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THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021 12 SHA'ABAN - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8572 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Amir extends condolences over demise of UAE Finance Minister QNA — DOHA Maktoum, during which H H the Amir extended condolences on the death of Deputy Ruler of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Dubai and Minister of Finance, H H Sheikh held a telephone call yesterday evening with Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, praying to Vice-President and Prime Minister of the Almighty Allah to have mercy on his soul and United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai, to rest it in peace in paradise, and to inspire H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al his family with patience and solace. Amir condoles with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Deputy PM meets Iraqi Defence Minister Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Al Thani, and Prime Minister and Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the death of H H Attiyah, met yesterday with the Iraq Defence Minister, H E Juma’a Anad. During the meeting, they Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Prince Badr bin Fahd bin Saud Al Kabeer Al reviewed relations in the military fields between the two countries and ways to enhance them. Abdulaziz Al Thani sent cables of condolences Saud. Govt reimposes some COVID-19 curbs ‘Hospitalisations up due QNA — DOHA taking precautionary measures. will not be held in closed or open Saturday, metro and public to virus variants, lax All citizens and residents will be spaces until further notice. transport capacity will be further The Cabinet which met obliged to wear masks when Playgrounds and exercise reduced to 20 percent, taking yesterday with Prime Minister leaving the house for any reason, equipment in public parks, into account the closure of attitude to precautions’ and Minister of Interior H E unless the person is present by beaches and the corniche will places designated for smoking, SIDI MOHAMED More than THE PENINSULA Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin himself while driving the be closed, with gatherings being and not allowing food and drink 200,000 people Abdulaziz Al Thani in the chair vehicle. restricted to family members to be consumed in the afore- reimposed some restrictions to All citizens and residents residing in the same house or mentioned transport. The COVID-19 hospitalisation have received the curb the spread of COVID-19 in must activate EHTERAZ appli- two people as a maximum. Driving schools will be rate has increased in Qatar over second dose of the country. The decisions will cation on their smart phones No more than four people closed until further notice. the past two weeks, which vaccine. come into effect tomorrow when leaving the house for any are allowed in a vehicle, Capacity at cinemas will be health officials said show the (Friday). reason. Mosques will open for including the vehicle’s driver, reduced to 20 percent, not country is experiencing the Following the meeting, Min- daily prayers and Friday prayers, with the exception of family allowing entry to persons under second wave of the pandemic. Qatar will soon ister of Justice and Acting Min- while toilets and ablution facil- members residing in the same 18 years, and not organising the- Dr Abdullatif Al Khal — be administering ister of State for Cabinet Affairs ities will remain closed. Social house. The number of people atrical performances except Chairman of the National 180,000 to H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al gatherings and visits in closed transported by buses will be cut after obtaining the approval of Health Strategic Group on 200,000 vaccine Nuaimi said that at the outset of places in homes and majlis will to the half of the bus capacity, the Ministry of Public Health COVID-19 and Head of Infec- the meeting, the Cabinet listened be prevented. The presence of a while taking precautionary (MoPH). tious Diseases at Hamad doses per week. to the explanation provided by maximum of 5 people in open measures. Private educational and Medical Corporation — said the H E Minister of Public Health on spaces will be permitted. Metro services and public training centres will be allowed increase is a result of the emer- So far, more than the latest developments to limit Winter camps must allow in transport will operate with to provide services through gence of new strains of the 650,000 doses of the spread of the coronavirus only family members who live capacity not exceeding 30 remote communication pro- virus and the failure to commit (COVID-19), and after reviewing in the same house. Weddings percent. On Friday and grammes only. `P5 to precautionary measures. vaccine have been the report of the Supreme Com- Addressing a press con- administered. mittee for Crisis Management ference regarding the regarding the plan to reimpose COVID-19 situation in the restrictions due to the COVID-19 New restrictions to curb the spread of The circulation of the UK variant has country yesterday, he said: also shows that the UK and in the interest of the health COVID-19 in the country will come into contributed significantly to the spread “Recently we have witnessed variant can cause more and safety of all members of effect tomorrow (Friday). of COVID-19 in Qatar and is behind an increase in the number of severe illness. society, it decided the recent increase in cases. deaths, as 14 people died in the “Moreover, in recent days following: Staff in public and last two weeks. we have also identified a First: Continuing with the private sector will work Soon we will be providing number of cases of the South Cabinet decision, which stipu- 80% from offices. The rest about 180,000 to 200,000 African variant among lates that, according to work will work remotely. vaccine doses per week. We returning travellers. The new needs, no more than 80 percent have already given more than restrictions will help to ensure of the total number of employees Meetings in the gov- 650,000 doses of the vaccine.” the South African variant does in the government sector start ernment and private He said more than 200,000 not enter the community and working at their workplace, sectors to be limited to people in Qatar had already become the dominant strain.” while the remaining number of taken the second dose of the He said that the new strain five persons only. employees work remotely from vaccine. does not cause different their homes or upon request, Compulsory use of Al Khal further said: symptoms but it spreads more depending on the face mask while “Despite the best efforts to rapidly from one person to circumstances. outside home to prevent the introduction of new another and some evidence Continuing with the Cabinet continue. variants into the country, we indicates that the new strain decision, which stipulates that like many countries in the may cause severe disease. no more than 80 percent of the Social gatherings and Doha Metro and other Commercial region and around the world Al Khal advised people not total number of employees in the visits in closed places public transport to operate 30% complexes will are now seeing many cases in to leave the house during the private sector working at their in homes and majlis at 30% capacity on open with 30% Qatar of the new variant from next two weeks unless nec- workplace, while the remaining banned. weekdays capacity the UK.” essary, further saying, number of them work remotely The circulation of the UK “We made the plan before from their homes. Meetings will Restaurants will operate at No wedding variant, he said, has con- Ramadan in order to avoid the be allowed to be held with the Driving schools 15% 15% capacity for indoors gatherings in tributed significantly to the possible increase, seeing to attendance of no more than 5 will be shut until and 30% capacity in open closed or open spread of COVID-19 in Qatar what had happened during the people for employees and further notice. spaces. space. and is behind recent increase last Ramadan when there was workers in the government and in cases, as it is highly trans- a sharp rise in cases due to private sectors, while missible and clinical evidence family visits. `P3 Sidra Medicine identifies mutation that may affect COVID-19 testing

THE PENINSULA — DOHA The findings, which have been (RT-qPCR) has played a central role team noticed samples from several THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021

FAZEENA SALEEM published in the Journal of Clinical in mitigating the spread of the virus. unrelated patients were positive for learning. In addition, the Minis- THE PENINSULA try's Special Education Affairs Qatar adopts wise policies Department provided comput- t is no longer news that the ers and tablets to students whose COVID-19 pandemic has parents were affected financially In a collaboration led by teams from Microbiology, highlight Sidra Med- Soon after the viral genome only one viral gene target, which led brought about massive dis- by the pandemic. This was made ruption to the education possible through the Ministry’s ecosystemI — to the learners, to stay ahead of the rest coordination of donations from teachers, school leaders, par- several companies, businessmen ents, and policymakers alike. can find many resources on this 19 YouTube sub channels, provid- and charities Pathology and the Genomics Core icine’s continuing role in supporting sequences were available, several them to suspect that some of the The changes have been so per- platform including interactive ing educational materials for all vasive, fast-moving, and frequent. books, textbooks in PDF format, subjects and grades, as well as Universities After all, there have only been video, audio and many other dig- material for adult learners and Universities have also moved few instances in human history ital learning materials that enrich students with special needs or to resume studies through dis- when disruption at this magni- the student’s education. Through disabilities. To further support tance learning. The Ministry has at Sidra Medicine, a study has been global efforts to tackle the pan- RT-qPCR assays were developed viruses circulating in Qatar may have tude happened in the span of less this platform, the Ministry aims to communication between teach- since been using technology to than a year. boost the learning process of the ers, students and parents, the strengthen the basic distance The impact of the pan- students by providing explanation Ministry has instructed schools education systems. Further, demic on education is both in an interesting and interactive to utilize the platform of Micro- the Ministry is ensuring that unprecedented and widespread, way, without the constant need soft Teams (MS Teams) that allows the evaluation and assessment published about a novel point demic and finding efficient, robust and made available by the World this common mutation. By examining impacting nearly every student in to connect to the internet. these parties to have immedi- systems and examinations are the world. The subsequent school The Ministry also launched ate and direct contact with each also benefiting from current pol- closures saw massive effort to the platform of “Qlearning” facili- other. icies and practices in distance adapt and innovate by educators tating and supporting all distance In addition, two free-to-air learning. and education systems around were erased just in the first five public and private schools and learning services. educational T.V. channels were mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 and safe testing methods for Health Organization for public use. the genetic sequence of these viruses, the world. months of the pandemic. universities on March 10, 2020 For students who did not set up in affiliation with Qatar Academic year 2020/21 These changes were made But this is not a story of to control the outbreak, the Min- have the equipment or access to T.V.; “Education 1” and “Education The Ministry in close coordi- very quickly as the prevail- despair. This is a story of resil- istry acted swiftly in designing e-learning, the Ministry, through 2”. This was made possible under nation with the Ministry of Public ing circumstances demanded. ience and hope. an effective alternative to the its collaborations with the tel- Qatar Media Corporation’s (QMC) Health, decided to implement the Almost overnight, many schools physical classroom, ensuring ecommunications networks in social responsibility initiative, to blended learning approach for genome that may affect COVID-19 COVID-19. However, the large-scale sustained they identified a new mutation in a and education systemsyg began to Resilience in Qatar that all students are able to con- Qatar, has provided computers, help ease students transitions the first semester of the 2020/21 offeroffer eeducationducation remoteremotely.ly. Since EducationalEducational ininstitutionsstitutions in tinuetinue theirtheir learninglearning andand not fallfall tablets,tablets, laptopslaptops andand hhundredsundreds ooff fromfrom learninglearning in a pphysicalhysical cclass-lass- academicacademic yyear.ear. A combinationcombination of earlyearly FebruaryFebruary 2020, more thanthan QatarQatar aadopteddopted onlineonline teachingteaching behindbehind in theirtheir studies.studies. broadbandbroadband devicesdevices forfor Internet roomroom to ononlineline llearning.earning. onlineonline llearningearning anandd cclassroomlassroom- a billion students have been out rightright after the pandemic hit the access to students who needed basedbased lessons will be offered to of school — sosomeme of thethemm wiwillll nnotot country.country. At present, tthehe MinistryMinistry PublicPublic ScSchoolshools themthem fforor hhome-basedome-based llearning.earning. PrivatePrivate Schools all stastagesges ooff eeducationducation across testing by an FDA-approved test. Dr. Mohammad Rubayet Hasan, person-to-person transmission of commonly used gene target for bebe aableble to return. UN SecretarySecretary-- ofof EducationEducation andand HigherHigher EduEdu-- TThehe Ministry ooff EEducationducation anandd One ofof thethe firstfirst major initia-initia- TheThe Ministry directeddirected tthehe thethe pupublicblic andand private schoolsschools, GeneralGeneral António Guterres recently cationcation hhasas aadopteddopted the blendedblended Higher EducaEducationtion llaunchedaunched a new tives introintroducedduced by the Ministry 320 private K-12 schoolsschools serv-serv- preschools andand higher educaeduca- calledcalled this a “generational“generational catas-catas- learning systemsystem — whichwhich comcom-- online learnlearninging platform called to support sstudents’tudents’ distance ing more thathann 200,000 studentsstudents tiontion institutions.institutions. trophe”trophe” anandd indeed,indeed, some ooff thethe binesbines onlineonline eeducationducation withwith “Mzeed”.“Mzeed”. TThishis platformplatform offersoffers digdig-- learninglearning was tthehe estaestablishmentblishment to ddesignesign anandd ddevelopevelop pplanslans forfor TheThe blblendedended learninlearning gainsgains we hhaveave mamadede in tthehe past traditionaltraditional face-to-faceface-to-face teach-teach- italital anandd interactive resources ofof a new eeducationalducational cchannelhannel on ddistanceistance learning.learning. TThehe MinistrMinistryy approachapproach aims to mitimitigategate tthhee The study calls to action for Clinical Molecular Microbiologist COVID-19 has led to many muta- COVID-19 detection and found that 2525 yyearsears throuthroughgh the Millennium inging — at schools and universities preparedprepared byby a qualified team of YouTube, entitled ““Qatar’sQatar’s Dis-Dis- hhasas aalsolso providedprovided training andand academicacademic consequencesconsequences of the DevelopmentDevelopment GoalsGoals andand now thethe in tthehe country. teachers,teachers, earearlyly eeducationducation mentors tance Learning”, serving gragradesdes follow-ufollow-upp to some schools that schoolschool cclosureslosures anandd ddelayelay ofof ththee SustainableSustainable DeveDevelopmentlopment GoaGoals,ls, FollowingFollowing tthehe cclosurelosure ooff allall aandnd curricucurriculala specialists.specialists. StudentsStudents K-12.K-12. TThishis cchannelhannel is divideddivided into dodo not havehave systemssystems forfor distancedistance newnew academicacademic yyear.ear. testing centres worldwide to from the Pathology Department at tional events, some of which may the same mutation was present in Included with today’s edition is a monitor mutations in the virus and Sidra Medicine, who led the study, affect the sensitivity and specificity viruses recovered from epidemio- ensure that testing methods are up said: “Since the beginning of the of available PCR assays (tests).” logically unrelated individuals. They special supplement to date, and based on multiple gene pandemic, worldwide laboratory In order to diagnose COVID-19, also noted that this particular targets to avoid possible false-neg- testing to detect COVID-19 by real- most laboratories test for multiple mutation had not been reported by ative results. time reverse transcription PCR gene targets. The Sidra Medicine any other country. `P3 02 HOME THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021

Amir sends message to President of Iraq OFFICIAL NEWS Amir sends QNA — DOHA met yesterday with Deputy condolences to Prime Minister and Min- UAE Vice-President Amir H H Sheikh Tamim ister of Foreign Affairs H E PRAYER bin Hamad Al Thani has Sheikh Mohammed bin Doha: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin TIMINGS sent a written message to Abdulrahman Al Thani. Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of con- PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING President of the Republic During the meeting, dolences to H H Vice-President and of Iraq H E Barham Salih, they reviewed bilateral Prime Minister of the United Arab pertaining to bilateral relations and the latest Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh FAJR 04.16 am relations and the means developments in the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, SUNRISE 05.33 am to enhance and support region. on the death of H H Deputy Ruler DHUHR 11.40 am them. H E the Deputy Prime of Dubai and Minister of Finance ASR 03.07 pm Deputy Prime Minister Minister and Minister of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Mak- and Minister of Foreign Foreign Affairs reiterated toum, praying to Almighty Allah to MAGHRIB 05.49 pm Affairs H E Sheikh the State of Qatar’s have mercy on his soul and to rest ISHA 07.19 pm Mohammed bin Abdul- standing by the sisterly it in peace in paradise, and to pro- rahman Al Thani delivered Republic of Iraq to achieve vide his family and the honourable the message during a stability and prosperity. Al Maktoum family with patience meeting with the Iraqi His Excellency also wel- and solace. President at the Repub- comed the invitation of the Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin lican Palace. Iraqi Prime Minister to Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister Prime Minister of the conduct a national dia- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Republic of Iraq H E logue among all Iraqi bin Abdulrahman Al Thani with Iraq President H E Barham Salih, in Baghdad, Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Mustafa Al Kadhimi also political forces. yesterday. Thani also sent cables of condo- lences to H H Vice-President and WEATHER Prime Minister of the United Arab TODAY Emirates and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Prime Minister sends Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on the death of H H Deputy Ruler message to President of of Dubai and Minister of Finance Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Mak- Kurdistan Region of Iraq toum. -QNA o o Amir sends message 23 C 34 C QNA — DOHA to President of Minimum Maximum Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid Hazy to misty at places at first South Sudan becomes relatively hot to hot bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani has sent a written message daytime, mild by night. to President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq H E Nechirvan Doha: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Barzani, pertaining to the bilateral relations and ways of Hamad Al Thani sent a written mes- W ALRUWAIS : 20o → 36o enhancing and developing them. sage to President of the Republic of W ALKHOR : 20o → 33o The message was handed over by Deputy Prime Min- South Sudan H E Salva Kiir Mayardit, ister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed pertaining to the bilateral relations W DUKHAN : 21o → 41o bin Abdulrahman Al Thani during his meeting with the and ways of enhancing and develop- W WAKRAH : 20o → 32o President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq yesterday. ing them.The message was handed W MESAIEED : 20o → 32o Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs over by Ambassador of the State W ABUSAMRA : 17o → 41o H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also met of Qatar to the Republic of South yesterday in Erbil with Leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Sudan H E Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Party (KDP), H E Masoud Barzani, during his visit to the Kubaisi, when the President of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed HIGH TIDE Republic of Iraq. Republic of South Sudan met him bin Abdulrahman Al Thani with President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, 2:33– 13:32 During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral coop- yesterday. -QNA H E Nechirvan Barzani. LOW TIDE 10:33 – 19:46 eration relations. Qatar chairs follow up committee meeting of Arab Strategy for Standardization and Quality QNA — DOHA of the Arab Strategy for Stand- the meeting by QS Assistant The meeting discussed a 2019-2023, the implemen- ardization and Quality 2019- Chairman and head of the Per- host of topics including the tation plan for the period The State of Qatar, represented 2023, emanating from the Arab manent Technical Advisory follow-up on the implemen- 2019-2023 of the axes of spec- by the Qatar General Organi- Industrial Development and Committee in charge of fol- tation of the recommendations ifications, technical regula- zation for Standards and Mining Organization, which was lowing up the implementation of the 12th meeting of the com- tions and conformity Metrology (QS), chaired the 13th held through visual communi- of the Arab Strategy for Stand- mittee to follow up the imple- assessment systems within the meeting of the committee to cation technology. ardization and Quality 2019- mentation of the Arab strategy Arab strategy for standardi- follow up the implementation Qatar was represented in 2023, Eng. Nawaf Al Mana. for standardization and quality zation and quality. THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021 HOME 03

Schedules of Deputy PM affirms Qatar’s keenness to support Iraq end of second

QNA — BAGHDAD The Deputy Prime Minister semester 2 exams and Minister of Foreign announced Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Affairs indicated that there QNA — DOHA Abdulrahman Al Thani affirmed that the is opportunity to support the State of Qatar seeks to invest in projects in The Ministry of Education and Iraq that provide job opportunities. stability of Iraq by providing Higher Education announced His Excellency said in the joint press projects and creating jobs, the 2020/21 schedules of end of conference held in Baghdad yesterday with pointing out that these second semester 2 exams for Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic (Arts and Humanities tracks, of Iraq H E Fuad Mohammed Hussein that projects will be of benefit Scientific Tracks, Parallel Track, the meetings he had with the President of to the two peoples and and Technology Track). of Iraq H E Dr. Barham Salih and Prime The ministry announced Minister H E Mustafa Al Kadhimi were countries. all the schedules on its official fruitful. He added that he conveyed the website and the social media greetings of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin sites, pointing out that the Hamad Al Thani to the leadership and the creating job opportunities, pointing out that dates for the end of the second brotherly Iraqi people. these projects will be of benefit to the two semester exams for grade 12 He also discussed ways to develop and peoples and countries. have been submitted, in order strengthen economic relations between He stressed the existence of consensus to ensure that the Ministry the two countries and announced the in viewpoints regarding the regional situ- creates all the appropriate agreement to reactivate economic coop- ation, stressing that Iraq is an important conditions for the students, eration between Qatar and Iraq. factor in supporting the stability of the and also taking into account The Deputy Prime Minister and Min- region due to its important pioneering role. the capacity of students in ister of Foreign Affairs expressed his aspi- For his part, Minister of Foreign Affairs schools in light of the current ration to expand the horizons of investment of the Republic of Iraq Fuad Mohammed conditions of the pandemic. and economic cooperation with the sis- Hussein said that Iraq is the State of Qatar’s The Student Evaluation Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin terly Republic of Iraq and indicated that second country and that they will work to Department also sent a circular Abdulrahman Al Thani holding a joint press conference with Minister of Foreign there is an opportunity to support the sta- activate the agreements between the two to the principals and directors bility of Iraq by providing projects and countries. Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, H E Fuad Mohammed Hussein, in Baghdad, yesterday. of all public education schools, with some important notes related to the exams. 573 referred to Public Prosecution Qatar Airways to resume flights to Mykonos MoPH reports for COVID-19 570 new cases, THE PENINSULA — DOHA efforts to restart tourism. “I am proud to welcome Qatar Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 violations “We know the authorities Airways back to Mykonos. It is Airport Safety Rating. These 377 recoveries — DOHA QNA — DOHA Qatar Airways is resuming its in Greece are taking precau- very pleasing for us to have our recognitions provides assurance THE PENINSULA service to Mykonos, Greece for tions to ensure public safety luxury destination included in to passengers across the world The designated authorities the summer season as the and visitors will be required the planning of the airline’s new that airline health and safety The Ministry of Public Health yesterday referred 573 people islands welcome visitors once to adhere to public health summer programme. In this dif- standards are subject to the (MoPH) yesterday reported to the Public Prosecution for again. The airline is planning to measures put in place in view ficult time this development highest possible standards of 570 new cases of COVID-19. violating the preventive and operate three flights a week of the pandemic. Equally we comes when all of our efforts professional, independent Among them 76 were trav- precautionary measures using a modern A320 aircraft will be maintaining our own have been put into the safe scrutiny and assessment. For ellers returning from abroad. enforced by the country to featuring 12 seats in Business very high standards. Qatar opening of Greek tourism. ‘All full details of all the measures A total of 377 people contain the spread of the coro- Class and 120 seats in Economy Airways was the first global you want is Greece’ is our new that have been implemented recovered yesterday, bringing navirus. Class. airline in the world to achieve motto and with this, we invite onboard and in HIA, please visit the total number of people Among them 552 people The news has been wel- the prestigious 5-Star friends of Qatar Airways, from qatarairways.com/safety. recovered to 161,488. The total who were referred to the Public comed by Qatar Airways Group COVID-19 Airline Safety all over the world, to visit us.” The national carrier of the number of positive COVID-19 Prosecution for not wearing Chief Executive, H E Akbar Al Rating by Skytrax. We look Qatar Airways recently State of Qatar continues to cases recorded in Qatar is masks in places where they are Baker, who said: “We first forward to continuing to became the first global airline rebuild its network, which cur- 175,332 and there are 13,566 mandatory, while 6 were found started flying to Mykonos in provide the safest possible in the world to achieve the rently stands at over 130 desti- active cases under treatment. The violating the maximum number May 2018 and the route proved experience for travellers prestigious 5-Star COVID-19 nations. With more frequencies Ministry also announced three of four people allowed in a very popular with our cus- across the world, and Airline Safety Rating by inter- being added to key hubs, Qatar deaths aged 43, 66 and 79. A total vehicle including the driver, tomers. Due to the global pan- expanding upon our role in national air transport rating Airways offers unrivalled con- of 20,864 doses of vaccines have except when they are members demic, we had to suspend assisting the recovery of the organisation, Skytrax. This nectivity to passengers, making been administered in 24 hours. of one family, and 15 people for services last summer so we are commercial aviation industry.” follows HIA’s recent success as it easy for them to change their The total number of doses admin- not installing Ehteraz app on really delighted to be returning The Greek Minister for the first airport in the Middle travel dates or destination if istered since the start of the vac- their mobile phones. helping support Greece’s Tourism, Harry Theoharis, said: East and Asia to be awarded a they need to. cination campaign is 658,325. ‘COVID-19 hospitalisations up due to variants, lax attitude to precautions’

FROM PAGE 1 “With the Holy Month of Ramadan fast approaching in April, we all must do what we can now so that we can curb this virus quickly and hopefully be able to ease some of the restrictions during Ramadan and be able to celebrate Eid.” Dr. Ahmed Al Mohammed, Acting Chairman of HMC’s Intensive Care Units, said there is an increase in the number of critical cases that require admission to hospital as a result of infection with new strains. He also said that several hospitals have been desig- nated to provide appropriate healthcare to infected cases. “Early detection from the COVID-19 infection is pivotal in case of known symptoms of coronavirus,” he said, adding Dr Abdullatif Al Khal (right), Chairman of the National Health that the rise in COVID-19 cases Strategic Group on COVID-19 and Head of Infectious Diseases has caused a significant risk to at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), and Dr. Ahmed Al both patients and healthcare Mohammed, Acting Chairman of HMC’s Intensive Care Units, staff and majority of outpatient during a press conference, yesterday. services in hospitals and primary healthcare centres have been moved of 50 years. 40 percent of new cases are among from face-to-face appointments to virtual ones. under-fifty-year-olds. He urged the public to He said healthcare teams had noticed an be more cautious and follow strictly all the pre- increase in infections in people under the age cautionary measures. Sidra Medicine identifies mutation that may affect COVID-19 testing FROM PAGE 1 tions make the virus undetec- continually enhance current “Current testing methods table by existing molecular methods. I am very proud of have played a central role in tests,” continued Dr. Hasan. our ground-breaking mitigating the virus’s spread The specific mutation findings and research that through early detection, specified in the study origi- will help the population in tracing suspected cases, and nated at a viral gene utilised Qatar as well as the global screening at-risk popula- by a WHO-recommended community.” tions. Therefore the implica- assay developed by the The Sidra Medicine team tions of inaccurate test results Centers for Disease Control comprised Dr. Mohammad could cause health authorities and Prevention (CDC) in the Rubayet Hasan, Clinical to lose track of COVID-19 United States. Molecular Microbiologist; Dr. positive individuals. Infected Dr. Patrick Tang, Division Sathyavathi Sundararaju, patients may unknowingly Chief of Microbiology at Research Specialist; Dr. spread the virus, and the erro- Sidra Medicine, said: “This Chidambaram Manickam, neous test results could affect study is testament to the Staff Scientist Associate; infected individuals’ medical excellence of our pathology Faheem Mirza, Senior Tech- care. Our study concludes that and research expertise at nologist; Hamad Al Hail, it is essential to ensure Sidra Medicine. We remain Technologist; Dr. Stephan RT-qPCR methods used for committed to tackling this Lorenz, Director, Genomics COVID-19 testing are up to pandemic. Our efforts are Core; and Dr. Patrick Tang, date and inclusive of such backed by ongoing inno- Division Chief of variants in case further muta- vation and a drive to Microbiology. 04 HOME THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021

Construction of streets completed around General Directorate of Passports building

THE PENINSULA – DOHA elements such as road signs and manufacturers were relied on marks as well as dedicated while implementing the project’s The Public Works Authority pedestrians paths. works. Materials and elements (Ashghal) has announced the Eng. Al Bader also explained such as gabbro, street light completion of construction works that the scope of works imple- columns and lamps, sewage of the streets and infrastructure mented within the project pipes, rainwater drainage pipes, utilities’ lines serving MOI’s included the construction of 2.5 asphalt layers, precast manholes, General Directorate of Passports km of streets with upgraded concrete and steel, were locally building in Wadi Al Banat Area on street lighting systems as 60 supplied as local components Al Tarfa Street, as part of the Road lighting poles were installed as constituted up to 85% of the Improvement Works in the well as the provision of 1 km of project’s work, as part of Ash- Northern Areas, Phase 4. foul sewer network lines and 2.5 ghal’s initiative to support local The works are part of Ash- km of stormwater network lines. manufacturers and the Ta’heel ghal’s efforts to improve the It is worth mentioning that initiative launched by Ashghal in existing roads network and raise local products and local 2017 in this regard. its efficiency, and upgrading South Sudan President H E Salva Kiir Mayardit receives Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary the services of the infra- of the State of Qatar (non-resident) to the Republic of South Sudan, H E Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Kubaisi. structure utilities in different regions to cope with the national economic devel- President of the Republic of South Sudan opment and social growth requirements in Qatar. receives credentials of Qatar’s Ambassador Eng. Hamad Al Bader, Project Engineer at Northern Areas Section in the Roads QNA - JUBA the greetings of Amir H H Sheikh Amir, wishing him good health Projects Department in Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to and happiness, and the State of “Ashghal” stated that the President of the Republic of HE the President of the Republic Qatar continued progress, project aims at facilitating South Sudan H E Salva Kiir of South Sudan, wishing him development and prosperity. access to the new building of Mayardit received the creden- good health and happiness, and He also wished the Ambas- the General Directorate of tials of HE Abdulrahman bin Ali the government and people of sador success in his new Passports and providing con- Al Kubaisi as Ambassador South Sudan continued progress duties, stressing that he will nection to the surrounding Extraordinary and Plenipoten- and prosperity. provide the ambassador with streets such as Al Tarfa Street tiary of the State of Qatar (non- For his part, President of the all support to promote and Jasim bin Hamad Street resident) to the Republic of Republic of South Sudan, bilateral relations between the in addition to providing South Sudan. entrusted the Ambassador to two countries and closer infrastructure utilities’ The Ambassador conveyed convey his greetings to HH the cooperation in various fields. services and road safety SOHOM, EPR highlight importance of Qatar Airways is Official Airline Partner of AgriteQ recycling towards sustainability & EnviroteQ Exhibition

AYENI OLUSEGUN THE PENINSULA – DOHA onboard Qatar Airways flights THE PENINSULA EPR is the top paper recycling from Doha as well as across the Qatar Airways has announced lounges in Hamad International Spouses of Head of eco-friendly environmental its role as Official Airline Partner Airport (HIA). The two-year Missions (SOHOM) high- enterprise. The company of the 8th Qatar International agreement demonstrates Qatar lighted the importance of collects 4,500 tonnes of Agricultural Exhibition (Envi- Airways’ commitment to con- recycling during a tour of waste collected per month roteQ) and the 2nd Qatar Inter- tributing towards Qatar’s self- Elite Paper Recycling and exports to over 25 national Environmental Exhi- sufficiency goals in support of (EPR) yesterday. bition (EnviroteQ) 2021. the Qatar National 2030 vision. Led by its President countries worldwide, Held under the patronage of Qatar Airways’ focus on Anika Moosa, the spouse including Kuwait, Oman, Prime Minister and Minister of sustainability also extends to of the South African Bangladesh, Srilanka, Interior, H E Sheikh Khalid bin its home and hub, Hamad Ambassador to Qatar, the Tanzania, Sudan, and China. Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, International Airport (HIA), group was given a tour of from 23 to 27 March 2021, which was recently voted the plant by Chairman Qatar’s AgriteQ & EnviroteQ will ‘Third Best Airport in the World’ Abdallah Al Suwaidi. highlight innovation in agricul- and ‘Best Airport in the Middle They were shown how benefit the community and the tural techniques, and pinpoint East’ for the sixth year in a row. paper wastes were proc- environment. By recycling, we can the road map to achieving food The terminal building will be essed into eco-friendly have sustainability, and by being security and sustainable devel- the first airport in the MENA and sustainable end environmentally conscious, we opment in Qatar. region to achieve a 4-star products. can ensure a better world for the Qatar Airways has always Global Sustainability EPR is the top paper future. been at the forefront of the Assessment System (GSAS) recycling eco-friendly SOHOM members during a tour of Elite Paper Recycling yesterday. “If it can’t be reduced, reused, national efforts towards rating, which was developed environmental enterprise. repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, achieving sustainability. The for rating green buildings and The company collects 4,500 tonnes of important in today’s world if we want to refinished, resold, recycled, or composted, national carrier has demon- infrastructures. The terminal waste collected per month and exports to save this planet for our future generations. then it should be restricted, designed, or strated environmental lead- will also be a LEED Silver cer- over 25 countries worldwide, including We should teach our children that recy- removed from production,” she added. Mean- ership through its global airline tified building, featuring several Kuwait, Oman, Bangladesh, Srilanka, Tan- cling begins at home. If you are not while, Al Suwaidi said the company collects and airport operations, as well innovative energy efficient zania, Sudan, and China. throwing away any of your old products the waste paper from supermarkets, hyper- as through aviation and catering measures. “We would like to thank the team at and instead utilizing them for something markets, ministries and is in partnership with services, retail outlets and hotels. Qatar Airways also has a Elite Recycling for this tour and for con- new, then you are recycling,” Moosa noted. more than 400 schools, neighbourhoods, and Qatar Airways Group Chief zero-tolerance policy to the tributing towards the change the world “Since recycling saves energy, it also homes. Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, illegal transportation of endan- needs. With more initiatives like this, we reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which “In the beginning, nobody really cared commented: “We are pleased gered wildlife. Qatar Airways can have a better future. Recycling is helps tackle climate change. Recycling can about recycling, and we couldn’t find this to partner with AgriteQ and is proud to be an inaugural sig- much material. But now people call us to come EnviroteQ – an initiative that natory to the United for Wildlife to collect wastes which we do free of charge enables local and international Transport Industry Declaration to encourage people to get involved in saving agriculture stakeholders to and a partner in the USAID the planet.” exchange expertise and seize Reducing Opportunities for The SOHOM members also visited the Eco business opportunities in this Unlawful Transport of Endan- Dome, which displays scenarios of a healthy vital sector. Through these gered Species (ROUTES) Part- and green planet and a dying planet due to exhibitions, we are proud to nership. As a further testament poor waste disposal using virtual reality. reaffirm our commitment to to the Qatar Airways Group’s According to Al Suwaidi, the Dome is a supporting the local agriculture commitment to preserving means to educate people, especially children. sector, achieving national food wildlife and endangered It is an edutainment awareness tool allowing security and promoting envi- animals, Qatar Airways Cargo the young generation to learn through expe- ronmental sustainability”. announced in February 2021 rience on recycling and sustainability. In 2019, Qatar Airways part- Chapter 2 of its sustainability During the tour, EPR Business Strategy nered with Qatarat Agricultural programme WeQare: Rewild Advisor Catina Aghayan said the company has Development Company the Planet, which includes a several MoUs with several embassies in its (QADCO) to supply Qatar Aircraft pledge to transport wild Green Embassies Programme. She also urged Catering Company (QACC) with animals back to their natural other embassies to join the initiative. fresh produce to be served habitat, free of charge.

CNA-Q rewards top students during annual Academic Awards

THE PENINSULA – DOHA Abuhussin, Shuaib Muhammed Ali. College of the North CNA-Q President, Dr. Atlantic – Qatar (CNA-Q) Salem Al-Naemi, said, celebrated a total of 60 of “This ceremony is not only the very best and brightest a recognition of the stu- students for their 2019- dents’ outstanding results. 2020 academic achieve- We are honoring their stu- ments during a hybrid diousness and their will to ceremony. achieve even under the Students are recog- most unusual circum- nized based on six cate- stances. Today we mark gories: Overall Highest CNA-Q President Dr. Salem Al Naemi with one of the best students the 18th anniversary of Achiever Scholarship, during the ceremony. “The Academic Awards,” Highest Achiever Merit an important College tra- Award, Achievement Merit Awards have also been pre- dition and a much-awaited Award, Distinction Award, Industrial sented to the Highest Achievers from event by CNA-Q students and faculty. I Trades Dean Award, EFL (English as a each of the College’s Schools: Business am confident these award-winning stu- Foundation Language) Award. Management and Information Tech- dents will have a bright future ahead of The Highest Achiever Award was nology - Almas Sami Ahmad Ayubi, them and will make Qatar very proud.” presented to Business Management Mary Rose Tabilin Villanueva, Patrick Highest Achievers are awarded Accounting student Shana Parveen Gerald, Sidi Mohamed El Youssy. Health scholarships, and all winners receive Abdurahiman and Applied Business Sciences - Jasmin Sami Zaid, Raniah a College certificate, and the Dis- Administration-Accounting student Farooq. Engineering Technology and tinction is noted on their official Sara Fouad. Industrial Trades- Mona Sami transcript. THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021 HOME 05 Tasweer Photo Festival Qatar announces Govt reimposes some winners of Sheikh Saoud Al Thani Awards COVID-19 curbs FROM PAGE 1 THE PENINSULA - DOHA capacity not exceeding 30 Nurseries and childcare percent, and children under 12 Qatar Museums has announced the winners facilities will operate with a years are not allowed to enter. of the Sheikh Saoud Al Thani Single Image capacity not exceeding 30 Beauty and hair salons will Award and Sheikh Saoud Al Thani Project percent. work at a capacity not Award, in partnership with Qatar Foun- Capacity of public exceeding 30 percent. dation, as part of the Tasweer Photo Festival museums and libraries will be Amusement parks and all Qatar that opened yesterday across various reduced to 30 percent. entertainment centres will be locations in Qatar. Individual educational ses- closed until further notice. The festival, which runs until May 30, sions will be held in centres Health clubs and physical features a series of exhibitions dedicated designated for people with training clubs will be closed, to global photographers and special needs. stopping massage services, image-makers. Training of sports teams saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzi The awards are dedicated to Sheikh will not be allowed, whether in services, and Moroccan and Saoud Al Thani (1966-2014), one of Qatar’s closed or open spaces, with the Turkish baths until further greatest collectors who largely shaped the exception of preparatory notice, with the exception of Museum of Islamic Art’s extraordinary training for local and interna- using gyms in hotels for guests. collection. tional tournaments approved All swimming pools and The Sheikh Saoud Al Thani Project for teams within the bubble water parks will also be shut Award is an annual grant award that sup- system. Prior approval from until further notice. ports photographers’ proposals for the MoPH will be required to Private health care facilities development or completion of a photo- organise local and international will operate at 70 percent graphic project. In October 2020, Tasweer sporting events, as well as exhi- capacity. Operational capacity announced the open call for applications bitions, conferences and similar of services provided by for the annual grant and formed a jury com- events. Capacity of commercial cleaning and hospitality com- Photo by Mohammed Elshamy, one of the recipients of Sheikh Saoud Al Thani Project Award. prising Sheikha Sara Al-Thani from the complexes will be reduced to panies during the working Sheikh Saoud Al Thani Awards; photog- 30 percent, not allowing hours of the establishments rapher and editor, Sueraya Shaheen; inde- exhibited in the main lobby of Doha Tower Western Asia and North Africa. Members children under 12 years old to contracted with them will be pendent researcher Kristine Khouri and More than 200 submissions for the of the community are invited to visit the enter, and closing all prayer cut to 30 percent, allowing the Sheikha Shaikha Al-Thani from Qatar Pho- Sheikh Saoud Al Thani Single Image Award eclectic mix of exhibitions on show as part areas in these complexes, while provision of their services with tographic Society along with Tasweer’s have been curated into an online exhibition of the inaugural event.” continuing to close all food full capacity outside the Artistic Director Charlotte Cotton, Tasweer on view at tasweer.qa. The curation was The Sheikh Saoud Al Thani Award was courts inside the commercial working hours of those facil- Director Khalifa Ahmad Al Obaidly and led by photography collective Photo Art first announced in 2001 as a platform to complexes and allowing these ities, and allowing the provision Senior Curator Maryam Hassan Al-Thani. Qatar comprising-Adriane de Souza, support photographers. The award has now restaurants to make home of their services at houses by The jury selected six awardees namely Ammar Alquamash, Latifa Aldarwish, and been relaunched by Tasweer in its inau- deliveries and pickup orders. one person only. Hayat Ahmed Al Sharif, Mohammed El Shaima Ayoub and made available on gural year, with the Saoud bin Mohammed Restaurants and cafes will Second: The conditions and Shamy, Mona Hassan, Rula Halawani, screens at in-patient facilities of Hamad Al-Thani Foundation, as annual open calls be allowed to serve food and precautionary measures set by Samar Sayer Baiomy and Shaima Medical Corporation. to photographers in Western Asia and North drinks as per the following MoPH must be taken into Al-Tamimi. “We were incredibly impressed by the Africa (WANA), continuing its journey of guidelines: Capacity not consideration. The Sheikh Saoud Al Thani Single Image submissions received for both awards. The celebrating and nurturing photographic exceeding 15 percent for all Third: The Ministry of Award is an annual, open call for a single photographers capture the moments they talent.Tasweer, established by Qatar indoor restaurants and cafes; Interior, MoPH, the Ministry of image that best represents the photogra- have lived through and experienced – many Museums under the leadership of its Chair- capacity not exceeding 50 Commerce and Industry, and pher’s experience and personal narrative. of the images shining a spotlight on human- person, H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad percent for restaurants and other governmental bodies are Winners of the award include Noufal Al itarian crises across the region. It is crucial bin Khalifa Al Thani, and sponsored by the cafes that have a “Clean Qatar” in charge of taking the nec- Ruziqi, Javid Tafazoli, Mohammed Nageeb that photographers show us what is hap- Social & Sport Contribution Fund (Daam), programme certificate; essary measures to ensure Nasr, Mohammed Al-Hajri, Omar Alsorori, pening in Arab countries and capture the builds on a commitment to nurture artistic capacity not exceeding 30 compliance with the precau- Israa Mahmood Al Balushi, Alanoud truth with an artist’s frame,” said Khalifa talent, develop Qatar’s arts economy and percent for rest of the restau- tionary measures, all within Alghamdi, Mohammed Sawari, Heriadi Al Obaidly, Director of Tasweer. support creative industry. M7, Qatar’s new rants and cafes in the open their powers and jurisdiction. Joewono and Tamim Baba. The 10 prize- “Tasweer is an invaluable platform that hub for innovation and entrepreneurship spaces. The suspension of Fourth: The decisions will winning photographs of the 2021 Sheikh celebrates and showcases photography and in the creative industries, is the central rental services of boats, tourist go into effect on Friday, March Saoud Al Thani Single Image Award will be the artistic talent of photographers from location for Tasweer. yachts and pleasure boats will 26, 2021, until further notice. continue, with the exception of The Cabinet also noted the rental services for family continuation of the blended members residing in the same education system in all public Process 4 exhibition explores identity, environment, literature house. Owners of boats and and private schools and kin- personal yachts will ensure that dergartens at the current level, Albahrani, on the other hand, explores no one but the family members and the continuation of the the idea of home, belonging and identity in residing in the same house are current travel and return policy a series of monochrome paintings. on board. to Qatar. Then the Cabinet lis- The subject of emigration, immigration, Capacity of traditional tened to the presentation made displacement and movement from place markets will be reduced to 30 by H E the Minister of Munici- to place is poignantly expressed by the artist percent, and children under 12 pality and Environment on depicting a series of black-and-white will not be allowed. international indicators of the paintings of individual and group of houses. Wholesale markets will environmental performance of Inspired by the well-known book of continue functioning at a the State of Qatar. Arabic fables “Kalila and Demna”, Nouh has created a collection of mixed-media- on-canvas works depicting heroes from Ooredoo Money, MoneyGram offer the literary masterpiece dating centuries back. cash promo for daily transactions Award-winning artist Hassan Manasrah displays a series of portraits in his signature style created using various mediums THE PENINSULA - DOHA including acrylic on canvas and lithograph, Artworks by Rim Albahrani on show at “Process 4” exhibition which was launched yesterday ink, and mixed media on paper. Ooredoo has announced an exciting new promotion with its at Al Markhiya Gallery at Katara Art Centre. PIC: RAYNALD C RIVERA/THE PENINSULA The inaugural “Process” exhibition fea- Ooredoo Money partner MoneyGram, offering customers a cash tured five inspiring artists, including prize fund of QR4,000 each day. RAYNALD C RIVERA ways on how to repurpose and transform Tunisian street artist Vajo, Qatari cartoonist Ooredoo Money customers can win up to QR1,000 daily simply THE PENINSULA plastic bottles into spectacular art pieces. and animation artist Abdulaziz Yousef, by sending a MoneyGram Cash Pick-up Transfer via their Ooredoo “This idea arose after witnessing dis- award-winning Syrian artist and designer Money app. The promo runs until May 15. Four Doha-based contemporary artists carded wastes, mainly single-use plastic in Bachir Mohamad, and multidisciplinary All eligible transfers each day will go into a raffle, and 10 lucky reveal the unique ways they develop their land and sea areas,” she said. Qatari artists and designers Maryam Al winners will be selected at random; five winners will receive stunning series of art pieces at the fourth Looking into the bottles made of poly- Semaitt and Nawar Al Mutlaq. It was fol- QR100 each, three winners will walk off with QR500 each, while instalment of “Process” exhibition Al ethylene terephthalate (PET), the artist lowed by artists Wadha Al Sulaiti, Jameela two winners will win an awesome QR1,000. Markhiya Gallery launched yesterday at explored the material, colour, transparency Al Ansari, Salem Mathkour, and Haitham Lucky winners will have their prizes transferred directly to Katara Art Centre. and light through and digital imaging as Al Hamad. The third edition of the exhi- their Ooredoo Money Wallet. The exhibition features collections well as video and installation, now on bition, featured Qatari artists Ahmed Al Director PR at Ooredoo Sabah Rabiah Al-Kuwari, said, “We’re created by Ahmed Nouh, Alanoud Ahmed display at the exhibition. The artworks take Jufairi, Fatima Mohammed, Muna Al Bader, excited to launch this new promotion aimed at our Ooredoo Money Al Buainain, Hassan Manasrah, and Rim the form of multi-coloured flowers in and Mubarak Al Thani. customers. We know our customers prioritise being able to send Albahrani. various mediums. “Process, Part 4” is open for public transfers home quickly and easily, with family members being At the core of Al Buainain’s artistic “The flowers created from recycled PET viewing following COVID-19 safety pro- able to receive such transfers as smoothly as possible. Our part- practice is a passion to send a strong bottles symbolize the environmental tocols until May 21 from Saturday to nership with MoneyGram means they can do exactly that. Offering message on taking care of the environment impacts of artificial materials being Thursday, from 9am to 7pm at Katara Art generous cash prizes means our proposition is even better value; reflected in her project in which she finds embedded into nature,” she said. Centre. we wish all our customers the very best of luck in the draw!” Serge Ferrari Group installs 30,000sqm architectural membranes on Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium

THE PENINSULA - DOHA (SC), the organisation responsible for delivering the infrastructure required for the FIFA World Serge Ferrari Group, which specializes in the Cup Qatar 2022, to take part in the construction design, manufacturing, and distribution of high- of several stadiums that will be used for the tour- technology and innovative eco-friendly composite nament. Our flexible building materials promise materials, has just completed installing more than to weather resistance, with their durability con- 30,000 square meters of architectural membranes sistently tested, while also being watertight and on the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan. offering natural light.” A world-leading partner for the construction “It’s the ideal use of material for the design of of permanent and temporary venues hosting these stadiums, and we are so honoured to mark major international sporting events such as the our footprints in this extraordinary project,” he London and Rio Olympics, the 2014 FIFA World continued. Cup in Brazil, the UEFA European Championship, The high-grade qualities that make Serge the Serge Ferrari Group, once again had the Ferrari Group’s building materials superior opportunity to prove its ability to meet the archi- include the capacity to follow the roof’s contours tectural challenges associated with these high- and curves, which were designed to evoke sand profile sports venues. dunes. The venue’s architects chose the group’s inno- This high technical performance is demon- vative composite membranes from the early strated in the dimensional stability, durability, design phase due to their architectural and tech- translucency — or even transparency for some nical qualities. Used in the building of several sta- products — the UV resistance and barrier against diums that will host the FIFA World Cup Qatar heat. 2022, the Serge Ferrari Group has worked dili- The membranes are customizable, such as gently to offer the most innovative building the locally printed display signage with tradi- solutions. tional Qatari patterns. The Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan. Manager of Pre-sales Activities in Middle East As a trusted partner, the Serge Ferrari Group & Qatar of Serge Ferrari Group Mohammad Bahsh, was also tasked to apply their premium con- Education City Stadium, Thumama Stadium, and being part of this mega project and looks forward said, “We are so proud to have been chosen by struction methods and materials across several Lusail Stadium. to this spectacular event which will forever be the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy other Qatari stadiums, including Al Bayt Stadium, The Serge Ferrari Group takes much pride in entrenched in Qatar’s history. 06 HOME THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021 QF’s Arab Innovation Academy to hold virtual 4th edition in 2021 THE PENINSULA — DOHA (HBKU) in Qatar. This means that assists with Arabic writing, auto- edition of AIA. The fantastic, benefit both the local and inter- participants who are students of matically correcting gram- AIA is the first and the innovative ideas that have been national communities. To that The fourth edition of the Arab HBKU or are cross-registered matical errors, just like Gram- most extensive brought to us in the past three end, AIA is a significant Innovation Academy (AIA) is set HBKU are eligible to gain credit marly in English, took the entrepreneurship editions clearly show that platform, and we at QF RDI are to take place over a 12-week once they complete both the AIA runner-up spot. Third place was extraordinarily talented entre- very much looking forward to period during the fall semester and HBKU requirements. secured by Go Star, who created programme in the preneurs are in great abundance receiving entries from tech 2021. Regular participants will receive a platform for parents to create pan-Arab region. It aims to here in Qatar, as well as across entrepreneurs in Qatar and In light of the health and a certificate of successful com- gamified daily life tasks for their provide aspiring university the MENA region. We are eager further afield for the fourth safety restrictions in place due pletion from the AIA. For stu- children such as cleaning their students and young to welcome all aspiring inno- edition of the programme.” to the COVID-19 pandemic, this dents enrolled at HBKU or cross room or feeding a pet. vators who would like to take QSTP believes that the edition will be held virtually registered at HBKU should The AIA is a hands-on and entrepreneurs with the part in this year’s programme virtual setting for the latest from August 31 to November 23. follow the HBKU course regis- groundbreaking accelerator authentic experience of and are pleased to announce edition of the programme will Applications are open now until tration deadline for fall semester, programme that was brought developing and launching that applications are now open.” not detract from the many ben- May 12, 2021. while the rest of the applicants to Qatar and the Middle East new tech ventures. Dr. Richard O’Kennedy, Vice efits it will bring to all partici- AIA is the first and the most should apply to AIA 2021 before and North Africa (MENA) region President, QF RDI and the Vice pants. Although the ever- extensive entrepreneurship May 12. through a collaboration President for Research at popular in-person networking programme in the pan-Arab Last year saw Salamtak, a between Qatar Science & Tech- second edition, held in 2019 had Hamad Bin Khalifa University will be unavailable, participants region and aims to provide company that developed an nology Park (QSTP), part of more than 160 participants, (HBKU), added, “The advanced will have a rich, immersive aspiring university students and online system for the man- Qatar Foundation Research, while last year’s third edition ideas brought in by talented experience that will prove to be young entrepreneurs with the agement of chronic diseases Development and Innovation saw almost 200 young entre- entrepreneurs to platforms that beneficial to future plans and authentic experience of devel- such as diabetes and hyper- (QF RDI), and the European preneurs from over 10 countries channel them towards devel- aspirations. Expert support and oping and launching new tech tension while providing both Innovation Academy (EIA). in the region taking part, dem- oping impactful products and guidance will be available ventures under the guidance of patients and healthcare profes- Beginning as an exclusive onstrating the rapid growth and services, remain pivotal to throughout the programme, leading global tech start-up sionals with a real-time interface 10-day start-up boot-camp, AIA popularity of the programme. Qatar’s aspirations – namely, a aiding participants every step mentors. to monitor vital data, win first took place for the first time in Hayfa Al Abdulla, Innovation forward-thinking and pro- of the way. For more details of Additionally, the programme place. While, the company 2018 with the involvement of Director at QSTP, said, “Eve- gressive nation right at the this year’s programme and to is now officially accredited by ‘Hamza’, for their development more than 100 participants ryone at QSTP is very much spearhead of trailblazing ideas apply, please visit www. Hamad Bin Khalifa University of a special programme which from Qatar and the region. The looking forward to the fourth and new technology that will inacademy.eu/qatar Doha Festival City invites shoppers to participate in Homeware Festival raffle draw

THE PENINSULA — DOHA shoppers who have purchased goods Robert Hall, DFC General Manager, between March 8 and April 8, for a said: “As we thrive in creating mem- Doha Festival City (DFC) has invited cumulative spend of QR200 and more, orable moments, we see this exciting all shoppers to participate in its unique can register to participate in the raffle raffle draw as a way to engage with raffle draw for a chance to win draw. The draw finale will be held on our customers, rewarding them for exclusive prizes as part of its month- April 9, and the winners will be shopping at their mall of choice and long Homeware Festival that runs until announced online and on the mall’s offering a unique chance to win The April 8. large digital screen near Cup of Joe. grand prize, or one of the 21 valuable This first-ever 100% digital Spend A myriad of exciting homeware- prizes sponsored by Doha Festival City & Win Raffle Draw is being organised inspired activities across the mall will retailers. in partnership with the Qatar National run in parallel with raffle draw. Vis- “Doha Festival City boasts the Tourism Council (QNTC). itors can enjoy a series of mini-exhi- largest and the most diverse collection DFC shoppers registering for the bitions showing the latest collections of homeware retailers, and the raffle draw have a chance to win one from a number of retailers. Butterfly ongoing Homeware Festival is an A Lotus Evora 2020 will be the grand prize for the Homeware Festival raffle draw. of 21 valuable prizes. A Lotus Evora Design, ACE, Mothercare, MUJI, Pottery excellent occasion to introduce them 2020, priced at QR439,000 will be Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm to our guests, while we are expecting offered as the grand prize; the second will be showcased until March 26, the more openings in the upcoming treatment on a weekly basis, robust Physical distancing stickers in common prize is sponsored by the world- last day visitors can see their exclusive months.” DFC opening hours are Sat- cleaning and sanitization operations queuing areas, such as ATM machines, acclaimed Swiss watchmaker Fred- set-ups. The One, Antoine Karam, urday to Wednesday from 10am to 10 during mall trading hours, and 127 hand banks, telecommunication kiosks and erique Constant offering a watch worth Home Centre, Pan Emirates, IKEA, Vil- pm, and Thursday to Friday from 10am sanitizing stations installed in the areas branches and various retail shops were QR30,000, while Pottery Barn, Pottery leroy & Boch, MADAME COCO, Karaca, to 11pm. In line with the preventative that have commonly touched installed to help shoppers keep the Barn Kids and West Elm will gift H&M, Harvey Nichols, Marks & measures set out by the authorities, surfaces. required physical distance as set forth in QR12,000 vouchers each. The com- Spencer, Tavola, Zara Home and W&B DFC has introduced stringent health At the entrance to the mall and all the guidelines by the authorities. Stores plete list of participating retailers along Home, also starring in the Festival, will and safety measures throughout the shops, visitors must show their green provide sanitisers on entry and at cash with the prizes are available on the boast their homeware items across the mall for its staff and visitors. These Ehteraz QR code, and should wear a face points to ensure the highest level of Doha Festival City website. All DFC mall until April 8. include a thorough mall disinfection mask during their whole time in the mall. hygiene. Bayanat Engineering: Specialists in New Mazzraty dairy range airport lighting, signage projects debuts at AgriteQ 2021 ave you ever THE PENINSULA — DOHA full production cycle which peered out of guarantees full quality control your aircraft The National Group for Agri- Mazzraty operates a and the healthiest tasteful food window and culture and Animal Products, a fully environmentally for local consumption,” said Hspied multicoloured lights subsidiary of Al Mana Interna- Saad Al Mana, Business Devel- friendly production cycle that line the runway as tional Holding Group, launched using various facilities to opment Manager, Al Mana your flight prepares to take its new Mazzraty dairy range, achieve 0% unused International Holding. off? Their gleam and although, airports smaller than Hamad Interna- including fresh milk and “We are confident this colour catch the eye, but tional Airport may have little to no such signs. labneh, at AgriteQ, the 8th bi-products, and ‘Made in Qatar’ range will be their purpose is far more Together, these luminaries and their ancillaries Qatar International Agricultural materials. warmly welcomed by the local important than mere aesthetics. In fact, they con- make up the airfield ground lighting. All the dif- & Environment Exhibition, market which will wish to be stitute specialised lighting for runway and airport ferent illumination types could be controlled simul- which is running at the Doha fully committed to the environ- and play a crucial role in ensuring the safe passage taneously or airfield by airfield via the lighting Exhibition & Convention Centre honey, fodder, and organic fer- mental and ecological plan that of planes while on or near the ground. control and monitoring systems of the airport from March 23-27. tilizers,” explained Abdul- gives us a leading role in the As for the different colours, they are arranged (ALCMS). The intensity of the lights could also be The Mazzraty fresh dairy rahman Al Mana, Executive pursuit of a green community in precise patterns, that are universally recog- alternated between high, medium and low for range marks a major advance Director of Al Mana Interna- in Qatar.” nised by the different international airports, and appropriate meteorological conditions. It is in the company’s strategy of tional Holding. Mazzraty operates a fully represent the various points of the taxiway and important to measure their precise intensity. Pho- diversifying its product port- “This strategy arises out of environmentally friendly pro- runway. This helps orient the pilot and other users tometry and calibration (MALMS) are, hence, used folio through innovation, geo- our desire to achieve national duction cycle using various of the aeronautical ground when the visibility is to help with maintenance and measuring of the graphical expansion, and food self-sufficiency and facilities to achieve 0% unused low. There are about 9 colour combinations of ground light of the airfield. The measurements of organic growth and is in line security, to further contribute bi-product, facilities, and mate- specialised lighting found in airports. beam intensity and orientation of the Airfield with its Board and manage- to enhancing our role in the rials, including a water THE DIFFERENT LIGHTING SYSTEMS OF Lighting should be done regularly. Airports also ment’s vision of fulfilling local development of the national treatment facility and organic THE AIRPORT AND ITS PROXIMITY have to submit a report about their installations, market demand for healthy, economy and provide a distin- fertilizer to help keep its ŭƔU÷²òøÝƔÆžƔÙèÆòøÝ: Taxiway edge lights which complies with the International Civil Avi- natural product and contribute guished level of service to our projects free of any negative are blue. They can be both recessed or elevated ation Organisation (ICAO) standards and meets the to Qatar’s food security a large valued customers, in line with environmental impact. The and are sometimes followed by green in-pavement safety regulation requirements for a Preventive number of other products such Qatar National Vision 2030.” company aims to raise local centreline lights. Their colour is different from that Maintenance System for Airfield Lighting. as poultry, organic honey, Mazzraty dairy products environmental awareness and of the runways, which are represented by a white OUTSIDE THE AIRPORT dates, fodder, and organic will be made from source ingre- encourage the Qatari com- centreline that gradually turns amber towards the ?˜ÝãÙè™ã²ÌÆƔ ¿²¬°ãÝŮƔ Specialised lighting is fertilizers. dients from its centralised munity to play a positive role approaching of the lift-off. employed outside the aerodromes just as well. On “This new product devel- farms and processed to the in sustainability and containing ŭƔ
ÖÖÙ̍™°ƔÆžƔÖÙÌÆƔ¿²¬°ã²Æ¬ŮƔApproaching your night flights, it probably occurred to you to opment follows the acquisition highest quality standards in climate change. the runway, a pilot needs to be guided towards its find piercing red lights on the rooftops of the Doha by Al Mana International world-class, state-of-the-art “We believe economic exact whereabouts. There are special series of skyline, or other towers and tall buildings, as you Holding of the entire equity of plants where production is free progress need not be at the lightbars and strobe lights lining this passageway, fly above. It is absolutely necessary to mark ele- Ghadeer Dairy Production of human interaction to create expense of environmental con- called the approach lighting system (ALS). At the vated structures with these lights to avoid any acci- Company. It is in line with our 100% natural ranges without servation but that the two can heart of the airport, aprons, or areas where pas- dents and indicate their exact position for the vision of merging the two com- any chemicals or antibiotics. go hand-in-hand along a sus- sengers climb onboard and leave, where aircrafts passing aircrafts in gloomy or dark conditions. The panies to create an integrated “This is another pioneering tainable path of business devel- are parked upon arrival, are marked by apron rules of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and pioneering Qatar entity in development from a Qatari opment and future-proofing of floodlights. Not only do they help maintain overall prescribe that the buildings outreaching 200 feet the field of animal, dairy, enterprise which can proudly environmental protection for security in this zone, but also provide appropriate (60 m) above ground be marked by paint or lumi- poultry, and vegetable pro- claim to the be the first in the generations to come,” Abdul- illumination for the embarkation and debarkation naries. As per ICAO, this height is lowered down to duction as well as dates, organic country to evolve a rahman added. of passengers and cargo. about 148 feet (45 m). ŭƔ$¢¿²ÖÌÙãƔ¿²¬°ã²Æ¬ŮƔOutside the usual taxiways These beacon and obstruction lightings vary and runways, one can find heliports, or areas according to terrain, geographic location, weather delimited for the take-off and landing of helicopters. conditions of the area, but also types of structures. PISQ teams reach semifinals of Qatar These have a special lighting system as well. You Interestingly, wind turbines have their own pre- might have noticed in movies that their lights are scribed norms for lighting. So, what are the dif- Preparatory School Debate League 2021 arranged in a circular or square pattern. Some- ferent types of obstruction lights? There are the times, the airplane taxiway is in the heliport’s prox- LED elevated aviation red obstruction lights. Their THE PENINSULA — DOHA 3. A total of 34 debate teams from 18 schools par- imity. Therefore, to avoid confusing the two, the light is omnidirectional and has an Infra-red option. ticipated in the tournament. The young debaters latter is lined with yellow lights. The other two types are Medium-intensity and high- Pakistan International School Qatar took part in did superbly well in a nerve-racking contest and ŭƔU°¢Ɣݲ¬Æ²«²™Æ™¢ƔÌ«Ɣݲ¬Æ¬¢ŮƔSignage is intensity obstruction white lights. the 2nd Qatar Preparatory School Debate League stood as one of the four best teams of the league another obligatory means of guiding pilots and øÆãƔƬ²Æ¢¢Ù²Æ¬, an expert in the area, (QPSDL) 2021. The tournament was held online 2020-2021. PISQ boys team has also won its way vehicles that operate around the taxiways and has been a provider of high-quality specialised via Discord. to QPSDL semifinals 2021. runways, as it indicates direction and provides lighting for airfields and heliports, guidance The three teams from PISQ represented the Principal Pakistan International School Qatar, information. Two main types can be distin- signage, obstruction and beacon lighting, MALMS school at the event. Team 1 comprised Abdullah Nargis Raza Otho, applauded the debating teams guished: Operational guidance signs and man- and ALCMS in various large international air- Ahsan Rasheed, Hassan Elehi, and Ali Husnain. on their outstanding performance in both 1st and datory instruction signs. Marked by special letters, ports. In effect, øÆãƔƬ²Æ¢¢Ù²Æ¬Ɣhas led Team 2 consisted of Wali Sarfraz, Abdullah Ahsan 2nd QPSDL. She commended the commitment, numbers, symbols and, of course, colour, they are specialised lighting and signage projects in Doha’s Bashir and Umer Aman; while Abdullah Husain, enthusiasm and spirit of the debaters and their just as crucial in ensuring safe passage of planes, very own Hamad International Airport. Abdullah Aman and Waleed made up the team coach. THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021 MIDDLE EAST 07 President Erdogan re-elected as ruling AK party head ANADOLU — ANKARA forget that the People’s Alliance is not a desk alliance, but a con- Turkey’s president was unani- Recep Tayyip Erdogan is sensus of hearts,” he added, mously re-elected leader of the elected to post for 7th time referring to the AK Party-the ruling Justice and Development after winning all valid votes. Nationalist Movement Party (AK) Party in a congress in the (MHP) alliance, formed ahead of capital Ankara yesterday. June 2018 general elections. After being nominated by top Separately, the party also party officials, Recep Tayyip “I pray to Allah that our con- elected 75 members of its Central Erdogan was re-elected chairman gress will be beneficial for our Decision and Executive Board for a seventh term at the party’s country, nation and party. I would (MKYK). Meanwhile, MHP leader 7th Ordinary Grand Congress. like to thank each and every one Devlet Bahceli congratulated Out of 1,431 ballots, Erdogan of you for deeming me worthy of Erdogan on his re-election as the got 1,428 valid votes, and there the chairmanship once again,” he AK Party chairman on phone. were three spoiled ballots, told the voters. "From the US to Russia, the according to Ali Ihsan Yavuz, the “As the AK Party, we will con- European Union to the Arab party’s deputy chair. tinue to work for our 2023 goals region, we will continue to shape Speaking after the vote, with new enthusiasm and greater our relations with all countries in Erdogan thanked his fellow party desire. Let’s not forget that 2023 line with Turkey's interests and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his wife Emine Erdogan greet their supporters members for deeming him worthy will be a new year of victory for the expectations of our nation," during the Grand Congress of his ruling AK Party in Ankara, Turkey, yesterday. of the post. the People’s Alliance. Let’s not Erdogan said in his address. Saudi-led coalition clears 4 fuel ships to dock at Hodeidah port China plans to invite Palestinians REUTERS — DUBAI ceasefire proposal if an air and said it had allowed a number of humanitarian disaster. The coa- a ceasefire deal which would sea blockade were lifted. fuel vessels to enter Hodeidah lition and some aid groups have also include reopening Sana'a and Israelis for The Saudi-led coalition has Four vessels, including two to ease the humanitarian situ- accused the Houthis of airport and allow fuel and food cleared four fuel ships to dock carrying a total of 45,000 ation but provided no further obstructing aid efforts. imports through Hodeidah talks: TV report at Yemen’s Red Sea port of tonnes of gas oil, a ship loaded details. Coalition warships off port. Hodeidah, two sources familiar with 5,000 tonnes of liquefied The Houthis’ chief nego- Hodeidah were holding up 14 The Houthis said the Saudi REUTERS — DUBAI with the matter said, after petroleum gas and a fourth tiator, Mohammed Abdulsalam, fuel tankers as of March 23 even offer fell short of their demand Yemen’s internationally recog- tanker with 22,700 tonnes of said: “The provision of fuel, though they had secured UN for a complete lifting of the air The Chinese government plans nised government said fuel oil have received clearance food, medical and basic goods clearance, United Nations data and sea blockade, but that the to invite Israelis and Pales- yesterday it had approved entry from the coalition, the sources is a humanitarian and legal right showed. Some have been group would continue to talk to tinians to hold talks in China, of some vessels. said. for the Yemeni people. We do waiting six months to dock. the kingdom, the United States Al-Arabiya TV channel quoted The move came after the As of Wednesday morning, not accept any military or Four other ships left without and mediator Oman in pursuit Chinese Foreign Minister Houthi group, which has been the four vessels had not yet political conditions for receiving docking after waiting months. of a peace deal. Wang Yi yesterday as saying battling the coalition for six begun moving towards them.” Saudi Arabia, which leads On Tuesday the Houthis in an interview. years and controls most large Hodeidah port, which is con- The blockade of Yemeni a coalition that has been launched a drone attack on an Wang, who started a urban centres in Yemen, said it trolled by the Houthis. ports has been one of the main fighting the Houthis since 2015, airport in southern Saudi Middle East tour this week, would only agree to a Saudi Yemen’s foreign ministry causes of the world’s worst offered the group on Monday Arabia. also voiced support for a Saudi initiative announced on Monday to end the war in Hezbollah bloc Yemen, according to the Dubai’s deputy ruler Sheikh Hamdan dies at 75 Saudi-owned, Dubai-based urges cabinet channel. AP — DUBAI finance minister and held the China has offered itself formation in post until his death, attracting several times in the past as an Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al foreign investment, managing alternative to the United States Lebanon Maktoum, deputy ruler of Dubai the country’s oil wealth and, when it comes to mediating and the United Arab Emirates along with his brother, over- between Israelis and Pales- minister of finance, has died, his seeing the transformation of tinians, coming up with pro- REUTERS — BEIRUT brother said yesterday. He was Dubai into a regional financial posals to end their decades- 75. hub. He led Emirati delegations old conflict. Hezbollah said yesterday a Sheikh Hamdan served as to the International Monetary “We will invite Palestinian new cabinet was needed to deputy leader of Dubai under Fund and the Organization of and Israeli public figures to pull Lebanon out of financial his brother, Sheikh Mohammed the Petroleum Exporting Coun- have talks in China,” Al crisis, after a standoff over bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the tries (OPEC) Fund for interna- Arabiya quoted Wang as government formation ruler of the city-state who also tional development. Sheikh saying. between its president Michel serves as prime minister and Hamdan controlled a wide He did not elaborate, and Aoun and prime minister- vice-president of the United array of conglomerates it was not immediately clear designate Saad Al Hariri Arab Emirates. reaching across Dubai’s whether he had government UAE Finance Minister and Deputy Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin worsened. Emirati officials announced economy, such as the Dubai representatives in mind. Rashid Al Maktoum speaks during a meeting of Gulf Central Bank The crisis is posing the his death without specifying the Ports Authority, Dubai World On Yemen, Wang said: biggest threat to Lebanon’s cause. Sheikh Hamdan had Governors and finance ministers in Abu Dhabi, on October 22, 2011. Trade Center and Dubai Natural “We call for implementing the stability since the 1975-1990 been in poor health for several Gas Company Limited. Saudi initiative for a set- civil war, and a new cabinet months. Last fall, he flew Born on December 25, 1949, sheikhdoms along the southern Like his brother, he became tlement in Yemen as soon as could help initiate reforms to abroad for an unspecified the second son of late ruler shore of the Persian Gulf that a big name in horse racing out possible.” The Saudi peace ini- unlock foreign aid. surgery and in recent weeks his Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al were part of a British protec- of the UAE, founding Shadwell tiative includes a nationwide “Government formation is brother Sheikh Mohammed Maktoum, he grew up in what torate since 1820. When the Racing in 1981, an operation ceasefire and the reopening of the only alternative to the tweeted prayers for his was known as the Trucial UAE formed its first Cabinet in with a legacy of producing star air and sea links with the ter- chaos that threatens eve- recovery. States, a collection of Arab 1971, Sheikh Hamdan became thoroughbreds. ritories held by the Houthi ryone,” Hezbollah’s parlia- group in Yemen. However, the mentary bloc said in a Iran-aligned Houthis has said statement, calling for trans- Syria to send emergency the offer falls short of their parency and cooperation demands. between Lebanon’s leaders. oxygen to Lebanon as The row between Hariri and Aoun intensified after a hospitals run out Israel strikes meeting between the two to discuss a new cabinet ended REUTERS — BEIRUT sites in Gaza Strip in a public repudiation. Lebanon’s Iran-backed Syria is sending emergency supplies of oxygen QNA — GAZA Hezbollah group is an ally of to Lebanon, where hospitals have 1,000 patients Aoun. on respirators and are about to run out, ministers Israeli warplanes launched air Its chief Hassan Nasrallah in both countries were quoted as saying strikes targeting a number of has said he would support a yesterday. sites in different areas of the cabinet of specialists should Syria will send 75 tonnes of oxygen over Gaza strip at dawn yesterday. Hariri and Aoun come to an three days, its health minister, Hassan Al Israeli F-16 warplanes agreement. Ghobash, told state news agency SANA. bombed a site southwest of Monday’s failure to form a Lebanese hospitals have only a single day’s Gaza City with five missiles, new cabinet had prompted supply left as bad weather has prevented destroying it, setting it ablaze, calls to reactivate the gov- transport ships from docking, its caretaker and damaging nearby Pales- ernment of Hassan Diab, health minister, Hamad Hasan, told Syrian state tinian homes and properties, which has served in a care- broadcaster Ekhbariya. the Palestinian News Agency taker capacity since resigning Hasan did not specify if the patients on res- (WAFA) reported. in August in the aftermath of Palestine PM at plant opening pirators had COVID-19. Warplanes also bombed, the Beirut port blast. “This response...will save Lebanese lives with at least two missiles, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh plants a tree during the opening Diab said yesterday it was and is enough for three days until supplies another site in the city of Deir ceremony of a wastewater treatment plant, in Tayasir in the Israeli-occupied West up to parliament whether to arrive,” Hasan was quoted as saying by Al Balah in the central Gaza re-activate a resigned cabinet. Bank, yesterday. SANA. Strip. Netanyahu’s future uncertain amid vote stalemate; Palestinians see no hope

REUTERS — JERUSALEM Netanyahu, 71, would have to allegations against Netanyahu repeat the claim in his televised with respect to the main to stand up and say that he is cobble together a coalition from — which he denies — and post-election speech. question that divides Israeli pol- ready to end occupation,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin a combination of right-wing accusing him of mishandling the One potential kingmaker is itics, which is pro and against Shtayyeh said. “We have to Netanyahu’s prospects for allies, ultra-Orthodox parties, early months of the pandemic. Naftali Bennett, 48, a former Mr Netanyahu,” he said. break this status quo.” another term looked uncertain ultra-nationalists, Arabs and But like Netanyahu’s right- defence minister who favours “The period of uncertainty, Netanyahu has sealed his- yesterday after partial results defectors to secure another wing bloc it fell short of a gov- annexing parts of the Israeli- deadlock and paralysis is toric deals with several Arab from a national election term. Should a hard-right gov- erning majority in the 120- occupied West Bank. expected to accompany us for nations to normalise ties, but projected no clear path to ernment emerge, it would likely member parliament. And it has Bennett’s hawkish Yamina the foreseeable future.” Visting Israel and the Palestinians have victory. be at loggerheads with the a less clear route to forming a party is projected to win seven Tubas in the Israeli-occupied not held direct negotiations Not even his stewardship of Democratic administration of coalition, having to unite parties seats. He remained non-com- West Bank yesterday, Pales- since 2014, when peace talks Israel’s world-beating US President Joe Biden over from different wings of the mittal after the vote, saying only tinian Prime Minister broke down. Each side accuses COVID-19 vaccination rollout issues such as Palestinian political spectrum. he would do “what is good for Mohammad Shtayyeh said the the other of intransigence over — a central pillar of his cam- statehood and US engagement Immediately after polls Israel”. Yohanan Plesner, head outcome “does not really give core issues such as Jerusalem paign — proved enough for with Iran over its nuclear closed on Tuesday, Netanyahu of the Israel Democracy any hope for peace” and that the and Jewish settlements. Netanyahu to break through the programme. claimed victory and said he Institute, predicted political Israeli political system had Tuesday’s vote followed political deadlock that has seen Some centre-left parties hoped to form a “stable right- paralysis and said a fifth shifted to the right. three inconclusive elections in four elections in two years. made a better showing than wing government”. But as first national election was possible. “What is needed really from which neither Netanyahu nor With about 88% of votes expected after highlighting results trickled in and seemed “It seems quite clear that Israelis the future prime minister of his centre-left opponents won counted it appeared that longstanding corruption to shift against him, he did not are split right down the middle Israel is somebody who is ready a stable majority. 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021 Qatar reaffirms support for Afghanistan to achieve Established in 1996 peace, security, stability and development CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI QNA The State of Qatar has EDITOR-IN-CHIEF renewed support for the DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI brothers in Afghanistan in [email protected] their endeavors towards consolidating peace, security, stability and development, ACTING MANAGING EDITOR and stressed that it will MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED continue its endeavors to [email protected] support all efforts with the United Nations and regional and international partners. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR The State of Qatar also MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI affirmed that its sincere [email protected] endeavors to support the peace process in Afghanistan are a reflection of its firm foreign policy that attaches EDITORIAL importance to settle disputes by peaceful means, mediation and international cooper- ation, including cooperation An effective quarantine policy with the United Nations. This came in a statement QATAR has put in place an effective quarantine policy delivered by the Permanent for international arrivals which has helped the economy Representative of the State of while averting new COVID-19 outbreaks. According to Qatar to the United Nations H the current travel and return policy, people coming from E Ambassador Sheikha Alya the green list countries are required to undergo home Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN. quarantine while those arriving from countries not men- before the UN Security tioned in the green list must undergo hotel quarantine. Council, which held a virtual partners, whether the United by neighboring and friendly facilitated by the State of The only exemption is people who have been fully vac- meeting on the situation in Nations or friendly countries, in countries in providing support Qatar last summer, which cinated in Qatar and two weeks have passed since the Afghanistan. order to support and make the to Afghanistan in various were represented in reaching second dose. Sheikha Alya stressed the Doha process a success. In this fields, including political, a ceasefire on Eid Al Fitr and There are 60 hotels and other properties designated importance of the Security context, she said that the State humanitarian and devel- Eid Al Adha, and the success for mandatory one-week quarantine. Discover Qatar, Council’s meeting, which is of Qatar this month once again opment fields. of the prisoner exchange which is managing the hotel quarantine process, said being held at an important hosted US Peace Envoy in She referred to the tangible process between the gov- 85,000 guests were booked for quarantine in March juncture, explaining that the Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, gains made in Afghanistan’s ernment of the Islamic alone. The number of approved quarantine facilities has participation of the State of and UN Secretary-General’s march towards that desired Republic of Afghanistan and risen in recent months in order to cater to rising demand. Qatar in the meeting comes Special Representative for peace during the past year, as an the Taliban. She also referred The policy has allowed the government to control the within the framework of its Afghanistan Deborah Lyons. agreement to bring peace to to the second round of the COVID-19 pandemic without hard border closures and role as an international She noted the State of Afghanistan was signed between negotiations between the gov- lockdowns. partner of the Islamic Qatar’s participation in the the United States and the Taliban ernment and the Taliban that The hotel quarantine package prices start from QR Republic of Afghanistan and a extended Troika meeting hosted on February 29, explaining that began last January, when the 2,300. It includes three meals per day on a full board mediator in support of the by the Russian Federation on this agreement was a culmi- teams appointed by the two basis, a PCR test and one way transfers from the airport peace process led and held by March 18, which valued the role nation of the continuous efforts sides held a series of meetings on arrival. Incoming travellers can choose from over 60 the Afghans. She expressed of the State of Qatar in facili- exerted by the State of Qatar to agree on the agenda. hotels across three, four and five star properties while hope that the meeting will tating the peace process and during the past period to bring Sheikha Alya stressed that two and three bedroom villas are available for larger lead to a comprehensive supporting the continuation of the parties together to dialogue at this critical stage, all pos- families. political settlement. the Doha negotiations. and hold many rounds of negoti- sible efforts should be made The government has also expanded the capacity Ambassador Sheikha Alya Qatar also looks forward ations in Doha. to preserve the gains made of Discover Qatar to facilitate the travellers. The call underlined that the State of to participating with the Furthermore she noted that within the Doha track, espe- centre now has 55 dedicated Arabic-speaking Qatar has been keen to coor- Turkish Republic in holding a the Doha agreement has pro- cially since Qatar has wit- attendants. The number will be increased to 95 by early dinate with its international meeting next month with the vided important steps towards nessed through its role as April. An Arabic version of the Discover Qatar website aim of promoting the peace ending the war and opening facilitator of the talks will also be launched in April. She noted the State of process, she said. the door to negotiations between the Afghan parties Refunds are also being swiftly handled with almost Qatar’s participation The ambassador also between the Afghan parties, as that they are approaching the 13,000 refunds with a value of $12m processed so far in the extended expressed Qatar’s welcome to indicated by Security Council peace process with caution and only a small number still pending. Close to 50,000 the appointment of Jean Resolution 2513 (2020). and awareness of the need to Mekaines refunds totaling $11m have also been proc- Troika meeting Arnault as UN Secretary-Gen- In addition to this she end the state of war and essed so far. hosted by the Russian eral’s Personal Envoy on made it clear that one of the achieve lasting peace. At the same time, a nationwide COVID-19 vaccination Afghanistan and Regional most important positive steps At the end of the statement, campaign is also being carried out successfully. So far, Federation on March Issues, and its aspiration to provided by the agreement is HE Qatar’s Permanent Repre- 658,325 vaccine doses have been administered since 18, which valued the provide him with support and the launch of Afghan peace sentative to the United Nations the start of the vaccination campaign. The Ministry of closely cooperate with him. negotiations on Sep. 12 in Ambassador Sheikha Alya Public Health has said that more than 100,000 shots are role of the State of She said that the Afghan Doha, which represents an Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani reit- being administered every week. This translates to around Qatar in facilitating people have made gains important step towards erated the State of Qatar’s 14,000 people receiving the shots every day. during the past period and achieving a comprehensive support for the brothers in The vaccination campaign is likely to further speed the peace process now need the support of the political settlement, putting Afghanistan in their endeavors up as the country receives more vaccine supplies in and supporting the international community in an end to violence and human to consolidate peace, security, coming months. continuation of the order to preserve these gains suffering and paving the way stability and development, and Currently people aged 50 and above, healthcare and complete the transitional for stability and prosperity. will continue to exert all staff, essential workers and people with chronic dis- Doha negotiations. phase, as well as to overcome She emphasized that the efforts, in cooperation with the eases are being vaccinated across 27 health centres, the many challenges facing negotiations in Doha had United Nations and interna- a 10-lane drive-through vaccination point in Lusail, as security, sustainable devel- made progress that included tional partners, for the success well as a vaccination centre set up at the QNCC. opment and the economy. reaching an agreement on the of the peace negotiations and She added that the State of procedural rules, referring to the achievement of the desired Qatar praises the efforts made the other gains which were goal. US-China talks highlight deep rift between global superpowers D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI and others there that “(China’s) as punitive measures toward strategy of encouraging China actions threaten the rules- countries that do not accom- to change while deepening EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758 The picture has become based order.” The United States modate its goals. cooperation with its allies, and clearer that China pushes its pointed out that US allies and The United States raised not having dialogue for the sake MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 self-centered arguments, friendly countries widely share those issues one after the of dialogue. which are not based on order concerns regarding China. other. But China only The Chinese side advo- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 under international law or There is no end to the list repeated its conventional cated the superiority of the universal values, in a chal- of ways in which China has not arguments, and there has Communist Party system and LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 lenge to the United States. The hesitated to use force in its been no progress. warned that the United States BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 international community must attempts to change interna- In previous high-level talks against interfering in “internal unite to deal with China’s self- tional systems that the United with China, past US adminis- affairs” such as the Hong SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 righteous behavior. States has built based on trations often failed to solve Kong and Taiwan issues. By The first high-level talks freedom and the rule of law. pending issues because they bringing up such global issues ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 between the United States Typical of these are its put too much priority on as climate change and pan- email: [email protected] and China since President Joe coercive actions in the South avoiding confrontation and demic measures, China is PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 Biden took office were held in China Sea, the Taiwan Strait making a show of cooperation. apparently trying to place email: [email protected] the US state of Alaska. and around the Senkaku During the administration of importance on “cooperation Attended by the top diplomats Islands of Okinawa Pre- President Barack Obama, between superpowers.” MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 of both countries, the meeting fecture. Its repression in Hong Chinese President Xi Jinping However, unless China email: [email protected] turned out to be an oppor- Kong and the Xinjiang Uygur pledged not to militarize the exhibits trustworthy behavior, tunity to confirm each other’s Autonomous Region demon- South China Sea, but has since cooperative relations cannot be ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 standpoints. strates the horror of infringing broken that promise. built. China must face up to the FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] The US side led by Sec- on human rights and of iron- The Biden administration reality that its own deeds and CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 retary of State Antony Blinken fisted rule that does not allow takes the stance that China has words only heighten the war- email: [email protected] criticized China, telling its for dissenting opinions. to change its behavior before iness of the international com- foreign affairs chief Yang Jiechi, There is deep-rooted crit- bilateral relations can move munity, and it should change SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 a member of the Politburo of icism of China’s imposition of forward. It stands to reason that course to comply with rules FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] the Communist Party of China, trade restrictions and tariffs the United States is employing a and international pledges.

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar We are at the corner (on coronavirus). Whether we or not we are going to be turning the corner /Peninsula_Qatar remains to be seen.

/ThePeninsulaNewspaper Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases +974 6698 6188 THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 Massive cargo ship becomes wedged, blocks Suez Canal

AP — SMAILIA Tugboats strained Bernhard Schulte, however, vessel entered the canal some yesterday to try to denied the ship ever lost power. 45 minutes before it became A skyscraper-sized container Evergreen Marine Corp, a stuck, moving at 12.8 knots just ship has become wedged across nudge the obstruction major Taiwan-based shipping before the crash, he said. Egypt’s Suez Canal and blocked out of the way as company that operates the ship, An image posted to all traffic in the vital waterway, said in a statement that the Ever Instagram by a user on another officials said yesterday, threat- ships hoping to Given had been overcome by waiting cargo ship appeared to ening to disrupt a global enter the waterway strong winds as it entered the show the Ever Given wedged shipping system already began lining up in canal from the Red Sea but none across the canal as shown in strained by the coronavirus of its containers had sunk. satellite images and data. A pandemic. the Mediterranean An Egyptian official, who backhoe appeared to be digging The Ever Given, a Panama- Sea and Red Sea. But spoke on condition of anonymity into the sand bank under its flagged ship that carries cargo similarly blamed a strong wind. bow in an effort to free it. between Asia and Europe, ran it remained unclear Egyptian forecasters said high The Egyptian official said tug- aground on Tuesday in the when the route would winds and a sandstorm plagued boats hoped to refloat the ship narrow, man-made canal the area Tuesday, with winds and that the operation would dividing continental Africa from reopen. gusting as much as 50kph. take at least two days. The ship the Sinai Peninsula. Images A container ship which was hit by strong wind and ran aground is However, it remained ran aground some 6km north of showed the ship’s bow was pictured in Suez Canal, Egypt, yesterday. unclear how winds of that speed the southernly mouth of the canal touching the eastern wall, while up in the Mediterranean and Red alone would have been able to near the city of Suez, an area of its stern looked lodged against Seas. But it remained unclear “The Suez Canal will not of the crew were safe and that push a fully laden vessel the canal that’s a single lane. the western wall — an extraor- when the route, through which spare any efforts to ensure the there had been “no reports of weighing some 220,000 tons. That could have a major dinary event that experts said around 10 percent of world trade restoration of navigation and to injuries or pollution.” It wasn’t A pilot from Egypt’s canal knock-on effect for global they had never heard of hap- flows and which is particularly serve the movement of global immediately clear what caused authority typically boards a ship shipping moving between the pening before in the canal’s crucial for the transport of oil, trade,” vowed Lieutenant the Ever Given to become to guide it through the Mediterranean Sea and the Red 150-year history. would reopen. One official General Ossama Rabei, head of wedged on Tuesday morning. waterway, though the ship’s Sea, warned Salvatore R Mer- Tugboats strained yesterday warned it could take at least two the Suez Canal Authority. GAC, a global shipping and captain retains ultimate cogliano, a former merchant to try to nudge the obstruction days. In the meantime, there Bernhard Schulte Shipman- logistics company, said the ship authority over the vessel, said mariner and associate professor out of the way as ships hoping to were concerns that idling ships agement, which manages the had experienced a blackout Ranjith Raja, a lead analyst at of history at North Carolina’s enter the waterway began lining could become targets for attacks. Ever Given, said all 20 members without elaborating. the data firm Refinitiv. The Campbell University. Ramaphosa to Somalia President gets backing from official in rival camp testify in REUTERS — GAROWE, SOMALIA in Somalia by his nickname be part of the... war in the was supposed to elect a new Puntland however refused to ‘Farmajo’. region,” Janan said, adding a president on February 8, but the participate, arguing Mohamed graft probe The security minister of a Mohamed is facing pres- colonel was among the exercise was delayed because must not chair the talks as he Somali regional administration sures to resign, including from defecting troops. new lawmakers have yet to be was no longer president. REUTERS — CAPE TOWN said yesterday he had defected Jubbaland and another semi- Jubbaland leader Ahmed picked. In a sign the president is along with hundreds of troops autonomous state, Puntland. Mohamed Islam Madobe said Opponents of Mohamed, expanding support for his con- South African President Cyril and allied himself to President Somalia’s remaining three in a statement he had sacked who is seeking a second term, tinued stay in office, residents Ramaphosa will testify as a Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, regional governments back him. Janan as security minister for also accuse him of packing his in Dhahar district in Puntland witness before a long-running who faces calls by rivals to quit The standoff has stoked ten- conducting talks with the supporters into the regional and demonstrated on Wednesday, corruption inquiry for four after his term as national leader sions in the Horn of Africa president. national boards who choose the expressing approval for days late next month, the pres- ended. nation that was ripped apart by Officials in both Jubbaland legislators. Mohamed while denouncing the idency said yesterday. Abdirashid Janan, security civil war and which is still bat- and Puntland say they do not Talks have been taking state’s president. Ramaphosa will give evi- minister of the semi-auton- tling an insurgency by Al recognise Mohamed as Soma- place involving Mohamed, “We want Farmajo, we don’t dence to the inquiry, chaired omous Jubbaland state, said he Shabaab, an Islamist group that lia’s president since his term various political leaders and want president Deni,” they by Deputy Chief Justice had defected together with 400 launches attacks in Mogadishu expired. members of the international chanted, referring to the state’s Raymond Zondo and estab- troops from Jubbaland’s forces, and elsewhere. Mohamed’s four-year term community aimed at fixing a leader. lished to test allegations that potentially bolstering the “I defected to the federal ended last month without a suc- new date for elections. The Police dispersed the pro- former President Jacob Zuma position of the president, known government. I do not want to cessor. Somalia’s parliament presidents of Jubbaland and testers by firing in the air. allowed three businessmen who were close to him to plunder state resources and influence government appoint- Kenya orders closure of two refugee ments while he was in power. Zuma was ousted by the governing African National Con- camps, gives ultimatum to UN agency gress (ANC) in February 2018, and his successor Ramaphosa REUTERS — NAIROBI Fred Matiang’i, the interior attempt to close Dadaab in 2016 has been battling to revive minister, has now given the was informed by intelligence investor confidence dented by Kenya yesterday ordered the UNHCR 14 days to draw up a reports showing two large widespread corruption impli- closure of two sprawling camps plan for the closure of both attacks on Kenyan targets in cating senior politicians. that host hundreds of thousands Dadaab and Kakuma, his min- 2013 and 2015 took place with “The presidency wishes to of refugees from neighbouring istry said in a tweet, adding that the involvement of elements in confirm that president Cyril Somalia and gave the UN there was no room for further the camps. The plan was blocked Ramaphosa will appear... on refugee agency (UNHCR) two talks on the issue. by the high court, which called April 22, 23, 28 and 29,” a weeks to present a plan to do UNHCR urged Kenya to the move unconstitutional. statement from his office said. so, the interior ministry said. ensure that those who need The camp was established Ramaphosa is expected to The Dadaab and the protection continue to get it, three decades ago and was once give evidence in his capacity as Kakuma refugee camps in and pledged to keep engaging the world’s largest refugee president and former deputy northern Kenya together host in a dialogue. “The decision camp, which at its peak hosted An aerial view of a section of the Hagadera camp in Dadaab near president of the country, and more than 410,000 people, a would have an impact on the over half a million people the Kenya-Somalia border in this file photo as president and former deputy small proportion of whom are protection of refugees in Kenya, fleeing violence and drought in president of the ANC. In both from South Sudan. including in the context of the Somalia. informed UNCHR on Tuesday was accurate. instances, Ramaphosa served Authorities in Nairobi first ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” Kakuma, located in the it would take the refugees to Kenya’s move comes as as deputy under Zuma’s announced their intention to shut it said in a statement. northwest, is home to more the border with Somalia if the relations with Somalia worsen, leadership. the Dadaab camp, which is closer Somali authorities did not than 190,000 refugees, some camps are not closed, the after Mogadishu cut diplomatic Ramaphosa has repeatedly to the border with Somalia than immediately respond to drawn from neighbouring South Daily Nation newspaper ties with Nairobi last December, spoken out on the need to Kakuma, back in 2016, citing requests for comment. Sudan. reported. The interior ministry accusing it of interfering in its respect the constitution and national security concerns. The Kenyan government’s Kenyan authorities told Reuters that the reporting internal affairs. rule of law. Bus in Kenya hits Eritrean forces deployed roadside bomb, four killed in Sudan-Ethiopia

AP — NAIROBI disputed area: UN

A Kenyan official said four BLOOMBERG — ABUJA Tigray region. Answering ques- passengers were killed and tions posed by lawmakers in dozens wounded when a bus Eritrean forces are present parliament on Tuesday, Abiy hit an improvised bomb on a inside disputed territory that said he had no interest in esca- main road in the northern straddles the border between lating tensions with Sudan. county of Mandera, near the Ethiopia and Sudan, according “Ethiopia also has many border with Somalia. to the United Nations. problems, and we are not ready The bus was heading to The deployment in the so- to go to battle. We don’t need Mandera town when it ran called Al Fashqa triangle comes war,” he said in remarks trans- over an improvised explosive amid escalating tensions lated into English for a live TV device, Mandera governor Ali between Ethiopia and Sudan broadcast. “It is better to settle Roba confirmed yesterday. over control of the area of it in a peaceful manner.” The force of the explosion People queue to receive the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine at Wilkins Hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe, fertile farming land. Ethiopia and Sudan’s ripped the roof off the bus, yesterday. “The conflict along the armies have deployed arma- according to pictures taken at border between Sudan and ments including tanks and anti- the scene posted on social Ethiopia remains active, with aircraft batteries to the border media. Zimbabwe President urges citizens to take vaccine Sudanese Armed Forces and region. Sudan is also building No group has claimed Ethiopian — including Amhara new roads to the border area responsibility for the attack, REUTERS — HARARE at a public event, together with the coronavirus pandemic. militias — and Eritrean forces to improve access during the but suspicion has fallen on Al opposition leaders, was meant “I therefore challenge all of deployed around Barkhat set- rainy season that is due to Shabab, Somalia’s rebels who Zimbabwe’s President to assure citizens that the vac- us in our respective commu- tlement in Greater Fashaga and begin in July. are allied with Al Qaida. Emmerson Mnangagwa and cines were safe. nities to accept the vaccination clashes reported since early Sudanese officials have dis- Al Shabab has vowed ret- some opposition politicians The southern African nation programme and to shun March,” the UN said on Tuesday cussed the Al Fashqa dispute ribution on Kenya for its troop received China’s Sinovac had planned to administer the vaccine hesitancy, misinfor- in its latest situation report on with Saudi Arabian officials and presence in Somalia since COVID-19 vaccine in the tourist Sinopharm vaccine to 53,000 mation and the negative con- Ethiopia. this week welcomed an offer 2011. Kenyan soldiers are part resort of Victoria Falls health workers and selected spiracy theories,” Mnangagwa Eritrean Information Min- by the United Arab Emirates to of the nearly 20,000 African yesterday as part of efforts to security forces when it rolled said before receiving his shot. ister Yemane Gebremeskel mediate the border impasse as Union forces in Somalia. encourage citizens to get inoc- out the first phase of its pro- China donated 400,000 didn’t answer his phone when well as a disagreement between Al Shabab has carried out ulated. gramme on February 18, but Sinopharm doses to Zimbabwe, Bloomberg called seeking Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia over numerous attacks on Kenyan Zimbabwe has registered only 44,135 people had been which went on to purchase 1.2 comment. the Grand Ethiopian Renais- soil since 2011 but recently vaccines from China, India and vaccinated by Tuesday, the million Sinovac doses. The report on the sance Dam. the rebel group’s activities Russia for emergency use but health ministry said. The second phase of Zim- deployment came as Ethiopian Egyptian President Abdel- have been centered around none so far from Western Mnangagwa received the babwe’s vaccination pro- Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Fattah El Sisi yesterday reit- five Kenyan counties that manufacturers. Sinovac shot and said the gramme will target teachers, admitted for the first time that erated his call on the need to border Somalia — Wajir, In a country where suspicion presence of some of his political members of the judiciary and Eritrean forces have been seek a binding legal agreement Mandera, Garissa, Tana River and scepticism often trump opponents showed that the security services as well as the backing his government’s regulating the filling and oper- and Lamu. facts, Mnangagwa’s vaccination country was united in fighting elderly, Mnangagwa said. forces in a conflict in Ethiopia’s ation of the dam. 10 ASIA THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021 India detects ‘double mutant’ virus variant; daily deaths at year’s high REUTERS — NEW DELHI “Double mutant variant” detected in India has detected a “double Maharashtra and New Delhi as the number mutant variant” of the novel of deaths from COVID-19 in the previous 24 coronavirus in 206 samples in the worst-hit western state of hours rose to 275, the most this year, taking Maharashtra, a senior the total to 160,441, government data government official said yesterday. showed. The new variant was also detected in nine samples in the some states,” the ministry said The health ministry said capital New Delhi, adding to in a statement. It did not states were “strongly advised” concern as the government elaborate. to restrict public observation of struggles with the highest India has already reported festivals. single-day tally of new infec- several cases of a variant first “Any laxity at this point in tions and deaths this year. detected in Britain, as well as ensuring strict adherence... to Genome sequencing and ones first found in South Africa contain the spread of COVID-19, analysis of samples from and Brazil. may result in losing the impetus Maharashtra state found muta- Yesterday, India reported and benefits that our country tions in the virus that do not 47,262 new infections over the has gained so far in managing A flooded park in the suburb of Windsor as the state of New South Wales experiences widespread match previously catalogued previous 24-hour period, the the virus,” the ministry said in flooding and severe weather, near Sydney, Australia, yesterday. “variants of concern” (VOC), the highest since early November, a statement. ministry said in a statement. taking its overall tally to 11.7 Alarmed by the surge, the Maharashtra is one of million. Only the United States federal government has India’s worst-affected states but and Brazil have higher announced it was expanding its Floods leave 2 dead in Australia as the ministry said it was not caseloads. nationwide inoculation cam- clear if the new variant was The number of deaths from paign to include everyone causing an upsurge there or in COVID-19 in India in the pre- above the age of 45 years, and evacuations, clean-up continue other states. vious 24 hours rose to 275, the appealed to people to get “Though VOCs and a new most this year, taking the total vaccinated. REUTERS — SYDNEY not get out of the vehicle was to move dogs, cattle, and even an double mutant variant have to 160,441, government data Total vaccinations in India, being investigated. emu, away from the flood waters. been found in India, these have showed. rank as world’s third highest, The bodies of two men were “It could very well be that In the country’s arid centre, water not been detected in numbers Several states announced behind the United States and found in Australia yesterday in the electrics totally failed and cascaded down the Uluru rock for- sufficient to either establish a a ban on large gatherings ahead China, but its ranking is lower on cars trapped in floodwaters, the he was simply unable to escape mation, a rare phenomenon direct relationship or explain of the Hindu festival of Holi this a per capita basis, the website first deaths linked to wild from the car which is an described by the national park as the rapid increase in cases in weekend. Our World in Data showed. weather in recent days that has absolute tragedy,” Laird said. “unique and extraordinary”. submerged houses, swept away Media reported police Prime Minister Scott Mor- livestock and cut off entire towns. found a second body in an rison said heavy-load heli- Vietnam seeks to diversify COVID-19 vaccine sources More than 40,000 people upturned utility vehicle in copters would transport food have been forced to flee their floodwaters in Queensland to supermarkets where supplies homes as torrential rain state. Gladys Berejiklian, were running short. REUTERS — HANOI the COVAX vaccine-sharing facility that the pro- sparked dangerous flash floods, premier of New South Wales, “The expanse of water that jected deliveries of COVID-19 vaccines to all and authorities issued new the worst-hit state, warned that went right across that region Vietnam yesterday called for urgent diversifi- countries, including Vietnam, had to be delayed evacuation orders for residents water levels would keep rising was quite devastating to see,” cation of its sources for COVID-19 vaccines amid due to production delays. “Vietnam is now due of Sydney’s western regions to in some areas as major dams Morrison said in parliament global supply problems, as the Southeast Asian to receive 811,200 doses of the AstraZeneca move to safety. In some other overflowed and rivers bulged, after he toured flood-affected country pushes forward with an inoculation vaccine in the next three weeks,” Unicef said. areas, a massive clean-up oper- with thousands of people were areas by helicopter. programme that began earlier this month. “This quantity is smaller than previously ation began as sunny skies on evacuation watch. Several hundred defence “COVID-19 vaccine supplies for Vietnam have announced for the first shipment.” returned for the first time in “Catchments will continue force personnel would be sent been impacted by the complicated developments The government has previously said it would days, and food and other emer- to experience flows of water not to flood-affected areas over the of the coronavirus pandemic in the world,” the acquire a total of 150 million vaccine doses, gency supplies were flown in seen in 50 years and in some next few days to help in the government said in a statement. through direct purchases from producers and over swamped roads. places 100 years,” Berejiklian recovery, said Emergency Man- Vietnam’s Drug Administration has asked via the COVAX vaccine-sharing scheme. Authorities were trying to told reporters in Sydney. agement Minister David Little- importers to try to secure as soon as possible safe The Ministry of Health said last week that contact the family of a Pakistani The Insurance Council of proud. “Their job will be out vaccines from more sources, including Astra- Vietnam’s first domestically developed COVID-19 national whose body was found Australia, the main industry there cleaning up, making sure Zeneca, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Russia’s vaccine, called Nanocovax, is expected to be by emergency services in a car body, said about 17,000 that we get rid of the debris, Sputnik V, Moderna and China’s Sinovac, the put into use in 2022, noting that four Viet- under six metres of water in damages claims worth about having boots on the ground,” statement said. namese companies were engaged in vaccine Sydney’s northwest. A$254.2m ($193.32m) had been Littleproud said. Australian Rail Vietnam’s vaccination campaign, which was research and production and two were under- Police had determined the lodged by last morning across Track Corp (ARTC) partially launched on March 8, has relied solely on the taking human tests. man was driving a brand new New South Wales and reopened Hunter Valley coal batch of 117,600 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine The Southeast Asian country has been praised car, on the first day of a new job Queensland. Homes have been rail lines to Newcastle, the it received last month. The country has so far for its efforts to contain the virus through mass and unfamiliar with the rural submerged, livestock swept world’s biggest coal export port, approved the AstraZeneca and Sputnik V vac- testing and tracing and strict quarantining. It has area, New South Wales Police away and crops inundated. but not before supply concerns cines for use against COVID-19. recorded 2,576 COVID-19 infections and 35 Detective Inspector Chris Laird There have also been many lifted thermal coal prices to two Earlier yesterday, Unicef said on behalf of deaths due to the disease. told media. The reason he could animal rescues, with craft used year highs near $100 a tonne. India antitrust Aid workers struggle to reunite Rohingya kids separated by deadly fire watchdog orders REUTERS — COX'S BAZAR refugee agency, UNHCR, said probe into some children were looking for Aid workers searched yesterday their parents, in another trauma WhatsApp’s new to reunite Rohingya Muslim for many of the families that privacy policy families separated when a huge fled from their homes in fire swept through the world’s western Myanmar when the biggest refugee settlement in military there launched an REUTERS — NEW DELHI Bangladesh, forcing about offensive against Rohingya 45,000 people from their insurgents in 2017. The Competition Commission bamboo and plastic homes. “This is a very difficult situ- of India (CCI) yesterday The blaze, the latest and ation and our heart goes out to ordered a probe into the biggest over the past year in the the thousands of refugees who privacy policy update crowded camps in southeast have yet met another disaster,” announced by Facebook- Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar dis- UNHCR official Ita Schuette said owned WhatsApp, saying the trict, killed 15 people on Monday in a video message posted on messaging service breached with hundreds missing, the Twitter from Cox’s Bazar. antitrust laws in the guise of United Nations said. Witnesses said that barbed its policy update. Bangladeshi authorities say wire fencing put up around the WhatsApp said in January they are investigating the cause. camp had trapped many people it was updating its privacy Some 1 million Rohingya ref- during the fire. policy to allow it to share some ugees live in camps in Cox’s Bazar International humanitarian user data with parent with little hope of returning to agencies have called for the Facebook and other group their homes in Buddhist-majority removal of the wire but the firms, resulting in a global Myanmar, where most have been deputy Bangladesh government backlash against the mes- refused citizenship and face official in charge of the ref- saging app including in its persecution. ugees, Mohammad Shamsud biggest market, India. Ayesha Bibi, 60, was Douza, said the fencing was not WhatsApp told the anti- relieved to be reunited with her Rohingya refugees search for valuable materials in the ashes after a massive fire broke out two days a major issue. trust body that the policy husband after assuming him ago and destroyed thousands of shelters in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, yesterday. “It spread so quickly that update, which becomes dead but said they once again some people who could not effective in May, raised no faced ruin. “Nothing is left but Bibi and her 85-year-old wall were all that remained of the scorched debris of what was come out instantly died,” he competition law concerns, ashes,” Bibi said. husband sat under a tarpaulin a camp hospital built with his home, picking over scraps said, putting the death toll at 11. according to a copy of the anti- “Our home in Myanmar as aid agencies set up tents in Turkish support. of his half-burned school books. “It was not the barbed wire trust order reviewed by was burned down. Here also place of their huts. Nearby, Nearby Mohammed “I’m so sad, all my books fencing that prevented them Reuters. we’re losing our shelter.” some iron pipes and a boundary Bokheri, 10, was poking through are ruined,” he said. The UN from escaping.” Myanmar military frees hundreds of detained protesters Mother convicted of killing

REUTERS — YANGON military did not answer calls. It was not clear what pots and pans in an act of oppo- four children loses appeal “All the released are the prompted the junta to release sition to the military. AP — CANBERRA Myanmar’s ruling junta ones arrested due to the pro- the detainees, although it has Earlier in Mandalay, the yesterday freed hundreds of tests, as well as night arrests or faced repeated calls from funeral took place of a seven- A woman convicted of smothering her four children over a decade people arrested in its those who were out to buy foreign governments and year-old girl killed on Tuesday lost an appeal in a Sydney court yesterday against an inquiry’s crackdown on protests against something,” said a member of organisations to do so. - the youngest known victim of conclusion that her victims had not died of natural causes. the overthrow of the elected a legal advisory group who said At least 275 people have the crackdown. Soldiers shot at A growing number of scientists say Kathleen Folbigg is the victim government, while businesses he saw about 15 buses leaving. been killed as the security her father in their home but hit of a miscarriage of justice, though many others consider the series in Yangon were shut and streets Among those freed was forces employed lethal force to the girl, Khin Myo Chit, who was of deaths too tragic to be bad luck alone. The New South Wales state deserted in a strike called by Thein Zaw, a journalist for AP quell the unrest, according to sitting on his lap, Myanmar Now Court of Appeal dismissed her application for a review of a judge’s anti-coup activists. who was arrested last month. the AAPP. Five more people reported. ruling that “makes her guilt of these offenses even more certain.” Several buses full of pris- The Assistance Association were wounded in Mandalay, On Tuesday night, soldiers Her last hope of early release now lies with a petition for a oners drove out of Yangon’s for Political Prisoners (AAPP) Myanmar’s second city, after raided the family home in pardon lodged this month with the state governor. Folbigg’s con- Insein Prison in the morning, activist group says at least 2,000 nightfall on Wednesday, Chanmyathazi township, victions would still stand, but she would be released. The petition lawyers and other witnesses said. people have been arrested in the Myanmar Now media outlet apparently to take away the carried the signatures of 91 scientists, medical practitioners and There was no word from author- military crackdown on protests reported. It quoted residents child’s body, but the family had related professionals including two Nobel laureates. Folbigg, now ities on how many prisoners that broke out following the coup saying security forces started already gone into hiding with 53, was convicted in 2003 of murdering three of her children and were freed. A spokesman for the on February 1. shooting after people banged the corpse, Myanmar Now said. the manslaughter of a fourth. She has consistently denied guilt. THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021 ASIA 11 North Korea tests 2 short-range missiles; US open to dialogue

REUTERS — SEOUL/WASHINGTON “nothing much has changed”, Blinken vowed to work to denu- Korean lawmaker, said Seoul latest North Korea action The North Korean tests while one senior U.S. official clearize North Korea and criti- and Washington had agreed not appeared “pretty mild”. North Korea fired two short- involved weapons systems said it was “normal” testing and cized its “systemic and wide- to announce their detection of “My guess is that it has more range missiles at the weekend, at the low end of the warned against “hyping” it. spread” human rights abuses the missile test, citing a briefing to do with the joint exercises US and South Korean officials spectrum that were not “No, according to the while in Seoul with the US by intelligence officials. than anything else,” she said, said, but Washington played covered by UN Security Defense Department it’s Defense Secretary. Opposition lawmakers and referring to joint US-South down the first such tests under business as usual. There’s no North Korea has refused to some experts said the US con- Korean military exercises this President Joe Biden and said it Council testing bans, two new wrinkle in what they did,” engage with repeated behind- firmation indicated a coordi- month. North Korea has criti- was still open to dialogue with senior officials of the Biden Biden told reporters upon his the-scenes US diplomatic over- nation failure between the cized the exercises even though Pyongyang. administration told a return from a visit to Ohio, tures since mid-February, allies, and suggested Seoul they were scaled back in an The North Korean tests briefing. South Korea’s when asked if the test was a calling them a “cheap trick”. might be trying to cover up a effort to get nuclear talks involved weapons systems at Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) provocation. Senior US officials said the provocation as it seeks to restarted. the low end of the spectrum that The Pentagon declined to administration’s North Korea improve cross-border ties. North Korea has continued were not covered by UN said two cruise missiles comment on the test, which was policy review was in its “final “It could’ve indeed been a to develop its nuclear and missile Security Council testing bans, were fired off North first reported by the Washington stages” and would host the routine, pre-planned activity,” programs throughout 2020 in two senior officials of the Biden Korea’s west coast town of Post. North Korea’s mission to national security advisers of said Kim Dong-yup, a professor violation of UN sanctions dating administration told a briefing Onchon on Sunday. the United Nations did not allies Japan and South Korea at Kyungnam University in back to 2006, helping fund them call on Tuesday. immediately respond to a next week to discuss that. Seoul. “But I can’t help asking if with some $300m stolen through South Korea’s Joint Chiefs request for comment. The officials said there had the government and the JCS cyber hacks, according to inde- of Staff (JCS) said two cruise advanced weapons such as China’s response was sim- been “very little dialogue or were walking on eggshells so as pendent UN sanctions missiles were fired off North nuclear bombs and ballistic ilarly muted. “We urge all interaction” with North Korea not to upset North Korea.” monitors. Korea’s west coast town of missiles nearly in real time but parties to continue dialogue and since a failed summit between The JCS official said it does North Korea has not tested Onchon on Sunday morning. not some tests of lower grade, consultation, work together to former President Donald Trump not disclose some North Korean a nuclear weapon or an ICBM South Korea had detected shorter range weapons. keep the situation calm,” foreign and North Korean leader Kim activities to protect its recon- since 2017, but conducted signs a test was imminent and The launch marks North ministry spokeswoman Hua Jong Un in Hanoi in February naissance assets based on con- several tests of shorter-ranges was monitoring it in real time, Korea’s first publicly known Chunying told a regular news 2019, but they did not see the sultations with the US military. missiles after the Hanoi summit a JCS official told reporters on weapons test since Biden took briefing in Beijing yesterday. latest test as “closing the door” Jenny Town, director of 38 broke down. The Trump admin- Wednesday. The JCS reports office in January. But Biden The test came just days after to talks. North, a US-based website that istration also sought to play North Korea’s testing of downplayed the test, saying US Secretary of State Antony Ha Tae-keung, a South tracks North Korea, said the down such tests. Islamabad to Philippine troops kill close schools 16 rebels in clashes until April 11

AP — COTABATO, THE PHILIPPINES withdrew after a brief exchange to curb third of gunfire that left one militant The Philippine military said dead, military officials said. wave of virus yesterday that its troops have Another clash took place on AP — ISLAMABAD killed at least 16 rebels aligned Tuesday in nearby Guindu- with the Islamic State (IS) group lungan town when troops Pakistan Education Minister in a series of clashes over the battled militants who entered Shafqat Mahmood said last week that have displaced a rural village and alarmed res- yesterday the government is thousands of villagers in a idents. The fighting left one mil- ordering the closure of schools southern province. itant dead, military officials in the capital, Islamabad and The heaviest fighting began said. in several high-risk cities until on March 17 and lasted four Army Col. Pedro Balisi April 11. days in Maguindanao prov- thanked villagers and town Pakistan has reported ince’s Datu Saudi Ampatuan officials in the predominantly 637,042 virus cases and 13,965 town, regional military Muslim province for reporting deaths from coronavirus since spokesman Lt. Col. John Paul the presence of the gunmen. last year. Pakistan is currently Baldomar said. He said troops “With their help we can facing a third wave of corona- killed 14 militants, from both effectively address the threat virus infections. the Bangsamoro Islamic of these violent extremist Pakistan’s top health Freedom Fighters and the groups,” he said. official said yesterday his Dawlah Islamiyah groups, and The pockets of fighting in country will purchase 1 Kim attends public event wounded another 25. Maguindanao underscore the million doses of China’s North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attending a ceremony to inaugurate the start of construction on Baldomar said the fighting, remaining threats to the rel- Sinopharm vaccine and the first phase of a project to eventually build 50,000 new apartments, in Pyongyang, North Korea, which wounded three sol- ative tranquility fostered by a 60,000 doses of the vaccine yesterday. diers, erupted after the mili- 2014 peace deal signed by the made by Chinese company tants threatened to attack a government and the largest CanSino Biologics. village and a security outpost. armed group, the Moro Islamic Faisal Sultan, a special Troops recovered seven Liberation Front. The Moro assistant to the prime minister, Singapore court homemade explosives and rebels are now supporting gov- said on Twitter that an order Malaysia decides to put two firearms from the scene ernment forces in the fight has been placed for the pur- orders blogger to of the fighting. against smaller bands of chase of Chinese-made vac- planned deportations During the height of the militants. cines which will be delivered pay PM $98,825 in fighting, about 5,700 families Many of the militants broke to Pakistan within days. defamation case had to flee to safety, the mil- off from the Moro Islamic Lib- The purchases will be in to Myanmar on hold itary said, noting that the eration Front and continued addition to 1.5 million doses of REUTERS — SINGAPORE fighting there had subsided. sporadic attacks after the main vaccine which China is REUTERS — KUALA LUMPUR Myanmar this month had More fighting broke out on Moro rebel group ended donating to Pakistan in phases. offered to send three more The Singapore high court has Monday when a smaller group decades of separatist insur- Without giving more Malaysia decided yesterday to navy ships to pick up its people ordered a blogger to pay Prime of militants attacked a military rection and negotiated an details, Sultan said Pakistan postpone planned deportations detained in Malaysia, one of the Minister Lee Hsien Loong outpost in a village in Shariff autonomy deal for minority will also receive several to Myanmar until after a sources said. Malaysia’s foreign S$133,000 ($98,825) in Aguak town, also in Muslims in the south of the million doses of vaccines in proposed emergency regional ministry directed queries to the damages in a defamation case Maguindanao. The gunmen largely Roman Catholic nation. April. summit to discuss the crisis home affairs ministry and filed by the city-state’s leader, there brought on by a military immigration department, according to a judgment coup, sources familiar with the neither of which responded to released yesterday. matter said. requests for comment. Lee had sued Leong Sze Right groups raised con- Indonesia last week called Hian, a financial advisor, after cerns over the safety of on Brunei, the current chair of he shared on Facebook an deportees when Malaysia sent Asean, to convene an urgent online news article that linked back 1,086 Myanmar nationals meeting to discuss the situation the premier to a financial on Myanmar navy ships last in Myanmar, amid a violent scandal at Malaysia’s state month, just weeks after the mil- crackdown on anti-coup pro- fund 1MBD. itary had seized power in a Feb- testers. Malaysia backed Indo- Lee’s lawyers have said ruary 1 coup. nesia’s call, but it is unclear such links were “false and Detained in Malaysia for whether, or when, that meeting baseless”. Leong had deleted immigration offences, they were would be held. the November 2018 Facebook deported despite a court order Malaysia came under post within three days of halting the plan. Rights groups international pressure after sharing it, complying with a had told the court that children sending back the Myanmar government request. and asylum-seekers fleeing per- nationals last month, with dip- Judge Aedit Abdullah in his secution in Myanmar were lomats saying Kuala Lumpur decision said he did not find among those being deported. was legitimising the coup by that Leong “can reasonably Three Malaysian sources accepting the junta’s proposal claim that the defamatory familiar with the matter said to take back the detainees. words did not impugn” Lee’s the decision to delay a plan to Malaysia said the people character as the article had deport a second batch until deported last month were suggested that the premier after a proposed meeting of the undocumented migrants and was, at the very least, involved Association of Southeast Asian did not include ethnic Rohingya in serious and dishonest Nations (Asean to discuss the refugees or asylum-seekers. criminal activity. Myanmar crisis was taken at a But concerns have per- A total of 45 people HK temporarily suspends Pfizer vaccine cabinet meeting yesterday. sisted as the UN refugee agency responded to Leong’s post, for The sources requested ano- has been denied access to which the privacy settings were People queue up at a vaccination centre after Hong Kong temporarily suspended COVID-19 vaccine nymity as they were not detainees for more than a year set to public, said the judge. from a single batch of Pfizer/BioNTech shots due to packaging defects, in Hong Kong, yesterday. authorised to speak to media. to verify their status. Leong had previously said he “merely shared” an article from a Malaysian online news site without adding any comments China bashes US over racism, inequality, pandemic response or changing the content. The prime minister’s press AP — BEIJING American who was declared and health disparities. continue to prosper under its the outbreak - and by extension, secretary said the matter has dead last May after a police “What happened on Capitol current democratic system? I what it sees as the benefits of been decided by the judge and China took the US to task officer pressed his knee against Hill revealed the shortcomings would put a question mark on it.” its system. Lee has nothing further to add. yesterday over racism, financial Floyd’s neck for about nine of US democracy,” Chang Jian, China issues the report each “To defeat the epidemic Leong said he was glad his inequality and the federal minutes. the director of a center for year in response to US criticism requires mutual help, solidarity ordeal was over, but he was government’s response to the The document released by human rights studies at Nankai of its record on issues such as and cooperation among all disappointed. He said he coronavirus in an annual report the State Council Information University in Tianjin, China, said abuses against minority groups countries. However, the United would seek legal advice over that seeks to counter US accu- Office said the US in 2020 “saw at a government news in the western regions of Xinjiang States, which has always con- the judgment, as well as listen sations of human rights abuses its own epidemic situation go conference. and Tibet and a crackdown on sidered itself an exception and to views of other Singapo- by China’s ruling Communist out of control, accompanied by “And that is the two political opposition voices in Hong Kong. superior, saw its own epidemic reans. As the head of a gov- Party. political disorder, inter-ethnic parties would sometimes do eve- It has used the COVID-19 situation go out of control, ernment that has pledged zero The 28-page report issued conflicts, and social division.” rything they can to advance their pandemic, which has killed accompanied by political dis- tolerance of corruption, Lee, by China’s Cabinet opens with It also highlighted the Jan. 6 own interests.... They would incite many more people in the U.S. order, inter-ethnic conflicts, 69, is no stranger to seeking to “I can’t breathe,” a reference to insurrectionist attack on the division and violence among the than in China, to highlight the and social division,” the report protect his reputation via legal George Floyd, the Black Capitol as well as gun violence people. So can U.S. society Communist Party’s handling of said. channels. 12 EUROPE THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021 Merkel ditches stricter lockdown after backlash

REUTERS — BERLIN The idea of an Easter courage,” ran a headline in the online edition of the mass- Chancellor Angela Merkel shutdown was selling Bild daily above a picture ditched a plan agreed on drafted with the best of Merkel and two state leaders. Tuesday for an extended Easter The HDE association of holiday to try to break a third of intentions. We retailers welcomed Merkel’s wave of the coronavirus urgently need to stop announcement yesterday, pandemic, apologising to and reverse the third saying that closing stores for an lockdown-weary Germans after extra day ahead of Easter would the hastily-conceived plan trig- wave of the pandemic. have led to logistical problems gered a backlash. But it was not and prompted shoppers to rush At talks that ran into the to stock up earlier. early hours of Tuesday, Merkel possible to implement “With today’s decision, a bit and the leaders of Germany’s the measures so of reason is returning to coro- 16 states had agreed to call on navirus policy,” HDE President citizens to stay at home for five quickly, Merkel said. Stefan Genth said. days over the Easter holidays, Finance Minister Olaf German Chancellor Angela Merkel removes her protective mask to make a statement following talks declaring April 1 and April 3 as Scholz, who is also vice-chan- via video conference with Germany’s state premiers, at the Chancellery in Berlin, yesterday. extra “rest days”. Merkel told reporters cellor, said Merkel made the The measure would have yesterday. right decision to reverse plans Merkel to ask parliament for a frustration over the slow 2,690,523, while the death toll meant all stores, including But it was not possible to for a stricter lockdown over vote of confidence, saying on vaccine rollout and the rose by 248 to 75,212. essential ones, closing for an implement the measures so Easter but he said the gov- Twitter: “The Chancellor can no extended lockdown measures, The number of cases per extra day. It was met by harsh quickly, Merkel said. She apol- ernment had to avoid similar longer be certain of her coali- as well as a scandal over the 100,000 in the last seven days, criticism, with businesses ogised for added uncertainty mishaps in coming weeks or tion’s full support.” procurement of face masks. which the government has used lamenting more shutdowns and that it had raised for Germans. risk further eroding A poll released yesterday The conservative bloc has as a key metric to decide on medical experts saying the new “This mistake is mine confidence. showed public support for Mer- yet to settle on a chancellor can- lockdown steps, was stable at measures were not tough alone,” she said. “We have to make sure that kel’s conservatives slumping to didate, and is already missing 108. enough to prevent the expo- Her comments came against such a mistake won’t be its lowest in over a year ahead the “Merkel bonus” she has “I am convinced that we will nential spread of more infec- a backdrop of growing public repeated, we have to prepare of a national election in Sep- brought them with four consec- beat the virus together,” Merkel tious variants of the virus. frustration with the conserv- such decisions well and in a tember. Merkel, who has led utive national election said yesterday. “The path is dif- “The idea of an Easter ative-led government over the better way in the future,” he told Germany since 2005, has said victories. ficult and rocky, and it is shutdown was drafted with the slow rollout of COVID-19 vac- reporters yesterday. she will not stand for a fifth term. Germany, with a total pop- marked by successes but also best of intentions. We urgently cines and extended lockdown Christian Lindner, head of The CDU suffered historic ulation of 83 million, reported by mistakes and setbacks. But need to stop and reverse the measures. the opposition pro-business defeats in two state elections another 15,813 infections yes- the virus will slowly but surely third wave of the pandemic,” “No plan, no clue, no Free Democrats, called on this month, hit by public terday, bringing the total to become less scary.” UK plan for tougher asylum-seeker rules draws criticism EU moves toward stricter AP — LONDON deaths we must stop the trade she told the BBC. “We will The new UK measures — vaccine export controls in people that cause them.” create safe and legal routes to which have not yet been made The British government said Refugee groups and immi- enable people to come to the into legislation and approved by yesterday it will toughen immi- gration lawyers say the plan United Kingdom in a safe way.” Parliament — also include longer AP — BRUSSELS six weeks and believes that it gration rules to make it harder unfairly discriminates against Successive British govern- sentences for people-smugglers stands at the forefront of inter- for people who arrive by unau- refugees based on the way they ments have grappled with the and tougher checks to catch adults The European Union moved national vaccine-sharing thorised routes such as small got to the UK. issue of migrants using northern claiming to be children. The gov- yesterday toward imposing efforts. boats and truck stowaways to “The proposals effectively France as a launching point to ernment also promised to speed stricter export controls for Under a less stringent be given asylum. create an unfair two-tiered reach Britain, either by stowing up asylum decisions and quickly coronavirus vaccines, seeking export control system in force Home Secretary Priti Patel system, whereby someone’s case away in trucks or on ferries, or remove those who fail — promises to make sure there are more so far, only one vaccine said asylum-seekers who come and the support they receive is in small boats organized by British governments have made COVID-19 shots to boost the shipment in 381 has been to Britain through organized, judged on how they entered the people smugglers. In 2020, and failed to keep for years. bloc’s flagging vaccine barred. That was supposed to sponsored routes, will have country and not on their need for about 8,500 people arrived in Critics of the government campaign as new infections be sent to Australia, which has their refugee claims considered protection,” said Mike Adamson, Britain by crossing the Channel say bureaucratic backlogs left surge. a very limited coronavirus out- promptly and will be given chief executive of the British Red in small boats, and several died many asylum-seekers waiting The EU’s executive body break compared to the third support to settle. Those who Cross. “This is inhumane.” trying to make the journey. years for decisions on their said on the eve of a summit of surge of infections that many sneak into the country will only But Patel said the changes Others have died while being status. The coronavirus pan- the EU’s 27 leaders that it has a EU nations are now facing. be given temporary permission are needed to stop illegal smuggled by truck, including 39 demic has bogged down the plan to guarantee that more World Health Organisation to stay, will receive limited ben- people-smuggling rings, and Vietnamese migrants found dead system even further. vaccines produced in the bloc officials say new infections are efits and will be “regularly reas- will make the system fairer in a refrigerated container in The UK government says are available for its own cit- rising across Europe after pre- sessed for removal from the because it won’t give an 2019 in the English town of Grays, 35,099 people made asylum izens even if it comes at the cost viously declining for six weeks. U.K.” advantage to those who can pay east of London. applications in Britain in the of helping nations outside the “We have secured more Patel said the system would for their passage. The British and French gov- year to March 2020. That’s bloc. than enough doses for the be “fair but firm.” “What is inhumane is ernments have worked for about a third of the number of The EU move is expected to entire population. But we have “People are dying at sea, in allowing people to be smuggled years to stop the people-smug- applicants in Germany and less be a blow to Britain, whose to ensure timely and sufficient lorries and in shipping con- through illegal migration, and gling journeys, without much than half the total for Spain and speedy vaccination rollout has vaccine deliveries to EU cit- tainers,” she said. “To stop the that is what we want to stop,” success. France. been eyed with envy by many izens,” von der Leyen said. EU nations, especially since it “Every day counts.” came as the UK formally com- The EU has been feuding COVID-19 data pleted its Brexit divorce from with AstraZeneca for months the bloc. The latest figures show in a dispute over exactly how in Ireland a that 45 percent of British adults many vaccine doses would be have had at least one vaccine delivered by certain dates. ‘worrying’ factor, shot, compared to less than 14 Several vaccine producers, percent for the bloc. including Pfizer-BioNTech says Deputy PM The EU Commission said it and AstraZeneca, were hit by would proceed on a case-by- production delays over the REUTERS — DUBLIN case basis but attention cen- winter, just as worldwide tered on the UK and the Anglo- demands for coronavirus vac- A sharp week-on-week rise in Swedish company AstraZeneca, cines soared. the number of people in which has two vaccine factories British Prime Minister Boris Ireland being referred for in EU territory. Johnson has sought to ease the COVID-19 testing this week is “I mention specifically the tensions over vaccines, a “worrying” development, UK,” said EU Commission Vice- speaking by phone in the past Deputy Prime Minister Leo President Valdis Dombrovskis. few days to European leaders Varadkar said, as the Since the end of January, “some including von der Leyen and government weighs a slight 10 million doses have been French President Emmanuel easing of restrictions. exported from the EU to the UK Macron. Ireland has been under and zero doses have been “We’re all fighting the same strict lockdown since late exported from UK to the EU.” pandemic across the whole of December, which the gov- “So it’s clear that we also the European continent,” ernment says will be gradually need to look at those aspects of Johnson told a news conference unwound over the coming reciprocity and proportion- on Tuesday evening. months. An easing of limits ality,” he said. “Vaccines are an interna- keeping people to within 5km European Commission tional operation,” he said, of their homes, permitting some Lockdown fallout President Ursula von der Leyen adding that the UK would “con- outdoor sports and a reopening said the EU has approved the tinue to work with European of construction are under con- Two people walk past the TUI travel centre, amid the coronavirus disease outbreak, in Hemel export of 41 million vaccine partners to deliver the vaccine sideration for April 5. Hempstead, Britain, yesterday. doses to 33 countries in the last rollout. While the number of cases per 100,000 people measured over the past 14 days has fallen to 158 from a high of more than Italy PM decries ‘neglecting’ of elderly in vaccine access 1,500 during Ireland’s deadliest wave to date in January, infec- AP — ROME together in the preceding vaccinated while, say, uni- rollout. “As far as vaccine cov- daily Corriere della Sera, on the tions have begun to gradually months.” versity professors whose class- erage goes for those older than basis of that research, con- rise over the last week or so. Italian Premier Mario Draghi Italy’s regions largely wield rooms are unlikely to open 80, unfortunately there persists cluded that concentrating the Citing data from an online yesterday decried that various autonomy in how health care anytime soon due to COVID-19 major regional differences that vaccines on the over-80 bracket community tracker run by interest groups are getting their is delivered to their residents. restrictions have received jabs. are very difficult to accept," the could have saved 1,700 lives local doctors, which has pro- members COVID-19 vaccines Many have designated cate- Many such laments of premier said. instead of 600. vided an early warning sign in before people older than 80 gories of workers or profes- injustice have come from Italy’s The ISPI political research Draghi did sound some pos- previous waves, Varadkar said receive the shots. sional associations to get pri- Lombardy region, which has think tank has calculated that itive notes in his speech, which a doubling of the average In a speech to Italy’s Senate, ority in signing up for shots. suffered the most pandemic the mortality rate in Italy would came ahead of a meeting of number of cases meeting test Draghi complained that not all In the tiny southern region deaths in the country by far, as have dropped by nearly 40 European Union leaders to criteria meant higher infection the nation’s regions are fol- of Molise, journalists are a pri- well as from Tuscany. percent in the first months of discuss the EU’s progress in numbers were likely in the lowing the Health Ministry’s ority group. Lawyers have pri- In Italy, 23 percent of the the year had the vaccination vaccinations. next few days. directives that gives vaccine ority in Sicily, whether or not population is 65 or older, campaign concentrated on the The pace of shots in the EU The head of Ireland’s priority to older age groups. their work takes them into making it the world’s second- over-80 population. generally has been slow- health service operator, Paul “Some (regions) are courtrooms or leaves them oldest country. By Wednesday, Instead it dropped by just moving compared to Britain Reid, said yesterday that neglecting their elderly in favor alone in offices. roughly 2.5 million of the 10 percent as Italy, with and the United States. although the number of people of groups that proclaim priority, Older citizens and their nation’s 4.3 people residents Europe’s second-highest death Draghi told the lawmakers in hospital continued to fall, probably on the basis of some adult children have taken to older than 80 had received at toll in the pandemic, has that 86 percent of care home swabbing referrals were up 35 contractual influence,’’ Draghi complaining, some by calling in least one shot of a COVID-19 reported a few hundred virus- residents have received at least percent week-on-week on said. ”We must be united in to radio shows, about indi- vaccine. related deaths every day for one vaccine dose, and two- Monday and 42 percent on emerging form the pandemic, viduals in their late 80s and 90s Draghi took to task the weeks now. thirds of them are fully vacci- Tuesday. just as we have suffered it who haven’t been able to get uneven quality of Italy’s vaccine Private La7 TV and Italian nated against COVID-19. THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021 EUROPE 13 US won’t force ‘us or them’ choice with China: Blinken

BLOOMBERG — BRUSSELS “China is a country with Nato, European Union and that doesn’t share our Belgian leaders that Blinken is The Biden administration won’t using to repudiate the Trump- demand that its allies make a values. They actually era approach in which the US choice between the US and try and undermine the demanded that other countries China, Secretary of State Antony boost spending immediately Blinken said, offering the most international rules- and choose between the US and cogent explanation yet for based order,” Nato China. In one example, Trump’s efforts to restore alliances after Secretary-General administration warned coun- four years of “America First.” tries that they might risk access “The United States won’t Jens Stoltenberg said. to US intelligence if they incor- force our allies into an us-or- porated China’s 5G technology them choice with China,” into their next-generation tel- Blinken said in a speech at Nato saying the country’s rise had ecommunications networks. headquarters in Brussels yes- “dire consequences” for the In a news conference yes- terday. “We will rely on inno- security of its members. terday, Blinken also discussed vation, not ultimatums.” “China is a country that Nord Stream 2. He acknowl- The US wants to out- doesn’t share our values,” edged that the US and Germany compete with China, not simply Stoltenberg told reporters fol- have a “real disagreement” over seek to defeat it, Blinken said. lowing a two-day meeting of the pipeline from Russia to The top American diplomat said Nato foreign ministers in Germany, which the Biden that the US and its allies need Brussels. “They actually try and administration, like Trump’s, A general view of the meeting room on the second day of a Nato Foreign Ministers’ meeting at the to come together to develop undermine the international believes shouldn’t be built. Alliance’s headquarters in Brussels, yesterday. technologies when the benefits rules-based order.” of trading with China must be The US still says Nato weighed against the risks. members should boost their “Consider 5G, where China’s defence spending to 2 percent Engage Russia but remain 'clear-eyed' while doing so technology brings serious sur- of gross domestic product by REUTERS — BRUSSELS official to visit Nato since Biden with Russia to advance our difficult as they are now, then veillance risks,” he said of the 2024, a goal of the alliance that took office in January, charmed interests and advance alliance it is important to sit down and new wireless technology that became a key demand under The West must engage with allies with a conciliatory tone, interests, we will also work to discuss also difficult issues,” China’s Huawei Technologies former President Donald Trump. Russia to promote mutual after four years when Trump hold Russia to account for its Stoltenberg told journalists Co. may dominate. “We should But Blinken said there are other interests but remain “very portrayed the Western military reckless and adversary after foreign ministers of the bring together tech companies ways to measure allies’ commit- clear-eyed”, US Secretary of alliance as outdated, and casti- actions.” alliance met in Brussels. “Even from countries like Sweden, ments, suggesting President Joe State Antony Blinken said. gated members for spending too Stoltenberg lobbied for a without any improvement in Finland, South Korea, the US, Biden’s administration is pre- Nato Secretary General little on defence. revival of the Nato-Russia the relationship between Nato and use public and private pared to offer some leeway. Jens Stoltenberg called on Blinken called for a firm, Council that was created in allies and Russia, I believe that investments to foster a secure “We must acknowledge that Russia to resume dialogue shared position on Russia. 2002 to facilitate consultation at least we have to manage a and trustworthy alternative.” because allies have distinct through a council that has not “Ultimately, I think what between the Western military difficult relationship - on Nato Secretary General Jens capabilities and comparative met for two years, arguing that we can hope is to have a rela- alliance and Moscow. With transparency, risk reduction Stoltenberg told reporters yes- strengths, they will shoulder even a difficult relationship tionship with Russia that is at relations strained, the council and also addressing arms terday that the 30-nation their share of the burden in dif- needed to be managed to least predictable and stable,” last met in July 2019. control,” he said, adding it was alliance needed to adapt to the ferent ways,” Blinken said. reduce risks. he told a press conference in “Dialogue is important. up to Moscow to accept an growing threat from China, The speech is part of a visit Blinken, the first top US Brussels. “Even as we work Especially when times are invitation by Nato. Hungary hospitals under ‘extraordinary’ pressure as cases rise Repairman dies while working on REUTERS — BUDAPEST with fast and strict lockdown infections, fuelled by the more to the hospital as hospitals are Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s measures. contagious variant first found struggling under an extraor- government, aggravating a massive sculpture Hospitals in Hungary are under However, the third wave in Britain, have increased dinary burden,” Surgeon years-long shortage of medical AP — COPENHAGEN “extraordinary” pressure from this year has swept the region further this week. General Cecilia Muller told a staff during the third wave of rising novel coronavirus with a vengeance, with Hungary Poland reported a record briefing. the pandemic. Police in Denmark say a (COVID-19) infections and overtaking the Czech Republic daily tally of almost 30,000 Muller said so far around Hungary, which is at the top repairman died while working hundreds of volunteers have for the world’s worst per capita new coronavirus cases 500 volunteers — health stu- in the EU with vaccine imports on a steel column that is part joined hospitals to help treat death rate from COVID-19 in yesterday. dents and skilled healthcare and per capita vaccination rates of a massive sculpture in the patients, the surgeon general the past seven days, according A total of 18,952 people have staff — have joined hospitals according to data from the city of Herning. said yesterday. to figures from Our World in died of coronavirus in Hungary, after a plea went out from the European Centre for Disease Jutland region police said Like much of central and Data. a country with a population of government earlier this week. Prevention and Control, will the 46-year-old man was per- eastern Europe, Hungary While new infections in the close to 10 million. Earlier this month, about start vaccinating workers in forming maintenance work on managed to curb infections Czech Republic and Slovakia “I am asking you to do eve- 4,000 medical workers quit the critical infrastructure, such as the sculpture, titled “Elia,” and during the first wave of the pan- have started to decline now, in rything possible to avoid getting public health system over the Budapest Transport was nearing the top of the demic in March-April last year Hungary and Poland new infected and avoid having to go reforms begun by Company. 32-metre-high (105-feet-high) column when the crane operator hoisting him up lost radio contact late Tuesday Putin gets vaccinated, sets a afternoon. A rescue operation with good example for Russians another crane ended when the repairman was found sus- REUTERS — MOSCOW pended on the column and declared dead by a doctor at The Kremlin said yesterday that President Vladimir Putin had set the site. a good example to Russians by getting vaccinated against COVID-19 Police said it remained and that he would get the second of a two-shot vaccine in around unclear whether the man died three weeks. of a medical condition or an Putin had his first shot on Tuesday but declined to say which accident related to his work. of Russia’s three vaccines he received, the Kremlin said. It released “Elia,” created by Swedish- no photographs or video footage of him getting the shot. Danish sculptor Ingvar Cron- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also said that Russia’s hammar, was inaugurated in vaccine production had not been enough to satisfy demand in its year 2001. It consists of a regions at the beginning of the year but production had since been spherical central dome with a ramped up. diameter of 60 meters (200 Demand in Russia for the vaccine was increasing but it was feet) and four tall columns. A not surging, he told reporters. tube in the centre of the “Although of course, factors such as the president getting vac- sculpture is designed ran- cinated are a good example for many, many citizens, at least we domly blast flames some eight hope it will be,” Peskov said. metres (26 feet ) into the air at “Now we’ve managed to increase production, and the growth intervals. rate will be ensured in the coming months and all domestic needs, Danish media said it wasn’t which are an absolute priority, will be met,” he told reporters on the first time a person had died a conference call. in connection with the A file photo of opposition supporters in Belarus attending a rally to reject the presidential election Putin said on Monday that the decision to get vaccinated was artwork, part of the collection results and demand that President Alexander Lukashenko step down in Minsk. Sign on poster reads, a purely voluntary one for Russians. of the Herning Museum of “We will write the new constitution without you, self-appointed!” He said that 4.3 million Russians had so far got two shots of a Contemporary Art. vaccine, that vaccine production for domestic use was a priority, In 2016, a 21-year-old man and that output needed to be increased. died after falling from the UN agrees probe into torture, Russia has a population of about 144 million. dome, and later the same year The most well known Russian coronavirus vaccine is Sputnik a woman also the same way. V. Moscow has also given emergency approval to two others, Epi- As a result, a safety net was arrests in Belarus crackdown VacCorona and CoviVac. installed around the sculpture. REUTERS — GENEVA plaints of torture or ill- affairs of our state”. treatment in custody. Seven countries including The UN top human rights body On the basis of a resolution Russia, a close ally of Belarus, Slovak FM resigns as government totters agreed yesterday to set up a proposed by the European voted against the resolution, team of investigators to gather Union and approved by 20 while 20 others abstained. REUTERS — PRAGUE emerges from its worst coro- election, and his partners. evidence about the alleged countries, the Human Rights “With gross human rights navirus wave to date, which has President Zuzana Caputova excessive use of force and Council authorised a budget of violations occurring on a daily Slovak Foreign Minister Ivan overfilled hospitals and put Slo- joined the calls for his resig- torture by authorities in Belarus $2.5m and the hiring of nearly basis in Belarus, today’s vote by Korcok resigned yesterday vakia among Europe’s worst- nation on Tuesday, and for a during their post-election 20 experts and staff to conduct the Council will be important amid a crisis threatening the hit countries in recent weeks. new cabinet formed by the crackdown on protesters. the investigation. in identifying those responsible four-party government led by Korcok is a nominee of the same four parties to lead the Belarusian President Alex- “We must show our support for future prosecution,” said Prime Minister Igor Matovic, right-wing Freedom and Soli- country out of the health crisis. ander Lukashenko claimed to the people of Belarus and Dave Elseroad of the Human Korcok’s party said. darity Party (SaS), which has Matovic himself said on victory last August in a vote the hold perpetrators of grave Rights House Foundation in a Korcok is the sixth minister been demanding the gov- Sunday he was willing to quit opposition says was rigged and human rights violations joint statement issued by more to quit the cabinet since a coa- ernment be reformed with the but listed a series of conditions. marred with violations. accountable to end the vicious than 60 activist groups lition row erupted at the start same parties but under a new Among them are a spot for Lukashenko, who is 66 and has cycle of impunity,” Portugal’s including Human Rights Watch of March. It was sparked by prime minister. himself in any new cabinet but led his country since 1994, ambassador Rui Macieira, and the World Organization Matovic’s bypassing his coa- SaS and another coalition not for his main rival, SaS chief denies electoral fraud. speaking for the European against Torture. lition partners and ordering party, Za Ludi, have called on Richard Sulik. UN High Commissioner for Union, told the Geneva forum Russia’s ambassador, Russian Sputnik V coronavirus Matovic to quit after a year of OLANO’s Jaroslav Nad, the Human Rights Michelle yesterday. Gennady Gatilov, denounced vaccine, which has not been tumultuous governing filled defence minister, has said Bachelet has called on Minsk to Belarus’s ambassador, Yury the EU resolution as an cleared for usage by the EU’s with spats between Matovic, an Finance Minister Eduard Heger release people unlawfully Ambrazevich, described the “extreme case of politicisation” medicines agency, EMA. anti-corruption campaigner may become the prime minister arrested in the protests and to move as “yet another attempt and inteference in electoral The crisis hits the country whose OLANO movement sur- if there is an agreement on new investigate some 2,000 com- to interfere in the domestic issues. of 5.5 million as it slowly prisingly won last year’s government. 14 AMERICAS THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021 US and Mexico hold crisis talks amid migrant surge

AP — MEXICO CITY In a meeting with continue to stream out of those countries. A US delegation discussed Mexico Foreign Affairs Confusion and misinfor- immigration and regional Secretary Marcelo mation over Biden’s seemingly development in a series of Ebrard, the two more humane approach to meetings in Mexico on Tuesday immigrants and asylum seekers at a time when the rising delegations discussed has been a contributing factor. number of migrants arriving at “humanitarian Many migrants sensing a change their shared border has raised in attitude from the heavy- concerns in both countries. actions to spur, in handed Trump policies set out The administration of Pres- the short term, an during the first months of the ident Joe Biden is worried about year to try their luck. the number of migrant families inclusive economic Jacobson took the oppor- and unaccompanied children development in tunity to again try to send a arriving at the US-Mexico clear message to those thinking border in recent months. northern Central about migrating to the US “Don’t Former US ambassador America”. come to the border. The border Roberta Jacobson, the White is closed,” Jacobson said in House’s lead adviser on the Spanish in a message released White House border coordinator Roberta Jacobson and Mexico’s Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard border, and Juan González, the a statement released by the by the US embassy in Mexico. hold a meeting in Mexico City, yesterday. National Security Council’s Mexican government. She noted the danger of senior director for the Western Ebrard later emphasized the migrant smugglers and of Hemisphere, were accom- shared goal of development in traveling during the pandemic. families with children trying to support more development administration was employing panied by Ricardo Zúñiga, the the region to address migration. “Stay at home, stay safe and reach the northern border. That projects in the region. Biden has a more diplomatic approach newly named Special Envoy for “If we persevere and act wait for more information announcement was criticized spoken of sending $4bn in than Trump did, the US dele- the Northern Triangle. together... we can achieve that about the asylum process.” for coming on the same day that development aid. gation came in wanting “to have The new US administration these countries and southern Mexico finds itself once the US agreed to send COVID-19 Both sides they were the Mexicans do some of their has started to dismantle Trump- Mexico have a different future, again under pressure to slow vaccine to Mexico. focused on protecting the dirty work, which is yet again era policies that made it more have other possibilities,” he the movement of migrants In 2019, Mexico deployed its human rights of migrants, but to stop the flow of people difficult for asylum seekers, but said. “That no one has to across its territory. Last week, newly created National Guard ensuring a safe and orderly coming in on the southern have maintained some like the migrate due to poverty, inse- the government announced it to bolster immigration migration. Ultimately, they want border.” pandemic-related policy curity, desperation.” was imposing new measures at enforcement under pressure to reduce the push factors The situation is also an invoked by Trump that allowed The so-called Northern Tri- its southern border that would from the Trump administration, driving migrants from their opportunity for Mexico Pres- it to continue to return the angle countries of Guatemala, permit only essential crossings which had threatened crippling countries. The focus has been ident Andrés Manuel López majority of border crossers to Honduras and El Salvador have due to pandemic concerns. But tariffs on all Mexican imports. on economic factors, but yet to Obrador to extract more from Mexico. been the largest source of coming a year after the start of The Biden administration is be seen is how the new US the United States, she said. More In a meeting with Mexico migrants arriving at the US the pandemic many observers taking a more diplomatic administration will address help in facing the pandemic is Foreign Affairs Secretary southern border in recent years. saw it only as a cover for more approach, but similarly needs touchier subjects like cor- one thing López Obrador Marcelo Ebrard, the two dele- Plagued by endemic corruption immigration enforcement. Mexico’s cooperation. Mexico ruption in the region. already said he asked of Biden. gations discussed “humani- and violence, and more recently At the same time, Mexico has faced criticism for essen- Gladys McCormick, an asso- Additional resources to help tarian actions to spur, in the devastated by two major hur- deployed more immigration tially extending US immigration ciate professor in history at Syr- Mexico deal with the migrants short term, an inclusive eco- ricanes in November and the agents to the south and said it policy to its own southern acuse University’s Maxwell gathering at their shared border nomic development in northern economic impacts of the would focus on intercepting border. In return, Mexico has School of Citizenship and Public could be another, McCormick Central America,” according to COVID-19 pandemic, migrants unaccompanied children and pushed the US government to Affairs, said that while the Biden said. Brazil could approve Russia’s Brazil sees record virus deaths; Bolsonaro jeered REUTERS — RIO DE JANEIRO playing down the virus, sowing ceremony. Tapped by Bolsonaro activity to slow contagion, is producing the AstraZeneca Sputnik V doubts about vaccines and on March 15, Queiroga replaces according to a document seen vaccine that serves as the cor- Brazil suffered a record 3,251 fighting state and local Eduardo Pazuello, an active- by Reuters. nerstone of the government’s vaccine in days COVID-19 deaths on Tuesday, lockdown measures. duty army general who has Bolsonaro also received a vaccine rollout, said on Tuesday as pot-banging protests erupted In his brief televised overseen most of the pandemic setback when the country’s it would only deliver 18.8 REUTERS — BRASILIA across the country during an address, Bolsonaro said his gov- response. Supreme Court ruled his fierce million shots in April, down address by President Jair ernment had never failed to It remains to be seen what political rival, former leftist from an initial forecast of 30 The Brazilian pharmaceutical Bolsonaro in which he defended adopt measures to combat the path Queiroga will chart as President Luiz Inacio Lula da million. company that plans to produce his pandemic response and pandemic and said he would health minister. Pazuello’s two Silva, had not been treated Only 2.6 percent of Bra- Russia’s coronavirus vaccine pledged to ramp up vaccina- make 2021 the year of predecessors both left gov- impartially in graft probes that zilian adults have so far Sputnik V said on Tuesday it tions. vaccinations. ernment after clashing with led to his convictions. The received two vaccine doses, expects to overcome regu- The new record number of However, in cities across Bolsonaro’s views on COVID-19. decision appears certain to according to a Fiocruz survey, latory obstacles in “two or daily deaths underlines the Brazil, loud pot-banging pro- Bolsonaro has gained inter- ensure the far-right former while 7.6 percent of the popu- three” days to obtain author- scale of Brazil’s outbreak, which tests echoed through the night national notoriety for his efforts army captain will face Lula in lation, or 12.1 million people, ization to make and sell the is spiraling out of control thanks as many voiced their anger at to fight lockdowns, dismiss next year’s presidential vote in have received one shot. shot in Brazil. to a lumpy vaccine rollout and his handling of an outbreak that mask mandates and advocate which they are both expected The World Health Organi- After a 5-hour video con- a messy patchwork of public has killed nearly 300,000 unproven remedies such as to run. zation’s (WHO) regional director ference with União Quimica health restrictions that are people. hydroxychloroquine. Despite Bolsonaro’s new- for the Americas, Carissa executives and members of pushing the country’s hospitals Earlier on Tuesday, Bol- On Tuesday, he received a found focus on vaccines, the Etienne, said on Tuesday the Moscow’s Gamaleya Institute, to the breaking point. sonaro swore in cardiologist fresh setback when Brazil’s reality remains challenging for virus is surging “dangerously” Brazil’s health regulator Anvisa Bolsonaro is under Marcelo Queiroga as his fourth Supreme Court refused to hear Brazil. across Brazil, and urged all Bra- said there was still information mounting pressure to control health minister since the pan- his appeal against several states’ The country’s federally zilians to adopt preventive missing before it could the outbreak, after repeatedly demic began, in a closed measures restricting economic funded Fiocruz Institute, which measures to stop the spread. approve the vaccine. “Anvisa still requires a few more things from Moscow on their Phase 3 trials and I expect Canada set to ramp to deliver those in two or three days,” the company’s chief executive and owner Fernando up vaccination drive Marques said. União Quimica requested REUTERS — TORONTO/OTTAWA Ng’s counterparts in Europe emergency use authorisation “have assured her that these more than two months ago Canada is expecting enough measures will not affect and Marques has complained COVID-19 vaccine doses to vaccine shipments to Canada,” that “political interests” have double its supply by the end of Youmy Han said. held up the approval process next week to help ramp up a A Pfizer spokeswoman said for vaccine that is being used slow vaccination program as export licences had already in Russia and 40 other more contagious virus variants been granted for deliveries this countries. push the country toward a third week and next, and that one Marques said his company wave of coronavirus infections. has been requested for the still hopes to start producing the Canada has lagged other week of April 5. Canada expects vaccine in April at its Brasilia rich countries in inoculations a million doses a week from plant, but a shipment offered by even though it ordered enough Pfizer through the end of May. Moscow of 10 million ready- doses to vaccinate the popu- Rising shipments and a made doses in the first quarter lation five times over late last policy of delaying second shots to this year has been lost. year. of the two-dose vaccines will With Brazil’s dire need of Those procurement deals, enable the country to ramp up vaccines to quell a surge of however, guaranteed relatively mass vaccination sites and COVID-19 that made it the epi- few doses in the first quarter of some pharmacy distribution center of the pandemic, 2021 with a sharp increase in programs for older residents - another source of shots has Mexico-Bolivia diplomacy the second quarter. Officials two months after the United been sought by state govern- said on Friday that 6.8 percent States. ments unhappy with the slow Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador listens as Bolivian President Luis Arce speaks of the population had received “It certainly does provide a vaccination program. during a news conference at the National Palace, in Mexico City, Mexico, yesterday. at least one shot of a vaccine. sense of relief,” said Isaac So far, less than 8% of the That compares with 24.5 Bogoch, infectious diseases country’s 210 million people percent of US residents as of specialist at Toronto General have had their first shot, and les Monday. Hospital and a member of than three percent both shots, Nearly all of Havana to receive Shipments of 4.7 million Ontario’s vaccination distri- while deaths from COVID-19 doses are expected this week bution task force. have surged to record levels in and next — 2.4 million from Canada is facing the possible the last two weeks. experimental Cuban vaccines Pfizer Inc, 846,000 from beginning of a third wave of Anvisa said in a statement Moderna Inc and a 1.5 million- infections as the more transmis- the meeting dealt with REUTERS — HAVANA of its five experimental shots, the city, which is estimated to dose loan of AstraZeneca’s sible B.1.1.7 virus variant first “critical” issues that the devel- Soberana 2 and Abdala, which have 2.1 million inhabitants. vaccine from the United States, discovered in the UK drives out- opers of Sputnik V have not Cuba will administer experi- will be Latin America’s first Cuba’s capital is at the centre according to federal forecasts breaks in some hot spots. responded to, included the full mental COVID-19 shots to homegrown COVID-19 vaccines of its worst coronavirus out- and recent announcements. The country received just results of late stage trials in nearly the entire population of if they prove successful. break, registering 292 cases per Future deliveries could be under 4.8 million doses of Russia and access to the data the capital Havana by May as Ileana Morales, the health 100,000 inhabitants compared threatened if the European COVID-19 vaccines between bank of studies on the vaccine. health authorities carry out ministry’s director of science and with a nationwide average of Union limits shipments from late December and March 17. Anvisa said it also wanted massive interventional studies technological innovation, said 103.5, Deputy Health Minister the Pfizer or Moderna opera- Canada is stretching the details for quality control of and late stage trials, officials that authorities would conduct Carilda Peña said. Authorities tions in Europe that supply vaccine supply by offering the vaccine’s production in said on Tuesday. an intervention study in 1.7 could seek approval for emer- Canada. Canada has been told second doses as long as four Russia, though it has certified Cuba, which has a long million people in Havana by May. gency use of Abdala and European exports will be months after the first, which the production line based on history of developing and That comes on top of one Soberana 2, which both target the allowed, a spokeswoman for means Canadians will have to a Turkish report for another exporting vaccines, this month it has already started for spike protein of the novel coro- International Trade Minister wait longer than US residents product. began late phase trials of two 150,000 frontline workers in navirus, in June, Morales said Mary Ng, said yesterday to be fully vaccinated. THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021 AMERICAS 15 Biden says ‘we have to act’ on gun control measures AP — WASHINGTON “This Senate will be different,” Chuck Schumer executive action on gun control American politics. sales that often go undetected, measures, but “if we really want The gun debate also high- including at gun shows, with Democrats said they are said a day after a shooting at a crowded something that is going to be lights a larger difficulty for some limited exemptions for pushing toward a vote on Boulder supermarket killed 10 people, lasting, we need to pass Senate Democrats as they try to family and other scenarios. A expanded gun control measures legislation.” move forward on gun legis- similar version Manchin and as the nation reels from its including a police officer. “The Senate is going Senator Richard Blu- lation and other policy prior- Toomey proposed just after the second mass shooting in a week. to debate and address the epidemic of gun menthal, who has aggressively ities of the Biden White House. Sandy Hook shootings included President Joe Biden said “we violence in this country.” pushed for expanded gun With the filibuster in place, a broader set of exemptions have to act,” but prospects for control since the 2012 shooting forcing a 60-vote threshold for than the House bill. any major changes were dim, at Sandy Hook Elementary most legislation, House-passed The House also passed a for now, in the closely divided School that killed 20 children bills on issues like gun control second bill to extend a certain Congress. in several years, Democrats do advocates to push for longer and six educators, expressed and voting rights are effectively review period for background Senate Majority Leader not have the votes to pass any waiting periods for purchases. optimism about the chances for nonstarters unless Democrats checks from three to 10 days. Chuck Schumer vowed to bring significant reform. They are not In brief remarks responding new laws with Biden in the secure significant GOP support. Representative Jim Clyburn, to the Senate floor legislation even united themselves, as to the shooting, Biden urged Con- White House and Democrats Some Republicans hinted introduced the legislation after passed by the House that would Senator Joe Manchin told gress to move quickly to close the controlling the House and the that they would be open to a shooter killed nine people at require background checks for reporters on Tuesday that he loopholes in the background Senate. He called it “the dawn negotiations, though it was a Charleston, South Carolina, most gun sales and transfers. He opposes the House legislation check system and to ban assault of a new era.” unclear if there were any real church in 2015. said the Senate “must confront on background checks. weapons and high-capacity mag- Reality is likely more com- bipartisan discussions. Senate Toomey said he would like a devastating truth” after a lack The Senate Judiciary Com- azines - an effort that would be plicated. Senate Democrats do Republican Leader Mitch McCo- to find legislation that could of congressional action on the mittee held a hearing Tuesday even more difficult to achieve not currently have deep enough nnell said he was opposed to the pass, but “that probably would issue for almost three decades. on proposals for gun control. It politically. According to a police support among Republicans to House legislation, but “I’m cer- require something that’s a little “This Senate will be dif- is unclear whether any of the affidavit, the Colorado shooter pass new gun control legislation tainly open to the discussion.” bit different. So, we’ll see if we ferent,” Schumer said a day bills up for consideration — had purchased an assault rifle six in the 50-50 Senate, as they Manchin and Republican can figure out how to thread after a shooting at a crowded most of them involving more days earlier. would need 60 votes to do so. Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsyl- that needle.” Boulder supermarket killed 10 restrictive background checks “It should not be a partisan While expanding background vania, who have worked Schumer and Connecticut people, including a police — would have made a dif- issue,” Biden said. “This is an checks is generally popular with together for years to find com- Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy, officer. “The Senate is going to ference in the Colorado case. A American issue. It will save the American public, even with promise on background checks, a leading advocate for gun debate and address the epi- 21-year-old man charged with lives, American lives.” some conservatives, Congress both said they were opposed to control, said they would meet demic of gun violence in this killing eight people in the Vice-President Kamala has been unable to find a suc- the House legislation, which this week to discuss a path country.” Atlanta area last week had pur- Harris said yesterday in an cessful compromise on guns in would close loopholes to ensure forward. Schumer has not said While a Senate vote on new chased a 9mm handgun hours interview with CBS News that decades, making it one of the background checks are when he will bring the House gun control would be the first before the murders, prompting Biden would not exclude taking most intractable issues in extended to private and online legislation up for a vote. Harris to lead response Firefighter trapped in care to border challenges home blaze AP — WASHINGTON assignment for Harris, who ran found dead for the Democratic presidential President Joe Biden has tapped nomination in 2020 and is AP — SPRING VALLEY Vice-President Kamala Harris expected to run for the White to lead the White House effort House again in the future, could A firefighter who was trapped to tackle the migration chal- be politically fraught. in a blaze that swept through lenge at the US southern border. A delegation of White House a suburban New York assisted Biden made the officials and members of Con- living home was found dead announcement as he and Harris gress was travelling to the yesterday, a day after the fire met at the White House yet- southern border yesterday to caused a partial collapse of the serday with Health and Human tour a facility being used to building and killed one Services Secretary Xavier house migrant children as resident, officials said. Becerra, Homeland Security increasing numbers of unac- “Early this morning the Secretary Alejandra Mayorkas companied young people cross recovery efforts were successful and other immigration advisers into the United States. and the body of a fallen fire- to discuss the increase in young The visit to a facility in fighter, a hero for all was migrants arriving at the border Carrizo Springs, Texas, comes recovered and removed with in recent weeks. as the Biden administration great solemnity by his fellow In delegating the matter to faces a growing humanitarian US President Joe Biden is flanked by Vice-President Kamala Harris as he meets with immigration brothers and sisters in the fire Harris, Biden is seeking to rep- and political challenge at the advisers in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, DC, yesterday. and emergency services,” Clark- licate a dynamic that played out US-Mexico border that stown Supervisor George Hoe- when he served as President threatens to overshadow its potentially having contracted is also opening a second site in estimated 40 percent of hmann said in a Facebook post. Barack Obama’s vice president. ambitious legislative agenda. the virus in Border Patrol Carrizo Springs and exploring children in custody who have a The recovery effort was ham- Obama turned to Biden early in President Joe Biden also was custody. They are placed in housing teenagers at military parent in the US ready to take pered Tuesday by the intense his first term to lead the White meeting with key Cabinet isolation. bases in San Antonio and El them. The White House was heat of the smoldering wreckage. House effort to draw down US members and immigration offi- The Biden administration Paso, Texas. limiting media access yester- Officials searched into the night troops in the intractable war in cials yesterday as he faces has in recent weeks moved to But the US is exhausting day’s tour, keeping it to just one for the missing firefighter, who Iraq. pressure to address the open more than 10,000 new capacity almost as quickly as it TV crew. was last heard from when he With the move, Biden hopes situation. beds across the Southwest in can add it. A week after opening, White House press secretary issued a mayday call from the to show Americans he’s taking More than 750 teenagers are convention centers and former the convention center in Jen Psaki said Wednesday that Evergreen Court Home for Adults the border situation seriously being held at Carrizo Springs. oilfield camps. It notified Con- downtown Dallas is at nearly the White House was “com- in the Rockland County com- after facing stiff criticism from Like other facilities operated by gress on Wednesday that it will 2,000 teenagers, just shy of its mitted to transparency and munity of Spring Valley. Republicans as the flow of the Health and Human Services open a new 3,000-person 2,300-bed capacity. we’ll continue to work with Officials did not immedi- migrants has increased since he Department, it includes a small facility in San Antonio and a Experts on child welfare say agencies on creating avenues ately identify the firefighter or took office in January. group of children who have 1,400-person site at the San HHS must release children for media access to and visi- the resident who was killed in But the high-profile tested positive for COVID-19, Diego convention center. HHS more quickly, particularly the bility into these facilities.” the blaze. “This is an extraor- dinarily difficult time for the fire services within Rockland County,” Hoehmann said. “Our US outlook improving as vaccinations rise and deaths fall thoughts and prayers are with the bravest and the fellow fire- AP — WASHINGTON doses of both the one-shot and The outlook in the US stands warning at every opportunity pandemic, containment of the fighters of Spring Valley who two-shot vaccines will be dis- in stark contrast to the deteri- that relaxing social distancing virus.” lost a brother.” More than three months into the tributed next week, more than orating situation in places like and other measures could easily Across the country are Two other firefighters and US vaccination drive, many of three times the number when Brazil, which reported more lead to another surge. unmistakable signs of progress. multiple other residents were the numbers paint an increas- President Joe Biden took office than 3,000 COVID-19 deaths in Dr. Eric Topol, head of the More than 43 percent of sent to hospitals. A second res- ingly encouraging picture, with two months ago. a single day for the first time on Scripps Research Translational Americans 65 and older - the ident thought for several hours 70 percent of Americans 65 and Still, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Tuesday, and across Europe, Institute, sees red flags in states most vulnerable age group, to be missing was later found older receiving at least one dose government’s top infectious where another wave of infec- lifting mask mandates, air travel accounting for an outsize share unharmed, officials said. of the vaccine and COVID-19 disease expert, said Wednesday tions is leading to new lock- roaring back and spring break of the nation’s more than The home, which is located deaths dipping below 1,000 a he isn’t ready to declare the downs and where the vaccine crowds partying out of control 540,000 coronavirus deaths - about 30 miles north of New day on average for the first time nation has turned the corner on rollout on the continent has in Florida. have been fully vaccinated, York City, housed 112 residents, since November. the outbreak. been slowed by production “We’re getting closer to the according to the CDC. according to its operator. Also, dozens of states have “We are at the corner. delays and questions about the exit ramp,” Topol said. “All Deaths per day in the US The operators of the home thrown open vaccinations to all Whether we or not we are going safety and effectiveness of we’re doing by having reo- from COVID-19 have dropped said in a statement that all the adults or are planning to do so to be turning the corner remains AstraZeneca’s shot. penings is jeopardizing our to an average of 940, down survivors had been accounted in a matter of weeks. And the to be seen,” he said at a White At the same time, public shot to get, finally, for the first from an all-time high of over for and would be placed in a White House said 27 million House briefing. health experts in the US are time in the American 3,400 in mid-January. new home. Carcinogen found in hand sanitizers that plugged pandemic gap

BLOOMBERG — NEW HAVEN The World Health Organiza- nearby its headquarters and tion’s cancer research arm puts online outlets, Valisure said. Some widely available hand it in the highest risk category, Exhorted by politicians and sanitizers that American on par with asbestos. health officials to wash their consumers snapped up last year Valisure analyzed 260 hands, consumers quickly to ward off coronavirus bottles from 168 brands and exhausted supplies of infection contain high levels of found 17 percent of the samples household names such as Purell a chemical known to cause contained detectable levels of and Suave. cancer, a testing firm’s analysis benzene. Twenty-one bottles, While those brands, like found. or eight percent, contained most of those tested, didn’t An assortment of hand benzene above two parts per contain unsafe benzene levels, cleaners that flooded into the million, a temporary limit the many new entrants did, market after mainstays disap- FDA set for liquid hand sani- according to Valisure. Some of peared from retail outlets tizers to ease the supply these tainted sanitizers were contain high levels of benzene, squeeze. found for sale at Amazon.com according to Valisure, a New That level “can be tolerated Inc and Target Corp outlets. Haven, Connecticut-based for a relatively short period of Most hand sanitizers Val- online pharmacy that tests time,” the FDA said in June. isure found and tested were Los Angeles to evict homeless camp products for quality and Fifteen brands were repre- gels. The pharmacy’s test results consistency. sented among the 21 bottles were verified by Yale Univer- The sun rises over a homeless camp in Echo Lake Park as the city makes plans to evict all the parks Benzene causes cancer, with the highest levels of con- sity’s Chemical and Biophysical encampments amid the outbreak of coronavirus disease, in Los Angeles, California, yesterday. according to the US Department tamination. The samples came Instrumentation Center and of Health and Human Services. from the shelves of stores Boston Analytical, a private lab. 16 HOME THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2021