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THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 / ZUL-HIJJAH 5, 1442 AH emergency number 112 NO. 17740 16 PAGES 150 FILS PAM nods renewal of 60s visa for KD 2,000 a year — Details Page 2 — Weapons-grade enrichment possible

Opinion Iran says prisoner swap talks ongoing

TEHRAN, July 14, (AP): Iran’s outgoing president on Wednesday warned his Long-live the blessings of salmon and country could enrich uranium at weapons-grade levels of 90% if it chose, though it still wanted to save its tattered nuclear deal with world powers. President Hassan Rouhani’s comments, carried by the state-run IRNA news agency, came as he also shrimp to keep the mindset in the belly criticized Iran’s wider theocracy for not allowing his government to reach a deal soon to restore the 2015 atomic accord. Rouhani’s powers have waned as the public soured on his government amid an economy suffer- ing under U.S. sanctions. But his remarks signal Iran could take a By Ahmed Al-Jarallah more belligerent approach with Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times the West as hard-line President- elect Ebrahim Raisi is due to take ONCE again, Kuwait outperforms its GCC office next month. counterparts in major strategic projects ... by Speaking in a Cabinet meet- adding tea, salmon fi llets and breaded shrimp ing, Rouhani made the 90% re- to the ration card. It thus surpasses the Unit- mark, a rare moment for him to ed Arab Emirates where the Vice President suggest Tehran could take that and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin approach. Rashid Al Maktoum decreed 100,000 golden “Even if one day there is a residency visas for entrepreneurs, project need for 90% enrichment for a start-ups and those specialized in program- reactor, we do not have any prob- ming. lem and we are able,” Rouhani The National Program for Coders an- said, according to IRNA. “We can do anything in the peaceful nounced the start of receiving golden residen- path.” cy applications from programmers residing in The 2015 nuclear deal, which the country and around the world. saw Iran gain relief from those Kuwait has also surpassed Saudi Arabia crushing sanctions, limited Teh- where Apple Inc. chose Riyadh to be its fi rst ran’s program to enriching only headquarters for its academy branch in the up to 3.67% - enough to power Middle East and North Africa. a civilian nuclear reactor. It now Of course, such huge initiatives are not part enriches a small amount of urani- of the calculations of the Kuwaiti offi cials. um up to 60%, a short step from Kuwait has made great strides in development weapons-grade levels. too, as it was the fi rst to think of establishing Moderate free trade zones in the region. Rouhani also complained I remember the meeting held by the late that hard-liners outside of his Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah with businessmen relatively moderate government during which he said, “The entire Kuwait blocked its efforts to reach a deal is a free trade zone area”. However, years in Vienna. For months, nego- later, the orphaned free trade zone turned tiators have been trying to find into an area for the headquarters of local a way for Iran to return to the companies. limits of the deal and for the U.S. I also remember the plan of former British A tent camp for pilgrims is set up in Mina, near the Muslim holy city of Makkah, ahead of the upcoming annual Hajj pilgrimage, July 14. The to rejoin the accord from which pilgrimage to Makkah required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make it, used to draw more than then-President Donald Trump Prime Minister Tony Blair to develop Kuwait 2 million people. But for a second straight year it has been curtailed due to the coronavirus with only vaccinated people in Saudi Arabia able economically, for which the state spent tens of to participate. (AP) earlier unilaterally withdrew. A new round of Vienna nego- millions of dinars. But in the end, other GCC tiations has yet to be scheduled. countries implemented the projects mentioned Rouhani said he hoped Raisi’s in Blair’s plan. This is a real time interpreta- administration “will be able to tion of the saying - “Kuwait thinks and other Zain Q2 net profit grows 17% to $138mn Newswatch finish the job.” Gulf states implement”. “There is no difference if the With regard to the North Economic Zone — Details Page 9 — current or next administration project, the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ah- KUWAIT CITY: His Highness will be successful, but we are mad had traveled to Iraq to conclude agree- the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- very sorry that nearly six month ments in this regard. Then there is the Silk Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on of opportunity has been lost,” he City project, and the project for the develop- Sisi receives Kuwait Speaker Wednesday sent a congratulatory said. ment of the islands in order to make them Other Voices cable to French President Em- An Iranian intelligence officer regional tourist destinations … All of these By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh manuel Macron, on his coun- and three alleged members of an Arab Times Staff try’s national day. Iranian intelligence network have have boiled down to subsidization of tea and His Highness the Deputy been charged in Manhattan with breaded shrimp. What an amazing develop- KUWAIT CITY, July 14: Egyp- Day by Day Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh plotting to kidnap a prominent ment! The game of tian President Abdel Fattah El- Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Iranian opposition activist and All successive governments and the current Sisi on Wednesday received Al-Sabah and His Highness the writer in exile and take her back Sheikh Sabah government have mastered the art of creating Kuwait’s National Assembly I REMEMBER His Highness, Prime Minister to Tehran, authorities said Tues- slogans and drawing up bright plans, but the Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim in the late Amir Sheikh Saad Al- Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sa- day. implementation is almost a form of imagina- cat & mouse Ittihadia Palace. Abdullah, when he was the bah sent similar cables. (KUNA) An indictment in Manhat- Al-Ghanim is currently on a Crown Prince and Prime Min- ❑ ❑ ❑ tan federal court alleges that the tion. Even individual initiatives do not get any three-day visit to the Arab Re- support from them. By Ali Ahmed Al-Baghli ister. Whenever the troubles KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait’s daily plot was part of a wider plan to Former Minister of Oil public of Egypt. He conveyed a intensified, he turned right and coronavirus cases jumped by lure three individuals in Canada For instance, the recently-launched Kuwaiti message from His Highness the left and said to those around satellite by Eng. Bassam Al-Faili was spon- 1,623 to 380,699 as deaths rose and a fifth person in the United WHAT is happening in our National As- Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad him: “Where, where, where by 11 to 2,158, the health minis- Kingdom to Iran. Victims were sored by the United Arab Emirates after Ku- sembly between the men of the executive Al-Jaber Al-Sabah about bilater- are we going to … What is try said on Wednesday. also targeted in the United Arab wait shut its doors for supporting and spon- authority (ministers) and the legislative al relations and ways to strength- needed to be done?” Today, Another 1,721 people were Emirates, authorities said. soring him. authority (the members of our National en cooperation between the two that same noises reverber- cured of the virus, raising the The identities of the alleged It is unfortunate that the government’s Assembly) reminds us of the games we sisterly countries in all fields. ate, but the question remains, total of those to have overcome “Where are we going to? victims were not released but mindset is limited to supporting and searching used to play in our childhood such as the He also conveyed regards of the disease to 360,746, ministry Brooklyn-based Masih Alinejad game of cat and mouse. His Highness the Crown Prince Since that time until today, spokesperson Dr. Abdallah Al- for goods and commodities to benefi t traders. we do not know in which direc- confirmed that authorities had This has led to an annual waste of about seven The National Assembly with its two Sheikh Mesha’al Al-Ahmad Al- Sanad said in a statement. told her she was among the tar- powers has not held a single proper ses- Jaber Al-Sabah to El-Sisi. tion we are going. All that we The number of people hospi- billion dinars in support of food items starting hear are government speech- geted victims. sion since the On the other hand, El-Sisi talised with the virus currently “I knew that this is the nature from Abu Kass cheese to rice and pasta, and time we elected asked the speaker to send his es to justify its mistakes with- stands at 1,193, with 336 of them many others, as if Kuwaitis live in poverty out attempting to address in intensive care units, he added, of the Islamic Republic, you its members and regards and appreciation to the them but point a finger of ac- know, kidnapping people, arrest- and need food aid. after His Highness political leadership of Kuwait; revealing that another 17,795 cusations at others. are receiving regular treatment. ing people, torturing people, kill- This comes at a time when the Minister of the Prime Minister stressing that he is keen on pre- In Egypt, they say, ‘I brought ing people. But I couldn’t believe Finance keeps on announcing that the citi- chose his ministers serving the historical sisterly (KUNA) you to help me but I find you ❑ ❑ ❑ it that this is going to happen to zen’s pocket will not be touched. in December 2020 bond between the two nations. need help’. me in United States of America,” Here we must ask - Do senior govern- until now. Speaker of Egyptian Parlia- …Yet, tomorrow is another KUWAIT CITY: The head of the Alinejad told The Associated ment offi cials, parliament representatives, Some MPs have ment Dr Hanafi Al-Jebali and day. AlMosafer Clinic at the Islamic Press. and major merchants need this support? Isn’t been disrupting Kuwaiti Ambassador to Egypt Zahed Matar Medicine Center in Al-Sabah it better for the government to turn off the the sessions from Muhammad Saleh Al-Zuwaikh Specialized Medical District, Dr. Exiled the time of the attended the meeting. Hamad Al-Ansari said the clinic The indictment acknowledg- waste taps, which are fully opened in terms Speaker election, Meanwhile, MP Khalil Al- that the revenue of PIFSS for fiscal provides 300 vaccinations per of overseas medical treatment programs, Al-Baghli es that, naming an exiled Paris- and we saw the Saleh praised the directives of 2020/2021 was unprecedented as day for students on scholarships based journalist later seized by poor implementation of infrastructure pro- voting barcode. His Highness the Crown Prince it earned $133.7 billion or KD40.4 abroad and patients who receive jects, and many more? Isn’t it fair to deduct treatment abroad, reports Al- Iran and executed. Also named They also attempted to prevent the new to the representatives of the com- billion within this period. was a California-based mem- the seven billion dinars from the subsidies in Secretary-General from calling the names mittee tasked to invest the money MPs Osama Al-Shaheen, Ab- Jarida daily. In a press statement, Al-Ansari ber of an Iranian militant op- order to pay off the citizens’ loans and lift of the members and the ministers, and the of retirees at the Public Institu- dulaziz Al-Saqaabi, Hamad Al- position group in exile whose the injustice imposed on tens of thousands results of the election. tion for Social Security (PIFSS); Matar, Mubarak Al-Hajraf and praised the tireless efforts of the medical, technical, administra- family says he was abducted by of them? They used microphones as though they particularly that of making the Al-Saifi Mubarak Al-Saifi have Iran while staying in Dubai in were in a used-car market. They insisted on retirees partners in investment proposed the amendment of Law tive and volunteer teams in the This miserable reality that the country is clinic to provide vaccines to 2020. Prosecutors alleged the experiencing has been caused by the acts of sitting in the seats allocated for the ministers, enterprises for them to earn from No. 18/2016 on social support for Iranian intelligence officer had such investments. the elderly. those who deserve it. which in turn led to the dissatisfaction of the ❑ ❑ ❑ an electronic device containing both the executive and legislative authorities, ministers and their refusal to attend the ses- In a related development, MP The proposal states that the el- which are engulfed in the Don Quixote bat- a graphic of Alinejad alongside sions, the last of which happened during last Marzouq Al-Khalifa submitted a derly will be exempted from pay- JERUSALEM: The United Arab those two men, prosecutors tles. On the other hand, other member states ing fees for using public trans- Wednesday’s session, and this was followed proposal to grant KD2,000 to ev- Emirates formally opened its said. of the Gulf Cooperation Council have sur- ery Kuwaiti or non-Kuwaiti retiree portation and for registering their Israel by the announcement made by the National embassy in on Wednes- Alinejad, who worked for passed Kuwait by many light years. registered at PIFSS. He explained private vehicles at the General day, inaugurating its diplomatic Assembly Speaker that the session was ad- years as a journalist in Iran, long Even though the voices of the national elites journed according to article 116 of the Con- his proposal is based on the fact Traffic Department. offi ces in Tel Aviv less than a year after the two countries an- has been targeted by its theocracy have been demanding to amend this declining stitution due to the absence of the ministers! after fleeing the country follow- path, the Prime Minister, the ministers and the Such behaviors have led us to dislike nounced they would establish open relations. ing its disputed 2009 presidential parliamentarians neither hear nor see. democracy. I do not think a single tear election and crackdown. will be shed by people if this National Speaking at the ceremony, Is- May Almighty Allah help Kuwait for what raeli President Isaac Herzog said Iran’s government spokesman it will face in the near future as a result of such Assembly is dissolved constitutionally said Tuesday that talks with the or unconstitutionally, because we and the embassy opening was “an im- indifference. portant milestone in our shared United States about a prisoner our democracy have become a tool of journey toward a future of peace, exchange are still ongoing, two Long-live the salmon fi llet and the breaded sarcasm for our friends and foes, and the shrimp in the ration card so that the mindset prosperity and security for the months after Washington denied lovers and haters of us. Middle East.” (AP) an Iranian report that deals had remains in the belly and does not develop into Our representatives and ministers the head to think for the future. ❑ ❑ ❑ been struck. should have focused on the corruption The official IRNA news agen- Email: [email protected] that is rampant wherever we turn our fac- WASHINGTON: The Russia- based criminal syndicate behind cy quoted Cabinet spokesman es. MPs should have also stood together Ali Rabiei as saying the swap ne- Follow me on: hand-in-hand in the face of the rational a devastating series of recent ran- gotiations are based on humani- government and its health minister for somware attacks was offl ine on his confused and ill-considered decisions, Tuesday, but cybersecurity ex- tarian interests. KUNA photo perts said that it was premature to “These talks are ongoing and if Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during his meeting with [email protected] Continued on Page 3 speculate why and that there was any acceptable result is achieved, Kuwait National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanim at no indication of a law enforce- it will be announced,” he said, [email protected] the Ittihadia Palace in Cairo. ment takedown. (AP) without elaborating. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 2

Weather Expected weather for the next relatively humid specially over Abdaly 47 32 Prayer Timings 24 hours: coastal areas with light variable Jahra 48 33 By Day: Very hot and relatively wind to light to moderate south Salmiyah 44 36 Fajr ...... 03:25 Asr ...... 15:28 humid over coastal areas with easterly wind with speeds of 08- Ahmadi 46 35 Sunrise .. 04:58 Maghrib .. 18:50 30 km/h. Zohr ...... 11:54 Isha ...... 20:20 light to moderate north easterly Wafra 47 30 wind to south easterly wind with Station Max Exp Min Rec Salmy 46 32 speeds of 08-30 km/h. Kuwait City 47 37 Jal Aliyah 48 31 By Night: Hot to rather hot and Kuwait Airport 48 30 Managish - - VACCINE REGISTRATION WEBSITE: https://cov19vaccine.moh.gov.kw/SPCMS/CVD_19_Vaccine_Registration.aspx

Humansoft Holding scales 9 fi ls, Jazeera Airways skids Kuwait market notches modest gains in choppy trade

By John Mathews Arab Times Staff ▲ UUS$/KDS$/KD 0.30070/800.30070/80 KUWAIT CITY, July 14: Kuwait stocks pulled higher on ▲ Euro/KD 0.3556 Wednesday, recouping most of last session’s drop. The All Shares Index climbed 10.60 points in choppy trade to ■ Yen/KD 0.0027 6,368.45 pts even as the broader sentiment remained mixed. The Premier Market rose 11.12 points to 6,904.76 pts ▲ British £/KD 0.4166 paring the month’s losses to 32 points while Main Mar- ket scaled 9.75 pts. The BK Main 50 sprinted 17.36 pts to ■ Indian Rs/KD 0.0040 5,552.36 points . The volume turnover meanwhile tapered for the second session. Over 178 million shares changed ■ Philippines Peso/KD 0.0060 hands – down 7 pct from the day before. The sectors closed mixed. Telecommunications outshone the rest with 0.28 pct gain whereas Insurance shed 0.89 per- ▼ FTSE -33.53 pts at 18:50 July 14 cent, the biggest loser of the day. Volume wise, Financial Services topped with 111.36 million shares and the sector also dominated in value with KD 11.8 million. ▼ Nikkei -109.75 pts at closing July 14 In the individual shares, Kuwait Finance House rose 3 fi ls to 755 fi ls on back of 2.56 million shares whereas sector ▲ Gold $1,813.05 bellwether National Bank of Kuwait dialed down 2 fi ls after per oz (London) pushing 1.7 million shares. National Investment Co fell 2 fi ls to 170 fi ls and KIPCO gave up 3 fi ls with a volume of ▲ NYMEX crude $74.22 per barrel 1.58 million. Humansoft Holding scaled 9 fi ls stemming the three-day losing streak. ▲ Brent crude $75.77 per barrel Zain inched 1 fi l higher to 586 fi ls on back of 2.64 mil- lion shares whereas Ooredoo gave up 2 fi ls. stc paced 12 fi ls LIBOR rate 0.12613% while Agility added 3 fi ls after pushing 1.94 million shares. Mezzan Holding slipped 4 fi ls to 618 fi ls and Integrated Holding Co gained 5 fi ls. Mabanee Co eased 1 fi l to 708 an Boubyan Bank was down 3 fi ls at 730 fi ls. Warba Bank fi ls while Boursa Kuwait Securities Co rallied 14 fi ls to KD and Ahli United Bank Kuwait Bank tripped 1 fi l each whereas 1.490. YIACO Medical slid 23 fi ls to 447 fi ls. Ahli United Bank BSC gained 4 fi ls on back of 10.7 million National Industries Group was unchanged at 220 fi ls after shares to close at 234 fi ls. Al Ahli Bank stalled at 211 fi ls moving 1.7 million shares whereas Gulf Cable paced 6 fi ls Kuwait Cement Co was unchanged at 245 fi ls with razor to close at 743 fi ls. Boubyan Petrochemical Co was down thin trading whereas Kuwait Portland Cement dialed down 1 KUNA photo 4 fi ls at 840 fi ls and Al Qurain Petrochemical Co tripped 1 fi l. Shuaiba Industrial sprinted 11 fi ls to 164 fi ls and ACICO His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received on Wednesday at Bayan fi ls. Jazeera Airways skidded 8 fi ls to 691 fi ls and ALAFCO Industries added 3 fi ls before ending at 126 fi ls. Hilal Ce- Palace the ambassador of Senegal Abdulahad Ambaki on the occasion of ending his tenure. stood pat at 219 fi ls. Aznour eased 1 fi ls to 222 fi ls where- ment took in 1.2 fi ls whereas HEISC paused at 488 fi ls. as Arabi Group Holding gained 8 fi ls. Kuwait Foundry Co Educational Holding Co was up 4 fi ls at 713 fi ls. vaulted 34 fi ls to 404 fi ls. Kuwait and Gulf Links Transport Co eased 0.6 fi ls to 51 The market opened fi rm and edged higher in early trade. fi ls and Sultan Centre was unchanged at 200 fi ls. Inovest KAC direct fl ights to US expected in August The main index vacillated in a tight range and fell sharply BSC clipped 2 fi ls and Mashaer Holding gave up 5.3 fi ls almost half way into the session. It bottomed at 6,358 pts before ending at 65.1 fi ls. United Projects Co tripped 1 fi l KUWAIT CITY, July 14: The Ku- are concerned with precautionary Resolution No. 686 will be reviewed. and headed north again in choppy trade to scale the day’s whereas Combined Group Contracting Co paused at 287 fi ls. wait Airways Company (KAC) is in measures and security measures. It will then be referred to the Min- highest level of 6372 points in the fi nal minutes before giv- Burgan Company For Well Drilling Co slipped 3 fi ls to 179 the process of making fi nal arrange- Meanwhile, the Ministry of Inte- istry of Finance to take measures to ing up some of the gains at close. fi ls and OSOS Holding Group added 1.5 fi ls. ments to operate the Kuwait-New rior has handed over to the Civil Ser- transfer the amounts. After that, the Top gainer of the day, Kuwait Foundry Co rallied 9.19 pct Kuwait Investment Co fell 1 fi l to 225 fi ls whereas Ku- York route again, reports Al-Anba vice Commission (CSC) the lists of entity will be addressed with a pledge to 404 fi ls while Shuaiba Industrial sprinted 7.19 percent to wait Financial Centre (Markaz) and Arzan Financial Group daily quoting informed sources. the names of those entitled to receive form and the need to implement the stand next. Gulf Finance Co skidded 9.57 percent, the steep- scaled 4 fi ls each. KMEFIC dialed down 1 fi l whereas In- The sources expect the route to be the reward for the COVID-19 front- est decliner of the day and Arzan Financial Group topped the ternational Financial Advisors rallied 5 fi ls on back of 5.3 requirements contained in the law. volume with 15.9 million shares. million shares. operational in August or September liners who worked during the curfew Meanwhile, informed government at the latest. The sources said the period set by the Council of Minis- Despite the day’s marginal rise, losers slightly outnum- KAMCO Investment dialed up 1 fi l whereas Gulf Invest- sources revealed that the Ministry of process of operating direct fl ights to ters, reports Al-Anba daily quoting bered the winners. 54 stocks advanced whereas 59 closed ment House and Aayan Leasing and Investment Co clipped New York requires security approv- informed sources. Defense is in the process of fi naliz- lower. Of the 138 counters active on Wednesday, 25 closed 2 fi ls each. Tamdeen Investment gave up 4 fi ls whereas Noor als from the US Transportation Secu- They explained that the lists were ing the lists of its employees who are fl at. 8,648 deals worth KD 30.2 million where transacted Financial Investment added 3 fi ls. Kuwait Insurance Co shed rity Administration (TSA). handed to CSC for review based on COVID-19 front-liners. during the session. 12 fi ls and Al Ahleia Insurance Co erased 8 fi ls. It should be noted that the US au- the regulations. They will then be re- They revealed that the lists will in- In the banking sector, Gulf Bank was unchanged at 241 The market has been mixed so far during the week. It has thorities responsible for the airports ferred to the Ministry of Finance to clude ten percent of employees from fi ls after pushing 5.6 million shares whereas Kuwait Interna- retreated 18 points from start of the month and is up 798 of the United States of America re- disburse the amounts. each sector of the army, adding that tional Bank eased 1 fi l to 222 fi ls. Burgan Bank took in 1 fi l points year-to-date. quire security matters before operat- The entity’s implementation of the reward will be disbursed with the ing direct fl ights to US airports and the controls contained in Cabinet’s salaries of August, if not before. PAM nods renewal of 60s expats visa for KD 2,000/yr

‘Decision after Eid holidays’

By Faris Al-Abadan Al-Seyassah Staff KUWAIT CITY, July 14 : Fi- nally after about a year of give and take, the Board of Direc- tors of the Public Author- ity for Manpower (PAM) ap- proved the proposal to allow the renewal of work permits for expatriates aged 60 years and above, and those holding high school and below cer- tifi cates at a fee of KD 2,000, concurring the scenario that was published in March. According to informed sources, the proposal was approved during KUNA photo a meeting held yesterday that was Lieutenant General Khaled Al-Mekrad talking to the press after the opening headed by the Minister of Com- ceremony. merce and Industry Dr. Abdullah Al-Salman. Al-Mekrad opens new fi re center They said, “A decision in this regard will be issued soon, possibly after Eid Chief of the Directorate General accidents. Al-Adha holidays. It is expected to Fire Brigade (DGFD), Lieutenant Lieutenant-General Al-Mekrad cover other categories, and include the General Khaled Al-Mekrad, inau- said in a press release issued by requirements to be met and the value gurated on Wednesday the Al-Sour the Fire Brigade that the open- of the required health insurance”. Fire Center in Jaber Al-Ahmad ing of fi re brigade centers in the Meanwhile, Director of PAM Ah- area, on behalf of the Minister of new areas is continuing, as they mad Al-Mousa announced the return Foreign Affairs and Minister of are equipped with trained human of the ban imposed on the transfer of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr. cadres and provided with the lat- residence permits of laborers brought Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al- est mechanisms and equipment to work in the sectors of industrial, ag- Sabah, as part of the force’s plan to achieve community security and ricultural, grazing, fi shing, cooperative to open fi re stations in new areas preserve the lives and properties of societies and the free trade zone, as of and reduce the response time to citizens and residents. (KUNA) Thursday, July 15. In a press statement issued on Wednes- day, Al-Mousa said, “The authority has ‘Insurance hitch holds elderly travel’ decided to stop the implementation of the provisions of article No. 1 of admin- KUWAIT CITY, July 14: ‘Kuwait clude the provision of health or travel istrative decision No. 142/2021, which Musafer’ platform has nothing to do insurance that covers the cost of treat- allowed workers recruited to work in the with the rejection of travel for citizens ment abroad in case of injuries or ac- sectors of industry, agriculture, grazing, who are 75 years old and above, re- cidents. fi shing, associations, cooperative socie- ports Al-Anba daily quoting sources. Sources added citizens are also re- ties and the free trade zone to transfer to Sources pointed out this depends quired to register on the platform be- all activities regardless of the sector that on the insurance companies, as some fore traveling and they should have includes these activities, subject to the of which do not insure the elderly. taken any of the vaccines approved in approval of the employer”. Sources clarifi ed the platform is not Kuwait effective Aug 1, except those He explained that the canceled deci- responsible for insurance, indicating who cannot be vaccinated for health sion was temporary and had been is- the conditions for citizens’ travel in- reasons and those who are pregnant. sued to give the market suffi cient fl ex- ibility in the transfer of workers during the pandemic and to give employers jects, reports Al-Qabas daily. institutions suitable for these projects. in all activities the opportunity to hire The sources explained that the non- This problem is not new but has been workers from within the labor market. specifi cation of the necessary cadres to witnessed in previous projects in the ❑ ❑ ❑ run the projects later can serve as an development plan. Some of the projects obstacle to the provision of the human on the “New Kuwait” website are pub- According to informed sources, some of the development plan’s pro- cadres necessary to operate them on lished without specifying the job op- jects do not specify the human cadres one hand, and to harmonize the out- portunities expected for Kuwaitis after necessary to operate them. The only puts of higher education and the needs employment. Any project needs opera- things that were specifi ed in them are of the labor market on the other hand. tional cadres, and it must be determined the time schedule for completion, the As long as the independent needs of at least four years before the comple- various stages, and the required costs. the projects remain unknown and pub- tion of the project in order to prepare This creates an obstacle in providing lished, it will not be possible to provide the necessary national cadres through operational manpower for these pro- admission plans in higher education higher education institutions. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 LOCAL 3 diwaniya A DIGEST OF PUBLIC OPINION ‘GCC must shun differences, unite, boost security of region’ “FOLLOWING the eruption of Gulf-Gulf confl ict either on bilateral or multiple individualism. Each of them has their own security system, but most of them say “go ahead”; otherwise he could turn violent just to prove he is the boss. levels, a lot of surprises have emerged,” columnist, professor at Kuwait Univer- are linked to security arrangements with great powers. “If you see a young man parading with his car while his comrades have sity’s Political Science Department, an advisor to Human Rights Watch (HRW) “Frankly speaking, I hope there is a coordination and merger among the GCC closed the road, pray for them for guidance and do not curse them or protest. and the secretary general of the Arab Fund for Human Rights Dr Ghanem Al- member states on the ground, but not confi ned to hopes only to create the Arab Don’t seek the role of a hero to block his path because the scene could turn Najjar wrote for Al-Jarida daily. unity model and bring Yemen into its fold and may be some other Arab states deadly in a blink of an eye. “This happens although the confl ict looks familiar among the states of the region also, because this prospective development shall constitute a realistic guarantee “If someone stares at you at the signal, just ignore and look away, as if you in general and among small states in particular. It is needless to say the Gulf states for a joint security and stability for member states in the framework of a popular are looking at the other street. If you give him an eye, expect him to get out of are not the same and this is but natural because their com- contribution that shall help boost the stability of the entire region.” his car and open the door for you! ponents are different. Not just that, there are border disputes Also: “If you notice the vehicle swaying in front of you or behind you, try to avoid among them which have yet to be settled. it so that its driver will move away from you. Keep in mind that him watching “In this connection, look at Bahrain and Qatar, for in- “Based on what was published by the Al-Rai daily last week, the World Bank YouTube or reading WhatsApp messages on his mobile phone is much more stance. These two nations resorted to the Hague-based (WB), says the educational process in the Middle East witnesses a signifi cant important than your life and his! International Court of Justice (ICJ) to settle the confl ict setback due to the Coivd-19 pandemic to such an extent 53 percent of children “If you want to return to your family safely while driving, consider yourself over the ‘Howar and Fisht Aldeebal’ islands instead of under the age of 10 in this part of the world are unable to read or understand a less cultured, and others culturally-sophisticated!” solving the issue through the Gulf Cooperation Coun- simple text,” columnist Dr. Turki Al-Azmi wrote for Al-Rai daily. ❑ ❑ ❑ cil’s (GCC) Committee. “Speaking of Kuwait vision 2035 which was submitted by the former British “As a matter of fact, each Gulf state has its own pecu- Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2010 along with a team of international and Ku- “Since His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled was tasked liarity in terms of its genesis, history, population struc- waiti experts called for concentrating on education and health in addition to the with forming the current government, he and his ministers have been facing ture, economy, foreign relations, political system, power change of curricula as well as minimizing the volume of bureaucracy. many interrogations. It seems that His Highness neither improved his choices “Of course, it is the World Bank, which was behind the so-called ‘compe- nor put the right man in the right place. He assigned one minister in two het- transmission and the naturalization policy. As such, the Dr Al-Najjar symmetry hypothesis among the Gulf countries, are not tency curriculum’ which has failed drastically. Consequently, we found how erogeneous ministries,” columnist Mubarak Mazyad Al-Maousherji wrote based on sociology or political economy. other countries have successfully adopted their educational methods and made for Al-Rai daily. “In this connection, we elucidate the political systems in the Gulf countries signifi cant progress at the public and higher education levels. “Accordingly, 31 opposition lawmakers are striving to bring down this gov- can be deemed rentier. “However, we and some of our colleagues had many years ago hoisted the ernment through interrogation after interrogation. banner of education reform much before Tony Blair and the World Bank. In “As for the 19 loyalist lawmakers, they started with impossible requests that “Of course, there is difference in the level of political openness or in the level this connection, we refer to a conference that was held the end of last April of the political participation, but this level doesn’t impact the general picture violate the law and do not achieve justice as they demanded His Highness the where we submitted a worksheet over both the education and the health com- head of the government to exclude seven of his ministers, despite the govern- of the regimes such as the royal systems where the people have no say over the plete with recommendations and expressed our readiness to put the same in power transmission process or the exchange of the same. ment’s denial later. front of the decision makers. “It is said that these seven ministers do not deal well with them, do not fulfill their “It is needless to say the six GCC states live in turbulent waters, or rather “However, it is needless to say the recommendations and the studies are very turbulent, where the rate of wars caps that of any other region on our planet desires, or pass some of their transactions that do not meet the conditions and violate many but the level of education outcome is still bad. The members of the teach- the law. Rather, they nominated two former ministers and a new one. and this aggravates the state of fear and confusion in this part of the world. ing staff in both the colleges and the universities realize the danger of this issue, “In this context, we say the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, for instance, which will “His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled has only two options left — submit and how the pandemic has negatively affected the students.” his resignation and leave the responsibility to someone else who may succeed celebrate the 31st inauspicious anniversary over the next few days, was scary ❑ ❑ ❑ for the Gulf states, because the existential threat was clearly visible. in what he failed to achieve, or to extend a hand of cooperation to the group of “As a matter of fact, the GCC would have not been founded were it not for “Beware of being dragged into side battles on the street, and thinking that 31 lawmakers. the fear and threat that were dictated by the then Iraq-Iran war which lasted for you are right and your opponent is wrong. You may be severely beaten if not “As for the partisans or those affiliated with them outside the Hall of Abdul- eight years followed by the Iraqi invasion and liberation of Kuwait, then the on the same day, as he may emerge another day after informing you about the lah Al-Salem, perhaps the situation begins to improve and the wheel now turns downfall of the Iraqi former regime which was involved in consecutive wars ‘armistice’,” columnist Waleed Ibrahim Al-Ahmad wrote for Al-Rai daily. in issuing the required laws, accomplishing many stalled projects, waging war “Meanwhile, we say there are three blocs in the GCC, but they have been “Beware of thinking that you are the boss of your time on the street, even if against transgressions on public money or illegal acquisition of positions, con- curtailed to two. However, when the member states enter a state of hostility you are right. This is because you do not know who your opponent is and what trolling the street to curb bullying that began among some young people who among each other, there is no need for any bloc. he is thinking. He may be crazy, or a drug addict or sick, and you may find violated the law and assaulted securitymen, and issuing comprehensive am- “Likewise, the GCC four rich states and there is no economic exchange yourself in the hospital or the cemetery! nesty law.” among them. Moreover, the decision making process in these states is based on “If he honks at you or crosses your lane to take your place, smile at him and — Compiled by Zaki Taleb Other Voices Kuwaiti shoots, hurts compatriot Preachers of modern age friend over ‘personal’ differences By Ahmad alsarraf it, taking care that we put the right leg forward when we exit. n an old article whose title When he talked about yawning, MoH condemns attack on ICU staff Iwas ‘New preachers or new he said the mouth should be covered businessmen?’, Qatari colleague with the palm of the bands, and this Abdel Hamid Al-Ansari had ear- is nice but the reason he gave lacks By Munif Nayef lier asked what preachers such as logic, taste and politeness. Instead Al-Seyassah Staff and Agencies Salman Al-Aw- of only saying that it is the etiquette da, Al-Qarni, KUWAIT CITY, July 14: A Kuwaiti re- Omar Abdel- of yawning to cover the mouth so Kafi, Wajdi that whoever is in front of you does portedly shot his friend inside an apart- Ghoneim and not see your open mouth, or due to ment in Salwa, wounding him in the shoul- Amr Khaled, bad smell, he justifi es his request der who had to be rushed to the Mubarak the richest to the mouth is to prevent the devil Hospital for treatment. among them from urinating in your mouth. These are some of the discoveries According to security sources when the Opera- had offered to tions Room of the Ministry of Interior received their societies. of the ‘new preachers’ and these are The truth is their means of achieving wealth and a report about a quarrel accompanied by shoot- that they did alsarraf competing with movie and televi- ing between friends inside an apartment in Salwa, not offer anything to their home- sion stars, and creating stardom for securitymen and personnel from the Emergency lands or their nation, nor did they themselves. Medical Services affiliated to the Ministry of provide critical cognitive solutions The truth is that they are not rushed to the site of the incident and found the to the main issues that challenge blamed for their actions as much as victim with a bullet wound in the shoulder. all our societies, other than one of governments that allow those with During initial interrogation the 26-year-old victim, them boasting --Tariq Suwaidan -- such mentalities and corrupt logic who is also Kuwaiti, said he was shot by his friend be- that today’s preachers manage their to deliver speeches and corrupt the cause of personal differences between them. da’awah (preaching) as merchants mentalities of their listeners, the The sources added personnel from the Hawalli Crim- Some of the officers who were honored during the ceremony. manage their businesses. majority of whom are young people inal Investigation Department (CID) have arrested the The day I read Al-Ansari’s article, and preoccupy them with trifl es that culprit and found in his possession two shotguns and a MoI honors officers efforts I happened to see a lecture given by lack credibility. number of bullets. the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood The question is, how can some He admitted to shooting his friend because of a per- Assistant Undersecretary for Public Se- Security Directorate Major General Ab- preacher Wajdi Ghoneim, in which believe that a religious party like the sonal dispute between them. He has been referred to curity Affairs at the Ministry of Interior dullah Al-Ali, Jahra Security Director he talked about some etiquette that a Muslim Brotherhood, to which the the Public Prosecution Office. Major-General Farraj Al-Zoubi honored Major General Salem Al-Ahmar, Capital Muslim should have with regard to in his office a number of distinguished Security Director Major General Abdeen majority of ‘businessmen preach- It is noteworthy to mention here that over the past officers, non-commissioned officers and Al-Abidin, Ahmadi Security Director Ma- eating, drinking, entering the bath- ers’ belong can assume the leader- few days, the country witnessed two murders, quarrels individuals working in the security sec- jor General Saleh Matar and Mubarak room and yawning. ship of a modern state, while it is and shooting incidents in the suburbs of Al-Ardhiya, tor, for their dedication to work, reports Al-Kabeer Security Director Brigadier He said it is important not to stay with such backwardness and intel- Abu Futaira, Jahra and Khaitan. A majority of these Al-Anba daily. Khaled Al-Kandari and the Acting Di- in the bathroom for a long time, not crimes were caused by drug addicts. The ceremony was held in the pres- rector of Farwaniya Security, Brigadier lectual superfi ciality and in a com- ence of the Director-General of Hawalli Salah Al-Daas. because sitting, for example, has plete absence of methodology or ❑ ❑ ❑ harmful health effects and a nega- philosophy which will be followed tive impact on hemorrhoids (piles), Attack condemned: The Ministry of Health con- in the rule other than repeating the demned the recent assault on the intensive care unit Lawyer gets 10 years jail in absentia or for fear of exposure to diseases ambiguities and citing religious due to microbes that multiply in the staff in Farwaniya Hospital while on duty, reports Al- By Jaber Al-Hamoud The court pointed out it was established bathroom, not to mention the un- texts that have nothing to do with Anba daily. the philosophy of state manage- that the accused desired to get rich quickly pleasant odor, and the bathroom, ac- The ministry confirmed that it is closely following up Al-Seyassah Staff by collecting money without caring about cording to him is Satan’s house and ment? the incident and taking all the necessary legal measures KUWAIT CITY, July 14: The Criminal the manner by which he collected the we should not stay in his house for ❑ ❑ ❑ to protect the medical staff, as well as the health care Court recently sentenced a fugitive lawyer to amount. He turned himself into the ruler of long, and we should hasten to leave e-mail: [email protected] providers and workers in the facilities affiliated to it. 10 years in prison with hard labor, fined him evil as he was seduced by the demon, so he The ministry and its staff are keen on providing the KD2,005,983 and obligated him to pay the used his status as the owner of a company to best care and high quality of service to all patients and value of the funds associated with the real es- engage in fraudulent acts to get money eas- Expat teacher in drugs case valued visitors, as they fully understand the concerns tate fraud he committed — about KD2 million. ily, the court added. of their families. ‘She’s still in jail despite acquittal’ The game of KUWAIT CITY, July 14: The parents obtaining the acquittal last June. of a British primary teacher claim their The father, Ziad al-Sayed, was quot- Continued from Page 1 35-year-old daughter who was acquit- ed as saying: “Although her conviction due to which the number of new COVID-19 cases and re- ted about a month ago by the Court of has been overturned, she is still behind lated deaths have increased in Kuwait unlike other coun- Appeals in a drugs possession case, is bars ... The worst feeling in the world tries of the world. still being held in a Kuwaiti prison, re- is the feeling of powerlessness to help These decisions have resulted in citizens and expatri- ports Al-Rai daily. your daughter ... She is in prison now ates losing a large part of their income; many of them A diplomatic source confi rmed to the for the wrong reasons. We are very lost their jobs as well. We also see people being mentally Al-Rai newspaper that the British Em- worried for her,” he added. “She calls disturbed and resorting to violence for trivial reasons, bassy in Kuwait is following up on the us at night while crying.” something that is new in our peaceful society. teacher’s case is concerned with her af- “It’s horrible,” said her mother, Helen There is no doubt that this was caused by the unjust fairs, and that some administrative pro- Conybeer. I can’t sleep at night. I’m just and ill-considered decision to impose curfew, which re- cedures delay her release from prison, trying to tell her dur- sulted in a change in the mental state of citizens and resi- denying that the British citizen, who ing our phone calls dents for the worse. Young people turned to drugs that was prosecuted, has been subjected to about what’s going are available like sweets at the convenience stores at a any mistreatment. on in my daily life cheap price. This has led them to commit violence such as the crimes that occurred in Kuwait in just one month. The source confi rmed that the British to keep her think- Because of these crimes, the people of Kuwait were men- citizen is scheduled to be released after ing about what she’s tally shaken out of fear for themselves, their children, and completing some procedures related to facing there.” those they cherish. her case, and the embassy is in constant The parents in- A person who killed his girlfriend with a white weap- contact with her without any obstacles. dicated that they on. Another slaughtered his mother and then stabbed to According to what the parents of the had appealed to the death a policeman who stopped him for violating the traf- teacher Sarah Al-Sayed told the BBC, a British Foreign Of- The teacher fi c law. Another ran over a patrol offi cer because the lat- Kuwaiti court had sentenced her to 10 fice to intervene to ter stopped him due to a violation. years in prison after policemen found help release their daughter from what May God protect us and save us from this health and drugs in her car while she was return- they described as a “nightmare”, but political catastrophe that is almost destroying us, espe- ing from work, but she appealed against the ministry told them, “We can do cially the MPs whom we elected for legislation and over- the ruling until she fi nally succeeded in nothing.” sight but they replaced it with a game of cat and mouse. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 LOCAL 4 Experts recommend document to reform environmental education KEPS center organizes virtual workshop

By Abdel Nasser Al-Aslami evaluating behavior in this regard, through a package of Al-Seyassah Staff recommendations concluded by environmental educa- KUWAIT CITY, July 14: The virtual ‘expert workshop’, tional experts participating in the workshop. organized by the Sabah Al-Ahmad Environmental Train- The KEPS Vice-President, Abdul-Amir Al-Jazzaf, said “the second expert workshop organized by the Sabah Al-Ahmad Environmental KUNA photo ing Center at the Kuwait Environment Protection Society Training Center in the association dealt by default with “environmental HH the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince (right) receives HH the PM Sheikh (KEPS) recommended preparing a document to reform education” to support education for sustainable development in different Sabah Al-Khaled. the environmental education and include curricula for educational curricula for all ages and educational levels, indicating that it covers environmental aspects. Audiences of HH the Deputy Amir He said, it contributes to preparing solutions to enhance the knowledge, His Highness the Deputy Amir and Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. behavior and experiences of the stu- Crown Prince Sheikh Meshaal Al- His Highness also received the dent and the teacher, to raise their Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Parliament’s Deputy Speaker MP scientific competence and provide at Bayan Palace Wednesday His Ahmad Khalifah Al-Shohoumi. them with skills, to become respon- Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh (KUNA) sible members of the community. Realistic KGAC to hire customs, safety auditors It also aims to prepare realistic and feasible solutions from the opinion of experts and civil society organiza- tions and to present them in a docu- ‘MPW keen to develop road labs’ ment to stakeholders.Al-Jazzaf point- KUWAIT CITY, July 14: The Ministry ❑ ❑ ❑ ed out that the association organized of Public Works has affirmed its keen- Bid to hire auditors: Director for the workshop via Zoom technology, ness to develop road laboratories affili- in cooperation with ‘Wara ated to the Government Center for Administrative and Financial Affairs at Environmental Consulting’, ‘Ecolife Tests and Quality Control due to the Kuwait General Administration of Science’, ‘Vision Consulting’ and importance of on-site examination of Customs (KGAC) Ali Mishaal the ‘Ain Shams University’ of Egypt, asphalt samples, reports Al-Jarida daily Al-Enezi confirmed that the adminis- in which about 50 academics, envi- quoting sources. tration will recruit customs, security ronmental and educational experts Sources said the Finance Ministry and safety auditors only, not customs from Kuwait, the Gulf Cooperation allocated KD 209,000 for the develop- inspectors, reports Al-Rai daily. Council and other countries partici- ment of the center in the budget for Al-Enezi explained that the adminis- pated. fiscal 2021/2022. tration has enough inspectors at present He pointed out “some of them Sources disclosed the center has and its actual manpower needs are lim- presented recommendations for pre- ited to the abovementioned positions as The ambassador with Undersecretary Al-Nahham. inspection devices for the structural paring what they called a “solutions evaluation of asphalt pavement, as well per its annual recruitment strategy. document” and suggestions for the as asphalt sampling devices that con- He pointed out the Public Authority Indian envoy meets Interior undersecretary inclusion of educational curricula to form with the specifications and for Applied Education and Training evaluate environmental behavior and requirements of the Ministry of Public (PAAET) previously coordinated with The Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Lieutenant-General Essam Salem eral relations, Diaspora matters, and achieve sustainable development Works, but they are old; hence, the KGAC, resulting in the approval of the HE Sibi George called on the Under- Al-Nahham. During the meeting means of further enhancing coopera- goals related to the environment and need to upgrade them as per the inter- study proving that it is not necessary to secretary of the Ministry of Interior, both sides discussed, inter-alia, bilat- tion especially in the security domain. link them in all areas of daily life.” national standards. hire inspectors now. SAB issues annual report ‘Seized cars subjected to armed robberies, thefts’ KUWAIT CITY, July 14: The State Audit Bureau (SAB) has issued its annual report about the Kuwait Municipal- ity for fi scal 2020-2021, which shows armed robberies, thefts, and damage to vehicles which were impounded by the Kuwait Municipality, in addition to other observa- tions, reports Al-Rai daily. The report, a copy of which has been obtained by the daily, shows the Municipality’s garages in Al-Naeem and Mina Abdullah where impounded cars are stored are faulty. The report says, these places lack tight control over the impounded vehicles, especially since these are surround- ed by a mesh fences and these fences have man-made openings and the openings in the walls are either blocked by sand or some vehicles. There is also lack of protection for employees and se- curity personnel because more often than not these places were subjected to armed robberies and thefts; the number of surveillance cameras at these locations are ordinary and do not cover all areas. The areas also lack proper lighting, except for lights at the main gate and to make matters worse there is con- tinuous power outage at the sites, and electricity at the Al Naeem site is supplied by power generator. It has also been reported some of the impounded ve- hicles are parked outside the wall of the site at Naeem; some vehicles are half buried in sand and it is crystal clear that many of these impounded cars were subjected to theft. Kuwaiti elected as Secretary General of the Commercial Arbitration Center for GCC KUWAIT CITY, July 14: The Administration of the Commercial Arbitration Center for the Gulf Cooperation Council announced on Monday, the election of Kuwait’s representative Tareq Al-Shumaimry, to the prestigious post of Secretary-General of the center, as of this July after the approval of the center’s Board of Directors. The center’s board of directors chairman, Sami Zainal, said that the scientifi c level and practical ex- perience of Al-Shumaimry in the fi eld of arbitration and management will have a positive impact on the center’s work. He explained that Al- Shumaimry has a number of member- ships, the most important of which is a member of the International Fed- eration of Journalists (Brussels) since 2003. He was also a member of the Sami Zainal Arbitration Committee (Canada), and a member of the Arbitration Center of the Kuwait Society of En- gineers. The new secretary has participated and attended a number of judicial, economic and fi nancial courses in- side and outside Kuwait, as well as conferences in local and international arbitration. He also participated as a lecturer in various institutions, in- cluding the Kuwait Institute for Judi- cial Studies 2003-2004 and a lecturer at the Public Authority for Applied Al-Shumaimry Education and Training 2009-2010. The Secretary-General of the Commercial Arbitration Center for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, Tareq Al-Shumaimry, expressed his thanks to the representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council members, members of the Board of Directors of the cent- er for the confi dence granted to him in this position. He said that the GCC Commercial Arbitration Center enjoys a legal and legislative ground in the GCC coun- tries that helps in providing an advanced international ar- bitration experience that helps in settling disputes in the best way. The new Secretary-General of the Center, Tareq Al- Shumaimry holds a BA in Economics, Accounting and Political Studies from Kuwait University, he has served as Chairman of the Public Budgets Committee at the Per- manent International Court of Arbitration in the Hague. In addition he served as Deputy Director of the Judicial Arbitration Department in the Kuwaiti Ministry of Jus- tice from 2003 to 2012. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 LOCAL 5

Other Voices The ‘Spirit of July 15’ will never get old By Ayse Hilal Sayan Koytak to the invasion attempt. The Fetul- That night, the treacherous coup at- tions, especially in the fi eld of security, lah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), tempt was repelled by the honorable has changed, and these institutions have Ambassador of the Republic of led by Fetullah Gülen (a US-based stance of our beloved nation and our been truly “nationalized.” Their capaci- Turkey in Kuwait Turkish national) was the main actor heroic security forces, and with their ty and capability to work in the interests July 2021 marks the fifth an- behind the failed coup.The members unprecedented courage in the world. of the nation increased. 15niversary of the coup attempt of FETÖ, who shrouded themselves We have declared once again that we Turkey has begun to face chal- in Turkey. It was one of the most sig- in the garb of a civic movement for will never give up our independence. lenges and threats directed against its nificant turning points in Turkey’s con- decades, systematically infi ltrated This victory of democracy against political independence and territorial temporary his- Turkey’s public institutions and rose the FETO treason gang and its support- integrity with greater success and is tory. Five years through the ranks. On the night of ers is the result of the faith in our na- taking effective initiatives in its for- ago, millions of July 15, the putschists killed 251 peo- tion’s hearts and the struggle it wages eign policy.Turkey has minimized its Turkish citizens ple and wounded more than 2,500. with its bare hands. The thwarting of dependency in terms of foreign poli- set aside their On this exceptional day, we both the coup marked a turning point in the cy and has strengthened its Ankara- political, cultural experience the joy of our nation’s history of democracy; it will be a source centered foreign policy orientation. and ethnic dif- glorious victory and the sadness of of hope and inspiration for all peoples In conclusion, the July 15 coup at- ferences to form our brothers and sisters we lost dur- who live under dictators. tempt was the edge of the cliff for the a united front ing the coup attempt. The Turkish state, on the other future of Turkey. Because of the mea- against the plot- Those who turned their weapons hand, has cleaned up these traitors, sures taken in the wake of these events, ters who tried against innocent civilians on July who have spread to its body like can- Turkey has consolidated its political to suspend our 15 hit a brick wall made of a decade cer cells, by working with the nation. stability and strengthened its regional country’s con- Koytak of progress in politics, economics, The whole process has been conduct- standing. July 15, the “Day of Democ- stitution, shot at healthcare, justice, foreign policy and ed by strictly adhering to the prin- racy and National Unity”, is a symbol innocent civilians and bombed the par- fundamental rights. This connection ciples of the rule of law, democracy, for keeping our collective memory liament. Together, the people of Turkey between the people and their gov- human rights and justice. The tutelage alive, strengthening our democracy, and refused to allow an armed group to rob ernment is the ultimate measure of regime that had attached itself to the remembering our martyrs and veterans them of democracy, liberty and their our democracy’s resilience, and the country ended. The administrative against the coup attempt. way of life. strongest guarantee of its survival. system was changed into a presiden- I believe that the “spirit of July 15” KUNA photos July 15 was an attempt to invade The night of July 15 was about one tial system in order to secure political will never get old, and Turkey will A number of students during their participation in the competition. The Ku- our country, leaving no room for of the darkest in Turkish history but stability and, civilian political power continue on its path resolutely in line waiti Caricature Society organized on Tuesday, in cooperation with the Pub- doubt. The use of terrorists in our own ended in one of its brightest dawns. was subsequently consolidated. with its 2023 targets and 2053 and lic Authority for Youth, the second edition of the ‘Youth Creativity League’ drawing competition, with the participation of a number of students who excel army for this has added a vile betrayal Let me briefl y explain why. The mindset of Turkish state institu- 2071 visions. in the art of drawing under the supervision of specialized trainers. Embassy of Mexico Education undersecretary, officials Ambassador of Mexico congratulates HH the Amir, people of Kuwait on Eid discuss matrix of science curricula KUWAIT CITY, July 14: Ambas- sador of Mexico Miguel Ángel Isidro has the honour to extend his Foundations laid for future outlook sincere congratulations and best wishes to His Highness Amir of the State of Kuwait, His Highness By Abdul Rahman Al-Shimmari Crown Prince, His Highness Prime Al-Seyassah Staff Package of environmental issues on agenda Minister, the Government and the people of the State of Kuwait, on KUWAIT CITY, July 14: The the occasion of the advent of “Eid- Undersecretary of the Minis- Committee for Ozone Affairs holds first meeting al-Adha”, wishing the friendly try of Education, Dr. Ali Al- people of Kuwait further prosper- Yaqoub, discussed with the KUWAIT CITY, July 14, (KUNA): the secretariat of the United Nations during the next 10 years. The Kuwaiti National Committee for Convention on Climate Change 2025. He stated that the Minister of Oil ity and stability. Assistant Undersecretary for Ozone Affairs and Climate Change Sheikh Abdullah Al-Sabah ex- listened to the developments of de- Amb. Isidro added, “I look for- General Education Osama held its fi rst meeting for the fi scal year plained that the committee reviewed, velopment projects from the assistant ward to working with the Govern- Al-Sultan, the Assistant Un- 2021-2022 in the presence of Minister during its meeting, the proposal for the undersecretaries in the concerned au- ment of the State of Kuwait to fur- dersecretary for Educational of Oil and Minister of Higher Educa- general framework of Kuwait’s Low thorities in the country, including the ther strengthen bilateral relations, Research and Curricula Salah tion Dr. Muhammad Al-Faris. Carbon Strategy 2050, which will be Ministry of Electricity, Water and Re- to deepen our cooperation, and Dabsha, and Director of the Chairman of the Board of Directors based on the idea of a circular carbon newable Energy, the Kuwait Institute to ensure a prosperous future in and Director-General of the Environ- economy with its four pillars, namely for Scientifi c Research and the Kuwait the relations between Mexico and Miguel Ángel Isidro, Ambassa- Curriculum Development De- ment Public Authority Sheikh Abdul- reducing emissions, eliminating them, Petroleum Corporation. Sheikh Abdul- Kuwait. It is our hope and wish to dor of Mexico partment Anwar Al-Hamdan, lah Ahmad Al-Hamoud Al-Sabah told recycling and reusing them. lah Al-Sabah pointed out that the com- develop strong and unique coop- the director general of science Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that He stated that the general frame- mittee recommended assigning the En- eration between both nations at all countries”. subjects, Mona Al-Ansari, the the meeting dealt with a package of work of the strategy was based on the vironment Public Authority to prepare levels, seeking to consolidate sta- Eid Mubarak! supervisor of the curriculum, environmental issues and measures development vision New Kuwait 2035 a proposal for the implementation plan bility and development regionally “Wa Kullu Aam Wa Antum Tahani Al-Mutairi, and a num- and an executive plan for preparing and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation for Kuwait’s low carbon strategy and for the good of the peoples of both Bekhair” ber of technical mentors for the document of national contributions Strategy 2040 and the initiatives and to submit a proposal for the next na- science subjects, at the Min- that the Authority intends to submit to projects proposed for implementation tional contributions document. istry’s general office, the ma- Embassy of India organizing Open House It also focused on the scientifi c con- these concepts. on the role of the technical commit- trix of range and sequence for cepts received by students in science During the meeting, the scientifi c tees, the technical directives provided, he Embassy of India, Kuwait is The Ambassador HE Sibi George will all science curricula from the streams in order to adapt to return to concepts of the Grades 6 to 9 were the distribution of the curriculum, the Torganizing virtual Open House on also respond to queries on these issues. Grade 1 to Grade 12 for all its schools during the next academic year, reviewed as a model, the extent and development of examination frame- July 28, 2021 at 03.30 pm, says a press The Open House is open to all Indians in specialties. whether a complete return to school sequence of the science curriculum, in works, questions that depend on the release issued by the embassy. Kuwait. Those who have specifi c queries life in schools or combined, and try- addition to the priorities of the scien- curriculum, the scientifi c competition The central themes of the Open may send their queries with full name as The meeting considered opin- ing to keep abreast of those concepts tifi c subjects, according to the national and support for community partner- House are Return of stranded Indi- in Passport, Passport Number, Civil ID ions and studied scientific concepts with the developments and skills of curriculum and the division of educa- ships, as well as the development of ans to Kuwait; assistance from Indian Number, contact number and address in of learners and laying the founda- the twenty-fi rst century, in addition tion units. scientifi c technology and the supervi- Community Welfare Fund (ICWF); Kuwait by email to community.kuwait@ tions for the future outlook of the to raising the higher levels of thinking The director-general of science sory functions in the best interest of the and registration of death cases. mea.gov.in. students in the science curricula. of learners through the application of subjects, Mona Al-Ansari, shed light learners. At forefront of relief operations IITIIM alumni association helps India fight COVID-19 pandemic KUWAIT CITY, July 14: IITIIM alumni association Kuwait is again at the forefront of relief operations. The associa- tion through the Dubai-based fund ‘IN COVID SUPPORT FZE LLC’ also popularly known as Cryptorelief has donated more than $2 million to help India fi ght the ongoing Corona pandemic. The money was donated to buy 8,000 oxygen cylinders to be fi lled with medical oxygen and sent to India through the Indian Embassy in Kuwait. The entire operation was conceived and steered by the IITIIM alumni association in Kuwait. The Airtec Group was given the order to fulfi ll this cyl- inder requirement. Airtec provided free oxygen fi lling sup- port for all the cylinders. Peeyush Jain, the chief operating offi cer of Airtec group said Airtec has fi lled and sent more than 12,000 medical oxygen cylinders and 250 MT of liquid oxygen to India under the project to support India during the second wave. This oxygen supply was then transported under opera- tion Samudra Setu II and carried on the Indian Navy ship INS Tarkash to fulfi ll dire need of COVID essential supplies across India. Vivek of Cryptorelief fund, said “These cylinders were donated to tackle dire oxygen requirements for Wave-02 of Covid in India.” Peeyush Jain, who is also the president of IITIIM alumni association in Kuwait, said, “We are always ready to stand in support of the country whenever crisis hits & funds like Cryptorelief are a proof of that.” Cryptorelief, was started by Sandeep Nailwal founder of Matic, a billion-dollar fund specifi cally dedicated to needs for Covid Relief in the most innovative ways possible. Nailwal congratulated the association for their work and assured that going forward also the fund offers its sup- port in any way possible in the hour of need. He mentioned Cryptorelief has already delivered $100 million worth of relief work in 22 states of India -- right from basic require- ments such as ration kits up to most complicated machinery such as PSA oxygen plants or ventilators for hospitals. On behalf of the IITIIM alumni association in Kuwait, Jain thanked Cyrptorelief for their noble gesture and helping the country when needed. He believes and is hopeful that in future the partnership with Cryptorelief and the Indian Em- bassy will enable the association to make a bigger impact on the ground.

Making preparations to send oxygen aid to India. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 LOCAL 6

Dr. Ahmad Al-Shatti, Director of Sabah Al-Ahmad Medical District.

KUNA photos Dr Saad Al-Dosari, Head of the surgery department at Sabah Al-Ahmad Group photo of honored physicians Urology Center. Hard work recognized Yemen FM lauds Kuwait role in Sabah Al-Ahmad Urology Center ‘commends’ staff country’s peace, ‘development’ KUWAIT CITY, July 14, (KUNA): Dr Al-Dosari stated that be- Dr Ahmad Al-Shatti, Director of tween November 2020 and April Sabah Al-Ahmad Medical District, 2021 the center, along with Far- honored the staff of Sabah Al-Ah- waniya, Jahra, Adan and Mubarak ‘Kuwait one of top countries supporting Yemen’ mad Urology Center Wednesday in Al-Kabeer hospitals preformed recognition of their efforts during 2,078 surgeries, compared with up ADEN, July 14, (KUNA): Kuwait had always been one of the Minister Ahmad bin Mubarak on Wednesday. the coronavirus crisis. to only 839 operations conducted In a brief speech, Dr Al-Shatti each year between 2017-19. top countries supporting Yemen’s peace and security and Ye- In an interview with KUNA on Wednesday, bin Mubarak recalled the praised the Urology Center staff He also said 11,031 persons vis- menis are grateful for the Kuwaiti role in their development peace talks which Kuwait hosted in 2016, a gathering lasting for over 100 for their hard work in helping curb ited the outpatient clinics between as well as for the humanitarian efforts, said Yemeni Foreign days and was brokered by the UN. spread of the pandemic, and con- the November-April period. He also underlined Kuwait’s efforts veyed appreciation of Minister of Al-Dosari also praised the hard to resolve Yemen’s issues and defend its sovereignty during its non-permanent Health to doctors to administrative work and success of the Center, membership at the United Nations Secu- staff. and appreciated the support of Al- rity Council (UNSC) in 2018-2019. Dr Saad Al-Dosari, Head of the Sabah Medical district as well as Kuwait had also played a role in surgery department at Sabah Al- the Ministry. ending the war in Yemen and unite Ahmad Urology Center, said that Meanwhile, Dr. Al-Shatti an- the country in 1979, as it brokered an in October 2020 the center was nounced that the new Jahra Hos- agreement between the two clashing set for surgeries for non-corona pital will be opening in the next sides, the minister said. Meanwhile, he noted that he had patients to lessen the load on other few days and will only treat non- held talks with Kuwait’s Foreign Min- hospitals. The center prepared fi ve corona patients while coronavirus ister Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al- fully equipped operation theaters infectees will be treated at the old Mohammad Al-Sabah during his last after the fi rst wave of the pandem- Jahra Hospital to lessen the out- visit to Kuwait, regarding the political ic, he added. spread of the virus. situation in his country, especially af- ter Saudi’s initiative to end the war and the efforts of the US and UN envoys. The talks also involved activating Capital Governor Al-Khaled vows the joint ministerial committee and forming a political talks committee be- tween the two countries foreign minis- to beautify ‘landscape’ of Kuwait tries, bin Mubarak added. Moreover, the minister hailed the KUWAIT CITY, July 14: efforts of Kuwait Fund for Arab Eco- The governor of the capital, nomic Development (KFAED) to fund Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, con- development projects in Yemen over the decades, as well as the efforts of firmed that the governorate is Kuwaiti rescue organizations. working tirelessly to change Among Kuwait’s top projects is the landscape of the gover- Sanaa University, where tens of thou- norate, considering that it is a sands of students had graduated, and priority to remove violations the Kuwait hospital in Sanaa, he said. in all its forms and pay atten- On Monday, the Yemeni Governor tion to infrastructure, includ- Dr. Rana Al-Faris with Sheikh of Abyan Major General Abu Bakr Talal Al-Khaled Hussein inaugurated the Shaqra wa- ing streets, sidewalks, public ter project, which will benefit about and health squares, and ev- 15,000 people after its rehabilitation, erything that can contribute in her office. funded by the Kuwait Relief Society, to beautify and highlight the In a statement after the vis- as part of the “Kuwait by your side” governorate in a manner com- it, Al-Khaled said: “We ap- campaign that has been going on for mensurate with its size, posi- preciate the efforts exerted by seven years. tion and other services, re- Minister Dr. Al-Faris, and all In a press statement during the employees in the ministry for launch of the project, Governor Hus- ports Al-Seyassah daily. sein expressed his “deep thanks to the This came during when their willingness to complete, brothers in the State of Kuwait, HH Governor Al-Khaled visited implement and maintain all the Amir, the government and the the Minister of Public Works the streets of the Capital gov- people for their unlimited giving and and Minister of State for Com- ernorate, especially since the support in various fields, including munications and Information Capital Governorate is the fa- the water sector in the governorates Technology, Dr Rana Al-Faris, cade of the State of Kuwait.” of Aden and Abyan and in Yemen in general.” TGS hosts Dana Winner

THE Guest Show (TGS) will feature Dana Winner, Knowledge and Information Management Consultant. Dana has had an interesting life. Born in the US, she was brought up in a culture of innovation. Her father was involved in many groundbreaking projects with the US government in the IT sector, ensuring that Dana’s passion for the IT field started early. Interestingly, Dana sang spiritual music in her early years. Dana is an expert in cybersecurity and knowledge and information management. She built her first computer in 1963 and since 1972, she has designed and imple- mented IT systems in London and for the US Federal Government, United Nations and for Kuwait, Dubai, Iraq, and the private sector. Apart from this Dana is a strong advocate for education and human rights. She and her husband Khaled spearhead Access Jahra, an initiative supported by the US State Department for teaching Eng- lish to children from the deprived community. In this show, Dana speaks of the role of women in the early history of computers, her early years as a singer, her journey in IT, the role of Kuwaiti women in the IT sec- tor and the role of IT innovation in Kuwait Vision 2035.

The Guest Show poster ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 INTERNATIONAL 7

America News in Brief

‘Lockdown unconstitutional’: Spain’s Constitutional Court has ruled Biden’s goal to boost economy that last year’s stay-at-home lockdown order by the government under a state of emergency was unconstitutional. The court ruling on Wednesday was in Senate Democrats back response to a suit brought by the far-right Vox party. It was a split decision according to a brief statement issued by the court. State $3.5 trillion budget deal broadcaster TVE says it was six magis- WASHINGTON, July 14, (AP): that group had agreed to an outline trates in favor and fi ve against. Senate Democrats say they have of that measure last month. According to the broadcaster, the rul- reached a budget agreement that On Wednesday, Biden will push ing said that the limitations on movement envisions spending an enormous for public support of that infra- violated citizens’ basic rights and there- $3.5 trillion over the coming dec- structure proposal by hosting a fore the state of emergency was insuffi - cient to give them constitutional backing. ade, paving the way for their drive bipartisan group of governors and With the pandemic raging, Spain’s to pour federal resources into cli- mayors at the White House. He government declared the state of emer- mate change, health care and fam- plans to emphasize the bipartisan gency on March 14, 2020, ordering peo- ily service programs sought by aspects of the proposal, as senators ple off the streets except for basic shop- President Joe Biden. work to fi nalize details for a Thurs- ping for several weeks. (AP) The accord announced Tuesday day deadline. ❑ ❑ ❑ night marks a major step in the He’ll highlight some of the ar- party’s push to meet Biden’s goal eas where Democrats and Republi- 13 killed in bus accident: A bus car- of bolstering cans agreed, including investments rying dozens of construction workers fell an economy in removing lead pipes, expanding into a ravine Wednesday in northwest that was rav- access to high-speed internet, tran- Pakistan after a gas leak in the vehicle caused an explosion, killing at least 13 aged by the sit and rebuilding roads and bridg- In this July 13, 2021 photo, President Joe Biden delivers a speech on voting rights at the National Constitution coronavirus es. Biden will also speak about the people including nine Chinese, Pakistani offi cials said. Center in Philadelphia. (AP) pandemic impact his policies would have on Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said in and setting local communities, according to an a statement that the Chinese workers it on course administration offi cial who shared and accompanying Pakistani staff were Bid to wrest control of House in 2022 for long-term details with the AP on condition of proceeding to their workplace when the growth. It anonymity. explosion happened and the vehicle ca- includes a Agreement reened off the road. Medicare ex- The bus “plunged into a ravine after a GOP posts record fundraising pansion of Schumer In discussing the budget agree- mechanical failure resulting in leakage of vision, hear- ment, Schumer and other lawmak- gas that caused a blast. ... Further inves- WASHINGTON, July 14, (AP): The for that stretch. In its next fi ling, the National Re- ing and dental benefi ts for older ers did not respond when asked tigations are underway,” the statement committee charged with helping Re- The large sums signal that excite- publican Congressional Committee Americans, a goal of progressives. if they had the support of all 50 said. (AP) publicans wrest control of the House ment is high among donors to both par- will report that it raised $79.2 million But Democrats behind the Democratic senators, which they ❑ ❑ ❑ in 2022 raised $45.4 million over the ties as they prepare for what is expect- during the fi rst half of the year, besting agreement face possible objections will need to succeed. They also last three months, a record quarterly ed to be a contentious midterm election the $44.5 million raised in 2019 and have virtually no margin for error Death toll rises to 210: State offi - from rival moderate and progres- cials on Tuesday added 59 deaths to the haul during a year without a national season. Democrats hold a razor-thin marking the most ever raised for that sive factions and will have to work in the House, where they can lose toll wrought by the Feb. 14 cold wave election. majority in the House, but Republicans period in the committee’s history. The hard to convert their plans into no more than three Democratic and the ensuing collapse of the Texas That total was bolstered by $20.1 have history on their side: The party committee now has $55 million cash legislation they can push through votes and still prevail. electric power grid. million raised in June, the highest that occupies the White House typical- on hand, versus more than $44 million the closely divided Congress over Moderates like Sens. Joe Man- The deaths newly tallied by the Texas ever monthly off-year total, accord- ly sees large losses in both the House for the DCCC. what could be unanimous Republi- chin, D-W.Va., and Kyrsten Sin- Department of State Health Services ing to numbers shared with The As- and the Senate. But this year’s numbers were also can opposition. ema, D-Ariz., might still demand boost the toll from 151 to 210 deaths, sociated Press before a public filing GOP fundraising has also been bol- bolstered by major contributions from “We are very proud of this further changes to reduce the most from exposure to the sometimes- deadline. stered by former President Donald Republican leadership accounts. House plan,” Senate Majority Leader plan’s price tag and impact on subzero temperatures. Still, some were The Democratic Congressional Trump, whose name continues to dom- Republican leader Kevin McCarthy Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., told re- already huge federal defi cits. Pro- blamed on carbon monoxide poisoning Campaign Committee last week an- inate fundraising pleas for small-dollar has transferred $12.76 million to the porters. “We know we have a long gressives in both chambers might as freezing Texans sought warmth from nounced that it had raised $14.4 million contributions, even as he continues to NRCC’s coffers this year, while House road to go. We’re going to get this insist on beefi ng it up or other cars and outdoor grills. The count remained preliminary and in June, bringing its second-quarter to- spread lies about the 2020 election, Republican Whip Steve Scalise has done for the sake of making aver- changes. tal to about $36.5 million - its best ever which he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. sent $8.39 million. age Americans’ lives a whole lot Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., the may change as more deaths are con- better.” Budget Committee chairman, and fi rmed, the department said. (AP) Biden will attend a closed-door other progressives pushed initially ❑ ❑ ❑ lunch at the Capitol on Wednesday for a $6 trillion budget top line, Shot by police, ruled a suicide: with Senate Democrats to focus on while party moderates insisted on What police initially thought was a fatal “getting this wonderful plan” en- a far lower price tag. Biden had offi cer-involved shooting of an armed acted, Schumer said. proposed around $4.5 trillion. man outside a Little Rock hospital emer- All told, the ambitious proposal The Democrats’ announcement gency room turned out to be a self-infl ict- refl ects Biden’s vision for mak- Tuesday left many questions about ed shooting, the state medical examiner ing the most substantive potential their budget accord unanswered. said Tuesday. investments in the nation in years, These included how much it would The shooting happened Monday af- some say on par with the New raise through tax increases on the ternoon outside of the University of Deal of the 1930s. Together with wealthy and corporations and oth- Arkansas for Medical Sciences hospital, a slimmer, $1 trillion bipartisan er revenue to pay for its costs; how Arkansas State Police said. effort of traditional road, highway much would be spent on specifi c Bobby Hollingshead, 59, of Sheridan, and public works also being nego- programs; and how Biden’s pro- stepped out of a truck and told university police offi cers to stay away, state police tiated, they represent close to the posals would be curtailed or elimi- said. A UAMS offi cer shot Hollingshead president’s initial $4 trillion-plus nated to fi t into the legislation. after Hollingshead raised a gun, state po- effort that could reach almost eve- Schumer said the proposal lice had said. (AP) ry corner of the country. would call for fi nancing Biden’s ❑ ❑ ❑ budget priorities “in a robust way.” Resolution He also said it would include a Afghan man gets life: A 22-year-old The Democrats’ goal is to priority of Sanders and other pro- Afghan asylum-seeker was convicted push a budget resolution reflect- gressives: an expansion of Medi- Wednesday of attempted murder and ing Tuesday’s agreement through care, the federal health insurance sentenced to life imprisonment for a the House and the Senate before program for older people, to cover knife attack that injured seven people lawmakers leave for their August dental, vision and hearing services. in a southern Swedish town earlier this recess. The resolution sets only Sanders said the agreement year. broad spending and revenue pa- would end an era in which rich Tamin Sultani was shot by police and arrested after an 18-minute rampage on rameters, leaving the actual fund- people and big companies weren’t March 3. Investigators who dismissed ing and specific decisions about bearing enough of the burden of terrorism as a motive charged him with which programs are affected - fi nancing government programs. seven cases of attempted murder. and by how much - for later leg- “Those days are gone,” he said. The Eksjo District Court said Sultani islation. “The wealthy and large corpora- will be deported after serving his time. Nonetheless, approving a budg- tions are going to start paying their He has said he wanted to go back to Af- et will be a major boon for the fair share of taxes, so that we can ghanistan. (AP) Democrats’ effort to enact their protect the working families of this ❑ ❑ ❑ subsequent funding bill. That’s be- country.” cause the budget contains language Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., a Indian troops kill 3 rebels: Govern- that would let Democrats move leading moderate who helped ment forces killed three suspected mili- the follow-up spending measure shape the budget package, said tants in a shootout in Indian-controlled through the 50-50 Senate with just the measure would be fully paid Kashmir on Wednesday, offi cials said, triggering anti-India protests and clashes a simple majority, not the 60 votes for with offsetting revenue, but he between troops and residents. Republicans could demand by us- provided no details. Biden has pro- The Indian military said militants ing a bill-killing fi libuster. posed fi nancing the measure with opened fi re at soldiers and police as The actual spending legisla- higher taxes on the wealthy and counterinsurgency troops surrounded a tion will likely not start moving corporations and beefi ng up the neighborhood in the southern town of through Congress until the fall. IRS’ budget so it can collect more Pulwama on a tip that militants were hid- Separately, a bipartisan group of revenue from scoffl aws. ing there. senators is working to fl esh out a The budget will include lan- Troops retaliated and trapped the mili- measure that would spend around guage calling for no tax increas- tants in a house, a statement by the mili- $1 trillion on roads, water systems es on people making less than tary said. Three militants were killed in and other infrastructure projects, $400,000 a year, a Biden demand, an ensuing eight-hour operation and two another Biden priority. Biden and or on small businesses. rifl es and a pistol were recovered from the sit e, the statement said. (AP) Citigroup profi ts soar due to fewer bad loans

Citigroup profi ts jumped more than fi ve fold profi t of $1.06 billion, or 38 cents a share, in the The pace of the global recovery is exceeding from a year earlier, helped by an improving same period a year earlier. The results were earlier expectations and with it, consumer and A Citibank economy that resulted in fewer bad loans on signifi cantly better than the $1.97-per-share corporate confi dence is rising. While we have offi ce in New the bank’s balance sheet. profi t that analysts had expected, according to to be mindful of the unevenness in the recov- York is shown Citi is the latest big bank to see profi ts soar FactSet. ery globally, we are optimistic about the mo- in this Jan this quarter, along with JPMorgan Chase, Like other big banks, Citi was able to move mentum ahead,” said Jane Fraser, Citigroup’s 13, 2021 fi le Bank of America and Goldman Sachs. All of previously bad loans onto the “good” side of its CEO, in a statement. photo. (AP) them got a one-time boost to their bottom lines balance sheet as the economy had improved The improving balance sheet can be seen because they were able to reverse some of the since vaccinations have become more wide- in Citi’s consumer banking franchise. The divi- billions of dollars set aside last year to guard spread. Citi was able to to release $2.4 billion sion reported a $1.8 billion profi t in the quarter, against customer defaults. from its loan-loss reserves, compared to the compared to the loss it reported a year earlier. The New York-based bank said it earned $5.94 billion it had to put into those reserves Last year’s loss was entirely tied to Citi putting $6.19 billion, or $2.85 a share. That’s up from a a year earlier. away funds to cover potentially bad loans. (AP)

Market Movements 14-07-2021 Change Closing pts Change Closing pts SAUDI - Tadawul +42.22 10,778.07 JAPAN - Nikkei -109.75 28,608.49 EUROPE - Euro Stoxx 50 +4.94 4,099.50 UK - FTSE 100 -33.53 7,091.19 EGYPT - EGX 30 +170.42 10,602.41 UAE - DFM -5.44 2,755.45 PHILIPPINES - All Shares +40.28 6,835.41 SINGAPORE - Straits Times STI -13.66 3,153.15 INDIA - Sensex +134.32 52,904.05 PAKISTAN - KSE 100 +10.98 47,491.47 Business

Move seen as bellwether for revival US wholesale infl ation over EU nations approve dozen pandemic recovery plans BRUSSELS, July 14, (AP): the end of the month, Dombrovskis past year jumps by a record European Union nations approved said. In the case of France, which is the pandemic recovery plans of the to get some 40 billion euros $47.3 bloc’s four biggest economies and billion from the pandemic recovery Defi cit for current budget year climbs to $2.24tn eight other member countries fund, that would amount to 5.1 bil- Tuesday, a move seen as a bell- lion euros ($6 billion.) wether for an economic revival EU Economy Commissioner WASHINGTON, July 14, (AP): Infl a- fi rst nine months of this budget year hit $2.24 trillion, keeping the country on track for its second biggest from the unprecedented recession Paolo Gentiloni said the action tion at the wholesale level jumped 1% shortfall in history. caused by the coronavirus pandem- “will boost confidence in the mar- in June, pushing price gains over the In its monthly budget report, the Treasury Depart- ic. kets, in countries, and allow invest- past 12 months up by a record 7.3%. ment said Tuesday that the defi cit for the budget year The approval will allow a dozen ments and reforms to start.” The Labor Department reported Wednesday that ends in September is running 9.1% below last of the EU’s 27 members to start After last year’s economic nose- that the June increase in its producer price in- year’s pace. unlocking funds for the pre- dive, EU economies are set to The defi cit for the full 2020 fi scal year was a re- financing of projects that are rebound by their highest levels in dex, which measures infl ation pressures before cord $3.1 trillion. The Congressional Budget Offi ce is intended to put Europe on more decades as coronavirus restrictions they reach consumers, followed a gain of 0.8% projecting that this year’s defi cit will total a slightly solid economic footing while also ease. They remain at risk, however, in May and was the largest one-month increase smaller $3 trillion. The defi cits in both years were making it greener and more digi- due to virus variants that are caus- since a 1.2% rise in January. bloated by the multitrillion-dollar spending packages tally advanced. ing infections to spike again in sev- For the 12 months ending in June, wholesale prices the government has passed to combat the economic A shopper guides a cart past a line of gigantic The nations include the EU’s eral countries. are up 7.3%, the largest 12-month increase since the downturns caused by the coronavirus pandemic. economic juggernauts - France, Dombrovskis expressed opti- government began the current series on wholesale boxes of breakfast cereals in a Costco ware- Before the coronavirus pandemic, the previous prices in 2010. house on Thursday, June 17, 2021, in Lone defi cit record was $1.4 trillion, set in 2009 when the Germany, Italy and Spain - and mism. The news on wholesale prices followed a report Tree, Colorado. (AP) government was seeking to offset a steep economic Austria, Belgium, Denmark, “As business confidence grows, Tuesday that consumer prices increased in June by downturn triggered by the 2008 fi nancial crisis. Greece, Latvia, Luxembourg, investments pick up and people 0.9% and were up 5.4% over the past 12 months, the control as it did in the 1970s. So far this fi scal year, government receipts have Portugal and Slovakia. begin to spend more on. The econ- biggest 12-month gain in 13 years. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell in testimony pre- totaled $3.06 trillion, up 35.2% from the same pe- “EU funding can now start to omy is forecast to rebound some- The increase in infl ation is coming at a time when pared for an appearance before the House Financial riod a year ago. The number for last year was pushed flow to finance much-needed what faster than previously expect- the economy is rebounding from the pandemic re- Services Committee repeated his view that the high downward by the fact that various tax deadlines were reforms and investments in each of ed.” cession and rising consumer demand is bumping up infl ation readings of the past several months have delayed, so revenue collections were lower because these countries. But this is only the Other EU members are expecting against bottlenecks and supply shortages which are been driven by temporary factors related to the re- payments came in after June. start,” EU Vice President Valdis approvals of their recovery plans pushing prices higher. opening of the economy such as a surge in consumer Spending in the October-June period totaled $5.29 Dombrovskis said. later in the summer although Nearly 60% of the gain in wholesale prices in June demand and supply bottlenecks especially in such ar- trillion, up 5.8% from the same period last year. The green light to prepare for the Hungary could pose a potentially refl ected a jump in the cost of services, led by higher eas as auto production. For the month of June, the defi cit totaled $174.2 release of funds is a key step in an divisive problem. margins received by wholesalers and retailers. “Infl ation has increased notably and will likely re- billion, 79.8% lower than the June 2020 defi cit of main elevated in coming months before moderating,” 800 billion-euro ($950 billion) sup- The EU’s executive commission Food costs at the wholesale level were up 0.8% $864.1 billion, which was record high for any month. port program that EU members is currently working past a Monday while energy costs rose 1% in June. Powell said. The huge June 2020 defi cit included $511 billion Core infl ation, which excludes food and energy and Financial markets are watching the Fed’s com- spent by the Small Business Administration, primar- agreed on in principle last summer deadline to vet Hungary recovery the trade margins, rose 0.5% in June following a 0.7% ments closely for any indication that the central bank ily for its Paycheck Protection Program of forgivable when their economies were mired plan amid allegations Budapest rise in May. may decide to begin raising interest rates sooner than loans made to small businesses. By contrast, that in the worst economic downturn of might not meet all the requirements The big jump in infl ation in recent months has expected because of increased worries about infl ation. spending category totaled just $31 billion in June of the bloc’s existence. to tap into the funds. Critics have called into question the position of the Federal Re- this year. After the slight drop in the defi cit this fi scal Tuesday’s agreement will allow said that corruption safeguards serve that the price increases will be temporary and Also: year, the CBO is projecting a further improvement to the 12 nations to unlock 13% of might be insufficient in the are not a sign that infl ation is threatening to get out of WASHINGTON: The US government’s defi cit for the a $1.15 trillion shortfall next year. pre-financing, perhaps as soon as Hungarian plan. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 BUSINESS 9 BOARD RECOMMENDS HALF-YEAR DIVIDEND OF 10 FILS Zain Q2 net profit grows 17% to $138mn

Zain Group headquarters building in Kuwait City. Net income rises by 5% to reach $285 million for H1 2021

KUWAIT CITY, July 14: Zain Group, a develop into a regional gaming powerhouse is taking shape.” leading telecommunications innovator op- On Zain’s Wholesale business, Al-Kharafi noted; “We erating in seven markets across the Middle have recently revamped our wholesale carrier company, East and Africa, announces its consoli- ‘Zain Global Services’, consolidating and providing it dated financial results for the six months the resources to open new revenue streams and manage the capacity, voice, messaging and roaming businesses to June 30, 2021. Zain served 48.3 million across Zain’s operating companies. Zain Global Services customers at the end of the period, a 1% will ultimately evolve to become a truly regional carrier increase year-on-year (Y-o-Y). and the single interface for all of Zain’s operating com- For the first six months of 2021 (H1) Zain Group pany requirements, as well as for other international car- generated consolidated revenue of KD 750 million riers having requirements within the region.” “Over recent years, Zain has been evolving to become (USD 2.5 billion), a decrease of 3% Y-o-Y. EBITDA a fully integrated service provider and has been focus- for the period reached KD 310 million (USD 1.03 bil- ing on enterprise segments for additional synergies and lion), down 6% Y-o-Y, reflecting an EBITDA margin growth. Given that the wholesale industry has at its core of 41%. Net income amounted to KD 86 million (USD the transformation of the infrastructure enabling global 285 million), up 5% Y-o-Y, reflecting earnings per connectivity, Zain considers the development of its share of 20 fils (USD 0.07). wholesale business as a key area to the telco’s overall For H1 2021, foreign currency translation was im- transformation. It is worth noting that our B2B revenue pacted mainly due to the currency devaluation in Sudan has grown an impressive 16% over the year, and we are from 55 in January 2021 to 444 (SDG / USD) end of June elated to land several lucrative corporate accounts in key 2021, and a 19% currency devaluation in Iraq from an markets.” 1,190 to 1,470 (IQD / USD), cost the Group USD 378 Al-Kharafi concluded by commenting on the recently million in Revenue and USD 233 million in EBITDA. held EGM, “The amendments and new provisions to Group Key Performance Indicators (KD and USD) for the company’s articles approved by the Assembly will the second quarter (Q2) of 2021 help the Group in its execution of our ‘4Sight’ growth In the second quarter of 2021 (Q2), Zain Group gener- strategy, providing the Board of Directors and executive ated consolidated revenue of KD 369 million (USD 1.2 management greater fl exibility, while we focus on digital billion), remaining relatively stable compared to the prior innovation and seek new lucrative opportunities in the period. EBITDA for the quarter reached KD 152 million ICT arena across the region and beyond.” (USD 506 million), down 5% Y-o-Y, refl ecting an EBIT- Financial KPIs of key markets for six-month period DA margin of 41%. Net income for the quarter amounted (H1) ended June 30, 2021 to KD 41 million (USD 138 million), up 17% Y-o-Y, re- Ahmed Al Tahous, Zain Group Chairman Bader Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice-Chairman and Group CEO Kuwait: Maintaining its market leadership, the fl ag- fl ecting earnings per share of 10 fi ls (USD 0.03). ship operation of Zain Group saw its customer base serve For Q2 2021, foreign currency translation was im- 26 live services resulting in a healthy Y-o-Y increase in new business verticals and revenue streams. Our excellent 2.4 million. The Group’s most profi table operation saw pacted mainly due to the currency devaluation in Sudan revenue with approximately 5 million transactions per performance is even more satisfying when one considers its H1 2021 revenue grow by 4% to reach USD 515 mil- from 55 in January 2021 to 444 (SDG / USD) end of June month. the unavoidable currency devaluations in Iraq and Sudan, lion (KD 155 million), with EBITDA increasing by 11% 2021, and a 19% currency devaluation in Iraq from 1,190 10. Zain named winner in three categories at the annual which had considerable impact on the fi nancials.” to USD 194 million (KD 59 million), refl ecting an EBIT- to 1,470 (IQD / USD), cost the Group USD 215 million in Global Good Governance Awards 2021: Best of the Best “To minimize the impact of the currency devaluations, DA margin of 38%. The operator recorded net income of Revenue and USD 175 million in EBITDA. in Diversity Award 2021; Leadership in Sustainability management has proactively undertaken decisive cost USD 123 million (KD 37 million). Data revenue grew by Key Operational Notes for H1 2021 Award 2021; and Championship Award in Women Em- optimization initiatives across all markets, and both Zain 5% Y-o-Y and represented 40% of total revenue. 1. Extraordinary General Assembly held in June 2021 powerment 2021. Iraq and Zain Sudan have revamped prices and are now The operator continues to grow its 5G mobile and saw the approval of the Board of Directors’ recommen- 11. Zain recognized with prestigious World Finance offering new attractive data monetization packages.” broadband customers and resulting revenue, capturing dation to distribute interim dividends, quarterly or semi- Best Corporate Governance Award 2021 for Kuwait. “Operationally, most of our markets recorded growth the largest 5G customer and revenue market share in the annually. Commenting on H1 2021 results, Chairman of the Board in Q2 as compared to the same period a year earlier. The country. 2. Board meeting held on July 14 recommends an in- of Directors of Zain Group, Ahmed Al Tahous said, “The healthy growth in Kuwait was powered by its incompa- Saudi Arabia: For H1 2021, the operator generated terim dividend of 10 fi ls per share for fi rst six months Board’s key focus during these challenging times has been rable 5G network that sees the operator capturing the Revenue of SAR 3.8 billion (USD 1 billion), with EBIT- of 2021 as part of the minimum 33 fi ls annual dividend to support management in its endeavors to be future-ready largest market share in the country. Similarly, quality DA amounting to SAR 1.5 billion (USD 401 million), policy, subject to Regulatory approvals. to fully exploit the next phase of growth in driving share- networks were instrumental in the robust profi t growth in refl ecting an EBITDA margin of 39%. Net income for 3. Zain Group achieved consolidated data revenue of USD holder value. We remain focused on providing meaningful Iraq, Jordan, Sudan, and Bahrain, while in Saudi Arabia the period reached SAR 83 million (USD 22 million). 1.05 billion, representing 42% of the Group’s revenue. connectivity and minimizing the impact of the pandemic the operator continues to receive international accolades Having the Kingdom’s largest 5G network covering 50 4. Throughout the fi rst six-months, Zain Group in- on society by implementing digitalization initiatives to for the reach, speed and quality of its 5G network.” cities, data revenue represented 50% of total revenue and vested over USD 491 million in CAPEX refl ecting 20% better serve communities, businesses, and governments. “Moreover, it’s rewarding that for the fi rst time in its customers served stood at 7.4 million, a 4% increase. of revenue, predominantly in expansion of Fiber-to-the- I would like to thank all the government ministries and history, Zain KSA achieved Retained Earnings after re- Iraq: Zain Iraq’s H1 2021 revenue reached USD 376 mil- Home (FTTH) infrastructure; spectrum fees; 4G up- regulatory authorities across our markets for their wisdom porting its profi tability for the 12th consecutive quarter lion, and EBITDA amounted to USD 145 million, refl ecting grades and new network sites across its markets, as well and understanding of the emerging industry dynamics and and extinguishing all accumulated losses in accordance an EBITDA margin of 39%. Net profi t reached USD 24 mil- as 5G rollouts in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. support of the telecom sector at large.” with its capital restructuring strategy, and we look for- lion for the period. The operator’s customer base increased 5. Zain KSA reports profi tability for the 12th consecu- Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi , Zain Vice-Chairman and ward to the operator exploiting the enormous potential by 7% to reach 16.1 million customers maintaining its mar- tive quarter and achieving Retained Earnings after extin- Group CEO commented, “The Board’s recommendation of the Saudi telecom market and entering a new era of ket leading position. It should be noted that the Iraqi dinar guishing all accumulated losses to pay a half-year dividend of 10 fi ls per share (as part growth. Congratulations to the Zain KSA board and man- devaluation also impacted Zain Iraq’s revenue by USD 88 6. Enterprise (B2B) business arm continues to witness of the 33 fi ls) is a result of our strong balance sheet and agement team for this decisive milestone.” million for the six-month period. strong growth across several key markets landing key re- the solid operational performance attained by the Group Commenting on the success of Zain’s focus on reaping Sudan: For H1 2021, Zain Sudan generated revenue gional clients. in the year to date. This interim dividend recommenda- the lucrative opportunities in the digital space, Al-Kharafi of USD 160 million, with EBITDA amounting to USD 7. Zain esports growth continues, holding 11 tourna- tion is a fi rst in Zain’s history and follows the approvals said, “Management is extremely optimistic of the poten- 77 million, refl ecting an EBITDA margin of 48%. Net ments during Q2 2021 with over 5,000 participants and received during the recent Extraordinary General Assem- tial of our fi ntech entities including Zain KSA’s subsidi- income for the period reached USD 41 million, compared attracting 6 million social media impressions. bly, and reaffi rms the three-year minimum 33 fi ls divi- ary, ‘Tamam’, Zain Jordan’s and Zain Iraq’s ‘Zain Cash’ to USD 15 million last year. Data revenue grew by 4% 8. Zain partners UNICEF to launch Child Online Safe- dend policy commitments we made in 2019.” platforms and ‘M-Gurush’ in South Sudan, that are all representing 28% of total revenue, while the operator’s ty Booklet promoting safe esports and gaming to schools Al-Kharafi continued, “The robust growth witnessed experiencing exponential growth.” customer base grew 8% to reach 17 million, maintaining & universities. during Q2 2021 reaffi rms the success of the ‘4Sight’ strat- “Zain KSA’s digital operator ‘Yaqoot’ continues to its market leadership. The signifi cant currency devalua- 9. The Zain Group Application Program Interface egy and digital transformation set forth by the Board and deliver healthy growth in the Saudi digital telco space, tion impacted Zain Sudan’s revenue by USD 340 million. (API) platform enabling faster deployment of digital executive management to invest heavily and focus on and we recently launched another digital operator in Iraq, Jordan: For H1 2021, Zain Jordan revenue increased partnerships, continues to grow exponentially, offering monetizing our 4G, FTTH and 5G networks, while seeking ‘oodi’, where we expect similar success. Both Yaqoot by 5% to USD 245 million, EBITDA grew by 15% to and oodi offer a simple, all-digital mobile experience that reach USD 118 million, refl ecting an EBITDA margin of frees customers from the traditional retail buying expe- 48%, with net income growing 24% Y-o-Y and reaching rience. From the moment customers download the app, USD 43 million. With the ongoing expansion of 4G ser- they have all the power they require to manage their mo- vices across the country, data revenue grew 13% repre- bile service.” senting 49% of total revenue. Zain Jordan served 3.5 mil- With respect to the continuing growth of Zain esports, lion customers maintaining its market leading position. Al-Kharafi said, “This exciting and fast- growing initia- Bahrain: For H1, 2021, Zain Bahrain generated rev- tive creates shareholder value on multiple fronts as it enue of USD 87 million for H1 2021, up by 4% Y-o-Y. meets several different goals for Zain, including youth EBITDA for the period increased by 6% to USD 29 mil- development, enriching the brand, fostering innovation, lion, refl ecting an EBITDA margin of 33%. Net income and creating vast digital opportunities across our 4G, 5G increased 29% amounting to USD 7.4 million, with data and fi ber networks. Our confi dence that Zain esports will revenue growing 5% to represent 45% of total revenue. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 BUSINESS 10 US equities give up early gains, turn mixed Investors looking closely at the latest round of earnings Bank of America posts solid NEW YORK, July 14, (AP): “This backdrop of higher for longer U.S. infl ation and a faster hiking Fed and Stocks gave up an early strengthening USD is not a good recipe Q2 profi t, bad loans ‘shrink’ gain and turned mixed on for emerging Asia,” said Robert Carnell, Wall Street as banks and regional head of research Asia-Pacifi c at NEW YORK, July 14, (AP): Bank of from its loan-loss reserves that it had ING, referring to the U.S. currency. America’s second quarter profi t more set aside during the pandemic to guard energy companies fell while Surging coronavirus cases in Indone- than doubled from a year earlier, as the against defaults, and also recorded a $2 other sectors rose. sia, Malaysia and Thailand are another consumer banking giant was able to billion one-time credit related to certain Investors were keeping a close concern, he said. South Korea also is move more loans onto the “good” side taxable assets in the U.K. seeing cases jump. It released data show- of its balance sheet as the pandemic While Bank of America’s profi ts eye on a new batch of earnings news wanes. rose from a year earlier, revenues did from banks, airlines and other com- ing an improvement in the jobless rate, but the numbers were collected before BofA is the latest of the big Wall not. Interest income fell in the quarter panies as well as the latest report pandemic restrictions were tightened. Street banks to report stronger profi ts to $10.23 billion from $10.85 billion a showing another rise in infl ation. Some parts of Japan are also seeing this quarter, largely due to the improv- year earlier, due to lower interest rates. Investors are looking closely at the an uptick in COVID-19 infections, fan- ing economy and fewer borrowers be- Bank of America’s balance sheet is latest round of earnings for confi rmation ning fears about the tens of thousands ing delinquent on their loans. But like more heavily weighted toward securi- about the scale and pace of the economic of athletes, dignitaries and other peo- other banks, BofA saw a decline in in- ties with short-term durations, which recovery as people return to work, travel ple from some 200 nations entering terest income and revenues from a year means the bank’s interest income can again and generally try to get back to the country for the Tokyo Olympics. earlier because of lower interest rates. fl uctuate more when interest rates some semblance of normal following the Tokyo has seen hundreds of new cases The Charlotte-based bank said it change compared to other banks. worst of the virus pandemic. earned $9.22 billion in the last three The bank also saw a decline in rev- daily recently, with 1,149 cases report- months, or $1.03 per share. That is up enues from trading, similar to what hap- The S&P 500 was little changed as ed Wednesday. of noon Eastern. The Dow Jones Indus- from a profi t of $3.53 billion, or 37 pened at JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Some experts say that could jump cents per share, from the same period a Sachs. The second quarter of 2020 was a trial Average fell 45 points, or 0.1%, People walk by an electronic stock board of a securities fi rm in Tokyo, to thousands in coming weeks, as the to 34,842 and the Nasdaq fell 0.2%. year earlier. The results were better than highly volatile one as traders navigated July 14, 2021. Asian shares were mostly lower on Wednesday, tracking a “bubble” conditions for the Olympians the 77-cent-per-share profi t that analysts the impact of the pandemic, which gave Small-company stocks continued to lag decline on Wall Street as investors weighed the latest quarterly earnings have been compromised, with staff and the rest of the market. The Russell 2000 had forecasted, according to FactSet. Wall Street traders ample opportunities reports and infl ation. (AP) athletes testing positive for the virus. Bank of America’s profi ts were to fi nd investments to profi t from in the index fell 1.3%. The Games open on July 23. Energy companies had some of the in two years. remain elevated, but eventually moder- boosted by two one-time items. The volatility. Now that things have cooled Investors got another snapshot of bank was able to release $1.6 billion down, those profi ts have declined. biggest losses, partly due to a drop of Mixed results from Bank of America ate, reinforcing the central bank’s posi- how infl ation continues to show up in 2.4% in the price of benchmark U.S. disappointed investors. It fell 3% after tion that rising infl ation is a temporary the economy as the a rapid spike in con- crude oil. Cabot Oil & Gas fell 3.4%. reporting solid profi ts, but weak revenue. impact from the recovering economy. A sumer demand and supply constraints Technology stocks were higher, led Airlines showed more signs of re- key concern for investors has been how translate into higher prices for consum- by a 1.8% gain in Apple following a covery as people begin to resume travel quickly the Fed will shift its interest er goods. published report that the consumer for work and leisure. American Airlines rate policies in the face of rising infl a- The latest report from the U.S. La- electronics giant planned to increase jumped 2.9% after giving investors an tion, but it has signaled there is no im- bor Department showed yet another production of iPhones. encouraging update on its second-quar- minent change coming. increase in consumer prices in June that Long-term bond yields were mostly ter fi nancial picture. France’s CAC 40 edged down 0.2% surprised economists. Prices jumped by lower. The yield on the 10-year Treas- Outside of earnings, investors are to 6,544.96 in early trading, while the most in 13 years, extending a run ury note fell to 1.35% from 1.41% late still closely watching measures of infl a- Germany’s DAX shed nearly 0.2% of higher infl ation that has been raising Tuesday. tion to better gauge how it could impact to 15,765.96. Britain’s FTSE 100 concerns on Wall Street that the Fed Banks were broadly lower even after the recovery. Infl ation at the wholesale slipped 0.4% to 7,094.19. The future might consider withdrawing its low-in- several of them turned in solid earnings level jumped 1% in June, pushing price for the Dow industrials slipped 0.2% to terest rate policies and scaling back its reports. gains over the past 12 months up by a 34,729.00. The S&P 500 future edged bond purchases earlier than expected. Citigroup gave up an early gain and record 7.3%. The news on wholesale 0.1% lower to 4,357.30. Much of the increase in prices for fell 0.7%, despite reporting a more than prices followed a report Tuesday that Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 lost goods, such as used cars, is mostly tied fi ve-fold rise in profi ts, helped by an consumer prices increased in June by 0.4% to 28,608.49. Australia’s S&P/ to a surge in demand and lack of supply. improving economy that resulted in 0.9% and were up 5.4% over the past ASX 200 added 0.3% to 7,354.70. South Prices for many items, like lumber and fewer bad loans on the bank’s balance 12 months, the biggest 12-month gain Korea’s Kospi slipped 0.2% to 3,264.81. other raw materials, are easing or will sheet. Wells Fargo also gave up an early in 13 years. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 0.6% ease as suppliers ramp up operations, This fi le photo, shows a branch offi ce of Bank of America, in New York. gain and fell 1.3% as investors brushed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Pow- to 27,787.46, while the Shanghai Com- said Jamie Cox, managing partner at Bank of America says its second-quarter net income more than doubled to off a report of its most profi table quarter ell suggested that infl ation will likely posite dipped 1.1% to 3,528.80. Harris Financial Group. $9.22 billion from $3.53 billion a year ago. (AP) ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 SCIENCE 11

Coronavirus

Immunized but banned Not all the COVID-19 vaccines equal – EU

LONDON, July 14, (AP): After Dr. Ifeanyi Nsofor and his wife received two doses of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vac- cine in Nigeria, they assumed they would be free to travel this summer to a European destination of their choice. They were wrong. The couple — and millions of other people vaccinated through a UN-backed effort — could find themselves barred from entering many European and other countries because those nations don’t recognize the Indian-made version of the vaccine for travel. Although AstraZeneca vaccine produced in Europe has been authorized by the continent’s drug regulatory agency, the same shot manufactured in India hasn’t been given the green light. EU regulators said AstraZeneca hasn’t completed the neces- sary paperwork on the Indian factory, including details on its production practices and quality control standards. But some experts describe the EU move as discriminatory and unscien- tific, pointing out that the World Health Organization has inspected and ap- proved the factory. Health officials say the situation will not only complicate travel and frustrate fragile economies but also undermine vaccine confidence by appearing to label some shots sub- standard. Poonawalla As vaccination coverage rises across Europe and other rich countries, au- thorities anxious to salvage the summer tourism season are increasingly relaxing coronavirus border restrictions. A medical worker gives a shot of the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine to a student during a vaccination campaign for children between 12-17 years of age at a school in Earlier this month, the European Union introduced its digi- Tangerang, Indonesia, July 14. The world’s fourth most populous county is struggling to acquire enough vaccines to reach its target of inoculating more than 181 tal COVID-19 certificate, which allows EU residents to move million of its 270 million people by March 2022. (AP) freely in the 27-nation bloc as long as they have been vac- cinated with one of the four shots authorized by the European Medicines Agency, have a fresh negative test, or have proof they recently recovered from the virus. Coronavirus While the US and Britain remain largely closed to outside visitors, the EU certificate is seen as a potential model for trav- el in the COVID-19 era and a way to boost economies. The officially EU-endorsed vaccines also include those made by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. They don’t New cases doubling over three weeks include the AstraZeneca shot made in India or many other vac- cines used in developing countries, including those manufac- tured in China and Russia. Vaccines US COVID-19 cases rising again Individual EU countries are free to apply their own rules for travelers from inside and outside the bloc, and their rules NEW YORK, July 14, (AP): The the vaccine. dose of star power behind the admin- vary widely, creating further confusion for tourists. Several COVID-19 curve in the US is rising Mississippi offi cials are also recom- istration’s efforts to get young people EU countries, including Belgium, Germany and Switzerland, again after months of decline, with the mending that people 65 and older and vaccinated. Eighteen-year-old actress, allow people to enter if they have had non-EU-endorsed vac- number of new cases per day doubling those with chronic underlying con- singer and songwriter Olivia Rodrigo cines; several others, including France and Italy, don’t. over the past three weeks, driven by ditions stay away from large indoor will meet with Biden and Dr. Anthony For Nsofor, the realization he could be barred was “a rude the fast-spreading delta variant, lag- gatherings because of a 150% rise in Fauci on Wednesday. awakening.” After a tough year of working during the pan- ging vaccination rates and Fourth of hospitalizations over the past three While the administration has had demic in Abuja, Nsofor and his wife were looking forward to July gatherings. weeks. success vaccinating older Americans, a European vacation with their two young daughters, perhaps Bobbi Laderer, a bird intern at the Confi rmed infections climbed to In Louisiana, which also has one of young adults have shown less urgency admiring the Eiffel Tower in Paris or touring Salzburg in Aus- Audubon Nature Institute’s Species an average of about 23,600 a day on the nation’s lowest vaccination rates, to get the shots. tria. Survival Center in New Orleans, and Monday, up from 11,300 on June 23, offi cials in the city of New Orleans Some, at least, are heeding the call in Nsofor noted that the Indian-made vaccine he received had Tornado, a 42-day-old endangered according to Johns Hopkins University said Tuesday that they are likely to ex- Missouri after weeks of begging, said been authorized by WHO for emergency use and had been whooping crane chick, leaves the ex- data. And all but two states — Maine tend until fall virus-mitigation efforts Erik Frederick, chief administrative supplied through COVAX, the UN-backed program to provide ercise enclosure on July 13. Precau- and South Dakota — reported that case currently in place at large sporting offi cer of Mercy Hospital Springfi eld. shots to poor corners of the world. WHO’s approval included tions against spreading COVID-19 numbers have gone up over the past and entertainment gatherings, includ- He tweeted that the number of people kept any captive-bred cranes from be- two weeks. ing mask mandates or requirements getting immunized at its vaccine clinic a visit to the Serum Institute of India factory to ensure that ing released in 2020 to a flock in Loui- it had good manufacturing practices and that quality control siana or one that migrates between “It is certainly no coincidence that that attendees be vaccinated or have a has jumped from 150 to 250 daily. standards were met. Wisconsin and Florida. This year 14 we are looking at exactly the time that negative COVID-19 test. State health “That gives me hope,” he said. we would expect cases to be occurring offi cials said cases of the coronavirus “We’re grateful to the EU that they funded COVAX, but — one more than in 2019 — are being Also: now they are essentially discriminating against a vaccine that raised, half of them at Audubon. (AP) after the July Fourth weekend,” said are surging, largely among nonvacci- they actively funded and promoted,” Nsofor said. “This will Dr Bill Powderly, co-director of the nated people. THE HAGUE, Netherlands: Corona- just give room to all kinds of conspiracy theories that the vac- infectious-disease division at Wash- But the political will may not be virus infections in The Netherlands cines we’re getting in Africa are not as good as the ones they ington University’s School of Medi- there in many states fatigued by skyrocketed by more than 500% over have for themselves in the West.” cine in St. Louis. months of restrictions. the last week, the country’s public Ivo Vlaev, a professor at Britain’s University of Warwick At the same time, parts of the coun- In Michigan, Democratic Gov. health institute reported Tuesday. The who advises the government on behavioral science during CO- try are running up against deep vaccine Gretchen Whitmer is facing a drive to surge follows the scrapping of almost VID-19, agreed that Western countries’ refusal to recognize resistance, while the highly contagious repeal a law that she used to set major all remaining lockdown restrictions vaccines used in poor countries could fuel mistrust. mutant version of the coronavirus that restrictions during the early stages of and the reopening of night clubs in late “People who were already suspicious of vaccines will be- was fi rst detected in India is account- the pandemic. June. come even more suspicious,” Vlaev said. “They could also ing for an ever-larger share of infec- The weekly update showing that lose trust in public health messages from governments and be tions. Hospitalizations nearly 52,000 people in the Nether- less willing to comply with COVID rules.” Nationally, 55.6% of all Americans And Republican Gov. Kay Ivey of lands tested positive for COVID-19 Dr. Mesfin Teklu Tessema, director of health for the Inter- have received at least one COVID-19 Alabama pushed back against the idea over the past week came a day after national Rescue Committee, said countries that have declined Karrenbauer Rogozin shot, according to the Centers for Dis- that the state might need to reimpose caretaker Dutch Prime Minister Mark to recognize vaccines cleared by WHO are acting against the ease Control and Prevention. The fi ve preventive measures as vaccinations Rutte apologized for the June 26 lock- scientific evidence. states with the biggest two-week jump lag and hospitalizations rise. down relaxation and called it “an error in cases per capita all had lower vacci- “Alabama is OPEN for business. of judgment.” Confi dence Discovery nation rates: Missouri, 45.9%; Arkan- Vaccines are readily available, and I Rutte backtracked Friday and re- “Vaccines that have met WHO’s threshold should be ac- sas, 43%; Nevada, 50.9%; Louisiana, encourage folks to get one. The state introduced some restrictions in an at- cepted. Otherwise it looks like there’s an element of racism 39.2%; and Utah, 49.5%. of emergency and health orders have tempt to rein in the soaring infection here,” he said. Kidney transplant mix-up: An Ohio Even with the latest surge, cases in expired. We are moving forward,” she rate. Bars again have to close at mid- WHO urged countries to recognize all of the vaccines it has hospital has acknowledged that a patient the US are nowhere near their peak of said on social media. night, while discotheques and clubs authorized, including two Chinese-made ones. Countries that received a new kidney meant for someone a quarter-million per day in January. Dr. James Lawler, a leader of the were shuttered again until at least Aug. decline to do so are “undermining confidence in lifesaving else. And deaths are running at under 260 Global Center for Health Security at 13. vaccines that have already been shown to be safe and effective, Offi cials at University Hospitals in per day on average after topping out the University of Nebraska Medical The Netherlands, along with other affecting uptake of vaccines and potentially putting billions of Cleveland on Monday apologized for the at more than 3,400 over the winter - a Center in Omaha, said bringing back European nations, is facing a rise in people at risk,” the UN health agency said in a statement this mistake and said two employees have testament to how effectively the vac- masks and limiting gatherings would infections fueled by the more conta- month. been placed on administrative leave. The cine can prevent serious illness and help. But he acknowledged that most gious delta variant just as governments In June, the Serum Institute of India’s CEO, Adar Poon- kidney given to the wrong patient is com- death in those who happen to become of the places seeing higher rates of hoped to greatly ease or eliminate re- awalla, tweeted that he was concerned about vaccinated In- patible and the person is expected to re- cover, offi cials said. infected. the virus “are exactly the areas of the maining pandemic restrictions during dians facing problems traveling to the EU and said he was Still, amid the rise, health authori- country that don’t want to do any of the summer holiday season. raising the problem at the highest levels with regulators and The other patient’s surgery has been delayed. Offi cials said the hospital is re- ties in places such as Los Angeles these things.” With infections rising around countries. viewing how the error occurred to prevent County and St. Louis are begging even Lawler warned that what is happen- France, President Emmanuel Ma- Stefan De Keersmaeker, a spokesman for the EU’s execu- similar mistakes going forward. immunized people to resume wearing ing in Britain is a preview of what’s to cron on Monday cranked up pressure tive arm, said last week that regulators were obligated to check “We have offered our sincerest apolo- masks in public. And Chicago offi cials come in the US. on people to get vaccinated and said the production process at the Indian factory. gies to these patients and their families,” announced Tuesday that unvaccinated “The descriptions from regions of special COVID passes would be re- “We are not trying to create any doubts about this vaccine,” hospital spokesperson George Stamatis travelers from Missouri and Arkansas the world where the delta variant has quired to go into restaurants and shop- he said. said in a statement. “We recognize they must either quarantine for 10 days or taken hold and become the predomi- ping malls starting next month. AstraZeneca said it only recently submitted the paperwork entrusted us with their care. The situation have a negative COVID-19 test. nant virus are pictures of ICUs full of The Dutch public health institute on the Indian factory to the EU drug regulatory agency. It is entirely inconsistent with our commit- Meanwhile, the Health Department 30-year-olds. That’s what the critical said that of the infections that could be didn’t say why it didn’t do so earlier, before the agency made ment to helping patients return to health in Mississippi, which ranks dead last care doctors describe and that’s what’s traced to their source, 37% happened its original decision in January. and live life to the fullest.” nationally for vaccinations, began coming to the US,” he said. in a hospitality venue such as a bar or The refusal of some national authorities to recognize vac- The hospital has notifi ed the United blocking posts about COVID-19 on He added: “I think people have no club. Infections among people ages cines manufactured outside the EU is also frustrating some Network for Organ Sharing, which man- its Facebook page because of a “rise clue what’s about to hit us.” 18-24 surged by 262%, followed by a Europeans immunized elsewhere, including the US. ages the national transplant system. of misinformation” about the virus and President Joe Biden is putting a 191% rise in 25-29 year-olds. Gerard Araud, a former French ambassador to Israel, the US Stamatis declined further comment and the UN, tweeted this week that France’s COVID-19 pass is Tuesday. (AP) a “disaster” for people vaccinated outside the country. ❑ ❑ ❑ Public health experts warned that countries that decline to ternational Space Station is set to be fi - has said. from the Russian launch facility in Bai- Germany launches ‘command’: The nally launched this month, but the date Roscosmos director Dmitry Rogozin konur, Kazakhstan on July 21. (AP) recognize vaccines backed by WHO are complicating global German military on Tuesday launched a efforts to safely restart travel. has been pushed back several days, the said on Twitter that the Nauka (Science) ❑ ❑ ❑ “space command” tasked with overseeing head of the country’s space corporation module is now scheduled to be launched Also: satellites, watching for dangerous space Goldfi sh turn up in waterways: junk and analyzing other countries’ ac- Offi cials in Minnesota said they’re fi nd- KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Malaysia shut down a mass tivities. ing more giant goldfi sh in waterways, vaccination center in its worst-hit state Tuesday after more Defense Minister Annegret Kramp- prompting a plea to citizens to stop il- than 200 medical staff and volunteers tested positive for the Karrenbauer launched the new opera- legally dumping their unwanted fi sh into coronavirus. tion during a visit to its base at Uedem in ponds and lakes. The closure was the first of a vaccination center and came as western Germany. The goldfi sh, which can grow to the size the country’s new confirmed infections breached five figures The military is “responding to the in- of a football, compete with native species Tuesday, hitting a record 11,079. creasing signifi cance of space for our for food and increase algae in lakes. Offi - Science Minister Khairy Jamaluddin stressed that swift state’s ability to function, the prosperity cials in the Twin Cities suburb of Burnsville government action had contained the cluster at the Ideal Con- of our population and the increasing de- found 10 fi sh in Keller Lake earlier this vention Center in central Selangor state. pendency of the armed forces on space- month while doing a water quality survey. Khairy, who is in charge of the national immunization pro- supported data, services and products,” On Monday, 18 additional fi sh were Kramp-Karrenbauer’s ministry said in a found. Some were 18 inches (46 centim- gram, said he ordered the testing of all 453 workers at the eters) long and weighed about 4 pounds center after two volunteers were confirmed to have the virus. statement. The aim is to bring together existing (1.8 kilograms). “Please don’t release Khairy said the 204 whose results were positive had low viral capabilities in one place, where the mili- your pet goldfi sh into ponds and lakes!” loads, meaning the amount of virus in their bodies was small. tary’s center for air operations is already the city said in a tweet. “They grow big- This could be because 88% or 400 of the workers have al- based, and add new ones. ger than you think and contribute to poor ready been vaccinated, he said. Kramp-Karrenbauer said that the term water quality by mucking up the bottom The center was shut for deep sanitization and all its workers “Weltraumkommando,” or “space com- sediments and uprooting plants.” are being isolated. Khairy said it will reopen Wednesday with mand,” might draw far-fetched associa- Burnsville offi cials have worked with a new team of medical workers. tions with the novels of Jules Verne or Carp Solutions, a startup company that He urged people who were vaccinated at the center since starship Enterprise, but the reality is “far develops new technologies for controlling Friday to isolate themselves for 10 days and be tested if they from being so sensational,” news agency carp, a larger cousin of goldfi sh. develop symptoms. He declined to say how many people had dpa reported. (AP) The company uses boat electrofi shing visited the center since Friday. It has the capacity to deliver up ❑ ❑ ❑ In this image provided by the City of Burnsville, Minn., a large goldfish caught in to capture the fi sh, said founder Przemek to 6,000 shots a day. Keller Lake during a water quality survey is held, July 2. Officials in Minnesota Bajer. Wires electrify the water and the Russia to launch ISS module: The say they’re finding more giant goldfish in waterways, prompting a plea to citizens stunned fi sh fl oat to the surface to be net- long-delayed Russian module for the In- to stop illegally dumping their unwanted fish into ponds and lakes. (AP) ted and measured. (AP) People THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 FFeatureseatures accusations againsthim. lampooned sexualmisconduct was trickedintoaninterviewthat fi comedian SachaBaronCohen $95 millionlawsuittargeting US judge onTuesdaydismissedfailed Moore. making factualallegations against would thinkthecomedian was was “clearlyajoke” andnoviewer beeped whenitgotnearMoore— a so-calledpedophiledetectorthat in whichthecomicdemonstrated added thattheabsurdsegment— gal claimsovertheappearance.He agreement thatprohibitedanyle- Moore signedacleardisclosure History had842,000.(AP) million, Hallmarkhad880,000and 1.25 million,MSNBChad1.23 viewers inprimetime.HGTVhad networks, averaging2.02million Telemundo had1million. Ion Televisionhad1.1millionand 1.8 million,Foxhad1.7 CBS had2.7million,Univision for theweek.NBChad2.9million, work averaged4.6millionviewers the primetimeratings,asnet- their fi Warriors, whowerecompetingin tured thewell-knownGoldenState have. The2019seriesalsofea- increased choicesthatconsumers ers fromyeartoyear,withthe Nielsen said. year’s audienceisdown34%, Toronto the pre-COVID2019serieswhere ences havereturned.Comparedto normal intiming,andliveaudi- restrictions. live audiencesduetoCOVID-19 and Octoberplayedwithout in theoddtimeoflateSeptember Heat. The2000serieswasheld tween theL.A.LakersandMiami games oflastyear’sseriesbe- million whowatchedthefi said. lion viewers,theNielsencompany Bucks averagedjustabout9mil- Phoenix SunsandMilwaukee championship matchbetweenthe to thepandemicbubble. audience backafterlastyear’strip has gainedsome,butnotall,ofits led afterMoorecomplainedhe own money. lowed tomarryherboyfriend,andsaidshewantedown use anintrauterinedeviceforbirthcontrol,saidshewasnotal- matter, Spearssaidshewasbeingforcedtotakemedicationand MONTGOMERY, Ala: NEW YORK: Jean-Christophe Reymond,fromright,VincentLindon,directorJuliaDucournau,AgatheRousselle,GaranceMarillierandLaisSal may weighinassheseekstohirealawyerofherchoice. in whichallthepartiesareexpectedtotakepartremotely,butshe need toend. blame forthelegalcircumstancesSpearssaidare“abusive”and between herfatherandaprofessionalconservatoroverwho’sto was supposedtooverseeherfi lawyer, thewithdrawalofanestate-managementcompanythat Wednesday todealwiththeaftermath. ers withlegalpoweroverthepopstarwillconveneforahearing has controlledherlifefor13years,aLosAngelesjudgeandoth- dramatic commentsincourtcondemningtheconservatorshipthat LOS ANGELES,July14,(AP):ThreeweeksafterBritneySpears’ fromSpears hearingtodealwithturmoil herdramaticspeech Judge Fox NewsChannelledthecable The FinalshelpedABCdominate Most eventstendtoloseview- This year’sseriesiscloseto That’s up41%fromthe6.38 The fi Senatecandidate She washarshlycriticalofherfather,whoservesasconservator “Ijustwantmylifeback,”Spearssaid. At theJune23hearing,herfi Spears isnotexpectedtospeakagainattheafternoonhearing, Spears’ remarksledtotheresignationofhercourt-appointed fth straightFinals. rst threegamesofthe John Cronan beatGoldenState,this ❑ The NBAFinals Roy Moore wrotethat A federal rst three ’s nances, andavolleyofaccusations rst publicwordsincourtonthe show. Thesegment ranafter the comic’s“Who isAmerica?” Moore’s unwitting appearanceon Cronan wrote. causes ofactionhenowbrings,” guage, whichprecludesthevery unambiguous contractuallan- Moore’s claimsarebarredbythe The lawsuitcentered on “The courtagreesthatJudge cally withFrance. Noé Debré—toblendthemoviemoreauthenti- in apairofFrenchwriters—ThomasBidegainand wanted toexpandthemovie’shorizons;hebrought Trump supporter,butit’simplied.ButMcCarthy Damon’s characterdoesn’tdefi of 2016aroundtheelectionDonaldTrump. ten yearsago.Hereturnedtothescriptinfall Carthy fi opposite ofBourne.” pect fromHollywood,”saysDamon.“He’slikethe McCarthy. rytelling asitdoestoEuropeanstorytelling,”says its head. directions, turningtheAmerican-abroadthrilleron ter” progresses,ittakesitspremiseinunpredictable American fi down thecoastfromCannesyetoneofbiggest July 30,isananomaly—aUS-Eurohybridsetjust tival andwillopeninNorthAmericantheaterson The fi side McCarthyinaninterview. his mostgravellyNeeson,jokeswhilesittingalong- sentially Americanhero. ences wouldcomeinexpectingDamonasaquintes- for oneofhismovies.In“Stillwater,”heknewaudi- and “TheStationAgent,”hadlongpursuedDamon the realkiller. daughter andfi class roughneck,sticksaroundtoseekjusticeforhis Knox-styled murdercase.Damon,agruff,working- imprisoned forherroleinascandalousAmanda jailed daughter(AbigailBreslin),whohasbeen father whotravelstoMarseille,France,visithis McCarthy’s “Stillwater”soundsveryLiamNeeson. CANNES, France,July14,(AP):Theset-upofTom A fatheronamissionin‘Stillwater’ In Marseille,Damon’scharacter,Bill,befriends Intrigued atmakingaMediterraneannoir,Mc- “It’s notthefi “It’s amoviethatowesasmuchtoAmericansto- “Stillwater,” though,ismorethanitmightappear. “I haveaveryspecifi McCarthy, thedirectorof“Spotlight,”“WinWin” Matt Damonstarsasatough,terseOklahoma Variety lm, whichpremieredattheCannesFilmFes- rst wroteasimplerversionofthemovie lms atthisyear’sfestival. As“Stillwa- nd amysterymanwhomayhavebeen ‘Titane’ atthe74thinternationalfi sh-out-of-water storythatyou’dex- c setofskills,”Damon,doing Singer seekstohirealawyerofherchoice Damon bridgesOklahoma,Franceindramaticthriller Film something shesaidJamesSpearshasexpressednodesiretodo. is puttingacareplaninplacetohelpendtheconservatorship, her asshehaswithfather. Spears, sayingthatBritneySpearshasexpressednodesiretooust marrying orforcedtousebirthcontrol.ShelashedbackatJames similar threatsforyears. because ofrecentdeaththreats,sayinghehasbeensubjectedto “Mr. Spears,astheConservatorofEstate,andMs.Mont- Montgomery saidsheiscommittedtostayingonthejoband Montgomery deniedthatBritneySpearswaspreventedfrom He opposedMontgomery’srequestformoneytohiresecurity nitively sayhe’sa oe Moore Cohen for 11years. resigned asconservatorofherpersonin2019,aroleheplayed his daughter’spersonallifehasbeenbeyondcontrolsincehe tigate theallegationsandMontgomery’srole,pointingoutthat tor ofherperson,overseeinglifechoices. gomery, thecourt-appointedprofessionalwhoservesasconserva- of herfi James Spearssaidinalegalfi nances, andhadmoremeasuredcriticismforJodiMont- lm festival,Cannes,southernFrance,Tuesday,July13.(AP) ily stayedinasmallcoastalIrishvillage.Thetowns- the earlydaysofpandemic,whenheandhisfam- grew upinBoston.” Carthy) guyswholiveinNewYorkandthewayI different from(DamongesturestohimselfandMc- This isabeautifullifeandculture.Theyliveentirely that fromourtimedownthere.Ilookedatitlike: character doeswhattheydo.Ireallyfeellikewegot you havetoadeepunderstandingofwhyyour so dowe,”saysDamon.“Anytimeyouplayarole, politicians.” were justgreat.WhenIgotback,wassoangryat thought: ‘WhatamIgoingtoget?’Andtheseguys rthy says.“EvenwhenIstartedgoing(toOklahoma) were soangrywhenwewritingthis,”McCa- polarized. MyFrenchco-writersusedtosay:You Damon hadhisownfi “The moviehastremendousempathyforBill,and “It wascomingatatimewhereweweresuper of aMiddleAmericanewspaperprofi you, Francoise.Stayoverthere.” tent,” saysMcCarthy.“Thankyou,Pedro.Thank turned toMarseillescreenit. Shortly afterpremieringthefi largely shotinMarseillewithamostlylocalcrew. American changehisways?Ouiornon? subtle question:Cananationalistic,narrow-minded pand hisveryethnocentricperspective.Themovie’s slowly, reluctantlybeginstoadaptand,maybe,ex- young daughterMayaplayedbyLilouSiauvaud)and Camille Cottin,starof“CallMyAgent”andher a localsinglemother(playedbytheFrenchactress with anewunderstanding. get asenseoftheregion’scharacter.Bothcameback says, “threedaysinatruckandlotofbarbeque”to a pre-productiontriptoOklahomafor,asMcCarthy fore shootingthemovie,DamonandMcCarthytook fi gets writtenalotduringelectionseasons.Butthe lmmakers madeanefforttogetbeyondclichés.Be- Threats “Stillwater” couldbeseenasHollywood’sversion “Too manytimesAmericanmoviespitchtheir The production,itself,wasn’tsodifferent.Itwas ling thatthecourtneedstoinves- quarter-century. But intheseg- Alabama intheSenate ina the fi his losstoDemocrat 30s. Hehasdeniedtheallegations. teens whenhewasamaninhis and romanticrelationshipswith tions thathehadpursuedsexual Moore facedmisconductaccusa- The accusationscontributedto rst Democrattorepresent Empathy sh-out-water experiencein lm inCannes,theyre- Doug Jones ameh poseforphotographersuponarrivalatthepremiereoffi lm le, thekindthat , legal arrangementthatshedidn’twant. vatorship lastweek,sayingitnolongerwantedtotakepartina appointed toworkalongsidehim,alsowithdrewfromtheconser- sought asareplacementforherfatherlastyearbutwasinstead a newattorney,whichattheJunehearingshesaidwanted. documents lastweeksayingheresigned,effectiveassoonshegot her longtimecourt-appointedlawyer,SamuelInghamIII,whofi nent appointmentbeforerecentevents. still technicallytemporary.Sheappearedtobeontrackforperma- Montgomery nootherchoicebuttodefendherself.” her soleorco-conservatorformorethan13years—leavesMs. by Mr.Spearsandhisnew‘Itwasn’tme!’strategy—afterbeing to startthefi said inacourtfi ship, andthatsheislivingherbestlifepossible,”Montgomery she isonapathtorecoveryandterminationofherconservator- a teamtoensurethatMs.Spears’bestinterestarebeingmet, gomery, astheConservatorofPerson,shouldbeworking The BessemerTrust,afi Britney SpearswillstillberepresentedatWednesday’shearingby Despite nearlytwoyearsonthejob,Montgomery’sstatusis ity ofthesegment indismissing who satstone-faced. repeatedly asitgot nearMoore, In thesegment,devicebeeped ing asupposedpedophiledetector. bogus militarytechnology,includ- “Col ErranMorad,”discussing a fauxcounterterrorisminstructor ment, The judgenotedthe absurd- Baron Cohen movie.’” Carthy. “Iwaslike:‘No,we’remakingaEuropean we’re makinganindependentmovie,’”saysMc- teams weregettingsmaller. ing shooting.Hisdepartmentheadsaskedwhytheir McCarthy hadtopullbackonthecrewsizedur- the productionbudgetwenthigherthanexpected, great thatfelt.” form ofworship.It’slikechurch.AndIforgothow quote-unquote ‘content,’butit’snotthesame.It’sa unlike theotherthing.You’relookingatsame together —andwhywedothat.Andit’sso are strangersandwatchingthisthingtakingit experience isofsittingwithathousandpeoplewho ing thingsonthelittlescreeninmyhouse,what says. “Itwasareallypowerfulreminderofwatch- simply beingbackinafullmovietheater. original idea,madefortheaters. of movie:astar-fronteddramaforadultsfroman European ones.It’sanincreasinglyuncommonkind both bluestatesandred,Americanmoviegoers to stokeinterestasatheatricalreleasethatappeals Media anddistributedbyFocusFeatures,itwilltry mon’s leadperformance.ProducedbyParticipant and earlyOscarnominationsspeculationforDa- accent. “Hell yeah,çava,”hesayswithastrongOklahoman Bill rarelygetsmorethanafewFrenchwordsout. mon’s FrenchanybetterthanBill’s?Inthemovie, ing inFrance,he’dmovethere,hesays.ButisDa- also infatuatedDamon.Ifhewereyoungerandliv- tend tojustbereallyniceandopenhelpful.” community Iparachuteinto,”saysDamon.“People their midst. people becamecharminglyprotectiveofthestarin “On oneofthecalls,someonesaid,‘Itfeelslike But getting“Stillwater”madewasn’teasy.When “It wascompletelyoverwhelming,”Damon At thepremiere,Damonwasmovedtotearsat “Stillwater” debutedtostrongreviewsatCannes “Actually muchworse,”laughsMcCarthy. “It’s maybeworse,”Damonsayssheepishly. Marseille, abustlingandmulticulturalportcity, “I’m muchmoretakencareofthanBillbyany nger-pointing andmediaattacks...Themud-slinging ling. “Instead,Mr.Spearshasdecideditistime appearedas nancial companythatSpearshad tiff inthesuit,are appealing. (AP) and hiswife,who also wasaplain- otherwise,” thejudge wrote. able viewerwouldhaveseenit was clearlyajokeandnoreason- Moore’s interview,thesegment $95 millionindamages. Moore’s lawsuit,whichsought Court recordsindicate Moore “In lightofthecontextJudge led led ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES 13

People & Places

Music

‘Treasure of Love’ Mayer visits soft rock with squishy results

By Mark Kennedy ob Rock,” John Mayer (Columbia Records) ‘S You can thank the pandemic for John Mayer’s eighth studio album. He has said he wrote the songs to wrap listeners in the sonic comforter of soft rock. If you don’t like soft rock, you can blame the pandemic for one more thing. Mayer kicks off the 10-track “Sob Rock” with a gem: “Last Train Home,” a throwback guitar-and- synth rocker with Maren Morris on background vocals that sounds like it could have been on Eric Clapton’s 1986 album “August.” (Extra credit for the great line “I’m not a fallen angel/I just fell behind.”) Other bright spots include “New Light,” which fi nds Mayer suffering unrequited love, or, as he says “pushing 40 in the friend zone.” It has a funky vibe and a Santana-ish solo. And his “Wild Blue” has a cool Dire Straits feel. If you’re getting a mel- ancholy and retro feel here, you’re not wrong. Unrushed, This video grab provided by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences shows the nominees for outstanding lead actress in a drama series during the 73rd Emmy comfortably in the singer- Awards Nominations Announcement on Tuesday, July 13. (AP) Mayer songwriter pocket — if slightly beige — is the tone here, under the helm of iconic producer Don Was. It straddles the line between ‘80s parody and hom- Emmys age, which the cover also does, reaching for a “Miami Vice” and peak Richard Marx vibe. The guitar work is Mayer at his best, throwing out gorgeous understated fi reworks, but too many of their vehicles are unim- pressive. “Sob Rock” often sounds like warmed-over Harry, Meghan interview receives nomination yacht rock. For every “Guess I Just Feel Like” — with shim- mering, B.B. King-inspired blues axe work — there’s the lazy “Why You No Love Me,” which sounds like ‘Crown,’ ‘Mandalorian’ top Emmy noms a lounge act gone awry. “Carry Me Away” is as sub- stantial as a summer breeze, and “All I Want Is To LOS ANGELES, July 14, (AP): “The which launched in late 2019, was im- are: “The Queen’s Gambit”; “I May Be With You” reeks of faux moody depth, a U2 song Crown” tied with “The Mandalorian” pressive, but the triumph of streaming Destroy You”; “Mare of Easttown”; without conviction. for the most Emmy nominations Tues- was predictable, said Eric Deggans, “The Underground Railroad”; “Wan- Fans of Mayer looking for clues into his private life day with 24 apiece, but the Marvel TV critic for National Public Radio. daVision.” will fi nd little specifi c, apart from the intriguing line universe also got bragging rights with “Disney+ came out of nowhere and Father-and-daughter actors Ron in “Shot in the Dark:” “I’ve loved seven other women runner-up “WandaVision.” got the third-most nominations of any Cephas Jones (“This Is Us”) and Jas- and they all were you.” And he has a great retort for The bounty reinforced the rapid rise platform at 71. ... We’re at a point now mine Cephas Jones (“Blindspotting”) why he hasn’t settled down yet in “Til the Right One of streaming, with most of the top- where this is this is increasingly becom- and TV Academy head Frank Scherma Comes:” “I know people broke down and defeated/ nominated scripted shows on services ing a streamers’ game and the Emmy announced the nominees. There were Lost what they needed in some miserable war/ So for- that emerged in the past two years. nominations refl ect it,” Deggans said. awkward moments when some nomi- give me if I might look around for a minute.” In the top three categories — drama, Streaming nees’ names were mispronounced, A fi ne effort, then, to try to resurrect the much-ma- comedy and limited series — broad- including a reference to Anya Taylor- ligned genre of ‘80s soft rock. But it often feels like cast networks scored only two nomi- HBO and newcomer streaming ser- Joy as “Anna.” Mayer just fell behind. Sarina Farhadi, (left), and director As- nations, for the NBC drama “This Is vice HBO Max edged into the lead The Sept. 19 ceremony, which last ❑ ❑ ❑ ghar Farhadi pose for photographers Us” and the ABC comedy “black-ish.” with 130 total nominations, with Net- year was held virtually because of the upon arrival at the premiere of the fi lm During an oppressive pandemic in fl ix close on its heels with 129. COVID-19 pandemic, will air live on The Flatlanders “Treasure of Love” (Rack’em Re- ‘A Hero’ at the 74th international fi lm which housebound Americans relied The frontrunner on the comedy CBS from a theater and include a lim- cords/Thirty Tigers) festival, Cannes, southern France, more than ever on television for dis- side is the good-hearted “Ted Lasso,” ited in-person audience of nominees Never has the tremulous twang that is unmistakably Tuesday, July 13. (AP) traction, TV academy voters recog- about a middling American football and guests. Cedric the Entertainer is Jimmie Dale Gilmore been more welcome than after nized a varied mix of storytelling and coach imported to England to handle the host. a year and a half of pandemic strangeness. a diverse group of actors and creators. a soccer team. The Apple TV+ series Partial list of nominees for the an- Listening to The Flatlanders’ “Treasure of Love” is One example: Mj Rodriguez of received 20 nominations, including for nual prime-time Emmy Awards: like strolling into a corner honky-tonk and discovering Variety “Pose” is the fi rst trans performer to top comedy, star Jason Sudeikis and ■ Comedy Series: “black-ish”; “Co- an old friend on the next barstool. Maybe a little griz- be nominated in a lead acting category. six cast members. bra Kai”; “Emily in Paris”; “The Flight zled, telling the same stories, but who cares? You’re The show also earned a best drama se- “Hacks,” starring Jean Smart as a Attendant”; “Hacks”; “The Kominsky together again. LOS ANGELES: Charlie Robinson, the ries nod. stand-up comedian who resists getting Method”; “PEN15”; “Ted Lasso.” Gilmore, Joe Ely and Butch Hancock fi rst hooked up versatile and prolifi c actor whose many “The moment my name was an- aged out of Las Vegas and life, was ■ Actor, Comedy Series: Anthony almost 50 years ago. They’ve since performed together credits ranged from stage productions of nounced, I just screamed and I broke,” next with 15 nods, including a lead ac- Anderson, “black-ish”; Michael Doug- and separately, but The Flatlanders haven’t made an “Driving Miss Daisy” and “Fences” to such Rodriguez said. “My mom grabbed tor award for Smart and a supporting las, “The Kominsky Method”; Wil- album in more than a decade. Somehow this one man- fi lms as “Secret Santa” and “Miss Lettie me. She kind of fl ung me around. ... I bid for Hannah Einbinder. liam H. Macy, “Shameless”; Jason ages to sound fresh and relevant, even if the 15 tracks and Me” to his long-running role as the remember falling into my boyfriend’s Smart, who some have said is enjoy- Sudeikis, “Ted Lasso”; Kenan Thomp- are mostly familiar. Recorded during the pandemic, the court clerk Mac Robinson in the sitcom arms and just crying tears of joy, tears ing a career “Jeanaissance,” earned a son, “Kenan.” selections include tunes made famous by Johnny Cash, “Night Court,” has died. He was 75. second nomination for her supporting ■ Robinson died Sunday at the Ronald of happiness. I felt so seen.” Actress, Comedy Series: Ka- Townes Van Zandt, Bob Dylan and others, but the trio Of the 96 acting nods for drama, com- role in “Mare of Easttown.” The lim- ley Cuoco, “The Flight Attendant”; gives them all their signature Texas sound. Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los ited series received 16 nods, including Angeles, according to his manager, Lisa edy and miniseries, nearly 44% — a total Allison Janney, “Mom”; Tracee El- Gilmore takes the lead on the title track, lending of 42 nominations — went to people of star Kate Winslet. lis Ross, “black-ish”; Jean Smart, a roadhouse whine to the George Jones classic. The DiSante-Frank. The cause was cardiac arrest Among the others who doubled with multisystem organ failures due to septic color. That included 34 nods for Black “Hacks”; Aidy Bryant, “Shrill.” tone changes to boot-scooting playful on Hancock’s down on nominations: “Saturday Night ■ “Mama Do the Kangaroo.” Another Hancock original, shock, and metastatic adenocarcinoma. actors, one fewer than last year. Drama series: “The Boys”; Netfl ix’s “The Crown” received its Live” stars Kenan Thompson and Aidy “Bridgerton”; “The Crown”; “The “Moanin’ of the Midnight Train,” features Ely belting “Charlie Robinson, was the love of Bryant, who received supporting act- out a bittersweet ode to the woman he misses ’’every my life, husband, father, grandfather, and fourth nomination for best series, and Handmaid’s Tale”; “Lovecraft Coun- great grandfather,” his wife and fellow ing bids for the variety show as well try”; “The Mandalorian”; “Pose”; night or two.” is likely the veteran streaming ser- as lead comedy series acting nods for, actor Dolorita Noonan-Robinson said in vice’s best chance to win its fi rst-ever “This Is Us.” A smattering of Flatlander friends including guitar a statement. “He was truly the working ac- respectively, “”Kenan” and “Shrill.” ■ wizard Robbie Gjersoe and Lloyd Maines on pedal top series trophy. The British royal Other top nominees include previ- Actor, Drama Series: Sterling K. tor’s actor, and of all his passions, his craft drama moved closer to contemporary Brown, “This Is Us”; Jonathan Majors, steel fi ll out the sound. took center stage, with his family being the ous best drama series winner “The They close the album with a rollicking version of events with its version of the courtship Handmaid’s Tale,” with 21 nods, tied “Lovecraft Country”; Josh O’Connor, wind beneath his wings, so he could soar and rocky marriage of Prince Charles “The Crown”; Regé-Jean Page, “Sittin’ on Top of the World,” taking turns on vocals to unbelievable heights! On behalf of my with “Saturday Night Live”; “The and Hancock’s expressive harmonica adding fl air. It’s husband and family, I thank you for being a and Diana Spencer, played by Josh Queen’s Gambit,” 18; the period-dra- “Bridgerton”; Billy Porter, “Pose”; O’Connor and Emma Corrin. Matthew Rhys, “Perry Mason.” a tune that gets the crowd going at the group’s live part of the audience.” ma romp “Bridgerton” and “Hamil- ■ gigs. Something, perhaps, to look forward to. Charlie Robinson was a Houston native O’Connor and Corrin received lead ton,” with 12 each. Actress, Drama Series: Emma ❑ ❑ ❑ who in his teens sang with a local group that drama acting nods, as did the series’ “Lovecraft Country,” a horror-in- Corrin, “The Crown”; Elisabeth Moss, later became known nationally, Archie Bell Olivia Colman for her portrayal of fused drama set in 1950s segregated “The Handmaid’s Tale”; Uzo Aduba, Chris Thile, “Laysongs” (Nonesuch) and the Drells. His acting career started in Queen Elizabeth II, with a supporting America, earned an impressive 18 “In Treatment”; Olivia Colman, “The On his new solo album, Chris Thile contemplates the late 1960s when he joined the Houston- bid to Gillian Anderson for her role as nominations — but was canceled by Crown”; Mj Rodriguez, “Pose”; Jurn- being alone. based school Studio 7. He made his fi lm Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. ee Smollett, “Lovecraft Country.” HBO after one season. ■ The theme is God, as Thile — armed only with debut with a brief role in “Drive, He Said,” Oprah Winfrey’s headline-making “The Flight Attendant” earned nine Limited Series: “The Queen’s his mighty mandolin and his experience as a lapsed a 1971 release directed by Jack Nicholson, interview with Harry — Charles and nominations, including a best comedy Gambit”; “I May Destroy You,”; fundamentalist — takes on the topics of faith, doubt, and worked steadily over the next 50 years. the late Diana’s son — and his wife “Mare of Easttown,”; “The Under- Besides “Night Court,” which ran from 1984- actress nod for Kaley Cuoco and a sup- community and isolation. Meghan earned a nomination for best porting actress bid for Rosie Perez — ground Railroad,”; “WandaVision.” Thile has long pushed musical boundaries as a 1992, he also appeared in the acclaimed, but hosted nonfi ction series or special. ■ Actor, Limited Series or TV short-lived “Buffalo Bill”; “Home Improve- who becomes the third Latina nominated member of Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers, and in The showings by “The Mandalorian,” in the category, after Sofi a Vergara for movie: Paul Bettany, “WandaVision”; projects with such fellow virtuosos as Yo-Yo Ma and ment”; “The Game” and “Hart of Dixie” an extension of the “Star Wars” fran- Hugh Grant, “The Undoing”; Ewan among other series. “Modern Family” and Liz Torres for jazz pianist Brad Mehldau. But “Laysongs” falls into chise, and the inventive “WandaVision” “The John Larroquette Show.” McGregor, “Halston”; Lin-Manuel a different category. Recent credits include the teleplay “Some Old Black Man” and the stage play featuring the Marvel characters Wanda There were surprises, as usual. Miranda, “Hamilton”; Leslie Odom Thile grew up in a Christian household, once wrote and Vision, put the series in the ranks of Nicole Kidman failed to receive a Jr., “Hamilton.” “The Last Romance,” in which he appeared ■ a song titled “Doubting Thomas” and now describes with Michael Learned. (AP) past sci-fi and fantasy Emmy favorites nomination for limited series “The Actress, Limited Series or TV himself as a weak agnostic. On the album cover he ❑ ❑ ❑ “Game of Thrones” and “Lost.” Undoing,” while co-star Hugh Grant movie: Michaela Coel, “I May Destroy stands with his back to a church sanctuary, looking “The Boys,” Amazon’s comedy- was recognized. But the critically ac- You”; Cynthia Erivo, “Genius: Aretha”; over his shoulder. PHILADELPHIA: The lead prosecutor in tinged take on superheroes, earned a claimed miniseries “I May Destroy Elizabeth Olsen, “WandaVision”; Anya And so he sings about death, the devil, music as Bill Cosby’s sex assault case believes the best drama nod. You” and its star and creator, Michaela Taylor-Joy, “The Queen’s Gambit”; medicine and the human struggle with belief. His Pennsylvania Supreme Court overstepped “I would never have thought in a Coel, grabbed nine Emmy nods after Kate Winslet, “Mare of Easttown.” lyrics defy gravity — Thile rhymes “Dionysus” with its power in reversing the comedian’s con- million years that playing a witch in being snubbed by the Golden Globes. ■ Variety Talk Series: “Conan”; “purple kisses” — and as he considers what’s sacred, viction and added “fuel on the fi re” when a Marvel show would lead to this. It’s “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah”; the chief justice gave a weekend television One blast from the past getting new he occasionally turns profane. like a dream,” said “WandaVision” respect: “Cobra Kai,” set 30 years af- “Jimmy Kimmel Live”; “Last Week The mostly original music isn’t gospel, spiritual or interview — and appeared to misstate the key issue in the appeal. co-star Kathryn Hahn. She received a ter the events of the “Karate Kid” fi lm, Tonight with John Oliver”; “The Late contemporary Christian 7-11 songs (the kind that re- supporting actress bid, but found the earned a best comedy nod and four Show with Stephen Colbert.” peat the same seven words 11 times), but rather a wild Chief Justice Max Baer accused pros- ■ ecutors of a “reprehensible bait and switch” show’s total of 23 nominations espe- nominations in all. Supporting Actor, Comedy Se- blend of jazz, folk and classical elements, from Hazel in arresting Cosby in 2015 despite what he cially sweet. The other nominees for best drama ries: Carl Clemons-Hopkins, “Hacks”; Dickens to Bartók. Tempos and meters shift, and then called the certain existence of a 2005 non- “I’m so moved that the whole of it series are “The Handmaid’s Tale” and Kenan Thompson, “Saturday Night there’s no beat at all. As always, Thile’s playing is prosecution agreement. has been recognized,” Hahn said. “It “Lovecraft Country.” Live”; Bowen Yang, “Saturday Night an unpredictable delight, ranging from furious strum- “There was no controversy whatsoever was incredibly diffi cult. It was a hard, Other comedy series nominees are Live”; Brett Goldstein, “Ted Lasso”; ming to pointillistic fusillades, and at times his eight- that the deal was made. It was memorial- hard shoot. But ... the experience of “Emily in Paris”; “The Flight Atten- Brendan Hunt, “Ted Lasso”; “ Nick string rings like a church bell. ized in emails, it was memorialized in news making this meant so much to me and dant”; “The Kominsky Method” and Mohammed, “Ted Lasso”; Jeremy It’s the sound of someone wrestling with riddles conferences,” Baer told WHTM-TV in it was so unexpectedly deep.” “PEN15.” Swift, “Ted Lasso”; Paul Reiser, “The that even his enormous talents can’t solve. Harrisburg. The nominations haul by Disney+, The nominees for best miniseries Kominsky Method.” However, the existence of the agreement Also: has been hotly debated, both before and LOS ANGELES: Dylan is back, the younger one at after the two criminal trials that ended with least. Jakob Dylan is bringing back his band the Cosby’s conviction in 2018. And there was Wallfl owers for their fi rst new album since 2012’s no mention of it in writing until 2015. state’s high court revisited the facts of the conducted, we found no credible evidence “Glad All Over.” The new 10-track bright collection, The ex-prosecutor who said he made the case, which he called the job of the trial that Castor had given Cosby immunity,” called “Exit Wounds” and out July 9, includes the promise in 2005, Bruce Castor, waited un- judge. The appellate courts are tasked with Steele said in a statement issued late Sun- singles “Who’s That Man Walking ’Round My Gar- til the case was reopened a decade later to reviewing legal rulings. day, in response to Baer’s unusual televi- tell the victim or anyone in his offi ce about One potential path is to seek review at sion comments about the decision. den” and “Roots and Wings.” Dylan has explained the the US Supreme Court, although that is “There has been a tremendous amount album’s title refers to personal baggage: “Wherever it, according to their testimony. By then, the defense lawyer to whom Castor said he often a long shot. Cosby, who turned 84 on of misinformation about what actually took you’re headed, even if it’s to a better place, you leave made the promise had died. Monday, served nearly three years in prison place in this criminal prosecution. Throw- people and things behind, and you think about those Montgomery County District Attorney before his release. Sex assault victims, ing further fuel on the fi re was a televised people and those things and you carry them with you. Kevin Steele said this week he is review- and many Cosby accusers, have sharply interview airing this weekend by now Those are your exit wounds.” (AP) ing the Supreme Court decision to see criticized the June 30 decision. Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice if he might challenge it. He believes the “Despite the extensive investigation we Cosby Robinson Baer,” Steele said. (AP) ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 SPORTS 14

Purdy out of PGA Tour event with positive COVID-19 test Westwood, still without a major, reaches unwanted milestone SANDWICH, England, July 14, (AP): The unwanted milestone Lee Westwood has been creeping toward is fi nally here. The British Open at Royal St. Vince helps England clinch George’s will be Westwood’s 88th major championship, and no other player has competed in that many without winning one. That’s painful, right? Apparently not. “That’s nice, that record,” he said series sweep over Pakistan Wednesday. “It shows I’ve been a good player for a long, long time.” So, it was put to Westwood, a former top-ranked player, a 27-time Poms beat tourists by 3 wickets winner across the European and PGA Tours, and the reigning three- BIRMINGHAM, England, time European No. 1: How does it July 14, (AP): James Vince feel to be described as the best player never to win a major? posted his maiden inter- “Another accolade,” he said, in a national century to help matter-of-fact way. “Yeah, I love it.” England’s Lee Westwood plays Glib? Maybe. Sarcastic? For sure. his tee shot from the 1st tee dur- England to a three-wicket ing a practice round for the British win over a Pakistan and a He’s long mastered that. Open Golf Championship at Royal Yet there might be a hint of truth St George’s golf course Sandwich, sweep of the three-match behind it all, highlighting the men- England, on July 14. (AP) one-day international se- tal toughness and thick skin the ries. 48-year-old Englishman has had to Vince scored 102 from 95 balls develop over the years after so many Sharks ink Korenar as a depleted England lineup heartaches on golf’s biggest stage. chased down 332 at Edgbaston After all, he has been in the top Ducks re-sign Carrick with two overs to spare. 10 on 19 occasions in majors and, Pakistan captain Babar Azam more pertinently, has nine top-three brothers and Lettieri scored 158 as his team tallied 331-9 fi nishes — eight of them coming in a fi ve-year period (2008-13) during after being sent in to bat by England. ANAHEIM, Calif., July 14, (AP): Most of England’s fi rst-choice which he became world No. 1. Yet still Westwood comes back The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed ODI lineup had to isolate after a brothers Sam and Trevor Carrick and COVID-19 outbreak just over a for more. And, make no mistake, he’s still in the conversation for the right wing Vinni Lettieri to one-year week ago following the Sri Lanka contract extensions. series, giving 30-year-old Vince title, even approaching 50. “I think when you get to our age,” The Ducks announced the moves. another chance in the international Sam Carrick got a one-way contract, arena. he said, “we maybe don’t treat it as seriously as we once did, and it’s while Lettieri and Trevor Carrick will “I hadn’t given up on this moment, be on two-way contracts. but this time last week I didn’t ex- easy to play golf when you’re a little bit more fl ippant about it and see it Sam Carrick scored an NHL ca- pect it at all,” Vince said. ”I wasn’t reer-high six points in his 13 games sure it was going to come. There was for what it is — getting a small ball in a small hole.” with the Ducks last season. The probably a realization I wasn’t going 29-year-old center has appeared in 47 to be in the squad or be high up in NHL games with Anaheim and To- the pecking order, so I was delighted GOLF ronto, but has spent most of his pro I got another opportunity.” career in the AHL. He is the career That almost carefree approach is scoring leader for the Ducks’ top af- CRICKET serving him well. In December, he fi liate in San Diego. fi nished the 2020 season as the Race ❑ ❑ ❑ Vince said scoring a hundred for to Dubai champion — formerly The San Jose Sharks have signed his country “was one of my dreams known as the winner of the Order goaltender Josef Korenar to a one- growing up.” It took until his 50th of Merit — for the third time in his year contract. innings across all formats in inter- career and 20 years after the fi rst. San Jose, which has missed the national cricket to reach the century His victory in Abu Dhabi last year playoffs the past two seasons, an- milestone. ensured he is the only active golfer “I don’t know when the next will to win titles in four separate decades. be or if there will be another one,” he More recently, there were the ICE HOCKEY said, “but that was without doubt one back-to-back runner-up fi nishes — of the best days I’ve had.” both by one stroke — at Bay Hill nounced the deal. England was 165-5 in the 24th and The Players Championship on The 23-year-old Korenar played in over before Vince shared a stand the PGA Tour in March. 10 games for the Sharks last season, of 129 with Lewis Gregory (77) to A self-declared “working-class coming in as a reserve on April 10 for accelerate the chase. Vince chipped lad,” Westwood puts his ability to his NHL debut against the Kings. Haris Rauf (4-65) to mid-off in the stay relevant at the top end of golf “Josef took a big step in his devel- 43rd. — he is ranked No. 29 — on stay- opment last season, showing his ath- Craig Overton (18 not out) and ing fi t, having other interests in his leticism and awareness in net while Brydon Carse (12 not out) fi nished life like horse racing and skiing, and appearing in the NHL for the fi rst things off. having a better perspective. He also time,” general manager Doug Wilson Pakistan’s innings was built got married last month for a second said in a statement. around Babar’s partnership of 179 time, to Helen Storey, who often ❑ ❑ ❑ with Mohammed Rizwan, who works as his caddie and is on the bag Buffalo Sabres forward Jeff Skin- scored 74 from 58 balls. England’s James Vince plays a shot during the third one day international cricket match between England and this week. Babar reached three triple fi gures Pakistan at Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham, England, on July 13. (AP) He said the thing that lets him ner has agreed to waive his no-move- from 104 deliveries, getting there down is an inability to maintain in- ment clause, freeing the team from hav- with two boundaries in three balls when he survived a run out attempt tensity week in, week out. But he ing to protect him during the Seattle by pulling Carse (5-61) with author- in the 48th over, but Carse fi nally knows that just comes with age. Kraken’s expansion draft next week. ity and then middling a compact cut ended Babar’s entertaining stay, “When the intensity is there and Skinner’s agent, Don Meehan, shot. producing a rare mis-hit to Dawid Ireland upset South Africa my game is there, mentally I think confi rmed his client’s decision in an England broke up the partnership Malan with four balls remaining in I’m stronger,” Westwood said. email to The Associated Press on when Rizwan went after a leg-side Pakistan’s innings. “Probably putt a little bit better now Wednesday. The Athletic fi rst report- bouncer from Carse but feathered a Carse and Saqid Mahmood (3-60) with 43-run win in 2nd ODI than I did 10 years ago. Short game ed the player’s decision. nick through to John Simpson. collected two wickets apiece in the is defi nitely better. Tee to green, The Sabres initiated the move, Carse picked up two more late last two overs as Pakistan slumped DUBLIN, July 14, (AP): Ireland re- for the hosts. probably not quite as good, but good knowing it’s unlikely Skinner will wickets as the visitors moved to from 324-5 to 329-9 fi nished his 10 corded its fi rst-ever victory over South Balbirnie’s tally included 10 fours. enough.” be selected by the Kraken given the 309-5. overs with two wickets in six deliv- Africa, beating the visitors by 43 runs South Africa won the toss and chose Westwood has missed the cut in under-performing winger has six Babar was on a career-best 150 eries. after captain Andy Balbirnie’s century to fi eld, as they did in Sunday’s match, his two appearances at Royal St. years left on an eight-year, $72 mil- in their second one-day international. when Balbirnie top-scored with 65 off George’s but that doesn’t bother lion contract. Balbirnie scored 102 from 117 balls 79 balls. him. After all, he did the same at and Harry Tector added 79, including Andile Phehlukwayo took 2-73 off Muirfi eld in 2002, only to fi nish 12 days to get a positive test. four sixes, as Ireland posted 290-5 in 10 overs for South Africa. third there in 2013 when he went The Barbasol Championship is the second of their three-match ODI Meanwhile, the International Crick- into the fi nal round in the lead. held opposite the British Open. series at The Village. et Council has tweaked the points sys- Just one of those many near-miss- Purdy, a one-time winner on the tem for the next World Test Champi- es, which have led to him overtaking PGA Tour, started out as the sixth CRICKET onship. Jay Haas as the man to have played alternate when the fi eld was posted Twelve points will be awarded to in the most majors without a win. on Friday. the winning team of every test match Provided, of course, Westwood He was replaced by Eric Axley. The Proteas had never lost an ODI contested in the 2021-23 cycle, with Zach Johnson had a positive to Ireland and now must win on Friday four points awarded for a draw and doesn’t win this week. to avoid a series defeat. The fi rst match six for a tied game. The percentage of “It’s a lottery,” he said. “Links COVID-19 test after the John Deere of the series ended in a no-result after points won will be used to determine golf is even more of a lottery than Classic and had to withdraw from persistent rain on Sunday. the WTC standings. your week-in, week-out golf where the British Open. Opener Janneman Malan scored 84 Cricket’s governing body issued the conditions are even more pre- Hideki Matsuyama received a to lead South Africa and Rassie van a statement Wednesday saying the dictable. You can’t kind of overana- positive test after the fi rst round of der Dussen added 49 before the Irish change was made to simplify things. lyze it, I don’t think.” the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Even bowlers found their rhythm as the Pro- Under the previous system, the same Meanwhile, Ted Purdy withdrew though he is asymptomatic and com- Pakistan’s Hasan Ali looks on during the third one day international cricket teas fell to 247 all out. number of points were allocated to from the Barbarsol Championship pleted his 10 days of isolation, Mat- match between England and Pakistan at Edgbaston cricket ground in Bir- Mark Adair, Josh Little and Andy each series, but divided across the after testing positive for the corona- suyama kept testing positive and had mingham, England, on July 13. (AP) McBrine each picked up two wickets number of matches played. virus, the third PGA Tour player in to withdraw from the British Open. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 SPORTS 15 Ohtani gets All-Star win for AL, bats, too Guerrero becomes youngest MVP

DENVER, July 14, (AP): A a strikeout instead of a home run, it was a familiar result. Mike Zunino also con- Sho-case for Shohei Ohtani nected for the AL as it improved to 46- became a grand stage for 43-2 overall in the series. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., too. Guerrero, at 22, became the youngest Ohtani unleashed his 100 mph MVP in All-Star Game history. J.T. Realmuto homered for the Na- heat while pitching a perfect inning tional League on a mile-high night at for the win in becoming baseball’s Coors, baseball’s ultimate launching fi rst two-way All-Star, Guerrero pad. rocked Coors Field with a 468- A 27-year-old right-hander in his foot home run and the American fourth big league season, Ohtani has League breezed 5-2 for its eighth dazzled. He leads the major leagues straight victory. with 33 homers and is 4-1 in 13 starts Near and far, the sport’s entire focus as a pitcher, a two-way performance was on Ohtani from the very start. not seen since Babe Ruth in 1919 and Players on both sides climbed to the ’20, before the Bambino largely gave dugout rails to watch him, and the Japa- up the mound for slugging. nese sensation went 0 for 2, grounding “This has been the best experience, out twice as the AL’s leadoff man and most memorable,” he said through designated hitter. translator Ippei Mizuhara. “Obviously, Jared Walsh, Ohtani’s teammate on I’ve never played in the playoffs or the Los Angeles Angels, got a save -- World Series, so once I do that, that’s with his glove. He made a sliding catch probably going to surpass it. But this in left fi eld on Kris Bryant’s tricky liner has been the most memorable.” with the bases loaded to end the eighth inning. BASEBALL So even with the teams decked out in new uniforms that social media deemed Ohtani was a double triple-digit threat in Denver, hitting a 513-foot drive during Monday night’s Home Run Derby and throwing a 100.2 mph pitch to Nolan Arenado. “He was as good as advertised,” Are- nado said. Following a full day, Ohtani slept until 10:30 a.m. “It was a lot more tiring compared to the regular season, but if everyone had American League’s starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani, of the Los Angeles Angeles, throws during the fi rst inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game, on fun I’m good with it,” he said. July 13, in Denver. (AP) Ohtani retired Fernando Tatis Jr., Max Muncy and Arenado, a Colorado were headed to the Hall of Fame, which “It’s a world game now,” Hendriks inning drive against Milwaukee’s Cor- rero, who homered off Brad Penny in fan favorite, in order in the bottom half, collected his cleats and other gear for said. “There’s a lot of us us over here bin Burnes was jaw-dropping even be- the 2006 game at Pittsburgh. They throwing 10 of 14 pitches for strikes. display in Cooperstown. and hopefully there’s more to come fore Statcast revealed it went 468 feet, joined Bobby Bonds (1973) and Barry Major League Baseball even made Ohtani combined with Lance Lynn, with the exposure that Shohei and guys the longest since All-Star Games were Bonds (1998 at Coors) and Ken Griffey a special rules tweak for Ohtani, al- Kyle Gibson, Nathan Eovaldi, Gregory from the DR and Venezuela can bring wired in 2015. Sr. (1980) and Ken Griffey Jr. (1992) as lowing him to be replaced as a pitcher Soto, Chris Bassitt, Andrew Kittredge, to this game.” As the ball landed at the top of the the only father-son duos with All-Star and to remain in the game as the DH Matt Barnes and Liam Hendriks on an Despite another season of strikeouts left-fi eld seats under the huge video homers. afterhe was done pitching. He grounded eight-hitter. that have alarmed baseball’s leadership, board, Tatis - the NL shortstop and an- Guerrero added an RBI grounder in out twice - Pittsburgh second baseman A win started with a Japanese pitcher NL batters whiffed 12 times while AL other of the “juniors” among a record the fi fth against Miami’s Trevor Rog- American League’s Vladimir Guer- Adam Frazier ranged to make a nice ended with a save by an Australian. hitters had just three strikeouts. 42 fi rst-time All-Stars - turned slowly ers, and Boston’s Xander Bogaerts fol- rero Jr., of the Toronto Blue Jays, backhanded pickup that prevented a hit Hendriks was helped by a lucky bounce The AL has now won 20 of the last 23 and put both hands over his head. lowed with an RBI single for a 4-0 lead. holds the MVP trophy after the against Max Scherzer starting the night. off the backstop that turned what All-Star Games with one tie thrown in. Guerrero’s homer was the 200th in Both runs were unearned after shortstop MLB All-Star baseball game, on Ohtani was pulled for a pinch-hitter would’ve been a wild pitch into an out While everything is measured with All-Star history and he followed in the Brandon Crawford misplayed Teoscar July 13, in Denver. (AP) in the fi fth. Shohei’s shoes, meanwhile, at second. precision these days, Guerrero’s third- bat path of his father, Vladimir Guer- Hernández’s grounder for an error.

Olympic athletes to put on own medals at Tokyo ceremonies Australia rout Nigeria 108-69 Syrian refugee swimmer makes mark at Paralympics US bounce back, breeze past ATHENS, Greece, July 14, (AP): Al Hussein met a doctor who agreed Argentina in ‘pre-Oly’ tune-up When Ibrahim Al Hussein fl ed Syria in to treat his injury and provide him with 2012 after being wounded by an explo- a prosthetic, and began to feel at home LAS VEGAS, July 14, (AP): USA knee soreness and will be day-to- sion during his country’s civil war, his in Greece. A year later, he fi nally en- Basketball fi nally made it look easy day going forward, USA Basket- life was turned upside down. tered the pool again, swimming with again. ball said. The Americans also will Nearly a decade later, Al Hussein is a club based at the Olympic Aquatic preparing for his second Paralympic Center in Athens. By coincidence, he Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal be without Khris Middleton, Jrue Games in Tokyo and credits swim- had watched the 2004 Olympic swim- each scored 17 points and the Holiday and Devin Booker until at ming with helping him to rebuild his ming competitions on TV when they Americans took control from the least this weekend because of the life and integrate after migrating to were held at the same venue, and had outset, beating Argentina 108-80 NBA Finals. Greece. dreamed as a teenager of one day com- in Las Vegas to avoid what would The back-to-back losses to start At the outdoor swimming com- peting there. have been the fi rst three-game los- the U.S. team’s stay in Las Vegas plex used for the 2004 Olympics and Al Hussein’s fi rst venture back into ing streak in this era of NBA play- raised the possibility that the Amer- Paralympics in Athens, Al Hussein the pool eventually led to him return- ers being able to represent USA icans might lose three in a row with stretches and removes his prosthetic ing to competition, fi rst at a local Basketball on the international NBA players for the fi rst time. leg in a shady spot before entering the level, then further afi eld. His success stage. If those thoughts truly existed, water for two hours of training under as a refugee athlete attracted attention they didn’t last for long. the hot sun. in Greece, leading to an invitation to Zach LaVine scored 15 points carry the Olympic torch as part of the for the U.S., which lost its fi rst “Our biggest thing is we have relay for the 2016 Games in Rio de Ja- two games in Las Vegas to Nigeria to realize it’s not the NBA and PARA/OLYMPICS neiro. and Australia. The Americans shot Coach Pop keeps re-emphasizing From there, he was approached 51%, scored 33 fi rst-quarter points that every single day,” Beal said. “I started swimming when I was 5 Syrian refugee Ibrahim al-Hussein, an amputee swimmer who lost his leg about swimming for the International to get off and running and beat Ar- “It’s way more physical. Guys are years old. My father was my trainer during the war in Syria, after the fi nish of his training at the Olympic Aquatic Paralympic Committee’s new refugee gentina for the 10th consecutive smarter. These guys have been in my country, Syria. I feel very com- Centre, in Athens, on June 30. (AP) team. time since a loss at the 2004 Athens playing together for fi ve-, 10-plus fortable when I’m in the water despite Also: Olympics. years. So they have the experience all the tiredness, all the training and “It was better,” U.S. coach Gregg and the chemistry and we’re trying effort I put in,” he said in a recent in- TOKYO: Athletes at the Tokyo Olym- Popovich said. “Bit by bit, every to develop that in a short period of terview. China sending more than pics will put their medals around their time.” “I consider myself to be like a fi sh. own necks to protect against spreading day, I hope.” It’s as if I won’t be able to live if I’m the coronavirus. It was 15-4 USA before the away from the water. The day I don’t The “very signifi cant change” to BASKETBALL game was even 3 1/2 minutes old, train because of one reason or another, 400 athletes to Tokyo Oly traditional medal ceremonies in the the lead was as much as 17 later in I’m often upset and feeling gloomy.” 339 events was revealed Wednesday the opening quarter - the biggest As the war in Syria raged in and BEIJING, July 14, (AP): China will seas,” Gao Zhidan, deputy director by International Olympic Committee Damian Lillard scored 13 points leads for the Americans in the around his home city of Deir ez-Zor send 431 athletes to the Tokyo of China’s State General Adminis- president Thomas Bach. first two games were 10 against Games as part of a 777-member tration of Sport, was quoted as say- and Bam Adebayo fi nished with in 2012, Al Hussein was visited by “The medals will not be given 12 points, fi ve assists and fi ve re- Nigeria and 11 against Australia - a friend. When his friend left to go delegation, its largest at an Olym- ing. around the neck,” Bach told interna- pics outside China, the offi cial Xin- The delegation to the Beijing bounds for the U.S. and the outcome was never really home, the friend was shot, Al Hussein hua News Agency said Wednesday. Games in 2008 was larger, with tional media on a conference call from “Just really locked in,” Adebayo in doubt. says. He ran over to help. The team includes 298 female 1,099 people including 639 athletes. Tokyo. “They will be presented to the “The USA played great,” Ar- “I was about to carry my friend to athlete on a tray and then the athlete said. athletes, more than twice the 133 China expects to win gold medals Luis Scola, set to play in the gentina coach Sergio Hernandez a safe place or hospital. But unfortu- male competitors. They range in in table tennis, badminton, gymnas- will take the medal him or herself.” nately as soon as I reached him, fi ve “It will be made sure that the per- Olympics for a fi fth time, scored 16 said. “They played more aggressive age from 14-year-old female diver tics, weightlifting, shooting and div- defense than they had the last two seconds or less later there was an ex- Quan Hongchan to 52-year-old ing, Xinhua said. son who will put the medal on tray will points in 19 minutes for Argentina. plosion beside me,” he said. His friend male equestrian rider Li Zhenqiang, The Tokyo Olympics, delayed by do so only with disinfected gloves so Nicolas Laprovittola scored 13, Fa- games.” also survived. Xinhua said. one year because of the COVID-19 that the athlete can be sure that nobody cundo Campazzo had 12 and Ga- The Americans held a 58-42 lead Al Hussein received emergency “This is the largest ever Olympic pandemic, open in nine days on July touched them before,” Bach added. briel Deck added 10. at the half when Durant beat the medical treatment in a makeshift clinic delegation China has sent over- 23. The Olympic approach is different “It’s not a big deal,” Argentina’s buzzer with an 18-footer, a shot before being taken to neighboring Tur- to soccer in Europe where UEFA pres- Luca Vildoza said. “It’s only a that Draymond Green was celebrat- key. He lived on the margins there and ident Aleksander Ceferin has person- ing before the ball even swished “In the fi rst days when I came to I found what I was looking for and loss.” struggled with mobility, and eventu- ally hung medals around the necks of The U.S. played with only eight through the net. ally made the dangerous boat journey Greece, I found a doctor who helped had no reason to continue looking,” he players at competition fi nals in recent The U.S. won the rebound battle to Greece in February 2014. me. After that, I decided to stay here. said. weeks. members of the Olympic team. Jay- son Tatum was held out with right 40-34, committed only nine turno- vers and held Argentina to 31% shooting - 9 for 29 - from 3-point Pacquiao announces Aug. 21 fi ght with Spence Jr range. Meanwhile, Chris Goulding had LOS ANGELES, July 14, (AP): Man- Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) and fought since July 2019, when he beat a perfect night, and Australia had ny Pacquiao and Errol Spence Jr. for- Spence (27-0, 21 KOs) will fi ght for Keith Thurman by split decision for his mally announced Sunday that they will Spence’s WBC and IBF welterweight third consecutive victory. another impressive pre-Olympic fi ght Aug. 21 in a bout pitting an eight- titles when they meet at T-Mobile Are- At a news conference in Los Angeles, showing. division world champion against one na in Las Vegas. Pacquiao admitted he is taking a signifi - Goulding scored 21 points - mak- of the sport’s most dominant current The 42-year-old Pacquiao is a sena- cant risk in returning against one of the ing all seven of his shot attempts, champions. tor in his native Philippines. He hasn’t top active fi ghters in boxing. Pacquiao all from 3-point range - and Aus- said he could have picked “a much eas- tralia rolled past Nigeria 108-69 in ier fi ght compared to Errol Spence” for an exhibition in a matchup of the his comeback bout, but chose to take on two teams that have already beaten the unbeaten 147-pound champion “be- the U.S. in Las Vegas. cause I want to give a good fi ght to the Australia (3-0 in Las Vegas) had fans. I want a real fi ght.” six players in double fi gures and did so on a night when the Boom- BOXING ers gave four of their best players - Joe Ingles, Patty Mills, Matthew The 31-year-old Spence will be Dellavedova and Aron Baynes - the in the ring for only the second time game off to rest. since October 2019, when he survived Duop Reath scored 17 points, a single-car crash in which he was Nathan Sobey had 15, Jock Lans- ejected from his Ferrari 488 Spider. He dale and Josh Giddey each added returned last December in his native 14 and Josh Green fi nished with Dallas area with a unanimous decision 11 for Australia. The Boomers over Danny Garcia. shot 63% from the fi eld, 62% from Pacquiao has been stopped just once since 1999, but Spence said he won’t 3-point range and outscored Nige- enter the ring looking for a highlight- ria 54-24 from beyond the arc. reel knockout. Spence is 3 1/2 inches Josh Okogie and Obi Emegano Manny Pacquiao, (left), and Errol Spence Jr., pose for a photo at a news con- taller than Pacquiao, and his frame was Argentina’s Luca Vildoza (17) looks to pass as United States’ Draymond each scored 10 for Nigeria, which ference at the Fox Studios lot in Los Angeles ahead of their upcoming boxing signifi cantly larger during their cer- Green (14) defends during the second half of an exhibition basketball game fell to 2-1 in its Olympic tune- match, taking place in Las Vegas on Aug. 21, in Los Angeles, on July 11. (AP) emonial faceoff. in Las Vegas on July 13. (AP) ups. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 16

United States’ Bam Adebayo lays up the ball during the fi rst half of an exhibition basket- ball game against Argentina, in Las Vegas. USA beat Ar- gentina 108-80 in pre-Tokyo tune-up. (AP) – See Page 15 Sports Latest sports scores at — http://sports.arabtimesonline.com Pogacar beats rivals in Pyrenees Defending champ stretches lead to 5 minutes, 39 seconds over Vingegaard

SAINT-LARY-SOU- LAN, France, July 14, Cluj fi rst to ‘gain’ (AP):Tadej Pogacar said it was going to be the hardest from rule change day of the Tour de France. He made it look easy. GENEVA, July 14, (AP): Romanian The race leader fi nished ahead champion Cluj were the fi rst team to of his rivals and took a major step benefi t from the abolishment of the away-goals rule in UEFA competitions. toward defending his title with a Cluj advanced to the Champions perfectly executed 17th-stage win League second qualifying round with in the Pyrenees on Wednesday. an extra-time goal in a 2-1 loss at Borac The 22-year-old Pogacar made his Banja Luka that sealed a 4-3 win on ag- move with 8.5 kilometers to go on gregate. Col de Portet when he powered past Under the old system scrapped by previous leader Anthony Perez on UEFA last month, the champions of his way to victory at 2,215 meters Bosnia-Herzegovina would have gone above sea level - the highest stage through with the aggregate scored tied finish this year. at 3-3 because of the goal they scored “It has been a fantastic day. To in the fi rst leg in Romania. win in the yellow jersey is some- thing I can’t describe,” Pogacar said. SOCCER Jonas Vingegaard stayed on Pogacar’s wheel, with Richard Instead, the game went to extra time Carapaz close behind but Rigoberto and Cluj scored the decisive goal in the Uran, who was previously second in 118th minute. the general classification, was The away-goals rule was introduced unable to keep pace and dropped in 1965 to reward teams for scoring at back to fourth overall. their opponent’s stadium when interna- David Gaudu gave chase to keep tional trips were typically more tiring, alive hopes of a French win on intimidating and tactically challenging. Bastille Day. UEFA believed the rule became out- Pogacar didn’t look concerned, dated and inhibited home teams from however, as he settled into a three- attacking for fear of conceding a goal. way fight for the line, roared on by Cluj will next play Lincoln Red Imps of noisy roadside fans on the cloud- Gibraltar which beat Fola Esch of Lux- kissed mountain. embourg 5-0 to seal a 7-2 aggregate win. Carapaz attacked with 1.4 kilome- Ferencváros, which played in the ters to go. Pogacar followed and group stage last season against Barce- Vingegaard appeared to be dropped. lona and Juventus, also advanced from But Vingegaard fought back and the fi rst qualifying round. A 3-1 win in American League’s Cedric Mullins, of the Baltimore Orioles, connects for a base hit during the fi fth inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game in Denver. Kosovo against Prishtina made it 6-1 on Pogacar accelerated when he needed American League won 5-2.(AP) – See Page 15 aggregate. to win the sprint. Carapaz finished third. “Only Jonas and I cooperated to ‘Almost 100% of IOC members, staff vaccinated’ put some distance between us and the rest of the GC favorites,” Pogacar said. “At some point, Jonas came by and told me that he thought Carapaz was bluffing. I knew it also - that’s Bach meets Suga as Tokyo virus tactics in pro cycling. When Carapaz attacked, I was very driven to catch CYCLING cases approach six-month high him and hold his wheel. I just sprint- TOKYO, July 14, (AP): Tokyo reported its highest number of in the Olympic Village on Tokyo Bay will be fully vaccinat- ed out on the last 150 meters.” new COVID-19 cases in almost six months on Wednesday, ed. He said almost 100% of IOC members and IOC staff were It was Pogacar’s first stage win the Tokyo Metropolitan Government said with the Tokyo “vaccinated or immune.” The IOC also says between 70-80% Olympics opening in just over a week. of international medical representatives were vaccinated. since claiming the yellow jersey on The surging numbers came out on the same day that Inter- The IOC and Tokyo organizers last week banned fans from the eighth stage. national Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach paid a all venues in Tokyo and three neighboring prefectures. A few The defending championp courtesy call in Tokyo on Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide outlying venues will allow some spectators, and fans from stretched his lead in the GC to 5 Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar, wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey, cel- Suga. abroad were banned month ago. minutes, 39 seconds over Suga and Bach have both pledged that the Tokyo Olym- About 11,000 athletes and tens of thousands of others will Vingegaard, with Carapaz a further ebrates as he crosses the fi nish line to win the seventeenth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 178.4 kilometers (110.9 miles) with start pics will be “safe and secure” despite the games opening with enter Japan for the Olympics. The Paralympics will add about four seconds behind. in Muret and fi nish in Saint-Lary-Soulan Col du Portet, France. (AP) Tokyo and neighboring prefectures under a national govern- 4,400 more athletes. Pogacar joked Tuesday that he ment-imposed state of emergency. Japan has attributed about 15,000 deaths to COVID-19, a wished he hadn’t cycled Wednesday’s Tokyo reported 1,149 new cases on Wednesday. This was number low by many standards but not as good as most of its route in advance as it would be better the highest since 1,184 were reported almost six months ago Asian neighbors. not to know what was to come. on Jan. 22. It also marked the 25th straight day that cases The Olympic torch relay has also been pulled from Tokyo “I know the road, but you need the UK to ban online racists from were higher than they were a week earlier. streets, with the Tokyo government fearing the relay would legs to climb it,” the Slovenian rider draw crowds and circulate the virus. The opening ceremony is said before the start of the unforgiv- games after Euro 2020 uproar July 23 at Tokyo’s new $1.4 billion National Stadium. ing 178.4-kilometer route. It ended OLYMPICS Bach is expected to travel Friday to Hiroshima, and his vice president John Coates to Nagasaki to use those two bombed with three major obstacles in a row LONDON, July 14, (AP): U.K. player Raheem Sterling. Suga asked Bach to ensure that the Olympics will be safe, cities as backdrops for promoting the Tokyo Olympics and - the 1,569-meter Col de Peyresourde, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has O’Byrne wrote “Black Dives particularly for the Japanese public, of which fewer than 20% the fi rst day of the so-called Olympic Truce. then the 1,580-meter Col de Val announced plans to ban anyone Matter” in response to a BBC post are fully vaccinated. The Olympic Truce, a tradition from ancient Greece, was Louron-Azet, before the hardest, to guilty of online racist abuse from about the controversial penalty “To gain the understanding of our people, and also for the revived by a United Nations resolution in 1993. the top of Col du Portet. attending soccer matches after won by Sterling in England’s 2-1 success of the Tokyo 2020 Games, it is absolutely necessary Bach arrived in Tokyo last week and spent the fi rst three There were several skirmishes at three members of England’s na- victory over Denmark in the Euro- that all participants take appropriate actions and measures days self-isolating in the fi ve-star hotel that the IOC uses for the head of the peloton before Perez, tional team were targeted follow- pean Championship semifinals. including countermeasures against the pandemic,” Suga told its headquarters in Tokyo. Lukas Pöstlberger, Danny van ing its loss in the European Cham- The penalty was awarded by the Bach. “As the host of the games, I do hope that the IOC will The IOC is pushing ahead with the Olympics, despite op- Poppel and Dorian Godon carved a pionship final. referee in extra time. A video re- make the efforts so that all athletes and stakeholders will fully position in much of the Japanese medical community, partly Johnson on Wednesday con- view confirmed the decision. comply with these measures.” because it is dependent for almost 75% of its income on the narrow lead on the flat route before demned the abuse leveled at three O’Byrne had apologized but the mountains. They were joined by Bach replied: “We’d like to reaffi rm all our commitment sale of broadcasting rights. Black play- Basketball Ireland said in a state- on the side of the Olympic community to do everything, that Bach later acknowledged the IOC “always knew that there is Anthony Turgis and Maxime ers after ment late Tuesday that a “joint de- Chevalier. we do not bring any risks to the Japanese people.” this skepticism” among the Japanese people but that they “have they failed cision” was made for the CEO to Bach told Suga that 85% of the athletes and offi cials living to gain confi dence” from the protective measures in place. Steven Kruijswijk dropped out to score leave. after nearly an hour of cycling. The penalties in “Basketball Ireland takes a zero Jumbo-Visma team said Kruijswijk England’s tolerance stance on any form of dis- felt ill during the rest day on Monday shootout crimination, and diversity and in- and that his condition hadn’t defeat to clusion are key pillars in our sport,” improved. It left the team with just Italy on said Basketball Ireland chairman four riders - Vingegaard, Wout van Sunday at Paul McDevitt, describing the com- Aert, Sepp Kuss and Mike Teunissen. Wembley ment as “unacceptable.” The six breakaways stretched Stadium. O’Byrne’s comment preceded their lead to eight minutes after 60 And the wave of racist abuse directed Johnson Johnson toward Black players from the kilometers and maintained a good told the England squad after their shootout advantage as they approached Col House of Commons it was time to loss to Italy in the European Cham- de Peyresourde. Turgis was first to act. The government plans to add pionship final. the summit. online racism to the list of offenses O’Byrne had joined the federa- Turgis, Perez and Godon dropped for which fans can be barred from tion in 2011 after a stint as CEO of Pöstlberger, Chevalier and van matches, he said. the Football Association of Ireland. Poppel on the climb to Col de Val “What we are doing is taking “While I am hugely disap- Louron-Azet, and Perez made his practical steps to ensure that the pointed that this is how my decade move 5.5 kilometers before the sum- football banning regime is changed with Basketball Ireland has ended, mit, which he reached 10 seconds so that if you are guilty of racist I understand that stepping down is before the chasing Godon. abuse online on football, then you in the best interests of the sport,” Godon hit a top speed of 83.6km/h will not be going to the match,’’ O’Byrne said in the joint statement (52 mph) on the downhill to catch Johnson said during his weekly with the governing body. Perez with 22 kilometers to go. Turgis prime minister’s questions session. “I am deeply apologetic over was just over a minute behind, while “No ifs, no buts, no exemptions, no the hurt caused by my remark and excuses.” I am fully cognizant of the strug- Pogacar and the peloton remained just Courts are allowed to issue ban- gles with discrimination that many under four minutes off the pace. ning orders if a fan is convicted people are having to deal with in Perez made another break with of a “relevant offence” linked to day-to-day life,” his statement con- 13.5 kilometers to go, while many a match, including crimes such as tinued. “My comment was an off- riders were struggling on the steep disorderly behavior or possession the-cuff, extremely ill-judged at- 16-kilometer climb up Col de Portet. of weapons. tempt at humor based on wordplay Nairo Quintana’s hopes of challeng- Meanwhile, Bernard O’Byrne only, that was never intended to be In this July 7, 2021 fi le photo, Switzerland’s Roger setback’ with his knee during the grass-court season. ing for the polka dot jersey ended has stepped down as chief execu- racially insensitive or make light Federer plays a return to Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz dur- Federer had said before Wimbledon that he would make when he dropped back 15 kilometers tive of Ireland’s basketball fed- of organizations which have done ing the men’s singles quarterfi nals match on day nine a decision about going to the Summer Games after the before the summit. The Colombian eration after his offensive social so much to help raise awareness of of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London. Grand Slam tournament ended. The 39-year-old from rider won at Col de Portet three media post about England soccer inclusion and discrimination.” Roger Federer will not participate in the Tokyo Olympics, Switzerland lost in the quarterfi nals at the All England years ago. writing on social media Tuesday that he ‘experienced a Club last week to Hubert Hurkacz. (AP)

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