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published in QATAR since 1978

WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11645 August 19, 2020 Dhul-Hijjah 29, 1441 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Qatar ratifies MP14 to address issue of PSG reach first-ever Champions League final unruly passengers Qatar has become the latest Qatar Airways country to ratify the Montreal Protocol of 2014 (MP14), making it the 23rd country globally and sixth in Africa & the Middle East region to give formal approval to keeps its word; the treaty, the International Air Transport Association has said. MP14, properly named the Protocol to Amend the Convention on Off ences and Certain Other Acts refunds $1.2bn Committed on Board Aircraft, is a global agreement that strengthens the powers of States to prosecute unruly passengers. Page 4 ‘Palestinians not worried to passengers about Israel-UAE deal’ atar Airways has paid out in original, exchange their ticket for a Palestinian President Mahmoud excess of $1.2bn in refunds to future travel voucher worth 110% of Abbas said yesterday that Qalmost 600,000 passengers the original ticket value, or swap their Palestinians were not concerned since March, demonstrating its com- tickets for Qmiles. about the normalisation deal mitment to honouring its obligations Over one third (36%) of Qatar Air- between Israel and the United Arab to passengers who need to change their ways passengers selected one of these Emirates, referring to the accord plans due to the impact of the Cov- options over a refund, the airline said. as “nonsense”. In his first public id-19 pandemic on global travel. Qatar Airways Group Chief Execu- remarks since the US-sponsored Angel Di Maria scored once and set up two more goals as he steered Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) past RB Leipzig 3-0 In the context of unprecedented tive, HE Akbar al-Baker said: “With deal was announced last week, yesterday and into their first-ever Champions League final. Marquinhos and Juan Bernat were the two other scorers for numbers of refund requests as airlines the impact of Covid-19 on global trav- Abbas accused the Gulf Arab state PSG, who will now face the winner of today’s semi-final between Bayern Munich and Olympique Lyonnais at Lisbon’s da and passengers navigate entry restric- el, passengers have had to change their of turning its back on Palestinians Luz stadium on Sunday. Pictured are PSG players celebrating their win after the match. Page 16 tions imposed by countries around the plans at short notice and it has been living under occupation in the West world to limit the spread of Covid-19, diffi cult for them to plan ahead with Bank and an Israeli-led blockade Qatar Airways has worked hard to any certainty. What they want and de- in Gaza. However, Abbas said: “We MoPH reports process almost all refunds requested serve are fl exibility and reliability, and aren’t worried about the nonsense since March 2020 (96%). in Qatar Airways we hope they fi nd an that happens here and there and 112,355 Covid-19 The airline is now processing all new airline they can trust. especially in recent days, when a Oman Sultan appoints recoveries refunds back to the original form of “The amount we have paid out in re- trilateral agreement between the payment in less than 30 days. funds has undoubtedly had an impact Emirates, Israel and America was The Ministry of Public Health Additionally, the airline introduced on our bottom line, but it is our duty announced.” Page 6 (MoPH) reported yesterday an unrivalled fl exible booking policy to do the right thing by our customers new Cabinet ministers 293 new confirmed cases of that has proved extremely popular and trade partners and as an airline we Sudan ‘astonished’ at coronavirus (Covid-19) and with passengers. are strong enough to mitigate the im- spokesman’s remarks 267 recoveries from the virus Qatar Airways tickets are now valid pact of this.” QNA in the last 24 hours, bringing for two years from the date of issu- Qatar Airways took a number of Sudan’s Foreign Ministry said Muscat the total number of people ance. Passengers can also choose to important measures to ensure that yesterday it was astonished by who have recovered so far in change their travel date or destina- it could manage the unprecedented remarks made by its own spokesman Qatar to 112,355. The MoPH said tion free of charge as often as they number of refund requests – over in which he said Khartoum had ultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said of that all new cases have been need, change their origin to another 10,000 per day at the height of the “contacts” with Israel, stressing that Oman issued yesterday a royal de- introduced to isolation and are city within the same country or any crisis – from passengers that needed the government had not discussed Scree to reform the Omani Cabinet. receiving necessary healthcare. other destination on the airline’s net- to change their travel plans in light of the possibility of diplomatic relations. Oman News Agency (ONA) stated Page 2 work within a 5,000 mile radius of the Covid-19. To Page 3 Haydar Sadig, the ministry’s that the new Cabinet as follows: Fahad spokesman, made the comment to bin Mahmoud al-Said as Deputy Prime Reuters earlier in the day. Minister for Cabinet Aff airs; Shihab bin Tariq al-Said as Deputy Prime ‘Attempted coup’ in Mali Submissions for Green Minister for Defence Aff airs; and Dhi Award 2020 open Yazan bin Haitham bin Tarik al-Said as Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth. Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said of The Public Works Authority The Sultan also appointed Khalid Oman ‘Ashghal’ has announced the bin Hilal al-Busaidi as Minister of the opening of entries for the Green Royal Court; Sultan bin Mohamed al- bin Sultan al-Busaidi as Minister of Award for 2020, which is now Nuamani as Minister of the Royal Of- State and Governor of Dhofar, Ibrahim expanded to include all the fi ce; Hamoud bin Faisal al-Busaidi as bin Said al-Busaidi as Minister of State contractors of Ashghal’s ongoing Minister of Interior; Badr bin Ham- and Governor of Musandam, Salem projects under the Project Aff airs. mad bin Hamoud al-Busaidi as Foreign bin Mohamed al-Mahrouqi as Minis- The expansion of the initiative is Minister; Sultan bin Salem al-Habsi ter of Heritage and Tourism and Saud aligned with Ashghal’s continuous as Minister of Finance; and Sheikh bin Hamoud bin Ahmed al-Habsi as improvement strategy and its Abdullah bin Mohamed bin Abdullah Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and commitment to raise the bar on al-Salmi as Minister of Awqaf and Re- Water Resources. the implementation of the best ligious Aff airs. The Sultan also named Rahma international practices. Page 3 He also named Mohamed bin Ha- al-Mahrouqi Minister of Higher mad al-Rumhi Minister of Energy and Education, Saeed bin Hamoud al- Trump aide colluded Minerals; Ahmed bin Mohamed bin Maawali Minister of Transport, with Russian spy: Senate Obaid al-Saeedi Minister of Health; Communications and Information Madeeha bint Ahmed bin Nassir al- Technology, Saeed bin Mohamed The chairman of President Shaibaniyah Minister of Education; al-Saqri Minister of Economy, Qais Donald Trump’s 2016 election Saud bin Hilal al-Busaidi Minister of al-Youssef Minister of Trade, Indus- campaign secretly shared State and Governor of Muscat, Abdul- try and Investment Promotion, Laila campaign information with a lah bin Mohamed al-Saeedi Minister bint Ahmed al-Najjar Minister of So- Malian soldiers are celebrated as they arrive at the Independence Square in Bamako yesterday. Mali’s President Ibrahim Russian intelligence off icer, posing of Justice and Legal Aff airs and Abdul- cial Development, Mahad bin Saeed Boubacar Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse are both being held by rebel soldiers, a senior government off icial a “grave” espionage threat to lah bin Nasser al-Harrasi Minister of Baouin Minister of Labour, and Kha- said. He added that both men were now at Kati, a town near the capital Bamako which hosts an important military base. the United States, a US Senate Information. lfan al-Shuaili Minister of Housing Soldiers arrested both political leaders in the capital late yesterday afternoon after launching a mutiny and seizing report said yesterday. Before The decree also included Mohamed and Urban Planning. control of the Kati base. Page 6 and during his nearly six months on the Trump campaign, Paul Manafort, a veteran Republican political consultant, directly and indirectly communicated with Konstantin Kilimnik, identified as Hezbollah member guilty of Hariri murder: UN tribunal a Russian intelligence off icer, and Oleg Deripaska, a Russian oligarch close to Vladimir Putin, the Senate UN-backed tribunal yesterday Hussein Oneissi, 46, and Hassan Ha- Intelligence Committee said. Page 8 found a member of the Hezbol- bib Merhi, 54, over the blast, which Alah Shia movement guilty over changed the face of the Middle East. Freeland appointed as the 2005 murder of former Lebanese The judges also said there was no Canada finance minister prime minister Rafi c Hariri but cleared evidence to directly link Syria – the three other suspects after a years-long former military overlord in Lebanon – Canadian trial. or Hezbollah’s leadership to the attack. Prime Minister The long-awaited decision prompt- Sentencing for Ayyash will be decid- Justin Trudeau ed mixed reactions, with the late Har- ed at a later date. He faces life impris- appointed his iri’s son Saad telling journalists outside onment if he is ever brought before the close ally and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) court. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasral- deputy Chrystia he “accepted the tribunal’s verdict”. lah has refused to hand over the four Freeland “Everybody’s expectation was much defendants and rejected the court’s (pictured) as the higher than what came out today, but I legitimacy. country’s new believe that the tribunal came out with Ayyash...guilty of Hariri’s murder Judges said there was suffi cient evi- finance minister a result that is satisfying. We accept it,” dence to show that Ayyash was at the yesterday amid said Saad Hariri, also a former prime guilty beyond reasonable doubt as a centre of a network of mobile phone plans to outline a revamped agenda minister, after attending the hearing at co-perpetrator of the assassination of users who scoped out Hariri’s move- and pandemic recovery plan. the STL’s heavily fortifi ed courthouse. Rafi c Hariri,” said David Re, presiding ments for months before his assassi- Freeland, 52, a former journalist Salim Ayyash, 56, was convicted in judge of the tribunal. nation. and foreign minister, becomes absentia by the STL based in the Neth- Addressing victims of the attack, he A still-unidentifi ed suicide bomber the country’s first female finance erlands, over a huge suicide bomb- said: “We sincerely hope the verdict to- driving an explosives-laden Mitsubishi minister, replacing Bill Morneau ing in Beirut that killed the billionaire Members of security forces stand guard yesterday near a billboard depicting day will give you some sort of closure.” truck blew himself up as Hariri’s mo- who resigned on Monday amid politician and 21 other people. Lebanon’s former prime minister Rafik al-Hariri, who was killed in a 2005 suicide But judges said there was not enough torcade passed on the Beirut waterfront friction with Trudeau. “The trial chamber fi nds Mr Ayyash bombing in southern Lebanon. evidence to convict Assad Sabra, 43, on Valentine’s Day in 2005. Page 6 Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, August 19, 2020 QATAR

Culture ministry, QFFD Pakistan’s FM meets Qatar’s help displaced Syrian ambassador

QNA children turn the page Islamabad he Minister of Foreign QNA Aff airs of Pakistan Ma- Doha Tkhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met Qatar’s ambassa- dor to Pakistan HE Sheikh Saoud he Ministry of Culture bin Abdulrahman al-Thani in and Sports and Qatar Islamabad. During the meeting, TFund for Development they reviewed bilateral relations, (QFFD) continue the implemen- in addition to issues of common tation of a project to support the concern. knowledge and reading activi- ties for displaced Syrian chil- Jassim and Hamad dren in the camps in Turkey, Jor- dan and Lebanon, as part of the charity gives aid QFFD initiative (QUEST). QFFD worth over QR1mn support to the project amounted to QR7mn, embodying the deep Ambassador of Qatar to Mexico Mohamed bin Jassim al-Kuwari with Mexico’s Undersecretary for Jassim and Hamad Bin Jassim commitment of Qatar to support Multilateral Aff airs at the Secretariat of Foreign Aff airs Martha Delgado. Charitable Foundation said the humanitarian needs of the that the total aid it extended to Syrian people, and affi rming the The QUEST initiative aims mainly to ensure that children and young eligible groups in Qatar reached role of education and knowledge people, who have suff ered the outcome of the Syrian crisis, are able about QR1.181mn in July 2020. in shaping the future of Syria, in to get the necessary education. The Foundation stated that partnership with international this aid was allocated to needy and regional organisations. thanks to the eff orts of Qatar by focusing its projects and ac- Qatar’s embassy provides families and other cases whose The partnership between the Red Crescent. tivities on the sectors of educa- circumstances were examined, Ministry of Culture and Sports HE the Minister of Culture tion, health and economic em- based on its social responsibility and QFFD provides an example and Sports Salah bin Ghanem bin powerment. in Qatar and in fulfilment of its for the interaction between vari- Nasser al-Ali underlined that sup- QFFD has built a wide net- medical aid to Mexican states vision of providing health and ous Qatari institutions to im- porting the Syrian refugee children work of strategic partners at education for a better life. plement the Qatari support and is a humanitarian duty aimed at the national level, including It added that this aid, which assistance to the Syrian refugees preserving their right to knowl- Qatari governmental and non- QNA of Mexico’s Undersecretary for Mexico, and acknowledged the targeted various eligible and displaced. edge, strengthening their will to governmental institutions and Mexico City Multilateral Aff airs at the Secre- bilateral relations between the segments of society, included The Ministry of Culture and live, instilling optimism in them, the private sector, as well as at tariat of Foreign Aff airs Martha two countries. social assistance, payment of late Sports, represented by the Qatari and developing their creative fac- the international level through Delgado with the ambassador of For his part, ambassador al- debts for some cases, and the Publishers and Distributors Fo- ulties to contribute to the renais- partnerships with UN organisa- he Embassy of Qatar in Qatar to Mexico Mohamed bin Kuwari stressed the distinction distribution of cash and in-kind rum, selected and acquired books sance of their society in the future. tions, international institutions Mexico announced that it Jassim al-Kuwari, in the pres- of the Qatari-Mexican relations assistance for poor families, according to criteria that respond QFFD Director-General Kha- and development funds. Twill provide medical and ence of the Minister of Health in and co-operation between the orphans and widows from both to the great perceptions that nur- lifa al-Kuwari said that the part- The QUEST initiative aims preventive aid from Qatar Char- Morelos, Marco Antonio Cantu, two countries in various fi elds, citizens and residents. ture human thought and establish nership comes as part of QUEST mainly to ensure that children ity to the states of Morelos and and the Undersecretary of Tour- and noted the eff orts of Qatar to The Foundation said that it in new generations the conditions initiative supported by the Fund and young people, who have Guerrero in the country, to com- ism in Guerrero Noe Peralta. provide the necessary medical follows a flexible system in for the revival of societies. to support the Syrian refugees to suff ered the outcome of the Syr- bat the outbreak of the corona- Undersecretary of Foreign Af- assistance to friendly countries its monthly financial and in- The implementation of the help them receive good regular ian crisis, are able to get the nec- virus (Covid-19). fairs expressed her gratitude for to combat the outbreak of the kind assistance that might be MoU between the Ministry of education and develop the ca- essary education and skills that This came during a meeting Qatar’s continuous support for Covid-19 pandemic. increased according to the needs. Culture and Sports, represented pabilities of youth and children enable them to move to formal by the Qatari Publishers and in order to ensure a good future, education and fi nd good jobs in Distributors Forum, and QFFD adding that the project serves the future to be active members was launched on the sidelines the Sustainable Development of their community. of the 28th Doha International Goals, especially the Fourth Goal The Ministry of Culture and Book Fair in December 2017, on education. Sports, through the project to aiming to support the cultural Doha International Book Fair support the activities of dis- Ooredoo announces cashback activities for displaced Syrian represented an important an- placed Syrian children in the children in the camps in Turkey, nual hub for providing refugees camps, continues to achieve Jordan and Lebanon. with the latest publications that its vision and mission to mobi- The partnership continued to develop their awareness and vi- lise the society and individuals the 30th edition of the exhibi- sion of life. through culture and sports, to on money transfers to Lebanon tion. Moreover, the strategy of Qa- achieve a life approach in which Under the MoU, various books tar Fund for Development is in the person preserves his dignity were purchased from various line with the Sustainable Devel- and becomes an active member oredoo has announced a in times of need – is a key fo- publishers and were then sent opment Goals, as the Fund seeks in building his local and human special new promotion in cus for Ooredoo as part of our to the Syrian refugee children to promote human development community. Osupport of its customers corporate social responsibility with loved ones in Lebanon, in strategy, and we’re proud to be the wake of the devastating ex- doing what we can to support plosion at Beirut’s port. our customers during such a The new off er for Ooredoo get 100% of their transfer fee director PR at Ooredoo, said: difficult time.” Money customers allows them to as cashback to their accounts, “We know our many custom- Customers who do not yet send fund transfers to Lebanon meaning the transfers will be ers with friends and loved ones have the Ooredoo Money app Health ministry organises at no charge, helping them sup- sent without cost. in Lebanon want to contact can download it from the App port their loved ones back home This off er is in addition to giv- those back home and support Store or Google Play. They can at such a diffi cult time. ing Lebanese customers extra them financially in the after- then register instantly and make All customers sending trans- free minutes to call their loved math of the dreadful explosion. instant cash deposits with debit two orientation events fers to Lebanon using Money- ones. Helping the communities in cards, then start sending trans- Gram via Ooredoo Money will Sabah Rabiah al-Kuwari, which we operate – especially fers straight away.

inistry of Public Health intensive discussion, and ques- dit and appeal processes in a (MoPH) organised two tions and answers session, as very interactive discussion. Morientation events for part of the National Continuing The two workshops are part Continuous Professional De- Medical Education and Profes- of the efforts of the Health velopment (CPD) providers in sional Development Accredita- Professions Department at Qatar through Microsoft Teams tion System. MoPH at raising the level of Qatar reports 112,355 total recently. The session highlighted deliv- health services in the country The fi rst orientation on Activ- ering online activities in accord- by providing accredited con- ity-Based Accreditation System, ance with the new global trends tinuous professional develop- targeted non-accredited CPD due to the ongoing pandemic ment activities so that licensed providers in Qatar and was at- and gathering restrictions. health practitioners in Qatar Covid-19 recoveries tended by CPD programme co- The second event which is can enhance their skills and ordinators from various health- a CPD Provider Accreditation professional knowledge to keep care institutions within the Orientation was aimed at detail- up with all new developments QNA must be careful and protect the country. ing the standards and processes in the health field, in addition Doha most vulnerable. The presentation detailed the for the accreditation of CPD to meeting the requirements of While the restrictions of Cov- activity-based accreditation providers, application review, renewal of a licence to practise id-19 are gradually being lifted process and was followed by an decision making, audit, live au- in the country. he Ministry of Public in Qatar, it is important for eve- Health (MoPH) reported ryone to play their role in con- Tyesterday 293 new con- trolling the virus by following fi rmed cases of coronavirus precautionary measures: (Covid-19), and 267 recover- zAdherence to physical dis- ies from the virus in the last 24 tancing. hours, bringing the total number zAvoid close contact with Qatar participates in meeting of people who recovered from others, crowded places and con- the disease in Qatar to 112,355. fi ned closed spaces where other The MoPH issued a statement people congregate. on Covid-19 developments in zWearing a face mask of GCC standards body Qatar, which said that all new zWashing hands regularly. cases have been introduced to zMost importantly, it is vi- isolation and are receiving nec- tal that people continue to pro- QNA the follow up of the work of the essary healthcare according to tect the elderly and those with Doha GCC technical standardisation their health status. chronic medical conditions. committees. It said measures to tackle zWhen spending time at The meeting also discussed Covid-19 in Qatar have suc- home with elderly family mem- atar participated in the technical work guides and the ceeded in fl attening the curve bers or those with chronic dis- 44th meeting of the GCC memorandum of the presidency and limiting the spread of the vi- eases, people must ensure that QStandardisation Organi- of the Standardisation Organi- rus and the number of new daily they wash their hands regularly, sation. sation on the outcomes of the cases and hospital admissions is wear a mask and maintain social Chairman of Qatar General Technical Committees (TCs) for continuing to decline each week. and physical distancing. Organisation for Standardisa- Metrology’s meetings during Qatar’s proactive and exten- Anyone suff ering from Cov- tion and Metrology (QGOSM) the period from November 2018 sive testing of suspected cases id-19 symptoms should either Engineer Mohamed bin Saud until June 2020, in addition to has enabled us to identify a high contact 16000 helpline or go al-Musallam represented Qatar the report of the President of the number of positive cases in the directly to one of the follow- in the meeting that was held via Chairman of Qatar General Gulf Metrology Association for community. Qatar has one of the ing designated health centres to virtual communication technol- Organisation for the period from April 2017 until lowest Covid-19 death rates in ity, especially intensive care, to moderate to severe Covid-19 undergo the necessary checks: ogy. Standardisation and Metrology June 2020. the world. ensure all patients receive the symptoms. Muaither, Rawdat Al Khail, The meeting discussed a Engineer Mohamed bin Saud The meeting also discussed This is a result of: medical care they need Unless people follow all pre- Umm Slal, or Al Gharrafa health number of important issues, al-Musallam attending the authorising the Standardisation zVery high quality of care zProtecting the elderly and cautionary measures, the coun- centres. including the memorandum of meeting. Organisation to sign the agree- provided thorough the public those with chronic diseases. try may experience a second This is important as the earlier the presidency of the Stand- ment on translating the stand- healthcare sector for Covid-19 Even though restrictions wave of the virus and see num- the disease is detected the eas- ardisation Organisation re- fications and standards, the ards issued by the International patients — Qatar’s young popu- are being lifted, and numbers bers increasing. There are al- ier it will be to receive the right garding the follow up to the meeting discussed the adop- Electrotechnical Commission lation are declining, this does not ready signs of this happening treatment and recover from it. decisions of the Organisation’s tion of Gulf standards and (IEC) and the unifi ed fi nancial zProactive testing to identify mean that the Covid-19 pan- in other countries around the The MoPH urged the people to technical meetings No 42 and technical regulations and their system for implementing stand- cases early demic is over in Qatar. People world. visit its website for regular up- 43. With regard to the speci- amendments, in addition to ardisation services. zExpanding hospital capac- continue to be admitted with Now more than ever, people dates and new information. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 19, 2020 3 QATAR Italian embassy, QF Ashghal opens launch social media submissions for Green Award to all campaign to enhance its ongoing projects

he Public Works Author- ity (Ashghal) has an- science diplomacy Tnounced the opening of the entry submission for the By Joey Aguilar said this campaign is based on a Green Award for 2020. Staff Reporter series of video-clips by Italian The entries now include all and local QF researchers who the contractors of Ashghal’s highlight their ongoing research ongoing projects under the he Italian embassy in Doha projects and share their experi- Project Aff airs Department and Qatar Foundation ences of being part of Qatar’s and is no longer limited to T(QF) launched recently and QF’s RDI ecosystem. the projects within Ashghal’s a joint social media campaign The videos are a window to Roads Projects Department aimed at further strengthening the cutting-edge initiatives that (RPD), an offi cial statement the bilateral co-operation in the have the potential to bring about said. fi eld of research and science di- positive impact in Qatar and The expansion of the initia- plomacy between the two coun- Italy, as well as the wider inter- tive is aligned with Ashghal’s tries. national community. continuous improvement assessing the eff ectiveness of Award. The shortlisted projects Sharing a common interest The campaign, Prunas noted, strategy and its commitment to sustainability management will be visited on site and called in the area of scientifi c research also underlines the personal raise the bar on the implemen- across projects under imple- for a 15 minutes presentation and technology, the embassy commitment of scientists and tation of the best international mentation and rewarding com- each. Following this, the selec- said Qatar and Italy developed experts, who are devoted to their practices for environmental panies with outstanding and tion committee will confi rm close collaboration and partner- academic and professional ca- permitting processes and pro- continuous performance on the date of the awards cer- ship to face current and future reers in areas that are key to the cedures in Ashghal and the projects. It also aims to identify emony where the winners of global challenges with innova- future of the next generations construction sector. distinguished sustainability the Overall Green Award and tive solutions and by enhancing such as environmental policies Launched in 2018 by Ash- practices on site and share in- Special Recognition Awards for human capacity through greater and sustainability, artifi cial in- ghal’s Quality and Safety De- novations and practical solu- 2020 will be announced. interaction among researchers telligence, precision medicine partment (QSD) and Roads tions with others for adoption The award has been proven and knowledge exchange. and recently, the coronavirus Projects Department (RPD), on a wider scale. to be a great success and has The embassy highlighted QF’s (Covid-19) pandemic. Green Award is an annual The time-table for this year’s been selected as the “Best Gov- vital role in establishing and “These are just a few exam- award event developed in order event was formally released by ernment Initiative” for Sus- improving connections with Italian ambassador Alessandro Prunas promotes the joint campaign ples of areas of joint interest to encourage contractors and QSD on July 12 this year and the tainability policy by Qatar’s leading Italian research insti- with QF on Facebook. which are also top national pri- consultancies to adopt the best applications are requested to be Green Building Council 2019 tutes and universities, and en- orities in Italy and Qatar. ‘Sci- practices for environmental submitted by August 31, 2020. and it was recently shortlisted gaging them in Qatari research, tion of Doha-based Italian sci- Environment and Energy Re- ence diplomacy’ or as I like to and sustainability measures. It A selection committee will for the 2020 Sustainability Im- development, and innovation entists and experts as a means search Institute, which are part call it, ‘diplomacy for science targets all aspects including air be established with the repre- pact Awards by British Institute projects. to encourage new research, de- of Hamad Bin Khalifa University and research’ can be instru- quality management, ground- sentatives from the QSD and of Environmental Management “When I took offi ce few velopment and innovation part- (HBKU). mental in building bridges be- water recycling, carbon emis- Projects Aff airs Department. and Assessment (IEMA) in the months ago I had the chance to nerships between our countries”, “Collaboration is a crucial fac- tween the scientifi c communi- sions reduction, material recy- The selection committee will Sustainability Campaign for meet many Italian researchers he pointed out, adding that this tor for highly eff ective research. ties of our countries and bring cling and cost effi ciency. review all applications and Public Sector category. working at QF institutes, and I shared view led to a social media It contributes to both accelerat- about closer interaction for the The initiative is aimed at shortlist projects for the Green realised that there was a growing campaign produced by the em- ing scientifi c progress and it en- benefi t of people beyond bor- number of local projects involv- bassy, in collaboration with QF. hances quality of the work. Our ders,” the envoy said. ing top Italian research centres,” The initiative, which is now partnership with Italian research “The Covid-19 global emer- Italian ambassador Alessandro being promoted on Facebook and centres and scientifi c experts is gency has made us realise that Prunas said. Twitter pages of the embassy, part of QF RDI’s eff ort in placing we need to improve common Landmark “When I discussed with QF features leading Qatari entities Qatar at the forefront of scien- tools to respond to health crises the ways to enhance bilateral such as QF Research Develop- tifi c research and technologi- and this can be achieved by rein- Interchange co-operation, we felt it would ment and Innovation (RDI) and cal advancement and providing forcing the network of relations be essential to disseminate in- the internationally recognised solutions to national and global that are already in place between tunnel closure formation about existing QF Qatar Genome Programme, as needs”, Dr Richard O’Kennedy, our countries. Italy is eager to programmes to generate greater well as three national research vice president for Research, De- further increase diplomatic ef- from today awareness among the Italian sci- institutes: Qatar Biomedical Re- velopment and Innovation at QF forts to encourage research and entifi c research community, as search Institute, Qatar Comput- and vice president for Research scientifi c co-operation with Qa- The Landmark Interchange tunnel well as highlight the contribu- ing Research Institute, and Qatar at HBKU, said. The embassy tar,” he stressed. on Al Markhiya Street will be closed in both directions starting today, the Ministry of Interior has said. Motorists have been advised to use alternative Action over violations Construction waste routes. of public hygiene law removed in Umm Slal

Temporary closure of Al Khaleej Street

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced a temporary full closure of Al Khaleej Street and the underpass at the Gulf Interchange in both directions, in the section between Wadi Musheireb Interchange and Gulf Interchange from tomorrow (Thursday) until August 23. The closure in co- ordination with the Al Khor and Al Thakhira Municipality’s General Control General Directorate Section conducted 108 inspection tours in July and issued of Traffic is to enable 89 violation reports according to the stipulations of law Umm Slal Municipality’s General Control Section has spotted the completion of the users will be required to use install road signs advising no 18 for 2017 on Public Hygiene. Reconciliation was a violation of discarding of construction and demolition waste wearing course as part Ibn Mahmoud Street and Al motorists of the closure and made in 60 reports and eight referred to the security in violation of law no 18 for 2017 on Public Hygiene. The waste of the B-Ring Road Diwan Street, parallel to Al requested all to follow and departments concerned. In addition, the section removed was removed eventually in co-operation with the General Development Project. Khaleej Street, to reach their abide by the speed limit to one abandoned vehicle. Cleanliness Department. During the closure, road destinations. Ashghal will ensure safety. Qatar Airways refunds $1.2bn to passengers

From Page 1 the large volume of online requests crisis and continues to utilise its weekly fl ights to over 80 destina- and customer phone calls. full fl eet of 30 Boeing 787 and 49 tions worldwide via the Best Air- First, it increased its automation The airline has also worked hard Airbus A350 aircraft. port in the Middle East, Hamad capabilities, with customers being to make the refund and rebooking The airline’s variety of modern, International Airport (HIA). able to request their refund online, process as easy as possible for its fuel-effi cient aircraft has meant it Qatar Airways’ onboard safety from which point it can largely be trade partners, continuing to use the can continue fl ying by off ering the measures for passengers and cabin processed automatically. The air- industry standard global distribution right capacity in each market. Due crew include the provision of Per- line also automated travel voucher system (GDS) – a largely automated to Covid-19’s impact on travel de- sonal Protective Equipment (PPE) requests, so that passengers were process that is simple to use for travel mand, the airline has taken the de- for cabin crew and a complimen- able to receive a voucher within 72 agents – to pay out refunds. cision to ground its fl eet of Airbus tary protective kit and disposable hours of requesting it online. Although Qatar Airways is now A380s as it is not commercially face shields for passengers. Busi- In terms of manpower, Qatar seeing a decrease in the number of or environmentally justifi able to ness class passengers on aircraft Airways redeployed employees refund requests, it “remains com- operate such a large aircraft in the equipped with Qsuite can enjoy from other areas of the business mitted to honouring its policies” current market. the enhanced privacy this award- – for example its cabin crew and to passengers and trade partners. With entry restrictions around winning business seat provides, ground services staff – to join the Qatar Airways is one of the the world now easing, the airline including sliding privacy parti- airline’s global network of custom- few global airlines to have never continues to lead the recovery of tions and the option to use a ‘Do er contact centres to help manage stopped fl ying throughout this global travel, operating over 500 Not Disturb (DND)’ indicator. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, August 19, 2020 QATAR

Qatar ratifi es MP14 to address Qeeri at forefront of issue of unruly passengers atar has become the latest country to travel experience and work environment for ratify the Montreal Protocol of 2014 passengers and crew. Q(MP14), making it the 23rd country The Covid-19 situation is expected to globally and sixth in Africa & the Middle East bring additional challenges for airlines and Qatar’s solar vision region to give formal approval to the treaty, the crew such as risk of new types of unruly International Air Transport Association (IATA) behaviour, which includes failing to follow has said. instructions related to Covid-19 measures s part of its national vision, Qatar is energy conversion, which converts sunlight into MP14, properly named the Protocol to (for example, wearing of face masks) due to working to create harmony between electricity, is the most useful technology for the Amend the Convention on Off ences and Cer- the increased stress imposed on passengers Aenvironmental protection and eco- Middle East. Solar thermal energy – which har- tain Other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft, through new processes and their overall nomic growth and the projects being un- nesses sunlight to transform it into heat – is less is a global agreement that strengthens the travel experience, IATA said, adding this may dertaken at Qatar Environment and Energy appealing to desert environments, where solar powers of States to prosecute unruly passen- lead to increased disputes between passen- Research Institute (Qeeri) are a step towards irradiance is signifi cantly diff erent from other gers. gers or with the crew. fulfi lling this goal. regions. Solar energy is also, according to Dr It closes a legal gap under the Tokyo Conven- The ICAO Council’s Aviation Recovery Task Qeeri is a part of Qatar Foundation member Vermeersch, an inexpensive energy source. tion 1963, whereby jurisdiction over off ences Force (CART) guidance recognises the impor- Hamad Bin Khalifa University. Since mid-June, “If you look at more traditional gas turbines committed on board international fl ights rests tance of the issue of treatment of unruly and and continuing over a two-month period, Total’s or electrical distribution, there are very signif- with the State where the aircraft is registered. disruptive passengers and State role in manag- Gas, Renewables & Power branch – and specifi - Dr Marc Vermeersch Yousef al-Jaber icant operational costs,” says Dr Vermeersch. This causes issues when unruly passengers are ing and preventing such occurrences. cally its Paris-based T-lab – has expanded its so- “Solar is diff erent. It’s the cheapest source of delivered to the authorities upon landing in In addition to strengthening jurisdiction lar research zone at Qeeri’s Outdoor Test Facility. new low-carbon solutions to provide sustainable energy in most countries. It’s disruptive. The foreign territories. and enforcement, IATA and airlines are work- The extension, featuring three trackers, bi- energy for the future,” says Yousef al-Jaber, vice global message is: solar is the way to go.” “By ratifying the protocol, Qatar has ing on a range of measures to help prevent inci- facial modules, inverters, sensors and power president, Innovation & Change Management at It’s a message that is becoming increasing- proved its commitment towards aviation dents and manage them more eff ectively when optimisers, looks to improve the performance Total Qatar and acting director of Total Research ly louder, especially as Qatar moves into the safety despite the turbulent time that the they do happen. These include enhanced crew of Total’s photovoltaic components in desert Centre-Qatar, which is located in Qatar Foun- limelight as host of the FIFA World Cup Qa- world and the industry are going through due training and raising awareness with passengers conditions. The zone will also monitor per- dation’s Qatar Science & Technology Park. “We tar 2022. With a global focus on sustainable to Covid-19,” IATA said in a statement yes- of the potential consequences of unruly be- formance in real time and validate the results therefore decided to push the boundaries of our energy and Qatar’s exceptional sun exposure, terday. haviour on board. through simulation tools. innovative capabilities towards new limits.” experts believe the country can’t aff ord not to Following the ratifi cation of 22 states, MP14 IATA said it also encourages states to review The project is part of not just Qatar’s vi- Total looked at key areas across the globe in move towards solar energy innovations. entered into force on January 1 this year, en- the eff ectiveness of the enforcement mecha- sion, but Total’s increasing move into sus- order to fi nd the right ecosystem to test, deploy “It’s the right time,” says Marc-Antoine hancing the capacity of States to curb the es- nisms available to them in line with ICAO tainable energy. The company aims to reach and commercialise its cutting-edge solutions. Eyl-Mazzega, director of the Centre for En- calation in the severity and frequency of unruly Guidance on Legal Aspects of Unruly and Dis- zero carbon emissions within their operations The company ultimately found the perfect ergy & Climate at the French Institute of In- behaviour on board aircraft. ruptive Passengers (ICAO Document 10117), by 2050, and is therefore investing highly in partner in Qeeri, with the institute’s extreme ternational Relations in Paris. “All stars are In July, Qatar became the latest country to which gives information on how civil and ad- low-carbon solutions. desert conditions and commitment to sustain- aligned for this type of project to take off .” ratify MP14, IATA said. ministrative fi nes and penalties can be used to In addition to the solar research zone at able energy research. Since 2013, Qeeri has been “This is clearly a region of strategic impor- Unruly and disruptive passenger incidents supplement criminal prosecutions. Qeeri, Qatar recently signed an agreement dedicated to addressing the country’s energy tance,” says Eyl-Mazzega. “They understand on board fl ights include physical assault, har- Qatar joins a growing list of States from the with Total, alongside Japan’s Marubeni, to and water security challenges. that wasting energy costs a lot of money and assment, smoking or failing to follow crew in- Middle East that are parties, including Jordan, build a solar power plant that will be capable Dr Marc Vermeersch, executive director of costs a lot in political capital in the climate structions. These incidents may compromise Kuwait and others. “Hopefully, this will incen- of producing 800MW – meeting 10% of Qa- Qeeri, says the new solar research zone is in line change agenda.” Ultimately, the new solar re- fl ight safety, cause signifi cant delays and op- tivise countries in the region and globally to tar’s peak electricity demand. with what he worked towards during his nine search zone will benefi t not just Qatar and the re- erational disruption and adversely impact the follow suit.” “Total aims to develop and commercialise years at Total. He says that solar photovoltaic gion, but similar climatic areas around the world.

“Despite the current pandemic, we have quickly adapted to bringing the symposium online as we firmly believe that the need to network and educate within the clinical fraternity is an ongoing process. The live Sidra Medicine to participate transmissions are also a testament to our focus on medical education and the sharing of best practice methodologies with peers from all over the world” in virtual cardiac symposium

idra Medicine, a member of Qa- “Despite the current pandemic, we tar Foundation, will be partici- have quickly adapted to bringing the Spating in the 23rd Annual Paedi- symposium online as we fi rmly believe atric and Adult Interventional Cardiac that the need to network and educate Symposium (PICS-AICS) from Sep- within the clinical fraternity is an on- tember 11 to 13. going process. The live transmissions PICS-AICS is one of the largest are also a testament to our focus on cardiac symposiums dedicated to the medical education and the sharing latest breakthroughs in the treatment of best practice methodologies with of patients with congenital and struc- peers from all over the world,” Hijazi tural heart diseases. said. More than 2,000 healthcare profes- The live interventional cardiac sionals are expected to join PICS-AICS procedures relayed from Sidra Medi- this year. cine’s Heart Centre in Qatar will be Sidra Medicine will also transmit conducted on two patients born with via broadband Wi-Fi two live inter- congenital heart defects. The proce- ventional cardiac procedures from dures will be led by Prof Hijazi, who its brand new state-of-the-art Car- is also the executive chair of medi- diac Catheterisation Laboratory at its cine and the medical director the Heart Centre, to the PICS-AICS del- Heart Centre, Dr Younes Boudjem- egates on September 13. line, director, Cardiac Catheterisa- “I am very proud to see the Sidra Prof Ziyad M Hijazi tion Laboratories and Dr Hesham Medicine banner flying high at in- al-Saloos, medical co-director of the ternational symposiums and show- a key role in advocating for cutting Heart Centre. casing our world-class expertise and edge therapies to care for children The Sidra Medicine Heart Centre teams from Qatar conducting com- and adults with congenital heart dis- provides preventative, medical and plex procedures. Our virtual pres- ease,” said Prof Ziyad M Hijazi, who surgical care for patients with congen- ence at PICS-AICS this year is part is the founder of PICS-AICS as well ital heart disease (including adults) or of our commitment to optimising as the acting chief medical officer at acquired heart conditions in children healthcare for patients and playing Sidra Medicine. and young people.

200kg food items destroyed

Al Shamal Municipality’s heath control section has carried out an inspection campaign on foodstuff shops at the Harbour Market, and 200kg of food items were destroyed after they were found unfit for human consumption.

Mercedes-Benz cars recalled

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry follow up on vehicle defects and repairs. (MoCI), in co-operation with Nasser Bin Khaled The MoCI said that it will co-ordinate with Automobiles, has announced the recall of the dealer to follow up on the maintenance Mercedes-Benz C Class, CLK Class, CLS Class and repair works and will communicate with and E Class models of 2005-2006. customers to ensure that they carried out the The recall is over the adhesive joint between necessary repairs. the glass cover and the frame of the sliding The ministry urged all customers to report sunroof not meeting manufacturer’s specifica- any violations to its Consumer Protection and tions. As a result, the adhesive power of the ad- Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which hesive joint may decrease and the sliding roof processes complaints, inquires and sugges- panel may detach from the vehicle completely. tions through the following channels: The recall campaign comes within the Call centre: 16001, e-mail: [email protected], Twitter: framework of the MoCI’s continuous eff orts to @MOCIQATAR, Instagram: MOCIQATAR, MoCI protect consumers and ensure that dealers mobile app for android and iOS: MOCIQATAR Congratulations Gulf Publishing & Printing Company

extend their sincere and hearty congratulations to

on receiving Seven Prestigious Awards from Global Finance Middle East 2020

Best Consumer Digital Bank in Qatar, Best Online Product O ering, Most Innovative Digital Bank, Best Online Cash Management, Best Trade Finance Service, Best Mobile Banking App, and Best in Social Media Marketing and Service.

We wish them continued progress and success Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, August 19, 2020 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

Kuwait reports CONFLICT Russian jets 643 virus cases, bomb towns in three deaths Abbas says Palestinians not northwest Syria The Kuwait Ministry of Health Jets believed to be Russian bombed announced yesterday, 643 several towns in rebel-held north- new cases of the coronavirus western Syria in a new flare-up of (Covid-19) during the past 24 violence since a Turkish-Russian worried about Israel-UAE deal deal that halted major fighting hours, raising the tally in the country to 77,470 cases, QNA nearly six months ago, witnesses said. War planes flying at high reported. Ministry’s spokesman Reuters days, when a trilateral agree- a move which the United States Abdullah al-Sanad said in a Ramallah ment between the Emirates, says it will not consent to for altitude, which tracking centres said statement carried by Kuna Israel and America was an- “some time” in order to focus were Russian Sukhoi jets, dropped news agency that three deaths nounced.” on implementing the agree- bombs on the Harbanoush and were recorded as a result alestinian President Israel, long shunned by ment. Sheikh Bahr Nahr areas where from contracting the disease, Mahmoud Abbas said most countries in the region, In a rare sign of unity, Ab- makeshift camps house tens of bringing the total number of Pyesterday that Pales- on Thursday agreed with the bas’ meeting at his presiden- thousands of displaced families. deaths recorded in Kuwait so tinians were not concerned UAE to forge full relations, tial compound was attended by “There were over 20 raids we have far to 505 cases. He added about the normalisation deal angering Palestinians who groups including the Hamas, monitored by Russian jets stationed that the new cases included between Israel and the United have long looked to oil-rich which rules Gaza. in Hmeimim air base,” said Abdullah contacts with previously Arab Emirates, referring to the Gulf states for support in their Although senior Palestin- Sawan, a volunteer plane spotter confirmed cases, and others accord as “nonsense”. quest for statehood. ian offi cials have called for an whose network covers the Russian under investigation for the In his first public remarks “They (the UAE) have turned urgent meeting of the Arab air base in the western coastal source of infection. Al-Sanad since the US-sponsored deal their backs on everything: the League over the deal, few coun- province of Latakia. Russian jets pointed out that the number was announced last week, rights of the Palestinian people, tries have come to the Palestin- this month bombed mountainous of people receiving medical Abbas accused the Gulf state the Palestinian state, the two- ians’ defence in wake of the areas in Latakia where rebel fighters care in the ICU had reached 101 of turning its back on Pales- state solution, and the holy city agreement. are dug in and civil defence wit- cases, while 7,692 cases in total tinians living under occupa- of Jerusalem,” Abbas said dur- Kuwait said its position to- nesses said jets struck a camp for are still receiving necessary tion in the West Bank and an ing a meeting of factions in the wards Israel is unchanged. displaced people near the town of medical care. Earlier yesterday, Israeli-led blockade in Gaza. West Bank city of Ramallah. The Palestinians seek a state Binish in Idlib province that killed at the Kuwait Ministry of Health However, Abbas said: “We Abbas, 84, accused the UAE in the West Bank, Gaza and East least three civilians. announced the recovery of 610 President Mahmoud Abbas gestures during a meeting with the aren’t worried about the non- of trying to justify the deal by Jerusalem, territory Israel cap- people during the past 24 hours, Palestinian leadership to discuss the UAE-Israel deal to normalise sense that happens here and arguing it helped stop Israeli tured in the 1967 Middle East bringing the total number of relations, in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, yesterday. there and especially in recent annexations in the West Bank, war. ENVIRONMENT recoveries from Covid-19 in Mauritius arrests Kuwait to 69,243 cases. Meanwhile, the Oman Ministry captain of of Health said yesterday that the Japanese spill ship total number of Covid-19 cases in the country had reached 83,418. Sudan in rebel deal Hariri murder verdict disappoints Mauritius has arrested the captain The ministry added that the of a Japanese bulk carrier that ran total number of Covid-19 related aground off its coast, causing a death cases stood at 597, while for army integration former PM supporters in Lebanon devastating oil spill in one of the the number of recoveries stood world’s most pristine maritime at 77,977, Oman’s News Agency environments, police said yesterday. The MV Wakashio struck a coral (ONA) reported. Reuters years and a transitional gov- AFP suspects after a years-long watch a live stream of the ver- Juba ernment took power. Beirut trial. dict, 5,664 days after the blast reef off the Indian Ocean island on The government and the Judges at the court also said rocked the city. July 25 and began spilling oil on Sudan People’s Liberation there was no evidence to di- Rafi k’s sister, Bahia, her- Aug 6, prompting the government Air strikes launched udan and a major rebel Movement-North (SPLM- upporters of late Leba- rectly link Hezbollah’s leader- self an MP, was among the to announce a state of environmen- on various Gaza sites group signed an agree- N) held talks in neighbour- nese ex-premier Rafi k ship or Syria to the attack. crowd when the verdict blasted tal emergency. The spill spread over Sment yesterday to inte- ing South Sudan and reached SHariri voiced disap- For some of Hariri’s support- through the loudspeakers. a vast area of endangered corals, Israeli occupation helicopters grate the rebels into the army an agreement that covers the pointment yesterday over the ers in Lebanon, the verdict let Several lawmakers and poli- aff ecting fish and other marine life bombed yesterday several sites within 39 months, signato- southern Nuba Mountains verdict of UN-backed court on Hezbollah off the hook. ticians were also in attendance in what some scientists have called to the east of Rafah city in the ries said, the latest in a slew and the Blue Nile states, said his 2005 assassination, despite “At the end of the day, those at the site, guarded by a heavy the country’s worst ecological southern besieged Gaza Strip, of agreements between the Tut Gatluak, the South Su- Hariri’s son hailing a triumph accused are leaders of Hezbol- contingent of security forces. disaster. Emergency crews man- QNA reported. The occupation’s Sudanese government and danese chief mediator, late on for truth. lah,” said Amin Baroudy, a uni- But rather than anger, the aged to remove most of the ship’s helicopters conducted a raid on long-running insurgencies. Monday. The Special Tribunal for versity student from the north- prevailing mood among Hariri remaining oil before it split in two a plot of agricultural land, located Sudan’s ruling council and Yasir Arman, deputy head Lebanon found Salim Ayyash, ern city of Tripoli. supporters was one of wide- on Saturday. “We have arrested the near the non-operational Gaza rebel groups restarted peace of the Sudan People’s Lib- a member of the Hezbollah, Baroudy spoke to AFP from spread disappointment. captain of the vessel and another Airport, to the east of Rafah, caus- talks in October 2019 to end eration Movement-North guilty over the huge suicide near Hariri’s Beirut grave, “We’re now sure that the member of the crew. After having ing material damage, according the confl icts after widespread (SPLM-N), described the bombing in Beirut killed the where dozens of the former court is a joke,” said Walid al- been heard by the court they have to WAFA News Agency. protests toppled leader Omar security agreement as billionaire and 21 other people. prime minister’s supporters Hayek, a Hariri supporter from been denied bail and are still in al-Bashir after a rule of 30 “historic”. But it cleared three other had gathered during the day to the eastern Bekaa Valley region. detention,” Inspector Siva Coothen told Reuters.

LEGAL Court bans top Mutinying soldiers detain lawyer from Mali president and PM representing journo A Zimbabwe court yesterday or- dered a top rights lawyer be barred from representing a prominent Reuters with pre-recorded programming. Bamako It was not immediately clear who was journalist because she allegedly leading the mutineers, who would gov- ran Facebook pages critical of the ern in Keita’s absence or what the muti- country’s justice system. ali President Ibrahim Boubacar neers’ motivations were. The magistrate court in Harare Keita and top government of- A military spokesman said he had no ruled that Beatrice Mtetwa — an Mfi cials were detained yester- information. internationally acclaimed lawyer day by mutinying soldiers in the capital The M5-RFP coalition behind mass who has been at the forefront of Bamako, plunging a country already protests since June calling for Keita defending the country’s human facing a militant insurgency and mass to resign signalled support for the rights activists — be removed from protests deeper into crisis. mutineers’ action, with spokesman representing award-winning journal- Keita’s detention at his residence in Nouhoum Togo telling Reuters it was ist Hopewell Chin’ono. southwestern Bamako followed hours “not a military coup but a popular in- Chin’ono faces charges of inciting of uncertainty after soldiers mutinied surrection”. violence for his role in promoting in the morning at the Kati military Rumours earlier in the day that the protests against corruption in late base outside Bamako and rounded up a mutineers had detained Keita prompted July that were banned and led number of senior civilian offi cials and hundreds of anti-government protest- to a government crackdown on military offi cers. ers to pour into a central square to cel- dissent. The state accused Mtetwa Prime Minister Boubou Cisse had ebrate and chant that it was time for him of writing contemptuous letters to earlier appealed for dialogue and urged to resign. the country’s magistrates and high mutineers to stand down, before drop- The protesters have blamed Keita for courts, and of running Facebook ping from view. corruption and worsening security in pages that denigrated the courts. Two security sources later told Reu- the north and centre of the West African ters Keita had been seized and the Afri- country where militants are active. can Union said Cisse was also in deten- A mutiny in 2012 at the same Kati HEALTH tion. base led to a military coup that top- Iran to wait for Mali’s state broadcaster went offl ine pled then-president Amadou Toumani after the spate of detentions, before Toure and hastened the fall of Mali’s WHO approval on coming back on air in the early evening north to militants. Russia vaccine Iran said yesterday it would wait for the World Health Organisa- tion’s approval before buying a coronavirus vaccine unveiled last Long ‘lost’ elephant shrew week by Russia. Russia said on August 11 that it had developed the world’s first vaccine off ering found in Horn of Africa “sustainable immunity” against Covid-19 and was in the final stage of human trials. “We are waiting for the international commu- AFP Paris nity, including the World Health Organisation, (before) we buy the vaccine from Russia,” said Alireza or half a century scientists feared Zali, a member of Iran’s anti-Covid that the Somali elephant shrew taskforce. Fhad vanished from the face of the Earth. No one had seen so much as a whisk- PEACE EFFORT er. But the tiny mammal with its prob- Faction of DR ing trunk-like nose was quietly thriving This handout photo shows the first-ever in the arid, rocky landscape of the Horn photo of a live Somali Sengi or Somali Congo rebel group of Africa, researchers said yesterday. elephant shrew. surrenders The elusive, insect-eating creature is neither an elephant nor a shrew. It is a But during an expedition last year Almost 500 fighters from a faction sengi — a distant relation to aardvarks, scientists found the animals still roam- of one the largest armed groups elephants and manatees — the size of a ing the wild, discovering that the Somali in eastern Democratic Republic of mouse, with powerful legs that allow it sengi is not confi ned to Somalia at all. Congo have surrendered to the to run at speeds of nearly 30 kilometres The research mission was looking for government just over a month after an hour. diff erent kinds of sengis in Djibouti, the they attempted to overthrow the The Somali sengi has been lost to sci- small Horn of Africa coastal nation that group’s leader. Soldiers from the ence since the 1970s, leaving just the 39 borders Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea. NDC-R, a rebel group seen as hav- preserved specimens held in the world’s The team set up more than 1,250 traps ing close ties with the national army, natural history museums as the only fi lled with peanut butter, oatmeal and sang and danced before handing physical evidence that it ever existed. yeast extract in 12 areas in Djibouti, bu- over an assortment of small arms at The Global Wildlife Conservation oyed by speaking to local communities, a ceremony on Monday in the vil- group even included it on its “25 most where people could readily recognise lage of Kashuga, about 75km north wanted lost species” list. the animals from photographs. of Goma. Wednesday, August 19, 2020 7 QATAR

On the International Humanitarian Day Qatar Charity ... continuous efforts to confront Corona inside and outside Qatar

atar Charity is among patients, in addition to providing and motorcycles to distribute the top 10 institutions sanitary bags for workers. food baskets during the Corona to combat Corona in pandemic, which received media Awareness and preventive Qatar ... This is what coverage for this unique event. campaigns were organized for QIpsos confirmed, according to workers by distributing personal As part of the urgent response a poll conducted by it, another hygiene tools, sterilizers, and to the outbreak of the virus, distinction that has been added masks, as well as awareness Qatar Charity has established to the series of Qatar Charity’s leaflets in different languages. 14 community isolation units in successes in the field of its northern Syria, in cooperation with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. In Sudan, Qatar Charity sent a 7-ton medical aid plane that included personal protection materials and equipment for medical personnel working in the Corona confrontation. Medical aid to Qatar Charity has reached several countries, including Lebanon, Tunisia, Palestine, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Yemen, Mali, Chad, and Kenya.

International agreements Since the beginning of the outbreak, Qatar Charity has humanitarian interventions, as Across the world been keen to contribute to the Qatar Charity’s efforts were not international efforts exerted limited inside Qatar, but extended Qatar Charity has provided unlimited support to several to limit the spread of the virus through its urgent assistance in and has begun in cooperation countries around the world to agreement reached 1.5 million no small number of the world with the United Nations High through its field offices, through a confront the Coronavirus. She has dollars not even prevented rough roads Commissioner for Refugees to campaign it launched to confront provide emergency assistance It also implemented, the COVID 19 virus. from reaching the beneficiaries, like what happened in Indonesia, to Syrian refugees throughout in cooperation with the as Qatar Charity teams used horses Lebanon, and the value of this United Nations Office for Within Qatar the Coordination of Refugee Qatar Charity, in cooperation Affairs, the establishment of 14 with the Ministries of community isolation units, at an Administrative Development estimated cost of $ 1.6 million. and Labor and Social Affairs And 2,800 camp residents benefit and the Ministry of Health, was from it. keen to reach those affected To meet the humanitarian by the pandemic of workers, needs resulting from the outbreak families with limited income, of the Coronavirus in Syria and and members of the communities Jordan, Qatar Charity and the residing in Qatar, as it provided United Nations Children’s Fund them with assistance and services. (UNICEF) signed two agreements The number of beneficiaries of worth $ 2 million to provide water, all the aid provided is more than sanitation, and hygiene services to 1,168,952 . Syrian refugees in Jordan. Qatar Charity has also fully Corona, as an awareness campaign Corona and works to publish equipped two buildings for Awareness campaigns was launched on social networks illustrated educational brochures health isolation for workers in the The cooperation between Qatar targeting children and parents to that encourage adherence Industrial Area. Charity and UNICEF also included enhance their protection. to preventive behaviors and adherence to precautionary The building includes 213 rooms awareness-raising efforts to This campaign bears the measures. that accommodate about 852 protect against the dangers of slogan of heroes in the face of A story based on the efforts of Qatar Charity’s field teams Although he was infected with the Coronavirus, a doctor continues to perform his humanitarian duties from a distance “Providing life-saving support was treated with some Analgesics, during the pandemic” is the which did not require him to take slogan of this year’s International more precautions towards his sick Humanitarian Day, which falls on colleague and continued his work as August 19. usual. This day is devoted to But his colleague’s condition remembering the sacrifices and became sour, and it was confirmed the efforts made by Qatar Charity that he was infected with the field teams and other humanitarian Coronavirus, and from here began institutions around the world to Dr. Mustafa’s journey with the virus, confront this epidemic and limit its where he also discovered that he spread. was infected with the disease, which At the time when everyone has requires complete isolation from his left their workplace to shelter in pregnant wife and his three-year- their homes, hoping to protect them old child. from the evil of the Coronavirus, Dr. Mustafa says that the most which has spread like wildfire Dr. Mustafa Haj Omar challenging thing is his daughter’s around the world, other groups attempt to approach him, but he used such as doctors, volunteers, and humanitarian work with Qatar to prevent her and try to understand humanitarian workers have chosen Charity, as he is the health official her in a way that suits her. to provide aid to those affected by at the Qatar Charity office in this epidemic, although the risks Gaziantep, Turkey. The responsibilities of the doctor involved. were not limited to his small family With the spread of the disease in only during this crisis because he was Dr. Mustafa Haj Omar is one Turkey at that time, the Crisis Cell responsible for implementing the of those heroes who contracted decided to transfer work from the Corona pandemic response projects the virus as a result of continuing office to the home remotely. at Qatar Charity Organization in their work to provide humanitarian Syria, which are multiple and varied After controlling the situation, Dr. service to people in an exceptional projects and form an essential part Mustafa returned to his workplace work remotely with the help of some A sense of responsibility and a This pandemic that has begun situation, specifically on the of the response of humanitarian and was committed to all safety painkillers, especially since his noble humanitarian message did not to wane will inevitably pass, but Syrian-Turkish borders. organizations working in the health measures until one of his colleagues infection with the virus coincided discourage this heroic humanitarian these inspiring stories will remain sector. Dr. Mustafa did not only provide in the office became ill with a health with the announcement of the first work and other heroes to continue stuck in the minds and a source of treatment to the affected peoples condition that was diagnosed with Due to the responsibility, Dr. cases of Corona discovered in the humanitarian work despite the inspiration for all humanitarian but he combined medicine and an asymptomatic infection that Mustafa continued to perform his regions of northern Syria. injury. workers. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, August 19, 2020 AMERICAS

DECISION POLICY HEALTH CONTROVERSY ANNOUNCEMENT Trump rejects proposal to New York hotel guests California resident Mexican president shows Venezuela’s Constitutional cut military healthcare to fill out health forms diagnosed with plague alleged bribe taking video Assembly to end in Dec

President Trump said he has rejected a Pentagon New York City hotels and short-term rentals A resident of South Lake Tahoe, California, has Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Venezuela’s pro-government Constitutional proposal to cut military healthcare by $2.2bn. must require travellers from states with high tested positive for plague, the state’s first case Obrador yesterday showed a video allegedly Assembly will end operations in December Politico reported that Pentagon off icials working coronavirus infection rates to fill out health of the highly infectious disease — known as the revealing two former off icials receiving bribes, when a new legislature will be elected, on Defence Secretary Mark Esper’s cost-cutting forms before giving them rooms, mayor Bill de “Black Death” during the Middle Ages — in five amid a corruption scandal involving a former President Nicolas Maduro said, in a vote review of the defence department had proposed Blasio said yesterday. The mayor’s executive years, health off icials said yesterday. El Dorado adviser to ex-president Enrique Pena Nieto. boycotted by the opposition. The Constitutional slashing military healthcare by $2.2bn. “A proposal order is an attempt to enforce New York’s 14-day County health off icials said in a statement Pena Nieto’s former strategist Emilio Lozoya last Assembly, which took power in July 2017 by Pentagon off icials to slash Military Healthcare quarantine rule for travellers from 33 US states that they suspected the person was bitten by week claimed that multi-million-dollar bribes amid mass protests that left more than 100 by $2.2bn has been rejected by me. We will do and territories. “If they don’t have that form from the plague-infected flea while either walking from Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht had people dead, became the country’s de facto nothing to hurt our great military professionals & the traveller, they should not give them access their dog in the Tahoe Keys area or along the financed the presidential campaign that brought congress following opposition control of the heroes as long as I am your president,” Trump said. to their room, period,” de Blasio said at a press Truckee River Corridor in east-central California. him to power in 2012. Lozoya also accused Venezuelan legislature, the National Assembly. The cut proposed to the military health system conference. The mayor also urged New Yorkers Their investigation was still in progress. Signs Pena Nieto and his then finance minister Luis Its members, all government supporters, were over the next five years came as part of an eff ort to avoid visiting those states. His move comes have been posted around South Lake Tahoe to Videgaray of buying votes for structural reforms chosen in elections deemed illegitimate by the by Esper to eliminate ineff iciencies within the as off icials in New York are concerned about a warn of the presence of the plague and how to in 2013 and 2014 including the opening up of the opposition, the US and many European and Pentagon’s coff ers, Politico reported. travel-linked resurgence in cases. prevent exposure, they said. energy sector. Latin American nations.

Trump pardons Trump lashes women’s suff rage out at Michelle leader

Guardian News and Media Washington for ‘extremely

onald Trump has an- nounced he will pardon DSusan B Anthony, who was arrested in 1872 for voting, in violation of laws permitting divisive’ speech only men to do so. The act of executive clemency AFP “Donald Trump is the wrong US presidential nominating was announced at a White House Milwaukee president for our country,” she conventions are traditionally ceremony marking the 100th an- said. “He has had more than raucous events featuring rousing niversary of the 19th amendment enough time to prove that he speeches, balloons and confetti to the US constitution, which ex- resident Donald Trump can do the job, but he is clearly and thousands of delegates from panded the right to vote to women. yesterday lashed out at in over his head. He cannot meet around the country. Anthony was fi ned $100 for Pformer fi rst lady Michelle this moment.” But the Democratic conven- her illegal act, a half-century Obama after she delivered a After a night of hard-hitting tion in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before the expansion of the fran- scathing takedown of his leader- attacks on Trump from Michelle and next week’s Republican chise. “Signing a full and com- ship on the opening night of the Obama, Vermont senator Bernie event in North Carolina have plete pardon for Susan B Antho- Democratic convention. Sanders and others, including been forced to go almost entirely ny,” Trump said.“She was never “I thought it was a very divi- several Republicans, the con- online because of the Covid-19 pardoned.” sive speech, extremely divisive,” vention yesterday featured re- outbreak. Trump had announced his Trump told reporters at the marks by two former presidents Larry Saboto, a professor of intention of pardoning some- White House. — Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. politics at the University of Vir- one “very, very important” in a “Frankly, I would not even Jill Biden, the candidate’s ginia, gave the Democrats’ virtu- conversation with reporters on be here if it wasn’t for Barack wife, is also scheduled to speak al convention a thumbs-up after Monday. Obama,” he said. “I would be along with New York Represent- the fi rst day. In the past, Trump has exer- building buildings someplace ative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, “This show, this longest polit- cised the power of executive clem- and having a good time.” a rising star in the progressive ical TV ad ever, isn’t designed for ency in favour of friends, such as In her pre-taped remarks to wing of the party. the junkies but for people who the political strategist Roger Stone the convention — which has Former president Obama will dip in for 10 minutes before go- and the former police commis- gone almost entirely online be- speak today along with 2016 ing back to Netfl ix,” Sabato said. sioner Bernie Kerik, or Republi- cause of the coronavirus pan- Democratic presidential nomi- “And that’s smart.” can favourites, such as the com- demic — Michelle Obama urged nee Hillary Clinton and Biden’s Biden is leading Trump in the menter Dinesh D’Souza and Lewis Americans to rally behind Dem- running mate, California senator polls ahead of the November 3 “Scooter” Libby, former aide to ocrat Joe Biden, her husband Kamala Harris. election and the Republican in- vice-president Dick Cheney. Barack Obama’s former vice The convention is to culminate cumbent has been desperately Trump has also extended president, in November’s presi- tomorrow when the 77-year-old seeking to persuade Americans clemency to historical fi gures dential election. Biden will formally accept the that the Covid-19 crisis is be- such as Jack Johnson, the boxing Biden “will tell the truth, and Democratic nomination and de- hind them and that the situation champion convicted in 1913 of trust science,” she said in a jab liver his acceptance speech. is improving. travelling with a white girlfriend. at Trump, who has been ac- The selection of Anthony for cused of ignoring the advice of Fraud ‘could lead to re-do of election’ a posthumous pardon could scientists on how to respond to a be meant to address Trump’s health crisis which has left some President Donald Trump a substantial lead in public yawning popularity gap among 170,000 Americans dead and yesterday said a massive opinion polls. Trump does not women voters. millions without jobs. shift to mail-in voting in have the authority to reschedule Women voters express a pref- In unprecedented criticism the November presidential an election. A national election erence for Biden by a margin of of a sitting US president by a election could cause so many “re-do” has never occurred in 56%-42%. former fi rst lady, she painted problems off icials might have the more than 200 years the One of history’s best-known Trump as a man who lacks the to re-do the vote. Trump has US has held elections, including suff ragists, Anthony became competence, character and de- said repeatedly and without during the Civil War, the Great the fi rst woman to appear on US cency for the job. evidence that a shift to universal Depression and two world wars. currency when dollars with her “Whenever we look to this mail-in voting — something “It will end up being a rigged likeness were minted in 1979. White House for some leader- most states have not proposed election or they will never come During the 2016 election, Hil- ship, or consolation, or any sem- doing — will lead to fraud in the out with an outcome,” Trump lary Clinton supporters took blance of steadiness, what we get November 3 election, when he told reporters yesterday.”They’ll “I voted” stickers from polling President Donald Trump speaks before signing a proclamation on the 100th anniversary of the instead is chaos, division and a faces Democratic challenger have to do it again, and nobody places and stuck them to Antho- ratification of the 19th Amendment during an event in the Blue Room of the White House in total and utter lack of empathy,” Joe Biden who currently holds wants that.” ny’s gravestone. Washington, DC, yesterday. she said.

Wait for Covid-19 test Kamala Harris chooses Pioneer Trump 2016 campaign head as her Secret Service code name

Kamala Harris has reportedly turned first lady, is Muse. ‘colluded with Russian spy’ chosen her Secret Service Vice-president Mike Pence’s code name, and it is one name is Hoosier, a nod to his with resonance for the first state, Indiana. AFP place just as Russian GRU in- the current presidential race in black woman and first Indian His wife, Karen Pence, is Washington telligence and a government- Trump’s favour. and Jamaican American Hummingbird. linked social media operation Much of the Senate report re- to be part of a major party Barack Obama’s Secret actively sought to tilt the elec- peats the conclusions of the jus- presidential ticket: Pioneer. Service code name was he chairman of Presi- tion toward Trump. tice department special counsel Harris chose the name from Renegade, while first dent Donald Trump’s Manafort “was secretly investigation of Robert Mueller. a list provided by her new lady Michelle Obama was T2016 election campaign communicating with a Russian Mueller outlined numerous protectors after being picked Renaissance. secretly shared campaign in- intelligence offi cer...while the contacts between the campaign as Joe Biden’s running mate Jonathan Wackrow, a former formation with a Russian intel- Russian intelligence operation and Russia, but, because his last week, CNN first reported, Secret Service agent, told ligence offi cer, posing a “grave” to assist Trump was ongoing,” focus was on whether crimi- citing an anonymous law current employer CNN that espionage threat to the US, a US the report said. nal acts took place, he simply enforcement off icial. code names tended to suit Senate report said yesterday. “Taken as a whole, Mana- concluded that there were no Biden, the Democratic personalities. Before and during his nearly fort’s high-level access and grounds for charges. nominee for president, is still “With Obama,” he said, six months on the Trump cam- willingness to share informa- “The special counsel’s in- using the name he had when “Renegade is a great paign, Paul Manafort, a veteran tion with individuals closely ability to ‘establish’ a criminal vice-president to Barack example: how he went Republican political consult- associated with Russian intel- conspiracy between the Trump Obama: Celtic. against the establishment in ant, directly and indirectly ligence services, particularly campaign and Russia does not Family members of those some of the things that he communicated with Konstan- Kilimnik and associates of Oleg convey the breadth and com- protected can choose names had done.” tin Kilimnik, identifi ed as a Deripaska, represented a grave plexity of the threat presented beginning with the same Other presidential Russian intelligence offi cer, and counterintelligence threat.” by their actions,” the senate re- letter. codenames have included Oleg Deripaska, a Russian oli- The Senate report, the fi nal port says. Biden’s wife, Dr Jill Biden, is Lancer, for John F Kennedy, garch close to Vladimir Putin, product of a three-year inves- Trump has repeatedly denied Capri. It was not immediately head of a supposed new the Senate Intelligence Com- tigation into Russian election colluding with or reaping sup- known what name Douglas “Camelot”; Deacon, for the mittee said. meddling in 2016, described port from Russia, calling inves- Emhoff , Harris’s husband, has ardently religious Jimmy “On numerous occasions, numerous incidents in which tigations a “witch hunt.” chosen. Carter; Searchlight, perhaps Manafort sought to secretly the Trump campaign actively Manafort, who was dropped Property magnate-cum- an ironic choice for the share internal campaign infor- sought the help of Moscow and from the campaign in August president Donald Trump, notably shady Richard Nixon; mation with Kilimnik,” includ- WikiLeaks to damage the cam- 2016, nearly three months before whom Biden will face at and Rawhide, for Ronald ing polling and strategy details, paign of Trump rival Hillary the election, had known Kilim- the polls in November, also Reagan, once a star of it said. Clinton. nik and Deripaska for years from goes by an appropriate code Hollywood westerns. While the reason for the The report came as US in- his work with them in Ukraine, name: Mogul. Bill Clinton gloried in the sharing was not clear, the re- telligence has warned of active where he was a political consult- New York university students wait on line for a Covid-19 test Melania Trump, former model code name Eagle. port said, it noted that it took Russian attempts to interfere in ant, the report notes. before school opens in New York. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 19, 2020 9 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

New Zealand’s Ardern hits back at Trump over coronavirus ‘surge’

Reuters cifi c country of 5mn people was New Zealand?” Trump said. globally will quite easily see that at about 0.44, is one of the low- are in place in other towns and without any community trans- Wellington in the grip of a “terrible” upsurge “They beat it, they beat it, it was New Zealand’s nine cases in a day est in the world thanks to strict cities. mission earlier this month. in Covid-19 cases, having earlier like front page they beat it ... be- does not compare to the United lockdowns enforced early in the The origin of the latest out- With an election due in mid- succeeded in eliminating the dis- cause they wanted to show me States’ tens of thousands, and in pandemic. The United States has break is still unknown, but au- October, Ardern is keen to remind ew Zealand Prime Min- ease. something. “The problem is ... big fact does not compare to most a death rate of 5.21 per 100,000, thorities earlier yesterday ruled voters of her government’s track ister Jacinda Ardern hit Thirteen new infections were surge in New Zealand, you know countries in the world,” she told one of the highest in the world. out the possibility that it came record on fi ghting the virus. Nback yesterday against US confi rmed in New Zealand yes- it’s terrible. We don’t want that.” reporters. “Obviously it’s pat- New Zealand has fared far bet- from frozen food items or freight. “Every other single country in President Donald Trump for say- terday, taking the country’s total Ardern said there was no com- ently wrong,” she said of Trump’s ter than most countries during “Seems clear now that the possi- the world has experienced resur- ing her country is experiencing a number of cases since the pan- parison between New Zealand’s comments. “We are still one of the the pandemic, but an abrupt re- bility is being ruled out from that gence. We went longer than many, “big surge” in Covid-19, calling demic began to 1,293, with 22 handful of new cases a day and best-performing countries in the surgence of Covid-19 last week in investigation,” Director General our outbreak is certainly not as the remarks “patently wrong”. deaths. This compares with the the “tens of thousands” reported world when it comes to Covid ... Auckland prompted the govern- of Health Ashley Bloomfi eld told signifi cant as what we are see- Trump sparked uproar in New US tally of more than 5.2mn cases in the United States. our workers are focused on keep- ment to extend a lockdown for the reporters. ing in Vietnam, in Hong Kong, in Zealand when he told a crowd in and 170,000 deaths. “I think anyone who’s follow- ing it that way.” New Zealand’s city’s 1.7mn residents until Aug. New Zealanders celebrated South Korea or in Australia,” she Minnesota that the South Pa- “You see what’s going on in ing Covid and its transmission death rate per 100,000 people, 26, while social distancing rules when the country passed 100 days told state broadcaster TVNZ. Thailand school S Korea ‘Hunger Games’ protests spread tightens Reuters not be punished, but also warned Bangkok that there was a limit to how far they should go. Prayuth told reporters he was upils at more than a dozen willing to listen to the students Thai high schools raised but questioned the motives of Pthree-fi nger “Hunger some. “I heard from some stu- Covid-19 Games” salutes during the na- dents that those that don’t want tional anthem yesterday in a to take part in these actions gets sign of spreading support for bullied into doing it,” he said. student-led anti-government Protesters accuse Prayuth of protests. holding on to power unfairly af- A health off icial wearing protective gear sprays disinfectant on the street near the Sarang Jeil Church, a Demonstrations that began on ter elections last year under rules new coronavirus infection cluster, in Seoul yesterday. university campuses have taken drawn up his junta. He says the curbs place almost daily since mid- elections were fair. July in an increasing challenge to Apart from the political de- Reuters up social distancing to higher the ruling establishment in the mands, some pupils complain Seoul levels, and that would have a big Southeast Asian country that has of a school system which em- impact on our economy and peo- long been dominated by the army phasises obedience and tradi- ple’s livelihoods,” Prime Minis- and the monarchy. tion, from lining up daily for the outh Korea tightened social ter Chung Sye-kyun told a news High school protests during national anthem to strict rules distancing rules yesterday conference after an emergency morning assemblies began in at on uniforms, haircuts and be- Sas it reported a three-digit meeting. least eight schools on Monday. haviour. “Students see politics increase in novel coronavirus At least 457 infections have The three-fi nger salute has been through the lens of school life cases for a fi fth day and authori- been linked to the Sarang Jeil a symbol of calls for democracy that lacks democracy and has ties scrambled to trace hundreds Church, 10 of whom were con- since Prime Minister Prayuth many highly authoritarian ele- of members of a church congre- fi rmed to have attended anti- Chan-ocha fi rst took power in a ments,” said Prajak Kongkirati, a gation. government demonstrations on 2014 coup. political scientist at Thammasat The Korea Centers for Disease the past two weekends in Seoul, Some students also wore white University in Bangkok. Control and Prevention (KCDC) Vice Health Minister Kim Gang- ribbons to show their support for “What we are witnessing is the reported 246 new cases as of lip told a briefi ng. protesters, who seek Prayuth’s beginning of a social revolution.” midnight on Monday, bringing Authorities were trying to departure, a new constitution A hashtag that translates as its total infections to 15,761, with trace some 500 other members and an end to the harassment of #WhiteRibbonAgainstDictator- 306 deaths. of the congregation to tell them activists. Some students have ship was used nearly 1 million South Korea has been one of to self-quarantine and get tested also called for reforms to the times on Twitter while others the world’s coronavirus mitiga- as they posed the highest trans- monarchy, once a taboo subject. trending included #ThreeFin- tion success stories but it has mission risk, Kim said. This was “I want to show that I don’t gersForNationalAnthem. suff ered repeated spikes in cases. the second time a church was at like dictatorship and want true Videos shared on social me- Two days after re-imposing the centre of a serious outbreak A medical staff in a booth takes test samples for the coronavirus from a visitor at a testing station in Seoul. democracy,” said one 17-year-old dia show some teachers trying to stricter social distancing in in South Korea. In February, au- student who joined the protest at stop students from giving the sa- Seoul, the government expanded thorities struggled with an out- tan area of 25mn population this Two new cases were reported and stage 3 the toughest, when a government school on Monday lutes, but in other schools teach- the curbs to include the port city break that emerged in a secretive week, it can not only halt the in the military, bringing the total schools are shut, businesses are and said she did not want to be ers have joined in raising their of Incheon, while ordering the Christian sect in the city of Dae- daily routine of everyone but also number of infections on bases to advised to work from home and named for fear of reprisals after hands.Increasing support for the closure of nightclubs, karaoke gu, which turned into the coun- put the safety of the elderly and 88, the defence ministry said. gatherings limited to 10 people. pressure from teachers. protest movement was evident in bars, buff ets and cyber cafes. It try’s deadliest cluster. the weak at risk,” KCDC deputy Some 461 military personnel Seoul is at stage 2 but Kwon The school did not respond to Bangkok on Sunday when more also banned all in-person church The KCDC has warned that the director Kwon Jun-wook told a were in quarantine, and all troops said the eff ort was at a “grave a Reuters request for comment. than 10,000 people joined the services and indoor gatherings of new cases posed a greater crisis briefi ng. have been confi ned to base, with crossroads” and stage 3 might Education Minister Nataphol biggest demonstration for years. 50 people or more and outdoor than the earlier church outbreak Another cluster has been leave cancelled and visits halted. be inevitable. “High-risk gath- Teepsuwan said at an educa- High school students said they ones of 100 or more. and could swamp the health sys- traced to a Starbucks Corp out- Authorities have set out social erings in the greater Seoul area tional fair in Bangkok on Monday were planning further protests “If we can’t get the virus under tem. “If we fail to contain the let outside Seoul with seven new distancing rules in three stag- could spread nationwide,” he that the students had the right to today, including one at the Min- control now we’ll have to notch spread in the Seoul metropoli- cases taking the tally there to 49. es, with stage 1 the least strict said. express themselves and should istry of Education. Strong quake hits central Philippines Melbourne in lockdown

AFP lice chief Captain Alvin Guerina Cataingan told AFP that several patients, in- cluding a pregnant woman about to go into labour, were evacuated 6.6-magnitude earth- from a hospital as a precaution in quake shook the central case of aftershocks. So far at least APhilippines yesterday, 14 aftershocks have been recorded sending residents fl eeing their by the Philippine seismology of- homes and damaging buildings fi ce, with the strongest register- and roads, with at least one per- ing at a magnitude 3.5. A video son killed. posted on Facebook and verifi ed The shallow quake struck by AFP shows light damage to a southeast of Masbate Island in food market in Cataingan. the Bicol region at 8:03am, the US Overturned buckets and small Geological Survey said. fi sh were scatted on the ground “There are a lot of damaged and chunks of cement had fallen houses,” said Staff Sergeant An- from a pillar. People stood out- tonio Clemente in Cataingan, a side on the street. Philippine Red town of about 50,000 people on Cross chairman Richard Gordon the impoverished island several tweeted photos taken by his col- kilometres west of the epicentre leagues showing buildings in Cat- in the Samar Sea. “It was really aingan with corrugated iron roofs strong.” fallen in. Other photos taken in Local radio station reporter nearby Uson town show a sealed Christopher Decamon said he road with a large crack across it. A person wearing a face mask walks down an empty sidewalk as the city operates under lockdown saw emergency workers pull the The quake was felt hundreds of in response to an outbreak of the coronavirus in Melbourne, Australia. body of a man from the rubble of kilometres away. a three-storey house on the out- In the city of Iloilo about skirts of Cataingan. The man’s 400km southwest of Masbate in wife escaped unharmed. The the neighbouring Visayas region, Australian Covid-19 infections set to hit one-month low earthquake “was really strong. residents ran out onto the streets. Our people were broadcasting at “It was strong, dizzying,” po- the time but they just ran out of lice Colonel Eric Dampal told Australia was on track yesterday course to post its lowest one-rise after the Victorian capital Mel- the building,” Decamon told AFP AFP. “Almost everyone inside to record its lowest one-day since 212 cases on July 18. The bourne imposed a nightly curfew, by telephone. buildings rushed to the streets. rise in new Covid-19 infections likely national figure is well below tightened restrictions on move- Police confi rmed the man’s Up to now, they’re still outside.” in a month, buoying hopes that the more than 700 infections ment and ordered large parts of the death. So far there have no other The Philippines is situated on a stringent lockdown in the detected in a single day earlier state’s economy to close. Australia’s reports of casualties but search the Pacifi c “Ring of Fire”, an arc country’s second-most populous this month, although authori- biggest biotech company CSL Ltd, and rescue eff orts are still under of intense seismic activity that state has prevented a fresh wave ties urged some caution. “We meanwhile, said it was in talks with way. The quake struck as the ar- stretches from Japan through of cases nationally. Victoria, the shouldn’t hang everything on a AstraZeneca to determine if the chipelago battles surging num- Southeast Asia and across the Pa- epicentre of Australia’s lat- single day’s result, but overall the potential Covid-19 vaccine being bers of coronavirus infections, cifi c basin. est Covid-19 outbreak, said it trend is good,” Victoria state’s developed by the British drugmak- with more than 164,000 cases A 6.8-magnitude quake struck detected 222 cases in the past 24 Chief Health Off icer Brett Sutton er could be manufactured locally. and restrictions on movement the southern island of Mind- hours, while the country’s most told reporters in Melbourne. “We are assessing the viability of that vary across the country. anao in December, killing at least populous state, New South Wales, Australia has now recorded nearly options ranging from the fill and A lockdown aff ecting a quar- three people, injuring dozens and reported three new infections. 24,000 cases of Covid-19, while the finish of bulk product imported to ter of the population, including damaging buildings. It hit as the Although not all other states death toll rose to 438 after 17 peo- Australia through to manufacture the capital Manila, will be eased island was still recovering from a had reported on Monday, most ple in Victoria died from the virus of the vaccine candidate under li- A partially damaged house is seen amid debris in Masbate Wednesday. string of deadly quakes in Octo- have eff ectively eliminated the in the last 24 hours. The slowdown cence,” a company spokeswoman Province, after an earthquake struck the Philippines yesterday. In Masbate’s Palanas town, po- ber. virus, putting the country on in new infections comes two weeks said in an emailed statement. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, August 19, 2020 BRITAIN

Court overturns rapper’s conviction for girlfriend’s drug death

Guardian News and Media Winchester crown court in Feb- ecution was incapable of proving of survival had she been pro- was for the manslaughter con- City actor John Michie, with alone, in woods, while she was London ruary last year. causation to the criminal stand- vided with medical treatment at viction, and the court of appeal 2-CP at the festival before she suff ering a “bad trip”, and he had But the conviction and his sev- ard of proof.” 9.10pm, nearly fi ve hours after has not ordered a retrial. died. not realised she was at risk of en-year sentence were quashed In the ruling, Burnett set out she took the drug. Broughton’s conviction for Stephen Kamlish QC, for death. he rapper Ceon Broughton yesterday on grounds of insuffi - how Broughton made attempts Given that the criminal stand- supplying Fletcher-Michie with Broughton, told the court of ap- Kamlish added: “So in our has had his conviction cient evidence to meet a criminal to get help as he realised Fletch- ard of proof requires jurors to be the hallucinogenic intoxicant peal: “The crown cannot prove, submission, when one looks at Tfor the manslaughter of standard of proof. er-Michie was unwell, telling a sure “beyond reasonable doubt”, 2-CP at the festival stands. now or at trial, that she would the learned judge’s direction as his girlfriend overturned by the Explaining the decision of friend to “get the medics” and Burnett said the expert’s evi- He previously admitted sup- have lived had she been treated. to the ease or diffi culty of obtain- court of appeal. the three judges, Lord Burnett sending a pin of his location in dence was “not enough”, so the plying her with drugs at the Glas- What the crown are arguing now ing help, if Louella could walk Louella Fletcher-Michie, 24, said the expert evidence on the the wooded area using Google issue of whether Broughton tonbury festival, in June 2017, is that by depriving the deceased by herself it was diffi cult.” He died after taking the drug 2C-P likelihood of Fletcher-Michie’s Maps. caused his girlfriend’s death by and was in breach of a suspended of the chance of surviving via said Deakin addressed whether at the Bestival music festival in chances of survival had she re- The judge said the only expert gross negligence should not have prison sentence imposed for pos- medical treatment she would medical intervention could have September 2017. ceived treatment sooner was jurors had to rely on as to wheth- been left to the jury to decide. sessing a lock knife and a Stanley have lived but that also means helped at trial while other experts Broughton, 31, who raps under “not capable of establishing cau- er Broughton’s actions contrib- It is expected Broughton will knife blade. she might or might not have focused on the cause of death. the stage name CEONRPG, was sation to the criminal standard”. uted “signifi cantly” to Fletcher- be released, as he has served his The original trial heard that lived.” Kamlish said the prosecution convicted of manslaughter by “Taken at its highest, the Michie’s death had suggested she remaining sentence. Broughton supplied Fletcher- He said Broughton had felt evidence did not prove causation gross negligence after a trial at evidence adduced by the pros- would have had a 90% chance Seven years of the sentence Michie, daughter of the Holby unable to leave Fletcher-Michie against the defendant. Oldham feared to be on brink of ‘catastrophic’ virus lockdown

Guardian News and Media tion to get the disease under con- London trol is beginning to work. There were 197 new cases in Oldham in the week to August 15, ldham in Greater Man- compared with 255 the previous chester is 48 hours away week. Ofrom potentially being In an attempt to stave off a ordered into a “catastrophic” and full lockdown, Oldham offi cials “premature” local lockdown, its have written to central govern- council leader has warned. ment off ering to tighten local Ministers are expected to de- restrictions – including banning cide tomorrow whether to order households from meeting inside the closure of the town’s restau- or outside – and stepping up en- rants and gyms in the fi rst local forcement action by police and lockdown in England since the environmental health offi cers. hospitality businesses reopened The closure of restaurants last month. and shops would make no The town has the highest coro- “measurable diff erence” to People walk outside the Marks&Spencer shop amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease, in Oxford Street, London, yesterday. navirus infection rate in England the transmission of the virus despite restrictions on social vis- in Oldham, Fielding said, be- its imposed three weeks ago. cause the vast majority of new However, fi gures due to be re- cases were spreading between leased today show the number of households.“I don’t think it new cases is declining. would be based on science or Sean Fielding, the council based on evidence if we were to Govt scraps health agency leader, said that being “pushed” be pushed into a local lockdown.” into a full Leicester-style lock- He said it would also be very down would be disastrous for diffi cult to enforce as Oldham is Oldham’s already struggling “completely and utterly inter- economy and would not be connected” within Greater Man- “based on evidence”. chester and neighbouring West criticised for Covid response “Everything that is within our Yorkshire. power we are doing, and there is Fielding added: “The impact Reuters as the National Institute for faced criticism for its initial re- guilty without a trial”. crisis, but the middle of a pan- some early evidence that is hav- of a local lockdown economically London Health Protection, which will sponse to Covid-19, including “Undoubtedly, there are ques- demic is not the time to disman- ing an eff ect on the infection on Oldham would be catastroph- have responsibility to protect the slow increases in testing, aban- tions to be answered about Eng- tle England’s public health agen- rate,” he said.“But we do need ic and we desperately want to public health from pandemics doning a programme of wide- land’s handling of the Covid-19 cy,” he said. more time to see if that has really avoid that.” ngland will scrap the gov- and infectious diseases. spread contact tracing, and not played out. The town, which is about 10 ernment agency respon- “I want to make sure that we sharing infection locations with “I do think that moving into a miles north-east of Manchester, Esible for responding to have the best possible system, local public health officials. Depression doubled during pandemic: study local lockdown would be really is currently covered by the re- public health emergencies after having learned everything we’ve Some public health offi cials premature.” strictions ordered by Matt Han- the country suff ered the high- learned during this crisis so far,” have accused the government of The proportion of people said. The data raises questions Leicester became the fi rst UK cock on July 31 banning people est death rate in Europe from the said Health Minister Matt Han- shifting the blame for their own in Britain suff ering with about the wider public health city to be placed in local lock- from visiting family and friends coronavirus pandemic. cock. mistakes on to PHE ahead of a depression has almost costs of a pandemic that down on June 29 when its in- and from socialising with other Opposition parties and health Dido Harding, the current public inquiry that will scrutinise doubled during the Covid-19 has already left Britain with fection rate was 135 cases per households in pubs or restau- experts questioned why Public head of the contact tracing serv- the response to the crisis. pandemic, off icial data showed the highest excess mortality 100,000 people. rants. Health England (PHE), a cor- ice, will run the new institute. Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday. The Off ice for rate among major European The latest validated fi gure for Fielding appealed to ministers nerstone of the state-run health England has suff ered 55,634 imposed a lockdown later than National Statistics (ONS) said countries, according to a Oldham is 83.1 cases per 100,000 to give local authorities more fi - system with responsibility for excess deaths from coronavirus, many other countries, which 19% of adults reported some recent ONS analysis. Adults people in the week to August 15, nancial support to tackle the vi- managing infectious disease out- according to Reuters calcula- government advisers now say form of depression during who were young, female, down from 107.5 a week earlier. rus. breaks, was being scrapped with tions, with a surge that lasted led to thousands of avoidable June, compared with 10% in disabled or unable to aff ord Transmission of the virus had He said Oldham council was the pandemic still ongoing. longer and spread to more plac- deaths. the nine months to March an unexpected expense were spread rapidly in Oldham prima- “down £20mn in our budget” PHE will have many of its es than those in other hard-hit Richard Murray, chief execu- 2020. Stress and anxiety were most vulnerable to depression rily through the more deprived and having to consider cutting functions merged with the gov- European nations like Italy and tive of The King’s Fund health the most common types of during the pandemic, the streets of terraced housing, al- essential services such as em- ernment’s contact tracing serv- Spain. charity, said Public Health Eng- depression listed by people, it figures showed. though offi cials believe local ac- ployment support. ice into a new body to be known Public Health England has land “appears to have been found

Under-fi re minister defends JP Morgan hires govt over exams fi asco ex-chancellor Javid Guardian News and Media Javid will off er expertise relat- Reuters U-turn was the latest failing by was clear that the system wasn’t London ing to the UK on the EMEA advi- London Johnson’s government in its re- delivering what we believed, and sory council. sponse to the pandemic, follow- what we’d been assured that it He will join the former Italian ing criticism it was slow to im- would do, and the fairness that we he former chancellor Sajid economy and fi nance minister ritain’s education minister pose a lockdown, failed to provide all expect it to deliver...then fur- Javid has been hired as a Vittorio Grilli and Esko Aho, the yesterday tried to defend a enough protective equipment to ther action had to be taken, that’s Tsenior adviser to JP Mor- former prime minister of Fin- BU-turn over a school exam healthcare staff and bungled a what I did,” Williamson told Sky gan in a return to his career in land, on the council. grading system used to replace plan to get pupils back to school. News. banking. Javid worked in JP Morgan’s cancelled tests, which opponents More than 41,000 Britons have A snap opinion poll published on Javid resigned in February af- currencies and emerging mar- said was another example of the died in the pandemic, tens of Monday showed 75% of respond- ter Boris Johnson asked him to kets business in New York in the government’s incompetent han- thousands of jobs have been lost, ents thought the government had sack all of his advisers in a move 1990s, and then moved to Deut- dling of the Covid-19 pandemic. and life is far from returning to handled the situation badly and by No 10 to seize control of the sche Bank before entering poli- On Monday, the government normal. 40% thought Williamson should Treasury. tics. ditched a mathematical model “The Tories’ handling of these resign. He said he would not quit. He will join the former Labour A JP Morgan spokesman said: used to assess grade predictions results sums up their handling The change also puts pressure prime minister Tony Blair, who “We are delighted to welcome made by teachers which had of this pandemic: incompetent,” on universities, as more students was hired as a global adviser at Sajid back to JP Morgan as a sen- lowered results for almost 40% opposition Labour leader Keir have obtained the grades needed the US bank in 2008. ior adviser, and we look forward of students taking their main Starmer said on Twitter. to get into their fi rst choice insti- Javid will join a panel of out- to drawing upon his in-depth school-leaving exams. Johnson and Education Min- tution. side experts on the bank’s Eu- understanding of the business University places depend on ister Gavin Williamson were Williamson said the govern- rope, Middle East and Africa ad- and economic environment to the results but many students lampooned on the front pages of ment was working on how to visory council. help shape our client strategy found their grades had been newspapers yesterday after what boost their capacity. He will continue as an MP and across Europe.” downgraded, meaning they failed the papers described as a “humili- “This will cause challenges his work with JP Morgan will The role has been approved by to meet their provisional off ers. ating” U-turn, which days earlier at this late stage in the admis- be strictly governed to guard the advisory committee on busi- The action only came after days the government had ruled out. sions process — capacity, staffi ng, against revealing internal gov- ness appointments at the Cabi- of criticism of the algorithm from Facing the media yesterday, placements and facilities — par- ernment policy and privileged net Offi ce, which oversees jobs distraught students, angry teach- Williamson said the government ticularly with the social distance information. taken by former ministers and ers and disgruntled lawmakers had acted after realising there measures in place,” Universities JP Morgan did not comment senior civil servants. from Prime Minister Boris John- were “too many anomalies”, sug- UK, the body which represents on Javid’s salary but it is not ex- Ministers must seek the pan- son’s own ruling Conservative gesting the blame lay with offi - the sector, said. pected to be on the same scale as el’s approval if they want a job Party as well as the opposition. cials behind the algorithm. The government’s decision re- Blair, who was reportedly paid within two years of leaving a Opponents said the exams “The right thing to do...when it fers only to England. Sajid Javid: new role more than £2mn a year. ministry. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 19, 2020 11 EUROPE

UN Security Council discusses disputed Belarus vote, protests

AFP held during a closed-door meet- for avoiding the escalation into Belarus is gripped by mass Reinsalu told the UNSC that the international peace and security,” fi gures who participated in the United Nations ing on Yemen, under a portion of violent confl ict,” he said. “Today’s protests against disputed elec- election results “were faked” and according to a Chinese statement. council, saying that any response the session reserved for discus- meeting sends a signal that we tions earlier this month in which described the situation as “highly Lukashenko’s closest rival would be taken within the limits sion of “any other business.” are closely following the events in Belarusian strongman Alexander vulnerable.” Svetlana Tikhanovskaya fl ed to of the law. The United Nations Security Estonian Foreign Minister Ur- Belarus and make sure the secre- Lukashenko claimed victory and China, however, said the situ- neighbouring Lithuanian after Yet the authoritarian leader Council held a discussion on Be- mas Reinsalu told the 15-mem- tary-general receives the support a sixth term. ation in Belarus was not a matter declaring victory in the vote and has come under fi re from EU larus yesterday in which members ber Council that it “has a key re- necessary to use his preventive Belarus’s security forces bru- for the Security Council. Beijing’s announced the creation of the governments and rights groups were urged to do everything they sponsibility in the prevention of diplomacy toolbox where neces- tally dispersed the massive street permanent representative to the Coordination Council to ensure for arresting nearly 7,000 dem- can to stop the crisis from escalat- violent confl ict and mass atroci- sary. “This Council shall remain demonstrations that erupted fol- UN, Zhang Jun, “emphasised, the transfer of power. onstrators, with many detainees ing. ties,” according to a statement. engaged with the situation and lowing the August 9 vote which what’s happening in Belarus is the Lukashenko warned that the complaining of inhumane treat- Estonia and the United States “Using preventive diplomacy at receive update of events if the de- the opposition said was rigged country’s internal aff air, and does authorities would take “adequate ment and torture in detention requested the dialogue, which was all levels is of utmost importance velopments so require,” he added. to ensure Lukashenko’s victory. not pose any threat to regional or measures” against opposition centres.

Poland’s Belarus leader health minister decries ‘attempt resigns Reuters Warsaw

oland’s Health Minister Lukasz Szumowski said to seize power’ Pyesterday he was resigning from his post, the second resig- Reuters „Lukashenko awards medals to nation in two days from the min- Minsk istry, which has faced growing security forces; Interior ministry urges Opposition supporters protest against disputed presidential elections results at Independence Square in criticism for its handling of the police to stay in post; Putin warns Minsk yesterday. coronavirus crisis. he nascent political op- Szumowski’s approach in the position in Belarus es- Merkel, Macron against meddling early stages of the pandemic Ttablished a council inside made him Poland’s most trusted the country yesterday, a move politician in April, but his image President Alexander Lukashenko has been dented by scandals sur- denounced as an attempt to seize rounding the purchase of venti- power 10 days after an election lators and masks. Szumowski that has triggered mass demon- has denied any wrongdoing. strations. Many of Belarus’s major op- Polish PM position fi gures are either in jail Mateusz or in exile, including presiden- tial candidate Sviatlana Tsikha- Morawiecki later nouskaya, who fl ed the country said that he would after the vote her supporters say she won. announce the new Olga Kovalkova, representing health minister’s Tsikhanouskaya at a press con- name by the end of ference to launch the new oppo- sition council, said she expected the week Tsikhanouskaya would soon re- Former National Academy Theatre director and ex-culture turn to Minsk, to act as a guaran- minister Pavel Latushko, Maria Kolesnikova, an ally of Svetlana “I would like to inform you tor in a negotiated transition of Tikhanovskaya, Olga Kovalkova, a member of Svetlana that today I am resigning ...I de- power. Tikhanovskaya’s staff , lawyer Maksim Znak and Sergei Dylevsky, cided it was that time,” he told a “We are operating solely protest leader at the Minsk Tractor Works (MTZ), hold a press news conference, adding that he through legal means,” Kovalkova conference devoted to the opposition’s creation of a Co-ordination Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko chairs a meeting with members of the Security Council in had initially planned to resign said. “The situation is critical. Council yesterday. Minsk, Belarus, yesterday. early this year but had stayed on The authorities have no choice to deal with the developing cri- but to come to dialogue. The sit- 26 years, with workers going on off its badges, who will protect ternet to followers to rise up, but Security Council that the army have had a diffi cult personal re- sis. Polish Prime Minister Ma- uation will only get worse.” strike at state factories long seen those Belarusians while the other remain peaceful. had gone on full alert at the west- lationship. teusz Morawiecki later on Tues- Earlier, in televised remarks as bastions of his support. After part takes to the street to give its Hundreds of protesters chant- ern borders, describing “internal The European Union is gear- day said that he would announce to his Security Council of top videos appeared on the Inter- opinions?” ing “shame” gathered at a theatre problems” as part of an external ing up to impose new sanctions the new health minister’s name brass, Lukashenko described net showing some police offi c- Earlier yesterday, Lukashenko in Minsk yesterday in solidarity threat. on Belarus offi cials. European by the end of the week. The an- the opposition council as “an ers throwing their uniforms into awarded medals “for impecca- with its director, who was fi red Attention is fi rmly focused on offi cials say the situation in Be- nouncement came a day after attempt to seize power” and dustbins, the Interior Ministry ble service” to law enforcement for speaking out in support of the how Russia will respond to the larus is diff erent from Ukraine’s Deputy Health Minister Janusz promised to take “appropriate acknowledged yesterday that offi cials who have helped him opposition. They were due later biggest political crisis facing an six years ago, in part because the Cieszynski announced he was measures” to halt it. Since of- some police had quit. It issued crack down on protesters. At to converge on a prison where ex-Soviet neighbour since 2014 Belarus opposition is not neces- leaving the ministry. fi cial results declared him the a plea for others to stay at their least three protesters have been Tsikhanouskaya’s husband has in Ukraine, when Moscow inter- sarily seeking to loosen ties with Both Szumowski and Cieszyn- election winner with 80% of the post. killed and thousands detained in been detained. vened militarily after a friendly Russia, merely to get rid of Lu- ski had faced calls to quit over vote, Lukashenko seems to have “We will not judge the small the crackdown that followed the “All of this outrageous, un- leader was toppled by public pro- kashenko. alleged irregularities in buying underestimated the strength of proportion of police offi cers who election. fair lawlessness shows us how tests. German Chancellor Angela masks and purchases of ventila- public anger in a country suf- have today left the service out of Tsikhanouskaya, a 37-year-old this rotten system works, where Of all former Soviet republics, Merkel, French President Em- tors which did not arrive. Poland fering economic hardship and a personal convictions,” the Inte- political novice who emerged as one person controls everything,” Belarus is closest to Russia cul- manuel Macron and EU foreign has seen a spike in coronavirus coronavirus epidemic that he has rior Ministry press offi ce said in an unexpected consensus op- Tsikhanouskaya said in a video. turally, politically and economi- policy chief Charles Michel cases in recent weeks, driven in dismissed. a statement. position candidate after better- “One man has kept the country cally, with a treaty that proclaims spoke to Putin by telephone part by outbreaks among coal There have been increasing It said the protesters were a known fi gures including her in fear for 26 years.” the two countries part of a “un- yesterday. The Kremlin said miners. signs that the former Soviet col- minority, and most Belarusians activist husband were jailed or For his part, Lukashenko says ion state” with a Soviet-style Putin warned all three against The country of 38 million has lective farm boss is losing his grip wanted to live in peace: “If the barred from standing in the elec- the protests are being stirred up red fl ag. But Russian President foreign meddling in the affairs reported a total of 57,876 corona- on the country he has ruled for entire police force today takes tion, has issued calls via the in- from abroad. Lukashenko told his Vladimir Putin and Lukashenko of Belarus. virus cases and 1,896 deaths.

Italy’s teachers worry about French PM meets children Merkel rules out easing rules liability with school opening as German virus cases spike Head teachers in Italy, already bracing for the looming school year under Covid-19 AFP Germany earlier this month introduced protocols, are now demanding Düsseldorf, Germany they not be held legally free, mandatory tests for anyone responsible for any infections returning from areas deemed a high in their establishments. School hancellor Angela Merkel authorities have expressed warned yesterday there risk for Covid-19 infections, including concern over the start of the Ccould be no further relaxa- tourist hotspot Mallorca academic year on September 14, tion of coronavirus restrictions especially after a recent uptick while Germany grapples with a in recent weeks reported an aver- Large events are still banned in cases of infection in young surge in new infections. age of well over 1,000 new cases in Germany until August 31, and people. She urged Germans to follow a day, compared with around Merkel’s comments suggest or- “It is unthinkable that a head the rules on hygiene precautions 350 in early June. “This is a trend ganisers will face a longer wait teacher could be blamed over and reminded travellers returning that cannot continue and must before they can bring back the a case of infection... where the from risk areas that quarantine be halted,” Merkel told reporters. crowds. German authorities have health protocol has been fully was not an option “but a must” “When I say we need to pull in the already refused to back plans for applied,” Antonello Giannelli, so long as they could not show a reins I mean the rules need to be fans to return to football stadiums president of the National negative test. enforced very consistently.” when the Bundesliga season starts Association of Head Teachers, “We are seeing that an increase Germany earlier this month next month. Merkel said the pri- told AGI Italian news wire on in mobility and closer contacts introduced free, mandatory tests ority was to “keep economic life Monday. The group wants the French Prime Minister Jean Castex wearing a protective face mask speaks with children during his are leading to a higher number of for anyone returning from areas going” to protect jobs and to keep government to specify in an visit to a learning colony centre yesterday in Mondonville, Haute-Garonne, near Toulouse, southern cases,” Merkel told a press con- deemed a high risk for Covid-19 schools and daycare centres open. upcoming decree that head France. ference in Duesseldorf. “I believe infections, including tourist Schoolchildren across Germa- teachers cannot be held liable if there can be no further loosening hotspot Mallorca. ny have started returning to the they follow required directives (of restrictions) at this point,” she People awaiting their results classroom after the summer holi- when students or teachers said in her fi rst public comments must stay in quarantine at home days, facing a slew of new regu- are nevertheless found to be France makes masks compulsory at the office on the pandemic since returning until the test comes back nega- lations such as staggered arrival infected. According to new from her summer break. tive, Merkel said, warning that times and mask wearing in a bid protocols, each school must Germany has fared better than those who fail to comply face to contain the spread of the virus have a room where suspected France will make face masks summer holidays, masks will be of the government’s public health many European neighbours in fi nes. She also welcomed tougher and avoid new school closures. cases can be immediately compulsory in the workplace required gear in all shared, indoor council. suppressing the virus so far but checks on buses and trains to As of yesterday, Germany had isolated, but the head teacher from next month, the government work spaces, including meeting It took into account a growing like elsewhere, the number of make sure passengers were wear- recorded a total of 225,404 coro- does not have the power to said yesterday as it moved to add rooms, corridors, change rooms scientific consensus that the coronavirus cases has jumped ing face masks and keeping a safe navirus cases and 9,236 fatalities, decide whether or not to close open-plan off ices to a growing and open-plan off ices, Labour coronavirus is transmitted not signifi cantly over the summer distance. according to the Robert Koch In- the school. That decision falls list of places where people must Minister Elisabeth Borne told AFP. only in large drops projected holidays. Much of the rise has “If we comply with all of this, stitute (RKI) for disease control. to local authorities. Under new cover up to halt the quickening Borne met labour and business when a person coughs or sneezes, been blamed on returning holi- the good news is that much of The RKI has called Germany’s security protocols, all schools spread of the coronavirus. representatives yesterday to but also in smaller ones that can daymakers as well as parties and public life can carry on. Everyone upward trend in infections “very must ensure a distance of at By the time people in France discuss the new measure, which remain suspended in air breathed family gatherings. Germany has can do their bit,” Merkel said. concerning”. least 1m between pupils. return to work after the August she said was based on the advice out by infected people, she said. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, August 19, 2020 INDIA

APPOINTMENT INVESTIGATION POLITICS OFFBEAT EDUCATION Poll panel off icial Ophthalmologist held Pilot loyalists seek Dog bites goat, leads to SC reserves verdict quits, to join ADB for alleged IS links bigger role in govt clash between 2 brothers on final-year exams

Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa, who The National Investigation Agency (NIA) With the political crisis finally resolved in In a bizarre incident, a dog bit a goat and The Supreme Court yesterday reserved judgment was next in the line to head the poll watchdog, yesterday said it has arrested an Islamic State Rajasthan and the Congress setting up a three- this led to a violent clash between two on whether the final-year degree examinations yesterday resigned to take charge as vice- activist from Bengaluru for allegedly conspiring member committee to deal with issues in the brothers who owned the animals in Uttar in universities should be held before September president of the Manila-based Asian Development with Syria-based groups to carry out terror state unit, the party has acted by replacing Pradesh. Three persons were seriously 30, in accordance with University Grants Bank (ADB) next month. As election commissioner, activities in India. The counter-terrorism the general secretary in charge of the state. injured in the clash and one of them is said Commission (UGC) guidelines. The court will Lavasa grabbed headlines when he registered agency said 28-year-old Abdur Rahman, an However, challenges still lie ahead with MLAs to be in a critical condition. The dog was also decide whether state governments have the his dissent on the poll panel’s clean chit to Prime ophthalmologist at the M S Ramaiah Medical from the Sachin Pilot camp now demanding a also beaten to death in the incident which power to take a decision against conducting the Minister Narendra Modi and then Bharatiya Janata College in Bengaluru, was held on Monday bigger role in the government. The party has took place in Dhanaura village in Sonbhadra examinations under the Disaster Management Party president Amit Shah on alleged violation following a tip-off . The NIA said that Rahman assigned Ahmed Patel, K C Venugopal and Ajay district on Monday. According to reports, the Act. A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan of the Model Code of Conduct during the 2019 had confessed that he was conspiring with co- Maken to look into the aff airs of the state unit. brothers, Shankar Prasad and Ramrati live reserved the judgement on a batch of petitions Lok Sabha elections. Lavasa’s resignation comes accused Jahanzaib Sami and other Syria-based The committee will be meeting all stakeholders in adjoining houses. The goat belonged to questioning the UGC direction to universities to a month after the ADB appointed him as vice- Islamic State activists on secured messaging soon to deliberate on the issues and sources said Ramrati while Shankar Prasad was the owner conduct the exams before September 30. Several president for Private Sector Operations and Public- platforms to further the activities of the banned Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot would soon meet of the dog. The dog bit Ramrati’s goat. An governments have argued they have the power to Private Partnership. He succeeds Diwakar Gupta, terrorist organisation. He was allegedly in the party chief Sonia Gandhi. “We would not like to enraged Ramrati with his supporters went to promote students without exams in the backdrop whose term ends on August 31. Lavasa has held a process of developing a medical application for comment on the issue and the Bharatiya Janata his brother’s house and the verbal duel soon of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Solicitor range of senior posts, including Finance Secretary, helping injured Islamic State cadres in conflict- Party has made a mockery of the democratic became violent. Prasad’s wife and son, who General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the UGC, Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forests zones and a weaponry-related application for the process and has got a befitting reply” said tried to intervene, were attacked with roads said that the final year is the degree year and and Climate Change, and Civil Aviation Secretary. benefit of fighters aligned with the group. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera. and sticks. exams cannot be done away with. Millions face eviction amid coronavirus recovery push

Reuters removed were resettled, it said. New Delhi There is no offi cial data on evictions in India. Offi cials in Delhi and Mumbai, housands of people were which had evictions during the evicted across India dur- lockdown, did not respond to Ting lockdowns to con- requests for comment, while an tain the coronavirus pandemic, offi cial in Gurugram near Delhi, with millions more at risk of which also had an eviction, said being uprooted as authorities none took place then, and that push infrastructure projects to notice is generally given. spur economic growth, housing “These are illegal structures Migrant workers coming from other states, stand in a queue to get a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) for the Covid-19 at the Anand Vihar bus terminal in New Delhi yesterday. rights campaigners said. on public land. By removing At least 20,000 people were these structures and people who evicted from their homes between reside there, we are able to use March 16 and July 31, despite court the land in a manner that ben- orders that banned such actions efi ts more people,” said Hariom during lockdowns, according to a Attri, a joint commissioner. report published by the Housing Worldwide, eviction bans and Land Rights Network (HLRN) are ending as lockdowns lift, putting millions at risk of losing Shah back in hospital after in Delhi yesterday. In the last three years for their homes. The Indian govern- which HLRN has records, at least ment’s Housing for All plan aims 568,000 were forcibly removed to create 20mn urban homes and from their homes across India, 30mn rural homes by 2022. or 22 people every hour. But implementation has been Last year alone, more than slow, and campaigners say it recovering from Covid-19 107,600 people were evicted. does not address the issue of “India’s grave housing cri- homelessness. Agencies He had tweeted he would be India’s cases jumped by sis has been exacerbated by the Last month, federal authorities New Delhi in home isolation for a few more 55,079 yesterday, while deaths forced eviction and home dem- approved a plan to develop af- days on the advise of his doc- rose by 876 to a total of 51,797. olition of marginalised, low- fordable urban rental housing for tors. Cases have largely stabilised income communities – even migrant workers after millions of ome minister Amit Shah Shah is the highest-profi le in Mumbai and Delhi, but there during the Covid-19 pandemic,” labourers fl ed lockdowns that left was hospitalised again Indian politician to have been has been a steady rise in smaller said Shivani Chaudhry, HLRN’s many without jobs and homes. Hyesterday after com- infected with the coronavirus. cities such as Pune and Ben- executive director. The government is also map- plaining of fatigue and body On Monday, Kiran Mazumdar galuru. “Many of these evictions were ping rural residential areas and ache, four days after he said he Shaw, the head of pharmaceu- Authorities in the education likely carried out during the lock- legalising nearly 2,000 informal had recovered from Covid-19, tical company Biocon Ltd that and autos hub of Pune said late down to take advantage of the settlements in Delhi, enabling as cases in the country surged to makes Covid-19 medicines, on Monday that 51.5% of the curfew-like conditions, when millions of residents to get prop- more than 2.7mn. said she too had tested positive. people surveyed in fi ve of its movement of aff ected persons erty rights. Shah, a close aide of Prime “I have added to the Covid Shah: complains of fatigue and body ache. worst aff ected areas had shown was restricted and they did not Yet nearly 15mn people live Minister Narendra Modi and the count by testing positive. Mild the presence of antibodies, in- have access to legal remedies. under the threat of displace- virtual number-two in his cabi- symptoms and I hope it stays “I had my RT-CPR test on personnel to succumb to the dicating that the spread of the This is indefensible,” she said. ment from infrastructure and net, was admitted to the govern- that way,” the 67-year-old bio- August 15, which came negative, virus. virus was higher than reported. Nearly half of all evictions development projects, including ment-run All India Institute for tech queen tweeted. but I tested positive in the re- Sanjay Sharma was admit- “This is the only reliable in- were for so-called city beau- about 2mn people whose rights Medical Sciences in New Delhi, Earlier, Karnataka Chief Min- peat test on Monday night,” he ted to the Indian Spinal Injuries formation about the magnitude tifi cation drives, with infra- to forest land have been rejected, the hospital said in a statement. ister B S Yediyurappa and oppo- tweeted adding, “whoever met Centre on August 15 with com- of infection in the country,” said structure projects, conservation according to HLRN. “He is comfortable and con- sition Congress leader Siddara- me between August 16 and 18, plications of pneumonia. T Jacob John, a retired professor schemes and disaster manage- With the government keen tinuing his work from the hos- maiah tested positive and got should ideally get the test done.” However, he tested positive of clinical virology at Christian ment also being reasons for dis- to boost economic growth in pital,” it said, adding he had now discharged after treatment at a Garg is the tenth Uttar for coronavirus later. Medical College in Tamil Nadu. placement, according to HLRN. the wake of the pandemic, peo- tested negative for Covid-19. private hospital. Pradesh minister to have tested India has reported the world’s “The antibody surveys are In nearly all cases, authorities ple living at sites earmarked for Shah, 55, was discharged Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh positive for the coronavirus. third-largest number of infec- telling you that the actual in- did not follow due process in- mines, ports, dams and high- from the private Medanta Hos- Minister of State for Health Atul Also yesterday, a Delhi police tions after the United States fection burden has been several cluding giving suffi cient notice, ways are likely to be removed, pital last Friday after recovering Garg yesterday said he had test- inspector died of Covid-19. and Brazil, with cases topping times larger than the antigen and only about a quarter of those Chaudhry said. from the disease. ed positive for coronavirus. He is the 16th Delhi police 50,000 every day since July 30. and RT-CPR tests have shown.”

Pothole peril Stop partying through Vaccine candidate to enter pandemic: Goa minister Phase-3 human trial: govt IANS manufactured jointly by the New Delhi Serum Institute of India (SII), Agencies Manohar Azgaonkar warned ance for such cases and give pri- Pune and AstraZeneca; Bharat Panaji revellers yesterday that the good ority to public health and safety Biotech’s Covaxin and ZycovD times are over. especially in these times”, he he Ministry of Health of Zydus Cadila. “These parties are happening said. and Family Welfare said The SII said on Monday that oa is cracking down on illegally, police are looking into Foreign tourists cannot travel Tyesterday that one of it would start phase-2 trial of revellers throwing illegal, it”, he said. to India but Goa is home to a the three Covifd-19 vaccine its vaccine this week. Gdrug-fuelled parties as “We are asking people to be substantial number of foreign candidates would enter the It added that it has short- coronavirus cases climb in the vigilant and if they come to know residents including many Rus- third phase of pre-clinical hu- listed 10 centres across India to tourist hotspot, a minister said about any such case, they should sians, Israelis and Britons. man trial today. host phases-2 and 3 for human yesterday. inform the police,” he added. Earlier this month an all- Offi cials said the vaccine clinical trials. The coastal state has long “There are guest houses and night rave fuelled by alcohol and candidate has yielded en- Meanwhile, Zydus Cadila been a magnet for backpackers villas that are operating illegal- drugs descended into a brawl couraging results in the initial administered the second dose and other travellers drawn to ly,” he said, accusing owners of with knives and bottles, while phases of its trial. of its Covid-19 vaccine a few its scenic beaches and easygo- renting out their homes to visi- last month a Russian hotel own- Dr V K Paul, head of the na- days ago. ing vibe, but the pandemic has tors without informing the au- er was reportedly arrested for tional task force on Covid-19, The developments on the meant that large get-togethers thorities. throwing a large party. added that the other two vac- vaccine came a day after the are now banned. In a recent case, police busted Goa, home to around 1.8mn cines are currently in phase-I National Expert Group on Lots of bars and restaurants are an underground rave at a private people, has registered nearly or II of their pre-clinical trials. Vaccine Administration met also unable to operate after many villa on Saturday, seizing drugs 12,000 coronavirus cases so far, Although the names of the fi ve domestic Covid-19 vac- workers fl ed the state for their worth Rs900,000 and arresting with the vast majority of infec- vaccine candidates were not cine manufacturers to review home villages when India imposed 23 people, including foreign na- tions recorded over the past revealed, sources said the vac- the clinical trial stages of these a strict lockdown in late March. tionals, according to a report in month. cine entering the third phase vaccine candidates. The partying has not stopped, the Hindustan Times newspaper. Meanwhile, the arrest of Kapil is Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin, The manufacturers included however – including in private “All aspects of the party are Jhaveri, a junior Bollywood actor jointly developed with the In- two whose products are not villas, stone quarries and at se- being investigated. Where did who is the director of a co-oper- dian Council of Medical Re- yet in the clinical trial stage in cret locations in the jungle in- the drugs come from? How did ative society, at a rave party in a search (ICMR). India. volving hundreds of thousands they arrange the party, who ar- north Goa beach village has be- India currently has three Zydus Cadila said at the re- of rupees worth of drugs, ac- ranged it,” said Shobhit Saxena, come a cause of embarrassment People walk through a road full of potholes after heavy vaccine candidates for Cov- view meeting that it may be cording to local media. police narcotics superintendent. for the ruling Bharatiya Janata monsoon rains in Mumbai yesterday. id-19 – ChAdOx1, developed able to launch the vaccine by Goa’s Tourism Minister The police have “zero toler- Party. by Oxford University and next year. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 19, 2020 13 PAKISTAN

POLICY APPRECIATION PEOPLE TRAGEDY ECONOMY Premier stresses need Govt’s FATF steps ‘hailed Key witness in case Charges filed against Need to boost trade for power sector recast by global community’ against Zardari dies boatman after 10 drown with Sri Lanka stressed

Prime Minister Imran Khan said the power The global community has appreciated Pakistan on A key witness of the National Accountability Police have registered a case against Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi sector was aff ecting the economic growth of meeting Financial Action Task Force (FATF) targets, Bureau (NAB) in the fake accounts case the man who was rowing the boat that emphasised the need to enhance the volume the country and an immediate overhauling and said Federal Minister of Industries and Production against former president Asif Ali Zardari has capsized at Keenjhar Lake, drowning of bilateral trade with Sri Lanka and achieve an reforms process is essential to lessen existing Hammad Azhar yesterday. Cabinet members died after a cardiac arrest. Aslam Masood, 10 people. The case was registered at annual target of $1bn. He was speaking to the burden on the consumers. Chairing a meeting including Information Minister Shibli Faraz, Foreign the chief financial off icer of the Omni Keenjhar Lake police station. The bodies of newly-appointed Sri Lanka high commissioner to on power sector reforms in Islamabad, the Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Group, had turned approver in the money- the dead were taken to the Edhi mortuary Pakistan, retired Admiral Mohan Wijewickrama prime minister directed early implementation Industries Hammad Azhar, and special assistant laundering case filed against Zardari and in Korangi. Authorities have placed a ban in Islamabad. Qureshi reaff irmed the importance of the already approved restructuring roadmap. on poverty alleviation Sania Nishtar presented the his sister Faryal Talpur. He was undergoing on boating in the lake after the tragic of strong bilateral ties and underscored the need The premier also advised the minister for two-year performance of the government at a news treatment at a hospital in Rawalpindi where incident. According to rescue sources, to further deepen and broaden co-operation power to apprise the public about the major conference in Islamabad. Addressing the media he died, local media reported. According bodies of 10 people including two children in all areas of mutual interest. Qureshi said milestone achieved in negotiations with IPPs Hammad Azhar said that Pakistan was put on the to a report presented to the accountability were recovered from the lake while three Pakistan stands as a proud partner of Sri Lanka and its potential benefits for the domestic and FATF’s grey list during the previous government’s court by the superintendent of Adiala Jail, women were recovered alive and were in its human resource development, security commercial consumers. The prime minister tenure. “We were given a 27-point action plan by a Masood was admitted to the hospital on shifted to a nearby hospital. They were said co-operation, fight against terrorism, and hailed the mutually agreed changes to the IPP joint group that was not given to any other country February 20, 2019. In 2018, Interpol arrested to be in critical condition. Reportedly, the progress and prosperity. The high commissioner contracts and stressed the rationalisation of previously, and was needed to be implemented in Masood as he was boarding a flight from boat could seat only four persons but was conveyed his government’s appreciation for cost will help reduce circular debt. such a short span of time,” he said. London to Jeddah. carrying 13 people when it overturned. Pakistan’s consistent support to Sri Lanka.

Coronavirus restrictions to ease Govt highlights successes on internal and external fronts

Internews other international forums had Islamabad forcefully raised the dispute. He said “India wanted to isolate Pakistan at the regional and inter- he government yesterday national levels but we foiled their unveiled its two-year per- plots.” Tformance report highlight- The foreign minister pointed ing its successes on the internal out that the intra Afghan dialogue and external fronts. is about to commence and Paki- Cabinet members including In- stan has played its part in it. formation Minister Shibli Faraz, He said there has been a narra- Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood tive shift regarding Pakistan over Qureshi, adviser on fi nance Ha- the last two years. feez Sheikh, Minister for Indus- He said the country is no longer tries Hammad Azhar, Minister for considered part of problem but Planning Asad Umar, and Special part of solution. He said Pakistan Families arrive at a playland in Karachi after the government announced most of the country’s remaining coronavirus restrictions would be lifted following the drop in Assistant on Poverty Alleviation is now being viewed as a partner new cases for several weeks. Government regulators have approved final-phase testing of a Chinese-made vaccine against the coronavirus, off icials said yesterday, in the Sania Nishtar presented the two- in peace. country’s first ever clinical trial of its kind. year performance of the govern- Shah Mahmood Qureshi said ment at a news conference in Is- “we gave the concept of economic lamabad yesterday. diplomacy to enhance our eco- The information minister, in his nomic footprint.” remarks said, the governments are He said during this period, “we answerable before the masses in a also revitalised our relations with democratic set-up. He said “our our longstanding friends.” aim is to transform Pakistan into a The foreign minister said Paki- welfare state.” stan’s relationship with China was He said it is the vision of Prime transforming into a strong eco- Minister Imran Khan to serve the nomic partnership. Four-pronged plan ‘being masses especially those belonging He said the second phase of to downtrodden segments of the CPEC involves industrialisation society. He said the people have in Pakistan. Enhancing agriculture rejected the politics of vested in- productivity, poverty alleviation terests. and human resource development He said “our enemy wants to are other important components pursued to deal with India’ destabilise our economy and cre- of the second phase of the corridor ate anarchy in the country.” project. Internews world, brave or grave, that is It entailed confronting, ex- eas in which she believed diplo- more imminent. He said his ministry will fully Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Islamabad upon us, and with which we posing and pushing back against macy was lacking. She had last The impact of a conflict, confront this challenge as a united Pakistan has signed a strategic en- have to contend. New Delhi’s intentions; deter- week railed against the Foreign she warned, would not re- nation without any division. gagement plan with the European “This world is more uncer- ring it through military pre- Offi ce over its handling of the main limited and affect others The information minister said Union and as part of economic oreign Minister Shah Me- tain, less predictable, and for paredness, confl ict resolution Kashmir issue. in the neighbourhood as well the fi rst two years were diffi cult diplomacy was also engaged with hmood Qureshi explained these reasons, perhaps more and confi dence-building; and Dr Mazari said there was more because of “unintended con- but “now the good days have Africa. Fthe government’s four- dysfunctional.” not being distracted by India’s focus on the political dynamics sequences”. started”. The foreign minister said the point strategy over dealing with While emphasising that “the actions and continuing with rather than looking at it from a She proposed pursuing the Sharing the achievements on prime minister’s global debt re- India and emphasised that in buff ers and support systems of regional integration projects wider spectrum. model of ‘Good Friday Agree- the external front, Foreign Minis- lief initiative for the developing a changing world, there would international organisations and through participation in the She suggested the suff erings ment’ in 1998, which brought ter Shah Mahmood Qureshi said countries was acknowledged by have to be a greater reliance on international law” had not come China-Pakistan Economic Cor- of women and children in India- together all parties to the con- “it was because of our eff ective the world. national strength rather than up to expectations, Qureshi said ridor, the Shanghai Co-op- administered Kashmir be high- fl ict in Northern Ireland and policy of the last two years that the Highlighting the problems in- looking towards international countries would have to depend eration Organisation, and the lighted aggressively. ended decades of violence, as a Kashmir dispute stands interna- herited by the present govern- structures. on their own strengths rather Economic Co-operation Organ- “We have not appealed possible approach for resolving tionalised today.” ment on the economic front and Participating in a webinar than looking towards those isation. enough to women’s organisa- the Kashmir dispute. He said the UN Security Council the steps taken to overcome them, on “Annexation of Occupied structures. Eff orts were being made for tions on the plight of Kashmiri The webinar was attended, held discussions on the outstand- adviser on fi nance Hafeez Sheikh Jammu and Kashmir: Lessons Explaining the government’s revival of the South Asian As- women,” she maintained. besides Pakistanis, by scholars ing dispute three times in a year. said “it is due to our performance for Regional Security”, organ- strategy on dealing with India’s sociation of Regional Countries, Dr Mazari contended that and think tank representatives He pointed out that Prime Min- that the current account defi cit ised by Islamabad Policy In- expansionist designs, he said a the foreign minister added. India was moving up the es- from India-administered Kash- ister Imran Khan in his address was brought down from $20bn to stitute (IPI), the foreign min- four-pronged strategy was being Dr Shireen Mazari, Minister calation ladder and therefore mir, China, Iran, Turkey, Bang- to the UN General Assembly and $3bn.” ister said there was a “new pursued. for Human Rights, listed the ar- the threat of war was getting ladesh and Nepal.

Search for child Pakistan-born scientist to Court rejects sugar head MIT School of Science mill owners’ appeal Internews quiry Commission. Islamabad The petitioners had called for Internews Professor Mavalvala was born Back in 2016, Dr Mavalvala was the sugar inquiry report released Islamabad to a Parsi family. She did her ini- among the team of scientists who on May 21 to be declared void and tial schooling from Convent of verifi ed Albert Einstein’s 1915 he Islamabad High Court the actions ordered by the prime Jesus and Mary before leaving for general theory of relativity. has rejected the intra- minister in this regard be sus- akistan born, astrophysi- the US where she graduated with Mavalvala, the then associate Tcourt appeal by sugar mill pended. cist Dr Nergis Mavalvala, a BA in physics and astronomy department head of physics at owners against the formation of The plea, fi led by advocate Phas been named the new from Wellesley College in 1990. MIT, along with her team detect- the Sugar Inquiry Commission, Salman Akram Raja, stated: “The dean of Massachusetts Institute ed ripples in gravitational waves, whose report made startling rev- scope of the impugned report of Technology-MIT’s School of hypothesised by the legendary elations about a scandal. clearly exceeds the constitu- Science, from September. physicist Albert Einstein a hun- The Sugar Inquiry Commis- tional mandate and limitations The Karachi-born Dr Maval- dred years ago. sion report released last month of a federal commission of in- vala will succeed Michael Sipser, The discovery was hailed as had laid bare startling revela- quiry constituted under the 2017 who will return to the faculty as a scientifi c milestone that was tions of how prices of sugar are Act, as it trespasses into matters the Donner Professor of Mathe- made possible by the giant laser fi xed, how exports of the com- within the exclusive legislative matics, after six years of service, detectors in the US, located in modity are faked to avail rebates and executive domains of the informed MIT. Louisiana and Washington State, on sales taxes, and how billions provinces. “We’re in this moment where completing the quest to confi rm of rupees are overcharged by “The entire inquiry has been enormous changes are afoot,” the existence of these waves. sugar mills owners. carried out in a completely ille- Mavalvala says while talking “We’re in the middle of The scientist has received sev- The court yesterday an- gal, unlawful, opaque, biased and about her new role in the present a global pandemic and eral honours and awards in her ca- nounced its verdict in the case. discriminatory manner. scenario. “We’re in the middle of economic challenge, and reer including the Special Break- Justice Mian Gul Hasan Au- “It has been conducted in a global pandemic and economic we’re also in a moment, at through Prize in Fundamental rangzeb and justice Lubna Sal- complete contravention to the challenge, and we’re also in a least in US history, where Physics, as part of the LIGO team, eem Pervez, in the verdict, re- requirements of the 2017 Act moment, at least in US history, the imperative for racial awarded to her in 2015. jected the appeal by the owners, and the relevant terms of refer- where the imperative for racial and social justice is really In 2017, she was elected to the upholding the earlier decision of ence. The principle of natural and social justice is really strong. strong” National Academy of Sciences. the single bench. justice as well as the funda- “As someone in a leadership She is also the fi rst recipient of On July 25, the Islamabad mental rights of the petitioners position, that means you have She then did her PhD in phys- the Lahore Technology Award, High Court reserved its judg- including the right to due proc- opportunities to make an impor- ics in 1997 from the prestigious given by the Information Tech- Rescuers search for a child who drowned in a stream after ment on an appeal of the Sugar ess, fair trial and non-discrimi- tant and hopefully lasting im- Massachusetts Institute of Tech- nology University, a public uni- rains in Rawalpindi yesterday. Mills Association against the nation have been violated,” read pact,” she added. nology-MIT. versity in Pakistan. constitution of the Sugar In- the petition. Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, August 19, 2020 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Turning away the best: Trump’s attacks on legal immigration

Kamala Harris isn’t just the fi rst Black woman on major-party presidential ticket; she’s the child of immigrants, an economist dad from Jamaica and a cancer-researcher mom from India. The pedigree speaks powerfully to the American story, and is yet another reason Donald Trump should be disqualifi ed from a second term. On the campaign trail, Trump claimed to revile illegal immigration but revere the legal kind. In his 2019 State of the Union speech, he one-upped himself, ad-libbing that he wanted to admit legal immigrants in “the largest numbers ever.” But led by the ear by his notorious anti-immigrant adviser Stephen Miller, Trump been building roadblocks in the path of legal immigrants, including the well-educated and skilled. Education City Stadium: He endorsed a bill cutting Trump used the legal immigration half. He issued a series of administrative pandemic as decisions making the uphill trek to America into the cover to freeze steepest incline imaginable. A lesson in sustainability He used the pandemic as the fl ow of legal cover to freeze the fl ow of legal immigrants he had already – not just on the global stage, but also “For example, within Education City, immigrants he slowed, including highly skilled QF expert highlights importance of learning from green buildings at a grassroots level, where members of QF’s Student Housing complexes boast had already immigrants who bring the Doha the community have the opportunity to dashboards detailing how the build- biggest economic benefi t. That engage and learn from them fi rst-hand, ings are energy effi cient, water effi cient, slowed has made it that much easier for and refl ect what they learn in their daily and – in some cases – highlighting many of the world’s smartest, port is a tool that brings people lives and actions. their air quality. In QF’s Oxygen Park, most enterprising people to choose Canada over the United States. together, regardless of age, “By demonstrating the various sus- the Qur’anic Botanic Garden has added To top it off , Trump nearly doubled the cost of legal immigrants interests, language, and ethnic- tainable features to visitors, you can ed- detailed labels to the plants, including applying to become a US citizen, turning the American beacon into Sity. And major sporting events ucate people on how to utilise diff erent the history of the species.” a faint light receding on the horizon. hosted in ‘green’ buildings can be used eco-friendly tools within their homes Explaining how QF’s dedication to A supposedly focused crackdown on illegal immigration became as vehicles to educate the public on the and within their own wider communi- promoting environmentally friendly importance of sustainability. ties, and show how these measures can practices is a refl ection of the country as a war on the core American promise. – Tribune News Service “For a developing nation as multicul- be scaled accordingly,” he said. “This is a whole, Youssef says: “Qatar has been tural as Qatar, sport is a way of bringing signifi cant, because if you don’t do that, in the forefront of sustainability in the people together, and allowing them people will think that only expensive region for many years. to share memorable moments,” says buildings with endless resources can be “By embracing these concepts and Hamoda Y Youssef, Head of Technical sustainable.” employing them throughout Education Don’t delay immunisations Aff airs at Qatar Green Building Council, Youssef refers to this as non-intrusive City, QF continues to lead by example. a member of Qatar Foundation (QF). Hamoda Y Youssef, Head of Technical learning. “It’s not a classroom,” he says. And the Education City Stadium is a “Sport on its own is a great gathering Aff airs at Qatar Green Building Council, “Use subtle, non-intrusive learning continuation of this, taking it to the An up-to-date child immunisation record is typically required by point, and can serve as a platform for a member of Qatar Foundation. tips and tricks. Allow people to learn next level and showing people how schools in the US state of Pennsylvania at the start of the academic people to interact and engage positively. without feeling overwhelmed, unset- sustainability benefi ts everyone and can year. But the state Department of Health quietly announced So to send the message of sustainability Cup – and as it moves into its legacy tled, or guilty. be applied everywhere.” last month that it was temporarily suspending requirements for through a sporting event or building is phase – 20,000 seats will be donated to children’s immunisations for two months, until the end of October. very powerful.” support the construction of stadiums That has paediatricians alarmed about the potential spread of The Education City Stadium, which in developing countries. And it is set to childhood diseases such as measles and mumps. was offi cially inaugurated earlier this serve as a hub for social and community Health Department offi cials said the decision was made with year within QF’s Education City, is a engagement by also housing two pro- Qatar Foundation good intentions, claiming the coronavirus pandemic has made it beacon of education and sustainabil- gressive QF schools – Qatar Academy ity to the world, and was the fi rst FIFA for Science and Technology and Acad- Unlocking Human Potential diffi cult for families to schedule regular checkups and vaccinations. World Cup Qatar 2022 venue to achieve emyati, both part of QF’s Pre-University While the Health a fi ve-star Global Sustainability Assess- Education. Qatar Foundation for Education, to community members as young Parents should Department means to give ment System certifi cation from the Gulf “Typically, cities are shaped by the Science and Community Develop- as six months through to doctoral families time to catch up Organisation for Research & Develop- architecture of their iconic buildings ment (QF) is a non-profit organisation level, enabling graduates to thrive in a listen to what without interrupting the ment. – for example, the Eiff el Tower in Paris that supports Qatar on its journey to global environment and contribute to school year, parents should The stadium boasts a range of eco- or the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala becoming a diversified and sustain- the nation’s development. experts on follow doctors’ advice and friendly features, including incorpo- Lumpur,” said Youssef. able economy. QF strives to serve the QF is also creating a multidisciplinary strive to vaccinate their rating a passive design, which takes “In Qatar, as we are gearing up for the people of Qatar and beyond by provid- innovation hub in Qatar, where home- children’s health children before classes begin. advantage of the climate to maintain FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the stadi- ing specialised programmes across grown researchers are working to ad- Routine immunisation a comfortable temperature inside the ums will be our new iconic buildings for its innovation-focused ecosystem of dress local and global challenges. By are advising appointments have dropped structure. It also utilises sustainable the next few years, and even after the education, research and development, promoting a culture of lifelong learn- materials, sourcing 85% regionally and event itself. signifi cantly since Covid-19 surged in the US in March. Parents and community development. ing and fostering social engagement 55% locally, while 29% was generated “There will be enormous memories QF was founded in 1995 by His through programmes that embody are behind in getting their children vaccines protecting against from recycled content. Other key fea- shared within these stadiums, billions Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Qatari culture, QF is committed to measles, which saw the greatest number of cases reported in the US tures include low-fl ow water fi xtures, of people – even if not actually in Qatar al-Thani, the Father Amir, and Her empowering the local community and since 1992 last year, as well as mumps and chickenpox, which have an effi cient irrigation system, native and – will experience the matches. And if Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, contributing to a better world for all. also seen recent outbreaks. drought-tolerant fl ora, and energy- you promote these iconic buildings as who shared the vision to provide For a complete list of QF’s initiatives and Under state regulations, children who do not meet the list effi cient LED lighting systems. sustainable, you are delivering a power- Qatar with quality education. Today, projects, please visit: www.qf.org.qa of required immunisations for their grade, excluding accepted Further demonstrating that learn- ful message to the world.” QF’s world-class education system For any media inquiries, please con- excuses, must be excluded from school activities and cannot qualify ing is at the very heart of the stadium, These buildings, according to offers lifelong learning opportunities tact: [email protected] for child care programmes. Children could be granted a waiver of up following the conclusion of the World Youssef, can serve as education tools to fi ve days after the year started, or have the deadline extended if a doctor provided a medical plan. Doctors are now afraid the new deadline conveys to parents that regularly vaccinating children is not a priority. They also worry that children will be more susceptible to coming down with illnesses that have coronavirus-like symptoms, causing disproportionate fear and confusion. Parents should listen to what experts on children’s health are advising. The more that children return to school up to date on required immunisations, the less health risks for everyone. – Tribune News Service

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© 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Education City Stadium Gulf Times Wednesday, August 19, 2020 15 COMMENT Covid smashes Indian middle-class dreams

By Saurabh Sharma and Devjyot people who local offi cials estimate his parents build a proper four-roomed Kumar’s factory, which reopened Ghoshal/Reuters returned from working around India brick home, after decades of living in a in early May, did not respond to a Dutta Nagar, India to Gonda, the district in the northern tumble-down mud hut where the roof question on measures taken there, but state of Uttar Pradesh that he left last let in heavy monsoon rains. Dream Plast India’s managing director June. It helped pay the fees for his brother Nitin Gupta said in an e-mail the ntil late March, Ashish Nationwide, about 10mn people to go to law school in Bahraich, an hour “company takes utmost precautions Kumar was helping to make made long, hard journeys back to rural and a half’s drive away from their home to adhere to the laws at all times.” He plastic boxes for Ferrero villages they’d left. village. declined to elaborate further. URocher praline chocolates Some have gone back to the cities, Then Covid-19 struck. Even so, Kumar and another worker and the plastic spoons tucked inside but many of those who had been Kumar fi rst heard of the coronavirus Reuters spoke to said they didn’t feel Kinder Joy eggs to scoop out the milky sending back funds are still stuck in the in early March. safe to return. sweet cream inside. countryside. When India’s lockdown forced Ferrero SpA, the Italian With a diploma in plastic mould Working in a factory in Baramati Dream Plast India to temporarily shut confectioner, said it had audited the technology, the 20-year-old had a foot in the western state of Maharashtra, its plant in Baramati on March 21, he plant where Kumar worked in March on his chosen career ladder. Kumar was earning Rs13,000 ($173) had enough cash to wait it out in town. 2020 and found no irregularities, but His younger brother Aditya chose every month, more than twice his As the pandemic swept through would further review subsequent law, but Ashish had his sights set on father’s pay from a job in a grain India, a survey of some 5,000 workers months. plastic. market near Kumar’s home village in in April and May found 66% of Reuters was unable to independently “I want to start a business of my Uttar Pradesh, a sprawling agrarian participants had lost their jobs, and determine what safety measures the own,” he said, explaining how he wants state. 77% of households were consuming factory took. to recycle plastic to make day-to-day Of that, the young man was sending less food than before. By early June, Kumar’s funds had products at his own factory. home around Rs9,000 every month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s run out. India’s coronavirus lockdown has much of which was helping to fund his government announced a 20tn rupee Even buying food became diffi cult. thrown those plans into disarray. younger brother’s studies. package promising free rice, wheat His parents grew increasingly worried. Educated but unemployed, Ashish No longer. and pulses for millions of people and a “Whatever little money I had here in the Kumar is one of countless people Once a provider for his family, now programme to provide employment in bank, I sent some of that so he could eat,” across the globe whose social progress he has become a fi nancial burden. Ashish Kumar, 20, who used to work at a plastics factory in western India, walks rural areas. said his father, Ashok. “At that time, I has been halted by the new coronavirus Kumar whiles away his time back with his mother Bittu Devi outside their house in Dutta Nagar village in Gonda Even for those with work, trade was very scared. The biggest challenge that has infected more than 2mn home in the village of Dutta Nagar, district in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. unions and labour experts say was for him to come home.” people in India alone, and thrown the bantering with friends in the muddy conditions are deteriorating, for India’s railway network re-opened in economy into reverse. courtyard — they jokingly call it their In Dutta Nagar, where there were at an Italian-owned factory 1,500km migrants particularly. early May. With it, the aspirations of millions “offi ce” — outside the ramshackle no Internet connections, that often away from home. In May, India’s state governments On June 3, Kumar borrowed money are fading. primary school where he studied. meant asking one of a handful of locals The factory that employed him is issued health and safety guidelines to pay for a 48-hour journey home by For years, people in rural India have In Uttar Pradesh, around 60mn of with a smartphone to Google the run by Dream Plast India, a subsidiary for factories as they re-opened after train, bus and shared taxi. been gaining prosperity and moving the state’s population of more than opportunities. of Gruppo Sunino SpA, an Italian lockdown, which included compulsory Then he went into a 14-day into what economists call a burgeoning 200mn lives in poverty, according to Kumar’s ambitions were a world plastics maker with 10 plants around face masks, thermal screening, social quarantine. middle class of consumers — those the World Bank. removed from his father Ashok’s early the world. “The factory was fi rst class,” distancing and frequent sanitisation. On June 25, Dream Plast India sent who earn more than $10 a day, by some He said he has applied for several years. Kumar said. Union leaders allege many him an e-mail, which was seen by defi nitions. jobs at plastic factories in western The 47-year-old, who assists with His contract included a monthly companies did not follow all protocols Reuters, asking him to report to work This group has been a keystone of Gujarat state and other parts of weighing and pricing grain harvests, contribution from the company into a and cut corners, but they have not within four days or face termination. plans for economic development in the northern India but hasn’t found work. remembers when the family had retirement fund and a bonus. identifi ed Kumar’s. Instead, he resigned on July 20. world’s second most populous country. “No matter what,” he said, sitting neither enough food, or proper clothes. Workers were served one meal every Indian states including Uttar His parents are apprehensive about In the Covid-19 pandemic, India’s near his parent’s single-storey home, A slight man with a weather-beaten day, the supervisors were friendly, and Pradesh and Gujarat said in May they him leaving home again, although economy is forecast to shrink by surrounded by jade green paddy fi elds. face, he never fi nished high school. the salary came on time, he said. were looking to relax workers’ rights, they said they realise that without 4.5% this year, according to the “I need a job.” “I thought that the children Six days a week, his work typically including weakening regulations on their elder son’s earnings, his younger International Monetary Fund. As a schoolboy, Kumar was obsessed shouldn’t fall into our rut. They should involved overseeing two machines and wages and working hours, to support brother won’t be able to fi nish law At least 400mn Indian workers are with plastics. be pushed ahead,” he said. a couple of contract workers. industry. school. at risk of falling deeper into poverty, A chance conversation with a cousin Kumar, who says he has never tasted At the end of the day, he would relax That proposal drew criticism from Kumar isn’t ready to give up on his according to the International Labour who had studied plastic engineering a Ferrero Rocher praline, fi nished his with a game of badminton or watch workers’ unions and the ILO. plastics factory. Organisation (ILO). got him hooked, Kumar said, and he diploma in Gujarat last June, and took wrestling on YouTube. The amendments have only taken “I will do it,” he said. “No matter Kumar is one of around 131,000 started researching. the train to start work as a technician His income over the past year helped eff ect in some states. what it takes, I will fulfi l my dream.” The preventable trauma of Covid-19 childbirth Three-day forecast

TODAY By Mary Fitzgerald European countries – women have This refl ects a long history of the especially among policymakers – have Maximum Temperature : 400c London been forced to give birth without “postcode lottery” dictating access to tended to be narrow, focused on short- Minimum Temperature : 330c companions. healthcare and other services, from in term solutions. If we are to build the Likewise, the WHO asserts that vitro fertilisation clinics to domestic “equitable, resilient, and sustainable” THURSDAY Maximum Temperature : 420c The baby is dead. We can’t as- procedures like C-sections should be violence shelters. And it fi ts a wider post-Covid world that many leaders Minimum Temperature : 320c sist you here.” By the time she performed only when they are medi- global pattern of downgrading wom- advocate, we must embrace a much heard these devastating words, cally necessary or have the woman’s en’s rights and needs, including during more ambitious vision of what public FRIDAY the pregnant Yasmelis Casa- consent. Yet in 11 countries, women childbirth. Just last year, a WHO-led health really means. Maximum Temperature : 430c “ Minimum Temperature : 320c nova had endured a long and painful reported that they didn’t consent to study reported that 42% of the women For example, laws protecting the journey, passing through multiple C-sections, inductions, and episioto- interviewed by researchers in Ghana, vulnerable need to be enacted and Fisherman's forecast Covid-19 checkpoints, to the hospital mies (the cutting of a woman’s vagina) Guinea, Myanmar, and Nigeria said enforced. Health bodies and other in Caracas, Venezuela. She bled for that were performed on them, or said they had experienced physical or ver- agencies must investigate violations WARNING hours without treatment. When doc- that they did not believe these proce- bal abuse, stigma, or discrimination in and hold medical providers account- tors at a second hospital fi nally oper- dures were medically necessary. health facilities during childbirth. able. And governments and donors Inshore : Nil ated on her, they removed her ovaries WHO guidelines also dictate that In Latin America, several countries – must allocate far more resources for Offshore : Nil without her prior consent. Then, she women receive breastfeeding support including Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, advocacy in problematic areas such as WEATHER spent 20 days there almost entirely and the opportunity for skin-to-skin Uruguay, and Venezuela – have passed maternal health, and for implementing Inshore : Hazy at some places at first becomes hot alone; due to Covid-19 restrictions, contact with newborns. Yet mothers laws against the performance of medical a rights-based approach to medical daytime with some visits were banned. have been separated from newborns procedures, such as C-sections, without training and service provision across clouds Venezuela’s healthcare infrastruc- in at least 15 countries – including at informed consent. But they are very the board. rarely enforced, and advocates report The issue extends far beyond direct WIND ture was crumbling well before the least six European countries – and Inshore : Northwesterly-North- pandemic, but the Covid-19 crisis prevented from breastfeeding in at that authorities and medical staff nor- medical care. Today, women can be easterly 06-16 KT has pushed it to the point of collapse. least seven, even though there is no malise such obstetric violence. imprisoned for having miscarriages Offshore : Northwesterly-North- Many women experiencing obstetric conclusive evidence that Covid-19 can In fact, before the pandemic, 40% (as in El Salvador) and detained for easterly 04-14 KT emergencies now struggle to reach be transmitted through breast milk. of babies across Latin America were nonpayment of hospital bills after Visibility : 4-8 KM hospitals, let alone gain access to Doctors and health experts agree: already being delivered by C-section, childbirth (as in Kenya). Structural Offshore : 2-4 FT adequate care. Yet such failures can be none of this is necessary to prevent the though this method poses higher inequality and discrimination based seen far beyond Venezuela, in rich and spread of Covid-19. risks for mother and baby. The WHO on gender, race, class, disability, and poor countries alike. Likewise, there have been multiple recommends a rate of around 15%, more still shapes every aspect of our Last month openDemocracy re- reports of pregnancy deaths in Africa, emphasising that C-sections should lives, in rich and poor economies alike. Around the region leased the results of a global investi- after transport and other lockdown be carried out only when medically All of these failures undermine public Weather Weather gation into the treatment of women restrictions prevented women from justifi ed. health. Today Max/min Tomorrow Max/min in childbirth during the Covid-19 reaching hospitals. Many women in Furthermore, most African coun- Far too many women have felt Baghdad Sunny 43/25 Sunny 43/25 pandemic. Across 45 countries – from developing countries have been forced tries were already off track to meet alone, scared, and traumatised while Kuwait City Sunny 44/31 Sunny 44/31 Canada to Cameroon, from the United to give birth in unsanitary and unsafe their targets for reducing maternal giving birth during the pandemic. In Manama Sunny 39/32 Sunny 39/33 Kingdom to Ecuador – we found conditions. Experts now warn that and infant deaths by 2030, part of the openDemocracy’s investigation, one Muscat P Cloudy 33/30 M Sunny 36/32 what doctors and lawyers describe over the course of just six months, United Nations Sustainable Develop- woman in Italy expressed her hope Tehran Sunny 35/23 Sunny 36/24 as “shocking” and “unnecessary” Covid-19 restrictions and health- ment Goals. As Jesca Nsungwa Sabiiti, that policymakers and medical provid- breaches of laws and World Health service disruptions could cause up to Uganda’s maternal and child health ers would learn from her suff ering, and Organisation guidelines intended to 56,700 additional maternal deaths in commissioner, has noted, the pan- the suff ering of those like her, so that protect women and babies during the low- and middle-income countries. demic is likely to delay achievement of other women wouldn’t have to endure pandemic. If this is not enough to expose the the targets even further. what she did. We owe it to these The WHO’s specifi c Covid-19 fl aws in current Covid-19-prevention But just as the Covid-19 crisis can women to ensure that they do. guidelines affi rm, for example, that measures, consider how unevenly they impede progress, it can also spur openDemocracy is continuing to women should be accompanied by a are implemented (and lifted). In some change, by forcing governments and track rights violations of women in person of their choice while giving parts of England, women can now take civil society to rethink how our health childbirth globally. See the full map birth. Yet, across Eurasia and Latin their partners to the pub, but not to systems, economies, and societies and submit evidence here. – Project America – including in at least 15 antenatal appointments. are organised. So far, discussions – Syndicate

Around the world Weather Weather Today Max/min Tomorrow Max/min Athens Sunny 32/24 Sunny 33/23 Beirut Sunny 31/26 Sunny 30/26 Bangkok M Cloudy 34/26 M Cloudy 34/26 Berlin T Storm 25/17 M Sunny 27/16 Cairo Sunny 36/23 Sunny 36/23 Cape Town P Cloudy 13/08 P Cloudy 14/09 Colombo P Cloudy 29/26 P Cloudy 29/26 Dhaka T Storm 30/26 T Storm 31/26 Hong Kong Showers 28/25 P Cloudy 29/26 Istanbul M Sunny 29/21 Sunny 30/20 Jakarta P Cloudy 33/24 P Cloudy 33/25 Karachi M Cloudy 33/28 S T Storms 33/29 London Showers 23/16 Rain 21/17 Manila S T Storm 32/26 S T Storm 31/26 Moscow M Sunny 21/11 P Cloudy 21/09 New Delhi P Cloudy 34/27 S T Storms 32/27 New York Sunny 31/20 P Cloudy 27/18 Paris P Cloudy 27/18 Showers 25/18 Sao Paulo Cloudy 24/18 P Cloudy 26/15 Seoul M Sunny 32/23 M Sunny 31/24 Singapore P Cloudy 31/26 S T Storms 29/27 Sydney P Cloudy 20/11 Cloudy 18/10 A pregnant woman lays on a bed without sheets as she recovers after labour at a maternity hospital in Maracaibo, Venezuela, June 19, 2015. Venezuela’s healthcare Tokyo Very Hot 36/27 Very Hot 33/25 infrastructure was crumbling well before the pandemic, but the Covid-19 crisis has pushed it to the point of collapse. Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, August 19, 2020 QATAR

Forum highlights vital role of national libraries in tackling global challenges

By Joey Aguilar “It is often remarked that cul- newly-independent UN Member relationship between Haiti and vironment, and people can learn Staff Reporter tural diplomacy reveals the soul of States with the knowledge and Qatar on the anniversary of Haiti’s about the history of the islands and the nation,” he added, citing QNL’s skills needed to navigate through revolution, saying that “cultural we can attract the world to come commitment to working with part- the diplomatic environment. exchange between states is vital here.” recently-held high-level ners across the world, especially El Salvador Vice President Felix to have a better understanding be- About their national library, virtual meet underlined those from developing nations. HE Ulloa discussed about his govern- tween nations and between people. Solomon Islands ambassador to Athe key role of national li- Dr al-Kuwari expressed confi dence ment’s role in combating gang vio- If we don’t know each other’s cul- the EU Moses Mose said they have braries and cultural diplomacy in that such eff orts will ultimately lence in El Salvador through cultur- tures, we cannot understand one a fi ve-year plan to digitise it and to confronting a wide range of glo- benefi t Qatar, the region and the al diplomacy, as well as rebuilding another.” work with partners such as Qatar to bal issues and challenges amid the international research community. their national library (with the help Stressing the importance of the improve the services to their peo- coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. QNL’s huge programmes, in of the Chinese government), which national library in his country, Sec- ple. Highlighting the vital role of The forum, ‘Cultural Diploma- partnership with international in- was damaged in an earthquake. retary-General of the Presidency cultural diplomacy, Reader in Dip- cy: The Role of National Libraries in stitutions, will be announced at the Independent policy adviser and of Madagascar Ramonjavelo Man- lomatic and International Stud- Developing Nations’, organised by right time, he added. nation branding expert Simon An- ambahoaka Valery Fitzgerald noted ies in the Centre for International the Qatar National Library (QNL) HE Dr al-Kuwari said this fo- holt highlighted the importance of that: “Without culture, we don’t Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS and the United Nations Institute rum marks the start of numerous cultural diplomacy in forging close have citizens. We have worked hard University of London Dr Simon J for Training and Research (Unitar), subsequent forums and confer- bilateral relations between nations through 60 years of independence, Rofe said “cultural relations un- was attended by government lead- ences on the areas of co-operation saying that trade and investment but we are still one of the poorest derpin all of our relationships”. ers, foreign ministers, high com- between national libraries globally. would fl ow smoothly if a country countries in the world. Cultural “We teach over 200 diff erent missioners and independent policy “QNL and the nation’s commit- has a positive image. links like those with Qatar will only languages at SOAS, but we also advisers as nations and educational ment to knowledge acquisition at “However, I’ve found that there help to strengthen our position.” have a huge colonial legacy at the institutions look for ways to adapt a time when libraries around the is no correlation between the Offi ce of the President of Soma- university which we are acutely to a post-Covid setup. world are underfunded and ne- amount of money spent on im- lia, Somali ambassador to Benelux aware of.” “National libraries must not lag glected shows a desire to build proving a country’s image and its and the European Union Ali Said Humberto Gabriel Lopez La behind in their vital role of pro- bridges and facilitate understand- success — it has to earn that repu- Faqi lamented the destruction of Bella, director-general of Cultural moting constructive interaction ing and knowledge sharing across A panel of global delegates at the QNL and Unitar virtual event. tation through cultural relations cultural artefacts and heritage by Diversity, Rights and Processes, between nations and creating op- the world,” he pointed out. and its behaviour,” he said. factions, saying that fi ghting this Ministry of Culture in Paraguay, portunities for co-operation and HE Dr al-Kuwari also expressed A product of close collaboration Co-operating together, we can Kenya’s Sports, Heritage and destruction and illicit traffi cking is also attended the forum, which interaction that empower our uni- deep sympathies with the people with Qatar Foundation and the achieve this,” HE Dr al-Kuwari Culture Minister Dr Amina Mo- vital. “Having preventative meas- received a number of recommen- versities, research centres, scholars of Lebanon regarding the tragedy British Library, he said this digital said. hamed talked about a digital ap- ures in place and increasing inter- dations to boost co-operation and and intellectuals,” HE the Minister in Beirut, describing the city as “a library will host additional content Building bridges plication developed to share the national co-operation is also key, enhance interaction between li- of State and QNL President Dr Ha- truly distinguished capital of cul- from other partnerships with li- diverse cultures of the 44 diff erent and we all need to be involved in braries across the world. These in- mad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, who ture not only in the Middle East, braries, archives, and institutions Other speakers, including Uni- groups that make up the nation of this process,” he added. clude harnessing technology to en- convened the forum, told partici- but across the whole world.” in the UK, the Vatican, Italy, the US, tar Division for Multilateral Diplo- Kenya. “If you are able, as a coun- Cultural relations hance the digitisation of libraries; pants. He stressed that the Lebanese India, Argentina and The Gambia, macy director Rabih El-Haddad, try, to create the image that you enhancing communication and in- “Other human activities such as capital has a special place in the among others. QNL, according to who moderated the forum, echoed care about your culture and want Grenada Foreign Minister Pe- teraction between libraries as part sports can boost cultural diploma- hearts and minds of every Arab, as HE Dr al-Kuwari added, is also do- the same view on cultural diplo- to show it to the rest of the world, it ter David noted the importance of of cultural diplomacy to spread cy to spread wider and reach bigger well as the greatest Lebanese writ- ing vital digitisation projects that macy as a bridge between nations becomes a very powerful tool that cultural relations, pointing out that science and knowledge, and boost audiences and Qatar is a leader in ers, poets and artists, and their will have a strong impact on the to build trust and in understand- acts as a catalyst for acceptance their national library was destroyed intercultural interaction to improve this fi eld,” he said. Arab brothers and sisters. “Leba- region and beyond. ing the role of global organisa- across communities and across the in a hurricane, and preserving their security, stability and international Highlighting the importance non’s intellectual freedom made it “Our Children’s and Young tions. “Cultural diplomacy is the world”, she said. cultural heritage became a priority. understanding; and using co-op- of cultural diplomacy, HE Dr al- a refuge from the harshest condi- Adults’ Library is one of the most foundation of knowledge sharing, The Gambia Foreign Aff airs “Developing our new public library eration between national librar- Kuwari noted that it has long been tions for every oppressed writer, active areas in the Library, with a embracing cultural relations and Minister Mamadou Tangara cited is critical as a focal point of cul- ies as a means to enhance cultural complementary to and supportive thinker, novelist and creative art- rich collection of books and mate- building bridges across nations Africa’s need for empowerment tural contact, where we can come and educational relations between of traditional diplomacy through ist. Doha, under its slogan ‘Arab rials along with a busy programme towards achieving cosmopolitan through libraries stressing that together with other countries like countries. the mutual representation of coun- culture is a homeland, and Doha is of activities and workshops. Those peace,” he said. “the importance of cultural diplo- Qatar to help us deepen our rela- Some of the participants also tries and the role of embassies. its capital,’ shares Beirut’s grief and with visual impairments have their Established in 1963, Unitar is macy cannot be overemphasised. tions with the world,” David said. suggested exchanging informa- “Transcending offi cial channels, affi rms its confi dence in the con- own rights to access knowledge, a dedicated training arm of the We salute the co-operation be- About the culture of the 10 is- tion between national libraries to cultural diplomacy is manifested tinuing cultural status of Beirut,” and we have a dedicated area in our UN system, providing innovative tween The Gambia and Qatar to lands of his country, Chief of Staff achieve better partnerships in ways in many forms throughout human he said. Library to meet their needs, and learning solutions to individuals, give a new lease on life to our librar- to the Prime Minister of Cabo that create constructive interaction history. Let’s take advantage of HE Dr al-Kuwari cited QNL’s we provide them with accessible organisations and institutions to ies and serve as a great opportunity Verde Harold Tavares said there between cultures; and adopting a our time of advanced technology. various initiatives such as the Qa- equipment and books,” he said. enhance global decision-making to help us bridge the digital divide.” is a need to share the importance more active role by national librar- Through such online meetings, we tar Digital Library, one of the most “Our Library’s mission and vi- and support country-level action Adviser to the President of of Cabo Verde’s role in the world, ies for the protection and repatria- bring libraries closer together than important digital archives dedicat- sion are to be a hub of knowledge, for shaping a better future. Haiti and former Foreign Aff airs particularly the slave trade. “This is tion of cultural heritage, as well as ever before and enhance our co- ed to the history and culture of the research and science for the com- Unitar was created to train and Worship Minister Bocchit where the national library can play exchanging information in this operation,” HE Dr al-Kuwari said. Gulf region and beyond. munity, the region and the world. and equip young diplomats from Edmond underscored the strong a role, particularly in the digital en- area.

QRCS marks World Humanitarian Day

atar Red Crescent So- ciety (QRCS) has said it Qwill celebrate World Hu- manitarian Day today, an occa- sion when the world appreciates the heroic sacrifi ces of humani- tarian workers, commemorates those killed while performing their professional and humani- tarian duty, and reiterates a call for the protection of relief and health workers as they continue, despite the odds, to help people most in need. Under the theme of ‘Providing Life-Saving Support during the Pandemic’, World Humanitarian Day comes as global eff orts are being exerted to fi ght the Cov- In the face of the Covid-19 outbreak, QRCS has played a significant id-19 pandemic over the past role by supporting the eff orts of the government and sectors of months. Qatar to contain the health and economic consequences. Relief workers are dealing with unprecedented challenges ties, medical and logistic serv- benefi ciaries in Bangladesh, and hurdles to deliver humani- ices, health education, psycho- Turkey, Syria, Gaza, Iraq, Yem- tarian aid and services to the logical support, restoring family en, and Lebanon. These con- vulnerable around the world. links, street disinfection, public tributions included healthcare, Besides the risks to their safety hygiene inspection, distribution food aid, health education, and the safety of the benefi ciar- of masks and gloves to the pub- protective supplies for medical PSG’s Angel Di Maria celebrates scoring their second goal with teammate Neymar. ies, many vulnerable communi- lic and delivery of food baskets professionals, coronavirus test- ties are economically aff ected by to families aff ected by the lock- ing equipment and quarantine/ the lockdown. down. isolation facilities. As an active member of the Workers’ Health Centres con- “Realising its invaluable hu- International Red Cross and tinued to work as normal, and manitarian role, QRCS secures Di Maria leads PSG past Leipzig to Red Crescent Movement, QRCS the fl eet of ambulances was de- all protections for relief, medi- stressed that it serves a central ployed to transport the infected cal and voluntary workers on mission of mobilising the power cases. Two units were opened the fi eld. Those engaged in the of humanity for the best interest to do swabbing in co-operation Covid-19 response are given maiden Champions League fi nal of the vulnerable everywhere. with Hamad Medical Corpora- training and advice on how to It capitalises on fruitful part- tion. avoid infection and deal with nerships with the International Medical professionals were confi rmed and suspected cases,” Reuters and have exceeded all expecta- Maria was in fi ne form, con- Leipzig’s 33-year-old coach Federation of the Red Cross and stationed at the Mekaines quar- the statement continues. Lisbon tions by reaching the last four. stantly probing, while Neymar Julian Nagelsmann needed to Red Crescent Societies, the In- antine camp 24/7 to provide a “All the protective tools are With French World Cup- created from deep and Mbappe fi nd some way to shift the mo- ternational Committee of the wide range of medical services supplied, such as masks, gloves, winning forward Kylian Mbappe pushed on to the last defender mentum of the game and made Red Cross and a network of na- for the inmates. At the QRCS shoe covers, face shields and aris Saint-Germain (PSG) back in the starting line-up after looking to use his pace. two changes at the break but tional societies in 192 countries, Training and Development Cen- personal protective equipment reached their fi rst-ever fully recovering from his an- The Germans were strug- after a bright start, PSG put the QRCS said in a press statement. tre, dozens of courses and lec- (PPE). Social distancing and PChampions League fi nal kle injury, PSG’s German coach gling but did threaten in the 25th outcome beyond doubt. “In the face of the Covid-19 tures were held for the medical personal sanitisation are en- with a 3-0 win over RB Leipzig Thomas Tuchel was able to fi eld minute when Konrad Laimer Leipzig defender Nordi Muk- outbreak, QRCS has played a workers and volunteers engaged sured at all times.” yesterday, inspired by Argentine his preferred attacking trident burst down the right and found iele slipped while attempting to signifi cant role by supporting in the operation, in addition to While working on the ground, Angel Di Maria. with Brazilian Neymar and Di Yussuf Poulsen but the for- clear, allowing Di Maria to cross the eff orts of the government health education events for the some QRCS personnel got in- Goals from Marquinhos and Maria. ward’s shot was just off target. the ball back in to the box and and sectors of Qatar to contain public. fected with the virus. Immedi- Di Maria put PSG 2-0 up at the Right from the outset, PSG Neymar then went close with Bernat’s glancing header fl oated the health and economic con- Internationally, QRCS’s 19 ately, the organisation provided interval and Juan Bernat added looked a threat to the Leipzig an audacious free kick from into the far corner. sequences, as well as helping foreign representation missions them with full care and treat- the third in the 56th minute for defence with Neymar clipping deep and wide on the right, the Mbappe forced a good save many fellow national societies and offi ces were aligned to keep ment until their recovery. They what was a comfortable victory the post after he was slipped in former Barcelona man going for out of Gulacsi as PSG pushed for minimise its impact on the vul- an eye on the situation, co-ordi- withstood the calamity by vir- at the Estadio da Luz. by Mbappe in the sixth minute. Peter Gulacsi’s near post and a fourth, while the French club’s nerable segments of society,” the nate with the host national soci- tue of their high spirits and the The French club, who cel- Seven minutes later though, striking the post as the Hungar- keeper Sergio Rico had his hands statement noted. eties and government authori- support from QRCS leaders, the ebrating the 50th anniversary of PSG had the lead – Neymar and ian keeper scrambled. warmed by a fi erce drive from Early in the crisis, QRCS ties, provide various possible statement adds. their founding in 1970, will meet Di Maria lined up to take a free It was a poor clearance from fellow Spaniard Angelino. launched the ‘Volunteer for Qa- forms of logistic and specialised On World Humanitarian Day, the winner of today’s other semi kick on the left and it was the the keeper that led to PSG’s sec- PSG’s only other appearances tar’ campaign, which recruited support, and take all the preven- QRCS “would like to send a between Bayern Munich and Ol- Argentine who fl oated in a lovely ond. Leandro Paredes collected in the fi nal of a European com- 13,800 young women and men tive measures within the ongo- ‘Thank You’ message to those ympique Lyonnais. cross which was nodded home the ball and then found Neymar petition came with their UEFA to carry out many activities. ing humanitarian operations. heroes, in the name of everyone PSG were a step too far for by Marquinhos. who cleverly fl icked it with the Cup Winners’ Cup victory in These included guidance of Over the past few months, in society who were protected Leipzig, who were playing in the Former Real Madrid and back of his heel into the path of 1996 and their runners-up spot consumers at shopping centres, there have been Covid-19 con- against, or treated from, such a regional leagues just 11 years ago Manchester United winger Di Di Maria who made no mistake. in the following season. management quarantine facili- trol eff orts for some 300,000 serious disease”.