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TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2020 20 MUHARRAM - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8374 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Choose the network of heroes Enjoy the Internet

Effective measures likely to make next Qatar wins 2020 World wave of COVID-19 infections weaker Summit on Information SIDI MOHAMED Society Award for e-Science THE PENINSULA There may be small waves until the end of the year Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of that sometimes may rise and subside. QNA — DOHA the National Strategic Group on digital progress achieved by COVID-19 and Head of the What is worrying in these waves is that the The State of Qatar, repre- the State of Qatar within the Infectious Diseases Division at infection is widespread among Qataris, professional sented by Qatar Open Data Qatar Digital Government Hamad Medical Corporation, residents, and young people under 20 years. Portal of the Ministry of strategy. has said that the next wave of Transport and Communica- She indicated that this COVID-19 infections is expected Adherence to preventive measures will not be for tions (MoTC), won the 2020 is an indication of its to be weaker than the previous years, but only until the emergence of vaccination. World Summit on Infor- progress in improving its one, due to the timely and mation Society (WSIS 2020) online services provided to effective measures taken by the The final results regarding vaccine will be available Award for e-Science. the public, facilitating it in concerned authorities. to us by the end of October or November this year. The announcement came the cyberspace, and getting “The wave that we experi- yesterday during enced in the second half of May Most of the school teachers and staff have been the opening and the first week of June was a tested and their results are negative. activities of the relatively large, and we do not last week of the expect to witness it again. There WSIS 2020, may be small waves until the end Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of the National Strategic Group on COVID-19 which is of the year that sometimes may and Head of the Infectious Diseases Division at Hamad Medical Corporation organised by the rise and subside, but it would not International reach the same level that we expe- Telecommunication Union rid of the restrictions of rienced before,” said Dr. Al Khal, pointed out that “Adherence to especially among young people, school teachers and staff have via videoconferencing and time and place, wishing for talking to Qatar TV, yesterday. preventive measures will not so that they do not transmit the been tested and their results are continues until tomorrow. the permanent presence of “What is worrying in these be for years, but only until the virus to the elderly.” negative. Also, the Ministry of Acting Assistant Under- Qatar’s digital government waves is that the infection is emergence of vaccination and The number of daily infec- Public Health will conduct secretary for Information projects and programs on the widespread among Qataris, the results are encouraging and tions in coronaviurs has random tests on students as Technology Affairs at the coronation platforms to raise professional residents, and reassuring so far from pharma- decreased dramatically com- well, to make sure that the virus MoTC, Mashael Ali Al Qatar’s name high in interna- young people under 20 years, ceutical companies.” pared to the past months, does not spread among them. Hammadi expressed hap- tional forums. and thus the possibility that “The final results in this thanks to the efforts made by “I advise young people to piness that Qatar Open Data Al Hammadi added that they transmit the virus to their regard will be available to us by the Qatari government, repre- adhere to the preventive Portal is the winner of the MoTC thanks all government families and older people who the end of October or November sented by the Ministry of Public measures, because the danger WSIS 2020 e-Science award, agencies’ partners in the have chronic diseases.” In this this year,” he added. Regarding Health and with the support of of the virus even if it less among congratulating the State of portal for providing all the case, he said, it will increase the precautionary measures, he said other entities, Al Khal said. the young, but they may Qatar for winning this award, data and statistics needed for number of cases that will enter that “people must take caution Regarding schools fears, he transmit the virus to elderly and which represents an interna- the portal. the hospital and intensive care. like before. Care must be taken said that the indicators so far people with chronic disease,” tional recognition for the `P4 Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal more during this period, are reassuring and most of the he added.

Ignore rumours Qatar Airways’ Africa network about COVID-19 increases to 10 destinations cases in schools, says official THE PENINSULA — DOHA Kigali, Kilimanjaro, Mogadishu, expand our network in Africa. Nairobi, Tunis and Zanzibar. We know the Nigerian diaspora THE PENINSULA — DOHA Qatar Airways announced Qatar Airways passengers is spread across the globe and yesterday resumption of four travelling from Lagos can enjoy we are thankful to the Nigerian The four times weekly service to Africa’s An official at the Ministry of weekly flights to Murtala more flexible travel options with Government for their support in largest city will be operated by Qatar Education and Higher Muhammed International seamless connections via the helping us to reunite family and Airways’ state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Education has clarified that Airport (LOS) Lagos, Nigeria most connected and Best friends with their loved ones. only some classrooms in a few from September 10. Airport in the Middle East, With our mixed fleet of fuel-effi- Dreamliner featuring 22 seats in Business schools have been temporarily The four times weekly Hamad International Airport. cient aircraft, we are able to Class and 232 seats in Economy Class. closed due to COVID-19 infec- service to Africa’s largest city The airline currently operates resume Lagos services with the tions and they are continuing will be operated by Qatar over 650 weekly flights to more right sized aircraft that will their classes online. Airways’ state-of-the-art than 85 destinations across the enable us to respond quickly to Adviser to the Minister of Boeing 787 Dreamliner fea- globe including 27 destinations passenger demand and increase to supporting the recovery of connectivity than any other Education and Higher Edu- turing 22 seats in Business Class in Asia-Pacific, 32 in Europe frequencies, offering our pas- international tourism across the airline to help take people cation, Mohamad Al Bashri, and 232 seats in Economy Class. and nine in North America, such sengers more flexibility to travel continent while also maintaining home. This enabled the airline said while speaking to Qatar With the addition of Lagos, as Guangzhou, Houston, Kuala when they want. vital supply chains to support to accumulate unmatched Radio that the attendance in Qatar Airways’ network in Lumpur, London and New York. “With 44 weekly flights to African businesses.” experience in carrying pas- most schools is over 85 percent Africa will expand to ten desti- Qatar Airways Group Chief 10 destinations across Africa and According to the latest IATA sengers safely and reliably and of total required attendance nations with 44 weekly flights Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: plans for further resumptions in data, Qatar Airways has become uniquely positioned the airline which is 30 percent for the first to the continent including Addis “We are delighted to resume line with the easing of entry the largest international carrier to effectively rebuild its semester of the academic year Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, flights to Lagos and further restrictions, we are committed since April offering more global network. `P2 2020-21. He said that more than 340,000 students and over 30,000 teaching staff are attending government and Hospitality, realty sectors show resilience in first half of 2020 private schools and the cases of coronavirus infections are SACHIN KUMAR In the residential real estate scheduled to be handed over efficient health strategies, the have gone ahead with their very few and almost negligible THE PENINSULA sector, the total residential this year,” Banach added. government had announced an projects in spite of difficulties and there is no need for fear or supply totalled 300,550 units, Proactive government pol- economic stimulus package of that emerged due to corona- anxiety. He stressed that the Qatar’s hospitality and real at the end of the first of half of icies have played a crucial role QR75bn to support and provide virus pandemic outbreak. infected people are dealt pro- estate sectors have added new 2020. “The first six months of in helping Qatar’s hospitality relief to those impacted the The number of residential fessionally through an projects in the first six months 2020 saw the completion of and real estate market. In most by the effects of corona- units expected to be added in approved protocol and in of the current year, demon- 2,250 apartments and 700 villas addition to implementing virus pandemic. Companies the second half of this year is coordination with the Min- strating resilience despite likely to exceed the total istry of Public Health (MoPH) exceptional situation created by number of units delivered in the and school administration as COVID-19 pandemic. Between Between January and first half of 2020. The half- well. January to June, hotels and hotel yearly report by ValuStrat “There is a permanent and apartments added close to June, hotels and hotel expects that approximately, continuous coordination 1,000 rooms while, the real apartments added 7,250 units are projected to be between the Ministry of Edu- estate sector saw completion of close to 1,000 rooms, added during the remaining cation and Higher Education around 3,000 residential apart- quarters of 2020. and the Ministry of Public ments and villas, according to while the real estate “The median transacted Health,” Al Bashri added. He a report by real estate consul- sector saw completion ticket size for residential houses also said that there is con- tancy firm ValuStrat. of around 3,000 resi- during Q2 (second quarter) tinuous contact and follow-up “As per ValuStrat research, 2020 was QR2.5m, no change by the Ministry of Education 988 keys were added during the dential apartments compared to Q1(first half) and Higher Education with first half of 2020 with the and villas 2020,” said the report. parents and students and also opening of Pullman Hotel in West However, the volume and value with MoPH. Al Bashri urged Bay, Imperium Residences in of transactions in June 2020 parents and students to follow Najma, Dusit D2 Salwa Doha in were higher compared to June official channels of the Min- Muraikh and Al Liwan Suites in 2019. Developers reported no istry of Education and Higher Rawdat Al Khail and Diyafa Hotel significant delays in con- Education and the MoPH for Suites in Al Sadd,” Pawel Banach, struction schedules of under accurate information, and not General Manager, ValuStrat development residential to heed to rumors that spread Qatar told The Peninsula. projects. `P2 on social media. 02 HOME TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2020

Qatar takes part in meeting OFFICIAL NEWS of Undersecretaries of GCC Amir congratulates President of Brazil Environment Ministries DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir QNA — DOHA related to environmental affairs. H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad The undersecretaries also Al Thani, and Prime Minister and The State of Qatar participated discussed the efforts of the min- Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Kha- in the 40th meeting of under- istries and agencies concerned lid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al secretaries responsible for envi- with the environment in the Thani sent yesterday cables of ronmental affairs in the coun- GCC states to confront the congratulations to President of tries of the Gulf Cooperation COVID-19 pandemic, the work the Federative Republic of Brazil Council (GCC), which was held of the technical committees H E Jair Bolsonaro on the anniver- via videoconferencing. emanating from the strategic sary of his country’s Independence Assistant Undersecretary for plan of the committee of min- Day.-QNA Environmental Affairs at the isters responsible for environ- Ministry of Municipality and mental affairs, the recommen- Environment Eng Hassan Juma dations of the ozone task force, Minister of Education Al Mohannadi represented the gulf environmental portal, Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces H E Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Qatar in the meeting. and the United Nations Envi- and Higher Education Ghanem (centre) during the launch of the National Defence Course No. (1). During the meeting, they ronment Program (UNEP) meets QC education reviewed the decisions of the agreement, and the agreement Supreme Council in its 40th to preserve wildlife and its committee Joaan bin Jassim Joint Command and Staff session regarding the adoption natural habitats in the GCC QNA — DOHA of “environmental directives of countries. College opens National Defence Course No. 1 the GCC countries 2020, They submitted their rec- Minister of Education and requirements for the current ommendations for all topics for Higher Education H E Dr. QNA — DOHA attended by senior staff of the stressed the importance of the environmental situation” and inclusion in the agenda of the Mohammed bin Abdulwahed various state ministries, insti- National Defence Course as it their implementation mecha- meeting of their Highnesses and Al Hammadi and a number of Joaan bin Jassim Joint tutions and security agencies qualifies civil and military intel- nisms, in addition to mandating Excellencies Ministers respon- ministry officials yesterday Command and Staff College and senior officers of the Armed lectual and leadership elites, the competent ministerial com- sible for environmental affairs held via video conference opened yesterday the National Forces. The course will give and provide them a strategic mittees concerned with non- in the GCC countries, which will technology a meeting with the Defence Course No. (1), in the them a master’s degree in vision capable of studying stra- tariff restrictions to review those be held today via education committee of the presence of H E Chief of Staff defence and security studies. tegic environment variables restrictions, including those videoconferencing. Qatar Chamber of Commerce of the Qatari Armed Forces Commenting on the and employing the various ele- and Industry, headed by First Lieutenant-General (Pilot) occasion, Commander of Joaan ments of the state’s power in Vice Chairman of Qatar Ghanem bin Shaheen Al bin Jassim Joint Command and building national policies and 3 held for violating home quarantine Chamber and head of its Ghanem. Staff College Major General strategies, in order to protect education committee The 43-day course will be Fahad Mubarak Al Khayareen the national interests. QNA — DOHA and to curb the spread of the Mohammed bin Ahmed Towar coronavirus. Al Kuwari. The competent authorities The three persons who are During the meeting, they yesterday arrested three people currently being referred to pros- discussed coordination who violated the requirements ecution are Rashid Bakhit between the private education of the home quarantine, they Hamad Al Twaijer Al Marri, affairs sector at the Ministry of committed to follow, which they Abdul-Mohsen Hazam Education and Higher Edu- are legally accountable for, in Mohammed Rashid Al Marri and cation and the Chamber’s edu- accordance with the procedures Saeed Hamad Mohammed Al cation committee, in addition of the health authorities in the Ghufran Al Marri to consultation on several country. The concerned authorities aspects related to private It is in implementation of in the state call on citizens and schools as well as encouraging the precautionary measures in residents who are subject to investors in the education force in the country, approved quarantine to fully adhere to the sector and overcoming by health authorities repre- requirements set by the Ministry obstacles facing them. sented in the Ministry of Public of Public Health, to ensure their Health (MoPH) to ensure the safety and the safety of others. achievement of public safety Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Qatar Airways’ Africa network receives phone call from British Minister

increases to 10 destinations QNA — DOHA FROM PAGE 1 and disposable face shields for Minister of State for Foreign passengers. Business Class pas- Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al The carrier has stringently sengers on aircraft equipped Muraikhi received yesterday implemented the most with Qsuite can enjoy the a phone call from British advanced safety and hygiene enhanced privacy this award- Minister of State for Middle measures on board its aircraft winning business seat provides, East and North Africa H E Qatar’s delegation was headed by the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the Arab League and in Hamad International including sliding privacy par- James Cleverly. Ambassador H E Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al Sahlawi. Airport. titions and the option to use a During the call, they Qatar Airways’ onboard ‘Do Not Disturb (DND)’ reviewed bilateral relations safety measures for passengers indicator. between the two countries and and cabin crew include the Qsuite is available on flights issues of common concern. Qatar participates in 154th Arab provision of Personal Pro- to more than 30 destinations tective Equipment (PPE) for including Guangzhou, Kuala Lekhwiya cabin crew and a compli- Lumpur, London, Paris, and League Council Session mentary protective kit New York. announces QNA — CAIRO delegation was headed by the are developments in the Pales- 2020 exercise Permanent Representative of tinian cause and developments Hospitality, realty sectors show QNA — DOHA The State of Qatar yesterday Qatar to the Arab League H E in the situation in Libya, Syria participated in the 154th Ambassador Ibrahim bin and Yemen. resilience in first half of 2020 The Lekhwiya force announced Ordinary Session of the Arab Abdulaziz Al Sahlawi. In addition, the agenda FROM PAGE 1 yesterday that the 2020 League Council at the Permanent delegates will includes social and health sector, the supply of office space Lekhwiya exercise, between Permanent Delegates level at discuss items on the Council’s issues, including Arab cooper- As per the Qatar National was 5 million square metre Gross the departments and groups of the headquarters of the agenda and prepare draft deci- ation in the field of confronting Tourism Council (QNTC), the Leasable Area (GLA) at end of the the force in Al Duhail camp and League’s General Secretariat, sions related to them to submit the COVID-19 pandemic, and total stock by end of 2019 was first half of 2020. There was an Lekhwiya fields in the Zekreet chaired by the State of Palestine them to the meeting of foreign the Arab strategy for prevention 27,261 keys (130 hotels and hotel addition of seven office buildings area, will start today from 6.30 succeeding the Sultanate of ministers for discussion and and response to combat all apartments) of which 24,562 and four mixed-use buildings am until 6pm. Oman. approval. forms of violence in refugee keys are hotel rooms and 2,699 during first half of 2020 in Lusail Lekhwiya’s force explained The meeting prepares for The draft agenda includes and displacement status, espe- are hotel apartments. The five- (Marina and Energy City), Najma, that this exercise comes to the Council’s meetings at the a number of political, security, cially violence against women star segment is the largest in size Fereej Bin Omran, Abu Hamour, confirm the readiness of all level of foreign ministers social, health and adminis- and girls, in addition to an Arab and encompassed 12,900 rooms Al Wakrah, Al Wukair and Umm departments and groups tomorrow. trative items of interest to joint study on violence against the across 49 properties at the end Salal comprising 220,000 sq m according to the assumptions The State of Qatar’s Arab action, foremost of which elderly. of 2019. The office real estate GLA. set for the exercise. Ashghal opens Al Khufoos Street to traffic linking Al Furousiya Street THE PENINSULA — DOHA reducing travel time to over 60 percent. such as Aspire Zone and Khalifa The importance of the new road is International Stadium. Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has increased by the fact that it intersects Al Khufoos Street is located announced the opening of Al Khufoos with the vital Al Furousiya Street to in an area that contains many Street with a length of 3,700 meters connect the traffic coming from Al vital facilities such as Khalifa which links Al Furousiya Street in the Rayyan and West Doha, passing through International Stadium, Aspire west and Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor to Umm Al Jamajim Street, Mehairja Street, Zone, Villagio Mall, and the the east to serve the areas of Al Umm Al Tin Street, to Sabah Al Ahmad Equestrian Club, as well as the Murraikh, Al Mehairja and Luaib and Corridor and Al Amir Street (Doha many educational facilities and facilitates access to many surrounding Expressway) to connect traffic to Al Sadd schools in the area, Al Khufoos schools and nearby sport and business east. Street serves the areas of Baaya, facilities. In the context of enhancing traffic Mehairja and Murraikh. The The opening of Al Khufous Street safety pursued by Ashghal, a median has importance of the street will provide a direct traffic movement been established separating the two increased by its connection to from Doha Expressway without the directions of the traffic, in addition to Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor, which need to use the parallel Al Waab Street street lighting, smart message systems is of a very vital importance. to reach Mehairja, Murraikh, and Waab and road signs. Pedestrian and cycle Al Khufous Street is inte- reaching directly to Al Rayyan and paths on both sides of the road were grated with Umm Al Jamajim Muaither from the vital roads, as it pro- completed. Street, which was opened in 2019 vides an alternative route to the par- Highway Projects Department as part of the 1,500-meter-long allel Al Waab Street, which will reduce Manager Engineer Bader Darwish, con- Al Khufous Street development traffic pressure. firmed that the opening of Al Khufoos project, which provides direct Al Khufoos Street will improve the Street at this time coincides with the traffic movement between Al traffic movement in the area after its start of the new school year, especially Furousiya Street and Al Waab huge development. The street, which since there are many educational insti- Street, passing through Al consisted of a lane in each direction, has tutions and schools in the area such as, Khufous Street. been revamped into a road consisting Al Mujtamaa School for Girls, Omar bin Umm Al Jamajim Street con- of three lanes in each direction to Al Khattab, Al Qadisiya Primary School tributed to improving traffic accommodate about 10,000 vehicles for Boys and Aspire Academy and serves movement in the area after its per hour, which will contribute to many commercial and sport facilities development. TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOME 03 Ashghal’s roads and citizens’ sub-division projects on track Qatar attends 36th meeting of THE PENINSULA — DOHA “We are considering the new ways of GCC Traffic Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced that its roads and work that COVID- Directors-General citizens’ sub-division projects are 19 pandemic has on track and within the planned QNA — DOHA delivery progress rates, despite imposed on us which the outbreak of COVID-19 have proved to be The State of Qatar, represented around the world impacting the by the General Directorate of construction industry globally. efficient to adopt for Traffic, participated in the 36th Eng Saoud Al Tamimi, the long run,” said Al meeting for Traffic Directors- Manager of the Roads Projects Tamimi. General of the Gulf Cooper- Department at Ashghal said: “We ation Council States. took a series of measures to curb The meeting, which was the spread of the coronavirus and the completion of infra- held remotely, discussed ways disease (COVID-19) both in the structure works and upgrading to enhance joint cooperation construction project sites/offices works on Street 1400 and Street in a number of topics related as well as in the accommodation 300 in Abal Heeran Area and to raising traffic safety rates in facilities. We implemented emer- their opening to traffic, in the GCC countries. It also gency plans with our contractors addition to delivering a road reviewed the importance to and consultants and thankfully, network providing access to Al continue exchanging traffic with the great commitment of Sailiya Central Market.” statistics and information in a A view of Al Mirqab Al Jadeed St and C-Ring Road Intersection. our team.” Besides, he said, Ashghal also way that contributes to “I can say that we have suc- announced the completion of meeting traffic requirements cessfully managed to maintain construction works of the main Al Tamimi. during the peak stage in May and “We are considering the new in reducing the rates of viola- delivery and business continuity tunnel for the foul sewer network He said that Ashghal is June this year. The Health and ways of work that COVID-19 tions and accidents and the while strictly adhering to the reg- serving eight northern areas and gearing up to progress on the Safety team of the Roads pandemic has imposed on us resulting death and ularly updated health, safety, Al Rayyan Stadium and con- construction works of the roads Projects Department (RPD) had which have proved to be effi- casualties. workers' welfare and wellness necting it to the main Pump surrounding the central market to review and update the health cient to adopt for the long run,” Assistant Director-General related guidelines and legal Station. April witnessed the com- in Umm Slal Area, where the and safety policies and protocols said Al Tamimi. of Traffic Col Nasser Durman requirements by the competent pletion of cars and buses parking progress of works has reached in the context of COVID-19 All projects and organisa- Al Hajri, represented Qatar in authorities. This goal could not areas to serve several Q-rail sta- 85 percent and the progress on updates, in order to ensure com- tions in Ashghal’s RPD supply the meeting. have been achieved without the tions such as Al Gassa, Education the construction works of the pliance with the government chain have developed and The Qatari side presented concerted efforts and continuous City and Al Wakrah. roads surrounding the new precautionary measures and to implemented a project specific a proposal to adopt a unified coordination of all workers in “In May, 9 new contracts for building of the Immigration protect our employees and the ‘outbreak contingency response training guide for driving edu- Ashghal,” said Al Tamimi. Citizens’ Subdivision Infra- Office of the Ministry of Interior supply chain workforce, said Al and management plans’ with cation, with the aim of raising Eng Al Tamimi pointed out structure Projects were signed at in Wadi Al Banat Area, where the Tamimi. detailed actions. The Crisis Man- the level of efficiency of that some major accomplish- a value of QR3.6bn. Al Nasr Street progress rate has reached 75 He said that the focus now agement Team at RPD moni- driving schools in the member ments were realised during the and Al Mirqab Al Jadeed Street percent. is on the lessons learned from tored every COVID-19 devel- states and in a way that con- pandemic. were opened for public use, and “Even though the current such an experience and the opment and provided timely tributes to enhancing the pro- “In April, Ashghal announced Asghal announced the com- number of the active COVID-19 importance of keeping crisis advices and instructions, which tection of all road users. the completion of the roads mencement of West Simaisma’s positive cases are reducing, we management and contingency in effect promoted and sup- The meeting also dealt leading to workers’ accommo- Road and Infrastructure Devel- are still continuing with all the plans always updated and ready ported Qatar’s successful ‘Stop with the impact of the corona- dation in West of Umm Slal Area, opment Project - Package 1,” said actions that had implemented for activation. the pandemic’ campaign. virus on the number of deaths and severe injuries resulting from traffic accidents during the period of health precau- tionary measures, and the HMC urges pregnant most important plans and pro- grammes that have been women to be vigilant implemented in this context. about fetal movement 253 new virus cases, 243 FAZEENA SALEEM HMC in a social recoveries: MoPH THE PENINSULA media campaign THE PENINSULA — DOHA Hamad Medical Corporation said that, if a woman (HMC) has urged pregnant is booked to deliver The Ministry of Public Health women to seek help from the at the WWRC, she (MoPH) yesterday announced Women Wellness and the registration of 253 new Research Centre (WWRC) by can call the hotline confirmed cases of COVID-19 calling the hotline for any numbers 40261091 in the country. Among them concern over the baby’s 20 were travellers returning movements. or 40261074 if she from abroad. HMC in a social media has concerns about Another 243 people have campaign said that, if a woman recovered from the virus, is booked to deliver at the baby`s movements. bringing the total number of A photo of medical consignments provided by QRCS and Turkish Red Crescent for fight against WWRC, she can call the recovered cases in Qatar to COVID-19 infection in Sudan. hotline numbers 40261091 or days a week. The team also 117,241. 40261074 if she has concerns there to help with gynaeco- The Ministry has also about baby`s movements. If logical emergencies such as reported two new deaths due QRCS team visits Turkey, Sudan to the pregnant woman is booked severe vaginal bleeding, pelvic to COVID-19. They were aged to deliver at any of the other pain, vulva abscesses and 71 and 76 and receiving HMC maternity facilities, she fibroids. medical care. arrange for coronavirus control aid can contact them directly for The Emergency All new cases have been immediate assistance. Department at WWRC is introduced to isolation and THE PENINSULA — DOHA capacity-building, socioeconomic Dr. Oussedik; Naglaa AlHajj, “Baby movements in preg- equipped with advanced are receiving necessary empowerment, psychological Head of International Devel- nancy are good signs that your imaging and diagnostic tools healthcare according to their A high-profile delegation from support, and logistics activities for opment at QRCS; Al Fadel Amer baby is healthy. Even with dis- for immediate and accurate health status. Qatar Red Crescent Society Syrian refugees in Turkey. Al Taher, Chairman of Steering tractions of these difficult diagnosis of the condition. It The Ministry further said (QRCS) has visited Turkey to hold Two batches of medical aid Committee of the Sudanese Red times, it is still very important also have a 24-hour in-house that measures to tackle talks with the Turkish Red were deployed from Ankara to Crescent Society (SRCS); Dr. Afaf that you monitor the move- pharmacy should the patient COVID-19 in Qatar have suc- Crescent and arrange for the Khartoum, Sudan, to help the Ahmed Yahya, Secretary- ments of your baby. You need it. ceeded in flattening the curve deployment of medical aid to country to combat the corona- General of SRCS; representatives should get to know the pat- According to the WWRC, and limiting the spread of the Sudan under a tripartite virus pandemic. The visit con- of the Embassy of Qatar in terns of movements and kicks if the woman is suffering from virus. The number of daily agreement signed in June by cluded with a tour of the aid Khartoum; and Director of Office that your baby will make,” said an obstetrical medical emer- new cases and hospital QRCS and its Turkish and stock warehouses, emergency of Prof Al Seddik Tawer Kafy, HMC. gency or need immediate care, admissions has gradually Sudanese counterparts. shelter tent production plants, Member of the Sovereignty If a pregnant woman they should go to the emer- declined over the past few QRCS’s delegation com- and museum of the Turkish Red Council of Sudan and Chairman notices or is worried about any gency department without a weeks. prised Ali bin Hassan Al Crescent in Ankara. of Higher Committee for Health change in baby’s movements delay. Such conditions include, The Ministry has also said Hammadi, Secretary-General The cargo was delivered at Emergencies. pattern, that can include if the abnormal vaginal bleeding that Qatar has one of the and Dr. Fawzi Oussedik, Head of the Khartoum International In a statement, Al Hammadi movements reduced, if the during pregnancy, sudden lowest COVID-19 death rates International Relations and IHL. Airport, containing 12.5 tonnes said the visit was part of the per- pattern is unusual. But if the onset of abdominal pain in the world as a result of At the Turkish Red Crescent, they of medical equipment and mate- manent humanitarian cooper- baby isn’t moving at all during pregnancy, leaking Qatar’s young population, met Dr. Ibrahim Altan, Director- rials, to enable hospitals and ation between QRCS and SRCS pregnant woman are urged to water from the vagina, proactive testing to identify General, and Alper Küçük, quarantine centres to treat in various areas of humanitarian go to the Emergency reduced/absent fetal move- cases early, expanding hos- Deputy Director-General, to COVID-19 patients and ensure action. Department immediately. ments at any stage of preg- pital capacity, especially discuss further mutual human- protection for the medical pro- “We are going not only to WWRC’s specialised team nancy, severe vomiting with intensive care to ensure all itarian cooperation globally. fessionals engaged in the pan- deliver the medical aid cargo, but of doctors and nurses provide dehydration during pregnancy patients receive the medical Then, they visited 16 social services demic response. also to distribute it to some ben- care for thousands of women and symptoms of miscarriage care they need, protecting the centres of the Turkish Red Upon the arrival of the cargo, eficiary hospitals in different a year, 24-hour a day, seven and trauma in pregnancy elderly and those with Crescent, which have many those present were Al Hammadi; parts of the country,” he added. chronic diseases. However, the Ministry has emphasised the importance of taking precautions against Katara to hold forum on ‘kids and technology’ tomorrow COVID-19. “Even though restrictions RAYNALD C RIVERA Katara Tech Forum aims to spread public the implementation of the goals of the forum, which was held in are being lifted, and numbers THE PENINSULA awareness on information technology and targeted by Qatar National Vision July, shed light on the importance are declining, this does not 2030 as well as enhancing coop- of Internet of Things (IoT) and mean that the COVID-19 pan- The Cultural Village Foundation make it available to all as a key factor in eration with scientific institutions cybersecurity in providing effi- demic is finished in Qatar – — Katara has announced that the the development of creative and knowledge and organisations in Qatar and cient healthcare and was every day between 50 and 12th edition of Katara Tech Forum beyond, in addition to fostering delivered by Prof Mohsen Guizani 100 people are admitted to to be held tomorrow via Katara’s capabilities. ties with local government bodies of the Computer Science and hospital with moderate to digital platforms will focus on working to meet national vision Engineering Department at Qatar severe COVID-19 symptoms,” “Kids and Technology.” component due to the pandemic, it available to all as a key factor in 2030 goals in the field of infor- University College of the Ministry said. To be presented by Dr. Essa S. the subject of the forum becomes the development of creative and mation technology. Engineering. “Unless we follow all pre- Al Horr, the forum will have par- even more relevant today. knowledge capabilities. The forum also eyes bridging The previous editions of the cautionary measures, we may ticular focus on the benefits and The forum will be delivered via In addition, the forum pro- the gap between techsavvy youth forum have focused electronic experience a second wave of disadvantages of technology to Zoom app at 7pm tomorrow and motes learning on the latest devel- interested in information tech- services of various government the virus and see numbers kids, safe technology, and how to can be accessed using Meeting ID: opments in the world of infor- nology and the information tech- entities in Qatar, pioneering increasing> There are already keep kids safe in the age of tech- 889 5643 7562 and Passcode: 174 mation and communication tech- nology-based institutions projects in the field of information signs of this happening in nology, among others. 295, Katara announced in its social nology and reviewing and through hosting specialised con- and communications technology other countries around the With increase in use of tech- media accounts yesterday. Katara presenting best practices and ferences, symposiums, and lec- (ICT), and latest updates and ini- world. Now more than ever, nology as local schools adopt Tech Forum aims to spread public international standards in Qatar tures on latest information and tiatives in the field of ICT at local we must be careful and blended learning which has dis- awareness on information tech- and the world. The initiative also digital technology issues and and international levels, among protect the most tance learning as an important nology on a large scale and make aims at contributing to breakthroughs. The latest edition others. vulnerable.” 04 HOME TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2020 Texas A&M at Qatar mentoring 19th-ranked Qatar robotics team THE PENINSULA — DOHA Team Qatar comprises 25 students from 14 different schools. The team is part of High school students with an interest in robotics from schools Texas A&M University at Qatar’s STEM across Qatar have formed Team Hub Robotics Club, which is currently Qatar, the STEM-vengers, to represent the country in the ranked 19th out of 174 teams from FIRST Global Challenge, an around the world. “Olympics”-style robotics event. The FIRST Global Challenge invites each country to send a Global Community around the to expand my knowledge and team to compete in a Robotics world. The season began in June to continue studying for the Olympics, which is based on the and wraps up on September 25. future.” 14 Grand Challenges of Engi- Team Qatar’s Almayasa Al The team is mentored by neering identified by the US Obaidli said, “FIRST Global is a Texas A&M at Qatar’s STEM National Academy of yearly robotics competition that program specialist Dr. Engineering. promotes STEM education and Mohamed Gharib in the univer- Team Qatar comprises 25 it’s a great way to represent sity’s STEM Hub, a joint initi- students from 14 different team Qatar among more than ative between the university schools. The team is part of 150 countries. and the Qatar National Texas A&M University at Qatar’s Participating in this com- Research Fund (QNRF). STEM Hub Robotics Club, which petition helped me make The STEM Hub aims to Team Qatar during a virtual meeting. is currently ranked 19th out of friends with other partici- promote creative applications 174 teams from around the pants from all nations and of engineering and science world. made me believe that working toward innovative thinking and learning experiences for sec- Gharib said Team Qatar among the students, Gharib The 2020 FIRST Global together and cooperating we original design among Qatar’s ondary students; to put together has shown a strong presence said. Challenge — Connecting Com- can find solutions to the youth. a team of talented students from in the FGC since first partici- In 2019, Gharib won the munities consists of three world’s grand challenges. Gharib established the different schools in Qatar whose pating in FGC 2018 when Outstanding Mentor Award, months filled with social media Despite the difficulties that we SHRC initiative at Texas A&M at interests are in engineering in Qatar achieved the bronze which is given to mentors who and technical challenges, talks faced this year by working Qatar in 2019 in cooperation general and robotics in par- medal in a field of 161 nations. are committed to their stu- by STEM professionals, and remotely, as a team, we were with QNRF to use robotics to ticular; and to prepare the stu- SHRC aims to ensure the con- dents and inspired them to technical training sessions — all able to face the challenges. enhance, supplement and dents to participate in interna- tinuity of the team and transfer keep going, despite any while connecting the FIRST FIRST Global has inspired me enrich science and math tional competitions. the knowledge and experience challenges. ICC holds farewell for long-term resident of Qatar Qatar wins World Summit on Information Society Award for e-Science THE PENINSULA — DOHA FROM PAGE 1 “Qatar Open Data Portal” to The President and Managing facilitate the process of dissem- Committee Members of Indian Three projects of the State of inating government data on the Cultural Centre has bid Qatar have been selected as the Internet through a single national farewell to Mohamad Habibun heroes of 2020 on the WSIS platform, making it available to Nabi a longtime Resident of Award. The second category of the public, and appropriately Qatar who is leaving for his the award included the “Cen- ensuring its quality and provision hometown Aligarh this week. tralized Connectivity in the and according to international He has been in Qatar for 24 Schools Network” at the Ministry standards followed in this field. years and a total 42 years in of Education and Higher Edu- The portal comes within the the Gulf including Iraq, Oman cation, while the seventh cat- framework of the Qatar Digital and Qatar. egory included the “Open Data” Government 2020 strategy, S Xavier Dhanaraj, First portal under the MOTC, and the which includes among its axes Secretary (Consular & Com- eighth category included the open data, e-participation, and munity Affairs) and the Coor- multilingual e-contract system related policies as major initia- dinating Officer of Indian Cul- project - the Ministry of Admin- tives in this context. tural Centre was the Chief Guest istrative Development, Labor The portal promotes Qatar’s of the day. and Social Affairs. march towards the transfor- He thanked Habibun Nabi The WSIS 2020 is held mation of smart transactions to for his excellent contribu- entirely online, under the slogan achieve national development tions to the Indian com- “promoting digital transfor- goals in providing public services munity in Qatar and later mation and global partnerships... efficiently and transparently, President of Indian Cultural Centre, Manikantan AP with Mohamad Habibun Nabi (centre) during presented him with a plaque WSIS action lines to achieve sus- building a digital economy based the farewell ceremony. of appreciation. All the Man- tainable development goals”, in on a knowledge society, and pro- aging Committee members cooperation between the Inter- moting innovation and creativity of Indian Cultural Centre of Embassy of India, have sup- under-privileged section. He community in general for their national Telecommunication by creating an open and trans- attended the farewell. ported, and contributed a lot has also worked for promoting continuous support, motivation Union and the United Nations parent culture in which the foun- Habibun Nabi was working of time and efforts for Indian socio-cultural activities, which and appreciation of all his Educational, Scientific and Cul- dations of knowledge are in cir- as an engineer with Kahramaa Cultural Centre and Indian bring the community together community activities and tural Organization (UNESCO), the culation and accessible. during his term in Qatar. Community Benevolent Forum. and spreads a healthy message efforts. United Nations Development Several government Habibun Nabi currently is Habibun Nabi held the in the society. President of Indian Cul- Program (UNDP) and the United agencies share their data through General Secretary of the Indian position of General Secretary Habibun Nabi expressed his tural Centre, Manikantan AP, Nations Conference on Trade the Qatar Open Data Portal, and Sports Centre, for the last four of Indian Cultural Centre in gratitude to the Indian Ambas- in his welcome address, rec- and Development (UNCTAD), in it is expected that all government years, an apex body under the 2008 and served as a Head of sador, Embassy of India ollected the enormous con- close cooperation with all the agencies will join and participate aegis of Embassy of India. Sports in 2006. He is a sports officers and staff, Managing tribution of Habibun Nabi to facilitators participating in the in the portal to build a more effi- He is an active and ardent lover and loves to work for Committee of Indian Cultural the Indian community in WSIS Action Line. cient, open, and transparent supporter of all the apex bodies community, especially the Centre and the Indian Qatar. The MOTC launched the government. Georgetown’s newest IEDM graduates find a world in need of their help THE PENINSULA — DOHA Disaster Management (IEDM) light on the essential role of Through the program, degree program were recog- trained professionals in the the graduates learned The newest graduates of Geor- nised at a virtual closing emergency response fields. what it takes to plan for, getown’s International Exec- ceremony amidst a global A total of 20 students utive Master’s in Emergency & pandemic that has put the spot- received the IEDM degree this manage, and respond to year, which is offered a wide variety of natural, through Georgetown University’s School of technological, and man- Continuing Studies (SCS) made disasters. in Washington, DC, and supported by the Office of Executive and Profes- role of public-private partner- sional Education at ships in reducing disaster risks GU-Q, a QF partner. during the games. Projects also Through the covered health sector prepar- Dr. Ahmad Dallal, Dean of GU-Q, and Dr. Kelly Otter, Dean of SCS. program, the graduates edness for an industrial emer- learned what it takes to gency and the need for effective plan for, manage, and times and the skills and Khayarin, head of the Licensing responses involving hazardous respond to a wide variety expertise that you’ve gained in Affairs Department at the Min- materials, topics that have taken of natural, technological, this program are valuable in our istry of Interior, who won the on greater significance in light and man-made world now more than ever,” she IEDM Ambassador Award, and of the recent port disaster in disasters. said, extending a warm Alyaa Al Mannai, head of the Beirut, Lebanon. This year’s IEDM welcome to the graduates who Education and Training Division A highlight of the final virtual cohort represented a now join a global community of of the Office of H E the Deputy residency in this year’s program wide variety of sectors IEDM alumni playing leading Prime Minister and Minister of was a behind-the-scenes look from across Qatar, roles in keeping their commu- State for Defence Affairs, who at the complexity of preparing including military and nities safe and secure. won the Outstanding Com- for a safe and successful World defense, healthcare, In his congratulatory munity Engagement Award. Cup in Qatar, which is expected architecture, engi- remarks, the dean of GU-Q, Dr. Megan O’Connor, a disaster to draw well over a million neering, law Ahmad Dallal, said: “The world response operations analyst, guests, and which will offer the enforcement and is waking up to the fact that was selected for the Out- unique experience of a compact security, international properly planned and executed standing Capstone Impact tournament with stadiums a affairs and development, emergency and disaster man- Award for her project on maximum of one hour apart. and philanthropy. agement is one of the most “Reducing Risk and Mitigating The virtual closing cer- The opening remarks critical factors to national Harm to Vulnerable Sub-pop- emony was streamed on the of the virtual ceremony security and to ensure a rapid ulations of Refugees.” IEDM’s Facebook page, and will were delivered by Dr. global recovery from cata- Before graduating, the stu- continue to be available for Kelly Otter, dean of SCS. strophic events,” adding that dents presented their capstone online viewing. Welcoming its “I’m thrilled to be with this year’s graduates “are well projects in a virtual gallery walk fourth cohort in September you here today, to con- placed to provide the needed streamed online. Several 2020, the IEDM program offers gratulate you on all that expertise to help the world forge projects focused on the security a blend of virtual learning and you have accomplished a path to recovery, and prepare of the upcoming 2022 FIFA five on-site international resi- in Georgetown’s Exec- for an uncertain future.” World Cup in Qatar, with dencies in five different coun- utive Master’s in Emer- Select students were recog- research presented on mass tries that provide critical hands- gency and Disaster Man- nized for academic excellence gathering emergency planning on experience and engagement agement Program. These and contributions to the com- and operations, terrorism and opportunities with leading are truly unprecedented munity, including Abdulla Al cyber security threats, and the experts in the field. TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOME 05 HBKU Press celebrates back to school & International Literacy Day THE PENINSULA — DOHA HBKU Press has a wide variety of fiction grow older nor when we are faced with an adversity as mon- Hamad Bin Khalifa University and nonfiction titles for children, who range umental as a global pandemic,” Press (HBKU Press) has from pre-readers to young adults. Sub- said Slim. announced a month-long genres available include classic children’s “It is our hope at HBKU Press discount of 25 percent on all that by making our complete cat- HBKU Press books till September stories, educational material, award- alogue of works available at a 30 to coincide with the start of winning novels, history, fantasy, biography, discounted rate, we can the new academic school year sociology, philosophy, lifestyle, health and encourage people to continue and International Literacy Day investing in themselves as which falls today (September 8). wellness, sports, and much more. readers and learners despite any “As teachers and students all challenge.” over Qatar begin the new aca- The discount applies to any demic year navigating the chal- collections include a variety of stories, educational material, HBKU Press books purchased lenging parameters of online quality supplemental educational award-winning novels, history, through the Rafeeq and Snoonu teaching and learning, HBKU resources in Arabic that can be fantasy, biography, sociology, applications (available for Press is committed to providing used in parallel with online philosophy, lifestyle, health and download from the Apple Store the necessary support to promote teaching and learning, including wellness, sports, and much more. literate and sustainable society. on and discuss how innovative and Google Play) from today till literacy and to establish a love of every day reading material for This HBKU Press initiative ILD 2020 focuses on literacy and effective pedagogies and September 30. reading and literature,” said enjoyment as well.” also aligns with this year’s Inter- and learning during the COVID-19 teaching methodologies can be For a detailed list of all HBKU Mounir Slim, Head of Finance HBKU Press has a wide national Literacy Day (ILD). crisis and beyond with a special used in youth and adult literacy Press books, please visit the and Publishing Services at HBKU variety of fiction and nonfiction Established in 1967, ILD reminds evaluation of the role of educators programmes at present and in the website at hbkupress.com and Press. titles for children, who range the public of the importance of and changing pedagogies. The future. follow on Facebook page “Through our outreach work from pre-readers to young adults. literacy as a matter of dignity and theme will highlight literacy in a “International Literacy Day (facebook.com/hbkupress) and with teachers and educators Available sub-genres include human rights, and to advance the lifelong learning perspective. ILD 2020 explores the notion that on Twitter and Instagram (@ around Qatar, our latest available classic children’s literacy agenda towards a more 2020 is an opportunity to reflect learning never stops, not as we hbkupress) for daily updates. WCM-Q research group earns critical acclaim for its work AFG College with the University of Aberdeen launches THE PENINSULA — DOHA professor of pharmacology at WCM-Q, new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes was one of articles picked as an ‘editor’s THE PENINSULA — DOHA A view of the A research group at Weill Cornell choice’ by the publication Biomolecules, Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q) has received and Dr. Büsselberg’s group has also been AFG College with the campus of AFG critical acclaim for five of its research asked to record a short video discussing University of Aberdeen College with papers in recent months, bringing their the study in order to promote it further announced that the Ministry the University studies on cancer to a broader audience on social media. The study ‘Anti-Ang- of Education and Higher of Aberdeen. of scientists. iogenic Effects of Phytochemicals on Education have approved five Four of their published articles have miRNA Regulating Breast Cancer Pro- new degree programmes for now been selected as the ‘editor’s choice’ gression’ was the one chosen as the the college. by the respective journals they were ‘feature paper’ in Biomolecules. The new programmes, published in – Cancers and Biomole- The papers were highlighted by the which were approved by Min- cules – while a fifth was chosen as the editors of the journals for the quality of ister of Education and Higher ‘feature paper’ in Biomolecules. the studies and the benefits they may Education H E Dr. Mohammed Lead principal investigator (LPI), bring to other researchers within the field. Abdulwahed Al Hammadi, Dr. Dietrich Büsselberg (pictured), pro- “It is quite an honour to have so include three undergraduate fessor of physiology and biophysics at many of our papers acknowledged like bachelor degrees, in ‘Business Man- transferable skills, which students will WCM-Q, and his team, research asso- this in such a short time, and it is tes- agement & Information Systems’, benefit from across these new courses.” ciate Dr. Samson Mathews Samuel, and Natural Compounds in Anticancer tament to the excellence and profes- ‘Business Management & International Buckley said that the two post- research specialist Elizabeth Varghese, Therapy of Triple-Negative Breast sionalism of our researchers, and to Relations’ and ‘Business Management & graduate programmes, which are new have so far published 13 research papers Cancers’ co-authored by Dr. Ravinder QNRF’s commitment to fund high- Legal Studies’. The two specialist post- to the market in Qatar will further com- since June 2019, on the theme of how Mamtani and Dr. Sohaila Cheema from quality research that has a strong and graduate offerings include an ‘MSc Inter- plement the existing provision that we natural compounds, metabolic man- the Institute for Population Health at positive impact on the lives of Qatar’s national Human Resource Management’ offer here in Doha. agement and diabetes medications can WCM-Q and another one ‘Flavonoids citizens and the wider world,” Dr. Büs- and a ‘Masters in Education’. “The new Masters in Education will influence cancer incidence and pro- in Cancer and Apoptosis’ were also selberg said. AFG College Principal Brian Buckley allow educators to gain an interna- gression. Funding for the studies has selected as ‘editor’s choice’ articles by The final study — conducted in col- said, “The approval of these new pro- tionally recognised teaching qualifi- been provided by Qatar National Cancers. laboration with other research groups grammes by the Ministry, demonstrates cation while continuing to work and Research Fund (QNRF). ‘Metformin: The answer to cancer — that was selected for the ‘editor’s our continued efforts in offering the study right here in Qatar. The pro- Two articles published earlier and in a flower? Current knowledge and choice’ recognition was ‘Fluctuations of highest quality higher education in Qatar. gramme will focus on balancing aca- funded via a bridge funding grant to Dr. future prospects of metformin as an Histone Chemical Modifications in The new undergraduate interdisciplinary demic learning with practical skills and Büsselberg from the Qatar Foundation- anti-cancer agent in breast cancer’ Breast, Prostate, and Colorectal Cancer: approach has taken into consideration is sure to appeal to those working in funded Biomedical Research Program (https://doi.org/10.3390/biom9120846), An Implication of Phytochemicals as the demands placed on graduates by public and private sector schools,” at WCM-Q – ‘The Yin and Yang of co-authored by Dr. Chris R. Triggle, Defenders of Chromatin Equilibrium’. employers to develop a broader range of Buckley added. Mandarin Oriental, Doha awarded with ISO 22000 for food safety management Detailed guidelines, continuously updated based on recognised international standards and best practices, ensure that a consistent approach is achieved in all Mandarin Oriental hotels. An exterior view of Mandarin Oriental, Doha.

THE PENINSULA — DOHA achieving uncompromising of the city. The hotel blends chic standards in health and safety,” and contemporary design with Mandarin Oriental, Doha has said Martin Schnider, General touches of Qatari heritage, been awarded for its health and Manager of Mandarin Oriental, bringing new levels of luxury safety standards in food and Doha. to Qatar. Designed by the world- beverage. The hotel is recog- “We remain alert to advice, renowned David Collins Studio, nised for its high standards in from health experts and gov- the hotel’s 117 rooms, 41 suites food safety practices and ernment authorities, adapting and 91 serviced apartments awarded with the International our best practices accordingly blend an elegant, contemporary Organization for Standardi- while delivering legendary design with subtle elements of zation - ISO 22000. service excellence which Man- traditional Qatari heritage. Man- The safety and well-being of darin Oriental, Doha is known darin Oriental, Doha continues guests and colleagues has for,” he added. to exceed guest expectations remained a top priority and Mandarin Oriental, Doha is with its legendary service excel- addressed through Mandarin an intimate and stylish urban lence, which has been recog- Oriental’s group-wide safe and retreat located in the centre of nised and awarded with the sound programme. Established Msheireb Downtown Doha, the honorary distinction of the in 2000, this programme covers new lifestyle and cultural heart Forbes Five-Star rating in 2020. fire safety, security, risk management, food safety as well as health and safety for A reputed media organization guests and colleagues. Detailed guidelines, contin- in Qatar is looking for Reporter uously updated based on recognised international [ .Q%CR .:0V : CV: 7V:` V6]V`1VJHV8 standards and best practices, [ :H.VCQ`; RV$`VV 1J =Q%`J:C1I5 I: HQII%J1H:QJ Q` : ensure that a consistent `VC: VR VCR8 approach is achieved in all Mandarin Oriental hotels. [ $ :JRLQ` &'() V6]V`1VJHV 1Q%CR GV :J :R0:J :$V8 Mandarin Oriental, [ 1C1J$%:C ^)`:G1HL'J$C1._ 1 :J :R0:J :$V8 Doha has solidified its com- [ (. 8 mitment towards food safety thus awarded with internationally certified [ Q0V`1J$ :1$JIVJ  :JR RV0VCQ]1J$ Q1J 1RV: 1J Q standards. ISO 22000 is a `VCV0:J JV1 HQJ VJ 8 Food Safety Management [ /QCCQ11J$ ]`VH`1GVR VR1 Q`1:C  7CV :JR `Q`I: 8 System, which defines the standards of achieving [  :7 :%JVR Q CQH:C5 `V$1QJ:C :JR  : V 1%V :JR .V1` uncompromising levels of VcVH  QJ CQH:C HQII%J1V8 food safety. Preventive [ )VJR1J$ HQII%J1 7 V0VJ  :JR CQH:C :JR `V$1QJ:C measures and best practices IVVJ$ : :1$JVR8 in food safety are licensed with HACCP. %:C1VR H:JR1R: V :`V 1J01 VR Q VJR .V1`  Q7 “We are privileged to [email protected] receive recognition for 06 GULF / MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2020 EU warns Serbia, Kosovo over Israel embassy move The 27-nation EU’s long-held policy is that improving their long-strained truly historic commitment,” Kosovo Prime Minster Avdullah violate under any circum- Jerusalem’s status should be worked out relations, while Serbian officials Trump —deep into campaigning Hoti were holding a new round stances the strategic, friendly appeared to be watering down ahead of November’s presi- of talks in Brussels on normal- and fraternal partnership with between Israel and the Palestinians as part of their commitment to Trump, dential election — announced ising their relations, said the EU Turkey,” Thaci said after the broader peace negotiations, and that Serbia and Kosovo sought to allay con- on Friday that “Serbia and was told in advance only about conversation. cerns among Muslim Kosovo have each committed the economic aspects of the Israeli Prime Minister Ben- — as a candidate to join the bloc — should countries. to economic normalisation.” White House event, not about jamin Netanyahu welcomed the respect that. “There is no EU member state The 27-nation EU’s long- Trump also said that Serbia movements in Jerusalem. deal that establishes diplomatic held policy is that Jerusalem’s has committed to open a com- In Belgrade, Serbian officials relations with Kosovo, and with an embassy in Jerusalem,” European status should be worked out mercial office in Jerusalem this appeared to be stepping back would have both Kosovo and Commission spokesman Peter Stano said. between Israel and the Pales- month and move its embassy from the embassy pledge, with Serbia open embassies in Jeru- tinians as part of broader peace there in July. The Trump admin- Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic saying salem. They would join the US AP — BRUSSELS/OCCUPIED negotiations, and that Serbia— istration recognised Jerusalem the final decision will still have to and Guatemala as the only coun- JERUSALEM In an unexpected move last as a candidate to join the bloc— as Israel’s capital in late 2017 be discussed by the government tries with embassies in the con- week, Trump said that Serbia should respect that. and moved the US embassy and will depend on “a number of tested city, whose eastern sector The European Union warned and Kosovo had agreed to nor- “There is no EU member there in May 2018. factors” including future devel- is claimed by the Palestinians as Serbia and Kosovo yesterday malise economic ties as part of state with an embassy in Jeru- Israel Prime Minister Ben- opment of ties with Israel. the capital of a future state. that they could undermine their US-brokered talks that include salem,” European Commission jamin Netanyahu thanked Ser- Kosovo’s President Hashim “We will continue efforts so EU membership hopes by Belgrade moving its embassy to spokesman Peter Stano said. bia’s president and confirmed Thaci, meanwhile, was on the that additional European coun- moving their Israeli embassies Jerusalem, and mutual recog- “Any diplomatic steps that could that Israel and Kosovo, a pre- phone with Turkey’s President tries will transfer their to Jerusalem, as US President nition between Israel and call into question the EU’s dominantly Muslim country, will Recep Tayyip Erdogan, trying embassies to Jerusalem,” Donald Trump’s surprise Kosovo. common position on Jerusalem establish diplomatic relations. He to assuage fears about the Netanyahu said on Friday. He announcement about the It surprised the Europeans, are a matter of serious concern said Pristina also will open its decision to recognise Israel noted that Kosovo becomes the change left officials in Belgrade who are leading complex talks and regret.” embassy in Jerusalem. expressed by Turkey and the first Muslim-majority country and Pristina scrambling to limit between Serbia and its former Praising what he said was Stano, speaking as Serbian Arab League group of countries. to open an embassy in the political fallout. territory of Kosovo on “a major breakthrough” and “a President Aleksander Vucic and “Such a recognition will not Jerusalem. Iran turns down Russia’s Iran reports highest virus mediation offer with US cases in 10 days

ANATOLIA/AFP — TEHRAN negotiating with Americans as REUTERS/AFP — DUBAI we have already made it clear,” Iran has turned down an offer Vaezi said on Friday, adding that Iran’s health ministry from Russia to mediate between many countries have come yesterday reported 2,152 new Tehran and Washington, ruling forward with the offer of coronavirus cases in the past out the possibility of negotia- mediation. 24 hours, the highest daily tions with the US adminis- The tensions between increase in 10 days, bringing tration. Tehran and Washington have the country’s nationwide tally Addressing a weekly press seen a dangerous escalation in of infections to 388,810. conference in Tehran yesterday, recent months, with the Persian Iran’s death toll from the Iran’s foreign ministry Gulf region turning into a bat- novel coronavirus rose by 117 spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh tlefield of sorts. to 22,410, health ministry said Iran is “doubtful” about the Iran has maintained that it spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari US intention. will consider the offers of talks told state TV. Iran began the “We have no doubt about with the US administration if new school year on Saturday the intention of our friends (in Washington returns to the 2015 despite concerns by medical Russia),” Khatibzadeh said, “but Iran nuclear deal and lifts sanc- professionals and many what is doubtful is the US tions on Iran. parents over increased spread Iran President Hassan Rouhani (right) meets Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of intention.” “We have no problem (with of the novel coronavirus in the Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, in Tehran yesterday. Last week, Russian Foreign negotiations),” Iranian President country, one of the countries Minister Sergei Lavrov proposed Hassan Rouhani said on June 24. worst-hit by the pandemic in to mediate between the two “They (Americans) are the ones UN Security Council’s refusal. and Iran. Tensions between “while appreciating Swiss the Middle East. adversaries amid escalation of who broke the table”. Meanwhile, Switzerland’s Iran and the US have escalated efforts to mitigate US sabotage, Meanwhile, the number of tensions in the wake of US push The US government had Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis since 2018, after President a return to normal trade is novel coronavirus cases in the to reinstate sanctions on Iran. announced unilateral with- said he had “fruitful” talks yes- Donald Trump withdrew the US global priority.” Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip “If both countries are inter- drawal from the nuclear deal in terday with his Iranian coun- from an international nuclear According to the US have risen tenfold over the ested, we are ready to hold talks May 2018, followed by the rein- terpart Mohammad Javad Zarif agreement and reimposed Department of State, Secretary past two weeks, bringing the with the two sides to pave the statement of sanctions. regarding “peace, economic tough sanctions on Iran. Mike Pompeo had a phone call total to over 1,000, Palestinian ground for direct talks,” he said In recent weeks, the US has development and human rights”. “Peace, economic devel- with Cassis before his Tehran officials said. in Moscow. “We think it’s better upped the ante, seeking the The Swiss embassy in opment and human rights - visit, raising speculation the In the past 24 hours, 182 to directly address differences return of all pre-2015 sanctions Tehran handles US interests in fruitful discussion with my visit involved talks on Tehran- infections were registered in and issues.” on Iran, after the UN Security Iran, since ties were cut in the counterpart,” Cassis wrote on Washington relations. the coastal enclave, bringing In response to the Russian Council declined to extend an aftermath of the 1979 Islamic Twitter following the talks. Iran’s foreign ministry the number of cases to 1,151, offer, the Iranian president’s arms embargo on Tehran. revolution. Switzerland has also played a spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh including eight deaths, the Pal- chief of staff, Mahmoud Vaezi, US Secretary of State Mike Cassis also met President major role in prisoner swaps denied the “speculations” estinian Authority health min- dismissed the possibility of Pompeo has said the US would Hassan Rouhani as part of a between Tehran and saying it was a planned visit istry said. The crowded and direct negotiations with enforce sweeping sanctions on three-day visit to Tehran, cel- Washington. delayed over the novel corona- impoverished Gaza Strip had Washington. Iran as part of the “maximum ebrating a century of diplomatic Zarif called the talks virus outbreak and “not related maintained low infection rates “We have no intention of pressure” campaign, despite the relations between Switzerland “excellent” on Twitter and said to Iran and the US”. since the start of the pandemic, as it remained isolated from much of the world. 24 killed in clashes Oman to restart international in northern Yemen flights on Oct 1 AFP — DUBAI eight loyalists were killed in clashes on Sunday night. Gov- REUTERS/QNA — DUBAI/MUSCAT More than 20 people were ernment troops captured more Oman will restart international killed in clashes in Yemen’s than 40 rebels, the source said. flights on October 1, Oman northern province of Al Jawf late Meanwhile, the insurgents News Agency (ONA) said on on Sunday as government troops advanced in the neighbouring Twitter, after they were tried to reclaim positions lost Marib governorate, in par- suspended in March as part of months ago to Houthi rebels. ticular the Mahliya district, coronavirus precautions. Yemen’s internationally after heavy fighting that also “Flights will be scheduled recognised government has resulted in casualties. according to health data for been fighting the Iran-allied Houthi rebels took control specific destinations and insurgents since 2014, when of the capital of Al Jawf earlier according to bilateral agree- the Houthis seized much of the this year in a strategic advance ments with other airlines,” north including the capital that means they now threaten ONA said. Sana'a. oil-producing Marib province. The Omani Ministry of A Saudi-led military coa- Tens of thousands of people Health said yesterday that the Inspection visit lition intervened on the side of have been killed in the Yemen total number of coronavirus the government the following conflict, which the United Nations (COVID-19) cases in the Jordan King H M Abdullah II (right) visiting the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman on the year. A government military has described as the world’s worst country reached 87,328. eve of the resumption of flights, yesterday. source said 16 Houthis and humanitarian crisis. The Ministry added that the total number of COVID-19 related deaths stood at 734, while the number of recoveries Syria seeks Russian investment as US sanctions hammer economy stood at 82,805, comprising 94.8 percent, ONA reported. REUTERS/ANATOLIA were in areas outside gov- said Moscow wanted to help currency has lost 80% of its nearby rural areas. — MOSCOW/AMMAN ernment control. Damascus break the blockade value. Russia has criticised the Syria has been ravaged by Syria and Russia, whose of US sanctions. new US sanctions that took civil war since early 2011 when Khashoggi murder President Bashar al Assad said military support since 2015 Syria has pinned hopes on effect in June under the so- the Assad regime cracked down case: Eight people yesterday he wanted to expand helped Damascus reverse gains Russia, its main foreign ally, called Caesar Act. on pro-democracy protesters. business ties with Russia to help by Islamists and other rebels in while Western diplomats say Washington says the sanc- Hundreds of thousands of sentenced to prison Syria cope with new US sanc- an almost decade-long war, had Russia’s military involvement tions, which penalise foreign people have been killed and tions on its already crippled said the two sides planned to in Syria has secured Moscow firms dealing with Syrian gov- more than 10 million displaced, REUTERS — DUBAI economy that threaten to boost trade ties and would major regional influence and a ernment entities, aim to cut according to UN estimates. undermine military gains review energy, mining and bigger foothold in a naval base revenue for Assad’s government Idlib falls within a de-esca- A Saudi Arabian court has Damascus achieved with power projects. in Syria’s Tartus port. and push him back into UN-led lation zone forged under an issued a final ruling in the case Moscow’s help. “The government was “Russia turned the tide for talks to end the conflict. agreement between Turkey and of the 2018 killing of Saudi Assad spoke during a determined to continue to work Assad and with the regime now Meanwhile, the UN yes- Russia. journalist Jamal Khashoggi, meeting in Damascus with with Russian allies to implement facing its gravest challenges, terday sent 39 truckloads of The area has been the sentencing eight people to Russian Deputy Prime Minister signed agreements and to ensure Moscow is in a better position humanitarian aid to north- subject of multiple cease-fire between seven and 20 years Yuri Borisov and Foreign Min- the success of Russian invest- than any other time to further western Syria, where millions understandings, which have in prison, the kingdom’s state- ister Sergei Lavrov. ments in Syria,” Assad said, squeeze Assad,” said one of people are in need of frequently been violated by the run Al Ekhbariya TV reported Lavrov told a news con- according to state media. Western diplomat who follows assistance due to internal con- Assad regime and its allies. yesterday. ference Syria needed interna- Borisov said Moscow had Syria. flict. The trucks carrying sup- It is currently home to 4 Five people were handed tional help to rebuild its presented proposals in July to Although Assad has now plies entered Idlib province million civilians, including hun- 20-year prison sentences, one economy. Borisov said Russia expand economic ties and regained most of the territory through the Cilvegozu border dreds of thousands displaced in person was sentenced to 10 was helping Syria to fix its expected an agreement would he had lost in the war, the gate in Turkey’s south. recent years by regime forces years and two people were power plants but said oil output be sealed in December on his economy is in tatters, leaving The aid will be distributed throughout the war-weary handed seven-year sentences, could not resume as the fields next visit to Syria’s capital. He many Syrians in poverty as the among residents of Idlib and country. Ekhbariya reported. TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07

Libya reports IS claims knife attack in Tunisia resort highest virus cases for single day AFP — TUNIS The Islamic State AFP — TRIPOLI The Islamic State (IS) group group said its claimed responsibility yesterday “fighters” had carried Libya yesterday reported more for a knife attack in Tunisia out the attack, in a than 1,000 new coronavirus which killed one National Guard infections, the highest tally for officer and wounded another, brief statement by a single day since the conflict- as security forces rounded up its propaganda arm ravaged country announced its more suspects. first cases in late March. The attack on Sunday Amaq on the Telegram “Of the 4,291 tests per- morning in a tourist district of messenger service. formed on Sunday, 1,080 were the coastal city of Sousse saw a positive,” said the National group of assailants ram a patrol Centre for Disease Control of the National Guard with a revolution, has been hit by a (NCDC), a Tripoli-based gov- vehicle before stabbing the string of militant attacks that ernment agency. officers. have killed dozens of security The figure brings the total They were chased by personnel, civilians and foreign number of COVID-19 cases in security forces before three of tourists. the North African country to them were shot dead in an Sunday’s incident took place 18,834, including 16,376 who ensuing gun-battle, the Guard close to the site of the deadliest required hospitalisation, 2,162 said, labelling the attack a “ter- attack, when 38 people, most patients who recovered and rorist” act. of them British tourists, were 296 deaths. The Islamic State group said killed in a 2015 beachside The NCDC urged people in its “fighters” had carried out the shooting rampage. areas where the virus is attack, in a brief statement by Tunisian authorities said Tunisian Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi (second left), attends the funeral of a member of the National spreading rapidly to avoid its propaganda arm Amaq on they had arrested seven people Guard in the Moknine suburb of Sousse, Tunis, a day after he was killed in an attack on a touristic travel unless it is essential. the Telegram messenger over the attack. The wounded district of the coastal city. Tripoli and its suburbs, service. officer was “in a stable con- home to more than one-third “Photos show that one of dition” yesterday, interior min- Since Sunday, “43 people Two brothers of one of the visited Facebook pages dealing of Libya’s population, the attackers was wearing a istry spokesman Khaled have been questioned and attackers and a person sus- with “explosive and armed accounted for more than half T-shirt with a specific Hayouni said. seven of them arrested,” Guard pected of recruiting them were attacks” but had stayed under of the new cases for the third inscription to Daesh (IS),” said National Guard officer Sami spokesman Houcem Eddine also arrested, he added. the radar of the authorities. week in a row. On Sunday, the Mokhtar Ben Nasr, former head Mrabet, a 38-year-old father of Jebabli told private station He said the attackers were Tunisia’s President Kais NCDC launched a campaign to of the National Counter-Ter- two, was buried Monday in his Radio Shems. twin brothers and a third man Saied, on a visit on Sunday to raise awareness about health rorism Commission, while hometown of Moknine south of They included “the wife of from the marginalised north- the scene of the knife attack, protocols, including the stressing it was difficult to Sousse, in the presence of more one of the assailants, who western region of Siliana. He did said police were investigating wearing of masks which is establish precise links between than 1,000 people, including described her husband as a not confirm or deny reports of whether the attack was planned compulsory in public. the group and its supporters. several government officials, an ‘martyr’ during the interro- a fourth assailant. “by individuals or an It called on Tripoli resi- Tunisia, since its 2011 AFP correspondent reported. gation,” he said. Jebabli said the twins had organisation”. dents to be more vigilant and to respect such measures given the “rapidly worsening epide- miological situation”. Algeria govt green-lights Libya, ravaged by a complex web of conflicts since draft constitutional reforms the ouster of longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi in a 2011 AFP — ALGIERS The revision also sets out Nato-backed uprising, has to reinforce the “principle of seen COVID-19 cases surge, Algeria’s government has separation of powers and weighing on already stretched adopted draft constitutional balance of power, the morali- health services. At the end of revisions aimed at responding sation of political life and trans- August, the World Health to the demands of the country’s parency in the management of Organisation voiced alarm “Hirak” protest movement, public funds,” so as to “spare over the uptick in infections. President Abdelmadjid the country any drift toward Tebboune has said. tyrannical despotism,” the “The proposal is fully in statement added. 27 stranded Nigerian line with the requirements of Algeria’s constitution has girls evacuated modern state building and been modified several times responds to the demands of the since the country’s inde- from Lebanon popular movement (Hirak),” pendence and was tailored to said Tebboune late on Sunday, Bouteflika, who gained ANATOLIA — ANKARA according to a statement. unlimited powers of Tebboune had promised to appointment for top official Some 27 Nigerian girls, who Students arrive to school on the first day of classes amid measures put in place by Moroccan press for reforms during elec- positions. were stranded in Lebanon, authorities in bid to stop the spread of COVID-19, in the city of Sale, yesterday. Morocco has seen tions late last year after the res- Anti-government protests returned to their country on a spike in coronavirus cases in recent weeks. It recorded 2,234 new infections on Sunday, a record ignation of long-time leader led by the Hirak erupted last Sunday, local media reported.. for a single day, with 42 percent of them in Casablanca. Abdelaziz Bouteflika under year and forced the resignation The evacuation of the pressure from the movement, of Bouteflika in April 2019, but stranded girls, who arrived at which widely rebuffed the they continued after his ouster the Nnamdi Azikiwe Interna- polls. The revised text must demanding wholesale political tional Airport in Abuja, came Morocco imposes lockdown still be approved by parliament change. as a result of joint effort by the — a formality — before it is put Since Bouteflika’s resig- Nigeria’s federal government, to a popular referendum on nation, the judiciary has levied the Lebanese government and in Casablanca, shuts schools November 1, the anniversary of heavy prison sentences against its community in Nigeria, the start of Algeria’s 1954-1962 former officials and influential according to The Punch news AFP — RABAT protocols. Casablanca, along being forced into semi-impris- war of independence from businessmen once close to him, website. “I am here on behalf with Marrakesh, had already onment,” he tweeted. France. in particular over charges of of the Federal Ministry of Morocco imposed a lockdown been subject to a series of Ahead of the planned In the statement, the gov- corruption and nepotism. Foreign Affairs who facilitated on Casablanca and shut its restrictions three weeks ago, opening, epidemiologists had ernment pledged the reforms But since the weekly Hirak this return, together with the schools yesterday, the day including beach closures and raised concerns over the health would bring a “radical change protests were halted in March Ministry of Aviation, Embassy pupils were due to return to shortened business hours. risks of students returning to in the system of governance”, due to the novel coronavirus of Nigeria in Beirut, the Leb- classes, in a bid to stop the Authorities decided on school and the capacity of the prevent corruption and pandemic, political opponents, anese Embassy in Nigeria and spread of COVID-19. Monday to close educational health sector to respond to a enshrine social justice and independent media and the Lebanese community in The new measures, which institutions including primary, further spike in cases. press freedoms in the activists have also been targets Nigeria,” Foreign Ministry include restrictions on middle and high schools as well Dr. Tayeb Hamdi, vice constitution. of a crackdown. spokesman said. movement and a night-time as universities. president of the national health curfew, would be in place for That came after epidemi- federation had recommended two weeks in the commercial ologists voiced concern over postponing the start of the capital, the authorities said a the health system’s capacity to school year to “avoid schools statement issued late Sunday. respond to the crisis, and the becoming vectors of contami- “We risk being over- additional risks posed by the nation”, in an interview pub- whelmed by the virus,” said start of the school year. lished yesterday by the news Health Minister Khalid Ait All exits to major cities site Medias24. Taleb. “Therefore, drastic were closed from midday, with But the head of the child measures are required, oth- travel only allowed with psychiatry department of the erwise the situation may get out “exceptional authorisation” largest hospital in Casablanca, of control in the coming days,” issued by local authorities. Ghita Benjelloun, also flagged the official MAP news agency The decision not to reopen “extremely negative effects” of quoted him as saying. schools drew criticism on social keeping schools closed after a Morocco has seen a spike media from Moroccans long lockdown that generated in coronavirus cases in recent expressing their among young people “a lot of weeks. It recorded 2,234 new disappointment. fear, anxiety and insecurity”. infections on Sunday, a record “We spent the weekend Cases of suicide attempts, for a single day, with 42 percent labelling school supplies with violence and conduct disorders of them in Casablanca, home the children, they were on among young patients -- both to 3.3 million people. cloud nine over returning to children and adolescents -- Since detecting its first case school tomorrow,” wrote one have tripled in her department in early March, Morocco has father on Twitter. “How do you since the lockdown, she said, recorded 72,394 cases of explain this to a six-year-old according to Medias24. Solidarity with jailed scribe COVID-19 infection, including and an eight-year-old?” In mid-June, the Moroccan Algerians lift a portrait of journalist Khaled Drareni during a rally to protest his incarceration in the 1,361 deaths. Another parent was also Pediatrics Society had alerted capital Algiers, yesterday. Drareni, 40, editor of the Casbah Tribune news site, was sentenced in The authorities blame the indignant: “They tell us, without authorities to the possible “dev- August to three years in jail for “inciting an unarmed gathering” and “endangering national unity” spread of Covid-19 on people’s any notice, without delay and astating effect” of lockdown on after covering demonstrations by the Hirak protest movement. failure to adhere to health late in the evening... that we are youths. Libyan army seizes Haftar’s helicopter as dialogue sessions continue in Morocco

AGENCIES — TRIPOLI capture,” Abdulhadi Drah, an The Government of National of State and Tobruk-based consensus that would bring stability that would alleviate the army spokesman for Sirte-al- Accord (GNA) was founded in House of Representatives in Libya to safety in order to end suffering of the Libyan people The Libyan army yesterday said Jufrah Liberation Command, 2015 under a UN-led agreement, Bouznika, Morocco, which aims the suffering of the Libyan and move towards building a it seized a helicopter belonging told Anadolu Agency. but efforts for a long-term to stabilize the ceasefire and people. They praised Morocco’s stable state. The Arab League to warlord Khalifa Haftar’s On August 27, the Libyan political settlement failed due open negotiations to resolve dif- sincere endeavor and eagerness said in a statement that it is fol- militia, which made an emer- army announced the first to a military offensive by forces ferences between the Libyan to provide an appropriate lowing the course of the Libyan gency landing south of Abu Grein breach of Libya’s ceasefire by loyal to Haftar. factions. brotherly climate that would dialogue between the two del- area east of the capital Tripoli. Haftar’s militia, which fired Meanwhile, Libyan dialogue On Sunday, the two delega- help them find a solution to the egations, which began on “The pilot was not present more than a dozen Grad rockets sessions were held yesterday tions held the first dialogue Libyan crisis with the aim of Sunday in Morocco under the and is likely to have fled at the army positions west of between the delegations of the session and expressed their reaching a consensus that supervision of the UN Support towards the desert for fear of Sirte. Tripoli-based Supreme Council sincere desire to achieve a achieves political and economic Mission in Libya. 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2020 Europe tries to enforce the Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI right of workers to unplug EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PAMELA ROLFE & DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI MICHAEL BIRNBAUM [email protected] THE WASHINGTON POST It’s a simple thing, and yet it ACTING MANAGING EDITOR remains aspirational for many MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED people around the world who [email protected] have been working from home through the corona- virus pandemic - and saw the DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR last semblance of a division MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI between work and life [email protected] disappear along with the daily commute. “I’m trying to have a similar rhythm to what I have in the office,” said Ochoa, 39, an EDITORIAL administrator at an art business in Madrid. The “right to dis- connect” predated the pan- Hamad Port milestone demic in much of Europe. The concept, first legislated in HAMAD Port has made Qatar proud yet again. The France in 2017, limits how A woman works at her home in Rome. arrival of first vessel at Hamad Port’s Container Ter- much employees can be made minal 2 (CT2) project on August 29, 2020 is testament to answer phone calls and Greece, too, has drafted workers, according to an turns into fall. In Spain, the to this fact. The ship was loaded with the first shipment email outside working hours. remote-work legislation. In analysis by the Center for back-to-school effort is of the rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) for vertical But the massive shift to remote addition to defining work American Progress. underway, even though the container transportation. work this year - and the recog- hours and addressing Unlike most European country’s infection levels have Minister of Transport and Communications H E nition that office life may never expenses, the Greek bill would countries, the U.S. gov- surpassed those in the United Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti witnessed the arrival of resume as it was - has Greece, ban the use of cameras that ernment has often had a light- States after retreating for the vessel and said CT2 will boost Hamad Port’s ranking Ireland, Spain and other some employers have used to touch approach to regulating most of the summer. as the most updated and most efficient gateway for European countries discussing make sure their employees relations between employers It’s an acknowledgment shipping containers and cargo in the Gulf region and how they can preserve worker were actually putting in their and workers, especially ones that even the most surrounding region in general. CT2 development con- protections when people are hours; require employers to who earn a salary rather than enlightened work-life balance sists of 4 phases. Full operation of Phases 1 & 2 will working from home. respect the private lives of an hourly wage. And many effort cannot overcome the start before the end of 2022, taking the port’s capacity Worker advocates say the remote workers; and create a European societies put more basic problem of child care to 3 million TEUs per year. Phases 3 & 4 will be always-on nature of remote remote-work division within emphasis on work-life and schooling. developed later to raise the port’s operational capacity work has turned pre-pan- the country’s labor compliance balance in the first place. “Remote working pre- according to local market’s needs. demic conversations with agency. Policymakers are still That’s made the shift to tends that workers are in The fact that all CT2 works near completion con- employers on their heads. discussing how to define remote work somewhat front of a computer for the firms the continuity of the plans that aim to develop and “Before covid, all of the overtime when people work easier for Europeans. For same amount of time and at increase the port’s capacity, which is in progress in full emphasis of the discussion flexible schedules at home. many, unchaining from the the same schedule,” said gear with no delay or slowdown despite the repercus- was to persuade employers Ireland, meanwhile, is in office has been one of the María Álvarez, 38, of Madrid, sions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, which that work was capable of the middle of a public consul- least painful aspects of the who scrambled to keep her affected several economies around the world directly being done from home,” said tation process to draft guide- pandemic. But some workers event space and marketing and indirectly, H E the Minister added. Ireland’s Esther Lynch, the lines for remote working, part and business owners say that business afloat this spring as The Ministry of Transport and Communications high- deputy general secretary of of a broader push to the efforts to regulate work- the pandemic froze Spaniards lighted the strategic importance of Hamad Port on its the European Trade Union encourage the habit even life balance miss the reality in place. official Twitter handle saying “Hamad Port contributes Confederation, an organi- after the pandemic is over. that the pandemic upends She said she had to figure to achieving economic diversification and supporting zation that represents labor “Setting up my new home everything about work and out loan applications, salaries major national projects, as the port received Doha Metro union interests in Brussels. working station,” Irish Deputy life, especially for parents and video meetings at the trains to support the sustainable transport network in “Now with covid, we are Prime Minister Leo Varadkar with small children at home. same time she was keeping an the country. The port has a pioneering role in stimu- beginning to see a growing wrote in July, shortly after he Ochoa said the hardest eye on her two children, ages 2 lating commercial movement, meeting the needs of the concern among workers that took the post, as he tweeted a aspect of working from home and 5. Her husband, a para- local market, and supporting trade exchange between they won’t be able to go back photo of Dell computer boxes for her and her husband was medic, had to change his Qatar and the outside world.” to the workplace, but that the piled on a desk. “The Govt the sudden need to be home- clothes in the lobby of their QTerminals, meanwhile, has said that work on CT2 new normal will be that the wants remote working to school teachers to their 9- apartment building, then come is fully on track. “QTerminals has received the first batch employer will like the idea of become part of the new and 5-year-old boys, a chal- upstairs and try not to touch of 12 trailers that will support CT2 operations. A further working from home, mostly normal. If done right, the ben- lenge that work-life efforts anything in their 800-square- 12 units will be delivered during September and October. as a way of saving money.” efits will be huge; reduced cannot fully address. foot apartment. “There is a All the trailers are Made in Qatar. CT2 – fully on track,” In Spain, Labor Minister business costs, better work-life “My company gave me all lack of ideas out there, and my tweeted QTerminals. Yolanda Díaz said Thursday balance especially for parents, the facilities to work com- business partner and I, we It must be mentioned that Made in Qatar products that she hoped to soon less traffic, lower emissions & fortably from home. I have no found ourselves in this entire are playing vital role in the construction of CT2. One of require employers to pay time saved on the commute.” complaints at all,” Ochoa said. situation where we couldn’t the key aspects of CT2 development is the use of envi- work-from-home expenses. The European efforts to “The problem comes from carry on with our lives,” ronmental friendly technologies to facilitate sustainable “Remote work is no longer ensure work-life balance working with little kids at Álvarez said. “And we were development. part of the future, but of the contrast with the United home,” she said. “Working supposed to ask the people in Hamad Port is playing a major role in securing the present of this country,” she States, where there has been from home with them means our companies to do it.” needs of local market and projects implemented by told a local radio station. much griping about the work- you are on all day long. Wake She said that eventually, Qatar, ensuring access of Qatari products to the global Draft legislation circulated at-home challenges posed by up and be with the kids. If I she and her business partner markets. Hamad Port’s strong capabilities, modern facil- in the Spanish media would the pandemic, but not much don’t want them watching TV offered a four-day workweek ities, and advanced systems will position Qatar as a re- also establish a “right to a of a policy response. The U.S. all day long, I have to to their employees, to try to export hub in the region, increasing the volume of trade flexible schedule” while setting Families First Coronavirus organize it and watch them. give them more flexibility to between Qatar and the rest of the world. clear hours when workers are Response Act provides for And I also have to work and handle everything else they expected to be available. The expanded family and medical have online meetings and were juggling at home. bill is expected to state that leave at two-thirds salary. But cook their meals.” Pamela Rolfe is a jour- choosing to work remotely that is only a temporary Partly for that reason, nalist based in Madrid. should not mean accepting a measure, and it excludes an almost all European countries Michael Birnbaum is The loss in pay, job stability or estimated 68 million to 106 have started some form of in- Washington Post’s Brussels D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR opportunities for promotion. million private-sector person schooling as summer bureau chief. EMAIL: [email protected]

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 Social media operators must help prevent online defamation FAX: +974 4455 7758 JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI disclosure concerning people To expedite the redress while giving consideration to who post slanderous mes- process, the government is the balance between freedom MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 Defamation on the internet is sages and materials. The also considering the estab- of expression and redress for becoming more serious. It is identification of a person who lishment of a new infor- victims. It will also be nec- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 important to adopt a wide posted such messages is mation disclosure system. essary to consider measures range of measures, both in essential for seeking damages The envisaged system will to prevent the abuse of dis- LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 terms of prevention and or an apology, but until now, allow a court to decide closure procedures. redress. multiple court proceedings whether to disclose the infor- The government was BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 The Internal Affairs and have been necessary, putting mation of an abuser without prompted to draw up Communications Ministry has a heavy burden on victims. a lawsuit if a victim files a measures in response to the SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 drawn up measures to deal The phone numbers of complaint. death of Hana Kimura, a with online defamation people who make defamatory However, the reality is that female professional wrestler ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 mainly on social media. It has posts have been subject to the information disclosure who committed suicide in email: [email protected] become a social problem in disclosure requests since Sep- process is used mainly by com- May after she had received many countries, and in Japan, tember. This change is panies to discourage people abuse on social media over PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 people infected with the novel expected to make it easier to from posting critical com- her behaviour in a TV email: [email protected] coronavirus and medical find out the names and ments. If disclosure require- program. The production of a workers have also been addresses of offenders, thus ments are relaxed, there is a TV show that easily sparks ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 affected. It is significant that leading to an increase in the risk that companies will obtain criticism may also have been FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] the government has come up number of cases in which information about people who part of the problem. It is with comprehensive only a single court proceeding post critical comments and put crucial for social media CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 measures. is required. It is hoped this pressure on them. platform operators to email: [email protected] One of the main pillars of will lead to the prompt reso- It is hoped that the min- strengthen such voluntary the measures is an expansion lution of damage claims for istry will deepen discussions efforts as removing malicious SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 of the scope of information online defamation victims. carefully to design the system posts. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar Governments that provide politically motivated information about the coronavirus pandemic could /Peninsula_Qatar face a political backlash. Transparency, consistency,

/ThePeninsulaNewspaper honesty and admitting errors can build trust. Dr. Michael Ryan, Executive Director of WHO Health Emergen- +974 6698 6188 cies Program TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2020 OPINION 09 The importance of cooperation in international relations

been oblivious to certain mis- political, economic and social have the capacity to carry it understandings that have led causes of war through a close out and without interest are us to confront each other, and and continuous collaboration able to do so as an effect of a even experiencing world con- of all peace-loving peoples. past lived history. This flagrations on two occasions. In this country The Yalta Agreement also depends a lot on their leaders. However, that feeling of where we feel included the following: “We Those with good will lead in “We have resolved helping thy neighbor, feeling have agreed to hold a United favor of those in need. of wanting to help others, has like it’s ours, we Nations Conference on April I have the firm conviction the fastest possible been present and sometimes observe what is 25, 1945, in San Francisco, that good humanitarian establishment latent. United States, to prepare the actions are accompanied by We now live in a period of developing in favour Charter of that organization, good relations and the with our allies of time where there is no room of its population in accordance with the genuine gratitude of those an international for this continuity of disagree- standards proposed in the who receive it for circum- and other people umbrella ments, as it does not lead to Dumbarton Oaks talks”. stances that are beyond their any positive results. in need as well. Thus, on June 26, 1945, administrations and organisation to JOSE A. BENZAQUEN PEREA We have to experience delegates from 50 nations and destinations. AMBASSADOR OF PERU TO QATAR This is clearly maintain peace and confrontations by analyzing more than 80% of the world’s The Charter of the United their causes, because it’s not recognised by total population at that time Nations (Chapter I, Article 1, security. We believe worth wasting our personal Qatar’s international reached an agreement on the and Numeral 3) “Purposes that it is essential to Since the existence of human strength when the reason United Nations Charter to and Principles” chapter beings, the coexistence in we’re all here is to live in communities that preserve peace and promote establishes: prevent aggression small groups has been subject peace. still, certainly, cooperation among nations in “Carry out international and to avoid the to an aspect of cooperation History has demonstrated benefit of all. The full text of cooperation in solving inter- and mutual exchange; under- over the years that by con- present diverse the Charter was presented to national problems of an eco- political, economic stood as an aspect of tinuing to communicate and situations. the delegations and approved nomic, social, cultural or and social causes “detachment from what I form organizations, we’ve by acclamation and the ratifi- humanitarian nature, and in have to share with others” feel been able to preserve peace cation was made on October the development and encour- of war through a in a state of well-being, peace and cooperation. Not so long 24, 1945. agement of respect for human close and continuous and harmony. ago, under these aspirations following passage below: In this way, we conceive a rights and fundamental collaboration of all For decades, that feeling of wanting to maintain good “We have resolved the multilateral diplomacy as the freedoms of all, without of support among one another coexistence with others, com- fastest possible establishment expression of the reconcili- making a distinction on peace-loving peoples. was transmitted gradually to mitments such as the Yalta with our allies of an interna- ation of the individual grounds of race, sex, language societies organized in small Agreement have appeared. tional umbrella organization interests of nations in a single or religion”. groups, which then turned The Yalta Agreement was to maintain peace and will to reaffirm the funda- From the foregoing, I wish into nations and followed by signed on February 1945 and security. We believe that it is mental rights of people and to highlight the humanitarian states. achieved an outstanding essential to prevent the creation of present and cooperation of a country in Naturally, we have not milestone by including the aggression and to avoid the future conditions of justice which we are providing func- and prosperity. tions, such as the State of The new foreign policy Qatar, which has not hesitated strategies of the States con- to carry out diplomatic ges- template with special interest tures of detachment to the presence of the countries provide cooperation to popu- in the main international lations and countries that organizations with a view to require assistance. This strengthening the validity of quality is admirable and international law, the pro- appreciated. motion and defense of In this country where we democracy, human rights, as feel like it’s ours, we well as contributing to the observe what is developing sustained development of in favor of its population towns. and other people in need as An active presence allows well. This is clearly recog- those who make up this inter- nized by Qatar’s interna- national community, to con- tional communities that stitute themselves as pro- still, certainly, present moters of peace, prosperity diverse situations. and showing care for the We are fully sure that this environment. In addition, to union with others will be per- establish protection of their manent and away from any expatriate compatriots, other particular interest. promote business opportu- Although my country, nities, attract foreign capital Peru, is going through difficult and tourists, and favor the times like everyone else in the transfer of technologies and world, we are sure that we cooperation. will emerge stronger and with It is this aspect of cooper- a new attitude towards living ation; in which countries that together in harmony. White nationalism upsurge in US echoes historical pattern

KATANGA JOHNSON & embrace by politicians, busi- him in a recent phone call. with people who come from the civil rights movement, a JIM URQUHART — REUTERS nesses and white people in The New York-based diverse cultures” reflects their number of monuments hon- general supporting racial Anti-Defamation League point of view. oring the war heroes of the justice movements than in (ADL) has documented Among registered Demo- Confederacy, the slavery-sup- The first Black woman is on a the past, historians and civil extremist propaganda inci- crats, that affirmative answer porting states that lost the major party presidential rights experts said. America dents” and events in 2020, jumped to 78%, while among Civil War, were erected in the ticket, Americans of all races rests on the “great social compared to 2,704 in the Republicans it dropped to South, according to a SPLC are showing their support for challenge of creating a suc- same period of 2019. Almost 45%. In the election cam- report. the Black Lives Matter cessful harmonious, multi- 80% of this year’s cases paign, Biden has accused At least 780 monuments movement and at the same racial democracy,” said involve white nationalist ide- President Donald Trump of remained in public places in time white nationalists are Simon Clark, a senior fellow ology, the civil rights stoking divisions. The Trump the South and elsewhere in ramping up recruiting efforts at the Center for American advocacy organization found. campaign has said that the the United States as of Feb- and public activism. Progress (CAP). The backlash Anti-Semitic incidents and president “works hard to ruary 2019, the report said, That nationwide backing against that accelerated plots and attacks of terrorism empower all Americans.” among other Confederate for America’s stated goal of during the Black Lives Matter among others made up the ‘Hear the rage’ symbols that are deeply equal rights for all has been protests and “is both a rest, the ADL said. “I’ve never seen the divisive. Of those monuments, met by a rise in hate-related political one and a violent, March in Washington country so divided - not only 604 were dedicated before activities is part of a decades- social one,” he said. Protests Patriot Front, a white divided, but charged, on all 1950, but 28 others were long pattern in the United against excessive use of force nationalist group’s flyers and sides,” said Billy Roper of the unveiled from 1950 to 1970 States, six scholars and histo- by police and racism swept leaflets advertising the group Arkansas-based white nation- and 34 after 2000. rians say - any expansion of the United States, and the have been found on college alist organization, ShieldWall Colucci says his group has civil rights for a minority world, this summer after a campuses from Arizona to Network. seen an uptick in calls and group leads to a rise in Black man, George Floyd, Vermont in recent months. America has been at emails after racial justice pro- intolerance. died on May 25 while a white White nationalist groups similar crossroads before, tests and growing corporate “Each wave of civil rights Minneapolis, Minnesota posted takes-down-white- though, the scholars and his- and public support for Black progress brings us a little police officer kneeled on his nationalist-and-fake-antifa- torians interviewed by Lives Matter and other closer to real equity, but there neck. accounts messages on Reuters say. groups. will always be backlash from The latest police shooting Facebook this summer advo- The Ku Klux Klan, “Some of those e-mails, I those who feel threatened by of a Black man, Jacob Blake, cating bringing guns to Black founded at the end of the US mean, you could just hear the Most Americans that progress,” said Cynthia in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Lives Matter protests, and Civil War, is the oldest and rage,” he said. say they embrace Miller-Idriss, director of Aug. 23 has sparked more staged demonstrations in most violent of white research with the Polarization protests that have sometimes Florida and Pennsylvania in extremist organizations, diversity according and Extremism Research and become violent. July. according to the Southern At least 780 to a Reuters/Ipsos Innovation Lab at American Two white nationalist While the ethnic and Poverty Law Center (SPLC) monuments remained University in Washington. groups, who want an inde- racial diversity of the United civil rights advocacy group. opinion poll last People who feel vulnerable to pendent state for whites, told States is growing, whites The KKK, bent on reversing in public places year about race, change become “eager to Reuters their numbers are remain a majority, about 60% the federal government’s pro- in the South and society, and their recruit and radicalize support also increasing, which Reuters of all Americans, according to gressive policies during the to slow things down, even if could not independently Pew Research Center analysis period known as Recon- elsewhere in the political engagement. by use of violence or radi- confirm. The National published a year ago. struction, used violence United States as of Sixty-three percent calized propaganda,” she said. Socialist Movement Corpo- One-third of eligible against Black people in February 2019, the After the first Black pres- ration and the ShieldWall voters in the Nov. 3 elections, Southern states, particularly said the statement ident, Barack Obama, was Network said many of the in which Senator Kamala to deny them the newly-won report said, among “I prefer to live elected in 2008, the number new prospects reject the Harris of Jamaican and Indian right to vote. other Confederate of hate groups “ballooned,” Black Lives Matter protesters parentage is running on Dem- Women’s voting rights, in a community Miller-Idriss said, just as Ku mainly out of fear the demon- ocratic presidential candidate granted in 1920, coincided symbols that are with people who Klux Klan activity grew again strations will impose on their Joe Biden’s ticket, will be non- with a rise of the word “bitch” deeply divisive. Of after the 1954 Brown v. Board freedoms, such as the right to white, according to Pew, up in newspapers around the come from diverse of Ed. decision desegregating bear arms. from one-quarter in 2000. country, Representative those monuments, cultures” reflects schools, and during the 1960s “I’ve got guns. I’ve got a Most Americans say they Pramila Jayapal said recently 604 were dedicated their point of view. civil rights movement. Back- lot of bullets and an armor, embrace diversity according on the floor of the House of lashes happened after women too. And if people come down to a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll Representatives because, she before 1950, but 28 got the right to vote, and as my street looking for trouble, last year about race, society, contends, voting “was just a others were unveiled LGBTQ rights expanded, too. I am going to fight it,” Burt and their political little too much power for too from 1950 to 1970 One of the things that Colucci, self-described com- engagement. Sixty-three many men across the makes this moment so heated mander of the Corporation, percent said the statement “I country.” and 34 after 2000. is there’s been a bigger said a prospective recruit told prefer to live in a community During the early years of 10 ASIA TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2020 India overtakes Brazil in coronavirus infections; Metro services resume REUTERS — MUMBAI The world’s second- Fighting the virus is straining medical facilities India overtook Brazil in coro- most populous around the country. Doctors at navirus infection numbers country posted more Max Smart Super Speciality yesterday, making it second Hospital, with the largest only to the United States after than 90,000 cases private COVID-19 facilities in a record jump, but the yesterday, taking its the Indian capital, say they are government resumed under- tally past 4.2 million, exhausted and facing staff ground train services and shortages after nearly six announced plans to re-open the more than 68,000 months of relentless work. Taj Mahal this month. ahead of Brazil. “Everyone is mentally Prime Minister Narendra exhausted,” said Ronak Mankodi, Modi’s government, faced with a doctor at the ICU. “It requires a pandemic that is showing no continuous levels of attention and sign of abating, has chosen to two-thirds of India’s 1.3 billion care.” Arun Dewan, the hospital’s A Metro train runs following the resumption of Metro services after more than five months of shutdown end most curbs in a bid to resus- people live, experts say. critical care director, said one of due to the coronavirus pandemic, in Chennai, yesterday. citate an economy in deep “It’s becoming a double the greatest challenges was trouble after a severe lockdown. burden now,” Rajib Dasgupta, a resting his staff after gruelling The world’s second-most professor of community health two-week rotations exposed to general secretary. The mortality problems travelling to work northern city of Agra, will reopen populous country posted more at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Uni- the virus. “We only have a rate for its members was around before this,” Vijender, a pas- on September 21, local author- than 90,000 cases yesterday, versity said. “The urban areas handful of people we can rotate 8 percent, he said, higher than senger wearing a mask told ities said, after its previously taking its tally past 4.2 million, are not slowing down, and rural in,” he said. for the general population. Reuters partner ANI while trav- scheduled re-opening in July more than 68,000 ahead of areas are picking up.” Data from the Indian Family doctors, the first elling in an empty carriage. was postponed because of high Brazil, which will issue its latest India’s death toll, however, Medical Association, that rep- point of contact for patients, are Partial Metro train services infection numbers in the area. figures soon. stands at 71,642, far behind the resents 350,000 doctors across particularly at risk. also opened in the western city Only 5,000 people will be At current rates, India could nearly 193,000 dead in the the country, shows almost 200 There were few commuters of Ahmedabad, the northern city allowed in each day, Vasant exceed the US figure of 6.2 United States and 126,000 in doctors have died from the as New Delhi resumed Metro of Lucknow and several other Swarnkar, an archeological million by next month as the Brazil. The government says the coronavirus. rail services after a break of places, after nearly six months of officer said, compared to peak disease spreads from the big high recovery rates show its “Most of them are above 50 more than six months, however. suspension over the pandemic. levels of 80,000 visitors who cities of Delhi and Mumbai to strategy of testing, tracing and and have (pre-existing) condi- “I am glad the Metro has The Taj Mahal, the world- would swarm the 17th century the vast hinterland where treatment is working. tions,” said RV Asokan, the IMA’s started. I used to have lot of famous tourist spot in the mausoleum. Indian Army asks Australia expects to receive COVID-19 vaccine within months China’s PLA if REUTERS — SYDNEY another significant step to Australia had announced in Should both vaccines pass Melbourne until September 28 missing civilians protect the health of Australians August that it planned to buy clinical trials, Australia will as the daily infection rates had Australia expects to receive its against the coronavirus pan- AZD1222, along with an spend A$1.7bn ($1.24bn) for a declined more slowly than in their custody first batches of a potential demic.” Health Minister Greg agreement of intent from CSL total of nearly 85 million doses, hoped. COVID-19 vaccine in January, Hunt said scientists leading the to manufacture it. That plan was Morrison said. The extension of the REUTERS — GUWAHATI Prime Minister Scott Morrison development of both vaccines thrown into some doubt when The agreement came as lockdown in Melbourne is said yesterday, as the number have advised that recent evi- CSL announced shortly Australia reported its lowest expected to fuel further job The Indian Army has asked its of new daily infections in the dence suggests both will offer afterward that it would prior- one-day rise in new COVID-19 losses. The national Treasury Chinese counterpart if five country’s virus hotspot fell to a “multi-year protection”. itise the manufacture of its own cases since June 26, with 45 Department said the original six- civilians who went missing 10-week low. Morrison said CSL is vaccine. infections in the past 24 hours, week lockdown had already cost from an eastern border state Morrison said his gov- expected to deliver 3.8 million Morrison’s announcement 41 of which were recorded in Victoria around 250,000 jobs, days ago were in their custody, ernment has struck a deal with doses of the AstraZeneca on Monday that Australia would Victoria state. or half the total recorded by the an Indian military spokesman CSL Ltd to manufacture two vaccine, which is currently also purchase the CSL drug if Australia’s second most state since the pandemic began. said yesterday. vaccines — one developed by undergoing late-stage clinical trials proved successful populous state has been the epi- Federal Treasurer Josh Relations between the rival AstraZeneca and Oxford trials in Britain, Brazil and South appeared to be the culmination centre of a second wave, and Frydenberg yesterday nuclear-armed Asian giants University, and another Africa, in January and February of a deal to get both vaccines now accounts for about 75 announced Australia would have hit a multi-decade low developed in CSL’s own labs next year. across the line. percent of the country’s 26,320 extend its temporary insolvency since clashes at their western with the University of AstraZeneca’s candidate, The CSL vaccine is due to cases and 90 percent of its 762 and bankruptcy protection rules Himalayan border in June that Queensland. AZD1222, is viewed as a front- begin second stage clinical trials deaths. until the end of this year, barring killed 20 Indian soldiers. “Australia needs some runner in the global race to in late 2020, meaning the ear- The southeastern state on creditors cannot issue bank- Both sides have since hope,” Morrison told reporters deliver an effective vaccine to liest it could hit the market Sunday extended a hard ruptcy notices to businesses for stepped up monitoring of their in Canberra. “Today, we take combat the virus. would be mid-2021. lockdown in its capital debts below A$20,000. largely unsettled 3,488km border. The five missing men are from the Indian state of Aru- Suu Kyi cancels election nachal Pradesh, which is also claimed by China that calls it South Tibet, and the campaign trip to Yangon Indian Army said it told China’s People’s Liberation REUTERS — YANGON health minister had advised her Army (PLA) about the five on to cancel the trip. Saturday. Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi “At the moment the ministry “We spoke with them on pulled out of the first event of her of health is the most powerful. the hotline and told them that election campaign yesterday, We must follow the instructions it’s suspected that some people citing a worsening outbreak of of the ministry,” she said. have crossed across to your COVID-19 in the country. Myo Nyunt, a spokesman for side and we will be grateful if The Southeast Asian nation the ruling National League for you could hand them over reported 100 new coronavirus Democracy, said that cam- back, as per what we do nor- cases on Sunday, the biggest paigning would go ahead and mally,” Lieutenant Colonel daily increase since detecting its that the party planned to go Harsh Wardhan Pande, a first infection in March, followed door-to-door distributing flags spokesman for India’s defence by 45 more on Monday. and pamphlets in small groups. forces, said. Suu Kyi, who rules as state “However, given the current “There is no earmarked counselor, was set to tour the con- health situation, we won’t be line going through the forest stituency where she is seeking re- able to do much of the speech or the mountains, so they keep election in the commercial capital campaigns,” he said. moving here and there. So they of Yangon today, the first official Myanmar had gone weeks might have gone there. It’s a day of campaigning ahead of polls without a local coronavirus very normal thing.” set for November 8. transmission until mid-August, A rider decorates his trishaw with flags of the National League for Democracy party, at a print house But she said in a live when authorities reported an COVID-19 death in Yangon, Myanmar, yesterday. broadcast on Facebook that the outbreak in Rakhine. toll in Rohingya camps rises to 7 Fresh blaze on stricken New Zealand PM restarts poll ANATOLIA — DHAKA oil tanker off Sri Lanka campaign with holiday pledge The death toll from the coro- navirus has risen to seven in AFP — COLOMBO "Due high winds... the fire the crammed Rohingya which has already been doused, AFP — WELLINGTON party’s renewed campaign with mid-winter July — would help refugee camps in Bangladesh, A massive fire that crippled an has re-ignited from the effects a pledge to make Matariki, the stimulate the economy by an official said. oil tanker off Sri Lanka has of extreme temperature and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Maori new year, a public driving up spending. “We recorded one more reignited in strong winds, the sparks onboard," the navy said resumed campaigning in New holiday from 2022. “We don’t have many stat- Rohingya death from COVID-19 island nation's navy said in a statement. Zealand’s virus-delayed general “As I’ve travelled around utory holidays compared to other on Sunday at camp No. 4,” Dr Monday, just a day after the Sri Lanka navy spokesman election yesterday with an New Zealand I’ve heard the OECD countries and it would be Abu Toha MR Bhuiyan, chief blaze was extinguished. Captain Indika de Silva said the attention-grabbing promise to calls for Matariki to become a good to break up the long run refugee health coordinator, said. The Panamanian-registered blaze was at a "serious level, but make the Maori New Year a public holiday — its time has through winter,” she said. The Rohingya, described New Diamond, carrying over we hope we will be able to public holiday. come,” she said. The youthful leader retains by the UN as the world’s most 270,000 tonnes of crude and diesel, contain it". Electioneering had barely Labour deputy leader a commanding lead in opinion persecuted people, have faced was en-route from Kuwait to the The tanker was earlier started last month when a Kelvin Davis, who has a Maori polls and is expected to win a heightened fears of attack Indian port of Paradip when it pulled away from the country's sudden COVID-19 outbreak background, said a Matariki second term for her centre-left since dozens were killed in issued a distress call Thursday after coast but the high winds moved forced Auckland into lockdown holiday sent an important government. communal violence in 2012. an engine room explosion that it some 18km closer to the shore, and brought a temporary halt message to New Zealand’s The most recent poll According to Amnesty killed a Filipino crew member. The officials said. to campaign activities. indigenous people, who com- released last week by Roy International, more than ensuing fire was put out Sunday Powerful tug boats were Ardern ended up delaying prise less than 20 percent of the Morgan Research had Ardern’s 750,000 Rohingya refugees, through the combined efforts of Sri now secured to the large ship to the election by four weeks to country’s population but are Labour Party on 48 percent, mostly women and children, Lanka's navy and air force, the prevent it from moving closer, October 17 so her government central to its national identity. 19.5 points ahead of the main fled Myanmar and crossed into Indian navy and coastguard, as well they added. The navy said the could focus on containing the “Making Matariki a public opposition National Party. Bangladesh after Myanmar as private operators. cargo has not been affected by Auckland infections, which holiday is another step forward The 40-year-old retains a forces launched a crackdown Firefighters continued to the recurrence of the fire. ended 102 days without com- in our partnership as a people shot at ruling in her own right on the minority Muslim com- douse the tanker with water and The vessel had suffered a munity transmission of and a further recognition of te -- without support from minor munity in August 2017, pushing dry chemicals, but the squally crack of its hull some 10M above Covid-19 in New Zealand. ao Maori (the Maori worldview) party coalition partners the the number of persecuted conditions — where winds were the waterline as a result of With lockdown now over in in our public life,” he said. Greens and New Zealand First people in Bangladesh above 1.2 blowing at up to 70kmph led to intense heat from the first fire, New Zealand’s largest city, Ardern said Matariki — that she needed during her first million. a fresh flare-up. officials said. Ardern kick-started her Labour which usually falls in term. TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2020 ASIA 11 Typhoon batters coastal cities in South Korea AP — SEOUL In South Korea, at least two people were winds, the Ministry of the other vessels were moved to who was rescued at the site was Interior and Safety said. safety, and more than 3,000 res- seriously injured. A powerful typhoon damaged missing — one after getting swept away by At least 110 homes were idents in the southern mainland Electricity was restored to buildings, flooded roads and water in a drainage channel at a limestone destroyed or flooded, while cars regions were evacuated due to thousands of homes in Japan, knocked out power to thou- struggled to navigate flooded the possibility of landslides and but more than 340,000 others sands of homes in South Korea mine in the eastern town of Samcheok and the roads in Ulsan and other coastal other concerns. were still without power. Nearly yesterday after battering islands other while trying to cross a small river on a cities such as Busan, Sokcho and Workers by yesterday 4 million people in Japan were in southern Japan, killing one tractor in the southeastern town of Uljin. Gangneung. Emergency evening completed restoring still advised to evacuate as of person and injuring dozens of workers scrambled to clean up power to 75,237 households that yesterday afternoon. others, before weakening as it toppled trees and damaged lost electricity in the southern The storm by late yesterday passed North Korea. of a head injury after falling into from the coast and weakened traffic signs, buildings, port mainland areas and Jeju. was expected to reach North The Korea Meteorological a roadside ditch while evacu- more quickly than expected, facilities and other structures. Haishen plowed through Korea’s northeastern region, Administration downgraded ating from a coastal town as officials said. The storm also destroyed or Okinawa and other southern which was battered by Typhoon Typhoon Haishen to a tropical Haishen lashed southwestern In South Korea, at least two sank around 80 fishing boats, Japanese islands over the Maysak last week, inflicting storm last night as it made Japan over the weekend with people were missing — one and caused generating turbines weekend. Traffic was still para- further pain on an economy landfall near the North Korean strong winds and rain. Japan’s after getting swept away by at two nuclear reactors in the lysed in places, bullet train ravaged by US-led sanctions, coastal city of Hamhung. During Fire and Disaster Management water in a drainage channel at southeastern city of Gyeongju service was suspended and most border closures from the coro- its period as a typhoon, Haishen Agency said at least 38 other a limestone mine in the eastern to automatically stop. No domestic flights in and out of air- navirus pandemic and chronic packed maximum winds of people were injured, five of town of Samcheok and the leakage of radioactive materials ports in southwestern Japan food shortages. about 130km per hour as it bar- them seriously. Schools and other while trying to cross a was detected. were cancelled yesterday. North Korean TV aired relled through South Korea’s department stores were closed small river on a tractor in the Hundreds of flights in and out Regional officials in video of widespread flooding in southern and eastern regions in in Hiroshima and other cities in southeastern town of Uljin. of the southern island province Miyazaki said rescue workers the eastern coastal city of the morning. the country’s southwest. At least five people were of Jeju and across the mainland were looking for four people Wonsan and nearby Tongchon, Japanese disaster man- Damage caused by the hurt, including one in Busan were canceled. Some bridges and missing after a mud-slide hit the but the country’s state media agement officials in Kagoshima typhoon was less than feared who sustained light injuries railroad sections were shut down, mountainous village of Shiiba didn’t immediately report any said a woman in her 70s died because it took a path farther after a car flipped over in strong thousands of fishing boats and earlier yesterday. A fifth person casualties caused by Haishen. Educational Nearly 300 Rohingya institutions set reach Indonesia ‘after to reopen next seven months at sea’ week in Pakistan REUTERS — KARACHI AFP — LHOKSEUMAWE Arakan Project — an NGO that focuses on the Rohingya crisis Schools in Pakistan will begin Nearly 300 Rohingya migrants — said the migrants may have reopening in phases from next reached Indonesia early been held at sea while traf- week following a fall in new yesterday claiming to have been fickers extorted money from coronavirus case numbers, at sea for seven months, United their families. officials said, ending a long Nations officials said, in one of “These people were actually closure that led to exam the biggest landings by the kept hostage,” she said. cancellations and threw persecuted Myanmar minority “They (the traffickers) said students’ grades into chaos. in years. they wouldn’t disembark until Higher education institu- The migrants — including we’re paid.” But she admitted tions and senior school classes more than a dozen children — “we don’t really know the full will reopen on September 15, were spotted at sea on a story yet”. class six till eight will open wooden boat by locals who At least one member of the again on September 23, and on Rohingya refugees resting in Lhokseumawe, Aceh province, Indonesia, yesterday. helped them land near Lhokse- group — which included 102 Sept. 30 primary classes will umawe city on Sumatra’s men, 181 women and 14 reopen, Shafqat Mahmood, northern coast, officials said. children — was ill and had to be their condition,” said Lhokse- saw them beaten by traffickers original group were believed Federal Minister for Education, “From their testimonies, rushed to a local hospital for umawe resident Aisyah. and forced to drink their own to have died at sea, she told a news conference. they said that they were seven treatment, said the area’s mil- “They need help in the urine to stay alive. added. “It is a difficult decision, as months adrift,” said UN refugee itary chief Roni Mahendra. name of humanity... They’re Both groups that came Around a million Muslim it involves the future of agency coordinator Oktina, who Images from Lhokseumawe human beings like us.” ashore in June — and the latest Rohingya live in cramped and children, it was not an easy like many Indonesians goes by showed migrants sitting on the The landing comes after arrivals — may have been part squalid refugee camps in Bang- decision to make,” Mahmood one name. ground in a makeshift building about 100 Rohingya, mostly of an estimated 800 Rohingya ladesh — next to their native said, adding that success will “We have seen their con- with their meagre possessions. women and children, arrived in who reportedly left southern Myanmar — where human traf- only be achieved when parents dition is very weak at the Locals had donated food and the same area in June following Bangladesh earlier this year, fickers run lucrative operations and teachers play their role. moment,” she added. clothing. what they described as a per- Lewa said. promising to find them sanc- The South Asian country Chris Lewa, director of the “We’re concerned about ilous four-month journey that About 30 migrants in the tuary abroad. has recorded 298,903 cases of COVID-19 and nearly 6,345 deaths but has seen a slowing Pakistan names of numbers since June, when Afghan negotiators delay trip over logistical issues it recorded nearly 7,000 infec- new ambassador tions and 118 deaths in single REUTERS — KABUL expect talks would finally begin. including who should be given objected to their release. day. to Afghanistan Negotiators had initially time to speak and how flags Taliban spokesman Zabihullah On Sunday, 394 people Afghan negotiators have pushed expected to leave for talks late should be arranged. Mujahid said that there were no tested positive for COVID-19 ANATOLIA — KARACHI back a planned trip to Doha for last week in anticipation of talks These matters carry sym- “major issues” causing the and three deaths were long-awaited peace talks with starting as soon as yesterday. bolic weight for the two sides, delay, adding that they were reported. Pakistan yesterday nominated the Taliban as logistical issues However the team was not each of whom have questioned waiting for the six prisoners to Explaining there is a need its new ambassador to Afghan- are still being worked on, to leave yesterday, one gov- each other’s legitimacy to be released, but technical teams to lessen the density of stu- istan as direct negotiations delaying the start of the talks, a ernment and one diplomatic present themselves as gov- from both sides were working dents in classes, Faisal Sultan, between Taliban and Kabul government and a diplomatic source said. erning powers. on the issue. the prime minister’s health aiming to end nearly two source said yesterday. One of the sources, a senior The second issue was final- Major players including adviser, said that if there are decades of war are set to begin. After months of delays government official, said the ising plans for around six pris- United St ates Special Envoy 40 students in a class, it should Mansoor Ahmad Khan, a largely due to a disagreement negotiating team may fly today. oners to leave Afghan prisons Zalmay Khalilzad, who has be divided in equal batches veteran diplomat, called on over prisoner demands by the He added that the cause of and be transferred, in a com- helped usher the talks since attending school on alternate Foreign Minister Shah insurgent Taliban, a gov- the delay was partly due to the promise struck with the Washington signed a troop days. Mehmood Qureshi in ernment decision to set most Taliban and officials sorting out Taliban last week, the two withdrawal pact with the Speaking to reporters, Islamabad before leaving for prisoners free last week led the final logistical questions over sources said. Taliban in February, are also in Sultan requested all parents to Kabul, a statement by Paki- major players involved to the opening ceremony, Western governments have Doha in advance of the talks. ensure face masks for children. stan’s Foreign Ministry said. Qureshi, it said, hoped the appointment of an experi- enced and professional dip- Manila urges virus vigilance lomat like Khan would help improve bilateral ties. after lowest cases in 8 weeks Khan, who had been serving as Islamabad’s Permanent Rep- REUTERS — MANILA leads the government’s testing resentative to UN and other programme, told a news international organizations The Philippines reported its conference. based in Austria since July 2018, lowest number of new daily Only three-quarters of is assuming the office at a time coronavirus cases in nearly testing laboratories submitted when the Afghan peace process eight weeks yesterday, but offi- results on Monday, however, has entered a crucial phase. cials sought to temper optimism less than the 82 percent average Following the completion and warned of a prolonged in the past week. of prisoners exchange — battle as the pandemic rages on. The Philippines from mid- release of 5,000 Taliban in The health ministry con- March to June imposed one of return of 1,000 captive firmed 1,383 new infections, the world’s strictest lockdowns, security forces — intra-Afghan bringing total cases to 238,727, during which new daily cases dialogue is likely to be held in the highest in Southeast Asia, were reported in the low hun- Doha, Qatar, this week. but the least since July 14. It dreds. But infections started Islamabad’s influence over reported 15 new deaths, taking soaring soon after, as author- the Taliban is viewed as crucial total fatalities to 3,890. ities eased restrictions in a bid to court the warring militia. Officials warned against com- to revive the country’s troubled In December 2018, placency as the economy reopens. economy. Pakistan arranged rare direct “This challenge of COVID-19 could The capital and nearby talks between Washington and extend to next year. First of all, we provinces are still under coro- the Taliban, which led to a A government worker carries a signage reminding passengers waiting for a bus to maintain social cannot be complacent and ignore navirus restrictions until peace deal this February. distancing amid COVID-19 outbreak, in Quezon City, Metro Manila, yesterday. the threat,” Vivencio Dizon, who end-September. Under the agreement, the US committed to withdraw all foreign forces from Afghan- istan by July 2021. China witholds US press cards as media row deepens In return, the insurgents pledged to prevent terrorist groups AFP — BEIJING restricted reporter visas — with Foreign Correspondents’ Club Foreign journalists are revoked at any time, thus from using Afghan soil for attacks, China expelling journalists -- of China (FCCC) said in a usually not allowed to work in putting them at constant threat and promised to seek reconcili- China has refused to renew the as tensions over everything statement yesterday. China without valid press cards, of expulsion,” the Club said in ation with other Afghan groups press cards of several journalists from trade and tech, to Hong At least five journalists at four which are also a requirement a statement. through a dialogue process. working for US companies, a Kong and the coronavirus, media groups — including the Wall for gaining a residence permit. The moves come after the US Islamabad also facilitated foreign media association said sweep in the media. Street Journal, CNN and Bloomberg Reporters are instead Homeland Security Department the landmark first round of Monday, as Beijing kicks back China’s foreign ministry was — had been denied new press receiving letters that tempo- in May shortened the visa for direct talks between the Afghan against the treatment of its no longer renewing press cre- cards, the FCCC said. More are rarily allow them to work using Chinese journalists in the US — government and the Taliban in reporters in America. dentials for US media expected to receive similar their expired press cards. many of whom work for Chinese Pakistan in July 2015. The two superpowers have employees in the country, the treatment in coming weeks. But the letters “could be state-run media — to 90 days. 12 EUROPE TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2020 Assange extradition hearing resumes in London court

A British judge yesterday rejected a request by US military campaigns in lawyers for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange Afghanistan and Iraq. Washington claims he to delay his extradition hearing until next year helped intelligence analyst to give his lawyers more time to respond to US Chelsea Manning to steal the documents before recklessly allegations that he conspired with hackers to exposing confidential sources obtain classified information. around the world. If convicted, he could be jailed for up to 175 AGENCIES — LONDON years. spying charges. Any ruling in favour of Supporters protested as the extradition is “almost certain” WikiLeaks founder Julian 49-year-old Australian was to be appealed by the losing Assange returned to court in brought to the Old Bailey, bran- side, according to John Rees of London yesterday for a hearing dishing placards reading “Don’t the Don’t Extradite Assange to decide whether he should be Extradite Assange” and “Stop Campaign. Assange — who has extradited to the United States this political trial”. become a figurehead for press for leaking secrets about the Fashion designer Vivienne freedom and investigative jour- wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Westwood said the former nalism -- had a “very strong A British judge yesterday hacker was “shining the light on defence”, Rees added. rejected a request by lawyers all the corruption in the world” But he was concerned the for WikiLeaks founder Julian while his father told the crowd case had become “highly Assange to delay his extradition the hearing was an “abuse trial.” politicised”. hearing until next year to give Earlier, Assange’s partner, Stella Demonstrators protest outside of the Old Bailey court in central London yesterday, as the extradition A previous hearing was told his lawyers more time to Moris, delivered an 80,000- hearing for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange resumed again. that US President Donald Trump respond to US allegations that strong petition opposing his promised a pardon if Assange he conspired with hackers to extradition to Prime Minister Ecuador’s London embassy, He spoke to confirm his rules both sides will abide by. denied Russia leaked emails obtain classified information. Boris Johnson’s Downing Street would grow up without a father. name and date of birth, and said It had been set to go ahead from the campaign of his 2016 The adjournment request office. In an interview published The clean-shaven Assange he did not consent to in April but was delayed by the election opponent Hillary came on the first day of a in The Times newspaper on Sat- appeared in the dock wearing extradition. coronavirus outbreak. Clinton. At the February hearing, London court hearing where urday, Moris, 37, said she feared a dark suit and maroon tie -- The first morning of the Assange faces 18 charges Assange’s lawyer, Edward Fit- assange is fighting American he would take his own life, and the first time he has been seen hearing — due to last three to under the US Espionage Act for zgerald, said his client would not prosecutors’ attempt to send their two young sons, who were in public since the first part of four weeks — saw district judge the 2010 release of 500,000 get a fair trial in the United States him to the US to stand trial on conceived during his asylum in the hearing in February. Vanessa Baraitser set out what secret files detailing aspects of and would be a suicide risk.

Berlusconi shows Britain working to reduce quarantine through testing: Hancock ‘strong immune REUTERS — LONDON airport would not be effective, But he said one test at the “It is something that we to data meant it could decide but the government was airport was not the answer. are working on, but it isn’t rules on an island-by-island response’ to virus Britain is working to reduce looking at ideas such as testing “The reason it doesn’t something that is as straight- basis. the 14-day quarantine period eight days after arrival. work is because this virus can forward as simply testing The islands affected are: AFP — MILAN for arrivals from countries Airline and tour companies incubate for a period inside people when they get off a Lesvos, Tinos, Serifos, including Spain and France, have pleaded for a change to your body without a test being plane because of the number Mykonos, Crete, Santorini and Former Italian premier Silvio offering the chance of some the 14-day quarantine rules. able to pick it up,” he said. of people for whom that Zakynthos. Berlusconi “showed a strong respite to a travel industry “We are working to find a way A test eight days after wouldn’t catch.” The new restrictions, immune response” and reeling from the impact of that would allow for the quar- arrival was one option being Meanwhile, Britain said it which mean anyone arriving appeared to be improving after COVID-19. antine to be reduced, but done considered, he said. would add seven Greek islands from those islands into Britain being hospitalised last week Health Secretary Matt in a way that also keeps people “It is one of the things we’d to its quarantine list from must quarantine for 14 days, with coronavirus, his doctor Hancock said a simple test safe,” Hancock said on LBC like to bring in as soon as it’s tomorrow morning, will apply from 0300 GMT said yesterday. when travellers land at an radio yesterday. practical to do it,” he said. announcing that better access tomorrow. The 83-year-old media tycoon is being treated for a lung infection at San Raffaele hospital in Milan where he was UK police charge 51 admitted on Thursday night. “The overall clinical picture appears to be improving and is consistent... with the over Extinction resumption of a robust specific immune response,” his doctor Alberto Zangrillo said. Rebellion protest Berlusconi tested positive for COVID-19 last week after AFP — LONDON newspapers including The returning from a holiday at his Times and its tabloid stablemate luxury villa in Sardinia. British police have charged 51 The Sun were affected. Two of his children — people after a protest by A separate protest at daughter Barbara, 36, and son Extinction Rebellion outside a another plant in northwest Luigi, 31 — have also contracted printing works that caused England saw 26 people charged the virus, as has his companion delays to the deliveries of with aggravated trespass, Mer- Marta Fascina. several national newspapers. seyside Police said on Sunday. Following a check-up on Hertfordshire Police said the The Times and The Sun are Thursday evening at Berlus- protesters were all charged with owned by News Corp controlled coni’s home, Zangrillo insisted obstruction of the highway after by media magnate Rupert that the former PM go to hos- the protest in Waltham Cross, Murdoch who has been accused pital the same night. north of London, on Friday night. of denying climate change. On Friday, the doctor said One woman was remanded Prime Minister Boris the billionaire was “a patient at A teacher checks the temperature of a student arriving to a municipal school on the first day of in custody to appear in court Johnson, a former newspaper risk because of his age and pre- classes for the new academic year in Valencia, Spain, yesterday. yesterday. The others were reporter and columnist, led crit- vious illnesses”, including bailed until a hearing on icism of the protests, accusing open-heart surgery. November 27, it said in a demonstrators of trying to stifle Zangrillo said Berlusconi As Spain cases soar, school statement late on Sunday. free speech. had a lung infection that had Extinction Rebellion, which Home Secretary Priti Patel been diagnosed early but that is conducting 10 days of pro- has reportedly ordered a review he was not on a ventilator. return comes too soon for some tests, accuses the newspapers’ of legislation including the pos- Berlusconi had insisted on owners of “failing to report sibility of reclassifying Wednesday that he would con- AFP — MADRID “This is an absurd safety family members at risk in a accurately on the climate and Extinction Rebellion as an tinue his political activities risk.” For weeks now, there have country where one in four fam- ecological emergency”. organised crime group. She despite the positive test. With coronavirus cases surging been a growing number of pro- ilies live with a relative who is Protesters blocked the road wrote in the Daily Mail yes- Regional elections are to be as a new school year begins, tests and petitions across Spain over 65. with vehicles and chained terday that activists should “face held in Italy in two weeks as many Spanish parents are to demand better health and “I want to respect the law but themselves to obstacles to the full force of the law” because well as a referendum on refusing to send their children safety measures in schools. if I have to choose between prevent delivery lorries leaving of “guerrilla tactics” that disrupt reducing the number of dep- back to class despite the threat An international Ipsos poll in saving their lives or the lives of the plant. Deliveries of daily life. uties in parliament. of sanctions. July found most Spanish parents my parents, and sending my “You have your whole life to would back limiting the number children back to school, it’s a no- learn, but if you lose your health, of days children are in school, brainer,” father-of-five Pablo that’s it,” says Aroa Miranda, a with one in four preferring to Sanchez said. Alleged anti-refugee militants 37-year-old mother-of-two who wait four to six months before Others fear the economic won’t send her boys to school sending them back. impact if a child falls ill. this week when term resumes in In the face of the concerns, “If we have to confine our- go on trial in Germany the coastal town of Castellon de the authorities have swung selves at home for 15 days la Plana. between assurances of safety because of the school, my Like its European neigh- and threats of sanctions. husband would not earn any- AFP — DRESDEN councillor, the office of a liberal refugee policy that led bours, Spain is reopening schools “Going back to school is thing,” Miranda said. leftist politician and a refugee to the arrival of more than a this month despite the rapid safe,” Prime Minister Pedro The social security ministry Alleged supporters of a far- shelter. The trial of three men million asylum seekers since spread of the virus, with the Sanchez said on Tuesday. has raised the possibility of right militant group went on and a woman is scheduled to 2015. While Merkel’s stance at country counting the highest “It’s clear that ‘risk-free’ does extending a furlough scheme for trial in Germany yesterday last until next year. the time enjoyed broad support number of new infections on the not exist during an epidemic but parents forced to observe a accused of taking part in Two of the men, aged 27 across much of the political continent. there is a risk that we can avoid: period of preventative attacks against officials, and 53, are accused of “mem- spectrum, it has since been “Going back to school is that of social exclusion through quarantine. refugees and anti-fascist bership of a terrorist seized on by the far right to rad- being treated like an experiment, not going to school.” Fernando But reluctant families could activists. organisation”. icalise its supporters. we’re like guinea pigs,” said Simon, the health ministry’s technically face much heavier As fears grow that the The other two, both aged The latest trial comes just a Miranda, who is about to take her emergencies coordinator, said sanctions of “between one and country’s far-right scene is 31, face charges including year after the murder of local three-year-old off the nursery nowhere was risk-free and that three years in jail”, the Madrid becoming more emboldened being accessories of crimes pro-migrant politician Walter school list, which is voluntary at children could catch the virus in region’s education chief warned and violent, prosecutors said carried out by the group, Luebcke in the western city of his age. the park, from their cousins or last month. the four defendants were based in a town of the same Kassel, allegedly by a “For my eight-year-old, I will through an adult who caught it It remains unclear to what members or supporters of the name in Germany’s ex-com- neo-Nazi. pretend he’s ill so I don’t have to at work. extent the authorities will follow “Freital group”. munist east. In October 2019, just send him to school.” Although “We can’t keep our children the letter of the law. Based in a town of the The same court in March months after Luebcke’s death, masks are obligatory in school in a bubble,” he said, in remarks “That is the question eve- same name in Germany’s ex- 2018 jailed eight members of Germany was rocked by a for anyone aged six and over and echoed this weekend by Edu- ryone is asking now,” said Pedro communist east, it had sought the Freital group on terrorism shooting at a synagogue in the social distancing measures have cation Minister Isabel Celaa. Caballero, head of a Catholic to create “a climate of fear” at and attempted murder eastern city of Halle that left been put in place, she doesn’t “The safest place to be is in parents’ association looking into the height of an influx of charges. Prosecutors say the two dead. The suspect later think it’s enough. school and the benefits of being the situation, which is fraught migrants to Germany in 2015, current group of defendants admitted to anti-Semitic and “If I can’t meet with more there are far greater than the with legal uncertainties. they told the regional superior belong to a “second tier” of far-right motives. than 10 people in my home, I possible risks,” she told Spain’s The education minister has court in Dresden. members. And in February this year, don’t understand why my son RNE public radio. also requested a study on the use Members are believed to Resentment runs deep in another gunman shot dead nine has to be in class with 25 Many fear sending their of sanctions, without ruling them have taken part in attacks that Saxony state, a hotbed of far- people of migrant origin in the children,” she railed. children to school will put older out. year on the car of a local right activity, over Merkel’s central town of Hanau. TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2020 EUROPE 13 Belarus activist goes missing; 633 held after protests

AFP — MINSK The Coordination rigged elections. Interior ministry spokes- Rodnenkov and executive sec- Council said Maria The disputed election has woman Olga Chemodanova retary Ivan Kravtsov had also Belarus said yesterday that sparked demonstrations that said yesterday that 633 people disappeared, while police said police had detained more than Kolesnikova had have seen tens of thousands had been detained on Sunday they had no information on 600 people at weekend protests been “kidnapped by take the streets of the ex-Soviet for illegal mass gatherings, one detentions. and the opposition said a senior country of 9.5 million on Rus- of the largest wave of arrests Belarusian authorities had figure had been snatched off the unknown people in sia’s western borders, in an since the early days of the already detained several streets, as authorities intensified central Minsk” along unprecedented challenge to demonstrations. members of the Coordination efforts to end weeks of demon- with a spokesman and Lukashenko’s 26 years in Security forces cracked Council. One, Olga Kovalkova, strations. power. down hard on the first demon- said on Saturday she was in The opposition’s Coordi- executive secretary. An AFP journalist said the strations, with thousands Poland after security services nation Council said one of its It was set up to ensure a crowd of demonstrators waving arrested and many of those threatened her and took her to high-profile members Maria peaceful transfer of power after the opposition’s red-and-white detained accusing police of the border. Kolesnikova (pictured) had opposition candidate flag on Sunday appeared to be beatings and torture, but then Kolesnikova and other been “kidnapped by unknown Tikhanovskaya rejected Lukash- as large or larger than on the eased off after a widespread members including Nobel Lit- people in central Minsk” along enko’s claim to have won an A spokesman for the previous three Sundays, when domestic outcry and interna- erature Prize winner Svetlana with a spokesman and exec- August 9 presidential election European Commission, Peter more than 100,000 people tional condemnation. Alexievich have faced ques- utive secretary. with 80 percent of the vote. Stano, said the EU’s executive rallied in the streets of Minsk. Kolesnikova’s office said tioning in a probe over an “Their whereabouts are “The more they try to scare branch was trying to establish But police also appeared to witnesses described her being alleged bid to seize power. unknown,” it said, accusing us, the more people will take to what happened to those missing be stepping up a campaign to snatched off the street in the Kolesnikova, 38, is the only President Alexander Lukash- the streets,” Tikhanovskaya said and condemned the Belarusian quash the demonstrations, with capital Minsk yesterday morning one of the trio of women who enko’s regime of “openly using in a statement. authorities’ actions as troops, water cannon and by unidentified men in black fronted Tikhanovskaya’s cam- methods of terror”. The Coordination Council “unacceptable”. armoured vehicles deployed in who bundled her into a minibus paign to remain in Belarus. Lukashenko’s main rival demanded the detainees’ He said the EU hoped to the city centre on Sunday. marked “Communications,” Tikhanovskaya has taken Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said immediate release and the free impose sanctions “very soon” Local media reported adding that she was unreachable shelter in neighbouring the abductions were an attempt return of other activists who after drawing up a list of indi- hooded men in civilian clothes and her phone was switched off. Lithuania and her other cam- to disrupt the work of the Coor- have left the country under viduals responsible for police with batons chased and beat The Coordination Council paign partner, Veronika dination Council. official pressure. violence against protesters and demonstrators. said its press secretary Anton Tsepkalo, is now in Ukraine. Navalny out of medically French police arrest man over induced coma: Hospital horse mutilations AFP — BERLIN evidence” that Novichok was AFP — PARIS used on Navalny, prompting Russian opposition leader Chancellor Angela Merkel and French police yesterday said Alexei Navalny, who Germany her Western counterparts to they had arrested a man on says was poisoned by a demand answers from Russia. suspicion of mutilating horses, weapons-grade Novichok Also yesterday, Merkel’s after a string of attacks that nerve agent, is now out of a spokesman underlined that she have shocked the country. medically induced coma and is would not rule out conse- The man was detained being weaned off mechanical quences on the multi-billion- after a computer-generated ventilation, the Berlin hospital euro Nord Stream 2 pipeline image of one of two people treating him said yesterday. project if Moscow failed to suspected of inflicting cuts on “He is responding to verbal thoroughly investigate the case. horses in the Yonne stimuli,” Charite hospital said The Kremlin has however department of central France in a statement, reporting that denounced attempts to blame was circulated, said a police the 44-year-old’s condition the poisoning on Russia as source who asked not to be “has improved”. “absurd”. named. However, the hospital said Novichok is a military- French authorities have it was too early to determine grade poison that was been at a loss to explain the the long-term impact of the developed by the Soviet gov- attacks, which according to the poisoning. ernment towards the end of the gendarmerie have seen the Navalny fell ill after Cold War and can be deployed ears cut off some 20 horses boarding a plane in Siberia last in an ultra-fine powder, liquid nationwide, as well as genital month. He was initially treated or vapour. mutilations and other cuts. in a local hospital before being It was used against ex- Security forces believe flown to Berlin for treatment. double agent Sergei Skripal in Rowing race several people are involved The German government Britain in 2018, a poisoning that Rowers taking part in the annual traditional gondolas and boats Historical Regatta (Regata Storica) with speculation suggesting said last week that toxicology the West believes was ordered on the Grand Canal, in Venice, on Sunday amid the COVID-19 pandemic. they could be motivated by a tests have found “unequivocal by the Kremlin. satanic rite or an internet cult. The Yonne authorities were helped in constructing the sus- pect’s likeness by the testimony Swedish govt promises cash for elderly care after COVID-19 deaths of stable manager Nicolas Demajean, whose premises REUTERS — STOCKHOLM be published on September 21 Sweden’s death toll from of its bigger neighbour, and “The budget has a clear were attacked in August. as it seeks to restart the the coronavirus pandemic has Lofven’s minority government direction — it will make it pos- Demajean was injured Sweden’s centre-left economy and plug holes in the been much larger than its has faced widespread criticism sible for everyone in our after seeking to confront the government will boost funding welfare system exposed by the Nordic neighbours, though less for failing to protect vulnerable country to contribute and work two attackers, who cut two for elderly care by around pandemic. than countries like Britain and citizens. Sweden out of this crisis,” ponies with knives and muti- $500m in its 2021 budget after “Our goal must be to build Spain. Most of those deaths Lofven said budget, nego- Lofven said. lated another horse, he said. the number of deaths in old the world’s best system of have been among the elderly, tiated with two small centre- In addition to the 9.7 billion French police at the people’s homes during the elderly care, and this spring and including many residents in right parties which nominally crowns for elderly care, local weekend were hunting for two coronavirus pandemic sparked the coronavirus have showed care homes. sit in opposition, would prior- authorities will get an extra suspects in the Cote-d’Or region widespread concern. that we need to speed up this Around 5,800 Swedes have itise welfare, fighting climate $1.14bn in grants from the of eastern France after a stable The government has said it work,” Prime Minister Stefan died compared with around change and building up the central government, with an owner told police of an intrusion will boost spending by more Lofven told reporters 340 people in Finland, which criminal justice system, amid additional 5 billion crowns on his premises and that one than $11.45bn in the budget to yesterday. has about half the population worries about violent crime. coming in 2022. horse had been wounded. Saakashvili aims Harry, Meghan refund public for PM post in money for home renovation Georgia comeback AFP — LONDON couple signed with Netflix, the AFP — TBILISI streaming giant, announced Prince Harry and his wife last week. The political party founded by Meghan Markle have paid back The financial terms of Georgia’s exiled former pres- £2.4m ($3.2m) of British Harry and Meghan’s contract ident Mikheil Saakashvili said taxpayers’ money used to with Netflix have not been dis- that it will nominate him for renovate his home at Windsor closed but it was reported to be prime minister if it wins Castle, using cash from his a multi-million-dollar deal October parliamentary polls. recent Netflix deal, his over several years. Prior to that, Saakashvili, 52, is pre- spokesman said yesterday. the bulk of their income was paring to make a political The Duke of Sussex, as he coming from the private estate comeback in Georgia fol- is formally known, and his wife, of Prince Charles, Harry's lowing a seven-year absence, American former actress father and the heir to the British after announcing his plan to Meghan Markle, retired from throne. return earlier this month. royal duties earlier this year in They promised to produce His party, the United a quest for “financial content that “informs but also National Movement, along with independence”. gives hope”, as well as make its allies, “will nominate Mikheil In doing so, the couple said “inspirational family pro- Servicemen stand in formation during the opening ceremony of the Multinational Exercise Noble Saakashvili for the post of they were giving up their tax- gramming” and “powerful sto- Partner 2020 at the Vaziani Military Base in Tbilisi, Georgia, yesterday. prime minister” if it wins the payer-funded income, and rytelling through a truthful and October 31 election, one of the promised to reimburse the relatable lens”. party leaders, Grigol Vashadze, public money used to renovate The Sovereign Grant, which said in a statement. Georgia hosts major drills with Nato forces their Frogmore House home. amounted to $108m in 2018-19, The United National Harry’s spokesman said: “A is paid to the queen to cover Movement party, the most AFP — VAZIANI, GEORGIA are “the most important com- South Ossetia and Abkhazia in contribution has been made to her and family members’ important opposition force in ponent of efforts to make Geor- August 2008. the Sovereign Grant by the official duties. Georgia, has forged a coalition Georgia yesterday launched gia’s Euro-Atlantic integration After the war, which saw Duke of Sussex.” It also goes towards the with several smaller parties large-scale joint military exer- achievable”. Georgia’s small military routed The money “fully covered” upkeep of royal palaces. that will challenge the ruling cises with Nato forces as part of The drills “are a guarantee in just five days, Moscow rec- the renovation costs of the Frogmore Cottage, a 19th- Georgian Dream party led by its longstanding bid to join the of peace in our country” and ognised both provinces as inde- house, which belongs to his century Grade II listed building billionaire oligarch Bidzina alliance, which has angered “are not directed against pendent states and moved in grandmother, Queen Elizabeth on the sprawling Windsor Ivanishvili in the polls. Tbilisi’s Soviet-era master Russia. anyone,” he said, addressing thousands of troops. II, and will remain his and the Castle estate, was transformed Saakashvili was appointed Some 2,800 troops from the troops during the opening At a 2008 summit in duchess’ UK residence, he from five separate homes into to head a Ukraine government United States, France, Britain, ceremony. Bucharest, Nato leaders made added. a single property. task force on political and eco- and Poland will take part in the The exercises will last until a formal pledge that Georgia Harry and Meghan spend The couple moved there nomic reforms in May. The Noble Partner 2020 exercises September 18. “will become a Nato member” much of their time in her native from Harry’s late mother staunchly pro-Western poli- held at the Vaziani and Camp Georgia’s bid to join Nato but — wary of alienating an US. Diana, princess of Wales’ tician, who led the Caucasus Norio training centres near has angered Moscow and the increasingly assertive Russia — Britain’s domestic Press former home at Kensington nation from 2004-13, has not Tbilisi. confrontation culminated in a have so far refused to put the Association news agency said Palace, in west London, before revealed when he plans to Georgia’s Prime Minister brief war over the Kremlin- country on a formal mem- the payment was made pos- the birth of their son, Archie, return to his home country. Giorgi Gakharia said the drills backed separatist regions of bership path. sible because of a deal the in April 2019. 14 AMERICAS TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2020 Brazil, Mexico report hundreds of new COVID-19 fatalities ANATOLIA — ANKARA With over 4.13 million confirmed cases, Brazil reported 447 more fatal- Brazil has recorded 126,650 deaths from the ities from the novel corona- coronavirus. Mexico's death toll has reached virus, while Mexico registered 232 over the past 24 hours, 67,558, with 634,023 confirmed cases. health authorities said late on Sunday. In Brazil, the death toll enough to stem the spread of With health authorities reg- reached 126,650, while con- the virus, Vice-President Ham- istering 4,614 more positive firmed cases surpassed 4.13 ilton Mourao has defended its tests, total cases in the country million with 14,521 new handling and instead blamed a rose to 634,023. As many as infections. lack of discipline among Bra- 442,268 people have recovered According to the Brazilian zilians for the failure of social from the disease so far, Health Ministry, over 3.31 distancing measures. according to official numbers. million people have so far Brazil’s vibrant financial The first infection in Mexico recovered from the virus in the center of Sao Paolo, with a pop- was registered on February 28 Latin American country. ulation of nearly 46 million, is and the first fatality on March With a population of over the most affected region in the 19. 211 million, Brazil is seen as the country. The virus has claimed Brazil celebrates Independence Day epicenter of the COVID-19 out- Meanwhile, the Mexican nearly 883,000 lives in 188 Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro gestures from a car during Independence Day celebrations in Brasilia, break in the region. Health Ministry reported 67,558 countries and regions since yesterday, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Bolsonaro commemorated Brazil’s 198th anniversary of While the government has virus-related deaths with 232 originating in China in been accused of not doing additions over the past day. December. independence in a day in which demonstrations for and against his government were expected. UN urges Paraguay to probe deaths of 2 minors in military operation Peru minister faces Congress REUTERS — ASUNCION/BUENOS killed during a military oper- Paraguay, Argentina said it had Carmen Villalba, and said they aguay,” it said in a statement. AIRES ation targeting members of the consulted its national registry were both nieces of Carmen Vil- “This is a very serious questioning, Paraguayan People’s Army and established that the lalba, a known EPP member incident that ended the lives of The Paraguayan government (EPP) in the Yby Yaú area, about deceased were both 11 years of who is in jailed in Paraguay two girls whom the state ought risk of censure must investigate “impartially 370 km to the north of capital age and Argentine citizens. over her involvement in attacks, to have protected as part of its and without delay” the deaths Asuncion. Its claim was backed by a including one in which a obligation to guarantee human BLOOMBERG of two 11-year-old girls in a The EPP, a small armed Paraguayan forensic specialist policeman died. rights,” said Jan Jarab, OHCHR’s police and military operation group modeled after Colombian who local media said examined The group said the girls’ South America representative, Peru’s Finance Minister Maria against a rebel group in the rebels and active in marijuana- the bodies, which were buried parents were also EPP members in a statement. Antonieta Alva, seen as a rising north of the country, the growing regions in the north, and then exhumed for the fresh and they had been in the area In response to the UN star for steering an ambitious regional office of the United has been accused of kidnap- inspection. He told reporters visiting family members. statement, Paraguay´s Foreign package to cope with a devas- Nations High Commissioner for pings and attacks in Paraguay that his tests confirmed their “Regardless of being the Affairs Ministry expressed its tating pandemic, is facing the Human Rights (OHCHR) said on for over a decade. age as 11. children of Paraguayan “deep regret” for the girl’s risk of being ousted by oppo- Sunday. The government has been In a statement issued on peasants and EPP militants, the deaths and said an investigation sition lawmakers who say she The Paraguayan gov- carrying out raids on the Sunday, a pro-bono group girls were civilians and were was already underway, which didn’t do enough to prevent ernment initially said the two group. called the Argentine Lawyers’ also Argentines, who were not would be conducted by the economic slump. girls were teenagers and labeled On Friday evening, fol- Guild identified the girls as part of the fierce class struggle “impartial and independent” Alva was back being grilled them as “rebels” who were lowing a request from Lilian Villalba and Maria del that is being waged in Par- authorities. in Congress yesterday morning following Friday’s questioning on the economy that left some legislators dissatisfied. After Remote towns evacuated the minister’s hearing, members of the leftist Union as California wildfire grows Por El Peru party plan to present a censure motion AP — SHAVER LAKE, US square kilometers of timber against her. after breaking out on Friday. If accepted by Congress, Evacuation orders were The 850 firefighters on the the motion would be put to a expanded yesterday to more scene had yet to get any con- vote within seven days and mountain communities as a tainment after three days of would need the support of 66 huge wildfire churned through work in sweltering heat. There of the unicameral parliament’s California’s Sierra National was no official tabulation yet of 130 lawmakers to pass. Forest, one of dozens of blazes structures lost. While the minister gained crews battled during a heat On Saturday, rescuers in popularity for her initial wave that shattered records military helicopters airlifted 207 success with the recovery across the state. people to safety after flames package, opponents are ques- Firefighters working in trapped them in a wooded tioning whether the gov- steep terrain through the night camping area near Mammoth ernment did enough as Peru’s saved the tiny town of Shaver Pool Reservoir northeast of economy deteriorates. With Lake from flames that roared Fresno. the power for Congress to vote down hillsides toward a marina. In Southern California, on the censure of cabinet To the north, about 30 houses crews scrambled to douse members, the minister would were destroyed in the remote several fires that roared to life have to resign if the motion is hamlet of Big Creek. in searing temperatures, approved. “About half the private including one that closed Peru led the global eco- homes in town burned down,” mountain roads in Angeles nomic crash in the second A firefighter works as flames push towards homes during the Creek fire in the Cascadel Woods area Big Creek resident Toby Wait National Forest. The California quarter with a 30.2% drop in of unincorporated Madera County, California, yesterday. said. “Words cannot even begin Department of Forestry and gross domestic product com- to describe the devastation of Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, said pared to a year earlier, as the this community. And it is a very a blaze in San Bernardino Cleveland National Forest. Celsius) on Sunday, smashing carrying power from Oregon to pandemic shuttered busi- close-knit community.” An ele- County called the El Dorado Daytime temperatures in the previous mark by 5 degrees. California and another in-state nesses and put almost half the mentary school, church, library, Fire started Saturday morning fire zones neared or exceeded The exceptionally hot tem- power plant went offline unex- country’s urban population out historic general store and a and was caused by a smoke- triple digits. Downtown Los peratures were driving the pectedly. But about 8:30 pm, the of work. By several measures major hydroelectric plant were generating pyrotechnic device Angeles reached 111 degrees (44 highest power use of the year, agency issued a tweet calling using a per-capita-basis, the spared in the community of used by a couple to reveal their Celsius) on Sunday and a and transmission losses because off the emergency “thanks to country has one the world’s about 200 residents, Wait told baby’s gender. record-shattering high of 121 of wildfires have cut into sup- conservation of Californians!.” highest virus death tolls. the Fresno Bee. A fire in the Angeles degrees (49.4 Celsius) was plies. The California Inde- It said no power outages were Peru is set to hold presi- Sheriff’s deputies went door National Forest northeast of Los recorded in the nearby pendent System Operator that ordered. dential and congressional to door to make sure residents Angeles forced the evacuation Woodland Hills neighborhood manages the state’s power grid Cooler temperatures were elections in April. The current were complying with orders to of Mount Wilson Observatory. of the San Fernando Valley. It warned that up to 3 million expected today (Tuesday) but Congress is split among nine leave. Officials hoped to keep In eastern San Diego was the highest temperature people could lose power on the weather change also was parties, and with no represent- the fire from pushing west into County, the Valley Fire broke ever recorded in Los Angeles Sunday if residents didn’t curtail expected to bring winds that atives of its own, the gov- rural towns along State Route had destroyed at least 10 struc- County, according to the their electricity usage. could fan wildfires. Cal Fire said ernment has suffered repet- 41 and possibly Yosemite tures after burning 41.44 square National Weather Service. About 7 pm, the agency 14,800 firefighters were battling itive legislative losses. National Park. kilometers and prompting Meanwhile, downtown San declared an emergency and said 23 major fires in the state. Cal- Alva is a central figure in The blaze dubbed the Creek evacuations near the remote Francisco set a record for the power outages were imminent ifornia has seen 900 wildfires President Martin Vizcarra’s Fire has charred more than 295 community of Alpine in the day with a high of 100 (37.7 because a transmission line since August 15. Cabinet. Stalled by pandemic, migrants press in their quest to reach US AP — LAJAS BLANCAS, PANAMA borders. They are among hun- Panamanian border with said in her native Kreyol. “Here we live like prisoners in In Lajas Blancas, the dreds of thousands, perhaps Colombia seven months ago Tensions have been rising a jail.” The flow of migrants migrants live in a grassy field Duperat Laurette fled Haiti after millions, of migrants stranded and have advanced no farther. here in Lajas Blancas where through the dense and dan- under tarps on wooden plat- her country’s massive 2010 in countries around the world There are no opportunities for about 200 migrants wait, as gerous Darien jungle has been forms packed tight between a earthquake, making her way because of virus-related border work in the jungle, and she and well as in nearby Peñitas, where going strong for more than a dirt road and the brown waters first to the Dominican Republic, closures. her husband have exhausted some of nearly 1,100 migrants decade. This is the first time of a river. A row of portable then Chile and five years later Thousands of temporary their money. were accused last month by authorities have stopped it for toilets sit across the road, and to Panama, all with the dream workers from around Asia were When she was in another police of setting fire to tents an international health jungle surrounds them. They of reaching the US and finding stuck outside New Zealand camp, Laurette was taken to the holding medical supplies at emergency. prepare their food over wood a job to help support 14 siblings when that country closed its hospital for what doctors said another camp. Eight migrants In 2015 and 2016, a huge fires. Border police guard the left behind in Haiti. borders. Other Asian workers was a fibroid tumor that gave have been jailed in that incident influx of Cuban migrants tried entrance to the camp. The coronavirus finally got stranded in Moscow air- her belly pains and caused her and could face deportation. to make it to the US border Jean Edoly, a 30-year-old stopped her. ports. Migrants have also been to lose weight. Jean Bernadeau hoisted a before the end of a US policy Haitian, is there with his wife Panama, the slender bot- left in makeshift conditions in “They brought me to the young girl up and pointed to the that favored them. That situ- and two children, ages 2 and 1, tleneck between the North and the Sahara Desert after being hospital to operate, but they welts mosquito bites have left ation forced Central American who were born in Chile. “They South American continents, is expelled without warning from never did,” she said. “They said on her legs. “We know there is nations to fly migrants along don’t feed us well. We’re fed like a transit point for virtually every detention centers in Algeria and there was no space for the oper- a strong illness out there,” he portions of their route. dogs,” he said. migrant heading from South Libya. ation, the hospital is full with said. “We can’t stay here Panama saw a wave of Panama’s government says America to the United States by The migrants in Panama say cases of COVID-19.” Still, the forever.” migrants in early 2019 that led it is providing migrants with land and it closed its borders on they know the United States has couple have rejected Panama’s “The problem here is always to agreements with neighboring humanitarian support. March 16 to halt the spread of effectively suspended its asylum offers of free flights home. Many that we have a lot of children, Costa Rica to allow their free It has built, along with the COVID-19. The closure left process at the southern border, of the migrants left their native pregnant women,” said Ber- passage. Most of those stuck in UN High Commissioner for Ref- nearly 2,000 migrants from but they want to keep heading countries years ago and cannot nadeau, another Haitian who Panama fled Haiti after the ugees, a new camp with better Haiti and a handful of African there anyway, in the hope that imagine returning worse off arrived from Chile. He had lived earthquake that left the country shelter on the outskirts of and Asian countries stuck in they can somehow get in. than they were before. there for five years and saved in ruins. Many spent years Metetí, where it hopes to soon camps in the jungle along Pan- Laurette, 45, and her “I’m still sick. I don’t know $4,000 to continue his journey, working in Brazil and Chile, move 400 migrants, especially ama’s northern and southern husband arrived at the what I’m going to do,” Laurette but that money is gone now. saving money to continue north. families with young children. TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2020 AMERICAS 15 In America on edge, White House race enters final sprint AFP — MILWAUKEE Polls show Biden maintaining a persistent, if Democrat Joe Biden, his running not insurmountable, lead over Trump, with both mate Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s vice-president Mike men increasingly focusing on key upper Midwest Pence head to key swing states states like Wisconsin, where polling is closer. on Labor Day — kicking off the final stretch of the White House race in a nation battered by the up the pace of campaigning but, Harris will also seek to COVID-19 pandemic and facing citing the COVID-19 threat, has appeal to the important labor a historic reckoning on race. been far more cautious than vote, meeting with electrical “Biggest and Fastest Trump, who at 74 has appeared union workers and then black Financial Recovery In History,” before hundreds of supporters. businesspeople in Milwaukee. Trump said in an early morning Still, polls show Biden main- She is expected to argue that tweet. taining a persistent, if not insur- Trump’s handling of the pan- With less than two months mountable, lead over Trump, demic has been incompetent, until the November 3 election, with both men increasingly harming the economy and the dueling campaigns are any- focusing on key upper Midwest American workers. thing but traditional, knocked states like Wisconsin, where Pence was also heading to off stride by the multiple layers polling is closer. Wisconsin — marking the first of turmoil. Harris, in her highest- time both vice presidential can- Candidates who normally profile political sortie since didates have spoken in the same would be skipping daily from Biden named her running mate, state on the same day — to state to state to speak before big headed to Wisconsin yesterday deliver remarks to an energy crowds are limiting their move- where she followed in Biden’s cooperative in the western city ments and doing much more footsteps by reportedly meeting of La Crosse. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden talks to neighbors who gathered outside his meeting virtually. And the sometimes the family of Jacob Blake — an He is expected to argue that with veterans union leaders on Labor Day, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, yesterday. violent anti-racism protests and African American whose a second Trump term would counter-protests — including shooting by police touched off bring a strong economic revival. one expected later Monday in widespread protests and rioting Wisconsin has become a a somewhat muted campaign, dential candidates. motorcade into the city, which Portland — lend an explosive last month. dynamic electoral battleground, with Biden originally spending Trump, blaming the vio- has seen more than 100 days of and unpredictable element to The child of immigrant even more so after Blake’s so much time in his Delaware lence on “radicals” and “anar- protests and two deaths among the campaign. parents, the 55-year-old Cali- shooting. Having seen Hillary home that Trump taunted him chists,” has positioned himself protesters on either side. Biden headed yesterday to fornia Senator is both the first Clinton narrowly lose Wis- about coming out of “his as a law-and-order candidate, Biden recently issued a Pennsylvania, the state of his black and the first person of consin to Trump in a 2016 basement.” But the sometimes openly supporting some right- sharp denunciation of the vio- birth, where he kicked off with Indian descent on a major-party shocker, Biden and Harris violent anti-racism protests wing counter-protesters. lence and looting that have a socially-distant meeting with presidential ticket. Black par- appear determined not to around the nation, rumbling on Already high tensions in the accompanied some protests, leaders of the huge AFL-CIO ticipation dropped in Wisconsin neglect the state’s voters. unabated and creating a tin- Oregon city of Portland were even while vowing to speak out trade union. in 2016, and its mobilization Up to now, the shadow of derbox situation, are drawing further raised yesterday by against racism as the country’s At 77, he last week picked could be key this year. the coronavirus has produced strong words from both presi- plans for a pro-Trump “original sin.” Mayor promises police reforms following Daniel Prude’s death Trump: Democrats don’t want stimulus AP — ROCHESTER, NY the news conference, said he against the demonstrators. supports the need for reform in “People speaking out are deal due to election The mayor of Rochester his department and is working not enemy combatants, and to promised reforms are coming with experts and clinicians in fire flash bangs, tear gas, and BLOOMBERG — WASHINGTON to the city’s police department getting outpatient services for pepper balls at demonstrations as community elders sought to people with mental health against police violence only President Donald Trump said bring calmer minds to a fifth issues that bring them into proves the point,” NYCLU congressional Democrats don’t night of demonstrations on repeated police contact. Genesee Valley chapter director want to make a deal on Sunday over the March death Warren suspended the Iman Abid said in a statement another round of economic of Daniel Prude, who lost seven officers involved in on Sunday. “The mayor and stimulus because they think it consciousness after police held Prude’s death last week after his RPD must stop these warfare would help him win him down with a hood over his family released police video tactics now.” The marches took re-election. head. from the March night when he place as New York’s attorney “They don’t want to make Mayor Lovely Warren was restrained on a city street. general announced on Saturday a deal,” Trump said at a news announced at a news con- The video shows the officers that a grand jury would inves- conference yesterday, after he ference on Sunday that the covering Prude’s head with a tigate Prude’s death. was asked why he won’t meet crisis intervention team and its “spit hood” designed to protect “The Prude family and the with Democratic leaders to Protesters use umbrellas and homemade shields in an attempt to budget would move from the police from bodily fluids, after Rochester community have negotiate. “I don’t have to meet protect themselves from pepper, and tear gas in Rochester, New police department to the city’s he complied with being hand- been through great pain and with them in order to be department of youth and rec- cuffed, then pressing his face York, on Saturday, on the fourth night of protest following the anguish,” Attorney General turned down.” reation services. Warren did not into the pavement for two death of Daniel Prude. Letitia James said in a statement The Democratic-led House provide specifics, but said the minutes. Prude, 41, was naked on Saturday. She said the grand passed an additional $3 trillion move would be part of a series at the time of his arrest on the Rochester as people chanting release. Nine protesters were jury would be part of an coronavirus relief bill in May of reforms planned for “the light-snowy day in March. He “We are elders, and we support arrested. “exhaustive investigation.” that the Republican-led Senate coming weeks, months and died a week later after he was our youth” and “say his name, The Democrat and Prude’s death came after his has refused to consider. Nego- years.” taken off life support. Daniel Prude,” led a march to Chronicle reported that some brother, Joe Prude, had called tiations on compromise legis- “We had a human being in The police union head said the Public Safety Building that protesters were hit by projec- 911 seeking help for his erratic lation with the White House a need of help, in need of com- the officers were following their houses police headquarters. tiles as well as thousands behavior. Prude had run away have stalled. passion. In that moment we had training. The protest appeared to be marched through the streets of from his brother’s home late in “They think if the country an opportunity to protect him, Protests have followed each peaceful late into Sunday night. New York’s third-largest city. the night, about eight hours does as badly as possible, even to keep him warm, to bring him day since the family released Three officers were treated No information about injuries after officers had already taken though a lot of people are to safety, to begin the process the video on Wednesday, some- at hospitals for injuries they suf- to protesters was provided by him into custody for a mental being hurt, that’s good for the of healing him and lifting him times spawning confrontations fered when “projectiles and police. health evaluation because of Democrats,” Trump said. up,” Warren said. “We have to with demonstrators and the incendiary devices” were The New York Civil Liberties suicidal thoughts. House Speaker Nancy own the fact that in the moment police. hurled at them during Saturday Union criticized the police use Prude spent a few hours in Pelosi, a California Democrat, we did not do that.” On Sunday night, police said night’s protests over Prude’s of “military tactics,” including the hospital for the evaluation has said the sides are too far Police Chief La’Ron Sin- more than 1,000 demonstrators death, Lt. Greg Bello of the sound cannons, flash bangs, and then was released, Joe apart on spending levels to gletary, who joined Warren at gathered in downtown Rochester police said in a news tear gas, and pepper balls Prude told officers. reach an agreement. Hurricane Laura Tropical Storm Paulette forms deep in Atlantic Hopes fading for coronavirus death toll rises to BLOOMBERG miles (64 km) per hour, was Paulette marked the earliest about 1,375 miles east of the the Atlantic hurricane season deal as Congress returns 25 in Louisiana Tropical Storm Paulette set a Caribbean Leeward Islands has arrived at 16 named storms record for the earliest 16th when it formed, the National by a margin of 10 days, he said. AP — WASHINGTON Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and AP — BATON ROUGE storm of the season in the Hurricane Center said in an The 2020 season is in the White House Chief of Staff Atlantic as it churns across the advisory at 11 am in New York. midst of its most active phase, As US lawmakers straggle back Mark Meadows give little Two additional deaths tied to ocean between the Caribbean “Modest strengthening is which usually peaks about Sep- to Washington for an abbre- reason for confidence about Hurricane Laura were and African Coast. It’s not likely for the next couple of tember 10. So far, seven of the viated preelection session, overcoming obstacles on the reported by the Louisiana expected to threaten the US. days,” David Zelinsky, a fore- 16 storms this year have struck hopes are dimming for another cost, scope and details of a Department of Health, Paulette, with winds of 40 caster at the center wrote. the US. coronavirus relief bill — or potential relief bill. Pelosi bringing the storm’s total much else. recently referred to Meadows death toll in the state to 25. The Talks between top Demo- as “whatever his name is,” Health Department said a crats and the Trump adminis- while the Meadows-run White 52-year-old Grant Parish man tration broke off last month and House during a press briefing who died of a heat-related remain off track, with the ran a video loop of Pelosi’s con- illness while removing storm bipartisan unity that drove troversial visit to a San Fran- debris and a 25-year-old man almost $3 trillion in COVID-19 cisco hair salon. in Natchitoches Parish died of rescue legislation into law this All of this imperils the electrocution after coming into spring replaced by toxic parti- chances for another round of direct contact with a power sanship and a return to Wash- $1,200 direct payments line. ington dysfunction. delivered under Trump’s name, The Health Department Expectations in July and the restoration of more gen- said he was resuscitated at the August that a fifth bipartisan erous unemployment benefits time but later died. The pandemic response bill would to those who’ve lost their jobs coroner has confirmed this eventually be birthed despite because of the pandemic, death is storm-related. increased obstacles has been updates to a popular business The Category 4 storm replaced by genuine pes- subsidy program, and money roared ashore in southwest simism. Recent COVID-related to help schools reopen and Louisiana on August 27. The conversations among key states and local governments death toll in Louisiana stands players have led to nothing. avoid layoffs. at 25, according to the state Democrats seem secure in “I personally would like to Health Department. Five their political position, with see one more rescue package, deaths in Texas were also President Donald Trump and but I must tell you the envi- attributed to the storm. several Senate GOP incumbents ronment in Washington right Hurricane Laura also killed lagging in the polls. now is exceedingly partisan nearly two dozen people in Trump is seeking to sideline because of the proximity to the Haiti and the Dominican the pandemic as a campaign election,” said GOP Senate Republic en route to the US issue, and Republicans aren’t Majority Leader Mitch McCo- Gulf Coast. Laura had roared Mobile barbershop interested in a deal on Demo- nnell at an appearance in Ken- ashore as a Category 4 hur- cratic terms — even as needs tucky last week. A barber works on a truck set up as a barbershop on a street in Mexico City, on Sunday. Many businesses ricane just south of Lake like school aid enjoy wide- “We’ve been in discussion economically-affected by the coronavirus pandemic have had to rethink their way of working, with Charles near Cameron, Loui- spread support. now for the last month or so siana, packing 150 mph (240 some opting to offer their services at home or on the streets with adapted trailers and trucks. Fraught relationships with no results so far. So I can’t km/h) winds. among key leaders like House promise one final package. 16 MORNING BREAK TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY FAJR03.59 am SUNRISE 05.17 am o o Hazy at some places at first becomes hot daytime with slight 30 C 42 C dust at places at times. ZUHR 11.32 am ASR 03.01 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 08:52 – 18:57 LOW TIDE 02:42 – 14:57 MAGHRIB 05.47 pm ISHA 07.17 pm W ALRUWAIS: 31o↗37o W ALKHOR: 29o↗41o W DUKHAN: 28o↗42o W WAKRAH: 25o↗38o W MESAIEED 25o↗38o W ABUSAMRA 26o↗45o

Amazon animal rescue brings hope from blazes great and small

REUTERS — PORTO VELHO, BRAZIL Creatures of the Amazon, one of the earth’s most biodiverse habitats, face an ever-growing Xita, a tiny monkey with sad brown eyes, clutches her threat as loggers and farms advance further newborn tight. Both are fighting and further into the rainforest. for their lives. Vets at the Clinidog clinic in the Amazon city of Porto Velho control, fuelled by the swirling environmental police. The team believe the mother and baby wind and dry foliage. Wildlife diagnoses Xita, a Rondon’s mar- were run over by a car as they flee from the smoke and flames. moset, with a traumatic brain fled fires raging across the Weak and dying animals injury. world’s largest rainforest. arrive at Tiburcio’s clinic where She is wrapped and fed, and “She arrived stressed, four volunteers work tirelessly her condition slowly improves. screaming and smeared with to save them. Sadly, her baby doesn’t make blood,” said Carlos Henrique “This time of year, when it. Tiburcio, the owner of the clinic, fires are constant due to the An anteater arrived with a as he wrapped the pair in a absence of rain, the animals broken left paw after a clash small, white cloth. seek shelter in desperation to with a fierce porcupine. The Creatures of the Amazon, escape death and end up in patient had been found hiding one of the earth’s most biodi- the city, putting themselves in a garage and, again, the vets A road runs through a tract of burnt Amazon jungle near Porto Velho, Brazil, on August 14, 2020. verse habitats, face an ever- at risk of being run over or think it might have been fleeing growing threat as loggers and captured,” said Marcelo fires as anteaters rarely turn up guaruda, or Long-tongue. strong enough to return to the rehabilitate an animal and farms advance further and Andreani, whose job is to in the city. After surgery, one of the vets wild — the best outcome her return it to nature,” Tiburcio further into the rainforest. rescue injured animals and The fracture required took Linguaruda home to keep rescuers could wish for. said. In the dry season ranchers bring them to the clinic. surgery. Under anesthetic, a a closer eye on her recovery. At “Our personal and profes- Linguaruda was freed near and land speculators set fires to “Human respect for nature giant tongue rolled out of the one point, she climbed into the sional satisfaction is immense a forest trail, where it eagerly clear deforested woodland for is ending,” lamented Andreani, anteater’s mouth, earning it the bathroom sink to rest. when we manage to save a life, clambered among the trees pasture. Blazes can rage out of who works for the state affectionate nickname Lin- In five days, Linguaruda was especially when we manage to once more. ‘Tenet’ opens with $20m in North America after pandemic delays Oscar-winning Czech director Jiri AFP — LOS ANGELES “Domestically, Tenet statement. “Tenet,” a clever In contrast, Disney canned “Tenet” was released in debuted at the lower end of blockbuster that slips between its plan for a big-screen release more than 70 countries, Menzel dies at 82 As movie theaters struggle to expectations-$20m through espionage and science fiction, of “Mulan”, preferring instead including most of Europe, return to normality during the Monday,” industry watcher went on general release on to run it on digital platforms. Canada, Australia and South AFP — PRAGUE coronavirus pandemic, the first Exhibitor Relations said Sunday. Wednesday, with hopes of The latest James Bond film, Korea. The film appears to be a major Hollywood release in six But the release comes in the enticing audiences back to the “No Time to Die”, which was straightforward spy movie with Oscar-winning Czech film months, Christopher Nolan’s COVID-19 world — with many cinema after months of closure. due for release in April, was also a secret agent, John David director Jiri Menzel has died “Tenet,” has taken in $20.2m in theatres still closed or operating The film has done better postponed and will now go into Washington, on the heels of an aged 82 after battling serious five days. at reduced capacity. overseas, where theatres are cinemas in November. evil Kenneth Branagh who is health problems for a long In normal times that sort of The US release hopes to further along in the reopening But Warner Bros. has put threatening humanity. time, his wife Olga Menzelova number for an expected block- capitalise on the important process, Hollywood Reporter confidence — based on past But in true Nolan style there said on Sunday. buster would be worrisome for Labor Day weekend. said. It has taken in close to performance — in Nolan’s is a twist — notably, that char- “Our dear Jiri, the bravest Warner Bros. Pictures, its dis- “There is literally no context $150m globally. ability to pull in the crowds. acters can reverse time. of the brave. Your body left our tributor. With a production in which to compare the results After several postpone- His rebooting of the “Tenet,” with a cast also mundane world in our arms budget of $200m, the film’s of a film opening during a pan- ments, the film has become the “Batman” films in the shape of including Robert Pattinson and last night,” she wrote on early rollout represented a demic with any other circum- first of its kind to dare a release the “Dark Knight” trilogy has Elizabeth Debicki, was shot in Facebook. Menzel won the major gamble for the studio. stance,” Warner Bros. said in a during the pandemic. grossed more than $4bn. seven countries. Academy Award for the best foreign language film with “Closely Watched Trains”, a World War II drama, in 1967. BTS hit ‘Dynamite’ worth Born on February 23, 1938, Menzel studied film direction $1.4bn to South Korea: Govt in Prague, graduating in 1962. In the 1960s, he was one AFP — SEOUL Ministry of Culture, Sports and of the leading figures of the Tourism and a government Czechoslovak New Wave of K-pop sensation BTS’s tourism institute projected that cinema, alongside another US-chart-topping single the track would generate 1.7 Oscar winner Milos Forman. “Dynamite” could generate trillion won ($1.43bn) of eco- “Closely Watched Trains”, more than $1.4bn for the South nomic activity and nearly based on a novel by Czech Korean economy and thou- 8,000 new jobs. writer Bohumil Hrabal, was sands of new jobs in the As well as direct sales of Menzel’s first feature film. country, a government study more than 400 billion won, it Hrabal became an endless claimed yesterday. would lead to nearly 600 source of inspiration for The trailblazing septet billion won of cosmetics sales Menzel, who shot the bitter- cemented their prominence in and almost 180 billion won in sweet film “Larks on a String” the world’s biggest music food and drinks, the study in 1969, depicting the life of market last week, when the all- found. The estimates were people sidelined by the Com- English track debuted at drawn from analysing the sales munist regime ruling in then- number one in the Billboard of the BTS’s label Big Hit Enter- Czechoslovakia and based on Hot 100. The feat had previ- tainment, along with statistics Hrabal’s novel. His other films ously eluded rapper Psy, whose from South Korea’s Customs, based on Hrabal’s books Venice Film Festival Gangnam Style was a global the central Bank of Korea and include “Shortcuts” (1981) and megahit but peaked at number Google Trends data. “The Snowdrop Festival” French director, photographer and street artist JR jumps during a photocall for the film “Omelia two in the US for seven weeks It excluded foreign tourism (1984). Menzel’s “Sweet Little Contadina” presented out of competition on the sixth day of the 77th Venice Film Festival, at Venice in the fall of 2012. in the face of travel restrictions Village” from 1985 earned him Lido, yesterday. The study by South Korea’s due coronavirus pandemic. an Oscar nomination. Fear and loathing in Hollywood at streamers’ stranglehold

AFP — VENICE tricky “moving from a mono- shared experience, saying year — now have “Palo Alto”, the grand-daughter cinema had resisted many culture of streaming over the cinemas and theatres were the reservations. of Francis Ford Coppola and challenges for more than a Hollywood stars and top last six months to how we open antidote to the “forced “We are tired of seeing niece of Sofia Coppola. century. directors are getting increas- cinemas. reclusion and films in streaming,” he told “But it is cool that they also “We have to stop declaring ingly anxious about the hold “I think it will be a very imprisonment”. AFP. support some really talented the end of cinema every time streaming giants Netflix and important conversation to “The Greeks talk of “Watching them online independent film-makers”, there is a change,” Fremaux Amazon are exerting over have. It’s a global issue,” said catharsis, so you find yourself helped us get through the with Netflix backing “Roma” — said. cinema. the actress, who admitted crying or rejoicing with other lockdown, but we cannot lose which won the top prize in And cult French director Several expressed unease spending lockdown watching people you don’t know, and it’s the experiences of seeing them Venice in 2018 for the Mexican Quentin Dupieux of “Rubber” at the dominance streamers animated movies by the Jap- essential in our lives as on a big screen,” he said. Alfonso Cuaron. fame, whose black comedy established during the pan- anese master Hayao Miyazaki humans,” Almodovar said. But “one of the conse- Cannes film festival chief “Mandibules” is bowing at demic at the Venice film fes- with her family. “If a film of mine is shown quences of confinement is that Thierry Fremaux took the long Venice, had a typically wacky tival — the first major industry Legendary Spanish director in a cinema I can hear the the streamers now have view. take. gathering since the coronavirus Pedro Almodovar, who has audience breathe, it gives me enormous sway,” Barbera The world’s biggest festival “I had no desire to watch struck. argued for the regulation of all- the pulse of to what extent my added. has had an often tetchy rela- Netflix (during the lockdown) With many cinemas still powerful tech firms, painted a film excites people. Rising American director tionship with Netflix, barring because funnier things were closed and studios wary of grim future where towns and “If I put my film on a Gia Coppola, whose sharp new it from its competition unless happening outside,” he told releasing movies with social cities could lose their cultural platform like Netflix, I lose that satire on online culture, “Main- it showed its films in French AFP. distancing in force, the two big hearts, with cinemas and the- contact with the spectator,” stream”, is showing at Venice, cinemas first. And returning to the US giants have virtually had the atres going dark. Almodovar said. told AFP that lockdowns may Fremaux insisted that cinema held no fears for him. film-going public to “The platforms have had an Even those who have have only hastened the streaming was merely “a new “As soon as the lights when themselves. essential role in this period, but embraced the streamers, like inevitable. form of television”. down I forgot absolutely that Oscar-winner Cate Blan- it’s nevertheless also negative Venice’s departing director “Those platforms always “We will see in 120 years if there were infected people chett, who is chairing the jury and reason for concern,” he Alberto Barbera — who pre- seemed like they were going to we will be celebrating the 125th next to me and that they were at Venice, said cinema needed told reporters. miered three Netflix films become the new studios, and anniversary of the platforms,” eating popcorn and spitting it support and warned it could be He pleaded for a return to including “Marriage Story” last take over,” said the maker of he said, pointing out that at me...”