1996 - 2021 SILVER JUBILEE YEAR
Minister Boli nets double meets as Al Rayyan Société thrash Al Générale Gharafa to representativesre enter final
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MONDAY 22 MARCH 2021 9 SHA'ABAN - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8569 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS
Amir and Seychelles President review bilateral ties
The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and means of strengthening them, especially in the fields of trade, investment, tourism, and sports.
DOHA QNA — understanding for military coop- eration and a memorandum of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin understanding in the sports field. Hamad Al Thani and President A number of Their Excellencies of the Republic of Seychelles the Ministers attended the H E Wavel Ramkalawan held an session and the signing official talks session at Sheikh ceremony. Abdullah Bin Jassim Majlis at the Also, Their Excellencies Amiri Diwan yesterday morning. members of the official dele- During the session, they dis- gation accompanying H E the cussed relations between the two President attended them. countries and means of devel- H H the Amir also hosted a oping and strengthening them, luncheon banquet at Sheikh especially in the fields of trade, Abdullah Bin Jassim Majlis at the investment, tourism, and sports. Amiri Diwan in honor of H E They also discussed several President of the Republic of Sey- issues of common concern. chelles and the accompanying After the talks, H H the Amir delegation. and H E President of Seychelles The banquet was attended Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and President of the Republic of Seychelles, H E Wavel Ramkalawan, during a discussion witnessed the signing cer- by a number of Their Excel- at Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Majlis at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. `P2 emony of a memorandum of lencies the Ministers. QRI launches One in six adults given at least one dose of vaccine first rehabilitation THE PENINSULA — DOHA years of age, 69.4 percent have eligibility for vaccine also means but who are not in one of the the phased vaccination plan. received at least one dose while the current priority groups for listed priority groups will have The targeted groups will receive helpline The Ministry of Public Health 70 percent of people above the vaccinations are, people aged 50 their interest recorded and an SMS invitation to come to (MoPH) in its weekly update of age of 80 years were given at years of age and above regardless saved by the MoPH and they their health center on a spec- THE PENINSULA — DOHA COVID-19 Vaccination least one dose of the vaccine. of their health conditions, people will be contacted when they ified date and time. Programme has said that one The programme was launched with moderate chronic medical become eligible. Teachers and school admin- Qatar Rehabilitation Institute in six adults in the country has in Qatar on December 23, 2020. conditions at any age, additional The COVID-19 vaccine is istration staff are being priori- (QRI) has launched the first received at least one dose of the At present Pfizer and BioNTech, healthcare professionals and offered in all 27 health centres tised at Qatar National Con- rehabilitation helpline vaccine. and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines other key workers in different by invitation only according to vention Center(QNCC). `P3 designed to make it easier for The Ministry on its Twitter have been approved for emer- ministries and government insti- discharged patients to access account said that 18.2 percent gency use by the Department of tutions, including teachers and follow up rehabilitation care of total population (16 years and Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical administration staff in education and services. above) have received at least Control in the MoPH. sector. 594,613 Covering paediatric, adult, one dose of the vaccine. The MoPH recently lowered People who are eligible for Total number of doses administered and older adult rehabilitation According to the report, the age threshold for COVID-19 the vaccine at this stage will be services, the helpline is 134,498 doses have been vaccine eligibility to 50 years of contacted directly by Primary since the start of programme designed to simplify the administered in the last seven age. The change came as MoPH Health Care Corporation process for patients to con- days, and a total of 594,613 sped up the National Strategic (PHCC). Those who meet the Percentage of population tinue with their required reha- doses administered since the National Vaccination Plan criteria for the first priority 18.2 (16 years and above) bilitation care to support their start of the programme. against COVID-19 and groups can also request to CoronavirusCoCororooronavirususs have received at least recovery after leaving Also 66.8 percent of people expanded the programme to schedule an appointment for VACCINEVACCVACCCCIININE one dose hospital. over 60 years of age have include more people for vacci- vaccination via the MoPH Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad, received at least one dose of the nation in Qatar. COVID-19 website. Adults receive at Medical Director of QRI and vaccine. Among those over 70 The change in terms of People who register online 1 in 6 least one dose National Lead for Healthy Ageing, explained the impor- tance of this helpline in pro- moting effective continuity of MoPH collecting feedback care: “Every day our clinicians see patients who have experi- about COVID-19 vaccines enced a physical trauma fol- lowing an accident, or neuro- logical damage following a FAZEENA SALEEM “It is important to record stroke or major surgery, or THE PENINSULA symptoms for all the doses. So they have a debilitating please note you need to submit chronic disease that impacts The Ministry of Public Health feedback for each dose sepa- their ability to function inde- (MoPH) has initiated to collect rately,” it added. pendently in the feedback whether any side In order to register for community.” effects that people are having COVID-19 vaccination “Ongoing rehabilitation from the COVID-19 vaccine and feedback, individuals will need therapy is an important com- reaffirmed that people who to login using National Authen- ponent of the patient’s suffer from allergies can take the tication System (NAS) Taw- recovery journey, not only Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna theeq username (usually the during their hospital stay but COVID-19 vaccines safely. QID) and password in a link also after they have been dis- The Ministry has included provided in the microsite of charged from hospital. While a COVID-19 vaccination MoPH. we provide rehabilitative feedback section in the To recall, Ministry officials care to a broad spectrum of microsite of MoPH dedicated have mentioned at numerous patients, we also have a sig- Envoy inspects QFF-funded facilities in Fukushima for details about vaccination. times that post-vaccine surveil- nificant number of patients Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Japan, H E Hassan bin Mohammed Rafi Al Emadi, during an “It is very important that we lance has not reported any who struggle to find their inspection tour of facilities, which were completed by the Qatar Friendship Fund (QFF) in Japan in collect and monitor any side serious side effects. A small way within the healthcare effects that people are having number of those who have system. For instance, some Fukushima prefecture, as part of the fund’s projects for the reconstruction of areas that witnessed from the COVID-19 vaccine,” taken the vaccination reported of our older patients expe- widespread damage due to the earthquake and tsunami disasters in March 2011. `P3 said the Ministry. very modest side effects. `P3 rience more challenges in accessing the right follow up care after they have been discharged. Qatar’s e-commerce sector witnesses steady growth in recent months "Our helpline will help address these challenges – not IRFAN BUKHARI growth over the last several directory of the Ministry of websites are of the companies According to e-commerce only will it help patients get THE PENINSULA months. Transport and Communications which employ hybrid model portal of MoTC, Qatar’s e-com- follow up appointments for Latest innovations in IT (MoTC) in June last year, while like well-known hypermarkets, merce programme aims to rehabilitative care but it will Owing to multiple reasons sector as well as popularity of this number has grown to 494 restaurants, pharmacies, create an environment con- also enable patients aged 60 including COVID-19 pandemic online shopping platforms have e-commerce websites now apparel outlets while there are ducive to the rapid adoption of and above to get an related precautions and restric- also contributed in this rapid showing an addition of 144 new many online-only commerce e-commerce in the country by appointment with the new tions, e-commerce sector in the rise. There were 350 websites websites. platforms serving in travel, addressing its main inhibiting Geriatric Wellness Clinic,” country has witnessed a steady registered with the e-commerce A number of e-commerce tourism, and other retail sectors. factors. `P3 added Dr Al Hamad. `P3 02 HOME MONDAY 22 MARCH 2021 Amir, President of Seychelles witness signing of MoUs
Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and President of the Republic of Seychelles H E Wavel Ramkalawan witnessing signing of MoUs between the two countries at Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Majlis at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. RIGHT: H H the Amir and H E the President of Seychelles inspecting the guard of honour at the Amiri Diwan.
Close to 600,000 COVID-19 OFFICIAL NEWS vaccine doses administered Sheikha Jawaher meets wife of THE PENINSULA — DOHA A total of 15,275 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been Seychelles President The Ministry of Public Health administered in the past 24 (MoPH) reported 503 new cases hours. The total number of DOHA: H H Sheikha Jawaher bint of COVID-19 yesterday. Among vaccine doses administered Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, wife of them 90 were travellers since the start of the vacci- H H the Amir, met yesterday morning returning from abroad. nation campaign is 594,613. at the Pearl Palace with H E Linda A total of 336 people “Qatar’s strict quarantine Ramkalawan, wife of H E the Pres- recovered from COVID-19 yes- policy for returning travellers ident of the Republic of Seychelles, terday, bringing the total enabled us to delay the intro- and her accompanying delegation. number of people recovered in duction of new variants into the During the meeting, cordial talks on Qatar to 160,451. country for several months but a number of topics of mutual interest There are 12,819 currently we are now seeing positive were exchanged. Her Highness also active cases under treatment. COVID-19 cases in the region hosted a luncheon banquet in hon- The Ministry also reported that and in Qatar with the new var- our of the wife of H E the Seychelles a 63-year-old patient suc- iants from the UK,” the Ministry President and the accompanying cumbed to COVID-19. said. delegation. — QNA President of Seychelles visits Qatar Foundation CRA publishes public consultation on Wi-Fi 6 President of the Republic of Seychelles, H E Wavel Ramkalawan, was given an insight into the mission of Qatar Foundation during his official visit to Qatar. While at Education City, the President received an THE PENINSULA — DOHA Al Mannai. overview of Qatar Foundation’s (QF) ecosystem of education, science and research, and community It is worth mentioning that development from the viewing balcony at the 2015 building (QF Headquarters). He also visited Qatar The Communications Regu- CRA has reviewed the experi- National Library, which is housed within Education City. latory Authority (CRA) has ences and the policy state- published a public consultation ments of several countries in on its website related to the this regard and found that Wireless Local Area Network some countries have decided (Wi-Fi 6) and CRA’s proposed to assign the full frequency policy for assigning the full band to Wi-Fi 6 technology, frequency band (5925 - 7125 such as the United States of MHz) to this network. The America, the Republic of South policy aims to receive views Korea, and others. Some other and comments from the local countries have decided to and international stakeholders assign part of the frequency and interested parties about band, such as the United Mohammed Ali Al Mannai, CRA’s proposed decision. Kingdom and several European President of CRA Wi-Fi 6 is one of the countries. world’s new and cutting-edge The CRA’s approach is technologies, helping to introduction of advanced tech- based on the investment of the address Internet data traffic nologies to Qatar and keep its full bandwidth (1200 MHz) to congestion issues caused by relevant regulatory instru- increase the Wi-Fi capacity the connectivity of multiple ments up to date to cover the and enhance the experience of devices to the same Wi-Fi hub. new technologies and radio- the consumers in Qatar, to Thus, this technology will communications applications, keep pace with the telecom enable consumers in Qatar to which will contribute to a infrastructure that is ready to connect more devices to the better future. The introduction accommodate this new tech- Wi-Fi with high-speed Internet of this technology will help nology, as the optical fiber connectivity, including laptops, support many sectors in Qatar, network covers around 99% of tablets, mobile phones, and including the education sector, Qatar’s households. This per- smart TV. Also, Wi-Fi 6 will especially with the current centage is one of the highest enable different Internet of approach related to remote worldwide. Things (IoT) applications and learning through the internet Stakeholders and inter- support innovative applica- because of the conditions asso- ested parties can email their tions such as Augmented ciated with the spread of the views and comments about the Reality (AR), Virtual Reality Coronavirus pandemic public consultation to type. (VR), and Ultra High Definition (COVID-19). Moreover, this [email protected], before video (Ultra HD). technology will support the Thursday, April 8, 2021. The “CRA is one of the first reg- mobile telecom market as a public consultation is available ulators in the region and the complementary technology to at the link below: https://www. world to announce clearly and the (5G) Networks, especially cra.gov.qa/en/document/ transparently its policy related during Qatar’s hosting of major public-consultation-on-class- to the frequency band for the events, including the FIFA license-for-use-of-rlan-devic- Wi-Fi 6 technology. CRA is World Cup - Qatar 2022,” said es-over-5925-7125-mhz- always keen to encourage the CRA President Mohammed Ali band-wi-fi-6 Hassad completes new camel market
THE PENINSULA — DOHA ducer and consumer).” The Camel Market includes Hassad, Qatar’s premier 30 camel barns, 45 shops for investor in food and agri- fodder and other services, and business sectors, announced an auction area, in addition to yesterday that it concluded the a slaughterhouse and Majlis for development of the new camel livestock owners. market in Abu Nakhla area, to Following clear and well- serve the needs of livestock studied criteria, Aswaq for Food owners, as well as support the Facilities Management (a sub- local livestock sector. sidiary of Hassad) will manage Eng. Mohamed Al Sadah the new camel market, to (pictured), Hassad Chief Exec- ensure smooth and efficient utive Officer, commented, “In as we aim to satisfy the needs operations. line with our investment of livestock owners and Units will be rented out strategy, which includes sup- support in developing the through the central markets porting and developing local livestock sector. committee. projects that supports in “The market completion is Over the last two years, achieving food security for the a continuation of Hassad’s plan Hassad has successfully state of Qatar, it is our to develop integrated mar- developed the central markets pleasure to announce the keting platforms, to serve the in A’Sailiya, Al Wakra and Um completion of the new camel needs of all categories within Salal to support country's food market located in Abu Nakhla, the food sector (trader, pro- self-sufficiency efforts. MONDAY 22 MARCH 2021 HOME 03 Ooredoo, Mastercard and QNB launch Mastercard contactless payment facility
THE PENINSULA — DOHA payments. Ooredoo Money will also and leads the region and the market be issuing Mastercard’s Contactless with innovative solutions. This part- Ooredoo Qatar, Mastercard, and Tap & Go physical cards, enabling nership demonstrates our successful QNB have announced the launch of contactless and frictionless pay- work with partners from other the first-of-their-kind Ooredoo ments using secure Near Field Tech- industries to deliver innovative Money Virtual Prepaid Card and nology (NFC) while shopping any- digital financial services to provide Contactless Tap & Go Mastercard where in the world. the community with convenient, cards in Qatar. Chief Commercial Officer at safe, and fast payment services.” In line with the Qatar National Ooredoo, Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad The Country Manager - Qatar, Vision 2030, Ooredoo is committed Bin Nasser Al Thani, said, “We’re Oman, Kuwait, and Iraq at Mas- to further driving digitalisation of delighted to be partnering with Mas- tercard Nadia Ghissassi, com- the country’s economy and ensuring tercard and QNB to launch these mented, “We are delighted to extend the rollout of the latest in digital exciting products, which is another our longstanding partnership with payment solutions, providing con- milestone for us on the journey Ooredoo and QNB. We are com- sumers with quick, easy, and con- towards complete digitalisation. This mitted to delivering innovative solu- venient options to perform partnership is further testament to tions and driving such strategic part- transactions. our commitment to providing con- nerships that will further accelerate Deputy Prime Minister meets Mauritania FM Consumers will be able to apply sumers with convenient, safe, and Qatar’s shift towards a digital for the Mastercard Virtual Prepaid secure high-quality financial economy. We will continue to lev- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin card directly using the Ooredoo services.” erage our expertise to introduce Abdulrahman Al Thani met yesterday with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Money app. The new product General Manager, QNB Group products with our consumers’ Mauritanians Abroad, H E Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, who is currently visiting the country. enables immediate issuance of Retail Banking, Heba Al Tamimi, evolving needs at the heart of the During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral cooperation and relations and the resumption digital cards and allows users to said, “This is yet another proof that design process, offering them safer, of diplomatic relations between the two brotherly countries. perform safe and secure online QNB is at the forefront of technology faster, and convenient ways to pay.” Ambassador inspects projects by Qatar Friendship Fund in Japan One in six adults given at QNA — TOKYO Shirakawa Kazuo Suzuki, and Shimizu reiterated his thanks a number of senior officials. to the government and people least one dose Ambassador of the State of Suzuki expressed his thanks of the State of Qatar for all the Qatar to Japan, H E Hassan bin and appreciation for the gen- QFF’s projects and for Elem of vaccine Mohammed Rafi Al Emadi, erous assistance provided by Project. The generous donation FROM PAGE 1 made a tour of inspection to the State of Qatar and the great from the State of Qatar came at two facilities, which were support for the efforts to a time when the affected areas The vaccine is offered completed by the Qatar rebuild the city, pointing out were in need to get out of the to other professionals and Friendship Fund (QFF) in Japan that many of the affected areas consequences of the disaster, the key workers in different in Fukushima prefecture, as have regained their vitality, Mayor added. ministries and industries part of the fund’s projects for thanks to the efforts of the QFF, The project, he said, con- and attending QNCC is by the reconstruction of areas that and that this sports facility con- tributes to building the capabil- invitation only. witnessed widespread damage tributes to refining talents and ities and skills of young people The targeted groups due to the earthquake and discovering sports skills for the in the fields of innovation and will receive an SMS invi- tsunami disasters in March youth of the city and the sur- entrepreneurship, in order to tation to come to visit 2011. rounding areas. provide a prosperous future for centre on the dates spec- The Ambassador, along Ambassador Al Emadi the Japanese generations. ified for both their first and with members of the embassy, expressed his appreciation for Ambassador Al Emadi second dose of the vaccine. Minister Plenipotentiary of the the warm welcome and expressed his pride in the ability The Drive-through Embassy Abdullah bin Jassim reception, noting that the of friends in Japan to quickly Vaccination Centre in Al Zeyarah and the Third Sec- projects of the QFF in the dis- recover from that disaster, which Lusail caters only for retary at the embassy Nasser aster-affected areas represent a is considered as a source of people receiving their Ambassador of Qatar, H E Hassan bin Mohammed Rafi Al Emadi, with bin Yousef Al Kaabi, began the symbol of friendship and coop- inspiration for everyone around second dose. Mayor of Shirakawa, Kazuo Suzuki, at Qatar Sports Park in Shirakawa tour with a visit to Qatar Sports eration between Qatar and Japan the world, stressing that the PHCC will notify eli- Park in Shirakawa City in and the two friendly peoples. City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. Qatari people always stand side gible people if their second Fukushima, the hardest-hit On the second stop during by side with friends in Japan, and dose will be administered prefectures. the inspection tour, the Ambas- students with practical expe- by Iwaki City Mayor Toshio that this friendship, which at the Drive-Through The Ambassador was wel- sador paid a visit to “Elem” edu- rience, implemented by the QFF Shimizu, and a number of senior extended for nearly fifty years, Centre or a primary health comed by the Mayor of cational facility that provides in Iwaki City. He was welcomed officials. will continue. center. QRI launches first rehabilitation helpline
FROM PAGE 1 is that this may lead to relapse in the Mashael Jassim, Assistant Executive patient’s condition and possibly readmission Director of Nursing, has led the efforts to to inpatient care. This is neither desirable establish the dedicated helpline to facilitate or efficient for the patient and their family, easier access and improve continuity of nor for our facility – so by enabling the right rehabilitation care and services: “Our staff delivery of follow up care we can ensure found that some patients experienced dif- better patient centered care and operational ficulties in continuing their rehabilitation performance.” care as outpatient clients after they were Managed by Hamad Medical Corporation discharged. In some cases patients did not (HMC), QRI is located within Hamad Bin understand what was needed to initiate nec- Khalifa Medical City and is a state-of-the- essary after care and the language barrier art facility with international best practice made it more difficult for them to seek help expertise. through the regular channels.” The rehabilitative institute includes “Occasionally the unavailability of rehabilitation medicine services, physical treatment slots resulted in delays that could therapy, occupational therapy and speech potentially have serious consequences on therapy for all ages. The highly skilled team the patient’s recovery. Continuity of care of clinicians and therapists deliver a per- and care coordination are important con- sonalized package of exceptional rehabili- cepts that make significant contributions to tative treatment and care in a healing envi- how people experience health and related ronment that incorporates both mental and care,” Jassim added. physical healing. Dr. Fatma Al Kuwari, Assistant Chair- The Tawasol helpline is accessible on person of the Physical Medicine and Reha- +974 40260400 - Sunday to Thursday, 7am bilitation Department is a key sponsor of to 3pm for patients, family or other carers this program, stated that: “The risk of to request assistance directly from a QRI delayed or discontinued rehabilitative care staff member in Arabic or English. Qatar’s e-commerce sector MoPH collecting witnesses steady growth feedback about FROM PAGE 1 COVID-19 vaccines It also aims to establish set protocols and gov- FROM PAGE 1 ernance mechanisms that will foster and encourage the future expansion of online trading in Qatar, it The side effects include low- added. grade fever, mild headache, The country’s e-commerce program objectives fatigue and soreness at the and Road Map have been compiled through a thorough injection site, which are com- process, involving local, regional and international monly seen with other businesses with a significant interest in Qatari e-com- vaccines. merce – from product and service creation, to online “With any vaccine, indi- purchasing, order fulfilment and delivery, according viduals may develop side effects to MoTC portal. Apart from identifying and removing from the vaccine, and it is the key obstacles to building a successful online retail same for those who have sector, the continued coordination, communication received the COVID-19 vaccine. and collaboration between all stakeholders have also Minor symptoms that occur after been recognised as critical to the effective implemen- receiving a vaccine are normal tation of the program’s objectives. and are expected as the body “The rising number of companies in e-commerce builds immunity,” said the Min- shows the huge potential in Qatar’s market. The istry. “These side effects can e-commerce market in Qatar is set to grow further range from very minor side because many SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) effects to more severe. If you are are yet to adopt digital payment platforms. Also, due having any severe side effect, to COVID-19 restricts, consumers have got used to please call 999 or seek medical using digital payments. The pandemic has accelerated care in the nearest medical the momentum of e-commerce in Qatar,” a senior facility,” it added. Separately, the official of an IT company providing digital payment Ministry said that most people solutions told The Peninsula. who suffer from allergies can Qatar also launched ‘Theqa’ in 2019 which is take the Pfizer-BioNTech and Qatar’s very first e-commerce Trustmark and aims Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. to boost and nurture online retail activity in the country “However people with any sever by instilling a sense of trust that its e-commerce eco- allergy to any component of the system is safe and secure. vaccine should not take it.” 04 HOME MONDAY 22 MARCH 2021 Top 10 ways QF helped Qatar battle the COVID-19 pandemic
THE PENINSULA – DOHA Qatar Computing Research Despite the pandemic Institute developed a model disrupting life in more ways than imaginable, researchers, that traces the movement of scientists and the research people based on cell phone funding body at Qatar Foud- data, which helped health nation (QF) immediately mobi- authorities with contact lized their resources to find tracing for COVID-19 ways in which they could best assist the country in responding positive patients, especially to the crisis. in the first few weeks of the Marking one year since QF pandemic, before the announced work-from-home Ehteraz app was deployed. due to the COVID-19 pandemic, QF has shared 10 ways QF helped Qatar battle the COVID-19 QF has shared 10 ways QF Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) supports nationwide pandemic. helped Qatar battle the testing and diagnostics. COVID-19 pandemic. Weill Cornell Medicine should they run out; second, these researchers continue to Texas A&M University at Qatar dashboard is used by gov- ribonucleic acid (RNA) – Qatar (WCM-Q) provided vital additional equipment for work at the HGH-HMC in shifts (TAMUQ) modified snorkeling ernment health authorities in extraction process, currently insights into the nature of the testing; and third, human to support the operation of the masks so they could be plugged Qatar, and internally within needed for COVID-19 testing. outbreak, its spread, and risk. capacity. With their primary new COVID-19 testing labo- into ventilators at hospitals. Qatar Foundation. By skipping the RNA extraction Prof. Laith Abu Raddad, Pro- objective being to increase ratory. In April 2020, Qatar Qatar Computing Research Ali Al Rashid, a PhD can- step and replacing it with a fessor of Infectious Disease Epi- capacity for testing, QBRI National Research Fund (QNRF) Institute developed a model that didate at QF, created a robot for simple pre-treatment process, demiology at WCM-Q, has been ordered and received reagents announced a new funding ini- traces the movement of people the age of the COVID-19 pan- the new method will reduce the instrumental in providing the (reagents are compounds or tiative called the Rapid based on cell phone data, which demic. The robot on wheels cost of the test by approximately Ministry of Public Health solutions that trigger chemical Response Call (RRC), designed helped health authorities with doubles as a security guard and 75 per cent and will also (MOPH) with epidemiology ana- reactions) that would allow to provide funding on a fast- contact tracing for COVID-19 an office cleaner. During improve the turn-around time lytics which helped shape the them to run 2,000 – 8,000 tests track basis to address the chal- positive patients, especially in daytime, it screens and instantly of the test by approximately two national response to the pan- per day. They also developed lenges and opportunities pre- the first few weeks of the pan- verifies the Ehteraz app status hours. Qatar Environment and demic. He also led several an in-house RT-PCR assay sented by sudden and emergent demic, before the Ehteraz app of people accessing the building. Energy Research Institute led nationwide studies to examine (assay is the process of ana- situations such as the COVID-19 was deployed. They also Qatar Genome Programme a collaborative research project antibody prevalence in different lyzing a substance to determine pandemic. developed an online multi- (QGP) was the first and only to monitor Qatar’s municipal parts of the population and the its composition or quality) for The Fabrication Lab, or Fab lingual self-assessment tool active participant from an Arab wastewater for the novel coro- possibility of COVID-19 reinfec- COVID-19 testing, which was Lab Team, at QF partner uni- based on the guidelines laid out country in the COVID-19 Host navirus SARS-CoV-2. Their aim tions. When the pandemic eventually validated at QBRI in versity Virginia Commonwealth by the World Health Organi- Genetics Initiative, a global ini- was to assist MOPH in deter- started, Qatar Biomedical collaboration with Hamad University School of the Arts in zation and HMC. Qatar Com- tiative to elucidate the role of mining the lifecycle of the pan- Research Institute (QBRI) swiftly Medical Corporation (HMC). The Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) worked puting Research Institute (QCRI) host genetic factors in the sus- demic and in understanding assessed their tools and assay demonstrated high spe- with a group of fabricators and also modeled and visualized the ceptibility and severity of the how it spreads. machinery to see which could cificity and sensitivity, deeming universities in the US to produce evolution of the pandemic, and SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic. This knowledge can help be of use in nationwide testing it quite robust. QBRI also made protective face shields, sup- created a dashboard that sum- Sidra Medicine developed a ascertain and provide a level of and diagnostics. It effectively an agreement with HMC to have porting efforts to keep those in marizes data related to the pan- simplified and rapid, second assurance in the efficacy of the created a threefold plan of QBRI’s researchers physically the frontline of the ongoing demic in Qatar and the GCC COVID-19 testing method. The implemented control measures, action to aid national author- join the new COVID-19 testing global pandemic safe. Inspired countries, which helps predict new method uses a pre- as well as provide early warning ities in the COVID-19 crisis: first, laboratory at the Hamad by a startup in Italy, engineers disease development – such as treatment of the specimen in case of a resurgence of the the availability of reagents General Hospital (HGH), and at another QF partner university understanding hotspots. This (swab sample) to replace the virus. Qatar University marks World Poetry Day MES Indian School celebrates THE PENINSULA – DOHA dictionary, and the people rec- ognize him for his own, unique Qatar University (QU) marked poetic style.” Kindergarten Graduation Day World Poetry Day to promote Associate Professor of the reading, writing, publishing, Arabic Language Dr. Loui Khalil THE PENINSULA – DOHA and teaching poetry throughout commented, “Poetry has always the world. Professors from QU’s been a record for Arabs as they MES Indian School celebrated Arabic Language Department chronicled their life, culture, Kindergarten Graduation Day shared their views on poetry. and attitude towards the world on March 17 and 18, 2021 on the To celebrate, Unesco named and which continues till today. virtual platform. The March 21 World Poetry Day. However, poetry is not programme began with an The celebration seeks to raise exclusive to Arabs; all civiliza- enchanting welcome dance by awareness of the importance tions have found poetry as a the little graduates. The Chief Dr. Rami Abu Shehab of this treasured form of space for expression and a Guest K. Abdul Karim, President expression. Practiced Meanwhile, Assistant Pro- fantasy place in which they can officiating MES Governing throughout history, poetry has fessor of Arabic Language Dr. secure their place in this Board, in his convocation been an important way to com- Mahrous Mohammed said, universe.” address said that Kindergarten municate and to display one’s “Allah (SWT) bestows abilities According to Dr. Khalil, students are effervescent in Students of MES Indian School are celebrating Kindergarten linguistic and cultural identity. and talents on whoever he likes, poetry’s standing has declined spirit, infinite in resources and Graduation Day. Lecturer of Arabic Lan- but the talent remains hidden slightly compared to other arts, ever inquisitive to learn. He guage Dr. Rami Abu Shehab in the soul until an expert but this does not –and should complimented the graduates on parents for their commendable complimented the efforts taken explained that the power of reveals that talent and removes not- diminish its place among their achievements, also efforts in teaching students on by the teachers and thanked the technology and the blurring of the cover. readers and scholars. congratulated the teachers for the virtual platform in these parents for their support and boundaries between reality and “The poetry system begins In Arab culture, Arabs have their dedication and hard work days of uncertainty caused by cooperation. dreams has created confusion by replicating previous great a very special relationship with in shaping the students through the pandemic. She also added The highlight of the Graduation in understanding the world. poets in weight and rhyme. As poetry historically and cul- education and other that the similar kind of cooper- was the smart students of pre- He believes the world has time passes on, the novice poet turally. To harness this rela- co-curricular activities. ation from the parents is primary looking adorable in lost the primitiveness of lan- discovers that he sloughs off in tionship, academic institutions The Principal Hameeda Kadar expected as the students their graduation robes and guage, and poetry is waiting for imitation. must give attention to poetry in her felicitation address continue in the main stream of caps, and receiving the e-certif- the next revolution to regain He starts flying in his poet and endorse it to return to its congratulated the collective the school. Lalitha Srinivas, icates of their graduation from that spirit. world with his own words and former glory. efforts of the teachers and the Head of Kindergarten Section the Chief Guest. Qatar National Library hosts watermarks lecture series to unearth historical data
THE PENINSULA — DOHA indexes, the forms used in each index, and the studied time periods To educate manuscript profes- Watermarks can unlock a in each paper or electronic index. sionals, scholars, researchers and large part of a manuscript’s She spoke about noted Swiss fili- students about the significance of history by answering granologist Charles-Moïse Bri- these important signs, Qatar quet’s index, which covers water- National Library (QNL), in coop- questions around the date of marks from 1282 to 1600 AD, and eration with the National Library the original script, sizes, the forms listed in his encyclo- of Algeria and in its role as the trademarks and the quality of pedia on watermarks. IFLA Preservation and Conser- the paper. The lecture aimed to help vation Center for Arab Countries researchers shorten the time they and the Middle East, is hosting a spend searching for the date of series of lectures on watermarks scribing a manuscript that includes throughout March 2021. a specific watermark by directly Watermarks can unlock a large the use of modern technology to previewing the index that contains part of a manuscript’s history by benefit research in the field. the watermark under study, answering questions around the During the preparation of these without wasting time searching date of the original script, sizes, lectures and through research on within all the indexes. trademarks and the quality of the this subject, we discovered that the During the upcoming session paper. Arab world is almost devoid of the on March 22, Yahia will draw Fattouma bin Yahia, Head of literature in this discipline, while comparisons between Dmitry Manuscripts and Rare Books the science has become a stand- Likhachov, a Russian medievalist Department, National Library of alone discipline in Western uni- and linguist, and Charles-Moise Algeria, is the official speaker for versities called filigranology the Briquet’s understanding of the the four-part series, and in the first study of watermarks.” maximum period that paper takes two sessions she discussed topics The first lecture, on March 8, from the date of its manufacture ranging from semantics and clas- shed light on the forms of water- until the period of scribing on it, sification to periods and dates of marks, their classification and the depending on the distance paper. Yahia is the first and only meanings of these forms. between the place where the paper female in the region to head a The one-hour session explored was made. manuscripts and rare books the possibility of these symbols The fourth and last session of division. being messages or letters selected the series has been scheduled for Yahia said, “In the context of by papermakers. Yahia also March 29, when Yahia will discuss these records, we would like to touched upon the topic of sub- Charles-Moise Briquet’s mammoth draw the attention of researchers watermarks from the 10th century four-volume work Les Filigranes, in the Arab world to the subject of AH, countries that used water- which includes 16,112 watermarks watermarks and the various topics marks and the forms in which they collected from libraries and that follow them, such as various were used. archives, official court documents, disciplines of history and art On March 13, Yahia discussed and records of notaries in different history, semiotic watermarks, and the most important watermark European countries. MONDAY 22 MARCH 2021 HOME 05 Al-Faleh Educational Holding announces plans to go public First education focused company in the Arab world to be listed on the Qatari Stock Exchange.
Dr. Aisha bint Faleh Al Thani: “The rapid growth of our educational facilities further enriches the educational sector in Qatar.”
“We plan to further accommodate about 4,500 students in the near future in the new campus of AFG College with the University of Aberdeen.”
l-Faleh Educa- and corporations into a higher tional Holding, a economical stratosphere and renowned regional will no doubt help enrich the corporation that economic climate of the great offers premium state of Qatar.” She added. Aand innovative services in the Dr. Sheikha Aisha Bint education sector, has recently Faleh Al Thani has always announced its plans to go aligned herself with the Vision public. The decision to go for Qatar 2030, which has public was facilitated by the been conceived and orches- Ministry of Commerce and trated by H H Sheikh Tamim Industry's latest decision to introduce a new platform that very near future, along with corporation’s vision and its allows medium and small programmes in the fields of aspirations. The plan is to fur- enterprises to be listed in the It is with great pride that we announce our decision Engineering, Social Studies, ther expand the number of Qatari Stock Market, a for Al-Faleh Educational Holding to go public and be Medical Studies.” students at AFG College to decision that was monu- listed on the Qatari Stock Exchange. That monumental “We are also planning to 4,500 students once the new mental in supporting and feat came after a period of great perseverance and introduce a new programme campus opens. “We have furthering the economical in Business Management and also set a long-term vision to growth of vast local enter- even greater success. We have been successful of Real Estate, which is the first launch a Qatari college in its prises in various sectors. Dr. raising the bar for all education based corporations in Qatar which we believe first ever campus in the UK. Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al locally and regionally, and we intend to further our will no doubt elevate the real We are still in the develop- Thani, Chairman and Founder growth and to maintain our ever evolving standards. estate sector in the country, ment phase of that goal, and of Al-Faleh Educational by enriching it with highly- we are currently in the proc- Holding, has addressed the educated and well-trained ess of location-hunting. This corporation’s latest decision Dr. Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al Thani, personnel.” She added. will allow us to be the first to to go public by stating: “It is Chairman and Founder of AFG College with the Uni- ever launch a GCC college in with great pride that we Al-Faleh Educational Holding versity of Aberdeen has more the UK.” announce our decision for Al than 700 enrolled students. Efforts to overcome the Faleh Educational Holding to Doha Academy schools as well complexities of the pandemic go public and be listed on the as Doha International Kinder- Al Faleh Educational Hold- Qatari Stock Exchange. That garten have more than 3000 ing was at the forefront of the monumental feat came after a digital revolution. Dr. Sheika period of great perseverance Bin Hamad Al Thani, The Expansion and Develop- Aisha Bint Faleh has long been and even greater success. We Emir, and it continues to be ment Plans a pioneer in the field of digi- have been successful of her driving force behind all Dr. Sheikha Aisha Bint tization, and has long called raising the bar for all the success and achieve- Faleh is renowned for hav- for the full implementation education based corporations ments that she has helmed in ing laser-focused vision for of it in the country’s educa- locally and regionally, and we the Educational Sector. Al- the development and conti- tion sector. “We have to be at intend to further our growth Faleh Educational Holding nuity of Al Faleh Educational the forefront of developmental and to maintain our ever has continuously proven to Holding. It was recently revolutions, we simply can- evolving standards.” “We are be an emblem of excellence announced that AFG College not afford to shun change and hopeful our decision to go in delivering educational and with the University of Aber- wait until we find ourselves public will allow our corpo- academic services of the high- deen, a unique partnership grappling trying to adjust.” ration to continue to expand est standard, which allowed between Al Faleh Group for She stated. “That has allowed in the region, to be able to it to deliver a comprehensive Educational and Academic us to adapt to the changing provide more dynamic and portfolio of academic pro- Services which is a subsidi- nature of education that was exceptional educational grammes and initiatives. The ary of Al Faleh Educational brought on by the pandemic. services. We would like to corporation continues to find Holding, and the Univer- We had the foresight to equip thank the Ministry of success in providing inter- sity of Aberdeen which was our students with all the tech- Commerce and Industry for national standard facilities established in 2017, currently nologically advanced teaching their enlightened decision to that support student learn- offers a selection of under- methods, and in return our introduce their latest platform ing and development, as graduate and post-graduate curriculums didn’t suffer as a that allows medium and small well as further contribute to (Masters) programmes which consequence of the pandemic. enterprises to be listed in the research, scholarship, and cre- includes: Accountancy and to add to their education in enrolled students. Dr. Sheikha In fact, our students thrived Qatari Stock Market. That ative expression, as means to Finance, Business Manage- business, management and Aisha Bint Faleh has also given the circumstances and decision will no doubt advance a knowledge-based ment, Business Management & organizations with a deeper announced future plans to add that proved my theory that catapult various enterprises society. Information Systems, Business focus on the legal framework an international, UK school to students can advance and Management & International within which businesses of all its highly revered roaster of benefit from what is referred Relations, Masters of Busi- sizes operate. It will also equip educational institutions in the to as unconventional learning ness Administration, MSc the students with highly devel- very near future. “We won’t atmospheres and techniques.” International Business Man- oped analytical and academic share any further details about Al Faleh Educational Hold- agement, MSc International skills. The International Post- this future partnership with ing took all the necessary Human Resource Manage- graduate Diploma in Education this highly-prestigious, inter- precautions within its vast ment and LLM International programme will provide Mas- national school, that has given roaster of educational insti- Commercial Law. In addi- ter’s level, professional learning birth to various internation- tutions, to further ensure the tion to these programmes, for teachers. The programme ally renowned free-thinkers safety of its faculty and stu- AFG College with the Univer- connects theory, practice and influencers around the dents alike. “We were very sity of Aberdeen will introduce and person through collabo- world. We will in due time. stern with our safety strate- a new Bachelor (with hons) in rative professional learning The new campus will host the gies. We left no room for error Business Management & Legal communities, with the aim of international school, and we in that regard.” The corpo- Studies and International transforming practice for the look forward to this up-com- ration collaborated with an Postgraduate Diploma in Edu- benefit of all learners. ing venture.” international, Canada-based cation/ Master of Education as Dr. Sheikha Aisha Bin Al Faleh Educational Hold- company that took on the gar- of September 2021. Faleh Al Thani stated “We ing has set a very dynamic gantuan task of maintain The Business Management also have plans in place to 5-year plan that has been the necessary precaution- & Legal Studies Programme introduce a post-graduate carefully crafted, and heav- ary measures set forth by the will offer students the chance (Doctorate’s degree) in the ily revised, to mirror the ministry. 06 HOME MONDAY 22 MARCH 2021
IIS holds teachers’ Annual water consumption increases by 8% enrichment event
THE PENINSULA – DOHA worldwide to place these THE PENINSULA – DOHA It is estimated that the challenges at the forefront of During the past years, total production their national and regional Ideal Indian School (IIS) Kahramaa has met the capacity will reach 536 priorities and exert extra organised Teachers’ Enrichment increasing demand for water million gallons per day efforts to ensure that sus- Programme via virtual platform in Qatar, despite an annual in the second quarter of tainable development recently on Understanding increase in water requirements are met. Brain Development in Founda- consumption amounting to 2021 (an increase of On the local level, the tional Years’. an approximate 8% in the 13% over 2020), Permanent Committee for The resource person was past twenty years. ensuring that future Water Resources has pro- the President of Podar Edu- This came in a statement demands over water will posed policies and strategies cation Network Dr. Swati Popat issued by Kahramaa on be safely met up until related to water resources Vatswas. World Water Day, which falls and approved plans, pro- Dr. Swati enlightened the on March 22. 2025. grams, and projects related teachers on the various stages The highest consumption to their management and of brain development in the rate in 2020 equaled 438 development. early ages of children. She said million gallons per day, while countries of the world to take In addition, it has carried that teachers and parents must the production capacity the necessary actions to out important initiatives understand that maturation of reached 476 million gallons address the global water related to reinforcing water the brain influences learning per day. It is estimated that crisis, emphasizing the need security and preserving readiness. the total production capacity to support Goal No. 6 of the underground water reser- For teachers, this is espe- will reach 536 million gallons Sustainable Development voirs in the country with cially important when designing per day in the second quarter Goals, which stipulates the these significant lessons and selecting strategies. of 2021 (an increase of 13% need to address water avail- achievements. Good nutrition and healthy rou- over 2020), ensuring that ability sanitation facilities for Kahramaa has also pre- tines are essential to brain future demands over water all by 2030. pared the National Water development, she added. will be safely met up until The world’s water Strategy, which explored Addressing the teachers, 2025. resources face a series of many challenges and solu- Principal Syed Shoukath Ali said Kahramaa has achieved challenges, starting from the tions, initiatives, and per- that the early stages of brain its strategic goals by consol- emergencies. The storage commemorates International scarcity of freshwater formance indicators while development are important. It idating the water security in capacity was increased from Water Day, highlighting the sources, the increasing water adopting a long-term stra- is the foundation that shapes the state, increasing the 1,000 to 2,400 million importance of fresh drinking demand, the poor man- tegic view that extends to children’s future health, hap- capacity of the strategic gallons, creating an increase water, especially because agement of water resources, 2030. This is made possible piness, growth, learning, and life water reserve, and raising the of 140% in Kahramaa’s more than two billion people and not ending with the phe- through an integrated and success. Teachers from other water system’s capacity to drinking water reserves. worldwide are deprived of it. nomenon of climate change. sustainable management Indian schools in Qatar also par- enable it to cope with severe The entire world This day also urges the This has led countries system of all water resources. ticipated in the programme. Dana Al Fardan composes second musical ‘Rumi’ with co-writer Nadim Naaman
THE PENINSULA – DOHA further details to be announced soon. Dana Al Fardan, one of the Nadim Naaman said: “Nearly Middle East’s leading contem- three years after writing the first porary composers, is pleased to song, we are excited to share Participants during the webinar. announce her second major ‘Rumi’ with the world. The stage musical ‘Rumi: The journey has not been what we Musical’, along with writing anticipated, but I am most proud NU-Q Dean joins panel on partner and West End star that we have created and Nadim Naaman, and featuring recorded this piece in spite of the West End and Broadway star adversity of Covid 19, working combatting fake news Ramin Karimloo. remotely across continents. The ‘Rumi’, based on a story show’s integral themes of per- THE PENINSULA – DOHA intricate systems of machines about the 13th century philos- sonal discovery, reflection and and algorithms that make up opher and poet Rumi by Evren Nadim Naaman Dana Al Fardan the pursuit of fulfilment have At a webinar on how to stop social media and the shortage Sharma, follows Dana and been lived and breathed fake news hosted by Foreign of trained professionals in the Nadim’s 2018 musical debut, worldwide due to the pandemic, Policy magazine and North- human authentication process ‘Broken Wings’ which pre- into that place on some level.” musicals. and the messaging of this piece western University’s Buffett as contributing factors. miered in the West End to sell ‘Rumi: The Musical will The musical is orches- is perhaps even enhanced as a Institute for Global Affairs, Referencing Northwestern out shows at the Theatre Royal launch first with a full-length trated and arranged by Joe result. We thank our entire team Northwestern Qatar Dean Qatar faculty and student Haymarket before touring the concept album, with Ramin Davison, with vocal arrange- and magnificent cast for their Marwan M. Kraidy noted that research on fake news, Kraidy Middle East. Karimloo and Nadim Naaman ments by Nikki Davison and support, patience and enthu- there are different ways fake said that “actors (in the Global Dana Al Fardan said: heading a West End cast com- Middle Eastern musical siasm along the way.” news and disinformation have South) use emotionally “Composing for ‘Rumi’ has prising entirely of performers supervision by Maias Ramin Karimloo (as Shams spread in the Middle East and stirring language and find been the ultimate journey in of Middle Eastern, North Alyamani. The album is pro- Tabrizi) and Nadim Naaman the Global South explaining gaps in narratives to fulfill a unraveling components that African and South Asian her- duced, edited, and mixed by (Rumi) lead the concept album that emotions and negative particular geopolitical are socially constructed from itage, as well as featuring The Joe and Nikki Davison for cast as the central content are key catalysts that objective (and) to go viral,” those that form our own per- Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. Auburn Jam Music. protagonists. drive the virality of fake news and pointed out that this use sonal truth and consciousness. ‘Rumi: The Musical’ will ‘Rumi: The Musical’ was They are joined by Casey Al- in the region. of trickery and creativity will In light of our shared expe- feature Ramin Karimloo, an recorded in London and Doha Shaqsy (as Kimya), Soophia “We need the social continue to play a central role rience this year, with the actor, singer and composer throughout the Covid-19 pan- Foroughi (Kara), Sharif Afifi context, the emotional context, in accelerating the spread of world falling into disarray, it recognised mainly for his demic. It features a grand score (Sultan Valed), Ahmed Hamad the emotional drivers of infor- misinformation in the age of has been an incredibly pow- work for London’s West End which combines Middle Eastern (Aladdin), Irvine Iqbal (Husam) mation to be understood,” ‘deep fake.’ erful and uplifting experience longest running musicals authenticity with classical influ- and Alim Jayda (Sayyed). Kraidy said. “We also need Highlighting the need for a to retreat to that place and dis- including The Phantom of the ences and contemporary Completing the company solutions that are broader than holistic approach to acting cover the abundant creative Opera where he played the musical theatre, with lyrics are Roshani Abbey, Amira Al just the classroom or the against fake news, Annelise Riles, force that it offers. I am con- role of Phantom. He also derived from Rumi’s poetry. Shanti, Eva-Theresa Chokarian, seminar. If scale is a problem, executive director of the Buffett fident that we have created a played leading roles in Les ‘Rumi: The Musical’ will be Maëva Feitelson, Sasha localize it. If speed is a problem, Institute, said: “This is a techno- framework that will offer the Misérables, in addition to a released on all major digital Ghoshal, James Hameed, Blythe slow it down. If systems are a logical problem, and it’s also a audience the chance to tap number of other acclaimed platforms later this Spring, with Jandoo and Aliza Vakil. problem, humanize the cultural problem. It’s a problem process.” of economics and a problem of Kraidy joined interna- ethics. Solving this problem tional experts on the panel – requires scientists, lawyers, and Dukhan Bank holds blood donation drive with HMC How to Stop Fake News – creatives all at once.” including the Buffett Insti- Riles pointed out that uni- THE PENINSULA – DOHA organisations such as Hamad importance of donating blood tute’s executive director, versities are ideally positioned Medical Corporation. but also the wide array of health Annelise Riles; Vice President to address this need. Dukhan Bank organised a “The blood donation drive benefits it brings to those who of the European Commission Kraidy also underscored successful blood donation is testament to Dukhan Bank’s donate,” the bank said in a Věra Jourová; head of misin- the importance of traditional campaign at its main branch in commitment to Qatar and its statement. formation at Facebook, learning systems that inte- collaboration with Hamad communities. We were The blood drive is part of Justine Isola; and co-founder grate humanities and social Medical Corporation’s (HMC) delighted at the level of partic- Dukhan Bank’s continuous of stopfake.org, Olga Yurkova. sciences in building a better Blood Donor Unit. ipation seen from our staff, efforts to support Qatar’s health While fake news is as old understanding of the social This campaign lies within Dukhan Bank’s commitment whose eagerness to help in the initiatives under its wider cor- as news itself, Kraidy said the context and the emotional Dukhan Bank’s endeavours to and responsibility towards humanitarian cause echoes our porate social responsibility. reason it is particularly prev- drivers of information. This, support Hamad Medical Cor- Qatar’s communities as part of company’s values in giving back Anchored by its mission and alent now “is how the internet he noted, will promote media poration’s ongoing efforts to its corporate social responsi- to the community. At Dukhan values, Dukhan Bank remains and social media have created literacy and allow ordinary ensure a secure blood supply in bility program. The success Bank, we believe such initia- an active player in Qatar’s social platforms to amplify infor- users to authenticate the dif- Qatar’s hospitals. came due to the company’s tra- tives are not only crucial in and economic development and mation instantaneously and ference between fake and real The drive is in line with dition of working with partner raising awareness on the the well-being of its people. globally.” He pointed at the news. DFC celebrates Mother’s Day with a unique art installation
THE PENINSULA – DOHA The art piece was created Doha Festival City's Robert Hall, Doha Festival Adam Afara said: “I am with 5,000 roses of different art installation to City General Manager, said: thrilled to showcase my work Doha Festival City (DFC), colors of pinks, in addition to mark Mother's Day. “We would like to greet all of art at Doha Festival City to Qatar’s one and only choice for 20 pink Vanda orchids and 20 mothers and women during the people of Doha. We both shopping, dining, and pink Cymbidium orchids. this special day and show our share a passion for exclusivity entertainment, has announced Adam Afara is Beverly Hills appreciation towards them and for creating memorable celebrating Mother’s Day this Celebrity Event Designer and through this exclusive art experiences for our clients. I month with a unique art has designed occasions for piece. Since its opening, Doha wish all mothers in Doha and installation, offering visitors world-renowned celebrities, Festival City became the around the world a very happy memorable moments and a including Lady Gaga, Beyonce, partner of choice for world- Mother’s Day, and I look one-of-a-kind engaging Brittany Spears, Jennifer class collaborations. Reflecting forward to bringing joy and experience. Lopez, Johnny Depp, Selena the beauty of motherhood beauty to all through my In collaboration with Gomez, Mariah Carey, Charlie weaved through its design, we creations.” Celebrity Event Designer Adam Sheen, Denzel Washington, would like to invite all our Furthermore, Doha Festival Afara, Festival City created a Haifa Wehbe, Paris Hilton, and visitors to revel in this City will dedicate a special flower arrangement art piece Kim Kardashian, amongst stunning flower arrangement, FFTV episode for this occasion by the entrance to the Luxury others. enjoying this unique shared on the Mall’s social Area, occupying space of 2m Starting March 21, the available for five days, where of this art and take gorgeous experience that goes beyond media channels yesterday to x2m. exclusive art piece will be visitors can enjoy the beauty pictures next to it. shopping”. mark the celebrations. MONDAY 22 MARCH 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07 Turkish police frees politician detained in assembly AP — ISTANBUL A statement by the prosecutor’s office, quoted police statement. the PKK by sharing the link, million votes in 2018. The “They fabricated a crime to which included a photograph United States and the European Turkish police yesterday by official Anadolu news agency, said Omer get me out of parliament,” he of armed fighters. Union have criticized the detained a prominent pro- Faruk Gergerlioglu was detained for not said. The PKK is considered a ter- moves. Kurdish party politician who Gergerlioglu, the former rorist organization in Turkey, The Turkish President’s was staging a days-long protest leaving parliament despite losing his status head of an Islamist human Europe and the United States. nationalist ally, Devlet Bahceli, in parliament. He was released as lawmaker and for slogans chanted by rights association, has exposed It has led an armed insurgency had called on the assembly’s after questioning several hours several alleged human rights against the Turkish state since speaker to remove Gergerlioglu later. some people during a protest in parliament violations in Turkey. He trained 1984 and the conflict has killed from the building in a series of Omer Faruk Gergerlioglu, on Wednesday praising the jailed leader of a and worked as a pulmonologist tens of thousands of people. A tweets on Saturday, describing from the Peoples’ Democratic Kurdish militant group. but was fired through an emer- fragile cease-fire and peace him as a separatist. Party, or HDP, refused to leave gency decree. He advocated for talks collapsed in the summer “The Grand Turkish parliament after he was the tens of thousands of other of 2015. National Assembly is not the stripped of his status and women from violence. It also Anadolu news agency, said civil servants who were purged Supreme Court prosecutors dorms of separatists or the immunity as lawmaker on follows a heightened Gergerlioglu was detained for in the aftermath of the 2016 have also filed an indictment place where fugitives can take Wednesday. The party said crackdown on the HDP. not leaving parliament despite coup attempt. at the Constitutional Court for refuge. The dagger in the great around 100 police officers The party said Gergerlioglu losing his status as lawmaker Gergerlioglu was convicted the HDP’s closure this week Turkish nation’s heart cannot entered parliament to detain was detained as he was per- and for slogans chanted by in 2018 and sentenced to two and are seeking a five-year ban be allowed to nest or tol- him. Video of his detention forming his ablutions for some people during a protest in years and six months in prison on 687 members’ participation erated... Laying out a bed in showed police officers dragging morning prayers. parliament on Wednesday for “spreading terrorist propa- in politics. It is the latest parliament is a dark stain on him away. “The police insisted on praising the jailed leader of a ganda” after he retweeted a crackdown on the party, which democracy,” he wrote in one His detention came during detaining him, and took him Kurdish militant group. 2016 news article about a call has seen its former leaders, tweet. a tumultuous weekend in which away in his pajamas and Gergerlioglu, speaking on for peace by the outlawed lawmakers and thousands of Gergerlioglu called his the Turkish President fired the slippers,” the HDP said in a Periscope after his release, Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or activists arrested. detention “immoral,” saying it central bank governor and statement. described being forced out of PKK. An appeals court con- HDP is the second-largest was organised by the speaker annulled an international A statement by the prose- parliament by police detaining firmed the conviction, saying he opposition party in parliament, of the assembly and ordered by agreement on protecting cutor’s office, quoted by official him and irregularities during his was “owning” and “legitimizing” elected with more than 5.8 Bahceli. Saudi Arabia and UAE expand COVID-19 vaccination drive
REUTERS — DUBAI across 500 vaccination centres. The UAE’s daily COVID-19 The UAE, the region’s com- cases surged to nearly 4,000 Saudi Arabia and neighbouring mercial and tourism hub and a in late January from about 600 United Arab Emirates said global travel centre, has set a in September after Dubai yesterday health authorities blistering pace for its vaccine opened its doors to visitors have expanded COVID-19 rollout to keep its economy during the peak winter tourism vaccinations to all citizens and open for business. It ranks season. residents aged 16 and above as second globally behind Israel The rate has fallen after Gulf states race to bring the for doses per 100 people. authorities tightened restric- virus under control. The Emirati health ministry tions at public venues but Riyadh said the health min- urged its citizens and residents stopped short of imposing new istry will start inoculating its aged 16 and over to register for lockdowns. Some restrictions population aged 16 and above COVID-19 vaccinations, a have since been eased but with Pfizer vaccines, while its statement published on state mask-wearing in public and citizens and residents aged of media late on Saturday said. social distancing are still 18 and above will have Astra- The move, it said, comes after required. zeneca shots. nearly 73 percent of elderly The UAE, which does not It did not provide further Emiratis, residents and those give a breakdown for each of details. with chronic diseases have its seven emirates, registered The government said on been vaccinated. The country 2,013 new infections on Sat- Saudis celebrate 'Noor Riyadh' Saturday around 3 million vac- is providing four types of urday to take its total tally to cines had been distributed vaccine free of charge. 438,638 with 1,433 deaths. A visitor looks on during ‘Noor Riyadh’ or festival of light, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Saudi-led jets Turkish officials hail withdrawal from European treaty strike Yemen ANADOLU — ANKARA they deserve in the society, by will face and our work as a social life,” he said in a bring an end to legal impunity rebel sites after preserving our traditional social requirement of this responsi- statement. for perpetrators. Turkish officials yesterday fabric,” Oktay wrote on Twitter. bility,” wrote Soylu. Turkish President Recep While the convention was Aramco hit voiced support for a decision to “There is no need to seek the He noted that every sov- Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree enforced in 34 countries, withdraw from a European remedy outside, to imitate ereign state has the right to to withdraw from the Istanbul including Turkey, some coun- BLOOMBERG — RIYADH treaty on preventing and others. The solution is in our leave the party as well as Convention on Saturday that tries — Ukraine, the UK, combating violence against traditions and customs, in our become a party to international was signed in 2011, according Czechia, Slovakia, Moldova, Saudi-led coalition warplanes women and domestic violence. essence.” Interior Minister treaties and agreements. to the country’s Official Gazette. Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Latvia, pounded Yemeni rebels’ Vice-President Fuat Oktay Suleyman Soylu also released Communications Director Turkey was the first country Hungary, Armenia, and Bulgaria military bases in retaliation for took to social media to praise a statement. Fahrettin Altun also supported to ratify the European con- — signed the document but a weekend attack on the heart the decision. “Existence or absence of the decision. vention adopted in Istanbul in have yet to ratify. of the kingdom’s economy. “We are determined to carry international conventions does “Our government will work 2011. The EU signed the con- The raids on the Yemeni our sincere struggle to raise the not reduce or increase our with all its might to end violence The convention seeks to vention on June 13, 2017, while capital, Sana’a, targeted mil- reputation and dignity of responsibilities to prevent any against women and to further prevent violence against women, Council of Europe members itary camps, as well as Houthi Turkish women to the levels form of crime that our citizens strengthen women’s place in including domestic violence, and Russia and Azerbaijan did not. rebel facilities near the city’s airport and in its suburbs, res- idents and rebel-run Al Masirah TV said. A separate Netanyahu obsession with strike hit a rebel target in the port province of Hodeidah. vaccine fails to swing polls The Iran-backed Houthis attacked a Saudi Aramco oil BLOOMBERG — TEL AVIV can do to sway the relatively refinery in Riyadh on Friday few undecided voters between with six bomb-laden drones. Vaccine “world champions.” blocs.” The assault caused a fire that Israel’s “the first” to return to Yair Lapid, the head of the was later controlled with no normal life. Other leaders in Yesh Atid party who has ham- impact on oil supplies or awe of Benjamin Netanyahu’s mered the premier over his derivatives, state-run media achievements in taming the alliance with right-wing ideo- said. No casualties were pandemic. logues and ongoing corruption reported. In the weeks before Tues- trial, leads a camp running The escalation is liable to day’s election, Israel’s prime neck-and-neck in the race. hinder US efforts to end the minister flooded social media Scarred Economy Poses seven-year war in Yemen, with flattering portrayals of the Netanyahu’s Main Challenge as which has created the world’s country’s world-leading vac- Crisis Fades worst humanitarian crisis, cination programme to obscure Israel’s economy has with widespread famine and memories of painful and mis- largely reopened, almost half disease. managed lockdowns and edge the population has been fully The conflict is also being out a crowded field of chal- inoculated, and COVID-19 complicated by US President lengers. The latest polls suggest cases continue to drop. So it’s Joe Biden’s standoff with Iran it hasn’t given him the dramatic little surprise Netanyahu chose over how to resurrect a 2015 boost he sought. to focus on his leadership of accord designed to curb the Iraqi Kurds celebrate Nowruz Day Netanyahu’s Likud party is the vaccine drive in more than Islamic Republic’s nuclear likely to get between 30 to 32 half of 608 Facebook posts in programme. Iraqi Kurdish people carry fire torches, as they celebrate Nowruz Day, a festival marking the first day of parliament’s 120 seats, the three months since elec- The Saudi-led coalition of spring and the new year, amid the spread of the coronavirus disease, in the town of Akra near according to a batch of final tions were called. Less joined the conflict in neigh- Duhok, in Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq. polls released on Friday, a slight welcome news, like an unem- boring Yemen in 2015 to try to increase over the past few ployment rate of 18 percent restore its internationally rec- weeks, but lower than the 36 it and Iran’s accelerating nuclear ognized government. won last year. program, hasn’t got much of a The Houthi attacks on Syrian army shelling of hospital kills 7 Likud is still on course to be mention. Saudi Arabia rarely claim lives the biggest party, and together Yesterday, the prime min- or cause extensive damage but REUTERS — ISTANBUL/AMMAN earlier said yesterday five people ended a Russian-led bombing with old allies and other ister told Army Radio there their frequency has increased were killed and 10 injured in an campaign that had displaced nationalist factions is close to would be no more lockdowns in recent months, creating Seven civilians were killed and artillery attack by Damascus- over a million people in the a 61-seat majority. But with 13 because “there is no need for unease in the Gulf, a region at least 14 medics were injured backed forces on a hospital in the region which borders Turkey parties in contention to win it.” key to global oil production when artillery shelling from a northwest Syria, where they have after months of fighting that representation, and a pro- “Countries are imposing and transit. Several attacks on Syrian army outpost hit a a military presence. killed several thousand civilians. spective kingmaker refusing to lockdowns because they don’t Riyadh, have been intercepted, hospital in a rebel-held town in Videos received from two Residents say although there say who he’d join with, post- have vaccines,” he said. Saudi authorities have said. northwestern Syria yesterday, witnesses showed a ward has been no flare-up of major election jockeying will be To give the inoculation Yesterday, Houthi minister medics and rescuers said. damaged and civil defence res- hostilities, the calm is occa- intense. drive a boost, the country is of higher education Hussein They said a woman and a cuers carrying blood-stained sionally ruptured by Russian “People have made up their imposing a raft of precautions Hazib wrote on Twitter that a child were among those killed patients outside. Reuters could strikes on rebel outposts and fre- minds on Netanyahu, for better on election day, ranging from top military commander for when several mortar rounds hit not verify their authenticity. quent Iranian and Syrian-backed or worse,” said Simon Davies, remote complexes for the ill the rebels — Zakaria Al-Shami the hospital in the city of Atareb Fighting between Syrian militias shelling towns and cities a Tel Aviv-based pollster at and quarantined, and addi- — had died, without explaining which was taken out of service. army forces and rebels has sub- in the enclave where nearly four Number 10 Strategies. “There tional polling stations to the circumstances. Turkey’s defence ministry sided since a deal a year ago million civilians live. is only so much the vaccines prevent crowding. 08 VIEWS MONDAY 22 MARCH 2021 The Arabian origins of the Established in 1996
CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI Peruvian Paso horse EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI hroughout the years, [email protected] and since the arrival of Thorses in America and specifically in Peru, the ACTING MANAGING EDITOR identity of the Arab horse was MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED carried to the latter desti- [email protected] nation, which according to history, the origin of the Peruvian Paso horse goes DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR back to the mixture of the MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI Spanish horse and the [email protected] Arabian horse (Andalusian), father of all horse breeds. The Andalusian-Berber horse was easily able to adapt EDITORIAL to the Peruvian environment who considered it as one of the unique and most dis- tinctive animals, for all that it All eyes on FIFA Arab Cup showed; its abilities, use- fulness and willingness to please its owner. EXACTLY one year from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, While in the beginning of Peruvian Paso horse festival Qatar will look to give a sneak preview of its pre- the XVI century, the Arabian paredness to host the game’s showpiece event when horse was adorned with orna- it stages the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 in December. On ments in South America and distinguished competence transportation. Friday, FIFA Council officially approved that Qatar sheltered respectively in and endurance. The evolutionary factor of will stage the 16-team event with matches set to order to protect and create a Being considered as one of this noble animal is its take place at venues to be used for games at the cooperative relationship with the breeds that best and most ambling; which means a 2022 FIFA World Cup. these horses. Both their ben- comfortably displace its rider, movement of the legs and Gianni Infantino, the FIFA President, said the efits as noble animals for due to its defined features, hands on both sides and at the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 will be used by Qatar to test work, and their genuine that includes its way of same time. For what is con- its World Cup training and match facilities and company in long journeys in walking in a broken amble as sidered one of the smoothest general readiness to host the World Cup in 2022. our vast territory; assembled well as its structural level of horses in the world thanks to Infantino, a regular visitor to Qatar since taking a durable long lasting rela- riding and performance. The its peculiar four-beat flat gait, over as FIFA President, said the Arab world’s love tionship with all humans. lineage of this Peruvian horse as well as its bright temper- of football will be on display during the FIFA Arab On the other hand, Peru is dates back to those ancient ament. His way of walking is Cup 2021 to be held from Dec 1 to 18 this year. known for its various types of dates, and it emerged in different from that of other Infantino praised Qatar’s World Cup preparations indigenous camelid mammal, America as a new breed, with horses. His hooves are a up until now during which the 2022 hosts have such as the llamas, alpacas, its aforementioned elegance source of strength that on the already unveiled and used four venues - the iconic and vicuñas. The llamas on and its way of riding. JOSE A. BENZAQUEN PEREA Peruvian coast he does not Khalifa International Stadium, Al Janoub Stadium, one hand can only carry no Historically, horses have AMBASSADOR OF PERU TO QATAR wear horseshoes; coupled Education Stadium and Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in more than 30 kilograms on always been with humans for with its graceful action of its the last four years. their backs which over the thousands of years, in the On the other hand, due to front legs. During the Council Meeting on Friday, FIFA Pres- years, the Andalusian horse Maghreb region, there is a its morphology, its resistance, When new viceroyalties ident was quick to praise Qatar’s ‘vision in planning established both its territory type of horses called the temperament and ambling, were created, the Peruvian the implementation of projects and stadiums for the and presence emphasizing its Berber horse which moving the Berber horse did impose Paso horse was required in 2022 World Cup’, saying the 2022 hosts would forward it got introduced to its significant presence in the other places to be used by ‘provide great facilities for the fans of the World The Andalusian-Berber the European lands known as new territory forcing humans established wealthy families Cup, as they can move internally and reach the sta- “Al-Andalus”. This transition to select them as their first and those dedicated to diums in several different ways taking into account horse was easily has helped the creation of a choice while taking into con- agriculture. security and safety’. able to adapt to the new version of the Arab sideration its rapid adaptation Nowadays, the Peruvian The Arab Cup 2021 clearly will grab the Peruvian environment horses’ specimen with dif- to new geographical charac- Paso horse can be found in region’s spotlight and that of the football world ferent characteristics that teristics, climates and other different parts of the world when the event opens on December 1. During a who considered it appear familiar with the Cas- environmental aspects. such as in the United States, visit to Lusail Stadium - the venue of the 2022 as one of the unique tilian horse. The Castilian It is worth mentioning that Switzerland, Germany, FIFA World Cup final - Infantino said he expected horse was one of the first its longevity and ability to Canada, Mexico, Argentina, that ‘the regional tournament in 2021 to unite mil- and most distinctive horses taken to America remain in field functions for Panama, Colombia Ecuador, lions of football fans from across the Middle East animals, for all that it during Christopher Columbus many years without losing its Bolivia, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Arab world’. ‘second voyage in 1493. faculties; evolved consid- El Salvador, among others. Infantino said in November: “We are delighted showed; its abilities, During the 16th century, erably within the Peruvian The Peruvian Paso horse that teams from across the Arab world have agreed usefulness and and with the considerable society. is a very versatile horse with to take part in the FIFA Arab Cup 2021. We are European presence in Peru, In the 19th century, these an average between 140 to looking forward to seeing the region’s best teams willingness to please horses symbolized power, horses were selectively 150 centimeters in height, battle it out to see which nation will become its owner. and it helped establish a picked to travel on journeys characterized by its variety of champion. mutual strong relationship for about two days, with an colors and a shiny silk coat Through football, this tournament will unite over not only between the humans approximate distance of 50 that makes this unique horse 450 million people from across the region, and we and the horses but also kilometers per day. As a a worthy representative of a are confident that the FIFA Arab Cup will help to between the two cultures: the result, these horses became breed originated from the build excitement across the region as we edge ever Peruvian and the European. one of the best ways of Arabian Peninsula. nearer to hosting the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world in 2022.” Health-care workers’ families need support, too
MELISSA DRIBBEN coronavirus, has taken on It was hard to gauge the of illness from the scent of THE WASHINGTON POST people like my husband. Less risk, but John was willing to their breath or a wound. obvious is the effect it has had take it. Like so many other Catches subtle variations in D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR Before my husband was on their families. We have spouses and siblings and the sounds from their heart EMAIL: [email protected] offered a contract for his always shared the grief they children and friends of and lungs. dream job as a doctor in a big bring home, and sometimes health-care workers, I sup- Telemedicine does not city hospital, the department the diseases. In our family, ported his decision - with allow that. So in July, he EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 insisted on going back to in- FAX: +974 4455 7758 chief said that first, he would medicine isn’t just what my anxiety. have to approve me. husband, John, does, it’s who At times I wished he’d person care in his outpatient MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 This was 1988. I had a he is. gone into horticulture instead. office and in the hospital. No master’s degree in interna- An infectious-disease Like the day he came home, one knew when vaccines DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 tional affairs and had been a doctor, he remembers well hugged me and said he’d would become available. He journalist for nearly a decade. the early years of the AIDS nicked himself with a needle couldn’t wait any longer. LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 You can guess my reaction. epidemic when HIV was little contaminated with HIV. He He tried to be careful. At BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 But I agreed to meet the boss understood and much feared. tried to reassure me that his 68 and therefore at higher and June Cleaver my way into And then as now, it took the exposure was minimal and risk, he let his younger SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 his retro heart. government too long to probably harmless, but in partners treat coronavirus Lately as I pass the lawn acknowledge what was hap- those days, the idea of any patients, while he cared for ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 signs and billboards and pening and protect the public. exposure at all was terrifying, the others, understanding that email: [email protected] banners thanking health-care Meanwhile, my husband carrying the threat of Kaposi’s some of them would be PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 workers for their heroism, I was intrepid. sarcoma, blindness, wasting asymptomatic carriers. He email: [email protected] feel proud of my husband’s He’d come home in tears, and death. Purelled and washed his part in combating the pan- having lost one patient after We were lucky. He hands until they were raw, MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 demic. But that pride is tinged another. He’d pull parents dodged that bullet. Covid-19, wore goggles and a surgical email: [email protected] with anger. For as much as aside and assure them that though, hit home. mask. John and his co-workers AIDS was not God’s pun- Last March, when his out- He had to sign for every ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 deserve gratitude for their ishment for being gay. And he patient office closed, John N95 mask he requested and FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] selflessness, they also deserve tried desperately to reason began seeing patients vir- his hospital supplied only one CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 a lot more support. And so do with anyone who shunned his tually. He hated the setup. kind - a brand that crushed email: [email protected] their families. patients. Surgeons who One of his gifts as a doctor is his nose and has an abrasive Much has been written refused to operate. Dentists his keen ability to observe. He surface that inflamed his skin. SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 about the toll covid-19, the who refused to treat. Funeral notes his patients’ gait as they Let’s be clear. I’m not FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] disease caused by the directors who refused bodies. enter the room. Detects hints holding a pity party.
www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar
/ThePeninsulaQatar There’s always going to be concerns about things one way or the other, but I think there is a lot of /Peninsula_Qatar energy focused on doing what is necessary to bring about a responsible end and a negotiated /ThePeninsulaNewspaper settlement to the (Afghanistan) war. +974 6698 6188 Lloyd Austin, US Defense Secretary MONDAY 22 MARCH 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 Palestinians expand vaccination campaign
AP — GAZA CITY The World Health distribution of vaccines between rich and poor The Palestinian Health Ministry Organization and its countries. began administering the first partners running the UN officials and human doses of coronavirus vaccines rights groups have said Israel is it received from the global United Nations COVAX an occupying power with a COVAX initiative to health care programme delivered responsibility for vaccinating the workers and older residents in 61,400 vaccines to the Palestinian population. Israel the West Bank and Gaza Strip says that under interim peace yesterday. Palestinian Authority accords, it has no such respon- The World Health Organi- on Wednesday, sibility. But in recent weeks, it zation and its partners running has inoculated over 100,000 the United Nations COVAX pro- whereas 21,300 Palestinian labourers in the West gramme delivered 61,400 vac- were shipped to the Bank who have permits to work cines to the Palestinian inside Israel and its West Bank Authority on Wednesday, blockaded, Hamas- settlements. whereas 21,300 were shipped controlled Gaza Strip. The Pfizer/BioNTech and to the blockaded, Hamas-con- AstraZeneca vaccines are the trolled Gaza Strip. first distributed by COVAX in the The vaccine shipment is a has been living in Abu Dhabi Palestinian territories. boost to the West Bank, where since falling out with Abbas in At a Gaza City clinic, five the PA has struggled to obtain 2011, has secured the delivery WHO workers and five local vaccines as the infection rate of 60,000 shots to Gaza and medical workers were the first surged in recent weeks. Until promised more, embarrassing to be inoculated with COVAX- now it had only secured 10,000 Abbas ahead of Palestinian donated doses. doses of Russia’s Sputnik V elections planned in May. “We are very proud to be here vaccine and 2,000 shots from In the West Bank, Palestinian today with our esteemed col- A Palestinian health worker shows a vial of vaccine against the coronavirus disease during a vaccination Israel for the roughly three Prime Minister Mohammad leagues” to promote the first arrival drive launched by WHO to encourage uptake, in Gaza City, yesterday. million Palestinians living in the Shtayyeh said the vaccines of vaccines through COVAX, said West Bank. would go to medical workers Sacha Bootsma, head of WHO’s France, Italy and Germany, far, saying the turnout “started In recent weeks, Hamas By contrast, Gaza, which has and older people. “We are here Gaza office, who received the first have begun using the vaccine to grow” a month after the authorities governing the ter- been under Israeli-Egyptian to start the preventive vacci- shot of vaccine at the event. again, and Palestinian author- rollout of vaccines. Bootsma ritory have eased almost all blockade since Hamas took nation drive for our people She added that a second ities have approved its use. said the limited number of vac- coronavirus restrictions, despite control of the area in 2007, has against the coronavirus,” he said. shipment of 57,600 Astra- Bootsma noted that both cines in Gaza prevents a mass warnings from health officials. received more than 80,000 Even with the arrival of the Zeneca vaccines is expected to vaccines “have been validated vaccination campaign. Bootsma criticized the vaccines. Most of them were of vaccines, the Palestinian areas be delivered to Gaza by the end by WHO globally through very The Gaza Strip has seen at move. “The COVID-19 pan- the Russian variety and have lag far behind Israel, which has of April. lengthy and stringent process.” least 58,000 confirmed cases of demic is not over yet. We are all come from a rival of President vaccinated some 80 percent of Some European countries Dr. Majdi Dhair, a health COVID-19 since August and 582 still at risk of becoming infected, Mahmoud Abbas based in the its adult population. The dis- have raised safety concerns ministry official, said only deaths. The West Bank has especially now that the gov- United Arab Emirates. parity has drawn attention to about the AstraZeneca vaccine. 11,200 of Gaza’s 2 million resi- reported nearly 163,000 ernment has eased all the Mohammed Dahlan, who the inequities in the global But major countries, including dents have been inoculated so COVID-19 cases and 1,824 deaths. restrictions,” she said. US promises Civilians flee worsening violence in western Ethiopia have no AL JAZEERA — ADDIS ABABA sources said. Among the slain Mulu Mekonnen, as well as there.” ‘Nobody stops them’ killings of civilians and instead credibility for civilians were two of Tibebu’s three children and a niece, the Victims blame the massacres on blame former rank and file who Tibebu Girma cannot risk it any uncles, Teshome Beyene and latter four aged between 10 and fighters belonging to the sepa- have defected from their group. Iran: Khamenei longer. A farmer in the Qellem Tadesse Muluneh, who were 15. They were shot dead with at ratist Oromo Liberation Army “They [OLA fighters] are Wollega zone of Ethiopia’s farmers in the area. least 20 others when their (OLA). easily identifiable by their hair- Oromia region, the 30-year-old “They won’t even let us village of Dachin Gefersa was The OLA is the breakaway styles,” a resident of the Jardega REUTERS — DUBAI makes a living by cultivating heal,” said Tibebu. “There have attacked on March 9. armed wing of the Oromo Lib- Jarte district who requested maize and selling it in the been more killings in the same “My family experienced the eration Front (OLF), which was anonymity fearing reprisal told Iran does not trust US markets of nearby villages. But area this week.” According to worst of barbarities in an age founded in the 1970s to fight for Al Jazeera. promises on lifting sanctions a recent spate of deadly attacks Ethiopian state media, 42 where even animal rights are the self-determination of ethnic Images of the group’s and will only return to its targeting civilians of ethnic people were killed in two sep- respected,” said Sayd, 56. “What Oromos. In 2018, promises of fighters uploaded to social commitments under a 2015 Amhara origin has convinced arate attacks on March 6 and crime did my children commit? political reform by then-newly media typically show camou- nuclear deal once Washington him it is time to pack up and March 9 that targeted Amhara Being Amhara cost them their appointed Prime Minister Abiy flage-clad youths with hair fully removes the measures, leave with his wife and their civilians in Oromia’s Horo lives.” Sayd said the murderers Ahmed saw the OLF decrimi- worn in dreadlocks. “They kill, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayat- infant son for somewhere safer. Guduru Welega zone. ransacked the family home and nalised and permitted to join steal, do as they please and ollah Ali Khamenei said “They don’t even spare the Located about 200km west made off with clothing, money party politics. But negotiations nobody stops them,” the res- yesterday. women and children,” Tibebu of Ethiopia’s capital, Addis and cattle. He is currently taking with the armed wing eventually ident said. The administration of US said over the phone. “We aren’t Ababa, the Horo Guduru Welega shelter at a school compound soured, and the OLA splintered Locals Al Jazeera spoke to President Joe Biden is exploring safe here.” At least 12 people, zone is in an area populated by with hundreds of others who from the political organisation accused the Horo Guduru ways to restore the 2015 including a seven-year-old people who come from Ethio- were also displaced by the and resumed fighting. Welega and neighbouring zonal nuclear deal that Iran signed child, were hacked to death in pia’s Oromo and Amhara ethnic attack. Ethiopian authorities blame administrations of being aware with major world powers, but two particularly brutal attacks groups, who, combined, form “Living as a beggar some- them for kidnappings, assassi- of the problem but typically which was abandoned in 2018 on February 25 in the villages about two-thirds of the coun- where safe would be better than nations of officials and other taking no action, turning a blind by President Donald Trump, of Boka and Nechlu, in the try’s population of 110 million. staying here,” Sayd said. “My crimes across Oromia. The OLA eye to the suffering of ethnic who reimposed sanctions. Iran eastern part of Oromia, multiple Sayd Hassen lost his wife, family’s murderers are still out deny that they are behind the Amhara villagers. retaliated by breaching the terms of the accord in a step- by-step response. Israeli occupation The United States and the Congo polls open; candidate sick with COVID-19 other Western powers that forces attack signed up to the 2015 deal appear AP — BRAZZAVILLE to be at odds with Tehran over fishermen, which side should return to the Republic of Congo pressed farmers in Gaza accord first, making it unlikely ahead yesterday with an that US sanctions which have election in which President QNA — GAZA crippled Iran’s economy can be Denis Sassou N’Guesso is widely quickly removed. expected to extend his 36 years The Israeli occupation forces “We trusted America at the in power, while the leading shot yesterday Palestinian time of (former US President opposition candidate was flown farmers and forced them to Barack) Obama and fulfilled our to France after suffering leave their lands. commitments. But they didn’t. COVID-19 complications. They also targeted Pales- The Americans said on paper that The watchdog group Net- tinian fishermen’s boats in the sanctions will be lifted, but they Blocks reported an Internet Gaza Strip. didn’t lift sanctions in practice,” blackout that began in the The occupation forces sta- Khamenei said in a speech on Central African country around tioned in military watchtowers state TV. “Their promises have no midnight on election day. and military vehicles behind credibility for us.” After casting his ballot, the border strip east of Gaza “On paper they said the Sassou N’Guesso said the gov- City fired live bullets at a group sanctions were lifted but they ernment was aware of oppo- of farmers while they were told any company that wanted sition candidate Guy Brice cultivating their lands, forcing to sign a contract with us that Parfait Kolelas’ illness and had them to leave them and return this was dangerous and risky. taken the steps necessary for to their homes without any They scared away investors,” him to be transferred to France injuries, Palestinian News Khamenei said. for further treatment. Agency (WAFA) reported. “The Americans must lift Aides confirmed the Incumbent President Denis Sassou N'Guesso speaks to journalists after voting outside the polling The Israeli occupation all sanctions. We will verify it medical evacuation flight station in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, yesterday. forces also targeted Palestinian and if sanctions are... really bringing Kolelas to a French fishermen’s boats with bullets cancelled, we will return to our hospital took off from Brazza- Kolelas, 61, had skipped his hospital bed. second to Sassou N’Guesso in and water cannons off the coast obligations without any ville yesterday afternoon. final campaign event on Friday “My dear compatriots, I am the country’s 2016 presidential of Deir Al Balah in the middle problems,” Khamenei said. Elira Dokekias, who heads after telling some reporters a in trouble. I am fighting death,” election with about 15% of the of the sea of Gaza City, causing “We have a lot of patience and Republic of Congo’s pandemic day earlier that he feared he had the candidate says in a weak- vote. The opposition figure has damage to one of the fishing we are not in a hurry.” response, said Kolelas had been malaria. A video circulating on sounding voice after removing been particularly critical of the boats without causing any Khamenei said Iranian in serious condition on Saturday social media Saturday showed his oxygen mask. “However, I incumbent leader in recent injuries, forcing them to leave planners should act on a evening but that the candidate’s Kolelas wearing an oxygen ask you to stand up and vote for days, declaring that Republic of and return to the beach. worst-case scenario that sanc- condition was stable ahead mask and with a blood pressure change. I would not have fought Congo had become “a police The Israeli occupation tions would not be lifted soon. departure. cuff on his arm as he lay in a for nothing.” Kolelas placed state.” forces deliberately target fish- ermen and farmers on a daily basis, and penetrate into the agricultural lands of the citizens South Africa sells AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines in the north and east of the Strip, and prevent them from REUTERS — JOHANNESBURG minimal protection against mild ensure that all member states yesterday last week,” it said in After pausing the roll- practising their profession. to moderate illness caused by identified by the AU vaccines a statement. out of the AstraZeneca On the other hand, the South Africa has concluded the the dominant local coronavirus acquisition teams as recip- “The first batch of vaccines vaccine, South Africa started Israeli occupation forces sale of AstraZeneca COVID-19 variant. ients of the vaccines were that is being delivered will inoculating healthcare arrested five Palestinian vaccines it had acquired but did At the time, South Africa compliant and had obtained benefit 9 member states and the workers with Johnson & youths, including two brothers not use to other African Union had received one million Astra- all regulatory approvals, balance will be collected this Johnson shots in a research from the town of Beit Fajjar (AU) member states, the health Zeneca doses from the Serum permits and licences to roll week to be delivered to 5 other study. south of Bethlehem, in the ministry said yesterday. Institute of India and the out the vaccines in their member states.” The government plans to West Bank. These forces The country had paused delivery of another 500,000 respective countries. The statement made no vaccinate 40 million people, or severely beat one of them, AstraZeneca vaccinations last was pending. “The minister can confirm mention of prices and did not two-thirds of the population, to after raiding and searching month because of a small trial The ministry said it had that the full purchase amount name the countries that had achieve some level of herd their homes and tampering showing the shot offered in the past weeks worked to was received by the department purchased the vaccines. immunity. with their contents. 10 ASIA MONDAY 22 MARCH 2021 Myanmar protesters voice defiance as army reminds of ‘external threats’
REUTERS — YANGON Hundreds of people neighbours, who have for years avoided criticising each other, Demonstrators in Myanmar in the second city of have also begun speaking out. maintained their unflinching Mandalay, including Indonesian President Joko opposition to military rule Widodo, in some of the yesterday despite a rising death many medical staff in strongest comments yet by a toll at the hands of security white coats, marched regional leader, said on Friday forces as the army appeared before sunrise in the violence should stop imme- equally determined to resist diately. He called for an urgent growing outside pressure to a “Dawn protest”. meeting of Southeast Asia’s compromise. Protesters in some regional grouping, of which One man was killed and Myanmar is a member. several were wounded when places were joined Malaysian Prime Minister police opened fire on a group by Buddhist monks Muhyiddin Yassin backed the setting up a barricade in the call saying he was appalled by central town of Monywa, a holding candles. the persistent use of lethal vio- doctor there said as a com- lence against civilians. Sin- Protesters take cover during clashes with security forces in Monywa, Myanmar, yesterday. munity group issued a call on gapore has also expressed Facebook for blood donors. Protesters in some places disapproval. The violence has forced were joined by Buddhist monks The military has shown no Myanmar refugees in India seek asylum people determined to resist a holding candles while some sign of being pressed into back- return to military rule after a people used candles to make tracking on its coup, which AP — MIZORAM One Indian village has given had allowed refugees to enter decade of tentative steps the shape of the three-fingered derailed a slow transition to shelter to 34 police personnel and provided them with food and towards democracy to think up protest salute. democracy in a country that was Police officers who defied the and one firefighter who crossed shelter. novel ways to make their stand. Others came out later yes- under strict military rule from a Myanmar army’s orders to into India over the last two But last week, India’s Home Protesters in nearly 20 terday, including the crowd in 1962 coup until the generals ini- shoot opponents of the coup weeks. Several Myanmar police Ministry told four Indian states places across the country Monywa, where police opened tiated reforms a decade ago. and escaped to India are urging officers say they fled after bordering Myanmar, including staged candle-lit protests on fire. “Sniper, sniper,” people The junta says a Nov. 8 Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s defying army orders to shoot Mizoram, to take measures to Saturday night and into yes- can be heard shouting in a election won by Suu Kyi’s party government to not send them opponents of last month’s coup. prevent refugees from entering terday, from the main city of video clip shortly after the man was fraudulent, an accusation back and provide them political They spoke to a journalist on India except on humanitarian Yangon to small communities was shot in the head and more rejected by the electoral com- asylum on humanitarian condition of anonymity because grounds. in Kachin State in the north and shots rang out. mission. The military leaders grounds. of fears of retribution against The ministry said the states the southernmost town of Kaw- The spokesman for the have promised a new election “What we wish is that until family members still in were not authorised to accord thaung, according to a tally of junta was not available for but have not set a date. and unless the problem is Myanmar. refugee status to anyone social media posts. comment but has previously Coup leader General Min solved in Myanmar, we do not One of the defectors from entering from Myanmar, as Hundreds of people in the said security forces have used Aung Hlaing on Saturday visited want to go back there,” said one Myanmar police who didn’t share India is not a signatory to the second city of Mandalay, force only when necessary. the Coco islands, one of Myan- of the men, who has sought her name said that the Myanmar’s UN Refugee Convention of 1951 including many medical staff With the latest killing, the mar’s most strategically refuge in a village in the north- army ordered them to “arrest, beat, or its 1967 Protocol. in white coats, marched before death toll since the coup rose important outposts, 400 km eastern state of Mizoram that torture the protesters” and they On Thursday, Mizoram’s top sunrise in a “Dawn protest”, to at least to 248, based on a (250 miles) south of Yangon, and shares the border with were “always sent to the front elected official Zoramthanga video posted by the Mizzima tally by the Assistance Associ- reminded members of the Myanmar. whenever there was protest.” wrote to Modi and said “India news portal showed. ation for Political Prisoners armed force there that their The military crackdown in “So, we have no choice but cannot turn a blind eye” to the “Failure of the military activist group. main duty was to defend the Myanmar has forced scores of to leave our country,” she said humanitarian crisis unfolding in regime, our cause our cause... The military has said at two country against external threats. refugees over the border into at an undisclosed location bor- his state. Zoramthanga wrote in federal democracy, our cause our policemen have been killed in The islands are near some India. India’s state and federal dering Myanmar. the letter that the people of his cause,” the crowd chanted as the the protests. of the world’s most important authorities haven’t given any India’s federal government state, who share ethnic ties with sky was beginning to brighten and Western countries have shipping routes, in waters figures, but some state ministers and the state of Mizoram are at the refugees from Chin commu- birds called from the trees lining repeatedly condemned the where China and India seek to have said the refugees could be odds over the influx of refugees. nities in Myanmar, “can’t remain the otherwise deserted streets. coup and the violence. Asian project their power. in hundreds. Earlier, the Mizoram government indifferent to their plight.”
India's SII to delay vaccine delivery Philippine defence chief asks Chinese flotilla to leave reef AP — MANILA A government watchdog government watchdog said. the protection of our citizens in friendly ties with Beijing since to Morocco, Saudi overseeing the disputed region The large numbers of the area, particularly our fish- taking office in 2016, for not The Philippine defence chief said about 220 Chinese vessels Chinese boats are “a concern ermen, through increased mar- standing up to China’s and Brazil yesterday demanded more than were seen moored at Whitsun due to the possible overfishing itime patrols.” aggressive behavior and 200 Chinese vessels he said Reef, which Beijing also claims, and destruction of the marine When asked if the Philip- deciding not to immediately REUTERS — NEW DELHI were manned by militias leave on March 7. It released pictures environment, as well as risks to pines would file a protest, demand Chinese compliance a South China Sea reef claimed of the vessels side by side in one safety of navigation,” it said, Foreign Secretary Teodoro with an international arbi- The Serum Institute of India by Manila, saying their presence of the most hotly contested although it added that the Locsin Jr tweeted, “only if the tration ruling that invalidated (SII) has told Brazil, Saudi was a “provocative action of areas of the strategic waterway. vessels were not fishing when generals tell me.” Beijing’s historic claims to vir- Arabia and Morocco that militarising the area.” The reef, which Manila calls sighted. Chinese Embassy officials tually the entire sea. China has further supplies of the Astra- “We call on the Chinese to Julian Felipe, is a boomerang- Chinese fishing fleets have did not immediately issue any refused to recognize the 2016 Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine will stop this incursion and imme- shaped and shallow coral region long been suspected of being comment. China, the Philip- ruling, which it called “a be delayed due to surging diately recall these boats vio- about 175 nautical miles west utilised as maritime militias to pines and four other govern- sham,” and continues to defy demand at home and as it lating our maritime rights and of Bataraza town in the western help assert Beijing’s territorial ments have been locked in a it. works through a capacity encroaching into our sovereign Philippine province of Palawan. claims, although China has tense territorial standoff over “When Xi says ‘I will fish,’ expansion, a source with direct territory,” Lorenzana said in a It’s well within the country’s played down those claims. the resource-rich and busy who can prevent him?” Duterte knowledge of the matter said. statement, adding without elab- exclusive economic zone, over Philippine military chief waterway for decades. said two years ago as he The news comes as India, orating that the Philippines which the Philippines “enjoys Lieutenant General Cirilito Critics have repeatedly defended his nonconfronta- the world’s biggest vaccine would uphold its sovereign the exclusive right to exploit or Sobejana said the military’s called out President Rodrigo tional approach, referring to maker, is being criticised rights. conserve any resources,” the “utmost priority remains to be Duterte, who has nurtured Chinese President Xi Jinping. domestically for donating or selling more doses than inoc- ulations conducted at home, despite reporting the most Philippine rebel commander, number of coronavirus infec- tions after the United States killed, last hostage rescued and Brazil. India is currently seeing a AP — MANILA exchange for a ransom of at second surge of cases, taking least five million pesos its total to about 11.6 million. Philippine troops killed an Abu ($104,000), but the Philippine The latest delays, first Sayyaf rebel commander military got wind of the plan reported by the Times of India blamed for years of ransom and launched covert assaults. daily, came to light days after kidnappings and yesterday The officer, who has a keen Britain said it would have to rescued the last of his four knowledge of anti-Abu Sayyaf slow its COVID-19 vaccine Indonesian captives, the operations, spoke to The Asso- roll-out next month as SII was military said. ciated Press on condition of likely to deliver more doses Marines wounded Amajan anonymity because of a lack of later than expected. Sahidjuan in a gunbattle on Sat- authority to speak publicly. SII has supplied half of the urday night and he later died Vinluan said the rescue of 10 million doses recently from loss of blood on Kalupag the Indonesian men, the last ordered by Britain. Island in the southernmost known hostages held by the Brazil has already received province of Tawi Tawi. Two Abu Sayyaf, would allow gov- 4 million doses from SII, Saudi other militants managed to flee ernment forces to finish off the Arabia 3 million doses and and dragged along the last of ransom-seeking rebels. Morocco 7 million, according four Indonesian hostages but “It will just be relentless in A still image taken from video shows a flooded area following heavy rains in Port Macquarie, New to India’s foreign ministry. The troops finally rescued him on a massive and focused military South Wales, Australia. three countries had ordered Sunday, regional military com- operation because, now, we 20 million each. mander Lieutenant General would not worry about kidnap It was not possible to Corleto Vinluan Jr said. victims getting hit,” Vinluan immediately contact repre- Heavy rains in Australia's east On Thursday night, three told reporters by telephone. sentatives for the countries or Indonesian men were rescued Vinluan said there were about determine if they had agreed by police who also captured 80 Abu Sayyaf gunmen left in Sulu to a revised delivery schedule. trigger worst floods in 50 years one of their Abu Sayyaf captors and outlying island provinces. One SII, the single-biggest along the shores of South Ubian of their remaining elderly leaders, maker of vaccines, declined to REUTERS — MELBOURNE million people, was worse than Late yesterday, about another town in Tawi Tawi. Radulan Sahiron, has fallen ill and comment. It has partnered with initially expected, especially for 1,000 people were asked to The military said the Abu was wounded in a recent offensive AstraZeneca, the Gates Foun- Heavy rains along Australia’s low-lying areas in Sydney’s evacuate, after Berejiklian said Sayyaf militants led by in Sulu, he said. dation and the Gavi vaccine east coast over the weekend northwest. that some 4,000 people may be Sahidjuan were fleeing assaults Sahidjuan, who uses the alliance to make up to a billion have brought the worst flooding “Yesterday, we were hoping asked to leave their houses. in nearby Sulu province when nom de guerre Apuh Mike, has doses for poorer countries. in half a century in some areas, it will only be a one-in-20-year Television and social media their speedboat was lashed by been blamed for carrying out The source, who declined authorities said yesterday, event, now it looks like a one- footage showed fast-moving huge waves and overturned off ransom kidnappings since the to be identified, said SII was forcing thousands to evacuate in-50-year event,” Berejiklian water unmooring houses, Tawi Tawi. early 1990s. He was reportedly working on expanding its and damaging hundreds of said at a televised briefing. engulfing roads, breaking trees A military officer said the among Abu Sayyaf militants monthly production to 100 houses. People in parts of Sydney’s and damaging road infra- militants were attempting to who attacked the southern million doses by April/May, New South Wales Premier northwest were ordered to flee structure. Emergency services cross the sea border to Tam- town of Ipil in 1995, where they from 60 million to 70 million Gladys Berejiklian said the their houses in the middle of the estimate the total number of bisan Island in neighbouring killed more than 50 people now, suggesting supplies could downpour across the state, Aus- night as fast-moving waters damaged houses to be “in the Malaysia’s Sabah state to after robbing banks and stores improve then. tralia’s most populous with 8 caused widespread destruction. hundreds”. release the captives in and burning the town centre. MONDAY 22 MARCH 2021 ASIA 11 Austin meets Afghan President amid peace process review REUTERS — KABUL consulting with allies and in the The US Defence Secretary process of making a decision. United States Defence Secretary The United States special Lloyd Austin met Afghan Pres- said on Twitter he had envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay ident Ashraf Ghani in an unna- come to “listen and Khalilzad, has also been trav- nounced visit to Kabul learn”, on his first trip to elling in the region in recent yesterday, as Washington Afghanistan since his weeks with proposals including reviews the peace process there appointment. an interim Afghan government and its planned troop with- and a summit in Turkey to drawal. jumpstart the peace process. Austin said on Twitter he The Taliban said on Friday had come to “listen and learn”, peace process ahead of a May 1 they would like to see the peace on his first trip to Afghanistan deadline for the withdrawal of process sped up but warned since his appointment. US troops agreed by the Taliban Washington against keeping “This visit been very helpful and the administration of pre- troops in Afghanistan beyond for me, and it will inform my vious US President Donald their agreed withdrawal date. participation in the review we Trump. Afghanistan’s presidential are undergoing here with (US Biden told ABC News on palace said yesterday Austin President Joe Biden),” he added. Wednesday that the deadline and Ghani discussed the peace Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani (right) meets US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, in Kabul The meeting comes at a would be tough to meet and that process and concerns over yesterday. crucial time for the Afghan his administratiin was rising violence. Japan PM vows no virus rebound as emergency measures end Japan, US defence chiefs affirm AP — TOKYO said. Suga on Thursday the coronavirus,” after its one- as well as cooperation in virus tests, monitoring for more announced that the monthslong year postponement due to the dealing with China’s growing contagious new variants and cooperation on Japan’s Prime Minister emergency measures for Tokyo, pandemic. Olympic officials influence in the region. pay subsidies for restaurants Yoshihide Suga pledged Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama decided Saturday to bar spec- “We would still face ups and that cooperate to close at 9 pm. Taiwan: Report yesterday to do his utmost to would end at midnight Sunday, tators from abroad. downs, but we will surely find Japan has not imposed a prevent a resurgence of the a move underscoring his gov- “We will deliver courage a light ahead of us,” Suga said. hard lockdown and has kept REUTERS — TOKYO coronavirus ahead of the ernment’s eagerness to min- and hope from Japan to the Suga vowed to do the infections lower than the United Olympic torch relay and his imize burdens on businesses world,” Suga said. utmost to protect the people’s States and many European Japanese and US defence upcoming visit to Washington. and keep the economy going, Suga also wants to keep the lives and health and sought nations. chiefs agreed in their meeting Suga was addressing his despite concerns raised by infections low ahead of his their cooperation in doing what Japan has recorded fewer last week to closely cooperate ruling Liberal Democratic experts about the potential for planned Washington visit in they can to get infections under than a million cases and about in the event of a military clash Party’s annual convention, just an upsurge. early April for his first in-person control and “regain the peace 8,800 deaths since the pan- between China and Taiwan, hours ahead of the planned The lifting of the measure summit with President Joe of mind and daily lives.” The demic began, the health min- Kyodo News reported lifting of a virus state of emer- comes just days before the Biden. He will be the first measures have been in place for istry said. yesterday, citing multiple gency in the Tokyo region. Suga Olympic torch relay starts from foreign leader to meet in the Tokyo region since January Experts have said they government sources. said after the state of emer- Fukushima, northeast of Tokyo person, underscoring the 7 after daily infections surged worry about a the potential for US Defence Secretary gency is lifted is “an extremely and the site of the 2011 nuclear importance of the Japan-US to new highs in the area. The a resurgence of infections now Lloyd Austin brought up the important time” for virus crisis, as a symbol of alliance. non-binding measure relied on that the decrease in infections issue when he met with Jap- prevention. reconstruction. Suga, who received the first requests for restaurants and in the Tokyo area has levelled anese Defence Minister Nobuo “We must not put our Suga renewed his pledge to shot of a COVID-19 vaccine last bars to close at 8 pm and take off and people grow fatigued Kishi on Tuesday although guards down... to prevent the achieve the Olympics in July as week, said he looks forward to preventive measures. with taking virus prevention there was no discussion on the infections from rebounding,” he “a proof of the victory against discussing pandemic measures, The government will step up measures. specifics of how the two coun- tries should coordinate responses to such an emer- gency, the news outlet China steps up COVID-19 vaccination, reported. Japan has historically refrained from commenting considers differentiated visa policies on potential emergency situ- ations in Taiwan in relation to REUTERS — BEIJING vaccination rate has fallen progress in developing “vaccine China and its stance remains behind those of such countries passports” and could adjust to “encourage dialogue for a China has accelerated its vacci- as Israel and the United States. virus curbing measures after the peaceful solution to cross- nations against COVID-19, More than 70 million doses domestic population reaches a strait tensions,” Kyodo said. administering 10 million doses of Sinovac Biotech’s shot have high level of immunisation. Austin and US Secretary of in around a week, and is consid- been administered globally, a China’s full-year vaccine State Antony Blinken met their ering varied visa policies based company spokesman told the production can fully meet the counterparts in Tokyo last on vaccination and virus condi- news conference, without spec- needs of entire country, said week in what was the first tions in different countries, offi- ifying how many of those had Ministry of Industry and Infor- overseas visit by top members cials said yesterday. been administered in China. mation Technology official Mao of President Joe Biden’s The country had adminis- Beijing is considering differ- Junfeng. cabinet. tered 74.96 million vaccine entiated policies for visa He said the supply of mate- In a joint statement issued doses as of Saturday, health issuance, flights and controls on rials for vaccine production, with Japan, Austin and Blinken A delivery worker wearing a face mask walks past an office and commission spokesman Mi the numbers of people arriving including glass vials and said, “China’s behaviour, commercial complex in Beijing, China, on March 15, 2021. Feng told a news briefing. That in China based on vaccination syringes, is “relatively stable”. where inconsistent with the is up from 64.98 million as of progress and the COVID-19 sit- Countries with high propor- existing international order, March 14. uations in different countries. tions of elderly people should population, Wu explained at the general public use from presents political, economic, China aims to vaccinate “We do not exempt vacci- be prioritised for vaccination, China Development Forum in Sinovac, CanSino Biologics and military and technological 40% of its 1.4 billion people by nated people from testing and said Wu Zunyou, chief epide- Beijing on Saturday evening. two units of China National challenges to the alliance and the middle of the year, isolation measures for the time miologist at China CDC. “We need to reach Pharmaceutical Group to the international com- according to state media and a being,” said Feng Zijian, vice If all countries push forward 70%-80% in one country as (Sinopharm). munity.” No immediate top health adviser. China was director of Chinese Center for with their vaccination programs soon as possible, then a second A fifth vaccine developed by comment from US Embassy in among the first countries to Disease Control and Prevention at the same pace, it is possible country, then a third country,” the Institute of Microbiology of Japan was available. Repre- begin administering vaccines (China CDC). that each country might reach Wu said. Chinese Academy of Sciences sentatives for the Japanese last year and has been exporting But he said China will pay just 10% or 30% immunity, not China has approved four was approved for emergency defence ministry could not be millions of doses, but its attention to international enough to protect the locally developed vaccines for use last week. reached for comment. Anti-govt protests rock Bangkok, 5.3 magnitude North Korean citizen quake hits eastern extradited to US 13 police officers among 33 injured Indonesia, no
AP — WASHINGTON REUTERS — BANGKOK damages reported A federal judge in A North Korean citizen was Washington had issued a More than 30 civilians and QNA — JAKARTA taken into US custody on warrant for the North police were injured in anti- Saturday after being extradited government protests in Earthquake measuring 5.3 on from Malaysia to face money Korean national's arrest on Thailand, an emergency the Richter scale struck North laundering charges, making May 2, 2019 on money medical centre said yesterday Maluku province in eastern him the first North Korean laundering and conspiracy after police used water cannon, Indonesia yesterday. extradited to the US to face charges. teargas and rubber bullets to The Indonesian News trial. disperse the rally the night agency said yesterday, citing Mun Chol Myong was in the before. the Indonesian Agency for custody of the FBI in Wash- They have argued that the Video circulated on social Meteorological, Climatological ington, DC on Saturday, extradition is “politically moti- media showed police hitting and Geophysics, that the epi- according to documents vated” and aimed to increase and stomping on people with centre of the earthquake was obtained by The Associated pressure on North Korea over others fleeing from police in riot 55 kilometres southwest of Press. His extradition came the nation’s missile program. gear and some abandoning Ternate of the province, at a after a Malaysian court rejected Mun has denied allegations their motorcycles. Another depth of 11 kilometres. Riot police raise their shields as they restrain a demonstrator during his assertion that the charges that he was involved in sup- video showed people taking No tsunami warnings were clashes at an anti-government protest in Bangkok, on Saturday. were politically motivated. plying prohibited luxury goods refuge from teargas in a issued. A spokesperson for the from Singapore to North Korea McDonald’s restaurant. So far, there have been no Justice Department did not in violation of UN sanctions Thirteen police officers and first, using tear gas and water Prime Minster Prayuth Chan- reports of material or human immediately respond to a before moving to Malaysia in 20 others were injured, the cannons before protesters did ocha, a retired army general losses due to the earthquake. message seeking comment on 2008. He has also denied alle- Erawan Medical Centre said. anything,” said activist Ruk- who seized power in 2014 from Last January, a 6.2 mag- Sunday. A federal judge in gations he laundered funds Police said on Sunday their chanok Srinork, 27, who was at an elected government. nitude earthquake, followed Washington had issued a through front companies and actions were in accordance the rally. “They have helmets, Protesters say he engi- by several aftershocks, struck warrant for Mun’s arrest on produced fraudulent docu- with international standards shields, crowd control training, neered a process that preserved the regions of Majin and May 2, 2019 on money laun- ments to support illicit and that 20 protesters were if there is a stone, raise your the military-monarchy estab- Mamuju in West Sulawesi, dering and conspiracy charges. shipments. arrested for breaking public shields.” Portraits of the king lishment and kept him in power killing more than 100 people Mun, who is in his 50s, has North Korea said it had also gathering laws and insulting the were defaced at Saturday after a 2019 election. Prayuth and injuring hundreds of lived in Malaysia for a decade terminated diplomatic ties with monarchy. night’s protests, which drew and his supporters reject that others. and was arrested in May 2019 Malaysia over the decision to “Violence originated from well over 1,000 people. assertion. The protesters have Earthquakes regularly hit after the US requested his extradite Mun to the US in the the protesters’ side and police An anti-government protest demanded reform of the mon- different parts of Indonesia, extradition. Malaysia’s gov- latest development in growing have to defend the law and this month saw over 20 pro- archy, saying the constitution where they are located on the ernment approved the extra- animosity between Washington protect national treasures,” the testers injured. drafted by the military after the Pacific belt known as the dition, but Mun challenged the and Pyongyang as the North deputy head of the Bangkok Thailand’s youth protest 2014 coup gives the king too “Ring of Fire”, and many tec- bid. His lawyer has said Mun ramps up pressure on the Biden police, Piya Tavichai, told movement emerged last year much power. The government tonic plates meet and cause worries he won’t get a fair trial administration over a nuclear reporters. Protesters disagreed. and has posed the biggest chal- has said criticism of the king is frequent volcanic and seismic in the US. standoff. “Violence came from the police lenge for the government of unlawful and inappropriate. activity. 12 EUROPE MONDAY 22 MARCH 2021
EU leaders shift to UK nuclear arms virtual summit as plan is illegal: virus cases surge REUTERS — BRUSSELS
A European Union summit due Russian envoy to take place on March 25 to 26 in Brussels will now be held via video conference due to REUTERS — MOSCOW Russian news the increase in coronavirus agencies cited infections across Europe, an Russia’s ambassador to Britain EU spokesman said yesterday. has accused the UK Ambassador Kelin as European Council Pres- government of breaking its saying that political ident Charles Michel, who international treaty commit- chairs EU summits, made the ments with a plan to increase relations between decision to move the summit the country’s nuclear arsenal London and Moscow on Thursday and Friday and said the political rela- were “nearly dead” online, citing “the surge of tionship between Moscow and COVID-19 cases in member London is “nearly dead”. that only cultural states”, his spokesman Barend In a foreign and defence and economic ties Leyts said on Twitter. policy review published on A third wave of COVID-19 Tuesday and endorsed by remained. is increasing daily infections Prime Minister Boris Johnson, due to highly contagious coro- Britain said it needed to navirus variants that are increase its nuclear arsenal in agreements that are saying only forcing governments to restrict Britain’s Defence Secretary Ben Wallace speaks during BBC TV’s The Andrew Marr Show in London, the face of evolving global a decline or a reduction in the lives again, with Paris going yesterday. security threats. number of nukes,” Kelin told into a four-week lockdown Britain said it would raise LBC, according to a partial late last week. the upper limit on its nuclear transcript on the radio station’s On Friday, Merkel said that warhead stock to 260 from 180. website. UK urges EU to honour vaccine contracts Germany will accelerate its The same report also classified The Treaty on the Non-Pro- Covid-19 vaccination drive in Russia as “the most acute threat liferation of Nuclear Weapons, BLOOMBERG/REUTERS The discrepancy has stoked is wary of importing new var- April, after regulators gave the to our security” in the Euro- which Britain has ratified, came — LONDON concern about supply and iants of coronavirus. He also all-clear for the AstraZeneca Atlantic region. into force in 1970. The UK gov- vaccine nationalism. noted rising cases of the coro- shot. On Saturday, UK health The Kremlin said at the ernment has said its plans do The European Union must Mairead McGuinness, the navirus in some European minister Matt Hancock said the time that it regretted the British not violate the pact. honour its vaccine contracts bloc’s commissioner for countries. country is on track to ease nuclear decision, which it sug- Russian news agencies even as the sluggish rollout puts financial services, told the BBC’s “It’s highly unlikely we’ll be lockdown measures in line with gested would harm interna- cited Kelin as saying that pressure on governments there, Andrew Marr programme that able to go on foreign holidays its roadmap, after announcing tional stability, while the political relations between Ben Wallace, the UK defence no decisions have been made this side of May,” Wallace said. that half of all adults in Britain Russian foreign ministry London and Moscow, which secretary, told Sky News on the question of stopping “I’m not going to second guess had now had at least one described the move as a serious have become strained from yesterday. vaccine exports to the UK, and what happens after June.” COVID-19 vaccine dose. blow to international arms events from Russia’s jailing of “The commission knows that the EU’s priority is Foreign holidays are cur- The EU’s 27 leaders were control. opposition politician Alexei deep down that this would be addressing its citizens’ rently banned. Under the gov- due to discuss in person how Andrei Kelin, Russia’s Navalny to the poisoning in counterproductive,” Wallace concerns. ernment's four-stage roadmap, to speed up vaccinations ambassador to Britain, went 2018 of a Russian double agent said. “They’re under tre- “Both the EU and UK have they could be allowed to across the bloc, as well as further in an interview due to and his daughter, were “nearly mendous political pressure at contracts with AstraZeneca,” resume from May 17 at the ear- industrial policy and relations be broadcast on the London- dead”. the European Commission. It McGuinness said. “My under- liest, although it could be later with Turkey and Russia, based LBC radio station yes- They also cited Kelin as would damage the EU’s rela- standing is that the company is than that. according to a draft final terday, saying the plan looked saying that only cultural and tions globally if they should supplying the UK, but not the Under the four-stage plan, summit statement seen by illegal. economic ties remained, while renege on these contracts.” European Union.” a taskforce is due to report to Reuters. “You are increasing the LBC cited him as saying that the The UK has reached the Wallace also struck a cau- the government in April on the Diplomats and officials say number of warheads by 40 last time he had spoken to milestone of inoculating half of tious tone on the prospect of issue of foreign travel. Wallace virtual meetings limit discus- percent. This is a violation of British foreign minister its adult population, while Britons being able to go on said people should at least wait sions and decision-making, the treaty of non-proliferation Dominic Raab was in fewer than one in 10 in the EU foreign holidays this summer, to hear that the advice from that but that no critical negotiations and many, many other December 2019. have received at least one shot. saying that the UK government taskforce will be. were expected at the summit. Prince Harry gives advice to Macron’s approval rating drops 4 points in March: Poll BLOOMBERG — PARIS health of French people by not grieving children adding restrictive measures Paris Mayor aims to rally Emmanuel Macron’s (pictured) earlier. in new book popularity rate fell 4 percentage “Some people want a per- points from a month earlier, manent lockdown. We want to allies to run against Macron LONDON AP — with 37 percent people saying get there with as few restric- BLOOMBERG — PARIS the second round if she can they are satisfied with the pres- tions as possible,” Attal said, rally other parties on the left Britain’s Prince Harry has ident, according to an IFOP poll adding that restrictions could Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said and the Greens, who plan to written the foreword for a new for French newspaper Journal be lifted as soon as mid-April she aims to rally left-wing run with their own book aimed at the children of du Dimanche. thanks to vaccines. allies to run against President candidate. frontline workers who died in Macron has faced criticism In France, around 9 percent Emmanuel Macron in the The head of business the COVID-19 pandemic, for a comparatively slow rollout of the population has received 2022 presidential election. lobby Medef criticized the sharing the pain he suffered of the coronavirus vaccine and at least one shot of vaccine, and “I am laying the founda- government Saturday for as a boy after the death of his his overall handling of the pan- 3.6 percent got both injections. tions of a movement that I what he called the “perse- mother, Princess Diana. demic. Paris and other areas in That’s a fraction of the pace in want to gather people and cution” of businesses forced Harry wrote that losing his France entered a new lockdown was too complex. the UK where more than half of make proposals to the to shut down. mother at age 12 left “a huge Saturday, which some say The next presidential elec- all adults have received a first French,” Hidalgo told Europe Hidalgo joined the chorus hole inside of me,” according should have been implemented tions are scheduled for April shot. 1 radio yesterday. of criticism and slammed the to excerpts of the book printed earlier to put the brake on the 2022, and current polls show Still, the popularity of While polls haven’t been government’s lack of trans- in the Times of London. Diana epidemic. The French president far-right candidate Marine Le Macron, who a year ago said encouraging so far for the parency when it comes to died in a Paris car accident in has vowed to postpone new Pen as Macron’s chief rival. France was “at war” with the Socialist mayor of Paris, with handling the pandemic, with August 1997. restrictions for as long as pos- France also has regional elec- virus, is still higher than his less than 10 percent of vote key choices made only by a “Hospital by the Hill,’’ by sible and called a lockdown a tions coming up in June, predecessors, Socialist Francois intentions in the first round of handful of ministers during Chris Connaughton, is the last resort. although the government has Hollande and right-wing the election, a recent poll what are termed “defence story of a young person whose The government is also warned they will only happen Nicolas Sarkozy, at the same showed she could make it to cabinet meetings.” mother worked at a hospital feeling the heat after requiring if the health context allows it. point in their mandates, and died during the pandemic. that French people must fill out In an interview with JDD, according to the pollster. results on quotas that ensure socio-professional situation and It is being given to children a form to exit their home. The government spokesman Gabriel Ifop polled 1,911 people the sample is a representation location. Given the size of the who have experienced similar document was amended Sat- Attal sought to dispel criticism online and by phone in mid- of the voting population in sample, the margin of error is losses. urday, after criticisms that it that Macron made a “bet” on the March, and based the poll terms of age, gender, close to 2 percent. “While I wish I was able to hug you right now, I hope this story is able to provide you Greece lifts travel comfort in knowing that you’re Marcus Rashford kicks not alone,” Harry wrote in the restrictions from foreword. “When I was a down Downing Street young boy I lost my mum. At three nations the time, I didn’t want to door in new mural believe it or accept it, and it REUTERS — ATHENS left a huge hole inside of me. I know how you feel, and I want REUTERS — MANCHESTER Greece has lifted restrictions to assure you that over time on flights from Turkey, Albania that hole will be filled with so Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, who has and North Macedonia that much love and support.” influenced British government policy on food parcels were imposed to curb the Harry has on several occa- for poor children, is seen kicking down Prime Minister spread of COVID-19, its civil sions reflected on the enduring Boris Johnson’s front door in a new mural that appeared aviation authority (YPA) said pain he experienced from his yesterday. yesterday. mother’s sudden death. He has The black-and-white mural by an unknown artist All passengers from abroad made mental health was found on a wall covered in graffiti on the bank of will however need to show awareness a key part of his a canal near Old Trafford, Manchester United’s stadium they have a negative COVID-19 charitable work. in the northern English city. test, taken within 72 hours of “We all cope with loss in a It depicts Rashford, wearing an England strip, with their arrival, YPA said. They different way, but when a children standing on either side of him, as if seen from will also have to quarantine at parent goes to heaven, I was the inside of a doorway. Rashford has his right foot home or at their place of stay told their spirit, their love and raised and flexed. for seven days. the memories of them do not,” A replica of the famous black door of Number 10 YPA also increased the Harry wrote. “They are always Downing Street, official residence and workplace of limit on visitors from Russia, with you, and you can hold on British prime ministers, lies on the ground in front of to 4,000 per week from 500 to them forever. I find this to the mural, creating the illusion that Rashford has just before, with flights allowed to be true.” kicked it down. the airports of Athens, Thes- Harry is the second child The eye-catching artwork refers to Rashford’s saloniki and Heraklion. of Charles, Prince of Wales and decisive role in pressuring Johnson’s government Passengers from Britain Diana. In January 2020,Harry into extending and improving the provision of food and the United Arab Emirates and wife Meghan announced parcels for poor children during the COVID-19 will be subject to a mandatory that they were stepping back pandemic. rapid COVID-19 test upon from their role as senior Rashford, 23, drew on his own experience of relying arrival in Greece, the authority members of the royal family, on food parcels as a boy growing up in poverty in Man- added. Arrivals from Britain A mural of England soccer player Marcus Rashford kicking down the door and would balance their time chester to mount a powerful campaign that drew wide- will have to take another test of number 10 Downing Street appears on Manchester Canal in Manchester, between the United Kingdom spread praise and turned him into a hero beyond the after their seven-day quar- and North America. soccer pitch. Britain, yesterday. antine expires. MONDAY 22 MARCH 2021 EUROPE 13 Germany may extend curbs into April as cases rise
BLOOMBERG — BERLIN Germany uses the incidence rate as a gauge of COVID-19’s spread. If it exceeds 100 for three Germany is considering an extension of lockdown restric- days in a row, an “emergency brake” provision tions into April and the intro- allows authorities to tighten lockdown measures duction of new rules for those again. That threshold had been crossed in returning from abroad after COVID-19 infections rose 9 out of 16 federal states as of yesterday, beyond a key level that may prompting some state leaders to call for uniform prompt action by authorities to nationwide measures for virus hotspots. prevent the health system becoming overrun. Draft plans, seen by relax restrictions in late Feb- Sonntagszeitung in an interview. Bloomberg, include mandatory ruary and set out a plan to grad- “Otherwise it will become a quarantine and coronavirus ually unwind curbs. That plan toothless tiger.” tests for all people returning depends on the infection trend, Regional leaders expressed from a trip to another country, heightening the stakes for diverging views on what to do independently of infection rates today's talks. ahead of the upcoming Easter at their travel destination. They Germany uses the incidence holiday when asked by the Welt will be discussed by Chancellor rate as a gauge of COVID-19’s am Sonntag newspaper. Reiner Angela Merkel and regional spread. If it exceeds 100 for Haseloff, prime minister of Sax- leaders when they meet today. three days in a row, an “emer- ony-Anhalt (incidence rate: The national seven-day rate gency brake” provision allows 115.1), said people should be able of cases per 100,000 people has authorities to tighten lockdown to vacation within the confines risen to 103.9, German health measures again. That threshold of their own region. But Bodo People wait for their vaccination at the local vaccination centre as the spread of the coronavirus agency Robert Koch Institute had been crossed in 9 out of 16 Ramelow, president of Thur- disease continues, in Hagen, Germany, in this March 19, 2021 picture. said on its website yesterday, federal states as of yesterday, ingia (incidence rate: 207.7), taking the rate to the highest prompting some state leaders pleaded with the population not two regional elections this Still, Merkel was clear last the draft paper circulating today since January 26. to call for uniform nationwide to go on vacation at all. month. The stuttering pace of Friday about the threat to the didn’t stem from the chancellery, Separate data from Johns measures for virus hotspots. “Whoever believes that you the vaccine rollout, irritation system posed by the virus resur- as first reported by Bild news- Hopkins University showed “We have an instrument can open up entire holidaying with lockdown restrictions in gence. “We are seeing expo- paper. The resolution calls for cases in the country increased that works: the emergency regions without testing in the place since late last year and a nential growth” in cases, Merkel companies in Germany to offer by 24,034 in the 24 hours to brake. It must be applied con- current phase of the pandemic widening scandal over claims said on Friday. “We will unfor- their employees two rapid yesterday, compared with sistently everywhere in doesn’t know what’s going on,” that some conservative law- tunately have to make use of the COVID-19 tests per week and 10,568 recorded a week earlier. Germany,” Bavarian Prime Min- Ramelow told the newspaper. makers profited from the pan- emergency brake.” states that the federal gov- Cases in Germany are rising ister Markus Soeder told the Merkel’s Christian Demo- demic have all taken a toll on Yesyerday, Merkel’s chief of ernment will “enact the relevant again after authorities began to Frankfurter Allgemeine cratic Union suffered a rout in her popularity. staff Helge Braun tweeted that regulations by the end of March”. Italian parents Swiss lawmakers and children urge govt to speed protest against school closures up vaccinations REUTERS — ROME
REUTERS — ZURICH in cases and insufficient Thousands of Italian parents, progress on vaccinations. children and teachers protested A group of Swiss business The Alliance includes law- in squares up and down the leaders and lawmakers have makers from the right-wing country yesterday against what demanded the government Free Liberal Party and Swiss they call the unnecessary speed up vaccinations and People’s Party as well as closure of schools to try to curb develop a plan for its leaders of the Swiss Hotel Asso- COVID-19 infections. nationwide testing drive to ciation, the restaurant associ- The protests, the first of any tackle the rising number of ation GastroSuisse and business significance against Mario COVID-19 cases in the country. group Economiesuisse. Draghi’s national unity gov- The Alliance for a Liberal They fear the government ernment that took office last Healthcare System sent an could miss its goal of vacci- month, were held in more than open letter to the gov- nating everyone in Switzerland 35 squares nationwide including ernment yesterday, asking by the end of June after recent Rome’s Piazza del Popolo and for an improvement in Swit- comments in parliament and Milan’s central Piazza Duomo. Protest against proposed policing bill zerland’s response to the demanded it to step up its Demonstrators in Rome crisis. “The government is efforts to meet the target. wore dunce’s caps to indicate A police officer uses pepper spray during a protest against a new proposed policing bill, in Bristol, failing at crisis management The group also wants the the impact of the closures on Britain, yesterday. and must improve,” said government come up with a students’ education, while in Felix Schneuwly, vice pres- plan by the end of March for Milan pupils’ messages and ident of the Alliance. how it will conduct the free placards were propped against “Each part of the testing coronavirus tests it has their school rucksacks placed Over 27.6 million people in Britain receive and vaccination programmes announced for all residents. on the ground. Numbers at are being delayed and are not “The uncontrolled use of the each venue were limited due at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine being implemented properly,” tests must be prevented as this to coronavirus restrictions on he said. Fatigue about the would make the whole oper- gatherings. REUTERS — LONDON on Saturday. Hancock said the reported yesterday and a seven- ongoing restrictions and their ation useless,” the group said “Open schools, whatever figure was revised down after day total of 38,145, down by 4% impact on social and economic in its letter. it takes,” read one placard held More than 27.6 million people adjusted data came in from on the previous seven days. life is rising in Switzerland, with The uncoordinated distri- aloft by a child in Rome, in ref- in Britain, well over half the Scotland, but the new figure was Since the start of the pan- protests taking place over the bution of tests “may even have erence to Draghi’s famous adult population, have received still a UK daily record. demic, a total of 126,155 people weekend. a counterproductive effect, promise to save the euro when at least one dose of a COVID-19 Prime Minister Boris have died in the United Kingdom Switzerland and neigh- because it may lead users into a he was European Central Bank vaccine, official data showed Johnson urged everyone to within 28 days of testing positive bouring Liechtenstein have false sense of security,” it added. chief in 2012. Most Italian yesterday, after a daily record accept a vaccine when invited for COVID-19, the highest official reported nearly 581,000 cases The group also demanded a schools for all ages have been of 844,285 doses were admin- to receive one. The daily release death toll in Europe and the fifth of COVID-19 since the crisis uniform nationwide system for closed since March 15, with istered the previous day. of COVID-19 data in the United highest in the word. broke out, with 9,509 deaths. entering the test results and vac- students attending lessons Some 2.2 million people Kingdom showed that 33 new Britain’s vaccine rollout is the The number of cases has cinations to produce forgery- online from home. have had both doses of a deaths were recorded on fastest in any major economy, accelerated in recent days, proof COVID-free certificates. Since Italy’s outbreak began vaccine, the data showed. “This Sunday, the lowest figure since although the government has with the spread of new var- Such certificates could ease 13 months ago schools have mammoth team effort shows October and down from peaks warned that it will slow down iants of the virus, leading to the lifting of restrictions for closed and re-opened at various the best of Britain,” Health Sec- of well over 1,000 deaths per next month due to a supply the number of daily cases people who are free of the virus times depending on age groups retary Matt Hancock tweeted, day in January and February. crunch. Despite the slowdown, being 32% above the seven- or have been vaccinated, and local infection levels, but hailing the second daily record The seven-day total number progress is still in line with official day average. Schneuwly said. overall there has been less face- number of doses administered of deaths was 640, down by targets, meaning that unless any- The Swiss government on The Swiss cabinet has not to-face schooling than in most in as many days. 37% compared with the pre- thing changes the government’s Friday shelved plans to reopen yet been able to examine the other European countries. Earlier, the government had vious seven-day period. four-step plan to ease lockdown restaurant terraces and allow letter and does not reply to given a higher figure for the daily New infection numbers were is expected to go ahead as outdoor events with limited letters publicly, a government Few doctors heed number of doses administered also down, with 5,312 cases announced. audiences, citing the increase spokeswoman said. Greece govt call Another German conservative REUTERS — ATHENS Greece Prime Minister snared in masks scandal Kyriakos Mitsotakis is prepared to requisition private REUTERS — BERLIN as chancellor, told a news con- sector doctors to assist in the ference on Sunday. “Our party’s public health system’s battle An influential figure in credibility is at stake.” against the COVID-19 Bavaria’s Christian Social As well as being a member pandemic, he said yesterday, Union left the party yesterday, of the CSU’s state parliamentary after a government call for becoming the latest politician group, Sauter was a member of help went mostly unheeded. to be caught up in a face mask the party’s board and chair of his “If it will be necessary to procurement scandal that could constituency party. For a quarter use the ultimate constitutional leach support from Angela of a century he has been a tool, the requisitioning of per- Merkel’s conservative bloc as mover-and-shaker in the party sonal services, I will not hes- elections near. — which has a decades-old itate to do it,” Mitsotakis said. Alfred Sauter, a member of alliance with Merkel’s Christian With Greece’s public hos- the wealthy southeastern state’s Democratic Union (CDU) — and pitals overwhelmed by surging parliament, is being investigated served for a period as Bavaria’s infections and intensive care by prosecutors over allegations justice minister. wards running out of beds, the he took bribes in return for He is at least the third con- government had called on helping arrange public mask servative politician to have private sector doctors to help procurement contracts during left their jobs in the scandal out, saying 200 were needed. the coronavirus pandemic. over mask procurement kick- So far only about 55 have Sauter denies the allegations. backs. His departure from all heeded the call, the ERT state “We are at a fork in the road,” his roles was first reported as broadcaster said. On Saturday, Bavarian premier Markus his own decision by the Augs- Socially-distant silent disco event Greek health authorities Soeder, the leader of the burger Allgemeine newspaper, reported 2,535 new corona- Barcelona residents use their headphones while listening to music as they dance during a socially- Christian Social Union (CSU) and though he later told the same virus cases and 60 deaths, distant silent disco event on the first Spring weekend at Mar Bella beach in Barcelona, Spain, yesterday. a front-runner to be the conserv- paper that he had his posts bringing total cases to 235,611 ative candidate to replace Merkel taken from him. with 7,421 deaths. 14 AMERICAS MONDAY 22 MARCH 2021 Migrant surge at Mexico border puts US in spot
AP — WASHINGTON Since Biden’s inauguration, the US has seen a dramatic spike in the number of people Somehow, they didn’t see it coming. Within weeks of Inau- encountered by border officials. There guration Day on January 20, the were 18,945 family members and 9,297 Biden administration had unaccompanied children encountered in reversed many of the most maligned Trump-era immi- February — an increase of 168% and 63%, gration policies, including respectively, from the month before, according deporting children seeking to the Pew Research Center. asylum who arrived alone at the US-Mexico border and forcing migrants to wait in Mexico as inauguration, the US has seen a over worries of being deported. they made their case to stay in dramatic spike in the number of Biden has reversed that policy, the United States. people encountered by border so immigration officials hope While the administration officials. There were 18,945 the process will speed up now. was working on immigration family members and 9,297 unac- The White House also points legislation to address long-term companied children encountered to Biden’s decision to deploy the A US Border Patrol Agent escorts two asylum-seeking unaccompanied minors from Central America problems, it didn’t have an on- in February — an increase of Federal Emergency Man- as others take refuge near a baseball field after crossing the Rio Grande river into the United States the-ground plan to manage a 168% and 63%, respectively, from agement Agency, known for from Mexico on rafts, in La Joya, Texas, US, on Friday. surge of migrants. Career immi- the month before, according to helping communities in the gration officials had warned the Pew Research Center. aftermath of a natural disaster, “crisis” at the border is over- would no longer uphold the and families trying to enter the there could be a surge after the That creates an enormous to support efforts to process the wrought, but that the surge in Trump administration policy of US illegally also has surged. presidential election and the logistical challenge because growing number of unaccom- migrants was predictable. automatically deporting unac- Border patrol officials had encoun- news that the Trump policies, children, in particular, require panied migrant children He called it a perfect storm companied minors seeking tered more than 29,000 unaccom- widely viewed as cruel, were higher standards of care and arriving at the border. HHS of factors: Hurricanes that hit asylum. Two weeks later, the panied minors since October 1, being reversed. coordination across agencies. announced on Saturday that it Central America last fall; the White House announced plans nearly the same number of youth Now officials are scrambling Migrant children are sent was opening an additional economic fallout caused by the to admit 25,000 asylum-seekers taken into custody for all of the to build up capacity to care for from border holding cells to facility in West Texas to help coronavirus pandemic; typical to the U.S. who had been forced previous budget year, adminis- some 14,000 migrants now in other government facilities until with influx of unaccompanied seasonal migration patterns; the to remain in Mexico. tration officials say. federal custody — and more they are released to a sponsor. minors. The facility will initially thousands of Central American In subsequent weeks, the The President and other likely on the way — and the That process was slowed con- accommodate about 500 migrants already stuck at the number of young migrants administration officials in administration finds itself on its siderably by a Trump adminis- children but can be expanded border for months; and the per- crossing without adults sky- recent days have stepped up heels in the face of criticism that tration policy of “enhanced to house 2,000. sistent scourge of gang violence rocketed. Both Customs and efforts to urge migrants not to it should have been better pre- vetting”, in which details were Adam Isacson, an analyst at afflicting Northern Triangle Border Protection, and Health come. Embassies in Northern pared to deal with a predictable sent to immigration officials and the human rights advocacy countries — Guatemala, Hon- and Human Services officials Triangle countries are airing predicament. some sponsors wound up group Washington Office on duras and El Salvador. have struggled to house the influx public service announcements The situation at the southern getting arrested, prompting Latin America, said Repub- The Biden administration of children. Immigration officials underscoring the dangers of border is complex. Since Biden’s some to fear picking up children licans’ insistence that there is a announced on February 2 it say the number of adult migrants making the trek north. Cuba to vaccinate Brazil uses security law to arrest critics of President 150,000 frontline AP — SAO PAULO investigate Bolsonaro critics. haven’t upheld any of the he said while complaining Globo. The yearly average Geography teacher Katia Garcia arrests so far, but lawyers are about a newspaper column before the conservative leader workers as part Protesters against Brazilian said she showed up in front of expressing alarm that the tactic that used the word genocidal took office was 11. The cases of clinical trial President Jair Bolsonaro defied the president’s office because is becoming commonplace. to describe him. appear to almost entirely target police in the capital on Friday, the arrests had inspired her. Demonstrations in Brasilia Brasilia police said that the Bolsonaro’s critics, human REUTERS — HAVANA a day after the latest round of “They were jailed because called for Bolsonaro’s four detained protesters vio- rights organizations and arrests of the leader’s critics the description ‘genocidal’ impeachment due to his admin- lated the national security law. activists say. Cuba announced yesterday that under a dictatorship-era suits our president very well,” istration’s alleged failings in the But Brazil’s federal police force, On Monday, police invoked it would vaccinate 150,000 national security law. Garcia said, wearing a face pandemic, which has caused which decides whether cases the law to force Felipe Neto, a frontline workers as part of the Four demonstrators were mask and face shield. “He has almost 290,000 deaths in brought by local police deserve popular YouTuber, to give tes- final phase of a clinical trial of detained recently after calling contributed to our health care Brazil. The country has reported to go ahead in national security timony after he referred to Bol- the country’s leading COVID-19 Bolsonaro “genocidal” for his system collapsing, for the lack nearly 3,000 deaths each day crimes, dismissed the case and sonaro as “genocidal” in one of vaccine candidate amid a surge handling of the coronavirus of vaccines. Police can’t this week. released three of the four dem- his broadcasts. Federal police in cases. pandemic. silence us.” On several instances, the onstrators. One was held on an dismissed the case two days The shots using the The national security law, There have been previous President has complained that outstanding warrant from a later amid a public outcry. Soberana 2 vaccine will start which dates from 1983, near the news-making charges against he is being unfairly vilified, previous case. Neto, who was named by today and target medical and end of the country’s military prominent critics of the pres- most recently on Thursday However, federal police Time magazine lasts year as other personnel at high risk, dictatorship, states it is a crime ident, including a newspaper night during a live Facebook have conducted more than 80 one of the world’s 100 most the authorities said. to harm the heads of the three columnist, a political car- broadcast. investigations under the influential people, was also “Cuba could immunize branches of government or toonist and a popular YouTube “They call me a dictator. I security law during Bolsonaro’s targeted in November with 150,000 people immediately expose them to danger. star, but the law is increasingly want you to point at one thing first two years, and more than allegations of corrupting from COVID-19, as the phase 3 That vague definition has being employed against I did in two years and two 10 in the first 45 days of 2021, minors. Those charges were trial of this vaccine is demon- recently been used to detain or ordinary citizens. Courts months that was autocratic,” according to the newspaper O also dropped. strating it is very safe,” Foreign Trade and Investment Minister Rodrigo Malmierca tweeted. Soberana 2 has been in the Crackdown on migrant final phase of a clinical trial for the past three weeks involving 44,000 volunteers from the smuggling in Mexico general population. The Caribbean island AP — MEXICO CITY Thursday, when three freight nation, which has long expe- trucks were stopped at a rience with developing and In a rare show of force, Mexico roadside inspection checkpoint exporting vaccines, is one of a sent hundreds of immigration near Tuxtla Gutierrez and a handful in the region that have agents, police and National total of 329 Central American not started vaccinating against Guard officers marching migrants were found crowded COVID, as it is counting on its through the streets of the inside the vehicles. own candidates. capital of the southern state of The institute said 114 of the Cuba’s drug regulatory Chiapas on Friday to launch an migrants were unaccompanied authority also approved a operation to crack down on children, five were members second COVID-19 vaccine can- migrant smuggling. of one family. Most were from didate for late-stage clinical The parade in the city of Guatemala, and the remainder trials called Abdala. Cuba is Tuxtla Gutierrez came one day were from Honduras. going through its worst corona- after Mexico announced it was Mexico staged similar but virus outbreak since the start of banning entry for nonessential smaller shows of force last year the pandemic after opening its travel on its southern border to discourage migrant caravans borders late last year. with Guatemala to prevent the from trying to enter from The island of 11 million spread of COVID-19. The restric- Central America. inhabitants is registering 600 tions went into effect on Friday. On Thursday, the United to 1,000 new cases each day. Mexico will deploy check- States said it would send 2.5 Since the pandemic started, points and drones and station million doses of coronavirus Unrest in Santiago the country has reported officers along the Suchiate vaccine to Mexico, where offi- 65,000 cases and 387 deaths, A riot policeman uses pepper spray on a demonstrator during a protest against Chile’s government River, which marks part of the cials said that the shipment one of the lowest rates in the in Santiago, Chile, in this March 19, 2021 picture. border, to deter irregular entry. would include 2.7 million world per capita. The crackdown is especially doses but were coy about aimed at people travelling with whether the two events were minors. related. “The Mexican government Mexican officials struggled Canada records slowest population growth will carry out... operations on to explain why the measure the southern border to protect was announced now, more BLOOMBERG — OTTAWA left the country last year than said. Immigration numbers start, it’s still early days. the rights and safety of migrant than a year after the start of the came in, resulting in a loss of started to tick up again at the start “I don’t think we’ll know minors from several Central pandemic. Canada’s population grew at the 86,535 people. That’s the largest of 2021, he added. until at least the summer what American nations who are used Mexico’s assistant health slowest pace in more than a net loss of foreign residents Prime Minister Justin the full impact of the govern- by criminal networks as a secretary, Hugo López-Gatell, century as COVID-19-related such as workers and students Trudeau has prioritized immi- ment’s recent push to dramat- passport to reach northern acknowledged that the decision restrictions curbed immigration. on record. gration, seeing it as necessary ically increase permanent res- Mexico,” Mexico’s National was triggered by the increasing The nation’s population rose Over the past five years, to counter the impact of aging idents, and to what extent these Immigration Institute said. number of migrants entering by just 0.4% in 2020 to immigration has accounted for demographics on the labor will actually reflect an increase The institute said that since from Central America. 38,048,738, Statistics Canada more than three quarters of Can- force. This year, the gov- in the number of people as the beginning of the year, 4,180 “There was a verifiable reported in Ottawa. That’s the ada’s total population growth, but ernment is targeting 401,000 opposed to just a change of minors, both accompanied and increase in local inflows, par- slowest annual growth since that figure dropped to 58% in permanent residents to make status,” Andrew Agopsowicz, an unaccompanied, had been ticularly from Central 1916, during World War I. In 2020. The inflow of newcomers up for missing its 2020 goal of economist at Royal Bank of found in Mexico without proper America,” López-Gatell said absolute numbers, the 149,461 has been a key pillar of the coun- 341,000 due to the pandemic. Canada, said by email. travel documents. Most came when asked about the timing. annual increase was the try’s overall economic growth, With borders closed to all Population growth in Canada from Central America. Mexico and the United smallest since 1945. having an impact on everything non-essential travel since last was also impacted by the deadly The institute said adults States long ago imposed A drop in international from the housing market to March, the government is now nature of the coronavirus. The travelling with the minors said similar restrictions on Mex- migration from closed borders banking services. focused on converting tem- number of deaths last year “guides” had advised them ico’s northern border. But was the main contributor. “Safely resuming population porary residents — foreign increased to a record, surpassing having children along would Mexico had previously been Canada welcomed 184,624 flows is critical to Canada’s workers and international stu- 300,000 for the first time in the make it easier to enter Mexico unwilling to impose them on immigrants in 2020, down by recovery from COVID-19,” Marc dents — to permanent ones. country’s history. COVID-19 was and the US. The institute said the southern border or most almost half from 2019. Also, Desormeaux, an economist at While January numbers suggest responsible for one in 20, the sta- detentions actually began on flights entering Mexico. more non-permanent residents Bank of Nova Scotia in Toronto, that effort is off to successful tistics agency said. MONDAY 22 MARCH 2021 AMERICAS 15
LA theatres open, Shooting of 6 Asian but new films are women was racially just trickling out BLOOMBERG — LOS ANGELES motivated: Senator The popcorn is popped and the doors have reopened at REUTERS — WASHINGTON The incidence of theatres in Los Angeles this hate crimes against weekend, giving Hollywood US Democratic Senator Tammy some confidence that movie- Duckworth yesterday expressed Asian Americans going is bouncing back. doubts about FBI Director Chris rose by 149% in However, major studios Wray’s initial assessment that 2020 in 16 major are still waiting to see just how the fatal shooting of six Asian eager people are to return to women in Atlanta-area spas cities compared with cinemas. The top movie this may not constitute a hate crime, 2019, according to weekend will likely be Walt saying it “looks racially moti- the Center for the Disney Co’s “Raya and the Last vated”. Dragon,” an animated film that “From where I sit, I want to Study of Hate and was released two weeks ago see a deeper investigation into Extremism. and is also available to whether or not these shootings at-home audiences for $30 on and other similar crimes are the Disney+ streaming service. racially motivated,” Duckworth, spike in hate crimes since March Still, a year after a near- who is one of only two Asian 2020 when then-President A woman holds a sign with the names of the victims of the Atlanta shootings during a “Stop Asian total shutdown of the business, Americans currently serving in Donald Trump began referring Hate” rally and vigil to remember the Atlanta shooting victims at Bellevue Downtown Park in Bellevue, the industry is looking like it’s the US Senate, told CBS “Face to COVID-19 as the “China virus”. Washington, US, on Saturday. closer to a strong return. With the Nation”. “It looks racially The incidence of hate crimes Los Angeles theatres receiving motivated to me,” she said, against Asian Americans rose by the green light to open on adding the caveat that she is not 149% in 2020 in 16 major cities Hundreds rally to support Asian March 15, every major market a police officer or the one inves- compared with 2019, according in the US is now back in tigating the crimes. to the Center for the Study of business, and so far studios are Police in Atlanta are still Hate and Extremism. Americans after fatal shootings sticking to their 2021 release investigating the motive in con- President Joe Biden and dates. That will bring a major nection with the fatal shooting Vice-President Kamala Harris REUTERS — GEORGIA rally-goer Sunghee Han from Representative Bee Nguyen told backlog of potential new of eight people, six of whom visited Atlanta on Friday to offer Georgia. “The women who per- the crowd. “This was an attack blockbusters later in the year. were Asian women, on Tuesday. support to Asian-Americans Hundreds of demonstrators ished... I see my family in them,” on the Asian community.” Some Theaters that have opened The Federal Bureau of Investi- and meet with leaders of the gathered outside the Georgia Timothy Phan from Port St. of the women killed were immi- are limiting how many people gation is assisting with the community. Biden yesterday State Capitol in Atlanta on Lucie, Florida, who drove eight grants and mothers, described they seat. In both New York investigation. also highlighted the need to Saturday in support of the Asian hours to attend, told CNN. by family and friends as hard- and Los Angeles, auditoriums In an interview with NPR last prevent gender-based violence American community after a “I feel like far too often, we’re working, loving and beloved. are only allowed to reach 25% week, Wray said that while the and keep women safe. shooting at three local day spas just erased.” Georgia Senators Hyun Jung Grant was capacity. And some chains investigation into the suspected “In the past few weeks, this week left eight people dead, Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, among those killed at Gold Spa have yet to fully reopen, with gunman Robert Aaron Long’s we’ve seen too many examples six of them Asian women. both Democrats elected in in Atlanta. Her son, Randy Park, the lack of new films and motives was still underway, it of horrific and brutal assaults The killings followed a year January, led the demonstrators set up a GoFundMe page to raise seating limits making it too “does not appear” that race fac- on women, including the tragic of mounting anti-Asian violence in a moment of silence for the money for himself and his expensive to operate some tored into his decision to carry murders in Georgia. And we’ve in the United States, which com- victims, video on Twitter showed. brother, who are alone now in locations. Regal Theatres is still out the mass shooting. seen the broader damage that munity leaders say is due to Asian “Let us build a state and a nation the United States while the rest temporarily closed. Georgia Senator Raphael living under the daily specter of Americans being blamed for the where no one lives in fear of their family is in South Korea. Studios, meanwhile, Warnock, speaking on NBC’s gender-based violence does to coronavirus first identified in because of who they are or where “She was a single mother remain wary of putting out big “Meet the Press”, also ques- women everywhere. It hurts all Wuhan, China, in late 2019. they or their family come from,” who dedicated her whole life to films without including a tioned that assessment, sug- of us, and we all must do more Crowds of people wearing Senator Ossoff said. providing for my brother and I,” streaming option. The only gesting he believes race played to create societies where masks, waving American flags Georgia authorities have yet Park wrote. The shootings new wide release this a role. “We all know hate when women are able to go about and carrying posters that read to determine what drove the prompted an outpouring of grief, weekend is “The Courier”, a we see it,” he said. “It is tragic their lives free from violence,” “We are not the virus” and “Stop suspect, Robert Aaron Long, a from the local community in Cold War spy drama starring that we’ve been visited by this he said in a statement. Asian Hate” stood in front of the 21-year-old white man, who Georgia to the halls of US Con- Benedict Cumberbatch from kind of violence yet again.” The Justice Department has golden-domed Georgia State was charged with the killings at gress. Since Tuesday, mourners Roadside Attractions and Lions The shootings have stoked previously said it will be stepping Capitol building on Saturday. spas in and around Atlanta on have piled flower bouquets and Gate Entertainment Corp. The fears among those in the Asian up investigations into hate crimes “I want to make sure the Tuesday. “No matter how you signs, lit candles and said prayers movie is expected to come in American Pacific Islander com- against Asian Americans and world and the people know that want to spin it, the facts remain outside the spas where the at No. 3, with Boxoffice Pro munity, which has reported a Pacific Islanders. I am here and I am visible,” said the same,” Georgia State victims were killed. estimating sales of $1.85m. Julia Letlow wins northeast Top aides of Biden Louisiana-based unlikely to qualify US House seat
AP — BATON ROUGE for relief payments
Republican Julia Letlow easily AP — WASHINGTON from Precision is listed as being won a Saturday special over $420,000. White House election for the northeast At least one group in America coronavirus response coordi- Louisiana-based US House is unlikely to get any money nator Jeffrey Zients was the CEO seat that her husband, Luke, from President Joe Biden’s $1.9 of the Wall Street investment couldn’t fill because of his trillion economic rescue plan - firm Cranemere and his financial death from complications his own top aides. disclosure shows that he had a related to COVID-19. Most of Biden’s senior West combined salary and bonus of With the victory, Julia Wing advisers made far more $1.6 million. As a board member Letlow becomes the third than the threshold that would of Facebook, he made over woman ever elected to the US qualify them for direct pay- $330,000, the new report shows. House from Louisiana, the first ments from the president’s Biden, long considered the Republican woman elected to COVID-19 relief bill, according poorest member of the Senate, Congress from the state and the to White House financial dis- fashioned his political image by only woman among its current closure forms released Sat- touting his working-class congressional delegation. urday. The disclosure period upbringing in Scranton, Penn- She trounced 11 other con- In support of Bolsonaro runs through 2020. sylvania. His West Wing team, tenders to capture the 5th Dis- The documents paint a por- though wealthy, does not Supporters of Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro hold flags and shout slogans during a demonstration to trict seat in the primary. trait of advisers whose wealth include a plethora of the super- celebrate Bolsonaro’s birthday and against new measures to contain the outbreak of the coronavirus “This is an incredible is dwarfed by those that sur- rich who worked for Trump, moment, and it is truly hard to disease, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday. rounded President Donald including Gary Cohn and Steve put into words. What was born Trump but do not quite line up Bannon, a pair of Goldman out of the terrible tragedy of with Biden’s image of “Middle Sachs alums each worth tens losing my husband, Luke, has Class Joe”. Some of Biden’s top of millions. Some in the pro- become my mission in his Miami residents blame out-of-town advisers worked for President gressive wing of the Demo- honor to carry the torch and Barack Obama’s administration cratic Party have called for a serve the good people of Lou- and moved into the corporate ban on former lobbyists isiana’s 5th District,” Julia tourists for spring break chaos world before returning to gov- working in the White House Letlow said in a statement. ernment service. Others in the and have urged severing ties Farther south, the race to REUTERS — MIAMI eliciting approval from fellow historic district at 8pm and all West Wing - whose positions with the business world. fill a second vacant congres- residents. “Lived in Miami my businesses inside the zone were don’t require Senate confir- National security adviser sional seat for Louisiana was As spring break crowds whole life and minus going out forced to close, Interim City mation - have had deep ties to Jake Sullivan made $5,000 for headed to an April 24 runoff, wreaked havoc in one of the for brunch or dinner on South Manager Raul Aguila told the business world. speaking to J Street, a pro- but the seat was certain to stay most popular US party destina- Beach with friends which I reporters on Saturday. The White House chief of staff Israel group, and made a in Democratic hands. tions, many Miami Beach locals haven’t done in a year I tend to three main causeways con- Ron Klain, who worked for $45,000 from Microsoft for Two Democratic state sen- took to social media to blame stay away especially when necting the city with downtown Biden when he was vice pres- being on an advisory board. ators from New Orleans — out-of-towners for the chaos. there are crowds,” said another Miami were closed to east- ident, had been an executive at Like Sullivan, Susan Rice, Troy Carter and Karen Carter Thousands of revellers have Twitter user, Pamela Amy. bound traffic from 9pm, except the venture capital firm Revo- now the head of the domestic Peterson — secured spots in descended on the south Florida Video and photos posted to residents, hotel guests and lution. He was listed as having policy council, was a member the runoff after leading the city in recent days, eager to let on social media showed thou- people traveling to work. a salary of $1.8m, according to of the Obama administration. field among 15 candidates. The off steam after a year of lock- sands of mostly maskless “I think the volume (of vis- his disclosure form. The She also made money on the New Orleans-based 2nd Dis- downs to curb the spread of the spring breakers packed itors) is clearly more than it’s threshold for direct payments speaking circuit, including trict seat is open because coronavirus. together and dancing in the been in previous years and that, is $80,000 for individuals and $81,000 for an appearance for Democrat Cedric Richmond Responding to “multiple streets as police struggled to I think, is in part due to the fact $160,000 for couples. the Cambridge Speakers Series, took a job as a special adviser fights, brawls, melees, and enforce the curfew in a so- that there are very few places Jen O’Malley Dillon, who and she pocketed $13,500 for to President Joe Biden. other public displays and dis- called High Impact Zone open elsewhere in the country,” ran Biden’s campaign before op-ed contributions to The New In Louisiana, all candidates turbances of the peace”, the city around the city’s popular Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber becoming his deputy chief of York Times. regardless of party compete declared a state of emergency Ocean Drive. said. The curfew measures are staff, was a co-founder of the Mike Donilon, a senior against each other in the on Saturday, imposed an 8pm Local media said it took in effect for at least 72 hours. consulting firm Precision Strat- adviser, was a managing primary. If no candidate tops curfew on its main enter- officers two hours to clear the City officials will meet soon to egies and her financial dis- member of MCD Strategies, a 50% of the vote, a runoff tainment district, and restricted area, and that at points they decide whether to extend them. closure gives a glimpse into the media consulting firm, prior to election is held between the eastbound travel on the fired pepperballs at the crowd. Concerns over public safety corporate advisory work she his role in the White House. His top two vote-getters. Luke causeways linking it to the Video showed people stam- prompted some businesses to did for the firm. The filing lists filing shows that he made over Letlow died on December 29. mainland. peding to get away. The Miami voluntarily close their doors clients such as General Electric, $4m in income while leading His wife announced her can- “Don’t blame Miami for Beach Police Department did during what would normally be Lyft and Gates Ventures, the his consulting firm. Donilon didacy in January, a move that those crowds on South Beach. not immediately respond to a among their most profitable venture capital firm founded lists the Biden campaign and sidelined other high-profile Nobody who’s from Miami goes request for comment. days of the year and after by billionaire Bill Gates. Democratic National Con- Republicans who had to South Beach,” one Twitter Under the new order, months of hardship caused by O’Malley Dillon’s deferred vention Committee as two of expressed interest in the seat. user named Silas P. Silas wrote, officers blocked off the Art Deco the pandemic. compensation and severance his clients. MONDAY 22 MARCH 2021 16
No virus variants can evade all antibody types, so far
REUTERS that affect their binding to the pathologies, and easier to work virus. Despite the diversity of Researchers have also found that some of the new with than larger animals such The human immune system antibodies, just one class dom- coronavirus variants can cause COVID-19 in mice. The as hamster or ferret,” said PRAYER makes many antibodies in inates the antibody response implications, such as whether mice could then transmit the coauthor Etienne Simon- response to COVID-19 infection that targets the RBD, they found. Loriere of Institut Pasteur in TIMINGS virus to humans, will require further study, they said. PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING or vaccination, and no single They also looked to see how Paris. variant of the new coronavirus many different classes of anti- Whether mice can transmit can yet escape all of them, bodies can be evaded by new the virus to each other or to FAJR 04.19 am according to a study posted on coronavirus variants. “Several COVID-19 in mice, researchers variants — particularly the ones humans remains to be deter- SUNRISE 05.36 am Thursday on bioRxiv ahead of lineages have mutations that have found. The implications, first identified in South Africa mined. “We do not have peer review. reduce binding by two of the such as whether mice could and Brazil — have mutations expertise to evaluate the health DHUHR 11.41 am Researchers looked at how antibody classes, but so far no then transmit the virus to that overcome this challenge, risk posed by this newly ASR 03.08 pm mutations in coronavirus var- lineages have mutations that humans, will require further giving them the ability to infect acquired capacity of SARS- MAGHRIB 05.48 pm iants affect antibodies’ ability escape all three classes,” said study, they said. and sicken the mice, CoV-2, but this is definitely to target a key region on the coauthor Jesse Bloom of the The original virus strain researchers reported on something that will need to be ISHA 07.18 pm virus spike called the receptor Fred Hutchinson Cancer identified in Wuhan, China, Thursday on bioRxiv ahead of done,” Simon-Loriere said. binding domain (RBD), which Research Center in Seattle. could not produce illness in peer review. “No one wants the virus to has been mutating rapidly. “We suggest this is an mice because the spikes on its “This is indeed great news move to a new reservoir from In particular, the important thing to keep an eye surface could not bind well to for animal studies to better where it could come back to researchers studied three sets on as the virus continues to the ACE2 receptor protein on understand the infection and humans, as was feared with of antibodies that were clas- evolve.” Some of the new coro- the animals’ cells. disease as mice are widely mink farms, and hopefully it sified by the structural features navirus variants can cause Some of the new concerning available... to study many will not happen.” Archaeologists WEATHER Indonesian eco-warrior turns arid hills green TODAY find sacrificial REUTERS — WONOGIRI, INDONESIA dents appreciated his work. “People ridiculed me for bringing pits dating back Once considered crazy by fellow villagers, banyan tree seeds to the village, Indonesian eco-warrior Sadiman has because they felt uneasy as they 3,000 years turned barren hills green after 24 years of believed there are spirits in these o o effort, making water resources available trees,” Sadiman added. QNA — BEIJING 20 C 33 C in the drought-prone mountainous region Some even thought he was a Minimum Maximum where he lives. madman because he bartered sap- Chinese archaeologists have Affectionately addressed as ‘mbah’ or lings for the goats he reared, said one found six new sacrificial pits Relatively hot daytime with slight ‘grandpa’, the 69-year-old has worked villager, Warto. and unearthed more than 500 dust at times, mild by night. relentlessly to plant trees in the hills of “In the past people thought he was items dating back about 3,000 central Java after fires to clear the land for crazy, but look at the result now,” years at the Sanxingdui Ruins W ALRUWAIS : 20o → 26o cultivation nearly dried up its rivers and Warto added. “He is able to provide in Sichuan Province southwest W ALKHOR : 18o → 31o lakes. clean water to meet the needs of the China. W DUKHAN : 20o → 31o “I thought to myself, if I don’t plant people in several villages.” Sadiman So far, archaeologists have W WAKRAH : 16o → 33o banyan trees, this area would become dry,” also funds his work through a nursery unearthed various important W MESAIEED : 16o → 33o said Sadiman, wearing his trademark of plants such as cloves and jackfruit cultural items from four of the ranger hat and safari shirt, who goes by one that he can sell or barter. pits, including pieces of gold W ABUSAMRA : 18o → 32o name, like many Indonesians. Lack of rain in the area where he masks, gold foil, bronze masks, Sadiman, a 69-year-old eco-warrior, stands near a “In my experience, banyan trees and planted trees had once limited bronze trees and large hill which is the first area he replanted with trees 20 ficus trees can store a lot of water.” The farmers to a single harvest a year, but numbers of ivories. Pieces of HIGH TIDE years ago, in Wonogiri, Indonesia, on March 13, 2021. 0:00– 0:00 long and wide-spreading roots of at least now, the abundant water sources miniature ivory sculptures, 11,000 banyans and ficus trees Sadiman ensure two or three, he said. carbonized rice and seeds of LOW TIDE 0:00 – 15:51 has planted over 250 hectares (617 acres) formed where once there was barren and “I hope the people here can have pros- trees were also excavated. The help to retain groundwater and prevent arid land, their water piped to homes and perous lives and live happily. And don’t rest of the newly discovered land erosion. used to irrigate farms. burn the forest over and over again,” pits are still under Thanks to his effort, springs have Yet, at the beginning, few village resi- Sadiman added, with a twinkle in his eye. excavation. The new pits sit next to two sacrificial pits discovered in 1986. They are rectangular, 2021 Oscars to be in-person; limited to nominees, guests with areas ranging between 3.5 square meters and 19 REUTERS — LOS ANGELES at the Dolby Theatre in you in person, as well as for all gather in the 3,400-seat theatre Nominations for the Oscars square meters. In another Hollywood. the millions of film fans around for a live show preceded by a were announced last Monday, major discovery, residues of The Oscars ceremony in April Everyone will be tested, and the world, and we feel the red carpet packed with photog- with 1930s Hollywood drama silk and textile products were will be an intimate, in-person there will be a COVID-19 safety virtual thing will diminish raphers and camera crews. “Mank” leading the field with unearthed for the first time at gathering, held without Zoom team on site throughout the those efforts,” the producers Other awards shows in 10, followed by “The Father,” Sanxingdui, indicating “the and limited to nominees, evening on April 25. added. recent months have replaced Black Panther story “Judas and ancient Shu Kingdom was one presenters and their guests, the “There will not be an option They said nominees and the usual gatherings at gala the Black Messiah,” Korean- of the important origins of silk producers have said. to Zoom in for the show,” pro- their guests would gather at a dinners and on stage with pre- language drama “Minari,” in ancient China,” according Due to the coronavirus pan- ducers Steven Soderbergh, Jesse courtyard in the Union rail recorded appearances or virtual “Nomadland,” #MeToo revenge to Tang Fei, head of the exca- demic, the show to hand out the Collins and Stacey Sher said in station, while other show ele- events or a combination. tale “Promising Young vation team and chief of the highest honours in the movie a note to the more than 200 ments would be held live inside Television audiences have Woman,” Amazon Studio deaf institute. industry will be held both at the nominees this year. the Dolby Theatre some 8 miles slumped, with the Golden drama “Sound of Metal,” and The Sanxingdui Ruins is Union Station in Downtown Los “We are going to great (12.9 km) away. Globes and the Grammys 1960s Vietnam War courtroom dubbed as one of the greatest Angeles and the traditional lengths to provide a safe and Normally, hundreds of the attracting the smallest numbers drama “The Trial of the archeological finds of mankind home of the Academy Awards ENJOYABLE evening for all of world’s top movie stars would in decades. Chicago 7.” in the 20th century. The site was accidentally discovered by a farmer when he was Scientists study digging a ditch in the 1920s. Air Force C-130s called upon to fight Taiwan drought Covering 12 square km, the snow polluted ruins are located in the city of REUTERS — HSINCHU, TAIWAN Guanghan, about 60 km from with microplastics Chengdu and are believed to Taiwan is drilling wells and be the remnants of the Shu REUTERS — MOSCOW seeding clouds to help the Kingdom, dating back at least sub-tropical island ride out its 4,800 years and lasting over Russian scientists are trying to most serious drought in about 2,000 years. understand the scale of a half a century, after rain- potential threat to the envi- soaking typhoons failed to ronment in Siberia: snow make landfall last year. Pandemic began polluted with microplastics The drought is worst that then melts and seeps into across a band of western sooner than the ground. Taiwan, including the major Scientists at Tomsk State metropolises of Hsinchu, thought: Study University (TSU) say they have home to many of Taiwan’s gathered snow samples from renowned tech firms, Tai- AP — WASHINGTON 20 different Siberian regions chung in the centre of the — from the Altai mountains to island, and Tainan and Kaoh- A new analysis suggests the the Arctic — and that their pre- siung to the south. coronavirus pandemic likely liminary findings confirm that Water levels in four major began in China’s Hubei airborne plastic fibres are reservoirs have fallen to province a month or two turning up in snow in remote around or below one-tenth of earlier than late December parts of the wilderness. capacity. Some chipmakers 2019, when a cluster of cases “It’s clear that it’s not just are buying water by the tied to a seafood market was rivers and seas that are truckload for their foundries, first detected. involved circulating micro- though supplies so far are gen- Scientists traced mutations plastics around the world, but erally continuing uninter- back in time to estimate when People take photos on the exposed riverbed of Touqian river, a main water source for Hsinchu Science also soil, living creatures and rupted for households. a common ancestral virus first Park where major semiconductor companies are based, in Hsinchu, Taiwan during an island-wide even the atmosphere,” Yulia Chiang Ming-lang, director emerged, did modeling exer- Frank, scientific director at of the Water Resources drought, on March 12, 2021. cises on how the new corona- TSU’s Microplastics Siberia Agency’s northern region, told virus spread, and reported centre, told Reuters. Reuters they have been piping Agency took the unusual step more than 70% of water con- their findings on Thursday in Microplastics, which are in water from other reservoirs of sending its top official for sumption in Taiwan, to grow the journal Science. created when bigger pieces of to the main one for Hsinchu, Agriculture accounts for central Taiwan to a three-hour rice and fruit like mango and Evolutionary biologist plastic litter break up over but it was still not enough and more than 70% of water religious ceremony to pray for pineapple. Michael Worobey says the study time, are increasingly being they were now drilling wells. consumption in Taiwan, rain, the first time the event Hsinchu rice farmer Tian is “pointing pretty strongly to found in the air, food, drinking “Nobody wants to lack has been held in 58 years. Shou-hsi, 63, said his crops that market not being the water and even Arctic ice. Sci- water. But if the heavens don’t to grow rice and fruit Some 3,000 people, mostly were “suffering terribly”. original source of the virus but entists are increasingly open then that’s not something like mango and farmers as well as Taichung “The spring has begun but the first place where it encoun- worried they may pose a risk you or I can control,” he said. pineapple. Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, prayed. I haven’t seen any rain. I can’t tered sort of one of these super- to human health and marine “Though some people say Taiwan’s air force has also plant the three hectares of spreading events.” Public health life, though there is no con- this is a short-term phe- used C-130 transport aircraft land I have,” he said. expert William Hanage, who sensus yet on the issue. nomenon, it’s hard to deny this to seed the clouds, while water “There’s no water, so we had no role in the study, says the Tomsk scientists have pre- has become a long-term one.” meantime are taking more resources officials back up the have nothing to do. Apart from conclusions are “very, very viously found microplastics in Officials hope the ‘plum rain’ drastic steps. effort from the ground by tilling the soil and planting plausible” and the work “pushes the digestive systems of fish season that starts around late In Taichung earlier this firing chemicals into the air. mulch for the ground, I don’t back in time” estimates of the caught in Siberian rivers. spring will help, but in the month the Water Resources Agriculture accounts for know what to do.” origins of the outbreak.