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THURSDAY 11 MARCH 2021 27 RAJAB - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8558 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Amir takes part in Caution advised as COVID-19 cases rise International SANAULLAH ATAULLAH healthcare workers of private Olympic THE PENINSULA Infection rate Severe cases Vaccines will A big percentage hospitals and clinics from next increased in all which need be provided of Qatar’s popu- week. Committee meet The weekly rate of COVID-19 age groups, hospital admis- to healthcare lation expected He said that the danger of infections in Qatar has including senior sions increased workers of to be vaccinated COVID-19 will continue until QNA — DOHA increased four times compared citizens which three times private hos- by summer. the end of this year and in case to cases reported in January this indicates the compared to pitals and of spike in the cases of infection Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin year. spread of those recorded clinics from during coming period more Hamad Al Thani took part in “The number of local cases infection among in January this next week. restrictions could be imposed. the virtual meeting of the 137th of COVID-19 infection has family year. “The Ministry of Public Session of International members. increased significantly during Health has sped up efforts in Olympic Committee (IOC), the past weeks. The infection implementing the National Pro- which was chaired by Pres- has reached to all age groups of gramme for Vaccination and we ident of the International the community,” said Dr. Abdu- hope that by summer a big per- Olympic Committee H E Dr. latif Al Khal, Chair of the centage of Qatar’s population Thomas Bach and attended by National Strategic Group on would have been vaccinated,” members of the Executive COVID-19 and Head of the said Dr. Al Khal, adding that as Office, members of the IOC, Infectious Diseases Division at vaccine does not affect on and presidents of international Hamad Medical Corporation fasting so the people should federations and national (HMC). take the vaccine on time on Olympic committees. Addressing a press con- their turn. Discussions during the ference on Qatar TV yesterday. “Qatar’s strict quarantine meeting covered issues related Dr. Al Khal said that the policy for returning travellers to promoting and supporting infection rate increased in all enabled to delay the intro- the Olympic movement, as age groups including senior cit- duction of new variants into this well as the topics listed on the izens which indicates the spread country for several months but agenda. Dr. Thomas Bach was of infection among family we are now seeing positive reelected as IOC President for members, most probably due COVID-19 cases in the region a second term during the to visits, meetings and occa- and in Qatar with the new meeting. President of Qatar sional gatherings. variant known as B.1.1.7 (UK Olympic Committee H E “The weekly infections rate strain).” Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Acting Chairman of HMC’s Intensive Care Units, Dr. Ahmed Mohammed, and Chair of the National of severe cases which need hos- He said that this new variant Thani attended the meeting. Strategic Group on COVID-19 and Head of the Infectious Diseases Division, Dr. Abdulatif Al Khal, at pital admissions increased three is much more contagious and times compared to cases the press conference, yesterday. spreads more easily between recorded in January this year,” people compared to the pre- FM appoints said Dr. Al Khal. He said that the numbers of cases are being population of Qatar, above 16 Corporation (HMC) and over 67 vious strain and may be asso- critical cases which need ICU taken for treatment, many of years, received at least first dose percent working with Primary ciated with increased severity special envoy for admissions increased three them are being admitted in hos- of COVID-19 vaccine. So far, Health Care Corporation (PHCC) of disease. “The good news is times compared to the rate pitals, some of them needed over 45 percent school staff has have received vaccines,” said that the Pfizer/BioNTech and climate change, noted in January 2021. admissions in ICU,” said Dr. Al received the vaccine, he added. Dr. Al Khal. Moderna vaccines are effective “The daily infection rate of Khal. “Over 70 percent healthcare He said that the vaccines against new variants,” said Dr. sustainability COVID-19 is big as large He said that 12 percent workers at Hamad Medical will also be provided to Al Khal. `P3 Qatar welcomes Libya's GNU Two-level interchange to connect gaining confidence of parliament Street 33 with West Industrial Street — DOHA QNA — DOHA the aspirations of the brotherly THE PENINSULA includes a lighted traffic signal at towards Industrial Area via Libyan people for development, ground level to streamline traffic Street 33 and vice versa. It shall The State of Qatar welcomed stability and prosperity. The Public Works Authority in all directions, and a 2.18km- serve many vital entities, com- the formation of the Libyan The statement expressed (Ashghal) announced long bridge passing over traffic mercial and industrial facilities National Unity Government the hope of the State of Qatar commencement of building a signal to provide free flow of in the area, as the West Indus- headed by Abdel Hamid Al that the new government two-level interchange within traffic along Street 33. trial Street extends between Dbeibeh, after gaining the would pave the way for a com- the works of Street 33 Upgrade The new interchange is Salwa Road and G-Ring Road. confidence of the House of prehensive political solution Project in Industrial Area, considered to be an important The new interchange will QNA — DOHA Representatives. that preserves the unity of linking Street 33 with West link for commuters from Doha also facilitate traffic movement In a statement issued yes- Libyan territories, respects the Industrial Street. towards West Industrial Street, in the direction of Al Taqa Street Deputy Prime Minister and terday, the Ministry of Foreign rights of the brotherly Libyan The old roundabout that con- commuters from Bu Sidra that connects between Salwa Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Affairs affirmed the State of people, and establishes a state nects West Industrial Street with Interchange on Salwa Road, Road at Al Sailiyya Interchange Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- Qatar’s full support for the new with rule of law and civil Street 33 will be replaced with a and commuters from Bu Sala and G-Ring Road at Al Bahia rahman Al Thani issued the government in order to achieve institutions. two-level interchange, which Interchange on G-Ring Road Interchange. `P3 ministerial decision No. 2 of 2021, appointing H E Bader Omar Ismail Al Dafa (pictured) as Special Envoy of the Road accident deaths decline drastically in 2020 Minister of Foreign Affairs for Climate Change and Sustain- SIDI MOHAMED number of road accidents deaths motorists, 26 passengers and 43 Member of the National Traffic of the total road accidents last ability. THE PENINSULA were 138 cases (in 2020) pedestrians. Safety Committee, and several year,” he noted. Al Dafa is currently the compared to 154 the year earlier. Brigadier Muhammad traffic officers attended the Regarding main reasons for Executive Director of the The number of road accident The General Directorate of Abdullah Al Shahwani, Director press conference. road accidents in 2020, Al Hajri Global Dryland Alliance (GDA), deaths in 2020 has come down Traffic at a press conference General of the General Direc- Colonel Muhammad Radi Al said that the main reason for an international organization compared to 2019. According to held yesterday at its head- torate of Traffic; Brigadier Hajri, Director of the Traffic road accidents was negligence associated with food security the General Directorate of quarters clarified that out of the Engineer Muhammad Abdullah Awareness Department at the and reckless driving, which that is based in the State of Traffic statistics for 2020, the total 138 deaths, 69 were Al Maliki, Secretary and General Directorate of Traffic, were behind 42.4 percent of the Qatar. presented the traffic accident total cases. The second reason, Al Dafa was also the State figures of 2020 that witnessed 21.9 percent, was not keeping a of Qatar’s Ambassador in a significant decline in deaths safe space between vehicles. Madrid, Cairo, Paris, The number of 1,574,812 traffic violations in 2020 and in the number of traffic vio- According to the statistics, Moscow, Washington, as well traffic violations lations compared to 2019. most of the road accidents that as being the Non-Resident in 2020 has 20.1% Colonel Al Hajri said: “The resulted in injuries in 2020 Ambassador to Switzerland, come down department registered 1.5 million were collisions between two or Finland, Greece, Latvia, (1,574,812) traffic violations in more vehicles, at a rate of 59.3 Lithuania, Estonia, Mexico, 2020, which is 20.1 percent less percent, followed by collisions and the Permanent Delegate than 2019 when they registered with a fixed object (15 percent) of the State of Qatar to the Most of the 1.9 million violations (1,969,896). while pedestrian accidents Arab League. road accidents in The majority of them were over accounted for 10 percent. He also served as Head of 2020 were minor 96.3% speeding, with 69.1 percent of The injuries resulting from the Department of European Road accidents at a rate of total violations thanks to the road accidents dropped in 2020 and American Affairs at the 138 strategies implemented by the by 14.8 percent compared to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deaths Ministry of Interior (MoI) repre- 2019, and most of them were Assistant UN Secretary- Most of the sented by the National Traffic minor injuries with a rate of General, and Executive Sec- road acci- Safety Committee in cooperation 90.1 percent of total cases. retary of the Economic and dents resulting with the concerned authorities Commenting on decline in Social Commission for 43 69 26 in injuries in the State.” road accidents deaths in 2020, Western Asia (ESCWA). were collision “The most of the road acci- Brigadier Al Shahwani con- Bader Omar Al Dafa has a Pedestrians Motorists Passengers accidents. dents in 2020 were minor acci- firmed that despite an increase master’s degree in interna- dents without injuries at a rate in the number of people and tional public policy, and bach- of 96.3 percent, while fatal acci- vehicles in the State of Qatar, elor’s degree in political dents amounted to 0.1 percent road accidents decreased. `P3 science and economics. 02 HOME THURSDAY 11 MARCH 2021 Cabinet okays formation of committee for Qatar's participation in Osaka Expo 2025 QNA — DOHA implementing the precautionary measures in order to combat this The Cabinet which met yesterday The Cabinet also affirmed the pandemic. with Prime Minister and Minister continuation of implementing The Cabinet also took necessary of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin the precautionary measures in measures to issue a draft law Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani in order to combat this pandemic. amending some provisions of the the chair took necessary measures companies law No. 11 of 2015, after to issue a draft law regarding the Cabinet reviewed the recom- endowment, after the Cabinet mendation of the Shura Council in reviewed the recommendation of of the endowment, its maintenance, this regard. the Shura Council in this regard. architecture and investment. It also gave approval of the Min- The draft law is being prepared Following the meeting, H E the istry of Commerce and Industry’s to replace Law No. 8 of 1996 on Minister of Justice and Acting Min- proposal to form a committee to endowment, and comes in the ister of State for Cabinet Affairs Dr. prepare for the State of Qatar’s par- framework of updating legislation Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi ticipation in the Osaka Expo (Japan to keep pace with developments in gave the following statement: At the - 2025). Minister of State meets Morocco envoy this regard. The draft law includes outset of the meeting, the Cabinet The Cabinet reviewed the provisions relating to the estab- was briefed on the latest develop- results of the 107th session of Eco- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi meeting with Ambassador lishment of the endowment, its dis- ments to contain the spread of the nomic and Social Council of the of the Kingdom of Morocco to Qatar, H E Mohamed Setri, yesterday. During the meeting, tributions and conditions, the civil coronavirus (COVID-19), and Arab League, and took the appro- they reviewed cooperation and relations between the two countries. endowment, and the supervision affirmed the continuation of priate decision in this regard. Agreement signed Over 45% of teachers, QNCECS marks International Women’s Day to establish office of administrative staff QNA — DOHA seeking to enhance women’s gender equality is one of two UNOCHA in Qatar participation in society, raising global priorities for the organ- Qatar National Commission for awareness for achieving gender ization since 2008, which is QNA — NEW YORK in schools vaccinated Education, Culture and Science equality, empowering women, being implemented on the (QNCECS) hosted a virtual event and mobilizing support for indi- ground through results-ori- The State of Qatar and the United SANAULLAH ATAULLAH among children before celebrating the International viduals and organizations that ented actions in cooperation Nations have signed an agreement THE PENINSULA school resumes in a few Women’s Day 2020, in coop- extend a helping hand to with member states and a wide to establish the United Nations weeks. eration with the Unesco Doha women in the region and across range of partners. Office for the Coordination of Qatar has vaccinated over He said that the MoPH, Office, aiming at highlighting the world, especially during The celebration included Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in 45 percent of teachers and in cooperation with the Min- the contributions of women and crises. the presentation of short clips the State of Qatar. administrative staff working istry of Education and their role in confronting the Dr. Al Sulaiti said that the by two Unesco-affiliated Permanent Representative of in government and private Higher Education (MoEHE), COVID-19 pandemic in the ICESCO will officially launch schools: Qatar Banking Studies Qatar to the United Nations H E schools, said Dr. Abdulatif will intensify monitoring to fields of leadership, education, the Year of Women during a and Business Administration Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed Al Khal, Chair of the ensure the compliance of health and media. major international celebration School and Al Wafa Basic Edu- bin Saif Al Thani signed the National Strategic Group on COVID-19 measures and Speaking on the occasion, on Thursday under the theme cation School in the Sultanate agreement on behalf of the State of COVID-19 and Head of the protocol in schools to curb Secretary-General of QNCECS, “Women icons: an inspiration of Oman. Qatar, while Under Secretary- Infectious Diseases Division the infection. Dr. Hamda Hassan Al Sulaiti, for the future”, aiming at pro- Secretary-General of Oman General for Humanitarian Affairs at Hamad Medical Corpo- “Though children did not said that the State of Qatar has moting its vision, goals and ini- National Commission for Edu- and Emergency Relief Coordinator ration. suffer from serious compli- long recognized the important tiatives in the Year of Women cation, Culture and Science H E Mark Lowcock signed the Dr. Al Khal said the Min- cations due to COVID-19, role of women in the society, 2021 at the regional and inter- Amna Al Balushi shed light on agreement on the UN’s behalf. istry of Public Health they can transmit the therefore it appointed them in national levels, empowering the vision of the Sultanate of The office, which will be based (MoPH) has prioritised vac- infection among their fam- the highest administrative and women and highlighting their Oman on the need to engage in Doha, aims to coordinate cinating teachers because of ilies and relatives,” said Dr. scientific positions, and enabled contribution to building a sus- women in decision-making and effective and principled humani- their role in society. Al Khal. He said social gath- them to contribute to its tainable future, and the impor- enable them participate with tarian action in partnership with Addressing a press con- erings cause most cases of national strategy in devel- tance of the contribution made men in building and developing national and international actors, ference on Qatar TV yes- infection among children. opment and implementation, by women leaders to the sectors the country. The seminar dis- defend the rights of those in need, terday, Dr. Al Khal stressed “We continue to monitor in realisation of the wise direc- of education, science and cussed women’s leaderships in raise the level of alert and pre- that with government the risk of infection within tives of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim culture. the face of COVID-19 pandemic, vention, and facilitate sustainable schools beginning their schools. It is pleasing that as bin Hamad Al Thani. Director of the Unesco the role and efforts of women solutions. post-exam break, it is vital schools strictly enforce the She noted that the Islamic Regional Office in Doha Dr. in health institutions, the chal- It will also support the main that parents and children preventive measures, it has World Educational, Scientific, Anna Paolini said that pro- lenges facing women during the United Nations office’s mission of continue to follow the pre- reduced the chances of and Cultural Organization moting gender equality, pandemic and the role of the coordinating global humanitarian ventive measures increased transmission (ICESCO) has proclaimed 2021 empowering women and safe- educational system in building action and field operations around throughout the holiday to within schools,” said Dr. Al as the Year of Women themed guarding their rights is at the the capacities of women to con- the world. prevent a rise in infections Khal. “Women for the Future”, core of Unesco’s work. In fact, front the virus, among others. THURSDAY 11 MARCH 2021 HOME 03 Amiri Guard concludes Barzan joint exercise QNA — DOHA The exercise was designed to The Amiri Guard concluded the activities of the Barzan joint exercise simulate the duties and tasks (8), which lasted for two weeks, with that the Amiri Guard will the participation of the military, perform in coordination with security and civil authorities in the the military, security and civil country and in presence of authorities during the 2022 Commander of the Amiri Guard, H E Major General Hazza bin Khalil Al FIFA World Cup and how to Shahwani and Undersecretary of the deal with potential events. Ministry of Interior and Commander Commanders and top officials from Amiri Guard, Lekhwiya, and Ministry of Defence at the conclusion of Barzan joint exercise. of the Lekhwiya Force, H E Major General Abdulaziz bin Faisal Al the Amiri Guard will do in coordi- Thani. nation with the military, security 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is con- the military, security and civil author- In the exercise, the participants gave The conclusion of the exercise and civil authorities in the country sidered the largest sporting event in the ities, with the aim of reaching the highest a distinct final presentation that held at the Lahsaniya camp yes- during the 2022 FIFA World Cup world. levels of operational integration. embodied the harmony, strength, skill, terday morning, was attended by and how to deal with potential He praised the distinguished level In turn, Director of the Barzan Joint training and professionalism they enjoy. the Deputy Commander of the Amiri events. shown by all the participants in the Exercise (8) Lt. Colonel Mubarak Mushay The presentation included a number of Guard, the Inspector General, the Assistant Commander of the closing presentation, which embodied Al Ahbabi, in his speech at the beginning paragraphs that began with organising assistants of the Commander of the Guard for Operations and Training, their competence, readiness and high of the closing ceremony, said that the a variety of processional formations, Amiri Guard, leaders of departments Colonel Jassim Abdullah Al Mar- fighting spirit, pointing out that the exercise comes as an extension of a then followed by a series of trainings for and groups, and a number of senior izeeq, said that Barzan joint exercise exercise was carried out in a number of series of exercises that initiate joint coor- the safety and protection of the officers of the Ministry of Defence, (8) is of great importance, as it regions of the country, and its results dination between the Amiri Guard and characters. the Ministry of Interior, and the focuses on raising the efficiency of were clear and tangible thanks to the the concerned military, security and civil At the conclusion, the Commander “Lekhwiya” Force in addition to a the members of the Amiri Guard and efforts of all the participating parties. It authorities in the state, to deal with the of the Amiri Guard and the Undersec- number of officials in ministries and the participating military, security has also achieved the desired goals, challenges facing the security and pro- retary of the Ministry of Interior, Com- government agencies. and civilian bodies in dealing with which are represented in uniting and tection of VIPs during the 2022 FIFA mander of the “Lekhwiya” Force, took The exercise was designed to various events related to the security concerting efforts, cooperation and coor- World Cup, the most prominent sporting a souvenir photo with the participants simulate the duties and tasks that and protection of VIPs during the dination between the Amiri Guard and event in the world. in the exercise. Supreme Judiciary Council, NAMA to support entrepreneurship

QNA — DOHA signing MoU with NAMA center comes in the framework of the initiative under- The Supreme Judiciary Council and Social taken by the Council to support civil Development Center (NAMA), one of the centres community, believing in the role it plays, under the umbrella of the Qatar Foundation for as a non-profit development institution Social Work, signed yesterday a memorandum aimed at capacity building, achieving of understanding (MoU) in the field of supporting economic stability for productive fam- the entrepreneurship in the State of Qatar. ilies, and promoting social development. The agreement aims to attract and support Executive Director of NAMA Saba the largest possible number of entrepreneurs Muhammad Al Fadala affirmed that this and owners of productive projects in the project is one of the growth accelerator framework of cooperation between state insti- projects (promotion), which is to provide Colonel Muhammad Radi Al Hajri addressing the tutions and in strengthening the role of com- outlets for display and sale for projects press conference, yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/ munity partnerships in supporting economic, that benefit from entrepreneurship THE PENINSULA social and human development. services at Nama Center and incubated The agreement includes equipping waiting within a deliberate incubation system, and rest places (cafeterias) for court visitors that as these projects meet all the com- Road accident deaths are operated by owners of small and micro mercial health conditions subject to the enterprises, beneficiaries of the entrepre- commercial law in the State of Qatar. decline drastically in 2020 Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Shared Services Affairs, neurship services at NAMA Center. She said the aim of such programmes Khamis Muhammad Al Kuwari, and Executive Director of FROM PAGE 1 The MoU was signed by Acting Assistant is to develop the project in all aspects Undersecretary for Shared Services Affairs NAMA, Saba Muhammad Al Fadala, signing the MoU. that ensure its continuity and survival in “What has been achieved is not attributed only Khamis Muhammad Al Kuwari, representing the local market, in addition to the pos- to the General Directorate of Traffic, but also the the Supreme Judicial Council and Executive Cassation court building in Lusail City, the Court sibility of following up the project activities within result of concerted efforts made by other State entities Director of NAMA, Saba Muhammad Al Fadala. of First Instance in the West Bay area and the the control, financial and sales systems in which such as MoPH, Ashghal, and MoTC,” Al Shahwani Following the MoU signing, 3 restrooms (caf- Criminal Court in Al Sadd area. the NAMA Center and the donor party partic- added, appreciating their efforts and the great roles eterias) were opened in each of the Appeal and Khamis Muhammad Al Kuwari stated that ipate in a joint cooperation agreement. that contributed to this achievement. MoPH: 473 new Interchange to connect Street 33, West Industrial Street 414 referred virus cases FROM PAGE 1 to Public directions at ground level, and THE PENINSULA — DOHA Ashghal will implement a a bridge that passes above the Prosecution new traffic diversion on the traffic signal to provide free The Ministry of Public Health roundabout connecting Street flow along Street 33. for violations yesterday announced the 33 and West Industrial Street Upon completion, the new registration of 473 new in the Industrial Area. interchange will be an QNA — DOHA confirmed cases of COVID-19. Thus all existing lanes will important link in front of com- Among them 37 were from be open to traffic from muters from Doha towards Al The designated authorities travellers returning from tomorrow (March 12, 2021) for Kassarat Street and vice versa, yesterday referred 414 people abroad. a period of 6 months, to allow serving many vital entities, to the Public Prosecution for Also 307 people have the roundabout to be trans- commercial and industrial violating COVID-19 precau- recovered from the virus formed into a two-level inter- facilities in the area, as Al Kas- tionary measures. bringing the total number of section within the works of sarat Street extends from north 404 people were referred cases recovered in Qatar to Street 33 Upgrade Project. to south of Industrial Area, to prosecution for not wearing A two-level interchange under construction as part of the Street 156,919. All new cases have Engineer Nasser Al connecting Street 1 through masks in places where they 33 upgradation project in Industrial Area. been introduced to isolation Dalmouk from Highway Street 52. are mandatory, while 5 were and are receiving necessary Projects Department of Ashghal is upgrading the found violating the maximum healthcare according to their Ashghal clarified that so far contribute in enhanced traffic interchange on Street 33 5km long Street 33 in Indus- number of 4 people allowed health status. more than 35 percent of works flow in the area, especially as replacing the old roundabout trial Area into an expressway in a vehicle including the Due to the measures put in of Street 33 Upgrade Project in it connects two vital roads in that connects Al Kassarat providing free flow traffic from driver, except when they are place by the government, Industrial Area are the area, West Industrial Street Street with Street 33. East 33 Interchange on the East members of one family. Five Qatar succeeded in sup- completed. and Street 33. The two-level interchange Industrial Street and the Indus- people were also booked for pressing the spread of the virus He also claimed that the Ashghal has started includes lighted traffic signal trial Area Road to the West not installing Ehteraz app on since its peak in July. new interchange will implementing a new to streamline traffic in all Industrial Street. their mobile phones. Qatar Museums announces March events lineup Caution advised as THE PENINSULA — DOHA At the Museum of Islamic through the virtual guided information and booking Art (MIA), photography tours designed to be an contact: programsnmoq@ COVID-19 cases rise Qatar Museums has launched enthusiasts can join “A Fal- engaging and culturally stim- qm.org.qa FROM PAGE 1 several events and activities con’s Eye: Tribute to Sheikh ulating adventure. Schools NMoQ is also holding this year significant increase is being catering to a wide array of Saoud” exhibition curator Dr can choose one from the virtual tours on “History of He said that over 380,000 witnessed in both hospital admis- interests and artistic passions, Giles Hudson for an informal themes: The Formation of Architecture in Qatar” COVID-19 vaccine doses have been sions and ICU admissions in recent to be hosted across its tour of the galleries and learn Qatar and Qatar’s Natural Mondays from 4pm to 5pm administered since the start of weeks. “Every day we are seeing cultural institutions more about the fascinating Environments, the Archae- (Arabic) and Wednesdays COVID-19 National Vaccination more people being admitted to hos- throughout this month. art of photography and its ology of Qatar, the People of 3pm to 4pm (English). Program, with more than 15,000 pital and ICU requiring life-saving Mathaf: Arab Museum of early history as well as seeing Qatar or the Modern History This architectural virtual doses being administered a day at treatment,” said Dr. Mohammed, Modern Art is holding “Story some very unusual cameras. of Qatar. Virtual tours are tour will engage participants present. He said that registration for adding “Since February 1, we have Time for Families at Mathaf” To sign up for the activity on delivered in Arabic, English, with the ‘desert rose’ and its vaccination has begun for Imams, seen around a 110% increase in every third Saturday of the March 24 from 6 pm to 7pm, French, Italian, Chinese, iconic symbol as well as muezzins and other staff of people receiving care in ICU.” month from 10am to 11.30am. visit www.qm.org.qa/en/ Spanish, Turkish and explore the past through mosques. He said that this is concerning This monthly activity for programs-calendar German. For more infor- architecture, from the Old He said that the pace of the vac- as many of these people are severely children four to nine years On March 30 from 11am mation and booking contact: Palace and throughout the cination programme means that sick and require intensive treatment old and their families features to 12noon, curator Dr Mounia [email protected] galleries. Also at NMoQ is there is finally hope of a gradual and advanced respiratory support. bilingual stories read in both Abudaya will lead the final On March 13 and 20 from “Discovering Qatari Ver- return to normal for us here in Qatar “Despite the large increase in hos- English and Arabic exploring tour of MIA’s special exhi- 9am to 11am, NMoQ is nacular Architecture” art and people around the world. “But pital and ICU admissions, the the connections between art bition, A Falcon’s Eye: Tribute holding “Sketching the Desert workshop and guided tour for this will not happen in the next few healthcare sector is able to care for and storytelling. To sign up, to Sheikh Saoud Al Thani. To Rose” workshops introducing families on March 20 and 27 weeks or months,” said Dr. Al Khal. each and every one of these visit https://form.jotform. sign up visit www.qm.org.qa/ participants to the skills of from 4pm to 6pm. Participants “COVID-19 will continue to be patients,” said Dr. Mohammed. me/90632320586455 en/programs-calendar architectural drawing on will find out more about fea- a threat to our health for the most “At the start of the pandemic last On March 20, Mathaf is The National Museum of location. Using the fantastical tures and elements of the ver- part of 2021 and until all eligible year, we had a plan to significantly holding World Book Day Qatar (NMoQ) is conducting architecture of NMoQ as a nacular architecture through members of our population have expand bed capacity across our hos- program from 11am to 12 virtual field trip for students source of inspiration, partic- the special guided tour. Then been vaccinated, we must continue pital system to meet increased noon which will show daily from Sunday to ipants will walk around the NMoQ artists will lead an art to follow the preventive measures,” demand due to COVID-19. To meet children how to create their Wednesday, from 8am to 12 building and sketch its dif- workshop exploring the archi- said Dr. Al Khal. the increased demand due to recent own book by writing and noon via Zoom. ferent angles. The workshop tecture elements of traditional Acting Chairman of HMC’s spike in cases, we have once again illustrating a book. For more Students can continue to is led by artist Ahed Al Khatib Qatari mosque and use this as Intensive Care Units, Dr. Ahmed developed a capacity expansion information contact: mathaf_ experience NMoQ from the in both Arabic and English. inspiration to create their own Mohammed said due to increase in plan to ensure we have enough beds [email protected] comfort of their classroom The cost is QR100. For more mosque model. COVID-19 cases in the first part of for people needing care.” 04 HOME THURSDAY 11 MARCH 2021 Ambulatory Care Center achieves Gold Certification for Excellence in Person-Centered Care

THE PENINSULA - DOHA

The Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) has become the second Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) facility to achieve Certification for Excel- lence in Person-Centered Care by Planetree International, and the first hospital in Qatar to be awarded the Gold Certification after a rigorous evaluation process. Last year, Enaya Specialized Care Center became the first facility in Qatar to achieved Person-Cen- tered Care Certification from Plan- Costa Rica V-P meets Ambassador of Qatar etree International. The Communi- cable Disease Center, Home Health Vice-President of the Republic of Costa Rica, H E Marvin Rodriguez Cordero, has met Care Services and the Private Ambulatory Care Center officials posing with the Gold Certification for with Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Costa Rica, H E Khamis bin Rashid Al Kaabi. Nursing Services are currently Excellence in Person-Centered Care. During the meeting held in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, they reviewed the undergoing the Certification process. cooperation relations between the two countries. Opened in 2017, the ACC is an person-centered care is the concept some inpatient surgical care and innovative facility that offers a new that the patient, their family clinical care in a single dedicated approach to surgical care in Qatar members and the care provider are location,” Dr. Al Jalham said. using advanced clinical and surgical partners in their healthcare process “Many of our patients are with Education Ministry to organise practices offered within the same and the ACC has demonstrated their us for their procedure and are able day and in a single dedicated commitment to involving patients, to recover in the comfort of their location. family members and staff at every own homes. But we are dedicated virtual Education Forum The team underwent a rigorous step of the way,” Al Naimi said. to ensuring they receive not only the evaluation by the Planetree team in “Planetree’s independent certi- best of care when they are with us, 2020 to achieve the Certification. fication committee evaluated the but also in their follow-up care. We Planetree International is a not-for- Ambulatory Care Center against 26 worked hard to implement new profit organization that partners specific and difficult criteria and processes to make sure our patients with healthcare organizations determined it has met the standards are supported on their journey,” Dr. around the world to transform how to be deemed Gold Certified for Al Jalham said. patient care is delivered. Excellence in Person-Centered Maryam Al Emadi, a member of Nasser Al Naimi, Deputy Chief Care,” added Al Naimi. the ACC’s Patient and Family of Quality, Center for Patient Expe- Dr. Khalid Al Jalham, Medical Advisory Council said it was a great rience and Staff Engagement and Director of the ACC said the criteria experience to be involved in this Director for the Hamad Healthcare used by Planetree to assess the ACC, important journey for the facility. Quality Institute said the Planetree addressed components of a person- “As a member of the PFAC I was Certification represents the highest centered healthcare experience, pleased to see many of our recom- level of achievement in person-cen- including the quality of patient inter- mendations put into practice by the tered care based on evidence and actions, access to information, family management and staff of the hos- standards and it is a great involvement and the physical envi- pital. It gave me and my fellow com- achievement by the leadership and ronment of care. mittee members’ great encour- team at the ACC to reach this level. “The care we give at the ACC is agement that we were being listened “At the very heart of unique - providing day care surgery, to and involved,” said Al Emadi.

Members of the organising committee of Education Forum during a meeting. iPay option in Ooredoo App to boost flexibility

QNA - DOHA topics related to the post-COVID-19 pan- THE PENINSULA - DOHA demic and sustainable development goals, The Ministry of Education and Higher including integrating education for sus- Ooredoo, Qatar’s leading communications company, Education has announced it will organise tainable development, new visions on has announced that the business-to-business function- Education Forum virtually on April 3, early education, community partnership alities on the Ooredoo App have been upgraded to permit with the participation of a group of in education for achieving sustainable greater choice and flexibility. specialists and academics from Qatar and development, and more. The innovative new iPay option allows customers abroad. Dr. Bakkur noted that the scientific to make an Add-on purchase directly. Customers can Head of the Scientific Committee of committee of the forum consists of 11 purchase Add-ons using a simple activation process, the Forum Dr. Raniya Mutlaq Bakkur told members from various departments and which can be easily and immediately completed using Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the specialties, who were keen to consider the iPay option on the Ooredoo App. This change to the one-day forum will be held under the international standards in the forum. App allows direct Add-on purchases, meaning that enter- slogan ‘Visions and Aspirations Beyond She pointed out that the forum will prises can tailor their business plans to their precise hope to demonstrate through innovation that our B2B Challenges’, noting that the organising have 30 sessions that include lectures and needs. support is even more competitive than ever before, in committee has completed the technical workshops, and that the forum is a great Sabah Rabiah Al-Kuwari, Director PR at Ooredoo – turn assisting our clients to stride ahead in their com- screening process for the accepted par- opportunity for researchers and specialists said: “Contemporary business customers need the con- mercial endeavours.” ticipants of the scientific committee. from different countries to participate in. fidence to quickly and easily change their allowances Business customers can leverage the Ooredoo She said that the committee received She indicated that the forum will whenever necessary. The new, enhanced self-care func- Advantage, making Ooredoo ‘Best for Business’, thanks 102 participations from several Arab and provide opportunities for the participants tionalities on the App gives Aamali users the freedom to its breadth and depth of talent, best fixed and mobile foreign countries, which were techni- and the public to interact with each other, to add any service to their own plan, without the need networks, broadest portfolio of ICT services and solu- cally screened, and the topics varied as the workshops and lectures will be to visit one of our retail establishments. Once again, we tions, and trusted partner for 60 years. between sustainable development and broadcasted live via videoconferencing, future foresight. and will be available on the forum’s elec- Bakkur said that there will be different tronic platform after its completion. On 25th anniversary McDonald’s Qatar awards free meals for one year to 25 lucky winners

THE PENINSULA - DOHA

To celebrate the incredible mile- stone of serving 25 years of feel- good moments in Qatar, McDonald’s has decided to make dreams come true. Twenty-five lucky winners have been awarded an extraordinary chance to experience the best one year, full of delicious meals and most importantly, for free. The consumer-centric brand has once again proved their devotion and dedication to their loyal cus- tomers by paying tribute in the yum- miest way possible; a delicious token of gratitude for 25 years of beautiful moments and memories shared Some of the winners of one-year free meals by McDonald’s Qatar to mark together. 25th anniversary. The winners would have access to their favourite meals for an entire There is only one thing better than One of the winners expressed year through the McDonald’s App. eating your favorite food, getting their happiness said: “Thank you for This would be in addition to the rewarded with more food. selecting me as a lucky winner. This exclusive rewards, unbelievable Over the duration of twenty-five is the first time in my life, I’ve deals and much more fun stuff days, customers that participated in received this lucky prize. My Kids always jam-packed into the app for scanning and redeeming their offers really love it.” the delight of their customers. to receive exciting rewards on the One of the winners even To make it convenient for their app were automatically entitled to expressed how McDonald’s feels like customers, they were required to enter into a draw. a home, saying: “It’s a worldwide keep redeeming exciting delicious The more offers a user brand that’s been a part of so many rewards as they always do through redeemed, the higher the chances lives. I think it’s one of the best the remarkable Loyalty Program on of their win. things that makes Qatar a happy the app. Every five days, the wheel would place, especially for kids. So I feel In the rare case, one might not spin and decide on five lucky really lucky to be one of the few who be aware of what the McDonald’s winners who get to unlock a year of have won. Thank you so much Loyalty Program is, it’s simply free meals through the McDonald’s McDonald’s Qatar and happy 25th another feature the brand intro- App. anniversary.” duced for their customers to double Always thinking of their cus- This delightful celebration of the their fun. tomers’ safety and comfort, McDon- 25-year-long journey is just a Once registered to the program, ald’s securely distributed the deli- reflection of McDonald’s love for it introduces the users to a whole cious box of happiness at the win- their customers and their dedication new world full of amazing offers and ner’s favorite branch, following to delivering happiness and feel- the most scrumptious rewards. health and safety protocols. good moments for years to come. THURSDAY 11 MARCH 2021 HOME 05 QEERI signs pact with Climate and Atmosphere Research Center of Cyprus

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and the Climate and Atmosphere Research Center (CARE-C) of The Cyprus Institute (CyI), have signed a collaboration agreement to estimate and predict contami- nation risks and associated Participant during a virtual event held to ehance the cooperation impacts from the atmospheric between QEERI and CARE-C. dispersion of radionuclides accidentally released by a radioactive and other toxic (Weather Research and Fore- major industrial facility in the spills in the atmosphere in the casting with Chemistry), helps Bangladesh envoy participates Middle East. Middle East region, using us make more accurate The purpose of the QEERI- numerical forecasting tools. assessments." CARE-C collaboration is to Dr. Huda Al Sulaiti, Senior "We work in close collabo- develop a methodology for Research Director at QEERI’s ration with global partners to in ‘Plant Million Tree’ initiative environmental hazard risk and Natural and Environmental conduct pioneering research vulnerability assessment in the Hazards Observatory (NEHO), programs involving cutting- Ambassador of Bangladesh to Qatar, H E Md. Jashim Uddin, participated in a tree plantation event Middle East. In addition, to test said: “At NEHO, we aim to use edge, high throughput technol- organised by the Public Parks Department at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment under this methodology by estimating our state-of-the-art facilities in ogies, in order to address ‘Plant Million Tree’ initiative. The event was also attended by Director of Al Wakra Municipality, Ajran the risk to the population in the characterization, modeling, and problems of regional as well as Al Buainain; Head of Parks Section at Al Wakra Municipality, Omar Mohamad Al Jaber, and a number State of Qatar, in case of a forecasting, to establish early international significance," said of officials from the municipality. Md. Jashim Uddin planted trees with other officials during the severe accident at a nuclear or warning systems to assess Prof. Jean Sciare. event. The Public Parks Department called on entities, institutions and members of the community industrial risk site. natural hazards and support Welcoming Cyl and CARE-C to make their contribution in the initiative by planting trees. The agreement’s main policy and decision-making to the collaboration, Dr. Marc objectives are the establishment processes." Vermeersch, Executive of preliminary radioactivity risk "We look forward to Director, QEERI, said: “We maps regarding atmospheric working alongside Cyl to believe partnerships such as the QRCS gives food aid to pandemic-hit in Pakistan deposition of (and the popula- support resilience efforts in one we recently signed with Cyl THE PENINSULA — DOHA Society (PRCS) selected the ben- people who lost their livelihoods tion’s exposure to) radionu- reducing and mitigating the resonates with our goal to be a eficiaries and procured the food due to COVID-19. clides following potential risks of natural and environ- catalyst for positive transfor- Qatar Red Crescent Society supplies through a public tender. Pakistan is quite vulnerable nuclear accidents in the Middle mental hazards," said Dr. Al mation in Qatar and the region (QRCS) is implementing a Field personnel are distrib- to climatic and human-induced East. Secondly, the risk Sulaiti. while having a global impact. COVID-19 response project in uting 800 food parcels, 25kg disasters. The country is among assessment of atmospheric Prof. Jean Sciare, Director This partnership is crucial to Pakistan, by supporting the each, with $20,000 funding from the top-10 most vulnerable coun- deposition and population of the Climate and Atmosphere leverage the expertise of both vulnerable communities worst QRCS. It covers 800 families, or tries of the world that are exposed exposure to radioactivity and Research Center (CARE-C), QEERI’s researchers and engi- affected by the pandemic. 4,800 persons, in the provinces to natural disasters, according to other toxic substances fol- added: “We are excited to work neers as well as the specialists The project is aimed at of Baluchistan, Khyber the Global Risks Report 2020. lowing potential accidents at together with QEERI on this from Cyl to assess potential meeting the basic food needs of Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Besides, the COVID-19 pandemic industrial facilities. project. Combining the systems risks and impacts, and as such families in four provinces. In Kashmir, and TDs, with special badly affected the majority of the The collaboration will also we already have in place, such to provide robust and timely consultation with district admin- focus on daily wagers, widows, population, particularly those lead to the establishment of an as CARE-C’s EMAC model and recommendations to minimize istrations, Pakistan Red Crescent people with disabilities, and with low income. early warning system for QEERI’s WRF-Chem model the risk for Qatar.” CNA-Q, HMC partner to offer diabetes education program

THE PENINSULA — DOHA The program embodies The Continuing and Profes- four major units for a sional Education department at total of 132 hours. It College of the North Atlantic – offers two courses about Qatar (CNA-Q) has joined hands understanding and with Hamad Medical Corpo- ration (HMC) for the sixth year managing diabetes, and to offer ‘The Fundamentals of the two others tackle Diabetes Education’ program. diabetes in special The latter includes tailored populations and Ooredoo Group Managing courses that provide HMC principles of diabetes employees with the necessary skills and knowledge required education. Director recognised as to specialize in the field of dia- betes education, and contribute Regional Leader by Forbes to Qatar’s National Diabetes A professional taking part in the program. Strategy 2016-22. healthcare sector to raise THE PENINSULA — DOHA 2014 until 2020, and was the The initiative is an awareness about diabetes, and Co-head of Mergers and Acqui- important step in actively develop the patient’s ability to Abou-Samra, Director of the element in the trainings cur- Ooredoo Group has announced sitions at Qatar Investment responding to the diabetes engage and self-manage their Qatar Metabolic Institute, HMC ricula. Diabetes educators are its Managing Director, Aziz Authority (QIA) from 2007 until health challenge in the State of disease.” and Co-Chair of the National being taught how to seamlessly Aluthman Fakhroo, has been 2014. He holds a bachelor’s Qatar. Dr. Suhaim Khalaf Al- Diabetes Committee, MoPH, approach patients, educate recognised as one of the top degree in Business Adminis- Professionals taking part in Josaiman, Manager of CNA-Q’s commented: “Diabetes is a them about their condition and CEOs in the Middle East region. tration from ESLSCA University this program will acquire a solid Continuing and Professional major public health issue in how to help them take control Respected business journal and has extensive experience foundation in diabetes-care Education said: “The funda- Qatar, it affects 17% of adults of their own care. Such initiative Forbes Middle East published in senior roles across various management, and will have the mentals of Diabetes Education, and requires a multi-disci- improves the patient’s quality its list of the Top CEOs in the fields. Aluthman said: “I am chance to practice and apply will give participants the nec- plinary approach for its man- of life and reduces the burden Middle East on Monday 8 delighted and proud to be rec- their knowledge in a safe envi- essary tools to plan, deliver and agement. Diabetes educators of diabetes medical care on the March 2021, with Aluthman ognised amongst my peers in ronment. Furthermore, partic- evaluate patient education. It is are an important part of the health system”. During the featuring in the top 50. The the region by such a respected ipants will be trained on how a live example of why we estab- treatment team. This training program, CNA-Q invites many rankings recognise the region’s publication. We have some to interact with patients of all lished the department in the program is an answer to the speakers to share their expe- most pioneering, successful exceptional talent here in the ages and from different cultural first place. Our aim is to deliver action plan set by Qatar rience with the participants and leaders across a range of indus- Middle East, and some formi- and ethnic backgrounds. flexible trainings that support National Diabetes Strategy. The discuss many subjects such as tries including telecommuni- dable business leaders, and to Commenting on this collab- the organisations’ need, and latter encouraged the increase neuropathy, cardiovascular dis- cations. Aluthman has been have my achievements and oration Dr. Salem Al-Naemi, offer their teams development of diabetes educators, and the eases and diabetes, pediatric Managing Director of Ooredoo abilities considered worthy of CNA-Q’s President said: “We pathways.” necessity to equip them with the and adolescent diabetes and Group since November 2020, such an accolade is praise are pleased to join forces with The program embodies four right training and knowledge gestational diabetes. and a Board member of the indeed. It gives me great HMC and keep offering this val- major units for a total of 132 to support the delivery of our Courses also focus on devel- Group since 2011. He is cur- pleasure to lead Ooredoo uable program. This training hours. It offers two courses comprehensive diabetes oping communications skills rently also a Senior Adviser to Group under our Chairman, was developed to answer a about understanding and man- services.”Manal Othman, required during emergencies the Qatar Minister of Finance, Sheikh Faisal Bin Thani Al need in the healthcare sector, aging diabetes, and the two Director of Diabetes Education and critical issues, in addition having served as Deputy Thani, and I look forward to and is a step in the direction of others tackle diabetes in special at HMC, Co-Chair of patient to applying fundamental prin- Undersecretary for Budget, continuing this leadership as implementing the National Dia- populations and principles of empowerment of National Dia- ciples of integrity; objectivity; Treasury and Financial affairs we take our business to the next betes Strategy. We take pride diabetes education. betes Strategy said: “Diabetes ethical and professional at the Ministry of Finance from level in 2021 and beyond.” in honorably supporting the Professor Abdul-Badi self-management is a key competence. QCDC helps plan career for post-pandemic future DI holds seminar on leadership role of women during pandemic THE PENINSULA — DOHA experts in human resources, Qatar Foundation’s tireless economics, and futurology, the efforts aimed at assisting Qatari THE PENINSULA — DOHA Dr. Muna Al Maslamani, Qatar Career Development 11th edition discusses the future society’s various segments, and Medical Director at HMC’s Center recently launched the of work in light of the pandemic at providing the necessary The Doha Institute for Graduate Communicable Disease 11th edition of its Career Guide and post-pandemic effects. resources to empower the local Studies (DI) organized Center, highlighted the role of magazine, which aims to tackle The challenges and solu- youth, so they can choose the yesterday a seminar entitled the health sector during the challenges posed by COVID-19 tions facing the education best way to support the nation’s “women and their leadership COVID-19 pandemic, stressing – within the education sector sector in Qatar are the focus of growth. role during the COVID-19 that the work of women in the and labor market – and help a discussion with H E Dr. In honor of the tremendous “We strive to make career pandemic,” on the occasion of health sector needs an young people plan for a post- Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, efforts the nation’s healthcare guidance the best means to help International Women’s Day, endeavour that enables them pandemic future. Undersecretary of the Ministry workers have exerted during young people achieve their pro- which falls on the 8th of March to overcome difficulties, The new issue of Qatar of Education and Higher Edu- the COVID-19 crisis, the mag- fessional and practical aspira- every year, with the partici- adding that the opportunities Career Development Center’s cation, where he expands on the azine’s Exploring Careers tions, by appropriately guiding pation of several researchers for empowering women are (QCDC) Career Guide looks ministry’s ongoing efforts to section is dedicated to high- skills and potentials in a manner and academics from inside and not given without compen- closely at the future of the edu- help the sector overcome the lighting a variety of medical that serves Qatar’s future outside Qatar. sation, but rather there must cational process, expectations, COVID-19 crisis. professions, introducing young aspirations. Dr. Rania Mansour, be a real desire to excel and and lessons learned from the And an interview with people to the details of each Therefore, we focus our Assistant Professor in the succeed. global pandemic, which has Sheikha Latifa Khalid Al Thani, position and the skills required. efforts on reaching all com- Master of Social Work program Dr. Ikram Adnani, a pro- forced most countries Education Sector Executive at Abdulla Al Mansoori, munity groups, especially stu- at DI, discussed the leadership fessor of political science and worldwide to apply strict pre- Microsoft Qatar, about her Director, QCDC – a member of dents and youth, through role of women in social work constitutional law at Ibn Zohr cautionary measures, suspend career and her inspiring journey Qatar Foundation – explains various activities and events during the pandemic, noting University in Agadir, in-person classes in schools and as the first Qatari woman to why the Career Guide has been that help them achieve a better that women working in the Morocco, confirmed that universities, and pivot to work at the global tech giant, is a vital resource for more than understanding of career field of social work played mul- women played an important e-learning. Through interviews an opportunity for the youth to a decade, saying: “QCDC has guidance," said Abdulla Al Man- tiple roles at the health and role during the COVID-19 with an exclusive group of learn from her experiences. always been keen to support soori, Director, QCDC. preventive level. pandemic. 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA THURSDAY 11 MARCH 2021 Lebanon protesters send dark and angry message

AP — BEIRUT The roadblocks are Lebanese have watched as members of the ruling elite It’s an expression of anger but a desperate way to blame each other for the crisis. also of helplessness: Anti- reclaim the anger felt Last week, the currency hit government protesters in nationwide in 2019, a record low, trading on the Lebanon are burning tyres to black market at 11,000 Leb- block key roads, releasing dense when the government anese pounds to the dollar, palls of smoke that rise above was forced to resign, down from the official 1,500 the capital of Beirut and other pounds for $1 - sparking a new parts of the country. sparking a brief wave of protests. The tactic has become the period of euphoria “The solution will only come hallmark of a new flare-up of through the streets,” said Hujairi, demonstrations against an and hope that change who has taken part in protests intransigent political class that may be possible. The since October 2019. “Of course, appears to do little as Lebanon those whose streets — or the slides toward political and eco- national mood is now streets of their political parties nomic abyss. The country is more fearful. — are blocked will be angered.” mired in the worst economic The roadblocks are a des- crisis in its modern history, and perate way to reclaim the anger Lebanese army soldiers stand together as they are deployed in Zouk, Lebanon, yesterday. the situation has been exacer- have become. felt nationwide in 2019, when bated by pandemic restrictions Anti-government rallies first the government was forced to Tire fires are hard to put out smoke served to obscure the same leaders, so the tools are and an overwhelmed health began gripping Lebanon in late resign, sparking a brief period and can go on for hours, identities of those throwing the same.” care sector. 2019. Since then, the local cur- of euphoria and hope that drawing attention and keeping stones at Israeli forces. Hujairi claims he and his “The fire releases our anger. rency has collapsed, after being change may be possible. rivals away. Open tyre fires, which were friends burn between 100 and It quiets our hearts,” said pegged to the dollar for nearly The national mood is now The tactic has been used in used in some countries to power 150 tires a day. He said they Mounir Hujairi, a 23-year-old 30 years. Salaries have more fearful. Officials have the Palestinian territories, Iraq kilns, have been outlawed in most collect used and punctured tires protester from Baalbek in remained the same as inflation warned of chaos and some have and Sudan. of the world because of their high from refuse piles, dismissing northeastern Lebanon, who skyrocketed. People lost their argued the protests were Palestinians burned tyres emission of pollutants. claims that political parties juggles his time between low- jobs and poverty affected nearly manipulated by political groups during protests against Israeli Sahar Mandour, a Lebanon hand them out. “A little black paying day jobs and protests. 50 percent of the population. to ignite violence or extract con- occupation, starting in their first researcher with Amnesty Inter- smoke won’t hurt,” Hujairi said, The tyre soot and smoke Meanwhile, Lebanon’s sec- cessions from rivals. uprising that erupted in 1987. national, said the practice of in response to criticism. “There blacken the faces of protesters tarian-based political system is Many fear the social tension Three decades later, during pro- burning tires as a form of is no way for us to reach the in anti-virus masks at makeshift stuck. Politicians have refused to has reached levels not seen tests against an Israeli-Egyptian protest picked up in many houses of politicians.” roadblocks that cut off traffic compromise on forming a gov- since before the civil war broke border blockade of the Gaza countries in the 1980s. But it has Yesterday, Lebanese troops around Beirut and between ernment or on making difficult out in April 1975. For the next Strip, young men formed “tire since fallen out of favor because deployed to prevent protesters cities. The persistence of the financial decisions for fear of 15 years of conflict, burning crews” that drove around the of the environmental impact. from setting up roadblocks, two protesters and the daily burning losing their clout or support base. tyres became common — a small coastal territory in motor- “The world moved on.... But days after the president, Michel of tyres underscore how intrac- Exhausted, scared and cheap way to set up roadblocks cycle rickshaws to collect tires Lebanon didn’t,” she said. “We Aoun, called for action to table the country’s problems restricted by the coronavirus, between warring factions. for burning. The dark black have the same parties and the prevent them. Erdogan, Putin remotely start UN food aid agency chief visits Yemen, fears famine AP — SANA'A Beasley visited Yemen “In a children’s wing or about half the population — shrinking as a fallout from the nuclear reactor earlier this week, including the ward of a hospital, you know could face serious food inse- coronavirus pandemic. The head of the UN food agency capital of Sanaa which is under you normally hear crying, and curity. Tens of thousands of A pledging conference last construction warned after a visit to Yemen the control of Iran-backed laughter. There’s no crying, people already live in famine- month raised a little more than that his underfunded organi- Houthi rebels. He said that at a there’s no laughter, there’s dead like conditions, in what aid half from the international AP — ISTANBUL sation may be forced seek child malnutrition ward in a silence,” he said late on organisations have called the community of what was needed hundreds of millions of dollars Sanaa hospital he saw children Tuesday, speaking by video world’s worst humanitarian to continue food aid services for The presidents of Turkey and in private donations in a wasting away from lack of food. conference from Addis Ababa, crisis. Some 400,000 children the next year. Russia remotely inaugurated desperate bid to stave off wide- Many, he said, were on the Ethiopia, where he had just are in need of immediate Yemen, already the Arab the construction of a third spread famine in coming brink of death from entirely landed from Yemen. assistance to save their lives world’s poorest country, has nuclear reactor at the Akkuyu months, describing conditions preventable and treatable “I went from room to room, from deadly malnutrition. Wors- been caught in a grinding war power plant in southern in the war-stricken nation as causes, and they were the lucky and literally, children that in ening fuel shortages could throw since 2014 when the Houthis Turkey yesterday, vowing to “hell.” ones who were receiving any other place in the world millions more into deep poverty. descended from their northern continue their close cooper- The World Food Program medical care. would be fine, they’d might get Since the outbreak of enclave and took over Sana'a, ation. needs at least $815m in Yemen aid He said the world needs to a little sick but they’d get Yemen’s civil war six years ago, forcing the internationally rec- Turkish President Recep over the next six months, but has wake up to how bad things have recovered, but not here.” UN-led aid efforts have been ognized government to flee. In Tayyip Erdogan said the plant only $300m, the agency’s exec- gotten in Yemen, particularly “This is hell,” he said. “It’s chronically underfunded. This the spring of 2015, a US-backed, would launch Turkey into the utive director, David Beasley, said for the country’s youngest, the worst place on earth. And year’s global fundraising drive Saudi-led coalition began a air ”league of nuclear energy in an interview. He said the some of whom he had seen in it’s entirely man-made.” came up short as well — more campaign to dislodge the countries” and called it a agency would need another hospital beds in the Sana'a The UN has warned that 16 so than in previous years — Houthis while imposing a land, “symbol of Turkish-Russian $1.9bn to meet targets for the year. hospital. million people in Yemen — or because aid dollars have been sea and air embargo on Yemen. cooperation.” Russia is building Turkey’s first nuclear power plant on Hamas’ Gaza the Mediterranean coast in Iraq pilgrims defy virus protocols as cases surge Mersin province. The two leader Sinwar countries signed a cooperation AP — BAGHDAD agreement in 2010 and began re-elected construction in 2018. Thousands of pilgrims clad in Turkey — whose electricity black walked the streets of production is based on gas- Baghdad yesterday, part of a AP — GAZA CITY burning plants and hydroe- weeklong procession to a lectric units — is largely revered shrine, bypassing Hamas firebrand Yehiyeh dependent on power imports, barbed wire set up by security Sinwar was re-elected buying natural gas from forces and spurring fears of yesterday as the Palestinian Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia, another wave of coronavirus on militant group’s leader in the among others. the heels of the papal visit. Gaza Strip, leaving a figure Nuclear power is a “stra- Crowds of men and women closely aligned with the hard- tegic step” for energy security, defied the tight security line wing in charge of the Erdogan said. measures set up by Iraqi author- group’s strategy in its main Last summer, Turkey ities to contain the spread of the stronghold. announced that it had dis- virus during the annual pil- Bassem Naim, a senior covered 405 billion cubic grimage, expected to reach its Hamas figure, confirmed that metres of natural gas in the peak number of worshippers on Sinwar had fended off a chal- Black Sea, and is prospecting Wednesday to commemorate lenge from Nizar Awadallah, for hydrocarbon resources in the death of Imam Al Kadhim, a one of Hamas’ founders. the Eastern Mediterranean revered figure in Shia Islam. Sinwar will serve another amid tensions with Greece and Separately, a grenade was four-year term. Cyprus over maritime rights. tossed near the Imam Bridge in His victory could have Energy Minister Fatih Baghdad on Monday which killed deep implications for Hamas’ Donmez, said the Akkuyu one woman and wounded 11 pil- Pilgrims arrive at Imam Moussa Al Kadhim shrine, in Baghdad’s Kadhimiya district, Iraq, yesterday. relations with Israel and other plant would fulfil about 10 grims. No one immediately took regional players. It also could percent of domestic electricity responsibility. The bridge is from Friday to Sunday, and pilgrims from around the world Meanwhile, case numbers impact upcoming Palestinian needs. Erdogan said the share located on the Tigris River, which partial curfew beginning at 8pm each year to Baghdad, to visit are climbing, with new infec- elections, the first in 15 years. of locally produced and connects the predominately Sunni and ending at 5am, for the rest the gold-domed shrine con- tions surpassing a rate set six Sinwar is a former member renewable energy resources Adhamiya area to Kadhimiya, of the week. Non-essential taining the imam’s resting place. months ago. At least 22 people of the group’s militant wing has reached 63.7 percent in which is mostly Shia. businesses, as well as schools Elsewhere, Iraqis continue to died in Iraq on Tuesday, while who spent over two decades established power networks. Iraq is in the midst of a and mosques, should be closed disregard safety protocols with 6,410 new infections recorded in an Israeli prison after being Erdogan said the first second wave of the coronavirus, during this time, per the rules. authorities appearing largely in a 24-hour period, according convicted of murdering two reactor would become oper- spurred chiefly by a more infec- But pilgrims continue on unable to enforce them. In central to Health Ministry statistics, Israelis. He was released in a ational in 2023, to coincide tious strain that was first dis- their way to the shrine despite Baghdad outdoor tea shops are topping the previous record of 2011 prisoner swap. Sinwar with the centennial of the covered in the U.K. The country these regulations. The event packed with men smoking shisha, daily new infections which was maintains close ties to the mil- modern Turkish state. has imposed a full lockdown usually draws millions of and facemasks are seldom worn. 5,055 on September 23. itant wing and has often pro- moted a confrontational approach toward Israel. The Gaza Strip is Hamas’ ‘Syrian youth still paying high price for decade of war’ most important area of activity. The Islamic group REUTERS — GENEVA killed hundreds of thousands, “Rebuilding the country is Nearly half of young ICRC with the survey shows seized control of the territory displaced millions more and on their shoulders and obvi- Syrians have lost their income 33-year-old Mouna Shawat from the internationally rec- Young Syrians have suffered destroyed schools and ously it’s quite unfair,” he said because of the conflict and using crutches to walk on one ognized Palestinian Authority heavy personal losses in a hospitals. in an interview at its almost eight in 10 have foot past blocks of bombed out in 2007. decade of war and still have to “One of the shocking results headquarters. reported struggling to afford buildings on streets full of Since then, it has fought face rebuilding their shattered of this survey is that we realised The report coincides with food and other necessities, the rubble in the Syrian city of three wars and numerous skir- homeland, the International that 50% of Syrians had friends the 10th anniversary of the start report showed. Aleppo before being fitted with mishes against Israel, holding Committee of the Red Cross or a family member who was of protests against President “Women have been partic- a prosthetic device at its reha- on to power despite a crippling (ICRC) said yesterday. killed... One out of six Syrians Bashar al-Assad’s rule that ularly hard hit economically, bilitation centre. Israeli-Egyptian blockade that A new ICRC survey of 1,400 had one of their parents either turned into a full-scale civil war. with almost 30 percent in Syria Shawat’s lower left leg had has devastated the economy. Syrian nationals living in Syria killed or wounded,” Fabrizio Assad’s military has now reporting no income at all to to be amputated several years Awadallah was one of or in exile in Lebanon and Carboni, the ICRC’s regional regained control of most of the support their family,” the ICRC ago after an improvised Hamas’ founders in the late Germany highlights the costs for director for the Middle East, country with Russian and said. explosive device blew up as she 1980s and has closer ties to the those aged 18-25 of a war that said. Iranian help. A video released by the made her way home. group’s political leaders. THURSDAY 11 MARCH 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07 Libya parliament agrees on unity govt REUTERS — SIRTE Both the GNA and the eastern administration wel- comed the vote and said they Libya’s long-divided parliament eastern administration were ready to hand power over yesterday approved an interim welcomed the to the new government. Par- government mandated to bring liament speaker Aguila Saleh the fractured country together vote and said they said Dbeibeh’s cabinet would after a decade of chaos and were ready to hand be sworn in next week. violence, and to oversee elec- It was parliament’s first full tions in December as part of a power over to the session in years after it split UN-backed peace plan. new government. between eastern and western The parliament’s approval Parliament speaker factions soon after being elected of Prime Minister Abdulhamid in 2014 — three years after an Dbeibeh’s cabinet by 132 votes Aguila Saleh said uprising that toppled Muammar to two against, at a session in a Dbeibeh’s cabinet Gaddafi plunged the oil-pro- war-battered frontline city, rep- ducing country into chaos. resents the biggest opportunity would be sworn in A ceasefire has held since in years for a resolution to next week. the autumn, but the main road Libya’s conflict. across the front lines from Sirte “Through this vote, it to Misrata remains closed and became clear that the Libyans Amending the constitution lawmakers coming from the are one unit,” Dbeibeh told par- and holding free elections in west had to fly in from Tripoli. liament afterwards. 2021 will be an immense chal- Russia’s Wagner merce- However, huge hurdles lenge, though all sides have for- naries, sent to Libya to support remain and the manner of mally committed to do so. Haftar and accused of lacing Dbeibeh’s own appointment “If we come out of this with civilian areas with deadly booby and the size of his cabinet have one government and one set of traps when pulling out of Tripoli drawn criticism in Libya with institutions then we’re already last year, remain entrenched The convoy of Libya’s newly-elected Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh passing through a Sirte accusations of corruption and in a far superior place than around Sirte and other parts of street in Libya, yesterday. influence peddling that spoilers we’ve been for the last five the country. could leverage to deny his years,” said Tarek Megerisi of Haftar was also backed by the without disrupting their ability Some forum delegates said airline flight in six years took legitimacy. the European Council on United Arab Emirates and Egypt, to loot its wealth or spoil unfa- colleagues were offered money. place between the cities of On the ground, Libya’s Foreign Relations. while Turkey supported the GNA. vourable settlements. Dbeibeh, along with three Benghazi and Misrata — tan- streets, businesses and state The parliament session was Dbeibeh said on Tuesday that eco- They are also angry that the members of a presidency council gible evidence of detente. institutions remain in the in Sirte, where front lines sta- nomic deals the GNA struck with accusations of corruption in also selected in Geneva, has “It is good for us to have shadow of myriad armed fac- bilised last summer after the Turkey should stand. Dbeibeh’s appointment have promised not to seek further office one government...but it is more tions and split between two Government of National Accord Critics of the process say it not been formally debated. He in the election. Still, Libya stands important for the government rival administrations, while (GNA) pushed Khalifa Haftar’s has merely rearranged the was chosen by the 75 members on the cusp of a first unified gov- to abide by the agreement and foreign powers backing either eastern-based Libyan National tangle of alliances and enmities of a UN political forum that met ernment in years and with all sides bring the country to elections,” side have kept their guns in Army back from Tripoli. among power brokers who in Tunis and Geneva and voted formally committed to elections. said Khaled Al Ajili, 42, a busi- place. Both the GNA and the have dominated Libya for years, on leadership candidates. On Tuesday, the first civilian nessman in a Tripoli cafe. Sudan, Saudi hold talks on Red Sea investments Equatorial Guinea declares AP — DUBAI badly needed foreign business zones along the coast. cultivated close ties with Al three days of mourning investment. The Saudi-led military coali- Bashir and previously appeared Sudan’s Prime Minister and The meeting between tion’s intervention in Yemen in to favour the country’s military Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Sudanese officials, including 2015 against the Houthis has strongmen over its pro- AP — DAKAR Obiang Mangue, said on met yesterday to discuss Saudi Prime Minister Abdalla sharpened the kingdom’s focus democracy movement. Tuesday that investigations so investment opportunities in the Hamdok, and Saudi Arabia’s on wielding influence along the Sudanese Finance Minister Equatorial Guinea’s far showed the fire may have Red Sea, the Sudanese Crown Prince Mohammed bin southern tip of the Arabian Gibril Ibrahim praised the “very government has declared the begun when a farmer set fire government said, as the Salman, “was friendly and Peninsula. Thousands of successful” talks with Prince coastal city of Bata an “area of to his plot to prepare it for food kingdom seeks to boost its establishes a new chapter” in Sudanese troops have fought Mohammed, noting plans for catastrophe” saying it has acti- production and a breeze spread influence across the strategic the countries’ ties, said the against the Houthis, a conten- the kingdom to increase invest- vated urgent measures to help the flames to the nearby bar- Horn of Africa. sparse Sudanese statement. tious deployment that aided the ments in Sudanese infra- those affected by blasts Sunday racks where the high-calibre The high-level Sudanese It did not offer specifics on country’s treasury. structure, including agriculture that killed at least 105 people ammunition was stored. delegation flew to Saudi Arabia Saudi investment projects, but Sudan’s ruling Supreme and livestock. and injured 615 others. However, satellite images this week for a two-day visit as said talks focused on the “trans- Council, which is meant to steer Sudanese agricultural land The government declared from Planet Labs Inc analysed the northeastern African nation formation” of the Red Sea into the country toward democratic remains a key interest for desert three days of mourning by The Associated Press show struggles to revive its ailing “a large development area to elections next year, is split Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and beginning Wednesday. Inves- only charred signs of fire at the economy and secure a tran- eradicate the roots of terrorism between civilians and army the United Arab Emirates, tigations into the cause of the site that remained centred on sition to democratic rule. After and poverty” and increase generals. which import the majority of blasts have begun. three rectangular buildings. years as a pariah under now- tourism. This week marks the first their food from abroad. President Teodoro Obiang There was no sign of farming ousted autocrat Omar Al Bashir, The Red Sea features time since Al Bashir’s overthrow Sudan’s economy has tee- Nguema, his wife and son, who around the base and the only Sudan has increasingly returned heavily in Saudi Arabia’s so- that significant numbers of tered on the brink in recent is the country’s vice president, land-clearing work seen came to the international fold, over- called Vision 2030 to diversify Sudan’s civilian leaders visited months, with inflation soaring visited the damaged military from a construction project hauling its economy to attract its economy away from oil with Saudi Arabia, which had past 300 percent in January. barracks on Tuesday. Obiang near those buildings, according said the explosions in Bata’s to the satellite images. Mondong Nkuantoma neigh- The images show the mil- One killed as bourhood were caused by the itary base at Bata had been “negligent handling of undergoing construction at its police, students dynamite” and the stocking of southeast corner prior to the such ammunition so close to explosion. Old, earth-covered clash at South residential areas. munitions storage facilities The defence ministry said appear to have been removed Africa university Sunday that a fire at a weapons and replaced by new depot in the barracks caused structures. REUTERS — JOHANNESBURG the explosion of high-calibre A November 16 photo of the ammunition. The impact of the base shows three rectangular One person was killed blast damaged almost all of the buildings sitting close by each yesterday after police fired homes and buildings in Bata. other. A satellite image of the rubber bullets to disperse a More than 60 people were site on Tuesday shows that group of protesters at the rescued from under the rubble those structures have disap- University of the Witwatersrand by the civil protection corps peared, with only charred (Wits) in Johannesburg, a and fire service, the gov- debris left scattered around student leader said. ernment said. them. That suggests a fire The students are demanding The government held an occurred at the site, possibly that those who owe the uni- emergency meeting to see how before the blast. A raging fire versity up to 150,000 rand victims can quickly get aid from will ignite explosives if not ($9,850) in fees still be allowed Equatorial Guinea before inter- contained. to register for the new academic national assistance arrives. The force of the explosions year. Equatorial Guinea, an oil- demolished buildings just to the The cost of university edu- rich Spanish-speaking West north. The explosions reduced cation, prohibitive for many Students gesture as the body of a victim who was allegedly shot by police during protests is transported African country of 1.3 million some 40 barracks-style Black students, has become a from the scene in Braanfontein, South Africa, yesterday. people located south of Cam- buildings to rubble. The blasts symbol of the inequalities that eroon, was a colony of Spain shredded trees and foliage on endure in South Africa more The Independent Police the person with the video government financial aid but until it gained its independence the base, leaving behind what than two decades after the end Investigative Directorate (IPID) footage, identify eye witnesses not wealthy enough to pay. Pro- in 1968. Bata has roughly appeared to be only dirt. of apartheid. said it was looking into the etc,” it said in a statement. testing students took to the 175,000 inhabitants. Across the streets hemming Wits student representative incident. “IPID will ensure the body streets of Braamfontein district, Obiang has ruled the in the base, the roofs of buildings council president Mpendulo “The Directorate has dis- is protected and carried safe to where the university is located. country for more than 40 years appeared blown off by the blast Mfeka said the person shot was patched four investigation the mortuary.” Most students in “They (police) threw stun and kept it largely as well. It appeared at least one not believed to be a student. officers to probe the allegations, South Africa are caught up in a grenades to try and disperse the inaccessible. square kilometre had been dev- Reuters could not immediately the team will also cordon the group widely called the protest but we didn’t run away, The Vice-President, who is astated by the blast, with confirm the details of the crime scene and conduct the “missing middle”, those who are so they started firing rubber also charged with defence and damage extending out into this deceased. investigation including locating not poor enough to qualify for bullets,” said Mfeka. security, Teodoro Nguema city of 175,000 people. Nigerian special forces kill Rising magma raises alarm for volcano-watchers in Congo

33 Boko Haram fighters REUTERS — MT NYIRAGONGO Increased volcanic activity life to trudging up the 3,470M weaknesses in implementing and other indicators have cone to study its activity. such a grant,” the World Bank ANADOLU — ABUJA Standing on the serrated edge experts fretting that another With the coffers empty, Cir- said in a statement. It added of Mount Nyiragongo’s crater eruption could be on the way. aba’s team has been unable to that it could not corroborate Nigerian special forces eliminated 33 Boko Haram fighters in in eastern Democratic Republic But after the World Bank pay for an Internet connection allegations of graft. clashes in the country’s northeastern Borno state, local reports of Congo, volcanologist Honore cut funding amid embezzlement to run remote sensors and fuel The World Bank said it said on Tuesday. The terrorists were killed during clashes in the Ciraba peered into the lens of a allegations, Ciraba and col- to transport researchers to the upheld high anti-corruption Chikingudu region, according to the reports. Many other terrorists device measuring changes in leagues at the Goma Volcano volcano. They have to manually standards and strict guidelines fled the scene and the army confiscated a significant amount of the size of the volcano’s rim. Observatory (OVG) are strug- download data on memory for procurement and financial ammunition. Two soldiers also lost their lives and seven others The readings, along with gling to make even basic checks. cards during the handful of management. were wounded. earthquake, temperature and gas “If we don’t do regular occasions they visit the volcano In April, 2020, Congo gov- Boko Haram launched a bloody insurgency in 2009 in north- data, are crucial to the region’s measurements and announce every year, OVG staff said. ernment’s Office for Good Gov- eastern Nigeria but later spread its atrocities to neighboring Niger, early warning system for the the eruption a few days The World Bank declined ernance and the Fight against Chad and Cameroon, prompting a military response. More than nearby city of Goma, to avoid a beforehand, the population to renew a four-year, $2m Corruption (OBLC), a local 30,000 people have been killed and nearly 3 million displaced repeat of the 2002 eruption when won’t have time to evacuate funding programme. ombudsman, opened an inves- in a decade of Boko Haram’s activities in Nigeria, according to 250 people died and 120,000 and people will die,” said The OVG “lacked expe- tigation, seizing bank records the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. were made homeless. Ciraba, 65, who’s devoted his rience, and there were and invoices from OVB. 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 11 MARCH 2021 Qatar renews commitment to ensure participation Established in 1996 of women in United Nations peace processes CHAIRMAN QNA DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI The State of Qatar has EDITOR-IN-CHIEF renewed its unequivocal DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI commitment to continue [email protected] developing frameworks and tools to ensure meaningful participation of women in ACTING MANAGING EDITOR dialogue, negotiation and MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED peace processes, stressing [email protected] that ensuring the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peace processes DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR led by the United Nations is MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI fundamental to the sustaina- [email protected] bility of peace, sustainable development and human rights. This came in a statement EDITORIAL made by Permanent Repre- sentative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations H E Communications revolution Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani at UN The Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, H E Ambassador Sheikha QATAR scored yet another record in technical Security Council’s virtual Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, during the UN Security Council’s virtual Arria-Formula meeting. advancement by notching up to the top position in the Arria-Formula meeting, global Internet adoption list. The Global State of Digital called by the United States, State of Qatar has a long track which was organized in coor- contribute to comprehensive 2021 report released by Hootsuite ranked Qatar number which presides over the work record in facilitating peace dination with the envoy of the agreements that better inte- one globally in Internet adoption. Out of the more than of the Council for this month and mediation processes for United Nations Secretary- grate and reflect the interests 230 countries and territories around the world featured on “Leading by Example: the peaceful resolution of dis- General on Youth. Hosting of the wider community. in the report, Qatar was placed at the number one position Ensuring the Full, Equal and putes and conflicts, adding this conference reflects the Ambassador Sheikha Alya with 99 percent of the country’s population logging on Meaningful Participation of that Qatar realizes the impor- commitment of the State of She praised the commitment to the Internet, showing the high level of communication Women in UN-led Peace tance of women’s partici- Qatar to enhance the partici- of the United Nations Special technology penetration among the people. Processes.” pation in conflict prevention, pation of young women in Envoy for Syria Geir Ped- Yet another interesting fact revealed by the Hoot- Sheikha Alya said that the crisis management and peace processes, HE said. ersen, to fully integrate suite report is that there are 2.87 million social media reconstruction. The ambassador hoped women into the peace users in Qatar, which is about 98.8 percent of the total Sheikha Alya said In this context, she referred that the conference would process, as proved by his estimated population of 2.91 million people. With an that the State of Qatar to the Afghan peace talks represent a turning point for regular meetings with Syrian increase of 35,000 between January 2020 to January hosted by Doha; the talks facil- young women and the peace representatives and civil 2021, the number of mobile connection in Qatar rose has a long track itated by the State of Qatar and security agenda by gen- society organizations. to 4.67 million or 160.6 percent of the population. record in facilitating witnessed the active partici- erating political commitments The Permanent Repre- The Internet has revolutionised communication and pation of women, including 11 at the national level and pro- sentative of the State of Qatar it has become a preferred medium for people to pass peace and mediation prominent women who were moting an environment con- to the United Nations also in information and to keep in touch with others. People processes for the among the representatives of ducive to comprehensive commended the Special Rep- use the Internet for everything right from ordering a the government, civil society peace processes to become resentative of the Secretary- pizza to buying home appliance or availing government peaceful resolution and the media at the Afghan more sustainable. General of the United Nations services. The COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously of disputes and peace conference held in Doha She also referred to the Martin Griffiths who is com- increased the dependence on the Internet for our eve- in July 2019. participation of young women mitted to focusing fully on the ryday life and it has become an inevitable tool for the conflicts, adding She also pointed out to the and women’s organizations in representation of Yemeni office-goers to work from home and for school-going that Qatar realizes participation of women in the all stages of preparation, women in any formal talks children for their daily lessons. the importance intra-Afghan peace talks that implementation and follow- and on the importance of a When it comes to adoption of new technology, Qatar were launched in Doha in Sep- up of the conference results. gender perspective. is at par with the most advanced countries in the world. of women’s tember 2020, saying that this The Permanent Repre- At the end of her The country with its far-sighted leaders, has invested participation in participation has contributed sentative of the State of Qatar statement, Ambassador heavily in communication infrastructure well in advance, to protecting the rights of all to the United Nations H E Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif which involved billions of dollar, but paid off fast, espe- conflict prevention, Afghans, including women, as Ambassador Sheikha Alya, Al Thani affirmed the State of cially during the pandemic. The country’s COVID-19 crisis management affirmed by Security Council stressed on the importance of Qatar’s unequivocal com- special application, Ehteraz, was lauded for its efficacy Resolution 2513 (2020).” including women in peace mitment to continue devel- and accuracy not only in the country but outside the and reconstruction. Sheikha Alya drew negotiations, which would oping frameworks and tools country and the region. The Ehteraz green status was attention to the State of broaden the range of topics to ensure meaningful partici- enough as a proof of being virus-free for arrivals from Qatar’s hosting of the high- discussed at the negotiating pation of women in dialogue, Qatar in several countries. level conference on compre- table, saying that more com- negotiation and peace During the pandemic, Qatar’s health system depended hensive peace processes, prehensive processes would processes. heavily on technology to reach millions of people with dif- ferent ailments in a timely and efficient manner, which saved them personal visits to hospitals and clinics, lim- iting the spread of the virus to the vulnerable people. All Role of governance in activating control systems in govt entities the government services were available at the click of a button and thousands of people worked from the comfort QNA achieving the principle of systems and their applica- pillar to ensure the devel- of their homes hassle-free and thus its modern techno- accountability, activating the tions, including the role of opment of government logical advancement spared the country a total lockdown A conference on the role of supervisory role and fighting governance in activating agencies and to make rational like what happened in majority of the countries. governance in activating corruption through adherence control systems in gov- decisions that take into account Qatar substantially invested in 5G technology even control systems in to laws and regulations and ernment agencies and ration- the requirements and expecta- before most of the countries even started thinking of it. government entities and achieving the principle of alizing expenditures, is a con- tions of all stakeholders and The country became the first in the world to rollout 5G rationalizing expenditures integrity and transparency in tinuous and renewed matter beneficiaries of government services enabling peak Internet connection speed to began today via video managing public money and that does not stop at a specific sector services, adding that achieve 1Gbps, enabling high-speed Internet connec- conference technology, with state resources. limit, and every day witnesses developing integrated work tivity across the country. the participation of the In a speech at the opening new development at the systems, defining responsibil- Administrative Control and of the conference, President of international level, which ities and frameworks and Transparency Authority the ACTA H E Hamad bin requires persistent and con- adhering to them lay the right (ACTA) in cooperation with Nasser Al Misnad said that gov- tinuous work to keep pace foundations for good gov- the Qatar Association of ernance is an integrated system with global developments in ernance and management and D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR Certified Public Accountants. that requires developing and this field, he added. promote a culture of excellence and creativity. EMAIL: [email protected] The conference attracted implementing standards for In his speech, President of speakers from the ACTA and participation, the rule of law, the Qatar Association of Cer- Director of the Control and the Qatar Association of Cer- transparency and integrity in a tified Public Accountants Dr. Transparency Department EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 Amal Al Kuwari reviewed the FAX: +974 4455 7758 tified Public Accountants, in way that leads to the effec- Hashim Al Sayed thanked the addition to experts from tiveness and efficiency of insti- ACTA for their cooperation in efforts of the ACTA in the appli- MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 international institutions and tutions, including the efficiency organizing the conference, cation of governance, through bodies in the field of gov- of these institutions in col- indicating that this comes several axes, including the defi- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 ernance. During the one-day lecting their resources as well within the Authority’s efforts nition of the principles of gov- conference, discussions as in rationalizing their expen- to achieve the highest indi- ernance, the goals of gov- LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 focused on the critical impor- ditures. This, in turn, requires cators of integrity and trans- ernance in the public sector, BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 tance of governance and the internal and external control, parency in the field of public the application of governance effective application of its and therefore the development service and combating cor- in the ACTA, the national SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 principles in accordance with of governance systems must be ruption in all its forms to framework for integrity and the highest international comprehensive and subject to maintain the leadership of the transparency, and the ranking ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 standards and the best sound periodic evaluation to assess State of Qatar in this field at of the State Qatar in the World email: [email protected] professional practices in the extent of its effectiveness, the regional and international Bank’s Governance Index. PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 order to establish the rules of he said, noting the need to levels, adding that the associ- Ahmad Tarteer, Member email: [email protected] transparency and accounta- develop control theories in par- ation is keen to organize such of the Board of Directors of bility in activating supervision ticular, and the need to events in accordance with its the ACAMS, presented a paper MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 in government agencies and abandon the old theories of objectives, which include entitled “The international email: [email protected] rationalizing expenditures. control that focus on catching holding conferences, sem- context of governance”, in The conference also dis- errors and adopting modern inars and training courses, which he addressed the dif- ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 cussed several topics on gov- systems of control that focus on enhancing cooperation and ference between the public FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] ernance procedures and their tracking the sources of defects exchanging knowledge and sector and the private sector CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 importance in the public sector, and providing solutions to experiences with national, in the application of gov- email: [email protected] introduction of best practices in them in a way that serves the regional and international ernance, the functions of the this field and exchange of expe- higher goals of the State and bodies and organizations. board of directors, the role of SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 riences related to them, high- the institution. He pointed to the impor- oversight committees, and FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] lighting their impacts on Strengthening governance tance of governance as a basic governance assessments.

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar I want to be a president for all the IOC members and all the stakeholders. The overall challenge /Peninsula_Qatar will be to make the Olympic movement fit for the /ThePeninsulaNewspaper post-coronavirus world. Thomas Bach, International Olympic Committee President +974 6698 6188 THURSDAY 11 MARCH 2021 OPINION 09 Teaching children that racism is structural is key to finally eradicating it without such language we risk proper guidance, children African-Americans in the grave crisis . . . We feel that perpetuating the very laws, could unlearn their prejudice North and Asian Americans the integration of Negro girls structures and legacies that and learnto appreciate those and Mexican Americans in the into the Girl Scout program in have imposed such a burden different from themselves. West to ghettos and depriving Birmingham would do much on communities of color. Believing native-born them of the ability to build to advance unity in our Against a backdrop of White people’s prejudice to be wealth through homeown- community.” racial violence, Jim Crow laws at the root of contemporary ership. Students also attended Yet, White Americans con- KATHERINE CARTWRIGHT and immigration restrictions, racism and nativism, edu- legally segregated schools and tinued to cling to the belief THE WASHINGTON POST educators in the 1920s agi- cators largely set out to students of color overwhelm- that America’s ills were the tated for some of the first change this group’s behavior ingly lacked the funding and product of personal failings, “antiprejudice” curriculums to by teaching children about resources of their White peers not systemic racism. And In a controversial 7-to-5 vote serve the most diverse body their nonnative born and - a fact not lost on students when schools remained seg- in February, North Carolina’s of students enrolled in non-White peers. They themselves. For instance, stu- regated in the years following State Board of Education American schools to date. designed activities meant to dents at a predominantly Brown v. Board of Education, affirmed a new standard While most common in urban imbue students with intercul- Mexican American school in this line of reasoning requiring K-12 social studies centers in the Northeast and tural appreciation and racial California explained to corre- informed arguments that teachers to discuss racism and West due to their large immi- tolerance. Children visited spondents in Spain: “We are school segregation, at least discrimination in their class- grant populations, the immigrant neighborhoods, not a typical American school. outside of the South, was de Teaching students rooms. To pass, the word national organization of the exchanged letters with peers In our homes 12 of us speak facto - the result of private to see race is not “systemic” had to be removed Junior Red Cross ensured that throughout the United States Spanish, two speak Spanish choices and individual action from “racism,” but opponents antiprejudice lessons reached and abroad and toured the and English and five speak - as opposed to de jure - un-American. In fact, nevertheless charged the more than four million stu- world via books and pageants. only English. We cannot show caused by laws - as it had we need legislated standard was “anti- dents in every US state and Through these activities, stu- the usual trees, green lawn been during Jim Crow. Take, American.” territory. As historian Diana dents were to “look for differ- and neat yard of most for example, Detroit where curriculums that This vote is emblematic of Selig writes, “these efforts ences in surroundings, but for American schools . . . The White suburbanites success- teach about systemic a wider reckoning in American were a dynamic, widespread likeness in people,” as civics shining white washrooms so fully opposed desegregation racism so that our education. One side, galva- phenomenon” by the 1930s. education specialist and common elsewhere with by insisting that segregation nized by the Trump adminis- The mainly White edu- national director of the Junior water for everyone - alas! we in Detroit’s schools had children are not tration’s 1776 Commission, cators leading this effort built Red Cross Arthur Dunn put it. do not have them.” nothing to do with the sub- blind to the systems insists that teaching about sys- on the work of cultural In an irony that continues Rather than address these urban school districts their temic racism is un-American. anthropologists like Franz to plague American edu- realities, the child-centered children attended. Refusing to of privilege and Another argues that teaching Boas. In a repudiation of the cation, by emphasizing inter- antiprejudice lessons touted acknowledge that school seg- oppression that children about how policies scientific racism of the times, cultural tolerance and chil- individual actions as the regation was deeply entwined and practices embedded in Boas argued that human dif- dren’s behavior, antiprejudice building blocks of a more with discriminatory housing continue to inform American society and law ference resulted from culture teaching ignored structural inclusive society. In 1923, for policies at the local, state and the American have long disadvantaged and environment, not racism. At the time, commu- example, 7-year-old Carl national level, these White people based on race is crucial genetics. This new under- nities of color, especially Hayes won Child Life’s “Good suburbanites cast the problem experience. to ameliorating their perni- standing of difference led to a African Americans, suffered Citizens’ League” contest with as one of personal preference cious - and continuing - growing consensus among not only from the highly his submission: “I played with and individual behavior - effects. While the phrase “sys- educators: children were not visible Jim Crow laws in the a colored boy because other despite ample evidence that temic racism” has become inherently racist. Instead, they South, but also from less children teased him.” The this was not true. controversial, the history of learned this behavior and obvious restrictions - like well-meaning antiprejudice Today, segregation persists the 1920s teaches us that carried it into adulthood. With those consigning lessons thus encouraged per- in Detroit and across the sonal acts of good will but did country and students of color nothing to equip students with continue to attend schools that the knowledge and skills nec- disproportionately lack funding essary to fight systemic and resources. A century after injustice, or even acknowledge educators first tried their hand its existence. And individual at antiprejudice teaching, actions could not in and of Americans are still grappling themselves displace the struc- with a failure to acknowledge tural inequalities. systemic racism. This history In the following decades, tells us that lessons meant to students continued to learn uproot prejudice must that reformed personal acknowledge structural ine- behaviors would lead to a qualities built on that prejudice. more inclusive society. Exem- In today’s parlance, this is a plifying this, a student writing warning against teaching stu- to President Franklin D. Roo- dents to be “colorblind.” sevelt in the midst of World Teaching students to see race is War II proposed “good-will not un-American. In fact, we clubs,” which would “help need legislated curriculums people have better under- that teach about systemic standing of their neighbors racism so that our children are and friends” as the solution to not blind to the systems of priv- people making fun “of the ilege and oppression that con- colored people or even other tinue to inform the American races of people.” Yet, exposing experience. that the nation’s problems Katherine Cartwright is were structural, not simply completing her PhD in history attitudinal, Black Girl Scouts at William & Mary where she writing to first lady Eleanor specializes in the history of Roosevelt argued: “At a time the US, education, and A file photo of students demonstrating in Chicago to mark Juneteenth in 2020. when our country faces a children & youth. The coming economic boom will be just a mirage

inflation that the Federal goods entering the US from January. inventory to rebuild. Also, Reserve will be slow to Asia as a whole will continue Americans are using their people may eat out more fre- confront. and keep the foreign sector a savings to build assets and quently but probably not Forecasts of 6 percent to 8 net negative for the American reduce debt, a long-term every night. percent growth in real gross economy as well as trend that was already well Inflation fears are unwar- domestic product this year depressing US manufacturing underway. Back in the 1960s ranted as long as protec- are common, but where will it jobs. and 1970s, household debt tionism doesn’t prevent the GARY SHILLING come from? Not from plant So the economy’s fate is in averaged 60 percent of after- global supply of most BLOOMBERG and equipment outlays, which the hands of consumers who tax income. That debt products from exceeding remain subdued by business account for 69 percent of GDP, includes home mortgages, worldwide demand. Asian uncertainty and excess and they may continue to not auto and credit card loans as nations are big producers but One of the primary rules of capacity. Real capital spend government stimulus well as student loans. But have subdued consumers, so Asset prices suggest investing is don’t get carried spending has risen at only a money freely, but, instead, starting in the early 1980s, the resulting saving glut that many believe away by the madness of 1.6 percent annual rate since save most of it for rainy days. free-spending and big-bor- insures worldwide excess crowds. Still, markets are 2007. Housing has been According to the Federal rowing consumers pushed supply and low inflation for most everyone signaling that many investors strong, but residential con- Reserve Bank of New York, that ratio to 134 percent in goods and services, if not out- will be vaccinated are ignoring that rule. struction is just 3.7 percent of consumers saved 71 percent of 2007. The rate began to fall right deflation. Slow eco- Asset prices suggest that GDP. Besides, rising mortgage the government money they with the financial crisis and nomic growth also widens the against by mid-year, many believe most everyone rates are curbing mortgage received a year ago while has nosedived recently. Nev- supply-demand imbalance. or at least herd will be vaccinated against by purchase applications, which spending 18 percent on essen- ertheless, at a recent 92. Furthermore, low rates of immunity will be mid-year, or at least herd fell 19.4 percent in February, tials, just 8 percent on nones- percent in last year’s third inflation are self-feeding and immunity will be achieved by according to the Mortgage sentials and 3 percent for quarter, it’s still a long way induces consumers to resist achieved by then. So then. So homebound-weary Bankers Association. donations. The layoffs due to from the 60 percent norm, price increases. homebound-weary consumers will burst forth The foreign sector remains the pandemic were a shock to and I’m a believer in rever- Monetary and fiscal and spend the 11.4 percent a drag on the economy. many households that were sions of long-term trends. stimulus, however, has consumers will burst jump in personal income they Former President Donald financially unprepared. Fed This pattern implies that spawned rampant asset forth and spend the received from the December Trump’s trade war with China surveys found 16 percent of most of the pending stimulus inflation. As a result, with federal stimulus bill, to say netted little as that country millennials and 12 percent of bill money also will be saved stocks in the stratosphere and 11.4 percent jump nothing of their chunk of the continues to fall short of its Americans overall wouldn’t be and used to further reduce rampant speculations like in personal income $1.9 trillion relief and stimulus promises to buy more able to come up with $400 for debt and build contingency GameStop, IPOs, SPACs and package. American exports. President an emergency. assets. Any discretionary electric vehicles, there’s no they received from Despite the recent wobble Joe Biden is less confronta- That exercise was spending will no doubt be room for economic disap- the December federal in technology-related stocks tional than Trump when it repeated with the year-end concentrated on services like pointments later this year. stimulus bill, to that depend on ultra-low comes to trade. Also, further stimulus money. That $900 restaurant meals and travel as Even a twitch by the Fed in interest rates to discount restrictions on imports from billion included $600 for cooped-up consumers leave response might touch off an say nothing of their future earnings into high China will only speed up the those with incomes below home. Stay-at-home house- agonizing reappraisal. chunk of the $1.9 current valuations, stocks exodus of low-cost manufac- $75,000. Even though lower- holds have already loaded up Gary Shilling is president have mostly soared in turing to cheaper locales that and middle-income Amer- on goods ranging from of A. Gary Shilling & Co., a trillion relief and response, especially those are, thus far, out of the trade icans typically save little, they exercise equipment to New Jersey consultancy, a stimulus package. sensitive to changes in the war line of fire. Vietnam is did so again. Some 82 percent cooking gear to vehicles used Registered Investment economy. The jump in long- one example, and its exports of the increase in after-tax to avoid close proximity on Advisor and author of “The term Treasury note and bond have leaped almost 60 income was saved, pushing public transportation. As I Age of Deleveraging: yields is in anticipation of percent in the last three years. the household saving rate noted in January, unlike Investment Strategies for a rapid economic growth, credit So even if imports from China from 13.4 percent in goods, services are consumed Decade of Slow Growth and demand and much faster are drastically restricted, December to 20.5 percent in when purchased so there’s no Deflation.” 10 ASIA THURSDAY 11 MARCH 2021 Myanmar police surround, arrest protesters; US calls for withdrawal

REUTERS — YANGON UN Security Council arrests,” the US Embassy said Lei Win, the co-founder of the faileds to reach in a statement. “We call on independent Myanmar Now Myanmar security forces fired those security forces to said in an interview. “Protesters tear gas and surrounded consensus on withdraw from the area, release as well as journalists are going hundreds of anti-junta condemning coup those detained, and allow out every single day wondering protesters at two places in people to depart safely.” whether this is the last day that Yangon yesterday, witnesses in Myanmar, called Police and army officials did they are going to be doing their said, prompting the US Embassy for restraint by not respond to requests for job. And I really fear that things to call for their withdrawal. the military and comment. will get worse before they get In New York, the UN On Tuesday, Zaw Myat Linn, better.” Security Council failed to agree threatened to consider an official from Suu Kyi’s Meanwhile, after being on a statement that would have “further measures”. National League for Democracy, banned from Facebook and condemned the coup in died in custody after he was YouTube, Myanmar state Myanmar, called for restraint arrested, the second party figure network MRTV, which is now by the military and threatened rule when outbreaks of protest to die in detention in two days. controlled by the military, has to consider “further measures”. were forcibly repressed. “He’s been participating moved to publishing videos on Talks on the statement Yesterday, Police stormed continuously in the protests,” online platform Vimeo. would likely continue, dip- a compound in Yangon housing said Ba Myo Thein, a member Since the account was lomats said, after China, Russia, railway staff and surrounded of the dissolved upper house of created this month, the MRTV India and Vietnam all suggested hundreds of protesters in North parliament. The cause of death Vimeo channel has posted 141 amendments late on Tuesday Okkalapa district, in another was not clear. In a Facebook live news bulletins, including many to a British draft, including part of the city. More than 100 broadcast before he was announcements by the military removal of the reference to a people were arrested at the two detained, Zaw Myat Linn urged leadership. coup and the threat to consider sites, witnesses said. people to continue fighting the Neither Vimeo, MRTV, nor further action. Many of the railway staff are army, “even if it costs our lives”. a spokesman for the army More than 60 protesters part of a civil disobedience Police on Tuesday also immediately responded to have been killed and 1,900 movement that has crippled cracked down on independent requests for comment. people have been arrested in government business and media, raiding the offices of two Some police have refused People taking part in a sit-in protest in Mandalay, Myanmar, yesyerday. the turmoil in Myanmar since included strikes at banks, fac- news outlets and detaining two orders to fire on unarmed pro- the February 1 coup, the tories and shops since the army journalists. testers and have fled to neigh- of lethal force against its people coup by saying that a November Assistance Association for ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s At least 35 journalists have bouring India, according to an and is continuing to urge the election won by the NLD was Political Prisoners, an advocacy elected government. been arrested since the Feb. 1 interview with one officer and military to exercise “maximum marred by fraud - an assertion group, has said. “We are seeing reports of coup, Myanmar Now reported, classified Indian police restraint”, State Department rejected by the electoral com- The military has brushed off innocent students and civilians of which 19 have been released. documents. spokesman Ned Price said on mission. It has promised a new condemnation of its actions, as surrounded by security forces “It is grim, it is horrifying, The US is “repulsed” by the Tuesday. election, but has not said when it has in past periods of army in North Okkalapa, as well as and it is heart breaking,” Thin Myanmar army’s continued use The army has justified the that might be held. Australia sees no Malaysian court rules non-Muslims can use ‘Allah’ concern with pace

AP — KUALA LUMPUR previously said Allah should be Malaysians,” Xavier said. have no other word for God but The ruling was a result of a of coronavirus reserved exclusively for “Today’s decision entrenches Allah. long legal challenge by a A Malaysian court ruled Muslims to avoid confusion that the fundamental freedom of Three other words — Christian woman whose reli- vaccination drive yesterday that non-Muslims can could lead them to convert to religious rights for non-Muslims “kaabah” or Islam’s holiest gious materials containing the use the word “Allah” to refer to other religions, a stance that is in Malaysia” enshrined in the shrine in Makkah, “baitullah” word Allah were seized by REUTERS — SYDNEY God, in a major decision in a unique to Malaysia and hasn’t constitution, he added. or house of God, and “solat” or authorities at the airport when divisive issue for religious been an issue in other Muslim- Muslims account for about prayer, were also banned in the she returned home from Indo- Australia’s pace of COVID-19 freedom in the Muslim-majority majority nations with sizeable two-thirds of Malaysia’s 32 1986 government directive. nesia in 2008. immunisation drive is not a country. Christian minorities. million people, with large ethnic Government counsel The controversy over the cause for concern and the vacci- The High Court decision Christian leaders in Chinese and Indian minorities. Shamsul Bolhassan was quoted usage of Allah has provoked nation programme will be squashed a 35-year-old gov- Malaysia say the ban is unrea- Christians comprise about 10 by The Star newspaper as violence in Malaysia. Anger over completed by the end of ernment ban on the usage of sonable because Christians who percent of the population. saying that the four words can a lower court ruling against the October, authorities said Allah and three other Arabic speak the Malay language have Most Christians in Malaysia be used in Christian materials government ban in 2009 led to yesterday, as the country words by Christian publications, long used Allah, a Malay word worship in English, Tamil or according to the court’s ruling, a string of arson attacks and finished administering more deeming the ban unconstitu- derived from Arabic, in their various Chinese dialects, and as long as there is a disclaimer vandalism at churches and than 100,000 first doses. tional, said the plaintiff’s Bibles, prayers and songs. refer to God in those languages, saying it is intended for Chris- other places of worship. That Australia last month began lawyer, Annou Xavier. “The court has now said the but some Malay-speaking tians only and a symbol of a ruling was subsequently over- inoculating its 25 million pop- The government has word Allah can be used by all people on the island of Borneo cross is displayed. turned by higher courts. ulation but the immunisation drive is running behind schedule as officials slowed vac- cinations after two elderly Pfizer wants to make vaccine in people were inadvertently given four times the recommended India if faster clearance assured dose. “This is not a race, we have no burning platform in Aus- REUTERS — NEW DELHI declined to comment. Moderna did not tralia. We are taking it as quickly immediately respond to requests for and carefully and safely as we Pfizer Inc has told the Indian government comment. can,” Health Secretary Brendan that it wants to produce its coronavirus India’s health ministry directed Murphy told reporters. (COVID-19) vaccine locally if assured of Reuters to the foreign ministry, which “We’re not like the US or the faster regulatory clearance and freedom did not immediately respond to emailed UK or most other countries in on pricing and exports, two sources with queries. the world where they’ve got direct knowledge of the matter told While withdrawing its application in people in hospital dying. We can Reuters. early February, Pfizer said it would again take our time, set up our The US company pulled an appli- seek emergency use approval to launch systems, do it safely and care- cation last month seeking emergency its COVID-19 vaccine in India, poten- fully, we are expanding our approval for its product in India after tially a market of 1.35 billion people, and rollout every day.” the drug regulator declined its request would provide more data as it becomes Murphy said the country to skip a small local safety trial. That has available. will finish the vaccination pro- kept its vaccine, developed with Ger- On the government’s demand to gramme on time by the end of many’s BioNTech SE, out of one of the manufacture in India, the company October despite the initial world’s biggest drug markets. earlier told Reuters: “Once the pandemic delays as the weekly dosage Pfizer was the first company to apply supply phase is over and we enter a target is expected to reach 1 for emergency use authorisation in India, phase of regular supplies, Pfizer will million by March-end when CSL proposing to import doses from its US evaluate all additional opportunities Ltd begins to locally produce and European facilities instead of pro- available.” A woman on a wheelchair receives a dose of COVISHIELD, a COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca doses. ducing locally. An Indian official told Reuters in manufactured by Serum Institute of India, at a vaccination centre, during the second Australia has secured about “US companies want to produce vac- January the government had held dis- wave of vaccination for the elderly with comorbidities, amid the spread of the 54 million doses of the Astra- cines in India under joint ventures,” said cussions with Pfizer and Moderna — both coronavirus disease in Mumbai, yesterday. Zeneca vaccine, which Murphy one of the sources, citing Pfizer and of which have reported more than 90 called the “the workforce fellow U.S. drugmaker Moderna Inc. percent efficacy for their vaccines — to it to sell on the higher-priced private leaders of the Quad alliance — Australia, vaccine for Australia”, with 50 “They want faster approvals for make the shots in India given its large market, however, and is also controlling Japan, India and the United States — plan million to be locally produced. clinical trials and emergency authori- pharmaceuticals capacity. exports. to announce financing agreements to Murphy said the batch sation use. They fear the government will The Serum Institute of India, the Pfizer and Moderna, whose shots are increase India’s vaccine manufacturing testing for the locally-produced introduce price control policies.” world’s largest vaccine maker, is already more expensive than the AstraZeneca capacity at their first meeting on Friday. AstraZeneca vaccine will Another source confirmed Pfizer was bulk-manufacturing the Oxford Uni- one being used in India’s immunisation The initiative will mainly involve happen along with the imported interested in manufacturing in India but versity/AstraZeneca product and plans campaign, are not comfortable with strict production of the Novavax and Johnson ones as more doses reached the Reuters could not find a second confir- to start producing the Novavax Inc shot price and export restrictions, one of the & Johnson shots for supplying to regions country over the last few days mation on Moderna. from next month. sources said. including Southeast Asia, where their taking the total number of A spokeswoman for Pfizer in Asia India’s government has not allowed This week, Reuters reported that common rival China is making gains. available vaccines to 1.3 million. Ally of Japan Prime Minister pushes to scrap nuclear power BLOOMBERG — TOKYO pushing for a restarting nuclear LDP lawmakers who backed before the Fukushima accident. the 2011 meltdown, and then power plants that were halted Suga to become premier, also Suga pledged last year to build more. Japan can achieve its goal of after the 2011 Fukushima said he expects nuclear power achieve net-zero emissions by Japan’s biggest utility and being carbon neutral by 2050 nuclear accident, one of the “to fade out” as the costs of 2050 through boosting the owner of the wrecked Fuku- without relying on nuclear world’s worst nuclear power maintaining atomic energy dependence on offshore wind, shima nuclear power plant said power, a prominent backer of disasters. plants stay high. He added hydrogen and carbon-capture it needs atomic energy to meet Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga “There is no cost advantage Japan has a high potential to technologies. He has also said its pledge to cut its carbon said, indicating divisions in the for large-scale energy sources further develop offshore wind nuclear power remains an dioxide emissions in half by ruling party on energy policy. centralized on nuclear power,” power and solar to help meet option to meet carbon goals. 2030. Liberal Democratic Party Akimoto said in an interview its climate goals. Many in an advisory panel Akimoto said he has dis- lawmaker Masatoshi Akimoto about a week before the 10-year In the aftermath of the of government officials, cussed energy policy with Suga (pictured) said nuclear power anniversary of the March 11, nuclear disaster a decade ago, company executives and pro- and the premier has said he’s brings enormous risks over 2011 earthquake and tsunami Japan closed all its 54 reactors, fessors believe that for the Suga not a supporter of atomic time, becoming less appealing that triggered a meltdown at the around a third of which were administration to meet its global energy plants. as the price of renewable Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear permanently scrapped. Nuclear climate commitments, the “Suga lit a fire for renewable energy falls. He said his view plant. now accounts for about 6 country will need to restart energy,” Akimoto said. “I’d like was a minority position in the Akimoto, a member of a percent of Japan’s energy mix, almost every nuclear reactor it to add my support to make the ruling camp, where many are group of younger, non-aligned down from roughly 30 percent shuttered in the aftermath of fire grow larger.” THURSDAY 11 MARCH 2021 ASIA 11

China approves South Korea agrees $1.5bn currency to pay more for swap with Sri Lanka hosting US troops COLOMBO REUTERS —

AP — WASHINGTON China has approved a 10bn For this year, Seoul agreed yuan ($1.54bn) currency swap Striking a delicate balance, the to pay 1.18 trillion won, or with Sri Lanka, a government United States and South Korea spokesman in Colombo said have agreed Seoul will pay about $1 billion. yesterday, giving some respite 13.9% more this year for hosting from concerns about public American troops as part of a will visit India. American and finances. multiyear deal crafted to keep South Korean officials, in sep- The deal will allow the Seoul’s share of the overall cost arate briefings for reporters in island to weather “present dif- within historical norms, offi- Washington and Seoul, said the ficulties”, State Minister of cials said yesterday. 13.9% increase will apply to the Money & Capital Market and The deal, which had been South Korean government’s State Enterprise Reforms Ajith announced earlier this week payments this year. In each of Nivard Cabraal said in an but without financial details, the following four years, the interview with the Daily ends a long stalemate that had increase will match increases Mirror earlier yesterday. strained relations between in Seoul’s national defence Sri Lanka’s government allies after the Trump admin- budget. Top China conference concludes bonds surged after the istration demanded a five-fold The previous agreement announcement, with Sri Security personnel stand guard outside the Great Hall of the People as delegates leave following the increase in Seoul’s had expired at the end of 2019; Lanka’s dollar-denominated closing session of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, yesterday. contributions. the new deal covers 2020 ret- bond due in July 2021 climbing President Joe Biden’s will- roactively by keeping South 3.5 cents to 96.3 cents and its ingness to quickly accept Korea’s payment the same as highest level since March smaller increases is cast by the 2019 at about 1.04 trillion China, Russia to build lunar research station 2020. The January 2022 issue State Department as evidence Korean won, or the equivalent jumped 4.8 cents, Tradeweb that the Biden administration of about $910 million at current AP — BEIJING “comprehensive scientific Zhang Kejian, administrator of data showed. wants to repair relations with exchange rates. For this year, experiment base with the capa- the China National Space Dwindling foreign key allies in East Asia as it Seoul agreed to pay 1.18 trillion China and Russia said they will bility of long-term autonomous Administration, and Russian reserves, a tumbling currency focuses on regional unity in won, or about $1 billion. That build a lunar research station, operation.” space agency Roscosmos chief and rising debt levels have confronting China and North is a 13.9% increase, which a possibly on the moon’s surface, The station would be “built Dmitry Rogozin. dogged Sri Lanka over the last Korea. State Department official said marking the start of a new era on the lunar surface and/or on China drew heavily on year, leading to increasing The State Department is the largest since 2004. in space cooperation between the lunar orbit that will carry Russian expertise in the early fears of a default. announced yesterday that Sec- Overall, South Korea will be the two countries. out... scientific research activ- years of its space programme, The government of Prime retary of State Antony Blinken paying about 44% of the overall A statement posted on the ities such as the lunar explo- but has largely forged its own Minister Gotabaya Rajapaksa will travel to Tokyo and Seoul cost of having American troops website of the China National ration and utilization, lunar- path since launching its first says this will not happen. It has next week for security consul- based on the peninsula, not Space Administration yesterday based observation, basic scien- crewed mission in 2003. called downgrades by credit tations to “reaffirm the United counting US military and said the International Lunar tific experiment and technical Despite that, China’s rating agencies and negative States’ commitment to civilian salaries. The State Research Station would also be verification,” the statement Shenzhou spaceships closely comments from investment strengthening our alliances.” Department said that is similar open to use by other countries, said. resemble Russia’s Soyuz cap- banks in recent months polit- Blinken will be joined in to Seoul’s share over many but gave no timeline for its It said a memorandum of sules and the CNSA has worked ically motivated. both meetings by Defense Sec- years. The US has about 28,500 construction. understanding on the project with countries around the “(The swap deal) buys time retary Lloyd Austin, who also troops in South Korea. It described the project as a was signed on Tuesday by world, apart from the US. given FX reserves are at multi- year lows and there are still significant FX payments into Hospitals extract year end,” said Raza Agha, Pakistan launches COVID-19 vaccination drive for elderly head of emerging markets extra vaccine credit strategy at Legal & REUTERS — ISLAMABAD got a shot by Friday, Sultan said. General Investment doses from vials One woman, Nilofar Management. Pakistan yesterday launched a Minhas, 65, was happy to get “But the question remains in South Korea COVID-19 vaccination for the her shot in the city of Karachi. — buy time for what? The need general public, starting with “I’m now secured against of the hour is an IMF pro- REUTERS — SEOUL older people, as it grapples with the disease,” she said. gramme to anchor fiscal con- a high degree of vaccination Pakistan has recorded solidation given government In a handful of South Korean hesitancy among its 220 million 595,239 coronavirus cases and debt was projected at just shy hospitals, designated nurses people, even among health more than 13,000 deaths, with 100% of GDP at the end of last are using specially designed workers. 1,786 infections and 43 deaths year,” said Agha. syringes to squeeze extra The drive will begin with a reported in the last 24 hours. Sri Lanka had previously doses of coronavirus vaccine focus on the oldest people in the Pakistan has not secured sought a fresh currency swap out of each vial in a bid to community, generally over the any supplies from vaccine man- deal with India. But that stretch the still limited number age of 80, Health Minister Faisal ufacturers and is largely prospect diminished after of vials to cover more people. Sultan said. depending on the GAVI/WHO India said any further The practice has raised “We will work our way COVAX initiative and China. extension of existing funding debate over medical safety and down in coming days,” Sultan Authorities have opened up was contingent on Sri Lanka A woman receives the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination commercial concerns from the said. According to a survey almost all of sectors of society having a staff-level agreement centre in Karachi, Pakistan, yesterday. manufacturers who charge by released last week, nearly half but yesterday reversed a for an IMF programme, the dose. of healthcare staff had concerns decision to allow large indoor Patrick Curran, senior econ- But at Seoul’s National over China’s Sinopharm Pakistan and a physicians’ asso- Pakistan distributed gatherings like cinemas, the- omist at Tellimer, wrote in a Medical Center, healthcare vaccine, which is the only one ciation between February 12 504,400 Sinopharm vaccine atres and marriage halls. recent report, noting the gov- workers say it’s actually a safe available in Pakistan for now. and February 20 found that doses to provincial authorities Schools will also be closed ernment’s position of “con- and easy process that should The poll of 555 medical many health workers would by February 20, and 230,000 again for two weeks from tinuing to resist an IMF be a no-brainer for countries workers conducted by Gallup prefer other vaccines. front-line health workers had March 15, they said. program.” struggling to provide enough vaccines quickly. “Two designated nurses take shifts to extract the doses Thailand airport workers stage protest over labour conditions and each of us had no trouble getting seven doses from each REUTERS — BANGKOK months after the Thomson workers and businesses hard, sessions, the lawyer involved cations for jobs they held. vial, vaccinating everyone,” Reuters Foundation revealed but businesses are also said. The protesting workers In September, Pasakorn said Kim Eun-suk, an intra- Hundreds of airport workers that 10 workers at Suvarna- exploiting the pandemic to said new contracts with AOT said workers had been “trans- venous therapy specialist who held a demonstration in the bhumi Airport were suing ASM erode the rights of airport AVSEC, a venture between AOT, ferred” from ASM with years of was taking a shift extracting Thai capital Bangkok yesterday Security Management (ASM), workers,” said Ampai Wivattha- ASM, and two other security prior service reflected in their doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 to dispute changes to their saying they were pressured to nasathapat, president of an companies, left them on lower pay. He said AOT AVSEC was vaccine from vials that offi- contracts that they say strips quit then sign new contracts on airport workers’ union with pay and without basic rights not involved in making any of cially only hold six. them of basic labour rights and worse terms with AOT AVSEC. about 1,700 members, including including toilet and lunch them resign. On Tuesday, Kim said the has led to forced resignations The move was part of a those from AOT AVSEC. breaks and benefits such as a During the protest, workers centre vaccinated 629 people and arbitrary dismissals. restructuring by AOT, which AOT AVSEC’s human transport allowance. handed over a letter stating with 90 vials of Pfizer vaccine The protest involved at least manages six airports across the resources manager Pasakorn One security guard at their grievances to Labour Min- co-developed by its German 200 workers for AOT Aviation Southeast Asian nation, and has Aksornsuwan said he had pro- Suvarnabhumi Airport said she ister Suchart Chomklin, who partner BioNTech, compared Security (AOT AVSEC), a joint been hit hard by coronavirus. vided an explanation to labour had to see two doctors last publicly pledged to look into the with the 540 people possible venture set up last year between The company has denied any inspectors but declined to month due to urinary tract issue. The Department of had they only extracted six state-owned Airports of wrongdoing. comment further. infections, adding that female Labour Protection and Welfare, doses from each vial. Thailand (AOT) and three But labour activists have Karn Thongyai, the head of staff were often forced to use which is part of the labour min- It takes about five minutes security firms, with unions voiced concerns that companies ASM, declined to comment. The men’s toilets due to distance. istry, said it would hold discus- to extract the doses using “low saying conditions had worsened have capitalised on COVID-19 first hearing of the lawsuit Other workers were made sions with AOT AVSEC over the dead space” syringes designed during the pandemic. to roll back workers’ rights. against ASM is set for May after redundant after being told they “allegedly unfair employment to minimise the residual The demonstration came six “COVID-19 has hit both three unsuccessful mediation did not have the right qualifi- conditions”. volume, she said. “Extraction itself is not dif- ficult. It requires squeezing the exact amount with the syringe. Japan hotel gives bus tours of The most important is sterili- zation and I think any nurse 2011 tsunami disaster would be able to pull through.” At the suggestion of frontline AP — MINAMISANRIKU, JAPAN and one of nine staff members who nurses, the Korea Disease lead the daily hour-long bus tours. Control and Prevention For nearly a decade, a Japanese hotel The bus stops at a former school Agency (KDCA) said it was up has been giving bus tours to show that was damaged by the tsunami, a to providers whether to use of visitors the history of the massive disaster prevention centre where 43 remaining doses, but did not earthquake and tsunami that hit workers died and a former wedding make it a new standard or Japan’s northern Pacific coast in ceremony hall. mandatory because it said it 2011. Since the tours began, they have could burden the healthcare The 9.1 magnitude earthquake and had about 400,000 participants, some workers on site. the tsunami it generated on March 11, repeat visitors, according to the hotel. National Medical Center 2011, killed about 18,000 people and Ito was at a customer’s home when president Chung Ki-hyun said devastated the coastline. Buildings in the quake hit. that the contracts with manu- Minamisanriku were flattened, and He immediately began making his facturers — who sell by the more than 800 people in the city were way to the hotel but soon found it dose — should not be a road- killed or went missing. impossible as the water began to rise. block for on-site healthcare “I want everyone to know that “I could see that my house had workers to use the remaining unexpected disasters can happen. I probably washed away. There was doses when they can save think it is our job as people who expe- nothing in front of me,” said Ito, who Yellow handkerchiefs bearing messages supporting people in areas hit by the 2011 lives. “With care and precision, rienced the (tsunami) to share that,” lost three friends in the tsunami. earthquake and tsunami are hanged at Iwaki 3.11 Memorial and Revitalisation museum the extra dose isn’t as hard to said Fumio Ito, head of public rela- “I had nowhere to be safe, so I extract,” he said. ahead of the ten years anniversary of the disaster in Iwaki, Japan, yesterday. tions at Minami Sanriku Hotel Kanyo went up into the mountains.” 12 EUROPE THURSDAY 11 MARCH 2021 Royal response fails to end anger over Meghan racism claims

AP — LONDON The statement, issued on In the interview, Meghan, movements. Others stand Whitelock said. The queen stepped away from royal duties behalf the queen, was released who is biracial, described behind the royal family, criti- remains the head of state for 15 last year and eventually settled Buckingham Palace’s statement 36 hours after Harry and Meg- feeling so isolated and mis- cizing the couple for making countries, most of which were in California, saying they wanted on Prince Harry and Meghan’s han’s interview with Oprah erable inside the royal family their damning allegations at a once part of the British Empire, to escape racist coverage and allegations or racism and Winfrey was broadcast in the that she had suicidal thoughts, time when Harry’s 99-year-old including Australia, Canada, unwanted intrusions on their mistreatment has failed to quiet United States. yet when she asked for mental grandfather, Prince Philip, New Zealand and island nations privacy by the British media. the controversy, with some “The whole family is sad- health assistance from the pal- remains hospitalized in London in the Caribbean. The interview especially observers criticizing the royal dened to learn the full extent of ace’s human resources staff, she after a heart procedure. “That’s a debate that’s been struck a chord with many Black family for failing to forcefully how challenging the last few was told they couldn’t help Anna Whitelock, director of held in check, in large part, people in Britain, some of condemn racism and suggesting years have been for Harry and because she wasn’t a paid the Centre for the Study of given the length of the queen’s whom were not satisfied with that the couple’s version of Meghan,” the palace said. “The employee. Modern Monarchy at Royal Hol- reign and in respect to her and the palace’s remarks. Bell events may not be accurate. issues raised, particularly that She also said Harry told her loway, University of London, the role that she’s played,” Ribeiro-Addy, a Black member “Too little, too late” was the of race, are concerning. While there were “concerns and con- said the palace’s brief message Whitelock said. “But it’s going of Parliament from the oppo- verdict of royal commentator some recollections may vary, versations” about the colour of had “hardened the lines” to happen, and it’s just a sition Labour Party, said Buck- Peter Hunt, who also criticized the they are taken very seriously her baby’s skin when she was between people who believe the question of when, not if.” ingham Palace should have palace’s 61-word statement for and will be addressed by the pregnant with her son, Archie. monarchy is an outdated After Harry and Meghan directly condemned racism. saying the issue would be dealt family privately.’’ The interview, seen by some bastion of inherited white priv- married in May 2018 at Windsor “The monarchy is a public with privately as a family matter. The comments were the 50 million people worldwide, ilege and those who see it as Castle, the royal family seemed institution that receives public “This delayed, tame palace’s first word since the has divided opinions around the cherished national institution. to welcome Meghan, a glam- money and any criticism of the statement went for predicta- interview rocked the royal world. Fallout from the interview orous former TV star, and the institution should really be met bility when unpredictability — family—and touched off con- Many people have backed is likely to only fuel the debate couple were seen as providing with a forceful response from stepping out of the Windsor versations around the world Meghan, saying the allegations over the future of the monarchy a fresh young face for the mon- the institution about what they comfort zone — was what was about racism, mental health and demonstrate the need for and its role both in Britain and archy of an increasingly multi- are going to do,’’ Ribeiro-Addy needed,” Hunt wrote on the even the relationship between change inside an institution that the other countries around the cultural nation. told the BBC. “We expect (that) website of the influential British Britain and its former hasn’t kept pace with the world for which the queen It didn’t take long for the of any institution. Why not the magazine The Spectator. colonies. #MeToo and Black Lives Matter serves as head of state, fairytale to unravel. The couple monarchy, why not the palace?” UK's $32bn virus test and trace not making big difference: MPs REUTERS — LONDON cautiously and irreversibly to reopen our economy and England’s $32bn test and trace England’s $32bn test restart our lives,” Johnson told system has not made a signif- and trace system has not parliament. icant impact on the COVID-19 made a significant Dido Harding, who runs the pandemic and failed its key impact on the COVID-19 system, said that regular testing goals despite its “unimaginable” was “a vital tool to stop trans- cost, a British parliamentary pandemic and failed its mission” and that contact tracing committee said yesterday. key goals despite its made “a real impact in breaking Prime Minister Boris “unimaginable” cost, a chains of transmission”, having Johnson last year promised a British parliamentary reached more than 9.1 million world beating test and trace committee said. cases and contacts. system as part of the route out of Last year, scientific advisers the pandemic. But it has taken said test and trace was not sig- the successful development and nificantly reducing the spread deploymwent of vaccines to let had cost £23bn ($32bn) so far of the coronavirus. England the government plot a definitive but had not achieved a key goal then entered a second route back to normality. of avoiding a cycle of national lockdown in the autumn. “Despite the unimaginable lockdowns. Test and trace’s use of Health workers protest resources thrown at this project, The system has been allo- highly paid consultants, at a Healthcare workers throw their medical equipment during a demonstration for better working test and trace cannot point to a cated £37bn in total to cover time when health workers face conditions, as the outbreak of the coronavirus continues, at Sant Jaume square in Barcelona, Spain, measurable difference to the two years, a budget which below-inflation pay rises, has progress of the pandemic,” said includes the cost of testing attracted particular ire. yesterday. Meg Hillier, chair of the British people with symptoms and The committee’s report said parliament’s Public Accounts regular testing in schools, care that test and trace was overly Committee and an opposition homes and some work places. reliant on expensive con- Labour party lawmaker. Johnson said that the tractors. It found that in early Doctors call on Spain govt to use “The promise on which this system deserved credit for the February, the scheme was huge expense was justified - proposed roadmap for reo- employing around 2,500 con- avoiding another lockdown - pening by the summer. sultants from firms such as AstraZeneca vaccine more widely has been broken, twice.” “It is thanks to NHS test and Deloitte, earning an estimate The Public Accounts Com- trace that we’re able to send day rate of around £1,100, with AP — BARCELONA whether to approve the one- fewer than 700,000 of the 1.1 mittee said that test and trace kids back to school and begin some paid more than £6,500. shot Johnson & Johnson million AstraZeneca vaccines Chafing under Spain’s sluggish vaccine today. it has received. An independent vaccination rollout, regional The Pfizer-BioNTech and society of doctors is also rec- health authorities and doctors Moderna vaccines are currently ommending that Spain are urging the central going to those over 80 years old become bolder in its approach government in Madrid to widen in Spain, while essential to battling the world’s worst the categories of people who workers 55 and under like health crisis in a century. can receive the AstraZeneca teachers and police officers are “The pace of vaccination in coronavirus vaccine. getting AstraZeneca jabs. Spain and other countries is While other European “That has greatly compro- very slow, fundamentally due countries like Germany, France mised our vaccination strategy, to the shortage of vaccines and Italy have expanded the use ” regional health authorities in arriving, but possibly also due of vaccine made by the British- Catalonia said. “There are, for to self-imposed stumbling Swedish company to include example, teachers and police blocks caused by an excess of more elderly patients, Spain has officers over 55 years old who prudence,” Spain’s Organi- stuck with administering it to still don’t have a chance to get zation of Medical Societies said. those 55 and under. a vaccine, while their younger Spain is trying to ramp up But critics say Spain’s reluc- colleagues already do.” its vaccination efforts by tance to use AstraZeneca, com- When the first coronavirus holding campaigns for large bined with shipment delays of vaccines arrived in January, groups like the one organised all three vaccines authorized for Spain’s government pledged to yesterday for 1,800 people over use in the EU, is threatening to have vaccinated 70% of its adult 80 in the northern town of leave vulnerable people population by the summer. So Santo Domingo de La Calzada. exposed. The EU so far has far, only 1.4 million of Spain’s Pilar Ramirez, a 52-year- approved vaccines from Pfizer- 47 million residents have been old caretaker accompanying BioNTech, Moderna and Astra- inoculated. her 93-year-old charge, said Zeneca, which all require two Catalonia and other regions, she was happy for the older Mount Etna spews lava shots per person, and its reg- including Madrid, say a lack of people who are most at risk but ulator, the European Medi- doses is slowing down their said she had few hopes that her Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, continues to erupt, in Tremestieri Etneo, Sicily, Italy, yesterday. cines Agency, is considering efforts. Spain has administered wait for a shot would end soon. German expert panel head says he would back Sputnik V vaccine Norway parliament hit by cyber attack REUTERS & BLOOMBERG V has already been approved to reach a deal to produce Rus- is the first European production approval to receive biological — FRANKFURT or is being assessed for approval sia’s Covid-19 vaccine said it agreement for the vaccine. material from Russia, Di Naro REUTERS — OSLO in three EU member states— could start manufacturing as While Russia was first to said. He said he has “full The head of a German expert Hungary, Slovakia and the early as the third quarter, and approve a shot for the general respect” for the European Med- Hackers have infiltrated the panel that will help decide in Czech Republic. rejected charges it was part of public and promoted it as a way icines Agency and hopes it Norwegian Parliament and which order people should EU officials have said a propaganda effort as “absurd.” to help end the pandemic glo- won’t refuse European mar- extracted data, officials said, receive the vaccine has come Brussels could start negotiations Antonio Francesco Di Naro, bally, it has been slower than keting authorization “since this just six months after a previous out in support of Russia’s about a possible agreement to founder and president of some rivals to scale up vaccine is really effective.” cyber attack was made public. Sputnik V vaccine, as Europe buy vaccines if at least four Adienne Pharma & Biotech SA, manufacturing. “I’m a scientist and not a The attack by unknown cautiously weighs producing members request it. said Wednesday that his “It’s not a propaganda tool, politician,” Di Naro said, hackers was linked to a “vulner- and using it. Mertens also praised the company had been selected to I don’t know who is saying that adding that his goal is just to ability” in Microsoft’s Exchange “This is a good vaccine, “clever construct” of Sputnik V’s make the Sputnik V vaccine fol- Russian people want to have provide a “solid contribution software, the parliament said, which looks like it will be two-shot regimen. lowing an approach from propaganda for manufacturing to fight the coronavirus,” adding that this was an “inter- approved in the EU at some Peer-reviewed late-stage Russia. a vaccine in Italy, really, it’s showcasing how Switzerland national problem”. point. The Russian researchers trial results published last “We could start producing really absurd,” Di Naro said in and Italy are equipped to “We know that data has are very experienced in vac- month showed that the Russian Sputnik vaccine registration an interview with Bloomberg produce Sputnik V. been extracted but we do not cines,” Thomas Mertens, head vaccine was almost 92% batches in our Lombardy Television’s Maria Tadeo. EU officials are skeptical yet have a complete overview of STIKO, Germany’s expert effective. In a first for Europe, facility as soon as in the third Di Naro said he could not about the impact of deals to of the situation,” parliament’s panel on vaccine use, told Rhei- Swiss-based pharmaceutical quarter and then if the Italian release any production figures manufacture the vaccine, administrative chief Marianne nische Post yesterday. company Adienne has agreed medicines agency, also known and that the company has not according to a person with Andreassen said. The European Union’s drugs to make Sputnik in Italy. as AIFA, gives its green light, yet decided where the vaccines knowledge of their thinking. The previous attack, made regulator began reviewing the Meanwhile, the head of we will start to manufacture will be distributed. Among pos- Supply in Russia is so low that public in September, was shot for possible approval last Moscow’s RDIF sovereign commercial batches,” Di Naro sible issues the company faces the EU is expecting to donate or launched by Russia, Norwegian week. Three Western-made wealth fund said on Tuesday said. The vaccine will be pro- is a shortage of caps and vials, sell large quantities of western foreign minister Ine Eriksen vaccines are already cleared for that more manufacturing deals duced near Milan in northern he added. The vaccine is under vaccines to the Russians in due Soereide said the following use in the bloc and the go- had been struck with pro- Italy. review by authorities in the course to make up the shortfall, month, an accusation Moscow ahead for a fourth one is duction facilities in Spain, The Lugano, Switzerland- European Union. Adienne is said the person, who asked not denies. There was no evidence expected soon. France and Germany. based company’s deal with the preparing documentation to to be identified because the dis- at this stage that the two attacks On a national level, Sputnik The first European company Russian Direct Investment Fund submit to AIFA for obtaining cussions are private. were linked, parliament said. THURSDAY 11 MARCH 2021 EUROPE 13

Madrid regional EU to step up aid leader quits, triggers snap vote effort as virus for early May deepens crises REUTERS — MADRID Madrid’s conservative regional leader Isabel Diaz Ayuso has AP — BRUSSELS stepped down, triggering a The UN estimates that snap election, her deputy The European Union unveiled over 235 million people Ignacio Aguado said yesterday, plans yesterday to step up as a clash intensified between international aid efforts, will require humanitarian centrist and right-wing parties support humanitarian agencies aid this year, an increase at the national level. and encourage new donors to of 40% from 2020, and a Ayuso’s People’s Party (PP) contribute as the COVID-19 near tripling of estimated has governed Spain’s pandemic deepens the impact needs since 2014. UN wealthiest region in coalition of several crises around the with Aguado’s centrist Ciu- world. humanitarian appeals dadanos since 2019, but long- “Humanitarian needs are at jumped last year to standing tension between the an all-time high. They are almost €32.5bn two parties boiled over on driven largely by the resur- ($38.7bn) — the most Wednesday, threatening gence in conflicts, and they are ever, in part due to the several jointly controlled combined with climate change, Future of Europe declaration regional authorities. environmental degradation, impact of COVID-19. The snap election will be European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (right), and European Parliament President population growth and failed held on May 4. Aguado criti- David Sassoli present a joint declaration on the Future of Europe, in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. governance,” EU Humanitarian cised Ayuso’s sudden resig- Aid Commissioner Janez Len- overwhelmed. It would build nation and said he hoped she arcic told reporters. The Covid on the emergency air-bridge would reconsider. pandemic has only exacerbated scheme the EU launched to “It seems terribly reckless this,” he added. help African countries when EU-UK ties take a new dip over to us to call elections... and The UN estimates that over airports shut down last year as open the door to instability 235 million people will require the coronavirus spread, by that could cause the Madrid humanitarian aid this year, an helping to provide transport ‘vaccine export ban’ comments region to derail from a health, increase of 40% from 2020, and and logistical assistance. economic and social point of a near tripling of estimated needs The EU also aims to address AP — BRUSSELS Already uneasy bedfellows the EU sent a lower-ranking view,” he told reporters. since 2014. UN humanitarian the root causes by boosting during Britain’s 47 years of EU envoy. Madrid’s regional admin- appeals jumped last year to development assistance. It Relations between the membership, thing got progres- Michel, however, refused to istration is in charge of health almost €32.5bn ($38.7bn) — the plans to increase its support for European Union and recently sively worse since the 2016 ref- fully back down from his com- policy and is responsible for most ever, in part due to the international agencies and aid departed Britain took another erendum when the United ments and insisted any ban its own coronavirus response impact of COVID-19. groups, and improve cooperation diplomatic dip yesterday when Kingdom voted to leave the could come in many guises. and vaccine rollout. In south- Only around €15bn with organizations and institu- the EU envoy in London was bloc. After acrimonious “Different ways of imposing eastern Murcia, where the two ($17.8bn) was provided. The top tions that help foster peace. summoned to explain departure talks, the split bans or restrictions on vac- parties also have a coalition, 10 donors supplied an esti- It will also focus on the comments that Britain had became official last year, but cines/medicines,” he tweeted. Ciudadanos sided with Prime mated 83% of the money. The impact of climate change and issued a vaccine export ban. both sides then started fighting “Glad if the UK reaction leads Minister Pedro Sanchez’s 27-nation EU accounts for wants to target its help to vul- The United Kingdom was so over a trade agreement. to more transparency & Socialists in bringing a no- about 36% of global aid nerable people living in dis- irate about Tuesday’s com- A deal was reached on increased exports, to EU and confidence motion against funding. aster-prone countries. The bloc ments from European Council Christmas Eve but still need to third countries.” regional leader Fernando The bloc plans to set up a also hopes to draw in more President Charles Michel that be approved by the European Peter Liese, a German Lopez Miras of the PP. crisis response system so it can donors and the private sector Britain had “imposed an out- Parliament. In the meantime, member of the European Par- By publicly breaking ranks provide direct help when coun- to make up the funding right ban on the export of vac- both sides are fighting from liament and one of the main with the PP, Ciudadanos has tries and aid agencies are shortfall. cines,” that it called in the anything over the diplomatic parliamentary experts on the raised the spectre of similar ambassador for a morning status of the EU in London to issue, said that even if the no-confidence votes in other meeting. the import-export regime United States has its own ban, regions where they rule in Portugal okays AstraZeneca for over-65s A British government between both sides. “even worse is the case in the coalition, such as Andalusia statement said that it “has not The EU is considering UK because we know that sig- and Castille and Leon. REUTERS — LISBON blocked the export of a single taking legal action over the UK nificant amounts of the Astra- For now, Ciudadanos in COVID-19 vaccine. Any refer- not respecting the withdrawal Zeneca vaccine went from the Andalusia - Spain’s most pop- Portugal’s health authority said yesterday it had approved the ences to a UK export ban or any agreement that underpins the continent to the UK.” ulous region - have said their use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine for those aged over 65 restrictions on vaccines are Brexit divorce. Britain, mean- He claimed that “for pact is stable, while in Castille as new studies revealed its effectiveness in preventing infection completely false.” while, has refused to grant the example, from the plant in and Leon, both parties said it and lowering hospitalisations among elderly people. The spat comes against a EU’s first-ever ambassador to Dessau IDT Biologika in Dessau, remains valid. The decision means that all people aged over 18 can now background that the COVID-19 the country full diplomatic Germany, and still the company Widely viewed as a mav- receive the shot, the DGS authority said, after it was approved vaccination drive in Britain is status. London says the EU is is not ready to give vaccine that erick, Ayuso has frequently for those under 65 in late January. seen as a huge success while an organisation, rather than a is produced in the UK to supply clashed with the left-wing Portugal, a nation of just over 10 million people, faced a that in the 27-nation bloc has country. the European Union.” central government. Her tough battle against the pandemic in January, but the number been a major failure. The The EU immediately latched The AstraZeneca company administration imposed one of of daily infections and fatalities has dropped sharply since United Kingdom has given on to that issue too since it said has denied it has syphoned off Spain’s loosest curfews and has then. about 35% of its adults a vaccine the ambassador couldn’t make vaccines that were meant for consistently refused to shut res- It reported 847 new infections and 30 deaths on Tuesday, shot while the EU is further yesterday's meeting because of the EU to any other taurants, in defiance of national bringing the total to 811,306 and 16,595 respectively. back with 9.5%. the fight over his status. Instead, destination. recommendations. UK police officer held in search for Russia slows down Twitter, part of social media clampdown AP — MOSCOW with removing the banned suicide or self harm. An email is against the law in Russia. probably fearing the move missing woman content. Vadim Subbotin, seeking comment on the President Vladimir Putin’s would elicit too much public Russian authorities said deputy chief of Roskomnadzor, Russian action was sent to spokesman Dmitry Peskov said outrage. Only the social AP — LONDON yesterday they are slowing said in televised remarks that Twitter. yesterday the government has network LinkedIn, which down the speed of uploading Twitter is the only social The Twitter app has been “no desire to block anything,” wasn’t very popular in Russia, A police officer has been photos and videos to Twitter platform that has “openly downloaded 17.6 million times but added that it was necessary has been banned by the author- arrested in connection with a over its failure to remove ignored the Russian authorities’ in Russia since 2014, accounting to enforce compliance with the ities for the failure to store user woman who went missing in banned content—part of demand to remove the banned for just 1.8% of global installa- law. The move against Twitter data in Russia. London last week, Britain’s growing efforts to curb social content.” tions, according to mobile ana- is part of continuous efforts by In recent months, Russian Metropolitan Police said. The media platforms that have Roskomnadzor said in a lytics firm Sensor Tower. the government to tighten authorities have also increas- force said yesterday the fact played a major role in ampli- statement that Twitter has The action against Twitter control of social media. ingly bristled at Facebook and that the man is a serving police fying dissent. failed to remove more than comes as the authorities have In 2014, the authorities Twitter, blocking Russian officer is “shocking and deeply The state communications 3,000 posts with the banned criticized social media plat- adopted a law requiring online accounts and content, as well disturbing.” watchdog, Roskomnadzor, said content, including more than forms that have been used to services to store the personal as Twitter labeling of gov- Police said the officer was it began the slowdown after it 2,500 posts encouraging suicide bring tens of thousands of data of Russian users on servers ernment and state-affiliated arrested late on Tuesday in said Twitter failed to remove among minors. people into the streets across in Russia and have since tried media accounts. Last fall, Kent, southeast of London, as content encouraging suicide The watchdog said the Russia this year to demand the to make Facebook and Twitter Russian Foreign Ministry part of the investigation into among children and containing slowdown would apply to all release of jailed Russian oppo- to comply with it. Both com- spokeswoman Maria Zakharova the disappearance of Sarah information about drugs and mobile devices and 50% of sition leader Alexei Navalny. panies have been repeatedly accused the two social media Everard, a 33-year-old mar- child pornography. desktop users nationwide. The wave of demonstrations fined, first small amounts of giants of “open censorship,” keting executive who vanished The agency warned that if Twitter’s user policies served as a major challenge to around $50 and last year the saying that “Russian media, while walking home from a Twitter refuses to abide by outline a host of banned the Kremlin. equivalent of $63,000 each, for without trial or investigation, friend’s apartment in south Russian law, it could be blocked behaviors, including prohibiting Russian authorities have not complying. are being labeled as allegedly London on March 3. entirely, but it voiced hope the content that involves child assailed the platforms for failing The government has unreliable, excluded from the The officer was not on duty platform would “take a con- sexual exploitation or material to remove calls for children to stopped short of outright bans search, blocked, and accounts at the time of Everard’s disap- structive stance” and comply that promotes or encourages join opposition protests, which even though the law allows it, are deleted.” pearance. Police did not say what he was detained for, or whether he knew Everard. The force said he was arrested Western Balkan countries to along with a woman who has been held on suspicion of tighten virus rules amid surge assisting an offender. When asked whether AP — BELGRADE infections and 37 deaths over police believe Everard is still the past 24 hours were reported alive, Assistant Commissioner Struggling with surging on Wednesday. Nick Ephgrave said detectives COVID-19 infections, several “These are hard days, and were searching as hard as they Balkan countries are tightening once again we appeal to cit- can and “really hope that is the pandemic measures to ease izens to be maximally vigilant case,” the BBC reported. pressure on their struggling and take care in order to help “This is a serious and sig- health systems. us and keep the health system nificant development in our Doctors in Bosnia’s capital stable,” said Ismet Gavranka- search for Sarah and the fact of Sarajevo, where the first vac- petanovic, head of the Sarajevo that the man who has been cines arrived yesterday, warned General Hospital. arrested is a serving Metro- that infections have “exploded” In Serbia, Prime Minister politan Police officer is both in recent days and urged people Ana Brnabic said the gov- shocking and deeply dis- to comply with pandemic regu- ernment-appointed virus crisis turbing,” Ephgrave told lations. Long queues formed body most likely will meet on reporters. Flashmob against domestic abuse outside COVID-19 wards in city Thursday to decide on tighter Detectives were searching hospitals. measures for the forthcoming Protesters wearing red scarfs on their heads display a banner reading “We want monitoring bracelets a house and woodland in Kent All bars, restaurants and weekend. The country of 7 following the arrest of the officer for the attackers!” as they attend a flashmob that calls for the swift passing of a law allowing the non-essential shops in the million has given more than 1,5 and the woman. The officer has introduction of monitoring devices for offenders found guilty of domestic abuse, near the Romanian Sarajevo canton will be shut million people at least one dose been taken into custody at a Parliament in Bucharest, Romania, yesterday. over the upcoming weekend. of the vaccine, which is among London police station. More than 1,000 new the highest rates in Europe. 14 AMERICAS THURSDAY 11 MARCH 2021 Pentagon okays extending Guard deployment at Capitol

AP — WASHINGTON Close to 2,300 Guard FBI releases troops will continue Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin new video after has formally approved an to provide security extension of the National Guard in Washington until bombs left at deployment at the US Capitol RNC, DNC offices for about two more months as May 23, at the request possible threats of violence of the Capitol Police. AP — WASHINGTON remain, the Pentagon said. There are currently According to a statement The FBI has released new video issued by the department, close about 5,100 Guard showing someone placing two to 2,300 Guard troops will con- troops in Washington, pipe bombs outside the offices tinue to provide security in of the Republican and Demo- Washington until May 23, at the and they were cratic national committees the request of the Capitol Police. scheduled to leave night before the January 6 riot Officials have been scrambling at the US Capitol. in recent days to determine if this weekend. The explosive devices were and how to fill the request, as placed outside the two buildings the original March 12 deadline Capitol by militia groups. between 7:30pm and 8:30pm for them to leave Washington The request to extend the on January 5 and were located loomed. deployment met resistance last by law enforcement the next There are currently about week, as some governors day. The bombs were rendered 5,100 Guard troops in Wash- expressed reluctance or flatly safe, and no one was hurt. ington, and they were scheduled refused to commit their troops The video, released on to leave this weekend. It was to more time in the city. There Tuesday, shows a person in a unclear if any of those forces now appear to be enough states A March 4, 2021 picture shows National Guard soldiers patrolling the grounds of the US Capitol after gray hooded sweatshirt, a face will have to stay an extra day or willing to provide Guard troops police warned that a militia group might try to attack the Capitol complex in Washington, DC. mask and gloves appearing to two while any new troops arrive for the mission, said defence place one of the explosives and get trained and settled in. officials. bilities of the Capitol Police. power on March 4, the original Monday, Kirby said about 50 under a bench outside the DNC The Pentagon said defence offi- Chief Pentagon spokesman Army leaders had also ini- presidential inauguration day. Guard troops had been treated and separately shows the cials will work with the Capitol John Kirby said the decision on tially questioned whether the That day passed with no for gastrointestinal issues, out person walking in an alley Police to incrementally reduce maintaining a Guard presence Capitol Police had exhausted all problems, but law enforcement of the 26,000 that deployed to near the RNC before the bomb the number of Guard needed in would be based on local law other options to fill the need, has said threats to buildings and Washington. was placed there. the city as time goes on. enforcement concerns along with such as asking other federal law personnel remain. US military officials have The pipe bomb suspect The decision to keep Guard the needs of the Capitol Police. enforcement agencies to The Guard’s deployment to said the cost of deploying about carried the explosives in a members in the city underscores “It’s not just about a threat provide security. But officials the Capitol has been troubled. 26,000 Guard troops to the US backpack. The bombs were concerns about security at the assessment, it’s about assisting said military leaders thought it Early on, Guard members were Capitol from shortly after the made of threaded galvanized Capitol, two months after rioters and supporting capabilities that was important to find ways to briefly forced to take rest breaks January 6 riot to this Friday is pipes, kitchen timers and breached the building in an the Capitol Police may now lack work out the details. and meals in a nearby cold close to $500m. No cost homemade black powder. attack that left five people dead. and may need to look at The threat was tied to the garage, sparking outrage within estimate for the next two Federal agents hope the Law enforcement has remained improving,” Kirby said, adding far-right conspiracy theory pro- the Biden administration. months has been released. The new video will spark addi- in a heightened security posture that the extension request was moted by QAnon supporters In addition, Guard members costs include housing, transpor- tional tips to help identify the in response to intelligence sug- based largely on using the Guard that former President Donald complained of bad food, and tation, salaries, benefits and person. A $100,000 reward is gesting possible threats to the to make up for gaps in the capa- Trump would rise again to some said they became sick. On other essentials. being offered in the case. Biden reviewing Trump’s listing of Lula slams Bolsonaro; Cuba as sponsor silent on new run of terrorism AP — SAO PAULO divisions. “This country has no REUTERS — WASHINGTON government, this country doesn’t Brazil's former President Luiz take care of the economy, of job President Joe Biden’s admin- Inácio Lula da Silva criticized creation, wages, health care, the istration is reviewing former incumbent Jair Bolsonaro environment, education, young President Donald Trump’s yesterday for the government’s people.” Da Silva also said he will last-minute decision to failings in the COVID-19 seek advice from business leaders designate Cuba as a state pandemic and the economy, but and right-leaning politicians on sponsor of terrorism but a avoided giving out hints on the fight against COVID-19 and broader Cuba policy shift is not whether he will make another government handouts during the currently among Biden’s top run for the presidency next year. pandemic and job creation. priorities, the White House Speaking for the first time Supreme Court Justice Luiz said on Tuesday. since his two sentences were Edson Fachin annulled two White House spokeswoman annulled by a top judge on convictions against da Silva Jen Psaki said the adminis- Monday, the leftist leader that arguing the cases were tried in tration is in no rush for major governed between 2003 and the wrong jurisdiction. That gestures toward Communist- 2010 said Bolsonaro must be means the ruling may not affect ruled Cuba, despite hopes for a stopped from getting reelected, numerous other convictions of softer approach after Trump but added the choice of the powerful businessmen and pol- rolled back historic Obama-era Workers’ Party candidate will iticians also swept up in the Eviction plight détente with Havana. come only “at the appropriate sprawling “Car Wash” investi- Her remarks provided time.” The 75-year-old did not gations centered on the state- A child falls on the ground in front of riot police officers during an eviction of an unauthorized settlement public confirmation of com- take himself out of the group run oil giant Petrobras. without potable water, drainage system and electricity, where people have moved in with their ments made last week by a of potential bidders. Da Silva was jailed in April families during the COVID-19 pandemic, at Renca area on the outskirts of Santiago, Chile, yesterday. senior White House official who “Do not be afraid of me,” da 2018, missed the general told Reuters on condition of Silva said in a press conference election won by Bolsonaro and anonymity that Cuba policy was at the metalworkers’ union he got released in November 2019 not among the top issues that once headed in Sao Bernardo do due to a decision of the coun- North America sees drop in virus cases, Biden was focused on for now. Campo, outside Sao Paulo, try’s top court that a person can “A Cuba policy shift is not arguing political dialogue must be imprisoned only after all but surge in Brazil worrying: PAHO currently among President be restored despite Brazil’s appeals have been exhausted. Biden’s top priorities,” Psaki told REUTERS — BRASILIA A new variant first dis- PAHO said. Cuba, the Bahamas, reporters at a daily briefing. “ covered late last year has led to Saint Lucia and Guadeloupe are Eighty US House of Represent- New COVID-19 cases continue a surge in new infections there facing a rise in infections, and in atives Democrats urged Biden to decline in North America, but that have overwhelmed the South America Paraguay, in a March 3 letter to repeal in Latin America infections are health care system, which con- Uruguay and Chile are reporting Trump’s “cruel” sanctions on still rising, particularly in Brazil tinues to experience widespread an increase in new cases, while Cuba and renew engagement. where a resurgence has caused shortages of medical supplies, Peru and Bolivia are finally Psaki said one of the guiding record daily deaths, the Pan including oxygen, she said. seeing declines, PAHO said, principles for Cuba policy would American Health Organization Brazil needs “very strict” Vaccines have begun to be support for democracy and (PAHO) warned yesterday. public health measures to curb arrive in Latin America through human rights. She also said “We are concerned about the surge that is overwhelming the COVAX facility led by the “Americans, especially Cuban the situation in Brazil. It pro- hospital ICU wards, PAHO’s World Health Organization to Americans, are the best ambas- vides a sober reminder of the incident manager Sylvain provide equitable access to sadors for freedom and pros- threat of resurgence: areas hit Aldighieri said. Brazil reported shots, with 28.7 million doses perity in Cuba.” hard by the virus in the past are a record 1,972 deaths from allocated to the region over the Biden’s advisers previously still vulnerable to infection COVID-19 in 24 hours on next three months. suggested he could start by today,” PAHO Director Carissa Thursday. Brazil has the But PAHO warned that loosening up remittances from Etienne said. second-highest total number of vaccine supply is limited, due to Cuban Americans and easing She said cases are on the deaths behind the United States. manufacturing constraints and restrictions on family travel. rise in nearly every Brazilian The United States and high demand, and some coun- But the White House has indi- state, with Amazonas state Canada continue to see a drop tries will have to wait several cated that such steps may not especially hard hit. in new cases of COVID-19, months until they receive theirs. be coming anytime soon. Puerto Rico reopens public schools despite pandemic

AP — SAN JUAN coronavirus cases and had met return to school. They will attend said. Among them was Luzceli a list of requirements issued by in-person classes only twice a Rivera’s 6-year-old son. Parents across Puerto Rico Puerto Rico’s Health Department. week and be dismissed before “This is something we have knelt down yesterday to adjust Among them was the noon, with school cafeterias to learn to live with,” she said their children’s face masks and Ramón Marín Solá primary remaining closed, although there after dropping him off, adding backpacks as public schools school in Guaynabo, where is a “grab-and-go” option. that she had no qualms about reopened for the first time in parents checked their children’s In-person attendance is not sending him back to school nearly a year despite the face masks before hugging obligatory, and remote classes because he had a strict teacher. pandemic, with officials them goodbye. “You can’t touch were still being offered. “It was The schools that reopened Hawaii declares emergency reporting scarce attendance it,” a man told his young son important to have in-person on Monday were located in A flooded road and house are seen in Hauula on Oahu, Hawaii, amid COVID-19 concerns. who was tugging at his mask. education once again, even if about 50 of the US territory’s US, on Tuesday in this still image obtained from a social media The hugs outside schools “It itches, it itches a lot,” his it’s little by little,” Governor 78 municipalities, with were followed by a temperature son replied as he walked into Pedro Pierluisi said. openings and closures expected video. Hawaii Governor David Ige declared an emergency in the check and a dollop of hand san- the school for the first time as Of the 100 students at the to fluctuate in upcoming weeks US state after heavy rains brought floods, landslides and fear of itizer at some of the 95 of the US a kindergartner. Ramón Marín Solá school who depending on the number of dam failures, and authorities ordered the evacuation of several territory’s 858 public schools For now, only kindergar- were allowed to return to class, coronavirus cases in a specific thousand people from communities threatened by rising waters. authorized to reopen because teners, special education students only about 30 showed up municipality and whether any The emergency declaration covers the counties of Hawai’i, Maui, they were located in a munici- and children in first, second, third despite confirmation from the infections are reported at a Kalawao, O’ahu and Kaua’i. pality with a low number of and 12th grades are allowed to parents of 75 children, officials school. THURSDAY 11 MARCH 2021 AMERICAS 15 Biden scores major win as $1.9 trillion bill wins final approval in House REUTERS — WASHINGTON Democrats described popular with voters, even Republicans. According to a The House of Representatives the legislation as Reuters/Ipsos national opinion gave final approval yesterday a critical response poll, conducted on March 8-9, to one of the largest economic to a pandemic that 70% of Americans support the stimulus measures in US plan, including a majority of history, a sweeping $1.9 trillion has killed more than Democrats and Republicans. COVID-19 relief bill that gives 528,000 people and Among Republicans, five out of President Joe Biden his first 10 say they support the plan, major victory in office. thrown millions while nine out of 10 Democrats The measure provides out of work. Biden supported it. $400bn for $1,400 direct pay- The legislation could have ments to most Americans, plans to sign the bill high stakes for both parties. If it The first box containing the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine heads down the conveyor to $350bn in aid to state and local succeeds in giving the economy tomorrow, the White an awaiting transport truck at the McKesson facility, amid the coronavirus disease outbreak, in governments, an expansion of a major boost, it also could the child tax credit and House said. improve Democrats’ political for- Shepherdsville, US, in this March 1, 2021 picture. increased funding for vaccine tunes as they attempt to hold distribution. for his signature before current onto their slim majorities in Con- Approval in the Demo- federal unemployment benefits gress going into the 2022 mid- US to build COVID-19 vaccine supply with cratic-controlled chamber expire on March 14. term elections. came without any Republican The House, which passed an Democrats hold a narrow 100 million additional doses of J&J shot support after weeks of partisan earlier version of the legislation, 221-211 majority in the House debate and wrangling in Con- needed to meet again to and, without Republican REUTERS — WASHINGTON States has already paid over $1bn track to meet that commitment,” gress. Democrats described the approve changes made in the support, could afford to lose the for 100 million doses from J&J spokesman Jake Sargent said. legislation as a critical response Senate over the weekend. votes of only a few of their The United States plans to and had an option to purchase J&J has come up short on its to a pandemic that has killed “There’s been a lot of talk about members. Some Democratic double its order of the single- an additional 200 million doses. shipments to the United States more than 528,000 people and this package being too large and lawmakers in the House had shot Johnson & Johnson coro- Biden has sought to speed this month, and expects to deliver thrown millions out of work. too expensive, but if there was criticized the changes in the bill navirus vaccine with an addi- up the vaccination process only 20 million of the 37 million “This is a historic day. It is ever a time to go big, this should made by the Senate. tional 100 million doses, the since taking office. As of doses it had originally promised the beginning of the end of the be it,” said Democratic Repre- The Senate had removed a White House said yesterday, Tuesday morning, more than to have ready by now. great COVID depression,” Dem- sentative Richard Neal. $15 per hour federal minimum building up supply in a bid to 123 million doses of coronavirus Merck will help with the ocratic Representative Jan The House rejected an effort wage increase by 2025; inoculate the full country soon. vaccines from the three final manufacturing steps called Schakowsky said. Biden plans by Republican Representative tightened the eligibility for President Joe Biden will authorized providers have been fill and finish — expected to be to sign the bill tomorrow, the Marjorie Taylor Greene to delay $1,400 direct payments, direct the Department of Health distributed in the United States up and running in May — and White House said. proceedings by asking for an capping them at those earning and Human Services to secure and 93.7 million shots admin- production of the vaccine itself. Republicans said the adjournment — something she below $80,000, cut the unem- the additional supply, a move istered, according to data from The United States approved measure was too costly and was has attempted four times since ployment insurance payment the company indicated had not the US Centers for Disease the Pfizer/BioNTech and packed with wasteful progressive taking office in January. to $300 per week from the yet happened. Biden is likely to Control and Prevention (CDC). Moderna Inc vaccines in priorities. They said the worst The House voted 235-149 House’s $400, and targeted highlight the issue at a meeting But J&J’s manufacturing has December, and those companies phase of the largest public health to plow ahead, with 40 Repub- some of the state and local gov- with the chief executives of J&J been slower than hoped, and it have been working to increase crisis in a century has largely licans joining Democrats in ernment aid to smaller and Merck & Co soon. Merck was not expected to deliver any their production since then. passed and the economy is rejecting Greene’s effort. communities. has agreed to partner with J&J vaccine doses this week. It is Pfizer and Moderna have headed toward a rebound. Although many Republicans The massive spending push to produce its vaccine. expected to resume shipments committed to supplying the “It’s the wrong plan at the supported coronavirus relief is seen as a major driver, “This order allows for the later in March. country with 120 million doses wrong time for so many wrong under former President Donald coupled with a quickening pace president to plan for the future,” “Last August, Johnson & and 100 million doses, respec- reasons,” Republican Repre- Trump’s administration, no of COVID-19 inoculations and White House COVID-19 adviser Johnson signed an agreement tively, by the end of March. sentative Jason Smith said. Republican lawmaker voted for a slowing infection rate, in a Andy Slavitt told reporters. “It with the US government to They have agreed to supply Democrats were eager to the bill in the House or Senate, rapidly brightening outlook for gives us maximum flexibility for deliver 100 million doses of our 300 million doses each by the get the final bill to Biden’s desk although polls have shown it is the nation’s economy. our upcoming needs.” The United COVID vaccine, and we are on end of July. Alaska becomes Michelle Obama hooked first US state to open vaccines on knitting and thinking to nearly all about retirement

AP — JUNEAU, ALASKA AP — WASHINGTON last May, along with her shift away from high-impact Alaska has become the first Michelle Obama is knitting and exercise and what she wants state to drop eligibility thinking about retiring from out of retirement. requirements for COVID-19 public life. The woman whose buffed vaccines and allow anyone 16 The former First Lady says biceps and exercise workouts or older who lives or works in in a new People magazine went viral during her time as the state to get a vaccine, Gov. interview that she picked up first lady said she taught herself Mike Dunleavy said Tuesday. knitting needles to pass time to be a better lap swimmer Dunleavy made the during the coronavirus pan- during quarantine “because I’m announcement after his own demic. And now she’s hooked. finding in my old age that the bout with COVID-19, which he “Knitting is a forever prop- high-impact stuff I used to do described as an inconvenience osition,” she said. “You don’t doesn’t work.” Michelle Obama and said underscored his own master knitting, because once is 57. desire to be vaccinated. A barista makes coffee for a customer while wearing a mask as the state of Texas lifts its mask you make a scarf, there’s the Now that Malia and Sasha He said he did not become mandate and allows businesses to reopen at full capacity amid COVID-19 pandemic in Houston, blanket. And once you do the are independent, young adults, severely ill but did not want “to Texas, US, yesterday. blanket, you’ve got to do the Mrs. Obama said she enjoys be laid up in the house again,” hat, the socks.” She’s working that their conversations have impact his family or possibly on her first crewneck sweater become more “peer-oriented spread the virus to others. He Texas sheds mask, occupancy curbs for her husband, former Pres- than they are mother-to- described expanding eligibility for ident Barack Obama. daughter.” “I’ve been telling my vaccines in Alaska as a “game REUTERS — TEXAS in Texas said they would still one dose of a vaccine, according “I’m figuring out how to daughters I’m moving towards changer,” particularly with the require that masks be worn in to the Centers for Disease make sleeves and a collar,” she retirement right now,” she said, summer tourist season looming Texans woke up yesterday with their stores. Still, some Control. County officials in said. “I could go on about adding that she’s choosing her and as the state seeks to rebuild a statewide mask mandate and expected to see standoffs regions where COVID patients knitting!” The former First Lady projects and chasing summer. its pandemic-tattered economy. occupancy restrictions in busi- between maskless customers take up 15% or more of hospital also talks about how the pan- Her new Netflix children’s Dr. Anne Zink, the state’s nesses lifted, a move some and store employees. beds for seven consecutive days demic helped her and her food show, “Waffles + Mochi,” chief medical officer, said offi- heralded as freedom and others Texas was one of the first can enact new mask and occu- husband reclaim “stolen premieres on Tuesday, and the cials were seeing open vaccine as foolishness. states to reopen its economy pancy restrictions, under moments” with Malia, 22, and Obama Presidential Center is appointments and wanted to On paper, Texas’ rollback after the first wave of pandemic Abbott’s order, but no regions Sasha, 19, who both returned under construction in Chicago. act to allow as many people of coronavirus mitigation cases last May, and the nation’s are currently in that situation. home from college to quarantine “Barack and I never want to who want a vaccine to get one. efforts is the most sweeping second most populous state led Austin’s city council voted with their parents at the family experience winter again,” Mrs. More appointments will be seen in the United States, along the way again last week when to still require masks — and homes in Washington and Mar- Obama said. “We’re building the added as vaccine is moved with a similar measure in Mis- Governor Greg Abbott dared state officials to sue the tha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. foundation for somebody else to around the state and addi- sissippi. In practice, vast swaths announced the relaxation amid city. The Texas Education Mrs. Obama also discusses continue the work so we can tional doses come in, she said. of Texas have rarely enforced declines in new daily COVID-19 Agency’s guidance for public what she says is the “low-grade retire and be with each other, Alaska has led states in the mask or occupancy mandates cases and with the rollout of schools is for the continued use depression” she experienced and Barack can golf too much, percentage of its population to in the past year, anyway. vaccines. of masks, while nursing homes during the pandemic lock- and I can tease him about golfing have received two doses of a Several major retailers, As of Sunday, 18% of the US in the state will not loosen downs and after George Floyd’s too much because he’s got COVID-19 vaccine, according grocery and restaurant chains population had received at least restrictions. killing by Minneapolis police nothing else to do.” to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker. The state last week vastly Court picks first four jurors for trial in George Floyd's death expanded eligibility to include those ages 55 to 64 and those 16 REUTERS — MINNEAPOLIS for nearly nine minutes. appeared to be white and in his football players to protest police was a 46-year-old Black man and older who are classified as Three jurors were seated on early 30s, said he tended to brutality by kneeling during the who grew up in Houston before essential workers, at or poten- A fourth juror was seated during Tuesday after saying they could think police made more trust- national anthem before games. moving to Minneapolis. tially at high risk for severe the second day of jury selection put aside their misgivings about worthy witnesses and were The judge is seeking to seat Prosecutors say Chauvin illness from COVID-19 or who yesterday in the trial of Derek Chauvin: A white man who is a more likely to testify based on 12 jurors and up to four alter- should face an additional charge live in multigenerational house- Chauvin, the former policeman chemist at an environmental facts rather than emotions. He nates. The trial on second- of third-degree murder over the holds or communities lacking facing criminal charges for his testing lab; a woman who also said that he had “strongly degree murder and man- objections of Chauvin’s defense in water or sewer systems. role in the death of George Floyd appeared to be of mixed race favorable” views of the Black slaughter charges is seen as a lawyers, a dispute that is being Groups from prior tiers during an arrest that caused an who said she was “super excited” Lives Matter movement. landmark case on police vio- hashed out in appeals courts included health care workers, outcry around the world. to serve on a jury; and a white “In my college years, I took lence against Black people in while the district court presses those 65 and older and teachers. Judge Peter Cahill of the man who works as an auditor. a couple of great courses fol- the United States, a country ahead with jury selection. Two approved vaccines require Hennepin County District Court After questions from Chau- lowing the Civil Rights where police officers are rarely Chauvin and the three other two doses. A third, requiring one has set aside three weeks to vin’s lead lawyer, Eric Nelson, movement, and they really just found to be criminally respon- officers who made the arrest shot, is being rolled out. The screen jurors, aware that most and a prosecutor from the Min- led me on the path of racial sible for killing civilians. were fired from the Minneapolis state has reported about 57,300 people have heard of Chauvin nesota attorney general’s office, injustice throughout our Chauvin, 44, is white, and Police Department the day after resident COVID-19 cases and and even seen the bystander’s a fourth juror was selected. history,” he told the court. He Floyd, who was being arrested Floyd’s death, which was ruled 301 related deaths since the start video showing him with his The man, who called said he was an avid sports fan on suspicion of using a coun- a homicide by the medical of the pandemic. knee on the dying Floyd’s neck himself a sales manager and and supported the right of Black terfeit $20 bill to buy cigarettes, examiner. THURSDAY 11 MARCH 2021 16

Qatar 2022 organisers participate in global accessibility discussion with UN rights council PRAYER TIMINGS THE PENINSULA — DOHA available around the clock by Mowasalat, through testing, evaluating, and con- PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING the country’s national taxi service sulting on plans before they are imple- The Supreme Committee for Delivery provider. mented to ensure the best outcomes,” & Legacy (SC) recently participated in Regarding the accessibility features said Al Meer. FAJR 04.31 am the 46th session of the United Nations of the venues set to host matches during As a result of ongoing consultations SUNRISE 05.48 am Human Rights Council (UNHRC). the tournament, Al Meer stated: “The through the Accessibility Forum, Al Meer Bodour Al Meer, the SC’s Sustainability heart of the tournament – the stadiums pointed to improvements made through DHUHR 11.44 am Director, took part in a panel discussion – have all the necessary facilities for eve- the provision of accessibility training to ASR 03.08 pm that focused on the rights of people ryone to have a great experience. This all-tournament volunteers, the upgrade MAGHRIB 05.42 pm with disabilities to have equitable includes getting to and from the stadium, of accessibility features at entertainment ISHA 07.12 pm access to sports activities, facilities, and watching the match from a comfortable venues across the country, and the events. seat, buying beverages, and something installation of sensory rooms in stadiums The two-hour session was chaired to eat. They also include assistance to provide a managed space for children by the President of the UNHRC H E through specially trained staff and with Autism. Nazhat Shameem Khan. It included a volunteers.” “The pace of development across series of video messages that discussed The SC established an Accessibility Qatar is truly remarkable, and our enabling persons with disabilities to par- Forum in 2016 to facilitate input and National Vision guides it for 2030, which ticipate in recreation, leisure, and sports user testing from the disabled com- sets out a blueprint for where we aim to on an equal basis. The Permanent munity in Qatar. “This forum is made be in just under ten years. This includes Mission of the State of Qatar to the UN up of 80 people from 25 different making sure that people with disabil- Bodour Al Meer, Sustainability Director supported the SC’s participation in the organisations and aims to ensure a ities are fully integrated and active par- WEATHER at the Supreme Committee for Delivery TODAY event. seamless fan experience for people ticipants across all aspects of society,” With under two years to go until the & Legacy. with disabilities during the tournament, Al Meer added. first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and the Arab world, Al Meer discussed Al Meer also discussed the availa- the many measures put in place to bility of accessible accommodation, ensure the tournament offers what she stating: “A range of accessible accom- described as “a safe, dignified and inde- modation options are available, o o pendent” experience for fans with dis- including accessible rooms at major 20 C 30 C abilities and limited mobility. international hotel chains, cabins Minimum Maximum “We are hard at work preparing for onboard moored cruise liners or Hazy at some places at first, the event to be as accessible as possible. apartment hotels.” becomes moderate temperature Our goal is for the event to be accessible “Once they’ve landed, fans will expe- daytime with scattered clouds at for all people,” said Al Meer before out- rience barrier-free access, accessible times, relatively cold by night. lining the different touchpoints of a per- check-in counters, accessible wash- W ALRUWAIS : 20o → 33o son’s journey, identified as part of the rooms, and specialised services, as well W ALKHOR : 16o → 30o tournament’s accessibility plans. as a dedicated lounge. This is something W DUKHAN : 19o → 25o Al Meer stated that FIFA will allocate that our stakeholders have been working W WAKRAH : 15o → 31o dedicated accessible seating for fans with hard to deliver – and will continue to disabilities or limited mobility at all sta- refine,” Al Meer added. W MESAIEED : 15o → 31o diums. Once fans have purchased tickets, Al Meer assured the audience that W ABUSAMRA : 20o → 24o Al Meer discussed how Qatar Airways fans with disabilities would enjoy the has several accessibility services to compact nature of the tournament by HIGH TIDE support all travellers. She also mentioned making use of the Doha Metro, which 03:48– 15:06 that tournament organisers are in touch boasts a fully accessible network across with the airline to ensure that passenger its 37 stations. LOW TIDE 11:22 – 22:08 services are fully optimised during Qatar Fans with disabilities, particularly 2022 to ensure a truly accessible wheelchair users, can also make use of Dedicated accessible seating will be allocated for fans with limited mobility at all experience. a growing fleet of accessible taxis, made stadiums. AI, global waste crisis themes of Fire Station exhibitions

RAYNALD C RIVERA THE PENINSULA

The Fire Station: Artist in Resi- dence, yesterday launched two exhibitions with diverse themes and works created using fresh mediums. “Keep Running: AI, Art and Qatari Heritage” was unveiled at Gallery 3 while “Mohammed LEFT: Dr. Jeremy D. Brown, President Atiq Al Dosari: Attention” of Global Studies Institute, during the opened at Gallery 4. press conference at Aspire Academy, Some of the mixed media artworks on show at “Mohammed Atiq Al Dosari: Attention” at Fire Dr. James She, an associate yesterday. ABOVE: Saqer Al Mejali, a Station at Gallery 4. BELOW: Horse paintings on display at “Keep Running: AI, Art and Qatari professor at Hamad Bin student of State University of New PICS: RAYNALD C RIVERA/THE PENINSULA Khalifa University, shows that Heritage” at Fire Station Gallery 3. York. PICS: ABDUL BASIT/ THE PENINSULA Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used not only for techno- logical advances but also for ASU academic programme creative purposes like art through his works being focuses on QNV 2030: Dr. Brown showcased at the “Keep Running: AI, Art and Qatari Heritage” exhibition. AYENI OLUSEGUN of the Qatar 2030 vision. We Dr. She provides a fresh THE PENINSULA know where Qatar wants to go, artistic take on horses – a vital and we know where the gaps element of culture and her- The Qatar National Vision 2030 might be in terms of jobs that itage of Qatar and the region (QNV 2030) is a core component might be needed. Our goal is to symbolising strength, per- of Arkansas State University’s (ASU) make a difference and train sistence and endurance. educational offerings in Qatar. The people for jobs that will exist in Using generative adver- school aims to develop skills and the future and provide high- sarial network (GAN) tech- prepare students for future jobs, quality education,” Dr. Brown nology, the artist made a series said Global Studies Institute Pres- said. of AI paintings that depict dis- ident Dr. Jeremy Brown during the “We want to create an envi- tinguishable features and official launch of its academic ronment where students can learn forms of horses while creating programme in Qatar. outside as well as inside the aesthetic value and even cap- The school, accredited by the classroom. With our liberal arts turing sentimental reactions Ministry of Education and Higher education system, we want to in each horse portrait. Education (MoEHE), is being facil- develop a vibrant student life to The human and machine in Brooklyn, New York last Found objects from advances and challenges. We itated by the GSI. Students will the educational experience,” he co-generated collection of year. various parts of Qatar are look forward to welcoming the take courses in real-time in des- added. equine paintings were made Al Dosari draws inspi- among the materials the artist wider community to explore ignated classrooms at the Aspire ASU uses live classroom tech- over the past year during Dr. ration from Indian philos- used in creating his body of these modern themes from a Zone from professors at the main nology, which ensures students She’s residency at the Fire opher Osho, using the waste work to emphasise on the refreshing perspective and to campus in the United States. The can speak up at any time and be Station as part of collaboration material to create something urgent theme of waste man- reconsider how we can each curriculum will follow the same seen and heard by the instructor with HBKU. beautiful and to raise agement crisis facing the play our part in alleviating the plan as taught in the United States. and other students in the class. Qatari artist Mohammed awareness of the global chal- world today. global waste crisis.” GSI currently facilitates three According to the Ministry of Edu- Atiq Al Dosari, on the other lenge of waste. Khalifa Al Obaidly, Both exhibitions are open US universities, including the cation and Higher Education hand, examines the detri- In his practice, he uses Director of Fire Station, said: for public viewing with State University of New York (MoEHE) in Qatar, Qatar’s stu- mental impact of waste on the simple elements, ordinary “The Fire Station is delighted COVID19 safety protocols until (SUNY), University of Southern dents have to attend classes for environment during his resi- tools, and cheap materials to to unveil two incredibly April 7, from 9am to 7pm Sat- Carolina, and ASU. their degrees to be recognized in dency at the International create pieces that explore the thought-provoking exhibitions urdays to Thursdays and from ASU, founded in 1909, has the country. Studio & Curatorial Program ideas of time and place. that explore current global 1.30pm to 7pm on Fridays. over 14,000 students currently The school currently has 20 enrolled in the school and over students on its roster, with the 100,000 alumni. Students in average fees at QR70,000 per Qatar can apply for Bachelor of session for full-time students. US returns 280 pre-Hispanic archaeological pieces to Mexico Science in Engineering Man- Qatari student Saqer Al Mejali agement Systems, Bachelor of who studies Cybersecurity at REUTERS — MEXICO CITY Mexico City where they will be studied tools like stone axes. The government did Science in Digital Innovation, and SUNY, said: “This is my first year and cataloged, the government said in a not include details on the seizure of the Masters of Science in Educational here, and I think the American Mexico has received 280 pre-Hispanic statement on Tuesday evening. They will assets. Leadership. system will help me achieve my archaeological pieces that were in the eventually join INAH’s permanent col- “These archaeological assets were “We chose programmes that goals. I am interested in cyberse- United States, amid efforts by authorities lection of movable archaeological assets. stolen from various archaeological sites are in demand not just in Qatar curity because it will benefit the to recover part of the country’s cultural The first batch of 270 artifacts, which in the state of Sonora,” the government but globally, such as digital community in developing many heritage, the Mexican government said. was seized by U.S. immigration officials said. The pre-Hispanic era refers to the designs and technology and man- ideas and ways to make the world The pieces are at the National Institute in 2012, includes pre-Hispanic pieces, time prior to the Spanish conquests in the aging technology. We are mindful a better place.” of Anthropology and History (INAH) in mostly carved stone artifacts, as well as Western Hemisphere.