1996 - 2021 SILVER JUBILEE YEAR

Polish Al Haydos agritech in stars as Qatar Qatari farms beat soon Azerbaijan

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SUNDAY 28 MARCH 2021 15 SHA'ABAN - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8575 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Amir to meet 2nd drive-through President of vaccination centre Democratic Republic of opens today in Congo tomorrow QNA — DOHA

Al Wakrah Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will meet QNA — DOHA Vaccination Center has pro- tomorrow at the Amiri vided a convenient way for tens Diwan with President of the The Minister of Public Health of thousands of people to Democratic Republic of H E Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al receive their second vaccine Congo H E Felix Tshisekedi, Kuwari has announced that a dose and has been an important Turkish President, Qatar's FM discuss Syria, Libya issues who arrives today on an second drive-through vacci- part of our strategy to expand official visit. nation center will be opened the vaccination programme,” President of the Republic of Turkey H E Recep Tayyip Erdogan met yesterday with Deputy Prime H H the Amir and H E the today in Al Wakra, following said the Minister of Public Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The Deputy President of the Democratic the success of Qatar’s first Health. Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs conveyed the greetings of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim Republic of Congo will COVID-19 Drive-Through “Due to the recent availa- bin Hamad Al Thani to H E the President of Turkey, wishing the Turkish people further progress discuss bilateral relations Vaccination Center in Lusail. bility of larger quantities of and prosperity. The Turkish President entrusted the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and the means to enhance She said that the drive- vaccines we have been able to Affairs with his greetings to H H the Amir, wishing him health and happiness and the Qatari people and support them, in through vaccination centre in significantly increase the pace continued development and prosperity. The meeting dealt with reviewing bilateral cooperation and addition to issues of joint Al Wakra would further of the National COVID-19 Vac- the latest developments in the region, particularly in Syria and Libya. interest. strengthen the National cination Programme and we COVID-19 Vaccination Pro- are now administering more gramme and boost access to than 130,000 vaccine doses a vaccines for people living in Al week in more than 35 vacci- UN Secretary-General 2020 Innovation Award granted Wakrah and the surrounding nation sites across Qatar. areas. The opening of a second to ‘Education for Justice’ initiative funded by Qatar The Minister has praised drive-through centre in Al the great efforts made by Qatar Wakra will enable us to con- QNA — NEW YORK and establish a culture of law- to expand the national vacci- tinue to expand the vaccination fulness through educational nation programme against programme and support our The ‘Education for Justice’ initi- activities specifically designed The Global Program for the Implementation of COVID-19. efforts to protect Qatar’s pop- ative of the Global Program of for the primary, secondary and the Doha Declaration reflected the wisdom and “Since opening at the end ulation from the threat of the Doha Declaration issued by university levels of education. foresight of the country’s political leadership. of February, the Lusail COVID-19,” added the Minister. the Thirteenth Congress on The initiative was chosen to COVID-19 Drive-Through `P3 Crime Prevention and Criminal receive the award from among Major General Justice 2015 and funded by the 194 projects submitted by 52 Dr. Abdullah Yusuf Al Mal Qatar currently administers more than 130,000 vaccine doses State of Qatar, was awarded the organs of the United Nations. It a week in more than 35 vaccination sites across Qatar. United Nations Secretary- is the first time that a project of General 2020 Innovation the UNODC received a high Drive-through centres cater to people receiving their second Award. award of this kind due to its contributions made by the State granted by the UN Secretary- dose of either the Pfizer and BioNTech or Moderna vaccine. The Global Program of the dimensions and implications at of Qatar to implement what was General to the “Education for Doha Declaration, implemented the global level and its stated in the global program of Justice” initiative as one of the Al Wakrah Drive-Through Center is located behind Al Janoub by the Vienna-based United achievement of impressive the Doha Declaration. components of the Global Stadium and is operational from 11am to 10pm, 7 days a week. Nations Office on Drugs and results despite difficult condi- He said that he and Exec- Program for the Implemen- Crime (UNODC), includes four tions caused by the coronavirus utive Director of the UNODC tation of the Doha Declaration main areas: judicial integrity, (COVID-19) pandemic. Ghada Waly were looking is a “welcome recognition of education for justice, protection In a video message sent to forward to moving together UNODC’s capabilities and the of youth from crime through the United Nations Office in towards a new generation of potential to innovate within our sport, and the rehabilitation of Vienna, UN Secretary-General initiatives based on this suc- mandates as we contribute to prisoners. H E Antonio Guterres expressed cessful experience. UN system-wide support to The ‘Education for Justice’ his sincere appreciation and UNODC Executive Director achieve the Sustainable Devel- initiative aims to prevent crime gratitude for the generous Ghada Waly said the award opment Goals”. `P3, P8 Qatar’s trade surplus at QR13.2bn in February 150 agreements signed at QNA — DOHA when compared to the corre- exports in February 2021 (M-o-M) basis the imports AgriteQ; MME launches sponding month the previous decreased by 3.2 percent com- decreased by 4.7 percent. Qatar’s foreign merchandise year (February 2020). pared to January 2021, data The year-on-year decrease Qatar Agricultural Calendar trade, which represents the The total value of exports released by the Planning and Sta- in total exports was mainly due difference between total goods, including exports of goods tistics Authority (PSA) showed. to lower exports of Petroleum AYENI OLUSEGUN year’s exhibition’s success exports and imports, showed a of domestic origin and re- On other hand, the imports gases and other gaseous hydro- THE PENINSULA despite the COVID-19 chal- surplus of QR13.2bn in exports, in February 2021 of goods in February 2021 carbons (LNG, condensates, lenges. Vice-Chairman of the February, registering a decrease reached QR20.6bn, showing a amounted to around QR7.4bn, propane, butane, and others) The eighth edition of the Qatar Organising Committee Yousuf of nearly 2.3 percent compared decrease of 2.8 percent com- showing a decrease of 4.4 percent reaching QR13.4bn approxi- International Agricultural Exhi- Khalid Al Khulaifi also hailed to January. The trade surplus pared to the same month in over February 2020. When com- mately in February 2021, a bition (AgriteQ) and second participants’ efforts in the also decreased by 1.9 percent 2020. On monthly basis, Qatar’s pared on a month-on-month decrease of 3.4 percent. `P4 International Environmental event’s success. Exhibition (EnviroteQ) Meanwhile, the Ministry of concluded yesterday at the Municipality and Environment Doha Exhibition and (MME) announced the launch of Convention Centre (DECC). The Qatari Agricultural Calendar and exhibition was attended by 200 a plan to establish the first factory exhibitors, 42 countries, and of plants in the Middle East. more than 65 Qatari farms. “Within the framework of The MME announced that Qatar’s orientation in achieving the next edition of the exhibi- self-sufficiency in several fields, tions would be organised from Ministry of Municipality and Envi- March 22-26, 2022. The Min- ronment launched Qatari agri- ister of Municipality and Envi- cultural calendar to link between ronment H E Eng. Abdullah bin climate effects and impacts on Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie plants along the year,” the MME recognized several farmers and tweeted yesterday. sponsors. The book was authored by During the exhibition, the the Director of Public Parks at MME and participating entities the MME Mohamed Ali Al signed 150 contracts and Mem- Khouri. The calendar contains oranda of Understanding. The ways to take advantage of the agreements will increase pro- days in the year and know the duction, move Qatar closer plants’ needs in the various towards self-sufficiency, seasons, the MME said in a achieving food security, and series of tweets. Qatar observes Earth Hour conducting joint research in The Agricultural Research various fields and related Department of the Ministry and Qatar joined the world last night observing the Earth Hour. The picture shows buildings along the Doha Corniche with lights sectors. MITSUI & Co International has switched off during the Earth Hour. PIC: ABDUL BASIT/ THE PENINSULA The Director of the Public agreed to set up the first and Relations Department at MME, enormous factory of plants in Abdullah Al Falasi, praised this the Middle East in Qatar. `P2 02 HOME SUNDAY 28 MARCH 2021 Regulations issued for Legal and Judicial Studies Center QNA — DOHA Public Prosecution and their accompanying education benefit from training pro- assistants, and candidates from resources, and rules for evalu- grammes were taken into Minister of Justice and Acting the Supreme Judiciary Council Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet ation according to training cur- account while preparing the Minister of State for Cabinet or the Attorney General for Affairs H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi says the riculum. On the issuance of the training list, in order to meet the Affairs H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al appointment to the functions of training plan aims to Qatarise the training staff at the centre training regulations of the needs of the various bodies, by Jafali Al Nuaimi has issued the judiciary and the public to benefit from the national expertise in this field. Center for Legal and Judicial linking the outputs of the decision No. 4 of 2021 on prosecution. Studies, Minister of Justice and training programmes with the training regulations of the The training programmes in Acting Minister of State for needs of the beneficiaries of Center for Legal and Judicial accordance with the regulations Cabinet Affairs H E Dr. Issa bin these programmes. Studies at the Ministry of Justice, will also train legal profes- Under the provisions of the implementation of programmes Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi stressed The Minister said the training and the list was published in the sionals in government or other regulations, the Director of the not included in the annual the importance of these regu- plan aims to Qatarise the Official Gazette. agencies, lawyers, attorneys Center for Legal and Judicial training plan according to the lations for developing and training staff at the centre to The training regulations under training, expert judges, Studies approves the imple- training requirements and the updating the training system at benefit from the national stipulated that the centre would translators, court reporters, mentation of the required needs of the authorities, and the the centre, explaining that the expertise in this field, welcoming implement training pro- judicial officers, and any other training programmes within the training package includes the- opinions of the stakeholders national cadres who can con- grammes for judges and their categories approved by the competence of the centre. The oretical and practical training, from Governmental agencies tribute to the training work at assistants, members of the Minister. Director can accept the educational materials, and other entities that can the centre. Two new virus deaths, 614 cases

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reported 614 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday. Among them, 131 were trav- ellers returning from abroad. A total of 382 people recovered from COVID-19 yes- terday, bringing the total number of people recovered in Qatar to 162,555. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases recorded in Qatar is 177,135 and there are 14,296 active cases under treatment. The Ministry also announced two new deaths. The deceased were 74 and 90 Doha monuments switch off lights to mark Earth Hour years old. A total of 19, 293 doses of COVID-19 vaccines Museum of Islamic Art (left) and Ooredoo head office buildings during Earth Hour yesterday. Earth Hour is a global event encouraging individuals, communities, and have been administered in 24 businesses to turn off non-essential electric lights, for one hour, from 8.30 to 9.30pm, as a symbol of commitment to the planet. PICS: ABDUL BASIT/ THE PENINSULA hours. The total number of vaccine doses administered since the start of the vacci- nation campaign is 721,236. Embassy marks golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence “Every day, hundreds of people are becoming sick due THE PENINSULA — DOHA On the occasion, messages important milestone in Bang- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, fulfil the dream of the Father of to the COVID-19 with many from the President, Prime Min- ladesh’s national life. He high- Ambassador Ibrahim Yousef bin the Nation under the leadership requiring admission to hospital The Embassy of Bangladesh in ister, Foreign Minister and State lighted the successes achieved Abdullah Fakhro; Dean of the of Prime Minister Sheikh to manage their symptoms. Qatar celebrated the golden Minister for Foreign Affairs of under the visionary leadership Diplomatic Corps; and embassy Hasina. He lauded the Since 1 February, the number jubilee of Bangladesh’s Inde- Bangladesh were read out and of Sheikh Hasina. officials were present on the remarkable progress being of people with COVID-19 pendence and National Day on a video message delivered by A reception was also occasion. made by Qatar under the lead- admitted to hospital has March 26 with various day-long Prime Minister of Bangladesh organised, while following the The event began by playing ership of H H the Amir. doubled,” said the Ministry in events. Sheikh Hasina was displayed. pandemic-related local restric- the national anthems of the two Bangladesh Ambassador its daily update. The day’s activities began Ambassador Md. Jashim tions, at a local hotel to mark countries followed by the pledged to work closely to “Qatar’s strict quarantine with the hoisting of the national Uddin, in his remarks, paid deep the day. unveiling of a commemorative further strengthen the excellent policy for returning travellers flag by Bangladesh Ambassador respect to the father of the Qatar's Minister of Admin- plaque to mark the golden bilateral relations by exploring enabled us to delay the intro- to Qatar H E Md. Jashim Uddin nation Bangabandhu Sheikh istrative Development, Labor jubilee of independence. and expanding new avenues of duction of new variants into at the Embassy premises in the Mujibur Rahman and all the and Social Affairs H E Yusuf In his speech, the Bang- cooperation. this country for several months morning on Friday. A discussion martyrs of the great liberation Mohammed Al Othman ladesh ambassador mentioned The programme was but we are now seeing positive meeting was held on the signif- war. Fakhroo graced the reception the socioeconomic successes broadcast live on digital plat- COVID-19 cases in the region icance of the Golden Jubilee of He said the 50th anni- as the Guest of Honour. achieved by Bangladesh in its forms for Bangladeshi nationals and in Qatar with the new var- Bangladesh’s independence. versary of independence is an Director of Protocol at the 50 years history and urged to living in Qatar. iants from the UK.” Qatar among first countries to implement QRCS, Ansar Gallery join hands to expanded bubble system for sport events help vulnerable families in Ramadan FAZEENA SALEEM THE PENINSULA With sport events requiring THE PENINSULA — DOHA approval from MoPH due to The safe return to sporting the COVID-19 pandemic as Qatar Red Crescent Society events across the globe has (QRCS) and Ansar Gallery have been mixed with some sports well as the application of signed a cooperation agreement being more successful than the bio-secure bubble on charitable projects during others. But Qatar has demon- system, it seems that these Ramadan 1442 A.H. The pact strated a safe and gradual measures have been was signed by Eng. Ibrahim return that seems to be paying effective in safeguarding Abdullah Al Malki, CEO of QRCS; off with the resumption of not and Mohamed Khaldoun Al only international football but the hosting of international Mulqi, Deputy General Manager. also international tennis, eques- sport events. The signing ceremony was trian and golf with Qatar attended by Muna Fadel Al motorcycle Grand Prix Dr. Kamilla Swart, Associate Sulaiti, Executive Director of (MotoGP) being held at present, Professor, HBKU will require more research,” Volunteering and Local Devel- said an academic. said Dr. Swart. opment Division at QRCS; “Qatar was able to demon- those who were in close According to Dr. Swart, it is Hussein Ahmed Mahdi, Assistant strate that with collaboration contact,” said Dr. Swart. interesting to note that several General Manager at Ansar across local and international “Qatar is one of the first Indian cricketers spent nearly Gallery; Hamed Afifi, PR football bodies together with countries that have imple- 6 months in bio-secure bubble Manager, and Mahmoud strong partnerships with rel- mented the expanded bubble environments as they played in Mahrous, Outdoor Sales Officials from QRCS and Ansar Gallery during the signing ceremony. evant local authorities and gov- system by including large both the Indian Premier League Executive. ernment ministries, from immi- number of teams competitors 2020 which took place in the Under the agreement, the gration to transport, health and for several sport events. The UAE and the tour of Australia, two sides will work together to Eng. Al Malki welcomed this Akbar Sheikh, Chairman of hotels; the country was able to implementation of the bubble where they also had to quar- implement the Ramadan Pro- partnership with Ansar Gallery Ansar Gallery, and Hussein set a new benchmark for the system has proved to be suc- antine for 14 days. “Several visions project, which involves and wished that it would con- Saadat, the group’s CEO. He safe return of the hosting of cessful generally, however its international cricket players distributing prepaid vouchers to tinue beyond Ramadan to cove praised QRCS as a landmark of major international sport attainment also depends on have shared their stories about poor families registered with the wide range of social and local and international human- events,” said Dr. Kamilla Swart, individuals’ willingness to the emotional challenges asso- QRCS’s social assistance pro- humanitarian projects imple- itarian action, with its pres- Associate Professor in the adhere to the strict protocols,” ciated with moving from bubble grammes. With these coupons, mented by QRCS. tigious position as an ‘investor Masters in Sport and Enter- she added. to bubble.” they can purchase food and con- He talked about greater in giving’. tainment Management pro- Speaking about the mental “The Women’s National sumer items through any Ansar potential of cooperation in pro- “We already have ties with gramme, College of Science and health of players, she said that Basketball Players Associ- Gallery branch across the viding foreign humanitarian QRCS, supplying local Engineering (CSE), Hamad bin while the bio-secure bubble has ation acknowledged that country. This way, the benefici- aid, inspired by the principles assistance items,” said Al- Khalifa University. permitted the return to inter- playing in the bubble away aries will find it easier to secure of humanitarian partnership Mulqi, adding, “We have With sport (and non-sport) national sport to an extent, from home comforts and the their food and living needs and corporate social responsi- donated two walkthrough san- events requiring approval from there are naturally concerns for support of family and friends throughout the holy month of bility (CSR). Al Mulqi commu- itization gates as a compli- the Ministry of Public Health players’ short- and long-term would be taxing and thus Ramadan. nicated the greetings of Dr. Ali mentary gift to QRCS.” (MoPH) due to the COVID-19 mental health. advocated for access to pandemic as well as the appli- “It is demanding and chal- mental health resources as a cation of the bio-secure bubble lenging and pre-COVID-19 priority before entering the system, it seems that these travelling schedules for many bubble,” she said. 150 contracts signed at AgriteQ; MME launches measures have been effective international athletes would “Furthermore psychologists in safeguarding the hosting of make it quite untenable,” she were made available on-site for Qatar Agricultural Calendar international sport events. said. players and staff as well as vol- FROM PAGE 1 “The system is intended to “Consequently, for team untary mental health check-in. between the Ministry of Munic- tackling the challenges of dry- limit the extent of person-to- sports it may mean that a Players also had access to other The factory would be set up ipality and Environment (MME) land farming in Qatar. person contact by restricting greater degree of flexibility will social activities such as beach at Al Utouriya Area, covering and MITSUI & Co International,” According to the MME, the access to the events’ site. It is be required with teams drawing days and golf. It is evident that over 3000 square metres, the the tweet read. factory will see 95 percent contended that the success of from a larger squad of available greater concern for player’s Ministry’s infographics read. The factory aims to prepare water saving, high production the system is that it can identify players whereas for individual mental health will be part of the “In light of the challenges professional cadres for modern in small areas, reduce harvest an infected person quickly due sports, players may be more new normal of sport in the bio- that face Qatar’s agricultural production methods at plant periods, produce greens and to periodic checks, then selective as to which tourna- secure bubble and a positive production, the first and factories, increasing the self- productive crops all year removing the infected from the ments they will play in. Bubble step forward in a post-COVID enormous factory of plants in sufficiency rates by raising local round, and promote long-term bubble and following-up on burnout is certainly an area that sporting world,” she added. the Middle East was announced vegetable production and plants. SUNDAY 28 MARCH 2021 HOME 03

Al Wakrah Qatar University holds 3rd Youth Research Forum drive-through THE PENINSULA — DOHA The event was included in the vaccination Qatar University’s (QU) Young Scien- tists Center (YSC), in cooperation with activities of Doha Capital of Culture centre opens the Qatar National Commission for in the Islamic World 2021, launched Education, Culture and Science in March 2021 under the patronage today (QNCECS), organised the third Youth of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Research Forum 2021 entitled “Identity Hamad Al Thani. FROM PAGE 1 and Cultural Tourism: Towards a Culture and a Sustainable Legacy.” Chair of the National The Forum is in line with QU’s stra- Health Strategic Group on tegic plans to develop youth capabil- prominent role in the development and COVID-19 and Head of Infec- ities in scientific research in post- advancement of society through scien- tious Diseases at Hamad graduate studies. tific research. Medical Corporation, Dr. The two-day Forum kicked off with Also, exploring the research capa- Abdullatif Al Khal, said, “The a virtual ceremony attended by Min- bilities of young people concerning con- Al Wakra COVID-19 Drive- ister of Culture and Sports H E Saleh bin solidating concepts of culture and Through Vaccination Center Ghanem Al Ali, President of Qatar Uni- identity, and promoting the culture of will operate in the same Guests and officials during the forum. versity Dr. Hassan Rashid Al Derham, scientific research, and linking it to his- manner as the Lusail Center, and a large number of participants and torical events. This Forum also repre- with both facilities catering for researchers. sents an opportunity to create a quality of the research, methodology, edition of the Youth Research Forum people receiving their second The event was included in the activ- database of distinguished youth in field research techniques, discussion of has become a platform for youth to dose of either the Pfizer and ities of Doha Capital of Culture in the research and with high capabilities in results, and proper documentation of meet and share ideas. The Forum has BioNTech or Moderna Islamic World 2021, launched in March specialized and inter-disciplinary references. become a starting point for unique and vaccine.” 2021 under the patronage of Amir H H studies. The first three winners of the Best new research ideas and projects that PHCC will notify eligible Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The In collaboration with the QNCECS, Research competition were honored, blended the creative vision with modern people if their second dose will Forum is an important platform for pre- QU-YSC launched a research compe- and prizes and certificates of appreci- technology. be administered at one of the senting scientific research and projects tition to share studies and research on ation were presented to them. On this occasion, Dr. Noora Al Thani, drive-through centes, a that focus on youth’s role in spreading identity issues and encourage scientific Prof. Mariam Al Maadeed, VP for Director of QU-YSC, said in a speech, primary health centre or Qatar and preserving Qatari culture and the research. Universities, institutes, and Research and Graduate studies at QU, “We are pleased to be partners in estab- National Convention Center. sustainability of the Qatari heritage. researchers inside and outside Qatar said that the event with its rich sports, lishing Doha Capital of Culture’s activ- People do not need a time- A group of researchers, under- were invited to participate. The heritage, economic and social topics, ities in the Islamic World 2021 and specific appointment to attend graduate and postgraduate students researches submitted are within the and its ambitious national and human- linking researchers from Qatar and the the drive-through centres, from Qatar and many Islamic countries areas of the World Cup facilities and itarian goals is in line with Qatar Uni- Islamic world." they can attend at any time such as the Kingdom of Morocco, the the sustainability of the Qatari heritage, versity’s plans to embrace young talents, During the event, Hadeel Al Attar, during operational hours on Sultanate of Oman, Algeria, and Libya, museums’ role in promoting cultural and enable them to conduct genuine Nour Hisham, and Cheikh Modo Badr the due day of their second participated in the forum. The event identity, the economy and cultural research that enhances youth loyalty finished first, second, and third, respec- dose. aims to achieve several goals, such as tourism, the challenges of identity and to the homeland and society and illu- tively, in the research competition. As Dr. Al Khal stressed that providing a platform for effective com- globalization, medicine, pharmacy, and minate their professional and personal for the poster competition, Hagae people should not visit the munication between youth, researchers, community health. future. Menaisy claimed the top spot, Raesa Al drive-through centres before and community institutions and con- The research posters were evaluated Dr. Hamda Al Sulaiti, the Secretary- Dosary finished second, and Kholeh the due day of their second solidating youth awareness of their based on several criteria, such as the General of QNCECS, said that the third Mortazawi completed the top three. dose. “Our vaccination teams will not administer the second dose earlier than the due date UN Secretary-General Innovation Award granted to initiative funded by Qatar as this could negatively impact the effectiveness of the FROM PAGE 1 Vienna over the past years, Program for the Implemen- reflected the wisdom and fore- being multidisciplinary, and vaccine. Individuals who have Director, Division for looking forward to strength- tation of the Doha Declaration, sight of the country’s political its four components are received the Pfizer vaccine Treaty Affairs, UNODC, John ening the strategic partnership said that the great successes leadership under Amir H H closely related to each other, should attend for their second Brandolino said Innovation with it through the continu- achieved by the Global Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al- namely, judicial integrity, edu- dose 21 days after the first Award is awarded every year ation of consultations on ini- Program for the Implemen- Thani, and the State of Qatar’s cation for justice, and crime dose, and for those receiving for distinguished work carried tiatives that fall within the tation of the Doha Declaration belief in pluralism in interna- prevention among young the Moderna vaccine the out by one of the United basic issues of the rule of law were behind the “Education tional work, and its endeavor people through sports and the second dose is given 28 days Nations agencies, which con- and develop and support for Justice” initiative, which is to convert international rehabilitation of prisoners. The after the first dose,” he tributes to the creation of youth empowerment and a major component of this political commitments into latest UN statistics reveal that explained. promising prospects that have inspire others to take the program, receiving the UN projects on the ground. two and a half million people The Al Wakra Drive- a great impact that unlocks initiative. Secretary-General 2020 Inno- He also noted that this from 190 countries have ben- Through Center is located potentials for creativity. H E Major General Dr. vation Award, granted each international program is the efited from the activities of the behind Al Janoub Stadium and Brandolino thanked the Abdullah Yusuf Al Mal, Advisor year for outstanding work. largest program funded by one Global Program, while its edu- is operational from 11am to State of Qatar for its com- to H E the Minister of Interior He added that the Global state in the history of the cational materials have 10pm, 7 days a week. Last mitment and support to the and Head of the Follow-up Program for the Implemen- United Nations Office in reached more than 1.4 million entrance to the Center is 9 pm United Nations Office in Committee for the Global tation of the Doha Declaration Vienna, with the distinction of students. daily. 04 HOME SUNDAY 28 MARCH 2021 LuLu Hypermarket Qatar raises QR2m Qatar’s first encyclopedia donations for EAA’s Together Project of plants launched QNA – DOHA landscape engineering to name THE PENINSULA – DOHA a few. The rationale behind this The Ministry of Municipality encyclopedia’s launch during In line with its remarkable and Environment, represented AgriteQ is for it to reach a wide contributions to children’s by the Public Parks Department spectrum of local and interna- education since 2017, LuLu in collaboration with the Gulf tional audiences attending Hypermarket Qatar has Organisation for Research & Qatar’s largest agricultural collected and delivered dona- Development (GORD) launched tradeshow. tions of QR2m to Education the first-of-its-kind Encyclo- Director of Public Parks Above All (EAA) Foundation’s pedia of Native & Non-Native Department at the Ministry of Together Project. Plants in Eastern Arabia at the Municipality and Environment The Together Project has so 8th edition of Qatar Interna- Mohammed Ali Al Khoury said, far provided access to edu- tional Agricultural Exhibition “Public Parks Department has cation to over 2,000 children (AgriteQ) at Doha Exhibition & invested years of research and through scholarships across Convention Center. experiments to reach a level of various community and private It took seven years of documentation that serves as schools in Qatar. research work to prepare the a legacy for generations to In an official ceremony, encyclopedia. Along with the follow. In this context, the attended by representatives of exploration of hundreds of spe- Encyclopedia of Native & Non- both EAA Foundation and Lulu, cialized scientific publications, Native Plants in Eastern Arabia LuLu Hypermarket formally field research was conducted has emerged as an asset for donated the QR2m cheque to Dr. Mohamed Althaf, Director of Lulu Group with the cheque collected and delivered by LuLu by a group of experts at GORD. professionals working in rel- EAA Foundation. The fund- Hypermarket Qatar to EAA’s Together Project. The encyclopedia comprises six evant fields. We congratulate raising campaign ran since volumes covering approxi- the Gulf Organisation for October 2020 via active cus- will go a long way in impacting Foundation and its mission to 2020 to EAA’s Educate A Child mately 2,500 pages, thereby Research & Development tomer donations at LuLu children’s lives through provide equal learning oppor- (EAC) programme to support its providing a comprehensive (GORD) for taking the lead and Hypermarket stores across the enrollment who may otherwise tunities to children facing mission to transform millions guide on cultivating plants in successfully developing this country, aimed at raising could not access education and various compounded barriers of lives by improving access to Qatar’s desert terrain. pioneering work the benefits money to overcome gaps in have missed out on key learning to education. Every child education – a commitment that The encyclopedia features of which transcend a range of education and financial barriers and development opportunities. deserves access to quality edu- has been renewed for QR14.6m a collection of plant species sectors.” in line with EAA’s mission to We also extend special thanks cation that can help them grow over the next four years from arranged systematically with Founding Chairman of provide equal access to quality to all the customers and into productive and fulfilled 2021 to 2024. descriptive details such as con- GORD Dr. Yousef Alhorr said, education for all learners. members of our community, society members. Each As part of this, funds allo- servation status, worldwide “Just like tech exchange, Mubarak Al Thani, commu- who offered their donation to donation carries a transforma- cated to the EAA/UNICEF USA distribution, nativity to the knowledge transfer is crucial nication manager and head of the fundraising campaign and tional, real-life impact on the project targeted enrolment of region, lifespan, adaptability, for sustainable agriculture. advocacy at EAA Foundation, helped children unlock their full next generation.” an additional 366,286 Syrian cultivation and plant forms. To this end, the Encyclo- said: “We are pleased for our potential through education.” The generous donation out of school children in the With economic, medicinal, pedia of Native & Non-Native partner’s, LuLu Hypermarket’s Dr. Mohamed Althaf, comes as an extension to LuLu conflict-affected country landscaping and environmental Plants in Eastern Arabia will extraordinary support in rec- Director of Lulu Group said: Hypermarket’s longstanding through psychosocial support, uses consolidated in one place, guide agriculturists and engi- ognition of the barriers children “We are delighted to extend our commitment to EAA’s initia- provision of learning mate- the book serves as a reference neers in responsible selection around the world face to the support and the incredible con- tives. Since 2017, LuLu Hyper- rials, teacher training and tool for professionals dealing and optimum treatment of flora fundamental right to quality tributions of our customers to market Qatar has contributed classroom rehabilitation/ in diverse sectors such as archi- in the context of sustainable education. This contribution Education Above All QR3.65m per year since 2017 to construction. tecture, health, medicine and development.” Exuberance and innovations mark BPS annual day 2021

THE PENINSULA – DOHA The students and teachers Birla Public School, Doha Qatar with 5 years of perfect celebrated its annual day of Primary attendance were I and II wings on March 26, 2021, appreciated and honored with great fervor, exuberance and during the function for their elation. Adapting to the new situation dedication and commitment. this academic year witnessed the first ever online annual day of BPS. The evening began with the school national anthem of Qatar followed band officially welcoming the guests by the Indian national anthem and of the day and was the curtain raiser marked respect to both the coun- of the function. The Academic tries. Shruti, headmistress of Director of CBSE, Dr. Joseph Primary-I welcomed the gathering. The leadership team of Birla Public School participating virtually in the ceremony. Emmanuel graced the occasion as Principal, A.P Sharma presented the the Chief Guest. The luminaries annual report and expressed his being a part of the celebration. The efforts of the stakeholders for gracing the function included the gratitude to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim director of CBSE valued the teaching switching to e-learning over a night. school chairman, Gope Shahani; bin Hamad Al Thani and to patron learning process of BPS and the The occasion felicitated the stu- school board of directors, C V of BPS Sheikh Saoud bin Abdul- excellent achievements made both dents who wove golden feathers on Rappai, Lukose K Chacko; and man- rahman Al Thani. Principal took this in the academic and the co-scho- the crown of BPS, being toppers in agement representatives, Chindhu opportunity to congratulate the stu- lastic areas even during the pan- CBSE Board Examinations 2019- Antony Rappai and Nevile Lukose. dents for their academic achieve- demic. Dr. Joseph Emanuel specified 2020. The students and teachers The leadership team of Birla Public ments which brought laurels to that students should be equipped with 5 years of perfect attendance School, parents, students and school. Rajesh Pillai, Vice Principal with life skills and competency and were appreciated and honored teachers virtually attended the cherished and appreciated the stu- mould the students to meet the chal- during the function for their dedi- function. The event was telecast live dents for their co-scholastic lenges of life and 21st Century. cation and commitment. This on YouTube. The delightful evening achievements. Chief Guest, Dr. C V Rappai, the director of the evening viewed the online felici- began with evoking the blessings of Joseph Emmanuel, stated that Birla school management committee tation ceremony of the academic Almighty reciting verses from Holy Public School Qatar is one of the expressed his gratefulness to H H and non- academic staff who had Quran and prayer in English subse- leading schools affiliated to CBSE the Amir of Qatar and the Ministry rendered a decade of service to the quently the school choir sang the and expressed his happiness in of Education. C V Rappai lauded the school. Qatar’s trade surplus at QR13.2bn in February FROM PAGE 1 Transport of Persons” was at Petroleum oils & oils from the top of the imported group bituminous minerals (crude) of commodities, with QR300m, reaching QR2.5bn, decreased showing an increase of 23.2 by 21.3 percent, and increase percent. In second place was in the Petroleum oils & oils “Turbojets, Turbo propellers & from bituminous minerals (not Other Gas Turbines; Parts crude) reaching QR1.3bn, Thereof “ with QR300m, increased by 23.8 percent. showing a decrease of 48.3 In February 2021, South percent. And in third place was Korea was at the top of the “Parts of Aero planes or Heli- countries of destination of copters” with QR200m, a Qatar’s exports with close to decrease of 25.5 percent. QR3.7bn, a share of 17.7 percent In February 2021, China of total exports, followed by was the leading country of Japan with almost QR3.6bn and origin of Qatar’s imports with a share of 17.5 percent, and about QR1.2bn, a share of 16.5 India with about QR3.5bn, a percent of the imports, fol- share of 17.0 percent. lowed by the US with QR800m During February 2021, the almost, a share of 11.1 percent, group of “Motor Cars & Other and Belgium with QR500m, a Motor Vehicles for The share of 6.4 percent. SIS' national accreditation renewed

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Shantiniketan Indian School (SIS) has celebrated Qatar National School Accreditation for the second time in succession. Having received the accreditation first time in 2017, the school geared itself by establishing the highest standards upgrading itself to provide the best to the learners and other stakeholders. According to the school self-study report, the recommendations given by the visiting team in 2017 were completely implemented to the utmost satisfaction of the QNSA Inspection Team. The team of seven experts inspected all the aspects of the five QNSA Standards in February 2021 and were highly satisfied with the academic, administrative, managerial and physical standards at SIS. SUNDAY 28 MARCH 2021 HOME 05 QTerminals builds business resilience with Oracle Cloud ERP applications

THE PENINSULA — DOHA skills of an agile, flexible and On this occasion, QTer- digitally enabled workforce. minals’ Chief Executive Officer, Mannai Trading Company The advanced reporting capa- Neville Bissett said: “To meet W.L.L., the largest system inte- bilities will improve financial our objectives and business grator in Qatar has successfully decisions, enhance per- plans over the next five years, deployed Oracle’s Fusion Cloud formance management proc- we decided to implement Ora- at QTerminals, a terminal oper- esses, reduce payroll processing cle’s Fusion ERP, to further help ating company jointly estab- times, increase staff produc- us drive the business forward lished by Mwani Qatar (51% tivity and improve workforce and provide our projects with shareholding) and Milaha (49% engagement. Being a cloud- an integrated IT infrastructure shareholding), enabling QTer- based solution, system mainte- to facilitate and connect our minals to adopt industry best nance and total cost of own- overall business with the latest practices in areas of human ership are also significantly information technology.” resource management, financial reduced. On his part, Khalid Mannai, management, supply chain and With Oracle Fusion, QTer- Vice Chairman – Executive enterprise performance minals has been able to improve Committee, Mannai Corpo- management. financial planning, reduce ration, explained saying that: QTerminals envisioned a approval times, and have “This is a strategic opportunity modern suite of best-in-class immediate visibility on to build and deliver the most Members of Executive Management of QTerminals and Mannai Corporation. ERP applications that would company performance. Central- modern, sustainable and inno- enable it to enhance and izing the procure-to-pay vative solution that would automate its internal processes, out new technology the expertise from its Center of processes to implement new process allowed QTerminals to transform QTerminals to gain a competitive advantage, innovations. Excellence in Oracle technol- business changes. Along with a automate suppliers’ interac- harness the power of digital while improving employee Mannai InfoTech, the ogies, digital transformation high demanding maintenance, tions, exploit the advantage of technology. productivity. software division under Mannai and innovative methodologies QTerminals had limited access negotiated terms and discounts, "The successful imple- After careful evaluation, Trading Company W.L.L., led for implementing solutions, to new features such as per- reducing procurement costs and mentation of Oracle Fusion QTerminals selected Oracle ERP the deployment of the Oracle Mannai has remained a stra- formance management and providing a more accurate view Cloud exemplifies Mannai’s Cloud, which has allowed it to Fusion Cloud, to modernize and tegic IT Services Partner to analytics, e-sourcing, self- of procurement spend. By lev- collaboration with Oracle to seamlessly extend its on- digitize various manual proc- QTerminals during the services, etc. eraging dashboards and pro- deliver large scale enter- premises applications to the esses in the departments of Pro- implementation. Oracle’s Fusion Cloud gressive reporting techniques, prise projects that drive cloud and establish a modern curement, Finance and Human Prior to the Fusion Cloud ensures a connected and agile Oracle Fusion allows QTer- organizations to deliver business platform that can be Resources, while improving footprint, QTerminals was on a experience across multiple minals to effectively manage true business transfor- scaled to support its interna- reporting, user experiences and legacy shared system with business processes that boosts talent acquisition and mation and long-term sus- tional expansion plans and roll data integration. By leveraging limited agility and prolonged productivity and supports the retention. tainability," he said. Ooredoo Qatar appoints Lulu Hypermarket reinstates strict COVID-19 protocols

Eman Al Khater as new Chief THE PENINSULA — DOHA along with as far as possible, and advised them to do their Human Resources Officer A major retailer of the region shopping fast and leave the Lulu Hypermarket has strictly showroom quickly on the safety THE PENINSULA — DOHA reinstated a series of COVID-19 point of view. Further, they protocols based on the directive have installed protective Ooredoo, Qatar’s leading tele- from the governmental author- screens at checkouts to safe- communications operator, has ities for the safety of shoppers guard both the customers and indicated its strong and staff alike, considering the staff. commitment to in-house recent reports on the challenges Lulu Hypermarket was the human capital development paused by the pandemic. first retailer who implemented with the major leadership They have put in place the practice of continuous appointment of Qatari national enhanced cleaning and hygiene thorough mechanized cleaning Eman Al Khater as Chief protocols to ensure safe and and sanitization of all shared Human Resources Officer. healthy shopping environment surfaces and touch points at The company’s core cor- for its customers since the out- Customers at Lulu Hypermarket seen following social distancing hypermarkets such as shopping porate strategy - characterised break of the pandemic. guidelines. trolley handles, baskets, hand- as ‘Building Capabilities of the Although situation is very much rails of the travellators and lifts, Future’ - prioritises Human under control, it was advised by for elderly and vulnerable safety standards are observed and washrooms and common Resources as a key focus area Eman Al Khater the management not to lower shoppers, enhanced e-com- strictly in the stores. Those areas and constant ‘in and out’ for its development in the the guards and take all possible merce services such as dedi- safety marshals stationed at the thermal scanning procedure for coming years, with human Eman Al Khater will also be measures to meet the standards cated Online delivery, ‘Express entrance of the store were workers and fixing of trans- capital considered an integral ensuring that the company of health and hygiene. Delivery’ option for a same-day assigned to provide sanitized parent protective shields at the element to ensure future continues to offer a clear Lulu Group has organized a delivery and ‘Click and Collect’ baskets/trolleys to customers checkouts for the protection of success. learning path for consolidating massive campaign named ‘Your option for a store pick-up as they enter the store. cashiers and customers alike. As newly appointed Chief and expanding the skills and Health is in Your Hands’ aiming service through its online These safety measures have The management of Lulu Human Resources Officer, competencies needed to sustain to promote awareness on hand shopping platform. been put in place by the Lulu Group stated that they have Eman Al Khater will seek to and grow professional capacity. hygiene among its customers, Unlike other online players, management in alignment with more than two months’ stock direct the Ooredoo workforce “We are committed to employees and general public. Lulu Hypermarket to its credit the guidelines from the Ministry of all essential products to throughout Qatar’s transition attracting, retaining and devel- It has implemented a series is offering more than 25000 to safeguard the health and ensure uninterrupted supplies to a knowledge-based oping the brightest of talents of COVID-19 protocols in their products online. wellness of the society at large. to the shoppers. economy, as part of the coun- and the most driven, ambitious stores including social dis- A campaign under title Awareness on the necessity Lulu’s entire staff are com- try’s drive to achieve Qatar employees as a core element tancing guidelines by placing ‘Shop Safe and Stay Healthy’ of washing the hands, minimal mitted to help the community Vision 2030. of our corporate development signages at vantage points was organized in the interim family presence at the store with abundant supply of Ooredoo’s recent HR initi- strategy,” said Al Khater. “I am inside the stores, pre-packed whereby urged its customers while shopping and temporary essential food, consumer goods atives are designed to help excited about the opportunities supply of vegetables, fruits, and employees not to lower suspension of the best practice and hygiene products like employees explore and develop ahead, and in particular about roastery, cheese, meat and their guards. of reusable bags etc. are masks and sanitizers and as a their potential in a dynamic and the potential to further advance bakery, display of essential Well-trained safety mar- imparted to the shoppers. responsible retailer, Lulu man- performance-driven work the career progression of items at multiple locations of shals deployed in each aisle of They have emphasized agement have taken all environment, backed by best- women across all levels of the the store to avoid crowding up, the stores were entrusted to shoppers not to bring children measures to shoulder the in-class professional mentors. organisation. At Ooredoo we cashless payment option at monitor the customer flow and below 12 years of age, and avoid responsibility of safeguarding Of particular importance is a pride ourselves on our long- checkouts, dedicated checkouts make sure that health and bringing the elderly people the shoppers and its staff. Qatarisation programme cre- standing commitment to our ating opportunities for Qatari workforce, and I welcome the nationals and enabling their challenge of continuing the HEC Paris in Qatar, French embassy career progression as part of a excellent work carried out by Al Meera opens latest branch winning team. my predecessors as we drive to co-organize panel discussion By recruiting, training and the company forward.” at Al Asmakh Mall in Al Sadd retaining talented Qataris – Al Khater joins Ooredoo THE PENINSULA — DOHA is taking place on March 30 including through the use of a Qatar as Chief Human from 5pm until 7pm, and will THE PENINSULA — DOHA of the new branch, the company Qatari Graduate Development Resources Officer from HEC Paris and the French be broadcast globally. stated: “We are proud to inau- programme, internships, schol- Group Strategic Sourcing, Embassy in Qatar will be The online panel discussion Al Meera Consumer Goods gurate our latest branch in Al arships and sponsorships – the where she was Director of co-organizing an online panel will be opened by Dr. Pablo Company has announced the Sadd’s vibrant neighbourhood, company aims to address skill Sourcing Capabilities, Per- discussion that will address the Martin de Holan, Dean of HEC opening of its latest branch at a step closer in making Al Meera gaps and continue to foster a formance & Partnerships. contribution of women to the Paris in Qatar, along with H E Al Asmakh Mall in Al Sadd. The accessible to every neigh- fair, diverse and flexible work- She has extensive experience Qatar National Vision 2030 Franck Gellet, French Ambas- new store marks a key mile- bourhood in the country. The force, committed to the chal- in the telecommunications (QNV 2030). sador in Qatar. stone in the national retail’s opening of the Al Asmakh Mall lenges of the 21st century and industry, having worked The online event, themed Members of the public ambitious expansion plan, branch follows our ambitious the drive towards digitalisation with both Ooredoo Group ‘Women & Qatar National wishing to participate can reg- bringing its total number of expansion strategy which aims as part of Qatar National Vision and Ooredoo Qatar in pre- Vision 2030: Contributions, ister for the event on the fol- branches to 58 in localities to deliver world-class customer 2030. vious roles. Perspectives and Leadership’ lowing link: https://bit.ly/31bl1Oq across the country. service, high-quality, locally Centrally located in Al Sadd, sourced and imported fresh the new branch at Al Asmakh products to vital and unders- Mall, spreads across more than erved areas across Qatar. In MG Qatar presents its special offer on MG 6 Sedan cars 1000 sqm, delivering Al keeping with our updated store Meera’s seamlessly integrated layout designs, we look forward THE PENINSULA — DOHA shopping experience to the to our customers enjoy their Valid until April 12, the neighbourhood. The new store day-to-day shopping with MG Qatar launched its special will serve the highly populated utmost convenience and ease, offer on the MG 6, the fasci- offer avails customers to area of Al Sadd and the mall’s with unmatched value.” nating sporty sedan with buy MG 6 starting from shoppers with a wide range of True to Al Meera’s promise sleek design and quality QR46,000, saving up to products to meet their daily to remain present in every features. QR15,000, and enjoy 6 needs. Customers can access a neighbourhood, the company Valid until April 12, the offer years or 200,000 km of range of high-quality goods continues to drive expansion to avails customers to buy MG 6 housed at the store at compet- economically viable locations in starting from QR46,000, saving manufacture warranty. itive prices for an exceptional addition to areas where the up to QR15,000, and enjoy 6 shopping experience. community deserves a neigh- years or 200,000 km of man- Commenting on the opening bourhood retail service. ufacture warranty. featuring rear air-conditioning Customers can avail special offer for MG 6 Sedan until April 12. The MG 6 along with MG vents. The MG 6 will be line up of cars are available now equipped with a 1.5-litre turbo at Auto Class Cars showroom language. segment, the all-new MG 6 engine, mated to a 7-speed Dual on Salwa Road. The sporty, premium vibe builds on MG’s reputation for Clutch Transmission (DTC). The sleek, dynamic profile continues inside the cabin with providing extremely generous This efficient petrol unit of the all-new MG 6 is boosted a smartly configured dashboard levels of equipment. delivers maximum power of by carbon fibre trim on the front and central console, comple- An 8-inch colour touch 169hp and maximum torque bumper, headlamps featuring mented by stylish leather- screen with Apple CarPlay, push of 250Nm. a ‘London Eye’ design concept, wrapped seats boasting a black start button, keyless entry, auto Since its acquisition of MG twin chrome exhaust pipes and and red interior on top-of-the- hold function, tyre pressure Motor, SAIC MOTOR, as a a ‘Star Rider’ front grille, which range models. monitoring system, rear parking Global Top 500 company, has takes inspiration from the In addition to offering the camera, and a dual-zone cool opened a new chapter for this brand’s expressive design most interior space in its climate control system British-born brand. The new Al Meera branch at Al Asmakh Mall in Al Sadd. 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA SUNDAY 28 MARCH 2021 Iran, China sign 25-year cooperation agreement AL JAZEERA — TEHRAN No details of the restore the deal, President Joe Biden has so far refused to lift Iran and China have signed a agreement have any sanctions, saying Iran must long-gestating 25-year cooper- yet to be officially first act to fulfil commitments ation accord as both countries it scaled back in response to US remain under Unites States published, but it is sanctions. sanctions. expected to be a China and Russia have The agreement was signed sweeping “strategic called on the US to restore the in Tehran yesterday by Iran’s deal by lifting sanctions, while Foreign Minister Mohammad accord” that includes traders and analysts say Iran’s Javad Zarif and China’s Foreign significant Chinese oil exports to China have signif- Minister Wang Yi. icantly increased in March Wang, who touched down investments in Iran’s despite US warnings. in Tehran on Friday for a key sectors. Rouhani thanked Wang yes- two-day visit as part of his terday for China’s stance on the Middle East trip, also met with nuclear deal and standing up to President Hassan Rouhani, and includes significant Chinese “American unilateralism”. Ali Larijani, a representative of investments in Iran’s key “The two countries’ coop- the Supreme Leader Ali Hos- sectors such as energy and eration to implement the JCPOA Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi exchange seini Khamenei who is said to infrastructure, in addition to and implementing commit- documents during the signing ceremony of a 25-year cooperation agreement, in Tehran, yesterday. have been the point person on military cooperation. ments by European countries is the 25-year accord. It comes as both Iran and very important and can change that maintaining the nuclear countries was opened at the adopt an increasingly hostile The agreement is said to China are under different levels the current situation,” he said deal would mean preserving foreign ministry building in approach, while critics say Iran have been in the works since of sanctions imposed by the US. in reference to the formal name multilateralism. Tehran yesterday. may be giving up too much in Chinese President Xi Jinping After unilaterally aban- of the nuclear deal. “The new US administration But the cooperation pact has its quest to boost ties with visited Iran in 2016, also doning Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal The president also said Iran wants to rethink its policy and also been a subject of con- China. agreeing to increase bilateral with world powers — that also and China can work together return to the JCPOA. China wel- tention inside Iran, where a dis- Iran and China have also trade more than 10-fold to included China — former US to fight “terrorism and comes that,” he reportedly said. cussion on its objectives and cooperated on COVID-19 during $600bn in the next decade. President Donald Trump extremism in the region” in As China and Iran are merits has divided people and the pandemic, with China No details of the agreement imposed harsh sanctions on addition to economic and trade approaching 50 years of official officials alike. donating 250,000 doses of its have yet to be officially pub- Iran that have blacklisted its cooperation. diplomatic ties, an exhibition of Proponents of the deal say Sinopharm vaccine to Iran last lished, but it is expected to be a entire financial system. Wang was quoted by the diplomatic documents and Iran will benefit from turning month. sweeping “strategic accord” that While saying he wants to president’s website as saying achievements between the two east as the US and the West Turkish court announces 2007 Reviving Iran N-deal hinges on mutual steps: US

REUTERS — WASHINGTON some of the pact’s nuclear restric- steps, like we’ll do X, they do Y, the Dink murder case verdict tions in retaliation. issue of sequence will not be the Who might take the first step to The United States and Iran have issue. I don’t know who would go ANADOLU — ISTANBUL Defendant Muharrem Demirkale was resume compliance with the 2015 yet to agree even to meet about first. I mean we could - it could be handed two life sentences for both vio- Iran nuclear deal is not an issue for reviving the deal and are communi- simultaneous,” he said. “There’s a The 2007 murder case of a prominent lating the Constitution and aiding pre- the United States, a US official said cating indirectly via European thousand iterations but... I can tell Armenian-Turkish journalist was meditated murder, while Yavuz Karakaya on Friday, suggesting greater flexi- nations, Western officials have said. you now, if this breaks down, it’s not concluded on Friday by a Turkish court received a life sentence and over 12 years bility on the part of Washington. The odds of their making going to be because of that.” that tried dozens of defendants, including for the same charges. “That’s not the issue, who goes progress to revive the deal before He added: “We will be pragmatic the ringleader of Fetullah Terrorist Former gendarmerie commander of first,” the official said on condition Iran holds a presidential election in about that.” Organisation (FETO), a former prosecutor Trabzon province, Ali Oz, as well as Okan of anonymity. June have dwindled after Tehran Writing in Foreign Affairs mag- and gendarmerie and police officers. Simsek, Veysal Sahin, and Gazi Gunay “Like, we are going to go at 8, opted to take a tougher stance before azine last year when he was a pres- The Istanbul heavy penal court issued received over 28 years in prison each for they are going to go at 10? Or they returning to talks, officials have said. idential candidate, Biden said: a verdict on the case over the murder of the charges of premeditated murder and go at 8, we go at 10? That’s not the In a speech on Sunday, Iran’s “Tehran must return to strict com- Hrant Dink after trying 76 defendants, forgery of an official document. issue,” the official said. “The issue is Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said pliance with the deal. If it does so, I six of whom are currently detained and Another defendant, Osman Gulbel, do we agree on what steps are going Washington must ease sanctions before would rejoin the agreement.” 13 of whom are fugitives, said a judicial was slapped with 16 years and eight to be taken mutually.” Tehran would resume compliance. That language, echoed by Sec- source on condition of anonymity due to months for negligence amounting to pre- The Biden administration has The US official sought to dispel retary of State Antony Blinken and restrictions on speaking to the media. meditated murder. been seeking to engage Iran in talks what he said was an erroneous view other officials since Biden took office Dink, then editor-in-chief of the Over 16-year prison terms were also about both sides resuming com- that the United States insists on Iran’s on January 20, has been widely taken Armenian-Turkish newspaper Agos, was given to defendants Mehmet Ayhan, Ugur pliance with the deal, under which full compliance before Washington to mean Iran had to make the first gunned down outside his office on Jan. Karakaya, Faruk Sair and Hasan Durmu- US and other economic sanctions on would take any steps to resume its move to comply. The US official, 19, 2007. soglu for the same crime as Gulbel and Tehran were removed in return for own commitments. however, disputed this. “It doesn’t The defendants of the case included for destroying an official document. curbs on Iran’s nuclear program to He also said it was not the US say when,” the official said. “It is not former prosecutor Zekeriya Oz, jour- Volkan Sahin also received 12-and- make it harder to develop a nuclear stance that Tehran must take a first a statement about sequence.” nalists, gendarmerie and former security a-half years in prison for negligence weapon — an ambition Tehran step to comply before Washington Robert Einhorn, a nonprolif- officers, as well as Fetullah Gulen, the amounting to premeditated murder. denies. would take a step. eration expert at the Brookings Insti- ringleader of FETO, which was behind a The court also sentenced Ercan Gun US President Joe Biden’s prede- “It is absolutely not our position tution think tank, said he had not 2016 defeated coup in the country. to a decade in prison for being a member cessor, Donald Trump, withdrew that Iran has to come into full com- understood Biden’s Foreign Affairs One of the defendants, former police of an armed terrorist organization, from the deal in 2018 and reimposed pliance before we do anything,” the article to mean Iran necessarily had chief Ali Fuat Yilmazer, was handed an namely FETO, though he was found not US sanctions, prompting Iran, after official said. to go first, “although it could certainly aggravated life sentence for premedi- guilty for violating the Constitution. waiting more than a year, to violate “As for, if we agree on mutual be read that way.” tated murder and an additional four-and- Former civil inspector Mehmet Ali a-half years for destroying an official Ozkilinc also received a total of 10 years document. behind bars for membership of an armed Turkish medics Ramazan Akyurek, another terror group and acting in favor of a Lebanon private sector steps in defendant, also received an aggravated criminal. call for tougher life sentence for the same charge, as well Former civil inspector Sukru Yildiz to speed up vaccine campaign as over 13 more years in prison for received three years and nine months in measures as destruction and forgery of an official prison for knowingly and willingly aiding document. an armed terror group. AP — BEIRUT Russian Business Council, said he hoped COVID-19 surges the import of the Russian vaccines Lebanon’s private sector is stepping in would help safely reopen businesses REUTERS — ANKARA to speed up the vaccination campaign around the country. against coronavirus by importing at “Our first target will be private Turkey’s top medical group least one million doses of Russian companies, factories, banks - and this called on the government on vaccines, with the aim of reopening is important to reactivate institutions,” Friday to reverse its course businesses around the country hit by he told The Associated Press in an and tighten COVID-19 restric- an unprecedented economic crisis. interview. tions as new infections surge, The first batch of 50,000 doses of Sarraf, who played a major role in including by imposing curbs Sputnik V vaccines arrived early Friday, bringing the Sputnik V vaccines to on social mobility and contact. making Lebanon one of few nations Lebanon, said priority will be given Daily infections and deaths where the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is for employees at companies and have spiked over the past being boosted by private sector business institutions, including those month after Ankara initiatives. of Lebanon’s national carrier Middle announced a period of gradual Lebanon, a small nation of six East Airlines and the Banking return to normal life. Turkey million people including around one Association. recorded 29,081 new cases on million Syrian refugees, began its inoc- He added that with the private Friday, just below this year’s ulation campaign in mid-February after sector moving in, the numbers of highest number. finalizing a deal for some two million people inoculated daily will multiply Health Minister Fahrettin doses with Pfizer. by more than three times compared Koca said on Thursday the pan- According to Lebanese Health Min- with the current pace. demic would be under control istry, the country has so far received Sarraf said the Sputnik V will be by late May or June, adding that 224,640 Pfizer-BioNTech doses over sold at a price of $38 for the required citizens must wear masks and the past six weeks with nearly 100,000 two doses, in addition to hospital fees. practice social distancing. doses already administered. Lebanon’s The minimum monthly salary in But the Turkish Medics government also began receiving Astra- Lebanon is currently 675,000 Leb- Association (TTB) said the gov- Zeneca vaccines this week, with 33,600 anese pounds, the equivalent of about ernment was unable to manage doses that arrived on Wednesday. $60. the pandemic and called the The Pfizer vaccines are funded by Sarraf said Lebanon will be current conditions in Turkey a the World Bank while AstraZeneca vac- receiving between 100,000-200,000 “social assassination”. cines will be provided under the UN- doses every three weeks until the 1 “A surge of cases in a short backed COVAX program. million is reached. time show that Turkey, just like Lebanon is currently in the grips of Some businessmen and politicians many other countries in Europe, the worst economic and financial crisis have already expressed readiness to is facing a tsunami. While this in its modern history, which has been pay for people in their electoral dis- surging tendency continues, we exacerbated by the lockdown measures tricts to get vaccinated. need more serious measures related to the pandemic. Tens of thou- Assem Araji who heads the par- strengthened by public soli- sands have lost their jobs and the local liament health committee, said so far darity,” the TTB said. currency has lost 90 percent of its value only around 950,000 people in Without naming names, the against the dollar, leading to inflation Lebanon have registered to take the doctors’ group called for those and shortages in food products and vaccines, or about 20 percent of the responsible at the health min- medicines. population. istry to resign, as well as for According to the World Bank, more “The vibrant private sector in more transparency on daily than half the population is now living Lebanon will make a difference,” he coronavirus figures and variants under the poverty line. said. “This will speed up the inoculation detected, vaccine procure- Jacques Sarraf, a Lebanese busi- process and will reduce pressure on ments, and the criteria used to nessman and head of the Lebanese the public sector.” classify risks by province. SUNDAY 28 MARCH 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07 Suez Canal salvager hopes to free ship by next week REUTERS — ISMAILIA “Heavy tugboats, with it loose,” Berdowski said. “Heavy tugboats, with a A giant container ship grounded a combined capacity combined capacity of 400 in the Suez Canal could be freed of 400 tonnes, will tonnes, will arrive this weekend. by the start of next week if We hope that a combination of heavier tugboats, dredging and arrive this weekend. the tugboats, dredging of sand a high tide succeed in dislodging We hope that a at the bow and a high tide will it, a Dutch firm working to free enable us to get the ship loose the vessel said. combination of the at the beginning of next week.” The 400-metre long Ever tugboats, dredging of Egyptian Prime Minister Given became wedged diago- sand at the bow and Mostafa Madbouly yesterday nally across a southern section thanked foreign partners for of the canal amid high winds a high tide will enable offers to help refloat the ship and early on Tuesday, disrupting us to get the ship said the SCA’s chairman would global shipping by blocking one brief media shortly on details of of the world’s busiest waterways. loose at the beginning the operation to release the ship. About 15 percent of world of next week,” a Shipping rates for oil shipping traffic passes through product tankers nearly doubled the canal, and hundreds of salvage company after the ship became stranded, vessels are waiting to pass official said. and the blockage has scrambled through the waterway once the global supply chains, threat- blockage has been cleared. the weekend, but everything ening costly delays for com- Dredgers had removed will have to work out exactly panies already dealing with some 20,000 tonnes of sand right for that,” Peter Berdowski, COVID-19 restrictions. from around its bow by Friday, chief executive of Boskalis, told If it drags on, shippers may but tugging operations to free Dutch TV programme Nieu- decide to reroute around the the ship were suspended wsuur late on Friday. Cape of Good Hope, adding overnight. Boskalis owns Smit Salvage, about two weeks to journeys A view shows the stranded container ship Ever Given, one of the world’s largest container ships, after They were due to restart which was brought in this week and extra fuel costs. it ran aground, in Suez Canal, Egypt, yesterday. early afternoon yesterday to try to help with efforts by the Suez A total of 288 vessels were to take advantage of the high tide, Canal Authority (SCA) to dis- waiting to enter or continue a shipping source. too much force to tug the ship warned that such a process could three sources with knowledge of lodge the ship. their transit through the canal Three shipping agents said could damage it. be complex and lengthy. canal operations said, though “The bow is really stuck in as of Friday, including 65 con- yesterday that none of the ships Berdowski said a land crane “If we don’t succeed in they added it could be necessary the sandy clay, but the stern has tainer ships, 63 bulk carriers waiting at the canal’s entrances would be brought in at the getting it loose next week, we to remove more sand from not been pushed totally into the and 23 liquefied natural gas had yet requested to be weekend which could lighten the will have to remove some 600 around the ship to free it. clay, which is positive. We can (LNG) or liquefied petroleum rerouted. Boskalis and Smit Ever Given’s load by removing containers from the bow to “We aim to get it done after try to use that as leverage to pull gas (LPG) carriers, according to Salvage have warned that using containers, though experts have reduce the weight,” he said. Convoy of fleeing France bears ‘overwhelming responsibilities’ over Rwanda genocide civilians AL JAZEERA — PARIS The genocide between April to the preparation of a genocide “A previous French judge’s The report concluded that ambushed in and July of 1994 began after by the most radical elements of report had denied that and put in July 1994 “murderers but also France bears “overwhelming Rwanda’s Hutu president Juvenal this regime.” the blame on President Kag- the masterminds of the gen- Mozambique responsibilities” over the 1994 Habyarimana, with whom Paris The report criticised the ame’s RPF (Rwandan Patriotic ocide” were in a safe zone genocide in Rwanda and was had cultivated close ties, was French authorities under Mit- Front party), and this misinfor- established by French forces in REUTERS — MAPUTO “blind” to preparations for the killed when his plane was shot terrand for adopting a “binary mation has done the rounds for the west of the country “who massacres, a report by histo- down over Kigali on April 6. view” that set Habyarimana as 27 years. It was in their archives the French political authorities Suspected Islamist insurgents rians said on Friday but added A quarter-century on, the a “Hutu ally” against an that they knew this in fact was refused to arrest”. attacked a convoy of fleeing there was no evidence Paris issue still poisons modern rela- “enemy” of Tutsi forces backed untrue.” Macron ordered the Mitterrand and his inner civilians, including foreign was complicit in the killings. tions between France and by Uganda, and then offering creation of the commission in circle were also fearful of the workers, as fighting continued A historical commission set Rwanda under its controversial military intervention only May 2019 to analyse France’s encroachment of English- on Friday in a northern up by President Emmanuel President Paul Kagame, a former “belatedly” when it was too late role in Rwanda from 1990-1994 speaking influence into franco- Mozambique town that is near Macron concluded there had Tutsi rebel who has ruled the to halt the genocide. through archival research. phone Africa under influence a number of gas projects, been a “failure” on the part of mountainous nation in Africa’s “The research therefore France notably led Oper- from Uganda and Kagame’s security and diplomatic France under former leader Great Lakes region since the establishes a set of responsibil- ation Turquoise, a military- RPF. sources said. Francois Mitterrand over the aftermath of the genocide. ities, both serious and over- humanitarian intervention The report tells of French At least one person was genocide that saw about “Is France an accomplice to whelming,” it said. launched by Paris under a decision-makers trapped in killed and a number injured, 800,000 people slaughtered, the genocide of the Tutsi? If by Journalist and author United Nations mandate “post-colonial” thinking who according to the three sources mainly from the ethnic Tutsi this we mean a willingness to Andrew Wallis said the report between June and August 1994. supported the “racist, corrupt and three organizations with minority. join a genocidal operation, is “explosive stuff”. Its critics say it was in reality and violent” regime of Habyar- employees inside a hotel Historian Vincent Duclert, nothing in the archives that “The one thing that stood aimed at supporting the geno- imana facing a Tutsi rebellion where people have been who headed the commission, were examined demonstrates out for me was the fact they’re cidal Hutu government. considered as directed from taking refuge in the town of handed over the damning report this,” the report’s conclusions saying French intelligence knew There have also been English-speaking Uganda. Palma. to Macron at the Elysee Palace said. it was Hutu extremists that shot repeated accusations that Mitterrand “maintained a Officials at Mozambique’s after years of accusations that “Nevertheless, for a long President Habyarimana’s plane authorities in Paris helped sus- strong, personal and direct rela- foreign ministry, defence min- France did not do enough to halt time, France was involved with down, which was seen as the pects in the Rwanda genocide tionship with the Rwandan istry and provincial gov- the killings and was even com- a regime that encouraged racist trigger for the genocide,” Wallis to escape while under French head of state” Habyarimana, it ernment did not immediately plicit in the crimes. massacres … It remained blind said. military protection. said. respond to calls or had their phones switched off yesteray. The national police said they Building collapses were evaluating the situation ‘Don’t shoot,’ Ethiopian father begged soldiers: Daughter without providing further in Cairo killing 5 details. REUTERS — ADIGRAT Mozambique’s government and injuring 24 had said that security forces Fourteen-year-old Mibrak were working to restore order Esayus recalls the day last AP — CAIRO in Palma, which is adjacent to November when she says gas projects worth $60 billion Eritrean soldiers burst into her A nine-storey apartment led by oil majors including Total, home in Ethiopia’s Tigray building collapsed in the after it came under a three- region and killed her mother Egyptian capital early pronged attack on Wednesday. and father. yesterday, killing at least five Nearly 200 people had It was 10 days into Ethio- people and injuring about two been sheltering in the Amarula pia’s military campaign against dozen others, an official said. Palma hotel during the attack, fighters from the Tigray Peo- Rescue workers were according to three diplomats ple’s Liberation Front (TPLF), searching for any survivors and one of the organisations the region’s former ruling party, trapped under the rubble of with people inside. following their surprise assault the building in the Al Salam They included a Spanish res- on federal army bases in Tigray. neighbourhood, said Khalid ident and other foreigners who The family heard shooting Abdel Al, the administrative locked themselves in a protected outside their home in the town head of Cairo governorate. room in the hotel, a Spanish dip- of Zalambessa, on the border At least 24 others were lomatic source said. Spain’s with Eritrea, from around injured and taken to hospitals, foreign office did not comment. dawn, Mibrak said. Eritrean sol- he said in a statement. Rescue efforts had been diers burst in around midday. Police cordoned off the underway with at least 20 Her father, a priest at the area, keeping back the curious people flown to safety in hel- local Ethiopian Orthodox and people apparently looking icopters before the ambush, church, begged them “Don’t for relatives in the building. said Lional Dyck, who runs shoot,” she said. Workers were seen using bull- Dyck Advisory Group, a South “They shot him in the chest A damaged Eritrean military tank is seen near the town of Wikro, Ethiopia, in this file picture. dozers to clear away debris. African private security with three bullets... Then they It was not immediately company that works with shot my mama in her back.” two dozen civilians in Tigray through her medical records at troops from the region. clear what caused the build- Mozambique’s government. Mibrak said she was shot in the who said they had been victims a hospital in Adigrat, the nearest Asked about the accounts of ing’s collapse. An engineering On Friday afternoon, some thigh as her five younger sib- of, or witnesses to, shootings, major city; and with parish- killings and abuses by Eritrean committee was formed to people attempted to escape in lings, aged from one to 12 years gang abuses and looting by Eri- ioners from her father’s church soldiers, including those in Zal- examine the structural a convoy of vehicles but were old, screamed in terror. The sol- trean soldiers. who said they attended her ambessa, Eritrea’s information integrity of neighbouring ambushed just outside the diers yelled at them to be quiet, The wire agency verified parents’ memorial service. minister Yemane Gebremeskel buildings, Abdel Al said. hotel, according to Dyck, two setting a haystack alight as they parts of Mibrak’s account with Ethiopia’s Prime Minister said by text message that it was Building collapses are not diplomats and the organisa- left, she said. her aunt and uncle, now caring Abiy Ahmed said on Friday that not “in our military tradition to uncommon in Egypt, where tions with people inside. Mibrak is among more than for her and her five siblings; Eritrea had agreed to withdraw kill civilians shoddy construction is wide- spread in shantytowns, poor city neighbourhoods and rural areas. International football returns to Libya after seven-year hiatus With real estate at a premium in big cities like AL JAZEERA — BENGHAZI Tunisia, nicknamed the of Nations to be hosted in Cam- fourth and fifth goals towards uprising, resulting in multiple Cairo and the Mediterranean Eagles of Carthage, won 5-2 in eroon in January 2022. the end of the game. forces vying for power. city of Alexandria, developers Libya’s national football team an Africa Cup of Nations qual- The Libyans opened the Even though the loss hurt, The Libyan national football seeking bigger profits fre- lost to Tunisia on Thursday but ification match played behind scoring in the 22nd minute but Libyan fans still celebrated the league was suspended in 2019 quently violate building fans in the eastern city of closed doors due to the con- were quickly overtaken by the return of football to their home due to the deteriorating security permits. Extra floors often are Benghazi still had reason to tinuing coronavirus pandemic Tunisians’ fast-paced, pressing soil, with many turning up in situation. added without proper gov- cheer as international football at the Benina Martyrs Stadium, style, conceding three goals droves to cafes to catch a Fighting only came to a halt ernment permits. returned to Libya after a seven- formerly known as Hugo within 30 minutes of their glimpse of their heroes against last year and a formal ceasefire The government has year hiatus. International Chavez Stadium under the opener. their rivals and neighbours announced in October was fol- recently launched a football had been banned in regime of overthrown leader A second goal early in the Tunisia. lowed by the establishment of crackdown on illegal building Libya for several years as the Muammar Gaddafi. second half gave the Libyans Libya descended into chaos a unity government led by across the country, jailing vio- North African country was The loss means Libya cannot some cause for hope, but that after Gaddafi was toppled and interim Prime Minister Abdul lators and in many cases wracked by conflict. qualify for the next Africa Cup was dashed after Tunisia netted killed in a 2011 Nato-backed Hamid Dbeibah. destroying the buildings. 08 VIEWS SUNDAY 28 MARCH 2021 Drug use among older people Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI – a hidden epidemic

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CORNELIS P. DE JONCHEERE DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI President, International Narcotics [email protected] Control Board More than a year into the ACTING MANAGING EDITOR COVID-19 pandemic, the MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED severe impact on older people [email protected] is, sadly, plain to see. Not only are older people highly vulnerable to suffering severe DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR illness with COVID-19, they MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI are often also isolated from [email protected] family members and the wider community, as a result of measures to prevent the spread of the virus. EDITORIAL However, there is also a hidden epidemic affecting older people: drug use. Often undiagnosed by health profes- sionals, drug use and drug- In love of planet related deaths have increased among older people over the FROM 8.30pm to 9.30pm on last Saturday of March, last 10 years. The number of Cornelis P de Joncheere, President of International Narcotics Control Board attending the global every year, the world shuts down electric lights for one older people seeking treatment launch of the Narcotics Control Board Annual Report 2020. hour to mark the Earth Hour. It is a tradition established for drug dependence has also by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) with an aim increased. The pattern of drug of health insurance can force With the ageing of the global age-appropriate care focused of paying attention to environmental crisis taking place use among older people varies: older people to obtain sub- population, it is crucial to on the needs of individuals, on the earth and raise awareness about sustainability, there are ‘maintainers’, who stances for pain relief from address this worrying trend of their families and commu- climate change and importance of caring for the have unchanged drug use pat- illicit sources. The widespread drug use among older people. nities. Governments need to environment. terns over the course of their prescription of benzodi- The International Narcotics develop effective service Earth Hour was observed all over the world yes- lives and somehow live with it; azepines among older people Control Board is drawing responses for older people terday, where residents of the State of Qatar and insti- ‘survivors’, who have long term and the risk of overuse is also attention to it in its 2020 Annual who use drugs, which should tutions also joined millions of people and companies “problem” use of drugs; and a well-known problem. Poly- Report. We have identified three include the co-treatment of around the globe to spread awareness about envi- ‘reactors’, who take up or pharmacy - the mixing of five areas that need to be addressed multiple issues relating to ronment protection and climate change. In this a global increase drug use later in life. or more medications per day, by governments and the inter- physical health, mental health movement, almost all government and private institu- Development of drug use whether obtained by pre- national community to improve and drug dependence. Out- tions and companies including ministries, malls, hotels, later in life may be connected scription, over the counter or the situation. reach services for people who offices as well as individuals observed the event last with prescription of pain through illicit channels – is an Firstly, the extent of drug use drugs should be night by switching off the lights of the buildings, houses relief medication, which increasing problem among use among older people is developed and further for an hour from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. poses a risk for misuse if not older people. In addition, the largely unknown. Drug moni- expanded to include home- The Ministry of Municipality and Environment led appropriately administered. ageing process can trigger toring systems usually only based and mobile services, the environmental campaign by calling upon the resi- Increasing tolerance to opioid problems of a psychological, look at levels of drug use and to serve as an entry point dents to switch off unnecessary lights and electronic analgesics due to use of other social or physiological nature among people aged 15 to 65. for older people who use equipment for one hour in celebration of the Earth Hour. substances can also impact on that can increase the risk of We recommend that the age drugs. Services for early Similar calls were made by other governmental adequacy of pain relief. A lack substance use, as well as range included in drug use detection, screening and entities like Kahramaa which posted a motion graphic aggravate pre-existing surveys be expanded and that assessment need to be with slogan “Disconnect to Reconnect” on its Twitter, As the world works to problems. As a result of drug prescription-monitoring available for older people and Qatar Calendar, reminded people that “a better use, older people can become systems be established or who use drugs. future is in our hands inviting us to take a step towards build back better from more vulnerable to devel- improved, so as to measure A year into the COVID-19 this future by turning off our lights for Earth Hour. the COVID-19 pandemic, oping health problems, such the nature and extent of drug pandemic, we know that pro- Some malls not only paid attribute to this hour by we need to take action as respiratory problems, use, including misuse of pre- longed physical and social decreasing electricity consumption, but also promoted degenerative diseases, liver scription and over-the- distancing and the associated the practice of electricity preservation by spreading to offer a more positive disease, diabetes and chronic counter medications, among social isolation place a great awareness and sustainability messages among the vis- future for one of the mental health challenges, as older people. emotional strain on older itors using digital screens. Earthhour.org has drawn most marginalized well as face a higher risk of Secondly, existing evi- people, particularly those out attention to the fact: “Over the years, the lights-off falls and road accidents. Drug dence-based prevention with mental health problems moment saw entire streets, buildings, landmarks, and groups of society – use among older people is strategies should be used to and substance use disorders. city skylines go dark - an unmissable sight that drew older people who use also associated with financial prevent and reduce drug use As the world works to public attention to nature loss and the climate crisis.” drugs. problems, unemployment, by older people and prevent build back better from the May be this is the first time, the entire world with no homelessness, isolation and stigmatization. This means COVID-19 pandemic, we need exception facing the same challenge which is COVID-19, loneliness. Stigma associated addressing older people in to take action to offer a more therefore this year’s world celebration of the event with drug use may prevent any messaging to combat positive future for one of the became quite different, from the previous years, as eve- people from seeking care, and stigma. most marginalized groups of ryone is indoor due to the health restrictions but still there thus the problem remains Thirdly, there is a need for society – older people who is an incredible opportunity to highlight online environ- hidden and untreated. integrated, holistic and use drugs. mental issues and the crisis facing the nature because of human destructive practices and recklessness. Marking this day through a simple move of switching lights off for one hour showcases the need to take action No peace dividend in lurid politics down under on the pressing issue of global climate change and caring for the environment is caring for our present and DANIEL MOSS — BLOOMBERG manner of its end, however, he raped a woman in 2019 - opposition. Morrison, whose future generations. It is one of the most important envi- makes the opposition Aus- claims he denies. Morrison bloc has been in office almost ronmental conservation movements that show a sign Containing COVID-19 made tralian Labor Party - once will likely shuffle his cabinet, a decade, will suffer the of global solidarity to save and protect our planet. something of a wartime prime written off as too in thrall to and you can count on more effects of this debacle. In a minister of Australia's Scott unions and divided internally women being promoted. But survey published last week, Morrison. But peacetime - look like a serious chal- this will be done from a Newspoll, one of the most politics doesn't look so great. lenger in next year's election. position of weakness. influential barometers of The overwhelming Morrison's government is The prime minister should public opinion, found the D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR urgency of fighting the virus reeling from allegations of be cruising rather than stag- ruling coalition trailing Labor 48percent to 52percent . EMAIL: [email protected] suppressed the vulnerabilities sexual assault and lewd acts gering. COVID has been sup- underlying his government. against legislators, their staff pressed, albeit by effectively Betting markets that foresaw Now they're back to the fore. and a broader toxic culture shutting the continent off an easy win for the gov- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 ernment in the next election FAX: +974 4455 7758 The return of a semblance of within Parliament. The from the outside world. The normality has seen the former defense minister, in whose economy is starting to hum are tightening. MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 marketing executive struggle office a rape is alleged to have and unemployment is quickly As much as Morrison has to forge a post-COVID occurred two years ago, has retreating. Gross domestic crashed down to earth, the DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 message. And given the been on medical leave, product will expand 4.5% this numbers shouldn't be too morass of parliamentary shielding the top national year, according to the Organi- shocking. His position was LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 sexual scandal confronting security official from scrutiny zation for Economic Cooper- never as invincible as some- BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 him, he needs one badly. during what would have been ation and Development, times portrayed. The come- Central to this is the fragility bruising questioning in the making Australia one of the from-behind win in May 2019 SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 of the government's position Senate. The attorney general big winners from what's pro- was remarkable only for how in Parliament. A wafer-thin has been accused of a sep- jected to be a strong global it defied polls, something seen ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 majority after the last election arate rape in the 1980s. He rebound. Interest rates are in elections in other countries email: [email protected] left Morrison and his conserv- vigorously denies it and is almost zero and the central in recent years. In terms of PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 ative bloc very exposed to pursuing defamation pro- bank has pledged to keep parliamentary seats, the email: [email protected] crises. The man once in ceedings through the courts. juicing the economy for a victory was meager: a majority charge of promoting Aus- Tens of thousands of pro- while. of one, once the Speaker had MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 tralian tourism used this to his testers have taken part in That performance had been selected. The numbers on email: [email protected] advantage in 2020. rallies demanding greater once made the prime minister the floor weren't very different Approval ratings went female representation in Par- so politically dominant he from what they were on the ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 sky-high when he adopted a liament and tough action was said to be eyeing an early eve of balloting. Voters may FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] presidential style of lead- against sexual violence and election. A rush to the ballot have developed a soft spot for CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 ership to combat the corona- discrimination. On Thursday, box has surely now been "ScoMo," a nickname he's email: [email protected] virus; the less-respected leg- a lawmaker in the New South shelved. The lurid revelations embraced for its laddish guy- islature was secondary. Such Wales state parliament said of life in Parliament, added to next-door quality, but they SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 popularity was never going to he was stepping aside while almost daily, wound the gov- aren't as enthusiastic about the FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] last. The abrupt and foul police investigate allegations ernment more than the party he leads.

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar As things stand, I can see absolutely nothing in the data to dissuade me from continuing /Peninsula_Qatar along our roadmap to freedom, unlocking our /ThePeninsulaNewspaper economy and getting back to the life we love. Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister +974 6698 6188 SUNDAY 28 MARCH 2021 OPINION 09 UN Secretary-General 2020 Innovation Award granted to Education for Justice initiative funded by Qatar QNA Executive Director of the Mission of the State of Qatar for Justice” initiative, which is sites on tools for judicial UNODC Ghada Waly were to the United Nations and a major component of this integrity ethics were set up. The “Education for Justice” looking forward to moving international organizations in program, receiving the UN Major General Dr. initiative of the Global together towards a new gen- Vienna, Brandolino added UNODC Executive Secretary-General 2020 Abdullah Yusuf Al Mal Program of the Doha Decla- eration of initiatives based on that HE UN Secretary-General Innovation Award, granted affirmed that the program has ration issued by the Thir- this successful experience. Antonio Guterres chose the Director Ghada each year for outstanding proven successful in imple- teenth Congress on Crime UNODC Executive “Education for Justice” initi- Waly said the award work. menting its projects over the Prevention and Criminal Director Ghada Waly said the ative from among 194 projects He added that the Global past years, especially in Justice 2015 and funded by award granted by the UN Sec- submitted by 52 organs of the granted by the UN Program for the Implemen- developing the work mecha- the State of Qatar, awarded retary-General to the “Edu- United Nations from 44 UN Secretary-General tation of the Doha Declaration nisms of the United Nations the United Nations Secretary- cation for Justice” initiative as organization’s work sites for to the “Education reflected the wisdom and fore- Office on Drugs and Crime, General 2020 Innovation one of the components of the the 2020 award. sight of the country’s political capacity development and Award. Global Program for the Imple- Brandolino thanked the for Justice” leadership under the Amir H H training processes within a The Global Program of the mentation of the Doha Decla- State of Qatar for its com- initiative as one of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al- multi-dimensional strategy. Doha Declaration, imple- ration is a “welcome recog- mitment and support to the Thani, and the State of Qatar’s He explained that this mented by the Vienna-based nition of UNODC’s capabilities United Nations Office in the components belief in pluralism in interna- strategy was directed towards United Nations Office on and the potential to innovate Vienna over the past years, of the Global tional work, and its endeavor making a long-term impact in Drugs and Crime (UNODC), within our mandates as we looking forward to strength- to convert international combating crime, consoli- includes four main areas: contribute to UN system-wide ening the strategic partnership Program for the political commitments into dating the rule of law, judicial integrity, education support to achieve the Sus- with it through the continu- Implementation of projects on the ground. enhancing the preparedness for justice, protection of youth tainable Development Goals”. ation of consultations on initi- After the impressive and effectiveness of member from crime through sport, and She pointed out that the atives that fall within the basic the Doha Declaration success of the Thirteenth Con- states to address transnational the rehabilitation of prisoners. Global Program for the Imple- issues of the rule of law and is a “welcome gress on Crime Prevention organized crime, drugs, cor- The “Education for Justice” mentation of the Doha Decla- develop and support youth recognition of and Criminal Justice that was ruption and terrorism, devel- initiative aims to prevent ration is distinguished by its empowerment and inspire held in Doha in April 2015, oping criminal justice institu- crime and establish a culture comprehensive approach that others to take the initiative. UNODC’s capabilities and the issuance of its tions as well as the program’s of lawfulness through educa- focuses on people in general, He pointed out that the and the potential political declaration, the Doha role in using education in tional activities specifically aiming to address many inter- tradition followed during the Declaration, H H the Amir order to prevent crime, raise designed for the primary, sec- related challenges facing the past years is based on to innovate within ordered the funding of an public awareness of its risks ondary and university levels rule of law. She added that this arranging a ceremony at the our mandates as international program to and enhance the integrity of of education. program was built on the expe- headquarters of the United implement the Doha Decla- the judiciary. The initiative was chosen to riences of the United Nations Nations to present the award, we contribute to ration in cooperation with the In a related context, he receive the award from among Office on Drugs and Crime but because of the Corona- UN system-wide United Nations Office on drew attention to the wide 194 projects submitted by 52 around the world, and on its virus pandemic, the Sec- Drugs and Crime, with the international attention organs of the United Nations. It wide field presence to provide retary-General only sent a support to achieve aim of assisting countries, in accorded to the Global is the first time that a project of assistance at the time and place video message to the United the Sustainable particular developing coun- Program for the Implemen- the UNODC received a high required, with the office’s focus Nations Office in Vienna Development Goals”. tries, in addressing organized tation of the Doha Declaration award of this kind due to its on the property rights of states, informing them of this honor, crime, corruption, drugs and during the Fourteenth Kyoto dimensions and implications at in order to move forward and also instructing the use of terrorism, and building solid Conference on Crime Pre- the global level and its towards inclusive and resilient the certificate in any of a and transparent criminal vention and Criminal Justice achievement of impressive societies, and to enhance future indication of the people around the world to justice systems, he said. that was held earlier this results despite difficult condi- access to justice with integrity achievements of the Global become activists in support of He affirmed that the month. He said the Kyoto con- tions caused by the Corona- and accountability. Program for the Implemen- the rule of law and the Global Program for the Imple- ference drew a new roadmap virus (COVID-19) pandemic. Director, Division for tation of the Doha achievement of justice for all. mentation of the Doha Decla- that was built on the Doha In a video message sent to Treaty Affairs, UNODC, John Declaration. Major General Dr. ration, which was imple- International Declaration and the United Nations Office in Brandolino said Innovation Chief of the Corruption Abdullah Yusuf Al Mal, mented during the years announcements of previous Vienna, UN Secretary-General Award is awarded every year and Economic Crime Branch Advisor to HE the Minister of 2016-2020, is the first conferences to strengthen the H E Antonio Guterres for distinguished work carried at the United Nations Office Interior and Head of the program adopted by the host efforts of the international expressed his sincere appreci- out by one of the United on Drugs and Crime Brigitte Follow-up Committee for the country of the Crime Pre- community in combating ation and gratitude for the Nations agencies, which con- Strobel-Shaw affirmed that Global Program for the Imple- vention Conference to convert organized crime and building generous contributions made tributes to the creation of the United Nations Office, mentation of the Doha Decla- the political declaration into fair criminal justice systems. by the State of Qatar to promising prospects that have through the Global Program ration, said that the great suc- projects on the ground. He added that the Doha implement what was stated in a great impact that unlocks for the Implementation of the cesses achieved by the Global He also noted that this Declaration Program has the global program of the potentials for creativity.” Doha Declaration, provided Program for the Implemen- international program is the become a pioneering model to Doha Declaration. In his e-mail message values-based education and tation of the Doha Declaration largest program funded by one be emulated in providing He said that he and addressed to the Permanent professional training for were behind the “Education state in the history of the United support to the United Nations Nations Office in Vienna, with Office on Drugs and Crime in the distinction of being multi- order to assist countries, disciplinary, and its four com- especially developing ones, in ponents are closely related to addressing organized crime, each other, namely, judicial corruption, drugs and ter- integrity, education for justice, rorism, and in building solid and crime prevention among criminal justice systems and young people through sports contributing to the implemen- and the rehabilitation of pris- tation of the goals of the oners. The latest UN statistics United Nations 2030 Agenda reveal that two and a half for Sustainable Development. million people from 190 coun- He stressed that despite tries have benefited from the the difficulties caused by the activities of the Global Coronavirus pandemic, the Program, while its educational Fourteenth Conference was materials have reached more able to combine realistic and than 1.4 million students. virtual participation in events, More than 170,000 people and adopted the “Kyoto Dec- from 187 countries benefited laration”, which laid the foun- from direct capacity building dation for strengthening part- activities of the program, nerships between the various while more than 11,000 young components of the interna- people were trained on crime tional community to achieve prevention through sport, and sustainable development and more than 1,500 judges and build a more just world, in a public prosecutors were way that supports the trained on issues of judicial achievement of the goals of integrity, as well as a global the United Nations 2030 network for judicial integrity Agenda for Sustainable was launched, and 55 training Development. Vaccine nationalism proves that globalists support multilateralism

all. Global free trade is often President Charles Michel the nationalistic threat is notably Russia, have tried to lauded as an end unto itself, a retorted in response to the simply being carried out by displace the dollar from its panacea for endemic global charge of nationalism. But less risible means. perch, with some success. The poverty and an engine for European voters have noticed The United States has long EU has pursued a characteris- growth in developed coun- that Britain, which broke away been accused of engaging in tically subtler course, but its tries. Those who pose queries from the EU last year, has such a la carte multilater- euro is now the second-most Defenders of or disagree are regularly given at least one vaccine dose alism. The post-Cold War traded global currency. Com- HENRY OLSEN shunted aside or pelted with to more than half of all its global trading order was munist China, unsurprisingly, multilateralism and THE WASHINGTON POST epithets that seek to delegit- adults, while almost all EU largely set by the United is trying to make its currency, globalism often imize them entirely. nations languish with about 10 States, so much so that it has the renminbi, the global proclaim that their Former president Donald So it’s telling, and more than percent of their populations been called “the Washington reserve currency in the next Trump was widely pilloried a bit ironic, to see countries that having received at least one Consensus.” It was intended few decades. Everyone loves approaches to foreign for playing down multilateral regularly cast aspersions on shot. Tellingly, the EU nation to benefit all nations, but it global multilateralism - on policy and economic cooperation and the global nationalism resorting to nation- with the second-highest vacci- was also intended to provide their own terms. trading order in favour of his alism themselves. The European nation rate is Hungary, whose outlets for US intellectual and This should be a wake-up development “America First” mind-set. But Union has been locked in a war populist-nationalist gov- financial capital, while tying call for US policymakers. The are superior to Trump likely understood the of words with Britain for weeks ernment is regularly lam- developing nations to a United States benefits greatly nationalist underpinnings of over whether the EU will bar basted by global elites. system whose rules were de from many military alliances nationalist focuses. foreign policy better than his vaccines produced within its Europe may find its vac- facto set by US policymakers. and global treaties, but others They champion critics. For evidence, look to members’ borders from being cines are in short supply, but The widespread use of the US unduly restrict its interests. recent efforts by the European sent to the island nation. India political hypocrisy never is. dollar as the world’s reserve Many so-called free trade efforts such as the Union and India to restrict has also engaged in vaccine This dust-up just shows what currency also discretely ben- agreements, for example, sac- Paris climate accord exports of COVID-19 vaccines nationalism, preventing the wise leaders always know: efits the US economy, as it rifice US domestic manufac- or the Iran nuclear produced in their territories. export of the saviour drug pro- Nations will always act in allows the United States to turing capability to support Defenders of multilater- duced within its borders for its their own narrow interests borrow more freely on global domestic consumer spending deal as ideal ways alism and globalism often own use. Contracts and the and discard multilateral money markets unafraid that and US corporate profits. The that nations can proclaim that their virtues of globalism apparently modes of behavior when their currency fluctuations will pandemic has forced many approaches to foreign policy no longer matter to the leaders interests are seriously at suddenly impose drastically countries, the United States work in concert for and economic development of these nations when their own stake. Even though the EU has higher borrowing costs. included, to see how out- the betterment of all. are superior to nationalist domestic needs weigh down backed off its threat to imme- How nations are reacting sourcing goods such as pro- focuses. They champion upon them. diately interdict vaccine to the dollar’s status speaks tective medical equipment or efforts such as the Paris The EU, of course, piously exports, it has said it would be volumes about the real moti- drugs can make a nation vul- climate accord or the Iran pronounced that it doesn’t willing to bar future vaccine vations undergirding public nerable in a crisis when long nuclear deal as ideal ways engage in vaccine nationalism. exports unless exporting com- pronouncements to global directly assert their own that nations can work in “The EU has never stopped panies give EU nations “their multilateralism. Nations that interests contrary to contracts concert for the betterment of exporting,” European Council fair share.” In other words, are openly unhappy about this, or treaties. 10 ASIA SUNDAY 28 MARCH 2021 Myanmar: Dozens killed in deadliest day since coup

AP — YANGON “This 76th Myanmar armed forces day will stay engraved as a day of terror and dishonour. The As Myanmar’s military cele- brated the annual Armed Forces killing of unarmed civilians, including children, Day holiday with a parade are indefensible acts,” the European Union’s yesterday in the country’s capital, soldiers and police else- delegation to Myanmar said on Twitter. where reportedly killed dozens of people as they suppressed killing of civilians yesterday, crackdown. protests in the deadliest blood- including children. Junta chief Senior Gen. Min letting since last month’s coup. “This 76th Myanmar armed Aung Hlaing did not directly The online news site forces day will stay engraved as refer to the protest movement Myanmar Now reported late a day of terror and dishonour,” when he gave his nationally tel- yesterday that the death toll had the European Union’s dele- evised Armed Forces Day reached 114. A count issued by gation to Myanmar said on speech before thousands of sol- an independent researcher in Twitter. “The killing of unarmed diers in Naypyitaw. He referred Yangon who has been com- civilians, including children, are only to “terrorism which can be piling near-real time death tolls indefensible acts.” harmful to state tranquility and put the total at 107, spread over US Ambassador Thomas social security,” and called it more than two dozen cities and Vajda in a statement said unacceptable. towns. “security forces are murdering This year’s event was seen Both numbers are higher unarmed civilians.” as a flashpoint for violence, with Myanmar’s junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who ousted the elected government in a coup than all estimates for the pre- “These are not the actions demonstrators threatening to on February 1, presides an army parade on Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, yesterday. vious high on March 14, which of a professional military or double down on their public ranged in counts from 74 to 90. police force,” he wrote. “Myan- opposition to the coup with taken as a threat because a carrying bows and arrows. In what it has called rioting. Figures collected by the mar’s people have spoken more and bigger demonstra- great number of the fatalities contrast, security forces have In his speech yesterday, Min researcher, who asked not to be clearly: they do not want to live tions. The protesters refer to the among protesters have come used live ammunition for weeks Aung Hlaing used the occasion named for his security, have under military rule.” holiday by its original name, from being shot in the head, against what have still been to try to justify the overthrow generally tallied with the counts The death toll in Myanmar Resistance Day, which marks suggesting they have been tar- overwhelmingly unarmed and of Suu Kyi’s government, issued at the end of each day by has been steadily rising as the beginning of a revolt against geted for death. The peaceful crowds. accusing it of failing to inves- the Assistance Association of authorities grow more forceful Japanese occupation in WWII. announcement suggested that The US Embassy said shots tigate irregularities in last Political Prisoners, which doc- with their suppression of oppo- State television MRTV on some young people were taking were fired yesterday at its cul- November’s general election, uments deaths and arrests and sition to the Feb. 1 coup that Friday night showed an part in protesting as if it was a tural center in Yangon, though and repeating that his gov- is widely seen as a definitive ousted the elected government announcement urging young game, and urged their parents no one was injured. ernment would hold “a free and source. The AP is unable to of Aung San Suu Kyi. The coup people — who have been at the and friends to talk them out of The military government fair election” and hand over independently confirm the reversed years of progress forefront of the protests and participating. does not issue regular casualty power afterward. death tolls. toward democracy after five prominent among the casualties In recent days the junta has counts, and when it has released The military has claimed The killings quickly drew decades of military rule. — to learn a lesson from those portrayed the demonstrators as figures, the totals have been a there were irregularities in the international condemnation, Up through Friday, the killed during demonstrations the ones perpetrating violence fraction of what independent voting rolls for the last election, with multiple diplomatic mis- Association of Political Pris- about the danger of being shot for their sporadic use of Molotov parties such as the UN have which Suu Kyi’s National sions to Myanmar releasing oners had verified 328 people in the head or back. cocktails. On Saturday, some reported. It has said its use of League for Democracy party statements that mentioned the killed in the post-coup The warning was widely protesters in Yangon were seen force has been justified to stop won in a landslide. Bhutan begins Australian lawmaker’s biggest COVID-19 vaccination drive online abuse leaves PM REUTERS — KATHMANDU fighting political fires Thousands of Bhutanese trav- elled to schools and public REUTERS — SYDNEY buildings for vaccination yesterday as the Himalayan Australian Prime Minister Scott kingdom launched its biggest Morrison (pictured), already inoculation drive against under fire over his handling of COVID-19 with the Astra- rape accusations in the ruling Zeneca shots provided by party, reprimanded one of his neighbouring India. lawmakers yesterday for Ninda Dema, a 30-year- downplaying an apology for old woman, became the coun- bullying two women constit- try’s first to receive the shot at uents. a school-turned vaccination Morrison ordered Andrew centre in the capital Thimphu, Laming to do an empathy an event that was televised course, and change his extended sick leave. live. behaviour, after he posted friv- Porter is the subject of an “Let this small step of mine olous comments on Facebook historic rape allegation, which today help us all prevail that raised doubts about the police have decided against through this illness,” Ninda sincerity of his apology. If Mor- pursuing. And there is specu- was quoted by the Kuensel rison expelled Laming, his lation that the defence minister newspaper as saying after ruling coalition would be encouraged a cover-up of a being selected to take the first reduced to a minority separate alleged rape of a staff jab. government. member in her office in A woman receives a dose of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine during a mass vaccination Bhutan has been able to Laming had apologised on parliament. programme for teachers in Makassar, South Sulawesi province, in Indonesia, yesterday. slow the spread of the virus Thursday for online abuse of Morrison had been enjoying with early screening and mon- two women over several years strong public approval ratings, itoring at entry points, testing Indonesia sees vaccination slowdown as deliveries delay after Morrison had scolded him chiefly for his handling of the and sealing of borders. for his “disgraceful” behaviour. coronavirus pandemic. But a Total infections stand at REUTERS — JAKARTA Asia, was scheduled to receive rollout this week. However, Laming later Newspoll conducted for The 870 with one death from 2.5 million doses of the Astra- Southeast Asia’s biggest made light of his “unreserved Australian newspaper earlier COVID-19 since the pandemic Indonesia expects a slowdown Zeneca vaccine through the country launched its immuni- apology” in a post on Facebook. this month gave Morrison’s began, according to gov- in COVID-19 inoculations next COVAX programme on March sation programme in January “In this climate _ I willingly party its worst rating since the ernment data. month as India delays ship- 22 and 7.8 million doses next and aims to reach 181.5 million apologise — I didn’t even know 2019 bushfires, as it showed the In the week-long cam- ments of AstraZeneca vaccines, month, Health Minister Budi people within a year. what for at 4pm when I did it,” centre-left Labor party gaining paign the majority-Buddhist its health minister said Gunadi Sadikin told a media As of yesterday, roughly 3.2 Laming wrote, adding three the upper hand. nation, tucked between China yesterday. briefing. million people had been fully emojis and a heart eyes emoji. Addressing the latest con- and India, hopes to inoculate India has put a temporary “This definitely will affect vaccinated, official data The Liberal Party back- troversy during a news con- more than half a million hold on all major exports of the (the vaccination process) showed. Some 1.49 million bencher pulled down his ference yesterday, Morrison people who have registered for AstraZeneca coronavirus shot because in April we only have people have been infected in Facebook page yesterday. said he asked Laming to being vaccinated. made by Serum Institute of around 7 million doses from Indonesia since the start of the Laming did not immedi- undertake a course in empathy. A country of about India (SII), prioritising domestic Sinovac,” Budi said, referring pandemic and more than ately respond to a request for “I want to see behaviour 800,000 people Bhutan demand as infections rise, to the Chinese maker of rival 40,000 killed. comment by Reuters. change and we’ve all got a job received 150,000 doses of the Reuters reported this week. vaccines which has also been “We are still lobbying GAVI The issue is yet another to do with that, and he certainly vaccine manufactured by the India’s move will affect sup- supplying Indonesia. in the hope of securing even a headache for Morrison, and has a job to do on this,” Mor- Serum Institute of India in plies to the GAVI/WHO-backed As Indonesia is injecting small number of doses from there is speculation that he will rison said in Sydney. January. But unlike neigh- global COVAX vaccine-sharing around 500,000 doses per day, AstraZeneca in April,” Budi said. shuffle his cabinet in a bid to Morrison has said he will bouring Nepal that has sus- facility, through which 64 the supply for April will be used He said GAVI, an alliance of quieten the storm over his gov- announce a series of measures pended the campaign due to lower-income countries within around two weeks, he countries, companies and char- ernment’s treatment of and to improve gender equality in the lack of vaccines, author- including Indonesia are sup- added. ities that promotes vaccination, attitude towards women. politics in the coming weeks, ities in Bhutan waited for posed to get doses from SII. Indonesia had received 1.1 had indicated to the gov- Two cabinet members — and hinted he may now back 400,000 more shots that were Indonesia, which is suf- million doses of the Astra- ernment that shipments may Minister of Defence Linda Rey- quotas on female candidates provided this month to begin fering one of the worst corona- Zeneca vaccine at the start of resume in May but this was not nolds and Attorney-General for his Liberal Party at the next the campaign in one go. virus (COVID-19) outbreaks in the month and had started their yet certain. Christian Porter — have taken election, due by mid-2022. Facebook services down in Bangladesh amid protests against Modi visit

REUTERS — COX’S BAZAR app, but it has previously used Friday in the capital Dhaka time when effective communi- Hefazat-e-Islam has called Modi landed in Dhaka on internet shutdowns as a tool to where police used rubber cation was necessary to tackle for a nationwide strike today to Friday for a two-day visit, his Facebook said its services in curb the spread of protests. bullets and teargas in clashes the coronavirus pandemic. protest the killings. first international trip since the Bangladesh were shut down Four supporters of the with violent protesters. Yesterday, hundreds of Non-profit Amnesty Inter- outbreak of the coronavirus yesterday, as hundreds of Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam “We’re aware that our members of Hefazat-e-Islam national also criticised the pandemic last year, to celebrate hardline Islamists marched were killed on Friday after services have been restricted in and other Islamist groups police action in Chittagong. the 50th anniversary of the across the country, angered by police opened fire when pro- Bangladesh,” Facebook said in marched on the streets of Chit- “The right to peaceful nation’s independence. the police killing of their testers allegedly attacked a a statement. “We’re working to tagong and Dhaka protesting protest has come under con- He will hold formal talks supporters who had protested police station in the south- understand more and hope to the deaths of their supporters. certed attack, particularly with Hasina yesterday. against a visit by Indian premier eastern town of Chittagong. have full access restored as “Police opened fire on our during the coronavirus pan- “We don’t want to see Modi Narendra Modi. They were demonstrating soon as possible.” peaceful supporters,” the group’s demic, culminating in this type in Dhaka,” Hefazat leader The government of Prime against Modi, whom the group Facebook also said it had organising secretary Azizul of bloody repression,” Sultan Sultan Mohiuddin said, Minister Sheikh Hasina did not accuses of alienating minority serious concerns about the Haque told the rally in Chit- Mohammed Zakaria, Amnesty addressing supporters in the comment if it had blocked Muslims in India. manner in which it was being tagong. “We will not let the blood International’s South Asia capital city. “He must leave Facebook and its messenger Dozens were also hurt on restricted in Bangladesh at a of our brothers go in vein.” Researcher, said in a statement. Bangladesh soon.” SUNDAY 28 MARCH 2021 ASIA 11 North Korea slams Biden over missile test remark

REUTERS — SEOUL A North Korea official KCNA news agency. denuclearise North Korea and continue to increase our most team are continuing to assess accused the Biden Biden’s remarks were an criticised its “systemic and thoroughgoing and over- the situation and one of our North Korea said yesterday that “undisguised encroachment on widespread” human rights whelming military power.” greatest priorities right now is the administration of US Pres- administration of our state’s right to self-defence abuses during a visit to Seoul The White House, which ensuring that we’re on the same ident Joe Biden had taken a “exploiting every and provocation,” he said, with Defense Secretary Lloyd said its North Korea policy page as our allies and partners.” wrong first step and revealed adding Washington might face Austin. review was in the “final stages,” Kim Dong-yup, a professor “deep-seated hostility” by crit- opportunity” to “something that is not good” if North Korea has also declined to comment. The State at Kyungnam University in icising its self-defensive missile provoke Pyongyang it continues to make slammed the South Korea-US Department did not respond to Seoul, said Ri’s remarks meant test. by branding it as a “thoughtless remarks.” military exercises which ended a request for comment. North Korea would potentially North Korea on Friday said “We are by no means devel- last week, even though they When asked earlier about ramp up military tension in the it had launched a new type of “security threat.” oping weapons to draw some- were repeatedly scaled back to the launch and whether it coming months by developing tactical short-range ballistic one’s attention or influence his facilitate a restart of denuclear- would affect the policy review, and testing advanced weapons. missile. Biden said the test vio- policy,” Ri said. “I think that the isation talks with Pyongyang. department spokeswoman Washington’s Center for lated UN Security Council res- cises and advanced weapons. new US administration obvi- Ri said Washington insisted Jalina Porter again condemned Strategic and International olutions but he remained open “We express our deep ously took its first step wrong.” on a “gangster-like logic” to be the test as “destabilising.” Studies said in a report on to diplomacy with Pyongyang. apprehension over the US chief He accused the Biden able to bring strategic nuclear “North Korea’s unlawful Friday that commercial satellite Ri Pyong Chol, secretary of executive faulting the regular administration of “exploiting assets to South Korea and test nuclear and ballistic missile imagery showed North Korea the North’s ruling Worker’s testfire, exercise of our state’s every opportunity” to provoke intercontinental ballistic mis- programs constitute serious has continued to produce Party’s Central Committee, said right to self-defence, as the vio- Pyongyang by branding it as a siles at its convenience, but ban threats to international peace uranium concentrate, used to the test was self-defensive lation of UN ‘resolutions’ and “security threat.” North Korea from testing even and security,” she told a regular build nuclear weapons, over the against threats posed by South openly revealing his deep- The test came just days after a tactical weapon. news briefing. “I can’t under- past eight months, though it has Korea and the United States seated hostility,” Ri said in a US Secretary of State Antony “We know very well what score enough that the president not tested any bombs since with their joint military exer- statement carried by the official Blinken vowed to work to we must do,” he said. “We will and his security 2017. China sanctions Canada, Thailand urges calm after death of US bodies over Xinjiang vaccine recipient

REUTERS — BEIJING relevant parties to clearly REUTERS — BANGKOK understand the situation and China yesterday imposed sanc- redress their mistakes,” the Thai health officials rushed to tions against two American ministry said. calm public fears after religious rights officials and one “They must stop political confirming a man had died 10 Canadian lawmaker in manipulation on Xinjiang- days after receiving a response to sanctions imposed related issues, stop interfering COVID-19 vaccine earlier this by the United States and in China’s internal affairs in any month. Canada over Xinjiang. form and refrain from going The cause of death was Beijing has been pushing farther down the wrong path. from an abdominal aortic back against sanctions imposed Otherwise they will get their aneurysm (AAA) and rupture, by the United States, European fingers burnt.” senior health official Sopon Union, Britain and Canada for The individuals are banned Mekton said, adding the coun- what they say are rights viola- from entering the Chinese try’s vaccination campaign tions against Uighur Muslims mainland, Hong Kong and would continue. The man was and other Turkic minorities in Macau, the ministry said, and inoculated on March 3 and the western Chinese region of Chinese citizens and institu- died on March 13. Xinjiang. tions are prohibited from doing “I am confident this death China will take measures business with the three indi- is from the aneurysm and not against the chair and vice-chair viduals or having any related to the vaccine,” Sopon of the US government’s exchanges with the told a news conference. advisory Commission on Inter- subcommittee. The man, whose age was national Religious Freedom Canadian Prime Minister not disclosed, had a pre- (USCIRF), Gayle Manchin and Justin Trudeau called the existing health condition and Tony Perkins, the foreign min- Chinese sanctions “unacceptable had undergone surgery in istry said in a statement. actions.” Earth Hour 2021 January, said health official It also sanctioned Canadian China’s previous sanctions Tawee Chotpitayasunond, A boat is seen before its lights are switched off during the Earth Hour 2021 celebrations, in Japan, member of parliament Michael on US individuals who it says describing it as “a time bomb yesterday. Chong, vice-chair of parlia- have seriously undermined in the body”. ment’s Standing Committee on China’s sovereignty and Foreign Affairs and Interna- interests on Xinjiang-related tional Development (FAAE), as issues remain in effect, well as the FAAE’s Subcom- according to the statement. Envoy heads to Turkey to push Afghan talks to end conflict mittee on International Human Activists and UN rights REUTERS — WASHINGTON the last 3,500 American troops sides on their preparatory the deadline. Rights, which has eight experts say at least a million in Afghanistan that was set in a efforts for talks on a political Biden on Thursday said it members and this month pre- Muslims have been detained in The US special envoy for February 2020 accord struck settlement that produces a per- would be hard to comply with sented a report concluding that camps in Xinjiang. The activists Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad with the Taliban under former manent ceasefire and a durable the deadline, which also atrocities had been committed and some Western politicians has departed for Turkey and the President Donald Trump. and just peace,” the State requires the departure of some in Xinjiang that constitute accuse China of using torture, region, the US State Department Biden’s administration has Department said in a statement, 7,000 allied forces. crimes against humanity and forced labour and said yesterday, in a push to sought to build international adding that Khalilzad departed The Taliban has said it was genocide. sterilisations. encourage Afghan parties to pressure on the Taliban and US- for the talks on Thursday. committed to the agreement, “The Chinese government China has repeatedly accelerate negotiations to end backed Afghan President Ashraf The Taliban on Friday said which it has termed the “most is firmly determined to safe- denied all accusations of abuse conflict in the country. Ghani’s government to reach a it would resume hostilities sensible and shortest path” to guard its national sovereignty, and says its camps offer voca- President Joe Biden is peace agreement and a against foreign forces — which end 20 years of war in Afghan- security and development tional training and are needed deciding whether to meet a May ceasefire before the deadline. ended under the US-Taliban istan —America’s longest interests, and urges the to fight extremism. 1 deadline for the withdrawal of “He will engage the two deal — if they remain beyond foreign conflict. Lam: Hong Kong looks at easing travel for vaccinated residents

BLOOMBERG — HONG KONG accounts for 6.6 percent of statements from the Hong Kong people in Hong Kong aged 16 or and Macau governments. Hong Kong is looking into older who are eligible for inoc- The former British colony’s making it easier for vaccinated ulation, she said. vaccine roll-out has been beset residents to travel to encourage The city’s vaccination cam- by challenges including a more people to get inoculated, paign suffered a setback this number of post-vaccine deaths, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said week when it and Macau tem- public distrust in the Beijing- in a statement yesterday. porarily suspended shots man- backed government and wide- “We have been actively ufactured by BioNTech SE spread hesitation. studying whether social dis- because of packaging defects. Hong Kong has imposed a tancing measures can be further The suspension risks eroding stringent tracing and testing adjusted if a certain number of public confidence in the inoc- programme and conducted people are vaccinated, and we ulation, which gave Hong Kong 100,000 nucleic acid tests a day will discuss with other regions residents an alternative to the on average in March, according whether we can mutually one made by Chinese firm to Lam. After an outbreak in a provide travel convenience to Sinovac Biotech Ltd. gym this month, an average of vaccinated tourists,” Lam said BioNTech and Shanghai 10 close contacts were iden- in an e-mailed release. Fosun Pharmaceutical Group tified for each confirmed case. About 430,000 people in Co, which has the rights to About 1,500 people from the Hong Kong have received at market the mRNA vaccine cluster were sent to quarantine least the first dose of a across mainland China, Hong centers and some 3,300 people A sign is seen outside a vaccination centre after Hong Kong suspended the coronavirus disease COVID-19 vaccine since the city Kong, Macau and Taiwan, have underwent virus testing, the (COVID-19) vaccine from a single batch of Pfizer/BioNTech shots due to packaging defects, in Hong began inoculating on February initiated an investigation into chief executive said in the 26, according to Lam. This the issue, according to statement. Kong, recently. Philippine govt to reimpose stricter COVID-19 restrictions in capital

The Philippine health REUTERS — MANILA dining in restaurants. They rep- second straight day the daily variants like those first iden- a record 9.5 percent last year. agency yesterday resent a further tightening of jump in infections remained tified in South Africa and Roque said the government Manila and nearby provinces curbs imposed on March 22. above 9,000. Britain. Both have been detected timed the reimposition of reported 9,595 new will return to stricter quarantine Roque said the government The capital region, a con- in the Philippines. tougher curbs during the week coronavirus cases, measures from Monday, a will intensify tracing and gested urban sprawl of 16 cities Roque told a media briefing ahead of Easter — so the impact senior official said yesterday, conduct house-to-house visits that is home to at least 13 that the threat was drastic and on the economy will be less marking the second as the Philippines battles to to search for people with million people, has accounted warranted a “drastic response”, severe as many businesses will straight day the daily contain a surge in COVID-19 COVID-19 symptoms. There will for more than two-fifths of the adding the tighter measures will be closed anyway during Holy jump in infections cases that has strained hospitals. also be a “heightened presence” country’s more than 712,000 give health workers breathing Week celebrations. Presidential spokesman of police and military personnel cases. There have been more space as hospitals in the capital Public transport will be remained above Harry Roque said the measures, to enforce protocols, he added. than 13,000 deaths nationwide. near critical capacity. allowed to operate on a limited 9,000. which will be in place until April The health ministry yes- Authorities attribute the Lockdowns have taken a capacity, and movement of 4, will ban non-essential terday reported 9,595 new spike in infections to the more huge toll on the Philippine essential goods can continue movement, mass gatherings, coronavirus cases, marking the transmissible new coronavirus economy, which contracted by unimpeded, he said. 12 EUROPE SUNDAY 28 MARCH 2021 Britain nearing COVID-19 vaccine deal with EU

REUTERS — LONDON Under the agreement the EU will remove its vaccines produced at Halix was with Brussels AstraZeneca rollout has led to a quarrel with threat to ban the export of Pfizer-BioNTech not part of the talks. doses produced at two factories Britain, which has imported 21 Britain is close to striking a A second EU source had in the UK. million doses made in the EU, vaccine deal with the European vaccines to Britain. In return, the British previously said that the EU has On Friday, the European according to an EU official. Union as soon as this weekend government will agree to forgo some long-term no intention of sharing with Medicines Agency approved the Britain says it did a better job that will remove the threat of Britain the vaccine substance Halix production site in the negotiating with manufacturers the bloc cutting off supplies, The supplies of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine that from Halix, which is estimated Netherlands that makes the and arranging supply chains. Times reported yesterday. had been due to be exported. to have already produced AstraZeneca vaccine and a The EU says that Britain Under the agreement the EU enough for about 15-20 million facility in Marburg in Germany should share more, notably to will remove its threat to ban the doses, and can produce the producing BioNTech/Pfizer help make up the shortfall in export of Pfizer-BioNTech vac- Holland run by AstraZeneca’s to countries with higher vacci- equivalent of 5 million shots per shots. contracted deliveries of Astra- cines to Britain, it added. subcontractor Halix, the news- nation rates or that do not month. The EU’s clearing of the Zeneca shots. In return, the British gov- paper reported. export vaccines to the EU. The British government, vaccine site comes as the union Brussels and London sought ernment will agree to forgo However, the EU has never “We are only at the start of Pfizer-BioNTech, and Astra- is banking on it boosting deliv- to cool tensions on Wednesday, some long-term supplies of the threatened a ban on the export discussions with the UK. There Zeneca were not immediately eries in the second quarter and declaring they were working “to Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine of vaccines, but has only said it are no talks over the weekend,” available for comment. accelerate the slow pace of create a win-win situation and that had been due to be could block on a case-by-case an EU Commission source said The EU’s rebuff follows Brit- inoculations in the bloc. expand vaccine supply for all exported from a factory in basis specific vaccine shipments yesterday, adding that sending ain’s repeated refusal to share Europe’s troubled vaccine our citizens”. Clashes amid protest in Spain to require arrivals by land UK over new policing bill from France

AP — LONDON on violence and causing negative PCR test damage to property,” he said on Police in the English city of Twitter. “The police and the city REUTERS — MADRID Bristol say they arrested 10 have my full support.” people during a third night of The contentious bill, which Spain is to require people protest against a new policing is currently going through Par- arriving by land from France to law. liament, gives police stronger present a negative COVID-19 Hundreds of demonstrators powers to restrict protests. Two test, the Health Ministry said against the Police, Crime, Sen- other “Kill the Bill” demonstra- yesterday, amid rising numbers tencing and Courts Bill staged tions against the legislation in of French arrivals and an uptick a sit-down protest outside a Bristol this week also saw in Spain’s coronavirus rate. police station in the southwest clashes. Police blamed a Anyone arriving by land England city on Friday night, minority of troublemakers from risk areas will have to and some scuffled with officers among the largely peaceful present a negative PCR in helmets and shields who tried demonstrators. (polymerase chain reaction) test to break up the gathering. But some have accused the that was taken within 72 hours The Avon and Somerset force of a heavy-handed prior to their arrival. Police force said yesterday that response and of exaggerating “The order will take effect eggs, bottles and bricks were the scale of injuries to officers. three days after its publication thrown at officers and a police Police initially claimed that two in the Official State Gazette horse was daubed with paint. had suffered broken bones and until the government Prime Minister Boris during a protest that turned into declares the end of the health Johnson condemned what he a riot on Sunday. The force later A demonstrator falls in front of a line of police officers during a protest against a newly proposed crisis situation caused by called “disgraceful attacks said no officer had fractures but policing bill, in Bristol, Britain, yesterday. COVID-19,” the Health Min- against police officers in 40 were lightly injured. istry said in a statement. Bristol.” Police Superintendent Mark Police conduct and prior- who disappeared while walking Tensions rose when police The new requirement will “Our officers should not Runacres said officers “showed ities in Britain have come under home from a friend’s house on broke up a vigil in Everard’s not apply to truck drivers, cross- have to face having bricks, exceptional patience in the face intense scrutiny following the March 3. A serving police officer memory because it violated border workers, and people bottles and fireworks being of a significant disorder” and death of Sarah Everard, a has been charged with mur- coronavirus restrictions barring who live within 30km of the thrown at them by a mob intent had used “reasonable force.” 33-year-old London woman dering her. mass gatherings. border. Many French people have been flocking over the border to enjoy open restau- Thousands attend rants in areas such as Madrid. Catalan separatists fail on attempt to pick new chief But Spain’s coronavirus rock concert in infection rate has continued to AP — BARCELONA simply need more votes for him achieve a rupture from Spain. pushing for a private foundation climb steadily over the past Barcelona after than against him. But the in-fighting is also led by Puigdemont, the Council week, suggesting a long decline COVID-19 test A dispute among Catalonia’s Aragonès is Catalonia’s about pure political power. for the Republic, to have a lead- could be in danger of reversing. separatists scuttled a first acting president and the can- Republic Left of Catalonia ership role in charting the sep- The rate, which is AP — BARCELONA attempt by the parliament of didate of the Republic Left of had to play second fiddle to aratist movement’s future. measured over the preceding Spain’s restive northeast to Catalonia, one of three parties Together for Catalonia in the Albert Batet of Together 14 days, rose on Friday to 138.6 Five thousand music lovers are elect a new regional chief on that support a break from the previous coalition government for Catalonia said the Council per 100,000 people from 134 set to attend a rock concert in Friday. rest of Spain. that collapsed last year. for the Republic was needed on Thursday, the Health Min- Barcelona after passing a Pere Aragonès failed to win Aragonès was backed only Together for Catalonia, so the movement “could act istry said. It reported 7,586 same-day COVID-19 the endorsement of the regional by his party and the far-left and meanwhile, has morphed in beyond the reach of the new cases, bringing Spain’s screening, to test its effec- legislature based in Barcelona separatist CUP party. The pro- recent years from a pro- Spanish state.” overall tally to 3.26 million. tiveness in preventing to form a government after he union parties combined for 61 business party into a radical Aragonès appealed to his The death toll rose by 590 to outbreaks of the virus at large received only 42 votes. That left “no” votes, but it was the vehicle for former regional estranged separatist brethren 75,010. cultural events. him far from the 68 “yes” votes abstention of the32 members president Carles Puigdemont, to set aside the differences that The Health Ministry said The show has the special needed for the required for the separatist Together for who runs the party from provoked the early election in risk areas were those classified permission of Spanish health absolute majority of the 135- Catalonia party that ruined his Belgium, where he fled to January. by the European Centre for authorities. While the rest of seat house. bid. escape Spanish justice after he “We all need to move past Disease Prevention and the country is limited to gath- Aragonès will have a second One sticking point among led a failed secession bid in our lack of trust with those who Control. The centre’s map erings of no more than four chance Tuesday, when the bar the separatists is what course 2017. are our fellow travelers,” he shows that includes the whole people in closed spaces, the will be lowered and he will of action they should take to Together for Catalonia is said. of France. concertgoers will be able to mix freely, although face masks are mandatory. People with heart disease, UN: Over 2,000 migrants trying cancer, or those who have been in contact with someone to reach Europe died last year infected by COVID-19 in recent weeks were asked not to sign QNA — GENEVA Overseas Route to the Canary up. Ticket buyers chose Islands”. between three venues in Bar- More than 2,200 people The deaths of 300 more celona where they must perished at sea trying to reach Europe-bound migrants and undergo a quick antigen test Europe last year, more than a refugees on the two sea pas- yesterday morning. Those with third on the increasingly busy sages have already been docu- negative results get a code on route to Spain’s Canary Islands, mented this year, the IOM said. their mobile phone validating the UN migration agency said. Meanwhile, of the 93,000 their ticket for the show. In all, 2,276 migrants are people who entered Europe Organisers say it is the first known to have drowned while irregularly last year, roughly commercial event of this size 86,448 arrived by sea in Europe 92 percent did so via the held in Europe during the in 2020, the International Western, Central and Eastern pandemic. Organization for Migration Mediterranean Sea, as well as The show is sold out. The (IOM) said in a report. A further through the Atlantic Ocean off tickets, ranging from $27 to 33, 52,037 migrants were inter- West Africa to Spains Canary include the cost of the test and cepted at sea. Islands, often on unseaworthy the high-quality face mask This number is higher than boats. that is obligatory except when in 2019 when 2,095 victims Arrivals in the Canaries, eating at designated areas. were recorded and slightly considered part of the Schengen The concert is backed by lower than in 2018 which had area, increased by 750 percent local authorities and by experts 2,344. last year. The numbers had of Barcelona’s The Fight AIDS On the Atlantic route to the already picked up before the and Infectious Diseases Foun- Canary Islands, at least 849 coronavirus pandemic fol- A migrant disembarks a Spanish coast guard vessel in the port of Arguineguin, in the south part of dation, which also organised a victims were recorded — more lowing tougher border controls the island of Gran Canaria, Spain, yesterday. case study around a smaller than four times as many as in and interceptions on the Med- concert of 500 people in any previous year, according to iterranean by North African existing factors motivating It added that many migrants that have suffered greatly from December. They said that the the report “Maritime Migration countries, but COVID-19 seems migration on this route,” the previously worked in sectors the economic consequences of results of that preliminary case to Europe: Focus on the to have “acted as a multiplier of report said. such as fishing and agriculture the pandemic. study showed that pre- screening with antigen tests and the use of face masks suc- ceeded in preventing infections Germany expects first delivery of J&J shot in mid-April inside the concert despite there being no social distancing rules. REUTERS — BERLIN further shot to help speed up its “But at least — because we J&J’s shot, which was After a sluggish start to its “This is another small step sluggish rollout. have been waiting a long time approved by the European vaccine rollout, hampered by toward being able to hold con- Germany is due to receive the “It will only be a small for the first delivery from J&J — Union regulators on March 11, delivery delays and supply con- certs and cultural events” first small delivery of Johnson delivery at first,” Spahn told an we will get the first deliveries is the fourth to be endorsed for straints, Germany hopes to during the pandemic, said Dr. & Johnson’s single dose online event, adding he of the vaccine in mid-April, and use in the EU after vaccines ramp up vaccinations from next Boris Revollo, the virologist COVID-19 vaccine in mid-April, expected a shipment of around it will then be ramped up to mil- from Pfizer-BioNTech, Astra- month when it expects to involved in the design of the Health Minister Jens Spahn said 275,000 doses in the week of lions of doses, as is the case with Zeneca-Oxford University and receive 15 million doses from health protocols. yesterday, giving the country a April 12. all deliveries.” Moderna. the three other suppliers. SUNDAY 28 MARCH 2021 EUROPE 13 Belarus police detain over 100 as anti-government protests resume REUTERS — MOSCOW opposition's call. Among those detained Over 34,000 people have been were Galina Ulasik and Anna Kaltygina, Belarus police detained over 100 detained since the start of regular editors at opposition news outlet TUT. people yesterday, among them three by, said the organisation, whose editors of online news platforms, as demonstrations in August last year, channel on the Telegram messenger they gathered for fresh protests against which attracted hundreds of app has over 400,000 followers. President Alexander Lukashenko, thousands of people and formed the Another outlet, Nasha Niva, with according to reports from the outlets biggest challenge so far to 90,000 Telegram readers, said its and the Russian RIA state-run news Lukashenko's nearly 27-year-rule. editor-in-chief Yahor Martsinovich agency. was also detained at the square, along Vehicles of Belarusian law enforcement members are seen in a street in Minsk, The city square in Minsk where the with a photographer. on Friday, as opposition called for new protests. demonstration was called to start yes- The platform, which regularly terday afternoon was surrounded by be passersby. shares videos of detentions and police police vehicles and prison vans, and In many videos, people detained brutality filmed by its followers, is a these actions was liable to criminal people have been detained since the roads leading to it were closed. did not appear to be carrying any significant source of information on prosecution. The Minsk Investigative start of regular demonstrations in No large-scale demonstrations took banners or flags. Reuters could not anti-government protests in Belarus. Committee said it had opened a case August last year, which attracted hun- place at the site, though more than 100 immediately verify the videos. The demonstrations became a against the authors of posts on the Tel- dreds of thousands of people and people were detained during the "Over 100 people have been trans- weekly fixture in the capital and egram messenger app that called for formed the biggest challenge so far to course of the day, RIA cited a spokes- ported to [police stations] for admin- beyond after an election in August people to go out on the streets. Lukashenko's nearly 27-year-rule. woman for the Belarus Interior Min- istrative violations," the ministry's Olga returned Lukashenko to power that Dozens were detained on Thursday Lukashenko denies electoral fraud istry as saying. Chemodanova was quoted by RIA as opposition figures deemed rigged. during a relatively minor protest, coor- and has accused the West of spon- Videos shared on Belarus oppo- saying. After a two-month lull, opposition dinated to coincide with 'Freedom soring the protests. On Friday, Belarus sition media channels showed black- "These were cases of one-person leaders have called on the public to Day', an unofficial anniversary marking was disqualified from the Eurovision clad police officers violently detaining pickets and other public disturbances," ramp up protests once again. Belarus' 1918 declaration of inde- Song Contest after lyrics of submitted people on the square and in other parts she said, adding there were no major Belarus authorities warned early pendence from Russia, a period that songs were deemed to be mocking of of the city, including what appeared to protests on Saturday, despite the yesterday that anyone participating in proved short-lived. Over 34,000 anti-government protests. Ukraine says four soldiers killed by EU, Poland urge Russian shelling in eastern region Belarus to release Polish REUTERS — KIEV the area North.” It said four servicemen were killed minority leaders Ukraine’s armed forces said on Friday and two injured. that four soldiers were killed in shelling Ukraine, Western countries and AP — WARSAW, POLAND by Russian forces in the eastern Nato accuse Russia of sending troops Donbass region, the highest daily death and heavy weapons to prop up Polish President Andrzej Duda total since a ceasefire was agreed in separatists. wrote to US President Joe July last year. Moscow says it only provides Biden on Friday asking him to Ukraine and Russia have traded political and humanitarian support to address deteriorating human blame for a spike in violence in the rebels and says Russians fighting in rights and Polish minority conflict in eastern Ukraine, which Kiev Ukraine are volunteers. rights in neighbouring Belarus. says has killed 14,000 people since Russian-backed forces seized a Duda urged a debate at the 2014. swathe of eastern Ukraine in 2014, United Nations security A Ukrainian armed forces including the industrial cities of council, where the US cur- statement said Russian forces had Donetsk and Luhansk. rently holds the presidency. “once again violated the ceasefire Major combat ended with a truce On Thursday, the and targeted the positions of agreed in the Belarusian capital Minsk European Union and Poland Denmark amusement park opening Ukrainian defenders with 82-mm in 2015, whose implementation France urged the release of Polish mortars, automatic grenade and Germany have helped to oversee. minority leaders arrested this A man with painted face and a costume cuts the ribbon at the entrance to Tivoli launchers and large-caliber machine But sporadic fighting continues despite week in Belarus. amusement park, which opens for the summer season amid the ongoing COVID-19 guns prohibited by the Minsk agree- repeated attempts to implement a A criminal case has been pandemic, in Copenhagen, Denmark, yesterday. ments near the settlement Shumy in ceasefire. opened against Andżelika Borys, head of the Union of Poles in Belarus, for allegedly Czech parliament inciting social hatred through Foreigners flock to Serbia for coronavirus jabs the organisation’s activity. The extends govt’s accusations could carry up to AP — BELGRADE, SERBIA Critics of Serbian populist 12 years in prison. extra powers President Aleksandar Vucic say Belarus police also Thousands of vaccine-seekers that, with the move, he is trying arrested prominent union REUTERS — PRAGUE from countries neighbouring to spread his influence over the member Andrzej Poczobut and Serbia flocked to Belgrade region and polish the ultrana- a number of Polish teachers. The Czech parliament on yesterday after Serbian author- tionalist image he had during Police searched Poczobut’s Friday extended a state of ities offered free coronavirus the bloody breakup of Yugo- home and the offices of the emergency giving the jabs for foreigners if they show slavia in the 1990s. union, which organises gath- government extra powers to up over the weekend. Others say that the Astra- erings dedicated to Polish fight the COVID-19 epidemic Long lines of Bosnians, Zeneca shots that are being history and traditions. until April 11. Montenegrins and North Mac- administered to foreigners are Some 300,000 ethnic The cabinet hopes that will edonians — often entire fam- nearing their expiration date Poles make up about 3.1% of be enough to reduce infections ilies — formed in front of the and need to be used as soon as Belarus’ population. to a more sustainable level and main vaccination centre in the possible, a claim that could not EU foreign policy chief start slowly reopening schools Serbian capital, with police be officially verified. Josep Borrell urged Belarusian People wait in the line to get a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and ease curbs on movement. keeping watch. The Bosnian Klix news authorities on Thursday to vaccine at the Belexpo vaccination centre, as Serbia started to The Central European Unlike Serbia which boasts portal described huge lines of release both “immediately and country of 10.7 million people of having an ample supply of cars forming yesterday morning immunise business people across the region, in Belgrade, yesterday. unconditionally, along with all has reported more than 1.5 vaccines, most of its Balkan at the border crossings with political prisoners currently million coronavirus infections neighbours have been strug- Serbia. Serbia has one of the highest people in the country of 7 detained.” and 25,639 deaths, and thou- gling with shortages and have The report said that Bosnian inoculation rates in Europe, million have so far received at sands more excess deaths barely started any mass businessmen were also mainly thanks to large pur- least one shot, there is a notable above normal rates since the inoculation. scheduled to receive jabs yes- chases of Chinese Sinopharm decline in the interest for the Ukraine’s president epidemic broke out one year Serbia has already donated terday after Serbia’s Chamber and Russian Sputnik V vaccines. inoculation, which officials and ago. smaller quantities of vaccines of Commerce offered 10,000 Pfizer and AstraZeneca shots doctors link to an increasingly dismisses head of The death toll is the highest to North Macedonia, Mon- shots to their colleagues in the have also been administered. vocal anti-vaccine movement number per capita in the world tenegro and Bosnia. region. Although over 2 million in the Balkan country. Constitutional Court apart from San Marino, according to Our World in AP — KIEV, UKRAINE Data website supported by Oxford University. Some Poles flout rules as new restrictions take effect Ukraine’s president has Over the past week, the dismissed two judges from the daily cases dropped to 7,600 AP — WARSAW, POLAND scenario.” salons were forced to close that this means that the country’s Constitutional Court, on average from 12,200 in The restrictions are last spring, including the one restrictions themselves are saying in a decree issued early March, when the gov- A raft of new pandemic causing widespread economic where he was employed. actually illegal under Polish yesterday that certain jurists ernment introduced a harsher restrictions took effect in pain, however. In a country They were later allowed to law. “pose a threat to the state lockdown and implemented Poland yesterday to slow the where people for decades open again but were forced to “If these regulations were independence and national widespread testing at work spread of the coronavirus as under communism found close again yesterday, which introduced in accordance with security of Ukraine.” places. central Europe has emerged ways to trick the system to get prompted a mad last-minute the law and business activity President Volodymyr Zel- Hospitalisations stood at as a global hot spot. But by, some are again looking for rush to barbers and hair salons was banned due to the enskiy removed Constitutional 7,965 as of Friday morning, authorities already had ways to circumvent the rules on Friday. extraordinary situation... the Court Chairman Oleksandr down from the peak of 9,462 problems with people flouting to maintain income. After the first shutdown, authorities would have to Tupytskyi and another judge recorded on March 15. The the existing rules. Piotr Nowakowski, a per- Karczewski lost his job and compensate the entrepreneurs in the decree. Health Ministry has said that Poland on Friday marked sonal trainer, found himself switched to making house at some point,” he said. Tupytskyi was appointed wider easing of restrictions its third straight record high out of work when the gov- calls. He also carved out a The new restrictions that to the court in 2013 by former should come only when hos- in new COVID-19 cases - more ernment closed gyms months small space in his apartment took effect yesterday will last President Viktor Yanukovych, pitalisations drop to around than 35,000 in one day in the ago. He now trains his clients where he does his clients’ hair. for a two-week period around who was driven from office 3,000. country of 38 million people. in a small makeshift gym that An early round of financial Easter. the following year by massive Prime Minister Andrej To date, the pandemic has he arranged on his parking help to business owners did They also lower the protests sparked in part by Babis said on Friday that with taken the lives of more than spot in the underground not give him much money, and numbers allowed in churches. anger over widespread the number of new cases and 51,000 Poles. garage of his apartment he feels that he cannot count Yet Health Minister Adam corruption. other figures slowing down, As he announced the new building. on politicians to ensure help Niedzielski noted that even the The Constitutional Court some easing, like pupils’ return restrictions, Prime Minister Sometimes cars, with their in the future. earlier limits in the churches last year froze anti-corruption to schools, might be possible Mateusz Morawiecki said they noise and exhaust fumes, are “I think they are not were not being respected. The reform in the country, can- when the current extension of would be crucial to saving a disturbance. But the neigh- thinking about us, more about Catholic faithful — usually the celing key provisions of anti- the emrgency state expires. lives as a new virus mutation bours haven’t complained. By themselves,” Karczewski said. government’s strongest sup- corruption legislation that “I firmly hope that this will first detected in Britain finding a way to keep working, Those flouting the rules porters — are among the rule- Ukraine approved after per- be the last lockdown,” Babis spreads fast. Poland’s strapped he has been able to keep sup- often believe that it is not breakers, too. sistent demands from the said in the debate before the health sector is barely coping porting his family and paying themselves, but the politicians Bishop Ignacy Dec of the West. vote. as it is. his bills and loans. and police who are breaking Swidnica diocese told the daily The Constitutional Court “After Easter, based on the “We are one step away “I really had no choice,” he the law. The government Nasz Dziennik this week that declared unconstitutional situation, which I am con- from crossing the border said. “I had to react quickly. introduced the lockdown by he opposed limits on church public access to electronic vinced is going in the right beyond which we will not be The restrictions came from government decree, but attendance. income declarations of offi- direction, we will announce able to properly heal patients, one day to the next.” Ksawery without a formal state of “It is nonsense during an cials, and also outlawed some dates for reopening of heal our citizens,” Morawiecki Karczewski, a hairdresser, emergency by parliament. epidemic to close the source criminal punishment for pro- schools and other measures,” said on Thursday. “We must suddenly found himself A prominent Warsaw of spiritual and physical viding false income he said. do everything to avoid such a without income when hair lawyer, Jacek Dubois, argued healing,” he said. information. 14 AMERICAS SUNDAY 28 MARCH 2021 As daily virus deaths near 4,000, worst may lie ahead for Brazil AP — RIO DE JANEIRO The nation’s seven- full, but patients keep arriving. The city’s oxygen supply isn’t Brazil currently accounts for day average of 2,400 guaranteed, and stocks of sed- one-quarter of the entire deaths stands to atives required for intubation world’s daily COVID-19 deaths, in intensive care units will soon far more than any other single reach to 3,000 within run out. nation, and health experts are weeks, six experts “Four thousand deaths a day warning that the nation is on the said. That’s nearly the seems to be right around the verge of even greater calamity. corner,” Curiati said. The nation’s seven-day worst level seen by On March 17 in northeastern average of 2,400 deaths stands the US, though Brazil Piaui state, nurse Polyena Sil- to reach to 3,000 within weeks, veira wept beside a COVID-19 six experts said. That’s nearly has two-thirds its patient who died on the floor the worst level seen by the US, population. for lack of beds at her public though Brazil has two-thirds its hospital. A photo capturing the population. Spikes of daily moment went viral and served Residents of Paraisopolis hold pots during a protest against hunger amid the COVID-19 pandemic in deaths could soon hit 4,000; on Neurobiology at Duke Uni- as a national wake-up call. Sao Paulo, Brazil, yesterday. Friday there were 3,650. versity who advised several “When he was gone, I had Having glimpsed the abyss, Brazilian governors and mayors two minutes to feel sorry before for continued growth if nothing 10-day period of repose, which this disease’s limit. No one there is growing recognition on pandemic control, antici- moving to the next patient,” Sil- is done. started Friday. knows how many variants shutdowns are no longer pates the total death toll veira, 33, said. “In eight years “We need coordinated Restrictive measures, could emerge.” avoidable — not just among reaching 500,000 by July and as a nurse, I’d never felt as much action, and that’s probably not however, are only as strong as Hundreds of protesters experts, but also many mayors exceeding that of the US by pain as that night. I’m near my going to happen because the citizens’ compliance. And Bol- marched along Rio’s Copac- and governors. Restrictions on year-end. limit, physically and federal government has no real sonaro continues to undermine abana beach the next morning. activity they implemented last “We have surpassed levels mentally.” interest in pursuing prevent- their willingness by painting Most sported green-and-yellow year were half-hearted and never imagined for a country Brazil’s state-run science ative actions,” Pasternak said. even partial shutdown as an shirts that are a hallmark of consistently sabotaged by Pres- with a public health care and technology institute, “(Mayors and governors) are assault on one’s right to earn an pro-Bolsonaro rallies and many ident Jair Bolsonaro, who system, a history of efficient Fiocruz, on Tuesday called for trying to implement prevent- honest day’s wages. He has declined to wear masks. They sought to stave off economic immunization campaigns and a 14-day lockdown to reduce ative measures, but separately lashed out at local leaders, par- chanted “We want to work!” doom. He remains unconvinced health workers who are second transmission by 40%. Natalia and in their own ways. This isn’t ticularly governors, who dare and directed vitriol at Paes. of any need for clampdown, to none in the world,” said Pasternak, a microbiologist who the best approach, but it’s better defy him. The World Health Organi- which leaves local leaders pur- Nicolelis, who is also an epide- presides over the Question of than nothing.” “We need to open our eyes zation’s director, Tedros suing a patchwork of measures miologist. “The next stage is the Science Institute, pointed to a Minas Gerais, Brazil’s and understand this is no joke,” Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on to prevent the death toll from health system collapse.” local example of success: The second most populous state, has Rio’s Mayor Eduardo Paes said Monday called for everyone in spiralling further. The system is already mid-size city of Araraquara in closed nonessential shops. in a recorded message on the Brazil to muster a serious It may be too late, with a buckling, with almost all states’ Sao Paulo state last month Espirito Santo state will enter eve of the 10-day shutdown, response -- “whether it’s the more contagious variant ram- intensive care units near or at implemented lockdown and has lockdown Sunday. Brazil’s two stressing that no mayor wants government or the people.” paging across Brazil. For the capacity. Dr. José Antônio seen its cases and deaths biggest cities, Rio and Sao Paulo, to cause unemployment. “It’s a concerted effort of all first time, new daily cases Curiati, a supervisor at Sao recede. have imposed extensive restric- “People are dying and, if eve- actors that will really reverse topped 100,000 on March 25, Paulo’s Hospital das Clinicas, Pasternak declined to tions on nonessential activities. rything continues as is, nothing this upward trend. It is actually with many more uncounted. the biggest hospital complex in estimate Brazil’s looming daily Their state authorities brought is done, God only knows what very fast and accelerating really, Miguel Nicolelis, professor of Latin America, said its beds are death toll but said the trend is forward holidays to create a could happen. No one knows really fast,” he said. Mexico president pitches law that could suspend oil permits Mexico ramps up shots

REUTERS — MEXICO CITY the oil and gas industry and for the suspension to be lifted said, adding that Foreign Direct said the government should once it showed that whatever Investment (FDI) could fall at as deaths top 200,000 Mexican President Andres have the right to suspend led to the suspension had been least five percent as a result. Manuel Lopez Obrador sent a permits if a threat to Mexico is “corrected or eradicated, or Lopez Obrador is AL JAZEERA — MEXICO CITY acknowledges almost 220,000 bill to Congress that could perceived. have disappeared”, unless there attempting to make Mexico “estimated” COVID-19 deaths enable the government to According to the draft bill, were also criminal or adminis- energy independent, and said Mexico has surpassed 200,000 as of mid-March, but that suspend permits in the oil the energy ministry or the trative offenses. this month his administration test-confirmed deaths from estimate is not based on excess industry, as part of a drive to energy regulatory commission The bill could have impli- would limit oil production to 2 COVID-19, as President Andres death reports and probably bolster state control of energy could temporarily suspend cations for multinational com- million barrels per day. Manuel Lopez Obrador called does not include the consid- at the expense of private firms. permits “when an imminent panies with operations in He has tried to cast the pre- vaccination efforts a race erable number of people who Lopez Obrador argues pre- danger is foreseen for national Mexico, including Chevron and vious government’s opening of against time. die at home in Mexico. vious administrations skewed security, energy security or for Glencore, which entered the the energy market as an illus- The president prepared to Mexico City was among the the energy market in favor of the national economy.” country’s fuel market in a broad tration of chronic political cor- deploy more military, state and hardest-hit cities in the world. business interests and were The bill did not detail what energy sector opening under ruption, and has used the local personnel to spur the vac- Mexico City’s nine million intent on carving up national constituted such the previous administration. subject to fire up his base ahead cination effort as more doses inhabitants suffered 38,627 oil firm Petroleos Mexicanos circumstances. Gabriela Siller, analysis of mid-term legislative elec- arrive, including a shipment of deaths; with only 7.1 percent of (Pemex) and power utility the The authority that issued director of local firm Banco tions on June 6. 1.7 million AstraZeneca shots the country’s population, the Comision Federal de Electri- the permit would then have Base, warned that the draft bill Lopez Obrador this month the United States has “loaned” capital has had 19.3 percent of cidad (CFE). oversight of the holder’s oper- could have “serious conse- pushed through a change in the Mexico. the country’s total deaths. His new initiative, a copy ations while it was under sus- quences” for Mexico’s economy electricity law that gave the CFE Mexico’s total 200,211 con- While large, closely packed of which was seen by Reuters, pension, including the hiring of and investor confidence. precedence over private sector firmed COVID-19 deaths cities with intensive mass set out a series of measures to new personnel, it said. “It would completely nullify players in crucial aspects of the announced on Thursday trail transit systems may have suf- strengthen state influence over A permit holder could ask investment in the sector,” Siller power market. only the US and Brazil, coun- fered more across the globe, tries with larger populations. Mexico City also has far better The real death toll is believed healthcare facilities than the Venezuelans to be drawing closer to rest of the country. Still, the 300,000, due to the country’s capital saw about 430 con- fleeing to extremely low rate of testing. firmed COVID-19 deaths per “I think it is more. I think, 100,000. The human toll is Colombia accuse for example, that the numbers overwhelming. on the news are not correct, I Patricia Silva Caudillo, 46, soldiers of abuses think it is higher,” funeral home went to a dusty cemetery on the REUTERS — ARAUQUITA worker Benigno Clemente eastern edge of the city to bury Zarate said of the death toll. her husband, construction Venezuelans fleeing to Zarate said he has tended worker Pedro Capilla, 51. Colombia to escape clashes to multiple deaths in a single Capilla, a diabetic, was between the Venezuelan household. getting dialysis treatment at a military and irregular armed “We have had some jobs local hospital where he was groups have accused soldiers where two or three people have apparently infected with of abuses, including killing died in the same household, in COVID-19. civilians. the same family,” he said. “He was everything to me,” The flow of thousands of The Mexican government said Silva Caudillo. “He was my refugees began on Sunday after stopped publishing numbers on companion, my support.” Venezuela’s National Bolivarian excess deaths at the end of Raquel Diaz also came to the Armed Forces launched an 2020. The last time the cemetery to bury a relative. offensive against illegal armed numbers were reported was at “This has left a lot of pain, a lot groups in La Victoria, a munic- the start of January, before the of tragedy, it has left so many ipality in Venezuela’s Apure Venezuelan migrant children line up inside a coliseum where a camp has been set up, after fleeing worst of the second wave of people orphaned or widowed,” border province. their country, according to the Colombian migration agency, in Arauquita, Colombia. deaths hit. Diaz said. “I don’t think this Venezuela is investigating But authorities in Mexico pandemic has brought anything the accusations that members they arrived they broke every- daughter said. “I couldn’t stay prosecutor Tarek Saab wrote in City have published excess good.” Lopez Obrador said on of the military committed thing, the doors, they entered because they are killing people. a Twitter message on Friday death figures through the end Thursday he views it as a race abuses, including detaining and and took everything I had in the They killed some neighbors and that Venezuela will investigate of February, and they show that against time to get all people killing civilians, as well as house, the workshop,” dressed them in Venezuelan events in La Victoria, and January’s deaths were almost aged over 60 vaccinated with looting and burning homes. mechanic Jose Castillo, who army uniforms to pass them off punish those responsible if 46 percent higher than in the at least one dose by the end of “They raided our house and arrived in Colombia with his as guerrillas,” Castillo said. abuses of human rights are city’s first wave in June. April, before a possible third took everything from us. When pregnant wife and 12-year-old The country’s chief discovered. Mexico’s health department wave hits. ‘Treating us like robots’: Amazon workers seek union

AP — BESSEMER assembly line, her job involved said Burns, 51, who said she is other unionization pushes at Alabama. Workers also get ben- state - would resonate across picking up customers’ orders out of leave after developing Amazon facilities. If voted down, efits including health care, the country. Linda Burns was excited at first and sending them down the line tendonitis. it would be another loss for vision and dental insurance “What you are doing here is to land a job at the Amazon to the packers. Now she is a This week, Amazon workers organisers hoping to win a rare without paying union dues, the historical, historical, because all warehouse outside staunch supporter of getting a and union advocates, including labor victory in the Deep South. company said. over this country people are Birmingham, Alabama. The union at the Bessemer facility. Vermont Senator Bernie Amazon is fighting the Sanders spoke at a union sick and tired of being exploited, former nursing assistant had She said employees face Sanders, made a last-minute union. The company argues the rally in Birmingham on Friday, sick and tired of not having the always enjoyed ordering from relentless quotas and deserve push as voting comes to a close warehouse created thousands saying a labor victory against dignity that they deserve. And the company, Now, she would more respect. in the high-stakes union battle. of jobs with an average pay of the tech and retail giant owned your message to people all over be working for them. “They are treating us like If organizers are successful, it $15.30 per hour - more than by the richest person in world this country is stand up and A cog in a fast-moving robots rather than humans,” could lead to a chain reaction of twice the minimum wage in - and in a historically anti-union fight back,” Sanders said. SUNDAY 28 MARCH 2021 AMERICAS 15 Harris’ policy projects come with political risks AP — WASHINGTON Kamala will be focused “It’s important for the administration to succeed in Mike Pence led the coronavirus on the diplomatic this,” said Elaine Kamarck, who task force only to be constantly side, working with helped Gore lead the effort to overruled by the White House. overhaul and streamline gov- Al Gore’s efforts to “reinvent Guatemala, El Salvador ernment. “If you want to get to government” were largely and Honduras to try the source of the problem at the forgotten during the Monica to stop the flow of border, you’ve got to go into Lewinsky scandal. Dan Quayle’s these countries and you’ve got revamping of space policy migrants from those to use American clout in any never got much notice to begin countries, and not on way you have it.” with. Now a senior fellow in gov- For decades, the job of a the difficult task of ernance studies at the vice-president was to try to stay deciding who is let Brookings Institution, Kamarck relevant, to avoid being viewed, is author of the book Picking the in the words of one occupant of into the US, where they Vice President, which argues the post, as “standby are housed and what that, starting with Gore, vice equipment.” But in recent presidents have effectively administrations, the seconds- to do with the children formed governing “partner- in-command have increasingly who arrive without ships” with the president. been deputized with special their parents. That continued with Cheney policy assignments that add — who had a hand in nearly some weight — and political risk everything George W Bush’s — to the job. She will be focused on the dip- White House did — and Biden, That’s likely to be the case lomatic side, working with Gua- who brought a deep knowledge for Vice-President Kamala temala, El Salvador and Hon- of Capitol Hill and foreign policy Harris, who this week was duras to try to stop the flow of when he joined Barack Obama’s named the new point person on migrants from those countries, administration. US Vice-President Kamala Harris visits a classroom at the West Haven Child Development Center, in immigration. The job comes as and not on the difficult task of Kamarck’s argument bucks West Haven, Connecticut, US, yesterday. President Joe Biden is rolling deciding who is let into the US, the traditional wisdom, which back four years of stringent pol- where they are housed and says if a vice president does well against Biden last year - and attention,” said Julian Zelizer, a term, took unprecedented steps icies enacted by his predecessor what to do with the children on thorny issues, more credit Biden’s future is perhaps professor of history and public to provide legal protections for and contending with intensi- who arrive without their goes to the president and, if not, cloudier. The 78-year-old pres- affairs at Princeton University. immigrants brought to the US fying Republican criticism over parents. it gives the president some ident said this week that “ My “If she can figure out a way to as children. the increased flow of migrants “The vice-president is not political cover. plan is to run reelection ” but do this - whether it’s 2024 or “It is a huge problem on to the US-Mexico border. doing the border,” Harris The matter of who gets later added, “I’ve never been 2028 - it becomes part of her many different levels, both “It’s usually a ceremonial spokeswoman Symone Sanders praise, or blame, is even trickier able to plan four-and-a-half, portfolio.” humanitarian and health and role. This is definitely not a cer- said. when it’s clear the vice pres- three-and-a-half years ahead That, though, could also be security,” said Ray Sullivan, a emonial task,” said Nina Rees, Still, Harris’ project is ident has White House for certain.” a big ‘if.’ Democratic White Texas-based Republican strat- a former deputy assistant for central to Biden’s argument that aspirations. “There’s very little that Houses have for decades been egist. “I also think it cuts across domestic policy to Vice Pres- he’ll succeed in restoring That’s an especially strong compares to the experience of confounded by border policy, political lines. Folks from all ident Dick Cheney. American influence and credi- dynamic in the Biden White being in a White House and as encapsulated by Obama. His political persuasions can look Harris’ team has clarified bility abroad and making the House. Harris’ presidential heading a major issue, spending administration deported a at the border crisis and think that the vice-president does not immigration process more ambitious are clear — she time getting to know the main record number of people in the something’s not working right own all of immigration policy. humane. already ran unsuccessfully players, getting media country illegally, but, late in his at all.” Mother of Black Prosecutors struggle with consistent story in Jan 6 cases student says AP — BOSTON plan was to be prepared to use But as the sprawling inves- clarified it had no such evidence, they needed weapons available teacher made violence if necessary,” Assistant tigation has unfolded, prose- blaming it on a miscommuni- “in the event the activities at the There’s little doubt the Oath US Attorney Kathryn Rakoczy cutors have sometimes cation between prosecutors. Capitol went badly.” racist rant Keepers were planning for said during a hearing this struggled to maintain a con- After she was pressed by a “And those activities at the something on January 6. The month. But the Oath Keepers sistent narrative and had to judge in a recent hearing, Capitol were a planned and AP — PALMDALE question at the heart of the “did not know precisely the way walk back statements made in Rakoczy conceded authorities very well-coordinated attack criminal case against its in which force and violence court hearings or in papers. It “do not have at this point on the United States Capitol,” The mother of a Black members and associates in the might be needed to support this has created an opening for someone explicitly saying, ‘our she said. 12-year-old boy is seeking attack on the US Capitol is: plan,” she said. defense attorneys to try to sow plan is to force entry into the Defense attorneys argue damages against a Southern What, exactly, did they intend Authorities are still combing doubt in the case. Capitol in order to stop the cer- any discussions their clients had California school district after to do? through a sea of evidence in “The government presented a tification,’” but cautioned that before Jan. 6 were in reference her son’s teacher went on a Authorities suggested for what they say is likely the most theory (without evidence) that the investigation is ongoing. to providing security at the rally half-hour tirade laced with weeks in court hearings and complex investigation ever there was a weeks long plan to “Part of the reason that before the riot or protecting racism and profanity. papers that members of the far- prosecuted by the Justice invade the Capitol,” an attorney for there wasn’t necessarily as con- themselves against possible Katura Stokes filed a right militia group plotted their Department. More than 300 one of the Oath Keepers, Jessica crete a plan that one might attacks from antifa activists. damage claim — typically a attack in advance in an effort people are facing federal Watkins, wrote in a recent court expect is that they were waiting The defendants can still be precursor to a lawsuit — on to block the peaceful transition charges and more are expected. filing. “There was no such plan.” and watching to see what lead- convicted of conspiring to Thursday on behalf of her son of power. But prosecutors have The most serious charges have In one case, prosecutors ership did,” she said. obstruct Congress even if the plan against the Palmdale School since said it is not clear whether been brought against 10 people declared in court documents in Just a month earlier, was formulated only moments District over comments made the group was targeting the described as members and January there was “strong evi- Rakoczy told the same judge before they stormed the Capitol, by a science instructor after a Capitol before Jan. 6. associates of the Oath Keepers dence” the pro-Trump mob there’s no other way to read the said Jimmy Gurule, a former Zoom session with her son in “The plan was to unlawfully and several members of another aimed to “capture and assas- group’s messages about sta- federal prosecutor who’s now a January, the Orange County stop the certification of the far-right extremist group, the sinate elected officials.” The tioning a “quick reaction force” professor at the University of Register reported. Electoral College vote... and the Proud Boys. Justice Department quickly outside the city other than that Notre Dame law school. The sixth-grader attends Desert Willow Fine Arts, Science and Technology Magnet Academy in Palmdale, Alabama, Georgia pick up an Antelope Valley city northeast of Los Angeles. the pieces after tornadoes The student body is about 13 percent African-American. AP — NEWNAN electric saws filled the neigh- In her complaint, Stokes borhood as volunteers lugging said her son had struggled to Chainsaws buzzed through their own tools helped carve up complete class assignments fallen trees, stunned residents fallen trees. using the district’s online dug in the rubble that had been Charlene Watson’s apartment platform for distance learning, their homes, and neighbors building was ripped apart by the instituted because classrooms rushed in to help after multiple tornado. She awoke to sirens and have been closed during the tornadoes ripped a path of moved as quickly as she could to coronavirus pandemic. devastation across the Deep the basement of her building According to the com- South. At least five people were before the twister tore the roof off plaint, science teacher Kim- killed. her building. Her son, Shawn berly Newman, Stokes and her As many as 10 tornadoes - Menard, waded through the son had a Zoom session on Jan. an estimated eight in Alabama debris, collecting the crosses that 20 to work out problems in and two in Georgia — carved a had lined Watson’s bedroom wall using the platform and the tremendous path of devastation before it was ripped off and any teacher finally said the boy on Thursday, uprooting other family mementos that could was caught up with his 100-year-old trees, stripping be salvaged. assignments. roofs from houses, seriously “Just be thankful for every- But then the teacher, damaging schools and busi- thing you’ve got, because you apparently unaware that she nesses, and scattering treasured are not promised the next day. hadn’t exited the session, went family possessions far and wide. Nothing is,” Watson said, Nathan Mason assesses damage to his grandmother’s home the day after a string of tornadoes caused on a rant - recorded by Stokes All of the twisters were holding back tears. several fatalities in Ohatchee, Alabama, US. - lasting more than 30 minutes spawned by “supercell” thun- One person died overnight in which she apparently is derstorms, said John De Block, of a medical emergency, said for 15 people who had fled to southwestern part of the state, already heavily damaged heard complaining to her a meteorologist with the Deputy Chief of Police Mark emergency shelters. carved up ground for more than homes and businesses and dev- husband. National Weather Service in Cooper, although it wasn’t Officials found “heavy, an hour and traveled about 100 astated the landscape. The “She’s answered her phone Birmingham. immediately clear if the death heavy damage” in parts of the miles (160 kilometers), causing county is home to suburban Bir- for the first time the entire In the western Georgia town was connected to the tornado. city’s historic district, Newnan heavy damage in the city of Cen- mingham cities such as Pelham year,” the teacher says of of Newnan, among several The person’s name was not Fire Chief Stephen Brown told treville, south of Tuscaloosa. and Helena and the unincorpo- Stokes, according to the video communities west of Atlanta released as officials tried to a news conference. De Block said the tornado rated subdivision of Eagle Point obtained by the Register. walloped by the storms, the notify family members. The Red In Alabama, one of the dissipated in Shelby County, — all of which suffered heavy “I mean these parents, that’s smell of pine and the whir of Cross was trying to find hotels twisters, which formed in the where another twister had damage. what kind of piece of s(asterisk) (asterisk)t they are,” Newman says, and adds: “Black. He’s Black. They’re a Black family.” Police: Two dead in Virginia Beach oceanfront shootings “Your son has learned to lie to everybody and make AP — VIRGINIA BEACH who were patrolling the area investigating the original Neudigate said. No suspect scene, with officers inspecting excuses... to be a child,” the heard gunfire. Police arriving at shooting, shots were fired information was immediately some of them. A couple blocks video continues. “Since you’ve A pair of overnight shootings the scene found a woman who nearby, Neudigate said. An available. Neudigate said away, a car that was sur- taught him to make excuses along the beachfront in Virginia died of her injuries and eight officer confronted a male several people were in police rounded by police tape sat in that nothing is his fault. This is Beach left two people dead and people whose injuries were suspect and fatally shot him. custody, but their possible the middle of a street. what Black people do.” eight wounded in a scene described as serious or life- The officer has been placed on involvement in the shooting Akereia Drayton, who was Newman was placed on described by authorities on threatening. In addition, an administrative leave. He has was still under investigation. still waiting to get her car from administrative leave and Saturday as “very chaotic.” officer sustained minor injuries been with the department for Two full blocks that mostly the lot on Saturday, said she resigned within days after the In a statement, the Virginia after being struck by a vehicle, five years and is assigned to its made up a city owned parking was coming out of a club on Zoom meeting. She declined to Beach Police Department said the Chief Paul Neudigate said at a special operations division. lot remained blocked off by Friday night after the shooting comment when reached by first shooting occurred shortly news conference. “We have a very chaotic police tape yesterday. Dozens ended and saw “mass chaos” phone, the Register said. after 11pm on Friday, when police While officers were incident, a very chaotic night,” of cars were inside the crime and many people running. SUNDAY 28 MARCH 2021 16

94% Qatari business leaders move towards hybrid working: Study THE PENINSULA — DOHA research has come at a time PRAYER when Microsoft has further TIMINGS According to the ‘Work Report says 74% of enhanced the employee expe- PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING Reworked’ Report, commis- Qatari companies already rience through Microsoft Viva, sioned by Microsoft and carried the first employee experience out by the Boston Consulting have a set remote work platform that brings tools for FAJR 04.12 am Group and KRC Research, 94 policy in place. 78% employee engagement, SUNRISE 05.30 am percent of Qatar’s business business leaders also learning, wellbeing, and leaders believe that their knowledge discovery, directly DHUHR 11.39 am reported additional cost organisations will adopt a more benefits from remote into people’s work flow. ASR 03.07 pm hybrid way of working for the “Microsoft Viva builds on work policy. MAGHRIB 05.50 pm foreseeable future. This year’s the power of Teams and edition of the annual Work Microsoft 365 to unify the ISHA 07.20 pm Reworked Report aims to employee experience across provide information to business four key areas — Engagement, leaders across the Middle East around ways of working is Wellbeing, Learning, and and Africa to support navi- already evident, with a healthy Knowledge — in an integrated gating a new world of remote majority (74 percent) of com- experience that empowers work. panies now having a set remote people to be their best,” Azzi Microsoft’s Work Reworked work policy in place. Most added. research provides insight into Qatari business leaders (78 The prioritisation of inno- how companies can best percent) also reported addi- vation among hybrid teams can WEATHER support and empower workers tional cost benefits, such as be seen in key traits amongst TODAY as remote and hybrid working reducing their office footprint highly innovative companies. becomes the ‘new normal.’ A and spending on business For example, 77 percent of survey of 600 leaders and travel. However, remote work Qatari employees working in employees in large enterprises is not without its challenges. innovative work environments within Qatar examined people’s Research has found that many said they were happy in their experience since the beginning people feel disconnected from job, as opposed to 63 percent of the pandemic as remote their teams, driving team in less innovative organisations. o o ways of working became cohesion is not as easy as Protecting employee wellbeing 22 C 31 C common and asked about before, and more work is being can yield invaluable long-term Minimum Maximum expectations around the future. done in silos. Eighty-three benefits for organisations Moderate temperature daytime and Since the start of the global percent of Qatari managers looking to thrive and grow. dusty to blowing dust at places work-from-home work exper- said that they had trouble cre- Microsoft has established at times, relatively cold to cold by iment stemming from the pan- ating a strong team culture. plans to deliver the intelligent night. demic, researchers have found “The pandemic has resulted and trusted Microsoft Cloud W ALRUWAIS : 21o → 26o that Qatar’s managers and in a dramatic impact on the services from a new cloud data W ALKHOR : 20o → 34o employees expect to spend employee experience, with by center region in Qatar, W DUKHAN : 19o → 27o over a third (35 percent) of the far the biggest shift to remote expanding Microsoft’s global W WAKRAH : 23o → 31o workweek outside the tradi- work we have ever witnessed. cloud infrastructure to 57 Azure tional office setting. Though The employee experience has regions in 20 countries across W MESAIEED : 23o → 31o employees still see value in become a priority for every the globe. The new region is W ABUSAMRA : 17o → 27o attending the office to maintain business leader,” said Rami anticipated to be available bonds with colleagues, they Azzi, Modern Work Business starting with Microsoft Azure look for more flexibility from Group Lead, Microsoft Middle in 2021 and Office 365, HIGH TIDE 4:10– 16:01 their organisations. East cluster. Dynamics 365, and Power A more permanent change “The Work Reworked Platform. LOW TIDE 11:48 – 23:22 Inaugural Sports Values First Forum by QOSM on March 29 NASA gives all THE PENINSULA — DOHA Forum to be held virtually The museum further seeks to later this month.” strengthen relations and increase inter- clear: Earth safe The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports In its first edition, the dependence between sporting institu- Museum (3-2-1 QOSM), part of Qatar forum will shine a light on tions in Qatar, and to address youth and from asteroid for Museums, is to host the inaugural Sports several topics relating to students in Qatar and abroad, as well as Values First Forum on March 29 under sports and Olympic values of promote sports institutions and high- 100 years the theme ‘Between the Past and the excellence, respect and light their mission and goals. Future’. friendship throughout history The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports AP — CAPE CANAVERAL, The forum’s first edition, to be held with a specific focus on Arab Museum, to open at Khalifa International FLORIDA virtually over one day, will feature dis- and Islamic identity. Main Stadium later this year, is the first cussion sessions, a virtual exhibition, and topics include sports, youth museum in the Middle East dedicated to NASA has given Earth the all sports e-competitions. and community building; achievement in sport. clear for the next century from The forum, to be held annually, promoting Qatari culture Promoting physical education and a particularly menacing focuses on sports values, ethics, and through FIFA World Cup wellness for all, the 3-2-1 Qatar asteroid. work by hosting a group of leading sports 2022; integration of sports to Olympic and Sports Museum employs The space agency figures. QOSM will lead the forum in accommodate disabilities; the most innovative technology to announced this week that new partnership with several organisations and Olympic values. create immersive exhibits to tell the telescope observations have including Qatar University, Aspire Through this forum, story of sports in Qatar and across the ruled out any chance of Academy, the Qatar Olympic Committee, 3-2-1 QOSM aims to promote world. Apophis smacking Earth in the Ministry of Culture and Sports, and a culture of sports ethics Sports are a key element of Qatar’s 2068. the Olympic Academy. among community members, culture and the museum is committed That’s the same 1,100-foot Abdulla Y Al Mulla, Director of 3-2-1 event, the museum will host a series of introducing them to the most important to providing engaging education on the (340-metre) space rock that QOSM, said, “The Olympic and Sports educational programs across Qatar in international sporting moments vital role that athletics play in contem- was supposed to come fright- Museum seeks to inspire and encourage cooperation with partner institutions. throughout history, and spreading porary society, while inspiring everyone eningly close in 2029 and the community to follow a healthy and We are pleased to invite members of the knowledge and information on Olympic to be physically active, whatever their again in 2036. active lifestyle. As part of the annual community to join the Sports Values First and sports values. ability. NASA ruled out any chance of a strike during those two close approaches a while ago. But a potential 2068 collision Bedaya invites local entrepreneurs to Poland plans pensions still loomed. First detected in 2004, Apophis is now officially off be part of ‘Ramadan Online Market’ for dogs, horses in NASA’s asteroid “risk list.” “A 2068 impact is not in THE PENINSULA — DOHA The design of the products through the app’s social media the realm of possibility and their packaging must be platforms. state employment anymore, and our calculations Bedaya Center for Entrepre- appropriate and of high quality. Commenting on this initi- don’t show any impact risk for neurship and Career Devel- While these are just some of the ative, Abdulla Faleh Al Saeed, AP — WARSAW, POLAND “More than one human life at least the next 100 years,” opment (Bedaya Center) — a prerequisites of participation, Board Member and General has been saved, more than one Davide Farnocchia of NASA’s joint initiative by Qatar Devel- entrepreneurs are advised to Manager of Bedaya Center, said, They locate survivors in dangerous criminal caught Center for Near-Earth Object opment Bank and Silatech — carefully read through the “Through our strategic part- collapsed buildings, track down thanks to the animals in Studies, said in a statement has announced that it is now terms and conditions listed on nership with Snoonu, we were fugitives, foil drugs and explo- service,” he said in February. Friday. receiving applications from the website. able to come up with sus- sives smugglers and help The new law would affect Scientists were able to entrepreneurs owning start-up This initiative was concep- tainable entrepreneurial solu- control rowdy crowds. All in some 1,200 dogs and more than refine Apophis’ orbit around businesses or small enterprises tualised by Bedaya Center to tions, through which we exchange for food and lodging 60 horses currently in service. the sun thanks to radar obser- looking to register for provide sustainable solutions launched a new initiative to — and an occasional pat on the Each year, some 10% of the vations earlier this month, ‘Ramadan Online Market’. via Internet to help the entre- provide an electronic platform head. animals are retired, according when the asteroid passed The online market will be preneurs in continuing their for start-ups, small enterprises But when retirement time to the Interior Ministry. Most of within 10.6 million miles (17 held from April 15 till May 15 entrepreneurial journey in such and home businesses to ensure comes, state care ends for the the dogs are German or Belgian million kilometers). and will be conducted in col- times. business continuity and to dogs and horses that serve in Shepherds. Apophis will come within laboration with Snoonu, one of Thanks to the collaboration overcome the difficulties they Poland’s Police, Border Guard Pawel Kuchnio, handler of 20,000 miles (32,000 kilo- the most prominent integrated between Bedaya Center and have been facing under the and Fire Service. They are given Warsaw police sniffer dog metres) on April 13, 2029, ena- applications in town for pro- Snoonu, the ‘Ramadan Online current circumstances.” away, with no safeguards for Orbita, says retired dogs almost bling astronomers to get a viding food delivery and a host Market’ will be in the main He added, “With this their future welfare. always require expensive good look. of other services that are aimed section on the Snoonu appli- endeavour, we are pleased to Following appeals from medical care, to deal with com- “When I started working at meeting the daily needs of cation. Moreover, the partici- announce the opening of reg- concerned service members, plaints such as strained hind with asteroids after college, consumers. pants will be able to avail addi- istration for entrepreneurs to the Interior Ministry has pro- joints. The pension money “will Apophis was the poster child Registration can be done tional perks such as providing help them display their posed new legislation that certainly be a great help and for hazardous asteroids,” Far- through Bedaya Center’s a free storage space of 1 sqm. products related to the Holy would give these animals an will make things easier,” he nocchia said. “There’s a certain website www.bedaya.com or for each project, and 20% dis- Month of Ramadan through the official status, and paid said. The bill would confirm the sense of satisfaction to see it through its instagram page count on additional storage Bedaya ‘Ramadan Online retirement to help cover the unwritten rule that the animals’ removed from the risk list.” https://www.instagram.com/ spaces. Market’ via the Snoonu App. We often costly care bills their new handlers have priority in Apophis belongs to a group bedayaqa. All products must Snoonu will also give pri- are confident that more and owners face. keeping them before they’re known as the Aten family. be related to the Holy month of ority of delivery for all products more Qatari entrepreneurs will Interior Minister Mariusz offered up for adoption. These do not belong to the Ramadan. All the participating of the projects affiliated with come forward to be a part of Kaminski described the draft But more importantly, it asteroid belt and spend most businesses must have active Bedaya, in addition to providing this unique initiative and make law as a “moral obligation” would extend state responsi- of their time inside the orbit of commercial registration. The a free photo session service for the most of this opportunity. I which should get unanimous bility for the animals into their the Earth, placing them participation is limited to youth the participating products, convey my best to all the par- backing when presented in retirement time and secure between our planet and the projects, which is not older than along with unlimited marketing ticipants and wish you all have Parliament for approval later financial support for the sun, the Guardian reported. three years. support for these products a great Ramadan month.” this year. owners.