www.thepeninsula.qa Wednesday 29 July 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8333 8 Dhul-Hijja - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 15 PENMAG | 19 SPORT | 23

Ooredoo Classifieds Broad takes announces QR14bn and Services 500th Test scalp in revenue and net section as England seal profit of QR818m included series win

Do it online now. Get a new SIM from the Online safety of your home! to host international LNG conference in 2025 THE PENINSULA — Carbon Capture and Storage schemes in the world, which The LNG Events Series Steering will showcase to the world our Committee has announced that strong commitment to the envi- Qatar has been selected as the ronment. LNG vessel deliveries host country for LNG2025, the under the largest LNG ship con- 21st International Conference struction program in history and Exhibition on Liquefied will also be well underway at Natural Gas. that time.” Professor Joe M. Kang, the Held every three years, the Chair of the LNG Events Series International Conference and Steering Committee, the Inter- Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Amir reviews brotherly national Gas Union (IGU) Pres- Gas is the industry’s most rec- ident, made the announcement ognised LNG event, and is marking the conclusion of a attended by thousands of del- ties with Sultan of Oman competitive process to decide egates, speakers, exhibitors, QNA — DOHA the event’s 2025 host. trade visitors, and other Prof. Kang, representing the industry professionals. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held yesterday three owners of the event: the The last edition, LNG2019, morning a telephone conversation with H M Sultan Haitham IGU, the Gas Technology Institute was held in Shanghai and the bin Tariq of Sulatanate of Oman. At the beginning, H H the Amir (GTI), and the International upcoming LNG2022 will be and H M Sultan Haitham exchanged congratulations on the Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), hosted in St. Petersburg, Russia. occasion of the approaching blessed Eid Al Adha. said, “Qatar’s key role in the The bid to host LNG2025 would make this event a mem- growing global energy needs During the call, they reviewed the strong brotherly relations future of the global LNG industry highlighted Qatar’s position at orable and most productive one. while at the same time reducing between the two countries, as well as the prospects for strength- and the innovations it has pro- the forefront of the LNG Holding the event in Qatar CO2 emissions, by showcasing ening and developing them to serve the common interests of posed for LNG2025 made it an industry, and its state of the art highlights the positive role gas the industry’s innovation at the the two brotherly people, in addition to discussing the most prom- ideal host for the world’s pre- facilities and infrastructure that and LNG can play in meeting LNG capital of the world. inent regional and international developments. miere LNG industry event.” This will be the second time this global LNG event takes place in Qatar. Amir directs sending medical The first time was in 2004, when assistance to South Sudan Doha hosted LNG 14. H E Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, We are pleased to be awarded Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has directed the Minister of State for Energy sending medical assistance to the Republic of South Sudan Affairs and the President and the hosting rights for this as a support from the State of Qatar for the efforts of South CEO of Qatar Petroleum, said: prestigious global event to Sudan in combating the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) “We are pleased to be awarded convene at the home of the pandemic. the hosting rights for this pres- tigious global event to convene world’s largest LNG producer. Amir sends greetings to President of Peru at the home of the world’s LNG2025 will be held at the largest LNG producer. LNG2025 right time, in the right place. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir will be held at the right time, in H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday cables the right place. It will coincide of congratulations to H E President of the Republic of Peru with a number of relevant his- H E Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, Martin Vizcarra on the occasion of his country’s Independence toric events for the LNG Minister of State for Energy Affairs Day. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid industry including the start-up and the President and CEO of Qatar bin Khalifa bin wAbdulaziz Al Thani also sent a cable congratu- of the North Field LNG Petroleum lations to H E President of the Council of Ministers of Peru Pedro expansion project and the com- Cateriano on the occasion of his country’s Independence Day. missioning of one of the largest MME releases guidelines, action plan for Eid Al Adha QNTC, MoPH launch Qatar SANAULLAH ATAULLAH safety and others. given in a joint press of the people. Clean program in all hotels THE PENINSULA Widam has provided conference organised by the He said that MME held a 35,000 animals for citizens Ministry of Municipality and number of meetings with QNA — DOHA maintaining the health and The Ministry of Municipality and expatriate to sacrifice Environment yesterday at its Ministry of Public Health, well-being of the people of and Environment (MME) has during Eid Al Adha. headquarters at Corniche. Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Qatar National Tourism Council Qatar.” issued a set of guidelines and The Ministry said that it The press conference was Affairs, Ministry of Commerce (QNTC), in partnership with the H E Akbar Al Baker, Sec- its action plan to ensure the has completed its attended by the officials from and Industry and Widam to Ministry of Public Health retary-General of QNTC and safety of people while buying preparations for Eid Al Adha MME and Widam Food implement best safety and (MoPH), has launched the first Group Chief Executive of sacrificial animals and at by providing veterinary Company. health measures while phase of the “Qatar Clean” Qatar Airways Group, slaughterhouses during Eid Al doctors and inspectors and Assistant Undersecretary providing services to people program in all hotels across the remarked: “We are pleased Adha. ensuring the safety and for Municipalities Affairs at during Eid Al Adha. country aimed at preparing the to launch the Qatar Clean As per the guideline security measures at MME, Mansour Abdullah Al CEO of Widam Food tourism sector to welcome program and delighted by the people should show Ehteraz slaughterhouses which will Mahmoud, said that additional Company, Al Nawbi Salem Al visitors. support we have received app before entering the yards operate from 5am to 5pm veterinary doctors and Marri, said that the company The first stage of the multi- from the Ministry of Public for buying sacrificial animals throughout Eid Al Adha. inspectors will be deployed to provided 35,000 animals to phased program focuses on Health. We are confident that and slaughterhouses. The details about the check the sacrificial animals meet the local demand for sac- ensuring the safety of hospi- this will engender trust in They are also required to guidelines and action plan of before and after slaughtering rifice during Eid Al Adha.  tality workers and guests by safe tourism in Qatar. The wear face masks for their MME during Eid Al Adha were to ensure the health and safety `P6 setting standards for sterili- Qatar Clean program is one zation and disinfection that all of many initiatives by QNTC, hotel establishments must in collaboration with our adhere to. partners, to help the sector ‘Labour Re-employment Platform’ It complies with MoPH welcome back visitors; first Companies that have laid-off guidelines on reducing the from Qatar, and when con- workers and employees can spread of COVID-19 and com- ditions allow, from the rest now available for all companies plements independent of the world.” register on the platform and measures being undertaken by Under the program’s THE PENINSULA — DOHA register on the platform and log in their log in their resumes, while hotels. Hotels meeting the guidelines, each hotel facility resumes, while individuals from labourers individuals from labourers and requirements will be certified must appoint a Qatar Clean Qatar Chamber (QC) yesterday said that it and professionals can also enter the professionals can also enter “Qatar Clean.” Program Manager responsible has successfully developed its recently- platform and register their CVs to search H E Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al for overseeing employee launched initiative the “Labour for suitable work in the private sector. the platform and register their Kuwari, Minister of Public training and overall com- Re-employment Platform” in a way that At the same time companies that are CVs to search for suitable work Health, said: pliance with the program enables companies seeking to contract with willing to employ new labour can register in the private sector. “We welcome the imple- requirements. new labourers and employees to login to on the platform, identify the available mentation of the Qatar Clean Hotels must sterilize their the platform and select the required labour, choose from labour according to its program and are pleased to facilities daily, conduct fre- labourers. requirements, and contract with them cooperate with the National quent and thorough cleaning, “Thus, the platform’s mechanism of through the Ministry of Administrative Tourism Council to provide a use disinfectant in all rooms, working has become in two directions after Development, Labour and Social Affairs safe and healthy tourism air conditioning systems, it was equipped only for companies with (MADLSA) in accordance with the laws and experience for the residents equipment, water tanks, and redundant or laid-off labourers,” the procedures in force in the state. Re-employment Platform’ was launched of Qatar in all the country’s toilets, and ensure stringent Chamber said in a statement. Qatar Chamber invited companies by the QC early this month with the aim to hotels. We will study the sterilization of guest areas, QC also noted that companies that have looking for new labour to login to the assist companies. The platform stressed the expansion of the initiative and especially reception halls and redundant labour and companies that need platform and benefit from the services it Chamber’s keenness to help companies get its potential application in lobbies. labour can benefit from the services of the provides by filling an electronic form on labour easily. QC added that it plays the other sectors, in order to Use of elevators by multiple platform. the QC’s website and getting a link to enter role of mediator between companies that ensure our continued success guests at the same time will be pro- It pointed out that companies that have the platform. want to hire new workers and the com- in limiting the spread of the hibited, with a maximum capacity laid-off workers and employees can It is to be noted that the “Labour panies that have laid off theirs. Coronavirus (COVID-19) and of 30 percent allowed. `P6 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 29 JULY 2020 WEDNESDAY 29 JULY 2020 HOME 03 Qatar Airways to resume flights to Helsinki today

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Qatar Airways is set to resume three weekly flights to Helsinki from today, becoming the only Gulf carrier to serve four Nordic capitals. The resumption of Hel- sinki flights will see the national carrier of the State of Qatar operate 22 weekly flights to the Nordics, with daily flights to Oslo and Stockholm and five weekly flights to Copenhagen. The airline’s mix of modern fuel-efficient aircraft has meant its network has never fallen below 30 destinations The resumption of Helsinki flights will see the throughout this crisis and has national carrier of the State of Qatar operate enabled the airline to adapt its plans and quickly resume 22 weekly flights to the Nordics, with daily routes to rebuild its global flights to Oslo and Stockholm and five weekly network. flights to Copenhagen. By optimising its mix of air- craft and grounding its A380 fleet, the airline continues to fly only the right sized aircraft on During the pandemic, in destinations across Africa, all routes to the Nordics, addition to scheduled pas- Asia and the Middle East. reducing its environmental senger services, Qatar Airways Qatar Airways operations impact by offering sensible and Cargo have also operated a are not dependent on any spe- responsible capacity to meet large number of scheduled cific aircraft type. The airline’s both passenger and cargo freighters, charters and freight- variety of modern fuel-efficient demand. only passenger aircraft to Oslo, aircraft has meant it can con- Qatar Airways Group Chief Stockholm, Copenhagen, tinue flying by offering the right Executive, Akbar Al Baker Gothenburg and Helsinki to capacity in each market. Due said: “We are glad to see Hel- support Nordic exporters and to COVID-19’s impact on travel sinki return to our network, a transport essential medical demand, the airline has taken significant indicator of the supplies and PPE to the region. the decision to ground its fleet recovery of the Nordic travel With the resumption of pas- of Airbus A380s as it is not com- market. With a total of 22 senger flights to Helsinki, the mercially or environmentally weekly flights to the region we airline will operate 39 weekly justifiable to operate such a are delighted to be the first flights to the Nordic region, pro- large aircraft in the current Gulf carrier to offer flights to viding more than 1400 tonnes market. the four Nordic capitals of of weekly cargo capacity each The airline’s fleet of 49 Copenhagen, Helsinki, Oslo way. Airbus A350 and 30 Boeing 787 and Stockholm.” Qatar Airways continues are the ideal choice for the most “While the drop in air travel to lead the recovery of inter- strategically important long- demand due to COVID-19 national air travel. By the start haul routes to the Americas, forced us to temporarily of August, the airline’s net- Europe and Asia-Pacific suspend services to Helsinki, work will expand to close to regions. we are proud to have never 500 weekly flights to over 75 Qatar Airways’ onboard stopped flying to Copenhagen, destinations. Passengers from safety measures for passengers Oslo and Stockholm. As we pass the Nordics can connect via and cabin crew include the pro- the worst of the crisis, we look the Best Airport in the Middle vision of Personal Protec-tive forward to increasing our East, Hamad International Equipment (PPE) for cabin crew services to the Nordic region to Airport to the largest and and a complimentary protective support the recovery of tourism broadest network in the kit and disposable face shields and trade in the region.” region with over 30 for passengers. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 29 JULY 2020 QF awards innovation grants to eight HMC announces working startups to tackle COVID-19 challenges hours for Eid Al Adha THE PENINSULA — DOHA Innovation Coupon Health is a grant managed All Emergency Departments Centre dental clinic and services across Hamad by QF Research, Medical Corporation (HMC)’s reopens today Development, and network of hospitals will THE PENINSULA — DOHA Innovation (QF operate as usual, 24-hours-a- day, seven days a week. The Primary Health Care RDI) to help local The Pediatric Emergency Corporation (PHCC) has entrepreneurs and Centers will also remain open announced that it will startups scale their 24-hours-a-day, seven days a reopen the dental clinic at Research and Development Complex at Hamad bin Khalifa University. week for medical emergencies West Bay Health Centre innovative ideas. involving patients under the today. QF RDI’s Innovation vation Director, QF RDI. processes by creating an online age of 14 years. All appointments, THE PENINSULA — DOHA Coupon provides three tiers of In May 2020, QF RDI platform that supports B2B pur- HMC’s Ambulance accordingly, will be redi- funding that help applicants launched the Innovation chase, sale, and rental of con- Service will continue to rected to West Bay Health To support the national and gradually move their ideas Coupon COVID-19 Challenge struction materials, tools, and operate 24-hours-a-day, Centre as they were before global responses to COVID-19, forward from the development aimed at supporting concepts equipment. seven days a week for people the closure. Qatar Foundation has deployed of proof-of-concept, exploration designed to tackle challenges The Fight Takes Flight, requiring emergency medical all resources, including staff of value proposition, to identifi- related to the virus. The call Combat COVID-19 uses short assistance operating at the frontlines, to cation of the path-to-market. received close to 100 applica- animation videos featuring local Inpatient Units across The Urgent Consultation develop solutions that help Tier 1 provides funding of up to tions from individual entrepre- characters to provide impactful HMC’s hospital network will Service (16000) will be people and economies recover QR 50,000 to qualified indi- neurs, SMEs, and startups with learning experiences among continue to operate 24-hours- closed on Thursday, July 30 from the adverse socio- viduals applications, while Tier innovative solutions to social children. ECO-Shield is a novel a-day as usual. until Saturday August 1 and economic consequences of the 2 and Tier 3 offers QR 100,000 and economic aspects impacted eco-friendly material produced The Nesma’ak Hamad will reopen Sunday, August pandemic. One such initiative and QR 200,000 worth of grants by the COVID-19 crisis. Of the from bamboo, pineapple, Patient Contact Center will be 2 from 8am to 3pm. The of the organization-wide effort to successful individuals, SMEs, 22 proposals shortlisted, eight banana, and other food waste. closed from Thursday 30 July service will return to normal is the Innovation Coupon and Startups applicants. were selected for grants, AltComm is an eye-tracking until Saturday 1 August and will operating hours on Sunday, COVID-19 Challenge. “The COVID-19 pandemic including a number of ideas software that features novel, reopen on Sunday August 2, at August 9. Innovation Coupon is a turned out to be a strong driver submitted by Qatari females. context-based recommender 7am. The Pharmacy Home grant managed by QF Research, of creativity and innovation, our Among the awardees Pickup system. It offers valuable If you have a scheduled Delivery Service will be closed Development, and Innovation community has been a rich Order offers effective solution to support to patients with com- appointment during or after the on Thursday July 30, until Sat- (QF RDI) to help local entrepre- source of innovative ideas that the implementation of social dis- promised communication in Eid holiday and cannot attend urday August 1. The service will neurs and startups scale their can help tackle the crisis. Our tancing in the food service critical care settings. Eco Probe the appointment, please contact reopen Sunday, August 2 from innovative ideas. Awardees of the goal is to capture and to help market. Study Buddy, submitted is a green and mobile com- the Hamad Customer Service 9am to 3pm and on Sunday Innovation Coupon COVID-19 develop these ideas into solu- by a Qatari female who is pas- posting solution, with a variety Center (Nesma’ak) on 16060 August 9 will resume normal Challenge Tier 1 are Pickup tions for real-world problems sionate about children learning, of commercial uses, from res- during operational hours. Any operating hours. Order, Study Buddies, and Build not only to support the fight is an online platform that allows taurants to large-scale institu- patient requiring information The Mental Health Helpline Forward; awardees for Tier 2 against the pandemic but to also children to find study partners or tions. Airlift is a promising Qatari about clinic operating hours, will be closed on Thursday, July include The Fight takes Flight, create a viable and sustainable groups while maintaining social startup developing a low-speed, their scheduled appointment, 30 and resume services 8am to Combat Covid19 and ECO-Shield; economic and social impact for distancing. multi-functional, autonomous or wishing to change their 3pm on Sunday, August 2. It will while AltComm, Airlift, and Eco the community,” said Dr. Rachid Build Forward aims to sim- vehicle ideal for contactless appointment, can call Nesma’ak resume full operating hours on Probe won in Tier 3. Zaffou, Technology and Inno- plify construction procurement delivery of packages. on 16060. Sunday, August 9. QCB announces Eid Al Adha holidays Qatar renews support for Afghan peace process QNA — NEW YORK The permanent peace Doha from 7-9 July under the aus- membership of the State of Qatar in QNA — DO pices of the State of Qatar and the group, which seeks, as a strong The State of Qatar renewed its in Afghanistan is a Germany, in which 11 women rep- partner for Afghanistan during its Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has announced that support for the peace process in fundamental issue for the resenting government, civil society journey, to achieve peace and devel- the Eid Al Adha holidays for the current year for Afghanistan and the participation of State of Qatar, said Sheikha and media outlets participated in it. opment and promote and protect all financial institutions in the country (banks, Afghan women in peace, reaffirming She explained that the main goal human rights for all, including currency exchanges, insurance companies, its commitment to support Afghan- Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al of the meeting is to ensure the full women and girls. finance, investment, and financial consultants) istan, including the continuous Thani. Qatar has made great representation of women in the talks, She stressed the need to consol- will start from Thursday July 30, 2020 and will support for the reconciliation process mediation efforts to support stressing that the meeting is in line idate the achievements made so far end on Tuesday August 4, 2020 provided that between the Afghan parties to with the commitment of the State of in the field of empowering Afghan all financial institutions return to work before establish peace and stability. and facilitate the peace Qatar to guarantee women’s rights women and protecting their rights the public on Wednesday, August 5, 2020. This came in a statement process in Afghanistan. in peace processes. and interests, especially in the near delivered by H E the Permanent Rep- H E stressed that without the par- future, as Afghanistan advances Qatar Embassy provides resentative of Qatar to the United ticipation of women, a peace set- towards peace and development and Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif has made great mediation efforts to tlement on a large scale would be less the promotion and protection of medical assistance to Al Thani in a closed virtual meeting support and facilitate the peace likely. In this context, she welcomed human rights for all. Dominican Republic held by the UN Security Council in the process in Afghanistan. UN Security Council Resolution 2513 Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al- Arria-formula on “Women and the H E emphasized the importance (2020) which affirms that any Thani reiterated the State of Qatar’s QNA — SANTO DOMINGO Afghan Peace Process: Ensuring of those efforts that resulted in political settlement must protect the unwavering commitment to support Womens Participation and Promoting signing the peace agreement in Doha rights of all Afghans, including Afghanistan, including continuous The Embassy of the State of Qatar in the their Rights.” The meeting was attended last February between the United women, youth, and minorities. support for the Afghan-led reconcil- Dominican Republic has presented a shipment by H E the First Lady of Afghanistan States of America and Taliban, noting She also praised the role played iation process to bring peace and sta- of medical and preventive supplies in Rula Ghani, H E Afghan Minister of that the Security Council welcomed by the Group of Friends in Afghan- bility, stressing that the State of Qatar assistance to the Dominican Republic, Women Affairs Hasina Safi and the agreement as an important step istan, co-chaired by the State of will continue to support the commit- provided by Qatar Charity to help in tackle member of the Afghan government towards ending the war in Afghan- Qatar, the United Kingdom and ments of the international com- COVID-19 pandemic. The shipment was negotiating team Habiba Sarabi. istan. She stressed that the agreement Afghanistan, which was launched last munity by supporting the full partic- received by H E Minister of Foreign Relations H E the Permanent Represent- will open the way for talks among year in recognition of the growing ipation of women in the peace of the Dominican Republic Miguel Vargas in ative of Qatar said that the per- Afghans, Taliban and those with importance of supporting and process to ensure that the peace the presence of the Acting Charge d’Affairs, manent peace in Afghanistan is a interest in Afghanistan. empowering women in Afghanistan. agreement ultimately guarantees the at the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the fundamental issue for the State of She also mentioned that the The Permanent Representative of protection, rights and interests of Dominican Republic Yasser Awad Al Abdullah. Qatar, adding that the State of Qatar Afghan peace talks that were held in Qatar expressed pride in the women. MoPH reports 283 new COVID-19 cases and 275 recoveries

THE PENINSULA — DOHA 24 and 67 years who were daily new cases and hos- hospital with moderate to receiving the necessary pital admissions has severe COVID-19 The Ministry of Public medical care. gradually declined over symptoms,” the Ministry Health (MoPH) yesterday All new cases have the past few weeks. said. announced the regis- been introduced to iso- The Ministry has “Unless we follow all tration of 283 new lation and are receiving emphasized on the precautionary measures, confirmed cases of necessary healthcare importance of taking pre- we may experience a COVID-19 in the country. according to their health cautions against COVID-19. second wave of the virus Another 275 people have status. “Even though restrictions and see numbers recovered from the virus, The Ministry further are being lifted, and increasing – there are bringing the total number said that measures to numbers are declining, this already signs of this hap- of recovered cases in tackle COVID-19 in Qatar does not mean that the pening in other countries Qatar to 106,603. have succeeded in flat- COVID-19 pandemic is fin- around the world. Now The Ministry also tening the curve and lim- ished in Qatar – every day more than ever, we must announced two new iting the spread of the between 50 and 100 be careful and protect the deaths of people aged of virus. The number of people are admitted to most vulnerable.” Katara to hold Hayya Baya tomorrow THE PENINSULA — DOHA children enjoy in a joyful atmos- phere. Katara is keen on devel- Katara yesterday announced it oping children’s culture in relation will organise the “Hayya Baya” to the ancient folk traditions set event tomorrow from 5pm to 8pm to contribute to preserving the on Katara Beach Gates 12 to 21. Qatari heritage by presenting This event comes in the context intellectual and enjoyable events of the Cultural Village’s and programs. continuous endeavour to revive “Hayya Baya” is an annual the folk heritage and instill folk custom and popular tradition customs and traditions of the in the Gulf region, in which Qatari identity, said Katara. children gather in the beginning Katara assures that the of the month of Dhul Hijjah. “Hayya Baya” festival will be held Children bring empty boxes or within all safety precautions and small wicker baskets, where some preventive measures being taken grains such as barley, wheat or against COVID-19. The festival lentil are planted, suspended in a includes two main events namely safe place exposed to air and sun- the dollhouse and the distribution light and watered and taken care of balloons, expected to make by the children. WEDNESDAY 29 JULY 2020 HOME 05 06 HOME WEDNESDAY 29 JULY 2020

Shura Council takes MME prepares beaches for visitors during Eid Al Adha part in parliamentary The Ministry in collabo- visitors at the beaches. “The debate on impact of ration with HMC will municipal inspectors will be provide medical service deployed in the morning and discriminatory laws at the beaches, which evening to catch the violations like hygiene and others related QNA — DOHA attract growing number to the environment at beaches,” of visitors, like Sealine, said Al Sada. The Shura Council participated Al Wakra Family Beach, Director of Natural Reserve yesterday in a parliamentary Khor Al Udaid, Dukhan, Department at MME, Saleh Hasan discussion on gender- Al Kuwari said the camping for responsive implementation of Al Marona, Al Ghariya, Eid Al Adha will begin tomorrow the 2030 Agenda and the Al Mafir and Fuwairit and it will last until Saturday by Implementation of the Beijing beaches. the end of vacation. Parliamentary Declaration He said that temporary held by the Inter-Parlia- camping is allowed during mentary Union (IPU) and the SANAULLAH ATAULLAH weekend which should be UN Women, through video Undersecretary for Environment Affairs at MME, Eng. Hasan Jumah Al Muhannadi (centre); Undersecretary THE PENINSULA removed on time. communication technology. for General Services at MME, Eng. Ahmad Mohamad Al Sada (second left); Director of Natural Reserve Al Kuwari urged campers to The discussion focused on Department at MME, Saleh Hasan Al Kuwari (left); Director of Al Sheehaniya Municipality Jaber Hasan The Ministry of Municipality and remove the camping after the the impact of discriminatory Al Jaber (right); and Captain Ali Hasan Al Maliki from Lekhwiya during the press conference held at Environment (MME) has end of Eid Al Adha vacation and laws and the lack of legal pro- MME headquarters to announce the preparation at beaches for Eid Al Adha. announced that beaches across avoid committing any tection experienced by the country are ready to receive violation. approximately 2.5 billion visitors during Eid Al Adha. Hasan Jumah Al Muhannadi placed,” said Al Muhannadi. the area before leaving the place Director of Al Sheehaniya women and girls around the The announcement was while addressing the press He said that horse riding is otherwise they will receive fine Municipality, Jaber Hasan Al world, how to guide and made in a joint press conference conference. prohibited at beaches and water tickets for environmental viola- Jaber said that following the support parliaments to enact organised by MME at its head- He said that beaches at Al scooters and motorboats (tarad) tions,” said Al Muhannadi. gradual lifting of COVID-19 legislation that responds to the quarters at Corniche. Wakra, Sealine, Simaisima and should be loaded and unloaded Undersecretary for General restriction a team comprising interests of women, identify “The Ministry in collaboration Al Khor were dedicated for at the designated pickup and Services at MME, Eng. Ahmad representatives from municipal- inequalities in their legal with Hamad Medical Corporation family and main entrances were drop points. Mohamad Al Sada said that the ities and security agencies was frameworks and undertake (HMC) will provide medical marked in cooperation with Speaking to The Peninsula Al Ministry provided 1,060 formed to create awareness legal reforms to empower service at the beaches, which Lekhwiya to facilitate the Muhannadi said that lifeguards garbage containers with dif- among visitors about hygiene and women and girls. attract growing number of vis- visitors. will be available at the beaches ferent sizes to collect all types environmental protection. The Shura Council was itors, like Sealine, Al Wakra “The Ministry prepared the which attract swimmers during of wastes at the beaches across Captain Ali Hasan Al Maliki represented in this discussion Family Beach, Khor Al Udaid, action plan for the safety of vis- specific times. the country and Doha Corniche from Lekhwiya said that police by member of the Council and Dukhan, Al Marona, Al Ghariya, itors during Eid Al Adha. The “Visitors are allowed to do for the uses of the visitors patrol will be deployed to ensure member of the Bureau of the Al Mafir and Fuwairit beaches,” municipal inspectors will be barbeque under certain rules and during Eid Al Adha. the security and smooth traffic IPU of Women Parliamen- said Undersecretary for Envi- available at beaches. Signboards regulations like avoiding fire He said that the Ministry will flow at the beaches during Eid Al tarians H E Reem bint ronment Affairs at MME, Eng for the safety of swimmers were directly on the sand and clean out provide best services to the Adha. Mohammed Al Mansoori. Ashghal begins works on new interchange connecting eastern & western free zones with HIA THE PENINSULA — DOHA implementation of construction works of the new interchange, The Public Works Authority Ashghal will implement a partial (Ashghal) has begun closure at the southern entrance construction works of a new of G Ring Road near Free Zone interchange at the southern in Ras Bufontas, southwest of entrance of G Ring Road near HIA just before Airport Assistant Undersecretary for Municipalities Affairs at MME, Mansour Ras Bufontas Free Zone, Interchange. Abdullah Al Mahmoud (centre); CEO of Widam Food Company, southwest of Hamad Interna- Thus, the emergency lanes Al Nawbi Salem Al Marri (left) and Head of Health Monitoring tional Airport (HIA) and just in both directions will be closed, Section of Al Rayan Municipality, Majid Burhan Al Zaidan, during before the Airport Interchange. as well as one of the lanes from a joint press conference on the preparation of Eid Al Adha, at the This interchange is within Al Wakra in the direction of headquarters of MME yesterday. the state’s plan to complete Ash- Eng Youssef Al Emadi Eng Bader Al Darwish Doha for a distance of 450 ghal’s highway projects, said a metres, from the evening of July statement. Corniche and Doha Downtown. The Project Affairs Director 30 and will last for a period of MME releases guidelines, Ashghal clarified that when The new interchange also facil- also pointed out that Ashghal’s one month. completed in 2022, this inter- itates access to Sabah Al Ahmad highway network has accom- Ashghal also announced it had action plan for Eid Al Adha change will connect eastern and Corridor that connects Hamad plished a qualitative surge in started implementing the western free zones with HIA, G International Airport towards traffic across Qatar, and that all upgrading works of the D-Ring FROM PAGE 1 and delivery service before and Ring Road and surrounding road Interchange on highway network projects are Road. The project aims at CEO of Widam Food during Eid Al Adha,” said Al network, including Sabah Al Shamal Road, enhancing traffic implemented as per Qatar Vision improving traffic on the three main Company, Al Nawbi Salem Al Marri. Ahmad Corridor, Ras Abu towards Airport Street and Al 2030. intersections of the D-Ring Road Marri, said that the company He said that delivery Abboud Street and Al Wakra Wakra Main Road. Eng Bader Al Darwish, to provide free flow traffic by readied slaughterhouses to service will be provided safely Main Road. Eng. Yousef Al Emadi, Manager of Highway Projects increasing the number of lanes on offer services for sacrificial with the help of a fleet of air- The new two level inter- Director of Projects Affairs said Dept at Ashghal clarified that Fereej Al Ali intersection (known animals which are operating conditioned vehicles which will change consists of works along that Ashghal implements its several new highway projects as Al Tadamon Intersection), across the country. help in reducing crowd of cus- 4kms, including three bridges, infrastructure projects based on are in the pipeline to be con- Intersection and providing “The slaughterhouses tomers at outlet and slaughter- each of them with three to four the government’s plan and it is structed in near future. free flow traffic on the intersection include Al Wakra Automated houses to curb the risk of inter- lane dual carriageways and four committed to meet deadlines. In order to facilitate know as Lulu intersection. Abattoir, Automated Abattoir action of people which is exits. The capacity of the inter- at old Central Market, Slaugh- required due to COVID-19. change is about 10,000 vehicles terhouse at Al Mazrouah, Al Speaking to The Peninsula, per hour. Sheehaniya Slaughterhouse, Al Musa Al Othman, Director of It also includes construction Rayan Slaughterhouse, Public Relations at Widam said of three underpasses to facilitate Muaither Slaughterhouse and that the company offered networks of surface water Al Shamal Slaughterhouse,” 22,000 Sudanese sheep at the drainage, treated water line for said Al Marri. rate of QR480 per head irrigation and telecommuni- He said that Al Wakra Auto- including slaughtering and cation lines, as well as 2km long mated Abattoir in an area of porter charges out of 35,000 service roads on both sides of the 14,000 sqm is operating with the sacrificial cattle which were interchange. slaughtering capacity of 9,000 made available for this Eid Al The new interchange is stra- heads of sheep in a day in Adha. He said that sacrificial tegically important due to its addition to additional units for animals are available at Widam location in the logistical area as slaughtering cows and camels. outlets besides the said it will facilitate movement of “Al Wakra Automated slaughterhouses. goods and commodities from Abattoir helped greatly in Head of Health Monitoring HIA and Free Zone to all regions reducing the waiting time of Section of Al Rayan Munici- within and outside Doha, as the customers during previous Eid pality Majid Burhan Al Zaidan interchange is located on G Ring Al Adha,” said Al Marri. said that teams of doctors and Road leading to southern “Widam provided service inspectors will be deployed at regions, and Al to order certain types of sacri- slaughterhouses to ensure the Majd Road. This interchange is within the state’s plan to ficial animals through its app safety of sacrificial animals It also intersects with Ras complete Ashghal’s highway projects. which features online payment during Eid Al Adha. Abu Abboud Street leading to QNTC, MoPH Katara to unveil mural as tribute to medical frontliners National address data launch Qatar RAYNALD C RIVERA in the fight against the pandemic 40. The 11-metre wall painting THE PENINSULA through their artworks in various titled “Al Maha Going Ahead” was approved for judicial notices media, all inspired by the front- created by internationally Clean program A five-metre-high mural which liners’ heroism. acclaimed Argentine muralist was created by 12 artists in Although this is the first time Martin Ron. The mural, which THE PENINSULA — DOHA notice to the business address, in all hotels honour of medical frontliners Katara will have a large-scale features the oryx — an iconic As the deadline to register in a paper notice to the per- battling the COVID-19 pandemic artwork dedicated to medical symbol of heritage in Qatar — the national address ended on manent address abroad (if FROM PAGE 1 will be unveiled at the southern frontliners, the Cultural Village with Doha’s scenic skyline in the Sunday, the Ministry of Interior any), in case the final exit from Hotels must adopt mobile entrance of Katara during the Eid is home to a collection of backdrop was inspired by the has said that the national the country is proven.” or other contactless procedures Al Adha celebrations. stunning murals in various strength of the country and its address data has been The national address is the for check-in and check-out, and The upcoming inauguration themes. people, according to Ron. approved for judicial notices. address chosen by a person to optimise spaces to maintain a of the “Mural of Gratitude for the One of the more prominent A number of murals by con- On its official website, the correspond with the state or distance of at least two meters frontline healthcare profes- murals that can be seen in Katara temporary local artists can also Ministry said: “In the event the other bodies. It will serve between individuals. sionals in Qatar” was announced is called “Challenge.” The be seen beneath the new Katara legal person does not provide many government entities Hotels must carry out daily by the Cultural Village Foun- imposing 15sqm mural was buildings adorning the walls of his/her national address to the such as the Ministry of Munic- temperature checks on all dation - Katara on its official unveiled last year in memory of the stairways leading to the competent authority, the ipality and Environment; the employees at the start of their social media accounts the late Qatari artist Yousef Al basement parking space. They judicial notices within such Ministry of Justice; the shifts, as well as on suppliers yesterday. Sadaat. Made up of more than are breathtaking with the out- authority will be considered Supreme Judiciary Council and and guests. Anyone exhibiting “The mural represents an one million mosaic tiles, the por- of-the-box concepts and valid and shall entail all the Planning and Statistics symptoms must immediately be acknowledgment of the medical trait which covers the wall of unique styles employed by each consequential legal effects Authority. placed in isolation, and the staff fighting the COVID-19 pan- Building 39 depicts the face of a of their creators. They are part arising therefrom.” The Ministry said that this MOPH contacted. demic. It is an artwork of 5 sailorman glowing with the of Katara’s initiative aimed at It also clarified: “The came based on “the decision Joint committees from meters high created by 12 fine- reflection of the blazing promoting local art and moti- national address data No. 96 of 2019, implementing QNTC and MOPH will continue art artists at the south main sunlight. vating local artists to produce approved for judicial notices some provisions of Law No. 24 to inspect hotels and their entrance of Katara,” said Katara. In January this year, a more unique artworks, thus are identified as follows, text of 2017 on the national facilities to ensure program Artists around the world colossal two-storey hyper-real- reflecting Katara’s commitment message to mobile phone address, and after coordi- standards are applied and have been expressing their isitic mural of an Arabian oryx to supporting local artists and number, or a paper notice to nation with Supreme Judiciary adhered to. Penalties will be appreciation to healthcare bursting out of a wall was the country’s burgeoning art the residence address, a paper Council.” imposed on violators. workers who are at the forefront launched at the adjacent Building scene. WEDNESDAY 29 JULY 2020 HOME 07 MME’s committee issues 140 decisions on demolition, maintenance in 3 months

THE PENINSULA — DOHA No. 29 of 2006 for monitoring residents, neighbours, passerby the buildings. Soi far, the com- and adjacent facilities. The Committee for Building mittee has issued 1,110 decisions. A per the law, the initiatives Maintenance and Demolition at The committee is assigned to in this regards will be taken by the Ministry of Municipality and conduct study about the condi- the owners of the buildings and Environment (MME) issued 115 tions of ramshackle buildings or the municipality concerned. decisions for demolition and 25 those require maintenance. The committee is responsible for maintenance during second The job of the committee is to send the decisions to the quarter (Q2) of this year. to inspect the buildings if it is municipality concerned within A total of 140 decisions were needed to do so and to take nec- three days from the date of the issued at the rate of 54 decisions essary decisions in this regards issuance of the decision in a bid in April; 40 in May and 46 in June - asking for conducting mainte- to take the necessary action. 2020, said the Ministry in a nance or demolition partly or As per the law, the committee release. The committee also completely. is led by the director of Doha received 277 requests – 197 for The decisions are to be taken Municipality and members of the demolition and 80 for mainte- as per the safety requirements committee will be director of Al nance from the municipalities according to the specification of Rayan Municipality, Director of during the period of study. the Ministry under the rules and Legal Affairs Department, Since it was set up, the com- regulations of the Law No. 29 of Director of Urban Planning mittee received a total of 1,178 2006. Department, Director of Tech- requests for demolition and 347 The committee also takes nical Affairs Department at Doha for maintenance from munici- appropriate decisions on the tar- Municipality, a representative palities. The necessary actions geted building giving a complete from General Department of Civil were taken by issuing appro- condition of it includes risks Defense at the Ministry of priate decisions following the law posed by the building to the Interior. Falcon to contribute in post COVID-19 public transport THE PENINSULA — DOHA confidence with all equipment being sanitised and knowing they Falcon, a new company which is have the back-up of a Falcon pioneering safe, sustainable, Feeder maintenance van and tech-enabled micromobility solu- crew on ground if needed.” tions, has been launched in Qatar In its first operational phase, with the aim of changing the face and in coordination with the rel- of national public transport in a evant authorities, the company post COVID-19 world. plan to open four charging The company has been docking stations, known as Nests, established by three Qatari for its fleet of electric-powered investors with backgrounds in scooters, bikes and mopeds which corporate and investment people can book via the Falcon finance who plan to roll out upon app and use to get to their finalising authorities’ approvals destination. on their first app-enabled solu- Eventually Falcon’s battery- tions at many transportation powered micromobility vehicles hubs in Q4 this year. will dot Doha’s streets providing The founders have secured last-mile connectivity to people an international management who want a convenient mode to team with entrepreneurial a bus, train, or car,” explained travel to their destinations. expertise in ride sharing schemes Hussain Abdulla, Falcon’s Man- Falcon invests heavily in and artificial intelligence. They aging Director. research and development in will steer Falcon into a global “COVID-19 has led users to renewable energy. Its vehicle brand which solves major reprioritise their health and envi- charging options will include transport issues with sustainable ronmental priorities and Falcon those powered by solar tech- solutions which meet post pan- addresses these concerns. Ride nology while its Doha Falcon Hos- demic users priorities. sharing enables social distancing pital repair and storage facility, “Our aim is to provide last when travelling and is much which will also house an AI- mile connectivity, what we call kinder to the environment helping driven operations control centre, micromobility, often to, or from, to reduce carbon emissions and will run entirely on renewable another transport mode such as congestion. Users will also ride in energy. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 29 JULY 2020

Established in 1996 50th anniversary of CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ALECSO establishment DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected] QNA — DOHA The State of Qatar partici- ACTING MANAGING EDITOR pated yesterday in the cele- MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED bration of the 50th anni- [email protected] versary of the establishment of Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organ- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR ization (ALECSO), held via MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI video conference technology. [email protected] The celebration was held at the headquarters of the organization in the Tunisian Republic, and the State of Qatar was represented by Sec- EDITORIAL retary-General of the Qatar National Commission for Edu- cation, Culture and Science Dr. Qatar’s fruitful peace mediation Hamda Hassan Al Sulaiti. In her speech during the TIME and again Qatar has proved its reputation as a occasion, Dr. Hamda Al Sulaiti reliable partner and peace mediator in the international highlighted the path of joint arena, which has brought not only peaceful solutions work between the State of to several conflicts regionally and internationally but Qatar and ALECSO, stressing unprecedented levels of development and progress the keenness of the State of contributed to coordinating threaten it, noting that the with other peoples cultures to the conflict-ridden regions. Qatar has successfully Qatar under the leadership of joint regional efforts aimed at State of Qatar’s contribution to through dialogue of cultures hosted several peace negotiations, the latest of which Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin emphasizing the main role of the Organization’s projects is and translation and trans- is the efforts for lasting peace in Afghanistan finally Hamad Al Thani, “may God education, culture and science numerous and extends for lation work for intellectual, bringing the Taliban and the Afghan government to protect and preserve him”, to in shaping the consciousness many years past. literary and scientific work, as the negotiating table. The country had already brought be a member and an active of Arab peoples, promoting a She emphasized the Arab well as the organizations the United States and Taliban face to face resulting in component in its performance, culture of peace in the minds, organizations endeavor, since efforts in enhancing the capa- an agreement for prisoner release and withdrawal of whether through the parent working to protect human its establishment to preserve bilities of the sons of Arab foreign forces from the Afghan soil. organization, or through its heritage in Arab countries, Arab culture and advance the countries and their cadres to Qatar yesterday renewed its support for the peace offices and subsidiary centers and supporting projects to causes of educational, cul- achieve the goals of sus- efforts in Afghanistan and the participation of women in Arab capitals. develop educational systems tural, scientific and environ- tainable development 2030. in peace, reiterating its continuous support for the rec- She also pointed out how and the protection of Islamic mental development, and the Al Sulaiti praised the role onciliation process. The Permanent Representative of the growing relations culture in Palestine. development of the Arabic of National Com- Qatar to the United Nations, H E Sheikha Alya bin Saif between the State of Qatar Al Sulaiti revealed some language and Arab and mission for Education, Culture Al Thani, in a closed virtual meeting organised by the and the organization activities, projects and events Islamic culture within the and Science in supporting and UN Security Council on “Women and the Afghan Peace implemented by the State of Arab world. This is due to the strengthening the relationship Process: Ensuring Women’s Participation and Pro- ALECSO endeavor, Qatar with the participation of organizations belief in the between the organization and moting their Rights”, said that lasting peace in Afghan- the organization, including but important and vital role that the relevant state ministries istan is a fundamental issue of the State of Qatar, since its not limited to fostering dialogue education and culture play in and institutions, as well as adding that Qatar has made great mediation efforts establishment to among civilizations and cul- building the human, moral exchanging opinions and to support and facilitate the peace process in tures, regional projects to deal and behavioral system, and advice on the most appro- Afghanistan. preserve Arab culture with crises and natural dis- promoting the values of citi- priate ways and means to The agreement signed in Doha in February between and advance the asters, and the Alliance of Arab zenship and a sense of benefit from ALECSO, and the United States of America and Taliban is not a minor Cities in combating extremism belonging to it. what it provides of technical achievement in the road to Afghan reconciliation as it causes of educational, and exclusion, and evaluating Also, she referred to the courses, activities, programs was for the first time that the parties sat and talked cultural, scientific Educational curricula in Qatar, interests of ALECSO since its and useful experiences for the face-to-face with the intention of bringing peace to a and environmental protection of people with establishment in issues sustainable development plan country beset with internal conflicts and wars for special needs and opportunities related to the advancement of to the state. decades. H E Sheikha Alya also mentioned the talks development, and in the use of information tech- the education sectors in the At the end of her speech, under the auspices of Qatar and Germany in Doha the development of nology, projects to protect and Arab world in all its stages, she stressed on the impor- from July 7 to 9, which discussed prospects of bringing support heritage and rehabil- developing and supporting tance of the Arab organization sustainable peace to Afghanistan. the Arabic language itate workers in archaeological policies, systems and pro- continuing to carry its In 2011, Qatar had been instrumental in bringing and Arab and Islamic museums. grams to modernize educa- mission, believing in its role in peace and stability to Sudan by mediating negotia- In addition to the project of tional systems and enhancing supporting joint Arab action tions which resulted in the signing of Doha Document culture within the developing the capabilities of its role in building human and and upgrading the education for Peace in Darfur, which contributed to enhancing Arab world. Arab youth in the field of Arab achieving sustainable devel- and culture system in the sustainability of security and stability. Sudanese min- mobile applications, and cam- opment in the Arab world. Arab world to serve the goals isters had several times hailed the benefits and paigns to protect human her- Al Sulaiti added that the of sustainable development progress brought in by the document to the country itage in many Arab countries organization sought to bring 2030, which is the basis of and its people, especially to the youth. such as Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Arab cultures closer and work prosperity for the Arab Qatar’s diplomacy and its international policy do Palestine from all dangers that to harmonize and interact peoples. not rest on negotiating and achieving just a peace deal, but the it is particular about the progress of the country or region involving everybody, whether it is What Spain is telling us about second wave of Coronavirus women, children, youth or the elderly. Qatar always aims at the wholesome development of people, which LIONEL LAURENT lockdowns. People are natu- effective too in towns and Europe’s ability to avoid a new the country believes the only way to establish lasting BLOOMBERG rally moving around more as regions in Germany, the spiral of infections and lock- peace. stay-at-home curbs are rolled U.K. and Italy. That’s tes- downs depends a lot on testing Last week’s 750 billion-euro back, and this was always tament to the improvement in and tracing resources to keep ($877 billion) Covid-19 rescue going to give the coronavirus virus monitoring tools since tabs on chains of transmission. fund marked a high point in more opportunities to mingle. the peak of the outbreak, as Much has improved in this the European Union’s plan to Even if offices and public my colleague Ferdinando department: France, Spain and tackle the economic fallout of transport are still quiet, Giugliano has written. And the Italy are testing so widely that D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR the virus. But a new flare-up European streets are wearing of face masks, ini- only an estimated 1% of tests in infections on the continent filled with shoppers, diners, tially discouraged in many return a positive result. But EMAIL: [email protected] is a grim reminder of the and drinkers. Google mobility countries, is now being wisely there are gaps. Contact-tracing more immediate epidemio- data indicate human traffic is enforced by policymakers. apps have been a flop, suf- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 logical threat. While it’s not a almost back to pre-virus Less reassuring are the fering from delays and low FAX: +974 4455 7758 second wave yet, it’s a serious levels in regions like Paris, signs of social-distancing take-up. And testing labora- test of government strategies Madrid and Italy’s Lombardy. fatigue, particularly among tories are suffering bottlenecks MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 intended to avoid one. Estimates of the virus’s young people. Case statistics as demand exceeds supply, Cases are rising across the reproduction rate from Bank in Spain show people in their meaning results are slow to DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 region at the highest pace of America economists 20s and 30s are a key source deliver. since tough lockdown suggest that it’s risen back to of new infections, as the This “new normal” of LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 measures were lifted, around or above 1 in countries warm weather, vacation having to respond to the virus although overall infections including the U.K., France, season and reopening of bars on a daily basis was never BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 remain much lower than the Italy, Spain and Belgium, and restaurants have made going to be easy, and until a outbreak’s April peak. In meaning one infected person transmission dangers seem vaccine or treatment is SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 Spain, new daily cases hit will on average spread it to less urgent. While young found it will create huge almost 1,000 last week, more than one other person. people are far less susceptible uncertainty for business ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 driven by local spikes in areas So far, the alertness of to the worst manifestations of sectors such as leisure and email: [email protected] such as Aragon and Catalonia, public authorities has been Covid-19, governments are tourism. In Spain, the where nightclubs are now encouraging. While one might right to worry about their expected flow of tourists from PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 being closed and curfews question whether nightclubs ability to spread it. French abroad will slow after the U.K. email: [email protected] applied on bars. In Belgium, in Catalonia should have reo- Health Minister Olivier Veran and Norway imposed new an increase in infections has pened, you could hardly this week implored young- quarantine measures on ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 forced the government to roll accuse governments in sters to “be more vig- people returning from the FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] out tougher social-distancing general of sleepwalking into a ilant,” warning that bars country. Not every country measures, such as limiting new public-health crisis. across France could be closed has followed suit - France, for CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 face-to-face interactions. The new widespread once again. example, is only discouraging email: [email protected] This shouldn’t come as a curbs in Spain and Belgium Given the natural reluc- travel to Catalonia - but the shock, given the epidemio- are worrying, but smaller tance of governments to shut risk of an EU-wide response SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 logical trade-off of easing “smart lockdowns” have been their economies again, is ever-present. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar People are still thinking about seasons. What we all need to get our heads around is this is a new /Peninsula_Qatar virus and...this one is behaving differently. This /ThePeninsulaNewspaper virus likes all weather.

+974 6698 6188 Margaret Harris, World Health Organisation spokesperson WEDNESDAY 29 JULY 2020 HOME 09 QC reviews decision to register new WISH announces new cash prize for Innovation Award goods, requests for price increase Programme winner THE PENINSULA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA months; receiving an invi- Qatar Chamber’s (QC) Food Security and The World Innovation tation to participate in WISH Environment Committee held a webinar Summit for Health is giving mini-summits and events; recently which was attended by owners of healthcare (WISH) entrepre- and becoming a WISH inno- food distribution centres and representa- neurs the opportunity to vation programme alumni tives of food importing companies. share their ideas with the ambassador, along with The webinar, headed by QC board world. With the deadline for mentorship and overall member Mohamed bin Ahmed Al Obaidli, its Spark and Booster championing for up to a was also attended by several representa- competitions – which make year. tives of the relevant parties of the Com- up the Innovation Award As part of their award, mittee Tasked with Determining Maximum Programme – only days successful entrants for each Prices and Profit Ratios and Food Outlets away, WISH has announced of the contests can also look Committee. the addition of a new $5,000 forward to receiving an invi- The meeting reviewed challenges faced prize to the already exciting tation to the WISH 2020 by suppliers and distributors in applying array of awards and incen- virtual summit in November the decision to register the new prices of tives on offer. 2020 to mark their entry foodstuffs and consumer goods for the The first cash prize to be into a community of goods listed by the committee as well as offered by WISH will be acclaimed healthcare the requests for increasing prices of food- awarded to the grand winner leaders and policymakers stuffs and consumer goods. selected out of the top 30 from across the world, for The attendees also reviewed reasons shortlisted Spark and whom they will showcase for the committee’s decision to submit Booster winning projects. their inventions. Depending requests for increasing prices to the Quality Competition judges will be on the development needs Licence and Market Control Department, Participants during the webinar organised by the Qatar Chamber’s Food Security and picking a winner based on of their innovation idea, they affirming that this step aims to study the Environment Committee, in Doha, recently. which idea offers the most will be offered the oppor- market and combat the unjustified causes innovative solution aimed at tunity to meet relevant of price increase as well as obtain official of enhancing coordination with the Com- the experience in coordination with the solving the world’s most experts and have one-to-one approvals to increase prices in accordance mittee Tasked with Determining Maximum Chamber in October 2020, after three pressing healthcare issues or meetings with potential local with the list issued by the Ministry of Com- Prices and Profit Ratios, notably in deci- months of implementation. has the greatest potential for and global investors. merce and Industry (MoCI), so that the sup- sions related to food security. Chair of Food Outlets Committee addressing the most urgent During the summit, com- plier can distribute those goods after they He also underscored the importance of Abdul Rahman bin Abdulla Al Ansari also health challenges. petition winners will take arrive from abroad directly. strengthening communication between the noted that the meeting touched on the The WISH — a global part in a series of workshops It was agreed during the meeting that Food Security & Environment Committee need to activating agricultural fairs health initiative of Qatar and master classes, led by requests to increase prices should be and all companies working in the sector to between Qatar and Algeria. “Qatari Foundation — first kicked off global health innovation approved within two days from the date of identify the challenges facing companies private sector is interested to further its Innovation Award Pro- leaders, that are designed to submitting the request. and work to solve them, pointing out that enhance cooperation with Algerian busi- gramme in 2013 and has help them optimise the Al Obaidli also stressed the importance it has been agreed with the MoCI to evaluate nessmen.” he added. expanded the programme effectiveness of their ideas this year by adding several and businesses. new benefits for the Spark Head of Innovation at and Booster competition WISH, Mahmoud El Achi, Safety measures in place winners. The Spark Compe- said: “Since 2013, WISH has tition is aimed at entrepre- provided a platform for neurs seeking to solve around 100 of the most for school registration healthcare challenges by exciting global healthcare developing and validating a innovations at our summits. assessment, says PHCC scalable project — typically This year, we have signifi- early-stage schemes or start- cantly expanded the pro- THE PENINSULA — DOHA for school assessments. A ded- ups — while the Innovation gramme so that the inno- icated team at PHCC will then Booster Competition targets vators and entrepreneurs we Primary Health Care Corpo- electronically book all the nec- exciting inventions looking select can fully benefit from ration (PHCC) is delivering essary appointments for the to scale-up and grow. being part of the global school registration assessment student, for both dental and The contests, open to WISH community. for the academic year 2020- family medicine clinics. Parents A dedicated team of doctors and admin- innovators based both “From the large 2021, stressing that all need to accompany their istrators at PHCC evaluated the risks locally and globally, are number of applications necessary precautionary children, and be present an designed to provide talented that we have received measures have been put in hour before the appointment, and extent of exposure before devel- healthcare entrepreneurs from around the world, it’s place to ensure the safety and bringing with them all nec- oping a robust procedure for the pre- with a platform to promote clear that the current welfare of the children. essary documents, including ID ideas and products aimed at global health crisis hasn’t Given the COVID-19 pan- cards, valid health cards, vac- school registration screening. The key improving the delivery and dampened innovators’ demic, all new students are cination cards, and birth focus was on limiting exposure, hence quality of healthcare. This enthusiasm for finding required to be screened and certificates. aligns with WISH’s mission solutions to health chal- issued an electronic health cer- An early visit is recom- the screening can now be done in just a to build a healthier world lenges. In fact, a number tificate by the Health Centres mended to take care of matters single visit. through global collabo- of applications have before joining school for the such as registration at the ration, something the focused specifically on next academic year. reception, the nursing COVID-19 pandemic has dealing with COVID-19. A dedicated team of doctors assessment, laboratory tests, alternative Health Centres for registered in the Gharrafat Al brought into sharp focus this “We’re making a final and administrators at PHCC and the social worker their medical assessment for Rayyan Health Centre will be year. call for entries because we evaluated the risks and extent assessment. Thereafter, the those registered in the Muaither directed either to the Leabaib As well as the new know there are more great of exposure before developing child will undergo a dental and Health Centre will be directed Health Centre or Madinat $5,000 grand winner’s prize, ideas and products out there a robust procedure for the pre- family physician check-up as to the Al Wajba Health Centre Khalifa Health Centre. a number of other opportu- that need to be seen by a school registration screening. per the scheduled appointment. or Al Waab Health Centre, those PHCC qualified teams have nities are also on offer for wider audience, and we The key focus was on limiting The health certificate is issued registered in the Rawdat Al been trained to receive stu- shortlisted innovations. don’t want them to miss out exposure, hence the screening once the assessments and Khail Health Centre will be dents and parents and to facil- These include joining accel- on the opportunity to enjoy can now be done in just a single examinations are done and lab- directed to either the Al itate all required procedures erator programmes in Doha our support.” visit. Other measures include oratory test results are verified. Thumama Health Centre, Omar at our Health Centres. The and London; receiving The deadline for both pre-booked appointments to Parents can collect their child’s Bin Al Khattab Health Centre, PHCC requests that parents business incubation support competitions is Friday, July limit the number of students e-file at reception before or Airport Health Centre, those abide by all precautionary at Qatar Science & Tech- 31, with the shortlisted visiting the Health Centres. leaving the Health Centre. registered in the Umm Slal measures established by the nology Park — part of QF winners to be announced in Parents are requested to Students registered in the Health Centre will be directed state for their safety and for the Research, Development, and September. To apply, please dial ‘107’ and choose the Stu- PHCC COVID-19 Test and Hold to either the safety of children, which is a Innovation; getting WISH visit https://www.wish.org. dent’s Medical Assessment designated Health Centres will Health Centre or Al Daayen national, civic and moral media backing for up to 12 qa/innovationaward/ option to make an appointment be transferred to the following Health Centre and those responsibility. MES alumnus sets example through humane act MoTC opens Qatar Threat Hunters 2020 THE PENINSULA — DOHA “The patient THE PENINSULA — DOHA MoTC is inviting malware analysis. came with his This year’s competition MES alumnus, Dr. Mohammed wife, who was not The Ministry of Transport and all those who aims at further developing and Fawaz, a 24-year-old doctor physically fit to Communications, in cooperation are interested sharpening the skills and who works with the donate blood. I with the ITU-Arab Regional in information talents in the Arab world in the department of surgery and wanted to take Cybersecurity Centre (ARCC), realm of cybersecurity and doing his post-graduation in him to the oper- has opened the registration for security and keeping up with cybersecurity medicine at the All India ation theatre and Qatar Threat Hunters 2020. those who have challenges emerging from the Institute of Medical Sciences remove the MOTC is inviting all those unique skills of novel oronavirus pandemic. (AIIMS), New Delhi, was in the infected parts so who are interested in infor- The aim is to qualify and limelight when he stabilised his that he can be sta- mation security and those who detecting security prepare the next generation of critically ill patient with his bilised. We have unique skills of detecting threats to join the cybersecurity professionals timely act of donating blood in couldn’t wait for security threats to join the com- and specialists and harness the absence of a suitable donor his attendants to petition. Registration is available competition. their capabilities for competing before performing the surgery. reach the hospital, at https://cyberstars.pro/qatar/ regionally and globally. A 30-year-old patient suf- so I decided to until August 25, 2020. The com- The competition in Qatar Dr. Mohammed Fawaz donating blood. fering from septic shock due donate blood and petition is open for youth in the Threat Hunters 2020, organised will be held on August 26 for to an infection in his lower left get a few more age group 17-24 and youth who by ITU-ARCC in partnership participants from within Qatar, leg arrived in New Delhi AIIMS operated on him. units from the blood bank,” are 24 years old and above. with Silensec. ending with selecting the three on July 21 and needed blood This lifesaving act of said Dr. Fawaz while talking to The three winners from The competition revolves winners from each age group immediately and the patient’s humanity by Dr. Fawaz at the the media in New Delhi. Qatar Threat Hunters 2020 around several scenarios and who will compete at the level family did not reach the hos- time of emergency for his Dr.Fawaz was an alumnus competition from each age challenges on cybersecurity of Arab countries in the pital. Dr. Fawaz wasted no patient reached far and wide of MES Indian School who group will be nominated to par- domains such as ethical regional stage that will be held time and promptly donated and was much appreciated by passed out in 2011 with flying ticipate and represent Qatar at hacking, ICT infrastructure pro- during the fourth quarter of blood to the patient and later one and all. colours. the third edition of the Regional tection, computer forensics and this year. Talabat partners with Qatar Charity, allowing users to donate during Eid Al Adha

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Talabat and Qatar Charity Currently, customers sacrifice” for sharing priced blessings as we are facing the have worked together in can choose to share a at QR520. nation’s first stages of recovery The region’s leading food and various projects throughout the meal for one person, Francisco De Sousa, Man- from the pandemic. We delivery app, talabat, joined year, giving more emphasis on a couple or a family in aging Director of talabat Qatar, encourage those who can take hands again with Qatar Charity Eid activities. need during Eid. praises the local and residents’ part in this selfless act as on for a generous gift-giving drive The two entities have Additionally, talabat outpouring support to talabat this special occasion, food this Eid Al Adha. Customers can signed an agreement to make added the special and Qatar Charity’s humani- unites everyone. We are now donate Udhiyah to the less the platform a channel for Udhiyah, a term for tarian initiatives. grateful to Qatar Charity for fortunate residents in Qatar sending donations via Qatar Eid gifts, which “Eid Al Adha falls at the initiating such major projects through the talabat app. Charity to a variety of causes. includes a “sheep of right time to share our for the sake of those in need.” 10 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA WEDNESDAY 29 JULY 2020 Lebanon accuses Israel of provoking border escalation AP — KFAR CHOUBA Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah Israel had been bracing for The mayor of Kfar Chouba, Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday an attack since an Israeli air- Nasser Al Qadiri, where most of met with the country’s military Lebanon’s Prime Minister has vowed to retaliate against any Israeli strike in neighbouring Syria the shelling took place, said the chief and other senior military yesterday accused Israel of killed a Hezbollah fighter last Israeli attacks triggered fires that officials for a security provoking a “dangerous esca- attack that kills one of its fighters. In a week. Hezbollah leader Sayyed caused huge losses in the fields assessment at the army’s lation” along the border in an statement, the group said the exchanges Hassan Nasrallah has vowed to and cattle of the villagers. Northern Command head- attempt to modify the mandate retaliate against any Israeli Peacekeepers from the UN quarters near the Lebanese of a UN peacekeeping force in of fire were unrelated to Hezbollah’s attack that kills one of its mission known as UNIFIL could border. south Lebanon, cautioning retaliation, which was still coming. fighters. In a statement issued be seen at border outposts on Netanyahu accused Iran and against “a slide toward the Monday night, the group said Monday. The mission is up for its proxy Hezbollah of destabi- worse” in coming days. the exchanges of fire were renewal when its mandate lizing the region and said Hez- Hassan Diab’s comments unrelated to Hezbollah’s retal- expires August 31. Israel and the bollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, came a day after the Israeli mil- the border, but the Israeli mil- frontier would be “reinforced iation, which was still coming. US are pressing for major “is serving this Iranian interest at itary said it thwarted an infil- itary said it was sure the Ira- with advanced fire capabilities, Monday’s mysterious changes in the way it operates Lebanon’s expense.” “We will tration attempt by Hezbollah nian-backed group had carried intelligence collection systems incident occurred in an area on the ground to combat what continue to take action to thwart fighters — setting off one of the out the operation, and Israeli and special units.” known as Chebaa Farms, an they say is the spread of illegal Iran’s military entrenchment in heaviest exchanges of fire along forces in the area remained on The announcement comes area captured by Israel in the arms to Hezbollah-dominated our region,” he said. the volatile Israel-Lebanon heightened alert. a few days after the military 1967 Mideast War and claimed southern Lebanon. “We will do whatever is frontier since a 2006 war In a clear sign the Israeli announced it was beefing up the by Lebanon. The force has been deployed necessary to defend ourselves between the two enemies. military did not consider the northern border with infantry The area was quiet yes- in southern Lebanon since an and I suggest that Hezbollah Hezbollah denied its fighters episode to be over, the army troops amid tensions with terday, with villagers largely Israeli invasion in 1978. consider this simple fact. Israel had engaged in any attack along said yesterday that the northern Hezbollah. going about their daily business. Israeli Prime Minister is ready for any scenario.” Iran holds annual military Turkey plans to reopen schools drill amid tension with US as long as virus

AP — TEHRAN passenger plane also has keeps receding renewed tensions. Iran’s paramilitary Revolu- Iranian commandos fast- REUTERS — ANKARA/ISTANBUL tionary Guard fired a missile roped down from a helicopter from a helicopter targeting a onto the replica in the footage Turkey plans to reopen schools replica aircraft carrier in the aired yesterday from the nationwide on August 31, to get strategic Strait of Hormuz, state exercise called “Great Prophet students back into classrooms television reported yesterday, 14.” Other footage showed fast and free up working parents, an exercise aimed at threat- boats encircling the mock-up, assuming a recent stabilisation ening the US amid tensions kicking up white waves in their in coronavirus cases holds. between Tehran and Wash- wake. Teachers and adminis- ington. Iranian troops also fired trators are preparing on-site The drill, in a waterway anti-aircraft batteries at a drone health precautions, but two through which 20 percent of all target in the exercise from a government sources said that traded oil passes, underlines the location that state television the daily infection rate may lingering threat of military con- described as being near the port need to dip below the more An image grab from footage obtained from Iranian State TV IRIB yesterday, shows soldiers rappelling flict between Iran and the US after city of Bandar Abbas. Troops than 900 seen recently to down from a Russian-made military helicopter on to an Iranian mock-up imitating a US aircraft carrier last summer saw a series of inci- also fired missiles launched allow them to execute what dents targeting oil tankers in the from trucks on land and fast during a military exercise near the Strait of Hormuz. they called Plan A. region. In January, a US drone boats at sea, as well as Schools shifted to distance strike killed a top Iranian general shoulder-fired missiles. from yesterday, as one overhead vital interests of the dear nation above the waterline on the education in March, when in Baghdad and Tehran responded The Guard will use “long- surveillance image that of Iran are defensive, in the replica carrier. Turkey identified its first case by firing ballistic missiles targeting range ballistic missiles with the appeared to be shot by a drone sense that we will not invade any That appeared to be a not- and began restricting American forces in Iraq. ability to hit far-reaching bore Monday’s date. The exercise country from the beginning, but so-subtle reminder of US accu- movement. While the coronavirus pan- aggressor floating targets” had been expected as satellite we are completely aggressive in sations last year that Iran Much of the economy reo- demic has engulfed both Iran during the drill, said Abbas Nil- photos released Monday showed tactics and operations,” General planted limpet mines on passing pened on June 1, after the and the US for months, there foroushan, the Guard’s deputy the fake carrier being moved Hossein Salami, the head of the oil tankers near the strait, which school year ended, but masks have been increasing signs of a commander for operations, into place by a tugboat. Guard, was quoted as saying. exploded on the vessels in the and other hygiene measures confrontation as America according to Guard website A black-and-white satellite “What was shown today at same area. Iran has repeatedly are still required in public. argues to extend a yearslong UN sepahnews.com. That suggests photo taken yesterday by Colo- this exercise at the level of aer- denied the actions, though “We have been told that weapons embargo on Tehran the drill could see a repeat of rado-based firm Maxar Tech- ospace and naval forces was all footage captured by the the schools will reopen, so we that is due to expire in October. what happened in 2015, when nologies showed damage to the offensive.” State TV footage also American military showed will see how it goes,” said a A recent incident over Syria the Guard mock-sunk a replica. replica’s bow and several of its showed Guard scuba forces Guard members remove an first-grade teacher in the involving an American jet It wasn’t immediately clear fake jet fighters. underwater, followed by a unexploded mine from one southern city of Antalya. “I do fighter approaching an Iranian if all the footage was “Our policies to protect the cutaway to a blast hole just vessel. feel a bit concerned about my students’ and my family’s health, of course.” About half Iran records 235 of Turkey’s nearly 230,000 'Darfur attacks seek to derail Sudan’s fragile transition' cases and more than 5,600 more virus deaths; deaths are in its biggest city, AFP — KHARTOUM hundreds of armed men in large village in the state of West now on trial for the Islamist- Istanbul, the government says. Oman reports 846 pickup trucks descended on Darfur requires real organi- backed coup that brought him The capital Ankara and Diya- new cases A new bout of deadly violence Masteri, a town largely sation,” argued Marc Lavergne, to power three decades earlier. rbakir in the mainly Kurdish in Sudan’s ravaged Darfur inhabited by farmers from non- a Sudan expert at the French Khartoum has also pledged southeast have also been ANATOLIA & QNA — TEHRAN/ region is an attempt to sabotage Arab minority groups, some National Center for Scientific to cooperate with the Interna- hotspots. MUSCAT the country’s fragile transition 50km from the West Darfur Research. tional Criminal Court which One government source since last year’s ouster of state capital El Geneina. “It’s a message. The wants to try Bashir on war said that “if the number of Iran yesterday confirmed 235 strongman President Omar Al The attackers looted and objective is to destabilise the crimes and genocide charges cases decreases, all schools more fatalities from the novel Bashir, analysts say. torched houses and also set country and show others related to Darfur. will be opened”, but that oth- coronavirus, bringing the It threatens to derail Khar- fires in the local market, said abroad that the administration Following an uprising by erwise schools in high- nationwide death toll to 16,147, toum’s renewed efforts to sta- the UN Office for the Coordi- in Khartoum is only in control ethnic minority rebels in 2003, infection areas might remain according to an official. bilise a harsh, drought-plagued nation of Humanitarian Affairs of the capital.” - Peace efforts - his Arab-dominated regime closed. A further 2,667 people region with a history of violence (OCHA). Ethnically diverse Sudan was unleashed the feared Janjaweed A second senior official tested positive for COVID-19 between mainly Arab nomadic The men killed more than rocked by nationwide pro- militia, mainly recruited from said classes might have to in the last 24 hours, raising the herders and settled ethnic 60 people, including eight democracy protests from Arab pastoralist tribes, on vil- remain online for some south- overall count to 296,273, minority farmers over scarce women, mostly from the Masalit December 2018 against Bashir, lages suspected of supporting eastern provinces. “The nor- Health Ministry spokeswoman land and water resources. ethnic group, leaving behind leading to his ouster by the the rebels. malisation is under way... but Sima Sadat Lari said. The latest attack, though corpses amid the charred army in April last year. The scorched-earth cam- the numbers should have She said more than 257,019 smaller in scale, evoked dark remains of livestock and smoul- A new transitional admin- paign left 300,000 people dead fallen faster.” A primary school people have so far recovered memories of the wave of bloody dering ruins of houses. istration of mainly civilian but and displaced 2.5 million. teacher based in the southeast and been discharged from violence that shook Darfur The bloody rampage lasted also military leaders has taken Human rights groups have said some of her students had hospitals, adding that 3,902 under Bashir’s rule, leading to nine hours, said the Sudanese charge and is launching reforms accused Bashir’s government not had the means to attend patients remain in critical international charges of war medical committee. to move Sudan into a more of conducting ethnic cleansing online classes, adding: “Online condition. crimes and genocide. “The attack by 500 armed democratic post-Bashir era. campaigns in Darfur and using teaching can never be as effi- Over 2.38 million tests In Saturday’s assault, men in pick-up trucks on a The ousted strongman is rape as a weapon. cient as classroom learning.” have been conducted in the country to date, Lari added. The alarming surge in daily fatalities has sent shock waves Mali Prime Minister urges across Iran as the health care system is already overwhelmed. opposition to join unity govt One of the first countries in the region to bear the brunt of the COVID-19 outbreak, AFP — BAMAKO Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Iran on Feb. 19 reported its first accusing his government of two deaths in the city of Qom, Prime Minister Boubou Cisse bearing “full responsibility” for 140km south of Tehran. yesterday reached out to Mali’s Mali’s crisis. In the first wave of the out- protest movement, saying it The bloc, whose leaders break, single-day deaths was “awaited and strongly conferred by video link, also peaked on April 4 with 158 desired” in a unity government warned of sanctions against fatalities, before dropping to to tackle the country’s deep those who oppose its efforts at their lowest (34) on May 25. political crisis. “normalisation”. Meanwhile, the Omani “I hope that this offer of Within hours, Keita named Ministry of Health reported dialogue... can be heard by the a stripped-down cabinet with yesterday 846 new cases of stakeholders of the M5-RFP — ministers for security, justice, COVID-19, bringing the total not just heard but accepted,” foreign affairs and finance, and number of cases in Oman to Cisse said, referring to the June tasked it with negotiating the 77,904, in addition to 9 new 5 Movement by its formal formation of a unity COVID-19 related death cases, name. government. bringing the total deaths in the Mali’s opposition yesterday, But in scathing language, country to 402, while the for the third time, rejected a the June 5 Movement said it had number of people recovered compromise intended to defuse “learned of the conclusions of reached 58,587. a weeks-long political crisis, the extraordinary summit with The Ministry said, in a alarming observers fearful that astonishment.” statement broadcast by the the poor Sahel country may ECOWAS “is continuing to Oman News Agency, that the slide into chaos. reduce the socio-political crisis 846 new cases of coronavirus Temperature soars in Baghdad In a statement, the so- in Mali to a simple electoral (Covid-19), 771 of them were called June 5 Movement dispute over the second round Omanis and the rest were People cool off under an outdoor shower as the temperature soars in Baghdad, Iraq, yesterday. demanded “more than ever” of the legislative elections,” it non-Omanis. the resignation of President said. WEDNESDAY 29 JULY 2020 ASIA 11 Vietnam locks down third University sacks HK pro-democracy leader largest city as virus cases grow AFP — HONG KONG The University of Hong Kong did not respond to media The new cases in A Hong Kong pro-democracy enquiries over the sacking. the central city of activist accused by China of University chiefs launched a trying to launch a revolution said disciplinary investigation after Da Nang are the yesterday he had been fired by Tai was released from a first confirmed local one of the city’s top universities 16-month jail sentence last year. because of a conviction over his Local media said 18 transmissions of the involvement in protests. members of the committee voted virus in the country Law professor Benny Tai, 56, for his removal, with two against. decried his sacking by the Uni- “I am heart-broken to in over three months. versity of Hong Kong and witness the demise of my accused education chiefs of beloved university,” Tai wrote. AP — HANOI bowing to political pressure from “Yet, I will continue my Beijing. research and teaching on the Vietnam yesterday locked down “It marks the end of aca- rule of law in another capacity. its third-largest city for two demic freedom in Hong Kong,” My fight for Hong Kong’s rule of weeks after 22 cases of he wrote on Facebook. law also will not stop,” he added. COVID-19 were found linked to “Academic staff in education Hong Kong has some of a hospital, the government said. institutions in Hong Kong are no Asia’s best universities, aided by The new cases in the central longer free to make controversial free-speech protections denied city of Da Nang are the first statements to the general public on the authoritarian mainland. confirmed local transmissions about politically or socially con- But Beijing has made no of the virus in the country in troversial matters,” he added. secret of its desire to overhaul over three months. Tai is a leading figure within schools and universities which Public transport into and Hong Kong’s pro-democracy it believes are partly responsible out of Da Nang was cancelled. movement. for the huge and often violent Over the weekend, thousands A staunch non-violence pro-democracy protests that of mostly Vietnamese tourists advocate, he was jailed last year broke out last year. cut short their summer holidays over his involvement in huge China has called for more in the popular beach desti- Police officers wearing face masks set up a barricade on a street in Da Nang city, Vietnam, yesterday. pro-democracy protests in 2014 patriotic education and has nation. The lockdown dealt a that brought parts of the city to imposed a sweeping national hard blow to the city’s tourism when they still had the oppor- because of the risk of being in outbreak are patients and a standstill for weeks. security law on Hong Kong industry, which was just being tunity yesterday.” Da Nang a crowded place. So we are now health workers at Da Nang hos- He is often the target of vit- which criminalises certain revived after earlier corona- beaches, which host some stuck here,” said Lien Nguyen, pital and family members. riolic statements from China’s political views, such as calls for virus cases mostly subsided at 50,000 people a day, are now who is traveling with her family With the new infections, government. independence or greater the end of April. Hotel guests closed. Only security personnel of four for their summer Vietnam has reported 438 cases State media has described autonomy. quickly ended their stays and were seen on the beaches yes- vacation. of COVID-19 without a death. him as a “hardcore trouble- Schools and libraries have cancelled upcoming trips upon terday as they patrolled to “But it is not a bad place to It had recorded no local maker” colluding with foreign already withdrawn books the news of the first case, one ensure no one was gathering. get stranded for two weeks,” she transmissions of the virus since forces. deemed to breach the new law. hotelier said on the condition Authorities estimated said. April, with all new cases coming Earlier this month the Tai is not the only academic of anonymity because he was several thousand people would On Sunday, the government from overseas. Vietnam on yes- Liaison Office — which repre- to face repercussions for taking not authorised to speak to the be stranded by the transpor- ordered unessential business to terday dispatched an aircraft to sents Beijing’s government in part in protests. media. tation shutdown and asked close and required people to Equatorial Guinea to repatriate Hong Kong — accused him of On Monday local media “Our hotel is now empty,” hotels to shelter them. practice social distancing in the 129 workers who have trying to launch a revolution reported that Shiu Ka-chun, the hotelier said. “But we had “We did not want to rush to city of 1.1 million people. COVID-19, the health ministry because he helped organise pri- another 2014 protest leader who to help our guests leave the city the airport to leave the city All 22 cases in the new said. maries to choose pro-democracy was jailed, was told his contract candidates to stand in upcoming with Hong Kong Baptist Uni- New Zealand suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong legislative elections. versity would not be renewed.

REUTERS — WELLINGTON we could reconsider this goods and technology exports strong opposition,” an embassy decision.” Beijing imposed new to Hong Kong in the same way representative said in the New Zealand has suspended its legislation on the former British as it treats such exports to China statement. extradition treaty with Hong colony earlier this month as part of a review of its overall China reserves the right to Kong and made a number of despite the protests of Hong relationship with Hong Kong. make a further response, said other changes following China’s Kong residents and Western Travel advice has been Chinese foreign ministry decision to pass a national nations, setting the financial updated to alert New Zea- spokesman Wang Wenbin at a security law for the territory, hub on a more authoritarian landers to the risks presented daily news conference in Foreign Affairs Minister track. by the new security law, he Beijing on Tuesday. Winston Peters said yesterday. Australia, Canada and added. China is New Zealand’s “New Zealand can no longer Britain all suspended extra- In a website statement, the largest trading partner, with trust that Hong Kong’s criminal dition treaties with Hong Kong Chinese embassy in New annual two-way trade recently justice system is sufficiently earlier this month. US President Zealand called the decision a exceeding $21bn. independent from China,” Donald Trump has ended pref- violation of international law New Zealand’s ties with Peters said in a statement. erential economic treatment for and gross interference in China have frayed recently after “If China in future shows Hong Kong. China’s internal affairs. the Pacific nation backed Tai- A file photo of one of the former leaders of the 2014 Occupy adherence to the ‘one country, Peters said New Zealand “The Chinese side has wan’s participation at the World Central pro-democracy movement, Benny Tai, speaking to the two systems’ framework then will treat military and dual-use lodged its grave concern and Health Organisation (WHO). media in Hong Kong. India’s COVID fatality Taiwan probes possible first rate dips to 2.25% local virus case in one month IANS — NEW DELHI at 9,52,743, the data says. With improving daily REUTERS — TAIPEI As the confirmed COVID-19 cases recovery numbers, the gap in India have spiked to 14,83,156 between the recovered cases and of which 33,425 people have the active cases is also persist- Taiwan yesterday was inves- died, the falling fatality rate at ently increasing, said the data, tigating its first possible local 2.25 percent as per latest adding it is 4,55,755 presently. coronavirus infection in more government reports has come as This means the actual active case than a month, a Thai man who a ray of hope. load is presently 4,96,988 and all tested positive last week, as the The Case Fatality Report are under medical supervision. island also faces a rise in cases (CFR) has reduced from around As per MoHFW, ramped up brought from overseas. 3.33 percent in mid-June to 2.25 three-tier hospital infrastructure Taiwan’s early response percent, the Ministry of Health along with prompt and seamless was effective in keeping the and Family Welfare (MoHFW) patient management has helped pandemic at bay, with just 467 data revealed yesterday when consistent increase in the recov- infections and seven deaths. 47,703 fresh novel coronavirus eries. For the fifth day in a row, Most of the cases have been cases, with 654 new deaths, were the ministry said, India has seen imported and have recovered. reported across the country in more than 30,000 recoveries per Until the Thai man’s pos- last 24 hours. day. A health official wearing a personal protective equipment collects a swab sample from a woman to itive test, the island had not “India’s Case Fatality Rate This achievement, as per the test for the coronavirus at a temporary testing facility in New Delhi, India, yesterday. seen a local case of corona- (CFR) is progressively falling and ministry, is a result of effective virus infection since June 24. currently, it is 2.25 percent. India implementation of containment Union Territory (UT) govern- as early detection and isolation 7,924 new infections, taking its Taiwan’s Central Epidemic continues its march as a country strategy combined with house- ments have focused on reducing along with handholding of states tally to 3,83,723, followed by Command Centre said it was with one of the lowest fatality to-house surveys, aggressive the fatalities by effectively man- and UTs by the expert teams of Tamil Nadu (2,13,723), Delhi probing where and how the rates in the world,” the ministry testing and standardised clinical aging the severe cases and pri- All India Institute of Medical Sci- (1,31,219) and Karnataka man contracted the virus. The said. management protocols based on oritising care of the high-risk ences (AIIMS), New Delhi for effi- (1,01,465). migrant worker arrived on the As per the MoHFW data, the a holistic standard of care population using field health care cient clinical management of The national capital recorded island in January and tested recovery rate has also seen a approach which ensured that workers leading to decrease in hospitalised cases and periodic a single-day spike of 613 cases positive on July 25, shortly sharp increase from around 53 hospitals were left unburdened the CFR across the country, the visits of central teams have borne taking the tally beyond 130,000 after returning to Thailand. percent in mid-June to more than with supervised home isolation ministry said. results with continuously cases of which 10,994 were More than 180 people who 64 percent yesterday. With 35,176 for the asymptomatic patients. The ministry said that improving recovery rate. active cases as 3,853 people died had contact with him in patients discharged in the last 24 Under the guidance of focused efforts of Centre and Maharashtra remained the and 1,16,372 were cured and Taiwan have undergone health hours, the total recoveries stand Central government, state or state and UT governments as well worst-hit state and reported discharged. screenings, the centre said. “We will make all nec- essary checks, clarifying how he got infected and whether About 3 billion animals harmed in Australian bushfires, says WWF there is a possibility for further REUTERS — SYDNEY contagion,” the centre’s deputy birds and 51 million frogs were “This ranks as one of the bushfires, and “other nations can The main reason for raising chief, Chuang Jen-hsiang, told Nearly 3 billion koalas, impacted by the country’s worst worst wildlife disasters in build upon this research to the number of animal casualties reporters in Taipei. kangaroos and other native bushfires in decades, the WWF modern history,” said WWF-Aus- improve understanding of was that researchers had now Taiwan also reported five Australian animals were killed said. When the fires were still tralia Chief Executive Officer bushfire impacts everywhere”. assessed the total affected area, new coronavirus cases yes- or displaced by bushfires in blazing, the WWF estimated the Dermot O’Gorman in a The total number included rather than focusing on the most terday, all imported and 2019 and 2020, a study by the number of affected animals at statement. animals which were displaced affected states, they said. marking the biggest daily rise World Wide Fund for Nature 1.25 billion. The fires destroyed The project leader Lily Van because of destroyed habitats The country battled one of its in infections since mid-April. (WWF) said yesterday, triple the more than 11 million hectares Eeden, from the University of and now faced lack of food and worst bushfire seasons ever from The new cases were people group’s earlier estimates. across the Australian southeast, Sydney, said the research was the shelter or the prospect of moving September 2019 to March 2020, who had returned to Taiwan Some 143 million mammals, equal to about half the area of the first continent-wide analysis of to habitat that was already resulting in 34 human deaths and from the Philippines and Hong 2.46 billion reptiles, 180 million United Kingdom. animals impacted by the occupied. nearly 3,000 homes lost. Kong. 12 ASIA WEDNESDAY 29 JULY 2020 Malaysia’s Najib gets 12-year jail term in 1MDB corruption trial REUTERS — KUALA LUMPUR In a case widely Najib is alleged to have misap- propriated from 1Malaysia Malaysia’s former leader, Najib seen as a test of the Development Berhad (1MDB), Razak, was found guilty of nation’s resolve to the state fund. corruption and sentenced to 12 stamp out corruption Prosecutors say more than years in jail yesterday in the first $1bn of 1MDB funds made its trial over a multi-billion-dollar and which could way into Najib’s personal scandal at state fund 1MDB. have major political accounts, over which he faces In a case widely seen as a a total of 42 criminal charges. test of the nation’s resolve to implications, high US and Malaysian author- stamp out corruption and which court judge Mohamad ities say $4.5bn is believed to could have major political have been stolen from 1MDB, a implications, high court judge Nazlan Mohamad fund Najib founded to promote Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak speaks during a news conference outside High Court, Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad economic development, and Ghazali sentenced in Kuala Lumpur, yesterday. Ghazali sentenced Najib to 12 used by his associates to buy art, years and a fine of 210m ringgit Najib to 12 years and a superyacht and fund the “Wolf Mahathir Mohamad reopened and 1MDB whistleblower. “There has been no evidence or ($49m) for abuse of power. a fine of $49m for of Wall Street” movie. investigations. Najib’s lawyers had said he witnesses to say so,” he said. Najib, 67, also received 10 abuse of power. Prosecutors have also said Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow was misled by Malaysian fin- Najib can remain a law- years in jail on each of three $27m was used to buy a pink with Singapore’s Institute of ancier Jho Low and other 1MDB maker but will be disqualified charges of criminal breach of diamond necklace for Najib’s International Affairs, said the officials into believing that the if his conviction stands after all trust and three charges of by Najib’s lawyers to delay the wife, Rosmah Mansor, and some verdict was “the first time a funds banked in his accounts legal avenues have been money laundering for illegally jail sentence and the fine, but of the money went into prime minister has been con- were donated by the Saudi royal exhausted. receiving nearly $10m from SRC asked Najib to post additional warchests for Najib’s election victed of essentially corruption- family. Low has denied Najib’s party returned to International, a former unit of bail and report to a police campaigns. related charges and it testifies wrongdoing. power in February as part of an the state fund. station twice a month. Former US attorney-general to the level of corruption in Judge Mohamad Nazlan said alliance led by Prime Minister “After considering all evi- Najib had pleaded not Jeff Sessions described the Malaysia”. it was “far-fetched” to believe Muhyiddin Yassin, who yes- dence in this trial, I find that the guilty, and said he would appeal scandal as kleptocracy at its Politicians and others who Najib could have been misled terday said the government prosecution has successfully the verdict in Malaysia’s Federal worst. had raised concerns about by Low and asked why he never respected the verdict and was proven its case beyond a rea- Court if convicted. The verdict Allegations of corruption 1MDB years ago welcomed the questioned Low’s claim that the committed to the rule of law. sonable doubt,” Mohamad could potentially be partially or over 1MDB have hung over verdict. money was a donation. Sources said this week a Nazlan said. fully overturned, though that Najib for more than five years. “All the heartbreaks were Before sentencing, Najib guilty verdict could prompt He ordered the jail terms to could take years. But the criminal charges came well worth it today. Well done told the court he never Najib’s camp to withdraw run concurrently. The nearly $10m in the SRC only after his election defeat in Malaysia,” said Rafizi Ramli, a demanded or planned for the support for the government, The judge allowed a request case is a fraction of the funds 2018 when his successor former opposition lawmaker 42m ringgit in his account. which has a razor-thin majority. Pakistan reports lowest single-day virus tally; recoveries rise New statues stoke sensitivity ANATOLIA — ISLAMABAD Pakistan’s COVID-19 patients have credited this strategy for martyrdom of Hussain, the halls, restaurants, amusements have now recovered, the min- the country’s improving grandson of Islam’s Prophet parks, public parks, sports between South Pakistan yesterday reported its istry reported. numbers. Muhammad (Peace be upon clubs, retail shops, shopping lowest single-day tally of coro- Pakistan’s virus numbers “The world is widely him),” Khan warned. malls and plazas will remain Korea, Japan navirus cases since May, as the have fallen considerably over acknowledging our smart The government of Punjab, closed,” read the notification country’s recoveries ratio also recent weeks, but health experts lockdown strategy as our cases Pakistan’s most populous issued on Monday. AP — SEOUL moved closer to 90 percent. believe this could be due to are gradually declining,” Khan province, has announced strict It said pharmacies, petrol According to the Health reduced testing in the country said at a media briefing on restrictions ahead of this week’s pumps, grocery stores, bakeries, A pair of new statues in South Ministry, 936 more infections of over 212 million. Monday. Eid Al Adha holidays. vegetable and meat shops, agri- Korea of a man kneeling in front were recorded over the past 24 According to the Health However, he urged the According to a notification, culture machinery workshops, of a girl symbolising a victim of hours, bringing the overall Ministry, Pakistan has con- public to follow all precautions no social or religious gatherings and spare parts shops will be slavery by Japan’s wartime count to 275,225. ducted over 1.9 million tests so during the upcoming Eid Al will be allowed until August 5 allowed to operate. military is the latest subject of Daily fatalities stood at 23, far, with 19,610 more samples Adha, the Muslim festival of in the province, which has Similarly, authorities in the diplomatic sensitivity between up slightly from the three- tested over the past 24 hours. sacrifice, and the Islamic month reported more than 92,000 capital Islamabad have the countries, with Tokyo’s month low of 20 a day earlier, Authorities have imposed of Muharram. cases and over 2,100 deaths so announced that parks, hotels, government spokesperson taking the death toll to 5,865. locality-based lockdowns in “Virus cases could spike far. and other recreational spaces questioning whether the male Recoveries increased by virus hotspots across 20 cities, again if people neglect the “All educational and will be closed during the three- figure represents the Japanese 1,410 to reach 242,436, meaning and many officials, including safety guidelines on Eid Al Adha training institutions, marriage day Eid holiday starting this prime minister. that more than 88 percent of Prime Minister Imran Khan, and Ashura [anniversary of the halls, business centres, expo Friday. Kim Chang-ryeol, owner of a botanic garden in the mountain town of Pyeongchang, said yesterday that he cancelled Storm lashes Australian an unveiling ceremony for the bronze statues that was to take coast threatening homes place on August 10 because of what he described as unwanted controversy. AFP — WAMBERAL as it has done in the past. Kim said the statues were The government estimates his idea, but that he didn’t spe- Homes perched on Australia’s 39,000 buildings are located cifically intend the male figure stunning eastern coast were at close to “soft” shorelines around to be Japanese Prime Minister risk of being swept away Australia and are at risk of Shinzo Abe. Since his inaugu- yesterday, after days of driving erosion. ration in 2012, Abe has stoked rain, high winds and monster Before the winter storms, res- anger among South Koreans swells smashed the coastline. idents of Wamberal had been over his nationalistic stance on The last 48 hours have campaigning for coastal protec- Japan’s wartime past and his brought fresh warnings of gale- tions to be built. demands that South Korea force winds, rain and powerful Cahill, whose deck collapsed remove similar statues symbol- surf to an area north of Sydney, in the storm after the surf ripped ising slavery victims in front of where around 40 seafront prop- away chunks from his neigh- the Japanese Embassy in Seoul erties have been damaged by bours’ properties, has been living and other sites. successive storms in the last on the beach for 18 years and said But the statues at Kim’s month. sandstone blocks put in place by garden also drew criticism “I’ve been living on this beach the original owners of the among some South Koreans, for 18 years,” said resident property had saved his home. who described them as tacky or Gordon Cahill “we’ve had various He blamed local authorities excessively provocative on storm events come and go. This for not allowing other residents social media. Kim defended the time we’ve been nailed.” Erosion to build similar protections. An aerial photo shows homes perched on Australia’s eastern coastal town of Wamberal, yesterday, statues, saying they reflect his has long posed a threat in the “We have been bringing this that are at risk of being swept away after days of driving rain, high winds and monster swells smashed wish for the countries to resolve seaside town of Wamberal, matter up with council for the the coastline. their conflicts over history. He destroying homes in the 1970s best part of 30 years, through didn’t expect the statues to and again washing away huge various organisations, through very last minute to help prevent and “nerve-racking.” cliff face below. trigger political debates. swathes of the beachfront from various people, after every storm, further damage to properties, “You can feel the vibra- Unlike some houses in the During a briefing in Tokyo, properties in 2016. and it’s always the same deaf- dumping sandbags and tonnes tions through the house, you area, now directly endangered Japanese Chief Cabinet Sec- But as climate change drives ening silence,” he said. of rocks. go and look out every day and by erosion, her home had foun- retary Yoshihide Suga said it rising sea levels and increases the But since a devastating storm Margaret Brice — one of the a little bit more has slipped dations driven into the bedrock would be unacceptable under frequency and severity of storms, hit more than two weeks ago the few people to have remained to away,” she said as set after set but as the coast fell away, she “international courtesy” if the the beach will be unlikely to response had been different, with brave the latest weather — said of frothing foam chipped wondered what would be left if statues’ male figure did indeed recover as well between storms emergency crews working to the the episode was “devastating” away at the already crumbling nothing was done. represent Abe. North Korea’s Kim boasts of his nukes amid stalled talks with US AP — SEOUL States. North Korea has previ- “Now, we’ve changed to a suggesting they were reluctant met three times since Kim in rejected Kim’s proposal to get ously ratcheted up fiery rhetoric country which can defend itself to engage in a new round of 2018 abruptly reached out to extensive sanctions relief in North Korea leader Kim Jong or conducted weapons tests to reliably and unwaveringly diplomacy on the North’s Washington and Seoul for talks return for a limited denuclear- Un said his country’s hard-won wrest outside concessions. But against high-intensity pressures nuclear program anytime soon. after expressing his intent to isation step. nuclear weapons were a solid some experts say Pyongyang and military threats and black- US Secretary of State Mike deal away his advancing Kim entered this year with security guarantee and a will likely avoid serious talks mailing by imperialistic reac- Pompeo had said President nuclear arsenals. a vow to bolster his nuclear “reliable, effective” deterrent with Washington before the US tionaries and hostile forces,” Donald Trump would only want Many experts were scep- program and threatened to that could prevent a second presidential elections in Kim said. to engage with Kim if there tical of Kim’s disarmament unveil a new “strategic” Korean War, state media November as there is a chance “There won’t be any war on were real prospects of progress. commitment and said he only weapon. He also said he would reported yesterday. for a US leadership change. this land again and our national Kim’s sister and senior ruling aimed to weaken US-led sanc- no longer be bound by a self- Kim’s comments before war Kim said in his speech on security and future will be guar- party official, Kim Yo Jong, said tions and perfect his nuclear imposed moratorium on veterans marking the 67th anni- Monday his country has tried to anteed firmly and permanently a new summit would be programme. nuclear and long-range missile versary of the end of the become “a nuclear state” with because of our reliable, effective “unpractical” for North Korea The nuclear diplomacy tests. 1950-53 Korean War again “an absolute might” to prevent self-defensive nuclear and that Pyongyang won’t gift remains largely stalled since a Kim hasn’t performed such show he has no intention of another war and that it has now deterrent,” Kim said. Trump a high-level meeting second Kim-Trump meeting in high-profile weapons tests, abandoning his weapons as built such a deterrent, according Kim’s speech followed that he can boast as a foreign February 2019 in Vietnam col- which some analysts say could prospects dim for resuming to the Korean Central News recent remarks by both North policy achievement. lapsed without reaching any completely derail diplomacy diplomacy with the United Agency. Korean and US officials Kim Jong Un and Trump agreement because Trump Kim with the United States. WEDNESDAY 29 JULY 2020 EUROPE 13 Spain slams Germany & UK over travel advisories

REUTERS — MADRID Prime Minister country-wide basis, it was Boris Johnson said looking at setting quarantine Spain reacted angrily yesterday rules for different regions “in to recommendations from yesterday that Britain the future”. She gave no Britain and Germany that their would take action to timeframe. citizens avoid its islands and Spanish Foreign Minister beaches because of an increase impose quarantines Arancha Gonzalez Laya said in coronavirus cases during on other countries Madrid was working on con- what should be the height of the should COVID-19 vincing London to soften its tourism season. stance. With advisories piling up on infections rise. “We are still talking to top of a quarantine order from British authorities, explaining Britain for returning travellers, that the outbreaks in Spain are Spain, which depends on reaction was one of outrage. under control ... and making summer visits by sun-seeking “It annoys me because it’s sure that the measures taken by northern Europeans, is facing a not as though they were espe- Britain respond to epidemio- major blow to any hopes of cially better off than us,” said logical criteria and no other cri- reviving its economy. Madrid resident Isabel Garcia, teria that have nothing to do Tourism accounts for just who works in marketing. “Eve- with COVID,” Laya told over 12 percent of Spain’s GDP ryone is in a bad way, and the reporters in Athens. British tourists arrive at the Tenerife Sur Reina Sofia Airport on the Canary Island of Tenerife, in and nearly 13 percent of jobs. fact that they pick on Spain... It Britons make up the Spain, yesterday. The country lost one million seems wrong.” biggest group of foreign jobs between April and June, its But Britain stood firm, tourists in Spain, with some 18 Britain’s quarantine alone coronavirus cases and 28,434 in the past weeks. biggest ever quarterly decline, saying it would stick to the million travelling there last could cost Spanish tourism deaths, but the infection rates, Britain has, however, been and fears steeper losses as the sudden quarantine announced year, just over a fifth of the $11.73bn in lost revenue, Jorge which have jumped since a the hardest-hit country in summer season crashes. on Saturday and its late Monday total number of visitors. Some Marichal, the head of tourism nationwide lockdown ended in Europe. Some 300,111 people “It’s very unfair because it’s move to extend a travel 11.2 million Germans visited association CEHAT, told La June, vary widely from region have tested positive for coro- not based on any sanitary cri- advisory against travel in Spain, making them the Sexta television. to region. Catalonia and Aragon navirus and there have been teria,” Francina Armengol, the mainland Spain to the Canary second-largest group. Spain has recorded 278,782 have seen the highest increases 45,759 deaths. head of the key tourist Balearic and Balearic islands. region, told Cadena Ser radio of Prime Minister Boris the travel advisories. Johnson said yesterday that Britain’s decision had no Britain would take action to ‘Negligence’ blamed for Germany’s virus case rise logical explanation, Armengol impose quarantines on other said, adding that the archipel- countries should COVID-19 REUTERS — BERLIN “The rise has to do with the avoid a second wave, which season has prompted fears ago’s contagion rate was lower infections rise. fact that we have become neg- would bring back lockdowns that tourists returning from than that of the United “I’m afraid if we do see signs Negligence is behind ligent,” he added, urging after economically crippling destinations experiencing a Kingdom. The northern Spanish of a second wave in other coun- Germany’s steady rise in new people not to flout social dis- restrictions that closed many surge in new cases like Spain Aragon region said the no- tries, it is really our job, our coronavirus infections, the tancing rules. businesses for six weeks in could sow the seeds of a travel advisories were duty, to act swiftly and deci- head of a state-funded The number of daily new March and April. second wave. “discriminatory”. sively to stop travellers coming research body said yesterday, cases almost doubled yes- Europe’s biggest economy But Wieler downplayed Their comments chimed back from those places seeding adding it was unclear if a terday to 633, and the RKI, withstood the pandemic with that. with those of Spanish Prime the disease here in the UK,” he second wave was underway. which is Germany’s most far fewer deaths than some “It is irrelevant if you are Minister Pedro Sanchez, who on told reporters. “The new developments in closely followed compiler of large neighbours like France on holiday or at home,” he Monday said it was a mistake The only glimmer of hope Germany make me very COVID-19 data, linked that to and Italy, owing to widespread said. “The holiday is as much for Britain to have considered for Spain came from Britain’s worried,” Lothar Wieler, of the increased contact at parties testing, a well-equipped a part of the precautions Spain’s overall coronavirus rate junior transport minister Char- Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for and the workplace. healthcare system and good against the spread of rather than having a granular, lotte Vere, who said that while infectious diseases, said during With 206,000 confirmed adherence to social COVID-19 as your work and regional approach. London would continue to his first news conference in cases and just over 9,000 distancing. home life. The setting is On the streets of Madrid, the make decisions on a weeks. deaths, Germany wants to The summer holiday irrelevant.” World’s best Danish Prince recovering restaurants include 3 in UK, one in US after brain clot surgery

BLOOMBERG — LONDON AP — COPENHAGEN “It is the doctors’ assessment that Prince Joachim will not have Three UK restaurants and just Prince Joachim, the younger any physical effects or other one in the US make it into the son of Queen Margrethe of injuries as a result of the blood top fine-dining establishments Denmark, who underwent clot,” Balleby said. “Prince in the world, according to emergency surgery for a blood Joachim is expected to be moved TripAdvisor, whose annual clot in his brain won’t suffer out of the intensive care unit as rankings are published today any long-term effects, the royal soon as possible but will con- and bear little resemblance to palace said yesterday. tinue to be hospitalised for some the World’s 50 Best Restau- The 51-year-old prince, time to come.” rants and other lists. who had been on vacation in Joachim married Marie Auberge du Vieux Puits, in France, was admitted to the Cavallier, with whom he has Fontjoncouse, France, takes Toulouse University Hospital two children, in 2008, and she first place, followed by La Ville late Friday and was operated became Princess Marie. He also Blanche, in Rospez, France; and on early Saturday. has two children from his first then Chila, in Buenos Aires. The “The blood clot in the brain marriage to Hong-Kong born UK leader is the Black Swan at was due to a sudden dissection Alexandra Manley, who Oldstead, which previously of an artery, and the hospital’s became Countess of Freder- won. Also in England, the Fat medical team assesses that the iksborg after their divorce in Duck takes 10th place and risk of recurrence is very small 2005. Technicians work on the assembly line workstation for the construction of annular coils which will L’Enclume 14th. None of the when the artery has healed,” Joachim is sixth in the line to be part of the magnetic system that will contribute to confine and model plasma during the launch three is in London. The top US Lene Balleby, a spokeswoman Denmark’s throne after his elder entry is the French Laundry in of the assembly stage of nuclear fusion machine "Tokamak" of the International Thermonuclear for the royal household, said in brother, Crown Prince Frederik, Yountville, California, at 24th. Experimental Reactor (ITER) in Saint-Paul-les-Durance, southeastern France, yesterday. a statement. and his brother’s four children. The so-called Travellers’ Choice winners are calculated Work begins to recreate process that powers the Sun based on the millions of reviews Ukraine President cancels visa and opinions collected in 2019 AFP — SAINT-PAUL-LES-DURANCE in promotional material as the Furthermore, the fuel for from diners around the world. “world’s largest puzzle”. fusion is found in seawater and requirements for Chinese tourists The awards take into account Fourteen years after receiving The experimental plant’s lithium, abundant enough to the quality and quantity of Tri- the official go-ahead, scientists goal is to demonstrate that supply humanity for millions of REUTERS — KIEV Ukraine’s biggest trade partner pAdvisor reviews and ratings began to assemble a machine fusion power can be generated years. since Kiev’s relations with specific to each award category. in southern France yesterday sustainably, and safely, on a “A pineapple-sized amount Tourists from China will not Moscow collapsed after Russia The absence of professional and that will seek to prove whether commercial scale. of this fuel is the equivalent of need a visa to visit Ukraine annexed the Crimea peninsula expert judges means the awards nuclear fusion, the process “Fusion provides clean, 10,000 tonnes of coal,” the from August 1 until January 31 and supported a pro-Russian tend to differ from other which powers the Sun, can be reliable energy without carbon statement said. next year under a decree signed separatist rebellion in the assessments. a safe and viable energy source emissions,” said a statement The ITER machine will be by President Volodymyr Donbass region in 2014. For example, there’s no for Earth. from the 35 ITER partners: constructed from about a Zelenskiy, his office said. Earlier this month, Zel- place in the list for winners of The groundbreaking mul- China, the 27 members of the million components, and initial “The decree was signed in enskiy imposed visa-free rules the World’s 50 Best, including tinational experiment, ITER, European Union, Britain, Swit- experiments are set to begin in order to develop friendly rela- starting from August 1 for Eleven Madison Park in New has seen components arrive in zerland, India, Japan, South December 2025. tions between Ukraine and tourists from Australia, New York; Noma, in Copen- the tiny commune of Saint- Korea, Russia and the United The facility is meant to China, as well as to intensify Zealand and several Arab states. hagen; nor the current holder, Paul-les-Durance from all States. produce about 500 megawatts bilateral cooperation in the field EU citizens, and tourists Mirazur, in the south of France. corners of the world in recent “Fusion is safe, with minute of thermal power, translating of tourism,” it said in a statement. from the US, Canada and some On the other hand, the months. amounts of fuel and no physical into about 200 megawatts of Chinese citizens will be able other countries, were given the winner, Auberge du Vieux The components must now possibility of a run-away electric energy if operated con- to stay in Ukraine for 30 days possibility of entering Ukraine Puits, does hold three Michelin be painstakingly put together accident with meltdown,” it tinuously, or enough to power within a six-month period. for short trips without a visa 15 stars. to finish what is dubbed by ITER added. some 200,000 homes. China has become years ago. Police search German allotment garden in Madeleine McCann case AFP — HANOVER her parents dined with friends Allgemeine newspaper. Police revealed in June that sentence for drug trafficking in According to police, the at a nearby restaurant Police began searching the they were investigating a Kiel. suspect lived in the Algarve Police were searching an Despite a huge international site, clearing trees and using an 43-year-old German man over A court in Brunswick had region of Portugal between 1995 allotment plot in the northern manhunt, no trace of her has excavator to dig up the area. the 2007 disappearance of separately sentenced Christian and 2007. German city of Hanover in been found, nor has anyone Several police vehicles were three-year-old “Maddie”, saying B to seven years in prison last German prosecutors said in connection with the disap- been charged over her parked along the side, while they believe he killed her. December for an assault against June they had “concrete evi- pearance of British girl Madeleine disappearance. officers with spades were shov- The suspect, who was not a 72-year-old American tourist dence” that Madeleine is dead, McCann, deploying an excavator “I can confirm that the elling in the cordoned-off zone. named by police but identified in 2005 — in the same seaside despite British police continuing and sniffer dogs to the scene. search is being carried out in Police also used a forklift to by German media as Christian village of Praia da Luz where to treat her disappearance as a Madeleine went missing connection with our investiga- transport large stones out of the B, lived in Hanover from 2007, Maddie went missing. missing persons case. from her family’s holiday tions into the Maddie McCann area. according to the Hannoversche But that sentence has not However, despite repeated apartment in the Portuguese case,” Brunswick prosecutor Meyer gave no details of Allgemeine. yet been finalised pending an appeals for information, pros- holiday resort of Praia da Luz Julia Meyer said, when asked how the plot was connected to Christian B has a history of appeal by the defendant’s ecutors have no forensic evi- on May 3, 2007, a few days about the operation first the case or what they were previous convictions including lawyers over extradition dence and have so far not filed before her fourth birthday, as reported by local Hannoversche hoping to find. rape. He is currently serving a technicalities. any formal charges. 14 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 29 JULY 2020 Trump again pushes unproven drug as COVID-19 treatment

AP — WASHINGTON “The overwhelming “I go along with the FDA,” I think it’s very important. We’re prevailing clinical said Fauci, the longtime director in the middle of a crisis with US President Donald Trump’s of the National Institute for regard to an epidemic, a pan- attempt to project a more trials that have looked Allergy and Infectious Diseases. demic. This is what I do. This is serious tone about the corona- at the efficacy of “The overwhelming prevailing what I’ve been trained for my virus lasted for about a week. clinical trials that have looked entire professional life and I’ll Yesterday, he resumed hydroxychloroquine at the efficacy of hydroxychlo- continue to do it.” spreading misinformation about have indicated that roquine have indicated that it Asked about claims he’s how to fight the virus and it is not effective in is not effective in coronavirus been misleading the public, amplifying criticism of Dr. disease.” Fauci said: “I have not been Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top coronavirus disease,” It’s not the first time Fauci misleading the American public infectious disease expert, who said Dr. Anthony has come under attack from under any circumstances.” said he’d keep his head down Trump and those close to him. Trump shared a tweet of a and do his job. Fauci. The president’s top trade video that’s circulating on social Social media platforms adviser, Peter Navarro, who has media pushing misleading worked to remove multiple ver- patients, including a video of a clashed with Fauci over hydrox- claims about hydroxychloro- sions of a video promoted by doctor claiming to have suc- ychloroquine, recently penned quine. Earlier in the pandemic, Trump that included unproven cessfully used the drug on hun- a scathing attack on the doctor Trump advocated vigorously for claims about treating people dreds of patients. that was published by USA hydroxychloroquine to be used who test positive for the virus, Numerous studies have Today. The newspaper later said as a treatment, or even a pre- but only after more than 17 shown that hydroxychloroquine the opinion piece did not meet ventative, telling people, “What million people had seen one is not effective and the US Food its standards. have you got to lose?” version of it. and Drug Administration In recent nationally tele- Trump also said he took a As he often does, the pres- recently withdrew an order that vised interviews, Trump himself 14-day course of the drug. ident used Twitter, where he allowed the drug’s use as a has described Fauci as “a bit of Facebook, Twitter and A volunteer directs a line of cars waiting to receive free medical- has more than 84 million fol- emergency treatment. an alarmist” and accused him YouTube began scrubbing their grade personal protective equipment (PPE), at a drive-through lowers, to sow fresh doubt Trump also shared a post of making “mistakes” in his sites of the video Monday distribution centre set up in a Rose Bowl parking lot in Pasadena, about the most effective ways from the Twitter account for a coronavirus guidance to the because it includes misleading California, yesterday. to treat COVID-19, the disease podcast hosted by Steve American people. claims about hydroxychloro- caused by the coronavirus, and Bannon, a former top White Asked if he can do his job quine, and glosses over the before Facebook took it down. one version of the video as a risked undermining his own House adviser to Trump, while Trump publicly questions dangers of taking it. But dozens Facebook is trying to remove “must watch!!!” Monday night recent admonitions to wear accusing Fauci of misleading his credibility, Fauci said of versions of the video remain the video because it is “sharing was also taken down by the masks and maintain a social the public over Tuesday he’ll press ahead “no live on their platforms, with false information about cures platform. Twitter put Trump Jr’s distance while hoping a vaccine hydroxychloroquine. matter what” because of the conservative news outlets, and treatments for COVID-19,” account on a 12-hour timeout, will emerge in the coming Fauci, a leading member of stakes involved. groups and internet personal- according to Andy Stone, a meaning he cannot tweet or months. the White House coronavirus “I don’t tweet. I don’t even ities sharing it on their pages, spokesman for the platform. retweet during that period. He’s Trump retweeted a series of task force, responded to read them, so I don’t really want where users have viewed them Twitter also said it is also required to delete the tweet tweets advocating for the anti- Trump’s tweets during an to go there,” Fauci said. “I just millions of times. working to remove the video. A before he will be reinstated. malaria drug hydroxychloro- appearance yesterday on ABC’s will continue to do my job no One version of the video tweet from the president’s son, Twitter declined to say when quine to be used in COVID-19 “Good Morning America.” matter what comes out because had more than 17 million views Donald Trump Jr., describing the timeout began. Obama, George Trump to reject new applications for ‘Dreamer’ migrant programme Clooney to hold REUTERS — WASHINGTON found the administration had The previous policy had campaign, but DACA is a com- programme. virtual fundraiser erred in the way that it had been to extend the eligibility for plicated issue for him because “We’re going to review all US President Donald Trump’s decided to end the Deferred two years. of increasing public support of of that and all the underlying for Joe Biden administration said yesterday Action for Childhood Arrivals “These actions will limit the the programme. communications that informed that it will reject any new appli- (DACA) programme in 2017. The scope of the program while DHS The Supreme Court left the those documents, so that when REUTERS — WASHINGTON cations for the so-called official did not say how long the and the administration review door open for Trump to attempt the administration next acts on ‘Dreamer’ immigrant review would take. its legality, justifications for a again to rescind the pro- DACA, it will be anchored on Former President Barack programme and shorten the DACA was put in place by possible wind-down and other gramme, ruling only that the this comprehensive review,” the Obama will be joined by actor deportation protections of those former President Barack Obama considerations relevant to administration had not met pro- official said. George Clooney in Obama’s whose eligibility is soon to and currently some 644,000 deciding whether to keep or cedural requirements and its Trump, in an interview with latest effort to boost Democrat expire and needs renewal. immigrants are enrolled. wind down the DACA policy,” actions were “arbitrary and Noticias Telemundo earlier this Joe Biden’s presidential The administration is pre- The administration plans the official said. capricious” under a federal law month, said he would soon campaign. paring a fresh attempt to end to continue its existing policy The decision means the pro- called the Administrative Pro- unveil an immigration measure Obama and Clooney will the programme that shields of not accepting new DACA gramme will remain in place cedure Act. that he said would include some engage in a “virtual conver- from deportation hundreds of applicants, a policy in place through the November 3 presi- The administration is due to protections for DACA. sation” according to an invi- thousands of immigrants living since 2017, the official told dential election, in which Trump file paperwork with the district “We’re working out the legal tation to donors obtained by in the United States illegally Reuters. is fighting for a second term court in Maryland on Tuesday complexities right now, but I’m Reuters. after entering as children — a It will extend the eligibility against Democrat Joe Biden. clarifying its plan. going to be signing a very major Tickets range from $250 to group often called ‘Dreamers.’ by a year for those DACA immi- Trump has made his The official said the admin- immigration bill as an executive $250,000. A senior administration grants whose protection from hardline stance on both legal istration will conduct “an order, which the Supreme Court In June, Obama held a fun- official said there would be a deportation was due to expire, and illegal immigration a exhaustive review” of the now, because of the DACA draiser for Biden, Obama’s lengthy review of a Supreme as long as they do not have a central platform of his presi- memos that it initially used to decision, has given me the former vice president, that Court ruling last month that criminal record, the official said. dency and his 2020 re-election justify the winding down of the power to do that,” Trump said. brought in more than $11m. Biden will face President Donald Trump in the November 3 general election. Protest groups sue US over The coronavirus pandemic has forced Biden to hold cam- tear gas, rubber bullets paign events online or close to his Delaware home. But virtual AP — PORTLAND lawsuit said. fundraisers have proven to be It claimed the tactics are effective for Biden, helping Two groups protesting US unlawful and said the presence him and allied Democratic agents sent to Portland by Pres- of the agents in Portland vio- groups outraise Trump and ident Donald Trump to tamp lates “a foundational principle Republican groups in May and down demonstrations outside of American democracy” June. a federal courthouse have sued because the agents are essen- Biden will also give an the Department of Homeland tially performing local police address in Wilmington, Del- Security, alleging it violated the duties that are reserved for aware detailing how he would Constitution by sending federal state and local authorities. address systemic racism and law enforcement to disperse The lawsuit was filed in US racial economic inequality, crowds with tear gas and District Court in Washington, the fourth and final plank of rubber bullets. DC after Portland’s mayor and his sweeping plan to revitalise The Wall of Moms — a group the leaders of five other major the coronavirus-hit US of self-described mothers — and US cities appealed to Congress economy. the Don’t Shoot Portland group to make it illegal for the US Clooney, an outspoken filed the lawsuit late Monday government to deploy agents critic of Trump, and his wife against Acting Homeland to cities that don’t want them. Amal head the Clooney Foun- Security Secretary Chad Wolf “This administration’s egre- dation for Justice, a global and other federal officials. The gious use of federal force on human-rights advocacy agency did not respond to a cities over the objections of organization. Last month, he request for comment. local authorities should never donated $500,000 to the Members of the group of happen,” said the letter sent to Equal Justice Initiative, a non- mothers have “been tear- US House and Senate leaders profit that provides legal rep- gassed night after night, left from the mayors of Portland, resentation to prisoners who Fire incident in San Francisco vomiting and unable to eat or Seattle, Chicago, Kansas City, may have been wrongly The firefighters are seen on a site of fire in San Francisco, California, yesterday. sleep because of the toxic Albuquerque, New Mexico and accused. poison blasted at them,” the Washington. UN experts warn Venezuela it could be in breach of North Korea sanctions REUTERS — NEW YORK terms of the agreement and the Panel would like to request The UN panel of experts Korea and Venezuela exists During a conversation with spelled out the UN sanctions a response ... concerning infor- reports annually to the council and the UN report and letters Cabello on state television the UN investigators monitoring that could bar such a deal. mation regarding above sus- on sanctions compliance. did not provide any details. In night of the tweet, Maduro ref- compliance with sanctions on The probe comes as US pected cooperation,” panel In its latest annual report, an October 2, 2019 tweet, erenced military agreements North Korea are looking into a sanctions on the South coordinator Alastair Morgan on March 2, the panel said it had Maduro congratulated Cabello but did not provide details or possible military and tech- American country — intended wrote on June 12. started probing a possible mil- for the “tremendous agree- specify whether they were nology deal between Pyongyang to force out President Nicolas North Korea’s formal name itary and technological coop- ments” signed during his recent signed with North Korea or and Venezuela and have Maduro over allegations he is the Democratic People’s eration deal signed by Diosdado Asian tour, which included Vietnam. warned Caracas that it could be rigged his 2018 re-election — Republic of Korea (DPRK). Cabello — who leads the ruling stops in North Korea and “You were deployed with in violation of UN Security and increasing diplomatic iso- The country has been socialist party and a legislative Vietnam. our brothers in North Korea and Council resolutions. lation are pushing Venezuela to subject to UNsanctions since body known as the National The investigators’ October Vietnam, reaching great agree- In two previously unre- deepen ties with US adversaries 2006. The sanctions have been Constituent Assembly loyal to letter to Moncada includes a ments for agricultural pro- ported letters to Venezuela’s UN like Iran and North Korea. strengthened by the 15-member Maduro — during a September news report about the Maduro duction, political formation, Ambassador, Samuel Moncada “Taking into consideration UN Security Council over the 2019 Pyongyang trip. tweet as an exhibit; it is unclear industrial production, com- — sent in October and last that such cooperation is a rec- years in a bid to cut off funding Reuters could not verify whether their probe has mercial and energy exchange, month — the independent panel ognised way for the DPRK to for Pyongyang’s nuclear and whether a military and tech- unearthed further evidence for military support and coop- of UN experts asked for specific violate relevant UN resolutions, ballistic missile programmes. nological deal between North beyond that report. eration,” Maduro said. 24 HOME WEDNESDAY 29 JULY 2020