SAFAR 24, 1442 AH SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020

16 Pages Max 36º Min 22º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18254 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Amir congratulated for selecting North Korea unveils giant Iranian maestro Shajarian Heat edge Lakers in thriller 3 Sheikh Mishal as Crown Prince 5 ICBMs at military parade 12 laid to rest beside epic poet 16 to keep title dream alive

Kuwait reports 13 deaths, 1,127 new cases in 2 days

139 patients in ICU as govt mulls measures to curb COVID-19

KUWAIT: Kuwait reported 13 deaths from COVID- health ministry data showed. In terms of health to 102,722 recoveries. Kuwait reported seven Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah said during 19 in the past two days, while the number of patients zones, Ahmadi governorate recorded 134 cases, COVID-19 deaths and 635 new infections on Friday, Thursday’s National Assembly session. “The death in intensive care units rose by 14 in the past 24 followed by 110 in Farwaniya, 97 in Hawally, 87 in with a total of 125 patients in ICUs. Sanad urged the rate has increased and so has the number of admis- hours. The spike in deaths comes as speculation the Capital and 64 in Jahra, ministry spokesman Dr public to be mindful of health precautions, asserting sions into intensive care units and occupancy of continues to grow whether the government will rein- Abdullah Al-Sanad revealed. that following social distancing was the only way to hospital beds,” he noted. troduce lockdowns or other measures to curb the The number of people hospitalized with the virus halt the spread of the virus. The premier said these indicators are alarming spread of the deadly disease. stands at 7,191, of whom 139 are in intensive care The government had warned that recent indica- and warned that the government will implement nec- The number of confirmed coronavirus infections units, said Sanad. He added 2,805 swab tests were tors from the spread of the coronavirus in the coun- essary health measures to contain the spread of the in Kuwait rose by 492 yesterday to take the total conducted in the past day, taking the total to try are alarming. “What we have witnessed in the pandemic. He however did not elaborate on the type to 110,568, while a sixfold increase in fatalities 779,538 tests so far, while 698 people recovered past few days of not applying health guidelines of measures the government might take. Kuwait had upped the death toll from the outbreak to 655, from the virus in the last 24 hours to raise the total strictly is alarming,” HH the Prime Minister Sheikh lifted a five-month-long curfew on Aug 30, 2020.

News in brief Shaky Karabakh Tehran to impose fines truce marred by TEHRAN: Iran is to start imposing fines for breaches of health regulations in the capital, fresh violations President Hassan Rouhani announced yesterday, after daily coronavirus infections hit a record STEPANAKERT, Azerbaijan: Armenia and high. The police, the Basij paramilitary force and Azerbaijan traded accusations of new attacks yes- health inspectors will have powers to impose terday in breach of a ceasefire deal to end nearly the fines, and offenders will have two weeks to two weeks of heavy fighting over the disputed make payment into a health ministry account, Nagorno-Karabakh region. The two sides agreed to Rouhani said. Breaches punishable by a fine implement the ceasefire from noon (0800 GMT) include refusal to quarantine while sick and fail- yesterday, after 11 hours of talks in Moscow, but it ure to wear a mask in a public space or require took only minutes after the deadline for their forces a customer to do so. — AFP to claim new attacks. An ethnic Armenian enclave of Azerbaijan, Karabakh broke from the country’s control in a war in the 1990s that killed some 30,000 people. Its Toddler’s murder sparks outrage separatist government is strongly backed by Armenia, which like Azerbaijan gained independ- PESHAWAR: Police in northwest Pakistan have ence with the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, and made a string of arrests as they search for the Baku accuses Yerevan of occupying the region. killer of a two-year-old girl whose rape and The heaviest clashes since the war erupted on murder have drawn comparisons to an infamous Sept 27, with more than 450 people reported dead, TERTER: Yasin Budakov, 40, holds a kitten he found in his damaged flat as residents return to their homes 2018 killing that sparked riots. The girl, Zainab, Continued on Page 2 following a ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan yesterday. — AFP disappeared Tuesday while playing outside her village home in Charsadda district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Her body was discov- tective equipment for nurses and other health distress and mental health pressure,” he said. ered a day later, prompting a large-scale man- Nurses in COVID workers in some care homes remain insufficient, it The figure was based on responses from hunt that by yesterday had led to the arrests of said, marking World Mental Health Day yesterday. roughly a quarter of its national nurses’ associa- at least 17 men. Additionally, police took DNA “We are extremely concerned about the mental tions in more than 130 countries. Nurses face a samples from about 400 people. — AFP fight face mental health impact on nurses,” Howard Catton, a British broad spectrum of issues that affect their mental nurse who is the ICN’s chief executive, told health, including physical and verbal abuse, health pressures Reuters Television at the association’s headquar- Catton said. “There are nurses who have been WFP hails Peace Nobel ters in Geneva. “Our most recent survey of nation- subject to discrimination, where their landlord has GENEVA: Many nurses caring for COVID-19 al nurses’ associations shows that more than 70 not renewed their lease for their apartment, or GENEVA: The UN World Food Program, which patients are suffering burnout or psychological percent of them (the associations) were saying they can’t get child care for their children,” he has coordinated medical logistics during the distress, and many have faced abuse or discrimi- that nurses have been subject to violence or dis- said, without giving specifics of physical or verbal coronavirus pandemic, won the Nobel Peace nation outside of work, the International Council crimination and as a result of that they are very abuse. Prize on Friday in what its boss said was a call of Nurses (ICN) said. Supplies of personal pro- concerned about extreme cases of psychological Continued on Page 2 to action that no one should go hungry with the wealth in the world today. The head of the awards committee called the WFP a driving saying Thursday’s debate is scrapped, force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a Trump restarts leaving an Oct 22 event the final weapon of war and conflict, and said the Trump-Biden showdown before elec- COVID-19 pandemic, which the WFP says campaigning, tion day on Nov 3. could double hunger worldwide, had made it That prompted accusations of bias even more relevant. — Reuters from Trump campaign communica- debate axed tions director Tim Murtaugh, who said “there is no medical reason to stop” Pakistan bans TikTok WASHINGTON: US President the Oct 15 debate from proceeding. Donald Trump was to give a public Knocked off the campaign trail by his ISLAMABAD: Pakistan speech at the White House yesterday three-night hospitalization last week, on Friday banned the for the first time since testing positive the president is in the midst of a fre- wildly popular video for COVID-19, as he prepares a rapid netic bid to catch Biden. On Friday, sharing app TikTok, as return to the campaign trail just three during an extended media blitz, Trump authorities press their weeks before the election. The 74- falsely claimed that COVID-19 now clampdown on “immoral” year-old commander-in-chief has also has a cure. content. The Pakistan announced a Florida rally tomorrow in He also revealed that he’d been told an attempt to relaunch his stumbling he was near death at the worst of his Telecommunication reelection campaign against surging bout with the virus, which has killed Authority (PTA) said Democratic rival Joe Biden, who called more than 213,000 Americans and TikTok had failed to adhere to two warnings, the president’s behavior “reckless”. severely dented his chances of win- which had demanded it block “immoral, obscene Seeking to project strength and ning a second term. Tomorrow, Trump and vulgar” content. Earlier last week, Pakistani improved health, Trump had refused will take another major step by hold- TikToker Jannat Mirza became the first in the to participate in this week’s scheduled ing a rally in a crucial battleground country to reach 10 million followers, with lip- debate after organizers shifted it to an state. “Will be in Sanford, Florida on syncing and slow motion clips among her online format out of coronavirus con- Monday for a very BIG RALLY!” LAS VEGAS: Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden poses with supporters content.— AFP (See Page 7) cerns. On Friday the Commission on Trump tweeted. after speaking at the East Las Vegas Community Center about the effects of Presidential Debates made it official, Continued on Page 2 COVID-19 on Latinos on Friday. — AFP 2 Established 1961 Sunday, October 11, 2020 Local Kuwait calls for international cooperation to fight coronavirus Kuwait urges greater international efforts to eliminate terror

NEW YORK: (From left) Kuwait’s First Secretary to the UN Abdullah Al-Sharrah, Second Secretary Bashar Al-Muwazri and Third Secretary Saba Al-Fuheid speak during the UN General Assembly sessions. — KUNA

NEW YORK: Kuwait affirmed the need for further nationally but also globally. He added that the coun- nationality, or ethnicity. country has seen much progress in women’s cooperation to fight the novel coronavirus (COVID- try had provided $290 million to support interna- Muwazri voiced Kuwait’s full support to all the empowerment in 2020, primarily a fresh law that 19) and prepare for post-pandemic phase to protect tional efforts to fight the pandemic. international measures to confront the terror men- ensures the protection of women from domestic and achieve the sustainable development goals. ace. He, however, violence. Addressing the General Debate of the Kuwait’s First Secretary Abdullah Al-Sharrah made Eliminate terror stressed the need to Third Committee of the 75th Session of the UN these remarks during the UN General Assembly’s Separately, Kuwait address the root causes General Assembly, Third Secretary of Kuwait’s 75th session on rebuilding the world after the reiterated calls for the Kuwait sees of this problem through Diplomatic Mission at the UN Saba Al-Fuheid COVID-19 pandemic late Thursday. “We were hop- international community combating poverty and said that the law, which was adopted in Kuwait ing that 2020 would be the year we tackle issues to double and unify progress in promoting sustainable last month, includes emergency protection facing the achievement of the 2030 sustainable efforts to eradicate the development, good gov- orders for women and provides legal counsel and development goals,” he said. scourge of international women’s ernance, and peaceful help to victims. Sharrah expressed his deepest regret over the terrorism. Speaking at co-existence among In addition, Kuwait has appointed eight female infection of millions and the death of hundreds of the UN General empowerment people of different judges for the first time in its history in a long- thousands of people due to the pandemic. He called Assembly’s Sixth faiths. On the national awaited step towards women’s empowerment in the on institutions, governments and companies to Committee (Legal) meet- level, the Kuwaiti diplo- judicial domain, she said. The Kuwaiti diplomat cooperate in finding a vaccine for the disease rather ing on measures to elimi- mat said that his country added that sustainable development and prosperity than compete, for the sake of saving humanity. He nate international terror- is doing a great job to could not be attained unless youth and women are also underlined the importance of coordination to ism, Bashar Al-Muwazri, Second Secretary at fight terrorism at home and abroad, and deprive ter- empowered and all non-governmental organizations face the economic, social and environmental impact Kuwait’s Permanent Mission at the UN, renewed rorist groups of any financial resources. are backed. She underlined the need for concerted of the virus, especially on more affected countries. Kuwait’s firm condemnation of terrorism and all its world efforts not only to fight the COVID-19 pan- Meanwhile, Sharrah noted that Kuwait exerts great manifestations. He underlined that terrorist acts Women empowerment demic but also to defeat the existing numerous efforts to fight the coronavirus virus, not only should not be ever justified or linked to any religion, In other news, a Kuwaiti diplomat said that her challenges and obstacles worldwide. — KUNA

WFP winning of the Nobel Prize in apprecia- boosting morale of its frontline personnel. and its status as Center of Humanitarian Action Kuwait proud of tion for its unique role at the humanitarian level The State of Kuwait, as an active member, since era of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- across the world. Kuwait takes special pride in main supporter and partner in the “noble Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, he added. Kuwait, the WFP accomplishment as a supporter and efforts,” expresses special pride of this admi- named as partner by the WFP, will remain on WFP’s Nobel partner in its humanitarian endeavors, said ration of the leading humanitarian organization, side of the program during leadership of His Yousef Al-Hujail, Kuwait’s representative, Hujail said. Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad, prize win adding that the WFP’s winning of the prize for This is an international recognition of the the representative elaborated. Founded in 1961, 2020 came at the appropriate time to shed necessity of the humanitarian work as a basic the WFP offers various kinds of aid namely ROME: Kuwait’s representative at the World light on its high-esteemed mission of saving factor for peace and stability which are among food to 97 million people in need worldwide Food Programme on Friday applauded the lives, aiding millions of people as well as for basic principles of the State of Kuwait vision every year. — KUNA

get out, and let our people live a normal life. We Shaky Karabakh have nothing to do with them and they should stay away from us.” truce marred by... The ceasefire deal had been announced after talks between the two countries’ top diplomats mediated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Continued from Page 1 Lavrov. He said the truce had been agreed “on humanitarian grounds” and would allow for thousands forced to flee their homes and fears exchanges of prisoners and bodies. Lavrov also the fighting could escalate into a devastating all- said that Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to “sub- out conflict. Armenian defense ministry spokes- stantive negotiations” on resolving the dispute woman Shushan Stepanyan said that “in disregard over Karabakh, with France, Russia and the United of the previously declared humanitarian ceasefire” States continuing as longtime mediators. Azerbaijani forces had launched an attack on the Azerbaijan has said it wants a change in the frontline at 12:05 pm. talks’ format, has spoken of wanting to get Turkey Azerbaijan’s defense ministry said Armenian involved too, and yesterday accused France of not forces had also carried out attacks on the frontline being a neutral mediator. France yesterday called and were shelling two populated areas. “Armenia for the ceasefire to be strictly respected “in order is blatantly violating the ceasefire regime,” the to create the conditions for a permanent cessation ministry said in a statement. The two sides also of hostilities”. Russian President Vladimir Putin accused each other of attacks just before the also spoke with President Hassan Rouhani of Iran, ceasefire deadline. which borders both Armenia and Azerbaijan, about Karabakh’s ombudsman Artak Beglaryan said Moscow’s mediation efforts, the Kremlin said. missiles had been fired at the region’s main city Karabakh’s declaration of independence has Stepanakert while Azerbaijan said at least five not been recognized by any country - even PHILADELPHIA: A group of murals encouraging Philadelphians to vote, called “To The Polls”, are displayed populated districts were under heavy shelling. An Armenia - and the international community in Love Park during early voting at City Hall on Oct 7, 2020. — AFP AFP journalist in Stepanakert reported hearing regards it as part of Azerbaijan. The return of blasts in the city before the ceasefire took effect, fighting has stoked fears of a full-blown war was “a cure”. It’s “a total game changer” and “better but it was calmer after noon, with isolated explo- embroiling Turkey, which strongly backs Trump restarts than a vaccine”, he said. In fact, there is no cure and sions in the distance. Azerbaijan, and Russia, which has a military treaty still no approved vaccine for the coronavirus. Some residents were venturing out of their with Armenia. Turkey said yesterday that the Later Friday he appeared in his first televised homes after days of taking shelter from shelling, ceasefire agreement was an important first step campaigning... interview since he was diagnosed with the virus, rocket fire and drone attacks, but there was little but that Armenia had a “last chance” to withdraw telling Fox’s Tucker Carlson show he is now “med- hope the ceasefire would take hold for long. “I from Karabakh. ication-free”. In what the White House called an on- lived for nearly 20 years in Azerbaijan, these peo- Since the conflict restarted both sides have Continued from Page 1 air “medical evaluation” the president told Fox con- ple hate us,” Vladimir Barseghyan, 64, told AFP in accused the other of shelling areas populated by tributor doctor Marc Siegel he has been tested again for COVID-19, saying he did not know the a workshop making uniforms for fighters at the civilians and thousands of people have been dis- The events come despite continued questions “numbers” but “I know I’m at either the bottom of front. “We don’t believe in a ceasefire, they just placed by the clashes. Stepanakert is dotted with over how sick Trump was and how complete his the scale or free”. It was not clear when the inter- want to gain some time.” damaged buildings and unexploded ordnance fol- recovery is now, with White House officials refusing to answer basic queries including when the presi- view was filmed. In Barda, an Azerbaijani town about 40 km lowing days of shelling. AFP journalists have also dent first contracted the virus and whether he has Trump has repeatedly asserted that he feels fine, from the conflict zone, many residents who spoke witnessed destruction in villages in Azerbaijan tested negative since. After Trump spent months and he has been backed up by statements from to AFP were against the ceasefire and in favor of near the front line. More than 50 civilians have mocking Biden for staying at home during the pan- presidential physician Sean Conley. But in his Baku pressing on with its campaign to restore its been confirmed killed on both sides and the demic, it is Biden who has barnstormed swing states Limbaugh interview, Trump suggested for the first control of Karabakh. “We don’t want a ceasefire. Armenians have acknowledged over 400 military this week. time that he had been close to death, had it not been They should leave our lands,” said Zemfira deaths, while Azerbaijan has not admitted to any He visited Arizona Thursday and campaigned for his aggressive regimen of therapeutic drugs. Mammadova, a 71-year-old retiree. “They should fatalities among its troops. — AFP Friday in Nevada. Trump won both states in 2016 “I’m talking to you today because of it. I could have but they are now narrowly tilting Democratic in been a bad victim,” he said, adding that doctors told polls. At a drive-in style event in Las Vegas, Biden him: “You were going into a very bad phase.” the supplies personal protective equipment. There slammed the president. “His reckless personal con- Polls show Biden leads heavily in key demo- Nurses in COVID have been improvements, particularly in hospitals,” duct since his diagnosis, the destabilizing effect it’s graphics including women and the elderly, prompt- Catton said. But some care homes and long-term having on our government, is unconscionable,” ing analysts to talk increasingly of a possible land- fight face mental... care facilities in Europe, and in North and South Biden said. As he boarded his campaign plane he slide victory. Trump’s biggest liability - overwhelm- America still lack supplies, he said, citing its mem- offered a message for those attending Trump’s pub- ing public dissatisfaction over his handling of the bers’ survey. lic events: “Good luck. I wouldn’t show up unless pandemic - has returned as the headline issue of the Continued from Page 1 The World Health Organization said last Monday you had a mask and were distanced.” campaign thanks to his own infection. Adding to the that services for mentally ill and substance abuse On Friday, Trump gave a marathon interview to pressure, Democrats who control the House of ICN has lobbied for better protection and work- patients have been disrupted worldwide during the rightwing talk radio host Rush Limbaugh in which Representatives unveiled plans for a commission to ing conditions for nurses on the frontlines of the pandemic, and COVID-19 is expected to cause fur- he said the experimental Regeneron antibody cock- investigate a president’s fitness for the job - a move pandemic. “We still continue to see problems with ther distress for many. — Reuters tail that he took as part of therapeutic treatment clearly meant to jab at Trump. — AFP Established 1961 3 Local Sunday, October 11, 2020 Kuwait’s Amir receives congratulations on choosing Sheikh Mishal as Crown Prince

Officials confident in Sheikh Mishal’s ability to tackle ‘huge responsibilities’

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- His Highness Sheikh Mishal, saying that both lead- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received several cables ing figures would work effortlessly to ensure from senior figures on Saturday, congratulating him Kuwait’s progress and development. His Highness on choosing His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as Crown Prince of Kuwait. Sabah replied to each figure with cables, thanking Sheikh Mishal had taken oath to His Highness the them for their sincere wishes towards him and His Amir and the National Assembly on Thursday, Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Sabah. He affirmed that assuming the Crown Prince position. The first cable, he and Sheikh Mishal would be standing together in sent by Speaker of the National Assembly Marzouq Al-Ghanem, congratulated His Highness the Amir on his nomination of His Highness the Crown Prince and said that the step was a “historic” moment. Ghanem expressed wishes of wellness and health Crown Prince towards His Highness the Amir and His Highness the grateful for Crown Prince and hoped that they continue to lead Kuwait towards a bright future. Amir’s trust Chief of the Kuwait National Guard (KNG) His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah also sent a cable, expressing similar sentiments. His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali said that he was confident that His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Sabah will be up to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal the tasks and huge responsibilities ahead and the quest to help Kuwait prosper and develop in the Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah wished him the best. Similarly, His Highness Sheikh upcoming period. Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- bers, congratulated His Highness Sheikh Mishal on In his letter, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, Sabah and His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Crown Prince grateful winning His Highness the Amir’s trust and nomina- in his capacity and on behalf of all cabinet mem- Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sent cables to His Highness the His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad tion for this post. He also congratulated him on bers, congratulated His Highness Sheikh Mishal on Amir Sheikh Nawaf on this monumental occurrence Al-Jaber Al-Sabah had received a letter from His the parliament’s approval of his nomination and winning His Highness the Amir’s trust and nomina- in Kuwait’s history. They reflected their hopes for Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al- lawmakers pledging allegiance to him. The chief tion for this post and the parliament’s approval of success and accomplishment towards His Highness Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Thursday, thanking lawmaker hailed Sheikh Mishal’s honesty, firm- his nomination. His Highness the Premier also Sheikh Mishal Al-Sabah, saying that the Kuwaiti him on nominating him to be the heir apparent. In ness, wide expertise and leadership capabilities, wished His Highness the Crown Prince all success people will surely support him in his task as Crown his letter sent after the National Assembly’s which made him well-merited for the high post. He in his mission to serve the dear homeland. He Prince. They also wished evermore prosperity and approval of the nomination, His Highness the Crown noted that he deeply believes that His Highness expressed deep belief that His Highness the Crown welfare to the Kuwaiti people and leadership. Prince expressed gratitude to His Highness the Amir the Crown Prince would be a great supporter to Prince would be a great supporter to His Highness Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir also received a for putting his trust in him. He also prayed to Allah His Highness the Amir in steering Kuwait’s march the Amir. His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled cable from His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Almighty to make him a backer to His Highness the towards more progress and development. In a wished His Highness Sheikh Mishal everlasting Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah who also Amir in his pursuit for achieving comprehensive reply letter, His Highness Sheikh Mishal thanked wellbeing and wished Kuwait greater security, sta- expressed his congratulations towards choosing His development and modern renaissance for Kuwait. Speaker Ghanem and all parliament members on bility, progress and welfare under the leadership of Highness Sheikh Mishal as Crown Prince of Kuwait. Speaker Ghanem had also sent a letter to His their sincere sentiments. His Highness the Amir. In a reply letter, His His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled commended Highness the Crown Prince, congratulating him on Furthermore, His Highness the Prime Minister Highness the Crown Prince thanked His Highness His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- assuming his new post. In his letter, Ghanem, in had sent a letter Thursday to the newly-appointed the Prime Minister and all cabinet members for Jaber Al-Sabah for his vision and the trust towards his capacity and on behalf of all parliament mem- Crown Prince to congratulate him on the new post. their sincere sentiments. — KUNA

the Amir sent a letter to Barzani, appreciating the heart- Amir receives felt sentiments, wishing him everlasting good health. Sheikh Nawaf receives congratulations In the meantime, the UK congratulated His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad congratulations Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on assuming his post. Foreign from Qatar on naming CP Secretary Dominic Raab said, in a statement, that Prime Minister Boris Johnson was looking forward to continue KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh leadership of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf. In bolstering cooperation and joint work with the State of Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah response, His Highness the Amir sent a cable, Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Friday received a cable of Kuwait. He affirmed that the British and Kuwaiti leader- received a cable from Qatar’s Amir Sheikh expressing his appreciation and gratitude for congratulations from Vietnam President Nguyen Phu ships were eager to reach the common interest of peo- Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, congratulating the warm gesture. His Highness the Amir Trong, on His Highness’ ascension of power. The ple in both nations. him on His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh received similar cables from Qatar’s Deputy Vietnamese leader wished His Highness the Amir suc- His Highness Sheikh Mishal also received congratu- Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani, cess. In reply, His Highness the Amir sent a cable to the lations from Director-General of the Arab Industrial appointment after taking the oath of office and Qatar’s Prime Minister and Interior Vietnamese President expressing gratitude to the good Development and Mining Organization (AIDMO) Adel and gaining the parliament’s pledge of alle- Minister Sheikh Khaled bin Khalifa Al-Thani, sentiments, lauding the good ties between Kuwait and Al-Sager, who wished him success, and Kuwait further giance. The Amir of Qatar wished His congratulating him on His Highness the Vietnam and wishing him well-being. Meanwhile, His progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of Highness the Amir and His Highness the Crown Prince’s appointment. In response, His Highness the Amir received a letter of congratulations His Highness the Amir. He prayed to Allah Almighty to Crown Prince success, and for Kuwait Highness Sheikh Nawaf sent cables express- from President of Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani, protect His Highness the Crown Prince and grant him growth and development under the wise ing his appreciation and gratitude. —KUNA wishing the State of Kuwait further prosperity and to well-being as well as help His Highness the Amir com- His Highness ever-lasting health. In reply, His Highness plete construction and development. — KUNA

News in brief

Chinese ambassador congratulates CP

KUWAIT: Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the State of Kuwait Li Minggang congratulated His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on taking the oath as Kuwait’s new Crown Prince: “I was honored to attend the oath-taking ceremony of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at the National Assembly,” the ambassador said. “I am glad that the Kuwaiti people have chosen an outstanding leader and a seasoned statesman who values China-Kuwait relations, to assume this great responsibility. “I wish His Highness the Crown Prince good health and every success. May the friendly State of Kuwait continue to prosper, and its people enjoy more hap- piness and well-being.”

Vietnam Embassy congratulates

KUWAIT: The Embassy of Vietnam in Kuwait issued a statement congratulating Kuwait’s new Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. “Our warmest congratulations on HH Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s new noble duty as the Crown Prince of Kuwait,” the statement reads. “We strongly believe that under the wise leadership of HH the Amir and HH the new Crown Prince, Kuwait will overcome all challenges and make greater achievements in building a peaceful and pros- perous Kuwait.”

Cuban Embassy congratulates

KUWAIT: The Cuban Embassy in Kuwait conveyed its congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah, on the occasion of his appointment as Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait. “The people and gov- ernment of the Republic of Cuba express its certainty in the wisdom and love of His Highness Sheikh Mishal towards his people, which will contribute to consolidate its prosperity and unity,” the embassy said in a statement.

Bangladesh envoy congratulates

KUWAIT: Ambassador of Bangladesh to Kuwait Md Ashikuzzaman congratulated His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on being sworn in as Kuwait’s new Crown Prince. “We hope that the time tested and cemented bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Kuwait will be further strengthened and will get extra momentum under the dynamic and visionary leadership of His Highness the Crown Prince,” the ambassador said. “Bangladesh will remain extremely committed to work shoulder to shoulder with Kuwait to maintain and strengthen our relations and to uphold the sanctity of the Muslim nation.” 4 Established 1961 Local Sunday, October 11, 2020

Established 1961 The First Daily in The Arabian Gulf THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 FAX : 24835620/1 CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 ACCOUNTS : 24833199 Extn. 125 COMMERCIAL : 24835618 P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. Email: [email protected] Website: www.kuwaittimes.net

FM receives phone call from US counterpart

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah received Thursday a phone call from US State Secretary Mike Pompeo, who conveyed his personal condolences on the demise of His Highness the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Sheikh Dr Ahmed thanked Secretary Pompeo for his condo- lences and the US for facilitating the treatment for the late Amir, which he said, reflects the strength of KUWAIT: Mourners, mask-clad due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, recite prayers by the grave of Kuwait’s late Amir His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- bilateral relations. He also praised President Donald Sabah at Sulaibaikhat cemetery on Friday. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Trump’s initiative to grant the late Amir the Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander award. Reaffirming the deep bond between the two countries, he added this was evident through the US stance to ensure Kuwait’s security, stability and legitimacy during the Firemen battle war to liberate Kuwait from Iraq’s invasion in 1991. Both officials also discussed developments on the regional and international spectrums along with workshops blaze issues of mutual concern. —KUNA near highway

Fishermen violate KUWAIT: Firemen put out a blaze that broke out in a workers’ residence as well as a paper press environment law plant and various workshops that contained highly KUWAIT: Firefighters battle the blaze at the paper press plant and workshops. combustible material off the Sixth Ring Road. KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior (MoI) Subhan, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Bidaa and Smuggling foiled announced on Friday the seizure of 11 boats and the backup centers participated in fighting the blaze, Airport customs officers foiled an attempt to arrest of 58 fishermen for violating the Environment which broke out on Friday. No injuries were report- smuggle one kilogram of heroin from Dubai. An offi- Protection Law. The move was taken in cooperation ed. Chief of Kuwait Fire Force Lt Gen Khaled Al- cer suspected a parcel that arrived via courier, so it with the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs Mikrad supervised the efforts while, his deputy, Maj was inspected and 121 capsules containing the drug and Fish Resources (PAAAFR), and the Gen Jamal Al-Bulaihees, was at hand. were found, placed in a coffeemaker. Environment Public Authority, the ministry’s securi- ty media and public relations department said in a Gatherers summoned Child drowns statement. The seized boats were fishing in territori- Jahra security dealt with several persons in A 14-year-old Asian child drowned in Mahboula al waters by using illegal nets a mile and a half from Abdaly for allegedly violating the government’s while swimming. Salmiya and Shuaiba sea fire sta- Drugs found in a parcel that came from Dubai. the Kuwaiti coast, in violation of Article 100 of the decision against gatherings and not complying with tions found the victim’s body and handed it to con- law, it added. Necessary legal measures were taken, coronavirus prevention measures. The organizers of cerned authorities. capped youth and killed his dog before fleeing, Al- and about eight tons and a half of fish were seized the gathering were summoned and face further legal Rai reported yesterday. His father lodged a com- and delivered to PAAAFR, it said, noting that action, the Interior Ministry’s relations and security Physical assault plaint against her along with a report stating his PAAAFR registered 11 violations. — KUNA information department said in a statement. An Asian woman has allegedly beaten a handi- son’s injuries. Detectives are investigating.

ferent from previous years.” Teachers are conducting New academic classes from classrooms or the comfort of their homes. A store attendant at Khaldiya Co-op said that most of their stocks for the school reopening are kept year begins at their storage facilities in Shuwaikh. “I don’t know what they are planning to do with the school supplies. without promos I don’t think they will display them. There is no demand at all for anything connected to schools. We By Ben Garcia have some bags and school supplies here, but they are old stocks,” he said. KUWAIT: The new academic year for public schools Conversely, sales of electronic devices are boom- in Kuwait kicked off last week without much fanfare - ing, as students and parents were told they could no traffic or busy streets and no back-to-school sales. access online classes via laptops, smartphones or “The reason is obvious - during the pandemic, stu- desktop computers. According to media reports, dents are not required to go to school physically as there have been shortages of laptops in various coun- they are taught by teachers at home through online tries around the world, as learning went online. classes. So we haven’t displayed bags and notebooks Public schools and Arabic private schools in Kuwait visibly in our store. Students are not also required to reopened virtually October 4th, while foreign private wear their school uniforms,” said Hassan, an Egyptian schools reopened weeks ago. At public schools, class- manager of a popular budget store in Farwaniya. es for kindergarten students are held from 8 am to “Normally at this time, the back-to-school section 9:30 am, with four classes daily of 15 minutes each. at our store is the busiest. We normally put new Elementary students have four 30-minute classes for schoolbag collections and new notebooks on display each subject from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Intermediate in a prominent area of the store,” he said. “A few students have four 30-minute classes daily from 8 am teachers visited our store to buy some stuff they to 10:30 am, while secondary students have four needed, but the situation nowadays is completely dif- classes daily from 10:40 am to 1:30 pm.

Company, a subsidiary of Al-Sayer Holding is Toyota announces announcing the contest and inviting entries for the 14th Toyota Dream Car Art Contest 2020. Al-Sayer is conducting this event to profile the best talent and 2020 ‘Dream Car choose National Winners are eligible to represent Kuwait in the World Toyota Contest. Winners will be Art Contest’ announced and awarded with certificates and attrac- tive prizes. KUWAIT: Toyota believes in nurturing the creativi- At the World Contest in Japan, the Jury will select ty of the next generation of great inventors, thinkers Best Finalist from each age category. This year’s and dreamers. Every great idea was born in the glim- grand prize winners as well as special award winners mer of a dream. The ‘Toyota Dream Car Art’ Contest and their representative schools will be receiving one of the largest global art contests for children attractive cash rewards to be utilized for academics invites participation from all corners of the globe to per the terms and conditions of the contest. share ideas about the future of mobility by drawing Al-Sayer ensures all necessary COVID-19 proto- their dream cars. This activity is held to cultivate chil- cols are in place for the safety of to conduct this dren’s imagination and artistic expression through activity. Toyota and Al-Sayer wish to inspire talents the creation of artworks. to bring out their best artistic skills by facilitating In Kuwait, Mohamed Naser Al-Sayer and Sons world leading competitions in Kuwait. International Sunday, October 11, 2020 Orthodox Jews in Brooklyn, defiant Lockdown rules test faith in coronavirus-hit Philippines Page 7 over shutdown Page 6 N Korea shows off giant new ICBMs Pyongyang defies coronavirus with huge military parade

PYONGYANG: A screen grab taken yesterday shows North Korean Hwasong-12 intercontinental ballistic missiles during a military parade marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea in Kim Il Sung Square. —AFP

SEOUL: North Korea showed off giant new The pandemic has swept the world since strengthen our military for self-defense and gic weapons in a military parade “would be intercontinental ballistic missiles at a mili- first emerging in neighboring China, with deterrence”. “If you don’t have the strength, consistent with what Kim Jong Un prom- tary parade yesterday, analysts said as state more than 36 million cases, but Kim closed you’ll have to wipe away the tears and blood ised”, said former US government North television broadcast the huge weapons the North’s borders in January to try to pre- that flow with your two clenched fists,” he Korea analyst Rachel Lee, while “not pro- QAnon sows panic being rolled through Pyongyang. Each vent contamination said it had not seen a added. voking the United States as much as a test- weapon was carried on a transporter that single infection. Women in the crowd wiped The widely anticipated display was part launch of a strategic weapon”. was 11 axles long and Ankit Panda of the tears from their eyes as he spoke, footage of commemorations of the 75th anniversary with child trafficking Federation of American Scientists tweeted broadcast on state media showed. of the North’s ruling Workers’ Party. The Masks and missiles? that it was the “largest road-mobile liquid- North Korean military parades normally party anniversary meant North Korea “has Kim is the third member of his family to misinformation fueled missile anywhere”. climax with whatever missiles Pyongyang a political and strategic need to do some- lead the country. But in a possible signal of North Korea leader Kim Jong Un wants to highlight and are keenly watched thing bigger”, said Sung-yoon Lee, a changing emphasis, the large-scale por- PARIS: A surge in child trafficking misinformation presided over the giant military parade, by observers for clues to its weapons devel- Korean studies professor at Tufts University traits of his grandfather, the North’s pushed by QAnon conspiracy theorists is stirring pub- with the nuclear-armed country showcasing opment. According to Seoul’s joint chiefs of in the United States. Showcasing its most founder Kim Il Sung, and father Kim Jong lic panic, generating violence and interfering with offi- its latest and most advanced weapons as staff, the display actually took place in the advanced weapons “will signal a big step Il have been removed from their positions cial efforts to protect minors, experts warn. From the thousands of maskless troops defied the early hours of yesterday, when they said in forward in Pyongyang’s credible threat on the rostrum in the square. Instead US to South Africa, AFP Fact Check has debunked coronavirus threat. State broadcaster a statement that “signs of a military parade capabilities”, he said. But unlike on many smaller ones were installed further back claims about girls found locked in shipping containers KCTV showed company after company of - involving equipment and people on a previous occasions, no international media and higher up on another building, the or lured in the street with roses fitted with a location- armed soldiers marching through Kim Il large scale - were detected at Kim Il Sung were allowed in to watch the parade. And Grand People’s Study House. tracking chip. Sung square in a night-time display, with Square”. South Korean and US intelligence the few foreigners remaining in Pyongyang The ruling party anniversary comes dur- A Facebook post shared one million times last Kim smiling and joking with his generals as agencies were “closely tracking the event”, were not welcome at the commemorations, ing a difficult year for North Korea as the month claimed 39 missing children had been found in a he watched them. they added. according to the Russian embassy, which coronavirus pandemic and recent storms trailer in the US state of Georgia. In reality, they were Armored vehicles were lined up in the posted a message from the authorities on its add pressure to the heavily sanctioned discovered in separate locations in August as part of a streets of Pyongyang ready to follow them, ‘Big step forward’ Facebook page urging diplomats and other country. And Harry Kazianis of the Center police operation and a majority were not trafficking and none of the participants or the audience The North is widely believed to have international representatives not to for the National Interest warned that with victims. Another hoax falsely accused US furniture lined up in the stands were wearing masks. pressed on with the development of its arse- “approach or take photos” of the venues. thousands of people involved, the parade retailer Wayfair of trafficking children inside storage Kim - whose summit counterpart Donald nal - which it says it needs to protect itself At the end of December, Kim threatened could turn into a “deadly superspreader- cabinets. These stories have stoked the flames of Trump was recently hospitalized with the ill- from a US invasion - throughout nuclear to demonstrate a “new strategic weapon”, like event” without “extreme precautions”. QAnon, a far-right movement claiming that US ness - wished “good health to all the people negotiations with Washington, deadlocked but analysts say Pyongyang will still tread The impoverished nation’s crumbling health President Donald Trump is waging a secret war around the world who are fighting the ills of since the collapse of a summit in Hanoi early carefully to avoid jeopardizing its chances system would struggle to cope with a major against a global liberal cult of Satan-worshipping the evil virus”, although he did not name the last year. And Kim - wearing a grey suit - with Washington ahead of next month’s virus outbreak, and he added: “Clearly, pedophiles. QAnon crept up three years ago on the US president or his country directly. told the crowd Pyongyang “will continue to presidential election. Showing off its strate- masks and missiles don’t mix.” - AFP fringes of social media but has since spilt into the mainstream thanks to widely-shared posts on plat- forms like Facebook and Instagram. “A lot of conspira- to spend on malign activities, which is itself a national cy theories are about pure people being exploited by Trump ramps up security victory for the United States, and it appears the a corrupt and decadent elite”, said Paris-based regime will be forced to negotiate in 2021 with whoever extremism and technology expert Julien Bellaiche. wins the presidential election,” Goldberg said. “This is a pro-Donald Trump conspiracy theory but sanctions but we’re also talking about a global cabal and an anti- No ‘real change’ establishment message that you can identify with But Iranian-backed militant groups have been stepping practically anywhere in the world.” sees few results up their activities, Iran has taken steps away from the restrictions imposed by the nuclear accord - and none of Influencers boost QAnon WASHINGTON: As he seeks a second term, US Pompeo’s 12 stated goals have been achieved. “They would QAnon has broadened its appeal particularly among President Donald Trump is accelerating his favorite for- say ‘we have weakened Iran’ - which is true - but there women by focusing on child trafficking, experts say. eign-policy tool of economic sanctions but his “maximum hasn’t been a real change in Iranian behavior,” said Thomas Many of the posts feature the hashtag pressure” campaigns have produced few of the results he Wright, a foreign policy expert at the Brookings #SaveTheChildren or #SaveOurChildren, which have has been seeking. The Trump administration on Thursday Institution. “We haven’t seen Iran agree to a negotiation, become synonymous with QAnon. Influencers on imposed sweeping sanctions on Iran’s banks, hoping for a let alone negotiate an alternative to the JCPOA,” he said, Instagram have helped spread child trafficking misinfor- knock-out blow to the adversary’s economy, and in recent referring to the Iran accord by its acronym. TEHRAN: In this file photo taken on May 20, 2019, mation by sharing QAnon narratives in innocent-looking weeks has issued nearly daily actions against players in Brian O’Toole, who helped implement sanctions under Iranian women use automated teller machines (ATM) in posts, according to Marc-Andre Argentino, a technolo- countries that include Belarus, Cuba, Nicaragua, Syria and the Obama administration, said the latest sanctions on Iran the capital. —AFP gy and extremist expert at Concordia University in Venezuela. were more about politics including making it more difficult Canada. “These influencers provide an aesthetic and “Sanctions have clearly been the tool of choice for the for a future administration to re-enter the nuclear accord. branding to their entire pages, and they in turn apply Trump administration to respond to rogue regimes and “The real impact of these sanctions is likely to be marginal, this to QAnon content, softening the messages, videos illicit conduct,” said Richard Goldberg of the Foundation and certainly not to the level of regime collapse as has North Korea without a final deal scuttled a 2019 summit and traditional imagery that would be associated with for the Defense of Democracies, a hawkish group close to reportedly been touted by some proponents,” said with Kim in Hanoi. Trump has taken credit for easing war- QAnon narratives,” he said in a recent Twitter thread. the Trump administration. “Past administrations commonly O’Toole, now at the Atlantic Council. “And it will do little to like tensions with North Korea but the authoritarian state “However, behind the branding and soft colours lies the used sanctions but did so on a more narrow, targeted basis cut down on Iran’s bad behavior,” he said. has still been pursuing its nuclear development. QAnon we all know, along with all it entails: racism, - designating specific entities and individuals rather than Goldberg saw a sanctions success story with Turkey medical/COVID disinformation, violence, and now the attempting to create macroeconomic changes and desta- Maduro stays but Kim negotiates which freed a detained US pastor after Trump’s brief negative impact the hijacking of ‘save the children’ is bilize governments to force wholesale behavioral change.” The Trump administration’s goal has been explicit in imposition of tariffs rocked the NATO ally’s economy. But having on NGOs... that actually save lives.” No country has been hit harder by US sanctions than Venezuela - the removal of leftist leader Nicolas Maduro, Trump’s enthusiasm for sanctions has tested relations with International charity Save The Children has also Iran, with Trump in 2018 walking out of a denuclearization whose re-election in 2018 was widely seen as fraudulent. allies, with European nations struggling to preserve the sounded the alarm, saying its name in hashtag form deal negotiated by former president Barack Obama and But after more than a year and a half of US efforts includ- Iranian nuclear accord. European and other allies have had experienced “unusually high volumes” of traffic moving to block all oil exports from the clerical-run nation. ing sanctions on Venezuela’s oil, Maduro remains in charge voiced annoyance but reluctantly complied as the United and caused “confusion among our supporters and the While denying the goal was regime change, Secretary of with support from Russia, China, Iran and Cuba. The States laid out secondary sanctions, threatening to punish general public”. Influencers are not the only public fig- State Mike Pompeo set 12 conditions for the removal of results are more complex on North Korea, which was hit any nation that does business with Iran. ures to seemingly promote QAnon. Trump himself at sanctions that amounted to a full-fledged reversal of Iran’s by major UN-blessed sanctions after a series of nuclear “The US has been very interested in sanctions for a times appears to fan conspiracy theories. In a security strategy such as support of regional militants. and missile tests. Experts see the economic pressure as long time, but I think there is some recognition now in both September interview, he described his presidential More than two years later, the Trump administration one reason why North Korean leader Kim Jong Un parties this has to be part of a larger strategy and it can’t race rival Joe Biden as a puppet controlled by “people claims credit for devastation to Iran’s economy, saying that embraced diplomacy with Trump, whom he met in a land- be a strategy in itself, which is less effective,” Wright said. that you’ve never heard of, people that are in the dark its regional allies such as Hezbollah have been deprived of mark 2018 summit and twice again last year. The refusal by “I don’t think Trump sees it that way, but I think there is a shadows”. —AFP cash. “In Iran, the regime has considerably less resources Trump, under pressure from his aides, to ease sanctions on growing recognition of that.” —AFP 6 Established 1961 Sunday, October 11, 2020 International Four dead and several wounded in Beirut fuel tank fire and blast Panic spreads in a wary city ravaged by monster blast in August

BEIRUT: An explosion and a fuel tank fire in the took hold in an underground premises where Lebanese capital Friday killed four people, res- there was also petrol. The source said authorities cuers said as panic spread in a city already rav- arrested the owner who manages one of the many aged by a monster blast in August. A Beirut televi- private generator services that supply residents sion station said more than 30 people were hurt in with electricity when frequent power outages the conflagration, with a medical source adding occur, the source said. that three children were hospitalized with burns. In the last few weeks, Beirut municipality has Firefighters using mobile ladders evacuated peo- been looking for warehouses that could be in ple from buildings in the bustling district of Tariq breach of the law or pose a danger to residential Al-Jdide. “The number of victims increased to areas, governor Marwan Aboud told Al-Jadeed. four,” the Lebanese Red Cross said on its Twitter “We feared that such an accident could happen,” account, updating the toll Aboud said, adding from two dead. around 100 sites had Red Cross Secretary been identified as sus- General Georges Kettane pect. added that the “were “We have ordered injured transported to 3 children some of them to close and hospital”, the national among 30 required others to put in news agency ANI place procedures to pro- reported. Lebanese tele- injured tect the public,” he added. vision Al-Jadeed report- Private generator services ed that more than 30 proliferate across the people were injured as it country, sometimes broadcast images of accused of being veritable flames in a street and sounds of people screaming mafia profiting from electricity shortages, which in panic. have forced citizens for decades to resort to sub- BEIRUT: People gather at the site of a fuel tank explosion in Beirut’s Tariq Al-Jdide neighborhood on scriptions to cope with frequent power outages. Friday. An explosion and a fuel tank fire in the Lebanese capital killed four people, rescuers said as ‘Feared such an accident’ Friday’s explosion was the latest in a series of panic spread in a city already ravaged by a monster blast in August. —AFP The state-run news agency said a fuel tank terrible events in a country hit with an unprece- exploded, sparking a fire and causing casualties. dented economic crisis and lacking the most basic Fire Brigade Lieutenant Ali Najm said there was a public services. Several fires have broken out at came as Lebanon struggles with its worst financial August 4 explosion on what they see as a cor- fire and explosion in a warehouse containing a Beirut’s port since a cataclysmic August 4 explo- crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war and political rupt and incompetent class of leaders and politi- fuel oil tank, adding the cause of the explosion sion killed 203 people, injured at least 6,500 oth- strife, compounded by the coronavirus pandemic. cians who have virtually remained the same for was still unknown. A security source said the fire ers and ravaged swathes of the capital. That blast A large section of public opinion blames the decades. —AFP

the squat, which was rife with symbolism. Riot after police After the fall of the Berlin Wall, blocks of aban- doned houses in the east of the capital were taken over by students, young people, artists and clear Berlin squat activists. Some of the squats were subsequently Tripoli mosques legalized as housing projects. The self-described BERLIN: Hundreds of people rioted in central “anarchist-queer-feminist” building on the corner Berlin late Friday to protest evictions from one of of Liebigstrasse, with a facade covered with graffiti open after 7-mth the few remaining squats, a symbol of the German and banners, has been offering shelter to about 40 capital’s free-spirited ideals. women, trans and intersex people since 1999. A Berlin mobilized hundreds of law enforcement virus closure bar and a self-managed cultural center helped the officials to remove residents of the “Liebig34” site collective to raise part of the money needed to pay TRIPOLI: Mosques reopened in and around the in Friedrichshain, a hip part of former East Berlin the rent. But investor Gijora Padovicz, who owns Libyan capital Friday almost seven months after they where property prices have risen sharply. the building, decided in 2018 not to renew the lease were ordered to close as part of strict curbs to rein in It went off peacefully. But in the evening, hun- for Liebig34. BERLIN: Smoke billows past riot policemen during the Covid-19 pandemic. Libya, ravaged by a complex dreds of masked and black-clad protesters Faced with the residents’ refusal to leave their clashes with demonstrators marching in support for web of conflicts since the ouster of longtime dictator marched in a driving rain from central Mitte shop- homes, he filed a lawsuit, which he won, culminating the residents of the squatted building at Liebig street Moamer Kadhafi in a 2011 uprising, has seen a surge in ping district with a banner: “Defend free spaces, in Friday’s eviction. Police removed residents one 34 in Berlin whom have been evicted on Friday. —AFP contaminations since its first coronavirus case in remain on the offensive.” Shop windows and cars by one from the four-storey building, an emblem of March. were set ablaze, police said, adding officers had Berlin’s fading “poor but sexy” image, the market- city which shouldn’t only belong to the rich. Berlin According to the latest official figures, there have been pelted with bottles. ing slogan of the city’s former mayor Klaus is dying”. “It goes against human rights to throw been more than 41,000 confirmed cases of the virus Fire crackers were also set off in the central Wowereit. people out on to the street in the middle of a pan- and 621 deaths in Libya, a country of less than seven streets, with a thick cloud of smoke rising. A bus Protesting against the police action, Anna Mai, demic, when they cannot pay their rent,” Moritz million people. The UN-recognized Government of stop was destroyed. Berlin police said they whistle in hand on the edge of the police cordon, Heusinger, lawyer for the Liebig34 collective, told National Accord based in the capital Tripoli authorized deployed 1,900 anti-riot officers to contain the said Liebig34 was “a symbol of the diversity of this AFP. “They are becoming homeless.” —AFP the reopening of mosques, but with conditions. violence over the removal earlier of people from Mosques in Tripoli and nearby towns reopened for prayers, with the faithful wearing face masks and teacher in Saint Petersburg who declined to give his observing social distancing. last name, said. They also brought their own rugs. The imam of Russia reports Jaafar bin Abi Talib mosque in the western suburb of Training dogs to detect virus Janzour told AFP an “awareness” campaign was record virus cases As Russia is experiencing a surge in coronavirus launched ahead of the reopening. cases, the country’s flagship airline Aeroflot is train- “We distributed leaflets explaining the conditions but shuns new curbs ing sniffer dogs to detect the coronavirus by scent. under which prayers can resume in the mosques in line Aeroflot uses a special jackal-dog hybrid called with the government’s guidelines,” Abdel Monem al- Rayani said. MOSCOW: Russia registered its highest-ever number Shalaika in Russian to detect explosives. Now dog The guidelines restrict numbers in mosques for of new coronavirus infections on Friday after officials handlers say the Shalaikas-who have a powerful prayers to half pre-coronavirus levels, he said. warned that tight restrictions could be put back in sense of smell-can be taught to sniff out the coron- Mosques which fail to comply with government place if people continued to flout restrictions. avirus. “The dog is not looking for the virus, the dog restrictions would be shut. The closure of mosques Restaurants and bars in Moscow were bustling and is looking for a person with signs of the disease,” was ordered nationwide when the first cases of many residents were ignoring orders to wear masks in Elena Batayeva, head of canine monitoring at coronavirus emerged in mid-March, although in public as nationwide infections surged in September, Aeroflot, told reporters. MOSCOW: A man and a woman wearing face masks to some towns and districts the ban was ignored. The but officials stopped short of imposing new sweeping Russia imposed one of the most severe nation- protect against the coronavirus disease stand at a bus call to prayers still rang out but with the faithful measures to slow the spread of the virus. European wide lockdowns at the beginning of the pandemic. stop in central Moscow yesterday. —AFP urged to “pray at home”. —AFP leaders across the continent are scrambling to amend Non-essential businesses were shuttered and virus regulations against the backdrop of a surge in Moscow residents only permitted to move freely new cases, and even Germany, which was praised for with official digital passes. But most restrictions infections. “The city is making the necessary deci- its early handling of the pandemic, has suffered a were lifted ahead of a large WWII military parade in sions. But it won’t work without people responding to large increase in new infections. But officials in Russia, June and a nationwide vote on amendments that these measures, helping themselves and those around Orthodox Jews which has the world’s fourth-highest caseload after paved the way for President Vladimir Putin to them,” Sobyanin said Friday. the United States, India and Brazil, have so far dis- remain in power until 2036. Officials in Moscow, Tatyana Nemirovskaya, a 30-year-old PR special- missed the idea there is a second wave of infections which is the epicentre of Russia’s pandemic, have ist, told AFP that Muscovites are “definitely not” fol- defiant in Brooklyn or any need for a new lockdown. taken only minor steps to slow the spread of cases. lowing the government’s guidelines. The head of NEW YORK: In an Orthodox Jewish area of Brooklyn A government tally registered 12,126 new cases Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has ordered the elderly and Russia’s consumer rights watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, on Friday, community members vowed to defy gov- on Friday, surpassing the country’s previous record vulnerable to stay at home and told employers to which is spearheading the country’s virus response, ernment attempts to restrict their worship over rising set in May by several hundred cases. “I’m really keep at least a third of staff working remotely. warned this week of “new measures” if the current coronavirus concerns as they marked a religious holi- afraid that things will go back to how they were in Mask-wearing is compulsory on public transport rules were not followed. The Kremlin said Friday that day. Borough Park saw angry protests by Hasidic Jews the spring, that everyone will be quarantined and and inside shops, but some Muscovites are not con- if the situation continues to deteriorate it will “require this week after New York Governor Andrew Cuomo we won’t be allowed to go to work,” Vladimir, a vinced others are doing enough to stop the spread of some actions, decisions”. —AFP announced he was partially shutting down the neigh- borhood to stem a second wave of COVID-19. The controversy turned political with right-wing change in attitudes did not materialize in the Nordic presenter Sofie Linde, a household name, stunned figures stoking the demonstrations and Orthodox Jews New #MeToo wave nation, which regularly scores highly in international viewers of a live TV gala by recounting how a senior claiming they are being targeted by the Democratic measures of equality. television executive offered to advance her career in governor for their support of President Donald Trump. #MeToo was often considered “a minority issue, exchange for oral sex, 12 years earlier. The revelation On the final day of Sukkot Friday, which coincided with challenges something that was not really Danish,” Camilla Mohring led to Equalities Minister Mogens Jensen saying he Cuomo’s deadline for religious sites to be capped at Reestorff, associate professor in culture and media wanted to “end sexual harassment in the workplace”, ten people and non-essential businesses to close, wor- Denmark’s image studies at Aarhus University, told AFP. and 1,600 women signed an open letter declaring that shippers were defiant. “He doesn’t understand that our Danes tend to see themselves as “progressive, free they had experienced sexism during their careers. whole life is praying and studying the bible. We have to COPENHAGEN: Thousands of women across and equal,” she said, adding, “It can make us a bit blind Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also took to do what we have to do,” said grey-haired Moses, Denmark have come forward in recent weeks with sto- when it comes to sexism.” Instagram to call for a cultural shift. “We have failed to declining to give his surname outside the Anshei Sfard ries of sexism and harassment in the Nordic country create workplaces with equal relationships. We’re Hasidic synagogue. A few blocks away on 13th which is often viewed as a bastion of gender equality. ‘Domino effect’ going to change that and it starts now,” Frederiksen Avenue, where demonstrators lit fires and chanted On Wednesday Morten Ostergaard, leader of the In recent months, however, the issue has risen to the wrote in late September. However the Social Democrat “Jewish Lives Matter” on Tuesday night, 50-year-old Social Liberal party, resigned after it emerged he had fore as thousands of women, including celebrities, doc- leader was forced to reiterate her confidence in her for- Abraham said the community would keep open reli- placed his hand on the thigh of a female colleague ten tors, academics and musicians, have begun sharing their eign minister, Jeppe Kofod, who stepped down in 2008 gious schools and places of worship. years earlier. “Morten has apologised and I have forgiv- accounts of sexism or mistreatment. The testimonials as his party’s foreign affairs spokesman after admitting “What’s he (Cuomo) going to do? Is he going to en him” MP Lotte Rod wrote on Facebook. are “triggering a domino effect and making people having sex with a 15-year-old girl at a party event. bring his sheriffs down and close every synagogue? “The problem is no longer what happened but the conscious of the need for collective change,” said There are maybe 500 here,” he said, also declining way it was handled,” she added, calling for “a change of Christian Groes, anthropologist at the University of Denmark’s age of consent is 15. to give his full name. Borough Park is part of a large culture”. In 2017 a public discussion arose in Denmark Roskilde. Then 34 years old, he apologized at the time for a area of Brooklyn declared a “red zone” by Cuomo, as the #MeToo movement emboldened women across “In 2017-2018 there was a debate, now we have a “lapse of judgment” and a “morally inappropriate rela- and backed by Mayor Bill de Blasio, after the rate of the world to speak out about their experiences of dis- movement of social justice,” he told AFP. The issue tionship.” He was appointed foreign minister after 2019 positive cases soared above the three percent crimination and sexual assault. However a widespread became a national talking point in late August when elections. —AFP threshold. —ÅFP Established 1961 7 Sunday, October 11, 2020 International Lockdown rules test faith in coronavirus-hit Philippines Churches in Catholic-majority country beginning to reopen

MANILA: After months of live-streaming mass to mil- prevent people from touching and kissing them-a lions of faithful from behind closed doors, churches in common practice believed to help cure the sick but the Catholic-majority Philippines are beginning to that could now help spread Covid-19. reopen. But strict coronavirus rules mean worship is “It feels so strange,” said Rachel Mendioro, who is still far from normal, and the contagion spreading eight-months pregnant with her first child and is pray- across the deeply religious country has forced church- ing for a safe delivery. “Seeing few people (inside the es to get creative to meet the spiritual needs of their church) gives you a different vibe. It really tells you congregations. that the world is facing a problem right now.” With churches in Manila limited to filling only 10 percent of their seating capacity and many still fearful of infection, online mass remains popular. Services Worship is livestreamed on the Baclaran Church’s Facebook page still far receive as many as 50,000 views-a five-fold increase from before the pandemic. from normal Elsewhere in the country, drive-by communion services have been introduced and some priests are visiting the homes of their congregants to hear confes- sion. Forced to worship at home since March, when the country began a months-long lockdown, Rederacion In the usually packed Baclaran Church in the capital Parina said she wept when she recently returned to Manila-which has the highest number of infections in Baclaran for the first time. The 77-year-old walked the the archipelago-temperature guns, hand sanitizer, con- six kilometers (nearly four miles) from her home tact-tracing forms and uniformed security guards instead of taking public transport to save money for MANILA: Catholic faithful sit outside the Quiapo church in Manila as health protocols imposed by authorities limit church goers inside the church to filling only 10 percent of their seating capacity. — AFP greet the faithful wearing masks and plastic face food. She prayed for help to resolve her financial shields. Social distancing rules limit three people to woes-increasingly aggravated by virus measures crip- pews that normally sit 10 and every second bench is pling the Philippine economy. next year before they can attend a service at the con- But virtual worshipping is not for everyone. “A lot left empty in the cavernous church where thousands of “My body is gaining strength when I go out (to visit servative International Churches of Christ. of people... feel the connection is not as intense or not worshippers once flocked for mass. the church)... I feel calm,” said Parina, lifting her face For now, they sit in their courtyard and watch the as real,” said Victorino Cueto, rector at the Baclaran Face coverings must be worn at all times-even when shield to wipe away tears. “When I’m stuck at home... I livestreamed version, taking communion using pre- Church. The virus offers a new perspective on how believers take the piece of bread given to them during feel like I’m nearing my end.” packaged bread and grape juice made by local com- people can practice their faith and the church should the Holy Communion by a priest or minister who is not pany Holy Cup, which has reported a three-fold be quick to adapt to it, said Cueto. exempt from the protocols. Holy water fonts-into Rethinking faith increase in sales during the outbreak. “If there is “Covid has shaken all of us and faith is not immune which people used to dip their fingers to make the sign Other churches have opted to hold their services something good that is brought about by the pandem- from the whole process,” he said. “Every crisis is an of the cross-are dry and covered with a white cloth. entirely online until the health crisis eases. Teejay ic (it) is that the church was brought into each other’s opportunity so I think the pandemic is asking us to Religious icons are in storage or behind fences to Bagasbas, 51, and her family may have to wait until homes,” Bagasbas said. reimagine what our faith is now.” — AFP

Pakistan bans Twitter tightens News in brief TikTok over rules to thwart Swiss hostage was a missionary

‘immoral content’ election threats GENEVA: A Swiss woman thought to have been killed in Mali was a missionary abducted in 2016, the ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday banned the wildly SAN FRANCISCO: Twitter said Friday it will take Swiss foreign ministry said yesterday. Beatrice popular video sharing app TikTok, as authorities press down calls for violence starting after polls close on US Stoeckli was a missionary from Basel who was their clampdown on “immoral” content. election day and slap warnings on premature victory working in Timbuktu when she was taken four years Chinese-owned TikTok which has become a global claims to fight efforts to undermine the election. When it ago-having already been abducted by jihadidsts sensation with its short video clips has a huge user comes to a winner in any race, Twitter will require an once before, in 2012, Swiss news agency Keystone- base among young Pakistanis, with some attracting mil- announcement by an election official or a public projec- ATS reported. The Swiss authorities said in a state- lions of followers. But it has come up against backlash tion from at least two authoritative, national news out- ment released late Friday that for the past four years they had been working with the Malian authorities in the ultra-conservative Islamic country, where in lets making independent election calls. and other partners for her release. The foreign min- recent months several dating apps including Tinder and Balochistan province, said the news was like “losing The California tech giant will also invite people to istry said the French authorities had informed them Grindr have also been banned and YouTube threatened someone from my family”. “The ban is unfair and unjus- add their thoughts to retweets instead of just mindlessly of Stoeckli’s fate based on what French hostage with shutdown. The Pakistan Telecommunication tified... instead of banning the app the PTA should have sharing, according to legal lead Vijaya Gadde and prod- Sophie Petronin, who was released earlier this week, Authority (PTA) on Friday said TikTok had failed to called on TikTok to ban those users,” he said of the uct lead Kayvon Beykpour. had told them. —AFP adhere to two warnings, which had demanded it block “immoral” content. The platform, a favorite method of communicating “immoral, obscene and vulgar” content. Campaigners have long criticized the creeping cen- for President Donald Trump, will also broaden its appli- “The application failed to fully comply with the sorship and control of Pakistan’s internet, printed and cation of warning labels for misleading tweets by candi- instructions, therefore, directions were issued for electronic media. dates leading up to election day on November 3. UK recalls envoy from Belarus blocking of TikTok application in the country”, the PTA PTA said it would review its decision if the app put “Twitter plays a critical role around the globe by said in a statement. in place mechanisms to moderate unlawful content. In a empowering democratic conversation, driving civic par- LONDON: Britain has joined several eastern Pakistanis were unable to access the app on Friday statement TikTok said it was “hopeful to reach a con- ticipation, facilitating meaningful political debate, and evening. Arslan Khalid, a digital media adviser to Prime clusion that helps us serve the country’s vibrant and European nations in withdrawing its ambassador enabling people to hold those in power accountable,” from strife-torn Belarus in protest at President Minister Imran Khan, has previously claimed the creative online community”. Gadde and Beykpour said in a blog post. “exploitation, objectification & sexualization of young The app was blocked in Bangladesh last year as part Alexander Lukashenko’s expulsion of diplomats “But we know that this cannot be achieved unless from Poland and Lithuania. In a tweet late Friday, girls on TikTok” was causing pain to parents. of a clampdown on pornography, while Indonesia the integrity of this critical dialogue on Twitter is pro- Earlier this week, Pakistani TikToker Jannat Mirza briefly blocked access over blasphemy concerns. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the UK tected from attempts-both foreign and domestic-to “condemns Belarus’ decision to expel Polish & became the first in the country to reach 10 million fol- Owned by China’s ByteDance, it has also faced undermine it.” Social media platforms including lowers, with lip-syncing and slow motion clips among increasing controversy over how it collects and uses Lithuanian diplomats”. “Completely unjustified Facebook and Twitter have been in the spotlight since and will only isolate the Belarusian people. In soli- her content. “TikTok is a major source of entertainment data although it has repeatedly denied sharing user massive disinformation campaigns directed by Russian darity, we are temporarily recalling our for lower and middle class Pakistanis, as well as illiter- information with Chinese authorities. intelligence and other malign actors overshadowed the Ambassador for consultations on the situation in ate citizens that includes half the population as it is The app is facing a possible ban in the United 2016 election. Belarus,” he said. The ambassadors of Lithuania video based and easy to use,” said Usama Khilji, a digi- States, after officials said it was a national security risk Applying existing protocol, Twitter will label tweets and Poland were recalled on Monday after Minsk tal rights activist, who said the ban violates freedom of and President Donald Trump said he wanted it taken that falsely claim a win and will remove “tweets that accused them of backing mass protests that have speech. out of Chinese hands. Neighboring India has already encourage violence or call for people to interfere with erupted against Lukashenko since a disputed Akhlaq Ahmed, who ran a TikTok account with banned the app, along with dozens of other Chinese election results or the smooth operation of polling election on August 9. — AFP friends from the remote town of Jhal Magsi in mobile platforms. — AFP places.” Twitter forbids posts that manipulate or inter- fere with elections, and the platform already adds labels to tweets that violate rules against doctored media or misleading information concerning voting or COVID-19. HK police arrest smuggling group Beginning next week, people who try to retweet posts deserving warning labels because of misleading HONG KONG: Hong Kong police yesterday information will be shown a prompt directing them to arrested a group accused of helping 12 pro-democ- credible facts about the topic first, according to the racy activists detained in mainland China for nearly blog post. “These new prompts will give individuals two months after attempting to flee to Taiwan in a more context on labeled tweets so they can make more speedboat. The group of nine, some of whom had informed decisions on whether or not they want to been previously arrested for participating in the amplify them to their followers,” Gadde and Beykpour massive protests that threw the financial hub into said. Twitter will also start adding warnings and restric- turmoil last year, were taken into custody for “assist- tions on tweets labeled as containing misleading infor- ing offenders”. “Their roles include ownership of the mation when they are from US political figures including boat, financial backing, providing accommodation candidates and campaign accounts. The same will be before the trip, transportation to the pier and done with misleading tweets from US-based accounts arranging their lives after arriving in Taiwan,” a with more than 100,000 followers, or that spark signifi- police spokesperson told reporters. China’s coast cant engagement. guard intercepted a boat transporting the 12 Hong “We have already increased the size and capacity of Kongers to Taiwan in late August. The self-ruled WASHINGTON, DC: In this file photo taken on August 05, 2020, Senator Thom Tillis talks with Senate Judiciary our teams focused on the US election and will have the island routinely offers sanctuary to people attempt- Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham and Senator Joshua “Josh” Hawley during a break in a Senate Judiciary necessary staffing to respond rapidly to issues that may ing to flee the authoritarian mainland China. —AFP Committee oversight hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. — AFP arise on Twitter on Election night and in the days that follow,” Gadde and Beykpour said. — AFP the candidates conducted instead. But the issue could Senator Graham prove to be a critical one in Washington. voting,” Abbott had said, in line with views expressed by Graham is expected to preside in person over next Texas judge blocks President Donald Trump, who frequently claims without week’s hearings on the confirmation of conservative evidence that postal ballots are a source of massive vote refuses COVID test fraud. But in a decision published Friday following a chal- Judge Amy Coney Barrett to fill the Supreme Court order limiting seat made vacant by the death last month of liberal lenge by voting rights advocates, federal judge Robert ahead of debate justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Should Graham test posi- Pitman blocked the order, arguing it “restricts the rights tive and be forced into 10 days or more of quarantine, ballot drop-off sites of some voters, those who qualify to vote absentee in that could postpone the hearings, something larger, more populous counties.” WASHINGTON: Prominent US lawmaker Lindsey Republicans have fiercely opposed. The order also added to voter confusion, Pitman’s 46- HOUSTON: A US judge has blocked an order from Graham, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee Two other Republican senators on the committee, page decision said, and would force voters to travel fur- Texas’ governor cutting the number of sites voters can set to consider President Donald Trump’s Supreme Mike Lee and Thom Tillis, tested positive after attend- ther to cast their ballot and wait in longer lines to vote, drop off mail-in ballots for November’s presidential elec- Court nominee next week, refused on Friday to be ing a September 26 ceremony where Trump leading to greater risks of exposure to the virus. Claims tion, which Democrats had said amounted to voter sup- tested for the coronavirus. The South Carolina ally of announced Barrett as his nominee. Most attendees that the order would reduce voter fraud had no “factual pression. The order, issued in early October by Trump said no to a testing request by his Democratic were not wearing masks and several have since tested support,” he added. Republican Governor Greg Abbott, limited the number of rival in their Senate race, ahead of their scheduled positive. Of the Judiciary Committee’s 22 members, 10 Texas-a Republican stronghold, but where Democrat drop-off centers to one per county, even as mail-in vot- debate in the southern state. are age 68 or older. They include the Senate’s two old- Joe Biden is threatening-has some of the most populous ing is expected to become much more popular due to the Graham’s move prompted the debate with Jaime est senators, Democrat Dianne Feinstein and counties in the country. More than 2.3 million voters live coronavirus pandemic. The move would help curb “illegal Harrison to be scrapped, with separate interviews of Republican Chuck Grassley, both 87.—AFP in Harris County, which includes Houston.—AFP Established 1961

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020 Business Wojood: Kuwait’s first tech accelerator An initiative by Mawaqaa Co for entrepreneurs

KUWAIT: Mawaqaa Co for Information 50 percent during the coronavirus pandemic, she digital stores in general. Technology and Smart Applications has launched expected that 66 percent of customers will contin- Wojood also seeks to accelerate entrepreneurs’ Wojood - the first tech accelerator in Kuwait - to ue to order online after the end of the pandemic, businesses and experience by focusing on the real empower online businesses and accelerate the especially since the volume of e-commerce in needs and qualifications for growth and then earn- growth of emerging e-commerce businesses by Kuwait recently reached $1.1 billion locally, while ing revenues, especially since 80 percent of proj- providing a number of specialized programs, con- the number of active accounts in this field reached ects fail to do so after launch, lacking a major sup- sultations with mentors and many other financial around 2.4 million users, 80 percent of whom have port system in that phase, and here is where the services that can develop into a strategic digital bank accounts. role of Wojood becomes crucial, eventually making partnership. Among them around 66 percent are youth, indi- these businesses strategic tech partners with many Chief Executive Officer of Wojood and the cating that 36 percent of Kuwait’s population future investment opportunities. President of the Social Media Club Hind Al- depends on online purchases, which confirms the Nahedh pointed out that the services of Nahedh said the launch of Wojood came in importance of launching the Wojood tech acceler- Wojood will focus on the needs of the local mar- response to increasing demands of the digital mar- ator initiative to empower and speed up this grow- ket, by providing guidance and direction in ket in Kuwait, which has seen a fourfold increase ing ecosystem. Nahedh pointed out that Wojood empowering digital projects in terms of providing since the beginning of 2020. seeks to harness the deep experience of its team all smart solutions and other desired business While Nahedh clarified that demand for e-com- of mentors to empower businesses in different activities in Kuwait, in addition to providing tech- Hind Al-Nahedh merce services in Kuwait increased by more than fields, whether in e-commerce or onboarding non- nical, digital marketing and training support to project owners and upcoming entrepreneurs, as the leading companies in the Kuwait market and well as future investment opportunities for promis- the region in website design and smart applica- • Al-Nahedh: The launch came in response to the increasing demands of ing projects with Wojood partners. tions since 2002. It operates in Kuwait and Dubai Nahedh explained that Wojood tech accelera- in the United Arab Emirates. e-commerce and online businesses in Kuwait and the world. tor will provide ongoing consultations by a team The National Company for Websites • Demand for online stores in Kuwait rose by more than 50 percent in 2020 of experts and mentors in various fields, including (Mawaqaa) was founded in 2002. It is a leading • More than 18 years of experience in the market will help empower digital marketing, e-commerce and technical sup- company in providing website solutions for 19 port, along with providing financial opportunities years, with fruitful achievements of more than 970 entrepreneurs and accelerate their businesses for businesses to accelerate their online presence, projects - from government and public institutions, •Filling market awareness gap in taking the right steps in e-commerce is making Wojood an integrated tech business ministries, petroleum, e-commerce, hospitals, gen- accelerator. eral trade, communications, shopping and enter- Wojood’s main mission Mawaqaa Co, the launch company of Wojood tainment and many more, by 130 specialized tech accelerator in Kuwait, is considered one of employees stationed in Kuwait, Dubai and India. Egypt’s Sept inflation of 3.7% could trigger IMF consultation Judge won’t force

CAIRO: Egypt’s headline inflation central bank: whether to keep inter- App Store to let came in at under 4 percent in est rates high to sell treasury bills September, potentially triggering and protect the currency, or lower Fortnite return consultations with the International them to encourage growth in an Monetary Fund (IMF) that could lead economy battered by the COVID-19 to lower interest rates. Under a one- pandemic. SAN FRANCISCO: A federal judge on year, $5.2 billion loan agreement Some economists have said that if Friday denied the latest bid by Epic Games to signed in June, Egypt committed to inflation remains low, the IMF could force Fortnite back into the App Store while consult an IMF technical team if argue the central bank’s monetary com- its lawsuit against Apple heads for trial next year-on-year inflation fell below 6 mittee should consider lowering interest year. The two firms are fighting over whether percent by the end of September and rates when it next meets on Nov 12. The Apple’s tight control of the App Store, and its the IMF board itself if it fell below 4 slight increase in September inflation CAIRO: Egypt’s headline inflation came in at under 4 percent in September, poten- 30 percent cut of revenue, counts as monopo- percent. went against some analysts’ forecasts, tially triggering consultations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that listic behavior. US District Court Judge In September, annual urban con- who had expected the headline rate to could lead to lower interest rates. — Reuters Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who had previously sumer price inflation edged up to 3.7 be kept under pressure by lower food rejected a similar request by Epic, rejected percent from 3.4 percent in August, prices. However, CAPMAS said food the lowest since 2005. Inflation fuel price hike, a 13 percent value- the battle royale game maker’s motion for an the country’s statistics agency CAP- costs increased by 0.3 percent month- soared to a peak of 33.0 percent in added tax and taxes on tobacco, injunction ordering Apple to return Fortnite to MAS said yesterday. The low infla- on-month July 2017 after Egypt implemented while halving the value of the curren- the App Store immediately. tion rate sharpens a dilemma for the The August inflation rate was near IMF austerity measures including a cy against the dollar. — Reuters “Epic Games has never adequately explained its rush, other than its disdain for the situation,” Rogers said in a ruling denying economic crisis in the country, which also has the an injunction ahead of trial. Iran’s rial hits new highest COVID-19 death toll in the Middle East. “The current predicament is of its own The official exchange rate - used mostly for making.” Apple pulled Fortnite from its online low against dollar as imports of state-subsidized food and medicine - is mobile apps marketplace on August 13 after 42,000 rials per dollar. The United States on Epic released an update that dodges revenue Thursday slapped fresh sanctions on Iran’s financial sharing with the iPhone maker. economy reels sector, targeting 18 banks to further choke off In her latest ruling, the judge again com- Iranian revenues as Washington ramps up pressure pared any loss of business suffered by Epic on Tehran weeks ahead of the US election. due to Fortnite’s eviction by Apple to a “self- TEHRAN: The Iranian rial fell to a new low against Iranian central bank governor Abdolnaser inflicted wound.” Due to the legal row, the US dollar yesterday as the economy reels under Hemmati dismissed the sanctions as political propa- Fortnite fans using iPhones or other Apple pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic and US ganda and played down their practical impact. devices no longer have access to the latest sanctions. The dollar was selling for as much as “What needs to be decided in this regard was game updates, including the new season 304,300 rials on the unofficial market, up from decided two years ago,” Hemmati was quoted as released at the end of August. 295,940 on Friday, according to the foreign saying by Iranian media. “Therefore, the banks that Rogers expressed empathy for Fortnite exchange site Bonbast.com. The economic daily were party to the agreement with Iran have decided lovers unable to get the game on Apple Donya-e-Eqtesad’s website gave the dollar rate as to continue trading with Iran.” Analysts said the mobile devices. 303,300, up 6,000 rials from Friday. sanctions may further deter European and other for- TEHRAN: A man pays using Iranian rials at a shop in “This is especially so during these contin- The currency has lost about 56 percent of its val- eign banks from working with Iran, even for permit- Tehran. — AFP ued difficult times that is the COVID-19 pan- ue in 2020 as a drop in oil prices has deepened the ted humanitarian transactions. — Reuters demic era, where gaming and virtual worlds are both social and safe,” Rogers said in the ruling. “However, there is significant public was not their fault.” That marked the latest dramatic interest in requiring parties to adhere to their White House proposes shift from the president who just days ago called off Microsoft to let contractual agreements or in resolving busi- negotiations with Democrats and said there would ness disputes through the normal course.” $1.8tn stimulus be no new aid to struggling businesses and unem- staff work from Rogers pointed out that Epic could get ployed workers until after the election. But as Fortnite back in the App Store by using WASHINGTON: With the presidential election Trump has turned cheerleader and trumpets his Apple’s payment system for transactions. fast approaching, the White House on Friday pro- newfound optimism, Senate Majority Leader Mitch home permanently Apple does not allow users of its popular McConnell poured cold water on the chances for a devices to download apps from anywhere but posed a beefed-up $1.8 trillion economic rescue WASHINGTON: deal, saying Congress is unlikely to agree on a new Software giant Microsoft will let its App Store, and developers have to use plan to try to coax congressional Democrats into an employees work from home permanently if they stimulus package before the election due to “vast” Apple’s payment system which takes its cut. agreement. President Donald Trump, who this week choose to, US media reported on Friday, becoming has veered wildly in his position on stimulus to help differences over how much to spend. Epic is accusing Apple of being “a monop- the latest employer to expand work-from-home pro- olist” due to its tight grip on the App Store. the world’s largest economy recover from the dam- “We do need another rescue package, but the visions prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The judge said at a recent hearing that age done by the COVID-19 pandemic, now seems proximity to the election and the differences of US tech news website The Verge said most she didn’t expect a trial over the dispute to to be making a major push to roll out funding opinion about what is needed at this particular Microsoft employees are still at home as the health start until July of next year, at the earliest, before he stands for re-election on November 3. juncture are pretty vast,” McConnell said Friday at crisis drags on, and the company doesn’t expect to given her calendar. The legal battle comes The new proposal, an improvement over the a press conference in his home state of Kentucky. reopen its US offices until January of next year at the as Apple puts priority on selling digital administration’s previous $1.6 trillion offer, brings While he would like to see legislators rise above earliest. But when it does, workers can chose to work content and subscription services to the them closer to the Democrats’ latest package cost- their political differences “I think that’s unlikely in from home permanently with their manager’s one billion-plus people around the world ing $2.2 trillion. White House spokeswoman Alyssa the next three weeks,” the Republican senator said. approval, although they will have to give up their ‘Go Big!’ using devices powered by its iOS mobile Farah said the administration was “willing to come office space. “The Covid-19 pandemic has challenged operating software. Major app developers House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury up on the level” but wanted to keep the price tag all of us to think, live and work in new ways,” human including Epic and streaming music giant Secretary Steven Mnuchin have been negotiating “below $2 trillion.” resources head Kathleen Hogan said in a note to Spotify recently formed a coalition to press for weeks, raising hopes for a huge, new relief But Trump, who is trailing in the polls against employees obtained by The Verge. for new terms with the major online mar- package to follow up on the $2.2 trillion CARES Act Democratic rival Joe Biden, said he wants an even “We will offer as much flexibility as possible to ketplaces operated by Apple and Google. more robust plan. “A lot of people are being hurt. I and other measures that brought the total aid support individual work styles, while balancing busi- Google runs a Play Store for apps tailored would like to see a bigger stimulus package, frankly, passed by Congress to nearly $3 trillion. ness needs and ensuring we live our culture.” In a pub- for devices powered by its Android soft- than either the Democrats or the Republicans are Pelosi said differences remain over policy as well lic blog post later in the day, Hogan said the company ware and also takes a commission, but offering,” Trump said in an interview with conser- as money. “I do hope that we will have an agree- views employees spending less than 50 percent of people are free to get apps from other vative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh. ment soon,” Pelosi said Friday on MSNBC. “But as their time working from home as “standard,” but online venues. — AFP “I would like to see money going to people. It you say, they keep changing their minds.” — AFP wasn’t abandoning office work entirely. —AFP 9 Business Sunday, October 11, 2020 Fearing Biden tax hikes, wealthy Americans change estate plans Democrats want to raise estate taxes to the ‘historical norm’

NEW YORK: Wealthy Americans are scrambling His plan also includes raising taxes on long-term to change their estate plans before year-end, wor- capital gains, which is the profit earned by selling ried that Democrat Joe Biden will win the US presi- assets whose values have appreciated. Taxpayers dential election and raise taxes, say financial advis- with income above $1 million would pay a 39.6 per- ers to the moneyed set. The biggest concern is that cent income tax on the profit, instead of the current the White House and Congress could get swept up tiered approach that maxes out at 20 percent for in a “Blue Wave” of Democratic wins that give Biden individuals with $441,450 or more income. In a the power to propose and pass a sweeping set of statement, Biden campaign spokesman Andrew tax reforms. Bates reiterated the candidate’s intent to change tax Wealthy people are especially nervous that an law in ways that benefit less affluent people. exemption allowing individuals to leave up to $11.58 “Joe Biden is running to rebuild the backbone of million to heirs, free of estate or gift taxes, could be this nation - the American middle class - by ensuring cut before it expires in 2025. Democrats want to that our economy rewards work and not just raise estate taxes to the “historical norm,” according to the party’s platform. That could mean slashing the exemption to $5.49 million, the figure in place before Republican President Donald Trump signed a sweeping tax bill that included benefits for corpora- Questions over tions and wealthy Americans in 2017, advisers said. It is unclear how the election will go or what, if gift and estate any, tax reform will pass. Tax code changes can also tax exclusion PHOENIX: US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden waves as he arrives to speak at a carpenters union be complex and time consuming. But as Biden has in Phoenix, Arizona. — Reuters climbed in the polls, rich people are rushing to set up trusts and revise existing ones before year-end to avoid 2021 tax consequences, advisers said. “We are flooded with requests for gift and estate Joe Roberts, Senior Wealth Strategist. Clients are “The $11.58 million question is, ‘What is going to tax appraisals right now,” he said. worried about a “quick turn and drastic departure” happen to the gift and estate tax exclusion?’” said wealth,” he said. The uptick in requests for estate New York estate and tax planning lawyer Philip from the status quo, Roberts said. Toni Ann Kruse, a New York estates lawyer who changes intensified in June when Biden pulled ahead Michaels has added around 15 high net worth clients At the same time, some customers are worried counsels ultra-high net worth people. “We don’t of Trump in polling, advisers said. Several firms said during the last several months who are revising about making decisions too early. That is because know who will win the election or control the House they have been overwhelmed by requests since then, estate plans. trusts created to use lifetime exemptions are not eas- or Senate - and all of those factors will play into and expect business to pick up more toward the end Rockefeller Capital Management, a financial advi- ily unwound. “It’s a lot of money to give away,” what could happen.” Biden would also “return the of the year. Tax-related workflow is triple the norm sory firm in New York, is holding virtual events for Indianapolis estate planning lawyer John Olivieri said estate tax to 2009 levels” to fund paid family and at Miller Samuel Inc, a New York-based real estate customers while working with legal and tax advisers of some of his clients. “People are struggling with, medical leave, according to his website. appraisal firm, said Chief Executive Jonathan Miller. to sort through nuances of possible legislation, said ‘Do I really want to give this away?’” — Reuters

HSBC bank aims Saudi PIF in talks to buy stake for zero carbon in UAE supermarket chain Lulu on investments ROYADH: Saudi Arabia’s sover- Dhabi state-owned holding com- eign wealth fund, the Public pany ADQ invested $1 billion in by 2050 Investment Fund (PIF), is in early Lulu earlier this year, two sources discussions to buy a stake in super- familiar with the talks said. ADQ market chain Lulu Group did not respond to a Reuters LONDON: Asia-focused bank HSBC International, two sources familiar request for comment. PIF is seen announced Friday that it aims to achieve with the matter told Reuters. It is in as a driver of the kingdom’s Vision net-zero carbon emissions across its talks with Indian-born businessman 2030 plan to diversify the econo- investments by 2050, but campaigners Yusuff Ali, who founded Abu my, with the authorities aiming to accused it of falling short on tackling cli- Dhabi-based Lulu, one of the turn it into the world’s largest sov- mate change. largest chains in the Gulf region, ereign wealth fund. “HSBC has both the scale and global the sources said. The Saudi government wants reach to play a leading role in guiding its Discussions between PIF and to expand the kingdom’s retail customers through this transition and LIVERPOOL: Customers wearing face masks or coverings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, talk to an employee inside a HSBC bank branch in Liverpool, north west England. — AFP Lulu began four to six weeks ago, sector as part of a drive to create helping them to achieve this ambitious one of the sources said. It was not one million jobs by 2020. PIF goal,” the lender said in a statement. Its immediately clear how big a stake invested $500 million in e-com- target is to “align its financed emissions- commit to limiting global warming to two even smoking more,” said Becky Jarvis, PIF is seeking to buy as discus- merce venture Noon, which short- the carbon emissions of its portfolio of degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. coordinator of campaign group network sions are at an early stage, or ly afterwards began operations in customers-to the Paris Agreement goal to London-listed HSBC meanwhile follows in Fund Our Future UK. “Any further financ- whether the talks would lead to a Saudi Arabia. It also invested indi- achieve net zero by 2050 or sooner”. the footsteps of rival Barclays, which com- ing of oil, gas, and coal expansion today is final transaction. Lulu operates rectly in the IPO of Saudi mall “The bank also aims to be net zero in its mitted in March to zero-carbon by 2050 utterly at odds with a net-zero commit- shopping centers, hypermarkets operator Arabian Centres 4321.SE operations and supply chain by 2030.” under pressure from its shareholders to ment by 2050. That’s just science, not and other businesses with an annu- . PIF was also approached by Europe’s biggest bank added that it has ear- help tackle climate change. Environmental finance.” al turnover of $7.4 billion, accord- Reliance to buy a stake in the marked between $750 billion and $1.0 tril- campaign groups however gave a skeptical And Adam McGibbon, campaigner at ing to its website. retail arm of Indian billionaire lion of finance and investment to assist the response to HSBC’s announcement on Market Forces, argued that the HSBC It has operations in Saudi Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance transition. CEO Noel Quinn called the Friday, arguing that the bank should cease statement was nothing but “fluffy market- Arabia and other Gulf states as Industries Ltd. 2020s a “pivotal decade of change” towards support for coal, gas and oil activities. ing”. “A 550-word statement and not a well as in Egypt, India, Indonesia The fund, whose board is “a healthier, more resilient and more sus- “HSBC’s net-zero commitment is a bit single concrete commitment made by and Malaysia. PIF, which manages chaired by Saudi Arabia’s Crown tainable future”. like saying you’ll give up smoking by 2050, HSBC. This is zero ambition, not net zero $360 billion in assets, declined to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, The 2015 Paris agreement saw nations but continuing to buy a pack a week, or ambition,” McGibbon said. — AFP comment. Lulu’s director of mar- has become a more active keting & communications, V investor since 2015, taking a $3.5 Nandakumar, said in an emailed billion stake in Uber Technologies response that “as a policy we nev- UBER. Nand invested $45 billion Dollar makes a er comment on market specula- in Softbank’s inaugural technolo- comeback as Cuba tions and media rumors.” Abu gy fund. eyes devaluation the company behind the runaway ‘Polish Amazon’ global hit “The Witcher”, as the biggest firm on the Warsaw Stock HAVANA: The US dollar is making a Exchange. comeback as the favored currency in com- eyes expansion ‘Quite a lot of disruption’ munist-run Cuba as the country prepares Buoyed by the e-commerce boom to devalue the peso to relieve pressure on ahead of IPO triggered by the coronavirus pandem- a battered economy. Cuba has a unique ic, net profit jumped to 289.7 million system whereby two official currencies have existed side-by-side for nearly three WARSAW: Gazing out over the sky- Polish zloty (64.2 million euros, $75.5 decades, the Cuban peso and convertible scrapers on the skyline, the head of million) in the first half of the year HAVANA: In this file photo, a man shows his wallet with US dollars in it in a street of Havana. With the peso, the CUC. Long lines outside food Poland’s top e-commerce company is from 195.7 million zloty in the same return of the dollar to the island’s economy, no one wants Cuban convertible pesos (CUC). — AFP stores are a common sight in Havana amid unfazed by Amazon’s imminent arrival period in 2019. Nuyts pointed to chronic shortages of basic goods, and with as his business prepares for a record Allegro’s “nimble” and “unique” busi- the government planning to call time on the a two-tier economy-for the haves who can long-mooted monetary reform is coming IPO. Instead, Frenchman Francois ness model connecting more than CUC shopkeepers are already rejecting the afford to buy in dollars, and the have-nots “at the worst possible moment,” Vidal said. Nuyts, CEO of Allegro and himself a 100,000 sellers — many of them currency, driving a rush to dollars for those in the normal domestic economy. “Because this is monetary reform that former Amazon executive, told AFP in small “mom and pop stores” — with who can get them. “Of the 11 million inhabitants, if one mil- implies a significant devaluation of the offi- an interview that his fast-growing some 12 million active buyers. “CUC not accepted” reads the sign at lion can buy in dollars, what about the oth- cial currency against the dollar. Something company is ready to expand beyond The company has one mid-sized the entry to one Havana shop. er 10? If I don’t have family abroad, to that has never been done.” The govern- Poland. warehouse and is planning to open a The island’s economy, buffeted by ever- send dollars home, I don’t have that oppor- ment in Havana has for years maintained “There are many things we believe larger one along with four smaller tightening US sanctions, has been ham- tunity,” said Aleskis Rodriguez, 31, as he the CUC artificially pegged to the dollar, as we do quite well if not better than any ones. mered by the coronavirus pandemic, which lined up to buy coffee at a Havana market a shield for the vulnerable Cuban currency. competitors,” Nuyts said when asked Nuyts said more than 90 percent has left Cuba without much-needed for- still accepting CUC. Economy Minister “I spent $30.90 and look at what I about reports that Amazon could of products sold never go through a eign revenue provided by its Caribbean Alejandro Gil denied the move would her- bought! Some packages of juice, five pack- launch a Polish service within weeks. warehouse — moving directly from beach tourism. The UN Economic ald “economic apartheid” in Cuba. Instead, ages of spaghetti and five packets of toma- Set up in 1999 as a homegrown ver- seller to buyer. “That’s really the inno- Commission for Latin America forecasts he said, it will satisfy the demands of peo- to puree, really nothing,” said Niurka sion of eBay, Allegro will list on the vation of Allegro,” he said, pointing to GDP to plummet 8.0 percent this year. ple with the most purchasing power, and Romera, 50, outside a dollar store. Warsaw Stock Exchange on Monday other companies that have “global In July, Havana opened dozens of state- add to state coffers. Whatever the currency, one thing is a in an IPO valuing the company at giants” selling through their platforms run “dollar stores” in an effort to rake in Economists like Pavel Vidal, a specialist constant in Cuban life: the long lines out- around $11 billion (9.4 billion euros) and move products through several foreign currency. The relatively well- on Cuba from Colombia’s Javeriana side shops. “I’ve been here since 5.15 in which is being closely watched by warehouses. stocked stores are a magnet for well-off University, have long argued that the dual- the morning. It’s 11.30 now, but they’re other still sluggish, pandemic-struck The business model has helped Cubans and those with dollar remittances currency system is unwieldy, particularly already closing the shop and I have to European markets. The company, Allegro during the pandemic, which sent from US-based Cubans. for exporters. come back tomorrow to buy my coffee,” which is owned by London-based pri- Nuyts said had caused “quite a lot of said Magalis, a 52-year-old teacher. She vate equity funds Cinven, Permira and disruption” at its one warehouse. The Dollar debit cards Muddled reform said the government was not doing enough Mid Europa, has said it is planning to company has also relied on an exten- Customers first have to open a dollar- Vidal says Cuba’s embrace of the dollar to limit the size of the lines during the pan- raise around $256 million and use the sive network of lockers across Poland, denominated bank account, then use a is an admission of failure by the authorities, demic. “If Commander Fidel Castro was proceeds to repay debt. which allow customers to pick up debit card to pay for the goods in the a consequence of reforms that are “incom- still alive, he would have done something It is expected to displace Polish their purchases without any direct stores. Economists warn of the creation of plete and well below expectations.” The beautiful for the people.” — AFP video games developer CD Projekt, contact with delivery drivers. — AFP 10 Established 1961 Business Sunday, October 11, 2020 Markaz exits industrial property in Phoenix achieving return of 17.44% Exit in line with initial business plan of the investment

KUWAIT: Delivering on its promise towards creating out the unusual circumstances we witnessed this year. our investors. We remain focused on expanding our sustainable wealth for its clients, Kuwait Financial Centre Shabshab added: “We are extremely pleased with the portfolio in existing and new markets across the US and K.P.S.C “Markaz” has successfully exited a commercial performance of our portfolio this year having achieved 5 Europe, as well as capturing the unique opportunities real estate investment in the US. The company sold an Markaz’s fifth exits including the current transaction. The exits resulted that the coronavirus pandemic presents by building industrial project in Phoenix, Arizona, achieving a net in healthy returns and occurred across both our industri- strategic partnerships with leading institutions in both internal rate of return (IRR) of 17.44 percent for its exit in 2020 al and multifamily investments. The current market con- markets.” Markaz has been active in the US real estate investors, exceeding initial estimates. ditions will provide intriguing strategic opportunities in market since 1977 with the launching of its first syndi- The exit is in line with the initial business plan of the existing and new markets across the US, which we are cated transaction. Since 1988, Markaz has been con- investment which involves the acquisition and develop- ready to capture.” ducting real estate transactions in the US through Mar- ment of a 15.91 acre site into two industrial buildings For his part, Abdullatif W. Al-Nusif, Executive Vice Gulf, the US real estate arm and wholly-owned sub- with a total area of 224,471 sq. ft. and the sale of the despite prevailing uncertain macroeconomic challenges President of Wealth Management and Business sidiary of Markaz. Over the past thirty years, Markaz properties once they are leased. triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The transaction is Development, Markaz, commented: “Our international and Mar-Gulf have been involved in the ownership and Commenting on the announcement, Sami Shabshab, a strong testimony to the resilience of our investment real estate program has and continues to deliver consis- development of real estate properties in a variety of seg- President of Mar-Gulf Management Inc, Markaz’s US portfolio and further strengthens our strong track record tent performance both in the USA and Europe. As a ments including industrial, retail, multifamily and office real estate arm, stated: “We are delighted to have suc- in the US market. I would like to thank our partners for result, the program has witnessed a growth in assets across the US with a total acquisition cost exceeding cessfully executed the sale of our industrial project their excellent execution and ability to deliver through- under management driven by increased demand from $1.65 billion.

Virus-hit British Stocks gain on News in brief firms get extra hopes for virus financial support LatAm to bear worst impact: WB medication WASHINGTON: Latin America and the Caribbean will suffer the worst economic and health impact from the coronavirus, the LONDON: The British government on Friday said it NEW YORK: Global stocks mostly rose Friday World Bank said Friday, forecasting a nearly would pay up to two-thirds of staff monthly wages amid increased hopes for a US stimulus package 8.0 percent drop in regional GDP. “Our to firms forced to close over the winter months, as following the latest statements from President region is suffering the worst economic and infection rates skyrocket. Finance minister Rishi Donald Trump and rising confidence about coron- Sunak extended a scheme launched just two weeks avirus therapeutics. Major US indices finished high- health impacts of Covid-19 of anywhere in ago for workers taking reduced hours to help busi- er for a third straight session, with the tech-rich the world,” according to Carlos Felipe nesses required to shut as part of efforts to cut In this file photo taken on August 30, 2020, a man walks Jaramillo, the Bank’s regional vice president. past an advertisement for beers called ‘Sunak’s Specials’, in Nasdaq jumping 1.4 percent as the White House transmission rates. He said the findings in the report “calls for reference to Britain’s Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi again shifted its stance on the talks. More than 42,000 people have died in the outbreak Sunak, outside of a pub in Manchester. — AFP Earlier, European bourses also climbed despite clarity on how to combat the pandemic and in Britain-the worst toll in Europe-and concern is rising coronavirus cases in the continent. put the economies back on track for a swift mounting about a potentially deadlier second wave, After markets tanked on Tuesday following recovery.” In its report, “The Cost of Staying and its social and economic impact. The UK economy Healthy” the Bank addresses the impact of approach,” he told reporters. President Donald Trump’s abrupt move to end stim- grew by a weaker-than-expected 2.1 percent in August the pandemic in a region with with high “This is an expansion of the jobs support scheme ulus talks, investors have cheered his about face in and remained far down on pre-pandemic levels, official COVID-19 mortality and infection rates such specifically for those people who are in businesses that subsequent days that’s seen him calling for a deal. data showed Friday. as Brazil, Mexico and Peru. “The number of will be formally or legally asked to close so in that The White House on Friday beefed up its offer, pro- It shrank by a fifth in the second quarter, entering posing a $1.8 trillion package as Trump himself said deaths per million people is as high as in recession on the back of a full lockdown that was only sense it’s very different. “I’ve always said that we will adapt and evolve our on a radio show that he favored an even larger advanced economies, if not more, but the eased in June. Under the extended scheme, businesses package. resources available to counter the shock are will receive grants to pay the wages of staff who can- response as the situation on the health side adapts and evolves. That’s what’s happening.” But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell much more constrained,” it said. — AFP not work, with the government paying two-thirds of said there was not enough time to complete the each employee’s monthly salary up to a maximum of talks before the election. Still, analysts said the £2,100 ($2,715, 2,309 euros) per month each. Infections skyrocket Friday’s announcement follows grim new official gains reflected confidence there would be a pack- Their employers will pay national insurance and age soon. S Sudan to change currency pension contributions but will not be asked to con- statistics that laid bare the virus’ rapid new trajectory, and as pubs across central Scotland closed for just tribute towards wages, unlike other firms using the JUBA: South Sudan’s cabinet agreed on scheme. “Throughout this crisis my priority has always over two weeks to try to cut close-contact transmis- sion. An estimated 224,400 people-or 1 in 240 — in Friday to change the country’s currency in been to protect jobs, so today I’m announcing an order to improve the economy, the govern- expansion of our jobs support scheme, specifically to England had the coronavirus during the week from September 25 to October 1, the Office of National ment spokesman said, without giving further protect those jobs of people who work in businesses details. “The cabinet has decided that the who may be asked to close,” Sunak told reporters. Statistics said. current currency should be changed....This is “If that happens those workers will receive two- Although young adults are the main drivers of the to improve our economic situation,” informa- thirds of their wages for the time that they’re unable to surge, there has also been an eight-fold increase in tion minister Michael Makuei Lueth told a go to work.” infections of those aged over 65 since last month, according to Britain’s largest study, by Imperial news conference in the capital Juba following a cabinet meeting. The country’s currency is ‘Safety net’ College London and Ipsos MORI. The study of “I hope this provides reassurance and a safety net 175,000 people estimated that there were 45,000 new the South Sudanese pound, adopted when for people and businesses in advance of what may be a infections every day between September 18 and the country gained independence from difficult winter,” Sunak added. A Treasury source esti- October 5, with the rate doubling every 29 days. Sudan in 2011 after a long civil war. Another mated that the expanded scheme would cost “hun- The report warned spiralling levels of infection in war, along with graft and mismanagement, dreds of millions” of pounds a month. From November, northern England will replicate across the rest of the led to an economic crisis in the oil-producing the government will nevertheless water down its country “in a few weeks’ time.” “While certain areas nation. In July, a central bank official nationwide jobs support that has helped keep millions are worse affected, if left unabated then infection announced that South Sudan had run out of of people in employment during the pandemic. Many trends will follow nationwide and could lead to high foreign exchange reserves and could not analysts fear this will lead to a surge in unemployment, levels of unnecessary death and illness from the dis- stop the pound’s depreciation. — Reuters with the hospitality sector particularly affected. ease,” said Imperial’s Paul Elliott. Prime Minister Sunak denied Friday that his latest enlarged scheme Boris Johnson is expected to outline a new three-tier would replicate the so-called furlough plan, which lockdown system, under which hospitality venues ends in late October. “This is a very different scheme such as pubs and restaurants may face temporary Canada’s job gains in Sept closures. —AFP An investor looks at stock prices at a brokerage in Fuyang, to what we’ve had before. This is not a universal in China’s eastern Anhui province on Friday. — AFP OTTAWA: Canada added 378,200 jobs in September and the unemployment rate fell to Markets also cheered a write-up in the New 9.0 percent, handily beating analyst expecta- England Journal of Medicine reporting that Gilead tions, as children returned to school and the IBM reorganizes Sciences’s remdesivir drug resulted in “consistent, economy continued to reopen from coron- clinically meaningful improvements” in coronavirus avirus shutdowns, Statistics Canada said on to focus on patients, the latest positive indicator about a leading Friday. Analysts in a Reuters poll had pre- treatment. That news follows announcements by dicted a gain of 156,600 jobs and for the cloud computing Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly earlier in the week on Covid-19 therapies that have boosted unemployment rate to fall to 9.7 percent from confidence in effectiveness of the treatments for the 10.2 percent in August. The gain brought WASHINGTON: IBM unveiled a corporate reorgani- virus. employment to within 720,000 of its pre- zation to allow it to focus on cloud computing, spin- The market is “being stimulated more this week pandemic level, Statscan said. “It’s a good ning off its division for managed infrastructure. The by the realization that there just might be a wide- number. It’s very encouraging that we didn’t move will create two separate, publicly traded firms by spread, effective COVID treatment regimen that decelerate in September,” said Andrew IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks at a the end of 2021, according to the US computing giant. gets approved soon,” said Briefing.com analyst Kelvin, chief Canada strategist at TD press briefing on COVID-19 in Washington, DC. — AFP “IBM is laser-focused on the $1 trillion hybrid cloud Patrick J. O’Hare. “The gist is that, the more confi- Securities. The Canadian dollar strengthened opportunity,” said IBM chief executive Arvind Krishna. dence there is in potential treatment plans, the more to a three-week high at 1.3132 to the green- “Now is the right time to create two market-leading confidence there will be in a potential return to nor- back, or 76.15 US cents. Full-time employ- Africa needs $1.2tn companies focused on what they do best. IBM will mal activity,” he added. ment rose by 334,000 and compared with focus on its open hybrid cloud platform and AI capa- Analysts have also cited increased expectations 44,200 new part-time positions. Employment bilities.” The infrastructure firm, he said, “will have that the US presidential election won’t be contested, in the goods-producing sector grew by of financing to beat greater agility to design, run and modernize the infra- given challenger Joe Biden’s widening lead over 75,100 jobs, while the services sector grew structure of the world’s most important organizations.” Trump in the polls. A drawn-out and litigious fight by 303,100 positions. — Reuters COVID impact: IMF The move positions IBM to ramp up competition in over the outcome has been a drag on sentiment in cloud computing against rivals such as Amazon, recent weeks. Microsoft and Google. “We have positioned IBM for WASHINGTON: African countries will need $1.2 tril- the new era of hybrid cloud,” said IBM executive Madrid in semi-lockdown Alitalia nationalization plans lion through 2023 to repair the economic damage chairman Ginni Rometty. While US stimulus and the election are major inflicted by the coronavirus pandemic, IMF Managing “This focus will result in greater value, increased drivers of markets, a surge in new virus infections in MILAN: Italy has approved the creation of Director Kristalina Georgieva said Friday. innovation, and faster execution for our clients.” IBM Europe is causing angst, with several countries a new company to house the assets of trou- About $345 billion in financing has not yet been shares surged seven percent in early trade on the reimposing fresh containment measures and consid- bled airline Alitalia as the government press- pledged, Georgieva said in a speech, while commit- news. — AFP ering localized lockdowns. Spain’s government es ahead with a plan to nationalize the com- ments from official lenders and international institu- declared a state of emergency and new partial lock- pany. The nationalization plan, which was tions cover less than a quarter of the projected need. down for virus-hit Madrid, while in France, another delayed by political infighting, will now need “All of us-countries and institutions-must do more to four cities were placed on maximum coronavirus to be approved by the European support Africa to cope with the next phase, which is alert on Thursday, meaning they will have to shut Commission. The economy, industry, trans- building a recovery from this crisis,” Georgieva said. bars and limit public gatherings. port and labor ministers signed late on Friday The Washington-based crisis lender estimates Britain’s economy expanded a weaker-than- the decree setting up the new company. Africa will see its GDP contract 2.5 percent in 2020, expected 2.1 percent in August and remained far “Italy’s new flagship carrier was born today,” one of the worst downturns the continent has ever down from pre-pandemic levels, official data Transport Minister Paola De Micheli said. seen. And while recovery will begin next year, pre-cri- showed Friday, with the government expanding help Alitalia has endured 11 years of difficult pri- sis levels of growth won’t be reached until 2022. With for workers whose businesses are forced to close. vate management and three failed restructur- private sector financing limited, the IMF projects a Despite a fourth consecutive monthly increase, ing attempts, problems exacerbated by the funding gap of $44 billion for this year alone, and 43 gross domestic product was 9.2 percent below coronavirus crisis that has devastated the million people could be pushed into extreme poverty February’s level, the Office for National Statistics A sign marks the entrance to IBM Corporate Headquarters in global airline industry. — Reuters on the continent, wiping out five years of progress in said in a statement. — AFP poverty reduction.—AFP Armonk, New York. — AFP 11

Sunday, October 11, 2020

s

i

i i ry

To advertise on this Page Call: 24833199 ext:101,102 or Direct line: 24835616 / 24835617 or email: [email protected]

Dr. Hamoud Abdullah Alarouj ENT Consultant, Laryngologist Kuwait Board of Otolaryngology. Experienced In: Laryngology Fellowship, McGill Management of benign and malignant vocal cord lesions. University- Canada. Vocal cord augmentation. Fellow of the European Board of Diagnosis and treatment of spasmodic dysphonia. Otolaryngology – Head & Neck surgery. Adenotonsillectomy using latest techniques. Member of the American Academy of Myringotomy and ventilation tube insertion. Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. Surgery for the deviated nasal septum. Member of the British Laryngological Endoscopic sinus surgery. Association. Diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis. Member of the European Laryngological Tympanoplasty. Society. Diagnosis and treatment of vertigo. Member of the Canadian Society of Thyroid surgery Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. Diagnosis and treatment of snoring. 12 Established 1961 Lifestyle Features Sunday, October 11, 2020

ne minute Australian “wellness” per- demic is a hoax. It is as simple as that” he Osonality Pete Evans is posting a bar- told AFP, claiming that wearing masks and becued prawn recipe to 1.5 million social distancing “are in fact damaging our Facebook followers, the next he’s claiming immune system.” “The reason we have the coronavirus pandemic is an elaborate become the number one selling health and global hoax. During this year of crisis, the lifestyle author in this country is because ever-smiling, one-time television chef what we share actually keeps people known as “Paleo Pete” has become a lead- healthy.” ing purveyor of conspiracy and pseudo- science Down Under. ‘Laid back’ Aussie bloke The pandemic has seen a worldwide Academics have labelled the mash-up A child looks at the suggested cartoon series available on Netflix A child watches ‘Mighty Little Bheem’ cartoon series on a mobile explosion of misinformation with anti-vacci- of New Age thinking with conspiracy theo- including ‘Mighty Little Bheem’ (top left corner) on a mobile phone at phone at home in New Delhi. nation groups, the far right, libertarians, ries as “conspirituality.” “They all see them- home in New Delhi. — AFP photos state-backed trolls and anarchists forging a selves in some way as rebels, as a resist- loose coalition of the disgruntled. An unlike- ance,” Professor Axel Bruns from the ly mix of celebrities, wellness experts and Digital Media Research Centre at the social media influencers like Evans have Queensland University of Technology told become a powerful vector in that “infodem- AFP. Those interested in healthy lifestyles ic”. While government scientists give and spirituality may have been primed for earnest daily briefings, Evans turns to Covid-19 conspiracies-given existing dis- social media to question lockdowns and trust of western medicine and corporate rubbish the use of facemasks. interests. The content is often up-beat-appearing The charismatic “laid back, stereotypi- in a wetsuit with blue eyes beaming, riffing cal Aussie bloke” appeal of Evans helped Mobile millennials obile games are thriving as play- version of a mobile game is seen by about the joys of being back surfing after him weave a narrative which pits him Mers turn to them for fun and some as a bargain. Mobile players who Worldwide, an estimated 72 percent injury. He signs off emails with the signa- against powerful establishment interests, friendship during the pandemic, spend little to nothing are referred to in of active mobile game players are “mil- ture: “Cook with Love and Laughter!” But said Marques. “These kind of big pharma with increasing numbers of women join- the industry as “minnows,” while those lennials” ranging in age from 23 to 38 his most popular content is often recycled conspiracy theories... these seem to be ing the trend. “Being stuck at home has more willing to pay are “dolphins” of years old. The broader audience for from US conspiracy theories. These posts kind of interlinked with this rise of a well- not stopped people from playing games “whales” depending on how deep they mobile games includes those in parts of prompt long threads that echo QAnon ness alternative.” The spread of his beliefs on their phones,” said SensorTower reach into their wallets. Casual games the world where smartphones are the movement talking points, claiming a “plan- can be seen online, and on the streets of mobile insights strategist Craig which rely on short play times such as primary, if not only, way people connect demic” manufactured crisis by global elites virus-hit Australia’s cities. Chapple. “To the contrary, mobile gam- puzzle and arcade-style games are to the internet. “In emerging regions, to enforce lucrative mass vaccinations and “He’s bringing to light, to the people in ing is more popular than ever.” among the most downloaded mobile particularly China and India, it is control humanity. Australia and the people around the Smartphone game play involves taps titles. A major innovation in recent years absolutely huge,” Garrard said. A post of Anthony Fauci, who has led world, how corrupt the governments are,” on touchscreens with just a few has been a “battle pass” system popu- Mobile game revenue is powered by the US government’s response to every said Evans fan and naturopath Sheridan moments of play at a time, often while larized by Fortnite from Epic Games, the fact that they are easily available to epidemic since the 1980s, being ques- Lee at a recent anti-lockdown rally in sipping coffee or waiting for transit, in with players pay for tickets to each “sea- the more than four billion people in the tioned over a potential Covid-19 vaccine Melbourne. “If it has to be a celebrity and contrast to the console games with son,” according to Chapple. world with smartphones, according to was a particular hit for Evans. The post influencer to bring this out, then so be it.” immersive worlds that can span hours. Garrard. “Maybe they’re not spending a attracted over half a million views and a Addictive fun? Fellow Melbourne protester Dellacoma Rio Mobile games appeal to a broader lot, but there are many who spend a lit- blizzard of conspiratorial comments said he regularly listened to Evans’ demographic than do shooters and oth- Mobile game makers, like their con- tle bit on mobile games and it really against vaccinations and traditional gov- livestreams and agreed with his promotion er genres popular on console or PC sole-focused peers, manipulate psycho- adds up,” Garrard said. A trend toward ernment rule. According to data from of anti-vaccination views. “I feel like if you gamers. More than 40 percent of mobile logical levers that emotionally reward cloud streaming services will likely social media tracker CrowdTangle, Evans’ follow the money you see who’s getting gamers are women, according to players and keep them engaged in boost mobile gaming, as titles once lim- reach has increased since the pandemic paid to do things and where money is research firms Newzoo and Statista. ways that some say can be addictive. ited to consoles will be able to offer began, growing by up to 15,000 users a coming from,” he said. For some of Evan’s That differs from gamers using consoles The World Health Organization has clas- more play on smartphones or tablets week, rather than the net loss he often critics, the question of money is pertinent. or personal computers, who are more sified “gaming disorder” a disease char- since action is power by datacenters. used to see. He sells pricey “Thoughtful Food” prod- likely to be males age 12 to 35 years acterized by “impaired control over Hight-capacity, super-fast 5G tele- “People are searching for answers,” ucts like “Dehydrated Beef Bone Broth old, according to analysts. gaming, increasing priority given to com networks could enable game mak- said Mathew Marques, a lecturer in Social with Wattleseed, Lemon Myrtle & Kakadu “We’ve had loads of people forced gaming over other activities” even if it is ers to bring console quality graphics Psychology at La Trobe University. “You’ve Plum” and has promoted an Aus$15,000 inside during lock-downs in need of detrimental to one’s life. But, in a stress- and action to mobile devices, appealing got, I guess, charlatans and snake oil “light machine”-which looks like a psyche- entertainment,” said Futuresource ful world, mobile games can be a relax- to more hardcore players. “The concept salesmen offering a cure.” Evans denies delic countertop blender-to help against mobile tech and gaming research ana- ing escape while standing in queues, of gaming on the go will be ever more trafficking in lies, and denounces what he Covid-19. —AFP lyst Morris Garrard. “Gaming being one waiting for a food orders, or just whiling present, supported by improvements in calls “fear-based propaganda.” “The pan- of the most interactive and engaging away time, according to players. mobile infrastructure,” Garrard said. “It’s forms of entertainment has seen a sig- Playing mobile games can improve not just the gaming platform will be ben- nificant boost.” According to the mobile moods; boost brain power, and provide efiting, but the likes of kind of Google consultancy App Annie, spending on a sense of community, according to pro- and Apple.” Apple and Google are mobile gaming is expected to see ponents. “Allocating a bit of time to play- behind the mobile operating systems, strong growth this year and top $100 bil- ing games can improve your mental iOS and Android respectively, that pow- lion. Popular titles include Candy Crush health in a lot of amazing ways,” er nearly all of the world’s smartphones. Saga, Honor of Kings, Pokemon Go and Lifehack digital marketer Zuhair Sharif The US technology titans also run online Gardenscapes. said in a blog. “This has led many to shops for mobile apps, taking 30 per- incorporate video games into their regu- cent commission on transactions in what Minnows and whales lar lives.” Mobile game lovers are quick has become a controversial toll given Many mobile games are free to to point out that playing console or com- their dominance in the market. — AFP download and rely on massive numbers puter games in planes, buses, or cars is of people spending a little on things like not an option, while smartphones can extra lives, virtual outfits, or items that be whipped out anywhere to make a few boost in-game abilities. And, paying a moves. dollar or so to upgrade to an ad-free

Police speaking with protester Dellacoma Rio (center), who regularly listens to livestreams of one of Australia’s leading purveyors of conspiracy theories, disinformation and pseudoscience ‘Paleo’ Pete Evans, at a anti-lockdown rally in Melbourne amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. — AFP

egendary Iranian signer distancing. But hundreds of others gath- LMohammad-Reza Shajarian was ered outside the tomb complex and Copenhagen buried on Saturday alongside the mausoleum, singing the maestro’s songs tomb of the ancient poet Abul Qasem and watching the burial on large televi- Ferdowsi in the northeast of the country, sion screens, the agency said. to ban electric state news agency IRNA reported. A His son, Homayoun, thanked the par- national treasure in his homeland, the ticipants for attending his father’s cere- “Ostad” - master in Persian - died at the mony “despite the difficulties.” IRNA said scooters from age of 80 on Thursday in Tehran after a the police and municipal security forces n annual World Press Photo exhibi- long battle with cancer. His body was were there to “ensure the safety” of the tion featuring images from Hong taken the day after to the holy city of burial. Shajarian maintained difficult rela- city centre AKong’s huge pro-democracy Mashhad in the northeastern Khorasan tions with the authorities in Tehran protests last year has been shut down in Razavi province, where he was born. throughout his career, first under the Macau without explanation, sparking He was laid to rest in Tus city, as reign of the shah and then with the he city of Copenhagen wants speculation of political pressure from willed, next to the tomb of the 10th-centu- Islamic republic. Shajarian’s death made Tto ban electric scooter rentals Beijing. The exhibition has been hosted In this file photo, Iran’s legendary singer, ry poet Ferdowsi, who wrote the epic the front pages of most Saturday news- from the city centre, officials by the Association Casa de Portugal instrumentalist, and composer Mohammad- “Shahnameh,” or the Book of Kings. papers, both conservative and reformist, said, in what would be one most Macao every year since 2008 and was Reza Shajarian holds a stringed instrument at According to IRNA, a crowd of “almost and even the sports press, with some strict regulations against a symbol of scheduled to run from late September a house in the capital Tehran. Shajarian, who 150 people” consisting of his family, devoting exclusive front page reports to the new, “sharing economy”. “It will until October 18. embodied traditional and classical music in Iranian music icons and some of his fans the maestro. — AFP no longer be possible to rent or park The exhibition showcased “the best Iran, died in Tehran on October 8, 2020 after a were present at the burial, due to Covid- an electric scooter in the majority of visual journalism” of the past year and long battle with illness, his son said. 19 pandemic and the necessity of social Copenhagen’s most built up areas included prize-winning images of the from January 1,” the city’s environ- Hong Kong protests captured by AFP mental and technical services photographer Nicolas Asfouri. The World department said in an email to AFP. Press Photo Foundation said in a state- In practice, the measure will ban ment that they “regret” the premature clo- scooters from the historic city cen- sure and “haven’t been able to confirm tre and adjacent neighborhoods, the reasons” for it. “While the reasons for where it is already prohibited to the closing remain unclear, we are follow- park them. “Unfortunately, we have ing local media reports suggesting that it encountered major problems with might be the result of external pressure these electric scooters... It is on the content of the exhibition,” said extremely difficult for seniors to get Laurens Korteweg, director of Exhibitions around when they are left laying at the World Press Photo Foundation. about,” municipal councilor Rune “Supporting the conditions for free- Dybvad said on TV2. dom of expression, freedom of enquiry, The measure needs to be freedom of the press is a fundamental approved by the municipal council part of our work,” he added. The exhibi- but enjoys widespread support. tion featured photographs from the mas- Despite being a symbol of the sive pro-democracy protests that brought “sharing economy”, riders are not Hong Kong to a standstill for months last always generous or caring of oth- year. Macau’s English and Portuguese ers, zipping between pedestrians Speaking Press Association told local and leaving scooters poorly media that the city is “facing something parked, thus prompting a number serious and a worrying episode that sig- of cities to adopt strict regulations nals an erosion of the space for freedom Iranians raise portraits of legendary singer Mohammad-Reza Shajarian during his funeral in the city of Tus near the city of Mashhad in on their use. — AFP and expression”, if the closure was due northeastern Khorasan Razavi province yesterday. — AFP to political pressure.—AFP Established 1961 13 Lifestyle Features Sunday, October 11, 2020

Visitors take pictures on a set of stairs on Patong beach in Phuket, which has Foreigners wearing face masks walk past a closed seafood restaurant along A food vendor waits for customers in front of empty shop houses along seen a lack of tourists due to ongoing restrictions relating to the COVID-19 Patong beach, in Phuket. Patong beach in Phuket. novel coronavirus. — AFP photos

huket’s go-go dancers sit playing help the staff keep their jobs, but I don’t on their phones in empty bars lin- think we can survive after the end of the Ping deserted streets as the Thai year,” sighs Jantima Tongsrijern, man- tourist island reels from the ravages of ager of Pum Pui bar. the pandemic with little sign of any recovery soon. Swimming pools are ‘Worse than tsunami’ empty, chairs are stacked high in In normal times, 80 percent of the deserted restaurants and normally island’s profits come from tourism, a packed beaches are so quiet they are sector that employs more than 300,000 even seeing rare species of sea turtle people. Tens of thousands of those who arriving to nest. Last year, more than have lost their jobs have returned to their nine million tourists visited Phuket, the home provinces. Life is hard for those kingdom’s second most popular desti- sticking it out. Some have accepted nation after Bangkok. Today, nearly all huge pay cuts, while others have little the island’s 3,000 hotels are closed and choice but to join the long lines at the the main town of Patong has become a food distribution centers or scrape “ghost town”, says local tycoon together an income where they can. Photo shows a stall with stacks of chairs and mats along Patong A lone customer walks past a swimming pool at the Vijitt Resort in Preechawut Keesin, who owns five night- Bar owner Orathai Sidel says she beach, in Phuket. Phuket. clubs and around 600 hotel rooms. used to make 100,000 baht ($3,200) a Thailand has so far remained relative- month in high season. With her business Thailand’s first foreign tourists since than mass tourism,” says Preechawut Bangkok-but the rock-bottom prices ly unscathed from the global outbreak a victim of the pandemic, she now sells April in a cautious experiment by the Keesin. mean hotels will likely not even recover with around 3,600 confirmed cases and desserts from a streetside cart, making kingdom, but their arrival keeps being Before the pandemic, domestic holi- their costs. “We don’t expect a return to just a few dozen deaths. But the king- just $3 a day to try to cover her chil- pushed back. And the two-week com- daymakers only made up 30 percent of normal for three years,” forecasts dom’s decision to concentrate on beat- dren’s school fees. “We’re just fighting to pulsory quarantine and high price tag- visitors to Phuket, prompting the local Kongsak Khoopongsakorn. “The situa- ing the virus has dealt a brutal blow to survive,” says fellow street vendor Poi, several thousand dollars a person-will tourism industry to rethink its business tion is much worse than after the tsunami the economy, which is expected to con- fired in June from the restaurant where mean this is a niche market. “We will model. Trial packages are already being in 2004.”— AFP tract 7-9 percent this year and leave mil- she used to work. have to focus on developing local cus- offered to domestic tourists for as low as lions unemployed. “My boss wants to Phuket has been due to welcome tomers and individual travellers rather $30 for two nights, flights included from Bereft of jet set,

or over a decade, Nordic crime generated a demand for content that Nordic noir, everything is very calm and New things coming New York luxury series such as “The Bridge” and stands out and is still fairly cheap, and low and melancholy, and this one has International interest in non-crime F“Wallander” have captivated inter- this is true for Nordic content,” Aarhus that spirit still, but we’ve added some Nordic series has stepped up in recent national TV audiences with stories of University associate professor Pia more spices,” Berron said. years. Norway’s “Skam” (Shame), a hotels welcome brooding detectives, elaborate murders Jensen told AFP. “Nordic series have for 2015 web series that took an unflinching and bleak Scandinavian landscapes. the most part quite high production val- Comic noir look at the lives of a group of high school But now the success of so-called Nordic ues, which is key if you want to sell on Branded “Nordic comic noir” by the students, broke viewership records in last-minute locals noir has spawned overseas interest in a the international market.” The binge- show’s makers, the different feel partly Scandinavia, before sparking remakes new wave of TV productions from friendly, half-hour episodes of “Cryptid” stems from Cryptid’s originator, the across Europe and the United States. Europe’s far north, this time in genres have a more dynamic feel than the slow- acclaimed French graphic novelist “Ride Upon the Storm”, from the creator ohn Farrell and his wife booked a of Danish political drama “Borgen”, saw $1,000 room in the morning and lead actor Lars Mikkelsen win an Emmy Jwere in New York hours later for in 2018 for his portrayal of a priest at the their one-night stay. The couple is part centre of a family drama. of a new local and last-minute clientele “Borgen”, one of Nordic’s first non- keeping the lights on at the city’s most crime international successes, has itself luxurious hotels now that the coronavirus now been recommissioned for a fourth has chased off the international jet set. series to air in 2022. And in the coming The yellow taxis and limousines that weeks, viewers in Norway will be the first used to pile in front of swanky hotel The to see the lavish World War II-era drama Pierre are gone. So are the crowds of for- “Atlantic Crossing”. The eight-hour show eigners mingling in the lobby. The has been sold throughout Europe and a Central Park hotel once hosted galas US deal is in final negotiations, distribu- and welcomed celebrities-everyone from tor Beta Film said. The action is based Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor to, on a true story and takes place largely in more recently, Lady Gaga. But with the French-Belgian screenwriter and novelist, Sylvain Runberg works at his the US, where Norway’s crown princess coronavirus pandemic in full swing it is a studio in Stockholm. The success of so-called Nordic noir has spawned Martha, played by Sofia Helin of “The shadow of its former self: Following six overseas interest in a new wave of TV productions from Europe’s far French-Belgian screenwriter and novelist Sylvain Runberg poses for Bridge”, flees after the Nazis invade her months of closure and the travel indus- north, this time in genres from period drama to teen horror. photos in Stockholm. — AFP photos country. try’s near collapse due to Covid-19, it There, she strikes up an intimate reopened in mid-September to smaller from period drama to teen horror. moving plot lines which often character- Sylvain Runberg, known for adapting friendship with president Franklin crowds and fewer members of the glit- One hotly anticipated release is ize Nordic shows. The format - and the Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy into Roosevelt, played by “Twin Peaks” star terati. Swedish supernatural series “Cryptid” colors - also set the series apart from the graphic novel format. Runberg, who Kyle MacLachlan. While new Nordic “The hotel, it’s kind of like the streets; about unexplained goings-on among a other Swedish horror hits, like the 2008 has divided his time between France genres are growing in popularity though, it’s lacking the hustle and bustle and the group of college kids in the fictional vampire film “Let the Right One In”. and Sweden for the past decade, it is not at the expense of Scandi crime. presence of people,” said Farrell, a 38- small town of Morkstad. Premiering in When AFP visited the “Cryptid” film believes the success of Nordic drama is Netflix this year released “Young year-old construction entrepreneur who the Nordics this month, the series has set in October last year, a small, tree- down to the contrast between the com- Wallander”, a new take on novelist drove two hours from the suburbs to get generated “strong interest” abroad, lined lake close to the southwestern fortable veneer of Scandinavian society Henning Mankell’s troubled detective. there. Usually this time of year the city’s according to its international distributor Finnish town of Turku had been turned and its dark undercurrents of crime, And last year, the BBC acquired hotels are packed, with an average price Beta Film, with sales so far to Germany’s into the setting of sinister happenings prejudice and pent-up aggression. “It’s Denmark’s “The Investigation”, based on of $300 per night. The busy season starts Joyn and France’s Salto streaming serv- that begin to terrorize the town’s young- a society which everyone can recognize the 2017 murder of journalist Kim Wall. with the US Open and UN General ices. The 10-part show has also made sters. “There’s something lurking under- themselves in, not that different to what “There will be new things coming out of Assembly, said The Pierre’s general the official selection for the Cannes TV neath the surface but we never know you experience in France, the US or the Nordics,” Justus Riesenkampff from manager Francois-Olivier Luiggi. Then series festival in the south of France, what,” director David Berron told AFP. Britain,” Runberg told AFP. But the sto- Beta Film told AFP. “But there will always comes “every convention you can possi- which opens on Friday, where a record The series will have “a lot more color ries are “often very brutal and violent, be a lot of crime.” — AFP bly have, fundraising galas, the fall sea- six of the 20 shortlisted series are Scandi and flavor” than the gritty, grey realism which is not at all what you experience son for the weddings, and then its productions. of Scandi crime successes like “The day-to-day in Scandinavia,” he said. “It Thanksgiving all the way to Christmas “The rise of streaming platforms has Bridge” and “The Killing”, he added. “In gives them a certain feel, a resonance.” and New Year’s Eve,” he said.—AFP

ith theaters closed in New York will not budge on the matter, even though To date, no transmission has been and Los Angeles and would-be he has allowed partial indoor restaurant linked to a movie theater in the United Wmovie goers across the country dining. He said in mid-September that the States or elsewhere. “Right now the infec- choosing to stay in, US cinemas are send- state was “not yet at a point where we can tion rates are rising so the idea of opening ing out a desperate SOS-so far unan- get back to normal life.” up now with so many questions up in the swered by Congress, local officials and Andrew Elgart, who owns several the- air to me feels irresponsible,” said studios. Regal Cinemas, the second aters in the New York City area, disagrees. Christian Grass, CEO of Metrograph, an largest chain in America, officially shut its “I honestly think that people sitting in a independent movie theater in Manhattan. doors on Thursday for lack of profitability, movie theater for two hours with a mask on Julia, a 23-year-old who lives in New York, following an August reopening. It men- is safer than sitting in a restaurant for an says she’ll hold out for a vaccine: “There’s tioned closures in New York as a major hour with no mask,” he said. Across the so many things to watch streaming that I’d factor in its decision. country nearly 400 exhibitors, which be able to wait,” she said. For Michelle, a “The studios really need New York City account for more than 33,000 out of 42-year-old mother from Brooklyn, waiting in order to get decent growth out of a 40,000 overall screens, have adopted a was not on the agenda.—AFP movie. And without New York they can’t strict health protocol called CinemaSafe, do that,” said Joseph Masher, chief oper- wich includes rules on distancing, ventila- ating officer of Bow Tie Cinemas, a medi- tion and masks. But Cuomo hasn’t A man pauses in Times Square near Broadway and an empty theater district in New York um-sized chain. Governor Andrew Cuomo budged. City. — AFP 14 Established 1961 Sports Sunday, October 11, 2020

Photo of the day Sharks survive Lions’ rally as South African rugby resumes DURBAN: The South African Super Rugby Unlocked competi- tion kicked off in Durban Friday with a thriller in which the Sharks edged the visiting Lions 19-16 at Kings Park. It was the first competitive match in the land of the world champion Springboks since mid March when the Sharks beat the Stormers in the five-nation version of Super Rugby. The multi- national competition folded after the coronavirus wreaked hav- oc with world sport and New Zealand went it alone with a domestic Super Rugby, followed by Australia. South Africa lagged behind because of far more Covid-19 deaths and after some pre-season warm-ups and a Springboks trial, the real deal returned Friday. Sharks loose forward and man of the match Sikhumbuzo Notshe said: “We lost concentration in the second half and conceded too many silly penalties. “We were repeatedly caught offside and failed to dominate the scrums, which is unacceptable because we take great pride in our set pieces. “Next weekend we have a bye and I would rather play after being out of action for so long. Still, we can look forward to visiting the Bulls the follow- ing weekend.” While Kings Park was devoid of spectators due to pandemic-related restrictions, TV viewers were treated to a tense climax in which the Lions squandered several scoring chances. Fly-half Elton Jantjies, the 30-year-old talisman of the Johannesburg side and understudy of Springbok play- maker Handre Pollard, hit the post with a kickable penalty on 77 minutes. The Lions then forced a post-hooter scrum five meters from the Sharks tryline, but after two resets the visitors were penal- ized, giving the relieved Sharks victory. Such a close finish had seemed unlikely 31 minutes into the opening half on a warm, dry Blade Hildebrand races at the SCORE Baja 500 in Mexico. —Photo taken from www.redbullcontentpool.com night as the Sharks built a 13-0 advantage. Fly-half Curwin Bosch kicked two penalties and converted a brilliant try on debut by winger Werner Kok, which flanker Phepsi Buthelezi created with a hand-off and a one-hand pass. —AFP Rays oust Yankees, advance to face Astros in the MLS playoffs Brosseau smashes a solo home run in the eighth inning

LOS ANGELES: Mike Brosseau smashed Championship Series against the Houston 1-1. Both teams dug into the bullpen in game confrontation before cooler heads then smash the decisive homer. a solo home run in the eighth inning Astros that begins on Sunday. It’s only the the later innings as the game, and two prevailed. This time, Brosseau fouled off a “He did an amazing job fouling off those Friday to give Tampa Bay a 2-1 victory second time the Rays have reached the seasons, hung on a knife’s edge. pair of 3-ball, 2-strike pitches to stay at pitches,” Glasnow said. “To see him go out over the New York Yankees and advance ALCS since their 1998 debut. They Brosseau, unselected in the MLB Draft in the plate, then pounced on the 10th throw and do that, it’s hard to put into words. It the Rays in the Major League Baseball advanced to the 2008 World Series but lost a snub by all clubs before making the he faced from Chapman and smashed his was unbelievable.” Tampa Bay pitcher playoffs. Brosseau bashed a 100-mph to Philadelphia. The Los Angeles Dodgers Rays roster last year, entered as a pinch- first playoff homer over the left-field wall Diego Castillo, who struck out four, sent fastball off Yankees ace closing reliever and Atlanta Braves will meet in the best-of- hitter for Tampa Bay’s Choi Ji-man in the into the empty stands in San Diego, fans down the Yankees in order in the ninth to Aroldis Chapman-the same pitcher who seven National League Championship sixth inning and remained in the contest banned due to the coronavirus pandemic. complete the victory and seal the series struck Brosseau in the head with a fast- Series that begins Monday. as the first baseman. “I was just trying to get a runner on and triumph. The Yankees wore the number 16 ball last month-to deliver the decisive The NL and AL champions will meet That set the stage for an emotional get the next guy up, but we knew hits on the left sleeve of each jersey in tribute blow. “No revenge,” Brosseau said. “We in the World Series starting October 20 rematch in the eighth against Chapman, weren’t coming very often,” Brosseau to legendary pitcher Whitey Ford, who put that in the past. We came here to do in Arlington, Texas. Aaron Judge who struck Brosseau with a 101-mph fast- said. “I went up trying to find the barrel died Thursday night at age 91 while watch- what we do and move on.” smacked a solo homer in the fourth ball in a regular season game last month. (of the bat) and luckily I got one. It felt ing New York in the playoffs. The left-han- Tampa Bay captured the best-of-five inning to put the Yankees ahead but Then, Chapman went on to strike out the good off the bat.” Rays teammate Tyler der is the winningest pitcher in Yankees second-round series 3-2 and moved on to Austin Meadows blasted his own solo American to complete a 5-3 win but both Glasnow became emotional as he history and played on six World Series the best-of-seven American League homer in the fifth to lift the Rays level at teams ran from the dugouts for a post- watched Brosseau battle Chapman and champions. —AFP

to winning ways. Andalucia Rally: Off-road “I’m really thankful that the organizers have managed to arrange this rally in Spain, and we get legends and rookies are to go racing again. After all, it’s what we love to do!” - Toby Price. Former Dakar champions Toby Price back to business (AUS), Sam Sunderland (GBR) and Matthias KUWAIT: The best rally-raid racers on the planet Walkner (AUT) will all saddle up for the Red Bull are coming to Spain to compete in the brand-new KTM Factory Team in Spain. Also along for his first Andalucia Rally. There’s a host of Dakar Rally cham- ride as part of the all-conquering KTM team will be pions in the pack as well as some intriguing rookies new recruit Daniel Sanders (AUS). to keep an eye on when five days of off-road action “Testing has been going well and the bike is feel- get underway tomorrow. Expect a heavyweight tus- ing good, so now hopefully a good result in sle in the car category as Carlos Sainz (ESP), Andalucia and then concentrate on Dakar.” - Nasser Al-Attiyah (QAT) and Stephane Peterhansel Matthias Walkner. Racing in her homeland will be Carlos Sainz Nasser Al Attiyah (FRA) engage in battle. This trio have won the Laia Sanz (ESP) with a GasGas bike while CS Dakar a staggering 19 times between them as well Santosh (IND) will be onboard Hero hardware for as picking up a host of other honors, including the 1,354-kilometre rally in southern Spain. “Coming WRC titles and Olympic medals! out of the last Dakar I had two broken ligaments in “Despite the difficult time we were able to find my hand and these injuries take a long time to some areas that we could improve on. The team has recover from. To be coming back now after a long done a great job and I think we have become even recovery and everything else that has been happen- better.” - Carlos Sainz. Reigning Dakar champion ing feels good.” - Laia Sanz Sainz will be at the wheel of a MINI John Cooper In the side-by-side (SxS) contest there’s another Works Buggy while Peterhansel takes control of the chance to catch the Red Bull Off-Road Junior Team 4x4 MINI Rally which he drove to victory at last in action. After setting the fastest time on six of the month’s Baja Poland. Al-Attiyah will continue with 12 SxS stages at the last Dakar, there’s a solid plat- the Toyota Hilux he has been helping to develop form in place for the drivers and their OT3 over the past seasons and brought to victory at the machines to kick on from. Mitch Guthrie Jr (USA) is 2019 Dakar. back behind the wheel of his OT3 by Overdrive “It’s always great to test ourselves against our while Seth Quintero (USA) who just turned 18 last Sam Sunderland Stephane Peterhansel Dakar rivals. Our target is to go fast and to win this month and rallycross sensation Kevin Hansen race.” - Nasser Al-Attiyah. There has been plenty of (SWE) are both getting their first drive in very proud of the team.” - Seth Quintero the entire Red Bull Desert Wings convoy on Red time for reflection for the Red Bull KTM Factory Andalucia. 2019 Nitro Rally Cross winner Kevin All racers and all teams are targeting the Bull Motorsports’ social media: Red Bull Team after they missed out on victory at the Dakar will be standing-in for Blade Hildebrand (USA) Andalucia Rally as the key piece of preparation Motorsport Instagram / Facebook/Twitter/Desert earlier this year, ending an unprecedented winning while the American racer sits this one out to recov- ahead of the 2021 Dakar in Saudi Arabia. In what Wings Instagram. You’re receiving this newsletter streak stretching back nearly two decades. The er from his unlucky accident at Baja 500. “I’m has been a stop-start year for the competitors, now because you’re subscribed to the Red Bull Desert team take their place in the bike race at the going to come out swinging. We’ve been testing is the time for the best of the best to show that they Wings newsletter, our distribution service for inside Andaluc?a Rally with a firm focus on getting back beforehand and I’m super happy with the car and have lost none of their speed. Keep up-to-date with stories covering our Red Bull rally-raid athletes.

board. I was in a good momentum so I just wanted on the back nine, so I struggled with my iron the leaders. “There are a lot of opportunities that I South Korean Kim to ride on that.” Seventh-ranked Kim has had six game, but when we entered the front nine, the gave myself but I didn’t capitalize on them,” Kang top-five major finishes without a victory, her clos- wind slowed down and it was easier to attack with said. “But I made some good up-and-downs and est calls being a runner-up finish at the 2015 my irons. “I made a few three-putts, which I some good birdies. It’s always good to shoot in grabs Women’s PGA Women’s PGA and a share of second at the 2018 regret, but overall I had a good round.” the 60s.” Ciganda, another back-nine starter, Evian Championship. Kupcho, who also fired a 65, was second to birdied the par-4 12th from 20 feet and tapped in lead on birdie binge Asked if she felt ready for a major win, Kim England’s Mel Reid last week in Atlantic City. She to birdie the par-5 16th but stumbled back to the said, “It’s always my goal.” Lurking one stroke off returned to the irons that made her a college star pack with a bogey at the par-4 fourth. NEW YORK: South Korea’s Kim Sei-young, seek- the pace were Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, Sweden’s but admits she didn’t feel ready to push for her “The game felt good. I played very solid,” she ing her first major title, birdied five of her last six Anna Nordqvist and Americans Danielle Kang and first LPGA title. “Going into last week, I was not said. “I had a good three, four chances at the end holes to seize a one-stroke lead after Friday’s sec- Jennifer Kupcho. Kim began on the back nine and prepared. I felt completely unprepared, and hon- that I didn’t make, but I think I am where I want to ond round of the Women’s PGA Championship. made bogeys at 11 and 12 to stumble back, but she estly, I felt the same way coming into this week,” be for the weekend and very happy with the The 27-year-old from Seoul fired a five-under par answered with a birdie at the par-5 16th, then Kupcho said. “Not being prepared brings another result.” Nordqvist followed birdies at the second 65, including an event record-tying 29 for the front opened and closed the front nine with birdies challenge for me, and I think that’s what helps me and ninth holes with bogeys at the fifth and 10th, nine, to stand on four-under 136 after 36 holes at around a run of four consecutive birdies starting play well, just not feeling comfortable with the then surged late with birdies at the par-3 14th and Aronimink in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. with a 30-foot putt at the par-4 fourth. course.” 16 to join the lead group. World number two Nelly “Just strategizing to attack the greens. I’d try to Third-ranked Kang answered a bogey at the Korda of the United States withdrew after an land it a little short so I can have some release, but Finishing strong fourth with a birdie at the par-3 fifth, then fol- opening 71 due to a back injury. South Korean it really helped me out,” Kim said. “I tried to focus “That really helped me with momentum and lowed a bogey at the par-3 eighth with a birdie at Lee Mi-rim withdrew with an injury after nine on my game. Honestly I didn’t look at the leader- finishing strong,” Kim said. “The wind fluctuated the par-4 12th and birdied the par-5 16th to match holes Friday. —AFP Established 1961 15 Sports Sunday, October 11, 2020 Algeria beat Nigeria, extend unbeaten run to 19 matches Morocco triumph 3-1 over a depleted Senegal

JOHANNESBURG: Algeria extended an unbeat- ball downward, poked it into the net. Nigeria gave a Challenging task avirus tests to wallop Ghana 3-0 in the Turkish en run to 19 matches with a 1-0 victory over debut to Frankfurt-born Kevin Akpoguma who, like So a challenging task in Rabat for the resort city of Antalya. Hamari Traore put the Nigeria Friday in an international friendly Bensebaini, plays in the Bundesliga, and represent- Senegalese became that much harder and they Malians ahead inside three minutes and El Bilal between two of the top five ranked African coun- ed Germany at under-age level before switching his trailed by three goals before Ismaila Sarr convert- Toure and Amadou Haidara netted early and late in tries. In another high-profile warm-up match allegiance. ed an 88th-minute penalty. Selim Amallah put the the second half. behind closed doors ahead of 2021 Africa Cup of The defender is the latest of many Europe-born Moroccans ahead after 10 minutes and Youssef en Tunisia were another nation to triumph 3-0 with Nations qualifying next month, Morocco tri- footballers to represent the African country where Nesyri and Youssef el Arabi added to the score- all the goals against Sudan in Rades near Tunis umphed 3-1 over a depleted Senegal. Burkina parents or grandparents come from. Algeria last lost sheet in the second half. On Tuesday, Morocco coming during the first half. France-based captain Faso, Gambia, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania and in October 2018 away to Benin and now move to the host a Democratic Republic of Congo team that Wahbi Khazri was involved in all the goals, scored Tunisia also won while 2021 Cup of Nations Netherlands for a friendly against Mexico on will be smarting from a 3-0 drubbing by Burkina by Seifedine Khaoui, Ali Maaloul and Anis Ben hosts Cameroon drew 0-0 against Japan. Tuesday. Senegal, the top ranked African national Faso in Moroccan city El Jadida while Senegal Slimane. In other friendlies, the Gambia edged Cup of Nations title-holders Algeria needed less team ahead of Tunisia, Nigeria, Algeria and entertain Mauritania. Congo 1-0 in Portugal through an Assan Ceesay than six minutes to score the goal in the Austrian Morocco, suffered a series of major withdrawals The Mauritanians will travel south to neighbor- goal and a brilliant run and fierce shot from Cliff town of Sankt Veit an der Glan that sank Nigeria in from the squad. Liverpool forward and 2019 African ing Senegal boosted by a 2-1 win over Sierra Nyakeya helped Kenya beat Zambia 2-1 in Nairobi. a rematch of the 2019 semi-final at the flagship Footballer of the Year Sadio Mane tested positive Leone in Nouakchott, where Hemeya Tanjy fired in The coronavirus sidelined African national teams African competition. Centre-back Ramy Bensebaini for Covid-19 and injuries ruled out goalkeeper the 79th-minute winner. Mali shrugged off losing a from last November until late September when ventured forward for a corner and after heading the Edouard Mendy and defender Kalidou Koulibaly. number of players to injuries and positive coron- Sudan won two friendlies against Chad. —AFP

sion is in place,” the NRL added in a News in brief Drug, sex scandals statement. It ruled him out of yesterday’s mar Australian elimination final between the Eels Qatar to host East Zone games and South Sydney. Under the sport’s rugby league anti-doping policy, the 32-year-old, KUALA LUMPUR: Qatar will host East Zone matches who is yet to comment publicly, has for Asia’s Champions League after the West Zone games were successfully staged in the Gulf state follow- SYDNEY: Australia’s National Rugby the option to have a B-sample ana- League was rocked by twin scandals ing a long coronavirus hiatus, officials said Friday. The lyzed. His club Parramatta said it was East Zone teams, which come from countries including yesterday, with experienced centre in contact with Jennings and “will Michael Jennings failing a drugs test Japan, China and Australia, will play their remaining continue to offer him and his family matches in Doha from November 18 to December 13, and the son of legend Wendell Sailor our full wellbeing support”. charged with aggravated sexual the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said. The venue Ibutamoren is a growth hormone for the single-leg final on December 19 is yet to be con- assault. Jennings, who has played for while Ligandrol, an anabolic agent, both Australia and Tonga, was provi- firmed, however. The AFC has had to repeatedly change helps build muscle. Australian relay its calendar due to the virus. East-zone groups G and H sionally suspended after returning a world-record holder Shayna Jack had been scheduled to be played in Malaysia, which is positive A-sample for Ligandrol and also tested positive for Ligandrol currently battling a surge in virus cases. Asia’s premier Ibutamoren, both prohibited by the ahead of last year’s world swimming club tournament resumed last month in a bio-secure World Anti-Doping Agency. championships. bubble in Qatar, which is also the host of the next World The NRL said the Parramatta Eels Meanwhile, police arrested St This handout picture released by Rugby Australia shows Australia’s play- Cup in 2022. —AFP player was tested on September 21 George Illawarra’s Tristan Sailor, 22, ers form a huddle before the captain’s run in Christchurch ahead of the with the results coming through on at his home south of Sydney yester- first Bledisloe Cup match. - AFP Friday. Reports said he was door- day and charged him with aggravat- DC United dumps Olsen knocked by Sport Integrity Australia ed sexual assault. He is the son of statement said. Sailor was once rat- renewed. “The club is taking the agents at his home early yesterday, Wendell Sailor, who played both WASHINGTON: Major League Soccer doormat DC and his mobile phone and computer ed one of the sport’s most promising matter very seriously and will con- United relieved Ben Olsen of head coaching duties after rugby league and union for prospects but managed only five tinue to work with Tristan and all were seized. “Mr Jennings is prohib- Australia. He is accused of attacking 10 years in the post, naming assistant coach Chad games for the Dragons since his relevant authorities,” the Dragons Ashton as an interim manager. United own the worst ited from participating in any WADA a woman at a home in Sydney last debut last year, and was recently said. He was refused bail and is due record in the 26-team league at 2-9 with five drawn for compliant sport, including rugby week, a New South Wales police league, while the provisional suspen- told his contract would not be to appear in court today. —AFP 11 points, two adrift of FC Cincinnati and three behind Inter Miami. “It is now time for a change,” said Olsen in a statement. “It’s the right move. The club needs a new case. Gilmore, who played in the game face and this is the right time for the club and also for which was moved from last Sunday to me personally to move in a different direction.” Olsen Virus stalking and the club he has spent two decades with are in talks Monday, was seen embracing Chiefs to find him another role within the organization. “Ben star quarterback Patrick Mahomes NFL ahead has been a fabric of the DC United organization for after the contest. The outbreaks have more than two decades, including his role as head left the Titans and the Patriots forced coach for the last 10 years, and we are forever grateful of week 5 to work remotely, with both team for his contributions and leadership,” said United chief facilities shut down. executive officer Jason Levien. —AFP There was no word as yet, howev- LOS ANGELES: The NFL headed er, as to whether the Titans’ game into week five of the 2020 season against the Bills will go-ahead, along Rapids 4th match delayed under a cloud of uncertainty as with the Patriots’ scheduled fixture COVID-19 threatens to further dis- against the Denver Broncos. Patriots NEW YORK: A fourth Major League Soccer match rupt a schedule already impacted by coach Bill Belichick said Thursday involving the Colorado Rapids was postponed on Friday the first major outbreak of the dis- the health and safety of his players due to a Covid-19 outbreak that has closed the club’s ease. After a relatively smooth start remained paramount. “There’s noth- training facility for more than two weeks. The Rapids to the season, where league safety ing more important than the health had their scheduled Saturday home game against the protocols appeared to be working, of the team,” Belichick said. “That’s Los Angeles Galaxy postponed after one new coron- the coronavirus has struck back with priority No 1. avirus case in the Rapids player pool. The league, in con- a vengeance in the past fortnight KANSAS CITY: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs makes a sultation with state health officials and infectious disease with two teams suffering multiple ‘A lot of questions’ pass against the New England Patriots during the second half at experts, postponed the match to an undetermined date. infections. “When we feel like it’s safe for Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. —AFP Also postponed have been a planned Wednesday match against Los Angeles FC, a match last Sunday at Portland The most serious outbreak has everyone to come back, then we’ll do and a September 23 home match against Kansas City swept through the Tennessee Titans, that. I’m sure you have a lot of ques- who confirmed a 23rd positive case that was postponed to October 21. The Rapids, who are tions, and I have a lot of questions. travel, etcetera, etcetera. There’s mul- warned in a memo sent to all 32 fran- on Thursday, raising the prospect that next set to visit Seattle on Wednesday, closed their “This is really more of a medical sit- tiple things we could list there.” The chises this week that the league was the team will be required to scratch training facility on September 24 and multiple players uation than a football situation, so Titans meanwhile could face sanctions ready to force teams to forfeit games Sunday’s fixture with the Buffalo Bills. and staffers have tested positive since then, sending we’ll work through the decisions and from the NFL if it is determined the or be docked draft picks if they were The New England Patriots, mean- much of the organization into self-isolation. —AFP input from the people in the medical team knowingly broke league safety found to have breached safety proto- while, were nervously waiting to see if field. “We have a lot of questions on protocols. According to reports, a cols which resulted in fixtures being they have additional cases after a our end, but for right now, yester- group of Titans players held an unau- postponed. “Protocol violations that Brazil score 5 against Bolivia positive test for quarterback Cam day and today, we’re closed and thorized practice at a Nashville high result in virus spread requiring Newton last week was followed by we’re going to work virtually to school last week, a day after being adjustments to the schedule or other- SAO PAULO: Roberto Firmino scored twice and positives for cornerback Stephon prepare for Denver and just take it warned not to gather for in-person wise impacting other teams will result Marquinhos and Philippe Coutinho also got on the Gilmore and tackle Bill Murray. day by day. activities at the team’s training facility in additional financial and competitive scoresheet as Brazil hammered Bolivia 5-0 in their open- The Patriots were somewhat con- “I feel like we did everything that or any other location. That could discipline, including the adjustment or ing World Cup qualifier in Sao Paulo on Friday. troversially cleared to take to the field we could control. I think we did potentially leave the Titans open to loss of draft choices or even the forfeit Marquinhos put the home side 1-0 up with a header after to face the Kansas City Chiefs last everything properly with the extra severe punishment. of a game,” Goodell wrote. “Simply 16 minutes before Firmino scored after 18 and 49 min- weekend despite Newton’s positive planes, the extra buses, the same-day NFL commissioner Roger Goodell put, compliance is mandatory.” —AFP utes, both times by getting on the end of low crosses into the penalty box. The fourth came after 66 minutes, when a glancing touch from Rodrygo deflected off defender next week in Auckland, before the Jose Maria Carrasco’s shoulder and Philippe Coutinho completed the rout with a header seven minutes later. Test rugby returns reformatted Rugby Championship The top four teams in the 10-team South American group starts in Australia on October 31. with Australia, NZ qualify directly for Qatar 2022 and the fifth-placed side Among rugby’s many changes since go into an inter-regional playoff. Brazil now travel to grudge match Japan last year, both teams have new Lima to face Peru on Tuesday, while Bolivia are at home coaches already looking ahead to the same day to Argentina, who opened their campaign WELLINGTON: New Zealand and the next World Cup in 2023. with a 1-0 win over Ecuador on Thursday. —Reuters Australia will play the first rugby The All Blacks are under Ian Test since the pandemic today Foster, who took over after eight against a backdrop of disagreement years as assistant to Steve Hansen, Colombia overrun Venezuela and tension after chaos caused by while the Wallabies turned to New the coronavirus opened up deep Zealander Dave Rennie after Michael BARRANQUILLA: Colombia scored three goals in a divisions. The All Blacks and the Cheika’s departure. Foster said superb first half to beat Venezuela 3-0 and get their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign off to an impres- Wallabies will take to the field in memories of last year’s failed World Cup campaign have already been sive start at home in Barranquilla. Venezuela are the front of a packed, largely facemask- only side in South America never to have reached the free crowd in Wellington just under a laid to rest by the three-time world champions. “We don’t need that bur- World Cup finals and they showed why in a disastrous year since their last games, at the opening 45 minutes at a fan-free stadium on World Cup in Japan. The on-pitch den,” Foster said. “This is about this team. “It’s about looking at the foun- Colombia’s coast. Duvan Zapata put the home side 1-0 hostilities follow a torrid period this WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s TJ Perenara walks with the rugby ball during up after 16 minutes when he slid in and finished off a year when the two unions have quar- dations and making sure we set that in this Test and subsequent ones to the captain’s run in Wellington yesterday, ahead of the first Bledisloe Cup delicious low cross from Juan Cuadrado. His Atalanta reled over the Rugby Championship teammate Luis Muriel made it two nine minutes later make sure we can launch into the match. - AFP internationals and Super Rugby, when he scored with a first-time shot from 10 meters whose 25-year run has come crash- next period.” out. Muriel then got Colombia’s third just seconds ing to a halt. before the half time whistle, when he completed a rapid “We have to be really aggressive, to and Rennie get to launch their head- The opening Bledisloe Cup Test, ‘We have to be aggressive’ counterattack. Colombia took their foot off the pedal in try to force them to kick or to turn coach careers in front of a big crowd the first international rugby since The Wallabies’ Rennie, a the second-half minutes but Venezuela could make no over some pill,” he said. After surviv- — days after New Zealand declared Covid-19 halted the Six Nations in Wellington native, has never coached impact and neither side could add to the scoreline in a ing on Zoom calls with coaches and victory over its second wave of March, will be followed by a second at Test level before, but he knows calmer second 45 minutes. —Reuters exactly what he wants from his team. players for part of the year, Foster Covid-19. —AFP Established 1961 Sport

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020

Rays oust Yankees, advance to S Korean Kim grabs Women’s Drug, sex scandals mar 14face Astros in the MLS playoffs 14 PGA lead on the birdie binge 15 Australian rugby league

Heat stave off elimination Butler’s Herculean NBA effort lifts Heat over Lakers

FLORIDA: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat, Jae Crowder #99 of the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat fight for possession during the fourth quarter in Game Five of the 2020 NBA Finals on October 9, 2020. — AFP

ORLANDO: Jimmy Butler’s triple-double propelled “We got where we wanted to on offense, shared rebounded the ball the way we were supposed to The Lakers, trailing 25-24 through one quarter, Miami to a 111-108 victory over the Los Angeles the ball like we always do,” Butler said. “This is a close out the game. “This one, it was a little bit of said Davis had aggravated a right heel contusion. He Lakers on Friday that kept the Heat alive in the NBA game of runs-I think we withstood theirs.” Butler luck that Danny Green missed that one at the top of stayed on the sideline, testing the injury as the game Finals. Butler scored 35 points with 12 rebounds and drained two free throws with 16.8 seconds left to put the key.” Duncan Robinson added 26 points for continued and returning in the second quarter. The 11 assists and the Heat withstood a 40-point per- Miami up by one. James, stymied under the basket, Miami. Kendrick Nunn had 14, Bam Adebayo 13, Heat twice pushed their lead to 11 points in the sec- formance from Lakers superstar LeBron James to found Danny Green for a wide-open three-pointer Herro 12 and Jae Crowder 11. ond period, Nunn’s putback layup making it 50-39 deny Los Angeles a title-clinching win in the NBA’s with 7.1 seconds remaining but Green missed and with 3:41 left in the first half. quarantine bubble at Orlando. The Lakers still lead Tyler Herro added two more free throws to seal it. Lakers ‘got to be better’ Butler poured in 22 points in the first half on the best-of-seven series three games to two and can “We got a hell of a look to win the game, to win the James added 13 rebounds and seven assists for seven-of-10 shooting on the way to his second secure the title with a game-six victory on Sunday. series,” James said. “Didn’t go down.” the Lakers. Anthony Davis added 28 points and triple-double of the series. He’s just the sixth player Game seven, if needed, will be on Tuesday. On a night that saw the Heat lead much of the Caldwell-Pope scored 16. The frantic finish was fore- in NBA Finals history to have multiple triple-dou- “We’ve got two more to get,” said Butler, who way, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s three-pointer with shadowed by a first quarter that saw eight lead bles in the title series, and just the second, along played more than 47 minutes and delivered a 6:18 remaining put the Lakers up 97-96 - their first changes. The tension was palpable when Los with James, to have multiple 30-point triple-dou- stunning display of will and skill. “We just played lead since the first quarter. But the Heat dug in, Angeles center Dwight Howard tangled with Butler bles in the same Finals. James made sure the Lakers hard, and just stayed with it,” said Butler, who has Duncan Robinson’s three-pointer putting Miami and the two had to be separated less than five min- kept it close with 21 first-half points while Davis insisted the Heat can become just the second NBA back up, 101-99 with 3:16 remaining, and it was a utes into the contest, each receiving a technical foul. had 13 before the break. But the Lakers’ bid for a team to rally from a 3-1 deficit to win the champi- heavyweight slugfest the rest of the way, the lead The Lakers got an early injury scare when Davis, record-equaling 17th NBA title-their first since onship series. The only other team to do it was the changing hands seven more times. battling Andre Iguodala for a rebound late in the 2010 - was at least temporarily denied. “We’ve just James-led Cleveland Cavaliers against Golden “It was all about getting stops, getting what we first quarter, took an awkward hop and limped off got to be better in game six and close the series,” State in 2016. wanted on offense,” Butler said. “I still don’t think we the court. James said. — AFP

night but at the crunch moments, the Serbian wall Chapter 56 as stood firm as the world number one saved 11 of 15 Sordo wins four break points he faced. Djokovic, 33, has a 29-26 edge over Nadal in their stages to lead the Djokovic and long-running rivalry. He has won 14 of their last 18 meetings and the last three at the Slams. However, the pair’s most recent three matches on clay have all gone Rally of Sardinia Nadal eye history Nadal’s way with Djokovic’s last victory on the dirt coming in the Rome quarter-finals four years ago. At PARIS: Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal meet for the French Open, Nadal has a 6-1 advantage, including ALGHERO: Spaniard Dani Sordo won the last three the 56th time today in a Roland Garros final block- wins in the 2012 and 2014 finals. stages and four overall to build a lead of more than buster with history on the line for both men. World 17 seconds in the Rally of Sardinia on Friday. The number one Djokovic is chasing an 18th Grand Slam ‘Not my biggest match’ Hyundai driver has not scored a point in the World title and a second French Open which would make him “This is the house of Rafa,” said Djokovic, describing Rally Championship this season but won in Sardinia the first man in half a century to win all four Slams facing the Spaniard on clay as the sport’s “biggest chal- last year. He took the second stage and then grabbed twice. Defending champion Nadal, the world number lenge”. However, he insists that he has played far more the lead when he was fastest by 9.4sec on the fourth two, can win a 13th Roland Garros and 20th major significant finals and pointed to his first win over Nadal stage, the last one on the morning loop. He then won which would tie the all-time men’s record held by at a Slam at Wimbledon in 2011. “I don’t think this is the the two afternoon stages. “I am really happy to come Roger Federer. Victory today would also give the 34- biggest match that I have ever played in my life,” he said. back like this,” Sordo said. “We pushed hard and year-old Spaniard a 100th match win in Paris against “In terms of importance, probably the first Wimbledon made time with good tyre choices.” “We need to just two defeats in 15 years. final that I actually played against him. stay like this tomorrow, it will not be easy.” Finland’s One of those losses came against Djokovic in the “Wimbledon was always the one that I wanted to win Teemu Suninen, who won the opening stage in his 2015 quarter-finals, the last time the pair clashed on as a kid and dreamed of winning. That’s probably the one M-Sport Ford, lies second. the crushed red brick surface of Court Philippe that stands out.” Djokovic also put his 2016 Paris final Sordo’s Belgian team-mate Thierry Neuville, who Chatrier. The Serb has won 37 matches in 2020 with win over Andy Murray, which allowed him to celebrate a stalled twice during the day, was second on the sixth his one defeat self-inflicted via his infamous default at career Grand Slam, above the latest installment of his and final stage of the day to take third from the US Open. Stefanos Tsitsipas, who pushed Djokovic Nadal rivalry. “Every French Open final that I played was Frenchman Sebastien Ogier. In the driver champi- to five sets in a breathless semi-final, sees few flaws in the match of my life before I actually won it.” Despite his onship, Ogier is second to Toyota team-mate Elfyn the top seed’s game. “He has reached almost perfec- high praise for his opponent, Djokovic sees an advantage Evans. As leader, the Welshman had to open the road tion,” said the Greek. The 22-year-old matched for him with the tournament being played in the autumn This combination of pictures shows (up) Spain’s Rafael on Friday. — AFP Djokovic when it came to all-out assault on Friday than its traditional spring and early summer slot. — AFP Nadal and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic playing. — AFP