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basketball THE FIRST ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAILY IN FREE KUWAIT Page 14 Established in 1977 / www.arabtimesonline.com Page 16

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 7-8, 2021 / RAMADAN 25-26, 1442 AH emergency number 112 NO. 17683 16 PAGES 150 FILS Key talks with Iran, Saudi ongoing Saudi Crown Prince holds talks with Abu Dhabi counterpart

BAGHDAD, May 6, (AP): Iraq’s president said on though Iranian officials have alluded to them and welcomed the discus- sions. Wednesday that his country recently hosted direct Iran and Saudi Arabia have long been regional rivals. Relations wors- Opinion talks between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran ened considerably in 2016, when Riyadh removed its diplomats after pro- on more than one occasion, the first public recogni- testers attacked its embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad in retali- tion of Baghdad’s role as mediator. ation for the kingdom executing a prominent Shiite cleric, Nimr al-Nimr. The first round of talks between Riyadh and Tehran took place early last Also: month, Iraq’s President Barham Salih said during an interview broadcast Field day for the corrupt … live by the Beirut Institute, a think tank. He said talks have since occurred JEDDAH: The Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister “more than once,” describing the discussions as ongoing, “important and of Defense Prince Mohammad bin Salman held talks on Wednesday with significant.” the visiting Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, the UAE Deputy Supreme Com- blowing into a torn bagpipe It marked the first time that an Iraqi official publicly confirmed the talks mander of the Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, had occurred. Salih did not comment when asked what the fruits of the on relations between the two brotherly countries. talks had been. Official saudi Press Agency (SPA) said Prince Mohammad welcomed Saudi Arabia has sought talks with Iran as the kingdom tries to end the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and his accompanying delegation, adding By Ahmed Al-Jarallah gravity of the crisis in which the country its years-long war in Yemen against Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Tehran, that Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed relayed greetings of the UAE President Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times is submerging into last? Why do those in meanwhile, appears to have calculated that a gradual detente with Riyadh, a Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan addressed to King Salman bin Ab- charge allow the corrupt to have a field long-time US ally, will work in its favor during renewed nuclear talks with dulaziz. In turn, the saudi Crown Prince Mohammad requested convey of he measures taken by the govern- day? salutes from King Salman to the UAE president. ment to combat the COVID-19 Washington and world powers. T Could there be someone dreaming of For Iraq, hosting the talks is seen as a significant step for Baghdad, which The news agency added that the two sides during the meeting examined pandemic have exceeded the scope of ushering Kuwait into the Guinness Book has consistently sought to play the role of a regional mediator. Salih echoed the cooperation in various sectors in addition to various regional and inter- confusion and have landed on the circle for the errors and conflicting decisions that, saying that “for Iraq to be able to play that convenient role between national affairs. of disaster. that have been made so far? these regional actors is important.” Senior officials from the two sides attended the meeting, which was held Last year, the government introduced It is as if we are not in the midst of this Neither Iran nor Saudi Arabia have confirmed that the talks took place, shortly after the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince arrived in Jeddah, earlier today. pandemic that the whole world is endur- the “Kuwait Traveler’’ (Mosafer) app to ing without exception … It is as if we are carry out transactions to facilitate travel in a race between those benefiting from into and out of the country. Even though the status quo and those looting the pub- people got fed up with it after they were lic fund, while restraining the general left stranded in the world’s airports, an- public with more failed, or rather futile, other scandal occurred through the gov- measures. ernment’s recent decision which is a clear Various countries have taken gradual indication of the absence of a proper plan, and realistic precautions that helped in and of the confusion, as if the executive overcoming the crisis and mitigating the authority lacks constitutional and legal damages it left on their economies. As it experts. appears, Kuwait is the only country that is The decision prevented citizens from going through a series of successive scan- entering the country without fulfilling dals, which have put us in an unenviable certain conditions which lack constitu- situation and rendered us into becoming a tional merit. The decision also prevented laughing stock among countries. citizens from traveling outside the coun- For more clarity about the confusion try except after completing the vaccina- we are facing, it is enough to peruse the tion procedures, and this also lacks con- reports of the State Audit Bureau which stitutional merit. exposed the squandering of the public This begs us to wonder if our govern- funds and the corruption in terms of the ment is protecting other countries that purchase of face masks or sanitizers and opened its doors to all Kuwaitis, from the other medical supplies. assumption held by the concerned min- Furthermore, the most embarrassing ister that all of them are infected … Or scandal is the one related to the rewards is Kuwait alone suffering from this pan- allocated for the front-liners. The list of demic? those who deserve such perks includes al- Frankly speaking, these decisions do most everyone who had no active role in not protect or preserve lives, but instead fighting the pandemic. increase their suffering, and put more In fact, it appears like there is a race to financial, sociological and even psycho- gain from the public funds, be it the MPs logical burden on people. or the ministers who are supposed to, by This is due to the fact that these mea- default, be keen about preserving the na- sures lack scientific merits and wisdom tional wealth, instead of exploiting any to preserve lives and public money. They loophole to achieve more forbidden gains also deviate from the sound measures tak- that continue to push the economy to the en by other countries in this regard. edge. The fact is that the economy contin- Unfortunately, the government is not ues to weaken as a result of the negative hearing or rather heeding to the agonizing impacts imposed by the pandemic glob- voices on the streets. It seems as if what ally, rendering the economy to shrink is being published, written and said in further. Various scandals and violations have regard to criticisms and advice are being blown into a torn bagpipe. In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, medical staff treat a girl who was injured in an Israeli missile strike, at a been exposed and are continued to be ex- hospital in the coastal province of Latakia, Syria, May 5. Syria’s state media said Israeli missiles struck locations in northwestern towns early posed daily through the press and social Is it to this extent that you take light Wednesday, killing one person and wounding six. (AP) media. In fact, journalists, activists and of the destinies of people? We appeal to experts expound on clarifying and refut- the compassionate political leadership to ing them, but as it appears, one ear of the settle this matter because the government executive authority is filled with clay and is apparently deaf, blind and dumb. KFH QI profi t surges 12.9% to KD 50mn the other with dough. Email: [email protected] The series of confusion and violations continue, as if someone is in a contest Follow me on: — Details Page 9 — with himself. The scope of the scandals continues to expand to involve all state institutions. This leads us to the question – How long will such unawareness of the [email protected] Queries on bank accounts

Newswatch MP questions suspicious remittances By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh tions or individuals, date of opening the Arab Times Staff bank accounts, who is managing these ac- KUWAIT CITY: Kuwaiti astronomer Dr of 100. The scale ranks countries between counts, and if these accounts are subject Saleh Al-Ujairi said yesterday according zero, which is “highly corrupt,” and 100, KUWAIT CITY, May 6: MP Hassan to the rules of monitoring institutions. New virus cases to astronomical scientifi c standards, the for “very clean.” (AP) Jawhar asked Minister of Defense Sheikh National Assembly Speaker Marzouq fi rst days of Shawwal and Eid Al-Fitr this ❑ ❑ ❑ Hamad Jaber Al-Ali and to Minister of Al-Ghanim praised the speech of His year will be – God willing – Thursday, CAIRO: The US envoy for the Horn of Justice and Minister of State for Nazaha Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ah- May 13, reports Al-Seyassah daily. Africa on Wednesday met with the Egyp- Enhancement Abdullah Al-Rumi about mad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on the occasion consistently high Al-Ujairi stated according to the as- tian president as part of Washington’s the rumors spread on social media and of the last 10 days of the holy month of tronomical calculations in Kuwait time new push to fi nd a resolution to a regional other media platforms that the Amiri Ramadan. the crescent on Tuesday, May 11, will be decade-long dispute over Ethiopia’s mas- Diwan sent a letter to the Judicial Com- Al-Ghanim said His Highness the KUWAIT CITY, May 6, (Agencies): Kuwait’s Ministry of born at 10:01 pm and the sun will set on sive dam on the Nile River’s main tribu- mittee at the Ministries Court stating HH Amir highlighted the most difficult chal- Health has announced recording 1,451 new coronavirus in- Wednesday, May 12 at 6.31 pm, while the tary. the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad lenges that Kuwait is currently facing, on fections and nine related deaths in the past 24 hours. moon sets on the same day at 7.10 pm. Jeffrey Feltman arrived in Cairo on Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was aware of the sus- top of which are strengthening security The new figures take the total cases in the country up to He indicated the calendar calculations Tuesday on the fi rst leg of a tour that in- picious remittances mentioned in the Ku- and ensuring stability. He affirmed that 280,536 and deaths to 1,610 respectively, noted the min- show the moon will be seen on Wednes- cludes stops in Eritrea, Ethiopia and Su- wait Army Fund lawsuit involving former day, May 12, for 39 minutes after sunset. His Highness the Amir sent a clear mes- istry’s spokesman Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad in statements to dan amid growing concerns the dispute Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak sage when he emphasized he will never KUNA on Wednesday. He pointed out the Al-Ujairi Scientifi c could escalate into a military confl ict, Foundation calculates the times accord- and other senior officials. allow anyone to manipulate the stability He pointed out that some 1,512 more people had been threatening the entire region. Jawhar pointed out that since former of Kuwait. cured of the virus over the past day, raising the total of those ing to astronomical scientifi c standards On Wednesday, Feltman met with and sent good wishes to HH the Amir and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of He added His Highness the Amir who have overcome the disease to 264,094. Egyptian President President Abdel Fat- Defense the late Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al- specified the ways to maintain social and HH the Crown Prince and the citizens and tah el-Sissi, who reiterated his warnings He added that the number of people hospitalized with the residents on his blessed occasion. Ahmad referred the violations of Kuwait political stability by strengthening social virus currently stands at 14,832, with 205 of them in inten- that Cairo will not tolerate any moves by Army Fund to the Public Prosecution ❑ ❑ ❑ Addis Ababa that could reduce Egypt’s unity, cooperation between authorities, sive care units. share of water from the Nile because of on Nov 14, 2019; and since HH the late peaceful dialogue, democracy and reject- Al-Sanad revealed that some 9,428 swab tests were con- DUBAI: Qatar’s public prosecutor has Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber ing the causes of crises. ordered the arrest of the fi nance minis- the Grand Ethiopia Renaissance Dam. ducted over the last day, bringing the total to 2,370,265. (AP) Al-Sabah passed away on Sept 29, 2020 He pointed out that the warning of His ter, state-run media reported Thursday, to – eight months after referring the file to He renewed calls for nationals and expatriates alike to ❑ ❑ ❑ Highness the Amir against paying atten- abide by health precautions to curb the spread of the virus. question him over alleged abuse of power the prosecution, he asked the following: tion to rumors spread on social media is and misuse of public funds in the energy- CAIRO: The Ethiopian Al-Nahda dam Total amount of suspicious remittances essential and reflects His Highness’ keen- While the Ministry of Health (MoH) ‘Immunity’ ap- rich state. question is an extensional issue for Egypt and embezzled funds in the lawsuit involv- ness to avoid anything which targets the plication has begun to grant people who have received a The Qatar News Agency did not pro- and it will not accept acts designed to un- ing former Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber stability of the nation. single dose of the “AstraZeneca-Oxford” vaccine a cer- vide other details about the investigation, dermine its water resources, President Ab- Al-Mubarak and other senior officials. He said a part of the speech of His tificate of vaccination against the Coronavirus, without and the nature of the case against Ali del Fattah el-Sisi affi rmed on Wednes- receiving the second dose of the same vaccine or setting Sharif al-Emadi, who has served fi nance Did the Amiri Diwan send any letter Highness the Amir addressed the youths, day. in this regard to the judicial panel at the because they play a vital role in realizing an appointment for it, health officials informed the Al- minister since 2013, was not immediately The Presidency offi cial spokesperson, Qabas daily that the vaccination certificate will provide clear. Al-Emadi rose to prominence in the Ministries Court, Public Prosecution or the aspirations of the nation; taking into Ambassador Bassam Radi, said the presi- other concerned institutions from Nov consideration that they are the corner- the bearer a host of advantages related to travel or enter- Gulf Arab emirate of Qatar after oversee- dent renewed the state stance toward the ing some facilities. ing the growth of Qatar National Bank for dam issue during a meeting with the visit- 14, 2019 to Sept 29, 2020? If yes, the stone of sustainable development. years. ing US envoy for the African Horn, Jef- lawmaker demanded for copies of these He then implored Allah to protect Ku- These officials said the certificate will allow the bearer to The statement said authorities were in- frey Feltman. letters. wait, His Highness the Amir, His High- travel, especially since the Cabinet’s has issued a decision vestigating reported crimes related to his Egypt has always sought to reach a bal- Did the Amiri Diwan send any corre- ness the Crown Prince Mishal Al-Ahmad saying those who opt to travel must have received the vac- public role. Arrests of such a high-ranking anced and fair agreement that achieves its spondence to the aforementioned institu- Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the people of Ku- cine at least five weeks prior to the date of travel after receiv- offi cials on suspicion of corruption are interests, those of Sudan and Ethiopia, tions after Sept 29, 2020? If yes, Jawhar wait. ing the first dose or two weeks after receiving the second rare in Qatar. Sisi said. demanded for copies of these correspon- In another development, MP Abdullah dose. Corruption remains rampant in Gulf Cairo is still seeking to reach a legally dences. Al-Turaiji forwarded queries to Minister They added that this condition is the same as required to Arab sheikhdoms fl ush with petrodol- compelling agreement to fi ll and operate He also asked Minister of Finance and of Interior Sheikh Thamer Ali Al-Sabah allow cinema entry, starting with Eid Al-Fitr. lars and in the wider Middle East. In its Al-Nahda dam through negotiations under Minister of State for Economic and In- about the recent ministerial decision to 2020 corruption perceptions index, which the aegis of the African Union, the egyp- vestment Affairs Khalifa Hamada about allow expatriates, who violated the Resi- surveys economic experts about the per- tian president added. the bank accounts registered by the Office dency Law, to rectify their status. He Ramadan Timings ceived level of public sector corruption, He underscored necessity of the inter- of the Prime Minister or special expendi- wants to know the number of violators corruption watchdog Transparency Inter- national role to resolve the crisis, also not- tures of the Prime Minister from 2012 who have not rectified their status and Iftar ...... Friday ...... 18:28 national listed Qatar among the least cor- ing the vital American role in this respect. to 2018 in and outside the country. He are still in Kuwait, their nationalities, and Imsak ...... Saturday ...... 03:23 rupt in the region, with a score of 63 out (KUNA) wants to know if the bank accounts are measures taken against them and their Iftar ...... Saturday ...... 18:29 official or personal, beneficiary institu- sponsors. Imsak ...... Sunday ...... 03:22 ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 7-8, 2021 2

Author Maalouf analyses events that have reshaped the region

he Emirates Literature Foundation today released the full session recent festival, and encourages viewers to which supports and nurtures a love of literature in the United Arab Trecording of eminent author Amin Maalouf’s recent appearance at subscribe for notifi cations when new videos Emirates and the region, through a programme of varied cultural initia- the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. The discussion is an expan- are released. tives. sion of his latest book, the acclaimed Adrift: How Our World Lost Its The Emirates Airline Festival of Litera- Established in 2013 by Royal Decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Way, in which Maalouf addresses global warming, globalisation and ture is the fl agship event of the Emirates Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Min- digitalisation. The session is in English with Arabic subtitles, and is Literature Foundation and Middle East’s ister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Foundation aims to foster a available in its entirety on the Emirates Literature Foundation’s You- largest celebration of the written and spoken love for literature, with a focus on the Arabic language. Tube channel. word. More information about the Founda- In line with the National Reading Policy of the UAE, the Founda- Ahlam Bolooki, Festival Director, said: “We are delighted to contin- tion can be found on their website, Face- tion has implemented several long-term projects including the School ue to make literary conversations and experiences available to a wider book, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, and Librarian of the Year Award, Kateb Maktub, and From the Inside Out, audience, locally, across the region and the wider world, at a time when on the Foundation’s two podcasts, the Best as well as conducting year-round student education programmes, book we need it more than ever.” of Emirates LitFest and the Boundless Book clubs and creative writing courses. The Foundation’s previous initia- The recording of the Festival session is the fi rst in a series of videos Maalouf Club. #EmiratesLitFest fans can check out tives included the 2020 International Literary Festivals Conference, from international and local authors that the Foundation will be mak- Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for year- 2016 Dubai Translation Conference and the 2017 Dubai International ing available to the public for free. This includes fi lmed panels with round Festival updates. Publishing Conference. Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai and English poet Lemn Sissay. About the Emirates Literature Foundation: The Foundation is also the governing body of the Emirates Airline The Foundation is also sharing a series of author interviews from the The Emirates Literature Foundation is a not-for-profi t organisation Festival of Literature, the UAE’s premier literary festival.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman A great success is led by vision National transformation embodies Saudi identity

By Khalid bin Abdul Karim Al-Jasir ohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz, the exceptional Saudi crown Numbers back March predictions Mprince, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence painted a beautiful image of the future with successful fi gures and amazing achievements, in and out of Saudi Arabia. The Crown Prince’s excep- tionality is refl ected in the fi ve-year anniversary of the Saudi 2030 vi- sion, which is the world’s biggest national transformation movement Habtoor remains positive on UAE outlook that embodied our Saudi identity and enabled us to grow stronger and more sophisticated by opening up to the world. This ambitious vision halaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Founding solid with high occupancy rates already made internal challenges of the efforts of all government agencies easy KChairman of Al Habtoor Group (AHG), achieved.” and built invaluable experiences. The vision’s one of the largest privately-owned business In its latest report, hospitality data and ana- goal is to enable infrastructure, built institu- conglomerates in the region, said his earlier lytics specialist, STR showed a rebound in tional, legislative, and policy structures, and predictions for UAE economic growth in 2021 hotel occupancy rates in the UAE in the fi rst empowering initiatives. The next phase will have “exceeded expectations”, as per recent quarter of 2021, particularly in Dubai, which focus on pursuing implementation, advancing data published by the International Monetary recorded the highest occupancy rates in the delivery, and promoting greater citizen and Fund (IMF), STR, and the Central Bank of the world in March. The report showed Dubai oc- private sector participation. UAE (UAECB). cupancy rates rose to more than 60 per cent in Crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Habtoor said, “The UAE has once again March 2021, one of the strongest performance was tying the loose ends with the Kingdom’s shown its resilience. My country’s ability to markets in the world. foreign and regional policies despite its abun- navigate the challenges around COVID-19 “This healthy performance is refl ected in dance. His Highness described Saudis as “ the is highly commendable. Global economic all the sectors of business we are operating in, strongest”, and that they “fear only Allah.” growth was already on the decline in all re- including our automotive and car leasing di- The Crown Prince achieved what he prom- gions of the world in 2019, and COVID added visions.” Al Habtoor added. “Consumers are ised by eradicating extremism and terrorism signifi cant pressure. However, the economic spending again, and confi dence has returned in after the country had been targeted by those Al-Jasir recovery in the UAE has been on the upward the UAE.” entities who wanted to disturb the Kingdom trajectory since Q3 last year. We continue to He concluded, “This good performance in of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America relationship, ignoring see pockets of positive growth, and as a result, Q1 of 2021 is only the beginning. I am expect- the fact that they have been in a strategic partnership for more than 80 real GDP is forecast to hit, or exceed, 3 per ing double-digit growth across the board in our years. That said, differences often occur in any country with the election cent this year.” Group. With more than 10.66 million people of new presidents, but - praise be to God — there is a 90% Saudi agree- The IMF has forecasted in its World Eco- vaccinated in the country, we are well on the ment with President Biden’s administration, as His Highness explained. nomic Outlook the UAE economy to grow way to returning to normal life. Proving one Saudi Arabia will not accept any pressure to interfere in its internal 3.1 per cent in 2021, observing that the global more time that the United Arab Emirates is the affairs, and that Saudi Arabia works globally,” he says: “We are working growth outlook “hinges on how effectively safest place on earth for businesses and inves- to maintain our strategic partnership with our partners in the region, to economic policies deployed under high uncer- tors.” strengthen our alliances with other countries and to create new partner- tainty can limit lasting damage from the crisis.” Source: IMF, CBUAE, STR, DLD ships.” to cut off any activities that might hinder the Saudi progress, The UAECB is forecasting further growth next About Al Habtoor Group such as terrorism supported by Iran, which he considered a neighbor year with the UAE’s economy seen climbing Al Habtoor Group, headquartered in the and give them a “peace offer” on a golden platter. Iran must accept the to 3.5 per cent in 2022. Al Habtoor United Arab Emirates (UAE), is one of the presence of the Houthi militia on the borders of the Kingdom, the pres- Speaking about the diverse industries that and Q1 2019 respectively; surpassing pre- region’s largest and most respected con- ence of Hezbollah, and others in Arab countries. The relationship with AHG operates in, Al Habtoor said, “The fi rst COVID transactions and suggesting that con- glomerates. Founded in 1970 by Khalaf Iran depends on them changing their negative behaviors, working to fi nd quarter of 2021 has seen extensive growth in fi dence is restored. Ahmad Al Habtoor, the Group has grown in solutions to these problems, and enhancing this relationship to benefi t the real estate division of the Group, achieving unison with the UAE and today has a diverse both parties. a signifi cant surge in the volume of sales com- On the hospitality sector, Al Habtoor portfolio of successful business operating in Last but not least, his Highness was a man of his word, adding: “Our pared to the same time before COVID.” said, “All our hotels in the UAE are per- key economic (hospitality, automotive, real Saudi identity is strong and growing in strength and development by According to the Real Estate Bulletin issued forming extremely well. We have witnessed estate, and education). Al Habtoor Group openness, and that those with a weak identity are the ones who are afraid by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), Dubai a very healthy first quarter and are expect- has an unwavering commitment to excel- to open up to the world. Saudis might worry but never afraid, as fear real estate transactions soared 27 per cent and ing a great second half of the year. Our base lence, applied throughout all its units. www. does not exist in their mentality.” 47 per cent in Q1 2021 compared to Q1 2020 business for the remainder of 2021 is very habtoor.com

editor’s choice ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 7-8, 2021 3

Weather Expected weather for the next By Night: Rather hot to fair and Kuwait Airport 41 23 Prayer Timings 24 hours: relatively humid over coastal areas Abdaly 42 27 By Day: Hot with light to mod- with light to moderate south east- Jahra 42 26 Fajr ...... 03:35 Asr ...... 15:20 erate freshening at times south erly wind to south westerly wind Salmiyah 36 26 Sunrise .. 05:02 Maghrib ...18:28 westerly wind to south easterly with speeds of 12-35 km/h and Ahmadi 38 29 Zohr ...... 11:45 Isha ...... 19:51 wind with speeds of 10-40 km/h some scattered clouds will appear. Nuwaisib 44 22 and some scattered clouds will Station Max Exp Min Rec Wafra 41 26 appear. Kuwait City 40 29 Salmy 40 24

VACCINE REGISTRATION WEBSITE: https://cov19vaccine.moh.gov.kw/SPCMS/CVD_19_Vaccine_Registration.aspx

Mabanee Co rallies 24 fils, Zain closes unchanged Kuwait extends gains as volume surges past 700 mln mark By John Mathews 3.660. Kuwait National Cinema Co soared 72 12.42 percent, the steepest decliner of the day Kuwait International Bank added 3 fils after Arab Times Staff fils to 936 fils whereas United Projects Co skid and Ahli United Bank BSC continued to top pushing 8.6 million shares and Boubyan Bank ■ US$/KD 0.30135/45 39 fils. the volume with 85.4 million. held ground at 667 fils. KUWAIT CITY, May 6: Kuwait stocks headed Sector bellwether National Bank of Kuwait Reflecting the day’s gains, the winners out- Warba Bank inched 1 fil higher to 256 fils ▲ Euro/KD 0.3631 north on Thursday to wind up the week on a eased 1 fil to 827 fils whereas Kuwait Finance numbered the losers. 66 stocks advanced and Ahli United Bank BSC scaled 6 fils with buoyant note. The All Shares Index climbed House stood pat at 726 fils after pushing 5.3 whereas 56 closed lower. Of the 141 counters heavy trading. Al Ahli Bank tripped 1 fil and ■ Yen/KD 0.0027 19.51 points in volatile trade to 6,252.48 million shares and is up 55 fils year-to-date. active on Thursday, 19 closed flat. 20,691 Ahli United Bank Kuwait was up 6 fils at 293 points extending its gains to fifth straight ses- KIPCO rose 4 fils to 161 fils and National deals worth KD 111.76 million were transacted fils. ▲ British £/KD 0.4195 sion. Investment Co took in 2 fils on back of over 2 during the session. Kuwait Investment Co was flat at 204 fils The Premier Market scaled 23.18 points to million shares. National Industries Group climbed 14 fils to and International Financial Advisors scaled 8 ■ Indian Rs/KD 0.0041 close at 6,781 pts taking the month’s gains to Zain was unchanged at 601 fils after moving 224 fils with brisk trading and Gulf Cable s fils on back of over 28 million shares. First 158 pts while Main Market rose 11.57 points. 4.7 million shares whereas Ooredoo added 3 darted 28 fils to 845 fils. Boubyan Petrochemical Investment rose 4.3 fils to 86.3 fils with a vol- ■ Philippines Peso/KD 0.0063 The BK Main 50 was up 23.09 points at fils. stc fell 3 fils to 884 fils and logistics major Co was unchanged at 920 fils and Al Qurain ume of 34.6 million and KMEFIC inched 1 fil 5,433.71 pts. The volume turnover meanwhile Agility was down 19 fils at KD 1.078 partly Petrochemical Co dialed down 2 fils. Integrated higher. The Coast Investment Co added 4.6 fils. surged past the 700 million mark to hit a multi- erasing last session’s robust gains. Mezzan Holding eased 1 fils 412 fils whereas Aznour Noor Financial Investment Co clipped 2 fils ▲ FTSE +10.86 pts at 13:30 hr, May 06 year high. Over 719 million shares changed Holding sprinted 15 fils to 615 fils on back of dialed up 1 fil. and Tamdeen Investment dropped 14 fils to 241 hands – a 36 percent jump from the day before. over 2 million shares and Boursa Kuwait Jazeera Airways and ALACO gave up 5 fils fils. KFIC climbed 9 fils to 99 fils and Unicap ▲ Nikkei The sectors closed mixed. Consumer Securities closed 3 fils in red. each to close at 675 fils and 230 fils respec- gained 5.4 fils. KAMCO gave up 2 fils whereas +518.74 pts at closing May 06 Services outshone the rest with 1.48 pct gain The market opened firm and rose sharply in tively while Educational Holding Co skidded Bayan Investment Co paused at 60 fils . Al whereas Insurance sector shed 1.18 percent, the early trade. The main index vacillated between 35 fils to 665 fils. Kuwait Cement Co slipped Ahleia Insurance Co jumped 29 fils to 487 fils ▲ Gold 1793.15 per oz (London) worst performer of the session. Volume wise, troughs and crests before scaling the day’s 6 fils to 256 fils erasing last session’s gains and Ajial Real Estate paced 10 fils. National Financial Services topped with 322.6 million highest level of 6,278 pts almost half way into whereas Kuwait Portland Cement paused at Real Estate fell 3 fils to 188 fils and Salhia shares while Banking sector dominated in value the session. It headed south thereafter to bottom 900 fils. Metal and Recycling Co dropped 7 fils Real Estate erased 9 fils. ▼ NYMEX crude $65.51 per barrel with KD 38.9 million. at 6,249 pts in the final minutes and managed to 172 fils and Kuwait Foundry Co retreated 6 The market was upbeat during the week. In the individual shares, Mabanee Co rallied to claw back to close with modest gains. fils. The main index closed higher in all five ses- ▼ Brent crude $68.89 per barrel 24 fils to 741 fils extending Wednesday’s Top gainer of the day, Securities House ral- In the banking sector, Gulf Bank took in 2 sions gaining 139 points week-on-week. It had gains and Humansoft Holding too continued lied 22.83 pct to 72.1 fils and Ektittab Holding fils on back of over 11 million shares and rallied 337 points during whole of April and is LIBOR rate 0.17538% its winning spree with a 60 fils jump to KD sprinted 20.97 pct to stand next. UPAC skidded Burgan Bank followed suit to end at 227 fils. up 706 points year-to-date. Privileges aplenty for anti-virus vaccinated ‘Pfizer’ in new health zones

KUWAIT CITY, May 6: After cinations per center. the recent decision issued by The opening of these centers will reduce the pressure on the Kuwait the Council of Ministers to ban Vaccination Center in the exhibition citizens who have not been vac- grounds in Mishref where more than cinated against coronavirus 20,000 people who registered on the plat- from traveling starting from form for COVID-19 vaccination are received per day. The coming period will May 22, it is now clear that witness the opening of new health centers people who got vaccinated will in all regions. enjoy many privileges in It is worth mentioning that the Pfizer Kuwait and abroad; especially vaccine will be administered only in the Kuwait Vaccination Center in the exhibi- since many countries have tion grounds in Mishref, as its storage announced these privileges, requires very cold temperature in the reports Al-Rai daily. range of minus-70 degrees. Following are the most important In a related context, the number of vac- privileges so far: cinated people in Kuwait reached more 1. Provision of services in some com- than one million and 150 thousand, mercial establishments for those who got accounting for 28 percent of the popula- two doses of the vaccine. tion. 2. Cancellation of the requirement to The sources said they expect the num- undergo tests upon return from travel for ber of vaccinated people in the country to those who got vaccinated and those who increase in the coming period, especially KUNA photo recovered from the disease. with the inauguration of the new centers, Deputy Chief of Kuwait’s National Guard (KNG) Lieutenant General Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is briefed on the pro- as well as the mobile vaccination center cedure to access appointment app. 3. Quarantine exemption for those vac- cinated who are coming from low-risk on Jaber Bridge from mid of May. countries. They indicated that 5,000 people are Anti-Covid center opened ‘Some obstacles remain’ 4. Countries intend to approve the pro- expected to be vaccinated daily. posed issuance of vaccination certificates It is noteworthy that the number of to allow those holding such certificates to people who received the COVID-19 vac- attend public events like sports competi- cination in the world has reached about KNG pledges ‘support’ Filipino workers arrival delayed tions and parties. one billion and 190 million so far. In another development in the health KUWAIT CITY, May 6: Chairperson of carefully read the entire tripartite employ- 5. Permission to pray in mosques for those who have been vaccinated. field, the Ministry of Health affirmed that for State during crises Kuwait Domestic Labor Union (KUDLO) ment contract before signing it in order to it is not permissible to dispense any psy- Khaled Al-Dakhnan said certain issues know their obligations, duties and rights. He 6. Permission to travel through the KUWAIT CITY, May 6, (KUNA): Deputy Chief of might delay the arrival of new Filipino warned that signing the contract means they issuance of ‘green’ passports for vacci- chotropic substances five days after the Kuwait’s National Guard (KNG) Lieutenant General Sheikh domestic workers; such as the requirement must adhere to all the terms stipulated there- nated passengers. date of their release. Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Wednesday for a new employee, who never worked in in, confirming the contract is based on 7. Ease entry restrictions for fully vac- According to a letter issued by the affirmed that the KNG is keen on harnessing all human and any of the Gulf countries before, to com- Domestic Labor Law No. 68/2015. cinated tourists. Director of the Medicine Inspection material capabilities to support all state’s bodies in crises Department at the Ministry of Health plete a training course in a specialized insti- He pointed out that tremendous efforts Also: and emergencies. tute, reports Al-Jarida daily. were exerted to push for resumption of the Adel Al-Salem, a pharmacist is obligated This came in a press statement made by Sheikh Ahmad Speaking to the daily, Al-Dakhnan recruitment of new workers, so everyone KUWAIT CITY: The Ministry of Health to verify the date of validity of the license Nawaf that was issued by the KNG while inaugurating the revealed that the number of workers attend- must abide by the law and the employment has completed the installation of special for psychotropic substances when receiv- anti-coronavirus vaccination center, with the aim of backing ing one session was reduced due to the contracts to ensure the continuation of the refrigerators and freezers to store the ing these drugs. He must make sure of the the state’s efforts to control the coronavirus pandemic. corona pandemic and this was reflected in decision to lift the employment ban and no Pfizer Biontech vaccine in five health prescription data for psychotropic sub- The center will contribute to alleviating pressures on the the reduction of job requests. problems arise in the future. He said the centers, one in each health zone. This stances, and the presence of the seal of Ministry of Health and accelerating vaccinating both citi- He added another obstacle that slows union is keen on protecting the rights of marks the launch of the campaign to control of licenses for narcotic drugs and zens and residents so as to reach the societal immunity, down the recruitment process is the delayed domestic workers regardless of their nation- administer the Pfizer Biontech vaccine in Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf said. psychotropic substances. He must also issuance of passports for workers in Manila, ality or country of origin. these centers from the beginning of next ensure the prescription bears a serial He extolled efforts by the units participating in operating which takes about three months. He affirmed He clarified that the local recruitment the center and providing it with equipment to help people week, reports Aljarida daily. number. there has been an agreement with the labor offices have nothing to do with the fees According to informed sources from It is necessary to ensure that the treat- receive the anti-coronavirus vaccines. union in the Philippines to immediately specified on the domestic labor platform He gave priority to vaccinating first the KNG personnel address these problems. He expects the ‘Besalama’. He said the role of the local the health sector, these centers are locat- ing doctor has a seal and signature on the and their relatives, then the retired military people and at last arrival of the first batch of workers from the recruitment offices is limited to the recruit- ed in Capital Health Zone, Al-Saddiq in original prescription and a copy of it. citizens and residents. Philippines after the Eid Al-Fitr holiday. ment costs and making sure that the work- Hawally Health Zone, Al-Masayel in These prescriptions must be written in He prayed to Allah Almighty to maintain Kuwait under He urged the citizens and expatriates, ers, who arrive in the country, are free of Ahmadi Health Zone, Al-Naseem in the doctor’s handwriting, and the the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf who want to recruit domestic workers, to any disease. Jahra Health Zone, and Al-Shalahi in patient’s full name and civil number must Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Farwaniya Health Zone. They will oper- be recorded on them. Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. ate in two shifts - morning and evening. The type and quantity of the medicine, Meanwhile, KNG Undersecretary Lieutenant General ‘49 percent of Mutla’a City project Following the launch of the campaign, its pharmaceutical form, and its strength Hashim Al-Refaie said that inaugurating the center came about 2,500 to 3,000 people will be vac- should be mentioned in numbers and let- upon instructions of the higher leadership of the KNG, with cinated per day, at a rate of 500-600 vac- ters. the aim of backing efforts of the Ministry of Health in vac- cinating people. completed until end of last month’ He added that opening the center is part of a protocol of traffic movement, reduce traffic accidents, cooperation between the KNG and the MoH so as to help it By Muhammad Ghanem Al-Seyassah Staff raise the level of security and safety on the in emergency. road, and link the Abdali Road in the west to MoH Undersecretary Dr. Moustaf Redha praised cooper- KUWAIT CITY, May 6: The Public Authority the Al-Subbiya in the east, with a length of ation of the KNG with the MoH in its efforts to control the for Roads and Transportation (PART) said 33 kilometers which has five intersections. coronavirus since the outbreak of the pandemic. 49% of the project for the construction, com- Authority indicated the project includes pletion and development of roads and inter- the development of the existing Abdali sections to serve the future city of Mutla’a has Road to increase the number of its lanes ‘Ties between Kuwait and been completed until last April. from 3 to 5 lanes in either direction, with a The authority indicated the project was length of 9 km between the entrance to the S. Arabia are deep-rooted’ 11% due to the efforts exerted by the work- city of Mutla’a and the Sixth Ring Road, as ers and the follow-up team and said the well as linking the city of South Al-Mutla’a JEDDAH, May 6, (KUNA): Kuwait’s Minister of senior officials handling the project, which and Al-Subbiya Road with a length of 11 Information and Culture Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi has is one of the most important development kilometers, through the development of a commended deep-rooted relations with Saudi Arabia. projects that the authority carries out with new three-lane road in each direction, tak- “These excellent relations are further progressing at the aim of modernizing and developing the ing into account the addition of a fourth lane official and popular levels,” Al-Mutairi, also Minister of road network, is one of the pillars of the in future, with a total road length of 20 km, State for Youth Affairs, made the remarks after meeting desired development in the country. noting that it consists of one intersection Saudi Minister of Information Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi in The sources explained to Al-Seyassah with 4 levels and has two bridges, 7 con- Makkah last night. daily that the project will in turn facilitate crete ramps and earth ramps. Relations between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, he said, see eye-to-eye global issues and this was due to “constant coordination through official and popular channels.” CSC employs 917 Kuwaitis, 36 expats Al-Mutairi praised the Saudi leadership for providing facilities for pilgrims in general and amidst coronavirus KUWAIT CITY, May 6: The Minister of In another parliamentary question he was Commerce and Industry, Dr. Abdullah about the number of children of Kuwaiti pandemic in specific. Al-Salman said the total number of employ- women registered with the CSC for jobs with “We are indeed proud of Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision” ees working at the Civil Service Commission complete details including qualifications and which focuses on development of the country in general, (CSC) is 953. Of these 917 are Kuwaitis and the minister clarified that Decree No. 17 of and media and youth in particular, he said. 36 non-Kuwaitis, says Al-Seyassah . 2017 gives priority to appoint non-Kuwaiti Al-Mutairi said Kuwait and Saudi Arabia were exchang- In response to a parliamentary question, children born to a Kuwaiti mother and then to ing media expertise in order to have an objective and Al-Salman said at present the CSC does not children of Arab countries provided conditions productive media “that promotes our values derived from have a legal advisor either from among the of appointment in each government agency moderation of our religion and traditions.” Kuwaitis or non-Kuwaitis. must be mentioned in the application form. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 7-8, 2021 LOCAL 4

Strong relations hailed US envoy holds ‘virtual’ Ramadan HH Amir sends letter to gathering for local media persons Tunisian President Saied KUWAIT CITY, May 6, (KUNA): His ways to enhance and develop them in Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- all fi elds to serve both nations. Event held to mark World Press Freedom Day Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has sent a The letter was handed to President letter to Tunisian President Kais Saied. Saied on Wednesday by the visiting In his letter, His Highness the Amir Kuwaiti Foreign Minister and Minister KUWAIT CITY, May 6: hailed the strong relations between the of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr. On the occasion of World two brotherly nations and discussed Ahmad Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah. Press Freedom Day that is marked every year on May 3, the American Am- bassador to Kuwait Alina Romanowski organized a virtual Ramadan gather- ing for representatives of local newspapers, reports Aljarida daily. She indicated that she wanted to organize an actual “Ghabqa” at her residence, but due to the curfew and the need to adhere to the social distancing policy, the gathering was instead organized via Zoom. Ambassador Romanowski elabo- rated on the role of the press around the world particularly in Kuwait. Indian ambassador during the Firefi ghter’s Day event. She said, “A year and a few months have passed since I came to Kuwait, and I want to salute the Part of broader ‘Skill India Mission’ courage of the press and journalists in Kuwait, which is considered the most open country in the region. It Indian Embassy, Kuwait holds must maintain its leading position in the issue of the freedom of press.” event to mark Fire-fi ghter’s Day The ambassador thanked the journalists for being true partners A photo of the virtual press gathering. KUWAIT CITY, May 6: On the occa- there is an Indian Naval ship at the port of the US Embassy in Kuwait for sion of the Fire-fi ghter’s Day, the Indi- in Kuwait collecting ISO cryogenic many years. an Embassy organized an event which tankers taking oxygen to India. Another is a part of a series of events that the Kuwaiti ship is on its way to India today Committed embassy proposes to organize as part with oxygen tankers and cylinders. Meeting with Algerian president affi rms She said, “The United States is of its efforts to generate interest in vari- “I thank the Government of Kuwait fully committed to the freedom of ous skills. It is part of the broader ‘Skill for the support during these diffi cult expression. The US Secretary of India Mission’ that the Government of times. I also thank the Indian Commu- depth of brotherly ties, says Kuwaiti FM State Anthony Blinken last Sunday India launched in 2015. nity Support Group (ICSG) members issued a statement regarding this Addressing the offi ce bearers and and associations like Indian Doctors ALGIERS, May 6, (KUNA): Kuwaiti celebrate the 60th anniversary of their diverse levels. matter, emphasizing the impor- members of the Institution of Engineers Forum, Indian Business and Profes- Foreign Minister and Minister of State bilateral relations. The minister during the meeting ex- tance of transparency and credibil- (India), Kuwait chapter, and the invited sionals Council (IBPC) and other asso- for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Kuwait is looking forward to the pressed condolences on the victims of ity enjoyed by journalists to guests, the Indian Ambassador to Ku- ciations and individuals who have taken Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah has event so it may be a key turning point the fl oods that happened south of the enhance the role of democracy in wait HE Sibi George said, “All of us the initiative to mobilize support to send said that his meeting with Algerian to strengthen the bilateral ties in vari- capital on Tuesday. their countries”. are facing a gigantic challenge posed by oxygen cylinders and other oxygen re- President Abdelmajid Tebboune con- ous spheres. As to his meeting with the Algerian The attendees touched on the COVID-19 – governments, internation- lated equipment to India. Let me assure stituted an opportunity to affi rm depth The anniversary, due next year, will Foreign Minister, Sabri Buqaddoum, role of the press around the world al bodies, NGOs – and all are working you, we are in it together and together of the brotherly relations between the mark the efforts for cementing the re- Sheikh Ahmad said the discussions particularly in Kuwait, especially towards helping each other in address- we will overcome this crisis,” the am- two countries. lations at the commercial, economic, focused on cooperation, necessity of during the COVID-19 crisis, high- ing the challenges that we face in India, bassador said. The meeting was also an opportunity investment and educational levels as beefi ng up the health sectors, exchang- in Kuwait and everywhere. Our covid “I strongly believe that while we do lighting the importance of the press warriors have given everything and are everything we can to defeat the pan- to examine means of boosting further well as cooperation among the youth, ing expertise and studying the corona- having transparency and credibili- these ties and dealt with cooperation in he said. virus issue. still standing up to save every life. demic and take all precautions by fol- diverse sectors, prospects of broaden- The foreign minister said he de- Moreover, the talks focused on food ty, which will enhance their demo- “During these challenging times, the lowing all Covid-19 related guidelines, ing the cooperation in the shadow of livered a message from His Highness security, the minister said, indicating cratic role in civilized countries. embassy has been doing everything we need to continue our virtual inter- the coronavirus crisis, he added. the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad that the coronavirus deepened the prob- The participants stressed the possible for the Indian community in action and engagement. Today’s event Speaking at a news conference after Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to the Algerian lem in many regions of the globe. importance of the role that media Kuwait. Our endeavor is to ensure that the embassy organized in collaboration the meeting with the president, Sheikh president including greetings from His The two sides agreed on swapping plays, and its reflection on the soci- all Indians in Kuwait are vaccinated. with the Institution of Engineers India Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad said Highness and signaling the desire to experience in education, health and cy- ety, affirming that the press does We have a vaccination registration which is one such engagement,” the the State of Kuwait and Algeria would bolster further the brotherly relations at ber security. not manifest itself in one specific counter at the embassy to help those ambassador said. topic, but rather addresses several who have diffi culty in registering for Eng Faris Al-Mansouri and Eng Nar- issues, the most important of which vaccination. We also organize regular esh Lanjewar also addressed the audi- is the issue of human rights, health programs to generate awareness about ence. and cultural affairs. the pandemic through a series of events The embassy will organize a monthly Participants also drew attention with the support of Indian Doctors Fo- program focused on development of to the difference between social rum and other Indian associations and various skill sets in the fi rst week of media and press media. They unan- groups in Kuwait.” every month during this year in associa- imously agreed that “newspapers The ambassador said, the embassy is tion with various professions organiza- still hold greater confidence than also working with the Kuwaiti authori- tions in Kuwait, the Indian envoy said. other media, despite their speed in ties to send essential medical supplies He added, “I am happy to note that publishing the news. This is to India. India and Kuwait have always the Institution of Engineers (India), Ku- because before publishing any stood side by side helping each other wait chapter came forward to organize in diffi cult times and during this whole today’s event, under the banner of In- news, newspapers check several year of pandemic have helped each dia@75 and 60th anniversary of estab- sources and explore various depths other. lishment of diplomatic relations. I urge to ensure the information is correct, He went on to say last night an air- all Indian associations to come forward especially due to the negative craft of Kuwaiti Air force carried forty with such programs during this special repercussions resultant from fake tons of material to India. Currently anniversary year.” news and rumors.” It is worth mentioning that the American ambassador posted a First and second stages Twitter message on this occasion, saying, “I salute the women and men journalists of Kuwait for MPW signs KD 2.7m worth maintenance relentlessly reporting news.” Concerning the World Press contract for optical fi ber devices at MoC Freedom Day, it was established in 1993 when the UN General KUWAIT CITY, May 6: The Minister to maintain optical fi ber devices for the Assembly proclaimed May 3 as of Public Works and Minister of State fi rst and second phases in some of the World Press Freedom Day based for Communications and Information ministry’s divisions. on a recommendation adopted at Technology, Dr Rana Al-Faris, has Al-Ajmi added the contract provides the 26th session of UNESCO’s signed a maintenance contract worth for the maintenance, development and General Conference in 1991. 2.7 million di- operation of the Next Generation Net- nars (about $ 9.2 work (NGN) to ensure the devices con- Violations million) for fi ber tinue to operate with the required effi - It serves as an occasion to inform optic devices for ciency to the fullest. citizens about the violations of the fi rst and sec- He explained that the contract also press freedom. It is a reminder that ond stages at the provides for the development of devices publications and social media are Ministry of Com- for the latest developments in the world censored, fined, and suspended, munications. of technology in this fi eld to ensure that and journalists, editors and pub- The Assistant they keep pace with technological de- lishers are harassed, attacked and Undersecretary velopments to provide the best services even killed worldwide. for Communica- to citizens and residents subscribing to tions and Support the optical fi ber service. The theme of this year’s World Dr Al-Faris Press Freedom Day, which is Services Sector He stated that the contract period is “Information as a Public Good”, at the Ministry of Communications, En- three years, pointing out that penal con- serves as a call to affirm the impor- gineer Maneh Al-Ajmi, said in a press ditions have been placed on the compa- statement yesterday the ministry has ny in the event of a breach of any clause tance of cherishing information as contracted with the ‘Nokia’ company of the contract. a public good, exploring what can be done in the production, distribu- tion and reception of content to Payment to be made over 15 yrs period strengthen journalism, and advanc- ing transparency and empower- ment while leaving no one behind. The theme is of urgent relevance KPC, KIA reach deal to pay dues for all countries across the world, KUWAIT CITY, May 6: Accord- They indicated that this agreement as it recognizes the change in com- ing to informed sources, the Kuwait will allow for the injection of fi nancial munication system that is impact- Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and liquidity into the State Treasury, the ing our health, human rights, the Kuwait Investment Authority budget of which was severely affected democracies, and sustainable (KIA) have reached a fi nal agreement last year due to the repercussions of development. whereby KPC will pay about KD the spread of the COVID-19 virus, 8,250 billion ($27.44 billion) to the the drop in oil prices, and the tense government over a period of 15 years relationship between the government in installments, representing accrued and the Parliament which prevented it profi ts of about KD 7.75 billion, and from resorting to international markets half a billion dinars as additional fees, in order to obtain loans. reports Al-Anba daily. The sources revealed earlier that the KPC has dues of about KD 7 billion Public Reserve Fund and KPC had ($23.14 billion) owed years ago as agreed in recent years on a schedule to dividends to the Public Reserve Fund, repay the accumulated profi ts, but the which is managed by the Kuwait In- fund requested its review and expedi- vestment Authority. The fund is one tion as part of the Kuwait government’s of the sovereign funds, and covers the efforts to cover the budget defi cit. defi cit of the general budget. They stressed that the amount of Reliable sources said the two par- profi ts rose to KD 7.75 billion in re- ties signed a payment schedule ac- cent months, as KPC stopped paying cording to which KPC would pay a installments, and negotiations were sum of KD 550 million ($1.83 bil- ongoing between the two sides, indi- lion) annually to the Public Reserve cating that the total amount also in- Alina Romanowski Fund for the next 15 years. cluded is KD 500 million as “fees”. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 7-8, 2021 LOCAL 5 diwaniya A DIGEST OF PUBLIC OPINION Is it a National Assembly or a school for the mischief-mongers? “WHAT we saw in the parliamentary session last Tuesday, April 27, is some- evil and sedition.” “If we want to delve more into the issue of interrogations and the reason thing that has not happened in previous assemblies when some MPs occupied Also: behind their large number then we see that the people want to question the the seats allocated to ministers, and how this led to the government’s apology deputies about their performance in the parliament since the beginning of its for not attending that session, considering that contrary to the norms followed “We witness interrogation here and escalation there and tension in the par- current legislative term and asks them to submit statements of the performance by previous assemblies,” columnist Dr Abdulmohsen Hamadeh wrote for Al- liamentary atmosphere elsewhere,” columnist Dr Essa Al-Omairi wrote for and decisions that they have taken to serve the interest of the citizen. Jarida daily. Al-Rai daily. “The people are calling on the honorable MPs to move away from their per- “Those members sat in the seats reserved for ministers, clasping hands and “Has the performance of Parliament reached such a level that there is a rea- sonal agendas that some of them are practicing. They have to be more serious giggling as if they were mocking and laughing at the government, yet some son for any interrogation, or is it an interrogation for the sake of interrogation, about achieving what is of interest to the nation and the citizen.” members blamed their colleagues for what they had done, and said to them, and the desire to appear as a representative integrated in his performance while ❑ ❑ ❑ ‘You have put up an important session in which we will discuss topics of inter- he is using his parliamentary tools without real discrimination or transparency est to many citizens and the state.’ of the content of the interrogation or the purpose for which it is decided. “Six years ago, to be precise in 2015, 28,000 young Kuwaiti families were “We must forget what happened because it may happen in other countries, so “Yes, the deputy has the constitutional right to direct the interrogation he pleased with the distribution of plots in Mutla’a city. The distribution was then let us remember what happened in America when President (Donald) Trump’s desires as it is a right that no one disputes with him, no matter how high posi- on paper, before Chinese and Turkish contractors were contracted to complete supporters stormed the Congress building and democra- tion is. the infrastructure. These families are still waiting for construction orders, which cy won thanks to the wise men among them, headed by “Looking at the core of the subject in the interrogation submitted by the have been suspended,” columnist Dhari Al-Shareedah wrote for Al-Rai daily. President Biden. With his wisdom and long experience, honorable representative Shuaib Al-Muwaizri to the Minister of Foreign Af- “The citizens are paying the price for the inability of the Kuwait Credit Bank he was able to defeat the mob and win for democracy. fairs, in our opinion, it is very illogical whether in this or other interrogations, to provide housing loans for such a large number of plots. This is part of the “We have to forget what happened and think about most of which are not in the interest of the citizen, rather, it was a scourge for government’s confusion and its inability to implement any huge projects of this the future. You have been elected by the people to parliamentary practice, as the large number of interrogations -- of course -- cor- size. Because of the wastage of public funds through irrational expenditures, and represent them in their parliament and it is a great rupts that parliamentary practice and the pursuit of what is in the interest of the huge sums embezzled from the state over the past years, repeated violations of honor and a huge responsibility. We hope that God homeland and the citizen. public funds are no longer inviolable. will help you in performing it in the best way. Your “In this regard, we must mention that since the beginning of this year, we “The Kuwait Credit Bank, on its part, admits and acknowledges that it does success is a success for the country especially since have not witnessed real parliamentary decisions that could serve the citizen in not have the ability to fi nance housing loans for 28,000 plots. If this is the case, Kuwait is going through difficult circumstances as a the fi rst place. Rather, what we have seen in the performance of the parliament why did it distribute these plots in the fi rst place? Why did you incur all these result of the epidemic that is sweeping the world and is a noise that resulted in tension of the atmosphere and heating up for unde- losses in the form of the infrastructure of the region? Is it reasonable for govern- ment agencies, with their offi cials, advisors, and technical and administrative the negative effects that resulted from that on health, Dr. Hamadeh clared goals, and they may be goals for an electoral gain or a media show in education and the economy. light of what we are witnessing in terms of competition among honorable rep- bodies, to operate according to the logic - the more you spend, the more will “It is not in the interest of the state, whether in these diffi cult or normal cir- resentatives to add political gains through the largest number of interrogations. come to you. “In light of this tense atmosphere, what is required is the appreciation of the “These failures and such governmental inability to cater to one of the con- cumstances that confl ict and hostility erupts between the two authorities, rather stitutional rights of the Kuwaiti citizen makes us completely lose confi dence in cooperation and friendship should prevail between them so that the state grows citizen and work on the main goal on which this citizen elected him to represent him/her in the Parliament to achieve his ambitions and hopes and serve his these successive governments that have been unable to achieve and work. They and thrives. Those who call for confl ict are advocates of evil and sedition so do have been impatient with any form of parliamentary oversight or political ac- not listen to their voices. interests under the dome of Parliament, and unfortunately, this matter did not happen as it should have. countability. Thus, the process continues to deteriorate ... So what optimism are “They are used to appearing in such circumstances with frowning gloomy we talking about? faces and might call for a meeting in their diwaniyas to incite and increase the “The interrogation of the honorable representative Shuaib Al-Mowaizri of the Minister of Foreign Affairs is void of any interest in parliamentary practice, “The issue is not new. It is not related to the decline in the price of an oil barrel strife. In such diffi cult circumstances, our country needs intelligent, optimistic, but is the result of mismanagement and the absence of visions for decades. Any calm people who have the ability to delve into the understanding of the problem even though the Minister of Foreign Affairs -- who is to be interrogated -- has project, either housing or otherwise, is supposed to undergo a thorough study and and gain the confi dence of all parties, so may God enable them to reach a solu- countless accomplishments to his name and this is not for defense at all, as he feasibility analysis before it is launched and announced. This is to ensure that it tion to this crisis. does not need someone to defend him because his performance and achieve- is completed in the required manner, within the expected period, and according “We wish those to whom God has entrusted the keys to goodness dedicate ments cover this aspect par excellence. to a sound and thoughtful plan that guarantees the realization of these projects. themselves to dealing with this crisis in order to preserve our state and our “The minister is the one who exerted great efforts to bring back Kuwaitis “In the end, the government has put itself in a big dilemma. An exit from it democratic system that we inherited from the fathers. A free person can only who were stranded at the beginning of the new Corona epidemic, based on will only happen by prolonging the crisis until suffi cient cash becomes available, live in a democratic society in which he enjoys freedom, equality and justice as the wish of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, may God rest his soul, and or introducing local banks as a third party to fi nance citizens. In all cases, the explained by the constitution. that from the beginning of the entire world closing the airspace for the outside citizens will be the most affected in front of such generosity of the government!” “We hope that all MPs will be up to the level of responsibility and value the world, he did not rest until he fi nished this complex task to the point that the confi dence of the people in them, and that they all work to close the gates of Kuwait Airways became a model example in the world. — Compiled by Ahmad Al-Shazli Other Voices Check on markets as shopowners Bankruptcy staring in the eye sign pledge not to hike food rates Ahmad alsarraf sions that led to disguised unemploy- ment and waste, corruption, wasta, n these particular circumstances I and demographics. Ihave no doubt that someone in the He said his idea will result in ad- government, particularly the Minister ditional burdens on the state or affect ‘Review decision on ‘movement’ of people’ of Finance will be happy to read this the citizen’s pocket, especially in article, after the fi nance shifted years light of the recent publication of the ago, and it continued in its current era government development plan 2020- KUWAIT CITY, May 6: to the Ministry of Treasury whose 2025, which sounded the alarm bell, Director of the Technical Healthcare centers named KMA supports task is to dis- warning of the possibility of deple- Authority for Supervis- burse govern- tion of the assets of the general re- ment checks ing Goods and Determin- list of workers serve funds and future generations by ing Their Prices in the ‘Quit smoking help’ service launched and com- 2035.” KUWAIT CITY, May 6: The pletely cut its The fi rst axis is canceling all subsi- Commercial Control and KUWAIT CITY, May 6: The Abdullah Abdul Hadi, Ali Kuwaiti Medical Association link to thorny dies and paying their value to the citi- Consumer Protection Ministry of Health has launched the Thunayan Al-Ghanim and Abdul (KMA) has affi rmed support for economic is- zens so that they can buy their needs the report that the Public Funds sues and de- Sector at the Ministry of ‘quit smoking assistance’ service in Rahman Abdul-Mughni health cen- at their original prices. This can be Commerce and Industry seven primary healthcare centers in ters in the Capital Health District; Protection Association and Ku- velopment done by paying a monthly salary that wait Lawyers Society submit- plans to State represents the share of every citizen Faisal Al-Ansari said the various health districts, reports Al-Rabiah Health Center in ted to Kuwait Anti-Corruption resources, over the age of eighteen from the sub- administration has an Al-Rai daily. Farwaniya; Al-Rumaithiya Health Authority (Nazaha) regarding the and resolutely sidy budget. annual plan to follow up In a press statement, the ministry Center in Hawally; Al-Ayyoun verifi cation of the lists of front- confronting alsarraf The second axis is looking at the and monitor prices, in- explained this service is in line with Health Center in Jahra and line workers who will receive the requests for situation of more than 200,000 citi- unjustifi ed spending, facing the mas- dicating that in the event its commitment to provide the rel- Al-Dhahr Center in Ahmadi under incentive, in a bid to protect pub- zens, who go daily to their govern- lic money and the rights of front- sive defi cit in the state budget, and ment jobs without work and the need of any artifi cially raised evant services and on the occasion the supervision of doctors who the obvious waste in every ministry, liners, especially since workers to put an end to this play that harms prices, the administration of the International No Smoking passed the training program for the in the medical sector have been authority and sector. the employee, his family, his future, treatment of nicotine addiction con- I have talked about several times, writes to the concerned Day which falls on May 31 annu- fi ghting against corona for more and his country, as well as weakening departments in the com- ally. The ministry said this is part ducted by internationally approved than a year now, reports Al-Rai for more than twenty years the unjus- the private sector and increasing the tifi ed waste of government subsidies mercial supervision and of services offered by non-commu- bodies to help those wishing to quit daily. imbalance in demographic structure. The association highlighted on water, electricity and bread, in ad- Al-Saleh also demanded the dis- consumer protection sec- nicable chronic diseases clinics; smoking. dition to a long list of other materials, the bravery of workers in the missal of these people from their tor to take the necessary indicating this is through the coor- The ministry stated that this ser- medical sector, pointing out the last of which was the zubaidi fi sh. ‘fake’ jobs, with salaries continuing Citizens concerned with public af- action, reports Al-Anba dinated efforts of the Central vice is being offered according to this is rooted in the martyrdom to be paid to them for the next fi ve daily. Administration of Primary Health the latest international protocols of some of these workers while fairs, including the well-known busi- years, and push them to search for a nessman Naguib Al-Saleh, touched Al-Ansari told the Al-Anba Care, National Program for within the work schedule of the dealing with this epidemic. job, profession or work that would The association hopes the re- on the same topic and in a distin- benefi t them and their country. daily the administration mon- Smoking Control, and Permanent above-mentioned health centers guished article published in 2017 he itors the prices of 130 basic Committee for Combating Chronic – one day every week, while unveil- port will not delay the payment In spite of the logic of the propos- of the incentive to institutions called for the cancellation of all types als that were made, which were sub- commodities and 94 com- of government subsidies and sug- Diseases. ing its plan to expand the service directly involved in the fi ght mitted by nearly other economists, modities that are currently in The ministry disclosed the cen- through the allocation of additional against corona, such as the Min- gested paying every citizen’s share in the government, and the Ministry of cash as a form of social assistance to high demand and focuses on ters which offer the service include health centers soon. istry of Health. Finance and Economy in particular central markets, cooperative whoever wishes. do not seem concerned with the mat- A few days ago, Mr Al-Saleh again societies, meat and dates ter often due to a lack of decision- sales, mills, roasters and other raised the same issue in another dis- making ability, or the unwillingness tinguished article, published in Al- to disturb the big guys. activities that are currently in Jarida newspaper, in which he dealt Thus, bankruptcy will inevitably high demand, warning store with the implementation of an eight- follow if things continue in this direc- owners not to exploit the sea- item economic plan entitled ‘Human- sons to raise prices. ity and Features of the Rescue Plan’. tion. ❑ ❑ ❑ He noted store owners were Al-Saleh says that his goal was made to sign pledges not to raise to shed light on the distortion of our The situation in the friendly and prices, either during or after the economy based on depleted wealth, dear India is extremely dangerous blessed month of Ramadan, and most of which we spend on salaries not only for its citizens but also for that any shop that raises the price for a large proportion of employees the world. will face legal measures, adding who do no work and that this repre- The Indian Business Council takes that pledges have also been taken sents a waste of money provided in over the process of purchasing the from the owners of electronic the form of support. oxygen cylinders and sending them devices stores not to raise the pric- Al-Saleh proposed a program to the needy. The unit value is only es of laptops and devices that are based on two axes, which, according 50 dinars. popular and are expected to be to his belief, could improve the ca- You can also contribute by contact- purchase by schoolchildren. pabilities of the private sector within ing Mr Shoji Lama, 97279955 With regard to building materials, fi ve years, create many jobs, and ad- ❑ ❑ ❑ Al-Ansari stated that in the event of dress most of the negatives resulting any new residential area being con- from random, ill-considered deci- e-mail: [email protected] structed, the administration prepares a study on building materials prices to keep in check artificial rise in prices, especially as the ministry is keen to ensure that prices are stable ‘Resume general assemblies in the local markets. He said the authority is ambi- tious to link with cooperatives and central markets to know the prices of co-ops whose fi scal ends’ of imported goods in the country KUWAIT CITY, May 6: The Ministry the Ministry of Social Affairs prepared of origin, pointing to work to pro- of Social Affairs, represented by the Co- the list of 32 cooperatives whose fiscal vide an information base to moni- operatives Sector, has submitted a com- year has ended and are now waiting for tor the availability of subsidized prehensive memorandum to Minister of a go ahead signal to hold their general goods in the markets and ensure Electricity, Water, Renewable Energy, So- assemblies in order to approve the fi- that they are not smuggled out of cial Affairs and Societal Development Dr nancial and administrative reports, dis- the country. Misha’an Al-Otaibi on the resumption of tribute annual profits to shareholders, ❑ ❑ ❑ the general assemblies of cooperative so- and disburse annual bonus to the elect- ‘Review decision’: The Kuwait cieties whose fi scal year has ended, reports ed and appointed boards of directors Human Rights Committee (HRC) Al-Jarida daily quoting sources. according to the rules and regulations. has issued a statement calling on Sources said this step is taken after al- Sources added the Ministry of Social the executive authority to review most two months of suspending the gen- Affairs will form a committee whose mem- its recent decision on the ‘move- eral assemblies of cooperatives – since bers are from the concerned authorities ment’ of the people who have the implementation of partial curfew on – ministries of Health, Education and Inte- received the COVID-19 doses, March 7, 2021. Sources revealed the rior – to organize everything related to the saying it is an essential part of Membership Affairs Department and resumption of the general assemblies of co- human rights, reports Al-Anba Cooperative Societies Publicity Unit in operatives once the partial curfew is lifted. daily. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 7-8, 2021

6

GUST continues to strive for excellence in Kuwait Kingston hosts Dr Hammad to share her experience on concept maps use

KUWAIT CITY, May 6: Dr Sali Hammad, instructor of Mathematics at GUST, gave a seminar to student GUST collaborates with KIF and faculty at Kingston University in London, on her use of concept maps in class and their outcome in tracking a PACE launches integrated insurance training program student’s understanding of the subject matter. The talk was held on Microsoft KUWAIT CITY, May 6: Profes- training, and professional develop- Teams. sional Advancement & Continuing ment for the GUST community but The seminar showed how the use Education Center (PACE) at GUST also in Kuwait. of concept maps in the classroom can launched a program with the Kuwait Acting VP for Professional Devel- improve students’ conceptual under- Insurance Federation (KIF), titled opment and Community Services, Dr. standing and mathematical compe- “Integrated Insurance Training Pro- Ahmad Al-Darbas said “The collabo- tence. Concept maps are visual repre- gram”. With the goal of enhancing ration with KIF helps promote PACE sentations students create to connect ideas, concepts, and terms that branch insurance awareness in Kuwait. The at GUST and its goal to bring the best out in a tree like structure. Dr Ham- program was targeted towards fresh training programs for leading profes- mad provided examples from the use graduates who are keen in joining sionals in Kuwait. It brings a more of concept maps for assessing and the insurance industry, or newly diversified range of opportunities to monitoring student’s mathematical hired employees of insurance com- GUSTs community. We hope this can understanding. She also highlighted panies. be the foundation of a great relation- the importance of reflection and meta- Dr Sali Hammad The Training Program consisted ship with KIF in the years to come. I cognitive discussions among students of 14 training courseswith 21 pro- would also like to thanks KIF Chair- around their concept maps, and the ers do take my approach to teaching wait and in the region and its focus to fessionals trained on Insurance Risk man, Mr. Khaled Soud Al-Hassan, teacher’s role in actualizing the ben- and development as I do believe in the become a hybrid teaching and research Management and Re-Insurance. The and Secretary General at KIF, Mr. efits of using concept maps in math- positive effects of it in the classroom. institute. Recently, faculty members training program was provided by A clip of the training course. Adel Al-Romieh.” ematics learning and teaching environ- To be hosted by such a great institu- such as Dr Fatima Al-Hashem, dis- experts working in the industry to en- This is a fitting addition to the stan- ments. tion like Kingston University is a great cussed education reform at the 9th sure trainees get the most up to date ment, motor and medical insurance, dard courses PACE offers such as, Instructor of Mathematics at GUST, honor as well as representing GUST.” GCES symposium, and Dr Omar Mo- and relevant experience. The training marine insurance, fire insurance, and prepatroy exams for the CFA, CPA, Dr Sali Hammad said “Giving a semi- Faculty participating and giving ufakkir’s published article in Tourism program covers a wide range of sub- some areas of interest. The “Integrat- CMA, and GMAT, but also offer oth- nar on this research project was em- talks on their research and experience Management, are all examples of how jects that have become increasingly ed Insurance Training Program” is a er courses such as Healthcare Man- powering and insightful in sharing my in recent years is a testament to GUSTs GUST strives to bring the minds to the important to the insurance industry, part of PACE’s mission to bring the agement, Project Management, and a findings with other faculty. I hope oth- continuous strive for excellence in Ku- community. such as. re-insurance, claims manage- best courses for continuing education, General English Program.

Winners receive digital certificates IEC Kuwait Youth Wing organizes annual Qirrat Competition 2020

By M. Irfan Shafi q Education Committee of Kuwait, Ja- ved Iqbal, in his short speech empha- KUWAIT CITY, May 6: Under the sized on the importance and virtue of sponsorships of Youth Wing Islamic the Qur’an for a Muslim. Is a book of Education Committee Kuwait, like action and invitation. We should not every other year, a beautiful recita- only read the Qur’an regularly but tion/Qirrat competition was orga- also keep our children attached to it nized in Ramadan this year in which from childhood. children from two groups were in- He further said that the right of the cluded. Qur’an is that we should spread its Group 1 included children aged 3 message and its message to every to 12 years, while Group 2 included street corner. children aged 13 to 18 years. Due to “Ramadan is also the month of the Corona epidemic and lockdown in the country, the competition was the Qur’an, so we need to strengthen held online through a Zoom Appli- our relationship with the Qur’an this cation. month,” he said. The program started with the Javed Iqbal praised the efforts of recitation of the Holy Quran by the the Youth Wing that they are becom- young Qari Hafiz Zubair Rashid. Af- ing a source of good for their future ter the recitation of the Holy Quran, generations. He especially congratu- the President of Youth Wing Islamic lated all youth members. Education Committee Kuwait, Sadaf Participating Ali Sadaf, while explaining the aims Management and the children and objectives of the competition, participating in the competition and said that the purpose of this program their parents who even in the world, is to connect future generations with they are teaching their children the the Quran and to teach them the im- portance and dignity of the Quran to Qur’an regularly, which will be the get conversant. best reward for them in this world and the hereafter. Regulations The results of Group 1 were an- At the beginning of the program, nounced by Naeem Irshad and the the judge of the program Maulana results of Group 2 were announced Muhammad Arshad mentioned rules by Mushtaq Ahmed. According to and regulations. the unanimous results of the judges, The program was hosted by Abdullah Yassin won the first posi- Noman Saeed and Mohammad tion in Group 1. Afzal. Second position claimed by Saad Group 1 contains Ahmed Umair, Ahmad Waqas & Muhammad Ibra- A photo from the event. Saada Ahmed Waqas, Syed Ahmed, him as well third position by Soban Mohammad Ibrahim, Mohammad Saeed and fourth position for en- Ian, Abdullah Yaseen, Mohammad couragement was won by Muham- Omar, Thoban Saeed, Mohammad mad Ian and the fifth position was Owais, Mohammad Hamza, Abdul won by Abdul Hadi Rifat. Hadi Rifat, Mohammad Abdul Ra- Thus in group 2, the first position him, Omar Naseem, Hamza Kamran, was won by Muhammad Abdullah Dawood Kamran. while the second position was won In Group 2, Awad Kanchwala, by Ibrahim Shafiq and the third posi- Mohammad Anis, Mohammad tion was won by Awad Kanchwala, Taha Rifat, Mohammad Abdullah Abdul Rehman Shahbaz. Farooq, Abdul Rehman Shahbaz, Saad Shah, Rahat Siddique and Saad Shah, Nawaf Aziz, Ibrahim Mohammad Waleed Sohail bagged Shafiq, Mohammad Waleed Sa- the fourth and fifth positions re- hil, Rahat Siddique, Ahmad Ja- spectively. Special Assistant Abdul ved, Abdul Rehman, Abdul Qadir, Ghaffar compiled the results of all Rashid Qureshi, Mohammad Hus- the judges and handed over the final sain Ijaz, Ibrahim Khalid were positions to the judges. Digital cer- present. tificates and shields will be distrib- After the completion of the com- uted among the children taking the petition, the President of the Islamic position.

‘Maximum pencil portraits’ KKMA honors Indian student who entered ‘India Books of Records’

KUWAIT CITY, May 6: The Ku- wait Kerala Muslim Association (KKMA), the leading social welfare organization of Indians in Kuwait. Fahaheel Branch presented a me- mento to Marwa Musthafa for her attainment in entering the “The India A photo from the event. Books of Records” titled “Maximum pencil portraits of freedom fighters made by an individual drawing of GUST is the highest-ranked private university in Kuwait ‘100 Freedom Fighters of India”. The record for making the maxi- mum number of pencil portraits of freedom fighters was set by Marwa GUST takes silver at CFA Institute Research Challenge Musthafa (born on July 22, 2005) of Thrissur, Kerala. She made 25 KUWAIT CITY, May 6: GUST ethics. Each student is tested on their get to this point and the achievement dulrahman Al Olayan, KawtherOudeh, portraits of freedom fighters includ- placed second overall at the CFA In- analytical skills, valuations, report writ- is very rewarding both for him and the and Omar Hossam Khalil. Team B was ing Tatya Tope, Rani of Jhansi, Lala stitute Research Challenge, marking ing, and presentation skills. They gain students.” comprised of students who worked on Lajpat Rai, Dadabhai Naoroji and the fifth time GUST participated in real-world experience as they assume Post-Doctoral Researcher at GUST, a separate report then helped prepare others on 25 A4 sheets of paper us- the challenge. Among the competing the role of a research analyst. Dr. Mohamed Ali, said “The panel of and finalize the final report and pre- A memento being presented to Ma- ing only a pencil, as confirmed on rwa Musthafa. universities were, Australian College Head of Economics and Finance judges were very impressed with both sentation. They are: Sarah Qabazard, April 5, 2021. of Kuwait, American University of the Department at GUST, Dr. Khaled El- written report and presentation. They ShouqAlZaben, SulaimanALRoumi, Marwa Muthafa presently study- eque K T- KKMA Fahaheel Branch Middle East (AUM), American Uni- mawazini, said “Congratulations to also mentioned that it was a very close and Thunayan Al Mullan. President, NJijas M P - General Sec- versity of Kuwait (AUK), Gulf Uni- our GUST CFA team for winning 2nd call between first place (Kuwait Uni- The success of this competition is ing in 10 standards at India Interna- versity for Science and Technology, Place in CFA Institute Research Chal- versity) and GUST in the final score.” part of GUST long standing tradition tional School. Her father Musthafa retary, Mushal CH - Vice President and Kuwait University. lenge, the most prestigious competi- GUST submitted two teams, Team of students excelling at national and is also a good artist. Arts and Sports, Eng. Fahad - Faha- The CFA Institute Research Chal- tion for finance students! Their hard A and Team B, who showcased the regional level competitions such as, Marwa also got confirmation from heel City Unit President, Irshad JM lenge is an annual global competition, work, research and preparation paid knowledge, skill, and teamwork of the KCPC challenge and the Techa- America Book of Records “World - Secretary, Fahaheel City Unit and with local chapters in various countries, off. I would like to thank Dr. Moham- our great students. Team A included thon. The consistent success of GUST Champion” for 25 Freedom Fighters Ashik MP - Treasurer Fahaheel City that provides university students with med Ali for the time and efforts he put student who took part in the presen- students at academic competitions is a of India with only a single pencil” Unit. hands-on mentoring and intensive train- in mentoring GUST CFA team. He has tationthey are: Hasan Hany Fahim, testament to GUSTs commitment to The event was honored with orga- The event took place at Marwa’s ing in financial analysis and professional been working hard all these months to Abdulaziz Hesham Alkhashti, Fay Ab- academic excellence. nization leaders, Mohammed Rafe- residence at Mangaf. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 7-8, 2021 INTERNATIONAL 7

America

Trump OKs replacement Liz Cheney clings to her GOP ‘post’ WASHINGTON, May 6, (AP): No. 3 House Republican Liz Cheney was clinging to her post as party leaders lined up behind an heir apparent, signaling that fallout over her clashes with former President Donald Trump was becoming too much for her to overcome. Unbowed, Cheney on Wednesday implored her GOP col- leagues to pry themselves from a Trump “cult of personal- ity,” declaring that the party and even American democracy were at stake. “History is watching,” she said. Trump issued a statement giving his “COMPLETE and TOTAL Endorsement” to Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York to replace Cheney. Stefanik, a 36-year-old Trump loyalist who’s played an increasingly visible role within the GOP, responded quickly, highlighting his backing to colleagues who will decide her political future. “Thank you President Trump for your 100% support for House GOP Conference Chair. We are unifi ed and focused on FIRING PELOSI & WIN- NING in 2022!” she tweeted. The day’s events left the careers of Cheney and Stefanik seemingly racing in opposite directions, as if to contrast the fates awaiting Trump critics and Cheney backers in today’s GOP. The turmoil also raised questions about whether the price for political survival in the party en- tails standing by a former president who keeps up his false narrative about a fraudulent 2020 election and whose sup- porters stormed the Capitol just four months ago in an attempt to disrupt the formal certifi cation of Joe Biden’s victory. In this Nov 4, 2020 fi le photo, the Rev. Jacqui Lewis, senior pastor at Middle Collegiate Church, speaks during an interfaith gathering outside of the Judson Memo- Cheney showed no signs of backing off in an opinion essay rial Church near Washington Square Park in New York. Muslims, Jews, Christians and Buddhists came together to show solidarity among faith communities as the posted Wednesday by The Washington Post. country awaited the fi nal result of the US presidential election. (AP) She denounced the “dangerous and anti-democratic Trump cult of personality,” and warned her fellow Republicans against embracing or ignoring his statements “for fundraising and political purposes.” G7 Backing She said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R- Calif., has “changed his story” after initially saying Trump “bears responsibility” for the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Beijing rejects criticism McCarthy, who is tacitly backing the drive to oust her, has since said Trump issued a video to try halting the violence. Cheney, in the Post, agreed with Democrats that a bipar- tisan investigation should focus solely on the riot and not on Group calls out China over rights disturbances at some of last summer’s racial justice protests. LONDON, May 6, (AP): Foreign min- border and in Crimea and its “malign Wang said at a press briefi ng. In an apparent reference to her own situation, she said she isters from the Group of Seven wealthy activities aimed at undermining other The offi cials from the United States, would defend “basic principles” of democracy, “no matter industrialized nations on Wednesday countries’ democratic systems.” Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy what the short-term political consequences might be.” accused China of human rights abuses U.S. Secretary of State Antony and Canada said they were “deeply Dozens of state and local offi cials and judges from both and economic mischief, but offered lit- Blinken was fl ying to Kviv after the concerned” about Beijing’s treatment parties have found no evidence to support Trump’s assertions tle concrete action to deal with an in- G-7 meeting to demonstrate strong of Uyghur and other minorities. But that he was cheated out of an election victory. creasingly forceful Beijing. U.S. backing for the country’s re- they announced no formal joint action President Biden told reporters at the White House that the The top G-7 diplomats meeting in sponse to Russian aggression. in response to reports of mass deten- GOP is in the throes of a “signifi cant sort of mini revolution.” London said they were “deeply con- The U.K. pushed to hold the meet- tions, forced labor and forced steriliza- He added, “I think Republicans are further away from try- cerned” by China’s treatment of the ing in person to give the rich countries’ tion. ing to fi gure out who they are and what they stand for than I Uyghur Muslim population and other club a jolt of energy after a period The Biden administration wants to thought they would be at this point.” minorities, which includes mass in- marked by the health crisis of the pan- assemble a coalition to respond to Chi- Cheney, a daughter of Dick Cheney, who was George A small group of protesters gather on ternment in “re-education” camps, demic and rising nationalism around na’s economic and strategic assertive- W. Bush’s vice president and before that a Wyoming con- the steps of City Hall after the fi ring of forced labor and forced sterilization. the world. Prime Minister Boris John- ness. But some European governments gressman, seemed to have almost unlimited potential until the former Atlanta police offi cer Gar- But the U.K., the United States, son’s government is also seeking to are more cautious about dealing with this year. Her career began listing after she was among just rett Rolfe, who’s charged with murder Canada, France, Germany, Italy and project a dynamic “Global Britain” the government of an important export 10 House Republicans to back Trump’s impeachment for in the shooting death of Rayshard Japan committed only to tackling image in the wake of the country’s de- market. inciting supporters to attack the Capitol on Jan. 6, when Brooks, was reversed Wednesday, forced labor “through our own avail- parture from the European Union. Beijing rejects complaints that it five died. May 5, 2021, in Atlanta. Rolfe will re- able domestic means,” which could mistreats minorities and says camps main on administrative leave until the Delegates at Lancaster House, a Combined with a morning endorsement from No. 2 House criminal charges against him are re- range from public awareness cam- grand London mansion, observed so- in Xinjiang are for job training to Republican leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana and tacit back- solved, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance paigns to laws for businesses, rather cial distancing, sat behind transparent promote economic development and ing from McCarthy, the momentum behind Stefanik’s ascen- Bottoms said. (AP) than through collective action. screens in meetings and were tested combat radicalism among the western sion was beginning to seem unstoppable. While the Biden administration daily for the virus. Even so, India’s region’s predominantly Muslim popu- Stefanik, who represents a mammoth upstate New York in the U.S. is keen for a strong stand foreign minister was forced to go into lation. district, began her House career in 2015 as a moderate Re- against China’s rising economic and self-isolation after members of his China also was irked that G-7 gov- publican. political assertiveness, some European country’s delegation tested positive for ernments for the fi rst time unanimous- She spoke out against Trump’s ban on immigration from G-7 members are more cautious, and COVID-19. ly recommended Taiwan be allowed the G-7 joint statement stressed the “meaningful participation” in the seven majority-Muslim countries, and joined Democrats in Tweeted voting against Trump’s effort to unilaterally redirect money need for a working relationship with WHO. Wednesday’s statement cited to building a wall along the Southwest border. She also led an Beijing. Indian External Affairs Minister Taiwan’s success in controlling the effort to recruit female candidates for her party. The G-7 ministers criticized China Subrahmanyam Jaishankar tweeted coronavirus. Stefanik’s rural district, which Barack Obama carried in for “arbitrary, coercive economic poli- that he was attending “in the virtual The communist Beijing govern- his successful 2008 and 2012 presidential runs, was subse- cies and practices” and urged it to stick mode” as a ”measure of abundant cau- ment says Taiwan, which split with the quently won twice by Trump. She morphed into a stalwart to international trade rules and “re- tion” after being told he might have mainland in 1949 after a civil war, has Trump defender and was given a high-profile role during spect human rights and fundamental been exposed to the virus. no right to conduct foreign relations or the 2019 House Intelligence Committee impeachment freedoms.” Organizers insisted there was little participate in global bodies as a sover- hearings. That was widely seen as a strategic move by the Meghan Wong At their fi rst face-to-face meeting risk to the rest of the delegates. eign government. GOP to soften its image by giving a woman a prominent role. for two years, the top diplomats sought Meanwhile, China’s government on “Taiwan’s participation in interna- unity to deal with increasing challeng- Thursday rejected criticism of its hu- tional organizations, including the ac- Stefanik’s status and visibility within the GOP have soared es from China and Russia, smoldering man rights and economic record by tivities of the World Health Organiza- since then, and she’s also become a signifi cant fundraiser for News in Brief confl icts in Syria, Afghanistan and foreign ministers of the Group of Sev- tion, which is composed of sovereign the party. Ethiopia and the heavy toll the pan- en major economies and accused them states, must be handled in accordance Cheney is the highest-ranking woman in the GOP leader- Meghan wins claim: Meghan, the demic is taking on the world’s poorest of meddling in its affairs. with the one-China principle,” Wang ship. Replacing her with Stefanik — and not a man — is seen countries. The Foreign Ministry also rejected said. as politically wise as the party tries to bolster its weak appeal Duchess of Sussex, on Wednesday won her remaining copyright claim against a The G-7 ministers called for “cordi- an appeal by the G-7 diplomats for G-7 governments should be work- among female voters. nated action and global solidarity” to Taiwan, the island democracy Bei- ing on improving access to coronavi- There are just 31 Republican women in the House, about British tabloid publisher over the publica- tion of a personal letter she wrote to her help the world recover from the pan- jing claims as part of its territory, to rus vaccines for developing countries one-third of Democrats’ total but up from the 13 who served demic, and backed “affordable and eq- be allowed to participate in the World instead of “making accusations and in the last Congress. estranged father. Meghan, 39, had already won most of uitable global access” to coronavirus Health Organization. interfering with other countries in a Contenders her claim for misuse of private informa- vaccines and treatments. But wealthy The statement Wednesday by G-7 condescending way,” Wang said. tion and copyright infringement against countries have been reluctant so far to diplomats in London “made ground- “Attempts to disregard the basic There were no other visible contenders for Cheney’s post, give up precious vaccine stocks until less accusations” said a Foreign Min- norms of international relations and with a secret ballot by House Republicans on her fate possi- Associated Newspapers Limited, the publisher of the Mail on Sunday and the they have inoculated their own popula- istry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin. He to create various excuses to interfere ble next week. A vote on a replacement, seemingly Stefanik, tions. accused them of “blatantly meddling” in China’s internal affairs, undermine could come that day as well. MailOnline website. The American for- mer actress sued over fi ve 2019 articles The group also condemned Russia’s in China’s affairs. China’s sovereignty and smear China’s Two Republicans said another GOP woman, Rep. Virginia military build-up on Ukraine’s eastern “China strongly condemns it,” image will never succeed,” he said. Foxx of North Carolina, was expected to make the formal that published large portions of a letter motion to remove Cheney. she wrote to her father after her 2018 Cheney was making little noticeable effort to cement sup- wedding to Prince Harry. travel restrictions at the external borders leafl ets toward North Korea by balloon one-dollar bills and 500 anti-Pyongyang port by calling colleagues or enlisting others to lobby on her In February, a High Court judge ruled for residents of the following third coun- in defi ance of a new, contentious law that booklets across the border last week. (AP) behalf, said two House GOP aides who spoke on condition of in her favor, saying the publishing of tries: Australia- Israel- New Zealand- bans such activities. ❑ ❑ ❑ large parts of the handwritten letter was The issue of propaganda leafl ets has anonymity to describe the situation. A third person familiar Rwanda- Singapore- South Korea- Thai- Jury convicts 2 US friends: A jury in with Cheney’s effort also said she was not lining up votes. “manifestly excessive” and unlawful. The emerged as a new source of animosities judge granted the duchess’s request for land. China is subject to confi rmation of Italy convicted two American friends in Cheney’s opposition to Trump put her out of step with reciprocity. (KUNA) between the two Koreas, with Pyongyang a summary judgment to settle the case, calling it a provocation and threatening the 2019 slaying in Rome of a police of- most House Republicans, 138 of whom voted against certify- meaning she won that part of the case ❑ ❑ ❑ fi cer in a tragic unraveling of a small-time ing the Electoral College vote for Biden’s victory. to retaliate. The Seoul Metropolitan Po- without having to go to trial. (AP) SKorea raids activist’s offi ce: South lice said the raid on the Seoul offi ce of drug deal gone bad, sentencing them to Trump’s statement Wednesday underscored his bitter rift ❑ ❑ ❑ the maximum life in prison. with Cheney. Korean police on Thursday raided the of- activist Park Sang-hak was related to his fi ce of an activist who said he had fl oated More than 12 hours after deliberations He called Cheney “a warmongering fool who has no busi- Activist Wong sentenced: Prominent announcement that his group launched began, the jury of two judges and six ci- ness in Republican Party Leadership.” He praised Stefanik pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong hundreds of thousands of propaganda balloons carrying 500,000 leafl ets, 5,000 vilians delivered verdicts and sentences for supporting his America First agenda and added that she was sentenced to more jail time Thursday Wednesday night that set off a collective “has my COMPLETE and TOTAL Endorsement for GOP for participating in an unauthorized vigil gasp in the courtroom: Finnegan Lee El- Conference Chair. Elise is a tough and smart communicator!” to commemorate the 1989 Tiananmen der, 21, and Gabriel Natale-Hjorth, 20, Rep. Steve Scalise, the House GOP whip, is also backing Square crackdown, as Hong Kong au- former schoolmates from the San Francis- Stefanik, said Scalise spokesperson Lauren Fine. The Louisi- thorities exert more control over dissent co area, were each found guilty of murder ana Republican’s was the fi rst explicit call from House GOP in the city. and four other counts and received Italy’s leadership to oust Cheney from her leadership job. For years, Hong Kong was the only stiffest punishment, life imprisonment. Stefanik is committed to focusing on Republican efforts to place in China where people were al- Each had been charged with homicide, gain House control in the 2022 elections “and fi ghting against lowed to mark the anniversary of Bei- attempted extortion, assault, resisting Speaker Pelosi and President Biden’s radical socialist agen- jing’s crushing of the Chinese democracy a public offi cial and carrying an attack- da,” said the statement from Fine. movement. Despite the commemoration style knife without just cause. Presiding Scalise’s backing was fi rst reported by Punchbowl, a po- being banned for the fi rst time last year, Judge Marina Finiti announced the jury litical news organization. thousands of protesters defi ed authorities found them guilty of all the charges in the McCarthy said Tuesday that rank-and-fi le Republicans and proceeded to Victoria Park to light trial indictment. (AP) were concerned about Cheney’s “ability to carry out her job” candles and sing songs. Police who were ❑ ❑ ❑ because of her public comments about Trump. present at the vigil warned the protesters they may be breaking the law but made Taleban issue threat to scribes: The Republicans say a McCarthy speech backing Cheney at Taleban on Wednesday issued a threat to a closed-door House GOP meeting in February was largely no arrests on the day itself. (AP) ❑ ❑ ❑ Afghan journalists they accuse of siding credited with her surviving an earlier push by conservatives with Afghanistan’s intelligence agency in oust her, in a 145-61 secret ballot. EU updates list: The European Union Kabul, a warning that came amid a U.S. A top House GOP aide has said McCarthy won’t do that Thursday published an updated list of troop pullout and rising fears of more vio- this time. countries on the gradual lifting of the lence in the war-wrecked country. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., kept his temporary restrictions on non-essential Folklorico dancers from the group Viva Mexico perform their routine during a In a statement, Taleban spokesman Za- distance Wednesday from the House GOP struggle. Asked travel into the EU. Cinco de Mayo celebration and mixer hosted by the Odessa Hispanic Chamber bihullah Mujahid warned those Afghan if he would help Cheney, he told reporters in Georgetown, An EU press release said that based of Commerce at the Odessa Marriott Hotel and Convention Center on May 5, journalists who give “one-sided news in Kentucky, “100% of my focus in on stopping this new ad- on the criteria and conditions set out in 2021, in Odessa, Texas. The event featured performances from groups such support of Afghanistan’s intelligence” ministration.” the recommendation, as from 6 May EU as the Odessa High School mariachi band and the Folklorico dance group Viva service to stop or “face the consequenc- member states should gradually lift the Mexico. (AP) es.” (AP) Market Movements 06-05-2021 Change Closing pts Change Closing pts JAPAN - Nikkei +518.74 29,331.37 AUSTRALIA - All Ordinaries -38.13 7,306.04 S. KOREA - KRX 100 +28.78 6,715.79 PHILIPPINES - PSEi -16.91 6,282.78 INDIA - Sensex +272.21 48,949.76 CHINA - Shanghai SE -5.57 3,441.28 PAKISTAN - KSE 100 +231.06 45,174.67 Business

World Government Summit report finds Nearly 50% of pandemic costs will fall on advanced economies DUBAI, May 6, (Agencies): A cerns that will exacerbate if gov- Our individual and collective ments. The Summit, in its various seminal report launched by the ernments do not rebuild in a holis- actions as nations have important activities, explores the agenda of World Government Summit tic, proactive manner. consequences not only for us, but the next generation of govern- US services sector slows Organization (WGS) which high- His Excellency Mohammad for our children and the many gen- ments, focusing on harnessing lights 21 critical priorities within Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE erations to come after them: we innovation and technology to solve five focus areas offers a source of Minister of Cabinet Affairs and must all be accountable to our- universal challenges facing human- direction for governments as they Chairman of the World Government selves and each other.” ity. in April after record high tackle post-COVID-19 recovery. Summit Organization, said: “2020 With governments’ focus trained The World Government Summit WASHINGTON, May 6, (AP): expansion in the services sector after a Wealthier economies will shoul- will be remembered by history as on the pandemic over the last 18 Organization operates at the inter- Activity in the U.S. services sector, two-month contraction in April and der almost half the cost of the the year of great disruption. While months, underlying societal issues section of government and innova- where most Americans work, slowed May last year when the country was COVID-19 crisis, which could the world was woefully unprepared such as the mental health and cli- tion. It functions as a knowledge slightly in April after hitting an all- struggling with widespread shutdowns reach up to US$3.8 trillion in 2021, for the voracity of the virus, 2021 mate crises have exacerbated, and exchange platform that convenes time high in March. caused by the coronavirus pandemic. the report finds. That, even if devel- needs to be the year that defines could become as problematic as the leaders in the public and private The Institute for Supply The reading on service industries oped economies can vaccinate their humanity’s future and reshape soci- public health emergency if leaders sectors to collaborate with world- Management said its monthly survey followed an ISM report Monday that of service industries showed a drop to activity in manufacturing also slowed entire populace and developing eties to become stronger and more do not adapt their thinking, the renowned experts in creating posi- a still high reading of 62.7, 1 percent- in April to a level of 60.7. The manu- economies can reach a 50 percent resilient.” report suggests. tive impact for citizens around the age point lower than the record high of facturing slowdown was attributed to vaccination rate. He added: “With great change The World Government Summit world. Including initiatives and 63.7 set in March. widespread supply chain shortages. The report says mental health comes great opportunity. Valuable Organization is a global, neutral, events held throughout the year, the Any reading above 50 indicates the The services index showed slow- wellness, climate change and wom- lessons emerged over the past year, non-profit organization dedicated World Government Summit holds a sector is expanding. The April level downs in new orders and business en’s empowerment are central con- which we must heed as we recover. to shaping the future of govern- flagship annual gathering in Dubai. marks the 11th straight month of activity while employment rose. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 7-8, 2021 BUSINESS 9

Google says 20% of workers will be remote

Google says it expects about 20% of CEO Sundar Pichai wrote in an email ment of 10 days. its workforce to still work remotely after to employees that was also posted The company based in Mountain its offi ces reopen this fall, while some on Google’s website. “The changes View, California, will also continue of- 60% will work a hybrid schedule that above are a starting point to help us fering extra “reset” days - days off to In this fi le photo, a woman includes about three days in the of- do our very best work and have fun help cope with the pandemic. walks below a Google sign fi ce and two days “wherever they work doing it.” Google was among the fi rst major on the campus in Mountain best.” Most of Google’s 135,000 employ- technology companies last year to tell View, California. (AP) The remaining 20% can change their ees can continue to work from home its employees to work from home at location to a different Google offi ce. through September of this year. the onset of the pandemic. Other tech The policy announced Wednesday For up to 20 days per year, Google giants, such as Facebook and Twitter, relaxes the company’s stricter earlier employees will also be able to work have announced that people can work stance. from any location other than their main from home permanently after the pan- “The future of work is fl exibility,” offi ce. That’s up from a previous allot- demic if their jobs allow for it. (AP) KFH Q1 profi t surges 12.9% to KD 50mn EPS clocks 5.97 fi ls, net fi nancing income for fi rst quarter reaches KD 153.6mn: Al-Marzouq

KUWAIT CITY, May 6: Chairman of Ku- its leading national role in the economy and society cards without a prior request. wait Finance House (KFH), Hamad Abdul- as part of its sustainable development strategy,” Al- Building local staff mohsen Al-Marzouq said that KFH has, Marzouq said. “In addition to its track record of contributions Al-Marzouq said that while building and qualify- by the grace of Allah, reported net profi t to the growth of Islamic fi nance industry where it ing national competencies according to global stand- of KD 50.0 million for the fi rst quarter of operates, KFH has a wide experience in Sukuk is- ards are key elements in the Kuwait development 2021 for KFH shareholders; an increase of suances for banks, corporates and governments as plan, KFH confi rmed the success of its strategy of acquiring and developing local talents and excel- well as fi nancing mega infrastructure development 12.9% compared to the same period last lence in terms of local labor and Kuwaitization ratio projects, which contribute to economic progress year. as citizens made up 97%-99% of new hires in recent Earnings per share for the fi rst quarter of 2021 and development of many fi nancial products”, He years, most of them fresh graduates. Moreover, KFH reached 5.97 fi ls; an increase of 12.6% compared to explained. ranked fi rst among banks and private sector as a top the same period last year. Al-Marzouq said that, as part of its keenness to Kuwaitization destination as it hires the largest num- Net fi nancing income for the fi rst quarter of the promote social responsibility, KFH launched an ber of Kuwaiti employees. This refl ects its leadership year reached KD 153.6 million; an increase of 5.3% initiative to pay over KD 20mn in debts to release in nationalization efforts. compared to the same period last year. Hamad Al-Marzouq, KFH Chairman approximately 10,000 defaulting debtors. He also Total operating expenses for the fi rst quarter of the stressed the importance of the continuous leader- Global recognition year dropped by 6.5% compared to the same period Positive fi nancial indicators ship of KFH in social responsibility and its pursuit Al Marzouq said that KFH won prestigious awards last year. Al-Marzouq explained that the Q1 results are of sustainability as a comprehensive development from international magazines and institutions such as Net operating income decreased to reach KD 127.6 positive and refl ect the strong foundations of KFH concept. the “World’s Best Islamic Bank 2021” Award and Million or 8.2% compared to the same period last to maintain a solid fi nancial position, high quality Proactive approach “Best Treasury and Cash Management Bank in Ku- year, affected by the decrease in investment income assets, strong capital base and sustainable growth, wait” Award 2021 from Global Finance Magazine by 86.6% compared to the same period last year. offering shareholders and customers good profi tabil- Al-Marzouq emphasized the digital transformation in recognition of the high position KFH enjoys in Financing receivables as of the end of the fi rst ity ratios despite the economic consequences of the strategy of KFH and its proactive approach to adopt treasury and cash management. Also, KFH won quarter of 2021 reached KD 10.870 billion, i.e. an pandemic. technology and innovation and reinforce customer “Best Islamic Bank in the Middle East” Award, increase of KD 122 million or 1.1% compared to end Pointing out that the growth of KFH’s profi ts was experience through delivering the best innovative “Best Islamic Bank in Kuwait” award, and “Best of year 2020. a result of lower provisions due to lower cost and banking solutions. Bank in Kuwait” Award EMEA Finance Magazine. Investment in Sukuk as of the end of the fi rst quar- non-performing fi nancings (NPFs), Al-Marzouq ex- He added that KFH keeps focusing on developing KFH won these awards on the basis of its fi nancial ter of 2021 reached KD 2.717 billion; a decrease pressed optimism about the recovery signs of the lo- the services and products it provides to its customers, performance, quality of its services, excellence in of KD 25 million or 0.9% compared to end of year cal and global economy and a reversal of the spread and is keen to continue adopting banking digitization banking sector, as well as market share, products ex- 2020. of the pandemic due the acceleration of vaccination in collaboration with FinTechs, employing AI and pansion, profi tability, innovation, the ability to adapt Total assets as of the end of the fi rst quarter of campaigns across the world. robots, and keeping pace with developments in the to changing market conditions and the quality of its 2021 reached KD 21.218 bllion i.e., decrease of KD He affi rmed KFH’s healthy fi nancial indicators as global banking industry. business strategy based on professional standards 284 million or 1.3% compared to end of year 2020. refl ected in the growth of net operating income, fi - Al-Marzouq said that the digital services offered and recommendations of experts and analysts. Depositors’ accounts stabilized at KD 15.309 Bil- by KFH witnessed big boom through launching a nancing portfolio, and stability of total assets and de- Appreciation lion i.e., decrease of KD 8 million or 0.1% compared positors’ accounts. This demonstrates the balanced series of innovative digital banking solutions. These to end of year 2020. and solid performance of KFH and emphasizes pru- solutions include for example and not limited to: Al-Marzouq extended his thanks to the sharehold- Shareholders’ equity as of the end of the fi rst quar- dence in managing risks and the ability to deal with “opening bank account online” service for citizens ers and customers for their support and trust in KFH ter of 2021 reached KD 1.866 Billion i.e., decrease variables. and residents, digital signature service in personal Group, and to the regulatory authorities. He also of KD 70 million or 3.6% compared to end of year fi nancing products that includes the electronic han- commended the executive management and staff for 2020. Leadership in economy and society dling of all paper documents for personal fi nance their efforts. He emphasized maintaining the ideal In addition, the capital adequacy ratio reached “Along with supporting small and medium enter- transactions, instant transfer using “ RippleNet” approach of KFH`s vision and strategy in serving 16.98% which is above the minimum limit required prises, fi nancing mega projects in different vital sec- network and Swift GPI service through KFHOnline. customers systemically, promoting digital innova- by regulators. This ratio confi rms the solid fi nancial tors and contributing to the development plans and In addition, KFH was the fi rst bank in the world to tive products and services, and leading the global position of KFH. projects in Kuwait and the region, KFH continues use NCR Hybrid Solution to instantly issue banking development of the Islamic fi nance industry. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 7-8, 2021 BUSINESS 10

Nintendo profi ts boom as people stuck at home play games In this fi le photo, Nintendo characters, Nintendo Co.’s profi t for the fi scal year that ($16 billion), the company said. 2022. It is forecasting a 29% drop in including Mario, ended in March jumped 86% on healthy In game software sales, demand re- profi t to 340 billion yen ($3 billion). (right), are seen on sales of its Switch handheld machine as mained strong for “Animal Crossing: Nintendo said it has attractive games in a glass of its offi cial people stayed home due to the pandemic, New Horizons,” with 20.85 million units the works, including a collaboration in the store in Tokyo. Nin- turning to video games for entertainment. sold for cumulative sales of 32.6 million mobile sector with Niantic on an applica- tendo Co.’s profi t for Annual profi t for the Japanese maker of units. “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” and “Ring Fit tion featuring Pikmin for smart devices. It the fi scal year ended Super Mario and Pokemon games totaled Adventure” also were popular. expects to release that in the second half in March jumped 86% a record 480.4 billion yen ($4.4 billion), up Kyoto-based Nintendo said digital of 2021. Other software titles planned on healthy sales of from 258.6 billion yen the year before. The downloads for the Switch also did well, for global release later this year include the Switch handheld results, released Thursday, were better helping to support its bottom line. “Mario Golf: Super Rush,” and “The Leg- machine as people than the company’s internal profi t forecast But Nintendo said it didn’t expect such end of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD.” A new staying at home over of 400 billion yen ($3.7 billion). good fortune to persist through the cur- Pokemon game is planned for late 2021, the pandemic turned Sales rose 34% to 1.76 trillion yen rent fi scal year, which ends in March according to Nintendo. (AP) to video games. (AP) Asia mixed amid cautious optimism Crude oil prices rise, dollar weakens versus yen

TOKYO, May 6, (AP): Remarks by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen suggesting the Federal Reserve Asian shares were mixed would have to raise interest rates to Thursday on cautious op- keep the economy from overheating timism about upcoming sparked a late-afternoon sell-off on Tuesday. company earnings reports Yellen downplayed those remarks, showing some recovery and several Fed offi cials followed suit Wednesday, which helped boost stocks, from the damage of the said Steve Chiavarone, an equity strate- coronavirus pandemic. gist at Federated Hermes. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 “A combination of decent (econom- jumped 2.0% in morning trading ic) data, continued good earnings and a to 29,391.19, in the fi rst session coordinated apology tour were enough to get markets to move back in an up- after the Golden Week series of ward direction,” he said. national holidays. South Korea’s General Motors shares rose 4% after Kospi gained 0.7% to 3,168.56, the company posted a solid quarterly but Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 profi t compared to a year earlier, but dipped 0.5% to 7,057.80. Hong also affi rmed its full-year outlook even Kong’s Hang Seng inched up near- as the automaker - like much of its com- ly 0.1% to 28,436.53, while the petition - contends with a chip shortage that is impacting production. Shanghai Composite slipped 0.4% Facebook shares fell 1% after the to 3,433.39. company announced its independent Although the vaccine rollout is pro- oversight board would continue to ban gressing slowly in Asia, compared to former President Donald Trump from the U.S. and Europe, the global recov- the platform. Trump’s account had been ery is adding to optimism about exports suspended indefi nitely after the January and earnings of companies doing busi- 6 insurrection at the capital, where his ness overseas. rhetoric has been blamed for the riots. Japanese shares got a boost from re- The board did say that the company marks by policymakers at the Bank of must decide if the ban is permanent. Japan expressing resolve to prop up the Later this week, investors’ attention economy with easy lending and stimu- will turn to the jobs report for April. lus measures. In the minutes for their A woman wearing a protective mask rides a bicycle in front of an electronic stock board showing Japan’s Nikkei 225 index at a securities fi rm Thursday, Economists expect the data to show meeting in March, they said the nega- May 6, 2021, in Tokyo. Asian shares were mixed Thursday on cautious optimism about upcoming company earnings reports showing some recovery from employers hired 975,000 workers last tive impact from COVID-19 on global the damage of the coronavirus pandemic. (AP) month as the economy accelerated out economies was likely decreasing of the pandemic and vaccines rolled out France’s CAC 40 dipped 0.2% to sell-off a day earlier. Morgan Chase rose 1.3% and Exxon investors remain focused on earnings “To have your stock at least do OK dur- nationwide. The unemployment rate is 6,329.20, while Germany’s DAX shed The S&P 500 eked out a 0.1% gain Mobil added 3%. Technology stocks, reports, which have been better than ing earnings season: No. 1 beat on rev- expected to drop to 5.8% from 6%. 0.2% to 15,146.60. Britain’s FTSE 100 to 4,167.59 after climbing 0.7% in the which led the market’s blockbuster expected. More than half of the com- enue and No. 2 talk about a bright rest In energy trading, benchmark U.S. edged 0.2% lower to 7,026.93. U.S early going. The Dow Jones Industrial rebound in 2020, fell for the seventh panies in the S&P 500 have reported of the year trend.” crude gained 3 cents to $65.66 a barrel shares were set for a slow start, with the in electronic trading on the New York future for the Dow industrials down less Average rose 0.3% to 34,230.34, while straight day. The sector, one of 11 in their results so far this earnings season, While shares have been pressing Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude, the than 0.1% to 34,111. The S&P 500 fu- the tech-heavy Nasdaq slid 0.4% to the S&P 500, is up 4.6% this year, the showing an average profi t growth of higher thanks to expectations that the international standard, added 10 cents ture also was little changed, at 4,158.12. 13,582.42. third-smallest gain in the index after 54%, according to FactSet. pandemic is waning, investors remain to $69.06 a barrel. Major U.S. stock indexes closed The Russell 2000 index of small- consumer staples and utilities. Energy “It’s been a pretty torrid pace in terms concerned about the potential for In currency trading, the U.S. dol- mixed on Wednesday after an early company stocks lost 0.3%, to 2,241.37. companies are faring the best with a of earnings right now, but not everyone higher infl ation, signs of which are al- lar inched down to 109.34 Japanese technology company rebound faded, Financial and energy stocks helped 38.1% gain so far this year. is being rewarded,” said J.J. Kinahan, ready cropping up as higher prices for yen from 109.39 yen. The euro cost tempering the market’s recovery from a keep the S&P 500 out of the red. JP- The market’s mixed results came as chief strategist with TD Ameritrade. oil, lumber and other commodities. $1.2000, down from $1.2013. Jessica Alba’s Honest Co soars in debut NEW YORK, May 6, (AP): Shares of brand includes moisturizers, mascara taminated with infection-causing bac- Honest Co., the diaper and baby-wipe and vitamins. While most of its sales teria. seller founded by actress Jessica Alba, come from its website, it also sells its Honest Co., based in Los Angeles, soared 44% in their stock market debut products in major stores, including said it sold nearly 26 million shares at Wednesday, valuing the company at Target and Amazon.com. $16 a piece during its initial public nearly $2.1 billion. The company promotes its products offering, raising almost $413 million. Alba founded Honest Co. a decade as using “clean” ingredients, but its It plans to use some of the money to ago after using baby laundry deter- image has taken a hit in the past due to expand and sell its products outside gents that caused her allergic reac- product issues. Honest Co. paid $7.4 the U.S. It has never been profitable. tions. million to settle a 2015 class-action Last year, it posted a loss of $14.5 mil- Along with detergent, the compa- lawsuit that claimed its sunscreen was lion, smaller than the $31 million loss ny’s other first products included dia- ineffective and not natural as the label it reported in 2019. Its 2020 revenue pers and wipes that were sold on said. And earlier this year, it recalled a rose 28% from the year before to $300 Honest Co.’s website. Today, the bubble bath that may have been con- million. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 7-8, 2021 SCIENCE 11

Coronavirus

Diaspora boosts fi ght India hits another grim virus record

NEW DELHI, May 6, (AP): Infections in India hit another grim daily record on Thursday as demand for medical oxygen jumped seven-fold and the government denied reports that it was slow in distributing life-saving supplies from abroad. The number of new confi rmed cases breached 400,000 for the second time since the devastating surge began last month. The 412,262 cases pushed India’s tally to more than 21 mil- lion. The Health Ministry also reported 3,980 deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 230,168. Experts believe both fi gures are an undercount. Eleven COVID-19 patients died as the pressure in the oxy- gen line dropped suddenly in a government medical college hospital in Chengalpet town in southern India on Wednesday night, possibly because of a faulty valve, The Times of India newspaper reported. Hospital authorities said they had repaired the pipeline last week, but the consumption of oxygen doubled since then, the daily said. Demand for hospital oxygen has in- creased seven times since last month, a government offi cial said, as India scrambles to set up large oxygen plants In this image from video made available by SpaceX, a Starship test vehicle sits on the ground after returning from a flight test in Boca Chica, Texas on May 5. (AP) and transport cryogenic tankers, cylin- ders and liquid oxygen. India created a SpaceX launches, lands Starship in 1st successful fl ight sea bridge on Tuesday to ferry oxygen tankers from Bahrain and Kuwait in the Arabian Gulf, offi cials said. SpaceX launched and success- This latest upgraded version of video, we are down. The Starship has Success came on the 60th anniver- Vardhan Most hospitals in India aren’t fully landed its futuristic Starship on SpaceX’s full-scale, stainless steel, landed!” announced launch commen- sary of the flight of first American in Wednesday, finally nailing a test flight bullet-shaped rocketship soared more tator John Insprucker. space, Alan Shepard. And it capped equipped with independent plants that of the rocketship that Elon Musk in- than 6 miles (10 kilometers) over the A fire at the base of the 160-foot a stunning two weeks of achieve- generate oxygen directly for patients, As a result, hospitals tends to use to land astronauts on the Gulf of Mexico before flipping and de- (50-meter) rocket quickly was extin- ments for SpaceX: the launch of four typically rely on liquid oxygen, which can be stored in cylin- moon and send people to Mars. scending horizontally, and then going guished, and the rocket remained more astronauts to the space station ders and transported in cryogenic tankers. But amid the surge, The previous four tests flights end- vertical again just in time for touch- standing after the six-minute flight. for NASA, the nation’s first nighttime supplies in hard-hit places like New Delhi are running criti- ed in fiery explosions before, during down. Musk tweeted the landing was crew splashdown since the Apollo cally short. or soon after touchdown at the south- “Starbase Flight Control has con- “nominal” — by the book, in other moonshots, and a pair of launches for Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said India has enough eastern tip of Texas, near Brownsville. firmed, as you can see on the live words. its mini internet satellites. (AP) liquid oxygen but it’s facing capacity constraint in moving it. Most oxygen is produced in the eastern parts of India while the demand has risen in northern and western parts. K. Vijay Raghvan, a principal scientifi c adviser to the gov- ernment, said this phase of the pandemic was “a very critical Coronavirus time for the country.” The United States, Britain, Germany and several other na- tions are rushing therapeutics, rapid virus tests and oxygen, along with materials needed to boost domestic production of COVID-19 vaccines to ease pressure on the fragile health in- Move will help speed the end of pandemic frastructure. Components India’s vaccine production is expected to get a boost with US backs IP waiver on vaccines the United States supporting a waiver of intellectual property protections for COVID-19 vaccines. GENEVA, May 6, (AP): Activists “A waiver of patents for #COVID19 support among some progressive law- Vaccine components from the US that had arrived in India cheered, Big Pharma complained and vaccines & medicines could change makers in the West. will enable the manufacturing of 20 million doses of the Astra- government leaders assessed next the game for Africa, unlocking mil- More than 100 countries have come Zeneca vaccine, said Daniel B. Smith, the most senior diplo- steps on Thursday after the Biden ad- lions more vaccine doses & saving out in support of the proposal, and a mat at the embassy in New Delhi. ministration’s blockbuster move to countless lives. We commend the group of 110 members of Congress - Last month, Adar Poonawalla, chief executive offi cer of the support an easing of patent and other leadership shown by South Africa, In- all fellow Democrats of Biden - sent Serum Institute of India, the world’s biggest vaccine maker, protections on COVID-19 vaccines dia & the United States, & urge others him a letter last month that called on appealed to President Joe Biden to lift the embargo on US ex- that many hope will help poorer coun- to back them,” WHO Africa chief Mat- him to support the waiver. port of raw materials, which, he said, was affecting its produc- tries get more doses and speed the end shidiso Moeti tweeted. Opponents - especially from indus- tion of COVID-19 shots. In this April 10, 2021 photo, a syringe of the pandemic. Doctors Without Borders, an advo- try - say a waiver would be no panacea. The government meanwhile described as “totally mislead- is loaded with the Pfizer-BioNTech The move to support waiving intel- cacy group also known as Medecins They insist that production of corona- ing” Indian media reports that it took seven days for it to come COVID-19 vaccine at a clinic in Rich- lectual property protections on vac- Sans Frontieres that sends health virus vaccines is complex and can’t be up with a procedure for distributing urgent medical supplies mond, British Columbia, Canada. On cines under World Trade Organization workers to countries in need, said ramped up by easing intellectual prop- that started arriving on April 25. May 5, Canada’s health regulator au- rules marked a dramatic shift for the many low-income countries where it erty. They also say lifting protections The statement sad that a streamlined and systematic mecha- thorized the Pfizer vaccine for ages United States, which had previously operates have only received 0.3% of could hurt future innovation. nism for allocation of the supplies received by India has been 12 and older. (AP) lined up with many other developed the global supply of coronavirus vac- Stephen Ubl, president and CEO put in place for effective distribution. The Indian Red Cross nations opposed to the idea fl oated by cines. of the Pharmaceutical Research and Society is involved in distributing supplies from abroad, it India and South Africa. “MSF applauds the US govern- Manufacturers of America, said the US said. Attention is set to turn to those ment’s bold decision to support the decision “will sow confusion between Meanwhile, India’s large diaspora - long a boon to India’s Discovery richer nations, notably in the European waiving of intellectual property on public and private partners, further economy - is tapping its wealth, political clout and expertise Union, to see whether they will come COVID-19 vaccines during this time weaken already strained supply chains to help its home country combat the catastrophic coronavirus on board. A key hurdle: Any decision of unprecedented global need,” said and foster the proliferation of counter- surge that has left people to die outside overwhelmed hospi- Woman gives birth to 9 babies: A at the WTO, a Geneva-based trade Avril Benoît, executive director of feit vaccines.” tals. Malian woman has given birth to nine ba- body, has to be by consensus - mean- MSF-USA. Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath, chief ing that any single country could hold executive of the Biotechnology Inno- Around the world, people of Indian descent are donat- bies at once — after expecting seven, ac- Treatments ing money, personally delivering desperately needed oxygen cording to Mali’s Minister of Health and up any waiver. vation Organization trade group, said equipment and setting up telehealth consultations and informa- the Moroccan clinic where the nonuplets The EU Commission president, Ur- She said any waiver should apply in a statement that the decision will tion sessions in hopes of beating back the outbreak. were born. sula von der Leyen, said the 27-nation not just to vaccines, but other medical undermine incentives to develop vac- Two humanitarian groups in the US led by people of In- It appeared to be the fi rst time on record bloc was ready to talk about the US tools for COVID-19, including treat- cines and treatments for future pan- dian background raised more than $25 million in recent days that a woman had given birth to nine sur- proposal - but cagily remained non- ments for infected people and testing demics. to help the teetering health care system. Indian American doc- viving babies at once. committal for now. systems. “Handing needy countries a recipe tors, hotel owners and other entrepreneurs, some responding to The fi ve girls and four boys, and their “We are ready to discuss how the The Biden administration on book without the ingredients, safe- requests for help from Indian leaders, have pledged or donated mother, “are all doing well,” Mali’s health US proposal for waiver on intellectual Wednesday joined calls for more shar- guards, and sizable workforce needed millions more. minister said in a statement. property protection for COVID vac- ing of the technology behind COV- will not help people waiting for the In Britain, volunteers at three Hindu temples raised more The mother, 25-year-old Halima Cisse, cines could help” end the crisis, she ID-19 vaccines to help speed the end vaccine,” she said. than 600,000 pounds ($830,000) last weekend by racking gave birth to the babies by cesarean sec- of the pandemic, a shift that puts the tion on Tuesday in Morocco after being said in a video address. “In the short Pfi zer declined to comment on up 20,127 kilometers (12,506 miles) on stationary bikes, or sent there for special care, Mali’s top run, however, we call upon all vaccine US alongside many in the developing Biden’s announcement, as did Johnson roughly three times the distance from London to New Delhi. health offi cial announced. producing countries to allow exports world who want rich countries to do & Johnson, which developed a one- And in Canada, Sikhs have donated between $700 and $2,000 Associated Press reporters saw some and to avoid measures that disrupt sup- more to get doses to the needy. dose vaccine meant to ease vaccina- to each of dozens of people in need of costly oxygen cylinders. of the babies wiggling their hands and ply chains.” US Trade Representative Kather- tion campaigns in poor and rural areas. The magnitude of the response refl ects the deep pockets feet inside incubators Wednesday in the That echoed the position of the glob- ine Tai announced the government’s Moderna and AstraZeneca didn’t im- of many people in the overseas Indian community, as well as private Ain Borja clinic in Casablanca. al pharmaceutical industry, which in- position, amid World Trade Organiza- mediately respond to requests for com- their deep ties to India, which have fueled similar efforts to Medical staff checked their status regular- sists a faster solution would be for rich tion talks about a possible temporary ment. help the country in the past. ly in the neonatal ward wallpapered with countries that have vaccine stockpiles waiver of its protections that would The companies have made some ef- “I feel that this crisis has kind of sparked or triggered a fresh cartoon characters. to start sharing them with poorer ones. allow more manufacturers to produce forts to provide vaccine doses to poor and new emotional affi liation to India,” said Nishant Pandey, Cisse had been expecting seven babies. The industry insists that production the life-saving vaccines. countries at prices well below what CEO of the American India Foundation. The group launched a Malian doctors, under government orders, of coronavirus vaccines is complicated “The Administration believes they’re charging wealthy nations. fundraising drive on April 24 that raked in roughly $20 million sent her to Morocco for the births because and can’t be ramped up by easing intel- strongly in intellectual property pro- in a week, much of it from the Indian diaspora. The money hospitals in Mali, one of the world’s poor- lectual property protections. Instead, tections, but in service of ending this Reservation will be used in part to expand hospital capacity and oxygen est countries, are ill-equipped to provide it insists that reducing bottlenecks in pandemic, supports the waiver of those For instance, Johnson & Johnson production in India. adequate care for this exceptional multi- supply chains and a scarcity of ingredi- protections for COVID-19 vaccines,” agreed last week to provide up to 220 India’s offi cial count of coronavirus cases surpassed 20 mil- ple pregnancy. The Casablanca clinic’s director Youssef ents that go into vaccines are the more Tai said in a statement. million doses of its vaccine to the Afri- lion this week, and deaths offi cially topped 220,000, though Alaoui told Moroccan state TV that they pressing issues for now. She cautioned that it would take can Union’s 55 member states, starting the true numbers are believed to be much higher. had been contacted by Malian doctors about “A waiver is the simple but the time to reach the required global “con- in this year’s third quarter, and agreed Appeal the case a month and a half ago. They were wrong answer to what is a complex sensus” to waive the protections under in December to provide up to 500 mil- not expecting nine babies, he said. problem,” said the International Feder- WTO rules, and US offi cials said it lion vaccines through 2022 for low-in- “Mother India is in dire need of the non-resident Indians to Cisse gave birth prematurely at 30 ation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers would not have an immediate effect on come countries via Gavi, The Vaccine step up,” Hemant Patel, a hotel developer from Miami, said in weeks and is now in stable condition after and Associations. “Waiving patents of the global supply of COVID-19 shots. Alliance. an appeal for aid on WhatsApp. His efforts helped generate heavy bleeding for which she was given a COVID-19 vaccines will not increase In a tweet, the director of the Africa Shares of Pfi zer, AstraZeneca and more than $300,000 in medical donations, he said. blood transfusion, he said. production nor provide practical solu- Centres for Disease Control and Pre- Johnson & Johnson - huge compa- Patel traveled to his hometown of Navsari in the state of The cesarean was ordered after Cisse had tions needed to battle this global health vention, John N. Nkengasong, said nies with many lucrative products Gujarat in March to visit his mother after getting vaccinated “birth pains,” Alaoui, the clinic director, crisis.” the Africa CDC welcomed the waiver - fell less than 1% on the news. But and is now serving as a liaison between local hospitals and said. The babies weigh between 500 grams and called the decision “leadership in Moderna, whose vaccine is the com- Indians in the US. and one kilogram (1.1 and 2.2 pounds). Incentives action.” He added: “History will re- pany’s only product, fell 6.2% in late- He has also donated eight oxygen machines -- holding a re- The Guinness Book of World Records The industry also says an IP waiver member this decision as a great act of afternoon trading before gaining back ligious ceremony to bless the fi rst one - and paid to have a van said in an email to The AP on Wednes- will do more harm than good in the humanity!” two-thirds of a percent in after-hours outfi tted with a stretcher and oxygen to serve COVID-19 patients. day that its current record for most living long run by reducing the incentives Tai’s announcement came hours trading. Some members of the overseas Indian community have ap- births at once is eight, and that it is verify- ing the Morocco birth. that push innovators to make tremen- after WTO Director-General Ngozi It remained unclear how some coun- pended harsh words to their support efforts, accusing the In- The current holder of the Guinness re- dous leaps, as they did with the vac- Okonjo-Iweala spoke to a closed-door tries in Europe, which have infl uential dian government of botching the fi ght against the virus. cord is American Nadya Suleman, who cines that have been churned out in a meeting of ambassadors from develop- pharmaceutical industries and had pre- Others, especially medical professionals, wish they could go gave birth to eight premature but other- blistering, unprecedented speed to help ing and developed countries that have viously shared US reservations about to India but face travel restrictions there and new ones in the wise healthy children in 2009. (AP) fi ght COVID-19. been wrangling over the issue, but the waiver, would respond. US, Britain and Canada. ❑ ❑ ❑ But civil society, progressive groups agree on the need for wider access to WTO spokesman Keith Rockwell Sunil Tolani, CEO of a hotel and real estate company in and international institutions were COVID-19 treatments. said a panel on intellectual property at California, said he donated $300,000 to help people in India Rocket likely to plunge to Earth: euphoric about the Biden adminis- The WTO’s General Council took the trade body was expected to take up during the surge and lobbied the Biden administration to step The largest section of the rocket that tration’s new stance, which marks a up the issue of a temporary waiver for the waiver proposal again at a “tenta- up its support. Other prominent Indian Americans have also launched the main module of China’s fi rst nearly complete reversal in US policy intellectual property protections on tive” meeting later this month, before pressed the White House for action. permanent space station into orbit is ex- pected to plunge back to Earth as early as under the Trump administration that COVID-19 vaccines and other tools, a formal meeting June 8-9. That means “If India would have put their act together, they wouldn’t was critical of both the WTO and the which South Africa and India fi rst pro- any fi nal deal could be weeks away at need this help in the fi rst place,” Tolani said, accusing the gov- Saturday at an unknown location. Usually, discarded core, or fi rst-stage, World Health Organization. posed in October. The idea has gained best. ernment there of “total complacency and incompetence.” rockets reenter soon after liftoff, normally The surge in infections since February has been blamed on over water, and don’t go into orbit like more contagious variants of the virus as well as government this one did. decisions to allow huge crowds to gather for Hindu religious China’s space agency has yet to say festivals and political rallies. whether the core stage of the huge Long The US last week began delivering treatments, rapid virus March 5B rocket is being controlled or However, the newspaper Global tagon said in a statement Tuesday. tests and oxygen along with materials needed for India to boost will make an out-of-control descent. Last Times, published by the Chinese Commu- White House press secretary Jen production of COVID-19 vaccines. Britain is also sending a May, another Chinese rocket fell uncon- nist Party, said the stage’s “thin-skinned” Psaki at a Wednesday briefi ng said the substantial amount of aid. trolled into the Atlantic Ocean off West aluminum-alloy exterior will easily burn US Space Command was “aware of and More than 6 million people of Indian descent live in the two Africa. up in the atmosphere, posing an extremely tracking the location” of the Chinese countries - part of a diaspora the Indian government estimates Basic details about the rocket stage and remote risk to people. rocket. at over 32 million, including nearly 3.5 million in the United its trajectory are unknown because the Chi- The US Defense Department expects The nonprofi t Aerospace Corp expects Arab Emirates and just under 3 million in Malaysia. Donations nese government has yet to comment pub- the rocket stage to fall to Earth on Satur- the debris to hit the Pacifi c near the Equa- are pouring in from non-Indians and corporations as well. licly on the reentry. Phone calls to the China day. tor after passing over eastern US cities. National Space Administration weren’t an- Where it will hit “cannot be pinpointed Its orbit covers a swath of the planet from swered on Wednesday, a holiday. until within hours of its reentry,” the Pen- Suleman Psaki New Zealand to Newfoundland. (AP) Television FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 7-8, 2021 FFeatureseatures multiple childpornographyfi ever hadtoexamine.”(AP) of theworstthatI’ve downloaded wereamong“topfi had beendeleted. been foundonthecomputerthat that morethan200imageshad were foundonthecomputerand ily members. other minors,includingfam- Duggar couldnotbearoundany wife present.Butthejudgesaid with hischildrenonly release, Duggarcouldhavecontact community. sign thathewasadangertothe gar’s admittedmolestationasa cheating onhiswife. for apornographyaddictionand confessed andapologized. Duggar’s parentssaidhehad pulled fromthenetworkin2015. 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Mandlermakes“Monster”lookbeau- ix, basedintheUnitedStatesandwithacom- lm, whereyouseethecircumstancesofSte- Impact “Monster” isacommentaryontheprejudg- Where “Monster”stumblesisinitspacing. ict —youneverhaveanydoubtthat ix inItaly. following uponlastweek’s raid been preparedbutnot delivered. second sourcethat the briefi the matter,”butlaterlearnedfroma Giuliani by“asourcefamiliarwith been toldaboutanFBIbriefi be rewritten.Thenetworksaidithad top ofastorythatrandayearlierto and itrequiredboththeheadline The Times’storylast Thursday, lm. lm “TheForty-Year- ix beforethis).At lm teacher(Tim ng had ng of singers likeBeyonceorGhali,anItalianrapperofTunisiandescent. face, citingskitswhereperformersdarkenedtheirskintoimpersonate established groupsaskingthatitstopbroadcastingshowsusingblack- in Italy—tosetupanadvisorycouncilondiversityandinclusion. 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Highlightsinclude a newstreamingseriesanddeliciousfeastof Channel hasassembledsomeofRyan’sbestin progressives andasocialactivist.TheCriterion Off-screen, hewasoneofHollywood’sleading he wasaracist,bigot,gangsterandbully. famously, anincredibleparadox.On-screen, years thathehelpeddefi is justaspotenttodayitwasinthepostwar sential actors,onewhosepowerandcompassion remains oneofthemovies’greatestandmostes- menace, brutalityandcomplexity, LOS ANGELES: desert townrunbyRyan;and about astranger(SpencerTracy)instrange at BlackRock”(1955),ataut,81-minutethriller woman ( case inthecountryandanencounterwithablind ened andsolitarypolicedetectivechangedbya Dangerous Ground”(1951),withRyanasahard- real-life friendofRyan’s)foraheist.(AP) a racistex-conteamedwith “Odds AgainstTomorrow”(1959),withRyanas electric portraitofracialdivided’50sAmerica, ng.” ce, wasbroaderinfocus half starsoutoffour. images.” Runningtime:98minutes.Twoanda guage throughout,someviolenceandbloody Motion PictureAssociationofAmericafor“lan- years. that thistimeitwon’tsitonashelfforthree will getanothershotatafi rison’s performance.AndhopefullyMandler ster” remainsaworthywatchifjustforHar- “Monster,” aNetfl Despite someshortcomingsthough,“Mon- Manhattan Ida Lupino B-movie dynamitewhofl home Also: ); John Sturges ne onscreen.Ryanwas, ix release,isratedRbythe Nicholas Ray Harry Belafonte their story. (AP) details hadbeenremoved from so boththeOANand Giuliani that hehadreceived thebriefi Giuliani haddisputedtheassertion was incorrect.Thenewspapersaid said thatitsreportaboutOAN to thestoryonSaturday,Post of theRussians.Inanoteattached told bytheFBItheyweretargets lm soon,aswell,and Robert Wise Robert Ryan ’ “BadDay ared with ’s “On (a ’s

ng, ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 7-8, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES 13

People & Places

Music

Royal Blood rock Fanclub maintains its signature sound

By Scott Stroud eenage Fanclub, “Endless Arcade” (Merge) T It’s a lot to ask of a band to stay on the cutting edge for decades. Teenage Fanclub spent time there in the early 1990s, honing a signature sound that married lush vocal harmonies infl uenced by the Beach Boys and the Byrds with innovative, melody-driven guitar playing almost certainly born under the mesmerizing but sometimes overlooked spell of Big Star. Now, 30 years on, Teenage Fanclub has hearkened back to that sweet spot once again with “Endless Ar- cade.” Not as bouncy or fresh as “Here,” the band’s 2016 release, and certainly not as hungry as almost anything from the Scotsmen’s glory days, the new album still has moments of real beauty. Most of that happens on the musical side of things. The lyrics are more mature but sometimes veer toward the insipid, espe- cially when considered on their own. “In Our Dreams,” for ex- ample, begins with: “I look out across the skies, the world goes McGinley ’round/I look out into your eyes, the world goes ’round/’Round, ’round and ’round.” Nothing groundbreaking there. Certainly nothing close to the glorious lyrical urgency of songs like “Ain’t That Enough” from the band’s heyday. Still, with Teenage Fanclub, the words always worked in service to the music. There’s the familiar ear for melody in songs like “Everything Is Falling Apart” — again not the most Actress-singer Glenn Close holds Pip as she poses with Ted Nash at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club in New York on Nov 7, 2019. On Friday the pair are original lyric, but catchy in the old Fanclub style. releasing ‘Transformation: Personal Stories of Change, Acceptance, and Evolution,’ an 11-track spoken word jazz album that tackles heavy topics like race, politics And signature harmonies permeate the album, again and identity. (AP) set against the backdrop of gorgeous, winding guitar playing, at its best on the extended jam band-style solo by Raymond McGinley in the opener, “Home.” It’s one of several songs that wouldn’t be out of place on the band’s best albums. And for those who Music reveled in some of the sweetest rock sounds ever re- corded, that might be enough. ❑ ❑ ❑ Royal Blood, “Typhoons” (Warner Records) Getting up close with new duo in jazz Most rock duos are based around the guitar-and- drums concept — think The White Stripes or The Black Keys. Now imagine taking away the guitar. That’s Royal Blood, a band of just two Englishmen that rocks like any other band but just without the axe. Glenn, Nash talk ‘Transformation’ They simply don’t need it and their third full-length album, “Typhoons,” questions why we are all in love By Mesfi n Fekadu their guts and support that in a way that thing falls apart and I forget stuff,” she with six strings anyway. helps it emotionally and gives them a said. “But if I can learn like six songs With tracks like “Boilermaker” — with production lenn Close recently made music- safe space to do that.” and do them really well, I think that help from Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age This cover image released by Merge Grelated headlines for her playful Nash plays several roles on the al- would be fun.” — “Trouble’s Coming” and the awesome title song, Records shows ‘Endless Arcade’ by performance of “Da Butt” at the Acad- bum, from composer to instrumentalist Linking up with Nash allowed Close Royal Blood trend toward a snappier, more danceable Teenage Fanclub. (AP) emy Awards, but the revered actor has to producer and conductor. But he also to fulfi ll another dream: release a full- groove but they kick up a fuss. some real music news: she’s releasing an became a subject: His son Eli speaks length album about the real world. And Singer, keyboardist and bassist Mike Kerr puts album with Grammy-winning jazz saxo- about his experience coming out to Nash has big hopes for their collabo- the bass front and center, often fuzzed-out and doing phonist-composer Ted Nash on Friday. him as a transgender man on “Dear rative project — he wants it to spark a solo. Drummer Ben Thatcher attacks his kit like Variety “I learned about Go-go (music) Dad/Letter.” His father responds — change around the globe. a jackhammer operator. This is stripped-down garage and certainly about the Washington through instrumental music — on “You can take away whatever it is rock blessed with massive hooks. (DC) music scene from those years; I “Dear Dad/Response.” you want from this project, whether The band emerged in 2014 with its energetic self-titled ATLANTA: Rapper YFN Lucci is among was able to do that little piece of ‘Da “It was very moving, and Ted didn’t it’s just you enjoy Wayne Brady and debut that had a dirtier, messier feel and became a hit in a dozen people charged in a wide- Butt’ because I had looked at Spike’s know whether he could get through it, how he talks or whether you think that Britain, even being nominated for a Mercury Prize. Kerr ranging indictment in Atlanta targeting music video. Around the Oscars and actually. But when you put your soul what he’s saying is deep enough to alleged members of the Bloods gang. afterward, I was doing this wonderful into your instrument, into your music, move you to some kind of action, or and Thatcher cleaned and refi ned their sound with their A Fulton County grand jury on Friday sophomore release, “How Did We Get So Dark?” character for Gore Verbinski and his I think it was a very healing experience somewhere in between. My goal is to handed up the 105-count indictment that animated featured — it’s not going to for him,” Close said. “A very trans- move people to some kind of thought- The new album is even tighter and more focused, resulted from a six-month investigation, a neater distillation of Royal Blood. Some fans may come out for a couple of years — but formative experience.” ful action, but it’s maybe a lofty goal.” Atlanta Police Deputy Chief Charles ... it was all funk (music). And now Another goal: winning a Grammy, miss the jagged, slouchy rock of the past, but the Hampton said at a news conference Instrument streamlined “Typhoons” is much more liable to in- I’m back to jazz. So, yeah, mix it up! especially since it brings Close closer Tuesday. It includes racketeering, ag- It’s really fun and interesting.” crease streams and interest. gravated assault, murder, gun, armed “When (my son) started reading the to EGOT status. One curious footnote is the fi nal song. After 10 robbery, property damage, theft and The Emmy and Tony winner is used piece, I didn’t expect to kind of feel the “Accolades should never be the rea- head-banging tunes, the album ends with Kerr aban- gang-related charges. to her movies and TV shows premier- things that I felt,” Nash explained. “All son for doing anything ... but I do think doning his bass and singing the gentle, Coldplay-ish “We are serious about the violence in ing but having an album release is a of a sudden it hits me that everyone else for Glenn — this is just a personal thing “All We Have Is Now” on piano. “All we have is now/ Atlanta,” Hampton said. “We are serious fi rst: “I’m very, very excited for it to is hearing this. They’re hearing this per- — I would love to see her get a Grammy So just let it go,” he sings. Could this signal a future about holding people accountable.” be out in the world, especially now.” sonal piece that was a letter to me, and Award because then she’s got three out new path? Whatever it means, this is a band to watch. The indictment alleges that each of Close worked with Nash on his pre- I’m playing (music) along with it. And of the four EGOTs,” Nash said. ❑ ❑ ❑ the 12 people charged is associated with vious albums, but the two are co-stars I got very full. But, if anything, that just Close is no stranger to the Gram- sub-groups of the national Bloods gang. on “Transformation: Personal Stories helped me to have a more profound op- mys. She’s been nominated three Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi, It says they had connections and relation- of Change, Acceptance, and Evolu- portunity of expression.” times in the ’80s, though she admits: “I “They’re Calling Me Home” (Nonesuch) ships to each other and accuses them of tion,” an 11-track spoken word jazz Close, Nash, the orchestra and the forgot, actually, that I had been nomi- Rhiannon Giddens’ new album masterfully mixes committing a wide variety of crimes to album that tackles heavy topics like special guests recorded the album at nated for a Grammy.” the music of Ireland, Italy, Appalachia and heaven. protect and enhance the gang’s reputa- race, politics, identity and more. Nash, Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York At one point she even competed A year of death and lockdown left Giddens think- tion and to gain and maintain control of a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center City early last year before the corona- with John Lennon, Yoko Ono and Jes- ing about home and all the word means. That inspired territory. Orchestra, was tasked with composing virus pandemic hit. Close said before se Jackson. Who won over her? Jack “They’re Calling Me Home,” a 12-tune travelogue YFN Lucci, whose given name is music to match the words - both newly Rayshawn Bennett, is charged with making the album, jazz somewhat in- Nicholson, Ben Kingsley and Robin that shrinks the world by covering lots of ground, with racketeering, violating the state’s anti- written lyrics along with hand-picked timidated her. Williams, who died in 2014. the great beyond always nearby. gang law, felony murder, aggravated as- selections by Glenn from poets Ted “I thought you had to kind of know “Awww,” she said, putting her hand Giddens and Italian multi-instrumentalist Franc- sault and possession of a fi rearm during Hughes and Conrad Aiken, biologist what you were hearing. But now I’m on her heart. “I’m very proud to lose to esco Turrisi both live in Ireland and recorded the al- the commission of a felony. E.O. Wilson and playwright Tony just inspired by it because I think it’s Robin Williams.” bum near Dublin, which accounts for the set’s Celtic Atlanta police previously announced Kushner. deeply American and it’s also deeply “Well, gosh, I’d be thrilled if this underpinning. murder charges against Bennett in Janu- human,” she said. “It is an expression got a (Grammy), even to be nominated Their reinvention of “Amazing Grace” possesses the ary, saying he was the driver in a Decem- Embrace of the human condition, dissonance, would be incredible,” she added. gentle beauty of the Irish countryside, with Giddens’ ber gang-related drive-by shooting that Close, who offers her voice on three harmony — all of these different in- evocative humming supported by a frame drum and left one man dead. The felony murder songs, called friends to help round out struments playing off each other. In a Also: uilleann pipes. On the title cut she’s mournful but hope- charge in last week’s indictment is based the album, including esteemed jazz good world, everybody gets a turn to NEW YORK: Florence Welch is ditch- ful, contemplating transfi guration and accompanied by on that incident. (AP) musician and Jazz at Lincoln Center stand up and play their bit.” ing the machine for musicals. an accordion’s drone, while the somber ballad “When I ❑ ❑ ❑ Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis, Though Close, 74, is more known The Grammy-nominated leader of Was In My Prime” will inspire another round at the pub. DETROIT: A Detroit pizzeria owner along with the epic players in the for fi lm roles and eight Oscar nomina- Florence + The Machine is supplying The music never stays in one place for long. “Nenna upset over people getting $150 tickets for JLCO. Oscar-nominated actor Amy tions, as well as three Emmys for TV the lyrics and co-writing music for a Nenna” is a charming Italian lullaby, and the 1920s unwittingly parking in a handicap zone Irving reads “One Among Many,” performances, she’s always had ties to stage musical adaptation of “The Great fi ddle tune “Waterbound” is performed as a campfi re got a bucket of blue paint and marked the written by former radical Judith Clark music. One of her three Tony Awards Gatsby,” it was announced recently. No singalong, with stellar support from Congolese guitar- street himself. at the request of Close and Emmy-win- was for the musical “Sunset Boule- cast or premiere venue was announced. ist Niwel Tsumbu. “People come to Detroit, try to support ning entertainer Wayne Brady guest vard” and she also earned a nomination Welch will collaborate on the music Banjo, viola and whistle further connect the musi- our city and walk away with a $150 tick- stars on three tracks and even wrote an for her performance in “Barnum.” She with Thomas Bartlett — who earned cal roots, as does the powerhouse instrument that is et, and they feel like they were tricked original called “A Piece by the Angri- even scored a best original song nod a Grammy nomination for best song Giddens’ voice, her arresting alto vibrato soaring with into it and they kind of were tricked into est Black Man in America (or, How I at the Golden Globes for co-writing written for visual media in 2019 for amazing grace. it,” said Tony Sacco, co-owner of Mootz Learned to Forgive Myself for Being a “Lay Your Head Down” from “Albert “Mystery of Love” by Sufjan Stevens ❑ ❑ ❑ Pizzeria and Bar. Black Man in America).” Nobbs,” a 2011 fi lm Close produced, — and story writer Martyna Majok, The last straw: A woman and her “I feel like every time there’s a new co-wrote and starred in. who was awarded the 2018 Pulitzer Steve Cropper, “Fire It Up” (Provogue Records) children getting ice cream found a ticket project, it’s an opportunity to grow When asked if she’s ever picked Prize for drama for “Cost of Living.” Perhaps no guitarist has carved out more great on their car. as an artist and embrace new ideas. I up an instrument, she replied with a The musical will be directed by Olivier grooves than Memphis soul man Steve Cropper, and “I was talking to my buddy sitting with think that’s something that as I get old- laugh: “I pick ’em up. I don’t necessar- Award nominee Rebecca Frecknall. his new album is all about the beat. me and I said, ‘We’re going to go buy er, I realize is more important to me. ily play them. The copyright to F. Scott Fitzger- The songs on “Fire It Up” mix it up in fi nding dif- some blue paint.’ And we did,” Sacco told WDIV-TV. It’s not just, ‘Oh, I want to write some “My great dream is to learn how ald’s classic Jazz Age novel expired ferent ways to fi ll the dance fl oor, from the toe-tapper hip (expletive),’” Nash said. to play the electric bass. I want to sit at the end of 2020, meaning anyone “One Good Turn” and hip-shaker “I’m Not Havin’ There is a single sign along the curb indicating that parking is reserved for The musician added that his job was in the background with a cool hat on. is now allowed to adapt it to a movie, It” to the foot-stomper “Far Away,” fi nger-snapper to help the album’s speakers deliver I actually have a really cool Gibson make it into an opera or stage a Broad- “Heartbreak Street” and palate-cleanser “Bush Hog.” drivers with a handicap tag. But Sacco said it’s confusing because parking en- with authenticity and “be absolutely electric bass and I started lessons here. way musical without permission from Cropper has made his career in a supporting role, forcers consider the street space reserved supportive of somebody who’s spilling But then I go off and work and every- the estate. (AP) and even on his own album, he’s a team player. His for as many as four vehicles. rhythm guitar work serves as a master class in elegant “I mentioned it to the people writing simplicity, with overdubs allowing Cropper to work the tickets. I said, ‘People don’t under- his magic in multiple parts. He plays only brief, oc- stand this is handicapped,’ and they said, the right place at the right time — help- unit nurses from North Kansas City casional solos that will keep shoulders swaying. ‘That’s their problem. They should read Lead singer Roger C. Reale’s husky tenor is a good the sign,’” Sacco said. “That was the ing a Utah woman deliver her baby Hospital — were also on board. fi t for the material, most of which he helped Cropper attitude.” onboard an hourslong fl ight to Hawaii. “About halfway through the fl ight, write. Longtime Cropper collaborator Jon Tiven also There was no immediate comment Lavinia “Lavi” Mounga was trave- there was an emergency call, and I’ve ex- co-wrote and co-produced, and the Rascals’ Felix from the city Wednesday. ling from Salt Lake City to Hawaii on perienced this before and usually they’re April 28 for a family vacation when she pretty clear asking if there is a doctor on Cavaliere is among the guest artists. (AP) Now if anyone illegally parks on the blue patch of street and gets a ticket, gave birth to her son, Raymond, at just board,” Glenn said in a Hawaii Pacifi c The set was recorded in Nashville but is rooted in 29 weeks gestation. Health press release. “This call was not Memphis, echoes of Cropper’s glorious 1960s work “they deserve it,” Sacco said. (AP) ❑ ❑ ❑ Dr Dale Glenn, a Hawaii Pacifi c like this and it was fairly urgent.” with the Stax label evident in every greasy, delicious Health family medicine physician, along Bamfi eld said she heard someone call riff. (AP) HONOLULU: A doctor and a team of with Lani Bamfi eld, Amanda Beeding out for medical help and saw how little neonatal medical professionals were in and Mimi Ho — neonatal intensive care YFN Lucci Hampton the baby was. (AP) ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 7-8, 2021 SPORTS 14

Bernal to spearhead strong Ineos Means throws no-hitter as Nibali & Evenepoel among Giro favorites after injury comebacks MILAN, May 6, (AP): Two of the the crash, and I’ll also need a lot of contenders for this year’s Giro d’Italia caution pedaling in the peloton. But title are returning from injury and they now, finally, I can only think about the Orioles demolish Mariners are very much at opposite ends of their competition that, now more than ever, cycling careers. will be to experience day by day.” Two-time winner Vincenzo Nibali In the absence of last year’s winner was given the all-clear on Monday to Tao Geoghegan Hart, Egan Bernal compete following a training crash last will spearhead a strong Ineos month. At the age of 36, it is likely to Grenadiers team. However, his form is be his last chance of a third Giro unclear after a back injury which crown. forced him to abandon his Tour de In contrast, 21-year-old Remco France defense last year. Evenepoel will be riding in his first Another top favorite is Tour of the Grand Tour and hasn’t raced in nine Alps champion Simon Yates, who led months after a bad crash in last year’s the race for 13 days in 2018, the same Tour of Lombardy. year he won the Spanish Vuelta. Yates The 104th edition of the Giro runs had to abandon last year’s Giro after from May 8-30 and consists of 21 days testing positive of racing, totaling 3,479.9 kilometers for COVID-19. (2,162.3 miles) between the start in Evenepoel’s Torino and the finish in Milan. teammate João Here are some key things to know Almeida was one about the race: of the revelations of last year’s Giro, which he led CYCLING for 15 days. He is is likely to chal- lenge again this Evenepoel is widely regarded as one year, along with of the most promising talents of his Evenepoel last year’s runner- generation and the Belgian was talked up Jai Hindley, about as a favorite for last year’s Giro, who was pipped by just 39 seconds by which was postponed until October because of the coronavirus pandemic. Geoghegan Hart. But Evenepoel hasn’t raced since The 2021 Giro will include just two August after a crash which saw the time trials, at either end of an arduous youngster hit a bridge wall and go over route from Turin to Milan that also it into a ravine, leaving the Deceuninck- crosses briefly into Slovenia and Quick-Step rider with a fractured pel- Switzerland. vis and a damaged right lung. There are six stages for the sprinters “I think you cannot prepare 100% in the three weeks of racing that also for a race without racing but that is the features six mountain finishes, seven risk that we took,” Evenepoel said other hilly stages, and almost 47,000 Wednesday. “I’m just happy to be at meters of climbing. the start finally again almost 10 The general classification will get Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means throws to a Seattle Mariners during the ninth inning of a baseball game, on May 5, in Seattle. (AP) months after the crash. its first real shake-up on stage 14 with “So it’s almost one year without the steepest finish of the race, with the racing so my goal here is just to do climb up the Monte Zoncolan ending Votto breaks thumb, Reds blank White Sox 1-0 in 10 innings well in the bunch again, (have) a lot of in double digit gradients. fun with the guys because I’ve missed That comes just two days before the racing for too long.” Giro’s toughest leg, the so-called SEATTLE, May 6, (AP): John Means At the other end of the spectrum, queen stage, which includes nearly Nibali is looking to become the oldest 6,000 meters of climbing over the threw the major leagues’ third no- MLB Results/Standings winner of the Giro. Passo Fedaia, the Passo Pordoi and the hitter this season and came within a In possibly his last season of racing, Passo Giau in the Dolomites before the wild pitch on a third strike of a per- Nibali did not want to miss his home descent to the finish in Cortina Grand Tour despite undergoing sur- d’Ampezzo. At 2,239 meters, the fect game, pitching the Baltimore WASHINGTON, May 6, (AP): Results and standings from the MLB games on Wednesday. gery on his wrist just three weeks ago. Passo Pordoi is also the race’s highest Orioles over the Seattle Mariners 6-0. Cincinnati 1 Chic. Wht. Sox (10 inn) 0 Colorado 6 San Francisco 5 point. Baltimore 6 Seattle 0 St Louis 4 NY Mets (7 inn) 1st game 1 “It was a race against time and I’m Means (4-0) struck out 12. Seattle’s Sam NY Yankees 6 Houston 3 Miami 8 Arizona 0 very happy that I’ve won it,” said the After the final rest day, there are Haggerty raced to first after he struck out Texas 3 Minnesota 1 Atlanta 5 Washington 3 2013 and 2016 winner. “Since the day three more mountain stages including Detroit 6 Boston (10 inn) 5 Philadelphia 5 Milwaukee 4 of the crash, April 14, I’ve done noth- the penultimate leg, which has also swinging on a curveball in the dirt on a 1-2 Cleveland 5 Kansas City 4 NY Mets 7 St Louis (7 inn) 2nd game 2 count with one outs in the third inning that Toronto 9 Oakland 4 San Diego 4 Pittsburgh 2 ing but think about recovering in order been given the maximum difficulty bounced away from catcher Pedro Severino. Tampa Bay 3 LA Angels 1 Chicago Cubs 6 LA Dodgers (11 innings) 5 to be at the Giro. rating of five stars. The race’s longest Haggerty wasn’t on base long, getting thrown out American League National League “I don’t have the top condition, route comes on stage 18: 231 kilome- East Division East Division which I had hoped to achieve without ters from Rovereto to Stradella. attempting to steal second. W L Pct GB W L Pct GB Means threw 79 strikes among 113 pitches, includ- Boston 18 13 .581 _ Philadelphia 16 15 .516 _ ing first-pitch strikes to 26 of 27 batters. When New York 16 14 .533 1-1/2 New York 12 13 .480 1 Tampa Bay 17 15 .531 1-1/2 Atlanta 14 16 .467 1-1/2 Seattle did make contact against the 28-year-old left- Toronto 15 14 .517 2 Washington 12 14 .462 1-1/2 hander, it was weak and there were no threats to fall Baltimore 15 16 .484 3 Miami 13 16 .448 2 in for a hit. Central Division Central Division W L Pct GB W L Pct GB Means lowered his ERA to 1.37 and became the Chicago 16 13 .552 _ St Louis 18 13 .581 _ first individual Orioles pitcher to toss a no-hitter Cleveland 16 13 .552 _ Milwaukee 17 14 .548 1 since Jim Palmer against Oakland on Aug 13, 1969. Kansas City 16 13 .552 _ Chicago 15 16 .484 3 It was the 10th no-hitter in franchise history – six in Minnesota 11 18 .379 5 Cincinnati 14 15 .483 3 Detroit 9 22 .290 8 Pittsburgh 13 17 .433 4-1/2 Baltimore after four as the St Louis Browns. West Division West Division Means joined a no-hit club that includes gems by W L Pct GB W L Pct GB San Diego right-hander Joe Musgrove at Texas on Oakland 19 13 .594 _ San Francisco 18 13 .581 _ April 9 and by Chicago White Sox left-hander Carlos Seattle 17 15 .531 2 San Diego 18 14 .563 -1/2 Houston 15 15 .500 3 Los Angeles 17 15 .531 1-1/2 Rodón against Cleveland on April 14. In addition, Texas 15 17 .469 4 Arizona 15 15 .500 2-1/2 Arizona left-hander Madison Bumgarner pitched a Los Angeles 13 16 .448 4-1/2 Colorado 12 19 .387 6 seven-inning no-hitter against Atlanta on April 25, but that is not recognized as an official no-hitter because the game did not go at least nine innings, St. Louis won the opener 4-1 as Paul DeJong hit a dent and worked a scoreless ninth for his second shortened under pandemic rules in effect for a second two-run homer and Paul Goldschmidt had a solo save. straight season. homer off Marcus Stroman (3-3). Kwang Hyun Kim Rays 3, Angels 1 pitched four innings, combining with Ryan Hemsley In Anaheim, California, Brandon Lowe hit a three- (3-0), Giovanny Gallegos and Alex Reyes (ninth run homer and Tampa Bay overcame five scoreless In this July 19, 2018 filer, Colombia’s Egan Arley Bernal Gomez, right, pulls BASEBALL save in nine chances) on a two-hitter. innings from Los Angeles’ Shohei Ohtani to beat the Britain’s Geraint Thomas, wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey, up the Braves 5, Nationals 3 Angels. Alpe d’Huez during the twelfth stage of the Tour de France cycling race. In Washington, Marcell Ozuna hit Atlanta’s third Lowe went deep to center off Junior Guerra (2-1) (AP) Baltimore’s previous no-hitter came on July 13, grand slam in four games, Max Fried pitched five in the seventh after Brett Phillips led off the inning 1991, when Bob Milacki, Mike Flanagan, Mark strong innings in his return from the injured list and with a walk and Willy Adames flared a single to left. Williamson and Gregg Olson combined for a 2-0 the Braves beat Washington. Ryan Yarbrough (2-3) allowed one run on five hits victory at Oakland, Fried (1-1) allowed one run and four hits, struck in four-plus innings to help the Rays win their fourth Means had plenty of offensive support. D.J. out six and walked one, lowering his ERA from straight. The Angels have dropped four straight and Stewart and Ramón Urias both had RBI singles 11.45 to 8.44. He had been sidelined since April 14 10 of their last 14. against Yusei Kikuchi in the third inning. Pat Valaika with a strained right hamstring. Tigers 6, Red Sox 5, 10 Innings hit a solo home run off Kikuchi (1-2) in the sixth and Rookie William Contreras hit his first career In Boston, Jeimer Candelario hit a tiebreaking Trey Mancini provided a three-run shot off reliever homer for the Braves in his third start, replacing the three-run homer in the 10th inning, and Detroit held Aaron Fletcher in the eighth inning. injured Travis d’Arnaud at catcher. off Boston. Reds 1, White Sox 0, 10 Innings Rockies 6, Giants 5 Robbie Grossman began the Detroit 10th on sec- In Cincinnati, Cincinnati’s Joey Votto fractured In Denver, Jon Gray tossed six strong innings and ond and advanced to third on Jonathan Schoop’s his left thumb in the Reds’ victory over Chicago. helped himself with an RBI single in Colorado’s vic- leadoff single. Candelario then went deep against Votto was hit by Dallas Keuchel’s pitch in the tory over San Francisco. Garrett Whitlock (0-1), sending a drive to right for fourth inning. Votto remained in the game, but in the Gray (4-2) allowed two runs and four hits. The his third homer. sixth was replaced at first base by Kyle Farmer. right-hander struck out eight and walked two while Boston got two back in the bottom half. Marwin Votto is not expected to need surgery, but could miss improving to 4-0 in five home starts. Daniel Bard Gonzalez singled in Xander Bogaerts and eventually up to a month. worked a shaky ninth for his third save. came around to score on an error on second baseman Yankees 6, Astros 3 Brandon Crawford continued his hot hitting Willi Castro. In New York, Giancarlo Stanton homered again against the Rockies with a two-run homer in the Marlins 8, Diamondbacks 0 and knocked in four runs, Aaron Hicks hit a tiebreak- second inning. Crawford is 10 for 23 with four hom- In Miami, Adam Duvall hit his fifth home run and ing single in the eighth inning and New York beat ers, six walks and 10 RBIs in eight games against finished with four RBIs, Miguel Rojas scored three Houston for its fifth straight victory. Colorado this season. times and five Miami pitchers scattered five hits to In this Aug 2, 2016 file photo, Canada’s Mandy Bujold, left, knocks down With fans in the Bronx chanting curses at José Phillies 5, Brewers 4 lead the Marlins over Arizona. Uzbekistan’s Yodgoroy Mirzaeva during a women’s flyweight 51-kg pre- Altuve and several other Astros for the second con- In Philadelphia, Didi Gregorius hit his eighth Duvall connected for a three-run homer in a four- liminary boxing match at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. secutive night, the Yankees (16-14) got three innings career grand slam and Philadelphia beat Milwaukee run second off Luke Weaver (1-3), Duvall’s first (AP) of scoreless relief from their major league-best bull- for its third straight victory. home run in 19 games. pen and won for the 10th time in 13 games to move The Phillies won three straight games for the first Rojas was 2 for 3 and drove in two runs for Miami, ‘I had been hopeful’ two games above .500 for the first time this season. time since opening 4-0. which remained under .500 at 13-16 but is the only Cubs 6, Dodgers 5, 11 Innings Enyel De Los Santos left two runners stranded to team in the NL East to have outscored opponents. Of In Chicago, Anthony Rizzo capped Chicago’s end the eighth. José Alvarado returned from a two- the Marlins’ plus-18 differential, 14 was in the two two-run 11th inning with an RBI single, and the Cubs game suspension for triggering a bench-clearing inci- games of this series, which began with 9-3 victory. Canadian boxer Mandy Bujold beat struggling Los Angeles to complete a three- Indians 5, Royals 4 game sweep. In Kansas City, Mo., Josh Naylor homered in the Chicago’s Matt Duffy tied it when he drove in ninth inning, sending Cleveland past Kansas City. fighting for Tokyo Games berth Willson Contreras with a two-out single against Naylor greeted Wade Davis (0-1) with a leadoff TORONTO, May 6, (AP): Mandy After a competitive year erased by Garrett Cleavinger (0-3). Duffy stole third and pinch- drive to right for his second homer. Nick Wittgren Bujold would have preferred fighting COVID-19, the 11-time national fly- hitter Tony Wolters walked before Rizzo singled on (2-1) struck out the side in the eighth for the win, and this battle in the ring. weight champion had been confident a sharp grounder to left. James Karinchak worked the ninth for his third save. Instead, the Tokyo Olympics fate she’d clinch a berth at the qualifying He was mobbed by teammates as he ran off the Cleveland trailed 4-0 after five innings. It has ral- for Canada’s best boxer lies in the tournament this month in Buenos field following the Cubs’ second game-ending hit in lied to win in the first three games of the four-game hands of the Court of Arbitration for Aires. The event was recently canceled as many days. David Bote hit a winning single in the set. Sport after her qualifying tournament Padres 4, Pirates 2 amid coronavirus cases in Argentina. ninth the previous day in the nightcap of a double- was scrapped due to the pandemic. header. In San Diego, Jake Cronenworth hit a go-ahead, two-run single in the sixth inning and San Diego beat Bujold and her lawyer, Sylvie Blue Jays 9, Athletics 4 Rodrigue, lost their appeal to the BOXING In Oakland, California, Teoscar Hernández hit a Pittsburgh. tiebreaking RBI single during Toronto’s five-run Mark Melancon pitched the ninth for his big International Olympic Committee ear- lier this week, leaving CAS as her last eighth inning, and the Blue Jays beat Oakland. league-leading 11th save in 11 chances. Craig With no remaining international Stammen (2-1) got the final out of the sixth for the chance to box in what would be her Hernández also had an earlier run-scoring single competitions for boxers from the before coming through against Lou Trivino (1-1), win in relief of Yu Darvish. final Olympics. who was tagged for five earned runs after allowing a Cronenworth’s go-ahead hit came a half inning “I had been hopeful (about the Americas, athletes were selected on a total of three in his first 15 appearances this year. after Darvish surrendered a two-run lead and was IOC’s decision),” Bujold told The revised ranking system using three Ramón Laureano and Matt Chapman homered for chased with the score tied at 2. Canadian Press on Wednesday. “But events between 2018 and 2019 - events Oakland, and Sean Murphy had two hits and two Rangers 3, Twins 1 they did not even address the issues in Bujold didn’t compete in because they RBIs. In Minneapolis, Hyeon-Jong Yang made his first our letter, which is really unfortunate, conflicted with her maternity leave. Cardinals 4, Mets 1,1st Game major league start after 14 years in the Korea Baseball right? You think of the Olympics and Bujold’s daughter Kate was born on Mets 7, Cardinals 2, 2nd Game Organization, getting Texas off to a strong start in a the principles of Olympism, you think Nov. 5, 2018. In St. Louis, Tomás Nido hit a two-run homer and victory over Minnesota, about fairness, you think about sports- Rodrigue calls Bujold’s situation a Jonathan Villar added a solo shot and an RBI single, Yang, the former KBO MVP, struck out seven of manship, you think about all these human rights violation and discrimina- powering New York over St. Louis for a double- Oakland Athletics’ Matt Chapman hits a solo the first nine batters he faced and eight overall in things that make the Olympics what tion case. In the Olympic Boxing Task header split. home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during 3-1/3 innings. Making a spot start after two relief they are, and make me proud to be an Force’s revised ranking system for The loss ended a six-game winning streak for the the fourth inning of a baseball game in Oakland, appearances earlier this season, Yang gave up four Olympian and to get this response was Tokyo, “it’s like Mandy has never been NL Central-leading Cardinals (19-13). California, on May 5. (AP) hits. really tough.” ranked in the world,” Rodrigue said. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 7-8, 2021 SPORTS 15

Monterrey down Columbus to advance Club America eliminate Portland in CONCACAF Champions League MEXICO CITY, May 6, (AP): Federico Vinas scored Earlier Wednesday Monterrey defeated the de- rey after a 2-all draw with the Crew in Columbus last twice and Club America advanced to the CON- fending MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew 3-0 in week. CACAF Champions League semifi nals with a 4-2 Monterrey to advance 5-2 on aggregate. Meza scored both his goals in the opening half at aggregate victory over the Portland Timbers. Monterrey will face Cruz Azul, quarterfi nal win- the Liga MX team’s home stadium, in the third and Vinas scored in the 21st minute before adding a ners over Toronto FC, in the semifi nals. 26th minutes. Miguel Layun added a goal in the 71st penalty kick in the 59th in the 3-1 fi nal at the historic Club America has won the Champions League minute. Azteca stadium. The two sides played to a 1-1 draw twice in the last decade. Monterrey will face Cruz Azul in the two-legged last week in Portland. semifi nals, which start in August. Cruz Azul, which Diego Valeri scored on a penalty kick to keep the sits atop the Liga MX standings, eliminated Toronto Timbers’ hopes to advance alive in the 64th minute, SOCCER FC 4-1 in the quarter-fi nals. fooling Club America goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. Monterrey has won four Champions League titles But Leonardo Suarez scored for Club America in the Meanwhile, Maximiliano Meza scored twice and in the past decade. 70th. Monterrey advanced to the semifi nals of the CON- The Crew were among fi ve Major League Soccer Club America will face the Philadelphia Union in CACAF Champions League with a 5-2 aggregate vic- teams in the quarter-fi nals of the tournament for club the semifi nals set to start in August. The Union elimi- tory over the Columbus Crew on Wednesday night. teams in CONCACAF, the confederation for the North nated Atlanta United 4-1 on aggregate. Monterrey claimed the second leg 3-0 in Monter- America, Central America, and the Caribbean region. Oshie scores hat trick as Capitals Sebastian Vegas of Mexico’s Monterrey, left, and Jonathan Mensah of United States’ Columbus Crew battle for the ball during a Concacaf Cham- pions League soccer game in Monterrey, Mexico, on May 5. (AP) beat Rangers in fi ght-fi lled game Pfzier, BioNTech to donate vaccines Anti-Oly petition gains tens of thousands of signatures TOKYO, May 6, (AP): An online medial specialists, and in an edito- petition calling for the Tokyo rial last month in the British Olympics to be canceled has Medical Journal. It said mass gained tens of thousands of signa- events like the Olympics are “nei- tures since being launched in Japan ther safe nor secure.” only days ago. Organizers say they will need The rollout of the petition comes 10,000 health workers to support with Tokyo, Osaka and several the Olympics. They have also other areas under a state of emer- requested 500 additional nurses - a gency with coronavirus infections nurses’ federation balked at the rising - particularly new variants. request - and 200 sports medicine The state of emergency is to expire specialists. on May 11, but some reports in The petition was organized by Japan say it is likely to be extended. Kenji Utsunomiya, a lawyer who The postponed Olympics are to has run several times for Tokyo open in just under three months on governor. It registered about July 23. 50,000 signatures in the first 24 The petition is addressed to hours after being launched. International Olympic Committee “Government policies are being President Thomas Bach, who has set with the Olympics in mind, and tentative plans to visit Japan later measures to curb the coronavirus this month. He is expected to meet pandemic are being neglected,” the Olympic torch relay on May 17 Utsunomiya told The Associated in Hiroshima, and perhaps also Press. “Hospital are stretched thin, Washington Capitals’ T.J. Oshie (77) is thwarted by the New York Rangers defense during the third period of an NHL hockey game, on May 5, in travel to Tokyo where small anti- and some people are dying at Olympic are protests being home.” New York. (AP) planned. Also: Switzerland: Vaccine develop- Jets clinch playoff spot, blank Flames 4-0 to end skid OLYMPICS ers Pfi zer and BioNTech will do- nate doses to inoculate athletes and Although 70-80% of Japanese offi cials preparing for the Tokyo NEW YORK, May 6, (AP): citizens in polls say they want the Olympics, the IOC said Thursday. T.J. Oshie had a hat-trick, Olympics canceled or postponed, Delivery of doses is set to begin Vitek Vanecek made 19 PGA Tour Champions set for 1st major of year there is no indication this will hap- this month to give Olympic dele- pen. Japanese Prime Minister gations time to be fully vaccinated saves and the Washington BIRMINGHAM, Ala., May 6, (AP): second PGA Tour Champions ma- year, his fi rst on the PGA Tour Yoshihide Suga, Tokyo organizing with a second shot before arriving Capitals beat the depleted Steve Stricker fared well in the last jor some six weeks later at the U.S. Champions. “So I think we’re in for a committee president Seiko in Tokyo for the games, which New York Rangers 4-2 in a Regions Tradition, rain and all. Senior Open, and won the Chubb good week. It’s still going to be very open on July 23. Stricker has returned to the Classic in April. soft. We’re probably going to have Hashimoto, and Bach have repeat- Greystone Golf & Country Club That 2019 win was a milestone of the ball in hand probably the fi rst edly said the games will go on as It’s the second major vacci- fi ght-fi lled game. nation deal for the International Oshie beat Alexandar Georgiev impressed with how the course sorts for Stricker, who has 12 PGA maybe two rounds and then see scheduled. has held up through the latest rain Tour victories but had never won a how it goes. Really happy to see the Organizers and the IOC unveiled Olympic Committee. An agree- 12 seconds into the middle period heading into the fi rst of fi ve PGA major, fi nishing second at the 1998 course being playable.” so-called Playbooks last week, ment was announced in March with a shot from the right circle Tour Champions majors. The Ryder PGA Championship to Vijay Singh. A two-time winner of the U.S. explaining rules for athletes and between the IOC and Olympic with Rangers forward Pavel Buch- Cup captain will try to defend his He has six wins already on the Open and the British Open, Els was others to show how the Olympics offi cials in China to buy and dis- nevich in the penalty box. 2019 title in the 72-hole tournament 50-and-over circuit. also happy to see fans out on the can be held in the middle of a pan- tribute Chinese vaccines ahead of Oshie scored again at 8:26 of the starting Thursday. course. It didn’t hurt that he was demic. Several test events have the Tokyo Games and next year’s second – again with Buchnevich “This course is in great shape,” paired Wednesday with Alabama been conducted in the last few Beijing Winter Games. penalized for a high-sticking major – he said after Wednesday’s pro-am GOLF coach Nick Saban, who has won days, and organizers have reported The new Pfi zer offer gives the his 20th goal of the season. round. “Surprisingly, it wasn’t that a record seven national champion- few problems. IOC greater coverage worldwide Nic Dowd also scored for wet out there. It drains great. The The Regions Tradition was ships. The Olympic torch relay has ahead of Tokyo with most coun- Washington at 14:48 of the second greens were in great shape. canceled last year because of the Els has attended a game between been crisscrossing Japan for a tries yet to authorize emergency with assists to defenseman John “So you’ve got to kind of prepare pandemic. World Golf Hall of Fam- the Crimson Tide and rival Auburn, month. Organizers say that eight use of Chinese vaccines. yourself that someone’s going to go er Ernie Els will make his debut in where his nephew attended. Carlson and Dmitri Orlov, his second low and you’ve got to be ready to do the Tradition. Mike Weir is coming off his fi rst people working on the relay have “We are inviting the athletes and of the game. tested positive for the virus. participating delegations of the up- the same.” Els wasn’t sure the pro-am would win on the 50-and-over circuit, Oshie, whose father died this week, Two years ago, Stricker pulled be able to go on after Tuesday’s thanks in part to John Daly’s costly The Tokyo Olympics have coming Olympic and Paralympic completed his hat trick with an empty Games to lead by example and ac- away with a closing 4-under 68, rain. Like Stricker, the South African mistake on the fi nal hole in Hou- become a face-saving exercise for net goal at 18:20 of the third. Japan, which has officially spent cept the vaccine where and when turning a two-stroke lead into a six- was pleased with how the course ston. Daly, who is also in the fi eld in $15.4 billion to prepare them. For possible,” IOC President Thomas shot victory in a rain-delayed tour- held up. Birmingham, hit it into the water on the IOC, the Tokyo Olympics are Bach said in a statement. ICE HOCKEY nament that fi nished up on Monday. “The greens are running beauti- No. 18 when tied for the lead and critical since 73% of its income The Pfi zer donation followed The Ryder Cup captain won his fully,” said Els, who won twice last ended up with a double bogey. comes from selling television rights. talks between the fi rm’s chairman Organizers say the Olympics and CEO, Albert Bourla, and Japa- Rangers rookie Alexis Lafreniere ruined Vanecek’s shuout bid at 1:15 of On Tuesday, the NHL fined the the West Division-leading Golden Haydn Fleury and Max Jones scored will be “safe and secure,” though nese Prime Minister Yoshihide Capitals agitator $5,000 leading the Knights loosen the race a little and win in regulation for the Ducks. Anthony his has been challenged by local Suga. the third period with his 11th goal of the season. Fellow rookie forward Rangers to issue a scathing statement for the first time in four games at Stolarz made 25 saves and stopped all Morgan Barron scored his first NHL criticizing the league and director of Minnesota this season. three attempts in the shootout. goal at 18:44 to complete the scoring. player safety George Parros. Marc-Andre Fleury made 26 saves Terry beat Jordan Binnington with a The Capitals moved into a first-place Lightning 6, Stars 2 and took over sole possession of the forehand-backhand combination in the tie with idle Pittsburgh in the East In Tampa, Florida, Defenseman No. 3 spot on the NHL’s career wins second round of the shootout. Stolarz Division. Washington has three games Erik Cernak had a goal and two assists list with No. 490. stopped Ryan O’Reilly in the next left while the Penguins have two. to help Tampa Bay beat Dallas. Chandler Stephenson had a second- round to secure the win. The dismal loss – the Rangers’ fourth Defending champion Tampa Bay period goal and Reilly Smith had the Mike Hoffman and Kyle Clifford straight – came in their home finale and has won six of the seven meetings this tying score with 4:16 remaining in scored for the Blues. on the same day the organization stun- season between the 2020 Stanley Cup regulation for Vegas, after Kirill Sharks 3, Avalanche 2 ningly fired President John Davidson finalists. The teams will meet again Kaprizov scored two goals in a 2:10 In San Jose, California, Tomas Hertl and General Manager Jeff Gorton. The Friday night in Tampa. span for the Wild. had two goals and an assist in his 500th team said former Ranger Chris Drury The Stars remained alive for the Blue Jackets 4, Predators 2 career NHL game and Erik Karlsson would take over both jobs. fourth and final spot in the Central In Columbus, Ohio, Mikhail scored a go-ahead goal in the third The contest also followed Monday’s Division after Nashville’s loss in Grigorenko scored the go-ahead goal period to lead San Jose past Colorado. 6-3 loss to the Capitals in which Columbus. Dallas is four points back in the third period and Columbus pre- Evander Kane added three assists Washington forward Tom Wilson with three games remaining. vented Nashville from clinching a and Josef Korenar made 30 saves as pummeled Rangers top scorer Artemi Andrei Vasileskiy finished with 20 playoff spot. San Jose scored three goals after fall- Panarin after Wilson had punched saves for his 31st victory of the season. Oliver Bjorkstrand had two goals, ing behind 2-0. It was an inspired Buchnevich during a scrum near the Brayden Point and Alex Killorn each including an empty-netter with less effort two nights after the Sharks lost Capitals net. The loss eliminated the had a goal and an assist for Tampa Bay. than a second remaining, and Jack to Colorado and were eliminated from In this March 25, 2021 fi le photo, a ‘No Olympics’ banner is placed by Rangers from the playoffs for the Ross Colton, Mikhail Sergachev and Roslovic also scored for the Blue the playoff chase. protesters in Tokyo during a demonstration against the going ahead fourth straight season. Tyler Johnson also scored for Tampa Jackets. Karlsson’s power-play goal with of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. (AP) Wilson was assessed 14 minutes in Bay. The Lightning are 6-0-1 in their Elvis Merzlikins made 30 saves for 10:42 left in the third broke a 2-2 tie penalties but not tossed from the game. past seven to move into a tie for second the victory. and the Sharks held on for just their place in the Central Division with Tanner Jeannot and Calle Jarnkrok second win in eight meetings with the Florida. The Lightning have played one scored for Nashville. Avalanche this season. NHL Results/Standings fewer game. Ducks 3, Blues 2, SO Jets 4, Flames 0 Andrej Sekera and Tyler Seguin In St. Louis,Troy Terry scored the In Calgary, Alberta, Adam Lowry scored for Dallas. The Stars are 0-3-2 shootout winner in Anaheim’s victory and Blake Wheeler each scored twice in their past five games. and Winnipeg beat Calgary to snap a over St. Louis. WASHINGTON, May 6, (AP): Results and standings from the NHL games on Wednesday. Kings 4, Coyotes 2 seven-game losing streak and clinch a Columbus 4 Nashville 2 Vegas 3 Minnesota OT 2 In Glendale, Arizona, Anze Kopitar playoff spot. Tampa Bay 6 Dallas 2 Winnipeg 4 Calgary 0 had an assist to reach 1,000 career Connor Hellebuyck made 32 saves Ottawa 5 Montreal 1 San Jose 3 Colorado 2 points, Gabriel Vilardi scored twice for his third shutout of the season, and Washington 4 NY Rangers 2 Los Angeles 4 Arizona 2 and Los Angeles eliminated Arizona Andrew Copp added two assists for Anaheim 3 St Louis SO 2 from playoff contention. the Jets. East Division West Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA GP W L OT Pts GF GA Kopitar became the fourth Los Wheeler’s second goal of the night x-Washington 53 34 14 5 73 185 157 x-Vegas 52 37 13 2 76 176 118 Angeles player to reach 1,000 career was the 800th point of his NHL career. x-Pittsburgh 54 35 16 3 73 187 152 x-Colorado 51 34 13 4 72 178 127 points on Sean Walker’s empty-net Mark Scheifele, meanwhile, had the x-Boston 52 31 14 7 69 156 127 x-Minnesota 52 33 14 5 71 170 143 x-NY Islanders 53 31 16 6 68 148 122 St Louis 51 24 19 8 56 152 158 goal. Cal Petersen had 28 saves and primary assist on the play for his 500th NY Rangers 54 26 22 6 58 172 149 Arizona 54 22 26 6 50 143 170 Jaret Anderson-Dolan also scored for point. Philadelphia 53 23 23 7 53 154 195 Los Angeles 51 21 24 6 48 137 151 Los Angeles. Senators 5, Canadiens 1 New Jersey 53 18 28 7 43 140 184 San Jose 53 21 26 6 48 145 183 Arizona’s Jakob Chychrun had his In Ottawa, Ontario, Erik Brannstrom Buffalo 54 15 32 7 37 134 190 Anaheim 54 17 30 7 41 120 171 Central Division North Division 18th goal, which leads all NHL defen- had three assists for his first career GP W L OT Pts GF GA GP W L OT Pts GF GA semen, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson also multi-point game, Shane Pinto scored x-Carolina 53 36 10 7 79 177 126 x-Toronto 52 33 13 6 72 174 136 scored. Once in the West Division’s his first NHL goal and Ottawa stalled x-Tampa Bay 53 36 14 3 75 178 133 x-Edmonton 51 32 17 2 66 167 135 x-Florida 54 35 14 5 75 180 152 Winnipeg 52 28 21 3 59 158 145 fourth spot, the Coyotes dropped out of Montreal’s playoff charge. Nashville 54 29 23 2 60 148 153 Montreal 52 24 19 9 57 149 152 the race by losing nine of 12. Anton Forsberg made 30 saves for Dallas 53 21 18 14 56 146 144 Calgary 51 22 26 3 47 132 148 Golden Knights 3, Wild 2, OT Ottawa after signing a one-year, Chicago 53 22 25 6 50 151 178 Ottawa 53 21 27 5 47 148 179 Columbus 54 17 25 12 46 130 178 Vancouver 47 19 25 3 41 123 156 In St Paul, Minnesota, Alex $900,000 extension Wednesday. Detroit 54 18 27 9 45 118 164 Pietrangelo scored at 1:53 of overtime Anaheim Ducks’ Isac Lundestrom Brady Tkachuk, Nick Paul, Connor Note: Two points for a win one point for overtime loss. The top four teams in each division will qualify for playoffs under this to lift Vegas past Minnesota. (48) attempts to block a shot from St. Brown and Alex Formenton also season’s temporary realignment. Alex Tuch, the Wild’s first-round Louis Blues’ Brayden Schenn (10) scored for the Senators. They improved x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division draft pick in 2014, set up Pietrangelo during overtime of an NHL hockey to 8-2-1 over their past 11 games. Joel with a pass across the slot that helped game on May 5, in St. Louis. (AP) Edmundson scored for the Canadiens. ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 7-8, 2021 16

Nashville Predators’ Alexan- dre Carrier (left), and Colum- bus Blue Jackets’ Vladislav Gavrikov chase the puck dur- ing the third period of an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio. The Blue Jackets won 4-2. (AP) – See Page 15 Sports Latest sports scores at — http://sports.arabtimesonline.com

Real lose lawsuit Qualifying groups Chelsea oust Madrid to ‘set up’ for WC postponed ZURICH, May 6, (AP): African qualifying groups for next year’s World Cup have been postponed and will start in September instead of June, FIFA said Thursday. all-English CL fi nal against City FIFA cited “current disruption caused by the COVID-19 pan- demic” for the decision, which was taken along with the Confed- Werner, Mount seal Blues victory eration of African Football. Ten groups of four teams each were scheduled to play two LONDON, May 6, (AP): rounds of games from June 5-14, Chelsea’s decision to fi re and two more in each of Septem- a club legend suddenly ber and October. The groups will now run through November. doesn’t seem so callous af- The 10 group winners will ter all. advance to a playoff round that While Frank Lampard’s name has now been postponed from has hardly been forgotten by the November to March. The five Chelsea fans – there were chants winners of two-leg playoffs will outside Stamford Bridge before represent kickoff – new manager Thomas Africa at Tuchel is quickly creating his own the 2022 World Cup legacy after leading the London in Qatar. club into the Champions League The fi nal against Manchester City. qualifying Chelsea even made record 13-time matches in European Cup champions Real Ma- June were drid look ordinary as goals from Timo already Werner and Mason Mount sealed a 2-0 due to be victory that ousted Madrid 3-1 on ag- disrupted gregate. Motsepe by a CAF Perhaps the stragglers leaving the decision this week that suspended bars near Stamford Bridge could hear many stadiums from staging na- the roar Tuchel let out on the fi eld in- tional team games. side the empty stadium long after his A total of 20 of CAF’s 54 mem- players had departed the fi eld. It will ber federations are now said to certainly have been heard in the Chel- lack a stadium meeting minimum sea boardroom by the directors whose requirements, including eight still decision to dismiss Lampard in Janu- involved in World Cup qualifying. ary and hire Tuchel now seems vindi- Those federations were asked cated. to propose replacement venues Just like when owner Roman Abra- in neutral countries which would movich made mid-season managerial add to cross-border travel amid changes in the 2007-08 and 2011-12 the coronavirus pandemic. seasons, Chelsea will end the cam- CAF president Patrice Motsepe paign by contesting the biggest game was elected in March promising in European football. And by the end of the month two Champions League to improve Africa’s soccer infra- Chelsea’s Kai Havertz controls the ball during the Champions League semifi nal 2nd leg soccer match between Chelsea and Real Madrid at Stamford structure. The South African min- trophies could be at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea the fi rst club to reach the Bridge in London. (AP) ing billionaire was unopposed in men’s and women’s fi nals in the same the vote when other candidates season. stood aside in a deal brokered by Bucks withstand Westbrook’s triple-double to beat Wizards FIFA president Gianni Infantino. ❑ ❑ ❑ SOCCER Real Madrid have lost their lawsuit against the Spanish league Even though the men’s showpiece Jazz rout Spurs to reclaim No. 1 spot in NBA regarding television revenues, the will be an all-English encounter on May 29, the Premier League rivals league said Thursday. MILWAUKEE, May 6, (AP): Jrue on Cameron Payne’s two free throws. the Magic and beat Orlando for a sixth Madrid had asked a Spanish will have to fl y four hours to play the UEFA showpiece in Istanbul, which is Holiday scored 29 points and the The Hawks began the night fi fth in straight time over the past two seasons. NBA Results/Standings court to make void parts of the Milwaukee Bucks withstood a triple- the Eastern Conference. The Celtics made 21 3-pointers, just league’s rules for exploiting the currently in a coronavirus lockdown. While City have never lifted the Eu- double from Russell Westbrook to beat Mikal Bridges, who had 18 points, two fewer than their season-best 23 centralized television rights for the Washington Wizards 135-134 on was the Suns’ only other scorer in dou- against Orlando on March 21. the competition. The club had also ropean Cup, Chelsea’s only triumph WASHINGTON, May 6, (AP): NBA came in 2012 when the 22-year-old Wednesday night. ble fi gures. Walker was coming off a nine-day wanted 23 million euros ($27.7 Westbrook had 29 points, 17 assists results and standings on Wednesday. Mount was in the youth system. Trae Young had 16 points and layoff because of a strained left oblique. Boston 132 Orlando 96 million) in television revenues and 12 rebounds for his 179th career 12 assists for the Hawks. Bogdan Dwayne Bacon and Moritz Wagner Portland 141 Cleveland 105 that they claimed it was due. Unlike last season’s fi nal – when Tuchel’s PSG lost to Bayern Munich triple-double, but the Wizards still Bogdanovic and Danilo Gallinari also each scored 20 points for Orlando. Atlanta 135 Phoenix 103 lost for just the fourth time in their last 76ers 135, Rockets 115 Philadelphia 135 Houston 115 – fans are set to be allowed in. Chel- had 16 points. Sacramento 104 Indiana 93 17 games. He’s just two shy of Oscar Nuggets 113, Knicks 97 In Houston, Joel Embiid had 34 Memphis 139 Minnesota 135 SOCCER sea supporters have yet to see Tuchel Robertson’s NBA record of 181 career managing their team in the fl esh due In Denver, Nikola Jokic scored 24 of points in just 25 minutes and Phila- Milwaukee 135 Washington 134 triple-doubles. delphia routed Houston for its sixth Utah 126 San Antonio 94 to England’s ongoing coronavirus re- his 32 points in a dominant fi rst quarter Denver 113 New York 97 The league celebrated the rul- Westbrook has a league-leading 33 in Denver’s victory over New York. straight victory. ing, saying that it protected the strictions. But they can’t deny the im- triple-doubles this season, including Eastern Conference pact he has made. Jokic fi nished with 12 rebounds to The Eastern Conference leaders Atlantic Division centralized sale of television fi ve in his last six games. The only time W L Pct GB Chelsea were fi ve points outside help lead the Nuggets to their 10 vic- were up by double fi gures for most of rights that it says benefits all Westbrook missed out on a triple-dou- the night and their starters barely had x-Philadelphia 45 21 .682 - the four Champions League qualifi - tory in 12 games. Denver, which led x-Brooklyn 43 23 .652 2 league members. ble during this six-game stretch came by as much as 31, moved back into a to play in the fourth quarter to keep the New York 37 29 .561 8 ❑ ❑ ❑ cation places when he was hired, but Saturday when he had 42 points, 10 NBA’s longest active winning streak heads into the fi nal four games of the tie with the Los Boston 35 31 .530 10 rebounds and nine assists in a 125-124 going. Houston, which has the NBA’s Toronto 27 39 .409 18 Manchester United’s game Premier League season in fourth place Angeles Clip- Southeast Division loss to Dallas. pers for third worst record at 16-50, lost its third against Liverpool will be played with a three-point cushion. There’s a Bradley Beal scored 42 points and straight and eighth in nine games. W L Pct GB on May 13 after being postponed chance to pick up a trophy before the place in the Atlanta 37 30 .552 - hit a 3-pointer that cut Milwaukee’s Western Con- Miami 35 31 .530 11/2 because of protests by home fans trip to Turkey, too, with an FA Cup fi - lead to 135-134 with 5.3 seconds left. Charlotte 32 33 .492 4 at Old Trafford on Sunday. nal against Leicester on May 15 after Westbrook got a steal in the fi nal sec- ference. BASKETBALL Washington 30 36 .455 6-1/2 It means United will play three beating City in the semifi nals. ond, but Garrison Mathews’ despera- Austin Rivers Orlando 21 45 .318 15-1/2 Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is scored 11 of his Central Division Premier League games in five tion shot from over 50 feet away didn’t Embiid had 12 rebounds and made W L Pct GB days. They face Aston Villa away left to focus on trying on wiping out connect. 25 points in the 14 of 16 free throws. x-Milwaukee 42 24 .636 - on Sunday and now have a home Atletico Madrid’s two-point lead in Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 23 fourth quarter Kelly Olynyk scored 27 points for Indiana 30 35 .462 11-1/2 Spain to win La Liga, rather than add- against his for- Chicago 26 39 .400 15-1/2 game against Leicester on Tues- points for the Bucks before fouling out Houston. Cleveland 21 45 .318 21 day followed by the Liverpool ing to the three Champions League ti- with 1:54 left. Donte DiVincenzo had mer team, Mi- Antetokounmpo Grizzlies 130, Timberwolves 135 Detroit 19 47 .288 23 game two days later. The Leices- tles he won from 2016 to 2018. 19. chael Porter Jr. In Minnesota, Ja Morant had 37 Western Conference ter game had originally been After conceding a costly away goal Jazz 126, Spurs 94 had 17 points, and Facu Campazzo 16. points and 10 assists and Memphis held Southwest Division last week, Madrid lacked the attack- W L Pct GB scheduled for Wednesday but was In Salt Lake City, Jordan Clarkson This one got away from New York off Minnesota. Dallas 37 28 .569 - moved forward. ing nous or threat to turn this semifi nal scored 30 points, Bojan Bogdanovic early. The Knicks committed three Desmond Bane scored 22 points off Memphis 33 32 .508 4 United are second in the Pre- around as Chelsea kept an 18th clean added 24 and Utah routed San Antonio. fouls in the game’s fi rst 22 seconds the bench, including a few key 3-point- San Antonio 31 34 .477 6 sheet in 24 games under Tuchel. and coach Tom Thibodeau was hit with New Orleans 30 36 .455 7-1/2 mier League. With Atlanta’s 135-103 victory over ers late, and Kyle Anderson added 20 Houston 16 50 .242 21-1/2 ❑ ❑ ❑ Karim Benzema was denied by the Phoenix, the Jazz reclaimed the No. 1 a technical 28 seconds in. Things got points for the Grizzlies. Northwest Division fi rst in a series of fi ne saves by Chel- spot in the NBA and Western Confer- worse from there. Memphis overcame a big game from W L Pct GB South Africa hired African sea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy before ence playoff race despite the All-Star Celtics 132, Magic 96 Timberwolves rookie Anthony Ed- x-Utah 48 18 .727 - Cup-winning coach Hugo Broos Werner’s opener but the visitors were x-Denver 44 22 .667 4 backcourt of Donovan Mitchell (ankle) In Orlando, Fla., Kemba Walker tied wards, who tied his career high with 42 Portland 37 29 .561 11 on a five-year deal. sluggish, lacking a creative spark from and Mike Conley (hamstring) missing a season high with 32 points in his re- points. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 22 Oklahoma City 21 45 .318 27 The Belgian, who coached Eden Hazard on an ineffective return another game. turn from a four-game injury absence points but ran into foul trouble when he Minnesota 20 46 .303 28 Cameroon to the African Cup to his former home. Pacifi c Division Luka Samanic scored 15 points to and Evan Fournier had 18 points in his picked up his fi fth foul late in the third W L Pct GB of Nations title in 2017, replaced Even in a debut season of misfor- lead the Spurs for the fi rst time this fi rst game back in Orlando since being quarter. x-Phoenix 47 19 .712 - Molefi Ntseki, who was fired af- tune, not even Werner could miss in season. They have lost fi ve straight as traded to Boston. Trail Blazers 141, Cavaliers 105 x-LA Clippers 44 22 .667 3 ter South Africa failed to qualify the 28th minute when presented with they fi ght for the fi nal spot in the NBA Jayson Tatum shook off a slow start In Cleveland, Damian Lillard had 32 LA Lakers 37 28 .569 9-1/2 an unguarded net to head into from Golden State 33 33 .500 14 for next year’s continental cham- play-in tournament. and fi nished with 27 points for Boston, points and nine assists and Enes Kanter Sacramento 29 37 .439 18 pionship. close range after Kai Havertz had Hawks 135, Suns 103 which swept the three-game series with had 18 points and 13 rebounds, leading x denotes clinched playoff spot South Africa have been on a lobbed former Chelsea goalkeeper In Atlanta, Clint Capela scored 18 consistent slide in international Thibaut Courtois and hit the crossbar. points to lead seven scorers in double Portland to its highest points total of soccer since they were the first The chants of “Timo” from the sub- fi gures and Atlanta pulled away late to African nation to host the World stitutes’ bench refl ected the delight overcome Devin Booker’s 30 points the season. Cup in 2010. from his team-mates that the Germany and rout Phoenix. Lillard scored 16 points in the fi rst ❑ ❑ ❑ forward had scored only his fourth The Suns began the night even with quarter and 14 points in the third as goal in 35 games for Chelsea. For all the Utah Jazz in the race for the NBA’s Portland moved within a half-game Former Germany goalkeeper the scrutiny faced, though, Werner has best record, thanks to a fi ve-game win- of the Mavericks and Lakers for fi fth Jens Lehmann was removed still managed 12 goals and 10 assists ning streak. Phoenix faded badly in the place in the West. The Trail Blazers are from Bundesliga club Hertha since last year costing Chelsea up to fourth quarter of the back-to-back fol- seventh and would be the top seed in Berlin’s supervisory board on $68 million. lowing Tuesday night’s 134-118 over- the play-in tournament. Wednesday after sending a racist For all Chelsea’s threat, Madrid time win at Cleveland. Kevin Love had 18 points for the text message to a Black former only needed to score once to force Atlanta outscored Phoenix 38-15 in Cavaliers. They have lost eight in a row player. the second leg into extra time. When the fourth period. The Suns’ fi rst fi eld and are 1-11 since April 15. Dennis Aogo published a the second half opened with Havertz goal of the period was a 3-pointer by Kings 104, Pacers 93 screenshot of Lehmann’s What- heading against the crossbar and hav- Langston Galloway with 2:33 remain- In Indianapolis, Marvin Bagley III sApp message asking whether ing a low shot saved it looked like the ing. kept Sacramento’s slim playoff hopes Aogo was “actually your quota misses could prove costly. Atlanta led 97-88 before scoring alive,scoring a season-high 31 points Black person.” Aogo, a former And so they did, helped by the arriv- the fi rst 14 points of the fourth period. and grabbing 12 rebounds to lead the Germany player, was working al of Christian Pulisic from the bench Rookie Onyeka Okongwu had the fi rst Kings past Indiana. for broadcaster Sky covering the as Werner’s replacement to spark the three baskets of the period and scored Delon Wright added 23 points to Champions League semifinal second goal. The American headed to 14 points. help Sacramento win its fourth straight game between Manchester City N’Golo Kante and received the ball Atlanta stretched its lead to 23 Sacramento Kings’ Delon Wright (55) and Indiana Pacers’ Domantas Sab- - all on the road. and Paris Saint-Germain. back to feed Mount, who lifted a shot points, 111-88, before the Suns fi nally onis (11) go for the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game Domantas Sabonis had 17 points, 13 over Courtois in the 85th. managed their fi rst points of the quarter in Indianapolis. (AP) rebounds and eight assists for Indiana.

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