www.thepeninsula.qa Friday 21 August 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8356 2 Muharram - 1442 2 Riyals
BUSINESS | 11 SPORT | 16
Trade talks with Al Duhail US coming soon, confident of says Chinese clinching official QSL title
Cheering for Paris! Ooredoo, the network of heroes. Qatar wants peaceful political solution to Libya crisis THE PENINSULA — DOHA option.” H E the Deputy Prime Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Minister and Minister of State for Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Affairs said that the Minister of State for Defence Defence Affairs said that mercenaries cause Government of National Accord Affairs, H E Dr. Khalid bin anxiety in Libya. has a sincere intention to stop Mohammed Al Attiyah, affirmed the bloodshed and sit down to that the Qatar-Libya relation is "Political solution comes through the political find a political solution that very old based on mutual agreement and the outputs of the Skhirat serves Libya and its people and respect and cooperation in all Agreement in accordance with relevant Security thus results from a civilian fields. government. In an interview with Al Council resolutions." His Excellency added: Jazeera TV, H E Dr. Khalid bin “What we fear is the militari- Mohammed Al Attiyah said: “What we have seen from the discussions in sation of Libya, and at the core “There is importance to reach a Libya with all the parties in the Government of of the discussion of the three political solution to the Libyan National Accord is their openness to the political parties is to encourage how to crisis, and this political solution avoid the militarisation of Libya comes through the political solution." and take Libya to safety, so that agreement and the outputs of the the Libyan parties reach a Skhirat Agreement in accordance “What we fear is the militarisation of Libya, and political solution for the civil with relevant Security Council at the core of the discussion of the three parties state that all Libyans desire.” resolutions. There is no other is to encourage how to avoid the militarisation H E the Deputy Prime Min- option except a political solution, ister affirmed that the interna- which is what we urge our of Libya and take Libya to safety." tional community has a great brothers in Libya.” responsibility to ensure that On regional and international Haftar’s actions and aggression initiatives, H E Dr. Khalid said: On the recent visit of His The meetings were for consul- Defence Affairs added the mer- His Excellency said: “What against Libyan cities are not “We cannot dictate to the brothers Excellency accompanied by the tation and discussion about the cenaries cause anxiety in Libya. we have seen from the discus- repeated, warning that if the in Libya in which direction they Turkish Minister of Defence to best ways to protect the unity “We also talked about a political sions in Libya with all the parties Libyan issue is not set on the go, but there must be intentions Libya, H E Dr. Al Attiyah said: of Libya and how to combat solution and openness to the in the Government of National right track, which is the path of for a political solution and these “The meetings with the brothers mercenaries from any side.” parties that want a viable Accord is their openness to the a political solution, it may result intentions must be sincere and in Libya and the Turkish Min- H E the Deputy Prime Min- political solution to the Libyan political solution and we found in problems for Libya and the there must be partners.” ister of Defence were all fruitful. ister and Minister of State for crisis,” H E the Minister said. great positivity in adopting this neighbouring countries. FM reiterates Qatar's firm Qatar signs concession agreement for position in supporting Palestinian rights development, operation of Ukraine port THE PENINSULA — DOHA QNA — DOHA the rights of the brotherly Palestinian people and Minister of Transport and Deputy Prime Minister and adhering to international Minister of Transport and Communications H E Jassim Saif Minister of Foreign Affairs legitimacy and relevant Communications H E Ahmed Al Sulaiti and the Ukrainian H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Security Council resolutions Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Abdulrahman Al Thani held and the Arab Peace Initiative Sulaiti and the Ukrainian Minister of Infrastructure H E yesterday a phone call with as a basis for achieving a just Minister of Infrastructure Vladyslav Kryklii witnessed the H E Secretary-General of and sustainable peace that H E Vladyslav Kryklii have signing via videoconference. the Executive Committee guarantees the establishment witnessed the initialling of of the Palestine Liberation of a Palestinian state on the the concession agreement The term of the concession is 35 Organisation (PLO) Dr. 1967 borders with Jerusalem for the development and Saeb Erakat. as its capital. operation of the SC Olvia years, until 2056, during which During the call, they For his part, the Sec- Port - Ukraine, between QTerminals will invest about discussed developments in retary-General of the Exec- QTerminals Qatar, QTer- $140m to develop the port over Palestine as well as regional utive Committee of the PLO minals SC Olvia, the and international affirmed the Palestinian Ministry of Infrastructure the next five years. developments. side’s appreciation of the of Ukraine, and the State In the context of the Pal- position of the State of Enterprise Ukrainian Sea $3.5m is allocated for the estinian cause, H E the Qatar and the efforts cur- Ports Authority (USPA), at restoration of local infrastructure Deputy Prime Minister and rently underway to stop the a virtual signing ceremony of Mykolaiv, the city where the Minister of Foreign Affairs attack on the Palestinian in Doha and Kiev via vide- Minister of Transport and stressed the State of Qatar’s territories and innocent oconferencing. Communications H E Jassim Saif Ahmed port is located. firm position in supporting civilians in Gaza. The event was Al Sulaiti during the signing ceremony. attended by Chairman of Qatar Navigation (Milaha) Buchko Volodymyr Anatoliiovych, and Additionally, during the first five Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Acting Head of SE USPA Holodnytskyi Ole- years of the concession, QTerminals will Thani, Qatar’s Ambassador to Ukraine Hadi ksandr Hryhorovych. invest in establishing a new fully- QU ranks among top 700 bin Nasser Al-Hajri and Ukraine’s Ambas- The term of the concession is 35 years, equipped grain terminal, improve sador to Qatar Andrii Kuzmenko. until 2056, during which QTerminals will existing warehouses, modernize the road universities globally in The agreement was initialled by QTer- invest about $140m to develop the port over and telecommunications networks and minals Qatar CEO Neville Bissett, QTer- the next five years provided that $3.5m out all Olvia utilities and buildings, and set minals SC Olvia Executive Director of that amount is allocated for the resto- up silos and loading equipment for all ARWU 2020 Ranking Mohammed Al Lahham, Ukrainian State ration of local infrastructure of Mykolaiv, modes of transportation, such as railway Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure the city where the port is located. and freight lines. `P3 THE PENINSULA — DOHA
According to the 2020 Aca- demic Ranking of World Uni- Members of the school health and safety committees versities (ARWU), released on August 15 by Shang- haiRanking Consultancy, to get training to implement COVID-19 measures Qatar University (QU) has SANAULLAH ATAULLAH measures. The conference was distance learning will continue lessons will be available on the ranked 601-700 globally. THE PENINSULA also attended by Dr. Yousuf Al as it was in the previous aca- distance learning or Microsoft- Qatar University has Maslamani, Medical Director, demic year, as the education Teams platform enabling them maintained its legacy since The Ministry of Public Health, in Hamad General Hospital from material is available.” to follow up round the clock. 2017. In 2017 QU ranked 601- cooperation with the Ministry of the Ministry of Public Health. She said that those parents “We worked with Microsoft- 700, in 2018 QU ranked 901- Education and Higher Education On the distance learning who will not be present during Teams to solve some of the 1000 and in 2020 QU ranked tific research.” will train members of the school mechanism, Al Khater said: the morning to follow lessons problems that were faced previ- 601-700 according to ARWU. Since 2003, ARWU has health and safety committees to “The approved mechanism in with their children, the recorded ously, and we are trying to double On this occasion, QU Pres- been presenting the world top implement the precautionary the capacity on the platform to ident Dr. Hassan Al Derham universities annually based measures in each school to curb allow everyone benefit from the (pictured) said: “The university’s on transparent methodology the spread of COVID-19. Adequate measures for the safety of students in schools. platform without hindrance, and presence in this prestigious and objective third-party “These committees are parents should not be worried ranking is the result of deliberate data. It has been recognized essential in the coming stage to Schools will be under keen monitoring of MoPH. about this aspect,” said Al Khater. work and concerted efforts of as the precursor of global uni- ensure the safety of students in As for the exams, Al Khater said: the university to improve the versity rankings and the most schools,” said the Assistant Students can register for bus service online through the “The exams will be held at the quality of education and scien- trustworthy one. `P3 Under-Secretary for Educa- website of the Education Ministry. school premises because it required tional Affairs at the Ministry of to do so and parents must make an Education and Higher Edu- School canteens will be closed at the beginning. effort to follow up their students in cation, Fawzia Al Khater urging the educational process.” committee members, parents Distance learning on the pattern of last academic year will “During previous experience, and students to get more infor- continue. I would like to say, that safe envi- mation about the pandemic. ronments were provided for stu- She was speaking in a joint Capacity of online platform will increase to allow everyone dents and for administrative and press conference to explain the benefit smoothly. academic staff during the exam back-to-school plan and safety period.” `P3 02 HOME FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2020
PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY FAJR03.48 am SUNRISE 05.09 am 34oC 43oC Hot daytime with some clouds and slight dust at times. ZUHR 11.38 am ASR 03.07 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 05:00 – 18:05 LOW TIDE 01:20–12:39 MAGHRIB 06.09 pm ISHA 07.39 pm W ALRUWAIS: 32o↗36o W ALKHOR: 29o↗43o W DUKHAN: 31o↗40o W WAKRAH: 27o↗44o W MESAIEED 27o↗44o W ABUSAMRA 29o↗40o
Speaker of Shura Council attends PM receives phone call from Lebanon’s caretaker PM DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister At the beginning of the call, standing with the Lebanese people. conclusion of 5th World Conference of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Kha- H E Dr. Hassan Diab expressed his thanks During the call, they reviewed the lifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani received a and appreciation to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bilateral relations between the two phone call from Caretaker Prime Min- bin Hamad Al Thani for the support countries, the prospects for strength- ister of the Republic of Lebanon H E extended by the State of Qatar after Bei- ening and developing them, and the of Speakers of Parliament Dr. Hassan Diab yesterday. rut port explosion, and Qatar’s permanent latest developments in Lebanon. -QNA
QNA — DOHA a basic means of imple- menting the 2030 Agenda The Fifth World Conference for Sustainable Devel- Sheikha Hessa Al Thani praises of Speakers of Parliament opment and its Goals. concluded yesterday, with the The Fifth World Con- participation of Speaker of the ference of Speakers of Shura Council H E Ahmed bin Parliament, which was efforts of aid and relief workers Abdullah bin Zaid Al attended by H E the Sec- QNA — CAIRO on their field work and the World Humanitarian Day Mahmoud (pictured). retary-General of the impact they leave on societies, comes, and the world continues The conference, which was United Nations Antonio Special Envoy of the Secretary- and their great sacrifices of its efforts to combat the coro- held via video conference, Guterres, stressed that General of the Arab League for time, and often their lives in navirus pandemic that has concluded with a declaration addressing climate change Humanitarian Relief Affairs, order to offer others a better changed the features of life, in which it affirmed belief in should be an important H E Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa life. noting that health workers have and support of the purposes part of the future strategy. Al Thani, praised the exerted Her Excellency added that set the most wonderful and principles set out in the The conference also efforts and great sacrifices of there are hundreds of thou- examples of dedication, giving Charter of the United Nations, called for non-politici- humanitarian and relief sands of Syrian refugees who and self-sacrifice in order to and that parliaments should capabilities to confront the sation of humanitarian efforts, workers around the world. fled to neighbouring countries confront the deadly lead by example in defending epidemic. commitment to protecting This came in a statement or were internally displaced, pandemic. multilateralism and a rules- It said that preventing the human rights and funda- delivered by H E Sheikha Hessa and the same tragic situation in Her Excellency added that based international order, world economy from falling mental freedoms, strength- bint Khalifa Al Thani on the Yemen and Libya, in addition this day is celebrated, and the firmly standing up for the further into recession is an ening the role of young men occasion of the celebration of to the displaced Iraqis in their whole world shares Lebanon’s international system built immediate priority by and women in parliaments the World Humanitarian Day, countries, the displaced from wounds and sorrows, after a around the United Nations. enhancing international mac- and all state institutions, sup- which falls on August 19 each Darfur in Sudan, and refugees large explosion rocked the city It stressed that interna- roeconomic policy coordi- porting the core values of year. from Somalia in various parts of Beirut and its suburbs Aug.4, tional cooperation and multi- nation and maintaining global democracy and enabling par- Her Excellency said, in the of the world, and next to our leaving devastation and lateral action are needed now financial markets, while liaments to express the will of statement distributed by the Arab world there are those destruction with a diameter of more than ever, particularly stressing the need to deepen peoples. Arab League, that the world is looking for a refuge in African at least 10km, and the number in addressing the COVID-19 the partnerships and It also stressed respect for celebrating the humanitarian countries, fleeing civil strife, of victims reached more than pandemic and its impact, pro- strengthen the architecture international law as the and relief workers, and there economic and environmental 200 dead, more than 6000 viding greater support to that bring that blueprint to bedrock of a world order are always heroes who achieve disasters. wounded, and more than developing countries and fruition, and developing coop- based on solidarity and epics in giving and sacrifice, H E the Special Envoy 300.000 homeless people who helping them build their eration between countries as cooperation. and they deserve shedding light pointed out that this year, the lost their homes. Katara Art Centre presents virtual exhibition HMC cautions on on Arabian horses and hunting falcons heat-related illness RAYNALD C RIVERA FAZEENA SALEEM vomiting, tiredness, muscles THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA cramps, difficulty breathing, and a racing heart rate. He said Arabian horse and hunting Hamad Medical Corporation that if left untreated, heat falcon — two important (HMC) has urged people to start cramps or heat exhaustion can elements of Arab culture and taking precautions to safeguard lead to heat stroke, which is the heritage — are the subject of a themselves against heat- most serious heat-related new virtual exhibition launched related illnesses (HRI), such as illness and can be fatal. yesterday by the Katara Art heat exhaustion and heat According to him, Centre. stroke. depending on the extent of the Titled “Drinkers of the The body’s inability to cope illness, which ranges from mild Wind”, the exhibition show- with the heat can result in mild to extreme, an individual may cases unique poetic photo- HRIs such as heat cramps and experience symptoms like graphic portraits by prominent episodes of fainting, but can muscle pain, dizziness, nausea, photographer Tariq Dajani, Katara Art Centre has launched “Drinkers of the Wind”, a virtual exhibition featuring limited edition also advance to more severe sweating, light-headedness, reflecting his profound interest photos by prominent photographer Tariq Dajani. conditions, such as heat and extreme fatigue. in Islamic and Middle Eastern exhaustion and heat stroke, “Prolonged exposure to a traditions. emotion that can be felt by eve- observe the seasoned artist’s several private art collections. which can be life-threatening hot environment and increased Born in England to a Pales- ryone who encounters his pho- unparalleled mastery in cap- His prints of horses and falcons if not treated promptly, said physical activity can then cause tinian father and an English tographs and are evident in this turing on lens the very essence are widely admired and are Jefferson I. Lacson, Senior heat cramps and heat mother, Dajani spent much of new solo exhibition. of the horses and falcons’ ethos owned by art lovers around the Clinical Dietician, Home exhaustion and if those condi- his life moving between Europe Dajani has attained wide which he has perfected with world, including a number of HealthCare Services at HMC. tions continue, this can lead to and the Middle East which acclaim for his distinctive style many years of experience in his royal and ruling families in the He has cautioned people to heat stroke. People with heat brought him a deep under- which exudes classical realism art practice. Middle East. be aware of the warning signs exhaustion will often not realise standing and appreciation of and intellectual depth he The photos on display have He now lives on a rural, of dehydration, heat the severity of their condition varied cultures reflected on achieves by photographing his been produced as limited organic farm in Galicia, north- exhaustion, and other forms of and may just complain of dis- how he views and relates with subjects with an intent not edition prints, each of which is western Spain, with his wife, heat-related illness. He said comfort and uneasiness. They the world around him. merely to document them but signed and numbered by the and a family of Arabian horses while mild to moderate dehy- may experience excessive Over the years, the artist has to bring out their personality artist. and saluki dogs. He teaches dration can normally be sweating, a throbbing headache, been able to find and develop and being. Dajani’s artworks have been photography and photogravure reversed by drinking more and dizziness – all of which are his own artistic style in photog- Looking at the eight photo- widely exhibited in different printmaking courses in his cen- fluids, severe cases of dehy- a result of the body’s temper- raphy which projects truth and graphs on show, one can countries and are included in tury-year old farmhouse studio. dration and heat-related illness ature rising rapidly and the are medical emergencies and sweating mechanism failing. require immediate treatment. Essentially, the body loses its MADLSA suspends talabat first platform to deliver pharmaceuticals in Qatar “Dehydration, heat ability to cool down. Heat stroke exhaustion and heat stroke are can cause death or permanent 2 services through THE PENINSULA — DOHA deliveries will offer an added encouraging safer practices very common heat related ill- disability if emergency medical level of convenience for in the community. nesses that can be life-threat- treatment is not received,” said govt centres; talabat, the region’s leading talabat users. Pharmacies are “Expanding into phar- ening if left untreated. This Lacson. available online food and grocery delivery app, crucial for the majority, espe- macies is a natural step for happens if an individual is He added that people need has become the first platform cially as we rely on medicine talabat Qatar. Our key focus overexposed to the sun and not to ensure that they keep them- THE PENINSULA — DOHA in Qatar to provide pharma- to tackle illnesses from home, has been to support all com- drinking enough water,” selves protected as much as ceutical delivery services. or boost our immunity. munities through the services Lacson told The Peninsula. possible from the heat during The Ministry of Administrative In collaboration with the Through this new service, that we deliver, and now, we HRI occurs when a person’s the hottest months by keeping Development, Labor and Ministry of Public Health in customers can trust talabat are here for our customers body temperature rises above away from direct sunlight and Social Affairs (MADLSA) has Qatar, Talabat has acquired a to fulfill their needs with who rely on pharmacies for normal, due to prolonged drink plenty of water, eat fresh decided to suspend two Pharmacy and Drug control speed and efficiency. first aid and home medi- exposure to heat in soaring fruits and vegetables, and other services through government permit, to continue to provide Francisco de Sousa, Man- cation. We are currently in a temperatures, particularly as a high-water-content foods, service complexes. safety and convenience aging Director of talabat period where it’s encouraged result of high humidity and wear lightweight, light-col- From August 23, pro- throughout COVID-19 Qatar, said that the continued for us to stay home, especially strenuous physical exercise. oured and loose clothing, sun- fession amendment requests pandemic. expansion of talabat’s oper- when we’re ill. At talabat, Lacson said that the first glasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and business licences services Continuing its com- ations and services is we’re here to help you stay signs of heat-related illness and sunscreen. But avoid will be available only digitally mitment to support the com- designed to enhance cus- safe, and be there for you at typically include skin redness sugary and caffeinated drinks through the ministry’s website. munity in Qatar, medicine tomer experience while all time.” and warmth, dizziness, nausea, during summer. “We inform you of the sus- pension of the following services, as of August 23, 2020: A profession amendment CRA participates in Regional Regulatory Roundtable Discussion at GSR-20 request and business licenses services through government THE PENINSULA — DOHA Communications Technology analysis in a digital apps digital country, we have par- services complexes, and you can (ICT) regulatory authorities, as environment. ticipated in the Regional Reg- apply for these services through The Communications Regu- well as other stakeholders from Besides, the meeting ulatory Roundtable Dis- the ministry’s website,” the min- latory Authority (CRA) partici- the Africa and Arab regions. explored the related challenges, cussion, which enabled us to istry said in a tweet yesterday. pated yesterday in the Regional The meeting provided an opportunities and lessons meet with other regulatory The Ministry announced Regulatory Roundtable analysis of the ICTs competition learned in addition to the devel- authorities and stakeholders two new online services on its Discussion during the 20th policy and regulation and the opments in regional related reg- from the Africa and Arab website recently. The new Global Symposium for Regu- foundation for understanding ulatory associations. Also, the regions. In addition to services are requesting a work lators (GSR-20), which is the rules of competition and the meeting included a discussion exchanging views and experi- permit for those who are on organized by the International regulatory powers that apply to about the GSR-20 Best Practice ences related to regulating the the residency of their relatives, Telecommunication Union the telecom sector, considering Guidelines, that will be adopted telecom and ICT, discussing and changing the profession, (ITU). the wider competitive land- on September 1, 2020 as an ways of cooperation, and which benefits residents who The roundtable meeting was scape that now includes digital outcome document of GSR. checking the current best wish to issue a new work conducted in virtual format, and Africa Regions”. The platforms. The speakers high- “In line with CRA’s practices followed in the permit or renew, cancel and under the title “Competition meeting was attended by rep- lighted digital strategies and keenness to ensure the devel- field,” said Eng. Abdulla Jassmi extract a replacement for a lost Policy and Analysis in a Digital resentatives of the telecom and innovative solutions adopted in opment of ICT sector in Qatar (pictured), Technical Affairs one. Apps Environment for the Arab Information and terms of competition policy and and transforming Qatar to a Department Manager at CRA. FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2020 HOME 03 SC teams up with HBKU to share Qatar 2022 sustainability knowledge
THE PENINSULA — DOHA to incorporate the five pillars of sustainability – human, social, As part of its efforts to contin- economic, governance and uously share knowledge gained environmental – in all aspects from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup of tournament readiness and 2022 preparations, the Supreme the human legacy the event will Committee for Delivery & have on Qatar and beyond. Legacy (SC) is partnering with “After running the course the Hamad Bin Khalifa successfully last year, in which University (HBKU) to offer an more than 900 people from online course under the title, around the world registered, we “Sustainability and Major Sports wanted to continue this collab- Events”. oration with HBKU because we The course will be delivered truly believe in the power of in collaboration with the Josoor Qatar 2022 in creating a sub- want to share with the rest of courses accessible to millions In order to receive the cer- legacy and long-term impact, Institute, launched with the stantial shift in the way major the world,” added Al Meer. of learners around the world,” tification, students must com- and create, target and deliver purpose of building the capacity sports events incorporate sus- For their part, HBKU sees said Dr Susan Karamanian, plete two different courses, an effective communications of sports and events industries tainability in every aspect of the course as an opportunity to dean of the College of Law at one on planning and the other campaign. in Qatar and the MENA region, their delivery,” said Engineer continue the work they are HBKU. on implementation. The “Imparting the tremendous and edX, a non-profit online Bodour Al Meer (pictured), Sus- doing to provide world-class “Partnering with an organ- courses explore the concept of amount of knowledge gained learning platform founded by tainability & Environment educational content through a isation like the Supreme Com- sustainability in the context of from the experience of organ- Harvard University and the Senior Manager at the SC. series of innovative online mittee for Delivery & Legacy major sports events and help ising a major event like Qatar Massachusetts Institute of Tech- “From water and waste courses that will be delivered allows us to provide our stu- students learn how to for- 2022 is one of the most nology, the SC said on its management to ensuring that through their recently launched dents with unprecedented mulate and write a sustaina- important parts of the legacy website. the infrastructure we are HBKUx platform. access to thought leaders who bility strategy. In addition, stu- this tournament will leave,” said Sustainability has played a building leaves a long-term “With the launch of HBKUx, are working on delivering one dents are taught how to track Talar Sahsuvaroglu, the SC’s central part in the build-up to legacy for all our communities, we are proud to be the first uni- of the world’s largest sports the progress and impact of a Sustainability and Environ- Qatar 2022 ever since Qatar we strive to make sure that sus- versity in the Middle East to events,” added Dr. Ala Al- sustainability action plan, mental Subject Matter Expert, won the right to host the major tainability informs every aspect offer a robust online learning Fuqaha, Acting Associate ensure that procurement proc- who will be one of the many sports event in 2010. This of our work. It is a culture and platform that makes quality Provost for Teaching and esses and practices are sus- instructors to deliver the includes a strong commitment body of knowledge that we academic programmes and Learning at HBKU. tainable, plan for and deliver courses. Qatar signs concession agreement for development of Ukraine port Partial traffic FROM PAGE 1 closure on relevant navigational and economy and the support for Bissett said that this Black Sea coast, has been seeing Commenting on the occasion, logistics services to meet the efforts to leverage Qatar’s com- agreement is “the first brick in a significant year-on-year University Street H E Minister Al Sulaiti stressed highest world standards in such petitiveness on the world map. our strategy of international increase in grain and oil exports. the strong relations between the a way that will enhance its H E Minister Kryklii said that expansion. We have the power, Mykolaiv is a city in southern THE PENINSULA — DOHA State of Qatar and the Republic operational revenues and re-profiling the infrastructure in determination, desire and expe- Ukraine and one of the region’s of Ukraine and the high level of provide every opportunity for the region and developing it in rience to strengthen cooperation principal shipbuilding centers. The Public Works Authority bilateral cooperation between the port to succeed in becoming such a way that responds to our between Qatar and Ukraine in On an area of 140 hectares, SC (Ashghal) has announced the the two friendly countries. an international hub for the aspirations and ambitions will the sphere of port production in Olvia Port has 7 berths and a implementation of a partial “This concession is a major grain trade. give considerable impetus to the the Black Sea basin, and we look rail network for transporting traffic closure on University achievement for QTerminals that H E the Minister also said that development of the region at forward to achieving this in a cargo inside the port, in addition Street, on the left lane in both honors its strategy for expanding this step will bolster the eco- large. short period of time.” to several warehouses and directions of the street for a overseas investments as a Qatari nomic cooperation with For the Ukraine, the “We are firmly convinced storage areas. Its quayside is distance of one kilometer, company specialized in seaport Ukrainian and international agreement signed with QTer- and confident that the strong 1,530 metres long. between the junction of Omar management,” he said. companies and contribute to sup- minals is another significant step management of QTerminals, QTerminals was established Al Mokhtar/ University Streets He noted that awarding the porting the operations of the on the way on widening and re- together with capabilities and as a joint venture between the and Lejbailat Intersection, and concession is a significant maritime line between Ukrainian unlocking the potential of the expertise of Ukrainian ports will Qatar Ports Management between Lejbailat Intersection investment opportunity in one ports and Hamad Port, thus sup- Port of Olvia, as the company will lead to fruitful results and a Company (Mwani Qatar) and and the junction of University/ of Ukraine’s most important porting the goals of the Qatar pay concessions and other fees reality that is built on all factors shipping and logistics company Al Sanaa Streets. Black Sea ports and that all National Vision 2030. to the country annually, in of success, which we all look Qatar Navigation (Milaha). QTer- The closure starts development works that QTer- This investment, he noted, addition to QTerminals creating forward to,” he added. minals operates Phase 1 of tomorrow (August 22) and will minals will carry out at the Port will represent a turning point in hundreds of new jobs needed by Established in 1992, S.C. Hamad Port and is currently be implemented over a period of Olvia will contribute to sup- QTerminals’ contributions to the the local community in the city Olvia Port - Ukraine, located in working on building Phase 2 of of 9 months. During this porting its operations and sustainability of the national of Mykolaiv. the Mykolaiv region on the the port. period, two lanes on University Street will remain open to traffic in each direction. MoPH: 266 more recover; QU ranks among 268 new COVID-19 cases top 700 varsities THE PENINSULA — DOHA that Qatar has one of the lowest COVID-19 death rates in the globally The Ministry of Public Health world, as a result of, Qatar’s FROM PAGE 1 (MoPH) yesterday announced young population, proactive the registration of 268 new testing to identify cases early, This year, the best 1,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 expanding hospital capacity, universities in the world are in the country. Another 266 especially intensive care to published. More than 40 uni- people have recovered from ensure all patients receive the versities entered into top 1,000 the virus, bringing the total medical care they need, pro- list for the first time. number of recovered cases in tecting the elderly and those Universities are ranked by Qatar to 112,924. with chronic diseases. several indicators of academic All new cases have been However, the Ministry has or research performance, introduced to isolation and are emphasized on the importance including alumni and staff receiving necessary healthcare of taking precautions against winning Nobel Prizes and Fields according to their health status. COVID-19. Medals, highly cited researchers, The Ministry further said “Even though restrictions papers published in Nature and that measures to tackle are being lifted, and numbers Science, papers indexed in COVID-19 in Qatar have suc- are declining, this does not major citation indices, and the ceeded in flattening the curve mean that the COVID-19 pan- per capita academic per- and limiting the spread of the demic is finished in Qatar – formance of an institution. virus. The number of daily new every day between 50 and 100 For each indicator, the cases and hospital admissions people are admitted to hospital View across the bay highest scoring institution is has gradually declined over the with moderate to severe assigned a score of 100, and past few weeks. COVID-19 symptoms,” the Min- The Museum of Islamic Art is seen from MIA Park with traditional dhows in the foreground, in other institutions are calculated PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA The Ministry has also said istry said. Doha. as a percentage of the top score. Members of school health & safety committees to get training to implement COVID-19 measures FROM PAGE 1 Education will not take any primary school students. that all indicators suggest that tracing will focus on schools as Adding that school canteen Al Khater assured that the decision that may put students “We advise a student if he/ the cases of coronavirus are the burden reduced on them might not open in phase one students who are suffering from at risk as it is important to create she has any symptoms of coro- declining in the country, so the with decreasing number of cases which could be opened later. chronic diseases will be a safe and healthy school envi- navirus to stay at home and not risk is low for the spread of the in the country.” “We would like to advice to excluded from attending the ronment for students and school go to school, and if he mixes virus among school students. He said that after two weeks parents to provide meals to the school with the necessity to staff. with an infected person at home, “One class will be con- random screening will be con- students after wrapping it obtain a medical certificate con- Dr. Yousuf Al Maslamani the student must stay in the sidered as one family which will ducted to ensure the situation properly as it is better to bring firming their condition, as they said that the Ministry of Public home quarantine for 14 days to not mix-up with the students of of COVID-19 in schools and foods from home,” said Al are considered to be more at risk Health agreed with the Ministry avoid transmitting infection,” other classes,” said Al revise the decision for reopening Buainain. than others. of Education on certain said Al Maslamani. Maslamani. schools. He said that as per the indi- “Students who are staying measures for maintaining the He said that the Hamad He said school management Talking in the same pro- cations from the Ministry of with a member of his family of safety of students while they are Medical Corporation and the and teachers have been gramme, Acting Assistant Public Health, the Ministry of first degree with chronic disease in the classrooms. Ministry of Education and instructed to monitor the stu- Undersecretary for Shared Education and Higher Education also excluded from attending “We agreed with the Min- Higher Education have set dents in case anyone shows Services Affairs, Ali Abdullah Al will review when to open school school, provided that they istry of Education and Higher health guidelines for the safety system of COVID-19 they know Buainain said, that for the first canteens. present an approved medical Education that the number of of students and school staffs. how to deal with this. three days, students will be “We instructed schools to certificate stating that the students should be limited to a Dr. Yousuf Al Maslamani, “If parents come to know trained on precautionary not allow students gathering at student resides with a person maximum of 15 students per Medical Director, Hamad symptom of coronaviurs in their measures, in addition to handing tables in canteen and let stu- suffering from a chronic disease class, and the spacing distance General Hospital has said that children, they are recom- them weekly attendance dents to eat in classroom during with the national address of the between students should be one the students are safer in school mended to not send the child to schedules and registering stu- breaks.” patient staying at home.” and a half metres.” compared to any other place school to avoid infection,” Al dents for a seat on the bus. “Bus drivers will also However, she said, these He said that the measures because trained people will be Maslamani added. He said that the students can required to follow the pre- students will not be excluded also required wearing a face available in the schools to “Ministry of Public Health register for bus service online ventive and precautionary from taking the exams at the masks for preparatory and sec- implement preventive and pre- will keep monitoring closely through the website of the Min- measures like not mixing up school headquarters. ondary school students, cautionary measures. during first two weeks to take istry of Education and Higher with other workers and undergo She assured that the Ministry stressing that wearing masks Speaking in a Qatar TV pro- the stock of the situation. The Education, a link for registration thermal screening,” said Al of Education and Higher will not be mandatory for gramme, Dr. Al Maslamani said teams from the Ministry for will be provided soon. Buainain. 04 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2020
Iran seizes UAE US sanctions ship amid row on territorial waters
Syrian govt and ANATOLIA — TEHRAN
Iran yesterday seized a ship military officials belonging to the UAE after signs of warming ties among the two countries gave way to fresh REUTERS — WASHINGTON The US will continue tension, with both sides to impose costs on accusing each other of violating The United States yesterday their territorial waters. blacklisted senior Syrian anyone, anywhere Iran’s Foreign Ministry o government officials and who obstructs a said it had summoned the UAE leaders of several Syrian envoy in Tehran after the military units as Washington peaceful political Emirati coast guards opened continues to impose sanctions solution to the Syrian fire at Iranian fishermen in the aimed at cutting off funds for Gulf, killing two. Syrian President Bashar Al conflict: Mike Pompeo In a statement, the ministry Assad’s government. said it had expressed strong The action, which follows “The United States and its opposition over the incident and the blacklisting of Assad, his allies are united in continuing communicated its protest to the wife and other individuals and to apply pressure on Assad and envoy on Tuesday, a day after entities, mark another round his enablers until there is the incident took place. of sanctions in Washington’s peaceful, political solution to Iranian officials claim that A new cruise missile unveiled by Iran and called martyr Abu Mahdi is seen in an unknown location bid to push Assad’s government the conflict. Assad and his the Emirati coast guards had in Iran, yesterday. back to UN-led negotiations foreign patrons know the clock detained the Iranian fishermen and broker an end to the coun- is ticking for action,” Pompeo and seized one of the vessels. try’s nearly decade-long war. said. “The US will continue to Tehran has asked the UAE The United States imposed impose costs on anyone, any- Iran unveils missiles with increased range to at once release the seized sanctions Luna Al Shibl, Assad’s where who obstructs a peaceful AFP — TEHRAN all international sanctions The other, a cruise missile, boat and fishermen. It also top press officer, her husband political solution to the Syrian against Iran that were lifted as was named in honour of Abu demanded the bodies of the Mohamad Ammar Saati bin conflict.” Iran yesterday unveiled two part of the 2015 accord with Mahdi Al Muhandis, the Iraqi two slain fishermen and Mohamad Nawzad, a prom- Yesterday’s move freezes missiles it said had a bigger Tehran that sought to prevent lieutenant of Soleimani, who was compensation. inent member of the Syrian any US assets of those black- range than before, naming it from developing nuclear killed in the same Baghdad strike. Reports in the Emirati Baath Party and former parlia- listed and generally bars Amer- them after commanders killed weapons. “I thank the Ministry of media said the Iranian vessels mentarian, the Treasury icans from dealing with them. in January by a US strike in Iraq. One of the new missiles, the Defence for naming one of its had “illegally entered” UAE ter- Department said in a statement. A crackdown by Assad on “Regarding cruise missiles, “Haj Qasem”, a ballistic missile, most important missiles in ritorial waters near Sir Bu Nair The US State Department protesters in 2011 led to civil today we have gone from a range was named in honour of top honour of General Soleimani,” Island in the Persian Gulf. yesterday also imposed sanc- war, with Iran and Russia of 300 to 1,000km in less than Iranian general Qasem Sole- Rouhani said. In a retaliatory move, Iran tions on the leadership of backing the government and the two years,” said Iranian President imani, killed in January in an Defence Minister Amir in turn seized a UAE ship on several Syrian military units, US supporting the opposition. Hassan Rouhani, during a tele- American strike in Baghdad. Hatami said that “particular Monday and detained its crew, including National Defense Millions of people have fled vised ceremony in Tehran. State television praised the attention was paid to increasing accusing them of illegally Forces commander Fadi Saqr, Syria and millions more have The revealing of the missiles speed of the ballistic missile as the range” of the missiles. entering Iran’s territorial waters. over their efforts to prevent a been internally displaced. comes a day after Washington “Iran’s long arm for hitting the “In the field of solid fuel bal- Tensions between the two ceasefire, Secretary of State “The United States will con- said it will activate a contro- aggressors”, and called on listic missiles, we have today countries have been escalating Mike Pompeo said in a separate tinue to impose costs on those versial mechanism aimed at people not to forget “Ain Al reached a range of 1,40km,” since Iran’s protest over the statement, warning Wash- facilitating the Assad regime’s reimposing UN sanctions on Assad”, the Iraqi military base Hatami said, adding that the UAE’s normalisation of ties ington will “aggressively ongoing war against its own Iran, the so-called “snapback” housing Americans, hit by missiles had demonstrated their last week with Israel, whom pursue” sanctions against other people,” Treasury Secretary procedure. Iranian missiles in retaliation “effectiveness” against Iran considers an “illegitimate military commanders. Steven Mnuchin said. “Snapback” aims to restore for Soleimani’s assassination. “American criminals”. entity.” Last week, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani slammed Abu Dhabi for its controversial deal Virus cases in Libya up 15-fold in 2 months: Red Cross with Tel Aviv, warning the Gulf country against allowing Israel ANATOLIA — GENEVA Libyans are reeling from nine of National Accord (GNA). People are also at risk of being system. Many hospitals and to “gain a foothold in the years of conflict. He said Libyan Following the ouster of late killed or injured by dangerous clinics have been damaged in the region.” Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) families had been bombed out ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, unexploded munitions.” fighting, while others were forced “We warn them against cases in Libya have risen more of their homes, healthcare facil- Libya’s government was While all this happened, to shut their doors because they bringing Israel to the region,” than 15-fold in less than two ities destroyed, infrastructure founded in 2015 under a UN-led infrastructure all over the were close to the frontlines. Other he said. “That would be a dif- months, spiking from 571 in has crumbled, and the economy political deal. Since April 2019, country, which spans at least 1.8 facilities are decaying from ferent story and they will be June to more than 9,000 today, has collapsed. the government has been under million sq km and is Africa’s underinvestment. dealt accordingly.” the Red Cross said yesterday. “In Benghazi and (the attack by Haftar’s forces, based fourth-largest, is falling apart, The economic impact of the The official recognition of More than half a million capital) Tripoli, I saw firsthand in eastern Libya, and more than said Maurer. conflict and COVID-19 is also Israel by the UAE, experts say, people need healthcare how civilians are suffering 1,000 people have been killed “People have little elec- being felt. Most people surveyed is likely to have “serious impli- assistance as conflict, because of the catastrophic in the violence. tricity, drinking water, sani- by the ICRC said their liveli- cations” on Iran-UAE ties, COVID-19, and economic col- consequences of this conflict,” Recently government forces tation, or medical care in the hoods have suffered due to which had seen significant lapse threaten to plunge hun- said Maurer. have turned the tide and forced middle of a growing COVID-19. progress over the past year. dreds of thousands of civilians The ICRC said that in Haftar’s retreat, with Haftar’s pandemic.” Prices are expected to climb Iran’s Foreign Minister deeper into chaos, said the Benghazi, Maurer met with forces leaving behind dan- In Benghazi, Maurer also further since Libya imports Javad Zarif and his Emirati Geneva-based International eastern Libya-based warlord gerous munitions and bombs in met the leadership of the Libyan most of its food, and oil pro- counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah Committee of the Red Cross Khalifa Haftar. That was fol- their wake. Red Crescent, which he said has duction has ground to a halt due Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, held a (ICRC). lowed by a meeting in Tripoli Maurer added: “Neighbour- been playing a role in stopping to a blockade by Haftar. Milk, video conference a week ICRC President Peter with Fayez Al Sarraj, Prime hoods on the former frontlines the spread of COVID-19. vegetables, bread, and fuel are before the UAE-Israel deal, Maurer said at the end of a visit Minister of Libya’s legitimate in Tripoli are badly scarred, and The ICRC said the conflict already in short supply, said the reaffirming commitment to to the country this week that government, the Government families have little to return to. had battered Libya’s healthcare ICRC. improve bilateral ties. Morocco, Tunisia, Palestine Nigerian army says ‘in full control’ report new virus cases of northeast town ANATOLIA — ISTANBUL AFP — ABUJA
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) claimed more lives in Morocco and The Nigerian army said Tunisia yesterday, while Gaza reported new cases. yesterday it was in “full In Morocco, 29 more fatalities were reported from COVID-19, control” of a northeastern bringing the country’s death toll to 743, the Health Ministry said in a town where sources say statement. hundreds of people have been In addition, 1,510 more infections were reported, bringing the taken hostage by IS militants. number of cases to 46,313, while a total of 31,576 people have recovered Islamic State West Africa from the virus, it added. Province (ISWAP) fighters Three deaths and 113 cases were recorded in Tunisia in the past 24 stormed the town Kukawa on hours, according to the country’s Health Ministry. Tuesday and seized hundreds The country’s death toll stands at 60 and the total number of cases of residents who had only just at 2,427 while 1,395 people have recovered. returned after fleeing their In Gaza, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported nine more coro- homes for nearly two years, navirus cases in the past 24 hours. according to locals and militia The total number of cases stands at 109 and the number of recov- sources. eries at 71. “The terrorists on 18 August 2020 attacked troops’ Colonel Assimi Goita (centre left) during a press conference at the Malian Ministry of Defence location in Kukawa town in in Bamako, yesterday. Borno state where the attack A reputed media organization was vehemently thwarted,” defence spokesman John in Qatar is looking for Reporter Enenche said in a statement. Colonel declares himself junta head in Mali “The situation in Kukawa [ .Q%CR .:0V : CV: 7V:` V6]V`1VJHV8 is now calm with troops in full REUTERS — BAMAKO “I am Colonel Assimi go about their business and [ :H.VCQ`; RV$`VV 1J =Q%`J:C1I5 I: HQII%J1H:QJ Q` : control,” he said. Goita, president of the restart activities.” `VC: VR VCR8 Kukawa’s residents had Army colonel Assimi Goita National Committee for the Crowds had poured into returned to their homes on presented himself as head of Salvation of the People the streets of the capital on [ $ :JRLQ` &'() V6]V`1VJHV 1Q%CR GV :J :R0:J :$V8 August 2 under military escort, the junta that ousted Mali’s (CNSP),” Assimi, dressed in Tuesday to celebrate the coup. [ 1C1J$%:C ^)`:G1HL'J$C1._ 1 :J :R0:J :$V8 on the orders of the state president, as its spokesman military fatigues, told Little is known about the [ (. 8 government. sought to reassure citizens reporters after the meeting. backgrounds of the junta’s “The attack by the ter- that daily life could resume as “Following yesterday’s leadership, which includes rorists was... a deliberate normal. event which led to the change several other colonels. [ Q0V`1J$ :1$JIVJ :JR RV0VCQ]1J$ Q1J 1RV: 1J Q attempt to reverse the mile- Junta members met gov- of power we believed that it Wague read the statement `VCV0:J JV1 HQJ VJ 8 stone achievements recorded ernment ministry officials late was our duty to state our early Wednesday morning [ /QCCQ11J$ ]`VH`1GVR VR1 Q`1:C 7CV :JR `Q`I: 8 regarding IDPs (internally dis- on Wednesday to map out a position to (ministries’) general that announced the military [ :7 :%JVR Q CQH:C5 `V$1QJ:C :JR : V 1%V :JR .V1` placed persons) in the areas of return to stability, a day after secretaries, so they may be takeover, promising to peace building, reconstruction, detaining President Ibrahim able to work immediately.” organise national elections VcVH QJ CQH:C HQII%J1V8 rehabilitation and resettlement Boubacar Keita in a coup that The capital Bamako was within a “reasonable” time. [ )VJR1J$ HQII%J1 7 V0VJ :JR CQH:C :JR `V$1QJ:C efforts by the government,” has rocked a country already calm for the second straight Late on Wednesday he IVVJ$ : :1$JVR8 Enenche said. in the grip of a jihadist insur- day yesterday, a Reuters said civil servants should also %:C1VR H:JR1R: V :`V 1J01 VR Q VJR .V1` Q7 Three soldiers lost their gency and civil unrest. reporter said, as people return to work from Thursday, lives, two wounded while eight It has also been con- appeared to heed calls from and that the junta was taking [email protected] insurgents were killed during demned by international the junta’s presumed “all measures .. to protect the the gunbattle with the mili- powers and regional spokesman, Colonel personnel and their belongings tants, he added. organisations. Emmanuel Wague, to “freely as well as their place of work.” FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2020 ISLAM 05 The virtues of Muharram and fasting on Ashura HE sacred month genitive grammatical structure of Muharram is a signifies the importance of the blessed and month. important month. Al-Qaari, may Allah have It is the first month mercy on him, said: “The of the Hijri cal- apparent meaning is all of the Tendar (Islamic calendar which month of Muharram.” But it was started with the migration of proven that the Prophet (PBUH) Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) never fasted any whole month from Makkah to Madeenah) and apart from Ramadan, so this is one of the four sacred months Hadeeth (Prophetic narration) is concerning which Allah says probably meant to encourage (what means): “Verily, the increasing one’s fasting during number of months with Allah is Muharram, without meaning that twelve months (in a year) so one should fast the entire month. was it ordained by Allah on the It was reported that the day when he created the Prophet (PBUH) used to fast Heaven and the Earth; of them more in Sha’baan. It is likely four are Sacred - that is the right that the virtue of Muharram was religion, so wrong not your- not revealed to him until the selves therein….” [Quran 9:36] end of his life, before He (PBUH) Abu Bakrah, may Allah be was able to fast during this pleased with him, reported that month. the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The Al-‘Izz Ibn ‘Abd As-Salaam, year is twelve months of which may Allah have mercy on him, four are sacred, the three con- said: “Times and places may be secutive months of Dhul- given preferred status in two Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah and ways, either temporal or reli- Muharram, and Rajab which gious/spiritual. With regard to the comes between Jumaada and latter, this is because Allah Sha’baan.” [Al-Bukhari] bestows His generosity on His Muharram is so called because slaves at those times or in those it is a sacred (Muharram) month places by giving a greater reward and to confirm its sanctity. for deeds done, such as giving a Allah’s words (which mean) greater reward for fasting in “so wrong not yourselves Ramadan than for fasting at all Jews, who took it as a festival. never saw the Messenger of said: “When the Messenger of imitating the People of the Book therein….”, mean: Do not wrong other times, and also on the day Apparently the motive for Allah, sallallaahu alayhi wa Allah, sallallaahu alayhi wa in many Ahaadeeth (narrations), yourselves in these sacred of Ashura, the virtue of which is commanding the Muslims to sallam, so keen to fast any day sallam, fasted on Ashura and for example, his words con- months, because sin in these due to Allah’s generosity and fast on this day was the desire and give it priority over any commanded the Muslims to fast cerning Ashura: ‘If I live until the months is worse than in other kindness towards His slaves on to be different from the Jews, so other than this day, the day of as well, they said: ‘O Messenger next year, I will certainly fast on months. that day…” that the Muslims would fast Ashura, and this month, of Allah, it is a day that is ven- the ninth day.’” [Al-Fataawa Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be when the Jews did not, because meaning Ramadan.” [Al- erated by the Jews and Chris- Al-Kubra] pleased with him, said that this pleased with him, said: “The people do not fast on a day of Bukhari] The meaning of his tians.’ The Messenger of Allah, Ibn Hajar, may Allah have phrase “so wrong not your- Prophet (PBUH) came to celebration. being keen was that He (PBUH) sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: mercy on him, said in his com- selves therein….” referred to all Madinah and found the Jews Fasting on Ashura was a intended to fast on that day in ‘If I live until the next year, we mentary on the Hadeeth: “If I the months, then these four fasting on the day of Ashura. He gradual step in the process of the hope of earning the reward will fast on the ninth day too.’ But live until the next year, I will were singled out and made (PBUH) said: ‘What is this?’ They introducing fasting as a pre- for doing so. it so happened that the Mes- certainly fast on the ninth day”: sacred, so that sin in these (Jews) said: ‘This is a righteous scribed obligation in Islam. The Prophet (PBUH) said: senger of Allah, sallallaahu alayhi “What He (PBUH) meant by months is more serious and day, it is the day when Allah Fasting appeared in three forms. “For fasting the day of Ashura, wa sallam, passed away before fasting on the ninth day was good deeds bring a greater the next year came.” [Muslim] probably not that he would limit reward. Al-Shaafi’i and other himself to that day, but would Qutaadah, may Allah be scholars, may Allah have mercy add it to the tenth, either to be pleased with him, said con- on them, said: “It is likable to fast on the safe side or to be dif- cerning the same phrase that on both the ninth and tenth days, ferent from the Jews and Chris- wrongdoing during the sacred because the Prophet (PBUH) tians, which is more likely. This months is more serious and fasted on the tenth, and intended is also what we can understand more sinful than wrongdoing to fast on the ninth.” On this basis, from some of the reports nar- at any other time. Wrongdoing it may be said that there are rated by Muslim, may Allah at any time is a serious matter, varying degrees of fasting Ashura, have mercy on him.” but Allah gives more weight to the least of which is to fast only Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah whichever of His commands He on the tenth, and the best of have mercy on him said: wills. which is to fast the ninth as well. “Fasting on the day of Ashura is Allah has chosen certain The more one fasts in Muharram, expiation for a year, and it is not ones of His creation. He has the better it is. disliked to fast only that day…” chosen from among the angels An-Nawawi, may Allah have Imaam An-Nawawi, may Allah Messengers and from among mercy on him, said: “The scholars have mercy on him, said: mankind Messengers. He chose – our companions and others – “Fasting on Ashura expiates for from within speech the remem- mentioned several reasons why all minor sins, i.e., it brings for- brance of Him. He chose from it is likable to fast on Tasua: giveness of all sins except major upon the earth the mosques, - The intention behind it is sins.” Then he said: “Fasting the from among the months to be different from the Jews, day of ‘Arafah (ninth day of Ramadan and the sacred saved the Children of Israel When the Messenger of Allah, I hope that Allah will accept it who only venerate the tenth Dhul-Hijjah) expiates for two months, from among the days from their enemies, so Moosa sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, as expiation for the year that day. This opinion was reported years, and the day of Ashura Friday and from among the (Moses, may Allah exalt his came to Madinah, he told the went before.” Ibn Qudaamah, from Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be expiates for one year. If when a nights Laylat Al-Qadr, so ven- mention) fasted on this day.’ He Muslims to fast on three days of may Allah have mercy on him, pleased with him. person says ‘Aameen’ it coin- erate that which Allah has told (PBUH) said: ‘We have more every month and on the day of said: “Ashura is the tenth day of - The intention is to add cides with the ‘Aameen’ of the us to venerate. People of under- right to Moosa than you,’ so He Ashura, then Allah made fasting Muharram..”. another day’s fast to Ashura. angels, he will be forgiven all standing and wisdom venerate (PBUH) fasted on that day and obligatory in the verse (which It was what was reported by This is akin to the prohibition his previous sins… Each one of the things that Allah has told us commanded [the Muslims] to means): “O you who have Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be pleased on fasting a Friday by itself, as the things that we have men- to venerate. [Tafseer of Ibn fast on that day.” [Al-Bukhari] believed, decreed upon you is with him, who said: ‘The Mes- was mentioned by Al-Khattaabi, tioned will bring expiation. If Katheer] It was also reported that the fasting …” [Quran 2:183] senger of Allah, sallallaahu alayhi may Allah have mercy on him, there are minor sins for which Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be Prophet (PBUH) used to fast on The obligation was trans- wa sallam, commanded us to fast and others. expiation is needed, expiation pleased with him, said: “The Ashura in Makkah, before he ferred from the fast of Ashura Ashura, the tenth day of - To be on the safe side and for them will be accepted; if Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu migrated to Madinah. When He to the fast of Ramadan, and this Muharram.’ [At-Tirmithi]. make sure that one fasts on the there are no minor sins or major alayhi wa sallam, said: ‘The best (PBUH) migrated to Madinah, is one of the proofs in the field The Prophet (PBUH) said: tenth, in case there is some error sins, good deeds will be added of fasting after Ramadan is he found the Jews celebrating of Usool Al-Fiqh (Judicial fun- ‘Fast the ninth and the tenth, in sighting the crescent moon at to his account and he will be fasting Allah’s month of this day, so he asked them why, damentals) that it is possible to and do not be like the Jews.’ It the beginning of Muharram and raised in status… If he had com- Muharram’.” [Muslim] The and they replied as described abrogate a lighter duty in favour is likable to fast on Tasua and the ninth is in fact the tenth.” mitted major sins but no minor phrase “Allah’s month”, con- in the Hadeeth quoted above. of a heavier duty. Ashura (means ninth and tenth). Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah sins, we hope that his major sins necting the name of the month He (PBUH) commanded the Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be ‘Abdullaah Ibn ‘Abbaas, may have mercy on him, said: “The will be reduced.” to the name of Allah in a Muslims to be different from the pleased with them, said: “I Allah be pleased with them, Prophet (PBUH) forbade www.islamweb.net
aving hope in Allah The forgiveness, nor would they Almighty bears fruit to repent to Him; this is why Allah Hthe following: The benefits of hoping for the best The Almighty tests people with ŭƔ&ãƔŽ¢ÝƔÌÆ¢ƔÝãÙ²ñ¢ƔÅÌÙ¢Ɣ these sins, in order to purify and exert greater effort in per- their hearts by this humility and forming acts of worship. seeking His pardon. Thus, a very ŭƔ&ãƔŽ¢ÝƔÌÆ¢Ɣ¢ñ¢ÆƔÅÌÙ¢Ɣ important aspect of servitude inclined to be constantly obe- is fulfilled. dient to Allah The Almighty. After the slave sins, he ŭƔ&ãƔŽ¢ÝƔÌÆ¢Ɣ¢Æ»ÌøƔÙò²Æ¬Ɣ humbles himself before Allah closer to Allah The Almighty, and The Almighty, and then begins makes one experience the thrill to have hope that Allah The of supplicating to Him. Almighty will forgive his sin. ŭƔ&ãƔŽ¢ÝƔÌÆ¢Ɣ¢÷ÖÙ¢ÝÝƔ°²ÝƔ This results in the slave’s heart servitude to and need for his becoming more attached to his Lord, and makes him realise that Lord. he cannot do without the favours There are three types of and kindness of his Lord, even hope, two of which are praised for a period that is as rapid as the and one dispraised: blinking of an eye. the Hereafter; it makes him ŭƔ$ÌÖ¢ƔŽ¢ÝƔÌÆ¢ƔÙ¢°Ɣã°¢Ɣ something and Allah The Almighty wishes that His slaves 1. The hope of an obedient ŭƔ¿¿°ƔU°¢Ɣ¿Å²¬°ãøƔ¿Ìñ¢ÝƔ steadfast upon the path because state of being thankful; which Almighty grants it to him, this fulfil the other ranks of ser- person who hopes for the reward that His slaves ask favors of Him had it not been that people is what servitude is all about. encourages him to ask for more vitude, such as humbling them- from Allah The Almighty. and supplicate to Him; He is hoped for Paradise and that ŭƔ$ÌÖ¢ƔŽ¢ÝƔÌÆ¢Ɣ٢ݢٰƔ and strive harder to please Allah selves before Him, relying on 2. The hope of a sinful angered by those who shun their rewards be multiplied, more into the Names and The Almighty, which conse- Him in everything, seeking His person who hopes for the for- supplicating and asking Him. then nobody would have been Attributes of Allah The Almighty. quently increases his level of support, fearing Him, perse- giveness of Allah The Almighty. The one with hope usually sup- able to continue on their path ŭƔ $ÌÖ¢Ɣ ²ÝƔ ²Æã¢ÙÌÆÆ¢ã¢Ɣ faith and brings him close to the vering through His decrees and 3. The hope of a negligent plicates much more than others towards Allah The Almighty and with fear of Allah The Almighty, All-Merciful. thanking Him for His bounties. person who continuously sins who are not, and Allah The the Hereafter. because the one who hopes for ŭƔU°¢ƔÅÌÙ¢Ɣ°ÌÖ¢Ɣã°ãƔÝ¿ñ¢ÝƔ Thus, Allah The Almighty and then hopes for the for- Almighty is angry with those ŭƔ&ãƔŽ¢ÝƔÌÆ¢Ɣ²Æ٢ݢƔ²ÆƔ the mercy of Allah The Almighty harbor during this life, the more decreed that people sin in order giveness of Allah The Almighty, who do not harbor any hope in his love for his Lord, because and His Paradise will fear that they will rejoice when attaining for him to fulfil these ranks, so without exerting any effort to the mercy and kindness of Allah the more he gets what he asked he may not be doing enough what they have hoped for in the His slaves seek the forgiveness attain His forgiveness. This is a The Almighty. Thus having hope and hoped for, the more his love to be worthy of them; this is Hereafter, and the best and of Allah The Almighty and false hope and wishful thinking, rescues one from the wrath of for his Lord will increase and indeed a wonderful rela- highest of all causes for humble themselves before Him which deceives no one but the Allah The Almighty. the more grateful he becomes tionship between the two dif- rejoicing is seeing Allah The in order to be forgiven. If people one who harbours it; it is by no ŭƔ$ÌÖ¢Ɣ²ÝƔò°ãƔŽ¢ÝƔã°¢Ɣ to his Lord – which is one of the ferent states of the believer’s Almighty and attaining His did not sin, they would not feel means considered to be real person enjoy his journey implications of the state of heart: hope and fear. pleasure. the need to humble themselves hope in Allah The Almighty. towards Allah The Almighty and servitude. ŭƔ d°¢ÆƔ ÌÆ¢Ɣ °ÌÖ¢ÝƔ «ÌÙƔ Furthermore, Allah The before Him or seek His www.islamweb.net 06 ASIA FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2020 Sri Lanka President vows to scrap reforms limiting his power AFP — COLOMBO “The people have adored by the Sinhala-Buddhist majority for spearheading the Sri Lanka’s president vowed given us the mandate defeat of Tamil separatist militants yesterday to abolish a contro- we wanted for in 2009 to end the bloody 37-year versial constitutional provision civil war when Mahinda was pres- restricting his powers as he a constitutional ident and Gotabaya was secretary opened a new parliamentary amendment,” to the ministry of defence. session following his party’s Rajapaksa said and But they have also attracted sweeping election victory. criticism from the international Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his repeated a previous community, with the security elder brother, Prime Minister assertion, without services they controlled accused Mahinda Rajapaksa, cam- of war crimes committed in the paigned for voters to give their giving further details, final months of the conflict. party a two-thirds parlia- that he wanted Mahinda was ousted from mentary majority in the August the presidency after a decade Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa (right) greets former president Maithripala Sirisena (left) 5 poll so they could roll back an entirely new in power when he lost the 2015 at the national Parliament in Colombo, yesterday. reforms brought in by the pre- constitution to replace elections. vious administration. But with Gotabaya’s election only after nominations closed for He is the first convicted He is awaiting trial for Their Sri Lanka Podujana the current one in the November 2019 presi- the August 5 polls — allowing murderer to serve as an MP in allegedly killing a legislator Party (SLPP) won 145 seats and introduced in 1978. dential poll, and his him to run for a seat — while Sri Lanka, where there is no during a 2005 Christmas mass. secured the support of six allies, appointment of Mahinda as PM, another is awaiting trial. provision under the law to dis- Brushes with the law are no one seat more than the analysts warn that the brothers Premalal Jayasekara, a qualify him until he serves six bar to a career in politics in minimum number needed to He also repeated a previous would try to ensure they do not returning MP from the ruling months behind bars. South Asia. change the constitution in the assertion, without giving further lose power again. SLPP, was found guilty in the Sivanesathurai Chan- More than 40 percent of 225-seat legislature. details, that he wanted an Gotabaya’s remarks came killing of a political activist in 2015. drakanthan, in parliament for lawmakers in neighbouring “The people have given us entirely new constitution to as the new parliament opened Jayasekara — who did not the first time after winning a India’s parliament face criminal the mandate we wanted for a replace the current one intro- its first session yesterday with appear in person for the first seat for a minor party in an charges -- some as serious as constitutional amendment,” duced in 1978 when Sri Lanka a murderer and an accused parliamentary session — is alliance with the SLPP, was murder and rape -- according Rajapaksa said in his address to changed to a presidential killer among its ranks. appealing against the verdict as escorted from prison to attend to an electoral reform group, the parliament, adding it would be system. One member of the new leg- well as the death sentence he Thursday’s parliamentary Association of Democratic “our first task”. The Rajapaksa brothers are islature was convicted of murder was given. session. Reforms.
China bomber on disputed islands COVID-19 infections in South Korea back ‘in full swing’ REUTERS — SEOUL “This is a grave situation infections under control and have been a “catalyst” for the “Please do not make ‘jeopardises that could possibly lead to a quelled a subsequent series of nationwide outbreak, as physical contact. Exchange nods South Korea’s coronavirus nationwide pandemic,” Vice spikes. churchgoers chartered buses to instead of handshakes,” Kwon peace’: Vietnam infections are back “in full Health Minister Kim Gang-lip The latest outbreak is driven the capital from their homes said. “Refrain from physical swing” and spreading told a briefing. by hundreds of infections across the country, including contact such as hugging.” At REUTERS — HANOI nationwide after members of a Without aggressive contact among members of a church the southern port of Busan, least 53 of the new infections church attended a political tracing, the country could expe- run by a far-right preacher. Kwon said. are linked to the Sarang Jeil The presence of Chinese demonstration, authorities said rience the types of spikes and They had attended an anti-gov- South Korea has reported Church, bringing the group’s bombers on the disputed yesterday, threatening one of continued infections witnessed ernment protest in Seoul on 16,346 cases of the new coro- total to 676. Hundreds more Paracel islands in the South the world’s COVID-19 success in the United States and Europe, Aug. 15, the 75th anniversary of navirus with 307 COVID-19 church members are being China Sea “jeopardises peace”, stories. said KCDC deputy director the Japan’s World War Two sur- deaths. traced for testing. Vietnam’s foreign ministry The Korea Centers for Kwon Jun-wook. render and the end of colonial If infections continue rising Infections from the Seoul said yesterday, in another sign Disease Control and Prevention “Consider the COVID-19 rule. at the current rate or accelerate, rally and one on August 8 of disapproval in the region of (KCDC) reported 288 new cases pandemic now to be in full- Kwon urged all demon- authorities say they will likely include people from nine cities Beijing’s increased defence as of midnight on Wednesday, swing.” South Korea was one of strators to get tested immedi- impose the strictest level of and provinces. Health author- activities. marking a week of triple-digit the first countries outside China ately at nearby public health social distancing - closing ities said epidemiological work China, which has for years daily increases, although down to see an explosive spread of the clinics to protect the vulnerable schools, requiring employees is underway in 150 facilities, been locked in maritime dis- slightly from the previous day’s new coronavirus, but intensive around them. to work from home and limiting including the workplaces of putes with other coastal states 297. tracing and testing had brought The demonstration may gatherings to 10 people. infected church members. in the South China Sea, has in recent months boosted its presence and exercises in dis- Flood victims puted parts of the strategic India study suggests waterway, at a time when take to social other claimants are battling coronavirus outbreaks. millions more may media as rains “The fact that relevant sides sent weapons and cause chaos bombers... not only violates have caught virus Vietnam’s sovereignty but also REUTERS — NEW DELHI jeopardises the situation in the area,” ministry spokeswoman AFP — NEW DELHI Scientists say, however, that Heavy rains flooded parts of Le Thi Thu Hang said at a antibody tests should be treated Gurugram, an Indian city that briefing, when asked to More than a quarter of New with caution because they also plays host to some of the comment on the presence of Delhi’s 20 million residents pick up other coronaviruses, not world’s biggest tech at least one Chinese bomber may have caught the novel just the latest COVID-19. companies, and residents took on the Paracel islands. coronavirus without showing A similar survey in June- to social media to seek help by Vietnamese and Chinese symptoms, a study released July said 23 percent of people posting pictures of water- media have reported that Thursday indicated, raising tested had been exposed to the logged roads and apartments. China has recently deployed fresh doubts about India’s virus in the city. Gurugram, a satellite of fighter jets and at least one official case numbers. Surveys in other Indian New Delhi, is one of India’s bomber, the H-6J, to the Extrapolated, the antibody cities have also suggested more wealthiest cities and has Paracels, one of two groups of study on 15,000 residents infections than the official offices of global corporations South China Sea islands that means 5.8 million people in the numbers suggest. such as Google, Facebook and China claims historical own- bustling capital could have In the western city of Pune, Uber. ership of. caught the virus — more than 51.5 percent of respondents in It had been showcased as Hang did not say when the 37 times the official tally of five badly affected pockets had India’s “Millennium City”, but bomber was seen at the 156,139 infections. antibodies in their blood, a clogged drains and poor civic Paracels. India is already officially the recent survey showed. amenities cause flooding China’s foreign ministry third worst-hit country after the Another in late July found almost every monsoon referred questions to the US and Brazil, and the health 57 percent of those tested in season. defence ministry, which did ministry reported a record daily Mumbai’s slums had the The weather office on not immediately respond to a jump of 69,652 new infections infection — far more than Thursday warned of “very request from Reuters for on Wednesday — taking the official data suggests. heavy rainfall” over northern comment. total to 2.84 million. “Such studies are useful and parts of India, including New China’s defence ministry Union Peace Dialogue in Myanmar Yesterday, Delhi health necessary but it is important Delhi and neighbouring cities, spokesman Ren Guoqiang late minister Satyendra Jain said how it is interpreted,” said Rajib which could make the last month said H-6G and H-6J Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi attends a meeting of blood tests on 15,000 residents Dasgupta, who heads the Gurugram floods worse. bombers had participated in the Union Peace Dialogue during the 4th Union Peace Conference conducted earlier this month Centre of Social Medicine and After torrential rains, res- high intensity training in the (21st Century Panglong) at the Myanmar International Convention found 29.1 percent of them had Community Health at Delhi’s idents used Twitter to post pic- area. Center in Naypyidaw, yeserday. virus antibodies. Jawaharlal Nehru University. tures of floating cars, flood- waters inundating upscale apartment blocks, and large sinkholes on roads that Hong Kong government slams US decision to suspend treaties connect the city to New Delhi. TV footage showed miles- AP — HONG KONG from the international oper- benefit both parties. that are internal to China, even boycott the extension of their long traffic jams, overflowing ation of ships. Hong Kong has faced if they have an international term or stay to have a voice in sewage and three men rowing The Hong Kong government “The US’ unilateral decision mounting international dimension, like Hong Kong and the legislature. Lawmakers in an inflatable lifeboat. yesterday condemned the US’ reflects its disrespect for bilat- pressure over the implemen- Xinjiang, the Chinese have a favour of boycotting say staying Local traffic authorities in decision to suspend bilateral eralism and multilateralism tation of a national security law, demonstrated disdain for sets a precedent to delay Gurugram tweeted pictures of extradition and tax exemption under the current adminis- approved by Beijing, which has outside opinion and are elections. waterlogged areas to help treaties with the semi-auton- tration and should be con- been viewed as an attack on the inflexible in reaction to it.” “The public opinion is still commuters avoid long jams. omous Chinese city, saying it demned by the international “one country, two systems” Separately yesterday, law- very divided, we want the sol- ANI said local police had was being used as a pawn in community,” the statement said. framework under which the city makers from Hong Kong’s largest idarity of the people,” said evacuated residents from a geopolitics. “The HKSAR Government has been governed since its pro-democracy party, the Dem- James To, a member of the four-storey building after it On Wednesday, the US sus- strongly objects to and deplores return to China in 1997. ocratic Party also said they Democratic Party, at a news leaned over to one side. pended its extradition treaty the US’ action, which is widely Jeffrey Bader, a former US planned to hold a poll and debate conference. “We would prepare “Hello Gurugram, nice with Hong Kong, becoming the seen as a move to create diplomat, said the actions taken to determine whether they will at least one debate in order … to rivers — why don’t you ever latest country to do so after troubles in China-US rela- so far are unlikely to dissuade continue serving in the legislature have a comprehensive range of change! Stay safe, people!,” Canada, Australia and Britain tionship, using Hong Kong as a China. another year, following the post- arguments and points so that Twitter user Nidhi Arora said, suspended such agreements. pawn.” The government said “Hong Kong is an issue ponement of elections due to the the whole society can decide.” posting pictures of flooded The US also suspended a that the bilateral agreements that’s going to be with us for coronavirus outbreak. The elections were to be held roads. bilateral agreement with Hong were not preferential treatment quite some time, and in a frus- Opinions within the pro- in September but have been Many Twitter users said Kong on the reciprocal tax given to Hong Kong, but were trating way,” said Bader. democracy camp differ on postponed a year after the city’s they were stranded for hours exemptions on income derived negotiated in good faith to “It’s part of China and things whether lawmakers should virus outbreak grew again. in their cars on flooded roads. FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2020 ASIA 07 China faces queries over ‘vaccinated’ workers sent abroad
AFP — BEIJING Papua New Guinea’s pandemic tsar David being vaccinated,” the vaccinations may have been said: “We don’t have any com- statement reads. “If they need administered unlawfully in ments for the moment. However, China faced demands yesterday Manning said he wanted answers and had to be tested again for COVID-19, Papua New Guinea, or that they one thing is for sure, China is not to explain why a state-backed blocked the arrival of a flight with around 150 it is suggested to be conducted were tested on Papua New doing (coronavirus) tests here in firm claimed it had vaccinated at least seven days after the vac- Guinea citizens. PNG.” Papua New Guinea — dozens of staff against the coro- Chinese workers on board due in Port Moresby cination date.” Anyone arriving in Papua which has an already under- navirus before sending them yesterday. “I am demanding an explanation Papua New Guinea’s pan- New Guinea must receive a resourced health sector — had back to work at a mine in Papua from the Chinese ambassador as to how this demic tsar David Manning said coronavirus test before largely dodged the worst of the New Guinea. he wanted answers and had boarding their flight and virus outbreak until recent weeks. The China Metallurgical Group has happened,” he said. blocked the arrival of a flight undergo quarantine on arrival. The country saw 12 new Corporation (MCC) —which con- with around 150 Chinese In a letter from Manning to cases yesterday taking its total to trols a major nickel mine in the workers on board due in Port the Chinese ambassador, he 359, with 159 active cases amid country — warned local author- mines in Papua New Guinea, one had “been vaccinated with Moresby yesterday. “I am demanded “immediate clarifi- low rates of testing. At least three ities that 48 staff who returned of the Pacific’s poorest nations. SARS-COV-2 vaccine” before demanding an explanation from cation” and stated that Papua people have died from the virus. from China this month may test While moving its staff into their return, it said. the Chinese ambassador as to New Guinea “does not currently Coronavirus clusters positive for the virus because they place, MMC’s subsidiary firm China has previously indi- how this has happened,” he said. acknowledge a vaccine” for coro- recently forced the closure of had received a vaccine. Ramu NiCo told Papua New cated that it would test vaccines “I have written to the Chinese navirus and will not until national major mines including the vast In response, Papua New Guinea authorities that any pos- on military personnel and staff government through the Chinese regulators and the World Health Ok Tedi copper and gold mine. Guinea authorities called for itive coronavirus test results were at state-backed companies, but ambassador — to explain how Organisation have given their China’s Ramu NiCo is no “immediate clarification” from “the normal reaction of the vac- it is not clear whether these these 48 employees of this state approval. stranger to controversy and was Beijing and blocked a charter cination and not due to infection”, tests were carried out on company were vaccinated.” He also issued a decree temporarily shuttered in late flight full of Chinese workers according to a Chinese and workers heading overseas. There are growing concerns banning coronavirus testing, 2019 after spewing slurry into that was due to land yesterday. English-language statement. “It takes around seven days that Ramu NiCo staff may have trials and unapproved vaccine the Bismarck Sea and turning The pandemic has disrupted The 48 members of staff at to produce antibodies in the circumvented arrival quarantine treatments in Papua New Guinea. parts of the surrounding operations at several lucrative its multi-billion-dollar mine vaccine recipient’s body after procedures, that the Chinese ambassador Xue Bing coastline ochre red. Thailand police arrest Taliban rebuke US charges rapper, activists in on ties with crackdown on protest Al Qaeda ANATOLIA — KABUL AP — BANGKOK With key Cabinet posts still in the hands of former generals, The Taliban in Afghanistan Thai police arrested a rapper the opposition to the military’s yesterday “strongly rejected” and four pro-democracy continuing influence and Pray- a US Defense Department activists in a crackdown on uth’s leadership has grown report about their alleged growing protests that have louder. cooperation with Al Qaeda. emerged as the most serious “If we carry on protesting “Our Mujahideen (Taliban threat to the government led by just within our school grounds, insurgents) are strong enough a former army general they other people won’t be aware of to combat the enemy and are accuse of incompetence and it. The wider we spread not in need of support from any corruption. awareness the better for the foreign side or organization,” Among those arrested is cause,” one 15-year-old high- said Zabihullah Mujahed, the Dechathorn Bamrungmuang, a school protester said. group’s spokesman, two days key member of Rap Against The protests have declared after the release of a Dictatorship. He posted photos three core demands: holding Department of Defence Thursday on his Facebook page new elections, amending the Anon Nampa and other leaders of recent anti-government protests do a three-fingered salute after Inspector General quarterly of getting arrested and being military-imposed constitution being granted bail, outside the criminal court in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. report on Operation Freedom taken to a police station for and ending the intimidation of Sentinel in Afghanistan. processing. critics of the government. calls for a prison sentence of up on Wednesday, according to the democracy activists. He added that such “pro- The activists facing sedition Protest leaders triggered to 15 years for anyone found Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. “The Thai government’s vocative” reports only serve to charges have called on Prime controversy earlier this month guilty of defaming the king. They were charged with sedition repeated promises to listen to make Afghans even more Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha when they expanded their One of the activists who and other offenses related to a dissenting voices have proven sceptical about US intentions and his administration to resign. original agenda, publicly criti- allegedly made critical remarks, protest in July. meaningless as the crackdown for peace. The protests, fanned by thou- cizing Thailand’s constitutional Arnon Nampha, was arrested The group also tweeted that on pro-democracy activists On the Doha pact with the sands of students, are the most monarchy and issuing a 10-point Wednesday and charged with Arnon was denied bail and will continues unabated,” said Brad US signed this February, serious threat yet to an ex-army manifesto calling for its reform. sedition and violation of a be brought to the criminal court Adams, Asia director of Human Mujahed said: “We remain chief who seized power in the Their action was virtually public assembly law for partic- Thursday morning. Rights Watch. “The authorities committed to the aforemen- 2014 military coup and then unprecedented, as the mon- ipating in a Harry Potter- Human Rights Watch said should right their wrong and tioned agreement and have so retained it in a 2019 election archy is considered sacrosanct themed protest on August 3. in a statement that Thai author- immediately drop the charges far implemented and will con- widely seen as rigged to guar- and any criticism is normally Three other political and labor ities should drop all charges and and release Arnon and other tinue to honour our part of the antee his victory. kept private. A lese majeste law activists also were also arrested release the detained pro- detained activists.” agreement.” One article of the pact states that the Taliban will not allow any of its members, other individuals, or groups, China denounces 'slander' over envoy on people’s backs in Kiribati including Al Qaeda, to use Afghan soil to threaten the REUTERS — BEIJING/MELBOURNE and out of respect for the the backs of about 30 people did not immediately respond to “Yet here we are thanks to security of the US or its allies. culture and traditions of lined up on the ground. a request for comment. China’s ambassador to Separately, Afghan Pres- China denounced as slander Kiribati”, Chinese foreign min- Tang said on social media The US defence attaché in Kiribati.” In Taiwan, which lost ident Ashraf Ghani yesterday yesterday criticism of its istry spokesman Zhao Lijian he had made a trip to Kiribati’s neighbouring Fiji took the Kiribati as a diplomatic ally to urged the Taliban to lay down ambassador to the Pacific told a daily briefing in Beijing. outer islands this month, after opportunity to questioned China last year, the foreign their arms and commence nation of Kiribati over a picture Some people have tried to taking up his post when China Tang’s behaviour. ministry said they were as without any delay the proposed of him walking on the backs of slander China over this incident, resumed diplomatic relations “I simply cannot imagine shocked as everyone else at the intra-Afghan peace talks. prostrate islanders that a top US but their attempts to damage late last year. any scenario in which walking picture. “We have not only shown diplomat derided as unac- China’s relationship with island The photograph stirred con- on the backs of children is “This is not the Kiribati we our will and commitment, but ceptable behaviour. nations will not succeed, Zhao troversy in the Pacific where acceptable behaviour by an know, and we didn’t know have taken practical steps China’s ambassador, Tang said. China has been trying to expand ambassador of any country (or Kiribati had this kind of wel- toward achieving that [peace]; Songgen, was taking part in a The grainy photograph that its influence to the conster- any adult for that matter!),” the coming ceremony. Taiwan Taliban prisoners’ release and traditional welcome ceremony appeared on social media nation of the United States and diplomat, Commander Con- would not treat our allies and the Loya Jirga are notable “at the cordial request of the showed a man in a white shirt its old ally, Australia. stantine Panayiotou, said on their people like this,” said instances of our efforts,” he local government and people, and grey trousers stepping on Kiribati’s foreign ministry Twitter. spokeswoman Joanne Ou. said. Lawyer’s aide held Coordination body formed for aiding murder of US blasphemy for improvement in Karachi suspect INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD/ the country,” Planning and KARACHI Development Minister Asad REUTERS — PESHAWAR Umar told a press conference Leaders of the Pakistan Peoples in Islamabad after meeting Police have arrested a man Party, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Sindh Chief Minister Syed believed to have helped a and Muttahida Qaumi Murad Ali Shah and his team. teenage murder suspect to Movement-Pakistan met for the Umar said a six-member bring a gun into a courtroom third time in a short span of one committee had been formed and kill an American who was week and decided to form a coor- and it would not be headed by on trial for blasphemy in the dination committee for collabo- anyone and both sides would Pakistani city of Peshawar, ration between the federal and work on a mutual under- police said yesterday. Sindh governments in six areas standing. The committee was to The victim, Tahir Naseem, for the betterment of Karachi. start its work from yesterday 57, from Chicago, was However, the PPP-led and next meeting would be held appearing for a bail hearing Sindh government claimed that in Karachi tomorrow, he added. last month when Faisal Khan, the coordination committee He said the federal and 15, allegedly pulled out a gun was for the entire province and Sindh governments reached a and shot him in the courtroom, not for Karachi alone. consensus for the development telling bystanders. First two meetings between of Karachi and identified six Investigators now believe the three parties were held in areas for collaboration. Khan was given the gun by a A flooded bus terminal is pictured after heavy monsoon rains in Lahore, yesterday. Islamabad and Karachi, respec- Accompanied by federal man named Tufail Zia, who tively, in the presence of a ministers Aminul Haque of the was able to smuggle the 17 killed in rain-related accidents across Pakistan’s Punjab senior member of the security MQM-P and Ali Zaidi of the PTI, weapon past security check- establishment, which is very Umar said: “The areas of col- points because he was asso- INTERNEWS — LAHORE people and injuring five others. Sheikhupura collapsed, killing much concerned over the state laboration include solid waste ciated with the legal fraternity, Following the incident, two people and injuring seven of affairs in the provincial management, clean drinking the Peshawar police chief’s At least 17 people were killed rescue workers rushed to the others. Moreover, five people, metropolis and wanted all water projects and anti- office said. and several others were injured spot and recovered the two including a woman and four stakeholders to find out a encroachment drive, infra- Zia, who was arrested on in rain-related accidents in bodies, whereas, seven others children, were killed when the solution to the problems of structure development, road Tuesday, was exempt from a different parts of Pakistan’s were injured - among whom roof of their house collapsed in Pakistan’s commercial hub. construction and transport pat-down search by court Punjab province yesterday. two died during treatment Mandi Bahauddin. “We have serious political management in the port city.” security, police said. The According to a rescue team while the condition of the A landslide occurred in a difference with the Sindh gov- He said it was decided in the head of the city’s bar council spokesperson, the roof of an old remaining injured is said to be coal mine in Qasba Bhal of ernment but we will work meeting that all bottlenecks in said Zia was an apprentice to house collapsed in Ibrahim out of danger. Chakwal, causing three together with it for the devel- the long-standing projects one of the prosecuting Colony located in Lahore’s Har- Meanwhile, the roof of a labourers to get crushed to opment of the city which gen- would be removed through lawyers. banspura area, killing four house on Muridke Road in death and five others injured. erates most of the revenue of mutual consultations. 08 VIEWS FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2020
Established in 1996
CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]
ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]
DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]
Employees are seen as they leave Google's global headquarters in Mountain View, California in this file photo. EDITORIAL Boosting employment Can we save the planet by JOB seeking has never been so easy, thanks to national employment platform ‘Kawader’ launched by the Ministry of Administrative Development Labor and growing the service sector? Social Affairs (MADLSA). The platform aims at pro- viding citizens with the opportunity to obtain jobs that But booming tech industries highest proportion of highly paid suit their qualifications in in government bodies as well have also spurred affluence and workers of any sector. Those as private entities. consumption among its well-paid workers may not degrade the Qatar seeks to provide jobs to national cadres in workers. This shopping spree is environment directly through their the government and private sectors as it works to raise almost never accounted for in jobs, but still consume impactful the rate of Qatarization in the private sector to 60 assessing the environmental foods, goods, and travel. percent by simplifying procedures, removing bureau- friendliness of economic sectors. In other words, services may cratic obstacles, and speeding up the completion of DANIEL HOREN GREENFORD & Can we still claim the tech industry appear “clean” when using incom- conversion of all services provided to the public into COREY LESK AL JAZEERA is “clean” if we consider the envi- plete accounting, but in reality are electronic services. ronmental impacts of the affluence as dirty as any other sector. This The Minister of Administrative Development, Labor Anyone living in a major city in it generates? means that a booming service and Social Affairs H E Yousuf Mohammed Al Othman 2020 has likely noticed a new In a study published in June, sector cannot reduce the environ- Fakhroo said Kawader comes as a part of the efforts feature in the urban landscape: we attempted to answer this mental impacts of our economy, taken to enhance the Ministry’s role in registering and Tech campuses where the question by modelling the global unless its workers consume less. following up on employment for jobs seekers in the academic and the entrepreneurial economy in a way that attributed Our data further undermine the public and private sectors, as the number of recruit- come together to transfer physical the environmental impacts of dubious idea that economic ments for 2019 reached 3,570 job seekers. and cognitive tasks from workers workers’ household consumption growth, even if led by “clean” H E The Minister called on job seekers of various to computers. The tech industry is to the industries that employ them. sectors, can be green. qualifications and experience to take advantage of the also increasingly visible in places This enabled us to more fully Exponents of the knowledge services provided by Kawader through the link pro- far away from centres of growth - measure the environmental clean- economy propose seemingly air- vided by the platform. shipping centres for online liness of different industries, and tight logic: If humans can Job seekers will be able to register on the platform merchants are replacing high better understand the ramifica- produce unbounded knowledge as of August 24 this year. Around 4,800 jobs will be street shops and coal mines in tions of growing one industry over and innovation, then infinite offered in all specialties of various scientific qualifica- small towns across the Western another. growth on a finite planet is pos- tions starting September. This number is subject to world. We found that services like sible. But people in tech cannot increase and includes all specializations and all qual- From the For many, these crystalline tech industries were as damaging eat software, nor do they take ifications. Kawader has been designed in an easy, new buildings, together with the to global climate, land, and water virtual vacations. No job can scalable and secure manner and adopts data confi- United Nations tech industry’s promise of as agriculture and manufacturing really be green in an over-con- dentiality and secures privacy. The appointment of and OECD to offloading manual and cognitive when household consumption sumptive economy, so employing any employee is only for those registered with more radical labour onto machines, represent a was included in the accounting. more people in services can only MADLSA. new “green” vision of growth in This is because tech is labour- reduce the toll on the planet if H E the Minister noted that national cadres wishing proposals which corporate value rapidly intensive, and its numerous paired with lighter living. to obtain jobs should complete academic education in from the expands, but causes minimal workers tend to be affluent con- Sustainability is not about areas that are compatible with the requirements of the greenhouse gas emissions or land sumers, whose habits cause large where we work or what parts of labor market to ensure rapid access to suitable job extreme ends destruction. environmental impacts. By con- the economy we grow. When the opportunities, or join the government scholarship of the political In the developed world, Big trast, sectors typically seen as vast majority of what is produced program or professional training programs that allow Tech has led much of the eco- “dirty”, like farming and manufac- is destined for household con- them to choose the required specializations in the labour spectrum nomic growth of the 2010s, while turing, generate less affluence, and sumption, both “green” and market, which will ensure them to get the right job. — clean or industries typically seen as dirty - thus encourage less consumption “brown” jobs lead to environ- It must be mentioned that last month Qatar like agriculture and manufacturing and environmental damage. mental degradation. To achieve a Chamber announced that it has successfully developed green jobs are - have retreated. The belief that a The hidden environmental sustainable economy, we need to its initiative called the Labor Re-employment Platform considered transition towards services is the impacts of workers’ consumer revise our concept of the good in a way that enables companies seeking to hire new vital to chart- economic conclusion of devel- habits applied not only to the tech life, reconsider our economic employees to login to the platform and select their opment, and could grow our industry. They followed high- model, and live lighter. If not, a preferred candidates. It said that companies that are ing a way to economy cleanly in the 21st wage service jobs wherever we sustainable future is a fantasy. willing to make new hires could register on the platform a clean and century, is central to the sus- looked. Public sector industries contract them through MADLSA in accordance with tainable development agenda. like education, healthcare, and Daniel Horen Greenford is a PhD the laws and procedures of the state. prosperous From the United Nations and government administration were candidate in Geography, world for all. OECD to more radical proposals just as high-impact per dollar Planning and Environment at from the extreme ends of the created as tech. The bulk of envi- Concordia University, Canada political spectrum - clean or green ronmental impacts can be traced and Corey Lesk is a PhD jobs are considered vital to to consumption by service candidate in Earth and Environ- charting a way to a clean and workers because they pay out half mental Science at Columbia D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR prosperous world for all. of all wages globally, with the University, US. EMAIL: [email protected]
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 Swiftly dispose of disaster waste through wide-reaching framework FAX: +974 4455 7758 JAPAN NEWS - YOMIURI garbage. In the areas hit by portation, sorting and final dis- With climate change, Typhoon Nos. 15 and 19 last posal, among other things. typhoons and heavy rain dis- MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 The huge amount of garbage autumn, more than 2 million However, only half of all asters are becoming more generated in the event of a tons of waste were generated. municipalities have formulated severe and widespread. There DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 disaster hinders restoration It is said that it will take about such plans, and 90% of munici- is a limit to the disposal of huge work. Local governments must two years to complete the dis- palities that have yet to work amounts of garbage by the LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 expedite efforts to establish a posal work from the time the out their plans have a popu- afflicted municipalities alone. It system that will enable them to garbage was generated. lation of less than 100,000. It is also essential for prefectural BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 promptly dispose of such waste. In some cases, disaster-hit may be difficult for them to and municipal governments to Every time an earthquake municipalities did not decide create their own plans due to a strengthen a wide-reaching SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 or typhoon hits, local govern- on temporary storage sites for lack of specialist personnel. cooperative framework, such ments have struggled to deal the garbage in advance. It is In prefectures where as by expanding agreements ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 with disaster waste. If it is left undeniable that insufficient damage from a massive earth- among them to accept garbage. email: [email protected] on the street, automobile and preparations led to a delay in quake in the Nankai Trough is In Kumamoto Prefecture, human traffic is obstructed. As the disposal of the waste. expected, cities, towns and vil- hit by the torrential rain in the PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 furniture, home appliances, In 2016, the central gov- lages tend to draw up plans at a Kyushu region, only residents email: [email protected] clothing and other goods are ernment asked municipalities high rate. Prefectural govern- of the prefecture were mixed together, the sanitary across the country to draw up ments that have a low rate of accepted as volunteers, to ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 environment could deteriorate plans to dispose of disaster- devising such plans need to prevent infections with the FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] due to foul odors and bacteria. generated waste. The plans are heighten their sense of urgency. novel coronavirus, so there There is also a risk of fire. aimed at facilitating garbage The central and prefectural was a shortage of people to CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 Due to the torrential rain in disposal work smoothly by governments should help remove garbage from damaged email: [email protected] the Kyushu region in July, local selecting temporary storage municipalities create their houses. Each local government residents are having trouble sites in advance and estab- plans by dispatching officials or should consider how to secure SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 disposing of a large amount of lishing procedures for trans- holding training sessions. personnel in advance. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]
www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar
/ThePeninsulaQatar We see that the United States of America is an ally, and a strong ally for Iraq. And /Peninsula_Qatar we will continue to protect this alliance /ThePeninsulaNewspaper and to deepen it and expand it. Fuad Hussein, Iraq Foreign Minister +974 6698 6188 FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2020 EUROPE 09 Europe frets over virus spikes as WHO warns against lockdowns
AFP — BERLIN On average, 26,000 and have gained knowledge about how to fight it in recent European concerns were new cases are being months. growing yesterday over spikes reported everyday in “With the basic nationwide in coronavirus cases in Europe, according and additional targeted Germany and France but the measures, we are in a much World Health Organization to the WHO. Young better position to stamp out (WHO) said the continent people, who tend to these localised virus flare-ups,” should be able to fight the pan- the head of the WHO’s demic without reimposing full experience milder European branch, Hans Kluge, lockdown measures. symptoms and lower told reporters. “We can manage Germany and France mortality rates, the virus and keep the economy recorded their worst daily running and an education People are seen walking around as streets and squares become busy as in its normal days amid the infection rates in months with account for a growing system in operation,” he added. novel coronavirus pandemic in Moscow, Russia, yesterday. The number of confirmed coronavirus concerns growing yesterday Europe has seen a steady share of cases. case reached 942,106 with 16,099 deaths in Russia. that coronavirus cases could rise in the number of cases for spike in Europe just as holiday- the past two months, he said. makers return home and places, amid fears that a mass In the first week of August, children go back to school. movement of people as the 40,000 more cases were Russia to test 'Sputnik V' vaccine Germany reported 1,707 summer break draws to a close reported than in the first week new cases of the coronavirus will lead to a spike in infections. of June when cases were at in the past 24 hours, the highest Spain recorded 6,700 new their lowest. daily toll since the peak of the infections in 24 hours on On average, 26,000 new on 40,000 people next week pandemic in April. Wednesday, bringing the total cases are being reported eve- AFP — MOSCOW “immunogenicity and safety of vaccinations in Russia are Much of the rise has been to more than 370,000, the ryday in Europe, according to the Sputnik V vaccine” will expected to start in October and blamed on returning holiday- highest caseload in western the WHO. Young people, who Russia said yesterday that it begin next week involving more the first foreign deliveries in makers as well as parties and Europe. Ukraine also reported tend to experience milder would start clinical trials of its than 40,000 people. It said the November or December. family gatherings. Schools a record daily increase in coro- symptoms and lower mortality controversial coronavirus tests were the equivalent of the The vaccine — named after already resumed last week in navirus cases, exceeding 2,000 rates, account for a growing vaccine next week, involving Phase 3 trials that other vac- the pioneering 1950s Soviet sat- parts of Germany. new infections for the first time. share of cases. tens of thousands of people. cines are undergoing. ellite — was announced with France on Wednesday In Finland, the government However, Kluge stressed President Vladimir Putin said Kirill Dmitriyev, the head of much fanfare in Russia but recorded new coronavirus cases on Wednesday removed most the importance of reopening earlier this month that Russia had the Russian Direct Investment drew warnings from Western at the fastest daily rate since May. EU countries from its “green schools as countries gradually become the first country to reg- Fund, told an online briefing scientists that Moscow may be Almost 3,800 COVID-19 infec- travel list”, meaning that only return to normal, noting the ister a coronavirus vaccine, that the vaccination of at-risk moving too quickly. tions were confirmed in the past people arriving from a handful negative consequences that though the announcement was groups, including medical per- Dmitriyev said scepticism 24 hours, the health ministry’s of states will be able to enter school closures have had on met with caution from scientists sonnel, would also start next was starting to wane. “We have DGS public health division said. the country without corona- children. The WHO’s European and the World Health Organi- week on a voluntary basis. seen a significant change in Toulouse became the first virus restrictions from Monday. region, which covers 55 coun- zation who said it still needed a More than 20 countries have tone from the WHO. At first, yes, French city to declare face Meanwhile, the WHO said tries, has registered almost four rigorous safety review. made requests to purchase over they did not have enough infor- masks compulsory outdoors. yesterday that Europe can million confirmed cases of Russia’s sovereign wealth a billion doses of the vaccine, he mation on the Russian vaccine, Masks are already man- combat the new coronavirus COVID-19 and 215,000 deaths fund, which finances the said, adding that Russia had now official information has datory on public transport in without full lockdowns now that linked to the virus, according vaccine project, said yesterday agreements with several coun- been sent and they will evaluate France and indoors in public authorities are better prepared to the organisation. that tests of the tries to produce it. He said mass it,” he said. Manchester bomber’s brother jailed for life Battle to save life of AFP — LONDON chester Arena. helped his brother plan it for The youngest victim was several weeks, including by Kremlin critic after The brother of a suicide bomber aged just eight. Others included obtaining chemicals for the who killed 22 people at an Ariana parents who had come to pick homemade bomb. “The Grande concert in the British city up their children. Prime Min- defendant and his brother were of Manchester was yesterday ister Boris Johnson called the equally culpable for the deaths suspected poisoning jailed for life for playing an attack in northwestern England and injuries caused,” he said. “integral part” in the attack. a “horrifying and cowardly act The judge said Abedi could AFP — OMSK, RUSSIA Hashem Abedi (pictured), of violence which targeted not be given a whole-life term 23, was convicted of murder, children and families”. — ensuring he would never be Russian doctors were fighting attempted murder and con- In court, judge Jeremy released — because he was to save the life of leading oppo- spiring to cause explosions at a Baker said Abedi would spend aged under 21 at the time of the sition figure Alexei Navalny trial that ended in March, after a minimum of 55 years in prison offences. The almost three years (pictured) yesterday after he one of the worst terror attacks for playing an “integral part” in that Abedi has already spent in was rushed to intensive care in on British soil. the preparation of the pre- custody would count towards Siberia suffering from what his The Islamic State group- Salman, detonated among mediated attack. The trial heard the sentence until he was eli- spokeswoman said was a sus- inspired bombing, carried out crowds of mostly young people he was in Libya when the attack gible for parole. But he added: pected poisoning. by his 22-year-old brother leaving the concert at the Man- took place on May 22, 2017 but “He may never be released.” Navalny, a 44-year-old lawyer and anti-corruption he gave the order personally, campaigner who is among the blame lies with him.” President Vladimir Putin’s Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Belarus opens fiercest critics, was in a coma Peskov said he knew of Nav- in hospital in the city of Omsk alny’s illness and “as with any criminal case after he lost consciousness on citizen of Russia, we wish him a flight and his plane made an a speedy recovery”. into effort to emergency landing. He said claims of poisoning “Doctors aren’t just doing were “only assumptions” until ‘seize power’ everything possible. The tests proved otherwise. doctors are really working now Kalinichenko said no diag- AFP — MINSK on saving his life,” the hospi- nosis had yet been reached, tal’s deputy head doctor while the regional health min- Belarus opened a criminal Anatoly Kalinichenko told jour- istry said Navalny was in a investigation into attempts by nalists in Omsk. natural, not induced, coma. the opposition to “seize Navalny’s spokeswoman Navalny’s wife Yulia power” yesterday as President Kira Yarmysh said he was on a arrived at the hospital in the Alexander Lukashenko moved ventilator and tests were being city which lies about 2,200km to assert his authority after carried out, while he was in a east of Moscow. days of protests over a dis- serious but stable condition. Yarmysh said police and puted election. “Alexei has toxic poi- investigators had also arrived The leader claimed a sixth soning,” Yarmysh wrote on and journalists reported seeing term after an August 9 ballot Twitter, describing how he had FSB security service agents at that sparked historic protests Greta Thunberg in fresh push for climate action taken ill during the flight from the hospital. “We think that and a police crackdown that Swedish founder of the “School Strike for Climate” movement Greta Thunberg (centre) and German the city of Tomsk to Moscow Alexei was poisoned with was condemned by European climate activist from the “Fridays for Future” movement Luisa Neubauer (centre, right) walk from and had to be taken off the something mixed in his tea. leaders. Allies of main oppo- Berlin’s main railway station towards the Chancellery. Thunberg urged German Chancellor Angela plane. That was the only thing he sition challenger Svetlana Merkel to be "brave" in the fight against global warming as she sought to breathe fresh life into She pointed the finger at drank in the morning,” Tikhanovskaya this week a climate movement overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic. Putin, saying: “Whether or not Yarmysh wrote on Twitter. formed a Coordination Council to oversee efforts for a peaceful transition of power. The group, whose Alarm as Greenland ice sheet sheds half-a-trillion tonnes members include Nobel Prize- winning author and outspoken AFP — PARIS researchers reported in the land occupied today by hundreds have also resulted in more, and “But that doesn’t mean that trying Lukashenko critic Svetlana journal Communications Earth & of millions of people uninhab- warmer, sunny days, acceler- to limit warming doesn’t matter,” Alexievich, called for a new Greenland’s massive ice sheet Environment. itable. Until 2000, Greenland’s ating the loss of mass. he added. election and talks with the saw a record net loss of 532 Last year’s loss of mass was ice sheet — covering an area In 2019, the ice sheet lost a “Every decimal degree you authorities during its first billion tonnes last year, raising at least 15 percent above the three times the size of France — total of 1.13 trillion tonnes, about save in terms of warming will meeting on Wednesday. red flags about accelerating sea previous record in 2012, but generally accumulated as much 45 percent from glaciers sliding save a certain amount of sea level Prosecutor General Alex- level rise, according to findings even more alarming are the mass as it shed. into the sea, and 55 percent rise — both in magnitude and ander Konyuk said in a video released yesterday. long-term trends, they said. Runoff, in other words, was from melted ice, said Sasgen. It speed.” Experts not involved in statement that the Council’s cre- That is equivalent to an “2019 and the four other compensated by fresh snowfall. gained about 600 billion tonnes the research were not surprised ation was unconstitutional and additional three million tonnes record-loss years have all But over the last two decades through precipitation. by the findings, but expressed amounted to an attempt to topple of water streaming into global occurred in the last decade,” lead ago, the gathering pace of global A study in the same journal concern nonetheless. Lukashenko’s government. “The oceans every day, or six author Ingo Sasgen, a glaciologist warming has upended this last week concluded that the “The ice sheet has lost ice creation and activities of such a Olympic pools every second. at the Helmholtze Centre for balance. The gap is widening at Greenland’s ice sheet has passed every year for the last 20 years,” council are aimed at seizing Crumbling glaciers and tor- Polar and Marine Research in both ends, according to the a “tipping point”, and is now said Twila Moon, a research sci- power,” Konyuk said. rents of melt-water slicing Germany, said. If all of Green- study, which draws from nearly doomed to disintegrate, though entists at the University of He announced that investi- through Greenland’s two-to- land’s ice sheet were to melt, it 20 years of satellite data. on what time scale is unknown. Colorado. From 1992 to 2018, gators were opening a probe into three-kilometre thick ice block would lift global oceans by seven Changing weather patterns Sasgen says it is too soon to Greenland lost about four “calls for actions aimed at under- were the single biggest source of metres (23 feet). — also a consequence of climate know if we have reached a point trillion tonnes of mass, causing mining national security”, a global sea level rise in 2019, Even a more modest rise of change — has resulted in less of no return, but agrees that the the mean sea level to rise by 11 charge that carries a maximum accounted for 40 percent of the a couple of metres would redraw cloud cover, and thus less snow. ice sheet is likely to continue millimetres, according to a penalty of five years behind bars. total, or 1.5 millimetres, the world’s coastlines and render These high pressure systems losing mass, even in colder years. December 2019 study in Nature. 10 AMERICAS FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2020 Harris, Obama tear into Trump Kamala Harris accepts historic US democracy at risk: Obama V-P nod with call for change AP & REUTERS — WASHINGTON Former President Barack “We must elect a Obama painted a unsparing president... who portrait of American democracy on the brink if President Donald will bring all of us Trump wins in November, together — Black, warning in a scathing, and at White, Latino, Asian, times emotional, address on Wednesday that his successor Indigenous — to is both unfit for office and apa- achieve the future thetic to the nation’s founding we collectively want. principles. “This administration has We must elect Joe shown it will tear our Biden,” she said. democracy down if that’s what Former President Barack Obama speaking from Philadelphia, it takes to win,” Obama said in Pennsylvania, during the third day of the convention unflinching remarks on the REUTERS — WASHINGTON third night of the Democratic An emotional Obama urged Americans to vote, convention. He spoke from warning that Trump and his Republican allies US Senator Kamala Harris Senator from California and Democratic vice-presidential nominee Philadelphia, where the United can win only by suppressing and undermining accepted the Democratic nom- Kamala Harris speaks during the third day of the Democratic States Constitution was drafted ination for vice-president on National Convention, being held virtually at the Chase Center in and signed. votes, rather than on the merits of their Wednesday, imploring Amer- Wilmington, Delaware. Obama's remarks revealed policies. “Do not let them take away your icans to elect Joe Biden in the full extent of both his per- November and accusing Pres- that has featured a crush of childcare and protect family sonal disregard for the current power,” Obama said. “Do not let them take ident Donald Trump of failed women headliners, moderators healthcare provisions. president and his belief that away your democracy. Make a plan right now leadership that had cost lives and speakers, showcasing the US Senator Elizabeth Trump presents an existential for how you’re going to get involved and vote.” and livelihoods during a growing power of women in pol- Warren cited Biden’s proposal threat to democracy in the pandemic. itics and in the Democratic Party. to make childcare more United States. Making history as the first Biden leads Trump in opinion affordable as a vital part of his Obama said he had initially Black woman and Asian- polls, bolstered by a big lead agenda to help working Amer- held out hope that Trump becomes the country that fully “actually care about every American on a major US pres- among women voters. icans. “COVID-19 was Trump’s would grow into the job of pres- lives up to its creed.” American, and they care deeply idential ticket, Harris said Harris outlined her back- biggest test. He failed mis- ident - but he has now con- Obama blamed Trump for about this democracy”. Trump’s divisive leadership had ground as a child of immigrants erably,” Warren said. “Joe and cluded that Trump not only the 170,000 Americans who Obama, 59, was unsparing brought the country to an from India and Jamaica who as Kamala will make high-quality hasn’t, he simply can’t. Instead, have died from the coronavirus, in his praise for his former vice “inflection point” and made a a district attorney, state attorney childcare affordable for every he said Trump has focused on the millions of jobs lost to the president, saying Biden became direct appeal to the party’s general and now vice-presi- family, make preschool uni- using the presidency to benefit ensuing recession and the a “brother” to him. “For eight diverse electorate whose vote dential candidate shattered versal, and raise the wages for his friends and family and diminishment of the country’s years, Joe was the last one in is crucial to defeat Trump on gender and racial barriers. She every childcare worker.” turned the nation’s most pow- democratic principles at home the room whenever I faced a November 3. said she was able to make history Hillary Clinton, the 2016 erful office into “one more and abroad. big decision,” he said. “He made “The constant chaos leaves because of the trailblazing efforts Democratic presidential reality show that he can use to “The one constitutional me a better president - and he’s us adrift, the incompetence of women before her who fought nominee who lost to Trump, get the attention he craves”. office elected by all of the got the character and the expe- makes us feel afraid, the cal- for the right to vote. told the convention: “This can’t He called out in particular people is the presidency,” he rience to make us a better lousness makes us feel alone. “That I am here tonight is a be another woulda coulda to young people who took to the said. “So at a minimum, we country.” It’s a lot,” the California senator testament to the dedication of shoulda election,” she said. “No streets of American cities should expect a president to feel An emotional Obama urged and former prosecutor said, generations before me,” she matter what, vote. Vote like our earlier this year to protest a sense of responsibility for the Americans to vote, warning that speaking from an events center said. “They organized , marched lives and livelihoods are on the police brutality against Black safety and welfare of all 330 Trump and his Republican allies in Wilmington, Delaware. , and fought - not just for their line, because they are.” Americans, casting them as the million of us.... But we should can win only by suppressing “We must elect a president... vote , but for a seat at the table.” Clinton said Biden needs to heirs to the legacy of civil rights also expect a president to be the and undermining votes, rather who will bring all of us together Throughout the convention, win overwhelmingly. “Joe and leaders such as Georgia Rep. custodian of this democracy.” than on the merits of their pol- — Black, White, Latino, Asian, Democrats have appealed Kamala can win by 3 million John Lewis, who died earlier Trump, he said, had failed those icies. “Do not let them take Indigenous — to achieve the directly to women voters, high- votes and still lose,” she said. this summer. “You can give our tests. away your power,” Obama said. future we collectively want. We lighting Biden’s co-sponsorship “Take it from me. So we need democracy new meaning,” he Obama delivered a full- “Do not let them take away must elect Joe Biden,” she said. of the landmark Violence numbers overwhelming so said. “You’re the missing ingre- throated endorsement of Biden your democracy. Make a plan Harris’ nomination capped the Against Woman Act of 1994 and Trump can’t sneak or steal his dient - the ones who will decide and vice presidential nominee right now for how you’re going third night of a party convention his proposals to bolster way to victory.” whether or not America Kamala Harris, saying they to get involved and vote.” Trump's former aide Judge rejects Steve Bannon arrested in Trump bid to border wall fraud case halt release of financial AFP — NEW YORK period”. Manhattan federal pros- ecutors said Bannon, the organ- President Donald Trump's ization’s founder Brian Kolfage, records former top strategist Steve venture capitalist Andrew AFP — NEW YORK Bannon was arrested and Badolato and Timothy Shea charged yesterday along with “received hundreds of thousands A US federal judge refused three others for defrauding of dollars in donor funds from yesterday President Donald hundreds of thousands of We Build the Wall, which they Trump’s effort to block the donors in a Mexico border wall each used in a manner incon- release of his financial records fundraising campaign -- a blow sistent with the organization’s subpoenaed by a New York to the Republican incumbent. public representations.” grand jury in a case focused The online crowdfunding The initiative began in 2018 on hush money payments and campaign known as “We Build as a GoFundMe campaign to For a living possibly bank fraud. Victor Hernandez, 65, plays the trumpet on the street to earn money after he lost his job as a swimming the Wall” raised more than raise money organizers said Judge Victor Marrero instructor due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in Mexico City yesterday. $25m, prosecutors said, which would go towards the border rejected Trump’s argument that the defendants promised would wall Trump had promised the investigating jury’s demand be used on construction but during his 2016 campaign, for eight years of tax records which they instead funneled to which Bannon orchestrated. from his accountants Mazars their own pockets. One week after launching, Brazil supermarket’s corpse USA was too broad and consti- The arrest is the latest in a the online appeal took in $17m, tuted political harassment. string of high-profile criminal which raised suspicions at the The Manhattan federal probes into Trump’s inner circle, crowdfunding site and court judge said Trump’s rea- and comes just months before prompted it to temporarily shut cover-up sparks outcry soning amounted to a “back November’s vote the Republican the campaign down. GoFundMe door” attempt to invoke hopes will win him re-election. said organizers would need to AFP — SAO PAULO Carrefour said it regretted how its cardboard boxes and covered absolute immunity after the Shortly after the charges identify a legitimate nonprofit store in the northeastern city of up with large green parasols. president’s lawyers’ were were announced the President where the money was headed A supermarket chain in Brazil Recife reacted after a sales repre- “A worker died in a Carrefour denied by the US Supreme aimed to distance himself, or it would be returned. apologized on Wednesday for sentative it identified as Moises supermarket in Recife, which Court in July. saying: “Don’t know anything The four men began using its handling of an employee’s Santos died of a heart attack. covered up his body to remain For three years Trump has about the project at all.” both a Bannon-controlled non- death at one of its stores, which The employee died on open. Welcome to Brazil in the been successful at fending off “I think it’s a very sad thing profit and a Shea-led shell covered the man’s body with Friday, but the incident went year 2020,” one Twitter user Congressional demands for his for Mr. Bannon. I think it’s sur- company, as well as vendor agree- boxes and umbrellas and viral on social media on wrote. “Carrefour apologizes for records in probes targeting his prising,” Trump said, adding he ments and fake invoices, to remained open for business. Wednesday, along with images the inappropriate way it handled financial ties to Russians, his felt “very badly” and he hasn’t conceal their tracks, court docu- The Brazilian subsidiary of of the man’s body lying in an the sad and unexpected passing,” possible record of tax avoidance “been dealing with him for a long ments said. French supermarket group aisle, cordoned off with the firm said in a statement. and other issues involving his real estate business. However, New York federal district attorney Cyrus Vance Pandemic scuppers Latin America coming-of-age quinceaneras opened last year an investi- gation into Trump’s payments AFP — MONTEVIDEO unique local custom, known as and console me, and also the such a disappointment stands saving when their daughters are in 2016 to allegedly buy the the “quinceanera”. teachers,” Argentine teen Mia in the greater scheme of things. still young children, or they rack silence of two women who The coronavirus pandemic has Six months into the global Minutillo said as she carefully “It didn’t happen to Mia, it up debts because the occasion claimed to have had affairs with robbed millions of Latin pandemic and without concrete laid out the white dress she had didn’t happen to her friend... it merits “throwing the house out him. Court documents have American teenage girls of their signs of an end in sight, girls are hoped to wear for the occasion. happened to the world, it hap- of the window.” Valeria Halit suggested that Vance’s grand 15th birthday parties, a coming- still crossing their fingers that Since mid-March, it has pened to 15-year-olds the world Carreno says she felt “a mix of jury probe has now expanded of-age ritual that many had 2021 might provide a chance for gathered dust in her wardrobe. over,” said Veronica Rivero. bitterness and sadness” when her to possible banking and been planning for months and a belated quinceanera. The white chiffon and satin She’s hopeful the cele- quinceanera was cancelled. insurance fraud. even years. For some, the news that gown embroidered with rhine- bration will take place once “I thought this year was going Marrero suggested that Some were planning huge their party was off came in stones fits a little loosely now, there’s a vaccine or “if people to be my year, I was going to be Trump’s most recent argu- lavish bashes, others more sudden and brutal fashion — but Minutillo says there’s time are respectful” of the con- able to celebrate my quinceanera, ments were simply an effort modest but equally exciting just days or even hours ahead to have it adjusted before next tainment measures to prevent I was going to have my big party,” to delay the proceedings, affairs — but just as jobs, sports of time. “I felt terrible because March, when she hopes to be further spread of the virus. said the Panamanian teen. Her potentially running out the events, tourism, air travel and it was a day before, but thank- able to celebrate belatedly. Families put a lot of time, mother, Yamileth Pastor, said her clock on time limits for pros- public works projects have fully I was at school and my Her mother, though, gives effort and money into the cele- daughter “cried for many days, ecutions, and risking the loss ground to a halt, so too has this friends were there to support a sober assessment of where bration. Oftentimes, they begin many nights.” of witnesses. BUSINESS FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2020 11
PAGE | 12 PAGE | 13 ECB signals Australia’s September to be Qantas posts key month to read $1.9bn loss, the economy confirms job cuts
Your Global Remittance Partner Currency TT Rate Currency TT Rate Currency TT Rate Currency TT Rate QAR/INR : 20.35 QAR/PHP : 13.23 QAR/LKR : 50.45 QAR/BDT : 23.08 EUR/QAR : 4.52 GBP/QAR : 4.98 CAD/QAR : 2.93 AUD/QAR : 2.82 CHF/QAR : 4.18 SGD/QAR : 2.87 KWD/QAR : 12.10 OMR/QAR : 9.58 MAIN BRANCH LULU HYPER MARKET SANAYYA (STREET 17) AL KHOR PH: 44441448 PH: 44650768 PH: 44510088 PH: 44213444 MATAR QADEEM MANSOURA - AL MEERA ABU HAMOUR BIN OMRAN - ALMEERA PH: 44655559 PH: 44357552 PH: 44621271 PH: 44162002 alzamanexchange www.alzamanexchange.com 44441448 QFC Regulatory Authority takes disciplinary action against former CEO of GWMQ
THE PENINSULA — DOHA Financing (AML/CFT) policies, In 2018, the Regulatory oversight of GWMQ’s com- in place to combat illicit finance. procedures, systems and con- Authority took pliance with the Regulatory Russell appealed the Regu- The QFC Regulatory Authority trols and AML/CFT programme disciplinary action Authority’s requirements; and latory Authority’s decision to yesterday announced it had as required by the AML/CFT Failing to deal with the Regu- impose a financial penalty of taken disciplinary action Rules 2010 and other issues of against GWMQ, an latory Authority in an open and $50,000 and a three-year pro- against David Russell, former regulatory compliance. In July insurance intermediary, cooperative manner and keep hibition from carrying out a CEO of Guardian Wealth Man- 2019, the Regulatory Authority and fined the firm the Regulatory Authority controlled function in the QFC. agement Qatar LLC (GWMQ) (in also announced the disciplinary QR3.592m for promptly informed of any The QFC Regulatory Tribunal Trade talks with liquidation) for misconduct, and action it had taken against indi- matters relating to GWMQ of dismissed the appeal and imposed a financial penalty and vidual board members of contraventions relating which the Regulatory Authority upheld the action taken by the US coming a three-year prohibition from GWMQ relating to the same to compliance with the would reasonably expect notice. Regulatory Authority. The Tri- carrying out a controlled matters. implementation of its The actions taken by the bunal noted that the financial soon, says function in the Qatar Financial Russell was the CEO and Anti-Money Laundering Regulatory Authority against penalty and prohibition Centre (QFC). approved individual in the GWMQ, its board members and imposed by the Regulatory In 2018, the Regulatory Senior Executive Function and and Combating senior management emphasises Authority was appropriate Chinese official Authority took disciplinary Executive Governance Function Terrorist Financing the standards required of given Russell’s conduct but, AP — BEIJING action against GWMQ, an for GWMQ. The financial (AML/CFT) policies. approved individuals of given issues of financial insurance intermediary, and penalty and prohibition fol- authorised firms to ensure hardship encountered by the Chinese and US trade fined the firm QR3.592m for lowed the completion of an effective compliance with Reg- former GWMQ CEO and the envoys will hold a meeting contraventions relating to com- investigation, which found that Regulatory Authority’s rules. ulatory Authority rules, exceptional circumstances by phone “in the near pliance with the implemen- Russell’s conduct fell below the Russell’s contraventions were: including those rules required related to the COVID-19 pan- future” to discuss an tation of its Anti-Money Laun- standard of conduct required Failing to act with due skill, care to ensure that firms have demic, the Tribunal commuted agreement aimed at dering and Combating Terrorist of a senior manager under the and diligence in relation to his effective systems and controls the financial penalty. resolving a tariff war, a Commerce Ministry spokesman said yesterday. The spokesman, Gao Oil falls on Opec+ Feng (pictured), gave no details of the timing at a ministry news briefing. Under the “Phase 1” oversupply and trade agreement signed in January, both governments agreed to suspend potential US jobless data additional penalties on each other’s goods in a fight that REUTERS — LONDON A firmer US dollar, erupted in 2018 over Bei- which makes oil jing’s technology ambitions Oil fell yesterday after Reuters and trade surplus. reported Opec+ needed to more expensive for The truce called for talks address daily oversupply of holders of other to be held after six months, more than 2 million barrels, currencies, also but those were delayed due and the number of US unem- to the coronavirus pan- ployment benefit claims rose put pressure on demic. A meeting scheduled unexpectedly, signalling a slow prices, analysts said, for last week was to be held economic recovery. online but was postponed. Brent crude fell $1.24, or 2.7 leaving them stuck “Both parties have percent, to $44.13 a barrel at in a narrow trading agreed to hold a call in the 1350 GMT, and West Texas range. near future,” Gao said. Intermediate (WTI) was down The two governments $1.31, or 3 percent, at $41.62 a have rolled back some pen- barrel. day (bpd) to make up for recent Brazil extends easy credit to SMEs alties but most of the “While oil-market funda- oversupply. punitive tariffs imposed on Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (left) and Minister of Economy Paulo Guedes shake hands during mentals may have started to Markets also turned sour as hundreds of billions of the signing ceremony of a new decree that facilitates access to credit for small business and fight normalise, much of the the number of new US claims dollars of each other’s goods the economic impacts resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, at Planalto Palace in Brasilia. progress comes from the for unemployment benefits remain in place. supply side, while demand rose back above 1 million last continues to disappoint,” said week. Emily Ashford, energy analyst The setback came a day at Standard Chartered Bank. after several US Fed members A firmer US dollar, which said additional monetary policy makes oil more expensive for easing may be needed because holders of other currencies, a rebound in employment was Energy giant Shell explores sale of also put pressure on prices, already slowing. analysts said, leaving them “All roads in global and stuck in a narrow trading regional economies lead to the range. containment of the virus and Norwegian natural gas business Oil prices have been range- the end of these roads is not in bound since mid-June, with sight yet,” said oil broker PVM’s BLOOMBERG private. Gasnor delivers liq- emissions in 2019, according percent this year, giving the Brent trading from $40 to $46 Tamas Varga. uefied natural gas to industrial to a report from the company. company a market value of per barrel and WTI between The US Energy Information Royal Dutch Shell said it’s con- and marine customers in Shell sold part of its holding in around $115bn. $37 and $43. Administration said on sidering a sale of a Norwegian Norway via 22 trucks and two the Nyhamna gas-processing While the value of deal- The Organization of the Wednesday US fuel demand natural gas supplier, as the tankers, according to its plant in Norway last year. making in the energy sector Petroleum Exporting Countries fell by more than 2 million bpd energy major continues to website. Shell agreed to take The coronavirus outbreak has fallen by more than a third and its allies, known an Opec+, to 17.2 million bpd in terms of selectively dispose of assets. control of the business in 2012, has also exposed the vulnera- year-on-year in 2020 amid the said on Wednesday the pace of product supplied. Overall fuel The company is exploring paying $74m for shares it didn’t bility of some of the world’s coronavirus pandemic, the oil market recovery demand in the last four weeks a disposal of its Gasnor unit, a already own at the time. biggest fossil fuel companies, according to data compiled by appeared to be slower than is down 14 percent from year- spokesperson confirmed in A potential sale comes at a with the pandemic expected to Bloomberg, there have been anticipated with growing risks ago levels. As the summer response to Bloomberg queries. time when Shell, like many of hit long-term demand and signs of a strong recovery in of a prolonged second wave of driving season comes to a close, Shell has approached infra- its peers, is looking for ways to reduce oil and gas prices. activity. The value of energy the pandemic. fuel demand tends to decline. structure funds and private transition to low-carbon Shell’s adjusted net income transactions has risen 93 Prices came under renewed However, stockpiles of equity firms about a deal, energy. A string of divestments was $638m in the second percent in the last three pressure after Reuters reported crude in the United States fell people with knowledge of the in countries including quarter, down 82 percent from months to $139bn, compared that some Opec+ members for a fourth straight week, even matter said, asking not to be Argentina, Canada and the UK the same period a year. with the same period a year would need to cut output by an as net imports rose, the EIA identified as discussions are helped it cut greenhouse gas Its shares are down 48 ago, the data show. extra 2.31 million barrels per said. EU seeks tighter asset-manager rules as Brexit date looms BLOOMBERG business from their offices in the services firms or consultancy statement. companies in the EU to gain The European Union’s top bloc. businesses based outside the ESMA’s suggestions are part access to the single market, while markets regulator is asking for EU-based funds routinely del- region. of a review of EU rules for so- in fact running the funds from rule changes that could limit Lon- egate portfolio management to The recommendations are called alternative investment countries that aren’t subject to the don’s role as a hub for asset teams in London, New York and “an attack on London,” according funds, a category that includes bloc’s rules. management. other places outside the bloc. The to Jake Green (pictured), financial private equity, real estate and The recommendations could It comes as the deadline for European Securities and Markets regulatory partner at law firm hedge funds. have implications beyond London Brexit trade talks approaches, Authority said this practice Ashurst. It “could lead to serious The EU has been tightening and result in “collateral damage threatening to heighten tension increases risk, and is recom- repercussions, because it may the rules on asset managers ever to US and other global managers” at a fraught moment in the nego- mending a rule change to limit it. materially impact current struc- since the UK voted in mid-2016 who are delegated work from EU tiations. The EU has previously markets in the short-term, and The regulator is also seeking to tures and flexibility in using UK- to leave the bloc. Regulators have funds, according to Leonard Ng, warned that it’s not planning to that banks and other financial reduce the use of so-called sec- based portfolio managers and said they want to keep firms from a London-based partner at Sidley grant easy cross-border access to firms must prepare to do more onded staff from professional expertise,” he said in an emailed having thinly staffed “letterbox” Austin LLP. 12 BUSINESS FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2020 ECB signals September to be Volkswagen Chairman settles another market key month to read the economy manipulation case BLOOMBERG they said, but that “didn’t answer the question of how BLOOMBERG European Central Bank policy steady the recovery would be makers expressed uncertainty A sharp initial in the period ahead.” Volkswagen Chairman Hans at their latest policy meeting Forward-looking indicators, Dieter Poetsch (pictured) about the economic outlook rebound had some such as new orders have settled a market-manipulation and the extent to which they’ll officials speculating remained well below their case that alleged he and other have to deploy monetary average levels, according to former executives informed stimulus. in the run-up to the some of the participants. markets too late about impli- The account of their July gathering that the In the US, central bankers cations of its diesel-emissions session showed officials were ECB might not need backed off in July from an rigging for Porsche Automobil reluctant to draw conclusions earlier readiness to set a clearer Holding, VW’s majority from early signs of economic to spend the full bar for raising interest rates. shareholder. recovery after pandemic lock- €1.35 trillion ($1.6 warned earlier this month that Minutes of the Federal Reserve’s Poetsch agreed to pay downs were eased. Chief econ- uncertainty about the corona- last meeting published €1.5m ($1.8m) to end the case, Poetsch settled. In May, he and omist Philip Lane (pictured) trillion) earmarked virus will weigh on consumers Wednesday showed officials a spokeswoman for Stuttgart VW CEO Herbert Diess agreed told the gathering that the for purchases and businesses for some time. are committed to keeping prosecutors said by phone. The to pay €4.5m to end the breadth and scale of the under its pandemic Infections are rising again policy ultra-loose so long as the investigators also ended the criminal case in a court in recovery remained uneven and across Europe as peak vacation coronavirus crisis is signifi- probe against former VW CEO Braunschweig, after prose- partial. programme. season is under way. That’s cantly holding the economy Matthias Mueller, who at the cutors there charged them “At its September meeting forced some governments to back. time also served on the Porsche alongside Winterkorn, alleging the Governing Council would reinstate travel warnings and As ECB officials bid their board. He didn’t have to pay a they delayed informing be in a better position to programme. That debate was tighten restrictions on mask- time to decide if more stimulus fine. The probe against Martin markets about the US probe reassess the monetary policy reflected in the account, with wearing and social contact. is needed, most economists Winterkorn, former CEO of into the manipulation of diesel stance and its policy tools,” the some policy makers arguing At the same time, unem- predicted ahead of the July both companies, will engines. VW also decided to account of the meeting showed. that “the net purchase envelope ployment is beginning to creep meeting that the central bank continue. cover those fines. The diesel “This would provide more should be considered a ceiling up, despite generous furlough would increase pandemic pur- “Porsche Automobil Hold- scandal, exposed by American clarity regarding the medium- rather than a target.” schemes in many countries. The chases this year. ing’s supervisory board is still regulators in September 2015, term inflation outlook” and Other officials countered numbers are likely to rise “While it was underlined of the opinion that the board has cost the world’s largest prospects for economic activity. that the “current presumption” further in the coming months that the Governing Council members didn’t violate their automaker more than €30bn. A sharp initial rebound had was that the envelope of the as governments start to phase should avoid creating new duties. The allegations are Both VW and Porsche Auto- some officials speculating in the programme “would have to be out support programmes. expectations of further mon- baseless,” the company said in mobil are still facing civil suits run-up to the gathering that the used in full.” That’s why some cautioned etary-policy action, it should a statement. “The board, after from investors over the same ECB might not need to spend Since then, prospects for the during the meeting against also emphasize that it had the a diligent review and consid- allegations, claiming they lost the full €1.35 trillion ($1.6 economy have darkened, with reading too much into initially tools and policy space to take eration, decided to cover the money because the executives trillion) earmarked for pur- some indicators suggesting strong data. A “technical” further action if needed,” amount imposed on Poetsch.” didn’t inform them in a timely chases under its pandemic activity has plateaued. Lane rebound was to be expected, according to the account. It’s the second investigation manner about the scandal. Avianca airline magnates Japanese startup raises held in Brazil graft probe $28m to help
AFP — SAO PAULO $15m at the time) in bribes from fund moon 2009 to 2013 to Transpetro’s Two of South America’s former chief executive, Sergio mission wealthiest brothers, the Machado, in exchange for Bolivian-born airline magnates lucrative contracts with the BLOOMBERG German and Jose Efromovich, transport and logistics firm, were arrested Wednesday in prosecutors said in a statement. Ispace, a Tokyo-based space Brazil as part of the country’s Investigators raided homes startup, has raised $28m sweeping anti-corruption and four businesses belonging from Japanese investors to probe, “Operation Car Wash.” to the brothers, who were help bankroll its first mission The brothers are the biggest arrested in Sao Paulo, prose- to the moon. shareholders in Colombian cutors said. The Series B round was airline Avianca, the second- Because of the coronavirus led by an investment vehicle largest in Latin America. pandemic, the brothers were managed by Incubate Fund, However, prosecutors said assigned to house arrest, with participation from their investigation was not according to a court ruling seen Space Frontier Fund, related to the airline but to con- by AFP. Takasago Thermal Engi- tracts another from Efromovich German Efromovich, 70, is neering and Mitsui Sumitomo firm, the shipbuilder EISA, a former chairman of the board Insurance, ispace said in a Estaleiro Ilha, made with at Avianca, but was forced from statement yesterday. That Turkey investing more in Africa Transpetro, a subsidiary of Bra- the post last year. brings the total amount Abdulmenan Sherif, a Turkish-educated business administration director, is seen at Turkish Demka zilian state-run oil company He and Jose, 65, hail from raised by the company to Textile and investment plc company which hopes to start production amid COVID-19 in Addis Petrobras. a Polish Jewish family that emi- about $125m. Ababa, Ethiopia. The brothers are suspected grated to South America after Ispace was founded a of paying 28m reals (about World War II. decade ago to compete for Google’s Lunar XPrize, a $20m award for the first pri- vately-funded team to land Weekly US jobless claims rise more than expected to 1.1 million on the moon, travel 500 metres and beam high-def- AFP — WASHINGTON pandemic. average fell by 79,000 in the an extra $600 in weekly pay- eight weeks of salaries, and inition video back to Earth. And new applications under latest week to 1.75 million. ments to unemployed workers then laid off again when the While the competition con- Just over 1.1 million people filed the special pandemic program The mixed report comes as while creating the Paycheck money ran out.” In the absence cluded without a winner in new claims for jobless benefits for those not normally eligible Congress and President Donald Protection Program (PPP) to of a new aid package, President 2018, a number of teams per- in the week that ended August for benefits also rose, increasing Trump’s administration have give loans and grants to com- Donald Trump earlier this sisted, betting that increased 15, the US Labor Department by more than 53,000, according yet to agree on additional emer- panies struggling amid the month signed an executive government spending on said yesterday, defying expec- to the report. gency spending to boost the downturn, but both programs order to try to address the gap, moon missions and the tations for a more moderate The US is facing both the flagging US economy after the expired and investment banker including one that would give falling cost of achieving orbit rise. world’s worst coronavirus out- expiration of key provisions of Dan Alpert linked that to the as much as $400 in extra ben- could support a cottage That was an increase of break and massive unem- the $2.2 trillion CARES Act relief jump in claims. efits to laid-off workers but only industry of would-be space 135,000 from the week prior ployment, with the latest data measure. “These elevated claims are a handful of states have signed explorers. Ispace has billed and brought new claims back well above any single week of White House economic driven by repeat layoffs, not on so far. itself as the lunar version of above the one million mark, the 2008-2009 global financial adviser Larry Kudlow described first-time claimants,” Alpert Nancy Vanden Houten of FedEx, with plans to even- only the third time new appli- crisis. talks as “rather stalled” in yes- said on Twitter. “Workers who Oxford Economics said despite tually make money by cations have increased since the But the volume of new terday’s interview with Fox were laid off, put back on pay- the low uptake, the Trump’s hauling scientific equipment beginning of April in the early claims has been trending down, Business Network. rolls under the Payroll Pro- order may have influenced the and commercial goods to the weeks of the coronavirus and the four-week moving The CARES Act apportioned tection Program, which covered latest figures. moon. FedEx, UPS are out to prove they can profit in holiday onslaught BLOOMBERG sorting centers, air freighters and Lambert, chief operating officer In response to the sur- Americas. DHL has a waiting list routing software. With their sea- at Green Mountain Technology, charges, retailers will likely of about 500 customers for when United Parcel Service and FedEx, sonal price increases, they’re a consulting firm for shippers. encourage consumers to pur- peak season is over. riding high from record package seeking to prove they can extract For UPS and FedEx, home chase earlier than usual. Stores “We’ve seen a lot of large deliveries amid the coronavirus more profit from the flood of shipments are costlier than those may promote curb-side pickup retailers that have sole-sourced pandemic, are moving on to residential deliveries while to businesses, where each of online orders and use crowd- contracts and that is going to their next challenge: showing keeping customers satisfied. location tends to receive more sourcing companies for home change,” Spratt said. “You’ll see investors they can boost profit That also means dodging the risk packages and the distance delivery, said Jess Dankert, vice a lot of customers working much in the approaching onslaught of of a logjam, which is already between stops is usually shorter. president of supply chain for the harder on more diverse delivery the holidays. stoking anxiety at big shippers. The flood of residential deliv- Retail Industry Leaders Associ- strategies as we go forward.” FedEx followed UPS and the “We are going to hit a eries and the extra cost to protect ation, a trade group. Walmart Stores could make deliveries US Postal Service this week in capacity crunch this peak season workers from Covid-19 have and Ace Hardware are handling more efficient by consolidating setting aggressive peak-season and there is no silver-bullet pressured profit margins at both deliveries from stores orders rather than trying to fees, signaling increased pricing solution for it,” said Glenn companies. The broader gauge companies, and it’s unclear if the themselves. compete with Amazon on next- power with retailers ahead of Gooding (pictured), president of slipped 6.1 percent. extra holiday fees will stem that Retailers are also looking to day and two-day deliveries, said what’s expected to be an unprec- iDrive Logistics, a consulting “The parcel sector has erosion. alternatives such as regional Satish Jindel, founder of SJ Con- edented year-end surge of firm that helps shippers lower become investable for the first What is clear is that shippers package carriers, but many can’t sulting. Consumers are more packages. The couriers will also delivery costs. “There’s just not time in several years,” said are chafing under the couriers’ keep up with demand. concerned with packages compete with Amazon to hire enough available capacity to Allison Landry, an analyst at newfound pricing power. Mean- DHL, a unit of Deutsche Post arriving on time than with the hundreds of thousands of sea- handle the influx.” The pandemic Credit Suisse Group. while, on-time delivery has that uses the post office for final speed of delivery, he said. sonal drivers as the e-commerce already has pushed more retail Quarterly delivery volumes deteriorated since the pandemic delivery, stopped accepting new The price increases won’t giant ramps up its distribution sales online and spurred soaring have climbed about 20 percent hit and both major couriers sus- customers on August 1, two stop with the holiday surcharges network. delivery demand at UPS and from a year earlier for UPS and pended service guarantees in months before the normal cutoff announced this month, Jindel The holiday rush sets up a FedEx. That’s helped propel the FedEx, and 50 percent for the March. In July, the percentage of for peak season. The peak-season said. UPS and FedEx have raised final exam of sorts for UPS and companies to a share gain of 37 post office. In the holiday season, on-time deliveries dropped to packages handled by DHL could rates about 5 percent annually FedEx, which are finally winning percent apiece this year, placing total package volume is set to the low 90s from high 90s double from last year, said Lee for the last several years and will over Wall Street after plowing them in the top 10 of a Standard jump as much as 70 percent before the virus, according to SJ Spratt, who runs the company’s probably boost prices at least 7 billions of dollars into automated & Poor’s index of US industrial from last year, said Mike Consulting. e-commerce operation in the percent next year, he said. FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2020 BUSINESS 13 Australia’s Qantas Airways posts Alibaba’s growth isn’t $1.9bn loss; confirms job cuts the recovery investors AFP - SYDNEY were looking for Australian flag carrier Qantas yes- terday posted an almost $2bn BLOOMBERG Within that business, commis- annual loss after a “near-total col- sions rose 17 percent and lapse” in demand due to the coro- Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.’s advertising 23 percent. navirus pandemic. strong rebound in both revenue Alibaba’s other major Strict restrictions on travel to and profit last quarter are growth driver was its up-and- Australia and a near-blanket ban impressive. Sales climbed 34 coming cloud division, which on citizens leaving spelled a stat- percent and operating income expanded 59 percent. On the utory pre-tax loss of Aus$2.7bn jumped 42 percent after paltry surface, this is ($1.9bn), including the cost of results the quarter before. But laudable; however, that mothballing its Airbus A380s and investors should be aware just business continues to bleed huge redundancy payouts. where those numbers are money with operating loss Revenues collapsed 82 percent coming from before they cel- margins running at 14.4 percent, between April and June. ebrate a recovery. the same level as three months Facing “the most challenging In Australia, the sector has While primarily an e-com- earlier. Sure, this margin has period” in its 99-year history, received hundreds of millions of A file picture of Qantas Airways aircraft standing on the tarmac at merce company - accounting narrowed over the past year, Qantas said it would move ahead dollars in taxpayer funds as the Sydney Airport in Sydney, Australia. for half of revenue last financial but as yet there’s little indication with retrenching 6,000 staff and government scrambled to save it year - the single-biggest con- that Alibaba can be expected to has grounded 100 planes for up to from collapse. to air travel. coming financial year. tributor to growth in the June deliver sustained economies- a year in a $10bn cost-cutting blitz. Joyce said the industry’s Its main competitor, Virgin Several domestic state borders period was what the Chinese of-scale as that category grows, The airline reported a “strong recovery will “take time and it will Australia, went into voluntary remain closed while Qantas has company calls “new retail.” In especially in the face of stiff first half of the year” followed by be choppy”. administration in April shortly after said it does not expect to return to the backward world of online competition from the likes of “a near-total collapse in travel “COVID is reshaping the com- Australia closed its international international flights approaching sales, this actually refers to Tencent Holdings Ltd. demand” as virus restrictions were petitive landscape and that borders and domestic travel pre-pandemic levels until brick-and-mortar businesses Leveraging its investments introduced. presents a mix of challenges and plunged. mid-2021. such as supermarkets. That in new areas such as “We were on track for another opportunities for us,” he said. Virgin announced earlier this Australia, which has recorded category, lumped together as physical retail isn’t a bad thing. profit above Aus$1bn ($718m) Qantas said “fast action to rad- month it would close budget sub- just over 24,000 cases of corona- “others,” climbed 88 percent It shows a pragmatic approach when this crisis struck,” CEO Alan ically cut costs and place much of sidiary Tigerair Australia and lay virus and 463 deaths to date, has from a year prior. to investment as management Joyce (pictured) said. the flying business into a form of off 3,000 staff as it prepares to limited the number of its own cit- Its actual e-commerce seizes new opportunities for The global aviation industry is hibernation” helped minimise the relaunch under the new own- izens who can return home from business expanded just 21 growth. facing perhaps its biggest crisis to financial impact from the pan- ership of US private equity giant overseas in a bid to stem the percent. The only time it’s been Yet investors who want to date, with numerous big-name demic shutdown. Bain Capital. spread of the virus. worse was the March quarter, cheer a recovery for China’s carriers seeking billions of dollars Despite the ongoing uncer- Joyce said the pandemic Government officials have said when the fallout from the- largest e-commerce company to stop them from going under, tainty, the carrier believes it would continue to have a “huge the island nation will not reopen Covid-19 pandemic resulted in should keep in mind what it is while others have gone out of remains “well positioned” to take impact” on Qantas, with expecta- to overseas travellers until a growth of just 1.1 percent. they’re celebrating. business. advantage of the eventual return tions of a “significant loss” in the vaccine for COVID-19 is found. QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE
QE INDICES SUMMARY QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON WORLD STOCK INDICES EXCHANGE RATE
QE Index 9,767.18 -0.47 % 20-08-2020 Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low Currency Buying (QAR) Selling (QAR) QE Total Return Index 18,777.08 -0.47 % Index 9,767.18 All Ordinaries 4207.354 110.624 2.7 5069.5 3829.4 US$ 3.6305 3.6500 Change -46.60 CAC 40 Index/D 3176.13 -0.06 0 4169.87 2979.87 QE Al Rayan Islamic Index - Price 2,230.74 -0.56 % Pound Sterlig 4.4682 4.5313 % -0.47% DAX - Composit/D 531.14 8.71 1.67 667.98 485.74 Swiss Frnac 3.7067 3.7591 QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,979.57 -0.56 % DJ Indu Average 0 0 0 12876 9936.39 YTD% -6.31 Japanese yen 0.03355 0.0342 QE All Share Index 3,038.51 -0.43 % Volume 272,999,968 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 675.91 13.3 0.95 1567.23 143.08 Australian Dollar 2.2895 2.3346 QE All Share Banks & Value (QAR) 481,663,149.32 Hang Seng Inde/D 19783.67 452.97 2.34 24468.64 18868.11 Canadian Dollar 2.5502 2.6003 Financial Services 4,172.87 -0.64 % Trades 10,153 ISEG Overall/D 2510.71 44.36 1.8 3037.89 2333.35 Up 15 | Down 31 | Unchanged 01 Karachi 100 In/D 11311.29 276.37 2.5 12768.4 11032.2 Indian Rupee 0.0474 0.0483 QE All Share Industrials 2,822.97 -0.29 % Pakistan Rupee 0.0225 0.0231 19-08-2020 Nikkei 225 Index 9038.74 94.26 1.05 10891.6 8227.63 QE All Share Transportation 2,900.27 -0.39 % Index 9,813.78 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1370.58 1039.7 Philipine Peso 0.0712 0.0726 QE All Share Real Estate 1,626.60 +0.05 % Change +54.01 Straits Times/D 2821.09 -62.91 -2.18 3280.77 2847 Bangala Takka 0.0425 0.0433 QE All Share Insurance 2,113.41 +0.30 % % -10.59 Sri lanka Rupee 0.0187 0.0191 QE All Share Telecoms 918.86 -0.41 % YTD% -5.87 GOLD AND SILVER Nepalese Rupee 0.0297 0.0302 Volume 302,884,774 South African Rand 0.1887 0.1925 QE All Share Consumer GOLD QR202.8618 gramme Value (QAR) 541,157,784.71 Goods & Services 8,058.06 +0.07 % Euro 3.8966 3.9508 Trades 11,122 SILVER QR1.7958 per gramme 14 SPORT FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2020
Australia, England stars may avoid IPL quarantine, says Bangalore chairman
AFP — NEW DELHI
Cricketers from Australia and England might be able to feature from the start of the Indian Premier League despite a series between their countries ahead of the Twenty20 tournament, according to chairman of the Bangalore franchise. Pakistan players during a training session ahead of the third Test. Top stars including England’s Ben Stokes and Steve Smith of Australia will be involved in the limited-overs series that ends three days before the start of the IPL in the United Arab Emirates on September 19. The coronavirus pandemic has pushed IPL out of India and according to tournament protocols the Pakistan’s 10-year run under players will have to undergo a week’s isolation and testing before they can join their teams. But Sanjeev Churiwala of the Royal Challengers Bangalore -- led by India skipper Virat Kohli, and with threat in last England Test Aaron Finch of Australia and England’s Moeen Ali in the squad -- feels the three will already be in a bio- bubble in England. AFP — SOUTHAMPTON first-choice pace attack of “For the players landing after the England and Aus- Shaheen Afridi, tralia series, on September 17, that is very close to our Pakistan head into today’s Mohammad Abbas and No holding back, says matches,” Churiwala said. third Test at Southampton Naseem Shah are all fit and “The BCCI have also issued very detailed SOPs facing a first series defeat firing for today’s finale at (Standard Operating Procedures) and procedures to against England in 10 the Ageas Bowl. be followed by these players in terms of their years. Pakistan coach Misbah- Root ahead of finale participation. The tourists are 1-0 ul-Haq was confident “What the SOPs say very clearly (is) that they can down in a three-match fatigue would not have been AFP — LONDON perform as if this is the becoming a father, said participate without quarantine, provided they satisfy campaign after a three- an issue in any event, with last Test till next summer even playing without certain very stringent conditions. wicket defeat in the first the former captain, in a blog England captain Joe Root and “leave no stone spectators beat what he “Very clearly after the players have played the Test at Old Trafford, a for the Pakistan Cricket (pictured) said yesterday unturned.” feared might happen at (international) series, they have to continue to be in match where Pakistan Board’s website, writing that he wants his players to “My message to the the beginning of the the biosecure bubble.” were on top until the “fitness has been an give it their all in the third guys today was quite season. He added: “Right from the biosecure bubble, they closing stages, was fol- important part of our Test with Pakistan which simple really,” he said at “We feel extremely have to go straight to the charter flight without getting lowed by a draw in a strategy as a team” since he gets underway this week his eve of match press lucky to have got the into the extensive migration procedures, and without second Test at South- took charge in September. as it could be their last for conference. opportunity to play right getting in touch with the general public.” ampton where neither side Despite little play in the a while. “We don’t know now,” said the A total of 29 players from England and Australia had a chance of victory in second Test, Misbah was England lead 1-0 and when the next time is that 29-year-old. are part of the eight IPL squads. a match blighted by bad heartened by the determi- have to avoid defeat at we’ll play Test cricket. “At the start of the weather. nation of Mohammad the Ageas Bowl today to “Let’s make sure we summer, we were There had been con- Rizwan, who top-scored seal what would be their leave no stones unturned dreading the thought of cerns that, as happened to with 72, the resilience of first series win over and we give everything not seeing any interna- South Africa confirm the West Indies’ fast bowlers Pakistan’s top-order in Pakistan in 10 years. to each otherer andand thethe tionaltional cricket.”cricket.” during their 2-1 defeat by “testing conditions” and It would make it a badge going intonto tthishis llastast two COVID-19 cases England in a preceding the fact an attack featuring perfect summer having game. behind closed door series leg-spinner Yasir Shah beaten the West Indies “I fully expectxpect eveeve-- in national squad that marked international took four wickets. 2-1 earlier in the season. ryone to give everythingverything cricket’s return from “The seamers also England ‘s next over the next fivefive daysdays lockdown, Pakistan’s quicks bowled really well...That scheduled Test series is and make sure we give REUTERS — CAPE TOWN would be worn out by three last session, even as the in India in the new year ourselves thehe bestbest back-to-back Tests. game drifted towards a but the coronavirus pan- chance of finishinghing the Cricket South Africa yesterday reported two positive But the lack of action draw, gives us a lot of con- demic may make that series 2-0.” COVID-19 tests among national team players who in the second match -- fidence going into the last impossible -- playing it Root, who missemissedd were due to participate in a squad camp taking place Pakistan had bowled just Test,” Misbah added. in the United Arab their only Testt ddefeatefeat this week. 43.1 overs in England’s first “It’s a big game and we Emirates could be a of the summerer in CSA tested 50 players and officials prior to the innings when a draw was want to end the series on possibility. the first clashash camp, which began on Tuesday and runs to tomorrow, agreed -- should mean a a good note.” However, Root says with the Westest and confirmed two positive cases among the group, the players should Indies due to without naming those infected. The camp is focused on team bonding and was arranged after CSA came REVISED START TIMES under heavy criticism from some former players who The third Test between England and Meanwhile England But with English cricket “You look at what you claimed there was a culture of racism within the side. face another selection constantly obsessing about need for the here and now “There were no replacements made for the two Pakistan that begins today at the Ageas dilemma. the next Ashes series, a and you look down the line players who tested positive. All those unable to attend Bowl will feature revised playing timings to There will be a strong 2021/22 tour of Australia, for what we potentially the camp will join the proceedings virtually,” CSA said accommodate for poor weather conditions, temptation to stick with the team management would need (in Australia). in a statement yesterday. the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) tried and tested pace trio of like to give express fast “It’s a difficult balance Another absentee is former captain Faf du Plessis, said yesterday. Play can begin at 1030 local James Anderson, Stuart bowlers Jofra Archer and to get...There’s various due to the imminent birth of his second child. time (0930 GMT), 30 minutes earlier than Broad and Chris Woakes, Mark Wood more Test- factors we look at and pace South Africa have this year missed a mix of test the scheduled 1100 start if time is lost due so effective in the kind of match game time before is one of them: it’s pace, and limited overs series against India, Sri Lanka and overcast English conditions they head ‘Down Under’. movement, bounce, left or West Indies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A number to bad light or rain earlier in the Test, the that are likely to be a factor “It’s very difficult,” said right arm...all these things of their leading players are contracted to play in the ECB said in a statement. in the third Test as they England coach Chris come into account,” he Indian Premier League, which is due to start next were in the second. Silverwood. added. month. Olympics: Torch Star pair of Bryan brothers relay schedule intact for next not on US Open entry list year, says report REUTERS — NEW YORK Bob and Mike Bryan, the most REUTERS — TOKYO Coronavirus case successful doubles pair in the history of tennis, were not on Tokyo Olympic organisers plan to the entry list for the US Open follow roughly the same schedule, found in ‘bubble’ released, raising the prospect delayed by a year, for the nationwide that the 42-year-old twins torch relay preceding the postponed may have chosen to end their summer Games, Kyodo News reported AFP — NEW YORK quarantine. “It would have professional careers. yesterday. been nice if he was positive The Californian pair, The relay is expected to start on A positive test for coronavirus the first time. But the reason famous for their trademark March 25, 2021, in Fukushima pre- has been found in the New we added the second test at chest-bump celebration, had fecture from the J-Village soccer York tennis bubble where the 48 hours was to account for previously announced they training centre, a symbol of Japan’s US Open is set to take place the time we couldn’t be cov- would bid farewell after this reconstruction from the 2011 earth- later this month, the United ering,” Dr. Camins said. year’s tournament at Flushing quake and tsunami, Kyodo said, citing States Tennis Association The US Open, which was Meadows, scene of their unidentified officials with knowledge (USTA) announced yesterday. rescheduled to start on August Grand Slam debut in 1995. of the matter. Runners are to pass USTA medical officer 31, has been hit hard by the In an interview last through all 47 of Japan’s prefectures Bernard Camins revealed that COVID-19 pandemic, which month after a World Tennis in the relay lasting 121 days, as origi- the person who has con- has led to a host of top players Tour event at the Greenbrier Bob Bryan (left) and his brother Mike Bryan of the US kiss nally planned, the news agency said. tracted the virus “is not a pulling out of the in West Virginia, they said their trophy after they defeated Marcel Granollers and Marc The relay had been scheduled to player” and is tournament. they had not yet decided Lopez of Spain in their men’s doubles final at the 2014 US start in J-Village on March 26 this year, asymptomatic. Among those not taking whether they were finished but just days before that, the Interna- The finding comes after part are men’s world number competing. “We love this Open in this September 7, 2014 file photo. tional Olympic Committee and Jap- 1,400 tests for the disease two -- and last year’s life. We had a great run if anese government decided to postpone were conducted since August champion at Flushing this is over,” Bob Bryan said. titles, including 16 Grand the Games by a year because of the 13 in the bubble at the Billie Meadows -- Rafael Nadal and The Californian pair, “We’re gonna sit down Slam wins, 39 ATP Masters COVID-19 pandemic. Jean King centre in New York the majority of the top 10 from famous for their and if we decide to come 1000s and the ATP Finals title Organisers aim to stick to the event City, where the Cincinnati the WTA women’s tour trademark chest- back and play in 2021, then four times. The Bryans also as originally planned but could still ATP event and the US Open rankings. bump celebration, you’ll probably see us play the won Olympic gold at London make changes to contain the spread are to be staged. Ranked second in the had previously US Open just to keep it going. 2012 and were part of the US of the coronavirus, Kyodo said. Dr. Camins said the male world, on Monday Simona If we decide to shut it down Davis Cup-winning team in “We are continuing to respect the individual initially tested neg- Halep became the latest star announced they would in 2021, this might be it. So 2007, the accomplishments original framework as much as pos- ative but then a second test to skip the American Grand bid farewell after this who knows.” they have said they are the sible while we review how we organise two days later came up pos- Slam, joining women’s world year’s tournament at Playing almost exclu- most proud of. the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay,” itive. He added that the per- number one Ashleigh Barty Flushing Meadows, sively with each other Mike claimed two more the organising committee said in an son’s hotel roommate has also and reigning US Open champ scene of their Grand throughout their 25-year Grand Slam titles with Jack emailed statement in reponse to the been placed under Bianca Andreescu. Slam debut in 1995. careers, the Bryans captured Sock in 2018 after Bob was report. a professional era record 119 sidelined with a hip injury. FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2020 SPORT 15 A true final of champions awaits in Lisbon
REUTERS – LISBON Estadio da Luz, home of Portu- our opponents under pressure.” 55 times in all competitions. champion’s expensively For the first time since guese club Benfica, millions Bayern’s top scorer is Polish The club’s 19-year-old left assembled squad the balance 1998, the Champions After four thrilling quarter- across the globe will watch the striker Robert Lewandowski, back Alphonso Davies has been and steel they have lacked in League final will feature finals, the upsets stopped at the game which is the most- who leads the tournament’s the most exciting young player recent years. two teams who entered last four stage in the Champions watched annual sports event in scoring charts with 15 goalss tthishis inin the toutournamentrnament aandnd wwasas bobornrn FlickFlick ononlyly tootookk over as the competition as League, setting up Sunday’s final the world. season and has found the targettaargeargett in a refugee camp in GhanaGhan Bayern coacoachch in domestic champions, a between Bayern Munich and And therehere is plentplentyy ooff beforebefore movinmovingg to Canada, whowho November but hashas throwback to the day’s Paris St Germain. interest forr thosethose outsideoutside of hehe representsrepresents at nationanationall hadhad an astoaston-n- of the old European Cup Bayern, five-times winners, Germany andnd France.France. teamteam llevel.evel. ishingishing impimpact.act. when only a country’s title are back in the final for the first PSG’s attacktack is lleded by BrBrazil’sazil’s OnOn a tacticatacticall llevel,evel, tthehe Since mid- winners were allowed to time since 2013 after ending a biggest star Neymar,Neymar, thethe exciting finalfinal pits two German December,December, enter. streak of four losses in the semi- French WorldWorld Cup winner coachescoaches againstagainst eacheach BayernBayern havehave final stage with Wednesday’s Kylian Mbappeappe aandnd tthehe cracraftyfty otherother fforor only thethe enjoyedenjoyed 28 On a tactical level, the final comfortable 3-0 win over Olym- Argentine wingerwinger AngelAngel Di secondsecond ttimeime in tthehe winswins and a pits two German coaches pique Lyonnais. Maria. tournament’stournament’s historhistory.y. solitarys o l itary against each other for only PSG are in the big game for It will bee ffascinatingascinating to see iiff PSG’sPSG’s TThomashomas draw, the second time in the the first time, having struggled the French sideside can exposeexpose Bay-Bay- Tuchel,Tuchel, thethe ex- sscoringcoring 97 tournament’s history. to translate their dominance of ern’s high defensivedefensive lineline whichwhich BorussiaBorussia DDortmundortmund goalsgoals andand con-con- the French league into a real was breachedhed severalseveral times by coach,coach, hhasas managedmanaged to cedingceding just 22.22. challenge in Europe until wins a wasteful Lyon.Lyon. give the French Bayern,B ayern, thrashedthrash Barcelona 8-2 in their here over Italian club Atalanta “Paris aarere a great tteam,”eam,” whow ho quarter-final,quart also have expe- and Germany’s RB Leipzig said Bayernrn coach riencerience on their side. secured their place. Hansi Flick, “We willwill TheTh Bavarians have already For the first time since 1998, analyse some featuredfeatur in the European Cup or the Champions League final will things, we kknownow ChampionsCham League final on ten feature two teams who entered they have quick occasions,occa winning their fifth the competition as domestic players. Wee willwill titletitle in 2013. champions, a throwback to the look to organiseanise PSG have only reached day’s of the old European Cup our defence,ce, thethe last four once before and when only a country’s title but we knoww theirth best performance in winners were allowed to enter. our biggestt EuropeEu came in the old Cup While no fans will be present strength is Thomas Tuchel Hans Flick Winner’sWi Cup which they won to witness the clash at the putting in 11996. No fanzones PSG title favourites in Paris for for virus-threatened Champions LigueLigue 1 seasonseason League final REUTERS – PARIS
AFP – PARIS Sevilla players during With Champions League finalists Paris St Germain There will be no fanzones in the training ahead of the way above the cut, the question in France is not who French capital for this week- UEFA Europa League final will win the Ligue 1 title, but how the season will be end’s Champions League final against Inter Milan. played amid the COVID-19 crisis. that pitches Paris Saint- Olympique de Marseille were scheduled to play Germain against Bayern the curtain-raiser against St Etienne today but four Munich, French police told AFP confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus at the Pro- yesterday. vence club meant that the French League postponed The mayor’s office also Sevilla eye 6th Europa the match. opposed fanzone plans that had Girondins de Bordeaux will host Nantes instead been pitched by Sports Minister as the LFP started to reshuffle the calendar before Roxana Maracineanu on the first kickoff of the season. The 2019-20 season Wednesday. title as Inter seek glory was cut short with 11 games left amid the That idea was “a bad sug- pandemic. gestion”, Paris health official “I’m pessimistic. I don’t see this league happening Anne Souyris told AFP. ANATOLIA – ANKARA Sevilla and Inter have in normal conditions. We’re not going to have so PSG take on Bayern in won eight titles in many dates for postponed games and soon we’re Lisbon on Sunday, but their Spanish club Sevilla is aiming Europe’s second-tier going to hit a wall,” St Etienne coach Claude Puel progress has coincided with for a record sixth UEFA competition between said. several departments in the Ile- Europa League title in today’s them, with the Spanish PSG are expected to retain Neymar and Kylian de-France region around Paris final against Italian power- side chasing a Mbappe as they aim for an eighth title in nine years. passing the “alert threshold” of house Inter Milan. Even if coach Thomas Tuchel has some remodelling 50 new daily coronavirus cases Both sides have the form record-extending sixth to do with captain Thiago Silva leaving, it will take per 100,000 inhabitants. and the pedigree to be con- trophy against their some special achievement to dethrone the capital “All I see is an massive fident of winning what will be Inter’s last European triumph - in-form rivals. side. cluster,” Souyris said of a their first-ever encounter in the Champions League title under Olympique Lyonnais, however, are hoping to potential fanzone, recom- European football. Portuguese manager Jose semi-final victory over Ukraine’s mount a challenge after being deprived of any mending gatherings in small Sevilla is the most successful Mourinho. Shakhtar Donetsk. Spanish European competition when they finished the pre- groups of 10 or less in cafes team in the second tier of The Italian club won the forward Munir El Haddadi has led vious season in seventh place. where social distancing is Europe’s elite club competition, UEFA Cup three times in the from the front in Sevilla’s charge Sports director Juninho said the club would “lose” possible. having won the trophy five times 1990s - 1991, 1994, and 1998 - to the final, netting five goals and talented midfielder Houssem Aouar and striker French police arrested 36 in the past 15 years - 2006, 2007, and Antonio Conte’s men now assisting two more on the way. Moussa Dembele, but OL have plenty of home-grown people including three minors 2014, 2015, and 2016. have the chance to end Inter’s The 2020 final will kick off talent, notably midfielder Rayan Cherki, who could after clashes following PSG’s For Inter, this is the first 22-year wait for a fourth title. at 1900GMT in the western step up this term. semi-final victory on Tuesday. Europa League final since 1998, Inter’s main threat for the German city of Cologne with all Coach Rudi Garcia, however, conceded the staff Police were deployed in when they claimed the title - final will be Belgian star Romelu the measures, including an would have “some psychological work to do” to big numbers both on the known then as the UEFA Cup - Lukaku, who has scored six and empty stadium, necessitated by quickly focus on domestic duties and avoid a bad Champs-Elysees, the iconic by beating Lazio 3-0 in an all- assisted two goals in five Europa the coronavirus pandemic. The start after being eliminated in the Champions League Parisian avenue that connects Italian final in Paris. League matches. winner will go on to meet this semi-finals by Bayern Munich on Wednesday. the Arc de Triomphe with the The UEFA Cup was rebranded The Italian side’s other year’s Champions League Monaco, the only club to break PSG’s recent dom- Place de la Concorde, and as the UEFA Europa League in the forward Lautaro Martinez is also holders in the UEFA Super Cup ination, hope they can find some stability after former around PSG’s home ground of 2009-10 season, the year of in top form, scoring twice in the on September 24. Bayern coach Nico Kovac was appointed to lead the the Parc des Princes in the 2017 champions. west of the city. Marseille, runners-up last season, have found Thousands of PSG fans, for stability under Portuguese coach Andre Villas-Boas the most part not wearing - who wanted to leave but said his players convinced masks in line with coronavirus him to stay. health and safety protocols, “It was very hard for me to go back on my word paraded down the Champs- after I had exposed myself publicly. The players, and Elysees in cars, and on mopeds only the players, were the key in making me change and scooters, in a cacophony my mind,” he said. of horn-blowing and chanting. OM, who are under the watch of UEFA after For the final, PSG have breaking financial fair play regulations, will hope to organised a live transmission retain most of their top players after France winger of the game for the regle- Dimitri Payet extended his contract and agreed to a mented number of 5,000 spec- pay cut. Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte with the players during training yesterday. tators at the Parc des Princes. Liverpool to begin Premier League title defence against Leeds
AP – LONDON Leeds on September 12, fol- against Aston Villa and Man against Crystal Palace the same opening the campaign against hold for a season. With compe- lowed by games at Chelsea and United's trip to Burnley on the weekend. Palace and at Brighton, the team tition organizers having to fit a Leeds' first game in the Premier against Arsenal at home. opening weekend have been The first meeting between must play Tottenham, Chelsea full season into one less month, League in 16 years couldn't be The trip to Anfield for Leeds postponed as a result of the last season's top two teams, Liv- and Arsenal in three of its next midweek matches are at a tougher: a trip to champion will be Argentine coaching great agreement among all Premier erpool and City, has been four league games. premium in the Premier League. Liverpool. Marcelo Bielsa's first game in League clubs for every squad to scheduled for November 7 at On the final weekend of the The first four rounds of the The schedule for the new the Premier League after get a minimum of 30 days City's Etihad Stadium, with the season, Liverpool will host Carabao Cup, for example, season was released on guiding what is regarded as a between their final game of the return game at Anfield coming Palace, City is at home against account for the first four Thursday, with Manchester City sleeping giant of English soccer 2019-20 season and their first on the first weekend of Everton, and United will travel midweek slots of the and Manchester United not back to the top division by of the new campaign. February. to Wolves. campaign. playing on the opening winning the second-tier City lost to Lyon in the The Manchester derbies will The season is starting about FA Cup replays also have weekend to give them more rest Championship. Champions League quarter- take place on the weekends of a month later than normal been scrapped for the season to after their involvement in Leeds - a three-time English finals on Saturday, while United December 12-13 and March 6-7. because of the late finish to the further ease the burden on European competition this champion - was one of the lost Sevilla in the Europa League Looking to wrest the title last one as a consequence of the squads. month. country's top teams in the 1960s semifinals on Sunday. back from Liverpool, City has a coronavirus outbreak. The Premier League clubs are Liverpool can, therefore, get and 70s, won the English league So, City's first game in the difficult-looking start with its 2020-21 campaign is scheduled waiting to learn when they will a head-start on two of its title in 1992, and reached the Premier League will be on the next three games after Wolves to run through May 23, with the be able to play in front of a biggest rivals and will open its Champions League semi-finals weekend of September 19-20 being against Leicester, at Leeds winter break - introduced for crowd again, with matches cur- first title defense since 1990 in 2001. at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and then against Arsenal. the first time to the English top rently held in empty stadiums with a match against promoted Man City's home match with United starting at home Similarly for United, after division last season - put on because of the pandemic. SPORT SPORT | 14 SPORT | 15 No holding A true final of back, says champions Root ahead awaits in of finale Lisbon
FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2020
QSL: Al Rayyan hope for ‘good’ thing to happen in last round Al Duhail confident of clinching title
FAWAD HUSSAIN Al Duhail players in action during a practice session ahead of today's QNB Stars League Round-22 match against Al Ahli. THE PENINSULA
The QNB Stars League (QSL) We are ready to face Al Ahli, 2019-2020 edition champions will be decided today, with Al win the match and finish the Duhail entering the final round league. It is like a Cup final. as favourites to lift the Falcon A month ago, we knew Shield. For Al Rayyan - the other that we had five decisive title contenders - they will be matches. We would have needing much more besides liked to win the title early, winning their last match to end but we were not successful. the league as triumphant. Now, we have a match to Table toppers Al Duhail - win, and we knew that Al who led in the best part of the Rayyan would be chasing season – will take on Al Ahli at Al Janoub Stadium, knowing us, but we will win and their one point lead over Al celebrate the title: Al Duhail Rayyan will be enough to give coach Walid Regragui them the title, if they defeat their eighth-placed opponents today. become the QSL champions. but we will win and celebrate there is pressure, it will be pos- There will be no major changes Al Rayyan will take on sixth- “We are ready to face Al the title,” Regragui said. itive. We have confidence in in the squad. I think we will play placed Al Wakrah at Al Sadd Ahli, win the match and finish The coaches expressed sat- ourselves and we have to win with the same squad, the players Stadium, targeting for a win as the league. It is like a Cup final,” isfaction over his team’s per- this match and clinch the title,” must put in efforts on the field WEEK 22 well as hoping for an upset at Walid Regragui said at a pre- formance to retain their top Regragui said before adding and I trust all of them,” the coach YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Al Janoub Stadium. Both the match press conference. spot since QSL resumed last that he is unlikely to make added. Al Sadd 1-1 Al Gharafa matches will kick off simulta- “A month ago, we knew that month after a long break due changes in the squad for “The season was long and Al Khor 2-2 Al Shahania neously at 7:30pm. we had five decisive matches. to the COVID-19 pandemic. today’s crucial match. difficult. Now, the important Al Sailiya 0-0 Umm Salal Al Duhail coach Walid We would have liked to win the “We did not feel pressure “We will miss the services thing for me is the recovery of TODAY'S FIXTURES Regragui, who replaced Rui title early, but we were not suc- in previous matches, especially of Yousef Msakni, Assim injured players because we need Al Arabi vs Qatar SC Faria during the second half of cessful. Now, we have a match because our destiny is still in Madibo and Bassam Al Rawi. them to prepare for the AFC (16:00, Al Janoub Stadium) the season, is upbeat that his to win, and we knew that Al our hands and victory will At the same time, Ahmed Champions League and fortu- team will defeat Al Ahli and Rayyan would be chasing us, make us win the league. If Yasser has returned to training. nately Al Duhail have many Al Duhail vs Al Ahli options,” said Regragui. (19:30, Al Janoub Stadium) Meanwhile, Al Rayyan coach Al Wakrah vs Al Rayyan Diego Aguirre has urged his (19:30, Al Sadd Stadium) players to focus on winning against Al Wakrah. have to continue winning and We are ready to give “We are ready to give best achieve victory in this game. We best show against Al show against Al Wakrah to win are required to focus, maybe Wakrah to win the the game. The title is not in our something good will happen. We game. The title is not in hands. For me, I do not prefer may or may not win the title,” our hands. For me, I do waiting for the result of the other he added. not prefer waiting for match. We have to focus on our Aguirre praised his side for the result of the other game because it is difficult. If we taking the QSL title fight down match. We have to focus cannot win, we will not have a to the wire. on our game because it chance to win the title and we “The season, in general, was is difficult. If we cannot must do our job until the last good because we competed for win, we will not have a moment,” said Aguirre. the title until the last round. It is chance to win the title “My advice to the players is a good thing for Al Rayyan, espe- and we must do our job to just focus and do the best on cially with some new players until the last moment: the field in order to win,” said who joined at the beginning of Aguirre. the season,” he said. Al Rayyan coach “The preparations for Al Today’s first match will be Diego Aguirre Al Rayyan players in action during a practice session. Wakrah game were very good. played between Al Arabi and We do not have any excuses, we Qatar SC at Al Janoub Stadium. Ooredoo Cup Al Sadd snatch point with late Afif strike; semi-finals to take Al Shahania relegated after Al Khor draw
place on August 29 CHINTHANA WASALA The result meant Al THE PENINSULA Sadd ended the season with THE PENINSULA – DOHA 45 points, nine ahead of Al Al Sadd ended their 2019-20 Gharafa. The long-awaited semi-finals of the 2019-20 QNB Stars League (QSL) Later, at the same Ooredoo Cup will be played on August 29, Qatar campaign with a 1-1 draw venue, Al Khor sealed their Stars League announced yesterday. against Al Gharafa while Al 11th place finish after The last four-stage of the popular tournament, Khor and Al Shahania sharing points with Al originally planned to be held in March, got delayed shared points after a two-all Shahania. due to the COVID-19 pandemic. draw which confirmed the Al Khor's points tally Al Rayyan will meet Al Arabi in the first semi- latter's relegation to the stood at 17 while Al Sha- final while Al Ahli will play against Al Sadd in the second division, yesterday. haniya, placed at the second. Both matches will be played at Jassim Bin The defending cham- bottom of the standings, Hamad Stadium with kick off set for 16:00 and pions, Al Sadd's position in Al Sadd's Akram Afif in completed the season with 19:00 respectively. the QSL standings was action against three Al 16 points. The date and the venue for the final has not already confirmed even Gharafa players during their Al Khor's goals were yet been decided. before yesterday's Round 22 Round 22 match yesterday. scored by Thiago Bezerra Al Arabi beat Al Wakrah 1-0 in the first quarter- match which was played at and Luca Burges, while final to make it to the semis with Pierre-Michelle Al Janoub Stadium as Xavi Ramin Semeskandi scored Lasogga netting the winning goal. Hernandez-coached side Gharafa defender Almahdi the fifth minute, but Sofiane Finally, Al Sadd won a both of Al Shahania's goals. Al Ahli entered the semis by knocking out two- finished third ahead of Al Ali get sent off in the 77th Hanni’s shot flew over the penalty when Afif was The result means Al time defending champions Al Gharafa following Gharafa who rounded up minute for a dangerous crossbar. A few minutes fouled in the box in the 86th Khor will now play the a goal by captain Nabil El Zhar. the top four. challenge, while their coach later, Baghdad Bounedjah minute. However, the decisive match against the Al Sadd defeated Qatar SC in tie-breaker in In yesterday's match, Al Slavisa Jokanovic was also went clear on goal at the forward saw his effort second-division champi- the third quarter-final. Gharafa took the lead shown the red card for other end, but the referee rebound off the bar and go onship runners-up for a There was high drama in the last quarter-final through Ahmed Alaa’s 65th arguing with the officials in blew his whistle for offside. out. A second chance arrived place in next season's QSL. before Al Rayyan edged Al Khor in sudden death minute goal, before Akram stoppage time. Al Gharafa's goal came a few minutes later, when In the third match of the (7-6) after the regular time ended 1-1 and tie- Afif equalised from the The match got off to an after a scramble in the box. Hanni was adjudged to have day, Al Sailiya and Umm breaker ended 5-5. penalty spot in the 91st intense start, with both sides The Al Sadd defence failed handled the ball in the box. Salal were locked in a Interestingly, the current QNB Stars League minute, having missed looking for an early break- to clear the ball and Ahmed This time, Afif made no goalless draw at the Al Sadd table toppers Al Duhail failed to clear the group another penalty moments through. Al Gharafa looked Alaa was able to finish past mistake and scored his 15th Stadium as they finished stage after finishing fifth in Group B with three earlier. to capitalise on an error Meshaal Barsham to give his goal of the season to go top their campaigns with 29 points. The game saw Al from Meshaal Barsham in side a 1-0 lead. of the scorers chart. and 18 points respectively.