1996 - 2021 SILVER JUBILEE YEAR

GEGE discussesdisc Messi scores globalglobal trendst twice as in healthcarehealt Argentina andand eenergyn crush transitiontran Bolivia

BusinessBusines | 13 Sport | 19

WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE 2021 20 DHUL-QA'DA - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8669 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Amir chairs second meeting of SCEAI QNA — DOHA mechanisms and policies to support local products and increase their Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin competitiveness, the anti-dumping Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of the law and the anti-cover-up law, in Supreme Council for Economic addition to the presentation on the Affairs and Investment (SCEAI), application of local added value in chaired the Council’s second the country. meeting in 2021 at the Amiri Diwan, The council also discussed the yesterday. topics listed on its agenda and took Deputy Amir H H Sheikh the appropriate decisions thereon. Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, the Deputy Chairman of the Council, attended the meeting along with the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Chaired by H H the Amir, the Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Supreme Council for Economic Executive Member of the Council, Affairs and Investment, reviewed and Their Excellencies the today the mechanisms of supporting members of the Council. the national product, the challenges The Council reviewed the deci- sions and recommendations made of the small and medium-sized in the first meeting, and the project companies sector and related laws, follow-up report. The council also which are areas that the state discussed the country’s economic pays special attention to in the priorities and took appropriate plan to diversify the economy in decisions on them. accordance with the Qatar National The Council reviewed the pres- Vision 2030. entation on the challenges of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani chairing the meeting of Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment at the SMEs, the presentation of Amiri Diwan, yesterday. Electric buses to serve World Cup 2022 arrive

THE PENINSULA — DOHA of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) and Mowasalat (Karwa) Chairman H E Minister of Transport and Communi- Dr. Eng. Saad bin Ahmed Al Muhannadi, cations H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti President of Qatar General Electricity inaugurated the pilot operation of & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) H E Mowasalat (Karwa) electric bus Eng. Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari, and charging station, in the presence of Ambassador of the People’s Republic Secretary-General of the Supreme of China to the State of Qatar H E Zhou Committee for Delivery and Legacy Jian, and several officials and represent- Hassan Abdulla Al Thawadi, President atives of private sector companies. The inauguration comes with the arrival Transportation through of the first batch of alternative and clean energy eco-friendly and quiet reduces harmful carbon buses, which Mow- Minister of Transport and Communications H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti and other dignitaries during the inauguration of emissions. asalat will use within its transport system. It the pilot operation of Mowasalat (Karwa) electric bus charging station, yesterday. The electric buses are fully complements the Min- customised to handle the istry of Transport and the sustainability of transportation infra- expected rise in electric vehicle demand. public transit plans for the FIFA World demands of street and Communications structure projects and transportation On this occasion, Al Sulaiti said: “The Cup Qatar 2022, thus supporting the (MoTC)electric through alternative and clean energy fol- test operation of the Mowasalat electric hosting of an exceptional, eco-friendly, weather conditions in Qatar. vehicles strategy in lowing the latest global eco-friendly bus charging station represents an carbon-neutral championship. Buses are equipped with a 350 collaboration with the systems to reduce harmful carbon emis- important step on implementing the The Minister said that the Public kWh lithium-ion battery, the concerned authorities, sions, providing a clean, healthy and safe Electric Vehicle Strategy MoTC had Bus Infrastructure Program that MoTC which aims to support environment for future generations. developed in cooperation with the bodies is currently developing in cooperation latest and safest proven battery the State’s green These developments come as Mow- concerned, and which is a key part of with Ashghal is making significant technology in the automotive future. asalat, under the supervision of the Qatar’s public transportation plan 2030.” strides with relation to bus warehouses industry, with an average reach of Achieving eco- MoTC, leads the way for the roll-out of The launch, he added, coincides and stations and finalising the con- more than 200km per full charge. nomic and environ- electric infrastructure to cater to the with the arrival in Doha of the first struction works of the Park and Ride mental balance ensures public fleet requirements and the batch of electric buses serving the parking spaces. `P3 Austria abolishes quarantine ‘National cadres capable of QFFD, Ooredoo and Unicef sign for the vaccinated from Qatar securing major sport events’ THE PENINSULA — DOHA pact to realise SDGs for children SIDI MOHAMED the World Cup is not an easy Fully vaccinated citizens and residents of Qatar THE PENINSULA matter, especially in light of THE PENINSULA — DOHA more complicated due to the COVID-19 with a valid Schengen visa can travel to Austria the coronavirus pandemic. pandemic and its impact worldwide. At without quarantine from tomorrow. The Chairman of the Safety “We have benefited from Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), the same time, the threat to public health In a statement yesterday, Qatar Embassy in & Security Operations the experiences and expertise Ooredoo Group, and Unicef signed a has made some of these goals more Austria also announced that children under 18, who Committee (SSOC) of the of many countries, and we strategic partnership agreement pressing and relevant, such as Goal 3, are not vaccinated and are travelling with fully FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, have confidence in Qatari yesterday to transform the lives of ‘To ensure healthy lives and promote vaccinated parents, can also enter Austria without Major General Engineer cadres, as they have gained millions of children worldwide as they well-being for all at all ages,’ as well as quarantine. `P4 Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Ansari, cumulative experience in recover from the effects of the COVID-19 Goal 17, ‘To revitalise the global part- said Qatar has confidence in organizing major sporting pandemic. nership for sustainable development.’ its national cadres in organ- events,” Al Ansari said. In a virtual signing ceremony, The pandemic’s impact means the ising major sporting events. “Organizing an event like attended by Director General of QFFD world now has to double the rate of In the build-up to the the World Cup is not only a Khalifa H E Jassim Al Kuwari, Managing progress towards these goals if they are MUST World Cup, Qatari officials security aspect, but there are Director of Ooredoo Group Aziz Aluthman to be achieved by the deadline of 2030. HAVE have participated in major many other aspects, and Fakhroo, and Unicef Executive Director The strategic partnership between APPS world sports events hosted therefore all parties in the Henrietta Fore, the strategic partners con- Ooredoo, Unicef, and QFFD aims to WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE 2021 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT outside the country and those country must participate in firmed their shared commitment to real- combine the parties’ global reach, expe- Apps make held in the country. presenting the best edition.” ising the Sustainable Development Goals rience, and expertise to accelerate pos- lilivesves easeasier,ier, Speaking to Qatar Radio To benefit from organ- (SDGs) for children globally. itive outcomes for children and youth. boosboostt busbusinessiness recently, Major General Al ising this event, Major In 2015, 193 world leaders declared Under the agreement, Ooredoo, FromFfiiliiifddliFrom fifinancialnancial iinstitutions,nstitutions, ffoodood ddeliveryelivery compancompaniesi es to Ansari noted that Qatar has General Al Ansari said that support for 17 Global Goals intended to Unicef, and QFFD will develop national- rride-hailingide-hailing firms, Qatar has many must have appsapps.. hosted many sports tourna- procedures related to man- end extreme poverty, fight inequality and level strategic partnerships to support SACHINSACHIN KUKUMARMAR mobilemobile apps. Banks,Banks, insurance or ototherher TheThe apps allowallow customers to pererformform Qatar Islamic Bank (Q(QIBIB),), Qatar’s convenience, accessibilitaccessibility, anandd personaersonall Included with today’s edition ments to increase expertise aging the World Cup have to injustice, and fix climate change in the children’s rights and Unicef programmes is a special supplement and acquire more skills. Man- be recorded so they can be 15 years ahead. The strategic partners across the ten markets in which Ooredoo aging a major event such as used in the future. `P3 recognise that these tasks have become has operations. `P3 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE 2021 GOPAC, PAM sign MoU to boost cooperation

QNA — DOHA The MoU stipulates developing The Global Organization of PRAYER Parliamentarians Against cooperation between TIMINGS Corruption (GOPAC) and the the two parties PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) signed and facilitating yesterday a memorandum of bilateral meetings FAJR 03.17 am understanding (MoU), for coop- to work on their SUNRISE 04.47 am eration and coordination DHUHR 11.37 am between the two parties in goals, in addition ASR 03.00 pm supporting efforts to fight to establishment corruption, and promote values MAGHRIB 06.30 pm of democracy, rule of law and of means of ISHA 08.00 pm respect for human rights. communication, On behalf of GOPAC, Speaker of the Shura Council holding periodic and Chairperson of the Organ- meetings to ization H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud signed the discuss matters MoU, while on behalf of PAM, of joint interest HE Chairperson of the Assembly and conducting Gennaro Migliore signed the MoU. consultations and Speaker of the Shura Council and Chairperson of GOPAC, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, WEATHER In his speech on this joint conferences. signing a memorandum of understanding on behalf of Global Organization of Parliamentarians TODAY occasion, Zaid Al Mahmoud emphasised the importance of Against Corruption. signing this MoU, adding that it number of goals over the enhances cooperation between coming two years, and these stipulates developing cooper- related to the implementation General Assembly, and it the two sides to achieve joint goals include working on ation between the two parties of UNCAC, following up on the includes 34 member parlia- goals that revolve around fight increasing the number of its and facilitating bilateral process made in implementing ments from the Euro-Mediter- against corruption, given that affiliated parliamentarians, as meetings between them to work the provisions of the Con- ranean and Gulf region. 32oC 44oC it is a dangerous scourge that well as establishing more on their goals, in addition to vention and the decisions of the The Assembly’s main focus Minimum Maximum impedes the economic and national and regional branches, seeking the establishment of anti-corruption parliamentary is towards discussing the most social growth of many coun- and working with all regional continuous means of commu- assembly, and exchanging urgent common challenges, Hazy at first becomes hot to very tries- creating a serious chal- and international organisations nication, holding periodic information, research, period- such as regional conflicts, hot daytime and humid by night. lenge to global peace and to contribute to the implemen- meetings between them to icals and other publications on security and counter-terrorism, security. tation of the provisions of the discuss matters of joint interest, the relevant activities of each humanitarian crises, economic W ALRUWAIS : 30o → 35o He also explained that United Nations Convention as well as conducting con- party. integration, trade and W ALKHOR : 32o → 40o GOPAC, which opened the against Corruption (UNCAC) as tinuous consultations and It is worth mentioning that investment, climate change, headquarters of its General Sec- well as the Global Anti-Cor- holding joint conferences. PAM is an international parlia- migration, human rights, inter- W DUKHAN : 29o → 42o retariat in Doha at the beginning ruption Policy. The MoU also stipulates mentary organization — a per- faith dialogue and other → W WAKRAH : 30o 43o of June, works on achieving a The MoU that was signed cooperation in all matters manent observer in the UN important matters. W MESAIEED : 30o → 43o W ABUSAMRA : 28o→ 45o MoU signed between Shura Council, IPU to enhance coordination HIGH TIDE 7:42–20:55 QNA — DOHA The MoU was signed by of each party, contributing to Shura Council staff. It also pro- administrative arrangements LOW TIDE 04:20 – 14:49 Speaker of the Shura Council the establishment of con- vides for the exchange of infor- and agreements to implement The Shura Council and the H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin tinuous channels of communi- mation and documents in the the MoU and to ensure effective Inter-Parliamentary Union Zaid Al Mahmoud and Sec- cation between them and public domain in relation to cooperation between the two (IPU) signed a memorandum of retary-General of the IPU holding periodic meetings matters of common interest and parties. understanding (MoU) to Martin Chungong. between their delegations may also exchange information President of the IPU Duarte enhance and develop cooper- The two parties will work alternately at the IPU head- and documents relating to spe- Pacheco and H E Ambassador ation and coordination and to further develop cooperation quarters and in the State of cific projects, programs or and Permanent Representative work to achieve common goals under the MoU, as well as facil- Qatar. activities between the two of the State of Qatar to the UN related to promoting security, itate holding mutually bene- The MoU provides for coop- parties in order to achieve a in Geneva Ambassador Ali stability and peace in the world ficial bilateral meetings in eration in providing appropriate better integrated work. Khalfan Al Mansour also and opportunities for areas of common interests in technical assistance and The Council and the IPU attended the signing sustainable development. accordance with the legislation capacity-building support to the may enter into supplementary ceremony. WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE 2021 HOME 03

MoPH reports 143 new OFFICIAL NEWS virus cases, 180 recoveries Amir greets THE PENINSULA — DOHA in the number of new daily infections President of in the country. The Ministry of Public Health has “However, it is still important to be Seychelles reported 143 new cases of COVID-19 cautious as the second wave is not yet yesterday. Among them, 60 were trav- over and there are still two highly con- DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim ellers returning from abroad. tagious and highly virulent strains of bin Hamad Al Thani and the Dep- A total of 180 people recovered the virus that are actively circulating in uty Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin from COVID-19, bringing the total the community,” said the Ministry. Hamad Al Thani sent cables of number of people recovered in Qatar Phase two of the gradual lifting of congratulations to the President 219,658. restrictions began on June 18 and is part of the Republic of Seychelles H E Meanwhile, 33,669 COVID-19 of a four-phase plan to be delivered Wavel Ramkalawan on the occa- vaccine doses have been administered over the coming months. sion of his country’s Independence in 24 hours and 3,109,044 COVID-19 The plan to gradually lift restric- Day. Prime Minister and Minister vaccine doses have been administered tions will be delivered over four phases of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin since the start of the National COVID-19 with each phase lasting three weeks. Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani also Vaccination Program. “The date of implementation and sent a cable of congratulations to Besides, 73.3%of the eligible popu- the duration of each next phase will the President of the Republic of lation has now received at least one depend on the epidemic indicators, Seychelles H E Wavel Ramkalawan Secretary-General of Foreign Ministry dose of the vaccine. 96.9% of over 60s which depend to a great extent on the on the occasion of his country’s receives credentials of Colombia envoy (the most vulnerable population group) degree of compliance of the community Independence Day. -QNA have been vaccinated with at least one members with the current measures, dose; while 91.8% have received both restrictions and guidance by the gov- The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al doses. The Ministry also said that, in ernment,” said the Ministry. Hammadi, received a copy of credentials of H E Jaime Alejandro Amn Hernndez as recent weeks the combined impact of “For now, it is important that non-resident Ambassador of Colombia to the State of Qatar. The Secretary-General COVID-19 restrictions and increasing people, including those who are vacci- of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wished the new ambassador success in his duties, vaccination rates, and the over- nated, continue to wear a mask as assuring him of all support to advance relations between the two countries to closer whelming support of the community, advised and maintain social distancing,” cooperation in various fields. has resulted in a consistent reduction it added. QA, Alaska Airlines sign codeshare agreement

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Lake City, Denver, San Jose, our guests tremendous oppor- Anchorage, and Vancouver. The tunities to visit nearly any Chairman of the Safety & Qatar Airways has signed a second phase of the agreement country they want.” Security Operations Committee codeshare agreement with the will allow Alaska Airlines pas- As oneworld alliance newest member of oneworld, sengers to book travel on Qatar partners, Qatar Airways Priv- of the FIFA World Cup Qatar Alaska Airlines, further Airways flights between the US ilege Club and Alaska Airlines 2022 Major General Engineer strengthening its position as the and Qatar and beyond to their Mileage Plan members are Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Ansari ideal choice for international favourite destinations in Africa, ensured recognition of their tier passengers travelling to and the Middle East, and South Asia. status. They can enjoy a wide National cadres from the United States. Qatar Airways Group Chief range of benefits, including Qatar Airways will be Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker access to lounges worldwide, capable of Alaska Airlines’ only Middle said, “This is an important step through check-in, extra East partner, providing in advancing our commercial “As we expand services to world’s premier airlines,” said baggage allowance, priority securing major seamless connectivity between cooperation with Alaska Airlines Alaska’s key hubs of Seattle, San Ben Minicucci, Alaska Air Group check-in, and boarding plus the US carrier’s hubs and the as we welcome the newest Francisco, and Los Angeles, we CEO. accrual and redemption of sport events Gulf carrier’s global network of member of the oneworld alliance look forward to implementing “As international air travel miles, across the partner car- FROM PAGE 1 more than 140 destinations via to Qatar Airways’ list of strategic the next phase of this strategic resumes, it’s important to riers’ networks. the Best Airport in the Middle partners. This agreement, com- partnership and welcoming on provide our guests with easier, Qatar Airways offers more “Our ambition is not only East, Hamad International bined with our existing partner- board Alaska Airlines pas- more convenient travel options than 100 weekly flights to 12 hosting such events but also to Airport in Doha. ships, will help consolidate our sengers as we connect them to to get out and see distant places destinations in the US — Atlanta attract visitors even after the Starting July 1, 2021, the presence in the region and our global network of over 140 again. That’s why our new (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago World Cup and to let them agreement will enable Qatar provide Qatar Airways pas- destinations via the Best Airport codeshare agreement between (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth know more about Qatar. So, Airways passengers to book sengers travelling to and from in the Middle East, Hamad our two airlines is such a big (DFW), Houston (IAH), Los every citizen and resident travel and easily connect to our 12 US gateways with access International Airport.” deal. Qatar’s nonstop flights Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New must be an ambassador to rep- more than 150 of Alaska’s to the most comprehensive “We’re thrilled to be a part from our hubs in Seattle, San York (JFK), Philadelphia (PHL), resent Qatar. routes, including Portland, Las network of seamless connections of this evolving partnership Francisco, and Los Angeles to San Francisco (SFO), Seattle “We want to present a Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix, Salt across the United States.” with Qatar Airways, one of the Doha and points beyond offers (SEA) and Washington, DC (IAD). tournament that has not been presented before. We are putting in place strategies to ease the entry and exit of vis- Electric buses to serve World Cup 2022 arrive itors as well facilitate movement during their stay in FROM PAGE 1 the country,” Al Ansari said. Qatar National Vision 2030. has provided the necessary the Ministry of Transport and seamlessly efficient travel Concerning the role of vol- To have been inaugurated Al Thawadi added: “The infrastructure for charging Communications and Mow- experience for our pas- unteers in the World Cup, Al in Al Qassar and Al Wakra commitment to organize a electric buses and installed asalat (Karwa) to launch two sengers,” he said. Ansari explained volunteers while the other two, in Lusail carbon-free tournament was different charging devices, electric bus charging stations, The new electrical bus play a complementary role and Education City, are to one of the main pillars of including double gun chargers one with fast charging and fleet will first be used at major with tasks within the FIFA open for public soon. Qatar’s bid to host the World and single chargers to facil- overnight charging, as active international events this year classification. He added that That Program aims to inte- Cup 2022, and this goal itate charging buses from models for operating the first and next year and 2023 for the committee is coordinating grate public transit systems remains our top priority in the either side and pantographs two electric buses in Qatar in public and school transport with companies to provide countrywide and support tournament operations. Mow- to charge from the topside, 2019. and corporate transport con- special security guards. transportation operations asalat (Karwa) will help us providing special chambers for “We are now working tracts. Plans are in place for during FIFA World Cup Qatar achieve this vision by contrib- feeder transformers. He added together to complete the Mowasalat to replace the con- Qatar welcomes 2022 and beyond, and uting to the organization of that the project is executed by infrastructure of Qatar’s ventional “Karwa Taxis” with increase public transit rid- the tournament through a local firm as part of the electric charging station electric vehicles in the future, ceasefire in ership over the coming years transporting fans across the State’s endeavor to support the network by implementing 100 but this project is still in its by offering high-quality State during competitions, local private sector”. charging stations by the end infancy. Tigray region service and facilities with the including the World Cup sta- Also, Eng. Al Kuwari said, of 2021, and another 100 in The electric buses are fully world’s best technologies and diums, fan zones, and tourist “We are pleased to inaugurate 2022 is vital and public places customised to handle the of Ethiopia specifications that represent sightseeing throughout Qatar a new electric bus charging in the State.” demands of street and the identity of public transit while sustaining the envi- station as part of the State’s Mowasalat (Karwa) CEO weather conditions in Qatar. QNA — DOHA sector of Qatar. ronment by relying on clean strategy to deploy and Fahad Saad Al-Qahtani said They are equipped with a 350 The Program reflects energy sources”. promote electric vehicles and a milestone in assisting kWh lithium-ion battery, the The State of Qatar welcomed MOTC’s attention to imple- Meanwhile, Dr. Eng. Al their infrastructure. This is Qatar’s 2030 vision of a sus- latest and safest proven the announcement of a menting the strategy of Muhannadi said, “Ashghal has part of a significant tender tainable public transport battery technology in the temporary ceasefire in the switching to clean energy in built various electrical that Qatar General Electricity network had been achieved. automotive industry, with an Tigray region of the Federal transportation to reduce charging points inside and and Water Corporation (Kah- “We are proud to take part average reach of more than Democratic Republic of carbon emissions of conven- outside Doha, providing all ramaa) has contributed to its in this endeavor that has been 200km per full charge. Strict Ethiopia, and expressed its tional vehicles and improve electrical utilities and nec- preparation and providing the planned carefully over the compliance with the most hope that the announcement overall air and climate quality essary infrastructure to necessary technical support past years to ensure reliable, comprehensive safety would pave the way for a in Qatar, Al Sulaiti said. connect chargers with trans- to the Ministry of Transport emission-free journeys for standards and a local permanent ceasefire. For his part, Al Thawadi formers and various power and Communications and the our customers. Our close col- inspection process ensures In a statement, the Ministry stressed the importance of stations. The largest electric Public Works Authority con- laboration with Ashghal that the technical and opera- of Foreign Affairs expressed inaugurating the electric bus charging station of the region cerning the required specifi- ensures comprehensive cov- tional aspects are following Qatar’s hope for the two sides charging station, congratu- being constructed in Lusail cations for the stations and erage of charging stations all all of Qatar’s regulations. of the conflict to urgently sit lating the Ministry of City operates on solar energy, the necessary electrical load over the State, which sets new Mowasalat (Karwa) invests start a dialogue, in order to Transport and Communica- and it is connected with all and all approved standards in public transpor- heavily to reduce carbon reach a comprehensive and tions and Mowasalat on stations. High-efficiency solar connections. tation worldwide. In parallel emissions from its conven- lasting political solution that achieving this milestone cell shades will be built as the “Kahramaa also provided to the implementation of the tional fleet, improving the meets the aspirations of the within Qatar’s commitment source of solar energy, one the necessary specifications latest smart fleet technology, quality of Qatar’s climate and Ethiopian people for devel- to using clean energy, hosting important source of for the solar panels, which we have also thoroughly supporting Qatar’s transition opment, progress, and pros- a carbon neutral edition of the renewable energy that pro- will be implemented at Lusail trained our team of drivers, away from a hydrocarbon- perity, and contributes to World Cup 2022, and to con- vides clean energy”. electric bus station. We have engineers, data analysts, and based economy towards a achieving security and stability tribute towards the goals of He asserted that Ashghal previously collaborated with maintenance staff to create a greener future. in Ethiopia and the region. QFFD, Ooredoo and Unicef sign pact to realise SDGs for children

FROM PAGE 1 and youth, and empowering ado- COVID-19 pandemic and its cement our longstanding stra- lasting legacies of compassion global vaccination programme lescents and engaging them in effects on children and youth. tegic relationship with UNICEF. and caring, thus effecting mean- in history to bring an end to the The 10 markets are: Qatar, their communities. This strategic agreement is the As they say: if you want to go ingful change in parts of the pandemic, and taking action to Kuwait, Oman, Palestine, Tunisia, Al Kuwari said, “We are first tripartite agreement for fast, go alone. If you want to go world that hold a very strong ensure the world after the pan- Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, delighted to witness the signing QFFD with the private sector, far, go together.” emotional attachment to the demic is a better world for every Myanmar, and the Maldives. of the memorandum of under- reflecting our vision of “Ooredoo Group enjoys a Ooredoo family,” commented child,” said Henrietta Fore. Key elements envisaged to be standing between Qatar Fund enhancing collaboration with long, proud history of supporting Ooredoo Group MD. “Strategic partnerships like at the core of the national-level for Development, Ooredoo, and the private sector in our the communities it operates, “The COVID-19 pandemic is the one we are commencing partnerships include supporting UNICEF to support the response to global challenges. from North Africa to Southeast continuing to have devastating today are key to ensuring we the global vaccine roll-out to end achievement of the Sustainable Thus, it gives me great pleasure Asia. By partnering with UNICEF impacts on children’s lives all recover the lost ground and the pandemic, improving formal Development Goals and collab- to mark the beginning of a and QFFD to improve the lives around the world. UNICEF is accelerate the progress that is so and informal education and orate in response to emer- promising strategic partnership of children across our markets working around the clock with desperately needed for skilling opportunities for children gencies, starting with the with Ooredoo and to further of operation, we are building its partners to roll out the biggest children,” she added. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE 2021 Qatar prepares for International Bangladesh FM meets Ambassador of Qatar Horticultural Expo 2023 in Doha QNA — DHAKA QNA — DOHA Expo 2023, despite the negative Minister of State impact of the Coronavirus for Foreign Affairs The State of Qatar, represented (COVID-19). of the People’s by the Ministry of Municipality For his part, Al Khouri dis- Republic of Bang- and Environment, participated cussed the latest developments ladesh H E in the 168th General Assembly related to the expo, noting that Mohammed for Bureau International des the event will contribute to pro- Shahriar Alam, Expositions (BIE), which was held viding the basis for potential met with Ambas- via video conference. investments in innovative agri- sador of the State The State of Qatar was rep- cultural technologies, and will of Qatar to Bang- resented in the meeting by Sec- increase environmental ladesh H E Ahmed retary General of the Interna- awareness worldwide, in bin Mohammed Al tional Horticultural Expo 2023 addition to supporting the recla- Dhaimi, on the Doha and Director of the Public mation of dry land to agricultural occasion of the Parks Department at the Ministry areas. end of his tenure. of Municipality and Environment, He renewed his call for BIE Minister of Ambassador of Qatar to Bangladesh, H E Ahmed Eng. Muhammad Ali Al Khouri. state members to visit Doha in State for Foreign bin Mohammed Al Dhaimi Ambassador of the State of 2023, not just to get to know Affairs of Bang- Qatar to the French Republic Secretary General of the International Horticultural Expo 2023 Qatar’s unique heritage, but to ladesh thanked H E Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani Doha and Director of the Public Parks Department at the Ministry also become part of the new the Ambassador for his efforts in bilateral relations and wished said in an opening speech during of Municipality and Environment, Eng. Muhammad Ali Al Khouri, movement towards a “Green supporting and reinforcing the him success in his new duties. the general assembly that work taking part in 168th General Assembly for Bureau International Desert, Better Environment”, the des Expositions, through videoconferencing. is ongoing in Qatar to host the theme of the expo in 2023. QU’s Elia Club holds Awareness lecture on projects to support productive families

QNA — DOHA The lecture aimed to educate productive In particular, the lecture talks on Palestine families about the medical services provided to introduced the mechanism of The Ministry of Administrative work of the Medical Com- THE PENINSULA — DOHA and the level of risk of Development, Labour and Social them by Medical Commission Department at the mission Department in general Judaization that threatens the Affairs, represented by the Ministry of Public Health. and with the productive fam- The Elia Club of the Student city of Jerusalem and its Department of Family Affairs, in ilies in the Food Department in Activities Department at Qatar suburbs, and Israel’s losses cooperation with the Ministry of particular, besides introducing University (QU) recently held from its recent aggression Public Health, organised a lecture the Ministry throughout the Haya Mohammad Al Marri, the productive families to the an event entitled, ‘A pledge to against Gaza. entitled, 'Step by step towards a year with the aim of developing supervisor of the registration forms used in the Medical Com- us as long as we live,’ hosted In turn, Saleh Zaghari safe health examination for and implementing projects to unit at the Medical Commission mission Department and the by specialists and activists on explained the Zionist enemy’s members of productive families', support and develop productive Department at the Ministry of examinations to be conducted, social media. method of using digital exe- via the Microsoft platform families through training, in Public Health, aimed to in addition to clarifying the The participants included cution, the importance and (Teams). addition to providing assistance educate productive families authorities authorised to grant Dr. Majid Al Ansari, Professor impact of social media, and The lecture is part of a series services and providing areas for about the medical services pro- a medical certificate licence to of Political Sociology at Qatar international public opinion. of awareness programs for pro- marketing their products. vided to them by the productive families in the University, and Dr. Mukhles Dr. Barzak talked about ductive families organised by The lecture, presented by department. country. Barzak. the concerns of the people of Dr. Abdullah Maarouf, a the interior, Gaza, and Jeru- researcher and specialist on salem after the victory of Jerusalem and Al Aqsa Gaza, the upcoming intention, AJ+ wins Capital Mosque, Professor Moaz Al and the possibility of Khatib, a media activist, jour- escalations. nalist Muhammad Abu Taha, He also mentioned the Emmy Award and Saleh Zaghari, and the confusion and randomness of THE PENINSULA — DOHA vocalist Muhammad Kendo the occupation and arbitrary also participated. arrests and their effects on The Capital Emmy Awards Gala has named AJ+ The event was presented the Zionist project. film “Meet the black southerners confronting by Professor Ali Al Qawasmi, Dr. Maarouf also dis- their racist town” as the 2021 Capital Emmy an activist, from the Youth cussed the fall of Netanyahu Awards Societal Concerns News category League for Al Quds in Qatar. and the repercussions and the winners. The event talked about the effects on the occupying The short film, produced by Anna Kook and developments in Palestine and state, and the meaning of shot and edited by David Dougherty, covers the the repercussions of the establishing a mixed gov- struggle for Black Lives in Southern Virginia, a current situation. The event ernment (leftists, rightists, county with a 90% white population and a proud also aimed to address the and centres). He explained tradition of Confederate monuments. Through student community, make it who the left, right, and centre real-life encounters with Black community aware of the events in Pal- groups are and the difference members in the area, the AJ+ produced film high- estine, clarify how to interact between them. lights the struggles of Black Southerners who and work for this just cause, Meanwhile, media activist have felt like second-class citizens for years. express the solidarity of QU Abu Taha talked about the While COVID-19 disrupted worldwide news students and their interaction situation after the war on and documentary industries, AJ+ continued pro- with the events taking place Gaza, while Dr. Al Ansari ducing and maintaining a high standard of in Palestine. spoke about the opinion in excellent reporting, offering a voice for the Professor Al Khatib dis- the West and the changes in voiceless. “This is an incredible endorsement of cussed the policies of the dealing with the Palestinian the important on the ground newsgathering that occupation, the issue of issue and how to continue AJ+ does. Our teams worked tirelessly to produce Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan with practical steps to partic- a heartfelt piece that sensitively portrays the neighbourhoods, whether it ipate in the liberation of challenges faced by Black communities in rural is a political or legal issue, Palestine. America. It is a powerful and beautifully shot film that brings a unique AJ+ perspective on one of the most important issues of our time,” said Metrolink resumes four services Kat Hayes, executive producer for Field at AJ+. “We are delighted to win this award and con- tinue the mission of all of our teams — to deliver THE PENINSULA — DOHA metro stations. From today, the stories highlighting the issues faced by often buses will begin Al Wakra marginalized communities.” Doha Metro has announced it (M132), Oqba Ibn Nafie (M123), The regional Capital Emmy Awards, now in will resume four metrolink Umm Ghuwailina (M139) and their 63rd year, honours excellence in the tel- services from today. Al Doha Al Jadeda (M114). evision industry in Maryland, Virginia, and the The metrolink buses Recently, the metroexpress District of Columbia. The film joins the ranks of provide convenient services to said it had expanded its other Emmy-winning AJ+ productions, including users of the Doha metro con- services to Fox Hills South Dis- America Untold, a documentary series lauded necting areas within a two to trict in Lusail to and from the and recognised for its brilliance on a global scale. five kilometre radius of the Legtaifiya Station. Austria abolishes quarantine for the vaccinated from Qatar FROM PAGE 1 gv.at/en.html. global tourism has seen a resur- Approved vaccines in Austria They must also submit a neg- gence as several countries grad- include Pfizer-Biontech, Astra- ative PCR test, taken within 72 ually open up their borders for Zeneca, Johnson & Johnson, hours before entering Austria on summer vacationers after the Moderna, Sinopharma, and arrival, and be subject to quar- global lockdown paralysed the Sinovac. Passengers from Qatar antine for ten days. After five tourism sector majority of last who have not received the vac- days, if the PCR or antigen test is year. So far, citizens and resi- cination will also enter Austria, negative, they can stop the dents from Qatar can also visit but they must register online quarantine. Greece, Spain, and France through the link: https://entry.ptc. Over the last few weeks, without quarantine. Winners of interschool painting contest announced THE PENINSULA — DOHA (India), Shahnas CK( UAE), Salim School), third, Hecterge Daksith Abdulla, Farhan Hameed and Damsura Peiris (Shantiniketan The Anti Smoking Society Qatar Jojin Mathew( Qatar ) Indian School), Special prize: has announced the winners of Winners are (sub juniors): Katherin Johnson (Bhavans Public Interschool painting competition First, Hecterge Nemshith School) held in connection with the Inter- Nimpura Peiris (Shantiniketan Seniors: First, Karthika national day against drug abuse Indian School), second, Mahesh (MES Indian School), and illicit trafficking. Mohmmed Zayd (Shantiniketan second, Sinan Basim (Shan- More than 200 students rep- Indian School), third, Aindil Maria tiniketan Indian School), third, resenting 15 Indian Schools in the Sony (DPS Modern Indian Krishna Ashok MES Indian School. interschool competition. The School). Special prize: Kashinadh Special prizes: Nandana Biju- competition was held in 3 cate- Sreejith Remya (Birla Public kumar (Birla Public School) and gories. The theme for the com- School) Narmin Abdullah (Shantiniketan petition was United for a drug free Junior category: First prize, Indian School). society. The paintings were eval- Svetlana Mary Shibu (Shan- Winners should contact on uated by an expert panel of judges tiniketan Indian School), second, 70467553, 77252278, 44324853 including Sanjay Chapolkar Aashika Menon (Ideal Indian to collect their prizes. WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE 2021 HOME 05 WISH sheds light on the role nurses QRCS and KRCS sign pact to improve shelter, should play in healthcare policy healthcare services for

THE PENINSULA — DOHA sheer volume of nurses, the high trust placed in them by refugees in Bangladesh Chief Nursing Officer, World communities, and their physical Health Organization, Elizabeth proximity to those most vul- Iro has said that there is an nerable to the effects of absence of nursing leadership climate change – such as in senior national posts, and climate-sensitive diseases like their voice as advocates for malaria and dengue fever – better health for all is often put nurses in a position to dis- unheard. seminate climate change mes- Referring to the COVID-19 sages effectively and drive pandemic, she added that their acceptance. nurses have been exposed to The third session of the and affected by the conse- event addressed another quences of inadequate Experts during a session on health equity. global challenge, that of digi- planning, and that nursing tization, and the urgent need leaders must contribute to the In closing the event, for nurses and the nursing Ali bin Hassan Al Hammadi Dr. Hilal Musaed Al Sayer strategies that ensure that this profession to catch up with the situation never happens WISH announced a rapid pace of digital THE PENINSULA — DOHA religious practices and social again. USD 1,000 award for advancement worldwide. activities in a safe environment. Iro was speaking at the winner of each Dr. Richard Booth from Qatar Red Crescent Society To ensure adequate accom- “Nurses at the forefront of Arthur Labatt Family School (QRCS) has signed a cooper- modation at the new shelters, the change: challenging the status of the two newly of Nursing, Western Uni- ation agreement with Kuwait project will meet the basic needs quo,” a virtual event co-hosted launched Nursing versity, Canada, presented the Red Crescent Society (KRCS) to of the refugee families, by distrib- by the World Innovation key findings of BMJ’s latest execute a project to improve uting 1,200 nonfood kits such as Summit for Health (WISH), Now Challenges, as report, How the nursing pro- the shelter and health care kitchenware, straw mats, and Qatar Foundation’s global part of the Nursing fession should adapt for a services provided at the solar lights. This will take three health initiative, and Nursing digital future, and advised that Myanmar refugee camps in phases as well. Now Challenge, a global Now Challenge nursing must begin immediate Bangladesh. Another focus of the project program to promote leadership Global Solutions transformation into a digitally With an estimated 834,000 is to secure integrated health care in nursing. Elizabeth Iro enabled profession that can beneficiaries, 6,000 of whom for poor families, whether the ref- “Our workforce is fragile, Initiative. respond to the complex global will benefit from shelter activ- ugees or local community. Three but as we move forward we “I think it’s a landmark challenges now facing health ities and 828,000 from primary health centers at camps will be have learned the importance of report and shows a way for all good health and access to systems and society. health care and community supported with health and admin- having senior nursing leaders of those who are involved in healthcare in communities The event sessions pro- health services, the new istrative professionals, medical at the tables where decisions health, whether in public health regardless of a person’s age, vided a unique opportunity for project has a budget of $3m, and technical capacity-building, around the strategy and or in the wider social determi- nationality, gender, or income young nurses all over the co-funded by QRCS and and operation for 24 months. Each planning are made. nants of health, to move level. world to engage in dialogue Kuwait Fund for Arab Eco- center has a capacity of 60-70 vis- "Healthcare services rely on forward to create fairer soci- With nurses making up with experts and report nomic Development. itors per day, and the centers work nurses, so nurses must be eties, with a fairer distribution approximately 60 percent of authors, ask questions, share The agreement was signed five days a week. involved in the decision around of health equity,” said Sir the health workforce their personal experiences, by Ali bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Moreover, the project pays how they are delivered,” said Michael. worldwide, ways of tapping into and offer insight. QRCS Secretary-General, and Dr. attention to enhancing the system Iro. The session, presented by the collective potential of In closing the event, WISH Hilal Musaed Al Sayer, President of referral to specialized hospitals Also joining the event was the report’s lead author, Dr. nurses to tackle global issues announced a USD 1,000 award of KRCS. The project will be exe- and health centers for critical cases. Sir Michael Marmot, Professor Billy Rosa Chief Research such as climate change was the for the winner of each of the cuted in Cox’s Bazaar, Bangladesh, Community health teams will of Epidemiology and Public Fellow, Department of Psy- core theme of the second two newly launched Nursing in collaboration with Bangladesh make field health education visits, Health at University College chiatry and Behavioral Sciences session. Now Challenges, as part of the Red Crescent Society (BDRCS). to raise health awareness among London (UCL) and Director of at Memorial Sloan Kettering Dr. Patricia Butterfield, Pro- Nursing Now Challenge Global It is aimed at improving the the refugees and host community. the UCL Institute of Health Cancer Center, New York, also fessor Emeritus, Elson S. Floyd Solutions Initiative. living conditions and providing QRCS and KRCS had earlier signed Equity. heard from The Honorable Jul- College of Medicine, Wash- The challenges call on life-saving aid for those displaced successful cooperation agree- He hailed the findings in the iette Cuthbert Flynn MP, State ington State University, USA, nurses around the world to from Myanmar. To that end, 1,200 ments, such as that of relief for recent WISH report Nurses for Minister in the Ministry for presented the key recommen- propose innovative ways for the shelters will be constructed in the displaced from Aleppo. Health Equity: Guidelines for Health and Wellness of dations from The BMJ’s (British nursing community to combat three phases: 500, 400, and 300, Under such agreements, many Tackling the Social Determi- Jamaica. Medical Journal) new report, climate change, as well as respectively. In addition, two joint projects were accom- nants of Health, which was at Panelists discussed the Nursing’s pivotal role in global design an initiative that helps mosques or social centers will plished, inspired by the spirit of the center of discussion during important influence that climate action. them better navigate an be constructed, to enable the fraternity and bilateral historic the event’s first session. nurses have on promoting These include how the increasingly digitized world. beneficiaries to perform their relations. Northwestern Qatar graduates receive academic distinction THE PENINSULA — DOHA proud of their academic Houssam Ghadban, and Nada achievements, as well as the Ahmed Yousef Qaddourah. Northwestern University in resilience they have exhibited In addition to being Qatar has recognized several in the last year of their studies.” honored for their academic recent graduates for their Latin Honors are awarded excellence, Inaara Gangji, Rui academic excellence. Hadice in three categories: summa Xin Oh, Maryam Abdulla I. H. Tahire Koç, achieved the cum laude recipients are in the Al-Badr, Danna Takriti, and highest academic standing top five percent of their grad- Tony El Ghazal were also rec- among the graduating class, uating class; magna cum laude ognized for student leadership, and was named the class vale- are students in the next eight research involvement, and dictorian. Koc was also one of percent; and cum laude are extracurricular participation. three Northwestern Qatar students in the next 12 percent. They received the Dean’s students who graduated summa Eight Northwestern Qatar Award, Communication Award, cum laude. Tony El Ghazal and graduates received magna Journalism and Strategic Com- Rui Xin Oh shared that honor cum laude honors: Njoud munication Award, Liberal Arts with Kroc. Mohammed K M Al-Mana, Award, and Student Leadership This year, a record number Maryam Jassim Y M Al- Award, respectively. of Northwestern Qatar grad- Suwaidi, Xiruo Chen, Maryam The Class of 2021 is North- uates received academic Abdulla I. H. Al-Badr, western Qatar’s largest gradu- honors. Alongside their aca- Muhammad Saad Ejaz, Lingyu ating class to date, with 85 demic achievements, the Class Feng, Rumeysa Cihan Koç, and graduates representing more of 2021 included student Danna Mohamad Takriti. than 22 countries, including researchers, filmmakers, jour- Those receiving cum laude China, Egypt, Gambia, India, nalists, and student leaders. recognition were: Alreem Ali A Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Korea, “In these extraordinary A Al-Khater, Maha Ali A Z Al- Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, times,” Marwan M. Kraidy, dean Kuwari, Tamadur Khalid M A Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, and CEO, said, “our students Al-Mannai, Amal Barakat, Singapore, Sudan, Sweden, have displayed amazing disci- Marielle Aguelo Cortel, Inaara Syria, Tanzania, Tunisia, pline and commitment. I am Nizarali Fazal Gangji, Razan Ukraine, and the United States.

QU-YSC organises virtual summer exchange 2021

THE PENINSULA — DOHA undergraduate students and The internship also mentors opportunities to provided opportunities for Qatar University’s – Young experience innovative undergraduate students to Scientists Center (QU-YSC) learning, exchange knowledge, participate in the scientific organised the activities and refine research competencies research review process. Two workshops of the Summer and career readiness skills, topics were presented during Training Programme 2021 for promote knowledge exchange, the training, 2D nanomaterials Qatari students from QU. and strengthen cooperation fabrication/production The internship was held between participating strategies and the development virtually due to travel international universities. of highly efficient perovskite/ restrictions imposed by the The program provided a silicon tandem solar cells. coronavirus (COVID-19) unique learning experience, In a statement, Dr. Noura pandemic. These flexible and interactive, using Jaber Al-Thani, Director of unprecedented conditions virtual platforms, thus training QU-YSC, said, “Young people have prevented university participants in flexibility and are the most dynamic and students from engaging in a adapting to new learning creative group. Providing such shared learning experience conditions. Students were programmes to them enhances that brings together students involved in structured sessions their research skills. It qualifies from multiple cultures. to improve their knowledge them to become influential QU-YSC designed the and techniques. The activities leaders in various scientific reciprocal virtual summer developed their key research fields to promote outputs to training programme, including competencies such as achieve Qatar’s National Vision undergraduate students and formulation of a research 2030. In addition, these mentors from different problem statement, research programmes enhance the universities in a three-week methodology design, data position of Qatar University long training session. This analysis, inference abilities, among international programme provided presentation, and writing skills. universities.” 06 GULF / MIDDLE EAST WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE 2021 Israel begins demolition in Jerusalem’s Silwan Deputy Jerusalem Mayor said “around 20” Dozens of settlers buildings in Silwan had received demolition orders. Another 60 buildings were in violation of Israeli storm courtyard of zoning laws. The residents say many have been Al Aqsa Mosque there for decades, even from before 1967. The authorities have earmarked the land for a park and QNA — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM say the shops and homes have been built illegally. Dozens of settlers stormed yesterday the courtyards of Al Aqsa Mosque from Al REUTERS — OCCUPIED eight properties that residents Maghariba gate, amid tight JERUSALEM said were slated for demolition. protection from the Israeli The residents say many have occupation police. Israel demolished a Palestinian been there for decades, even The Jerusalem Islamic shop in the East Jerusalem from before 1967. The authorities Waqf department reported neighbourhood of Silwan have earmarked the land for a that dozens of settlers stormed yesterday, triggering scuffles park and say the shops and the courtyards of Al Aqsa between police and protesters homes have been built illegally. Mosque and carried out a pro- who accused authorities of Mahmoud Basit who runs vocative tour. Since 2003, the discriminatory enforcement of the butchers said 14 family Israeli occupation forces have building permits in the holy city. members depended on income allowed settlers to storm Al Palestinians seek East Jeru- from there. “We have no other Aqsa Mosque through Al salem, which Israel captured in way to support our families,” Maghariba Gate. The Jeru- a 1967 war, for a future state. said Basit, who added he would salem Waqf department has Israel deems all of Jerusalem its have to look for new work from called on the Israeli occupation capital — a status not recognised scratch. authorities, more than once, A man uses his mobile phone as he stands near the debris of a shop that Israel demolished in the internationally — and has Deputy Jerusalem Mayor to prevent such incursions and Palestinian neighbourhood of Silwan in East Jerusalem, yesterday. encouraged Jewish settlement of Arieh King said “around 20” provocations, but to no avail. predominantly Palestinian areas. buildings in Silwan — which A bulldozer escorted by Israel refers to by its Hebrew them from Jerusalem. Pales- Palestinians until June 28 to dis- received a demolition order, Israeli police flattened Harbi name Shiloach — had received tinian medics said 13 people mantle the structures them- lives in fear of the knock on the Fakhri Abu Diab said he applied Rajabi’s butchers shop in the demolition orders. Around were injured in Tuesday’s con- selves. King said the land would door from municipal inspectors. seven times for an Israeli permit neighbourhood which is over- another 60 buildings there were frontations in Silwan. Police be cleared to make way for the “My grandchildren ask me to expand his home in Silwan looked by the Al Aqsa Mosque, in violation of Israeli zoning laws, said two officers were hurt by park and public buildings, questions and I can’t answer “but it was always rejected”. He the third holiest shrine in Islam he said. Palestinians in Silwan stone-throwers and that three adding that Silwan’s biblical them. They’re children. What added that over a hundred Pal- and the most sensitive site in the say it is near-impossible to get people were arrested for disor- links made it “an important his- can I tell them? That they’re estinians could become Israeli-Palestinian conflict. building permits. They see the derly conduct and assault. torical site”. going to demolish our home?” homeless if the current round The shop is one of at least demolitions as designed to drive The municipality had given Nader Abu Diab, who also Abu Diab, 55, said. His brother, of demolitions continues. US troops come under fire in Syria after Rebel missiles IN BRIEF hit key city in strikes against Iran-backed militias Yemen, 3 dead

REUTERS — WASHINGTON appropriate, deliberate action to rocket attacks in Iraq. AP — CAIRO that is designed to limit the risk Two US officials, speaking US troops came under rocket of escalation, but also to send a to Reuters on condition of ano- A Yemeni government official fire in Syria yesterday, but clear and unambiguous nymity, said Iran-backed said yesterday that Houthi escaped injury, in apparent deterrent message,” Blinken militias have carried out at least rebels fired two missiles in a retaliation for weekend US air told reporters in Rome. five drone attacks against facil- government-held city killing strikes against Iran-aligned Iraqi militia groups aligned ities used by US and coalition at least three people, including militia in Syria and Iraq. with Iran in a statement named personnel in Iraq since April. a child. The missiles landed in the A US military spokesman four members of the Kataib Biden’s administration has Rawdha neighborhood in the said US forces had responded to Sayyed Al Shuhada faction they been looking to potentially central city of Marib, according the multiple rockets by firing said were killed in the attack revive a 2015 nuclear deal with to Ali Al Ghulisi, the provincial back at the positions in self- on the Syria-Iraq border. They Iran. The attacks underscore governor’s press secretary. Motorbike drivers wait to get fuel at a gas station in Beirut, defence. “There are no (US) vowed to retaliate. how Biden aims to compart- At least 10 other people, Lebanon, yesterday. injuries and damage is being But it was not immediately mentalize such defensive including two children, were assessed,” Colonel Wayne clear who fired the latest salvo strikes, while simultaneously wounded in the attack, al- Marotto said, referring to the at US forces. engaging Tehran in diplomacy. Ghulisi said. A Houthi Scuffles as Lebanon raises fuel prices rocket attack. He did not say who Iraq’s government, wary of White House press sec- spokesman was not immedi- was responsible for the attack on getting dragged into a U.S.-Iran retary Jen Psaki said Iran was ately available for comment. BEIRUT: Lebanon’s government raised fuel prices by more than US troops. conflict, had condemned the US a bad actor in the region who Yemen has been embroiled a third yesterday, a move aimed at alleviating crippling shortages Sources in Deir Al Zor, in strikes on its territory and said supported “extremely prob- in a civil war since 2014, when but which will mount pressure on impoverished consumers. eastern Syria, said an Iranian- it would “study all legal options” lematic behavior” but defended the Iranian-backed Houthis The government last week effectively cut fuel subsidies as backed militia group had fired a to prevent such action from the diplomatic outreach as a swept across much of the Lebanon grapples with a catastrophic economic collapse that has few artillery rounds in the being repeated. Syria called the way to deny Tehran a nuclear north and seized the capital, sunk its currency by more than 90% in less than two years. vicinity of al Omar oil field, which strikes a “flagrant violation of weapon. Sanaa, forcing the interna- The energy ministry said the average price of 20 litres of is controlled by the US-backed the sanctity of Syrian and Iraqi Biden’s critics say Iran tionally recognised government 95-octane gasoline was increased by 35% to 61,100 pounds. That Syrian Democratic Forces. lands.” cannot be trusted and point to into exile. The Saudi-led coa- is the equivalent of $40 at Lebanon’s official exchange rate but The rocket fire underscored Iraq’s military issued a con- the drone attacks as further evi- lition entered the war the fol- less than $4 at parallel market exchange rate. Diesel was increased the risk of escalation and the demnation of the US strikes. dence that Iran and its proxies lowing year on the side of the by 12,800 pounds, or 38%, to 46,100 pounds. Scuffles have become limits of US military firepower The Iraqi and US militaries will never accept a US military government. The war has killed commonplace as motorists queue for hours to part-fill their tanks to restrain Iran-aligned militias coordinate closely in a separate presence in Iraq or Syria. more than 130,000 people and amid expectations of new deliveries. A knife was drawn during that Washington blames for a battle in Iraq, fighting rem- Iran called on the United spawned the world’s worst a fight at one petrol station, a Reuters witness said. The spokesman series of increasingly sophisti- nants of the Sunni extremist States to avoid “creating crisis” humanitarian crisis. for fuel distributors said six ships had started unloading cargos cated drone strikes against US. group Islamic State. in the region. Yesterday's missiles landed overnight, the National News Agency reported. “What breaks my personnel and facilities in Iraq. It was the second time “Certainly what the United in the same neighborhood heart the most is the old people, people older than my dad, sitting Hours earlier, US Secretary President Joe Biden had States is doing is disrupting where a Houthi missile and at gas stations - the ones with blood pressure, diabetes and the ones of State Antony Blinken and the ordered retaliatory strikes security in the region, and one explosive-laden drone attack who will collapse for God knows what reason - and nobody is pro- White House had defended the against Iran-backed militias of the victims of this disruption hit a gas station earlier this viding for t em,” said a man waiting his line who gave his name as US strikes in Iraq and Syria on since taking office five will be the United States,” month, killing at least 21 Nour. Protesters blocked roads with burning garbage and tyres in Sunday as a way to tamp down months ago. He ordered Iranian Foreign Ministry people, including a father and Beirut on Monday. -Reuters on the risk of conflict. limited strikes in Syria in Feb- spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh his 2-year-old daughter. “We took necessary, ruary, that time in response said on Monday. Iran-backed Houthi rebels Leaders of Hezbollah, Hamas meet in Beirut have been attempting since February to capture Marib BEIRUT: The top leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas held talks in Animals starve in from the internationally rec- Beirut yesterday about last month’s 11-day war with Israel in the ognized government, which Gaza Strip. Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of the Palestinian Hamas, Lebanon’s zoos would complete their control arrived in Lebanon on Sunday and met several top officials, over the northern part of including President Michel Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih as economy Yemen. However, they have Berri. Yesterday, Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan not made substantial progress Nasrallah discussed how they can build on the experience of the crumbles and have suffered heavy losses latest round of violence. The bruising war had caused widespread amid stiff resistance from gov- destruction in the Gaza Strip, brought life in much of Israel to a stand- REUTERS — BEIRUT ernment forces aided by the still and killed at least 254 people. Saudi-led coalition supporting There were no comments after the meeting that brought Nas- Thin and frail, the two big cats them. The Houthis have fired rallah and Haniyeh together. It was the first between the two since scarcely moved as they lay on ballistic missiles and sent drones September. During the war, Hamas and other groups fired over the concrete floor of their cage into Marib, often hitting civilian 4,000 rockets into Israel with dozens of projectiles flying as far while, nearby, an emaciated areas and camps for displaced north as Tel Aviv, the country’s bustling commercial and cultural Syrian brown bear anxiously people. More than 120 civilians capital. Israeli airstrikes and shelling caused wide destruction in paced his enclosure. have been killed, including 15 Gaza. Hezbollah and Israel fought a 34-day war in 2006 that ended The three starving animals children, and more than 220 in a draw. After the end of the war in Gaza, Haniyeh visited Egypt are among the last, neglected wounded in Marib in the past for Palestinian reconciliation talks. He later visited Morocco and residents of a zoo in Hazmieh six months, according to the Mauritania before arriving in Lebanon. -AP outside Beirut, their upkeep government. rendered too expensive by Leb- Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Saudi reports 15 more COVID-19 deaths anon’s economic crisis. Ostriches are seen inside a zoo in Tyre, Lebanon. regional allies on Monday “At this point they are not strongly condemned the con- RIYADH/MUSCAT: Saudi Arabia announced 15 deaths from really lions,” said Jason Mier, tinued Houthi attacks on the COVID-19 and 1,567 new infections yesterday. Of the new cases, director of Animals Lebanon, a A lion eats around 50kg animals, cats and dogs. Kingdom targeting civilians 403 were recorded in Makkah, 328 in Riyadh, 326 in the Eastern rescue charity seeking homes (110lb) of food a week, costing Two bears are headed to and strategic infrastructure, Province, 173 in Asir, 94 in Jazan, 73 in Madinah, 42 in Najran, 19 for them and other zoo animals 100,000 Lebanese pounds — Colorado in coming weeks and Arab News reported. in Al-Baha, 19 in Hail, 19 in Tabuk, 13 in the Northern Borders in sanctuaries abroad. or around $6 at the informal the rescue organisation hopes They called on the inter- region, and seven in Al Jouf. The total number of recoveries in the “DNA-wise those are lions market rate — per kilo. The to send three more lions either national community to take Kingdom increased to 466,578 after 1,032 more patients recovered but those are just two animals minimum monthly wage is just there or to South Africa. immediate notice of the situ- from the virus. A total of 7,804 people have succumbed to the virus which have given up on life and 675,000 pounds. Above all, it is trying to ation and help prevent further in the Kingdom so far. Over 17.5 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine are lying here.” “There’s no way any prevent what happened in zoos attacks on the Kingdom. Saudi have been administered in the Kingdom to date. Animals are hanging on in entrance fee can cover the in war zones like Syria, Yemen Arabia’s air defences inter- Meanwhile, the Omani Ministry of Health confirmed on Monday similar conditions in all of Leb- expenses for keeping these and Iraq from happening in cepted and destroyed six 2,243 new cases of coronavirus during the past 24 hours, bringing anon’s five zoos, victims of a animals properly,” Mier said. Lebanon before it’s too late. explosive-laden drones and the total number of positive cases to 264,302. The Ministry said that financial meltdown that has Animals Lebanon has suc- “The zoos collapse and four ballistic missiles launched 46 new COVID-19-related deaths were reported, bringing the total consigned more than half of the cessfully relocated about 15 animals suffer and they either by Houthi militia towards the number of deaths to 3,013. The Ministry added that 1,720 new cases population to poverty and lions and tigers abroad as well die in their cages or you send Kingdom’s southern region have recovered, bringing the total number to 231,718 recoveries, erased more than 90% of the as, over the past two years, them to sanctuaries,” Mier within 48 hours, state TV while the number of hospitalized people reached 1,650 cases and local currency’s value. around 250 other wild said. reported on Sunday. 506 cases are in intensive care. -Agencies WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE 2021 AFRICA 07 Zuma handed 15-month jail IN BRIEF Somalia to hold term for contempt of court indirect election

REUTERS — JOHANNESBURG Jacob Zuma was sentenced to 15 months on October 10 in jail for failing to appear at the inquiry South Africa’s highest court MOGADISHU: Somalia will sentenced former president led by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo indirectly pick a new president Jacob Zuma to 15 months in jail in February, and the inquiry’s lawyers on October 10, the prime yesterday for failing to appear minister said yesterday, poten- at a corruption inquiry, and approached the constitutional court to seek tially easing a political crisis gave him five days to appear an order for his imprisonment. The former brought on by a delay in before police. holding the election. Zuma failed to appear at the president was given 5 days to appear before After a series of meetings inquiry led by Deputy Chief police. between the main parties, clan Justice Raymond Zondo in Feb- elders will now pick law- ruary, and the inquiry’s lawyers corruption during and before public sympathy through makers in September, who will approached the constitutional his time in office. unfounded allegations fly in the then vote for a president on court to seek an order for his These include the so-called face of reason, and are an insult the new date, Prime Minister Former president Jacob Zuma sits in the dock after recess in his imprisonment. Zondo commission, but also a the constitutional dispensation Mohamed Hussein Roble was corruption trial in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, in this picture “He has depleted all his separate court case relating to for which so many women and quoted as saying by the state (legal) options because there is a $2bn arms deal in 1999, when men fought and lost their lives.” taken on May 26. news agency (SONNA). Under no higher court to appeal to. The Zuma was deputy president. She added: “If his conduct the indirect election system, constitutional court is normally The Zondo inquiry is exam- is met with impunity, he will do resources and influence policy. that the party did not want to clan elders were meant to the last stop,” Amanda Gouws, ining allegations of high-level significant damage to the rule The Guptas, who also deny comment on the merits of Tues- have selected lawmakers in a professor of political science graft involving three Indian- of law.” wrongdoing, left South Africa day’s judgment but that its December and the new law- at the University of Stellen- born businessmen, the Gupta A spokesman for Zuma told after Zuma’s ouster. National Executive Committee makers were due to elect a bosch, said. brothers, during Zuma’s period local television channel eNCA President Ramaphosa has would reflect on it this new president on Feb. 8. “They have finally said in power from 2009 to 2018. that Zuma’s lawyers would been trying to restore investor weekend. Both procedures failed to ‘enough is enough’,” she said. Zuma denies wrongdoing and study the constitutional court confidence in Africa’s most Mabe said the ANC had take place amid disputes over Zuma, 79, was ousted in a has so far not cooperated. judgment before issuing a industrialised nation. However, encouraged members, including issues that included the com- move orchestrated by allies of Commenting on a 21-page statement. he has faced opposition from a Zuma, to attend the Zondo com- position of an election commission his successor, President Cyril letter that Zuma sent to the The allegations against faction within the governing mission. “We felt it provides an supervising the voting.The disa- Ramaphosa, in 2018. Since then, country’s chief justice in which Zuma include that he allowed African National Congress opportunity to deal with greements caused concern that he has faced determined legal he claimed to have been treated businessmen close to him - (ANC) party that is still loyal to whatever blight that would clans could turn on each other and moves aiming to bring him to unfairly, judge Sisi Khampepe brothers Atul, Ajay and Rajesh Zuma. ANC spokesperson Pule have engulfed our own gov- that the al Qaeda-linked al book for alleged grand said: “His attempts to evoke Gupta—to plunder state Mabe told a televised briefing ernment,” he said. Shabaab Islamist insurgency could exploit a security vacuum. -Reuters Tigray forces seize regional capital; govt troops on the run Zimbabwe faces prolonged REUTERS — GONDAR, ETHIOPIA face of the horrors in Tigray,” allied to the government from said Robert Godec, acting the neighbouring Amhara power outages Tigrayan forces said they had assistant secretary of state for region — in the south and west Ethiopian government troops the State Department’s Bureau — and from the neighbouring HARARE: Zimbabwe faces on the run around the regional of African Affairs. nation of Eritrea in the north prolonged power outages after capital Mekelle yesterday after House Foreign Affairs Com- and northwest of Tigray, a surge in electricity imports taking full control of the city in mittee Chairman Greg Meeks Getachew said, adding they from neighboring South Africa a sharp reversal of eight months said that if the disaster in Tigray would cross borders in pursuit overloaded its network and of conflict. is not abated, “we could witness if necessary. caused generating plants to fail, People in Mekelle, where one of our closest and most On Monday evening, when Energy Minister Soda Zhemu communications were cut on powerful allies in Africa march phone links to Mekelle were still said. The surge caused a Monday, said the incoming Tig- toward civil war and, even- open, residents said soldiers nationwide blackout in the rayan fighters were greeted tually, a state collapse.” had disappeared from the early hours of Monday, as it with cheers. There were similar UN Secretary-General streets and TPLF forces had affected output at the Kariba scenes on video footage from Antonio Guterres said on entered the city. Residents hydropower plant and the the northern town of Shire, Monday he hoped a political greeted them with flags and coal-fired Hwange facility, where residents said gov- solution would be possible. Dip- songs, witnesses said. Zhemu said by phone from the ernment-allied Eritrean forces lomats said the U.N. Security Getachew urged the inter- capital, Harare. had pulled out and Tigrayan Council would discuss Tigray national community to force the Generation has since been forces had entered. this week. government to allow food and restored at Kariba and partially A woman carries an infant as she queues in line for food, at the “We are 100% in control of It was not clear if other aid into the region, accusing at plants in Hwange and Tsehaye primary school, which was turned into a temporary shelter Mekelle,” Getachew Reda, parties to the conflict would Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Harare. Output at Hwange, the for people displaced by conflict, in the town of Shire, Tigray region, spokesman for the Tigray Peo- accept the ceasefire. The Ethi- Ahmed of blocking it. country’s biggest coal-fired Ethiopia, in this picture taken on March 15, 2021. ple’s Liberation Front opian military spokesman, Eri- A spokeswoman for Abiy facility, is at 85 megawatts, out (TPLF),said. There had been trean information minister and and the head of a government of its installed capacity of 920 some fighting on the outskirts people could walk about again fighting in Ethiopia’s northern Amhara regional spokesperson taskforce on Tigray did not megawatts. “Demand is out- of the city, but that was now fin- in the streets, he said, declining region has killed thousands of all said they were unable to return messages seeking weighing internal power-gen- ished, he said, adding that he to be drawn on whether Tigray people, displaced two million comment. Getachew said the comment on food blockages or eration capacity,” Zhemu said. could not confirm the report would now seek independence and brought hundreds of thou- ceasefire was a “joke” and hun- Getachew’s other comments Kariba produces 1,018 meg- from Shire. “Our forces are still after a bitter conflict that often sands to the brink of famine. dreds had been killed on yesterday. The government has awatts of electricity, compared in hot pursuit to south, east, to targeted civilians. The United States said Tuesday in fighting near the previously denied blocking food with national consumption of continue until every square inch The Ethiopian government atrocities should end immedi- border with Afar region. Reuters aid and said it provides the about 2,000 megawatts, of territory is cleared from the declared a unilateral ceasefire ately and warned Ethiopia and was unable to confirm the majority of food. The U.N. has according to the Zimbabwe enemy.” on Monday but has not publicly Eritrea that Washington would fighting independently. previously said that soldiers Power Co.’s website. Zimbabwe The ousted TPLF was rees- addressed TPLF claims to have be watching closely. Over the next few days, blocked food from TPLF-con- doesn’t produce enough of its tablishing itself in Mekelle and taken back Mekelle. The “We will not stand by in the TPLF forces will go after troops trolled areas. own power and relies on imports from neighboring South Africa and Mozambique to meet Eswatini imposes curfew to demand. -Bloomberg Kenya to receive quell pro-democracy protests 13 million J&J AP — JOHANNESBURG human rights groups. Political shots in August parties were banned in the Pro-democracy activists in country in 1973 and are barred NAIROBI: Kenya will receive Eswatini, the southern African from participating in parlia- the first batch of 13 million country previously known as mentary elections. COVID-19 vaccine shots from Swaziland, have vowed to The Eswatini government Johnson & Johnson in August, intensify demonstrations yesterday denied claims that President Uhuru Kenyatta said against the monarchy until it the king had fled the country. yesterday, helping to accel- makes democratic reforms and “His Majesty King Mswati erate the country’s vaccination unbans all opposition parties. III is in the country and con- drive. Like other nations on The small mountain tinues to lead in working with the continent, the East African kingdom has been rocked by the government to advance the country has struggled to pro-democracy demonstra- kingdom’s goals,” said the secure vaccines for its citizens, tions over the past three days acting prime minister. to allow it to fully lift restric- and videos of people burning He called for “calm, tions aimed at containing the tires and barricading streets in restraint and peace,” saying the pandemic. the largest city, Manzini, and government would update the Only 1 million Kenyans, the central town of Matsapha nation on the government’s out of 47 million, have had a Journalists wait outside the Federal High Court, after the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have been circulating on social “interventions on the current first jab and only 300,000 are Nnamdi Kanu, was brought to court in Abuja, Nigeria, yesterday. media. situation.” fully vaccinated, according to To quell the unrest the gov- The demonstrators are the health ministry. ernment yesterday ordered all demanding a democratic gov- As a result of the deal for businesses to close by 3:30 pm ernment that will serve the Nigeria arrests Biafra separatist leader the J&J shots and other initia- and a strict curfew to have all interests of the people, said tives, the country will accel- residents off the streets from 6 Sakhile Nxumalo of the Swa- REUTERS — ABUJA security services,” Malami said. conspiracy and belonging to an erate its vaccines deployment p.m. to 5 am. Schools were told ziland Youth Congress, which Eric Ikhilae, a reporter with illegal organisation, but disap- plan, Kenyatta said in a tele- to close immediately. is involved in the The leader of a group calling for the Nation newspaper, said he peared after he was released on vised address. “We will vac- “Unfortunately, the protests demonstrations. the secession of a part of south- saw a hooded Kanu brought bail in April 2017. cinate the entire adult popu- we are seeing of late have been “People want a democratic eastern Nigeria formerly known into the court by security Since then, Kanu’s where- lation of 26 million Kenyans hijacked by criminal elements. government where they can as Biafra has been arrested and agents. Kanu leads the Indig- abouts have been unclear, but by 2022,” he said, more than Such cannot be acceptable elect their own leaders, in par- is being held in the capital enous People of Biafra (IPOB), the government has blamed his doubling the initial goal of vac- under any circumstances,” ticular, they want a republic so Abuja to face trial, the justice which the Nigerian military has social media posts for rising cinating 10 million people by acting prime minister Themba that the country can be led by minister said.. labelled a terrorist organisation. violence and a spate of attacks mid next year. Masuku said in a statement. a president,” said Nxumalo. Nnamdi Kanu appeared in An IPOB spokesman said it across southeastern Nigeria. Kenya had struck a deal King Mswati III, Africa’s last He claimed the army had court and his case was could not confirm the arrest. Information Minister Lai to get 13 million shots from J&J remaining absolute monarch been deployed by the royal adjourned until July 27, a IPOB leaders have called Mohammed cited Kanu’s posts for the price of 10 million who has ruled the country for family to attack protesters and spokesman said. Attorney for the secession of the south- as a factor in the government’s doses, Kenyatta said, adding more than three decades, is quell the demonstrations. General and Justice Minister eastern region which tried to decision to suspend Twitter that the fact that the vaccine accused by the demonstrators “The people have said Abubakar Malami told state secede from Nigeria in 1967 earlier this month. The platform is administered in a single shot of human rights abuses and themselves that they are tired news channel NTA that Kanu under the name of Republic of also removed a post by President will help hasten the pro- running a repressive gov- of feeding a certain family and was detained on June 27 and Biafra, triggering a three-year Muhammadu Buhari threatening gramme, with 150,000 doses ernment. His family, including making sure that a certain “brought back” to Nigeria, but civil war in which more than a punishment for IPOB. In May, being administered daily from 15 wives, is accused of enjoying family is living through their he did not say from where. “He million people died, mostly police launched an operation August. He extended con- a lavish lifestyle while most of blood,” Nxumalo posted on has been intercepted through from starvation. in southeast Nigeria to quell the tainment measures, including the country’s 1.1 million people WhatsApp. “So now they have the collaborative efforts of the Kanu spent two years in jail rising violence and crime, trig- an overnight curfew, for are impoverished, according to taken it to the streets.” Nigerian intelligence and fighting charges of criminal gering fears of a return to war. another 60 days. -Reuters 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE 2021

Established in 1996 In science we trust

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

[email protected] ANDREW MITROVICA AL JAZEERA ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED It is, of course, too early to [email protected] declare victory. Defeating COVID-19 remains elusive and, sadly, DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR beyond the distant horizon. MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI While some nations are [email protected] making important headway against this stubborn, mutating virus, other parts of the globe remain ravaged by a clan- destine contagion that has EDITORIAL already infected and killed millions and will infect and kill countless others until this sin- People undergo a health screening before receiving their dose of China’s Sinovac Biotech vaccine Stentorian voice against terrorism ister menace hopefully fades during a mass vaccination program at a shopping mall in Jakarta, recently. into irrelevance. QATAR yet again, championed the international efforts Still, undeniable progress a largely relieved and grateful emphatically the existential irresponsible hyperbole, then in combating the decades-old scourge of terrorism by has been made in staunching world has responded with this threat posed by the old and consider how, according to the raising its voice against the plague of extremism the halting human toll of a vir- simple, yet powerful accelerating threat of climate IPCC’s draft report, the impact affecting the whole world. Qatar, as always, reiterated ulent pathogen that has, for admission: In science we trust. change. of climate change will, within condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifes- more than a year, paralysed The prospect of a sudden Otherwise, the hard, costly a few decades, register perma- tations, irrespective of wherever it is committed and much of the world and com- or lengthy, lonely death has, struggle to defeat COVID-19 nently on a planet that today is whatever the justification may be, by vowing again to pelled many of us to ponder understandably, seized our ultimately will be a brief, on terrestrial life-support. resolutely remain as a committed international partner nature’s unpredictability and collective consciousness. Most pyrrhic success and the not- Vital ecosystems hanging in the efforts to root out the menace from the face of our fragile mortality. Leading of us have heeded the learned so-distant future repercus- on the precipice will collapse. the earth. the way in realising human- advice of the white-coat army sions of our failure to act will The precipitous rise in tem- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs ity’s salvation has been what I to change, if possible, how we render the jarring disorien- peratures will make large H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, in have previously dubbed the live and work, not only to tation, absences and losses we swaths of the Earth unlivable. a pre-recorded speech to the opening session of the “white-coat army” of scientists protect ourselves, but family have endured over the last 16 Chronic hunger, disease and Second United Nations High-level Conference of Heads and physicians who have we love and strangers we will months picayune in poverty will become the norm of Counter-Terrorism Agencies of member states as helped navigate the planet and never know. comparison. for hundreds of millions more part of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Week, our tender psyches through If there was doubt about Despite what the kooks, souls. Scores of coastal cities said: “Preventing and countering terrorism are areas these distressing and turbulent the often fatal folly of not fol- quacks and dangerous will be subsumed by rising sea that require the highest degree of international coordi- times. Unperturbed by the lowing their instructions, word political hacks say, this is what levels. Drought and nation and cooperation. In that regard, the United kooks, quacks and dangerous that almost all the deaths lately the established science tells us untameable fires will spread. Nations plays a central role in revitalising multilateral political hacks, the white-coat of patients battling COVID-19 will happen soon if we do not Species extinction will cooperation, as represented by convening this high- army has gone about their in the United States have been change the way we live, work quicken. “The worst is yet to level conference. We look forward to this conference’s necessary, deliberate, the result of either delaying or and behave in a fundamental, come, affecting our children’s contribution in building on and developing the outcome empirical work to engineer refusing to be vaccinated, is a comprehensive way: The and grandchildren’s lives of the First Conference in 2018 and the Virtual Week of vaccines that inoculate us bitter, blunt rebuttal to the Earth may become much more than our own,” the last year.” from the lethal consequences kooks, quacks and hacks who uninhabitable. draft report says. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted a few of the of an indiscriminate virus that traffic in lunatic superstitions The grim alarm was raised The Earth will adapt. But steps taken by Qatar to eradicate the phenomenon has caused such lasting pain, and a stupefying ignorance again last week by an AFP we will be, by our shared neg- such as the inauguration of the International Hub on suffering and loss. that defies explanation or report on a draft copy of a ligence, gluttony and procras- Behavioural Insights to Counter Terrorism as a pro- Save for the kooks, quacks comprehension. voluminous study being pre- tination, the architects of our gramme office of the United Nations Office of Counter- and dangerous political hacks, If and when the world can pared by the United Nation’s own demise. Terrorism (UNOCT) in Doha, funded by Qatar. Earlier celebrate victory, it will be, in Intergovernmental Panel on “Life on Earth can recover this month, the United Nations Programme Office on As some of us large measure, because sen- Climate Change (IPCC) that is from a drastic climate shift by Parliamentary Engagement in Preventing and Coun- tient citizens acknowledged slated to be made public in evolving into new species and tering Terrorism was opened in Doha. tentatively emerge the intractable doom we early 2022. creating new ecosystems,” the Also, the Minister of Foreign Affairs participated in from the tedium and would have faced if stupidity, Unsurprisingly, the draft draft report adds. “Humans the ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition to defeat uncertainty borne greed, and selfishness had report’s dire prophesy failed to cannot.” While one of the ISIS, in Rome, Italy, on Monday and reiterated Qatar’s trumped knowledge, sacrifice pierce the near blanket preoc- report’s authors cautioned that commitment to continue working to support efforts to of lockdowns, we and pursuit of the common cupation among TV and news- the draft seen by the AFP will rehabilitate and deport foreign fighters and their family know that sacrifice, good. paper editors with other, more be revised and sections may members to their countries of origin, noting that they As some of us tentatively frivolous, news. be added, the overarching are still at risk of radical influence again. knowledge and emerge from the tedium and In any event, the 4,000- conclusions have an all too In both the meetings, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin the pursuit of the uncertainty borne of lock- page draft report’s central familiar and ominous ring. Abdulrahman Al Thani spoke about the ever-changing downs, we know that sacrifice, findings make clear that the Indeed, in a prescient tactics of the terrorists and their newer ways of imple- common good were knowledge and the pursuit of time to “worry” over the address at the World Eco- menting their radical strategies, using even the coro- required to confront the common good were ruinous, irreversible effects of nomic Forum in Davos, Swit- navirus pandemic to push their ideologies. The Deputy required to confront the exis- climate change was over long zerland in 2019, the indomi- Prime Minister urged the international community to the existential threat tential threat posed by a new ago. It is time to adopt a more table teenage climate activist, address the root causes of terrorism and to support posed by a new and and tenacious virus. appropriate attitude to the Greta Thunberg, issued an programmes for providing education and employment tenacious virus. We proved it could be unfolding and impending urgent warning and candid and countering extremist discourses. He called for novel done, when it needed to be damage that will be exacted call to action using frank, ways to root out the scourge as the threat of terrorism done. on Earth if we continue to unembroidered language. is complex and constantly evolving as divisive forces Now, we are required to delay, dither and deny: Panic. Andrew Mitrovica is an Al are embracing newer technologies to further their cause. adopt the same conviction and If you are inclined to dismiss Jazeera columnist based in resolve to confront finally and this admonition as Toronto.

Society must fulfill responsibility to guard children from Internet dangers D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI men threatened to dissem- decided on a new basic plan filtering features that can inate the pictures widely and for young people’s use of the block certain sites from being EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758 Society has a responsibility to made repeated demands. Internet. The basic plan viewed, apps from being used, protect children from troubles Adults must establish an points out the importance for and limit the amount of time MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 associated with the use of the environment that prevents operators, when they phones can be used. Internet and social media. It is children from becoming develop new devices, to Guardians can set these func- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 important for Internet and involved in such crimes. devise measures from the tions on smartphones when social media operators, the According to a gov- design stage to prevent harm they sign up for their chil- LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 guardians of children, and ernment survey, more than caused by selfies and other dren’s devices, but the usage BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 schools to play their 90% of junior high and high forms of use. rate for such filters is only respective roles. school students used the A function is also about 40%. SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 Last year, 1,819 children Internet. Almost all high reportedly being developed Guardians can also use under 18 years old were school students have their that will use artificial intelli- their own devices to control ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 involved in crimes triggered own smartphones, and they gence to prevent images of the use of their children’s email: [email protected] by the use of social media used them for more than naked bodies or other explicit smartphones. It is essential to PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 such as Twitter. four hours a day on images from being trans- keep an eye on how children email: [email protected] Most were said to be average. mitted. Operators need to use their smartphones as they victims of sex crimes, Even among 3-year-old strive to make technological grow. MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 including cases in which children, the Internet utili- improvements for that In elementary and junior email: [email protected] children were lured out by zation rate reaches about purpose. high schools, devices such as men they met through social 60%. The number of visitors The basic plan also personal computers and ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 media, and the men com- to video sites appears to be stresses having parents and tablets have been distributed FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] mitted indecent acts on the increasing, among other children establish rules. to each student. It would be CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 children or pressured them to factors. Measures should be Guardians should sufficiently counterproductive if children email: [email protected] send naked pictures of them- facilitated in line with the explain the proper usage of get addicted to inappropriate selves. There were also many declining age and prolonged the Internet, especially to videos and games on devices SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 cases in which after the duration of Internet use. small children. for learning that are hard for FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] children sent the images, the The government has Smartphones have parents to monitor.

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar The pandemic has highlighted the need for an international response to /Peninsula_Qatar emergencies that transcend national /ThePeninsulaNewspaper boundaries.

+974 6698 6188 Luigi Di Maio, Foreign Minister of Italy WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE 2021 ASIA 09

Indian state gears Afghan security deteriorating: Top US general up to protect General Austin S Miller said the rapid loss of children from districts around the country to the Taliban is third virus wave worrisome. He also cautioned that the militias REUTERS — MUMBAI deployed to help the beleaguered national security India’s western state of Mahar- forces could lead the country into civil war. ashtra is training thousands of health workers in how to care AP — KABUL 20 years. It’s really the last 42 for children afflicted with years,” he said. COVID-19 as a first line of The US’ top general in Afghan- Miller was referring to not defence against surges istan yesterday gave a sobering only the US war but that of Rus- involving new variants, health assessment of the country’s sia’s 10-year occupation that officials and experts said deteriorating security situation ended in 1989. That conflict was yesterday. as America winds down its followed by a brutal civil war The state, home to the so-called “forever war.” fought by some of the same financial capital of Mumbai, General Austin S Miller said Afghan leaders deploying was the worst hit by a dev- the rapid loss of districts around militias against the Taliban. The astating second wave of the country to the Taliban — civil war gave rise to the Taliban infections in April and May several with significant strategic who took power in 1996. that killed hundreds of thou- value — is worrisome. He also American officials have said sands, and is still reporting cautioned that the militias the entire pullout of US troops a quarter of all new cases deployed to help the beleaguered will most likely be completely nationwide. national security forces could finished by July 4. But Miller It has re-imposed curbs lead the country into civil war. refused to give any date or time to rein in the fast-spreading Miller told a small group of frame, referring only to the Sep- Armed men who are against Taliban uprising stand at their check post, at the Ghorband District, Delta variant that has reporters in the Afghan capital tember 11 timeline given by Parwan Province, Afghanistan, yesterday. touched off new outbreaks that for now he has the weapons President Joe Biden in April globally, even as daily and the capability to aid when he announced the final Several of the districts have money from the Taliban. “As we start talking about national tallies stand at their Afghanistan’s National Defense withdrawal of the remaining been on key roads and one on Miller said there’s multiple how does this all end? The way lowest in nearly two months, and Security Forces. 2,500-3,500 American troops. the border with northern reasons for the collapse of dis- it must end for the Afghan people allowing some states to But he said only a political Meanwhile, the Taliban Tajikistan. The Taliban have tricts, some the fatigue of the is something that revolves re-open businesses. solution will bring peace to the have been over-running dis- issued statements saying hun- troops and their surrender, psy- around a political solution,” said “We are training thousands war-tortured nation. tricts in rapid succession, many dreds of Afghan security forces chological defeat and military Miller. “I’ve also said that if you of health workers, who are “It is a political settlement of them in the north of the have surrendered, most of them loss. But he said escalating vio- don’t reduce the violence, that usually the first point of that brings peace to Afghan- country, which is dominated by going to their homes after being lence risks the country falling political solution becomes more contact for families, on how to istan. And it’s not just the last Afghanistan’s minorities. videod receiving transportation into a deadly civil war. and more difficult.” deal with COVID care in children,” Suhas Prabhu, head of the state’s pediatric task force, said. IN BRIEF South Korea: Former prosecutor launches presidential bid While there is no data showing children are more Cipla gets nod to AP — SEOUL been marked by roller-coaster ruption and other charges. against Moon’s governing party vulnerable, a government diplomacy with North Korea, a Moon’s supporters have in the presidential election set survey in Mumbai from April distribute Moderna South Korea’s former top pros- deepening domestic divide and accused Yoon of using the for next March. to mid-June showed the ecutor launched a bid to run in varied economic woes. investigations to boost his During yesterday’s news presence of virus antibodies in vaccine in India next year’s presidential election “I’m stepping forward with political standing or thwart conference, Yoon called the at least half of those younger yesterday, vowing to unseat the a determination to change the Moon’s prosecution reforms. Moon government “corrupt,” than 18. NEW DELHI: Indian drug- current liberal government that government,” Yoon said at a Yoon has said the investigations “incompetent” and “arrogant.” “The experts are indicating maker Cipla Ltd has received he once worked for and that he news conference. “I’ll join were conducted in line with due He said he wants to restore con- that a sizeable number of regulatory approval to also investigated for possible forces with everyone yearning procedures and principles. stitutionalism and the principle children are likely to be distribute partner Moderna corruption. for a shift in power and achieve While the infighting invited of fairness that he says have infected in the third wave,” Inc’s COVID-19 vaccine in the Yoon Suk Yeol tops surveys that surely.” public criticism that Moon’s anti- been marred by the Moon said government adviser Dr country, a senior government on the South Korean public’s Yoon, who resigned as pros- corruption campaign was only government. Subhash Salunke. official said yesterday, clearing preferred future leader, and his ecutor-general in March, had tough on his political opponents, Moon’s governing Demo- Paediatric critical care the way for the shot to be announcement will likely heat led Moon’s push to root out cor- it also helped Yoon emerge as a cratic Party hit back at Yoon, remained a ‘weak link’ in the imported. up the race to find a successor ruption. But their ties soured as potential opposition candidate accusing him of failing to clearly health system, the former Moderna’s vaccine will be for President Moon Jae-in, some of Moon’s political allies as the conservatives still have explain his vision and why he World Health Organisation the fourth shot authorized for whose single five-year term has were investigated over cor- no clear standard-bearer to fight is running for the presidency. official said. use in India, after AstraZeneca and partner Serum Institute of India’s Covishield, Bharat Bio- tech’s Covaxin and Sputnik V Australia tightens lockdown amid Delta variant, vaccine chaos developed by Russia’s Gamaleya Institute. REUTERS — SYDNEY movement curbs and pushed virus, Australia is battling the Worries that the variant, limits on gatherings are among “Our vaccine basket is for vaccinations to limit flare- variant in five of its eight states first detected in India, could the curbs across Australia. now richer by this addition,” Australia reported a slight rise ups of the highly infectious and territories, just two weeks touch off outbreaks have forced Police in the most populous government official Vinod in COVID-19 infections Delta variant. after an infection in key city lockdowns in three large cities state of New South Wales fined Kumar Paul said at a news yesterday, while officials in After months in which it Sydney involving a limousine and curbs of varying strictness Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby briefing on Tuesday, adding several states tightened had nearly stamped out the driver of overseas airline crew. in several more, affecting more Joyce A$200 ($150) for not the government remained in than 20 million Australians, or wearing a mask inside a petrol talks with Pfizer over the drug- about 80% of the population. station, media said. maker’s vaccine. -Reuters Northern Queensland state Joyce, the highest ranking imposed a three-day lockdown government official to face such Taliban launch in capital Brisbane and neigh- a fine, confirmed the incident bouring regions from yesterday in a media interview, saying he attack on Ghazni evening. The Western Australian had gone unmasked to pay for capital of Perth began a four-day petrol bought for his partner. GHAZNI: Taliban fighters have lockdown from yesterday, Even under lockdown, New launched an attack on Ghazni, joining Sydney and Darwin. South Wales reported 19 new clashing with Afghan forces and “The risk is real and we locally-acquired infections, up using explosives in an attempt need to act quickly, we need to from 18 a day ago. to seize the central Afghan city, go hard, we need to go fast,” Western Australia reported local officials said yesterday. said Queensland Premier no new cases, despite going into The assault on Ghazni, on Annastacia Palaszczuk said. The lockdown, while the Northern the highway linking the capital state reported two new local Territory detected two. Kabul with the southern cases. Monday’s decision to province of Kandahar, ramps Sydney, home to a fifth of indemnify doctors who give the up the Taliban’s offensive Australia’s population, is in a AstraZeneca vaccine to those against the government. two-week lockdown until July younger than 60, a bid to kick- While senior Afghan offi- 9, while a stay-home order in start a sluggish inoculation cials confirmed the Taliban’s the outback city of Darwin was program, provoked complaints offensive. The Taliban have had extended by 72 hours to Friday. from doctors who said the a strong presence in Ghazni for The Sydney outbreak has grown medical regulator still recom- Police officers patrol the empty steps of the Sydney Opera House during a lockdown to curb the years, but provincial police offi- to nearly 150 cases. mended the vaccine for those spread of a coronavirus disease outbreak, in Sydney yesterday. cials said the overnight attack Mandatory masks and older than 60. from several directions was the fiercest launched by the insurgents.-Reuters Duterte hints at running for V-P, Court denies bid by Suu Manila extends virus curbs lashes out at ally Pacquiao Kyi to disqualify testimony MANILA: President Rodrigo AP — BANGKOK violated COVID-19 pandemic Duterte has prolonged restric- AP — MANILA limited by the 1987 constitution PDP-Laban party will meet on restrictions on two occasions tions on movement and busi- to a single six-year term. At least July 16 and 17 to firm up its list Myanmar’s ousted leader Aung during the 2020 election nesses in the Philippine capital Philippine President Rodrigo two former presidents, Joseph of candidates for next year’s San Suu Kyi suffered a legal campaign. and nearby provinces until Duterte said he may consider Estrada and Gloria Macapagal May 9 general election. setback yesterday when a judge Suu Kyi went on trial on mid-July, and retained stricter running for vice president next Arroyo, have made successful Aspirants have until October 8 denied her lawyers’ motion to June 14 in a closed court in Nay- COVID-19 curbs in central and year when his term ends “if runs for lower public offices to file their candidacies. disqualify prosecution pyitaw, the capital. The ruling southern areas, an official said there is a space for me,” after serving as president, but In a preliminary meeting testimony against her on a military is widely seen as using yesterday. although opponents have not for vice-president. late last month, Duterte’s party sedition charge, her defence the charges to discredit her and Infections in the capital described such a prospect as “a The vice-president is elected mates approved calls for him team said. consolidate its control. region, home to at least 13 joke of the worst kind.” separately from the president to run for vice president next The court, however, said it The military took power in million people, have dropped Duterte’s televised remarks under Philippine law. Those year and pick his presidential would allow the issue to be February after ousting Suu Kyi’s since peaking in April, but on Monday night were the who serve in the post could running mate. Duterte initially referred to the High Court and elected government and arresting some provinces are battling strongest sign that he is consid- potentially be propelled to the said he wanted to retire after would suspend testimony until her and other top officials in her spikes as the country ering calls by governing PDP- top role if the president dies or his presidency and was a ruling is issued. Ousted Pres- administration and National scrambles to distribute and Laban party allies for him to run is incapacitated for any reason. “resisting” the call, although he ident Win Myint and the former League for Democracy party, administer vaccines. for vice president to continue “It’s not at all a bad idea and did not categorically reject it. mayor of Naypyitaw, Myo Aung, which had been due to start a Entertainment venues, his government programs. if there is a space for me there, A new opposition coalition, her close political allies, are co- second five-year term after amusement parks, and con- The tough-talking leader maybe,” Duterte, 76, said of the 1Sambayan, expressed shock defendants in the charge. winning a landslide victory in a tacts sports are prohibited in also publicly lashed out for the prospects of running for vice over the prospects of a Duterte The court will continue to general election last November. the capital region and nearby first time at Filipino boxing star president. “But if there’s no space vice-presidential run. “The hear prosecution testimony on The army has said it will provinces, while restaurants, Manny Pacquiao, a Philippine for me, everybody is crowding alleged VP run of the president other charges Suu Kyi faces: hold new polls within two years gyms and indoor tourist senator and a longtime ally, for up wanting to be one, vice-pres- not only makes a mockery of the that she illegally imported of its takeover, but a conviction attractions are allowed to saying that corruption has ident, let them be at this time constitution but a joke of the walkie-talkies for her body- on virtually any charge could operate at up to 40 percent worsened under Duterte. because I’m finished.” worst kind. It is laughable,” coa- guards’ use and used those result in Suu Kyi being banned capacity. -Reuters Philippine presidents are Leaders of Duterte’s lition leader Howard Calleja said. radios without a licence, and from running. 10 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE 2021 Brexit: Traffickers seen targeting EU citizens in UK

THOMSON REUTERS FOUNDATION Over 5.6 million EU citizens have applied for representation to trafficking victims of modern slavery,” a left trafficking victims in Britain - LONDON residency rights in Britain so far, but many survivors - said the deadline spokeswoman said in a less likely to receive help and would create a “cliff-edge” with statement. at risk of falling further into Human traffickers will target people are unaware of the deadline and face traffickers seeking to mislead Yet activists said victims of debt bondage, according to and exploit vulnerable language barriers or lack access to legal or instil fear in people who miss trafficking and slavery would activists. European Union (EU) citizens it. not know they could apply after About 10,613 potential in Britain who fail to meet a advice, according to advocates. “Traffickers are very clever the deadline and that it was victims were referred to the deadline to apply for post- and clued up on how the immi- unclear at what point late interior ministry for support last Brexit residency rights, “Those who perpetuate ... Reuters Foundation. gration system works,” said claims would no longer be year, while a 2020 study by campaigners said as they slavery and trafficking take More than 5.6 million EU Thomas, who has urged the considered. charity Justice and Care and The warned tens of thousands advantage of things like this citizens have applied for resi- government to scrap the Eliza Stachowska of cam- Centre for Social Justice think- would miss this week’s cut-off (deadline),” said Luke Piper, dency rights in Britain so far, but deadline. “They can use any paign group Hope for Justice tank estimated Britain is home date. head of policy at the3million, a many people — including deadline as a coercive said the issue was complicated to at least 100,000 modern EU citizens who miss the campaign group for EU citizens victims of trafficking — are measure.” by the fact that victims often slaves. June 30 deadline are set to lose in Britain. “I think it will be dev- unaware of the deadline and Britain’s interior ministry lacked documentation to show Many victims come from EU the right to work and receive astating for vulnerable people. face language barriers or lack said it will accept late residency how long they had been in countries such as Lithuania, benefits, and activists and “Criminals could tell people: access to legal advice, according claims where there is a rea- Britain and the COVID-19 pan- Poland and Romania, and may lawyers fear that uncertainty ‘You missed the deadline, you’re to advocates. sonable excuse. demic had hampered access to be exploited at farms, factories over new immigration rules will in trouble, the police will deport Carita Thomas, an immi- “We have a well-established immigration advice. and construction sites, in the sex enable criminals to tighten their you, stay with us — we’ll protect gration lawyer for ATLEU — a process for prioritising cases of Coronavirus restrictions and trade, or for domestic grip over trafficking victims. you’,” he told the Thomson charity providing legal vulnerable applicants, including the economic slowdown have servitude. IN BRIEF

Stung by pandemic, G20 Estonia fridge failure foreign ministers call destroys over 68,000 AstraZeneca doses for greater cooperation TALLINN: A refrigerator failure in Estonia destroyed REUTERS — MATERA, ITALY deputy ministers. more than 68,000 doses of German Foreign Minister AstraZeneca vaccines last G20 foreign ministers called Heiko Maas said he regretted week after the temperature yesterday for multilateral cures the absence of direct counter- rose to 15 degrees Celsius, the for global crises like the parts from Beijing and Moscow. Health Board said. The alarm COVID-19 pandemic and “When you get together, you system failed to report the climate emergency at their first also have to talk to each other. failure, which lasted for more face-to-face meeting in two We need dialogue with Russia than 12 hours and was only years. and China,” he said during a detected after an employee The one-day gathering in break. entered the cold room. The the heat-soaked southern city Heading into the meeting, destroyed vaccines were of Matera focused on how to Maas said he would raise his marked for donation outside improve cooperation, revive the unhappiness at the way he Estonia, so the country’s world’s economy following the thought China and Russia had vaccination programme will pandemic and boost devel- offered vaccines to boost their not be disrupted, the Estonian opment in Africa. standing with certain countries. public broadcaster reported. “The pandemic has high- “(This) is not about achieving - REUTERS lighted the need for an interna- short-term geostrategic advan- tional response to emergencies tages,” he said. EU warns Germany that transcend national bound- US Secretary of State over travel ban aries,” Italian Foreign Minister Antony Blinken reiterated the Luigi Di Maio told the ministers need to deliver many more vac- Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio arrives to attend the G20 meeting of foreign and development BRUSSELS: Germany should from the Group of 20 major cines to poorer countries, which ministers in Matera, Italy, yesterday. not impose a travel ban on economies. have so far received far fewer Portugal but limit itself to The G20 members account doses than wealthy nations. desire of President Joe Biden’s delegates. was important. imposing testing and quar- for more than 80 percent of “To bring the pandemic to administration to embrace Italy, which is home to the “It is difficult to expect con- antine requirements to be in world gross domestic product, an end, we must get more vac- international cooperation, in UN food and agriculture crete results from Matera,” said line with EU approach, the 75 percent of global trade and cines to more places,” he said, contrast to previous President agencies, invited development Antonio Villafranca, director of bloc’s executive said 60 percent of the population of adding that the G20 would help Donald Trump, who touted an ministers to attend the meeting studies at the Milan-based yesterday. The European the planet. Those in Matera low-income countries address “America First” message. and pushed global food security Institute of International Policy Commission said Germany included the top diplomats of “significant debt vulnerabilities’ “We need to cooperate, and to the forefront. Studies. “But reaffirming mul- did inform the Brussels- the United States, Japan, Britain, that had been exacerbated by we need to do it effectively. Given the broad range of tilateral commitment and based executive that it now France, Germany and India. the coronavirus. Multilateralism is what makes countries in the G20, getting understanding on those issues considers Portugal a “virus- However, the foreign min- Blinken was due to fly back that possible,” Blinken said in agreement can be difficult, but that states could converge on, variant zone” and wanted to isters of China, Brazil and Aus- to Washington today, ending a his remarks to the conference, analysts said the fact the min- in a climate of growing inter- activate emergency brake to tralia opted to follow the dis- tour of Germany, France and surrounded by perspex sheeting isters had resumed in-person national tensions, would restrict free travel to prevent cussions by video link, while Italy, during which he has to prevent any possible meetings and were rallying to already be a result that should the spread of COVID-19. But Russia and South Korea sent underlined the infection from fellow the cry for greater cooperation not to be underestimated.” it said severe restrictions on travel to and from Portugal that Berlin announced “do not seem fully aligned” with Court convicts woman for recommendations for the bloc’s 27 countries meant to spreading IS propaganda ease summer travel. - REUTERS AP — THE HAGUE The woman, whose name was not released in line with Cocaine, cash seized at A Dutch court convicted a Dutch privacy rules, distributed farm near Amsterdam 32-year-old woman and large amounts of IS propaganda sentenced her to six years’ via the Telegram messaging THE HAGUE: Law imprisonment for involvement app in 2019. enforcement officers seized in war crimes committed by the She shared two videos of nearly three tonnes of cocaine so-called IS extremist group in prisoners of war being killed and $13.5m in cash when they Syria and Iraq. and provided her own “humil- raided a farm near In the ground-breaking iating” commentary for one of Amsterdam in one of the city’s conviction, The Hague District the executions. By doing so, biggest ever drug hauls, police Court ruled that Islamic State “she abused the personal said. The cocaine, with an is a criminal organisation with dignity of the deceased people estimated street value of the aim of committing war and that is a war crime,” the $232m, was piled up in tightly crimes and convicted the court said. wrapped blocks throughout woman of involvement in the It added that she incited the building about 20km war crimes for spreading IS others to commit terrorist south of the Dutch capital and propaganda from her home crimes and war crimes, trained in vehicles searched by inves- near Amsterdam. herself and others to make tigators. Police also recovered The woman’s sentence was bomb vests and sent money to six guns, silencers, ammu- double the three years origi- people involved in terrorist nition as well as luxury items nally demanded by prose- activities. and money counting cutors, with judges saying the Spreading propaganda machines during the raid last sentence request was “far too made her “part of this terrorist Thursday, Police said in a The paintings “Woman’s Head” by Pablo Picasso and “Mill” by Piet Mondrian, both stolen from low” even though the organisation that is guilty statement. Two men were Greece’s National Gallery in 2012, are displayed during a presentation to members of the media at defendant suffers from a what around the world of attacks and arrested on suspicion of the Ministry of Citizen Protection, in Athens yesterday. the court called a “psycho- spreading fear,” the court said involvement in large-scale logical impulse disorder.” in a statement. drug trafficking. - AP Greece recovers stolen Picasso, Mondrian paintings

REUTERS — ATHENS man who confessed that he had of Independence in Athens. Oppn leader in Sweden to get first stolen the paintings and led “In our new gallery, they Greece has recovered works of police to a forest outside Athens will find the place they art by Pablo Picasso and Piet where he had hidden them, the deserve,” Citizens’ Protection attempt to replace ousted premier Mondrian, stolen from its Citizens’ Protection Ministry Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis National Gallery in 2012, said yesterday. told a joint news conference BLOOMBERG — STOCKHOLM political paralysis that has a majority oppose them to authorities said yesterday. Footage handed out by with Culture Minister Lina gripped Sweden. make the cut. Thieves broke into the police from the site showed one Mendoni. “Picasso dedicated The Speaker of Sweden’s The biggest Nordic country With a deeply divided par- gallery and snatched Picasso’s of the paintings sealed in a the painting to the Greek parliament asked the main quickly descended into a liament, and uncertainty about 1939 painting “Woman’s Head”, package under bushes. people,” he said. “There was a opponent of the ousted Prime political crisis after a clash over how individual members will donated by the Spanish artist The arrested man said a Greek man who took it away. Minister Stefan Lofven to relaxing rent regulation last vote, Kristersson’s prospects in 1949, and Dutch painter sketch by Italian painter There were Greeks who attempt forming a new week led parties across the are debatable, and the possi- Mondrian’s “Mill” dated 1905. Guglielmo Caccia, donated to brought it back.” government. political spectrum to unite bility of a snap election To mislead the guard, the the gallery in 1907 and also Mendoni said the Picasso Speaker Andreas Norlen against Lofven. remains. Kristersson, who’s thieves had activated the gal- stolen in 2012, had been painting bore an inscription said Moderate Leader Ulf Kris- The Speaker has now also willing to cooperate with lery’s alarm system several destroyed, the ministry said. from the painter to the Greek tersson will get until Friday to started exploring who could anti-immigration Sweden times before breaking into the The paintings will be people for their fight against find out whether he has enough take the reins and form a gov- Democrats, is backed by building early in the morning. exhibited once again in the fascism. support in parliament to ernment with some semblance parties representing slightly The guard turned off the alarm National Gallery, which opened “That is the reason why it replace Lofven’s caretaker of stability, but the mathematics less than the 175 votes needed only to spot one of the thieves in March after nine years of was impossible for the painting administration. of a divided Parliament is for a majority. To avoid losing through the motion detector. renovation work, as part of cel- not only to be sold but also to The announcement is the posing severe challenges to any a vote, he would need law- On Monday, authorities ebrations marking the 200th be exhibited anywhere,” she first step in the Speaker’s efforts contender. Any successful can- makers in the opposing camp arrested a 49-year-old Greek anniversary of the Greek War said. to facilitate a way out of the didate will need to avoid having to abstain. WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE 2021 EUROPE / AMERICAS 11 Brazil redeploys troops to Amazon rainforest, bans fires

REUTERS — BRASILIA Scientists warn it dry in the southern Amazon the risk for fires is — which expands the window Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro of deforestation and burning,” yesterday issued a broad greater this year due said the non-profit Amazon 120-day ban on unauthorised to extreme drought, Environmental Research outdoor fires as the country Institute (IPAM) in a statement. suffered its worst drought in with many parts of Fire season, which gen- decades ahead of the annual the Amazon recording erally peaks in August and Sep- burning season in the Amazon drier weather than tember, is beginning to accel- rainforest. erate, with 23 major fires On Monday, Bolsonaro last year. recorded so far this year, redeployed the military to stop according to Matt Finer, who deforestation in the world’s leads a fire tracking project for largest rainforest. space research agency Inpe. the Amazon Conservation non- Both moves repeat policies Last year the region also profit. All the fires have been in instituted by Bolsonaro recorded the most fires since Mato Grosso state at the south- annually since 2019, in 2017, Inpe data show. eastern edge of the Amazon, response to international outcry Preliminary Inpe data show Finer said. that Brazil was not doing deforestation rose a further 25% Bolsonaro issued this year’s enough to stop destruction of in the first five months of 2021 fire ban in a decree published the vital bulwark to climate from a year ago. in the official government change. Scientists warn the risk for gazette on Tuesday. The decree Neither policy has previ- fires is greater this year due to redeploying the military was ously been effective in lowering extreme drought, with many published Monday night. deforestation or forest fires. parts of the Amazon recording This military deployment Generally, criminals first cut drier weather than last year. will be much more focused than Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez meets Catalonia’s regional government chief Pere Aragones down the valuable timber and Between September and past deployments restricted to at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid, yesterday. later set fire to the area, clearing May, hydroelectric plants 26 municipalities in four states it for future agricultural use in across the country have — Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Pará speculative land grabs. reported the lowest water and Rondônia. The most recent Deforestation in the inflows in 91 years, according past deployment, which ended Spain PM, Catalan chief relaunch talks Amazon has accelerated under to the Mines and Energy in April, was for the entire Bolsonaro, hitting a 12-year- Ministry. Amazon region. REUTERS — BARCELONA negotiations on Catalan issue. government’s push to foster high in 2020 as an area seven “To make matters worse, Bolsonaro authorised the However, Spain’s Court of dialogue with Catalonia. times the size of London was this is a year affected by La current deployment until the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Auditors is requesting the The court requested 1.9 cut down, according to national Niña, which especially makes end of August. Sanchez met Catalonia’s new return of about 5.4 million million euros from Oriol Jun- pro-independence regional euros from 40 former Catalan queras, the most prominent of head for the first time as the officials due to their alleged role the freed politicians for his role Netherlands claims central government seeks to in promoting Catalonia’s inde- as Catalonia’s deputy leader until Man faces 20 years in prison improve ties after pardoning pendence bid abroad, including 2017, according to the reports. Russian jets flew nine jailed separatist leaders. some pardoned leaders, Junqueras, the chairman of after jumping from plane in LA Catalan head of gov- according to a report published Aragones’ party Esquerra low over frigate ernment Pere Aragones, who by several newspapers. Republicana de Catalunya, told AP — LOS ANGELES which could bring 20 years in took office last month, has said The court has not issued any Reuters on Monday that the AP — THE HAGUE prison if he is convicted. his main requests at the ruling on the potential misuse court is politicised and that its A passenger who tried to break It was not immediately meeting in Madrid will be an of public funds by them but its investigation shows “the end of Russian fighter jets repeatedly into an airplane cockpit last clear if he had an attorney who official referendum on inde- interim request implies that they the repression is very far away”. flew low over a Dutch navy week had recently been under could speak on his behalf. pendence and an amnesty for need to deposit the demanded He said it was essential to frigate in the Black Sea last the influence of methamphet- A criminal complaint the more than 3,000 separa- amount, according to the approve an amnesty related to week and carried out “mock amine before he jumped from released Monday gave new tists under legal investigation. reports. If they could not do so, the 2017 events. attacks,” the Netherlands the moving plane in Los details about the incident and Sanchez, who opposes their assets would be seized. The court also requested 1.9 Defense Ministry said yesterday. Angeles, authorities said. Victoria Dominguez’s life in the independence, has ruled out A court spokesperson said million euros from former The incident involving the Luis Antonio Victoria days prior. both demands. the report was not public yet as Catalan head Carles Puig- Dutch ship Zr Ms Evertsen Dominguez of La Paz, Mexico, Victoria Dominguez told An unauthorised refer- a meeting between court rep- demont, who fled to Belgium happened last Thursday broke his leg Friday when he the FBI that he had he heard endum on a breakaway in year resentatives and the officials’ after the independence southeast of Crimea, the min- opened the plane’s emergency other passengers laugh and say 2017 led to a short-lived decla- lawyers had not concluded. declaration. istry said in a statement. exit and jumped to the tarmac they were going to a different ration of independence and Catalan government Puigdemont compared the It came a day after after at Los Angeles International destination, the complaint Spain’s worst political crisis in spokesperson Patricia Plaja court with the Spanish Inqui- Russia said one of its warships Airport, according to the US says. He panicked. He decades. Separatist leaders were criticised the report and urged sition and General Francisco in the Black Sea fired warning attorney’s office in Los Angeles. “sprinted” toward a flight convicted to lengthy prison the Spanish government to act Franco’s rule, tweeting that his shots and a warplane dropped He underwent surgery and attendant at the front of the terms on a variety of charges. after a top government and lawyer only had three hours to bombs to force a British is expected to appear in federal plane around 7pm and said he Sanchez pardoned them last Socialist Party official said last read the over 500-pages report destroyer out of an area near court this week on a charge of wasn’t feeling well and needed week in what he said was a week the court’s investigation and 10 minutes to voice his Crimea that Russia claims as interference with a flight crew, to get off the flight. goodwill gesture to kickstart was an obstacle in the allegations. its territorial waters. Britain denied that account and insisted its ship wasn’t fired upon. Argentinian city wins global prize for urban farming project The Evertsen has been patrolling in the Black Sea with THOMSON REUTERS FOUNDATION provide healthy local produce transformative urban change agriculture. undersecretary of environment, HMS Defender, the British ship - RIO DE JANEIRO and livelihoods for poor fam- worldwide. About 300 urban farmers in said she hoped the initiative that was involved in that ilies and later developed to More than two-thirds of the Rosario now have temporary could serve as a template for incident. Defense Minister Ank An urban farming project in the repurpose public and private world’s population is forecast ownership of public and private other cities worldwide looking Bijleveld-Schouten called the Argentinian city of Rosario that land and become a pillar of the to live in cities by 2050, land, at least 2,400 families to develop their own urban Russian actions was designed to improve food city’s climate adaptation efforts, according to the United Nations. have started their own vege- farms. “irresponsible.” security, but evolved to boost the WRI said. And urban farming could be table gardens, and seven new Cantore said that the project “Evertsen has every right resilience to extreme weather “(Rosario has) climate crucial to feeding these people, permanent market spaces have was still going strong after 20 to sail there,” she said. “There events and cut carbon emis- impact, poverty alleviation, producing as much as 180 been created, according to the years despite elections and is no justification whatsoever sions, was yesterday named the social inclusion,” said Anne million tonnes of food a year - WRI. changes to the city adminis- for this kind of aggressive act, winner of a global prize for Maassen, Global Lead for the or about 10 percent of the global The initiative has become a tration, and that a new climate which also unnecessarily cities. WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities. output of pulses and vegetables fundamental part of the city’s plan had been presented last increases the chance of acci- Rosario _ in Argentina’s “It is the full package of social- — according to a 2018 study in climate adaptation planning, December. dents,” adding that the Neth- northeastern Santa Fe province economic and environmental the journal Earth’s Future. with green spaces helping to “We know we have to move erlands would speak to Russia — won the World Resources impact.” Rosario’s project was absorb rainfall and prevent forward with more green infra- about the incident. Institute (WRI) Ross Center The WRI — a Washington- launched in the wake of Argen- floods while local food pro- structure to be more climate The ministry said that the Prize for Cities and $250,000 based think-tank — received tina’s 2001 economic crisis and duction cuts carbon emissions resilient, and also mitigate the Russian jets, armed with for its two-decade-old submissions from 160 cities granted temporary tenure of associated with the delivery of impact of climate change,” she bombs and air-to-surface initiative. across 54 countries for the vacant land to the city’s poorest fresh produce. told the Thomson Reuters rockets flew past the frigate. The project was set up to annual award, which spotlights residents for urban Maria Cantore, Rosario’s Foundation. EU asylum applications drop due to virus travel curbs European court says Poland

AP — BRUSSELS denied judges right to appeal

The European Union’s asylum agency said REUTERS — WARSAW given an explanation or the yesterday that the number of people possibility to appeal. seeking international protection in Europe The Polish justice minister “As the premature termi- hit its lowest level last year since 2013, but infringed on the rights of two nation of the applicants’ term of that the drop was due mostly to corona- court officials when he office as court vice-presidents virus travel restrictions. dismissed them without letting had not been examined either The European Asylum Support Office, them appeal, the European by an ordinary court or by or EASO, said in a new report that 485,000 Court of Human Rights (ECHR) another body exercising judicial asylum applications were made in the 27 ruled, dealing a blow to the duties, the respondent State had EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, government’s judicial reforms. infringed the very essence of the Norway and Switzerland in 2020. That’s Poland’s ruling Law and applicants’ right of access to a a 32 percent decrease over the previous Justice (PiS) party has intro- court,” the ECHR said. year. duced a series of judiciary It ruled that Poland should It said that “reduced applications were reforms that critics, including pay each applicant 20,000 primarily due to restricted mobility and the European Union’s exec- euros in damages. Both sides travel, rather than a decrease in the number utive, say may harm the inde- have three months to appeal. of people in need of international pendence of the courts. The justice ministry said it protection.” Those included legislation was analysing the verdict and Two-thirds of the applications were giving the justice minister the would comment soon. lodged in just three countries. Germany, power to hire and fire the heads “We respect the court but where most people from conflict-torn Syria of courts of general jurisdiction. we are implementing our pro- are seeking refuge, registered 122,000 These judges coordinate the grammes, including the reform applications, while France had 93,000 court’s works and execute of the justice system, in line applications for international protection administrative duties. with our schedule,” Prime Min- and Spain had 89,000. Asylum seekers requesting to be regularised by the Belgian government to have access to Under those new rules, ister Mateusz Morawiecki said. But EASO said that when the economic healthcare, are seen in a room on the campus of Belgium university ULB, where hundreds judges Mariusz Broda and Alina Justice Minister Zbigniew growth and population size are taken into of migrants are going on hunger strike for more than a month, in Brussels, yesterday. Bojara were removed from Ziobro fired more than 150 court account, Cyprus, Greece and Malta remain their posts as vice-presidents presidents and vice-presidents under the greatest pressure to process from Syria and Afghanistan, followed by Spain —and Iraqis. Citizens of Turkey of the Kielce Regional Court over a six-month period in 2017 applications and house asylum-seekers. nationals of Venezuela and Colombia — remain among the top seven nationalities before their six-year term of and 2018, according to Polish Most people seeking protection were who tend to lodge their applications in hoping to find protection in Europe. office ended without being Judges Association Iustitia. 12 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE 2021 Watchdog groups sue Biden govt over expansion of N-work

AP — COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA The suit comes as US officials have doubled Watchdog groups sued the down on a push to modernise the country’s Biden administration yesterday nuclear arsenal and the science and technology over its plans to produce plutonium cores for the US that accompany it, citing global security nuclear stockpile, arguing concerns. The nuclear agency has said most of federal agencies have failed to the plutonium cores currently in the stockpile conduct a detailed environ- mental review of potential date back to the 1970s and 1980s. impacts around installations in New Mexico and South Carolina. A lawsuit filed against the Laboratory in northern New “The environmental risk of Energy Department and the Mexico and the Savannah River there being an accident at either National Nuclear Security Site near Aiken, South Carolina location causing the release of Administration calls on the face deadlines to produce a set radioactive materials is real, and federal agency that oversees US number of plutonium cores in it would have significant con- nuclear research and bomb- coming years. sequences to the surrounding US President Joe Biden poses for a photo after delivering remarks highlighting the benefits of making to take a legally On Monday, the National environment and communities,” Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework, at La Crosse Municipal Transit Utility, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, required “hard look” at impacts Nuclear Security Administration said Leslie Lenhardt, an attorney on local communities and pos- gave key approval to the pro- with the South Carolina Envi- US, yesterday. sible alternatives before duction project at the Savannah ronmental Law Project, which expanding manufacturing of the River Site. Yearly production of is representing the groups. worried about lagging dead- nuclear fuel. As the Savannah environmental violations that plutonium cores used to trigger 50 or more cores at the South The nuclear agency did not lines and bloated budgets on River Site has never served as needed a $7 billion, yearslong nuclear weapons. Carolina location is now esti- immediately respond to a top of security concerns and the a storage or production site for cleanup. That has left critics The suit comes as US offi- mated to cost between $6.9bn request for comment. risks of nuclear waste and con- the pits in its history, estab- concerned about similar cials have doubled down on a to $11.1bn, with a completion The efforts to bolster the tamination. Some have argued lishing pit construction there problems arising if new plu- push to modernise the country’s date ranging from 2032 to 2035. nuclear arsenal have spanned the US doesn’t need the new would be “a daunting technical tonium warhead factories are nuclear arsenal and the science The watchdog groups said multiple presidential adminis- plutonium cores. challenge that has not been established in New Mexico and and technology that accompany Tuesday that the agency took a trations, with the Biden admin- Tom Clements of Savannah properly reviewed,” Clements South Carolina. it, citing global security con- piecemeal approach to decide istration reviewing moderni- River Site Watch said the South said. Production moved in the cerns. The nuclear agency has on locating the production at zation efforts begun during the Carolina location was picked Beginning in the 1950s, plu- 1990s to Los Alamos, where said most of the plutonium cores Los Alamos and the Savannah Obama years that continued for political reasons following tonium pits were produced at production over the years has currently in the stockpile date River Site, where nearby com- under Donald Trump’s the failure of a facility designed the Rocky Flats facility in been sporadic, plagued by back to the 1970s and 1980s. munities are already underrep- presidency. to convert weapons-grade plu- Colorado, which had a long safety problems and concerns Los Alamos National resented and underserved. Critics of the plan are tonium into commercial history of leaks, fires and about a lack of accountability.

Biden to visit IN BRIEF Surfside tomorrow; Young activists say Biden must search enters 6th day fight harder on climate change AP — SURFSIDE, FLORIDA WASHINGTON: Young climate activists carrying signs reading “Biden - fight for us” and “No climate, no deal” gathered outside The slow work of sifting the White House on Monday to protest what they called US Pres- through the remnants of a ident Joe Biden’s broken promises and pandering to Republicans. collapsed Florida condo “Biden ran with bold promises for action and climate and we building stretched into a sixth turned out for him,” said John Paul Mejia, an 18-year-old student day yesterday, as families from Miami among hundreds at the Sunrise Movement protest, desperate for progress which featured Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and endured a wrenching wait for other progressive members of Congress. answers. “We did everything in our power to get him elected and we “We have people waiting need to have some say in our future and the safety of our com- and waiting and waiting for munities,” Mejia said. Mejia’s disappointment is being echoed by news,” Miami-Dade Mayor young climate activists around the country who say Biden’s oppor- Daniella Levine Cava told tunity to fulfill campaign pledges is slipping away as he negotiates reporters. “We have them with Republicans. coping with the news that they “We have a Democratic president, we have majority both in might not have their loved the House and the Senate, and it should be a time in which we are Indigenous Brazilians from different ethnic groups taking part in a protest for land demarcation ones come out alive and still able to get things done, and we really haven’t,” said Kallan Benson, and against President Jair Bolsonaro’s government, next to the National Congress in Brasilia, Brazil, hope against hope that they a 17-year-old organizer for Fridays for Future, a global activist will. They’re learning that yesterday. group. -Reuters some of their loved ones will come out as body parts. This is the kind of information that Bill curtailing indigenous land rights IMF loan probe: Bolivia arrests is just excruciating for everyone.” former Treasury Ministry official The work has been delib- advances in Brazil’s Congress erate and treacherous. Thun- LA PAZ: Bolivia’s government has arrested a former Treasury derstorms rolled through the REUTERS — BRASILIA indigenous lands not occupied that the measure in unconsti- Ministry official as part of an investigation into a loan from the area yesterday, and debris fell by October 1988, favoring tutional and block its enactment International Monetary Fund that was renounced by new Pres- onto the search area overnight A bill allowing commercial farmers in several ongoing land into law. ident Luís Arce. Former Vice Minister Carlos Schlink was arrested from the shattered edge of the agriculture and mining on disputes. The bill would also If not, he warned of Tuesday as he was trying to leave the country, according to pros- part of the building that still protected tribal reservations in end a ban on the use of GMO potential conflicts to come. ecutor Manuel Saavedra. Three former treasury ministers also stands. Brazil advanced in Congress crops on reservations. “There will be war because are under investigation. Schlink served under former interim That forced rescuers to yesterday in what indigenous It would also allow the gov- indigenous people will not President Jeanine Áñez, who herself has been detained on charges mark a “don’t go beyond here” leaders said could be the ernment to build roads and allow their territories to be of sedition. The conservative assumed the presidency in 2018 line and focus their efforts biggest setback since their land dams, tap strategic resources taken at any cost,” said Surui, after President Evo Morales was pressured into resigning amid parts of the debris pile that are rights were guaranteed in the on reservations and allow who heads a forum of tradi- protests over his reelection and left office after Morales’ leftist farther from the structure, 1988 Constitution. access to the police and military tional tribal chiefs called party won elections last year. Áñez reached agreement with the Surfside Mayor Charles The proposal, known as PL without consulting indigenous Parlaindio. IMF for a $327 million loan to deal with the COVID-19 emergency, Burkett told Miami television 490, cleared the constitutional communities. Last week, riot police used but Arce denounced the deal and returned the money, alleging it station WSVN. affairs committee and headed “This is the worst moment tear gas and rubber bullets to imposed financial conditions upon the country.. The IMF has sent Also yesterday, the White for the lower house plenary. since 1988 for the rights that disperse indigenous people a letter to Bolivia’s congress denying any such conditions. -AP House announced that Pres- Brazil’s powerful farm indigenous people gained,” protesting against the bill ident Joe Biden and First Lady lobby and far-right President Almir Surui, chieftain of the outside Congress. No indictment for Georgia officer Jill Biden would travel to Jair Bolsonaro have pushed for Paiter Surui, said by telephone Protesters, including Surfside tomorrow. the bill, arguing that indigenous from the state of Rondonia. children and elders, ran for who killed Black driver Just two additional bodies communities are blocking Surui, who made his name cover, many coughing their way were found Monday, raising development of the Amazon campaigning against hydroe- through clouds of gas. Some ATLANTA: A grand jury has declined to indict a former Georgia the count of confirmed dead while sitting on reservations lectric dams that left-wing gov- shot arrows at the windows of state trooper who shot and killed a Black man last year after trying to 11. That leaves 150 people with mineral resources and ernments worked to build in the the government’s indigenous to pull him over for a broken tail light. Jacob Thompson, who still unaccounted for in the agricultural promise. Amazon a decade ago, hopes affairs agency Funai, now seen worked for the Georgia State Patrol, had been arrested on charges community just outside Miami. PL 490 bars recognition of that the Supreme Court will rule as an ally of farming interests. of felony murder and aggravated assault in the Aug. 7 death of 60-year-old Julian Lewis. After the case was presented to a Screven County grand jury on Monday, the grand jurors did not indict Thompson on any of the charges. Francys Johnson, an attorney Nicaragua police spread fear with arrests, raids for Lewis’ family said they want to see video from shooting. He also called on District Attorney Daphne Totten to empanel another AP — MANAGUA as well, and jailed for nearly six against the state, usually Deyanira Parrales, Tinoco’s grand jury to try again to get an indictment. A woman who answered months as Ortega’s government involving the acceptance of wife. She asked them to be the phone in Totten’s office yesterday said the district attorney was It was around 10:30 pm on a violently put down street pro- foreign funding. In most cases, respectful and not be violent. in court in another county. Totten did not immediately respond to Sunday night when journalist tests that he says were an the police put out public state- Two of their daughters phone and email messages seeking comment. -AP Verónica Chávez heard a loud attempted coup. ments about the latest arrest received police in the house noise as she put her son to bed. During the past month, and the intimidation and fear praying and holding up a cru- First African American named She looked out to see her President Daniel Ortega’s police spread. A week before police cifix. “San Miguel archangel, husband Miguel Mora franti- have rounded up some 20 grabbed Mora, Víctor Hugo drive away evil demons,” Par- to lead US Forest Service cally trying to open the door to opposition figures, including Tinoco had gone out to dinner rales said her daughters their home as members of Nica- five presidential hopefuls like with two of his children at the chanted. The police did not WASHINGTON: Veteran forester Randy Moore has been named ragua’s police tried to kick it in. Mora, and raided the homes of Galerias mall in Managua. damage their home. Still, Par- chief of the US Forest Service, the first African American to Mora, a presidential hopeful others. Often the police would Around 9 pm he was getting rales said, “Those were the lead the agency in its 116-year history. Moore, 66, replaces and the former director of the arrive at night with over- into his car when police worst hours of my life.” Vicki Christiansen, who has led the agency since 2018. The news outlet 100% Noticias, whelming force — in Mora’s descended on them. When the police came for Forest Service, a division of the Agriculture Department, shouted for the police to stop case 7 to 10 patrol vehicles — “Ten masked men grabbed Dora María Téllez and Ana Mar- oversees 193 million acres of public lands in 154 national forests kicking so he could open the insult their targets and their him, put him in a truck and took garita Vijil, two leaders of the and 20 national grasslands. Moore has served as regional door for them. families, break windows and him,” his daughter Arlen Tinoco opposition party, Unamos, there forester in the California-based Pacific Southwest Region since “They were shouting, doors. They grab electronics: said. Police snatched her cell were more than 60 riot police 2007, where he has responsibility for 18 national forests in kicking and Miguel was trying cell phones, computers, phone away and threatened to securing the perimeter, California and Hawaii. to open the door and was saying external memory drives, hit her as she tried to film the according to a statement from He will take over from Christiansen as head of the ‘Here I am,’” Chávez said cameras. arrest. relatives. Police broke down 30,000-employee agency upon her retirement July 26. Chris- through tears. “They said ‘come Families are not told where Three days later, police doors and roughly handled the tiansen and Moore will collaborate on what is already shaping out,’ but as he was going to open the detainees are taken. They came to Tinoco’s home. “They women. Téllez had been a up as a severe wildfire season in the West, where an epic drought, they didn’t stop kicking the are not given access to lawyers. wanted to jump the gates, they Sandinista guerrilla with Ortega complicated by climate change, has made putting out fires more door.” Most of the charges concern shouted and threatened to before splitting with him years challenging and strained firefighting resources throughout the Mora was arrested in 2018 vague allegations of crimes break them down,” said ago. region.-AP