RAJAB 25, 1442 AH TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021

16 Pages Max 29º Min 10º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18379 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Expats stranded in Dubai lose 10 yrs on, no peace Lebanese block roads to Giannis MVP as Team LeBron 3 hope of returning to Kuwait 5 after war in Syria 9 protest currency crisis 15 dominate NBA All-Star Game

Two MPs file to grill PM over ‘selective’ application of law

Health minister under fire • 322K people vaccinated • Co-op appointments from 5-10 pm

By B Izzak means that the grillers have enough votes to dismiss the minister out of office. KUWAIT: Leading opposition MPs In their grilling, MPs Dahoum and Bader Al-Dahoum and Mohammad Al- Mutair said they had agreed to turn a big Mutair yesterday filed to grill HH the public rally into a press conference after a Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled meeting with Interior Minister Sheikh Al-Sabah over what they charged is the Thamer Al-Sabah due to health restric- “selective” implementation of laws. The tions. They said they were surprised that move came after the government decid- the ministry still sent them to court for ed to refer some 15 MPs, including the violating health measures, which shows two grillers, and dozens of activists to that the government did not keep its word court for breaching health measures by and was selective in applying the law, as it holding a gathering attended by some closed its eyes to many similar events. 300 people. The grilling said the government had Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al- taken no action toward a group of sup- Ghanem said he received the grilling and Bader Al-Dahoum Mohammad Al-Mutair HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled porters of the Assembly speaker who dis- informed the government, adding that the rupted the Assembly’s opening session in grilling will be placed on the agenda of expressed total support for the grilling least two grillings against him for his face the grilling”. MP Ahmad Al-Azemi December. The prime minister and the the next session to determine a date for and it is highly expected to get enough “confusing” decisions that failed to curb said yesterday he will file to grill the entire Cabinet resigned in January after its debate. The Assembly can meet only votes to declare non-cooperation with the spread of the coronavirus. health minister over the damage caused three lawmakers filed to grill the premier. after March 18, because HH the Amir sus- the prime minister, triggering yet a new MP Hasan Jowhar said a meeting with by the coronavirus and his recommenda- The resignation was accepted by HH the pended regular sessions for a month from political crisis. Health Minister Sheikh Dr government ministers failed to defuse tions that harmed the country. A large Amir, and Sheikh Sabah was later Feb 18. Basel Al-Sabah is also facing a tough time tensions over the health minister’s grilling, number of lawmakers also declared their renamed to form the new Cabinet. A large number of lawmakers after MPs declared that they will file at adding that the minister should “resign or support for the minister’s grilling, which Continued on Page 2

City, Salmiya, Farwaniya, Industrial News in brief Bus riders walk Shuwaikh, Mahboula, Fintas and else- where were choked with vehicles as drivers stuck in traffic jams could not Assad, wife contract COVID home on first move to reach home in time for the 5 pm curfew. There were no reported DAMASCUS: Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad day of curfew cases of people being rounded up for and his wife Asma have tested positive for violating the curfew even though COVID-19 after experiencing mild symptoms, By Ben Garcia many failed to reach home before the the presidency said yesterday. “After experienc- curfew came into effect. ing mild symptoms that resemble... COVID-19, KUWAIT: Thousands of people were “I was at the bus stop at 3 pm but President Al-Assad and first lady Asma Al-Assad left stranded on the streets Sunday buses just drove past without stop- took a PCR test, and the result showed that they afternoon as the partial curfew came ping. They wouldn’t stop because they are infected with the virus,” the presidency said into effect. Buses stopped picking up were already filled to capacity. in a statement, adding the couple will quarantine passengers long before the expected 3 Everyone was rushing to be home by for up to three weeks. — AFP pm deadline and left riders stranded on 5 pm,” said Saby, who normally rides roadsides, many of whom were forced the bus home to Salmiya from his job to walk home in the afternoon heat. in Shuwaikh. Saby said he wasn’t Vaccinated can gather sans masks Similar scenes of people waiting for aware that buses would stop taking

the bus were also witnessed yesterday. passengers after 3 pm. KUWAIT: People wait for a bus at a bus stop on Ghazali Street as cars are WASHINGTON: People who have been fully Meanwhile, main arteries in Kuwait Continued on Page 2 stuck in a traffic jam yesterday. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat vaccinated against COVID-19 can gather indoors unmasked with others who have been vaccinated, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in new guidance yesterday. Qatar Amir meets Those who are fully vaccinated can also visit with unvaccinated people from one other house- hold indoors without masks or distancing so long Saudi FM in Doha as the unvaccinated people are not at high risk DOHA: Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat Saudi Arabia led a coalition of for severe COVID-19. — AFP met Qatar’s ruler Amir Sheikh Tamim countries including Egypt to break off bin Hamad Al-Thani in Doha yester- ties with Qatar in June 2017 over day, official media reported, as the claims it was too close to Iran and Houthis target Saudi oil facilities countries heal following a bruising rift. backed radical Islamist groups, which Prince Faisal bin Farhan’s visit came as Qatar has always denied. But follow- RIYADH: A missile and drone attack targeted a Qatari delegation arrived in Cairo to ing Kuwaiti mediation, Qatar was the heart of Saudi Arabia’s oil industry on continue restoring diplomatic rela- invited to a regional meeting in Saudi tions between Egypt and the Gulf Arabia in January at which Qatar was Sunday in an assault claimed by Yemen’s Houthi DOHA: Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meets Saudi Foreign monarchy fractured by years of dis- brought back into the regional fold rebels, a new escalation in the six-year conflict. Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud yesterday. — AFP The Saudi defense ministry said it had intercept- cord, Egyptian media reported. Continued on Page 2 ed a drone targeting a petroleum storage yard at Ras Tanura and a ballistic missile aimed at Aramco facilities in Dhahran. Shrapnel from the bombshell revelations in 1995, and missile fell close to an Aramco residential com- Harry, Meghan triggered similar questions about the pound in the city. — AFP ability of Queen Elizabeth II’s family to weather the storm. unload on Harry described feeling “really let down” by his father Prince Charles, Tourist destinations shut royal family who had stopped taking his phone calls for a time. Both Charles— the MADRID: Almost one-third of destinations LONDON: Suicidal thoughts, a racist queen’s heir - and Harry’s elder broth- worldwide are currently completely closed to relative and an heir-to-the-throne er William were “trapped” by the con- international tourists because of the pandemic, the trapped by tradition - Prince Harry ventions of the monarchy. “They don’t World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said yes- and his wife Meghan have lifted the lid get to leave. And I have huge compas- terday. At the start of February, 69 destinations out on life inside Britain’s royal family with sion for that,” Harry said in the inter- of 217 worldwide, or 32 percent, were completely an explosive interview that reverberat- view broadcast on CBS Sunday night, closed to international tourism - including 30 in ed around the world. The two-hour explaining the couple’s dramatic exit Asia and the Pacific, 15 in Europe and 11 in Africa, sit-down with Oprah Winfrey by the from royal life last year, which has now the UN body said. International tourist arrivals fell Duke and Duchess of Sussex was the seen them stripped by the queen of WASHINGTON: This undated image released on Sunday shows Britain’s Prince by one billion, or 74 percent, in 2020. — AFP most startling since Harry’s late moth- their honorary titles and patronages. Harry and his wife Meghan in a conversation with US television host Oprah er Princess Diana made her own Continued on Page 2 Winfrey. — AFP (See Pages 12 & 13) 2 Established 1961 Tuesday, March 9, 2021 Local National Guard Deputy Chief calls for respecting the law KNG officials follow up procedures to implement partial curfew KUWAIT: Deputy Chief of Kuwait’s National Guard (KNG) Lieutenant General Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Sunday called for respect- ing the law, good dealing with the public, provide assistance to citizens and residents, and maintaining the good image of the National Guard. This came in a statement by the KNG after the meeting between the Deputy Chief of the National Guard with National Guard Undersecretary Lieutenant General engineer Hashim Al-Rifai and senior commanders and officers to follow up the procedures for the implementation of the partial curfew imposed by the government, and to help the state institutions concerned to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Nawaf con- veyed the directives of His Highness Chief of the National Guard Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah to harness all resources to provide maximum support to state institutions in implementing Cabinet decisions aimed at reducing the spread of the coronavirus. He stressed caution and vigilance in all locations where the National Guard is responsible for security, whether the main tasks in protecting state installa- tions and sensitive sites or emergency tasks to assign state agencies, especially the ministries of interior and health, to implement the partial curfew. According to the statement, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Nawaf listened to a summary from Training Assistant Major General Faleh Shujaa, in which he reviewed the plans of national guard operations developed in such cir- cumstances to deal with any government measures regarding the coronavirus crisis. He also reviewed a summary from the Commander of Protection and Reinforcement, Brigadier General Hamad Salem, on the measures taken in implementing the hotel securi- ty plan that the National Guard was mandated to KUWAIT: A photo shows a deserted street in Kuwait city, on Sunday, as a nationwide curfew from 5 pm until 5 am is imposed for one month to curb a sharp rise in coron- secure.— KUNA avirus cases. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Prime Minister receives Al-Shaheed park open for walking outgoing UK Ambassador

KUWAIT: This photo shows people walking at Al-Shaheed Park on March 6, 2021, one day before the partial curfew went into effect. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Sabah received yesterday Britain’s Ambassador to Kuwait Michael Davenport on KUWAIT: Al-Shaheed Park in Kuwait every day from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm during the entire month of the curfew the occasion of ending his tenure. — KUNA City announced on their official starting yesterday. The park had original- period until April 8 but has now reversed Instagram account that they will be open ly announced that it would be closed this decision.

Arabia’s King Salman... during the reception of News in brief Qatar Amir meets Prince Farhan,” the state-run Qatar News Agency Harry, Meghan reported. The Saudi foreign minister later met his Kuwait first in Gulf in freedoms Qatari counterpart and discussed bilateral relations, Saudi FM... the agency added. unload on... KUWAIT: Kuwait ranked first among Gulf states Continued from Page 1 Egypt’s Al-Ahram daily reported Doha’s delega- Continued from Page 1 in the Freedom House 2021 report in civil and tion was led by senior foreign ministry official

political freedoms. The report said that Kuwait and a process of reconciliation began. Since then, Mohamed bin Saud Al-Thani to “discuss cooperation achieved progress in civil freedoms last year. The between Egypt and Qatar”. The visit is the latest sign Meghan, a mixed-race former television actress, Qatari officials have met in Kuwait with their oppo- described herself as “naively” unprepared for life in the report ranks Kuwait 143 worldwide out of 201 of warming ties between the two countries after their site numbers from Egypt and the United Arab pressure cooker of the royal family. But she said she countries, finishing with a score of 37 out of 100. Emirates to discuss how to move on from the spat. respective foreign ministers met last week on the sidelines of an Arab League session in Cairo. — AFP was denied help for a mental health crisis, targeted by “(The Amir) received an oral message from Saudi lies in an incident involving her sister-in-law, and there was even official concern about the skin colour of her Teachers’ payment suspended when he saw him walking. unborn son. Bus riders walk Maricel, a regular bus passenger from Salmiya to “I... just didn’t want to be alive anymore. And that KUWAIT: The education ministry has suspend- Farwaniya, said she left her workplace in Salmiya at was a very clear and real and frightening constant ed payment of salaries to nearly 600 “newly- 2 pm and reached home after an hour. “At that time, thought,” she told Winfrey, describing the impact of stranded” teachers in various education zones. home on first... the traffic was just starting to build up. I reached vitriol from hostile tabloids in Britain and social media. Educational sources said these teachers are Asked if she had had suicidal thoughts while pregnant Continued from Page 1 home relatively quickly, but on regular days, I could those who were at work until the end of the first have been home in 15-20 minutes,” she said. “Buses with son Archie, Meghan replied: “Yes. This was very, school semester but did not report to work for very clear.” “I realized that I will never get a bus from at the time were already filled to capacity and we the second semester, adding they were given already saw the rush at 2 pm,” she added. Meghan, 39, also told of “concerns” about “how Shuwaikh to Salmiya, so I took any bus that came dark” Archie’s skin would be, saying Harry revealed to until Sunday to show up before rules related to Mike, who was in a taxi with his friend from absence were applied. and ended up in Kuwait City. There I waited for her conversations over their baby’s appearance, as well more than an hour for another bus. All the buses Kuwait City headed to Hawally, said they were stuck as the security he would be entitled to, ahead of his were filled to capacity, but people were rushing to on the road from 3 pm to 5:30 pm. “My home is birth on May 6, 2019. The couple both declined to near Al-Bahar Mall on Tunis Street in Hawally. I Quarantine sites ‘returned’ the bus wanting to get in. I was stuck there until name the royal involved but Winfrey said Monday that 5:15 pm as the scenes in Kuwait City were even came from Kuwait City in a taxi with my friend. The Harry had told her the queen, 94, and her 99-year-old taxi driver chose to take road 30, assuming that husband, Prince Philip, were not part of the conversa- KUWAIT: The management of quarantine sites worse than Shuwaikh. At 5:20 pm, I decided to go home by foot,” Saby told Kuwait Times. traffic there would be less, but he was wrong, and tions. that were established to support health measures we were stuck for two hours. I kept checking the The revelations have triggered a storm of reaction to confront the coronavirus pandemic is now the “I was ready to walk from Kuwait City to Salmiya because that’s what people were doing as time, worried we would not make it home before 5 on both sides of the Atlantic, particularly the explosive responsibility of ministries and state departments pm. Finally, when we entered Hawally, the taxi driver claims about racism, opening up a wider debate about that leased them, such as the ministries of finance, there were no more buses and no taxis. I saw crowds of people of various nationalities walking in suggested we would move faster if we walked, so prejudice in British society. Harry himself has faced public works, defense and Kuwait Oil Company, accusations of using a racist slur against a former mili- different directions, bracing to be caught by the we got out and walked the rest of the way home, Al-Rai Arabic daily reported yesterday quoting which took us another 20 minutes. We were not so tary colleague, and of wearing a Nazi soldier’s uniform informed sources. They said the quarantine sites police. But thank God, the police only yelled at us, at a fancy dress party. He has said Meghan had made telling us to go home,” he said. Luckily, a Good worried because we saw many people walking at went to the relevant authorities after carrying out that time,” Mike said. him confront the issue and since vowed to tackle insti- their responsibilities during the process of repa- Samaritan offered Saby a ride home from Mirqab tutional racism. The couple have been outspoken sup- triating citizens from abroad. The finance ministry porters of the Black Lives Matter movement. completed contractual procedures with resorts or Anti-monarchy group Republic said the revelations far been vaccinated against COVID-19. Kuwait yes- showed the institution was “rotten to the core” and hotels that were rented for this purpose. It said terday reported 1,326 new coronavirus cases and that the role of the health ministry was to prepare Two MPs file to facing “its worst crisis since the abdication in 1936”, six deaths, taking total cases to 201,898 and deaths referring to Edward VIII’s decision to step down to the fairground quarantine and field hospitals that to 1,133. are still carrying out their roles in facing the pan- marry an American divorcee. Meghan won wide-rang- grill PM over... The Assembly’s legal and legislative committee ing support, including from tennis ace Serena Williams demic. Meanwhile, construction or financial pro- meanwhile approved a draft law barring the cedures at other quarantine sites is the responsi- Continued from Page 1 and Bernice King, daughter of the civil rights leader appointment of expats to public sector jobs unless Martin Luther King Jr. bility of the relevant authorities, while the role of Meanwhile, the Cabinet yesterday ordered the there are no jobseekers among Kuwaitis, children of Amid political calls for a full investigation, UK Prime the health ministry is limited to presenting health Kuwaiti women married to foreigners and Gulf citi- Minister Boris Johnson - whose own views during his services. The sources said the ministry of public ministry of commerce and industry to start accept- ing online bookings by the public to visit coopera- zens. The bill forces the government to announce time as a newspaper columnist have been seen as works quarantine site near Jaber Stadium was such jobs for Kuwaitis first and then for children of racist - refused to comment. But he told reporters: prepared and paid for by MPW, Al-Zour quaran- tive societies between 5 pm and 10 pm during the partial curfew. The Cabinet was briefed by Sheikh Kuwaiti women, and later to Gulf citizens. If the “I’ve always had the highest admiration for the queen tine site by KOC and the same for the ministry of positions are not filled, then government agencies and the unifying role she plays in our country and defense near the military hospital. Basel on the health situation in the country. The minister revealed 322,000 people in Kuwait have so can invite foreigners. across the Commonwealth.” — AFP Established 1961 3 Local Tuesday, March 9, 2021 Expats stranded in Dubai lose hope for chance to come back to Kuwait Some still waiting for a miracle

By Ben Garcia daily new coronavirus cases after it saw daily infec- mother because I loved her so much. I went home expire in May and my passport validity is less than tions fall below 300 late last year from a peak of thinking I can come back in a month or so. My child a year. This is killing me slowly, mentally and physi- KUWAIT: Some expat families and workers strand- more than 1,000 in May 2020. was studying, so I told my husband to look after her. cally,” Tessy lamented. ed in Dubai en-route to Kuwait have finally decided I am very afraid for her safety and have been in this to go back to their home countries. Some however In a dilemma state of mind over the last one year,” she agonized Rooms booked are still waiting for a miracle, like a Filipina mother Tessy, not her real name, has been in Dubai since via call on Facebook Messenger. Kuwaiti authorities had earlier agreed for the who has decided to stay a bit longer in Dubai in Jan 23, hoping to enter Kuwait. “Last year I was “I was ready to stay in Dubai for 14 days. My return of foreigners, provided they quarantine for hope of reuniting with her family in Kuwait. Kuwait waiting for a direct flight to Kuwait was seven days at a local hotel and seven days at quar- Times has no official numbers of workers stranded flight to Kuwait, but it scheduled on Feb 8, but antine. Many expats were elated by the decision, en route to Kuwait, but a source said there are hun- did not happen. So on on Feb 7, they extended but only a few days after this decision, Kuwait sus- dreds, possibly thousands, of expats from countries Jan 22, I finally decided the ban on the entry of pended the entry of foreigners indefinitely. Some like Egypt, India and the Philippines. to fly back to Kuwait via foreigners again. On Feb expats had already booked hotel rooms. Flight restrictions started in March last year in Dubai to be with my There is 21, Kuwait said it will A family from India who had booked a three-star order to stop the spread of the coronavirus in child and husband. My allow foreigners to fly hotel in Mangaf finally decided to go back to India Kuwait. In Aug 2020, Kuwait resumed most flights daughter, who is 13 no hope back, but then extended tomorrow. “There is no hope for returning to Kuwait but banned anyone traveling directly from a number years old, is alone daily for returning the ban indefinitely. soon. I think the government is not ready yet for of ‘high-risk countries’ from entering Kuwait. in our flat in Salmiya Now, I don’t know what foreigners to come back. So my family and I decid- Passengers from these countries have to spend 14 when my husband goes to do. I am in a dilemma ed to return to India for financial reasons. Our funds days in a third country before arriving in Kuwait. to work. She has been whether to return back will not be able to sustain us anymore in Dubai, so Since the restrictions in March 2020, the airport has attending online classes. to the Philippines or we are going back to India,” the head of the family never returned to full operations. I always call and sup- remain in Dubai. We told Kuwait Times. When the new strain of COVID-19 was discov- port her studies online, but being away from her for don’t have enough money. My only wish for now is “Even if we feel we are unfairly treated by the ered in the UK in December last year, Kuwait re- a year now is driving me crazy,” Tessy said. to be able to reach Kuwait and be with my family,” uncertainty, we cannot do anything. At the end of imposed a new airport shutdown, besides restric- Tessy, who has a dependent visa, left Kuwait in she said. the day, it is because of the coronavirus that we are tions on 68 countries with high numbers of coron- Feb 2020. “I went home alone to the Philippines “I am too stressed to handle my situation. I am all struggling, and we don’t blame Kuwait for this avirus cases. The closure does not apply to air car- because my mother had died. Even though the situ- even willing to walk from Dubai to Kuwait so long mishap. We hope we can still come back when go operations. Kuwait continues to report record ation was unclear at that time, I had to be with my as I know I can be with my family. My visa will everything is settled,” he said.

Iranian cyber espionage campaign targeted critical a skilled workforce that supports these goals are Kuwait curfew: What US stands with networks in Kuwait. During the first half of 2020 also important. there were 1,305 cyber-attacks in Kuwait tied to As the United Sates and Kuwait continue to COVID-19. Recently, Russia attacked the United strengthen our partnership, we want to foster a you need to know Kuwait to counter States in the largest spying operation in history. more robust and diverse information and commu- These incidents validate how malicious state and nication technology supply chain that would allow KUWAIT: Kuwait imposed a one-month partial curfew from 5 pm to 5 am starting from March 7, cyber threats non-state actors can exploit vulnerabilities in Kuwait to exclude untrusted vendors and build a 2021 to help curb the sharp increase in COVID-19 mobile networks, data, internet connectivity, social network that enables secure transmission of data cases registered in recent weeks. During the cur- By US Ambassador to Kuwait media, and artificial intelligence. Since these digital on 5G networks. few hours, pharmacies, medical stores, Co-opera- Alina L Romanowski tools are integrated in critical and non-critical In addition to ensuring data privacy and pro- tive societies and supermarkets to continue opera- infrastructure such as the energy grid, water distri- tecting against hackers, a secure and safe telecom tion only through delivery services. Also during his year, Kuwait bution system, transportation, and military and law infrastructure is key to attracting multinational the curfew, people are allowed to go to Fajr, and the United enforcement networks, things we rely on everyday tech companies and businesses. Kuwait aspires to Maghreb and Isha prayers at mosques only by TStates will cel- can now be disabled or destroyed with keystrokes be a data hub between the Middle East and walking, while taxis are allowed to carry only two ebrate the 60th rather than missiles and bombs. Europe. But, to attract reliable, world-renowned, passengers. The government meanwhile allowed anniversary of diplo- While tanks and missiles still defend our physi- and cutting-edge technology firms, Kuwait must salons and health clubs to reopen during the day matic relations cal borders and important installations, it is crucial assure data safety and security, and build strong after a one-month closure but kept restaurants between our nations. to complement them with strong cyber defenses cyber defenses by investing in trusted vendors and cafes closed except for drive-through and As we commemorate against those intent on causing widespread dam- and clean networks. delivery services. this important mile- age to our financial systems, national security, pri- In a networked world, economic prosperity and stone, it is important vacy, and our democratic way of life. Given how the strength and security of our relationship can Where to obtain a curfew pass? to take stock of what interconnected we are and how much we depend only be assured if we are unified in our approach Citizens and residents that need a pass during we have achieved in upon each other, if our networks are vulnerable, to cybersecurity. Today once again our nations the curfew hours to leave their homes can apply this relationship, as those vulnerabilities pose a security threat to our must unite as we did thirty years ago. This time, for a pass at https://www.paci.gov.kw/. The pass allies and partners. we must build our collective cyber-defense, is available for those in need of emergency med- well as what we still This is why the United States is urging our against an enemy that may already be lurking ical treatment, doctor’s visits, blood donation, must accomplish COVID-19 swaps and COVID-19 vaccinations. together. Thirty years partners to develop open, interoperable, reliable, within our critical systems ready to inflict damage ago, a coalition of 38 countries led by the United and secure networks. We strongly encourage our not only on us but also on our allies and partners. Co-op delivery during curfew hours States helped liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupa- allies and partners, including Kuwait - whose Just as the pandemic has shown us that wearing During curfew hours, co-ops, grocery stores tion - an experience that has bonded Kuwait and national security the United States is committed a mask protects ourselves as well as others, we and other markets will be allowed to offer delivery the United States forever. Today, there are new to protect - to craft legislation, regulations, and must protect our mutual interests by wearing a services. Most co-ops will accept orders via deliv- threats facing our countries, and the United States other measures that ensure our common security mask of strong cybersecurity defenses. The ery. Here is an incomplete list of co-op WhatsApp is again prepared to stand with the people of in 5G and other networks. These measures include United States is ready to support the people of numbers. Each co-op will be responsible for Kuwait to ensure peace and prosperity through- supporting vendor diversity and transparent stan- Kuwait to prepare for and defend against cyber deciding if and when they provide delivery servic- out the region. dards via national regulatory frameworks. threats. By doing this, we will expand and deepen es and not all may be providing. Recent incidents demonstrate that the battle- Participating in organizations that develop and the historic partnership between our nations that field today has moved into cyberspace. In 2019 help implement telecom standards and developing has created decades of peace and prosperity. Omariya Co-op WhatsApp 6041-0067 Farwaniya Co-op WhatsApp 6767-8211 Qairawan Co-op WhatsApp 9000-3749 Jahra Co-op WhatsApp 5160-2458 Abdulla Al-Mubarak Co-op WhatsApp 6066-6338 Nuzha Co-op WhatsApp 9784-5531 Khaitan Co-op WhatsApp 6777-9745 Ardhiya Co-op WhatsApp 6902-0779 Rabiya Co-op WhatsApp 2438-8316 Wafra Farm Co-op Tel: 9883-5245 / 5170-0085 Salmiya Co-op Tel: 22253225 Jabriya Co-op Tel: 1805-353 WhatsApp 6566-6084 Rawdha & Hawally WhatsApp 9662-2883 Shaab Co-op WhatsApp 9090-4455 Wafra Co-op WhatsApp 5055-0539 Keifan Co-op WhatsApp 5178-1719 Rehab Co-op WhatsApp 9222-2358 Mishref Co-op WhatsApp 5055-9900 Faiha Co-op Tel: 1861-000 WhatsApp 9098-6000 Rumaithiya Co-op WhatsApp 6066-0045 Bayan Co-op WhatsApp 9004-2500 Fahaheel Co-op WhatsApp 5178-9951 Adan & Qusour Co-op Tel: 5034-3111 / 6593-3975 Salam Co-op WhatsApp 9788-7832 4 Established 1961 Local Tuesday, March 9, 2021

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Japan embassy announces winner of logo contest KUWAIT: The Japanese embassy in Kuwait released the following statement, announcing the winner for the logo contest to mark the 60th anniversary for establishing diplomatic relations between Japan and Kuwait: “Surprisingly, we have received a large number of logo designs not only from Kuwait but also from Japan and oth- er neighboring countries. The Embassy of Japan in the State of Kuwait is deeply grateful and impressed by the enor- mous and creative designs that were submitted, as they KUWAIT: People walk towards a mosque in Kuwait City to perform the Maghrib prayer during the curfew hours on Sunday. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat showed great interest in strengthening the friendship and bilateral relations between Japan and Kuwait. We would like to thank all participants for their enthusiastic participation and wonderful designs. NBK participates in the great efforts made by women for recovery NBK’s priorities, stem- “We have to say that all submitted designs were from the coronavirus pandemic. ming from the bank’s excellent and unique, which made it very difficult for us NBK participated in the event, which was belief in the importance to select a winning logo. After much consideration, we event promoting held virtually represented by Shaikha Al-Bahar, of gender diversity and are excited to announce that the winning design is cre- Deputy Group CEO, and Emad Al-Ablani, GM - inclusion as critical fac- ated by Yuka Satori, a Japanese art student. The women empowerment Group Human Resources, who shed light on the tors to sustain its suc- Evaluation was based on the simplicity and originality. bank’s achievements in promoting gender diver- cess in the future. “The selected logo shows the Kuwaiti flag represent- KUWAIT: Celebrating International Women’s sity and inclusion as a cornerstone of the bank’s “At NBK, we are ed by the number six, while Japan’s flag is represented Day, NBK participated in the ‘Ring the Bell system. proud to be one of the by number zero, and the Sakura flower that symbolizes Event,’ organized by UN Women and in cooper- The event discussed ways to consolidate first private sector Japan. Together, the two numbers are a symbol of the ation with the Supreme Council for Planning efforts and visions to promote the seven princi- institutions in the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The wave and Development (SCPD) and Boursa Kuwait to ples of the empowerment of women launched by region to endorse UN refers to the sea, which is a common natural environ- Shaikha Al-Bahar promote the empowerment of women in various UN Women and UN Global Compact. In 2021, Women’s Empowerment ment between the two countries, represents the strong fields. UN Women themed this year’s event and deep relations between Japan and Kuwait. The the focus was on the third and fifth of these Principles (WEPs), as winning logo design will be used for activities related to “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal principles regarding guaranteeing the health, we were early to adopt a more systematic the 60th anniversary. “ future in a COVID-19 world, in celebration of safety, and well-being of all women and men approach towards gender equality, which con- workers, and implementing enterprise develop- tributed to comprehensive adoption of these ment, supply chain and marketing practices that principles, and also provided us with a frame- empower women. work to work on the overall UN Sustainable On this occasion, Bahar said: Development Goals including gender equality as “Commemorating International Women’s Day one of its key pillars,” she pointed out. gives us an opportunity to reflect on women’s Bahar noted: “NBK follows a unique achievements and the progress made in achiev- approach with regards to guaranteeing ing gender equality globally. Moreover, it equal opportunities, as it ensures equal encourages business leaders to act proactively opportunities for all its employees, with no to accelerate realization of this goal in the com- exception, with the aim to motivate them to ing years.” innovate. This approach is also clearly mani- Bahar pointed out that all organizations and fested in having no salary gap between institutions are required to proactively support women and men employees in the bank.” the principle of equal opportunities in all job Bahar indicated that gender-diverse work- roles, and that career progression should be force gives added value to the bank’s busi- based on key criteria basically skill, experience ness, operating across 4 continents and 15 and competence. countries worldwide. We are proud that Bahar emphasized that women leaders women employees represent 46% of the showed great examples in addressing the coro- workforce, which is a remarkable achieve- navirus pandemic and contributed to putting ment across the banking sector and the countries on the track of recovery, noting that regional labor market. Moreover, the bank is achieving gender equality in women’s leadership keen to empower more women through men- and representation is a global prerequisite to toring and offering them career development create an environment that promotes sustain- opportunities. Over the past years, the bank able development and creates a positive impact adopted many initiatives that help attract and on society in the long term. retain female talents, in addition to helping Bahar added that supporting women to reach working parents create a better work-life their full potential has always been one of balance.

sabotage and criminal acts against vital installations not Kuwait deplores only target the Kingdom, but also target the security and stability of global energy supplies. He also warned that such acts pose a threat to the lives of thousands of Houthi attacks Saudi Aramco employees and their families of various nationalities. He called on the international community to stand with the Kingdom in taking practical deterrent on Saudi Arabia measures against all terrorist entities that carry out and KUWAIT: Kuwait on Sunday condemned “in the support these subversive acts. strongest possible terms” a string of drone attacks Saudi Arabia had derailed a drone assault on oil launched by Yemen’s Houthi group towards “civilian reservoirs at Ras Tanura Port and a ballistic missile sites” in Saudi Arabia. These “terrorist crimes” repre- attack on a residential compound of workers of the sent a major escalation of violence and put the king- country’s energy giant Aramco, announced the Saudi dom’s security at great risk, said a Kuwaiti foreign min- Energy Ministry. “One of the petroleum tank areas at istry statement, adding such transgressions “run count- the Ras Tanura Port in the Eastern Region, one of the er to international law and humanitarian principles.” It largest oil shipping ports in the world, was attacked this slammed the international community’s “silence” in the morning by a drone, coming from the sea,” the Saudi face of these “despicable actions,” saying Kuwait Press Agency quoted an official spokesman of the “stands in solidarity with Saudi Arabia” and supports Energy Ministry as saying Sunday. The spokesman all the measures taken by Riyadh to keep its security added that another deliberate attempt was also made and stability intact. this evening to attack Saudi Aramco’s facilities. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) condemned “Shrapnel from a ballistic missile fell near Saudi the drone and missile attacks. “These terrorist attacks Aramco’s residential area in the city of Dhahran, where not only target Saudi Arabia, but strike at the pulse of thousands of the company’s employees and their fami- the global economy and energy supplies to the lies from different nationalities live,” he stated. He said world,” GCC chief Dr Nayef Al-Hajraf said in a state- that both attacks did not result in any injury or loss of ment. He underlined the six-nation bloc’s “unwavering life or property. support” for all the measures Riyadh has taken to pro- In his statement, the spokesman stressed that the tect its national interests, which support global energy Kingdom condemns and criminalizes such repeated security and maritime trade operations. Colonel Turki acts of sabotage and hostility. “The Kingdom calls on Al-Malki, the spokesman for the Saudi defense min- nations and organizations of the world to stand togeth- istry and the military coalition led by the kingdom, er against these attacks, which are aimed at civilian said the site of the world’s biggest offshore oil loading objects and vital installations,” he said. “Such acts of facility was attacked with a drone coming from the sabotage do not only target the Kingdom of Saudi sea, before it was intercepted and destroyed prior to Arabia, but also the security and stability of energy reaching its target. supplies to the world, and therefore, the global econo- In the meantime, the Organization of Islamic my. They affect the security of petroleum exports, free- Cooperation has condemned in the strongest terms the dom of world trade, and maritime traffic.” He added that Houthi militias’ foiled terrorist attacks. In a press state- they also expose coasts and territorial waters to grave ment on Sunday, the OIC Secretary General Dr Yousef environmental catastrophes due to potential leakage of bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen stressed that these terrorist, petroleum or petroleum products. —KUNA International TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021 Myanmar protesters gather after general Brutal murders in rural Venezuela highlight violence against women Page 6 strike call Page 7

ALEPPO, Syria: In this file photo taken on June 3, 2014, a man carries a young girl who was injured in a reported barrel-bomb attack by government forces in Kallaseh district in the northern city of Aleppo. —AFP 10 years on, no peace after war in Syria The fighting has tapered off, but the suffering hasn’t

BEIRUT: After a decade of unfathomable violence and human revolt in a phone interview with AFP. “Who was going to be population of 22 million forced to flee their homes, was the nate death, and systematically resorted to siege and starva- tragedy that has made Syria the defining war of the early 21st Syria’s Bouazizi?” The closest equivalent to Mohamed largest induced by conflict since World War II. Half of those tion tactics. century, the fighting has tapered off but the suffering hasn’t. In Bouazizi, the young street vendor whose self-immolation was displaced fled the country, some of them swelling a wave of 2011, Bashar al-Assad and his government briefly looked like the trigger for Tunisia’s revolt, turned out to be youngsters refugees reaching the shores of Europe, a phenomenon whose War spiral another domino about to fall in the whirlwind of pro-democra- who spray-painted the words “Your turn, doctor” on a wall in scope affected public opinion, politics and the outcome of Countless strikes were carried out against medical facilities cy revolts sweeping the Middle East. the southern town of Daraa. elections on the continent. in defiance of global outrage. Huge swathes of Aleppo, once Ten years later, Assad is still there, a pyrrhic victor offering The slogan was a clear reference to Assad, wishing the In the chaos that followed the eruption of civil conflict in the country’s economic hub and a heritage jewel considered no credible prospects of reconciliation for the Syrian people London-trained ophthalmologist the same fate as Tunisia’s Syria, the most violent group in modern jihad-the so-called one of the world’s longest continuously inhabited cities, were and exercising limited sovereignty over a land left prey to for- Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, who had to flee into exile-or perhaps Islamic State-proclaimed a “caliphate” straddling Syria and leveled. The rapid militarization of the government’s response eign powers. In late January 2011, the uprisings that toppled even Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi who was later that year Iraq that reshaped global terrorism. Arch foes Iran and the to the initial protests and the emergence of jihadist groups- dictators in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya became known as the lynched by a frenzied mob. The graffiti led to arrests and tor- United States both sent troops to Syria to protect their inter- helped by the government’s mass release of Al-Qaeda mili- “Arab Spring” and the contagious nature of the region’s revolts ture, which in turn caused an uproar that rallied a critical num- ests, as did Turkey. Russia for its part launched in 2015 its tants-turned the Syrian uprising into the Syrian war. The ultra- became obvious. ber of Syrians behind the protests. largest military intervention since the collapse of the Soviet violence that the Islamic State group projected and its ability It took time for the wave of protests to take hold in Syria, March 15, the date which AFP and many others use for the Union, a move that turned the tide in Assad’s favor. to attract fighters from Europe and beyond instilled a fear in where demonstrations had been banned for half a century and start of the Syrian uprising, was not the first day of protests Almost 400,000 people were killed in 10 years, according the West that wiped out the early pro-democracy enthusiasm. the government seemed more entrenched than anywhere else but the day that demonstrations happened nationwide and to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war The world’s focus shifted to the fight against jihadists and in the region. Some of the first gatherings, such as vigils out- simultaneously. Journalist and author Rania Abouzeid monitor that has continued to keep count after international away from the Syrian people’s struggle against Assad, who side the Libyan embassy, were ostensibly in support of the describes the moment that gives its title to her book on the organizations gave up. Most of the 117,000 civilians in that quickly recast himself as the best rampart against terrorism. other uprisings and not a direct challenge to the four-decade- Syrian war: “No Turning Back”. “The great wall of fear had grim tally were killed by the government, whose willingness to “We were very naive when we started the revolution,” said old rule of the Assad clan. cracked, the silence was shattered. The confrontation was turn against the population surprised even its fiercest oppo- Darwish, who was among those who created the first coordi- “We would call for freedom and democracy in Tunisia, existential-for all sides-from its inception,” she wrote. nents. “I didn’t think it would reach this level of violence,” said nation committees organizing the anti-government movement. Egypt and Libya, but we were actually chanting for Syria,” Darwish. “But I was mistaken.” “Our outlook was sentimental, poetic, romantic. We thought prominent Syrian activist Mazen Darwish recalled. Exodus The government has used chemical weapons on civilian our moral high ground alone would be enough. We had no “We became obsessed with finding the spark that would What came next led to the planet’s worst conflict in a gen- areas to subdue pockets of resistance, it has raided densely tools when the others-the regime and the Islamists-had real put us next in line,” he says, retracing the beginnings of Syria’s eration. The displacement, which saw half of Syria’s pre-war inhabited areas with crude barrel bombs that sow indiscrimi- partners and huge resources,” he explained. —AFP

meat for takeaway shawarma. But, he adds, back home, With heavy hearts, “we left behind businesses, houses and large farms”- something to return to should Assad ever be ousted. On this stretch of Gaziantep’s Inonu Avenue, better Syrians in Turkey known as the Iranian Bazaar, most of the shops are run by Syria’s Idlib: What Syrians-although storefront signs are spelled out in pursue new lives Turkish, as required by law. future for the “We fled the Assad regime, and if someone suddenly GAZIANTEP, Turkey: Some are coping, others struggling, told us that Assad has fallen, you wouldn’t find a single but Syrian refugees in Turkey say they dare not follow Syrian in Turkey,” says Zakaria al-Sabbagh, a 23-year-old rebel holdout? their dreams and return home while President Bashar al- dried fruit vendor. BEIRUT: Ten years into Syria’s war, a large patch of ter- “But if the regime stays put, there is no hope” of going Assad remains in power. GAZIANTEP, Turkey: A Syrian buys food in a grill shop in ritory in the country’s northwest controlled by jihadists back, adds fellow trader Khader al-Houssein, 41. “I love Of the 5.6 million people who have fled Syria’s conflict, Gaziantep. Some are coping, others struggling, but the and allied rebels is still holding out against the more than 3.6 million have settled in neighboring Turkey. my children too much to put them through what I went millions of Syrian refugees in Turkey say they dare not Damascus regime. Their arrival since Syria’s descent into bloody war that through.” follow their dreams and return home while President Can the Idlib bastion, protected against a military began a decade ago has profoundly changed the makeup In a small barbershop, Mohammad Abu Al-Nar, 28, Bashar Al-Assad remains in power. —AFP onslaught since a March 2020 ceasefire, continue to of southern Turkish border provinces such as Gaziantep and his customers debate Syria’s fate and their possible survive as its own self-run territory, perhaps a bit like and Hatay. futures. “If I return now, I will be jailed and no one will the Palestinian Gaza Strip? According to official figures, Gaziantep is now home to hear from me again,” the barber says, as he takes his scis- Syria is a beautiful country where we lived in a house and 450,000 Syrians, making up a fifth of its population. sors to a Syrian customer’s mop of hair. were happy, where we didn’t have to suffer the kind of Who lives in Idlib? Most have come from Aleppo, the obliterated Syrian city “Especially since I am an army deserter. And there are work that we have to do here,” Alawi says. “But God has On the border with Turkey, a former Al-Qaeda affil- just an hour’s drive south. many others like me in Turkey.” decided otherwise.” iate as well as a flurry of rebel groups and other “I want to return to Syria and am trying to get Turkish jihadists resist government rule in a chunk of territory citizenship at the same time, because as long as Assad is ‘A beautiful country’ ‘Maybe one day’ referred to as Idlib. in power, our return is out of the question,” Ismail Abtini, While the traders on Inonu Avenue are cobbling Ahd Al-Wali, a grocer and confidante of many of the The jihadist-dominated bastion is made up of half 42, says. He runs a grill restaurant with his family on one of together new lives, others are only just hanging on. Zeina neighborhood’s Syrian families, grabbed her son and fled of Idlib province as well as slivers of adjacent gover- the main thoroughfares in the city of Gaziantep, after flee- Alawi, who lost her husband in a bombing in 2014, lives Aleppo in 2014, a year after her husband, an opposition norates. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) controls the agri- cultural area and its towns through its influence over ing Aleppo in 2013 with his parents, siblings, wife and with her four daughters and two sons in a squalid flat not fighter, was killed by regime forces. far from the city center. “How could I go back there?” the 39-year-old asks the so-called Salvation Government. children to “avoid the barrel bombs dropping on our Despite HTS claiming it has renounced all ties with Deprived of odd jobs by the pandemic, she depends in her small storefront, where she runs a tab for most neighborhood”. One of his brothers was killed in the gov- Al-Qaeda, the United Nations and European Union ernment assault. on good Samaritans to help feed her family and pay the of her poor Syrian customers. “Can you imagine walk- ing down the street, seeing his (Assad’s) portrait consider the group to be “terrorist”. Syria’s last major equivalent of 50 euros (about $60) a month for an apart- opposition bastion is home to 2.9 million people, of Lives left behind ment furnished with two mattresses, a striped sofa and a hanging amid all the destruction that he himself caused, not to mention the women and children he has whom two thirds have been displaced from their Abtini acknowledges that his business is booming, as charcoal furnace. With no prospects of return in sight, she homes by conflict, the UN says. killed?” she says. —AFP two roasters rotate whole chickens and a spit is laden with remembers Syria with fondness. “I tell the children that Many of those displaced, including those forced to flee other parts of the country, live in camps. year. The toddler’s British passport is accusations. A month later, during a for his wife’s release, says repeatedly For about a year, fighting has largely halted in and around the area after a ceasefire deal, brokered by confiscated and she is handed over to visit to Iran, Johnson presses Tehran that she is the “hostage” of a sinister Jailed in Tehran: Damascus ally Russia and rebel backer Turkey, took her maternal grandparents. for her release. political game centerd on an old debt hold in March 2020. But years of successive Russia- British-Iranian’s Incarcerated at the Evin prison in On March 7, 2019, London accords incurred by Britain in connection backed government bombardment campaigns have the Iranian capital, Zaghari-Ratcliffe, diplomatic protection to Zaghari- with an arms deal. chipped away at the opposition stronghold. judicial saga then 37, is accused in June 2016 of Ratcliffe, saying her detention condi- From September 2017 to today, jihadists and allied plotting a “soft overthrow” of the tions do not comply with international House arrest rebels saw their bastion shrink from 9,000 to just Iranian government with the support law. In April, the Iranian authorities offer In March 2020, because of the 3,000 square kilometers (3,470 to 1,150 square miles), LONDON: British-Iranian dual citizen of foreign intelligence services. to free Zaghari-Ratcliffe if the United coronavirus pandemic, Zaghari- geographer Fabrice Balanche says. Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who com- States drops accusations against an Ratcliffe is accorded temporary pleted a five-year sentence for sedi- Jailed for five years Iranian prisoner, also a woman, in release and placed under house arrest How many are jihadists? tion in Iran on Sunday, has been on a On September 9, 2016, Zaghari- Australia. London rejects the offer. at her parents’ home. On September 8, Of the 2.9 million residents, several thousand are judicial roller coaster since 2016. Ratcliffe is sentenced to five years in a new charge is levied against her, for said to be jihadist fighters, according to UN estimates. Here are the key dates in her jail for taking part in a “sedition Hunger strike, psychiatric ward spreading propaganda against Tehran. The region is run by HTS and its 10,000 mostly Syrian ordeal. movement” in Iran in 2009, according In June 2019, Zaghari-Ratcliffe She appears before a judge on fighters, a UN report released last month said. to an Iranian judicial official. The sen- launches a hunger strike that lasts November 2 and the trial is adjourned They control the importation and distribution of Airport arrest tence is upheld on appeal in April two weeks. In July she is transferred without a date set for resumption. gasoline and diesel, pocketing about $1 million a month Zaghari-Ratcliffe, an employee of 2017. In November that year, Boris to a hospital’s psychiatric ward Upon completion of her five-year sen- in trading fuel and energy, it said. The group is also the Thomson Reuters Foundation, is Johnson, who was then Britain’s for- where she stays for several days. In tence for sedition on Sunday, Zaghari- reported to control distribution of humanitarian aid, arrested on April 3, 2016, with her eign minister, commits a faux pas by October, little Gabriella returns to Ratcliffe’s electronic bracelet is “and confiscates portions of these goods to reinforce daughter Gabriella, then 22-months- telling a parliament committee that London so she can go to school removed, but she is summoned to HTS patronage networks,” the report added. But sev- eral other jihadist groups also exist, and there is some- old, at the Tehran airport after she Zaghari-Ratcliffe trained journalists in under her father’s care. Richard appear in court on March 14 over the times infighting. —AFP visited her family for the Iranian new Iran, a remark that fuels Tehran’s Ratcliffe, who has fought for years propaganda charge. —AFP 6 Established 1961 Tuesday, March 9, 2021 International Brutal murders in rural Venezuela highlight violence against women Fear, pain and anger felt in Latin American country

LA MISION, Venezuela: Denis Reanez was looking killings, including a 33-year-old in Portuguesa killed by through her daughter’s things when she found a hand- her ex-partner. A teenager in the capital Caracas was written song she had been penning on a sheet slipped also murdered by her boyfriend. In both cases, the man inside her bible. But Eliannys Martinez would never sing had killed after the woman tried to end the relationship. it. She was murdered on February 21 in La Mision in Last year, during the coronavirus pandemic, 256 women Venezuela’s western Portuguesa state, aged just 17 were murdered-an increase of more than 50 percent on when she became one of the two victims of a sexual the previous year. Some NGOs believe the rise in mur- predator who sowed terror in the village of 5,000. ders is linked to the pandemic confinement that has Murders of women have surged in Venezuela in the past forced vulnerable women to spend more time at home year, and the killings in La Mision have embodied the with their abusers. Most victims were between 16 and fear, pain and anger that many in the Latin American 40 years of age, according to an association monitoring country have felt as a result. “They found her dead, in femicide. It amounts to 8.5 women killed per million panties, no clothes, face down, her mouth open, it was inhabitants in 2020. In Mexico, one of the country’s horrible. It fell like my chest was being torn open,” said worst affected by violence against women, that figure is a tearful Reanez about her daughter. 7.4, according to official figures. The last time Reanez saw Martinez, the oldest of her eight children, was the morning of her murder, as they ‘We have to break the fear’ sat side by side in church. Afterwards, Martinez-who Sexually-motivated femicide remains “unusual within played the keyboard-stayed behind with friends to the expression of violence that Venezuelan women” rehearse. She never returned home. Her grandfather experience, anthropologist Aimee Zambrano, said. Pedro Reanez went out into fields of beans and toma- Most are “intimate femicides that happen at the hands toes to call out her name over and over again. Acting on of partners, ex-partners or family members,” said advice from police, the family searched the abandoned LA MISION, Venezuela: Mileidys Torrealba (left), 39, and Eduard Jose Falcon, 45, pose with portraits of their 20- Zambrano, who works with the femicide monitor group sheds of a former tobacco factory now covered with year-old daughter Eduarlis Falcon, who was murdered alongside another girl, at their house in La Mision, and fears that many such murders go unreported. vegetation. Portuguesa state, Venezuela.— AFP Attorney General Tarek William Saab says his depart- Martinez was known to use a shortcut along a sandy ment has processed 600 murders of women since 2017, path that passed by the dilapidated buildings and where half of which were solved. Back in La Mision, the streets many people would stop under the shade of mango some three kilometers (two miles) from her home. “She 50% increase in femicides have been deserted at night. trees to catch a telephone signal. didn’t deserve this,” said her mother Mileidys Torrealba, The brutality of the two killings on successive days Francisco Saavedra, a karate instructor, and friends That was where she was killed. When her grandfa- 39, whose voice was weak from crying. In her phone, in such a small village gained national attention and have organized self-defense classes for women on a ther found the body, he covered it with his shirt to pro- she has some photos of her daughter’s last birthday cel- sparked protests against violence against women in sports court. Around 30 women and children have been tect the crime scene before police arrived. “The shoes ebration. Paper flowers arranged in the shape of the Portuguesa and the capital Caracas. In the first two put through their paces learning to punch, kick and were placed” next to her, and she had broken “purple number 20 adorn a piece of furniture next to Falcon’s months of this year, 51 women were murdered in elbow strike. “We have to break the fear because fear nails,” he remembers. The very next day, a few blocks bed, from the celebrations last September. The killer Venezuela, according to the national assembly, which on paralyzes us,” said Yasberlys Almeida, 35, after taking away, 20-year-old Eduarlis Falcon was found dead. She was arrested on February 27, after he was turned in by March 2 agreed to discuss reforming a women’s rights part in a class. “It’s very worrying going out into the disappeared the day before, after heading to the gym his wife, and faces the maximum 30-year sentence. law. In the last week of February alone there were five streets and not knowing if we’ll return home.”— AFP

there was nobody around him,” even as a gathering Floyd’s uncle wants crowd implored him to let Floyd breathe. Jones said it was as if Chauvin told himself, “I can do whatever I want to, because I am a police officer, and I am a white justice, but frets man and we rule in the world.”

about ‘the system’ ‘Manipulate the system’ Despite the powerful nature of the video, Jones is not optimistic about the outcome of the trial, which is MINNEAPOLIS: Deeply wounded and forever expected to last several weeks. He said “technicalities”- changed by the death of his nephew George Floyd, including laws that give police officers considerable Selwyn Jones is apprehensive about the trial started legal immunity-can be used “to manipulate the system yesterday of the police officer charged with his murder, to their way.” “You’ve seen things like this happen over his doubts fueled by a legal system that historically has time, and they never worked out the way that they were been friendly to law enforcement. “I want justice to pre- supposed to.” The most glaring example, he said, was JERUSALEM: Leader of the Israeli Labor Party Merav vail,” said Jones, a maternal uncle to the Black man the 1992 beating by Los Angeles police of a Black man, Michaeli, speaks during an interview at the ‘Influencers whose death under the knee of white Minneapolis offi- Rodney King following a high-speed chase. Despite a Conference’ of the Israeli leading News Channel 12 in BAGHDAD: A handout picture shows Iraq’s President cer Derek Chauvin sparked outraged protests around clear video record of the prolonged beating, a jury Jerusalem ahead of the March 23 general elections. — AFP the world. “I obviously want conviction,” Jones told AFP. Barham Saleh (center) and his wife Sarbagh (left) bidding acquitted three of the officers involved and reached no farewell to Pope Francis (right) during the farewell ceremo- But he said he worries about “the system.” verdict on the fourth. Chauvin, who kept his knee on the neck of the pros- ny at the conclusion of the pontiff’s visit to Iraq, at the capi- That outcome led to six days of bloody rioting in tal’s Baghdad International Airport. — AFP Israeli Labor’s new trate Floyd for nearly nine minutes on May 25, 2020, African-American and Latino neighborhoods that left faces murder and manslaughter charges in the trial in a 63 people dead-a scenario Jones fears could be repeat- leader: Feminist Hennepin County district court, where jury selection ed if Chauvin escapes prison. “If there’s an acquittal the began yesterday. The 55-year-old Jones, who lives in whole world is gonna be tore up,” he said. “I hate riot- Pope Francis the small town of Gettysburg, South Dakota, hundreds ing, but sometimes that’s the only way that people and battle ready of miles to the west, said he hopes to attend part of the understand.” The circumstances surrounding his departs Iraq trial, though social distancing rules imposed by the nephew’s death, and the huge protests it spawned, do COVID-19 pandemic mean only one family member can give Jones some hope. “Just by chance, my nephew’s TEL AVIV: Tasked with reviving an Israeli Labor par- attend at a time. To him, the video of the fateful death had to be in the middle of a pandemic, with after historic trip ty seen as near death just weeks ago, new leader episode-filmed by a passerby and now seen by millions everybody in the world (having) that opportunity to see Merav Michaeli is campaigning for social democracy, around the world-left no doubt: Chauvin is “guilty as what racism looks like,” he said. feminism and environmental issues. “Labor has lost its BAGHDAD, Iraq: Pope Francis concluded yesterday hell.” When Jones first saw the video on television, he “Because that’s what it was all about-racism, power credibility and its backbone,” Michaeli, 54, said. “It the first-ever papal trip to Iraq, which went off without didn’t know who the Black man was lying facedown and control. The same thing that has been inflicted upon should be the center-left’s party of government, to a hitch despite security worries and a second wave of under a police officer’s knee. Black people for hundreds of years.” “The only reason” renew the country and get it back on track,” she told coronavirus cases in the country. The 84-year-old “Damn,” he said he thought at the time, “that gonna Chauvin was arrested, Jones said, “is because people AFP at her Tel Aviv campaign headquarters ahead of pontiff covered more than 1,400 kilometers inside the kill this dude!” When his distraught sister called him were sick and tired of being sick and tired.” New protests elections set for March 23. But the road ahead will be a country, bringing encouragement to its diminished with the news, Jones said, it was as if someone had “put are planned around the Government Center where the rocky one. The party has been in severe decline for a Christian community and extending a hand to Shiite their hands through my chest and ripped my heart out.” trial is being held-opening arguments are set for March generation and Israeli politics has undergone a signifi- Muslims by meeting top cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali He said he could never forget the images of his nephew 29 — and huge media attention is guaranteed. With “so cant shift to the right, especially under Prime Minister Sistani. “In my time among you, I have heard voices of begging for his life-and gasping for air as he predicted much pressure on this case to do something,” Jones said, Benjamin Netanyahu, in power since 2009. sorrow and loss, but also voices of hope and consola- his own death. As for Chauvin, he said, “he acted like he does hold at least a bit of hope. — AFP Israeli Labor won just three seats in the 120-seat tion,” Francis said on Sunday, concluding his last pub- Knesset in last year’s national elections, down from 44 lic event. “Now the time draws near for my return to in 1992 and a far cry from its decades in power. Rather Rome. Yet Iraq will always remain with me, in my than a return to the party’s past glory, Michaeli’s heart.” immediate goal is to influence the tone and policies of In his packed three full days in Iraq, the Pope made an emerging anti-Netanyahu camp that could cobble more than a half-dozen speeches in nearly as many together the 61 seats to wrest power from the incum- cities, repeatedly evoking hope and fraternity. In bent. “The most important thing is that the Labor party Baghdad on Friday, he called for an end to violence will have as many seats as possible within that bloc for and extremism and urged officials to do more to fight change, so that no alternative coalition can be built” corruption. Francis called the minority Yazidis “inno- without it, she said. cent victims of senseless and brutal atrocities,” follow- The party has already enjoyed something of a ing the Islamic State group’s rampage against their bounce since Michaeli trounced opponents in a party esoteric community in 2014. He also met members of primary on January 24, replacing Amir Peretz and Iraq’s other minorities in a moving interfaith ceremony becoming only its third woman leader. After the latest at Ur, where the Prophet Abraham is thought to have election-the country’s fourth in just two years-was been born. called in December, polling initially showed Israeli On Saturday, he held an extraordinary meeting with Labor failing to win enough votes to keep a single the reclusive but highly respected Sistani, who after- seat. But since she took the helm, polls indicate the wards said Iraq’s Christians should have the right to party will double its tally to six. live in “peace.” Francis’ full day in Iraq’s war-battered north on Sunday embodied a cause close to his heart- ‘Need to rebuild’ supporting traumatized Christians. There, he said the Michaeli did not rule out any potential political MINNEAPOLIS: Demonstrators hold placards during the “I Can’t Breathe - Silent March for Justice” in front of the “tragic” exodus of Christians “does incalculable harm partner, but said there would be ground rules. Her Hennepin County Government Center. — AFP not just to the individuals and communities concerned, predecessor was widely criticized for joining but also to the society they leave behind”. — AFP Netanyahu’s most recent ill-fated coalition govern- ment. “Rehabilitation of Israeli democracy, return to kicking his 24-year-old ex-wife in front of their five- Istanbul and other cities to demand that the govern- the rules of the game, return to the voice of reason, Turkey arrests year-old child as residents called on him to stop. ment adheres to a landmark treaty on preventing that is the only basis” for forming a coalition, she said. The assault-which came shortly before International domestic violence. The so-called Istanbul convention is “To replace Netanyahu is not enough-we need to also Women’s Day-sparked condemnation on social media, the world’s first binding instrument to prevent and replace ‘Netanyahuism’.” The incumbent, Israel’s man for beating with users calling on the authorities not to let him go combat violence against women, from marital rape to longest serving premier who was also in power unpunished. The woman, known only by her initials female genital mutilation. A ruling party official said last between 1996 and 1999, is seen by many as a highly ex-wife on street E.M., was taken to hospital with bruises on her face and year that the convention was “wrong” and speculated divisive figure. head but doctors said she was in good health, the news over a possible withdrawal. President Recep Tayyip He has notched up a list of diplomatic and econom- agency said. In a statement to prosecutors, the suspect Erdogan said on Sunday he considered violence ic successes, lately including normalized ties with four ISTANBUL: A man was arrested in Turkey on Sunday named as Ibrahim Zarap said he felt “remorse”, accord- against women a “crime against humanity”. “I condemn Arab nations, but his coalition governments have after a video on social media purportedly showing him ing to Anadolu. He claimed his ex-wife had threatened once more in the strongest terms any kind of physical quickly foundered in recent years and a corruption tri- beating his ex-wife on a street sparked outrage, state not to allow him further contact with their child. “I was or mental violence against women and discrimination,” al against him opened in May. Some of Netanyahu’s media reported. shocked and I didn’t know what I was doing,” he said. he said in a message for Women’s Day yesterday. The former lieutenants are now seeking to oust him, includ- The suspect was ordered to be detained by a court Domestic violence and femicide remain a serious opposition CHP party leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu said: ing defectors from his own Likud party, among them in the Black Sea province of Samsun on charges of problem in Turkey. Last year, 300 women were mur- “We grieve because of what we see instead of cele- former ministers. Any viable coalition joined by Labor “intentional attempted murder”, the official news dered according to the rights group We Will Stop brating March 8,” in a video message on Twitter where would need to accommodate parties that have similar agency Anadolu said. The video, which went viral on Femicide Platform. Angry over the rising number of he appeared alongside his wife. “You have my word. right-wing agendas to Likud. — AFP social media, shows the man violently punching and women killed by men, women often take to streets in We will end the violence,” he promised. —AFP Established 1961 7 International Tuesday, March 9, 2021 Myanmar protesters gather after general strike call 1,800 arrested as troops continue brutal crackdown, Death toll 50

YANGON: Anti-coup protesters gathered across Myanmar yesterday, answering a trade union call for a News in brief general strike following a weekend of night raids and arrests. The country has been in turmoil since a Burkina Faso ambush kills many February 1 coup ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi from power and triggered mass protests against OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso: Six people the new military junta. The police and military have including civilians were killed when a military responded with an increasingly brutal crackdown on detachment was ambushed in northern Burkina demonstrators, with more than 50 people killed and Faso, security sources said Sunday. The nation, nearly 1,800 arrested. among the world’s poorest, is struggling with a Despite the risk, protesters rallied in parts of the jihadist insurgency that has killed more than 1,000 commercial capital Yangon, the second-largest city people and displaced hundreds of thousands. “A Mandalay and other towns around the country. unit from Gaskinde (Soum province) was Yesterday’s demonstrations followed an appeal by ambushed on Saturday. One (soldier) sadly lost his trade unions for mass walkouts to bring the economy life, and another was injured. On our side, there to a standstill. “To continue economic and business were five other casualties, all volunteers,” a secu- activities as usual... will only benefit the military as rity source said. The five civilians were part of they repress the energy of the Myanmar people,” 18 Volunteers for the Defence of the Nation (VDP), a unions said in a statement. “The time to take action in network of civilian volunteers who help the army defense of our democracy is now.” in their uphill battle against the various jihadist Unions are seeking to extend the impact of an groups operating in the country. — AFP ongoing “Civil Disobedience Movement”-a campaign urging civil servants to boycott working under mili- YANGON: Protesters wearing protective gears take part in a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon tary rule-which has already hit state machinery hard. yesterday. — AFP The impact has been felt at every level of the national 107 migrants rescued off Canary Isles infrastructure, with shuttered hospitals, empty min- istry offices, and banks unable to operate. The junta security forces entering and seeking to occupy West English language training. Canberra is reviewing its MADRID: Spain’s coast guard rescued 107 has warned that civil servants “will be fired” with Yangon General Hospital by force,” the group said, aid program so money is channeled away from gov- migrants from boats off the Canary Islands over immediate effect Monday if they continued to strike. adding it had reliable information that five other ernment agencies towards not-for-profit organiza- the weekend as the migrant surge showed no letup Yangon hospitals were being occupied with similar tions. The United Nations Special Envoy on Myanmar on the Atlantic archipelago, a spokesman said Hospital takeovers situations elsewhere in Myanmar. Christine Schraner Burgener on Friday demanded an Sunday. A total of 56 migrants were plucked from After a restless night with security forces deployed “Even though medical personnel vacated their end to the “repression” of protesters and urged the two vessels on Saturday. One boat was found off to multiple neighborhoods and shots heard in some government posts to initiate the civil disobedience Security Council to act. the island of Tenerife carrying 15 men, while a sec- areas, parts of Yangon woke to a heavy police pres- movement, many returned to government hospitals But diplomats say the Security Council was unlike- ond was intercepted off Gran Canaria carrying ence. “Police and soldiers started clearing off Kyuntaw in response to escalating violence against peaceful ly to approve any international measures against the another 41 men, all of them from sub-Saharan Road in Sanchaung township. They used sound bombs protestors.” junta, with veto-wielding China-historically allied to Africa. On Sunday, the coast guard rescued to stop protesters gathering,” a resident told AFP. Myanmar’s generals-seen as a major obstacle. another 51 people on a boat found off Gran “They are now using a bulldozer to remove the International pleas The military, which denies responsibility for loss of Canaria, he said. On board were 49 men and two barriers protesters have made.” Reports emerged The coup and subsequent crackdown have drawn life in the protests, has defended seizing power by women. — AFP overnight that security forces had taken over several widespread international condemnation as well as alleging widespread electoral fraud in November’s public hospitals in Yangon. sanctions against key military personnel. Australia’s elections, which Suu Kyi’s party had won in a land- Physicians for Human Rights said it was appalled Foreign Minister Marise Payne announced late on slide. The Nobel laureate has not been publicly seen by these moves, calling them a violation of interna- Sunday the country was suspending its defense coop- since she was detained as the lightning coup was Iran asked to release dual national tional law. “One eyewitness account detailed armed eration program with Myanmar, which included launched in the early hours of February 1. — AFP LONDON: The UK government on Sunday called for the immediate release of a British-Iranian HK leader praises woman after her five-year sentence for sedition ended in Iran, as a new court summons caused further uncertainty about her fate. Nazanin China’s plan to Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who has been under house arrest for months, had her ankle tag removed, giv- install ‘patriots’ ing her more freedom of movement and allowing her to visit relatives in Tehran. But the 42-year-old dual national now faces another court appearance HONG KONG: Hong Kong’s leader yesterday praised in Iran next Sunday, dashing hopes among her China’s plan to ensure only “patriots” remain in politics, family, friends and supporters of an immediate denying the move was a purge of the opposition. Chief return home. — AFP Executive Carrie Lam ruled out any need to consult the Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam speaks during a public on the changes, as they were decreed by Beijing. press conference at the government headquarters in KOLKATA: India’s Prime Minster Narendra Modi Legislation to vet all election candidates in Hong Hong Kong yesterday. — AFP addresses supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party Kong is currently being discussed by China’s rubber- S Korea, US agree (BJP) during a mass rally ahead of the state legisla- stamp parliament and is expected to be adopted on tive assembly elections at the Brigade Parade ground Thursday. China has said only those deemed “patriotic” Yesterday, Lam hinted a further delay was likely given in Kolkata on Sunday. — AFP will be allowed to stand. Critics say the radical overhaul the sweeping changes Beijing is planning. “We are not on troop deal of the city’s already limited democratic system will able to tell you now whether the September election can proceed as scheduled,” she said, adding the priority was demolish what remains of the pro-democracy opposition SEOUL: South Korea and the United States have and ensure only loyalists remain, an argument that Lam to implement whatever changes Beijing decides on first. Huge crowd fetes She said her government would launch an “intensive” reached agreement on Seoul’s contribution to the rejected yesterday. “The improvements to the electoral costs of the US troop presence on the peninsula, Seoul system are not designed to favor someone, it is designed drive to explain the changes. But she said there was no Modi at rally for need for a “so-called extensive public consultation”, said yesterday, as the two allies kicked off annual joint to ensure that whoever is administering Hong Kong is military exercises. The issue had bedevilled the two patriotic,” Lam, a pro-Beijing appointee, told reporters arguing the transformation of Hong Kong’s political sys- tem was “urgent” and was being spearheaded by the allies’ security alliance under former president Donald key W Bengal poll after returning from the gathering in Beijing. “The deci- Trump, who had a transactional approach to foreign sion is timely, necessary, lawful and constitutional, and central government. Hong Kong has never been a democracy-something policy and repeatedly accused the South of freeload- the central authorities’ leadership and decision-making ing. Washington stations 28,500 troops in the country KOLKATA: that has fuelled protests and resentment in the territory A crowd of up to 800,000 turned out for power are out of question.” to defend it from the nuclear-armed North, which a state election rally by Indian Prime Minister Authoritarian China promised Hong Kong would keep towards Beijing. But it maintained a measure of choice, allowing a vocal opposition to contest certain local elec- invaded in 1950. They are a key part of US forces’ Narendra Modi Sunday, as he sought to unseat one of a degree of autonomy and certain freedoms when it deployment in Asia, but negotiations over funding had his fiercest critics in a campaign hit by violence. Modi’s reverted from British colonial rule in 1997. The city has a tions and maintain a minority presence. When Hong Kongers were allowed to vote, they been gridlocked by the former US administration’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been seeking to partially elected legislature and China also promised to demands that the South pay billions of dollars more expand its power at the state level, and is eyeing the one day grant residents universal suffrage. Critics had for tended to return high counts for candidates advocating greater democracy. In recent years authorities have towards their costs. The Trump administration initially eastern state of West Bengal where the larger-than-life years complained freedoms were being steadily eroded. insisted on $5 billion a year-a more than fivefold Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ruled for a Beijing then ramped up the dismantling of the financial ramped up the disqualification of politicians either sitting in the city’s semi-elected legislature or standing as can- increase. Under the previous deal, which expired at decade. The state, home to more than 90 million peo- hub’s democratic pillars in response to huge and some- the end of 2019, Seoul paid Washington about $920 ple with some 73 million eligible to vote in the stag- times violent democracy rallies that paralyzed the city didates, based on their political views. Beijing also imposed a sweeping national security law on Hong Kong million annually. gered polling that kicks off on March 27, has so far throughout 2019. Hong Kong was poised to hold direct Seoul’s foreign ministry said the two sides had eluded the BJP. “The next 25 years of development are elections for half the city legislature’s seats last summer last year, snuffing out protest and clobbering the pro- democracy opposition.—AFP reached an agreement “in principle” without specify- very important for West Bengal. We want it to lead but delayed the polls for a year, citing the coronavirus. ing the agreed amount. “The government will resolve a India when it celebrates 100 years of its independ- gap that has lasted for more than a year through a ence,” Modi told the rally at the Brigade Parade Lukashenko claim a sixth term in office. His opponents swift signing of an agreement,” it said in a statement. Ground in the capital Kolkata, which can hold up to a Exiled Belarus say the polls were rigged and that political novice The new deal must still be approved by the South million people. Supporters held up life-size cardboard Tikhanovskaya, who ran in place of her jailed husband, Korean legislature. US President Joe Biden has vowed cutouts of Modi’s image under the blazing sun. was the true winner. But Belarusian security forces to revive frayed US alliances under his predecessor to Hundreds also watched the rally from the rooftops of leader piles pressure unleashed a harsh crackdown, detaining demonstrators counter the challenges posed by Russia, China, Iran high-rise buildings overlooking the site. and pushing opposition leaders into exile. and North Korea. “America’s alliances are a tremen- “Our (state) government will work to re-establish on Lukashenko “We’re convinced that at some point this regime is dous source of our strength,” the US State Department the public’s belief in government systems, police and going to fall, because the pressure it’s under is coming said in a tweet. It also did not state how much the administration... We are here for change, a change that from inside just as much as from outside,” said South would pay. brings economic prosperity, jobs and development for GENEVA: Exiled Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who has been living in Lithuania. “At The two sides “will now pursue the final steps all sections of the society,” Modi added. The BJP and Tikhanovskaya has no intention of stopping her fight some point, it won’t be able to avoid starting negotia- needed to conclude the Special Measures Agreement local media estimated that between 500,000 to against the government of Alexander Lukashenko, and tions to get out of this enormous crisis.” for signature and entry into force that will strengthen 800,000 people attended the rally. Banerjee, 66, is appealing to the United Nations to help intensify “The pressure has to be ramped up,” she insisted. our Alliance and our shared defense,” it added. remains popular but there are growing signs of anti- pressure on the regime, she told AFP Sunday. Belarus On Friday, Belarus requested Tikhanovskaya’s extradi- The agreement came as Seoul and Washington incumbency among voters, while some allies have was gripped by months of unprecedented anti-gov- tion “to face prosecution for crimes against the gov- kicked off their annual military training yesterday, switched sides to join the BJP. ernment demonstrations that erupted after a disputed erning order, public safety and the state”, an appeal which has been scaled down from the usual level over West Bengal, like in its previous polls, has been presidential election last August which saw immediately rejected by Lithuania. COVID-19, with no large-scale physical troop involve- beset by political violence with workers and activists Asked about whether she felt safe in Europe in light ment. The nine-day exercise is still likely to infuriate attacked and several killed. Modi’s campaign was of the extradition attempt, Tikhanovskaya was stoic. the North, which has long considered such drills boosted by veteran Bollywood actor Mithun “There’s a minimum risk but that’s not going to stop rehearsals for invasion. “The upcoming annual training Chakraborty, who announced at the rally that he had me in my fight,” she told AFP calmly. is a computer-simulated command post exercise that is joined the BJP. Teacher Tapas Burman, who travelled Tikhanovskaya is in Geneva to take part in a debate strictly defensive in nature,” the South’s Joint Chiefs of from his village 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) from on Belarus organised by the International Film Festival Staff said, adding they went ahead with plans after Kolkata to attend the rally, told AFP voters were and Forum on Human Rights (FIFDH), but is using the considering the pandemic. After his first summit with “ready for change”. “We will fight. We will win,” he opportunity to argue the Belarus opposition’s case to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore in added. The BJP’s push to highlight allegations of cor- UN officials too. Accompanied by an impressive secu- June 2018, Trump said Washington would suspend the ruption, nepotism and minority politics against rity detail, the 38-year-old mother-of-two was sur- “very provocative” joint military exercises with South Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress party has seen rounded by dozens of supporters outside the UN Korea. But a second meeting held in Hanoi in February them become only marginal favorites to hold on to headquarters. The UN Human Rights Council is cur- 2019 broke up early with no progress towards power, political strategist Amitabh Tiwari told AFP. rently in session, and Tikhanovskaya hopes it will Washington’s goal of Pyongyang abandoning its Tiwari said the poll would also be a referendum on a GENEVA: Belarus exiled opposition leader Svetlana adopt a resolution on Belarus. At its previous session nuclear weapons program. North Korea has put itself disputed citizenship law introduced by the national Tikhanovskaya poses in front of the Palais des Nations on in September, it held an urgent debate on Belarus and under strict self-imposed isolation to try to protect government in late December that sparked violent the sideline of her visit to the International Film Festival adopted a resolution calling on the authorities to enter itself against the coronavirus pandemic, adding to the protests including in Kolkata.—AFP and Forum on Human Rights (FIFDH) in Geneva.—AFP into a dialogue with the opposition. —AFP pressure on its moribund economy. —AFP Established 1961 Business TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021 Zain Group publishes insightful report on women in technology Annual thought leadership report focuses on ‘Bridging the Gender Gap in STEM Fields’ KUWAIT: Zain Group, the leading mobile telecom to take part in our groupwide 12-hour datathon in April the same. Another stereotype that starts to emerge innovator in seven markets across the Middle East and 2020 at the height of pandemic, and are now part of a during this time is that males innately succeed in the Africa, announced the publication of its annual thought talent pool of resources we tap into for tech related field of STEM. These stereotypes continue to manifest leadership report, this year entitled, Women in projects across our footprint. We will continue to throughout the course of women’s education and Technology - Bridging the Gender Gap in STEM inspire learning through practice, and the engagement career. Fields. It provides insights on the gender gap in sci- in this datathon has proven the resilience of our talent- ence, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), high- ed pool of women in STEM.” Innovation in STEM lighting the impact on socio-economic development Jennifer Suleiman, Zain Group’s Chief Sustainability STEM plays a key role in creating innovative tools across the board. Officer said, “Zain has a long list of activities aimed at to address global challenges that our world faces. It has The release of the report, which coincides with reducing the gender gap. The COVID-19 pandemic has been proven that diversity in teams drives transforma- International Women’s Day, explores several important highlighted glaring inequalities across so many aspects tion as it brings about new ideas and perspectives. As issues regarding the cause, nature, and effects of the of modern life, and the plight of females in STEM- men and women have different life experiences that challenges faced by women as related to STEM, and related fields is one of them. The timing and topic of lead to varied perspectives, such diversity in view- the prejudices they face even upon entering profes- our latest report that coincides with International points triggers creativity and improves results. Merging sions related to the subject area. The publication delves Women’s Day couldn’t be more appropriate, and we STEM and diversity creates phenomenal growth into aspects of gender disparity; the gender digital hope it forces people to recognize the state of play opportunities. divide; literacy and STEM education; as well as when it comes to gender exclusion and the steps employment equality. required to rectify it.” This latest and insightful thought Developing STEM skills to leadership encompasses issues related to gender bias- achieve financial inclusion es in STEM; innovation in STEM; developing STEM Technology and digital services are seen as tools skills to achieve financial inclusion; and COVID-19 and that can be used to enable development. When used to • Bader Al-Kharafi: The role of women in tech women in technology. Core areas of discussion and progress development, technology can be extremely needs to be increased. It is that simple highlights in the report include: transformational and improve social and economic out- comes. Such tools could also be used to improve distri- bution in addition to promoting inclusivity, increasing • Released on International Women’s Day, report Aspects of gender disparity Women account for half of the world’s population accessibility and allocating resources. With that being explores important issues regarding the cause, and are fundamental to ensuring a sustainable future said, it is important for marginalized and disadvantaged nature, and effects of the challenges faced by and peaceful societies. There has been some progress segments to leverage tools that help elevate their stan- women as related to STEM made towards achieving a more equal society, however, dards of living and increase their access to services. there is still a long way to go and according to the UN, Zain Bahrain’s Girls for Tech Camp, for example, was • Report finds that if 600 million more women the gender gap is considered “the unfinished business launched in partnership with the Kingdom’s Supreme COVID-19 and women in technology were connected to the internet over the next of our time.” Council for Women and Clever Play, an organization A needs assessment conducted by UN agencies three years, global GDP would rise between $13 that aims to inspire children’s curiosity and passion for highlighted that households led by women had less billion - $18 billion The gender digital divide STEM. Established in October 2019, the program access to the internet than those led by males during Studies have shown that the gender digital divide is equips girls between ages 8 and 13 years with 10 hours these times of COVID-19. In addition, only 41% of • Continually driving equality programs, Zain due to the lack of access females have in attaining digi- of training in coding, and targets training 1,000 girls. In women-led households claimed that their children had tal skillsets that can help them advance and develop in access to online websites created by ministries of edu- pushing an agenda that is cohesive, inclusive, 2019-2020, 725 girls completed the program. the area. Additionally, women are more likely to repre- cation that supported the continuation of learning in and fair to all sent lower income segments, leaving them unable to Employment equality comparison to 56 percent of male-led households. afford and purchase digital software and hardware. Women are underrepresented in the technology In addition to learning inequalities, the increase of • Zain tapping into over 100 of its female work- Glaring discrepancies exist with regards females sector and even though large strides have been made in violence during lockdowns is extremely alarming as force who were certified in the fundamentals of gaining access to digital tools, including: STEM education, it has not translated into employment. females are left vulnerable to dire situations. Digital Data Analytics and Science • 165 million fewer women own a mobile phone in Studies have shown that even though countries have advancements such as instant messaging with geoloca- comparison to men largely invested in improving girls’ education including tion functions, domestic abuse hotlines, and disguised • Globally, 433 million women are unconnected STEM education, cultural and societal constraints have apps that provide discreet information for survivors in • The global internet user gap is 17 percent hindered this needed transition, impacting societies in a case their abusers continue to track them, can play a Bader Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice-Chairman and Group • If 600 million more women were connected to the dramatic manner. This gap in STEM employment pre- pivotal role in saving the lives of women. CEO commented, “The role of women in tech needs to internet over the next three years, global GDP vents economies from reaching their full potential as it be increased. It is that simple. Zain is continually driv- would rise between $13 billion and $18 billion omits half of the population’s potential and talent to ‘Choose To Challenge’ is this year’s ing equality programs, recognizing the need to push an contribute to the economy. theme for International Women’s Day agenda that is cohesive, inclusive, and fair to all. This Literacy and STEM education Marked annually on March 8th, International thought leadership report is another tool to highlight As the number of girls gaining an education increas- Gender biases in STEM Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the the extent of the exclusion of women from STEM- es, disparities associated with access to opportunities, Gender stereotypes in the context of STEM start at social, economic, cultural and political achievements of related fields, and what is needed to close the gender quality and topics they choose to study becomes more an early age and continue to impact children at later women. The day also marks a call to action for acceler- gap across the region and beyond.” evident. It is imperative for girls to further develop stages in their lives. It has been studied that children’s ating gender parity. The campaign theme for Al-Kharafi added, “Since the launch of our Gender themselves in STEM education, as careers in these choices to enter STEM start as early as 3-5 years of International Women’s Day 2021 is ‘Choose To Diversity initiative, we have invested in certifying over areas are seen as the jobs of the future, driving innova- age. By the ages of 6-10 years, girls start developing Challenge’. A challenged world is an alert world. And 100 females within Zain on the fundamentals of Data tion, social well-being, inclusive growth, and sustain- the notion that boys are better in math, which is not the from challenge comes change. So let’s all Analytics and Science. These colleagues then went on able development. case, as analyses show girls and boys in fact perform #ChooseToChallenge. Markets look to ECB for reassurance on cheap money

FRANKFURT: The European Central Bank is on Thursday expected to stress its commitment to keep- ing borrowing costs low, as inflation concerns and a slow vaccination drive weigh on the eurozone econo- my. This week’s meeting of the ECB’s 25-member gov- erning council is likely to be dominated by a recent rise in global bond yields, triggered by signs of higher FRANKFURT: The European Central Bank is on Thursday inflation on the horizon. expected to stress its commitment to keeping borrowing Investors fear faster price growth could force a hike costs low, as inflation concerns and a slow vaccination drive weigh on the eurozone economy. Controversy surrounding the importation of Indonesian palm oil and its sustainability fuelled enough concern in in interest rates that would make borrowing more Switzerland to trigger a public vote on the agreement. expensive and slow the recovery from the pandemic. “ECB President Christine Lagarde will have to con- 2022, while others think the bank might settle for say- vince markets that the central bank remains strongly ing it is “monitoring” the yield situation. European committed to securing favorable financing conditions,” bond yields haven’t seen quite the same surge as US approved by the Swiss parliament in 2019, but oppo- Unicredit bank said in an analyst note. Treasury notes, which reflects optimism about the US nents were especially critical of Bern’s move to reduce Swiss approve The Frankfurt institution is also expected to nudge economy as well as jitters over higher inflation from palm oil import duties and secured a public vote on down its 2021 forecast for economic growth in Washington’s $1.9 trillion stimulus plan. Nevertheless, the deal. Palm oil is a key ingredient in a wide range of Thursday’s latest quarterly projections. Many curbs on Germany’s benchmark 10-year bond yield has risen by Indonesia free products from food to cosmetics, but it has long been public life remain in place as the euro area struggles to 0.31 percent since the start of the year. French 10-year controversial. Environmentalists say it drives defor- bring down coronavirus infections, while the pace of bond yields have climbed 0.32 percent and Italy’s by estation, with huge swathes of rainforest logged in trade deal vaccinations lags behind countries like the United 0.24 percent, said Eric Dor of France’s IESEG business recent decades to make way for plantations. States or Britain. To boost growth and drive up anemic school. Yields are closely watched because they serve inflation, the ECB has long held interest rates at histor- as a guide for bank lending rates, and the ECB is eager Swiss voters narrowly backed a free trade GENEVA: Bears, tigers and orangutans ically low and even negative levels, alongside offering to avoid a premature end to easy money before the deal signed with Indonesia, opening up a vast potential The deal contains exceptions for agricultural prod- ultra-cheap loans to banks. It responded to the coron- Covid recovery has taken hold. market with the world’s fourth most populous country. ucts, notably to protect Switzerland’s sunflower and avirus shock by launching a 1.85 trillion euro ($2.2 tril- Controversy surrounding the importation of rapeseed oil production. For palm oil, customs duties lion) pandemic emergency bond-buying program ‘Blind eye’ Indonesian palm oil and its sustainability fuelled will not be removed but instead reduced by between (PEPP), on top of an existing asset purchasing scheme The ECB has repeatedly stressed it plans to stick to enough concern in Switzerland to trigger a public vote 20 and 40 percent, on a volume limited to 12,500 tons running at 20 billion euros a month. its ultra-loose monetary policy for “as long as neces- on the agreement. But the deal scraped through the per year. Campaign posters backing the deal showed a The massive debt purchases are aimed at keeping sary” and use “all of its instruments” to reach its infla- public approval test with 51.7 percent of the vote, on a Swiss bear hugging an Indonesian tiger to symbolize credit flowing in the 19-nation currency club to tion goal of just under 2.0 percent. Eurozone inflation 51 percent turnout. Supporters voiced relief at the the partnership, while those against showed an orang- encourage spending and investment. stood at 0.9 percent in January and February, a big result but said they would have to be more sensitive to utan and baby clinging to a tree trunk, surrounded by jump after several months of negative inflation last environmental issues in any future votes on trade flames. The agreement aims to boost ties with Talk over action year as COVID shutdowns sapped consumer demand. agreements. Under the deal, tariffs will be gradually Indonesia, which despite its population is only “With no prospect of any change to its policy set- A series of one-off effects is expected to see con- removed from almost all of Switzerland’s biggest Switzerland’s 44th biggest economic partner and 16th tings, the focus will be on the bank’s efforts to explain sumer prices climb further this year and perhaps even exports to Indonesia, while the Swiss will abolish biggest export market in Asia. how and when it would step up bond purchases in overshoot the target, complicating the ECB’s job. Price duties on Indonesian industrial products. In 2020, Swiss exports to Indonesia amounted to response to rising bond yields,” said Andrew growth driven by Germany’s reversal of a sales tax cut Anyone importing Indonesian palm oil must prove just 498 million Swiss francs ($540 million, 450 million Kenningham, an economist at Capital Economics. or temporary mark-ups when businesses like hair- that it meets certain environmental and social stan- euros). Switzerland is an export-led economy, drawing Some observers expect the ECB to step up the pace of dressers first reopen do not represent the inflation the dards. The agreement was signed in 2018 and almost half its national income from abroad.—AFP PEPP purchases or extend the scheme beyond March ECB wants, said ING bank economists.—AFP Established 1961 9 Business Tuesday, March 9, 2021 Lebanese demonstrators block roads to protest currency crisis Pound hits record lows on black market amid political impasse

BEIRUT: Demonstrators blocked key roads across Ibrahimchah. “There have been many more demands for Lebanon yesterday in protest at the country’s political help over the past four months,” she said. paralysis after the Lebanese pound hit record lows on “Those we are helping today are all from the middle the black market. Black smoke billowed up from over- class.” The state has poured up to $437 million into sub- turned rubbish dumpsters and tires set ablaze by pro- sidies a month, the World Bank estimates, to keep prices testers at various entrances to Beirut from the early in check for bread, medicine, fuel and electricity, as well morning. Lebanon is in the grips of its worst economic as around 300 other items since mid-2020. crisis in decades, compounded by the coronavirus pan- To counter the pound’s drastic devaluation, demic. The value of the Lebanese pound has plunged by importers get access to dollars at a preferential rate to more than 80 percent, sending pricing soaring, and ensure they can afford to continue bringing in supplies. more than half the population are living below the For flour, fuel and medicine, for example, they offer dol- poverty line. “We’ve closed off all the roads today to tell lars at the official exchange rate of 1,507 pounds to everyone: It’s over, we have nothing left to lose. We’ve cover most of their cost. But traders must resort to the even lost our dignity,” said Pascale Nohra, a protester black market to cover the difference, where Tuesday the blocking the northern road into Beirut. rate hit a record low of 10,000 pounds to the dollar. As She said it was time to revive the mass cross-sectari- a result, in less than a year the price of a large bag of an protests of late 2019 against the political class. “We subsidized bread has risen from 1,500 to 2,500 pounds. want everybody to show solidarity and come out on the Authorities have remained vague about how the subsi- street to demand their rights. The economic crisis dies will be reduced, though meetings are ongoing. In touches all Lebanese and religious sects,” said the for- early December, central bank governor Riad Salameh mer worker in real estate.“We need to return to the BEIRUT: A man stands next to flaming tires at a make-shift roadblock set-up by anti-government demonstrators next to the said it could only fund subsidies for another two streets and revive our revolution,” she said. The value of Mohammed Al-Amin Mosque in the Martyrs’ Square in the center of Lebanon’s capital Beirut yesterday during a protest months. Later that month, he said two billion dollars the local currency has hovered at an all-time high of against the deteriorating value of the local currency and dire economic and social conditions. — AFP were available for them. At the end of February, the cen- nearly 11,000 pounds to the greenback on the black tral bank’s website showed it had $17.9 billion in foreign market in recent days, even though the official exchange currency reserves, yet $17.5 billion of that is the bank’s rate remains 1,507. beginning of the crisis, and the concurrent policy inac- divided political class has since failed to agree on a new required reserves. The bank did not respond to AFP’s Lebanese fear the government will soon lift food tion”. The protests came on the same day as Lebanon cabinet to replace it. repeated requests for comment. The UN food agency subsidies, and footage has circulated of fighting over entered a new phase in easing up a lockdown to keep has warned any subsidy reduction would have “major cheaper, subsidized baby milk in a supermarket. COVID-19 infection rates in check. Lebanon has been Money running out inflationary repercussions” and “put an unbearable Mohammad Faour, a research fellow in banking and without a fully functioning government since a massive In a country that imports 80 percent of its food, strain on households”. The price of bread could increase finance at University College Dublin, said the pound’s blast in Beirut last summer than killed more than 200 much of the six million population depends on subsidies by up to three times and fuel by 4.5 times, the World ongoing free fall was “a mere continuation of a clear people and ravaged swathes of the capital. The govern- to get by. Even without them being lifted, many are Food Programme said, adding it was critical to immedi- downward trend in the exchange rate since the very ment stepped down after the disaster, but a deeply already struggling, said Beit El Baraka founder Maya ately scale up assistance to the poorest. — AFP

our survey show that Saudi Arabia has been affected Why staff in Saudi even less so by the epidemic,” said Greaves. Of the Saudi employers who took part in the survey, a significant 81 percent said they were already in could be looking recovery, business as usual, or growth phases following the pandemic, with 62 percent expecting business forward to a 5% activity to increase in 2021 and 76 percent planning to recruit additional headcount in the next year. Greaves pay rise this year said: “From our own experiences of working in Saudi Arabia, we have certainly witnessed growing confi- dence in the market since the last quarter of 2020. RIYADH: Over half of skilled employees in Saudi When it comes to salaries, while organizations will Abdulaziz Yaqoub Arabia expect a salary increase this year, according to want to keep a lid on pay increases in an attempt to Al-Babtain the latest report from recruitment giant Hays. And the recoup some of the financial losses made in the past Hays 2021 Saudi Arabia Salary & Employment Report year, we expect this opti- revealed that, while nine percent of those working in mism to translate in a high- the kingdom experienced a pay cut last year as a er number of pay rises in Ooredoo offers 3 months free result of the economic turmoil caused by the global 2021 than were awarded in coronavirus pandemic, 39 percent of respondents said 2020.” who have had COVID vaccine they had actually received a pay rise in the last 12 Some 53 percent of months. employers said they will “Saudi Arabia has not been exempt from the nega- award pay rises to their KUWAIT: To promote vaccination against COVID-19, Al-Babtain added: “We value the efforts of the tive impacts of COVID-19. Indeed, lockdown measures employees in 2021, most Ooredoo Telecom, the first to introduce innovative dig- Minister of Health (MoH), first-line medical staff and all and consequential reductions in energy prices forced a commonly increasing rates ital services in Kuwait, is offering three months free of workers of the Kuwait Vaccination Center. We also number of organizations in the country to make redun- by up to five percent. charge to all its customers -with post-paid subscrip- urge everyone to act in a responsible way and get vac- dancies and reduce salaries in a bid to remain opera- The survey also found tions- who have had the COVID-19 vaccine. cinated in order to protect themselves and society. At tional,” said Chris Greaves, managing director of Hays salary to be the number one Announced yesterday (8 March 2021) the offer is Ooredoo Kuwait, we aim to conduct business in a Chris Greaves, managing in the Middle East. factor why 44 percent of already active, provoking a range of positive reactions responsible manner, thus, we are working hand in hand director of Hays “However, this was largely only during the height of professionals working in from customers. Hence, all customers must show the with the government and health entities to protect in the Middle East the pandemic and when looking on a global scale, Saudi Arabia are looking to original COVID-19 medical certificate in order for them society. Indeed, that is the ultimate goal, to protect our Saudi Arabia’s job market has fared very well.” move jobs in the next 12 to enjoy the offer. people.” According to the survey, double the number (18 per- months. “Given employees - In light of the above, Abdulaziz Yaqoub Al-Babtain, Al-Babtain concluded: “We take pride being the cent) of professionals in the UAE faced salary decreas- particularly expats working in private sector organiza- Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo Kuwait, said: “Our leading telecom company in Kuwait to launch this es compared to those in Saudi, and nearly half (45 per- tions - will no longer need employers’ consent to leave Company determination is to stand by the Government humanitarian initiative that offers our valued customers cent) of employers in the UAE were forced to lay off an organization once their contract is up, we expect and its entities in their efforts to fight the COVID-19 free of charge service, promising them with more staff, while more than two thirds (68 percent) of organ- mobility of labor to be higher than previous years with pandemic, and inspire the people of Kuwait to take the unique activities to further enrich their communication isations in Saudi made no redundancies. professionals being more willing to leave an organiza- two shots. This is mainly driven by our national corpo- experiences.” Ooredoo Kuwait reaffirms its keenness to “This really does highlight the resilience of the tion based on pay offered by another. Employers will rate social responsibility program, in which we pursue adhere to all instructions issued by the official authori- Saudi economy. The UAE alone has been relatively need to be competitive with salaries, paying more than all that we deem appropriate procedures and practices ties in the State of Kuwait related to the current situa- robust throughout the pandemic and yet results from others to secure the top talent,” added Greaves. that contribute to achieving sustainable development tion, confirming its cooperation and its complete readi- and improving the lives of members of society as a ness to implement the procedures followed in this whole.” regard during the coming period. London, Frankfurt and Paris were all up in early Most markets fall European trade. The losses come as investors also worried that val- uations may have run a little too far and were in line as inflation fears for a correction. “Profit taking is not over yet, given that the yield continues rising and investors have trump recovery signs become cautious,” Jackson Wong, at Amber Hill Capital, said.

HONG KONG: Asian markets mostly fell yesterday as Oil prices extend rally persistent inflation fears overshadowed a forecast- While the outlook for the global economy is for a busting US jobs report and Senate approval of Joe strong rebound from last year’s recession, there is a Biden’s huge stimulus package, while Brent crude growing worry about soaring prices, with benchmark broke past $70 for the first time in almost two years US 10-year Treasury bond yields continuing to rise. after an attack on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia. Yields rise as bond prices fall, and investors have been Traders were given a stellar lead from Wall Street, rushing out of them as inflation would eat into their where the three main indexes surged following news returns over time, sparking the selloff in world markets. that the world’s top economy created 379,000 jobs in And observers say markets are worried that the Fed February, reaffirming the view that it is on track for a is reacting too slowly, with strategist Louis Navellier en flooring, offering customers more inspiration for strong recovery. interior design. saying at the weekend that traders are worried the JYSK launches The report came just ahead of senators passing central bank may not have enough firepower to control Like other JYSK stores in Kuwait, JYSK at The Biden’s $1.9 trillion rescue plan, setting it up for the Avenues follows the guidelines set by the local public the surge in yields. president’s signature by the end of the week. In anoth- Fed boss Jerome Powell “keeps talking about how flagship store health authorities and ensures that all safety precau- er sign that the world economy is getting back on inflation is transitory and may not persist”, he said. tions are adhered to. These precautions include daily track, China at the weekend released data showing a “This is the real problem. Wall Street sees higher sanitization of the showroom, daily temperature checks at the Avenues better-than-expected jump in exports in January and crude oil prices and Treasury yields, while Powell is for employees and customers, and providing Personal February, suggesting global trade is revving up again essentially in denial about inflation, which does not Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves and after being hammered by the coronavirus pandemic. inspire investor confidence.” hand sanitizers at the store. KUWAIT: JYSK, the Scandinavian furniture brand for However, the news added to fears about soaring Investors will be keeping tabs on the European As part of its social responsibility, the brand recent- sleeping and living franchised by Ali Abdulwahab Al- inflation that could force the Federal Reserve and other Central Bank’s latest policy meeting this week, hoping ly introduced the “Shop Safe” initiative to encourage Mutawa Commercial Co (AAW), has officially opened central banks to wind back the ultra-loose monetary officials will stress their commitment to keeping bor- customers to shop online on the JYSK website its new flagship store in Kuwait at The Avenues, the policies that have been a key driver of a year-long rowing costs low, while the Fed is due to gather next country’s largest shopping destination. Building on the (JYSK.com.kw). All products will be delivered to them equity market rally. “The US federal government and week. Crude prices, already rallying on expectations success of its other branches, this is JYSK’s third store safely by the companies’ drivers who follow protective the Federal Reserve seemed to have learnt something that the global recovery will fan a surge in demand, opening in Kuwait and comes as the Scandinavian fur- measures and guidelines outlined by the World Health from their attempts to reheat the economy after the jumped more than two percent Monday-having niture brand celebrates its three-year anniversary Organization (WHO). JYSK is a global retail chain of great financial crisis,” said David Kelly at JP Morgan climbed around four percent Friday-after a missile and since opening in the country. It is part of the brand’s stores and e-commerce websites that delivers a great Asset Management. drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s oil industry. strategic expansion plan into the furniture sector in Scandinavian offer for everyone within sleeping and “The economy is already surprisingly warm and, Brent at one point peaked at $71.38 before easing Kuwait and comes in response to high customer living. In total, they have more than 3,000 stores in 51 with the help of very aggressive policy, is likely to heat slightly but is still sitting at levels not seen since May demand on simple, modern, and affordable countries. In 2017, the brand launched the first JYSK up quickly from here. However, the critical question 2019. The strike on the Aramco facilities-including one Scandinavian furniture. furniture store in Kuwait and the Middle East in the remains whether they have the skill and discipline to of the world’s biggest oil ports-by Yemen’s Huthi The new 1,700 sqm store is located at The Avenues, Al-Dajeej area. turn the policy temperature down to a simmer before rebels Sunday followed the bombing of the country’s and offers a wide collection of simple, modern and The new flagship store is located in The Avenues inflation, and not just the economy, comes to a boil.” capital Sanaa by a Saudi-led military coalition. The ris- affordable Scandinavian furniture including bedrooms, Phase 1 on the ground floor and is open seven days a Hong Kong ended 1.9 percent lower while Shanghai ing hostilities underscore a dangerous intensification living rooms, dining rooms, outdoor furniture, textiles, week from 8 am to 8 pm. JYSK Shuwaikh is open closed down 2.3 percent. Tokyo, Seoul, Wellington, of Yemen’s conflict between the coalition-backed and home accessories. With its new concept, the store Saturday to Thursday from 10 am to 8:00 pm, and Taipei and Jakarta also suffered selling pressure. Yemeni government and the Iran-backed Houthis, features a new modern layout including room set dis- Friday from 2 pm to 8 pm, and JYSK Al Dajeej is open However, Sydney, Singapore, Mumbai and Bangkok despite a renewed US push to end the war in the plays, stronger decor, much better lighting and wood- daily from 9 am to 8 pm. all rose. crude-rich region.—AFP 10 Established 1961 Tuesday, March 9, 2021 Business Solutions by stc partners with Huawei to launch IdeaHub office master Productivity tool designed to boost efficiency of corporate customers

KUWAIT: Kuwait Telecommunications Company provide extensive collaboration capabilities, as duced by the Company to support the B2B mar- - stc, a world-class digital leader providing inno- well as other advanced features that enable smart ket by enhancing efficiency and the path towards vative services and platforms to customers, technology. digitization. The IdeaHub is a concept that repre- enabling the digital transformation in Kuwait, IdeaHub is an innovative tool for the smart sents a key component under stc’s strategic plan announced that its specialized business arm solu- office that integrates a wide range of solutions to provide safe and secure world-class connec- tions by stc has partnered with Huawei to offer designed to effectively enhance the working envi- tivity through advanced IT solutions, paving the corporate customers with the latest cutting edge ronment in any office setting. Bundled with AI way for digital transformation in businesses. As a productivity tool and office master, IdeaHub. The features and advanced capabilities such as smart business solutions provider, solutions by stc innovative solution aims to create an all-scenario auto text recognition, advanced 4k wireless shar- offers a range of connectivity solutions, fixed or smart office ecosystem that builds on the vast ing with reverse back feature, and advanced wireless services, 5G technology, ICT, IoT and capability of the current cloud era to boost oper- video conferencing features like speaker voice the IT products and services. ational efficiency for corporate customers. tracking, IdeaHub aims to elevate the online col- Given the ongoing pandemic, working environ- In its statement, solutions by stc noted that the laboration experience. With an open ecosystem ments today are shifting towards digitization at a increased demand for digital transformation glob- compatible with multiple applications, the all-in- rapid pace to offer a range of solutions to cus- al economies are witnessing is partially due to one concept includes advanced whiteboards, pro- tomers and clients online and with ease. Through internal and external work teams. restrictions and protocols implemented to miti- fessional conferencing, bulletin boards, office this transformation, businesses are now depend- Solutions by stc will continue to expand its gate the risks of the Coronavirus pandemic. The applications and dual operating systems. Through ing on technology and collaboration tools to offering line and form strategic partnerships to accelerated adoption rate of new technologies its advanced features and cloud-enabled solu- deliver such services while battling the ongoing onboard and introduce new technologies that can that can power seamless remote collaboration tions, the IdeaHub can transform traditional office pandemic effectively and efficiently. Through integrate systems to enable digitization across programs and meetings is at an all-time high. environments into integrated smart ecosystems solutions by stc’s partnership with Huawei, a multiple work functions and sectors, with a goal With an aim to provide its customers with inno- that are intelligent, user-friendly, and productive. renowned and recognized brand in the digital to provide a breadth of solutions that can greatly vative business solutions, solutions by stc part- The partnership formed with Huawei to offer world, solutions by stc aims to assist corporate enhance the operational efficiency of day-to-day nered with Huawei to offer an all-in-one ultra- the productivity tool through solutions by stc customers in integrating their operational aspects activities to achieve favorable outcomes for its modern and simplified product design that can builds on a series of innovative offerings intro- to strengthen the collaboration needs amongst customers.

such facilities without exposure to the risk of ‘Diraya’ campaign default, nor overburdening them with financial obli- gations. As part of the efforts to enhance the pro- tection of the banking sector’s customers, “Diraya” releases video on Campaign launched a video that clarifies the most important aspects that individuals should know personal loans and about loans and financing operations to customers, the requirements to be fulfilled to benefit from the facilities, and the customer’s rights and obligations financing facilities in this regard. The video highlights the CBK’s instructions to KUWAIT: Keen to enhance financial awareness banks and financing companies, stating that the across all segments of society, and in line with its lenders should advise customers before and during directives towards expanding and strengthening the the financing term. The said instructions underline Kuwaiti banking sector’s social responsibility, the CBK-supervised banking awareness campaign “Be the necessity to explain the risks of increasing Aware” (“Diraya” in Arabic) continues in coopera- financial obligations on the customer requesting In this file photo, the logo of German multinational credit or finance, especially in the event of any engineering and electronics company Bosch is tion with the Kuwait Banking Association (KBA) and with participation of all Kuwaiti banks, with the change to the financial condition resulting from pictured at the plant in Onet-le-Chateau, near change of employment or retirement status, or in Rodez. —AFP aim to leverage public awareness of the banking sector’s role, and how customers can use banks’ applied interest rate. diverse services most advantageously. The content provided by the campaign is pub- In a statement marking the launch of the new lished through several channels, most notably on the German industrial campaign video, the CBK affirmed its resolve to CBK and Kuwaiti banks social media accounts. regulate the extension of personal loans and financ- More information on the “Diraya” banking aware- paign content, is available through its official web- output unexpectedly ing facilities to enable customers to benefit from ness campaign and its objectives, as well as cam- site: www.dirayakw.com drops in January faster search option, stress-free checkout and doorstep Limited-time offer delivery service. FRANKFURT: German industrial production Head of Cards at Burgan Bank, Saket Jajoo said: “In unexpectedly dropped in January compared to line with our customer-centric approach and culture, December as semi-conductor shortages and a from ‘Farfetch’ for Burgan Bank is committed to bring to its customers cold snap impacted output in the automobile and best in class and top of line features and benefits. We construction sectors. Analysts said the data raised Burgan Bank clients take delight in offering our valuable customers the the possibility that the German economy, Europe’s most comfortable and safe shopping experience biggest, could be shrinking again after recovering KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announces its latest partner- through our partnership with the leading global online strongly from the coronavirus pandemic downturn ship with Farfetch, the leading global online platform platform for luxury fashion, Farfetch. Burgan Bank of early last year. for luxury fashion industry, whereby Burgan Bank MasterCard Credit Card holders will enjoy purchasing Federal statistics agency Destatis said indus- MasterCard Credit Card holders will be offered up to their favorite items and brands online safely from trial output declined 2.5 percent in January, well 20 percent discount on purchases made through home during the offer.” short of short of analyst forecasts for a 0.5 per- Farfetch’s online platforms. Ensuring a convenient and Burgan Bank has majority owned subsidiaries, col- cent increase. The economy ministry noted that rewarding experience, Burgan Bank MasterCard Credit lectively known as the “Burgan Bank Group”, in the a semiconductor shortage had hit Germany’s cardholders can enjoy a maximum discount of up to MENAT region supported by one of the largest vital automobile sector, forcing Volkswagen to $400 while shopping at Farfetch from 1st March until regional branch networks, which includes Gulf Bank halt production for a few days in January. 31st March 2021. Algeria - AGB (Algeria), Bank of Baghdad - BOB (Iraq Meanwhile the construction sector “showed a This exclusive offer ensures that Burgan Bank & Lebanon), Tunis International Bank - TIB (Tunisia), sharp decline because of unfavorable conditions”. Master Card Credit Card holders can now enjoy shop- and fully owned Burgan Bank Turkey. Furthermore, Temperatures fell to sharply in parts of ping from world’s top brands and boutiques through Burgan Bank has a presence in the UAE through its Germany, bringing heavy snow in a cold snap that Farfetch while enjoying seamless experience through corporate office, Burgan Financial Services Limited. gripped Europe’s biggest economy for about a week. Compared to a year ago-before pandemic restrictions across the world kicked in-industrial 19 coordinator Jeffrey Zients, the source familiar advance. When the time comes that vaccine pro- output was down 3.9 percent in January. EU looks to secure with the talks told AFP. duction in Europe steps up sharply, we want to be Destatis meanwhile revised upwards its The EU and US want to “work together in a sure that all the materials will be there,” the December output figure to show month-on-month coordinated way to avoid bottlenecks” for source added. growth of 1.9 percent, compared with its initial esti- vaccine materials European vaccine producers, the source said. The EU’s own export control system only mate of no change. ING analyst Carsten Brzeski Among the restricted goods under discussion are applies to ready-to-use vaccines, and was recently warned that January’s difficulties show “that it will from US bags fitted to the manufacturers’ vats-often either used to block a shipment of 250,000 AstraZeneca be hard for industry to prevent the entire economy made in the EU by American firms or in the US by doses to Australia. from falling into contraction once again.” European companies-as well as vials, syringes and The Swedish-British firm has notified the EU’s 27 After several months of shutdowns, Germany BRUSSELS: The EU will open talks with so-called “nanolipid particles” used to encapsulate member countries that it will only be able to deliver has begun gradually easing restrictions, with Washington to ensure its supply of US-made some messenger RNA vaccines. All vaccine materi- one-third of the initially promised number of doses pupils back in school since the end of February. materials for coronavirus vaccines, a European als require specific authorizations from Washington to the bloc in the first quarter. Hairdressers opened last week, and some non- source said, items currently under tough export to export. Yesterday’s talks “do not aim to negotiate on essential shops such as flower stores were due to restrictions. Internal Market Commissioner “The idea isn’t to relitigate” the rules but to doses” of finished vaccines with the US, the be allowed to re-open later. —AFP Thierry Breton-Brussels’ pointman on vaccine “ease and speed up... administrative procedures,” European source said, saying that was “up to busi- production-will confer with White House Covid- the European source said. “We’re taking action in nesses”. —AFP

published yesterday. Beijing is struggling to rather have an office in Beijing or Shanghai or Top Japanese banker quash dissent in semi-autonomous Hong Kong somewhere,” he said. He added he was looking at after huge and sometimes violent pro-democ- cities such as Shanghai-or rival Singapore-to racy demonstrations in 2019. move SBI’s 100-person Hong Kong operation to. sounds alarm over It has imposed a broad national security law Kitao specifically mentioned Beijing’s security on the city that has criminalized much opposition, law as a reason Hong Kong was now “not a good Hong Kong freedoms and is planning to enact new rules vetting all place for financial institutions”, the report said. political candidates for their “patriotism”. Spokesman Toshiki Aoyama of SBI Holdings con- HONG KONG: China’s crackdown in Hong Kong Senior Chinese leaders have also called for firmed Kitao’s interview comments but played has left Japanese finance firms “very much afraid” “reform” of the city’s independent judiciary, a down the idea that a move from Hong Kong was and reconsidering whether to remain in the city, a key component of Hong Kong’s status as a imminent. senior banker said yesterday in a rare public dec- laration of concern from within the industry. regional business hub. Many international busi- Aoyama said SBI had previously voiced con- Yoshitaka Kitao, chief executive of financial con- ness figures privately fret their companies could cerns about the security law and was “consider- glomerate SBI Holdings, which runs Japan’s be caught in the crossfire as Beijing and multiple ing” a relocation. “But we are still in the phase of largest online brokerage, told the Financial Times Western nations feud over China’s plans for studying and there is no concrete plan decided he was planning to pull his company’s operations Hong Kong. yet,” he told AFP. out of the southern Chinese city, arguing that But few have vocalized them so publicly as Kitao’s comments are unlikely to go down well “without freedom, there is no financial business”. Kitao, whose company last year had a market with Beijing. China’s leaders have made it clear Other Japanese companies, he told the capitalization of $5.9 billion. In his interview with they expect international businesses to back its newspaper, were thinking about doing the the newspaper, Kitao said businesses were now clampdown in Hong Kong or risk being frozen same but were less willing to say so openly. questioning whether it made sense to remain in out of its lucrative markets. “They are unlike me. I’m a very straightforward Hong Kong-a city with notoriously high rents-if HSBC, which publicly embraced the security HONG KONG: Many international business figures pri- guy. But all the others, in their bellies, they the business landscape becomes little different law and makes the vast majority of its profits from vately fret their companies could be caught in the think they should move out or won’t invest from mainland China. China and Hong Kong, recently announced plans crossfire as Beijing and multiple Western nations feud more in Hong Kong,” Kitao said in an interview “If I want to do business in China, I would to ramp up its presence in the finance hub. —AFP over China’s plans for Hong Kong. —AFP 11 Tuesday, March 9, 2021

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This undated image shows Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in a conversation with US tele- In this file photo taken on August 19, 1995 Prince Charles (right), Princess Diana (left) and their children William (second vision host Oprah Winfrey. right) and Harry watch the march past on a dais on the mall as part of the commemorations of VJ Day on August 19, 1995.

eghan Markle opened up about would do it. And I... just didn’t want to revealed to her official concerns among battling suicidal thoughts, be alive anymore. And that was a very the royals about the skin color of her MPrince Harry disclosed a painful clear and real and frightening constant unborn son, Archie. “In those months rift with his father-and both settled a fair thought,” she told Winfrey in the two- when I was pregnant... we have in tan- few scores in their history-making inter- hour CBS spot. Asked by Winfrey if she dem the conversation of ‘he won’t be view with Oprah Winfrey. The gloves was having suicidal thoughts while given security, he’s not going to be giv- came off as the pair lifted the veil on pregnant with her first child, Meghan en a title’ and also concerns and con- their dramatic exit from royal life, hold- replied “Yes. This was very, very clear.” versations about how dark his skin ing little back as they alleged racism in Meghan said she approached the might be when he’s born,” Meghan said. “Those were conversations the family had with him.” Asked by Winfrey if the concern was that he might be “too brown,” Meghan replied: “If that’s the assumption you’re making, I think that feels like a pretty safe one.”

‘Character assassination’ It was sensational tabloid fodder: the story of how of Meghan made Kate Middleton cry after a bridesmaid dress This photo illustration shows people wearing face masks, watch a televised conversation fitting for Princess Charlotte. And by between Britain’s Prince Harry with his wife Meghan Markle and US host Oprah Winfrey, in Meghan’s account-it was entirely fabri- Arlington, Virginia. cated. “Everyone in the institution knew it wasn’t true,” Meghan told Winfrey of there, you know? I feel really let down, trapped. They don’t get to leave. And I the alleged incident, claiming that in because he’s been through something have huge compassion for that.” Harry reality: “The reverse happened.” Kate, similar. He knows what pain feels like,” went on say that he and Meghan “did she said, “was upset about something, an emotional Harry said. He described everything we could” to stay in the roy- but she owned it, and she apologized.” Charles-the heir to the throne-and al family. “I’m sad that what’s hap- “A few days before the wedding, she Harry’s older brother William as pened has happened, but I know, and was upset about something pertaining- “trapped” by the conventions of the I’m comfortable in knowing that we did yes, the issue was correct-about flower monarchy, but vowed that he would everything that we could to make it girl dresses, and it made me cry, and it “always love” his father. work.” — AFP really hurt my feelings.” Meghan called “My father and my brother, they are the incident “a turning point” in her relations with the royal family. “The narrative about, you know, In this file photo Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, making Kate cry I think was the begin- pose for a photo with their newborn baby son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, in St ning of a real character assassination,” George’s Hall at Windsor Castle in Windsor. she said. “And they knew it wasn’t true. And I thought, well, if they’re not going royal ranks, and a campaign of lies tar- palace to tell them she was having a to kill things like that, then what are we geting Meghan. But there was tender- mental health crisis. “I went to one of going to do?” “I came to understand ness too as the pair spoke of their pres- the most senior people just to-to get that not only was I not being protected ent-day happiness-and revealed the help,” she said. “I was told that I could- but that they were willing to lie to pro- gender of their second child. Here are n’t, that it wouldn’t be good for the insti- tect other members of the family,” key takeaways from the interview: tution.” Meghan said she ultimately Meghan said. reached out to one of the late Princess ‘Didn’t want to be alive’ Diana’s best friends for support. “Who ‘Let down’ Opening up on a barrage of nega- else could understand what’s-what it’s Speaking candidly about his rela- tive media coverage she faced as part actually like on the inside?” tionship with Prince Charles, Harry said of the royal family, Meghan, 39, said had he felt “really let down” by his the British press drove her to the point ‘How dark his skin might be’ father throughout the painful episode- This combination of file pictures shows US TV personality Oprah Winfrey speaking at the Warner where life no longer seemed worth liv- Meghan, whose father is white and but that they were now talking to one Theater in Washington, DC, and Britain’s Prince Harry (right) and his fiancee US actress Meghan ing. “I knew that if I didn’t say it, that I mother is Black, said Harry had another. “There’s a lot to work through Markle attending a Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in central London.

In this file photo taken on September 06, 1997 (from left) The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince William, This undated image shows Britain’s Prince Harry (left) and his wife Meghan (center), Duchess of Sussex, in a conversation with US television host Earl Spencer, Prince Harry and the Prince of Wales follow the coffin of Diana, Princess of Wales, to Oprah Winfrey. — AFP photos Westminster Abbey 06 September for her funeral service. Established 1961 13 Lifestyle Features Tuesday, March 9, 2021

e may be the Queen’s grandson, Neverland Ranch for a 1993 interview Hbut she is American cultural roy- with “King of Pop” Jackson which drew alty: Oprah Winfrey, whose an audience of 100 million people. In bombshell interview with Prince Harry other interviews, Sarah Ferguson told and Meghan Markle dominated head- Winfrey in 2010 that mounting debts lines, is a billionaire TV phenomenon had led her to try to sell access to her renowned for coaxing secrets and ex-husband, Britain’s Prince Andrew. tears from countless celebrities. From During a 2013 chat, disgraced cyclist Michael Jackson and Tom Cruise to Armstrong admitted for the first time Lance Armstrong and the Duchess of that he had used banned performance- York, Winfrey is responsible for some of enhancing drugs. America’s most memorable sit-down Winfrey’s use of public confession interviews over the last three decades. as therapy is not reserved for guests: In this file photo Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex walk down the west steps of St George’s Chapel, Harry and Meghan were the latest to she has regularly spoken of her battles Windsor Castle, in Windsor, after their wedding ceremony. — AFP open up when a tell-all interview with with fluctuating weight and of sexual the talk show queen aired by CBS on abuse she suffered as a child. “I really Sunday. Winfrey, 67, is also one of the understood that there was no differ- world’s biggest influencers, inspiring ence between me and the audience,” millions of Americans to read more, she said in 2014. Through her book buy her favorite products and even club she popularized numerous works. change how they talk, eat and vote. A stamp of approval from Winfrey She has appeared in movies, co- could turn a novel into an instant best- authored several books and presides seller, a phenomenon known as the over a vast and varied media empire, “Oprah Effect.” Her endorsement of rince Harry and his wife Meghan just hysterical,” she said. Offering royal with Forbes magazine estimating her Obama was estimated by University of had scores to settle in their tell-all fans a treat, the couple revealed the personal wealth at $2.7 billion. Maryland researchers to have brought P The multiple-award-winning inter- in a million additional votes and helped interview with Oprah Winfrey gender of their second child, chiming in Sunday-but they also offered a gener- tandem “It’s a girl!” and confirming the viewer has long promoted mindfulness him win both the Democratic nomina- ous glimpse of their “fairytale” new fami- baby was due in “summertime.” Asked and self-improvement too, becoming a tion and the presidency. He awarded ly life far from the monarchy. In a bucol- if they were “done” with two children, self-help guru for many. Her colossal her the Presidential Media of Freedom ic segment of the interview, the couple Harry replied: “done.” “To have a boy influence extends to politics: in 2008, in 2013. she endorsed Barack Obama’s presi- invited Winfrey to their home in and then a girl, I mean what more can Oscar nomination California’s oceanside celebrity enclave you ask for?” he said. “Two is it!” dential bid, the first time she had ever of Montecito, where they showed off quipped Meghan. publicly backed a candidate for office. “The Oprah Winfrey Show” also their chicken coop-and its hens rescued Meghan wrapped up with a hopeful Fans have long encouraged Winfrey to served as the foundation for an empire from a factory farm. Filmed in rubber look to the future, saying that in decid- run for president herself. In 2018, she that spans books, radio, magazines boots and a T-shirt, Harry opened up on ing to exit from royal life, Harry made a was forced to dampen speculation that and online publishing. Winfrey founded life during the pandemic lockdown, and decision that “saved my life.” “And now she would seek the Democratic nomi- her own production company in 1986, shared his joy at taking baby Archie- In this file photo Britain’s Prince Harry and his because we’re actually on the other nation to take on then-president Donald naming it Harpo-her name backwards. who will turn two in May-for long trips to then fiancee US actress Meghan Markle pose side, we’ve actually not just survived but Trump. She launched “O, The Oprah the beach. for a photograph in the Sunken Garden at are thriving.” To the question of whether Winfrey, born in 1954, rose from a Magazine” in 2000. It enjoyed a circu- “I guess the highlight for me is stick- Kensington Palace in west London. her story “does have a happy ending,” childhood of poverty and abuse in lation of more than 2.5 million in the small-town Mississippi to become the mid-noughties before its print run end- ing him on the back of a bicycle in his ‘woahhh, chatty, chatty, chatty, palm Meghan replied: “It does. Greater than little baby seat and taking him on these any fairytale you’ve ever read.”— AFP world’s first female African-American ed last December. She struggled with tree, house’ and all this sort of stuff, and billionaire in 2003. She began her the Oprah Winfrey Network though. The bike rides, something which I was never I do, I think to myself ‘wow’.” Asked to able to do when I was young,” Harry broadcasting career while she was still TV channel launched in 2011 but took name Archie’s favorite word, Meghan in high school and landed a job as a years to build an audience and is now said. “And I can see him on the back said he is “on a roll.” “In the past couple and he’s got his arms out and he’s like news anchor in Nashville at age 19. majority owned by Discovery. of weeks it has been ‘hydrate’ which is Her emotional ad-libs won her a In 2018, Winfrey signed a multi-year Chicago morning talk show in 1984, partnership with Apple to create pro- which was syndicated nationally as grams for its streaming service. She “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 1986. The also owns a seven percent stake in show, which ran for 25 seasons until Weight Watchers. Winfrey is a noted 2011, became the most-watched talk philanthropist; last year her charity show of all time and was estimated to donated $10 million to Covid-19 relief reach 40 million US viewers a week. efforts. In 1993, former president Bill Clinton signed the “Oprah Bill” into law Book club after she helped establish a national Audiences tuned in for the emotional database of convicted child abusers. connection she made with guests and Winfrey was nominated for an viewers, with celebrities from all walks Academy Award for her supporting of life choosing her couch as a com- actress role in Steven Spielberg’s 1985 fortable place to open up. The part of film “The Color Purple.” She has never the interview where they suddenly dis- married and has kept her more than cover something about themselves 30-year relationship with businessman Tennis superstar Serena Williams In this file photo Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman speaks during the inaugura- became known as the “Oprah Stedman Graham largely out of public tion of US President Joe Biden on the West Front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC. moment.” Actor Cruise famously view.— AFP jumped up on the sofa to proclaim his racism institutions and the media use to era. They didn’t just maltreat her light- love for Katie Holmes. vilify women and people of color to mini- they missed out on it,” the 22-year-old Winfrey also took her show to the Williams, Gorman mize us, to break us down and demonize Gorman tweeted, referencing Prince us,” said Williams, hailing her “selfless Harry’s mother Diana, who was killed in a lead support friend.” “We must recognize our obliga- high-speed car crash in Paris in 1997 as tion to decry malicious, unfounded gos- she tried to escape paparazzi. “Meghan sip and tabloid journalism. The mental is living the life Diana should have, if only for Markle over health consequences of systemic those around her had been as brave as oppression and victimization are devas- she was. Meghan isn’t living a life without tating, isolating and all too often lethal.” pain, but a life without a prison. royal racism Markle told Winfrey she had contemplat- “This isn’t Meghan’s princess ‘happy’ ed taking her own life after joining the ending. But sometimes change, the deci- royal family and that she was denied sions that bring us the most hurt, aren’t ennis superstar Serena Williams help during her mental health crisis. about happiness, but healing.” Gorman Tand poet Amanda Gorman led an “Royalty is not a shield from the devasta- said it was unclear if it would change the outpouring of support for Meghan tion and despair of racism,” Bernice royal family, but Markle would inspire Markle following her explosive allega- King, daughter of civil rights leader women. “Think of the women who will be tions of racism in the British royal family. Martin Luther King Jr., tweeted in sup- inspired to stand up for their lives, the In a two-hour interview with Oprah port. “We can know racism exists in an partners who will be kinder & more Winfrey, Markle, whose mother is Black, institution and still hurt for someone who courageous than the kin they were born said her husband Prince Harry revealed was hurt by it,” she wrote. “I’m grateful into,” she tweeted. Meena Harris, niece his family’s concerns over “how dark” her that Meghan Markle is still here.” of Vice President Kamala Harris, also son Archie’s skin would be. She also voiced support for Markle. “She was sui- said no members of the royal family had ‘Missed opportunity’ cidal and begged for help,” she said, spoken out to defend her against a tor- African American poet Gorman, who adding a tweet with a quote from Markle In this file photo Oprah Winfrey speaks on rent of what she said was racist cover- became a star after her reading at after discussing her mental health strug- stage during Oprah’s 2020 Vision: Your Life age from British tabloids. “Her words President Joe Biden’s inauguration, said gles with Winfrey. “Meghan Markle: ‘I’m in Focus Tour presented by WW (Weight illustrate the pain and cruelty she’s expe- the British royal family had missed an still standing.’”— AFP Watchers Reimagined) at American rienced,” Williams tweeted after the inter- opportunity to change. “Meghan was the Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. — AFP view aired on Sunday. Crown’s greatest opportunity for change, “I know first hand the sexism and regeneration, and reconciliation in a new

S road movie “Nomadland” Filmmakers did not directly address ture of in-person guests, live video calls awards to finish the night in second “Minari”-melted hearts by bursting Uswerved controversy in China and the controversy directly Sunday, with and pre-recorded messages from pre- with three awards, ahead of three oth- into uncontrollable tears in his tiny accelerated towards award sea- producer Mollye Asher thanking Zhao senters, nominees and the widow of late er films on two. Carey Mulligan bol- tuxedo as he accepted best young son glory Sunday as it topped the prizes for “leading us with such heart.” “In a “Black Panther” star Chadwick stered her Oscars hopes in a crowd- actor. The film also won for best for- at the Critics Choice Awards, picking up year that has illuminated the crucial Boseman. “It is so hard to find a cele- ed field for best actress with her turn eign-language film. best picture and best director for Chloe need for connection and empathy, we bratory feeling in these moments,” said as a revenge-seeker who preys on On a night overshadowed by CBS’s Zhao. The film about van dwellers living are so proud to have created a film that Taylor Simone Ledward, accepting his misogynist men in “Promising Young explosive interview of Meghan Markle on America’s spectacular open road celebrates the compassion gained by latest best actor award for 1920s blues Woman,” which also won for original and Prince Harry by Oprah Winfrey, also won cinematography and adapted simply listening to one another,” Asher drama “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” fol- screenplay. “The Trial of the Chicago British royals drama “The Crown” screenplay, confirming its Oscars fron- said. Zhao also paid tribute to the lowing his death from cancer last 7,” a courtroom drama about anti- topped the television categories, with trunner status two days after the movie’s sound mixer Michael Wolf August. “Societies grow great when old Vietnam War protesters in the 1980s, four wins including best drama series. Academy voting window began. The Snyder, who died by suicide last week. men plant trees in whose shade they took the best acting ensemble award Oscars nominations will be movie-which also won big at last week- “We’ll see you down the road my know they may never sit,” she said. as well as co-winning best editing. announced March 15, with the sea- end’s Golden Globes-has drawn a friend,” said Zhao, echoing a line from “And our society may be a far cry from Co-star Sacha Baron Cohen son-crowning ceremony pushed back nationalist backlash in China, where its the film. The Critics Choice Awards-cho- great, but I know that the seeds you warned that history will repeat itself this year to April 25. — AFP release was recently thrown in doubt sen by 400 members of North America’s planted will grow into forests.” “unless we learn from it by telling its after social media users and state largest critics organization-took place most salient stories.” And Alan Kim- media questioned Beijing-born Zhao’s remotely from a Los Angeles stage. The Crown’ tops TV the pint-sized, eight-year-old star of loyalty to her birth country. US actor Taye Diggs hosted a mix- “Ma Rainey” also won two technical Korean-American immigrant drama 14 Established 1961 Sports Tuesday, March 9, 2021 Atletico denied derby victory by late Benzema equalizer Simeone’s side failed to go eight points clear on top

MADRID: Atletico Madrid squandered the chance “I don’t know what people expected, that we were to inflict a heavy blow on Real Madrid’s La Liga going to win it by 20 points? We know it is going title hopes on Sunday as Karim Benzema’s late to be difficult.” equalizer earned the champions a 1-1 draw and Kieran Trippier played his first game since kept them in the race at the top. Luis Suarez’s January after serving his 10-week ban for breaking flicked finish early in the first half looked to be betting rules while Benzema proved his worth enough to give Atletico a crucial win that would again, after being deemed fit enough to start fol- have put them eight points clear of their oppo- lowing time out with a groin strain. nents, with a game in hand. Atletico were far superior in the first half, But they failed to make their authority count stronger, more aggressive, better on the ball and and Benzema punished them in the 88th minute, his with a clearer plan that restricted Real Madrid to goal earning Real Madrid a draw that ensures the one long-shot from Casemiro and a glancing gap between the two city rivals stays at five points. Benzema header. “They took the first half and we took the second, By then, Real were behind, the opening goal the draw was more or less a fair result,” said coming from a familiar combination down the right. Zinedine Zidane. “There remains a lot of the season Trippier played out from deep into the path of the left and we’ll fight to the end.” excellent Marcos Llorente, who nipped the ball Atletico’s lead is still considerable and they can away from the diving Nacho Fernandez. A poked extend it to eight points with 12 matches left if they pass behind Raphael Varane found Suarez and he win their game in hand at home to Athletic Bilbao flicked a superb finish with the outside of his foot tomorrow night. Yet at full-time, it was Real Madrid’s around goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and into the players who had smiles on their faces, while Suarez far corner. left the pitch shaking his head, with Atletico only too Atletico won every challenge and loose ball but aware this was a huge opportunity missed. missed a second goal. Madrid wanted a penalty at “It depends which way you look at it,” said the end of the half after the ball struck Felipe on Diego Simeone. “In the negative, they equalized in the hand but the referee was unconvinced, even the last minute, or the positive, that we played very after consulting the monitor. well in general, that we absolutely controlled the Real Madrid rallied and for a while the game MADRID: Real Madrid’s Spanish defender Nacho Fernandez (left) challenges Atletico Madrid’s first half, and dominated the second.” opened up. Nacho went close at the back post Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez during the Spanish league football match Club Atletico de Madrid The title race remains very much in Atletico’s before Yannick Carrasco twice got the better of against Real Madrid CF at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on Sunday. —AFP favor but still up for grabs, especially for Lucas Vazquez, the second time pulling back for Barcelona, who were perhaps the biggest benefici- Suarez, whose finish was blocked. Angel Correa aries of this result. Barca now sit three points scuffed when free from six yards out. then Jan Oblak pulled off an incredible double bundled through, the ball cannoning through behind Atletico, having played a game more. They Atletico appeared to have regained their save, denying the Frenchman from point blank kindly for Casemiro, who capitalized with an ice- also face Simeone’s side at Camp Nou in May. “It’s authority but they failed to give themselves a before getting up to block the rebound. Two min- cold pull-back for his team-mate, who had an a long and difficult competition,” added Simeone. cushion and tension grew. Benzema fired over and utes remained when Benzema finally struck. He open net. —AFP

great champions do. He is a pack Milan close leader.” Rafael Leao started up front in Ibrahimovic’s absence, and the Rangers win Scottish gap on Inter Portuguese forward threatened after quarter of an hour with a header Premiership for in Serie A which went over the bar. The break- through came when Krunic was first time in 10 years MILAN: Rade Krunic and Diogo brought down just outside the box. Dalot scored in either half as AC The Bosnian midfielder dusted himself GLASGOW: Rangers’ first Scottish Premiership title for Milan beat Hellas Verona 2-0 to close down and whipped a free-kick past a 10 years was confirmed Sunday after Celtic’s 0-0 draw the gap on Serie A leaders Inter stunned Marco Silvestri from a tricky at Dundee United left them 20 points behind their before this week’s Europa League trip angle for his first league goal in Milan Glasgow rivals with six games left to play. Steven to Manchester United. Krunic curled colours. Gerrard’s men have stormed to the title without losing a in a free-kick after 27 minutes with Defender Dalot also got off the game to end Celtic’s stranglehold of a record-equaling Manchester United loanee Dalot dou- mark in Serie A four minutes after the nine consecutive Scottish league titles. bling the visitors’ account five minutes break, blasting in an Alexis Rangers were not even in the top-flight for four of after the break to pull Milan three Saelemaekers cross. Milan took a those seasons after the club was demoted to the fourth points behind Inter, who host in-form valuable three points before they tier after being liquidated in 2012 due to financial trou- Atalanta last week. Champions travel to Manchester for the first leg VERONA: AC Milan’s Portuguese defender Diogo Dalot celebrates after scoring with his teammates during the Italian Serie A football match bles. “This club has been to hell and back over the past 10 Juventus are four points behind Milan of their Europa League last 16 tie with years,” said Gerrard after Saturday’s 3-0 win over St United before hosting Napoli in the Hellas Verona vs AC Milan played behind closed doors at the Marcantonio in third, with a game in hand, after Bentegodi Stadium in Verona on Sunday. —AFP Mirren put Rangers on the brink of a first major trophy claiming their seventh straight win at league next weekend. Verona, in since 2011. “I’ve only been part of it for three, but I can home, 3-1 against Lazio on Saturday. eighth, fell to their first home defeat certainly relate and I’ve got that feeling and that affection Despite the absence of key players since losing to Inter before Christmas. the Champions League,” said scored eight minutes after coming on with the fans and I know what they have been through.” including star striker Zlatan The former England and Liverpool captain never Mancini. and was involved in Insigne’s second Ibrahimovic, winger Ante Rebic and Insigne double lifts Napoli won a league title during his legendary 17-year career In Naples, Lorenzo Insigne scored 12 minutes later off a rebound just Roma moved up to fourth, one at Anfield. However, Gerrard has transformed Rangers’ defender Theo Hernandez, Milan kept twice with Victor Osimhen adding a after Roberto Soriano had pulled a fortunes both domestically and in Europe since taking the pressure on their city rivals two point ahead of fifth-placed Atalanta third as Napoli consolidated sixth goal back for Bologna. his first senior managerial role in 2018. The newly weeks after their 3-0 derby defeat. thanks to a Gianluca Mancini goal, place, three points off the Champions Bottom side Crotone ended their crowned Scottish champions have reached the last 16 Ibrahimovic, who has scored 14 goals ahead of their Europa League tie League berths, with a 3-1 win over seven-match losing streak with a 4-2 of the Europa League for the second consecutive sea- in as many league games for the club, against Shakhtar Donetsk in Rome. Bologna. Nigerian Osimhen returned win over coronavirus-hit relegation son, where they face Slavia Prague on Thursday. joined the team at Verona despite a Mancini jumped highest to turn in a after taking a knock to his head two rivals Torino. The Turin club’s last two Rangers were denied rubbing salt into Celtic wounds leg muscle problem. Lorenzo Pellegrini corner after 24 weeks ago, coming off the bench eight games, against Sassuolo and Lazio, by winning the title at Celtic Park in two weeks’ time in “Today we’ve shown that we are minutes at the Stadio Olimpico, minutes after the break. A minute’s were unplayed because of a COVID- their next league fixture after they dropped points for there, that we are a team and still beating second choice goalkeeper silence was observed before kick-off 19 outbreak. Crotone are a point the 12th time in the league this season. Caretaker man- believe,” said coach Stefano Pioli. Federico Marchetti who replaced after the death of Mirko Pavinato, behind second-last Parma, who ager John Kennedy was taking charge for just the sec- “We are stronger when we’re all Mattia Perrin. Roma sit nine points captain of the Bologna side who won stretched their winless run to 17 ond time since Neil Lennon resigned last month. The together, but we’re also strong with behind Inter after the win. “One the league in 1964. games after defender Simone Iacopini same issues that have dogged Celtic all season cost absences. Ibrahimovic arrived before more step is missing to beat the big Insigne opened the scoring after turned into his own net just before the them at Tannadice as the visitors dominated but failed the game, followed the technical teams, we need to improve because eight minutes, latching onto a Piotr final whistle to hand 14th-placed to find the net with 27 attempts on goal. —AFP meeting, and helped to stimulate us as something more is needed to reach Zielinski’s back-heel kick. Osimhen Fiorentina a 3-3 draw. —AFP

prepared!” Red Bull athletes aim Llorens, along with fellow athlete and friend Goberna had been discussing and practicing tricks and for the sky over the choreography for some time prior to arriving in Dubai. Once in the emirate, the duo - along with the entire project team - conducted trial runs in the Margham world’s largest fountain Desert in daylight for two days.

DUBAI: What happens when two of the world’s top pro Adjusting to the climate paragliding pilots are introduced to the world’s largest Paragliding with a paramotor is a complicated fountain? A whole lot of fun (not to mention some process and requires skill, patience and very, very pre- spectacular content). In the spirit of demonstrating that cise planning. What many extreme adventure and anything is possible - by even pushing their own sporting fans might not know is that paramotors adventurous boundaries - Red Bull athletes Horacio require to be adjusted according to the location they’re Llorens and Rafael Goberna teamed up to take part in in. “During training that’s when we were testing the an exclusive one-off stunt to showcase the beautiful paramotors, adjusting the gliders and the brakes,” con- Palm Fountain at the Pointe, Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. tinues Llorens. “Rafael [Goberna] did have a little prob- And this performance - now showing in a new Red lem with his motor.” Bull TV short film, “The Breaking Pointe” - didn’t just Goberna elaborates: “The motor wasn’t flying so involve your typical paraglide... With the world- good, because prior to arriving in Dubai, it was last renowned Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah resort as a back- used in Europe at high altitude. Therefore, I needed to drop, Llorens and Goberna donned special paramotors adjust the carburettor in the air inside the motor. “In to take to the sky; gliding between the Palm Fountain’s the first practice flight over the water, I broke one pro- jets of water that were so close they could feel them. peller. I really couldn’t understand what was happening. In the film, the athletes - along with a large team of And then another one broke. Eventually, a back-up specialists - demonstrate just what it takes to plan a motor was required.” Goberna adds: “You feel the air coming up with the multitude of safety devices we use on paramotors,” stunt of this kind. It’s definitely not just a case of turning Refusing to give up, the entire team worked tireless- water - and the water splashes against your face explains Director of Safety, Alan Gates. “Each athlete up and flying - there’s pre-event training, there’s engi- ly to be “fountain-ready” and show day - and the because it’s so strong. It was such a nice experience.” used two parachute systems - the main which they fly neering, there are multiple safety precautions, as well as results, as showcased in the video, are spectacular. “It normally. In the case of an emergency or when they intensive training sessions and practicing choreography. was super nice for us to have finished for us this way - Safety and Precision have a technical issue, they would use a reserve para- “As soon as we got the opportunity, we wanted to the process was definitely challenging from the very As “The Breaking Pointe” demonstrates, a lot of chute. fly there!” explains pro paragliding pilot, Llorens. “The beginning,” concludes Goberna. “After a long journey, work went into the showcase - one of the most impor- “When we’re flying over water, it’s also mandatory ultimate challenge is that we were flying in the night, the result was beautiful! The team worked incredibly tant aspects being learning how to navigate The Palm to wear a life jacket with automatic and manual infla- which means low visibility. Therefore, we needed to hard to make it. The highlight for me was playing Fountain. With both sides having different choreogra- tion. We always have rescue boats, jet skis and divers... know the area really well beforehand. “Also - we need- between the super shooters with Rafael, because it’s phy, Llorens and Goberna had to study the movement it’s important we have multiple teams for rescue and ed to know how to ‘play’ with The Palm Fountain... this something we’ve never done before; it felt really new of the water with great precision in order not to get safety.” Watch the full video here or via Red Bull was new for us. And with such strong streams of water and really powerful - with the water coming to our caught up in the jets of water. Kuwait’s Instagram page @RedBullKuwait and shooting up, 100 metres, is a lot so we had to be really sides extremely high.” “Obviously, safety is paramount, and there are a YouTube page @RedBull. Established 1961 15 Sports Tuesday, March 9, 2021 Giannis wins MVP as Team LeBron dominates 2021 NBA All-Star Game Stars put on show despite lack of fans

ATLANTA: Damian Lillard nailed a game-ending this meant to them as opposed to what some of three pointer from just inside half court as the initial reactions were from the players.” LeBron James improved to 4-0 as an NBA All- Antetokounmpo becomes just the second win- Star Game captain with a 170-150 win over Team ner of the MVP award named in honor of Bryant Durant on Sunday night. who died in a helicopter crash just outside of Los Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo Angeles in January 2020. Kawhi Leonard was the captured the Kobe Bryant MVP Award going a first recipient at last year’s All-Star Game in perfect 16-of-16 from the field for a game high 35 Chicago. points in Atlanta. “It’s fun. I was happy,” said “To have the trophy with the name of Kobe Antetokounmpo. “I just love being around great Bryant, it’s amazing, and I know he would be hap- players. It makes it easier to play with them.” py. Yeah, I know he’d be happy,” said Antetokounmpo’s 16-for-16 game easily Antetokounmpo. “I wanted to win the one last eclipsed the previous All-Star record of the year really bad and I had a chance to win.” Philadelphia 76ers’ Hal Greer, who went eight-of- The 70th All-Star Game had a different feel to eight in 1968. Antetokounmpo also made all three it because there were no fans in the arena due to of his three point attempts. the global pandemic. But that didn’t stop the James improved to 4-0 in All-Star games he players from putting on a show at the State Farm has served as a team captain. He finished with four Arena including a healthy dose of dunks, alley- points in just 13 minutes of playing time. “I always oops, behind the back passes and long-range try to pick the right team, and I’ve been lucky threes like the one by Lillard, who finished with enough for four years to pick the right team,” 32 points. James said. “Guys go out and compete and play to win. I’ve been on the winning side of all four.” Plenty of dunks James’ participation in the annual showcase Stephen Curry, who won the three-point was at one time in doubt. Last month James shooting contest earlier in the day, hit six threes slammed the NBA for holding the contest during in the first half en route to a 28 point night for ATLANTA: Giannis Antetokounmpo of Team LeBron dunks the ball against Team Durant during the the global pandemic calling it a “slap in the face.” Team LeBron. Jaylen Brown tallied 22 points and 70th NBA All Star Game as part of 2021 NBA All Star Weekend on Sunday at State Farm Arena in NBA commissioner Adam Silver responded to the Chris Paul dished out 16 assists. Both Curry and Atlanta, Georgia. —AFP criticism from James and others at a weekend Lillard finished with eight baskets from beyond news conference, saying the players he spoke to the arc. this week were in favor of holding the contest. Bradley Beal scored a team high 26 points and you can do. So give credit to them,” said Irving. “Elam Ending,” which provides a target score “It would have been a bigger deal not to have Kyrie Irving delivered 24 points and 12 assists for The NBA and the players union agreed to hold during an untimed fourth quarter. it,” Silver said. “I know that some players have Team Durant. In a sign that defense took the Sunday’s modified All-Star Game weekend, sal- Team LeBron dominated the first three quarters made public comments suggesting they’d rather night off no player from either team grabbed vaging a scaled-down showcase after the pan- to take a 146-125 lead into the final quarter. That not be at All-Star. Many have told me directly more than nine rebounds. “When you’ve got demic scuttled plans to hold the event earlier in set a winning target score of 170 which Team they’re thrilled to be All-Stars. It should be Steph, Dame, those guys shooting half-court Indianapolis. This is the second straight year LeBron easily achieved despite being outscored judged, when people are looking back, as to what threes, threes from the timeline, there’s not much using the new scoring format which calls for an 25-24 in the fourth by Team Durant. —AFP

just showed my talents.” Portland’s The contest, usually the highlight on Saturday night of All-Star weekend, was compressed this year and held during halftime of the All-Star Simons wins Game itself as festivities were limited to one day Warriors’ Curry amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Slam-Dunk contest Toppin led the way in the two-dunk first round, opening with a dunk in which he bounced wins All-Star LOS ANGELES: Portland guard Anfernee Simons the ball between his legs on the way to a reverse won the NBA Slam-Dunk contest Sunday, the slam. On his second effort Toppin got some help 3-point contest first Trail Blazer to win the high-flying competi- from his father, Obadiah Toppin Sr, and teammate tion that is part of the annual All-Star festivities. Julius Randle, leapfrogging over them with a little LOS ANGELES: Golden State Warriors sharp- On his lone final-round dunk, Simons soared to push off of Randle’s back. shooter Stephen Curry won the 3-point contest snag a high-bounced ball and jam in a one-hand- Simons opened the first round by having the Sunday, edging Utah’s Mike Conley in the final round ed dunk, leaning his face toward the basket as if ball placed in a small plastic hoop attached to the of the curtain-raiser to the NBA All-Star Game in to kiss it on the way down. He got the nod from backboard more than a foot above the rim. He Atlanta, Georgia. three of five judges over final-round foe Obi leapt to grab it with both hands and dunked it in a Curry, one of the best shooters the NBA has ever Toppin of the New York Knicks, who leapt from smooth move. For his second dunk, Simons seen and the league leader in made 3-pointers in just inside the foul line and passed the ball donned a Tracy McGrady jersey and delivering a the first half of this season, was the favorite heading into the competition, which sees players shoot from between his legs for a right-handed jam. spinning dunk McGrady made in the 2000 con- multiple stations around the three-point arc with “Pretty nervous coming in,” admitted Simons, test. Indiana’s Cassius Stanley was eliminated in ATLANTA: Anfernee Simons of the Portland Trail the first round, although he opened the event in Blazers dunks the ball during the AT&T Slam Dunk two balls from a few feet further back worth extra who has just two dunks this season and 15 in his points. Curry put up a red-hot 31 points in the first career. “But a lot of people didn’t know that I can scintillating style with a between-the-legs left- Contest as part of 2021 NBA All Star Weekend on Sunday at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. —AFP round, advancing along with Conley and Boston’s jump pretty high. So I kind of calmed down and handed slam. —AFP Jayson Tatum. But it was close in the final round with Curry, the final contestant, missing his first four shots before feel ready to go around that time then I’m getting the victory only after he knocked down his Leonard says going to play.” final attempt from the right corner to total 28 points The Clippers are one of the top contenders — one more than the 27 Conley had put up. “I knew I had to knock it down,” Curry said. “It was a fun ready to play and the playoffs are scheduled to end July 22 if battle. I’m glad I got it done.” —AFP the Finals go a full seven games. The Tokyo Tokyo Olympics Opening ceremony is on July 23, and the United States play their first basketball game ATLANTA: Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi on July 25 against France. Leonard says he’s eager to make his Olympic Leonard has never represented the United debut at the rescheduled Tokyo Games in July States in an Olympics. In Tokyo, he would also even if it means flying halfway around the world be reunited with his former San Antonio Spurs on tight timeline. If the Clippers make a long coach Gregg Popovich. Leonard was named a run through the NBA post-season and reach finalist for Team USA last year but the Games the Finals, it might mean Leonard and some of were postponed because of the coronavirus his teammates would have little or no break pandemic. between the end of the season and the start of His Clippers teammate Paul George, who the Olympic men’s basketball tournament. won a gold medal for the US at the 2016 Rio “Right now my plan is to go,” Leonard de Janeiro Olympics, was also picked for the ATLANTA: Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors poses with the MTN Dew 3-Point Trophy told reporters in a virtual press conference team. USA Basketball sent invitations out two ATLANTA: Kawhi Leonard of Team Durant smiles and months ago to around 60 players regarding after winning the MTN Dew 3-Point Contest during on Sunday before the NBA All-Star Game in looks on during the 70th NBA All Star Game as part of the NBA All-Star Game 2021 on Sunday at State Atlanta. “It doesn’t really matter on the their inclusion in the pool from which the team 2021 NBA All Star Weekend on Sunday at State Farm Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. —AFP success that we have. If I feel up to it and will be selected. —AFP Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. —AFP Established 1961 Sport

TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021 Laporta elected new Barca president

Returning boss has tough task of rebuilding club

MADRID: Joan Laporta returned as up on Messi showing up to vote earlier in Barcelona president on Sunday after win- the day. “Seeing Leo, the best player in ning the club’s elections by a landslide, the world, come to vote with his son is for with his central pledge to try to persuade me a sign of what we have said all along,” Lionel Messi to stay. Laporta was last Laporta said. president at Barca between 2003 and 2010, which included overseeing the ‘Leo loves Barca’ hugely successful appointment of Pep “Leo loves Barca and knows that we Guardiola as coach and the iconic treble- are a big family. Hopefully that can help us winning team of 2008/9. encourage him to stay.” A change of In total, the club won four La Liga regime also leaves coach Ronald titles and two Champions Leagues during Koeman’s position uncertain, with Laporta’s seven-year spell in charge. The Laporta insisting the Dutchman “deserves 58-year-old will return after holding off respect” for his work this season while competition from Victor Font and Toni maintaining his future will depend on Freixa, the other two candidates to gain results. Koeman’s contract runs until 2022. enough support to make the final stage. “I am not worried because I have a con- Laporta won 30,184 votes, Font 16,679 tract and when we know who is going to and Freixa 4,769 from a total of 55,611 be the president of course we will talk lodged by the club’s members. Amid and I want him to show me his way,” champagne celebrations shared with his Koeman said on Friday. team on Sunday night, Laporta shouted Laporta’s main rival for the presidency with a grin on his face: “Now let’s go to was Font, who was the early favorite after Paris and see if we can make another claiming he would bring former Barcelona ‘remontada’ happen!” midfielder Xavi Hernandez in as coach. Barcelona face Paris Saint-Germain on But the team’s progress under Koeman Wednesday in the Champions League last and Laporta’s superior campaign cast BARCELONA: Spanish lawyer Joan Laporta delivers a speech at the auditorium of the Camp Nou complex after winning the election 16, with a 4-1 deficit to make up from the doubt over the promise, with Laporta for the FC Barcelona presidency on Sunday in Barcelona. — AFP opening leg. Longer-term, Laporta’s task questioning last week why Xavi had not will be to rebuild a club in crisis, with come out in support of Font publicly. ‘Great family’ after the club’s members succeeded in corruption. Voters had been due to go crippling debts exacerbated by the pan- Xavi may have been keen to keep his Perhaps most importantly, his job will achieving a vote of no confidence against to the polls on January 24 but were pre- demic, its reputation damaged and Messi options open and the Spaniard caused be to heal the deep mistrust that has him. But Bartomeu quit before facing the vented due to restrictions in relating to considering leaving for free when his con- a stir on Sunday by liking, and then developed between the board of direc- vote after overseeing a disastrous final the pandemic, meaning the election was tract expires this summer. unliking, an Instagram post of Laporta tors and the dressing room, led by Messi year that included Messi attempting to postponed. He has said he will do everything pos- casting his ballot. Laporta will also and Pique. “We are a great family,” leave, the team being humiliated by Ballots on Sunday were held at six dif- sible to keep Messi at Camp Nou and have to make decisions on Xavi’s other Laporta said. “We have a feeling of Bayern Munich in the Champions League ferent polling stations in Catalonia and campaigned heavily on the idea he was former team-mates still at the club like belonging to this club and that feeling and the club posting gross debts of 1.2 Andorra between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm, the best-placed candidate to convince the Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and will make us all go together to face the billion euros. while just over 22,000 voters were able to Argentinian, owing to their relationship Jordi Alba, who have contributed so challenges that lie ahead.” Bartomeu spent the night in prison vote by post for the first time. Laporta’s during his previous time in charge. much but whose peak years are now The last president Josep Maria last Monday after being arrested as part victory was confirmed officially by the In his victory speech, Laporta picked behind them. Bartomeu was forced to resign in October of a police investigation into alleged club at just before midnight. — AFP