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TUESDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11707 October 20, 2020 Rabia I 3, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir congratulates Sheikh Thani bin Hamad attends opening ceremony of Ibn Haldun University New Zealand PM

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al- Thani sent yesterday cables of congratulations to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on her Labour Party’s victory in the general elections. PM sends message to Kuwait deputy premier HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani has sent a written message to Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Minister of State for Cabinet Aff airs, Anas Khalid Nasser al-Saleh, pertaining to bilateral relations and aspects of Commissioned by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in response to the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad al-Thani attended the off icial enhancing and developing them. opening ceremony of Ibn Haldun University (IHU) in Istanbul yesterday. During the ceremony, HE Sheikh Thani received from the university administration ‘Al-Fateh Key’, in appreciation of the eff orts of Qatar in The message was handed over supporting the education sector at the regional and international levels. HE Sheikh Thani, in the presence of President Erdogan, witnessed the signing of an agreement between Qatar University and Ibn Haldun by Qatar’s ambassador to Kuwait University regarding the granting of a joint PhD in many academic programmes off ered by the two universities. The opening was attended by a number of ministers and senior Turkish off icials, in addition to Bander bin Mohamed al-Attiyah, members of the university’s administrative and teaching staff and guests. Page 2 during his meeting with al-Saleh yesterday. 4 arrested for violating quarantine conditions Qatar launches annual US to remove Sudan from Competent authorities arrested yesterday four people who violated the requirements of the terrorism sponsors list home quarantine, in accordance with the procedures of the health fl u vaccination drive authorities in the country. The Reuters Sudan looking forward four people being referred to Washington the competent prosecution are: to Trump notification Sultan Mohamed Sultan al-Nefaihi By Joseph Varghese al-Kubaisi, Yousef Thani Yousef Staff Reporter resident Donald Trump said yes- Khartoum: Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdullah al-Haddad, Fahad terday the United States would Abdalla Hamdok said yesterday Hamad Saleh al-Hamad al-Mannai Premove Sudan from its list of he was looking forward to US and Osama Ayman Mohamed atar has launched the an- state sponsors of terrorism once Khar- President Donald Trump off icially Smayyan. nual seasonal fl u vaccination toum sets aside $335mn for payments notifying Congress to rescind Qcampaign targeting a sizeable for American victims. Sudan as a state sponsor of Entry fee for Al Khor number of population. The vaccine The deal could also set in motion terrorism. A Sudanese government Park only: MME will be available for free for citizens steps by Sudan toward establishing source said Sudan was ready to and residents from today. diplomatic relations with Israel, a US pay compensation for US embassy The Ministry of Municipality and “We have a stock of about 500,000 Off icials at the press conference yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed offi cial told Reuters, following similar bombing victims. Environment (MME) has reiterated doses of vaccine this year against US-brokered moves in recent weeks by that park entry charges are related 200,000 last year. This year it is all The fl u vaccine is available at 27 ing over 40 private clinics and hos- the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. to the zoo at Al Khor Park only and the more important to take the fl u PHCC health centres, HMC outpa- pitals as well and semi-governmental Details were still being worked out, agreed to pay $335 MILLION to US no other public park currently has shot due to the prevailing Covid-19 tient clinics and designated private healthcare facilities. The fl u vaccine the source said. terror victims and families,” Trump any entry fee. “There are more situation,” said Dr Abdullatif al- and semi-private clinics and hospi- will also be given to patients who re- Sudan’s designation as a state spon- tweeted. “Once deposited, I will lift than 90 public parks in the State Khal, chair of the National Health tals across Qatar, in addition to the ceive home healthcare. sor of terrorism dates to its toppled Sudan from the State Sponsors of Ter- where entry is free for all,” the MME Strategic Group on Covid-19 and clinics that pertain to Qatar Armed Dr al-Khal was speaking at a press ruler Omar al-Bashir and makes it dif- rorism list. At long last, JUSTICE for tweeted yesterday. head of the Infectious Diseases Divi- Forces, and petroleum companies. conference yesterday at the launch fi cult for its transitional government to the American people and BIG step for sion at Hamad Medical Corporation People can avail the facility at more of the vaccination campaign along access urgently needed debt relief and Sudan!” ‘Russia sabotaging (HMC). than 70 healthcare facilities includ- with Dr Hamad al-Romaihi, manager, foreign fi nancing. Trump made no mention of US ef- Tokyo Olympics’ Health Protection and Communica- Many in Sudan say the designation, forts to get Sudan to become the latest Call 107 for an appointment for vaccination ble Diseases at the Ministry of Public imposed in 1993 because the United Arab state to forge ties with Israel. Britain and the United States Health (MoPH), Dr Soha al-Bayat, States believed Bashir’s government Sudan had insisted that any an- yesterday condemned what they People can call 107 to book an body, joints, bones and muscle pain, head of Vaccination Unit, Health Pro- was supporting militant groups, is nouncement of Khartoum’s de-listing said were a litany of malicious appointment to take the flu vaccine, cough, inflammation of the upper tection and Communicable Disease now undeserved since Bashir was re- not be explicitly linked to normalisa- cyberattacks orchestrated by advised Dr Abdullatif al-Khal. The respiratory tract, and headache. Control Department at MoPH and moved last year and Sudan has long tion with Israel. Russian military intelligence, flu vaccine can also be taken during “The seasonal flu could also lead Dr Khalid Hamid Elawad, manager, co-operated with the United States on Diff erences remain between Suda- including attempts to disrupt visits for other appointments at the to severe complications in some Health Protection, Preventive Health counter-terrorism. nese political and military offi cials on next year’s Olympic and Primary Health Care Centres or the people, depending on their age Directorate at Primary Health Care US-Sudanese negotiations have fo- how far and how fast to go in warming Paralympic Games in Tokyo. nearest health facility during the non- and health conditions and require Corporation (PHCC). cused on funds that Washington wants of relations with Israel. British and US officials said the peak hours to avoid rush, he said. hospitalisation, ICU admission and “While fl u and Covid-19 are two Khartoum to deposit in escrow for vic- One possibility, one US offi cial said attacks were conducted by Unit He told Qatar TV yesterday through even result in death. The World diff erent viruses, it is important to tims of al-Qaeda attacks on US embas- earlier, would be for Washington to 74455 of Russia’s GRU military a telephone interview that the Health Organisation reports around ensure you are protected against the sies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998, US fi rst announce Sudan’s de-listing and intelligence agency, also known symptoms of the seasonal flu could 650,000 cases of flu deaths a year,” seasonal fl u this year. Getting a fl u government sources said. then leave it to Sudan and Israel to go as the Main Centre for Special include body temperature of 40C, Dr al-Khal added. shot this year is more important than “GREAT news! New government of public later with an agreement on es- Technologies. ever because of Covid-19.” To Page 7 Sudan, which is making great progress, tablishing relations. Al Waab, Murraikh interchanges open Top Palestinian offi cial More than 99.988% of Qatar Erekat critical from virus Airways passengers Covid-free AFP Jerusalem Flying continues to be on-board safety, hygiene and social the safest form of travel distancing procedures in place at air- ports, and compliance with the test- ong-time chief Palestinian ing and entry requirements of local negotiator Saeb Erekat was atar Airways has reported authorities, air travel does not need to Lin “critical” condition and “extremely low numbers” of be a source of concern to passengers. in a medically induced coma yes- QCovid-19 cases on board its “From the onset of the Covid-19 terday, said the Israeli hospital in aircraft after operating more than pandemic, we have introduced the Jerusalem treating him for corona- 4.6mn “passenger fl own sectors” and most rigorous and stringent virus virus complications. over 33bn “revenue passenger kilo- monitoring, detection and on-board The Palestine Liberation Or- Saeb Erekat (file photo) metres” on more than 37,000 Covid- hygiene programme in existence ganisation (PLO) said on Sunday 19-free fl ights across the globe since within the global aviation communi- that Erekat had been admitted to defi ned critical and due to respira- February. Qatar Airways has stringently ty. As an industry, we want to ensure Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital’s tory distress, he is anaesthetised The success of the airline’s robust implemented the most advanced the recovery of commercial aviation coronavirus intensive care unit and ventilated”. Covid-19 monitoring, detection and safety and hygiene measures on by encouraging passengers to feel due to “chronic health problems in Erekat, who lives in the bibli- hygiene programme has resulted in board. confi dent that they are safe and pro- the respiratory system”. cal town of Jericho in the Israeli- more than 99.988% of passengers tected, from departure to arrival, with The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) The 65-year-old had tested occupied West Bank, underwent travelling Covid-19-free on board, corded since the airline introduced its all airlines. yesterday announced that Al Waab positive for Covid-19 on October lung-transplant surgery in the with signifi cantly less than 1% of full PPE in-fl ight uniform in May, as “Our risk-based approach has Interchange and Murraikh Interchange have 9, the PLO said. United States in 2017. passengers confi rmed to have tested well as the inclusion of passenger face seen us adopt a number of additional been completely opened to traff ic as part of Erekat had “arrived in serious “Mr Erekat is a challenge to treat positive by local authorities following shields on all fl ights. measures such as the introduction of the Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor project works. condition” and was receiving oxy- for coronavirus since he had lung a Qatar Airways fl ight. Qatar Airways Group chief execu- PCR testing for passengers departing Al Waab Interchange and old Lekhwiya gen, the hospital said on Sunday. transplants, he is immunosup- In addition to this, signifi cantly tive HE Akbar al-Baker said: “These from ‘high risk’ countries, and the use Roundabout have been developed into two Yesterday morning, Hadassah pressed, and has another bacterial less than 1% (0.002%) of operat- latest statistics are a clear indica- of the most advanced HEPA air fi ltra- multi-level intersections consisting of eight said that after a “quiet night,” his infection in addition to coronavi- ing cabin crew have been aff ected on tion that, with the adoption of the tion systems on board our aircraft, bridges and two main signals. Page 16 condition “deteriorated and is now rus,” Hadassah said. board to date, with no new cases re- right measures such as meticulous wherever possible.” To Page 7 Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, October 20, 2020 QATAR

Commissioned by His Highness Al-Muraikhi meets Azerbaijan envoy Qatar feted with ‘Al-Fateh Key’ in Istanbul the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in response to the invitation of Turkish Presi- dent Recep Tayyip Erdogan, HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad al-Tha- ni attended the off icial opening ceremony of Ibn Haldun Uni- versity (IHU), held yesterday in Istanbul. During the ceremony, HE Sheikh Thani received from the university administration ‘Al-Fateh Key’, in appreciation of the eff orts of the State of Qatar in supporting the educa- tion sector at the regional and international level. HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad al-Thani, in the presence of the Turkish president, witnessed the sign- ing of an agreement between Qatar University and Ibn Haldun University regarding the granting of a joint PhD in many academic programmes off ered by the two universities. The opening was attended by a number of ministers and senior Turkish off icials, in addition to HE Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi met yesterday with Azerbaijan members of the university’s ad- ambassador to Qatar Rashad Ismayilov. The meeting reviewed the bilateral relations, in addition to ministrative and teaching staff issues of joint interest. and guests of the ceremony. Qatar’s envoy opens ’22 FIFA World Cup exhibition in Nice

QNA speech the distinguished level Paris of international sporting events hosted by Qatar in recent years, and expressed admiration for the atar’s ambassador to determination of Qatar to devel- France Sheikh Ali bin op the skills and the prominent QJassim al-Thani and the and eff ective role that it plays in Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, the fi elds of sport as a means of have inaugurated an exhibition developing relations, strength- of the models of the eight world- ening friendships and creating class stadiums dedicated to host- exchange with countries and ing the 2022 FIFA World Cup peoples of the world. matches, at the National Sports It is worth noting that the Museum in Nice, as part of the models of the Qatari stadiums activities of the Qatar-France intended to host the 2022 World 2020 Year of Culture, in order to Cup were displayed at the Arab extend bridges of dialogue and World Institute in Paris and in co-operation with the various the French city of Cannes, and French regions. were appreciated by French offi - The opening ceremony was cials and the public. attended by Director of the Na- On the sidelines of the opening tional Sports Museum Marie of the exhibition, the ambassador Grasse, French personalities, of Qatar held a bilateral meeting parliamentarians and a number with the Mayor of Nice, during of journalists. In a speech during which they discussed ways to the ceremony, the ambassador enhance co-operation between said that the innovative designs Qatar and Nice in various fi elds, of these stadiums symbolise Models of Qatar’s stadiums that will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup matches at the exhibition. especially in the framework of the Qatari culture and ancient following up the activities of the history of the region, while re- ing innovations coupled with a particular, and to organise joint two countries and their constant Qatar-France 2020 Year of Cul- sponding to sophisticated engi- spirit of determination to make activities that contribute to en- endeavour to develop it through ture. neering, technical and aesthetic the 2022 FIFA World Cup a true riching the history of sport. activities. They also discussed prospects requirements. driver of social and human de- The ambassador thanked the For his part, the Mayor of Nice for investment in a number of He pointed out to the designs velopment. Fans will be able to museum offi cials for organising expressed his admiration for the projects in the future. During of the upper stands in some sta- reach the venues via modernised the exhibition, which constitutes continuous preparations that are the meeting, the Mayor of Nice diums which are in the form of transportation facilities, such as an occasion to express the dis- taking place in the World Cup praised the city’s readiness to removable units, so that their the Doha Metro, or an environ- tinguished partnership between projects, considering it evidence develop and strengthen its part- capacity is reduced after the end mentally friendly light transport Qatar and France in all fi elds. that the 2022 FIFA World Cup, nership with Qatar, in order to of the World Cup and a number service. He stressed that hosting this the fi rst of its kind in the Arab establish a vision that supports of seats are donated to develop The ambassador expressed exhibition in one of the most im- world, will be legendary and ex- cultural radiation between the sports projects in developing his readiness to strengthen co- portant and most beautiful cities ceptional by all standards. two countries and to encourage countries. operation with the city of Nice in of the French Riviera refl ects the The director of the Sports Mu- the enrichment of creativity, es- The inaugural ceremony of the exhibition at the National Sports This makes these engineer- general and its Sports Museum in depth of relations between the seum Mary Grasse praised in her pecially in arts and culture. Museum in Nice.

US patent off ice granted patent New private organisations law off ers more exibilityfl to QU team for adaptive security

r Khaled Khan and Dr QNA sociation and its members by e- that would achieve governance Armstrong Nhlabatsi from Doha mail, while it was previously only in the work of associations, and Dthe College of Engineering by registered mail, in order to en- activate the General Assembly’s at Qatar University (QU) have re- hance communication between monitoring of the Board of Di- cently obtained a US Patent (No. ssistant Undersecretary members and the association, rectors. 10,713,355) for their invention of for Social Aff airs, Min- keep abreast of technological de- Al-Kuwari noted that the adaptive security. Aistry of Administrative velopment, and equal opportu- amendments also included a This research project was fund- Development, Labour and Social nities among members to attend progression in the penalties in- ed by the Qatar National Research Aff airs, Ghanem Mubarak al- general assembly meetings and volved, and the possibility of Fund (QNRF). The research team Kuwari, said yesterday that de- participate in elections, and the holding a member or director led by Dr Khan, an associate pro- Dr Armstrong Nhlabatsi cree law No 21 of 2020 regarding amendments stipulated the for- accountable if the member com- fessor in the Department of Com- private associations and institu- mation of the election commis- mitted a violation that off ends puter Science and Engineering tions aims to give these entities sion is one of the association’s the association, without pun- at QU in collaboration with The more fl exibility to achieve their members, in a move that would ishing the association. It also Open University (UK) invented a goals and provide the appropri- achieve independence for asso- allowed for reconciliation in the method for enabling security de- ate environment for their work. ciations in managing the elec- crimes stipulated in the law. signers of the cloud application to In a press conference held yes- tion process for their boards of For his part, Director of the make security mechanisms dy- terday, al-Kuwari said that the Ghanem Mubarak al-Kuwari directors without the ministry’s Private Associations and Institu- namic as well as adaptive. The in- ministry will communicate with interference. tions Department at the Ministry vention incorporates contextual the heads of private organisa- This is because, he said, these case in the previous repealed law. Al-Kuwari indicated that the of Labour and Social Aff airs Naji attributes, which are considered tions to present the most im- organisations represent a real Al-Kuwari added that the amendments will contribute to al-Aji confi rmed that decree law in addition to rules when making Dr Khaled Khan portant amendments included in support in the implementation of amendments organised the facilitating the practice of soci- No 21 of 2020 refl ects the states an access control decision by the decree law No 21 in more detail. the ministry’s tasks and because mechanism for conducting the eties for their activities that are keenness to manage diversity in system. Existing solutions focus on pre- It will also answer queries. He of the real value it embodies in general assembly elections to the compatible with their objectives relation to non-governmental Dr Khan pointed out that ac- designed access control measures expressed gratitude to members social capital, as indicated by board of directors, in a way that in its articles of association only organisations and the services cess rights to information on at design time, hence not able to of the boards of directors and Qatar National Vision 2030. Al- contributes to promoting equal under the Ministry’s notifi ca- they provide similar to and com- computer-based systems may handle unknown threats that may general assemblies in all private Kuwari stated that the decree law opportunities among all mem- tion, instead of prior authori- plementary to what the state depend on contextual factors, arise at runtime. associations and institutions for No 21 of 2020 aims to give private bers of the assembly, and allows sation when they wish to par- provides. such as who is accessing the data, The existing access control their important role in achieving associations and institutions them to view the records of the ticipate or organise seminars, Al-Aji explained that the re- from where, and under which mechanisms do not consider partnership and co-operation more fl exibility to achieve their members who have the right to conferences, training courses or lationship between the ministry threat conditions. There is a runtime context -making secu- between state institutions, asso- goals that are compatible with run and be elected, by publishing similar activities. and associations is complemen- need for the dynamism of access rity none-adaptive. ciations and private institutions their objectives. the board of directors a list of the In addition, the amendments tary in a way that serves the pub- control mechanisms taking into This project has exactly tackled to achieve the goals of national This law makes it possible to names of the members who have specifi ed the period of time for lic interest, and provides services account contextual factors that this dynamic issue of security in development, and in apprecia- authorise one of its members to fulfi lled their obligations towards associations to keep their fi nan- that allows fl exibility for associa- arise at runtime. the cloud. In terms of practicality tion of the role they play in pro- take the procedures for register- the association, at the associa- cial and administrative records tions in dealing with members or He has also added that security of the proposed approach, mobile viding many social, scientifi c, ing the association, adopting the tions headquarters or its website, and clarifi ed the types of records, dealing with other institutions threats in cloud environments are app developers as well as cloud cultural and professional serv- national address in communica- or both, at least 60 days before which reduces the burden on as- in a way that serves the public dynamic — requiring access con- service providers can incorporate ices, stressing that the ministry tion, and allowing the new mem- the date of the general assembly’s sociations to keep all types of interest in the state and enriches trol mechanisms to respond to the this invented technology in their is working continuously to sup- ber of the association to enjoy all meetings. records for an indefi nite period, the social, cultural, professional, changing nature of the threats. access control mechanisms. The port this partnership and provide of their rights without the need He pointed out that the It also allowed the members of scientifi c and educational activi- Current access control mecha- team has also implemented a pro- a helping hand and support to for six months to pass after join- amendments also allowed formal the General Assembly to view all ties provided by these associa- nisms in the cloud use static rules totype to demonstrate the feasi- these community institutions. ing the association, as was the communication between the as- the associations records in a step tions. expressed as security policies. bility of the solution. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 20, 2020 3 QATAR A380s may not QCS thanks Qatar Airways return to service

soon: al-Baker Sheikh Dr Khaled bin Jaber al-Thani By Pratap John other suppliers “need to reinvest Business Editor their profi ts in R&D and inno- atar Cancer Society vation, to achieve greater effi - (QCS) chairman Sheikh ciency.” “While we commit and QDr Khaled bin Jaber al- atar Airways has been strive to be more sustainable, our Thani has appreciated Qatar “proactive” in ensuring ability to meet our targets is very Airways’ eff orts to spread aware- Qit operates the “latest much dependent on the aircraft ness of cancer, especially breast most fuel-effi cient aircraft”, said and engine manufacturers and cancer, one of the most common Group Chief Executive HE Akbar petrochemical companies.” types among women in Qatar and all categories of Qatari society unique fl ight path being dis- al-Baker and noted the national On air travel during the pan- worldwide. throughout the month, and aims played in real-time by popular airline does not expect to operate demic, al-Baker said: “In the ab- “It is wonderful to see this to emphasise the importance fl ight tracking sites. its Airbus A380s for at least two sence of a vaccine, PCR testing at great support from Qatar Air- of a healthy lifestyle to prevent The ‘ThinkPink’ fl ight was years. airports for inbound passengers ways, that contributes sig- the disease, highlight the health exclusively operated by women Addressing the @FlightGlo- remains the most reliable process nifi cantly to raising awareness services available in Qatar, fi nan- – from the ground operations, bal’s #Airlines2050 summit yes- to resume international travel. among citizens and residents cial support to cancer patients technical, and dispatch teams to terday, HE al-Baker said, “I don’t “Airport-based Covid-19 PCR about breast cancer in conjunc- and document the experiences of the fl ight deck and cabin crew. think that the A380 will get back HE Akbar al-Baker testing is now available in more tion with the Blossom campaign individuals living with cancer. The unusual fl ight path attract- into the skies in the short term,” than 30 countries globally. Intro- that QCS launched,” he said in Qatar Airways has shown ed the attention of many people and cited the type’s “unfavour- proactive in ensuring we oper- er reintroducing its examples of ducing this measure across the a statement. The fi ght against its support for Breast Cancer who tracked the Qatar Airways able economics” amid the coro- ate the latest most fuel-effi cient the type. A decision to bring the UK airports, followed by a fi ve- cancer needs concerted eff orts Awareness Month by ‘drawing’ fl ight throughout its duration navirus crisis. aircraft.” superjumbo back sooner, would day quarantine, off ers a balance and constant co-operation be- a symbolic pink ribbon in the sky and tuned in live to watch QR “Recognising early the shift He said, “Our airline would therefore, not be wise. between protecting public health tween all institutions and agen- above Qatar on Saturday. Flight 9901 drawing the Breast Cancer in consumer sentiment towards need to see the growth we He noted that Airbus, Boeing, and increasing demand for air cies in the country. Blossom is QR 9901 took a special route to Awareness Pink Ribbon in the sustainability, we have been achieved in 2019 for it to consid- General Electric, Rolls Royce and travel.” a national campaign targeting create the ribbon image with its sky above Qatar. Starlink hosts iPhone speech event at Katara tarlink Qatar, part of the food trucks availed to serve their in your old phone for the new levels with their creative videog- Ooredoo Group of com- needs: Exit 55, Karak and Chap- iPhone and only pay the diff er- raphy and interactive competi- Spanies established back ati, and partner Specialty Coff ee ence) and got the chance to reg- tions. Participants answered Ap- in 2006 and the fi rst retailer for CAF Café among others. ister their interest for future up- ple Trivia Questions to win the mobile and accessories, hosted “We were very happy to host dates and notifi cations. Live iPad latest Apple Watch Series 6, iPad the Apple Keynote Speech re- the event for Starlink, a well- magic show performances from 10.2 Inch 8th Generation and the leasing the new iPhone 12 models known Qatari brand that is be- World Wide Wonders as well as ultimate prize – The First iPhone at Katara, a statement said yes- coming part of our culture and a live performance from Shireen 12 Received by Starlink Qatar will terday. we are looking forward for future Abu Saad, Season 1 “The Voice be yours! The event featured a drive collaborations with them,” said Kids” graced the large screen. Al-Ghafri said: “I was very through experience. People were Maryam al-Saad, head of mar- Popular personalities such as happy when Starlink asked me to encouraged to remain in their keting at Katara. Abdullah al-Ghafri, Hussain al- be the host of the event, it was re- cars as live traditional music Audiences were informed of Sada and Essa Jamali pushed the ally fun, specially that I am a big and lights show fi lled the air and Starlink’s trade-in off ers (trade excitement of the event to higher fan of Apple products.” Starlink Qatar’s Apple event at Katara featured a drive through experience. QRCS talk sheds light on challenges facing aid work

lecture delivered yesterday by Qatar Red Crescent Society A(QRCS) secretary-general Ali bin Hassan al-Hammadi to Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) masters students highlighted the major chal- lenges facing humanitarian work. He discussed the ‘Components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’, covering the his- tory and evolution of the Movement, its environment of work, fundamental principles, and funding of humanitar- ian action. Al-Hammadi said part of these challenges include the complex nature of humanitarian crises, international politics, the fi eld risks for aid work- ers, violations of the international hu- manitarian law (IHL), and shrinking sources of funding amid international economic challenges. Explaining the concept of post- Ali bin Hassan al-Hammadi disaster and postwar reconstruction, he said: “Typically, any relief inter- of politics and international govern- „ By active participation on the vention is divided into three stages: ment relations, towards the ultimate ground, QRCS leaders gave good ex- (1) immediate response to the disaster, goal of delivering relief and develop- ample, motivation, and power to all by deploying relief teams to assess the ment aid to those in need. the fi eld workers to work even harder. needs and start on the spot to distrib- In relation to QRCS, an overview „ Once announced in the media, ute urgent aid to the most aff ected peo- was given on its establishment, relief the Volunteer for Qatar campaign at- ple; (2) early recovery, which involves and development activities in and out tracted unprecedented numbers of ap- repairing the direct damage caused of Qatar, and local and international plicants, both nationals and residents, by the disaster, while continuing to partnerships. Over the three years of driven by a sense of responsibility to provide aid for more victims; and (3) blockade, the value of humanitar- stand together in the face of calamity. long-term recovery, where plans are ian aid provided under QRCS’s pro- „All QRCS departments worked to- developed to help the local community grammes and interventions totalled gether in perfect harmony to attain the to restore its normal life and reopening QR1.3bn, reaching out to over 30mn planned goals. and operation of damaged utilities and people around the world. „ There was good co-ordination infrastructure”. Al-Hammadi also tackled about the among QRCS and government author- He underlined the concept of pre- Coronavirus (Covid-19) control eff orts ities, mainly the Supreme Committee paredness, saying: “We do not wait for as a model of success, through co-op- for Crisis Management, MoPH, Minis- the occurrence of a disaster to take ac- eration with the ministries of health, try of Interior, Ministry of Municipal- tion; rather, we work at ordinary times interior, labour, and municipality, un- ity and Environment, Hamad Medical to rehabilitate and empower society, der the supervision of the Supreme Corporation, and Primary Health Care build the capacity of its organisations, Committee for Crisis Management. Corporation. and strengthen its utilities and infra- From the response, he said there „ Many partners and contributors structure to be resilient in the face of were many impressive aspects to high- supported QRCS, realising its impor- disasters and minimise casualties and light, such as: tant role in combating the virus, in- damage. There are many universally „ Higher committees supervising cluding 40 charities, private-sector approved guidelines and references the response greatly facilitated the or- companies, and sports federations. for humanitarian action, such as the ganisation, planning, and implemen- „ QRCS’s humanitarian interven- Sphere Project, the Guide to Rights of tation of work. tions to help many countries to control Relief Workers on the Field, and the „ All the available human and mate- the pandemic represented the organi- Geneva Conventions”. rial resources were employed in the re- sation’s international humanitarian Al-Hammadi cited some sugges- sponse. Further fi nancial and logistic reputation and emphasised Qatar’s tions to enhance humanitarian ac- resources were secured as needed. bright humanitarian image globally. tion, including legal and humanitarian „ Hiring skilled medical workers The lecture concluded with a list of compliance, training and profi ciency, and volunteers helped to deliver the reference works and valuable literature resource mobilisation, use of modern necessary eff ective and professional as suggested readings. technology, and governance and trans- performance to deal with the crisis. The moderator, Dr Mostafa Othman parency. „ QRCS capitalised on previous ex- al-Amin, thanked al-Hammadi for his A large part of the lecture was dedi- perience in many foreign relief opera- lecture, which informed the students cated to the concept of humanitarian tions, including but not limited to the about the Movement and QRCS, as diplomacy, as a complement to tradi- operation of health facilities, construc- well as their role in protecting vulner- tional diplomacy that enables human- tion of emergency shelter camps, dis- able communities aff ected by confl ict itarian action by removing the hurdles tribution of food and nonfood aid, etc. and disasters. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, October 20, 2020 QATAR MoPH reports 126,650 total Covid-19 recoveries

QNA in Qatar have succeeded in fl at- z Expanding hospital capac- others, crowded places and con- elderly family members or those Doha tening the curve and limiting ity, especially intensive care, to fi ned closed spaces where people with chronic diseases, ensure the spread of the virus and the ensure patients receive the med- aggregate. Now more than ever, to wash hands regularly, wear a number of new daily cases and ical care we must be careful and protect mask and to maintain social and he Ministry of Public hospital admissions is continu- z Protecting the elderly and the most vulnerable. physical distancing. Health (MoPH) reported ing to decline each week. those with chronic diseases While the restrictions of Cov- Anyone suff ering from Cov- Tyesterday, 240 new con- Qatar’s proactive and exten- Even though restrictions are id-19 are gradually being lifted id-19 symptoms should either fi rmed cases of Covid-19 in the sive testing of suspected cases being lifted, and numbers are in Qatar, it is important for eve- contact 16000 helpline or go last 24 hours, of which 215 are has enabled us to identify a high declining, this does not mean ryone to play their role in con- directly to one of the designated from community cases and 25 number of positive cases in the that the Covid-19 pandemic is trolling the virus by following health centres to undergo the from travellers returning from community. over in Qatar, as people continue the precautionary measures: necessary checks at Muaither, abroad. Qatar has one of the lowest to be admitted with moderate to „ Adherence to physical dis- Rawdat Al Khail, Umm Slal, or The ministry also recorded Covid-19 death rates in the world. severe Covid-19 symptoms. Un- tancing Al Gharafa health centres. This is 244 recoveries in the last 24 This is a result of: less we follow all precautionary „ Wearing a face mask important as the earlier the dis- hours, bringing the total number z Very high quality of care measures, we may experience a „ Washing hands regularly ease is detected the easier it will of recoveries to 126,650. provided through the public second wave of the virus and see Most importantly, it is vital be to receive the right treatment All new cases have been kept healthcare sector numbers increasing, as there are that we continue to protect the and recover from it. The MoPH in isolation and are receiving z Qatar’s young population already signs of this happening elderly and those with chron- has urged people to visit its web- necessary healthcare. z Proactive testing to identify in other countries around the ic medical conditions. When site for regular updates and new Measures to tackle Covid-19 cases early world. Avoid close contact with spending time at home with information.

Spoiled foodstuff seized from warehouse

Doha Municipality’s health control section seized 20 tonnes of spoiled foodstuff of diff erent kinds from a company’s warehouse in the Industrial Area. In a statement, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) said the foodstuff was found unfit for human consumption. Necessary legal procedures were initiated against the violators and the entire quantity of the confiscated foodstuff was destroyed under the supervision of the municipality, the MME added.

Music Aff airs Center to take part in Msheireb Downtown Doha initiative

he Music Aff airs darity, and for establishing Center of the Min- more partnerships with all Tistry of Culture and state institutions. Sports will participate in The centre also seeks to the initiative that Msheireb introduce musical works to Downtown Doha will launch the public to highlight the tomorrow at the Msheireb eff ective role of art in soci- walkway. ety. The audience at the event The centre will conduct a can enjoy enthralling music four-day programme which at the Music Aff airs Center includes many surprises for from 4pm-11pm. the audience. This is being held as part It would have a set of mu- of the keenness of the cen- sical compositions, which tre to participate in the ac- would contribute to up- tivation of the walkway, to grading the artistic tastes of increase community soli- the audience. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 20, 2020 5 QATAR Health sector Urban Planning Sector launches evening service can help combat climate crisis: WISH report

ith 170mn people that people’s health is preserved working in the health- and indeed optimised despite the Wcare globally, the fact that climate change causes health sector could lead on cli- massive challenges. We hope that mate change and there is moti- the report on climate change and vation within the profession to health discussed during WISH act. This is the message of a new, 2020 will be of value to the health soon-to-be-released report by professionals for the foreseeable the World Innovation Summit future. for Health (WISH), titled ‘Health “We’d love it if as many health The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) has launched an evening service at the Urban Planning Sector’s customer in the Climate Crisis: A Guide for professionals as possible could service off ice from 4pm until 7pm every Tuesday. The service begins today in the first stage at the Urban Planning Sector off ice in Health Leaders’. have the ‘index card’ in their West Bay. Any decision on extending the timings of the service, to include more working hours and days, will be taken based on The new WISH 2020 report, pockets and look at the sugges- the requirements, the MME said in a statement. The launch is part of the ministry’s plan to improve services provided to people, benefi ting from a broad advi- Dr David Nabarro tions for what they, as health give the public easy access to the services and help them complete various transactions swiftly, the statement said. The evening sory group of experts and leaders workers, can do and also the service aims at easing the process for applicants and customers who find it diff icult to conduct their transactions during the morning across the environment, health fi cient if the scale of the threat suggestions for how they can working hours. Besides, it would ease the load of work on the morning shift and help employees process their work more quickly, the and healthcare fi elds, is being from climate change is not re- work with others to bring about statement added. produced in partnership with duced. change, change in relation to Imperial College London under The authors note that with the climate and change in relation the leadership of Dr David Na- size of its workforce, and rising to other tricky issues that col- barro, co-director of the Impe- health costs pushing spending to lectively we have to navigate in rial College Institute of Global around $8tn globally, the health- order to ensure sustainable and Health Innovation. care profession has the market equitable futures for all.” Dr Nabarro previously served power to drive change directly In keeping with WISH’s em- as special adviser to the United – especially when allied with phasis on evidence-based, poli- QU and QBRI explore repurposing Nations secretary-general on the other sectors. ‘Climate-smart’ cy-oriented research, several in- 2030 Agenda for Sustainable De- healthcare can, in turn, reduce fl uential reports will be released velopment and climate change, the sector’s 4.6% share of glo- in November to align with the and in March was appointed as bal emissions – to make systems summit’s varied research themes. tumour drugs for Covid treatment the World Health Organisation greener, more resilient and of WISH has partnered with the special envoy on Covid-19. higher quality. BMJ to commission two collec- Climate change is one of the Presenting an ‘index card’ of tions of peer-reviewed articles n a collaborative eff ort, sci- cure much faster,” said Prof Dr would produce a virucidal ef- We don’t know about the dose primary themes of the virtual high-impact recommendations, on the eff ects of climate change entists from Qatar Biomedi- Paul J Thornalley, research di- fect and therapeutic response, required yet, but if the dose is gathering of global health leaders the report urges governments to on infectious diseases and the Ical Research Institute (QBRI) rector of the Diabetes Research we identifi ed two anti-tumour lower or similar to that used in from November 15-19 - WISH put health and climate leaders at growing challenges of dry cit- and Qatar University (QU) have Centre at QBRI, part of Hamad drugs which increase cellular cancer treatment then the drugs 2020 - and several thematic re- the heart of post-Covid recovery ies. These will steer discussions been exploring the possibility of Bin Khalifa University. MG concentration to virucidal will likely have appropriate ports highlighting its challenges plans and stimulus packages, to in the ‘Climate Change & Com- repurposing anti-tumour drugs “Because they are already ap- levels: doxorubicin and pacli- safety for use in Covid-19 treat- for healthcare will be released ensure that the recovery acceler- municable Diseases’ forum co- for Covid-19 treatment. proved drugs, the conditions for taxel. We are now performing ment,” Dr Rabbani said. during the summit. ates the transition to health-pro- chaired by Prof Rachel Lowe and “We started by performing safe use are known which elimi- further studies on these two “Our fi ndings provide evi- The report’s twin imperatives, moting, low-carbon societies. Prof Jeremy Hess. a computer-based analysis of nates the need for lengthy safety drugs to confi rm our predic- dence of potential vulnerability to make healthcare systems resil- Emphasising the timeliness of The report for the ‘Healthy the proteins of the Sars-CoV-2 evaluation,” he noted. tions and determine the dosage of Sars-Cov-2 to inactivation ient to climate change and to re- the discussions, Dr Nabarro said: Dry Cities’ forum, co-chaired virus to explore which type of “Upon investigating the in- and duration of treatment that by MG and a scientifi c rationale duce their role in causing it, rec- “The more I look into how climate by Prof Howard Frumkin and Dr reactive metabolites would be teraction of these metabolites would be required for the Sars- for repurposing of doxorubicin ognises that even high-income change is aff ecting people, the Maitreyi Das, considers how the most eff ective in producing pro- with the Sars-Cov-2 virus, we CoV-2 virus,” he said. and paclitaxel for treatment of health systems are insuffi ciently more I realise that health work- health challenges faced by dry teotoxicity - damage to its pro- found that the virus is likely “Since these drugs are al- Covid-19 disease, providing ef- prepared to respond to major ers have a vital role. They can act cities – and the rest of the world teins,” said Dr Naila Rabbani of resistant to ROS but sensitive ready in clinical use, we are fi cacy and adequate therapeutic climate-related shocks, and low- as advocates - drawing on their – will continue to grow amid the QU’s College of Medicine. to modifi cation by MG on the aware of potential adverse ef- index may be established. We and middle-income countries own authority and legitimacy as further eff ects of climate change. Two reactive metabolites spike protein and nucleopro- fects. However, most of these are currently following up on are especially fragile. health workers and connecting One can register to attend known to produce major quan- tein. The spike protein is vital adverse eff ects are linked to dose this research and evaluating the Additionally, even the best ad- with people in diff erent sectors the virtual WISH 2020 at ht- titative modifi cation of protein for virus entry into human lung and duration of treatment. We drugs – doxorubicin and pacli- aptation measures will be insuf- in order to collectively ensure tps://2020.wish.org.qa/register/. in physiological systems are: cells whereas the nucleoprotein know that the duration of treat- taxel – against Sars-CoV-2 live reactive oxygen species (ROS) is responsible for virus replica- ment against Covid-19 will be virus cultures at QU.” and methylglyoxal (MG), she tion; damaging these two would much shorter than in cancer Dr Rabbani is leading this col- explained. eff ectively result in impaired in- chemotherapy. A typical course laborative project at QU funded “We are in the midst of a fectivity and replication,” said of chemotherapy is at least six by a QU Emergency Response Disinfection campaign at Al Sheehaniya pandemic, with time not being Prof Thornalley. months or more whereas the Grant and the results of the on- on our side, so repurposing an “Having established that a maximum period of treatment going research are expected by existing drug can help us fi nd a pharmacological increase of MG of Covid-19 is about one month. end of this year. World Statistics Day to be marked today

QNA able development strategies. tainable development eff ort. prepare their reports. Doha HE the President of authority It also refl ects the important Referring to Covid-19, Dr Dr Saleh Mohamed Salem al- role played by the authority, giv- al-Nabit said that the author- Nabit said celebrating the day en it is the offi cial source of data ity is committed to completing he Planning and Statis- highlights the achievements in and statistics related to Qatar. its projects, which include the tics Authority will cel- the fi eld of data and the avail- This role is in turn critical to census, while taking the health Tebrate World Statistics ability of indicators related to implementing the National De- developments under considera- Day today. the sustainable development velopment Strategy 2018-2022, tion. This year’s celebration comes agenda of 2030. and ultimately realising Qatar He added that the authority under the theme “Connect- He said that the authority’s National Vision 2030. will continue to provide all the ing the world with data we can celebration of World Statistics Dr al-Nabit said the authority statistics and data reliably on Al Sheehaniya Municipality’s Services Aff airs Department has carried out intensive sanitisation and trust.” The authority seeks to Day is a refl ection of the wise provides the United Nations and time, while also maintaining its disinfection campaigns covering various residential neighbourhoods. reiterate the importance of sta- leadership’s interest in statistics other international organisa- security and privacy of personal tistical data in crafting sustain- and its ability to enhance sus- tions with the data required to information.

Temporary traffic closure on Dukhan Highway

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced a temporary traff ic closure on Dukhan Highway towards Dukhan from 11pm today (Tuesday) until 4am tomorrow (Wednesday). The closure in co-ordination with the General Directorate of Traff ic is to complete the Installation of ITS Gantries. Ashghal will install road signs advising motorists of the closure and requested all to follow them and abide by the speed limit to ensure safety. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, October 20, 2020 QATAR HBKU College signs Al-Ansari & Associates law offi ce receives international award pact with Qatar Al-Ansari & Associates law office won award in the field of M&A from IFLR. the International Financial Law Review This comes as a recognition to the effort (IFLR) award as the best law office of our team in furnishing the firm’s in Qatar in mergers and acquisitions domestic and international clients with (M&A). quality legal advice. Financial Centre The honour was for Al-Ansari & “Our firm works in accordance with Associates’ vital role in providing legal the best international practices in advice to Uber in connection with the the field of law, which has led to acquisition of Careem, according to a many international companies and statement yesterday. international law firms vesting their Regulatory Authority IFLR evaluation of law offices focuses trust in the firm and our team. On this on three criteria; namely: evaluating occasion I congratulate all the law firms the transactions handled by the office that have worked on this deal, which and its technical and financial value, have also been recognised for the he College of Public Policy (CPP) at Hamad legal expertise of the office concerned; quality of their legal services.” Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) mission to quality of legal services rendered by Al-Ansari & Associates have competed Tcontribute to eff ective policy development the office; and its compliance with the for, and won, many international has been boosted by the signing of a memorandum international standards. awards for their legal services, of understanding (MoU) with the Qatar Financial Uber’s acquisition of Careem is a especially from 2014 to 2019. Al-Ansari Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA). milestone in the development of & Associates were also nominated, Both parties agreed to strengthen and promote technological based investments in the together with a number of international collaboration with the aim of developing initiatives Middle East region, relying upon a unique law offices, for the Law Firm of the Year related to public policy development and imple- structure which was adopted by several Award in the field of arbitration for mentation. Opportunities for future co-operation companies and their assets acquired in Mohamed Ahmad al-Ansari the year 2020 in the Middle East Legal include the co-organisation of workshops, ex- the region, the statement explained. Awards which are organised by the changes of invitations to seminars and confer- “Such structure included our role in co- observed Mohamed Ahmad al-Ansari, Corporate Lawyers Association - Middle ences, as well as research projects and publications ordination and providing the necessary founder of Al-Ansari & Associates Law East in co-operation with LegalWeek. on matters and issues of mutual interest. The latter advice regarding full compliance with Firm. The winners of that award will be opportunity includes analysis of public policy as it local laws and decisions issued by “It is a pleasure for Al Ansari & announced in November, the statement relates to fi nancial services regulation. regulators of the transportation sector,” Associates to win the deal of the year added.

Dr Leslie A Pal, founding dean of CPP (pictured), said: “We’re looking forward to building upon HBKU’s already close ties with one of Qatar’s most important regulatory bodies. Transparency and accountability are at the heart of the Covid prevention at schools a success QFCRA’s work, particularly when it comes to policy development. Those values guide CPP’s approach to teaching public policy, ost of the Covid-19 this school year, considering ful in protecting the students and both parties stand to benefi t from cases discovered at the exceptional circumstances from Covid-19,” Dr al-Maslam- closer collaboration” Dr Leslie Pal Mschools in Qatar, came due to Covid-19. ani added. often from outside, Dr Yousef “There is close co-operation Mohamed Abdullah al-Ma- The MoU also provides opportunities for stu- ularly when it comes to policy development. Those al-Maslamani, medical direc- and co-ordination between raghi, director of Health and dents enrolled in CPP’s Master of Public Policy values guide CPP’s approach to teaching public tor of Hamad General Hospital, the Ministry of Public Health safety Department, MoEHE, (MPP) programme to gain hands-on experience policy, and both parties stand to benefi t from closer told Qatar TV yesterday. (MoPH) and the Ministry of also told Qatar TV that the of policy making practices and procedures. This collaboration.” “The rare cases that origi- Education and Higher Educa- safety protocols adopted by the will be achieved through a series of internships Michael G Ryan, chief executive offi cer of the nated from the school environ- tion (MoEHE) based on proven ministry alongside the MoPH, and participation in research activities. Members QFCRA, welcomed the signing of the MoU, saying: ment are dealt with immediate- scientifi c standards to guarantee have proven very eff ective. of QFCRA staff will also support MPP capstone “Policy development plays an essential role in ef- ly,” he explained in an interview the health and safety of students “There are also dedicated projects with expert insights and general advice. fective fi nancial regulation, and the MoU provides while stressing the success of at every aspect of school life, teams that conduct surprise in- Dr Leslie A Pal, founding dean of CPP, said: us with a strong foundation for our future work to- the strategy in this regard. right before boarding the school spection visits at diff erent pri- “We’re looking forward to building upon HBKU’s gether. It sets a framework for greater collaboration The safety of students are of bus until the students exit the vate and public schools across already close ties with one of Qatar’s most impor- between the QFCRA and CPP, and that partnership utmost importance not only school at the end of the day. the country to make sure that tant regulatory bodies. Transparency and account- and our sharing of expertise and experience will during the ongoing fi rst mid- “This strategy has proven to these protocols are followed ability are at the heart of the QFCRA’s work, partic- add a new depth and capacity to our work.” term exam, but also all through be highly eff ective and success- strictly at all times,” he added. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 20, 2020 7 QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD

Qatar attends GCC interior ministry undersecretaries’ meeting Former governor arrested in Iraq for multi-million dollar graft

AFP than two years of rule by the Is- Baghdad lamic State group, and the fi erce fi ghting to retake the city from the militants. raq’s anti-corruption com- Akoub is accused of stealing mission yesterday said it had money meant to help its recon- Iarrested an ex-governor ac- struction, including rebuild- cused of embezzling millions of ing two hospitals in Mosul and dollars, including aid for citizens support for those who lost their who had fl ed their homes in war. homes in the confl ict. Nawfel Akoub, who was Graft is endemic across Iraq, sacked as governor of Nineveh which ranks among the world’s in March 2019 after a ferry sank worst off enders in Transparency killing 150 people, had evaded International’s annual Corrup- Qatar yesterday participated in the 11th meeting of the Under-Secretaries of the GCC interior ministries. Major General Abdul Aziz bin Faisal bin Mohamed al-Thani, arrest by hiding in the north- tion Perceptions Index. Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and Commander of the Lekhwiya Force, represented Qatar in the virtual meeting. According to a tweet by the MoI, the ern autonomous region of Iraqi Since 2004, a year after the undersecretaries discussed various issues and reviewed some reports referred to them by the specialised security agencies and committees, and took appropriate Kurdistan. Akoub, who has also US-led invasion that ousted recommendations and decisions. been slapped with US sanctions Saddam Hussein, almost $450bn for corruption, was arrested in of public funds have vanished the city of Mosul while paying into the pockets of shady politi- bail for another case. cians and businessmen, accord- “Nineveh’s former governor ing to parliament. MoTC holds training programme was arrested after a court order Iraq gathered $30bn in pledg- was issued,” the country’s anti- es from international donors on ‘Procedural Framework on corruption commission said in a in Kuwait in 2018 to rebuild the Iran hit by record statement. ruined province, but virtually Working in Qatari Waters’ He and offi cials close to him none of the funds have been dis- are accused of taking public bursed. funds totalling nearly $64mn, it The lack of progress has been added. widely blamed on the country’s 337 virus deaths Iraq’s northern Nineveh prov- infamous bureaucracy and ram- ince was left in ruins by more pant corruption.

in single day Rivals in Libya confl ict AFP a rising trajectory in Iran and have. And they can’t really Tehran recorded several new highs be blamed since the govern- since early September. ment has not helped them,” resume talks in Geneva “One of the key solutions the 22-year-old said. ran yesterday announced is identifying the infected as “The main reason that 337 deaths from the nov- quickly as possible, isolating numbers go up is that peo- AFP vided between two bitterly op- Iel coronavirus, a record them as quickly as possible, ple either have to go to work Geneva posed administrations. But high for a single day in the and thus to reduce the need and bring food to the table, hopes for a solution have risen The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) held Middle East country hard- for hospitalisations and also or stay home and don’t con- after the two warring factions a training programme on “Procedural Framework on Working est hit by the Covid-19 pan- reduce mortality,” Rouhani tract the virus but die from he rival sides in the Libya in August separately announced in Qatari Waters.” Specialists from the General Directorate demic. said. hunger,” said a programmer confl ict sat down for fresh they would cease hostilities. of Coasts and Borders Security and various Qatari entities “Today we are facing a “It’s not a problem if in- named Sina Rouhani. Ttalks yesterday in anoth- However, both sides continue attended, a tweet by MoTC said. The training programme larger wave of this virus and fections go up (due to in- It is “like a saw stuck in er bid to try to end a decade of to accuse each other of sup- featured a full explanation of the rules and procedures that must we have to fight it,” Presi- creased testing), but it is im- a body. No way forward, no bloodshed, the United Nations porting “terrorist” groups. The be followed as per Law 8/2016 on Maritime Vessels and Law dent Hassan Rouhani said portant that the death rate way back,” he added. said. UN-recognised Government of 8/2017 on the Practice of Maritime Business in Qatari Waters. in a televised meeting with does not.” Iran is struggling with Libya has been wracked by National Accord, which is based The exercise is part of MoTC’s continuing eff orts to scale up the health officials. The virus figures were economic difficulties due to violence since a Nato-backed in Tripoli and led by Fayez al- skillsets of those working in the maritime industry at various Rouhani called on the also likely to be higher than crippling sanctions reim- uprising in 2011 overthrew and Sarraj, has been challenged by entities across Qatar. At the end of the training, MoTC assistant health ministry to increase officially reported, Deputy posed by US President Don- killed veteran dictator Muam- its eastern-based rival, backed undersecretary of Maritime Transport Aff airs Dr Saleh bin the number of daily Cov- Health Minister Iraj Harirchi ald Trump in 2018, after he mar Gaddafi . Since then, the by strongman Khalifa Haftar. Fetais al-Marri handed over training completion certificates to id-19 tests, to help reduce acknowledged last week, unilaterally withdrew from a North African country has been The UN-sponsored talks are participants and wished them professional success. the spread of infections. primarily due to testing and landmark nuclear agreement dominated by armed groups, taking place in the format of a The latest deaths brought reporting protocols. between Iran and world riven by local confl icts and di- 5+5 Joint Military Commission. to 30,712 the total number of Health ministry spokes- powers. fatalities since Iran reported woman Sima Sadat Lari said Earlier this month, Iran its first coronavirus cases in the latest spike in deaths was began imposing fines for February. “unprecedented” and a re- the first time for breaches Iran’s previous record sult of poor compliance with of health rules in the capital. death toll for a day was 279 health and mask protocols. Tehran and four major cities announced last Wednesday. University student Ali were partially sealed off from Iran said the total number Mohamadi agreed that the last Thursday to midday of infections in the country public were flouting health Sunday in a bid to dissuade reached 534,631 yesterday, regulations ever since the Iranians from travelling dur- This handout picture released yesterday by the United Nations Off ice with 4,251 people testing economy gradually reo- ing holidays. Authorities in at Geneva shows Deputy special representative of the UN Secretary- positive in the past 24 hours. pened. the capital ordered the clo- General for Political Aff airs in Libya Stephanie Williams (third right) and Deaths and infections “People are being less sure of most public places representatives wearing protective face masks, standing during the Libyan from the virus have been on careful, whatever job they from October 3. national anthem at the beginning of talks between the rival factions.

Qatar launches largest annual fl u vaccination drive More than 99.988% of Qatar Tunisia permits regions to

From Page 1 sation has urged global wide- against the flu in the commu- Airways passengers Covid-free impose pandemic curfews spread flu vaccinations this nity. “The flu vaccine may not year, amid concerns the same “Anyone can avail the vac- protect you against Covid-19, people who are most vulnerable cination facility at the PHCC From Page 1 to fastidiously monitor glo- Reuters the country. Several regions, but it will reduce your risk of to severe symptoms from Cov- health centres as well as at the bal developments in the fight Tunis including the capital Tunis, developing the flu and flu-re- id-19, such as those aged over selected semi-government and “This is in addition to the to control the spread of Cov- have already implemented lated complications, and reduce 50 and those with chronic con- private healthcare facilities. recent introduction of Honey- id-19, as well as work closely curfews in recent weeks. the possibility of getting infect- ditions regardless of their age Moreover all the measures are well’s Ultraviolet Cabin Sys- with local health authorities unisia’s Prime Min- Coronavirus cases have been ed with both the flu and Cov- are also at greatest risk from the in place at all the health centres tem, operated by Qatar Avia- to support with tracing ac- ister Hichem Me- surging in Tunisia, which id-19 viruses at the same time. flu and its complications. We for safely administering the flu tion Services, as an additional tivities whenever a positive Tchichi yesterday had managed to contain the It also helps not to get confused also urge children aged between shot,” said Dr Elawad. step in the cleaning of our air- case is confirmed and they gave regional governors virus earlier in the year, and with Covid-19 symptoms,” ex- six months and five years of age “When you are going to get craft and yet more evidence of have travelled with us within the power to order cur- have now reached more than plained Dr al-Khal. and pregnant women to be vac- flu vaccine, be sure to practise Qatar Airways commitment to the time range of the incuba- fews starting from today 40,000. The campaign is a joint ini- cinated against the seasonal flu. everyday preventive actions. enhancing its safety practices. tion period. As an industry, to combat the coronavirus Mechichi has said Tuni- tiative of MoPH, PHCC and The flu can be particularly se- This includes wearing a mask, “We have also done eve- we must remain vigilant and pandemic, his offi ce said. sia will not impose another HMC. “The campaign runs un- vere in pregnancy and the vac- washing hands and keeping ap- rything possible to protect avoid any complacency, but His statement clarifi ed an general, nationwide lock- til February. But it is important cine is highly safe and strongly propriate distance. People can our crew and employees from ensure that we have strong earlier one saying the curfew down, however, saying the that people get the flu shot at recommended for pregnant either walk into their designat- exposure to infection, with safety and security procedures was being imposed across economic cost is too high. the earliest possible as the flu women,” Dr al-Khal added. ed health centres or seek an ap- specialist onboard infection in place to instill confidence situation can be more serious According to Dr al-Romaihi, pointment. We encourage peo- prevention training and the in passengers and provide in the months of December and the ministry has built a strong ple to go for vaccination early introduction of full PPE in- reassurance, whether they January. Therefore it is advis- partnership with private as it takes around two weeks for flight uniform in May com- are travelling home, visiting able to take the flu shot at the healthcare providers to ensure antibodies to develop and pro- pletely eradicating this risk to friends and family, or taking a earliest,” continued al-Khal. easy access to the vaccine and vide protection against flu,” he date. leisure trip.” “The World Health Organi- increase levels of immunisation added. “As a result of these im- According to the latest IATA portant measures we are able data, Qatar Airways has be- to report that 99.988% of the come the largest international more than 4.6mn passenger carrier between April and July flown sectors operated have by fulfilling its mission of tak- been Covid-19-free on board ing people home. This enabled our aircraft since February. the airline to accumulate un- In addition, significantly less matched experience in carrying Reminder than one per cent of Qatar passengers safely and reliably Airways’ more than 37,000 and uniquely positioned the for drivers flights have been confirmed to airline to effectively rebuild its have carried an infected pas- network. The Ministry of Interior senger. The carrier has stringently (MoI) has reminded mo- “Given the extremely low implemented the most ad- torists of the importance numbers of cases travelling vanced safety and hygiene of using vehicle indicators. on flights and the even lower measures on board its aircraft “Turning, overtaking or risk of transmission, with and in Hamad International changing lanes without a recent IATA study find- Airport. using indicators is a traff ic ing 1 in 27 million travellers Qatar Airways’ onboard violation and may end in had contracted Covid-19 on safety measures for passen- (a) road accident,” the MoI board a flight, passengers gers and cabin crew include tweeted. can travel with peace of mind the provision of Personal Pro- with the knowledge that fly- tective Equipment (PPE) for ing continues to be the safest cabin crew and a complimen- form of travel. tary protective kit and dispos- “Whilst these numbers able face shields for passen- may be low, we will continue gers. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, October 20, 2020 ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

Detained Palestinian’s release sought Sudan and ICC explore options for ousted Bashir to face Darfur trial AFP z The options have been discussed during a visit to Khartoum since Khartoum Saturday by ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda aimed at putting to trial A Palestinian woman wearing a protective mask lifts a banner during a demonstration in the Gaza Strip’s central Nusseirat refugee camp, demanding the release of administrative detainee udan said yesterday that those accused in the conflict that cost hundreds of thousands of lives in Israeli custody Maher al-Akhras, whose health has deteriorated while on hunger strike for talks with the Interna- nearly 85 days, yesterday. Stional Criminal Court have to reaching a common vision,” A fi fth man wanted by the ICC, Militia leader Kushayb, a covered options ranging from Justice Minister Nasreddin Ab- rebel leader Abdallah Banda, re- top commander of the govern- a handover to forming a hybrid delbary told a news conference. mains at large. ment-backed Janjaweed forces court to try ousted president “These options include hand- Bashir, who ruled Sudan for 30 accused of carrying out some of Omar al-Bashir over the Darfur ing (them) over, appearance (be- years, was ousted in April 2019 the worst atrocities in Darfur, confl ict. fore the court), forming a hybrid by the military following months surrendered to the ICC in June, Nigerian anti-police protesters The options have been dis- court or a special court following of mass street protests against and he is now also in custody. cussed during a visit to Khar- consultations with state insti- his rule. He faces trial on 53 counts of toum since Saturday by ICC tutions and families of the vic- His tenure was marred by war crimes and crimes against prosecutor Fatou Bensouda tims,” he said. multiple conflicts including in humanity. Since his ouster, must enter dialogue: minister aimed at putting to trial those An ICC delegation headed by Darfur, South Kordofan and the Bashir has been jailed in Khar- accused in the confl ict that cost Bensouda is due to stay until to- Blue Nile states. toum’s intensive security Kober hundreds of thousands of lives. morrow and has been meeting Darfur was the scene of a prison. Reuters the unit. Lagos state, includ- Even as the president and Bashir, 76, has been wanted by senior Sudanese offi cials. bitter conflict that broke out in Last December, he was con- Abuja ing some others, have set up Nigeria’s police chief prom- the ICC for nearly a decade over Two other suspects, Ahmed 2003 between African minor- victed of corruption and faces a panel to investigate allega- ised that force would not be charges of genocide, war crimes Haroun, an ex-governor of ity rebels, complaining of the a second trial in Khartoum over tions of police brutality while used on peaceful protest- and crimes against humanity in South Kordofan state, and Ab- region’s marginalisation, and the 1989 coup that brought him igerians protest- the southern state of Edo has ers, police have opened fire the ravaged region of western delrahim Mohamed Hussein, an government forces. to power. ing against what they imposed a curfew following on demonstrators in recent Sudan. ex-defence minister, also face The United Nations es- If convicted, Bashir and 27 Ncondemn as police an escalation of protest-re- weeks. “We discussed several options ICC charges of war crimes and timates the fighting killed other co-accused — including brutality must end their daily lated violence. At least 10 protesters have and suggestions relating to ICC crimes against humanity. 300,000 people and displaced former top officials — could demonstrations and enter into Sunday Dare, minister of been killed, Amnesty Interna- cases and we are looking forward Both are in custody in Sudan. 2.5mn others. face the death penalty. dialogue with the government youth and sports develop- tional has said. on law enforcement reforms, ment, told Reuters the gov- Yesterday, the unrest spread the youth minister said yester- ernment had met the demon- as far north as Kano while day. strators’ demands, including traffic on major roads in Lagos Thousands of Nigerians call- the creation of an independ- and Abuja where disrupted ing for an end to alleged brutal- ent body to investigate alleged despite threats from the mili- ity and for law enforcement re- misconduct and the release of tary to dispel protesters. UN chief: Dialogue possible forms have taken to the streets all arrested protesters. Dare said the government every day for more than a week “It is time to move to the does not want the situation to across the country, posing a next stage, that next stage is “escalate or descend into cha- major challenge to President dialogue,” said Dare in an in- os” as a result of the demon- Muhamadu Buhari. terview in the capital, Abuja. strations and their impact on with certain Sahel militants Protests have continued But he acknowledged the other Nigerians’ livelihoods. despite the dissolution of the mistrust of demonstrators “Government has a respon- Special Anti-Robbery Squad who say the government has sibility when it comes to pro- AFP where the United States and the donor conference will be held (SARS) police unit on Oct 11 promised to reform the police tecting the lives, the liberties Paris Taliban agreed a truce in late today for the Sahel region, where following accusations of hu- in the past with little discern- and freedoms of every other February, as a possible template. the years-long fi ghting, cli- man rights abuses against ible effect. Nigerian,” he said. Chergui’s appeal came after mate change and Covid-19 have ialogue may be possi- Mali’s government this month plunged millions of people into ble with certain militant swapped some 200 prisoners for hunger. The UN has said it hopes Dgroups active in Africa’s four hostages held by an Al Qae- the ministerial-level videocon- Sahel region, but not “radical” da-affi liated group. ference will mobilise $2.4bn. ones such as the Islamic State The last French citizen held Guterres said the UN’s Minusma (IS) group, UN chief Antonio UN Secretary-General hostage in the world, Sophie force in Mali had too limited a Guterres said yesterday. Antonio Guterres. Petronin, was released alongside mandate to allow “an eff ective “There will be groups with Mali opposition fi gure Soumaila fi ght against the terrorist threat”. which we can talk, and which militant violence, which erupt- Cisse, along with two Italians. Similarly, France’s Barkhane will have an interest in engaging ed after a rebellion in northern “In Afghanistan, there is a ter- force of some 5,000 soldiers was in this dialogue to become po- Mali in 2012. The confl ict has rorist group with which dialogue “limited given the extent of the litical actors in the future,” Gu- since spread to the centre of the is impossible, it is the Islamic territory to be controlled”, he terres said in an interview with country, as well as neighbouring State,” said Guterres. said. French daily Le Monde. Burkina Faso and Niger, claiming “Its vision is so radical that As for the combined G5 Sa- “But there are still those thousands of lives. there is no prospect of discus- hel regional force, it “lacks the whose terrorist radicalism is Last week, African Union sion.” means and capacity to respond such that there will be nothing Peace and Security Commis- He underlined there was “in- to this gigantic security chal- to be done with them,” he added, sioner Smail Chergui urged suffi cient” security deploy- lenge,” said the UN secretary citing IS. dialogue with extremists in the ment in the Sahel, and called for general. “The international re- Much of the vast Sahel re- confl ict-ridden region. “more international solidarity” sponse must be stronger,” he told Protesters carry a banner during a demonstration to press for the scrapping of Special Anti-Robbery gion is prey to insecurity and He pointed to Afghanistan, with the region. A high-level the newspaper. Squad (SARS) on Abuja-Keff i Expressway, yesterday. One killed in Ivory Coast as Guinea opposition self-declares tensions rise ahead of vote victory in presidential poll AFP of the poll, as well as the inde- activist, Conde became Guinea’s Abidjan AFP Opposition’s Conakry pendence of Guinea’s electoral fi rst democratically elected declaration of victory authority. president in 2010 and won again ne person was killed ‘null’: election body Guinea’s security minister in 2015, but rights groups now and a dozen were seri- uinea’s opposition leader fi red back that Diallo should “re- accuse him of veering towards Oously injured yesterday Cellou Dalein Diallo de- Guinea’s electoral body said yes- turn to his senses”. Twelve can- authoritarianism. during an opposition protest Gclared yesterday, without terday that opposition candidate didates are vying for the presi- Diallo was formerly a prime near Ivory Coast’s main city waiting for offi cial results, that Cellou Dalein Diallo’s self-declared dency, but Conde and Diallo are minister under authoritarian Abidjan, a local mayor said, two he had won a presidential elec- victory in a presidential poll, in the frontrunners. leader Lansana Conte. He un- weeks ahead of a contentious tion against incumbent Alpha which incumbent Alpha Conde is Ousmane Gaoual Diallo, a successfully challenged Conde presidential election. Conde, who is seeking a contro- seeking a third term, was void, ac- cadre in Diallo’s UFDG party, in both 2010 and 2015, in elec- Most of the protesters were versial third term. cording to a senior off icial. Bakary said that results at individual tions his party activists are con- youths, who had set up road- Speaking at a press conference Mansare, the vice-president of the polling states were public, ena- vinced were rigged. blocks on the main road to in the capital Conakry a day after electoral authority, said that Diallo’s bling the party’s own observers Before vote counting began neighbouring Ghana from the the hotly contested fi rst-round purported victory — which he an- to conduct a count. on Sunday, Diallo’s activists said town of Bounoua, a onetime vote, Diallo said he had emerged nounced earlier yesterday — was “If we are the winners, we will their observers had been ob- stronghold of former fi rst lady A riot police member walks next to a bus which was burned early “victorious” despite “anomalies “premature” and “void”. defend our victory,” he said. “We structed at polling stations and Simone Gbagbo. in the morning by protesters against the Ivorian President Alassane which marred the ballot”. won’t wait.” Earlier yesterday, alleged ballot-box stuffi ng. Another two people died Ouattara’s decision to stand for a third term, in Abidjan, yesterday. “I invite all my fellow citi- Guinea’s government said in a Prime Minister Kassory at the weekend during ethnic zens who love peace and justice the offi cial electoral authority statement that the opposition Fofana said that the opposition clashes linked to the election tion-aligned Fesci labour union curity source. The regional to stay vigilant and committed must declare the results. “clearly intended to create chaos publishing results ahead of the in Bongouanou, fi efdom of op- set fi re to at least one bus and Ecowas grouping, making a to defend this democratic vic- Polling day was mostly calm, and to call into question the real offi cial results was tantamount position candidate Pascal Affi two cars in the city’s Rivera 2 second diplomatic mission to tory,” said the 68-year-old said, but it followed months of pro- results that will come out of the to pouring “oil on the fi re”. He N’Guessan, who said his home district, an AFP journalist said. the country in a week, urged dressed in a sky-blue robe, from tests against a third term for ballot box”. Much of the tension added that these results are ex- was burned down. Security forces clashed with the government and opposition his party headquarters. 82-year-old President Conde in in Guinea relates to President pected within a week. The tensions, which already students who had torched cars to make “considerable eff orts” Outside the building, sup- the West African nation, dur- Conde’s controversial bid for a Guinea’s acrimonious political saw around 15 people killed in and barricaded several streets to tamp down the tensions. porters erupted in joy and chant- ing which dozens of people were third term. campaign saw Conde and Diallo August and September, have in the Cocody neighbourhood The 15-member Economic ed “Cellou, president”. Else- killed. He pushed through a new trade insults, and was marked by fuelled fears of a confl ict on a where the Felix Houphouet- Community of West African where in the city, security forces Signs of a looming electoral constitution in March which violent incidents in some parts scale of the one that engulfed Boigny University is located. States also urged two opposi- fi red tear gas canisters at crowds dispute began to appear during he argued would modernise the of the former French colony. the West African state a decade Other incidents were re- tion parties yesterday to “seri- assembling in support of Diallo. the vote, however, when Diallo country. But it also raised the spectre ago. ported in the towns of Dabou ously reconsider their decision His announcement sets the told reporters that Conde could But it also allowed him to by- of ethnic strife, with Conde ac- Also yesterday in Abidjan, and Divo, and in the capi- to boycott the election, and stage for a showdown with the “cheat” his way to power. pass a two-term limit for presi- cused of exploiting divisions for students responding to a call tal Yamoussoukro, accord- their call on their supporters to government, which insists that Opposition members are dents, provoking mass protests. electoral ends — a charge he de- for protests from the opposi- ing to witnesses and a se- engage in civil disobedience”. Sunday’s vote was fair and that deeply suspicious of the fairness After decades as an opposition nies. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 20, 2020 9 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA Malaysian PM mulls cabinet reshuffl e to keep key ally: sources

Reuters leader Anwar Ibrahim, who last to the government and UMNO said the party wants more say in Elections are not due until iddin after the collapse of the Razak had signed a letter with- Kuala Lumpur week met Malaysia’s king in a bid said. deciding on matters such as who 2023, but some in the govern- administration of veteran politi- drawing support for Muhyiddin to prove he has majority support A breakthrough in the talks among the party are appointed to ment have pushed for early polls cian Mahathir Mohamed. UMNO and backing Anwar instead. from lawmakers, including from could stall Anwar’s premiership cabinet and what portfolios they to win a stronger mandate. members have since baulked at Najib was found guilty in July alaysian Prime Minis- among government turncoats, to bid, but also leave Muhyiddin would hold. Muhyiddin’s offi ce and UMNO playing second fi ddle to Muhyid- and sentenced to 12 years in jail. ter Muhyiddin Yassin form a new government. hanging by a two-seat majority The sources asked not to be did not immediately respond to din’s smaller Bersatu party, coa- He has appealed the verdict and Mis in talks on a possible The prime minister has since in the 222-seat parliament while identifi ed as they were not au- requests for comment. UMNO lition sources have said. is out on bail, but faces three oth- cabinet reshuffl e in an attempt entered fresh discussions with he grapples with an economy thorised to speak to the media. lost a 2018 election in its fi rst Speculation has been rife that er corruption trials. Zahid is also to appease a key ally that has the United Malays National Or- battered by the coronavirus and a The two parties are also discuss- defeat since independence over UMNO lawmakers facing cor- in the middle of a graft trial. threatened to pull support for the ganisation (UMNO), the largest new surge in infections. “UMNO ing which constituencies they 60 years ago, amid popular anger ruption charges were behind An- Anwar dismissed the rumours ruling coalition, three sources party in his coalition, to negoti- is negotiating and it shows they would contest in a general elec- over allegedly rampant corrup- war’s premiership bid. last week as “irrelevant and irre- said yesterday. ate new terms that could include are not ready to exit the coali- tion, even though polls are not tion. On Sunday, UMNO denied sponsible”, and said there was no Muhyiddin is facing a premier- more prominent cabinet posi- tion,” said one source. imminent, two of the sources But it returned to power in that its president, Ahmad Zahid space for cutting deals with indi- ship challenge from opposition tions for the party, sources close Another source from UMNO said. March when it allied with Muhy- Hamidi, and former leader Najib viduals for support.

Billionaire Dyson sells Singapore’s Embattled Thai premier recalls priciest penthouse

British billionaire James Dyson, the inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner, and his wife are parliament as thousands protest selling their three-storey Singapore penthouse about AFP “I’ve never been so anxious eve- a year after buying it for a Bangkok ry day to fi nd out where the mob reported S$74mn ($54mn). is - it’s worse than lottery day!” Perched atop Singapore’s Kaykai, 55, told AFP, adding that tallest building, the Tanjong housands of Thais defi ed a she supports the “guerilla” tac- Pagar Centre, the five- fresh government warning tics of the younger generation. bedroom “super penthouse” Tyesterday and again took “The police will never catch up is equipped with a cellar. to the streets, as the embattled with them.” “An offer has been accepted premier recalled parliament to “This government needs to on the Wallich penthouse,” thrash out how to end weeks of end,” added Plai, a 19-year-old said a spokesman for protests. The protesters rallied who travelled from Thailand’s Dyson’s firm. He declined in three locations in the capital, northeast to join the protest, further comment on the singing the national anthem and which ended around 7:30pm. “I family’s personal properties raising a three-fi nger salute bor- don’t want our taxes to be wasted or affairs but said Dyson rowed from the ‘Hunger Games’ anymore.” would continue to maintain movies that has come to sym- The movement appeared to a home in the wealthy Asian bolise opposition to the military- be gaining traction across the city-state. backed government. kingdom, with rallies yesterday The Business Times Some carried signs reading in cities such as Songkhla in the newspaper, which first slogans such as “2020 is a bad south, and Chiang Mai in the reported the sale, said year, but Thai politics is worse”. north. an off er of S$62mn was Earlier yesterday, embattled It has gained momentum since accepted for the penthouse, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o- July, but sharply escalated last or a drop of more than 15% cha said parliament - currently in week after a group of protesters from Dysons’ purchase price. recess - would be recalled to dis- surrounded a royal motorcade The apartment, which also cuss how to reduce tensions, and and fl ashed the three-fi ngered includes a pool, jacuzzi, warned protesters not to break democracy salute at Queen Suth- and a private garden with the law. ida. city views, was once valued “The government has already Two activists now face charges at S$100mn, making it the compromised to some degree,” under a rarely used law banning city-state’s most expensive he said. “violence against the queen”, and penthouse. Protesters have defi ed a gov- face a maximum sentence of life The buyer is Indonesian- ernment ban imposed last week in prison if convicted. Confron- Pro-democracy protesters gather for an anti-government rally on the outskirts of Bangkok yesterday. born tycoon Leo Koguan, prohibiting gatherings of more tations escalated further on Fri- the paper said. The US than four people after some ac- day when riot police used water citizen is chairman and tivists gave the democracy salute cannon and other strong-arm co-founder of infotech to a royal motorcade. tactics, provoking widespread provider SHI International, The largely leaderless move- outrage. which counts Boeing and ment is calling for the resigna- Prayut warned yesterday the AT&T among its 20,000 tion of Prayut - a former army government needed to protect customers, business chief and mastermind of a 2014 the monarchy. “This is the duty magazine Forbes says. coup - as well as the re-writing of all Thais,” he told reporters. The Dysons’ other home of the military-drafted consti- Apart from arrests by police, in Singapore is a luxury tution they say rigged last year’s the Ministry of Digital Economy property on a plot of land election in his favour. and Society said it had fl agged with an infinity pool and an They are also calling for the re- more than 325,000 messages on indoor waterfall. form of the kingdom’s powerful social media platforms that vio- The billionaire has moved and ultra-wealthy monarchy - a lated the Computer Crimes Act, his company’s head office long-taboo subject. which critics say is used to muz- to Singapore from Britain They want the abolition of a zle dissent. The ministry was also to be closer to its fastest- draconian defamation law that asked to consider suspending growing markets. Last year, shields King Maha Vajiralongko- Telegram, a messaging app that he scrapped plans to build rn from criticism, greater trans- activists have pivoted to in recent A pro-democracy protester gives the three-finger salute while an electric car in Singapore parency of royal fi nances, and for days, police chief Suwat Jangy- A sign referring to Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is holding up a sign on an electronic tablet during an anti-government as not being commercially the monarch to stay out of poli- odsuk said. displayed from a vehicle at an anti-government rally yesterday. rally yesterday. viable. tics. On Monday protesters used Police warned local media “Dyson remains fully secure messaging platforms outlets that their coverage of the think they have so much power with,” said an 18-year-old nick- forms being used by the tech- ing months of frequently violent committed to expanding its to organise gatherings across protests would be scrutinised for to shut people down online, but named Apple. savvy protesters to coordinate clashes there last year, includ- research and development Bangkok, seemingly keeping a possible illegal content. they don’t realise they can’t #SaveFreePress and #Mob- their activity. They have also ing using improvised protective footprint and other step ahead of authorities trying Still, protesters Monday catch up with us new generation 19October trended in Thailand copied many tactics employed clothing in case of confronta- operations in Singapore,” to block access to rally points. scoff ed at these measures. “They and the technology we grew up on Twitter - one of several plat- by Hong Kong protesters dur- tions with riot police. the spokesman added.

New Zealand’s next parliament Japan, Vietnam agree broadly on defence transfer is set to be the most diverse ever Reuters disputed isles in the East China Hanoi Sea. Asean members remain wary Reuters of losing access to China’s econ- Wellington apan hailed an agreement in omy, and are reluctant to become principle to supply Vietnam entrapped in an intense con- Jwith military gear and tech- frontation between Washington ew Zealand’s next parlia- nology, as the two governments and Beijing. Japan, which ended ment is set to be the most pledged yesterday to strengthen a decades-old ban on over- Ninclusive ever, with sev- security and economic ties amid seas arms sales in 2014 to help eral people of colour, members mounting concerns about Chi- strengthen the nation’s military from the rainbow communities na’s assertiveness in the region. and lower the cost of home-built and a high number of women. “It is a big step in the fi eld of se- military equipment, has been in The ruling Labour Party was curity for both countries,” Japa- talks with Vietnam, Indonesia handed a resounding mandate in nese Prime Minister Yoshihide and Thailand on deals to allow the election over the weekend, as Suga told reporters after meet- such exports. voters rewarded Prime Minister ing his Vietnamese counterpart, “We have to make sure the Jacinda Ardern for her decisive Nguyen Xuan Phuc, in Hanoi. Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga attends a wreath laying equipment and technologies response to Covid-19. The two leaders also agreed on ceremony at the mausoleum of the late president Ho Chi Minh in transferred to Vietnam (are) Although Ardern has the num- the importance of maintaining Hanoi yesterday. to be used in a peaceful man- bers to govern alone, she is in peace, security, freedom of navi- ner and contribute to regional talks with former ally the Green gation and overfl ight in the South perity,” Phuc said. In a speech Self-Defence Force will conduct peace,” Japanese foreign minis- Party to build a wider consensus. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern arrives at a cafe China Sea, and the peaceful set- later yesterday, Suga said Japan a joint drill with US and Aus- try spokesman Tomoyuki Yosh- Labour won 64 of the 120 par- the day after securing a landslide win in the general election, in tlement of disputes, Phuc said in opposed any steps to heighten tralian navies around the South ida told a separate news briefi ng. liamentary seats, and more than Auckland, New Zealand. a joint media appearance. tensions in the South China China Sea on Monday, Kyodo Suga’s visit also coincides with half of those are female candi- Suga, who took offi ce last Sea, where Vietnam and other news agency reported. Kishi also Japan’s eff orts to diversify its dates. It also has 16 indigenous at Massey University. The Greens have been in parliament for over month after Shinzo Abe quit Asean members have territorial agreed with visiting Australian supply chains and reduce reli- Maori MPs, the fi rst leader of Af- surprisingly won as many as 10 30 years,” said Spoonley. because of poor health, is mak- disputes with China. “Regard- Defence Minister Linda Reynolds ance on China by bringing pro- rican origin, Ibrahim Omar, and seats in parliament and a major- Ardern herself arrived onto the ing his overseas diplomatic de- ing the South China Sea issue, to start talks to make it possible duction home or moving it to Vanushi Walters of Sri Lankan ity of them are women, indig- global scene in 2017 when she but this week, visiting Vietnam, it is important for all countries for Japan’s Self Defence Forces Southeast Asia. origin. enous leaders. became the world’s youngest fe- the current chair of the Asso- concerned not to rely on force or to protect Australian military Vietnam is a popular choice “This is the most diverse The majority of the new MPs male head of government at the ciation of Southeast Asian Na- threat but to work toward peace- assets such as warships and air- for Japanese companies. Half parliament we have ever had elected into parliament are also age of 37. tions (Asean), and Indonesia, the ful resolution based on interna- craft, Kyodo said. Japan already of the 30 Japanese fi rms that in terms of gender, and minor- much younger and many of them The 40-year-old leader is group’s largest nation. tional law,” Suga said, avoiding has similar arrangements with used a 23.5bn yen government ity ethnic and indigenous rep- are millennials, Spoonley said. feted globally as a progressive “Vietnam welcomes Japan, a harsh anti-China rhetoric. the United States. Japan must programme to diversify supply resentation,” said Professor Paul “What we have seen is a depar- leader, who is a champion for global power, to continue to ac- Back in Tokyo, Japanese De- balance its deep economic ties chains in southeast Asia targeted Spoonley from the College of ture of many of the older, male, woman’s rights, equality and in- tively contribute to regional and fence Minister Nobuo Kishi told to China with security concerns, Vietnam, which has aggressively Humanities and Social Sciences white MPs including some who clusivity. global peace, stability and pros- reporters that Japan’s Maritime including Beijing’s claims over courted such investment. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, October 20, 2020 AMERICAS

VERDICT AVIATION DECISION COMMENT TRIAL Judge strikes down USDA 1mn airline passengers Canada, US travel ban Will return to Bolivia Peru’s Vizcarra denies new rule on food benefits screened in US on Sunday extended to November 21 ‘sooner or later’: Morales corruption allegations

A federal judge has struck down a Trump The US Transportation Security Administration Canada and the US yesterday extended a ban on Exiled former president Evo Morales yesterday sig- Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra yesterday administration rule that would have cut food (TSA) said it screened more than 1mn airline non-essential travel between the two countries to nalled his intention to return to Bolivia after his left- denied allegations that he had received a stamp benefits to almost 700,000 unemployed passengers on Sunday for the first time since mid- November 21 in order to limit the spread of the novel ist heir Luis Arce’s sweeping presidential election payout from a construction company that won Americans amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, court March. The number, 1.03mn, is still about 60% low- coronavirus, Ottawa announced. “We are extending victory. “Sooner or later we are going to return to a public works contract when he was a regional documents showed. The judge, in a court fil- er than the same day last year, but is a dramatic non-essential travel restrictions with the US until Bolivia, that is not in debate,” Morales told a press governor, as prosecutors said they would open ing, said the department of agriculture (USDA) rise from the collapse in air travel demand caused November 21, 2020,” Public Safety Minister Bill Blair conference in Buenos Aires. “My great desire is to a preliminary investigation. Vizcarra, who was has been “icily silent” about how many people by the coronavirus pandemic. Screening fell to as said. “Our decisions will continue to be based on the return to Bolivia and enter my region. It is a mat- sworn in as president in 2018, received bribes would have been denied the benefits with the little as 87,000 in a single day in April. The previ- best public health advice available to keep Canadi- ter of time,” said Morales, who was ousted amid worth a total 1.3mn soles ($363,000) between changes. The pandemic has left millions of US ous high was 1.26mn screened on March 16. US ans safe,” he said. The world’s longest international protests after his victory in 2019 elections was an- 2014 and 2016, according to testimony that residents without jobs, sending thousands into airlines are collectively burning more than $5bn in border has been closed to nearly type of crossing nulled over rigging allegations. Arce, the leftist heir forms part of a broader investigation underway lines at food banks. In 2019, the Supplemental cash a month and have failed to date to convince except goods trading since March 21. Travel between to former leader Evo Morales, said his country had by government prosecutors into construction Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, Congress to approve a new $25bn bailout that Canada and the US usually sees 400,000 border “recovered democracy” after an exit poll from TV firms. Prosecutor Germán Juarez said he would provided stamps giving free food to about 36mn would have kept more than 32,000 workers on crossings per day, but has fallen off to a trickle since station Unitel indicated he had won the election in investigate Vizcarra for “the alleged crimes of Americans. the payroll for another six months. the pandemic restrictions were put in place. the first round with 52.4% of the vote. bribery and collusion.”

Trump payments to farmers hit all-time high ahead of election

Reuters cerned that if Biden-Harris gets Chicago elected...I do not have the confi - dence that we will be taken care of as well, at least short-term.” resident Donald Trump is Farmers initially pleaded to assuring a bumper year for Trump for “trade not aid” in 2018 Pfarmers as the November 3 but have since received repeated election approaches, with record bailouts even as Covid-19 stimu- government subsidies projected lus for millions of other Ameri- to make up more than a third of cans stalls in Congress. farm income in 2020. The aid money compensated The aid programmes could farmers for lower prices caused be key to Trump’s chances of by trade wars and large global success in swing states such as supplies of crops. Wisconsin, Ohio, Iowa and Min- It also eased the impact of a nesota. fresh blow to an already-weak Such states are hotly con- ethanol market when Americans tested because their population drove less during the coronavirus can swing either to Republicans pandemic. or Democrats and play a decisive With the latest $14bn farm role in presidential elections. aid package announced in Wis- Farmers favoured the Republi- consin on September 17, federal can president by a wide margin in payments to farmers are expect- the 2016 election. ed to reach a record $51.2bn this Trump has banked on that year. support to endure through trade The government’s share of wars that his administration farmers’ net cash income will fought with key US commercial also rise to 39.7%, the biggest in partners since he took offi ce. 20 years. President Donald Trump gestures as he speaks during a rally at Carson City Airport in Carson City, Nevada. Reprisals from China and Net cash income is a closely other trade partners to Trump’s watched indicator of farm health tariff s on imports led to the loss that calculates the amount of of billions of dollars in US agri- money a farmer gets to keep after cultural exports. expenses. Government payments, rang- The agriculture department ing from longstanding crop in- forecast net farm income would surance payments to new pro- rise 4% in 2020 from last year Trump calls Fauci a ‘disaster,’ grammes compensating farmers even before the most recent aid for lost sales during the US- announcement. China trade war, have risen every The latest Covid-19 aid pack- year of Trump’s presidency. age came at a time the farm Farmers also say they have economy was improving. suff ered from Trump’s policy of The Environmental Working reassures team of poll win exempting some oil refi ners from Group, a health and environ- requirements to blend ethanol mental advocacy group, called into their fuel, which has re- the programme “old-fashioned Reuters re-election bid. Fauci has openly alone.’ They’re tired of it. avoided fi ring Fauci because of about internal strife “rubbish” duced demand for corn used to vote buying,” saying it did not Washington complained about being cited “People are tired of hearing the negative blowback he would and said he felt he was in a bet- make the biofuel. send money to groups truly at in a Trump re-election cam- Fauci and all these idiots,” said receive. Trump took his frustra- ter position now than four years Democratic challenger Joe Bi- risk. paign advertisement and said in Trump, whose rallies include tion out on Fauci midway through ago when he scored an improb- den and his running mate, sena- But USDA secretary Sonny resident Donald Trump an interview broadcast on Sun- many supporters not wearing a call intended to buck up his na- able victory over Democrat Hil- tor Kamala Harris, have seized Perdue said the government yesterday called coronavi- day night by CBS’ “60 Minutes” masks and standing shoulder to tional team of campaign workers lary Clinton. “This is the best I’ve on the biofuel issue and pledged talked to farmers and ranchers to Prus expert Anthony Fauci a that he was not surprised Trump shoulder at odds with the guid- amid a spate of stories suggesting ever felt,” he said. a more multilateral approach design a plan that met the needs “disaster” and sought to reassure himself contracted the virus. ance of Fauci and other pub- a campaign in turmoil. Biden campaign manager Jen to international trade, but for of those impacted by the pan- campaign workers he still has a “Fauci is a disaster. If I listened lic health experts. “Fauci is a With nearly two weeks to go O’Malley Dillon said over the many farmers the subsidies are demic. path to victory on Election Day 15 to him, we’d have 500,000 deaths,” nice guy. He’s been here for 500 until Election Day, Democrat Joe weekend that national poll fi g- reason enough to vote for Trump Though China’s purchases days away despite slipping opinion Trump said on a call with cam- years,” Trump added. Biden holds a lead in national ures were misleading because again. of US agricultural goods re- poll numbers. paign workers which the campaign Fauci, 79, is one of the most re- opinion polls and in many battle- must-win states were close. “I feel that we have got the main below the $36.5bn prom- Trump and Fauci, a member allowed reporters to join. spected scientists in the US and ground states where the election “We cannot become compla- ear of the folks that are mak- ised this year in a phase 1 trade of his coronavirus task force, Speaking from his signature has served under Republican and is likely to be decided. cent because the very searing ing policy decision on the farm deal, its increased purchases have been at odds over how best hotel in Las Vegas ahead of two Democratic presidents. He has “We have momentum at the truth is that Trump can still win side,” said Roger Hadley, who of corn and soybeans in recent to handle a pandemic that has rallies in Arizona, Trump said been director of the National In- exact time that we want mo- this race, and every indication farms about 1,000 acres of corn months have benefited farmers killed more than 219,000 people Americans were fed up with pan- stitute of Allergy and Infectious mentum,” campaign manager Bill we have shows that this thing is and soybeans in northeastern and helped push up commodity in the US and weakened the Re- demic restrictions. “People are Diseases since 1984. Stepien said on the call. going to come down to the wire,” Indiana. “I’m very much con- prices. publican president’s November 3 saying, ‘Whatever. Just leave us Trump suggested he had Trump called news stories she wrote in a memo to donors. Supreme Court to take Coronavirus, rain fail up border wall case to deter voters in Florida Reuters the same case before the Su- Washington preme Court and fi nally putting AFP The battle has played out in him, but the rest of America a stop to the administration’s Miami eight or nine swing states for does not.” unconstitutional power grab,” months, but perhaps nowhere Nationwide, Biden leads he Supreme Court yes- said Dror Ladin, a lawyer at the more intensely than Florida, Trump by 8.9 percentage points, terday agreed to hear an American Civil Liberties Union, arly voting kicked off yes- the largest up-for-grabs prize according to a RealClearPolitics Tappeal by President Don- which brought the case on be- terday in Florida, a piv- of them all, delivering 29 of the average of polls, and the Demo- ald Trump’s administration of half of other advocacy groups. Eotal state fought over re- state-by-state Electoral College crat has a sizeable lead in half a a ruling that he overstepped his A justice department spokes- lentlessly by President Donald votes that decide who wins the dozen battleground states. constitutional powers by divert- woman declined to comment. Trump and Democratic chal- White House. But the Florida race is tight- ing military funds to pay for his The border wall was a cen- lenger Joe Biden as their con- Early morning rain across ening down to a knife edge; promised wall along the US- tral 2016 campaign promise by tentious White House race en- parts of southern Florida ap- statewide polls shows Biden Mexico border. Trump, a Republican seeking re- ters its fi nal 15-day stretch. peared to not deter voters who ahead by an average of 1.4 per- At issue is the legality of the election on November 3. Record numbers of Ameri- lined up wearing masks and centage points – compared to president’s decision, after Con- Trump has said the wall is cans have already cast ballots in at a respectful social distance 4.5 points less than two weeks gress refused to appropriate needed to curb illegal immi- person or by mail – 28.6mn, ac- for the start of in-person vot- ago. money he sought for the wall, gration and drug trafficking cording to one tracker – ahead ing. The increasingly diverse state to shift other funds already pro- across the southern border. of the November 3 election, as At a Miami Beach polling sta- is a bellwether, having voted for vided by lawmakers for other Democrats have called the wall the rivals race from one swing tion, Jackeline Maurice, a writer the candidate who ultimately purposes. immoral, ineffective and ex- state to another to marshal sup- in her 40s, was excitedly snap- won the presidency in 18 of the The justice department ap- pensive. port. ping selfi es with an “I voted” past 20 elections – including for pealed a lower court’s June 26 Trump promised during the The election is rapidly boil- sticker on after casting her bal- Republican Trump in 2016. decision that Trump’s admin- 2016 presidential race that Mex- ing down to whether voters see lot for Biden. Biden, fresh off a pair of istration lacked the authority to ico would pay for the wall. Mex- Trump as best placed to revive “I’ve been waiting four years events in North Carolina, an- shift the military funds toward ico refused. an economy laid low by the to vote,” she said. other state Democrats want to the border project because the In 2019, Trump’s adminis- coronavirus, or they believe Maurice said she was “cau- fl ip, dispatched running mate so-called Appropriations Clause tration redirected $2.5bn from the president has exacerbated tiously optimistic” about the Kamala Harris to Florida for a of the US Constitution exclu- military counter-narcotics pro- the pandemic and want Biden 77-year-old Democrat’s pros- drive-in rally in Orlando, fol- sively grants the power of the grammes for border wall con- to fulfi l his pledge to unify a di- pects. As for Trump, she said lowed by a voter mobilisation Voters wait in line to cast their early ballots at Miami Beach City Hall purse to Congress. struction in California, New vided country. the diehards in his base “love event in Jacksonville. in Miami Beach, Florida, yesterday. “We look forward to making Mexico and Arizona. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 20, 2020 11 BRITAIN/IRELAND Warning issued as 645 charities lose £3.6mn to scammers

Daily Mail fallen victim to scams with more urgent warning to trustees and charities face bankruptcy by the next six months just as demand would lead to 80,000 cancer pa- since March but the true scale of London than £3.6mn stolen since March. donors to strengthen their de- end of the year. for extra services – ranging from tients missing out on support the fraud is believed to be much Helen Stephenson, Charity fences against fraud as Covid Organisations are struggling health to debt advice and social from a nurse. higher. Commission chief executive, has restrictions have led to a surge in to cope with a £10bn shortfall care – piles on costs of £3.7bn. Claire Rowney, the charity’s The regulator of charities in raudsters are targeting warned that ruthless fraudsters virtual fundraising events. caused by soaring demand for Macmillan Cancer Support re- executive fundraising director, England and Wales is concerned hundreds of charities dur- are cashing in by cloning ap- Many of the organisations af- their services and lost fund-rais- vealed that it is facing a £20mn has said it is ‘one of the biggest that remote working and virtual Fing the pandemic, stealing peals, setting up spoof charities fected have become a lifeline for ing income in the lockdown. black hole in its funding. crises in living memory’. charity activities and sign-off millions and leaving some on the or duping staff into buying fake the sick and needy during the Analysis by independent charity Its fl agship annual coff ee The Charity Commission yes- processes, combined with the brink of bankruptcy, the charity personal protective equipment pandemic. Pro Bono Economics suggests the morning fundraiser could end terday revealed that charities tendency to place goodwill and commission has warned. such as masks. The loss of income comes as outbreak will trigger a £6.4bn loss up raising less than a third of the have reported being victims of trust in individuals, may make More than 645 charities have The watchdog has issued an experts predict one in ten UK of income for charities over the £27.5mn collected last year which fraud or cybercrime 645 times them especially vulnerable. Greater Manchester hospitals full, leak reveals

Guardian News and Media this can only happen with greater London support for businesses forced to close and those left without in- come. reater Manchester is set Michael Gove, the Cabinet to run out of intensive Offi ce minister, escalated the Gcare beds to treat people government’s war of words with left seriously ill by Covid-19, Burnham on Sunday by accusing and some of those units in the him of risking lives by opting for region’s 12 hospitals are already “press conferences and postur- full, a leaked NHS document has ing” rather than agreeing to new revealed. coronavirus rules. It showed that by last Friday This video has been removed. the resurgence of the disease Burnham has written to Boris had left the ICUs of hospitals in Johnson, Keir Starmer and other Salford, Stockport and Bolton Westminster political leaders at maximum capacity, with no urging them to hold a parliamen- spare beds to help with the grow- tary vote to decide the level of ing infl ux. fi nancial aid for areas under the The picture it paints ratchets strictest tier 3 restrictions. up the pressure on ministers to The disclosures came soon af- Pedestrians wearing face coverings due to the Covid-19 pandemic, walk in Dublin yesterday amid reports that further lockdown restrictions could be imposed to help mitigate the reach a deal with local leaders ter another document, obtained spread of the novel coronavirus. Ireland will crank up coronavirus restrictions, Prime Minister Micheal Martin said last week, announcing a raft of new curbs along the border with over the region’s planned move by the Manchester Evening Northern Ireland. to the top level of coronavirus re- News, showed that on current strictions. trends the region could have It suggested that Greater more hospital deaths and more Manchester’s hospitals are intensive care beds occupied by quickly heading towards be- late November than it had at the ing overwhelmed by the sheer peak of the pandemic in early to number of people with Covid mid-April. needing emergency care to save It warned that a number of the their lives, in the same way that area’s hospitals, including those those in Liverpool have become in Tameside and Stockport, Two-week lockdown in recent weeks. could have double or even treble By Friday 211 of the 257 critical the number of patients needing care beds in Greater Manchester intensive care by 10 November – 82% of the total supply – were than they have beds for. already being used for either Bolton, for example, could those with Covid or people who have 51 patients all needing its 18 were critically ill because of an- beds. other illness. Senior doctors voiced alarm at imposed in Wales Greater Manchester hospitals the rapidly worsening situation admitted 110 new patients with in Greater Manchester. “These Reuters pact we need,” Drakeford told Business aff ected will be sup- has imposed new rules for hos- the area into “Tier 3” — the high- confi rmed or suspected Covid in projections paint a stark picture, Cardiff reporters. “Everyone in Wales ported by a £300mn fund, Drak- pitality. England has moved to a est level of restrictions forcing the 24 hours before the spread- with the possibility in a worst- will be required to stay at eford said. The UK recorded three-tier approach that has led restaurants to close and banning sheet was produced and shared case scenario that some inten- home.” 16,982 new daily cases of Cov- to clashes between central and diff erent households from mix- with NHS bosses on Friday, illus- sive care units in the city po- ales will impose a “If we do not act now, it will id-19 in the space of 24 hours, regional government. ing indoors — against the will of trating the intense pressure they tentially run out of beds within two-week “fire- continue to accelerate.” according to government data After a public row with Great- local leaders if agreement is not are coming under. weeks. They also suggest that the Wbreak” lockdown The lockdown will begin on issued on Sunday, up from 16,717 er Manchester mayor Andy possible. That took the total number of number of patient deaths may from Friday in which everybody Friday at 1700GMT and end on the previous day. Burnham, who accused Prime Jenrick said he was hopeful a Covid cases they were dealing even overtake those seen during apart from essential workers November 9. Everybody but es- Wales recorded 950 cases, up Minister Boris Johnson of at- deal could be struck with Man- with then to 520. the peak of the pandemic earlier must stay at home to combat sential workers will have to work from just 400 at the start of the tempting to sacrifi ce the north chester leaders, with newspapers The revelation came as the this year,” said Dr Rob Harwood, an accelerating second wave of from home. month. of England to save jobs in the reporting that tens of millions impasse continued between the chair of the British Medical As- Covid-19. All non-essential retail, lei- All four countries of the UK south, Housing Secretary Robert of pounds were on off er to help government and Andy Burnham, sociation’s consultants commit- Welsh First Minister Mark sure, hospitality and tourist are seeing a resurgence of Covid, Jenrick said a stricter lockdown businesses cope with the lock- the Greater Manchester mayor, tee. Drakeford said he understood businesses will have to close and devolved governments and could be imposed there within down measures. as well as many other local lead- “The last thing we want to that people were tired of coro- in Wales, as will places of wor- local councils are introducing a days. “Delay will only make the situ- ers and MPs. see is a repeat of the numbers of navirus restrictions but tougher ship. range of measures to try to stem “We do need to conclude this,” ation worse, will only put peo- Ministers have designated cases – and the subsequent pres- rules were essential as critical Most children apart from some the rise. Jenrick said of talks with local ple’s lives at risk, and will only Greater Manchester a tier 3 area, sures on hospitals – that we saw care units were already full. older students will return to Northern Ireland started a leaders, adding that the basis for make the economic fallout for requiring the toughest sort of lo- back in April, but worryingly this “It will have to be sharp and school in the second week after four-week period of tougher an agreement was there. the city worse in the long term,” cal lockdown, but Burnham said analysis forecasts just that.” deep in order to have the im- the half-term holiday. curbs on Friday, while Scotland Johnson has threatened to put Jenrick told BBC TV.

Charity initiative Hunt for Fungie the Residents told to leave dolphin put on hold homes over safety fears Guardian News and Media RTE. “If Fungie has died there’s Tralee a good chance we’d have found him in one of the inlets or caves. Guardian News and Media immediately in order to protect of student rooms have not been No news is good news.” London their health and safety while fur- taken up this year. ad weather has forced On Sunday the sonar showed ther investigative work is under- The blocks were fi nished in search-and-rescue teams a dark object on the seabed that taken”. A series of checks, some 2006, and the site was acquired Bto suspend a search for appeared shaped like a dolphin, lmost 900 people living in carried out after the fi re at Gren- in 2009 by Notting Hill Housing, Fungie, a dolphin who has van- said Brosnan. “We were sure it a six-block development in fell Tower, uncovered a plethora which became part of Notting ished off the coast of Kerry after was him. Thankfully, when the ALondon are being moved of structural and fi re safety is- Hill Genesis two years ago. almost 40 years of enchanting divers went down, it turned out out immediately because of seri- sues at the development that re- Kate Davies, the group chief fi shermen and visitors to the to be a smooth rock.” ous safety concerns relating to the quired further investigation. executive of Notting Hill Gen- south-western tip of Ireland. Fans of the mammal have construction of the buildings. It added that it had identi- esis, said: “We believe we have no The wildlife celebrity has not shared memories and photos on The residents, the majority of fi ed accommodation for every- choice but to ask people to leave been seen for six days, prompt- social media. whom are students, were told at one to move into this week, and their homes.” ing fears he is sick or has died and The common bottlenose dol- 11am yesterday that they would was providing fi nancial support She added: “I understand that that a magical era for the Dingle phin appeared off Dingle in 1983 have to leave their homes on the to help residents. A total of 858 Paragon residents may feel an- peninsula has ended. and attracted attention as a soli- Paragon site in Brentford, west residents will have to move. gry or alarmed by this news, as A small fl eet of boats and tary creature who nevertheless London, which is owned by the Located next to the M4, Para- they have every right to be. This a team of four divers started had a playful nature and liked to housing association Notting Hill gon is made up of six blocks is a very distressing time, and we searching the mouth of Din- interact with humans. Fungie in- Genesis. ranging from four to 17 storeys, are genuinely sorry for the huge gle harbour after the alarm was spired widespread aff ection and Some will move into nearby ho- and is home to 688 students from amount of disruption and uncer- raised last week. media reports. tel accommodation, while others the University of West London tainty this situation will cause. They found nothing. Nor did a As his fame spread, tourism in will be moved into student halls. and Imperial College London. “This is a complex situation sonar scan of the seabed. the town prospered and up to a The housing association said There are also 105 shared own- and we don’t yet have all the The search was called off dozen boats operated daily trips. the move followed expert ad- ership leaseholders living there, answers. We are working to un- 80-year-old military veteran Michael Stanley, known as yesterday amid torrential rain Locals hope he is pursu- vice that the construction of the plus 65 people who pay a dis- cover the full extent of the issues Major Mick, rows his homemade boat named the “Tin- and warnings of gale-force ing sprat driven off shore by an buildings may be putting resi- counted rent as part of a scheme at Paragon so that we can pro- tanic” along a canal as part of his fundraising challenge winds. easterly wind, or perhaps hiding dents at risk. aimed at key workers and others. vide residents with clarity about to raise funds for St Wilfrid’s Hospice, in Chichester, “There’s still hope”, Gary Bro- from the reported presence of It said all residents living in The development contains timescales, next steps and op- Britain, yesterday. snan, a boatman who facilitated other dolphins and whales, and Paragon “will be asked to leave 1,059 homes, though a number tions as quickly as possible.” the sonar scan on his boat, told that he will return. Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, October 20, 2020 EUROPE 80% of Europe’s natural habitats in poor shape: report

AFP not only for biodiversity but also for Less than half of bird species in the than other habitats, the EEA said. City mayor sentenced to community service over fuel spill Copenhagen the climate change agenda.” EU, 47%, have a “good” conservation As a result, a number of species and Common farmland species such as status, fi ve percentage points fewer habitats have improved, such as the A Russian court has sentenced the former service, Akhmetchin would have his salary the skylark, and habitats such as wet than in the previous 2007-2012 re- agile frog in Sweden, coastal lagoons mayor of the Arctic city of Norilsk to six cut by 15% during that period. ore than 80% of the Euro- heaths, are declining across the con- porting period. in France and the bearded vulture months of community service after finding It did not specify the capacity in which he pean Union’s natural habi- tinent. Habitats important to pollinators across the EU. him guilty of negligence over a major fuel would carry out his community service. Mtats are in poor or bad condi- Habitats and species are facing nu- are another area of concern, as they The areas protected by Natura 2000 spill in the region. Russia’s Investigative Committee, the tion and more must be done to protect merous pressures, including intensive are crucial to the planet’s biodiversity. covered 18% of EU land, unchanged Rinat Akhmetchin, who resigned as body that probes serious crimes, charged them, the European Environment agriculture, urban sprawl – coupled Their conservation status has dete- from 2012, and 10% of marine areas, mayor in July, was charged with negligence Akhmetchin with criminal negligence in Agency (EEA) warned in a report yes- with tourism and recreation – unsus- riorated more than others, the report up by four percentage points. after a fuel tank at a power station in the June, saying that he had failed to co-ordi- terday. tainable forestry activities, and pollu- showed. Danish environmental group Noah, remote, industrial region lost pressure nate and organise emergency measures to The report, which covers the period tion, among others. But the conclusions are not all dire. a member of the “Friends of the Earth” and collapsed in late May, leaking more contain and control fallout from the spill. 2013-2018, shows deterioration from Climate change, with increasing The number of animal species umbrella organisation, said however than 20,000 tonnes of fuel into rivers and Norilsk, a city of 180,000 people located the 2007-2012 period, when 77% of drought and decreasing rainfall, also whose conservation status was “good” that this was not enough. subsoil. 300km (190 miles) inside the Arctic Circle, natural habitats were in “unfavour- poses a challenge. was 27%, which, while low, was four “At least 30% of land and 30% of Greenpeace has compared the incident to is built around Norilsk Nickel, the world’s able” condition. In the six-year study, the EAA reg- percentage points higher than in the marine areas in the EU should be pro- the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill off the coast leading nickel and palladium producer. “We clearly need a large-scale res- istered over 67,000 types of human previous study. tected by law, and environmental cor- of Alaska. The company has disputed the environ- toration in Europe,” one of the authors activities that harmed the environ- Conservation eff orts are paying off . ridors should be made a part of a real The Krasnoyarsk Regional Court said in a mental cost of the spill as assessed by of the report, EEA expert Carlos Ro- ment in the 28 EU member states, in- Natural habitats covered by the EU’s trans-European nature network,” it statement that in addition to his community Russia’s environment watchdog. mao, told reporters. “This is a must cluding Britain. Natura 2000 network are doing better said in a study in early October. Farmers push for European nations tighten ‘veggie burger’ coronavirus restrictions label ban

„ Turkey’s coronavirus cases back up to early-May levels Meanwhile, Portugal’s coro- AFP „ Spain adds nearly 38,000 cases over weekend, 217 deaths navirus cases passed 100,000 Brussels „ Bucharest makes masks compulsory in public at all times yesterday, with nearly 2,000 „ Portugal’s cases pass 100,000 new infections in the past 24 „ Belgium says situation serious as infections reach new highs hours, days after tough new ngry European farmers „ Russia hits record daily rise in cases measures to contain the disease are pushing for a ban on „ Slovenia brings in curfew to fight virus surge came into force. Acalling vegetarian prod- „ Poland to open temporary hospitals “Everyone’s tiredness is le- ucts a “burger” or a “sausage” „ Swiss warns second coronavirus wave is here gitimate but it cannot legitimise that they say mislead consumers failure,” the secretary of state into thinking certain products AFP/Reuters Covid-19 has claimed 10,413 for health, Antonio Sales, told a contain meat. Brussels lives in Belgium, one of the high- news conference. “We continue Their demand was part of a est per capita fatality rates in the to depend on each other – and legislative proposal yesterday at world. our success is the success of the European Parliament, which raft of European nations, Health ministry spokesman Portugal.” members of the parliament including Italy and Bel- Yves Van Laethem told a news Parliament will vote on Fri- (MEPs) are to vote on later this Agium, took urgent new conference the number of pa- day on a government proposal week in Brussels. measures yesterday to combat tients in intensive care will rise to make masks compulsory in The ban request comes on a second wave of coronavirus above 500 this week. crowded outdoor spaces and the back of the rising success infections as the worldwide “Whatever the impact of the whether the government’s trac- of high-end veggie burgers that caseload topped 40mn. measures, we will have 1,000 ing app should be mandatory for closely replicate the taste and The latest global mile- patients in intensive care by the some workforces. sensation of eating meat. stone came just hours after the end of this month,” he said. Russia hit a record daily high Vegetarianism is also gain- number of people who have died Italy, the initial epicentre of 15,982 coronavirus infections ing ground due to the link be- from Covid-19 passed 250,000 of Europe’s outbreak, also an- yesterday as the authorities in tween raising cattle and climate in Europe, according to an AFP nounced fresh curbs including the capital Moscow said they change. tally, as the pandemic rampages earlier closures for nightspots A municipal worker disinfects a square near Lenin’s monument in central Moscow. would not introduce strict re- Also banned would be prod- across much of the continent. and restaurants and a push to in- strictions to contain the rapidly- ucts labelled as “yoghurt-style” The Covid-19 respiratory dis- crease working from home. surge to 20,000 a day if social those who have to travel for work ministry data showed yesterday. spreading virus. or “cheese-like” for non-dairy ease is caused by the coronavi- In Poland, where around half distancing and other restric- will be exempted. Total deaths from the virus Russian authorities also re- based products. rus. the country is now designated tions were not widely complied Turkey’s daily number of new increased by 217 to 33,992, ac- ported 179 deaths in the last 24 Terms such as “soy milk” Many governments are seek- as a coronavirus “red zone”, the with. coronavirus cases increased to cording to the ministry. hours, bringing the offi cial death and “vegan cheese” are already ing to avoid the full-on lock- government said the national Switzerland meanwhile nearly 2,000 yesterday, reach- In recent weeks, Spain has toll to 24,366. banned in the EU. downs imposed in the fi rst wave stadium would double as a fi eld made mask-wearing compul- ing levels last seen in early May frequently reported more than The city of nearly 13mn, which According to the proposal, as they battle to keep their econ- hospital to help ease the strain sory in indoor public spaces and when restrictions were in place. 12,000 cases per day after hit- recorded 5,376 new infections “terms and descriptions refer- omies going. on overwhelmed health facili- put limits on public gatherings Data from the health minis- ting a record of more than yesterday, has already opened ring to ‘meat’ should be reserved But in some countries, people ties. after infections doubled over the try showed another 1,958 people 16,000 in mid-September. temporary hospitals, ordered exclusively for the parts of ani- are chafi ng against new restric- Offi cials said the Law and last week. with Covid-19 symptoms had Romania’s capital Bucha- businesses to have at least 30% mals fi t for human consump- tions on daily life, and anti- Justice (PiS) government was in “The second wave is here, been diagnosed, as Ankara con- rest closed schools, restaurants of staff working remotely and tion”. mask protests, court challenges talks with private medical facili- earlier and stronger than we tinues to report only sympto- and theatres from today and introduced online learning for The draft text lists “steak”, and battles between central and ties to provide beds and wards expected, but we are prepared,” matic cases. widened the compulsory use of secondary school students, “sausage”, “escalope”, “burger”, local governments are on the for coronavirus patients and Swiss Health Minister Alain The ministry changed the face masks to all outdoor spaces among other measures. and “hamburger” as examples of rise. planned to double the base sala- Berset said. wording on its daily reports from across the city as infection rates A vaccine remains the great- banned words. In Belgium, where hospitali- ries of state health workers. France imposed its own over- “cases” to “patients” on July 29. soared. est hope to end the cycle of im- The parliament’s agriculture sations rose 100% in just the last Other major cities are also night curfew from the weekend Health Minister Fahrettin The number of new daily posing and lifting lockdowns committee proposed the passage week, nightspots and restau- rushing to set up new hospitals, in nine cities including Paris, Koca said the daily number in- coronavirus infections in Ro- across the world, and the United as an amendment to a vast farm- rants were closed yesterday for the health ministry said, after aff ecting 20mn people, with a cludes only those who show mania has risen by about 4,000 Nations said yesterday that it ing bill that would go to a vote a month, and a curfew will be new daily cases reached nearly record 32,400 new infections symptoms. over the past week, taking the would stockpile 1bn syringes today. reinforced overnight. 10,000 last week. reported on Saturday. There were 1,977 cases on May cumulative total to 182,854 yes- worldwide by the end of 2021 for Jean-Pierre Fleury, of the EU’s “The situation is serious. It is Yesterday 7,482 cases were Slovenia did too, with its 7. terday, the government said. that purpose. farmers association Copa and worse than on March 18 when reported, following a weekend roughly 2mn inhabitants forced Meanwhile, Spain’s cumula- Since the weekend, Bucha- “Vaccinating the world Cogeca, called the misuse of the lockdown was decided,” downtick in testing. to stay home between 9pm and tive tally of coronavirus infec- rest’s cumulative infection rate against Covid-19 will be one of meat labels “an obvious case of Prime Minister Alexander De Health Minister Adam 6am from today, and banned tions increased by 37,889 over exceeded the 3.0 cases per 1,000 the largest mass undertakings in cultural hijacking”. Croo told Belgian television Niedzielski warned that in com- from non-essential travel. the weekend, bringing the na- people threshold over a two- human history,” Unicef execu- “We are about to create a RTL-Info. ing days new infections could The emergency services and tionwide total to 974,449, health week horizon. tive director Henrietta Fore said. brave new world where market- ing is disconnected from the real nature of products, which is Action star Van Damme ‘saves’ life of puppy in fake passport row just asking for things to spin out of control,” he said earlier this Action movie star Jean-Claude Van Damme (also the paper correctly ... but they cannot kill that little month. known by the initials JCVD) has come to the rescue chihuahua.” Legal action over ‘golden passports’ Food advocacy group ProVeg of a three-month-old chihuahua, saving it from The food safety authority says Raya will have medi- International said the oppo- euthanasia yesterday after a legal tussle between cal checks when it gets back to Bulgaria and will be site was true and that the terms Norway and Bulgaria. put up for adoption. AFP European Commission vice- Sefcovic said more details of “provide important information The dog named Raya was sold to new owners in Yavor Gechev from the Four Paws animal rights Brussels president Maros Sefcovic said the legal action would be an- regarding the taste and uses that Norway in September but off icials there would not organisation told AFP yesterday that Bulgaria should that so-called “infringement nounced once it is launched. people can expect from a prod- register it because it had travelled on a fake Bulgar- be congratulated for showing flexibility but called procedures” would be launched Under the Cypriot scheme, uct”. ian passport. for stricter control on illegal breeders and animal he EU said yesterday that against the two countries today. the government handed out “Just as we all know that pea- Norway tried to repatriate the animal but Bulgaria re- traff ickers. it will begin legal ac- “It’s very important to un- passports in exchange for an nut butter does not contain but- fused to take Raya back because of European Union “The export of pets from eastern to western and Ttion against Cyprus and derline the fact that the com- investment of €2.5mn ($3mn), ter, consumers know exactly rules about transport of live animals, leaving the dog northern Europe is a lucrative business,” he said. Malta over their controversial mission has frequently raised though Nicosia is now re-ex- what they are getting when they facing euthanasia. Raya’s fake passport meant it would have been put “golden passport” schemes for its serious concerns about amining all 4,000 successful buy veggie burgers or veggie Van Damme launched an emotive campaign on down on October 20 under Norway’s legislation. foreign investors, which crit- those schemes with the mem- cases. sausages,” said ProVeg’s Alex social media, posting selfies of him hugging his chi- The misadventures of Raya resemble the story of ics say have been exploited by ber states concerned, and the Malta, which started selling Gromminger. huahua, which eventually persuaded the Bulgarian Penka the cow, which also faced a death sentence criminals. latest developments only reaf- passports to wealthy foreign- Hervé Salomon, director for Food Safety Authority to accept the dog back. after wandering over Bulgaria’s border with Serbia in Cyprus said last week that fi rm those concerns,” Sefcovic ers in 2014, last month arrested France of veggie butter-maker “I beg, please, for my birthday, the Food Safety May 2018. it would scrap its programme, told reporters. “We will contin- former prime minister Joseph Upfi eld, called the proposal “to- Authority, change your decision,” Van Damme wrote Penka was saved thanks to an international cam- which has brought the island ue our intensive contacts with Muscat’s chief of staff as part of tally absurd” and said it went over the weekend, launching a petition to save the paign in its defence, joined by former Beatle Paul some €7bn ($8.25bn), from next both Cyprus and Malta to make a probe into alleged kickbacks against everything the EU is try- dog. “They made a mistake, the people who didn’t do McCartney. month after an undercover TV sure European law in this area connected to its own golden ing to achieve in terms of lower- investigation exposed abuses. would be properly respected.” passport scheme. ing pollution in farming.

Four pupils held over teacher’s death

Four schoolchildren were being held by French police yesterday on suspicion of helping a man who beheaded a history teacher to Fighting, accusations threaten Karabakh ceasefi re hopes identify his victim in return for money, a judiciary source said. They were among 15 people being held over the incident, one of whom was previously convicted for terror-related crimes and Reuters reporting shelling and heavy Armenia denied fi ring it. Armenia’s Prime Minister is populated and controlled by admitted to having had contact with the man who killed Samuel Baku/Yerevan fi ghting. The ceasefi re was agreed on Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbai- ethnic Armenians, said 729 of its Paty, the source said. Among accusations on both Saturday after an earlier deal jan’s President Ilham Aliyev both military personnel and 36 civil- Paty was “pointed out” to his attacker “by one or more pupils, sides, Azerbaijan said it had brokered by Russia failed to halt told Russia’s Tass news agency ians had been killed in fi ghting probably in return for payment”, according to the source. new ceasefi re in the “neutralised” a missile fi red by the deadliest clashes in the South in separate interviews yesterday that began on September 27. And yesterday French police launched a series of raids targeting mountain territory of Armenian forces at an oil pipeline Caucasus since the 1990s. that they were ready to come to Azerbaijan said 61 Azeri civil- religious networks suspected of extremism. ANagorno-Karabakh was in in Azerbaijan on Sunday, several So far, the main driver of di- Moscow for talks. ians had died and 282 wounded. Sources in the interior ministry said there had been a total of 40 jeopardy yesterday, with Azerba- hours after the ceasefi re went plomacy between the ex-Soviet Nagorno-Karabakh, a breaka- It has not disclosed its military raids across France yesterday, mostly around Paris. ijan and ethnic Armenian forces into force. enemies has been Russia. way enclave of Azerbaijan that casualties. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 20, 2020 13 INDIA

INVESTIGATION CHALLENGE PILGRIMAGE JUDICIARY ALLEGATION BSP legislator, wife Govt gets 213 proposals Preparations to start Don’t arrest Sivasankar BJP misusing agencies charged with fraud to end rural water woes soon for Haj: govt till Oct 23: Kerala court to target Farooq: NC

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said The government has received 213 proposals for The government said yesterday that next year’s Suspended IAS off icer M Sivasankar yesterday The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference yesterday it had booked Bahujan Samaj Party a challenge to create innovative, modular, and Haj pilgrimage will depend on national and got a relief from the Kerala High Court as it yesterday alleged that since the Bharatiya legislators Vinay Shankar Tiwari and his wife Rita cost-eff ective solutions to develop Smart Water international protocol guidelines due to the asked the Customs not to arrest him till Friday. Janata Party had failed to politically fight party Tiwari in connection with an alleged bank fraud Supply Measurement and Monitoring Systems Covid-19 pandemic. However, the government Yesterday, a lawyer for former principal secretary president Farooq Abdullah, it was now “misusing” of Rs7.54bn involving a company. The agency to be deployed at the village level. This is part said it will soon start preparations for the Haj and to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan moved an government agencies to target him through a also carried out searches at several locations in of an ICT Grand Challenge which was launched receive applications, Minister for Minority Aff airs urgent anticipatory bail plea, insisting it should “witch-hunt”. The NC said in a statement that “an Lucknow and Noida, off icials said. The CBI case by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pet project Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said. He was speaking at be heard during the day itself as he felt that the Enforcement Department summons to Farooq is based on a complaint by Bank of Gangotri - National Jal Jeevan Mission in partnership a virtual meeting attended by Haj Committee Customs might arrest him in the gold smuggling Abdullah is clearly a result of the unity that he has Enterprises and Royal Marketing Pvt Ltd based with the Ministry of Electronics and Information of India CEO Maqsood Ahmad, Secretary in case. On Friday, when Sivasankar was asked to been able to forge among mainstream political in Lucknow and Noida, its directors and others Technology. The proposals will now be scrutinised the Ministry of Minority Aff airs P K Das, Joint appear before the Customs off icials, he said he parties in Jammu and Kashmir. This is the price on allegations of committing misappropriation, by a jury appointed by the ministry and select Secretary of the Ministry of External Aff airs Vipul, was unwell. Soon, he was moved to a hospital one pays when opposed to the BJP’s ideology and cheating and causing a loss of Rs7.54bn to a the proposals. The ambitious mission focuses Indian ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ausaf Saeed after he complained of chest pain. On Friday, the divisive politics. Recent history is witness to how the consortium of banks. Gangotri Enterprises is on service delivery rather than mere creation and other off icials. Many important decisions high court will hear more arguments from the BJP has been employing coercive and intimidating owned by Tiwari, the son of former minister of infrastructure. This kind of technological regarding Haj were taken at the meeting. Naqvi Enforcement Directorate and Customs before measures through various departments to and a strongman from Gorakhpur, Hari Shankar challenge off ers a great opportunity to ensure said due to the epidemic, arrangements for the delivering its final orders. Sivasankar had last target opposition leaders across the country. The Tiwari. The legislators and his wife are the long-term sustainability of water supply systems pilgrimage will see changes in a big way keeping Wednesday secured bail from the same bench of summons comes within days of the formation of second-largest shareholders of the company. in rural areas, the government said in a statement. in mind the guidelines. the court. the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration. 50% of Indians are likely to get coronavirus by Feb, says panel

Reuters Instead, the committee of virologists, fection of our committed medical fra- New Delhi scientists and other experts, whose re- ternity and has also led to deaths of port was made public on Sunday, has doctors and nurses,” the study by the relied on a mathematical model. Indian Institute of Science in Bengalu- t least half of India’s 1.3bn peo- “We have evolved a new model ru, considered one of the country’s ple are likely to have been in- which explicitly takes into account best science universities, said. Afected with the new coronavi- unreported cases, so we can divide in- Reducing recirculation of air and rus by next February, helping slow the fected people into two categories - re- increasing the use of outdoor air can spread of the disease, a member of a ported cases and infections that do not lower the risk of spreading coronavi- federal government committee tasked get reported,” Agrawal said. rus in indoor spaces, the World Health with providing projections said yes- The committee warned that their Organisation has said. A metro train moves past slums and buildings in Mumbai yesterday. The Mumbai Metro rail network resumed services after terday. projections would not hold up if pre- Previous studies have suggested nearly seven months due to the coronavirus pandemic. India has so far reported 7.55mn cautions were not followed, and cases countries in hot climates should take cases of the coronavirus and is second could spike by up to 2.6mn infections care that indoor rooms are not dried only to the United States in terms of in a single month if measures such as out by overcooling with air-condi- total infections. social distancing and wearing masks tioning, noting that keeping indoor But Covid-19 infections are de- were ignored. humidity levels between 40% and creasing in India after a peak in mid- Experts have warned that infections 60% will help limit airborne transmis- September, with 61,390 new cases re- could rise in India as the holiday sea- sion of the virus. ported on average each day. son nears, with celebrations for the Where air-conditioning can be done “Our mathematical model esti- festivals of Durga Puja and Diwali due away with, ICUs could be fi tted with mates that around 30% of the popula- this month and in mid-November, re- fans that force air inside, and exhaust tion is currently infected and it could spectively. fans to pull the infected air and treat it go up to 50% by February,” Manindra Meanwhile, a study from a top re- with soap-based air fi lters or very hot Agrawal, a professor at the Indian In- search institute has said intensive water before releasing it outside, the stitute for Technology in Kanpur and a care units (ICUs) at hospitals treat- study added. committee member, said. ing Covid-19 patients should do away “(Covid-19) patients in the ICU are The committee’s estimate for the with air-conditioning to limit the risk active sources of the virus, and they current spread of the virus is much of infecting doctors. are constantly expelling particles,” A G higher than the federal government’s Frontline health workers around Ramakrishnan, the lead author of the serological surveys, which showed the world have borne the brunt of the study, said. that only around 14% of the popula- coronavirus crisis. “So, if you are not fi ltering the air, it tion had been infected, as of Septem- More than 500 doctors have died is making things worse.” ber. from Covid in India, straining the In ICUs where air-conditioning is But Agrawal said serological surveys country’s weak and underfunded pub- necessary, the air-conditioning sys- might not be able to get sampling ab- lic health system. tem of the Covid-19 ICU can be de- solutely correct because of the sheer “The recirculation of the air by the linked from other ICUs and exhaust size of the population that they were centralised air-conditioning systems fans should be installed to pull any in- surveying. is what has led to the signifi cant in- fected air for fi ltration, the study said. Actor pulls out of cricket legend biopic after outcry

AFP litharan took in his celebrated career. prime minister David Cameron that Chennai “I don’t want one of the fi nest actors he may have been “misled” by Tamil in Tamil Nadu to face any kind of trou- women who complained to him about ble, hence I request him to drop out of disappearances during the war. popular actor who was set to the project,” Muralitharan, 48, wrote Muralitharan, who is currently star as Sri Lanka’s legendary in a letter tweeted by the actor. working as a bowling coach with In- Aspinner Muttiah Muralitharan “There should be no obstacles for dian Premier League side Sunrisers in a biopic withdrew from the project Sethupathi in the future because of Hyderabad for the ongoing tourna- yesterday after the cricketer warned this movie.” Sethupathi wrote along- ment in the United Arab Emirates, had he could face a backlash from India’s side the image of the letter: “Thank said that his remarks about Sri Lanka’s Tamil minority. you and goodbye.” ethnic war were “misunderstood”. Tamil politicians in India accuse Tamil Nadu’s MDMK party, which Fans had slammed the actor on so- Muralitharan, who retired from Test opposes the Sinhalese-led government cial media, using the hashtag #sham- cricket in 2010, of betraying fellow in Sri Lanka, demanded Sethupathi re- eonVijaySethupathi. Muralitharan Tamils in his country during a civil war ject the role, saying Muralitharan sided added in the letter that he hoped a new that ended in 2009. with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapak- lead would be announced soon. Vijay Sethupathi, 42, had been un- sa, who as president defeated the sepa- “I accepted this biopic because I der pressure in Tamil Nadu to drop the ratist Tamil Tiger insurgency. thought the movie will inspire and role in 800 - named after the world The enmity dates back to 2013, provide confi dence to aspiring young record number of Test wickets Mura- when Muralitharan told then British cricketers,” he wrote. Chinese soldier to be returned

The Indian army said yesterday that it food and warm clothes to protect him military and diplomatic talks, but have had captured a Chinese soldier after from the vagaries of extreme altitude made little headway. he strayed across the border in the and harsh climatic conditions,” the There was no immediate comment western Himalayan region where both statement said. from China on the capture of its soldier. countries have amassed thousands of The soldier told Indian agencies that But the editor-in-chief of state-backed troops after a deadly clash in June. he had crossed the disputed border Global Times said in a tweet that the The People’s Liberation Army soldier to retrieve a yak that had strayed into matter was being resolved. “Based on was apprehended in the Demchok Indian territory. what I know, one Chinese soldier was area of eastern Ladakh, and would The nuclear-armed neighbours have detained by Indian side, very likely be returned after the completion been locked in a months-long border because of getting lost,” said Hu Xijin. of formalities, the army said in a confrontation in the Ladakh region, with “Indian side has a positive attitude. The statement. troops killing each other in hand-to- soldier will be returned to China. The “The PLA soldier has been provided hand combat and firing shots in the air. issue should not cause new tensions in medical assistance including oxygen, Both sides have held several rounds of the border area.” Gulf Times 14 Tuesday, October 20, 2020 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Second term could prove tough for popular Ardern

Jacinda Ardern’s landslide election win gives her a mandate for the transformational change she has been promising New Zealand for three years, but the Covid-19 pandemic may limit what she can actually do. The prime minister’s signature achievement in all but eliminating the new coronavirus from the Pacifi c island nation through strict lockdowns propelled her to victory on Saturday. But this approach may also hinder the recovery New Zealanders are hoping for and the progressive policies Ardern champions. Up early on Sunday, hours after delivering the biggest win in half a century for her centre-left Labour Party, Ardern Akin to a boxing match was dealing with the pandemic again as a new infection sprang up, ending a two-week coronavirus-free run. It will take more than one US future. Instead, they have become the of demonising crossfi re. Media coverage problem, rather than the ideas for which New Zealand had been free of community cases for more very essence – the entire point – of our has helped catalyse and responded to it stands, we have taken an immense than 100 days until new infections emerged in Auckland in presidential election to make politics. In this sense, the debate was this shift. Bickering and fi ghts get the step toward political dysfunction. We August. it a foot race again not so much a low point because it was clicks. Nuanced debates don’t. have taken an immense step toward a The new case is unlikely to spread further, health offi cials uniquely bad, but because it threw into The media isn’t solely responsible, politics and a political discourse devoid said, but it highlighted the risk the nation of 5 million faces By Thomas Koenig sharp focus all that is wrong with our though. Also culpable are shifts that of problem-solving and legislation and politics. have made the two major parties full of tweets and reactions to tweets. as it pours its eff orts into keeping the raging pandemic off its Even before Trump entered the Oval more internally homogenous and Even though I will be voting for shores. he consensus is that the fi rst Offi ce, our politics already had come diff erent from one another. In 1950, the Biden, this is why I am painfully Ardern has assigned NZ$62bn (US$41bn) to Covid-19 presidential debate was a to look more like boxing than running. American Political Science Association aware the boxing match won’t end if recovery this year, most of it on wage subsidies to avoid hot mess. The consensus is Trump has quickened this shift. We lamented how the Republican and he’s elected. A single election cannot massive job losses. She deployed business loans and rent Tcorrect. President Donald have slowly forgotten the ultimate point Democratic parties were both too overturn forces that have been stewing Trump in particular seemed woefully of activism, seeking offi ce and voting ideologically diverse to off er distinctive and gaining steam over several decades. freezes, and eased some tax requirements. uninterested in actually discussing – of engaged and active citizenship – is choices and visions. In other words, Surely, a Biden presidency wouldn’t But with no plans for and debating the pressing issues in not to “own the libs” or “cancel the liberal Rockefeller Republicans and push us even further into the ring than Unemployment major tax reform and American public life. He seemed more conservatives.” It is to promote the conservative white Southern Democrats Trump’s presidency has. But just as revenue shrinking from focused on repeatedly interrupting values and principles to which you were still a thing, and the political no one politician was responsible for in the country tourism and immigration, former Vice President Joe Biden and ascribe as well as policies, the nitty- scientists saw that as a problem. this shift, no one politician can get us two of New Zealand’s engaging in ad hominem attacks. gritty substantive upshot of those A lot has changed since. As the back on the running race course. Only is expected to While the debate was surely unique values. University of Maryland’s Lilliana Mason structural solutions will do the trick. top money generators, in its eminently poor quality – and This is why it is best to conceptualise points out in Uncivil Agreement: How Structural innovations that double in the there are questions over may never to be precisely replicated, politics as a foot race, or a marathon, Politics Became Our Identity, the two reconfi gure incentives — like ending how the government can with Thursday’s altercation cancelled or even a relay between generations. It parties are capturing our racial, social partisan gerrymandering, instituting next two years achieve its social and and next week’s format up in the air has a long, winding course for pushing and cultural divisions with increasing ranked-choice voting, changing how – what’s important to remember is ideas and policies forward. There may success. That is, Democrats are parties structure their primaries and economic goals. this: What happened on September be rough encounters with competitors growing more progressive, brown and paving the way for new parties – are With net core crown debt forecast at NZ$201bn ($133bn), 29 was not exactly an outlier from the along the way, but the confl ict isn’t the Black. Republicans are growing more needed to push us away from boxing or 55% of gross domestic product by 2024 – up from less contemporary American political scene. point. It’s a side eff ect of fallible humans conservative and white. and toward the foot race. We need to than 20% before the pandemic – Ardern’s borrowing Instead, it simply highlighted an trying to muddle their way through an This racial, social and ideological think creatively about what incentives, options are shrinking. important, depressing fact regarding ever changing and imperfect world, “sorting” can present serious problems. structures, institutions and policies New Zealand governments of all stripes have traditionally American politics: These days, they together. The “otherness” of the other side will help place ideals and ideas – not can best be conceptualised as a boxing Instead, we’ve come to look at politics can push us to forget what this is all “othering,” contempt and confl ict – at sought to keep debt below 20% of GDP. match rather than a foot race. like a boxing ring. A knockout is the about. Our primary objective can the core of our political discourse. Ardern, 40, trailing in opinion polls as late as February, Citizens and politicians especially only point. The content of the victory, subconsciously shift away from fi ghting If we don’t, we will soon fi nd that saw Labour’s support shoot up as New Zealanders rallied no longer seem particularly interested and each fi ghter’s character, matters for liberal or conservative values to voting Trump out of offi ce will not behind her “go hard, go early” approach to Covid-19. in pushing forward ideas and policy much less than the victory itself. This is fi ghting against the people who are change nearly enough. Our politics of But her lockdowns crippled the tourism-centred innovations; they seem more interested why coverage of American government liberal or conservative. tweets and tantrums will outlast him. in engaging in the sorts of personalised is about the right hooks and left jabs of This subtle shift is not a distinction And anger, contempt and violence will economy and hobbled her eff orts to tackle child rhetorical slugfests that characterised partisan bickering much more than any without a diff erence. Rather, it is what ensue. – Tribune News Service poverty, homelessness, inequality and climate change. the fi rst Trump vs Biden debate. Heated ongoing race between world views and makes compromise with the other side Unemployment is expected to double to about 8% in the fi ghts are no longer passionate but policy visions. – and even good-faith and substantive z Thomas Koenig graduated from next two years. appropriate displays of the struggles We have shifted from a politics of engagement – such a no-no. Princeton this spring and will begin Ardern wants to build aff ordable housing, raise minimum over competing ideas and visions for the contested forward motion to a politics When we view the other side as the Harvard Law School next fall. wages and spur thousands of jobs in environment-friendly projects. On issues like child poverty and homelessness, where New Zealand is one of the worst performers among developed nations, Ardern has launched schemes like free school lunches and support for buying fi rst homes. She argued it was impossible to meet these targets in her fi rst three-year term, asking voters for a full mandate to bring meaningful change. “After this result we have the mandate to accelerate our response and our recovery, and tomorrow we start,” she promised voters on Saturday night. Ardern’s critics have questioned her ability to tackle the economic crisis. “I feel very concerned for my country,” opposition National Party leader Judith Collins said on Sunday, vowing to keep pressing Ardern on economic issues. Ardern waltzed through her fi rst term as prime minister, setting an example for other leaders in the western world, but her second term could prove much more challenging.

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© 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved POINT TO PONDER: What happened on September 29 was not exactly an outlier from the contemporary American political scene, says the writer. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 20, 2020 15 PAKISTAN

Qureshi, Hekmatyar in talks on Afghan peace, bilateral ties

Internews be achieved through a politi- process, strengthening bilateral day visit, the Afghan leader had Islamabad cal settlement accepted by the relations as well as people-to- said: “We had good discussions, people of Afghanistan,” Qureshi people interaction. extensive discussions with au- said, adding that he was pleased Hekmatyar, who twice served thorities, civilian and military, fghan leader of Hezb-e- that Islamabad’s stance was as Afghan prime minister in and in most of the cases, for ex- Islami Gulbuddin Hek- now being recognised by the 1990s, had recently said that ample on the need for reduction Amatyar held talks with world. India, due to its rivalry with Pa- in violence, the need for get- Foreign Minister Shah Mah- “Intra-Afghan talks provide a kistan, was dissatisfi ed with the ting to ceasefi re, on the need for mood Qureshi yesterday. They unique opportunity to the lead- peace process in Afghanistan and showing fl exibility we are on the discussed bilateral relations and ership for establishing lasting alleged it had started supporting same page.” the Afghan peace process. peace in the country,” the foreign local militias to act as spoilers of Abdullah’s visit, his fi rst to Pa- Hekmatyrar is on a three-day minister said. the peace process. kistan in his new role, was meant visit. During his visit, the Afghan “China and Pakistan have a to seek Islamabad’s cooperation He said Afghans think of Pa- leader is expected to meet Presi- common and coordinated posi- for what he had said in his speech kistan as their second home, a dent Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Min- tion on Afghanistan and not only at the Institute of Strategic Stud- statement issued by the Foreign ister Imran Khan in addition to do they support the peace proc- ies, Islamabad “to see the process Offi ce said. Hekmatyar made Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani ess, rather they see it as benefi cial through to the next stage”. these comments during a meet- and National Assembly Speaker for their regional interests, espe- For that to happen an equal ing with Foreign Minister Shah Asad Qaiser among others. cially if it leads to a reduction in emphasis was placed by both Mahmood Qureshi at the Foreign He is also expected to speak at India’s presence in Afghanistan,” sides on exploring possibilities Offi ce. a programme of a policy think- the Afghan leader had said. for improving Pak-Afghan bilat- A Foreign Offi ce statement tank where he will interact with Hekmatyar’s visit comes a few eral ties that had been marred by quotes the foreign minister as the media. weeks after Chairman of Afghan- mistrust and acrimony for a long saying that Pakistan will contin- In a statement issued on Sun- istan’s High Council for National time. ue to play the role of a facilitator day, the Foreign Offi ce had said Reconciliation Dr Abdullah Ab- Both sides, by the end of the in the Afghan peace process. Hekmatyar’s visit would provide dullah visited Pakistan. visit, suggested that ground had “Prime Minister Imran Khan an opportunity for exchang- Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi (left) with veteran Afghan politician and Hezb-i-Islami leader Hours before returning to Ka- been prepared for turning the has said lasting peace can only ing views on the Afghan peace Gulbuddin Hekmatyar during the latter’s visit to the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad yesterday. (AFP) bul after completing his three- page in bilateral relations. Govt to start Maryam’s husband out on bail digitising Captain (retired) Safdar against the PML-N leader, sen- The federal minister said was arrested for violating ior PPP leader and provincial that the law must take its the sanctity of Pakistani minister Saeed Ghani stated course. Radio founder’s mausoleum by that the arrest had not been Jinnah’s mausoleum, which raising political slogans made on the direction of Sindh is declared “an historical Pakistan government. monument of national im- Internews PPP chairman Bilawal Bhut- portance” is maintained and Karachi to-Zardari condemned the ar- protected under a special law. rest, promising Maryam, that The ordinance, “The Internews the Sindh government was Quaid-i-Azam’s Mazar (Pro- Islamabad Judicial Magistrate yes- holding an inquiry into the mat- tection and Maintenance) Or- terday approved Captain ter. dinance, 1971”, prohibits all A(retired) Safdar’s bail in Speaking to Maryam over kinds of demonstrations and ederal Minister for Infor- the case pertaining to the “vio- the telephone, he expressed political activities within the mation and Broadcasting lation of the sanctity of Mazar- solidarity with her and said premises. Fof Pakistan Senator Shibli e-Quaid”, and instructed him that the way Safdar was ar- It states: “No person shall Faraz says the government will to submit surety bonds worth rested is “against the traditions organise, convene or take part Rs15-20 billion on the digitalisa- Rs100,000. of Sindh”. in any meeting or demonstra- tion of Radio Pakistan. Mazar-e-Quaid is the mau- He said the Sindh govern- tion or procession or engage in Presiding over a meeting of soleum of Pakistan’s founder ment was not informed about political: activity of any kind sectional heads in broadcast- Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who the arrest and that he had asked within the Quaid-i-Azam’s ing house Peshawar, he said the is popularly referred to as the Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah Mazar or within a distance of government has devised a com- Quaid-i-Azam (Great Leader) to investigate the arrest and ten feet from the outer bound- prehensive mechanism for this and remains the most revered take all measures to secure the ary thereof.” purpose. fi gure in the country’s history. PML-N leader’s release. It also prohibits carrying He said all the outdated trans- Safdar is the husband of Mar- “What Captain Safdar did out any act or behaving in any mitters of Radio Pakistan will be yam Nawaz, daughter of former Maryam Nawaz (left) with her husband Captain (retired) Safdar on the return flight to Lahore from at the Mazar was not appropri- manner which is derogatory to replaced gradually to strengthen prime minister Nawaz Sharif, a Karachi yesterday after the latter’s release. ate,” PPP minister Saeed Ghani the sanctity and dignity of the and restore its historical status. frontline leader in the ongoing conceded, but added that the mausoleum. The minister stressed the opposition campaign to bring “I and Captain Safdar will go added that when her husband urged people to join him. arrest, “was an attempt to cre- Under the ordinance, who- need for broadcasting of quality down the government of Prime from Karachi together,” Maryam opened the door, police offi cials Party workers and support- ate diff erences among the PDM ever contravenes any of the programmes from Radio Paki- Minister Imran Khan. said after a lengthy news con- outside told him that they were ers responded to Safdar’s call and parties, which will be foiled”. provisions of this ordinance stan to educate, inform and en- Safdar wa arrested yester- ference in which she fl ayed the here to arrest him. chanted along for an extended pe- Reacting to the develop- shall be punishable with im- tertain the public. day morning from a hotel he federal government. The PML-N leader said her riod of time as Maryam looked on. ment, Prime Minister’s Advis- prisonment for a term which Faraz said Radio Pakistan is was staying in with Maryam Safdar was earlier kept at the husband told the police he will The move was met by a fi erce er on Interior Shahzad Akbar may extend to three years, or a strong and eff ective source of after he was booked for violat- Aziz Bhatti Police Station be- change and come out. She added reaction by the federal govern- called the arrest a “publicity with fine, or with both. information in this digital era. ing the sanctity of the Mazar- fore being presented before the that they heard that someone was ment representatives, who not stunt” by opposition parties. “An offence punishable Referring to various issues e-Quaid. He was presented magistrate. breaking down the room’s door only demanded an apology, but Taking to Twitter, Akbar re- under this ordinance shall be of employees, the minister said before a judicial magistrate in Recalling the events of the again. approached the police, ask- minded Maryam that “Sindh tried in a summary way in ac- these issues will be resolved on the afternoon where he was night at the news conference, “They broke the security latch ing them to initiate legal action police is under [the] complete cordance with the provisions priority basis. granted bail. Maryam said she and her hus- and came inside the room. I was in against all those who participated and direct control” of PPP contained in sections 262 to Faraz emphasised prepar- “Mariyum Aurangzeb has band slept after Fajr (morning bed and Safdar said do not come in the act. Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, who 265 of the Code of Crimi- ing an electronic mechanism to just informed me that Cap- prayers) as they had come late inside, I will come outside. I’m Jinnah’s mausoleum is pro- is the PML-N’s ally these days. nal Procedure, 1898,” the law check the radio listener live. He tain Safdar has been released from last night’s PDM rally. taking my medicine,” Maryam tected by a set of special laws “Either the arrest of your states. said the government will provide on bail,” said Maryam quoting “At around 6:15am someone quoted him as saying. that prohibit political activities husband was staged by you n Interestingly, the Sindh Po- health cards to artists of Radio her aide during a news confer- started banging on our door. We Maryam said the police how- within its premises. your new ally as publicity stunt lice’s Digital Media Cell ini- Pakistan. ence, flanked by Jamiat Ulema were sleeping,” said Maryam. ever, ignored his request and ar- The police had fi led a case on or you’re working against each tially announced on Twitter Later, he visited various sec- Islam-Fazal chief Maulana Fa- The PML-N vice president said rested him anyway. the complaint of a citizen at the other STILL! Which one is it?” that Safdar had been arrested tions of Radio Pakistan Pesha- zlur Rehman, who is also the that she felt that the noise could The PML-N leader was taken Brigade Police Station yester- Federal Minister for Mari- “according to the law” and war. president of the opposition be due to construction activities into custody after he was booked day and named Captain Safdar, time Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi that the investigation against Although some local sta- alliance Pakistan Democratic happening nearby. in a case pertaining to the violation Maryam Nawaz and 200 other commended the Sindh police him will proceed with imparti- tions predate Radio Pakistan’s Movement (PDM), and former “I heard the same noise af- of the sanctity of the Quaid-e- unidentifi ed people in the fi rst chief for taking a “quick ac- ality and according to the mer- founding, it is the oldest existing prime minister Raja Pervez ter one or two minutes. I told Azam’s Mazar where a day earlier information report. tion” against the “hooligans its of the case, but then deleted broadcasting network in Paki- Ashraf of the Pakistan People’s Safdar that someone is banging he had shouted the slogan “Vote While condemning the man- who disrespected Mazar-e- the tweet, adding to confusion stan. Party (PPP). on our door,” said Maryam. She ko izzat do (Honour the vote)” and ner in which Sindh Police acted Quaid”. over the matter.

Jamaat announces own TikTok services restored after app owners’ assurance anti-govt movement Rightwing Jamaat-e- Pakistan People’s Party Islami (JI) has announced were all the same side of the Internews/AFP According to sources, the ent we’ve seen thrive on Tik- countrywide protest coin. “There is no diff erence Karachi company has assured the au- Tok.” movement against the between the present and thorities that it will take steps to Arslan Khalid, a digital me- ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e- past rulers,” he said, adding control “indecent and immoral” dia adviser to Prime Minister Insaf (PTI) government from the so-called mainstream hinese-owned video- on the app. Imran Khan, previously tweet- November 1. opposition parties sharing app TikTok has The commitment was made ed that the “exploitation, ob- JI chief Senator Sirajul Haq supported every move of Cbeen restored in Pakistan in a meeting with PTA offi cials, jectification & sexualisation” said the movement aimed the government in past two after it assured the authorities after which the regulator un- of young girls on TikTok was at “skyrocketing inflation; years. to “block all accounts repeatedly banned the application. causing pain to parents. unemployment and rulers’ The people witnessed the involved in spreading obscenity The regulator warned, how- But freedom of speech advo- incapability” will start from treasuries and opposition and immorality”. ever, that it would be banned cates have long criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. parties, he said, were on The Pakistan Telecommuni- permanently if it failed to mod- creeping government censor- He, according to statement the same table when it cation Authority (PTA) said in a erate posts. ship and control of Pakistan’s issued from Mansoora, also came to the matter of the statement yesterday that the app TikTok said it in a statement Internet and printed and elec- called the meeting of central army chief’s extension, banned on October 9 for fail- it had committed to enforc- tronic media. leadership on October 23 election of the Senate ing to fi lter out “immoral and ing “community guidelines and Owned by China’s ByteD- to discuss modalities of the chairman and Financial indecent” content had been un- complying with local laws” but ance, TikTok has also faced in- movement. Action Task Force-related blocked. did not comment on what mo- creasing controversy over how “The rulers destroyed every legislation. The telecom regulator had rality or decency standards it it collects and uses data al- sector. The country could no He said the ruling elite said the decision to ban the app had agreed to. though it has repeatedly denied more be left at their mercy,” was the agent of Western was taken after the authority re- TikTok had expressed disap- sharing user information with he said. powers, who only looted ceived a number of “complaints pointment that its users and cre- Chinese authorities. The JI chief also expressed the country’s resources from diff erent segments of the ators in Pakistan were still un- Officials in the United States concern over the ongoing and tried to demolish its society against immoral and able to access the video-sharing have accused it of being a na- campaign of the Pakistan ideological face at the indecent content on the video platform despite the company’s that TikTok had made “concert- Pakistan and opened vital eco- tional security risk and Presi- Democratic Movement behest of secular forces sharing application. eff orts to engage with the coun- ed eff orts to address questions nomic opportunities to incred- dent Donald Trump has said he (PDM), saying the opposition during their respective “TikTok is being unlocked af- try’s telecom regulator. from the Pakistani government ibly talented creators,” it said. wants it taken out of Chinese parties who were part of turns in the power. ter assurance from management According to a TikTok spokes- around their content modera- “We continue to hope that hands. the newly-formed alliance Therefore, he said, time that they will block all accounts person, the video-sharing app tion process”. our productive dialogue with In Pakistan – a close ally of lacked moral authority to had come to get rid of the repeatedly involved in spreading kept engaging with the PTA to “TikTok’s mission is to inspire the PTA can bring assurance of China – no privacy concerns run protest against the ruling elite. He appealed obscenity and immorality,” read demonstrate its commitment to creativity and joy, and that’s the government’s commitment have been raised. present rulers. to the masses to come out the PTA statement. comply with local laws and fur- just what we’ve done in Paki- to a stable, enabling environ- Neighbouring India has al- The people of Pakistan, he and back the JI movement “TikTok will moderate the ac- ther enhance its content mod- stan. We’ve built a community ment whereby we can explore ready banned the app, along said, knew the PTI, Pakistan to transform the country count in accordance with local eration capacity. whose creativity and passion has investing further in the market, with dozens of other Chinese Muslim League-Nawaz and into Islamic welfare state. laws.” The spokesperson had said brought joy to households across including in the inspiring tal- mobile platforms. Gulf Times 16 Tuesday, October 20, 2020 QATAR Al Waab and Murraikh interchanges now open „ Opening of eight bridges and two signallised junctions to provide traff ic flow in all directions and shorten journey time by about 80% „ Opening includes longest bridge in Qatar, which has a length of 2.6km and extends over both Al Waab Interchange and Murraikh Interchange to reach Al The eight bridges Mukafaha Interchange opened include the longest bridge in Qatar, „ Provides alternative route to Doha which has a length of Expressway, especially between Al Rayyan 2.6km and extends over Interchange and Nasser Bin Salemein Al the Al Waab and Murraikh interchanges Suwaidi Interchange to reach Al Mukafaha „ Areas served include Al Waab, Al Aziziya, Interchange, a 1,140m- Al Soudan, Al Amir, Al Rayyan, Mehairja, long bridge and an overpass stretching Murraikh and Al Sadd 740m.

he Public Works Author- way, in the direction of Al Waab Left: Bader Darwish, ity (Ashghal) announced and Salwa Road, along a stretch manager of the Tyesterday that Al Waab of 740m. Highway Projects Interchange and Murraikh In- Five other bridges have also Department at Ashghal. terchange have been completely been opened, providing entranc- opened to traffi c as part of the es and exits to the Al Waab and Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor project Murraikh interchanges and facil- works. itating free-fl owing traffi c to and Al Waab Interchange and the from Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor. old Lekhwiya Roundabout have The opening of Al Waab In- been developed into two multi- terchange, after converting it level intersections, consisting of from a signal into a three-level eight bridges and two main sig- interchange, will improve traffi c nals, according to a press state- movement in all directions and ment issued by the authority. facilitate access to a number of Ashghal had partially opened important roads, such as Doha the two interchanges recently, Expressway, Salwa Road, and and the opening of the rest of the Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor. junctions provides an alternative It will facilitate traffi c fl ow road parallel to Doha Expressway. to Al Waab, Fereej Al Soudan, This will help reduce the jour- Al Sadd and Mehairja, reaching ney time by about 80%, the Al Rayyan and Muaither, where statement explains, especially a number of schools and other between Al Rayyan Interchange educational centres as well as and Nasser Bin Salemein Al Su- healthcare facilities are located, waidi Interchange, which wit- in addition to residential com- nesses major traffi c congestion. plexes and malls. Those coming from Salwa The interchange will also facil- Road or Al Waab Street in the itate access to a number of sports north can use the Al Waab and facilities such as Khalifa Interna- A view of one of the interchanges. Muraikh interchanges and the tional Stadium, Jassim Bin Ha- new bridges that provide free- mad Stadium (Al Sadd), Ali Bin It will help reduce traffi c (HIA) to Umm Lekhba Inter- mately 18 minutes compared to existing road is expanded to four tions to 15 main roads, includ- fl owing traffi c. Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, and As- movement on Doha Expressway change (known as Landmark In- the current 50 minutes via Doha and fi ve lanes in each direction ing Al Wakra Road, Ras Bu The opening includes the long- pire Zone, as well as Doha Metro and 22 February Street. terchange) on Doha Expressway. Expressway and 22 February instead of two and three lanes, Abboud Road, E-Ring Road, est bridge in Qatar, which has a stations on the nearby Gold Line, Bader Darwish, the manager In addition, Ashghal will en- Street, thus reducing traffi c time while the Doha Highway cur- F-Ring Road, Industrial Road, length of 2.6km and extends over such as Al Sudan and Al Waab. of the Highway Projects De- hance 12km of local and periph- by 70%. rently accommodates only about Salwa Road, Al Rayyan Road, Al both Al Waab Interchange and Murraikh Interchange is inte- partment at Ashghal, said that eral roads intersecting with the The new Corridor will serve as 12,000 vehicles per hour in both Waab Street, Al Luqta Street, Al Murraikh Interchange to reach Al grated with Al Waab Interchange, the two new interchanges have Corridor. a vital link between the north and directions. Markhiya Street, Doha Highway Mukafaha Interchange. especially after converting the radically changed the area – after The total road works of the south of Doha through Al Watiy- The project will convert all and Khalifa Avenue. The vital bridge consists of roundabout known as Lekhwiya the transformation of Lekhwiya project extend approximately yat Interchange on F-Ring Road, roundabouts into signallised It will serve 25 densely-pop- four lanes in each direction to roundabout into a two-level in- Roundabout into a two-level in- 37km. which will constitute a key point junctions, as well as build and ulated residential areas such provide free-fl owing traffi c for tersection. tersection and of Al Waab Inter- Once completed in 2021, Sabah to accommodate traffi c to both upgrade 17 interchanges. as Al Thumama, Al Nuaija, Bu those coming from Salwa Road It serves as a major access link change signal into a three-level Al Ahmad Corridor will sig- Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor and These interchanges will en- Hamour, Al Waab, Al Rayyan, Al and Al Waab in the direction of Al parallel to Al Waab Street to con- intersection – to provide an al- nifi cantly contribute to relieving Doha Expressway. hance connectivity and provide Luqta, and Al Gharrafa. Rayyan and Al Rayyan Road, and nect traffi c coming from Doha ternative and safe option for road traffi c congestion on Doha Ex- This interchange will also cre- smooth traffi c movement, in ad- Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor vice-versa. Expressway with Sabah Al Ah- users coming from Salwa Road, pressway and 22 February Street ate a vital connection between dition to having many bridges will also facilitate access to FIFA Ashghal has also opened a mad and Al Khufous Street to- Al Waab Road, Doha Expressway, in particular. Doha Expressway and the South- consisting of four lanes in each World Cup stadiums, including new fl yover at Al Waab Inter- wards Al Furousiya Street, help- Al Rayyan Road and other major The new Corridor will be a vi- ern Part of Doha Express High- direction as well as fi ve tunnels to Ras Abu Aboud, Al Thumama, change with a length of 1,140m ing relieve traffi c pressure on Al roads such as Al Khufous Street tal alternative and parallel route way (Al Wakra Bypass) as well as provide free-fl owing traffi c. Al Janoub, Khalifa International, to link traffi c on Al Waab Street Waab Street. and Furousiya Street. that will serve thousands of daily to Mesaieed Road further south. The project also consists of 12 and Education City stadiums. and coming from Muaither in the Murraikh Interchange is also commuters from the north to the Ashghal has stressed that this pedestrian bridges, 65km of pe- The Corridor also provides direction of Al Rayyan, in addi- connected to Al Mukafaha Inter- „ Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor south of Doha. signifi cant improvement in traf- destrian and cycle paths along easy access to some Doha Metro tion to an overpass that connects change, which connects Sabah Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor ex- Commuters travelling from the fi c will increase the road capacity with 1.5mn sq m of landscaping. stations, such as Economic Zone, traffi c on Al Waab Street coming Al Ahmad Corridor to Al Rayyan tends approximately 25km from HIA will be able to reach Umm to more than 20,000 vehicles per The new Corridor is a ma- Al Waab, and Al Rayyan Al Qa- from Al Sadd and Doha Express- Road. Hamad International Airport Lekhba Interchange in approxi- hour in both directions, after the jor link facilitating connec- deem.

The Murraikh Interchange is integrated with Al Waab Interchange. Al Waab Interchange will help improve traff ic movement in all directions.