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SUNDAY 13 JUNE 2021 3 DHUL-QA'DA - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8652 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Action against 44 firms for summer work schedule violations

QNA — DOHA Since June 1, total number of com- panies that violated the Ministerial The Ministry of Administrative Devel- Resolution No. 17 amounted to 98. opment, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) represented by the Labour Work in open places not allowed Inspection Department issued 44 violations from June 4 to 9 of Minis- from 10 in the morning until 3.30 terial Resolution No. 17 for the year in the afternoon. 2021, regarding the necessary precau- tions to protect workers from heat Most violations recorded among stress in open work sites during the contracting sector companies. summer. A statement issued by the Ministry Violations can be reported by stated that legal measures were taken against the violating companies during calling the hotline 16008, or on the the inspection campaigns, as the total unified platform for complaints and number of companies that violated by visiting: https://acmsidentity. the decision amounted to 98 com- panies since the beginning of the adlsa.gov.qa/ar period of prohibition of work in open Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, a model for sustainable development places, which was set on 1/6/2021, Jadeed, Ain Khalid, Umm Salal A spectacular view of fully demountable Ras Abu Aboud Stadium — one of the eight FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venues. where the decision determines the Muhammad, Lusail, Al Dafna, Built using shipping containers and removable seats, the venue will become a pioneer in sustainable stadium development working hours for the works per- Muraikh, and Al Mashaf. and design. formed under the sun or in open The Ministry called on all com- workplaces and in places other than panies in various sectors to adhere to shaded and ventilated workplaces, working hours during the summer, during the period from June 1 to Sep- for work performed under the sun or tember 15 of each year, so that work in open workplaces, in order to avoid Saudi limits Haj to citizens, residents in Kingdom may not be started from 10 in the legal measures, noting that these morning until 3.30 in the afternoon. measures come from the State of QNA — RIYADH pilgrims will be allowed to perform the The decision is ‘based on the King- The statement revealed that the Qatar’s keenness to ensure the safety pilgrimage this year. dom’s constant keenness to enable the companies violating the provisions of and health of workers and the work Saudi Arabia said yesterday that it will It stressed that those wishing to guests and visitors at the Grand Mosque the decision, most of them work in the environment. limit registration for this year’s Haj perform Haj must be free of any and the Prophet’s Mosque to perform contracting sector (building mainte- The Ministry stressed the need for pilgrimage to citizens and residents of chronic diseases, and to be within the the rituals of Haj and Umrah,” the Min- nance), in the areas of Al Muntazah, companies to adhere to the WBGT the Kingdom in light of the coronavirus ages from 18 to 65 years for those vac- istry said. “The Kingdom puts human Khalifa City, Al Wakra, Al Wukair, Al radiant wet temperature index at all pandemic. The Ministry of Haj and cinated against the virus according to health and safety first.” it added. Sailiya, Al Kharaitiyat, Al Rayyan Al working hours. `P5 Umra announced that a total of 60,000 the Kingdom’s vaccination measures. `See also P6 Qatar’s Islamic finance assets reach QR528bn in 2020 PHCC laboratories join THE PENINSULA — DOHA elite group of global labs Qatar Central Bank (QCB) Governor, H E Islamic finance in Qatar is witnessing Sheikh Abdulla bin Saoud Al Thani, said the a continuous development through FAZEENA SALEEM highly prestigious institution rec- Islamic finance in Qatar is witnessing a policies and regulations that are THE PENINSULA ognised for accrediting labora- continuous development helped by being updated to ensure its continued tories globally and has the most supportive policies and regulations. With a recent coveted accred- comprehensive scientifically According to Islamic Finance Report for competitiveness at both regional and itation, Primary Health Care endorsed international laboratory 2020, released by Bait Al Mashura Finance international levels. Corporation’s (PHCC) labora- standards that PHCC needs to Consultation, the total volume of local Sheikh Abdulla bin Saoud Al Thani tories have become one of the comply with. An accredited lab- Islamic finance assets amounted to world’s largest group of oratory inspires confidence in its QR528bn in 2020. network laboratories clients in terms of quality patient “Islamic finance in Qatar is witnessing a accredited by the College of care by providing reliable, continuous development through policies and American Pathologists (CAP) accurate and timely results. regulations that are being updated to ensure financial and banking sector have gone outside the USA and also the “It is worth mentioning that its continued competitiveness at both regional through an unprecedented crisis, repre- largest conglomerate in the all the laboratories across PHCC and international levels”, said the QCB Gov- sented in COVID-19 implications and reper- public sector with such a credit, have got accredited without a ernor in his introductory speech to the report. cussions. These events posed a new chal- according to Kiran Govindan single deficiency or noncon- “Islamic finance assets in Qatar lenge to the financial and banking system Kutty, Manager of Laboratory, formance which is commendable amounted to QR528bn ($144bn), 86 percent in Qatar. Thanks to the measures that Clinical Operations at PHCC. in an accreditation of such high out of which are Islamic bank assets. Upon harmonisation between continued credit focused on ensuring business continuity, The CAP accreditation is the repute,” Kiran Kutty said. successfully completing Dukhan Bank granting, asset reclassification and provi- supporting liquidity and providing support world’s largest accreditation The leadership, commitment merger, Masraf Al Rayan has recently sions for credit losses. Banks in Qatar con- to affected sectors, we managed to mitigate process for the clinical labora- and support from the PHCC sought another merger with Khaleeji Com- tinued to apply the accounting standard for the implications of this shock, maintain tories. It is considered the gold Managing Director Dr. Maryam mercial Bank to boost the strength of Qatari calculating provision for expected credit credit flow to economic sectors, and achieve standard in lab accreditation. Abdul Malik and Executive Islamic banks worldwide. Such a new losses, and to update the structures of sce- financial and banking stability in the “With this accreditation, Director Dr. Samya Ahmad banking entity is expected to be the fifth- narios used to determine credit losses in a country,” he added. PHCC laboratories get into this Abdalla and their vision in largest Islamic bank in the world with assets more conservative view. Nevertheless, the Bait Al Mashura Finance Consultation elite class of laboratories,” alignment with the organisa- amounting to $47bn,” he explained. results of banking sector came good, as issued its report on Islamic finance in Qatar, Kiran Kutty told The Peninsula. tional goals were instrumental The Governor said that during this crisis, banks maintained their asset quality which discusses the business results of There are more than 8,000 in achieving the CAP accredi- banks witnessed pressures on their systems standards and credit grew at 8.6 percent. Islamic financial institutions in Qatar for laboratories accredited globally tation in spite of the challenges and budgets through the required “In 2020, the global economy and the the year 2020. `P3 so far by the CAP. The CAP, is a faced due to the pandemic. `P3 Georgia is a quarantine-free destination for vaccinated Qatari citizens, expats: Envoy

SANAULLAH ATAULLAH Ambassador of Georgia to Qatar, H E working with Qatar Airways to fly to THE PENINSULA Nikoloz Revazishvili told The Peninsula. another Georgian city, Batumi which is He said that vaccinated parents a very popular tourist destination,” said Qatari citizens and residents who Georgia, a country located at the inter- need only to show PCR negative tests the Ambassador. section of Eastern Europe and Western for their accompanying children. Before the pandemic, he said, there have completed the COVID-19 Asia and a part of the Caucasus region “Quarantine-free travel from Qatar were three daily flights between Qatar vaccination do not require any has become a quarantine-free desti- to Georgia is in place for vaccinated cit- and Georgia, now one flight is operating quarantine for travelling to nation for vaccinated Qatari citizens izens and expatriates. Visa is also not and it is fully occupied. Georgia. and residents. required. If you have vaccination cer- “We received many telephone calls People holding valid Qatari ID also tificate which indicates that you from people seeking information about Nikoloz Revazishvili get on-arrival visa to visit Georgia. received two shots of vaccine then it travel from Qatar to Georgia,” said the “Qatari citizens and residents who have will be a quarantine free destination for Ambassador. He said that it takes two completed the COVID-19 vaccination you,” said the Ambassador. hours and 30 minutes to reach Tbilisi (both doses) do not require any quar- He said that there is a daily flight from Doha. back to normal life, easing travel restric- running a perfect vaccination antine for travelling to Georgia,” between the two countries. “We are “After pandemic we need to come tions. Thanks to Qatari government for programme."`P5 02 HOME SUNDAY 13 JUNE 2021

Qatar calls on Israel to cooperate with OFFICIAL NEWS Amir greets IAEA and open reactors to inspectors President PRAYER QNA — VIENNA asked him to stop giving TIMINGS speeches of incitement and of Russia PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING The State of Qatar stressed the deliberately obliterating facts, importance of Israel cooper- and not to evade revealing the DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy 03.14 am ating with the International truth about Israel’s nuclear FAJR Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) capabilities, stressing the Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin SUNRISE 04.43 am regarding its nuclear capabil- importance of Israel cooper- Hamad Al Thani sent cables of DHUHR 11.34 am ities, and to open its atomic ating with the International congratulations to President of the ASR 02.57 pm reactors to inspectors. Atomic Energy Agency Russian Federation H E Vladimir Qatar’s Ambassador to the regarding its nuclear capabil- Putin, on the occasion of his coun- MAGHRIB 06.27 pm Federal Republic of Austria, and ities, and to open its atomic try’s National Day. Prime Minister ISHA 07.57 pm its Permanent Representative reactors to inspectors. and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh to the United Nations and inter- He urged the international Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al national organizations in community and its relevant Thani, also sent a cable of con- Vienna H E Sultan bin Salmeen institutions to support the goal gratulations to Prime Minister of Al Mansouri, said in front of the of freeing the Middle East from the Russian Federation H E Mikhail session of the IAEA Board of nuclear weapons, and to take Mishustin, on the occasion of his Governors held in Vienna, practical steps to achieve that country’s National Day. -QNA during the discussion of Israeli goal, based on its legal and nuclear capabilities item, that moral responsibility. the State of Qatar strongly sup- Qatar’s Ambassador to Austria, and Permanent Representative The Ambassador delivered Amir greets WEATHER ports the rule of law In interna- to the United Nations and international organisations in Vienna, another statement in front of TODAY tional relations, as a basic guar- Sultan bin Salmeen Al Mansouri the International Atomic Energy President of antee for creating a peaceful Agency’s Board of Governors on and stable international envi- its use of all kinds of weapons technical cooperation, in which Philippines ronment that enhances oppor- to oppress the Palestinian he praised the agency’s role in tunities for sustainable devel- people. Sultan bin Salmeen Al assisting countries through the DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim opment for all peoples, noting The Ambassador stressed transfer of nuclear knowledge bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir that the goal of nuclear disar- that the recent Israeli Mansour pointed out necessary to achieve sus- H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad 31oC 41oC mament in accordance with aggression on Gaza, and the that all Arab countries, tainable social and economic Al Thani and Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Minimum Maximum international agreements and excessive and disproportionate including the State of development, especially in United Nations resolutions is use of force against civilians developing countries, and to Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Qatar, joined the Treaty Thani sent cables of congratula- Hot with slight dust to blowing dust one of the means to uphold the and the destruction of civilian address the coronavirus at places daytime. rule of law in international infrastructure, angered world on the Non-Proliferation pandemic. tions to President of the Republic relations. public opinion, including Israeli of Nuclear Weapons and He expressed Qatar’s grat- of the Philippines H E Rodrigo W ALRUWAIS : 31o → 33o He pointed out that all Arab public opinion, and raised fun- itude for the good cooperation Roa Duterte on the anniversary W ALKHOR : 31o → 37o countries, including the State damental questions about adopted and agreed to that the agency maintains with of his country’s Independence of Qatar, joined the Treaty on whether Israel behaves as a Qatari institutions by providing Day. -QNA W DUKHAN : 31o → 34o all international the Non-Proliferation of responsible state and uses its advice and implementing a → resolutions calling for W WAKRAH : 29o 42o Nuclear Weapons and adopted weapons in accordance with number of projects, noting that W MESAIEED : 29o → 42o and agreed to all international the rules of international law, the Middle East to be Qatar is currently consulting W ABUSAMRA : 31o→ 35o resolutions calling for the and if there are guarantees that free of nuclear weapons, with the agency in order to Qatar condemns Middle East to be free of nuclear Israel will not use its weapons open new horizons for cooper- weapons, while Israel refuses in an irresponsible way in the while Israel refuses to ation to serve national pro- two bombings in HIGH TIDE to engage in these efforts. future, including the terrifying engage in these efforts. grams, as well as contributing 4:46–18:57 He referred to Israel’s possibility of using nuclear to supporting the efforts of Afghanistan LOW TIDE 2:00 – 11:53 behaviour in its policy towards weapons. developing countries to use QNA — DOHA the Palestinians, its failure to He responded to the allega- representative in the IAEA nuclear techniques for peaceful observe international law, and tions of the Israeli against the State of Qatar, and purposes. Qatar expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the two bombings that New building of QSC bags 4 medals at Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions targeted two buses in the west of the Afghan capital, Kabul, and Residence Affairs THE PENINSULA — DOHA on electromagnetic radiation which led to deaths and injuries. technology. The Ministry of Foreign Court inaugurated Qatar Scientific Club (QSC) The running guide device Affairs expressed the condo- bagged four medals at the for the blind, which won the lences of Qatar to the families of QNA — DOHA recent Geneva International silver medal, is an assistant for the victims and the government Exhibition of Inventions. The the blind, who wants to practice and people of Afghanistan, The new headquarters of the virtual event hosted 600 inven- running instead of running with wishing the injured a speedy Residence Affairs Court and tions. a human guide. recovery. Prosecution was inaugurated Qatar Scientific Club at the Qatari engineer Iman Al yesterday, next to the Research Ministry of Culture and Sports Hamad invented the QSC’s and Follow-up Department participated in the exhibition application for information 147 new virus building. with four innovations. Two of privacy in the Arabic language. cases: MoPH The new headquarters was them won the gold medal — a It is a system that detects fraud established in joint cooperation breathing and air purification in phone calls. THE PENINSULA — DOHA between the Supreme Judicial device and a wireless charging Eng. Abdul Rahman Saleh Council, the Public Prosecution, device. Two devices won the Khamis, Deputy Executive and the Ministry of Interior. silver medals — a running guide Director of the QSC, said that The Ministry of Public Health The inauguration was device for the blind and an app and civil defence, whose nature It has a rechargeable the club participated in the (MoPH) reported 147 new cases attended by the President of the for information privacy in of work requires dealing with battery and can be replaced Geneva International Exhibition of COVID-19 yesterday. Among Court of First Instance Dr. Arabic. infected or endemic areas. quickly. There is an indicator of Inventions to motivate inno- them 77 were travellers Ibrahim Hilal Al Mohannadi, the The breathing and air puri- The key feature of this that alerts when the battery vative youth to present their returning from abroad. Assistant President of the Court fication tool protects the face device is its ease of use. It does charge is low enough. best and encourage them while Also, 215 people recovered of First Instance for Criminal and the body from exposure to not constitute a burden during The QSC invented the highlighting their projects glo- from COVID-19, bringing the Affairs Ghanem Thamer Al coronavirus infection and movement or working in con- wireless charging device for use bally. He noted that this year’s total number of people Hamidi, the Head of the Resi- viruses in general. The Scien- fined spaces. An alert indicator in emergencies such as earth- participation was different due recovered in Qatar to 216,698. dency Affairs Prosecution tific Club invented the device informs when the airflow is quakes and floods. It can to the pandemic and its The Ministry also announced Ahmed Matar Al Dosari, Acting and dedicated it to medical staff reduced for any reason. transfer electrical energy based challenges. two deaths, aged 44 and 51. Assistant Undersecretary for Shared Services Affairs Khamis Muhammad Al Kuwari, and Brigadier Engineer Mohamed Ashghal to award 4 new contracts worth QR120m under ‘Taheel’ initiative Thani Al Madhahka, repre- senting the Ministry of Interior. THE PENINSULA — DOHA compete in the local market, in to Qatari manufacturers, local Section in the Roads Projects the roads or road maintenance The building contains the preparation for larger projects in products and suppliers to provide Department in Ashghal, said that projects. latest devices, systems and The Public Works Authority the future. the main materials used in infra- Ashghal supports new con- The scope of work within the information technology, to sim- (Ashghal) is working on awarding Eng. Ali Ashkanani, Head of structure within Road tractors by training them and Road Improvement projects plify work procedures, and four new contracts worth Northern Areas Section in the Improvement projects, by introducing companies to the includes grading of roads, asphalt provide distinguished services QR120m within the Small-Scale Roads Projects Department in encouraging them and increasing best practices in projects, espe- paving, construction of pedes- with the latest technology. Qatari Contractors Initiative Ashghal, said that Ashghal has their participation in the projects. cially since Ashghal does not trian crossings and sidewalks, The new building includes ‘Taheel’. qualified many national manu- Eng. Fahad Mohammad Al require companies to have pre- adjustment of existing manholes rooms for court sessions at the Eng. Saoud Al Tamimi, Roads facturers and has given priority Otaibi, Head of Western Areas vious experience with Ashghal in or drainage covers, service primary and appeal levels, Projects Department Manager at crossings, as well as the administrative offices, offices of Ashghal in a statement said that enhancement of traffic safety judges and prosecutors, and the total value of the nine con- such as installation of directional reception rooms for the public, tracts awarded as part of the ini- signs and road marking. which are equipped with digital tiative reach up to QR189m till Sheikh Mishaal Al Thani, rep- display screens in order to date. resentative of Turnkey Con- provide guidance services as During the years 2020 and tracting Company, said that the well as equipping the front 2021, five new road improvement opportunity to work with Ashghal offices and providing them with contracts were awarded to Qatari on various projects in the country the necessary technical means. contractors, with a total value of would allow the company to gain The building was allocated about QR129m within the Small- experience in implementing by the Department of Research Scale Contractors initiative projects. and Follow-up, and it was ‘Taheel’. It will prove our presence in equipped and furnished by the Al Tamimi said that Ashghal the field at a national level and Supreme Judicial Council. is keen to implement the coun- develop the capabilities and skills The opening of the new try’s approach to rely on national of our engineers in a way that building comes within the expertise and empowering them, qualifies our company to framework of the court devel- through taking measures to compete in the global market in opment plan carried out by the support the Qatari producer, con- the future. Ashghal launched the Supreme Judicial Council, which tractor and consultant, in Small-Scale Contractors initiative has so far included the opening addition to reducing reliance on in January 2018. and development of several foreign companies for the imple- The initiative aims to develop other buildings. mentation of infrastructure and support the local Qatari com- projects. panies and encourage them to Al Tamimi explained that participate in roads projects, even The building contains through road improvement con- if they have no previous expe- the latest devices, tracts implemented by local rience in this field. systems and information Qatari companies, Ashghal pro- The value of Road vides the opportunity for new Improvement projects completed technology, to simplify investors and contractors to within the initiative amounted to work procedures. implement small projects, which QR60m, in which four Qatari qualifies them to work on stra- contracting companies tegic projects in the country and participated. SUNDAY 13 JUNE 2021 HOME 03 UDC wins Luxury Lifestyle Award Over 300,000 customs declarations in May for Al Mutahidah Towers AYENI OLUSEGUN THE PENINSULA The GAC stressed that it The General Authority of would impose strict Customs (GAC) has announced penalties on those who 302,280 customs declarations attempt to smuggle were released in May, a unauthorised goods into decrease from April’s figures which was 312,534. the country according to In its monthly newsletter, the law. the GAC also stated that the air cargo customs reached 276,994 declarations, while being 36,027 pieces of the maritime customs totalled Captagon pills. 24,966. Also, the GAC released Meanwhile, the GAC 98 percent of its declarations stressed that it would impose in just one hour. strict penalties on those who India maintained its attempt to smuggle unau- position as the top exporting thorised goods into the country, while the United country according to the law. States of America also The GAC stated that if the remained the number one smuggled goods are subject UDC President, CEO and Member of the Commenting on this retail spaces designed to meet importing country after dis- to high customs duties, the Board, Ibrahim Jassim Al Othman UDC has started the award, Ibrahim Jassim Al handover process the needs of all residents. placing China in April. penalty shall be a fine not less THE PENINSULA — DOHA Othman, UDC President, UDC has recently started the The GAC’s Environmental than double the customs CEO and Member of the Board of the residential handover process of the resi- protection Reserves and duties due and not more than said: “This prestigious award rec- units to the owners dential units to the owners at Al Wildlife Department double the value of the goods. United Development Company ognises Al Mutahidah Towers for Mutahidah Towers and will soon remained the Best Gov- Perpetrators would be (UDC), a leading Qatari public providing an unrivalled luxury at Al Mutahidah launch a selection of apartments ernment Agency (time of imprisoned for not less than shareholding company and the lifestyle in the State of Qatar, Towers and will soon for leasing at these Towers. releases) with an average a month and not exceeding a master developer of The Pearl- delivered with UDC’s renowned UDC is a leading Qatari release time of two hours. year, or one of these two Qatar and Gewan Island, has won property development and man- launch a selection public shareholding company The Customs department penalties. the “Luxury Lifestyle Award agement expertise. of apartments for with a mission to identify and also transferred 24,580 dec- If the contraband is not 2021” in the category of “Luxury “With many more invest in long-term projects con- larations to other government subject to customs duties, the High Rise Living” for Al Muta- remarkable projects in the leasing at these tributing to Qatar’s growth and agencies in May. penalty shall be a fine of not hidah Towers at The Pearl-Qatar. pipeline, UDC continues to set Towers. providing good shareholder In its bid to improve less than 10 percent of the The remarkable new new standards in luxury resi- value. services in the country’s ports, goods’ value and property at The Pearl-Qatar was dential development and appeal different sizes along with a range Established in 1999, the airports, and land borders, the imprisonment. selected among 28 projects in the to the discerning customer for its of penthouses, studios and other Company was first listed on the GAC has embarked on training Also, if the goods are pro- same category by “Luxury Life- properties’ outstanding design, innovative residential models, Qatar Exchange in June 2003. programmes and invested in hibited, the penalty shall be style Awards” which is one of the quality, amenities, location and with breathtaking city and sea UDC activities cover a multitude the latest equipment to thwart not less than the value of the first international accolades ded- lifestyle experience”. views. of vital investment sectors the efforts of smugglers of goods and not more than icated to recognising luxury Al Mutahidah Towers consist This in addition to a state- including real-estate devel- contraband and harmful three times their value, and goods and services around the of two residential connected of-the-art gym, indoor and opment, property management, drugs. imprisonment for not less world for their credibility, towers at the upper levels in outdoor swimming pools, infrastructure and utilities, mar- In May, the GAC filed 100 than six months and not uniqueness, innovation and Viva Bahriya precinct. The function halls and other services itime and hospitality related seizure reports, with their exceeding three years, or one quality. towers offer 480 apartments of and facilities, as well as some businesses. largest seizure of the month of these two penalties. QF schools host virtual ceremonies to celebrate graduating students

THE PENINSULA — DOHA our youth become more resilient graduation ceremony, “Today we and better prepared for both the stand at a crossroads. We will turn Qatar Foundation has celebrated challenges and the opportunities the next page of our lives, to open the graduation of 483 students of tomorrow, while inspiring them new bright, white pages. from six of its schools with a series to be lifelong learners. “Various emotions over- of virtual ceremonies. “In order to achieve this goal, whelm us, and on top of those the Five schools under Qatar we have created a unique learning joy of graduation. The pandemic Foundation’s (QF) Pre-University environment catering to all needs that all humanity is going through Education house Grade 12 classes and abilities. From IB schools to changed the course of education, – Qatar Academy Doha (QAD), academies specialising in STEM, and brought us — teachers and Qatar Academy Al Khor (QAK), music, heritage, special needs, and students — together to continue Qatar Academy Sidra (QAS), Qatar leadership education, children the journey of knowledge, Leadership Academy, and Awsaj have the freedom to explore their research, and inquiry as lifelong Academy. And these schools, curiosity, creativity, and learners.” Sama Ayoub, QAD’s alongside the Academic Bridge individuality. Valedictorian, reflected on the Program — a foundation program “The graduates we celebrate past two years of school life, espe- that equips secondary school this year move into the next stage cially following the start of the graduates with the skills to of their lives equipped with the pandemic, saying, “We were all succeed at university — saw 227 skills and knowledge to contribute put in a unique position, and were female students and 256 male stu- to building a better world, and to all given a choice to either fight dents graduate this year. be drivers of change. We congrat- for our dreams, our aspirations, Buthaina Ali Al Nuaimi, Pres- ulate every member of our class and our goals, or to allow the cir- ident of Pre-University Education, of 2021, and look forward to cumstances to dictate our futures. QF, said: “We are delighted to seeing their continued successes “And now, at the finish line, I have been able to come together in the future.” am proud to say that every single in the digital sphere to celebrate The individual graduation one of us chose to fight. Every the accomplishments of the stu- ceremonies at QF schools, single one of us chose to be dents from our Qatar Foundation designed to highlight and honour resilient and to rise to the chal- schools. The COVID-19 pandemic the accomplishments of its stu- lenge and to achieve, despite all has presented them with new and dents, featured members of the the odds being against us. I am graduating class, said: “In QAS, I our final year. My time at QAS has Academy because it teaches us in unique challenges as they strive QF and Pre-University leadership forever grateful for the opportu- have been pushed towards my prepared me for the next stages a unique way. Teachers want stu- to achieve their goals, and the way teams, teachers, and school staff nities and the encouragement I best academic potential — to of my life and I’m thankful to have dents to be creative, to understand they have responded to these alongside the students, and found at QAD. learn, grow, and experience in been part of its community.” and learn new things. They try challenges and excelled is truly included a range of speeches, “Congratulations to every such a welcoming environment. Alhanouf Al Dosari, Valedic- their best to match the pace of the inspiring. “Over the last 25 years, presentations, and videos. single of you. I look forward to “Our teachers have been torian, Awsaj Academy, said, “I students, while focusing on their since the establishment of our Maitha Ibrahim R M Al what the future holds for all of us.” extraordinary in supporting us stand here before you, looking mental health as well as aca- very first school — Qatar Academy Mohannadi, Student Council Pres- Reem Abdullah Ahmed during these uncertain times and back at all the memories we’ve demics. It is an important factor Doha — we have strived to help ident, QAK, told the school’s Al Mannai, part of QAS’s working with us to help wrap up made together. I appreciate Awsaj in student education. Qatar’s Islamic finance assets reach QR528bn in 2020 PHCC laboratories join elite group of global labs FROM PAGE 1 FROM PAGE 1 stressed. and develop our products, in The CAP accreditation added. The CAP accreditation According to the report on order to provide the best and is valid for two years and The report shed light on the Islamic finance in Qatar, in highest quality service to the “The CAP accreditation is valid for two years mandates yearly internal performance of Islamic finance 2020, the total assets of Islamic Islamic financial industry and brings the PHCC labs at par and mandates yearly inspections to ensure the labs institutions and the financial and finance in Qatar amounted to the community inside and with other healthcare labora- are consistent with their economic sector in Qatar. approximately QR528bn, of outside Qatar. As we present tories in the country such as internal inspections performance. “Financial technology is no which Islamic bank assets this effort, we invite the Hamad Medical Corpo- to ensure the labs are “The re-inspection by CAP longer an option, but an urgent accounted for 86 percent, researchers, specialists and pio- ration and Sidra Medicine, would be in April 2023 and the necessity the adoption of which existing Sukuk accounted for neers of Islamic finance to who are also CAP accredited. consistent with their renewal of accreditation applications should be accel- 12 percent, assets of Takaful intensify efforts to upgrade the This means that clients have performance. would be based on the suc- erated. This crisis also revealed insurance companies accounted Islamic finance industry standardised continuum of cessful completion of those to us the Qatari banking sector’s for approximately 1 percent, through their research efforts care from the primary to the inspections,” said Kiran Kutty. ability to quickly adapt to these and assets of investment funds and creative ideas that believe tertiary spectrum of were used to evaluate the lab- PHCC, meanwhile shall be changes by adopting techno- and other Islamic financial in the authenticity of Islamic healthcare across the oratories’ conformity. During proactively conducting logical solutions according to the institutions accounted for economy and its role in leading country,” said Kiran Kutty. the audits, the inspectors also internal audits every six best technical standards and approximately 1 percent. the financial industry and over- “The accreditation checked for the laboratories months to ensure that the lab- protectionist and supervisory On his part, Prof. Dr. Khaled coming crises,” he continued. inspection by the CAP lasted previous two-years per- oratories are a step ahead in controls,” said the Governor. bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Vice “The report on Islamic for six days with a total of formance to ensure that the maintaining the quality and “Banks and other financial Chairman of the Board of finance in Qatar for 2020 issued seven inspectors. Each lab in laboratories demonstrated identifying areas of institutions managed to Directors of Bait Al Mashura by Bait Al-Mashura Finance the PHCC was inspected for a continuous improvements,” improvement. smoothly and safely provide Finance Consultations, said, Consultations reviews the per- whole day. In addition, the said Kiran Kutty. “In order to ensure that their services through their “Islamic finance sector has formance of Islamic finance entire organization wide lab- “The leadership skills of PHCC delivers accurate and applications. During this year, shown flexibility and solidity in institutions in Qatar, including oratory management practice the Laboratory Leads, the reliable results all the time, the we launched many central facing COVID-19 repercussions Islamic banks, Takaful was also inspected by two clinical acumen of the pathol- CAP evaluates and monitors financial technology systems, in light of the sector’s great insurance companies, and inspectors for two days,” he ogists combined with the com- blind testing materials through including the ‘Qatar Mobile digital transformation, which Islamic finance and investment added. petency and technical skills of the CAP Proficiency testing Payment System’ (QMP), to con- produces new opportunities for companies. It also reviews “The CAP has detailed the technologists were thor- program every quarter, where tinue developing the financial growth”. Islamic financial products, accreditation criteria and oughly and successfully in the laboratory’s per- and banking environment in “We have taken upon our- including investment funds, standards pertaining to all assessed and were the key to formance is peer reviewed Qatar in order to achieve the selves at Bait Al Mashura to Sukuk and movement of Islamic technical activities and sec- achieving accreditation with other global labora- National Vision 2030,” he strive to continuously improve financial market,” he added. tions of the laboratory which without any deficiencies,” he tories,” he added. 04 HOME SUNDAY 13 JUNE 2021 Qatar Shell concludes NXplorers programme QIB, Mastercard announce THE PENINSULA — DOHA Cards Summer Campaign Qatar Shell held a virtual THE PENINSULA — DOHA Mastercard Credit and Debit ceremony to celebrate the cards have been designed to completion of its second cycle Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has make planning a holiday both of the NXplorers programme. partnered with Mastercard to easy and secure”. Shell NXplorers programme is launch the 2021 edition of its “Given previous year’s currently running in several annual ‘Cards Summer Spends’ success, we wanted to ensure schools in partnership with the promotion for Mastercard that this year Mastercard card- Ministry of Education & Higher Credit and Debit cardholders. holders are able to enjoy those Education in Qatar and the Customers who will use significant rewards, as we look Qatar Scientific Club. their QIB Mastercard Debit Card forward to making their The ceremony was a cele- internationally or Mastercard vacation and shopping experi- bration and recognition of the Credit Card locally or interna- ences memorable”, he added. Shell NXplorers programme to tionally between June 1 and Nadia Ghissassi, Country inspire talented young people August 31, 2021 will automati- Manager for Qatar, Oman, to be the problem-solvers of cally qualify to win prizes up to Kuwait, and Iraq, Mastercard, today and leaders of QR100,000. said: “We are pleased to partner tomorrow. For every QR5,000 weekly with QIB to launch the Cards The NXplorers contest spend, customers will receive Summer Spends promotion for received over 20 nominations one entry into the weekly draw all our debit and credit card- from grade 9 students. Three throughout the period of the holders in Qatar. Not only does winning teams were selected Participants during a Shell NXplorers programme. promotion. Over the based on the challenges pre- course of the ‘Cards sented, solution ideas, and the on the NXplorers Collaboration NXplorers workshops Summer Spends’ application of their NXplorers Space. The NXplorers Collab- introduce concepts such as promotion, QIB and thinking tools. oration Space is a platform for complexity and NXthinking, Mastercard will The celebration included The NXplorers students participating in the which helps students explore award a total of 13 global Shell NXplorers team, programme gave the programme from over 17 real-world issues related to lucky winners with representatives from local students a fantastic way countries to share their chal- water, food, and energy. QR25,000 in cash entities and Qatar Shell STEM to create real, lenges, connect with other Besides, the students were prizes with one ambassadors. meaningful solutions to teams and share progress on empowered with tools used to winner each week. Mostafa Mostafa, Diyora their solutions. analyse their chosen subject, For every Berdiyorova, and Minaa Zafar, some of the most The NXplorers programme explore future scenarios, and QR25,000 spend during the the campaign cater to Qatari Team “Unknown” from serious global issues we gave the students a fantastic brainstorm solutions to help duration of the campaign, cus- consumers’ diverse range of Michael E. Debakey School, face today, such as way to create real, meaningful tackle these challenges. tomers will get a chance to needs and lifestyles, it also pro- won the Bronze Awards for enhancing the quality of solutions to some of the most “NXplorers improved our receive the grand prize of vides them with thrilling oppor- “How can we create energy soil for better food serious global issues we face communication, speaking, and QR100,000. At the end of the tunities to win exciting cash while cleaning the ocean from today, such as enhancing the presentation skills and our campaign period in August, QIB prizes. We are committed to waste?” production and test quality of soil for better food passion for teamwork. It also will select one lucky grand prize working with our long-standing Khalid Fahad, Hamad possibilities around production and test possibil- taught us the steps of creating winner who will receive partner at QIB to make eve- Rashid, Hamad Hassan, Team using less fuel in the ities around using less fuel in a project. QR100,000, and the winner will ryday payments for our card- “Alpha Omega” from Qatar water filtration process. the water filtration process. “It was a fun, new expe- be announced in September holders simpler, secure and Science and Technology Students experimented rience. We had many activities 2021. rewarding.” School for Boys won the Silver with different tools to evaluate that I enjoyed and had support The winners will be selected Accepted by millions of awards – “How to make and develop their ideas and from such friendly staff,” said using a random electronic draw, merchants around the globe, farming more efficient?” experience a sense of own- Ahmad Essa Al Nassr, student, which will take place in the online, and at millions of ATMs Salman Al Dosari, Hamad Qatar. NXplorers training from ership in solving the problems Qatar Science and Technology presence of representatives worldwide, the QIB Mastercard Al Marri, Abdulaziz Al Obaidli the United Kingdom was pro- of the future. Secondary School for Boys. from QIB, and the Ministry of Debit and Credit Cards offer and Hassan Al Mutawa – Team vided to 29 teachers, eight rep- “We will be incorporating NXplorers encourages stu- Commerce and Industry. customers the ultimate in con- “Elite” from Qatar Leadership resentatives from the Ministry some of the experiences we dents to appreciate the strong D. Anand, QIB’s General venience and rewards. Academy won the Gold of Education and Higher Edu- gained through this in devel- partnership between the edu- Manager – Personal Banking The bank’s Mastercard Debit awards; “How can we use less cation, and six Qatar Scientific oping our students’ ability to cational institutions and Group, said: “The summer and Credit Cards give customers fuel in water filtration Club members. reason, articulate and solve the industry and links the students period is an exciting and antic- the ease and security of cashless process?” It resulted in a remarkable challenges they face,” said with exceptional peer leaders, ipated time for our customers. shopping plus discounts, con- This year, 155 Grade 9 stu- 35 creative ideas being pro- Ragee Tarabi, teacher, Qatar instructors, and industry QIB creates all of its products cierge service, travel insurance, dents participated in the posed by the students, with 30 Science and Technology Sec- experts who provide positive with its customers’ needs in extended warranty, and pur- NXplorers workshops across projects successfully uploaded ondary school for Boys. role models for STEM. mind, which is why our chase protection. QRCS hands over new housing units to families displaced in Yemen THE PENINSULA — DOHA ongoing efforts to help the Yemeni Ahmed Hassan Mohamed Ali Heba, a beneficiary, said, people and alleviate their suffering due Hayjan, a community “Due to the war, my house was Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has to the many years of humanitarian leader, praising QRCS’s destroyed. I came here with my family, completed a project to provide shelter crisis. quality of work, said, “I just to seek shelter under trees. With for the internally displaced persons Eng. Mansour explained that the hope that these services its commendable sympathy, QRCS gave (IDPs) affected by the war and flooding new houses adopted a practical and will continue to secure us these houses to protect us against in Yemen. flexible model that dealt with changing the household needs, the heat, cold, and rain. Many thanks At a total cost of $210,024, 224 weather and, at the same time, ensured such as mattresses, to QRCS. We really appreciate it.” housing units were handed over to the environmental sustainability, using blankets, mosquito nets, According to 2020 UN estimates, beneficiaries in two sub-divisions of building materials from the local envi- and kitchenware. The there are 3.1 million Yemenis in dire ‘Abs District, Hajjah Governorate. ronment. “That is why these houses people here were forced need for shelter and household sup- The handover ceremony was drew attention from local authorities out of their home villages plies. So, QRCS’s project addresses a attended by representatives of the and humanitarian organisations,” he to live in desert areas growing shelter issue and meets the Supreme Council for Management and added. with no shelter or food. stressing needs of the most vulnerable Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Even though the new houses are Thanks to coordination A QRCS representative handing over housing units to IDPs. Two similar projects are in in Hajjah and the local authority of located in five distant villages, the con- between QRCS and local beneficiaries. progress, with a total of 580 houses ‘Abs. Eng. Younes Mansour, the del- struction was accomplished within authorities, these unli- to be built in the governorates of egate of QRCS, gave a detailed pres- only three months, while all technical vable places were turned into environ- The beneficiary IDPs thanked Raymah, Al Hudaydah, Taiz, and Had- entation on the construction process. specifications were taken into mentally friendly residential QRCS for providing them with houses hramaut, with an overall budget of He said the project was part of QRCS’s consideration. villages.” that protect their safety and dignity. $710,500. Riyasat, AMNM collaborate to promote healthy eating THE PENINSULA — DOHA A menu has been you of how your grandparents used carefully crafted with to cook, using simple, unprocessed, Riyasat, located in the opulent St. and locally produced ingredients. Regis Doha, sets new standards in the a whole host of micro- Reality is that healthy food is tasty,” fine dining Indian cuisine, by intro- nutritional benefits, in she added. ducing the concept of a superfood Surjan Singh, known as Chef Jolly, healthy menu today. association with AMNM’s said, “Health has become an Building around the impression clinical dietician and important factor that shapes our lives of purity, cleansing, and supporting these days. The deeper we dig, the emotional health, the menu focuses health coach Ghinwa more we realise people are looking on offering guests a selection of Zoubeir. for healthier dining options and an vegan, gluten free and dairy free experience that matches their daily exciting signature dishes. lifestyle. A lot of people have been The idea of introducing this will be a launching pad for a new requesting for vegan and gluten free exclusive new health-conscious trend in the dining industry.” options. superfood menu became possible in “Studies show that everything we “Here we are! We want our guests collaboration with Alfardan Medical eat is connected to our gut wellbeing, to know that their health and lifestyle with Northwestern Medicine, AMNM, matters to us as which emphasised on using beneficial well. We are ingredients for both mind and body. thrilled to be col- Chef Jolly, his team at Riyasat and laborating with AMNM’S licensed dietician worked wonderful expe- closely side by side on selecting the rienced health perfect combination of ingredients experts in the to create this outstanding flavourful field, such as healthy menu. AMNM.” Since quality plays a significant Expect role in the development of this menu, vibrant colours most of the produce and ingredients and big electri- used are locally sourced, sustainable fying flavours. and carbon free. Think bright The menu has been carefully plant-powered crafted with a whole host of micro- bowls, with a nutritional benefits, in association choice of inter- with AMNM’s clinical dietician and A Riyasat dessert close up. esting starters health coach Ghinwa Zoubeir. and hot dishes Zoubeir said, “Health expertise mental health, and overall wellness. packed with goodness such as sweet and culinary elegance combined. The Ayurveda practices and Indian tra- potato, spinach, turmeric, ginger, unique collaboration between ditions have discovered that ages omega rich seeds and much more. Alfardan Medical with Northwestern ago. Vedic food is believed to heal Riyasat is open daily for lunch and Medicine and Riyasat is a new the root causes of our health dinner from 12pm to12am. Interested frontier that sets new standards for problems. dinners can reserve by calling +974 the dine-in world in Qatar and “Tastes and aromas of this menu 4424 4856 or connecting directly on beyond. The foundation we have set will take you back in time and remind WhatsApp on +974 5053 4103. SUNDAY 13 JUNE 2021 HOME 05 HBKU’s Maker Majlis collaborates Ooredoo achieves Platinum-Tier Cloud Service with Qatar Youth Power Conference Provider status with Dell THE PENINSULA — DOHA the public sphere, as well as the THE PENINSULA — DOHA networking, and virtualisation challenges facing youth striving under one pre-configured Giving youth the opportunity to to create social change. The Ooredoo has announced it system. learn from the country’s conference closed with a achieved Platinum-tier Cloud Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad brightest change-makers, the keynote on Youth Empow- Service Provider status with the bin Nasser Al Thani, Chief Com- Qatar Youth Power (QYP) erment and Education for Dell EMC partner programme mercial Officer at Ooredoo – Conference took place virtually Future Change Makers. for 2021. said: “Achieving this status recently, in partnership with Speaking after the con- Ooredoo’s Platinum Partner involved Ooredoo hitting Maker Majlis - a platform under ference, Dr. Tok said: “Rather status reconfirms the com- revenue and training targets, the College of Islamic Studies than an individual endeavor, pany’s excellence and com- bringing multiple rewards (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa leading change that transforms mitment to its partnership with which we will be passing on to University (HBKU). our societies is linked to Dell EMC and recognises its business customers. Such key The country’s first and only empowering others first, and outstanding technical capabil- partnerships and partnership student-initiated conference this understanding was at the ities to deliver high-value solu- levels with global providers Speakers during a discussion at Qatar Youth Power Conference aimed to develop, connect, and heart of the first Qatar Youth tions to its business reinforce Ooredoo’s claims to empower the youth of Qatar to Power Conference. customers. leadership in the ICT market.” positively impact their Among the invited speakers With a focus on self- “We set out to help partici- Ooredoo is the only telecom The benefits of Platinum- communities. were HBKU’s Dr. Evren Tok, awareness and self-devel- pating youth gain a better operator to have received the tier Provider status include eli- QYP 2021 took participants Assistant Dean of Innovation opment, eight thematic work- understanding of how they can Dell Platinum-tier Cloud gibility for sales rebates, spe- on a journey of personal growth and Community Engagement, shops included Sport Values, use their potential for the bet- Service Provider status in the cially earmarked marketing that aimed to unlock their Associate Professor of Islam Youth and Global Citizenship terment of their communities, Gulf and Middle East region. development funds, consider- potential by developing partic- and Global Affairs, and founder Youth; Climate Activism in the and, in keeping with our focus Since Dell EMC is the leading ation for key sales, Go-To- ipants as individuals, con- of Maker Majlis. Arab World; and Journey of an at CIS and Maker Majlis, to provider of cloud infra- Market initiatives and cam- necting this to the local and Inspiring Qatari role Entrepreneur. Bayan Khaled, a achieve the Sustainable Devel- structure, this ensures that paign design, access to tech- wider community, and lastly, models, youth entrepreneurs, research fellow at CIS, featured opment Goals. We thank our Ooredoo customers will now nical resources, and empowering them to take this speakers from the World Inno- as a speaker at a panel dis- event partners for sharing in benefit from further access to collaborative sales and business capability globally. Reflecting vation Summit for Education cussion on faith and youth on our message and enabling this the most innovative business planning. the theme in her opening (WISE), Save the Dream, and social media, with Iman Ismail, successful effort to empower solutions. Business customers can lev- keynote, Empowering Yourself figures such as Khalifa Al a senior at Georgetown Uni- our youth.” Following the achievement erage the Ooredoo Advantage, is Empowering Others, Fatima Haroon, founder and CEO of versity in Qatar. QYP 2021 partners included of Gold-tier Provider status in making Ooredoo ‘Best for El Mahdi, Head of THIMUN ILoveQatar.net, and stand-up Unique conference sessions ILoveQatar.net; Qatar Medical Stu- 2018, Ooredoo is better placed Business’, thanks to its breadth and Qatar, contended that youth comedian Hamad Al Mari, led included the “Fireside Chat”, dents Association (QMSA); Students than ever to integrate its own depth of talent, best fixed and empowerment is leadership impactful sessions that gave the which discussed empowering Qatar; Greener Future; Talabat, business services with Dell mobile networks, broadest port- and being able to empower youth the education and tools women in the region and and Doha Environmental Actions EMC’s industry-leading cloud folio of ICT services and solutions, others. necessary to make a change. increasing their participation in Project (DEAP Qatar). computing, storage, and trusted partner for 60 years. Dukhan Bank announces GWC celebrates World Food Safety Day June draw winners THE PENINSULA — DOHA

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Elmoatassem, Estabrak Thabet, Reiterating its commitment to Our goal is enabling Alberto Amerio, Abdulrahman food safety standards, GWC Dukhan Bank announced the Al Mannai, Hamda Al Malki, Siy- celebrated the 2021 edition of food safety from farm names of the most recent round aguna Fernando, Deepak World Food Safety Day (WFSD) to the table, and a of draw winners for Thara’a, its Sekharan, Ali Al Sulaiti and by organizing an interactive highly trained Shariah compliant savings Abdulaziz Ali. training and awareness sessions workforce is account, at the Bank’s head- The draw was conducted for its employees highlighting imperative for this quarters. under the supervision of a rep- this year’s theme: “Safe food As the draw results showed, resentative of the qualitative now for a healthy tomorrow”. purpose. the bank clients Ameera Al license and market control As the leading logistics and Saadi and Ahmed Al Kaabi each department at the Ministry of cold chain provider in the State Ranjeev Menon won a cash prize of QR10,000. Commerce and Industry. of Qatar, GWC has been an Group CEO of GWC Also, a cash prize worth On a monthly basis, there integral part of the nation’s food QR5,000 was awarded to are 42 winners per draw for the supply chain for many years. Ossama Eliwa, A.Aziz Fakhroo, cash prize of QR5,000 each, as GWC continues to provide end- Nojoud Al Jaber, Mohamed well as 2 winners per draw for to-end logistics support for food Elserhy, Khalifa Al Abdulla, the cash prize of QR10,000. imports in terms of sampling, certified in-house experts to Dhabya Al Mannai, Humood Al Additionally, quarterly inspection as per the proce- impart knowledge about safe Shamari, Hamad Al-Marri, there are 2 winners per draw dures set forth by Ministry of food handling to deliver safe GWC staff during an event held to mark World Food Safety Day. Fatima Abdulla, Eman Shreiteh, for the cash prize of QR25,000 Public Health and customs and healthy food to the Jamal Al Baker, Prem Kasil- each, 2 winners per draw for clearance, followed by cold consumer. setting high standards of quality dling practices. ingam, Ahmad Elatrash, the cash prize of QR50,000 chamber warehousing and dis- “Our goal is enabling food including those for food safety. “GWC is a bona fide expert Mohammad Qusad, Ricci each, and yearly there is 1 tribution to end-use safety from farm to the table, This dedication to quality in food and cold chain logistics, Morales, Hasina Al Ali, Naeema winner of the grand prize of destinations. and a highly trained workforce in storage and delivery of food and it is our endeavor to con- Alansari, Ahmed Yacoub, Zaid QR1,000,000. Rewarding 365 The training session empha- is imperative for this purpose,” consignments has led to it being stantly monitor the safety of Hasan, Hadeel Alfaour, Sara winners in total with cash sized how safe food is a shared stated Ranjeev Menon, GWC’s trusted by retail and food dis- food in storage and during transit Almaraghi, Rula Kamel and prizes up to QR3,290,000. responsibility between pro- Group CEO. “These sessions will tribution outlets in Qatar. using enhanced systems,” said Inam Alalami, Noora Al Najar, Coupled with cash prizes ducers, governments, help in adding to our collective GWC’s in-house experts Menon. Hamad Al Joof, Heyam Al Saadi, and a reward scheme, Thara’a importers, retailers, and every awareness about the subject of spotlighted these best practices “Our warehousing and Ahmad Al Abdulla, Kathy Theng, is a product full of value-added person who handles food food safety.” and guided attendees to dili- logistics services are consistent Moustafa Algamal, Abdirehman benefits and services. Thara’a during the course of this supply With ISO 22000:2018 certifi- gently follow them at every with Qatar’s food security and Jehad, Asma Zairi, Afzal Abdul- offers account holders access chain. cation for Food Safety Man- stage in an effort to reduce the safety guidelines to counter razak, Safiya Al Zeyara, Maryam to Dukhan Bank’s innovative Various interactive activ- agement System since 2007, GWC burden of foodborne diseases any threats to food security," Jameea, Hassam Saeb banking channels. ities were conducted by GWC’s has long been a champion of resulting from unsafe food han- he added. Top recognition for Texas A&M at Qatar professor Georgia is a quarantine-free

THE PENINSULA — DOHA followed by a Ph.D. in 2007 destination for vaccinated outstanding teacher and from Queen Mary University of Dr. Mohammed Al Hashimi, researcher, and a great asset to London. He subsequently Qatari citizens, expats: Envoy research associate professor in Texas A&M at Qatar since he worked as a senior devel- FROM PAGE 1 Texas A&M University at Qatar’s joined us in 2013.” opment chemist at Evotec in Speaking about Qatar- Science Program, has been Al Hashimi’s research team Oxfordshire (UK) and later “Many people have been named a Fellow of the Royal focuses on the synthesis of joined the chemistry vaccinated fully which means Georgia relations, the Society of Chemistry (FRSC) in organic polymers, particularly department at Imperial College they will be able to travel Ambassador said that recognition of his contributions the design and synthesis of London as a postdoctoral safely,” said the Ambassador. the two countries are to the field of chemistry. organic semiconductor materials researcher in 2008. “Qatari government did an A Royal Society of Chemistry for a range of optoelectronic Before joining Texas A&M amazing job in fighting the pan- enjoying very good fellow must have made a signif- applications. Those include field- at Qatar in 2013, Al-Hashimi demic and help other countries relations since the icant impact to their field of effect transistors, photovoltaic worked at Qatar University as in fighting it.” chemical sciences and be dis- devices, light-emitting diodes an assistant professor. Speaking about Qatar- diplomatic ties were tinguished in the management and sensors. His interests also Al Hashimi said, “It is a Georgian bilateral relations, the established. of a chemical sciences include synthesis of recoverable, special privilege and a pleasure Ambassador said that the two organization. reusable homogeneous and het- to be named a Fellow of the countries are enjoying very The distinction requires erogeneous catalysts. Royal Society of Chemistry, a good relations since the diplo- Dr. Mohammed Al Hashimi acceptance and adherence to a As a research associate pro- distinguished organization matic ties were established. “We are working with Qatar specific code of conduct and an fessor, Al Hashimi also super- known worldwide. Indeed, it is “Before the pandemic we Food Company Widam. They established set of high standards recognized by Qatar Foundation vises six postdoctoral research more notable as it is recognized had very high level official visits are looking for Georgian lamb of ethical and professional for the “Best Research Presen- assistants and twelve under- by peers and senior researchers in Doha and Tbilisi. The Min- products and I hope then soon behavior. tation Award in the Energy and graduate students from Texas across the chemical sciences. It ister of Economy and Sus- they will have the variety of Al Hashimi joins a distin- Environment Pillar” in 2016 and A&M at Qatar for projects is exciting to discover that our tainable Development of Georgian lamb. But it is yet to guished list of Texas A&M most recently he was awarded funded by the Qatar National research efforts in the field of Georgia had visited Qatar and be finalised.” chemists who have previously the “Faculty Research Excel- Research Fund. He has signif- optoelectronics has been met very high level officials.” He said that Georgian lamb been recognized as FRSC: lence Award” by Texas A&M at icant project management acknowledged, and has made “I do hope that in future, we is one of the highest demanding Hassan S. Bazzi (2018), Kim Qatar. experience in industrial and great scientific impact in the will enhance our bilateral product in Qatar as it is very Dunbar (2018), Sarbajit Banerjee Dr. César Octavio Malavé, academic settings, with direct field of the chemical cooperation in every field – good quality. (2016), Hongcai Joe Zhou (2015), dean of Texas A&M at Qatar, experience in corporate sciences.” economy, trade, business to Highlighting famous Marcetta Y. Darensbourg (2014), said, “Dr. Al Hashimi is very research and customer-focused Al Hashimi added that as a business, political and other Georgian products, he said that Kevin Burgess (2013), Abraham deserving of this prestigious business units and managing Fellow of the RSC, his goal is to levels.” there are some organic Clearfield (2013), François P. honor. His contribution to grants in the UK and Qatar. promote the value of scientific He said that the trade products and a number of com- Gabbaï (2013) and James D. research, teaching and our com- Al Hashimi received his M. research to the next generation volume between Qatar and panies in Qatar are offering Batteas (2012). munity has been immeasurable. Sc. Honors degree in Pharma- of chemists and chemical engi- Georgia is increasing by 5 to 10 organic fresh juices and Al Hashimi was previously Dr. Al Hashimi has been an ceutical Chemistry in 2003, neers in Qatar and abroad. percent yearly. smoothies. “A number of initiatives are “I see big potential in many being taken which will help to kinds of berries. Georgia pro- Action against 44 firms for summer work schedule violations further increase the trade duces different varieties of FROM PAGE 1 between two countries by the berries in large quantity the latest monitoring and meas- measurements, and take legal this regard by calling the hotline end of this year,” said the including blueberries, rasp- It includes work performed urement devices designated for measures against the violating 16008, or on the unified platform Ambassador. berries and strawberries. Now outside the curfew hours in the this, and who, in turn, pass by companies. for complaints and reports by To a question about the harvesting season is morning or at night, as the all the facilities at these times, The Ministry noted that it is visiting the following link: https:// bringing Georgian lamb in coming,” said the inspectors were provided with take the necessary possible to report violations in acmsidentity.adlsa.gov.qa/ar. Qatar in bulk quantity, he said: Ambassador. 06 GULF / MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA SUNDAY 13 JUNE 2021 Algerians cast ballots in parliamentary polls AP — ALGIERS The Constitutional from office in 2019 after 20 years in power amid protests Algerians voted yesterday for a Council announced over corruption, joblessness and new parliament in an election yesterday that it repression. Tebboune was with a majority of novice inde- elected eight months later, pendent candidates running would be 15 days vowing to remake Africa’s under new rules meant to before results of the largest country but with no sign satisfy demands of pro- of abandoning the pre-eminent democracy protesters and open balloting are known though shadowy role of the the way to a “new Algeria.” because of the number army in governance. Tension surrounded the of candidates and the The Constitutional Council voting in the gas-rich North announced yesterday that it African nation, with activists need to ensure against would be 15 days before results and opposition parties fraud, which marked of the balloting are known boycotting. because of the number of can- Authorities have tightened past elections. didates and the need to ensure the screws on the Hirak protest against fraud, which marked movement in recent weeks, past elections. with police stopping weekly Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s “new The threat of boycott by the marches and arresting dozens, Algeria,” with an emphasis on main opposition parties and the latest a Hirak figure and two young candidates and those Hirak supporters means the Algeria President Abdelmadjid Tebboune casts his vote at a polling station during the country’s journalists. outside the political elite. turnout may be low. Photos on parliamentary election, in Bouchaoui yesterday. The three prominent oppo- A huge number of candi- social media showed images of sition figures, including jour- dates — more than 20,000 — some voting stations in the nalist Khaled Drareni, a press are running for the 407-seat Kabylie region, east of Algiers, people from voting. elections, but they do not have Belhimer said on Algerian freedom advocate, were freed legislature, once dominated by torn asunder with ballots “These elections are another the right to impose by force television. early yesterday, three days after a two-party alliance considered strewn in streets. Kabylie, home stage on the path to change and their viewpoint on others.” Women make up half of their arrests, the National Com- unlikely to maintain its grip on of Berbers, is a traditional the construction of a new “I call on Algerians to vote candidates for the first time, mittee for the Liberation of the parliament. bastion of the opposition. Algeria,” with sovereignty for massively... to deny the fore- among efforts to make a fresh Detained said. It’s the first legislative The president, at a voting the people, Tebboune said. “I casts and catastrophic scenarios start. But women have been The early election is sup- election since former President station with his wife, said respect the position of those of the enemies of Algeria,” largely invisible from the posed to exemplify President Abdelaziz Bouteflika was forced boycott calls shouldn’t prevent who decided to boycott the Communications Minister Amar campaign. Tunisia President accuses lobby Haj limited to 60,000 vaccinated pilgrims in Saudi Arabia AP — DUBAI A statement on the state- constant concern for the staff. by the Ebola virus. groups of run Saudi Press Agency quoted health, safety and security of Each year, up to two million Saudi Arabia had closed its Saudi Arabia announced the kingdom’s Haj and Umrah pilgrims as well as the safety Muslims perform the Haj, a pil- borders for months to try and creating crises yesterday that this year’s Haj Ministry making the of their countries,” the grimage that draws the faithful stop the spread of the will be limited to no more than announcement. It said this statement said. from around the world. The Haj, coronavirus. ANADOLU — TUNIS 60,000 people, all of them from year’s Haj, which will begin in In last year’s Haj, as few as required of all able-bodied Since the start of the pan- within the kingdom, due to the mid-July, will be limited to 1,000 people already residing Muslims to perform once in demic, the kingdom has Tunisian President Kais Saied ongoing coronavirus pandemic. those aged 18 to 65. in Saudi Arabia were selected their lifetime, is seen as a reported over 462,000 cases of has accused lobby groups of The announcement by the Those taking part must be to take part in the Haj. Two- chance to wipe clean past sins the virus with 7,500 deaths. It working clandestinely to kingdom comes after it ran an vaccinated as well, the min- thirds were foreign residents and bring about greater has administered some 15.4 create crises in the North incredibly pared-down pil- istry said. “The Kingdom of from among the 160 different humility and unity among million doses of coronavirus African country for staying in grimage last year over the Saudi Arabia, which is hon- nationalities that would have Muslims. vaccines, according to the power. virus, but still allowed a small oured to host pilgrims every normally been represented at In recent years, Saudi offi- World Health Organisation. The “I know who stirs up the number of the faithful to take year, confirms that this the Haj. One-third were Saudi cials instituted bans on pilgrims kingdom is home to over 30 street and provokes crises to part in the annual ceremony. arrangement comes out of its security personnel and medical coming from countries affected million people. stay in power,” Saied said during a meeting on Friday with Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi and acting Justice Nigerian police fire tear gas Minister Hasna Ben Suleiman at the presidential palace in to disperse protesters Carthage. He did not elaborate more REUTERS — LAGOS/ABUJA Nigeria’s move to civilian rule on those lobby groups. more than 20 years ago. The situation “indicates Police fired tear gas and A witnesses in Lagos and greater risks as a result of the detained several demonstrators Abuja saw police shooting their rule of a number of lobbies, in the Nigerian cities of Lagos guns into the air and firing tear which work behind the scene and Abuja yesterday during gas into the crowds to disperse and change their positions protests over the country’s the demonstrators, who held based on their interests,” Saied worsening security situation, placards and chanted “Buhari added in a video clip of the Reuters witnesses said. must go”. meeting published by the Anger over mass kidnap- “We cannot continue like Presidency. pings-for-ransom, a decade-long this... all the bad governance He warned that “what is Islamist insurgency and a must stop,” said protester happening these days in the crackdown on protesters in Lagos Samson Okafor in Lagos, where country portends a grave last October has fueled demands teargas cannisters smouldered danger to the Tunisian state”, for the government of President in the street as police shouted at but assured Tunisians that he Muhammadu Buhari to do more demonstrators to leave the scene. will not let that happen. to tackle violence and insecurity. Officers were also seen Tunisia has been gripped There was a heavy police smashing mobile phones con- by a deep crisis since Jan. 16 presence in the country’s two fiscated from protesters, some when Mechichi announced a major cities as several hundred of whom criticised the govern- Cabinet reshuffle, but Saied Protesters run from tear gas thrown by the police during a Democracy Day rally yesterday in Abuja, people gathered to protest on ment’s decision to suspend refused to swear in the new Nigeria. Democracy Day, which marks access to Twitter. ministers. Regime attacks ‘Intense’ Iran nuclear talks resume in Vienna South Africa to kill one civilian, analyse J&J REUTERS — VIENNA street as Iran refuses face-to- the Joint Comprehensive Plan of “Playing for time is in no- vaccines made injure 10 in Idlib face meetings. Action, imposed strict limits on one’s interest,” German Foreign Indirect talks between Tehran The talks’ chief coordinator, Iran’s nuclear activities designed Minister Heiko Maas, who is not at US plant ANADOLU — IDLIB and Washington on reviving the EU foreign policy official Enrique to extend the time Tehran would at the talks, told Reuters, urging 2015 Iran nuclear deal resumed Mora, who is leading the shuttle need to obtain enough fissile all sides to show flexibility and REUTERS — JOHANNESBURG A Syrian civilian was killed and in Vienna yesterday as the diplomacy between Iran and the material for a nuclear weapon, pragmatism. 10 others were injured in European Union said negotia- United States, has said he expects if it chose to at least a year from China’s top envoy said the South African health attacks by Assad regime forces tions were “intense” and a deal in this round of talks. Other two to three months. main sticking point was US inspectors will carry out and Iranian-backed terrorist Germany called for rapid envoys, however, are more cau- Iran denies ever pursuing sanctions. “Our message to them further checks on a batch of groups in northwestern Syria, progress. tious, saying many difficult issues nuclear weapons, saying its (the United States) is that they Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 according to the Syria Civil The sixth round of talks are yet to be resolved. aims are solely peaceful. should stop shilly-shallying by vaccines following a contam- Defence (White Helmets) kicked off as usual with a “We are making progress President Donald Trump moving decisively to sanction- ination error earlier this year yesterday. meeting of remaining parties to but the negotiations are intense pulled the United States out of lifting,” China’s ambassador to at the US plant where the Regime forces and allied the deal — Iran, Russia, China, and a number of issues the deal in 2018 and reimposed the UN nuclear watchdog, Wang doses were produced, the terrorist groups launched France, Britain, Germany and (remain), including on how economic sanctions lifted by the Qun, told reporters. health ministry said. missile attacks on Kafr Latah, the European Union — in the steps are to be implemented,” deal. Iran responded by On the steps Iran must take As fears of a third COVID-19 Kafar Aweed, Deir Sunbul, Al basement of a luxury hotel. an EU spokesman said in a breaching many of those limits, to return to compliance with the wave grow in the hard-hit Magarah, Mareian, Fleifel, The US delegation to the statement to reporters, adding producing more enriched deal, Wang said: “To a great country, the ministry said late Sufuhon, Benin villages south talks, known as the Joint Com- that the aim was “to find ways uranium than allowed and extent, the major issues have on Friday that officials from the of the Idlib province, a White mission of the Joint Compre- to get very close to a final enriching to higher purity been worked out as a matter of health products regulator Helmets member said. hensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), agreement in the coming days”. levels, recently to near weapons principle, though I think there would assess the vaccines to He said the attacks killed one is based in a hotel across the The deal, formally known as grade. are some fixes (left). ensure they are suitable for use. civilian and injured 10 others in “There is now a real possi- Kafr Latah. “Among the injured bility that they may not be, are two children, and one however this is for the regulator civilian, who is in critical con- African bloc calls for collective action to end child labour to rule on,” the ministry said. dition,” he said, adding that the The ministry said 300,000 injured civilians were rushed to ANADOLU — JOHANNESBURG “The situation in our region requires vulnerable people, particularly children J&J doses had been cleared for hospital for treatment. greater resolve and action as a matter of who are more disproportionately affected. export to South Africa and that On Thursday, regime The Southern African Development urgency given that situation of children, She urged member states to provide the US Food and Drug Admin- forces and allied terrorist Community (SADC) yesterday called for especially those already in child labour, is adequate social security including cash istration (FDA) had approved groups killed six civilians and urgent measures to end child labour which now even more precarious due to the transfers and food handouts as these an extension of the expiry date. injured 13 others in attacks in has increased due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said in a remain critical interventions for many “The FDA is still evaluating northwestern Syria. COVID-19 pandemic. statement on World Day Against Child families. some batches and we will Syria has been mired in a Stergomena Lawrence-Tax, executive Labour. “At the same time, education policies await those outcomes, in the vicious civil war since early secretary of the 16-country regional bloc, Lawrence-Tax called on SADC member need to be sufficiently responsive to the hopes that this will make more 2011, when the Bashar Al Assad said it was sad that as other parts of the states to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 plight of children, especially those from doses of Johnson & Johnson regime cracked down on pro- world were making progress against child pandemic on children by continuing to poor families whose capacity to meet basic available to the international democracy protests with labour, Sub-Saharan Africa was lagging implement appropriate relief measures and schooling requirements such as school fees community, including South unexpected ferocity. behind. interventions targeting the poor and has been undermined,” she said. Africa,” the ministry added. SUNDAY 13 JUNE 2021 ASIA 07

Bombs target Myanmar army 2 minivans in raises doubt Kabul, 7 dead AP — KABUL

Separate bombs hit two over citizenship minivans in a mostly Shia neighbourhood in the Afghan capital yesterday, killing at for Rohingya least seven people and wounding six others, the Interior Ministry said. The Rohingya have been denied basic rights The attacks targeted min- including citizenship, while authorities — ivans on the same road about 2km apart in a neighbourhood including previous elected ones — have in western Kabul, Interior Min- refused to even recognise them as Rohingya. istry deputy spokesman Ahmad Zia Zia said. It wasn’t immediately clear BLOOMBERG — YANGON and called them “Bengali”, what type of bombs were used which they consider derog- and no one immediately Myanmar’s army said the atory. Nationalists describe the claimed responsibility for the Rohingya isn’t one of its recog- Rohingya as foreign interlopers attacks. The Islamic State nised ethnic races, fuelling and emphasise that during Thailand begins mass vaccination campaign group has carried out similar doubt if the persecuted British colonial rule, starting in bombings in the area, Thailand Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha holds a box containing AstraZeneca vaccines as the minority group will have access the 1820s, workers from including four attacks on four country starts a mass inoculation campaign, in Bangkok yesterday. to citizenship anytime soon. Bengal, in what is now Bang- minivans earlier this month The shadow National Unity ladesh, arrived in Rakhine and that killed at least 18 people. Government is speaking up for the Muslim community grew The first explosion killed the Rohingya for political gain, significantly. six people and wounded two Zaw Min Tun, lead spokesman Earlier this month, the India cuts taxes on medicines and the second explosion in for the State Administration shadow government released front of Muhammad Ali Jinnah Council, said at a press con- its policy on the Rohingya, hospital, where a majority of ference yesterday. saying that they are entitled to and equipment to treat COVID-19 COVID-19 patients are He said Rohingya is “just an citizenship by laws that would admitted, killed one and imaginary name” for the group accord with fundamental REUTERS — NEW DELHI (on government finances) in to costly private treatment in wounded four. of people who described them- human rights norms and dem- mind, it has been done so that what is still a low-income The area where the explo- selves as such, and repeatedly ocratic federal principles. India yesterday cut taxes on people get some ease....the country. sions happened is largely pop- referred to them as “Bengalis”. The military regime will medical equipment such as decision has been taken to Others paid twenty times ulated by the minority Hazara Under the previous gov- allow citizenship to displaced oxygen concentrators and drugs provide ultimate ease to the usual price for oxygen cyl- ethnic group who are mostly ernment led by Aung San Suu people in accordance with its used to treat COVID-19 infec- patients,” Revenue Secretary inders on the black market and Shias. They are a minority in Kyi, who is now detained, laws, and people from the 135 tions, after widespread criticism Tarun Bajaj told a news huge sums to secure ambu- mostly Sunni Afghanistan, and Myanmar defended the military ethnic races recognised by over healthcare costs during a conference. lances and hearses. the local Islamic State affiliate against accusations of perpe- authorities and displaced people devastating second wave of the The government, however, Experts have said millions has declared war against them. trating genocide on the mostly- with evidence of living in the virus in April and May. would continue to tax vaccines of people remain vulnerable to Muslim Rohingya from 2017, country can be citizens, Zaw The government cut taxes at 5%, he added. new surges of infections, par- forcing more than 700,000 Min Tun said. As of April, on medical grade oxygen, ven- The world’s second-most ticularly in the countryside Ethnic armies in people to flee across the border Myanmar has issued more than tilators, the remdesivir antiviral populous country, where coro- where two-thirds of the popu- to Bangladesh. 250,000 identity cards to drug, diagnostic kits, pulse oxi- navirus cases hit a peak of lation lives. Myanmar accused The military’s treatment of Rohingya people who live in the meters and hand sanitisers to 400,000 a day in May, reported Prime Minister Narendra the Rohingya prompted the US western Rakhine State, he said. 5% from 12-18% with imme- 84,332 new infections yes- Modi has said the government of bombings to sanction top military leaders, Myanmar’s military has diate effect. terday, the lowest in more than would take over the inoculation damaged Suu Kyi’s interna- struggled to wrangle control of The new levies will be in two months, data from the programme from Indian states REUTERS — YANGON tional reputation and soured the country since the February place until the end of Sep- health ministry showed. There and offer free doses to everyone the investment climate. 1 coup due to a widespread civil tember, Finance Minister were 4,002 deaths. over the age of 18. Myanmar’s army yesterday The Rohingya have been disobedience movement com- Nirmala Sitharaman said, The South Asian country’s The government would accused some of the country’s denied basic rights including prising students, civil servants adding it would include taxes total COVID-19 cases stands at allow private hospitals to have two dozen ethnic armed citizenship, while authorities and even diplomats. Security on electric furnaces in crema- 29.4 million, with 367,081 25% of all vaccine supplies, but groups of providing training — including previous elected forces have killed more than toriums and ambulances. fatalities. not to charge more than 150 to its opponents to carry out a ones — have refused to even 860 protesters and arrested “The rate cut has not be During the second wave of rupees ($2.06) over the cost of wave of bombings that it said recognise them as Rohingya more than 6,000. done with any cost implication the virus many people resorted the dose, he said. had targeted public buildings including schools. Bomb attacks have Sri Lanka claims become a daily occurrence as Cambodia begins evicting floating homes amid protests the army struggles to impose $40m from stricken authority after seizing power ship’s operator REUTERS — PHNOM PENH “Our ancestors have always the houseboats. viruses here, foreign tourists from elected leader Aung San been here,” said Kith Dong, 54, Si Vutha, head of Prek Pnov come and see our country like Suu Kyi in February. AP — COLOMBO Cambodia’s capital of Phnom as he and relatives dismantled district’s land management this?” he said. At a news conference, junta Penh yesterday began over- his home of consisting of a office, oversaw the dismantling But residents say the spokesman Zaw Min Tun iden- Sri Lanka is seeking an interim seeing the dismantling of grayling timber platform with a on Friday. crackdown came too soon and tified three ethnic armed groups claim of $40m from the “floating home” communities sloped tin roof off the shore of “There are 316 homes that questioned why they needed to he said had provided training operator of a fire-ravaged on the banks of the Tonle Sap Phnom Penh’s Prek Pnov district. we have to evict today. This move with the games still more to “terrorists”: The Kachin Inde- cargo ship to cover part of the River over the objections of He said the city order did not give really affects the beauty of the than a year away. pendence Army (KIA), the Karen cost of fighting the blaze, offi- longtime residents who say they his family enough time to city, the environment. You sit Dang Van Chou, 57, moved National Union (KNU) and the cials said Saturday. have nowhere else to go. relocate. on a boat, it smells very bad,” to Cambodia more than 20 The Karenni National Pro- Sri Lanka’s attorney For generations, the floating “If they extended by a few Si Vutha said. years ago from neighbouring gressive Party (KNPP) - which general has sent the claim to wooden houseboats of Phnom more months, we would have Si Vutha said the evictions Vietnam, has an armed wing. lawyers representing X-Press Penh have been both livelihood time to build a home,” he said. are intended to clean up the His family makes a living Zaw Min Tun said the Feeders, the ship’s operating and way of life for mostly ethnic The Phnom Penh Munici- capital ahead of Phnom Penh’s farming fish in enclosures off authorities’ information that company, said Darshani Vietnamese families, home to pality says the communities hosting of the 2023 Southeast their dwelling, but this year’s Ethnic Armed Organisations Lahandapura, head of the fish farming and interconnected amount to floating slums that Asian Games, as the newly built fish are too small to sell to raise (EAOs) were giving training state-run Marine Pollution by warrens of hand-built are eyesores and health stadium is only a few kilometres money for a move, he said. came from people who had Protection Authority. bridges interspersed with hazards, with trash bags and away. “I don’t know where to go, been arrested and equipment She said authorities were sunken poles and small boats. raw sewage floating alongside “There are hundreds of I don’t have any land,” he said. captured. still assessing the total damages, and the interim claim seeks compensation for expenses from May 20, when China, US diplomats clash the ship caught fire, through June 1. over pandemic origin The fire broke out while the Singapore-flagged MV AP — BEIJING China and to shift blames,” X-Press Pearl was anchored Yang was quoted as saying by about 9.5 nautical miles Top US and Chinese diplomats the official Xinhua News northwest of the capital, appear to have had another Agency. Colombo, and waiting to enter sharply worded exchange, with “Some people in the United the country’s main port. Beijing saying it told the US to States have fabricated and The Sri Lankan navy cease interfering in its internal peddled absurd stories claiming believes the blaze was caused affairs and accusing Wash- Wuhan lab leak, which China is by the vessel’s chemical cargo, ington of politicising the search gravely concerned about,” Yang which included 25 tons of nitric for the origin of the COVID-19 said. “China urges the United acid and other chemicals, most pandemic. States to respect facts and of which was destroyed in the Senior Chinese foreign science, refrain from politicising fire. But debris including policy adviser Yang Jiechi and COVID-19 origin tracing and burned fibreglass and tonnes Secretary of State Antony concentrate on international of plastic pellets have already Blinken held a phone call anti-pandemic cooperation.” polluted nearby beaches. There Friday that revealed wide divi- The State Department said are concerns that a spill of sions in a number of conten- Blinken “stressed the importance remaining chemicals and oil tious areas, including the cur- of cooperation and transparency could devastate marine life. tailing of freedoms in Hong regarding the origin of the virus, However, Sri Lankan Inoculation drive in Japan Kong and the mass detention including the need for (World authorities and the ship’s of Muslims in the northwestern Health Organisation) Phase 2 operator say there’s still no A woman receives a dose of the coronavirus vaccine at the Noevir Stadium Kobe, currently acting Xinjiang region. expert-led studies in China.” large oil spill. as a large-scale COVID-19 vaccination centre, in Kobe, Japan, yesterday. Calls for a more thorough The US and others have investigation into the origin of accused China of failing to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that provide the raw data and causes COVID-19 are particu- access to sites that would allow HK democracy activist Agnes Chow freed from prison larly sensitive for China because a more thorough investigation of suggestions that it might have into where the virus sprung REUTERS — HONG KONG had been convicted together Department said it would not Supporters shouted “Agnes escaped from a laboratory in the from and how it initially spread. with her long-time activist col- comment on individual cases. Chow add oil”, a Cantonese-lan- central city of Wuhan, where Equally contentious were Hong Kong pro-democracy league, Joshua Wong, for their Chow was released from guage expression of encour- cases were first discovered. the issues of Hong Kong, Xin- activist Agnes Chow was involvement in an illegal rally the Tai Lam Correctional Insti- agement that was widely used at Yang said China was jiang, Taiwan and accusations released from prison yesterday near police headquarters in the tution in Tuen Mun, in Hong the protests that roiled the city. “gravely concerned” over what that China has arbitrarily after serving nearly seven Chinese-ruled city. Kong’s New Territories district, Some supporters wore he called “absurd” stories that detained two Canadian citizens months for her role in an unau- Wong remains in prison at about 10am (0200 GMT). black T-shirts and yellow masks the virus escaped from the in retaliation for Canada’s thorised assembly during anti- and the reason for Chow’s early She did not speak to media and one held a yellow umbrella, Wuhan lab. arrest of an executive of government protests in the city release after being sentenced before she was ushered into a a symbol of protests in the China “firmly opposes any Chinese communications tech- in 2019. to 10 months in jail was not car with friends and fellow former British colony dating despicable acts that use the epi- nology giant Huawei, who is The 24-year-old activist clear. The Correctional Services democracy activists. back to 2014. demic as an excuse to slander wanted by US law enforcement. 08 VIEWS SUNDAY 13 JUNE 2021

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected] EDITORIAL As researchers try to measure the duration and depth of what’s being called “long COVID-19”, the scale of the pandemic means that A fair demand COVID-19’s disabling effects could persist well after the contagion ends.

THE world is preoccupied for nearly a decade with the Iran’s nuclear program and before that for more Why impact of ‘long COVID-19’ than a decade with the Iraq’s one where concerned Western countries expressed great eagerness to stop these programs either by using force, as happened with Iraq, or through negotiations as is happening now could outlast the pandemic in the case of Iran. The people of this region and their governments wish to see the entire world free of weapons of mass studied enough patients over A study published in prolonged illness? destruction in all its different forms, not only in the Middle a long enough period of time April in the journal Yes. So-called post-viral East, but nothing could be achieved by wishes, in par- to gauge the full range of syndromes occur after many ticular, in light of the double standard practices in imple- long-term effects -what Nature found that viral infections, including the menting agreed upon international agreements and doctors call the post-acute coronavirus survivors common cold, influenza, HIV, conventions. sequelae -what proportion of infectious mononucleosis, What distinguishes the policies related to the imple- patients will suffer from them, were 59% more likely measles and hepatitis B. Dia- mentation of preventing the spread of nuclear weapons JASON GALE or for how long. Early findings to die within six betes and other long-term BLOOMBERG and international resolutions is the double standard and the demand for spe- months compared consequences were observed mechanism in implementing global agreements and cialized clinics to help sur- in survivors of severe acute the UN resolutions. Israel, as usual, will remain the best Millions of people who have vivors deal with scarred with people who respiratory syndrome (SARS), example of this because it is still immune to imple- gotten COVID-19 and lungs, chronic heart damage, escaped COVID-19. which is caused by corona- menting these resolutions and its nuclear program as survived are finding that a full fatigue and other conditions virus related to SARS-CoV-2. well is specifically directed to the surrounding Arabs recovery can be frustratingly indicate a significant preva- A Canadian study identified 21 and entire Islamic countries. elusive. Weeks and months lence. About 1 million people health-care workers from For these reasons, the implementation of Treaty on after seemingly recovering in the UK alone -- 1.6% of the Toronto who had post-viral the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) seems from even a mild case, many population -- were experi- symptoms for as long as three to be not popular among people in the ME, as people patients still confront a wide encing self-reported “long pandemic-induced stress and years after catching SARS in see it being used for political purposes to serve the range of health problems. As COVID” at the beginning of anxiety. A study of health-care 2003 and were unable to interests of the super powers and their close allies. researchers try to measure May, with almost two-thirds workers at a Swedish hospital return to their usual work. This is what makes countries like Qatar call for the duration and depth of experiencing a negative compared persistent Some people who were hos- Israel’s commitment to international law and that its what’s being called “long impact on day-to-day activ- symptoms among those who pitalized with SARS in Hong nuclear capabilities be subject to inspection. COVID,” a burgeoning ities. People ages 35 to 69, had recovered from mild Kong still had impaired lung The State of Qatar stressed in front of the session number of specialized post- women, those living in the COVID-19 at least 8 months function two years later, a of the IAEA Board of Governors held in Vienna, the acute COVID clinics are most-deprived areas and before, and those who never study of 55 patients published importance of Israel cooperating with the International opening to handle the those with an existing disa- caught the coronavirus. in 2010 found. Still, it’s not Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding its nuclear capa- patients. The scale of the bility or health condition were Among those who’d been known yet whether the bilities and to open its atomic reactors to inspectors. pandemic means that most likely to report infected, 8% reported lingering lessons of SARS are applicable Qatar’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of COVID’s disabling effects -- symptoms. A large Danish symptoms causing moderate- to COVID-19. Austria, and its Permanent Representative to the United as well as the economic pain study of people whose infec- to-marked disruptions of their What is being done? Nations and international organizations, H E Sultan bin and drain on health resources tions didn’t require hospitali- work life, compared with 4% The UK government in Salmeen Al Mansouri, told the board members that Qatar -- could persist well after the zation found the absolute risk in the non-infected group. In December published guide- strongly supports the rule of law in international relations, contagion ends. of severe, post-acute compli- some critical COVID cases, lines for identifying, assessing as a basic guarantee for creating a peaceful and stable What are the ailments? cations was low, but also life-saving treatment itself and managing the long-term international environment that enhances opportunities A constellation of noted increases in general may cause post intensive care effects of COVID-19. In the for sustainable development for all peoples. symptoms have been practitioner and outpatient syndrome, a complication that US, Congress is providing He pointed out that all Arab countries joined the NPT reported among people who hospital visits, which could includes anxiety, depression $1.15 billion in funding over and adopted and agreed to all international resolutions don’t return to their pre- indicate lingering symptoms. and post-traumatic stress dis- four years for the National calling for the ME to be free of nuclear weapons, while COVID level of health. How long do symptoms order and musle weakness. Institutes of Health to support Israel continuously refuses to engage in these efforts. Researchers are still docu- persist? Uncertainties about conditions research into the long-term As Israel still refuse to observe international law and menting the spectrum of Data are still emerging. The attributable to COVID-19 have effects of COVID-19. The its use of all kinds of weapons to oppress the Pales- recovery and trying to under- UK’s Office of National Sta- sometimes led to what series of studies hopes to tinians raise a fundamental question “whether Israel stand the different outcomes tistics estimated in December patients describe as medical answer questions such as behaves as a responsible state and uses its weapons patients may experience. that, among people who have gaslighting by health profes- what are the underlying bio- in accordance with the rules of international law?” Symptoms can range in tested positive for COVID-19, sionals who don’t take their logical causes and how might severity from annoying to about 1 in 5 exhibit symptoms complaints seriously, espe- they be treated and pre- incapacitating, and may be for five weeks or longer, and cially if the patient is a woman. vented. Some researchers are linked to specific organ dys- about 1 in 10 have symptoms What are the broader pressing governments to function involving the heart, for 12 weeks or longer. A sep- implications? focus attention not only on D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR lungs and brain -- even in arate UK study found 7 in 10 Some researchers say the infection and vaccination patients had not fully recovered pandemic may spur a raft of rates but potential long-term EMAIL: [email protected] individuals who had no noticeable sign of illness five months after discharge. A long-term problems such as organ damage. For example, when they were infected with small study from the University chronic fatigue syndrome, researchers have shown EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 of Washington reported per- dementia, Parkinson’s SARS-CoV-2 can infect FAX: +974 4455 7758 SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. sistent symptoms for as long as disease, diabetes and kidney insulin-producing pancreatic MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 Fatigue, shortness of breath, nine months after an acute impairment. An uptick in tissue, potentially triggering chest pain, joint aches and bout of COVID-19. A much treatments for depression, diabetes that in some cases DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 cognitive disturbances larger study involving almost anxiety and pain has stoked persists beyond the acute including “brain fog” are 240,000 COVID-19 patients concern of a spike in suicides infection. That’s prompted LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 commonly described found one in three received a and opioid overdoses. The US Australia’s Monash University BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 problems that emerge or neurological or psychiatric Centers for Disease Control and King’s College London to linger four weeks or more diagnosis within six months of and Prevention reported a create a global registry for SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 after an infection. Although infection. surge in overdose deaths in studying “new onset” dia- most long COVID symptoms Is COVID-19 definitely to 2020. The reduced work betes. Some long haulers have ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 don’t seem to be life-threat- blame for these symptoms? hours reported in 69% of reported feeling better after email: [email protected] ening, a study published in Not necessarily. A large study patients, colloquially known receiving a COVID-19 vacci- as long haulers, indicate the PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 April in the journal Nature based on data from a US nation, prompting researchers email: [email protected] found that coronavirus sur- health plan published in The pandemic is having an impact in April to examine the phe- vivors were 59% more likely BMJ in mid-May found that on labor productivity. With nomenon and whether vac- MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 to die within six months com- 14% of people infected with almost 150 million confirmed cines can offer clues to email: [email protected] pared with people who the coronavirus developed infections worldwide as of treatment. Avindra Nath, escaped COVID. That works one or more related conditions late April, even a small share clinical director of the US ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 out to about eight extra deaths requiring medical care beyond with long-term debility could National Institute of Neuro- FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] per 1,000 COVID patients -- the acute phase -- but so did have enormous social and logical Disorders and Stroke, CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 adding to the pandemic’s 9% of the people in an unaf- economic consequences. And said vaccines, including for email: [email protected] hidden toll. fected control group. Some these will be magnified if flu, have been known to help How prevalent is it? conditions in COVID-19 sur- problems end up lasting for patients with chronic fatigue, SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 Although data are vivors might occur by chance years or decades. but relief has almost always FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] emerging, researchers haven’t or be triggered by Do other viruses cause been temporary.

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar I for one think that the European Union is an incredibly strong and vibrant entity, that has a lot /Peninsula_Qatar to do with the ability of Western Europe not only to handle its economic issues but provide the /ThePeninsulaNewspaper backbone and support for Nato. +974 6698 6188 Joe Biden, US President SUNDAY 13 JUNE 2021 EUROPE 09

Russia tests Macron says vaccine as nasal spray for children

US is back as MOSCOW REUTERS —

Russia has tested a nasal spray Europe’s partner form of its COVID-19 vaccine that is suitable for children aged 8 to 12, and plans to REUTERS & AP — CARBIS BAY, Joe Biden said that launch the new product in ENGLAND the United States felt September, the scientist who led the development of the The United States is back as a very strongly about Sputnik V vaccine said cooperative leader of the free the cohesion of the yesterday. world under President Joe Biden, Alexander Gintsburg, who France’s Emmanuel Macron said Nato military alliance heads the Gamaleya Institute yesterday, illustrating the relief and expressed that developed Sputnik V, said felt by many key US allies that support for the the spray for children used the the tumult of Donald Trump’s same vaccine “only instead of presidency is over. The United European Union. a needle, a nozzle is put on”, States is “definitely” back as the TASS news agency Europe’s partner, he said. reported. Macron’s remark echoes Macron and gestured with his The children’s shot is that of British Prime Minister Ray Ban Aviator sunglasses expected to be ready for dis- Boris Johnson who hailed Biden towards the French president tribution by September 15, on Thursday as “a big breath of that he should answer that Gintsburg was quoted as fresh air”. question. saying during a meeting with Neither Macron nor Johnson “Yes definitely,” Macron President Vladimir Putin. drew an explicit parallel said. “It’s great to have a US US President Joe Biden and France’s President Emmanuel Macron shake hands as they attend a The research group tested between Biden and Trump, president who’s part of the club bilateral meeting during the G7 summit in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, Britain, yesterday. the vaccine on children aged though both praised Biden’s dis- and very willing to cooperate. between eight and 12 and tinctly cooperative tone and What you demonstrate is that “The United States, I’ve said the cohesion of the Nato mil- European Union is an incredibly found no side effects among officials said there was relief leadership is partnership,” before, we’re back,” Biden said. itary alliance and expressed strong and vibrant entity, that the test group, including no after Trump at times shocked Macron told Biden as they sat “Things are going, I think, well, support for the European Union has a lot to do with the ability increase in body temperature, and bewildered many European on an outdoor terrace with a and we’re, as we say back in the — the target of much criticism of Western Europe not only to Gintsburg said in comments allies. view of the turquoise sea behind States, we’re on the same page.” from Trump during his 2017- handle its economic issues but reported by the TASS news Biden, asked by a reporter them. Biden added that the United 2021 presidency. provide the backbone and agency. if America was back, turned to Biden agreed. States felt very strongly about “I for one think that the support for Nato,” Biden said. We are inoculating our little (patients) nasally, we are just administering the same vaccine as a nasal spray,” Putin sees chance to work with Biden despite tensions Gintsburg said, without giving further details about the study such as how many children BLOOMBERG — MOSCOW News conducted in Moscow a “career man” who “has spent making it clear there won’t be of pretext, and reasons and of were involved. before the two leaders’ first virtually his entire adulthood in a joint event with both leaders. different caliber and fierceness Yesterday, Russia reported Russian President Vladimir meeting since Biden took office politics.” Current plans include a larger and none of it surprises me,” he 13,510 new COVID-19 cases in Putin suggested that in spite of in January. Biden and Putin will meet working session with the US said, adding that being called a the preceding 24 hours, the heightened tensions with the US Putin offered praise of in Geneva on June 16, following and Russian delegations, as well “killer” was a sign of “Hol- highest daily tally since early over cyberattacks and his Trump, whom he described as the American president’s gath- as a smaller session afterwards lywood macho” from Amer- February. Of those, 6,701 were treatment of dissidents, he may “an extraordinary individual, erings with G-7, Nato and that includes Biden and Putin, icans including Biden and John reported in Moscow, the be able to work with President talented individual, otherwise European Union allies. The the official said, speaking on McCain, the late Arizona highest tally in the city so far Joe Biden in part because he’s he would not have become US summit with the Russian leader condition of anonymity. senator. this year. more predictable than Donald president.” Trump, he added, is expected to be tense, as Pressed in the interview Biden said his goal is to Moscow’s mayor has Trump. “is a colourful individual. You Washington and Moscow are at about his adversaries who have establish “a stable, predictable declared a public holiday for “That’s a different kind of may like him or not. And, but odds over a range of issues, been killed over the years — relationship” with the US all of next week to combat a person and it is my great hope he didn’t come from the US including cybersecurity, and about Biden’s suggestion adversary. He said he’s “not surge in COVID-19 cases. that, yes, there are some advan- establishment, he had not been Ukraine and the Kremlin’s per- earlier this year that Putin is a seeking conflict with Russia” Sergei Sobyanin said it tages, some disadvantages, but part of big time politics before, secution of Putin’s political “killer” — the Russian leader but added that “the United would not affect organisations there will not be any impulse- and some like it some don’t like opponents. was defensive. “Over my tenure, States would respond in a that maintain the russian cap- based movements, on behalf of it but that is a fact.” Biden will hold a solo press I’ve gotten used to attacks from robust and meaningful way ital’s infrastructure, the mil- the sitting US president,” Putin The Russian leader conference after his meeting all kinds of angles and from all when the Russian government itary, and other strategically said in an interview with NBC described Biden, by contrast, as with Putin, a US official said, kinds of areas under all kinds engages in harmful activities.” important enterprises. Italy arrests man Virus vaccine inventors over Vietnamese migrant deaths at Oxford to be honoured

REUTERS — MILAN REUTERS — LONDON “The Queen’s Birthday Honours allow us to pay tribute Italian police said yesterday The Oxford University scien- to all those who have gone they had arrested a Romanian tists who invented the Astra- above and beyond in their citizen who is the subject of an Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine are service to this country,” Prime international arrest warrant among those to be honoured Minister Boris Johnson said in from the UK for the by Queen Elizabeth, among a a statement. manslaughter of 39 Viet- number of recipients who “Throughout the pandemic namese people who were played key roles in Britain’s we have seen countless being smuggled into Britain. coronavirus response, the examples of every day heroes,” Stefan Damian Dragos, 28, government said. Johnson added. allegedly provided the truck Sarah Gilbert, the Oxford Kate Bingham, who was which was used to smuggle the Jenner Institute scientist who praised for her work as head of group of migrants, who were co-developed the vaccine, will the government’s Vaccines found dead in a freight con- be made a Dame, while her col- Taskforce, which procured tainer on the back of the league, the institute’s director, hundreds of millions of vehicle in October 2019, Italian Adrian Hill, is to receive an COVID-19 vaccines for the police said in a statement. honorary Knighthood. British government, is also to There was no immediate Andrew Pollard, the head become a Dame. statement from the suspect or of the Oxford Vaccine Group Outside the world of from any lawyer representing who ran trials of the vaccine, is science, England footballers him. He was arrested in the to be made a Knight Bachelor, Jordan Henderson and Raheem town of Cinisello Balsamo, an honour also bestowed on Sterling were also honoured in north of Milan. Peter Horby and Martin the queen’s birthday honours’ In January four men who Landray, the Oxford scientists list receiving MBEs (Members admitted or were found guilty Queen Elizabeth marks her birthday behind the trial which showed of the Most Excellent Order of of manslaughter and immi- dexamethasone could be used the British Empire) for services gration offences were given Britain’s Queen Elizabeth and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, attending a ceremony marking the official to treat severely ill COVID to charity and racial equality in long jail sentences. birthday of the Queen in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle in Windsor, Britain, yesterday. patients. sport, respectively. Spanish child found tied to anchor Johnson ‘concerned’ over Delta variant; may extend lockdown died from drowning, autopsy finds REUTERS — LONDON officials would continue to understood the need to tread REUTERS — TENERIFE her father after returning to study the data before making a cautiously in a health crisis but port in Tenerife because of British Prime Minister Boris final decision, he was less opti- many firms in sectors such as The child whose body was technical problems with the Johnson (pictured) yesterday mistic about the situation than hospitality were barely found inside a bag weighted search vessel. expressed “serious concern” he was at the end of May. breaking even under the down with an anchor in the The disappearance of the about rising infections of the “It’s clear that the Indian current rules. ocean off the Spanish island of girls prompted angry demon- Delta variant of coronavirus, variant is more transmissible “If there’s a full delay for Tenerife died from drowning, strations in cities across Spain reinforcing suggestions that he and it’s also true that the cases two to four weeks, then it’s got an autopsy found yesterday, as on Friday. is set to delay lifting England’s are going up, and that the levels to be irreversible: we cannot rescuers prepared to renew the “All Spain is shocked, all last remaining lockdown curbs. of hospitalisation are going up,” have stop-start and as long as maritime search for her infant our support for the families Johnson is due to announce Johnson told Sky News. that is clarified we will have to sister. whose pain is absolutely tomorrow whether the planned “Now, we don’t know cope with this delay,” he said. Their father, Tomas G, is the unbearable and unimaginable, lifting of restrictions, which exactly to what extent that is Johnson attempted to add main suspect in the disap- all our rejection of sexist vio- would see an end to limits on going to feed through into extra some optimism by suggesting pearance of Olivia, 6, and Anna, lence, the vicarious violence social contact, can go ahead on mortality, but clearly it’s a the government would not 1, after he failed to return them that some still deny in our June 21 as set out under a Delta COVID-19 variant, first matter of serious, serious reimpose any restrictions, such to their mother as agreed at the country,” Prime Minister Pedro planned ‘roadmap’. discovered in India, has thrown concern.” as the ban on households end of April. He is also missing. Sanchez said on Friday. The government had hoped those plans into jeopardy, Any delay to Johnson’s mixing indoors or the closure An autopsy found that Olivia’s body was found on that the success of one of the meaning the government will unlocking roadmap risks trig- hospitality venues. Olivia died from pulmonary Thursday afternoon at a depth world’s fastest rollouts of the delay the lifting of the restric- gering a row with some politi- The government has always edema, or an excess of water of 1,000 metres inside a sports vaccines would end the limits tions by a month, the Daily Tel- cians in his party, who have said decisions at each stage of in the lungs, according a bag tied to an anchor near to on indoor gatherings and the egraph reported. opposed keeping the restric- unlocking depend on the data. statement from the Canary where her father’s boat was requirement of pubs and res- A four-week delay would tions in place. Britain on Friday reported Islands Superior Court. drifting. Another empty sports taurants to provide only table push back the easing of restric- Karan Bilimoria, president 8,125 new COVID-19 cases, the Rescuers prepared to bag was also found, a court service. tions to July 19. of the Confederation of British highest daily total since renew the hunt for Anna and statement said. But the rapid spread of the Although Johnson said Industry, said companies February. 10 AMERICAS SUNDAY 13 JUNE 2021 Watchdog to probe Trump-era seizure of Democrats’ data

REUTERS — WASHINGTON A White House official said the alleged Justice Congressional officials said them to testify to the Senate received a subpoena in Feb- Department activity illustrated the kind of committee chair Adam Schiff Judiciary Committee about the ruary 2018 seeking customer The US Justice Department’s and committee member Eric secret seizure of data, calling it information for 73 phone internal watchdog will probe abuse of power in the former administration Swalwell are the only legislators a “gross abuse of power.” numbers and 36 email efforts by the department during that prompted Joe Biden to run against Trump. whose data the Trump Justice Kate Bedingfield, White addresses, not all of which were former President Donald Department has been con- House communications Apple customers. Trump’s administration to seize firmed to have subpoenaed. director, said the alleged Justice Apple said the subpoena, the communications data of ernment officials.” attorneys-general testify about “President Trump Department activity illustrated which came with a gag order Democrats in the US House of Horowitz said in a statement reported subpoenas of records repeatedly and flagrantly the kind of abuse of power in from a federal judge, “provided Representatives, the watchdog that his review will “examine of members of Congress by demanded that the Department the former administration that no information on the nature of confirmed. the Department’s compliance Trump’s Justice Department. of Justice carry out his political prompted Democratic President the investigation and it would Justice Department with applicable DOJ policies and A White House official crit- will, and tried to use the Joe Biden to run against Repub- have been virtually impossible Inspector General Michael procedures, and whether any icised the Trump administration Department as a cudgel against lican Trump. for Apple to understand the Horowitz said his office was such uses, or the investigations, actions as “appalling.” his political opponents and Biden has made a point of intent of the desired infor- beginning a review of the were based upon improper Trump’s Justice Department members of the media,” Schiff marking the independence of mation without digging through department’s “use of subpoenas considerations.” subpoenaed Apple Inc for data said in a statement on Thursday the Justice Department, saying users’ accounts.” and other legal authorities to He said that his inquiry from the accounts of at least which called for an inspector it serves the people, not the Apple said it limited the obtain communication records could expand if unspecified two Democrats on the House of general inquiry. president. information it provided to of Members of Congress and “other issues” arise during the Representatives Intelligence Senate Majority Leader On Friday, Barr told Politico metadata and account sub- affiliated persons, and the news probe. Committee in an attempt to find Chuck Schumer and Senator that while he ran the Justice scriber information, and that it media in connection with recent The inspector general out who was behind leaks of Dick Durbin said Trump-era Department he was “not aware did not provide any content investigations of alleged unau- announced his review after classified information, the New Attorneys General Bill Barr and of any congressman’s records such as emails or pictures in thorised disclosures of infor- Senate Democrats on Friday York Times reported on Jeff Sessions should be sub- being sought in a leak case.” response to the Justice mation to the media by gov- demanded that two former US Thursday. poenaed if necessary to compel Apple said on Friday that it Department subpoena. Brazil President fined Biden to return diverted border for flouting mask rule wall funds AP — SAO PAULO The procession of cyclists wound out of the city and AP — WASHINGTON Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro back, arriving at Ibirapuera led a throng of motorcyclist Park, where the president Former President Donald supporters through the streets clambered atop a car to defend Trump’s signature border wall of Sao Paulo yesterday — and his denunciation of masks for project would lose much of its got hit with a fine for failure to the vaccinated. funding as well as the fast- wear a mask, in violation of “Whoever is against this track status that enabled it to local pandemic restrictions. proposal is because they don’t bypass environmental regu- The conservative President believe in science, because if lations under a Biden admin- waved to the crowd from his they are vaccinated, there is istration plan announced. motorcycle and later from no way the virus can be trans- President Joe Biden sus- atop a sound truck, where hel- mitted,” he said. pended construction of the meted but largely maskless Vaccines are designed wall upon taking office while backers cheered and chanted chiefly to protect recipients his administration reviewed as he insisted that masks were from getting sick, not neces- the project. That angered useless for those already vac- sarily from being infected. Republicans in Congress eager cinated —an assertion dis- While studies show many vac- to see it go forward amid an puted by most public health cines reduce viral load, and increase in apprehensions of experts. likely spread, not all varieties migrants along the southwest Sao Paulo’s state gov- have been fully studied. border. ernment press office said a The US Centers for Disease Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro leads a motorcade rally amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in Sao Paulo The new plan does not fine — equivalent to about Control and Prevention says, yesterday. cancel the wall project outright, $110 — would be imposed for “The risk for SARS-CoV-2 but it’s still likely to face oppo- violation of a rule that has infection in fully vaccinated Brazil’s population so far has after the majority of the popu- Maranhao. sition in Congress, where many required masks in public people cannot be completely received both doses of a lation has been vaccinated. Governors of that state and Republicans are eager to places since May 2020. eliminated as long as there is COVID-19 vaccine, according Bolsonaro also was fined for Sao Paulo have been feuding promote a project closely asso- Bolsonaro’s office did not continued community trans- to the Ministry of Health, and failure to wear a mask during a with Bolsonaro over their ciated with the former immediately respond to a mission of the virus.” many Brazilian experts say rally with supporters in May in restrictive measures to stifle the president. request for comment. Less than 12 percent of masks can only be abandoned the northeastern state of sprea of the coronavirus. Biden plans to return more than $2bn that the Trump administration diverted from 13 injured in the Pentagon to help pay for US announces $150m military aid to Ukraine the wall and use other money mass shooting appropriated by Congress to REUTERS — WASHINGTON included armed Mark VI patrol Biden and Russian leader assistance from Washington address “urgent life, safety, in Austin, boats. Vladimir Putin in Geneva on between 2014 and 2021, Taran and environmental issues” The Pentagon announced a new Moscow annexed Ukraine’s June 16. added, expressing gratitude “to created by the construction. It attacker escapes package of $150m in military Crimea region in 2014 and The Pentagon said the US our American friends for their also asks lawmakers not to assistance for Ukraine that will backed a pro-Russian separatist security assistance included enormous diplomatic, political provide any additional funding AP — AUSTIN, TEXAS include counter-artillery radar, uprising in eastern Ukraine capabilities “to enhance the and financial support”. for what the Biden team electronic warfare equipment which triggered a conflict that lethality, command and control The US assistance followed believes is an unnecessary Someone opened fire in a and counter-drone technology, has killed more than 14,000 and situational awareness of certification by the Pentagon effort. popular entertainment district bolstering Kiev amid elevated people. Ukraine’s forces”. that Ukraine “made sufficient “Building a massive wall in downtown Austin, tensions with Moscow. Tensions have flared again It would provide counter- progress on defense reforms that spans the entire southern wounding 13 people, including Although the funds were in recent months after the two artillery radars, counter-drone this year,” as required by US border and costs American two critically, before getting already committed by Con- countries traded blame for a systems, secure communica- law. taxpayers billions of dollars is away, authorities said gress, the Defense Depart- surge in fighting in Ukraine’s tions gear, electronic warfare During his term as US not a serious policy solution yesterday. ment’s announcement details Donbass, and Russia, in what it and military medical evacu- president, Donald Trump was or responsible use of federal Investigators were looking how US military will allocate called a defensive exercise, ation equipment. impeached by the Demo- funds,” the Office of Man- into what sparked the shooting assistance earmarked for massed troops on its border Ukraine’s defence minister, cratic-led House of Represent- agement and Budget said in a but were not able to get a Ukraine before the end of the with Ukraine and in Crimea. Andrii Taran, said in a statement atives after it accused him of statement outlining the plan. detailed description of the government’s fiscal year in US President Joe Biden told yesterday that the decision to using US aid as leverage to try The government has built shooter, though they believe September. Ukrainian President Volodymyr provide the second part of the to force Kiev into smearing walls and other barriers along it was a man and were going The latest tranche of Zelenskiy on Monday he will security package was “timely Biden ahead of the 2020 pres- the 3,200km US-Mexico through surveillance video and assistance will come in addition stand up for Ukraine’s sover- and reasonable”. idential election. The Repub- border for decades to elim- other evidence, interim Police to the $125m that the Pentagon eignty and territorial integrity The country has received lican-led Senate later inate some of the easier routes Chief Joseph Chacon said at a announced on March 1, which ahead of a meeting between almost $2.5bn in defence acquitted Trump. of avoiding checkpoints. news conference. He asked anyone with information about the shooting to contact the police. Socialist Castillo close to The gunfire erupted just before 1:30am along 6th Street, election victory in Peru a popular area filled with clubs and restaurants that often attracts thousands of visitors REUTERS — LIMA result. in the city of nearly 1 million The tense vote count is the residents that is home to the Peruvian socialist candidate culmination of a bitterly divisive University of Texas. At the time Pedro Castillo was close to election in Peru, where low- of the shooting, the street was being named the Andean coun- income citizens supported Cas- barricaded to allow only try’s next president as the vote tillo while wealthier ones voted pedestrian traffic, Chacon said. count neared an end, making a for Fujimori. Matt Perlstein said that he last-minute flip by right-wing Yesterday, Peru’s electoral was waiting with a friend to rival Keiko Fujimori increas- jury tried to push back a enter a restaurant when the ingly unlikely. deadline to allow Fujimori to shooting began. Castillo, an elementary submit requests to disqualify up “Everything was totally school teacher raised in an to 200,000 votes cast in Peru’s fine,” Perlstein said, then impoverished village, was poorest regions, but said in the gunfire erupted. “We just leading the count by 51,000 afternoon that it had back- heard like ... a bunch of gun- votes yesterday morning, when tracked that plan, paving the shots going off. Everyone got only around 62,000 votes way for a Castillo victory. In the on the ground. We couldn’t remained to be counted. end, Fujimori has only been even comprehend what was “We won, teacher Pedro able to challenge some 38,000 going on at the time.” Castillo (is) President,” tweeted votes. “Our officers responded his party, Free Peru, late on “We call for the (electoral very quickly,” the interim chief Friday. jury) to guarantee and support said. “They were able to imme- Fujimori, the daughter of a clean and just electoral diately begin life-saving jailed ex-President Alberto process,” Castillo tweeted on Peru’s presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori addressing the media, in Lima, Peru, yesterday. measures for many of these Fujimori, has doubled down this Friday night. “The Peruvian patients, including applica- week on unsubstantiated alle- people deserve it.” Wednesday when she signaled those regions that pool up to Castillo has recently sought tions of tourniquets; applica- gations of fraud, seeking to dis- Fujimori, meanwhile, she intended to seek the 300 people, which she said was to appease markets with a mod- tions of chest seals.” qualify tens of thousands of responded on Twitter that “the annulment of some 200,000 a sign of fraudulent action. erate-left platform, but it Governor Greg Abbott votes. field was not level.” She has so votes in rural areas of the Left-wing Castillo has remains unclear if his admin- issued a statement thanking But even if Fujimori were to far declined to concede. country that support Castillo. spooked markets, largely istration will ultimately keep police and other first succeed, the number of votes Fujimori first brought up One of the her main argu- because his party, Free Peru, is that tone or revert to the party’s responders and offering still in play make it unlikely she allegations of fraud on Monday, ments is that she had won no self-described as roots as a far-left prayers to the victims. would succeed in flipping the and doubled down on votes among voter groups in Marxist-Leninist. organisation.