Qatar, Turkey to Strengthen Ties Further

Qatar takes Qatar part in welcomes ministerial brothers and meeting of friends in COMCEC Arab Cup

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THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 11 RABIA II - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8453 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Up to 5 numbers

under 1 plan Terms & Conditions Apply Qatar, Turkey to strengthen ties further QNA/THE PENINSULA — DOHA H H the Amir and H E the and Turkey on an institutional path Turkish President will that guarantees the fortification of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin previous achievements and broadens Hamad Al Thani will head today to chair the sixth meeting of its horizons surpassing political Ankara on an official visit to the the Qatar-Turkey Supreme success and expanding it to other Republic of Turkey. H H the Amir Strategic Committee in areas such as economy, commerce, and President of the Republic of Ankara today. investment, culture and security. Turkey H E Recep Tayyip Erdogan Ambassador Göksu said during will chair the sixth meeting of the the fifth meeting of the Qatar- Qatar-Turkey Supreme Strategic Göksu, had stated that a number of Turkey Supreme Strategic Com- Committee. new agreements between Qatar and mittee, held on November 25, 2019, The sixth session will discuss Turkey will be signed in sixth seven agreements were signed in ways to strengthen the strategic session of Qatar-Turkey Supreme the fields of economy, urbani- partnership between the two Strategic Committee, in addition to zation, trade, finance and brotherly countries in various fields the already existing 52 agreements investment, industrial and techno- and exchange views on regional and signed in the previous meetings. logical cooperation. international issues of joint interest, He said that the new agree- Qatar Chamber General and will see the signing of a number ments cover a range of fields such Manager Saleh bin Hamad Al of agreements and memoranda of as economy, culture, trade, edu- Sharqi recently noted that the trade understanding. H H the Amir is cation, Islamic and family affairs, between Qatar and Turkey has accompanied by an official and water management. increased by 136 percent from delegation. Mustafa Göksu said that the $908m in 2016 to $2.2bn in 2019, On Monday, Ambassador of Supreme Committee has placed the while it hit $1.2bn in the first half Turkey to Qatar, H E Dr. Mustafa bilateral relations between Qatar of this year. Amir and Iran Cabinet approves draft state budget for fiscal 2021 President review QNA — DOHA projects and programmes of all private sector and its partici- The draft state budget will sectors. All ministries and gov- pation in various economic boosting relations The Cabinet which met continue allocating financial ernment agencies are required activities. Work to maintain the yesterday with Prime Minister resources to complete the to set financial ceilings for the credit rating of the State. QNA — DOHA and Minister of Interior H E implementation of strategic medium term 2021-2023 and The Cabinet also gave Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin projects in accordance with direct them to arrange their pri- approval a proposal to include a Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Abdulaziz Al Thani in the chair Qatar National Vision 2030, orities, including programmes representative of the Ministry of Hamad Al Thani held a tele- approved the draft state budget especially those related to and projects included in the Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic phone conversation with Pres- for the fiscal year 2021. Second National Development Affairs in the membership of the ident of the Islamic Republic Following the meeting, Min- hosting the 2022 FIFA World Strategy of 2018-2022, according executive office of the Qatar of Iran H E Hassan Rouhani, ister of Justice and Acting Min- Cup and the health and education sectors. to the allocated budgets and spe- National Commission for Edu- yesterday evening. ister of State for Cabinet Affairs cific financial ceilings. cation, Culture and Science. During the phone call, H H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al It also allocates financial resources to develop Continuing to allocate The executive office shall be H the Amir and H E the Nuaimi said the following. At the new citizens’ lands and infrastructure for financial resources to complete formed under the chairmanship Iranian President reviewed beginning of the meeting, the existing areas. the implementation of strategic of Minister of Education and the bilateral relations and Cabinet listened to the expla- projects in accordance with Qatar Higher Education and the mem- ways of enhancing and pro- nation provided by H E the Min- The draft budget supports business envi- National Vision 2030, especially bership of representatives of the moting them, as well as the ister of Public Health on the latest ronment development initiatives to enhance the those related to hosting the 2022 concerned authorities, and among results of the Qatari-Iranian developments to limit the spread role of the private sector. FIFA World Cup and the health its functions are the following: Joint Committee for Trade and of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and education sectors. Discussing the draft reports sub- Economic Cooperation, which and the Cabinet affirmed the con- Allocating the necessary mitted by the state delegations to held its seventh session in the tinuation of work with regard to year 2021, a draft law approving prepared based on the following financial resources to develop the general conferences of Iranian city of Isfahan on the precautionary measures that the budget, and the referral of principles: Adopting the principle new citizens’ lands and infra- Unesco, the Arab League Educa- Tuesday. have been taken in order to all the main sections and sectors of medium-term planning for the structure for existing areas. tional, Cultural and Scientific The phone conversation combat this pandemic. of the budget project and the general budget and setting Supporting business envi- Organisation (Alesco) and the also touched on a number The Cabinet approved the draft law to the Shura Council. financial ceilings for the years ronment development initia- Arab Bureau of Education for the regional and international draft state budget for the fiscal The draft budget has been 2021-2023 after reviewing the tives to enhance the role of the Gulf States (ABEGS). `P2 issues. Two Bahraini Qatar, UN sign agreement Football legend Maradona passes away to establish UNOCT boats stopped in REUTERS — BUENOS AIRES underwent emergency Qatari waters surgery for a subdural hae- Program Office in Doha Diego Maradona (pictured), matoma several weeks ago. QNA — DOHA widely regarded as one of the He suffered a heart attack QNA — DOHA Nations Office of Counter-Ter- greatest soccer players of all at his home in the outskirts of In the framework of its normal rorism (UNOCT) Vladimir time before addiction marred Buenos Aires yesterday, operations and tasks inside the The State of Qatar, represented Voronkov, in the presence of his career, died at his home in acquaintances of the former Qatari waters, patrols of the by the Shura Council, and the Permanent Representative of Argentina after suffering a player said. General Directorate of Coasts United Nations, represented by the State of Qatar to the United heart attack, his lawyer said. The Argentine gov- and Borders Security stopped the United Nations Office of Nations H E Sheikha Alya bint He was 60. ernment has declared three two Bahraini boats yesterday Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, via Beloved in his homeland days of mourning. President afternoon, after they were has signed an agreement to video conferencing. after leading Argentina to win Alberto Fernandez said in a spotted inside the Qatari establish the United Nations Speaker of the Shura said the 1986 World Cup and tweet, “You took us to the waters (5.25 nautical miles) Office of Counter-Terrorism this is a “historic day” when the adored in Italy after taking heroes, former Cuban leader highest point in the world, and northwest of Fasht Al-Dibal, (UNOCT) Program Office, Shura Council signed exchange Napoli to two Serie A titles, Fidel Castro, and 15 years to the made us immensely happy. without prior notice. which is concerned with parlia- letters between the State of Maradona was a uniquely day after another troubled but You were the greatest of all. Accordingly, the relevant mentary engagement in Qatar and the United Nations, gifted player and charismatic talented football folk hero, Thank you for having been authorities of the General preventing and combating represented by the United figure. George Best. with us, Diego. We will miss Directorate of Coasts and terrorism. Nations Office of Counter-Ter- He died four years to the Maradona had recently you all our lives.” Borders Security contacted the The UNOCT Program Office rorism, to establish the UNOCT day after one of his political battled health issues and `SPORT 10, 11, 12 Operations Room in the will be headquartered in the Program Office which is con- Kingdom of Bahrain in order State of Qatar, and its activities cerned with parliamentary to obtain a justification for the will cover the parliaments of engagement in preventing and presence of the two boats in the the world. combating terrorism, to be Barwa Motor City Phase-3 to be ready soon Qatari waters. After receiving The agreement was signed headquartered in the State of no response, the captain of the yesterday evening by Speaker Qatar and its activities cover SANAULLAH ATAULLAH The city is witnessing activities said Al Hitmi. According to a boat which was stopped was of the Shura Council H E Ahmed the parliaments of the world. THE PENINSULA of sport and classical cars every report posted on the website of inquired and he stated that he bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al The two sides also signed the Thursday and Friday. Car Barwa, the Motor City will have had lost contact with his lead- Mahmoud and the UN Under- parties’ contribution agreement Manager of Constructions showrooms of phase 1 and 2 used car showrooms, resi- ership, and that his equipment Secretary-General of the United to establish the Office. Affairs at Barwa Real Estate have been rented out com- dential accommodation, work- had broken down while they The Speaker of the Shura Group, Khalid Abdullah Al pletely. The car showrooms of shops, a hotel, a motel and were inside the Bahraini Council underlined that this Hitmi has said that Barwa third phase are on the booking,” commercial shops. waters, causing him to lose his Public Health important event, which comes Motor City Phase-3 project will said Khalid Al Hitmi while It will also provide other way back to his site. SPONSORS PHCC Individualized care at a time when the interna- be completed soon. speaking in a Qatar TV pro- supporting facilities including The captain of the Bahraini launches ﬂu at Al-Ahli Hospital vaccination for pulmonary campaign conditions tional community commem- The project, locally called gramme recently. offices for the Traffic boat requested the Qatari Coasts PAGE | 2 PAGES | 4-5 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 orate the 75th anniversary of ‘Madinat Al Mawater’ a new He said that the city will Department, Civil Defence, and Borders Security patrols to QF plays a pivotal role in driving and boosting precision medicine the United Nations, represents destination for used-cars have many other facilities banks, car insurance, a petrol allow him and the accompa-

Endorsement on the launch of WISH policy brieﬁng on effective coordination of institutional policies and processes that assure ‘The Future of Medicine: Healthcare Innovation through effective communications through the Precision Medicine’. continuum of care and across research another building block in related activities is located in rather than car showrooms station and car technical nying boat to return to his area. Included with today’s building a lasting and fruitful Rawdat Rashid near Salwa road including those related to inspection service (Fahes). Therefore, coordination was edition is a cooperation between the State intersection in over a 1,150,000 vehicle services, technical This project comes as one made again with the Operations of Qatar and the United square meters. inspection centre and car deal- of Barwa Group projects aiming Room in the Kingdom of special supplement Nations Office of Counter-Ter- “Phase 1 and 2 projects are erships. “The project will be to support the social and eco- Bahrain, and the two boats were rorism. `P4 ready. The project is running. completed during next year,” nomic aspects in Qatar. `P7 allowed to leave the area. `P7 02 HOME THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020

Cabinet approves OFFICIAL NEWS Amir greets Bosnia draft state budget and Herzegovina President

for fiscal 2021 DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir FROM PAGE 1 H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad economic and trade committee Al Thani sent yesterday cables of Approval of draft regula- between the Ministry of Com- congratulations to Chairman of the tions for the National Com- merce and Industry in the State Presidency of Bosnia and Herze- mission. Approval of the annual of Qatar and the Ministry of govina H E Milorad Dodik on the report issued by the Secretary- Trade in the Republic of Turkey occasion of his country’s National General on the work of the and a draft memorandum of Day. Prime Minister and Minister National Commission. Follow understanding in the field of of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin up on what was stated in inter- enhancing integrity and trans- Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani also national, regional and Arab parency between the Admin- sent cable of congratulations to treaties and agreements related istrative Control and Trans- Chairman of the Council of Minis- to the aforementioned parency Authority in the State ters of Bosnia and Herzegovina H E organisations. of Qatar and the Anti-Cor- Zoran Tegeltija on the occasion of The Cabinet also approved ruption Agency in the Republic his country’s National Day. -QNA a draft memorandum of under- of Kazakhstan. standing for cooperation in the The Cabinet also reviewed field of water management report no. 47 of the work of the between the governments of National Committee for the Azerbaijan Parliament the State of Qatar and the Prohibition of Weapons during hails Shura Council Republic of Turkey; the joint the period January 5 to August declaration project regarding 31, 2020 and took the appro- polls announcement the establishment of the joint priate decision in this regard. QNA — BAKU Joint Special Forces to carry out The National Assembly (Parliament) of the Republic of Azerbaijan praised the parachute exercises in Sealine announcement of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al QNA — DOHA from 6am until 4pm, at 10,000 Thani to hold elections for the feet and a radius of 7 miles, Shura Council in October next The General Command of the according to the coordinates year. The Parliamentary Rela- Qatari Armed Forces announced (N245328 and E0512975). The tions Committee in the Assembly that the Joint Special Forces will General Command called upon said that this announcement carry out paragliding exercises in the visitors of that area to take the expresses the political will and Sealine during the period from necessary precautions for their the strategic outlook for the November 29 to December 10 safety. country’s future. Four arrested for violating quarantine rules

QNA — DOHA public safety and to curb the the Ministry of Public Health to spread of the coronavirus. The ensure their safety and the safety The authorities arrested arrested persons being referred of others. yesterday four people who to the competent prosecution has They warned that anyone violated the requirements of the been identified as Ahmed Hassan who violates these conditions will home quarantine they Abdul Ghani Abu Hassaan, Gulabi be subject to the penalties stipu- committed to follow. Ivesi, Ghanim Mubarak lated in accordance with the pro- It is in implementation of the Mohammed Thani Al Dosari, visions of Article 253 of the Penal precautionary measures in force Majid Ali Hassan Al Shahran. Code No. 11 of 2004, and the pro- in the country, approved by health The authorities called on cit- visions of Law No. 17 of 1990 authorities represented in the izens and residents who are regarding the prevention of infec- Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), subject to quarantine to fully tious diseases, and Law No. 17 of to ensure the achievement of adhere to the requirements set by 2002 on the protection of society.

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FROM PAGE 1 QNA — DOHA members of one family. The measure is in line with the It is also a recognition by the United The designated authorities referred cabinet decision, decree law No. 17 of Nations and the international com- 58 people to the Public Prosecution 1990 on infectious diseases, and the munity of the wisdom of Amir H H for not wearing masks in places where precautionary measures in force in the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and they are mandatory. country to contain the spread of the his sound policy in the field of coun- They also referred five others to coronavirus (COVID-19). tering terrorism in all its types and elim- the Public Prosecution for violating The authorities called on the public inating its causes. the maximum number of four people to adhere to the measures in place to H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid in a vehicle, including the driver, ensure their safety and the safety of Al Mahmoud welcomed the estab- except for cases when they are others. lishment of the UNOCT Program Office in the State of Qatar, pledging to provide all capabilities to enable the office to perform its duties to the fullest. He said that the establishment of this office represents an important qualitative leap in the endeavors of the international com- The agreement was signed by Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin munity, given the great role of parlia- Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, and Undersecretary-General of the United ments in light of their legislative, Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov. political and social weight, and their strong and direct influence on all issues terrorism and violent extremism, mission is focused on enhancing par- of concern to the peoples of the world, strengthen parliamentary diplomacy liamentary contribution and strength- especially the issue of combating and international parliamentary coop- ening its capabilities at the national, terrorism. eration, in addition to supporting the regional and global levels, within the He added that the office will work creation and operation of a global par- framework of international efforts to with the executive management of the liamentary network, the creation and combat terrorism and violent UN Counter-Terrorism Committee to maintenance of a web-based platform, extremism that leads to terrorism. identify parliaments’ needs for technical and the production of multimedia mate- In press statements following the assistance to establish and manage par- rials for parliamentarians. signing of the agreement, Speaker of liamentary committees that address For his part, Undersecretary- the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin General of the United Nations Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud said Office of Counter-Terrorism that the office will be opened during (UNOCT), Vladimir the next three months. The Speaker of Voronkov, expressed thanks the Shura Council expressed pride for and appreciation to the choosing the State of Qatar to establish Shura Council and the State the only office in the world that counter of Qatar for its role in com- terrorism through parliamentarians, bating terrorism, praising stressing that the office will have a the establishment of the major role in training and qualifying UNOCT Program Office in Qatari cadres who will join the legal Doha, which constitutes an experts working in the office from important contribution to various world countries. the international efforts in He added that the office will have the fight against terrorism, a great role in unifying the vision of especially as it is concerned parliaments and parliamentarians with the parliamentary from different world countries towards engagement in this field, the phenomenon of terrorism, and how which gives the office a to combat it and mobilize international special importance and an public opinion to confront it. effective and influential role The office will also conduct in the international arena. research, analysis and normative work He added that the activ- in support of preventing and combating ities of the UN Office con- terrorism and violent extremism, cerned with parliamentary including monitoring the enactment of participation in preventing new legislation around the world, and and combating terrorism helping to formulate legislation, pol- includes all parliaments of icies and model counter-terrorism world countries, and its strategies led by parliaments. THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 HOME 05 06 HOME THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 Qatar National Library opens Arab Cinema Posters exhibition

THE PENINSULA — DOHA This unique and beautiful exhibition sheds light on Qatar National Library has launched “Arab Cinema Posters: an aspect of our heritage which may have been Art and Memory,” a new digital previously overlooked; movie posters. This is an exhibition featuring curated film art form that reflects peoples’ cultures, identities, posters (affiches) from the customs and traditions, and keeps a record of their Heritage Library’s Arab Cinema Archive, yesterday. history, features, victories and defeats, their social Minister of State, Qatar and life and joy and sorrow. President of Qatar National Library, H E Dr. Hamad bin H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari Abdulaziz Al Kawari, officially Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library opened the digital exhibition, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library, H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari (fourth which will appear on the digital left), and other officials during the launch of ‘Arab Cinema Posters: Art and Memory’, yesterday. totems next to the Young Adults’ Area. keeps a record of their history, seven sections: The Beginnings Dr. Al Kawari said, “This features, victories and defeats, of Arab Cinema; Cinema and Lit- Dr. Al Kawari said, “What magnificent interactive cultural following conditions: confirm unique and beautiful exhibition their social life and joy and erature; Cinema and Society; His- makes this exhibition truly experience which is a must-see their slot booking through the sheds light on an aspect of our sorrow. It is an essential part of torical Cinema and International unique and accessible to all is the for lovers of art, film and history.” form, are between ages 13 and heritage which may have been human heritage that we must Productions; National Films in modernity of Qatar National For everyone’s safety, Library 60, have a green status on the previously overlooked; movie preserve and maintain.” Cinema; and Women and Library, represented by its entry visits are currently by Ehteraz app, have a temperature posters. This is an art form that It is the first digital exhibition Cinema. A special section of the into the digital world with the appointment only. Moreover, vis- of no more than 37.8 degrees reflects peoples’ cultures, iden- organised by the Heritage Library exhibition traces the devel- latest technology. The treasures itors will be allowed into the Celsius, have a face mask or tities, customs and traditions, and at Qatar National Library and has opment of cinema in the Gulf. of this library create a building only if they fulfil the shield. Amiri Guard concludes 2020 training season Venezuela Foreign Minister lauds QNA — DOHA Shura Council polls announcement QNA — CARACAS October next year. The Amiri Guard School celebrated yesterday In a tweet, the Venezuelan the graduation of six foundational and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Minister of Foreign Affairs advanced courses. the Bolivarian Republic of underlined that the The six courses are security and protecting Venezuela H E Jorge Arreaza announcement is a positive personalities, security and advanced pro- praised the announcement of sign and an evidence of the tection, rapid intervention, counter terrorism, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin development of the political explosives, and driving a tank. These courses Hamad Al Thani to hold elec- institutions in the State of came at the conclusion of the 2020 training tions for the Shura Council in Qatar. season in the attendance of Commander of the Amiri Guard Major General Hazza bin Khalil Al Shahwani. The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Commander of the Amiri 209 new virus cases, Guard, the Inspector General, the assistants of the Commander of the Amiri Guard, and a number of department and group leaders, 252 recoveries: MoPH officers from the Qatar Armed Forces, and the Ministry of Interior. THE PENINSULA — DOHA recovered cases in Qatar to The ceremony was attended by Commander of the Amiri Guard Major General Hazza bin Commenting on the occasion, Commander 134,950. Khalil Al Shahwani and other officials. of the Amiri Guard School Colonel Ali Arahma The Ministry of Public Health The Ministry also Al Muraikhi stressed during his speech that (MoPH) yesterday announced announced death of a the school’s strategy is to constantly develop He said that the school is keen on what they practised. The ceremony also the registration of 209 new 60-year-old, who was modern training methods with the goal of enhancing the outcomes of security and pro- included simulations in the field of military confirmed COVID-19. receiving the necessary raising the capabilities of members of the Amiri tecting personalities courses by assigning rapid tactics related to counter-terrorism and res- According to the Ministry, medical care. All new cases Guard to the highest level possible. He praised intervention and counter-terrorism forces and cuing hostages. After the ceremony, Com- among them 41 were travellers have been introduced to iso- the high level showcased by members of the training them on how to respond quickly under mander of the Amiri Guard honoured the grad- returning from abroad. lation. The Ministry said that Amiri Guard during the closing ceremony, various circumstances and conditions. Fol- uates and called on them to give their all to Also, 252 people have measures to tackle COVID-19 adding that this reflects the skills they lowing the speech, the course participants serve the country. He then took photos with recovered from the virus, in Qatar have succeeded in developed during the courses. carried out a number of drills that showcased them. bringing the total number of limiting the spread of the virus. THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 HOME 07 Al Hammadi bids farewell to Cuban envoy 'Shura Council elections to be a new phase of nation building process'

SIDI MOHAMED THE PENINSULA The elections are the manifestation of active popular participation in the management of the nation’s affairs The announcement of holding by competent and experienced people, who are chosen Shura Council elections in October next year means the by the citizens to represent them, in accordance with a start of a new phase of the policy defined by the competent authorities which they nation building process, said Qatar University (QU) Pres- appreciate according to the needs and requirements of ident Dr. Hassan Rashid Al society at every stage of its development. Derham. “The elections are the Dr. Hassan Rashid Al Derham, manifestation of active popular participation in the Qatar University President management of the nation’s affairs by competent and experienced people, who are Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, met chosen by the citizens to rep- yesterday with Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the State of Qatar, H E Emilio Caballero resent them, in accordance Rodriguez, on the occasion of ending his tenure in the country. The Secretary-General of the Ministry with a policy defined by the of Foreign Affairs extended thanks to the Ambassador for his efforts in promoting and developing competent authorities which the bilateral relations, and wished him success in his future duties. they appreciate according to the needs and requirements of society at every stage of its Qatar attends OIF conference development,” he said. During his speech yesterday at a seminar organised QNA — PARIS the organization at all levels, by QU on “Shura Council in compliance with the Elections and Future Vision” Qatar has participated in the values of Francophonie. in cooperation with the Min- 37th session of the Ministerial Qatar looks forward to par- istry of Interior, Dr. Al Conference of the Interna- ticipating in the next Fran- Derham added: “The expe- President of Qatar University, Dr. Hassan Rashid Al Derham (left) tional Organization of La cophone summit to be held rience comes in accordance and Director of Legal Affairs Department at the Ministry of Interior, Francophonie (OIF), held in in Tunisia. with the hope of the lead- Brigadier Salam Saqr Al Muraikhi. Paris via virtual technology, At the beginning of the ership and the aspirations of under the chairmanship of conference, the Secretary- the people, which makes our Manager of Constructions Affairs Tunisia as the host country of General of the International seminar today important in professor of Constitutional a historic turning point and a at Barwa Real Estate Group, the 18th Francophonie Organization of La Franco- reflecting this rational Law at QU. qualitative leap in the Shura Khalid Abdullah Al Hitmi Summit, scheduled to be phonie, Louise Mushikiwabo, national aspiration.” The second topic covered work in the State of Qatar.” organised in the city of Djerba presented the developments The seminar was attended the electoral system as a com- “The State of Qatar has Barwa Motor in 2021. of the political and diplo- by a number of officials from parative study by Brigadier rich experience in the elec- Qatar’s delegation was led matic situation in the Fran- Qatar University and the Min- Salam Saqr Al Muraikhi, toral system related to Central City Phase-3 to by Ambassador of the State cophone space and the initi- istry of Interior, and was Director of Legal Affairs Municipal Council (CMC), and of Qatar to the French atives that she has taken to broadcast live through department at the Ministry of that was a distinguished and be ready soon Republic and Qatar's repre- modernize Francophonie and Webex. Interior. successful experience, and FROM PAGE 1 sentative to the International confront the coronavirus Dr. Al Derham said: “The The third topic was the successive CMC elections Barwa Real Estate will Organization of La Franco- pandemic. next Shura Council will have related to guarantees of did not witness any problems develop and operate this multi- phonie, H E Sheikh Ali bin She emphasised on the a leading role in expanding integrity in the electoral related to the special proce- phased project over the duration Jassim Al Thani. need for solidarity and strong popular participation in process according to interna- dures and systems used in of four years so as to benefit from The 37th session of the pluralism, presented a draft decision-making, and its pio- tional standards and experi- those elections,” Al Muraikhi it through the BOT system (Build- conference discusses ways resolution on coexistence neering role in continuing the ences. Dr. Ali Al Ram, an said. Operate-Transfer) for 30 years. to enhance cooperation and during the COVID-19 pan- legislative achievements that expert in combating cor- He also noted that there Phase one of the project com- coordination between Fran- demic and in the post-COVID keep pace with this period.” ruption and monitoring the is keenness to choose an elec- prises of 60 used-car showrooms, cophone countries with the world and highlighted her The session included three integrity of legislative and toral system in Qatar that 176 apartments of different sizes, aim of combating the coro- repeated calls to reduce the topics. The first topic high- municipal elections spoke on guarantees representation of 10 shops, a number of workshops navirus pandemic. It also debt of the African continent. lighted the membership and the topic. Qatari citizens of all classes, and a petrol station in addition to discussed a number of initi- She also presented the new references in accordance with Al Muraikhi said: “The segments and regions, so that all infrastructure work. Upon atives and cooperation activ- economic strategy draft in the Qatar’s constitution by Dr. announcement of the Shura the legislative experience will completion, the Motor City will be ities within the framework Francophone space and the Hamad Al Hababi, Assistant Council elections constitutes be fruitful and constructive. the main destination for all used- of the organization, espe- organization’s efforts to cars related activities including cially the Francophone Eco- enhance its impact on the sale, purchase and nomic Strategy for the period international arena, as well as maintenance. 2020-2025, as well as the strengthening the place of the Speaking on the development activities of the Women French language in the work of Barwa Al Baraha project, Khalid Support Fund. of international Al Hitmi said: “The Project has Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al organizations. been developed to add more facil- Thani’s participation in the She confirmed the launch ities as per the current require- 37th session of the Minis- of the new Solidarity Fund for ments. The project basically was terial Conference confirms Women project: “La Franco- implemented as truck parking lot the State of Qatar’s keenness phonie avec Elles”, which as per the requirements of the to participate in various aims to support women in market at that time. Later the ministerial summits, confer- vulnerable situations in the project was redesigned to add ences and meetings held by Francophone space. labour camps, workshops and warehouses.” Al Hitmi pointed out that 2 Bahraini boats stopped in Qatari waters Barwa Real Estate is building FROM PAGE 1 schools for the Ministry of Edu- cation and Higher Education It is worth noting that the location where the two Bahraini under a project of Public and boats were monitored was opposite to the exercise site that was Private Partnership (PPP). previously announced. DOHA TODAY

08 THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 Al Janoub Stadium through sustainability lens FAZEENA SALEEM when it comes to transport costs THE PENINSULA as well as C02 gas emission, which is a greenhouse gas, with As part of the World Innovation the latter arguably being more Summit for Education’s (WISE) valuable than the former. Doha Learning Days (DLD) this Because they are recyclable – year, students of Qatar Academy if they break, they can be sent Al-Wakra of Qatar Foundation’s back to the factory where the (QF) Pre-University Education broken pieces can once again experienced a virtual tour of Al be melted and made into a seat. Janoub Stadium. And of course, being locally The activity, ‘Sustainability made, they contribute to the Secrets - Reimagining FIFA local economy,” said Dr. World Cup Stadiums,’ was ini- Sahsuvaroglu. tially meant to feature a visit to The Al Janoub Stadium design makes the stadium energy efficient, particularly in warm weather. One aspect of sustainability a stadium. Due to COVID-19 Sustainability is not one that many of us are unaware of precautionary guidelines, which less energy, to begin with,” Dr. trict cooling. part or one step in the is social sustainability. Quite ruled out a physical stadium Sahsuvaroglu said. This cooling technology is process. Rather it is a simply, this means having a visit. One key example of this in 40 percent more sustainable whole process in itself. For stadium that is accessible to Determined to keep the Al Janoub Stadium is the than conventional air condi- everyone. activity going, WISE, a QF ini- retractable roof, and – as the tioning systems. Dr. Sahsu- example, when we hear Dr. Sahsuvaroglu com- tiative, decided to bring the name explains – the roof can varoglu said, “The way it works about energy, the focus is mented, “For people with stadium to the children. This be opened and closed. This is that we have an energy center often on consuming less limited mobility, we have acces- was made possible through col- design element makes the located just outside of the energy. The reality is that sible seats distributed around laboration with Josoor Institute, stadium energy efficient, par- stadium. This energy center the energy-saving journey the top of the Al Janoub Stadium Supreme Committee for operations. ticularly in warm weather. produces chilled water, carried so people can pick whichever Delivery & Legacy, and Ali Bin “Sustainability is not one When closed, no cool air will be to the stadium through a starts with design location they’d like to watch the Towar Network to create a short part or one step in the process. lost from the top of the pipeline. efficiency, which takes game from.”WISE’s DLD serves film on Al Janoub Stadium. Rather it is a whole process in structure, and consequently, This then feeds into pipes place long before building. as an experiential learning fes- In the video, a Sustainability itself. For example, when we less time and energy will be distributed across the stadium. tival that explores various topics and Environment Expert with hear about energy, the focus is needed to cool the stadium. Fans are used to push air across Dr. Talar Sahsuvaroglu through innovative and inter- the Supreme Committee for often on consuming less energy. Cooling is undoubtedly one these pipes, which cools the air; active formats. Delivery & Legacy, Dr. Talar The reality is that the energy- of the biggest energy guzzlers this cold air then exits onto the And this year, the festival is Sahsuvaroglu (pictured), walks saving journey starts with in a stadium. With sustainability pitch and the spectator seating every one of the 40,000 seats being held as a DLD Community the viewers through the stadium design efficiency, which takes at the forefront of the design area through nozzles located in the stadium is made in Qatar Program, focusing on Al-Wakra and explains the many ways in place long before building. It process, Al Janoub, like most across the stadium.” and locally recycled plastic. – a member of the Unesco which it has weaved sustaina- entails design considerations other FIFA World Cup Qatar Looking at sustainability “Being locally made means Global Network of Learning bility into its design and that ensure a structure requires 2022 stadiums, opted for dis- from a materials point of view, we make significant savings Cities. Texas A&M at Qatar offers private workshop for professional development THE PENINSULA – DOHA chemical in a more reliable way that will aid us to increase the Employees from Qatar’s Ministry safety level of our work measure- of Municipality and Environment ments and procedure when dealing participated in a custom five-day with different chemicals imported private workshop developed and to the country. I think after the delivered by Texas A&M University course we are able to create proper Ultra-modern operating at Qatar, a Qatar Foundation techniques to do so.” partner university, as part of the The Hazardous Chemicals Man- theaters ministry’s professional education agement workshop was developed and development. and offered through Texas A&M at The virtual workshop — offered Qatar’s Continuing and Profes- in collaboration with the Mary Kay sional Education services, which O’Connor Process Safety Center offers remarkable value in profes- (MKOPSC) Qatar, which is based at sional development for industry Texas A&M at Qatar — focused on professionals working in Qatar by the safe management of hazardous Upon completion, participants towards a comprehensive under- providing technical expertise that chemicals. Associate professor Dr. received certificates for the course standing of the chemical man- develop human capital and Luc Vechot and Dr. Khalid Elsaid along with Professional Devel- agement system.” capacity for Qatar’s knowledge- from Texas A&M at Qatar’s opment Hours and Continuing Edu- MME chemical engineer and based economy. Chemical Engineering Program cation Units. Texas A&M at Qatar Class of 2015 On top of general scheduled delivered the course. Mustafa Al Ghoul, chemical graduate Sarah Al-Yafei said, “The workshops, the team also cus- Participants explored topics engineer in MME’s Radiation and way we see chemicals has really tomizes private workshops that State-of-the-art ambulance around risk control, hazard com- Chemical Protection department, changed after the chemical hazard promote high-quality and effective ﬂeet munication systems, safety data said, “The course is outstanding and course. It really added extra lifelong opportunities for Qatar’s sheets and more. provides a gradual learning curve responsibility on studying each industry and community. PISQ Sports Department confers DPS-MIS holds KalaiSaaral-2020 Gratitude Shield on Principal event THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA – DOHA – DOHA DPS-MIS celebrated the The Sports KalaiSaaral-2020, a tribute to the Department of heritage, culture, and tradition of Highly-advanced patient Pakistan Interna- Tamil Nadu. The program was information systems tional School attended by the Chief Guest, Gopi Qatar (PISQ) took Varadhan, Director DPS-MIS, Prin- the initiative and cipal Asna Nafees, Vice Principals, conferred a Grat- Headmistress, and other key func- itude Shield upon tionaries. Principal of PISQ, Principal Nafees encouraged the Nargis Raza Otho students to learn different languages on November 19, better to understand the rich culture 2020. and traditions worldwide and Besides the become progressive citizens of sports teachers tomorrow. She also mentioned that Majid Khan and the thought of celebration of lan- Adnan Ashraf guages has coincided with National (Senior Boys Education Policy, which emphasizes Wing); Hira Aziz Sports Department of Pakistan International School Qatar conferred a Gratitude Shield the inclusion of regional languages (Senior Girls to Principal of PISQ, Nargis Raza Otho. in the mainstream curriculum from Cutting-edge treatments for Wing); Tariq school to college. Hameed and The Chief Guest, Gopi Varadhan, cancer Timothy Healey (Primary Wing); never felt panicked. We remained “It was impossible without Director DPS-MIS, appreciated the Saira Faraz (KG Wing), the heads safe and survived with the peace unity. I believe together we can efforts of the Tamil Department of all the respective wings of of mind which was not possible achieve marvelous success. headed by Elavarkuzhali At Hamad Medical Corporation we Pakistan International School without her personal interest in Owing to our collective efforts, we Narendran, in conducting such a are utilizing advanced technology and were also present on the occasion. the well-being of PISQ staff,” he were able to serve the community meaningful program and urged the The programme commenced added. Then, Majid Khan Sports in a better way. As a result, we students to passionately learn the innovative systems to deliver the highest with the recitation of the Holy In-charge and Tariq Hameed earned a lot of respect and honour language and preserve the distinc- quality care to Qatar’s population. Quran. While throwing light on Senior Sports Teacher presented from the community. We will con- tiveness and culture of the state. the purpose of the ceremony, the Gratitude Shield to the tinue to work together and strive The virtual program titled Adnan Ashraf Sports Teacher Boys Principal. for the betterment of our com- ‘KalaiSaaral 2020’was a display of Wing said, “We are extremely In her address to the munity in times to come,” said the diverse talents with verve and grace. www.hamad.qa indebted to the Principal of PISQ audience, the Principal said, “I Principal. The enthralling classical dance, Nargis Raza Otho for the incessant want to thank Sports Teachers for With her encouraging words, euphonic music, and fascinating support and guidance she ren- the love they showed to me. We the programme came to an end. poem recitation added magnificence dered to the Sports Department always worked together as a The hosts Adnan Ashraf and and magic to the celebration. especially during the trying period single unit. The whole staff coop- Hira Aziz thanked the guests for Results of a few competitions of COVID-19 pandemic.” erated with me and we success- gracing the occasion with their conducted before the celebration “It was a hard time but we fully overcame this hard time.” presence. were also announced. THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 DOHA TODAY 09 VCUarts Qatar alumni to debut collection at Heya Fashion Week

THE PENINSULA — DOHA in panel discussions during the event, and the organizers of Alumni from Virginia Common- Heya Fashion Week frequently wealth University School of the supporting the university’s Arts in Qatar’s (VCUarts Qatar) annual fashion show. fashion design department are Sonali Raman, one of the preparing to debut their collec- VCUarts Qatar faculty tions at the much-awaited Heya members who will be a pan- Participants during 'Their Algeria' virtual press brieﬁng Fashion Week, on November elist at Heya, noted how the 29, at the Doha Exhibition and event is a great platform for Convention Center (DECC). local designers, female entre- This will be the first time preneurs and fashion enthu- Ajyal unfolds story that alumni from VCUarts Qatar siasts to network and inspire – a Qatar Foundation partner others in the fashion industry. university – will be presenting “VCUarts Qatar has been of exile and silence their designs during the five- associated with Heya for day fashion event, which is several years now. This THE PENINSULA — DOHA own story even though I was scheduled to run from upcoming edition is a fantastic born in France and never expe- November 27 to December 1, opportunity for both the stu- The Doha Film Institute’s (DFI) rienced the exile. Most impor- this year. dents and faculty in the uni- 8th Ajyal Film Festival hosted tantly, I feel that our personal In addition to the runway versity’s fashion design the director of Their Algeria, stories of migration and presentation, Roda Al Marzouqi department to showcase their Lina Soualem, in a virtual press belonging are all part of a col- and Sonali Raman, two VCUarts creativity to the local briefing to discuss her lective memory that needs to Qatar fashion design faculty, audience, and to create impactful documentary that be preserved and told to the will be taking part in panel dis- Alumni of VCUarts Qatar fashion awareness about our BFA explores themes of separation, world.” cussions on the topics ‘Studying design department gearing up to program,” said Raman. exile and unspoken trauma. “As a young filmmaker Fashion in Qatar’, and ‘Sustain- participate in Heya Fashion Week. The forthcoming 17th Making its MENA premiere, working on my very first film, I ability and Fashion’, respec- edition of this ladies-only DFI-grantee Their Algeria (Fran wanted to talk about a familiar tively, on November 29, from event will offer a chance for ce,Algeria,Switzerland, subject, involving people I knew 5:30pm to 8pm. VCUarts Qatar’s Class all five days of the exhibition. famous local fashion brands, Qatar/2020) follows French- to deliver an intimate per- VCUarts Qatar’s Class of of 2020 alumni – Hind For close to two decades, as well as up-and-coming Algerian couple Aïcha and spective to audiences and con- 2020 alumni – Hind Al VCUarts Qatar has been reg- local designers and female Mabrouk, who decide to sep- tribute to an important conver- Mansoor, Roudha Al Mazroei, Al Mansoor, Roudha ularly partnering with Heya entrepreneurs, to share their arate after 62 years of marriage. sation on our history – both as Fatima Al Sada, Noor Al Kuwari Al Mazroei, Fatima Al Fashon Week, with VCUarts modern interpretations of tra- The enduring couple came Algerians and as French. As cap- and Lauren Morell – will be Sada, Noor Al Kuwari Qatar faculty often featuring ditional Arabian fashion. together from Algeria to Thiers, tured in the title, ‘their’ Algeria is presenting their designs at what a small medieval town in the the story of my ancestors and has become the leading and Lauren Morell middle of France, more than six their personal experiences, platform in Qatar for show- – will be presenting decades ago. Prompted by the which gradually unfolded casing contemporary Arabian their designs at what sudden decision, their grand- through the making of this film fashion. daughter Lina goes in search of and turned into ‘my’ Algeria.” Morell, the alumni project has become the answers. Winner of the CCU – CROUS lead, said that being able to leading platform in For director Lina Soualem, Student Award for First Work at debut their fashion line at a the film is a personal investi- the Montpellier Mediterranean prestigious event such as Heya Qatar for showcasing gation into the relationship Film Festival, Their Algeria also Fashion Week – which last year contemporary Arabian between her grandparents – received the inaugural Docs-in- alone welcomed 185 fashion- fashion. the last remaining Algerians in Progress Award at the Cannes related exhibitors – is a dream Thiers – and their eventful past. Film Festival’s Marché du Film come true for her classmates. Addressing the virtual press and the Golden Star for Best Arab The California-born and modesty – will be seen by some briefing, Soualem said: “I Documentary at El Gouna Film raised designer, said: “To be of the most discerning fashion believe in order to move Festival. The captivating family able to present our creations at designers and influencers in the forward as individuals and as portrait of exile and silence sheds Qatar’s prime fashion event is region.” a community, we need to a personal light on the immigrant an amazing opportunity. We’re VCUarts Qatar booths will understand our past. My grand- community’s sense of belonging very excited that our collections also display a range of alumni- parents bestowed this heritage and resonates with audiences – based on the theme of created clothing collection, on on me, making it part of my globally. MES student enters International Book of Records

THE PENINSULA — DOHA mother Linju John Manappallil, a physiotherapist by profession iden- Kesia Susan, a Class IV student of tified the extraordinary talent and MES Indian School has become the memory and guided her in the right fastest to recite all 195 countries and direction that got paid off with a their capitals in a record time of 2 huge recognition as the child minutes and 52 seconds. With this prodigy. exceptional feat and ability, she Among her other talents, Kesia entered the International Book of Susan can recite names of all Records as the record holder for Indian states and their capitals, fastest reciting of countries’ names. names of all Chief Ministers and BPS hosts ‘Song and Rhythm Competition’ Kesia Susan John attempted for the Indian Prime ministers ever since World Record on November 15, 2020 she was 5. During the COVID-19 THE PENINSULA — DOHA The competition as the name suggests and successfully completed the task lockdown period she started to was to showcase the group singing talent setting up a record in fastest reciting practice reciting countries and The students of the Kindergarten at Birla of the kindergartners for their class and of names of countries and their their capitals for the world record. Public School (BPS) participated first time seeks winners while keeping specific cri- capitals. She has participated in Quiz in the ‘Song and Rhythm Competition’ teria like rhythm and pitch, harmony, and The India book of records and Kesia Susan, a Class IV student of representing MES in various Inter held on November 16. presentation. the International book of records MES Indian School school competitions. The school The parents were welcomed to The event highlighted the voice talent have accepted her attempt and Management and Principal con- witness the competition through the and great efforts put in by the parents have declared her the record gratulated her for the phenomenal webinar. Principal A P Sharma gave an and the music teacher with the students holder for the fastest to recite all Mavelikara, Allapuzha, Kerala. Her accomplishment and bringing inspiring message to all the attendees posing great confidence and memori- 195 countries and their capitals. father John Alexander Manappallil laurels to the school besides for before the competition rocked the floor. sation skills. Kesia Susan is hailing from an employee in Qatargas and her herself.

THROUGH THE LENS

The Khor Al Adaid area, also known as the ‘Inland Sea’ is attracting large number of visitors due to pleasant weather. It is located in the south-east of the State of Qatar. The area presents a remarkable landscape formed by a globally unique combination of geological features. These features themselves create a diverse scenery of exceptional, undeveloped natural beauty, in what remains predominantly a ‘wilderness area’. Each landscape unit on its own, notably the Arabian Gulf, large mobile dunes inland and coastal sabkha, recently discovered ‘salt hummocks’, stony deserts, elevated mesas and rocky outcrops, as well as the transition between each of them, contribute to the unique character of Qatar’s southern territory. PICS: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA 10 VIEWS THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 Biomedical Research Center at Qatar Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN University achieves rapid growth DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI QNA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The Biomedical Research DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI Center at Qatar University has [email protected] achieved rapid growth in a number of medical research published in prestigious inter- ACTING MANAGING EDITOR national journals, reached 275 MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED research this year. The Centre [email protected] began in 2014 as one of the University’s most important research centers. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR During the last three MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI years, the center recorded a [email protected] significant increase in published research. The number increased from 134 in 2018 to 223 in 2019 to reach 275 this EDITORIAL year. The data indicate that the number of new and ongoing research projects reached 72 Qatar’s robust banks this year, including special research projects to counter BANKS in Qatar have managed to grow their asset even COVID-19 virus, in cooper- during these trying times by adopting prudent risk man- ation with other research agement policies. Overall, the entire banking sector has centers at the university and maintained decent growth in the past few months. partners from inside and Qatar University’s Biomedical Research Center in collaboration with external entities initiated several According to Qatar Central Bank (QCB) data, the total outside Qatar. This is com- research activities focused on Coronavirus and MERS-CoV. domestic credit by banks in Qatar has risen by QR5.53bn pared to about 20 researches to reach QR1.03 trillion in September this year while total registered in 2017, 2018 and egies of research and inno- reliance on advanced tech- which is being done in col- customer deposits of the commercial banks increased 43 projects in 2019. vation in the country. nologies similar to those laboration with College of to QR879.88bn at the end of September this year. These research projects The center, which was applied in developed coun- Medicine QU and Ministry of Since the beginning of March 2020, the financial come within the framework established according to inter- tries to study the genetic Public Health (MoPH). markets across the world have been going through an of the center’s endeavor to national standards, is com- sequence, Dr. Asma Al-Thani Another one is using digital unprecedented period of volatility and uncertainty. provide practical and logis- mitted to improving the said. simulation technology to test Liquidity crunches, increased Non Performing Loans tical measures to support healthy life of individuals in In this context, Dr. Asma the ability of some inhibitors (NPL) ratios, significant exposure to real estate assets multidisciplinary medical and Qatar by conducting research, Al-Thani said that the center to stop COVID-19 binding to and cybersecurity threats, to name a few, are posing a vital research that is not training and providing services seeks, in cooperation with its cellular receptors con- serious challenge to global banking industry. available at the University’s in the field of applied and the- local bodies inside and ducted by the Centre. Governments, central banks and regulators have colleges level, as part of its oretical biomedical research in outside the university, to The Centre also study the all been looking at different ways of minimising the commitment to improving the several important areas. decode the genetic code of genetics evolution of sea- impact of this pandemic on the local, regional and global healthy life of individuals in There are researches con- various endangered animal sonal and zoonotic corona- economies. the State of Qatar and to concerned with early diagnosis, species within the framework virus that infects humans. A Banks in Qatar have overcome this pandemic by tribute to facing emerging treatment and prevention of of the recently established research is being made in adopting new technologies. For the last few years, banks health challenges. infectious diseases and meta- program for environmental collaboration between The in Qatar have been embracing digital trends to achieve Director of the Biomedical bolic disorders, which include genome research. Biomedical Research Center operational and cost efficiencies, align with changes in Research Center at Qatar Uni- cardiovascular disease, type 2 This project came as the QU and Hamad bin Khalifa regulations and policies and adapt to the shifting behav- versity, Dr. Asma Al-Thani diabetes, obesity and cancer. State of Qatar was chosen to University Qatar Foundation, iours of their customers. The banking sector in Qatar is said, in an interview with In addition to genomics and follow the path of sustainable in addition to the Study the embracing new technologies and adopting new Fintech Qatar News Agency (QNA), alternative medicine in coop- development, making it the evolution of the Coronavirus strategies that is helping them enhance their overall cus- that the implemented eration with relevant research focus of the national devel- (MERS) that causes respi- tomer experience and increase process efficiencies. research projects are a great institutions such as Hamad opment strategy and also for ratory syndrome in humans The Fintech term, which stands for Financial Tech- achievement to the center, Medical Corporation and Weill the expansion of the indus- and camels in the Middle East nology, has become popular in recent years, with the since its actual launch 6 years Cornell Medical College in trial sector in the country, held by The Biomedical advent of Internet banking, mobile banking and the new ago, stressing the need to Qatar, The Sidra Center, Qatar she said, adding that the Research Center QU, Hamad means of digital payments and e-wallets. Fintech has move forward in facing health Biomedical Research Institute urban environment, in light Medical Corporation (HMC) come a long way in the recent years, thanks to the new challenges and achieving the and Qatar Anti-Doping Labo- of these data, will be required and (MoPH). technology developments and healthy Venture Capi- goals, objectives and strat- ratory, she added. to preserve local species. Among the studies that talist appetite. One of the most important Regarding COVID-19 have been carried out and Nearly every major bank in Qatar offers an Internet During the last three features of the center is estab- research, Dr. Asma Al-Thani published in this regard, are a and mobile banking solution in addition to their existing years, the center lishing a laboratory that cor- said that the Biomedical Comparative study on the “brick and mortar” services. responds to the third level of Research Center is keen to presence and amount of anti- After COVID-19 response measures were imple- recorded a signiﬁcant laboratory biosafety levels by harness all its efforts, coronavirus antibodies mented by authorities, digital channels have seen a surge increase in published CERTEK International, which expertise and capabilities to against seasonal and in the number of users, resulting in a higher number of is licensed by its origin serve the public interest in zoonotic coronaviruses in transactions being performed through these new touch- research. The number country the United States. It light of any developments humans in Qatar published in points. Services such as mobile payment, credit card increased from 134 in includes new and rare units related to health, prevention February 2, 2019 by the Bio- apps, online loan applications and mobile money transfers 2018 to 223 in 2019 such as a zebrafish research and safety for individuals and medical Research Center at are replacing physical interactions between the banks unit that is used as a model to society. QU and MoPH and a study on and their customers and rapidly raising digital banking to reach 275 this year. study many genetic diseases The Center has started the complete structure of the adoption among Qatar’s population. in order to match it with the many researches to study coronavirus spike protein Banks are rapidly moving from a ‘one-size fits all’ human genetic structure by emerging viruses, including (viral thorn) its pre-bonding model where they traditionally sell products to all cus- 80 percent, such as the gene (COVID-19). Among them is a form with cellular receptors, tomers, to a model where customer data is intensively that causes enlarged heart detailed study on cases in cooperation with external harvested to customise services for the needs and pref- disease. In addition to its infected with this virus, research centers. erences of every customer. A threat to European democracy D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR THE WASHINGTON POST EMAIL: [email protected] threatening critical funding discriminatory measures and That should give European not only for themselves but flirted with anti-Semitism. states, led by Germany, the lev- While the United States has also for other nations hard-hit The European Com- erage to push through the pro- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 been preoccupied with Pres- by the covid-19 pandemic. mission, the E.U. governing vision in the new budget. FAX: +974 4455 7758 ident Donald Trump’s assault A continued impasse body, launched investigations Compromises are being on the political system could exacerbate what is of both countries under a floated, such as a pledge by MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 following the November 3 already a serious economic treaty article that allows for Brussels not to use the rule-of- election, another struggle of crisis within the European the suspension of their voting law provisions to target certain DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 enormous import to the global Union. But if the blackmail rights. But the commission countries and to establish firm cause of democracy has been byHungary and Poland suc- has been unable to sanction criteria for applying them. LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 underway in Europe. For ceeds, Europe’s commitment them because of the Orban is suggesting he is open years, the 27-member to democracy will be fatally requirement of a unanimous to a deal. That’s fine, provided BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 European Union has been compromised. Whatever the vote by member governments Brussels is left with a workable confounded by its inability to cost, it is essential that E.U. - the two proto-autocracies mechanism for sanctioning SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 rein in two members, Hungary leaders not give in. protect each other. states that strip courts of inde- and Poland, which under The trouble in the two The budget blockade, pendence and silence critical ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 nationalist populist govern- former Soviet-bloc countries however, will be harder for media. email: [email protected] ments have been drifting centers on their governments’ Poland and Hungary to sustain. A victory for Europe’s steadily toward autocracy. efforts to strip the judiciary of Hungary receives E.U. aid equal democrats would also be a PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 This fall the European its independence, eliminate to 5 % of its economy, while the win for the incoming Biden email: [email protected] Parliament hit on the solution opposition media and, in figure for Poland is 3.4%. The two administration, which has of linking funding in the bloc’s Hungary’s case, corruptly are due to receive $213 billion in pledged to rally allied govern- ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 new $2.1 trillion budget to divert EU funds to relatives funding from the new seven- ments in support for FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] respect for the rule of law. and cronies of Prime Minister year budget and accompanying democracy and human rights The two Central European Viktor Orban. Both govern- coronavirus recovery fund. And around the world. The first CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 countries have responded by ments also have refused to if the new budget is not step is to ensure that free email: [email protected] blocking the budget’s accept refugees from Muslim approved, the previous one will elections and the rule of law adoption, which requires a countries, targeted the LGBTQ be applied in January - with the are protected in the United SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 unanimous vote - and thereby community with rule-of-law conditions in effect. States and Europe. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar Sad news today. I have lost a dear friend, and the world has lost a legend. One day, I hope, we /Peninsula_Qatar will play soccer together in the sky.

/ThePeninsulaNewspaper Pele, Brazilian soccer star

+974 6698 6188 THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 HOME 11 Iconic buildings lit up in purple for World Prematurity Day

THE PENINSULA — DOHA November but was delivered This year’s theme, prematurely in August. This was In an initiative led by Hamad ‘Together for babies because I was unfortunately Medical Corporation, the iconic born too soon…caring for diagnosed with COVID-19 and Torch Hotel, Sheraton Grand I had severe pneumonia and Doha Resort and Al Wakra the future’, highlighted needed intubation. So, my baby Hospital’s main entrance were the significant impact of had to be born early in order to lit up in purple on World healthcare professionals, save him and prevent compli- Prematurity Day to raise cations,” the mother recalls. awareness of premature births organisations and Weerasekera describes the and to show compassion and communities working time away from her baby as ‘a support for patients and families together to improve the difficult moment’ as she and her of babies born a little too soon. husband were unable to see him According to the World outcome for preterm until after one month because Health Organization (WHO), babies and their families. both were sick with every year, an estimated 15 COVID-19. million babies (one in 10) are “I felt excited to see him for born preterm (before 37 com- WWRC’s NICU staff the first time and thankful to the pleted weeks of gestation), and observed the day with poster NICU staff at WWRC for looking this number is rising. The world displays and video clips of after him very well and for wel- health body says preterm birth mothers of premature babies coming me warmly during that occurs for a variety of reasons. sharing their babies’ journey first visit. I am also grateful for Hamad Medical Corporation staff pose for a group photo to mark World Prematurity Day. Most preterm births happen through NICU. One of the their support throughout his stay spontaneously, but some are mothers, Nilushika Jayangani at the NICU. It’s obvious to me that due to early induction of labour identified. There could also be babies and their families. organised events featuring staff Weerasekera, who was diag- the NICU staff understood what I or caesarean birth, whether for a genetic influence. Neonatal Intensive Care donning purple shirts and nosed with COVID-19, had gone by making me feel com- medical or non-medical This year’s theme, “Together Units (NICU) across Hamad masks as a symbol of the day expressed her gratitude to fortable and loved. I am also reasons. Common causes of for babies born too soon…caring Medical Corporation recognised which stands for sensitivity and WWRC’s NICU team for taking thankful to the mum who volun- preterm birth include multiple for the future”, highlighted the sig- this day as premature babies are exceptionality. In WWRC’s care of her preterm son and the teered to donate her breast milk pregnancies, infections and nificant impact of healthcare pro- their core patient group. NICU NICU alone, around 50 percent staff of Hazm Mubarak Hospital to my son when I was unable to chronic conditions such as dia- fessionals, organisations and staff from Women’s Wellness of a total of 2,540 admissions for their support throughout her breastfeed him. I can’t thank her betes and high blood pressure; communities working together to and Research Center (WWRC) last year were babies born hospital stay. enough for her selfless love and however, often no cause is improve the outcome for preterm and Al Wakra Hospital prematurely. “My son was due in generosity,” she said. Carrefour Qatar launches ‘Carrefour Friday’, Ooredoo announces White Friday a week-long shopping extravaganza deals via eShop THE PENINSULA — DOHA across all categories, including It is no secret that many groceries, electronics, home have spent their recent time THE PENINSULA — DOHA Carrefour Qatar has launched appliances, and TV, on both, indoors transforming into ‘Carrefour Friday’ — a week- online and in-store. In addition, budding bakers and chefs. Tra- Qatar’s leading telecommuni- long shopping extravaganza on Friday, exclusive offers on ditionally, within the top ten cations operator has starting from yesterday, which electronics will be available sales categories, baking and announced an exciting is offering customers unbeatable online. cooking appliances are promotion to celebrate White prices on the most sought-after The customer can benefit expected to see strong sales as Friday this weekend. items on 2020 holiday wish lists. from the online delivery customers pursue new culinary The White Friday pro- As the only retailer offering service to get their preferred hobbies at home and choose to motion will see customers get an entire week worth of saving goods within one hour, same stay in and eat, rather than visit great discounts on a range of opportunities, Carrefour under- day or the next day, according restaurants. devices when they purchase Customers shopping at Carrefour Qatar. lines its commitment to offering to customers’ choice. Cus- With sales of micro-com- via the Ooredoo eShop, exceptional value for all customers can begin availing Car- puters increasing from 10 including smartphones, tablets, tomers through shopping refour Friday offers online at percent to 16 percent this year, only increase during Carrefour on fitness equipment, including routers, and MiFis. They will experiences. carrefourqatar.com or visit any coupled with an increase in Friday sales, with items such as bicycles, to help them stay fit also get double Nojoom Points Running until December 1, of the stores across Qatar. sales of phone accessories, it is tablets and other electronics and healthy at home or out- on some purchases. Carrefour Friday gives customers Carrefour expects to see clear that customers are high in demand as professionals doors. In fact, recent Carrefour Director PR at Ooredoo the opportunity to purchase a large numbers of customers seeking on-screen enter- look for flexible options to stay data showed a spike in online Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari said: range of quality items and snapping up deals across mul- tainment and technological connected. search queries by 5 percent for “We’re delighted to offer our products at discounted prices tiple categories including efficiency as work from home Personal wellbeing has treadmills and yoga mats as customers yet more value for through unbeatable promotions. kitchen products, Work from and remote learning become become a bigger priority for customers look to work on their money with these exciting These include discounts up to Home (WFH) essentials and widespread. many, and the brand predicts cardio and find more moments White Friday offers. Complete 50%, and a one-day super sale fitness equipment. Carrefour predicts these will that many customers will spend of Zen. customer satisfaction is a core goal for Ooredoo. Knowing how much our customers value being able to get their Partial traffic closure on University Street hands on the latest devices — as well as the best value on THE PENINSULA — DOHA shown in the attached map. works for the infrastructure devel- the market — we’ve designed The closure starts today and will opment of the sewage network and these offers to give our cus- The Public Works Authority be implemented for a period of six rainwater drainage network in the tomers exactly what they (Ashghal) has announced the imple- months. During this period, two lanes area. The Public Works Authority will want.” mentation of a partial traffic closure on University Street will remain open install directional signs to alert road Offers are valid from on University Street, on the left lane to traffic in each direction. The closure users of this traffic change and has November 26 to 29 and are in both directions of the street for a is in coordination with the General urged all commuters to abide by the only valid for purchases made distance of 80 meters near its inter- Directorate of Traffic and aims to allow speed limit and follow the road signs via the Ooredoo eShop at section with Al Khafji Street as the implementation of excavation to preserve their safety. http://ore.do/eshop-offers. Nespresso launches Variations QRCS delivers food baskets to families in Kosovo

Italia Limited edition coffee range THE PENINSULA — DOHA

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has completed a project to control the coro- This holiday season, Nespresso is navirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the opening its Casa Nespresso doors, Republic of Kosovo by supporting the low- arming coffee lovers with an array income families worst affected by the virus. of appealing gifts for the holidays. A The project aims to meet the basic food season dedicated to generosity and and hygiene needs of the families living in indulgence, Nespresso believes there quarantined areas, widowed women with is no better time to bring people orphaned children, lonely older people together and treat loved ones with without care, and impoverished the gift of Nespresso. families. To celebrate, Nespresso is The Red Cross of Kosovo undertook launching its Variations Italia Limited the purchase of food and hygiene items edition coffee range. Inspired by through bidding from suppliers. They also Italy’s traditions, Nespresso’s Vari- conducted socioeconomic studies to select Red Cross of Kosovo officials preparing food baskets to be distributed among the ations Italia is a homage to true the priority families as beneficiaries under beneﬁciaries under QRCS project to control the COVID-19 pandemic in Kosovo. Italian hospitality, celebrating those the relevantly applicable regulations. warm, soft-hearted moments spent In the presence of the Secretary-General damage is more prominent. The number Nepal, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Laos, Vanuatu, with loved ones during the of the Red Cross of Kosovo Agron Humolli, of low-income families seeking help from Ethiopia, Chad, Senegal, Mauritania, Ivory holidays. through this collection. The delicate the host National Society’s volunteers dis- the Red Cross of Kosovo is quite large, with Coast, Mali, Sierra Leone, Albania, Kosovo, This year’s coffees are influenced design and white matte finish create tributed food baskets and hygiene kits to the current situation causing even more, Montenegro, Venezuela, El Salvador, Peru, by the traditional Italian flavours of a luxury touch making it a perfect 271 financially affected families in 26 munic- to apply for emergency assistance. and Panama. regional sweet treats, including gift for any coffee lover. The per- ipalities across the country. This project is a lifeline for those living The list of activities conducted by QRCS hazelnut cake and amaretti and bis- manent collection comes in five sizes, Kosovo has one of the highest poverty hand-to-mouth, saving them from total lack in support of those countries includes the cotti. With two flavoured coffees, one from Espresso (80ml) to Coffee Mug rates in eastern Europe. According to the of subsistence, towards QRCS’s humani- provision of equipment and supplies for non-flavoured coffee, and a range (400ml). Kosovo Agency of Statistics and the World tarian mission of saving lives and preserving health facilities, provision of medicines and of accessories, Nespresso’s festive Federica Biasi has also designed Bank, 5.2% of the population lives in dignity. It is part of QRCS’s initiative to back medical supplies, protection for medical coffee offer caters to all this holiday an accompanying Lume Mia capsule extreme poverty. The overall unem- the fellow National Societies in 22 countries professionals and volunteers, provision of season. dispenser for those looking for a ployment rate is very high, at 30.5%. across six continents, aimed at protecting food and shelter for families worst affected The flavours are Variations Italia sleek storage solution for their Nes- Fortunately, the number of people 320,000 persons against the virus, with a by the loss of income, and provision of pro- Amaretti Flavour, Variations Italia presso capsule dispenser. The trans- affected or killed by the coronavirus has total budget of QR2,236,827. These coun- tective supplies (masks, gloves, sanitisers, Torta di Nocciole Flavour and Il parent design creates a luminous been insignificant, but the economic tries are Palestine, Afghanistan, Pakistan, etc.). Caffè. sparkle to your capsules, suiting any Along with these indulgent kitchen counter space. coffees, Nespresso has also This year, Nespresso is proud to Ford Taurus, Flex and Lincoln MKX models of 2013-2018 recalled launched a range of coffee and have partnered with iconic Italian homeware accessories that make design brand Alessi, co-creating a THE PENINSULA — DOHA models of 2013-2018 over follow up on vehicle defects essary repairs. for delightful gifts this holiday limited edition centrepiece to potential toe link fracture, and repairs. The Ministry urged cus- season, like the Nespresso’s 2020 entertain and share meaningful The Ministry of Commerce which may lead to loose The Ministry said that it tomers to report any vio- Variations Italia advent calendar moments with loved ones. and Industry, in cooperation vehicle control. will coordinate with the lation to its Consumer Pro- and the Nespresso Lume Collection Nespresso Limited Edition Touch with Almana Motors The recall campaign dealer to follow up on the tection and Anti-Com- designed by Milanese designer Fed- Travel Mug is a great companion for Company, dealer of Ford and comes within the framework maintenance and repair mercial Fraud Department, erica Biasi. any journey, whether it’s running for Lincoln in Qatar, announced of the Ministry’s continuous works and will communicate which processes com- The word Lume is Italian for light, the last train or a long journey to see the recall of Ford Taurus and efforts to protect consumers with customers to ensure plaints, inquires and which Federica Biasi aims to portray family for the holidays. Flex and Lincoln MKX and ensure that car dealers that they carried out the nec- suggestions. 12 GULF / MIDDLE EAST THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 Pompeo praises efforts by Kuwait to resolve Gulf crisis Rouhani calls for return to QNA — WASHINGTON continues to be of great importance in that respect,” Pompeo pre-Trump US Secretary of State Mike said. Pompeo has praised Kuwait’s According to Kuwait News US-Iran situation efforts to resolve the Gulf crisis. Agency, the US Secretary of AFP — TEHRAN At a joint press conference State said that he and the with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Kuwaiti foreign minister had Iran’s President Hassan and Acting Information Min- signed a memorandum of Rouhani yesterday invited US ister Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser understanding for boosting President-elect Joe Biden’s Al Mohammad Al Sabah at the cooperation in the areas of bio- incoming administration to end of the fourth Kuwaiti-US medical research and infor- restore the “situation that Strategic Dialogue, Pompeo mation exchange. prevailed” before Donald hailed the joint work between For his part, Kuwaiti foreign Trump came to power. the two countries on resolving minister stressed the signifi- “Iran and the US can both disputes. cance of Kuwaiti-US strategic decide and declare that they “We are working to resolve dialogue, and underscored the will return to the situation that other conflicts as well. The importance of promoting coop- prevailed until January 20, foreign minister and the eration between both countries 2017,” Rouhani told his Kuwaitis have been models in in various realms and sectors cabinet, referring to the date US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (right), and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al moving forward to heal the amid the challenges of the when the outgoing US pres- Mohammad Al Sabah arrive to speak to the media in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday night. Gulf rift, and their assistance COVID-19 pandemic. ident assumed office. “If there is such a will among the future American leaders, I think that it will be very easy to resolve” Syria claims Israeli numerous problems, Rouhani said. Iran and the US do not have direct diplomatic ties, but air strike on post a nuclear deal agreed between Tehran, Washington and other world powers in 2015 -- nego- south of Damascus tiated when Barack Obama was in the White House, with Biden as his deputy — saw REUTERS & AFP — AMMAN/BEIRUT A war monitoring bilateral tensions dissipate to group said that Israeli the lowest level in decades. The Syrian army said early Trump unilaterally yesterday that Israel launched air strikes in Syria withdrew the US from that pact air strikes on an area in the overnight killed at in May 2018 and launched a southern outskirts of Damascus, “maximum pressure” campaign where military defectors believe least eight ﬁghters against Iran with sanctions that has a strong Iranian military operating in pro-Iran plunged its economy into a deep presence in the second such recession. The two countries attack within a week. militias. The strikes have twice come to the brink of The Israeli aerial strike on targeted an arms war since mid-2019. a strategic area that Israel had The Iranian government’s hit in the past came from the depot and a position policy is based on “respect for occupied Golan Heights and held by Iranian forces commitments against respect caused only material damages, and their Lebanese for commitments... (and) the army statement said. respect in exchange for Military defectors said the ally Hezbollah near respect,” Rouhani said, noting Residents of the Palestinian Yarmuk camp, on the southern outskirts of the Syrian capital Damascus, walk strike targeted an military base an opportunity to “completely the capital Damascus, past destroyed buildings as families visit the destroyed residential district to inspect their abandoned in Jabal Mane Heights near the change the course” of events town of Kiswa, where Iranian and a pro-Iran militia apartments and register with the authorities with the hope of eventually returning to their homes. of the last four years. Revolutionary Guards have long position in southern Since Biden’s victory in the been entrenched in a rugged overnight killed at least eight another strike against the civil war, saying Tehran only November 3 US presidential area almost 15km south of the Syria, the Syrian fighters operating in pro-Iran village of Rwihinah in the has military advisers on the election, Rouhani has center of Damascus. Observatory for militias. southern province of ground. repeatedly signalled his Strikes that occurred in July The strikes targeted an arms Quneitra near the Israeli- Western intelligence openness to the incoming US also hit towns near Kiswa, Human Rights said. depot and a position held by occupied Golan Heights, sources say Israel’s stepped- administration, although Iran’s where Lebanese pro-Iranian Iranian forces and their Leb- without reporting any casu- up strikes on Syria in the last supreme leader has cautioned Hezbollah militia are deployed anese ally Hezbollah near the alties from either attack. few months are a part of a against hopes of an opening with other pro-Tehran militias southern countryside of capital Damascus, and a pro- Israel launched air raids shadow war, approved by with the West. in strength, according to a Damascus to the Israeli- Iran militia position in southern against what it called a wide Washington and part of the Biden favors a return to senior army defector. occupied Golan Heights where Syria, the Syrian Observatory range of Syrian and Iranian anti-Iran policy that has diplomacy with Iran, which The area has anti-aircraft the growing Iranian presence for Human Rights said. targets in Syria last Wednesday, undermined in the last two has been hit by sweeping sanc- missiles that are stationed to is viewed as a strategic threat The nationalities of the dead sending a signal that it will years Iran’s extensive military tions under Trump, but any defend the Syrian Golan Heights by Israel. fighters was not immediately pursue its policy of striking power without triggering a negotiations are expected to along the border with Israel, the The Syrian army statement know, the Britain-based across the border despite US major increase in hostilities. be grueling. Blinken has called military sources said. said the Israeli aerial strike monitor said. President Donald Trump’s Israeli defence officials have for the accord to be both “We don’t comment on came from the occupied Golan Syrian state media Sana election defeat. said in recent months that Israel toughened and extended but these kind of news reports,” an Heights and caused only earlier said an air strike by “the Syrian President Bashar Al would step up its campaign Iran is already playing Israeli military spokesman said. material damages. Zionist enemy” had hit an area Assad’s government has never against Iran in Syria, where hardball, saying it will not The aerial strikes hit a ter- Meanwhile, a war moni- “south of Damascus” just before publicly acknowledged that Tehran has expanded its revisit conditions and seeking ritory, which is situated in a toring group said yesterday that midnight local time. there are Iranian forces oper- presence with the help of its not only sanctions relief but zone that extends from the Israeli air strikes in Syria Sana also reported ating on his behalf in Syria’s proxy militias. compensation. Academic freed Judge wants Lebanon ministers investigated over port blast in exchange for AFP — BEIRUT parts of the capital. He also requested it probe The matter is being Experts from France and three Iranians The government resigned the role of several former min- referred to the parliament as the US Federal Bureau of Inves- AP — TEHRAN The judge leading Lebanon’s in the wake of the explosion, but isters who held the same posi- it is the seat of a specialised tigation took part in the prelim- probe into the deadly Beirut has remained in a caretaker tions in the previous three higher council able to pros- inary investigation. Iran has freed Kylie Moore- port blast wants three members capacity as talks drag on to form cabinets. ecute ministers. Judicial sources previously Gilbert, a British-Australian of the cabinet investigated over a new one. The letter to the legislative Lebanese officials have said that Lebanon had received academic who has been their possible responsibility in Judge Fadi Sawan in a chamber came after Sawan’s rejected an international probe, the report from the American detained in Iran for more than the disaster, a judicial source letter asked parliament to own investigations raised despite demands both from experts, but was still expecting two years, in exchange for said. investigate public works and “certain suspicions about the home and abroad for an another from France. three Iranians held abroad, On August 4, the explosion transportation minister Michel responsibility of those ministers impartial investigation. The Beirut Bar Association state TV reported yesterday. of hundreds of tonnes of Najjar, finance minister Ghazi and their failure towards A local probe has so far has handed the public prose- The state TV report offered ammonium nitrate killed more Wazni, and justice minister addressing the presence of the arrested 25 people as part of the cutor hundreds of criminal no further details beyond than 200 people, wounded Marie-Claude Najm, the ammonium nitrate at the port”, ongoing probe, including top complaints from victims of the saying that the three Iranians thousands, and ravaged large judicial source said. the source said. port and customs officials. explosion. released in the swap had been detained for trying to bypass sanctions. Moore-Gilbert was a Mel- Iran rejects ‘interference’ over bourne University lecturer on Middle Eastern studies when academic facing execution she was sent to Tehran’s Evin Prison in September 2018 and AFP — TEHRAN to not have the sentence sentenced to 10 years. She is against Djalali carried out,” one of several Westerners held Iran has warned against “all Linde wrote. in Iran on internationally crit- interference” by Sweden after Khatibzadeh said that the icised espionage charges that Stockholm called on Tehran not information being used by the their families and rights groups to execute Iranian-Swedish Swedish authorities to inform say are unfounded. academic Ahmadreza Djalali, their position on Djalali’s cir- It was not immediately who was handed a death penalty cumstances “was incomplete clear when Moore-Gilbert three years ago for spying. and false”. He did not would arrive back in Aus- “The judicial power of the elaborate. tralia. State TV aired video Islamic republic is independent Djalali, formerly based in showing her with a gray hijab —all interference in the Stockholm where he worked sitting at what appeared to be issuance or carrying out of at the Karolinska Institute, a a greeting room at one of judicial decisions is rejected as medical university, was Tehran’s airports. The footage unacceptable,” Iran’s foreign arrested during a visit to Iran showed three men with ministry spokesman Saeed in April 2016 and sentenced to Iranian flags over their Khatibzadeh said in a death in October 2017. shoulders — those freed in statement late on Tuesday. He was found guilty of exchange for her being Sweden’s Foreign Minister passing information about two released. State TV earlier Anne Linde had on Tuesday Iranian nuclear scientists to described them as “economic taken to Twitter after being in Israel’s Mossad intelligence activists,” without elaborating. contact with her Iranian coun- agency that had led to their International pressure on Israel tears down Palestinian homes terpart Mohammad Javad Zarif, assassinations. He was granted Iran to secure her release has in the wake of reports that Tehran Swedish citizenship in Feb- A Palestinian woman reacts in front of Israeli forces as Israeli machineries demolish a house, near escalated in recent months fol- was preparing to carry out the ruary 2018, while in prison. lowing reports that her health Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, yesterday. Israeli bulldozers demolished several homes execution of Djalali, a specialist in His lawyers claimed they was deteriorating during long and structures in three Bedouin communities in Hebron governorate under the pretext of “no emergency medicine. were blocked from presenting stretches of solitary construction permits”. “Sweden denounces the submissions ahead of a confinement. death penalty and is working Supreme Court hearing. THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 13 AU envoys head for Ethiopia as war leaves thousands dead

REUTERS — ADDIS ABABA assault on their highland capital than 10,000 Tigrayan “junta Mekelle, home to half a million forces” had been “destroyed” African Union (AU) envoys went people. with more than 15,000 small to Ethiopia yesterday hours Large numbers have died arms and heavy weapons seized before an ultimatum was to and there has been widespread in battles from Dansha to Adwa. expire for Tigrayan forces to destruction in aerial bombard- There was no immediate surrender in a war that has ments and ground fighting since response from the TPLF, Tig- shaken the northern region and the war began on November 4. ray’s dominant political party killed thousands of its fighters Some 42,000 refugees have fled which is spearheading the according to one report. over the border to Sudan and fighting. It too has spoken of Prime Minister Abiy TPLF rockets have hit neigh- killing large numbers of its Ahmed’s government has set a bouring Eritrea. enemies during a stream of 72-hour deadline for the Tigray AMMA news agency, run by often contradictory claims by People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) authorities in Amhara region both sides. to lay down arms or face an who back Abiy, said that more With phone and internet connections to Tigray largely down and access to the area Ethiopia Premier rejects strictly controlled, Reuters could not verify the AMMA report - Two members of the Amhara militia stand in a bridge, in Mai Kadra, Ethiopia. international ‘interference’ which quoted a military colonel but gave no evidence - or other Mekelle, where there has been appointee as national security The UN mission in South statements from all sides. rationing, according to Nov. 23 adviser, Jake Sullivan, urged Sudan said it was aware of the AP — NAIROBI A senior diplomat involved satellite images provided to dialogue. soldiers’ repatriation from the Ethiopia’s prime minister is rejecting growing international in the peace effort said he was Reuters by Maxar Technologies. “I’m deeply concerned 2,000-strong Ethiopian con- consensus for dialogue and a halt to deadly fighting in the Tigray surprised at the report of Three African Union (AU) envoys about the risk of violence tingent, noting that discrimi- region as “unwelcome,” saying his country will handle the conflict 10,000 Tigrayan casualties as - ex-presidents Joaquim Chissano against civilians, including nation due to ethnicity could on its own as a 72-hour surrender ultimatum runs out yesterday. it would imply pitched battles of Mozambique, Ellen Johnson potential war crimes, in the violate international law. “We respectfully urge the international community to refrain on a massive scale, and while Sirleaf of Liberia and Kgalema fighting around Mekelle in Billene Seyoum, spokes- from any unwelcome and unlawful acts of interference,” the that was not impossible he had Motlanthe of South Africa — were Ethiopia,” he tweeted. woman for the Ethiopian prime statement from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office said as gov- seen no evidence. due into Ethiopia’s capital on The conflict is also roiling minister’s office, said the situ- ernment forces encircled the Tigray capital, Mekele, with tanks. Foreign concern was Wednesday for meetings, diplo- the wider east Africa region. ation in South Sudan would be “The international community should stand by until the gov- growing, he said, at indications matic sources said. Tigrayan forces have fired the same as Somalia, meaning ernment of Ethiopia submits its requests for assistance to the of both “clear ethnic violence” Abiy, who won last year’s rockets at the airport of Eritrea’s soldiers sent home were sus- community of nations.” and “Eritrean involvement in Nobel Peace Prize for ending a capital Asmara, while Ethiopian pected of TPLF links. The government led by Abiy, last year’s Nobel Peace Prize some way,” the diplomat said. two-decade standoff with soldiers have been pulled from Ethiopia’s state-appointed winner, has warned Mekele’s half-million residents to move Abiy, whose parents are from Eritrea, has said he will receive peacekeeping missions in human rights watchdog accused away from the Tigray People’s Liberation Front leaders or there the larger Oromo and Amharic them but not talk with TPLF Somalia and South Sudan. a Tigrayan youth group of will be “no mercy” - language that the United Nations human groups, has denied any ethnic heads until they are defeated or In Somalia, Ethiopia has dis- killing about 600 civilians from rights chief and others have warned could lead to “further vio- overtones to his offensive, while give up. armed several hundred Tig- other ethnic groups in a lations of international humanitarian law.” Eritrea has rejected TPLF accu- European nations discussed rayans in the AU peacekeeping November 9 attack on the town But communications remain almost completely severed to sations that it sent troops over the conflict at a closed-doors force fighting Al Qaeda-linked of Mai Kadra. The TPLF denies the Tigray region of some 6 million people, and is not clear how the border to back the federal meeting of the United Nations militants. Three soldiers of Tig- accusations of collusion, and many people in Mekele are aware of the warnings and the threat push. Security Council on Tuesday, rayan ethnicity were also sent accuses Abiy of persecuting Tig- of artillery fire. On the ground, long lines of diplomats said. And US Pres- home from a UN peacekeeping rayans in pursuit of personal cars formed at fuel stations in ident-elect Joe Biden’s force in South Sudan. power. Protesters calling Israeli blockade has cost Gaza $16.7bn, says UN for jobs halt AFP — GENEVA economic cost of the Israeli found Gaza’s economy grew by de-development being the fate investment to the enclave “vir- Tunisia’s entire occupation in Gaza under the less than five percent between of Gazan society,” said Richard tually disappeared”, at 2.7 Israel’s blockade of the Gaza prolonged closure and severe 2007 and 2018. Kozul-Wright, the director of percent of GDP in 2018. phosphate output Strip cost the Palestinian economic and movement At the same time, its per UNCTAD’s globalisation and And Gaza now has one of enclave’s economy an estimated restrictions and military oper- capita GDP shrank by 27 development strategies. the world’s highest unem- REUTERS — TUNIS $16.7bn in just over a decade, ations would amount to $16.7 percent and unemployment “That’s a real shocking con- ployment rates, at around 52 the United Nations said billion (constant 2015 US soared by 49 percent. clusion in the 21st century: that percent, the report said. Protesters calling for jobs yesterday. dollars),” it said. Given the “near-collapse of two million people can be left However, Kozul-Wright stopped Tunisia’s entire phos- The coastal enclave has This was equivalent to six Gaza’s regional economy and in that kind of condition,” he said there was “reason to be phate output yesterday by been under an Israeli-enforced times the value of Gaza’s gross its isolation”, UNCTAD stressed told a press conference. optimistic”, with the incoming launching sit-ins at the sole blockade since 2007, the year the domestic product in 2018, or 107 the “urgent need to end the Wednesday’s report sug- foreign policy team unveiled producer of the key export Islamist movement Hamas took percent of the total Palestinian closure of Gaza so that its gested that the poverty rate Tuesday by US president-elect during a day of strikes and power. In the 11 ensuing years, its GDP, including the West Bank, it people can freely trade with the could have been far lower had Joe Biden promising “a very dif- protests around the country, economic situation deteriorated said. The result, the UN agency rest of the occupied Palestinian the pre-2007 trends ferent tone” from President officials and witnesses said. dramatically, the UN Conference said, was that “Gaza has wit- territory and the world”. continued. Donald Trump. State-run Gafsa Phospate on Trade and Development nessed one of the worst economic Without the opening up that Over the period, Gaza’s The report listed recom- was once one of the world’s found in a new report. performances globally.” would facilitate a more formal share of the total Palestinian mendations to help put Gaza on largest producers of phosphate Between 2007 and 2018, In its report to the UN economy, “it’s extremely dif- economy decreased from 31 a path towards sustainable minerals which are used to “the estimated cumulative General Assembly, UNCTAD ficult to see anything but percent to 18 percent, while development. make fertilisers and is an important source of foreign cur- rency for the North African state. US blacklists The open-ended sit-ins W Sahara flare-up hits buffer zone businesses increased pressure on the government amid a wave of pro- Libya militia AFP — GUERGUERAT tests a decade after a 2011 uprising that triggered Arab loyal to Haftar Kamal Zerfi has long run a Spring protests across the junkyard in a no-man’s land on region. Tunisia’s phosphate AFP — WASHINGTON the far edge of the Sahara output fell after the uprising desert. Then government and localised protests and The US Treasury announced soldiers came and things took strikes have since steadily cut sanctions yesterday on a a turn for the worse. into production and caused Libyan rebel militia loyal to Zerfi lives in a remote outpost billions of dollars in losses. eastern strongman Khalifa of the Western Sahara region In the southern town of Haftar which is allegedly claimed by both Morocco and Gafsa, dozens of young men behind multiple murders, Polisario Front pro-inde- earlier stormed the governorate kidnapping and torture. pendence rebels who recently headquarters, demanding jobs. The Treasury said revived their three-decade Workers in the northern city of Mohamed Al Kani and the struggle. Beja also staged a one-day Kaniyat militia “is responsible His auto- and scrapyard is general strike, with all shops for the murder of civilians located at the desolate truck and public private institutions recently discovered in stop of Guerguerat in a UN- closed. numerous mass graves in patrolled buffer zone along the Tarhuna.” Mauritanian border, where the Burundi urges UN Libyan government forces deployment of Moroccan sol- discovered 11 mass graves in diers has now put paid to his to push Rwanda June around Tarhuna, lucrative business. for handover of southeast of Tripoli. “They’ve stripped me of my A border crossing point between Morocco and Mauritania in Guerguerat located in the Western Sahara. Tarhuna was the main goods!” protested the 42-year- Morocco in early November accused the Polisario Front of blocking the key highway for trade with dissidents staging point for Haftar’s old who said he had been doing the rest of Africa, and launched a military operation to reopen it. abortive offensive aimed at good — and, he insists, legal — BLOOMBERG — BEIJING seizing the capital from the business selling cars on to Mau- UN-recognized Government ritania until Rabat sent in the business in the region locals dub set on fire, with acrid black said Zerfi. Under the ceasefire Burundi asked the United of National Accord. On troops on November 13. “Kandahar” after the city in smoke swirling into the sky. deal, Morocco controls around Nations to push Rwanda to November 7, the government’s Western Sahara has been southern Afghanistan. No UN Some businesses in the three-quarters of the Western hand over people suspected of missing persons authority said disputed since the end of forces could be seen in the border outpost “have lost eve- Sahara, including its considerable plotting a 2015 coup, as the neigh- it had unearthed 17 bodies Spanish colonial rule. Morocco region, known as a hotspot for rything”, said Zerfi, since phosphate deposits and access bours inch closer to improving ties from a newly-discovered claims all of it as it own, while smuggling of all kinds. Moroccan forces arrived to to its rich Atlantic fisheries. The that soured after former mass grave near the town. Polisario rebels, backed by Zerfi, from Marrakesh in secure the road. The Polisario Polisario controls the rest. strongman Pierre Nkurunziza’s Government forces have Algeria, want independence. southern Morocco, insists his has since declared a “state of In August 2016, Morocco bid to stay in power triggered a blamed Al Kani’s militia, and Trouble flared again when trade is entirely legitimate due war” that put an end to its launched operations to “combat bloody conflict in the central have said that victims showed Rabat recently accused the to the special status of the 30-year-old ceasefire with smuggling, drug trafficking, and African nation. signs of being tortured and rebels of blockading the road demilitarised zone, even if the Rabat in the disputed territory. all forms of illegal trade” in Burundi is trying to renew burned, and some buried alive, which links the desert region Moroccan customs service may Rabat has also built a sand wall Guerguerat, sparking tensions ties with several neighbours according to the Treasury. with Mauritania and the rest of disagree. License plates buried to secure the road to the border with the Polisario. At the time, and international organisa- “Mohamed Al Kani and the Africa at Guerguerat. in the sand identify the origins post where Moroccan flags are the UN had finally convinced tions following years of iso- Kaniyat militia have tortured The pro-independence of cars that have passed through now displayed. the two camps to evacuate the lation under Nkurunziza, and killed civilians during a movement, which says the road the junkyard: France, Italy, The “parking lots” in Guer- buffer zone. Talks between whose government shunned cruel campaign of oppression was built in violation of a 1991 Spain— and Germany, the most guerat have long served as a Morocco and the Polisario, as foreign diplomats and expelled in Libya,” Treasury Secretary UN-sponsored ceasefire deal, sought after among Mauritanian depot for various goods from well as neighbouring Algeria some senior officials, including Steven Mnuchin said in a declared the truce null and void buyers, the dealer said. Mauritania, providing signif- and Mauritania, have been sus- representatives of the World statement. The sanctions seek and insisted it had no choice but Now that Moroccan troops icant income for locals. pended since March 2019. The Health Organization. Most of to freeze any property of those “to intensify the fight for have asserted control, tow Since the troop deployment, UN’s envoy for the territory, the acrimony was fueled by named under US jurisdiction national liberation”. trucks have taken away the cars “those who had deposited former German president Horst widespread international con- and to block their access to the Zerfi said the rebels, whom that were in decent condition. goods have recovered them — Kohler, quit in May of that year demnation of Nkurunziza’s world trade and banking he calls “Apaches”, would often Spare parts and loads of but those who left them here citing poor health and has not decision to stand for re- system. block the road link, harming rubbish, meanwhile, have been have been left with nothing”, been replaced. election in 2015. 14 ASIA THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 India evacuates hundreds as ‘severe’ cyclone nears

AGENCIES — NEW DELHI Tamil Nadu Chief Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Puducherry and Karaikal. Hundreds of people in low lying Minister Edappadi The cyclone will affect areas in India’s southern city of Palaniswami declared Nellore and Chittoor districts Chennai were evacuated and more of Andhra Pradesh, and move than 150 relief centres were on a public holiday over Rayalaseema and standby ahead of a “very severe today in some areas, southeast Telangana today. cyclonic storm”, government offi- Gale wind speed reaching cials said yesterday. ordered the halting of 105-115kmph gusting to 130 The Indian Meteorological bus services, advised kmph is prevailing over Department (IMD) said “Nivar” was Southwest Bay of Bengal. It likely to cross between midnight ﬁshermen not venture would further increase and early hours today and was to sea and asked becoming 120-130kmph gusting likely to bring very heavy rainfall. to 145 kmph during yesterday Areas in and around people to stay indoors. afternoon to early hours today. Chennai witnessed intense Squally wind speed reaching spells of rain, accompanied by 55-65kmph gusting to 75kmph strong winds yesterday. of Chennai. is prevailing along and off Tamil The cyclone was likely to “It is very likely to Nadu, Puducherry and Policemen walk along a deserted beach road during heavy rains as cyclone Nivar approaches the damage houses and roads, intensify further into a very adjoining South Andhra Pradesh southeastern Indian coast in Puducherry yesterday. uproot power lines and trees severe cyclonic storm during coast and over Gulf of Mannar. and destroy crops along India’s next six hours,” the IMD The wind will gradually south east coast, the IMD said release said around 11.30am. increase and become gale wind It would gradually become The cyclone will lead to dis- In view of the current in a statement. Fairly widespread rainfall speed reaching 120-130 kmph phenomenal over Southwest ruption of railways, overhead COVID-19 scenario, the MHA said Edappadi Palaniswami, and thunderstorm activity is gusting to 145 kmph along and Bay of Bengal and along and powerlines and signalling systems. that the NDRF teams are equipped Tamil Nadu state’s Chief Min- very likely over coastal and off coastal districts of north off north Tamil Nadu, There are expectations of wide- with appropriate Personal Pro- ister, declared a public north interior Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Puducherry coasts during spread damage to standing crops, tective Equipment (PPE). holiday today in some areas, Puducherry and Karaikal, (Nagapattinam, Karaikal, Wednesday afternoon and plantations and orchards. “NDRF is working in close ordered the halting of bus south coastal Andhra Pradesh Myladuthurai, Cuddalore, early hours today. “Small boats, country crafts coordination with district and services, advised fishermen and Rayalaseema until early Puducherry, Villupuram and Tidal wave of about 1-1.5M may get detached from local administrations. not venture to sea and asked hours today, and in southeast Chengalpattu) and 80-90 height above the astronomical moorings. Visibility may be Awareness programmes are people to stay indoors. Telangana today. gusting to 100 kmph very likely tide is very likely to inundate severely affected,” warns IMD, being conducted for all citizens As per the latest report, Extremely isolated heavy over Tiruvarur, Kanchipuram, the low-lying areas of north suggesting “total suspension of in the form of information about the cyclone moved west- rainfall activity was also very Chennai, Tiruvallur districts coastal districts of Tamil Nadu fishing operations and mobilise cyclones, ‘Dos and Don’ts’ and northwestwards with a speed likely over coastal and north during Wednesday afternoon and Puducherry near the place evacuation from coastal areas.” information about COVID-19 in of 11 kmph during past six interior Tamil Nadu and to early Thursday hours. of landfall. It was advised to move affected areas and prevention hours and lay centred at Puducherry. Districts likely to Sea condition is very high Damage expected over coastal hutment dwellers to measures.” 8.30am yesterday over be affected include Thanjavur, over Southwest Bay of Bengal Nagapattinam, Myladuthurai, safer places. The IMD advised All deployed teams are southwest Bay of Bengal, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and very rough to high along Cuddalore, Villupuram and people in affected areas to assisting the local adminis- about 240km east-southeast Cuddalore, Chennai, Kan- and off Tamil Nadu, Chengalpattu districts of Tamil remain in safe places and tration in evacuation of people of Cuddalore, about 250km chipuram, Chengalpattu, Puducherry, south Andhra Nadu and Karaikal and indoors, warning that from areas that are likely to be east southeast of Puducherry Myladuthirai, Ariyalur, Per- Pradesh coasts and over Gulf Puducherry. Potential threat movement in motor boats and affected by the cyclone, said the and 300km south southeast ambalur, Kallakurchi, of Mannar. from flying objects. small ships is unsafe. Ministry. Sri Lanka digs Thai protesters push on despite charges of royal defamation moat around AP — BANGKOK lodge a complaint, so it had in carnival-like atmosphere next a movement icon, could be face, an evident attempt to landfill to keep the past been used as a weapon to a bank controlled by the seen almost everywhere. One shore up support for the royal Pro-democracy demonstrators in political vendettas. But it has country’s royal family. By dusk, protest leader even gave a institution. out elephants in Thailand yesterday again not been employed for the past about 2,000 had gathered fiery speech from a truck-bed The venue for Wednesday’s took to the streets of the capital, three years, after King Maha peacefully. stage while wearing a duck pro-democracy rally was REUTERS — AMPARA even as the government esca- Vajiralongkorn informed the Many in the months-long costume. changed late Tuesday night by lated its legal battle against government that he did not protest movement, spear- The ducks became a symbol the protesters. It was earlier Sri Lanka’s government is them, reviving the use of a wish to see its use. The king has headed by students, believe the of resistance last week when announced that it would be held digging a moat around one of harsh law against defaming the not publicly commented on the monarchy holds too much human-size inflatable ducks outside the offices of the Crown its landfills to keep out hungry monarchy. law since then. power for a constitutional mon- were brought to a rally outside Property Bureau, which elephant herds and reduce On Tuesday, police had The protesters want the archy. But their challenge is Parliament and satirically manages the fortune controlled conflicts between the animals issued summonses for 12 protest monarchy reformed to make it fiercely opposed by royalists, dubbed the protesters’ navy. by the king, estimated to be and villagers. leaders to answer charges of more accountable. They also including the army, who con- When police turned water worth more than $40bn. Dozens of elephants lese majeste, defaming or want Prime Minister Prayuth sider the royal institution an cannons on them, the ducks The target was switched to lumber out of the forest daily insulting key members of the Chan-ocha and his government untouchable bedrock of served as makeshift shields. the head office of the Siam into a garbage dump near the royal family. The offense is pun- to step down, and for the con- national identity. At a ceremony at a park in Commercial Bank, a publicly eastern town of Ampara, rum- ishable by up to 15 years in stitution, which was imple- Food and souvenir vendors another part of Bangkok, at held company in which the king maging through mounds of prison. Most of the protest mented under a military gov- set up tables along a long stretch least 600-700 supporters of the is the biggest shareholder. The rubbish for wilted vegetable leaders are already facing mul- ernment, to be amended to of sidewalk along the rim of a monarchy gathered for a bank’s headquarters are in a scraps. tiple charges, ranging from make it more democratic. park-like compound occupied scheduled appearance by the different area of Bangkok, far This has become a blocking traffic to sedition. Several of the leaders by the headquarters of the Siam king. He and Queen Suthida in from the district hosting the common sight at the country’s The lese majeste law is con- wanted by the police were Commercial Bank. the past month have been doing Crown Property Bureau and three largest landfills, which troversial, because anyone - not present Wednesday as pro- Accessories featuring the street tours where members of other royal and government are located next to wildlife just royals or authorities - can testers gathered in a image of a yellow rubber duck, the public can see them face to offices. protection zones. The elephants consume plastic along with the food scraps, which slowly kills them, officials say. Australian state to ease In 2019, a record 361 elephants died mainly because of humans, local environmental COVID-19 restrictions groups reported. The Ampara landfill was AGENCIES — SYDNEY as NSW recorded no local created around a decade ago transmission of COVID-19 for in the middle of an elephant Australia’s New South Wales the 18th consecutive day. corridor that is home to 200 (NSW) state will ease social Meanwhile, South Australia to 300 elephants. Electric distancing restrictions and is overhauling its system of fences have not worked to remove requirements for hotel quarantine after discov- keep the determined animals companies to allow employees ering that two returned away. work from home after overseas travellers and a “There is no proper plan or recording nearly three weeks security guard mysteriously a system for this,” said P H without any local transmission contracted COVID-19 at an iso- Kumara, part of the Gal Oya of COVID-19, Premier Gladys lation facility. Farmers Committee, a farming Berejiklian said yesterday. Authorities have scoured collective in the region around In contrast to many other CCTV images and have so far Ampara. “Government insti- parts of the world imposing failed to identify how the couple tutions have established land- tougher rules to slow a resurgent who’d returned from Nepal and fills on the border of wildlife spread of the virus, Australian the guard became infected at protection zones. Once that is states and territories have in the so-called medi-hotel in done, the wild elephants and Pilot whales stranded recent weeks begun to ease Adelaide. A hotel cleaner also other wild animals who eat the nearly all restrictions. That has caught the virus and the state is rubbish die.” A handout photo provided yesterday by the New Zealand Department of Conservation shows some provided a huge boost to the now trying to contain a cluster The government is now of the 100 dead pilot whales stranded on New Zealand’s remote Chatham Islands, as of the marine country’s ailing economy heading of 29 cases in the state capital. trying trenches around the mammals beached themselves over the weekend but rescue efforts were hampered by the area’s into the busy festival season. While many nations require facility to deter the animals. isolated location, about 800km east of the South Island. NSW, the country’s most pop- incoming passengers to self- Villagers who have had an ulous state, will from December isolate, Australia is one of only a uneasy co-existence with the 1 allow restaurants, pubs and handful of places along with New wild herds, say the situation is cafes to increase capacity. Zealand, China, Hong Kong and only getting worse. New Zealand soldier faces spying charges In a bid to revive Sydney’s Vietnam that mandate quarantine “The wild elephants that business areas, Berejiklian said in hotels or other facilities. come to the landfill hang around AP — WELLINGTON The soldier was based at the groups after a white supremacist the state will from December Tens of thousands of Aus- here day and night,” said Linton Military Camp, the nation’s shot and killed 51 worshippers at 14 remove an order that tralians, many living in Europe Kumara. “Then they go into A New Zealand soldier has been main army camp with about two mosques last year. requires employers to allow and the US where the virus is neighbouring villages and harm charged with spying and will 2,000 people near the city of Gunman Brenton Tarrant this employees to work from home. rampant, are waiting to return the villagers, their property and face up to 14 years in prison if Palmerston North. year pleaded guilty to 92 charges “It is necessary to ensure home on limited flights and agricultural land. The end result found guilty. The website Newsroom said of murder, attempted murder and that we keep our economy must undergo 14 days of quar- is that the human-elephant con- It is the first time somebody the man was first arrested in terrorism. He was sentenced in moving, we keep jobs going, antine on their return. flict gets worse and we lose ele- from the military has faced such December and has close ties to August to life in prison without the and that people feel more con- The system has been phants that are a national asset.” a charge in New Zealand, at far-right extremist groups. possibility of parole, the first time fident in 2021 about their live- pivotal to Australia’s success in There are around 7,500 wild least in modern times, the New As well as four counts of the maximum available sentence lihoods and their jobs,” Bere- curbing community trans- elephants in Sri Lanka, which Zealand Defence Force said espionage, the man has also had been imposed in New jiklian told reporters in Sydney. mission — but has also proved has a population of 22 million yesterday. The soldier faces a been charged with accessing a Zealand. Berejiklian said the changes to be a chink in its armour. people. total of 17 charges and will be computer system for a dis- Newsroom said the soldier would see more people on public Bungled security at quarantine Domesticated elephants tried in a court martial. honest purpose, possessing an has ties to a New Zealand- transport, and the state would hotels in Victoria state saw the are revered on the island and The military is releasing few objectionable publication, and based extremist group that consider fining people who did virus escape into the com- are used in religious and cul- other details about the case ahead negligence in his duties. focuses on bodybuilding and not wear a mask while travelling munity — leading to a three- tural events throughout the of the trial, and the soldier’s name New Zealand authorities have considers its members akin to on buses, trains and ferries. month lockdown in year. is being kept secret by court order. been cracking down on far-right warrior monks. The announcement came Melbourne. THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 ASIA 15

Tokyo plans Japan PM Suga shorter work hours for calls for stable restaurants ties with China REUTERS — TOKYO The Japanese capital will urge shorter working hours for “A stable relationship between the two clubs and restaurants and ask countries is important not only for Japan residents to stay indoors as much as possible in “tough, and China but also for the region and the concentrated action” to tame international community,” the Prime Minister a spike in coronavirus cases, Tokyo’s governor said told Chinese Foreign Minister yesterday. yesterday. The curbs are among Japan’s latest to rein in its highest surge REUTERS — TOKYO minister comes amid growing in infections yet, with daily tallies concerns over Beijing’s assert- exceeding 500 on several recent In his first high-level meeting iveness in the region. days in Tokyo. The city had 54 with Beijing, Japanese Prime While Suga has steered serious cases on Wednesday, the Minister Yoshihide Suga said clear of the harsh anti-China most since a state of emergency stable ties with China were rhetoric used by Japan’s ally the Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga (right) and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi greet each other was lifted in May. important, as his country United States, he has moved to during a meeting in Tokyo, yesterday. “We need to have eve- pursues a balancing act with its counter its influence by deep- rybody cooperate to prevent neighbour. ening ties with Australia and Wang met his Japanese Sino-Japanese relations won’t be Officials in Tokyo including further spread of the virus in Yesterday, Chinese foreign choosing Vietnam and Indo- counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi affected,” Wang told reporters Suga also repeatedly expressed a tough, concentrated way,” minister Wang Yi met Suga at nesia for his first overseas trip. on Tuesday. They agreed to after his meeting with Suga, concerns to Wang over devel- Governor Yuriko Koike told a the end of his two-day trip in Japan’s security strategy is cooperate on trade and fighting referring to the situation in the opments in Hong Kong, a polit- news conference. Japan, marking the first high- grounded on its alliance with the the coronavirus, but maintained East China Sea. ically sensitive issue for Beijing. “We realise this is an level visit since Suga was United States, but it also has their stances on territorial dis- Still, during Wang’s visit, top Meanwhile, both sides sup- extremely important time of elected as new leader in pursued economic interests with putes, leaving a security Japanese officials reiterated ported successful Olympic year for business owners, but September. China, its top trading partner. concern unresolved. concerns over China’s con- events, the Tokyo Olympics if we don’t stop this now it’s “A stable relationship Chinese President Xi Jinping Japan and China agreed to tinuing activity in the area, but next year, and the Winter just going to keep going.” between the two countries is wants to build “good working resume coronavirus-hit Wang stood by Beijing’s stance Olympics hosted by China in Economy Minister Yasu- important not only for Japan relations” with his Japanese business travel this month and that it was protecting its 2022. toshi Nishimura warned that and China but also for the counterpart, Wang said, citing to continue talks on disputed sovereignty. Pushing forward a three- medical resources were region and the international a message from Xi that he isles in the East China Sea. Japan’s government has way free trade deal with Japan becoming strained in parts of community,” Suga told Wang delivered to Suga. “I hope both sides will handle complained of China’s and South Korea, Wang is the country and the next three in a meeting that lasted about Wang also said that bilateral the issue calmly and properly, so “relentless” intrusions in waters headed to Seoul and will to weeks would be critical to stop 20 minutes. relations have “finally returned” that stable improvement in ties around the islets claimed by meet South Korean President the spread of the coronavirus, The visit by China’s foreign to a normal development path. and further development in both nations. Moon Jae-in today. and stronger infection measures were needed to avoid another state of emergency. The western city of Osaka, Xi greets Biden, hopes for ‘win-win’ cooperation which is among areas grappling with a similar surge in cases, was, along with the AP — BEIJING China became one of the It said Chinese Vice-Pres- pressure on Beijing since the commitments. northern city of Sapporo, one last major governments to con- ident Wang Qishan also sent a election by issuing an order that Trump shook China’s of two areas for which a Chinese President Xi Jinping gratulate Biden two weeks ago. message to Kamala Harris to bars Americans from investing leaders by hiking tariffs on domestic “Go To Travel” pro- congratulated US President- There was no explanation for congratulate her on being in securities issued by com- Chinese products in 2018 over motion campaign was partially elect Joe Biden yesterday and the delay but some commen- elected vice president. panies US officials say are complaints Beijing steals or halted on Tuesday. expressed hope for “win-win tators suggested Beijing wanted The United States and China owned or controlled by the pressures companies to hand Osaka is also asking bars cooperation” amid conflicts to avoid straining relations with have one of the world’s biggest Chinese military. over technology. and restaurants to shorten their over trade, technology and Trump, who had yet to concede trading relationships but official Some forecasters suggest The White House has hours, with Governor Ichiro security that have plunged and is in office for another two ties have been roiled by spying the change from Trump, who lobbied allies to exclude Matsui saying the measure was Sino-American relations to their months until January 20. accusations, the coronavirus rejected multilateral alliances, Huawei, China’s first global tech needed to reduce the burden lowest level in decades. In a message to Biden, Xi pandemic, Beijing’s crackdown to Biden might increase brand, from next-generation on medical workers, whose Biden is widely expected to said “healthy and stable” rela- on Hong Kong and disputes over pressure on China if Wash- telecom networks on security numbers are limited. try to resume cooperation with tions are “the common expec- control of the South China Sea. ington forms a coalition with grounds. “We must not get used to China on North Korea, climate tation of the international com- Trump has blocked access other developed countries to On Tuesday, the British gov- the coronavirus, and we must change and the coronavirus fol- munity,” according to the to US technology for Chinese push for policy changes. ernment proposed a law that not underestimate it,” said lowing the confrontational official Xinhua News Agency. telecom equipment maker China tried to recruit would tighten security controls Toshio Nakagawa, head of the approach of President Donald “We hope the two sides will Huawei Technologies Ltd on Germany, France, South Korea on next-generation networks Japan Medical Association. Trump, who launched a tariff uphold the spirit of non-con- security grounds. He is trying and other governments as allies and exclude companies such as The travel promotion war and sanctioned Chinese flict and non-confrontation, to limit access to the United against Washington but all have Huawei that are deemed high offering fare and hotel discounts companies. mutual respect and win-win States for Chinese social media refused. They criticised Trump’s risk. That would formalise a ban is part of Prime Minister But analysts expect few cooperation, will focus on coop- services, which the White trade tactics of surprise tariff announced in July by Prime Yoshihide Suga’s efforts to boost major US policy changes due to eration, control differences and House says might gather too hikes, which also were used Minister Boris Johnson on regional economies but has been widespread frustration with promote healthy and stable much personal information against allies, but echoed US Huawei taking part in a planned criticised over the risk that it Beijing over trade, human rights development of Chinese-US about Americans. complaints that China is vio- next-generation mobile could carry the virus from major and technology theft. relations,” the statement said. Trump has stepped up lating its free-trade network. cities to the countryside. South Korean Second virus wave grips protests fan COVID-19 fears Pakistan; hospitals full

REUTERS — SEOUL AFP — ISLAMABAD week ordered the closure of educational institutes and banned South Korea called on Intensive care units across indoor dining at restaurants. unionists to cancel protests Pakistan are nearing capacity The new outbreak has sur- yesterday as the country as a second, deadlier wave of prised Pakistan, where for grapples with a third wave of the coronavirus builds months many have been saying coronavirus infections, momentum and officials the pandemic was done. warning any violations of struggle to counter public indif- The government of Prime Min- social distancing measures will ference to the pandemic. ister Imran Khan, which never be punished. Several doctors said yes- imposed the sort of sweeping lock- The Korean Confederation terday that hospitals are having downs seen in wealthier countries, of Trade Unions (KCTU) said up to turn away suspected had boasted of controlling the virus to 200,000 members would go COVID-19 patients, with the but is again urging people to follow on strike but protests would be potential for a major health care safeguards. limited to nine people in Seoul, crisis increasing daily. Compared to neighbours where public gatherings of 10 “The coming two weeks are Iran and India, Pakistan dodged or more are banned. critical and our situation is the worst of the pandemic’s first Dozens of union members going to worsen,” said Qaisar wave, something health experts joined rallies in other places Sajjad, secretary general of the have said was due partly to the that were not subject to stricter Pakistan Medical Association. young population and the fact A school official checks the temperature of students as they enter a school amid the coronavirus distancing, including one in “Around 95 percent of the many Pakistanis travel little pandemic, in Karachi yesterday. the southeastern city of beds are occupied. Only a few around the country. Changwon which was hospitals still have capacity -- Pakistan has confirmed more attended by about 30 people. but most of the hospitals are full than 382,000 cases including —the number of people with more lethal,” Sultan said. “The messaging to stop it — was “There are still high risks and refusing to take more over 7,800 deaths since the virus COVID-19 who die from the pandemic is fast spreading and highlighted on Saturday when of infections during meetings patients.” arrived in late February. disease — was rising, and offi- we should all be concerned”. several hundred thousand men and movements before and Sajjad said the virus was Faisal Sultan, the prime cials warn that more and more Pakistan’s relative noncha- massed in Lahore for the after the protests,” health min- proving “far more lethal” this minister’s special assistant on people are testing positive. “The lance toward the virus — and funeral of cleric Khadim istry spokesman Son Young- time around. Authorities this health, said the “death ratio” current wave of Covid-19 is the government’s inconsistent Hussain Rizvi. rae told a briefing. “It is important to ensure the freedom of assembly, but following rules to protect people’s Unified Asean can avert South China Sea tensions: Philippine official lives should come first under the current situation where REUTERS — MANILA should take a common which rarely speaks up as a recognise a 2016 international to rise as China will continue COVID-19 is spreading rapidly.” approach, Defence Secretary group against militarisation or arbitral ruling that invalidated to accuse the US and other South Korea has reported Tensions in the South China Sea Delfin Lorenzana told a security perceived acts of aggression, those claims. nations of provocation and around 300 new coronavirus will increase due to a US-China forum. with some states worried about Lorenzana said the issue destabilisation... that the West cases each day over the last rivalry that could be kept in “Where is the Asean in this angering Beijing or was front and centre during dis- is trying to contain the rise of week, prompting health offi- check, if only Southeast Asian superpower rivalry? Despite its Washington. cussions since May with coun- China.” cials to reimpose tough social countries took a united stand to avowed Asean centrality, it is The Philippines, Malaysia, terparts in Japan, China, Aus- China has stepped up its distancing rules on the capital influence the status quo, a top anything but,” Lorenzana said. Brunei and Vietnam have over- tralia, France and the United coastguard presence and mil- Seoul and surrounding regions. Philippine security official said “Asean would exert consid- lapping claims with China and States. itary drills this year, including Union members are pro- yesterday. erable influence on issues and all but Brunei have been “What do this tell us? That near islands also claimed by testing over provisions of a bill The Association of events in the South China Sea involved in standoffs this year the South China Sea is Vietnam, while the United which would ban labourers Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) if only it could act as one.” with Chinese vessels. important to a lot of nations,” States has deployed warships from occupying certain facil- was caught up in the battle for Lorenzana’s remarks are unu- China says it has historical he said. to demonstrate freedom of nav- ities at workplaces during regional influence but it could sually blunt for a minister from sovereignty over nine-tenths of “That the tension in the igation. They accuse each other strikes. do more to ensure stability and within the 10-member bloc, the South China Sea. It does not South China Sea will continue of deliberate provocations. 16 EUROPE THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 First virus vaccinations in EU likely by end of December

AP — BRUSSELS December.” The commission, Gouweloose, the CEO of manage an Ebola virus out- coronavirus-ravaged economies the EU’s executive arm, has Swissport Cargo Services, told break. “We are prepared, eve- and put people through social Vaccinations against the coro- agreements with six potential The 27-member bloc has AP during a tour of his com- rything is done, tested.” and mental hardship. navirus could start in the 27 vaccine suppliers and is already secured over 1.2 pany’s facilities that “what we Brussels Airport is also a major “With nearly 3,000 deaths European Union nations by working on a seventh contract. billion doses of potential expect is that there will be a transport hub for Africa, and a day, COVID-19 was the Christmas and member coun- The deals allow it to purchase COVID-19 vaccines for its huge volume coming through.” while von der Leyen has said number one cause of death in tries must urgently prepare over 1.2 billion doses, more than Vaccine doses, from com- the commission’s aim is to the EU last week. Hospitals their logistical chains to cope double the population of the population of around panies within Europe and from secure vaccines for European remain under stress, and in with the rollout of hundreds of bloc, which stands at around 460 million people. outside, will be temporarily citizens, she said it has helped some regions some intensive millions of doses of the 460 million people. Some vac- Some vaccines would stored in a refrigerated ware- to raise almost ¤16bn ($19bn) care units are overwhelmed,” vaccines, according to a top EU cines would require two doses require two doses to be house, and if necessary packed for tests, treatment and vac- she said. official. to be effective. effective. in dry ice, before they’re cines worldwide. Given its location in Hailing the likelihood that But von der Leyen said that shipped out by road, rail or air. Despite the cautious western Europe, bordering “there’s finally light at the end while vaccines are important, “We are in the middle of optimism as outbreaks in a four EU countries, and that it’s of the tunnel,” European Com- “what counts are vaccinations". Europe and we have connec- number of European countries host to a number of big phar- mission President Ursula von “Member states must get ready centres, we’re talking about tions to many parts of the start to plateau, Von der Leyen maceutical companies, der Leyen told EU lawmakers now. We’re talking about mil- trained personnel that is there. world,” said Gouweloose, urged citizens to continue Belgium is set to become a hub yesterday that “the first lions of syringes, we’re talking You name it. All this has to be whose facility routinely respecting restrictions, even for distributing the vaccines European citizens might already about cold chains, we’re talking prepared,” she warned. handles vaccines and was set as the measures harm busi- across the continent, but also be vaccinated before the end of about organising vaccination At Brussels Airport, Koen up three years ago to help nesses, further damage into Africa. Italy reports 8 die as migrant boat 25,853 new virus capsizes off Canaries cases, 722 deaths REUTERS — LANZAROTE, SPAIN of Lanzarote’s Orzola beach REUTERS — ROME before placing them down and At least eight people were covering them with blankets. Italy reported 722 COVID drowned after a boat carrying Hundreds of people have 19-related deaths yesterday, more than 35 migrants from the died this year making the per- down from 853 the day before, Maghreb region of North Africa ilous crossing to the Spanish and 25,853 new infections, and heading towards the islands in the Atlantic Ocean, slightly up from 23,232 on Canary Islands capsized on often in rickety, overcrowded Tuesday, the health ministry Tuesday, emergency services boats with unreliable engines, said. said yesterday. according to the International There were 230,007 coro- Four people were found Organization for Migration. navirus swabs carried out in dead late on Tuesday and Migrant arrivals in the the past day, compared with a another four bodies were Canary Islands have surged to previous 188,659. recovered yesterday morning. 17,000 this year — 10 times last Italy was the first Western The emergency services said year’s total — as north and sub- country to be hit by the virus Rescue workers search for bodies after a boat with 35 migrants from the Maghreb region capsized they were searching for any Saharan Africans grow des- and has seen 52,028 COVID-19 in the beach of Orzola, in the Canary Island of Lanzarote, Spain, yesterday. more missing persons. perate after losing incomes fatalities since its outbreak One of the 28 migrants from tourism, among sectors hit emerged in February, the rescued had to be transferred worst by the coronavirus local authorities appealed for was once a more popular route options, migrants seeking an second highest toll in Europe to a hospital. pandemic. help in housing thousands of but attempts became scarcer escape from poverty or conflict after Britain’s. It has also reg- A Reuters reporter saw The Spanish government migrants who are sleeping out when Spain stepped up patrols are again taking the longer, istered 1.48 million cases. rescue workers carry bodies on promised on Friday to assist in in the open. The perilous sea in the mid-2000s. 1,400-km sea route to the While Italy’s daily death stretchers over the jagged rocks building shelters for arrivals as passage to the Canary Islands This year, with fewer islands off the Moroccan coast. tolls have been amongst the highest in Europe over recent days, the rise in hospital Record 674 admissions and intensive care Vote to pick Merkel successor on September 26, 2021 occupancy has slowed. virus deaths The number of people in AP — BERLIN government “proposes to the new chief now scheduled for Markus Soeder has been the hospital with COVID-19 stood in Poland federal president the date of mid-January. North Rhine- focus of ardent speculation at 34,313 on Wednesday, a The German government Sunday, September 26, 2021 for Westphalia state premier Armin about a possible run. decline of 264 from the day REUTERS — WARSAW yesterday agreed on September the election of the 20th Bun- Laschet, corporate lawyer Frie- Bavaria has been among the before. The number in 26 next year for the general destag (lower house of par- drich Merz and foreign affairs states hardest hit by corona- intensive care rose by 32, fol- Poland reported yesterday a election to choose a successor liament),” spokeswoman expert Norbert Rottgen are virus infections and Soeder’s lowing an increase of six on new daily record of 674 coro- to Chancellor Angela Merkel, a Martina Fietz told reporters. vying for the post. The candi- robust response to the outbreak Tuesday, and now stands at navirus-related deaths, while government spokeswoman President Frank-Walter dates have proposed an online has won praise and given him 3,848. new daily coronavirus cases said. Steinmeier must still give his congress if meeting in person an intense national spotlight. When Italy’s second wave surpassed 15,000. Merkel has said she will not official approval. were to be impossible because He leads opinion polls of the epidemic was acceler- While daily infections have stand for a fifth term and will The race to fill Merkel’s of restrictions to curb corona- against all three CDU candi- ating fast in the first half of dropped from record highs of retire from politics next year shoes still looks wide open, as virus transmission. dates when Germans are asked November, hospital admissions over 27,000 in early after 16 years at the helm of her Christian Democratic Union The chief of the CDU tradi- who they would like to see as were rising by around 1,000 November, deaths have been Europe’s top economic power (CDU) party remains embroiled tionally leads it and its smaller their next chancellor. per day, while intensive care spiking in recent days. and the EU’s most populous in an increasingly bitter lead- Bavarian sister party the Yet Germany’s complex occupancy was increasing by Poland reported 15,362 country. Her departure will ership battle that has been Christian Social Union to the coalition maths, the uncertainty about 100 per day. The new daily coronavirus cases, mark a new, less certain phase extended by the pandemic. polls. However given the failure created by the pandemic and northern region of Lombardy, bringing the total to 924,422. in German politics and at the There are currently three of any of the Christian Dem- the absence of Merkel as a centred on Italy’s financial There have been a total of heart of the European Union, hopefuls for the top job in Ger- ocrat candidates to create real foregone conclusion in a capital Milan, remained the 14,988 deaths. whose rotating presidency many’s biggest party, with a momentum at this early stage, German general election could hardest hit area on Wednesday, Poland’s Health Minister Merkel currently holds. The twice-delayed election for a CSU chief and Bavarian premier well throw up other surprises. reporting 5,173 new cases. Adam Niedzielski warned yesterday against loosening restrictions too much in the lead up to Christmas in order Life expectancy in Sweden to drop to avoid a third wave of the pandemic. for the first time due to COVID-19 “If we don’t behave responsibly we will have more BLOOMBERG Based on the development so far, problems: a new accumulation the statistics agency said it expects that of infections that will show in Life expectancy is falling in Sweden, “COVID-19 will cut life expectancy this February, unless we prevent which the country’s statistics agency year.” A separate report showed that this,” Niedzielski told Polish said is directly tied to the coronavirus the number of Swedish COVID-19 public broadcaster TVP. pandemic. patients in intensive care rose to 209 The record daily death toll The average age people live “has yesterday, 16 more than the previous comes after the government increased steadily in Sweden from 1900 day and the most since June. Sweden said on Tuesday it would keep to 2019,” the agency said in a statement has recorded about 63 deaths per ski slopes open, although only yesterday. “The fact that it’s now falling 100,000 due to the virus. for locals, and allow shopping stands out.” Sweden has suffered a In a recent OECD study, Sweden centres to reopen in the run up much higher COVID-19 mortality rate consistently ranked among the hardest to Christmas. than its Nordic neighbours, with its hit nations in Europe, as measured by old-age care homes particularly hard relative COVID-19 mortality and hit. The country’s decision not to impose infection rates. It was also the slowest Switzerland sets a lockdown remains controversial, and at containing transmission. authorities are now shifting gear to “We are still seeing an increase in post-Brexit quota Protest against deforestation place outright bans on some forms of patients who need care and intensive social interaction to fight the virus. care,” Thomas Linden, a departmental An activist dangles upside down from a rope while police officers try to reach him with for British migrants For men, average life expectancy head at Sweden’s National Board of a lift truck, in Dannenrod, central Germany, yesterday. Activists live in camps and tree AP — GENEVA has already fallen to 80.8 in the year Health and Welfare, said on Tuesday. houses inside the Dannenrod forest near Dannenrod in central Germany surrounded through August, from 81.3, Statistics “In a third wave, the health-care The Swiss government has by ancient oak trees, to protest against the deforestation for the construction of the Sweden said. For women, it fell to 84.4 system will be even more strained than said up to 3,500 migrants from planned A49 motorway leading through the forest. from 84.7. it has been so far,” he said. Britain will be given permits to live and work in the Alpine nation next year, when Brit- ain’s post-Brexit transition MH17 judges reject request to probe alternative crash scenarios with the European Union expires. REUTERS — AMSTERDAM investigators say. All 298 people Pulatov, is represented in court person, and would not submit Judges also ruled that a new Britain’s departure from on board were killed, two- proceedings; the other three are written questions to him as his effort should be made to speak the EU means that it isn’t Judges hearing the case against thirds of them Dutch nationals. being tried in absentia. lawyers had requested. to the leader of Russia’s 53rd covered by Switzerland’s four defendants in the 2014 After years of collecting evi- Russia has always denied He added the court would brigade, which has been iden- freedom of movement agree- downing of Malaysia Airlines dence, a Dutch-led interna- involvement and has promoted also like to hear from the other tified by investigators as having ments with the 27-nation bloc. flight MH17 over eastern tional Joint Investigation Team a range of alternative theories, suspects — Russians Sergey transported the missile The Swiss government said Ukraine rejected yesterday a (JIT) last year said the missile which the investigators rejected Dubinsky and Igor Girkin, and launcher. yesterday up to 2,100 British defence request for more time launcher used to hit the civilian as unsupported by evidence. Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko The hearing of the case will citizens will receive long-term to investigate alternative expla- airplane came from a Russian Judge Hendrik Steenhuis — who have never cooperated resume on February 1, 2021. residency permits. A further nations for the crash. army base just across the said the defence had not pro- with the court. Last month Russia aban- quota of up to 1,400 short- MH17 was flying from border. vided a clear alternative sce- The court also called for a doned discussions on liability term residency permits valid Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur The Dutch government nario to investigate, while infor- new questioning of witnesses for the crash with the Nether- for up to one year will also be when it was shot down by a holds Moscow responsible, and mation on several other pos- who reported seeing the missile lands and Australia, saying the made available. The plan does missile fired from territory held three Russians and a Ukrainian sible explanations was already launcher on July 17, 2014, as countries were not genuinely not affect Britons who already by pro-Russian rebels during are on trial for murder. None of part of the case file. well as the owner of the field interested in establishing the have permits to live in fighting with Ukrainian gov- the suspects are in custody. One, Steenhuis said the court from which the missile is truth and had launched legal Switzerland. ernment troops, international Russian Oleg would like to hear Pulatov in believed to have been launched. proceedings against it. THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 EUROPE / AMERICAS 17

Russia registers EU tells Poland, Hungary record number not to block budget of virus deaths AP — MOSCOW REUTERS — BRUSSELS Poland and Hungary, which are under formal EU investi- Poland and Hungary, Russian authorities registered Poland and Hungary should ask gation for undermining the which are under formal a record number of corona- the European Union’s top court independence of courts, media EU investigation for virus deaths for a second to assess the link between and non-governmental organ- straight day yesterday. access to EU money and isations, fear they risk losing undermining the The government corona- observing the rule of law, access to tens of billions of independence of courts, virus task force reported 507 instead of blocking the EU’s euros over the next seven years. media and NGOs, fear new deaths, the country’s 2021-2027 budget and recovery “Anyone still in doubt has a they risk losing access to highest daily toll. The previous plan, the head of the European clear path. They can go to the tens of billions of euros record of 491 deaths was Commission said. European Court of Justice and reported on Tuesday. A total of The suggestion is one of the allow the new rules to be tested over the next seven years. 37,538 people have died from possible ways EU officials have there,” von der Leyen said. the coronavirus in Russia, been informally discussing to “That is the place where differ- according to the task force. end the vetoes of Warsaw and ences of opinion about legis- Viktor Orban has used public Russia has been swept by a Budapest holding up ¤1.8 lative texts are usually settled.” spending to build a loyal rapid resurgence of the out- trillion ($2.14 trillion) of EU EU Budget Commissioner business elite which includes break this fall, with numbers of funds to lift the economy of the Johannes Hahn said the some members of his family confirmed infections and deaths European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen attends a 27-nation bloc. potential solution for the EU, as and closest friends, partly using hitting new highs almost daily debate during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Speaking to the European negotiated with Budapest and billions of euros worth of state and significantly exceeding Parliament, Ursula von der Warsaw, would not change the and EU funds. Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. those reported in the spring. Leyen stressed that the EU’s rule link between EU money and the For Poland, EU cash is The country’s authorities that the bloc’s funds can only rule of law itself, but provide crucial to continuing to develop on Germany not to link them, in July was that the rule of law have rejected the idea of be sent to governments that explanations and assurances of rural areas and small towns saying that asking him to back condition would be part of the another nationwide lockdown observe the rule of law would objectivity of the EU process. where many of the voters of the such a link was tantamount to financial package. or widespread closure of busi- be applied only to protect EU Resolving the issue is also ruling nationalist PiS party live. asking for his “suicide”. He said Some, like France, suggest nesses, even as media reports budget funds. in the interest of Poland and The ¤1.1 trillion 2021-2027 the three issues could be dealt that if Hungary and Poland do from Russian regions showed “We are talking here about Hungary which are to receive EU budget, the 750bn recovery with separately, which would not drop their veto, the EU that the healthcare system was the violations of the rule of law one of the highest amounts per fund and the rule of law regu- allow the EU to go through with could move ahead with the under severe strain. that are threatening the EU capita from the EU, badly lation are all linked in one the 1.8 trillion financial plan recovery plan without them, Yesterday, officials budget and only that,” she said. needed to help their economies package by the German EU now, while the the rule of law using a treaty option called reported 23,765 new confirmed “It is very difficult to imagine overcome the devastating presidency, so Hungary’s and regulation could be addressed enhanced cooperation which cases. Russia currently has the anybody in Europe who would effects of the COVID-19 pan- Poland’s veto to one rule of law later. allows a group of at least 9 world’s fifth largest corona- possibly have anything against demic. In a decade in power, regulation also stops the two But EU officials say the deal countries to move ahead with virus caseload of over 2.1 that principle.” Hungarian Prime Minister financial projects. Orban called made by leaders at their summit a project others obstruct. million. Bulgaria closes restaurants, Norway to keep restrictions until schools to curb infections mid-December AFP — SOFIA along with fitness studios and shopping centres. REUTERS — OSLO Bulgaria’s government Universities and schools announced yesterday a return will switch fully to distance Norway must maintain its to tougher restrictions, closing learning, and kindergartens most recent coronavirus restaurants and schools in the will close. restrictions for now and needs face of a surge in infections and Theatres will be allowed to at least another three weeks deaths as the country endures operate at 30 percent capacity, to assess whether they can be a second wave of coronavirus. while restaurants will be lifted, Prime Minister Erna “New anti-epidemic allowed to sell takeaway meals Solberg said yesterday. measures are coming into force only. Places of worship will European governments are from November 27 until however stay open, and unlike grappling with the spread of December 21,” Health Minister during Bulgaria’s tough the disease while people want Kostadin Angelov told a news lockdown in the spring, the to celebrate Christmas and conference after a government government will not shut public New Year. “There is light at meeting early yesterday. parks and gardens or limit the end of the tunnel. We must Cafes and restaurants had travel. hold on,” Solberg told a news remained open even as A total of 3,226 people have conference, adding that infection and death rates died after contracting authorities could offer vac- Protesters scuffle with police during a demonstration against the government’s planned restrictions peaked over the past two COVID-19 since the start of the cines to vulnerable groups amid the coronavirus disease pandemic, in Soﬁa, Bulgaria, yesterday. weeks, but they will now close pandemic in Bulgaria. early next year, if European health authorities approve vaccines by the end of this US demands year. Brazil police arrest supervisor over Black man's death Non-EU Norway will get Cuban rapper access to vaccines obtained by AFP — BRASÍLIA by as Silveira Freitas is punched several times to release the branch in Porto Alegre, located the EU, thanks to Sweden, an be freed after in the face and head in the Black man. in southern Brazil. EU member that will buy more Brazilian police on Tuesday supermarket parking lot by one However in parts of the Supermarket chain Car- than it needs and sell them to rare protests arrested the supervisor of a security guard as the second video she instead warns Silveira refour has faced a wave of Norway. Norway’s 14-day Carrefour supermarket in Porto guard restrains him. Freitas to calm down so he can boycott calls and sometimes cumulative number of AFP — WASHINGTON Alegre where security guards According to the prelim- be released, but also tells him violent protests outside its COVID-19 cases per 100,000 beat a Black man to death, and inary investigation Silveira that he won’t be released until stores across Brazil, drawing inhabitants was 150.9 as of US Secretary of State Mike accused her of collaborating Freitas was beaten for more the police arrive. comparisons with the killing of Tuesday, the fourth-lowest in Pompeo on Tuesday with the killers. than five minutes before being Police chief Roberta Ber- George Floyd in the United Europe behind Iceland, demanded the release of a Supervisor Adriana Alves immobilized by his attackers toldo said that Alves Dutra gave States in May and the ensuing Finland and Ireland, according Cuban rapper whose arrest Dutra had the authority to stop and dying of asphyxiation. “contradictory statements.” It protests. to the European Centre for sparked protests, and urged the guards from beating Both security guards have will be up to the investigation On Monday shares in the Disease Prevention and other nations to press human 40-year-old Joao Alberto Sil- been arrested. Alves Dutra, who to see “if these contradictions French group’s Brazilian unit Control. But there are regional rights with Havana. veira Freitas on November 19, also was seen recording the were motivated by something were down six percent in disparities and authorities are Denis Solis Gonzalez was said homicide investigator incident, apparently lied to that she wanted to cover up or afternoon trading on the Sao concerned about Oslo and arrested on November 9 and Vanessa Pitrez with the Civilian police in her initial account, not.” The video of the beating Paulo stock exchange, and in other major cities. quickly sentenced to eight Police. saying that she did not hear Sil- quickly went viral online and Paris Carrefour shares closed On November 6, Oslo shut months in prison on contempt “She had authority over the veira Freitas pleading for help. triggered of demonstrations on down 2.2 percent. theatres, cinemas, training charges after he livestreamed two guards,” and because of She also claimed that one of Friday as the country marked The supermarket chain centres and swimming pools. himself talking back to an that “the law sees her as a hom- the guards was a store cus- Black Consciousness Day. More promised to earmark some $5m Solberg said that while officer who tried to enter his icide co-conspirator,” Pitrez tomer, hiding the fact that he protests were held across the to fight against racism. there were some positive home without permission. said at a press conference, as was a Carrefour employee. country over the weekend. In Brazil, the last country in signs, this was not the time to “We urge the Cuban gov- cited by the news site UOL. According to Globo TV, On Monday police fired tear the Americas to abolish slavery lift nationwide restrictions, ernment to dismiss this unjust Pitrez has asked that the citing the supervisor’s initial gas and rubber bullets to break — in 1888 — more than half of which include masks, limiting sentence and release him woman be temporarily jailed. account to police of the up a crowd of protesters that the country’s 212 million resi- public gatherings to 20 people without condition,” Pompeo Alves Dutra appears in a incident, Alves Dutra claimed blocked a street and stopped dents identify as Black or and quarantining people said in a statement. video that went viral standing that she asked the guards traffic in front of a Carrefour mixed-race. arriving from abroad. Pompeo also denounced Cuban authorities for arresting journalists and members of the San Isidro Movement, a group Bus, truck collide near of artists who have resisted orders to report to the culture Sao Paulo, 40 dead ministry, after they inquired about Solis. “We call on dem- AP — RIO DE JANEIRO It was not ocratic partners around the world to raise their voices and A bus carrying employees of a immediately clear make respect for human rights textile company and a truck how many, if any, a prerequisite for any dealings collided on a highway in with the Castro regime,” Brazil’s Sao Paulo state early people are injured. Pompeo said, referring to late yesterday, killing 40 people, revolutionary leader Fidel officials said. would used to help the victims Castro and his brother, former Rescuers were helping the and their families. A police president Raul Castro. wounded and passengers spokesperson told TV Globo President Donald Trump’s caught in the wreckage of the that so far the death toll stood outgoing administration has vehicles in the municipality of at 37 and Sao Paulo firefighters pushed a hard line on Cuba, Taguaí, about 350 km from the later said on their official pleasing many Cuban Amer- city of Sao Paulo. Twitter account that 40 people icans in the politically crucial Television images showed had been killed. state of Florida. shards of glass, destroyed bus It was not immediately President-elect Joe Biden seats and pieces of the vehicles’ clear how many, if any, people has promised to ease Trump’s bodies strewn on the highway. are injured. "The incident is still restrictions on remittances and “There is no clear indication live. We're looking to see if travel to the island but also to about what caused the there are people trapped in the press for the release of all Venezuela oppn leader rallies supporters accident, and it is being inves- wreckage," a Sao Paulo state political prisoners. tigated,” Sao Paulo Governor road police spokesman said. Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaido speaks during a gathering at the low income neighbourhood Former president Barack João Doria said in a press con- An investigation will take of Santa Cruz del este in Caracas, Venezuela, on Tuesday. Obama opened diplomatic ference. He said all the place to ascertain what hap- relations with Cuba. resources of his government pened, they added. 18 AMERICAS THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 Daily deaths from virus in US surpass 2,100 REUTERS Since the global vaccines showing promise. pandemic began, the Officials from the US gov- Daily US deaths from COVID-19 ernment’s Operation Warp surpassed 2,000 for the first US totals of nearly Speed program told reporters time since May and with 260,000 deaths and on Tuesday they plan to release hospitals across the country 6.4 million COVID-19 vaccine already full, portending a surge 12.6 million infections doses nationwide in an initial in mortalities to come as the lead the world. distribution after the first one coronavirus pandemic casts a is cleared by regulators for shadow over the holiday emergency use, which could season. himself’ mindset is killing hun- happen as soon as Dec. 10. The death toll reached 2,157 dreds of thousands of us. Dev- If all goes well 40 million on Tuesday — one person every astating to watch,” Prowell said doses will be distributed by the 40 seconds — with another on Twitter. end of the year, they said. 170,000 people infected, Families with university A Food and Drug Adminis- numbers that experts say could students have been forced to tration ruling on emergency grow with millions of Amer- evaluate the risk of reuniting for use for Pfizer Inc’s vaccine is icans defying official warnings Thanksgiving. expected on Dec. 10. and travelling for today’s Francesca Wimer, a student US President-elect Joe Thanksgiving holiday. at Northwestern University in Biden has promised to make The deadliest day in more Illinois, flew home to Wash- fighting the pandemic his top than six months was still short ington, DC, wearing an N95 priority upon taking office on of the record of 3,384 deaths on mask and a face shield and Jan. 20 and will give a speech April 14, in the early stages of checked into a hotel for 14 days, on the topic on Wednesday. the pandemic, according to a quarantining to protect her Biden will have the help of Reuters tally of official data. US parents and grandparents. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of Holiday travellers pass through Los Angeles international Airport as the COVID-19 spike worsens, in hospitalisations for COVID-19 “She was returning to a vul- the National Institute of Allergy West Hollywood, California, yesterday. surpassed 87,000 on Tuesday, nerable set of people. We didn’t and Infectious Diseases, who an all-time high. trust that a test was enough,” said on C-SPAN yesterday he Since the global pandemic said her mother, Cynthia “I’m sorry I can’t be there Many parents are balking what decision they make and had been in contact with began, the US totals of nearly Wimer. with my parents, but it’s the at online instruction, while how well thought out it is, it Biden’s staff and was willing to 260,000 deaths and 12.6 million Others are just staying put. right thing to do,” Burke said. others worry about sending will leave some in the com- serve on any task force. infections lead the world and Luke Burke, studying at Meanwhile school districts kids back into classrooms pre- munity thinking it’s the wrong Outgoing President Donald “all the Thanksgiving travel Syracuse University in upstate across the United States face maturely. Teachers say they decision,” said Larry Rother, Trump has remained largely ensures no one will catch us, New York, was planning to pressure from all sides as they are not comfortable teaching senior executive director of silent on the subject, making a either,” said Dr. Tatiana Prowell spend Thanksgiving with his grapple with how to educate in person. pre-kindergarten through 12th one-minute appearance in the of the Johns Hopkins School of family in New Jersey until his children during the pandemic, “Every school district grade educational services in White House briefing room on Medicine. roommate tested positive last a Reuters survey of 217 districts across the nation is in the Chandler, Arizona. Tuesday to talk about the stock “The US ‘each person for week. showed. position in which no matter Help may be coming with market. Biden urges Americans to be safe Reports: Trump planning to during holiday, fight pandemic pardon Flynn REUTERS — WILMINGTON “I know we can and we will Since winning the beat this virus,” Biden added, November 3 election, Biden has AFP — WASHINGTON US President-elect Joe Biden acknowledging that Americans offered a message of national yesterday pleaded with Amer- are feeling pandemic fatigue. healing and reconciliation after US President Donald Trump icans to take steps to remain “Life is going to return to Trump’s tumultuous term while plans to pardon his former safe as COVID-19 cases surge normal. I promise you. This will the Republic president still national security advisor on the eve of the Thanksgiving happen. This will not last refuses to concede and falsely Michael Flynn, who pleaded holiday and pledged again to forever.” claims the election was stolen. guilty in 2017 to lying to the make combating the pandemic The Democratic former vice Aides said Biden and Vice FBI over his Russian contacts, a top priority when he takes president has vowed to make President-elect Kamala Harris US media reported Tuesday. office in January. tackling COVID-19 a top priority planned to spend Thanksgiving Axios and the New York “I believe you always after taking office on January with their families. Times both cited unnamed deserve to hear the truth from 20, having accused Trump Biden next week plans to sources as saying that Trump your president. We have to slow during the campaign of pan- name his choices for key posi- plans to include Flynn in a the growth of this virus. We owe icking and surrendering in the tions in his administration, series of pardons he will issue it to the doctors and the nurses face of a public health crisis. including his economic team, in the final days of his and the frontline workers... We “Looking back over our communications director Kate presidency. President-elect Joe Biden delivers a Thanksgiving address at the owe it to our fellow citizens,” history, you see that it’s been Bedingfield said. They are Flynn’s secret talks with Queen Theatre in Wilmington, Delaware, yesterday. Biden said. the most difficult circumstances expected to include former the Russian ambassador to He urged people to forgo big that the soul of our nation has Federal Reserve Chair Janet Washington in December family gatherings, wear pro- been forged. And now we find Yellen as US treasury secretary. intelligence briefing on Monday, Psaki said classified information 2016, before Trump was inau- tective masks and maintain ourselves again facing a long Biden was expected to receive Bedingfield said. was being shared with Biden’s gurated, were a cornerstone social distancing. hard winter,” Biden said. his first presidential daily Biden transition adviser Jen senior team. of the sprawling investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Moscow’s med- Transition has dling in the US election earlier Mexico President again declines to recognise Biden win that year. begun, says State Trump fired Flynn just 22 REUTERS — MEXICO CITY advance,” Lopez Obrador told election by way of justifying his Tuesday that it was time to rec- days into his administration. Department reporters at a regular gov- stance. ognise Biden. But the president has Mexican President Andres ernment news conference. Lopez Obrador insists he A number of US Democrats always claimed the investi- REUTERS — WASHINGTON Manuel Lopez Obrador “What’s the best thing? For us was robbed in 2006. His use of have expressed frustration gation was a political “witch yesterday again declined to to wait.” that example in defending his with Lopez Obrador’s reluc- hunt” and that Flynn, a former The US State Department has congratulate Joe Biden for US President Donald stance on Biden has upset some tance to recognise Biden, and army general and head of the informed staff that the tran- winning the US presidential Trump, a Republican, has US officials, who regard the one former official of the last Defense Intelligence Agency, sition process has begun and election, making him stand out launched legal challenges in an comparison as inappropriate. Democratic administration was a “good man.” In a highly a team had been assigned increasingly among world effort to overturn the election The Mexican president said said the Mexican president’s unusual move, the Justice inside the agency to support a leaders who have withheld their result, accusing Biden’s Demo- he had nothing against any can- stance was starting to look Department withdrew its case handover to the incoming recognition. crats of trying to steal the didate or political party in the “foolish.” against Flynn in May this year, Biden administration, Speaking shortly after election. US electoral process. “The world is moving on,” saying the alleged lies to the according to an internal email China’s President Xi Jinping However, without con- Privately, Mexican officials said the ex-official, who spoke FBI were not significant and seen by Reuters yesterday. congratulated Biden for his ceding defeat, he has now sig- say he is wary of antagonising on condition of anonymity, handing Trump a major The guidelines, sent yes- victory, Lopez Obrador reit- nalled that transition to a Biden Trump, who during his presi- noting that other countries were political victory. terday, came after the General erated that it would be wrong administration can proceed. dency threatened to hurt moving ahead with their But a federal judge has Services Administration (GSA), to offer congratulations until Lopez Obrador, who has Mexico economically if it did business with the incoming demanded a further judicial the federal agency that must the electoral process has been repeatedly accused opponents not curb illegal immigration. Biden administration. review of the matter. sign off on presidential tran- formally concluded. of electoral fraud over the The Mexican president said “Mexico is getting left A pardon from Trump sitions, notified President- “We do not agree with years, again referred to the some in his security cabinet behind,” said the former official. would take the matter out of elect Joe Biden on Monday that offering congratulations in 2006 Mexican presidential suggested in a meeting on “But that’s Mexico’s fault.” the courts. he could formally begin the handover. “Following the November 3 election, representatives of US temporarily closes detention President-elect Biden’s Tran- sition Team have arrived at the facility at Texas border Department of State to support preparations for the tran- AP — HOUSTON children mostly from Central sition,” the email said. America who were crossing the A “dedicated” team would The US Border Patrol is tempo- US-Mexico border alone. The support Biden’s transition rarily closing a converted Trump administration used the team to ensure they receive warehouse used to detain facility to hold parents and the necessary information and immigrants in South Texas for children it separated during its logistical support, the email renovation. 2018 enforcement of a “zero said. The McAllen facility gar- tolerance” policy on border The State Department did nered international attention crossings. Adults and children not immediately respond to a when images emerged of detained by the Border Patrol request for comment. children separated from their generally sleep on mats and are US Secretary of State Mike parents detained in chain-link issued Mylar blankets. While Pompeo, in an interview with cages inside. the agency is generally sup- Fox News on Tuesday, also The agency said in a posed to transfer immigrants confirmed the move. statement yesterday that the out of its custody within three “Today we began the facility, known as the central days, people have at times been process to see what the GSA’s processing centre, will reopen detained at the processing decision was, and will do eve- in 2022 with a smaller capacity centre and other facilities for rything that’s required by law. and “modern detention areas.” days or weeks. We’ll make this work.” It will also have a recreation The Border Patrol said it is Pompeo came under fire Trump supporters rally area for children. The reno- using funds from Congress to two weeks ago at a press vation was first reported by The renovate the facility. If border Supporters of President Donald Trump gather outside the Wyndham Gettysburg hotel prior to a briefing when he said there Washington Post. crossings surge again, the agency Pennsylvania Senate Majority Policy Committee publichearing to discuss 2020 election issues and would be a smooth transition Opened in 2014 during the said it “consistently revaluates to a “second Trump adminis- irregularities with President Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, yesterday. administration of President future operational requirements tration” despite Biden’s Giuliani is continuing his push to overturn election results in the courts. Barack Obama, the facility was to support the safe and legal election victory. first used to hold immigrant processing” of immigrants. THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020 19

You Ask, officials answer PRAYER Questions answered by TIMINGS PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs Readers can send questions: FAJR 04.37 am [email protected] SUNRISE 05.59 am DHUHR 11.21 am Can my employer terminate my 02.22 pm ASR employment contract? MAGHRIB 04.45 pm ISHA 06.15 pm ANSWER: Yes, your exceed one year from the employer can terminate your date of leaving your Major-General H E Dr. Abdullah Yousef Al Mal, Advisor to the Minister of Interior and Deputy Chairman of employment contract. employment. ADLSA will the Supreme Council of Police College, decorating the graduates with badges. During the probation issue a regulation to further period, if your employer clarify the provisions related finds you “unfit to carry out to the non-compete clauses. Police College celebrates decoration of your duties” as stipulated in your employment con- Can I get my students of Thunderbolt Commandos tract, your employer can end of service WEATHER terminate the contract but benefits TODAY must notify you at least one QNA — DOHA indicated that these programs six weeks, and it included several month before the termi- if I change employer? require high physical fitness and exercises, including field skills, nation through ADLSA’s The Police College celebrated the endurance, in addition to psycho- fighting in populated areas, electronic system.If upon ANSWER: If you have com- decoration of students of Thun- logical and mental readiness and patrols, descending towers, self- termination of the pleted at least one year of derbolt Commandos for the third the ability to make decisions. For defense, the long march and employment contract you employment and want to batch of students and the students his part, the Director of the other exercises. decide to go back to your change employer, you have o o of the fourth batch of diving Training Department at the Police With regard to the diving country of residence, the the right to receive from your 22 C 28 C courses, which were carried out College Major Fahad Saeed Al course, it included two training employer must cover the current employer your end Minimum Maximum earlier this year. Subaie, stressed the importance of tracks, “theoretical and prac- expenses of the return of service benefits along with Moderate temperature daytime The ceremony was attended such training courses organised by tical,” the theoretical part con- plane ticket. any accrued annual leave with some clouds and chance of by Advisor to the Minister of the college according to the highest tained many axes, including the After the probation and other benefits as stated scattered rain at places at times. Interior and Deputy Chairman of standards. basics and physics of diving. The period, if your employer in your employment the Supreme Council of Police Al Subaie said that the stu- practical training program wants to terminate your contract. W ALRUWAIS : 22o → 25o College, H E Major-General Dr. dents mastery of all complex included basic diving skills. employment contract he/she → W ALKHOR : 21o 27o Abdullah Yousef Al Mal; Director- exercises and scenarios in the At the end of the ceremony, must notify you through If I have not W DUKHAN : 20o → 28o General of the Police College, specialized courses was a result Advisor to the Minister of Interior ADLSA’s electronic system. been paid my W WAKRAH : 17o → 27o Brigadier Mohammed Abdullah of the quality of the approved and Deputy Chairman of the If you have worked with wages, do I still Al Muhana Al Marri; Director of training program level in the Supreme Council of Police College the employer for two years W MESAIEED : 17o → 27o the Joint Special Forces, Staff college. Major-General H E Dr. Abdullah or less, the notice period is have to give notice W ABUSAMRA : 18o → 28o Brigadier General Muhammad The Thunderbolt course Yousef Al Mal decorated the grad- one month. before changing jobs? Naji Al Hababi; and a number of lasted for nine weeks and was uates of the two courses with the If you have worked with ANSWER: If your current officers of the Ministry of Interior, divided into two phases, the first badges of the Thunderbolt and the employer for more than employer has not fulfilled HIGH TIDE 04:01 – 13:15 as well as the Joint Special Forces is the preparatory period, in Diving courses, and honored two years, the notice period his/her legal obligations and the Lekhwiya Force. which the nominated students officers and trainers of the Joint is two months. Both you and (including payment of LOW TIDE 08:19 – 21:27 In a speech on this occasion, received theoretical and practical Special Forces and Lekhwiya your employer must uphold wages), then you can change the Director-General of the Police lectures, in addition to focusing Force, in appreciation of the efforts the terms and conditions of jobs without giving any College, Brigadier Mohammed on exercise to raise the level of they made in training Police the employment contract notice as per amended Abdullah Al Muhana Al Marri physical fitness. The second College candidates in specialised during the notice period. Article (51) of the Labour expressed happiness that the stu- phase was executive and lasted courses. According to the labour Law. You should submit a Amazon Web dents of the third and law, your employer has the complaint with the Labour fourth classes passed the right to include a non- Relations Department of Services outage thunderbolt and diving compete clause in your ADLSA. courses. employment contract if the Remember, you have the hits cloud Al Marri said that the nature of your work puts you full right to obtain your due specialized courses qualify in a position to know the wages, end of service gra- customers the candidate students to clients of the employer or the tuity (if more than one year successfully deal with all secrets of the business. of service) and any pro rata BLOOMBERG — WASHINGTON security tasks, given the This means that after annual leave due. You also various and distinguished your contract termination, have the right to receive the Amazon.com Inc.’s cloud- training they offer and that you cannot compete with the cost of a plane ticket back to computing division suffered an develop the candidate’s employer or take part in any your country if you choose outage yesterday that affected field skills and raise competing business in the to leave Qatar. several customers, including security capabilities. Officials during same economic sector. Roku Inc. and Adobe Inc. The Director-General The duration of the non- — SOURCE: Ministry of the ceremony. Amazon Web Services’s of the Police College compete clause cannot ADLSA website status page noted that its Kinesis data streaming service was “currently impaired” in Fossil reveals the company’s US East 1 region. The outage was also making it Omani woman juggles 480 felines ‘buck-toothed toucan’ harder to post updates to a closely watched status page, the AFP — MUSCAT cages, with Balushi letting looking after another cat and complaints about her lived with dinosaurs company said. The failure them out to exercise and her approach was growing collection, she was impacted the ability of cus- More than a dozen cats and play in rotation. transformed. able to take on more AFP — TOKYO tomers to use roughly two dogs vie for Maryam Al “It all began in 2008 “I found myself totally animals. dozen services, hitting Balushi’s attention as she when my son bought a small immersed. I took care of her Balushi was inspired by The discovery of a creature described as streaming hardware maker hands out treats on a bed in Persian cat,” said Balushi, 51, entirely, feeding her, bathing a former neighbour who resembling a “buck-toothed toucan” that Roku, software seller Adobe and her home in Oman’s capital a retired civil servant, her and spending a lot of used to feed strays with lived some 68 million years ago has digital photo service Flickr. Muscat. wearing a dusky pink abaya time with her,” she said. household scraps. upended assumptions about diversity in “Kinesis has been experi- Despite complaints from and immaculate makeup. Word spread about Bal- She says her impressive the birds that lived alongside dinosaurs. encing increased error rates neighbours and mounting “Like many mothers, I ushi’s new-found love of collection of cats and dogs At less than nine centimetres (3.5 this morning in our US-East-1 expense, she has accumu- refused to look after it as I animals and departing expa- has helped her stave off inches) long, the delicate skull of the bird Region that’s impacted some lated 480 cats and 12 dogs, did not like animals and my triates would leave their pets depression — as well as scientists have dubbed Falcatakely for- other AWS services,” an AWS describing her pets as a son did not pay it much on her doorstep while earning her an impressive sterae might be easily overlooked. spokeswoman said in an mood-lifter and better com- attention or look after its animal shelters would re- following on Instagram. In fact, it almost was, sitting in a emailed statement. “We are panions than her fellow hygiene.” settle their charges with her. “I was in a dark place backlog of excavated fossils for years working toward resolution.” humans. But two years later After buying her own and they were the lifeline before CT scanning suggested the AWS is the largest provider “I find that animals, Balushi found herself home in 2014 following that rescued me,” she said. specimen deserved more attention. of rented computing power and especially cats and dogs, are It turns out that its tall, scythe-like software services, and its data more faithful than humans,” beak, while resembling the toucan, is centers serve as the invisible she said as cats jumped on something never before seen in the fossil foundation of much of the and off a nearby scratching record. Birds in the Mesozoic era — internet. That gives failures in pole. between 250 million and 65 million years its services an immediate visi- Orphaned at a young ago—had “relatively unspecialised snouts”, bility that rivals like Microsoft age, Balushi has grown her Patrick O’Connor, lead author of a study Corp. and Alphabet Inc.’s Google menagerie over the past on the new creature, said. sometimes don’t face. decade, identifying with her “Falcatakely just changed the game Meanwhile, Amazon.com furry friends, many of which completely, documenting a long, high beak Inc. merchants around the US were rescued from hard lives unlike anything known in the Mesozoic,” say some products that nor- on the street. added O’Connor, professor of anatomy and mally reach customers in one Oman has seen an neuroscience at Ohio University. or two days are now taking a upswing in stray and aban- The skull, described in a study pub- week or longer just as the doned animals in recent lished Wednesday in the journal Nature, world’s largest online retailer years, local media report, offered other surprises. heads into what’s expected to despite penalties of $25 for While Falcatakely would have had a be a record-busting holiday dumping a pet. face quite familiar to us from such modern shopping season. Seven mer- Animal welfare activists birds as toucans and hornbills, the bones chants and consultants from have advocated a pro- that made up its face bear little resem- California, Texas, Wisconsin gramme of “trap, neuter, blance to those modern creatures. and Florida said they noticed a release” to bring down the “Despite an overall face shape similar spike in orders requiring them number of strays. to modern birds like toucans, the under- to pack and deliver products Balushi spends about lying skeleton is much more similar to themselves rather than using $7,800 monthly to care for non-avian theropod dinosaurs like Dei- Amazon’s logistics service -- the creatures, 17 of which are nonychus and Velociraptor,” O’Connor which is typically faster and blind, diligently feeding and said. That “turns what we know about cheaper. To the sellers, that cleaning them as well as Mesozoic bird anatomy upside-down.” suggests the company’s ware- taking them to the veteri- Maryam Al Balushi feeds her pets in her home in Muscat. Despite complaints from neighbours Revealing these features was no easy task. houses and delivery stations are narian for medical attention. and mounting expense, she has accumulated 480 cats and 12 dogs, describing her pets as The fossil was originally collected in at full capacity. Her home is now full of a mood-lifter and better companions. 2010 in northwestern Madagascar. 20 HOME THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2020