Pfizer Batch 10 to Speed Jabs

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SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2021 / SHABAAN 15, 1442 AH emergency number 112 NO. 17648 16 PAGES 150 FILS Speaker details procedure on vacating MP seat High Court rules

By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh Arab Times Staff Pfizer batch 10 to speed jabs KUWAIT CITY, March 27: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim recently held a press conference on the procedures regarding the verdict of the Amir condoles loss EU raps UK Constitutional Court to nullify the par- liamentary membership of MP Badr Al- Still stuck Dahoum. KUWAIT CITY, March He disclosed that on March 14, 2021, SUEZ, Egypt, March 27, (AP): A he received a letter from the Constitu- 27, (Agencies): The Ku- Egypt train crash kills at least 32 giant container ship remained stuck waiti Ministry of Health tional Court informing him about its de- sideways in Egypt’s Suez Canal for a cision which consisted of three items — TAHTA, Egypt, March 27, (Agencies): Two trains crashed later added that no cause has been determined. The passen- fifth day Saturday, as authorities pre- announced the arrival of cancelling the results of elections through Friday in southern Egypt, killing at least 32 people and injur- ger train was headed to the Mediterranean port of Alexandria, pared to make new attempts to free the 10th batch of Pfizer- which Al-Dahoum was declared winner ing 165, authorities said in the latest of a series of deadly ac- north of Cairo, rail officials said. the vessel and reopen a crucial east- BioNTech vaccine early of a parliamentary seat as representative cidents on the country’s troubled railways. Video showed twisted piles of metal with passengers cov- west waterway for global shipping. of citizens residing in the Fifth Constitu- next week. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber ered with dust trapped inside - some bleeding and others un- The Ever Given, a Panama-flagged The Assistant Undersec- ency, that his parliamentary membership Al-Sabah on Friday cabled Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah conscious. Bystanders removed the dead and laid them on the ship that carries cargo between Asia is invalid and the consequent measures. El-Sisi, expressing his sincerest condolences and solace over ground nearby. and Europe, ran aground Tuesday in retary for Medicines and He said the Constitutional Court high- the deaths. One passenger was heard shouting on the video, “Help us! Peo- the narrow canal that runs between Medical Supplies at the Min- lighted the required procedures including His Highness the Amir, in the condolences’ cable prayed ple are dying!” A female passenger appeared to be upside down, Africa and the Sinai Peninsula. istry, Dr. Abdullah Al-Bader, the announcement of the vacancy of Al- for the souls of the deceased, wished the victims’ families and squeezed under the seats, and was crying, ”Get me out, boy!” The massive vessel got stuck in a told KUNA that the ministry Dahoum’s parliamentary seat and the call loved ones patience and endurance of the tragic event, also Hazem Seliman, who lives near the tracks and heard the single-lane stretch of the canal, about contracted with Pfizer Inter- for supplementary elections. expressing wishes for the injured for rapid healing. crash, said he initially thought the train had hit a car. When he six kilometers (3.7 miles) north of national directly without the He explained that the issue concerns His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ah- arrived at the scene, he said he found the dead and injured on the southern entrance, near the city two parties — the citizens who filed the presence of a local agent. mad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister the ground, among them women and children. of Suez. The ministry constantly, con- appeal and Al-Dahoum. He said the As- Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad al-Mubarak Al-Sabah ad- “We carried the deceased and put the injured into ambu- Peter Berdowski, CEO of Boska- sembly, speaker and MPs are not part of tinuously and carefully monitors dressed cables of identical sentiments of sorrow and solace to lances,” he said. lis, the salvage firm hired to extract the safety of vaccines after their the dispute and they did not issue the de- President El-Sisi More than 100 ambulances were sent to the scene in the the Ever Given, said the company cision. He added the letter of the Consti- usage. Moreover, it follows up Someone apparently activated the emergency brakes on the province of Sohag, about 440 kilometers (270 miles) south of hoped to pull the container ship free on the information and data on tutional Court included an executive part passenger train, and it was rear-ended by another train, caus- Cairo, Health Minister Hala Zayed said, and the injured were within days using a combination of as it instructed the relevant institutions the safety, efficacy and quality of ing two cars to derail and flip on their side, Egypt’s Railway taken to four hospitals. Injuries included broken bones, cuts heavy tugboats, dredging and high vaccines locally and internation- and authorities to execute the decision Authorities said, although Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly and bruises. tides. even by force if necessary. ally, he added. He cited Article 30 of the National As- Al-Bader said the regular ar- sembly Decree, which mandates him to rival of the quantities of Pfizer enforce the Constitution and court ver- vaccines will contribute to a sig- dicts, stressing the issue is not subject to nificant increase in the pace of his whim. vaccinations, in addition to the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is Authority currently available in “reassuring He also cited Law No. 14/1973 on the quantities” and is given to the tar- establishment of the Constitutional Court, get groups according to the vac- which specified the responsibilities of the cination mechanism. court. The Constitutional Court has the Al-Badr reiterated the call on sole authority to explain the Constitu- citizens and residents to regis- tion and decide on the constitutionality of ter on the vaccination platform laws. It is the only court that should de- while taking all preventive cide on appeals concerning parliamentary measures and avoiding contact membership and elections. The decisions with others and ensuring the of the Constitutional Court is binding for implementation of the physical everybody, including other courts. Are distancing. the MPs and Assembly not part of every- Furthermore, he urged them to body, he asked. visit the official accounts of the He went on to clarify that in case the Ministry of Health to view the Constitution is amended and the MPs are instructions and recommenda- no longer subject to court decisions, then tions to contribute to containing other procedures could be adopted. the spread of the virus. Addressing those who pointed out The Ministry of Health has the final decision issued by the Court of agreed to allow hospitals, health Cassation which confirmed the validity centers and community clinics of Al-Dahoum’s parliamentary member- to purchase protective vaccines ship; he argued that according to the law against the COVID-19 from the on establishing the Constitutional Court, local agent or companies produc- its decisions supersede all other decisions ing it after being licensed and ap- including those issued by other courts. He proved by the Ministry of Health affirmed that he did not receive any letter to provide vaccination service. from other courts. Approved Al-Ghanim asserted that in his capac- ity as Assembly speaker, he must execute The European Union’s medi- the decision and he is not and will not be cines regulator on Friday said it part of any personal dispute. He said an- has approved new manufacturing nouncing the vacancy of Al-Dahoum’s sites for coronavirus vaccines seat as per Article 84 of the Constitution made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Mod- and Article 14 of the National Assembly erna and AstraZeneca, in a move that could significantly boost Decree will be done in the upcoming ses- This satellite image from Maxar Technologies shows the cargo ship MV Ever Given stuck in the Suez Canal near Suez, Egypt, March 26. A maritime traffic sion without the need to vote on it. jam grew to more than 200 vessels Friday outside the Suez Canal and some vessels began changing course as dredgers worked frantically to free the giant Europe’s supply of the shots and Replying to those who said that he container ship that is stuck sideways in the waterway and disrupting global shipping. (AP) speed vaccination efforts across voted on the membership of former MPs the continent. Walid Al- Tabtaba’e and Jama’an Al- The European Medicines Harbash in 2018, he asserted: “That is Agency said in a statement that true because such procedure was adopted Kuwait condemns assault it had approved sites in the Neth- according to Article 16 of the National Newswatch erlands, Germany and Switzer- Assembly Decree which was cancelled land for the COVID-19 vaccines by the Constitutional Court later as it made by the companies. was unconstitutional.” He pointed out The new approvals come amid the cancelled article stated that in case a Fire at Saudi fuel tank RIYADH: Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Ira- the 27-nation bloc’s struggles to lawmaker does not meet any one of the qi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kathemi have extolled the level ramp up COVID-19 vaccination conditions for him to serve as representa- of relations and communications between the two countries. and repeated delivery delays and tive of the nation, the issue is referred to A joint statement issued on Thursday after the virtual meet- manufacturing problems. ing stressed the role of Saudi-Iraqi coordination council in The EMA said it had ap- the parliamentary Legal and Legislative serving interests of the two countries and their peoples. Affairs Committee which will prepare a in Houthi rebel attack proved a factory in Leiden, the It affi rmed the importance to opening new horizons of bi- Netherlands, to make the active report in this regard and then the MPs will lateral cooperation and enhancing them in all varied fi elds, vote on the issue. DUBAI, March 27, (Agencies): A fuel tank Houthis on Monday. mainly political, investment and tourism-related ones. substance for AstraZeneca’s vac- He said the decision of the Constitu- at an oil facility in Saudi Arabia caught fire The attack in Jizan, some 970 kilometers (KUNA) cine, bringing the number of such tional Court states that in case a lawmaker after being struck in an attack by Yemen’s (600 miles) southwest of Riyadh on the Red ❑ ❑ ❑ licensed sites to four. fails to meet any one of the conditions, Houthi rebels, officials said Friday, an at- Sea, struck a distribution facility just after 9 The EU regulator said it was the issue is referred to the Constitutional ISTANBUL: Hundreds of Uyghurs staged protests in Ankara also giving the green light to a tack that came on the sixth anniversary of the p.m. Thursday, the Saudi Energy Ministry and Istanbul on Thursday, denouncing Chinese Foreign Minis- Court to decide on it. kingdom’s entry into Yemen’s yearslong civil said in a statement carried by the state-run site in Marburg, Germany, to He added that according to the Con- ter Wang Yi’s visit to Turkey and demanding that the Turkish make both the active substance war. Saudi Press Agency. government take a stronger stance against human rights abuses stitutional Court’s decision, any work of Kuwait has condemned and denounced, in “The attack resulted in a fire in one of the and completed vaccine devel- in China’s far-western Xinjiang region. oped by BioNTech and Pfizer. the Assembly on such an issue is null and the strongest terms, the Houthi militia’s con- terminal’s tanks,” the statement said, with- The crowd gathered at Istanbul’s Beyazit Square, holding In addition, the EMA said void. He stressed that the decisions of the tinued attacks on civilians and vital areas in out elaborating. “The attack left no casual- posters of missing relatives they believe are being kept in de- Constitutional Court are considered sup- it was granting “more flexible Saudi Arabia. ties.” tention camps in China and chanting slogans against Beijing. storage conditions” to the Pfizer- plementary to the Constitution and they The continuation, and escalation, of these Saudi Arabia did not specifically identify (AP) are higher than the laws. ❑ ❑ ❑ BioNTech vaccine - which was “terrorist attacks,” in spite of a globally- the area struck. However, Jizan is home to cleared on the basis that it needed Agenda backed initiative launched by Riyadh to end a new refinery and port facilities for the en- WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke ultra-cold freezer temperatures the war in Yemen, “reflects the dangers of the ergy giant Saudi Arabian Oil Co. The refin- Thursday with Yemeni Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalek for storage and delivery. He also confirmed that items in the Houthi militia’s approach and its rejection of ery, with a capacity of 400,000 barrels a day, agenda of the session slated for March 30 Saeed, during which he stressed the US “commitment to ad- European Union vaccine poli- include the bills on reducing the remand peace,” read a ministry statement. sent its first shipment abroad last year. Jizan vancing an inclusive peace process in Yemen.” tics reached a fever pitch Friday period from 21 to 10 days, cancelling the Kuwait added that this also illustrates the also is transliterated from Arabic as Jazan by State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said in a state- with charges of British black- remand for opinion cases, amending the group’s refusal of international humanitarian Aramco. ment that Blinken welcomed the Yemeni Government’s “sup- mail and unfair practices among Audio-Visual Law, granting general am- law and its reluctance to end the war in Ye- Jizan and its new refinery long have been port for a comprehensive, nationwide ceasefi re and UN-led EU members flying about as the nesty, granting financial support to small men. targeted by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in their political talks and its continued engagement with UN Special bloc frantically sought to ramp The Houthis insist on endangering Saudi campaign against the kingdom. However, sat- Envoy (Martin) Griffi ths.” (KUNA) up production and impose ex- and medium enterprises (SMEs), post- ❑ ❑ ❑ poning the collection of installments for Arabia’s security and undermining the stabil- ellite pictures from Planet Labs Inc. taken Fri- port controls to stave off another citizens’ loans, and amending the Pub- ity of the region as a whole, threatening global day morning and analyzed by The Associated BEIRUT: A German company has found dangerous nuclear deadly surge in coronavirus in- lishing and Printing Law. energy supplies and the safety of international Press did not immediately appear to show any material stored in an oil facility in southern Lebanon, offi cials fections. On the other hand, MP Hassan Jawhar maritime navigation, said the ministry. damage at that facility. said Friday. Underscoring the ebbing accused Chairman of the Legal and Leg- “This requires prompt and decisive interna- In a televised speech, Houthi military The material has been stored at the Zahrani Oil Installation cross-Channel relations, French islative Affairs Committee MP Khalid tional action, to deter and put an end to these spokesman Brig. Gen. Yehia Sarie claimed that is about 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of Beirut, accord- Foreign Minister Yves Le Drian Ayed Al-Anzi and Chairman of the Inte- actions,” it said. that the rebels targeted several Aramco sites ing to a statement released after a meeting by Lebanon Higher highlighted the lopsided exports rior and Defense Affairs Committee MP Kuwait underlined that it extends its full in the cities of Jizan, Ras Tanura, Yanbu and Defense Council, the country’s top security and military body. between the EU and Britain, to Mubarak Al-Ajmi of delaying the inclu- support to Saudi Arabia and backing of all Rabigh with 18 drones and eight ballistic mis- In its statement, the council quoted outgoing Prime Minister where the EU had approved the sion of important bills in the agenda of measures Riyadh takes to preserve security, siles. Sarie also claimed the rebels launched Hassan Diab. (AP) export of 21 million doses while the upcoming session. stability and sovereignty. another salvo of 12 drones and eight ballistic ❑ ❑ ❑ none have come the other way He claimed Al-Ajmi and Al-Anzi The assault at Jizan in southwest Saudi missiles at King Abdulaziz Air base in Dam- BRUSSELS: The European Union Friday extended the man- since vaccinations began in De- coordinated with the speaker to de- Arabia near the border with Yemen came mam, as six drones also struck military sites date of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy military cember. lay these bills; pointing out the bill on came during what Saudi defense officials in Asir and Najran provinces. operation in the Mediterranean — EUNAVFOR MED IRINI The U.K. has adopted a policy amending the National Assembly Elec- described as a barrage of eight bomb- “The operation has successfully fulfilled — until March 31, 2023. of quickly giving as many people tion Law was supposed to be part of carrying drones launched by the Houthi its objectives,” Sarie said. “We affirm that The decision was taken in the wake of the Strategic Review as possible a first dose of vac- the agenda, but Al-Ajmi did not submit rebels. we are ready to carry out a more severe and of the operation carried out by the EU Political and Security cine. Le Drian said that meant the relevant report despite its comple- A Houthi military spokesman later claimed more cruel military operation in the coming Committee, said an EU statement. (KUNA) the country would struggle to tion. He went on to say that the bill on a series of attacks on several Saudi military period.” Operation IRINI (Greek for ‘peace’) was launched on March get enough doses to administer amending the same law including the sites and oil facilities, some acknowledged by The kingdom did not acknowledge a 31, 2020, shortly after the Berlin Conference on Libya in Janu- the required second shots and procedures for electing the speaker was the kingdom and others not. wave of attacks at the scale. Claims and ary 2020, as a contribution on the part of the EU to the process that the British government was supposed to be included in the agenda, The kingdom has faced an increasing num- counterclaims between the kingdom and set up by the international community to support the return to pressuring to get more supplies, but Al-Anzi did not submit the report in ber of such assaults and the tempo hasn’t the rebels have been common throughout peace and stability in Libya. (KUNA) at the cost of the EU’s vaccina- this regard. slowed since it offered a cease-fire deal to the the war. tion drive. ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2021 2

Oriental Percussionists

Ihab Darwish

Traditional South African choir Vox Chamber Choir Chamber Vox

s part of Abu Dhabi Festival’s exciting year-long hybrid virtual pro- standing, that seamlessly aligns with Abu Dhabi Festival’s mission. Through is guaranteed. It is a pleasure to be part of this project that unites people Agramme, under the theme The Future Starts Now, Hekayat: Symphonic innovative technology, Abu Dhabi Festival is thrilled to present its second through music in a moment when this is so crucial.” José Cura, opera singer Tales, by Emirati composer Ihab Darwish, will launch on 30 March at commission of Ihab’s work as a unique virtual production to audiences glob- “It is an immense honor to be a part of the spectacular symphony. Dar- abudhabifestival.ae. The performance traverses the globe in 13 compositions ally.” wish’s music is magnificent, and the roots of his creativity contain much of played by 128 musicians in 20 countries, capturing the musical traditions Ihab Darwish said, “I am constantly experimenting with different genres, the ancient Arabic vision and pioneer spirit. His melodies emerge from his and cultures of every continent. Hekayat, which means tales in English, instruments, and time frames in music. The experimental nature of Hekayat DNA and go beyond international output.” Takuro Susaki, Kod President makes history as the first performance of its kind by an Emirati artist. In a is inspired by my inherent hope for a better future and belief in shared hu- “I am happy to be back at the Abu Dhabi Festival this year through this marvel of technological sophistication, the performers, recorded separately man values. Since my first engagement at Abu Dhabi Festival, the format of wonderful collaboration with composer and friend Ihab Darwish. Thank you, in their countries, will appear together as one orchestra on the stage of Abu performances has been transformed by the pandemic, and yet music’s pro- Abu Dhabi Festival, for mounting this remarkably ambitious, culturally rich, Dhabi’s luxurious Emirates Palace Auditorium. found emotional impact and power to soothe are more important than ever. and creative project during a time of isolation. And a heartfelt thank you to Ihab Darwish brings together a powerhouse group of international As a unique virtual event, Hekayat will be accessible to all audiences around Ihab for inviting me into his home, his creative mind, and for allowing me to musicians, including Krakow’s acclaimed Beethoven Academy Orchestra, the globe, which is a great advantage.” contribute to it.” Kinan Azmeh, clarinetist conducted by maestro Tomasz Tokarczyk, VOX Chamber Choir, tenor José Ihab Darwish is the first Emirati composer in his genre to have his music Emirati artist Ihab Darwish has played music since ten. Graduating in Art Cura, virtuoso musicians Sara Andon, Kod, Carlos Piñana and Kinan Azmeh distributed by international publisher Universal Music MENA and first guest and Media, he has pursued a career of image and sound fusion to become a as part of Abu Dhabi Festival’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and composer of the Beethoven Academy Orchestra. He specializes in compos- recognized composer. mission to supporting the growth of the performing arts in the United Arab ing classical music, featuring distinct Western, Arab and Khaleeji fusions, In 2017 a breakthrough was cooperation with the Beethoven Academy Emirates and at a global level. which has become his signature style. In Hekayat, he further develops this Orchestra in Poland. His first album “Waves of My Life” was launched in With musicians, performers and the orchestra filmed individually in 21 cit- style with exceptionally unique instrumental, musical and vocal fusions. 2018, reaching audiences through International distribution by Universal ies around the world, the symphony required 675 zoom sessions and 86,600 This first-of-its-kind performance is available from 30 March until 11 Music MENA. The premiere of his orchestral work: “Waves of My Life: man-hours of planning and production. The individual performances were April at AbuDhabiFestival.ae/Hekayat-Symphonic-Tales. Every Real Story Begins with a Note” was held in 2018 at the prestigious synchronized digitally, and innovative post-production technology placed all Hekayat: Symphonic Tales is released by Universal Music in its second 128 artists on a virtual 3D model of the stage. collaboration with Darwish. His first album Waves of My Life was released Emirates Palace for the Abu Dhabi Festival. This performance left the audi- H.E. Huda I. Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts in 2018. ence captivated and eagerly anticipating Darwish’s further development. Foundation and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, said: “Ihab Dar- “When I was invited to participate in this project, I had no idea who was In March 2018 Darwish was bestowed ‘First Guest Composer’ by the wish’s “Hekayat” international premiere is an extraordinary global journey involved and what I would find on the other side. Until I discovered in Beethoven Academy Orchestra and invited to participate as Ambassador of of symphonic music in which artists from all corners of the world come Ihab Darwish a fresh talent with a bright future ahead. And when you add the Euro Mediterranean Music Academy – EMMA for Peace. In the same together in the composer’s universal message of peace and cultural under- the support of the Abu Dhabi Festival and Universal MENA, then success Continued on Page 3

editor’s choice ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2021 3

Weather Expected weather for the next By Night: Rather cold and Abdaly 33 16 Prayer Timings 24 hours: dusty with moderate to fresh Jahra 33 19 Fajr ...... 04:25 Asr ...... 15:23 By Day: Rather hot with light to north westerly wind with speeds Salmiyah 27 21 Sunrise .. 05:44 Maghrib ...18:03 moderate becoming fresh gradu- of 20-60 km/h. Ahmadi 25 20 Zohr ...... 11:54 Isha ...... 19:21 ally north westerly wind with Station Max Exp Min Rec Nuwaisib 31 17 speeds of 15-50 km/h with a Kuwait City 30 21 Wafra 33 16 chance for rising dust later on. Kuwait Airport 32 17 Salmy 32 17

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

‘More luxury features, low maintenance cost’ Is Kuwait prepared to launch electric cars in local market? By Abdel Nasser Al-Aslami prepared for this transformation and the Al-Seyassah Staff extent to which plans have been put in place to accommodate the expected big KUWAIT CITY, March 27: Four years increase on power load which will result ago, the Municipal Council and the from charging electric cars from homes. Municipality have been looking to trans- In addition, the aspirations of the Kuwait form the country into a regional and inter- Municipality’s structural plan management national financial and commercial hub preceding the fourth structural plan 2040 through the fourth structural plan 2040, and cover three phases, where the first begins while the Director-General of the Municipality, Engr Ahmad Al-Manfouhi, with collecting data confirmed that this plan is a translation of and needs of various the noble vision of the late Amir Sheikh government agencies, Sabah Al-Ahmad to transform the country the second is con- into a regional and international financial cerned with presenting and commercial center. working papers related “Since more than four years ago,” the to the economy, hous- Municipal Council has considered that the ing and the environ- 2008 structural plan had a deviation of 60% ment, and the third from development projects. Therefore, phase is the implemen- there was a call from the Supreme Council tation of the phase to for Planning and Development to approve Al-Manfouhi transform Kuwait into the fourth state plan for 2040 before sub- a smart country. mitting it to the Municipal Council for Earlier, some offi- approval. cials of the General Secretariat for Planning A member of the Municipal Council, and Development considered that the stage Engr Hammoud Al-Enezi, presented ques- of implementing the fourth structural plan tions to the executive body of the for the State of Kuwait is one of the most Municipality about the extent of the com- important stages in terms of the need to prehensive study of the fourth structural achieve homogeneity and link the plan with plan when electric cars will hit Kuwait, as car agencies have already started selling the development plan and policies drawn electric cars significantly in the world and up by the Supreme Council for Planning in Kuwait, especially with the luxury fea- and Development and approved by the KUNA photos National Assembly in the development plan A swarms of the desert locusts seen in Kuwait’s skies. (Inset): Grasshoppers sitting on the grass by the roadside at an unidentified location. tures offered by these cars and their excel- lence at very low maintenance costs. (2015-2020). Al-Enezi said in a press statement the One of the most important policies set by North-west winds bring swarms of locusts spread of electric cars in Kuwait poses new the Supreme Council for Planning and challenges that require the state’s structural Development, as mentioned above, is to The Public Authority of Agricultural Affairs The teams have been carrying out their tasks Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish plan to address them since these cars will enable the private sector to engage in eco- and Fish Resources has directed their spe- in tackling this wave of grasshoppers coming in Resources spokesman, Talal Al-Daihani, put a burden on power loads and this raises nomic activities and to reduce the state’s cialized teams to keep away the wave of from Saudi Arabia, and falling in Kuwaiti terri- Thursday. In a statement to KUNA, the the question as to what extent Kuwait is control over it. desert grasshoppers which hit the country on tory due to the strong southern winds. spokesman affirmed that the country is wit- Wednesday, being directed by the fast winds Kuwait’s northern regions, especially nessing an active northerly wind that has con- towards the inner cities and southern regions Al-Abdali and Al-Sulaibiya farms, will be free of tributed to the spread of desert locust swarms of the country. the locust’s swarms , said Kuwaiti Public in the interior and southern regions. (KUNA) Oil sector is ‘miles’ away from Kuwaitization of jobs – report ‘90% infections by mutated virus’ KUWAIT CITY, March 27: The oil sector are not considered rare specialties and can is still ‘miles’ far from the real activation of be filled by Kuwaitis who have specialized the employment programs for Kuwaitis, in oil sector jobs and are willing to serve and the announcement that the percentage their country. ‘Up vaccination for citizens, residents ... illegals’ of Kuwaiti workers reaching 90% or more, The sources say the concerned authority and the sector’s direction to end the ser- is insisting that all absurdities (contracts) in vices of non-Kuwaitis, are mere illusions, the oil sector must be ended immediately By Marwa Al-Bahrawi as the Kuwaitization programs are circum- saying such contracts harm the national Al-Seyassah Staff vented, and non-Kuwaitis are appointed cadres and circumvent the police of replace- through external employment contracts, ment. KUWAIT CITY, March 27: In the midst reports Al-Qabas daily quoting reliable The sources pointed out, a majority of of the spike in infections and the registra- sources. employment contracts in the oil sector are tion of 1,390 new cases, two deaths, and The same sources told the daily, the nothing but contracts to circumvent Kuwait Foreign Exploration Company Kuwaitization programs. Through such 247 recovering in the intensive care, con- (KUFPEC) had concluded a special con- contracts workers from various nationali- sultant Of Internal snd Epidemiological tract with a local company to provide spe- ties are hired under the pretext of rare spe- Diseases at Al-Adan Hospital, Dr. Ghanem cialized support workers, as it was found cializations. that the contract is open-ended and there is The sources added, it is surprising that Al-Hujailan, suggested that “more than no specific date for its expiration. KUFPEC has hired ‘foreigners’ bypassing 90% of the current infections are due to There is also no specific value or a the national cadres. higher ceiling. The contract specifies the the mutated virus, which explains the very salaries and bonuses given to employees The sources have called on the supervi- high number of infections. and that they are promoted accurately, in sory authorities and MPs to intervene to Al-Hujailan said in a statement to Al-Seyassah daily, addition to that approximately 5.9 million stop the excesses and stop the hiring of the mutant is the main reason for the emergence of the dinars were spent on the contract until the non-Kuwaitis in the oil sector and to look second wave of “Covid 19”, explaining that “the herd end of 2019. into such contracts because there are a lot immunity is ineffective with this type of virus, and will The sources indicated the company did of discrepancies. The traffic rush on roads subsides at some places as curfew hours have been eased continue for a maximum of three months in about 80% of not abide by the articles of the contract Sources said that the Kuwait Integrated by one hour. related to providing economy class tickets Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC) has infection cases. After the expiration of the three-month appointed 10 non-Kuwaitis whose ages period, most of them are infected again and said he for the hired workers but reserved for them business class tickets. range between 67 and 78 years, in violation Roads clear before curfew starts receives between 30 and 50 phone calls every day from of the Public Authority for Manpower people who are healthy, some of whom inform him of The sources stated the employee of Arab nationality was promoted to the 18th grade, (PAM) law. By Munif Nayef to fall foul with the law, at other places their infection again and consult him as to how to deal The sources pointed out 3 non-Kuwaiti the traffic appeared impassable. with the disease. which is equivalent to the rank of a team Al-Seyassah Staff leader, which must be held by Kuwaitis engineers have been appointed on loan con- Citizens and residents attributed the He stressed that the vaccination process against Covid-19 tracts under different designations, and they The Kuwaiti roads almost wear a desert- disappearance of traffic congestion to peo- only, explaining that this grade has big in Kuwait is very slow, and stressed on the need to take are at the top of their work in the company, ed look about an hour before the 6:00 ple being fed with the curfew on the one necessary measures to accelerate the pace of vaccination by advantages and incentives, as the salary curfew begins to take effect. hand and to give ‘space’ for two hours to exceeds 5,000 dinars, in addition to housing with better financial advantages, despite the doubling the number of vaccination centers and the diversity fact that the Kuwait Society of Engineers Although there was some congestion walk on the other hand, as well as allowing in the sources and types of vaccinations and opening the and car allowance and air tickets. on major streets at around 5:00 pm, as access to cooperative societies through door to vaccination in the private sector, just like what the The sources went on to say, the jobs for has refused to recognize their engineering motorists rush to reach their homes not barcodes during the hours of the ban. neighboring countries have done. which non-Kuwaitis have been promoted certificates. “We are surprised that a country such as Bahrain which has fewer inhabitants than Kuwait has 27 vaccination centers Stick to health rules, workers told and has succeeded in vaccinating about 42% of its popula- Iraq to return Kuwaiti properties tion, while Kuwait has so far vaccinated only 11.81 percent KUWAIT CITY, March 27: Secretary health and preventive regulations set by the of its population. KUWAIT CITY, March 27: Iraqi asked the Kuwaiti side to inform them General of Kuwait University Dr Muthanna competent health authorities; as well as the Regarding what is being said about the AstraZeneca vaccine, Ambassador to Kuwait Al-Manhal Al-Safi about the details of any missing items dur- Al-Rifai has asked the employees to adhere procedures, rules and regulations on flexible Al-Hujailan said it is safe and suitable for young age groups and confirmed that some Kuwaiti properties ing the war to facilitate procedures in to the rules and procedures for gradual working hours and remote work in accor- healthy people under the age of 65 years, pointing out that it and archives discovered through search searching and returning them to Kuwait. return to work at the university, and to take dance with the Guide, Policies and Procedures gives 80% protection, and for age groups over the age of 65 and investigation operations in various He disclosed this is in addition to the Iraqi preventive measures to curb the spread of for Gradual Return to Work in Governmental years and heart patients and chronic diseases, the Pfizer- Iraqi regions will be handed over to side’s decision to reward anyone who pro- coronavirus, reports Al-Anba daily quoting Entities issued by the Civil Service Biontech vaccine suits them because it gives 95% protection. Kuwait on Sunday, particularly at the vides information on the loss of a Kuwaiti sources from the university. Commission (CSC). Sources added Al-Rifai Al-Hujailan stressed on the need for diversification and headquarters of the Diplomatic Institute, property. Sources revealed Al-Rifai stressed the urged the work centers and employees to expansion in importing vaccines by direct contracting reports Al-Rai daily. He added Iraq will hand over eight tons need for everyone to strictly comply with the adhere to the CSC’s circular in this regard. through the state itself and not through local agents, as is the In a statement to the daily, Al-Safi of archives, books and other belongings; case in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries such as Saudi revealed the Iraqi side affirmed that this while Kuwait will hand over the remains Continued from Page 2 formed regularly at The Palm Fountain at Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain, since direct contracting con- process is part of Iraq’s obligations of the Iraqi soldier who was found on year, Darwish composed music for the The Pointe, Dubai, from December 1, tributes to providing a greater number of vaccines and towards Kuwait in line with the relevant Bubiyan Island upon completion of genet- award-winning documentary “She” 2020. reaches faster, so the state must take the necessary measures United Nations resolutions. He said they ic tests confirming his identity. (2018) directed by Philip Jamel Rashid. About Abu Dhabi Festival to import vaccination without seeking the help of agents or Founded in 2004, Abu Dhabi Festival ‘middle men’ since this is a national security issue. A further unique collaboration saw Regarding the possibility of the person who received the Darwish composing a piece of signature was initially a small arts and culture plat- form that soon graduated to one of the vaccine being infected with the virus, he explained the incu- music for Zahra Lari, the UAE first fig- bation period lasts in most cases between 5 to 7 days, while ure skater, to be used in her performances world’s premiere annual events. Held in the UAE, it celebrates artistic and creative it extends to about 14 days in a small number of patients, and worldwide. these may be vaccinated during the incubation period of the Darwish also collaborated Nahda excellence, and promotes the role of music and the arts in bringing nations closer. It disease while they do not know so they get infected again, Foundation, Emma For Peace and Opera and some cases may become ill without knowing due to the also promotes Abu Dhabi as a leading absence of symptoms and receive the vaccine during infec- For Peace. global hub for creativity and as an Emirati In 2019 Darwish worked in collabora- tion, and these also may become ill again, and they are a beacon for respect and tolerance. small group. tion with the Emirates’ Ministry of Strengthened by a growing network of Education on the historic theatrical per- Al-Hujailan stressed the need to expand the vaccination of 30 international partners, the festival citizens and residents in the country, including the violators formance ‘Voice of Tolerance’ produced brings audiences together each year to by Dragone and staged at Le Perle in of the residence law, whose number has reached 100,000 enjoy world premieres and exclusive people, stressing that vaccinating these people helps to pro- Dubai. The same year Darwish was invit- commissions in the UAE and around the tect the community and eliminate disease. ed to be a key composer at the UAE 48th world. National Day celebrations. This govern- For more information, please visit ment invitation was for the show “Legacy www.abudhabifestival.ae of Our Ancestors”, It was attended by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation Official who slapped UAE leadership, royalty, international Founded in 1996, ADMAF is one of dignitaries amongst the 14000-strong the oldest, not-for-profit cultural organ- audience and his music has been per- isations in the Arabian Gulf. Pioneering guard faces lawsuit formed by the Royal Philharmonic new artistic practices, it seeks to deepen Orchestra in London. KUWAIT CITY, March 27: The Public Prosecution received global cross-cultural dialogue and inspire the report about an official at Kuwaiti Ports Authority (KPA) In 2020 Darwish was commissioned a renewed interest in the creativity of the shown in a video clip slapping a security guard and grabbing by The Palm Fountain (Dubai, UAE) - UAE and Arab world. Often in partner- the latter’s telephone, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting a reli- world’s largest fountain by the Guinness ship with leading national and interna- able source. Book of World Record, to compose an tional institutions, it delivers multidisci- Meanwhile, Attorney Ali Al-Dahi – lawyer of the vic- official musical theme “Aim For The plinary initiatives for people of all ages, tim – confirmed to the daily that the report has been sub- Sky” as a sonic brand and its signature backgrounds and nationalities through mitted to the prosecution. “We demanded for the neces- music. The composition pays homage to the Abu Dhabi Festival, year-round sary measures, including investigation into the incident the UAE’s culture as well as capture youth platforms and community pro- and referral of the accused to the concerned court for Dubai’s cosmopolitanism and is per- grammes. trial,” he revealed. ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2021 LOCAL 4

Co to fi nish equipping 5 primary healthcare centers by 2021 end Dhaman’s plan to treat health expats, their families ongoing KUWAIT CITY, March 27: Accord- of clinics in each center is 20 including technologies and with distinguished Health, the Ministry of Interior, and ing to informed sources, the Health In- family medicine, pediatrics and den- medical and administrative staff. the authorities responsible for the pro- surance Hospitals Company (Dhaman) tal clinics as well as the radiology and By the beginning of 2022, the com- cess of relocating residents and their Speaker sends congratulations is continuing with its plan to complete laboratory services, all of which would pany will have fulfi lled all the neces- families, and launching large introduc- the construction of its health system in be of high quality and based on the best sary requirements to receive its target tory campaigns to ensure the smooth- preparation for receiving expatriates professional practices. group of benefi ciaries on the new ness of the transfer process. Amir congratulates Bangladeshi working in the health sector and their The Dhaman hospitals in Ahmadi mandatory health insurance and begin They said the cost of health insur- families, reports Al-Anba daily. and Jahra areas will have a capacity of their transition to Dhaman’s facilities ance for each benefi ciary will be KD president on Independence Day They explained that Dhaman will fi n- 300 beds in each hospital. The com- where they will be provided integrated 130 according to the law, but an insur- ish equipping fi ve primary healthcare pany has completed the fi rst phase of healthcare services. ance company is studying various op- KUWAIT CITY, March 27, Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber centers covering all governorates of its healthcare system by equipping all The sources affi rmed that Dhaman tions, including designing insurance Kuwait by the end of 2021. The number facilities with the best equipment and is coordinating with the Ministry of policies at reduced prices for families. (KUNA): His Highness the Amir Al-Sabah and the Prime Minister Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Al-Sabah congratulated Bangladesh Mubarak Al-Sabah both sent similar on its Independence Day, in a letter messages. addressed to its President Abdul Ha- Meanwhile, National Assembly Philippines govt demands monthly mid on Friday. Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim con- His Highness the Amir wished the gratulated Bangladesh on its Inde- president well, and his country, pro- pendence Day in a letter sent on gress and prosperity. Friday to the Speaker of the Jatiya report from domestic labor offi ces Their Highnesses the Crown Prince Sangsad Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury. Domestic Workers Dept at PAM calls for urgent meeting

KUWAIT CITY, March All main bars operating at 132 kilovolts 27: The offi ces of the Fili- pino labor recruitment MEW connects main power station ‘Al-Omariya A’ in Kuwait are caught be- tween anvil and the ham- to 300 MVA power transformers, says Eng Al-Otaibi mer, since the Philippine government demands for By Muhammad Ghanem Al-Seyassah Staff a monthly report on all the movements and con- KUWAIT CITY, March 27: Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable ditions of domestic work- Energy restarted the main power sta- ers that each offi ce brings, tion ‘Al-Omariya A’ and connected and the statement of the it to the power grid through the 300 MVA power transformers, with all the Director of Regulating the main bars operating at 132 kilovolts at Recruitment of Domestic the aforementioned station. Workers Department at The Assistant Undersecretary for The Electrical Transmission Networks the Public Authority for Sector and the assistant undersecretary Manpower (PAM), Nasser for the Electrical Distribution Net- Al-Mousawi allowing the works Sector, Eng Mutlaq Al-Otaibi, offi ces to do so -- the state- said the ministry succeeded in linking the recently operated station with the ment that mobilized the old part of the ‘Omariya AE’ station. Philippine side, but now Al-Otaibi added, “The ministry was Photo by Rizk Taufi q Ministry offi cials during the restarting of the main power station ‘Al-Omariya threatens to return the do- relying heavily on the completion of this mestic labor fi le to square station before the summer season begins, were destroyed by the fi re and added, documents to the Ministry of Electric- as this station that caught fi re in Decem- all works and the successful operation ity and Water as the relevant authority one, reports Al-Rai daily. ber 2019 feeds large parts of the Al-Rai, of the station have been completed. for study and submit recommendations With the Philippine govern- Rabiya and Ardhiya industrial areas.” The company stated all the work within 30 days. ment requesting the offi ces to For his part, the local agent of the and all that was needed to be done Informed sources in the ministry start making reports on all those Chinese company ‘Chint Electric’, to supply and install equipment was stated the tender for street lighting was workers brought into the country which specializes in the manufacture completed in record time, despite the fl oated as part of the ministry’s efforts in 2018 and 2019, and the labor of electrical equipment, said the com- corona pandemic. On the other hand, to develop and modernize street light- offi ces are said to have begun to Top: A group photo, and (above) blood being donated. pany, based on the contract concluded the Central Agency for Public Tenders ing equipment and mechanisms in all with the Ministry of Electricity, Wa- (PART) said the seven bids have been governorates, where the bids will be contact the sponsors in order to ter and Renewable Energy, designed, received for the street lighting works in studied by a technical committee and submit the required reports, but Bangladeshis organize Blood Donation drive manufactured, supplied and installed Farwaniya Governorate. then returned to PART to take a deci- Al-Mousawi’s statement said it 25 electrical cells of 132 kV isolated The Board of Directors of PART has sion to award the contract to the best is illegal to contact the sponsor The Kuwait Probashi Page and Pro- was held at the Jabriya Central with SF6 gas to replace the cells that decided to refer the advanced bidding company. and the offi ces stopped for fear tekhon Blood Reservation of Bang- Blood Bank under the sponsorship of legal accountability and called ladesh, Kuwait Branch, on the occa- of BD in Kuwait and RTM news was sion of Bangladesh Independence huge. for an urgent meeting with the Day and 50th Golden Jubilee of In- The organizers said, it is “a great Philippine side to discuss this dependence Day on 26th March in way to celebrate the Independence decision, Saturday, March 27, collaboration with the Bangladeshi Day and we are very happy to show 2021. expatriates organized a Voluntary our patriotism to our beloved nation The head of the Technical Blood Donation Program. while at the same time show our Voluntary Committee to Study the The response to the event which keenness to serve humanity.” Situation of the Domestic Workers Sector, Bassam Al-Shimmari has ‘Negative PCR certifi cate vital’ criticized Al-Mousawi’s state- ment. Al-Shimmari told the daily “What the official in charge of the State employees on offi cial missions domestic worker file said is in con- tradiction to the law and its execu- may ‘escape’ institutional quarantine tive regulations, especially since KUWAIT CITY, March 27: The con- ing the vaccinated returnees from in- Chapter Eight speaks of how to cerned authorities are contemplating stitutional quarantine does not mean resolve disputes between the work- on exempting State employees, who exemption from PCR examinations. er and the employer, following a go on offi cial missions or foreign The source added they must undergo gradual method that starts with courses, from institutional quarantine PCR test on the day of arrival and negotiation, then involves the upon their return to the country, re- another test on the seventh day, as- recruitment office, then the labor ports Al-Qabas daily. serting they must shoulder the fees administration and finally the An offi cial source from Kuwait In- for these tests. court, as Chapter Nine provided for ternational Airport told the daily that On the other hand, the pace of vac- general provisions that include pro- if the proposal is approved; these em- cination against corona has been ac- cedures and controls for granting ployees will be required to submit a celerating. Health offi cials affi rmed negotiations. PCR examination certifi cate showing that the recent increase in demand negative result upon arrival, in addi- for vaccination will have a positive tion to home quarantine for a period impact on the daily rate of infections ‘Yemen highly hails of 14 days. recorded in the country. On the decision of the Council of The offi cials also confi rmed the Kuwait’s support of Ministers to exempt those who took allocation of more health centers for initiative of Saudis’ the required dosage of approved vaccination to support 15 health cent- vaccines from institutional quaran- ers that are currently vaccinating citi- tine upon arrival in Kuwait and tp zens and expatriates. KUWAIT CITY, March 27: The require them to undergo home quar- According to these offi cials; about Yemeni Ambassador to Kuwait, antine for a week and PCR exami- 509,000 people have been vaccinated Professor Ali bin Sefaa said his nation on the seventh day of arrival, so far - 11.8 percent of the country’s country highly appreciates the the source stressed these returnees population. They said the percentage Kuwaiti rapid stance in support of must submit a PCR examination will increase with the arrival of new the initiative of the Kingdom of certificate with negative result shipments of vaccines; disclosing the Saudi Arabia, which has the bless- proving that they are free of the vi- second shipment of Oxford vaccine ing of the legitimate government in rus upon arrival, not more than 72 will most likely arrive next week, Sana’a for a comprehensive cease- hours from the date of undergoing while the 10th shipment of Pfi zer vac- fi re in Yemen, to fi nd a solution the swab test. cine is expected to arrive at the begin- to the Yemeni crisis, reports Al- The source clarifi ed that exempt- ning of the same week. Seyassah daily. In a statement to Al-Seyassah, Ambassador Bin Sefaa said Kuwait Re-registration of 800 students eyed is one of the fi rst countries to an- nounce its support for the Saudi initiative, which in a few hours MoE’s Al-Maqsid calls for amendment of has won the support of many Arab and foreign countries and interna- job description for director-general post tional organizations, because of its constructive proposals, the most By Abdulrahman Al-Shimmari all directors of departments, not only important of which is a comprehen- Al-Seyassah Staff educational sector. He also revealed sive ceasefi re and the opening of the re-registration of 800 students the Sana’a airport, and the entry of KUWAIT CITY, March 27: Acting of various grades in all educational ships of all kinds as long as they are Undersecretary of the Ministry of Ed- districts. committed to the Security Council ucation, Faisal Al-Maqsid has prom- The sources referred to joint meet- resolution, provided that the funds ised to amend the job description for ings with health districts and coor- are deposited in the Central Bank the position of director-general of a dination with them through the Joint and the salaries are paid on the ba- school district to open the way for all Committee comprising members sis of the 2014 lists, and support for departmental managers, unlike the from the Education and Health minis- the return to political consultations. current situation. tries in each educational district to lay He added, “It is the same posi- Education sources told Al-Seyas- down the foundations and rules for tion expressed by the government sah daily Al-Maqsid said during a health requirements and the twelfth of the Republic of Yemen to alle- meeting which was held to discuss grade exam plan, and to form teams viate the suffering of the Yemeni this fi le with district managers, espe- within schools and train them to deal people, and “we hope that the other cially district general managers; he with suspected cases. side will be at the same level of re- said he will push for the amendment The sources stated the undersec- sponding quickly and not placing to be presented to the Civil Service retary of the ministry has asked the obstacles in the way as the Hou- Council (CSC). general managers to specify lists of this have done before to prolong The sources explained the ministry the names of workers in the prepara- and deepen the humanitarian crisis will address the CSC to amend Deci- tory teams to issue to them barcodes by rejecting our initiative to open sion No. 86/2017 to include those to make their movement easy during Sana’a airport.” applying for this position including curfew hours. ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2021 LOCAL 5 REMEMBER WHEN

Local Architecture

This typical two-storey house in old Ku- water cistern stood. In daytime, there wait, made of mud and coral rocks and would be plenty of sunshine through- roofed with mangrove poles, is not only out the house. Invariably, a few stairs easy to construct but also quite durable. led to the roof, a much preferred place The architecture in old Kuwait is for sleeping during hot summer nights. characterized by its success in Close to the house stood the diwaniya, Photograph courtesy “transforming the local values and way or men’s meeting place, with its private of The Center for Re- of life into architectural terms,” as stated entrance and coffee-hearth in the center. search and Studies on by a contemporary architect of Kuwait. It was there that the men of the house The Kuwaiti master builder, known lo- would entertain their guests. Kuwait and the work cally as ustad, drew no plans on papers; In nearby villages, however, houses of Dr Yacoub Al- he fi gured the proportions and made the were less sophisticated and blended plan in his mind. His success, however, beautifully with the surrounding envi- Hijji in the book Old- in using traditional techniques with lo- ronment. Some were fi shermen’s homes; Kuwait: Memories cally available materials such as mud, others, such as the romantic kubar, were gypsum, coral and mangrove poles, is all retreats that belonged to city dwellers. in Photographs fi rst too evident. They resided there in the spring when published in 1996. A house or a mosque in old Kuwait the desert bloomed after the winter rains. was always built around a courtyard (From the book ‘Old Kuwait: Memo- where a brackish water well or a fresh- ries in Photographs’)

Courtesy of The Center for Research and Studies on Kuwait diwaniya A DIGEST OF PUBLIC OPINION ‘Cautious optimism as Assembly to meet after month’s suspension’ “THE National Assembly is supposed to resume its sessions next week af- “Some believe that abstaining from the oath-taking session may send a umnist Oweid Al-Salili wrote for Al-Shahed daily. ter the end of the one-month suspension period. There is cautious optimism clear message to the government that the Parliament will reject its actions “Former lawmakers and state leaders exploited their infl uence and pow- among many citizens that the start will be positive and full of achievement, since the vote on the Speakership to referring MPs and political activists to ers to pass tenders and projects that serve their own interests and busi- but there are other groups who expect the opening session to be fraught the Prosecution. ness at the expense of the national interest, so that the government job and with risks and abundant clashes and liable to explode at any moment with “Therefore, it is expected that a disagreement will arise between the parliament became a goal to achieve wealth and increase funds for some proposals and counter proposals. Today, Kuwaitis are optimistic and pes- opposition bloc about which two paths we should take to avoid divisions mean-spirited people. simistic about the opening session,” columnist Mubarak Al-Duwailah and fragmentation, and in return the other pro-government party will have “Cases of exploiting the public offi ce did not stop when it was used to wrote for Al-Qabas daily. organized its ranks and created a solid bloc of 18 deputies supported by pass tenders to fi rst- and second-degree relatives of some leaders. Rather, “Some wish for a quiet session full of achieve- sixteen ministers and they would be a comfortable majority to pass their corruption reached the point where corrupt people set up private companies ments especially the abolition of the ‘offender law’ priorities, as happened in the committee elections session. for them with their trading partners and some parliamentarians – so that the so that Dr. Badr Al-Dahoum and his ilk return to po- “There is a slight possibility that the opposition will unite in the ques- tioning of the prime minister and refuse to refer the questioning to post- issue would not be exposed – to win the government tenders at exagger- litical work, as well as amending the Constitutional ated prices, which cost the state treasury millions of dinars over the past Court Law so that the judicial verdicts issued by the ponement. If that happens, the government is expected to raise the letter of non-cooperation and this is what most parliamentarians do not wish. decades. Court of Cassation remain valid and not forgetting to “It is sad to see ministers and senior offi cials in the state practicing amend the election law in one way or another in or- “The solution is what we presented in a previous article regarding the need to postpone accountability a little and start to complete what was trade, whether directly or indirectly, through private companies owned der to overcome the negative aspects of the one-vote by their relatives by winning government tenders and projects, and at system and its negative repercussions on everyone. agreed upon in terms of amendments to laws, and the prime minister hinted that he was ready for an understanding between the concerned the same time we see some parliamentarians engaging in private trade “Perhaps the amendment of the audiovisual law and political wars instead of paying more attention to issuing legislations has become a parliamentary priority after we saw a party, if the government cooperated and approved these priorities that we Al-Duwailah mentioned. that criminalize the confl ict that cause harm to the national interest and number of social media men sent to prisons because “Today the opposition has a comfortable majority, so this situation must public money. of tweets, many of which were written with enthusiasm and sincere inten- be used for achievement, and tomorrow we do not know who will come and “Corruption and the abuse of infl uence, position and power have tion. how the government will deal with any upcoming elections, and there may “Nevertheless, we do not forget that there is another opinion on the issue reached a very dangerous level, and has spread in an unprecedented man- come a time when we regret missing this opportunity on the pretext that the ner as a result of the indolence and lack of fi rmness against the corrupt that believes that the beginning must be a consolidation of the role of the government is bad and does not deserve cooperation, and we may face a National Assembly and a cessation of attempts to conduct the sessions ac- and senior infl uential offi cials which encouraged the young before the old new government and a new Parliament, so we bemoan the miss. to become bold, embezzle public money and rob the state and the people cording to the whims and interests of the government. “Now, what is next, will the beginning of this Assembly be its end?” “Therefore, there are calls for an investigation into the events of the without fear. opening session, and discussion on the seat of MP Bader Al-Dahoum which Also: “It is time to give the concerned authority full powers and fl exibility to has fallen vacant, and perhaps this is the straw that may break the back of “In the civilized world, parliaments set specifi c laws which regulate the fi ght and confront corrupt people, especially since this category (the cor- the camel in the form of interrogations that will be presented to the prime relationship between the private and public interests of MPs and govern- rupt people) are more infl uence and powerful than anti-corruption agencies minister at the beginning of the session, which will make the atmosphere ment offi cials, regardless of their position. Governments implement those formed of government employees.” inside the hall gloomy. laws to their fullness to regulate competition and prevent monopoly,” col- — Compiled by Ahmad Al-Shazli Work begins in Mutla’a city 200 permits issued

By Abdul Nasser Al-Aslami Al-Seyassah Staff and Agencies KUWAIT CITY, March 27: Construction work has begun in the Al-Mutla’a residential city when a citizen started building his house after a long wait, while Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Shaya Al-Shaya said there is coordination with the Ministry of Awqaf to equip the city with temporary mosques to sat- isfy the needs of the people of the city until the completion of the construction of the mosques. He revealed the Fatwa and Legislation Department has issued the decision to pay three months rent allow- The patrol car hit by a reckless motorist. ance for those whose allowance was cut in accordance with the regulations in force. Traffi c cop survives hit Director General of the Public Authority for Housing Wel- fare, Engineer Badr Al-Waqian, said agreements have been By Munif Nayef reckless motorist driving a Yukon while signed with 11 government agencies to provide a health center Al-Seyassah Staff attempting to overtake another vehicle and an ambulance center, a water tanker station, fuel station crashed into the parked police vehicle. and called for coordination with the Ministry of Interior to pro- A traffi c policeman escaped certain death The General Traffi c Department vide security for the city. on the King Fahd Expressway while on checked the accident recorded by the duty. The policeman had stopped his patrol camera. Without going into de- Director of the Kuwait Municipality, Engr Ahmed Al-Man- car behind a vehicle (which had a break- tails the daily said traffi c was blocked fouhi, said the Municipality has already begun to hand over down) on the shoulder of the road and a for some time. building permits to the people of Al-Mutla’a city and that a total of 200 licences have so far been issued. ❑ ❑ ❑ Curfew violator held: An unidentifi ed Kuwaiti has been ar- News in Brief rested and detained for interrogation. The man was allegedly caught during curfew hours. When a police patrol asked him the reason for being on the road during curfew hours, he refused to answer and resisted Naham visits checkpoints: The authorities and respects the partial curfew arrest at the same time helping a female companion who was Directorate General of Public Relations hours, reports Al-Qabas daily. with him in the car to escape. During the tour he was briefed on the and Security Media Department of the The incident happened in Sabah Al-Salem. The man has Interior Ministry stated that, in light of mechanism of work of the security points, the procedures followed in been detained at the area police station. the current circumstances that the country ❑ ❑ ❑ is going through in the face of the new implementing the partial curfew deci- sion, and how to deal with emergency Corona pandemic, the Undersecretary of cases in this regard. New jobs soon: The Civil Service Council said a special the Ministry of Interior, Lieutenant During the tour, Al-Naham stressed on committee comprising ministers will meet over the next few General Issam Salem Al-Naham went on the need for everyone to take all neces- days to recommend names of Kuwaitis who will be appointed a field security tour in the Capital sary measures to tighten serious over- in senior positions in various government sectors, especially Governorate that included the areas of sights and effective implementation of the after most of these positions became vacant during the last pe- Tebneed Al-Qar and Al-Mubarakiya, dur- ban, and also stressed on the necessity of riod to accelerate work, reports Al-Qabas daily. ing which he inspected a number of secu- treating citizens and residents and taking The CSC sources added the Kuwait University is tasked rity points to ensure everyone adheres to into account the human dimension while with testing the ability of the test those whose names have been the instructions issued by the health dealing with everyone. recommended. The applicants will have to pass written and oral tests. ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2021 LOCAL 6 Luxembourg and Kuwait initial agreements to boost relations Deals on aviation, financial sectors ‘milestone’ in ties

LUXEMBOURG, March today enhancing the already excel- structive role Kuwait is playing in “He will be missed by all of us and 27, (KUNA): Luxembourg lent bilateral relations,” said the Gulf region and also in the I am convinced that his legacy lives Asselborn in statements to KUNA Middle East. We are grateful for on thanks to his successor His and Kuwait signed two and Kuwait TV after signing the Kuwait‘s leadership in the recon- Highness Sheikh Al Nawaf al Ahmad agreements on Thursday, agreement at Luxembourg‘s foreign struction efforts for Iraq and to its al Jaber al Sabah,” he added. one in the aviation area ministry. humanitarian assistance to UNRWA On his part, Al Budaiwi told The agreement will provide a very and for the Syrian people, “ he said. KUNA that these two agreements are and the other in the finan- strong legal framework to our nation- “Kuwait was always a very, very a milestone in the relationship cial sector, that aim to fur- al freight carrier CargoLux which is important mediator and also a very , between Kuwait and Luxembourg. ther strengthen bilateral already flying to Kuwait once a very important country in the “We truly believe that both sides relations between the two week, he noted. region,” he stressed. will benefit from these two agree- countries. The additional protocol agreement Exchanged ments,” he said. provides untapped opportunities that “Bilateral relations between The additional protocol agree- The first agreement on air ser- exist in the area of financial services ment, Kuwait as one of the major vice was signed by Luxembourg’s Kuwait and Luxembourg have been including Islamic finance, said excellent and they remain excellent,” countries in the world that has a foreign minister Jean Asselborn Asselborn. Sovereign Fund and depends on for- and on behalf of the State of he said noting that in recent years the He noted that in 2014 Luxembourg two countries have exchanged high eign investments, he said, provides Kuwait by its Ambassador to set up the first Sukuk listed in the level visits and he hoped that the safety and assurance to its invest- Belgium, Luxembourg, the euro currency. visit will continue once the pandemic ments outside Kuwait . European Union and NATO, “I have good hope that these two crisis is over. He noted that Luxembourg is con- Jasem Al Budaiwi. agreements will substantially Noting the passing away last year sidered to be one of the major and The second agreement on the addi- increase trade opportunities between of His Highness the late Amir of important financial centres in the tional protocol to the bilateral tax our two countries in future,” he said. Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al world. treaty was signed by Luxembourg’s Asselborn also expressed praise Jaber Al Sabah Asselborn said he “Also this agreement covers Finance Minister Pierre Gramegna and appreciation for Kuwait’s impor- had met him several times. aspects that Luxembourg provides in KUNA photos and Al Budaiwi. tant role in the Gulf region and the the sector of Islamic sukuk and in Photos during the signing of deal for the construction of a hardware fac- “He was a tireless advocate for tory. “I am very pleased that we sign Middle East. peace, for dialogue and for humani- this regard we are very happy and this bilateral air service agreement “Luxembourg appreciates the con- tarian action,” he stressed. honoured to cover this aspect,” said Al Budaiwi. “We look forwarding to KOC, PAAET ink deal boosting our financial relationship with Luxembourg in many aspects,” Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has force, said in a statement the Public he said. signed a deal with a local academic Authority for Applied Education and On the aviation agreement, the body for the construction of a hard- Training (PAAET), with which the Kuwait ambassador said “it is a very ware factory that would enable stu- KOC worked out the deal. important agreement that provides dents there to employ cutting-edge As per the agreement, PAAET’s machinery for the development of tech-savvy graduates would be two important goals for Kuwait.” their practical skills. able to parlay their academic suc- The first one is to boost aviation The deal, besides serving the cess into a future career at the cooperation between Kuwait and local oil market, is also an effort to KOC, added the statement. Luxembourg and that it is now regu- mold a competent national work- (KUNA) lated and that all sides are benefiting from this aviation relationship. Goal Bid to fill vacancies The other goal that Kuwait achieved with this agreement is that it is signed in compliance with EU Education sets meeting regulations, he said. Therefore this agreement will provide the basis for Kuwait‘s future aviation relations with the other 26 EU member states, to finalize paper exams he clarified. Another important KUWAIT CITY, March 27: few and limited. It does not neces- aspect is that Kuwait is now in the Following the issuance of the sarily include all students of the process of building its state-of-the- widely-welcomed decision to con- 12th grade in American schools, art airport which will finish in the duct paper-based exams and set but students who have registered next few years and will serve many dates for the return of students to with some subjects only, as some airlines and millions of passengers. schools, the Ministry of Education international bodies refused to So today’s agreement with began intensive meetings to final- cancel them during the past aca- Luxembourg and with hopefully ize the procedures for setting demic year”. exams, counting the number of Meanwhile, for the third day in with other EU countries in the future students who will take the exams, a row, the Ministry of Education will provide with the aspects for and inviting them and the educa- completed interviews with dozens Kuwait’s airport according to inter- tional and administrative staff of candidates for the position of national standards , added Al members to register for the assistant director, reports Al-Rai Budaiwi. COVID-19 vaccine, reports Al-Rai daily. On his part, Pierre Gramegna in daily. It has been issuing announce- statements to KUNA and Kuwait TV On a related note, President of ments for other job vacancies as expressed his happiness to have the Union of Foreign Schools part of the vacancy placement plan signed this “important agreement” Noura Al-Ghanem affirmed, “The it launched in the administrative with Kuwait noting that financial paper-based tests approved by the and educational sectors. services are very important in Cabinet for foreign schools include The administrative sector Luxembourg. “We are in terms of the grades associated with all announced the need for the minis- investments funds in the second larg- international academic accredita- try to fill the position of head of est place in the world,” he said. “We tion bodies. They are the 12th the nutrition department in the have more than 120 banks in grade in American schools, the control services of the General Luxembourg and we are an impor- 11th and 12th grades in French Services Department in the tant investment partner for Kuwait schools, and the three secondary Administrative Development and the other way round you have grades in British schools. Sector. huge reserves not only for oil but It is likely that an official deci- The ministry has defined the sovereign fund that is very powerful sion will be issued by the General conditions to be fulfilled by the and could use the expertise of our Administration of Private candidates. The applicant must financial sector,” said the Education within the next two have a university degree of a rele- Luxembourg finance minister. days. vant specialization and experience The number of students who are in the field of work for a period of KUNA photos “Thanks to the agreement that we Kuwait’s Ambassador Jasem Al Budaiwi and Foreign Minister of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn during the signing made today our cooperation is going entitled to take paper tests is very no less than six years. of agreements. to be very fruitful,” he added. Kuwait continues support and assistance to displaced, needy KUWAIT CITY, March 27, (KUNA): Kuwaiti institutions and bodies continued their renewed humanitarian activities to provide a hand of support and assistance to the displaced and needy people in the region, especially at the relief and health levels, in light of the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The foreign aid provided by Kuwaiti institutions during the week ending Friday, was focused on Yemen and Iraq, as the World Health Organization announced Thursday, that the State of Kuwait provided the Ministry of Health in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq with laboratory examination bags as a contribution to efforts to confront the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization stated in a statement that the State of Kuwait sent a shipment of 9,050 laboratory test bags and 9,050 viral transport mediums to the Kurdistan region of Iraq, and it was received by the Ministry of Health in the region. WHO added that this shipment will help increase virus checks with the high number of cases currently reported in Iraq and the region, expressing its thanks and appreciation to the State of Kuwait for contributing to securing this shipment. Devices This comes after the State of Kuwait, last month, pro- vided medical aid to Kurdistan, in cooperation with the World Health Organization, which included medical sup- plies and devices weighing 13 tons, worth one million dollars, in addition to personal protection equipment for medical workers, diagnostic equipment, oxygen devices, intensive care units, hospital bed equipment medical furni- ture and patient monitoring devices. During the past period, Kuwait funded the activities of the World Health Organization to confront the COVID-19 pandemic in the Kurdistan region by delivering six ambu- lances to the Ministry of Health in the region to improve emergency and life-saving services for the Syrian popula- tion, refugees and host communities in the northern Iraqi governorate of Erbil, in addition to 22 tons of health tech- nologies. The World Health Organization also launched a wide awareness campaign targeting 800,000 people in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, with funding from Kuwait, to prevent and contain the coronavirus. In Yemen, the World Mercy Society launched a mas- sive humanitarian campaign last Monday to provide relief to two thousand displaced Yemeni families, especially those that have been displaced recently due to the escalation of confrontations in the Ma’rib gover- norate, which hosts more than two million displaced Yemenis. ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2021 INTERNATIONAL 7

Republican efforts to limit voting rights ‘un-American’ Biden leaves door open for Senate changes to advance agenda WASHINGTON, March 27, (AP): Pres- to make sure “the big guy doesn’t pick When Biden moved on to fi elding ident Joe Biden at his fi rst news confer- on the little guy,” adding that he was try- questions, the president didn’t get a sin- ence left the door open to backing fun- ing to protect “basic civility.” gle query about the virus that has rewrit- damental changes in Senate procedure Biden’s own political future came ten the rules of society for more than a to muscle key parts of his agenda like up at the press conference as well. The year. immigration and voting rights past Re- 78-year-old president said for the fi rst Biden was the fi rst chief executive in publican opposition “if there’s complete time his “plan is to run for reelection, four decades to reach this point in his lockdown and chaos.” that is my expectation.” But he made term without holding a formal news con- Even as his administration navi- clear his focus was on the here and now ference, where reporters have the oppor- gates the COVID-19 pandemic and and not a distant election. tunity for extended back-and-forth with the resulting economic damage, Biden “I am going to deal with all of those the president on the issues of the day. is grappling with how to deliver on a problems,” he pledged. That delay produced a surprising level host of big promises despite a razor- of anticipation for a chief executive who thin Senate majority. He teased that Efforts has deliberately tried to turn down the changes to Senate rules that would al- One key item on the list: Republican temperature in a city overheated by his low bills to pass with fewer votes may efforts to limit voting rights, an effort predecessor Donald Trump. be necessary for him to achieve some the president deemed “sick” and “un- Biden, who once proclaimed himself of those goals. American.” He argued that even GOP a “gaffe machine,” avoided any major “If there’s complete lockdown and voters believe actions that make it hard- stumbles even as he rambled at times chaos, as a consequence of the fi libuster, er for people to cast ballots are “despic- and cut himself off at one point, sud- then we’re going to have to go beyond able” attempts to undermine democracy. denly asking, “Am I giving too long an what I’m talking about,” he said at the The president was repeatedly pressed answer?” Thursday news conference. about the situation at the US-Mexico He acknowledged several vexing for- Despite strong poll numbers, Biden border, where increasing numbers of eign policy problems that he faces im- faces headwinds in delivering on his young migrants have overwhelmed the mediately, including growing concerns ambitious legislative agenda. His party’s government’s holding facilities. Biden about North Korea’s nuclear program, congressional majorities are narrow, Re- promised better media access to the a looming May 1 deadline to withdraw publican opposition appears entrenched US President Joe Biden speaks about the COVID-19 pandemic during a prime-time address from the East Room camps - once his administration has a of the White House on March 11, in Washington. (AP) U.S. troops from Afghanistan, and and not all Democrats are aligned in better handle on things - as well as im- China’s rising stature as an economic reforming Senate rules on the fi libuster. provements to the nation’s immigration competitor. Biden at fi rst backed a modifi cation - system and U.S. help to improve condi- Early Thursday, North Korea but not elimination - of the arcane pro- tions in the migrants’ home countries. Atlanta spa shooting victim remembered launched the fi rst ballistic missile tests cedural tactic. But he then suggested, “I can’t guarantee that we’re going of the Biden administration, what some at least on certain issues, he would go to solve everything, but I can guarantee analysts say was a measured provoca- further, saying the fi libuster - which re- that we’re going to make it better,” he 2 dead in Virginia Beach oceanfront shootings tion to catch the new president’s atten- quires 60 votes to pass legislation in the said. tion. Senate - was being “abused in a gigantic And in the aftermath of two mass VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., March 27, suffered minor injuries. Neudigate had funeral Friday, a sunbeam came way” by Republicans. shootings in a week, Biden was pressed (AP): Two people are dead and eight said the offi cer was struck by a vehi- through the window and shone upon Talks people were wounded in shootings cle during the investigation. A different Yue’s two sons, a sure sign their Consistent on his plans for new gun violence laws. along Virginia Beach’s oceanfront, offi cer fatally shot a man at the shoot- mother was watching, one of them The Biden administration has sought He responded that legislating is “a mat- to restart talks with Kim Jong Un’s re- “I want to get things done. I want to police said Saturday. ing scene. While offi cers were inves- said. ter of timing” and then gave a long- Eight people were shot just after tigating the original shooting, shots As his mother’s body lay before gime in hopes of persuading the North get them done consistent with what we winded answer about his infrastructure to give up its nuclear program, but thus promised the American people,” said 11 p.m. Friday, Virginia Beach police were fi red nearby, Neudigate said. him in a casket draped with pink plan, which he said will be his adminis- said in a news release. All eight were The offi cer confronted the man, lead- fl owers, Elliott Peterson pointed to far has faced radio silence from the Biden, who spent decades in the Sen- tration’s next legislative priority. taken to local hospitals, with some of ing to the deadly gunfi re. The offi cer a large photo of her on display and North. Biden was restrained as he ad- ate. “I am going to say something out- Biden had held off on holding his fi rst their conditions ranging from serious has been placed on administrative asked friends and family gathered in monished the North for the latest tests.. rageous: I have never been particularly news conference until he could use it to to life-threatening. One woman died leave. He has been with the depart- a funeral home in Peachtree Corners “There will be responses if they poor at calculating how to get things celebrate progress against the pandemic of a gunshot wound on the scene, the ment for fi ve years and is assigned to to remember her like that - a big grin choose to escalate,” he said. “We will done in the United States Senate.” and passage of a giant COVID-19 relief release said. At an earlier news con- its special operations division. on her face and two fi ngers on each respond accordingly. But I’m also pre- Senate Majority Leader Chuck package. ference, police Chief Paul Neudigate Also: hand extended in a “V.” Yue was one pared for some form of diplomacy, but Schumer at his own press conference In his opening remarks, he declared said the death possibly stemmed from of eight people fatally shot March 16 in it has to be conditioned upon the end re- Thursday declined to lean too heavily an unrelated shooting. PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga.: While a attacks on massage businesses in At- that “hope is on the way,” and he dou- pastor spoke during Yong Ae Yue’s sult of denuclearization.” into fi libuster changes, only saying that bled his original goal on COVID-19 The release also said one offi cer lanta and nearby Cherokee County. On Afghanistan, Biden committed to “everything, everything is on the table.” vaccines by pledging that the nation will pulling US troops out of Afghanistan, And West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, administer 200 million doses by the end of 100 million doses earlier this month demic that has killed more than 545,000 vaccine goal amounts to a continua- but expressed doubts about meeting the a moderate Democrat whose vote is crit- of his fi rst 100 days in offi ce. The ad- - before even his 60th day in offi ce - as Americans. tion of the existing pace of vaccinations May 1 deadline that was set by an agree- ical, said he thought the rules were there ministration had met Biden’s initial goal the president pushes to defeat a pan- While seemingly ambitious, Biden’s through the end of next month. ment signed under Trump. GM expands board to 13 with Whitman and NBA’s Tatum

General Motors said Thursday powered combustion engines. Offi cer of the National Basket- sented on the boards of major that it has expanded its board to In her 2010 bid for governor of ball Association. His father was corporations. In this fi le photo, 13 members and appointed for- California, Whitman supported a born in Jamaica and his mother Last year, California became Meg Whitman is mer Hewlett-Packard chief Meg ballot measure that would sus- is Vietnamese. He was born in the fi rst state to mandate mini- interviewed on Whitman and NBA executive pend California’s landmark cli- Vietnam and raised in Brooklyn. mum representation of minori- the fl oor of the Mark Tatum as directors. mate change law. The law sets Seven of GM’s directors are ties on the boards of publicly New York Stock The 64-year-old Whitman, who aggressive goals to dramatically women, including Chair and traded companies based there. Exchange. (AP) also previously led eBay and the reduce emissions, by getting 5 CEO Mary Barra, who in 2014 In its 2020 report, global re- short-lived video app Quibi, joins million zero-emission vehicles became the fi rst woman to lead cruiting fi rm Spencer Stuart says GM at a time when the 112-year- on California roads by 2030. Vot- a major US automaker. among S&P 500 companies, old company is refashioning itself ers defeated the proposal. There has been an acknowl- 47% of independent directors as a maker of electric vehicles, Tatum, 51, is the Deputy Com- edgment in the US and abroad are now women, up from 21% in rather than big pickups with gas- missioner and Chief Operating that white men are overrepre- 2010. (AP)

Market Movements 26-03-2021 Change Closing pts Change Closing pts AUSTRALIA - All Ordinaries +40.47 7,063.09 PHILIPPINES - PSEi -36.37 6,544.63 JAPAN - Nikkei +446.82 29,176.70 PAKISTAN - KSE 100 -204.53 45,521.63 GERMANY - DAX +127.58 14,748.94 FRANCE - CAC 40 +36.40 5,988.81 EUROPE - Euro Stoxx 50 +34.11 3,866.68 S. KOREA - KRX 100 +60.04 6,538.19 INDIA - Sensex +568.38 49,008.50 Business US revises Q4 GDP up slightly to 4.3%

Stocks in sector jump, driving demand for oil ‘Economy is poised for robust growth’ WASHINGTON, March 27, Energy fi rms seen as big winner in 2020 (AP): The US economy grew at an annual rate of 4.3% in NEW YORK, March 27, (AP): Energy the fi nal three months of 2020, companies spent the fi rst quarter of slightly faster than previously 2021 recharging from a draining year. Why not privatize part of its assets? Wall Street expects that growth to con- estimated, as recovery expec- tinue as energy companies and many tations for 2021 rise along with of the other companies beaten down KPC to borrow up to $20bn vaccinations and the provision by the virus benefi t from a the vaccine of nearly $2 trillion in addi- push aimed at bringing the pandemic to By Kamel Al-Harami monthly salaries, which amount to tional government support. an end. roughly KD one billion per month Marathon Oil, Exxon Mobil and Independent Oil Analyst GDP in the October-December or $45 billion per year. This has quarter rose from an estimated other stocks in the sector have jumped FOR how long can Kuwait Petro- resulted in KPC opting to borrow as the economy recovers from the virus leum Corporation go on a borrow- rate last month of 4.1%, the Com- from the international markets. merce Department reported Thurs- pandemic, driving demand for oil. ing spree? It knows well that the The question is - For how long will Analysts polled by FactSet expect oil industry will neither recover Kuwait’s oil industry continue bor- day. The upward revision refl ected the energy sector to make overall stock from the price slump nor recover rowing? stronger inventory restocking by A pedestrian walks past a shuttered store and one that is having a store clos- gains of up to 45% this year, based its record The immediate question to be businesses. ing sale in New York’s Financial District, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP) on current median target prices. That demand answered is related to why KPC is For the entire year, the GDP shrank would make the sector the biggest gain- rate of 100 by 3.5%, the largest annual decline out of a deep recession. Finncial, predicted that corporate profi ts not opting to privatize or sell some Boussour forecast GDP growth for would increase this year as economic er of the year, far outpacing 20% gains million bar- of its assets and joint projects in the since a plunge of 11.6% in 1946 when expected in the technology sector. rels per day the US demobilized after World War II. the full year of 7% with annualized activity picks up. refi ning sectors like our operations growth rates close to 10% in the spring Thursday’s GDP report was the gov- The energy sector is already the of the year in Europe, Oman, and Vietnam? The 3.5% drop was unchanged from the biggest gainer in the S&P 500 so far 2019 any- previous estimates. and summer. ernment’s third and fi nal look at the Why not sell its oil transporting There are emerging threats, however, fourth quarter, closing out a year with this year, rising nearly 30%, while the time soon. company entirely, or complete Economists are looking for a huge broader index is only up about 5%. The There is a rebound this year, helped by govern- including problems with global supply record swings in activity as . forming its third local fuel distri- chains. Some of the biggest have shown GDP fell at an annual rate of 5% in gains mark a sharp turnaround from last sudden urge bution company? ment support packages including a $1.9 year, when the sector shed 37% of its by most na- trillion package signed by President Joe up in the auto industry where some au- the fi rst quarter of 2020, as the COV- There are other opportunities tomakers have had to cut back produc- ID-19 pandemic ended the country’s value as people stopped traveling and tional oil to sell or privatize some activities Biden on March 11 that is delivering commuting to work. Their profi ts dis- companies $1,400 payments to individuals, extend- tion because of a shortage of computer record-long economic expansion, which Al-Harami with a shortage of upstream, in line chips. was in its 11th year. GDP plunged by appeared, with many swinging to a loss. in seeking with other national oil companies’ ing emergency unemployment until “Investors are coming around to the overseas funds to support and fi - early September and providing billions But at the moment, forecasters be- a record 31.4% rate in the April-June practices such as Saudi Arabia, and lieve the strength coming from an im- quarter and then rebounded by a record fact that the recovery is going to be pret- nance its ongoing hydrocarbons the rest of Gulf countries. In the of dollars in relief to state and local gov- ernments. proving vaccine situation and further rate of 33.4% in the third quarter before ty robust,” said Brian Levitt, global mar- projects of upstream and down- mid-60s, companies like KNPC, ket strategist at Invesco. “What we’re stream or at least maintain its Economists believe all the govern- government stimulus will offset the slowing to the 4.3% gain in the fourth PIC and KOTC were fully con- ment relief measures will boost GDP supply chain issues. quarter. seeing is very much aligned with what production portfolio. The low oil trolled by private owners. you would expect in a recovery trade.” prices are forcing all oil companies in the current January-March quarter The GDP report Thursday showed Economists say the quarterly GDP Is it not sad that we all refer to to 5% or higher. They are forecasting that corporate profi ts fell 1.4% in the changes will be far less dramatic this OPEC is also maintaining its produc- to do the same, but with assur- the Kuwait of the past and have a tion cuts to support prices as demand ance to its shareholders of certain growth for the entire year of around 6% fourth quarter after a big 27.4% increase year but should show a steadily improv- poor outlook for the future of this or even higher, which would the strong- in the third quarter as the economy fi rst ing economy as long as the virus cases recovers. It cut production by 9.7 mil- degrees of returns on investments country? We were the sole leader lion barrels per day after the pandemic with sharp guidance. est performance since a 7.2% GDP gain began to recover from the pandemic. remain under control and supply chain of the oil industry within the OPEC in 1984 when the economy was coming Gus Faucher, chief economist at PNC problems are resolved. hit last year, but eased that to 7.7 mil- KPC’s decision to seek outside Plus, and now we follow them. lion barrels per day by the end of 2020. funds is mainly due to Kuwait gov- The next question is - For how That’s helped lift oil prices 20% in ernment’s shortage of cash and the long can KPC continue with the 2021, a sharp turnaround from last ongoing budget defi cit from the borrowing? This will certainly will year’s 20% drop. Oil prices are now year 2019 until date. The defi cit be for many years in the absence of back to pre-pandemic levels. is increasing, while the oil price is fi nding alternative sources of rev- Oil producers are expected to con- decreasing. Also, our expenses are enues other than oil ... it is a big IF. tinue benefi ting from the tighter global increasing in the absence of any Finally, will the government use supply of oil at a time of increasing de- concentrated effort to reduce them part of KPC’s $20 billion borrowed mand. Most OPEC oil cartel countries in consideration of the decline in fund to fi nance its own defi cit? are leaving voluntary production cuts in the oil prices. Borrowing money is not the so- place through April. The main reason for KPC to lution ... It is a temporary solution Global oil consumption has just about go to the international fi nancing to a long term situation that seems returned to its pre-pandemic levels and houses is simply that the govern- unknown. is expected to steadily rise through the ment has taken over its total ac- ❑ ❑ ❑ rest of 2021 and 2022, according to the cumulated profi ts in order to meet U.S. Energy Information Administra- its budget requirements and pay email: [email protected] tion. It expects production cuts from OPEC to ease beginning in May, which could temper oil prices moving into the A continued slump in air travel is stead of investing in production. second half of the year. still holding back a bigger increase in Marathon Oil told investors in Febru- “They (OPEC) can easily open the oil demand and OPEC will likely time ary that even if stronger crude oil prices valve and they will at some point,” said the resumption of full production with hold, it will continue to focus on its David Lefkowitz, head of Americas eq- that demand, he said. Meanwhile, many cash fl ow and cost cuts. Exxon Mobil uities at UBS Global Wealth Manage- U.S. companies are focusing on cutting said it is also pacing its investments to ment. costs and building up cash reserves in- build up a cash cushion. ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2021 BUSINESS 9

VW to seek damages from former executives for diesel scandal

Volkswagen is seeking damages from two VW said a law fi rm the supervisory board prehensively and promptly clarify the circum- former top executives for their role in the die- tasked with investigating liability issues re- stances behind the use of unlawful software A Volkswagen sel emissions scandal that cost the German viewed millions of documents, conducted functions” in 2.0 TDI diesel engines sold in the ID.3 (l) and automaker billions of euros and a hefty dent hundreds of interviews and “concluded that North American market between 2009 and ID.4 stand in- in its reputation. negligent breaches of duty had occurred” by 2015. “Prof. Winterkorn also failed to ensure side a delivery VW said after a board meeting that it the two executives. “The investigation that that the questions asked by the U.S. authori- tower in Wolfs- wants damages from ex-chief executive has now been completed was by far the ties in this context were answered truthfully, burg, Ger- Martin Winterkorn and Rupert Stadler, the most comprehensive and complex investi- completely and without delay,” it said. many, March former head of its Audi brand, “on account gation carried out in a company in German German news agency dpa quoted Win- 26. (AP) of breaches of the duty of care under stock economic history,” Volkswagen said. terkorn as saying he had done “everything corporation law.” The probe found that Winterkorn allegedly necessary and not refrained from anything In its statement, the company didn’t speci- “breached his duties of care (...) by failing, that would have led to avoiding or limiting fy the amount of damages it would seek. in the period from 27 July 2015 on, to com- the damage suffered.” (AP) Wall Street returns to record heights

World stocks advance on optimism over pandemic recovery

NEW YORK, March 27, (AP): U.S. stocks burst to their best day in three weeks , helping Wall Street return to record heights and avoid what could have been a second straight weekly loss. The S&P 500 added 65.02 points, or 1.7%, to 3,974.54, with a quarter of that rise coming in the last fi ve minutes of trading alone. Some of the biggest gains came from companies whose prof- its would jump the most if COV- ID-19 vaccinations and massive U.S. government spending pro- grams juice the economy as much as economists expect. The index locked in a 1.7% gain for the week after losing 0.8% last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Aver- age rose 453.40 points, or 1.4%, to 33,072.88, and both it and the S&P 500 set all-time highs. The Nasdaq composite climbed 161.05, or 1.2%, to 13,138.72, though it remains 6.8% below its record set last month. Stock prices have been churning in recent weeks, and momentum has often shifted sharply, sometimes by the hour. Rising expectations for a supercharged economic recovery are supporting many stocks on one hand, while worries about the possibility of higher infl ation and rising interest rates are undercutting the market on the other. This past week, everything from President Joe Biden doubling his goal for COVID-19 vaccinations to a skyscraper-sized ship blocking one of the world’s most important canals sent markets swinging. Rejuvenated “It’s natural that you would have people looking at” stocks of compa- nies that would benefi t the most from a rejuvenated economy, said Tom Plumb, portfolio manager and presi- dent of Plumb Funds. “But there are In this photo provided by the New York Stock Exchange, William Lawrence (center), works with fellow traders on the fl oor on March 26. (AP) times when you are going to have a fair amount of volatility because a re- month than economists expected. That benefit from more investment in in- COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed. hopes for a strong recovery from the FTSE 100 jumped 0.7% to 6,722.31. covery like we are in has never been took off some of the pressure of infl a- frastructure were also rallying sharp- Since interest rates began rising last pandemic. The futures for the S&P 500 and the smooth.” tion worries in the near term. ly. Steelmaker Nucor climbed 8.9% autumn, tech stocks have been most Paris, London and Tokyo advanced Dow industrials both gained 0.3%. Much of the stock market’s recent The higher yields helped lift stocks for the biggest gain in the S&P 500, caught within the the market’s cross- and U.S. futures also were higher. In Asian trading, Tokyo’s Nikkei turbulence has been an after-effect of of banks, in part because higher inter- and miner Freeport-McMoRan rose winds. They were among the biggest Investors appeared to be shrugging 225 index surged 1.6% to 29,176.70 movements in the bond market, where est rates allow them to make bigger 5.9%. winners earlier in the pandemic, and off a resurgence of coronavirus cases and the Hang Seng in Hong Kong Treasury yields have been largely profi ts from making loans. Financial President Joe Biden is pushing their high stock prices and long run- in many areas and focusing on signs picked up 1.6% to 28,340.97. In Seoul, climbing since last autumn. Higher stocks also got a boost after the Federal for big spending on the nation’s in- ways of profi t growth have made them economies are on the mend. the Kospi rose 1.1% to 3,041.01. The yields can make investors less will- Reserve said it will soon allow banks frastructure, as many past presidents susceptible to weakness when interest Hopes that economies will regain Shanghai Composite index climbed ing to pay high prices for stocks, with to resume buying back their own stock have done to little effect. “Whether rates have been on the rise. ground lost since last year’s fi rst out- 1.6% to 3,418.33 and India’s Sensex companies seen as the most expensive and to send bigger dividend payments or not it happens or doesn’t happen, breaks of coronavirus thanks to COV- gained 1.3% higher. taking the most pain. Companies that to shareholders. The Fed restricted the market feels like there’s more Rose ID-19 vaccinations and huge amounts In other trading Friday, U.S. bench- ask their investors to wait many years such moves last summer to force banks of a possibility that it will happen,” Such high-growth stocks were turn- of government have helped support mark crude oil gained $1.56 to $60.12 for the payoff of big profi t growth have to hold onto cash cushions amid the Plumb said. ing in a mixed performance on Friday. stocks. per barrel in electronic trading on the also been hit hard. coronavirus-caused recession. Other companies that stand to ben- Apple rose 0.5%, but only after swing- “Although very much in the price, New York Mercantile Exchange. It The yield on the 10-year Treasury Some of Friday’s biggest gains efi t from more widespread coroan- ing between gains and losses numer- investors did take solace as the posi- sank $2.62 on Thursday to $58.56 per rose to 1.67% from 1.61% late Thurs- came from energy stocks, which ben- virus vaccinations and the U.S. gov- ous times through the day. Microsoft tive outlook for vaccines amid Presi- barrel. day. But that’s still below where it was efi ted from a $2.41 rise in the price of ernment’s spending plan to rescue rallied 1.8%, and Facebook climbed dent Joe Biden’s plan for an ‘economic Brent crude, the standard for inter- last week, when it rose above 1.70% U.S. oil, settling at $60.97 per barrel. the economy were also particularly 1.5%, but Tesla dropped 3.4%. rejuvenation,’ which underpinned risk national pricing, picked up $1.51 to and touched its highest level since be- Marathon Oil gained 5.3%, and en- strong. Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Stocks also rose across most inter- overnight,” Stephen Innes of Axi said $63.31 per barrel. fore the pandemic began. ergy stocks across the S&P 500 rose Body Works owner L Brands gained national markets. Indexes rallied 1% or in a commentary. The U.S. dollar rose to 109.45 Japa- A report on Friday also showed that 2.6% for the biggest gain among the 3.7% after raising its profi t forecast more from London to Seoul. Germany’s DAX rose 0.9% to nese yen from 109.19 yen late Thurs- a gauge of infl ation that the Federal 11 sectors that make up the index. for the fi rst quarter, citing higher sales Shares opened higher in Europe af- 14,7521.53 and the CAC 40 in Paris day. The euro rose to $1.1787 from Reserve likes to use was weaker last Stocks of companies that would as stimulus checks reach people and ter gains in Asia on Friday driven by climbed 0.7% to 5,990.86. Britain’s $1.1766.

ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2021 BUSINESS 11 ‘Jump’ in German business optimism in March: survey

Cabinet OKs 2022 budget plan with more new debt

FRANKFURT, Germany, March 27, (AP): German businesses grew more opti- mistic in March, despite a growing number of coro- navirus cases and a loom- ing tightening of pandemic restrictions, according to a closely watched survey released Friday. The Ifo institute’s index of busi- ness sentiment rose to its highest rate since June 2019, as Europe’s indus- trial motor whirred on largely unhurt by the damage that the pandemic has done to the wider economy. The survey index climbed to 96.6 points from 92.7 points in February, the institute said. The manufacturing sector saw opti- Lights glow in the windows of buildings of the banking district in Frankfurt, mism rise to levels last seen in Germany, before sunrise on March 24, 2021. (AP) November 2010, amid a hike in demand for industrial goods. The services sector also made gains, with the exception of hospitality busi- Swiss regulator tapped to lead nesses that were still suffering from pandemic restrictions. Optimism in the construction and Germany’s financial supervisor retail sectors also grew. While small BERLIN, March 27, (AP): January. retailers continued to complain about Germany’s finance minister Branson, a 52-year-old British- weak business, bicycle sellers and flo- announced that he has chosen the Swiss dual national, will take over rists expect continued brisk trade. head of Switzerland’s market reg- at BaFin in the middle of this year, Meanwhile, Germany’s Cabinet ulator, Mark Branson, to lead the the finance ministry said in a state- approved 2022 budget plans that will troubled German financial super- ment. see rules against running up new debt visory authority, BaFin. “With him at the top, we want to suspended for the third consecutive Finance Minister Olaf Scholz continue the reform of BaFin so year as the government seeks to help has vowed to reform and strength- that financial supervision gets Europe’s biggest economy recover en BaFin following an accounting more bite,” Scholz said. from the coronavirus pandemic. scandal at payment systems pro- “Confidence in Germany as a The government foresees spending of vider Wirecard. The departure of financial center is important and 419.8 billion euros ($499 billion) next Felix Hufeld, BaFin’s boss since BaFin is a central confidence fac- year, down from 547.7 billion euros this 2015, was announced in late tor.” year. Finance Minister Olaf Scholz’s plans call for new borrowing of 81.5 bil- lion euros in 2022, compared with 240.2 After six years in the black, fered less badly than expected, declining billion euros this year. Germany resorted to running up new by 4.9% - still a better outcome than in Scholz said Germany is “paving the debt in 2020 to help cover the cost of several other European countries. way for growth with record investment support and stimulus packages and an The “debt brake,” introduced a in climate protection and digitaliza- expected shortfall in tax revenue. decade ago, allows new borrowing to tion.” The country’s so-called debt brake the tune of only 0.35% of annual gross “The figures show that our aid poli- was suspended to allow up to 217.8 bil- domestic product, though it can be cy is working,” he said of the support lion euros in new borrowing last year. suspended to deal with natural disas- packages that have been put together Eventually, Germany borrowed only ters or other emergencies that are out to help struggling businesses. 130.5 billion euros; the economy suf- of the state’s control. Implications for other retailers UK’s Asda loses ruling over ‘equal pay’ claim LONDON, March 27, (AP): More than 40,000 store work- ers at Asda, Britain’s third-largest supermarket chain, can proceed with their yearslong claim for equal pay following a ruling Friday from the UK.Supreme Court. The workers, around two-thirds of whom are women, first brought a sex discrimination claim in 2014. They complained that Asda staff members working in distribu- tion depots, who are mostly men, were getting paid more. The company argued that the depot and store jobs were not comparable. Asda took previous rulings against it to the U.K.’s highest court in July. In a ruling led by Justice Mary Arden, the five-member court unanimously dismissed the appeal, a decision that means the workers can proceed with their claim and poten- tially win years of back pay. “This is clearly a very substantial case for Asda,” she said. “However, my conclusion, agreed by the other jus- tices hearing this appeal, does not mean that the claimants’ claims for equal pay succeed. At this stage all that has been determined is that they can use terms and conditions of employment enjoyed by the distribution employees as a valid comparison.” A spokesman for Asda said the company is defending the claims because “the pay in our stores and distribution centers is the same for colleagues doing the same jobs regardless of their gender.” He said that working in a dis- tribution center and in a store were very different jobs with their own skill sets and pay rates. “Asda has always paid colleagues the market rate in these sectors and we remain confident in our case,” he added. The ruling could have implications for other retailers and across the supermarket sector, which lawyers said potentially might have to pay out around 8 billion pounds ($11 billion). Lawyers from the law firm Leigh Day, who have repre- sented the store workers, said the distribution depot work- ers were being paid between 1.50 pounds ($2.10) and 3 pounds ($4.10) an hour more. In 2016, an employment tribunal decided that store workers were entitled to compare themselves to distribu- tion staff and that decision was upheld by Court of Appeal judges in 2019. Asda then appealed to the Supreme Court. “Asda has wasted money on lawyers’ bills chasing a lost cause, losing appeal after appeal, while tens of thousands of retail workers remain out of pocket,” said Susan Harris, legal director at the GMB union. “We now call on Asda to sit down with us to reach agreement on the back pay owed to our members - which could run to hundreds of millions of pounds,” she added. Lawyers for the store staff said the next stage in the claim would involve an employment tribunal deciding whether specific store and distribution jobs were of equal value. “It’s our hope that Asda will now stop dragging its heels and pay their staff what they are worth,” said Lauren Lougheed, a lawyer at the firm Leigh Day.

People leave an ASDA supermarket in London, Friday, March 26, 2021. More than 40,000 store workers at Asda, Britain’s third-largest supermarket chain, can proceed with their longstanding claim for equal pay fol- lowing a ruling from the country’s Supreme Court. (AP) ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2021 HEALTH 12

Coronavirus

Denmark prolongs AZ suspension US virus deaths fall as vaccinations rise

NEW YORK, March 27, (AP): More than three months into the US vaccination drive, many of the numbers paint an in- creasingly encouraging picture, with 70% of Americans 65 and older receiving at least one dose of the vaccine and COV- ID-19 deaths dipping below 1,000 a day on average for the fi rst time since November. Also, dozens of states have thrown open vaccinations to all adults or are planning to do so in a matter of weeks. And the White House said 27 million doses of both the one-shot and two-shot vaccines will be distributed next week, more than three times the number when President Joe Biden took offi ce two months ago. Still, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the gov- ernment’s top infectious disease ex- pert, said Wednesday he isn’t ready to declare victory. “I’m often asked, are we turning the corner?” Fauci said at a White House briefi ng. “My response is really more like we are at the corner. Whether or not we’re going to be turning that cor- ner still remains to be seen.” What’s giving Fauci pause, he said, is that new cases remain at a stub- Fauci bornly high level, at more than 50,000 per day. The US on Wednesday sur- passed 30 million confi rmed cases, according to data col- lected by Johns Hopkins University. The number of deaths now stands at more than 545,000. Nonetheless, the outlook in the US stands in stark contrast A member of the Philadelphia Fire Department administers the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to a person at a vaccination site setup at a Salvation Army to the deteriorating situation in places like Brazil, which re- location in Philadelphia, March 26. (AP) ported more than 3,000 COVID-19 deaths in a single day for the fi rst time Tuesday, and across Europe, where another wave of infections is leading to new lockdowns. The gloom in Europe is compounded because the vaccine rollout on the continent has been slowed by production de- Coronavirus lays and questions about the safety and effectiveness of As- traZeneca’s shot. Public health experts in the US are taking every opportu- nity to warn that relaxing social distancing and other preven- ‘To end pandemic, children should get the shot’ tive measures could easily lead to another surge. Control Dr. Eric Topol, head of the Scripps Research Translational COVID vaccine testing turns to kids Institute, sees red fl ags in states lifting mask mandates, air travel roaring back and spring break crowds partying out of NEW YORK, March 27, (AP): The control in Florida. 9-year-old twins didn’t fl inch as each “We’re getting closer to the exit ramp,” Topol said. “All received test doses of Pfi zer’s COV- we’re doing by having reopenings is jeopardizing our shot ID-19 vaccine -- and then a sparkly China outlines COVID-19 origin to get, fi nally, for the fi rst time in the American pandemic, bandage to cover the spot. containment of the virus.” “Sparkles make everything bet- Across the country are unmistakable signs of progress. ter,” declared Marisol Gerardo as she findings, ahead of WHO report More than 43% of Americans 65 and older — the most hopped off an exam table at Duke vulnerable age group, accounting for an outsize share of the University to make way for her sister BEIJING, March 27, (AP): Chinese said envoys from 50 countries and nation’s more than 540,000 coronavirus deaths — have been A migrant receives a dose of the As- officials briefed diplomats Friday on the League of Arab States and the Alejandra. the ongoing research into the origin African Union attended the briefing fully vaccinated, according to the CDC. The number of older traZeneca vaccine during the vaccina- Researchers in the US and abroad tion in the ‘Krnjaca’ refugee centre near of COVID-19, ahead of the expect- at the Foreign Ministry. adults showing up in emergency rooms with COVID-19 is are beginning to test younger and ed release of a long-awaited report “China firmly opposes certain down signifi cantly. Vaccinations overall have ramped up to Belgrade, Serbia, March 26. Serbia younger kids to make sure COVID-19 has started vaccinating migrants as the from the World Health Organization. countries’ attempts to politicize 2.5 million to 3 million shots per day. vaccines are safe and work for each The briefing appeared to be an the origin tracing issue and make Deaths per day in the US from COVID-19 have dropped to Balkan country struggles with a new coronavirus outbreak despite a wide- age. The fi rst shots are going to adults attempt by China to get out its view groundless accusations and hold an average of 940, down from an all-time high of over 3,400 spread inoculation campaign. (AP) who are most at risk from the corona- on the report, which has become China accountable,” the ministry in mid-January. virus, but ending the pandemic will re- enmeshed in a diplomatic spat. The said in an online post about the Minnesota health offi cials on Monday reported no new quire vaccinating children too. US and others have raised ques- briefing. deaths from COVID-19 for the fi rst time in nearly a year. “Kids should get the shot,” Marisol tions about Chinese influence and Separately, Foreign Ministry And in New Orleans, the Touro Infi rmary hospital was not told The Associated Press this week the independence of the findings, spokesperson Hua Chunying said, treating a single case for the fi rst time since March 2020. Discovery after the sisters participated in Pfi z- and China has accused critics of “I would like to stress that virus trac- And Fauci cited two recent studies that show negligible er’s new study of children under age politicizing a scientific study. ing is a scientific issue that should levels of coronavirus infections among fully vaccinated 12. “So that everything might be a bit “Our purpose is to show our be studied by scientists through co- Biden backs climate talks: US openness and transparency,” said operation.” health care workers in Texas and California. more normal.” She’s looking forward Yang Tao, a Foreign Ministry of- She told reporters that the ex- “I emphasize how we need to hang in there for just a little President Joe Biden is including rivals to when she can have sleepovers with Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping ficial. “China fought the epidemic perts are still discussing the con- while longer,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Cent- friends again. in a transparent manner and has tents and translation of the report, of China among the invitees to the fi rst So far in the US, teen testing is fur- ers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Wednesday. big climate talks of his administration, nothing to hide.” and she did not know when it would That’s because “the early data are really encouraging.” an event the US hopes will help shape, thest along: Pfi zer and Moderna expect The report, which has been de- be released. Nationwide, new cases and the number of people hospi- speed up and deepen global efforts to cut to release results soon showing how layed repeatedly, is based on a visit At a press briefing later Friday talized with COVID-19 have plummeted over the past two climate-wrecking fossil fuel pollution, ad- two doses of their vaccines performed earlier this year by a WHO team of in Geneva, the World Health Or- months, though Walensky remains concerned that such pro- ministration offi cials told The Associated in the 12 and older crowd. Pfi zer is international experts to Wuhan, the ganization expert who led WHO’s gress seemed to stall in the past couple of weeks. New cases Press. currently authorized for use starting at city in central China where infec- China mission said the nearly 400- are running at more than 53,000 a day on average, down from The president is seeking to revive a age 16; Moderna is for people 18 and tions from a new coronavirus were page report was finalized and in the a peak of a quarter-million in early January. US-convened forum of the world’s ma- older. first reported in late 2019. process of being fact-checked and That’s uncomfortably close to levels seen during the COV- jor economies on climate that George W. The experts worked with Chi- translated. Bush and Barack Obama both used and Different nese counterparts, and both sides “I expect that in the next few ID-19 wave of last summer. have to agree on the final report. days, that whole process will be Biden has pushed for states to make all adults eligible to be Donald Trump let languish. Leaders of But younger children may need some of the world’s top climate-change different doses than teens and adults. It’s unclear when it will come out. completed and we will be able to vaccinated by May 1. A least a half-dozen states, including Feng Zijian, a Chinese team release it publicly,” WHO expert Texas, Arizona and Georgia, are opening up vaccinations to sufferers, do-gooders and backsliders Moderna recently began a study simi- round out the rest of the 40 invitations be- lar to Pfi zer’s new trial, as both com- member and the deputy director of Peter Ben Embarek said. everyone over 16. At least 20 other states have pledged to do ing delivered Friday. It will be held virtu- China’s Center for Disease Control At a Biden administration health so in the next few weeks. panies hunt the right dosage of each and Prevention, said the experts briefing Friday, US CDC Director ally April 22 and 23. shot for each age group as they work Microsoft, which employs more than 50,000 people at its Hosting the summit will fulfi ll a cam- examined four possible ways the Dr. Rochelle Walensky said the global headquarters in suburban Seattle, has said it will start toward eventually vaccinating babies virus got to Wuhan. agency was looking forward to the paign pledge and executive order by as young as 6 months. bringing back workers on March 29 and reopen installations Biden, and the administration is timing They are: a bat carrying the virus release of the WHO report. that have been closed for nearly a year. Last month in Britain, AstraZeneca infected a human, a bat infected an Dr. Anthony Fauci said the ex- the event to coincide with its own upcom- began a study of its vaccine among 6- New York City’s 80,000 municipal employees, who have ing announcement of what will be a much intermediate mammal that spread planation that “most public health been working remotely during the pandemic, will return to tougher US target for revamping the US to 17-year-olds. Johnson & Johnson is it to a human, shipments of cold or officials agree with” about how economy to sharply cut emissions from planning its own pediatric studies. And frozen food, and a laboratory that COVID-19 appeared in humans is their offi ces starting May 3. researches viruses in Wuhan. that the virus was likely spreading Still, experts see reason to worry as more Americans start coal, natural gas and oil. in China, Sinovac recently announced The session — and whether it’s all talk, it has submitted preliminary data to The experts voted on the hypoth- in China below the radar for several traveling and socializing again. Chinese regulators showing its vaccine eses after in-depth discussion and weeks, allowing it to be well adapt- The number of daily travelers at US airports has consist- or some progress — will test Biden’s pledge to make climate change a priority among is safe in children as young as 3. concluded one of the two animal ed by the time it was recognized. ently topped 1 million over the past week and a half amid Getting this data, for all the vac- routes or the cold chain was most The government’s top infectious spring break at many colleges. competing political, economic, policy and pandemic problems. It also will pose a very cines being rolled out, is critical be- likely how it was transmitted. A lab disease expert’s comments came Also, states such as Michigan and New Jersey are seeing public — and potentially embarrassing or cause countries must vaccinate chil- leak was viewed as extremely un- in response to speculation by for- rising cases. empowering — test of whether US leaders, dren to achieve herd immunity, noted likely, Feng said. mer CDC head Robert Redfield on National numbers are an imperfect indicator. The favora- and Biden in particular, can still drive global His remarks were reported by CNN that COVID-19 came from a Duke pediatric and vaccine specialist state broadcaster CCTV, which lab. ble downward trend in some states can conceal an increase decision-making after the Trump adminis- Dr. Emmanuel “Chip” Walter, who is in case numbers in others, particularly smaller ones, said Ali tration withdrew globally and shook up helping to lead the Pfi zer study. Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the Univer- longstanding alliances. Most COVID-19 vaccines be- sity of Washington in Seattle. The Biden administration intentionally ing used around the world were fi rst number have developed a serious in- a small number of children receive dif- And the more contagious variant that originated in Britain looked beyond its international partners studied in tens of thousands of adults. fl ammatory condition linked to the ferent doses of vaccine as scientists has now been identifi ed in nearly every state, he said. for the summit, reaching out to key lead- Studies in children won’t need to be coronavirus. winnow out the best dosage to test ers for what it said would sometimes be nearly as large: Researchers have safe- Apart from their own health risks, in several thousand kids in the next Also: tough talks on climate matters, an admin- there still are questions about how phase. istration offi cial said. The offi cial spoke ty information from those studies and COPENHAGEN, Denmark: Danish offi cials have decided to subsequent vaccinations of millions of easily children can spread the virus, “We really trust the research pro- prolong their suspension of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vac- on condition of anonymity to discuss US something that has complicated efforts cess and understand that they may plans for the event. adults. cine by three weeks while they continue evaluating a potential And because children’s infection to reopen schools. get a dose that doesn’t work at all link with blood clots even though European Union regulators Trump mocked the science underly- ing urgent warnings on global warming rates are so low -- they make up about Earlier this month, Dr. Anthony but may have side effects,” said Nag- who looked into the issue have cleared the vaccine for use. and the resulting worsening of droughts, 13% of COVID-19 cases documented Fauci, the top US infectious disease gie, describing the decision-making Denmark’s decision “was made on the basis of presumed fl oods, hurricanes and other natural disas- in the US -- the main focus of pedi- expert, told Congress he expected that that parents face in signing up their side effects,” Tanja Erichsen of the Danish Medicines ters. (AP) atric studies isn’t counting numbers high school students likely would be- children. Agency said during a news conference. ❑ ❑ ❑ of illnesses. Instead researchers are gin getting vaccinated in the fall. The But 9-year-olds have some under- ”It can’t be ruled out that there is a connection between the measuring whether the vaccines rev elementary students, he said, may not standing of the pandemic’s devastation vaccine and the very rare blood clot cases,” she said. ‘Turtles survive freeze’: About a up youngsters’ immune systems much be eligible until early 2022. and “it’s nice to participate in some- Denmark paused the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine as third of the cold-stunned sea turtles found like they do adults’ - suggesting they’ll In North Carolina, Marisol and thing where it’s not just about yourself a precautionary measure on March 11 after reports that a along Texas’ coast during last month’s offer similar protection. Alejandra made their own choice to but it’s about learning,” Naggie added. 60-year-old woman died with blood clots in several parts of deadly winter freeze survived following a Proving that is important because volunteer after their parents explained “They do worry about others and I her body a week after she received the vaccine, according to massive rescue effort by experts and vol- unteers who were themselves struggling while children are far less likely than the opportunity, said their mother, Dr. think this is something that really, you health offi cials. without power at home. adults to get seriously ill, at least 268 Susanna Naggie, an infectious disease know, struck home for them.” The death of a second person in Denmark who died after Of the approximately 13,000 sea turtles have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. specialist at Duke. Long before the For Marisol, the only part that was getting the AstraZeneca vaccine was reported. Danish health found, about 4,300 have been rehabili- alone and more than 13,500 have been pandemic, she and her husband, emer- “a bit nerve-wracking and scary” was authorities said they have no evidence the vaccine was re- tated and released, according to the Sea hospitalized, according to a tally by gency physician Dr. Charles Gerardo, having to give a blood sample fi rst. sponsible for either death. Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network, a the American Academy of Pediatrics. regularly discussed their own research The vaccination itself was “really “I would like to emphasize that I am not talking about or- cooperative of federal, state and private That’s more than die from the fl u in projects with the girls. easy. If you just sit still during the shot, dinary blood clots,” Erichsen said. “It is not about blood clots partners coordinated by the National Oce- an average year. Additionally, a small In the fi rst phase of the Pfi zer study, it’s just going to be simple,” she said. in the arms, legs and lungs.” anic and Atmospheric Administration. The pause will last at least until April 18. Norway and It’s been the largest cold-stunning event Sweden also have paused the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine. for sea turtles recorded in the US since the Several European countries that had suspended using the network was established in 1980. vaccine have resumed administering it after the European While the majority of the sea turtles being cared for. on South Padre Island. Medicines Agency said it was safe. found during the winter storm were al- As below-freezing temperatures hit the Her group took in so many sea turtles - According to the European Center for Disease Prevention ready dead, those that survived wouldn’t coast during the February storm, scientists, over 5,300 - that they had to start placing have if not for the rescuers, said Barbara volunteers and even the US Coast Guard them in the South Padre Island Conven- and Control, more than 1 million does of various vaccines Schroeder, NOAA’s national sea turtle joined the effort to rescue the immobile sea tion Center. have been administered in Denmark, which has a population coordinator. She said the water and air of nearly 6 million. The vaccines made by Pfi zer and Mod- temperatures were “too cold for too long” turtles from the water and shore. Ed Caum, executive director of the erna represent the bulk of the jabs given in the Scandinavian for them to recover on their own. “Mind you, while they’re bringing and South Padre Island Convention and Visi- country, and about 150,000 people in Denmark have gotten a “The event was so severe - the temper- rescuing all of these sea turtles, we didn’t tors Bureau, said that for a while during shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine. atures were so extreme - yes, they abso- have power or water, our gas stations ran the week of the storm a vehicle pulled up lutely would have all died,” said Schroed- out of gas,” said Wendy Knight, execu- “every 15 minutes or less” and dropped er, who added that a small number are still tive director at Sea Turtle Inc., a nonprofi t Biden Putin off turtles. (AP) Television SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2021 FFeatureseatures reason forittobeheard.” that thereisnoothercompelling has norealprospectofsuccessand of law.” any errorofapproachormistake even arguablytobevitiatedby conclusions “havenotbeenshown “full andfair”thetrialjudge’s said theearliercourthearingwas emans an article. for labelinghima“wifebeater”in publisher ofTheSunnewspaper tion ofhislibellawsuitagainst challenge theHighCourt’srejec- said theHollywoodstarcannot success.” decision had“norealprospectof saying hisattempttooverturnthe assaulted ex-wife appeal ajudge’srulingthathe Johnny Depp following yearand obtaineda and actress,fi in February2015.Heard,amodel ary” andmarriedinLosAngeles of the2011comedy“The...Di- credibility.” general assessmentofMsHeard’s the judgetogiveweightany there waslittleneedorroomfor said. specifi detailed reviewoftheevidence the incidentsonhisextremely based hisconclusionsoneachof judgment asawholethatthejudge Nicol’s decision. divorce moneyinfl very unlikely”thatthefateof “pure speculation,andinourview to charity. her $7milliondivorcesettlement hadn’t keptherpromisetodonate ability, theyclaimedthatHeard witness. Asevidenceofherunreli- and thatHeardwasanunreliable hadn’t receivedafairhearing court hearinglastweekthatDepp fear forherlifethreetimes. a dozenoccasionsandputherin Depp, 57,assaultedHeard,34,on tially true.”Thejudgeruledthat April 2018article,were“substan- legations againstDepp,madeina Nicol LONDON: cine isn’teverywhere,thispandemicgoinganywhere.” but it’salsotheonlywayoutofthispandemicforallus.Ifvac- back oftheline,”hecontinued.“It’srightthingtodo,obviously, making surethatbillionsofpeoplearoundtheworldaren’tleftat ID-19 pandemic. ONE WorldCampaign,whichcallsforaglobalresponsetotheCOV- focused onglobalhealthandanti-poverty.TheseriesispartofONE’s said Bono,U2’sleadsingerandco-founderofONE,anorganization you liveshouldn’tdeterminewhethergettheselife-savingshots,” nelly. Sykes. Thefi Nanjiani, DanaiGurira,MichaelSheen,PhoebeRobinsonandWanda pandemic. attention toglobalvaccineaccessinaneffortendtheCOVID-19 demica,” waslaunchedThursday.Theseriescreatedtobring about theimportanceofglobalvaccineaccess. Oyelowo willlendtheirvoicesinananimatedseriestoraiseawareness LOS ANGELES,March27,(AP):Bono,PenélopeCruzandDavid Bono, Cruztostarinanimatedseriesonvaccineimportance High CourtJustice They concludedthat“theappeal The justices, Two CourtofAppealjudges Depp andHeardmetontheset “In anapproachofthatkind “It isclearfromareadingofthe The appealsjudgessaiditwas Lawyers forDepparguedata Cruz saidshewantseveryonewhowatchestheanimatedseriesto “Even whilemanyofusstillwaitourturn,weneedtocommit “Pandemica’s animatedworldanimatesasimpletruth—thatwhere The seven-episodeserieswillfeaturecharactersvoicedbyKumail The ONECampaignhasannouncedthatthenewseriescalled“Pan- c to eachincident,”they ruled inNovemberthatal- and ABritishcourtrefused Nicholas Underhill led fordivorcethe rst episodewillincludeNanjiani,RobinsonandMegDon- permissionto James Ding- Amber Heard uenced judge Andrew , , The divorcewasfi the groundsofdomesticabuse. restraining orderagainstDeppon deceitful. being controlling,violentand with eachaccusingtheotherof their brief,tempestuousmarriage, Heard gaveconfl trial inJuly,whichDeppand ter aheadline-grabbingthree-week 50-year-old womanfi says, camenotasateenagerwithIkeTurner,but her life,story,voice.Herproperdebut,she from morethanadecadeofabuse,shewastakingback ment ofreclamation.Asanewlysolosingerremoved scenes likethat1980sconcert,herpowerwasatesta- for MickJaggerandcountlessothers.And,atleastin calists ofthe20thcentury—amodelinspiration Both regalandraw,shewasoneofthesupremevo- sign overthedeed. expect banklenderstomaterializebythefootlights ing, sheownsthestagetosuchadegreethatyouhalf stadium offans.Withheelsstompingandherhairwav- as she’sbeltingout“AskMeHowIFeel”foragiant but theemphasisoncertainchapters.The81-year-old Turner rejectsherownbiography.Notthefactsofit, 1993 movie.“Itwasjustsounlikeme,mylife.” in anearlierinterviewheard“Tina,”referencingthe not aroleshehasanynaturalaffi great swingsbetweenoppressionandliberation,butit’s with it.Turnermaybetheprotagonistofadrama needs totellit,anyway;andwhyshewantsbedone her story—whyshestruggleshavingtotellit; in Turner’slife.Butit’sultimatelyaboutTurnertelling pect, walksusagainthroughthetremendousupheavals day onHBOandMax.Thefi and T.J.Martin’snewdocumentary,premieredSatur- recently gotteninontheact. era. EveryonefromBillieEilishtoLindaRonstadthas documentaries haveproliferatedduringthestreaming er Musical”).Sowhymore?Well,partlybecausemusic With It”)andaBroadwayshow(“Tina:TheTinaTurn- a Hollywoodbiopic(1993’s“What’sLoveGottoDo stuff ofabest-sellingautobiography(1986’s“I,Tina”), The remarkablearcofTurner’slifehasalreadybeenthe I The HighCourtrulingcameaf- In ‘Tina,’thefi “Tina,” TinaTurnerdoesn’tjustcommandthestage n theopeningmomentsofHBOdocumentary Few ifanycouldevermatchTurnerasaperformer. That gives“Tina”anunusualtension.Inaway, “I justreallydon’twanttoplaythepart,”shesays But there’sabetterreasonfor“Tina,”DanLindsay The storyhasrightlytakenontheshineoflegend. Variety Osbourne off‘TheTalk’ intoracismdiscussion afterinquiry This imagereleasedbyHBOshowsTinaTurnerperformingin1976,fromthedocumentary‘Tina.’(AP) icting accountsof nalized in2017. By JakeCoyle nally onherown. Film by theshow’steamforadiscussiononrace.Butitsaidtherewasno cluding Osbourneand a respectfulworkplace.” co-hosts duringtheMarch10episodedidnotalignwithourvaluesfor after areviewthatfoundinpart“Sharon’sbehaviortowardher this month. show “TheTalk”afteraheatedon-airdiscussionaboutracismearlier nity for. lm, asyouwouldex- The networksaiditsinternalinquirytheshow’sco-hosts,in- The networksaidFridayOsbournehaddecidedtoleavetheshow CBS says what ittakestoendthispandemicforeveryone,everywhere.” a vaccine,butnottheopportunitytoreceiveit.Wemuststepupanddo right nowbillionsofpeoplearoundtheworldareseeingpromise Oyelowo saidabouttheseries.“Thisvirusthrivesoninequality,and Senegal, France,Germany,Spain,ItalyandtheNetherlands. countries includingtheUnitedStates,Canada,Nigeria,SouthAfrica, campaign’s YouTubechannel.Theepisodeswillbereleasedinseveral world,” Cruzsaid. “use theirvoiceandtakeaction”toensurethatnoonegetsleftbehind. er Depp Heard “We’re alltrappedinPandemica,butonlysomecangetout,” All episodeswillbeavailableThursdayatONE’swebsiteandthe “Pandemica isacompellingillustrationoftheinequalityaround Foxx toplayTyson inboxer’s takeonhislife Sharon Osbourne Sheryl Underwood, is anespeciallygoodsourceinthefi with MTV’sKurtLoder,inhopesofmovingon.(Loder plagued byreporters’questions,shewroteherbook, that shewas“livingalifeofdeath.”Afewyearslater, magazine article,callingIke’streatment“torture”and her: “Tina,where’sIke?” on “HollywoodSquares,”hostPeterMarshallgreets easy tounderstandherdesiretellthetruth.Appearing frank abouttheabusewhilenotbeingdefi it comeswithTurner’sownstruggleshowtobe her yearsbefore.Thecomebackstorybeginsbutwith to letIkehaveeverythingbutthestagenamehergave mate, unguardedmomentinthefi ally discusseshermotherisperhapstheonlytrulyinti- cording ofhistalkswithTurnerinwhichsheemotion- High” withhim. tor whentheyrecord1966’s“RiverDeep—Mountain Phil Spectorcomesofflikeamoresensitivecollabora- skinned tyrant.It’sespeciallytellingthatnexttoIke, Few besideTurnerknewthatoff-stagehewasathin- appearances, heseemsthequiet,supportivesideman. she metIke,arock‘n’rollpioneer.Intheirtelevision ster. Turner,thenAnnieMaeBullock,was17when behind closeddoors,he’sanabusive,controllingmon- they’re asensational,exuberantrockandR&Bduo; private lifeisdrastic.Beforecrowdsandcameras, Revue. Thecontrastbetweentheirstagepresenceand plunges backtoheryearsintheIke&TinaTurner popular “PrivateDancer”withthehit“What’sLove the timeofhercomebackrecord,1984’senormously tation withit—allthemoreattachedtoher.Butby er’s past—andherlaudable,infl ❑ Turner fi When Turnerfi With archivalfootageandinterviews,“Tina”fi The bookdidn’twork,inaway.ItonlymadeTurn- life story. we’re meanttogather,maybeherfi where sheseemscontenttoputmuchofitbed.This, appears inmodern-dayinterviewsfromSwitzerland Turner, whogavehersupporttothedocumentary, nal word from alegend willnolongerappearonitsdaytime rst wentontherecordina1981People decision. surprised” bytheCourtofAppeal “pleased —butbynomeans said inastatementthatshewas son, especiallywithwomen.” insisted hewas“notaviolentper- making upabuseallegationsand problems, butaccusedHeardof knowledged wide-rangingdrug nally lefthim,in1976,shewashappy werenotproperlyprepared Heard’s publicrelationsfi During thetrialDeppac- Sensational uential public confron- lm.) lm; anaudiore- nal wordonher ned byit.It’s rm after sayinghedidn’tbelieve fronted abouthersupportofBritishTVpersonality evidence foundtosupportOsbourne’sclaimCBSorderedshebecon- crying, itshouldbeme.” telling Underwoodatonepoint:“Don’ttrytocry.Ifanyoneshouldbe a friendthatsomepeoplethinkisracist. said shefeltlikewasbeingplacedon“theelectricchair”forhaving something thathehasutteredisracist,evenifyoudon’tagree?” ing byyourfriend,itappearsthatyougavevalidationorsafehavento “what wouldyousaytopeoplewhomayfeelthat,whileyou’restand- return untilApril12. ducers andcrew.” week “aboutequity,inclusionandculturalawarenessforthehosts,pro- investigated. CBSsaidithadconductedworkshopsandtrainingthis with herlifeint’sroyalfamily. she saidinaninterviewthathadconsideredsuicidewhenunhappy rst Morgan, whoisafriendofOsbourne’s,left“GoodMorningBritain” After acommercialbreak,thediscussioncontinuedwithOsbourne Osbourne repliedangrily,usingwordsthatwerebleepedout,and During thediscussionofMorgan,UnderwoodaskedOsbourne, No replacementhasbeenannounced.CBSsaidtheshowwillnot There wasnoimmediatecommentfromOsbourne’spublicist. “The Talk”hasbeenonhiatuswhiletheMarch10discussionwas dom ofthepressand forvictimsof ruling was“avictoryforthefree- News GroupNewspapers,saidthe represented TheSun’spublisher mons MuirheadandBurton,which court,” thestatementsaid. has beensoundlyrejectedbythe more thanapressstrategy,and important evidencewasnothing Jeffrey Smele “Mr Depp’sclaimofnewand respond toarequestforcommentonhisremarks.(AP) he wasn’tbeingcompensatedforhisstory.Huludidn’t duction, callingit“culturalmisappropriation”andsaying a polarizingathlete.Areleasedatewasn’tannounced. “the wild,tragicandcontroversiallifecareer”of isode series“IronMike,”sayingitwouldexplorethe per-view eventincludedotherboutsandmusicacts. with hisexhibitionfi ing theLegendsOnlyLeaguehelaunchedlastNovember outlet itwillbeshown. spires andentertains.” tures myprofessionalandpersonaljourneybutalsoin- looks forwardtocreatingaseriesthat“notonlycap- time,” TysonsaidinastatementMonday.Hehe Foxx alsoareamongtheproducers. ring boxing greatsaidhe’sproducingalimitedseriesstar- miniseries tobemadewithouthisinvolvement,the ring againsthimself. LOS ANGELES: Tyson tooktosocialmediaatthetimeslampro- Last month,Hulusaidithadorderedtheeight-ep- Tyson calledthis“perfectmoment”fortheproject,cit- The announcementdidnotincludewhenandonwhat “I havebeenlookingtotellmystoryforquitesome On theheelsofHulu’sannouncementaTyson Running time:118minutes.Threestarsoutoffour. Association ofAmerica.Itcontainsdescriptionsabuse. on thestage. see allherambition,painandperseverancerightthere to explainherselfanylonger.It’sprobablyenough music executiveandlivinginEurope—doesn’twant tainly Turner—longhappilymarriedtoaGerman makers’ bestefforts—howunknowablesheis.Cer- Stand theRain,”youalsorealize—despitefi is theheartofTurner’slegacy.ThisrealTina. ers smartlyletsomeofthefootageplayatlength.This performances spokeforthemselves.Here,thefi Got toDoWithIt,”Turner’sdefi Jamie Foxx “Tina,” an HBO release, is not by the Motion Picture “Tina,” anHBOrelease,isnotbytheMotionPicture But marvelingatTurnersingAnnPeebles’“ICan’t of lawfi Mike Tyson . Filmmaker ght against ght rm Si- Also: Meghan isgettingintheTVdrama Roy JonesJr Martin Scorsese , theDuchessof nation. (AP) Warner Brosrequestedhisresig- Beasts” fi said hewasleavingthe“Fantastic the Novembercourtruling,Depp embarrassment.” Inthewakeof tation and“signifi “serious harm”totheactor’srepu- the allegationsinTheSuncaused domestic violenceeverywhere.” Depp’s lawyershavesaidthat at show-stopping ant, lm franchiseafterstudio . Thepay- Piers Morgan and lmmak- Sussex cant distressand lm- , when . ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2021 SPORTS 14 Russia sweep women’s medals at worlds Russian pair win rhythm dance

STOCKHOLM, March 27, (AP): A sweep of the women’s medals further stamped Russian domi- nance of these World Fig- ure Skating Champion- ships. Yet the two American women did just enough to earn a third berth at next year’s Olympics. Three-time national champion Anna Shcherbakova made her fi rst appear- ance at worlds golden despite fi nishing second to countrywoman Alexandra Trusova in the free skate. Shcherba- kova, who turns 17 Sunday, won the short program. Elizaveta Tuktamysheva, the 2015 world champion, earned silver in her India’s Prasidh Krishna (left), reacts return to the event, ahead of Trusova. as England’s Jonny Bairstow (right), It was the second 1-2-3 fi nish in the runs between the wickets after hitting modern era, matching the United a shot on Krishna’s delivery during the States with Kristi Yamaguchi, Tonya second One Day International cricket Harding and Nancy Kerrigan in 1991. match between India and England at This year’s Americans got exactly Maharashtra Cricket Association Sta- what they needed to grab a third spot dium in Pune, India on March 26. (AP) for the Beijing Games. Karen Chen, repeating her fourth-place showing of Poms win by 6 wkts 2017 with exactly the same prize being sought, and US champion Bradie Ten- nell, who was ninth, needed a total of England top India Russian ice dancers Victoria Sinitsina and Nikita Katsalapov perform during the Ice Dance - Rhythm Dance at the Figure Skating World Championships 13 places or less. in Stockholm, Sweden, on March 26. (Inset): First place, Russian skater Anna Shcherbakova holds her gold medal on the podium during the Ladies Free Bingo. to level series 1-1 Skating. (AP) “I feel like I’m a totally different person and skater from who I was in PUNE, India, March 27, (AP): 2017,” Chen said. “In the past, skat- Jonny Bairstow hit a century and Wales clinch title Six Nations trophy ing was my everything and it still is Ben Stokes missed out on one by my everything, but I just have a much a whisker as England beat India better grasp of my life. ... I know that by six wickets in their second one- skating is something I truly love, and I day international to level the three- want to give it my best at this moment match series at 1-1. France gift Scotland historic victory in time.” Set a stiff target of 337, Bairstow made 124 and Stokes was out for 99 in England’s determined run- PARIS, March 27, (AP): Redemption fi rst time since 1926, and could fi nish day (No. 8 Matt Fagerson), a yellow scrum penalty after a Scotland put- FIGURE SKATING chase of 337-4 in 43.3 overs. The for Wayne Pivac’s resurgent Wales, only fourth. card, a red card ... they showed courage, in. Flyhalf Romain Ntamack nailed a duo hit 17 sixes and 14 boundaries dejection for Fabien Galthie’s fl am- “Even though we fi nished fourth, effort, togetherness and skill to win.” 45-meter penalty, and from a scrum Even though she fell on two jumps, between them and shared a part- boyant yet fl aky France. it feels like one of our best ever sea- But the rain-soaked night felt more Les Tricolores scored a textbook try. and two-footed a landing on another, nership of 175 runs off 113 balls. While both coaches have rebuilt sons,” coach Gregor Townsend said. like Glasgow conditions, and Scot- Scrumhalf Antoine Dupont looped a Trusova won the free skate basically Earlier, after being put into bat, their sides very well, it was Pivac What made it even more remarkable land fl ourished. They played great wet slick pass over to the right wing where because of the unprecedented diffi cul- India reached its total of 336-6 in clinching the Six Nations trophy as was Scotland wasn’t at full strength. weather rugby for the fi rst 25 minutes Damian Penaud showed soft hands to ty of her program, fl awed as it was. Her large part due to Lokesh Rahul’s France lost at home to Scotland 27-23 This match was postponed from Feb. - aggressive with superb line-kicking - feed the ball inside to scorer Dulin. presentation wasn’t outstanding either, fi fth ODI hundred and Rishabh to fall well short of what it needed in Ntamack converted from wide Pant, who hit seven sixes in his ag- 28 because of a coronavirus outbreak and France was fl ustered. but Trusova became the fi rst woman to gressive 77 off 40 balls. order to usurp the Welsh. in the French camp and, because it A couple of big pick-and-goes by right and France’s chances perked up land multiple quads at worlds by nail- “We’re over the moon,” said Pivac, further when Scotland captain Stuart Bairstow orchestrated England’s dropped outside the international win- George Turner set up powerhouse wing ing two of the fi ve she attempted. fi fth best successful run-chase in who led Wales to the title in his sec- dow, Scotland could summon only Van der Merwe to squirm over from a Hogg was sin-binned on halftime after That vaulted her from 12th to third repeated infringing by his side under an ODI with a second straight cen- ond season, just months after his fi rst fi ve of the eight English-based players ruck in the 14th minute, converted by and was a clear indication the judges season produced a heavily criticized warning. tury-opening stand with Jason Roy it wanted. Russell. Flanker Jamie Ritchie bulled favored technical bravery over artistic (55). fi fth-place fi nish. With Hogg’s sin-bin winding down, brilliance. The 110-run partnership set the France had the match, not the title “So proud of the team,” Townsend a penalty kick for Russell and Scotland France exploited the man advantage said. “They came here with a bit of ad- led 10-3 after a fi rst quarter in which Shcherbakova had plenty of both, tone before Roy was run out in a itself, in hand at 23-20 up in the 81st when center Virimi Vakatawa’s bril- but seemed stunned as her marks re- mix-up with Bairstow in the 17th minute, but fullback Brice Dulin bi- versity with not a full squad, with an France made fi ve handling errors. liant backdoor offl oad released Penaud, injury to one of our starters on Wednes- France turned the tide thanks to a vealed victory. She appeared to need over. zarrely decided not to kick the ball into who chipped ahead and touched down confi rmation from her coaches that the touch with victory assured if he did. in the right corner for 18-10. gold was hers. The Scots exerted huge pressure Hogg’s return calmed Scotland Chen scored a personal-best 134.23 CRICKET over 22 phases and nearly three min- down, though, and they turned the heat in the free skate, but her overall total utes, and left winger Duhan van der back on France. A Russell penalty cut of 208.63, also a career high, didn’t get Stokes took his time to reach Merwe swept into the left corner in the the gap to fi ve points in the 53rd. her close to the podium. Still, the team 50 off 40 balls but then smacked 85th minute for his second try of the When Galthie sent Teddy Thomas reward was uplifting for the 2017 US a fl urry of sixes while facing India night and secured Scotland’s fi rst Paris onto the left wing and Gael Fickou gold medalist. spinners Kuldeep Yadav (0-84) and triumph since 1999. moved into midfi eld with Vakatawa Tennell’s underwhelming perfor- Krunal Pandya (0-72) as the left- for the last 20 minutes, France was hander moved to 99 off the next 11 mance dropped her to ninth. Tennell, deliveries. RUGBY supposed to be galvanized, but instead who had some problems with her a composed Scotland moved ahead Bairstow reached his century boots, cut short on a combination, un- with a six over midwicket against with a converted try. der-rotated another jump and showed Yadav but Stokes missed out on a Eleven years after last winning the France fl anker Swan Rebbadj ripped little spark. century when he gloved a pull shot tournament, France needed a four-try the ball from Scottish hands in a driv- Earlier, Russia extended its domi- against Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the bonus point win and a 21-point margin ing maul but lost control and replace- nance at these championships when wicketkeeper. of victory in the tournament fi nale in ment hooker David Cherry gleefully Victoria Sinitsina and Nikita Kat- an empty Stade de France. The odds dived over. Russell converted for a 23- salapov took the rhythm dance. Al- weren’t good. 20 lead with a quarter to go. ready, the Russians have won pairs – sonal-best 86.05 to a mix of Christina The French did get three tries, but an Rebbadj compensated by sliding they almost always do. Aguilera songs from “Burlesque.” He average effort never looked like over- in minutes later. Ntamack missed the Sinitsina and Katsalapov were in pumped his fi st at the end of a strong whelming the gritty Scots, and they extras and France led only 23-20 with front of US champions Madison Hub- program. ended up second in the championship, 15 to go. bell and Zach Donohue by 2.10 points, Chock and Bates, two-time US just like last year. Russell was red-carded for a forearm with fellow Americans Madison champions and Olympians and owners “Even if we couldn’t get the points into the neck of Dulin but France’s ad- Chock and Evan Bates exactly three of two world medals, sizzled to Cole gap and the number of tries we need- vantage was taken away moments later points behind the leaders. Porter’s “Too Darn Hot.” ed, we had several chances to win the by Serin’s yellow card for messing up All three duos were in top form. Only in the rhythm portion of ice game,” Galthie said. “We can regret a Scotland maul. The weight of posi- The Russians fl owed melodically dance, with the same required pat- this. That’s the truth.” tive expectation got to France, which through their “Singin’ in the Rain” terns for every couple, could the music France stopped Wales from winning reverted back to the sloppy mistakes of routine. They had upset four-time range from Broadway to Bee Gees to the Grand Slam last weekend with recent years. world winners Gabriella Papadakis Blues Brothers, from “Grease” to “The its own last-gasp winning try - ironi- Given hope, Scotland unleashed a and Guillaume Cizeron of France at Greatest Showman.” Yet it somehow cally to Dulin - on the same fi eld, but grandstand fi nish, capped by Adam last season’s European Champion- worked, whether it was the Russians or it couldn’t stop Scotland. The Scots France’s Damian Penaud (left), tackles Scotland’s Duhan Van der Hastings’ high, miss-out pass to Van ships, an event not held this year. Americans, Canadians or Brits. bookended the tournament beating Merwe during the Six Nations rugby union international match between der Merwe for the winning try. After Hubbell and Donohue, fourth at the Americans Kaitlin Hawayek and England at Twickenham and France in France and Scotland at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, near Paris, all the pre-match talk about France, 2018 Olympics and winners of two Jean-Luc Baker were 11th heading Paris in the same championship for the on March 26. (AP) Scotland stole the show. world medals, came in with a per- into Saturday’s free dance. ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2021 SPORTS 15

No. 3-seeded Zverev stunned Osaka shakes off mishit to Ovechkin scores twice, win her 22nd match in row MIAMI, March 27, (AP): Naomi No. 1-seeded Daniil Medvedev Osaka might never hit a worse shot. needed less than an hour to beat Not that it mattered. 37-year-old Yen-hsun Lu 6-2, 6-2. The world’s No. 2-ranked woman Three other seeded men lost - No. 8 Capitals shut out Devils shanked a serve that sailed over her David Goffin, No. 9 Grigor opponent’s head, but shook off the Dimitrov and No. 30 Reilly Opelka. mishit to win her 22nd match in a Goffin, a semifinalist in 2016, row, beating Ajla Tomljanović 7-6 was upset by James Duckworth 6-3, (3), 6-4 in the second round at the 6-1. Dimitrov was swept by Miami Open. Cameron Norrie 7-5, 7-5. No. 30 Serving into the sun in the final game, Osaka clunked her shot off Reilly Opelka lost to Alexei Popyrin the lip of her racket, blooping the 6-4, 6-2. ball past an astonished Tomljanović. In other women’s play, No. 10 “That was actually kind of funny Kiki Bertens was upset by Liudmila when I got past my frustration,” Samsonova, 6-2, 6-1, and No. 13 Osaka said. “The sun was like on top of a cloud, and it gave off this TENNIS really weird glare effect. It was kind of my fault for being stubborn and not trying to catch my toss and wait Jennifer Brady lost to Sara Sorribes it out.” Tormo 3-6, 6-4, 6-1. No. 4 Sofia Other serves were much better - Kenin rallied past Andrea Petkovic Osaka hit 13 aces. She hasn’t lost in 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3. more than a year, and her winning Winning in straight sets were streak includes her fourth Grand No. 6 Karolina Pliskova, No. 8 Slam title at the Australian Open Bianca Andreescu, No. 12 Garbiñe last month. Muguruza and No. 16 Elise She needs only one more victory Mertens. Muguruza, who won the for her best showing in five appear- Dubai Championships earlier this ances in Miami, where she has his- month, improved her 2021 record to torically made early exits. 19-4 by beating wild card Xinyu “I don’t think there’s too much Wang 6-4, 6-1. you can read into them,” Osaka “I was actually quite nervous, said. “I think there’s always a rea- son I haven’t done well here, and because this is a tournament that I hopefully I’m able to do well this love,” Muguruza said. “After play- time.” ing well in the Middle East swing, I In men’s play, No. 3-seeded just wanted to keep the same energy Alexander Zverev double-faulted and the same quality of tennis.” three times on break point and lost Pliskova dropped her first service to No. 83-ranked Emil Ruusuvuori, game but settled down to sweep 1-6, 6-3, 6-1. Zverev was coming Zheng Saisai 6-2, 6-1. Mertens was off a run to the title last week in a point from trailing 4-0 but rallied Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92) skates with the puck past New Jersey Devils left wing Miles Wood (44) during the third period of an Acapulco. past Katie Boulter 6-4, 6-1. NHL hockey game on March 26, in Washington. (AP)

Stastny helps Jets hold off Flames 3-2

WASHINGTON, March 27, (AP): Alex Ovechkin Boyd looks sharp in camp scored twice, Ilya Sam- sonov made 24 saves and the Washington Capitals Red Sox scratch Rodriguez rode their best players to a 4-0 victory and two-game for opener with ‘dead arm’ sweep of the New Jersey BOSTON, March 27, (AP): Boston Red seven. Eduardo Escobar and Josh Rojas Devils. Sox lefty Eduardo Rodriguez will have each homered. The Reds released for- Ovechkin has scored 10 times in to wait a little longer before returning to mer NL batting champion Dee Strange- his past 10 games and has a team- a big league mound. Gordon. best 17 goals this season. He’s The Red Sox scratched Rodriguez as Indians 5, Rockies 4 their opening day starter because of a eight shy of Marcel Dionne for fi fth Cleveland starter Logan Allen gave on the NHL’s career goal list after “dead arm.” Nathan Eovaldi will instead face the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway up three hits in five scoreless innings. scoring his 722nd and 723rd. Park on April 1. José Ramírez homered in the first and Naomi Osaka of Japan returns to Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia during the Nicklas Backstrom scored his 13th Manager Alex Cora said Rodriguez Owen Miller added a three-run shot in Miami Open tennis tournament, on March 26, in Miami Gardens, Florida. goal of the season, while Evgeny the eighth. Calgary Flames’ Juuso Valimaki missed a bullpen session on Wednesday, (AP) Kuznetsov and Tom Wilson each had two days after lasting just two innings in Colorado starter Antonio Senzatela (righ), is checked by Winnipeg Jets’ allowed two hits over the first five two assists. Conor Sheary had a goal Trevor Lewis during the fi rst period a spring training start. He played catch and an assist, and Samsonov improved of an NHL hockey game on March Thursday and felt fine, and Cora said innings. Colton Welker had two hits to to 7-1-1 with his fi rst shutout since Jan 26, in Calgary, Alberta. (AP) Rodriguez would have a bullpen session raise his batting average to .366. 13, 2020. With Ovechkin rolling, the on Saturday. Giants 5, Cubs 5 (9 innings) Capitals have won nine of their past 10 win moved the Coyotes within two Rodriguez went 19-6 for Boston. He Kyle Hendricks, set to start on open- games and are back atop the East Di- points of St. Louis for fourth place in had been set to start the 2020 season ing day for Chicago, took a line drive the West Division. opener before it was delayed by the off his quad, came out briefly and then coronavirus outbreak. The 27-year-old ICE HOCKEY Tomas Hertl and Patrick Marleau returned to retire the 10 in a row. scored for San Jose. Marleau’s goal contracted COVID-19 and related heart Hendricks worked 4-1/3 innings, allow- was the 564th of his career, tying him problems that kept him from pitching at ing three runs on five hits, striking out with Mats Sundin and Joe Nieuwendyk all last season. four. Joc Pederson homered and Jason vision. They’re tied at 48 points with for 23rd in league history. Martin Jones Tigers 5, Pirates 2 Heyward tripled. former coach Barry Trotz’s New York stopped 23 shots, Matthew Boyd allowed two runs in Austin Slater hit a three-run homer, Islanders but hold the tiebreaker hav- Jets 3, Flames 2 5-1/3 innings for Detroit, striking out Brandon Crawford doubled twice and ing played one fewer game. six and giving up five hits and a walk. Joey Bart hit a tying double in the Washington looked more like itself In Calgary, Alberta, Paul Stastny After struggling in 2020, the right-hand- eighth. Nick Tropeano opened the game - a poised, veteran team - in the sec- had a goal and an assist as the Win- er has looked sharp in camp, posting a for the Giants and worked two innings, ond game against New Jersey in two nipeg Jets held on to beat the Calgary 2.45 ERA over five starts. Robbie allowing two runs on three hits. nights following four days off. While Flames in the fi rst of three straight Grossman homered for the Tigers, and White Sox 7, Brewers 5 they came back to win Thursday, the games between the teams. 2020 second-round draft pick Dillon Capitals never trailed in this one, their Blake Wheeler and Kyle Connor Dingler had two hits. Chicago starter Carlos Rodón struck Emil Ruusuvuori, of Finland, returns a shot from Alexander Zverev, of Ger- sixth in a row without center Lars Eller also had a goal and an assist for Win- Colin Moran homered for Pittsburgh. out six over 4-2/3 innings, allowing two many, during the Miami Open tennis tournament on March 26, in Miami because of a lower-body injury. nipeg. Connor Hellebuyck stopped 25 Adam Frazier and Kevin Newman each runs on five hits. Liam Hendricks struck Gardens, Florida. (AP) Much like early in the season when shots to win in his league-leading 27th had a double. out all three batters he faced in the sixth. José Abreu hit a two-run single and they were without Ovechkin, Kuznet- start of the season. Rays 7, Red Sox 3 sov, Samsonov and Dmitry Orlov si- Milan Lucic and Matthew Tkachuk scored on a home run by Yoán Moncada. multaneously and earlier this month scored in a fourth straight loss for the Yandy Díaz hit the first of four hom- Zack Collins hit his third home run. NHL Results/Standings ers for Tampa Bay and had two hits. Freddy Peralta struck out eight over when Wilson was suspended for seven Flames. Jacob Markstrom fi nished 5-1/3 innings for Milwaukee, permitting games, the Capitals keep showing they with 26 saves. The Flames have totaled Mike Zunino, Willy Adames and Tristan Gray also homered, and Josh five runs and six hits. Devin Williams can play at a high level without key four goals in their last four games. Cal- Fleming pitched one-run ball over 3-2/3 struck out two in the seventh. Josh WASHINGTON, March 27, (AP): Results and standings from the NHL games on Friday. contributors. T.J. Oshie shifted to cent- gary is 4-5-0 since Darryl Sutter took innings of relief, striking out five. Hader retired the side with a strikeout in Washington 4 New Jersey 0 Arizona 5 San Jose 2 er to take Eller’s usual spot, and Daniel over as head coach March 8. Top Boston prospect Jeter Downs hit Anaheim 4 St Louis 1 Winnipeg 3 Calgary 2 Sprong looked comfortable on the fi rst Winnipeg leads the season series his second homer of the spring, raising East Division West Division line with Ovechkin and Kuznetsov. 4-1-1. his average to .357. Nick Yorke, last Backstrom has been a constant as BASEBALL GP W L OT Pts GF GA GP W L OT Pts GF GA Ducks 4, Blues 1 year’s first-round draft pick, hit a dou- Washington’s best player and leads the ble for his first extra-base hit in big Washington 33 22 7 4 48 114 95 Vegas 31 22 8 1 45 101 72 team with 35 points. Kuznetsov took a In St. Louis, Sam Steel and Max NY Islanders 34 22 8 4 48 102 76 Colorado 32 21 8 3 45 111 72 league camp. the eighth. Keston Hiura hit his third while to get used to new coach Peter Jones each scored a goal and the Ana- home run in four days. The Brewers Pittsburgh 34 21 11 2 44 109 90 Minnesota 32 21 10 1 43 94 78 heim Ducks beat the St. Louis Blues. Reds 7, Diamondbacks 3 Boston 29 16 8 5 37 80 70 St Louis 34 16 13 5 37 98 110 Laviolette and get his game back after released veteran pitchers Jordan NY Rangers 32 15 13 4 34 102 85 Arizona 34 15 14 5 35 88 103 missing almost a month recovering Anaheim goalie John Gibson Cincinnati star Joey Votto played for Zimmermann and Brad Boxberger, but Philadelphia 32 15 13 4 34 100 119 Los Angeles 32 13 13 6 32 91 90 from COVID-19 and now has 11 points stopped 33 shots in his fi rst game back the first time since testing positive on want to resign both to minor league New Jersey 32 12 16 4 28 78 101 San Jose 32 13 15 4 30 91 111 after missing fi ve with a lower-body in- Buffalo 32 6 22 4 16 66 115 in his past nine games. March 10. He went 0 for 2 and struck deals. Anaheim 35 10 19 6 26 78 116 jury. Derek Grant and Richard Rakell out twice, and also walked and scored Central Division The Devils lost two in a row to Marlins 9, Astros 0 North Division Washington after winning four of their added empty-net goals in the fi nal 63 run. It’s still uncertain whether the first GP W L OT Pts GF GA seconds to help the Ducks win for the baseman will be ready to play on open- Trevor Rogers, Miami’s top left- GP W L OT Pts GF GA previous fi ve games. Tampa Bay 33 24 7 2 50 120 78 second time in nine games. ing day next Thursday. handed prospect, outdueled Houston’s Carolina 32 22 7 3 47 108 81 Toronto 33 21 10 2 44 110 85 Coyotes 5, Sharks 2 Ryan O’Reilly scored for St Louis, Jesse Winkler led off the game with a opening day starter Zack Greinke, Florida 33 20 9 4 44 107 94 Winnipeg 34 21 11 2 44 112 94 home run and Alex Blandino hit two allowing two hits and a walk in 5- 2/3 Chicago 34 16 13 5 37 101 108 Edmonton 34 21 13 0 42 116 97 In Glendale, Arizona, Christian which has lost three consecutive games Columbus 34 13 13 8 34 89 110 Montreal 31 14 8 9 37 100 87 Dvorak scored twice to lift the Arizona overall and six in a row at home. RBI doubles. Wade Miley worked four shutout innings with 10 strikeouts. Nashville 34 16 17 1 33 86 104 Vancouver 37 16 18 3 35 100 120 Coyotes over the San Jose Sharks. The Blues had won six straight and innings in the start, giving up a run on Starling Marte had an RBI triple in the Dallas 30 11 11 8 30 85 80 Calgary 35 15 17 3 33 91 105 Nick Schmaltz, Dryden Hunt and eight of their previous nine against the four hits. third, and rookie Jazz Chisholm’s RBI Detroit 34 10 20 4 24 72 113 Ottawa 36 12 20 4 28 94 135 Arizona starter Madison Bumgarner single ignited a six-run seventh. The Note: Two points for a win one point for overtime loss. The top four teams in each division will Phil Kessel also scored for Arizona, Ducks – including the fi rst four meet- qualify for playoffs under this season’s temporary realignment. and Adin Hill stopped 20 shots. The ings this season. gave up six runs on four hits and three Marlins had 11 players get one hit. walks in 5-1/3 innings, striking out Greinke struggled in his fourth start, surrendering three runs, five hits and three walks in 4-1/3 innings. Greinke was pulled with a runner on third and Ex-Tokyo Olympics chief again criticized for sexist comment two outs in the third inning, returning to the mound to start the fourth. The TOKYO, March 27, (AP): Former Japanese was “astonishing.” too much.” Astros had just two hits. prime minister Yoshiro Mori, who resigned His remark was trending on Japanese online Despite being one of the most developed Braves 7, Twins 6 last month as president of the Tokyo Olym- news and social media, with some expressing economies in the world, Japan has consistent- Kenta Maeda made his final start pic organizing committee over comments outrage Saturday. ly lagged in promoting women to positions of before taking the mound on opening day criticized as sexist, has made another remark “He is incurable,” Isoko power, including board rooms, parliament and for Minnesota, firing four shutout that’s getting slammed as disrespectful to Mochizuki, reporter for To- the Tokyo Olympics organizing committee. innings with three hits and four strike- women. kyo Shimbun, lamented on Mori was replaced by Seiko Hashimoto, a outs. Starter J.A. Happ followed Maeda Twitter. “He has made yet woman, Olympian and speedskating bronze and struggled, giving up six runs – five another remark discrimina- medalist. Women were also added to the earned – on 10 hits and a walk in 3-2/3 innings. Kyle Garlick, Willians OLYMPICS tory toward women.” organizing committee board, with less than Astudillo and Miguel Sano each hit a Others said Mori had not four months to go before the Opening Cer- solo home run. Garlick’s homer was his repented and one said sar- emony. fifth. Mori, speaking late Friday at a party for castically he deserved a gold The Games were postponed from last year Alex Jackson had a two-run single a politician at a Tokyo hotel, referred to the medal for sexism. because of the coronavirus pandemic. Public Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Mat- for Atlanta. Pablo Sandoval went 3 for politician’s aide as “way too old to be called a Mori Mori stepped down in Feb- opinion surveys show the Japanese public is thew Boyd delivers during the 3 and is batting .429 in his first spring fourth inning of a spring training ex- with the Braves. Ender Inciarte had an woman.” ruary after a fury of criticism opposed to holding the Olympics, but the gov- hibition baseball game against the RBI double and Ehire Adrianza fol- He called her “obachan,” which means “old over his widely reported remarks at a Japan ernment remains determined to go ahead. The Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, Fla lowed with a two-run single in a four- mama” in Japanese, and told the audience she Olympic Committee meeting that women “talk Olympics torch relay began Thursday. on March 26. (AP) run seventh against Happ. ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2021 16 Brazilian referee Igor Benevenuto works during the Brazilian champion- ship soccer game between Palmeiras and Bahia in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Nov 8, 2019. When the coronavirus pandemic forced Brazilian soccer to take a break, Benevenuto took one of the few jobs that were still in high demand in his countryside city of Sete Lagoas, as a nurse at a public hospital filled with COVID-19 patients. (AP) Sports Latest sports scores at — http://sports.arabtimesonline.com Lakers snap 4-game losing streak

Griffin makes winning return to Detroit

LOS ANGELES, March 27, (AP): Montrezl Har- rell had 24 points and 10 rebounds and the Lakers rallied in the second half to beat Cleveland and snap a four-game losing streak on Friday night. It was the Lakers’ first win since both LeBron James and Anthony Davis were injured and out of the lineup. James has missed four games after spraining his right ankle on March 20 against Atlanta, and Davis hasn’t played since mid- February due to a right calf strain. Larry Nance Jr. had 17 points and 10 rebounds for Cleveland. Nets 113, Pistons 111 In Detroit, James Harden scored 44 points and Blake Griffin added 17 in his return to Detroit, lifting the Brook- lyn Nets to a 113-111 victory over the Pistons. Harden was back after missing a game because of neck soreness, He added 14 rebounds and eight assists. Brooklyn was still without Kevin Du- rant (left hamstring strain) and Kyrie Irving (personal reasons). Griffin spent three-plus years with the Pistons, but he reached a buyout agreement with Detroit earlier this

BASKETBALL month and went to the contending Nets. The Pistons played a tribute vid- eo for him during a first-half timeout, and he stood to acknowledge the small number of fans in attendance. Jerami Grant scored 19 points for Detroit. Celtics 122, Bucks 114 In Milwaukee, Jayson Tatum scored 34 points, Marcus Smart had 23 and Boston beat Milwaukee to snap the Bucks’ eight-game winning streak and spilt the two-game series. Kemba Walker added 21 points, and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jaylen Nowell (4) shoots against Houston Rockets forward Sterling Brown (0) in the fourth quarter during an NBA basketball game, March 26, in Minneapolis. (AP) Jaylen Brown had 18 for the Celtics. For the second straight game, the Celtics held Giannis Antetokounmpo in check, holding him to 16 points, NBA Results/Standings UEFA removes 2 soccer officials linked to criminal cases well below his 28.6 average. Khris Middleton had 19 points and Jrue Hol- iday 17 for the Bucks. WASHINGTON, March 27, (AP): NBA results and Milwaukee won the opener 121-119 standings on Friday. on Wednesday night. Phoenix 104 Toronto 100 UEFA set to ‘decide’ next week Jazz 117, Grizzlies 114 Brooklyn 113 Detroit 111 In Salt Lake City, Donovan Mitch- Boston 122 Milwaukee 114 Denver 113 New Orleans 108 ell scored 35 points, Rudy Gobert had Portland 112 Orlando 105 25 and Utah beat Memphis for its 18th Minnesota 107 Houston 101 on 36-team Champions League straight home victory. Charlotte 110 Miami 105 Indiana 109 Dallas 94 Gobert added nine rebounds, and GENEVA, March 27, (AP): Changing prize money. sponsor revenue for the 2024 changes Mitchell had six assists and five re- Utah 117 Memphis 114 Atlanta 124 Golden State 108 the Champions League to a 36-team The clubs also want to play 10 dif- which will create more prize money. bounds to help the Jazz improve to LA Lakers 100 Cleveland 86 format featuring games from 2024 ferent opponents in a format creating Olsson cautioned “less is more” for 33-11. Bojan Bogdanovic added 17 Eastern Conference could be agreed by UEFA next week, 100 extra games in total and four extra the value of Champions League games. points, Jordan Clarkson 14. Atlantic Division a member of its executive committee midweeks exclusively for the Champi- The Swedish official was part of Ja Morant had 30 points and 11 as- Brooklyn Nets forward Blake Grif- W L Pct GB said. ons League. Philadelphia 32 13 .711 - UEFA management 20 years ago when sists for Memphis. Jonas Valanciunas fin reacts after a play during the Lars-Christer Olsson, who repre- The 30-nation European Leagues clubs pushed for a second group stage added 14 points and 18 rebounds, Dil- second half of an NBA basketball Brooklyn 31 15 .674 1-1/2 New York 23 22 .511 9 sents Europe’s domestic leagues on the group wants three places kept for na- that created more guaranteed games by lon Brooks had 22 points and Grayson game against the Detroit Pistons on March 26, in Detroit. (AP) Boston 22 23 .489 10 UEFA ruling committee, said it plans tional champions in its mid-ranked replacing some knockout rounds. Allen 17. The Grizzlies dropped to Toronto 18 27 .400 14 to meet on Wednesday if a proposal is members, and a schedule of eight “It was a total disaster,” said Olsson, 21-21, falling for the first time in four Southeast Division ready to be approved. games for each team. That would cre- who went on to be UEFA’s chief ex- games. and hit five 3-pointers in his Portland W L Pct GB Charlotte 23 21 .523 - The preferred option that includes ate 64 extra Champions League games ecutive from 2003-07. “I hope we are Memphis had a chance to force debut and the Trail Blazers overcame abolishing the traditional group stage and save two midweeks for domestic the absence star guard Damian Lillard Atlanta 23 22 .511 -1/2 not making the same mistake now.” overtime when Mitchell missed a driv- Miami 22 24 .478 2 could be agreed Tuesday by UEFA’s games. ing bank shot with 14.4 seconds left. to beat Orlando. Meanwhile a Croatian soccer offi- Washington 15 28 .349 7-1/2 club competitions committee. However, the UEFA panel meeting cial sentenced to prison in a corruption Brooks missed a 3-pointer on the other C.J. McCollum scored seven of his Orlando 15 30 .333 8-1/2 There is consensus between UEFA on Tuesday is stacked in the clubs’ end, and Mike Conley won a jump ball 22 points in the fourth quarter. Port- Central Division case linked to a Luka Modrić transfer W L Pct GB and leaders of European soccer’s top favor. was removed from a committee over- with 1.9 seconds remaining to seal the land won for a second night in a row clubs and leagues to add four entries to “We have to be honest and say that and improved to 14-6 this season in Milwaukee 29 15 .659 - victory. Indiana 21 23 .477 8 the Champions League with the teams the clubs have had more influence (at SOCCER Suns 104, Raptors 100 back-to-back sets of games. Lillard sat Chicago 19 24 .442 9-1/2 playing in a single 36-team standings UEFA) than we have had,” Olsson ac- out with a left knee contusion. Cleveland 17 28 .378 12-1/2 In Tampa, Fla., Chris Paul and De- Detroit 12 32 .273 17 from the 2024-25 season – a variation knowledged. andre Ayton each scored 19 points and The Magic, who lost for the 12th of the so-called “Swiss system” used UEFA has hoped to reach a deal on time in 14 games, had just eight play- Western Conference seeing the European Championship, Phoenix held off Toronto despite not Southwest Division in chess tournaments. the post-2024 look of club competi- ers available after trading franchise UEFA said . making a field goal in the last 3:50. W L Pct GB Where clubs and leagues differ is tions before its annual congress of 55 Damir Vrbanović lost an appeal fixtures Nikola Vucevic, Evan Fourni- Dallas 23 20 .535 - Paul and Devin Booker converted how to award the extra places, how member federations on April 20. last week against his conviction and a four free throws in the final 42 sec- er and Aaron Gordon and two others San Antonio 22 20 .524 -1/2 many games each team should play Olsson said many of those UEFA Thursday. Memphis 21 21 .500 1-1/2 three-year sentence in a ruling by the onds. Booker had 16 points to help the New Orleans 19 25 .432 4-1/2 and how to distribute the prize money. members are supporting the leagues’ supreme court of Croatia. Suns improve to 30-14. Hawks 124, Warriors 108 Houston 12 32 .273 11-1/2 The European Club Association ideas for fairer distribution of Champi- Vrbanović, a former executive at Paul also had eight assists, and Ay- In San Francisco, John Collins Northwest Division wants two entries reserved for teams ons League entries and money. Dinamo Zagreb and the Croatia soccer ton had nine rebounds and two blocks scored a career-high 38 points and had W L Pct GB who did not qualify on merit but are The Champions League currently Utah 33 11 .750 - federation, had been reappointed by - the last block on Siakam in the final 12 rebounds in Atlanta’s victory over Denver 27 18 .600 6-1/2 highly ranked by UEFA based on re- shares almost 2 billion euros ($2.4 bil- UEFA to its National Team Competi- minutes. Golden State. Portland 27 18 .600 6-1/2 sults in past seasons. Critics say that lion) among 32 clubs each season. tions Committee in 2019 while await- Siakam had 26 points and 11 re- Andrew Wiggins scored 29 points Oklahoma City 19 25 .432 14 would bail out storied clubs with tens UEFA officials have predicted a ing his appeal against the conviction Minnesota 11 34 .244 22-1/2 bounds for the Raptors, and Fred Van- for the Warriors in their fourth straight of millions of euros (dollars) in UEFA “significant increase” in broadcast and the previous year. Vleet had 22 points. They fell two days defeat, which also included a 141-119 Pacific Division W L Pct GB UEFA also removed former Serbia after beating Denver to end a nine- loss at Sacramento on Thursday night. Phoenix 30 14 .682 - soccer president Slavisa Kozeka from game losing streak. Trae Young had 21 points and 15 as- LA Clippers 30 16 .652 1 its committee overseeing the 55 Euro- Nuggets 113, Pelicans 108 sists, Clint Capela added 18 points and LA Lakers 29 17 .630 2 pean member federations. 15 rebounds, and Collins shot 14 of 19 Golden State 22 24 .478 9 In New Orleans, Nikola Jokic had Sacramento 20 25 .444 10-1/2 Kozeka resigned as head of Serbian 37 points and nine assists and Denver with four 3-pointers in his big night for soccer on Monday after being linked to the Hawks. outlasted New Orleans. a fan group with alleged ties to orga- Michael Porter Jr. scored 25 points, Timberwolves 107, Rockets 101 Devonte Graham added 16 points nized crime. and Jamal Murray had 23 points and In Minneapolis, Karl-Anthony and two clutch free throws for the Hor- “They are no longer members of 11 assists for the Nuggets. They trailed Towns had 29 points and 16 rebounds, nets. their respective UEFA standing com- by as many as 14 points in the game and Juancho Hernangomez added 19 Jimmy Butler had 20 points and mittees,” the European soccer body and 11 in the fourth quarter, but closed points in Minnesota’s victory over nine assists for Miami after missing said Friday of Vrbanović and Kozeka. on a 24-8 run. Houston. the Heat’s home loss to Portland on In the Croatian case, the conviction was Zion Williamson had 39 points on Minnesota trailed by as many as 19 Thursday night with a stomach illness. also upheld for Dinamo Zagreb coach 16-of-19 shooting to go with 10 re- in the second half, but closed on a 22-0 Duncan Robinson also had 20 points. Zoran Mamić, who resigned two days be- bounds and two blocks for the Peli- run to stop a four-game losing streak. Pacers 109, Mavericks 94 fore his team beat Tottenham last week to cans. But Brandon Ingram had an off- John Wall had 14 points and a sea- In Dallas, Domantas Sabonis had reach the Europa League quarterfinals. night shooting, missing 12 of 17 shots, son-high 15 assists for Houston. 22 points and 15 rebounds, Malcolm The case related to millions of dol- including a 3-point attempt from the Hornets 110, Heat 105 Brogdon also scored 22 points and In- lars embezzled from transfers abroad corner that could have tied it in the fi- In Charlotte, N.C., Malik Monk diana beat Dallas. of Dinamo players, including Modrić nal minute. scored 32 points, Terry Rozier had The Pacers hit 20 3-pointers, led by Scotland’s Scott McTominay (left), and Austria’s Xaver Schlager during to Tottenham in 2008 and Dejan Trail Blazers 112, Magic 105 26 points and a career-high 11 assists Brogdon’s 6-for-9 effort, to match the their 2022 World Cup qualifying soccer match between Scotland and Aus- Lovren to Lyon in 2010. Both players In Orlando, Fla., newly-acquired and Charlotte handed Miami its sixth franchise record they previously set this tria, at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland, March 25. The match ended testified in court in 2018 and had been guard Norman Powell scored 22 points straight loss. season. They have won four of five. 2-2. (AP) accused of perjury.

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