www.thepeninsula.qa Friday 12 June 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8286 20 Shawwal - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 01 SPORT | 08

Euro zone bonds MotoGP rally after Fed hints unveils revised no plan to hike calendar for interest rates 2020 season

Amir sends written message Qatar Petroleum announces to President of Afghanistan integration of Muntajat

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s written message to H E Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is being delivered by H E Dr. Mutlaq bin Majed QNA — DOHA State of Qatar’s global compet- within the next few months, Al Qahtani, Minister of Foreign Affairs’ Special Envoy for Counterterrorism and Mediation in Conflict itive position in the down- which will enable QP to con- Resolution, in Kabul, yesterday. As part of its ongoing efforts to stream sector. We are com- tinue expanding its global strengthen its global compet- mitted to establishing a center reach, and to remain the QNA — DOHA Envoy for Counterterrorism the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ itive position in the down- of excellence for the down- partner of choice providing and Mediation in Conflict Res- Special Envoy to convey his stream sector, Qatar Petroleum stream business in Qatar by superior high quality products The Amir H H Sheikh Tamim olution, during a meeting with greetings to H H the Amir, and (QP) announced yesterday its pooling the commercial, tech- and excellence in customer bin Hamad Al Thani sent the President of Afghanistan in his wishes to H H the Amir of decision to integrate Qatar nical, and financial capabilities service. yesterday a written message to Kabul. health and happiness, and the Chemical and Petrochemical of both QP and Muntajat, and QP further said that during H E Dr. Mohammad Ashraf H E the Minister of Foreign Qatari people constant pros- Marketing and Distribution by leveraging higher effi- the integration process, Ghani, President of the Islamic Affairs’ Special Envoy for Coun- perity and development. Company (Muntajat) into QP. ciencies in the deployment of Muntajat would continue to Republic of Afghanistan, terterrorism and Mediation in During the meeting, the In making the our human and financial deliver its commitments and pertaining to bilateral ties, the Conflict Resolution conveyed President of the Islamic announcement H E Saad bin resources.” contractual obligations to all its means to enhance and develop the greetings of Amir H H Republic of Afghanistan Sherida Al Kaabi (pictured), The company said in a customers around the world them, and the State of Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al expressed thanks and appreci- H E the Minister of State for statement yesterday that the with no interruption and with support for the peace, stability, Thani to the President of ation for the continuous efforts Energy Affairs, the President integration would involve lev- the same superior customer and national reconciliation Afghanistan, and His Highness’ of H H the Amir to mediate and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, eraging a combined set of service, pointing that this inte- process in Afghanistan. wishes to the people of Afghan- between the Afghan parties, said: “The integration of human, technical, commercial, gration marks another step The message was delivered istan of further progress and and the State of Qatar’s Muntajat into QP is a strategic and financial capabilities, as towards achieving Qatar Petro- by H E Dr. Mutlaq bin Majed Al prosperity. endeavour to realise the aspi- move that will further well as customer relationships leum’s vision to become one of Qahtani, Minister of Foreign For his part, H E President ration of the Afghan people for strengthen our downstream into the QP organisation with the best national oil & gas com- Affairs’ Special of Afghanistan entrusted H E peace. capabilities and enhance the the aim of being completed panies in the world. Qatar tops MENA region in Global Peace Index QNA — DOHA Qatar one of the 20 safest coun- threat of internal and external The State of tries in the world. The Index also conflicts. The State of Qatar ranked first ranked Qatar 161st globally The Global Peace Index is Qatar ranked in the Middle East and North (reverse index), making it based on three main criteria: QATAR Africa (MENA) region and 27th among the Gulf, Arab and inter- The level of Societal Safety and first in the Arab globally in Global Peace Index national economic countries Security, the extent of Ongoing world and 16th for 2020, which is issued by the least affected by violence. Domestic and International Institute for Economics and This classification reflects Conflict, and the degree of Mil- 1 globally in the Peace in Sydney, Australia, Qatar’s global position in the itarisation, in addition to a set ARAB Societal Safety maintaining its distinction in the field of security, which was in of criteria related to different WORLD Global Index Ranking. line with Qatar National Vision fields, including the internal and Security Out of the 163 countries 2030 and the Ministry of Inte- and external affairs of states. index, making included in the Index, the State rior’s strategy to enhance The countries are ranked in of Qatar’s position this year security and safety at the the Index on a scale of 1-5 the nation one of improved by three ranks from country level. degrees so that the most stable 16 the 20 safest last year, as it occupied Regarding other levels in countries are those who achieve GLOBALLY advanced positions in a number the Index, Qatar achieved 1, while the least stable receive countries in the of fields at the global level advanced ranks through getting 5. world. through achieving high evalu- high evaluation rates in some It is important to note that ation rates that exceeded many of the most prominent indices the State of Qatar has continued developed countries during the including low rates of homi- to top the Global Peace Index same period. cides and violence, the extent among the MENA countries Out of the 163 countries included in the Index, Qatar’s The State of Qatar ranked of crime in society and the sta- during the past couple of years, position this year improved by three ranks from last year. 1st in the Arab world and 16th bility of political conditions, a along with its high performance globally in the Societal Safety society free from terrorism and in many indicators during the and Security index, making its effect and the absence of past year. Awqaf Ministry publishes list of mosques reopening in phase one

THE PENINSULA — DOHA find out the mosques which will be open in their areas in phase one by opening The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic the link available in English and Arabic Affairs has issued the list of mosques in the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic which are going to reopen in phase one Affairs https://t.co/sQ6cKi2AIE?amp=1. on June 15. The Mosques Management The mosques were selected as per The worshippers can find out the mosques The mosques were selected as per Department at the Ministry is creating the location, space available and density awareness about the preventive and the location, space available and which will be open in their areas in phase one of the population in the surrounding precautionary measures which are density of the population in the by clicking the link available in English and areas of these mosques, the Ministry has required for the worshipers to comply surrounding areas of the Arabic on the website of Ministry of Awqaf and twitted. by posting illustrative videos and pic- mosques. Islamic Affairs. The list includes 500 mosques tures on its social sites. listing number and location of mosques. As per the preventive measures, the For examples, nine mosques were worshippers should make ablution at mosque all are requested to maintain should show the Ehteraz application The worshippers should also bring decided to reopen in Al Salata Al home before going to mosque because a distance of two metres from each before entering the mosques. their own copy of the Holy Quran, or Jadeeda, eight mosques in Abu Hamour, the bathrooms and ablution places in other. The worshippers should bring their read Quran on their mobile phones. 12 in Azghawa, six in Umm Sanim, 19 in the mosques will remain closed. The worshippers should avoid own prayer mat and not share it with The old and sick people and people Umm Salal, four in Bu Sidra and 13 The worshippers are urged not to shaking hands even if they wear gloves others or leave it in the mosque. They with chronic diseases should pray at mosques in Bani Hajar. go early as the mosques will open only and they should cover mouth and nose have to wear face masks as long as they home according to the preventive The Ministry said worshippers can with prayer calls (Azan). Inside the while sneezing and coughing. They are inside the mosques. measures. 02 HOME FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

FAJR03.14 am SUNRISE 04.43 am o o Very hot daytime with slight dust at some places and 32 C 46 C relatively hot by night. ZUHR 11.33 am ASR 02.57 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 08:21–21:38 LOW TIDE 05:26 MAGHRIB 06.26 pm ISHA 07.56 pm W ALRUWAIS: 30o↗37o W ALKHOR: 27o↗45o W DUKHAN: 27o↗39o W WAKRAH: 26o↗45o W MESAIEED 26o↗45o W ABUSAMRA 26o↗42o

Shura Council partakes in global webinar Foreign Minister receives telephone call from French Foreign Minister QNA — DOHA

The Shura Council yesterday participated in a global webinar QNA — DOHA French Republic H E Jean- organised by Women Political Leaders (WPL) under the title Deputy PM and Minister of Yves Le Drian yesterday. “Female leaders shaping the world of the future: Building a new Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh During the call, they discussed normal.” Mohammed bin Abdulrahman the two countries’ bilateral Discussions during webinar focused on the unprecedented Al Thani received a telephone cooperation and relations, in opportunities offered by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic call from Minister of Europe addition to key topics of to reform biased structures, legislation and standards that shape and Foreign Affairs in the mutual interest. societies’ perceptions of women and women’s access to equal opportunities. Shura Council Member H E Reem bint Mohammed Al Man- Foreign Minister receives telephone soori represented the Council in the webinar. The Women Political Leaders (WPL) is the global network of call from Spanish counterpart female politicians. The mission of WPL is to increase both the DOHA number and the influence of women in political leadership QNA — Affairs H E Arancha Gonzalez positions. Deputy PM and Minister of Laya of the Kingdom of Spain. WPL members are women in political offices including min- Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh During the call, bilateral rela- Shura Council Member H E Reem bint Mohammed Al Mansoori isters, members of parliaments, mayors, and other senior Mohammed bin Abdulrahman tions between the two coun- representing the Council in the global webinar. positions. Al Thani received a telephone tries were reviewed, in addition call from Minister for Foreign to matters of mutual interest. QU Foundation Program holds Academic Excellence Week Al Doha Al Jadeeda Intersection THE PENINSULA — DOHA Competence and Preference of Learning Platforms, Where Arabic and English on B-Ring Road to be changed Qatar University (QU)’s Foundation Program Intersect, Five Digital Classroom Tools for (FP), Deanship of General Studies organised Innovative Teachers, Intercultural into roundabout temporarily its periodic event, ‘Academic Excellence communication: THE PENINSULA — DOHA Week’, through Zoom platform. Teaching and Learning Pragmatics Using The four-day event was held from 11 to Movies, Principles for Designing Blended The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced the 14 May, 2020, under the supervision of the Language Courses, Cognitive Disabilities in conversion of Al Doha Al Jadeeda Intersection on B-Ring Road FP Academic Excellence and Professional Education: How the brain works, Creating into a temporary roundabout while keeping two lanes open in all Development (PD) Committee. a 21st Century Skills Learning Experience, directions. The event aimed to highlight the most Math Games: Fun Fridays, and Teaching In coordination with the General Directorate of Traffic, this important technological educational tools Math Beyond the Facts. change will be implemented tomorrow, June 13, for a period of 6 and the skills teachers need during the One of the highlights of the math talks months to enable expansion and upgrading works on Al Doha Al COVID-19 pandemic. The event brought was the presentation titled “Age could be Jadeeda Intersection and installation of new traffic lights, as part Dr. Hezam Al Awah, Director of Qatar University together over 4,000 participants, 85 percent driving variable COVID-19 epidemic trajec- of the B Ring Road Development Project. Foundation Program of them from Qatar and 15 percent from 30 tories worldwide: Mathematical modeling countries around the world. analysis” presented by Dr Hussein Ayoub Director of FP Dr. Hezam Al Awah said of distance education”. The efforts of the FP from Qatar University. The talk discussed that ‘The Academic Excellence Week’ event to advance the educational process are in the changing epidemiological pathways of is one of the most important activities that line with the Qatar University strategy, Covid-19 around the world through math- the program is keen to hold continuously where excellence in education is an ematical modeling analysis. for its faculty members. The ‘Academic important pillar designed to achieve the Participation exceeded expectations as Excellence Week’ as it includes topics and desired transformative education model at there were very positive feedback from both training workshops for innovative methods Qatar University, he added. speakers and attendees on the quality of the of excellence that enhance the education, The event addressed topics on effectiveness in terms of the topics presented with the participation of researchers and Unpacking a Text, Best-Practice Approaches and the professionalism of the organization. experts from a number of universities inside for Teaching Online While Preserving Mental Moreover, conducting the ‘Academic Excel- and outside the country. Dr. Al Awah added, Health, Staying Grounded in Difficult Times: lence Week’ virtually, this year, allowed inter- “the professional and academic development a psychologically intelligent guide to keeping national participation for the first time. This of faculty members, aims to ensure that calm, Making the Most of Online Teaching, results in effective academic interaction faculty are up to date with the latest methods Perceived Levels of Critical Thinking among the participants during the sessions.

SHAREHOLDERS’ INVITATION TO ATTEND ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING OF QATAR GENERAL INSURANCE AND REINSURANCE Co. Q.P.S.C ON 28/06/2020 Pursuant to Company’s disclosure of postponing the date of annual general assembly on 26 March 2020. Qatar General Insurance & Reinsurance Company Q.P.S.C is pleased to invite its Shareholders to attend the Company’s Annual Ordinary General Assembly Meeting, to be held on Sunday, 28 June 2020 at Company’s headquarter in area 4, Musheirib, Street 880, Building No.23 at 4:30 PM. In case the required quorum was not met, the second meeting will be held on Wednesday, 01 July 2020 at the same venue and time as above. Agenda of the Ordinary General Assembly:

1- Hearing, discussing and approving the Board of Director’s Report on the Company’s activities and its financial position for the financial year ended 31st December 2019 and the Company’s future plan. 2- Hearing and approving the External Auditor’s Report for the financial year ended 31st December 2019. 3- Discussing and approving the Company’s Balance Sheet, Profit& Loss accounts for the financial year ended 31st December 2019 nda the adjustments for the financial years ended 31st December 2018 and 31st December 2017. 4- Approving the Board of Director’s proposal not distribute dividends for the financial year ended 31st December 2019. 5- Discussing and adopting the Company’s Corporate Governance Report for the year 2019. 6- Appointing the Company’s External Auditors for the financial year 2020 and approving their fees. Hamad Mohammad Al-Mana Chairman of the Temporary Board

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&28175< FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2020 HOME 03 Abdullah Abdullah, Qatar's Special Envoy discuss peace process Over 50,000 QNA — KABUL The meetings recover from reviewed the efforts Chairman of the High Council COVID-19 for National Reconciliation in and mediation of the the Islamic Republic of QNA — DOHA Afghanistan H E Dr. Abdullah State of Qatar aimed Abdullah, Second Vice-Pres- at establishing peace The Ministry of Public Health ident of Afghanistan H E (MoPH) announced yesterday Sarwar Danesh, Afghanistan’s and reconciliation that 1,476 new confirmed Minister of Foreign Affairs H in Afghanistan, in cases of coronavirus E Mohammad Hanif Atmar, (COVID-19) have been regis- National Security Adviser of addition to several tered, and 1,918 people have the Islamic Republic of regional and recovered from the disease in Afghanistan H E Hamdullah the last 24 hours, bringing the Mohib, and a number of international issues of total number of recoveries in Afghan personalities met common concern. the State of Qatar to 51,331. The separately with the Minister Ministry also announced three of Foreign Affairs’ Special deaths due to the virus Envoy for Counterterrorism peace and reconciliation in The Ministry said in a and Mediation in Conflict Afghanistan, in addition to statement that during the last Resolution H E Dr. Mutlaq bin several regional and interna- 24 hours, 17 new cases have Majed Al Qahtani, who is tional issues of common been admitted to intensive currently visiting Afghan- concern. care due to health complica- istan. The Chairman of the High tions resulting from infection During the meetings, they Council for National Recon- with the virus, bringing the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ Special Envoy for Counterterrorism and Mediation in Conflict Resolution reviewed the efforts and ciliation thanked the State of total number of cases currently H E Dr. Mutlaq bin Majed Al Qahtani meeting Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation mediation of the State of Qatar for its efforts to bring in intensive care to 230. in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan H E Dr. Abdullah Abdullah (right), in Kabul, yesterday. Qatar aimed at establishing peace to Afghanistan. The Ministry also said that there has been a small decrease in the number of acute COVID-19 positive patients Qatar way ahead in making masks compulsory for all being admitted to intensive care thanks to the measures taken by the Ministry of Public Health FAZEENA SALEEM Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it in sealable bag until it can be and the concerned authorities THE PENINSULA the Ministry of Public Health and HMC in Qatar washed if its reusable, and to limit the spread of the virus, perform hand hygiene imme- the most important of which is Qatar made wearing non- have followed the WHO recommendations and diately afterwards,” she said. the early detection of the virus medical masks in public international guidelines for personal protective Until the recommendations which can contribute signifi- compulsory ahead of the World were released on June 5, the cantly to reducing the severity Health Organisation's (WHO) equipment’s efficient usage, taking into WHO had not provided any of infection. guidelines were issued amid consideration the global shortage and finding guidance for or against the use The Ministry added that COVID-19. of non-medical masks, saying the new cases are expatriate One of the new recommen- proper solutions. there was not enough scientific workers who were infected dations issued by WHO on June evidence to determine if they with the virus as a result of 5, is that anyone living in an could be helpful. contact with individuals who area where virus transmission wearing and keeping social Hudaib. In addition to the new were previously infected, in is widespread should be distance,” she said. “Adding to that MoPH in guidelines for those not showing addition to recording new cases encouraged to wear a non- Since the beginning of the Qatar has mandated wearing symptoms and unable to of infection among groups of Ghada Hudaib, Infection medical mask when they are COVID-19 pandemic, Ministry non-medical mask for public practice physical distancing, the workers in different regions. Prevention and Control Specialist in a situation where physical of Public Health (MoPH) and intended for source control not WHO has updated its advice for The new cases have been iden- at Hamad Medical Corporation distancing is difficult, such as HMC in Qatar have followed for prevention as long as it medical professionals and some tified through track and trace on public transit, in stores and the WHO recommendations meets evidence based standards of those most at risk of devel- team at the Ministry of Public at places of worship and other Infection Prevention and and international guidelines for of filtration and breathability oping severe complications Health. mass gatherings. Control Specialist at Hamad personal protective equip- alongside with compliance of should they contract COVID-19. Cases of infection have But Qatar had made it com- Medical Corporation (HMC), ment’s efficient usage, taking other infection control Medical masks have long also increased significantly pulsory for the public to a wear told The Peninsula. into consideration the global measures of course. And to been recommended for any among citizens and residents non-medical masks in certain “Transmission of the virus shortage and finding proper maintain that many educational health-care workers treating as a result of contact with scenarios from May 17, ahead from Asymptomatic individuals solutions. instructions and recommenda- confirmed or suspected infected family members who of WHO’s guidance. in the community is one of the “Continuous wearing of tions has been issued on media COVID-19 patients. Now, the had been infected in the work- “Facts about COVID-19 challenges for increasing surgical/medical mask for all and social networks empha- WHO says anyone working in place or through visits and virus transmission are adding COVID-19 cases , although they healthcare workers during the sizing on the importance of a clinical setting in an area family gatherings. every day. According to the have less viral load but many whole shift along with other strict compliance with wearing where virus transmission is The new confirmed cases current evidence, COVID-19 measures have taken place in IPC measures like social dis- the mask properly, avoiding widespread should wear a of infection have been intro- virus is primarily transmitted Qatar to prevent and control tance and hand hygiene has touching the front of the mask, mask, even if they are dealing duced to complete isolation in via respiratory droplets and this infection such as Ehteraz been implemented in Qatar changing of the mask if wet or with patients who are not the various medical facilities contact routes,” Ghada Hudaib, application, mandatory mask since few months back,” said soiled, either discard it or place believed to have the virus. in the country, where they receive the necessary healthcare according to the US papers pay health status of each case. Expat lauds facilities for COVID-19 patients The Ministry said that the more attention to three deaths recorded yes- FAZEENA SALEEM screening held at his day in quarantine. terday belong to people aged non-Muslim THE PENINSULA workplace. ‘Everyone at here is being 70, 52 and 41 years old who “Then our family was called treated equally. Every doctor, were suffering from several victims of terror: Early testing and rapid isolation for testing and we were asked every nurse took personal care chronic diseases and that all of suspected COVID-19 cases by to be in self isolation at home. I and provided us with every of them received medical care Study the Ministry of Public Health was tested positive and notified medication and mental support. in intensive care units. The (MoPH0 has helped and bene- through the Ehteraz app. But all They also provided us with very Ministry of Public Health THE PENINSULA — DOHA fitted many in the country. my children were tested neg- healthy food and other require- offered sincere condolences Mona Abdurashid (pictured), ative. Same day I was brought ments every time,” she said. and great sympathy to the Findings of a new study from a Palestinian national living in to the Communicable Disease Though, it was slightly dif- families of the deceased. Doha Institute for Graduate Doha, is one of the many who Centre by the ambulance service ficult for Mona to adjust to the The Ministry confirmed Studies suggest that elite have benefit from contact for further examinations,” said situation in the beginning, soon that efforts to tackle the American newspapers pay tracking and early screening of Mona. felt well due to the excellent care COVID-19 virus in the State comparatively more attention COVID-19. Mona lauded the “My condition is mild and given by the medical staff. of Qatar have succeeded in to non-Muslim victims of government for the excellent was transferred to the hotel Being a writer and blogger, flattening the trend and terrorism, and also employ care and high quality services quarantine,” she said. Mona started to pen her reducing the impact of the different framing mechanisms she received. Her husband is also in mild carrying the disease and spread thoughts every day in her virus by a large percentage depending on terrorism victim “The medical and quar- condition and at a hotel quar- it to my children. This shows the Instagram page. thanks to the decisions of the identity. antine facilities are remarkable,” antine. “I was diagnosed early importance of testing for the “Being tested positive for ban, the preventive measures Researchers Mohamad she told The Peninsula. Mona because of the efficient contact disease and the efficiency of COVID-19 is challenging. I was taken, and the awareness and Hamas Elmasry and narrated her experience from a tracking system, screening and Qatar in tackling the pandemic,” worried but then released the cooperation of all members Mohammed el Nawawy government supported hotel testing measures implemented she added. need to be strong and recover. of society, and that there are carried out a quantitative quarantine facility in Doha. Her by the Ministry,” said Mona. Mona said that she received So I started writing a blog in my relatively low average content analysis on ten large husband who is a laboratory “I had no symptoms of the best treatment, care and Instagram page daily like a numbers in relation to the American daily papers. technician first tested positive COVID-19. If they had not tested service that one can imagine. diary. I share my experience and recorded cases of new hos- Results showed that terror for COVID-19, during a routine me, I would have continued Yesterday (June 11) was her ninth thoughts,” she said. pital admissions. attacks occurring in Western Europe received about nine times more coverage than attacks occurring in Turkey DFI’s ‘Short Film of the Week’ a good respite from COVID-19 and Africa, respectively, despite fewer average RAYNALD C RIVERA the Qatari filmmaker, who ideas and hi philosophy in casualties. THE PENINSULA holds a degree in Computer making films like “Monsters, Attacks in Western Europe Engineering, exhibits a great Inc.”, “Inside Out” and “Up.” were also more likely to be Doha Film Institute (DFI)'s passion for animation films and The DFI-supported film framed as acts of “terrorism,” ‘Short Film of the Week’ has written scripts, as well as participated in last year’s Ajyal while non-Muslim victims of provides a good respite for designed characters and story- Film Festival where it won the terror were more likely to be people at a time when the world boards. He has written scripts Special Jury Award in the Made “personalized” and is living through an unprece- for a feature film, a couple of in Qatar section. “humanized” than Muslim and dented, fearful and uncertain short films, and a traditional Launched in April, DFI’s black victims. The study, period. Qatari series consisting of 15 “Short Film of the Week” brings which was published online As part of a series launched episodes. the very best of DFI-supported this week in Journalism, a over a month ago, DFI yes- “To me, animation is a uni- films for movie buffs to enjoy highly-ranked peer-reviewed terday released yet another versal language. All ages can in the comfort of their own journal, offers some structural short film in its YouTube watch and enjoy animation. You homes. It aims at encouraging explanations for the coverage channel, this time an animated can create a lot of new worlds. people to stay home amid A still shot from “The Unlucky Hamster” disparities. film by a Qatari director. You can create a lot of char- COVID-19 pandemic while “We selected terror attacks Written and directed by acters. Of course, animation lending support to Qatari films on an apples-to-apples basis Abdulaziz Mohammed at the same time,” said Khashabi mind at that moment: Does films take longer time to create and Arab cinema. and also controlled for the reli- Khashabi, “The Unlucky relating the story that sparked this hamster know that he was than live action. In my case, I The series kicked off with gious identity of attackers, Hamster” is a hilarious ani- the idea of the film. picked to be food for a enjoy every moment of it. If you the short narrative “Al Johara” geography, and race,” said mation about an unfortunate He said the film was predator or maybe he thought enjoy doing something, then helmed by Qatari filmmaker Elmasry. little rodent named Fluffy inspired by a trip to a pet store he was going to a new home time will not be a problem,” he Nora Al Subai. Other films “We expected to find dif- patiently waiting and dreaming with his friend who bought food with a new owner? And ‘The said. which had been featured were ferences, but the identified dis- of a new home at a pet store, for his pet snake. Unlucky Hamster’ was born,” Among the filmmakers who “Amer: An Arabian Legend” by parities were ultimately larger but whose dream turns into a “We walked in towards the he said in a behind-the-scene inspires him are Walt Disney for Jassim Al Rumaihi, “Red” by than we expected going in.” living nightmare when he is hamster’s cage and he picked interview. “his personality and his Kholood Al Ali, “Elevate” by The study builds on pre- bought by a new owner. the cutest and the fluffiest one. A graduate from the Uni- attention to detail and per- Hamida Issa and “In the Middle” vious research on the topic. “It’s a funny and sad story So a question came to my versity of Portsmouth in the UK, fection” and Pete Docter for “his by Mariam Al Dhubhani. 04 HOME / MIDDLE EAST FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2020

QDA holds talk QF’s QLA celebrates achievements of graduates for parents of THE PENINSULA — DOHA QLA's Class of 2020 children with Qatar Leadership Academy has includes 15 Qataris, held a virtual ceremony to two Kuwaitis, one diabetes honour the accomplishments of its 20 graduates, bringing Omani, one Yemeni, THE PENINSULA — DOHA together students, parents, and teachers, as well as represent- and one American, Qatar Diabetes Association atives from the Ministry of with three graduates (QDA), a member of Qatar Defence and Qatar Foundation. Foundation, in collaboration Mohammed Abdulla gaining acceptance with Sidra Medicine, recently Mahmoud, this year’s Academic to international organised a discussion session Excellence Award recipient and via video-tele-communication Valedictorian, said: “Many universities. for parents of children diag- thanks to my teachers, who nosed with type 1 diabetes. were excellent role models for The meeting was attended values, ethics, and morals, they said: “I want to express my by about 100 parents and Dr continuously helped and sup- sincere gratitude to all the staff Abdullah Al Alhamaq, Exec- ported me. I want to thank the at Qatar Leadership Academy utive Director of Qatar Dia- school administration for cre- for the efforts in educating and betes Association. Qatar Leadership Academy hosts virtual graduation ceremony. ating this supportive and preparing us for our future. The main speaker of the inspiring environment, which “We benefited immensely meeting, Dr Fawzyia Ali Al makes me proud on the day of from the academy’s programs have worked to equip you with “Congratulations to you and their studies, and boarding Khalaf — who is Senior my graduation.” and activities. Qatar Leadership the tools, skills, and knowledge your sons. You are worthy of school life. Attending Physician Endo- For the first time, Qatar Academy has always been and to succeed. You are ambas- this honor. You protected them, QLA is part of Qatar Foun- crinology/Diabetes Children’s Leadership Academy (QLA) also will remain an outstanding sadors of your country. And and strengthened their resolve. dation’s Pre-University Edu- Clinical Management Group announced three Leadership place for teaching and learning. now it is time for you to harvest Blessed be their successes to cation. Its Class of 2020 Division of Endocrinology; an Excellence Awards — previ- Thank you to all the staff, the fruits of your success, and your families, and congratula- includes 15 Qataris, two Assistant professor at Weill ously one — which were pre- including administrators, for us to commemorate your tions to your nation.” Kuwaitis, one Omani, one Cornell Medical College-Qatar; sented to Falah Ali Al Badi, teachers, and supervisors.” incredible accomplishments.” The virtual ceremony also Yemeni, and one American, and Director, Clinical Services Nasser Saheem Al-Sheraim, and Speaking to the students, Continuing, Al Shammari featured a video with highlights with three graduates gaining Endocrinology/Diabetes at Saoud Abdulaziz Alzeyara. Jameel Al Shammari, Director, spoke to the parents of the of the students, including pro- acceptance to international Sidra of Medicine — also Al Badi, who won first place, QLA, said: “Over the years, we graduates, saying: grams they’d participated in, universities. addressed the audience with education and responded to their inquiries. Turkish court The meeting was charac- Carnegie Mellon Qatar research wins Best Paper award terized by a great interaction jails US consul by parents who asked many THE PENINSULA — DOHA team also worked with questions of concern to the staffer for aiding CMU-Q’s Cecile le Roux to health of their children about A research team from Carnegie scaffold writing in her organi- how to take care of them in the ‘terror group’ Mellon University in Qatar sational behaviour course. light of the COVID-19 pan- (CMU-Q), a Qatar Foundation Over the three-year project, demic, how to deal with the AFP — ISTANBUL (QF) partner university, the team worked with 11 faculty insulin pump and also talked received the Best Paper award members to design scaffolding about mental health and pro- A local US consulate employee for 2019 from the Journal of materials that would clearly cedures when returning to was sentenced to nearly nine Information Systems Education outline writing expectations. school at the start of the school years in prison in Turkey (JISE). They analyzed student writing year next September. yesterday for “aiding an armed The paper arose from a post-intervention, reflected on “The association is ready terror group” that Ankara multi-year research project the outcomes, and applied what to provide all possible blames for a failed 2016 coup, called Scaffolding Literacy in they learned in following assistance in training school in a decision denounced by its Academic and Tertiary Envi- semesters. As the SLATE-Q nurses and school staff,” Dr. Al NATO ally Washington. ronments in Qatar (SLATE-Q), project reached its conclusion Alhamaq said.” Metin Topuz, who worked which was funded by Qatar in 2019, the team decided to “Thank God there have as a liaison officer for the US National Research Fund. make their findings publicly been no cases of COVID-19 Drug Enforcement Adminis- Silvia Pessoa, Maria Pia available. among children with diabetes Members of Scaffolding Literacy in Academic and Tertiary Environments tration (DEA) in Istanbul, was Gomez-Laich, Divakaran “We don’t want SLATE-Q to in Qatar. We follow the health in Qatar (SLATE-Q) research project team. arrested in 2017 and was jailed Liginlal, and Thomas Mitchell be just a research project,” said procedures and follow the yesterday for eight years and authored the winning sub- Pessoa, associate professor of children from their homes by nine months, the official Ana- mission. The paper is one of and here are some materials different disciplines. She English at CMU-Q and the lead phone instead of coming to tolia news agency reported. seven published articles and 20 that you can use to help them believed that a clear, well- principal investigator of the the hospital for their own He was accused of making local and international presen- overcome that challenge.” defined system of communi- project. “We want to help health.” contact with police and a pros- tations to arise from the Gomez-Laich describes cating expectations would faculty members change the Dr. Al Khalaf also advised ecutor suspected of ties to US- SLATE-Q project. how SLATE-Q’s scaffolding enhance learning and writing way they guide students to parents about the importance based Muslim preacher Beginning in 2016, SLATE- process has helped students development. develop their writing skills.” of controlling their children’s Fethullah Gulen, who Ankara Q’s goal was to work with infor- develop their writing skills: “In For the SLATE-Q project, They recruited students to diabetes by following the pre- says masterminded the mation systems faculty a case study, for instance, stu- Pessoa brought together a large build a website of tools and scribed diet plan and taking attempted coup in 2016. Gulen members to create clear and dents tend to summarise the team of applied linguists and materials based on the project’s insulin doses prescribed by the rejects the accusations. precise guidelines for writing case instead of analysing what disciplinary faculty members, outcomes and on their work on doctor and also exercising. She Topuz, a Turkish citizen, assignments, and to develop is happening. The framework including Gomez-Laich, history writing with CMU-Q confirmed Sidra’s willingness denied the allegations in court, materials to use in writing guides the student through Mitchell, and Michael Maune history professors Benjamin to respond to the request for the private DHA news agency workshops to make expecta- common challenges so they can (now at MIT), as well as prin- Reilly and Aaron Jacobson (for- psychological counselling over reported. tions explicit for students. The construct stronger cipal investigators Liginlal, merly at CMU-Q). While the the phone. A lawyer for Topuz con- team also worked with the stu- arguments.” Selma Limam Mansar and website includes materials spe- At the end of the session, firmed the sentence and said dents, documenting both suc- The idea for SLATE-Q arose Susan Hagan from CMU-Q, cific to CMU-Q courses, Mitchell Dr. Al Alhamaq thanked Dr. a court of appeals is due to cesses and challenges, and out of a previous QNRF Ryan Miller from Kent State notes they also created a section Fawzyia and Sidra Medicine decide whether to uphold it. brought these findings back to research project, led by Pessoa, University, Sally Humphrey for a wider audience. for this important educational In previous hearings, the faculty members to fine- that documented the literacy from the Australian Catholic Although the QNRF-funded dose, stressing the continu- Topuz told the judge that his tune subsequent writing development of the CMU-Q University, and Ahmar research has drawn to a close, ation of such educational contacts with senior police assignments. Class of 2013 over four years. Mahboob from the University the team is planning to continue meetings with the parents of officials or prosecutors of the Pessoa said, “During the Pessoa found that students can of Sydney. In 2015, the project their work. Pessoa, Mitchell, children with diabetes through time were entirely “part of my course of our project, we have face challenges understanding received a grant in Cycle 8 of Gomez-Laich, Liginlal and le video technology to spread the work as a translator and developed a set of tools for what the professors are looking QNRF’s National Priorities Roux were also finalists for benefit until things return to assistant liaison officer at the faculty members: Here’s a chal- for in analytical and argumen- Research Program. On the CMU’s 2019-2020 Teaching normal after the decline of the DEA.” The Istanbul court lenge that students may face, tative writing assignments in second year of the project, the Innovation Award. pandemic. acquitted Topuz on political and military espionage charges. The US embassy, whose Syria’s Assad sacks PM Khamis Kuwait reports 609 new virus staff regularly attended the hearings in support of Topuz cases; death toll rises to 279 and his family, has often said as economic crisis grows there is no credible evidence QNA — KUWAIT against him. US Consul General Daria AFP — DAMASCUS sharp criticism of his gov- that has killed more than The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health announced yesterday 609 new Darnel and acting public ernment over its handling of the 380,000 people. infections with the coronavirus (COVID-19) raising the total to affairs officer Stephanie Kuck Syrian President Bashar Al economic crisis. Prices of some basic goods 34,432 cases. The ministry spokesperson Dr. Abdullah Al Sanad were present at yesterday’s Assad yesterday sacked his Syria’s economy has been are set to increase further after said in his daily briefing that four new deaths were also session. prime minister of four years, as battered by nine years of war US legislation known as the recorded, raising the toll of fatalities from the virus to 279 in “US officials observed the country grapples with a compounded by a financial Caesar Act comes into effect the country. every hearing in the trial of stinging economic crisis and crisis in neighbouring Lebanon, later this month, targeting He added that some of the new 609 cases have contracted Metin Topuz in Istanbul, and renewed protests. which had served as a conduit companies dealing with the virus due to direct contact with infected people, pointing we are deeply disappointed in “President Assad issues to bring dollars into gov- Damascus. that some of them were being screened to determine and track today’s decision,” the US decree number 143 for year ernment-held areas despite At a protest yesterday in source of the infection. Earlier yesterday, the Ministry embassy said on Twitter. 2020 which relieves the prime international sanctions. Damascus, dozens chanted in announced that 849 people have recovered from the virus in “We have seen no credible minister Imad Muhammad Dib In recent days the value of support of Assad and against Kuwait in past 24 hours, bringing recoveries tally to 24,137. evidence to support this con- Khamis of his position,” the the Syrian pound on the black the US law. viction and hope it will swiftly presidency said in a statement. market has tumbled from one One held up a sign reading be overturned.” Khamis, 58, had been record low to the next. in English: “No to America and Iran virus cases top 180,000 Topuz’s initial arrest in Syria’s prime minister since At one point this week it its sanctions.” 2017 triggered a diplomatic 2016. peaked at 3,000 to the dollar, The World Food Pro- AFP — TEHRAN crisis with both Turkey and the He is replaced by Water more than four times the gramme says the skyrocketing US suspending visa services Resources Minister Hussein official rate of around 700, and cost of living in a country where More than 180,000 people have been infected in Iran’s coro- for some time. Arnous for an interim period 60 times its pre-war rate from most people are already below navirus outbreak since it first emerged nearly four months The latest verdict is likely leading to legislative polls set 2011. the poverty line means hunger ago, an official said yesterday. to cause new strains in for next month. The government has could soon spread. As the figures were announced, President Hassan Rouhani bilateral ties as the two NATO “Assad assigns... Hussein blamed the unofficial devalu- “The WFP’s reference food called on Iranians to stick to guidelines aimed at stopping the allies are mending fences fol- Arnous the duties of prime min- ation on US sanctions and basket has already increased by spread of COVID-19. “If everyone follows the health instruc- lowing disagreements. ister as well as his (other) exchange rate 11 percent between April and tions exactly, then all jobs can be reopened,” he said in remarks On the positive side, duties,” the presidency said. “manipulation”. May 2020 and 133 percent since broadcast on state television. Turkish military planes carried “The government is con- But the rapid deterioration May 2019,” the UN agency’s “We are progressing slowly and step by step (because we medical supplies to Wash- tinuing with its work until a has sparked rare criticism in spokeswoman Jessica Lawson don’t want) our people to think that the coronavirus era has ington to help the US fight the new parliament is elected.” Par- government-held areas, said. She called that “a stag- passed. This would pose a major health problem for us,” coronavirus. In an interview liamentary polls had been due including in the southern city gering increase for families who Rouhani said. Health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari with state TRT broadcaster this in Syria earlier this year but of Sweida. were already struggling to pur- said 2,238 new infections in the past 24 hours took the total to week, Erdogan praised coop- were postponed twice due to “Revolution, freedom, social chase the food they need.” 180,156. She said 78 new deaths brought the overall toll to eration with the US in Libya, the coronavirus pandemic. The justice,” dozens of protesters Syrians have also felt the pinch 8,584.Iran reported its first COVID-19 cases on February 19. saying Ankara and Wash- new date set last month is July shouted, in slogans reminiscent as the cash-strapped gov- Since April, the government has gradually lifted health pro- ington were edging closer to a 19. of the 2011 uprising whose ernment has repeatedly cut tocols in order to reopen its sanctions-hit economy. “new era” in ties. Khamis’ sacking follows repression sparked a civil war rations of subsidised fuel. FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2020 HOME 05 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2020 Arab League: Israel’s annexation plan a brute aggression QNA — CAIRO/AMMAN League says this step by the Israeli entity would be hostile against the Arab and Islamic The League of Arab States has warned that Israeli entity’s nations and will completely undermine the annexation of any parts of the chances of establishing peace in the region for occupied Palestinian territories represents a new brutal decades to come. aggression against the Pales- tinian people and their sover- eignty over their lands. pointed out that this dangerous concern over the Israeli annex- The General Secretariat of development could unleash ation step as a major escalation, the Arab League considered, in confrontation and religious stressing the European Union's a statement yesterday, that this wars that the international commitment to the two-state step would be hostile against community must prevent from solution and rejection of uni- the Arab and Islamic nations escalating. lateral action and plans to and will completely undermine Meanwhile, In remarks annex. the chances of establishing during a joint press conference He also said that Germany peace in the region for decades with his German counterpart will take on a mediatory role to come. It is also a blatant Heiko Maas, Jordan's Minister within the EU and the Security breach of international law and of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi Council, saying “We believe that international legitimacy reso- indicated that any Israeli now is the time for diplomacy lutions represented in United decision to annex occupied Pal- to bring the two sides to the Nations (UN) resolutions. estinian land is a violation of negotiation table.” The Arab League also international law, which under- The government of the A delegation made up of European and British diplomats as well as members of development institutions stressed that the whole world mines all chances of achieving Israeli entity intends to present pose for a picture with residents of the Jordan Valley, in a show of solidarity against Israeli plans to had a responsibility to defend a just and comprehensive its strategy in early July on how annex the occupied West-Bank territory, yesterday. Israel intends to annex West Bank settlements Palestinian rights and peace, stressing that Jordan will to implement the US adminis- demanded to defend the inter- take all necessary steps to tration's plan for the Middle East and the Jordan Valley, as proposed by US President Donald Trump, with initial steps slated to begin national system that’s supposed protect its national interests, known as the “Deal of the from July 1. to be based on respect for inter- and support the establishment Century” which will include the national law and relations and of a Palestinian state, according entity's annexation of the Jordan more than 450,000 Israelis US President Donald Trump Middle East, which stipulates that mutual respect between states to Petra news agency. Valley and settlements in the reside in settlements which are proposed last January his admin- the Israeli entity annexes settle- and peoples. The League For his part, Maas expressed occupied West Bank, where illegal under international law. istration's peace plan in the ments in the occupied West Bank. Turkey: US needs to play Kenya arrests 3 Darfur war crimes suspect to policemen for face ICC judges next week more active role in Libya dragging woman REUTERS — ANKARA because of past traumas,” behind motorbike AFP — THE HAGUE himself over in the Central commander in the Janjaweed, Cavusoglu said in an interview African Republic. a group of mostly Arab raiding The United States needs to play with broadcaster NTV. REUTERS — NAIROBI Sudanese militiaman Ali He had spent 13 years on nomads recruited by Bashir’s a more active role in Libya, “The United States needs to Kushayb will next week face the run since the initial 2007 government who often rode both in achieving a ceasefire play a more active role, both Kenyan detectives have International Criminal Court warrant for his arrest. horses or camels. and in political talks, Turkish for achieving a ceasefire and in arrested three police officers judges for the first time since “His first appearance is The original warrant con- Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavu- the political process.” for allegedly whipping a turning himself in to face war scheduled for June 15, 2020,” tained 50 allegations of war soglu said yesterday, as Libya’s On Wednesday, US Sec- woman and dragging her crimes charges over the Darfur the ICC said in a statement. crimes and crimes against warring sides restarted UN-led retary of State Mike Pompeo along behind a motorbike, the conflict, the tribunal said Kushayb is expected to be humanity and the second arrest ceasefire talks. welcomed the resumption of Directorate of Criminal Inves- yesterday. formally informed of the warrant unveiled yesterday Cavusoglu said the UN-led talks between Libya’s tigations said yesterday, after The Hague-based ICC also charges against him by the contains three more counts. involvement of the United warring sides and urged speedy footage of the incident went unveiled a second arrest ICC’s pre-trial judges. Bashir, who ruled Sudan with States, a NATO ally, was negotiations to achieve a viral online. warrant against the longtime The UN says about 300,000 an iron fist for three decades, important to protect the alli- ceasefire, as a new round of “Three @PoliceKE officers fugitive, containing further people were killed and 2.5 was deposed in April last year ance’s interests, adding that talks began after the GNA’s were yesterday arrested by @ alleged crimes committed in million displaced in the Darfur following months of protests in Turkish and US officials would rapid gains. DCI_Kenya Detectives fol- his role as a senior commander conflict, which erupted in 2003 Sudan, and is also wanted by discuss possible steps, as Cavusoglu, who dismissed lowing circulation of a video in the notorious Janjaweed when ethnic African rebels took the ICC. Turkish President Tayyip a ceasefire proposal by Egypt depicting a woman being militia. up arms against Khartoum’s Kushayb fled to the Central Erdogan and US President as an attempt to save Haftar whipped & dragged on a Kushayb, a former close then Arab-dominated gov- African Republic in February Donald Trump agreed during after losses on the battlefield, motorbike in Kuresoi South ally of ousted Sudanese pres- ernment, led by Bashir. when the new Sudanese gov- a call on Monday. said yesterday that only a Sub-County,” the police direc- ident Omar Al Bashir, was ICC prosecutors say ernment announced its “For some reason, the lasting ceasefire under UN torate tweeted yesterday. transferred to The Hague on Kushayb, believed to be around intention to cooperate with the United States has not been that auspices would be The video of police beating Tuesday after earlier handing 63 years old, was a top ICC’s investigation. active in Libya, perhaps acceptable. 21-year-old Mercy Cherono emerged after several days of small protests in the Kenyan DR Congo seeks capital over extrajudicial 10 dead in attack on Ivory Coast border post police killings in Kenya and 20-year jail term against US police for the death AFP — KORHOGO, IVORY COAST “neutralised”. hiding in the houses with our The latest attack took place of George Floyd. for top aide in “Investigations are under families. The military has for- in the same zone where the two Brutality allegations Suspected militants attacked an way to determine the nature, bidden us to go out. Everything countries last month launched against the Kenyan police are graft trial army-manned frontier post on circumstances and final toll of is closed,” he said, adding that a ground-breaking joint oper- common and the Independent Ivory Coast’s border with this attack,” Doumbia said in a residents are normally in the ation to flush out militants. Police Oversight Authority, an AFP — KINSHASA Burkina Faso overnight, killing statement. fields growing cotton and “Operation Comoe,” named independent government around 10 people, the military “In the meantime, urgent peanuts in the arid area. after a river that flows through watchdog supported by donor Prosecutors in DR Congo said said yesterday. steps have been taken in the The attack, launched at the two countries, led to the funds, has received thousands yesterday they are seeking a It is the first assault by area, in particular placing all around 3am, was carried out by death of eight suspected mili- of complaints since it was set 20-year prison sentence for a extremists on Ivorian soil since troops on alert and carrying out dozens of armed individuals tants, the capture of 38 others up in 2011. key ally of President Felix March 2016, when a raid on the search operations for the believed to be from the Group and the destruction of a “ter- Last week the watchdog Tshisekedi who is accused of southeastern beach resort of assailants.” Ivorian and to Support Islam and Muslims rorist base” at Alidougou in said preliminary investigations embezzling more than $50m. Grand-Bassam left 19 people Burkinabe sources earlier put (GSIM), which has a hold on the Burkina Faso, the Ivory Coast showed police appeared to be The prosecution is also dead. the toll at 10 and 12 dead area, according to a source in army said on May 24. responsible for 15 deaths and asking that Vital Kamerhe is Dozens of gunmen targeted respectively, and both said two Burkina Faso. The operation was launched 31 cases of injury since March disqualified from holding the frontier post at Kafolo in people were listed as missing Security analysts have long after militants were spotted last 27, when Kenya imposed a public office for 10 years, and northeastern Ivory Coast in a and an assailant killed. worried that a revolt in the year to the north of Ivory dawn-dusk curfew to help has requested the seizure of pre-dawn operation, an Ivorian “There were sounds of rifles Sahel that began in Mali in 2012 Coast’s Comoe national park. stem the spread of COVID-19. his wife’s assets as well as security source said. toward the river,” an anon- is spreading towards coastal Security sources say they Among the dead was those of other family members. Giving a provisional toll, ymous Kafolo resident said in states on the Gulf of Guinea. are militants operating in 13-year-old Yasin Hussein The high-profile graft trial armed forces chief of staff a telephone interview. Ivory Coast shares a Burkina Faso who hole up in Moyo, shot by a stray bullet as of Kamerhe, a veteran political Lassina Doumbia said “around “There were sounds of mil- 550-km border with Burkina Ivory Coast. he stood on his balcony. figure who remains the pres- 10” people were killed at the itary cars speeding through the Faso, where militant violence The Grand-Bassam attack Director of Public Prosecutions ident’s chief of staff, is without post, which was manned by village. We are afraid. The has claimed nearly 1,000 lives four years ago was claimed by Noordin Haji has approved the precedent in the vast African army personnel and gen- sounds of guns have been going and forced 860,000 people Al Qaeda’s North African arrest and prosecution of a country. darmes, while six were on since early this morning. And from their homes over the past affiliate, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic police officer over Moyo’s Kamerhe, who has been wounded and an attacker was it’s still going on.” “We are five years. Maghreb (AQIM). death. detained since April 8, and two co-defendants are accused of embezzling state funds to build 1,500 pre-fabricated homes South African electoral law for a social housing project. A 20-year prison sentence declared unconstitutional was also sought against one of Kamerhe’s co-accused, Leb- AFP – JOHANNESBURG exercise the right to contest anese contractor Jammal elections and hold office only Samih, 78, who would be South Africa’s top court, in a through political parties sub- deported at the end of his landmark ruling yesterday, verts (the constitution),” the sentence. struck down a section of elec- judge said. “The deficiency in The prosecutor’s office toral law that bars candidates the Electoral Act to the extent took nearly two hours to from running for parliament if that it fails to enable adult present its case in the latest they are not affiliated to a South Africans to stand as indi- proceedings on Thursday. political party. viduals is inconsistent with the The date of the verdict is The decision, in a case constitution,” he added. not yet known. The televised brought by civil society organ- Members of the National trial, which has been held in isations, will see voters in post- Assembly, the powerful 400- the courtyard of the capital’s apartheid South Africa directly seat lower house in parliament, main jail, takes place in the electing their lawmakers for are currently elected indirectly. context of a broader campaign the first time. Voters cast ballots for political for the “renewal” of the justice “It is declared that the Elec- parties, and the seats are then system to help root out toral Act... is unconstitutional shared out for each party entrenched corruption. to the extent that it requires according to a system of pro- There have been some that adult citizens will be portional representation. twists and turns, particularly elected to the National Each party then distributes after the sudden death of the Assembly and provincial legis- the seats according to a list of presiding judge last month. In South Africa testing drive lature only through their mem- pre-selected members a hearings last week that ran to bership of political parties,” system that critics say pro- Medical workers testing people for COVID-19 at the Bloed Street Mall in Pretoria Central Business almost 13 hours, Kamerhe, 61, said Judge Mbuyiseli motes loyalty and patronage District, Pretoria, South Africa, yesterday. insisted he never entered a Madlanga. over commitment to a private contract with Samih. “Requiring citizens to constituency. FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2020 ISLAM 07 Quran’s message for humanity ASLAM ABDULLAH child, we vow we shall (ever) be s the Quran only for Muslims? If God grateful.” (Quran 7:189) is the Lord of the worlds (Quran 1:2) “He created you (all) from a single Iand the Prophet is described as the person: then created, of like nature, his messenger for the worlds (Quran mate; and he sent down for you eight 21:107) and the Quran is introduced as head of cattle in pairs: He makes you, a reminder to the worlds, (Quran 68:52) in the wombs of your mothers, in then what is the relevance of the stages, one after another, in three veils Quranic message to the world? How of darkness. such is Allah, your Lord can the world, Muslims and non- and Cherisher: to Him belongs (all) Muslims, alike, benefit from the uni- dominion. There is no god but He: then versal message of a universal and com- how are ye turned away (from your true passionate God? Can non-Muslims Centre)?” (Quran 39:6) practice divinely revealed values Thus the purpose is to ensure that without acknowledging their original the unity of humanity is never com- source and without adhering to the total promised and the differences that exist divine call? among people are resolved through a The Quran, Muslims believe is the process of mutual understanding on final testament God revealed for human the basis of ideas that are divine beings through Prophet Muhammad revealed. (peace be upon him), in the seventh “Mankind was one single nation, and century. They believe that that the Allah sent Messengers with glad tidings and Quran affirms everything that was warnings; and with them He sent the Book revealed to all the previous messengers in truth, to judge between people in matters in the past including Prophets Abraham, “O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into wherein they differed; but the People of Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Jesus the Book, after the clear Signs came to (peace be upon them). nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily them, did not differ among themselves, The Quran recognises the principle the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you. And except through selfish contumacy. Allah of inclusiveness when it says: “I have by His Grace guided the believers to the come to you, to attest the Law which Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted with all things. (Holy Quran 49:13) Truth, concerning that wherein they dif- was before me. And to make lawful to fered. For Allah guided whom He wills to you part of what was (before) forbidden more serious among them believe that form ritual structure? Contrary to what of these ideas many Muslim groups and a path that is straight.” (Quran 2:213) to you; I have come to you with a sign the verse refers to the purity and some Muslims might believe the fact is leaders in the Muslim world have often The Quran acknowledges the from your Lord. So fear Allah, and obey sanctity of the divine message empha- that many human beings, regardless of negated them through their writings or diversity in humanity but described it me.” (Quran 3:50) sising the fact that it is revealed by the their relationship with Islam, have on actions. Those five ideas are: Oneness as a functional aspect of existence and The Quran also acknowledges that one who is absolutely authentic (Allah) their own reached conclusions that the or unity of humanity, dignity of human not structural. divine message has been sent to all in and delivered by the one who is sacred Quran introduced to the world through beings, universalisation of natural “To you We sent the Scripture in all languages and the Quran affirms the and pure (Angel Gabriel) and delivered revelation. In a way, many non- resources, justice and peace. No human truth, confirming the scripture that continuity of the divine message. “O ye by the one (Prophet Muhammad, peace Muslims have shown a better under- society can live in a state of stability and came before it, and guarding it in safety: People of the Book! believe in what We be upon him ) who is innocent from standing of the message of the Quran progression without accepting these so judge between them by what Allah have (now) revealed, confirming what committing any wrong in communi- even without fully identifying with ideas and making efforts to live by them. hath revealed, and follow not their vain was (already) with you, before We cating the message. Islam than shown by many Muslims. desires, diverging from the Truth that has change the face and fame of some (of In fact, the Quran addresses human For instance, the empiricism in Oneness of humanity come to you. To each among you we have you) beyond all recognition, and turn beings as “Ya aiyuhal Nas” (O modern natural and social sciences is a The Quran places emphasis on the prescribed a law and an open way. If them hind wards, or curse them as We Humankind) directly 306 times and known reality of our epistemology. The oneness of human beings. It introduces Allah had so willed, He would have made cursed the Sabbath-breakers, for the indirectly more than two thousand Quran announced this maxim clearly the idea of common human origin and you a single people, but (His plan is) to decision of Allah Must be carried out.” times in its over 6,000 verses. In con- when it said: “And pursue not that of ancestry at four different places and test you in what He has given you: so (Quran 4:47) trast the Quran specifically addresses which you have no knowledge; for every says that humans have their origin in strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal The Quran acknowledges the Muslim men and women (Ya aiyuhal act of hearing, or of seeing or of (feeling a single cell or soul. of you all is to Allah. it is He that will show common thread in all the divine mes- Muslimun/Muslimat/Muslimatun/etc) in) the heart will be inquired into (on the “O mankind! Reverence your Guard- you the truth of the matters in which you sages when it says: “The same religion by name only 49 times. How can Day of Reckoning). (Quran 17:36) ian-Lord, who created you from a single dispute; (Quran 5:48) He has established for you as that which anyone refuse to share a copy of the In other words one must use all soul, created, of like nature, the mate, and The Quranic assertion about the He enjoined on Noah — the which We Quran with non-Muslims? In fact, the methods of inquiry to come to a con- from them twain scattered (like seeds) oneness of humanity is a powerful have sent by inspiration to thee — and first revelation that the prophet (PBUH) clusion and decisions in all aspects of countless men and women;- reverence message for all those who still want to that which We enjoined on Abraham, received was first recited by the life must not be based on superstitions Allah, through whom ye demand your live in their own tribal, national and Moses, and Jesus: Namely, that you Prophet to non-Muslims. and hearsay. mutual (rights), and (reverence) the ethnic cocoons without any respect and should remain steadfast in religion, and Regardless, the Muslim scholarship, There are five major divine ideas wombs (That bore you): for Allah ever regard for the other. The Quran does make no divisions therein: to those who by and large, has inadvertently turned expounded in the Quran that human watches over you.” (Quran 4:1) not want a person to cancel one’s worship other things than Allah, hard the Quran into a manifesto for Muslims beings have now begun to realise as the “It is He Who hath produced you identity by birth but wants that identity is the (way) to which you call them. only making the argument that Quran essence of their humanity. They were from a single soul: here is a place of to enhance inclusiveness rather than Allah chooses to Himself those whom is a book of guidance for Muslims pri- there in other religious scriptures and they sojourn and a place of departure: We exclusiveness. He pleases, and guides to Himself those marily. On top of this the use of the Quran are defined in detail in the Quran, yet, detail Our signs for people who under- The idea that despite differences in who turn (to Him). (Quran 42:13) has been limited to ceremonial recitation. humanity as a whole waited for almost stand.” (Quran 6:98) our DNAs and fingerprints, we all have The Muslims believe that the Is there nothing for the non-Muslim cre- 7,000 of its recorded human history to “It is He Who created you from a a common origin and can relate with guidance in the Quran is for all time, ation of God in the book Muslims attribute acknowledge their legitimacy and validity. single soul, and made the mate of like each other accepting every human as and all people. Even though many to a Merciful and Compassionate God of These ideas have constantly pro- nature, in order that he might dwell part of our extended family whether Muslim scholars have often differed on all. Can a non-Muslim make use of the vided guidance to reformers and ide- with her (in love). When they are united, we are able to trace our bloodlines or the issue of giving a copy of the Quran guidance of the Quran while still alists regardless of their religious or she bears a light burden and carries it not is in itself a powerful unifying idea, to non-Muslims, quoting the Quranic remaining outside the fold of Islam? Can ethnic backgrounds all over the world about (unnoticed). When she grows an idea whose time has finally come in verse that says “none shall touch but Islam be practiced by non-Muslims in its for centuries. What is ironic is that heavy, they both pray to Allah their a world that is shrinking every day. those who are clean,” (Quran 56:79) yet normative sense without adhering to its while acknowledging the supremacy Lord, (saying): If Thou gives us a goodly www.islamcity.org

“O ye who believe! stand out firmly for Great emphasis on dignity of human beings Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make he Quran places great emphasis on the dignity because it certainly can inspire people of all faith not only look after himself. Wherever he sees a you swerve to wrong and depart from of human beings regardless of their gender to stand with each other in defense of human dignity human neck caught in any kind of subjugation or justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and Tor race or even status. It says: “We have of all. bondage, he should free it. That is to say, the first and bestowed dignity on the children of Adam; pro- foremost thing to do is to establish a system where fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted vided them with transport on land and sea; given Universalisation of natural resources no one is subdued by or subjugated to another. Eve- them for sustenance things good and pure; and The third Quranic message relevant for ryone walks with his chin up, with total physical and with all that ye do.” (Quran 5:8) conferred on them special favours, above a great humanity at large is its emphasis on the univer- mental freedom. (He should not have to follow and part of our creation.” (Quran 17:70) sality of natural resources. Earth, oceans, skies obey any Law except that of Allah the Almighty.) And The dignity comprises rights and duties. It water, and wind are for the benefit of all. No one during the period when some people take over all indignity and denial of basic human rights takes means that all human beings are created equal by can monopolise them for their exclusive use. No primary sources of subsistence and create a state of place in our world simply because people tend to the One Creator, and no one is superior to another one can use their access to these resources to deny general distress and hunger, this system should look view justice for others as not binding. However, on the basis of his or her birth or family or tribe. others the rights bestowed to them. Thus the Quran after the needs of those who, despite living among without adhering to justice, it is impossible to think It is only the divine that alone is the judge to decide states: “It is He Who has created for you all things other people, feel lonely and helpless; or of the needs of dignity, unity or universality of humanity. who lived up to his/her dignified status accepting that are on earth; moreover His design compre- of those who have to labor hard for a morsel. They the dignity of the other. The dignity also means hended the heavens, for He gave order and per- are the auspicious and prosperous people on the Peace is the goal that human beings have a right to life, right to fection to the seven firmaments; and of all things right path, enjoying the pleasures of life. The ultimate goal of humans in this world is to freedom of religion, right to freedom of lifestyle, He has perfect knowledge.” (Quran 2:29) secure a peaceful human society so that a peaceful right to labor, right to security and right to family The distribution of these human resources in Justice for all family can protect the interests of a peaceful indi- are secured, even if that means that human beings a manner that would ensure the dignity and Justice is the buzz world in our modern vocab- vidual for achieving his or her true potential in do not accept divine guidance. oneness of humanity is a major challenge for ulary. The Quran not only emphasises justice but also deliberating on the purpose of this life and preparing The Quran does not want people to deprive human beings. Wars have been fought for land recommends a step above justice, i.e., working for for a life that is eternal in every sense of the term. The others of these rights because of their colour, and access to natural resources such as water, land the good of others at the expense of one’s interest. On unity of humanity, the dignity, the justice and the uni- gender or even religion. The Quran does not give or gas without realizing that none of these natural the other side are those who are also true to their versality of human resources pave the path for peace. preference to one over the other. The Quran does treasures were created by humans, yet human faith. They always give preference to the needs of the They liberate humans from the mundane and profane not say that only Muslims or who have faith in God beings have always fought over their greed to newcomers, even if they themselves are indigent and and take them to the realm of sublime and sacred. deserve dignity or rights that are associated with control them. living a life of hardship. (Quran 59:9) The Quran They ensure that that human beings reconcile dignity. It talks in a broader term and declares that The Quran explains that the purpose to provide reminds that people who are likely to achieve pros- between their greed and their need. no one has a right to deny humans their dignity these resources is to ensure that human beings are perity are those who change their personalities and Defining the purpose of his guidance the Quran that is a God given right. not deprived of their basic needs for survival. It no longer push others aside to selfishly fulfill their says that “through which God shows unto all that Not very long ago, the world had difficulty in asks human beings not to use them to exploit fellow own needs. Realising that the other person’s need is seek His goodly acceptance the paths leading to peace realising the validity of this Quranic message. People human beings. Our world today has about 1.6 more demanding they voluntarily allow them to fulfill and, by His grace, brings them out of the depths of were discriminated on the basis of their ethnicity billion people who sleep hungry every night. Our it first. darkness into the light and guides them onto a straight or gender or status and religious scholars and world has over 60 percent of the population that The Quran recommends a simple maxim for way. (Quran 5:16) The Quran repeats the message political experts were providing justification for earns less than a dollar a day. Malnutrition is justice “O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for several times that the purpose of human efforts is to these discrimination. A classic case of this denial common and so is homelessness. People are justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against your- enable humans to dwell in an abode of peace, “theirs of dignity can be found in India where according deprived of drinkable water even though there is selves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether shall be an abode of peace with their Sustainer; and to religious scripture a group of people were cate- plenty of fresh water resources. People are still it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect He shall be near unto them in result of what they gorised as low castes or untouchables because of forced to live on streets and under open skies even both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye have been doing.” (Quran 6:127) and explains “And their birth in a particular social group. Even though, though there is plenty of land to provide housing swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do [know that] God invites [man] unto the abode of India has banned that in its constitution and legally to everyone. justice, verily Allah is well- acquainted with all peace, and guides him that wills [to be guided] onto such a discrimination is punishable, yet it is still In religious circles everyone talks about that ye do.” (Quran 4:135) “O ye who believe! stand a straight way.” (Quran 10:25) practiced widely in the country. In the United States, removing poverty or at least ensuring that peo- out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, Thus, the message of the Quran is universal a specific word for African-Americans in vogue for ple’s basic needs are addressed. The Quranic and let not the hatred of others to you make you and eternal. The divine sets the standards through several centuries and is still uttered in several message certainly gives guidance in this matter swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: messages delivered to human beings. It was left private sessions. But no one in the world today can and invites people to work together to ensure that that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is to individuals to seek the path of unity, dignity, argue for segregation and discrimination on the no one sleeps hungry and no one is homeless. The well-acquainted with all that ye do.” (Quran 5:8) universality, justice and peace not the path to argue basis of race, religion,, gender etc. The world has Quran addresses the issue of basic human needs Every human society accepts justice as its core with each who is better than the other or who begun to realise and implement the Quranic in great details in verses 12 to 18 of chapter 90 value, yet we find that every human society vio- would qualify for the grace of God and who would message of the dignity of humankind. This message when it explains what is this steep uphill ascent? lates its own declared values and promotes not. Let the world not deprive itself of the benefits is relevant in our time more than ever before, Who else can tell you better than the Almighty? injustice on the basis of divisions that people have of the divine guidance because of our faults. regardless whether Muslims practice it or not So listen: The uphill ascent is that a human should created among themselves. So much inequality, www.islamcity.org 08 VIEWS FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2020

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DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

People wearing protective face masks walk, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. EDITORIAL Leading the way The coronavirus pandemic GLOBAL aviation industry has been among the worst- hit due to the coronavirus outbreak over the past few months, as the travel demand plummeted and the isn’t ending - it’s surging governments across the globe restricted travel to prevent the spread of the pandemic. However, Qatar’s “We don’t know if it will be a maintain social distance and use masks national flag carrier kept flying through the crisis, second wave, a second peak or and hand sanitizer - but that has not taking people home across the world and its cargo always proved possible. service delivering essential supplies in regions most a continuing first wave in some Public health experts have expressed affected by the pandemic. In fact Qatar Airways never countries,” WHO chief scientist understanding about the protests. “It left the skies and even flew to new destinations during Soumya Swaminathan told CNBC. doesn’t help to say police violence doesn’t the COVID-19 pandemic. matter,” Gregg Gonsalves, a professor of The airline has emerged as the largest passenger and ADAM TAYLOR epidemiology at Yale, told New York Mag- cargo airline globally over the past three months, taking THE WASHINGTON POST biggest daily increase in azine. “The health disparities that have people home on more flights to more destinations than coronavirus cases for a killed tens of thousands of people over a any other airline. It has won applause from passengers, As restrictions are lifted around the world, second consecutive day on half a century don’t matter. We are saying governments and industry partners for operating over the sense of urgency surrounding the Wednesday, with 1,241 new we understand it matters; they’re public- 15,000 flights to take over 1.8 million people home and novel coronavirus pandemic has infections. health issues too.” delivering over 200,000 tonnes of essential supplies. weakened. Hundreds of millions of Across sub-Saharan Africa, there are But almost all experts acknowledge Figures released by the International Air Transport Asso- students have returned to school; restau- now more than 200,000 cases: There is that mass protests are a risk - just as the ciation show Qatar Airways’ over 1.3 billion revenue pas- rants, bars and other businesses are slowly widespread speculation that Pierre Nku- reopening of the economy seen in many senger kilometres (RPK) during April accounted for 17.8 reopening in many countries. In parts of runziza, Burundi’s president, who died on nations around the world, including the percent of the global market, over triple its nearest com- Europe, vaccine researchers worry that Tuesday, was the first world leader to die United States, carries risks. “The facts petitor and more than the next four airlines combined. they will not have enough sick people for of covid-19, though Burundian officials suggest that the US is not going to beat the Its cargo operations represented 7.2 percent of the global testing. have said the cause of death was cardiac coronavirus,” the Atlantic’s Alexis Madrigal cargo market during the same period. The airline has also But this historic pandemic is not arrest. and Robinson Meyer write. “Collectively, operated over 220 charters and extra sector flights during ending. It is surging. There were 136,000 The scale of the coronavirus has made it we slowly seem to be giving up.” the COVID-19 pandemic. new infections reported on Sunday, the hard to take in. “In the period of four That demoralized attitude is reflected Qatar Airways has also led the way as the airlines highest single-day increase since the start months, it has devastated the world,” at the top of American politics: It has been are cautiously planning to return to skies as govern- of the pandemic. There are more than 7 Anthony Fauci, director of the National more than a month since the Trump ments ease coronavirus-related travel restrictions. million confirmed cases so far. The Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, administration held a daily coronavirus QA is currently operating more than 170 weekly flights number of deaths is nearing half a million, told CNN on Tuesday. “And it isn’t over yet.” task force briefing. to over 40 destinations and plans to reopen over half with little sign of tapering off, and global Some nations that were devastated What will it look like to finally beat the of the routes it was serving before the pandemic, by health experts are continuing to sound the early in the pandemic look to be losing virus? We can see some glimpses of it, if the end of the summer season. alarm. ground in their recovery. In Iran and the we look hard enough: New Zealand However, as the global aviation industry charts its “By no means is this over,” Mike Ryan, United States, two countries divided by declared itself coronavirus-free this week; path back to business, it must deal with a new chal- the World Health Organization’s executive geopolitical enmity, experts are united by Taiwan is close to that milestone too. Some lenge — protecting passengers and crew from the director, said Wednesday. “If we look at fresh fears of a second wave; new cases in smaller nations, like the Pacific island of coronavirus. Qatar Airways and its home and hub, the the numbers over the last number of Iran have surged to record highs weeks Samoa, have avoided getting a single con- Hamad International Airport, have put in place a weeks, this pandemic is still evolving. It is after the country eased its lockdown. firmed case. number of safety and hygiene measures to ensure still growing in many parts of the world.” Some Iranian officials have blamed But until the pandemic is pushed back the safety of the passengers and the staff. The airline Latin America has emerged as a hot increased testing, which in itself raises globally, these victories are fragile. We’ve has introduced personal protective equipment (PPE) spot, currently accounting for almost half questions about the first outbreak’s extent. seen this year how easily the virus can suits for cabin crew while onboard while its modified of global deaths by the Financial Times’ “We don’t know if it will be a second wave, travel to a country and, once inside, spread service has reduced the interaction between the pas- tally. The problem is particularly acute in a second peak or a continuing first wave in furiously. Even for countries without the sengers and the crew inflight. Brazil, where the central government has some countries,” WHO chief scientist virus, the economic pain is still there. While the airport has put in place thermal screening maintained a hands-off attitude to the out- Soumya Swaminathan told CNBC. The Organization for Economic Co- and installed sanitising stations throughout the ter- break even as cases surged to almost US states are seeing an increasing operation and Development on Wednesday minal building in addition to other precautionary 750,000, second only to the United States, number of patients since Memorial Day predicted that there would probably be a measures, it has made the use of face masks man- but it has also hit countries, such as Peru, weekend, when many people socialized in drop of 6 percent in global economic pro- datory and has recommended that passengers carry that took early steps against the virus. groups in parts of the country, while there ductivity this year, among the worst declines alcohol-based hand sanitising solutions for the Cases have surged in South Asia. WHO are new concerns that the anti-racism in a century. If there is a second wave, the duration of their journey. officials urged Pakistan to lock down after protests sparked by the death of George drop would be worse - 7.6 percent - the officials declared a record number of new Floyd in Minneapolis could add to a organization said, with unemployment at 10 cases in the past 24 hours. India is facing a nationwide surge. percent in developed countries in 2020 and new wave of infection; a top official in In the United States and elsewhere, the little improvement next year. Delhi on Wednesday said that cases were protests about injustice are partly fueled expected to soar above 500,000 by the by the racial disparities seen in the out- The author writes about foreign affairs for D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR end of next month. Indonesia had its break. Protesters have attempted to The Washington Post. EMAIL: [email protected]

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758 Don't bungle the ending of America's longest war BLOOMBERG government are edging closer The departure of US troops terms of its deal with the MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 to their first direct talks. Afghan might not open the gates of Taliban. If the insurgents want America's war in Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and his Kabul to the Taliban, but US troops to leave sooner, they DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 has dragged on too long. But rival Abdullah Abdullah have without a viable peace process can fully disavow Al Qaeda and the US domestic political struck a power-sharing it would be the prelude to more accelerate the peace talks. LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 calendar shouldn't dictate agreement; Abdullah now years of bloodshed and At the same time, the US when to end it. heads peace efforts. A stalemate. Afghan forces still should continue to engage dip- BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 Under the peace agreement reduction in violence for the depend on the US for air lomatically with both sides and signed with the Taliban in Feb- Eid holiday held for more than support and funding; foreign with regional powers to nudge SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 ruary, the US promised to a week. A logjam over prisoner contributions account for about those negotiations forward. It withdraw all its troops within exchanges may be easing. 90% of their budget. It's should work to maintain the ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 14 months if the Taliban A US dash for the exit could unlikely the US would keep flow of foreign aid to the email: [email protected] adhered to its pledge to cut all stall this progress. It would spending at the current level, or Afghan government and civil ties to Al Qaeda. Yet the Pen- deny the US leverage - even as that foreign military con- society groups, and make clear PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 tagon is reportedly drafting evidence suggests the Taliban tractors performing other that any Taliban attempt to email: [email protected] plans that could bring the last has maintained its links to Al crucial tasks would stay in seize power by force will 8,600 US troops home before Qaeda. The Taliban would have Afghanistan, if US troops threaten that funding. ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 November's election. Judging reason to drag out intra-Afghan weren't there. And a chaotic Achieving anything like FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] by recent tweets, that seems talks, then seek to defeat gov- scramble for power would success in Afghanistan by next likely to be President Donald ernment forces on the battle- jeopardize already fragile aid spring will be a Herculean task. CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 Trump's preference. field once the Americans leave. and commercial projects. The US shouldn't make it even email: [email protected] Even if an expedited with- Trump's promise that the US After nearly two decades of harder. That's the least it owes its drawal doesn't happen, floating would "strike with a thunder war, politics shouldn't dictate a Afghan partners, and the thou- SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 the idea could prove damaging. like never before" if that hap- decision as important as this. sands of Americans who have FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] The Taliban and the Afghan pened isn't credible. The US should abide by the fallen on the Afghan battlefield.

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Taiwan scrambles India reports largest to ready for influx single-day jump in from HK protests REUTERS — TAIPEI / HONG KONG

COVID-19 cases Taiwan is gearing up to welcome Hong Kong people ANATOLIA & IANS — NEW DELHI For the second fleeing their city as China consecutive day, tightens its grip, but the island The death toll due to the novel has little experience of coronavirus in India rose to Maharashtra state handling refugees and is 8,102 and the number of cases recorded new highs scrambling to prepare and to reached 286,579 after the on the Covid-19 keep out any Chinese spies highest single-day spike of 357 who might try to join the fatalities and 9,996 cases dashboard —152 influx. reported in the past 24 hours, deaths and 3,607 Year-long anti-gov- according the Ministry of Health cases—with the ernment protests in Hong yesterday. Kong have won widespread According to the data, the highest 97 fatalities sympathy in democratic and number of active cases stands for the second day Chinese-claimed Taiwan, at 137,448, while 141,028 people running in Mumbai, which has welcomed those have recovered so far. who have already come and Men are seen sitting at the back of trucks as traffic move on a highway after some restrictions are lifted Maharashtra continues to health officials said. expects more. during a nationwide lockdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus, in Mumbai, India, yesterday. remain the worst-affected state Taiwan President Tsai with 94,041 cases, followed by COVID-19. The apex court Ing-wen last month became Tamil Nadu with 36,841 and sought a status report from the June 10, with the month proving to 3,590 while the total number Thursday, 97 deaths were the first government leader Delhi with 32,810. Tamil Nadu state government to be a nightmare with 3-digit of Coronavirus patients recorded in Mumbai alone for anywhere to pledge measures India is the fifth worst- regarding the spread of the death figures being notched increased from Wednesday’s the second day -- taking the city to help Hong Kong people who affected country by the coro- novel coronavirus in shelter almost daily. 94,041 to climb to 97,648. death toll up from Wednesday’s leave due to what they see as navirus pandemic at present homes and steps taken to safe- The previous three-digit The health department said 1,857 to 1,954 now, while the tightening Chinese controls, after the US, Brazil, Russia and guard children. highs recorded in the state of the total number of cases number of Covid-19 positive including newly introduced the UK. In terms of deaths, India For the second consecutive include 103 deaths (June 2), 122 declared till date, 47,968 are patients here went up by 1,418 national security legislation, ranks 12th, while it is ninth in day, Maharashtra state recorded (June 3), 123 (June 4), 139 (June active cases, increasing by 1,894 cases to touch 54,085. smothering their democratic number of recoveries, new highs on the Covid-19 5) and 120 (June 6), 109 (June 8), over Wednesday’s 46,074. Besides Mumbai’s 97 deaths, aspirations. according to data compiled by dashboard —152 deaths and 120 (June 9), 149 (June 10), and Despite the gloomy data on there were 20 fatalities in Thane Taiwan, for decades just as the US-based Johns Hopkins 3,607 cases—with the highest 152 yesterday. This comes to the growing number of Covid-19 (Mira-Bhayander, Navi Mumbai, wary of the mainland as many University. 97 fatalities for the second day roughly one death every 9 deaths and cases, the state con- Kalyan-Dombivali), 8 each in in the former British colony of Meanwhile, the Supreme running in Mumbai, health offi- minutes, and a whopping 150 tinues to record a stunning Pune and Solapur, 6 in Hong Kong are, is working on a Court intervened amid reports cials said. new cases notched every hour recovery rate, standing today at Aurangabad, 5 in Nashik, 2 each humanitarian relief plan for the of 35 children in a government- The state’s death toll of 152 in the state on Thursday. 47.02 per cent and a mortality in Palghar and Latur, and one expected arrivals, officials say. run home in the southern city marks an increase of 3 over the With 152 fatalities, the death (death) rate 3.07 per cent. each in Ratnagiri, Hingoli, Jalna “Hong Kong no doubt is a of Chennai, tested positive for previous high of 149 notched on toll in Maharashtra has zoomed Of the total 152 fatalities on and Nanded. priority for Tsai,” a senior gov- ernment official familiar with the president’s thinking told Reuters, adding that the Indian bank staff want cleaner administration was setting aside resources to handle branches amid virus deaths Hong Kong people. The plan would include a REUTERS — MUMBAI monthly allowance for living and rent and shelter for those Indian bank employees are demanding better cleanliness at unable to find accommo- lenders’ branches and more flexibility in staff work schedules dation, said a second person following the death of at least 11 bankers and bank employees in with direct knowledge of the the country due to the coronavirus outbreak. preparations. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) — an umbrella It is too early to gauge how body of nine unions representing nearly 900,000 employees of many might come but Taiwan all types of banks in India — asked for better safety standards does not expect the number to last week in a letter to the finance ministry and several banks, a be more than the thousands of copy of which was seen by Reuters. people who came from “Employees are in panic mode,” said Devidas Tuljapurkar, Vietnam from the mid-1970s, convener of the UFBU’s chapter in the hard-hit western state of most fleeing the communist Maharashtra that is home to financial capital Mumbai. takeover of what had been US- The letter, which said at least 11 bank staff have died from backed South Vietnam. the virus, asked that certain employees who want to, should be Nearly 200 Hong Kong allowed to work from home and is demanding government people have fled to Taiwan insurance cover for those who do venture out. since protests flared last year At least 100 bankers have been affected by the virus, according and about 10% have been to a union source and a banking source. UFBU’s Tuljapurkar said granted visas under a law that Protest against government apathy it was not possible to know how the bank employees got infected, protects Hong Kong people but said crowded public transport and contact with customers were who are at risk for political Nepalese youth taking part in a protest near the Prime Minister’s official residence, demanding prime suspects. Some bankers said they are being asked to clock reasons, said Shih Yi-hsiang better and effective response from the government to fight the coronavirus disease outbreak as the in extra hours due to government pressure to sanction loans amid of the Taiwan Association for number of infections spikes, in Kathmandu, Nepal, yesterday. an economic slowdown aggravated by the pandemic. Human Rights. Resurgence of virus threatens S Korea’s success story China rejects Australian claim AP — SEOUL repeated a plea for residents in the belatedly discovering them.” of coercion as ties worsen Just weeks ago, South Korea was cele- capital area to stay at home. While South Korea saw a much brating its hard-won gains against the Despite the concerns over the spike larger surge of infections in February BLOOMBERG — BEIJING / CANBERRA and a “ridiculous assertion” in a coronavirus, easing social distancing, in infections, government officials have and March, when hundreds of new radio interview earlier in the day, reopening schools and promoting a tech- so far resisted calls to reimpose stronger cases were reported every day, those China denied claims that it was and said that Australia wouldn’t driven anti-virus campaign President social distancing guidelines after they had been easier to track. The majority targeting Australia by warning its change policy due to the Chinese Moon Jae-in has called “K-quarantine.” were relaxed in April, citing concerns then were concentrated in a single citizens not to travel there due to actions. But a resurgence of infections in the over hurting a fragile economy. church congregation in Daegu, South the risk of discrimination and racist “One thing Australia will always Seoul region where half of South Korea’s Their stance seems in contrast with Korea’s fourth-largest city with 2.5 attacks, after Australia’s leader do is act in our national interests 51 million people live is threatening the the urgency conveyed by health experts, million people. accused China of attempting to and never be intimidated by threats country’s success story and prompting including KCDC director Jung Eun- At least 146 cases have been linked coerce his country. from wherever they come,” he said health authorities to warn that action kyeong, who has warned that the to workers at a large warehouse “Our embassy and consulate in in a separate radio interview. “We must be taken now to stop a second country could be sleepwalking into operated by local e-commerce giant Australia also received a lot of com- are an open trading nation mate, wave. another huge COVID-19 crisis, but this Coupang, which has been accused of plaints and appeals for assistance,” but I’m never going to trade our South Korea’s Centers for Disease time in its most populous region. failing to implement preventive Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs values in response to coercion from Control and Prevention on Thursday She has said health workers are strug- measures and having employees work spokeswoman Hua Chunying said wherever it comes,” he said in reported 45 new cases, a daily rise that gling more and more to track transmis- even when sick. yesterday. “I wonder why the Aus- response to a question about the has been fairly consistent since late May. sions that are spreading quickly and Around 200 cases were linked to tralian leader is talking about warning to students and Chinese Most have been in the Seoul metro- unpredictably as people increase their nightclubs and other entertainment coercion,” she said. China in recent restrictions on beef and barley politan area, where health authorities activities and practice less social venues, while more than 90 infections days has issued warnings against trade. have struggled to trace transmissions. distancing. have been traced to church gatherings tourists and students going to Aus- Relations between the two “Considering the quick transmission Jung’s concerns were echoed by near Seoul. At least 116 cases have been tralia, citing discrimination and nations were already tense and of COVID-19, there’s limits to what we Kwon Jun-wook, director of the linked to door-to-door sellers hired by violence. have deteriorated this year after can do with contact tracing alone to National Institute of Health, who in a Richway, a health product provider. Prime Minister Scott Morrison Australia called for an independent slow the spread,” said Yoon Taeho, a separate briefing on Thursday acknowl- These cases are particularly worrisome denied that there was any racism investigation into the origins of the senior Health Ministry official during a edged that health authorities were only because most of the sellers are in their towards Chinese students in Aus- Covid-19 outbreak. In addition to virus briefing on Thursday, where he managing to “chase transmissions after 60s and 70s. tralia, calling the claim “rubbish” the travel and study warning, Nepal parliament to vote on new map in land dispute with India REUTERS — KATHMANDU The government has tabled Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and the new map in parliament, Kalapani. Nepal’s parliament is set to vote seeking to amend the consti- “We have told (them) that at the weekend on a new map tution and remove the old we want to resolve this through of its border with India, an version. diplomatic talks... And the official said yesterday, under- “A house meeting has been solution is that our land should lining the Himalayan nation’s scheduled for tomorrow when be returned to us,” Oli said in determination to press its case the amendment is expected to parliament on Wednesday. in a land dispute that has be debated and put to vote,” There was no immediate strained ties with its giant parliamentary official Dashrath comment from India on Oli’s neighbour. Dhamala said. latest statement. Nepal published the revised Nepal’s Prime Minister KP But New Delhi rejected map in May showing the sliver Sharma Oli had earlier said he Nepal’s map when it was pub- Climate activists hold rally of land on its northwest tip as has sought talks with India to lished in May, calling it a “uni- its territory, a move rejected by seek to resolve the dispute over lateral act” that was not based South Korean environmental activists hold mock time bombs during a rally urging the newly opened India, which controls the area the small stretch of land, which on historical facts or parliament to establish bills on climate crisis, in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, yesterday. and says the land belongs to it. includes the areas of evidence. 10 ASIA FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2020 After quashing outbreak, China launches test lab spending spree

REUTERS — BEIJING Procurement China because the reagents and documents and machines tend to be produced China is building hundreds of in China,” he said. testing laboratories and official notices show “It’s also not as expensive as stocking up on tests to ramp up China is sharply local or city-wide lockdowns screening for the coronavirus, might be, if outbreaks became even in healthy people, having expanding its testing larger before being all-but stamped out local trans- capability, already identified.” mission of the disease. Hundreds of bidding docu- China is looking to make the world’s largest, ments issued by hospitals and testing universal, available in extending it even to centres for disease control every corner of the mainland. (CDC) in every province since Procurement documents rural health facilities the beginning of May list and official notices show it is as it looks to revive requirements for new testing Passengers wearing face masks go through a pre-check before the counter area in Pudong International sharply expanding its testing the economy after an labs, painting a picture of a fast- capability, already the world’s paced national programme. Airport in Shanghai, China, yesterday. largest, extending it even to unprecedented plunge The most expensive items rural health facilities as it looks in the first quarter. are polymerase chain reaction January, no hospitals in Wuhan Inc. companies that secured con- to revive the economy after an (PCR) machines, a key testing — a city of 11 million — were China has said it can tracts at government-negotiated unprecedented plunge in the component documents show equipped to conduct tests, produce 5 million test kits a day, prices, Hubei authorities said. first quarter. 10 days at a cost of 900m yuan can cost up to $99,000. meaning no new cases were and provincial governments China does not say how On Monday, the National ($127m), an initiative some Chinese organizations confirmed until days before the have imposed strict price con- many tests it has conducted, but Health Commission said it experts said largely had the bought 257 PCR laboratories in city’s lockdown. trols on manufacturers. the figure is widely believed to would look to “normalise” benefit of boosting the last 30 days, according to Most of the new labs are Hubei province, the epi- far surpass other countries. By nucleic acid testing. confidence. listings on procurement being installed in hospitals, and centre of the outbreak, compels comparison, the US CDC “If they’re willing to be Unlike many countries, tests platform Jianyu360, compared most cost between 100,000 and test makers to cut prices for reported over 20 million tests checked, check them all,” said are widely available in China. Ben with an average of 21 per month 3m yuan ($15,000-$420,000). bulk orders, driving them as low conducted as of June 5. the policy notice. Cowling, an infectious disease in the previous 12 months. Some institutions require all as 16.78 yuan for a nucleic acid “I think everyone will take Life is increasingly returning specialist at Hong Kong Uni- Those figures represent a equipment to be produced test, and 12.9 yuan for an the tests, even many tests,” said to normal in China, where the versity, said he expects many fraction of the total, as not all within China, though others call antibody-based kit, according Lu Meiping, one of thousands of outbreak first emerged in the organisations in China to arrange projects are detailed in public for specific foreign-made gear, to figures released on May 9. university students set to return city of Wuhan late last year. regular screenings of staff. procurements. including PCRs made by Swit- Medical institutes will be to Beijing this month under quar- Last month, Wuhan tested “Testing is expensive, but For over two weeks after zerland’s Roche Holding AG and barred from offering tests if they antine and testing programmes. around 6 million people over perhaps not as expensive in the virus was identified in US-based Bio-Rad Laboratories refuse to buy kits from the few “No one wants to stay home.”

Taliban prisoner release to be Chinese officials call for improved ties with US completed AP — BEIJING “The close connection over the recent passage of legis- agreement that has helped Like the US, China has a between the Chinese and US econ- lation requiring the semi-auton- smooth friction over trade and huge domestic market that is still shortly: Ghani Beijing will honour its trade omies is the result of four decades omous territory of Hong Kong to technology remains unclear, relatively undeveloped, with deal with the US and wants to of hard work on both sides, and implement a national security law. partly because of disruptions massive untapped demand, said AFP — KABUL see better ties with Washington, that is also the reflection of the The law has added to brought on by lockdowns to Tang Min, an economist and senior Chinese officials said wishes of consumers in China and worries that the former British contain the pandemic. State Council adviser. Afghanistan’s government will yesterday. the United States,” Zhu said. colony is losing the special “Objectively speaking, the Although data for May were soon complete a Taliban Zhu Guangyao, a former “Such interdependence will status Beijing promised it when epidemic has had an impact on dismal, they reflected orders can- prisoner release that is vital to finance minister and Cabinet not disappear simply because it took control in 1997. the implementation of this celled at the height of the pan- peace talks with the insurgents advisor, said the two countries some people clamor for ‘decou- President Donald Trump’s agreement, but in this kind of demic in many countries. And getting underway, President should “waste no time” in pling.’” Zhu said relations with administration reacted to the move situation, China emphasizes many Chinese consumers have Ashraf Ghani said yesterday. improving relations to help the US were “far from satis- by announcing that Hong Kong is that we should work hard been piling up savings while they Under the terms of a US- better coordinate a response to factory” with communications no longer autonomous and will be together to ensure the imple- stayed home during and after Taliban deal signed in Feb- the coronavirus pandemic. at a “standstill.” “We hope stripped of its preferential trade mentation of the Phase 1 quarantine lockdowns. ruary, Kabul has pledged to He and other officials told through communications we and commercial status. agreement,” Zhu said. “In June or July we’ll see an free 5,000 Taliban prisoners reporters in Beijing that the two can enhance our cooperation The officials insisted China The officials said Beijing improvement, in particular the in a swap that would see the biggest economies are so closely and mutual trust,” he said. is following through on was well equipped to overcome recovery of the domestic insurgents release 1,000 entwined that they must find a Tensions have flared over Bei- promises to by buy more US the economic ills worsened by market in the latter half of the Afghan security force way to work together because jing’s handling of the new coro- products and other the pandemic, with ample room year, and the Chinese economy captives. a lack of cooperation has come navirus that first surfaced in commitments. for both monetary and fiscal will have a very strong Once the swap is done, the at a “high price.” central China late last year and Progress on an interim trade policies. rebound,” Tang said. two sides have pledged to begin peace talks that could end nearly 19 years of war. Kabul has already released Shehbaz Sharif tests 3,000 prisoners, with the remainder due to come out shortly, Ghani said. positive for COVID-19 “The remaining com- mitment, my colleagues and I ANATOLIA — ISLAMABAD province is accused of cor- have made the decision to ruption in a housing scheme. release an additional 2,000 Pakistan’s main opposition “This is a difficult time, may prisoners within a very short leader Shehbaz Sharif has Allah protect everyone’s period. We will announce the contracted the novel corona- parents,” Sharif’s son Hamza date soon,” Ghani said in a virus, his family and party Shehbaz told reporters in Lahore. video interview with a Wash- confirmed yestersday. Other top leaders of the ington think tank. “PML-N [Pakistan Muslim former ruling party who are Ghani, who this year League-Nawaz] president and infected include ex-premier started his second term after opposition leader in the Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and a bitterly contested election National Assembly Shehbaz general secretary Ahsan Iqbal. that was marred with fraud Sharif has tested positive for Railways Minister Sheikh claims, complained that the coronavirus. He has quaran- Rashid Ahmed has also con- Taliban had not been trans- tined himself at home,” tweeted tracted the virus. parent about how many party spokesperson Marriyum Science and technology Afghan soldiers they still hold. Aurangzeb, who herself was minister Fawad Chaudhry said “The number keeps infected earlier this week. that about one-third of law- shifting. We need clarity Sharif, 68, is a cancer sur- makers of the 342-member regarding the fate of those that vivor and has a weak immune National Assembly are either are with them and assurance system, said his lawyer Attaullah infected or suspected to have that the last person remaining Special grids for motorbikes in Indonesia Tarar, adding that he appeared contracted the virus. with them is released,” Ghani before the National Accounta- The lawmakers are meeting told the Atlantic Council’s Local authority made motorbike grids like the one used in MotoGP start lines at every traffic lights, bility Bureau, a corruption in parliament for a budget South Asia Center and the US as seen in Malang city, in East Java, Indonesia, yesterday, as an effort to prevent the spread of COVID- watchdog, on June 9. The former session in the capital Institute for Peace. 19 coronavirus by maximising physical and social distancing. chief minister of Punjab Islamabad. Anti-polio campaign to restart Indonesia’s suspected child virus deaths highlight danger soon: Pakistan army chief REUTERS — JAKARTA senior health ministry official, children classified as “patients are about 2.3 percent of its said. under monitoring”, meaning coronavirus toll. AP — ISLAMABAD worked to try and eradicate the Hundreds of children in Indo- He said Indonesian children people with severe coronavirus Indonesia, a developing disease worldwide. nesia are believed to have died were caught in a “devil’s circle”, symptoms for which there is no country of 270 million, suffers Pakistan’s army chief has told Pakistan had hoped to from COVID-19, giving the a cycle of malnutrition and other explanation but whose from a “triple burden of mal- Microsoft co-founder and eliminate the disease in 2018 Southeast Asian country one of anaemia that increased their tests have not confirmed the nutrition,” which includes billionaire philanthropist Bill when only 12 cases were the world’s highest rates of child vulnerability to the coronavirus. infection. stunting, and anaemia among Gates that despite the challenge reported, but there was a surge deaths from the novel corona- He compared malnourished Even the official figure for mothers, and obesity, according of COVID-19, Pakistan plans to in new cases the following year. virus that experts around the children to weak structures that children who have died of the to the United Nations Children’s restart polio vaccination Pakistan halted its anti-polio world say poses little danger to “crumble after an coronavirus, at 28 as of May 22, Fund. campaigns across the country. campaign after the first coro- the young. earthquake”. would give Indonesia a high Nearly one in three Indo- In a statement late navirus case was reported in Paediatricians and health Since Indonesia announced rate of child death, at 2.1 percent nesian children under five is Wednesday, the military said February. officials in the world’s fourth its first coronavirus case in of its total. stunted, it says. Gen. Qamer Javed Bajwa spoke Bajwa told Gates that Paki- most populous country said the March it has recorded 2,000 Different countries use dif- “The nutrition status with Gates by phone and stan’s military had already been high number of child deaths deaths, the highest in East Asia ferent age brackets in statistics impacts children’s immunity,” assured him the campaign to working with the government from a disease that mostly kills outside China. but deaths for those under 24 said Dr Nastiti Kaswandani, a eliminate polio in the impov- on preparations to restart cam- the elderly was due to under- A total of 715 people under in the United States are a little paediatric pulmonologist in the erished Islamic nation would paigns against polio in the lying factors, in particular mal- 18 had contracted the corona- over 0.1 percent of its capital, Jakarta. begin again soon. No start date coming weeks. nutrition, anaemia and inade- virus, while 28 had died, fatalities. “That’s important in miti- was given. The nonprofit Bill and quate child health facilities. according to a health ministry In Brazil, the number of sus- gating COVID infections.” Pae- Polio is a disabling and life- Melinda Gates Foundation has “COVID-19 proves that we document dated May 22. pected COVID deaths under age diatricians said the ill-equipped threatening disease caused by helped Pakistan to fight the have to fight against malnu- It also recorded more than 19 is 1.2 percent. In the Philip- healthcare system was also a the poliovirus and Gates has disease. trition,” Achmad Yurianto, a 380 deaths among 7,152 pines, deaths of those under 19 problem. FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2020 EUROPE 11

Some Russian Europe to reopen poll officials shun vote to borders but world extend Putin rule virus toll mounts REUTERS — MOSCOW Hundreds of Russian polling “While we will all have to remain careful, the station officials, citing the risk of spreading the coronavirus, time has come to make concrete preparations for say they won’t help organise lifting restrictions with countries whose health a nationwide vote on reforms that could extend President situation is similar to the EU’s,” EU Home Affairs Vladimir Putin’s rule until Commissioner said. 2036. In the July 1 ballot, Rus- sians will vote to approve or AFP — BRUSSELS fatalities on Wednesday, reject constitutional reforms according to a tally of official including a change that would Brussels set out plans to reopen figures. allow Putin to serve two more the EU’s internal borders Brazil, the region’s worst- six-year terms, if re-elected, yesterday, even as the global hit country, accounts for more instead of stepping down in coronavirus outbreak hit than half of the total deaths in German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas arrives to hold a news conference on the latest travel warnings 2024. worrying new landmarks in the the region. and restrictions due to the coronavirus disease outbreak, in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. But around 350 election United States, Latin America In all, the novel coronavirus officials across the country say and Russia. has killed at least 416,000 Tension over the corona- “While we will all have to Freitag, her sunglasses perched taking part is too dangerous at The European Commission people since the outbreak virus has also had “an impact” remain careful, the time has on her head as she looked out a time when authorities are recommended that the 27 EU emerged in China last on the implementation of the come to make concrete prepa- to sea, said: “We really feel safe still reporting thousands of members fully reopen their December, according to a tally phase one US-China trade deal, rations for lifting restrictions in this hotel. They are doing a new infections each day frontiers with each other on of official sources. a senior Chinese government with countries whose health sit- very good job. Everybody despite a drop in cases in the June 15 and with the western At least 7.3 million cases of adviser said. uation is similar to the EU’s.” follows the rules.” capital Moscow. Balkans from July 1. coronavirus have been regis- The US Department of While travel from outside Ukraine yesterday reported The officials have started Europe’s borders with the tered in 196 countries and Labor said another 1.54 million Europe is still restricted, within an “alarming” rise in cases, after a petition to try to encourage world beyond will open more territories. American workers filed for the bloc many countries — a daily record of 689 new infec- peers to join the boycott. gradually after that — and only The epidemic, along with unemployment benefits, especially those dependent on tions and outside Europe, in The “July 1 vote poses a to countries where the pan- economic and social lockdowns bringing the total in the world’s tourism — have begun to relax huge countries like India, Iran danger to our lives and health demic is seen as under control. imposed by governments to biggest economy to 44.2 million bans on “non-essential” visits. and Brazil, fear is rife. and to the lives and health of The United States, which contain its spread, has also left since mid-March. In Italy, at the Cavalieri In New Delhi, exhausted voters,” the group said in a has the world’s highest number economic devastation in its wake. Against this gloomy Palace in the resort town of doctors at the Max Smart Super statement. “We just don’t of deaths and infections, The Organisation for Eco- backdrop, European countries Jesolo on Venice’s Adriatic coast, Speciality Hospital said they understand why such sacri- marked a grim new milestone nomic Cooperation and Devel- — where figures suggest the German and Austrian families may not be able to cope if the fices and risks are needed, why as recorded cases surged past opment revealed yesterday that outbreak is past its peak — are are once more grabbing the easing of a lockdown that once we need to hold such a vote two million yesterday. in the first three months of keen to get business moving sunbeds. curbed the movement of 1.3 now and at any price. We are Russia meanwhile passed 2020, the G20 major economies again, particularly in the The hotel’s owner Antonio billion sees a surge in cases. not expendable.” the symbolic milestone of shrank by 3.4 percent. tourism sector. Vigolo said they had begun to “We don’t know when this The boycott looks for now 500,000 confirmed cases, and This is the largest decline “International travel is key arrive as soon as the border is going to peak,” Dr. Deven unlikely to severely disrupt the Iran said 180,000 have been since records began in 1998, for tourism and business, and reopened on June 3, despite Juneja said. “All of us are hoping vote, which is administered by infected there. with the steepest decline in for family and friends recon- Italy having formerly been at for the best, but we are men- at least 1 million such officials. Meanwhile, the death toll in China, where the economy necting,” EU Home Affairs com- the epicentre of the epidemic. tally and physically prepared But it amplifies a complaint Latin America passed 70,000 shrank by 9.8 percent. missioner Ylva Johansson said. German tourist Simone for the worst.” made by Putin’s critics that he has scheduled the vote too early, from a health and safety viewpoint, for political reasons. Norwegian man gets 21 years for mosque attack “It is unclear what the urgency (of this vote) is,” a AP — COPENHAGEN On August 10, 2019, Man- Muhammad Rafiq. Manshaus acting “in self-defence against tally sane at the time. member of a Moscow local shaus, 22, killed his 17-year-old wore a bulletproof vest and a the enemy.” In court, Manshaus In a final comment after the election commission Sergei A white nationalist Norwegian stepsister, Johanne Zhangjia helmet with a video camera in confessed to the acts but called sentencing, Manshaus said “I don’t Romanchyuk said. who killed his stepsister and Ihle-Hansen, by shooting her the attack and was armed with them “emergency justice.” confess my guilt, so I can’t accept “Why can’t we wait until then stormed an Oslo mosque four times with a hunting rifle a hunting rifle and a shotgun. The judge said the sentence the judgment. That would be con- September or even next year?” and opened fire, hitting no one, at their home in the Oslo suburb Judge Annika Lindstroem of was a “preventive detention,” a tradictory. He and his defence The Kremlin has denied pol- was found guilty yesterday and of Baerum. Ihle-Hansen was the Oslo District Court said special prison term in Norway lawyer Unni Fries said they would itics are at play and said all sentenced to 21 years in prison, adopted from China as a Manshaus had plans to kill as for criminals considered dan- consider whether to appeal. necessary safety precautions the longest jail term under 2-year-old and her mother later many people as possible and set gerous to society. The judge said Manshaus will be taken. Norwegian law. married Manshaus’ father. the mosque on fire. “The killing and the attack was inspired by shootings in Critics say Putin is rushing Philip Manshaus, who had Then he drove to a nearby He believed that “Europe is show what extremely violent and March 2019 in New Zealand, to take advantage of a feel- said in court that he regretted not mosque where three men were under attack from people of cynical actions Manshaus has the where a gunman targeted two good patriotic vibe often gen- having caused more damage, “has preparing for Eid Al Adha cele- ethnic origin other than his ability and willingness to carry mosques, killing 51 people, and erated by the annual Red proven to be an extremely dan- brations. Manshaus fired four own” and that “the white race out,” she said during the detailed in August 2019 in El Paso, Texas, Square military parade as well gerous person,” prosecutor Johan shots from a rifle at the mosque’s is on the brink of extinction,” reading of the verdict online. where an assailant targeted as good summer weather and Oeverberg said as he demanded glass door before he was over- said Lindstroem, adding that Lindstroem added that Hispanics and left at least 22 the easing of lockdown the maximum penalty. powered by one of the men, Manshaus claimed he was Manshaus was deemed men- dead. restrictions.

Teacher killed in stabbing attack at With measures lifted, Slovakia school Balkans hit by rise in AFP — BRATISLAVA

A teacher died in a stabbing coronavirus cases attack in an elementary school AP — BELGRADE from the state crisis team, told in central Slovakia yesterday, RTS yesterday. “We are on the police said, adding that officers Serbia’s President has cancelled line between an uncertain and a responding to the incident his party’s campaign rallies and favorable situation.” “This is killed the assailant. officials in Bosnia, North Mace- something we had expected, but Police identified the killer donia and Albania are we must all get serious again and as a 22-year old male, a former appealing on citizens to respect implement protection measures,” student of the school in the anti-infection measures due to he warned. town of Vrutky, some 180km a spike in new coronavirus Serbia reported 71 new con- northeast of the capital cases after the Balkan countries firmed cases of infections on Bratislava. relaxed their restrictions. Thursday, compared to 18 new The assailant stabbed and President Aleksandar Vucic’s cases on June 1. Similar numbers killed the deputy principal and Serbian Progressive Party will have been recorded in the past injured several others, not hold rallies ahead of Serbia’s several days following a pre- including a female teacher and June 21 parliamentary election vious drop, Officials in neigh- two children. to avoid further spread of the boring Bosnia appealed to cit- Officers opened fire on the Sanitising while on London street virus, state broadcaster RTS izens to follow social distancing man, killing him near the reported yesterday. and other public health rules school as he attempted to A person using a hand sanitiser station in Oxford Street, following the outbreak of the coronavirus Serbia went from having very aimed at curbing infections fol- escape. disease, London, Britain, yesterday. strict lockdown measures to a lowing a sudden increase in new The killing sent shock near-total lifting of the govern- cases, especially in the capital waves through Slovakia, a ment’s emergency rules. Vucic’s of Sarajevo. central European eurozone political opponents peg the move A paediatric ward in a country of 5.4 million people, Toppled British slave trader’s to the president’s desire to hold Sarajevo hospital has been where the incident was the the election, which originally was temporarily closed after two first violent attack of its kind scheduled for April and cancelled staff members were confirmed in a school. because of the pandemic, and to to have the virus, while eve- “He broke the glass door to statue fished out of harbour cement his grip on power. ryone else who worked in the get in, the staff tried to stop him Mass gatherings have grad- ward were told to self-quar- and he used a knife he had AFP — LONDON American George Floyd forced of people from West Africa to ually been allowed with people antine pending test results. brought with him,” Slovak Britain to take another look at the Caribbean and the Americas. not keeping social distance or Bosnian health authorities police chief Milan Lucansky said The statue of a slave trader its historical heroes. Born into a wealthy Bristol wearing masks although author- insisted that the rise was not on his official Facebook page. toppled by anti-racism Demonstrators in Bristol family, he was also a member of ities advised utilising the protec- alarming and the country’s out- “He dealt a lethal injury to protesters was yesterday fished pulled down the statue to parliament and philanthropist, tions in public. Some 20,000 fans break remains under control, a deputy principal and injured out of the harbour in the English Edward Colston on Sunday and funding schools, churches and packed a stadium Wednesday despite clusters in certain areas. the caretaker, then he got port of Bristol, as debate raged threw it into the water, drawing almshouses across the city. during a soccer match between Nearly 60 new cases were inside the building where he over Britain’s past. condemnation from UK officials The destruction of his statue Belgrade’s bitter rival teams, Red reported in Bosnia yesterday. caused a serious injury to a Authorities in the seaside but huge cheers from the pro- drew condemnation from the Star and Partizan. Recommendations by the female teacher and then town of Bournemouth were pre- testing crowd. government but reignited calls Epidemiologists across the authorities include the standard injured two kids with multiple paring to remove a small statue The city council said on its across the country to remove Balkan region have said that virus protection rules that stab wounds,” he said. of Robert Baden-Powell, the retrieval that the statue was other historical monuments. new clusters are appearing fol- many residents across the “He then tried to escape founder of the Scout movement “being taken to a secure location In Bournemouth, the lowing events such as celebra- Balkans largely have aban- with the caretaker running who also supported the Nazis. before later forming part of our council said it wanted to “create tions, family gatherings or doned as national lockdowns after him. A policeman chased And other buildings and museums collection”. time” for debate on Baden- funerals. In Serbia, clusters also were eased - social distancing, him, but he tried to defend statues were either being Colston was a top official in Powell’s legacy and “minimise have appeared on university refraining from shaking hands himself with the knife so they renamed or decorated with new the Royal African Company in the risk of any public disorder” campuses in bigger cities. and hugging, frequent hand used their guns and killed explanatory plaques, as protests the late 17th century, which sent that could be provoked by “The virus is still here,” epi- washing and taking other him.” sparked by the death of African into slavery tens of thousands leaving his statue on the quay. demiologist Branislav Tiodorovic, hygiene measures. 12 AMERICAS FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2020 Trump okays sanctions against international tribunal employees AP — WASHINGTON A senior that recognize its jurisdiction. President Donald Trump lobbed administration Unlike those treaties and a broadside attack yesterday official said agreements, though, the United against the International yesterday that the States has never been a member Criminal Court by authorizing of the International Criminal economic sanctions and travel ICC investigation on Court. Administrations of both restrictions against court American troops and parties have been concerned workers directly involved in about the potential for political investigating American troops intelligence officials prosecutions of American and intelligence officials for for possible war troops and officials for alleged possible war crimes in Afghan- war crimes and other atrocities. istan without US consent. crimes in Afghanistan The US has extracted pledges A senior administration violates US national from most of the court’s official, who was not authorized members that they will not seek to publicly discuss the order and sovereignty and such prosecutions and risk US President Donald Trump talks to Colonel Rebecca Sonkiss, the Commander of the US Air Force spoke only on the condition of alleged that Russia losing US military and other 89th Airlift Wing, as he walks to Air Force One to depart to Dallas, Texas at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, US, yesterday. anonymity, said yesterday that may be encouraging assistance. the ICC investigation violates US However, ICC prosecutors national sovereignty and accusations against have shown a willingness to Afghanistan that could have calling it “a truly breathtaking Afghanistan and other locations, alleged that Russia may be US personnel. press ahead with investigations involved Americans. The judges action by an unaccountable principally in the 2003-2004 encouraging accusations into US service members and initially rejected the request, but political institution masquer- period.” against US personnel. The earlier this year launched one the denial was overturned after ading as a legal body.” The case Bolton and then Pompeo official declined to provide Human Rights Council and the that drew swift US Bensouda appealed the decision involves allegations of war have said such steps are nec- details about alleged Russian U.N. Educational, Scientific and condemnation. and the investigation was crimes committed by Afghan essary to prevent The Hague- influence of the court. Cultural Organisation, Last year, after former authorized in March. national security forces, Taliban based court from infringing on The executive order signed threatened to leave the Inter- national security adviser John The appellate ruling marked and Haqqani network militants, US sovereignty by prosecuting by the president marks his national Postal Union and Bolton threatened ICC the first time the court’s prose- as well as US forces and intel- American forces or allies for administration’s latest attack announced an end to cooper- employees with sanctions if cutor has been cleared to inves- ligence officials in Afghanistan torture or other war crimes. against international organiza- ation with the World Health they went forward with prose- tigate US forces, and set the since May 2003. Pompeo said in late May that tions, treaties and agreements Organisation. cutions of US or allied troops, global tribunal on a collision Bensouda say there’s infor- the US is capable of punishing that do not hew to its policies. The Hague-based court including from Israel, Secretary course with the Trump admin- mation that members of the US its own citizens for atrocities Since taking office, Trump has was created in 2002 to pros- of State Mike Pompeo revoked istration. Bensouda pledged to military and intelligence and should not be subjected to withdrawn from the Paris ecute war crimes and crimes the visa of the court’s chief carry out an independent and agencies “committed acts of a foreign tribunal that is climate accord, the Iran nuclear of humanity and genocide in prosecutor Fatou Bensouda. impartial investigation and torture, cruel treatment, out- designed to be a court of last deal and two arms control areas where perpetrators Bensouda had asked ICC judges called for full support and coop- rages upon personal dignity, resort to prosecute war crimes treaties with Russia. He has might not otherwise face to open an investigation into eration from all parties. Pompeo rape and sexual violence against cases when a country’s judiciary pulled the US out of the UN justice. It has 123 state parties alleged war crimes in blasted the decision at the time conflict-related detainees in is not capable of doing so.

Questions about 1994 crime bill Milley regrets accompanying Trump on church walk AP — WASHINGTON the photographs compromised “My presence in that moment event on June 1, which the their spokesmen that they were are ‘legitimate’, his commitment to a military and in that environment created White House has hailed as a open to a “bipartisan discussion” Army General Mark Milley, the divorced from politics. a perception of the military “leadership moment” for Trump of whether the 10 Army bases says Biden nation’s top military officer, said “I should not have been involved in domestic politics,” akin to Winston Churchill named for Confederate Army yesterday he was wrong to have there,” Milley said in remarks Milley said. “As a commissioned inspecting damage from officers should be renamed as a AP — WASHINGTON accompanied President Donald to a National Defense University uniformed officer, it was a German bombs in London gesture aiming to disassociating Trump on a walk to a church commencement ceremony. mistake that I have learned from, during the Second World War. the military from the racist Joe Biden acknowledged on through Lafayette Square, Milley’s public expression of and I sincerely hope we all can The public uproar following legacy of the Civil War. On Wednesday that questions where he was photographed in regret comes as Pentagon leaders’ learn from it.” Floyd’s death at the hands of Wednesday, Trump tweeted that raised about his support for his combat uniform with the relations with the White House Esper has not said publicly Minneapolis police has created he would never allow the names the 1994 crime bill are “legit- presidential entourage. are still tense after a disagreement that he erred by being with multiple layers of extraordinary to be changed, catching some in imate.” But the presumptive The statement by the Joint last week over Trump’s threat to Trump at that moment. He told tension between Trump and the Pentagon by surprise. Democratic presidential Chiefs chairman risked the use federal troops to quell civil a news conference last week senior Pentagon officials. When The Marine Corps last week nominee insisted that people wrath of a president sensitive unrest triggered by the death of that when they left the White Esper told reporters on June 3 moved ahead with a ban on should judge him based on his to anything hinting of criticism George Floyd. House he thought they were that he had opposed Trump public displays of the Confed- current actions, not his past. of events he has staged. Trump’s After protesters were cleared going to inspect damage in the bringing active-duty troops on erate Army battle flag on its Speaking during a virtual June 1 walk through the park to from the Lafayette Square area, Square and at the church and the streets of the nation’s capital bases, and the Navy this week NAACP forum, Biden pose with a Bible at a church Trump led an entourage that to mingle with National Guard to confront protesters and said plans a similar ban applied responded to questions that came after authorities used included Milley and Defense Sec- troops in the area. potential looters, Trump casti- to its bases, ships and planes. the moderator said were from pepper spray and flash bangs retary Mark Esper to St John’s Milley’s comments at the gated him in a face-to-face Trump has not commented young voters concerned about to clear the park and streets of Episcopal Church, where he held National Defense University meeting. publicly on those moves, which his role in writing the bill when largely peaceful protesters. up a Bible for photographers and were his first public statements Just this week, Esper and do not require White House or he was a senator from Del- Milley said his presence and then returned to the White House. about the Lafayette Square Milley let it be known through congressional approval. aware. Critics say the tough- on-crime bill contributed to the mass incarceration of racial minorities in recent Bolsonaro restores Brazil's decades. Biden, growing testy, Ministry of Communications acknowledged that “it’s a legit- imate concern, they should be REUTERS — BRASILIA communications minister Gilberto skeptical.” But he also said that Kassab, as part of a strategy to while he’s been “told all along” Brazilian President Jair build sufficient support in Con- that young people oppose his Bolsonaro has decided to gress to block any of two dozen past stances on criminal justice recreate the defunct Ministry requests to impeach him. issues, “there is no polling evi- of Communications as he faces The new ministry will take dence to sustain that. Nor is criticism for his handling of the over the government’s 136m there voting evidence thus far coronavirus pandemic. reais ($27m) budget for adver- to sustain that.” “Watch what The right-wing leader tising that has been managed I do. Judge me based on what announced on his Facebook by the president’s press office. I do, what I say and to whom account late on Wednesday Bolsonaro has relied I say it,” he said. that he was preparing a decree heavily on social media video Black voters remain key to reopening the ministry that had and Twitter postings to com- Democrats’ chances for victory been closed by the previous municate his views to sup- this fall, and Biden has engaged government in 2016 and placed porters. On Wednesday, in a concerted outreach effort under the science and tech- speaking to reporters, he said to the black community, nology portfolio. it was no secret that his gov- releasing a plan focused on The new ministry will be ernment’s communications black economic mobility and headed by a political ally, Fabio strategy had not been effective. racial disparities in health care Faria, of the Social Democratic He also announced that the and education systems earlier Party (PSD) party and son-in-law new ministry’s will have the this year. He has also issued a Mexico on guard against coronavirus in largest market of billionaire television presenter task of privatizing the state-run criminal justice plan that Silvio Santos, owner of Brazil’s radio and television broad- reverses a number of key pro- A health worker uses a swab to collect a sample for coronavirus test, at the Central de Abastos (CEDA) third network in audience. casting company EBC, saying visions of the crime bill and has market in Mexico City, yesterday. CEDA, the vast wholesale market in Mexico City, has put a stop to Bolsonaro has courted the it would be more efficient in apologized for supporting some its frantic 24-hour-a-day activity to stop the threat of the new coronavirus. PSD, led by former private hands. policies in the 1990s that he now says were harmful. But some black voters are still angered by his past Senate panel OKs removing Confederate names from bases stances on criminal justice issues and have questioned AP — WASHINGTON Democratic-controlled House some state officials are consid- Confederate symbols Capitol locations such as whether his proposed reforms takes up the measure in coming ering taking them down. remain both in the military and Statuary Hall - the original go far enough. A GOP-led Senate panel has weeks. President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill are coming House chamber - has been While there’s little chance approved a plan by Senator In the House, Speaker vowed Wednesday that he under attack as public opinion offensive to African American black voters will support Pres- Elizabeth Warren to have the Nancy Pelosi is demanding that would not rename military has dramatically shifted since lawmakers for many years. ident Donald Trump in signif- names of Confederate figures statues of Confederate figures bases honoring Confederate Floyd’s killing. Former Representative Jesse icant numbers — 6 percent of removed from military bases such as Jefferson Davis be generals, even as Nasacar “The statues in the Capitol Jackson Jr, was known to give black voters supported Trump and other Pentagon assets, removed from the US Capitol. announced it would ban dis- should embody our highest tours pointing out the in 2016, according to a Pew taking on President Donald Confederate monuments plays of the Confederate flag at ideals as Americans, expressing numerous statues. Research Center analysis of Trump, who has vowed not to have reemerged as a national its races. who we are and who we aspire But it’s up to the states to people who participated in its change names like Fort Bragg flashpoint since the death of Warren’s amendment to be as a nation,” Pelosi wrote. determine which of their his- polls and were confirmed to and Fort Hood. George Floyd, a black man who would force the Pentagon to “Monuments to men who advo- torical figures to display. Jef- have voted — there are con- The ban would be imposed died after a white Minneapolis remove the names of confed- cated cruelty and barbarism to ferson Davis, a former US cerns they may stay home, withing three years and was officer pressed his knee into his erate generals from bases and achieve such a plainly racist senator from Mississippi who which could make the dif- approved by a voice vote as a neck for several minutes. Pro- other military assets such as end are a grotesque affront to was president of the Confed- ference in a number of states piece of the annual Pentagon testers decrying racism have ships within three years. A com- these ideals.” The presence of erate States of America, is rep- key to Democrats’ White policy bill. The provision is targeted Confederate monu- mission would be set up to statues of generals and other resented by one of two statues House hopes. likely to be matched when the ments in multiple cities, and oversee the process. figures of the Confederacy in from that state.