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FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2020 1 SAFAR - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8384 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Enjoy Ooredoo’s fast 5G network QA network to expand to over 90 destinations Qatar Airways plans destinations but also operating The airline’s resilience and as many frequencies as possible commitment to providing con- to resume flights or to provide our passengers the nectivity has also seen it launch increase frequencies flexibility to travel when they several new destinations since to Copenhagen, want. the start of the pandemic, “By continuing to fly during including Accra, Brisbane and Clark, Dhaka, the pandemic while others Cebu. Entebbe, Hanoi, stopped, we have gained the The airline’s variety of fuel- Madrid, Manchester, Manila, Seychelles, Stockholm, Windhoek and Yerevan. Shura Council Speaker meets Iranian Envoy Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud met yesterday with THE PENINSULA — DOHA Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the State of Qatar, H E Mohammed Ali Subhani, on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the country. The meeting reviewed parliamentary relations Qatar Airways continues to lead between the two countries and ways to support and develop them. H E the Speaker of the Shura the aviation industry offering Council wished H E the Ambassador success in his future tasks, and for the relations between the more global connectivity than State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Iran further development and growth. any other airline. With the airline’s network never falling below 30 destinations since the onset of the pandemic, the Our focus throughout the rebuild of our resumption of services to Ministry issues new guidelines Amman, Entebbe, Hanoi, network is not only on restarting destinations Seychelles, Windhoek and but also operating as many frequencies as Yerevan and the launch of new possible to provide our passengers the for employment in hotel sector flights to Accra will see the flexibility to travel when they want. airline’s global network more QNA — DOHA Addressing the meeting via to achieve the desired goals. than triple in size by mid- H E Akbar Al Baker video link, the Minister said that H E The Ministry of Admin- October. The Ministry of Administrative Qatar National Vision 2030 aims istrative Development, Labor The airline plans to resume Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Development, Labour and to transform Qatar into an and Social Affairs is committed flights or increase frequencies Social Affairs (MADLSA) advanced country capable of to implementing them within to Copenhagen, Clark, Dhaka, yesterday organised a virtual achieving sustainable devel- the standards of decent work Entebbe, Hanoi, Madrid, Man- trust of passengers as an airline efficient aircraft and strategic meeting to promote fair opment and ensuring the con- and within the framework of chester, Manila, Seychelles, they can rely on. We have taken network management has recruitment and employment tinuation of decent living for its the sustainable growth system Stockholm, Windhoek and more international passengers enabled it to quickly resume in hospitality sector and people, generation after gener- for all sectors in the State of Yerevan. home than any other airline flights and expand services in announced the launch of a new ation, in a society that promotes Qatar. Qatar Airways Group Chief during this pandemic and as line with passenger demand. guide for employment in the the values of justice and equality. H E also stressed the min- Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, entry restrictions ease, we The frequency to Copen- hotel sector in Qatar in coop- He added that within the istry’s keenness to ensure said: “We are proud to be the remain focused on our funda- hagen will increase to 10 eration with Qatar Chamber of framework of achieving this effective implementation of all leading global airline con- mental mission of carrying pas- weekly flights from October 15 Commerce and Industry, the vision, Qatar has introduced the aforementioned reforms, as necting passengers with the sengers across the globe safely while there will be seven Institute for Human Rights and recent reforms to the labour the main stakeholders, world, helping take people and reliably,” said H E Al Baker. weekly flights to Dhaka from Business (IHRB), and the Inter- market, which are being including the hospitality sector, safely and sustainably to where “There are still millions of September 19. national Labor Organization included as an important part have shown effective and they need to be. people who have not been able Flights to Madrid will be (ILO) project office in Qatar. of the national development serious cooperation with the “Having one of the to be reunited with their friends increased to 10 weekly flights Minister of Administrative strategies. H E the Minister Ministry in this regard, and youngest, most fuel-efficient and families and it is heart- from October 1; flights to Man- Development, Labour and Social emphasised that those reforms, since early 2019, the Ministry fleets enables us to be agile and warming to know our growing chester will be increased to 17 Affairs, H E Yousuf Mohammed especially the legislative has formed a working group respond quickly to passenger network will provide them an weekly flights from 15 October Al Othman Fakhroo, announced amendments adopted by the with hotel representatives in demand. Our focus throughout opportunity to travel home or 15; and flights to Manila will be the launch of the new guide for state, are fundamental in this the country to strengthen the rebuild of our network is take a trip to see loved ones,” increasing to 17 weekly flights employment in the hotel sector regard, and effective imple- standards for fair recruitment not only on restarting he added. from October 2. `P2 in Qatar. mentation of them is a necessity in this sector. `P2 Services sector becoming key US pursuing various More than 300 driver of economic growth options to end Gulf entries for SACHIN KUMAR THE PENINSULA Nominal value of the Sheikh Hamad GDP at current prices crisis: Official The role of services sector, award 2020 which includes transportation, in 2019 amounted to FAZEENA SALEEM Department of State. financial transactions, logistic around QR668bn. THE PENINSULA H E Lenderking also QNA — DOHA services and trade, has emphasised the possi- increased significantly in The United States is pursuing bility of an interim The board of trustees of the powering Qatar’s economy. Qatar’s services various options to find a solution solution to the Gulf Sheikh Hamad Award for sector is forecast to By providing greater con- to the Gulf crisis, including dispute, ahead of a per- We think on the necessity of Translation and International tribution to GDP (gross stabilise at around possibility of an interim reso- manent resolution, Understanding (SHATIU) has domestic product) growth in lution, said Deputy Assistant which US is trying to the Gulf to reunify. So, announced that the Award’s 2019, the services sector has 0.3% in 2020, and to Secretary of State, H E Timothy achieve at a diplomatic though it may not be a steering committee has become one of the key drivers recover by about 2.8% Lenderking, yesterday. level. “We remain open matter of weeks, we are still completed the preliminary of Qatar’s economic expansion. in 2021, and then Speaking at the telephonic to really any idea that very dedicated to resolving screening of the submissions In simple terms, GDP pro- further by about 4.3% press briefing, H E Lenderking help build confidence….. the crisis, were in contact for the Award in its sixth vides an economic snapshot of said that US is open to action We are open to possi- with all of the parties on a edition for the year 2020. a country and is used to in 2022. which would increase the con- bilities, such as where The committee said that estimate the size of an economy fidence between Gulf states we could increase trade pretty vigorous basis.” the number of entries and growth rate. such as to reopen Qatar’s air or transport activity exceeded 300 participants “During the period 2016- The rise of services sector and land borders currently particularly across Timothy Lenderking representing individuals and 2019, its (services sector) activ- assumes importance. With the blocked by neighbouring states Qatar-Saudi land Deputy Assistant institutions concerned with ities constituted an average of completion of most of the con- or bring selected countries to border,” he said. Secretary of State translation from 42 Arab and 46.8 percent of the overall structions projects in the the negotiating table. “We want “We also think that foreign countries. nominal GDP and an average country in the past two years, Gulf countries to make some not all parties neces- Media spokesperson for of 70 percent of the nominal the contribution of construction compromises and particularly sarily need to be at the be possible for Arab countries the Award, Dr. Hanan Al non-hydrocarbon GDP,” noted sector has decreased to work together,” he said in table once. But we can look at to normalise amongst each Fayyad, said in a statement a report by the Planning and comparatively. reply to a question by The small arrangements which could other,” he said. yesterday that this year’s Statistics Authority. Preliminary national Peninsula. make a progress, like between H E Lenderking also appre- edition saw more participants “The services sector wit- accounts data suggest that the “We think on the necessity Qatar and Saudi Arabia, or ciated the Kuwaiti mediation than the previous one in which nessed an average annual nominal value of the GDP at of the Gulf to reunify. So, though between Qatar, Saudi Arabia effort to resolve the dispute. 234 participants competed, growth of 2.4 percent during current prices in 2019 it may not be a matter of weeks, and the Emirates if all not H E Lenderking also high- which indicates the Award’s this same period, and con- amounted to around QR668bn, we’re still very dedicated to together on the table,” he added. lighted the recent diplomatic success in achieving its tributed to the total growth rate equivalent to $183bn. resolving the crisis, were in H E Lenderking insisted that developments and visits of mission of cultural and of real GDP by 0.82 percentage The services sector, with its contact with all of the parties on the unity of Gulf States is senior US officials to the region. knowledge communication at points; crucially, in addition, it various administrative, com- a pretty vigorous basis,” said H essential for the stability of He said the Third US-Qatar the global level. contributes by providing mercial, economic, financial, E Lenderking, who is the Deputy Middle East. “…And by the way, Strategic Dialogue has paved Sheikh Hamad Award for employment for about 44 and social components, is one Assistant Secretary of State for I would add that if it is possible ways to further deepen the Translation and International percent of the labor force,” the of the most important sectors Arabian Gulf Affairs in the Near for countries to normalise rela- cooperation between both Understanding was founded report said. of the Qatar’s economy. `P2 East Bureau at the US tions with Israel, that ought to countries. in Doha in 2015. `P2 02 HOME FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2020 Qatar participates in ministerial meeting of Least Developed Countries PRAYER TIMINGS QNA — DOHA Conference on the Least PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMINNGG Developed Countries, from The State of Qatar participated January 23-27, 2022. FAJR 04.02 am in the virtual ministerial His Excellency added that meeting of the Least Developed within the framework of the pre- SUNRISE 05.19 am Countries, during 75th session paratory process for the con- DHUHR 11.30 am of the United Nations General ference, the State of Qatar is ASR 02.58 pm Assembly in New York. working closely with the presi- The State of Qatar was rep- dency of the Least Developed MAGHRIB 05.39 pm resented at the meeting by Min- Countries Group, the Office of the ISHA 07.09 pm ister of State for Foreign Affairs, High Representative for the Least H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi. Developed Countries, Landlocked His Excellency said, in the State Developing Countries and Small of Qatar’s speech, that the world Island Developing States, and it will is living in unprecedented con- spare no effort to provide all Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi during the virtual ministerial ditions surrounded by many requirements for the success of meeting of the Least Developed Countries. challenges to address COVID-19 holding this conference. pandemic, whose negative His Excellency referred to the hesitated to play its pioneering Action Summit held last Sep- developing a mechanism to repercussions affect all coun- first preparatory working visit of and internationally acclaimed tember, regarding Qatar’s con- respond to the challenges related tries, and particularly affect the the delegation of the Office of the role as an active partner in the tribution of $100m to support the to climate change through a WEATHER least developed countries, and High Representative for the Least international community. least developed countries and 10-year strategy aimed at sup- TODAY threaten to undermine the Developed Countries to the State H E Minister of State for small island developing states, to porting these countries in achieved development gains. of Qatar, which took place suc- Foreign Affairs also referred to deal with climate change. achieving the ambitious goals of His Excellency stressed that cessfully in November 2019. the announcement made by Amir His Excellency added that Paris Agreement and their efforts the State of Qatar is proud to His Excellency stressed that H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Qatar Fund For Development in the field of sustainable host the 5th United Nations the State of Qatar has never Al Thani, during the Climate (QFFD) is also currently development.

30oC 39oC Minimum Maximum QFFD, Sudan sign MoU to support health emergencies plan Hazy at first becomes hot The Sudanese Health and development assistance daytime with some clouds, through the Qatar Fund for relatively humid by night. Minister-designate Development, while pointing W ALRUWAIS : 29o → 37o thanked the State of to the continuing development W ALKHOR : 25o → 41o support by the State of Qatar. Qatar for standing The last of which was the relief W DUKHAN : 26o → 35o with Sudan in these aid that came under the noble WAKRAH 26o → 38o W : circumstances, directives from Amir H H MESAIEED : 26o → 38o W pointing out that Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al W ABUSAMRA : 24o → 37o Thani to mitigate the effects of the health system in floods, torrents and rains in Sudan has been in a many regions of Sudan. HIGH TIDE H E Al Kubaisi said that the 04:17 – 16:57 state of emergency two agreements would target LOW TIDE 00:08 – 11:41 since the coronavirus several projects in the states of pandemic and the White Nile, Sennar and Kassala, with a value of $1.5m, in floods that swept the addition to $500,000 in tech- country recently. nical assistance to the Ministry of Health to help it confront the Citizens advised on Sudanese Health Minister-designate H E Dr. Osama Abdel Rahim and Ambassador of Qatar to Sudan, H E humanitarian disaster caused Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Kubaisi, with other officials during the MoU signing ceremony in Khartoum, yesterday. selling properties QNA — KHARTOUM by the unprecedented floods in prohibited and torrents in Sudan. The Qatar Fund for Development finance a project to strengthen the State of Qatar for standing with highlighting the common past, H E added that the activ- areas of Oman (QFFD) and the Ministry of Health emergency health system prepar- Sudan in these circumstances, present and future between the ities and programs covered by QNA — DOHA of the Republic of Sudan have edness in the Republic of Sudan. pointing out that the health system two peoples of Qatar and Sudan. these projects are: reviewing signed a memorandum of under- The agreement was signed for the in Sudan has been in a state of For his part, H E Abdul- and updating the health emer- An official source at the standing (MoU) to support the QFFD by Ambassador of Qatar to emergency since the coronavirus rahman bin Ali Al Kubaisi said gency preparedness plan, Department of Consular preparedness plan for health Sudan, H E Abdulrahman bin Ali pandemic and the floods that in his speech that the two building capacity for the emer- Affairs at the Ministry of emergencies in Sudan. Al Kubaisi and for QRCS by its swept the country recently. agreements come within the gency response team of Foreign Affairs said that Qatari Sudanese Health Minister- Secretary-General Ali bin Hassan H E the Minister-designate framework of the distinguished employees and volunteers, citizens who own land plots designate, H E Dr. Osama Abdel Al Hammadi. said that the agreement focused relations between Qatar and strengthening the emergency and real estate properties Rahim signed on behalf of the The signing ceremony was on rehabilitating the infra- Sudan and the historical ties health system, rehabilitating located in areas where owner- Sudanese Health Ministry, while attended by officials from the structure and training health between the peoples of the two central public health labora- ships are banned in Oman Ambassador of Qatar to Sudan, Sudanese Health Ministry, the cadres working in the field of brotherly countries, as well as tories, increasing isolation must accelerate their sale and H E Abdulrahman bin Ali Al World Health Organisation office health emergencies, hoping that in response to the declaration centers, establishing a state reconcile their situation by Kubaisi signed on behalf of the in Khartoum, and members of this agreement would be a of the humanitarian emergency public health laboratory, reha- legal means not later than QFFD. The QFFD also signed a the Qatari embassy. building block for future partner- by the Sudanese government. bilitating and equipping 255 November 19, 2020, in imple- grant agreement with the Qatar In his speech, H E the Sudanese ships between Sudan and Qatar H E underlined Qatar’s pro- sites for pandemic mentation of the Royal Decree Red Crescent Society (QRCS) to Health Minister-designate thanked in various health fields, while vision of humanitarian grants monitoring. prohibiting ownership of land plots and real estate properties by non-Omanis. The source said that Qatari Qatar's policy strengthens global MADLSA approves reopening citizens can request an extension of the deadline for of 36 more nurseries one year only through the cooperation to fight COVID-19 electronic form available on THE PENINSULA — DOHA Nursery, Strawberry British the Omani Ministry of Hous- QNA — GENEVA tional cooperation to ensure an unjust blockade imposed on Nursery, Early Education Centre ing’s website www.housing. effective response to the Coro- Qatar for more than three years The Ministry of Administrative - Students’ Activities, Early Edu- gov.com. The source added The State of Qatar has affirmed navirus (COVID-19) pandemic. and the closure of the land, sea Development, Labour and cation Centre – Housing Club, that if the owner fails to sell that it views international soli- This came in the State of and airspace by the blockading Social Affairs (MADLSA) has Early Education Centre – Qatar the property, the Ministry of darity and cooperation as indis- Qatar’s statement delivered by countries, the State of Qatar has issued a new list of 36 nurseries, Academy, Honoré de Balzac Housing shall evaluate the pensable principles for Second Secretary at the Per- responded to the global appeal in addition to the ones Nursery, Happy Faces Nursery, property and buy it based on strengthening national efforts manent Mission of the State of launched by the United Nations announced earlier, which were Starfish Lane 2, Butterfly the market value of each area. and helping governments to Qatar to the United Nations Secretary-General to confront approved by the Ministry to Nursery, Rosy Land Nursery, The source said that the carry out their duties and Office in Geneva Mohammed the humanitarian effects of this reopen. The list was published Our Little Treasures, Baby owners should avoid trans- responsibilities to implement Abdullah Al Buainain during the pandemic, and the United on social media handle of the Garden Nursery, Springfield ferring properties outside the human rights, especially the right panel discussion on “the right Nations Office for the Coordi- Ministry yesterday. Nursery, Fairy Tales Nursery - real estate registry depart- to development, noting in this to development” within the nation of Humanitarian Affairs The nurseries which are Ain Khalid, Blooming Bud’s ments at the Ministry of regard that it has adopted over work of the forty-fifth session to provide support for the added in the lists for reopening Nursery, Fairy Tales Nursery - Housing, and should not enter the past months a foreign policy of the Human Rights Council. delivery of humanitarian and include Montessori Steps West Bay, The Learning Tree into illegal simulated contracts based on strengthening interna- He added that despite the medical supplies. Nursery, Al Redwan Nursery, Nursery, Take Care of My Baby, to transfer properties with Bunny Bunny Nursery, Mickey Mouse Nursery, Blossom some Omani citizens with the Bambinos 2 – Al Markhiay Nursery 2, Cambridge Stars aim of keeping lands and real Over 300 entries for Sheikh Hamad award 2020 Branch, The Little Hands Nursery and Nour International estate in the prohibited places. Nursery, Springfield Nursery – Nursery. FROM PAGE 1 Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Sweden, Old Airport, Hellobaby Nursery, MADLSA had issued mul- Services sector The spokesperson added that the winners will Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Canada, the Star Kids Nursery – Al Wakra, tiple lists earlier of nurseries becoming key driver be announced on December 12, noting that the United States, Britain and South Korea. Joharat Future Nursery, Little which were approved to participants in this year’s edition are from Qatar, It is an international prize run by a board of Cherubs Nursery, Al Dannaghali reopen following the pre- of economic growth Oman, Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, Palestine, Jordan, trustees, a steering committee and independent Nursery, Manzil Nursery 1, ventive and precautionary FROM PAGE 1 Lebanon, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Niger, panels of judges. The total value of the award Manzil Nursery – 2, Kidz Inter- measures to curb the spread of Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Turkey, Iran, is $2m. national, Dahl Al Hamam COVID-19. Along with powering the economy, this sector also provides jobs to thousands of Ministry issues new guidelines for skilled and non-skilled workers. QA network to expand to over 90 destinations The government and the employment in hotel sector FROM PAGE 1 authorities concerned have even more choice to its pas- data, Qatar Airways has become FROM PAGE 1 taken several proactive steps There will be three weekly sengers. The airline will allow the largest international carrier over the past few years, making H E the Minister expressed his commitment to support the hospi- flights to Seychelles starting unlimited date changes, and between April to July by ful- the services sector resilient and tality sector based on Qatar National Vision, looking forward to October 15 while frequency to passengers can change their filling its mission of taking firm. “The growth of the services continuing this constructive participation in the future. Chairman Stockholm will be increased to 10 destination as often as they people home. This enabled the sector will stabilise at around of Qatar Chamber, H E Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani, said weekly flights from October 15. need if it is within 5,000 miles airline to accumulate 0.3 percent in 2020, and it will the labour market in Qatar was entering a new phase with the There will be nine weekly of the original destination. The unmatched experience in car- recover by about 2.8 percent in recent legislative declaration regarding the adoption of a minimum flights to Clark from September airline will not charge any fare rying passengers safely and 2021, and then further by about wage and facilitating the transfer of workers, as these legislations will 20, three weekly flights to differences for travel completed reliably, and uniquely posi- 4.3 percent in 2022, assuming have a positive impact in promoting competition and productivity at Entebbe from October 2, and before 31 December 2020, after tioned the airline to effectively that the national economy will the local level, as well as the consolidation of Qatar’s position, as the four weekly flights to Hanoi which fare rules will apply. All rebuild its network. The carrier reap economic benefits from the Qatari market attracts skilled labour from around the world. Partic- from October 3. tickets booked for travel up to has stringently implemented return of economic activities to ipants of the meeting also discussed issues related to employment To ensure travellers can 31 December 2020 will be valid the most advanced safety and complete preparations to host contracts, passports, identity papers, working conditions, workers’ plan their travel with peace of for two years from the date of hygiene measures on board its the FIFA 2022 World Cup,” said housing, equality and non-discrimination, changing employer and mind, the airline has extended issuance. aircraft and at Hamad Interna- the report. returning to the country of origin and grievance mechanisms. its booking policies to offer According to the latest IATA tional Airport. FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOME 03 QF’s Global Goals Week invites world to join search for solutions THE PENINSULA — DOHA Under the theme Global Challenges, Local Future, taking place at 8.15pm on Solutions, Qatar Foundation (QF) and many of its September 30, will look at how As the world comes together with K-12 students can learn more the aim of accelerating progress entities will host an array of online sessions from about how to relate the Global towards achieving the Sustainable September 20-30, where speakers from around Goals to their local context and Development Goals, Qatar Foun- the world will explore potential solutions to the their lives, and how they can be dation is contributing to this vital challenges the world is facing, in five key areas. empowered to take tangible global conversation – through a action toward realizing these series of virtual events designed goals in their own communities. Participants at the International Ozone Day event held remotely. to share ideas and find solutions. “2020 marks the start of a QF’s contribution to Global Goals QF’s contribution to Global Goals The 2020 Global Goals Week decade that must see collective, Week will be a panel discussion on Week kicks off on September 20, will take place from September tangible action if we are to secure September 23, at 3.30pm, titled as Doha Debates plays host to a MME marks Ozone Day 18-26, as the United Nations (UN) the future we want for our world, COVID-19 and Education: The discussion on New Institutions for QNA — DOHA highlights the extent of the impact and while the COVID-19 pan- Largest Disruption in the History a New Era?, while on September The State of Qatar is that the COVID-19 pandemic is demic has shaken global society, of Education, focusing on questions 25, members of Qatar’s national having on prospects for realising it has also only increased the such as whether the pandemic debate team and students from The Ministry of Municipality committed to implementing the Sustainable Development urgency to take this action,” said presents an opportunity to rethink Harvard University will tackle the and Environment (MME), repre- the 1985 Vienna Convention Goals (SDGs), with the world’s Aysha Al Mudahka, Director of education and shift mindsets, and topic Is Multilateralism in Crisis?, sented by the Department of for the Protection of the poorest and most vulnerable Strategic Initiatives and Part- if education leaders are ready to in a session led by QF member Radiation and Chemicals Ozone Layer and the 1987 communities being hardest hit. nership Development, QF. embrace such change. QatarDebate. Protection (Ozone Unit Team), Montreal Protocol on Under the theme Global Chal- “Global Goals Week is an H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Monday, September 28, will participated recently in the Substances that Deplete the lenges, Local Solutions, Qatar opportunity for everyone to unite Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and see QF member Hamad Bin celebration of the International Foundation (QF) and many of its their voice and commitment to CEO of Qatar Foundation, will be Khalifa University host a session Ozone Day, in cooperation with Ozone Layer. entities will host an array of online addressing issues as important as joined in the discussion by Danilo titled Educate to Eradicate: the United Nations Envi- sessions from September 20-30, any we will ever face, share ideas, Türk, former President of Extremism – What’s Next Post- ronment Programme’s (UNEP) awareness on preserving the where speakers from around the and work together to address the Slovenia; Achim Steiner, Admin- COVID?, reflecting how educa- West Asia Office. ozone layer, in addition to world will explore potential solu- world’s most pressing challenges. istrator of the United Nations tion’s role in keeping extremism The celebration was held reviewing the most important tions to the challenges the world is Through the virtual platforms for Development Programme; Pro- at bay is perhaps more crucial remotely in the presence of a achievements of the Ministry facing, in five key areas: precision dialogue and knowledge fessor Jeffrey Sachs, Director of than ever. And also on September number of officials in the Min- in the agreement. medicine, social progress, dis- exchange we have organized, the Center for Sustainable Devel- 29, the use of Artificial Intelli- istry, experts in neighbouring This year marks 35 years since ruptive education, sustainability, Qatar Foundation – which, for 25 opment at Columbia University; gence and bioinformatics to find countries, a number of trainers the Vienna Convention for the and Artificial Intelligence. These years, has been dedicated to iden- Gabriela Cuevas Barron, Pres- existing drugs that could be who passed the trainers’ course Protection of the Ozone Layer, as events reflect the role of QF, which tifying and delivering solutions ident of the Inter-Parliamentary repurposed to treat COVID-19 will at Qatar University and repre- the State of Qatar is committed to is marking its 25th anniversary this that benefit Qatar and the world Union; and Sarah Cliffe, Director be the topic of Calculating The sentatives of companies implementing the 1985 Vienna year, in enabling global-level, – aims to support this global effort of the Center on International Cure: AI and COVID-19, a session working in the field of refrig- Convention for the Protection of solution-focused dialogue, and to build a stronger, more sus- Cooperation, New York Uni- led by the World Innovation erating and air conditioning, the Ozone Layer and the 1987 advancing innovative thinking and tainable, and more equal planet. versity. Meanwhile, Glocalizing Summit for Health, QF’s global who were introduced to the Montreal Protocol on Substances action. One of the cornerstones of Education for a Sustainable health initiative. most important measures of that Deplete the Ozone Layer. MME honours cleaning workers QNA — DOHA which various quantities of General Cleaning waste were collected and Department at the Ministry Within the framework of cele- removed. of Municipality and Envi- brating the World Cleanup As part of its celebrations ronment, Mohammed Faraj Day which is marked on third on this occasion, the Ministry Al Kubaisi, said that the cam- Saturday of September every will launch today a compe- paign comes within the year, the Ministry of Munici- tition on the public hygiene framework of the Ministry’s pality and Environment law for the public on its interest in preserving the honoured a number of pages on social media, with cleanliness of all beaches cleaning workers in recog- the aim of raising awareness throughout the country, as nition of their daily efforts in about the importance of well as its keenness to par- maintaining public cleanliness hygiene and its role in pro- ticipate in the World Cleanup throughout the country. moting a healthy lifestyle. Day, which is an occasion to The Ministry also Regarding the campaign raise awareness among the Officials from the Ministry of Municipality and Environment with cleaning workers who were honoured organised a campaign to to clean Al Wakra Beach, public about the importance during a cleaning campaign at Al Wakra Beach. clean Al Wakra Beach, during Assistant Director of the of keeping beaches clean. MoPH: 244 new Safari starts Go Green virus cases, 213 recoveries Grow Green promotion

THE PENINSULA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA This is made available to the valued customers to promote The Ministry of Public Health Safari, the best known retail green initiatives and for (MoPH) yesterday announced chain for bringing extraor- improving gardening practices. the registration of 244 new dinary promotion every time, In addition to seeds, Safari Go confirmed cases of COVID-19 in has made special place in Green Grow Green has variety the country. Among them 17 customers' heart with their of pots, garden tools, fertilisers were travellers returning from unique promotion, Go Green and soil for the customers. abroad. Another 213 people have Grow Green. The idea of this Safari Green Club, a new recovered from the virus, promotion is to support organic initiative by Safari was bringing the total number of farming and for making people launched at the same cer- recovered cases in Qatar to to connect and live in harmony emony by Director of Agricul- 119,613. with nature. tural Affairs Department, Yusuf While, all new cases have This promotion was inau- Khalid Al Khulaifi. The club been introduced to isolation gurated by Director of Agricul- aims to influence the expatriate and are receiving necessary tural Affairs Department at the customers who are living in a healthcare according to their Ministry of Municipality and limited space to share their health status.The Ministry Environment (MME), Yusuf love for nature and motivate further said that measures to Khalid Al Khulaifi, in the those who are interested in tackle COVID-19 in Qatar have presence of Safari Group home gardening. succeeded in flattening the curve Chairman, Hamad Dafer A A The Green Club comprises and limiting the spread of the Al Ahbabi; Chief Coordinator of an expert panel, Safari virus. The number of daily new Shaheen Backer and Safari members and those who have cases and hospital admissions team on Wednesday at Safari proven expertise in the field of has gradually declined over the Mall, Abu Hamour. agriculture and are experi- past few weeks. During the inaugural cer- enced professionals in the field The Ministry has also said emony Safari’s Green Club was of agro-culture. that Qatar has one of the also launched and the event Time to time, Safari will lowest COVID-19 death rates was organised with adherence conduct special trainings, in the world, as a result of, to the government social dis- webinars and several compe- Qatar’s young population, tancing norms. titions for the club member proactive testing to identify Customers can buy vege- where they would get the cases early, expanding hospital table and fruits seedlings; opportunity to win attractive capacity, especially intensive orange, lemon, coriander, mint, prizes. Efforts are also being care, to ensure all patients curry leaves, ornamental plants made to set up special counters receive the medical care they like hanging plants of various at Safari outlets for Safari need, protecting the elderly and colour and shapes that can be Green Club members to buy those with chronic diseases. planted indoors and outdoors. and sell their farm produce. Al Farkiah Beach dedicated for women and children on Sundays and Wednesdays The Ministry of Municipality and Environment represented by Al Khor and Al Zakhira Municipality has announced to dedicate Al Farkiah Beach on Sundays and Wednesdays for women and children (below 10 years) from 7am to 10pm. The remaining days will be dedicated for families from 7am to 12midnight, the Ministry said in a statement. The new decision will come into effect from September 20, 2020. 04 MIDDLE EAST FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2020

Kuwait PM meets Turkey fights for justice as Iraqi Parliament region demands it: Erdogan Speaker QNA — KUWAIT ANATOLIA — ANKARA the threat to locals from the YPG/PKK group and prevent Kuwait’s Prime Minister H E Critics of Turkish foreign policy “If Turkey turns its back them from forming a terrorist Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al should stop accusing Ankara to what is happening in corridor next to Turkey. Hamad Al Sabah met and instead oppose the condi- Libya, will putschists In its more than 30-year yesterday with the visiting tions in the region that make it terror campaign against Turkey, Iraqi Parliament Speaker necessary for Turkey to hand over power to the the PKK — listed as a terrorist Mohammed Al Halbousi. champion peace and justice, legitimate organisation by Turkey, the US Kuwaiti Foreign Minister said the nation’s President government?” and the European Union — has and Acting Defence Minister yesterday. been blamed for the deaths of Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al “They say, ‘Why is Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan nearly 40,000 people, including Mohammad Al Sabah also met involved in Syria, Libya, the Turkish President women, children, and infants. yesterday with the Iraqi Par- Eastern Mediterranean, Africa, Speaking later at another liament, who was on a three- the Balkans, the Caucasus, and event at Bestepe National Con- day official visit to Kuwait, Central Asia?” Recep Tayyip gress and Culture Center, according to Kuwait News Erdogan told a group of ruling leader and turn to responsible Erdogan reiterated that they Agency. Justice and Development (AK) policy?” “If all of these ques- will not allow anyone to confine During the meeting, the Party’s provincial heads at party tions can be answered with a Turkey, the country with the two sides reviewed bilateral Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a ceremony at headquarters in the capital realistic and sincere ‘yes,’ it longest coastline in the Medi- relations and ways to enhance Bestepe National Congress and Culture Center in Ankara, yesterday. Ankara. would become necessary for us terranean, to its coast. and develop joint cooperation But, he added, “If Turkey to review the policy we follow,” The parties involved know between them at all levels, in retreats, will Syria enjoy peace said Erdogan. that the language of threats tional law in the Eastern Med- against claims that small Greek addition to the latest regional and freedom?... Erdogan also demanded does not work and Turkey will iterranean,” he added. islands next to Turkey’s coasts and international develop- “If Turkey turns its back to that the European Union not surrender to blackmail or Stressing the importance of deprive Turkey of almost any ments, the foreign ministry what is happening in Libya, will abandon its double standards banditry, he stressed. dialogue and the negotiating maritime jurisdiction in the said in a statement. putschists hand over power to against Turkey. “Despite the provocations table for resolving the Eastern region, despite no country the legitimate government?” Turkey has given support to and childish attitudes of the Mediterranean issue, Erdogan having a longer Mediterranean Referring to French Pres- Libya’s legitimate government other side, we have always said that Turkey has always coastline. Yemen prisoner ident Emmanuel Macron, who based in the capital Tripoli acted with the dignity of our advocated a solution through Critics in the EU, notably has tried to block Turkey’s against warlord Khalifa Haftar, righteousness and being a great dialogue, negotiation, and in France, have opposed these swap talks to foreign policy goals in the whose forces left behind mass state,” he highlighted. line with its neighbourhood. efforts, while ignoring terrorist Eastern Mediterranean and graves in a recent retreat. “We defend the legitimate Turkey has sent out drill threats near Turkey, and take place today elsewhere, he said: “If Turkey Since 2016 Turkey has also rights of our country and the ships into the Eastern Mediter- illegal arms shipments into steps back, will France end its sent troops across its southern Turkish Republic of Northern ranean, asserting its right to the Libya fuelling the Haftar AFP — DUBAI political drift caused by its border into Syria to eliminate Cyprus arising from interna- region’s maritime resources insurgency, . UN-sponsored talks on a prisoner exchange deal between Yemen’s warring Lebanese PM-designate to hold more talks in bid to form Cabinet sides were yesterday post- poned by a day, according to REUTERS — BEIRUT out by France. Adib, a Sunni Muslim, was a Yemeni government source. designated prime minister on August 31 The internationally recog- Lebanese Prime Minister-designate by a majority of Lebanese parties under nised government and Huthi Mustapha Adib said yesterday he would French pressure. He is backed by former rebels had been scheduled to give more time for talks on forming a Prime Minister Saad Al Hariri, the leading meet yesterday (Thursday) in new government, after faltering efforts Sunni politician. Switzerland to finalise a deal so far have raised doubts about pros- Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who that is expected to see more pects for a French push to lift the country heads Amal, became more insistent on than 1,400 prisoners freed. out of crisis. naming the finance minister after Wash- “There are members of the France has been leaning on Leba- ington last week imposed sanctions on government committee who non's sectarian politicians to name a his senior aide for corruption and for have yet to arrive, so it was cabinet swiftly and embark on reforms enabling Hezbollah, political sources decided that discussions on the to exit an economic crisis that is its worst from several parties say. prisoner swap be postponed since the 1975-1990 civil war. Hezbollah, a heavily armed until Friday,” the source, who But a deadline of September 15 that movement which Washington deems a spoke on condition of ano- politicians promised Paris they would terrorist group, accused the US admin- nymity, told AFP. meet has already been missed and Leb- istration of "obstructing the efforts to The government, sup- anese media reports have been sug- form the government" but said it still saw ported by a Saudi-led military gesting Adib might step down. an opportunity to agree on a cabinet. coalition, and the Iran-backed After meeting President Michel Aoun, "We have clearly told Hezbollah that Huthis agreed to exchange Adib said he had agreed "to give more right now de-escalation is important," some 15,000 detainees as part time for consultations". an Iranian official informed on Iran's of peace deal brokered by the "I know full well that we do not have Lebanon policy told Reuters, adding that United Nations in Sweden in Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun (left) meeting with Prime Minister-designate the luxury of time. And we count on eve- if Adib or others wanted stability they 2018. The two sides have since Mustapha Adib at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, yesterday. ryone's cooperation," he said, as the would also "listen to Hezbollah's made sporadic prisoner swaps, Prime Minister-designate has tried to advice." but the release of 900 loyalists compress into about two weeks a process factions, Iran-backed Hezbollah and the working on proposals to switch control In a new move yesterday, the US in exchange for 520 insurgents that usually takes months of factional Amal Movement, that they name Shia of ministries, many of which have been Treasury Department said it was — if it materialises — would haggling. ministers, including the finance minister, held by the same factions for years, as imposing sanctions on two Lebanon- mark the first large-scale At the heart of the dispute is a a vital post as reforms are drawn up. he seeks to deliver a government of spe- based companies and an individual it handover since Yemen’s war demand by Lebanon's main Shia Muslim Political sources say Adib has been cialists to deliver on reforms mapped said were linked to Hezbollah. erupted in 2014. A source close to Yemen’s presidency said on Wednesday Kuwait, Oman the talks would “lay out the More than 200 virus cases at Lebanon’s biggest prison final touches” after agreement report more was reached with the Interna- AFP — BEIRUT they were not abiding by health A prisoner speaking on the outbreak there a “humanitarian tional Committee of the Red COVID-19 cases measures. group’s behalf threatened a time bomb.” Caretaker health Cross “on all logistical Lebanon’s largest prison has He also called on authorities “river of blood” unless steps are minister Hamad Hassan has arrangements”. QNA — KUWAIT more than 200 coronavirus to speed up trials to ease over- taken. Security authorities had said his ministry was working General Nasser Mansour cases, the head of the country’s crowding, in a country where first announced 22 coronavirus with the ministries of interior Hadi, brother of Yemeni Pres- Kuwaiti Ministry of Health doctors’ union warned suspects can languish in jail for cases there on Saturday. and defence to prepare two ident Abedrabbo Mansour announced yesterday the yesterday, calling for speedy months without a hearing. They include nine guards hospitals in the eastern Bekaa Hadi, along with 19 Saudis and registration of 825 new coro- trials to ease overcrowding. Roumieh prison houses and 13 detainees who had been region and one in the capital to other politicians and jour- navirus (COVID-19) cases in “There are more than 200 more than 4,000 prisoners, transferred to an isolation unit treat detainees. nalists, would be among those the past 24 hours, bringing the confirmed cases of COVID-19 around three times its intended inside the jail. COVID-19 infections have released, he added. total number of cases in the in Roumieh prison,” Sharaf Abu capacity, and has long been Dozens of families of surged in Lebanon in recent A former senior intelli- country to 97,824. Sharaf told journalists in Beirut, infamous for its poor Roumieh detainees staged a weeks, especially after a gence official, he has been held The Ministry also reported after authorities first announced conditions. protest in front of a Beirut massive explosion at Beirut port by the rebels ever since they 4 deaths, bringing the total 22 cases at the weekend. A video leaked from the courthouse Monday, on August 4 that killed more overran Sanaa in late 2014. number of deaths recorded in Abu Sharaf did not specify prison and shared widely across demanding a general amnesty than 190 people, wounded The Yemen conflict has Kuwait to 575 cases so far. whether the new cases were all social media on Wednesday for their relatives over fears the thousands and ravaged large killed tens of thousands of The Ministry said among inmates or if they also included showed nearly 100 inmates pandemic was spreading in the parts of the capital. Since Feb- people, most of them civilians, the 825 new confirmed cases prison guards. demanding immediate jail. Speaking to AFP on ruary, Lebanon has recorded a and sparked what the United were contacts with previously But he blamed prisoners for measures to ease overcrowding Monday, Beirut Bar Association total of 26,083 Covid-19 cases, Nations calls the world’s worst confirmed cases and others the spike in infections, saying in light of the virus outbreak. head Melhem Khalaf called the including 259 deaths. humanitarian crisis. under investigation for the source of infection and exam- ining those in contact with them. Syria blames US for fuel The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health announced earlier today the recovery of 724 crisis paralysing country patients in the past 24 hours, raising the number of recov- AP — BEIRUT is a key Damascus ally that has eries to 87,911. supplied it with crude oil Meanwhile, the Ministry Syria’s oil minister claimed the throughout Syria’s nine-year of Health in the Sultanate of severe fuel crisis that has hit his civil war. Oman reported yesterday country is the result of Western Separately, oil smuggling that the total cases of sanctions, and also allegedly into Syria from neighbouring COVID-19 in the Sultanate because oil fields in eastern Lebanon has dropped recently reached 91,753. regions have fallen under control amid tight measures by Beirut The Ministry said in a of American troops and authorities as Lebanon has been statement that the total US-backed Syrian Kurdish gripped by its worst economic number of COVID-19 related fighters. and financial crisis in decades. deaths stood at 818, while the The minister, Bassam Tomeh The US sanctions on Syria recoveries reached 84,648 told state TV in an interview were tightened in June targeting comprising 92.3%, according aired late Wednesday that oil anyone doing business with to Oman News Agency. supplies have been delayed Assad’s government regardless The statement indicated because of the situation. “We of where in the world they are. that 73 cases were admitted to have stocks that we are trying to The US says those doing business the hospital in the past 24 manage in a rational way,” he with Damascus will be exposed hours, bringing the total said, without elaborating. to travel restrictions and number of current hospitalized US sanctions on Iran have financial sanctions. “American A US military convoy patrols near the Rumaylan (Rmeilan) oil fields in Syria’s Kurdish-controlled COVID-19-infected patients to compounded the fuel crisis faced sanctions are depriving us of northeastern Hasakeh province, yesterday. The major Rmeilan field, located near a US airbase, has 506, of them 180 are in by the government of Syrian importing (enough for) our oil been among the Syrian Kurds’ most prized assets since regime forces withdrew early on in the war. intensive care units. President Bashar Assad. Tehran needs,” Tomeh said. FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2020 ISLAM 05

Islam erases How to break free from envy the sins that RAIIQ RIDWAN came before it mong the first diseases to hit the children of Adam was the disease of y His grace and mercy, Allah has Jealousy. caused Islam to destroy the sins Our Prophet Adam Bthat came before it. When a dis- (peaceA be upon him) first had two believer becomes Muslim, Allah for- sons and two daughters. As there gives all that he did when he was a were no other people present at that non-Muslim, and he becomes cleansed time, Allah allowed siblings to marry of sin. one another, as long as they are not Muslim (121) narrated that ‘Amr ibn twins. Al ‘Aas (may Allah be pleased with him) The two sons, Habil and Qabil said: When Allah put Islam in my heart, (Abel and Cain in the Bible) were thus I came to the Prophet (peace and betrothed to the two daughters of blessings of Allah be upon him) and Adam (peace be upon him). However, said: “Give me your right hand so that what Qabil thought was that the wife I may swear allegiance to you.” He held betrothed to him was worse off than out his hand and I withdrew my hand. the one that was to be the bride of He said, “What is the matter, O ‘Amr?” his brother. I said, “I want to stipulate a condition.” That was the beginning of a very He said, “What do you want to stip- destructive jealousy, which ended in ulate?” I said, “That I will be forgiven.” Qabil killing his own blood brother He said, “Do you not know that Islam Habil later on. That is how terrible destroys that which came before it?” jealousy can be. It is like a fire which “Islam destroys that which came burns the one who has it and those before it” means that it erases it and around him. wipes it out. Stated by Al Nawawi in The jealous person may even try Sharh Muslim. to hurt the one he is jealous about Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (may Allah but the one he hurts the most is his have mercy on him) was asked a similar own self. Because he is preoccupied question, about someone who earned with what is in the hands of someone money by dealing in drugs before he else, he is in a constant state of pain, that can lead to foul manners. It leads and has given us all that we became Muslim. He replied: anger and frustration. to animosity, hatred, thinking evil of have. If we were to count the Allah says in His Holy Book (inter- Jealousy ruins the heart and soul others, backbiting, tale-bearing, blessings of Allah, never would pretation of the meaning): “Say to those of the one who is jealous. It ruins our lying, and the abandonment of other we be able to finish counting. For who have disbelieved, if they cease from good deeds as well. The Prophet Muslims — all of which are major, The Prophet (peace and us to forget the millions of disbelief, their past will be forgiven. But Muhammad (peace be upon him) major sins. blessings be upon him) blessings we have and to focus if they return (thereto), then the examples said: “Beware of envy, because it It may lead its possessor to inflict on the blessings of someone else of those (punished) before them have devours good deeds just like a fire physical harm on the person whom said, “Do not be jealous is -in short- being ungrateful. already preceded (as a warning)” consumes wood.” (Abu Dawud, he envies and can even lead to Whenever Satan pushes us to be (Al Anfaal 8:38) i.e., all that has passed, in 4903) murder, as we saw in the story of of each other, do not jealous of something someone general terms, is forgiven. But any money Habil and Qabil. boycott each other, do has, let us remind him and our- that was taken by force from its owner What exactly is jealousy? Thus the Prophet (peace be upon selves of the millions of blessings must be returned to him. Shaykh Salman Al Aodah writes: him) ordered his ummah: not hate each other, do that we have that others do not But money that was earned by “Envy refers to the desire that a person “Do not envy one another; do not have. agreements between people, even if it feels for the destruction or removal hate one another; do not turn your not contrive against each Secondly, we need to is haraam, like that which is earned of a blessing that another person has back on one another (in discontent); other. Be all of you remind ourselves of who Allah through riba (interest)or by selling — a destruction which the bearer of (but) be slaves of Allah as brothers.” is. It is Allah who decides our drugs, etc. it is permissible for him when this feeling would himself carry out if (Al Bukhari, 6076 and Muslim, brothers to each other, O provisions. The fact that he has he becomes Muslim because Allah says, he had the power to. 2558 b) given something to someone “Say to those who have disbelieved, if This is quite different to wanting Jealousy can be so bad that Allah Servants of Allah.” and not given it to us is part of they cease (from disbelief), their past such blessings for oneself while not has taught us to seek protection from divine wisdom that we do not will be forgiven”. And the Prophet wishing for them to be removed from it on a regular basis! Among the understand all the time. Do we (peace and blessings of Allah be upon others, for that is, indeed, a positive Surahs of protection from danger is not put our trust in the One him) said to ‘Amr ibn Al Aas when he and commendable desire that leads Surah Al Falaq, and among its verses upon whom depends all of the became Muslim: “Do you not know that to competition. is seeking refuge in Allah from “the he hated Allah’s predestination and universe, or do we put our trust Islam destroys that which came before Competition is not considered evil of the envier when he envies.” the blessings that He divided among in our own flawed minds? it?” Many of the non-Muslims became blameworthy in general, rather it is (113:5) his slaves; he also hated His justice Thirdly, it is to understand that Muslim after they had killed Muslims, considered to be praiseworthy if it is Envy can be deadly, and therefore that He established in His world due whatever we get or not get on earth but they were not punished for what in pursuit of righteousness.” we should take care of the situation to His Wisdom; therefore, the envier is a test. Do we not see celebrities they had done. Envy or Jealousy (will be used of our heart and seek to rid it from contested that and objected to it. This and feel jealous of their popularity “O man! Verily, you are returning interchangeably in this article) can be our soul. Imam Al Ghazali teaches us is contrary to belief in the Oneness at times? And yet, we see these towards your Lord with your deeds and so serious that it can, not only cause about letting go of envy in his book of Allah. same celebrities going through actions (good or bad), a sure returning, our good deeds to disappear, but also Ihya Uloom Deen: Additionally, the envier would mental health problems and saying and you will meet (the results of your cause us to go to the edge of kufr “Be aware that envy is one of the share with Satan and the rest of the “I just want to live a normal life deeds which you did)” (Quran 84:6) (disbelief). deadliest diseases of the hearts, and disbelievers a love for crises to befall again.” The person whom you are One of the trials with which Allaah This is because envy is questioning there is no medicine for the diseases the believers and for blessings to being jealous of might be going tests His slaves is the enjoining of obli- of the decision of Allah. It is almost of the heart except through leave them. These are evils in the through a test that you have no clue gations and duties such as prayer, like saying: “I hate that Allah gave that knowledge and deeds. heart that devour good deeds and about. fasting, zakaah (poor due), Haj (pil- person this, but He did not give me.” The knowledge that will treat the erase them like the night erases the Fourthly, make du’a. Whenever grimage) and other acts of worship, and It is almost like saying: “I deserved disease of envy is to know, without day. you see something in someone and the things that He forbids them to do it, but Allah doesn’t understand.” any doubt, that envy is lethal for a The person who suffers from you feel jealous, make du’a. Make such as lying, cheating, adultery, homo- It can be as bad as muttering: person’s worldly life as well as his envy in his life is tortured by it, and du’a that Allah purifies your heart. sexuality and all other forbidden things, “Allah made a mistake!” We seek religion, and that there is no danger will always be in sorrow every time Make du’a that Allah does not harm so as to see the sincere believer who refuge in Allah from all such thoughts from it to the envied person regarding he sees the blessings of Allah upon someone else due to your jealousy. obeys the commands of Allah, so that and inclinations. And thus Allah asks his life or his religion; on the con- the envied person.” Du’a is the ultimate resource of the He may admit him to Paradise, and the that question in the Quran: trary, the envied person will actually So then how do we cure this believer, and du’a is a door that is liar and hypocrite who does not obey Do they envy people for what benefit from it. disease? There are four points I always open. May Allah (SWT) make Allaah, so that He may send him to Hell. Allah has given them of His bounty? The fact is that envy is actually would like to mention: us more loving and clear our hearts (4:54) dangerous for the envier’s religion Firstly, we have to be grateful. from all traces of envy. Ameen Courtesy: islamqa It is an evil disease of the heart because it is through this envy that Allah has created us, fashioned us, onislam.net archives Quran encourages harmony SALEM AL HASI of Islam never limited peace and harmony to those who accepted he Quran encourages people to the faith. seek peace and maintain it, the On the contrary, by estab- The Quran says in TQuran states that the purpose lishing the principle of ‘no com- Chapter 5, verse 8: O you behind the creation of different tribes pulsion in religion’ that was and various nations is to interact and stated clearly in the Quran, Islam have attained to faith! Be know each other and not to be a made peace a right for every reason to fight each other. one, whether affiliated with the ever steadfast in your The Quran states in Chapter 49, religion or not. devotion to God, bearing verse 13: “O mankind! We created you Most importantly, Islam was from a single pair of a male and a not a man-made invention, or witness to the truth in all female, and made you into nations an odd revelation! Islam in its and tribes, that you may know each essence is the final message of equity; and never let other.” God, which is a continuation of hatred of any one lead To emphasise the importance of all the previous messages. Thus, the media and international political Islam commanded Muslim to peace and harmony among people, it contains all the values of peace you into the sin of conflicts have positioned Islam in the appreciate good and denounce evil. the message of Islam, from the and harmony, which were front seat for receiving criticism, This command is a result of a focus on beginning, declared the unity of revealed in the preceding divine deviation from justice. Be whether for factual or fabricated justice, which is the highest value in mankind in its three aspects; origin, religions. just: this is closest to reasons. Islam. Good in Islam is good whether value and destiny. It is very essential to differ- Furthermore, people insist on por- committed by a Muslim or by a About the unity of origin, the entiate between a faith and the being God-conscious. traying extremism as a religious phe- non-Muslim. Quran says in Chapter 4, verse one: practice of those who are affil- nomenon, whereas it is merely a social Simultaneously, evil is evil whether “O mankind! Fear your Lord Who iated to it. We should judge faiths And remain conscious of phenomenon. There is no one single committed by a Muslim or by a non- created you from a single person, and by their teachings and values to God: verily, God is aware command or teaching in Islam can be Muslim. The meaning of justice in this created out of it his mate, and from which the faith is calling, and not referenced as the direct reason behind regards is that praising or rejecting them twain scattered like seed by the perception and practices of all that you do.” an extreme act. Yet, people usually use actions or opinions relies on the act countless men and women.” of its followers. their own interpretation of Islam as itself not on who committed the act… Concerning the unity of value, the The reason is that a faith’s reference to as such acts. The Quran says in Chapter 5, Quran says in Chapter 49, verse 13: values and teachings are con- Finally, Islam gives no religious or verse 8: O you have attained to faith! “Verily the most honoured of you in stant because they are revealed moral basis for any action that goes Be ever steadfast in your devotion to sight of Allah is he who is the most by a constant Supreme Being; that is Islam and Muslims. Other religions against the values and the teachings of God, bearing witness to the truth in righteous of you.” God. were also subject to some extreme the message. all equity; and never let hatred of any As for the unity of destiny, the Yet, our perceptions and prac- perceptions and practices. In our con- People of all faiths tend to use one lead you into the sin of deviation Quran says in Chapter 28, verse 88: tices are variable due to the changes temporary time, many who act religion to justify their actions and from justice. Be just: this is closest to “Everything is bound to perish, save in our psychology, culture, abilities, against the values of Christianity legitimize their opinions. Yet, logically being God-conscious. And remain His eternal self. With Him rests all and sometimes desires or claim to be Christians, and others faiths never provide legitimisation to conscious of God: verily, God is aware judgment; and unto Him shall you all inclinations. proudly proclaim being Jews while actions and practices, which are pro- of all that you do.” be brought back.” Also, the message This fact is not limited only to acting contrary to Judaism. However, hibited by that very religion. onislam.net archives 06 AFRICA FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2020

Mali junta, facing Libya PM wants to hand over power next month more sanctions, AP — CAIRO Sarraj, a 60-year-old former Guterres said at a news conference on Wednesday that Libya requires a new begins work on The head of Libya’s UN-supported architect, was appointed in political process. government said Wednesday night that 2015 to lead the presidential “That political process needs to power handover he wants to hand over power to a new renew the institutions that exist and, at administration in October, amid peace council, created by a the same time, to move for elections in BLOOMBERG — BAMAKO talks on ending the country’s yearslong political agreement that was an acceptable delay,” he said. “There are conflict. signs of hope.” Mali’s junta said it’s beginning Prime Minister Fayez Serraj said the signed by Libya’s factions in Guterres said also there are “prom- the process of appointing a UN-brokered talks between the coun- Skhirat, Morocco. ising contacts” to agree on a lasting transitional government after try’s rival factions have led to a “new cease-fire rather than the currently regional leaders threatened to preparatory phase” to unify Libyan insti- existed military standstill. impose tougher sanctions on tutions and prepare for parliamentary and export terminals, also held by Haftar. Sarraj, a 60-year-old former the country. and presidential elections. Talks are expected to resume soon architect, was appointed in 2015 to lead The military officials said “I announce to everyone my sincere in Geneva. Sarraj, who arrived in Tripoli the presidential council, created by a late Wednesday they are desire to hand over my duties to the next on Wednesday after a visit to Turkey, political agreement that was signed by establishing an electoral executive authority, no later than the end Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Al Sarraj urged negotiators to quickly name the Libya’s factions in Skhirat, Morocco. college to vote for an interim of next October,” he declared in a tele- new administration to “secure a peaceful That agreement, however, failed in president, a day after meeting vised speech from the capital, Tripoli. the UN-supported government gained and smooth transition.” its aim of creating a national government with leaders of the Economic Oil-rich Libya was plunged into the upper hand, driving his forces from Last month he called for a cease-fire in Tripoli and ending the divide between Community of West African chaos when a Nato-backed uprising in the outskirts of the capital and other and the demilitarisation of Sirte and Jurfa the rival parliaments, governments and States who have demanded 2011 toppled longtime ruler Moammar western towns. area. Aguila Saleh, speaker of the rival military coalitions in Libya, and the con- power be handed to a civilian. Gadhafi, who was later killed. The Under heavy international pressure, eastern-based House of Representatives, flict morphed into a bloody war. “Until we accept their country has since split between rival delegates from rivals camps met earlier supported Sarraj’s proposal for demili- Wednesday’s announcement came terms, the sanctions will not east- and west-based administrations. this month and agreed on a preliminary tarising Sirte, but he did not mention amid protests over dire living conditions be lifted,” Ismael Wague, a Eastern military commander Khalifa deal that aims to guide the country Jurfa, which includes a vital military and corruption across the divided spokesman for the junta, told Haftar launched an offensive in April toward elections within 18 months and airbase held by Haftar. The warring sides country. The demonstrations exposed a reporters in the capital, 2019 trying to capture Tripoli from Sar- demilitarise the contested city of Sirte. have been building up in and around rift within the UN-supported gov- Bamako, on Wednesday. raj’s government. But Haftar’s campaign The city, which is controlled by Haftar, Sirte. ernment and led to a rival administration “We asked to return home collapsed in June when forces backing is the gateway to Libya’s major oil fields UN Secretary-General Antonio in the east to resign. and speak to our partners in order to rapidly put in place the committees to manage the IS claims Niger transition.” Over 30 killed in militia attacks in western Ethiopia Mutinous soldiers took killings of French power on August 18 after REUTERS — ADDIS ABABA Amhara (NAMA). “Farmers and overturning the reforms Sitotaw Aweke, a farmer arresting former President aid workers members of their families were journey”. and businessman, said he was Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Armed militia men killed more kidnapped (and) brought to an Benishangul-Gumuz is a told by survivors that his whole forcing him to resign. Ecowas, AP — BAMAKO, MALI than 30 people in the Metakal elementary school in the area region bordering Sudan. family had been killed in an as the 15-nation regional bloc zone of Ethiopia’s Benis- where they were handcuffed The Ethiopian Human attack while he was at the is known, has taken a hard line The Islamic State group has hangul-Gumuz region, a senior and shot one by one,” Desalegn Rights Commission said hun- market buying clothes for his against Mali, shutting its claimed responsibility for opposition leader said said. Abiy said a meeting of the dreds of civilians were dis- three children for Ethiopia’s borders and halting financial killing six French aid workers, yesterday, the latest security federal and regional author- placed as a result of the vio- new year, which is celebrated flows in a bid to show that their driver and a local guide headache for reformist Prime ities yesterday had “evaluated lence and asked regional on September 11. coups are no longer acceptable in a wildlife park in Niger last Minister Abiy Ahmed’s the sporadic security incidents authorities to launch an “I couldn’t even bury on the continent. month. government. that have been occurring, par- investigation. them... every time I look at the No vote can take place The Islamic State group The attacks, whose victims ticularly in the border areas”. “There have been at least clothes I bought for them, I until the junta decides whether said in its Al Naba newsletter included women and children, “The 29 hostages taken in two rounds of killings of cry,” he told Reuters by tele- military officers can take on published yesterday that a happened on September 6-13, Benishangul-Gumuz region civilians, and hundreds of phone. In June last year, men top leadership roles in the security detachment carried said Desalegn Chane, a senior have been released,” Abiy civilians have also been dis- in camouflage uniforms killed transitional government. out a “blitz attack with member of new political party wrote on Twitter, adding the placed,” the commission said more than 50 people and Ecowas has insisted on a firearms” in the Koure area the National Movement of attackers are “groups aimed at in a statement. injured 23 in the same area. civilian president and prime southwest of Niger’s capital, minister, pushing against the Niamey. junta’s proposal that officers It also published a photo also be considered for the top of two of the hostages still Ivory Coast ex-PM says jobs. alive. “They said that their terms The August 9 attack were non-negotiable and that shocked many who thought Ouattara must be blocked it was up to us to make a the region near the capital was REUTERS — DAKAR In his first public comments decision,” Wague said, not as dangerous as other parts since he was barred from relaying the bloc’s stance. “If of the West African nation. Former Ivory Coast prime standing, Soro, prime minister we insist, they can push Islamic State in the Greater minister Guillaume Soro, a from 2007-2012 and head of through a total embargo — Sahara has been carrying out leading candidate barred from parliament until last year, said nothing will enter, nothing will attacks in recent years in Niger standing against President a third Ouattara term would leave, blocking us and the tri-border region with Alassane Ouattara in an election amount to a “civilian coup completely.” Mali and Burkina Faso. next month, called yesterday for d’etat”. Ghanaian President Nana The six French citizens and the opposition to block Speaking to reporters in Akufo-Addo, the Ecowas Nigerien driver were working Outtara’s re-election by any Paris, where he has fled to chairman, told reporters on for Paris-based NGO ACTED lawful means. escape corruption charges he Tuesday that a move to civilian and Geneva-based IMPACT The opposition says says are politically motivated, rule is expected “within days.” Initiatives. The other victim Ouattara is violating the con- he said: “I call for unity of action That’s after the junta already was a Nigerien guide at the stitution by seeking a third by the opposition to stop Mr missed a September 15 giraffe reserve about 70 km term; the president says a con- Ouattara... by all legal and legit- deadline to name a civilian from the capital. stitutional change means his imate means.” leader. The French government two-term limit has been reset. He said the people did not Regional presidents said Ivory Coast former prime minister Guillaume Soro (right) gets ready has warned citizens against At least a dozen people have want an election in its current on Tuesday they would accept before addressing a press conference in Paris, yesterday. travelling outside Niamey as been killed since anti-Ouattara form, adding, without elabo- a transition of a maximum of extremists linked to Boko riots broke out last month, rating: “There will be no 18 months, softening their Haram, the Islamic State group tilling up memories of 2010-11, election.” candidates to just four this was acquitted by the Interna- earlier stance that it should last and Al Qaida carry out attacks when 3,000 people died in a The Constitutional Council, week. It approved Ouattara’s tional Criminal Court for crimes no more than a year. They also across the country. Niger also civil war sparked by a disputed a judicial body, whittled down candidacy but ruled out former against humanity charges last agreed to the creation of a borders Chad, Nigeria and election. an initial list of 44 presidential President Laurent Gbagbo, who year, as well as Soro. vice-presidential role. Libya. Violence by fighters linked to the IS group and Al Qaida is on the rise in the vast Sahel S Sudan’s Kiir sacks finance region south of the Sahara desert. France has deployed minister amid economic woes 5,100 soldiers to help fight the growing insurgency, and a AFP — JUBA 180,000 barrels per day. local force made up of soldiers However, plummeting oil from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, South Sudan’s President, Salva prices have caused overall Chad and Mauritania has also Kiir, has fired the finance revenue to drop. been fighting the extremists. minister, the head of the tax Garang told a parlia- authority as well as the director mentary committee last week of state-owned petrol that the drop in oil revenues Aid worker killed company, state radio was to blame for civil servants announced yesterday. not being paid since April — a in DR Congo No reason was given for the common occurrence in the move, but it came after plum- country. AFP — BENI, DR CONGO meting oil revenues saw the According to the private country run out of foreign station Eye Radio, he also A worker with the British exchange reserves last month, blamed the country’s economic charity World Vision has been leading to rapid depreciation woes on mismanagement of killed in an ambush on a of the South Sudanese pound. non-oil revenues. humanitarian convoy in The South Sudan Broad- “There are a lot of taxes eastern Democratic Republic casting Corporation read out which are not coming to of Congo, the aid group said an executive order which finance. We could afford to pay Pallbearers carry the coffin during the funeral of human rights lawyer George Bizos in Johannesburg, yesterday. announced Kiir had decided to the salaries if the taxes were South Africa, yesterday. The Congolese victim was “relieve” Salvatore Garang put in the treasury,” the station killed in an attack on Mabiordit of his role “as the reported Garang as saying. Wednesday in Lubero, North State funeral for George Bizos, Mandela’s lawyer minister of finance and Garang has been replaced Kivu province, that left planning in the revitalised tran- by Athian Diing Athian. another worker seriously hurt, AFP — JOHANNESBURG President Cyril Ramaphosa in titan of the legal profession sitional government of national Corruption and misman- it said in a statement. attendance, before it was driven whose defence of the cause of unity.” Also sacked were the agement are often blamed for “This devastating incident South Africa yesterday bade to a cemetery on a ceremonial justice was as tenacious and it head of the Revenue Authority, South Sudan’s economic is an attack on our staff, and farewell to George Bizos, the military gun carriage. was lifelong,” said and the director of the Nile troubles. on the most vulnerable “hero” anti-apartheid lawyer Speakers before a small Ramaphosa. Petroleum Corporation The United Nations and children and communities who represented Nelson gathering of family and other At the height of the (NilePet). other observers have accused whom they were serving,” it Mandela at his trial for treason, dignitaries — due to corona- apartheid era, Bizos secured a South Sudan is emerging South Sudan’s leaders of using said. at a state funeral filled with virus restrictions — paid life sentence for Mandela and from a six-year civil war that Nilepet to fund the conflict and The incident was con- emotional tributes. heartfelt tributes to the man others fighting white-minority left 380,000 dead and shat- military activities, as well as firmed by Lubero’s chief Bizos, a revered, soft- who became Mandela’s per- rule at the landmark Rivonia tered its economy, which is funnel oil revenues straight to administrator, Richard spoken figure, died at his sonal friend and defended Trial in 1964. Against all expec- almost entirely dependent on government elites. Nyembo, who said the ambush Johannesburg home last week human rights to the end of his tations, the defendants were oil. At its peak, oil production In the past two weeks the was carried out by so-called of natural causes at the age of life. Ramaphosa described Bizos spared the death penalty and in South Sudan was at 350,000 South Sudanese Pound has Mai-Mai, the term for self- 92. His flag-draped coffin was as a “hero”, a “lover of freedom” instead given long jail terms, a barrels a day. plummeted 37 percent against described community defence wheeled from a Greek cathedral and likened him to a “baobab verdict that turned them into Since the signing of a peace the US dollar in the black groups. Two other aid workers into a community hall by mil- tree”. “We are here to celebrate the living embodiment of the deal in September 2018 pro- market, hitting citizens hard as were kidnapped, he said. itary pall-bearers, with and also to bid farewell to a anti-apartheid struggle. duction has risen back up to prices rise. FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2020 ASIA 07 India asks China to withdraw troops from Ladakh AP — NEW DELHI “What is pressing safeguarding China’s territorial sovereignty and maintaining India’s defence minister said now is that the peace and tranquillity in the yesterday the country faces Indian side should border areas.” challenges in its border dispute “What is pressing now is that with China and urged Beijing to immediately correct the Indian side should immedi- sincerely implement an under- its mistake, disengage ately correct its mistake, dis- standing they reached previ- on the ground as engage on the ground as soon as ously to completely disengage possible and take concrete actions their forces from the Ladakh soon as possible to ease the tension and lower the region. and take concrete temperature along the border,” Rajnath Singh told the upper Wang said at a daily briefing. house of Parliament that China actions to ease the In New Delhi, Indian has amassed troops and tension and lower the External Affairs Ministry weapons in Ladakh in violation spokesman Anurag Srivastava of agreements reached in the temperature along urged China to “sincerely work 1990s and is trying to alter the the border,” Chinese with the Indian side for complete status quo in the region through disengagement at the earliest aggressive actions. foreign ministry from all friction areas.” Relations He said that was not spokesperson said. between the two countries have acceptable and that India is often been strained, partly due seeking a peaceful resolution to their undemarcated border. through talks. forces will handle the situation They fought a border war in The two countries’ foreign successfully,” Singh said. 1962 that spilled into Ladakh ministers met in Moscow a He said it was “apparent and ended in an uneasy truce. week ago and agreed to dees- from Chinese activities that Since then, troops have guarded calate tensions in Ladakh, but their words don’t match their the undefined border area, Singh’s words to Parliament actions.” occasionally brawling. The An Indian Air Force Apache helicopter flying in the Ladakh region, yesterday. suggested they remain high and In Beijing, Chinese foreign standoff escalated to a deadly that settling the impasse will be ministry spokesperson Wang clash on a high ridge on June 15 After that clash, the two He said the impasse was Arunachal Pradesh. a long process. Wenbin again laid the onus on that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. countries partially disengaged due to differing perceptions of Singh said India has doubled He also said India has India to relieve the tensions and Singh said India inflicted from the site in the Galwan Valley the fiercely contested Line of its budget on building roads, counter-deployed troops that said Chinese border troops have “heavy” casualties on Chinese and at least two other places, but Actual Control that separates bridges and other infrastructure have foiled “transgression “always strictly abided by the forces, but did not provide any the crisis has continued in at least Chinese and Indian-held ter- along the border to match the attempts by China.” “We should (agreements) between the two numbers. China has not given three other areas, including ritories from Ladakh in the Chinese infrastructure to accel- be confident that our armed countries and are committed to any details on its casualties. glacial Pangong Lake. west to India’s eastern state of erate mobility of forces.

Turkish President Erdogan may visit Rohingya groups in ‘solidarity’ with ethnic Rakhine AFP — YANGON Bangladesh in violence that sees civilians. “For us Rohingya, has justified as a means of parties declined to comment on Bangladesh Myanmar facing genocide these crimes are horrifically rooting out Rohingya the Rohingya groups’ statement, Rohingya groups around the charges at the UN’s top court. familiar,” it said. “We stand in militants. though activist Nyo Aye said she next year world displayed a rare show of Ethnic Rakhine mobs stand solidarity with our Rakhine But the emergence last welcomed their “support and solidarity yesterday with Myan- accused of aiding soldiers to brothers and sisters.” week of video confessions of solidarity”. ANATOLIA — DHAKA mar’s ethnic Rakhine, who they drive out the long-oppressed Both the military and AA two former soldiers — filmed While the move was “sym- say are suffering “horrifically group. militants accuse the other of and released by the AA — could bolically important”, analyst Ankara wants to boost trade familiar” war crimes and atroc- But yesterday’s human rights abuses in the potentially add weight to the David Mathieson said it was and investment with Dhaka, ities at the hands of the military. announcement from 29 ongoing unrest that has seen allegations. hard to see how it would help and the Turkish president may The armed forces are cur- Rohingya advocacy groups hundreds killed or wounded The soldiers detailed how bring a peaceful resolution on visit the South Asian country rently locked in battle with the around the world showed signs and forced some 150,000 from they were ordered to “exter- the ground. next year, Bangladesh’s Arakan Army (AA), a militant of a potential rapprochement their homes. minate” Rohingya Muslims and Inter-communal relations Foreign Ministry has said. group fighting for more between the two minorities. On Monday, UN rights chief “wipe out” their villages before in Mrauk U, a town in northern In a statement on autonomy for ethnic Rakhine “Our fight for justice is a Michelle Bachelet slammed the taking part in the massacre of Rakhine, remained as tense as Wednesday, the ministry said Buddhists in the country’s fight for everyone that has been military for the apparent tar- scores of men, women and ever, one Rohingya man said. Recep Tayyip Erdogan is sat- northwest. killed, injured or abused by the geting of civilians she said “may children. He described how the isfied with the existing coop- The area has long been a Tatmadaw,” read the joint constitute further war crimes The military disputed the Rohingyas’ movements were eration between the two coun- tinderbox of religious and statement, referring to the mil- or even crimes against testimony, saying the confes- restricted by street patrols of tries in the education, culture, ethnic tensions. itary by its Myanmar name. humanity”. sions had been given under ethnic Rakhine, not soldiers. and military sectors. Military operations in 2017 It accused the military of The alleged atrocities evoke duress — a claim dismissed by “The Rakhine do not mean The remarks came after a forced hundreds of thousands committing “war crimes and accounts of the 2017 military the rebel group. us well,” he said by phone, meeting between Erdogan and of Rohingya Muslims to atrocities” against Rakhine crackdown, which Myanmar The Rakhine political asking not to be named. visiting Bangladeshi Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. The Turkish president, Stricken tanker’s captain to according to the press release, agreed to attend the D-8 face charges in Sri Lanka summit in Dhaka next year, and stressed investing in new AFP — COLOMBO The Panamanian-regis- products, including textiles, tered tanker’s owners would medicines, and other sectors. Sri Lanka will file negligence also be slapped with a $1.88m He also proposed allo- and pollution charges against fire-fighting bill, de Livera said cating land in Bangladesh for the Greek skipper of an oil in a statement. the construction of a modern tanker that leaked fuel off the The vessel is owned by hospital with Turkey’s island nation’s coast after a Liberian-registered Porto financial assistance. week-long fire, authorities said Emporios Shipping Inc and on Wednesday. managed by Greek ship owner, Australia says Some of the 1,700 tonnes of New Shipping Limited, heavy fuel oil aboard the New according to the Sri Lankan daily COVID-19 Diamond poured into the navy. Indian Ocean, prompting a Compensation would also cases fall to large effort to contain a slick be sought from the owners for that was roughly two kilo- the cost of any environmental three-month low metres in length. Its 270,000- clean-up and damage, the tonne cargo of crude oil was statement added. REUTERS — SYDNEY unaffected by the fire. Sri Lanka has meanwhile “There is sufficient evi- asked the ship’s owners to tow Australia yesterday reported dence to prosecute the skipper the 330-metre tanker beyond its lowest one-day rise in new under the marine pollution act its exclusive economic zone, COVID-19 cases in nearly Election fever hits Myanmar as well as the penal code for which extends 200 nautical three months, as states said criminal negligence,” a spokes- miles from its coast. restrictions imposed to slow Supporters of the National League for Democracy during a campaign in Wundwin, near Mandalay woman for Attorney-General The nation’s environmental the spread of the virus will be yesterday for the upcoming November 8 general election. Myanmar’s election campaign began on Dappula de Livera said in authorities fear a marine dis- further relaxed. September 8 with Aung San Suu Kyi’s party tipped for victory. Colombo. aster if the tanker is allowed to Australia said 35 cases of Much of the slick has been transfer its oil to another ship COVID-19 have been detected cleaned up and no further fuel in the country’s waters. in the past 24 hours, the lowest has leaked from the vessel The stricken tanker is cur- one-day rise since June 24. Australian stinging trees contain since Friday. For now, there are rently located some 70 nautical Victoria state accounted no signs of the slick reaching miles east off the Sri Lankan for the bulk of the new cases, the coast. coastal town of Batticaloa. with 28 people diagnosed with ‘scorpion-like venom’: Scientists the virus in the past 24 hours. “It is a fantastic outcome AFP — BRISBANE enough to brush up against its tened ‘gympietides’. and a tribute to the hard work, leaves. “Although they come from Thai PM warns protesters sacrifice and contribution Australia is notorious for its Victims report an initial a plant, the gympietides are every single Victorian is venomous spiders, snakes and sting that “feels like fire at first, similar to spider and cone snail against raising virus risks making and I want to say sea creatures, but researchers then subsides over hours to a toxins in the way they fold into thank you,” Victoria state have now identified “scorpion- pain reminiscent of having the their 3D molecular structures REUTERS — BANGKOK Premier Daniel Anadrews told like” toxins secreted by a tree affected body part caught in a and target the same pain reporters in Melbourne. that can cause excruciating pain slammed car door”, the Uni- receptors — this arguably Thailand’s military-backed prime minister warned protesters The result in Victoria will for weeks. versity of Queensland makes the gympie-gympie tree yesterday against heightening COVID-19 risks as they planned buoy hopes that residents in Split-second contact with researchers said yesterday. a truly ‘venomous’ plant,” she large anti-government demonstrations for the weekend. Melbourne will soon be the dendrocnide tree, a rain- In the final, drawn-out said. Demonstrators have held two months of near-daily rallies to granted additional freedoms forest nettle known by its indig- stages, simply taking a shower Australia is already demand former junta leader Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s after more than six weeks enous name gympie-gympie, can reignite the pain. infamous for its venomous removal and changes to a constitution they say were designed to under a strict lockdown. delivers a sting far more potent Though the gympie-gympie fauna including snakes, box jel- extend military dominance after an election last year. Melbourne is on an than similar plants found in the is covered in fine needle-like lyfish, blue-ringed octopus and Prayuth, a former army chief who says he was fairly elected, extended hard lockdown until US or Europe. hairs similar to other nettles, funnel-web spiders, although said in a televised speech that he understood the grievances but Sept. 28. If at that point the The tree, which has broad previous testing for common deaths in humans from bites or urged demonstrators to put “COVID first” for now. two-week average number of oval- or heart-shaped leaves, irritants such as histamines stings are rare. “When you gather in mobs, you are creating an enormous risk infections is below 50, which is primarily found in rainforest came up empty. Vetter said the long-lasting of new infections. And with that, you also create enormous risk it currently is, then restrictions areas of northeast Queensland, Irina Vetter, an associate pain inflicted by the tree may to the livelihoods of tens of millions of fellow Thais,” he said. will be eased. where it is notorious among professor at the University of be explained by the gympie- “Your protests delay economic recovery because you affect Restrictions in regional hikers. Queensland’s Institute for tides permanently altering the business confidence, and you affect the confidence of tourists to Victoria were relaxed earlier A team of Australian scien- Molecular Bioscience, said the chemical makeup of the return to our country when we are ready to receive them.” Thailand this week. Residents there can tists say they now better under- research team discovered a affected sensory neurons — not has not seen a local coronavirus transmission for 14 days since now have outdoor gatherings stand why the gympie-gympie’s new class of neurotoxin min- due to the fine hairs getting Sept. 3, when a prison inmate tested positive after over 100 days of up to 10 people. sting haunts those unlucky iproteins, which they chris- stuck in the skin. of no new local cases. 08 VIEWS FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

A man leaves after closing his cafe on the corniche of the Gaza Strip, due to the coronavirus lockdown in Gaza City. EDITORIAL Qatar-US partnership Gaza’s ‘quarantine within THE State of Qatar and the United States of America concluded the Third Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue this week in Washington DC, further strengthening the bilateral cooperation in areas of health, humanitarian assistance, a quarantine’ must end international development, labour, law enforcement, counter-terrorism, commerce, culture and education. can handle only 350 COVID-19 has made the delivery of even the A joint statement issued after the dialogue patients. But with more than 1,200 most basic services a challenge. The expressed concern at the detrimental security, eco- cases already, the virus will likely Trump administration’s 2018 nomic, and social impacts of the Gulf crisis on the sicken thousands of people. And decision to end US funding to the region. The two governments also affirmed their con- with fewer than 100 ICU beds and United Nations Relief and Works tinued support for a strong and united Gulf Cooper- even fewer ventilators, COVID-19 Agency (UNRWA) was and remains ation Council focused on promoting a peaceful and could push Gaza’s healthcare deeply problematic. prosperous future for all in the region and on coun- SAHAR ATRACHE system over the brink. Now, more than ever, this tering regional threats. AL JAZEERA To make matters worse, the policy needs to be reversed. The A number of MoUs and other documents were signed pandemic comes against the virus knows no borders, and this is during the two days of talks. They include a partnership In late August, the coronavirus, backdrop of renewed violence and no time to politicise aid. Quite the between Qatar Foundation (QF), Qatar Museums (QM), which causes COVID-19, found a access restrictions. In August, contrary, in the face of the worst and the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest foothold in the Gaza Strip, one of during a three-week escalation pandemic the world has experi- museum and research complex; as well as the the most densely populated terri- between Israel and Hamas, Israel enced in more than a century, announcement of a Mission Concept Formulation Study tories in the World. Since then, tightened the blockade, banning global efforts should come together between QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University infections have spiked signifi- the entry of construction materials to mitigate these risks worldwide. (HBKU) and Nasa to analyse the impact of rising sea Gaza is particul- cantly, with nearly 1,000 new and fuel to Gaza, which has forced Amid lockdowns and a levels and their effect on Qatar, and how changing cli- arly vulnerable positive cases reported in the last the enclave’s only power plant to blockade, Gazans now face a mates affect the world’s arid regions. Meanwhile, a two weeks alone. Now, Gaza faces shut down. By early September, “quarantine within a quarantine”. further agreement will see two members of the Fulbright to the spread a health catastrophe that will be the Strip regained calm after a suc- It took only a few cases for the Scholars Program in the US spend a semester in Qatar of COVID-19. Its difficult to contain and mitigate cessful - yet likely temporary - virus to spread quickly inside the to conduct research at HBKU’s research institutes. without swift and significant aid. Qatari-led de-escalation Strip. At the very least, the terms of Qatar Museums has also announced to celebrate weak healthcare The detection of community agreement. Still, the mediation the blockade need to be revised to 2021 as Qatar-US Year of culture, with a number of cul- system barely transmission in the Strip marked a does not lessen the effects of help the population cope with the tural events to take place in both the countries to cele- grim turn in what had been a rela- Gaza’s blockade, nor will it prevent pandemic and the area’s long- brate the strong ties between Doha and Washington. serves the tively successful prevention a future outburst of violence. term humanitarian crisis. The US also welcomed and recognised Qatar’s daily needs strategy. From the onset of the All this is taking place in com- International donors - active role in mediation to promote peace and rec- of the area’s pandemic through much of munities reeling under the weight including the US - must increase onciliation in the region and beyond. The US gov- August, fewer than 100 cases had of a decade-long humanitarian their support to help Gaza through ernment also thanked Qatar for its efforts to bring nearly 2 million been reported - all among trav- crisis - triggered by 13 years of the worst of the outbreak. They about peace in Afghanistan and its role in a historic people and is ellers returning from Israel and blockades with varying degrees of should immediately provide deal between the Taliban and the US signed in Doha Egypt and all of whom were sys- restriction and periodic war. medical equipment including ven- in February 2020, as well as the ongoing Afghanistan not equipped tematically quarantined. There is a real risk that Gaza tilators, personal protective Peace Negotiations between the Taliban and the to handle a Gaza is particularly vulnerable cannot withstand the economic equipment (PPE), and testing kits. Afghan government representatives. to the spread of COVID-19. Its shockwaves of the COVID-19 pan- In March, UN Secretary- The US also recognised the significant progress pandemic that weak healthcare system barely demic. More than 80 percent of General Antonio Guterres called Qatar has made toward enacting labour reforms and has overwhe- serves the daily needs of the area’s people in Gaza depend on humani- for a global ceasefire to focus on efforts to combat human trafficking, including abol- lmed even the nearly 2 million people and is not tarian aid to survive, and the long- ‘’the true [COVID-19] fight of our ishing exit permits for workers. In addition, the US equipped to handle a pandemic term socioeconomic repercussions lives’’. This call is true in Gaza praised Qatar for issuing legislation mandating a most advanced that has overwhelmed even the of a months-long lockdown could be today more than ever. Parties to minimum wage law and abolishing the “No Objection healthcare most advanced healthcare systems devastating. Thousands of Gazans the conflict must put down their Certificate” law. The two sides plan to expand pre- in the world. That system has been have already completely or partially guns and set politics aside in order vious collaboration and implement MoUs with a focus systems in the debilitated by years of blockades, lost their income, which has exacer- to help prevent greater hardship on strengthening Qatar’s recent reforms. world. violence, and a dearth of funding. bated a high unemployment rate on a population that has already On health cooperation, the US and Qatar stand It suffers from ubiquitous estimated at more than 50 percent suffered tremendously. together in support of global health security and a shortages of drugs, equipment, prior to the Coronavirus. world safe and secure from infectious disease threats, supplies, and personnel. A chronic shortage of humani- The author is Refugees Interna- such as COVID-19. The World Health Organization tarian funding for Gaza, exacerbated tional’s Senior Advocate for the (WHO) warns that Gaza’s hospitals by major recent cuts in US funding, Middle East.

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR The education gap was shrinking before COVID-19 EMAIL: [email protected] PETER R ORSZAG schools with extensive online “By the end of summer, stu- 2019-2020 academic year may BLOOMBERG learning, the question is how dents perform, on average, one have reduced reading gains by EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 much it might weaken educa- month behind where they left 30% and math gains by 50% FAX: +974 4455 7758 As students head back to school tional performance. off in the spring. Of course, not compared with normal in- - virtually or in-person - The best guide is probably all students experience person learning, the research MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 parents are legitimately what happens over summers: ‘average’ losses. Summer team found. These effects concerned about the effects on Researchers have documented learning loss disproportion- probably vary significantly DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 children of distance learning. a substantial “summer slide” ately affects low-income stu- across household income, Evidence on how children fall while students are out of dents. While all students lose given differences in access to LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 behind over summer breaks school. This is clearly not a some ground in mathematics computer equipment, a quiet suggests that the harm from perfect comparison, since over the summer, low-income space to study, and adequate BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 missing in-person instruction during the pandemic students students lose more ground in nutrition outside school. Pre- will be larger for low-income have been receiving virtual (as reading, while their higher- liminary evidence suggests that SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 children, exacerbating educa- opposed to no) school income peers may even gain. low-income students are often tional gaps across socioeco- instruction. On the other hand, Most disturbing is that summer not logging on during virtual ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 nomic status. A bit of good news the effects may accumulate learning loss is cumulative; instruction. email: [email protected] comes from an important new over time, and this period is over time, the difference McKinsey researchers also analysis suggesting that, prior to significantly more extended between the summer learning highlighted the same risks, esti- PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 the pandemic and contrary to than summer break. Also, stu- rates of low-income and mating substantial harm from email: [email protected] popular perception, those gaps dents distressed by the pan- higher-income students con- virtual classrooms: “Even more had been narrowing in the US. demic may have more diffi- tributes substantially to the troubling is the context: the per- ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 From kindergarten to college, culty learning. But the summer achievement gap.” sistent achievement disparities FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] schools are balancing pandemic slide literature is more inform- A Brookings analysis across income levels. … The risk against educational need ative than anything else we extrapolated these summer possibility that COVID-19 could CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 with wildly varying approaches have available. learning losses onto the current make it worse deserves focused email: [email protected] to in-person classes, virtual A 2011 RAND study suc- pandemic and found the situ- attention.” Which is where the instruction, mask-wearing, and cinctly summarized the evi- ation “deeply concerning.” Vir- new research on the educa- SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 keeping students in bubbles. For dence on summer fade: tual-only learning during the tional gap by income comes in. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar We have excellent relations /ThePeninsulaQatar with the GCC countries and we /Peninsula_Qatar want to continue that.

/ThePeninsulaNewspaper Fuad Hussein, Iraqi Foreign Minister

+974 6698 6188 FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2020 ASIA 09 US sends top-level diplomat to Taiwan, angering China AFP — TAIPEI “China strongly It described him as the highest-ranking State A top US diplomat will arrive in opposes this,” foreign Department official to visit Taiwan yesterday, the highest- ministry spokesman Taiwan since 1979, when Wash- ranking State Department ington switched diplomatic rec- official to visit in 40 years, in a Wang Wenbin told ognition to Beijing from Taipei. further sign of Washington’s reporters yesterday, Taiwan President Tsai willingness to defy China and saying the trip Ing-wen will host a dinner for its campaign to isolate the self- the US delegation on Friday. ruled island. “encourages the “We look forward to more Keith Krach, undersecretary arrogant attitude of exchanges and discussions of state for economic growth, between Taiwan and the US to energy and the environment, Taiwan independence solidify the foundation for was heading to Taipei to attend separatist forces”. further collaborations, including a memorial service for late economic cooperation, through president Lee Teng-hui on Sat- undersecretary Krach’s visit,” urday, the US State Department with the two sides clashing over her office said in a statement. said. a range of trade, military and Beijing discourages any The trip, the second high- security issues, as well as the official exchanges with Taiwan ranking US visit in as many coronavirus pandemic. but in recent months Wash- months, sparked an immediate Washington’s increased ington has dramatically rebuke from China, which outreach to Taiwan under US increased its outreach. baulks at any recognition of President Donald Trump has Last month, US cabinet Taiwan and has mounted a become yet another flashpoint member and health chief Alex US Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Keith Krach arrives at an airport in Taipei, Taiwan, yesterday. decades-long policy of margin- between the two powers. Azar visited to highlight Tai- alising the democratic island. “The United States honours wan’s widely praised efforts to In recent weeks, Taiwan has Taiwan more closely as a way age of 97, was a towering figure “China strongly opposes President Lee’s legacy by con- stop COVID-19. reported a sharp increase in to hit back at authoritarian in Taiwan’s history, helping the this,” foreign ministry tinuing our strong bonds with Yesterday Taiwan’s foreign incursions by Chinese jets into its Beijing, especially as he seeks once authoritarian island tran- spokesman Wang Wenbin told Taiwan and its vibrant ministry also confirmed a rare air defence identification zone. re-election in November. sition to a vibrant democracy reporters yesterday, saying the democracy through shared meeting took place the day Yesterday, Taiwan’s defence He has also approved some and later angering China by trip “encourages the arrogant political and economic values,” before between James Lee, its ministry said two Chinese anti- major arms sales, something his pushing for it to be recognised attitude of Taiwan inde- spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus top official in New York, and submarine planes crossed the recent predecessors were more as a sovereign country. pendence separatist forces”. said in a statement announcing Washington’s ambassador to boundary a day earlier and reluctant to do. When news of his death Beijing considers Taiwan Krach’s trip. the UN Kelly Clark. were warned to leave. But the United States has so broke, Chinese state media part of its territory, to be Taiwan’s foreign ministry said Beijing has ramped up dip- Washington remains the far not strayed from the called him “the godfather of absorbed into the mainland — Krach, accompanied by assistant lomatic, economic and military leading arms supplier to the unwritten red line on Taiwan, Taiwan secessionism”. by force if necessary. secretary Robert Destro, would pressure on Taiwan since the island but has historically been as it has not sent senior officials Krach, with his economic Relations between the also discuss “how to strengthen 2016 election of Tsai, who cautious in holding official whose primary responsibilities focus, will be visiting as Taiwan United States and China are at bilateral economic cooperation” rejects its view that the island contact with it. are foreign affairs or defence. seeks a trade deal with the their lowest point in decades, during his three-day visit. is part of “one China”. Trump has embraced Lee, who died in July at the United States. Pakistan House passes anti-money laundering bills Suga begins first full day,

ANATOLIA — KARACHI accordance with the “arbitrary”, were also rejected. charter, a country must have Constitution. The opposition later walked out the support of at least three vows to push reforms Pakistan’s parliament on The bills were passed by a of the session after Speaker member states to avoid Wednesday passed an anti- majority of 200-190. Asad Qaisar refused to allow the blacklisting. AP — TOKYO concerns, analysts said. money laundering legislation, Though, the opposition has Opposition Leader Shehbaz In recent months, Islamabad “Mr. Suga aims to score small which was a key demand from 20 more members than the Sharif, and other parliamentary has taken some major steps Japan’s new Prime Minister success,” said political analyst the Financial Action Task Force government’s strength, leaders to speak. under the plan, under which the Yoshihide Suga started his first Atsuo Ito in a TBS television talk (FATF) to remove the South however the former’s 30 Congratulating the nation country will allow no foreign full day in office yesterday with show. “He would dig into things Asian nuclear state from its gray members remained absent from over the passage of the legis- currency transactions without a resolve to push forward that many people think are not list. the session, giving the treasury lation, Prime Minister Imran a national tax number and ban popular reforms. right and need to be changed.” The government despite an edge. Khan hoped it would help currency changes of up to $500 “I’m determined to work Some members of Suga’s having lower numbers in the According to the Anti-Ter- remove Pakistan from the FATF’s in the open currency market hard for the people and get Cabinet said they will follow joint session of the parliament rorism Act (Amendment) Bill, gray list after an assessment of without the sides submitting a results so we can live up to their their leader’s example. Admin- managed to pass three bills. 2020, the investigating officer, the country’s financial system copy of their identification expectations,” Suga told istrative Reforms Minister Taro Last month, the bills were with the permission of the and security mechanism. documents. reporters as he walked into the Kono said he will immediately passed by the treasury-domi- court, can conduct covert oper- Islamabad has been on the In addition to that, Pakistan prime minister’s office. launch a hotline for people to nated lower house of par- ations to detect terrorism global money-laundering watch- has also proscribed several mil- Suga was formally elected report problems. liament (National Assembly) funding, track communications dog’s radar since June 2018. itant groups and seized their Wednesday to replace Shinzo Abe’s government had been but rejected by the upper house, and computer system by The country has since twice assets, including Jamaat ud Abe, who announced last criticized for appearing aloof Senate, where opposition applying latest technologies in escaped being placed on the Dawah, and Jaish-e-Mohammad month that he planned to step and not listening to the con- members are in majority, 60 days. watchdog’s financial crime — the groups blamed for several down due to ill health. cerns of citizens. forcing the government to call All the amendments pro- blacklist with the support of terrorist attacks such as the While Suga won the Suga said his priorities are a joint session of the two houses posed by the opposition, which Turkey, China, and Malaysia. 2009 deadly Mumbai attacks backing of fellow ruling party fighting the coronavirus and for decisive voting in termed the legislation According to the FATF killing over 150 people. lawmakers with a pledge to turning around an economy bat- carry on Abe’s policies and tered by the pandemic. He is also work on Abe’s unfinished goals, expected to continue Abe’s eco- Dozens killed in he is also pushing for some nomic and diplomatic stance. policy changes of his own. As a self-made politician born fighting as In a departure from Abe, Suga the son of a farmer, Suga has said he will discontinue cherry opposed the hereditary politics Afghan peace blossom-viewing parties. Abe and factionalism within his party, was accused of using taxpayers’ and made systemic reforms one talks continue money to entertain constituents of his top policy goals. at the annual gathering. He said he will break down AFP — JALALABAD Suga told reporters bureaucratic barriers and elim- Thursday that there will be no inate vested interests standing in Fierce fighting between longer a budget for such events. the way of reforms, while listening Afghan forces and the Taliban Suga did not say if he planned to the voices of the ordinary left dozens dead in a restive to investigate if cherry blossom people to fix the problems that eastern province, officials said party funds were properly don’t serve their interests. yesterday, as negotiators from handled in the past. Suga’s Cabinet logged a both sides pushed ahead with He also pledged to speed up support rating of 64 percent in a peace talks. Japan’s lagging digital transfor- Mainichi newspaper survey Overnight clashes erupted mation and appointed a special released Thursday, exceeding the in three districts of Nangarhar minister to promote digitali- 52 percent support Abe had at the province when Taliban zation in education, healthcare start of his government in 2012. fighters attacked several and businesses. Suga has also Respondents cited expec- checkpoints of Afghan forces campaigned to lower cellphone tations for Suga’s policies, as and pro-government mili- fees and said he will seek well as continuity and his per- tiamen, Ataullah Khogyani, further cost reductions. sonality for their support, spokesman for the Nangarhar Unlike Abe, who floated apparently welcoming his governor said. Afghan forces get Super A-29 Tucano planes from US grand goals such as Constitu- reformist pledges and back- He said at least 11 Afghan tional revisions, Suga looks set ground as a self-made poli- security personnel were killed An Afghan officer stands guard during a handover ceremony of A-29 Super Tucano planes from US to take a more populist approach tician from a rural farming in fighting in Hesarak, while to the Afghan forces, in Kabul, Afghanistan, yesterday. to address people’s everyday village, the Mainichi said. eight pro-government mili- tiamen were killed in Khogyani. Khogyani said about 30 Manila considers relaxing Indonesia capital eyes doubling Taliban fighters died in the clashes — including some for- travel ban for nurses eigners. The hardline insurgent of virus testing as cases soar group have not commented on REUTERS — MANILA The labour minister has the fighting so far. proposed to expand exemp- REUTERS — JAKARTA reach double from where we treatment centres. The latest fighting comes The Philippines is considering tions to those who had con- are today”. Asked if more would be as the Afghan government and allowing more nurses and other tracts abroad as of August 31. Indonesia’s capital plans to According to the World dedicated to coronavirus cases, Taliban are engaged in talks medical professionals to leave So far it is only those with con- double its COVID-19 testing Health Organization, Jakarta’s he said, “I don’t hope so.” “No in Doha aimed at ending the for jobs abroad after banning tracts as of March 8 who have capacity in the near future, its weekly testing rate of 5.5-6 one wants to see that,” he long-running conflict. them from travel so they can been allowed to travel. governor said yesterday, as it people per 1,000 population in added. Afghanistan’s acting fight coronavirus at home, Presidential Spokesman fights surging infections that the past three weeks was five Indonesia reported 3,635 Defence Minister Asadullah President Rodrigo Duterte’s Harry Roque told a media saw restrictions re-imposed to times the WHO’s minimum new infections and 122 deaths Khalid blamed the Taliban for spokesman said yesterday. briefing that a proposal for a slow the spread and help benchmark. on Thursday, taking total cases the fighting. Thousands of the nurses, relaxation would be made on hospitals to cope. Baswedan said the rapid to 232,628 and fatalities to “There have been no who call themselves “priso- Monday to President Duterte, Jakarta alone has seen more case rise left him no choice but 9,222, Southeast Asia’s most attacks from our side... The nurses” have appealed to the who will have the final say. than 1,000 new daily cases on to bring back social restrictions deaths. enemies continue to attack government to be allowed to Foreign Affairs Minister average this month, more than that he eased in June, with Unlike many Asian capitals, and spill the blood of Afghans,” travel. The nurses say they feel Teodoro Locsin, who has called double the average in the first limits on commerce, transport Jakarta did not impose a he said at a ceremony where underpaid, underappreciated for the lifting of the ban, said in half of August, with the tide of and places of worship lockdown and opted for a more US forces handed over four and unprotected at home. a tweet the Philippines has infections piling pressure on its re-imposed. calibrated approach, which A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to Health care workers from 400,000 nursing graduates under-resourced health sector. “We had never experienced some critics say was too lax. the Afghan military. the Philippines are on the front without jobs so “they’re rightly Governor Anies Baswedan this kind of jump,” Baswedan Indonesia’s finance minister Peace talks commenced on lines of the pandemic at hos- pissed.” In Germany there are said in an interview that the city said. “That’s why... we decided said Jakarta’s tighter curbs Saturday after months of delay pitals in the United States, 430 doctors and nurses per of 10 million was conducting to pull a brake.” He said 13 of could see a steeper than over a contentious prisoner Europe and the Middle East as 10,000 people. In the Philip- about 50,000 weekly corona- Jakarta’s 67 hospitals have been expected third-quarter eco- swap between the two sides. well as back home. pines, there are 65. virus tests and hopes to “at least designated as COVID-19 nomic contraction. 10 EUROPE FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2020 WHO warns of ‘alarming’ virus spread in Europe

AFP — COPENHAGEN The WHO’s regional The recommendation is “based on our understanding The World Health Organisation director for Europe of the incubation period and (WHO) yesterday warned of Hans Kluge said a transmission of the disease. We “alarming rates of trans- September surge would only revise that on the mission” of COVID-19 across basis of a change of our under- Europe and cautioned against —Europe set a new standing of the science,” WHO shortening quarantine periods record last week, with Europe’s senior emergency as countries in the region officer Catherine Smallwood scrambled to find ways to some 54,000 cases said. reduce infections without recorded in 24 hours France has reduced the rec- resorting to new lockdowns. ommended length for self-iso- The WHO’s regional — “should serve as a lation to seven days, while it is director for Europe Hans Kluge wake-up call for all of 10 days in the UK and Ireland. said a September surge — Several more European coun- Europe set a new record last us.” tries, such as Portugal and People queue outside a test centre to take a coronavirus test, in Bolton, Britain, yesterday. week, with some 54,000 cases Croatia, are also considering recorded in 24 hours — “should or immediate social circles. shorter quarantines. serve as a wake-up call for all Britain has been Europe’s Elsewhere, a study released UK PM warns of tougher virus measures of us.” worst-hit country with nearly by Oxfam found that rich “Although these numbers 42,000 deaths. nations have already bought up AP — LONDON to “stop the surge, arrest the risen to levels not seen since reflect more comprehensive The city of Madrid mean- over half the promised Covid-19 spike, stop the second hump of late May, forcing the British testing, it also shows alarming while backtracked on a plan for vaccine stocks. British Prime Minister Boris the dromedary, flatten the government to impose limits on rates of transmission across the targeted lockdowns and said it “Access to a life-saving Johnson warned yesterday that second hump.” public gatherings. region,” he told an online news would instead move to “reduce vaccine shouldn’t depend on authorities will have to impose Over the past two days, Figures released late conference from mobility and contacts” in areas where you live or how much tougher measures to combat opposition lawmakers had crit- Wednesday showed 3,991 new Copenhagen. with high infection rates. money you have,” said Robert the spread of COVID-19 and icised Johnson’s handling of the confirmed cases during the pre- Across Europe, govern- Austria announced that Silverman of Oxfam America. “protect’’ the Christmas COVID-19 crisis and accused his vious 24 hours, up from 3,105 ments are battling to contain private indoor gatherings Drugs companies are racing holidays as the government government of lacking a a day earlier. the fresh spike in cases, while would be limited to 10 people, to produce an effective jab to prepared to introduce stricter cohesive plan to tackle a second Newcastle City Council leader wanting to avoiding inflicting including all parties, private counter a virus that has now measures in northeast England. wave of the pandemic. Nick Forbes said the measures fresh damage on their econ- events and meetings indoors. killed more than 940,000 Johnson’s comments came A shortage of testing expected for the northeast of the omies and imposing broad new Chancellor Sebastian Kurz people around the world and amid reports that the gov- capacity is a particular concern, country are seen as “prevent- restrictions on their virus- had warned earlier this week infected almost 30 million. ernment plans to impose a with people around the country ative.” Forbes told the BBC there weary populations. that the Alpine nation was The five leading vaccine 10pm curfew on restaurants complaining they were unable is concern that the average age of In Britain, new measures entering a second wave of candidates currently in late- in response to a recent jump to book appointments for tests people testing positive with the will take effect today, with infections. stage trials will be able to in confirmed coronavirus or directed to testing centres far virus is going up. Prime Minister Boris Johnson Outside of Europe, Israel is supply 5.9 billion doses, enough cases. Local officials asked for from their homes. “Last week, 60 percent of warning that pubs may have to set to be the first developed to inoculate about three billion more restrictions now to Widespread testing is seen the people that were being close earlier to help avoid a country to enforce a second people, Oxfam said. prevent a tighter lockdown as crucial to controlling the tested were between the ages of “second hump” of coronavirus nationwide shutdown, to begin Some 51 percent of those later. spread of the virus because it 18 and 30. That is now starting cases. on Friday afternoon. jabs have been snapped up by Johnson wrote in a piece allows those who are infected to reach into older age groups Residents of northeast In further comments on the wealthy world, including published in The Sun news- to self-isolate while helping as well,’’ he said. “We know that England, including the cities of Thursday, the WHO Europe said the United States, Britain, the paper that the only way to be health officials identify hot when it starts to affect older Newcastle and Sunderland, will it would not change its guidance European Union, Australia, certain the country can enjoy spots and trace those who are people, that’s when you start to no longer be allowed to meet for a 14-day quarantine period Hong Kong and Macau, Japan, the winter holidays “is to be infected. get the hospitalisations and, people outside their own homes for those exposed to the virus. Switzerland and Israel. tough now.’’ He said he wants Daily infection rates have sadly, also the mortality, too.’ Dutch COVID-19 cases spike as London defends planned Brexit deal breach test capacity AP — LONDON Brexit deal as an insurance and preventing the return of a with the United States — which our US partners on a bipartisan policy against “unreasonable” hard border. Period,” he wrote. would require congressional basis to ensure that our positions seen at risk The British government faced behavior by the EU that could Britain and the EU jointly approval — if it undermines the are understood,” he said. more opposition yesterday to threaten the UK unity by dis- promised in the Brexit divorce peace accord. Johnson has suggested the REUTERS — AMSTERDAM its plans to breach the Brexit rupting trade between Northern agreement to ensure there are Raab insisted the UK has an bloc might not be negotiating agreement with the European Ireland and the rest of the no customs posts or other “absolute” commitment to the in good faith in talks on post- The number of new corona- Union, with Democratic presi- country. obstacles on the Northern Good Friday Agreement. He Brexit relations - an accusation virus cases in the Netherlands dential candidate Joe Biden The prime minister’s move Ireland-Ireland border. The described Britain’s planned law which irked the EU. hit a record high for the third becoming the latest American to break parts of the EU divorce open border is key to the sta- as “precautionary” and “propor- “I can point to hundreds, lit- consecutive day yesterday, politician to express alarm and deal relating to Northern bility that underpins the peace tionate.” Secretary of State Mike erally hundreds of international the health ministry warned the EU rejecting the UK’s stated Ireland has triggered fears it settlement. Pompeo said the US was clear agreements signed with very, that test capacity was not rationale. could undermine the 1998 Good British Foreign Secretary on the importance of the peace very different three parties of nearly enough to deal with the An EU spokesman insisted Friday peace accord that ended Dominic Raab is in Washington accords but understood “the all of all kinds,” EU spokesman wave of possible infections the 27-nation bloc was negoti- decades of violence between this week, and has been trying complexity of the situation.” “We Eric Mamer said. “They are tes- expected in the coming ating in good faith with the UK Irish nationalists and British to assuage American concerns trust the United Kingdom. I am tifying to, as I think you say in months. and had “literally hundreds” of unionists. that a British government bill confident they’ll get it right,” he English, a rather splendid track Testing and lab capacity international deals with which “We can’t allow the Good would undermine Northern said after meeting Raab. record when it comes to car- would have to be expanded to prove its reliability as a Friday Agreement that brought Ireland peace, if passed by Jamie Davies, a spokesman rying out negotiations in good from the current level of about partner after British Prime Min- peace to Northern Ireland to lawmakers. for the British prime minister, faith.” If Johnson had any 30,000 tests per day to 55,000 ister Boris Johnson insinuated become a casualty of Brexit,” Raab is meeting US politi- said the proposed law was doubts, Mamer said, “what I per day in November, up to the opposite. Biden tweeted. cians including House Speaker intended “precisely to make sure would simply do is ask you to 70,000 in December and Johnson has argued that his “Any trade deal between the Nancy Pelosi, who has warned that the Belfast Agreement is go and talk to those third parties 85,000 per day from February, government is pursuing a law US and UK must be contingent that Britain won’t secure a upheld in all circumstances.” with whom we have signed the ministry said. that would override parts of the upon respect for the Agreement much sought-after trade deal “We will continue to engage with these agreements.” “We are doing everything we can to expand our capacity, but it is not sufficient as yet”, Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Lawsuit targets French in a debate in Dutch par- liament yesterday. Testing capacity has PM over virus policy already been severely strained in recent weeks, AP — PARIS instead of insisting on nasal tests forcing people across the that can take days to produce country to wait days for a A group of COVID-19 survivors results because of backlogs in test, as health authorities and patients’ families is suing saturated French labs. said too many people French Prime Minister Jean The government argues without clear COVID-19 Castex, accusing him of poten- that the saliva tests are not symptoms were applying for tially dangerous and contra- reliable enough, though they one. dictory management of the virus are available in some other The daily rate of infections crisis even as infections have countries, and says a quicker has surged in recent weeks, multiplied in recent weeks. nasal test will be available in reaching a record level of Castex and the government coming days. 1,753, to a total of 88,073 have pushed to reopen the The patients’ group also yesterday. economy and “learn to live with asks why the government Belgium and Germany on the virus,” refusing to impose pushed for mask requirements Wednesday advised against new nationwide lockdowns as outdoors over the summer but unnecessary travel to cities hospitals in some French didn’t require them inside of Amsterdam and Rotterdam regions start to fill up with virus offices until September 1. Sci- and their surroundings and patients again. entists say the risk of virus said that travellers from Lawyer Fabrice Di Vizio said spread is higher indoors. those regions would be sub- he filed the lawsuit Thursday on If the court decides to pros- mitted to a 14-day A patrol boat of the Italian Coast Guards (Guardia Costiera) transports migrants towards the port of behalf of the France Corona- ecute the case, Castex could quarantine. Palermo, after they rescued at sea following a group of 76 migrants threw themselves into the sea virus Victims group in the Court face up to two years in prison The current shortage of from the rescue vessel of Spanish NGO Open Arms, off Palermo, in Italy, yesterday. of Justice of the Republic, a and a ¤30,000 ($35,000) fine tests in the Netherlands special court for prosecuting if convicted. follows a previous ramp-up of government ministers. More than 30,600 people capacity during the first wave Desperate migrants jump from charity boat The prime minister is with the virus have died in of infections when tests were accused of failing to “fight a France, including more than at first largely limited to the REUTERS — ROME out three separate rescue oper- hundreds of thousands of disaster likely to create a 10,000 in nursing homes. The seriously ill. ations in the central Mediter- asylum seekers and other danger for public safety.” country is now reporting more After the ramp-up, eve- Some 70 migrants jumped ranean between September 8 migrants, Italy has seen a drop Dozens of other lawsuits have than 70 positive cases per ryone with any indication of a overboard from the Spanish and 10. The crew are still in arrivals after a crackdown been filed in other French 100,000 people, among the possible coronavirus infection rescue ship Open Arms waiting for instructions on on smuggling networks. courts against nursing homes highest rates in the world, in was urged to get tested. yesterday, in an attempt to where the migrants will be However, numbers have or others accused of misman- part thanks to ramped-up Authorities have already swim to the nearby southern allowed to disembark. picked up again in 2020 aging the virus crisis. President testing. Virus hospitalisations backtracked on the promise Italian city of Palermo. The Italian coastguard have although Rome banned rescue Emmanuel Macron cannot be are also rising in recent weeks. that tests will be available Those who jumped into the transferred two pregnant ships from docking in its ports targeted by lawsuits now Authorities in Marseille, for anyone at any time, and sea, part of a group of more women and one of their hus- due to the COVID-19 pandemic. because sitting presidents have Bordeaux and some other areas are now again calling on than 270 people, were picked bands onto land for medical Sometimes those saved at sea immunity from prosecution. have imposed new local people to only get a test if up by Italian coastguard and assistance in recent days. are transferred to ferries and The victims group questions restrictions on gatherings as they have serious health police ships. After being for years the quarantined there, off the why France hasn’t yet authorized they have become new virus issues. The charity vessel carried primary route into Europe for Italian coast. quick saliva tests for the virus, hotspots. FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2020 EUROPE / AMERICAS 11 Novichok found on hotel water bottle: Navalny aides

AFP — MOSCOW Navalny's ally Lyubov at Tomsk’s Xander hotel, a modern four-star hotel, and Aides of Russian opposition Sobol tweeted also visited its restaurant, figure Alexei Navalny said yesterday that it according to transport police. yesterday that German experts Navalny’s team, some of found Novichok nerve agent on was “important to whom were staying at the same a water bottle taken from the understand that hotel, collected the bottle and hotel room where he stayed there were traces of other items from his room after before being poisoned. hearing he fell ill. The bottle appears to have Novichok on the bottle Yarmysh posted video on been key evidence for Germany’s in the hotel, (but) Twitter of aides in gloves conclusion that the 44-year-old packing up items left in the lawyer and outspoken critic of that doesn’t mean hotel room in plastic bags. President Vladimir Putin was Navalny was poisoned “It was decided to take eve- poisoned with the military-grade rything that could be hypothet- nerve agent. specifically by the ically useful and hand it over to Specialists from a German bottle of water.” doctors in Germany,” Navalny’s military laboratory found traces aides said in a statement. of Novichok on a bottle of “Holy “It was obvious from the Spring” water Navalny left in his being treated in a hospital in start that the Russian leadership hotel room in the Siberian city Berlin and on Tuesday said he would deny poisoning and the of Tomsk, his spokeswoman was breathing for the first time law enforcement authorities Water bottles in a hotel room where Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny stayed during his Kira Yarmysh said in a video without medical support. would not open a criminal recent visit in the Siberian city of Tomsk, on this still image from a social media video obtained yesterday. statement. Germany has said it has probe and carry out an investi- The discovery “means that “unequivocal evidence” that gation,” Yarmysh said. It cited an aide as saying to Navalny’s room was within investigation and for those Navalny was poisoned before Navalny was poisoned with a Russia’s Proyekt news site Navalny does not remember view of two security cameras responsible to be brought to he left the hotel and not in the Novichok nerve agent and this published a detailed investi- when exactly he drank from the and transport police, who are justice. airport or on the plane,” week reported that labs in gation yesterday, citing Nav- bottle. carrying out a pre-investigation Russia has dismissed “unsub- Yarmysh said. France and Sweden had con- alny’s aides. One of Novichok’s creators, check into the circumstances stantiated claims” over the Navalny collapsed last firmed the findings. It wrote that the water Vladimir Uglev, told the site that have the footage. Despite having incident and said its doctors month on a flight from Tomsk His ally Lyubov Sobol bottle was key evidence for Navalny’s survival meant it was evidence for an investigation, a found no trace of toxins. Germany to Moscow after a campaign trip tweeted yesterday that it was German experts because Nov- likely he only had skin contact month later, “a criminal probe has not released details of the to support opposition candi- “important to understand that ichok would have remained with the poison, suggesting it has still not been opened,” evidence for Navalny’s poisoning dates in local elections. there were traces of Novichok intact while it was broken down was not in the water. Yarmysh complained. with nerve agent. Previously aides had sug- on the bottle in the hotel, (but) in Navalny’s body. Navalny spent his last day The anti-corruption cam- Russia has focused on Nav- gested he had been poisoned by that doesn’t mean Navalny was It said that aides collected in Tomsk except for an evening paigner’s suspected poisoning alny’s medical tests, saying its own a cup of tea he drank at an poisoned specifically by the an opened bottle of Svyatoi trip to swim in a local river, has sparked sharp condemnation medics did not detect poisoning airport cafe. bottle of water.” Istochnik, or Holy Spring, Proyekt reported. from Western leaders, who have and asking Germany to provide The 44-year-old lawyer is He stayed for three nights mineral water, a popular brand. Proyekt found that the door called for a thorough results of tests done there

Restoration after 2015 Brazil dam Greek police move asylum seekers to new camp burst behind AP — KARA TEPE, GREECE reported. “As long as it is The new site consists of large people were due to arrive. participation by other EU peaceful, we believe it is a good family tents erected in an old The medical aid organi- members in relocation schemes schedule: UN Greek police were moving move,” said Astrid Castelein, army shooting range by the sea. zation Doctors Without Borders, — unpopular with many central hundreds of migrants to an head of the UN Refugee By late Wednesday night, it had or MSF, said Greek police were and East European countries — REUTERS — LONDON army-built camp on the island Agency’s office on Lesbos. a capacity of around 8,000 preventing its staff on the island but has also suggested that of Lesbos yesterday after a fire “Here on the street it is a people, according to the UNHCR, from accessing a clinic it has set alternative obligations may be All 42 restoration projects destroyed an overcrowded risk for security, for public but only around 1,100 mostly up there. assigned to countries wishing following the deadly collapse facility, leaving them homeless health, and it’s not dignity vulnerable people had entered. Moria had a capacity of just to opt out of relocation. of a Brazilian dam in 2015 are for days. which we need for everyone.” New arrivals are tested for over 2,700 people, but more Speaking at a debate in the behind schedule, according to Wearing masks and white Authorities said the fires had the coronavirus, registered and than 12,500 people had been European Parliament on the sit- a UN expert report published coveralls, police escorted been set deliberately by a small assigned a tent. “This is an oper- living in and around it when it uation in Greece, EU Commis- as mining giant BHP waits to migrants camped out on a group of inhabitants angered by ation for the protection of public burned down. The camp and its sioner for Home Affairs Ylva hear if it will be pursued roadside to the new site in the COVID-19 lockdown restric- health and with a clear human- squalid conditions were held up Johansson said that “there can be through English courts over island’s Kara Tepe area. tions. Six Afghans, including two itarian mission,” the police said by critics as a symbol of Europe’s no more Morias,” and that it was the disaster. The notoriously squalid minors, have been arrested on in a statement. failed migration policies. time for a fresh start on migration. UN Special Rapporteur Moria camp burned down last suspicion of arson. It said 450 people had been The European Union is due Several EU members have Baskut Tuncak alleged mining week, leaving more than 12,000 Most of the migrants made moved to Kara Tepe yesterday to issue proposals to overhaul offered to take in refugees from companies had failed to provide people in need of emergency homeless set up makeshift morning, and 250 of them had the bloc’s migration policy next Greece, led by Germany which effective support for victims shelter. shelters made of sheets, already entered the new camp week in an effort to end years says it will take in 1,553 refugees since Brazil’s worst environ- Thursday’s operation blankets, reeds, and cardboard after undergoing a rapid test for of division among member from Greek island camps who mental disaster killed 19 and included 70 female police along a stretch of road near the the coronavirus. The rest were states. As a frontier state, Greece have had their asylum applica- decimated the livelihoods of officers and no violence was gutted camp. waiting to enter, while more is pressing for increased tions approved. over three million people. “Today, none of 42 projects are on track,” he said in a report to the U.N. Human Emissions may add 40cm Rights Council, published on Wednesday. The collapse of the Fundao to sea levels: Experts dam, which stored mining waste and is owned by the AFP — PARIS humans have caused in the Samarco joint venture between industrial age. BHP and Brazilian iron ore Sustained greenhouse gas “It’s not so surprising that if mining giant Vale, poured emissions could see global sea we warm the planet more, more roughly 40 million cubic metres levels rise nearly 40 centi- ice will be lost,” said Anders Lev- of mining waste into commu- metres this century as ice ermann, an expert on climate and nities, the Rio Doce River and sheets in Antarctica and ice sheets at the Potsdam Institute Atlantic Ocean, 650km away. Greenland continue to melt, a for Climate Impact Research. “If The Renova Foundation, a major international study we emit more carbon into the redress scheme established in concluded yesterday. atmosphere we will have more 2016 by BHP’s Brazilian division, The gigantic ice caps ice loss in Greenland and Ant- Samarco and Vale, said reset- contain enough frozen water arctic,” he said. tlement works were in progress to lift oceans 65 metres, and “We have in our hands how and water quality monitoring researchers are increasingly fast we let sea levels rise and and environmental repair concerned that their melt rates how much we let sea levels rise projects were on schedule. are tracking the UN’s worst eventually.” Anglo-Australian BHP, the case scenarios for sea level rise. Until the turn of the 21st world’s largest miner, says it Experts from more than century, the West Antarctic and and Vale have each provided three dozen research institu- Greenland ice sheets generally about $1.7bn to support Ren- tions used temperature and accumulated as much mass as ova’s work on projects such as ocean salinity data to conduct they shed. Runoff, in other financial aid to indigenous Police guard Peru Congress building multiple computer models sim- words, was compensated by Krenak families, rebuilding ulating the potential ice loss in fresh snowfall. villages and establishing new Police stand guard outside the Congress building in Lima on Wednesday, days before Peruvian Greenland and Antarctic But over the last two water supply systems. President Martin Vizcarra’s impeachment procedures start. glaciers. decades, the gathering pace of They tracked two climate global warming has upended scenarios — one where this balance. mankind continues to pollute Last year, Greenland lost a at current levels and another record 532 billion tonnes of ice Bolsonaro plays down Amazon fires where carbon emissions are — the equivalent of six Olympic drastically reduced by 2100. pools of cold, fresh water REUTERS — BRASÍLIA Bolsonaro accused to clear them for agricultural previously argued will allow They found that under the flowing into the Atlantic every purposes. In the Pantanal wet- them to be held accountable. high emissions scenario ice loss second. This run-off accounted President Jair Bolsonaro said non-governmental lands, the federal police are also But without presenting any in Antarctica would see sea for 40 percent of sea level rise late on Wednesday Brazil was organisations investigating five farmers for evidence, he accused non-gov- levels rise 30cm by century’s in 2019. being “disproportionately” crit- allegedly starting fires illegally. ernmental organisations of dis- end, with Greenland contrib- The UN’s Intergovernmental icized for fires in the Amazon of disrupting Environmental advocates rupting government efforts to uting an additional 9cm. Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) rainforest and Pantanal government efforts to blame Bolsonaro, who supports grant these land titles. Such an increase would in a special report on Earth’s wetlands, at a time when many introducing more commercial Earlier this year, the gov- have a devastating impact frozen spaces predicted last places around the world were grant land titles. farming and mining in the ernment attempted to push worldwide, increasing the year that Greenland ice melt seeing a surge in blazes. Amazon, for emboldening those through Congress a bill that destructive power of storm could contribute 8-27 cm to The number of fires in the who destroy the forest. The pres- would make it easier to issue surges and exposing coastal ocean levels by 2100. It esti- Amazon, the world’s largest criticisms of the Amazon and the ident says developing the Amazon land titles, but the effort failed regions home to hundreds of mated Antarctica could add rainforest, likely hit a 10-year Pantanal. California is burning will lift the region out of poverty. after NGOS said it would millions of people to repeated 3-28 cm on top of that. high in August, according to a with fire. Africa has more fires Bolsonaro said on increase deforestation and and severe flooding. A study published earlier this government scientist. The Pan- than in Brazil,” he told supporters Wednesday the government major European brands Even in the lower emissions month in Nature Climate Change tanal, the planet’s biggest waiting for him at the entrance was attempting to resolve the threatened to boycott Brazil. scenario, the Greenland sheet said the mass already lost by wetland, in 2020 has registered of his official residence. problem of fires via an initiative The government has instead would raise oceans by around melt-water and crumbling ice the most annual fires since gov- In the Amazon, illegal to issue land titles to those said it will boost efforts to title 3 cm by 2100 — beyond what between 2007-2017 aligned with ernment records began in 1998. ranchers and land speculators squatting on public land, in an land at an administrative level is already destined to melt due the most extreme IPCC forecasts “There are disproportionate generally set fire to plots of land effort the government has under current laws. to the additional 1C of warming for the two sheets. 12 AMERICAS FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2020

US denies sending Russia seeks to accused American stop Biden from spy to Venezuela ANATOLIA — WASHINGTON

An American citizen who was winning: FBI chief convicted and jailed in Vene- zuela on terrorism charges after BLOOMBERG — WASHINGTON “In addition to being accused of being a spy Russia, China is was not sent by the US Russia is seeking to hurt government, a senior official Democrat Joe Biden’s presi- among adversaries said. dential campaign through social that are trying to Matthew John Heath was media and influence operations, plotting attacks against the FBI Director Christopher Wray interfere in the country’s oil industry and elec- warned yesterday. presidential campaign, tricity system, according to Ven- Moscow is carrying out ezuela’s chief prosecutor Tarek efforts to sow discord in the US primarily through William Saab, who said three “primarily to denigrate Vice- disinformation,” Venezuelan nationals were also President Biden and what the Christopher Wray said. arrested along with Heath. Russians see as an anti-Russia “From everything I’ve seen, establishment,” Wray told law- it’s — I can say that the United makers during a House infrastructure as it did in 2016 States government did not send Homeland Security Committee when it hacked voting data- Mr. Heath to Venezuela,” Elliott hearing on threats to the nation. bases, Wray said. Democratic US presidential nominee and former vice-president Joe Biden departs for home after an Abrams, the US special envoy “Russia continues to try to In addition to Russia, China afternoon session of meetings in Wilmington, Delaware, yesterday. for Venezuela and Iran, told influence our elections, pri- is among adversaries that are reporters in a teleconference. marily through what we call trying to interfere in the presi- November 3 election “to con- mislead, sow discord and, ulti- an organisation or a structure. He said there is “a limit to malign foreign influence,” Wray dential campaign, primarily front malign foreign operations mately, undermine confidence We understand it to be more of what I can say because I don’t said. It’s an assessment sharply through disinformation, Wray of China, Iran, and other global in our democratic institutions a movement or maybe you could have the privacy waiver that at odds with that of President said. adversaries.” and values.” call it an ideology.” would allow us for — that would Donald Trump, who still dis- US agencies previously In prepared testimony, Under questioning, Wray Wray said the FBI is focused allow us to say a bit more,” misses as a hoax the intelligence focused on “efforts to combat Wray said, “This year’s election declined to say that the anar- on stopping violence that is adding Venezuela is a “partic- community’s finding that Russia malign foreign influence cycle, amid the COVID-19 pan- chist movement Antifa, cited being carried out by individuals ularly difficult” country as the worked to help him win the focused solely on the threat demic, provides ample oppor- often by Trump and Attorney- affiliated with both left-wing US does not “have an embassy White House in 2016. posed by Russia,” Wray said, but tunity for hostile foreign actors General William Barr, is the and right-wing groups, with a consular section in US national security now the Federal Bureau of to conduct disinformation cam- biggest domestic threat. including from people who Caracas.” agencies haven’t yet seen Russia Investigation is “widening its paigns and foreign influence “Antifa is a real thing. It’s not identify themselves as Antifa On Friday, Venezuelan trying to break into election aperture” leading into the operations in an effort to a fiction,” Wray said. “But it’s not supporters. President Nicolas Maduro said a marine had been captured with weapons and a large amount of cash. Maduro said Trump questions if 2020 presidential result can ever be accurate Heath was serving as a marine at CIA bases in Iraq. REUTERS — WASHINGTON Democratic challenger Joe unprecedented massive as illness or travel. The other 34 largest test of voting by mail, Saab said Heath and the Biden in public opinion polls, amount of unsolicited ballots states allow any registered and the two major parties are other three detainees were US President Donald Trump has continued to make unsub- which will be sent to ‘voters,’ voter to request a mail ballot. locked in numerous lawsuits attempting to “fill the country escalated his unfounded attacks stantiated attacks on voting by or wherever, this year, the Nov Trump has claimed, without that will shape how millions of with blood,” but Venezuelan on mail-in voting yesterday, mail as vulnerable to fraud as 3rd Election result may never evidence, that the latter system Americans exercise their right authorities neutralised their suggesting the result of the state officials embrace it as an be accurately determined, is prone to fraud although to vote. plans. 2020 presidential race could alternative to in-person bal- which is what some want. Americans have long voted by Democratic voters, mean- In August, a Venezuelan never be accurately determined loting during the coronavirus Another election disaster yes- mail. while, are embracing mail court sentenced two former US in a Twitter post that would pandemic. Election experts who terday. Stop Ballot Madness!” One in four ballots in 2016 ballots at rates well ahead of special forces soldiers to 20 undermine the legitimacy of have studied decades of US Trump said in a tweet. were cast by mail. their Republican counterparts, years in prison for their part in any winner. elections say fraud is rare. Sixteen states require an The November 3 election according to data from recent a failed coup attempt to oust the Trump, lagging his “Because of the new and excuse to vote absentee, such promises to be the nation’s state and local elections. Maduro government in May. Mexico asks US for answers on Trump contradicts CDC director on vaccine, masks alleged migrant REUTERS — WASHINGTON vaccine will be rolled out much November 3 presidential called him about that,” Trump vulnerable, but that it might sooner. He said he called Red- election. said. take until mid-2021 for it to be detention abuse President Donald Trump took field after his testimony to Several companies are in On Twitter late on widely available. exception to comments from question him about it, and that late-stage trials of a vaccine and Wednesday, Redfield said he “As soon as (a) vaccine gets REUTERS — MEXICO CITY the director of the US Centers Redfield appeared to have been have expressed optimism, but believed “100%” in the impor- approved or cleared, we want for Disease Control and confused by the question. none of the vaccines are yet tance of a vaccine. “A COVID-19 to be in a position to distribute Mexico said said it had Prevention (CDC), who said a “I think he made a mistake proven to be effective and safe. vaccine is the thing that will get it within 24 hours,” Redfield told formally requested a report vaccine for the novel corona- when he said that,” Trump said Trump also criticised Red- Americans back to normal eve- the US Senate Appropriations from US authorities regarding virus could be broadly rolled of Redfield’s testimony. “I don’t field for saying wearing a mask ryday life,” he said. Subcommittee on Labor, Health alleged negligent practices in out in mid-2021 and that think he means that. When he can be just as effective as a Despite quibbling with Red- and Human Services, Education, US immigration detention masks might be even more said it, I believe he was vaccine. Trump was initially field, Trump said he retained and Related Agencies. But “in centres, citing accusations of effective. confused.” reluctant to urge Americans to confidence in his performance order to have enough of us sexual abuse and unauthorised Robert Redfield, in tes- Trump said a vaccine may wear masks but has since been at the CDC. immunised to have immunity, I hysterectomies. timony to a congressional com- be available in a matter of more willing to do so. Still, he Redfield, who is a member think it’s going to take six to nine The request come after a mittee, said that general avail- weeks and that there was a plan has held a number of tightly of Trump’s coronavirus task months,” he added. complaint by a whistleblower ability of a vaccine could come to begin distributing it widely packed events where many par- force, did say that a vaccine The federal government will nurse alleging that detainees by “late second quarter, third soon after the Food and Drug ticipants have not covered their could be ready as soon as this allocate vaccines for each state in a Georgia immigration quarter 2021.” Administration approves it. mouth and nose. November or December, and based on the critical popula- detention facility had Trump, at a news con- Trump is eager to have progress “Number one, it’s not more that limited first doses could go tions recommended first for improperly received hyster- ference, said he believed a on a vaccine ahead of the effective than a vaccine and I to those who were most vaccination by the US CDC. ectomies and other gyneco- logical procedures. The complaint did not specify the nationality of the Barack Obama to release affected detainees. In a separate case, the Mexican ministry said its con- book after US election sulate in El Paso, Texas was in AFP — WASHINGTON contact with a Mexican woman and her lawyer after an alle- Former US president Barack gation of sexual abuse by US Obama (pictured) yesterday Immigration and Customs announced the publication in Enforcement (ICE) agents. November of the first half of his It did not give more details. memoirs, “A Promised Land” In August, ProPublica and — two weeks after the election The Texas Tribune reported pitting Donald Trump against allegations of a guard abusing Joe Biden. detainees including a Mexican Publisher Penguin Random woman at an El Paso immi- House said the book will be gration detention centre. ICE released in 25 languages simul- at the time said the accusations taneously on November 17. would be investigated. “There’s no feeling like fin- The ministry said both ishing a book, and I’m proud of Osama bin Laden was killed in consulates were seeking this one,” Obama tweeted. Pakistan. clarity from US authorities and “In A Promised Land, I try A release date for the trying to identify any affected to provide an honest second volume has not yet been Mexicans. accounting of my presidency, set, Penguin Random House A US flag flies from a boat damaged by Hurricane Sally in Pensacola, Florida, yesterday. It said Mexico had acti- the forces we grapple with as said. vated consular protection a nation, and how we can heal “I’ve also tried to give mechanisms and that consular our divisions and make readers a sense of the personal personnel had increased Sally leaves trail of destruction across Gulf Coast democracy work for journey that Michelle and I attention at the detention AFP — PENSACOLA, UNITED TV. “The whole house was Florida Governor Ron everybody.” went through during those centers to ensure rights were STATES shaking like a boat on the water. DeSantis was to visit Pensacola Obama, America’s first years, with all the incredible respected, the ministry said. It was scary, man, it really was.” to survey the damage, which black president, served two highs and lows,” Obama said “The government of Mexico Shellshocked residents were More than 400,000 homes included a missing section of a terms in the White House from in a statement. will promptly follow up cleaning up after Hurricane and businesses in Alabama and major new bridge across Pen- January 2009 through January “I hope more than anything through its various diplomatic Sally left a trail of destruction Florida were still without power sacola Bay. 2017, when he was succeeded that the book inspires young and legal instruments to fully in US coastal towns stretching yesterday, according to tracking Wilson, the Orange Beach by Trump. people across the country — understand what happened,” from Alabama to the top of the site poweroutage.us. resident, said his house had suf- The book will reveal and around the globe — to take the ministry said in a statement. Florida panhandle. Some of the worst reported fered severe damage and his Obama’s thoughts during the up the baton, lift up their ICE did not immediately Sally, which made landfall flooding occurred in the city of family fled their home at the global financial crisis and his voices, and play their part in respond to a request for on Wednesday as a Category 2 Pensacola, Florida, which has height of the storm. take on Russian President remaking the world for the comment. The nurse’s allega- hurricane, turned streets into a population of around 52,000. “Everything on the ground Vladimir Putin, the statement better.” tions of improper medical pro- rivers, toppled trees and Downtown streets floor is gone. We ended up from Penguin Random House Michelle Obama’s book cedures on detainees at the downed power lines. resembled lakes at the height leaving the house during the says. “Becoming” — released in Irwin County Detention Center “Our house had windows of the storm with cars sub- eye of the storm... and waded It will also revisit the November 2018 — was a were filed on Monday to the blow out,” Matt Wilson of merged to the tops of their through about five foot of water 59-year-old Democratic resounding success, with more US Department of Homeland Orange Beach, Alabama, one of wheels and ferocious winds to our neighbour’s house arm leader’s approval of a May 2011 than 11.5 million copies sold Security’s Office. the worst hit towns, told WPMI whipping up whitecaps. in arm.” raid in which Al Qaeda leader around the world. Business 13

FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2020

Norwegian Air to cut emissions by 45% by 2030 The low-cost business model is the sustainability model as it enables efficient energy and resource management. Jacob Schram Business Norwegian Air CEO | 14 QSE 9,942.06 +0.01% (+0.63) FTSE 100 6,062.40 -16.08 (0.26%) DOW 28,022.65 -9.73 (0.035%) BRENT $41.10 (+0.94)

QIA, Credit Suisse join hands for direct lending venture

THE PENINSULA — DOHA The CIG team is one Popp. The CIG team is one of the Chairman of the Investment and financial sponsors fran- long-term diversified of the largest and largest and most experienced Bank at Credit Suisse, said, chises, uniquely positions us investor across asset classes Credit Suisse and the Qatar most experienced providers of leveraged finance “We believe this strategic part- to provide capital and liquidity both in the US and Investment Authority (QIA) solutions in the industry, with nership with QIA presents to the private credit market.” globally.” announced yesterday that QIA providers of leveraged approximately $60bn in non- unique opportunities for bor- Commenting on the Popp added, “This private will partner with Credit Suisse finance solutions in investment grade credit rowers seeking credit solu- announcement, Mansoor Al credit platform is a natural Asset Management to form a the industry, with positions. tions to partner with our Asset Mahmoud, CEO of QIA: said, extension of our business as multibillion dollar direct private approximately $60bn in For more than 20 years Management and Investment “We see significant potential a leading provider of capital credit platform that will provide through various market cycles, Bank franchises. The Credit in the growing private credit solutions to non-investment financing primarily in the form non-investment grade CIG has maintained a disci- Investments Group, within market and we are excited to grade companies in the US of secured first and second lien credit positions. plined approach and demon- Credit Suisse Asset Man- once again work with Credit and Western Europe. The loans to upper middle-market strated leading experience in agement, has extensive Suisse. This strategic part- current market environment and larger companies in the US sourcing and servicing credit industry and lending relation- nership, with one of the presents an ideal entry point and Europe. Credit Investments Group (CIG), relationships. ships that, when combined foremost leaders in asset into the private credit space, The platform is part of Credit which is led by Global Head and Eric Varvel, Global Head of with Credit Suisse’s management, is aligned with with capital and liquidity Suisse Asset Management’s Chief Investment Officer, John Asset Management and unmatched leveraged finance QIA’s objectives as a now at a premium.” US weekly jobless claims Spain’s Finland strikes CaixaBank, deal on $76bn remain perched at higher levels Bankia meet REUTERS — WASHINGTON The weekly jobless A program to help busi- to sign mega claims report from nesses with wages expired in budget for 2021 The number of Americans filing the Labor Department August, while $25bn in gov- merger new claims for unemployment yesterday, the most ernment assistance for airlines’ BLOOMBERG benefits fell less than expected payroll expires this month. Last last week and applications for timely data on the week’s claims covered the AFP — MADRID the prior period were revised economy’s health, period during which the gov- Finland’s five-party coalition up, suggesting the labour also showed nearly 30 ernment surveyed businesses Directors from CaixaBank and hammered out an expan- market recovery had shifted for the nonfarm payrolls com- Bankia met yesterday to sionary budget for next year to into low gear amid fading fiscal million people were on ponent of September’s approve their merger into help the Nordic nation’s stimulus. unemployment benefits employment report. Spain’s biggest national lender economy weather the The weekly jobless claims at the end of August. The economy created 1.371 in a move which will transform COVID-19 pandemic. report from the Labor million jobs in August after the landscape of Spanish The 2021 budget sets Department yesterday, the most adding 1.734 million in July. banking. spending at €64.2bn ($76bn) timely data on the economy’s seasonal fluctuations because About 10.6 million of the 22.2 A source close to the deal with new outlays on corona- health, also showed nearly 30 of the economic shock inflected million jobs lost at the depth of said the board of directors of virus testing and funding million people were on unem- by the coronavirus crisis. the coronavirus crisis have been both banks will meet during the municipalities, Prime Minister ployment benefits at the end of Despite last week’s big drop in recovered. afternoon to approve the Sanna Marin has said. Revenue August. unadjusted claims, they remain While other sectors of the merger, details of which were is estimated at €53.4bn, leaving Signs the labour market extraordinarily high. economy are losing steam, the thrashed out in a series of the budget €10.8bn in deficit. was stalling came a day after A total 658,737 applications housing market continues to tough negotiations with Ban- “The budget builds a bridge the Federal Reserve vowed to were received for the gov- power ahead, thanks to record- kia’s biggest shareholder, the over the coronavirus pan- kept interest rates near zero for ernment-funded pandemic low interest rates and a Spanish government. The demic,” Marin said. It’s expan- Prime Minister of Finland Sanna a long time. The US central unemployment assistance last migration to suburbs and low- merger create the country’s sionary and “will ensure we Marin bank noted that the COVID-19 week. The PUA is for the self- density areas, spawned by the largest bank with combined return to growth quickly,” the pandemic “will continue to employed, gig workers and pandemic. Unemployment has assets of around 664 billion 34-year-old prime minister than the €7bn proposed by the weigh on economic activity” in others who do not qualify for disproportionately affected euros, Renta 4 Banco analysts said. Finance Ministry in August. the near term and “poses con- the regular state unemployment low-wage workers, who are say, putting the new entity Finland appears to have Taxes on salaries remain siderable risks to the economic programs. Altogether, 1.45 typically renters. ahead of Santander or BBVA, endured a smaller economic largely unchanged, while tax- outlook over the medium term.” million people filed claims last A separate report from the both of which have a more impact than the euro area on ation on heating fuels will grow Fed Chair Jerome Powell said week. Commerce Department yes- international presence. average, with output con- by €105m and levies on more fiscal support was likely The claims data added to terday showed singe-family Under terms of the deal, tracting 4.5 percent in the tobacco and alcohol by a total to be needed for the economy. reports this week showing a home building, which accounts shareholders in CaixaBank, second quarter from the prior €100m. Finland will spend Initial claims for state slowdown in retail sales and for the largest share of the Spain’s largest domestic bank, three-month period. The main more on education, and plans unemployment benefits fell production at factories in housing market, increased 4.1 would hold 75 percent of the risk for the economy continues to revamp energy taxation to 33,000 to a seasonally adjusted August. percent to a seasonally adjusted new entity, while Bankia share- to be weak global demand for help meet its goal of becoming 860,000 for the week ended US stocks opened lower. annual rate of 1.021 million holders would take the its exports, which consist carbon neutral by 2035. September 12. Data for the prior The dollar was steady against units in August. remaining 25 percent. largely of industrial goods. Finland will use European week was revised to show a basket of currencies. US Further gains are likely, The Spanish state, which The government has Union stimulus funds to create 9,000 more applications Treasury prices were higher. with building permits for currently holds just under 62 pushed back its goal to halt a program for sustainable received than previously After declining from a single-family housing units percent of Bankia, will hold a debt growth to the end of the growth, which will direct as reported. Economists polled by record 6.867 million at the end accelerating 6.0 percent to a 14-percent share in the new decade from an initial pre-pan- much as €1.2bn to support a Reuters had forecast 850,000 of March as businesses reo- rate of 1.036 million units. group, press reports said. In demic target of 2023. green transition, the gov- applications in the latest week. pened after being shuttered to A 22.7 percent tumble in 2012, the Spanish government Debt relative to the size of ernment said. It will also Unadjusted claims dropped stem the spread of the corona- starts for the volatile multi- stepped in to save Bankia from the economy is set to jump to prepare a “renewable industry 75,974 to 790,021 last week. virus, claims have flattened, family housing segment, collapse, spending €22bn to more than 70 percent from the strategy” and seeks to safe- Economists prefer the unad- with layoffs spilling over to however, led to a 5.1 percent bail out a bank that was seen current level of under 60 guard a stable and predictable justed claims number given industries that were not initially drop in overall homebuilding as a symbol of financial excess percent. Next year’s deficit is environment for business to earlier difficulties adjusting the impacted by the mandated to a rate of 1.416 million units at a time when the Spanish more than 50 percent larger enable investments. claims data for closures. last month. economy was mired in crisis. EU’s Barnier still hopes trade deal with Britain possible

REUTERS — BRUSSELS But the assessment from so far - were “a glimmer of 15-16 summit. Barnier has stressed he will Michel Barnier (pictured), who hope”. A third source, a senior EU keep negotiating until his last The European Union’s Brexit addressed the ambassadorial Reuters reported exclu- diplomat, confirmed the UK breath,” said a fourth EU negotiator told the bloc’s 27 gathering on Wednesday, was sively on Tuesday that Britain offer on fisheries but said it diplomat. national envoys to Brussels that not all bleak, according to EU has moved to break the was not going far enough. The person agreed with an he still thinks a trade deal with sources who either participated deadlock despite publicly “It is too little but it’s not estimate by Societe Generale Britain is possible despite a or were briefed. threatening to walk away from too late,” the diplomat said, bank, which put at 80 percent new crisis in the tortuous four- “Barnier still believes a deal the Withdrawal Agreement. stressing that London’s offer the probability of a damaging year saga, diplomatic sources is possible though the next days Talks on new trade arrange- for fishing concessions in the no-deal split. told Reuters. are key,” said one of the EU ments descended into fresh English Channel was largely EU states agreed in dis- Britain left the EU last sources. “The hope is still turmoil this month over Prime irrelevant for EU fishermen cussion with Barnier the bloc January and is in a standstill there,” added another. Minister Boris Johnson’s plans who mostly trawl the North would not conclude any new transition until the end of the Barnier’s boss, European to pass new domestic laws that and Irish seas. trade deal with the UK should year. Commission President Ursula would undercut the with- The diplomatic sources it end up approving the Internal Talks on a new trade deal von der Leyen, echoed his drawal accord. stressed the EU would go on Market Bill without amend- from 2021 have made little view in an interview with the EU diplomats said they negotiating with Britain, if only ments ensuring it does not progress ahead of an EU FT. would assess the domestic to avoid being blamed for jeop- violate Britain’s international mechanism in any new UK deadline of end-October, while The first source said ten- political situation in Britain at ardising an estimated $1 trillion legal obligations. trade deal should Johnson London’s moves to undermine tative concessions offered by the end of the month before in annual trade. The bloc would also take a press ahead with his current its earlier divorce deal have the United Kingdom on fish- the bloc’s 27 national leaders “There is unease about more rigid line in demanding plans on the law, according to further clouded the picture. eries - a major point of discord decide next steps at an October what Britain is doing but a solid dispute settlement the sources. 14 BUSINESS FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2020 BoE eyes subzero rates in face Global stock markets fall after Fed warning of coronavirus and Brexit on economic outlook AP — LONDON After unanimously when many sectors were effec- The committee also said it deciding to keep the tively mothballed as part of had been briefed on how neg- AFP — LONDON The Bank of England (BoE) indi- efforts to contain the corona- ative interest rates, which and the dollar finding some cated yesterday that it could cut bank’s main interest virus pandemic. Though it has would in essence seek to support.” interest rates below zero for the rate on hold at the recouped some ground over the encourage banks to lend rather Europe’s stock markets sank Asian equities had first time in its 326-year history record low of 0.1, the past few months as lockdown than hoard their cash, could be yesterday, taking their cue mostly dropped following a as it tries to shore up a UK eco- restrictions were eased, the “implemented effectively.” from earlier losses in Asia broadly negative lead from nomic recovery that is facing nine-member rate- economy was still around 12 Further discussions about their after the head of the US Wall Street on Wednesday. the dual headwinds of the coro- setting Monetary smaller at the end of July than potential use will take place at Federal Reserve warned Fed chief Jerome Powell navirus and Brexit. it was in February, when the the bank during the fourth about the “uncertain” told reporters that while the After unanimously deciding Policy Committee pandemic started in Europe. quarter, according to the outlook for the virus-hit US recovery was looking better to keep the bank’s main interest said it had discussed Alongside developments minutes. economy. than anticipated, “overall rate on hold at the record low its “policy toolkit, and related to the virus, Bank of Though that doesn’t neces- The European Central activity remains well below of 0.1, the nine-member rate- England rate-setters have to sarily mean any action is likely Bank announced it was its level before the pandemic setting Monetary Policy Com- the effectiveness of keep abreast of developments this fall, it’s a clear signal from offering additional tem- and the path ahead remains mittee said it had discussed its negative policy rates surrounding the post-Brexit the bank that it is ready to enact porary relief to banks to help highly uncertain”, and “policy toolkit, and the effec- in particular.” trade discussions between the further stimulus measures to them cope with the impact stressed the need for more tiveness of negative policy rates UK and the EU. keep the economic recovery of the coronavirus pan- stimulus. in particular.” With positions seemingly going in the face of lockdown demic, easing requirements While the central bank In minutes accompanying hardening, there are concerns measures and Brexit on the capital they are indicated interest rates were the decision, the rate-setters news is about the future “given that the talks on a future trade uncertainties. required to hold. unlikely to begin rising for said a recent wave of new virus the risks.” deal could collapse within Financial markets inter- In late morning deals, another three years, infections and government There are concerns that weeks. If that happens, tariffs preted the announcement as London’s benchmark FTSE allowing businesses to measures to contain it “have the Britain, like others in Europe, and other impediments to trade increasing the likelihood of 100 index of major blue-chip borrow at ultra-low levels, potential to weigh further on will reimpose broad restrictions will be imposed by both sides negative rates next year, poten- companies shed 0.9 percent Powell’s call for more fiscal economic activity, albeit on businesses and public life at the start of 2021, a devel- tially in the event of the UK and as investors awaited the help came as US lawmakers probably on a lesser scale than after the recent flare-up in virus opment that would hurt the UK the EU failing to agree on a Bank of England’s (BoE) seem unable to find common seen earlier in the year.” infections across Europe. more. trade deal. The pound fell 0.7 latest monetary policy ground on a new package. Though the committee Already social gatherings are The UK left the EU on to $1.2884. decision at 1100 GMT, when “It will take a while to noted that recent domestic eco- being restricted and certain January 31, but is in a transition Most economists think the it is expected to maintain its get back to the levels of eco- nomic indicators have been a areas of the UK are seeing period that effectively sees it bank will boost its bond-buying key interest rate at 0.1 nomic activity and “little stronger than expected” localized lockdowns. benefit from the bloc’s tariff- stimulus program in November percent. employment that prevailed at the time of its last meeting in The British economy suf- free trade until the end of the - ahead of any push to drive Heading into the half- at the beginning of this early August, it said it is unclear fered one of the deepest reces- year while a future relationship interest rates below zero - to way stage in the eurozone, year,” Powell said. “My sense how informative the recent sions in the world this year is negotiated. help the economy. Frankfurt’s DAX 30 shares is that more fiscal support is index dipped 0.6 percent likely to be needed.” and the Paris CAC 40 lost 0.7 Talks on a new rescue percent. bill have stalled for weeks, The dollar steadied after with both sides digging in Norwegian Air Shuttle to cut losing ground following the their heels and blaming each Fed’s comments, while oil other, though Democratic prices retreated as traders House Speaker Nancy Pelosi emissions by 45% by 2030 awaited a video conference and White House chief of meeting of the expanded staff Mark Meadows each AFP - OSLO Schram (pictured) said in a the aviation industry, quad- Opec+ grouping of crude made encouraging state- statement. rupled its losses in the first half producing nations. ments about the potential to Low-cost carrier Norwegian Air Europe’s third-biggest low- of 2020. With a 71 percent drop “A lingering sense of dis- break the impasse. Shuttle said yesterday it cost carrier, which is struggling in passengers, 8,000 employees appointment hangs over President Donald Trump planned to slash CO2 emissions financially, aims to reduce its either furloughed or cut, and global markets in the wake on Wednesday tweeted that by 45 percent by 2030 and emissions, from 2010 levels, by 140 planes grounded, Nor- of the Fed meeting,” said IG Republicans -- who last reduce its use of plastics as part renewing its fleet and using wegian has been hit hard by the analyst Chris Beauchamp. week put forward a of a new environmental cleaner fuels. coronavirus crisis which forced Looking ahead, the company “Investors had evidently $500-bin proposal -- should strategy. It also plans to stop using it into an unwanted “hiber- plans to reduce the number of hoped for something much “go for the much higher “The low-cost business non-recyclable plastic by 2023 nation”, raising doubts about its flights from pre-corona levels, more concrete than the rel- numbers”, suggesting he is model is the sustainability and to recycle all single-use survival. and focus on profitable routes atively vague policy outlook keen to reach an agreement model as it enables efficient plastics. Norwegian, which was Schram has said the rather than the aggressive provided by Powell and Co., with Democrats, who are energy and resource man- struggling even before the company “will need more help... expansion it had originally with equities struggling... aiming for $2 trillion. agement,” chief executive Jacob COVID-19 pandemic paralysed to get through the winter.” envisaged. First private jet terminal opens in India as demand surges

BLOOMBERG of business jets and chartered to expand more than 900 aircraft easier, a long-pending percent to 1,320 aircraft by India opened its first exclusive demand of Indian billionaires 2033, according to estimates terminal for private airplanes seeking friendlier skies with a from Bombardier Inc. to cater to the world’s fastest network of airports just for The use of private planes is growing ultra-rich private jets. also expected to get a boost population. India’s ultra-rich popu- because of the coronavirus The new terminal at the lation has grown 116 percent in pandemic as the super-rich Indira Gandhi International the five years to 2018 and is prefer chartered flights for safer Airport will allow movement of expected to rise 37 percent by travel. Business jets can also be 150 jets daily, Delhi Interna- 2023, according to Knight used as air ambulances, and are tional Airport Ltd. said in a Frank. able to fly to remote areas. statement. The new terminal An exclusive wing will allow It can also make India more will be able to handle over 50 the private jets to skirt the rush investor-friendly as Prime Min- passengers an hour. at passenger terminals. India’s ister Narendra Modi lures busi- A file photo of Star Air plane parked at the new terminal at the Indira Gandhi International Airport This will make movement fleet of business jets is expected nesses to come to India. in New Delhi. Huawei unveils entry level smartphone Huawei Y9a in Qatar Infarm raises $170m fund THE PENINSULA — DOHA what consumers can expect at its latest EMUI 10.1 software price point, the Huawei Y9a update as standard, allowing in farming Huawei yesterday announced packs in 8GB RAM + 128GB ROM users to enjoy seamless, intel- the launch of the Huawei Y9a, for massive internal storage and ligent experiences that let investment boom the new entry level smartphone background multi-tasking. This them stay connected with that is designed for photog- means you can play, browse and ease. Huawei MeeTime calling BLOOMBERG raphy and Super performance. watch for hours at a time, expe- application offers video calling Offering a SuperCamera expe- riencing a easy and smooth mul- between Huawei devices in all Infarm said it attracted $170m rience with a 64MP Quad titasking performance. scenarios. The Smart Collage in the first close of a fund- Camera, 40W Huawei Super- Super Design feature eliminates the trouble raising round to help the Charge, large storage and a Boasting a massive 6.63 of using third-party apps for farming tech company expand sleek design with good value for inch Ultra Fullview FHD display editing. globally, as investors pile cash money, the Huawei Y9a and super narrow bezels with As for the Intuitive gesture into the emerging industry promises to be the perfect the enhanced auto selfie pop-up controls, Huawei’s knuckle that’s experienced a surge of choice for consumers at every camera, the Huawei Y9a pro- gesture supports multi-shape, interest during the COVID-19 age. vides an unobstructed, or sectional screenshots, swipe pandemic. SuperCamera immersive viewing experience, to screenshot longer images The Berlin-based company Housing a 64MP Quad allowing you to enjoy a Ful- or screen recording, making expects the round to ultimately Camera which packs in Hua- lView Display whether you are it more convenient for users exceed $200m, Infarm said in wei’s market-leading smart- gaming, browsing or watching to share what they see. To a statement yesterday. Infarm phone camera technology, the videos. This immersive screen indulge users with a wide grows crops in controlled Halo Ring Design makes sure design with 92 percentscreen- range of mobile apps, the indoor environments and uses you stand out in more ways to-body ratio is perfect for Huawei Y9a is pre-installed less water, land and pesticides than one. Not only does the gamers, ensuring you can play with AppGallery – Huawei’s than traditional farming design itself turn heads, but it A provided picture of Huawei Y9a smartphones. without obstruction. official app store with a con- methods. This approach can ensures you capture key All elements of the Huawei stantly growing list of apps, also aid food supply chain fra- moments anytime, anywhere Y9a’s design combine to ensure where users can simply gility, a problem highlighted by with outstanding clarity and of shooting at 51200 ISO. Wide (10V 4A) Huawei SuperCharge you get noticed wherever you browse and download the panic buying this year, as crops beauty. Housing a 64MP Main Angle photography is also taken technology. Using this solution, go. The enhanced auto selfie apps they need. are grown close to the people Camera, 8MP Ultra Wide Angle care of thanks to the 120° Wide users can charge the device up pop-up camera that allows you Capture something fun and eating them. Lens, 2MP Depth Lens and a Angle Photo lens. Meanwhile, by nearly 70 percentin a to enjoy the full display without explore more with Huawei “The coronavirus pan- 2MP Macro Lens, the Quad the pop-up selfie camera 30-minute charging session. The distractions, as well as pro- Y9a, which comes in stylish demic has put a global spot- Camera setup works together upfront boasts AI beautification 4200mAh large battery can ducing stunning selfies every colour options including Mid- light on the urgent agricultural for the all-scenario (high reso- and EIS anti-shake technology, support 44 hours of voice call, time. This, in addition to the night Black, Space Silver and and ecological challenges of lution, ultra wide angle, bokeh, so that you can be sure of per- 108 hours of music playback, 14 Halo Ring Design with Quad Sakura Pink. Starting 17 Sep- our time,” said Infarm Chief macro) photography fectly social media-ready hours of Internet browsing, 9 Camera setup, means that tember, the Huawei Y9a will Executive Officer Erez experience. selfies. hours of video watching, or 9 Huawei Y9a users will stand out be available for pre-order Galonska. “It allowed us to In addition to this, the 64MP Super Performance with hours of gaming. In addition to from the crowd. from Huawei website for attract high-profile investors Quad Camera setup allows for Huawei SuperCharge this, the AI Power Saving 7.0 Super Experience with QR999. Purchase of the new and show that what we can low light photography thanks The new smartphone fea- feature further helps in managing EMUI 10.1 phone comes with the Huawei offer to the market is here to to AIS Night Mode 2.0 capable tures the industry-leading 40W battery life. Pushing the limits of Huawei Y9a comes with the Band 4 as a gift. last.” Sport FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2020 15 Yorkshire Buzz missing but IPL aims to lose 4 players after positive bring normality amid pandemic result REUTERS - LONDON REUTERS - ABU DHABI some notable absentees at this year’s Four Yorkshire players, After months of uncertainty due event. including David Willey, will to the COVID-19 pandemic, the The English duo of miss their two remaining delayed season of the popular Chris Woakes and Vitality Blast group matches Indian Premier League will kick Jason Roy, Sri Lanka after the England all-rounder off in the United Arab Emirates pace spearhead Lasith tested positive for COVID-19. tomorrow with a clash between Malinga and the Indian Yorkshire said in a defending champions Mumbai pair of Suresh Raina statement on Wednesday that Indians and Chennai Super and Harbhajan Singh Matthew Fisher, Tom Kohler- Kings. have all pulled out of Cadmore, Josh Poysden and The 2020 edition of the the tournament citing Willey had been advised to world’s richest Twenty20 personal reasons. self-isolate for two weeks after league was originally scheduled The Rohit Sharma- a positive test was received to begin on March 29 in India led Mumbai Indians, within the squad. but had to be postponed indef- bio-secure bubbles in Dubai, their television sets,” former against Chinese companies in who beat Chennai by one run Willey later confirmed he initely by the country’s cricket Sharjah and Abu Dhabi in front India captain Ganguly said. India and a weak business envi- in last year’s final to win their had tested positive. board (BCCI) due to worsening of empty stands but organisers “There is a positive in ronment following the pan- fourth title in seven years, once “My wife and I received situation of the pandemic. are hoping to allow some fans everything.” demic, smartphone maker Vivo again look the team to beat with positive COVID test results. IPL’s cancellation would during the later stages of the It will not be the first time pulled out of this year’s edition. a balanced squad. Gutted to be missing the have meant a potential $534m tournament, which will end on that the competition has had to Fantasy gaming company Chennai, led my their char- remaining games,” the loss in revenue, leading the Nov. 10. be held outside India. Dream11 came in as a ismatic captain Mahendra Singh 30-year-old wrote on Twitter. board to shift the tournament While it will be impossible The 2009 edition took place replacement, paying the league Dhoni, will have to find a way “Even more devastated out of India, which is the world’s to create the usual carnival-like in South Africa as it coincided 50% less than Vivo, which had to compensate for the absence that having been in contact second-worst affected country atmosphere in the stands, BCCI with India’s general elections secured the 2018-2022 rights of experienced Raina and Har- with the other three lads Sat- with over 5 million cases of chief Sourav Ganguly felt and the UAE hosted the early for nearly $293m. bhajan if they are to win a urday morning (before we had coronavirus infections. organising the event was an matches of the eight-team tour- “When you encounter such fourth title and match Mumbai symptoms) means they’re at The postponement of this attempt to bring normality to nament five years later for the challenging times and the tour- as the most successful side in risk and unavailable too.” year’s Twenty20 World Cup in people’s life in India, which has same reason. nament faced such impedi- the IPL. The four players missed Australia because of the pan- been battered by the virus. But finding a host country ments, you are bound to lose on Captained by India skipper Yorkshire’s 43-run defeat by demic also helped. It presented “Crowds will watch it on tel- was not the only challenge in certain revenues,” BCCI Virat Kohli, Royal Challengers Durham on Wednesday and a window in the international evision... they (broadcasters) are organising the IPL for the pow- treasurer Arun Dhumal said. Bangalore remain one of the will sit out games against Lan- cricket calendar for the eight- actually expecting the highest erful Indian board as the tour- “Looking at the overall three existing franchises never cashire (played yesterday) and team league, which is attended rating of IPL this season nament lost its title sponsor a picture, one should be happy to have won the tournament but Derbyshire on Sunday. by most of the world’s top because they believe if (people) month before its scheduled that at least something is hap- seem to have their addressed Yorkshire are fifth in the players. don’t turn up in the ground, they start. pening in this environment.” bowling woes to complement North Group with six points The matches will be held in will be actually watching on Amid a growing backlash There will, however, be batting strength. from eight matches.

IPL SCHEDULE Skipper Sharma (FIRST FIVE MATCHES) says Mumbai IPL 2020 season QATAR TIME 1: September 19 in good spirits Mumbai Indians (MI) Vs Chennai DUBAI: Factbox on the 13th Indian Premier League, which will Super Kings (CSK) in Abu Dhabi AFP - DUBAI take place in the United Arab Emirates deu to the COVID-19 5:00 PM pandemic and runs from Sept. 19 to Nov. 10 (teams ranked in 2: September 20 Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit order of last year’s finish): Sharma said yesterday that the Delhi Capitals (DC) Vs Kings XI IPL’s coronavirus bio-security MUMBAI INDIANS Punjab (KXIP) in Dubai 6:30 PM bubble was “mentally tough”, Last year: Champions 3: September 21 but the team was finding ways Best finish: Champions (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019) Sun Risers Hyderabad (SRH) Vs to stimulate players and keep Captain: Rohit Sharma Royal Challengers Bangalore in good spirits. Coach: Mahela Jayawardene (Fourth year) (RCB) in Dubai 6:30 PM The virus-delayed Marquee players: Chris Lynn, Rohit Sharma, Quinton de 4: September 22 Twenty20 tournament begins Kock, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Kieron Rajasthan Royals (RR) Vs tomorrow in the United Arab Pollard, Jasprit Bumrah, James Pattinson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Emirates, with holders Trent Boult, Suryakumar Yadav, Sherfane Rutherford, Mitchell Sharjah 6:30 PM Mumbai playing the Chennai McClenaghan, Rahul Chahar. 5: September 23 Super Kings in the opener in CHENNAI SUPER KINGS Abu Dhabi. Australia’s Glenn Maxwell and Alex Carey pose with the trophy Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Vs Last year: Runners-up Teams in the world’s after winning the match and the series against England at Old Mumbai Indians (MI) Abu Dhabi Best finish: Champions (2010, 2011, 2018) richest cricket competition Trafford, Manchester, on Wednesday night. 6:30 PM Captain: Mahendra Singh Dhoni must abide by strict guidelines, Coach: Stephen Fleming (10th year) leaving them encased in an Marquee players: Ambati Rayudu, Faf du Plessis, Murali isolation “bubble” with only Vijay, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwyane Bravo, Karn Sharma, Shane Marauding Maxwell breaks new hotel staff, their fellow com- Watson, Sam Curran, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Shardul Thakur, petitors, and their similarly Josh Hazlewood, Piyush Chawla, Imran Tahir, Kedar Jadhav. quarantined family. DELHI CAPITALS ground after mental health battle “Mentally it is tough, but Last year: Third hats off to the team man- Best finish: Third (2009, 2012, 2019) agement,” Sharma said. Captain: Shreyas Iyer REUTERS - MELBOURNE faced, 92 fewer than his nearest He was recalled to the Aus- “In our hotel, they have Coach: Ricky Ponting (Third year) rival, England’s Jos Buttler. tralia squad for the white-ball created some amazing space Marquee players: Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Prithvi Less than a year after with- “Everything pretty much tour of South Africa in February around where we can just Shaw, Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan, Axar Patel, Marcus drawing from cricket to tackle went to plan tonight, the way but had to withdraw to have chill, spend time with your Stoinis, Shimron Hetmyer, Alex Carey, Ishant Sharma, Kagiso mental health issues, master our partnership built was out- elbow surgery. family and relax. Rabada, Ravichandran Ashwin, Amit Mishra. blaster Glenn Maxwell has standing,” said Maxwell. The COVID-19 pandemic “We have been here for SUNRISERS HYDERABAD reached a higher plain in the “I feel like I’ve always then intervened, further almost three weeks and have Last year: Fourth one-day format while helping batted better for Australia when delaying his return. been in good spirits. Now it’s Best finish: Champions (2016) Australia turn the tables on we’ve been in a bit of trouble.” The prolonged lockdown in all about preparation and Captain: David Warner world champions England. Maxwell has always been a Victoria state, which has borne getting into that game phase Coach: Trevor Bayliss (First year) Maxwell’s 108 in a brilliant man in a hurry, often sacrificing the brunt of Australia’s mode.” Marquee players: David Warner, Manish Pandey, Kane 212-run partnership with Alex his wicket in a mad dash for COVID-19 infections, proved an The T20 league will be Williamson, Vijay Shankar, Virat Singh, Jonny Bairstow, Priyam Carey drove Australia to a middle order runs, but he had unlikely blessing for Maxwell, played behind closed doors at Garg, Mitchell Marsh, Wriddhiman Saha, Shreevats Goswami, three-wicket win in Manchester to be patient to seize his latest drawing him closer to short three UAE venues, including Sandeep Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rashid Khan, Shahbaz on Wednesday and a 2-1 series chance after a rollercoaster format skipper and fellow Vic- Dubai and Sharjah. Nadeem. victory. year littered with setbacks. torian Aaron Finch. Mumbai -- winners of a KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS While Australia avenged The tour of England was the The only Victorians in the record four IPL titles -- are Last year: Fifth their 5-0 humiliation in Melbourne man’s first taste of Australia squad, the pair had favourites to win this 13th Best finish: Champions (2012, 2014) England two years ago, the international cricket since he little else to do but train edition, but Sharma said Captain: Dinesh Karthik hosts lost their first one-day abruptly withdrew from the together and talk cricket. adapting to the foreign condi- Coach: Brendon McCullum (First year) series at home since 2015 and home Twenty20 series against “I just had so much clarity tions would be crucial to their Marquee players: Eoin Morgan, Tom Banton, Shubman their first anywhere since India Sri Lanka last October while of what (Finch) expected of me success. Gill, Nitish Rana, Shivam Mavi, Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik, in January 2017. struggling with mental health. in that role,” Maxwell said after “Not a lot of cricketers Pat Cummins, Lockie Ferguson, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Varun For Maxwell, who scored 77 After a nearly two-month the game on Wednesday. from our group have played Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sunil Narine. in the opener, his knock on break, Maxwell returned in the “I think I was able to take here,” the star batsman said. KINGS XI PUNJAB Wednesday not only assured domestic Big Bash League, the game on, with the clarity he He reckoned the team’s Last year: Sixth him of the man-of-the-series declaring he had “no demons” gave me before the tournament, spinners -- including Krunal Best finish: Runners-up (2014) award but also made him the in his head in January after and was able to ride on that Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Jayant Captain: KL Rahul fastest man to score 3,000 ODI hammering an unbeaten 83 to momentum as well. Yadav, Anukul Roy and Prince Coach: Anil Kumble (First year) runs. lead the Melbourne Stars to “Just knowing I had the Balwant Rai -- would have an Marquee players: Karun Nair, Chris Gayle, Mayank The all-rounder reached the victory over the cross-town backing of him is awesome,” advantage on the slow Arab Agarwal, Deepak Hooda, Glenn Maxwell, KL Rahul, Nicholas milestone on his 2,440th ball Renegades. Maxwell said. wickets. Pooran, Chris Jordan, Sheldon Cottrell, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman. RAJASTHAN ROYALS ECB’s bio-secure bubbles 'a blueprint for others' Last year: Seventh Best finish: Champions (2008) REUTERS - LONDON and Manchester before matches around the world will look at. Captain: Steve Smith across all three formats against Whether they can model it Coach: Andrew McDonald (First year) The England and Wales Cricket Ireland, Pakistan and exactly like that might be a bit Marquee players: Steve Smith, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Robin Board’s successful completion Australia. more challenging but I think the Uthappa, Ben Stokes, Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, of their summer schedule inside “From where we were five ECB has done an outstanding Andrew Tye, Jofra Archer, Kartik Tyagi, Jaydev Unadkat. bio-secure ‘bubbles’ is a blue- months ago to have had a full job.” Morgan told the BBC that ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE print for other countries to stage set of international fixtures and the health and wellbeing of eve- Last year: Eighth matches amid the COVID-19 to have cricket back on the TV ryone involved had been at the Best finish: Runners-up (2009, 2011, 2016) pandemic, one-day interna- is huge for the game,” Morgan forefront of their thinking Captain: Virat Kohli tional (ODI) skipper Eoin told reporters. before a ball was bowled. Coach: Simon Katich (First year) Morgan (pictured) said. “I think we’ve pioneered “If there was another Marquee players: Virat Kohli, Aaron Finch, AB de Villiers, England returned to action and mapped out exactly how to summer of a bio-secure bubble Chris Morris, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Parthiv Patel, Dale Steyn, following the COVID-19 get cricket back on. Given we’ve we would probably have to look Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Yuzv- stoppage in July with three Tests had no positive cases within the at guys spending more time endra Chahal, Adam Zampa. against the West Indies in bio- bubble I think it’s a very good outside of it or families being secure venues at Southampton example and one every team allowed to come in,” he added. Sport

FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2020 England'sEng bio-secure bubbles a blueprint for others,oth says one-day captain Eoin Morgan I tthinkhin we've pioneered and mapped out exactly how to get criccricketk back on. Given we've had no positive cases within the bubblebubb I think it's a very good example and one every team aaroundrou the world will look at. EoinE Morgan Sport EEngland captain | 15 TOUR DE FRANCE (OVERALL LEADER) Primoz Roglic (SLO) (79hr 45min 30sec). Stage 18 Winner: M. Kwiatkowski (4hr 47min 33sec)

Bale leaves Al Sadd target win over Al Ain; underwhelming Madrid legacy Al Duhail look for repeat show despite haul of

FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA goals, trophies

Qatar football giants Al Sadd and Al REUTERS — MADRID Duhail will be seeking victories as they return to action today in their respective As Gareth Bale prepares to return legs at the AFC Champions League return to Tottenham Hotspur group stage. after seven silverware-laden Al Sadd will take on UAE’s Al Ain, years at Real Madrid, in the against whom they played a thrilling 3-3 Spanish capital there is an over- draw on their home turf, while reigning whelming sense of disap- QNB Stars League champions Al Duhail pointment rather than gratitude will square off with Sharjah, hoping to over his legacy. score second consecutive win over the- Bale scored vital strikes in UAE's side. Champions League finals against Xavi Hernandez-coached Al Sadd Atletico Madrid and Liverpool dropped two points due to a draw on plus a career-defining Copa del Tuesday, but they are still placed well to Rey final winner against eternal advance to the Round of 16. The Wolves rivals Barcelona amongst 105 are second with 5 points behind Saudi goals and 68 assists in 251 games. Arabia’s Al Nassr (7 points) in Group D. Al Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez (right) and Al Sadd midfielder Guillerme But as his departure edges A win today could put them within a Torres attend a pre-match press conference, yesterday. closer, the media and fans are point of the knockout stage with two focusing on his eye-watering games still to play, should Al Nassr repeat salary of $35.39m per year, his their win over Sepahan later tonight. Al Duhail coach Walid Regragui said injury record plus an apparent “We need three points to go to the We are in a crucial phase now. Sharjah will pose a big challenge to his wavering attitude rather than his next stage. We are in a crucial phase now. We played well in the last game side to stay alive in event. often brilliant performances on We played well in the last game but we but we need to finish off the “The match is going to be difficult as YESTERDAY’S RESULTS the pitch. need to finish off the chances in front of chances in front of goal, and not Sharjah need wins to advance. We will GROUP A ‘Bale cost Madrid 23,800 goal, and not make mistakes that lead to make mistakes that lead to give our best to win the match,” Regragui Al Shorta (IRQ) 2 -1 Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) euros per minute,’ ran the conceding goals,” Xavi told a pre-match conceding goals: Xavi said yesterday before confirming Mun- GROUP B headline of a report in Spanish press conference yesterday. tari’s return. Shahr Khodro FC (IRN) 0 - 1 Shabab Al Ahli sports newspaper AS yesterday, “We have a huge desire to win. I enjoy “Mohamed Muntari will be available, Dubai (UAE) adding: ‘Gareth Bale cost 101 this sort of pressure that’s on the team but we will wait for Karim Boudiaf and Pakhtakor (UZB) 0 - 0 Al Hilal SFC (KSA) million euros and has left a small and the players like it as well,” he added. At the Education City Stadium today, Edmilson to recover completely,” he TODAY’S FIXTURES collection of key goals, a long Al Ain FC coach Pedro Emanuel, Al Duhail will be eyeing their second con- said. medical history and more non- GROUP C (At Education City Stadium) whose team earned their first point in the secutive victory against Sharjah following Sharjah midfielder Khalid Bawazir sporting controversies than Real event on Tuesday, hoped his team will their 2-1 victory on Tuesday. said his team played well in the previous Sharjah (UAE) vs Al Duhail SC (QAT) - 18:00 Madrid would have liked.’ keep their chances alive for the next stage. The Red Knights, who will see game, hoping to bounce back from defeat. Al Taawoun FC (KSA) vs Persepolis FC (IRN) Common themes among “Expectations are much higher after Mohammed Muntari’s return from injury, “We got a negative result against Al - 21:00 Bale’s critics are that he did not the first game, but we have to be realistic are second in Group C with 6 points, with Duhail, but we hope to have benefited GROUP D (At Jassim Bin Hamad show the same commitment to and acknowledge the fact that our Al Taawoun leading the group on goal from our mistakes and that we can make Stadium) the club as for Wales and that he chances of progression are slim. None- difference. Iran’s Persepolis (four points) amends and get a better result against Al Al Sadd SC (QAT) vs Al Ain FC (UAE) - 18:00 did not aspire to be the team’s theless, we will keep fighting till the end,” and Sharjah (one point) are third and Duhail to qualify to the next round,” he Al Nassr (KSA) vs Sepahan FC (IRN) - 21:00 leader after Cristiano Ronaldo said Emanuel. fourth respectively. said. left in 2018. A naturally shy character who rarely gave interviews or spoke Spanish in public, Bale never ingratiated himself to Iraq's Al Shorta clinch historic win in Doha Madrid supporters, who have idolised larger-than-life figures THEAFC.COM — DOHA Khalifa International Stadium, making his was past two Al Abdulamir nearly got one Shabab Al Ahli Dubai a second such as the late Juanito and it was Al Shorta who struck first Shorta defenders before against his former club, but the consecutive 1-0 win overover current captaincaptain Sergio Ramos.Ramos. Iraq’s Al Shorta recorded their as centre-back Saad Natiq drilling one into the bottom skipper watched his thun- Shahr Khodro FC in Groupup B, first-ever AFC Champions escaped his marker and met Ali right corner of Basil’s goal to derous effort from 30 yards out yesterday. League win, defeating Al Ahli Fayez’s out-swinging cross bring the scores level in the punched away by Al Owais five The two sides wentt Saudi FC 2-1 at the 2020 AFC from the corner with a pow- 56th minute. minutes from time as the Iraqis head to head again Champions League Group A erful header that left goal- Coach Abdulghani Shahd’s secured their 2-1 win at the after they had faced yesterday. keeper Mohammed Al Owais men regrouped and within final whistle. each other on Monday Al Ahli had already qual- helpless in the 14th minute. eight minutes they had restored The result means Al Shorta in a match that was Gareth ified to the Round of 16 going Coach Vladan Milojevic’s their lead. move ahead of Esteghlal and decided by a piece of indi-di- BaleBale into Matchday Four, but words at the break seemed to Kudhur Ali advanced down into second place with four vidual brilliance fromom needed a point to secure the have worked magic as Al Ahli the right wing and sent a low points. A draw against the youngster Hareb Abdalla.a. top spot in the group, while for came racing out of the blocks cross for Mazin Fayyadh who Islamic Republic of Iran side The result sees debu-u- Al Shorta, beating Al Ahli would after the restart. Al Shorta’s kept his composure to beat Al on Sunday will be enough for tants Shahr Khodro elimi-mi- mean they would need just one defences finally yielded to Al Owais at his near post and Shahd’s men to secure passage nated from the AFC Cham-am- point against Esteghlal in Ahli’s sustained pressure as make it 2-1 before the midway to the knockout stages for the pions League having yet toto get Matchday Five to progress. Mohammed Al Majhad col- point of the second half. first time in their history. a point or score a goal, whilewhile After a lively start from lected Marin’s sublime pass on Al Shorta controlled the Meanwhile, a late goal from Shabab Al Ahli are sittinging in both side at Doha’s iconic the left flank, cut inside, rest of the proceedings and substitute Pedro Conde gave third place with six points.nts. Tour de France: Roglic retains lead as Kwiatkowski wins Stage 18 AFP — LA ROCHE-SUR-FORON, picking up climb points to take we changed our objectives,” FRANCE I had the best legs ever, the polka dot jersey. Kwiatkowski said fighting back the way we rode together Carapaz was drafted into tears. In the race for the overall Primoz Roglic retained his lead the race at the last minute as standings only Saturday’s indi- on compatriot Tadej Pogacar with Richard was just Geraint Thomas was farmed vidual time trial presents a atop the Tour de France incredible: out to the Giro, but he fell on chance for the second-placed standings after Stage 18 as Michal Kwiatkowski stage one in the deluge in Nice Pogacar to stage a coup. British outfit Ineos claimed a and is only finding his full Roglic leads Pogacar by 57 one-two finish yesterday. form now. seconds with today’s stage 19 Bedevilled by problems that Carapaz and Kwiatkowski and the culminating run up the saw them withdraw their captain a former world champion. were clearly brimming with joy Champs-Elysees on Sunday Egan Bernal on Wednesday, “When Egan left the race he over the fruits of their part- both set to be decided in a mass Team Ineos team-mate Michal Kwiatkowski was very sad but wished us well, nership, which will have bunch sprint. rider Poland’s won the stage as Richard Carapaz and now we have this won- brought some relief for Ineos Roglic once again looked at Michal took the King of the Mountains derful day,” he said. “That’s the team principal Dave Brailsford, ease during the run over three Kwiatkowski jersey with the pair crossing the Tour de France,” he beamed. who had to pull out his protege major mountains. “I managed finish line three minutes ahead Giro d’Italia champion Bernal to protect him. to relax, everything went fine, (right) of the elite pack. Carapaz has been a revelation “Adapting quickly to change another good day for us,” Roglic celebrates as “I had the best legs ever, the over the three Alpine stages that is one of the main keys of said, as he grows into the role he crosses way we rode together with culminated with the Ineos-led success,” Brailsford said ahead of leader which seemed to the finish line, Richard was just incredible,” escape here as the Ecuadorian of the Tour in Nice. weigh on him when he took the yesterday. said Ineos’s Polish rider who is has relentlessly attacked, “We worked so hard since lead in the first week.