MUHARRAM 16, 1443 AH TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2021

16 Pages Max 47º Min 29º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18514 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Foreign Minister receives US VP Harris vows ‘enduring Angelina the fastest Instagram Uncertainty, fear for Afghan 2 credentials of new ambassadors 7 engagement’ in Asia 11 user to gain 1 million followers 14 cricketers as Taleban take over

Amir approves transit of 5,000 Afghan evacuees

US envoy lauds Kuwait’s cooperation for evacuating American citizens

KUWAIT: Kuwait approved the transit of 5,000 save and protect both Americans and our partners Afghan nationals, who have been evacuated from facing danger in Afghanistan. We deeply appreci- their country to the US under the directions of His ate the support our allies have offered and are Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- proud to partner with them in our shared support Jaber Al-Sabah, the foreign ministry said on Sunday. of the Afghan people. Kuwait, one of our closest This move comes in “recognition of the strategic friends in the Middle East, quickly rose to the relations between the State of Kuwait and the occasion and lent a helping hand. The Kuwaiti United States of America,” according to the min- Government generously chartered planes from istry statement. It also aims to “enhance the exist- Kuwait Airways to help facilitate this essential ing cooperation between them and in continuation evacuation operation. Thank you to His Highness of the humanitarian role of the State of Kuwait, the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- which calls for the importance of securing safe pas- Sabah for his commitment to this humanitarian sage for diplomats and foreign nationals and the effort and our joint partnership, and his approval facilitation of evacuations from Afghanistan.” of the safe transit of 5,000 Afghans through Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Kuwait Alina Kuwait to onward destinations,” she said. Romanowski has lauded Kuwait for the coopera- “Since August 16, more than 850 Americans and tion for evacuating American citizens and at-risk personnel at embassy in Kabul transited safely locals from Afghanistan and has deeply appreciat- from Afghanistan to the United States via Kuwait ed its support at this level. on five separate flights. Kuwaiti government char- “Over the past several days, the United States tered flights also transferred more than 400 Nepali has mobilized an unprecedented global effort to Local Guards from the US embassy in Kabul to evacuate US citizens, personnel from partner Nepal. This is not the first time Kuwait has stood by nations, and at-risk individuals from Kabul,” the the United States. In 2005, for example, Kuwait US ambassador said in a press statement released pledged $500 million in aid to US relief efforts KUWAIT: A handout picture released by the US embassy in Kuwait shows American Ambassador in yesterday. “The state department is working after Hurricane Katrina, the single largest donation Kuwait Alina Romanowski talking to military personnel as she checks on US evacuees from around the clock with our allies and partners in of its kind at the time,” the statement said. Afghanistan transiting through Kuwait. — AFP every region of the world to mobilize resources to Continued on Page 2

To manage the chaotic airlifting of for- through the Kabul airport, the Pentagon said Taleban warn of eigners and Afghans-many of whom fear yesterday as the US speeds toward complet- reprisals for working with Western nations- ing its airlift by an August 31 deadline. thousands of soldiers have poured back into General Hank Taylor told reporters that 61 ‘consequences’ if Afghanistan, with pressure growing on military, commercial and charter flights Washington to extend the deadline. But the involving a number of countries flew out US extends airlift Taleban, who have so far sought to strike a from Hamid Karzai International Airport in more moderate tone, showed no willingness the 24 hours to 3 am yesterday (0700 GMT) KABUL: The Taleban warned yesterday to compromise on the US pullout. carrying people escaping the country after there would be “consequences” if the “If the US or UK were to seek additional the Taleban seized power. Of the total evacu- United States and its allies extend their time to continue evacuations-the answer is ated that day, 11,000 were taken out by the presence in Afghanistan beyond next week, no. Or there would be consequences,” US military airlift operations, Taylor said. as chaos continued to overwhelm Kabul air- Taleban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told Sky Meanwhile, the Organization of Islamic port. The hardline Islamists’ takeover of the News yesterday. Staying beyond the agreed Cooperation (OIC) said Sunday Afghanistan country last weekend shocked Western deadline would be “extending occupation”, should never again be allowed to shelter nations, coming just two weeks before an he added. “terrorist organizations”, and called for August 31 deadline for all troops to fully Around 16,000 people were evacuated inclusive dialogue to resolve the crisis withdraw from the country. over the past 24 hours from Afghanistan Continued on Page 2 KABUL: Taleban fighters in a vehicle patrol the streets of Kabul yesterday. — AFP

21 dead, 20 missing after US flooding WASHINGTON: Devastating floods after record rainfall in the southern US state of Tennessee have left at least 21 people dead and at least 20 more missing, local officials said Sunday in what they warned was a preliminary toll. Tennessee was hit Saturday by what meteorologists called historic storms and flooding, dumping as DOHA: Candidates leave after registering to run in the country’s upcoming elec- much as 17 inches (38 centimeters) of rain. tion to the Shura Council in Doha Sunday. — AFP Rural roads, state highways, bridges and hundreds of homes were washed out and Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. Only widespread power outages affected thou- Qatar opens descendants of Qataris who were citi- sands of people. zens in 1930 will be eligible to vote and However, tropical storm Henri was HELMETTA, US: Members of the New Market Volunteer Fire Company perform a second- stand, disqualifying members of families downgraded to a tropical depression late ary search during an evacuation effort following a flash flood as Tropical Storm Henri registration naturalized since that year. Sunday after slamming into Rhode Island makes landfall in Helmetta, New Jersey, Sunday. — AFP Some members of the sizable Al- on the US east coast, knocking out power for Oct 2 polls Murra tribe are among those who face to thousands of Americans, uprooting died. Henri is a rare tropical storm to rescuing 86 people, including 16 children, being excluded from the electoral process. It will take a super-majority trees, and bringing record rainfall. strike America’s northeastern seaboard from submerged vehicles. In Helmetta, 30 DOHA: Qatar opened candidate regis- In Humpreys County, about 90 minutes tration for its first legislative elections vote of the new, elected Shura Council to and comes as the surface layer of oceans miles south, volunteer firefighters waded amend the eligibility law and extend the from country music hub Nashville, the warms due to climate change. The warm- through waist-deep water to help evacu- Sunday, announcing the much-delayed downpour on Saturday broke a 24-hour polls would be held on October 2. franchise to include more recently ing is causing cyclones to become more ate residents from waterlines rising dan- arrived Qatari families. “(A) decree stipu- rainfall record for Tennessee, the National powerful and carry more water, posing an gerously close to their homes. Some Elections to the 45-seat Shura Council, as proposed under a 2004 con- lated that Saturday, October 2, 2021 Weather Service said. Tennessee Governor increasing threat to the world’s coastal 79,000 people lost power in Rhode stitution, have been postponed repeated- would be set as the date for electing Bill Lee described “picture of loss and communities, scientists say. Island and another 33,000 suffered members heartache” in Waverly, a hard-hit town of ly and its members have instead been In Newark, New Jersey, flash flooding blackouts in directly named by the Amir Sheikh Continued on Page 2 around 4,500 where 20 of the victims caused havoc with emergency services Continued on Page 2 2 Established 1961 Local Tuesday, August 24, 2021 Kuwait’s Foreign Minister receives credentials of new ambassadors

KUWAIT: Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al- Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah meets Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah meets Sabah meets Ambassador of Senegal to Kuwait. Ambassador of Mauritania to Kuwait. Ambassador of Qatar to Kuwait.

KUWAIT: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah received yesterday at the Foreign Ministry Headquarter copies of credentials of the new ambassadors of Senegal, Mauritania and Qatar. The Minister wished the new diplomats success in their missions, and further prosperity to Kuwait’s bilateral ties with their nations. — KUNA

Defense Minister receives Kuwait donates call from US counterpart six fire engines KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Deputy Prime to Tunisia Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al- TUNIS: Tunisia yesterday expressed its Sabah received a phone call from appreciation for Kuwait’s assistance in the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd fighting devastating wildfires fanned by Austin. During the call, both sides soaring temperatures, saying it was discussed issues of joint interest, a thankful for the “gracious gesture.” The host of topics regarding the regional and international arenas, aid, comprising an assortment of fire- according to a statement released fighting equipment, could not have come by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense at a more appropriate time, Tunisian Kuwait’s Defense Minister Sheikh yesterday. Minister Sheikh Hamad, Foreign Minister Othman Jerandi said, Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah during the call, invited his US thanking His Highness the Amir Sheikh fires in the North African country. operations in the North African coun- counterpart to visit Kuwait, under- Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for Kuwait Fire Force had said earlier try. The donation comes within the scoring depth of the bilateral rela- call that depicted the US keenness “yet another noble act.” Similarly, yesterday that upon His Highness the brotherly bonds and support in facing tions between the two friendly on cementing cooperation and Tunisia’s Interior Minister Ridha Amir’s directives, Kuwait Army Air crises and disasters, as it reflects countries and their mutual keen- joint action between the State of Gharsallaoui thanked Kuwait for the aid Force sent two aircraft to the Republic Kuwait’s pioneering role in providing ness on boosting these bonds. He Kuwait and the United States of it has given his country, which runs the of Tunisia, carrying donation of six ful- humanitarian aid, KFF’s Public thanked secretary Austin for the America. — KUNA gamut from COVID assistance to push- ly-equipped firefighting vehicles to Relations and Information said in a ing rescue efforts amid the raging wild- confront forest fires and help in rescue statement. — KUNA

coalition operations in Iraq and continues to play Amir approves an integral role in the fight against ISIS. Moreover, Kuwait is a gracious host to American troops, which allows us to continue our mission of helping transit of 5,000... to defend our regional partners. The United States deeply values its friendship with Kuwait, and we Continued from Page 1 look forward to marking 60 years of diplomatic ties this September. “Today, Kuwait is a major non-NATO ally and a As Secretary Blinken said last week following his vital strategic partner to the United States not only phone call with Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmed on a bilateral basis, but also on working together Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah: “We deeply for stability in the region, for progress, for peace, appreciate the Kuwaiti government’s support, a and bringing countries together. prime example of our enduring partnership,” the “Since 2003, Kuwait has supported US and statement added. — KUNA

ports canceled almost 200 between them, they said. 21 dead, 20 President Joe Biden ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate disas- ter relief efforts in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and missing after... New York, where Governor Andrew Cuomo deployed 500 National Guard soldiers. “We’re Continued from Page 1 doing everything we can now to help those states prepare, respond and recover,” he told reporters. Connecticut, according to the tracking website Henri missed New York City by several miles but poweroutage.us. still caused tropical storm conditions overnight and More than 200 flights were canceled at Newark throughout Sunday, where a flash flood warning airport while New York’s LaGuardia and JFK air- was in effect until 5.45 pm. — AFP

active element in Qatar.” Qatar opens The registration process will run until Thursday, and campaigning is due to begin next month. “Holding elections in Qatar gives me an opportunity registration... to contribute to the service of this country, which has spent on my education up to Master’s degree,” Continued from Page 1 said Lahdan bin Issa Hassan Al-Muhannadi who is seeking to contest the northern Al-Khor and Al- of the Shura Council,” the Amir’s office said in a Dhakhira constituency. statement. At Qatar University, on the outskirts of “This is one of the main landmarks in the history Doha, mostly male would-be politicians filed into a of Qatar.” The election has sparked a torrent of hall to register their intention to stand in the election. fake news on social media with the Arabic hashtag They will face scrutiny from the interior ministry #BoycottQatarElections trending on Twitter, against a number of criteria including criminal and despite initially being posted by only one account, character checks, as well as verification of their indicating manipulation. Prime Minister Sheikh claim to Qatari citizenship. Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani said that “I have been waiting for the elections for years,” the polls, “the first in Qatar’s history... must pre- law graduate and election hopeful Lina Nasser Al- serve national unity”, according to the official Dafa said. “Nothing is difficult for women-we are an Qatar News Agency. —AFP

terday that according to the German military erupted Taleban warn of between Afghan guards and unknown assailants. German and American troops “participated in further exchange of fire”, the German army said in a statement. ‘consequences’ if... The Taleban, infamous for an ultra-strict interpretation of sharia law during their initial 1996-2001 rule, have repeat- Continued from Page 1 edly vowed a softer version this time. President Biden has insisted he wants to end the US following the Taleban’s takeover. The Jeddah-based military presence and the airlifts by August 31.But with organization said it would dispatch envoys to the European Union and Britain saying it would be impossible to get everyone out by then, Biden is under Afghanistan to stress the importance of “peace, stability, pressure to extend the deadline. and national reconciliation”. In the streets of the capital, the Taleban have Two Taleban sources meanwhile told AFP the enforced a calm of a kind, with their armed forces group would not announce the makeup of its govern- patrolling the streets and manning checkpoints. Visually, ment or cabinet until the last US soldier has left the they have also been looking to stamp their authority, country. The rush to leave Kabul has sparked harrow- ensuring the tri-colored national flag is replaced with ing scenes and killed at least eight people, some their white banner. At a roadside in Kabul at the week- crushed to death while at least one person died after end, young men sold Taleban flags, which bear in black falling from a moving plane. One Afghan was killed text the Muslim proclamation of faith and the regime’s and three others were injured in a dawn firefight yes- formal name: “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan”. — AFP Established 1961 3 Tuesday, August 24, 2021 Local Kuwait approves ‘Ronapreve’ antibody drug for COVID-19 Three COVID-19 wards closed at Farwaniya Hospital

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s pharmaceutical regulator yes- Switzerland and Canada. terday granted emergency use approval for an arti- Phase 3 trials of Ronapreve in Japan had also ficial antibody drug known as ‘Ronapreve’ to treat shown that high-risk non-hospitalized patients COVID-19, the health ministry said. The antibody treated with the drug had a 70 percent reduction in drug, developed by the US biotech company subsequent hospitalization and death, Swiss phar- Regeneron, has been approved by the Medicines maceutical giant Roche had explained earlier. It also and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency; UK’s shortened the period of symptomatic illness by four drug regulator, said the ministry’s Assistant days, Roche said, adding that the phase 1 trials had Undersecretary for drug control Dr Abdullah Al- showed the safety and tolerability of the drug Bader. The drug has been shown to be effective in among the Japanese population. reducing the likelihood of COVID-induced hospi- talizations, added the official, hailing the medication Wards closed as a useful tool to ease the strain on hospitals. Meanwhile, Farwaniya Hospital Director Dr The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Mohammad Al-Rashidi announced yesterday that Regulatory Agency had announced last Friday that three out of the hospital’s six COVID-19 wards have it has approved Ronapreve, the first monoclonal been closed, in the newest sign of recovery Kuwait antibody treatment to prevent and fight COVID-19 is witnessing in its fight against the virus. The hospi- in the UK. The decision came after a review of clin- tal could also close the intensive care unit for ical trial data showed the drug that may be used to COVID-19 patients soon due to the sharp drop in prevent and treat acute COVID-19 infection and patient admissions, Dr Rashidi added. This comes reduce hospital admissions due to coronavirus. after Dr Abdullah Al-Mutairi, a consultant at the Phase 3 studies of the treatment found it reduced ICU at Jaber Hospital, said recently that three the risk of hospitalization or death in high-risk, non- COVID-19 ICU wards have closed as, while Dr hospitalized patients by 70 percent compared with Dana Al-Haqan, a pediatric consultant at the hospi- placebo. Ronapreve also reduced the duration of tal, had announced last week that the last child was coronavirus symptoms from 14 to ten days in those discharged from the hospital. KUWAIT: This July 27, 2021 file photo shows a nurse administering a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to a with the virus. Kuwait’s daily COVID-19 cases continued to man at a vaccination center in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh in Kuwait. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat In July, Japan became the first country to fully drop as the country announced on Sunday register- approve its Ronapreve antibody treatment for ing 167 new cases in the previous 24 hours, in addi- patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Before tion to one death - raising total cases and deaths to stood at 318 as of Sunday, including 153 in ICUs, he Health authorities have recently announced that, the antibody combination had been author- 408,245 and 2,404 respectively. The tests to infec- added, while 4,524 were receiving regular treatment. opening new vaccination center as the country ized for emergency or temporary pandemic use in tions ratio registered on Sunday was 1.69 percent as Total recoveries reached 401,317 after 571 fresh nears vaccinating 70 percent of the population a number of countries and regions, including the 9,878 swab tests were taken during the same period. recoveries were announced on Sunday. Meanwhile, against COVID-19, with a daily capacity of European Union, United States, India, The number of people hospitalized with the virus the recovery rate increased to 98.3 percent. 100,000 administered doses. Kuwait treats six Lebanese injured in Akkar explosion KUWAIT: Six Lebanese people who were injured in a recent fuel tank explosion in northern Lebanon are being treated at Al-Babtain Center for Burns and Plastic Surgery, the health ministry announced yester- day. In a statement to the press, ministry spokesperson Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad said the move came upon direc- tives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as they have been immediately transferred to the center as soon as they arrived in the country. Dr Qutaibah Al-Kanderi, head of the medical team supervising the cases, noted that the burns varied between 50 and 80 percent in severity. A Kuwait Airways plane transported late Sunday the Lebanese patients who were injured in the explo- sion that took place in the city of Akkar recently. Speaking in a joint news conference with Kuwait’s Ambassador to Lebanon Abdelaal Al-Qenaei, Lebanon’s health minister Hamad Hassan expressed appreciation to Kuwait for this humanitarian move, saying Kuwait has been providing support to Lebanon. He pointed to the shortage of medical supplies and medicine at Lebanon’s hospitals. Meanwhile, Qenaei said that the Lebanese health minister contacted them in the wake of the blast and asked to help provide treatment for some of the wounded in Kuwait as Lebanon’s health system suffers severe shortages. Qenaei added that this desire was conveyed to His Highness the Amir who ordered transferring the wounded to Kuwait for treatment. He noted that those wounded would head to Kuwait, and receive necessary medicine and healthcare. —KUNA KUWAIT: Medical personnel admit the Lebanese patients at Al-Babtain Center for Burns shortly after their arrival from Lebanon. —KUNA photos Coral reefs around Kuwait’s Qaruh island bleached: EPA

KUWAIT: Coral reefs skirting the consecutive weeks, he said, indicating Kuwaiti island of Qaruh have been that they may be revived once they bleached, largely due to the waters’ are liberated of the heat related stress. upper layers overheating and altering Meanwhile, the EPA yesterday environment related to climatic denied online reports claiming the change, the Environment Public coastal regions have witnessed death Authority said yesterday. “EPA’s of large numbers of fish. There was a teams found out during surveys of countable number of fish deaths at locations around the island that the some coastal regions over the past coral reefs there have been bleached,” few days, EPA said in a statement, said Abdullah Al-Zaidan, the deputy adding that the death of fish could not director general for technical affairs. be classified as serious unless the Measuring the water’s temperature, number of dead fish exceeds 100,000. they found out that it hit 34 degrees The fish death is a global phenome- on Saturday, as compared to 37 non that recurs annually, it said, degrees in July. The bleaching of the affirming that fish die due to waters’ reefs may occur when temperature high temperature and irresponsible rises at least one degree for three acts by sea-goers. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense launched a three-day blood donation drive yesterday in cooperation with the Ministry of Health. —KUNA KUWAIT: This handout photo released by Kuwait’s Environment Public Authority yesterday shows bleaching on coral reefs near the Qaruh Island. —KUNA 4 Established 1961 Local Tuesday, August 24, 2021

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News in brief Prime Minister to visit New York

KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al- Khaled Al-Sabah is set to travel to New York next month on an official visit, Al-Qabas Arabic newspaper reported yester- day quoting informed sources, noting that preparations are ongoing to finalize the visit’s agenda.

Drill in Avenues Mall

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior yesterday said that the country’s Special Forces and US army would perform a security drill in the Avenues Mall at 2:00 am this morning. The ministry’s security media and public relations department said in a press statement that this exercise comes as part of deep relations and cooperation between the two institutions in the field of training.

Officers probed for alleged forgery

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s anti-corruption authority is investigating KUWAIT: This photo taken on August 15, 2021 shows a crowded road in Kuwait City, Kuwait. Heavy traffic returned to most main streets around Kuwait after state officers from the interior ministry for the alleged forgery of departments resumed work at full capacity earlier this month, while traffic authorities have said that they have launched coordination to plan for the return to school official documents, the watchdog said yesterday. The meas- on October 3. —Photo by Ghazy Qaffaf (Xinhua) ure is part of efforts to push a sweeping anti-corruption cru- sade across all state bodies, said a statement by the watch- dog, adding that the charges are “criminalized” by laws aim- report, authorities became alerted of a situation Commerce and Industry for an annual fee, and ing to protect public funds. There would be no letup in efforts Kuwait looks to where people in Kuwait have up to 50 vehicles putting a cap on the number of vehicles a person to clamp down on such nefarious deeds, added the statement. registered in their names at the same time, as can own, according to sources with knowledge they trade in used cars without a proper license, of the situation. regulate local used taking advantage of the law that allows people “It was also discovered that some residents Two arrested with 125 kg hashish to freely sell vehicles they own to others with- buy a large number of vehicles, then lease them KUWAIT: Kuwait police arrested two people with possession car trade market out paying substantial fees, as well as the lack to others in exchange of a monthly payment,” of 125 kilograms of hashish and 250 grams of shabu, the interi- of a ceiling for the number of vehicles one per- said the sources who are quoted anonymously in or ministry announced. The two were caught while attempting KUWAIT: Kuwait’s traffic authorities are study- son can own. a report published by Al-Rai Arabic daily yester- to smuggle the drugs into Kuwait through the Arabian Gulf ing the possibility of setting a limit for the maxi- After conducting a survey on the situation, day. The sources specifically mentioned that waters, the ministry explained in a statement, noting that they mum number of cars non-Kuwaiti residents in authorities became convinced that the local used authorities are studying introducing restrictions were referred to the proper authorities for further action. the country can own, in an effort to regulate the car trade market needs more regulations, such as on car ownerships on residents only, although a local used car market. According to a local obtaining a license from the Ministry of decision on that regard is not final yet. Domestic help offices cautiously optimistic on costs’ cut calls KUWAIT: Several owners of domestic help offices to the KD 100 fee, they have to pay fees and com- in Kuwait expressed optimism regarding a senior missions to mandoobs (brokers) and agents in diplomat’s recent calls to reconsider the costs that Kuwait, in addition to commissions Indian offices employers in Kuwait pay in order to recruit domes- are charging. tic helpers from India. Nevertheless, the owners This brings up the total cost to recruit a domes- explained in statements to a local Arabic daily that tic helper from India to up to KD 850, meaning that a majority of the money paid goes on fees and in this case, an office in Kuwait creates a net profit charges inside and outside Kuwait. of only KD 40 per worker they help recruit. One Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Sibi George was office owner said the ministerial fees and govern- recently quoted by Al-Qabas Arabic daily saying ment procedures, such as fees for authenticating that the current recruitment fee of domestic helpers papers and medical tests, currently cost KD 210, from his country, which stand at around KD 890 apart from the agents’ and middlemen’s commission. per worker, was too high, noting that the recruit- He further explained that an office pays a KD 60 ment costs in India amount to around KD 100. In fee for the Indian Embassy’s contract, KD 150 for statements published by Al-Anbaa yesterday, the Kuwait Embassy and medical test procedures, in anonymous office owners explained that in addition addition to KD 90 for authenticating documents. Djibouti commends Kuwait’s assistance KUWAIT: Djibouti’s Ambassador to Kuwait Mohammad Ali Moumin commended yesterday the State of Kuwait’s “indiscriminate” humanitarian assistance around the world, helping needy regard- less of their race or faith. Kuwait’s philanthropic action spreads around the globe during crises, Moumin said after meeting with Dr Hilal Al-Sayer, KUWAIT: Djibouti’s Ambassador to Kuwait Mohammad Ali Board Chairman of Kuwait Red Crescent Society Moumin meets KRCS Chairman Dr Hilal Al-Sayer. —KUNA (KRCS). He said he visited Dr Sayer to express gratitude for KRCS for extending humanitarian assistance to Crescents in terms of training and relief. Dr Sayer Djibouti. Moumin, who commended “historic and said humanitarian work was facing many challenges, distinguished ties with Kuwait, called for boosting and called for doubling efforts to cement effective- partnership between Kuwait and Djibouti Red ness of philanthropy. —KUNA

lauded the generous support provided by Kuwait Kuwait opens Relief Society and other Kuwaiti associations to Hadramaut Governorate. Deputy Director of the Kuwait Relief Society in two schools Yemen, Adel Baeshen, said that the inauguration of the two projects to restore and rehabilitate the two in Hadramaut schools is part of a package of development projects implemented by the association in various Yemeni ADEN: The Undersecretary of Yemen’s Hadramaut governorates. He added that the education sector is Governorate, Issam Al-Kathiri, inaugurated on of great priority and importance to Kuwait Relief Sunday the “Bakathir Secondary School” in the city Society, which launched during the past two weeks, of Sayun and Wadi Bin Ali in the Shibam district, coinciding with the start of the new academic year, a after its restoration with funding from the Kuwait number of important projects to serve the educa- Relief Society. In his speech during the inauguration tional process. ceremony, Kathiri expressed his thanks and appreci- He pointed out that the Kuwait Relief Society ation to Kuwait, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf opened a school of eight classes in Abyan gover- Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Kuwaiti govern- norate after building and equipping it and opened ment, and the Kuwait Relief Society for the continu- Al-Farouq High School in Shabwa after its restora- ous support to the Yemeni people, especially in the tion and rehabilitation. He stressed the keenness of education sector. Meanwhile, Office Director of Kuwait Relief Society to support the Yemeni people Response Foundation in Hadramaut, Engineer Salem and to continue relief and development efforts in a Bawazeer, said that the inauguration of these two way that contributes to achieving development and projects is part of projects implemented by Kuwait serving the Yemeni community, within the framework Relief Society in Hadramaut, most notably the of the ‘Kuwait by your side’ campaign for the sev- restoration of the Industrial Institute in Sayun. He enth year in a row. —KUNA International TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2021 Afghan baby girl born on US military plane in Germany US VP Harris vows ‘enduring engagement’ in Asia Page 7 Page 6

KABUL: A handout picture released by the British Ministry of Defense (MOD) shows members of the British (left) and US Armed Forces posing for a photograph while working at Kabul Airport Sunday. —AFP UK seeks extension of Kabul evacuations Biden hopeful for ending Afghan airlift on time LONDON/WASHINGTON: Britain said yester- United States have over 6,000 people in Kabul air- told Sky News that the “hard reality” was that the Afghanistan by the end of the month but warned of day it would urge the United States to extend an port and when they withdraw that will take away the Taleban had a crucial say, now that they control potential terrorist attacks against the crowded end-of-the-month deadline for evacuations from framework... and we will have to go as well,” Wallace Afghanistan. “I think everybody has to be clear that Kabul airport. As the numbers of evacuees steadily Afghanistan, while the Taleban warned any delay told reporters in Scotland. “If their timetable extends this is not just a discussion that happens between rose, despite a volatile situation on the ground and would lead to “consequences”. US President Joe even by a day or two, that will give us a day or two G7 leaders tomorrow, it is a discussion which hap- enormous logistical difficulties, Biden said he was Biden has set an August 31 deadline for the chaotic more to evacuate people,” he said. pens with the Taleban,” he said. “The Taleban will aiming to complete the task by August 31, the date airlift organized by thousands of temporarily “Because we are really down to hours now, not have a choice, they can either seek to engage with agreed with the Taleban. Speaking in the White deployed US troops, but has left the door open to weeks, and we have to make sure we exploit every the international community and show that they House, he said his “hope is we will not have to an extension if needed. want to be a part of the international system. extend.” “We’ll see what we can do,” he added, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said that Prime “Or they can turn around and say there is no when asked by reporters what his reply was to for- Minister Boris Johnson would “try to raise the opportunity for an extension.” eign leaders asking for more time. The White House prospect of seeing if the United States will extend” US sets Britain, which has deployed 1,000 soldiers to aid said late Sunday that since last weekend, when the the deadline at an online leaders meeting of the G7 its airlift efforts, is pushing for longer to get out Taleban completed their victorious sweep across group of wealthy nations today. But a spokesman Aug 31 everybody who qualifies, with the trans-Atlantic Afghanistan by capturing Kabul from the fleeing for the Taleban, Suhail Shaheen, told Sky News that allies’ defense ministers speaking by phone Sunday. national government, the US “has evacuated and the hardline Islamist group would not agree to any deadline London has so far evacuated 5,725 people from facilitated the evacuation of approximately 30,300 extension of the deadline, calling this a “red line”, Kabul since August 13, including more than 3,100 people on military and coalition flights.” Biden with any delay viewed as “extending occupation”. Afghan individuals and their families, according to acknowledged the searing scenes of Afghans “If the US or UK were to seek additional time to the defense ministry. crowding the airport in desperation to escape the continue evacuations-the answer is no. Or there Heappey said early yesterday the UK expects a militants but said this had to be accepted, given the would be consequences,” Shaheen said. “If they are further nine flights to depart over the next 24 hours. situation. intent on continuing the occupation, it will create a minute to get people out.” Britain currently chairs He told Times radio that Afghans who are eligible “There is no way to evacuate this many people reaction,” he added. The UK defense minister the G7, which also comprises Canada, France, for asylum in the West were also fleeing the country without pain and loss and heartbreaking images you stressed that the evacuations from Afghanistan’s Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. overland and showing up at embassies in neighbor- see,” he said. Underlining why US officials are keen capital could only be maintained beyond August 31 ing countries such as Pakistan. to complete the mission as soon as possible, Biden if led by the US. Taleban faces choice President Joe Biden on Sunday said he still hopes warned that Islamic State extremists known as “It’s really important for people to understand the Britain’s armed forces minister James Heappey to complete the “heartbreaking” evacuation from ISIS-K pose a constant threat. — AFP

operations from Kabul”, the statement said. French FM in They were also due to meet Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan to “thank the Emirati authorities for their support”, the com- UAE to oversee munique added. France has a permanent military The scramble to presence in the Emirates from where it conducted Afghan exodus parts of its aerial campaign against the Islamic State evacuate from group. France is one of several NATO and EU mem- ABU DHABI: French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves ber states that are scrambling to rescue vulnerable Kabul airport Le Drian was due in the UAE yesterday to see for foreign staff and Afghan allies from Afghanistan himself the massive airlift underway from since the Taleban overran the capital just over a KABUL: Here are the latest developments in Afghanistan using the Gulf nation as a staging post. week ago. Britain said yesterday it would urge the the chaotic evacuation of Western citizens and France is seeking to evacuate more than 1,000 United States at a virtual G7 summit to extend an local allies from Kabul airport after the Afghans who are fleeing the country following the end-of-the-month deadline to complete evacua- Taleban seized control of Afghanistan on Taleban’s lightning takeover a week ago, one of a tions of Western citizens and Afghan colleagues August 15. number of nations scrambling to evacuate vulnera- from Kabul. ble individuals. US President Joe Biden has set an August 31 Airport gunfight Le Drian and colleagues were due to visit the Al- deadline for the chaotic airlift organized by thou- German and US forces engaged in a gun Dhafra base-some 30 kilometers (18 miles) from Jean-Yves Le Drian sands of temporarily deployed US troops-but has battle against “unknown assailants” at Kabul Abu Dhabi-where the French airforce has been left the door open to an extension if needed. airport yesterday morning that killed an Afghan conducting round the clock operations in support of for Paris on Sunday followed by another in the early “We need time to accomplish this task, meas- guard and injured three others, according to the evacuations. Since August 15, “nearly 100 hours of yesterday with 150 passengers. The first ured in days and weeks not months,” Le Drian the German military. The deaths were the latest French residents, 40 residents of partner nations, emergency flight carried 41 people, mostly French, told the French Journal du Dimanche weekly. in a scramble to leave the country that has and more than 1,000 (at-risk) Afghans” have been on August 17. Le Drian and Defense Minister Since August 14, roughly 25,100 people have been claimed the lives of at least eight people, some transported to France via the Emirates, Le Drian’s Florence Parly will meet diplomats, military person- evacuated from Afghanistan aboard aircraft flown crushed to death, with at least one person delegation said in a statement. nel, police officers, and “all the staff working under by the US and its allies, according to a White falling from a moving plane. Around 30,000 A flight with 250 French and Afghans aboard left extremely difficult conditions to enable evacuation House estimate. —AFP people have been evacuated to safety since the Taleban marched into Kabul.

Taleban warns against extension Extinction Rebellion targets President Joe Biden said Sunday he hoped not to extend the August 31 deadline for end- central London in protests ing US military presence and airlifts out of Afghanistan, but he added that talks were LONDON: Thousands of climate pening now, and the rebellion for life is underway to explore that possibility. The change demonstrators thronged cen- happening now.” The group, formed in European Union and Britain have called for the tral London yesterday, as environmen- Britain in 2018, is a network of climate deadline to be extended, with the UK saying it tal activist group Extinction Rebellion activists who use civil disobedience to would raise the issue at an online G7 meeting held its latest round of protests, prom- spotlight inaction on global warming. today. However yesterday the Taleban warned ising two weeks of disruption. Since holding its first protests in that any delay would lead to “consequences”. Protesters were greeted with a visibly London that year, activists have Taleban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told Sky heavy police presence as they con- repeatedly brought parts of the capital News that the US staying beyond the agreed verged on Trafalgar Square in the heart and other cities to a standstill with car- deadline would be “extending occupation”. of the British capital, where they rallied nival-like demonstrations. with a marching band and speeches. They have also targeted individual Evacuees land in Belgium The latest action-branded the businesses and premises in London for Two flights carrying 226 people — mainly “Impossible Rebellion”-saw partici- direct action, including newspapers’ LONDON: Climate activists from the Extinction Rebellion group lock on under a Afghan employees of international missions pants block roads leading to the offices and energy companies’ head- van they parked blocking a road in central London yesterday as the group and their families — arrived at a Belgian air square, deploying a large pink struc- quarters. The rallies have spread to launched its ‘Impossible Rebellion’ series of actions. —AFP base outside Brussels yesterday. Families, ture with the slogan “come to the many countries around the world. Police many with small children and carrying only hand luggage, were led to buses to be taken to table” written on it. “What are you at previous UK protests have arrested “What is extreme is the fact that the gears up to host the crucial COP26 a military base under police escort for health waiting for? Your local area to flood, hundreds of participants, but have also government, huge corporations, all of United Nations climate summit in the checks and immigration processing. Foreign or your street to get blocked with rub- faced criticism for being too lenient. our system is allowing the devastation Scottish city of Glasgow, in November. Minister Sophie Wilmes said Operation Red ble and cars?” Extinction Rebellion’s Maddy Hayley Thomas, 33, was among to our planet, to the global south,” she It is set to draw thousands of dele- Kite has already brought 400 people from UK branch said on Twitter. those rallying at the first day of the said. Extinction Rebellion’s latest gates-and demonstrators-from around Kabul’s airport. —AFP “The #ClimateEmergency is hap- demonstrations in the British capital. action comes as the UK government the world. —AFP 6 Established 1961 Tuesday, August 24, 2021 International Security crisis drives up Nigeria’s food worries Agricultural heartland in the grip of violence between nomadic herders, farmers

MAKURDI, Nigeria: Rice farmer Donald Worries Amokaha spends his days weeding a temporary In Nasawara state, on the outskirts of plot outside the city of Makurdi, on the fringes of Nigeria’s capital Abuja, vegetable seller the Benue river in Nigeria’s agricultural heart- Badamasi Bello is anxious. He said he loses cus- land. Two hours’ drive away into the countryside, tomers daily because of the spiraling price of Amokaha has a swathe of prime farmland, but it commodities. The high cost of transportation is lies abandoned. Fear of attacks forced him to also contributing to rising prices. “I used to sell leave earlier this year. tomatoes and peppers, but things are now costly. “I usually cultivate rice, millet and sesame I sold 10 bags of these items daily, but customers seeds on 100 hectares (250 acres) of land in are no longer coming like before. I now sell only Guma... but this year, I ran,” Amokaha told AFP. two bags in a day.” “I ploughed 40 hectares but was unable to Last month, the local State Emergency plant.” Amokaha is only one of a growing num- Management Agency chief warned about food ber of farmers who are scarcity, saying that fleeing violence in many farmers living in Nigeria’s crop-growing camps for the internally Middle Belt. displaced would struggle The agricultural heart- to return to the land. The land, like Nigeria’s north- Farmers UN’s International western states, is in the fleeing Organization for grip of years-long tit-for- Migration (IOM) report- tat violence between farmlands ed in May that Benue nomadic herders and had more than 200,000 While insecurity is rooted in that herder-farmer conflict, the crisis in northwest Nigeria has spiraled into farmers-a feud that has displaced people, broader criminality with mass abductions for ransom, cattle theft and banditry. sharpened as climate although local govern- change intensifies compe- ment estimates put that tition for water and land. While insecurity is rooted figure much higher. Benue produces food staples such as yam, be forced to go down,” Chijioke told AFP. in that herder-farmer conflict, the crisis in north- Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, a fierce rice, beans, and maize. It supplies 70 percent of “In the long run, government should tackle west Nigeria has spiraled into broader criminality government critic from the opposition PDP party, Nigeria’s soybean, according to the Nigerian insecurity.” Nigeria closed parts of its borders in with mass abductions for ransom, cattle theft and said he fears the repercussions of rural flight on Investment Promotion Commission. Nigeria’s August 2019 in an attempt to battle smuggling of banditry. The rural exodus is a key factor in driving food output and the overall economy. “This crisis central bank said it recently released 791 billion rice and other goods as the government tried to up the cost of food in Africa’s most populous portends a great danger to the growth and naira ($1.92 billion / 1.7 million euros) to farmers improve food self-sufficiency. The frontiers were country, hitting its tens of millions of poor. development of Nigeria,” Ortom told AFP. and reduced interest rates on loans in a bid to also closed in March last year to help fight the The government’s statistics bureau says infla- stimulate food production. coronavirus pandemic, although four borders tion in June was around 17 percent compared Import calls Chijioke Ekechukwu, chief executive at Dignity were reopened in December. Amokaha, a former with a year earlier. The rise has been fuelled by “Without adequate security, there can’t be Finance & Investment, said farmers were produc- agriculture commissioner and now farmer, said the fallout from the global pandemic, which has farming to produce food for our people.” In May, ing far less than was needed to meet Nigeria’s food prices would rise inexorably until growers triggered a slump in petroleum demand, badly the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) food demand. “The current situation is affecting were able to return to their land. “Rather than hitting revenues in oil-producing Nigeria. But warned at least 9.2 million Nigerians face a crisis prices. Government needs to open borders for importing food, the government should fight within the index lies even worse news: food infla- or worse levels of food insecurity this year import of food shortfalls. When this is done, there insecurity in order to encourage farmers go into tion of 22 percent. because of the country’s conflicts. will be enough for the local market and prices will more production,” he said. —AFP

Afghan staff and family members that would be News in brief Borrell: Afghan ‘tragedy’ eligible to emigrate to Europe-but only 150 have been able to leave so far and some of the planes Ukraine blocks Russian news sites shows EU needs dispatched by EU militaries are flying out half- empty. A third of the passengers on a flight that KIEV: Ukraine yesterday blocked the web- geopolitical muscle arrived in Spain on Saturday were Americans, sites of several prominent Russian media out- Borrell told AFP. lets in its latest round of sanctions against BRUSSELS: The fall of Kabul to the Taleban and “The problem is access to the airport-the US neighboring Russia which it has accused of the chaotic international evacuation effort shows checks and security measures are very strong” and spreading propaganda. Ties between the ex- that Europe needs to develop its own military were preventing the passage of Afghan staff, Borrell Soviet countries have deteriorated sharply capacity independent of the United States, EU said, adding that Brussels had asked Washington to since Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula foreign policy chief Josep Borrell argues. In an show “more flexibility”. in 2014 and threw its weight behind armed interview with AFP, Borrell said European powers European policy makers fear that Kabul will not separatists in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine and would struggle to evacuate their citizens and be a one-off and that future crises in Iraq or in the its Western allies have accused the Kremlin Afghan allies before the United States ends its Sahel region of West Africa could require similar NEW DELHI: Afghans residing in India take part in a of sending troops and weapons to reinforce operation at Kabul airport-perhaps as early as military missions to secure European citizens and demonstration outside, the UN Refugee Agency ( UNHCR) the separatists and also say Russia is lever- August 31. interests-perhaps without US support. office in New Delhi yesterday to protest against the Taleban’s military takeover of Afghanistan. —AFP aging media as a propaganda tool to stoke Several US allies have asked Washington to the conflict. —AFP delay this departure, as NATO secretary general Strategic autonomy Jens Stoltenberg confirmed on Friday, as without “I regret greatly the way in which things have calls its new “strategic compass”, a framework to gone, but no-one asked for the opinion of the UN action on Belarus sought the protection of the 6,000 US troops deployed at provide the 27 member states, acting together, to the airport, European operations may have to Europeans,” he said. “Some countries are going to wield more diplomatic and military muscle and have to ask themselves questions about an develop more of what France’s President WARSAW: Four eastern EU members yester- cease. The shocking collapse of the Western- American ally which, as Joe Biden said, doesn’t want Emmanuel Macron calls “strategic autonomy”. As day urged the United Nations to take action backed Afghan government, the chaotic scenes at to fight other people’s wars for them. events unfolded in Kabul, the president of the against Belarus for encouraging migrants to the airport and fears that a new generation of “The Europeans don’t have a choice. We must European Council, Charles Michel, who hosts EU cross illegally into the European Union, call- Afghan refugees may attempt to head to Europe organize ourselves to deal with the world as it is leaders’ summits, tweeted: “The situation in ing it a “hybrid attack” on the bloc. The prime have revived talk of Europe developing the means and not the world that we dream of.” The Afghanistan is not a success story for the interna- ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and to act on its own. European Union is already developing what it tional community. —AFP Poland in a joint statement said the influx of The EU diplomatic mission in Kabul counts 400 migrants had been “planned and systemati- cally organized by the regime of Alexander Lukashenko”. Thousands of migrants-mostly helped the woman deliver her baby in the cargo hold of from the Middle East-have crossed the bor- Afghan baby girl the plane. der in recent months in what the EU believes Mother and child were then transferred to a nearby is a form of retaliation against increasingly medical facility “and are in good condition”, it said. tough EU sanctions. —AFP born on US military Footage released by the US military showed the mother lying on a stretcher being carried off the plane by US plane in Germany soldiers at the base in southwest Germany. A week Indonesian ex-minister jailed after the Taleban seized power in Afghanistan, evacua- BERLIN: An Afghan woman gave birth to a baby girl tion operations from foreign countries continue under JAKARTA: Indonesia’s ex-social affairs on a US military plane shortly after arriving on an evac- extreme conditions marked by scenes of panic and minister was jailed for 12 years yesterday uation flight to Germany, the US Air Force tweeted on desperation at Kabul airport. Since 14 August, about after being convicted of taking $1.2 million Sunday. During the flight from a staging base in the 17,000 people have been evacuated by the US, includ- in bribes linked to food aid for poor fami- Middle East, the woman went into labor and began to ing 2,500 Americans, the US government said earlier. lies hit by the coronavirus pandemic. A experience complications, it said. The US got the green light from Berlin for some of Jakarta court handed out the stiff sentence the evacuees to be directed to Germany, where it has a “The aircraft commander decided to descend in alti- RAMSTEIN, Germany: In this image courtesy of the US to Juliari Batubara following his December tude to increase air pressure in the aircraft, which number of bases. About 1,150 people landed at the Air Force, Airmen assigned to the 86th Medical Group arrest and a sting operation that turned up helped stabilize and save the mother’s life,” the US Air Ramstein base on Saturday, from where they are provide post labor care to an Afghan mother who gave suitcases, backpacks and envelopes stuffed Mobility Command said later on Twitter. Immediately expected to depart for the United States within days, a birth aboard a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III.—AFP with cash. “The court sentences the defen- on landing at the Ramstein base, US military medics base spokesman said. —AFP dant to 12 years in prison and orders him to pay 500 million rupiah ($35,000) in fines or serve six more months in prison,” pre- tims have been complicated not just by road and siding judge Muhammad Damis told the Haiti quake toll bridge damage but by attacks on aid convoys by so hearing, which was held virtually for virus far unidentified gangs. safety reasons. —AFP “We have a security problem that is becoming rises as gangs more and more serious,” said Jerry Chandler, direc- tor of Haiti’s civil protection agency. Since early New wildfire hits Greek island hamper aid efforts June, a two-kilometer (1.2 mile) stretch of highway running to the southwest peninsula from Port-au- ATHENS: Scores of firefighters backed by PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti: The death toll in the Prince has been unsafe to travel, amid persistent water-dropping aircraft battled a forest fire major earthquake that struck Haiti on August 14 has gang violence in a desperately poor neighborhood that broke out early yesterday on the south- risen to 2,207, authorities said Sunday, as attacks of the capital. ern part of Greece’s Evia island, less than two on aid convoys have complicated efforts to bring “We’re literally facing a problem of banditry, weeks after an inferno decimated its northern relief to survivors. “New bodies have been found in and we’re working flat out with the police, who part. The fire was burning near the village of the south,” said a statement from the country’s civil are sending reinforcements to the south,” Fygia where two neighborhoods have been protection office, adding that 344 people remain Chandler said. LES CAYES, Haiti: In this file photo police officers moni- evacuated and was moving toward the missing and 12,268 have been listed as injured. The Some of the worst destruction was in hard-to- tor the crowd as earthquake victims receive supplies coastal tourist village of Marmari, where previously reported toll was 2,189 dead. reach rural areas, so the Haitian authorities have during the distribution of food and water at the “4 authorities were preparing boats to evacuate Chemins” crossroads in Les Cayes, Haiti. —AFP Search-and-rescue workers are continuing to been using a United Nations helicopter and eight people if needed, according to Athens News pick through the jumbled mounds of debris left by US aircraft to deliver aid. Aid delivery in hard-hit Agency. Forty-six firefighters were battling the powerful 7.2-magnitude quake, but hopes of Les Cayes, Haiti’s third-largest city, was being could help organize the most efficient delivery of flames fanned by high winds-assisted by 20 finding survivors were fading by the hour. Haitian organized largely by inexperienced private groups aid to those in greatest need. fire engines, three water-dropping airplanes authorities said nearly 600,000 people were or individuals, and fights have broken out amid Brazil meantime joined in the aid efforts, dis- and two helicopters, the Greek fire brigade directly affected by the disaster and are in need of those waiting for help. “We don’t want to discour- patching a military KC-390 cargo plane carrying a said. —AFP urgent humanitarian assistance. But efforts to deliv- age the good Samaritans,” Chandler said, but he team of 23 firemen and 10 tons of medical and er food, water and medical supplies to quake vic- urged people to communicate with his office so it emergency equipment to Haiti. —AFP Established 1961 7 Tuesday, August 24, 2021 International US VP Harris vows ‘enduring engagement’ in Asia region Harris dodges questions about US credibility after Afghan debacle

SINGAPORE: Vice President Kamala Harris vowed worked with us and vulnerable Afghans, including women to evacuate tens of thousands of people. The crisis has “enduring engagement” in Asia yesterday, offering reas- and children”. prompted comparisons with the trauma of 1975 in surances of Washington’s commitment to the region even Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong welcomed the vice Saigon, when US helicopters ferried final evacuees from as the United States completes its chaotic withdrawal president’s reassurances and said Singapore was offer- the embassy roof, as Viet Cong troops advanced. from Afghanistan and the Taleban takeover. ing a military aircraft to help in the chaotic evacuation But US officials insist the trip was planned long before The hardline Islamists’ swift return to power a week from Kabul airport overseen by the US army. But he the Afghan crisis and is focused on Washington’s broader ago, and desperate scenes of thousands trying to flee, also expressed hopes that “Afghanistan does not strategic goals in Asia. Southeast Asia is seen as critically have cast a shadow over the United States’ status as a become an epicenter for terrorism again”. US President important at a time China is challenging US political sway global superpower. But on a visit to Singapore, her first Joe Biden’s administration is seeking to reset relation- and naval dominance in the region.

VP to visit

Vietnam today DOHA: In this file photo taken on February 29, 2020 US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad (left) and Taleban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar shake hands after signing a peace agreement during a ceremony in the Qatari capital Doha. — AFP Washington has repeatedly criticized Beijing’s expan- sive claims to almost the entire flashpoint South China Sea, which overlaps with the claims of several Southeast Asian states and Taiwan. At Monday’s press conference, Harris reiterated US commitment to “uphold the rules- Art of the deal: based international order and freedom of navigation, including in the South China Sea”. US envoy behind After arriving at the weekend, Harris began her official engagements Monday by holding talks with Lee as the Taleban’s return United States and Singapore signed agreements on com- SINGAPORE: US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to troops as she visits the USS Tulsa in Singapore bating cyber threats, climate change, and the coronavirus yesterday. — AFP pandemic. She was formally welcomed at the president’s DOHA: If one individual could bring peace to official residence, inspected a guard of honor and was Afghanistan, US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad touted him- presented with an orchid named after her, a typical honor self as the man for the job. In the end, however, the stop on a trip that will also include Vietnam, Harris ships in Asia after the turbulent Trump era, and project for a visiting dignitary. Harris also visited a naval base and seasoned diplomat has overseen the demise of the repeatedly insisted that Washington could be depended Washington as a stabilizing force in the face of growing addressed US sailors aboard the visiting USS Tulsa war- republic he so painstakingly assembled. The 70-year- on. “Our administration is committed to enduring Chinese aggression. ship. Singapore and the US have strong and long-stand- old Afghan-American envoy spent years as engagement in Singapore, into Southeast Asia and the But analysts say the seizure of power by the Taleban, ing security ties. Washington’s point man for talks with the Taleban that Indo-Pacific,” Harris told a press conference alongside notorious for their brutal 1996-2001 rule, and rapid col- The city-state also has good relations with Beijing, paved the way for the deal to see the US end its Singapore’s leader. lapse of US-trained Afghan forces have caused fresh and its leaders have warned the US against taking too longest war and exit Afghanistan. “The reason I am here is because the United States is concerns about US dependability. tough a line towards China. Today, Harris will give a That milestone came after more than a year of a global leader, and we take that role seriously.” But she speech laying out Washington’s vision for the region and intense shuttle diplomacy during which Khalilzad visit- dodged questions about whether US credibility had been ‘Rules-based international order’ meet with business leaders to discuss supply chain issues, ed foreign capitals, attended summits at glitzy hotels, damaged by the Afghan debacle, saying her government’s Harris is also facing criticism for being tone-deaf in particularly a microchip shortage that has hit the auto and gave speeches at prestigious think tanks. focus was on “evacuating American citizens, Afghans who going ahead with a visit to Vietnam as US forces struggle industry. She departs for Hanoi today evening. — AFP The Taleban were ready to discuss a compromise, he assured his audiences. Once a prolific social media voice, Khalilzad has gone silent since the Taleban castigated or even punished for waving the old nation- returned to power following the collapse of the US- Taleban flags flourish, al banner, but so far there is no official word from the backed government in the face of an overwhelming group on the flag issue. At a Kabul roadside on blitzkrieg. The State Department said last week the Afghan tricolor turns Sunday, vendors were making a quick sale in Taleban envoy remained in Qatar, working the phones in hopes flags-a white banner bearing the Muslim proclamation of encouraging a diplomatic settlement. But the deal he resistance symbol of faith and the regime’s formal name: “Islamic Emirate had hoped could end the war had actually unleashed of Afghanistan”. “Our goal is to spread the flag of the disaster. Husain Haqqani, a senior fellow at the Hudson Islamic Emirate throughout Afghanistan, instead of the Institute, said Khalilzad told successive US presidents KABUL: After two decades out of power, the Taleban tricolor flag,” said vendor Ahmad Shakib, who studies eager to withdraw their troops that he had a peace are swiftly moving to stamp their authority on economics at university. deal, but it was in fact a surrender. Afghanistan using every tool at their disposal-includ- It was not clear if he was affiliated with the Taleban. “He negotiated poorly, emboldened the Taleban, ing flags. Since rolling into Kabul a week ago, the The sight of Taleban fighters in vehicles bearing the and pretended that talks would yield a power-sharing white banner of the Islamist militants has become a standard has terrorized people across Afghanistan in agreement even though the Taleban had no intention common sight across the country, replacing the recent weeks as the militants first captured vast to share power,” Haqqani told AFP. national tricolor flag above government buildings, swathes of the rural hinterland and then all the major police stations and military facilities. cities. The group was quick to replace the Afghan Storied career There have been scattered reports of people being national flag wherever it could. But in the middle of the Khalilzad took control of the US-Afghan portfolio despair and fear sparked by the Taleban takeover, the in 2018 after the Trump administration named him a old flag has become something of a symbol of defiance special envoy overseeing negotiations with the for many, featuring prominently in the small protests Taleban. The new assignment followed a storied held in recent days. NEW DELHI: A worker climbs up a ladder at the 25- career. Khalilzad had shaped embryonic governments metre (82-foot) high smog tower, built to purify the air in Afghanistan and Iraq following successive US inva- ‘My heart is here’ during pollution season, in New Delhi yesterday. — AFP sions, gaining a reputation for bringing disparate Social media has been awash with images and emo- groups to the table. Washington’s decision to pursue jis of the old flag-a black, red and green vertical tricol- talks followed years of rising violence in Kabul where or with the national emblem overlaid in white-posted the Taleban unleashed chaos by sending waves of sui- by public figures including sports stars and many ordi- Indian capital cide bombers into the Afghan capital. Khalilzad nary Afghans. On Afghanistan’s independence day last secured the release of the Taleban’s co-founder Mullah week, groups of people waved the national flag in opens first Abdul Ghani Baradar from Pakistan’s custody to kick- Kabul and a handful of suburbs to celebrate-some- start the initiative, with the two sides cobbling togeth- times in plain sight of patrolling Taleban. At one rally, ‘smog tower’ er an agreement charting the US withdrawal after people on a convoy of honking cars waved national nearly two decades of conflict. flags in Kabul. At another spot, men and women stood During months of negotiations in Qatar, Khalilzad by the roadside holding the tricolor banner. A day ear- India’s capital New Delhi opened its was said to have developed a close rapport with the lier, Taleban fighters fired guns to disperse dozens in NEW DELHI: first “smog tower” yesterday aimed at reducing the air Taleban delegation. Pictures published online showed PARIS: Protesters wave the national Afghan flag and the eastern city of Jalalabad who were protesting over pollution blamed for thousands of premature deaths the gregarious envoy sharing laughs and smiles with hold banners during a rally in support for Afghanistan the removal of the national flag, according to local every year, but experts were skeptical. Concentrations insurgent negotiators, stirring resentment in following the takeover of the country by the Taleban, at media. “My heart is here for this flag... I will never of tiny deadly particles in Delhi’s air regularly exceed Afghanistan where the war raged. Place de la Republique in Paris on Sunday. — AFP leave this flag,” said one Jalalabad resident. “Kill us, safe limits by up to 20 times, particularly in winter But when the US withdrawal deal was finally signed fire at us... We will never leave this flag.” — AFP when its 20 million people are enveloped in a noxious in February 2020 at a lavish ceremony in Doha, grey blanket of smog. Khalilzad had secured mostly nebulous assurances said. Indonesian prison officials declined to comment Forty giant fans on the 25-metre (82-foot) tower from the Taleban about any future peace. “Khalilzad Bali ‘suitcase killer’ on Mack’s release date. will pump 1,000 cubic meters of air per second prised... just one strong commitment-that they would In 2014, von Wiese Mack’s badly beaten body was through filters that halve the amount of harmful partic- not attack the US and ‘its allies’,” wrote Kate Clark of set for early release discovered in the taxi, outside the ritzy hotel where ulates in a radius of one square kilometer (0.4 square the Afghanistan Analysts Network in a new report. she had been staying with her daughter and Schaefer. miles), according to engineers. “Today is a big day for More vague were promises from the Taleban to aban- The couple had fled to another part of Bali, where Delhi in its fight for clean air against pollution,” Chief don Al-Qaeda and other international jihadist groups, DENPASAR: An American woman convicted with her police arrested them. Schaefer confessed to the killing Minister Arvind Kejriwal said after the inauguration and to begin talking to the Afghan government. boyfriend of killing her mother and stuffing the body in during his trial but claimed he was defending himself near the busy shopping area of Connaught Place. a suitcase at a luxury Bali hotel is to be freed from during an argument with von Wiese Mack, who was The installation “is being looked at in an experi- Little time or space prison early, her lawyer said yesterday. unhappy that her daughter was pregnant. mental way. We will analyze the data and if it’s effec- In hindsight, the agreement appears to have been In 2015, teenager Heather Mack was handed a 10- Prosecutors alleged that Schaefer “blindly hit” von tive, more towers will be built across Delhi,” Kejriwal little more than a string of American concessions. The year jail term while her boyfriend Tommy Schaefer got Wiese Mack with the fruit bowl in a fit of rage after added. The tower cost $2 million and critics say erect- US was leaving Afghanistan without a ceasefire and 18 years for the murder of Chicago socialite Sheila von she hurled a racial slur at him. Schaefer is black. While ing a sufficient number to clean the air substantially had not even established a framework for a future Wiese Mack on the Indonesian holiday island. her mother was being murdered, Mack hid in the bath- across the city would cost huge amounts of public peace process that would be vital for locking down a Schaefer beat the 62-year-old victim to death with a room and the couple then stuffed the body into the money, and that efforts would be better directed at the settlement to end the war. Rather than securing com- fruit bowl during a heated argument at the five-star St suitcase together, the trial heard. — AFP sources of the smog. promises from the Taleban in the months following the Regis resort, before the couple abandoned the suit- These include vehicle exhaust, heavy and small- deal, Khalilzad piled more pressure on the Afghan case containing the battered body in a taxi, and fled. scale industry, construction activity, the combustion of government-strong-arming the palace into releasing Mack, who was pregnant at the time of the crime, waste and fuel, and in winter the burning of crops in thousands of insurgent prisoners who immediately was found guilty on a lesser charge of assisting in the neighboring regions. “Let’s just be clear that this is bolstered the militant ranks. murder. The woman, now 25, was set to be released futile, an absolute waste,” Karthik Ganesan from the To add to Kabul’s woes, the agreement effectively from Bali’s Kerobokan prison in October, about three Council on Energy, Environment and Water told AFP. set off a countdown, with the US promising to pull all years early, her lawyer said, citing sentence reductions “Now that taxpayers’ money has been spent, let of its remaining troops from Afghanistan by May 2021 due to good behavior. Delhi be the test case for all other Indian cities... to — a deadline later extended until September. “Her sentence will be completed in October... and ensure no other city spends on such ideas which we The Afghan government was left with little time or then she’ll be completely free,” Yulius Benyamin Seran can’t afford,” he added. India has 14 of the world’s 15 space to maneuver. US President Joe Biden’s decision told AFP, without giving a specific release date. Mack, most polluted cities, according to the World Health in April to follow through with the withdrawal lit the who was 19 at the time of her conviction, would face Organization. final fuse, sparking an all-out offensive by the Taleban deportation back to the United States following her A 2020 study in the Lancet found there were 1.67 that overthrew the Afghan government by force on release, he added. DENPASAR, Indonesia: In this file photo taken on April million deaths in the country attributable to air pollu- August 15. Two days earlier, US lawmaker Michael But she wanted to stay in Indonesia to care for her 15, 2015, Heather Mack of the US waits for her court tion in 2019 including almost 17,500 in Delhi. Waltz-an Afghan veteran-sent a letter to Biden pillo- six-year-old daughter, who was being raised in a Bali trial at a holding cell in Denpasar, Indonesia’s Bali In 2018 China built a much larger 60-metre smog rying Khalilzad’s performance. Khalilzad “has provided foster home. “She doesn’t want her daughter deported island. — AFP tower in the polluted city of Xian, but the experiment you with poor counsel and his diplomatic strategy has back to the US... and hounded by the media,” Seran has not spread to other cities so far. — AFP failed spectacularly”, he wrote.—AFP Established 1961

TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2021 New strike hit German passenger rail Escalating wage dispute to impact passenger services FRANKFURT: Germany’s passenger train network faces a second round of strikes yesterday and dis- ruption to freight services this weekend, adding more pain to the tourist season and already strained supply chains. The latest move in an escalating wage dispute will impact passenger services from 2:00 am (0000 GMT) yesterday and last 48 hours, the head of the GDL train drivers union Claus Weselsky told reporters Friday. The industrial action affecting cargo trains will begin August 21 and end at the same time four days later, the union head said. “Deutsche Bahn has up to this point not given notice that it will make any con- cessions in the pay dispute it started,” Weselsky said, referring to the German rail operator. “The GDL sees itself forced to call for new strikes at Deutsche Bahn,” he said. Deutsche Bahn criticised the announcement of the new strike, say- ing in a statement that it was “a wholly unnecessary burden for our passengers and freight clients”.

More pain to tourist season

Earlier this month, the union led a walkout after its members voted 95 percent in favour, following the collapse of pay talks with Deutsche Bahn. On Germany’s long-distance rail network, carriages BERLIN: Commuters crowd on a platform at Berlin’s main railway station during a wage strike by German train drivers in Berlin yesterday. A strike on were packed as only 25 percent of the scheduled German passenger rail began early yesterday, creating headaches for thousands of travellers and commuters, after the train drivers’ union rejected a service ran, during the two-day strike which began new offer to keep services going. —AFP in the morning of August 11. Deutsche Bahn’s freight service DB Cargo was also severely impacted, adding to delivery delays will put an almost incalculably heavy burden not At the core of the dispute, the union is demand- finances, it said in a statement. The last major con- for German businesses already hit by shortages in just on industry, but on the whole of society,” he ing a 1.4-percent pay hike and a bonus of 600 flict between unions and Deutsche Bahn took place raw materials and components from timber and said in a statement. euros ($700) for 2021, and a further wage rise of 1.8 between 2014-2015, when over nine months GDL steel to computer chips. Deutsche Bahn was already contending with percent in 2022. Deutsche Bahn had offered to organised nine rounds of strikes to demand regula- ‘Wrong signal’ huge losses as demand for travel drastically shrank phase in a 3.2-percent wage increase in two steps tory reforms. The stoppage in May 2015 of six con- The announcement of more strikes sends the during the pandemic which erupted in March 2020. in 2022 and 2023. secutive days has held the record as the longest in “wrong signal at the wrong time”, according to It has also been struggling to rebuild long stretches The slower increases proposed by Deutsche the company’s history. A shorter strike hit rail traffic Siegfried Russwurm, head of the influential of track destroyed by deadly floods that struck Bahn are necessary to “tackle the negative impact in December 2018, when a stoppage was called for Federation of German Industry (BDI). “This strike western Germany in mid-July. of the coronavirus pandemic” on the company’s four hours. —AFP Bitcoin jumps above $50,000 for first UK business time since May activity slows on LONDON: Bitcoin rose back above $50,000 yes- terday for the first time in three months after sup- supply crunch portive news from payments giant PayPal and cryp- tocurrency platform Coinbase. The world’s most LONDON: Britain’s private sector business popular virtual unit jumped to $50,440 during activity slowed sharply in August due to Asian trade, before easing to $50,350 in early ongoing staff and supply shortages, a survey morning London deals. showed yesterday. The composite purchasing “Bitcoin continues its recent recovery, moving managers’ index (PMI) hit a six-month low of above the $50,000 mark it last attained in May 55.3 points, compilers IHS Markit and the though still some way short of its $65,000 record Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply said in a statement. as PayPal announces plans to launch its cryptocur- ISTANBUL: File photo shows a physical imitation of a Bitcoin at a cryptocurrency “Bitcoin Change” shop in Istanbul. rency trading platform in the UK,” said AJ Bell ana- That compared with a reading of 59.2 in Bitcoin broke back above $50,000 yesterday for the first time in three months. — AFP lyst Danni Hewson. PayPal has announced that it will July, but it held above the key 50 level to this week begin to allow users in Britain to buy, hold indicate expansion. “An abnormally large and sell cryptocurrency through the online payment PayPal itself followed in March allowing people but in mid-May it began tumbling on a range of slowdown in overall activity in August offers platform for the first time. there to use cryptocurrency to make purchases issues, including China’s crackdown on cryptocur- a stark warning to the UK economy that the The expansion into the hot digital money trend from millions of merchants that use the financial rencies and Tesla boss Elon Musk’s decision to stop accelerated levels of growth we’ve seen ear- follows similar moves by the payments giant in the platform for online transactions. Bitcoin won anoth- accepting it on concerns about the environmental lier this summer are not sustainable,” said United States earlier this year. The US firm said its er shot in the arm yesterday from last week’s news impact of mining. The electric carmaker has since CIPS group director Duncan Brock said in a new service would allow UK-based customers to that Coinbase was ploughing cash into the unit. indicated its support for bitcoin, while several other statement. choose from four types of cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, “The news last week that Coinbase will buy high-profile investors including Twitter founder “It was the slowest output expansion for ethereum, litecoin and bitcoin cash. $500 million (427 million euros) in cryptos to put Jack Dorsey have flagged their interest. six months, and the worst shortages of staff They will be available both via the PayPal app and on its balance sheet and put 10 percent of quarterly It has now risen more than 70 percent from the and materials on record are mostly to blame.” its website, with the expansion set to start this week profits into a crypto portfolio has lent support to six-month lows below $29,000 touched in June, IHS Markit noted that the economy, which ful- and be available to all eligible customers within the sentiment,” noted Markets.com analyst Neil Wilson. while speculation is swirling that it could begin its ly reopened last month, continued to grow next few weeks. In April, PayPal-owned mobile pay- push towards $100,000. However, Bitcoin is still a above its pre-pandemic average. ments service Venmo began letting users in the US Blistering run long way off its record just below $65,000 that it However it also highlighted “clear signs” of buy, hold or sell cryptocurrency using its app. Bitcoin enjoyed a blistering run earlier this year achieved in April. — AFP a loss of momentum in the third quarter, or three months to September. “Despite COVID- 19 containment measures easing to the lowest ular the auto sector. security grounds. since the pandemic began, rising virus case UK raises concerns “We’re concerned that Nvidia controlling Arm It comes as Britain this week ordered an investi- numbers are deterring many forms of spend- could create real problems for Nvidia’s rivals by gation into the takeover of UK defence technology ing, notably by consumers, and have hit limiting their access to key technologies, and ulti- firm Ultra Electronics by US-owned Cobham in growth via worsening staff and supply short- on mega takeover mately stifling innovation across a number of order to assess risks to security. ages,” said IHS Markit economist Chris important and growing markets,” CMA Chief Williamson. of chip designer Executive Andrea Coscelli said in a statement. ‘Beneficial deal’ “Supplier delays have risen to a degree He noted that the chip technology industry was In a statement, Nvidia said it looked forward to exceeded only once before-in the initial LONDON: Britain said a planned takeover of “vital” to everyday products. “This includes the the opportunity to address “the CMA’s initial months of the pandemic-and the number of chip designer Arm by US firm Nvidia raises “seri- critical data processing and data centre technolo- views and resolve any concerns the government companies reporting that output had fallen ous competition concerns”, while the deal may gy that supports digital businesses across the may have”, adding it remained confident the deal due to staff or materials shortages has risen still be probed on security grounds. Japan’s economy, and the future development of artificial “will be beneficial to Arm, its licensees, competi- far above anything ever seen previously in SoftBank Group revealed almost a year ago that intelligence technologies that will be important to tion, and the UK”. more than 20 years of survey history.” it was selling Britain-based Arm for up to $40 bil- growth industries like robotics and self-driving Founded in 1990, Arm specialises in micro- Recent official data showed that Britain’s lion (34 billion euros) in a deal it hoped to com- cars,” Coscelli said. processors and dominates the global smartphone economy rebounded 4.8 percent in the sec- plete in early 2022 following competition reviews The CMA said it had reported its takeover market. But its chips are also found in sensors, ond quarter as the government began relaxing in several jurisdictions. concerns to the UK government department smart devices and cloud services. Nvidia, known lockdown restrictions amid its fast-paced Following its own investigation, Britain’s charged with digital industry matters and argu- for graphics cards favoured in the video game vaccination programme. However, the rebound Competition and Markets Authority highlighted ing that “an in-depth investigation into the deal... industry, has seen sales skyrocket during the faces challenges as global supply chain bot- concerns that included possible prices rises to is warranted on competition grounds”. The coronavirus crisis, with gaming a popular pas- tlenecks persist and a jobs protection pro- semiconductors, already facing a global shortage watchdog meanwhile confirmed that the takeover time in lockdown. SoftBank bought Arm in 2016 gramme is set to end in September. — AFP because of the pandemic and impacting in partic- could still face an in-depth UK probe on national for $32 billion. — AFP Established 1961 9 Tuesday, August 24, 2021 Business Despite economic crisis, Lebanon to reopen classrooms next month Power cuts, internet outages have made online instruction a luxury

BEIRUT: Students in Lebanon will return to the Schools have threatened to shut because of classroom starting next month, the education extortionate operating costs amid rampant infla- minister said yesterday, amid fears an accelerat- tion. In an attempt to ease their burden, Majzoub ing economic crisis and the coronavirus pandemic said public schools would open to in-person would prevent schools from reopening. attendance four days a week, with students tak- Rights groups have decried an “education ing classes online for the fifth day. catastrophe”, with more than a million children in Private schools are free to determine their own Lebanon out of school since the country’s operating schedule, he added. COVID-19 outbreak began in February last year. The ministry “is coordinating with relevant Other students are at risk of never returning, the authorities and donor countries to settle out- groups have warned, due to a financial downturn standing financial and economic issues,” Majzoub that has seen poverty rates soar to reach 78 per- said, decrying “a series of crises” plaguing the cent of the population. education sector. Classrooms will gradually reopen starting Lebanon’s economic crisis, branded by the September 27, outgoing education minister Tarek World Bank as likely one of the planet’s worst in Majzoub told a press conference yesterday. The modern times, has seen the local currency lose 90 decision covers both private and public schools percent of its value on the black market. as well as technical learning centres. All are to The crisis has led to shortages of almost reopen by October 4 at the latest, he added. everything, from fuel to electricity and even Lebanon had moved to distanced learning in bread, with power cuts lasting up to 22 hours a March last year due to the pandemic, with inter- day and fuel for private generators increasingly mittent returns to the classroom for some stu- scarce. dents. Majzoub said that with international assis- But power cuts, internet outages and the eco- tance, the ministry has provided donations of nomic crisis have made online instruction a luxu- textbooks and stationery for public school stu- BEIRUT: File photo shows a Coral petrol station in the Lebanese capital Beirut. The key oil company said it ry, as families struggle to afford food, yet alone dents, as well as solar panels for 122 learning would stop supplying its gas stations with fuel amid severe shortages that have brought the crisis-hit laptops and mobile phone devices. facilities. —AFP country to a halt. —AFP

The dip was explained in part by some business peaked for now”. The survey showed service sector Eurozone business concern over the effects of the Delta variant of the growth overtaking that of manufacturing for the first coronavirus, but especially by demand outstripping time in the pandemic recovery. Jobs growth was at a Female directors supply as activity bounced back vigorously in the 21-year peak. “The sustained upturn in demand and activity strong 19-nation eurozone. improved prospects due to rising vaccination rates “Supply chain delays continue to wreak havoc,” led to buoyant optimism about the year ahead,” IHS BRUSSELS: Business activity in the eurozone is IHS Markit’s chief business economist, Chris Markit said. Among the eurozone countries, paid 73% less hovering near a 15-year high despite slightly cooling Williamson, said. The duo of surging demand and Germany led the survey, though the supply con- in August due to supply pressures, a closely- supply problems was pushing costs higher, he said, straints on its vital manufacturing sector was more watched survey by IHS Markit showed yesterday. than men: Study leading to “another near-record increase in average marked. France was faring less well. The PMI The PMI Composite reading measuring corporate selling prices for goods and services”. Composite reading showed further cooling from a LONDON: Women directors at Britain’s top confidence slipped to 59.5 in August, just under the While that could fuel worries about inflation, June high, with factory output growth slowing to the companies earn almost three quarters less strong 60.2 figure given in July. A figure above 50 Williamson said “inflationary pressures may have slowest rate in seven months. —AFP than their male counterparts, a study showed indicates growth. yesterday. A female director at one of the companies listed on London’s FTSE 100 index earns an average £237,000 ($322,700, al energy industry and OPEC plans to encourage Guinea, Congo joined OPEC in 2018. Congo is 275,700 euros) per year, according to OPEC chief makes it,” Barkindo was quoted as saying in a statement estimated to have proven reserves of some 2.9 research from New Street Consulting Group published by the ministry. During the trip, which billion barrels of oil and its daily output amounts (NSCG). will last until Wednesday, the secretary general of to 336,000 barrels. That is almost 73 percent less than the first trip to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries French group TotalEnergies accounts for just average £875,900 earned by male directors will meet various government officials, including over two-thirds of overall output and it saw its at FTSE 100 businesses. The pay chasm is oil-rich Congo Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso and contract for operating the Djeno terminal also far greater than the rest of the UK job President Denis Sassou Nguesso. renewed last year for a further 20 years. Italian market. Men in Britain earn an average 15.5 BRAZZAVILLE: OPEC chief Mohammad Barkindo Barkindo will also visit an oil platform off the group ENI and US rival Chevron are also present percent more than women, according to arrived in Congo late Sunday in the first-ever visit coast near Pointe-Noire, Congo’s economic capital. in the country. recent official data published by the Office for by a head of the powerful cartel to the oil-rich Arriving at Brazzaville airport on a flight from Brazzaville set up the publicly-owned group National Statistics. African country where crude constitutes the pri- Nigeria, Barkindo was welcomed by hydrocarbons National Society of Petroleum of Congo However, boardroom pay is skewed mary source of income, the Congolese hydrocar- minister, Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua. (SNPC) in 1998. towards men because women hold far fewer bons ministry said. The fourth-biggest oil producer south of the The city is also home to the African Petroleum director roles. Men are statistically far more “Congo has an essential role to play in the glob- Sahara, behind Nigeria, Angola and Equatorial Producers’ Organization (APPO). —AFP likely to hold top positions like chief executive and chief financial officer. “Whilst great progress has been made in bringing more women onto boards, this research shows there Burgan Bank begins Summer Internship Program is much more to do,” said study author and NSCG director Claire Carter. KUWAIT: Burgan Bank has “Focusing solely on the percentages of launched the 2021 Summer directors that are women is not enough when Internship Program for young trying to approach equality.” —AFP bankers designed to provide the students, who have a passion for the banking world, with the opportunity to access a hands-on professional experience in the banking sector. EasyJet names Through the four-week training program, the participants had the ex-RBS boss chance to implement their acquired theoretical knowledge in a business environment and to learn new skills. as chairman First launched in 2002, the year- ly Summer Internship Program LONDON: British budget enables 17 talented students to airline EasyJet, which has acquire the experience as well as been slammed by COVID the key skills and competencies travel turmoil, yesterday that facilitate their access to named former Royal Bank of Scotland chief execu- upcoming career opportunities in tive Stephen Hester as the banking industry. chairman. “EasyJet plc is The participants were selected pleased to announce that from a large pool of candidates it has appointed Stephen who have applied through the Hester as a director and Manpower and Government Restructuring Program. Burgan’s communication and customer serv- this internship program as part of strategic investment in developing chair designate,” EasyJet Stephen Hester ice skills. It covers a wide range of Burgan’s corporate social responsi- its human capital. In line with this said in a statement. employees were also invited to par- take in the initiative, which reflects topics including leadership mas- bility strategy that reflects the key priority, Burgan extends the Hester will succeed John Barton as chairman at tery, cooperation, creative thinking, Bank’s commitment to provide con- implementation of this principle to the start of December. EasyJet slashed costs and the bank’s commitment to stimulate public speaking and modern bank- tinuous and impartial support to sharing banking knowledge and flights as the deadly pandemic ravaged demand for Burganers’ loyalty and engagement. ing. The participants also take part students in Kuwait through dedi- experience with the community by international air travel and slammed the global avia- The Summer Internship Program in various cross-collaboration tion industry. organized by the Learning and cated special educational and preparing and nurturing new gen- However, the carrier last month revealed narrow- Talents Development Department projects and initiatives under the training initiatives. Designed to erations of skilled employees. The ing quarterly losses thanks to easing COVID travel in collaboration with the supervision of the branches’ man- offer a learning platform enriched Bank’s support to this initiative also curbs in Europe, speedy vaccinations and improving Recruitment and the Retail agers and employees. with unparalleled insights into the falls under its dynamic full-fledged demand. Hester was formerly chief executive of RBS, Management teams, engages stu- Commenting on this pre-eminent banking industry, the program aims community program ENGAGE. now known as NatWest, for five years until 2014 and dents in rotations across the Bank’s program for developing the future to boost the interns’ power skills Together to be the change, through oversaw a massive restructuring after the lender’s branches and contact center to leaders of the banking sector, by providing them with the key which Burgan highlights the key state bailout during the global financial crisis. He then allow them to experience the retail Bashar Al-Qattan, Manager at the banking foundations that will pre- aspects affecting various society took up the helm at RSA Insurance but left after the banking dynamics. The internship Learning and Talent Development, pare them for great future career segments and promotes social wel- completion of the group’s £7.2-billion takeover by program also helps participants to said “The Learning & Talent opportunities.” fare through educational, cultural Canadian and Danish peers Intact and Tryg. —AFP develop their teamwork, creativity, Development team has launched Burgan Bank is committed to its and health driven initiatives.

tiations in southern China’s Kunming from April 25 agreement for the summit calling for the preserva- should also be protected through conservation UN biodiversity summit to May 8, 2022. tion of at least 30 percent of land and oceans, along areas, the draft proposed. Campaigners have for years called for an effec- with other biodiversity targets. The framework also called for more sustainable postponed to April 2022 tive global agreement on halting biodiversity loss, The fruit of months of online discussions, the farming and fishing practices, including a two-thirds similar to what the Paris Agreement lays out for cli- draft mapped out the route for humanity to be “liv- reduction in pesticide use, as well as “eliminating WASHINGTON: The face-to-face portion of a crit- mate change. ing in harmony with nature” by 2050. the discharge of plastic waste”. ical UN biodiversity summit originally slated for last With more than one million species facing The draft outlined 21 targets and 10 “milestones” “Addressing the challenge of halting ongoing year will be delayed until April 2022, UN officials extinction and the world failing to meet existing to be hit by 2030 to preserve biodiversity. losses of species and genetic diversity and the dam- said, citing the COVID pandemic. nature preservation targets, the need for an accord These include restoring at least 20 percent of age to our ecosystems will determine the well- An “official” virtual opening of the COP15 among the nearly 200 nations taking part in the degraded ecosystems and ensuring that existing being of humanity for generations to come,” UN meeting hosted by China will take place in mid- talks is pressing. intact wild areas are retained. biodiversity chief Elizabeth Maruma Mrema said October this year, followed by face-to-face nego- Earlier this month, the UN unveiled a draft At least 30 percent of land and marine species after Wednesday’s announcement. —AFP 10 Established 1961 Tuesday, August 24, 2021 Business As Jackson Hole looms, Wall Street opens higher Asian markets and oil bounce after last week’s tumble NEW YORK: US stocks opened higher yesterday, full approval, sending both companies shares continuing Friday’s bounce back from a soft patch, higher. Pfizer rose 2.4 percent, and BioNTech as traders looked ahead to the annual Federal surged 9.3 percent. Reserve conference later this week. Beyond Jackson Hole, traders this week are The Fed’s easy money policies have led to a looking forward to personal consumption and surge in equities over the past year-and-a-half expenditures data due out Friday, which will even as COVID has caused widespread economic provide another read on the magnitude of price suffering, but stocks have been buffeted recently increases in the United States as its economy amid fears the fast-spreading Delta variant will bounces back from pandemic-induced closures harm the recovery. in 2020. Central bankers will gather virtually late this Fears about the COVID mutation have rattled week for the symposium usually held in Jackson world markets as it forces some governments to Hole, Wyoming, and traders are looking forward reimpose containment measures, while sentiment to the marquee speech by Fed Chair Jerome was jolted further last week by minutes from the Powell on Friday, where he could provide details Fedís July meeting indicating it could start with- on plans to pull back on drawing its vast financial the massive stimulus support by yearís end. efforts. The colossal bond- Major Wall Street buying programme and indices continued Friday’s Low record low interest rates gains following a losing have been a key pillar of week, with the bench- interest the global recovery for mark Dow Jones more than a year, and the Industrial Average rates prospect of the cash advancing 0.6 percent to being withdrawn has TOKYO: A pedestrian walks past a stock indicator displaying the Nikkei 225 of the Tokyo Stock Exchange and 35,349.28 about 30 min- seen that advance stall. other world stock markets in Tokyo on August 16, 2021. (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI —AFP utes into trading. ìThe thing that I am The broad-based S&P going to be watching 500 climbed 0.8 percent to 4,475.25, while the very carefully over the next month, before the liftoff in 2023 and not before,î said Esty Dwek of Manila and Jakarta. tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index rose 1.0 per- next (Fed) meeting, is (whether) it is having a Natixis Investment Managers. The positive start was mirrored in oil markets, cent to 14,865.29. more material impact on slowing demand and Focus is now on Fed chief Jerome Powellís with both main contracts enjoying big gains, hav- News reports that Treasury Secretary Janet slowing GDP growth,î he said. ìIím going to keep speech to the Jackson Hole annual conference of ing suffered heavy losses recently owing to con- Yellen supports giving Powell as second term an open mind on that, and if it is having a more central bankers and finance chiefs, with hopes for cerns that the Delta spread will impact demand as as Fed chief also was positive for markets, ana- negative effect that might cause me to adjust my a clue about a taper timetable. All three main countries restrict peopleís movements. lysts said. views somewhat from ones that Iíve stated.î indexes on Wall Street rallied Friday, and Asia Crude was also helped by a dip in the dollar Her recommendation on the fate of the position Observers said the general consensus is that picked up the baton at the start of the week. caused by the Kaplan remarks. Still, while the she once held is likely to carry weight with even when the Fed finishes winding back support, Hong Kong, which sank nearly six percent week has got off to a healthy start, investors President Joe Biden. Powell’s four-year term Fed it is unlikely to immediately start hiking interest last week, climbed more than two percent, as remain cautious about Deltaís effect on the chair is up in February. rates. ìMarkets react to interest-rate hikes much did Taipei, while Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul and recovery outlook, while Chinaís ongoing regula- Just after markets opened, US regulators more than tapering and we expect a pause Wellington put on more than one percent. tory clampdown is also keeping optimism on granted the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine between tapering and the first hike, suggesting There were also gains in Sydney, Singapore, check. —AFP

workings of the United Ooredoo Kuwait sponsors INNOVA students Nations and the dynam- ics of international rela- in Harvard Model United Nations 2022 tions by assuming the Mohamed Naser Al Sayer roles of international leaders and decision & Sons introduces KUWAIT: Ooredoo Telecom, the first to intro- tribute to the development of their leadership makers. The program duce innovative digital services in Kuwait, has skills and capabilities, believing in the importance provides school students Toyota genuine motor oil always been a pioneer in taking serious leading of investing in Kuwaiti youth for a better future. the necessary skills to role in various initiatives that contribute to edu- Commenting on this sponsorship, Senior become future leaders”. KUWAIT: Mohamed Naser Al Sayer & Sons Group cating and inspiring youth, all fall under the Director, Corporate Communications, Ooredoo The Harvard Model Parts Division has announced the arrival of Toyota umbrella of the company’s corporate social Kuwait, Mijbil Al-Ayoub, said: “Ooredoo is the United Nations 2022 Mijbil Al-Ayoub genuine motor oil in a brand-new pack, features responsibility strategy. first telecom company in the State of Kuwait to strives to build a con- enhanced looks to match cutting edge performance. Recently, Ooredoo Kuwait provided sponsor- collaborate with Harvard Model United Nations structive forum for open Toyota genuine motor oil is a fully customized ship to INNOVA which selected students from 2022 and the INNOVA International English discussion on a range of long-term issues such as superior quality lubricant trusted by millions of hap- various schools in Kuwait to participate in the School to provide an exceptional learning experi- international peace and security and economic py Toyota owners around the world. The reputation Harvard Model United Nations 2022 which will ence. The four-day international relations simula- and social progress in various countries of the and reliability of our genuine spare parts as viewed take place at Harvard University in Boston to con- tions program will provide an insight into the world. and valued by our customers is based on its high- quality standards, durability, and performance. It is designed to perfectly meet the Toyota vehicles speci- expenditures while also vastly improving ener- providing a single holis- fications, needs and requirements. Each part is designed to meet the highest and most stringent Schneider Electric gy efficiency, and therefore, sustainability. tic view. quality standards. Vale chose Schneider Electric and AVEVA for Better coordination in According to Desmond Lew Business Director and AVEVA unify the technological performance and visibility operations, and Parts and Group Logistics “We thank all our loyal offered by their solutions. These provide an increased efficiency and customers for their trust on Toyota genuine parts. extremely high level of flexibility due to their ven- productivity by unifying Over the years we have been working closely with Vale mining dor-agnostic nature, making it easy to integrate multiple disciplines at Idemitsu our business partner in Middle East along disparate technologies across multiple sites. the same place. with local government authorities to bring nothing DUBAI: Schneider Electric, the leader in the “We are constantly looking to improve safe- Complete standardi- but the best for our customers in Kuwait”. digital transformation of energy management ty, efficiency and sustainability, not just now zation through one plat- Toyota genuine motor oil is the latest fully syn- and automation, and AVEVA, a global leader in but also for the future,” said Paulo Henrique form, with multiple industrial software, driving digital transforma- Fontes Coura, Senior Automation Leader, Vale. device manufacturers. thetic motor oil approved by Toyota Motor Marc Ramsay Corporation Japan with additional customer benefits tion and sustainability, are powering the unifi- “Schneider Electric and AVEVA have become Greater sustainability as below: cation of operations for Vale, a global natural an integral part of that journey. Rather than through resource opti- resources and mining company. simply offering the software, they provided a mization. l Latest oil to meet API SN standard The combination of AVEVA and Schneider complete, bespoke end-to-end service helping “In today’s world, information is imperative,” l Improved acceleration performance Electric software, technology and mining us optimize at every turn. This included train- said Rob Moffitt, President - Mining, Minerals l Superior protection against sludge and piston domain expertise is providing Vale with the ing, support, and advice throughout.” and Metals, Schneider Electric. “It drives safety, deposit ability to integrate, centralize, and remotely “The collaboration between our companies sustainability, and profitability for those able to l High fluidity at low temperature and excellent cold monitor operations across its Mariana and has created something much greater than the use it successfully. Iron production is essential start Itabira complexes in Brazil. sum of its parts,” said Gilberto da Cunha Vieira, to all our lives, providing steel for the automo- l Environment friendly Vale ranks among the top five largest mining Electrical and Automation Engineer Leader, tive and construction industries around the companies in the world. Headquartered in Rio Vale. “We are enormously grateful to Schneider world. It is vital that a sector upon which we Distinct features of the new pack include: de Janeiro, the world’s leading producer of iron Electric and AVEVA for bringing our facilities rely can run efficiently, safely and sustainably. 1. RED CAP with Al Sayer logo on all genuine oil ore, pellets and nickel employs a global work- together.” The system we have created for Vale alongside packaging exclusively made for Mohamed Naser force of over 170,000 people in 38 countries. Schneider Electric deployed EcoStruxure AVEVA is vital to this process. We look for- Al Sayer & Sons Kuwait. The Mariana Complex and Itabira Complex are Control Expert - Asset Link, combining AVEVA ward to seeing Vale unlock its potential to 2. Better cap grip for ease of opening. two of Vale’s major iron ore production sites, System Platform and Schneider Modicon understand, manage and enhance its operations 3. Level indicator strip for ease of partial usage. located in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Together, the M580, to provide visibility and unify opera- across Brazil.” 4. Stylish Can with two handles for the ease of complexes are responsible for more than 75% tions for Vale. The technology enables data to “Mining operations are data-rich environ- pouring of the production data from Vale’s Minas Gerais be integrated directly into the system, so Vale’s ments where digital transformation can drive 5. Labels with distinct identity - Toyota Genuine mining operations. managers have granular insights without having sustainability and productivity gains for Motor Oil logo, Part Number, Bar code. While primarily implemented to improve to manually transfer any intelligence. By bring- improved asset utilization and enhanced value ALSAYER continues to provide better customer safety through remote operations, digitalization ing this data together, Vale can now create a optimization,” commented Marc Ramsay, Vice service by offering high quality genuine spare parts is critically important to driving efficiency and master operations center and remotely manage President, Global Strategic Partners, AVEVA. through its wide network of exclusive spare parts sustainability in mining. Through the partner- everything. This greatly improves operational “Together with Schneider Electric EcoStruxure, outlets. Today Toyota genuine motor oil is available at ship Vale can unify operations across multiple efficiency and means less people are onsite, AVEVA System Platform supports Vale in real- ALSAYER’s 17 retail parts outlets and Toyota Service sites and upgrade its old system to one capable Centers. On the high streets, oil distributors, co-oper- providing a significant boost to safety. izing the mines of the future through contextu- of remotely controlling all the diverse technolo- atives, oil change centers, garages , auto repair shops, alized operations built on a collaborative, stan- gies operating across each mining facility. puncture shops stock and many more outlets stock Other results include: dards-based foundation that unifies people, and sell Toyota genuine motor oil to ensure easy Crucially, the remote management solution Cost savings with faster data to make deci- processes, and assets across all of Vale’s facili- access and convenience for Toyota owners. enables Vale to have fewer professionals onsite, sions: ties for continuous operational improvement increasing safety and reducing operational Full visibility and compatibility for all plants, and real-time decision assistance.”

showing sales rose for a second straight month. seen as keeping buyers out of the market, a dynamic less 12 percent lower than the same month last year, High prices didn’t Existing home sales climbed two percent last month that NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun pointed to the report said. Unsold inventory sat at a 2.6-month to an annual rate of 5.99 million, seasonally adjusted, in the July data. supply, only slightly more than in June and well below the National Association of Realtors (NAR) said, a “Much of the home sales growth is still occurring the 3.1-month supply seen in July 2020. deter Americans pace that was above analysts’ expectations. in the upper-end markets, while the mid- to lower- The median existing home price declined slightly The US real estate market grew white hot last tier areas aren’t seeing as much growth because from June to $359,000, but that was still nearly 18 from home buying year as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily life there are still too few starter homes available,” he percent higher than its level last year. “Going for- and the Federal Reserve implemented easy money said in a statement. However, he noted an increase in ward, the market for existing homes will be support- WASHINGTON: US homes for sale were in short policies to support the economy, which made mort- supply that was helping to ease the frenzied buying. ed by strong demand and mortgage rates that remain supply and expensive in July, but Americans contin- gages cheap and fueled sales. But that demand Total inventory was 1.32 million units as of the end relatively low,” said Nancy Vanden Houten of Oxford ued buying, according to industry data yesterday drained supplies and record-setting prices are now of last month, up 7.3 percent from June but nonethe- Economics. —AFP Established 1961 11

Tuesday, August 24, 2021 Lifestyle Features

they still chalked up favorites such as Music world “Cathy’s Clown” and “Crying in the Rain.” ‘Beautiful sounding’ The group had a profound impact on the musical world, with their close har- pays tribute monies emulated by groups including Simon & Garfunkel and the Beatles, as well as the Beach Boys, the Byrds, the to Phil Everly Bee Gees and the Eagles. Paul Simon later said the Everlys “were the most beautiful sounding duo I have ever S country rock pioneer Don Everly, heard.” Rolling Stone magazine placed who was the surviving half of the the group No. 1 on its list of the “20 UEverly Brothers, has died aged 84 Greatest Duos of All Time.” after a career delighting fans with a string The Everlys grew up in Iowa in a musi- of hits such as “Bye Bye Love” and “Wake cal family-father Ike, originally a coal min- er, was a talented guitarist-and by high Angelina Jolie Up Little Susie.” His death in the music hub of Nashville, Tennessee was school they had already drawn the help of announced by the Country Music Hall of a powerful mentor and promoter in famed Fame, which called him “one of the most guitarist Chet Atkins, a family friend. “Bye talented and impactful artists in popular Bye Love,” hit No. 1 in 1957. The pair music history.” No cause of death was signed with Warner Bros. Records in provided. 1960, but joined the US Marine Reserves Tributes from the music world were led the following year, leading to a slowdown by Carole King, Roy Orbison Jr and Julian in their production. Their popularity also Lennon, who tweeted: “R.I.P. Don Of ‘The faded as tastes changed and fans turned Everly Brothers’ who along with his broth- toward the groups of the so-called British er Phil, wrote some of the most memo- Invasion. Their last top-10 hit, “That’s Old rable & classic songs of all time... Thank Fashioned,” came in 1962, though they ngelina Jolie has become the fastest Right now, the people of Afghanistan are to support the Afghan people. Her post You for the Music.” The duo, credited with continued to record and tour. Instagram user to gain one million losing their ability to communicate on social continued: “Watching for decades how influencing rock and country singers for The group broke up in 1973 — follow- Afollowers. The 46-year-old actress media and to express themselves freely. Afghan refugees - some of the most capa- decades, were among the inaugural hon- ing a very public guitar-smashing dispute joined the photo-sharing platform over the So I’ve come on Instagram to share their ble people in the world - are treated like a orees in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in on a California stage-but had an emotion- weekend, and she’s quickly amassed more stories and the voices of those across the burden is also sickening. Knowing that if 1986, alongside Elvis Presley, Chuck al reunion performance 10 years later in than seven million followers on Instagram. globe who are fighting for their basic they had the tools and respect, how much Berry, Little Richard, Buddy Holly and London’s Royal Albert Hall and continued Angelina surpassed the likes of Rupert human rights. “I was on the border of they would do for themselves. And meeting Jerry Lee Lewis. In 2001 they were to perform occasionally until Phil’s death Grint, and Sir David Attenborough to claim Afghanistan two weeks before 9/11, where so many women and girls who not only inducted into its country counterpart. in 2014. Country music singer-songwriter the record, as she amassed 2.1 million new I met Afghan refugees who had fled the wanted an education, but fought for it. Don’s brother Phil Everly died in 2014, Gretchen Peters recalled the “mysterious followers in under three hours. The Taleban. This was twenty years ago. “It is “Like others who are committed, I will not aged 75. The duo’s high-pitched, fluid har- alchemy” of the brothers’ harmonies. “I Hollywood star joined the platform to share sickening to watch Afghans being displaced turn away. I will continue to look for ways to monies brought them a series of hit bal- heard it as a kid in Simon & Garfunkel, a photograph of a heart-breaking letter from yet again out of the fear and uncertainty help. And I hope you’ll join me.” lads and rock tunes. “Wake Up Little (then) later Gram & Emmylou, then made a teenage girl in Afghanistan, where the that has gripped their country. —Bang Showbiz Susie” and “All I Have to Do Is Dream” my way upriver to the Everlys. Pure mag- Taleban recently gained control of the “To spend so much time and money, to both topped the US charts in the 1950s. ic. RIP Don Everly.”— AFP country. Angelina’s post read: “This is a let- have blood shed and lives lost only to come Their output dropped off in the 1960s but ter I was sent from a teenage girl in to this, is a failure almost impossible to Afghanistan. understand.” Angelina pledged to continue

starring Ryan Reynolds as an Everyman bank teller who finds-not unlike Jim ‘Free Guy’ tops Carrey’s character in “The Truman Show”- that he is a character in a huge video game and must save his friends from North American being deleted. Family-friendly “Free Guy” was slightly off from its $28 million opening weekend, box office again but analysts said its result was impres- sive with COVID-19 still hanging over the industry and Tropical Storm Henri deter- wentieth Century’s sci-fi comedy ring moviegoers in the US Northeast. It “Free Guy” slipped but did not trip on Nicole Kidman has a healthy global take so far of $112 Sunday as it clung to the top spot in T million. In second position, earning $13 North American movie theaters with an million for the Friday-through-Sunday estimated take of $18.8 million, industry period, was new Paramount release watcher Exhibitor Relations reported. The “Paw Patrol: The Movie.” That was a In this file photo flowers are placed on the Everly Brothers star to honor the memory of Phil film, its release delayed a year by the respectable total, said Variety.com, for a Everly at Hollywood Walk Of Fame in Hollywood, California. — AFP COVID-19 pandemic, is a lighthearted yarn film aimed at young kids-who remain ineligible for COVID vaccines. “Paw Patrol” tells the story of a boy named Ryder and the brave pups who help him save Adventure City from a colossally evil mayor. Third spot went to Disney’s family adventure film “Jungle Cruise,” at $6.2 mil- icole Kidman says having her two lion. Its plot-well, suffice it to say it is based youngest children helped her cope on a theme-park ride. Horror feature “Don’t Nwith the “frustration” of being an old- Breathe 2,” from Sony, followed with a $5.1 er woman in Hollywood. The 54-year-old million take in its second weekend. wen Stefani has sent birthday actress claims Hollywood bosses tried to Starring Stephen Lang-who has what web- ohn Travolta’s views on mortality wishes to her 13-year-old son oust her from movie roles as soon as she site Rotten Tomatoes calls a “thrillingly changed after a profound conversa- Zuma via social media. The 51- turned 40, and says she noticed people imposing presence”-it revolves around a G Jtion with his 10-year-old son year-old singer took to Instagram to mark were no longer “interested” in her as an game of mass murder perpetuated by a Benjamin. The ‘Saturday Night Fever’ leg- her son’s birthday, posting a baby photo actress or a “person” when she hit the blind veteran. And in fifth place was United end’s youngest son told his father that he and an up-to-date snap of Zuma on the milestone age. But the ‘Big Little Lies’ star Artists’ biopic “Respect,” at $3.8 million. was afraid that the 67-year-old actor is platform. Alongside the snaps, Gwen - also says having her daughters Sunday, Grammy, Golden Globe and Oscar winner going to die after his mom, the late Kelly who also has Kingston, 15, and Apollo, 13, and Faith, 10, with her husband Keith Jennifer Hudson stars as queen of soul Preston, died at the age of 57 from breast seven, with ex-husband Gavin Rossdale - Urban helped take her life in a brand-new Aretha Franklin-who reportedly picked cancer last year. And John, whose son wrote: “happy 13th b day to my Zuma direction. Of her career, she said: “I was Hudson for the role. The Washington Post Jett tragically died when he was just 16, baby [baby emoji] we love u so much!! gx frustrated - as so many women are in dif- calls her portrayal a “kind of creative-even explained that everyone has to leave the (sic)” The blonde beauty also posted a ferent careers - at the idea of being told, spiritual-mind-meld that sends a chill down world one day and that he should look at snap of all three of her kids together in a ‘Well, that’s it: you’ve passed through that the spine and a catch to the throat.” death as a part of life. Retelling their heart family photo. period where it’s all going to be fine, and Rounding out the top five were: to heart to Kevin Hart on his Peacock talk now you’re in your 40s we’re not interest- “The Suicide Squad” ($3.4 million) show ‘Hart to Heart’, he began: “[Ben] ed as much in your storytelling or your “The Protege” ($2.9 million) said to me once, ‘Because mom passed ideas or in who you are as a woman or a “The Night House” ($2.9 million) away, I’m afraid you’re going to.’ person.’ And speaking about having chil- In this file photo Blake Lively and Ryan “Reminiscence” ($2 million) “I said, ‘Well, it’s a very different thing.’ dren with Keith, she added: “Our chance Reynolds attend the ‘Free Guy’ New York “Black Widow” ($1.2 million)—AFP And I went through the differences about of having a baby was one percent. But my Premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater in my longevity and her limited life. “I said, husband said, ‘Well, at least we’ve got a New York City. — AFP ‘But you know, Ben ... you always love the Gwen Stefani chance.’ I thought, ‘One percent isn’t a truth and I’m going to tell you the truth chance!’ But he was right. about life. Nobody knows when they’re “Their coming into my life was the flip- gonna go or when they’re going to stay. side of losing someone - seeing that preg- Your brother [Jett] left at 16. Too young. nancy test and wondering, ‘What is this Your mother left at 57. That was too new person going to be like?’ It’s an young. But who’s to say? I could die Below the group shot, she wrote: amazing thing.” Nicole also spoke about tomorrow. You could. Anybody can. So “Happy Birthday!” Gwen posted another her time being single in between her mar- let’s look at it like it’s part of life. You don’t throwback photo of Zuma as a toddler at riages to Tom Cruise - whom she was know exactly. You just do your best at try- one of his early birthdays. In the photo, married to from 1990 until 2001, and with ittoria Ceretti has returned as the effects that are matte or shiny, warm or ing to live the longest you can.’” he’s seen swinging a bat at a Spider-Man whom she has adopted children Isabella, face of Chanel’s fall 2021 make-up electrifying. An interplay of layering and Ben then asked his dad if he sees him- pinata. She captioned the picture: “Babies 28, and Connor, 26 - and Keith, whom Vcollection. The 23-year-old Italian discord that gives an enigmatic result.” self still being alive in three decades’ time grow up.” Meanwhile, Gwen married her she married in 2006. She explained: “I like model - who, according to Vogue Italia, Meanwhile, in other Chanel-related news, and admitted that by the end of their con- long-term partner Blake Shelton in July, sharing my life. I’ve always been like that. was the most searched model of 2018 - Pharrell Williams launched a new mentor- versation his whole “viewpoint” on getting and he recently revealed that she had a At 14 I had a boyfriend because I didn’t smolders in the striking new promo shots ship program with the French fashion older changed. The ‘Grease’ star - who “hard time” trying to get through her wed- want to be alone. “I went through a peri- with a sultry smokey eye. The campaign house this summer. The music star’s also has Ella, 21, with Kelly - continued: “I ding vows without crying. The pair chose od where I was forced into being alone. showcases the Khaki Harmony, Silver- Black Ambition - which offers a series of said, ‘Yeah.’ He said, ‘Does 30 years ago to write their own vows for the nuptials, But that was almost like a portal to go Grey Harmony, Red-Brown Harmony, and prizes to “fund bold ideas and companies seem like a long time?’ I said, ‘Yeah.’ He and Blake admitted that Gwen’s words through, where you don’t just jump from Champagne Harmony palletes, with a led by Black and Latinx entrepreneurs” - said, ‘Don’t you think you have 30 more were so moving they both had difficulty one thing to another, you’re actually there, focus on “matte or shiny, warm” contrast- and Chanel joined forces on the two-part years in your life to live?’ I said, ‘Yeah, I getting through the emotional moment living it. And I came out of it much more ing looks. Chanel said: “Contour and light. initiative featuring mentorships, work- do. I have at least 30 more years.’ He without bursting into tears. available [mentally, to meet someone].” Chanel is reinventing the rules of make- shops, and celebrity guests. said, ‘What’s wrong with that?’ This is a He said: “Gwen, right up until the night And in her only family, Nicole joked she up with an ultra-sensorial two-step tech- The ‘Happy’ hitmaker said in June: “I 10-year-old telling me that! It changed my before, like when it started getting, like, isn’t the “top” child as far as her mother is nique for contrasting eye looks. Four deep am incredibly honored by Chanel’s sup- viewpoint.”— Bang Showbiz two weeks away, she was like, ‘Oh my concerned - even though she’s a and rich color harmonies, emphasized by port of Black Ambition. Mentorship is a god, let’s just not do that. Let’s just, like, Hollywood superstar. The ‘Eyes Wide cornerstone of Black Ambition’s mission have the repeat after me stuff.’ ... And Shut’ actress told The Mail on Sunday’s and is vital to the success of the next gen- Carson [Daly, who officiate the ceremony] You magazine: “There are so many differ- eration of Black and Latinx entrepre- was adamant about, ‘No, you can, look, ent family members here and my mother neurs.” The Women Who Lead panel you’re a songwriter, you can do this.’ And always has a favorite. The other day I includes actress Tracee Ellis Ross and Good American CEO and co-founder so, right up until the night before, she was

said, ‘Where am I on the list?’ and she John Travolta working on hers and it was incredible. “I goes, ‘Oh no, you’re up there right now, Emma Grede - who runs the lucrative still haven’t even seen a video of our wed- but you’re definitely not the top.’ “But I denim brand alongside reality star Khloe ding yet so I can’t remember all the things may be top next week! I had Mum over Kardashian. Harper’s Bazaar’s editor-in- she said, but it was, she had them written and made her some curry and drove her chief, Samira Nasr, was put in charge of

Vittoria Ceretti down and she had a hard time getting home. So I might have risen a couple of moderating the panel. — Bang Showbiz through them. — Bang Showbiz notches.”— Bang Showbiz 12 Established 1961 Tuesday, August 24, 2021 Lifestyle Gossip

he 42-year-old actor - who of the previous work that I’ve done, but take hard decisions in order to achieve myself in challenging situations T recently walked away from the I want to continue to pursue a film his ambitions. And while fans may because I feel like that’s the fastest way TV drama series ‘Chesapeake career and I think the best way to do have been shocked by his decision to to grow. “No one saw this decision Shores’ - hopes to secure a role on an that is to get on a respected, critically quit ‘Chesapeake Shores’, the actor is coming for me to leave ‘Chesapeake’, acclaimed show and take his career to acclaimed television show. We’re still in determined to “grow” and to seek out but sometimes the hardest decisions the next level. Jesse - who previously the golden age of television. “There are new opportunities in the coming are the best ones to make and the ones played John Rowland on ‘Desperate a lot of great projects out there. I’ve months. Speaking about his exit from that you grow the most from. I think this Housewives’ - shared: “I really want to gotten a lot of premium opportunities the series, the actor - who first joined is one of those decisions.” get on a critically acclaimed cable TV recently and I’m focused on that.” Jesse the Hallmark Channel’s show in 2016 - show again. I really want to up the bar is determined to challenge himself in explained to ‘Entertainment Tonight’: in my career. “Not to look down on any his professional life, and he’s willing to “Life’s all about growth. I tend to put

Golding ‘felt great’ after shedding weight

for Snake Eyes ardi B will only pay her kids’ rent if C they continue their education or explore “business ventures”. The yan Reynolds wants LeVar Burton enry Golding “felt great” after get- chart-topping rap star - who has Kulture, R to become the permanent host of H ting himself in shape for ‘Snake three, with husband Offset and another ‘Jeopardy!’. The 44-year-old actor Eyes’. The 34-year-old actor went child on the way - has revealed that the has taken to Twitter to recommend LeVar though an intense fitness regime in order absolutely wonderful to be able to push financial support she’ll give her kids will be as the new host of the long-running game to star in the new film, and Henry relished myself to that limit.” Henry previously conditional on a few factors. Cardi, 28, show, likening the situation to his own the experience. He shared: “It sheds off revealed he spent four hours a day learn- wrote on her Twitter account: “When my experience with Deadpool. Ryan - who you just because you’re doing four or five ing swordplay for his role in ‘Snake Eyes’. kids get older and they want to move out host came to light. He said in an email to has achieved huge success with the hours [a day] of really high, intense cardio, The Hollywood star admitted that the imma get them a big condo and imma be people working on the show: “I will be Deadpool franchise - wrote on the micro- working out these movements. “So it sword-fighting scenes were the most chal- paying their rent ONLY IF they are in stepping down as host effective immedi- blogging platform: “Pretty consistently would just go and shed and I was like, lenging part of his role. Asked how much school or workin on business ventures!! If ately.” Sony Pictures Television accepted from 2013 to 2015 Deadpool would wow, there’s not going to be anything left work he put into his sword skills, Henry not you living in my house, under my rules Mike’s resignation and admitted to being explode on Twitter with fans wanting me to of me! But it felt great, it did.” Henry stars said: “Yeah, we were four hours a day, or you gotta pay your own rent. (sic)” surprised by his offensive remarks. A play him. It was awkward because I in some eye-catching combat scenes in with the stunt team, all in the build-up to Meanwhile, Cardi recently collaborated spokesperson for the TV company told agreed with them but the studio didn’t see the new movie, and he needed to push getting us on set, ready and prepared. NPR: “We support Mike’s decision to step it. Ultimately the fans won and the rest is himself “to the limit” during the shoot. He “Things change, as you know, when we down as host. “We were surprised this glorious history. I’m forever grateful. “Hi told the ‘Backstage Podcast’: “Combat - get on set. Environments really dictate week to learn of Mike’s 2013/2014 pod- @levarburton (sic)” LeVar, 64, served as a especially for screen and [using] choreog- how much we’re able to do from what cast and the offensive language he used guest host on ‘Jeopardy!’ last month, and raphy - it’s all about fluidity, and when you we’ve learned in the studio in comparison in the past. We have spoken with him fans have called on him to become the start on day one, you feel like a stick in to being on the edge of a car carrier, or about our concerns and our expectations full-time replacement for Mike Richards, mud. “You’re kind of awkward, you don’t standing on top of the building, in a rain moving forward.” Despite this, Mike is set who recently resigned after offensive com- know what that rhythm is like, but after sequence. “So you have to be at a stage to continue in his role as an executive pro- ments he made in the past became public. doing it day in, day out, you start having and capability of being able to change up ducer. The spokesperson said: “It is our LeVar responded to Ryan’s tweet with the sixth sense of moving, sliding, having on-the-go as quickly as possible and learn hope that as EP he will continue to do so prayer hands and a purple heart emoji. your feet at the correct stance and being new choreography within five minutes. with professionalism and respect.” Mike stepped down from the role as the able to adjust on the fly as you’re compet- And thankfully, all of that two months of show’s host after inappropriate comments ing against these combatants. “So the pre-training got us to that stage.” he made in his former role as a podcast contrast is particularly steep, but it was

breathtaking Orum House in Los Angeles. EVP of product and communications at In the clip, Beyonce is wearing the stun- Tiffany’s, said: “Beyonce and Jay-Z are Beyonce and Jay-Z ning Tiffany Yellow Diamond - one of the the epitome of the modern love story. As a with Lizzo on their hit single ‘Rumors’, and largest yellow diamonds ever discovered - brand that has always stood for love, the singer subsequently hailed the rap star star in Tiffany & which has only been worn a handful of strength and self-expression, we could not as a game-changer for female artists. times. Hepburn wowed in the rare dia- think of a more iconic couple that better Lizzo relished the experience of teaming mond in promo snaps for ‘Breakfast At represents Tiffany’s values. “We are hon- up with Cardi - who worked as a stripper Co’s latest ‘About Tiffany’s’, while Lady Gaga borrowed it for ored to have the Carters as a part of the before finding fame - on the new single. the Oscars in 2019, and Gal Gadot’s char- Tiffany family.” Meanwhile, Tiffany’s has Asked what she loves about the rapper, Love’ campaign acter, Linnet Ridgeway-Doyle, wears a agreed to donate $2 million to Black col- Lizzo explained: “Cardi B is the ultimate. replica in the upcoming mystery thriller leges and universities in the US for schol- She, to me, has always done it right. movie, ‘Death on the Nile’. Jean-Michel arships and internships. “Everything that she said, every way that he power couple’s romance is the Basquiat’s painting Equals Pi also fea- she’s reacted because you know why? It’s T center of the upcoming ad for the tures as it’s a “common thread throughout because she was true to herself the whole luxury jewelry brand, which the Carter’s love story”. Alexandre Arnault, time. She’s a ground breaker. You can’t launches on September 2. In a state- deny her ability. She’s a superstar. “She ment, the ‘Crazy in Love’ pair said: “Love has changed the game forever for a lot of is the diamond that the jewelry and art us, a lot of women. I don’t even think she decorate.” The Destiny’s Child star and realizes she’s doing it because it’s just like, osie Huntington-Whiteley doesn’t the hip-hop legend - who have Blue Ivy, I’m trying to just be successful. I’m trying R use foundation anymore. The nine, and four-year-old twins Rumi and Sir to get this money. I want to live a happy Rose Inc. founder’s beauty brand together - have also created a dazzling life. “She just follows her heart. That’s has a “does-it-all concealer” which means film for the brand filmed by Jay-Z on a what I love about her.” Lizzo was deter- the 34-year-old model can achieve the Super 8 camera, which arrives on mined to work with Cardi as soon as the light, glowy coverage she wants without it. September 15. Soundtracked to possibility arose. She said: “There was no On the upcoming Modern Essentials Beyonce’s version of ‘Moon River’, origi- one else for it. There was literally no one make-up collection, she added: “We have nally performed by the late Hollywood icon else. From the day the ink dried on her a cream blush, a lip product, a brow gel, Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 movie Atlantic contract, I said, ‘Please get me on and a does-it-all concealer. “Since we ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, in which her char- a song with Cardi B.’ She’s just funny. I locked the formula down, I have not been acter, Holly Golightly, is obsessed with like funny people and she can rap. You using any foundation. It has a chubby doe their jewelry, the short was shot at the know what I’m saying?” foot, so I dot mine all over my face where I want coverage. Then I use our brush to Real Housewives of New York City’ star realized my third baby will never be here. just blend. It has this lovely blurring effect, Bethenny Frankel simply commented: then I realized i threw myself into the book but it leaves the skin looking like your own “YES” In August 2017, it was first reported to not think of the real, actual third baby. skin, but with this velvet luminosity.” When Eric and nurse Lindsay were dating after (sic)” The television personality, who it comes to keeping acne at bay, the spending time together at the Big Slick revealed in December that she had quit blonde beauty has developed two skincare Celebrity Weekend charity event in alcohol, also admitted booze had helped products that work wonders for her com- T he ‘Modern Family’ star and his Kansas City in June. An insider said at the to “numb” the pain until she stopped drink- plexion, an AHA toner and “hydrating partner Lindsay Schweitzer are to time: “Lindsay was there fundraising, and ing. She added: “I don’t really feel like I ful- serum-meets-primer”. She told Refinery29: wed after he popped the question Eric was one of the celebrity guests.” Eric ly processed jack and now that I don’t “I’ve had acne-prone skin my entire adult to the paediatric nurse, and he joked her was previously romantically involved with have the alcohol to numb it away, things life, so I’ve been on a quest since the age people would “call my people” for an Broadway star Katherine Tokarz for nearly C hrissy Teigen still hasn’t processed are just...there, waiting to be acknowl- of about 16 to figure out how to manage answer. He wrote on Instagram: “She said, three years until 2012. The star - who is the tragic loss of her late son, edged. I guess what I’m saying here is life that. “Over the years, I’ve built out my own “She’d have her people call my people.” “ best known for playing Cameron Tucker in Jack. The 35-year-old model dedi- is so complicated. (sic)” Chrissy and John research, but these are the two skin-care The 49-year-old star shared three snaps ABC TV series ‘Modern Family’ - was cated her new book ‘Cravings: All shared the devastating news of their loss products that give me the most instant of himself and Lindsay, who showed off romantically linked to Charlize Theron in Together: Recipes To Love’ to her boy, in October last year. Part of their lengthy results: an AHA toner and then a beautiful her sparkling engagement ring in the pho- 2012 following his split from Katherine, but whom she lost 20 weeks into her pregnan- statement at the time read: “We are hydrating serum-meets-primer.” Rosie said tos. Several stars were quick to congratu- he laughed off the speculation, joking that cy last year, and the author admitted she shocked and in the kind of deep pain you it was important for her team to just focus late the happy couple on social media. he was in fact dating Halle Berry. He said: has felt “slightly down lately” after reflect- only hear about, the kind of pain we’ve on a handful of products to nail the formu- ‘Shazam!’ actor Zachary Levi wrote: “I wish people would stop spreading ing on her decision to announce the arrival never felt before. We were never able to las. She explained: “Instead of launching “Congrats duuuuuuuuuuude!!! (sic)” ‘The rumors that Charlize Theron and I are dat- of her new collection of recipes as her stop the bleeding and give our baby the 50 products, I wanted a tight edit. “I feel ing. It’s starting to make Halle Berry jeal- “third baby”. Chrissy - who has Luna, five, fluids he needed, despite bags and bags like that’s the modern way of launching a ous. “She was so cold to me this morning and Miles, three, with ‘All of Me’ hitmaker of blood transfusions. brand in 2021 - we’re actually calling the when she saw the rumors. “It was just qui- John Legend - explained how she “threw” first drop our ‘Modern Essentials’ collec- et - fork and knife on the plate. Halle and I herself into making her book and has not tion. Plus, it allows us to get each product weren’t speaking at all. And I’m like, ‘Halle, allowed herself to fully grieve. Taking to right.” And one of the main reasons she listen! It’s just a rumour. It’s not real.’ “ In Instagram to share a picture from her date decided to launch the line was because it’s 2015, there was speculation Eric and night with her husband and to reflect on what her fans wanted. She said: Bethenny were dating, but she insisted their life in New York, the ‘Lip Sync Battle’ “Whenever I share anything beauty-related they were not a couple. She wrote on star shared: “Anyhowwwww just reminisc- across my platforms, it got so much Twitter: “Wow #somanyboyfriendssolittle- ing about New York a lot lately, when engagement. “I wanted an opportunity to time How did I manage to be at a things were simple, thinking about all the connect with that audience and communi- @Dodgers game & be in the Hamptons at stuff I’ve done and been through not just ty. So, I set out to see if I could bring them the same time?!!! @ericstonestreet (sic)” this year but in my life. I’m slightly down a product line.” Rose Inc.’s beauty prod- — Bang Showbiz lately. “It kind of started when I was think- ucts will be available from August 27 from ing of my book caption and typed out ‘my Roseinc.com third baby is here!!’, as in cookbook, then Established 1961 13

Tuesday, August 24, 2021 Lifestyle Gossip

ritney Spears has been reunited source told People magazine: “Her dogs to knock it out of her hands. She didn’t B with her dogs after allegedly get- are a sensitive breed that often has hit anyone.” Buschow declined to “dis- ting into a dispute with an health issues. She has gotten clear cuss the particulars” of the incident but employee over their care. The 39-year- instructions about how to care for the explained that misdemeanor battery old is being investigated by the Ventura dogs now.” Insiders also claim the occurs when there is “physical contact” County Sheriff’s Department for an “housekeeper no longer works for” with another person. But the captain also alleged misdemeanor battery incident Britney, but insisted the singer has “more said there were no injuries reported. The after it was claimed she “struck” one of help” for her dogs now. Earlier this alleged altercation comes one week after her housekeepers during a dispute. It week, Captain Eric Buschow confirmed Britney’s father, Jamie Spears, was later claimed the argument occurred Britney was the subject of an investiga- announced he will finally be stepping when the housekeeper took Britney’s tion after the incident at her home. He down as her co-conservator after months dogs to the vet after becoming con- said: “Ultimately that investigation will be of campaigning to have him removed. cerned with the animals’ wellbeing, which forwarded to the attorney’s office for Jamie - who currently oversees Britney’s left the ‘Toxic’ singer fuming as the review. It’s a minor misdemeanor battery finances - insisted he won’t step back pooches were removed from her home. [investigation].” However, a source close until an “orderly transition” is put in place But it has now been reported the dogs to Britney insisted the report is not true. for a new conservator to take over. are back home once again, and Britney The insider claimed: “The housekeeper is “thrilled” to have them around. A was holding her phone and Britney tried

but earlier this week she shared some see.” The ‘Break My Heart’ hitmaker pictures of their holiday getaway which revealed she’s still trying to “find the Hadid gushes included the ‘Don’t Start Now’ singer. right balance” between sharing things She wrote: “swipe for our dance party of with her fans and keeping her romance 10! Adore every single last one of em private. Dua is determined to not let oth- over Lipa on her (sic)” The London-born singer and er people’s opinions undermine her own Anwar have been dating since 2019. happiness. She said: “It’s a little bit of But Dua previously admitted she’s made give and take, trying to find the right bal- birthday: ‘The girl a conscious decision to keep their ance of being so excited and being in romance “quite private”. She explained: love, and wanting to share that with the of my dreams’ “We have all these incredible memories people around me, but at the same time he ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ star took and experiences, and if there’s some- not wanting to put too much out there. “I T to Instagram to reveal she has thing that we want to share together, want to be able to just be happy in this welcomed a daughter, Rosaline, then OK that’s fun. “But at the same relationship without having other peo- nwar Hadid has praised Dua into the world. She posted: “B?B? HAS time, we’re quite private - we’ll only ple’s opinions.” A Lipa as “the girl of [his] dreams”. ARRIVED in style (and more importantly show you as much as we want you to The 22-year-old model - who is SAFETY) in @nuna_usa’s Pipa car seat. the brother of fellow models Gigi and Her name is Rosaline: pronounced Roz- Bella Hadid - took to his Instagram story uh-line. (sic)” The 40-year-old actress - on Sunday to gush over the ‘Levitating’ who plays Detective Rosa Diaz in the hitmaker in honor of her 26th birthday. NBC comedy - admitted she has been Alongside a picture of Dua smiling, feeling “so overwhelmingly full of grati- revealed in June they were expecting Anwar wrote: “Happy birthday girl of my tude” since giving birth to her first child. their first child together. Stephanie said dreams [heart emoji] love u forever and She said: “I’m very very in awe of the at the time: “We’re really excited we’re always (sic)” Dua also marked her own entire experience of having a kiddo. it is going to be growing our family and I am birthday with a snap of herself holding INCREDIBLE and HARD AF and BEAU- pumped.” The actress also admitted she some pink heart-shaped balloons. She TIFUL and EMOTIONAL, and I can’t didn’t expect to get married and have captioned the shots: “I’m a leo - can’t u remember ever being this amazed and kids until she met Brad, who she wed in tell (sic)” And Anwar’s sister Gigi, also feeling so overwhelmingly full of grati- 2018. She said: “I didn’t think that a 26, took to her own Instagram Story to tude. Roz, you are so cool. #nunafamily committed partnership was really for me. share a selfie with Dua which was cap- #nunapipa #mynuna (sic)” The ‘BoJack “I couldn’t really see kids. It wasn’t that I tioned: “Happy happy birthday sweet Horseman’ star’s husband Brad Hoss - was closed off to it. “It was more that I @dualipa! Supernova! We love you. who appeared opposite Zelda Williams couldn’t quite see how a baby fit into the Wishing u the best day & year!!!! (sic)” in ‘See You on the Other Side’ - wrote on life that I was building.” To which Dua responded: “Thank you Instagram: “We brought Rosaline (Roz- sister I love you!!! (sic)” Bella, 24, did not uh-line) home last week, and it’s been a post to mark Dua’s birthday on Sunday wild & crazy & amazing adventure every step of the way. (sic)” The couple

wayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has when you look back, sometimes the #mydad #soulman (sic)” Dwayne later D paid tribute to his father to mark dreams that we have, the things that we posted a video of the eulogy to social what would have been his 77th want most to happen in life, sometimes media alongside a lengthy caption in birthday. Former professional wrestler are the best things that never happen.” dedication to his dad. Part of the caption Rocky Johnson passed away in January And in an accompanying tweet, he read: “Dad, you lived a full and meaning- om Daley is planning a career as 2020 at the age of 75, and on Saturday, wrote: “That irony of life sometimes ful life “You trail blazed and even harder, T a children’s author after winning his son Dwayne posted a sweet tribute when the thing we want most - can you changed people’s harsh behaviors gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic to him ahead of his birthday, which become the best thing that never hap- toward a man of color. “Paving the way Games. The 27-year-old diver bagged would have been later this week. pened. “My old man would’ve been 77 for me, my family and generations to the top medal in the men’s synchronized Dwayne - who was also a professional yrs old this coming week. “RIP Soulman come. “You loved us with the capacity of 10-metre platform event, as well as a wrestler before turning to acting -shared and cheers to dreams that don’t come which you could - given all the givens. bronze in the individual event at the a video on Twitter in which he discussed true “#gratitudeandgrace #hawaii “Raised me with an iron hand and a same games, bringing his total number his lifelong dream of being a profession- @ProjectRock (sic)” The ‘Jungle Cruise’ tough complicated love. “A love that of Olympic medals to four. Following his al American football player, and said that star previously admitted “nothing” could now, as a father and man, I’ve learned to success, Tom is set to release a memoir when his dream crumbled it opened a have prepared him for his father’s death. gy. Taking to Instagram, the Hollywood refine as I raise my own children. (sic)” titled ‘Coming Up For Air’ in October this new path to him which led him to follow Rocky died suddenly from a heart attack actor wrote: “This was fun ... Written a year, but is now also reportedly planning in his father’s footsteps. He said in the and Dwayne subsequently took to social lot of things over the years, but nothing a further career in book writing - specifi- clip: “Life is so wildly unpredictable that media to reveal he had written the eulo- prepared me for this one ... #eulogy cally children’s books. A source said: “Tom has proved he is a compassionate, explained to People: “They are not trying driven and talented man who thousands to rush anything, but they want all the of young people look up to. “So when nary baby girl spreading her wings. I Lopez and B kids to get to know each other. “They the idea of a possible kids’ book came love you so. We are so proud of are making the last few days of summer up there was a lot of interest. “Tom has you. This was the saddest drive as fun as they can. Soon it’s back to his debut memoir, ‘Coming Up For Air’, away from anywhere I’ve ever had to Affleck ‘are in it school and work.” Meanwhile, Ben out in October and those around him make. But my baby is BEGINNING recently spent time bonding with think it’s going to be a bestseller. “Off the one of the most important adven- Jennifer’s mother. The Hollywood star back of that a lot of big-name publishing tures of her life to date...NOW! (sic)” for the long run’ and Guadalupe developed a good rela- companies have shown an interest in Brooke’s Instagram post featured a tionship when the celebrity duo first dat- video clip of the family driving away ed in the early 2000s, and she is “thrilled from the campus, before Brooke ennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck that they are back together now”. A turned the camera towards herself rooke Shields felt “so proud” J are “in it for the long run”. The source said: “In the past, Jennifer’s mom and revealed that she had tears in B as she sent her 18-year-old 52-year-old star and Ben, 49, and Ben were very close. Guadalupe her eyes. Elsewhere, one of the pho- daughter off to college. The rekindled their romance earlier this year, loved Ben. She was sad when they tographs shows a visibly-emotional 56-year-old star took to Instagram and they recently brought their families couldn’t work things out years ago. “She Brooke embracing her daughter over the weekend to document together for a trip to The Magic Castle in is thrilled that they are back together before she prepares to leave the Rowan’s move into college, praising Los Angeles, as their relationship moves now.” Ben and Guadalupe spent time campus and head home. Earlier this her daughter for “spreading her to the next stage. A source explained: together in Las Vegas, and Jennifer is year, Brooke discussed the chal- wings”. Brooke - who has Rowan “Since Jennifer and Ben are in it for the delighted that they’re getting along so lenge of raising teenage daughters, and Grier, 15, with husband Chris long run, it’s just a natural step that they well. The insider added: “Jennifer is admitting she craves their approval. Henchy - wrote alongside a series of all spend time together with the kids.” very close with her mom. It’s very impor- producing a children’s book. “There are The model explained: “I am sur- photos and videos from their trip to Jennifer - who has 13-year-old twins tant to her that the person she is with, meetings being lined up next month with prised by how much their approval in campus: “My unique and extraordi- Emme and Maximilian with her ex-hus- gets along with her mom. “Jennifer Tom’s literary agent to discuss the possi- everything matters to me. “I don’t band Marc Anthony - is determined not loves that Ben and Guadalupe hung out bilities.” Tom is dad to three-year-old remember my mom needing my to rush anything. But at the same time, in Las Vegas. They both love gambling Robbie - whom he has with his husband approval as much as I needed my she recognizes the need to introduce and had fun together at the Wynn hotel.” Dustin Lance Black - and is hoping he mom’s approval - she was just a god them to Ben, who has Samuel, nine, will be able to tap into his life as a father to me. “So I watch my girls, and I Seraphina, 12, and Violet, 15, with his to work out what kids want in a book. have to really be careful that I am ex-wife Jennifer Garner. The insider And the sports star wants to “inspire not so needy of them, because more children” with his potential career they’re going to say ‘I hate you,’ and change. Speaking to The Sun newspa- they don’t really mean it, but they do per’s Bizarre column, the source added: at that moment.” Brooke also admit- “Tom has a huge appeal and because of ted she worries about pushing them his incredible sporting career he is a away by being too “needy and household name. “His success at the clingy”. She said: “I have to remind Tokyo Games only made him stand out myself I’m their mother, it’s OK, and more and those around him think a chil- tell myself ‘They love you, don’t get dren’s book would be a brilliant step. needy and clingy, because you’re “As a father himself, he knows what going to push them away.’” works for children and what they like. “And being able to continue to inspire more children through a book is a real pull. Tom is incredibly busy but this is something his team wants him to con- sider. “They think it would be a roaring success.” 14 Sports Tuesday, August 24, 2021 Uncertainty, distress for Afghan cricketers after Taleban takeover For players, country’s fall is about a lot more than cricket

KABUL: The crack of bat on ball echoes around ‘More than a game’ Kabul’s international stadium as Afghanistan’s top Cricket was barely known in the nation until the cricketers prepare for their next tour — just days early 2000s, and its explosive rise in popularity was after the country fell to the Taleban. The calm of the linked with conflict — the sport was picked up in empty stadium is a surreal contrast to scenes just a Pakistan by Afghan refugees who then seeded it in few kilometers north, where tens of thousands of their home country. Afghans at Kabul airport are desperately trying to But the national team has enjoyed a meteoric rise flee on evacuation flights. on the international scene since then, gaining covet- Following the stunning victory of the hardline ed Test status in 2017 and now ranked among the Islamists, many of the players in cricket-mad top-10 sides in the world in the one-day and Afghanistan’s beloved national team are finding it Twenty20 formats. In the last 20 years, it has also difficult to focus on sport. “The fear is there in their emerged as a powerful symbol of national unity in a eyes, in their voices, even in their messages,” pace country riven by civil war and ethnic conflict. bowler Naveen-ul-Haq said of his teammates in “If you find positive news, if you see people Kabul during a BBC radio interview broadcast at happy together, it’s only cricket... that brings it to the weekend. “The Taleban have said (they) won’t be trou- bling any sportsman, but nobody knows,” added Haq, speaking from the West Indies where he plays in the Caribbean Premier League. The return of the Taleban has sparked widespread fear The fear is in KABUL: Afghanistan’s national cricket team players attend a training session at the Kabul International Cricket in Afghanistan and in the international community, Ground in Kabul on Saturday, ahead of their one-day series against Pakistan, scheduled to take place in Sri reviving memories of their brutal first stint in their eyes Lanka in two weeks. —AFP power from 1996 to 2001 when they imposed a harsh version of Islamic law. They banned most forms of entertainment — “The day Afghans lost their country and the whole newly reappointed chairman to indicate it would be including many sports — and stadiums doubled as world just watched.” business as usual. public execution venues. Sports the Taleban did Despite the uncertainty, Afghanistan’s cricket allow were strictly controlled, and were only for the country. It’s that important to Afghanistan,” Difficult to focus authorities have said their upcoming series against men to play and watch. Haq told the BBC. “It’s more than a game for For the Afghan players currently outside the Pakistan, to be played in Sri Lanka, will go ahead. They did not mind cricket, however, and the Afghanistan’s people.” country, there are fears for their loved ones back With no commercial flights operating from game born centuries ago on the playing fields of That connection with national identity was visi- home. The family of Rashid Khan — Afghanistan’s Afghanistan, an official said the team would drive to England is popular among Taleban fighters too. That ble on Afghanistan’s independence day — August biggest cricket star — can’t leave the country, Pakistan and fly out from there. has done little to ease the fears of many players, for 19, less than a week after the fall of Kabul. Afghan according to former England star Kevin Pietersen, But even for those who are able to play away whom the fall of the country is about a lot more cricketers marked it by tweeting pictures and emojis who spoke to him last week during a tournament from Afghanistan, such as Naveen-ul-Haq in the than the sport. of the tri-color national flag, which the Taleban have in Britain. West Indies, the images from home are difficult to “I appeal to the leaders of the world; please don’t replaced with their white banner in areas under “We had a long chat here on the boundary talk- ignore. “You forget about it for a minute or two to let Afghanistan go into chaos,” former national cap- their control. ing about it and (Khan) is worried: He can’t get his focus on cricket but it jumps into your mind again,” tain Mohammad Nabi tweeted days before the fall All-rounder Samiullah Shinwari had earlier family out of Afghanistan,” Pietersen told Sky he told the BBC. “I can’t say that I will be fully of Kabul, as the Taleban were rapidly capturing ter- tweeted a photo with the date of the Taleban Sports. There are positive signs. On Sunday, the focused on playing only cricket because you can’t ritory. We need your support. We want peace.” takeover of Kabul — August 15 — and the words: Afghanistan Cricket Board tweeted pictures of its when you see your country like that.” — AFP

going into New York.” Zverev adds Zverev showed no effects from the stomach discomfort which forced him Cincy Masters to take a medical timeout during his draining semi-final victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Saturday. Zverev to Olympic gold, won his 11th match in a row and his fifth against Rublev, a player he’s been Barty wins playing since their junior days. The German came into the week CINCINNATI: Alexander Zverev with six defeats in prior Cincinnati backed up his Olympic triumph with a appearances, but turned that negative fifth ATP Masters 1000 title as he on its head. “My first win here was on crushed Andrey Rublev 6-2, 6-3 in Wednesday and now I’m holding the Cincinnati on Sunday. The German title four days later,” he said. “It’s been needed less than an hour against his an incredible week, I had a lot of longtime childhood friend and rival to great matches. It’s a great feeling lift the trophy and put himself into a going into the Open.” solid position with the US Open start- Zverev kept his unforced error ing in six days. “The US Open starts count to just six, though he was out- in a week’s time, so obviously I want aced by Rublev 11 to six. The third TOKYO: In this picture taken on August 18, to keep it up and I want to maybe seed produced 16 winners and broke MASON: Alexander Zverev of Germany poses with the winner’s trophy after defeat- 2021, former Japanese Winter Olympian and play even better there,” Zverev said. Rublev five times. Zverev’s only ing Andrey Rublev of Russia during the final of the Western and Southern Open at gold medalist Miki Matheson speaks during an Women’s world number one minor hiccup came as he was broken Lindner Family Tennis Center on Sunday in Mason, Ohio. — AFP interview in Tokyo. — AFP Ashleigh Barty was similarly impres- while serving for victory leading 5-2 sive in winning her fifth title of the in the second set. But he closed out stellar week. The world No 76 beat match against a first-time Masters- season at the combined ATP and the convincing win a game later with three top 12 players, including four- level finalist, losing serve only once as Japan Paralympic WTA event, cruising past Swiss wild a timely break back as Rublev found time Grand Slam winner Naomi she served for victory. The top seed card Jil Teichmann 6-3, 6-1. The the net with a return. “Until the end I Osaka, fourth seed Karolina Pliskova quickly corrected course, breaking Australian, who will keep a firm grip was playing pretty good tennis,” and Olympic gold medalist Belinda Teichmann back in the final game to team going for on the number one ranking as the final Zverev said. Bencic of Switzerland. clinch the title in 71 minutes. Grand Slam of the year approaches, “I didn’t do a big celebration at the But she had no answers as Barty, who didn’t drop a set all more than gold took control mid-way through the net since Andrey and I have been best Wimbledon champion Barty stretched week, said she hadn’t expected her opening set and was never truly friends since we were 11 or 12. With her WTA Tour-leading match win tally run to the title to be so seamless after threatened. TOKYO: Japan is sending a record number of my Olympic gold and this fifth this season to 40. “I’m very happy she had played only the Olympics “It’s been an awesome week, with athletes to the Paralympics aiming not only for Masters I’m really looking forward to with my week, today I wanted to win, since Wimbledon. The double Grand each match it was getting progres- gold medals but also to build a more inclusive New York.” but Ash was just too good,” she said. Slam champion started yesterday her sively better,” Barty said. “Today I society, according to top team official Miki “I felt like I was there in the first set, 83rd consecutive week in the number was able to trust myself and play with Barty dominates Matheson. A gold medalist herself at the 1998 but suddenly the first set was gone. one spot. The win in her 19th career confidence, which was important in a Winter Paralympics in Nagano, Matheson Although she doesn’t leave She stepped up her level in the sec- singles final gave Barty a 13th trophy, big final. “I’m excited to get matches serves as one of three deputy chiefs of the Cincinnati with a trophy, women’s ond - she was too good.” including seven from her last eight in tough conditions here in Cincy Japan team and has high hopes for the Tokyo runner-up Teichmann departs after a Barty played a near-impeccable finals appearances. — AFP Games. “The success of the Paralympics is not just whether athletes hit the mark or win a lot of medals,” the sportswoman told AFP in an interview. First woman on Para refugee “The Paralympics won’t succeed if we can’t feel that (people with disabilities) can go out more comfortably and that people around them team urges others to try sport can change their way of thinking because of the TOKYO: The first female member of system. She now uses a wheelchair Paralympics,” she added. the Paralympic refugee team said yes- and has some difficulty speaking. She The top sporting event for athletes with dis- terday it was an “honor” to be at the started para sports three years ago, abilities opens today after a year-long pandem- Tokyo Games, urging other women and has been training in club throw ic delay. But with virus cases hitting fresh with disabilities to get involved in for the past two years. She will carry records in Japan, the health situation is weigh- sport. Alia Issa will be one of two the flag for the refugee team today ing on organizers and participants alike. flagbearers for the six-person refugee with swimmer Abbas Karimi, who During the Tokyo Olympics, Japan won a team at today’s opening ceremony for grew up in Afghanistan. record 27 golds, which the nation’s Olympic the Paralympics, which were delayed a It is just the second time a refugee Committee says helped build public support for year by the pandemic. team has competed in the the Games despite the pandemic. But Matheson The 20-year-old, who was born in Paralympics, after Rio in 2016. Today, said the Paralympics has a mission that goes Greece and whose family are from the team’s chef de mission Ileana beyond sport, and that Japan still has some way Syria, will compete in the club throw Rodriguez said the six Paralympians to go on making society inclusive. event in Tokyo — and she hopes oth- represent “82 million people who are Matheson, who won three gold medals and ers will follow her lead. “I want to say displaced around the world” and want one silver in ice sledge speed racing in Nagano, to other women who have disabilities to send a message of hope. was left paraplegic after a car accident when not to stay at home, try everyday with “We’re very grateful for the coun- she was a university student. She had practiced TOKYO: Members of the Paralympic Refugee team, Syrian-born Ibrahim al- sports, to be outside in the world. I tries that home refugees and we judo before the accident, but turned her atten- Hussain (left), Iranian-born Shahrad Nasajpour (top-center), Syrian-origin hope I’m the first example to follow,” encourage countries that can support tion to para sports after her injury. Greece-born Alia Issa (right) and the team’s chef de Mission Illeana Rodriguez she said at a press conference. “I nev- refugees to do it,” Rodriguez said. The 48-year-old is now based in Canada (center) pose after a press conference in Tokyo yesterday, on the eve of the er believed I would be in the “We hope that that’s a strong mes- with her family, but is living in her hometown Tokyo Paralympic Games. —AFP Paralympic Games once in my life, and sage that we can leave to the people Tokyo temporarily while working with the team. that I would be the first woman of Japan as well.” Despite efforts by Japan since winning the refugee in Paralympic Games here in Japan, the world’s third largest that year, according to official data. have overwhelmed the US-led military Paralympic host bid to improve disabled access Tokyo. It’s a big honor for me.” economy, granted refugee status to Rodriguez added that “our hearts go operation at Kabul airport, leading to and inclusion, Matheson said there were stark When she was four, Issa caught 47 people in 2020, a little over one to all the people in Afghanistan”. tragic scenes in which at least seven differences with life in Canada. —AFP smallpox, which damaged her nervous percent of asylum requests received Afghans trying to flee the Taliban people have died. —AFP Established 1961 15 Sports Tuesday, August 24, 2021 Arteta under pressure to lead Arsenal out of the wilderness Worst start to a league season in team’s history LONDON: Arsenal and Mikel Arteta appeared to City marked him down as the ideal candidate. be the perfect fit but now the Spanish manager is Arsenal were keen to lure him away from City in being assailed by fans across the world, including 2018 when Wenger left but had to wait till the President of Rwanda, after the Gunners’ worst December 2019 to secure him after Emery failed to start to a league season in their 118-year history. fire up the side. Arteta made a good start, winning The 39-year-old is being targeted by increasingly the FA Cup in 2020 with victory over Chelsea at disenchanted fans who have turned their ire from Wembley but there has been little to cheer since. unpopular American owner Stan Kroenke on to him. The Spaniard can point to extenuating factors The boos which emanated from the home stands for the disappointing start to this season like losing following Chelsea’s 2-0 win on Sunday — Arteta key players such as Alexandre Lacazette and £50 appeared to be the only person not to hear them, million signing Ben White due to coronavirus. He declaring afterwards “I see a lot of positives with the crowd and the team today” — could reach fever pitch by the end of this week. Arsenal face a tough League Cup clash at in- form Championship side West Brom tomorrow and Gunners visit then face Premier League champions Manchester Man City City away on Saturday. Kroenke at least untied the purse strings in the close season despite the Saturday Gunners facing a Europe-free campaign after fin- ishing eighth. LONDON: Chelsea’s English defender Reece James (right) shoots to score his team’s second goal past Arteta has so far spent £130 million ($177 mil- Arsenal’s German goalkeeper Bernd Leno (left) during the English Premier League football match between lion) but an early return of no points and no goals in Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in London on Sunday. — AFP either of their league games has already got the fans concerned that another season of mid-table bridled at the scathing assessment last week of the mediocrity awaits. Their disappointment with Arteta President of Rwanda which is an official sponsor of Arsenal’s 20th Premier League defeat in the 60 quite frightening.” is all the greater because of his Gunners’ pedigree, Arsenal — “We just must NOT excuse or Accept matches Arteta has taken charge of. “When you Sol Campbell, who won two Premier League something that his predecessor fellow Spaniard mediocrity,” Paul Kagama tweeted — but former looked at the way that Chelsea played us and the titles and two FA Cups under Wenger, says Arteta is Unai Emery lacked. players believe that is what his team are serving up. way (Romelu) Lukaku played, either they (the probably safe for the moment because the club The former midfielder’s experience at having Arsenal players) are not prepared, they are not lis- spent so much time and energy on getting him. played under Arsenal’s legendary manager Arsene ‘A cushy life’ tening, or they can’t perform what he (Arteta) wants However, Campbell is worried by the lack of steelin- Wenger from 2011-16 and serving his managerial Former striker Ian Wright shook his head in them to do,” he said on BBC’s Match of the Day. “I ness in either the defense or midfield, which was apprenticeship under Pep Guardiola at Manchester bemusement at the latest display against Chelsea — don’t know what the tactics were. For me it was painfully exposed by Chelsea. — AFP

the second half. The ball broke to unmarked Roger which could cost Bale his place. “I don’t give so much Bale scores but who beat Thibaut Courtois with a hard low shot importance to who starts the game or not. It’s not Levante took the lead in the 57th minute when that important. Today, Vinicius changed the match Jose Campana met a deep cross with a sweet volley with his freshness.” Real need Vinicius into the top corner. Real manager Carlo Ancelotti “What we lacked was in the defense, not in promptly yanked off Bale, Isco and Eden Hazard in a attack,” said Ancelotti saying his team needed to to earn draw triple substitution. One of the subs, Vinicius repaid work on their “defensive commitment.” his coach in the 73rd minute, accelerating onto a pass Earlier in Madrid, Angel Correa continued his MADRID: Gareth Bale scored his first Liga goal from Casimeiro, shrugging off a defender and rolling torrid form for Atletico. A week after striking twice since 2019 but took two late goals from his replace- a shot into the corner of the net. in a 2-1 victory in the opening round at Celta Vigo, ment, Vinicius, to earn Real Madrid a 3-3 draw at Seven minutes later, David Alaba nodded a the diminutive Argentinian striker struck again in Levante on Sunday. That result allowed champions Levante free kick down into his own six yard box and the 39th minute. Atletico, who won the title in a Atletico Madrid, who beat Elche 1-0 earlier in the Rober Pier gleefully thumped the ball home from season played behind closed doors, finally got to evening, to take top spot in La Liga. close range. With five minutes left, Vinicius again share their trophy with their fans. For the first time In the late game in Valencia, Bale gave Real equalized. Receiving the ball wide of the post and in 18 months there was a crowd at the Wanda Madrid the lead after five minutes. Karim Benzema near the goal-line, he still somehow found the net, Metropolitano on Sunday, where 24,926 were ran in on goal but when the ball was held up by water lofting the ball round goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez allowed in. The home club also presented summer on the pitch cut it back to Bale who side-footed the and in off the far post. Two minutes later, Fernandez signing Rodrigo de Paul. ball home. was sent off for handling outside hs area to stop a The Argentinian international midfielder was will- It was the Welshman’s first goal in La Liga since Real counter-attack. Because Levante had used all ing to help out in defense and assisted on his compa- VALENCIA: Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius his second goal, an 86th minute equalizer, in a 2-2 their substitutes, defender Ruben Vezo went in goal triot’s goal, with a pass very like the one with which Junior celebrates scoring his team’s second goal draw against Villarreal at the start of September in but Real could not find a winner. he set up Angel di Maria for Argentina’s winner in the during the Spanish League football match against 2019, a match which he ended by collecting a red “He has qualities, he’s very fast, he’s young, he’s a Copa America final against Brazil in July. De Paul loft- Levante at the Ciutat de Valencia stadium in card. Real dominated the first half but could not find great striker,” said Ancelotti of the Brazilian, but he ed the ball over the visiting defense and into the path Valencia on Sunday. — AFP a second. Instead, Levante leveled 28 seconds into refused to say if Vinicius would start the next game, of the sprinting Correa. — AFP

we have to be careful that we don’t keep giving Cologne scored just a minute later and deserve It capped a golden week for the Nigerian who Gnabry scores twice away goals so easily and make life hard for our- credit for fighting back at 2-0 down. When Bayern scored twice and set up a third goal in Thursday’s selves,” Gnabry said. defender Niklas Suele misjudged a cross, Modeste 4-0 away drubbing of Finnish club Kuopion as ‘wild’ Bayern Nagelsmann also saw room for improvement. powered home his header. The French veteran then Palloseura in a first-leg qualifier for the Europa “The result is good, but the game was too wild for swung in a cross on Cologne’s next attack which Conference League. my taste,” said Nagelsmann. “It was all a bit wild. Uth stabbed home to level. Gnabry restored Awoniyi also scored the opening goal in last squeeze past Cologne Cologne gave us a lot of room which we didn’t Bayern’s lead when he picked his spot from the Saturday’s 1-1 league draw at home to Bayer always use, there is a lot still to do.” edge of the area as his shot flew past Cologne Leverkusen. Union took the lead after 10 minutes in BERLIN: Serge Gnabry struck twice as Bayern Bayern seized control at the Allianz Arena when ‘keeper Timo Horn. Hoffenheim when defender Niko Giesselmann tapped Munich picked up their first Bundesliga win this second-half replacement Jamal Musiala, 18, ghosted home the rebound after his header was blocked. The season with a 3-2 victory over Cologne Sunday, but through the Cologne defense and squared for Awoniyi strikes again hosts roared back as defender Kevin Akpoguma Julian Nagelsmann criticized a “wild” display from Lewandowski on 50 minutes. The Poland star, who Earlier, former Liverpool striker Taiwo Awoniyi headed in the equalizer four minutes later. the defending champions. Rapid-fire goals by scored a record 41 goals in the Bundesliga last sea- scored his fourth goal in three games to seal a Hoffenheim took the lead on half an hour when Robert Lewandowski and Gnabry put Bayern 2-0 son, has already scored twice in as many league Bundesliga point for Union Berlin in their 2-2 draw a superb Andrej Kramaric long ball was met by up just after the break, but Cologne roared back games in 2020/21. at Hoffenheim. The 24-year-old, who moved perma- Danish forward Jacob Bruun Larsen, who scored with two goals in as many minutes by Anthony He has now scored in 12 consecutive Bundesliga nently from Merseyside this summer after spending his second goal in as many games before Awoniyi Modeste and Mark Uth. games dating back to last season. Only Bayern leg- last season on loan in the German capital, equalised equalized. Union finished with 10 men as defend- Gnabry gave Nagelsmann his first Bundesliga end Gerd Mueller, who died last Sunday aged 75, with a superb strike early in the second half. er Marvin Friedrich was dismissed in added time win as Bayern head coach by smashing the winner bettered the tally by netting in 16 straight league With Union 2-1 down, he rescued a point two for a second booking. He will now miss next into the roof 19 minutes before the whistle. “It was games. Gnabry doubled the lead when he stabbed minutes into the second-half by volleying home at Sunday’s home game against Borussia unnecessary to let them score at 2-1 and then 2-2 - in a Thomas Mueller cross on 59 minutes. the second attempt after his initial shot was parried. Moenchengladbach. —AFP Established 1961 Sport

TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2021 Probe opened into violence that led to abandonment of Nice-Marseille game

NICE: Fans invade the pitch during the French L1 football match between OGC Nice and Olympique de Marseille (OM) at the Allianz Riviera stadium in Nice, southern France on Sunday. — AFP

PARIS: Local authorities in Nice have opened an after Marseille refused to return to the field of play, investigation into the ugly incidents which led to the with club president Pablo Longoria complaining that abandonment of Sunday’s Ligue 1 match between the safety of his players “could not be guaranteed”. the home side and Marseille, while politicians in “The league wanted the match to restart. We France called for punishments to be meted out to decided for the safety of our players, who were those responsible. attacked during the pitch invasion, not to resume The public prosecutor in the southern city con- because the safety of our players was not guaran- firmed it had begun a probe but said no arrests had teed,” Longoria said, adding the referee “was with been made after Nice supporters invaded the pitch us” and decided to stop the game. and angrily confronted Marseille’s Dimitri Payet, It now remains to be seen what action will be who had thrown a bottle lobbed at him back into taken by the league, which must decide whether to the crowd, before a brawl replay the game or award broke out involving players Nice a victory on the basis and spectators. The French that Marseille forfeited the league (LFP) released a match by refusing to return short statement saying it Marseille refuse to the pitch. “What really had summoned the two sparked things off unfortu- clubs to a hearing tomor- restart over nately was the reaction of row “following the serious two Marseille players who incidents”. safety issues threw bottles back at the The hosts were leading supporters,” claimed Nice the Mediterranean derby 1- president Jean-Pierre Marseille’s French midfielder Dimitri Payet (right) speaks as Marseille’s Argentine head coach Jorge 0 through a Kasper Dolberg Rivere. Sampaoli (center) is steered by a colleague during the match. — AFP goal when the game was interrupted in the 75th There had already been a loud-speaker minute at the Allianz Riviera as Payet fell to the announcement earlier in the game asking support- tions under the ownership of Ineos, the group Minister Delegate in charge of sport. She said those ground after being struck by a bottle thrown from the ers to stop throwing bottles and there were also chaired by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe. guilty of throwing objects and invading the pitch crowd as he went across to take a corner. reports of incidents in the VIP box involving the The match was attended by over 32,000 fans with should be punished “if we can find them...I think The former France international threw a bottle presidents of the two clubs. One witness told AFP spectators allowed back inside stadiums in France there needs to be punishments for the club in ques- back into the crowd as team-mates came across to they had “grabbed each other by the neck and after almost all of last season was played out behind tion.” Christian Estrosi, the center-right mayor of remonstrate with Nice fans packed in behind the goal. needed to be separated by their bodyguards”. closed doors due to coronavirus restrictions. Now, Nice who was at the game, got involved too, tweet- Some supporters then streamed onto the pitch and a however, Nice run the risk of having to play several ing: “Violence is always intolerable. There must be melee ensued involving players and staff from both Blow for French football games in an empty stadium again as a punishment, punishments after (the league) has determined who teams, fans and stewards. Marseille coach Jorge The incidents are a huge blow for the image of and politicians lined up to call for action to be taken. was responsible.” “The behavior of some of the Sampaoli had to be restrained by members of his own Ligue 1, less than two weeks after Lionel Messi “It is of course regrettable given how long we supporters was unspeakable but so was that of the staff. The match was halted for more than an hour and moved to France to sign for Paris Saint-Germain. It have gone watching matches without spectators in Marseille president in the stands and the coach on was finally abandoned just before midnight local time is also a major blow for Nice, a club with big ambi- stadiums,” said Roxana Maracineanu, France’s the field,” he added. — AFP

point through Roberto Pereyra’s penalty and a Gerard Ronaldo denied late Deulofeu strike. Ronaldo entered the field to loud applause from the Juve fans on the hour mark with Juve leading 2-1 and winner, Mourinho he was unlucky not to restore their two-goal advan- tage when his header from a Dybala cross flashed wide. And with just seconds left he wheeled away after off to winning start meeting Federico Chiesa’s pinpoint cross with a trade- mark header, celebrating with his jubilant teammates MILAN: Cristiano Ronaldo was denied a last-gasp win- who thought he had saved their skins. However he ner to save Juventus after his stoppage-time header was could only watch on in desperation as his winner was ruled out for offside in a dramatic 2-2 draw at Udinese, chalked off by VAR. while Jose Mourinho got off to a winning start at Roma with a 3-1 victory over Fiorentina. Abraham repays Mourinho Ronaldo started on the bench at the Dacia Arena in It was the most dramatic moment in an eventful Udine amid rumors he is looking for a way out of the night in the Italian top flight, with six red cards in four Italian giants, but he almost snatched the three points matches and three big-name managers returning to the deep into stoppage time after Juve insisted he was going touchline. The one with the biggest reputation — nowhere this term. After the match returning coach Mourinho — was made happy by two assists from new Massimiliano Allegri played down the controversy, say- signing Tammy Abraham who shone on his Roma UDINE: Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo heads the ball during the Italian Serie A football ing that he was always planning to bring on Ronaldo. debut at the Stadio Olimpico. match between Udinese and Juventus at the Dacia Arena Stadium in Udine, on Sunday. — AFP “Cristiano is OK... It’s the start of the season and With Fiorentina already down to 10 men, in the 26th seeing the condition everyone is in and thinking about minute Abraham slipped through Henrikh Mkhitaryan his first match in Serie A since winning the league with football with Napoli, his team running out 2-0 winners the game, especially at the beginning, I put him on the whose neat finish was given as a goal after a long VAR Inter Milan in 2010 when he rolled home the third in over promoted Venezia despite playing three-quarters bench knowing that there would be a need for him to check. Nicolo Zaniolo’s second yellow card gave a the 79th minute after collecting a brilliant Eldor of the match a man down after striker Victor Osimhen come on,” he told broadcaster DAZN. “He made him- brave Fiorentina side hope and Nikola Milenkovic lev- Shomurodov pass. was sent off for punching Daan Heymans. self available, like everyone. He played well, even elled the scores on the hour mark. However great work “We were good 11 against 11, good 10 against 10, Lorenzo Insigne opened the scoring with a 62nd- scored a goal but unfortunately it didn’t stand.” again from Abraham — who also hit the bar — led to but with 11 against 10 we weren’t that good,” minute penalty after having blazed over a spot-kick Allegri’s Juve looked to be cruising to victory when Roma retaking the lead through Jordan Veretout four Mourinho told DAZN. “I liked the spirit, the sacrifice just minutes before, and Eljif Elmas drilled home the Paulo Dybala, wearing the captain’s armband, and Juan minutes later, the 23-year-old just about staying onside the work we put in after the super difficult match on second 11 minutes later to secure the win. There was Cuadrado put them two ahead midway through the before rolling a perfect low cross which allowed the Thursday. But we had difficult moments that I wasn’t no lack of drama in Sunday’s other match, with first half. But two second-half blunders from Juve French midfielder to slot home. expecting.” Bologna beating new boys Salernitana 3-2 in a match ‘keeper Wojciech Szczesny allowed Udinese to take a Veretout made sure Mourinho got three points from Luciano Spalletti also triumphed on his return to in which three players were sent off. — AFP