Director PR at Ooredoo, said: have the Ooredoo Money app flying high at international sym- healthcare for patients and acquired heart conditions in Money customers allows them “We know our many customers can download it from the App posiums and showcasing our playing a key role in advocating children and young people. The to send fund transfers to Lebanon with friends and loved ones in Store or Google Play. They can world-class expertise and teams for cutting edge therapies to care Center boasts a world-renowned at no charge, helping them Lebanon want to contact those then register instantly and make from Qatar conducting complex for children and adults with con- team, cutting edge facilities and support their loved ones back back home and support them instant cash deposits with debit procedures. Our virtual presence genital heart disease.” a best-in-class model that delivers home at such a difficult time. financially in the aftermath of the cards, then start sending transfers at PICS-AICS this year is part of “Despite the current pan- comprehensive “one-stop” care All customers sending transfers dreadful explosion. Helping the straight away. our commitment to optimising demic, we have quickly adapted for patients and their families. QF-inspired technology aims to bring the world’s innovators together THE PENINSULA — DOHA organise that? makes to a project – the time “We’ve created a platform they spend on it, the ideas they A platform for innovation that allows this to take place put forward, and how their inspired by Qatar Foundation digitally. We want to unlock the peers rate their contribution is bringing people from around ability of people to innovate – and producing an “influence the world together to accelerate together, which improves the score”. tech solutions to humanity’s quality of the solutions that Mahfouz’ eyes were greatest challenges – and devel- emerge. People don’t need to opened to the possibilities that oping a device that could lead SynSapien is an Artificial Intelligence-driven be in the same place to think a platform like SynSapien web application that enables innovators from to COVID-19-induced pneu- different countries to collaborate, with the aim and act creatively.” could create through his time monia being detected faster. of co-creating new technologies tackling urgent Through SynSapien, users studying at QF, and the inter- SynSapien is an Artificial and complex issues such as climate change. input their interests and disciplinary environment at Intelligence-driven web appli- expertise, and the platform’s Education City that brings cation that enables innovators Basil Mahfouz algorithm matches them to together students from nine from different countries to col- platform aims “to bring together collaborate in a structured way ideas, projects, and other col- different universities, laborate, with the aim of co- early detection device that clin- a global community of inno- so they can design and develop laborators. Once they select a researchers, innovators, and creating new technologies ically vulnerable people, such vators, and give them the tools technologies more swiftly. project they want to be part of, a vast expanse of different tackling urgent and complex as elderly members of society to create open source tech- “We asked ourselves ‘what they enter an anonymised col- ideas and perspectives. issues such as climate change who have to self-isolate amid nology effectively.” does it take to get ideas and laboration space which cur- “Having the best of so many – breaking down the barriers COVID-19, can use to raise the “Innovation results from a inventions off the ground?’ rently allows up to 300 people disciplines on one campus that physical distance can alarm if it indicates they may diverse group of people being There are several barriers to to share and propose ideas, highlighted to me the value of install. Ultimately, it aims to be at risk of pneumonia, and be involved in a project,” he said. innovation: access to expertise contribute data, provide interdisciplinary collabo- create a ‘virtual’ global com- treated before the infection “Larger, more diverse groups and knowledge; Intellectual feedback, and make ration,” he said. munity of one million takes a firmer grip. have a wider pool of knowledge Property concerns; and being decisions. One of the drivers of Syn- innovators. According to Basil Mahfouz, to draw upon when solving a able to collaborate, brainstorm, The platform also Sapien is the desire to show Its team is now working SynSapien’s Co-Founder and an complex challenge. and ideate at scale. If you have addresses the issue of how people across the Middle East with researchers from around alumnus of Qatar Foundation “However, without the right 500 people from different parts Intellectual Property rights are who want to develop solutions the world – with 14 countries (QF) partner university Geor- systems, it can be chaotic. Our of the world wanting to solve a distributed by measuring the to global problems that they can already involved – to create an getown University in Qatar, the platform helps large groups to problem together, how do you contribution each person do so. HBKU welcomes returning students to kick start new academic year

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Against a backdrop of excep- tional global circumstances, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) welcomed back under- graduate and graduate students for the start of the new academic year, this week. QRCS officials distributing urgent assistance to people in Gaza. RIGHT: Representatives of QRCS Their return heralds a new participating in disinfection operation to curb the spread of COVID-19. chapter in their respective aca- demic journeys, which this year coincides with HBKU’s 10th Paula Djanine Muhammad Usama Tariq QRCS to mark World Humanitarian Day today anniversary. While summer offered the an aspiring academic starts way support of my mentors, THE PENINSULA — DOHA serves a central mission of facilities, medical and logistic majority of students a well- before the first word is written; research supervisor and the mobilizing the power of services, health education, deserved break from the the process of gathering sources, college’s staff, helped me Qatar Red Crescent Society humanity for the best interest psychological support, classroom, many took time to reading, analysing, comparing sustain academic growth and (QRCS) will celebrate World of the vulnerable everywhere. restoring family links, street focus on their professional and contrasting is exhaustive, continue this exciting journey Humanitarian Day today, when It capitalises on fruitful disinfection, public hygiene development by participating but essential. Summer was a with even more progress. the world appreciates the partnerships with the Interna- inspection, distribution of in academic and professional great time for me to familiarise Remote learning was initially a heroic sacrifices of humani- tional Federation of the Red masks and gloves to the public, training, and international con- myself with the established lit- difficult experience, but the way tarian workers, commemorates Cross and Red Crescent Soci- and delivery of food baskets to ferences or gaining work expe- erature in my field, as my mentors navigated the sit- those killed while performing eties (IFRC), the International the families affected by the rience through internship and throughout the semester other uation was remarkable.” their professional and human- Committee of the Red Cross lockdown. fellowship opportunities. Many academic duties naturally take “My research mentors pre- itarian duty. (ICRC), and a network of Workers’ Health Centers of these valuable opportunities their places.” sented multiple opportunities Under the theme of ‘Pro- National Societies in 192 continued to work as normal, were provided on a remote Another returning student, throughout the pandemic, and viding Life-Saving Support countries. and the fleet of ambulance basis and within virtual Muhammad Usama Tariq, at the I ended up writing a review during the Pandemic’, World In the face of the vehicles was deployed to learning environments. College of Health and Life Sci- article on a novel protein which Humanitarian Day comes as COVID-19 outbreak, QRCS has transport the infected cases. As part of its commitment ences (CHLS), recounts his own is deregulated in cancer. This ongoing global efforts are played a significant role, by Two units were opened to do to the overall development of experiences, “My journey at topic is now related to my dis- exerted to fight the COVID-19 supporting the efforts of the swabbing, in cooperation with its student body, HBKU HBKU has been very rewarding sertation. The experience added pandemic over the past government and sectors of Hamad Medical Corporation encourages students to connect so far. Despite being an inter- to my publications record and months. Qatar to contain the health (HMC). with local and international national student, I was able to gave me a thorough under- Relief workers are dealing and economic consequences, Medical professionals were organisations and benefit from instantly adapt to the univer- standing of my thesis project. with unprecedented challenges as well as helping many fellow stationed at the Mekaines experiences that hone their sity’s approach and align with The laboratory meetings we and hurdles to deliver human- National Societies to minimize quarantine camp 24/7 to academic, professional and its conducive environment. This held and the journal clubs we itarian aid and services to the its impact on the vulnerable provide a wide range of interpersonal skills. These helped me perform well in aca- attended helped me hone my vulnerable around the world. segments of society. medical services for the experiences often complement demics and research, as I scientific understanding.” Besides the risks to their safety Early in the crisis, QRCS inmates. At the QRCS Training classroom learning and managed to maintain high Last May, HBKU celebrated and the safety of the benefici- launched a Volunteer for Qatar and Development Center, encourage a holistic and grades and also publish a book the success of 197 graduating aries, many vulnerable com- campaign, which recruited dozens of courses and lectures informed approach to their aca- chapter with a very prestigious students representing 44 coun- munities are economically 13,800 young women and men were held for the medical demic development. publisher.” tries. The students were able to affected by the lockdown. to do many activities. These workers and volunteers Paula Djanine, a returning “Then COVID-19 happened benefit from a highly spe- As an active member of the included guidance of con- engaged in the operation, in Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and the effects were undeniably cialized, world-class educa- International Red Cross and sumers at shopping centers, addition to health education student at the College of Islamic tangible. However, the efficient tional experience in the heart Red Crescent Movement, QRCS management quarantine events for the public. Studies (CIS), said: “The work of system at CHLS, as well as the of Education City. WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST 2020 HOME 05 06 GULF / MIDDLE EAST WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST 2020 Hezbollah member guilty of Hariri murder: UN tribunal

AFP — LEIDSCHENDAM, THE The judges said that NETHERLANDS there was no evidence A UN-backed tribunal yesterday to directly link Syria found a member of the — the former military Hezbollah Shia movement guilty over the 2005 murder of overlord in Lebanon former Lebanese prime minister — or Hezbollah’s Rafic Hariri but cleared three leadership to other suspects after a years- long trial. the attack. Salim Ayyash (pictured), 56, was convicted in absentia by the Special Tribunal for The judges also said there Lebanon based in the Nether- was no evidence to directly link lands over a huge suicide Syria — the former military bombing in Beirut that killed the overlord in Lebanon — or Hez- A still-unidentified suicide A billboard depicting Lebanon’s former Prime Minister Rafic Al Hariri, who was killed in a bombing Sunni billionaire politician and bollah’s leadership to the attack. bomber driving an explosives- in 2005, is seen in Sidon, southern Lebanon, yesterday. 21 other people. Sentencing for Ayyash will laden Mitsubishi truck blew “The trial chamber finds Mr. be decided at a later date. He himself up as Hariri’s but is believed to have been involvement,” Re said. agreed in 2007 to establish the Ayyash guilty beyond rea- faces life imprisonment if he is motorcade passed on the Beirut killed in the Damascus area in The hearing opened with a court billed as the world’s first sonable doubt as a co-perpe- ever brought before the court. waterfront on Valentine’s Day May 2016. minute’s silence for victims of international tribunal set up to trator of the assassination of Hezbollah chief Hassan in 2005. The bombing triggered mass a separate explosion that dev- probe terrorist crimes. Rafic Hariri,” said David Re, Nasrallah has refused to hand Prosecutors had said Ayyash protests that drove Syrian forces astated Beirut two weeks ago, It opened its doors in 2009, presiding judge of the over the four defendants and was a ringleader of the group, out of Lebanon after three killing 177 people. The verdicts although the trial itself did not tribunal. rejected court’s legitimacy. while Oneissi and Sabra decades. were initially scheduled for formally start until 2014. Addressing victims of the Hariri’s son Saad, himself a allegedly sent a fake video to But the court said there was August 7 but postponed because The court has cost at least attack, he said: “We sincerely former Lebanese prime min- the Al Jazeera news channel not enough evidence to tie of the blast. $600m to operate. hope the verdict today will give ister, was in the heavily secured claiming responsibility on Damascus to the crime. Judge Re called on the court Hariri was Lebanon’s Sunni you some sort of closure.” court for the judgement. behalf of a made-up group. “Syria and Hezbollah may to observe a “minute’s silence premier until his resignation in But judges said there was Judges said there was suf- Merhi was accused of general have had motives to eliminate to remember the victims of this 2004 over Syria’s role as pow- not enough evidence to convict ficient evidence to show that involvement in the plot. Mr Hariri and his political allies, catastrophe, those who lost erbroker in the country. Assad Sabra, 43, Hussein Ayyash was at the centre of a The judges added that evi- however there is no evidence their lives, those who were Observers have voiced Oneissi, 46, and Hassan Habib network of mobile phone users dence also linked phones used that the Hezbollah leadership maimed or injured, their fam- fears that the verdict, whichever Merhi, 54, over the blast, which who scoped out Hariri’s move- in the attack to Hezbollah com- had any involvement in Mr. ilies, those who were made way it goes, could spark vio- changed the face of the Middle ments for months before his mander Mustafa Badreddine — Hariri’s murder and there is no homeless”. lence on the streets in Lebanon East. assassination. who was indicted by the court direct evidence of Syrian The UN Security Council when it is announced. Sultan of Oman issues royal decree to reform Cabinet UN sends 20 QNA – MUSCAT Said as Minister of Culture, Salmi as Minister of Awqaf and bin Nasser Al Harrasi Minister H E Rahma Al Mahrouqi as Min- truckloads of Sports and Youth. Religious Affairs. of Information. ister of Higher Education; H E H M Sultan Haitham bin Tariq H M the Sultan also H M the Sultan also named The decree also included Saeed bin Hamoud Al Maawali aid to Idlib Al Said of the Sultanate of appointed H E Khalid bin Hilal H E Mohammed bin Hamad Al H E Mohammad bin Sultan Al as Minister of Transport, Com- Oman issued yesterday a royal Al Busaidi as Minister of the Rumhi Minister of Energy and Busaidi as Minister of the State munications and Information ANATOLIA — HATAY decree to reform the Omani Royal Court; H E Sultan bin Minerals; H E Ahmed bin and Governor of Dhofar; H E Technology; H E Saeed bin Cabinet. Mohammed Al Nuamani as Min- Mohammed bin Obaid Al Saeedi Ibrahim bin Said Al Busaidi as Muhammad Al Saqri as Minister The UN yesterday sent 20 Oman News Agency (ONA) ister of the Royal Office; H E Minister of Health; H E Madeeha Minister of State and Governor of Economy; H E Qais Al Youssef truckloads of humanitarian aid stated that the new formation Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi bint Ahmed bin Nassir Al of Musandam; H E Salem bin Minister of Trade, Industry and to northwestern Syria where came as follows: H E Fahad bin as Minister of Interior; H E Badr Shaibaniyah Minister of Edu- Muhammad Al Mahrouqi as Investment Promotion; H E millions of people are in need Mahmoud Al Said as Deputy bin Hammad bin Hamoud Al cation; H E Saud bin Hilal Al Minister of Heritage and Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar Min- of assistance due to internal Prime Minister for Cabinet Busaidi as Foreign Minister; Busaidi Minister of State and Tourism and H E Saud bin ister of Social Development; conflict. Affairs; H E Shihab bin Tariq Al H E Sultan bin Salem Al Habsi Governor of Muscat, H E Hamoud bin Ahmed Al Habsi H E Mahad bin Saeed Baouin as The trucks carrying sup- Said as Deputy Prime Minister as Minister of Finance; and H E Abdullah bin Mohammed Al as Minister of Agriculture, Fish- Minister of Labour, and H E plies entered Idlib province for Defense Affairs; and H E Dhi Sheikh Abdullah bin Saeedi Minister of Justice and eries and Water Resources. Khalfan Al Shuaili Minister of through the Cilvegozu border Yazan bin Haitham bin Tarik Al Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Legal Affairs and H E Abdullah H M the Sultan also named Housing and Urban Planning. gate in Turkey’s south. The aid will be distributed among residents of Idlib, and nearby rural areas. Lebanon orders two-week Syria has been ravaged by civil war since early 2011 when shutdown after virus surge the Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy REUTERS — BEIRUT standing at 9,337 cases and 105 protesters. deaths since February. Hundreds of thousands of Lebanon’s interior ministry Already deep in financial people have been killed and ordered businesses across the crisis, Lebanon was struggling more than 10 million dis- country to shut down for two with a COVID-19 spike before placed, according to UN weeks and enforced an over- the huge blast at Beirut port estimates. night curfew from Friday after killed at least 178 people. Idlib falls within a de-esca- a rise in coronavirus infections. Officials have urged pre- lation zone forged under an Yesterday’s decision allows caution. But after the blast agreement between Turkey for clearing rubble, making uprooted nearly a quarter of a and Russia. repairs and giving out aid in million people, the risk of the neighbourhoods demolished by virus spreading has grown, the August 4 blast in Beirut. The healthcare workers say. Kuwaiti MPs call airport will remain open, with All markets, malls, gyms travelers having to take a PCR and pools — among other on govt to reject test before boarding. private businesses — will have Lebanon has registered to close during the lockdown, UAE-Israel deal record numbers of daily infec- the ministry said yesterday. The tions that have crossed 400, curfew will extend from 6pm ANATOLIA — KUWAIT CITY A view of Gaza Strip’s sole power plant after its operations halted over an Israeli ban on fuel imports with its tally on Monday to 6am local time. into the Palestinian territory in Gaza Strip, yesterday. Thirty-seven Kuwaiti lawmakers yesterday called on Iran says to wait for WHO Gaza’s lone power plant shuts down amid tension their government to reject a normalisation deal between REUTERS — GAZA an official at Gaza’s main power blockade and allow more Arab Israel and the United Arab approval on Russia vaccine distribution company, after fuel and international investment. Emirates (UAE). AFP — TEHRAN “We are waiting for the Gaza’s lone power plant shut ran out at the plant. Israel cites security con- In a statement, the international community, down yesterday, less than a Gaza homes and businesses cerns in imposing restrictions. members of parliament Iran said yesterday it would including the World Health week after Israel suspended rely on generators to make up Israel has carried out air affirmed their solidarity with wait for the World Health Organization, (before) we buy fuel shipments to the Pales- for the lengthy power cuts, strikes over the past week the Palestinian people, Organization’s approval before the vaccine from Russia,” said tinian enclave over the increasing the financial against positions held by Hamas “recalling the parliament’s buying a coronavirus vaccine Alireza Zali, a member of Iran’s launching of incendiary pressure on its largely impov- and other factions, saying it stable and continuous position unveiled last week by Russia. anti-COVID taskforce. balloons that have caused brush erished people. would not tolerate the balloon against normalisation (with Russia said on August 11 “In order for the vaccine fires in southern Israel. Officials in Gaza said the incidents. Israel) in all its forms”. that it had developed the to be used, genuine and inde- Gaza, run by Hamas mili- power plant’s closure would Anticipating Israeli attacks “The crimes of the Zionist world’s first vaccine offering pendent organisations such as tants, relies on Israel for most cause disruptions at vital facil- after balloon or rocket occupation cannot be removed “sustainable immunity” against the World Health Organization of its energy needs. Its popu- ities such as hospitals, which are launchings, Hamas routinely by normalisation from the COVID-19 and was in the final must comment on it and lation of two million currently also equipped with generators. evacuates personnel from souls of our children,” the stage of human trials. approve it, which has not hap- receives around six hours of Dozens of helium balloons outposts. statement said. The Islamic republic has pened yet,” he told a news con- electricity followed by a carrying incendiary material With tensions high, Israel The statement referred to struggled to contain the Middle ference in Tehran. 10-hour power cut. have been launched from Gaza has closed its lone commercial the incursions of Jerusalem’s East’s worst outbreak of the “After scientific approval... “The power feed may now in recent days, in what political crossing with Gaza and banned flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque virus since announcing its first we will negotiate with Russia decline to only four hours (per sources described as a bid to sea access, effectively shutting and Israeli attempts to judize cases in February. to get the vaccine,” Zalis said. day),” said Mohammad Thabet, pressure Israel to ease its down commercial fishing. the holy city. Turkish ruling party official says ‘no one can hijack, destroy democracy’

ANATOLIA — ANKARA “No one can hijack, destroy to take on and defeat Erdogan. most US polls, but the No Kurdish citizen of the including women, children, and our democracy, interfere in Not by a coup, not by a coup, November 3 presidential elec- country will become part of this infants. Turkey’s ruling party Turkey’s political system,” Celik but by the electoral process.” tions are still months away. imperialist agenda, he added. Yesterday, a court in spokesman said yesterday that said after a board meeting of the His remarks — recorded last Also referring to Biden’s In its more than 30-year western Germany has convicted no one can hijack or destroy the party. December but first reported on remarks, Celik slammed sup- terror campaign against a 60-year-old man of mem- country’s democracy. In a video clip that went Saturday — drew condemnation porters of terror groups. Turkey, the PKK — listed as a bership in the banned Kurdish Omer Celik of the Justice viral, Biden said: “We can from the entire political “Whoever supports the terrorist organisation by militant group PKK. Prosecutors and Development (AK) Party support those elements of the spectrum in Turkey, including PYD/PKK, sends weapons to Turkey, the US and the accused the defendant, who lives was referring to remarks by US Turkish leadership that still both the government and them, they are the ones who European Union — has been in Germany, of organising prop- Democratic Party presumptive exist and get more from them opposition. want death for the Kurdish responsible for the deaths of aganda campaigns and soliciting nominee Joe Biden. and embolden them to be able Biden is currently ahead in children,” he said. nearly 40,000 people, donations for the PKK. WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07

Mauritius arrests Mali President, captain of stricken PM arrested by Japan oil tanker REUTERS — PORT LOUIS mutinying soldiers Mauritius has arrested the captain of a Japanese bulk carrier that ran aground off its ANATOLIA — ANKARA “I strongly condemn coast, causing a devastating oil any attempt at anti- spill in one of the world’s most Mali’s President Ibrahim pristine maritime environ- Boubacar Keita, Prime Minister constitutional change ments, police said yesterday. Boubou Cisse and several offi- and call on the The MV Wakashio struck cials were arrested by muti- a coral reef off the Indian nying soldiers yesterday, local mutineers to cease all Ocean island on July 25 and media reported. use of violence and began spilling oil on August 6, Keita and Cisse were taken respect for republican prompting the government to to the Kati military camp, announce a state of environ- located 15km northwest of the institutions,” Moussa mental emergency. capital Bamako, at around 4.30 Faki Mahamat, said on Mauritius’ National Crisis pm local time (1630 GMT), Committee said two com- according to Journal du Mali. Twitter. panies, International Tankers Earlier, it was reported that Malian soldiers are celebrated as they arrive at the Independence Square in Bamako, yesterday. Owners Pollution Federation gunshots were heard at the mil- Ltd and Le Floch Depollution, itary camp, while military arrests. French and Belgian embassies International Security and Con- opposition to any unconstitu- will start cleaning three sites trucks were also seen on the “I strongly condemn the in Mali urged their citizens to flict Research. tional political change and on the shoreline on road heading toward the arrest of President Ibrahim limit their movement given the The military mutiny comes invites the military to remain in Wednesday and will be joined capital. The military reportedly Boubacar Keita, the Prime Min- tense situation in Bamako at the at a time when, for several a republican posture,’’ it said. by local groups including blocked the road from the town ister and other members of the moment. months, Economic Community Last month, the head of the fishermen. of Kati to Bamako, and busi- Malian Government and call for The United Nations Multi- of West African States African Union Commission The spill spread over a vast nesses and offices were also their immediate release,” dimensional Integrated Stabi- (ECOWAS) has been under- urged calm, continued dialogue area of endangered corals, closed. Mahamat said in a Twitter post. lization Mission in Mali issued taking initiatives and deploying and negotiations for the diligent affecting fish and other marine Sources told online news- “I strongly condemn any a message recommending to the mediation efforts between all implementation of consensual life in what some scientists paper MaliActu that a number attempt at anti-constitutional UN personnel “to avoid the Kati the Malian parties, the West solutions to preserve peace, sta- have called the country’s worst of officials, including the change and call on the muti- area and all unnecessary road African body said in a statement bility, and social cohesion in ecological disaster. Emergency finance minister, speaker of the neers to cease all use of violence movements in Bamako until yesterday. Mali. crews managed to remove national assembly, and several and respect for republican insti- further notice,” MaliActu ‘’ECOWAS calls on the mil- Tensions erupted in Mali in most of the ship’s remaining other prominent figures, were tutions,” he added. reported. itary to return to their barracks 2012 following a failed coup and oil before it split in two on also arrested by unidentified Mali has been rocked by The house of Justice Min- without delay, asking all Malian a Tuareg rebellion that ulti- Saturday. gunmen. protests for several months as ister Kassoum Tapo was set on stakeholders to prioritise dia- mately allowed al-Qaeda- “We have arrested the Moussa Faki Mahamat, the demonstrators call for the res- fire and vandalized by young logue to resolve the crisis facing linked militant groups to take captain of the vessel and chairman of the African Union ignation of President Keita. demonstrators in Bamako on their country. over the northern half of the another member of the crew. Commission, condemned the On social media posts, Tuesday, according to ‘’ECOWAS reiterates its firm country. After having been heard by the court they have been denied bail and are still in detention,” Inspector Siva Coothen said. Turkey not seeking military solution in Libya: Official The Mauritius coastguard had repeatedly tried to reach ANATOLIA — ISTANBUL Stressing that Turkey mercenaries the UAE brought recently held a long phone con- Turkey would be glad to see any the ship to warn that its course rejected official or non-official from countries such as Sudan, versation in which they tackled country including Qatar, was dangerous but had Turkey along with Qatar and plans regarding the disinte- Niger and Chad were a source developments in Libya and Germany, Russia, Italy and received no reply, a maritime some other countries are gration of Libya, Kalin said the of concern for Turkey, he said. Syria, Kalin said, and argued Egypt contribute political dia- official with knowledge of the present in Libya in an effort to Ankara administration did not He further noted that that the two countries could logue in this regard. incident who asked not to be support a political solution in seek any military solutions any- ridding Sirte and Jufra of help one another in Libya as is Libya has been mired in named said. the war-weary country, Turkish where in Libya. weapons and mercenaries the case with Syria. strife since operations by Nato The route set five days presidential spokesman He went on to say that could be a good idea to stop He said Russia supported led to the overthrow of former before the crash was wrong Ibrahim Kalin said yesterday. Ankara did not want to come clashes and this could be a warlord Khalifa Haftar despite strongman Muammar Gaddafi and the boat navigation system Speaking to Al Jazeera, face to face with any foreign window of opportunity for a Moscow denying such claims in 2011. should have signalled that to Kalin said Turkey was con- country and underlined that political solution in the country, but noted that the Russian The new government was the crew and it seems the crew cerned that military elements Egypt was a neighbor of Libya adding this process had to be administration sought to act as founded four years later in 2015 ignored it. The boat did also had been building up in the who could adopt a constructive conducted in a fair and trans- a mediator between the con- under a UN-led agreement, but fail to send out an SOS (when Libyan cities of Sirte and Jufra role to resolve the conflict. parent manner. flicting sides in Libya. efforts for a long-term political it ran aground), and did not for a year and this posed a However, the presence of Turkish President Recep In conclusion, Kalin said he settlement have so far failed respond to attempts by the threat to the country’s peace mercenaries from Russia’s Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian believed a political solution due to a military offensive by coastguard to get in touch,” the and territorial integrity. Wagner Group and other counterpart Vladimir Putin could be achieved in Libya and Haftar. official said.

Namibians warned over use of elephant Abbas says Palestinians not worried about accord dung to cure virus REUTERS — RAMALLAH West Bank city of Ramallah. Abbas, 84, accused the UAE Sudan hints at contact with Palestinian President Mahmoud of trying to justify the deal by AFP — WINDHOEK Abbas (pictured) said yesterday arguing it helped stop Israeli that Palestinians were not annexations in the West Bank, a Israel over normalisation Namibia’s health minister concerned about the normali- move which the United States AFP — KHARTOUM state or sign a peace deal, warned against the use of sation deal between Israel and says it will not consent to for foreign ministry spokesman elephant dung, traditionally the United Arab Emirates, “some time” in order to focus on A Sudanese official yesterday Haider Badawi responded, “I steamed and inhaled as a cure referring to the accord as “non- implementing the agreement. appeared to acknowledge cannot deny it.” for the flu, to ward off the sense”. In a rare sign of unity, contacts with Israel towards Badawi also told Sky News coronavirus. In his first public remarks Abbas’s meeting at his presi- normalising ties and said peace Arabia television yesterday The sparsely populated since the US-sponsored deal dential compound was attended between Arabs and Israelis that “there is no reason for the southern African country has was announced last week, by rival groups including the would promote “world peace”. continuation of hostilities seen infections double over the Abbas accused the Gulf Arab Islamist group Hamas, which Israel remains technically between Sudan and Israel”. past month, with 4,464 cases state of turning its back on Pal- countries in the region, on rules Gaza and from which at war with Sudan, which for Badawi told AFP the UAE’s and 37 deaths recorded to estinians living under occu- Thursday agreed with the UAE Abbas’s Fatah party, which years supported hardline decision was “a courageous date. pation in the West Bank and an to forge full relations, angering dominates the West Bank- Islamist forces. step on the right track towards Many Namibians have Israeli-led blockade in Gaza. Palestinians who have long based Palestinian Authority, has When asked if there had peace in the Middle East and turned to natural remedies in However, Abbas said: “We looked to oil-rich Gulf states for long been estranged. been direct contact between the world”. the hope of protecting them- aren’t worried about the non- support in their quest for Although senior Palestinian Sudan and Israel, or whether “Peace between Israelis selves against the viral disease, sense that happens here and statehood. officials have called for an Khartoum had taken steps to and Arabs will favour world including the use of elephant there and especially in recent “They (the UAE) have turned urgent meeting of the Arab normalise ties with the Jewish peace,” he added. dung. The practice has not days, when a trilateral their backs on everything: the League over the deal, few coun- been scientifically tested. agreement between the rights of the Palestinian people, tries have come to the Pales- Others, like Bahrain and The Palestinians seek a state “I am worried about Emirates, Israel and America the Palestinian state, the two- tinians’ defence in wake of the Oman, have welcomed the deal, in the West Bank, Gaza and East unscrupulous people who was announced.” state solution, and the holy city agreement. stirring speculation that the two Jerusalem, territory Israel cap- would make other people spend Israel, long shunned by of Jerusalem,” Abbas said during Kuwait said its position Gulf states could follow in for- tured in the 1967 Middle East money on useless remedies in most Arab and Muslim a meeting of factions in the towards Israel is unchanged. malising ties with Israel. war. the hope that they will be cured,” Health Minister Kalumbi Shangula said yesteday, denouncing elephant dung Faction of DR Congo rebel group sellers as “opportunistic”. “A desperate person may do surrenders after internal revolt a desperate thing,” he added. “It is unethical. Do not spend REUTERS — KASHUGA, DR CONGO accusing him of human rights money on useless remedies.” abuses. Namibia’s environment Almost 500 fighters from a “As you have just consented ministry said it had heard faction of one the largest armed to become a government rumours of people buying and groups in eastern Democratic soldier, each of you come and re-selling elephant dung as a Republic of Congo have surren- lay down your weapon,” Bwira treatment for COVID-19. dered to the government just told the group of fighters, who “We understand elephant over a month after they wore a hodge-podge of cam- dung is used traditionally as attempted to overthrow the ouflage, European football medicine elsewhere in the group’s leader. shirts and rubber boots. country,” the ministry’s Soldiers from the NDC-R, a The surrender does not nec- spokesman Romeo Muyunda rebel group seen as having close essarily mean an end to their told local media on Monday. ties with the national army, involvement in rebel fighting, He called on citizens not to sang and danced before said Christoph Vogel, a trespass national parks in handing over an assortment of researcher at Ghent University search of dung, warning that small arms at a ceremony on in Belgium. offenders would be fined. Monday in the village of There was a big risk that the “Collecting dung outside Kashuga, about 75 km north of combatants might take up arms national parks is not restricted,” Goma. again after a year or two, he Muyunda added. “We just urge Fighting has raged between said. Members of the NDC-R rebel group parade as they surrender to the government forces in Kashuga, people to do so cautiously.” two groups of the NDC-R since “That’s been happening North Kivu province of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, on Tuesday. Aside from the flu, ele- July 9 when a section loyal to many, many times across phant dung is widely believed deputy leader Gilbert Bwira eastern Congo over the past 20 Kivu province near the border frequently accused of being used us to surrnder, lay down our arms to treat body ailments such as Shuo attempted to oust their years,” Vogel said. of Rwanda and Uganda. by the army as a proxy force and take part in the pacification nosebleeds, headaches and leader Shimiray Guidon, who is Before the split, the NDC-R It earned money from the against other armed groups. of the country,” said spokesman toothaches. the target of UN sanctions, controlled vast areas of North illicit gold trade and was “Today we think it’s time for Desire Ngabo Kisuba. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST 2020

170+ vaccines 15 vaccines 3 vaccines 7 vaccines 0 vaccines are being tested in animals are being tested are broadened are being tested have been and lab experiments in a small number to a larger group in thousands determined to Established in 1996 of healthy, young of people, of people to provide benefits people to assess including people check their that outweigh CHAIRMAN safety and at higher risk effectiveness known and correct dose of illness and safety potential risks DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected] Vaccines sorted by how far they have progressed ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] Pre-clinical Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Approved

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Gamaleya Research CanSino Biologics; Beijing AstraZeneca; MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI Institute* Institute of Biotechnology* University of Oxford [email protected]

Moderna; National EDITORIAL Institutes of Health

Vaccines sorted by technology used Nucleic Viral- Weakened/ Qatar’s support to Libya Subunit acid vectored inactivated viurs Other LIBYA has been torn by civil war since the ouster of *Vaccine currently in distribution that has not been fully tested. late ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The Government of National Accord (GNA) was formed 2015 under an agreement after prolonged discussions between the United Nations and stakeholders. International com- munity expected the GNA would bring peace and These are the top COVID-19 progress to a country which was wracked by domestic disputes for several years, but by April 2019, the country has again been pushed into civil war by the reckless attacks by the renegade eastern military man vaccines to watch Khalifa Haftar. Haftar drew strong support from some of the countries in the region who wanted to control AARON STECKELBERG, CAROLYN Y evaluate whether the vaccines government has invested how it works, but each would Libyan affairs against the will of the Libyan people. JOHNSON, GABRIEL FLORIT, CHRIS are effective and safe. about $9.5bn to speed up generally follow these steps. Qatar, as always, followed an exemplary and legit- ALCANTARA — THE WASHINGTON POST No steps are being development and jump-start Vaccines using nucleic imate path by supporting the UN-recognised GNA skipped, top government offi- manufacturing before acid (DNA and RNA) headed by Fayaz Al Sarraj as the country’s legitimate The worldwide effort to create cials have repeatedly research is finished. DNA vaccines contain authority and has been extending every support pos- a vaccine for the novel corona- promised, and vaccines will Advancements in science genetic material that carries sible. In this context, the visit of the Deputy Prime virus kicked off in January, not be considered for and technology have given the blueprint for the spike Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E soon after scientists in China approval in the United States researchers new tools to try protein. To get the DNA into Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah to Tripoli on posted online the genome of a until after a large, Phase 3 against the coronavirus. Scien- cells, researchers use an elec- Monday and his meeting with President of Libya’s virus causing a mysterious trial. The Food and Drug tists can deliver genetic trical pulse to disrupt the cell High Council of State, H E Khalid Al Mishri; Chairman pneumonia. Vaccine devel- Administration, which has the material into the body’s cells, membrane. Once inside, the of the Presidential Council of the GNA, H E Fayez Al opment usually takes years and ultimate say on whether a turning them into vaccine fac- DNA is used as a template to Sarraj, and Turkey’s Minister of Defence, Hulusi Akar, unfolds step by step. Experi- vaccine has been proved safe tories and skipping time-con- create spike protein. draws importance. mental vaccine candidates are and effective, says a vaccine suming steps such as manufac- RNA vaccines contain a The visit, which comes after a year of turmoil and created in the laboratory and for COVID-19, the disease turing viral proteins or growing strip of genetic material suffering for the people of Libya, will strengthen its tested in animals before caused by the coronavirus, the whole virus in chicken eggs. within a fat bubble. Once need to achieve stability, which can be possible only moving into progressively will need to prevent disease The core of the corona- inside the cell, the RNA gen- by supporting the legitimate government with financial larger human clinical trials. or decrease symptoms in at virus SARS-CoV-2 is a single erates a protein found on the and material aid and training for its vital agencies to These steps are now over- least 50 percent of those who strip of ribonucleic acid (RNA) surface of the virus. The lead the country to development and harmony. lapping in the race to find a receive it. The effectiveness of surrounded by a protein shell. immune system, presented Protecting the lives of the civilians, providing them vaccine for a global disease that the flu vaccine ranges from The virus is named for the with the protein, learns to food, shelter, education and more importantly a peaceful has killed hundreds of thou- 40 to 60 percent, according to iconic spikes that project from recognize the virus. atmosphere to live in are the fundamental duties of a sands of people. Human testing the Centers for Disease its center like a crown, or Viral-vectored vaccines government. For Libya, after unspeakable damage it began in some cases before Control and Prevention. “corona” in Latin. These spike Some vaccines use a virus suffered to its infrastructure facilities and human animal studies were finished. As Other countries may use proteins aren’t just deco- that has been engineered to resources, it will not be an easy task to rebuild a dem- companies launch small Phase 1 different standards or ration. They are critical for be harmless to ferry a gene ocratic state without the help from other willing friendly trials intended to establish the authorize vaccines without the virus to get inside cells from the coronavirus into countries. Since April 2019, the country has been wit- correct dose, they already are waiting for proof they are safe and make copies of itself. cells. The gene codes for a nessing armed attacks by forces opposing the legit- planning the Phase 3 trials that and effective. Russia Vaccines work by teaching distinctive part of the corona- imate government, which resulted in more than 1,000 announced it would begin the body’s immune system to virus, and the immune system deaths, bloodshed and displacement of thousands of Human testing began using its vaccine in people at recognize and block viruses. learns to recognize it. people from their homes shattering the social fabric. in some cases before high risk for the virus in Each category of vaccine Subunite vaccines It is high time the international community heeded animal studies August, before starting its technology works under this Some traditional vaccines the cry of the helpless people of Libya, who despite Phase 3 trial. China has basic principle. Vaccines aim work by delivering viral pro- having enough natural resources to tap, are strug- were finished. As authorized a vaccine for use to activate the immune sys- teins to cells. The technologies gling even for a decent meal. They need the necessary companies launch in members of the military. tem’s T-helper cells, which to manufacture those protein freedom and protection to exploit their natural wealth Researchers in the United are responsible for detecting fragments vary, but com- to fulfill their aspirations. Any country providing small Phase 1 trials States set an audacious goal in the presence of a virus. They panies are using insect cells support and protection to a renegade force to self- intended to establish January to develop a corona- instruct B-cells to create anti- and yeast. The hepatitis B ishly hold natural resources, should understand that the correct dose, they virus vaccine within 12 to 18 bodies that block the virus vaccine relies on a viral they are denying the basic right of the people for a months. This would be a world from being able to replicate protein created by genetically decent living. already are planning record. The mumps vaccine is and T-killer cells to destroy engineered yeast. the Phase 3 trials that considered to be the fastest to infected cells. Some vaccines Other vaccines move, in four years, from scien- may activate only part of this Information on the tech- evaluate whether the tific concept to approval in 1967. immune response. nology platform being used vaccines are effective Coronavirus vaccines are Here is a look at how dif- was not available for all the D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR and safe. moving much faster, partly ferent vaccine technologies experimental vaccines. Some EMAIL: [email protected] because governments are being developed around the vaccines being tested do not taking on the financial risk of world would ideally elicit an specifically target the corona- developing a vaccine that immune response to prevent virus, but aim to increase the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 may not work. Through Oper- SARS-CoV-2 in humans. Each body’s first line of immune FAX: +974 4455 7758 ation Warp Speed, the US vaccine may vary somewhat in defenses. MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 Recall sacrifices made for prosperity, peace 75 years after end of WWII JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI feelings of deep remorse," hands to work together to did not have bereaved fam- LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 adding to it, "I earnestly hope overcome the difficult ilies attend. Although these As each year passes, the that the ravages of war will situation people were not able to BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 number of people who have never again be repeated." Due to the novel corona- attend the ceremony, many of firsthand knowledge of World The expression "deep virus pandemic, official them must have renewed SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 War II declines. Pledges for remorse" was first used by the events for the Emperor and their feeling of mourning peace must be passed down Emperor Emeritus in his Empress such as the National through live television and ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 to future generations. address for the ceremony Tree Planting Festival have livestreaming. email: [email protected] On the 75th anniversary of marking the 70th anniversary. been postponed and visits to The first government- the end of the war, the gov- The Emperor, born after the areas affected by the tor- sponsored ceremony to mark PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 ernment-sponsored national war ended, apparently thinks rential rains have been dif- the end of the war was held in email: [email protected] memorial ceremony for the of following in the footsteps of ficult. The Emperor obviously 1963, 18 years after the war war dead was held in Tokyo the Emperor Emeritus, who put his thoughts into words ended. ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 with the attendance of the knows about wartime and has that the Imperial family is At the time, the evaluation FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] Emperor and Empress. dealt with the horrors of war. always with the people in of the war was not yet fixed. In his address, the In his address, the such hardships. Then Prime Minister Hayato CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 Emperor used the same Emperor touched on the In order to prevent infec- Ikeda had no choice but to email: [email protected] expression as in last year's spread of novel coronavirus tions, the scale of the mention "criticism of the war address, "reflecting on our infections and emphasized memorial ceremony was notwithstanding" in his SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 past and bearing in mind the that he truly hopes people join reduced and 20 prefectures address. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar More mobility and contact between people leads to higher numbers of cases. The virus is /Peninsula_Qatar here, even if it’s not visible. There’s no vaccine /ThePeninsulaNewspaper and no medication.

+974 6698 6188 Angela Merkel, German Chancellor WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST 2020 ASIA 09

Sri Lanka rations Australia to produce ‘promising’ virus vaccine power as Chinese “If this vaccine proves successful we will generator crashes manufacture and supply vaccines straight during blackout away under our own steam and make it free for 25 million Australians,” Prime Minister AFP — COLOMBO Scott Morrison said. Sri Lanka yesterday said elec- tricity would be rationed across the island, after a AGENCIES — SYDNEY government was also in talks Chinese-built coal power with “many parties around the generator shut down during Australia has secured access to world” over other potential vac- an hours-long nationwide a “promising” potential coro- cines as well as supporting local blackout. navirus vaccine, the Prime scientists in their efforts. Power will be cut for Minister announced yesterday, The country is yet to reach nearly three hours every day saying the country would a final agreement with Astra- across the country of 21 million manufacture it and offer free Zeneca on the cost, and a local people to conserve electricity, doses to the entire population. manufacturer has not been the state-run Ceylon Elec- Prime Minister Scott Mor- locked in. tricity Board said. rison said Australia had reached However, Australia has A “technical fault” at a a deal with Swedish-British signed an A$25m ($18m) 300-megawatt thermal power pharmaceutical company agreement with American plant near the capital Colombo AstraZeneca to receive the medical technology company on Monday left the nation COVID-19 vaccine it is devel- Becton Dickinson to buy 100 without power for up to 10 oping with Oxford University. million needles and syringes to hours. “The Oxford vaccine is one administer the doses. The unspecified failure of the most advanced and Australia yesterday Airforce personnel on a street as the city operates under lockdown in response to an outbreak of also caused the 900-megawatt promising in the world, and recorded its lowest one-day rise the coronavirus disease in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday. Chinese-built Norachcholai under this deal we have secured in new COVID-19 infections in coal power plant — which gen- early access for every Aus- a month, buoying hopes that a earlier this month, almost all of ordered around the world. Early in the pandemic it was erates almost one-third of Sri tralian,” he said. stringent lockdown in the coun- which were in Victoria. Morrison said Australia considered among the most Lanka’s electricity — to trip. “If this vaccine proves suc- try’s second-most populous “We have seen numbers remained “committed” to successful at curbing the virus’s “A coal-powered plant cessful we will manufacture and state has prevented a fresh going up and down recently, but ensuring early access to the spread until an outbreak in Mel- takes a few days to restart after supply vaccines straight away wave of cases nationally. by and large what we are seeing potential vaccine for Pacific bourne, the country’s second- a shutdown,” a spokesman for under our own steam and make Led by cases in Victoria is a continuing downward countries and regional partners biggest city, that authorities the board said. it free for 25 million Aus- state, Australia said it has trend,” Australia’s Deputy Chief in Southeast Asia. struggled to contain. “We will have the power tralians.” The Oxford vaccine is detected 226 new infections in Medical Officer Michael Kidd Earlier this month he called The outbreak — which was cuts to conserve electricity one of five globally in Phase 3 the past 24 hours, the lowest told reporters in Canberra. on nations to share potential traced back to two hotels being until we are able to reconnect efficacy trials, and researchers since July 18 when 212 cases Although none of the coro- vaccines, saying any country used to quarantine travellers the coal plant at Norach- hope to have results by the end were recorded. navirus vaccines under devel- that discovered one and did not returning from overseas — has cholai.” The spokesman did of the year. The national figure is well opment has proved its efficacy make it available globally ravaged aged-care homes in not say when the plant is It is the first such deal for below the more than 700 infec- yet in clinical trials, at least 5.7 “would be judged terribly by the city, causing dozens of expected to be operational. Australia, and Morrison said his tions detected in a single day billion doses have been pre- history”. deaths. The disruption is the worst since March 2016, when the whole country was without More infectious electricity for more than eight Ardern hits back at Trump over COVID-19 ‘surge’ hours following a massive virus mutation system breakdown. REUTERS — WELLINGTON total number of cases since the who’s following COVID and its pandemic. The United States The public utilities regu- may be ‘a good pandemic began to 1,293, with transmission globally will quite has a death rate of 5.21 per lator said the electricity board New Zealand Prime Minister 22 deaths. This compares with easily see that New Zealand’s 100,000, one of the highest in had been given three days to thing’: Expert Jacinda Ardern hit back the US tally of more than 5.2 nine cases in a day does not the world. probe the failure and explain yesterday against US President million cases and 170,000 compare to the United States’ New Zealand has fared far the massive disruption. REUTERS — SINGAPORE Donald Trump for saying her deaths. tens of thousands, and in fact better than most countries The power cut caused country is experiencing a “big “You see what’s going on in does not compare to most during the pandemic, but an chaos on already congested An increasingly common surge” in COVID-19, calling the New Zealand?” Trump said. countries in the world,” she told abrupt resurgence of COVID-19 roads in Colombo, with traffic mutation of the novel corona- remarks “patently wrong”. “They beat it, they beat it, it reporters. last week in Auckland lights not operating and police virus found in Europe, North Trump sparked uproar in was like front page they beat “Obviously it’s patently prompted the government to struggling to man key America and parts of Asia may New Zealand when he told a it... because they wanted to wrong,” she said of Trump’s extend a lockdown for the city’s intersections. be more infectious but appears crowd in Minnesota that the show me something. comments. We are still one of 1.7 million residents until Aug. Water supply was also less deadly, according to a South Pacific country of five “The problem is... big surge the best-performing countries 26, while social distancing rules affected as there was no elec- prominent infectious diseases million people was in the grip in New Zealand, you know it’s in the world when it comes to are in place in other towns and tricity to operate the pumps. doctor. of a “terrible” upsurge in terrible. We don’t want that.” COVID... our workers are cities. Sri Lanka generates just Paul Tambyah, senior con- COVID-19 cases, having earlier Ardern said there was no focused on keeping it that way.” The origin of the latest out- under half of its electricity sultant at the National Uni- succeeded in eliminating the comparison between New Zea- New Zealand’s death rate break is still unknown, but through thermal power, with versity of Singapore and pres- disease. land’s handful of new cases a per 100,000 people, at about authorities earlier on Tuesday just over 32 percent from coal. ident-elect of the International Thirteen new infections day and the “tens of thousands” 0.44, is one of the lowest in the ruled out the possibility that it Hydro makes up almost 50 Society of Infectious Diseases, were confirmed in New Zealand reported in the United States. world thanks to strict lock- came from frozen food items or percent and wind about two said evidence suggests the yesterday, taking the country’s “I think anyone downs enforced early in the freight. percent. proliferation of the D614G mutation in some parts of the world has coincided with a drop in death rates, suggesting One dead, 43 injured as strong it is less lethal. Maybe that’s a good thing to have a virus that is more quake hits central Philippines infectious but less deadly,” Tambyah said. Tambyah said most viruses AFP — CATAINGAN The earthquake “was really will be eased Wednesday. tend to become less virulent as strong. Our people were broad- “These natural disasters are they mutate. “It is in the virus’ At least one person was killed casting at the time but they just a part of our lives and we interest to infect more people and 43 injured when a ran out of the building,” always recover,” said Harry but not to kill them because a 6.6-magnitude earthquake Decamon said by telephone. Roque, spokesman for Pres- virus depends on the host for shook the central Philippines Police confirmed the man’s ident Rodrigo Duterte. food and for shelter,” he said. yesterday, sending residents death. Sixteen people were also “People should not worry Scientists discovered the fleeing their homes and injured in the town. about getting relief assistance. mutation as early as February damaging buildings and roads. In nearby Palanas, at least 27 They will be provided.” Palanas and it has circulated in Europe The shallow quake struck people were injured after being police chief Captain Alvin and the Americas, the World southeast of Masbate Island in hit by falling objects or when Guerina said that several Health Organisation said. The the Bicol region at 8.03am their motorbikes crashed as the patients, including a pregnant WHO has also said there is no (0003 GMT), the US Geological ground moved in the town, Chris woman about to go into labour, evidence the mutation has led Survey said. Adique, a municipal disaster were evacuated from a hospital to more severe disease. “There are a lot of damaged officer, told DZBB radio. as a precaution in case of On Sunday, Malaysia’s houses,” said Staff Sergeant None were in a critical con- aftershocks. director-general of health Noor Antonio Clemente in Cataingan, dition, he added. Search and So far, at least 24 after- Hisham Abdullah urged greater a town of about 50,000 people rescue efforts were still under shocks have been recorded by public vigilance after authorities on the impoverished island way in the region. the Philippine seismology detected what they believe was several kilometres west of the The quake struck as the office, with the strongest reg- the D614G mutation of the coro- epicentre in the Samar Sea. archipelago battles surging istering at 3.8 magnitude. navirus in two recent clusters. “It was really strong.” Local numbers of coronavirus infec- A video posted on Facebook Sebastian Maurer-Stroh of radio station reporter Chris- tions, with more than 164,000 showed light damage to a food Singapore’s agency for science, topher Decamon said he saw cases and restrictions on market in Cataingan. technology and research said emergency workers pull the movement that vary across the Overturned buckets and the variant has also been body of a man from the rubble country. small fish were scattered on the found in the city-state but that of a three-storey house on the A lockdown affecting a ground and chunks of cement containment measures have A view of debris in Masbate Province after an earthquake struck outskirts of Cataingan. The quarter of the population, had fallen from a pillar. People prevented large-scale spread. the Philippines, yesterday. man’s wife escaped unharmed. including the capital Manila, stood outside on the street. Australians seize cocaine haul Amit Shah back in hospital after recovering from virus in boat at sea, arrest three men REUTERS — MUMBAI/NEW DELHI pital said in a statement. States and Brazil, with cases shown the presence of anti- “He is comfortable and con- topping 50,000 every day since bodies, indicating that the AP — SYDNEY meet a larger ship and transfer India’s Interior Minister Amit tinuing his work from the hos- July 30. India’s cases jumped by spread of the virus was higher the drugs. Australian officials say Shah was hospitalised again pital,” it said, adding he had 55,079 on Tuesday, while than reported. Australian authorities said the larger ship might have come yesterday after complaining of now tested negative for deaths rose by 876 to a total of “This is the only reliable yesterday they had seized a from South America. fatigue and body ache, four COVID-19. 51,797. information about the mag- large quantity of cocaine from Officers boarded the Cora- days after he said he had Shah is the highest-profile Cases have largely stabilised nitude of infection in the a fishing boat in treacherous lynne in 3.5M seas, arrested recovered from COVID-19, as Indian politician to have been in Mumbai and Delhi, but there country,” said T Jacob John, seas off the east coast. three crew members and towed cases in the country surged to infected with the coronavirus. has been a steady rise in smaller a retired professor of A law enforcement team the trawler to Sydney Harbor, more than 2.7 million. On Monday, Kiran Mazumdar cities such as Pune and clinical virology at Christian intercepted the Australian officials said. Shah, a close aide of Shaw, the head of pharmaceu- Bengaluru. Medical College in Tamil trawler Coralynne on Saturday Three men - a 40 -year-old Prime Minister Narendra tical company Biocon Ltd that Authorities in the education Nadu state. night after New Zealand author- Hong Konger and Australians Modi and the virtual number- makes COVID-19 medicines, and autos hub of Pune, to the “The antibody surveys are ities tipped Australians about the aged 32 and 27 - were refused two in his cabinet, was said she too had tested south of Mumbai and home to telling you that the actual boat being tracked in a stretch bail in a Sydney court on admitted to the government- positive. 3.5 million people, said late on infection burden has been of ocean not usually visited by Monday charged with run All India Institute for India has reported the Monday that 51.5 percent of the several times larger than the trawlers. Australian intelligence attempting to import a com- Medical Sciences in the world’s third-largest number of people surveyed in five of its antigen and RT-CPR tests have officers then saw the trawler mercial quantity of cocaine. capital New Delhi, the hos- infections after the United worst affected areas had shown.” 10 ASIA WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST 2020 South Korea tightens coronavirus Pakistan to conduct curbs, confines troops to base Phase 3 clinical trial The Korea Centres for of COVID-19 vaccine Disease Control and REUTERS — ISLAMABAD Arabia, Russia, Brazil and Chile. NIH and AJM signed an Prevention reported Pakistan’s drug regulator agreement last month, and 246 new cases as of greenlit the country’s first were awaiting clearance from Phase 3 clinical trial for a the Drug Regulatory Authority midnight on Monday, potential COVID-19 vaccine, of Pakistan (DRAP), which NIH bringing its total which is being developed by says it had now received. infections to 15,761 China’s CanSino Biologics “DRAP has approved a (CanSino) and Beijing Institute target Group of 10,000 partic- and 306 deaths. of Biotechnology. ipants for our clinical trial,” The trial is slated to begin Hassan Abbas Zaheer, the coor- REUTERS — SEOUL next month, according to an dinator of the trials for AJM, official who will coordinate the told Reuters via email. exercise. Government-run The study will be conducted South Korea tightened social National Institute of Health across major medical research distancing rules yesterday as it (NIH) will be leading the trial for centres in Pakistan, located in reported a three-digit increase the candidate Ad5-nCoV along Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore. in novel coronavirus cases for a with pharmaceutical company Zaheer added the clinical fifth day and authorities AJM — the local representative trial will last for “some months” scrambled to trace hundreds of of CanSino. and the data generated in all members of a church congre- China has already approved participating countries will be gation. the vaccine for use by its mil- collected by CanSino regularly The Korea Centres for itary after early and mid-stage and analysed. Disease Control and Prevention trials, and further late-stage Pakistan has so far regis- Health officials wearing protective gear guide a visitor at a coronavirus testing station in Seoul, (KCDC) reported 246 new cases trials are being lined up for tered 289,831 COVID-19 cases South Korea, yesterday. as of midnight on Monday, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. and 6,190 deaths, but has seen bringing its total infections to CanSino last month said it daily infection numbers slow 15,761 and 306 deaths. economy and people’s liveli- struggled with an outbreak that Two new cases were was in talks for opportunities markedly in August after South Korea has been one hoods,” Prime Minister Chung emerged in a secretive Christian reported in the military, bringing to launch Phase 3 trials in Saudi peaking in June. of the world’s coronavirus mit- Sye-kyun told a news con- sect in the city of Daegu, which the total number of infections on igation success stories but it has ference after an emergency turned into the country’s dead- bases to 88, the defence ministry suffered repeated spikes in meeting. liest cluster. said. cases. At least 457 infections have The KCDC has warned that Some 461 military personnel Two days after re-imposing been linked to the Sarang Jeil the new cases posed a greater were in quarantine, and all troops stricter social distancing in Church, 10 of whom were con- crisis than the earlier church have been confined to base, with Seoul, the government expanded firmed to have attended anti- outbreak and could swamp the leave cancelled and visits halted. the curbs to include the port city government demonstrations on health system. Authorities have set out social of Incheon, while ordering the the past two weekends in Seoul, “If we fail to contain the distancing rules in three stages, closure of clubs, buffets and Vice Health Minister Kim Gang- spread in the Seoul metropolitan with stage 1 the least strict and cyber cafes. lip told a briefing. area of 25 million population this stage 3 the toughest, when It also banned all in-person Authorities were trying to week, it can not only halt the schools are shut, businesses are church services and indoor trace some 500 other members daily routine of everyone but advised to work from home and gatherings of 50 people or more of the congregation to tell them also put the safety of the elderly gatherings limited to 10 people. and outdoor ones of 100 or to self-quarantine and get tested and the weak at risk,” KCDC Seoul is at stage 2 but Kwon more. as they posed the highest trans- deputy director Kwon Jun-wook said the effort was at a “grave “If we can’t get the virus mission risk, Kim said. told a briefing. crossroads” and stage 3 might be under control now we’ll have to This was the second time a Another cluster has been inevitable. A family wearing protective masks rides a motorbike outside a notch up social distancing to church was at the centre of a traced to a Starbucks Corp outlet “High-risk gatherings in the shopping area after Pakistan lifted lockdown restrictions even as higher levels, and that would serious outbreak in South Korea. outside Seoul with seven new greater Seoul area could spread have a big impact on our In February, authorities cases taking the tally there to 49. nationwide,” he said. the coronavirus outbreak continues, in Karachi yesterday. Afghan presidential compound hit in rocket attack on capital Sweden pulls its diplomats out AFP — KABUL dition of anonymity. alarms could be heard blaring Afghan government and the after the militants release some The president had already from the US embassy. Taliban are poised to begin Afghan soldiers held captive by of North Korea Six members of Afghan Pres- wrapped up his ceremonial The top US envoy in Kabul, peace talks. them. ident Ashraf Ghani’s honour duties and was not affected. Ross Wilson, condemned the “We were expecting suicide “The United States remains REUTERS — STOCKHOLM guard were wounded yesterday The interior ministry did not “cowardly act of terrorism”. attacks and bomb blasts on the committed to a political set- when a rocket struck his palace immediately comment on the Ghani’s swearing-in cer- roads, not rockets to hit our tlement that ends the conflict Sweden said yesterday it had compound, two officials said. incident, but spokesman Tareq emony on March 9 was also houses,” said Habib Rahman, and ensures Afghanistan never temporarily withdrawn all its The rocket was one of a Arian earlier said 14 rockets interrupted by rocket fire near whose house was struck by one again poses a threat to the diplomats from North Korea, salvo launched into central were fired out of two vehicles the palace. No serious injuries of the rockets. United States and its allies,” US where its embassy also repre- Kabul just as officials were in the capital, mostly hitting were reported at the time. Negotiations are set to start Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sents the interests of the United gathering in the capital to com- civilian homes. In August 2018, multiple once Kabul completes the said in a statement marking the States and several other memorate Afghanistan’s 101st “Unfortunately, 10 civilians rockets were fired in Kabul, release of about 400 Taliban independence day. nations, partly due to issues independence day. including four children and one including at the presidential prisoners as approved last week Officials said the delay in linked to the coronavirus Ghani had finished speaking woman have been wounded,” palace, where Ghani was by a traditional gathering of releasing the remaining Taliban pandemic. outside the famous Arg Palace Arian said. Two suspects were making a speech. The Islamic thousands of prominent prisoners was also due to oppo- Most other Western to mark the event when a arrested, he added. State group claimed Afghans. sition from Paris and Canberra nations which have diplomatic rocket landed in the sprawling The Arg Palace is located in responsibility. Afghan authorities have so because some of the inmates relations with Pyongyang, compound and wounded six a highly fortified area of the No group immediately far released 80 Taliban pris- are accused of killing French including Germany, Britain members of his honour guard, capital that also houses several claimed yesterday’s rocket oners, but insist that the and Australian citizens and and France, have already two palace officials said on con- embassies, and “incoming fire” attack, which came as the remaining 320 will be freed soldiers. pulled staff out temporarily, citing the difficulty of rotating staff and bringing in supplies during the pandemic. Thailand’s student-led Sweden acts as the con- sular representative of the United States, Australia and anti-govt protests grow Canada, among others, in North Korea. The Swedish AP — BANGKOK that stresses obedience to elders. foreign ministry said its They appear to be growing embassy in Pyongyang High school students in Thai- after the largest anti-government remains open and staffed by land’s capital held blank signs rally in six years was held in local employees. and flashed three-fingered Bangkok on Sunday and high- “What has happened is that salutes to show opposition to the light how the student-led protest we have relocated our dip- government yesterday, as the movement is capturing the imag- lomats, either as a result of hol- pro-democracy movement ination of many young people. idays or rotation,” a ministry continued to spread. Thai media reported such spokesman said, adding that Around 30 students at school protests occurring in prov- the situation was temporary. Samsen Wittayalai school in inces including Ratchaburi, Udon Bangkok shouted “Down with Thani, Khon Kaen, Surat Thani dictatorship, long live and Nakhon Sawan, as well as in Vietnam demands democracy” and held up sheets the capital. of plain white paper, meant to Commenting yesterday after Malaysia probe into convey the message that they a Cabinet meeting, Prime Min- fatal shooting were not free to express ister Prayuth Chan-ocha said he themselves. recognised the pure intentions of AP — HANOI Some girls tied white ribbons the high school students but said to their bags, a recently emerged he believes some were bullied Vietnam has asked Malaysia Pro-democracy students wearing face masks do a three-fingered salute at a rally to demand the symbol of dissent. into joining the protests. Thai- to investigate a coast guard government to resign, to dissolve the parliament and to hold new elections under a revised constitution, “People realise nowadays land’s Office of the Basic Edu- vessel that fired shots at two at Mahidol University on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. politics isn’t something remote,” cation Commission, which super- Vietnamese fishing boats, said an 18-year-old student who vises more than 1,000 schools, killing one fisherman. only gave her nickname, Nudee. both private and public, issued 2014 and retained it in a 2019 intimidation of critics of the the monarchy. The Malaysian Maritime “When people realise this, they an order allowing students to election widely seen as rigged to government. At Sunday’s large Protest leaders triggered Enforcement Agency said the want a better future. That’s why hold protest events on school all but guarantee his victory. Bangkok rally they spelled out controversy earlier this month two Vietnamese boats entered we came out to protest.” Pro- premises provided they stay Under his leadership the three more points: no more when they expanded their Malaysian waters late Sunday democracy hashtags linked to within the law and exclude economy has struggled to coups, no national unity gov- original agenda, publicly criti- and refused to stop when the school protests were outsiders. compete with its neighbours, ernment and upholding cising the constitutional mon- approached by the Malaysian trending on social media with The United Nations children’s even before the damage Thailand as a democracy with archy and issuing a 10-point coast guard vessel. photographs and video clips organisation Unicef issued a inflicted by measures to counter the king as head of state under manifesto calling for its reform. When the Malaysian vessel showing young students at statement calling for all parties the coronavirus pandemic. The the constitution. Their action was virtually fired warning shots, the Viet- schools in a number of Thai to ensure that those involved government’s image has also The reference to a national unprecedented, as the mon- namese fishermen threw cities lined up on playgrounds remain safe and able to express been tarnished by corruption unity government was appar- archy is considered sacrosanct gasoline bombs and tried to and giving the salutes during the their opinions peacefully without scandals for which no one has ently a warning to all political in Thailand and any criticism is ram it with their boats, leaving compulsory daily singing of the fear or intimidation. been held accountable. parties against making a normally kept private. A lese officials no choice but to fire national anthem. The anti-government pro- The student-led protest backroom deal instead of majeste law calls for a prison at the boats in self-defence, it The displays of solidarity tests come as many people movement has declared three holding elections, and the ref- sentence of three to 15 years for said in a statement on Monday began last week and are a become weary of the rule of core demands: holding new erence to the king seemed to anyone found guilty of criti- on Facebook. One Vietnamese remarkable show of defiance Prayuth, a former army chief. He elections, amending the consti- be meant as a reassurance that cising some members of the fisherman died and 18 others within an educational system took power in a military coup in tution and ending the they did not want to abolish royal family. were detained, it said. WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST 2020 EUROPE 11 Lukashenko decries bid to seize power after oppn sets up council REUTERS — MINSK The European Union is gearing up to impose new sanctions on Belarus officials. The Kremlin The nascent political opposition in Belarus established a council said Putin warned Merkel, Macron and EU inside the country yesterday, a foreign policy chief Charles Michel against move President Alexander Lukashenko denounced as an foreign meddling in the affairs of Belarus. attempt to seize power 10 days after an election that has trig- gered mass demonstrations. the opposition council as “an off its badges, who will protect Many of Belarus’s major attempt to seize power” and those Belarusians while the opposition figures are either in promised to take “appropriate other part takes to the street to jail or in exile, including presi- measures” to halt it. give its opinions?” dential candidate Sviatlana Since official results Also yesterday, Lukashenko Tsikhanouskaya, who fled the declared him the election awarded medals “for impec- country after the vote her sup- winner with 80 percent of the cable service” to law Opposition supporters holding white and red balloons and a former white-red-white flag of Belarus porters say she won. vote, Lukashenko seems to have enforcement officials who have gather outside a pre-trial detention centre, where Sergei Tikhanovsky — opposition figure Svetlana Thousands of protesters underestimated the strength of helped him crack down on Tikhanovskaya’s jailed blogger husband — is allegedly held in custody, in Minsk, yesterday. have taken to the streets to public anger in a country suf- protesters. demand Lukashenko resign, fering economic hardship and At least three protesters were due later to converge on the western borders, describing relationship. braving a crackdown by the a coronavirus epidemic that he have been killed and thousands a prison where Tsikha- “internal problems” as part of The European Union is authorities. has dismissed. detained in the crackdown that nouskaya’s husband has been an external threat. gearing up to impose new sanc- Olga Kovalkova, repre- After videos appeared on followed the election. detained. Attention is firmly focused tions on Belarus officials. senting Tsikhanouskaya at a the Internet showing some Tsikhanouskaya, a 37-year- “All of this outrageous, on how Russia will respond to European officials say the situ- press conference to launch the police officers throwing their old political novice who unfair lawlessness shows us the biggest political crisis facing ation in Belarus is different from new opposition council, said she uniforms into dustbins, the emerged as an unexpected con- how this rotten system works, an ex-Soviet neighbour since Ukraine’s six years ago, in part expected Tsikhanouskaya Interior Ministry acknowledged sensus opposition candidate where one person controls eve- 2014 in Ukraine, when Moscow because the Belarus opposition would soon return to Minsk, to yesterday that some police had after better-known figures rything,” Tsikhanouskaya said intervened militarily after a is not necessarily seeking to act as a guarantor in a nego- quit. It issued a plea for others including her activist husband in a video. “One man has kept friendly leader was toppled by loosen ties with Russia, merely tiated transition of power. to stay at their post. were jailed or barred from the country in fear for 26 years.” public protests. to get rid of Lukashenko. “We are operating solely “We will not judge the small standing in the election, has For his part, Lukashenko Of all former Soviet German Chancellor Angela through legal means,” proportion of police officers issued calls via the Internet to says the protests are being republics, Belarus is closest to Merkel, French President Kovalkova said. “The situation who have today left the service followers to rise up, but remain stirred up from abroad. The Russia culturally, politically and Emmanuel Macron and EU is critical. The authorities have out of personal convictions,” the peaceful. official Belta news agency economically, with a treaty that foreign policy chief Charles no choice but to come to dia- Interior Ministry press office Hundreds of protesters released a video calling pro- proclaims the two countries Michel spoke to Putin by tele- logue. The situation will only get said in a statement. chanting “shame” gathered at testers “bought-and-sold scum, part of a “union state” with a phone. The Kremlin said Putin worse.” It said the protesters were a a theatre in Minsk yesterday in prepared to sell their own Soviet-style red flag. But warned all three against foreign Earlier, in televised remarks minority, and most Belarusians solidarity with its director, who mothers for $20”. Lukashenko Russian President Vladimir meddling in the affairs of to his Security Council of top wanted to live in peace: “If the was fired for speaking out in told his Security Council that the Putin and Lukashenko have had Belarus. brass, Lukashenko described entire police force today takes support of the opposition. They army had gone on full alert at a difficult personal Hungarian minister under fire over Dining out: 35 million meals claimed in UK discount plan AP — LONDON million discounted meals in the cost the government $235m. It “It’s so nice to see our res- it did a great job.” Croatia yacht ‘lies’ first half of August with the has previously estimated the taurants full of happy staff and The government is hoping Everyone, it seems, loves a number of covers more than tri- total cost of the plan at 500 customers again,” said Stephen that the programme will stave AFP — BUDAPEST discount especially when it’s on pling in the second week, when million pounds. Wall, managing director and off job losses. the government’s credit card. much of the country was basking The so-called “Eat Out to co-founder of the popular res- “Today’s figures show that Hungary’s foreign minister Early indications suggest in unusual tropical heat. Help Out” programme is being taurant chain Pho. Britain is eating out to help out was accused of lying yesterday that hungry, and often nervous, Under the programme, used by around 85,000 restau- Local favourites have also with at least 35 million meals after he was spotted on a yacht customers are being enticed sitting customers can receive a rants, or nearly two-thirds of seen an uptick in business, served up in the first two weeks in Croatia while posting social back to restaurants in the UK as 50% percent discount on food those eligible, in the hope that including the south Indian veg- alone,” said Treasury chief Rishi media pictures appearing to a result of a British government and non-alcoholic drinks at it will encourage people to etarian restaurant, Rasa, in Stoke Sunak. “That is equivalent to show him hard at work in an programme that provides dis- participating restaurants return to dining out, particularly Newington, in north London. over half of the UK taking part office. counts from Monday to between Monday and in the traditionally fallow early- “This makes the customers and supporting local jobs in the According to the investi- Wednesday this month. The Wednesday up to $13 per week period. come out,” said assistant hospitality sector.” gative journalism news site plan aims to protect jobs in a person. Food outlets from Restaurants and other food manager Musthafa Kun- When it was launched many Atlatszo.hu, Peter Szijjarto was sector that was hit hard during Michelin-starred outlets to outlets such as clubs were only nummal. “So they may start critics said the plan was just a photographed on Sunday the coronavirus pandemic. international burger chains can allowed to reopen on July 4, coming out during the gimmick to generate headlines, aboard a luxury yacht in New figures published yes- then get the discount reim- more than three months after weekends. They are a bit more with many fearing that any Croatia owned by a tycoon. terday by the Treasury show bursed by the government they were closed as part of the confident to go out to restau- rebound in August would lead In Facebook messages on food outlets claimed for over 35 within five days. So far, it has coronavirus lockdown. rants. I really appreciate this - to a slump in later months. Thursday and Sunday however Szijjarto, alongside images of himself in office settings, said Norwegian suspected of spying he had been busy telephoning EU counterparts to discuss the crisis in Belarus. for Russia held in custody Opposition parties accused the minister of lying and called AP — COPENHAGEN He has denied that the for his resignation. information he handed over “Szijjarto lied that he was A Norwegian citizen suspected to the alleged Russian intelli- working in an office while he of spying for Russia has been gence officer was sensitive, the was holidaying on a billionaire’s remanded in custody for four Norwegian news agency NTB luxury yacht,” the Socialist party weeks. said. said in a statement. The man was arrested on The Norwegian Police The party said Szijjarto’s Saturday as he met with an Security Service said he is sus- actions may also have posed alleged Russian intelligence pected of violating a Norwegian national security risks. officer in an Oslo restaurant. He law that carries a maximum “In a functioning has not been identified beyond prison term of 15 years. democracy this is grounds for that he is a Norwegian national The agency said it is up to resignation,” said Katalin Cseh, in his 50s who was born the Norwegian Foreign Ministry an MEP with another oppo- abroad. to decide what will happen to sition party, Momentum. The man has admitted the alleged Russian intelligence Neighbouring Austria has receiving money, with Oslo officer. warned its citizens not to travel District Court judge Helene In its annual report pub- to Croatia after a spike in Andenaes Sekulic saying it was lished in February, PST infection cases there this month. a “not insignificant amount.” warned of the risk of espi- A foreign ministry official The court ruling came late onage in several sectors of said in a Facebook message: Monday following a hearing society —political, financial, “Yes, the minister is on held behind closed doors. defence and research circles, holiday, and working at the The man was working for among others — singling out same time. Even his opponents Norway-based DNV GL, a Russia, China and Iran as par- acknowledge the minister’s Green protest major global classification ticular threats. working while on holiday,” society for ships, that also deals In recent decades several said Tamas Menczer, adding Greenpeace activists holding banners swim to an unmanned oil production platform operated by with the Norwegian defense spy cases have marred ties that the photographs were an Total in the North Sea, to occupy the Dan Bravo oil rig to demand an immediate ban on all further industry and scientists handling between Nato member Norway “invasion of privacy”. oil and gas exploration, in Denmark, yesterday. advance military technology. and Russia. Head teachers in Italy worry about liability with school openings

AFP — ROME According to new protocols, each school must each school must have a room wear masks during lessons. more at-risk countries such as have a room where suspected cases can be where suspected cases can be Some schools may not Greece, Spain and Malta. Head teachers in Italy, already immediately isolated, but the receive their desk deliveries Italy, which shut its schools bracing for the looming school immediately isolated, but the head teacher does head teacher does not have the before October. in March, has recorded over year under COVID-19 protocols, not have the power to decide whether or not to power to decide whether or not On Sunday, Italy suspended 254,000 cases of COVID-19 and are now demanding they not be to close the school. That decision its discos and ordered the man- more than 35,000 deaths. held legally responsible for any close the school. falls to local authorities. datory wearing of masks from The COVID-19 pandemic infections in their establish- Under new security pro- 6:00pm to 6:00am to clamp has claimed more than 774,700 ments. head teacher could be blamed government to specify in an tocols, all schools must ensure down on the spread of infection lives in at least 188 countries School authorities have over a case of infection... where upcoming decree that head a distance of at least one metre among young people, less than and regions since emerging in expressed concern over the the health protocol has been teachers cannot be held liable (between pupils. But schools are a month before the restart of Wuhan, China last December. start of the academic year on fully applied,” Antonello Gian- if they follow required direc- still awaiting the arrival of over school. Over 21.91 million cases September 14, especially after nelli, president of the National tives when students or teachers 2 million single-seat desks Many of the recent micro- have been reported worldwide. a recent uptick in cases of Association of Head Teachers, are nevertheless found to be nationwide that will help to clusters of infections seen in The data shows more than infection in young people. told AGI Italian news wire. infected. ensure proper distances and Italy have been due to young half of all patients — over 13.91 “It is unthinkable that a The group wants the According to new protocols, avoid the need for students to holidaymakers returning from million — have recovered so far. 12 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST 2020

Trump strikes Michelle Obama takes Trump to task back at former First Lady after as Democrats showcase unity convention takedown

AFP — MILWAUKEE

US President Donald Trump lashed out at former first lady Michelle Obama yesterday after she delivered a scathing takedown of his leadership on the opening night of the Dem- ocratic convention. “I thought it was a very divisive speech, extremely divisive,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “Frankly, I would not even be here if it wasn’t for Barack Obama,” he said. “I would be building buildings someplace Former First Lady Michelle Obama speaks in a frame grab from and having a good time.” the live video feed of the all virtual 2020 Democratic National In her pre-taped remarks to Convention as participants from across the country are hosted the convention — which has over video links to the originally planned site of the convention in A virtual crowd seen over video links applauds as former First Lady Michelle Obama concludes her gone almost entirely online Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US. remarks. because of the coronavirus pan- demic — Michelle Obama urged REUTERS — WASHINGTON In an impassioned speech capping the first night of the Democratic Carolina whose endorsement Americans to rally behind Dem- National Convention, Michelle Obama said the Republican Trump “has of Biden was critical to his ocrat Joe Biden, her husband Former First Lady Michelle breakthrough primary victory Barack Obama’s former vice- Obama launched a blistering had enough time to prove that he can do the job” but had failed to in that state in February, said president, in November’s pres- attack on President Donald meet the moment in a country reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, Biden understood the need to idential election. Trump on Monday and urged economic turmoil and racial injustice. “He simply cannot be who we unify people was part of presi- Biden “will tell the truth, Americans to elect Democrat dential leadership. and trust science,” she said in Joe Biden in November to end need him to be for us. It is what it is,” Obama said. “If you think things Kasich, a former Ohio gov- a jab at Trump, who has been the chaos she said had been cannot possibly get worse, trust me, they can; and they will if we don’t ernor and frequent Trump critic accused of ignoring the advice created during the four years of make a change in this election. If we have any hope of ending this who lost to Trump in the 2016 of scientists on how to respond Trump’s presidency. Republican primary, described to a health crisis which has left In an impassioned speech chaos, we have got to vote for Joe Biden like our lives depend on it.” his opposition to Trump as a some 170,000 Americans dead capping the first night of the patriotic duty and said the and millions without jobs. Democratic National Convention, country was at a crossroads. In unprecedented criticism Obama said the Republican Barack Obama, was in the White Obama referred to these of immigrants, the coddling of Standing literally at a fork of a sitting US president by a Trump “has had enough time to House when Biden was vice- concerns, saying those who white nationalists, the racist dog in a road, he called Biden “a former first lady, she painted prove that he can do the job” but president from 2009-2017, could not win a fair election whistling, the religious bigotry man who can help us see the Trump as a man who lacks the had failed to meet the moment capped a long parade of speakers, were trying to stop people from and the ugly attacks on humanity in each other”. competence, character and in a country reeling from the including some of Trump’s fellow voting by closing polling places women,” Sanders said. Speaking to reporters on Air decency for the job. coronavirus pandemic, economic Republicans, who gathered in minority neighbourhoods, The pandemic forced Dem- Force One, Trump said Kasich Trump has been desperately turmoil and racial injustice. online to make the case for Biden purging voter rolls and lying ocrats to overhaul the con- “was a loser as a Republican and seeking to persuade Americans “Whenever we look to this at the start of his four-day nom- about the security of mail-in vention, largely eliminating the he’ll be a loser as a Democrat.” that the COVID-19 crisis is White House for some lead- inating convention. ballots. “We have to vote for Joe in-person gathering planned for Other Republicans on the behind them and that the situ- ership or consolation or any The harsh takedown by Biden in numbers that cannot Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and speakers list included former ation is improving. “My Admin- semblance of steadiness, what Michelle Obama, regularly cited be ignored,” she said. “We have turning it into two-hour, prime- New Jersey Governor Christine istration and I built the greatest we get instead is chaos, division, in polls as one of the most got to grab our comfortable time packages of virtual speeches Todd Whitman and former economy in history, of any and a total and utter lack of popular figures in the Demo- shoes, put on our masks, pack and events from around the Hewlett Packard Enterprise country, turned it off, saved mil- empathy,” she said, calling him cratic Party, could generate the a brown bag dinner and maybe country. It featured discussions Chief Executive Meg Whitman. lions of lives, and now am “the wrong president” for the sort of voter enthusiasm some breakfast too, because we’ve with voters who described their “Donald Trump has no clue how building an even greater United States. Democrats thought a virtual got to be willing to stand in line struggles confronting the virus. to run a business, let alone an economy than it was before,” “He simply cannot be who convention might lack. all night if we have to.” Kristin Urquiza, who lost her economy,” Meg Whitman said. Trump tweeted yesterday. we need him to be for us. It The convention opened Showcasing the broad father to COVID-19, blamed Biden, 77, leads Trump, 74, Trump also continued his is what it is,” Obama said. “If amid widespread worries about spectrum of supporters united Trump’s mismanagement of the in national opinion polls attacks on mail-in voting, you think things cannot pos- the safety of voting in against defeating Trump, pandemic for his death. “My dad heading into back-to-back con- insisting without proof that it sibly get worse, trust me, they November because of the pan- former Democratic presidential was a healthy 65-year-old. His vention weeks for the two was “going to be a disaster the can; and they will if we don’t demic. Democrats have pushed candidate and progressive only pre-existing condition was political parties. Trump will be likes of which our country has make a change in this election. voting by mail as a safe alter- Senator Bernie Sanders and trusting Donald Trump, and for formally nominated for a never seen. “It’ll end up being a If we have any hope of ending native, but Trump without evi- prominent Republican John that, he paid with his life,” she second term at next week’s rigged election or they will this chaos, we have got to vote dence has proclaimed it is prone Kasich joined in with Obama. said. “When I cast my vote for Joe Republican National Con- never come out with an for Joe Biden like our lives to fraud and blocked emer- “Joe Biden will end the hate Biden, I will do it for my Dad.” vention, which also has been outcome,” he said. “They’ll have depend on it.” gency aid for the U.S. Postal and division Trump has created. Jim Clyburn, the influential scaled back due to coronavirus to do it again and nobody wants Obama, whose husband, Service to limit mail-in voting. He will stop the demonization US representative from South concerns. that. And I don’t want that.” Trudeau names Canada’s first female finance minister

AFP — OTTAWA, CANADA as well as leading free trade talks with the US and Mexico. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau The former journalist, first tapped Chrystia Freeland to be elected in 2015 and well- Canada’s first female finance respected by her peers, takes minister yesterday as an ethics on the top finance job as scandal that clipped her pred- Canada goes through its worst ecessor’s wings reverberates economic crisis since the through the government. Second World War. Freeland received a After five years in the post, standing ovation after being Bill Morneau — under pressure sworn in at a small ceremony from opposition parties — In this file photo, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau poses at Rideau Hall, the official res- announced his surprise resig- Democratic US Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Dan Kildee rally with Chrystia Freeland after she was sworn-in as Deputy Prime idence of Governor-General nation from politics late on in support of the United States Postal Service (USPS) outside a Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs during a ceremony Julie Payette in Ottawa. Monday. post office in Southfield, Michigan, US, yesterday. at Rideau Hall on November 20, 2019 in Ottawa. Trudeau will tap Guests socially distanced, He told a news conference Freeland to be Canada’s first female finance minister, local media wore face masks and Freeland he was leaving to pursue the said yesterday. US Postal Service puts changes greeted Trudeau with an elbow job of secretary-general of the bump after taking the oath of Organisation for Economic Freeland, after a fight with a months-long nationwide pan- on hold after mail-in voting outcry office. Co-operation and Devel- cancer. The changes in the demic lockdown. Freeland, 52, has held key opment (OECD). upper echelons of Canadian The two-month shutdown REUTERS — WASHINGTON changes are to “avoid even the posts in the Liberal government Yesterday's cabinet shuffle power allow Trudeau to reset of parliament also effectively appearance of any impact on including Deputy Prime Min- also saw Dominic Leblanc take the agenda as his government ends parliamentary committee US Postmaster General Louis election mail”. DeJoy, a major ister — a role she keeps — and back his job as intergovern- pivots to lifting Canada out of inquiries into the WE Charity DeJoy yesterday suspended all political donor and ally of previously as foreign minister, mental affairs minister from an economic slump following scandal dogging his Liberals. mail service changes until after Trump, assumed the job in June. the November election, bowing DeJoy also said that the to an outcry by Democrats that Postal Service will not change US university switches the moves appeared to be an retail hours at post offices as Marine scientists discover 30 new attempt to boost President well as that mail collection to remote mode after Donald Trump’s re-election boxes will remain where they species in Galapagos depths chances. are and no mail processing virus cases spike The reversal follows facilities will be closed. AFP — QUITO archipelago’s Charles Darwin Foundation charges by Democrats and The reversal followed a (CDF) said in a separate statement. AFP — WASHINGTON others that service cuts could lengthy call by the postal board An international team of marine scientists Scientists from the CDF, in collaboration slow the handling of mail-in of governors on Monday night, have discovered 30 new species of inver- with the National Park Directorate and the A university in the US state of North Carolina ballots, the use of which is two people briefed on the tebrates in deep water surrounding the Ocean Exploration Trust, probed deep-sea announced that it will switch to entirely expected to skyrocket for the matter said. Galapagos, the Ecuadoran archipelago’s ecosystems at depths of up to 3,400 meters virtual classes for its nearly 20,000 stu- election as the coronavirus pan- Trump said last week he national park authorities announced. using state-of-the-art Remote Operated dents, after dozens tested positive for demic raises fears of crowds. was against Democratic efforts The deep-sea experts discovered fragile Vehicles (ROVs). The two ROVs, Argus and COVID-19 in the first week back at school. These critics have accused to include funds for the Postal coral and sponge communities including Hercules, were operated from the 64-meter The move mirrors the decision in mul- the Republican president of Service and election infra- 10 bamboo corals, four octocorals, one exploration vessel Nautilus. tiple US cities that opted for hybrid classes (a trying to hobble the Postal structure in coronavirus relief brittle star and 11 sponges — as well as four The expedition explored for the first few days per week in the classroom) for Service to suppress mail-in legislation because he wanted new species of crustacean known as squat- time three steep-sided underwater moun- primary and secondary schools, or entirely voting as he trails Democratic to limit mail-in voting during lobsters — the Galapagos National Park tains, or seamounts, located near the virtual classes in major cities including Chicago, presidential challenger Joe the coronavirus pandemic. (GNP) said in a statement. islands of Darwin and Wolf in the archi- Houston, Los Angeles and Washington. Biden in opinion polls ahead of Earlier yesterday, states “These discoveries include the first giant pelago’s north. The area is home to the An announcement from the University the November 3 election. including Washington, Penn- solitary soft coral known for the Tropical world’s largest shark population. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, one of the “I am suspending these ini- sylvania, Connecticut and New Eastern Pacific, a new genus of glass sponge The Galapagos archipelago, located most popular in the country, said that 177 tiatives until after the election is York said they were planning that can grow in colonies of over one meter 1,000km west of Ecuador, is a fragile eco- students who tested positive are currently concluded,” DeJoy said in a legal moves to block the Postal in width and, colorful sea fans that host a system that harbors the largest number of in isolation, and an additional 349 were statement, adding that the Service changes. myriad of associated species,” the different animal species on the planet. placed in quarantine.