www.thepeninsula.qa Tuesday 9 June 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8283 17 Shawwal - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 01 PENMAG | 03 SPORTORT | 0088

Qatar marks Classifieds Barca, Real milestone towards and Services renew creating regional section close-run hub of sports tech included title race

QU holds 52nd place in THE Amir issues order appointing Asia University Rankings 2020 Adviser to Amir on Economic Affairs Amir H H Sheikh THE PENINSULA — Income (7.5 percent), Tamim bin Hamad International Outlook Al Thani issued University (QU) has (7.5 percent), Research ranked 52nd in the Times (30 percent), Citations yesterday Amiri Higher Education (THE) Asia (30 percent), Teaching Order No. 4 of 2020, University Rankings 2020 for (25 percent) appointing H E the third year in a row despite QU President, Dr. Sheikh Ahmed bin the significant increase in the Hassan bin Rashid Al number of ranked universities Derham expressed his Jassim bin (approximately 400 in 2019, pride in achieving the Mohammed Al Thani nearly 500 in 2020). 52nd place in the Times as an Adviser to the The THE Asia University Higher Education (THE) Amir on Economic Rankings 2020 use the same 13 Asia University performance indicators as the Rankings 2020, saying Affairs. THE World University Rankings that this achievement The Amiri order after they are recalibrated to highlights QU’s con- shall be imple- reflect the attributes of Asia’s institutions. tinuous efforts to advance its standing in the mented from the The universities are judged across all their Asia region. core missions — teaching, research, knowledge He also stressed the University’s efforts to date of its issuance transfer and international outlook – to provide achieve excellence in education and high and to be published the most comprehensive and balanced com- quality scientific research and its commitment in the Official parisons available. The performance indicators to provide the best educational means for its Gazette. -QNA are grouped into five areas: the Industry students and to motivate them. COVID-19: 1,597 more recover; Qatar to gradually lift 1,368 new cases THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Ministry of Public Health announced yesterday the regis- restrictions in 4 phases tration of 1,368 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and recovery of 1,597 people, bringing the total THE PENINSULA — DOHA number of recovered people in Qatar to 45,935. Qatar announced yesterday that The Ministry also the restrictions that were put in announces that three people place to limit the spread of have died from the virus. The COVID-19, will be lifted in a Ministry has expressed phased way, with first phase sincere condolences and starting from June 15. The sympathy to the families of second phase will start on July the deceased. 1, the third on August 1 and the The total number of positive fourth on September 1. COVID-19 cases recorded in Addressing a press con- Qatar till now stands at 70158 and ference yesterday, Assistant there are 24166 active cases under Foreign Minister and Spokes- treatment. So far, 57 people died person of the Supreme Com- from the coronavirus in Qatar. mittee for Crisis Management, Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management, H E Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Ministry has tested 4113 people H E Lolwah bint Rashid bin Al Khater (centre), addressing a press conference, yesterday. Also seen is Dr Abdullatif Al Khal (left), Co-Chair of the National Pandemic yesterday taking the total number Mohammed Al Khater, said that Preparedness Committee and Head of Infectious Diseases at Hamad Medical Corporation. of people tested so far to 259646, economic activities cannot stop yesterday. Also 19 new cases indefinitely and there will be a 50 percent from phase 2, 80 have been admitted to intensive gradual lifting of restrictions but percent in the third and 100 Gradual lifting does not mean that we do not take care due to health complications with continued precautions. percent from phase 4. All precautionary measures. Health and safety is a priority with resulting from infection with the “Gradual lifting does not employees will have to virus, bringing the total number mean that we do not take pre- maintain strict health and safety its various social, psychological and other dimensions.” of cases currently in intensive cautionary measures. Health and measures. care to 241. safety is a priority with its various Travel outside Qatar will be H E Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, The Ministry also stated social, psychological and other allowed only in cases of Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson of the Supreme that there has been a small dimensions,” said Al khater. essential reasons and everyone decrease in the number of acute Giving details about gradually who returns to Doha will be Committee for Crisis Management. COVID-19 positive patients being removal of restrictions, H E subjected to hotel quarantine admitted to intensive care thanks Lolwah bint Rashid bin on their personal expense for H E the Assistant Foreign for exercise will be allowed but The second phase, starting to the measures taken by the Min- Mohammed Al Khater advised full two weeks. Minister and Spokesperson of the children under 12 years will not from July1, will allow opening istry of Public Health and the con- the elderly people with chronic In the first phase of health Supreme Committee for Crisis be allowed to enter. of malls for limited hours, cerned authorities to limit the diseases, and the children should restrictions, there will be a Management said that partial Regarding sports training opening of markets and spread of the virus, the most not to go out during the first and limited opening of private opening of some stores in facilities, H E Lolwah bint wholesale markets with limited important of which is the early second phase of the lifting of health clinics with 40 percent shopping centers with a con- Rashid bin Mohammed Al capacity and specific hours. It detection of the virus which can restrictions. capacity, which will increase to dition that that the area of the Khater said that sports training also includes limited opening contribute significantly to The workforce will also 60 percent capacity by second shop is not less than 300 square will be permitted in open spaces of restaurants with low reducing the severity of infection. return to offices gradually as 20 phase, 80 percent by third and meters, and the capacity of the and large halls for the profes- capacity, and museums and The Ministry explains that percent of employees will 100 percent capacity by the complex does not exceed 30 sional sportspersons for no libraries with limited capacity the patients who died yes- return to workplace in phase 1, fourth phase. percent. Entry to public parks more than five people. and specific hours. `P2 terday were receiving medical care in intensive care, and the First phase Second phase Third phase Fourth phase deceased were suffering from several chronic diseases. 1 Monday, June 15, 2020 2 July 1, 2020 3 August 1, 2020 4 Sep 1, 2020 The Ministry affirms that efforts to tackle the virus in Qatar have succeeded in flat- T Limited opening of mosques Opening of malls for Low risk inbound flights for priority passengers The full opening of shopping T T T tening the curve and reducing T 20% of employees start work at workplace with the limited hours like returning residents. centers the impact of the virus mainly implementation of all precautionary requirements T Opening of markets and T The full opening of shopping centers T The full opening of markets T Trips outside Qatar in cases of extreme necessity wholesale markets with T Opening wholesale markets with limited and wholesale markets through the preventive and everyone who returns to Doha will be subjected limited capacity and capacity and specific hours T The completion of gradual measures taken and the coop- to hotel quarantine on their personal expense for full specific hours T Limited opening of restaurants with gradually opening of restaurants eration of all members of two weeks. T Limited opening of increasing occupancy T The total opening of museums society, and that the number of T Partial opening of some stores in shopping centers, restaurants with low T Reopening of driving schools will be allowed. and libraries. new hospital admissions is now provided that the area of the shop is not less than capacity T Nurseries and creches can reopen; meanwhile T 100% of employees will start showing a limited decrease. 300 square meters, and the capacity of the complex T Museums and all other educational institutions can resume working from their workplace Anyone who has symptoms does not exceed 30 percent. libraries with limited operations in September. with proper health precautions of COVID-19 should either T 40% of the capacity in some private health facilities capacity and specific T 80% of employees get back to their workplace quickly contact the 16000 hel- while continuing to provide emergency services hours with the implementation of all precautionary Private health clinics will be pline or go directly to one of the T Limited parks for exercise. Children under 12 years T 50% of employees get requirements allowed to open 40% in the first designated health centers for will not be allowed to enter. back to their workplace T 50% of the capacity for the following activities: phase, where in the second phase, testing. The four main testing T Sports training will be permitted in open spaces and with the implementa-  á)FBMUIDMVCT GJUOFTTIBMMTBOETXJNNJOH it will become 60%, the third 80% centers are: Muaither Health large halls for the professional sportspersons tion of all precautionary pools and in fourth 100%, while continu- Centre, Rawdat Al Khalil Health for no more than 5 people. requirements  á#FBVUZTBMPOTBOENBTTBHFDFOUFST ing to provide emergency service Centre, Um Slal Health Centre  á#BSCFSBOEIBJSESFTTFST and Al Gharafa Health Centre. 02 HOME TUESDAY 9 JUNE 2020 Ministry successfully completes academic year Mosques to reopen under QNA — DOHA Minister of Education and Higher Education, H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulwahed Al Hammadi strict safety The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has says the Ministry took all the preventive and guidelines succeeded, with distinction, in precautionary measures to ensure the health completing 2019-20 academic year, despite COVID-19 and safety of the students and all of the schools’ THE PENINSULA — DOHA epidemic, which halted employees during the exams. education in most countries. The Ministry of Awqaf and The Ministry implemented Islamic Affairs has released an distance learning education cation affairs sector. process went well, where the illustrative video for system to complete the aca- He pointed out that the Min- application rate reached 100 worshipers explaining the demic year after parents and istry has received positive indi- percent, indicating the multi- procedures to be followed for society feared the effects of the cators in this regard, and there plicity of systems used in praying in mosque while epidemic on the health and is accountability for any failure private schools as a result of dif- announcing to reopen the safety of their children, as well of all parties involved in the ferent experiences in the mosques from June 15 under as a halt in education. evaluation process in the e-learning system, and the dif- certain rules and regulation. Minister of Education and Ministry. ferent policies adopted “We inform you that the Higher Education, H E Dr. He said that the Ministry according to the special systems mosques will be reopened for Mohammed bin Abdulwahed Al prepared the educational and curricula in each school. prayers (with the exception of Minister of Education and Higher Education, H E Dr. Mohammed Hammadi emphasised that the content for distance study for Educational experts as well Friday prayers) starting from bin Abdulwahed Al Hammadi Ministry had taken all the pre- each of the academic levels, by as schools administrations, June 15, and a specific number ventive and precautionary filming and producing videos teachers and specialists empha- of mosques which will be measures, among the measures began their studies through the Al Nuaimi said in an interview of daily lessons, with a focus on sized that the remote educa- announced later, according to taken by the country to curb the distance education system and to Qatar News Agency (QNA) providing the student with the tional programs have assisted specific precautionary measures outbreak of coronavirus, to the Ministry cancelled the end that the evaluation process and concepts and values of these students to reach the content illustrated in this video,” the ensure the health and safety of of the second semester tests for the standards taken for the stu- lessons on electronic links via and do their homework through Ministry said in a tweet. the students and all of the the students from grade 1 to11 dents from grade 1 to11 that the digital platforms provided. the internet, and so it reduced As per the preventive schools’ employees during the and replaced it by conducting planning for the evaluation With regard to distance the teachers’ efforts in the daily measures, the worshipers exams. an evaluation process for these process was carried out in par- learning for people with special and weekly evaluation process. should make ablution at home The great success of the dis- students, provided that general allel with the education process needs, the Undersecretary said In addition it enabled the before going to mosque tance learning process in com- and specialised high school stu- through planning for daily and that the Ministry provided edu- teacher in another hand to because the bathrooms and pleting the academic year dents take the end of the second weekly assessments. He added cational materials that meet the share the interactive lessons ablution places at the mosques 2019-20 confirms that the coro- semester tests as usual. These that they are continuous assess- needs of this group of students through using the whiteboard, will be closed. navirus pandemic did not tests started on June 1 and it will ments covering all learning according to the level and type texts, audio and video, as well The worshipers are asked affected the educational end on June 13. goals and emphasized the joint of disability. as recording the illustrated and to not go to the mosques process, or even the start or Undersecretary of the Min- responsibility of students, On the level of private viewing lessons, which enabled earlier because the mosques start of the new academic year. istry of Education and Higher teachers, parents, school schools, the Undersecretary the students to reach them at will open with the call to On March 23, students Education Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh administrations and the edu- confirmed that the evaluation all times. prayer (Azan) only. There should be no crowding and people should maintain dis- Qatar announces tance of two meters with Stringent safety measures at health centers others. phased lifting of The worshipers should QNA — DOHA reception areas and marking infection risks. She added that during avoid shaking hands even if restrictions and tips for social distancing As for the precautions quarantine, people are fol- they wear gloves and they FROM PAGE 1 Primary Health Care Corpo- to ensure everyone’s safety. taken to protect the medical lowed up in terms of the should cover mouth and nose ration (PHCC) has confirmed She explained that among staff, Dr. Hanadi Al Hail appearance of any pathological while sneezing and coughing. The third phase, which that it is taking the utmost care the measures, medical consul- pointed out that the medical symptoms such as high body They should show the Ehteraz will begin from August 1, will to protect patients and medical tations were activated teams in health centers are temperature and others, while application to the to mosques’ include, the full opening of personnel from the risks of remotely over the phone to constantly keen to wear the quarantine period is deter- administrators before entering shopping centres, opening transmission of the corona- communicate with patients in medical facial masks, hand mined based on the incubation the mosques. wholesale markets with virus (COVID-19). most services, such as family washing and the use of sani- period of the disease. The worshipers should limited capacity and specific The Head of Al Thumama and specialty medicine clinics, tizers , while ensuring dis- With regard to tests for bring their own prayer rug and hours, limited opening of Health Center at PHCC, Dr. dentistry, nutrition, psycho- tancing, especially since COVID-19, Dr. Hanadi Al Hail not to share with others or restaurants with gradually Hanadi Al Hail, said in press logical and health education, medical staff are considered said that PHCC first assesses leave it in mosque. increasing occupancy, reo- statements that PHCC has while the health centers con- models for patients. cases by a doctor, and in the They should wear pening of driving schools. developed a comprehensive tinue to receive emergency On quarantine, Dr. Hanadi event that a person is suspected facemask as long as they are In this phase nurseries plan for health center patients cases, in addition, medicines explained that the quarantine to be infected, a patient’s swab in the mosques. The wor- can re-open, meanwhile all that includes the presence of are dispensed to patients is usually applied when an shall be made according to the shipers should bring their own other educational institu- medical staff at the gates to through home delivery services infectious disease spreads, protocol, where the results copy of the Holy Quran, or tions can resume operations take the pathological history in cooperation with Qatar Post, whereby those who are appear within 12 to 24 hours they can read Quran on their in September. of each patient and measure especially for the elderly who exposed to infection are from the time of taking the mobile phones. The third phase will also temperature and separate sus- are more susceptible to the required to remain at home or samples, then the specialized The old and sick people are allow opening of health pected cases with directing disease, in order to reduce the in a place designated for quar- team will inform the patient of allowed to pray at home and clubs, fitness halls and them to emergency department frequency of visitors to health antine in order to prevent the the result and give the appro- people with chronic and dis- swimming pools, beauty which prevents them from centers for routine cases in spread of the disease to others priate instructions in both cases, eases diabetics should pray at salons and massage centres mixing with other patients, as order to preserve their safety and as an attempt to control whether the result is negative home according to the pre- and barber and hairdressers well as organising waiting and and to reduce crowding and disease conditions. or positive. ventive measures. with 50 percent capacity of their capacity. H E Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater MADLSA seminar highlights incentives for SMEs QC wins Orphan Care said that the fourth phase includes the full opening of QNA — DOHA costs of isolation and treatment, as the programmes supporting the private Excellence Award shopping centres, markets State provides all medical, food and sector, especially small and medium- and wholesale markets, full The Ministry of Administrative Devel- housing expenses. sized companies, financially and logis- QNA — DOHA opening of restaurants and opment, Labor, and Social Affairs He also touched on the directives tically, besides tax exemptions and museums and libraries. (MADLSA), in cooperation with the ILO issued by the MADLSA related to the rent payments and utilities announced. Qatar Charity (QC) has won the Excellence For his part, Dr Abdul- Project Office in Qatar and the Inter- preventive measures to be followed Khalid Al Mana, Executive Director Award in the field of orphan care (Kafel) for latif Al Khal, Co-Chair of the national Organization of Employers, in the workplace, housing and others of Business Finance at Qatar Devel- the current year, from the Regional Network National Pandemic Prepar- held a seminar entitled "The Economic on the contractual relationship, and opment Bank (QDB), spoke about the for Social Responsibility in cooperation with edness Committee and Head Response Plan on Coronavirus the possibility of agreement between national guarantees programme that regional and international organizations and of Infectious Diseases at the (COVID-19)” for small and medium- workers and employers that workers was launched to respond to the reper- bodies, during its participation in the activ- Hamad Medical Corpo- sized enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar. take unpaid leave, reduce working cussions of COVID-19. ities of the 3rd World Conference on Orphan ration, said If the precau- The webinar aimed at exchanging hours, or temporarily reduce wages For his part, Hamad Al Mulla, Care 2020, which was held virtually. tionary measures were not ideas on specific short-term measures in order to reduce the company’s costs Assistant Executive Director of the Qatar Charity received the award in rec- applied during the gradual to support small and medium-sized during this temporary period, which Supervision and Control of Financial ognition of its role in supporting compre- opening process, Qatar may companies and protect employment encourages the building of sound Institutions at Qatar Central Bank hensive orphan care services in the social, return to the first phase of amid pandemic crisis of (COVID-19), industrial relations between workers (QCB), praised the mechanism health, educational and entertainment fields. infection. as well as discussing best practices fol- and employers and solidarity during approved by banks in postponing the The assistant CEO for International Oper- “We remind everyone lowed by governments and employers crises with a view to sustaining repayment of outstanding loan instal- ations and Partnerships Sector at Qatar that we did not reach this to support these companies. business. ments and interest for some sectors Charity Faisal Al Fehaida, expressed his hap- level except because of the Mohammed Hassan Al Obaidli, For his part, Majid Al Khulaifi, for a period of six months starting from piness with this award that supports and commitment of all members Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Assistant Undersecretary for Com- March 2020. encourages charitable work efforts, especially of society to the preventive Affairs, reviewed the economic merce Affairs at the Ministry of Com- Matthias Thorns, Deputy Sec- with regard to caring for the orphans. measures that we must con- response plan and possible measures merce and Industry, referred to the retary-General of the International Al Fehaida said that the award represents tinue to practice routinely,” for small and medium-sized com- announcement by Amir H H Sheikh Organization of Employers (IOE), dis- an additional incentive for Qatar Charity to he said. panies, and the ongoing efforts of the Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the cussed the impact of small and upgrade its programs, develop its services, Al Khal said that Qatar State to support them to address the financial incentives package to support medium-sized companies worldwide, improve its performance in terms of quantity has succeeded in flattening threats they face as a result of the pan- the private sector at a value of QR75bn and presented international experi- and quality, expand the circle of beneficiaries the curve and reducing the demic, including exempting small and , or about 10 percent of the gross ences in order to support them and , especially sponsoring orphans, and support number of infections and medium companies from covering the domestic product (GDP), policies and avoid job losses. initiatives that care for them. this is because of com- mitment to the precau- tionary measures. Assistant Undersecretary Qatar Museums joins observance of World Oceans Day for Commerce Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and RAYNALD C RIVERA Earth’s surface and holding 97% of our the world, thus they are significant to Industry, Saleh Al Khulaifi, THE PENINSULA planet’s water, oceans play a key role in Qatar. These mammals are currently on said that customers above 12 our existence. Oceans feed us, provide the World Wildlife Fund’s vulnerable list years and less than 60 years Qatar Museums (QM) joined the cele- most of the oxygen we breathe and play and raising awareness of them links to will only be allowed to enter bration of World Oceans Day yesterday a vital role in regulating the climate,” QM the museum’s key themes around sus- the malls and shopping by highlighting the importance of oceans said in an email sent to Culture Pass tainability and conservation. complexes. and the urgent need to take important members. The mascot design competition is He said that the cus- steps to save them. Different organisations around the part of the a special exhibition on tomers and those working in Taking place on June 8, this annual world mark the day in various ways such Dugong NMoQ is working in collabo- the malls are required to international day officially recognised as launching campaigns and initiatives ration with Exxon Mobil Research Qatar wear face masks and by the United Nations (UN) supports the and holding special events and activities and is slated to open sometime next year. undergo temperatures meas- implementation of Sustainable Devel- such as competitions and festivals. The winning mascot design will be urement which is allowed opment Goals worldwide, and fosters QM has been organising beach part of NMoQ’s living identity and will 37.8 degree as maximum. public interest in the management of cleanups in a number of important areas National Museum of Qatar has sought be featured in various educational pro- “The entry and exit of the oceans and their resources. around the country in collaboration with creative designs for the museum’s new grams and publications of the museum. malls will be regulated and With this year’s theme “Innovation various organisations. mascot, the dugong. On World Oceans Day, QM has also visitors should produce for a Sustainable Ocean,” this UN day As it marked its first anniversary this highlighted simple ways on how to save Ehteraze app to ensure their celebrates the role of oceans in everyday year, the National Museum of Qatar — the dugong which is a large marine the oceans and recommended docu- status of COVID-19,” said Al life and inspires action to protect oceans (NMoQ) recently announced an open mammal that has lived in Qatari waters mentary features to watch that raise Khulaifi. He said that the and promote sustainable use of marine call for artists and designers in Qatar and for over 7,500 years. awareness on the current status of malls should provide sani- resources. around the world to submit creative The Arabian Gulf is home to the oceans around the world and the chal- tizers in enough quantity. “Apart from covering 71% of the designs for the museum’s new mascot second largest population of dugongs in lenges that beset them. TUESDAY 9 JUNE 2020 HOME 03 Qatar-Greece ties continuously developing: Envoy QNA — DOHA of investment and growing The State of Qatar has made global dispersed any Gulf family. unparalleled experience”, activity at the regional and cooperation and solidarity a key way Regarding the agreement stressing that Qatar promises Ambassador of the State of international levels, noting that concluded between the United the world a unique edition of Qatar to the Hellenic Republic, the State of Qatar raises the to confront the COVID-19 pandemic in States and the Taliban in Doha, the World Cup. H E Abdulaziz Ali Al Naama ceiling of its interest in the the world, by providing humanitarian assistance H E Ambassador Al Naama H E Ambassador Al Naama has affirmed the continuous investment movement in said that this agreement, said that the State of Qatar pays development of Doha-Athens Greece based on special agree- to many friendly countries. which was sponsored by the great attention to the workers’ relations, and the great ments in the field of investment State of Qatar, is of great rights within the framework of economic growth witnessed between the two sides, high- importance, describing it as a promoting and guaranteeing as a result of the estab- lighting in this regard the way to confront the COVID-19 priority, and has repeatedly “historic achievement” that human rights in the country lishment of a Qatari-Greek establishment of a Qatari- pandemic in the world, by pro- called for the necessity of inter- contributes to peace in the through the issuance of the law business council specialised in Greek business council spe- viding humanitarian assistance national cooperation to region and enhances hope for of permanent residence of the private sector to activate cialized in the private sector to to many friendly countries, overcome this ordeal. ending the war that has been foreign workers, and the investment between the two activate investment. including: , Iran, H E the Ambassador going on in for amendment of entry and exit countries. He said that the State of Albania, Palestine, the Demo- stressed that Doha had suc- nearly 18 years and was the of expatriates and their resi- In an interview with the Qatar had dealt with the corona cratic Republic of the Congo, the ceeded in overcoming this longest United States foreign dence, besides issuing a law News Agency of Greece, H E virus pandemic at the local Republic of Angola, China, unjust blockade and getting out wars. establishing a fund to support Ambassador Abdulaziz Ali Al level, based on several pillars , the United States, Italy, of its negative effects, adding On expectations of the and secure expats, as well as Naama said that the Greek- to combat the pandemic, which Rwanda and Somalia and that the Qatari people folded its State of Qatar organising and the labor dispute resolution Qatari relations are in a state include: community awareness, others, believing in the impor- page and turned it into an hosting the 2022 World Cup, committees in the State. of continuous development checking, providing sufficient tance of supporting brotherly incentive to achieve more H E the Ambassador con- He added that the State of thanks to the constant com- beds to receive infected cases, and friendly countries in com- political, diplomatic, economic firmed that Qatar has become Qatar had recently imple- munication between officials and allocating a number of bating the virus. and industrial achievements. a sports hub by hosting the mented comprehensive of the two countries and the hospitals to treat those infected He said that the State of He pointed out that the 2022 World Cup, and it wel- reforms with regard to labour exchange of official visits by with the coronavirus (COVID- Qatar, based on its conviction State of Qatar, since the comes all those coming to laws and regulations to con- high-level delegations. 19), by providing a sufficient is ensuring the health and safety beginning of the Gulf crisis, attend the World Cup, which solidate basic rights in the field He referred, in this context, number of beds. for all citizens and residents, had called for dialogue and will be held for the first time of work, considering that to the presence of a Qatari H E Ambassador Al Naama coordinating facilitating the remained sublime on the prin- in the region, noting that the Qatar places the rights of all interest in investing in Greece, added that the State of Qatar response, and providing ciple of reciprocity, and did ongoing preparations for migrant workers at the centre saying: The State of Qatar has had made global cooperation assistance to countries in need not expel any of the citizens of hosting it are in full swing and of its economic and social a prominent interest in the field and solidarity key to combat corona as a top the blockading countries, or “fans and visitors will have an policies New building of Indonesian WIZA intensifies Embassy inaugurated in Onaiza worker-safety efforts amid THE PENINSULA — DOHA Qatar telling them to feel com- fortable in visiting the new Embassy pandemic Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar, premises at any time. H E Muhammad Basri Sidehabi, offi- “Please consider the building as QNA — DOHA cially inaugurated the new Indo- your second home, while you’re nesian Embassy building in Onaiza eight hours away from your own Qatari company for labor on Sunday. home. Be proud of such beautiful recruitment (WIZA) has inten- The inauguration of the new building,” he said. sified its preventive efforts to building was attended by the owner The new Embassy, which has ensure the safety of its of the building, Muhammad Ibrahim been operating since June 1, is customers, employees and Abdullah Obaidah Fakhroo and located in House Plot No. 13 Street workers from the repercus- several representatives of Indo- No. 943, Zone No. 66, Al Salmiya, sions of the coronavirus nesian diaspora in Qatar. In Onaiza, Doha. (COVID-19) pandemic by accordance with the Qatari govern- The Embassy will continue pro- implementing its recently ment’s regulation, the attendees viding service for around 27,000 of launched prevention program, wore face masks and practised its citizens in Qatar. which includes a set of physical distancing during the event. The new office building will preventive measures and In a statement, H E Ambassador display ’s tourism desti- educational activities aimed Sidehabi emphasised the impor- nations and cultural richness, as at preventing coronavirus tance of informing the public about well as economic potentials, which infection and limiting its the new Embassy building which include trade and investment spread. reflects new spirit and good hope sectors. The prevention pro- for a promising bilateral relation Before shifting to the new gramme targets two segments: Indonesia’s Ambassador to Qatar, H E Muhammad Basri Sidehabi; the owner of the building, between Indonesia and Qatar. building, the Embassy was located firstly, the employee category Muhammad Ibrahim Abdullah Obaidah Fakhroo, and othersduring the inauguration of the H E the Ambassador also wel- in the New Salata Area for around and the company's new building of the Indonesian Embassy in Onaiza, Doha, on Sunday. comed all Indonesian citizens in 21 years since 1999. employment, and secondly, the community segment, espe- cially domestic work. The first segment included Katara announces winners of World Children’s Day art contest the application of health and safety standards, social dis- THE PENINSULA — DOHA to receive QR2,500 each and children’s rights, translating into Katara’s World Qatar Post. Katara’s World Chil- tancing procedures at admin- the rare chance for their dialogues and actions that will Children’s Day dren’s Day drawing contest was istrative headquarters, The Cultural Village Foundation drawings to be printed on build a better world for part of the series of activities housing and periodic checks, (Katara) yesterday announced postage stamps on the occasion children". drawing contest and competitions being and the implementation of it received a total of 572 of World Children’s Day. This annual occasion coin- was part of a series organised by Katara through its training and awareness pro- drawings from 390 participants The winners are seven- cides with two important UN social media sites in the wake grams through various means aged seven to 14 years for its art year-old Sunetta Earn from General Assembly events of activities being of global COVID-19 pandemic. with employees and workers competition organised in the Malaysia, 14-year-old Simra namely the adoption of the Dec- held online due to While majority of the activ- in addition to adhering to rel- run-up to this year’s World Shamshad from India, nine- laration of the Rights of the COVID-19. ities and competitions had been evant government Children’s Day celebration. year-old Kashinadh SR, Child on November 20, 1959 catered to citizens and resi- decisions. The entries were submitted 13-year-old Abdullah Yusuf Al and the adoption of the Con- dents, a number of contests In this regard, remote by children from 46 national- Mulla from Qatar, nine-year- vention on the Rights of the Last year, Katara marked were opened for international work was applied in March to ities including those from India, old Najla Al Dirham from Qatar, Child on November 20, 1989. this global celebration by participation. The competitions most of the employees, acti- Egypt, Qatar, Syria, , and 11-year-old IIhem World Children’s Day takes organising the three-day Katara targetting mainly children five vating the attendance feature the US, Canada, Japan, Italy, Boughanmi from France. on special significance for Children’s Festival which to 15 years old varied from cul- and leaving via faceprint and Turkey, the United Kingdom, World Children’s Day is cel- Katara, which directs programs included a number of cultural, tural to literary to artistic and location identification, and the Indonesia, Kazakhstan and ebrated on November 20 every and activities for children entertainment and educational winners were awarded cash program also included proce- Sudan, among others. year “to promote international throughout the year aimed at events as well as workshops, prizes. Its writing competition dures for internal sterilization Launched on April 30, the togetherness, awareness among developing their skills and games, Arabic calligraphy, and alone generated more than and periodic checks. competition was held in coop- children worldwide, and honing their creativity, and cel- children’s murals among others. 1,800 participants. The second segment pro- eration with Qatar Post and improving children’s welfare” ebrating this day represents the One of the highlights of last In addition, Katara also suc- vided awareness messages to entries were submitted via according to the United Nations. culmination of the Foundation’s year’s celebration was a cessfully organised a slew of the public and customers email. It provides “an inspirational continuous efforts in achieving painting competition entitled, religious, cultural and heritage because of the company’s Six winners were chosen entry-point to advocate, the utmost welfare for the “Qatar in the eyes of children” competitions during the holy belief in the social responsi- among the hundreds of entries promote and celebrate children. organised in partnership with month of Ramadan. bility entrusted to it. Sidra conducts complex airway surgery for kid with rare throat condition

THE PENINSULA — DOHA asthma, as the symptoms of wider. This final procedure In the weeks following raspy breathing and shortness allowed surgeons to open her surgery, the MDT team per- Surgeons at Sidra Medicine, a of breath are very similar. airway to its full capacity for her formed regular endoscopic member of , Without immediate inter- breathe freely and clearly. An exams and a video fluoroscopy have performed a laryngotra- vention, the openness (patency) endotracheal tube was used as to check on Lulwa airway and cheal reconstruction surgery on of her airway will be at risk.” a stent to open the airway her ability to swallow. She was a baby born with a rare throat During her initial assess- (known as intubation). She was also assessed by a speech and condition. ments at Sidra Medicine, a then transferred to the PICU for language therapist and received Baby Lulwa was born with laryngoscopy, which is a small a week to keep her intubated. an outpatient based care plan a laryngeal web and subglottic flexible telescope, was inserted Lulwa’s parents said: to ensure her full recovery. stenosis. This meant that her into Lulwa’s airway to see the “During our daughter’s initial Dr. Mansour Ali, Chair of upper windpipe (trachea) was extent of the blockage and the assessments, we sought a Pediatric Surgery at Sidra Med- very narrow and her larynx thickness of the web-like tissue. second opinion with doctors icine said: “I am very proud of (also known as voice box) had Taking Sidra Medicine’s outside of Qatar to confirm the teamwork in Lulwa’s case. a thick layer of web-like tissue renowned multidisciplinary whether we were taking the Despite the rarity and the com- covering it, making it difficult team (MDT) based approach to right approach. We were plexity of her condition, this was for her to breathe normally. The patient care, Dr. Abdulkader The baby after the successful surgery assured when they validated the first time the management condition is a rare birth defect, and the MDT reviewed all the that Sidra Medicine, with its of such a case was performed with an estimated incidence of options available — minimally expert team and technologies, in Qatar without the need for a 1 per 4,000,001. invasive and surgery — in con- a best practice methodology web and a balloon dilatation to was one of the best children’s tracheostomy. It is important to Dr. Faisal Abdulkader, sultation with her parents. and is used by some of the her trachea was performed. hospitals in the Middle East to highlight the specialist expertise Division Chief of Ear, Nose and Lulwa’s MDT-based care at leading children’s hospitals This helped address the nar- conduct the surgery. We that we have at Sidra Medicine Throat (ENT) and Otolaryn- Sidra Medicine was handled around the world. It is a safe rowing at her vocal cords couldn’t be happier to see our throughout the entire journey gology, Sidra Medicine said: with the combined expertise of and stable procedure and a however, her trachea needed beautiful daughter thrive under of care for our young patients “When Lulwa was transferred otolaryngology; head and neck suitable alternative to clearing more definitive surgical the care and attention of the — from our surgery to pediatric to Sidra Medicine in late 2019, surgery; pediatric anesthesia; blocked windpipes without the reconstruction. staff. We were equally anaesthesiology, through PICU it was important to get a full the pediatric intensive care unit need for a tracheostomy. The second stage of Lulwa’s impressed how we as parents and child life services. We want picture of her condition so as to (PICU); speech and language Lulwa underwent two reconstruction surgery involved were part of the decision families in Qatar to be assured plan the right treatment therapy and child life services. phases of the reconstruction inserting a small piece of car- making progress. This helped of our commitment to providing program. Laryngeal web can Laryngotracheal recon- surgery. During the first phase, tilage into the narrowed section us become a very important the highest levels of care for sometimes be misdiagnosed for struction surgery is considered the division of her vocal cord of her windpipe to make it part of our daughter’s recovery.” their children.” 04 HOME TUESDAY 9 JUNE 2020 UDC receives five ISO certifications THE PENINSULA — DOHA Achieving these ISO United Development Company certifications, is a key (UDC), a leading Qatari public milestone for UDC and shareholding company and a fundamental pillar for master developer of The Pearl- establishing a performance Qatar and Gewan Island, has obtained five certifications for and result-oriented developing and implementing culture based on quality The Pearl-Qatar an Integrated Management in the implementation System conforming to interna- and management of our tionally recognised standards set by the International Organ- projects and service ization for Standardization (ISO) delivery, in line with Qatar including ISO 9001 (Quality National Vision 2030. Management), ISO 14001 (Envi- ronmental Management), ISO Ibrahim Jassim Al Othman, President, CEO and Member of The Board 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety Management), ISO 27001 (Information Security and Utility Maintenance of business risks and align our Management) and ISO 18788 common areas. operations with international (Private Security Operations In this context, UDC Pres- benchmarks through com- Management). ident, CEO and Member of The mitting to legal and regulatory This international recog- Board, Ibrahim Jassim Al requirements”. nition was awarded to UDC by Othman said: “Achieving these Al Othman further added: Alcumus – UK after a compre- ISO certifications, is a key mile- “This certification was not hensive and extensive external stone for UDC and a funda- possible without the deter- audit of all the Company’s mental pillar for establishing a mined efforts of our public services delivered to res- performance and result-ori- employees and stakeholders idents and visitors of The ented culture based on quality who have helped shape UDC’s Pearl-Qatar. in the implementation and image as a leading regional community welfare, safety and and providing shareholder 2020. UDC activities cover a These services cover Com- management of our projects developer. UDC is therefore security.” value. Established in 1999, the multitude of vital investment munity Management, and Co- and service delivery, in line with fully committed to providing UDC is a leading Qatari Company was first listed on the sectors including real estate Owners’ Association Man- Qatar National Vision 2030. It the highest standards of public shareholding company Qatar Exchange in June 2003. development, property man- agement services including helps us to continually improve administrative, social and with a mission to identify and It has an authorized share agement, infrastructure and hard and soft services, in our customer experience and environmental practices in all invest in long-term projects capital of QR3.5bn and total utilities, maritime and hospi- addition to Landscape, Building satisfaction, effectively manage its operations to achieve contributing to Qatar’s growth assets of QR8bn as at March 31, tality related businesses. Huawei Mate Xs 5G ‘Taraweeh’ radio program gets huge response from benefactors THE PENINSULA — DOHA treatment for 10 cancer patients, supporting and promoting Qatar moral values among people. in cooperation with the Qatar Charity’s projects by broad- The “Taraweeh” program, exclusively available The “Taraweeh” radio program, Cancer Society. casting programs live, noting through its 17 episodes produced by Qatar Charity in The benefactors also that it is a strategic partner of throughout Ramadan, reviewed cooperation with the Al Quran pledged to sponsor a number of Qatar Charity in supporting several charitable projects at Ooredoo eShop Al Kareem Radio, witnessed a orphans and families, including humanitarian action. worldwide, such as building great interaction and received 100 families in Palestine, 100 Qatar Charity, through its mosques and Quran memori- THE PENINSULA — DOHA sidebar. The system consists of a favourable reaction from orphans in Burkina Faso, and radio and television programs, zation centers, helping low- main wide-angle camera, an philanthropists and benefactors 30 orphans in Senegal, in seeks to diversify its charitable income families affected by the Ooredoo has announced its ultra-wide-angle camera, a tel- to the projects proposed by addition to other projects. programs and projects, and to coronavirus pandemic by pro- customers can now purchase ephoto camera and a 3D Depth Qatar Charity at home and Mohamed Rashid Al Kaabi, maximize the number of bene- viding them with food parcels, the all-new Huawei Mate Xs 5G Sensing Camera. abroad. Assistant CEO for Communi- ficiaries within and outside the and sponsoring orphans and exclusively from its online Customers can stay home The program, which was cation and Resource Devel- country. poor families, in addition to Ooredoo eShop. and stay safe while they get broadcast live in Doha, opment, extended his thanks The “Taraweeh” program drilling wells, running Tiba The sleek, foldable smart- their hands on the latest managed to contribute to easing and appreciation to the Al Quran aims to acquaint listeners with complex project for orphans in phone is powered by the Kirin device from Huawei; the Mate the sorrow of 12 indebted Al Kareem Radio for its con- Qatar Charity’s projects, urge Sudan, and establishing multi- 990 5G chipset. With this at its Xs 5G is available at the persons, and providing tinuous cooperation in people to do good, and promote service centers. core, the HUAWEI Mate Xs Ooredoo eShop for QR9,999 achieves cutting-edge speed with free home delivery and and performance, allowing a set of Freebuds 3 absolutely users to maximise the potential free. Msheireb Properties of the 5G era. The CPU archi- Speaking of the new device, tecture of three-level energy Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari – efficiency brings ground- Director PR at Ooredoo – said: offers virtual tours breaking performance with “We know our customers place much reduced battery life great importance on being able THE PENINSULA — DOHA of the new service, Ali Al consumption. to access the latest devices and Kuwari, Acting CEO of Msheireb The device supports Multi- the most cutting-edge tech- In part of its continuous effort Properties, said: “Customer Window functionality, allowing nology, and we have many cus- to adopt innovative ways of needs across the country are for two apps to be displayed tomers who covet high-end communication and reflecting rapidly changing. With the side by side interactively. Text, devices such as the Huawei current restrictions on social advancement of digitization, images and documents can be Mate Xs 5G. We’re proud to be distancing, Msheireb Properties, Msheireb Properties has transferred easily via dragging able to continue bringing these the leading sustainable real developed new ways to utilise mouse,” Al Kuwari added. Additionally, the 360- and dropping the content from desirable new devices to our estate developer in Qatar, has technology that best meets the Al Khail apartments are degree viewing experience is one app to the other. customers even in these chal- recently launched a new service needs of the consumer and located in Msheireb Downtown available for Al Khail Courtyard, The HUAWEI Mate Xs fea- lenging times, and pleased we that allows customers to makes life easier while also Doha, the flagship project of an open space garden for tures a flagship SuperSensing can enable customers to make virtually explore the new Al adhering to life in a post- Msheireb Properties and the tenants, equipped for family Leica Quad Camera system purchases safely from home via Khail apartments at Msheireb COVID-19 world. Those looking smartest most sustainable fully- gatherings. with a vertical array along the our eShop.” Downtown Doha from the to have an enhanced lifestyle built city district in the world. , comfort of their living rooms. at Msheireb Downtown Doha With different areas and facil- the flagship project of Msheireb The new digital initiative can now easily explore our new ities available for viewing, cus- Properties, is a smart and sus- revolves around the customer Al Khail apartments through tomers can tour the apartments, tainable city that aims to change journey of exploration and cre- virtual tours without the need move around the rooms, the current trends of urban ating an immersive luxury to leave their homes.” hallways and balconies, utilize developments and change the experience for the customers. “The new virtual tour for virtual measuring devices to lifestyle of people and offer a Consumers can go on virtual Al Khail apartments is part of calculate spacial measure- new way to live, work, and tours of the apartments with our strategy to use technology ments, and check the various entertain. Msheireb Properties 360-degree viewings that for creating practical solutions amenities. The apartments are has won numerous prestigious reflect a real sense of immer- that make customer experi- available in 2-bedrooms of dif- regional and international siveness that is as close to ences easy and safe. Our ferent areas, 3-bedrooms fur- awards in the areas of sustain- viewing the property in person. offerings can now be perused nished, 3-bedrooms Duplex, ability, smart cities, and Commenting on the launch with the single click of a and 4-bedroom apartments. architecture. Volunteers highlight importance of mental health THE PENINSULA — DOHA – a program of Education Above are happy to know that they can All (EAA) and key partner in the speak to someone in their lan- Irrespective of a crisis, being CFC Project – since October 2017. guage,” says Asiya Shafi, another separated from loved ones causes Alongside De Silva, sixty other ROTA-EAA Volunteer. “I have a great deal of anxiety and stress. ROTA-EAA Volunteers have been been chatting sessions with And coupled with quarantine or actively resourcing the CFC workers in Hindi, and in almost isolation, stress levels can sky website. From wanting to “make all conversations I have been told rocket. Amid the current a difference, however small, in that they feel calm being able to COVID-19 quarantine situation the world” to “genuinely wanting voice their concerns and be in Qatar, there is one such initi- to help people”, these volunteers responded to in their ative that allows workers who are passionate about their cause. language.” have been quarantined to For Ranjiv Abraham, another In a session, Shafi says, she virtually interact with someone, ROTA-EAA Volunteer, his expe- came across a visitor who com- speak in their native language, rience with the CFC Project has plained that he had trouble and share their anxieties. been both challenging and Sumedha De Silva (left), Ranjiv Abraham (centre), and Asiya Shafi sleeping and didn’t know why. The Connecting for Care rewarding. He is involved in Volunteering in a crisis situation, Project (CFC) offers an interactive “translation, proof reading, and that workers felt good when stress and depression. Globally, of their work or visa status. “And while being a rewarding expe- website (https://cfc.qa) that brings fine-tuning the platform apart being listened to. “Being listened there is widespread concern about that they can depend on the rience, can also be psychologi- together volunteers and quaran- from the regular chat support for to is one of the most important people’s mental health during Qatar government for assistance cally challenging. In an honest tined workers for friendly con- workers.” things people are missing in their quarantine with the United during this difficult time.” response, Shafi says that the versations and support. “Those Speaking about his expe- busy daily lives and it’s hard to Nations calling for mental health The CFC website offers live experiences do weigh her down, who come to chat seem to be rience with CFC, he said: “One of find someone to confide in.” to be treated as a core element of one-on-one chats in ten lan- and she knows that there’s a limit happy with the service,” the workers was concerned A study titled ‘Mental health our response to the COVID-19 guages, namely English, Arabic, to how much she can do. “We Sumedha De Silva said. “I feel like regarding the availability of food outcomes of quarantine and iso- pandemic. Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Bengali, can’t fix all the concerns that are they were relieved to talk to and medicine for his sickly lation for infection prevention: A “This project has provided Malayalam, Sinhala, Tamil, and brought to our attention, all we someone who empathized with parents due to the lockdown in systematic umbrella review of the some sort of relief to the workers Tagalog. Needless to say, can do is support them with a them and also gave them some India. I shared the contact infor- global evidence’ has indicated that during this trying time,” De Silva speaking to someone in their kind word or point out the information that they did not pre- mation of various NGOs that individuals or populations who says. He also adds that it is native language facilitates easier resources that would be useful viously know.” could help in his locality and he were quarantined or isolated have important to make the workers and more effective for them. But I constantly worry De Silva has been volun- was very thankful.” exhibited severe mental health feel that they are being cared for communication. if I have done enough to support teering with Reach Out To Asia Abraham also acknowledged problems such as post-traumatic by the government, irrespective “I’ve noticed that the visitors each visitor.” TUESDAY 9 JUNE 2020 HOME 05 06 GULF / MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 9 JUNE 2020 Netanyahu moving ahead with annexation plans: Settler leader

AP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM Netanyahu and much of his nationalist base are Palestinians fear expulsion for Jerusalem high-tech hub Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assured Jewish settlers that he is eager to move ahead with AFP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM with fears that more than 200 he added. His son Muhannad Al Kurd, going ahead with plans to begin annexation, especially premises could be forced to close a car electrician, said a municipal annexing parts of the occupied West Palestinian business owners in including garages and popular official visited them last summer and Bank next month, a settler represent- with Trump facing shaky occupied east Jerusalem are worried restaurants. warned “eviction is coming”. ative said yesterday. re-election prospects they will be forced to shut up shop by Fathi Al Kurd, whose workshop East Jerusalem was occupied by Netanyahu told a group of settler in November. The Israeli authorities over plans to build opened in 1966, is worried that he and Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War and leaders late on Sunday that President a vast high tech hub in their neigh- his two sons will not be offered later annexed in a move never recog- Donald Trump’s Mideast plan allowing presumptive Democratic bourhood. another location. “My son has four nised by the international the annexation has not been finalised, nominee, Joe Biden, The main thoroughfare through children, if he doesn’t work for a week community. Oded Revivi, mayor of the Efrat set- has said he opposes the Wadi Al Joz area, close to Jerusa- his children will starve,” the 77-year- The Jerusalem municipality aims tlement, said. But Netanyahu said that lem’s Old City, is lined by mechanic old said. to create a “new high tech centre” that once a final map is agreed upon with annexation. workshops and usually hums with the “We can’t confront this (municipal) would “reduce social gaps and eco- the Americans, he will present it to sound of car horns. But business government, but we ask that they at nomic inequality in east Jerusalem,” settler leaders individually, Revivi said. president, this prime minister and this owners are facing an uncertain future, least provide us with an alternative,” according to city hall. Despite what is widely viewed as international climate and we have to a pro-Israel plan, some settlers have seize it.” voiced concern that it does not go far The schism in the settlement lead- Revivi, a senior figure in Yesha, said Netanyahu has said he wants to annex which Israel captured in 1967, under enough. They note that many settle- ership burst into the open last week the majority of settlers supported the parts of the West Bank, including the stra- permanent Israeli control, while ments would be turned into isolated when David Elhayani, chairman of the plan, even if they harbored some con- tegic Jordan Valley and dozens of Jewish granting the Palestinians expanded enclaves surrounded by Palestinian Yesha Council, an umbrella settlers’ cerns, and were solidly behind settlements, in line with Trump’s Mideast autonomy in the remainder of the ter- territory. They also reject the US offer group, told an Israeli newspaper that Netanyahu. plan. He’s lauded the move as a historic ritory. The Palestinians, who seek all to recognise Palestinian statehood, the plan was inadequate and proved Netanyahu and much of his nation- opportunity to establish Israel’s per- of the West Bank as part of an inde- albeit with far less land and far less Trump was “not a friend of Israel.” alist base are eager to move ahead with manent borders, without having to pendent state, have rejected the plan, authority than the Palestinians seek. Netanyahu, fearful of upsetting his annexation, especially with Trump evacuate a single settler. Previous peace saying it unfairly favours Israel. “This doesn’t answer all our dreams close ally in the White House, facing shaky re-election prospects in plans have all included far greater Israeli They have already cut off key but you have to keep it in perspective responded harshly, lauding Trump’s November. The presumptive Demo- concessions. security ties with Israel and say they and see what the alternative is,” Revivi friendship and accusing the settler cratic nominee, Joe Biden, has said he The US plan envisions leaving are no longer bound to agreements said. “We have an opportunity with this leadership of being ungrateful. opposes annexation. about one third of the West Bank, signed. Iran urges people to Iranian scientist back home from US after prisoner swap AFP — TEHRAN to charges he violated financial wear face masks amid reporting requirements by An Iranian scientist returned depositing $277,344 at a bank, home yesterday after his repeatedly showing up with fears of new virus wave release from a US jail in what loose cash, according to court the Islamic republic said was a documents. REUTERS — DUBAI a reason for the increase in the prisoner exchange it hopes can Government spokesman Ali number of cases reported. be repeated between the arch- Rabiei called on the US to Iran’s health ministry urged Iran imposed restrictions foes. release all Iranians in its people yesterday to wear face to curb the spread of COVID-19 Majid Taheri — an Iranian- custody. “We hope that this masks in public areas, state in mid-April. It started easing American who had been process of the full release of all television reported, following them after the daily number of working at a clinic in Tampa, Iranian prisoners in the United warnings that the Islamic deaths and infected cases fell, Florida —had been detained in States will continue,” he said, Republic could face a new partly out of concern about the the United States for 16 months. quoted by ISNA. wave of coronavirus infections. impact of the measures on the He was freed on Thursday “Iran is fully prepared to Health officials said last sanctions-hit economy. But the as Iran released US Navy exchange all prisoners, and the week there could be a second, rate of reported infections rose veteran Michael White, who US government is responsible stronger wave of novel coro- again in May, and the government had been detained in the for this procrastination.” navirus infections if people has been forced to reimpose country since his arrest in July Taheri yesterday rejected ignored social distancing restrictions in some provinces 2018. accusations against him as rules. Iran’s death toll from the after localised outbreaks. Upon his arrival at Tehran’s “unfair and false”, according to coronavirus reached 8,351 yes- Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti Imam Khomeini International Iranian doctor Majid Taheri (left), who had been detained in the Iran’s Fars news agency. terday, with 70 deaths in the pre- Ministry of Health announced Airport, Taheri was greeted by United States for 16 months, is welcomed by his wife and an Iranian “I was helping the Uni- vious 24 hours, health ministry 662 new coronavirus cases in deputy foreign minister Hossein Foreign Ministry official upon his arrival at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini versity of Tehran to develop a spokesman Kianush Jahanpur the last 24 hours, bringing the Jaberi Ansari. International Airport, yesterday. cancer vaccine, especially for said. The number of new cases had total infections to 32,510, while State media published pic- women,” he was quoted as dipped to 2,043, he said, bringing 5 deaths were reported raising tures of the pair speaking to embassy in Tehran handles US as saying. Taheri was the saying. the total to 173,832. the number fatalities to 269 . journalists. interests. Taheri for his part second scientist to have Iran-US tensions have “Everyone should wear All the new cases were in “I hope to see the release of thanked Iran’s Foreign Minister returned to Iran from the soared in recent years as Pres- masks when attending public contact with previously (other Iranians imprisoned Mohammad Javad Zarif. United States in the past week, ident Donald Trump has places like shops or any other infected people or are being abroad) in the near future,” “I thank the government after Cyrus Asgari flew home pursued a campaign of places where fully observing investigated for sources of Ansari was quoted as saying by of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Wednesday. “maximum pressure” against social distancing is not pos- infection, the Health Ministry’s ISNA news agency, adding his and dear officials, including A US federal judge issued America’s sworn enemy. sible,” Jahanpur said. spokesman Dr. Abdullah Al ministry would do its best to Mr. Zarif, who worked hard, an order to free Taheri on time Since unilaterally with- With 3,574 new infections, Sanad said. Earlier, the Health achieve this. and other officials who took served. drawing the US from the Iran Iran recorded its highest Ministry announced the Ansari said the scientist was months to help release me, as Taheri had been accused of nuclear deal in May 2018, number of cases in a single day recovery of 1,037 people from freed after months of efforts by an Iranian physician accused violating US sanctions by Trump has hit the Islamic last Thursday. The authorities the coronavirus, bringing the the ministry in coordination of circumventing US sanctions sending a technical item to Iran republic with sweeping have said wider testing may be tally to 21,242. with Switzerland, whose on medicine,” he was quoted and in December pleaded guilty sanctions. Israel to stop easing coronavirus Israel arrests 21 Palestinians in restrictions after spike in new cases Jerusalem raids

REUTERS — OCCUPIED the easings we were going to reported that they included AP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM JERUSALEM put in place in the next few reopening the national rail days.” service, theatres and cinemas. Israeli police rounded up 21 Israel will stop easing corona- Israel could already be Israel has reported a total Palestinians in overnight raids virus restrictions after a sharp facing a doubling of the of 17,863 confirmed COVID-19 in East Jerusalem, according increase in new COVID-19 infection rate within 10 days, cases and 298 deaths. After to local residents yesterday. cases, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. He urged the enacting restrictions early in Israeli forces raided Netanyahu said yesterday. public to keep social distancing, the outbreak, the government several homes in Jerusalem’s “There is a very sharp rise wear face masks and maintain eased its lockdown in mid-April Old City and Al Tur neigh- in illness,” Netanyahu said in a good hygiene. and gradually allowed schools, bourhood and took them into statement. “The first thing Netanyahu did not detail businesses, shopping malls, custody, they said. Iraqi security forces are deployed to enforce an extended curfew we’ve decided to do is put the what planned relaxations had beaches, shops and restaurants Jerusalem remains at the amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Baghdad, yesterday. brakes on it. We’ve stopped all been shelved but Israeli media to reopen. heart of the decades-long Mideast conflict, with Pales- tinians insisting that East Jeru- salem — occupied by Israel UN sends 72 truckloads of humanitarian aid to Syria's Idlib since 1967 — should serve as the capital of a Palestinian ANATOLIA — HATAY, TURKEY conflict in the country. nearby rural areas. Syria has more than 10 million displaced, understandings, which have state. International law con- The trucks carrying supplies been ravaged by a civil war according to UN estimates. frequently been violated by the tinues to view East Jerusalem, The UN yesterday sent 72 truck- entered Idlib, Syria through the since early 2011, when the Assad Idlib falls within a de-esca- Assad regime and its allies. along with the entire West loads of humanitarian aid to Cilvegozu border gate in Tur- regime cracked down on pro- lation zone forged under an It is currently home to four Bank, as “occupied territories” northwestern Syria, where key’s southern Hatay province. democracy protesters. agreement between Turkey and million civilians, including hun- and considers all Jewish set- millions of people are in need The aid will be distributed Hundreds of thousands of Russia. The area has been the dreds of thousands displaced in tlement construction there as of assistance due to internal among residents of Idlib and people have been killed and subject of multiple cease-fire recent years by regime forces. illegal. Call for expulsion of UAE-backed forces from Socotra

ANATOLIA — SANA'A support for efforts by the inter- United Arab Emirates (UAE). nationally recognized gov- The source said Abdel- Hundreds demonstrated in the ernment to maintain peace and Rahman Shineini, a senior com- Yemeni island of Socotra security in the island. mander of STC forces, was yesterday to demand the ’s southern prov- injured during the clashes. expulsion of forces of the inces have witnessed repeated The claim, however, was Southern Transitional Council clashes between government swiftly denied by STC spokes- (STC), which is backed by the forces and STC fighters since person Mohammad al-Naqib, United Arab Emirates (UAE). the latter declared self-rule in who said his forces had dealt Waving Yemeni flag, pro- Aden late April. with an "infiltration attempt" testers chanted slogans in Yemeni government forces into the city. support of President Abd captured the city of Ja'ar in the Yemen has been devastated Rabbuh Mansur Hadi and in southern Abyan province on by a conflict that escalated in Palestinians protest rejection of the STC’s self-rule. Sunday. The city fell to gov- March 2015 after Iran-backed A statement issued by the dem- ernment forces after fierce Houthi rebels seized the capital Palestinians taking part in a demonstration against police brutality and in support of US protesters onstrators called for ending all clashes with fighters of the Sana'a and forced President over the death George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after a white policeman knelt on his forms of military presence in Southern Transitional Council Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi to flee neck during an arrest in the US, in the centre of the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, yesterday. the island and reiterated (STC), which is backed by the the country. TUESDAY 9 JUNE 2020 AFRICA 07 Kenyans march in capital against police violence

AFP — NAIROBI Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) reported last week it had Around 200 people turned out yesterday for a protest in a poor received 87 complaints against police since Nairobi neighbourhood against the dusk-to-dawn curfew and heightened police violence linked to the deaths of 15 people nationwide security measures were imposed on March since the authorities imposed a 27. Some 15 deaths and “31 incidents where curfew to fight coronavirus. The crowd in the Mathare victims sustained injuries” have been “directly neighbourhood was composed linked to actions of police officers during the mostly of young people and mothers carrying signs with the curfew enforcement. names of friends, neighbours and sons killed in police oper- Some 15 deaths and “31 scourge of police brutality, ations in recent years. incidents where victims sus- which typically goes “I am here to protest for our tained injuries” have been unpunished. youth who have died in the “directly linked to actions of Kenya’s police force is often hands of the police without any police officers during the accused by rights groups of wrongdoings and we are saying curfew enforcement”, it said. using excessive force and car- Residents of the Mathare slum carry placards, with some bearing the names of friends and neighbours enough is enough. As mothers, In recent days, cities around rying out unlawful killings, who have been killed in the slum during security operations in the last few years, during a demonstration many of our youths have been the world have seen massive especially in poor killed while being labelled as protests against racism and neighbourhoods. against what they term as arbitrary police killings in Nairobi, Kenya, yesterday. thieves,” said Mathare resident police violence prompted by In April, Human Rights Rahma Wako. last month’s police killing of Watch (HRW) accused the Moyo who died in Nairobi on four men who were beaten to announced six police officers Kenya’s Independent George Floyd, a 46-year-old police of imposing the corona- March 31 after being shot while death in different parts of the would be arrested and prose- Policing Oversight Authority unarmed black man in the US virus curfew in a “chaotic and standing on his balcony as country. Interior Minister Fred cuted -- one for Moyo’s death; (IPOA) reported last week it had state of Minnesota. violent manner from the start”, police forced people into their Matiangi on Friday criticised another for shooting dead a sec- received 87 complaints against Though Floyd’s killing has sometimes whipping, kicking homes on the street below. police excesses, but “took ondary school teacher while police since the dusk-to-dawn not led to major protests in and teargassing people to force Other cases include a exception to painting the entire responding to a burglary at a curfew and heightened security Kenya, activists on social media them off the streets. tomato seller who died in service with the same brush”, market in western Siaya; and four measures were imposed on have seized the moment to It described the case of western Kakamega after being his office said in a statement. others for seriously assaulting a March 27. highlight the country’s own 13-year-old Yassin Hussein hit by a teargas canister, and On Thursday, the IPOA man during an arrest. Tunisia ends Arrest of military pilot sparks protests in Djibouti coronavirus REUTERS — NAIROBI that Fouad had been show people protesting in the “He was extradited to Dji- human rights groups say abuses tortured. streets of Djibouti. bouti the following day on by the security forces are curfew The tiny Horn of Africa nation “Many spontaneous protests According to social media, charges of treason, as he incited common. Djibouti has witnessed days of in support of Fouad’s unlawful the protests began last week people to rebellion in a video Independent news sites REUTERS — TUNIS anti-government protests after detention and mistreatment after a video clip began circu- he took in the plane,” Farah are blocked in Djibouti and a detained air force pilot said in have taken place in Djibouti,” lating online showing the pilot said. journalists often arrested and Tunisian President Kais Saied a video clip he had been said the lawyer, Zakaria Ali, being held in what appeared to “Claims that the pilot has beaten, global media yesterday ordered an end to a tortured, his lawyer said adding that some 200 people be a toilet of a jail. been tortured while in detention watchdog Reporters Sans curfew imposed in March to yesterday. including members of the pilot’s Asked about the case, Dji- are false,” he added. Frontieres says. help slow the spread of the The government did not family had been arrested in bouti’s ambassador to Ethiopia, Djibouti is home to both “We should not underes- coronavirus, his office said, respond to a request for recent days. Mohamed Idriss Farah, said the Chinese and US naval bases. Its timate the ability of the gov- citing success in controlling comment but Djibouti’s “I visited him on May 13 and pilot had been arrested on April strategic position on the Gulf of ernment to be very brutal in its the disease. ambassador to neighbouring saw severe signs of torture on 9 in the Ethiopian capital Addis Aden means it overlooks the response if the unrest con- Tunisia has already reo- Ethiopia said the pilot, Fouad his legs,” Ali added. Ababa, where he had escaped world’s busiest shipping lanes tinues,” said Rashid Abdi, a Nai- pened shops, businesses, Youssuf Ali, had been arrested Grainy footage posted on after attempting to steal and fly for oil cargos, but many of its robi-based Horn of Africa mosques, cafes and hotels after for treason. The envoy denied social media sites appeared to a plane to Eritrea. citizens are impoverished and political analyst. locking down nearly all normal business for months. Tunisia has cut yesterday At least half of mystery deaths in fuel prices by 1.5% for the third consecutive months the energy ministry said as global oil Nigeria’s Kano due to COVID-19 prices still low. The new price cut is under REUTERS — ABUJA a new mechanism for auto- matic price adjustments As many as 60% of the “mysterious” deaths in Nigeria’s northern adpoted this in order to reduce Kano state were likely due to the new coronavirus, the govern- fuel subsidies. ment’s health minister said yesterday. The price of a litre of Nigeria’s task force on COVID-19 sent a team to the northern gasoline will decrease by to economic hub in late April to investigate and conduct “verbal 1.975 Tunisian dinars ($0.6919) autopsies” after local newspaper the Daily Trust reported a spike from 2.005 dinars, the ministry in deaths to around 150 people in Kano city. said in a statement. Government Minister of Health Osagie Ehanire said the inves- Tunisia expects hydro- tigation found a total of 979 deaths were recorded in eight carbon subsidies will reach 1.8 municipal local government areas in Kano state at a rate of 43 billion dinars out of 4 billion deaths per day, compared with the typical death rate of roughly dinars allocated for all sub- 11 deaths per day. sidies. But the low level of “With circumstantial evidence as all to go by, investigation global oil prices will reduce the suggests that between 50-60% of the deaths may have been trig- government’s fuel subsidie gered by or due to COVID-19, in the face of pre-existing ailments,” Ehanire said. Sudanese demand He said the peak in deaths occurred in the second week of April, and that by the beginning of May, the death rate had gone end to lockdown back down to the normal rate. The Kano state government had said the deaths were caused Garbage-filled street REUTERS — KHARTOUM by complications from hypertension, diabetes, meningitis and Garbage piles cover streets after heavy rainfall in Lagos, Nigeria, yesterday. acute malaria and not the COVID-19 pandemic. The transitional civilian government, which runs Sudan under a power-sharing deal with the army, ordered most Libyan government forces press gains despite truce move businesses, markets, schools and mosques to shut and imposed travel restrictions AP — CAIRO at the base to support Russian nearly two months ago. mercenaries backing Haftar, a But it is facing growing Libyan fighters allied with the claim dismissed by Moscow. demands to end the restric- country’s UN-supported Taking Sirte would open the tions from a population mired government in Tripoli pressed gate for the Tripoli-allied in poverty and facing annual their advance yesterday, militias to press even farther inflation of nearly 100% as well boosted by recent battlefield eastward, to potentially seize as complaints that promised gains and their rivals’ with- control of vital oil installations, aid for poorer Sudanese has drawal from around the terminals and oil fields that failed to materialise. capital, the warring sides tribes allied with Hifter shut "We demand that the reported. down earlier this year, cutting lockdown is lifted immediately The push came despite a off Libya’s major source of so that we can... get on with unilateral ceasefire proposal income. our lives, because hunger is over the weekend by Egypt, a Jalel Harchaoui, a research worse than corona,” said backer of the rival Libyan forces fellow specializing in Libyan Othman, who is paid by the commanded by Khalifa Haftar, affairs at the Clingendael Neth- day. And it is not only the poor who has waged a year-long erlands Institute of Interna- who are unhappy. campaign trying to capture the tional Relations, said the Tripoli “We’re facing huge daily capital. forces were unlikey to stop at financial losses,” said super- The Tripoli forces, backed Sirte. market owner Magdi Yousif. by Turkey, gained the upper “Now what do you have The government says the hand last week after retaking right to the east of Sirte, you lockdown, extended again in A vendor displaying potatoes at his stall at a vegetable market in the eastern Libyan port city of the capital’s airport, all main have the most strategic area of the capital Khartoum until Benghazi, yesterday. entrance and exit points to the Libya,” Harchaoui said, “you June 18, has helped to curb the city and a string of key towns have effectively a series of oil pandemic. near Tripoli, forcing Haftar’s Aguila Saleh, speaker of the tured in January. or are completely removed.” terminals capable of exporting Sudan has so far reported fighters to withdraw — defeats country’s east-based par- In a press conference yes- Tripoli-based Interior Min- everyday more than 6,000 6,081 confirmed cases of their command painted as a liament. But the militias terday, Haftar’s spokesman, ister Fathi Bashagha said the barrels a day.” COVID-19, the lung disease tactical measure to give the fighting to defend Tripoli Ahmed Al Mosmari, said that his government side would engage Libya’s national oil caused by the new corona- UN-backed peace process a rejected the proposal, instead forces have stepped up air- in political talks only after company meanwhile said on virus, with 359 deaths. The chance. pushing eastward towards the strikes against the Tripoli taking Sirte and also the inland Sunday it has resumed pro- daily infection rate, at around Haftar accepted Egypt’s coastal city of Sirte, a former militias in response, “and we Jufra air base, to the south. The duction at the country’s largest 200, is much lower than, for proposal on Saturday, stronghold of the Islamic State will not stop until they commit US last month accused Russia oil field, after negotiations with example, in neighbouring envisaged a ceasefire, as did group that Haftar’s forces cap- fully to the (ceasefire) initiative of deploying at least 14 aircraft the tribes. Egypt. 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 9 JUNE 2020

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CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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Students queue before being screened as schools begin to reopen after the coronavirus disease lockdown in Langa township in Cape EDITORIAL Town, South Africa, yesterday. 100 days of COVID-19 When schools reopen, many IT’S BEEN 100 days since the first case of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) emerged in the State of Qatar. Ever since, a total of 70,158 confirmed cases of the infection and 57 deaths have been recorded children will be missing in the country. However, timely and effective pre- ventive measures adopted by the state and quality marriage, sexual violence, are at greater risk if they Governments should also healthcare for those infected has resulted in the trafficking, and recruitment return; and children who change policies that harm all country having a very high recovery rate and one of into armed groups and forces. simply fear they have fallen students and encourage the lowest mortality rate in the world. Majority of the Education helps economies, too far behind. Governments dropouts, by banning corporal total COVID-19 patients — 45,935 — have already and when children are not in and schools should compare punishment, mandatory preg- fully recovered. school, societies lose all the who left school and who came nancy testing, and the The past few weeks witnessed a large number of benefits that education brings. back, and seek out those who exclusion of pregnant stu- new cases as well as several deaths from COVID-19 ZAMA NEFF These include passing on fell away. Outreach should be dents and young mothers. as the country passed through the peak phase of the AL JAZEERA health information, which in a broad, to include children Governments that have not outbreak. However, as the health officials have indi- pandemic is critical. who were already out when done so should prohibit mil- cated, the country has succeeded in flattening the School closures necessi- schools closed. itary use of schools. curve, which means the spread of virus has been “I loved school,” said tated by the COVID-19 pan- Second, once schools International education slowed down. Concerted efforts by the government 11-year-old Radwan. “I liked demic risk undermining the open, educators will need donors, including the World have also meant that the impact of the virus has been to study math, and I miss benefits reaped from marked additional support. Many will Bank, Education Cannot Wait, reduced by 75 percent. going to school very much.” increases in school be unable to take up where and the Global Partnership for The approach by the government to focus on Radwan could be any one enrollment in recent decades. they left off but will be forced Education - and donor gov- tracing, testing and isolating cases of infection has of the more than 1.5 billion stu- While schools in only a few to adapt to students at an ernments such as those of the started showing gains as the number of daily new dents whose schools closed places have reopened, many unusually wide range of United Kingdom, United cases seems to have levelled off and come down in because of the COVID-19 pan- are considering how and levels, from those who States, Canada, and France recent days. Qatar has tested 259,646 people for demic, but he is not. Radwan is when to safely resume. enjoyed books, internet, and and other European Union COVID-19 so far, which is one of the highest testing Syrian, and fourth grade ended Important new guidance for quiet places to learn to those countries - should use their rates in the world per one million people. for him when his family fled officials making those deci- who had no real distance leverage, especially when pro- Treatment using plasma donated by recovered the war to Turkey. He is among sions has come out that learning for months. viding new funding, to secure patients has also shown positive results. Half of the the 258 million children and addresses how to get schools Children with disabilities commitments now that coun- more than 170 patients who have received plasma so youths, including half of all running again. But children who were unable to get tries will take these steps. far in the country improved and eventually recovered. refugee children, who were out like Radwan, and his three accessible materials or were Finally, in light of profound A plasma donation center has been set up at Hamad of school last year. brothers and sisters who were not provided with needed financial pressures on the Medical Corporation’s Communicable Disease Center. Without education, also already out of school, are accommodations may be global economy from Initially, the plasma has been given to very sick patients children do not gain the skills still missing from the picture. especially disadvantaged. The COVID-19, both host govern- but after encouraging results the officials say it can they need to fully participate The reopening of schools need to help so many students ments and education donors now be given to patients with moderate COVID-19 in society and exercise their provides a new opportunity to catch up makes it plausible to should not only target funding infection before they reach the stage where they require rights. They are more vul- extend education to the children incorporate those who were for education but also recon- intensive care. nerable to exploitation, persistently excluded from out for other reasons. sider the low priority so long Qatar’s virus-tracing mobile phone app, Ehteraz, including child labour, child schooling before the crisis. Third, governments given to providing education has also been very effective in the fight against These children should feature should eliminate discrimi- under emergency conditions. COVID-19. The app, which is mandatory for all outside The reopening of prominently in government natory rules that prevent Many officials are parents homes, will help authorities in gradual lifting of the schools provides a plans. Education can be built children from attending. This whose new experience with restrictions as it has added an extra layer of protection back better - if it is done right. should include policies that their own children missing for the community. Citizens, residents as well as busi- new opportunity to First, as schools prepare to explicitly block refugee school should give them a better nesses have adopted the app as part of collective extend education reopen, governments will children for political or other understanding of the impor- efforts to curb the pandemic. Many stores, banks and to the children have to do intensive outreach reasons. , for tance of resuming education for telecom companies are encouraging their customers to ensure that at-risk children example, should lift its prohi- all children as quickly as pos- to use the app. persistently excluded return. This should include bition on formal education for sible. This is a lesson from The app, which could earlier be activated using from schooling before pregnant, parenting, and most Rohingya refugee COVID-19 that should be only a Qatari ID number, now also allows activation married girls; children sent to children and allow humani- learned for good: education using a visa number if the user does not have an ID the crisis. work as families sink deep tarian agencies to provide it. should be vigorously protected, number. into poverty, leaving them Armenia, Kazakhstan, and and truly be available and unable to pay school costs; Serbia - to name a few - accessible to every child. children with disabilities or should end their discrimi- Zama Neff is the chil- underlying health conditions natory practices against dren’s rights director at whose families fear that they children with disabilities. Human Rights Watch.

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] The office isn’t dead. It’s just convalescing EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 NISHA GOPALAN whether we will ever return to well as an essential accessory compared with 137 square FAX: +974 4455 7758 BLOOMBERG business as usual, giving rise to for online PE classes. meters in New York City, headlines such as “the death of Somewhere along the line, according to Jones Lang MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 I returned to the office this the office.” I have my doubts. I grew to like it. I’ll miss the LaSalle Inc. Many employees week, joining thousands of My initial reaction at being home-work experience, when just don’t have the room to set DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 bankers from Citigroup to told to stay home in January it finally ends. The family has up a home office. And living in Morgan Stanley that are was panic. With two teenage bonded more tightly as a such cramped quarters, they LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 trickling back to their desks in daughters about to start online result. I’ve grown accustomed need to get out regularly. Hong Kong. After almost five schooling and a husband who to the home-office rhythm, The cost-benefit equation BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 months working from home, would also need to work from acquiring some admittedly for Hong Kong is skewed. With it’s going to take some getting home, I struggled to see how unhealthy habits along the urban areas being closely SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 used to. our crowded 47th-floor way -- such as snacking on packed and the subway system The easing of coronavirus apartment would cope. I’d had Cheetos, binging on TV news efficient, getting to the office is ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 lockdowns heralds the a taste already, when the office channels, and reading the quick and easy for most people. email: [email protected] beginning of the end for the became all but inaccessible for obituaries. It may be a different story in world’s greatest work-from- several days during the height I’m in the minority, the U.S., where cities sprawl PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 home experiment. Perhaps. of Hong Kong’s protests last though. We’re fortunate in into the suburbs, commute email: [email protected] Twitter will let employees year, so I knew what we were having more living space than times may be long, and public work from home permanently facing. Over the following, most. In a city such as Hong transport is often less reliable. ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 even after the outbreak fractious few months, I have Kong, which is densely Or in Asian metropolises such FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] recedes, while others such as jostled for space on the dining packed with tiny apartments, as Mumbai, which is densely Google have said staff should table, mediated disputes it’s simply not viable for many packed but plagued with hor- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 expect to stay away for the rest between the girls, and tussled people to work from home rendous traffic congestion and email: [email protected] of the year. The upheaval over the yoga mat - a crucial indefinitely. The average a more than 150-year-old train caused by the pandemic has stretching prop for laptop- apartment size is 40 square network that make suburban SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 caused many to question induced shoulder strains, as meters (430 square feet) working attractive. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

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/ThePeninsulaQatar Racism has no place in the population, nor in the police. I want zero tolerance /Peninsula_Qatar for racism in the law enforcement /ThePeninsulaNewspaper agencies. Christophe Castaner, French Interior Minister +974 6698 6188 TUESDAY 9 JUNE 2020 OPINION 09 Pandemic offers scientists unprecedented chance to “hear” oceans as they once were

International Quiet Ocean the year, however, that the anticipated moments of Experiment, should the researchers will have cleaned opportunity such as an opportunity ever present up the recordings and can extreme weather event, not a itself. compare them to previous pandemic. When the COVID-19 pan- Amid the pandemic years for changes in human “Immediately after a hur- demic sparked an extreme and animal noise alike. ricane or a typhoon, it’s very economic slowdown in March, and the lockdowns The focus of the serendip- quiet for a day or two because MAURICE TAMMAN sending cruise ships to port that ensued, itous project is on the so- of the fear of large waves or REUTERS and oil tankers to anchor, they called SOFAR (Sound Fixing storms,” he says. “Fishermen mobilized. Last month, they major ports in and Ranging) channel, a natu- don’t go out to sea; shipping finished cobbling together an the Northeast of rally occurring ocean stratum routes are changed; oil and gas Eleven years ago, environ- array of 130 underwater the United States, in which sound can travel platforms may be shut down.” mental scientist Jesse Ausubel hydrophone listening stations long distances. Amid the pandemic and When the COVID-19 dreamed aloud in a around the world - including such as Boston, It’s where large baleen the lockdowns that ensued, pandemic sparked commencement speech: What six stations that had been set Philadelphia, New and fin whales sing for a lover major ports in the Northeast if scientists could record the up to monitor underwater or join in a friendly chorus. of the United States, such as an extreme economic sounds of the ocean in the days nuclear tests. York and Baltimore, But it’s also where the human Boston, Philadelphia, New slowdown in March, before propeller-driven ships “Well, we’re not excited saw a nearly 50% racket from fishing boats, York and Baltimore, saw a and boats spanned the globe? that COVID happened, but tankers and motorboats, as nearly 50% drop in ship and sending cruise They would listen to chit- we’re happy to be able to take drop in ship and well as oil rigs and wind tur- boating traffic in April com- ships to port and oil chat between blue whales advantage of the scientific boating traffic in bines, gets trapped and then pared to the same month in hundreds of miles apart. They opportunity,” says Peter Tyack, propagated around the world. 2019, according to Marine- tankers to anchor, would record the familiar a professor of marine mammal April compared to Sound waves travel Traffic, a ship-tracking firm. they mobilized. chirps and clicks among a pod biology at the University of St. the same month farther and faster in water Large European ports, of dolphins. And they would Andrews in Scotland and one of in 2019, according than in the air. That’s espe- such as Lisbon, Antwerp, Le Last month, they do so without the cacophony the early instigators. “It would cially true of the bass notes of Havre and Rotterdam, saw finished cobbling of humankind - and develop a have just been impossible any to MarineTraffic, a a whale’s song, the low about a 25% drop in the same together an array better understanding of how other way.” ship-tracking firm. grinding of a ship’s shaft, even month, the firm said. that undersea racket has Tyack says the recordings the rumble of a nuclear “I think there’ll be some of 130 underwater affected sea life. should give scientists a never- explosion. Those sounds can variability in different places, hydrophone listening It was a flight of fancy, before glimpse of the ocean and other sea mammals adapt travel hundreds or even thou- which is quite important to test more aspirational and inspi- with little human inter- to the quieter oceans by low- sands of miles, bending this,” Tyack says. “It isn’t really stations around the rational than a plan. ference. It’s a bit like looking ering their volume, communi- around the planet by a controlled experiment, so it’s world - including At first, Ausubel says, he at the night sky if most of the cating more efficiently or bouncing up and down in the better to have 50 different (very fancifully) suggested a world’s lights were turned off. shifting their habitat. SOFAR channel, a kilometer- sites, some of which noise is six stations that year of a “quiet ocean,” during He says some research Some of the project’s lis- deep band of water. much lower and some of had been set up to which shipping would come suggests large whales have tening posts are connected to The 130 recording stations which it isn’t, to be able to look to a halt, or at least slow adapted to man-made noises land via cables, but many of used by the researchers are a at the impact of the reduction.” monitor underwater down. Then a month. And by raising their voices and them are not and the hodgepodge of locations and Still, Ausubel says he nuclear tests. finally, just a few hours. their pitch. He speculates that recordings have to be sensitivity in that channel. Part already sees anecdotal evi- As far-fetched as even many species also have moved retrieved by ships. Now that of the planning process dence that marine mammals that was, a small fraternity of to quieter regions of the world economies around the world includes identifying and are changing their behavior. about 100 similarly curious so they can find food, and one are reopening, the quiet recruiting partners who “There have been obser- scientists picked up on his another, more easily. oceans group has started gath- operate listening stations run vations near Vancouver of vision. In 2015, they published Generally, the group will ering the soundscape data. by governments, universities, orcas coming closer to the city a plan of how to conduct the be looking to see if the whales It won’t be until the end of environmental groups and than was customary, and off other agencies. Scotland,” he says. The humblest station is four Orcas, dolphins and kilometers off the Spanish coast humpback whales, which and operated by the Polytechnic communicate using high-fre- University of Barcelona. It quency sounds that don’t records sound up to 10 kilom- travel particularly far, often eters away. At the other extreme congregate in shallower are six stations, each with mul- waters. They may have tiple hydrophones, operated by moved closer to once-busy the Vienna-based Compre- ports and harbors, he hensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty speculated. Organization. Those stations can The group hopes to publish not only pinpoint underwater a paper this summer that nuclear explosions anywhere gathers anecdotal reports of on the planet, but also changes observed in recent eavesdrop on whales an ocean months. At the end of the year, away. a group led by Tyack will Ausubel, the director of report how much the volume the Program for the Human went down. And finally, next Environment at New York’s year, the researchers aim to Rockefeller University, says publish a full analysis of how he and his fellow dreamers the reduction in sound were ready, even if their plan changed the behavior of seemed unrealistic. marine mammals and other “We spent a lot of time marine life. planning: How would you try “What did the pre-indus- to set up this kind of study, trial ocean sound like,” Tyack even though we realized that says, “and how are marine it wasn’t really practical?” ecosystems going to respond Shipping containers sit on train tracks amid the spread of the coronavirus disease, in Los Angeles, California. But the plan, Ausubel says, to that?” The economist who could save the world a reporter at HuffPost, spoke economic policy was the increasingly ambitious with ferociously critical of the Soviet to me about Keynes and his central political battleground his thinking. If he had been Union. But he also thought the legacy. Below is an edited for social justice, and the way able to persuade governments socialist Labour governments in version of our chat. economics has become tech- at Paris in 1919, for instance, to Britain during the 1920s and Q: What do we mean nocratised and hived off from cancel international debts, we 1930s were much too timid and when we talk about mainstream politics as an might never have seen “The insufficiently committed to eco- “Keynesianism?” arena for specialists would General Theory.” nomic justice for working people. ISHAAN THAROOR A: Most of us encounter a have both excited and Q: The conventional under- Q: Given the pandemic THE WASHINGTON POST version of Keynesianism in frightened him. He would be standing now places Keynes, a and the kind of spending Econ 101 courses, where we terrified by the idea that champion of stimulus, against many governments are mus- learn that Keynes was the guy central political questions Milton Friedman, who came tering now, are we entering a Who’s afraid of big spending who counseled governments about equality and inequality after him and is seen as a new age of Keynesianism? now? Across western democ- to spend big during recessions have become the terrain of champion of austerity. Is that a A: In a narrow sense, we’ve racies, the impact of the coro- to help bring the government experts who essentially rule in useful binary? always been living in a Key- navirus pandemic has out of the doldrums. But favor of inequality, regardless A: I think we lose track of nesian world. Even Repub- compelled governments of Keynes himself never wanted of which political party is in the fact that Friedman and licans spend big to save the various stripes to unleash to be remembered as a deficit charge. Keynes viewed ine- Keynes had different social economy. But since 2008 and fiscal stimulus on their therapist. He was a social quality as a very dangerous visions. They weren’t just particularly today, it’s obvious Most of us battered societies. Even thinker who was concerned thing - it’s something that arguing across the genera- that there is no market encounter a version before the virus paralysed with the great problems of his preoccupied him when he tions about which policies economy absent political much of the global economy, day: war and economic wrote “The Economic Conse- would best create the same support for economic activity, of Keynesianism public attitudes toward depression. quences of the Peace” and desired result. They were and recovery will require pro- in Econ 101 austerity had long soured, Q: Are there ways in which “The General Theory” - his arguing about what kind of found, long-term guidance with parties across the he viewed social goods and two masterpieces. world they wanted to live in. from today’s great powers. courses, where political spectrum increas- the responsibilities of law- Q: For all the impact he’s And the mathematicisation of Keynes never stopped we learn that ingly embracing more active makers that would challenge had on economic policy economics in the 20th century believing in the potential for social spending and the mainstream norms of our thinking, he faced repeated really obscures this deeper people to create a better world, Keynes was the eschewing platforms that present, especially in political disappointments ideological conflict, often by even as the world in his own guy who counseled touted cuts. America? through much of his career. design. Keynes wanted eve- lifetime descended deeper and governments to In “The Price of Peace: A: Very much so. Keynes A: I think there are very ryone to live in the deeper into chaos and dys- Money, Democracy and the was deeply afraid of social few people who have culti- Bloomsbury of 1913, having function. There was no spend big during Life of John Maynard Keynes,” upheaval and revolution, but vated such monumental their hair cut by Virginia problem he believed democ- recessions to journalist Zachary Carter his social values were essen- political legacies who had such Woolf while drinking cham- racies were incapable of over- vividly explores the career of tially radical. He was a gay pathetic political careers. pagne and debating post- coming. People criticized him help bring the the early 20th-century econ- man who lived with a com- Keynes lost essentially every impressionism with Lytton for being naive, but I don’t government out of omist whose prescriptions for munity of pacifist artists and public policy battle he waged Strachey. Q: So literal cham- think democracies can afford economic crises linger with us. writers, who was very com- between 1917 and 1941. All of pagne socialism? to break that faith in the future. the doldrums. As The Washington Post’s fortable living against the his economic thought was A: It depends on which Ishaan Tharoor is a col- review of the book puts it, gov- grain of the social norms of developed in an attempt to Keynes you’re talking to, but by umnist on the foreign desk of ernments are “still in thrall” to his time. But I think he would prevent another calamity like the end of his life, I think that’s The Washington Post, where Keynes in myriad ways, but be perplexed by what we World War I, and he obviously about right. Keynes had a com- he authors the Today’s especially when faced with the deem to be political battles in failed in that project. But that plicated relationship with the WorldView newsletter and troubles of our present. Carter, the United States. He thought failure forced him to be word “socialism.” He was column. 10 ASIA TUESDAY 9 JUNE 2020 India reopens more public places amid record infections AGENCIES — NEW DELHI There has been a the government. About a quarter of New With shopping malls, places of surge in infections in Delhi’s 83 hospitals treating worship, restaurants and state India’s vast countryside COVID-19 patients were full by borders reopening yesterday, yesterday afternoon, according some of the last vestiges of following the return of to a government-run online India’s 10-week-long corona- thousands of migrant dashboard. About half of the virus lockdown disappeared city’s 512 available ventilators even as the country reported its workers who left cities were in use. highest single-day death toll and towns after losing The numbers have crossed and experts said things would their jobs. The country 28,000 in the capital, stretching get worse. limited health resources. In the capital of New Delhi, reported its highest Over the weekend, New People walk along the sea front after the government eased a lockdown imposed as a preventive shoppers applied hand sanitiser Delhi’s top official, Chief Min- single-day death toll measure against COVID-19, in Mumbai yesterday. and underwent temperature ister Arvid Kerjiwal, said hos- checks before entering and experts said things pital beds would be limited to Ambience Mall, where a sign would get worse. city residents, amid rising “All government and private in staunching the spread of the rise, bringing the country’s read: “Welcome back to the life- demand from people in the hospitals and nursing homes virus. Most industry shut down, death toll to 7,135. Like else- style you love.” neighboring corporate hubs of have to extend all COVID-19 and a stay-at-home order was where in the world, the actual The doors were also reo- But a committee of experts Noida in the state of Uttar treatment facilities without any imposed for all but a handful of numbers are thought to be pened at New Delhi’s historic warned the New Delhi gov- Pradesh and Gurugram in discrimination against residents essential activities. higher for a number of reasons, Jama mosque. The troughs for ernment that such measures Haryana state. or non-residents,” he said in an But in recent weeks, as including limited testing. washing before prayers had would do little to slow the But, federal authorities yes- order. restrictions have gradually There has been a surge in been drained, and the carpet infection rate, and that it would terday struck down an order by Delhi has also stopped eased to help India’s ailing infections in India’s vast coun- was replaced with floor need to nearly double its hos- the Delhi city government to hotels from reopening as it economy and get millions of tryside following the return of markings encouraging wor- pital bed capacity by the end of reserve hospital beds for might want to convert them into poor daily wage earners back hundreds of thousands of shipers to practise social dis- June as the number of cases residents. temporary hospitals if there is to work, cases have soared migrant workers who left cities tancing on their own prayer needing treatment is expected Delhi Lieutenant Governor a big jump in cases. Health nationwide. and towns after losing their rugs. to surge. Anil Baijal, who represents the experts say India’s peak could The Health Ministry jobs. Instead of marigold gar- With cases doubling every federal government, said still be weeks away, if not reported another 9,983 cases India had already partially lands and other temple two weeks, “we will require denying treatment simply months. yesterday, raising India’s count restored train services and offerings, staff at Hanuman 15,000 beds by the end of because someone was not a res- India’s lockdown — one of past 256,000 to fifth most in the domestic flights and allowed shrine gave visitors thermal June,” the committee’s head, ident of the capital would be the world’s most stringent — world. It also reported 206 shops and manufacturing to checks and hand sanitiser. Dr. Mahesh Verma, wrote to legally impermissible. was considered mostly effective fatalities, the highest single-day reopen.

50% of Singapore’s new COVID-19 Bangladesh arrests 19 suspected people smugglers AP — DHAKA in recent weeks, with Bangla- where a group of migrants were victims and sent them to their The Libyan coast guard, cases are desh’s police chief saying the being held. families in Bangladesh to trained by the European Union symptomless Authorities in Bangladesh have people smugglers will not be Baten said the crackdown extract money, Baten said. to keep migrants from reaching arrested at least 19 suspected spared. on the rogue recruiters of Bangladesh’s inspector European shores, intercepts people smugglers following the In last month’s attack in migrant workers and human general of police, Benazir boats at sea and returns them REUTERS — SINGAPORE killings last month of 26 Bang- Libya, the family of a slain smugglers continued after two Ahmed, had earlier said that to Libya, where many migrants ladeshis in Libya who were Libyan human trafficker separate cases were filed by the “the way our people were land in detention centers rife At least half of Singapore’s trying to reach Europe illegally, attacked a group of migrants in victims’ families following the brutally killed is with torture and abuse. newly discovered coronavirus police said yesterday. a town that recently had killings. unacceptable.” Sending workers abroad is cases show no symptoms, the Detectives have arrested six changed hands amid the He said it appeared that the “No one will be spared who crucial for Bangladesh’s co-head of the government’s people since Sunday in Dhaka, fighting over the country’s victims of the attack had been has deceived our citizens … took economy. Some 10 million virus taskforce said yesterday, Bangladesh’s capital, in con- capital, killing 26 Bangladeshis trafficked to Libya via India, the them overseas and are respon- Bangladeshis working overseas reinforcing the city-state’s nection with the migrant and four African migrants. United Arab Emirates and sible for these miserable send home about $20 billion per decision to ease lockdown workers who were killed or The Libyan government Egypt. deaths,” he said. year. restrictions very gradually. injured in Libya, raising the total has said 11 other Bangladeshis He also said the victims Migrants fleeing poverty Saudi Arabia has long been Tiny Singapore has one of number of detained suspects to were wounded in the May 28 were detained in various camps and conflict in Africa and the the largest source of remit- the highest infection tallies in 19, said Abdul Baten, additional attack. in the North African nation and Middle East typically pass tances, followed by the UAE, Asia, with more than 38,000 commissioner of the Dhaka The UN migration agency subjected to physical and through Libya on their way to Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, cases, because of outbreaks in Metropolitan Police. said the migrants were shot and mental torture. Europe, departing Tripoli’s Libya, , Singapore, cramped dormitories housing A series of arrests have been killed in a smuggling warehouse The traffickers made video rocky coast in inflatable Malaysia, the United States and thousands of migrant workers. made in Dhaka and elsewhere in the desert town of Mizdah, and audio recordings of the dinghies. Britain. It reopened schools and some businesses last week after a near two-month lockdown, but many residents Ardern dances for joy are still required to work from home and mix socially only with their families. after New Zealand “Based on our experience, for every symptomatic case you would have at least one eliminates coronavirus asymptomatic case,” said Law- rence Wong, adding that the REUTERS — WELLINGTON “She was caught a little by discovery was made in recent surprise and she joined it having weeks as Singapore ramped New Zealand lifted all social and absolutely no idea why I was up testing. economic restrictions except dancing around the lounge.” “That is exactly why we border controls after declaring New Zealand has reported 1,154 have been very cautious in our yesterday it was free of the infections and 22 deaths from reopening plans,” Wong said. coronavirus, one of the first COVID-19 since the virus Singapore has not previ- countries in the world to return arrived in late February. ously disclosed how many to pre-pandemic normality. Ardern had vowed to elim- asymptomatic cases it has Public and private events, inate, not merely contain, the recorded. Wong did not reveal the retail and hospitality indus- virus, which meant stopping the number of asymptomatic tries and all public transport transmission for two weeks after cases in Singapore, which has were allowed to resume without the last known case was cleared. reported 6,294 infections in the distancing rules still in place For now, everyone entering the the last two weeks, mainly across much of the world. country will continue to be tested among migrant workers. “While the job is not done, and quarantined. China said 300 symp- there is no denying this is a Ardern was quickly tomless COVID-19 carriers in Members of the Bangladesh police attend a yoga sessionto boost the immune system of police milestone... Thank you, New trending on Twitter, and many its central city of Wuhan, the personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic, in Dhaka, yesterday. Zealand,” Prime Minister said they wanted to move to pandemic epicentre, had not Jacinda Ardern told a news New Zealand. been found to be infectious. conference, saying she had “Such news really brightens But some experts say asymp- Policemen turn to yoga sessions danced for joy at the news. up your day! There is hope and tomatic infections are “We are confident we have this too shall pass for the entire common, making for a huge eliminated transmission of the world,” one user tweeted. challenge in controlling the to boost health during pandemic virus in New Zealand for now, Former prime minister disease as countries start but elimination is not a point in Helen Clark tweeted: “Clear exiting lockdowns. AFP — DHAKA role staying on the streets to what could be done to morally time, it is a sustained effort.” leadership and an engaged Wong said that while maintain law and order,” said boost the force amid this crisis. New Zealand’s five million public have produced this asymptomatic individuals had Sitting cross-legged on mats in Rajon Kumar Saha, a This yoga is a part of that people are emerging from the result.” Ardern, 39, has won fewer opportunities to spread a courtyard, dozens of Bang- spokesman for Dhaka police’s mission for us,” he said, adding pandemic while big economies global praise for her leadership the virus as they were not ladesh policemen breathed in diplomatic security division, that up to 1,200 personnel will such as Brazil, Britain, India and during the pandemic. coughing or sneezing, there and out in sync as they took which initiated the yoga ses- participate in the sessions. the United States continue to Her popularity at home has have been cases of asympto- part in mass yoga sessions sions on Sunday. Yoga instructor Shama grapple with spread of the virus. soared and recent surveys matic transmission in Sin- organised to boost their health “It was important to keep Makhing, who led some 100 Its 75 days of restrictions suggest she is well placed to gapore, especially between during the coronavirus them stress-free during duty,” officers in stretching and included about seven weeks of win a second term in Septem- patients living in close quarters. pandemic. he said. breathing exercises early a strict lockdown in which most ber’s election. “People have commented Police officers played a key Coronavirus cases in the Monday, said the ancient businesses were shut and eve- Even so, the government - why are we not reopening role in enforcing a lockdown in impoverished nation were practice from India would ryone except essential workers will need to show it can revive the economy faster?” Wong the country of 168 million rising daily even during the support the officers physically had to stay home. the economy, which is expected said. “We have to take a more people before it was lifted at the lockdown, and experts fear and mentally. “Today, 75 days later, we to sink into recession. Oppo- cautious approach. There are end of May. there could be sharper “They cannot skip duty,” are ready,” Ardern said, sition parties have criticised still asymptomatic cases which But the virus has also increases with the economy Makhing said. “Therefore it is announcing that social dis- Ardern’s decision to maintain we may not have detected cir- infected more than 6,000 now opening up. important for the policemen to tancing restrictions would end restrictions for so long. culating in the community.” officers throughout Bangladesh, In congested Dhaka, main- be fit. Yoga... can help with their at midnight. Ardern did not commit to a Singapore plans to give all with 19 dying of COVID-19. taining social distancing has breathing.” The unit’s deputy Ardern said she had done a timeline for a quarantine-free its 5.7 million residents a small In the capital Dhaka, at least been difficult for locals, adding chief Muhit Kabir Sarneabat “little dance” when she was told ‘travel bubble’. Bluetooth device, worn on a 1,850 policemen got the disease to the pressure on police and said police were considering there were no more active “We will need to move cau- lanyard or carried in a and 10 died, according to gov- other law enforcement rolling out yoga and other COVID-19 cases in New tiously here. No one wants to handbag, to trace interactions ernment figures. agencies, Saha said. physical exercises for officers Zealand, surprising her two- jeopardize the gains New with virus carriers. “They are playing a vital “We were instructed to do in other divisions. year-old daughter, Neve. Zealand has made,” she said. TUESDAY 9 JUNE 2020 ASIA 11 Taliban say readying for talks with Afghan leaders AP — ISLAMABAD A sticking point ahead of the talks was Taliban spokesman Suhail best chance for peace and an the past two weeks, including Shaheen says the insurgents opportunity for US and Nato on a busload of journalists that The Taliban have started putting the exchange of prisoners between the have so far freed 531 Afghan troops to leave the war-torn killed two people. together their agenda for nego- warring sides. After stalling for weeks, the military and civilian gov- country after nearly two Khalilzad, who was in Doha, tiations with the political lead- ernment personnel they held decades of fighting. Qatar, meeting the Taliban at ership in Kabul, Taliban officials prisoner swaps unfolded and by yesterday, captive. The withdrawal of interna- their political headquarters said, a significant first step the government had released 2,710 Taliban Shaheen, however, tweeted tional forces, which has already before going to Pakistan, was toward talks seen as perhaps prisoners, according to Javid Faisal, spokesman that the government freed so far begun, is tied to promises from expected sometime yesterday the most critical next phase in only 2,284 Taliban prisoners. the Taliban that they will not in Kabul for a meeting with the Afghan peace process. for the national security adviser’s office in The discrepancy could not be allow Afghanistan to be used as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani No date has yet been set for Kabul. immediately explained, but the a staging arena for attacks against as well as his longtime political negotiations but Washington’s Taliban have been counting the United States and its allies. rival, Abdullah Abdullah. The peace envoy is currently criss- only those prisoners they had Washington also wants Tal- two have since signed a power- crossing the region in efforts council, meanwhile, began talks with Kabul. listed as part of the US-Taliban iban’s help in battling the sharing agreement. advance the US-Taliban accord taking proposals from its A sticking point ahead of the deal. Islamic State group, based in Sediq Sediqi, a spokesman signed earlier this year. members in preparation for the talks was the exchange of pris- This deal calls for the Kabul eastern Afghanistan and for Ghani said the president Zalmay Khalilzad, the start of negotiations, Taliban oners between the warring government to release 5,000 increasingly active in recent would like to see talks with the architect of Washington’s deal officials said, speaking on con- sides. After stalling for weeks, Taliban prisoners and the weeks. The US has blamed IS Taliban start in one month. with the Taliban, was in dition of anonymity because the prisoner swaps unfolded Taliban to free 1,000 gov- for a horrific attack on a However, he did not clarify Pakistan over the weekend, they were not authorized to and by yesterday, the gov- ernment and military personnel maternity hospital in Kabul last whether the Afghan gov- meeting with the political and speak to the media. ernment had released 2,710 ahead of the negotiations - an month that killed 24 people, ernment would release the military leadership, according They cited Taliban leader Taliban prisoners, according to exchange billed as a goodwill including two infants and remaining 2,000 plus Taliban to a US Embassy statement Haibatullah Akhunzada, who Javid Faisal, spokesman for the gesture. several mothers. prisoners beforehand, which yesterday. expressed the insurgent group’s national security adviser’s office The accord, signed February IS has also claimed respon- has been a pre-condition for the The Taliban leadership readiness to participate in the in Kabul. 29, was seen as Afghanistan’s sibility for several attack over start of negotiations. Pakistan cracks down on No students in school without safety breaches as virus virus vaccine, cases top 100,000 says Philippines

REUTERS — ISLAMABAD pandemic, told a weekend news AFP — MANILA conference that many markets Authorities in Pakistan have and shops had been sealed Tens of millions of children in stepped up enforcement of because of non-compliance the Philippines will not be government safety measures over the last few days. allowed back to school until a after a rise in the daily number “First we educated the coronavirus vaccine is of coronavirus infections masses about the protocols, available, officials announced pushed total cases to more than then we warned them, and Monday, saying they may have 100,000. now, in the last meeting with to broadcast lessons on TV. Official statistics released the prime minister in the chair, Nations like France and yesterday showed 103,671 we directed administrations to South Korea began resuming infections and 2,067 deaths crack down on places protocols face-to-face classes as they got from the virus. Record numbers are not being followed,” he their outbreaks under control, of new infections over the last said. but Philippine authorities see 10 days partly reflect increased Of 23,000 daily tests, more the risk as too great. testing. than 1 in 5 have been positive President Rodrigo Duterte The south Asian nation over the last 10 days. Before the said last month that even if Commuters return from Islamabad, in Rawalpindi yesterday. Pakistan has recorded more than 100,000 lifted its lockdown last month, lockdown was lifted on May 9, students could not graduate, cases of coronavirus, health authorities said. putting protocols in place for the number of tests finding the they needed to stay out of the reopening of markets, coronavirus was approximately school to fight the spread of industries and public transport 1 in 10, government statistics month of Ramadan. economic crisis and has also increased in the the disease. — including mandatory wearing show. The decision to lift the unemployment. country, with Minister for “We will comply with the of masks and social Government officials say lockdown on May 9 despite Pakistan is the 16th country Railways Shaikh Rasheed, and president’s directive to distancing. safety protocols are not being increasing infections of the to exceed 100,000 infections, former prime minister of postpone face-to-face classes But Planning Minister Asad followed, particularly since just coronavirus, which causes the a Reuters tally showed. Pakistan Shahid Khaqan Abbasi until a vaccine is available,” Umar, who is in charge of the before Eid Al Fitr, which marks respiratory illness COVID-19, Infections among high also testing positive education secretary Leonor national response to the the end of the holy fasting was prompted by a worsening profile political personalities yesterday. Briones said in a statement yesterday. Classes are to resume at the end of August and teachers HK security law like ‘anti-virus software’: Beijing official will use distance learning methods via the Internet or TV AFP — HONG KONG for seven straight months in the On the authoritarian the movement as a plot by “From my point of view, the broadcasts where needed, most direct challenge to Bei- mainland, anti-subversion laws foreign powers to destabilise key problem in Hong Kong is Briones added. A sweeping national security jing’s rule since the city’s 1997 are routinely used to stamp out mainland China. not an economic problem, nor Millions live in deep law that will soon be imposed handover. dissent. “The opposition camp... a livelihood problem con- poverty in the Philippines and on Hong Kong will be “like “Once in force, this law will During his speech, Zhang wants to turn Hong Kong into cerning people’s housing and do not have access to com- installing anti-virus software”, be like installing anti-virus repeated Beijing’s assertions an independent or semi-inde- employment... It is a political puters at home, which is key a top Beijing official said software into Hong Kong, with that the law would only target pendent political entity, a problem,” Zhang said. to the viability of online yesterday, in a speech that ‘One Country, Two Systems’ an “extremely small number of bridgehead for the external The planned law approved classes. warned democracy protesters running more safely, smoothly people”. powers to oppose China and the by China’s rubber stamp par- “The teacher and the had gone “too far”. and enduringly,” Zhang said, “The opposition camp Chinese Communist Party and liament has also proposed school will have to adjust... The comments by Zhang referencing the model by which radical separatists have been a chesspiece which external allowing mainland security depending on the availability Xiaoming, deputy director of the China allows Hong Kong certain mistaking the central govern- powers can use to contain agents to set up shop in Hong of communication,” Briones Hong Kong and Macau Affairs freedoms and autonomy denied ment’s restraint and for- China,” Zhang said. Kong for the first time. said in a press briefing. Office, were the most detailed to its citizens in the authori- bearance for weakness and During last year’s protests, Zhang dismissed “rumours” There has been little public from a senior party cadre since tarian mainland. timidity,” he said. “They have Zhang’s office and Chinese state they might make arrests and opposition to the post- Beijing announced plans last Opponents fear the law — gone too far.” Millions of Hong media previously said issues send suspects to the mainland. ponement of face-to-face month to outlaw subversion, which is currently being drafted Kongers hit the streets last year like a lack of housing and the “National security organi- classes in the Philippines, secession, terrorism and foreign in Beijing and will bypass Hong during the months of rallies, the high costs of living may have sations have to follow the laws where hundreds of new infec- interference. Kong’s legislature — will bring culmination of years of rising fuelled the unrest. strictly when they are handling tions are being detected daily His remarks came a day mainland-style political fears that Beijing was prema- But in recent months Beijing cases in mainland China, how despite early and strict before the restless city marks oppression to a business hub sup- turely eroding the city’s has instead cast the city’s is it possible for them to become lockdown measures. one year since huge and often posedly guaranteed freedoms freedoms. political crisis as a national unconstrained in Hong Kong?” violent protests erupted, raging and autonomy until 2047. But Beijing has portrayed security threat. he said. Jakarta back in business as Japan hopes to draft G7 infections climb statement on China REUTERS — JAKARTA Restaurants, shops and legislation on Hong Kong transport services were back up and running in Indonesia capital REUTERS — TOKYO Kyodo news agency report on yesterday, as restrictions were Sunday that cited officials from eased further despite the Japan hopes to draft a joint Britain, the United States and country posting its biggest daily statement on China’s new other countries as saying Japan spike in coronavirus infections security legislation on Hong had decided not to join them in two days earlier. Kong at the next Group of issuing a statement scolding Offices in Jakarta, the epi- Seven (G7) foreign ministers’ China for the new law. centre of Indonesia’s outbreak, meeting, a Japanese Tokyo is in a sensitive sit- were operating with limits on government source familiar uation regarding the US-China employee numbers while with the matter said yesterday. tension over Hong Kong as it traffic wasted no time in Prime Minister Shinzo Abe plans for a state visit by Chinese returning to gridlock, with cars said earlier that Japan is President Xi Jinping, originally bumper-to-bumper and watching the situation in Hong set for April but postponed over clusters of motorcycles sand- Workers and trade union members gather at a meeting against South Korean and North Korean Kong with “deep concern” fol- the coronavirus. wiched between lanes. defectors, at the courtyard of the Kaesong City Hall of Culture, in North Korea, yesterday. lowing the passage by China of Another Japanese gov- After two months without a new law for the Hong Kong ernment source familiar with businesses, the easing of curbs N Korea halts communication at Joint Office with South which could endanger the city’s the matter said Japan did not was a welcome relief for special autonomy and participate in the joint many, among them Kusnoto, BLOOMBERG — SEOUL phone calls were going unan- Korean Peninsula,” he said. freedoms. statement partly because of who for 14 years has run a swered to the North Korean The facility was opened in the “Hong Kong is an “rather short notice” and partly small streetside restaurant. North Korea was not answering delegation at the facility in the spirit of rapprochement advo- extremely important partner in order to focus on efforts by “Thank God today I can the phone at a liaison office North Korean border city of cated by South Korean President in terms of both tight eco- the G7, rather then the reopen my business, but I’m with South Korea for the first Kaesong, ministry spokesman Moon Jae-in and was part of nomic ties and human rela- signatories. not sure how the customer time since it opened in 2018 Yoh Sang-key told reporters. moves to reduce threats along the tions, and it is important that “Japan took the position to traffic will be,” said Kusnoto, after saying it was abolishing “It is true that inter-Korean border, where the two countries the original system of ‘one do what it has to do independ- 60, who uses only one name. the project that once allowed exchanges are at a standstill have stationed about 1 million nation, two systems’ be ently, in this case because of, His simple restaurant has the rivals to communicate due to several factors including troops. It allowed for constant upheld and things proceed first, time constraints, and sec- no hand washing facilities or around the clock. the COVID-19 outbreak, but we communication between the two stably and democratically,” he ondly, our basic position is that screens to protect diners, South Korea’s Unification will continue to do what we can sides for the first time since the said in parliament. we emphasise our efforts in the whom he relies on to take their Ministry said yesterday its do to promote peace on the start of the 1950-53 Korean War. His comments followed a G7,” the source said. own precautions. 12 EUROPE TUESDAY 9 JUNE 2020 Britain records 55 virus deaths, lowest daily count since March

AGENCIES — LONDON Lockdowns imposed Europe and has the second- to curb the spread of highest number of deaths in the Britain yesterday recorded 55 world behind the United States. coronavirus deaths in the COVID-19 have saved In Scotland, which has previous 24 hours — the coun- millions of lives and reported 2,415 deaths after pos- try’s lowest daily total in more itive tests, First Minister Nicola than two months, with Scotland easing them now Sturgeon said the latest figures now going two days without a carries high risks showed COVID-19 was “in fatality. according to two retreat”. The government said it is She said she was now “opti- the lowest 24-hour total since international studies mistic” the country could move March 21, two days before the published yesterday. to the second phase of its four- country went into lockdown, part plan to ease lockdown Health Secretary Matt Hancock gestures as he speaks next to Chair of the National COVID-19 Social although figures on Mondays measures when they are Care Support Taskforce, David Pearson, during the daily briefing to update on the outbreak, at 10 are usually lower due to a reviewed next week. reporting lag from weekends. the capital and for Scotland. All The COVID-19 epidemic in Downing Street, in London yesterday. “Though the number is these data are pointing in the British care homes is coming much lower than it has been, right direction,” he told under control, Health Secretary we’ve put in place over the last two international studies pub- The Imperial study analysed each of these deaths still repre- reporters. Matt Hancock said yesterday few months... it is clear that the lished yesterday, lockdowns the impact of lockdowns and sents a tragedy for a family and “It shows we are winning after announcing that all epidemic in care homes is imposed to curb the spread of social distancing steps in 11 a community,” Health Secretary the battle with this disease. But remaining adult care homes coming under control,” COVID-19 have saved millions European countries and found Matt Hancock said. they also show that there is would have access to testing for Hancock said at a daily news of lives and easing them now they had “a substantial effect”, “We will continue all of our further to go.” Despite the residents and staff. conference, citing a fall in the carries high risks. helping to lower the infection’s work to drive that figure down.” downward trend, the latest The announcement means number of new care homes “The risk of a second wave reproductive rate, or R value, Hancock told the daily briefing deaths takes Britain’s official toll that working-age care homes reporting an outbreak in latest happening if all interventions below one by early May. on the government’s response to 40,597, although broader will have access to a full weekly figures. and all precautions are aban- “But any claims that this is to the outbreak that there were data that includes suspected COVID-19 testing service, in “Even those care homes doned is very real,” Samir Bhatt, all over, that we’ve reached the no deaths in the last 24 hours in deaths puts the tally nearer addition to care homes for the where there are cases have very who co-led one of the studies herd immunity threshold, can London hospital, nor in Scotland 50,000. elderly, which had been prior- strong infection control proce- by researchers at Imperial be firmly rejected,” Bhatt said. for the second day running. On either measure, the itised previously. dures in place,” he added. College London, told reporters “We are only at the beginning “That’s very good news for country is the worst-hit in “With all the measures that Meanwhile, according to in a briefing. of this pandemic.” Glasgow streets 'renamed' after black people Felling of slave trader

REUTERS — GLASGOW a fortune in tobacco in the Parks Street”, after the US civil although local media reported early 18th century at a time rights activist known around it was later removed. statue prompts fresh Anti-racism campaigners have when American and Caribbean the world for starting the In the US capital Wash- placed new signs on streets in plantations relied on slave 1955-56 bus boycott in Mont- ington, DC., a plaza outside the the Scottish city of Glasgow that labour, the campaigners put gomery, Alabama, that was one White House has been officially look at British history are named after historical up a sign that read “Sheku of the milestones in the renamed “Black Lives Matter figures with links to the slave Bayoh Street”. struggle against racial Plaza”. REUTERS — LONDON A street and several trade, unofficially renaming Bayoh was a black man who segregation. It is the spot where Pres- buildings in the city are still them in honour of prominent died in police custody in 2015, Another was given the ident Donald Trump caused The toppling by anti-racism named after Colston, and the black people. aged 31, after being arrested in name “Harriet Tubman controversy by posing for a protesters of a statue of a slave plinth where the statue stood Scotland, like many coun- the Scottish town of Kirkcaldy. Street”, after the abolitionist photo holding a Bible just after trader in the English port city bears the original inscription tries, has seen demonstrations The circumstances of his death born into slavery in the United peaceful protesters were of Bristol has given new from 1895, which praises against racism in recent days, are the subject of an ongoing States in the 19th century who removed by force. urgency to a debate about how Colston as “virtuous and wise”. inspired by protests in the public inquiry. escaped and organised rescue On Sunday, protesters in the Britain should confront some The mayor of Bristol, United States over the death of Other Glasgow streets were missions to help other slaves English port city of Bristol tore of the darkest chapters of its Marvin Rees, said he did not George Floyd in Minneapolis. also given alternative names by to escape. down a statue of a 17th century history. support social disorder, but the On Cochrane Street, the campaigners. A “George Floyd Street” sign slave trader and threw it into The statue of Edward community was navigating named after a man who made One was renamed “Rosa was put up in another road, the harbour. Colston, who made a fortune complex issues that had no in the 17th century from trading binary solutions. in West African slaves, was torn “I would never pretend that France police to down and thrown into Bristol the statue of a slaver in the harbour on Sunday by a group middle of Bristol, the city in ban chokehold of demonstrators taking part in which I grew up, and someone a worldwide wave of who may well have owned one arrest as protest protests. of my ancestors, was anything Statues of figures from Brit- other than a personal affront anger mounts ain’s imperialist past have in to me,” said Rees, who has recent years become the Jamaican roots. AFP — PARIS subject of controversies Bristol police said they between those who argue that made a tactical decision not to France said yesterday it would such monuments merely reflect intervene because that could ban the controversial chokehold history and those who say they have caused worse disorder. method used to detain suspects, glorify racism. “Whilst I am disappointed after the death in custody of By taking matters into their that people would damage one George Floyd in the United own hands, the protesters of our statues, I do understand States intensified anger over the raised the temperature of a why it’s happened, it’s very behaviour of French police. debate that had previously symbolic,” said police chief A wave of global protests in remained confined to the Andy Bennett. the wake of Floyd’s fatal arrest realms of marches, petitions Even Britain’s wartime magnified attention on the 2016 and newspaper columns. hero, Winston Churchill, was death in French police custody Prime Minister Boris John- under renewed scrutiny: a of Adama Traore, a 24-year-old son’s spokesman said the statue of him on Parliament black man, and renewed contro- removal of the statue was a Square in London was sprayed versy over claims of racism and criminal act. on Sunday with graffiti that brutality within France’s police. “The PM fully understands read “Churchill was a racist”. The country’s police the strength of feeling on this Churchill expressed racist watchdog said yesterday it had People attend a protest against police brutality and the death in Minneapolis police custody of George issue. But in this country where and anti-Semitic views and received almost 1,500 complaints Floyd, in Nantes, France, yesterday. there is strong feeling, we have critics blame him for denying against officers last year — half democratic processes which food to India during the 1943 of them for alleged violence. “Racism does not have a place The presidency said Macron defying a coronavirus ban on can resolve these matters,” the famine which killed more than Seeking to take serious in our society and even less in our had met Castaner and Prime Min- public gatherings of more than spokesman said. two million people. Some action after a string of protests Republican police,” said Castaner, ister Edouard Philippe on Sunday 10 people, followed on Saturday But others countered that Britons have long felt that the in recent days, Interior Minister adding too many officers “have after some 23,000 people pro- by more protests in several such processes had failed to darker sides of his legacy Christophe Castaner announced failed in their Republican duty” in tested in several French cities on French cities. recognise the pain caused by should be given greater the chokehold method “will be recent weeks, with several Saturday to demand “justice” for Floyd had similarly died the legacy of slavery. prominence. abandoned”. instances of racist and discrimi- victims of crimes allegedly com- after being pinned to the ground “People who say - author- These debates in Britain “It will no longer be taught natory remarks revealed. mitted by police officers. while under arrest. ities should take statues down echo controversies in the in police and gendarmerie “It is not enough to condemn The French demonstrations Media outlets last week after discussion. Yes. But it isn’t United States, often focused on schools. It is a method that has it,” said Castaner. “We have to started in response to an expert published the contents of a happening. Bristol’s been statues of confederate generals its dangers,” he said in a tele- track it down and combat it.” report clearing the three private Facebook group on debating Edward Colston for from the Civil War, and in vised press conference, while Earlier yesterday, President officers who arrested Traore. which French police members years and wasn’t getting any- South Africa, where Cape Town stressing he would pursue a Emmanuel Macron urged his Some 20,000 people rallied repeatedly used racist and where,” said historian and University removed a statue of policy of “zero tolerance” for government to “accelerate” in Paris last Tuesday to demand sexist terms and mocked broadcaster Kate Williams on British colonialist Cecil Rhodes racism in law enforcement. steps to improve police ethics. justice for Traore and Floyd, victims of police brutality. Twitter. in 2015. Ireland comes back to life as lockdown restrictions eased AFP — DUBLIN encouraged to return to their on Sunday the figure had fallen Meanwhile, citizens were Livestock markets and elite “Over the last few months workplaces as Ireland took its to just one. allowed to travel anywhere sports training facilities were fear has exerted a kind of Ireland’s shops and workplaces largest step yet since lockdown Prime Minister Leo Var- in their county of residence also opened as scheduled under gravity pulling us down, but lurched back to life yesterday, was imposed on March 28. adkar announced the accel- or up to 20km from home, in the second stage of the gov- now we find there is hope lifting as the nation pressed ahead “This is a great day for our erated slackening of restrictions an unexpected extension of ernment roadmap. us up again,” Varadkar said on with its plan to lift coronavirus country,” health minister Simon on Friday, and brought forward the previous five-kilometre Under the government plan, Friday. lockdown restrictions ahead of Harris told state broadcaster the planned date to drop almost limit. shops are not permitted to open “We are making progress, schedule. RTE. all coronavirus containment Nonetheless radio broad- before 10.30 am in order to we are heading in the right As the new week started, all “It’s a day of hope, it’s a day measures from August to July. casts yesterday urged citizens prevent overcrowding on public direction and we have earned shops were permitted to trade that we weren’t guaranteed to Under the new blueprint, to “stay local”. transport and will allocate time the right to be hopeful about the and travel limits were massively get to.” Ireland has suffered social home visits were per- Harris urged the public to for vulnerable customers. future again.” Ireland began its relaxed in a dramatic quick- 1,679 deaths in the outbreak, mitted for the first time, with up visit only a modest list of friends Shopping centres will not tentative first step out of ening of the government’s reo- according to the latest official to six allowed to meet indoors and family, to strictly maintain reopen until next week, and lockdown on May 18, allowing pening plans. figures. or outdoors. Vulnerable people social distancing and to log must put in place measures to small groups to meet outside, Employees able to maintain Deaths recorded in a single “cocooning” are allowed “a names in case they are needed prevent the public congregating outdoor shops to reopen and social distancing were also day peaked at 77 mid-April but small number of visitors”. for purposes of contact tracing. in shared spaces. activities such as golf to tee off. TUESDAY 9 JUNE 2020 EUROPE 13

Kosovo ready for Moscow lockdown to end today dialogue with Serbia: President

ANATOLIA — BELGRADE as Russia eases anti-virus curbs Kosovo’s President Hashim Thaci said yesterday that the Russia has been moving quickly to ease government is ready for restrictions even as it registers nearly 9,000 dialogue with Serbia, and the process should not be delayed. new coronavirus cases and more than 100 Thaci’s remarks came deaths on a daily basis. The country had during a press conference in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. recorded a total of 476,658 coronavirus He said Kosovo should infections as of yesterday — the third-highest move quickly in that direction such that it could join both the number in the world — and 5,971 deaths. European Union and Nato. Thaci added that he is opti- AFP — MOSCOW Critics have accused author- mistic, and believes that an ities of under-reporting deaths agreement with Serbia will be Russia announced yeserday it and say officials are rushing to reached by this year. would lift a range of anti-coro- lift restrictions for political “I am grateful to the gov- navirus measures including a reasons. ernment for removing the strict lockdown on Moscow, President Vladimir Putin excuses that Serbia used to despite still recording thou- has rescheduled a high-profile avoid dialogue. Kosovo is clear sands of new infections every World War II military parade in what it wants in dialogue. day. in Red Square for June 24 and Above all, Kosovo is in this Moscow Mayor Sergei Sob- a vote on constitutional reforms process together with the yanin said the capital’s general for a week later, on July 1. United States and all other allies. lockdown and pass system The vote, which will clear We must move in that direction would end today, allowing res- the way for changes allowing as soon as possible to become idents to travel freely for the Putin to potentially stay in part of Nato and the EU,” the first time since late March. power beyond his current president said. “Moscow is returning to the Kremlin term, was the centre- The Kosovo Assembly on People enjoying warm weather in downtown Moscow, yesterday, during a strict lockdown in Russia usual rhythm of life,” he said in piece of the longtime leader’s June 3 elected Avdullah Hoti as to stop the spread of the coronavirus. a video message on Facebook, political calendar for this year the new prime minister of the adding that the elderly and but had to be postponed from country’s sixth government those with chronic diseases will April 22 as coronavirus cases companies that provide services saying a government order had 200,000 confirmed cases and since declaring self-rule. be allowed to leave their homes. surged. to residents will be able to been signed allowing them to 2,970 deaths. Kosovo declared inde- Russia has been moving Moscow, Russia’s largest resume their work, he said. leave the country to work, study Other parts of Russia have pendence from Serbia in 2008 quickly to ease restrictions even city with more than 12 million Restaurants and cafes or take care of sick relatives. seen emerging clusters of cases, but Belgrade insists the country as it registers nearly 9,000 new people, had been under would open in two stages Foreigners could also visit including the Far Eastern Kam- is one of its provinces. coronavirus cases and more lockdown since March 30. beginning June 16 with Moscow Russia to care for relatives, he chatka peninsula, where 24 staff The international com- than 100 deaths on a daily basis. Some measures have been residents allowed to visit ter- said, without making it clear how were infected at a children’s munity has also remained The country had recorded gradually lifted over the last few races, with further restrictions soon these new measures would home, Interfax news agency divided on the recognition of a total of 476,658 coronavirus weeks, with non-food retail easing the following week. be implemented. reported yesterday. Kosovo as a sovereign state. infections as of yesterday — the shops permitted to reopen and But the mayor urged caution, All international flights were The region, known for its While over 100 countries, third-highest number in the residents allowed to go for saying that the “likelihood of grounded in late March, although active volcanoes and spectacular including the US, Britain, world — and 5,971 deaths. walks according to a fixed coronavirus infection has there have since been a few nature, has confirmed 1,168 cases France, Germany, and Turkey, Officials say the high schedule. decreased, but still exists.” “We flights ferrying stranded Russians out of a population of just over have recognized Kosovo’s inde- number is the result of a huge Sobyanin said that as well must constantly monitor the sit- in and foreigners out. 300,000. pendence; Serbia, Russia, and testing campaign, with more as all restrictions on movement uation and prevent a new Mishustin said the move was The number hospitalised in China have not. than 13 million tests carried out being lifted from today, hair- outbreak.” justified because the infection the region at 423 is already so far, and point to Russia’s rel- dressers, beauty salons and vets Russia also yesterday rate has stabilised over the last higher than the 406 beds pre- atively low mortality rate as will be allowed to reopen. announced the first steps to allow six days, particularly in Moscow. pared for virus patients, COVID-19 cases evidence it is safe to ease Beginning next week, its citizens to travel abroad, with Moscow is Russia’s most- according to the regional health lockdowns. libraries, real estate offices and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin affected city with almost ministry’s website. rising in Moldova, seen Nato chief defends US amid Germany troop row as ‘out of control’ AFP — BRUSSELS reduce the US commitment to Washington’s commitment to Nato allies were “doing more support for longstanding coop- AP — CHISINAU European defence under the Nato European security. together now in Europe than we eration agreements with Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg umbrella, and appeared to catch “In the last few years we have have done for many, many European allies has long caused Moldova registered a record defended America’s military Berlin off guard. actually seen an increase in the years”. alarm on the continent. number of new cases of the commitment to Europe Asked about the plans, US presence in Europe again,” he Stoltenberg was speaking in He has been particularly coronavirus during the first yesterday, following reports Stoltenberg refused to comment said. an online question-and-answer scathing about Germany, week of June, the government President Donald Trump plans directly on “leaks or media spec- “And this is not only about session to launch an exchange Europe’s economic powerhouse, said yesterday, as a former to slash troop numbers in ulation” but said he was “con- Germany. We have seen for of expert ideas aimed at accusing it of not spending health minister described the Germany. stantly consulting” with Wash- instance a new US brigade strengthening the alliance in the enough on its own defence. pandemic situation in the Berlin has voiced concern at ington on its military presence in deployed to Europe, we have wake of the coronavirus Germany hosts more US country as “out of control.” the proposal reported by US Europe. seen more rotational presence, pandemic. troops than any other country Moldova, one of the poorest media to cut the 34,500 And — as he often does when we have seen the US taking a lead There has been no official in Europe, a legacy of the Allied countries in Europe and plagued American military personnel pressed about the Trump admin- function in the Nato battle group confirmation about the reported occupation after World War II, by corruption and political posted in Germany by nearly a istration’s ambivalence towards in Poland.” plan to cut US troop numbers in and while the presence has turmoil, confirmed 1,449 new third. Nato — Stoltenberg launched into Despite transatlantic political Germany and cap them at declined since the Cold War, it cases of COVID-19 the week of The move would significantly a detailed defence of tensions, Stoltenberg insisted that 25,000. But Trump’s lukewarm remains a crucial hub. June 1-7, nearly 300 more than the previous week, according to data from the Ministry of Health. It was the fourth consecutive Poland to temporarily week with more than 1,000 new cases. During the first week of June, Moldova also suffered 46 close a dozen mines coronavirus deaths, including two medical workers, compared to 45 deaths a week earlier. A country of 3.3 million to stop virus spread people, Moldova has become a REUTERS — WARSAW outbreaks,” Sasin told a news politically strategic area for both conference yesterday. the West and Russia since Poland will close two coal He added that the miners gaining independence after the mines owned by state-run JSW would receive full pay for the 1991 collapse of the Soviet and ten mines of PGG group three weeks and that there was Union. Since its first confirmed today for three weeks to stop no threat to coal deliveries. case on March 7, Moldova has the spread of the new corona- The pandemic has exacer- registered 9,700 cases of the virus among miners, Deputy bated financial problems facing coronavirus and 346 deaths. Prime Minister Jacek Sasin said. the Polish coal industry, which Dr. Ala Nemerenco, a former Poland, which generates is bracing for a government health minister, was very critical most of its electricity from coal, restructuring plan expected to A file photo of miners leaving the shaft at the Knurow mine after a night shift in Knurow, in Poland’s of the government’s handling of says miners account for almost be announced in coming southern mining region of Silesia. the pandemic. 20 percent of all coronavirus weeks. “You don’t have to be an cases in the country, with the The state assets ministry do not include those with the government’s restructuring the government aims to reduce epidemiologist, a virologist, or southern coal producing region said JSW’s Knurow-Szczy- highest numbers of infections. plan, will however be amongst the output of thermal coal,” even a doctor to understand that recording the highest number glowice and Budryk mines, The Wujek coal mine, which the closures. said mBank analyst Jakub the situation has gotten out of of those. which produce mostly thermal sources said earlier this month “This is a surprise to me Szkopek. Sasin said workers in control,” Nemerenco said in a “Such action is needed to coal, would close today. will likely be permanently that these are the mines to be the mines to be closed had yet Facebook post in reference to eventually quell these epidemic The PGG mines closing also closed as part of the closed. This may indicate that to be fully tested. the rising number of cases. MH17 suspect’s lawyers say pandemic stymying defence AFP — BADHOEVEDORP At the high-security court- The high-profile trial on the shooting down Pulatov, a Russian national, Boeing 777 jet was ripped apart house just outside Amsterdam’s together with fellow countrymen by a surface-to-air missile while Lawyers for a Russian suspect Schiphol airport, judges and of the Malaysia Airlines jetliner over eastern Igor Girkin, Sergei Dubinsky and on a routine flight between in the trial of four men accused prosecutors sat next to each Ukraine in 2014, killing all 298 people Ukrainian citizen Leonid Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur of downing flight MH17 said other but separated with glass Kharchenko have been charged on July 17, 2014. Prosecutors yesterday that the coronavirus plates. on board, resumed yesterday after being by Dutch prosecutors with argue the men were instru- pandemic has severely At the last hearing on March postponed two and a half months ago as the murder and causing the flight to mental in bringing a BUK missile hampered efforts to prepare a 23, the Netherlands had already crash. As has been the case in system to Ukraine from its preliminary defence. entered into lockdown while coronavirus pandemic was peaking in the previous hearings, none of the original base in Russia — even if The high-profile trial on the Russia later followed suit, Netherlands. four suspects were in court, with they did not pull the trigger. shooting down of the Malaysia making contact with suspect only Pulatov being defended by If found guilty, the four sus- Airlines jetliner over eastern Oleg Pulatov virtually impos- told the hearing, which was also have simply not been possible,” a legal team. pects could be given life Ukraine in 2014, killing all 298 sible, his defence lawyer Sabine attended by a limited number of Ten Doesschate said. Prosecutors say all four were sentences. people on board, resumed yes- ten Doesschate said. relatives and journalists. This included details of accu- linked to pro-Russian separa- Russia has long denied any terday after being postponed “All these measures have “Our contact with our client sations against Pulatov and tists on whose territory the involvement in the downing of two and a half months ago as the had a huge impact on the prep- has been minimal... and discus- whether the Netherlands had plane’s wreckage fell near the MH17, and has offered a series coronavirus pandemic was aration for the preliminary sions about matters which could jurisdiction to try the case, she start of Ukraine’s bitter civil war. of alternative explanations for peaking in the Netherlands. defence of Oleg Pulatov,” she be hugely relevant to his defence said. All 298 on board died when the the plane’s downing. 14 AMERICAS TUESDAY 9 JUNE 2020 Democrats unveil police reform overhaul

AP — WASHINGTON Black Caucus, which is leading The proposed the effort, said called it “bold” and legislation would Democrats proposed a sweeping “transformative.” overhaul of police oversight and “The world is witnessing the revise the federal procedures yesterday, a poten- birth of a new movement in this criminal police tially far-reaching legislative country,” Bass said. response to the mass protests Despite the worldwide pro- misconduct statute denouncing the deaths of black tests, with tens of thousands of to make it easier to Americans in the hands of law demonstrators taking to the prosecute officers enforcement. streets in cities across America Before unveiling the package, and abroad since Floyd was killed who are involved House and Senate Democrats May 25, the idea of broad-based in misconduct held a moment of silence at the US police reforms remains polit- Capitol’s Emancipation Hall, ically polarised and highly “knowingly or with reading the names of George uncertain in this election year. reckless disregard”. Floyd and others killed during While Democrats are police interactions. expected to swiftly approve the They knelt for 8 minutes and legislation this month, it does not then it was capitalism and now 46 seconds — now a symbol of go as far as some activists want it’s the police.” police brutality and violence — to “defund the police.” The Democrats fought back. the length of time prosecutors say outlook for passing the package This isn’t about that,” Pelosi Floyd was pinned under a white in the Republican-held Senate is said. Congress is not calling for police officer’s knee before he slim. any wholesale defunding of law died. President Donald Trump, enforcement, leaving those deci- Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Representative Karen Bass, flanked by US House Speaker “We cannot settle for any- who was to meet with law sions to local cities and states, she Nancy Pelosi, addresses reporters at the US Capitol, in Washington, yesterday. thing less than transformative enforcement officials later yes- noted. The package confronts structural change,” said House terday at the White House, was several aspects of law Speaker Nancy Pelosi, drawing quick to characterise the Demo- enforcement accountability and reckless disregard.” “pattern and practice” investiga- anti-lynching bill stalled in Con- on the nation’s history of slavery. crats as having “gone crazy!” practices that have come under The package would also tions of potential misconduct and gress is included in the package. The Justice in Policing Act As activists call for restruc- criticism, especially as more and change “qualified immunity” help states conduct independent House Judiciary Committee would limit legal protections for turing police departments the more police violence is captured protections for police “to enable investigations. It would ban racial Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-NY, police, create a national database president tweeted, Republican on cellphone video and shared individuals to recover damages profiling and boost requirements a co-author with Bass and the of excessive-force incidents and campaign officials followed suit. widely across the nation, and the when law enforcement officers for police body cameras. Democratic senators, will ban police choke holds, among “No industry is safe from the world. violate their constitutional rights.” And it would create a convene a hearing on the legis- other changes, according to an Democrats’ abolish culture,” said The proposed legislation The legislation would seek to “National Police Misconduct Reg- lation tomorrow. It is unclear if early draft. It is the most ambi- Micahel McAdams, a spokesman would revise the federal criminal provide greater oversight and istry,” a database to try to prevent law enforcement and the pow- tious change to law enforcement for the House Republican cam- police misconduct statute to transparency of police behavior officers from transferring from erful police unions will back any sought by Congress in years. paign committee, in an email make it easier to prosecute in several ways. For one, it would one department to another with of the proposed changes or if Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif., blast. “First they wanted to officers who are involved in mis- grant subpoena power to the past misconduct undetected, the congressional Republicans will chairwoman of the Congressional abolish private health insurance, conduct “knowingly or with Justice Department to conduct draft said. A long-sought federal join the effort. Mourners gather to honour George Floyd Court orders dismissal REUTERS — HOUSTON of Trump’s Muslim Mourners gathered in Texas yesterday to pay their respects to African American George Floyd, who died in police custody travel ban challenges two weeks ago, as pressure intensified for sweeping reforms to the US justice AP — RICHMOND essentially laundering them system in the wake of nationwide through Cabinet officials coming protests. A federal appeals court yesterday up with neutral-seeming cri- Demonstrators’ anger over the May ordered a lower court to toss out teria?” he said. 25 death of Floyd, 46, is giving way to a legal challenges to President The US Department of Justice growing determination to make his case Donald Trump’s 3-year-old ban did not immediately respond to a turning point in race relations and a on travellers from predomi- a request seeking comment. lightning rod for change in the way police nantly Muslim countries, finding During a hearing in January, departments function across the country. that a judge misinterpreted a Mark Mosier, an attorney repre- Floyd died after Derek Chauvin, the Supreme Court ruling that found senting US citizens and per- white officer accused of killing him, knelt the ban has a “legitimate manent residents whose rela- on his neck for nine minutes in grounding in national security tives have been unable to enter Minneapolis. concerns.” the US because of the ban, asked A bystander’s cellphone captured the The ban, put in place just a the court to allow the legal chal- scene as Floyd pleaded with the officer, week after Trump took office in lenges to proceed. choking out the words, “I can’t breathe.” January 2017, sparked an inter- Mosier argued that the In Houston, where Floyd grew up, national outcry from Muslim Supreme Court — in the Hawaii American flags fluttered along the route Texas Governor Gregg Abbott speaks to the press after attending the public viewing for advocates and others who said case — rejected a preliminary to the Fountain of Praise church as hun- George Floyd at the Fountain of Praise church in Houston, Texas, yesterday. it was rooted in religious bias. injunction to block the travel ban, dreds of people waited in line to view his A three-judge panel of the but did not decide the merits of casket, some wearing T-shirts with the Republican-controlled Senate and Trump Three other officers involved in the Richmond-based 4th US Circuit the constitutional claims made words, “I can’t breathe.” would be needed for the measure to incident have been charged with aiding Court of Appeals ruled yesterday in the lawsuits. The plaintiffs “It’s a great day today. A lot of changes become law if it passes the House. Dem- and abetting second-degree murder and that a federal judge in Maryland argued that the travel ban vio- are being made. It’s a tragedy a life had ocrats hope public support for the pro- aiding and abetting second-degree man- made a mistake when he refused lates the First Amendment’s to be taken,” said Perence Mcintosh, a tests that have swept the country since slaughter. All four officers have been to dismiss three lawsuits after the Establishment Clause, which black Houston resident who was among Floyd’s death will propel the bill. fired. Supreme Court upheld the ban prohibits the government from those in line. Though there was violence in the early A majority of the members on the city in 2018 in a separate case filed favoring one religion over Presumptive Democratic presidential days, the protests have lately been over- council in Minneapolis have pledged to in Hawaii. another. nominee Joe Biden, who is challenging whelmingly peaceful. They have abolish the police department in favor of “We conclude that the dis- Mosier said the lawsuits Republican President Donald Trump in deepened a political crisis for Trump, who a community-led safety model, a step that trict court misunderstood the should be allowed to proceed a November 3 election, planned to meet repeatedly threatened to order active duty would have seemed unthinkable before import of the Supreme Court’s so the plaintiffs can gather evi- Floyd’s family in Houston later in the day, troops onto the streets. Floyd’s death. decision in Hawaii and the legal dence on their claim that the according to his aides. Huge weekend crowds gathered Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who principles it applied,” Judge Paul travel ban is rooted in anti- Floyd will be buried today. Reverend across the country and in Europe. The ran a gauntlet of jeering protesters over Niemeyer wrote in the unan- Muslim bias and that the Trump Al Sharpton, a black civil rights leader, is high-spirited atmosphere was marred late the weekend after telling them he imous decision. administration’s claim of e.xpected to give the eulogy. on Sunday when a man drove a car into opposed their demands for defunding the Justin Cox, an attorney with national security concerns is a In Washington, Democrats in Con- a rally in Seattle and then shot and city’s police department, told CNN on the International Refugee pretext for the policy. gress unveiled legislation that would wounded a demonstrator who confronted Monday he was opposed to abolishing Assistance Project, the lead But the three 4th Circuit make lynching a hate crime and allow him. the police. plaintiff in the case, said the judges who heard the case — all victims of misconduct and their families Floyd’s death was the latest in a string New York Governor Andrew Cuomo groups who sued are considering nominated by Republican pres- to sue police for damages in civil court, of deaths of black men and women at the said on Monday he believed people were their legal options, which could idents — repeatedly questioned ending a legal doctrine known as qual- hands of police that have sparked fresh asking for fundamental, basic changes to include asking the panel to Mosier about the Supreme ified immunity. calls for reforms and renewed calls for policing and that departments would have reconsider its ruling, appealing Court’s finding that there is a Democrats vowed to bring the legis- racial equality as the United States to understand that they were operating to the full 4th Circuit court of 15 plausible rationale to support lation in coming weeks to the floor of the reopens after weeks of unprecedented in a different reality. judges or asking the Supreme the travel ban. Democratic-controlled House of Repre- lockdowns for the coronavirus “I think you will see a shift all across Court to hear the case. The ban applies to travellers sentatives, where it is likely to face at pandemic. police departments,” Cuomo said. “The panel definitely got the from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria least some Republican opposition. Chauvin, the officer who was seen New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio legal issues wrong. It seems and Yemen. It also affects two House Republican leader Kevin with his knee on Floyd’s neck, was due announced reforms aimed at building unlikely that this will be the final non-Muslim countries, keeping McCarthy tweeted support for the police to appear in a Minneapolis court on trust between residents and the police, word,” Cox said. out travelers from North Korea and said, “Democrats want to defund you, Monday. He has been charged with including shifting money out of the police “Basically, it comes down to and some Venezuelan gov- but Republicans will never turn our backs second-degree and third-degree murder budget and toward youth and social can the president shield obvi- ernment officials and their on you.” The support of the as well as second-degree manslaughter. services in communities of colour. ously bigoted actions by families. Poll: Pandemic does little to alter US views on health care AP — WASHINGTON Associated Press-NORC Center The poll found that people estimated 27 million people — such as expansions of the it may be that people think, ‘No for Public Affairs Research. are more likely to trust private losing employer coverage in the Affordable Care Act — but “rather - let’s get a vaccine.’” The coronavirus pushed hospitals Those views are basically entities over government at economic shutdown, there’s been than saying let’s take that After the spectacle of coro- to the edge, and millions of unchanged since February, when driving innovation in health care no groundswell of support for the (employer coverage) away from navirus-related shortages of eve- workers lost job-based coverage an earlier edition of the AP-NORC (70 percent to 28 percent), Sanders plan, which calls for them, we should say let’s get rything from cotton swabs, to in the economic shutdown to poll asked the same questions at improving quality (62 percent to replacing the nation’s hybrid them their jobs back.” protective gear for nurses and slow the spread, but a new poll a time that the coronavirus was 36 percent) and providing system of private and gov- It could simply be a reflection doctors, to breathing machines suggests Americans have still largely seen as a problem in insurance coverage (53 percent ernment coverage with a single of human nature to shelve ambi- for desperately ill patients, the remarkably little interest in big other countries, not the United to 44 percent). Americans had government plan for all. tious schemes during a crisis, said poll did find 56 percent saying the changes to health care as a result States. more confidence in government’s House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, health economist Katherine US is spending too little on of the pandemic. “It does strike me as odd,” ability to reduce costs, preferring asked last month whether waves Baicker, dean of the University improving and protecting the People are still more likely to said Gaye Cocoman, a retired it over the private sector 54 of layoffs were prompting her of Chicago Harris School of Public nation’s health. prefer the private sector than the data processing administrator percent to 44 percent. All of those Democratic caucus members to Policy. There’s only so much That is a significantly bigger government on driving inno- from small-town Macedonia, preferences are unchanged since reconsider the employer-based available bandwidth. share than the 42 percent who vation in health care, improving Ohio, who has Medicare. “I’m before COVID-19 arrived. system that covers most working “I wonder if the short-term think the government is spending quality and, by a narrower covered, but I look at the millions Not that long ago Vermont families, responded: “That’s not crisis dampens people’s appetite too little in general. margin, providing coverage, of people who aren’t and wonder Senator Bernie Sanders’ our conversation.” for health system reform,” Still, views on the need for according to the survey by the what in the world they’re going “Medicare for All” plan was at the Pelosi said Democrats are Baicker said. more health care spending were University of Chicago Harris to do if they get sick. There seems centre of the Democratic presi- backing measures to tide over “The idea of upending the unchanged since before the School of Public Policy and The to be no appetite for change.” dential debate. But even with an workers who have lost coverage health system at this moment ... pandemic. TUESDAY 9 JUNE 2020 AMERICAS 15 ‘All eyes’ on New York: Reopening tests a city torn by crises

AP — NEW YORK With the virus in check — at least for now — stores previously deemed nonessential were Scarred by the deadliest coro- navirus outbreak in the nation, cleared to reopen for delivery and curbside New York City gradually began pickup, though customers cannot yet browse reopening yesterday in a turning point in the three- inside. Construction, manufacturing and month-long crisis and an wholesalers also were cleared to resume work. important test of the city’s disci- Governor Andrew Cuomo waves after riding a subway train, in New York, yesterday. pline. With the virus in check — at where smash-and-grab thieves brutality could compound the least for now — stores previ- hit amid last week’s protests challenges facing the nation’s York this next couple of The virus is sill raging in places riders how far apart to stand on ously deemed nonessential over George Floyd’s death. Saks biggest city as it tries to move past months,” said urban policy like Brazil, which over the platforms, and the 1 am-to-5 am were cleared to reopen for Fifth Avenue, which girded itself three bleak months. Officials who expert Jonathan Bowles, exec- weekend stopped reporting its shutdowns that began in May delivery and curbside pickup, with razor wire last week, and had focused for months on public utive director of the Center for death toll. Its official count will continue so trains can be though customers cannot yet Tiffany’s may launch pickup health and economic woes are an Urban Future. stood at more than 34,000, cleaned. browse inside. Construction, service later this week. now also facing urgent pressure “The city now has to prove giving Brazil the third-highest Governor Andrew Cuomo manufacturing and wholesalers Owners of smaller shops for police reform. that it really knows what it’s number of dead in the world, took a subway ride yesterday also were cleared to resume were eager to reopen, even if More than 21,000 deaths in doing, that it can still be a dense behind the US and Britain. to send a message of safety. work. they didn’t expect much New York City have been city like New York and yet New York City, population Many activities, such as “So far, so good,” con- business. blamed on COVID-19, or figure this out.” Sam Solomon 8.3 million, has already indoor dining and gym struction management “We are going to be open roughly 1 in 5 of the more than wondered what normal will reawakened somewhat as workouts, aren’t yet allowed, company owner Frank Sciame every day for the sake of 110,000 people who have died look like from now on. warm weather drew people Broadway theatres and other said as job sites started showing life,” said eyewear of the scourge across the US. “I don’t know if it’s ever outdoors, more restaurants big venues remain shuttered, humming again, with new pre- designer Ahlem Manai-Platt, At its peak, the virus killed going to be like it was,” said offered carryout service, and and New Yorkers are still cautions such as health who was reopening a lower more than 500 people a day in Solomon, 22, who has a health- thousands of people marched required to wear face masks screening questionnaires and Manhattan store. New York City in early to mid- related job. After months of rel- in protest over Floyd’s death at when close to others in public. lower limits on the number of Mayor Bill de Blasio wel- April. The number has since ative isolation, “it’s going to be the hands of Minneapolis police. Months of social distancing workers allowed in construction comed the reopenings as evi- dropped into the single digits. an adjustment being around so Subway ridership is ticking and mask-wearing have made hoists. dence of how “strong and New hospitalisations, which many people,” said the native back up after plunging from 5.4 New Yorkers better prepared “Let’s hope it continues.” resilient” New York is. But he topped 800 a day in late March New Yorker, who never thought million rides per weekday in to keep the coronavirus under “New York,” he said, “will also warned the city against and early April, were down to she would have to get used to February to under 450,000 in control, said Dr. Bruce Polsky, always come back.” letting its guard down and jeop- 67 on Saturday. crowds. April, the city’s transit agency chairman of medicine at NYU Some major store chains ardising its hard-won progress Reopening the economy Around the world, the coro- says. Subway schedules are Winthrop Hospital in suburban took it slow: Macy’s declined to against the virus: “Let’s hold could spark a resurgence of the navirus has killed more than returning to normal, though Mineola. give a date for starting curbside onto it. Let’s build on it.” virus as people circulate more. 400,000 people, with the toll workers are dispensing masks Still, he said, reopening is pickup at its flagship store, Unrest over racism and police “All eyes will be on New rising by thousands every day. and hand sanitiser, signs show “going to be a big test.” Cuba declares coronavirus pandemic ‘under control’ Chile reports AFP — HAVANA has recorded just under 2,200 the number of daily cases give rise to events that can But with an economy 635 new Cuban President Miguel Diaz- cases and 83 deaths from the increased in comparison to the provoke a rebound,” he added. largely dependent on tourism Canel has declared the corona- virus. previous weeks in which, as In any case, next week “we and external trade, and crippled virus deaths; virus pandemic “under control” With 1,862 people having already announced, we were at will be able to inform the people by a six decades-long US after the island nation regis- recovered, Cuba has only 244 the tail end of this epidemic,” about how we will approach embargo, Cuba can ill afford to tered an eighth straight day active cases. he said on Saturday. this phase and when we can do remain in lockdown for much total at 2,290 without a death from COVID-19. However, Diaz-Canel said “We need to keep focusing so.” longer. It paves the way for an the country could not become on how we’re going to eliminate Schools and borders remain Lockdown has worsened AFP — SANTIAGO announcement next week on complacent given a spate of the residues that remain, espe- closed, public transport has the social situation for millions Cuba’s strategy to gradually lift new infections since May 28. cially those associated with the been suspended and the of Cubans i n a country that Chile on Sunday reported 653 its lockdown. “This was a week in which incompetence or poor func- wearing of masks in public is was already suffering from food deaths from COVID-19, The country of 11.2 million the number of active cases and tioning of any institution, which mandatory. and fuel shortages. bringing its overall toll to 2,290, authorities said. Health Minister Jaime Manalich said some mis- Protests across Quebec counting pointed out by the WHO in March and April was province against racism corrected, in addition to 96 new deaths. That sent the toll from 1,541 and police brutality on Saturday to 2,290 one day later, he explained. AFP — MONTREAL pas respirer” (“I can’t breathe”) Ninety-six marked a and “il faut que ca cesse” (“this record-high number of deaths Protesters in Montreal were tear- has to stop”). reported in a single day, gassed on Sunday as thousands Organisers gave speeches according to Manalich. gathered across Quebec to before the start of the march, Chilean health authorities demonstrate against racism and slamming Quebec’s Premier will also start counting the police brutality in the French- Francois Legault for claiming a deaths of people who show speaking Canadian province. few days prior that there was no symptoms in line with the virus, Demonstrators marched “systemic racism” in the province. even if the victim did not peacefully in the centre of the city Protester Madani Ba, a undergo a COVID-19 test. for the second time in a week as 28-year-old musician and artist, “We are making a method- part of a global wave of protests said that he once was subjected ological change in the way we sparked by the death of George to two different identity checks count people who have died Floyd, a black man killed in US in the span of five minutes on the and whose death presumably police custody when a white same street. could be linked to a COVID-19 officer knelt on his neck for “There’s a lot of racial pro- infection,” the minister said. nearly nine minutes. filing, ask anyone of colour and Meanwhile, a record People march during a protest against racial inequality and police brutality in the aftermath of the After the march ended some they will tell you the same thing. number of new infections in the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on Sunday. of the protesters gathered near It’s unbelievable — and it has to last 24 hours, of 6,405, was also police headquarters where change,” he said. reported in Chile, totaling officers used tear gas to disperse Jessica Francois, 29, said she stop several times to kneel in More protests took place in Prime Minister Justin 134,150 infected since the pan- them, Radio Canada reported. had come to the protests to show memory of Floyd. Sherbrooke, east of Montreal, and Trudeau joined thousands in demic began in the South Last Sunday’s protest also that “the colour of your skin does While many protesters wore in the provincial capital Quebec Ottawa on Friday. He knelt for American country on March 3. ended in clashes in the evening. not justify the inequalities we can masks, it was hard to maintain City. Other demonstrations had eight minutes and 46 seconds, the The virus’ spread has come During the march, protesters see, for instance, in Quebec.” social distancing of two metres, occurred on Saturday in Toronto, same length of time that police despite a three-week lockdown chanted, “Black Lives Matter”, Demonstrators marched particularly while waiting for the and other cities across the officer Derek Chauvin had kept in the crowded capital, “No justice, no peace”, “je ne peux peacefully and were asked to march to begin. country. his knee on Floyd’s neck. Santiago.

Argentina's former president Macri Brazil ‘driving in the dark’ on COVID-19 as accused of spying on 400 journalists contradictory data deepens confusion AFP — BUENOS AIRES Argentina’s Federal Intelligence Agency (AFI) has called for an inves- REUTERS — RIO DE JANEIRO corrected. It explained that the speaker of the lower house, said Bolsonaro has come under tigation into former president Mauricio Macri for allegedly spying later, lower daily death toll of on Twitter. growing criticism for the way his on more than 400 journalists, a source said on Sunday. Brazil drew further criticism for 525 was the correct one. “The credibility of the sta- government has handled the Dozens of foreign journalists, including several representing AFP, its handling of the coronavirus It said it had “been tistics needs to be urgently pandemic, which he has regu- appeared on a list of people to be investigated in relation to the G20 pandemic yesterday after it improving the means for recovered. A ministry that larly played down as a “little flu.” and World Trade Organization (WTO) summits held in Buenos Aires published contradictory figures releasing information on the manipulates numbers creates a For Carlos Machado, head in recent years. on fatalities and infections, national situation of the han- parallel world in order not to of research at the National “The complaint was lodged on Friday and yesterday, all the evi- deepening a scandal over the dling of COVID-19.” face the reality of the facts,” he School of Public Health, part of dence will be presented,” the official source said on condition of ano- country’s COVID-19 data. The discrepancy followed added. The World Health the respected public institute nymity. Around 100 academics, businesspeople and prominent figures Initial data released on recent decisions to remove from Organisation (WHO) yesterday Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, the from civil society also appeared on the list. Sunday from the health ministry a national website a trove of stressed the importance of “con- lack of dependable data is The documents relating to the case were found in three dossiers on the number of cases and data about the country’s out- sistent and transparent” com- dangerous. named “2017”, “G20 Journalists” and “Miscellaneous”, in a safe in death toll in Brazil was later con- break, and to push back the daily munication from Brazil, which “Not having updated and the office of the AFI’s former director of counterintelligence. tradicted by numbers uploaded release of new numbers late into is now one of the main corona- reliable data during a pandemic Buenos Aires hosted the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference in 2017 to the ministry’s online data the evening and after the coun- virus epicentres. It has the of this proportion is like driving and the 13th G20 Summit a year later. portal. Yesterday, the ministry try’s main television news second highest number of con- in the dark,” he said. “The investigation into the journalists was straightforward. They said in a statement the dis- programme. firmed cases behind the United “While we do not have a dug up information from social media and that way built an ideo- crepancy was predominantly “By changing the numbers, States, and a death toll that last vaccine, information is the best logical and political profile,” said the source. due to mistakes in the numbers the Ministry of Health covers the week surpassed Italy’s. weapon we have at our dis- The complaint was lodged by Cristina Caamano, who has been from two states that were later sun with a sieve,” Rodrigo Maia, Far-right President Jair posal,” he added. tasked by centre-left President Alberto Fernandez to carry out an audit of AFI as part of a reorganisation process. 16 MORNING BREAK TUESDAY 9 JUNE 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

FAJR03.14 am SUNRISE 04.43 am o o Hot daytime with slight dust at some places and relatively 31 C 40 C hot by night. ZUHR 11.33 am ASR 02.56 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 05:45–19:29 LOW TIDE 02:40 – 13:12 MAGHRIB 06.25 pm ISHA 07.55 pm W ALRUWAIS: 30o↗35o W ALKHOR: 26o↗36o W DUKHAN: 30o↗35o W WAKRAH: 27o↗39o W MESAIEED 27o↗39o W ABUSAMRA 26o↗37o

Ocean geoengineering tests ‘violate’ UN convention AFP — PARIS One such plan, which began Up to 90 percent preliminary experiments last Experimental geoengineering month, involves spraying tril- of the excess schemes to protect areas such lions of microscopic salt crystals heat produced by as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef into the air above the Great are “distracting technofixes” Barrier Reef. mankind’s burning that violate an international Its proponents hope that the of fossil fuels is moratorium on the largely salt will mix with low-altitude untested tech projects, a clouds, making them brighter absorbed by the coalition of nearly 200 environ- and able to reflect more sun- world’s oceans. mental groups said yesterday. light away from the reef. On the occasion of World But HOME said the project Oceans Day, the Hands Off contravenes a 2010 United Recent spikes in tropical Mother Earth (HOME) Campaign Nations moratorium on ocean and sub-tropical sea surface urged communities and govern- geoengineering. temperatures, magnified by an An aerial view of a beach in Playas de Tijuana, Baja California State, on the Pacific coast of Mexico, ments to “vigorously oppose” “Geoengineers are flying in especially potent El Nino, have on June 5, 2020. World Oceans Day was marked yesterday. marine geoengineering projects the face of global moratoria triggered an unprecedented that it said could imperil Earth’s agreed at the UN,” said Silvia mass bleaching of corals, already vulnerable sea Ribeiro of the ETC Group that affecting 75 percent of global HOME said that the Great geoengineering projects cur- growth of plankton which ecosystems. monitors the projects. reefs. Barrier Reef testing sets a “dan- rently undergoing testing consume carbon dioxide Up to 90 percent of the “The potential for large- The Intergovernmental gerous new precedent” and fails include injecting glass micro- absorbed by the ocean. excess heat produced by man- scale versions of these project Panel on Climate Change in to take into account the under- bubbles into sea ice in Alaska HOME said that at large kind’s burning of fossil fuels is — driven by the fossil fuel 2018 issued its landmark report lying cause of rising ocean tem- and Canada in the hope that scale the technique threatened absorbed by the world’s oceans. industry’s motivation to keep on the Paris deal temperature peratures and coral bleaching: they will reflect more to create “dead zones” of deox- And as atmospheric green- extracting, selling and burning goals — “well below” two fossil fuel emissions. sunlight. ygenated water devoid of life. house gas levels continue to rise — poses a clear and present degrees Celsius (3.6 Farenheit) “To really address climate That project has already “These experiments would despite the 2015 Paris climate danger to our oceans.” Coral above pre-industrial levels and change, we need serious cuts to been opposed by indigenous violate international moratoria, deal, scientists and industry are reefs — which cover less than a cap of 1.5C if at all possible. CO2 emissions, not distracting groups. and scientific evidence indicates coming up with ways to try to one percent of the ocean’s It found that at 1.5C hotter, technofixes,” said Louise Sales In waters off the coast of that the risks and impacts far mitigate the damage caused by surface but support a quarter of more than 70 percent of Earth’s from Friends of the Earth Aus- Chile and Peru one firm has outweigh the supposed ben- rising temperatures using marine species — are especially coral reefs will likely die off; at tralia’s Emerging Tech Project. begun an ocean fertilisation efits,” said Samuel Leiva from technology. vulnerable to warming waters. 2C, that increases to 99 percent. Other marine project aimed at promoting the Terram, a Chilean NGO. Chanel may call time on extravagant Paris fashion shows Police hunting AFP — PARIS rockets, jumbo jets, river gorges, memories, and every time we the show was supposed to have luxury some jetsetters may have for gigantic Eiffel Towers and even com- marvelled (at the shows). I like been unveiled in May. to forego this year. Chanel may be about to bring plete Alpine villages with snow the cinematic aspect of what we She said the highly practical The daughter of two crocodile in down the curtain on its ultra- and ski slopes was not her thing. did there,” she added. summery looks were conceived doctors, Viard said she was not spectacular Paris fashion “I have never been a fan of Viard said that although she so they could be thrown into “a immune to the effects of the Spanish river shows, its new designer Virginie pharaonic shows, even if they hugely misses Lagerfeld, she little suitcase on wheels, a coronavirus which she said has Viard hinted yesterday, as the were great with Karl,” she told has a “different vision” to him. shopper and an embroidered “left us all feeling more fragile”, ANATOLIA — OVIEDO, SPAIN French brand revealed its first the French daily Le Figaro. “With me, you won’t be handbag”, with long skirts and therefore steered clear of collection since the coronavirus “Sometimes he would ask risking walking out in some- becoming strapless dresses evening dresses. Instead she Spanish police are on a hunt crisis. me, ‘Is it too much?’ and I would thing weird,” she laughed. when pulled up. wanted to create something for a crocodile in the region of Extravagant, hugely theat- reply, ‘For you it is great but I Sometimes Lagerfeld The collection was very “simple and luxurious and Valladolid after several people rical shows on enormous sets dream of a little show’,” Viard “would ask himself if he had much in Viard’s own image with charming. I hope people will be reported seeing a massive inside the French capital’s added. Even so, she said that gone too far,” Viard said. plenty of deft Parisian classic touched by it.” Viard said the creature near the confluence Grand Palais became synon- coronavirus permitting, Chanel “But since he always took it chic touches to go along with clothes will be in the shops in of the Duero and Pisuerga ymous with the luxury label would return to the Grand to the nth degree, his idea bare midriffs adorned with November along with her rivers over the weekend. during the long reign of German Palais for its next show during would become brilliant.” Viard, strings of jewellery and tummy summer collection which has The first calls came in on designer Karl Lagerfeld, who Paris fashion week in October. 58, who dreamt of being a film belts, tiny bags, flip up sun- been eclipsed by the COVID-19 Friday, when two young boys died last year. “It will be the last at the director before dedicating glasses and gladiator-style crisis. And she insisted that reported seeing the animal But his discreet successor Grand Palais which is under- herself to fashion, revealed the armband bracelets. Chanel’s haute couture col- swimming in the river. On Sat- Viard, the Kaiser’s longtime going major refurbishment in cruise collection through a Cruise collections tradi- lection will be ready to show in urday, local police also iden- righthand woman, said recre- January,” Viard said. studio-shot film evoking the tionally showcase holiday wear Paris in July, when the shows tified the animal. ating almost life-sized space “It is a place filled with Italian island of Capri, where for glamorous foreign travel, a will be held digitally. “We get all kinds of calls but the one we received today surprised us,” tweeted the Castile and Leon emergency A World Redrawn: A phone number on Saturday. “Police have been deployed to find the crocodile.” On Sunday, photographer sees biologists also discovered two suspected nests and parts of fish leftover from the croco- dile’s supposed feast, chance for solidarity according to local newspaper El Norte de Castilla. AFP — NICOSIA — exhibited worldwide and fea- From the evidence, the tured in prestigious permanent experts believe they are Iranian photographer Gohar collections — with nature often dealing with a Nile crocodile, Dashti has created a body of acting as a foil for examining which is the second-largest work that explores the rela- social issues and identity in her reptile species in the world tionship between nature, large-scale, staged and considered to be highly human migration and the ripple photographs. aggressive. effects of conflict and social Dashti’s own life was Although Nile crocodiles upheaval. marked by conflict and its can grow beyond five meters, The coronavirus pandemic legacy. She was born in Iran’s this specific animal is thought presents, she believes, an Khuzestan province at the start to be around 1.5 meters long opportunity to remind us of our of the Iran-Iraq war that (5 feet) and weighing around mutual responsibility toward ravaged the oil-rich eastern 200 kg. They are widespread each other. region that borders Iraq and in sub-Saharan Africa but not With the pandemic is cre- killed hundreds of thousands native to Spain. A handout image taken on July 17, 2019, shows a photograph, taken in the US, placed within a natural ating a collective sense of from 1980-1988. Local police, a group of setting in Iran as part of the 'Land/s' photo project. unmooring from the familiar, One of her series, “Today’s biologists and SEPRONA, a what is important is that “it will Life and War”, placed a couple special nature unit of Spain’s make us understand that we’re going about day-to-day countries with high economic taken unawares by the virus situations better. They know Civil Guard, are patrolling the all in the same boat,” she said. domestic life — cooking, power. For them to understand and experienced very difficult how to live and work with an rivers and setting up lures in “This is a shared pain,” she watching TV, hanging up that they are not separate... we conditions and continues to see uncharted future.” Thrown into the hopes of capturing the told AFP from Cambridge, Mas- washing — amid the trappings all live in the same world,” she very difficult conditions. But, her own state of uncertainty animal. sachusetts in the United States, of a battlefield, with tanks and said. “Sometimes we see some- really, with the cooperation with exhibitions of her work According to local media, where she has been based for soldiers looming in the thing like war in the media and between people and the com- “Land/s” — a meditation on the search crew is being several years. background. think that it has nothing to do mendable efforts of medical finding the familiar in foreign extremely cautious to avoid “I hope that from this situ- Another series, “Stateless”, with us — that’s Afghanistan’s staff, they have been able to landscapes — cancelled or post- scaring the crocodile, which ation, we will come to an produced in 2014/2015, features problem or that’s Yemen’s manage the crisis,” she said. poned, Dashti is still working could cause it to flee to another understanding that the world is scenes similar to those familiar problem. “In my opinion, the people on a film about the project, but area and further complicate one. If a tree is cut in Africa, it in news coverage of refugees “But what’s happening now in Iran have shown a lot of sol- like many others around the the search. impacts the life of someone in and migrants but rendered stark shows that it has to do with all idarity — one reason is that they world, experiencing a change The current focus is on a France,” the 40-year-old pho- and semi-theatrical against vast of us. If a war breaks out in are a people that have known of pace. 20 km stretch between the tographer and video artist said. and towering landscapes. Yemen or in Afghanistan, it also crisis.” Resilience to the anxiety “I am spending a lot of time towns of Simancas and “It’s good that we under- Touching on ongoing con- has an effect on our lives, so we triggered by uncertainty is with my four-year-old son, Tordesillas. stand the relationship between flicts, she said she hopes people, can’t stay silent.” She said her something Dashti thinks we can giving him lessons. Really, I feel Although the hunt began the world, economy and nature particularly those in wealthy compatriots in Iran, which is learn from the pandemic. like I have never spent so much on Saturday, the crocodile has and maybe this epidemic has countries, will come to rec- facing the deadliest coronavirus “The conditions created by with him,” she said. “Another still not been captured and the allowed us to think about all ognise amid the pandemic that outbreak in the Middle East, had the coronavirus all over the activity that I love is to take walks search teams were reinforced these issues again.” they are not unaffected by the rallied in solidarity in the face world teach us how to live with in nature. “More and more I think on Monday. Local authorities Nature and its relationship suffering of others around the of the pandemic, drawing on instability,” she said. I should pay more attention to are calling the animal “dan- to mankind trace a thread world. “What is much more resilience from previous crises. “In my opinion, artists and and work on nature and its rela- gerous” and warning residents through Dashti’s 15-year oeuvre important to me is the view of “Iran, like all countries, was migrants can deal with these tionship with humanity.” to avoid the river.