TAKE CARE BUT DON’T BE TOO MUCH AFRAID OF COVID-19 PAGE-8 (OPINION)

Vol. VIII, No. 139, 14th Waning of Wagaung 1383 ME www.gnlm.com.mm Sunday, 5 September 2021

Five-Point Road Map of the State Administration Council

1. The Union Election Commission will be reconstituted and its mandated tasks, including the scrutiny of voter lists, shall be implemented in accordance with the law. 2. Effective measures will be taken with added momentum to prevent and manage the COVID-19 pandemic. 3. Actions will be taken to ensure the speedy recovery of businesses from the impact of COVID-19. 4. Emphasis will be placed on achieving enduring peace for the entire nation in line with the agreements set out in the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement. 5. Upon accomplishing the provisions of the state of emergency, free and fair multiparty democratic elections will be held in line with the 2008 Constitution, and further work will be undertaken to hand over State duties to the winning party in accordance with democratic standards.

Vice-Chairman of State Administration Council Vice-Senior General Soe Win holds talks with Deputy Defence Minister of Russian Federation, cordially meets with families of embassy, military attaché’s office

VICE-CHAIRMAN of the State Administration Council Dep- uty Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Command- er-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Sen- ior General Soe Win who is currently in the Russian Fed- eration held a meeting with Russian Deputy Minister of Defence Colonel-General Al- exander Vasilyevich Fomin at the Ministry of Defence in the afternoon of Russian Standard Time on 3 September. Also present at the meet- ing together with the Vice-Sen- ior General were Lt-Gen Aung Soe of the Office of the Com- mander-in-Chief (Army), the military attaché and senior military officers. The Russian Deputy Minister of Defence was accompanied by officials. They cordially exchanged views on further cooperation in the enhancement of friendly relations between Myanmar and Russia and the two armed forces, and plans of Russia to Vice-Chairman of the State Administration Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior SEE PAGE-3 General Soe Win presents a souvenir to Russian Deputy Minister of Defence Colonel-General Alexander Vasilyevich Fomin in Moscow. 5 SEPTEMBER 2021 2 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR MoC allows import process of anti-COVID-19 devices, medical aids daily uid oxygen distributors, 200,000 gon and one oxygen plant each two to Magway, another two to empty oxygen cylinders, 115 were transported to Magway, Pakkoku, two to Hpa-an, anoth- oxygen plants, three hospital Mawlamyine and Dedaye. er two to Minbu and one each to oxygen generators, three oxy- Out of 115 oxygen plants: 62 Taunggyi, Nay Pyi Taw, Myitta, gen refilling machines, 31 oxy- oxygen plants to Yangon, 10 to Moegaung, Myingyan, Kyaukta- gen generators, 93,395 oxygen Mandalay, five to Lashio, four to ga, Wakhema, Thanbyuzayat, concentrators for home use, Bago, another four to Myitkyina, Dawei, Kungyangon, Sittway, 200,000 test kits, 900,000 sets of three to Kyauk Padaung, three Dedaye, Myinmu and Mudon PPE, 133 tonnes of gloves and to Mawlamyine, two to Monywa, were successfully transported. 2,076 tonnes of the mask were allowed to be imported. In the same period, a total Muse of 82 oxygen bowsers were al- lowed to be transported. Among the 82 vehicles, 66 THE Ministry of Commerce is and Hteekhee trading posts and vehicles were transported to making efforts to ensure people Yangon International Airport. Yangon, five to Mandalay, three have access to the essential From 1 August to 4 Sep- to Nay Pyi Taw, four to Maw- medical supplies that are criti- tember, 1,530 vehicles carrying lamyine, two to Bago, one each cal to the COVID-19 prevention, 1,806 tonnes of liquid oxygen to Monywa and Thanbyuzayat. control and treatment activ- bowser, 472 tonnes of liquid ox- Two vehicles carrying liq- ities, including liquid oxygen ygen, 74 tonnes of oxygen gas, uid oxygen plus eight oxygen Myawady and oxygen cylinders, arrang- 19 storage containers, nine liq- plants were transported to Yan- ing continuous importation on public holidays. Officials from the relevant On 4 September (yester- departments are cooperating day), anti-COVID-19 equip- to facilitate and expedite the ment, medical products in- Standard Operating Proce- cluding oxygen plants and dures (SOPs), including on- concentrators were imported line registration for the import by 18 companies and transport- process during the long public ed by 32 vehicles, including two holidays. bowsers. It is reported that the A total of 40 tonnes of ox- Ministry of Commerce is co- ygen (liquid) carried by two ordinating with relevant de- bowsers, 12 tonnes of liquid partments, facilitating the im- oxygen, 4,085 empty oxygen cyl- portation of essential medical inders, nine oxygen plants, five supplies required in the pre- oxygen generators, 50 oxygen vention, control and treatment concentrators for home use, of COVID-19, as well as contact 82,750 PPE suits, ten tonnes of persons for inquiries can be gloves, and 26 tonnes of masks reached through the Ministry’s were imported via Muse, Chin- Chinshwehaw Website — www.commerce.gov. shwehaw, Myawady, Tachilek mm.—MNA

IDPs in Kyauktaw township receive first jabs of COVID-19 vaccine

PEOPLE in Nay Pu Khan IDP camp in Swar Nyunt, Chairman of the township for the vaccination process. It is reported that a total of 678 peo- Kyauktaw Township, MraukU District, administration body, officials from the The vaccines were administered in ple from the Nay Pu Khan IDP camp Rakhine State, received the first doses Township Public Health Department, line with the COVID-19 guidelines set in Kyauktaw Township received their of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines yes- the Township Administration Depart- by the Ministry of Health, and health first dose of the Sinopharm COVID-19 terday morning. ment, ward/village administrators and awareness lectures were given to the vaccine yesterday. — Khin Maung Tun With the management of U Kyaw the IDP camp in-charges collaborated vaccinated people. (IPRD)/GNLM

Inoculation process is underway and health workers administer the first doses of Sinopharm Covid vaccines to IDPs in Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State. PHOTO: KHIN MAUNG TUN (IPRD) 5 SEPTEMBER 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 3 BGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGA The rate of COVID-19 disease infection has dropped

THE rate of COVID-19 disease infection has dropped due to the supervision of the relevant authorities and the good cooperation of the peo- ple, adding the need to diagnose the contact persons of the COVID-19 positive patients in order to continue to reduce the infection and to be cautious despite the decline rate in virus infection. (Excerpt from the speech to the 9th coordination meeting on COVID-19 prevention, control and treatment activities made by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister of the Provisional Government of Myanmar Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on 23-8-2021) CHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHD Vice-Chairman of State Administration Council Vice-Senior General Soe Win holds talks with Deputy Defence Minister of Russian Federation, cordially meets with families of embassy, military attaché’s office

FROM PAGE-1 duties together abroad, and provide aid for military tech- ensuring loyalty to the State nology, education, health and and own ministry as good ser- various sectors. After the vice personnel in their respec- meeting, the Vice-Senior Gen- tive sectors so as to further eral and the Russian Deputy promote friendly relations be- Minister of Defence exchanged tween the two countries and commemorative gifts. raise the State interests. Moreover, the Vice-Sen- The Vice-Senior Gener- ior General went to the Myan- al presented gifts and cash mar Embassy to the Russian awards for families of the My- Federation and cordially met anmar Embassy and the office with families of the Myanmar of the Military Attaché (Army, Embassy and the office of the Navy and Air) to Ambassador Military Attaché (Army, Navy U Lwin Oo and Military At- and Air), urging them to give taché Commodore Kyaw Soe a helping hand to each other Moe.—MNA Vice-Senior General Soe Win holds talks with Russian Deputy Minister of Defece Colonel-General Alexander as they are serving the State Vasilyevich Fomin.

The Vice-Senior General cordially meets family members of the Myanmar Embassy and Vice-Senior General Soe Win presents gifts and cash awards for families of the Myanmar the office of the Military Attache (Army, Navy and Air) in Moscow. Embassy to Ambassador U Lwin Oo.

3,078 new cases of COVID-19 reported Daily newspapers available online on 4 September, total figure rises to FOR those who would like to read the Myanma Alinn, the Kyemon and the 412,587 Global New Light of Myanmar, published daily by the Ministry of Information, please visit www.moi.gov.mm/mal, www.moi.gov.mm/km, www.moi.gov.mm/ MYANMAR’S COVID-19 positive cases rose to 412,587 after 3,078 new cases were nlm and www.gnlm.com.mm/e-paper. reported on 4 September 2021 according to the Ministry of Health. Among these confirmed cases, 360,494 have been discharged from hospitals. Death toll reached News and Periodicals Enterprise 15,795 after 102 died.—MNA 5 SEPTEMBER 2021 4 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR MoNREC Union Minister inspects limestone mining, cement plant, conservation works in Mandalay Region

UNION Minister for Natural Social and Governance. Resources and Environmental The Union Minister also Conservation U Khin Maung highlighted the need to install a Yi conducted a ground survey regular monitoring system and to limestone mining of Shwe another system for controlling Taung Mining Limited in Pyin the emission from cement pro- Nyaung of Thazi Township in duction, operate in line with the Mandalay region and Apache EIA – Environmental Impact cement factory to ensure en- Assessment and adopt Clean vironmental conservation yes- Technology in the long run. terday. The factory in-charg- During the visit, the Union es briefed the operations of Minister said the factory has limestone production, cement the capacity to produce 5,500 factory and work plans being tonnes of cement per day and carried out through EIA. is full of production capacity The Union Minister then as the needed limestone can inspected the Ashe Yepaung- be explored near the factory sone forest reserve of the area. It should emphasize the Forest Department in Thazi occupational safety and con- production and operation of be a responsible investment velopment. It needs to arrange Township of Mandalay Region servation works in limestone the cement plant. If so, it will and achieve sustainable de- for better ESG – Environment, in the same afternoon. — MNA

Actual FDI to Myanmar stands at Public request by Ministry of only $2.2 bln in 2020 Health THE statistics released by the Direc- 234 businesses in the FY2017-2018, torate of Investment and Company $1.94 billion from 89 projects in the ONLY when the people cooperate will the work process achieve success Administration (DICA) indicated that 2018 mini-budget year, $4.5 billion from in a short time for effective prevention, control and treatment of COVID-19 the actual FDI to Myanmar in 2020 298 businesses in the FY2018-2019 and among the people. As such, all the people are requested to abide by the was only US$2.2 billion, according to $5.689 billion from 253 businesses in following points: - Myanmar Investment Commission the FY2019-2020 respectively, accord- 1. Stay at home as much as possible. (MIC). ing to the DICA’s statistics. The foreign investors make the Nevertheless, the actual FDI in- 2. Don’t accept the guests at the house. You don’t visit other houses. feasibility study before the operation. flow stood at $1.19 billion in 2014, $4.27 3. The older persons above 65 or those suffering from chronic diseases Therefore, the permitted capitals by billion in 2015, $3.88 billion in 2016, $4.8 such as diabetes, hypertension and heart must be worn masks in the the Myanmar Investment Commis- billion in 2017, $1.77 billion in 2018, house. They must be placed at well-ventilated sites. sion are not brought into the country $1.729 billion in 2019 and $2.2 billion in 4. Wear masks if you go outside without fail. Systematically wash hands. immediately, said an official of MIC. 2020, the DICA’s data showed. Take a six-foot distance from others. Avoid visits to the rooms where Viet Nam put more than 20 per Myanmar attracted foreign direct cent of actual FDI in Myanmar in 2020, investment of more than US$3.767 ventilation is not good. followed by the Republic of Korea and billion from 45 projects in the past 5. Avoid the crowds. Singapore. ten months (October-July) of the 6. If possible, go shopping once a week. Don’t buy anything from the ven- Manufacturing accounted for 2020-2021 financial year from 45 en- dors who don’t systematically wear masks. 29.77 per cent. Oil and natural gas terprises. 7. Take care of carrying the virus to the houses whenever return home from constituted 26.96 per cent. Real estate They included expansion of capi- outside. Systematically discard the used masks and single disposable drew 25.77 per cent. Other sectors: tal by existing enterprises and invest- financial services, power, construc- ments in the Thilawa Special Econom- equipment outside the houses. Avoid close contact with family members tion, telecommunications, trading ic Zone, according to the DICA. before changing clothes or washing the body. and wholesale, hotels and tourism, The Ministry of Investment and 8. As the vaccines for your quota is the best, accept vaccinations for full livestock and fisheries, agriculture, Foreign Economic Relations has been time. Despite receiving the vaccination, you should abide by the pro- transport, industrial estate and min- inviting responsible businesses to tective ways. ing pulled only less than eight per cent benefit the country. 9. Systematically cooperate in prevention, control and treatment of the each, FDI sector-wise data stated. MIC ensures to approve the re- The FDIs permitted by MIC and sponsible businesses by assessing disease with manpower, money, materials and expertise. endorsed by the region and state in- environmental and social impacts. vestment committees amounted to The commission is working to- Ministry of Health (2-8-2021) $6.9 million from 158 enterprises in gether with the relevant departments the FY2016-2017, $6.119 billion from to screen the projects. — KK/GNLM

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION Printed and published at the Global New Light of Write for us (+95) (01) 8604532, Myanmar Printing Factory at No.150, Nga Htat Kyee www.gnlm.com.mm Hotline - 09 454237515 Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, by the Global We appreciate your feedback and contributions. If you have any ADVERTISING & MARKETING New Light of Myanmar Daily under Printing Permit www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com comments or would like to submit editorials, analyses or reports ( +95) (01) 8604530, No. 00510 and Publishing Permit No. 00629. please email [email protected] with your name and Hotline - 09 251022355 title. [email protected] [email protected] Due to limitation of space we are only able to publish “Letter [email protected] www.gnlm.com.mm to the Editor” that do not exceed 500 words. Should you submit www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com a text longer than 500 words please be aware that your letter will be edited. 5 SEPTEMBER 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR LOCAL BUSINESS 5 Demand for tomatoes high despite prices slump

ALTHOUGH the prices of the markets in each township. tomatoes drop, the demand If so, it will be a win-win situ- is high at the Thiri Marlar ation for both the buyers and Wholesale Centre of Manda- vendors, including farmers. lay, according to the tomato They should review the oper- wholesalers. ating hours of the market. The The country sees a high current tomato transaction is yield this year and the trucks normal despite the high de- between 15 to 20 arrive at the mand,” he said. Thri Marlar Wholesale Centre Moreover, one housewife per day. who came to Nyaungbin Mar- Currently, although the ket of Aungmyaythazan Town- price of tomatoes drops from ship said,” the people began between K2,000 to K2,500 per panic buying in the market as box contacting 18 visses of the price of tomato is K600 per small size tomatoes, while a viss. I also bought two visses box containing 18 visses of of tomatoes.” large size tomatoes to K6,000, The Thiri Marlar market the demand is still on the rise, receives the tomatoes pro- said U Aung Moe Naing, owner Currently, although the price of tomatoes drops from between K2,000 to K2,500 per box contacting 18 visses duced from Innlay, Ywangan of the Aung Wholesale Centre. of small size tomatoes, while a box containing 18 visses of large size tomatoes to K6,000, the demand is still on and May Myo townships daily the rise. “The tomato prices decline and also trades various types but the demand is high as the The price is convenient for the peacefully due to the fixed of the disease also declines re- of raw vegetables. — Min production rate is also high customers. We face some dif- opening and closing hours of cently. Therefore, the officials Htet Aung (Mdy Sub-Printing across the nation this season. ficulties as we cannot trade the market. The infection rate should ease the restriction for House)/GNLM

Prompt transport of live aquatic animals USD against MMK important to market sustainability hits around K1,800 PROMPT transport of foreign “We have aquatic products Taiwan through a live aquatic an- marketable live maritime animals as well as export markets. In the imal’s market in Guangzhou city, THE exchange rate stood In the first eight is important to market sustain- third wave of COVID-19, there are the People’s Republic of China. at its highest point of K1,800 months of 2021, the highest ability. difficulties in the transport sector. Earlier, Myanmar exported per US dollar in the foreign and lowest exchange rate In the third wave of COV- Although there is an export mar- 10 to 20 tonnes of marine animals exchange market. is currently fixed around ID-19, Myanmar exported its ma- ket with high demand for fishery alive per day due to the populari- Although the dollar ex- K1,327-1,345 in January, rine products to foreign countries products, we have difficulty ex- ty of Myanmar fishery products. change rate hit only K1,708 K1,335-1,465 in February, via sea route. However, the live porting the live marine animals Now, it is also shipped the same per dollar on 3 September K1,420-1,550 in March, aquatic animals are needed to within 24 hours because there is volume of live maritime animals. as stated by the Central K1,550-1,610 in April, reach the export market within a lack of direct airlines to those Fisheries, shrimp and crab Bank of Myanmar (CBM), K1,585-1,730 in May, K1,595- 24 hours and it is being shipped countries. The cost of renting the are transported from Kawthoung the outside exchange rate 1,620 in June, K1,626-1,670 by regional countries by the air charter flight will be over $3,400 to Yangon and then to the market is set at K1,800 per dollar. in July and K1660-1682 in route. If the live aquatic animals per tonne. We may also need a country via flight. Earlier, the for- Thus, the local forex mar- August. will be exported by the charter link to the banks. That is the rea- eign marketable soft-shell crab, ket rate is K100 higher than In 2020, the exchange flight, the cost will be ranging be- son why we are using the export lobster, mantis shrimp, giant sea the rate set by the CBM. rate moved in the range tween US$38,000 or $40,000 per 11 of aquatic products via sea route perch, eel, cuttlefish and winkle The CBM sold US$ 28 of K1,465-1,493 in January, tonnes. Some local businessmen to keep the market afloat,” said an from Rakhine State, Taninthayi million in seven times at K1,436-1,465 in February, have also struggled in the trans- official from Super Fresh Capital and Ayeyawady regions were its auction rate in August K1,320-1,445 in March, port sector because the flights Hong Kong Co., Ltd. Myanmar’s directly transported to foreign to stabilize the US dollar K1,395-1,440 in April, are not being able to fly directly live water-living animals such as markets through the Yangon re- exchange rate. In July, the K1,406-1,426 in May, K1,385- to the live aquatic marketable fisheries, shrimp and crab are gion within 24 hours. — Nyein central bank reportedly 1,412 in June, K1,367-1,410 countries. transported to Hong Kong and Thu (MNA)/GNLM sold $39 million at an auc- in July, K1,335-1,390 in tion rate. Besides, the bank August, K1,310-1,355 in sold $12 million at an auc- September, K1,282-1,315 tion rate as well. in October, K1,303-1,330 in The CBM is conduct- November and K1,324-1,403 ing an auction for foreign in December. exchange to reduce the In 2019, the rates are fluctuation of foreign ex- pegged at K1,508-1,517 in change rates in a short- July, K1,510-1,526 in August, term period. K1,527-1,565 in September, The dollar exchange K1,528-1,537 in October, rate against Myanmar Kyat K1,510-1,524 in November stood at around K1,330 per and K1,485-1,513 in Decem- dollar at the end-January. ber. Then, the rate jumped to On 20 September 2018, around K1,800 per dollar the dollar exchange rate hit on 4 September with a rise an all-time high of K1,650 in of over K400 in over seven the local currency market. months. — NN/GNLM GNLM File photo: Workers sort crabs at the market in Myeik, Taninthayi Region. 5 SEPTEMBER 2021 6 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Perpetrators of armed attack to 6 policemen on Yangon circular train arrested with weapons, ammunition

sages in a seized phone from The security forces confiscated them, ex-MP (NLD) Phyo Zeya those weapons on 3 September. Thaw (aka) Maung Thaw con- It is reported that the secu- tacted his girlfriend Myat Phyo rity forces are making contin- Pwint to keep the police weapons uous efforts to arrest the rest at the secure place. The weapons of the perpetrators and has stored in two guitar bags were requested the people to work transported in 2J/1902 Camery together to identify the related car (lead colour) to the house in incidents committed by the ter- Thingangyun on 1 September. rorist groups.—MNA

Perpetrators of armed attack arrested along with weapons and ammunition.

PERPETRATORS of the deadly incident that happened on the saung hill (North), Sangyaung. armed attack that happened on train, and the security forces According to the statement the Insein-Yangon-Insein-Hlaw- arrested Myat Phyo Pwint to- of the arrested suspects, Kau- gar-Insein circular train on 14 gether with four weapons tak- ng Pyae Sone Oo (a sailor) and August 2021, which killed five en from the polices at No (2/A), 25 other people attended the polices and injured one, were ar- Bayintnaung street, Thuwunna terrorist training course on 22 rested together with four weap- Myothit, Thingangyun Township. March in the KNU territory and ons and ammunition taken from In addition, Zeya Phyo who re- returned in May. On 10 August, the police force. turned to the apartment was Nay Lin Htike led 15 people in- Suspects named Kyaw Win also detained. Following their cluding Kaung Pyae Sone Oo, Ko Soe, Kaung Pyae Sone Oo and statements, the security forces Zaw, Shan Lay, Ma Phyo, Zeya San Min Aung were found and searched the house of Lin Lin (a) Phyo discussed to carry out an detained at No (302/B), Build- Nay Lin Htike (a) Hta Sin Htoo, attack to the train police. San ing number 7, on Dagon Lwin the leader of the group, in Da- Min Aung (arrested), Kyaw Win Street, Myitta Nyunt ward, Tam- gon Myothit (North) Township, Soe (arrested), Ko Shine (on the way Township on the morning however, he escaped. It was also run), took charge of keeping an of 3 September, based on the learnt on 2 September that he eye on the police force and Kau- continuous investigation by a went to the house of his friend ng Pyae Sone Oo, Nay Lin Htike, combined team of police and Ma Ohnmar where the security Ko Zaw, Shan Lay, Aung Gyi and security forces. It was also re- forces searched but did not find Kyaw Lay took the responsibility vealed that they used a taxi AD him as he escaped again. to shoot at the police force. van with a numberplate 1H/6927 The confession of the sus- After the attack, the group (white colour) and a taxi Field- pects led to the place of pistols with Nay Lin Htike took the er with a numberplate GG/6266 used in the attack, and the se- weapons and ammunition left (lead colour) by changing the curity forces found and confis- by a taxi and Kaung Pyae Sone number plates. cated a communicator (Hytera) Oo and the other two people left (From top to down) Their statements revealed and related materials at No 44, by a Honda Civic. Re-seized weapons and ammunition from Tamway, Thingangyun and that they were involved in the Yankyiaung street, Motelat- According to the group mes- Dagon Myothit(North) Townships.

Air KBZ extends suspension of domestic flights to highly COVID-19-infected areas

AIR KBZ extended the suspen- are also allowed to change the flight and Mandalay-Kyaukphyu Seoul, Korea to every Tuesday to inform the new rebooking sion of their domestic flights to flight schedule, passengers’ flights on 27 August. In these and Bangkok every Saturday date or refund application to Lashio, Tachilek, Kengtung, names and destinations through trips, MAI and Air KBZ will co- and Dubai every Sunday during the airline agent not later than Kalay, Dawei, Myeik and Kaw- respective airline agencies. operate and fly with Embraer September. 30 November 2021. thoung until the end-September MAI and Air KBZ will E190 aircraft. Passengers who have pur- Besides, the non-refunda- due to COVID-19 infection, ac- resume their flights to Sit- In September, MAI will fly chased tickets for the extended ble tickets will be exchanged cording to its airline announce- tway-Mandalay at the end of its rescue and special flights to travel period will be allowed to with a travel voucher. ment. August and extend Heho-Man- Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Bangkok transfer one-time date change Its travel voucher will be Thus, the passengers who dalay-Myitkyina-Putao and and Dubai. MAI will fly their free to the next available flight available by 31 December 2021. have bought airline tickets in Kyaukphyu flights. flights to Kuala Lumpur every based on seat availability. The travel voucher is not al- advance to these destinations MAI and Air KBZ started Monday, Wednesday and Thurs- The passengers impacted lowed to be transferred to oth- can apply for a refund and they their Yangon-Sittway direct day while the airline will fly to by the flight suspensions need ers. —Aye Maung/GNLM 5 SEPTEMBER 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR GLOBAL: TOP STORIES 7 El Salvador’s Bukele gets green 33,000 children killed, maimed in 20-year US war in Afghanistan: light to run for re-election aid organization EL SALVADOR’S top court NEARLY 33,000 children have dren who have died due to hun- Friday said populist President been killed and maimed in Af- ger, poverty and disease in that Nayib Bukele would be allowed ghanistan amid its 20-year war, time,” the organization added, to run for a second term, despite an average of one child every according to the PressTV re- the country’s constitution pro- five hours, an Iranian media port. hibiting the head of state from outlet has said. “What remains after 20 serving two consecutive terms “The numbers were a years is a generation of chil- in office. devastating insight into the dren whose entire lives have The Supreme Court deci- deadly cost of war on children,” been blighted by the misery sion will allow Bukele to run for PressTV reported Wednesday, and impact of war. The mag- a second term in 2024 -- poten- citing data from Save the Chil- nitude of human suffering of tially making him the Central dren, a London-headquartered the past two decades is beyond American nation’s first president international humanitarian comprehension,” said Hassan to serve more than five years in organization which is said to Noor, Asia regional director for office since the 1950s. have worked in Afghanistan Save the Children. In its ruling, the court said a since 1976 to deliver lifesaving The United States on Mon- Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele enjoys broad popularity but has sitting head of state could seek services to children and their day ended its two decades of been accused of authoritarian tendencies. PHOTO: AFP re-election for a second term families. war in Afghanistan, the longest as long as they have not “been The new judges then re- in the violence-wracked country. “The real number of direct war in American history, when president during the immediate- versed a previous decision by the His allies also hold a large child casualties of the conflict the last U.S. planes flew out ly preceding period”. Constitutional Chamber of the majority in the country’s Con- will likely be much higher than of the Asian country’s capital, The decision was handed Supreme Court that ruled the gress -- a situation not seen since the estimated 32,945, and this Kabul. — Xinhua down by judges appointed to president could not serve more a peace deal in 1992 put an end number does not include chil- El Salvador’s highest court by than one consecutive mandate. to 12 years of bloody civil war. Bukele in May after the coun- However, that ruling did allow But he has long been ac- try’s parliament removed sev- the head of state to run again in cused of authoritarian tenden- Taliban battle for final eral justices critical of the gov- a subsequent election. cies. ernment -- a move decried by Elected in 2019, Bukele en- Last year, Bukele dis- critics as a “coup d’etat” and joys broad support in El Salvador patched troops to the country’s holdout province of one which sparked international over his promises to fight organ- parliament in a bid to pressure condemnation. ized crime and improve security lawmakers. — AFP Panjshir ANTI-TALIBAN fighters in Afghanistan’s Panjshir Valley said Friday they were battling to repulse “heavy” assaults, as the Isla- France faces anger over planned wind mists seek to capture the last holdout province defying their rule. Efforts to strike a peace deal between the two sides have farm next to WWI memorial failed, and the Taliban are keen to cap their lightning military offensive which saw them seize control of the rest of Afghanistan in Villers-Bretonneux, close to last month. President Emmanuel Macron’s “The Taliban have a significant advantage,” said Nishank hometown of Amiens, saying it Motwani, an Afghan analyst based in Australia, saying the Isla- would be a blot on the landscape. mists were emboldened by their recent victories. But in March this year, “They are very well armed, and they have the psychologi- an appeal court in the town of cal factor in their favour in that they precipitated the fall of the Douai overturned that decision government so quickly.” and gave wind energy company The Taliban seized an enormous arsenal of weapons and mili- Les Vents de Picardie the green tary kit that the now departed US provided to the defeated Afghan light to proceed with the farm army, as well as the support of prisoners they freed from jails. around five kilometres from the “The Taliban also have shock troops, including the use of memorial. suicide tactics,” Motwani added. The case has become a Fighters from the National Resistance Front (NRF), made up cause celebre among local poli- of anti-Taliban militia fighters and former Afghan security forces, ticians, who are piling pressure are understood to have significant weapon stockpiles too in the The memorial at Villers-Bretonneux has become a lightning rod for the on Macron to take the fight to valley, which lies around 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Kabul. row over wind farms. PHOTO: AFP France’s top courts. On Wednesday, senior Taliban official Amir Khan Muttaqi “We cannot accept that issued an audio message to say their forces had surrounded the OPPONENTS of a wind farm In 2017, Australian officials the transition to green energy, valley, calling on the people of the Panjshir to tell fighters to lay planned next to a battlefield expressed relief after French which is necessary, be given down their arms. — AFP in France where hundreds of state electricity company Engie precedence over the memory Australian soldiers died during pulled the plug on a wind farm of, and respect for the dead,” World War I are urging the gov- project in Bullecourt, site of two Christophe Coulon, vice-pres- ernment to cancel the plan, call- battles that were particularly ident of the Hauts-de-France ing it an affront to the memory deadly for the Australians. region, told AFP in a telephone of the dead. The firm said at the time interview. Politicians and campaign- that the negative reaction -- not “It’s a moral issue,” said ers have spent years trying to least from the French state -- had Coulon, who held a press confer- overturn plans for turbines next underscored the site’s “sacred- ence with two other prominent to World War I killing fields in ness”. local politicians at the memorial northern France, where around The same year, French site on Thursday. 10,000 Australians were among authorities rejected plans for But the government has so hundreds of thousands killed and another wind farm next to Aus- far refused to contest the deci- Afghan anti-Taliban forces take a rest as they patrol on a hilltop in wounded. tralia’s national war memorial sion. — AFP Panjshir province. PHOTO: AFP 5 SEPTEMBER 2021 5 SEPTEMBER 2021 8 OPINION THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ARTICLE/NATIONAL 9 Take care but Study suggests Delta does not cause more don’t be too Myanmar Daily Weather Report severe childhood Covid (Issued at 7:00 pm Saturday 4 September 2021) BAY INFERENCE: Monsoon is strong over the Andaman Sea much afraid of PAEDIATRIC Covid Delta, and comparing them to 164 ed, and four were fully vaccinated. and Bay of Bengal. US hospitalizations have records during the Delta period, This meant the unvaccinated surged since Delta became pre- the percentage of children with were 10.1 times more likely to be FORECAST VALID UNTIL MORNING OF THE 5 September, COVID-19 dominant, but a new study that severe indicators was found to not hospitalized compared to vacci- 2021: Rain or thundershowers will be scattered in Sagaing, offers a first look at the relevant differ greatly. nated. Magway Regions and (Northern and Eastern) Shan, Kayah data suggests that fears the var- Specifically, the per cent of States, fairly widespread in Kachin and Chin States and wide- HE World Health Organization has notified that there have iant causes more severe disease hospitalized patients admitted to Children shielded by commu- spread in the remaining Regions and States with likelihood of been five variant viruses of COVID-19 spreading in 193 coun- are unfounded. intensive care was 26.5 pre-Delta nity vaccinations isolated heavyfalls in Mandalay, Yangon, Ayeyawady, Taninthayi Ttries while monitoring a new coronavirus variant known as The paper by the Centres for and 23.2 post; the per cent placed A second study by the CDC Regions and Kayin, Mon States. Degree of certainty is (100%). “Mu”, which was first identified in Colombia in January. Disease Control and Prevention on ventilators was 6.1 pre-Delta examined childhood Covid cases, Mu, known scientifically as B.1.621, has been classified as a also found that between 20 June and 9.8 post; and the per cent who hospitalizations, and emergency STATE OF THE SEA: Squalls with rough seas are likely at “variant of interest”, the global health body said recently in its weekly and 31 July 2021, unvaccinated ad- died was 0.7 pre-Delta and 1.8 post. department visits from June to times off and along Myanmar Coasts. Surface wind speed in pandemic bulletin. The bulletin mentioned that the Mu variant has olescents were more than 10 times These differences did not rise August 2021, and compared them squalls may reach (35)mph. Wave height will be about (8 -10) a constellation of mutations that indicate potential properties of more likely to be hospitalized than to the level of statistical signifi- to the levels of community vacci- feet off and along Myanmar Coasts. immune escape. those who were vaccinated. cance. nation at the time. The WHO said the var- The health agency analyzed The finding comes with the Covid-related pediatric (ages OUTLOOK FOR SUBSEQUENT TWO DAYS: Moderate mon- iant has mutations that in- hospital records from across an important caveat that because the 0-17) emergency department vis- soon. At present, persons dicate a risk of resistance to area covering around 10 per cent number of hospitalizations in the its and hospitalizations were 3.4 vaccines and stressed that of the US population, between 1 post-Delta period is small, more times higher and 3.7 times high- FORECAST FOR NAY PYI TAW AND NEIGHBOURING with the variant further studies were needed March 2020 and 14 August 2021. data will need to accrue for sci- er respectively in states that fell AREA FOR 5 September, 2021: Isolated rain or thundershowers. virus of COVID-19 are to better understand it so as This covered the period be- entists to gain greater confidence in the bottom quartile of overall Degree of certainty is (100%). found in Myanmar. to carry out prevention, con- fore the emergence of Delta, the about the conclusion. vaccinated per capita, compared trol and treatment activities most contagious strain to date, and The study also underscored to states in the highest quartile. FORECAST FOR YANGON AND NEIGHBOURING AREA Face masks sit on a table outside of Schoolcraft Elementary for students and parents to wear when entering the The variant virus of for the pandemic. after it became dominant, from 20 vaccine effectiveness against pedi- The takeaway message is FOR 5 September, 2021: Some rain or thundershowers. Degree building on the first day of school on August 30, 2021 in Schoolcraft, Michigan. PHOTO: MATTHEW HATCHER / COVID-19 is the variant All viruses, including June onwards. AFP/FILE atric Covid hospitalization during that, while clinical trials for vac- of certainty is (100%). SARS-CoV-2 that causes Delta. cines among those under the age of concern Delta. So, COVID-19, mutate over time Weekly hospitalizations of at 0.3 per 100,000, before rising to per 100,000 in the week leading up search, children aged 12-17 and Between 20 June and 31 July, of 12 and subsequent authoriza- FORECAST FOR MANDALAY AND NEIGHBOURING AREA it is necessary to take and most mutations have lit- children 1.4 per 100,000 in the week ending to 9 January, when the US expe- 0-4 are at higher risk of Covid hos- among 68 adolescents hospitalized tions are awaited, high community FOR 5 September, 2021: Isolated rain or thundershowers. care of (Variants of tle or no effect on the proper- Weekly hospitalizations of 14 August -- a 4.7-fold increase. rienced its winter wave that was pitalization than those aged 5-11. with Covid-19 whose vaccination rates of vaccination squelch Covid Degree of certainty is (100%). ties of the virus. But certain children aged 0-17 were at their Pediatric hospitalizations driven by the Alpha variant. After examining 3,116 hospital status was known, 59 were unvac- transmission and protect children. Concern) Delta with mutations can impact the lowest between 12 June and 3 July reached their all-time peak of 1.5 Consistent with prior re- records from the period before cinated, five were partly vaccinat- SOURCE: AFP Flood Bulletin high infection and properties of a virus and in- (Issued at 08:00 hrs MST on 4-9-2021) fluence how easily it spreads, severe impacts, with the severity of the disease it FLOOD CONDITION OF AYEYAWADY RIVER high death rate. It is causes, and its resistance to According to the (07:30) hrs MST observation today, the water important to strictly vaccines, drugs and other Indonesia’s private jet rental business soars during pandemic level of Ayeyawady River at Seiktha has exceeded by about (9) countermeasures. inches above its danger level. It may remain above its danger level abide by the health Four COVID-19 variants during the next (3) days. guidelines against of concern, including Alpha, IGH-END consumers as compared to before the COV- During the pandemic, his According to the (07:30) hrs MST observation today, the water COVID-19 issued by which is present in 193 coun- in Indonesia have decid- ID-19 pandemic,” Gandi told local company served more domestic level of Ayeyawady River at Hinthada has exceeded by about (½) tries, and Delta, present in Hed to travel out of towns media in Indonesia’s resort island than international flights, he said, foot above its danger level. It may remain above its danger level the Ministry of Health. 170 countries. Five variants, and abroad using charter planes of Bali on Thursday. adding that about 90 per cent of during the next (3) days. Moreover, systematic including Mu, are to be mon- or private jets during the surge Gandi said that the increase their traffic is domestic, and the According to the (07:30) hrs MST observation today, the itored. After being detected in COVID-19 cases for various in users of private jet services op- remaining 10 per cent is abroad. water level of Ayeyawady River at Zalun has exceeded by (½) foot vaccination is also one in Colombia, Mu has since reasons. erated by his company also oc- According to him, Bali is his above its danger level. It may remain above its danger level during of the important steps been reported in other South “There are travellers who curred during the implementation company’s crowded destination the next (3) days. American countries and Eu- make trips for medical purposes of the policy on community activity which becomes the most favorite Advisory to remarkably decline rope. and holidays among other rea- restrictions (locally abbreviated place for domestic and foreign It is especially advised to the people who settle near the the infection rate. Daily newspapers and sons,” said the chairperson of the as PPKM). users of private jets to make va- river banks and low lying areas in Seiktha, Hinthada and Zalun international news agencies Indonesian Travel Agent Associ- “During the current PPKM, cations and business activities. townships, to take precaution measure. express the current situation ation (Astindo) Pauline Suharno. we are going smoothly. Maybe He said his company operates of infection of the pandemic to the global peoples on a daily basis. The high mobility of Indo- because people feel that private a number of jet aircraft of various EARTHQUAKE NEWS Hence, Myanmar people need to take special care of the infection nesian people who wanted to go journeys are safer and so far we types including the Hawker 400 triggered by variants of COVID-19 but not culture the too much out of their towns and abroad has can fly to anywhere that commer- with six seats, the Hawker 800 that A slight earthquake of magnitude (4.6) Richter Scale with worries and frightening. made travel agents busier, as seen cial flights may not be able to do carries eight passengers and the its epicenter inside Myanmar (about (27) miles northwest of At present, persons with the variant virus of COVID-19 are from their ticket sales since June so,” he said. Legacy 600 which has 13 seats. Tanai), latitude 26.71°N, longitude 96.54°E, depth (10) kilome- Amid the pandemic, the appeal of spaced-out seating and reduced exposure to other people is driving demand for found in Myanmar. The variant virus of COVID-19 is the variant of 2021, she told CNBC Indonesia In addition to being safer, the Meanwhile, Sony Faisal, di- ters, about (100) miles northwest of Myitkyina seismological private travel among high net worth individuals and corporations. PHOTO: COURTESY OF INDOJET/XINHUA concern Delta. So, it is necessary to take care of (Variants of Con- recently. reasons people use private jet rector of private jet charter oper- observatory was recorded at (18) hr (35) min (11) sec MST on cern) Delta with high infection and severe impacts, with high death Stefanus Gandi, director of transportation services are time ator CeoJetset, also said currently Jakarta. “Three hours are valua- the company would prepare event packages offer lower costs to 4 September 2021. rate. It is important to strictly abide by the health guidelines against PT Indojet Sarana Aviasi which is efficiency and limited flights on in Indonesia there are many su- ble for them from their houses to and holiday packages to reach the passengers, by far the best-sell- COVID-19 issued by the Ministry of Health. Moreover, systematic an Indonesian company engaged commercial planes, Gandi added. per-rich people who spend money airports,” he told Warta Ekonomi family market, he said. ing packages on the market are vaccination is also one of the important steps to remarkably decline specifically in the rental of private “Most of guests who use our on making classy trips. daily recently. “We have indeed made a business packages, he said, add- the infection rate. aircraft, also said the transporta- services are passengers who have Faisal said his company un- Faisal further said his com- breakthrough to break the para- ing that by relying on a business All global people need to follow the health restrictions by system- tion business using private jets budgets, of course. Based on our derstands the needs of the su- pany is preparing breakthroughs digm that private jets are expen- package, CeoJetset can earn a atically wearing masks, face shields and gloves, carefully washing has increased during the COV- records, those who travel for busi- per-rich, one of which is the need in the form of rental packages to sive. We have made many break- net income of up to 1 billion ru- hands, strictly taking the social distancing and stay away from the ID-19 pandemic. ness trips from the beginning of for speed. It is common to find long reach more markets. If business- throughs so that private jets are piahs (about 70,135 U.S. dollars) crowds and public areas. “During this pandemic from the pandemic are still travelling traffic jams that can take hours men and politicians can be accom- more affordable for many people.” per month. last year, the increase has doubled until now.” on the streets of big cities like modated with business packages, Although event and holiday SOURCE: Xinhua 5 SEPTEMBER 2021 10 SCI/ENVIRON: WORLD THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Australian researches using helpful Climate change blamed parasites to treat coeliac disease for New Zealand’s

ten which was quite amazing, warmest winter and surprising to them.” Coeliac disease elicits an NEW Zealand saw its warm- now stood at 18th and 13th abnormal immune response to est winter on record this year respectively on the all-time gluten, contained in many staple as climate change fuelled ris- list -- which dates back to 1909. foods such as bread, pasta and ing temperatures, a govern- “What was considered to oats. Coeliac Australia estimates ment scientific agency said be unusually warm at the time that 1 in 70 Australians suffer Friday. is no longer considered un- from the disease. At present, the Temperatures in the usual,” NIWA meteorologist only way to manage the disease June-August period were 1.32 Nava Fedaeff said. is to adhere to a strict, lifelong degrees Celsius (2.38 degrees Fedaeff said natural gluten-free diet. “There are a lot Fahrenheit) above average, weather patterns played a of pieces to the puzzle, hopefully exceeding the previous record role in both record-setting pe- in the near future there will be a set last year, the National In- riods but a key difference was better treatment for people with stitute of Water and Atmos- the amount of carbon dioxide The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) at coeliac disease, than adhering to pheric Research (NIWA) said. now polluting the atmosphere. James Cook University is Australia’s only dedicated health and tropical a strict gluten-free diet, which The agency said the data She said one measuring medicine research institute. PHOTO: AITHM/XINHUA we know is inconvenient and ex- meant seven of the top 10 hot- station near Wellington re- pensive,” Giacomin told Xinhua. test winters in New Zealand corded a carbon dioxide con- RESEARCHERS at the Austral- Gastroenterology and released Senior gastroenterologist at had occurred since 2000. centration of 320 parts per ian Institute of Tropical Health to the public on Wednesday, the Prince Charles Hospital Dr It said the last time the million in the early 1970s but and Medicine (AITHM) at James showed that participants treat- Tony Rahman said the findings country recorded back-to- the level was now 412 parts Cook University (JCU) have dis- ed with an immune-modulating could have major implications back record winters was in per million, up almost 30 per covered gut parasites that could hookworm parasite displayed a for people whose lives and diets 1970 and 1971, but those years cent.— AFP be used to treat coeliac disease. greater tolerance to gluten and have been severely restricted by The word “parasite” is often had reduced symptoms. the disease. associated with dangerous in- Giacomin said while there “This research may have vaders and disease, but AITHM is still a lot to learn about the profound implications for the immunologist Dr Paul Giacomin disease and the treatment, early health and lifestyle flexibility and his team have shown how results have been promising. or people with coeliac disease, this is not always the case. “What we do know is there who normally have to adhere to Results from a recent clin- were people in our clinical trial a strict gluten-free diet to avoid ical trial, published in the jour- who performed amazingly well. accidental gluten exposure,” nal of Clinical and Translational They developed tolerance to glu- said Rahman. —Xinhua Deadly floods expose dangers of

New York’s basements People walk on a street in Wellington on 14 May 2020. PHOTO: AFP/MARTY MELVILLE THE deaths of almost a dozen to save lives,” lawmaker Alex- had been complaints about ille- New Yorkers who could not es- andria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted. gal basements. cape their homes during flash “These are working class, Another victim was a Floating Dutch cow farm flooding has exposed the perils immigrant, and low-income peo- 66-year-old man, originally from of living in the city’s often-dan- ple & families,” she added. Ecuador, who died in a window- aims to curb climate impact gerous basements. Although it is not yet known less bedroom in Brooklyn, the With rents in the Big Apple whether those who died lived in newspaper said. among the most expensive in the illegal basements, the tragedy A 2008 study by the Pratt AMONG the cranes and containers of the port of Rotterdam is world, below-ground units offer has renewed attention about the Centre for Community Devel- a surreal sight: a herd of cows peacefully feeding on board what an affordable option for many issue. opment found that 114,000 New calls itself the world’s first floating farm. low-income residents. The New York Times report- Yorkers lived in illegal basement In the low-lying Netherlands where land is scarce and climate But the cramped, some- ed that an 86-year-old woman apartments but researchers say change is a daily threat, the three-storey glass and steel platform times windowless apartments found dead at home in Queens the number is now likely to be aims to show the “future of breeding”. can come with risks as Wednes- lived in a building where there much higher. —AFP The buoyant bovines live on the top floor, while their milk is day night’s record rainfall pain- turned into cheese, yoghurt and butter on the middle level, and fully highlighted. the cheese is matured at the bottom. Of the 13 people killed in “The world is under pressure,” says Minke van Wingerden, New York City, 11 were found 60, who runs the farm with her husband Peter. dead in basements, police said, “We want the farm to be as durable and self-sufficient as as rapidly rising water levels left possible.” them with no way out. The cows are a sharp contrast to the huge ships and the The deaths highlight how smoke from the refineries of Europe’s biggest seaport, which the effects of climate change are accounts for 13.5 per cent of the country’s emissions. disproportionately impacting the With their floating farm, which opened in 2019, Peter and poor. Minke say they wanted to “bring the countryside into the town”, “Among the people MOST boost consumer awareness and create agricultural space. at risk during flash floods here The Dutch are no strangers to advanced farming methods, are those living in off-the-books using a network of huge greenhouses in particular to become basement dwellings that don’t the world’s second biggest agricultural exporter after the United meet the safety codes necessary A flooded road in New York City on 2 September 2021. PHOTO: AFP States. —AFP 5 SEPTEMBER 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR PANDEMIC: WORLD 11 Scientific developments: Covid jabs against cancer THIS morning, scientists have on the surface of a variety of “The vaccine technology based begun discussing the news that cancer cells. The vaccine has al- on viral vector is extremely pow- the Covid vaccine technology ready been tested in mice, and erful. In recent years we have had could potentially help in the fight produced an increased numbers a new approach to treat cancer against cancer. of anti-tumour T cells which at- … immunotherapy … it has had A two-dose vaccine has tack cancerous growths, helping remarkable results. But some already been developed by re- to increase survival rates. patients immune system doesn’t searchers in hopes of targeting The team at Oxford Universi- respond. So … the idea here is to tumours in humans. To create ty has received the authorization use a vaccine based on the Oxford A researcher in a laboratory at the Jenner Institute in Oxford, England, the treatment, scientists have to conduct human trials. When technology to really to teach the works on the coronavirus vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and designed a vaccine that targets speaking of the research, Prof immune system how to recognise Oxford University. PHOTO: UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD/JOHN proteins which are present Benoit Van den Eynde has said, cancer cells.”— AFP CAIRNS VIA AP/FILE

Brunei achieves over 50 pct COVID-19 1st dose vaccination coverage

gramme, the Brunei govern- citizens and residents over 18 Moderna, AstraZeneca, China’s ment announced on Wednes- years old in the country, aiming Sinopharm, and Johnson and day. According to the Ministry to achieve at least 70 per cent Johnson would be administered of Health, as of 31 Aug. 231,613 vaccination coverage by the end in the country. All Brunei citi- individuals have been adminis- of this year. zens and residents, including tered with at least one dose of The first phase mainly tar- foreign nationals with a valid COVID-19 vaccines, accounting geted medical personnel, bor- identification card, can receive for 51.1 per cent of the Sultan- der control personnel fighting the COVID-19 vaccination for ate’s total population, and 96,212 against the epidemic in the front free. people have received two doses line, and senior citizens and stu- However, facing a new wave of the COVID-19 vaccine, ac- dents pursuing studies abroad, of the pandemic starting from counting for 21.2 per cent of the while the second phase is for 7 Aug with thousands of local- total population. teachers, childcare staff and ly transmitted cases detected Local residents wait to get COVID-19 vaccine injection at a vaccination The Brunei government of- adults with chronic diseases. in less than a month, Brunei centre in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, on 5 July 2021. PHOTO: ficially launched the third phase has encountered an explosive JEFFREY WONG/XINHUA of its national vaccination pro- Brunei previously an- growth in demand for vaccines Half of the Brunei population of COVID-19 vaccines under gram on 5 July, providing free nounced that five COVID-19 and a shortage of stockpiles. has received at least one dose the national vaccination pro- COVID-19 vaccination for all vaccines from Pfizer BioNTech, —Xinhua

COVID-19 continues to carve lethal NEWS IN BRIEF inroads throughout Australian states ‘Mu’ coronavirus variant predominant in Colombia

THE COVID-19 outbreak, which that lose their lives and also for weeks, during which time vacci- A new coronavirus variant known as “Mu,” identified first in Colombia began with just one case in the rate of people in hospital,” nation rates have risen markedly in January, is now the country’s predominant strain and behind its Australia’s biggest city Sydney Berejiklian said. including 45,665 jabs in the 24 deadliest pandemic wave yet, a health official said Thursday. in mid-June, is continuing to “There’s always a lag be- hours up to Wednesday, 8:00 pm The variant was responsible for Colombia’s deadly third infection gain momentum as the cluster tween when people get diag- local time, yet the disease shows wave between April and June, health official Marcela Mercado told spreads relentlessly throughout nosed and when they’re likely no sign of abating. a local radio station. the state of New South Wales to need intensive care or hospi- Berejiklian used her latest During this period, with about 700 deaths per day, nearly two- (NSW). NSW Premier Gladys talization.” conference to praise the “out- thirds of tests from people who died came back positive for the Mu Berejiklian announced at her The escalating toll is a ter- standing” vaccine rollout efforts variant, she said. “It is already in more than 43 countries and has shown daily press conference on Thurs- rible testament to the virulence saying NSW was expected to be- high contagiousness,” she added. day that the state had recorded of the Delta variant of the vi- come the nation’s first state or On Tuesday, the World Health Organization declared Mu, scientific 1,288 new locally acquired cases rus. Much of the state has been territory to hit 70 per cent first- name B.1.621, a “variant of interest.”—AFP and seven deaths in the 24 hours in lockdown for more than 11 dose vaccinations.—Xinhua up to Wednesday, 8:00 pm local time. All up, there have been EU and AstraZeneca: Vaccine supply dispute 23,586 locally acquired cases in settled out of court this outbreak. The state’s health system is THE European Union and UK-based drugs giant AstraZeneca an- also dealing with 957 COVID-19 nounced Friday that they had reached a settlement in a dispute over hospitalized patients, including a shortfall in coronavirus vaccine deliveries. 160 in intensive care and 64 of The agreement will see the firm deliver the rest of the 300 million whom require ventilation. doses it promised under contracts with the EU before the end of March The premier warned once 2022, and brings to an end a battle in the Belgian courts. again that even deadlier weeks Brussels was furious when the British-Swedish pharmaceutical lay ahead for the besieged state. outfit fell far short of its delivery promises, undermining the early “I’ve been commenting in stages of the EU Covid-19 vaccine rollout. Officials accused AstraZeneca the last few days that we antic- of prioritizing UK vaccine deliveries over the EU order, and European ipate October will be the worst Residents visit a pharmacy in the Fairfield suburb of Sydney on 2 Aug 2021 Commission lawyers went to court to demand deliveries or see huge month for the number of people during the city’s prolonged COVID-19 coronavirus lockdown. PHOTO: AFP daily fines imposed for any ongoing shortfall.—AFP 5 SEPTEMBER 2021 12 ECON: WORLD THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR India’s exports grew over 45 pct in High prices, shortages August, trade deficit also up plagued US service sector in August: survey THE massive US service sec- demic began. “There was a pull- tor continued expanding in Au- back in the rate of expansion in gust but businesses remained the month of August; however, worried about high prices and growth remains strong for the shortages of materials and la- services sector,” the survey’s bour, although there were signs chair Anthony Nieves said. that situation could be improv- Positive trends were seen ing, an industry survey released in shortening supplier delivery Friday said. times, a sign the supply chain The Institute for Supply snarls of recent months could Management (ISM) reported be untangling. Prices remained its services index was at 61.7 high but fell 6.9 percentage per cent in August, just under points, and order backlogs also what was expected and below declined. the all-time high of 64.1 per cent However, the report showed in July. The index was nonethe- business activity and produc- less well above the 50-per cent tion falling 6.9 percentage points threshold indicating expansion from July, new export orders fall- and in its 15th straight month of ing more than five percentage India’s total exports grew by more than 45 per cent during August compared to last year, to 33.14 billion U.S. growth after the sector plunged points and new orders declining dollars, revealed the latest data released by the federal ministry of commerce and industry. PHOTO: SAM PANTHAKY/AFP last year when the Covid-19 pan- slightly.—AFP

INDIA’S total exports grew by ports in August 2021 was 33.14 and an increase of 22.93 per cent more than 45 per cent during billion U.S. dollars, an increase over 133.14 billion U.S. dollars in August compared to last year, to of 45.17 per cent over 22.83 bil- April-August 2019. 33.14 billion U.S. dollars, revealed lion U.S. dollars in August 2020, Responding to the latest the latest data released by the and an increase of 27.5 per cent trade data, president of the Fed- federal ministry of commerce over 25.99 billion U.S. dollars in eration of Indian Export Organi- and industry. August 2019,” said an official zations (FIEO) A. Sakthivel said However, due to a significant statement by the ministry. that the continuous growth in increase in imports during the It further said that the coun- exports since March this year said month, the trade deficit wid- try’s merchandise exports in not only augurs well for the econ- ened to 13.87 billion U.S. dollars April-August 2021 were 163.67 omy as a whole but also yet again too, which is the highest in the billion U.S. dollars, an increase reiterates the commitment and The US service sector was expanding in August, but shortages of labour past four months. of 66.92 per cent over 98.05 billion hard work of the exporting com- and materials continued to trouble businesses, an industry survey said. “India’s merchandise ex- U.S. dollars in April-August 2020, munity. —Xinhua PHOTO: AFP/FILE

Nepali handicraftsmen look forward to expanding NEWS export to China in post-pandemic era IN BRIEF Delta hits US hiring in new setback for Biden RAJESH Shakya, a Nepali handi- market for Nepali traders, ac- to China in the last fiscal year, craft trader, has seen a significant cording to handicraft exporters. accounting for nearly one-third THE United States added far fewer jobs than expected in August as drop in handicraft export to China As shown by the Nepali cen- of Nepal’s total exports to China businesses grappled with the Delta wave of Covid-19, a major disap- due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tral bank’s statistics, handicrafts valued at 1.01 billion rupees (8.66 pointment and indication that the economy’s recovery is facing renewed while the northern neighbour re- topped Nepal’s exports to Chi- million dollars) during the period, complications. mains the top export destination na in the 2020-21 fiscal year that according to the central bank. The United States added far fewer jobs than expected in August for his products. ended in mid-July. The South The export has suffered bad- as businesses grappled with the Delta wave of Covid-19, a major disap- As a managing director of Asian country shipped handicraft ly in the last two fiscal years as pointment and yet another complication for President Joe Biden’s plans Harati Ma Handicrafts Pvt. Ltd. products worth 308 million Nepali the COVID-19 pandemic rages, to remake the world’s largest economy. based in the Kathmandu Valley, rupees (2.62 million U.S. dollars) noted the bank. — Xinhua Employment rose by just 235,000 jobs last month, according to Shakya has been exporting metal Labour Department data released Friday, and while the unemployment crafts to China for the past dec- rate fell to a pandemic low of 5.2 per cent, the report was nowhere near the ade. job gains seen in recent months, which have topped one million.—AFP “China is the largest mar- ket for my products, with 60 per cent of my total handicrafts going US judge rejects bid for patent by AI ‘inventor’ to China,” Shakya told Xinhua, and added that has been pulled A US judge has ruled that artificial intelligence can’t get a patent for its down around 90 per cent by the creations, ruling that such a privilege is reserved for people. pandemic. District court judge Leonie Brinkema backed a decision by the US “I’m awaiting the COVID-19 patent office to turn away applications made on behalf of a “creativity situation to normalize as soon as machine” named DABUS. possible so that we could send Brinkema issued a ruling on Thursday saying that “the clear an- more goods abroad.” swer is ‘no’” to the question of whether an AI machine qualifies as an Europe has been the major inventor under patent law. market for Nepali handicraft A Nepali woman prepares traditional products at a stall during the “As technology evolves, there may come a time when artificial items, however, in recent years, Handicraft Trade Fair in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 14 Nov 2018. PHOTO: intelligence reaches a level of sophistication that might satisfy accepted China has emerged as a large XINHUA/SUNIL SHARMA/FILE meanings of inventorship,” Brinkema said in the ruling.—AFP 5 SEPTEMBER 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR BIZ: WORLD / AD 13 ANA, JAL plan drone services to boost NEWS IN BRIEF remote areas, own bottom lines Philippine Airlines files for bankruptcy TOP Japanese aviation companies ANA Hold- Philippine Airlines said Saturday it was filing for bankruptcy ings Inc. and Japan Air- in the United States to slash $2 billion in debt as it tries to lines Co. are planning to survive an industry gutted by the coronavirus pandemic. launch commercial drone The national carrier of the Philippines said the filing services to deliver medical will allow it to restructure contracts and cut debt by at least supplies and daily neces- $2 billion while getting $655 million in fresh capital when sities to people living in it emerges from the Chapter 11 process. remote areas of Japan. PAL will also downsize its fleet by 25 per cent and re-ne- The two companies gotiate contracts to reduce lease payments. see the new services as “Philippine Airlines will continue business-as-usual playing a useful role in operations while finalizing the restructuring of our network, supporting local health fleet and organization,” senior vice-president and chief finan- care provision and disas- cial officer Nilo Thaddeus Rodriguez said in a video message. ter preparedness as well As part of agreements reached with suppliers, lenders as expanding community and lessors, Rodriguez said PAL will secure $505 million to infrastructure on remote execute the recovery plan. The money will later convert into islands and other far-flung Japan Airlines Co. carries out a delivery test flight of a drone among Nagasaki Prefecture’s airline equity and long-term debt. areas. At the same time, Goto Islands in southwestern Japan in November 2020. PHOTO: JAPAN AIRLINES It will also obtain another $150 million in debt funding the initiatives will help CO./KYODO after it emerges from the restructuring process “in a few them promote manage- Airways Co., conducted another among Nagasaki body slowly rises off the months”, Rodriguez said. ment diversification and a trial run jointly with a Prefecture’s Goto Islands ground, took about 10 Philippine air travel volume collapsed by 75 per cent strengthen profitability as pharmaceutical compa- in southwestern Japan at minutes one way to reach from about 30 million passengers in 2019 to seven million the coronavirus pandemic ny and other concerns in a speed of around 100 kilo- its destination, compared last year due to pandemic restrictions, PAL president Gilbert continues to take a toll on March. Footage that it re- metres per hour. with 45 minutes needed Santa Maria said in the same video.—AFP their overall business per- leased shows a drone car- The drone, whose pro- by conventional delivery formances. ANA Holdings, rying a package of medical pellers rotate at high speed using a ship-and-land the parent of All Nippon supplies from one island to before the 8-kilogramme route.—Kyodo US fines Kraft Heinz $62 mn on ‘bogus’ cost savings

US regulators fined Kraft Heinz $62 million over an alleged China-Europe accounting scheme that inflated the food giant’s financial results due to bogus cost savings, authorities announced freight train trips hit Friday. The Securities and Exchange Commission charged the 10,000 by end-August company and two former executives over accounting prac- tices between 2015 and 2018 that misrepresented expenses CHINA-EUROPE freight proximately 964,000 20-foot at the maker of Philadelphia cream cheese and Grey Poupon train trips have taken a ro- equivalent unit containers mustard, the agency said in a news release. bust growth momentum of goods, growing 40 per “Investors rely on public companies to be 100% truthful since the start of 2021, with cent from the same period Photo taken on 21 Feb 2021 shows a China-Europe and accurate in their public statements, especially when it the total number surging in 2020. freight train departing from Chengdu International comes to their financials,” said Gurbir Grewal, director of the 32 per cent year on year to This was the six- Railway Port in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan SEC’s enforcement division. Province. PHOTO: XINHUA reach 10,030 by the end of teenth straight month “When they fall short in this regard, we will hold them August, data from the Chi- that trips made by Chi- accountable.” The agency alleged in a civil complaint that na State Railway Group na-Europe freight trains trips has surpassed 10,000 travelling along 73 routes Kraft Heinz procurement employees negotiated agreements Co., Ltd. showed Thursday. had exceeded 1,000, said two months earlier than have reached more than with suppliers that allowed them to obtain upfront dis- During the period, the the company, adding that last year. So far, the Chi- 170 cities in 23 European counts in exchange for future spending commitments by freight trains carried ap- the total number of train na-Europe freight trains countries. —Xinhua the company.—AFP

CLAIMS DAY NOTICE CLAIMS DAY NOTICE CLAIMS DAY NOTICE M.V GUANG PING VOY.NO. (040N) M.V KOTA HALUS VOY.NO. (KHLU0183N) M.V NEGAR VOY.NO. (SCY1104)

Consignees of cargo carried on M.V GUANG PING Consignees of cargo carried on M.V KOTA HALUS Consignees of cargo carried on M.V NEGAR VOY. VOY.NO. (040N) are hereby notified that the vessel will VOY.NO. (KHLU0183N) are hereby notified that the NO. (SCY1104) are hereby notified that the vessel will be be arriving on 5-9-2021 and cargo will be discharged into vessel will be arriving on 5-9-2021 and cargo will be arriving on 5-9-2021 and cargo will be discharged into the the premises of MIP where it will lie at the consignee’s risk discharged into the premises of AWPT where it will lie premises of MITT where it will lie at the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the byelaws and conditions at the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the and expenses and subject to the byelaws and conditions of the Port of Yangon. byelaws and conditions of the Port of Yangon. of the Port of Yangon. Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo from the Vessel. from the Vessel. from the Vessel. No claims against this vessel will be admitted after No claims against this vessel will be admitted after No claims against this vessel will be admitted after the Claims Day. the Claims Day. the Claims Day. Phone No: 2301185 Phone No: 2301185 Phone No: 2301185 Shipping Agency Department Shipping Agency Department Shipping Agency Department Myanma Port Authority Myanma Port Authority Myanma Port Authority Agent For: Agent For: Agent For: M/S LAND AND SEA INTERMODAL LOGISTICS M/S SAMUDERA SHIPPING LINES M/S ADVANCE CONTAINER LINES SDN BHD LINE 5 SEPTEMBER 2021 14 SOCIETY THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Who could replace Suga as Japan’s prime minister? NEWS IN BRIEF JAPAN’S vaccine tsar and a Taro Kono, vaccine tsar low-key moderate are among Former defence minister Biden orders the possible replacements for Taro Kono has overseen Japan’s release of secret 9/11 Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, vaccine rollout, which began documents who said Friday he will not run in slowly but has picked up speed, his ruling party’s leadership vote. with just under half the popula- US President Joe Biden on Fri- Only one Liberal Democratic tion now fully inoculated. day ordered declassification Party (LDP) member has so far The 58-year-old was once over the next six months of still announced their candidacy for 29 considered an ambitious and in- secret documents from the gov- September vote, with the winner dependent-minded political re- ernment investigation into the obliged to call a general election former, but has toned down his 9/11 terrorist attacks. by late October. rhetoric in recent years. Biden is responding to Here, AFP profiles some po- Currently minister for ad- pressure from families of some tential candidates: ministrative affairs, Kono -- a of the approximately 3,000 fluent English speaker and keen people killed by Al-Qaeda on Fumio Kishida, dovish Japan’s vaccine tsar and a low-key moderate are among the possible Twitter user -- served as foreign 11 September 2001. replacements for Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. PHOTO: POOL/AFP/ ex-minister FILE minister between 2017-19. They have long argued that Fumio Kishida, 64, is the He travelled extensively the classified documents might only declared candidate and has premiership, according to To- to invite then-US president Ba- as Japan’s top diplomat, but contain evidence that the gov- already pledged to spend big if moaki Iwai, a politics professor rack Obama for a historic 2016 also oversaw the deterioration ernment of Saudi Arabia, a close elected, promising a new stimu- at Nihon University. Although the visit to the city which was devas- of ties with South Korea over US ally, had links to the hijackers lus package to counter the effects ex-foreign minister is head of an tated by an atomic bomb. unresolved wartime disputes. who flew into the World Trade of the pandemic on the world’s LDP faction known for its dovish He also helped cement a deal In recent years, he has largely Center and Pentagon. third-largest economy. stance, his low-key presence and between Japan and South Korea avoided discussing his passion- “Today, I signed an exec- The soft-spoken politician is alleged lack of charisma could that was meant to end a long-run- ate opposition to nuclear power, utive order directing the De- seen as “moderate and capable”, hamper his chances. Elected ning dispute over the use of sex given the government’s official partment of Justice and other making him a top pick for the from Hiroshima, Kishida worked slaves during Japan’s occupation. support.— AFP relevant agencies to oversee a declassification review of doc- uments related to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Sep- Taliban battle for final holdout province of Panjshir tember 11th investigations,” Biden said in a statement. Islamists seek to capture the last The Taliban seized an enor- Declassification must holdout province defying their mous arsenal of weapons and take place “over the next six rule. Efforts to strike a peace military kit that the now depart- months”.—AFP deal between the two sides have ed US provided to the defeat- failed, and the Taliban are keen ed Afghan army, as well as the to cap their lightning military support of prisoners they freed ABBA announces offensive which saw them seize from jails. new album after control of the rest of Afghanistan “The Taliban also have nearly four decades last month. “The Taliban have shock troops, including the use of a significant advantage,” said suicide tactics,” Motwani added. Nishank Motwani, an Afghan an- Fighters from the National SWEDISH pop icons Abba on alyst based in Australia, saying Resistance Front (NRF), made Thursday announced that they the Islamists were emboldened up of anti-Taliban militia fight- are releasing a new album as Fighters from the National Resistance Front (NRF), made up of by their recent victories. ers and former Afghan security well as putting on a show fea- anti-Taliban militia fighters and former Afghan security forces, are “They are very well armed, forces, are understood to have turing digital avatars. understood to have significant weapon stockpiles in the valley. and they have the psychologi- significant weapon stockpiles too The group’s Bjorn Ulvaeus PHOTO: AFP cal factor in their favour in that in the valley, which lies around and Benny Andersson said via ANTI-TALIBAN fighters in Af- Friday they were battling to re- they precipitated the fall of the 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of a video presentation in London ghanistan’s Panjshir Valley said pulse “heavy” assaults, as the government so quickly.” Kabul.— AFP that “We have made a new al- bum with ABBA”. At the top of London’s ArcelorMittal Orbit Foreign aid groups in Afghanistan navigate Taliban rule tower, Universal Music Group held a presentation of a new song called “I Still Have Faith in AS a humanitarian catastrophe lion people are staring down the You”. Then Ulvaeus and Anders- looms, relief organizations are barrel of humanitarian disas- son appeared, both dressed in scrambling to maintain their ter, and another 18 million could black, and announced their new operations in war-ravaged Af- quickly join them. collaboration in person. ghanistan, holding high-stakes Battered by decades of war, “The album is in the can talks with the Taliban in a bid the country was also grappling now, it’s done,” said Andersson, to salvage their critical lifeline with a prolonged drought. Then describing the group’s return to of aid. in 2020, the coronavirus pandem- the studio. “It’s been 40 years, Even before the Taliban’s ic added a fresh layer of strain or 39, it was like no time had lightning offensive that ousted to a barely functioning health passed. It was quite amazing,” the Western-backed government system. The Taliban onslaught Andersson said. “We’ve done as on 15 August, Afghanistan was sparked a new exodus, both good as we could at our age. “At already heavily aid-dependent within and beyond the country’s our age there’s a certain depth to -- with 40 per cent of the coun- borders. According to the UN ref- the whole thing,” said Ulvaeus. try’s GDP drawn from foreign ugee agency, over half a million “There’s a lot of experience to funding. Afghans have become internally How the Taliban’s pledges of a softer brand of rule will translate into that, a lot of years, that I hope The UN has warned 18 mil- displaced this year.—AFP reality remains to be seen. PHOTO: AFP people can feel”.—AFP 5 SEPTEMBER 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR GLOBAL AFFAIRS 15 Biden wants Afghan exit to end NEWS IN BRIEF US global cop role ‘Shaman’ rioter pleads guilty over US Capitol “AMERICA is back,” goes Pres- unrest ident Joe Biden’s catchphrase, but his unapologetic exit from Af- A conspiracy theorist who became one of the most recognized rioters ghanistan shows America won’t storming the US Capitol last January pleaded guilty Friday to obstructing be back to business as usual. congressional proceedings, a charge carrying a prison sentence of up to Beyond the trauma of the 20 years. Images of Jacob Anthony Chansley, who as a shirtless man Kabul evacuation, Biden is pitch- carrying a spear and wearing a horned fur hat became known as the ing a much broader retreat: a QAnon shaman, were beamed around the world when he and others halt to using vast military re- invaded the Capitol building and took over the US Senate. sources to impose order and US Chansley has been a subscriber to QAnon, the far-right conspiracy values around the planet. theory blamed for fueling Donald Trump’s supporters who tried to halt “This decision about Af- Congress’s certification of results of the 2020 election won by Joe Biden. ghanistan is not just about Af- Speaking by videolink to federal Judge Royce Lambert in US District ghanistan,” Biden said in what US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden walk off a military Court in Washington, Chansley said “yes your honour” to pleading guilty airplane following a prayer after the last American service members many see as a historic speech to the most serious charge in a six-count indictment. killed in Afghanistan were flown home. PHOTO: SAUL LOEB/ AFP on Tuesday. “It’s about ending an Chansley, who in court acknowledged his “mental vulnerabilities,” era of major military operations Benjamin Haddad, director For those Americans fond has undergone a psychiatric evaluation, with the judge saying he deter- to remake other countries.” of the Europe Centre at the At- of imagining their country to be mined that Chansley was competent to stand trial. “Human rights will be at the lantic Council and an expert on a unique, invincible superpower Sentencing was scheduled for 17 November. According to guidelines centre of our foreign policy but transatlantic relations, called the -- winner of the Cold War, then estimated by the prosecution, Chansley could face a sentence of between the way to do that is not through speech “one of the most eloquent awesome military interven- 41 and 51 months in prison. endless military deployments,” repudiations of liberal interna- tionist everywhere from Iraq His lawyer, Albert Watkins, sought leniency from the court. he said. “Our strategy has to tionalism by any US president to Africa ever since -- this is a “Mr Chansley has zero criminal history, we do know that he was change.” in the last decades.” shock.—AFP not a planner (of the unrest), he was not violent,” Watkins said.—AFP

Venezuela government, opponents resume Merkel tours German flood zone to talks in Mexico drum up party support VENEZUELA’S government and opposition returned to the negotiating table in Mexico City on Friday, with President Nicolas Maduro’s rivals crisis management and climate demanding guarantees of free and fair elections in return for sanctions change back at the top of the relief. The main opposition alliance announced this week that it would agenda, Merkel’s Christian Dem- end a three-year election boycott and take part in mayoral and guber- ocrats (CDU) and their unpop- natorial polls in November. ular candidate, Armin Laschet, The move came after the two sides last month began negotiations have been haemorrhaging sup- mediated by Norway and hosted by Mexico in a bid to solve the political port. With the 26 September crisis that has marked Maduro’s eight-year rule. vote fast approaching, the out- “Our aim is to reach an agreement that resolves the conflict through going Merkel checked in on the a free and fair presidential and parliamentary election, with guarantees,” flood-stricken village of Altenahr opposition leader Juan Guaido said in a video posted on social media. in Rhineland-Palatinate state, “We all know that today there are no conditions for a free and and will view two inundated fair electoral process in Venezuela. That’s why we’re in Mexico. We’re towns in Laschet’s own neigh- fighting to achieve these conditions,” he said. bouring North Rhine-Westphalia The talks have a seven-point agenda including easing sanctions, on Sunday. political rights and electoral guarantees -- but not the departure of Merkel will check in on the flood-stricken community of Altenahr in After touring the rub- Maduro, accused by the opposition of fraudulent reelection in 2018. Rhineland-Palatinate state. PHOTO: AFP/FILE ble-strewn roads of Altenahr “This round can focus on perhaps the most important condition GERMAN Chancellor Angela shore up support for her embat- where the vast majority of homes for many actors: impartial international monitoring, which for some is Merkel returned Friday to the tled party before this month’s are still uninhabitable, Merkel a basic condition to guarantee that the election result will be respect- scene of deadly flooding in the national election. acknowledged residents’ trau- ed,” said political analyst Oswaldo Ramirez of consulting firm ORC west of the country in a bid to Since the July disaster put ma.—AFP Consultores.—AFP Top Afghan TV network stays on-air despite fear of Taliban

AS Taliban fighters entered Ka- the media. Tolo News, told AFP in a phone bul on the evening of 15 August, The Islamist militant group interview. executives at Afghanistan’s big- killed and threatened journalists “As a 24/7 news operation, we gest independent TV network had throughout its 20-year insurgen- didn’t even have one hour to take a tough decision to make: stay cy. During their 1996-2001 regime, a break and rethink.” on-air or go dark. TV and most entertainment were Tolo stayed on because it had Tolo kept broadcasting, but banned, and there was no media a duty to cover the news, he said, like the rest of the country’s TV to speak of. and also because it would have and radio stations, it now faces a The Taliban takeover “put us been an “almost impossible” task tough and uncertain future un- in a very, very difficult situation... to negotiate a resumption with der the Taliban, whose return to continue our work or not,” Lot- the Taliban had the network shut One Taliban official has sat down for an interview with a woman host on has sent fear coursing through fullah Najafizada, the director of down.—AFP Tolo News. PHOTO: AFP/FILE 5 SEPTEMBER 2021 16 SPORT THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Women fighters make history at ONE Championship Empower event Republic of the Union

THE world’s best female MMA of Myanmar fighters showed their best on the stage at the first all-wom- en’s event in ONE Champion- State Administration ship history, named ONE: EM- POWER at Singapore Indoor Council Stadium on Friday. In the main event or ONE Women’s Strawweight World Nine Objectives Title fight, Xiong Jing Nan “The Panda” successfully defended 1. Political affairs her world title against Michelle (A) To build a Union based on democracy and Nicolini with a unanimous de- federalism, through a disciplined and genuine cision after five rounds. multiparty democratic system that is fair and “The win pushed Xiong’s just. record to 16-2 and made her the (B) To emphasize the achievement of enduring most dominant women’s World peace for the entire nation in line with the Champion in ONE history, sur- Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). passing reigning Atomweight (C) To continue implementing the principle of peace- queen “Unstoppable” Angela Xiong Jing Nan takes dominance over Michelle Nicolini at their ONE Women’s Strawweight World Title fight at Singapore Indoor Stadium on ful co-existence among countries through an Lee, who’s made four success- 3 September. PHOTO ONE CHAMPIONSHIP independent, active and non-aligned foreign ful defences”, ONE Champi- onship officials said after the 2, Stamp of Thailand defeated fight 4, Itusuki Hirata of Japan policy. event. Alyona Rassohyna of Ukraine shaped a victory over Anderson 2. Economic affairs Next in the Atomweight with a split decision. of USA via unanimous decision. (A) To enhance production based on agriculture World Grand Prix Quarterfi- In the quarterfinal fight 3, In the Atomweight Kick- and livestock through modern techniques and nal, Seo Hee Ham beat Denice Ritu Phogat of India made a boxing bout, Anissa Meksen of strengthen all-round development in other sec- Zamboanga with a split deci- win over Meng Bo of China via France beat Cristina Morales tors of the economy. sion. unanimous decision. of Spain via technical knockout (B) To develop a stable market economy and In the quarterfinal fight Next in the quarterfinal in Round 2. — GNLM promote international investment in order to enhance the economic development of the entire National people. ‘Hurricane Hannah’, ‘Paralympics Bolt’ (C) To promote and support local businesses to create employment opportunities and increase strike gold as pandemic Games lauded domestic production. 3. Social affairs HANNAH Cockroft and Nick Britain’s Cockroft won her T34 800m, obliterating her own (A) To ensure a strong and dynamic Union spirit, Mayhugh enjoyed yet more seventh Paralympics gold while Paralympic Games record set the genuine spirit of patriotism. golden success on the athletics American Mayhugh said he in Rio by almost 12 seconds. (B) To respect and promote the customs and tra- track as the successful staging wanted to be the “Usain Bolt of “I don’t think it will ever ditions of all National peoples and preserve and of the Games was lauded as the Paralympics” after claiming sink in,” Cockroft said of win- safeguard their cultural heritage and national “remarkable” on Saturday’s pe- his third Tokyo gold. ning her second Tokyo gold to characteristics. nultimate day of Paralympics “Hurricane Hannah” go with her three golds won at (C) To enhance the health, fitness and education action in Tokyo. clocked 1min 48.99sec in the Rio 2016 and two from London quality of the entire nation. 2012. “Not many athletes get the privilege of doing this for 10 years or get to stand on the podium that many times.” Teens shock defending champ Mayhugh smashed his own world record, set only the day Osaka, No. 3 Tsitsipas at US Open before, to take gold in the men’s T37 200m in 21.91sec. DEFENDING champion match gave me motivation and “I know I’ll never be able Naomi Osaka of Japan and gave me the energy to do the to run 9.5 for the 100m, but I Greek third seed Stefanos Tsit- same,” Fernandez said. “I saw want to be the Usain Bolt of the sipas were both ousted from the his match and I saw the way he Paralympics,” said the former US Open by 18-year-olds in epic won and I’m like ‘I’m going to footballer, who also took gold in stunners on Friday at Arthur do that next now.’” the 100m and Friday’s night’s Ashe Stadium. After the upset, defending 4x100m universal relay. He won Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka announced silver in the 400m. champion Osaka was shocked she was taking a break from “You set your own limits. by Canadian left-hander Ley- playing tennis. You believe in yourself and you lah Fernandez 5-7, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 “I honestly don’t know set your own barrier and sur- after Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz when I’m going to play my next pass it. Usain Bolt did exactly upset French Open runner-up tennis match,” Osaka said, wip- that with me. He was my great- Tsitsipas 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 0-6, ing away tears. “I think I’m go- USA’s Nick Mayhugh strikes a Usain ‘lightning’ Bolt pose after his 200m est inspiration so thank you to 7-6 (7/5). ing to take a break from playing world record Saturday. PHOTO: AFP him.”— AFP “Honestly the Alcaraz for a while.”—AFP