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TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2020 24 RABIA I - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8437 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Watch Disney+ Streaming App Originals as a gift Terms & Conditions Apply QA’s simplified fare structure Amir receives message from Iran President offers great choice, flexibility

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Economy Class tickets will designed to offer greater sim- receive an additional five kilo- plicity, choice, and flexibility to Qatar Airways has launched grams of checked baggage our passengers and further our new, simplified fare families allowance for each incremental ambition to offer a best-in-class across all travel classes in a bid fare family. retail experience. With these to offer greater choice and flex- Those booking an Economy new categorisations, it is very ibility to its passengers. From Class Comfort ticket can enjoy clear to the customer what they yesterday, Qatar Airways started complimentary preferred seating, are buying—there are no hidden offering a total of six fare while those purchasing Economy fees or additional charges. We families. Comfort or Business Elite tickets are also giving our valued Priv- For Business Class, these are can also make unlimited, com- ilege Club members the oppor- Classic, Comfort, Elite while for the plimentary changes to their travel tunity to earn more Qmiles with Economy Class, they are Classic, date and are entitled to a fee-free us to unlock additional benefits Convenience and Comfort. refund. Across all classes, valued or tier upgrades.” Each of Qatar Airways’ new members of Qatar Airways Priv- Qatar Airways will reserve fare families offers passengers ilege Club can earn more Qmiles a number of ancillary products a clear, distinct set of products according to the fare family they and services across each of its and services designed to meet select. fare families to customers the different needs of its broad Qatar Airways Group Chief booking directly with the airline. range of customers. For Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, These include the option to example, passengers booking said: “Our new fare families are exchange tickets for a future travel voucher and discounts of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received yesterday a written message from President up to 40 percent at Qatar Duty of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H E Dr. Hassan Rouhani, pertaining to bilateral relations, the means Free (QDF) retail and food and of supporting and strengthening them, and issues of joint interest. The message was delivered by beverage outlets at Hamad Minister of Energy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H E Reza Ardakanian, during an audience the Amir International Airport (HIA). held with the minister and the accompanying delegation at Amiri Diwan. A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Airline’ by the 2019 World Airline Awards, managed by Skytrax. It was also Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine Passengers booking Economy Class tickets named ‘Best Airline in the Middle will receive an additional five kilograms of East’, ‘World’s Best Business Class’, and ‘Best Business Class demonstrated efficacy above 90% checked baggage allowance for each Seat’, in recognition of its incremental fare family. ground-breaking Business Class QNA — NEW YORK Monitoring Committee (DMC) experience, Qsuite. from the two companies’ Phase Those booking an Economy Class Comfort It is the only airline to have Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE 3 clinical study. ticket can enjoy complimentary preferred been awarded the coveted announced yesterday that their Pfizer said that the case split ‘Skytrax Airline of the Year’ title, COVID-19 vaccine candidate between vaccinated individuals seating, while those purchasing Economy which is recognised as the pin- demonstrated efficacy against and those who received the Comfort or Business Elite tickets can also nacle of excellence in the airline the virus above 90 percent in placebo indicates a vaccine industry, five times. HIA was participants without prior efficacy rate above 90 percent, make unlimited, complimentary changes to recently ranked ‘Third Best evidence of infection. at seven days after the second their travel date and are entitled to a Airport in the World’, among These results were based on dose. This meant that partici- fee-free refund. 550 airports worldwide, by the the first interim efficacy analysis pants became immune after 28 Skytrax World Airport Awards conducted on November 8, 2020 days from when they were 2020. by an external, independent Data first vaccinated. `P4 Traffic Dept to HMC launches online medical report application service highlight dangers THE PENINSULA — DOHA through the use of digital solu- patients,” said Chief Commu- patients can request the option infection control measure is tions, in line with the Qatar nications Officer at HMC, Ali Al for Qatar Post to deliver their restricting the number of of mobile phone Hamad Medical Corporation National Vision 2030 goal of Khater. medical reports at their physical documents that are (HMC) has launched an easy to modernising to meet the HMC receives between doorstep for a nominal fee. handled by different people, use while driving use online service for patients healthcare service needs of the 80,000 and 90,000 visitors for Currently, the service is only face-to-face interactions, and requesting copies of their population. Wherever possible, medical reports annually; available for Hamad General handling of bank notes or bank SIDI MOHAMED medical report. This service we are looking to provide digital approximately 60,000 of these Hospital, but it will soon be cards by different people. It was THE PENINSULA allows individuals to submit an solutions to make it easier for are handled by Hamad General implemented across other HMC therefore immensely important application for a medical report, patients, and the populations Hospital alone. The new smart facilities. to develop a solution that allows The General Directorate of for themselves or on behalf of we serve, to interact safely and system enables requests to be “Due to the coronavirus the request and submission of Traffic will focus on awareness someone else, and pay the fee efficiently with our organi- made online, along with the infection risks, we have been medical reports without having drives to prevent the use of online without having to visit sation. This solution is one of processing of the applicable fee, limiting visits to hospitals; and to handle requests printed on mobile phones while driving the hospital. the performance measures that through a secure payment consequently, the onsite paper,” said Medical Director at and overspeeding, especially “HMC is committed to deliv- will help streamline an gateway arranged with Qatar requests for medical records Hamad General Hospital, Dr. during winter camping season, ering better customer service important service for our National Bank. Once finalised, have been stopped. A key Yousuf Al Maslamani. `P4 First Lieutenant Fahd Sherida Al Abdullah has revealed. According to the Depart- ment’s statistics, talking on the NHRC welcomes Ofcom’s Rise in sales of local vegetables at mobile phone while driving Qatar Farms Program and Premium and overspeeding are the most decision to condemn, common traffic violations 100% Qatar Farms Program in October among drivers. penalise Abu Dhabi channel compared to September “The statistics made by the General Directorate of Traffic QNA — DOHA The decision considered show that the use of mobile that broadcasting the interview phones and over speeding are The National Human Rights against the will of Dr. Al Jaidah, the most common violations Committee (NHRC) welcomed who was tortured and ill- 540 1,160 during the winter camping the decision of the office of treated in prison, constitutes a season, whether in camping communications of the United grave breach of the principles tonnes of vegetables tonnes of vegetables areas or elsewhere,” said First Kingdom “Ofcom” to condemn of fairness and privacy set out sold in September sold in October Lieutenant Al Abdullah. Qatar Radio Abu Dhabi TV channel for in the Ofcom Broadcasting tonnes tonnes Speaking to broadcasting a television Code. The decision also pro- 303 809 yesterday, he noted that speed interview that was recorded in vided for imposing legal sanc- through Qatar through violations could be controlled the form of alleged confessions tions on the channel for its Farms Qatar Farms through the street radars. Still, by Dr. Mahmoud Al Jaida serious violation of the Ofcom the biggest challenge to the (Qatari citizen), during his arbi- Broadcasting Code. 237 tonnes 351 tonnes department is motorists talking trary detention in Abu Dhabi The National Human Rights through through on their phones while driving. prisons in 2013. Committee considered this Therefore, the campaign focus The decision stated that on decision as an initial step in Premium Premium will be on spreading awareness June 28, 2017, Abu Dhabi TV achieving justice and redress Qatar Farms Qatar Farms about these violations to reduce channel, affiliated with the for the Qatari citizen, who has them. Abu Dhabi Media Company been subjected to arbitrary The awareness campaign, P.J.S.C “ADMC” and licensed by arrest, torture and degrading which is being organised by “Ofcom”, aired a recorded treatment by the authorities in the Traffic Department interview under the title the United Arab Emirates and Both the programs are initiatives of the Ministry of Municipality and includes spreading messages “Mahmoud Al Jaidah and the Abu Dhabi TV which accused Environment (MME) which are being run at major outlets to help through social media and even clandestine organization in him and the state of Qatar of market local agricultural produce. visiting campers in camping UAE”. terrorism. `P2 areas. `P2 02 HOME TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2020

Amir meets Ambassador of Burundi Qatar participates in 5th OFFICIAL NEWS EU-Arab World Summit Amir congratulates King of Cambodia QNA — DOHA commended the slogan of its Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin fifth edition “A Strategic Part- Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir The State of Qatar yesterday took nership” which addresses the H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad part in the fifth EU-Arab World current situation, expresses the Al Thani sent yesterday cable of Summit “A Strategic Part- need of the peoples of the Arab congratulations to H M King Noro- nership”, which is being held and the European worlds at this dom Sihamoni of the Kingdom of virtually on November 9-10. stage, more than ever before, Cambodia on the anniversary of Minister of State for Foreign and contributes to the collective his country’s Independence Day. Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al building of the future, noting Prime Minister and Minister of Inte- Muraikhi represented the State that this requires achieving a rior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa of Qatar at the meeting. qualitative transformation in the bin Abdulaziz Al Thani also sent a Addressing the meeting, HE joint cooperation in pursuit of cable of congratulations to Prime Al Muraikhi said that the con- achieving the joint interests. Minister of the Kingdom of Cam- ference is being held while the The Minister of State for bodia H E Hun Sen on his country’s world is still facing serious chal- Foreign Affairs underlined that Independence Day. -QNA lenges due to COVID-19 pan- the establishment of a strategic demic which represented a global partnership between the Arab challenge that confirms the reality and the European worlds is a Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met at the Amiri Diwan office yesterday morning with of the common destiny, not only necessity imposed by the current Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi H E Issa Ntambuca, who called on H H to greet him on the Minister bids for the Arab and European political, economic, security and occasion of the end of his tenure in the country. H H the Amir wished the Ambassador success in his worlds, but for all of humanity. other challenges, which is in line farewell to future missions, and for the relations between the two countries further progress and prosperity. He noted that the coronavirus with the policy of the State of For his part, the Ambassador expressed thanks and appreciation to H H the Amir and the state’s pandemic had negative impacts Qatar and one of the priorities Ambassador officials for the cooperation he received that contributed to the success of his work in the country. on the economy, the commercial sought by the State through joint movement between countries, action and contribution to soli- of Burundi the movement of people across darity, integration, cooperation NHRC welcomes Ofcom’s decision to condemn Abu Dhabi channel the world, and led to the loss of and regional and global peace QNA — DOHA FROM PAGE 1 many human lives. building. licenses granted by countries involved in the case, knowing Al Muraikhi underlined the He noted that the desired The decision to condemn that respect the rule of law, to that there is another case belief of the State of Qatar that the strategic partnership between the Minister of State for Foreign and impose sanctions on Abu falsify facts and promote sus- pending for resolution of the countries of the Arab and Arab and the European worlds Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Dhabi government channel is picious agendas. office of communications of European groups, with their provides an opportunity to Muraikhi met yesterday with considered a historical prec- The National Human the United kingdom “Ofcom”. common legacy of exchange, exchange benefits, experiences the Non-Resident Ambassador edent that paves the way for Rights Committee noted that In this context, The National communication and strong his- and interests between peoples, of the Republic of Burundi to deterring such channels from since his arrest, the NHRC fol- Human Rights Committee torical ties, have solid foundations and expand investments, which the State of Qatar H E Issa using the media to spread lowed up the case of Dr. Al emphasized that it will spare to provide role models con- would contribute to achieving Ntambuca on the occasion of hatred, spread lies and Jaidah and provided him with no effort to address injustice structive partnerships. stability and development, and the end of his tenure. promote gross human rights legal and psychological inflicted on citizens and resi- He valued the keenness to strengthening cooperation The Minister of State for violations. This decision also support in preparing the nec- dents as a result of the unjust continue to hold the EU-Arab between the Arab and the Foreign Affairs extended his prevents the exploitation of essary files to prosecute those blockade. World Summit, and European regions. thanks to the Ambassador for his efforts in supporting and strengthening bilateral rela- Traffic Dept to highlight dangers of tions, wishing him success in Qatar, Tajikistan review boosting ties his new assignment. mobile phone use while driving FROM PAGE 1 The penalty for hiding a Qatar condemns Al Abdullah advised the vehicle’s number plate is a youth not to drive in the three-day prison fine in attack in Iraq Sealine area or other areas if addition to court referral. they do not know how to drive The Traffic Department QNA — DOHA on dunes because of the skills has made the youth the target required to operate in such of their road etiquette The State of Qatar expressed areas. awareness campaigns as most its strong condemnation and According to him, the of the accidents involve young denunciation of the attack that Department will not tolerate people. The Department’s goal targeted a military post west traffic violations. It will strictly is to reduce traffic accidents the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, monitor the hobbies practiced involving young people, espe- which resulted in deaths and by young people while adding cially in areas like Sealine, by injuries. that the renting of motorcycles collaborating with relevant In a statement issued yes- to underage children will be agencies like Hamad Medical terday, Ministry of Foreign tackled. Corporation (HMC). Affairs reiterated the firm position of the State of Qatar on rejecting violence and ter- Qatar delivers medical aid to Mongolia rorism regardless of motives and reasons. The statement QNA — BEIJING The aid was delivered by expressed condolences of the Third Secretary of the Embassy State of Qatar to the families The Embassy of the State of of the State of Qatar to China of the victims and to the gov- Qatar to the People’s Republic Jassim Abdul Khaliq Al Ghamdi Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a written message from President of the Republic ernment and people of Iraq, of China has delivered medical to the head of the economic and of Tajikistan H E Emomali Rahmon, pertaining to bilateral relations and ways of enhancing them. The wishing the injured a speedy aid from Qatar Charity to commercial department in message was received by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi when recovery. Mongolia to assist in efforts to charge of donations and foreign he met yesterday with Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to the State H E Khosro Sahibzadeh. curb the spread of the corona- loans at the Mongolian Embassy virus (COVID-19). in China. 230 new virus cases; total Shura Council takes part in forum on recoveries rise to role of women leaders during pandemic 131,490: MoPH DOHA QNA — of the COVID-19 pandemic and the sharing of solutions THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Shura Council participated between the participating via videoconferencing parties on promoting parity in The Ministry of Public Health yesterday in a parliamentary decision-making and building (MoPH) yesterday announced forum entitled “power a brighter future. the registration of 230 new together” hosted by the H E Dr. Hend bint Abdul- confirmed COVID-19 cases. Women’s Leadership Foun- rahman Al Muftah and H E According to the Ministry dation, and the Parliament and Reem bint Mohammed Al Man- among them 39 were travellers Government of Iceland. soori, members of the Council, returning from abroad. The forum reviewed the represented the Shura Council Also, 214 people have role of women leaders in light in the forum. recovered from the virus, bringing the total number of recovered cases in Qatar to 3 arrested for violating quarantine rules 131,490. All new cases have been introduced to isolation QNA — DOHA in the Ministry of Public Health and are receiving necessary (MoPH) to ensure the healthcare according to their The competent authorities achievement of public safety and health status. yesterday arrested three people to curb the spread of the coro- The Ministry further said Jordanian Senate President welcomes Amir’s who violated the requirements navirus. The three people being that measures to tackle of the home quarantine, they referred to the competent pros- COVID-19 in Qatar have suc- announcement to hold Shura Council elections committed to follow, which they ecution are Benjamin Aggler, ceeded in flattening the curve are legally accountable for in Prasanth Sabithi and Youssef and limiting the spread of the President of the Senate of the Thani to hold elections for the to Jordan H E Sheikh Saud bin accordance with the procedures Jaber Jaberi. The called on cit- virus. Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Shura Council in October next Nasser Al Thani yesterday. During of the health authorities in the izens and residents who are Qatar’s proactive and country. subject to quarantine to fully extensive testing of suspected H E Faisal Al Fayez welcomed year. This came during a meeting the meeting, they reviewed the It is in implementation of the adhere to the requirements set cases has enabled the Ministry the announcement of Amir between Faisal Al Fayez and bilateral cooperation and issues precautionary measures in force by the Ministry of Public Health to identify a high number of H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Ambassador of the State of Qatar of mutual concern. in the country, approved by to ensure their safety and the positive cases in the health authorities represented safety of others. community. MME launches initiative to fence 50 meadows QNA — DOHA The initiative aims at pro- Furthermore, the endan- selected by giving priority to tecting the vegetation from gered meadows that have cul- areas of vegetation growth, The Ministry of Municipality encroachments, especially in tivation processes will be environmental and social and Environment (MME) repre- the rainy and spring season, fenced by the method of importance as well as the sented by the Environmental and increase visits to the netting that completely closes threatened meadows, which Protection, Reserves and dessert. the meadows in order to pre- have rare or endangered Wildlife Department in coop- The majority of the serve the rehabilitation and species of wild plants with a eration with the Public Works meadows will be fenced off to cultivation processes as these focus on areas with high plant Authority (Ashghal) has stop the entry of vehicles, meadows have an important density, such as the northern The majority of the meadows will be fenced off to stop the entry launched an initiative to fence however the passage of pedes- stock of wild plant seeds. regions and Al Reem Reserve, of vehicles. 50 meadows in the country. trians will be allowed. The 50 meadows were among others. TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2020 HOME 03 Shura Council members praise Amir’s speech QNA — DOHA bin Abdullah Mohammed Al Ibrahim H E the Speaker issued a Al Mannai, Mohammed bin Ali Sultan The Shura Council held yesterday the directive to refer the speech to Al Ali Al Maadheed, Reem bint second meeting of its 49th session, the council’s committees to Mohammed Rashid Al Mansouri. under the chairmanship of Speaker of The Services and Public Utilities the council H E Ahmed bin Abdullah design its objectives into Committee with the membership of bin Zaid Al Mahmoud. programs that will contribute to Hadi bin Saad Al Khayareen, Ismail bin The council began the meeting by achieving those objectives. Mohammed Shareef Al Emadi, Youssef reviewing the speech of H H the Amir bin Ahmed Ali Omran Al Kuwari, at the opening of the 49th session that Khalifa bin Ali Khalifa Al Hitmi, Nasser took place last Tuesday. Members committees to design its objectives into bin Salmeen Khalid Al Suwaidi, expressed their appreciation of H H programs that will contribute to Mohammed bin Mahdi Al Ahbabi, the Amir’s praise of the Shura Coun- achieving those objectives. Mubarak bin Saif Al Mansouri, Khalid cil’s role on the regional and interna- The council formed five committees, bin Mohammed Ajaj Al Kubaisi, tional levels, most prominently organ- they are: The Legal and Legislative Mohammed bin Mansour Al Shahwani. ising the 7th Global Conference of Par- Affairs Committee with the membership The Internal and External Affairs liamentarians against Corruption in of Nasser bin Rashid Al Kaabi, Rashid Committee with the membership of Doha (GOPAC). H H the Amir also con- bin Hamad Al Maadadi, Youssef bin Ibrahim bin Khalifa Al Nasr, Nasser bin gratulated the council on electing H E Rashid Al Khater, Nasser bin Khalil Al Ahmed Al Malki, Dr. Youssef bin Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Jaidah, Abdulrahman bin Youssef Al Mohammed Youssef Al Obaidan, Mahmoud as Chairman of the Khulaifi, Aisha bint Youssef Al Mannai, Abdulrahman bin Youssef Al Khulaifi, organisation. Mohammed bin Ali Al Henzab, Abdul- Dahlan bin Jamaan Bashir Al Hamad, Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, The members also highlighted the latif bin Mohammed Al Sada. Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Abdullah Al chairing the second meeting of its 49th session, yesterday. praise of H H the Amir of the council’s The Financial and Economic Affairs Attiyah, Mohammed bin Mahdi Ajian efforts in reaching an agreement with Committee with the membership of Al Ahbabi, Khalid bin Abdullah Al the United Nations to establish a UN enhance popular participation in the and internationally, particularly the Nasser bin Rashid bin Sarea Al Kaabi, Buainain, Abdullah bin Fahd Ghorab Counter-terrorism office for parlia- decision-making process, support Palestinian cause. H H the Amir reit- Mohammed bin Khalid Al Ghanem, Al Marri, Abdullatif bin Mohammed Al mentarians in Doha, that would be development efforts, and bolster erated the State of Qatar’s position of Nasser bin Suleiman Al Haidar, Sada, Dr. Hind bint Abdulrahman concerned with enhancing the role of stability. supporting the rights of Palestinians, Abdullah bin Khalid Mohammed Al Mubarak Al Muftah. parliamentarians all over the world. The members also praised the including establishing an independent Jabor Al Nuaimi, Dahlan bin Jamaan The Cultural and Information The members also welcomed the content of H H the Amir’s speech, state on the borders of 1967 with East Bashir Al Hamad, Ali bin Abdullatif Affairs Committee with the mem- announcement made by H H the Amir saying it was comprehensive with clear Al Quds as it capital, in addition to Mohammed Al Mohannadi, Nasser bin bership of Rashid bin Hamad Al to hold Shura Council elections in objectives regarding the future and the reaching a just solution to the issue of Sultan bin Nasser Al Humaidi, Khalid Maadadi, Abdullah bin Khalid Al Mana, October next year, describing it as commitment to implementing devel- refugees in line with international bin Abdullah Rashid Al Buainain, Dr. Saqr bin Fahd Al Muraikhi, Ahmed bin another achievement under the lead- opmental programs and projects, in resolutions. Hind bint Abdulrahman Mohammed Khalifa Al Rumaihi, Abdullah bin ership of His Highness that will addition to renewing the State of H E the Speaker issued a directive Mubarak Al Muftah, Fahd bin Khalid Al Nuaimi, Dr. Hessa bint Sultan advance the work of the council, Qatar’s position regionally to refer the speech to the council’s Mohammed Fahd Saad Bozwair, Saleh Al Jaber. Qatar takes part in GCC-China joint ministerial meeting Qatar participates in GCC Senior

QNA — DOHA emphasizes the importance of joint of economy, trade, energy, Municipal Officials meeting work and the aspiration to further investment, finance, and others, The State of Qatar took part in the advancing the bilateral cooperation which is confirmed by the volume of QNA - DOHA joint ministerial meeting between the mechanisms to broader horizons, trade exchange between the two Gulf Cooperation Council and the consistent with the strong and deep- sides. The State of Qatar partici- People’s Republic of China, held rooted relations between the two At the bilateral level, the Minister pated yesterday in the 36th virtually yesterday. sides. of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin meeting of GCC Senior The Minister of State for Foreign Al Muraikhi underlined that Saad Al Muraikhi said that the State Municipal Officials via video Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al strengthening this cooperation would of Qatar and the People’s Republic conference. Qatar was repre- Muraikhi represented the State of no doubt enable both sides to achieve of China enjoy growing relations of sented by Director of Doha Qatar at the meeting. the desired goals, promote the stra- friendship that are developing in all Municipality Eng. Jamal Addressing the meeting, the Min- tegic partnership, and coordinate on fields, adding that China is one of the Matar Al Nuaimi. ister of State for Foreign Affairs said the current crises and issues of largest trading partners of the State During the meeting, prep- that the meeting comes amidst common concern, thus contributing of Qatar. arations were made for raised extremely crucial circumstances due to achieving regional and global He indicated that the State of topics and recommendations to the security, economic and political security and stability. Qatar was one of the first countries were approved to be pre- challenges facing the world, in He affirmed that the historic rela- to support the Belt and Road initi- sented at the 23rd meeting of addition to the serious negative con- tions between the GCC states and the ative given its strategic goals and Their Excellencies and Min- sequences of the coronavirus People’s Republic of China are devel- unlimited opportunities to boost the isters concerned with Director of Doha Municipality Eng. Jamal Matar Al (COVID-19) pandemic, which oping steadily, especially in the fields economy in Asia and the world. Municipal Affairs today. Nuaimi attending the meeting virtually. 04 HOME TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2020 WISH 2020 to present series of sessions

THE PENINSULA — DOHA sessions in this series will focus on dif- Away from COVID-19, a session titled ferent aspects of the pandemic, ‘The Children of the Frontline’ , which is The World Innovation Summit for including a session on fake news and led by the charity Save the Children, will Health (WISH) is working with leading COVID-19; one on the challenges of look at the challenge of delivering local and international organizations developing vaccines and administering healthcare to one in five children around to present a series of sessions that them effectively; and one, led by the world living in areas affected by con- shine spotlight on a range of health- Nursing Now – a global initiative flict, and the United Nations Technology related issues during its forthcoming created to raise the profile of nurses Bank for Least Developed Countries will virtual conference, WISH 2020, taking and midwives that coincides with this present ‘Technology Transfer: Future- place from November 15 to 19. year being designated as The Year of proofing Health for All’, The UN Tech These 45-minute ‘In Focus’ ses- the Nurse. Their session ‘Mental Health Bank is one of the youngest entities in the sions will be delivered in collaboration of Frontline Workers: Tools, UN system, with a mandate to support with such organizations as Qatar Approaches, and Policies to Help science, tech, and innovation in least Charity, Save the Children, the Carter Yourself and Others’, will highlight the developed countries. Center, and Doha Forum. ‘The extraordinary stress nurses and other Finally, ‘Essence of Equality: The Pathway to Localization: The Impor- frontline healthcare workers are facing African Network of Medical Excellence’ tance of Building Health Capacity in as they continue to deal with patients will be presented in collaboration with Developing Countries’, presented in affected by the pandemic. the Italian NGO, EMERGENCY, whose partnership with Qatar Charity will The session led by Doha Forum, remit is to provide free medical Al Hammadi meets OIC official focus on the long-term benefit of titled ‘Geopolitics and the Global treatment to the victims of war and to properly engaging local stakeholders Response to COVID-19’, will present poor, under-served communities. The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan in the delivery of health initiatives in findings from the upcoming Doha These ‘In Focus’ sessions, will take Al Hammadi, met yesterday with Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the developing countries. On the same day, Forum report on initial emergency place virtually in the Ibn Sina Theatre. Administration and Finance Department at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation The Carter Center will host a session international responses to the pan- The first of two daily sessions will run (OIC), H E Ambassador Musa Kulaklikaya, who is visiting the country. During the featuring Dr. Donald Hopkins – the demic and will consider the possible from 4:15pm to 5pm (Doha time meeting, they reviewed cooperation between the State of Qatar and OIC, in addition only man to lead successful efforts to political implications of the pandemic (GMT+3)) and the second from 8:15pm to issues of joint interest. eradicate an infectious disease. Other over the coming years. – 9pm (Doha time (GMT+3)). Peru Ambassador to Doha praises QRCS humanitarian role THE PENINSULA — DOHA sents the spirit of cherishing humani- commended the good relations tarian action. between the two countries. The Secretary-General of Qatar Red “We pay attention only to people “Qatar has gained a prestigious Crescent Society (QRCS), Ali bin Hassan and their needs, regardless of their position, thanks to its successful Al Hammadi, met yesterday Ambas- nationality, where they are, or any diplomacy. Now, it plays an important sador of Peru to Doha, H E Jose other considerations. Our main role at all levels, political, economic, Benzaquen. concern is to preserve human dignity etc. Recently, it has proved helpful to The meeting was also attended by and ensure normal living conditions other countries in the face of the coro- Director of Relief and International for everyone,” said Al Hammadi. navirus pandemic,” said Benzaquen. Development of QRCS Faisal Mohamed He added, “We usually meet with Subhi Fahad Al Ejjeh discussed the Al Emadi; Director of Resource Mobili- our colleagues at the Peruvian Red results of the Coronavirus control zation, Yousef Mohamed Al Awadi; Head Cross at international events and project being implemented by QRCS of International Relations, Dr. Fawzi Ous- organizations. It is a priority for us to in Peru. In partnership with the sedik and Head of Relief and Disaster strengthen our ties with all friendly Peruvian Red Cross, disinfectants and Management, Subhi Fahad Al Ejjeh. peoples of the world.” sanitisers were distributed, and health During the meeting, Al Hammadi Benzaquen emphasised the fact education sessions were held to raise valued the visit by Benzaquen to QRCS that all people are sisters and brothers community awareness about how to headquarters, an initiative that repre- and that doing good must pay off. He prevent infection. Currently 80% com- plete, the project will benefit a total of Secretary-General of QRCS, Ali bin Hassan Al Hammadi, with Ambassador of 3,000 people in the poorest district of Peru to Doha, H E Jose Benzaquen, yesterday. Lima. HMC launches online medical Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated report application service efficacy above 90% FROM PAGE 1 FROM PAGE 1 “Under the new service, patients no longer need to visit the The vaccine is taking over two doses, and hospital on multiple occasions to the DMC did not report any serious safety request their medical information, concerns. pay for, and collect their report. The Phase 3 clinical trial of the vaccine This patient-friendly service is began on July 27 and has enrolled 43,538 par- much more convenient for our ticipants to date, 38,955 of whom have patients and also conforms with received a second dose of the vaccine can- our infection control protocols,” didate as of November 8, 2020. added Dr. Al Maslamani. “Today is a great day for science and In the last three years, HMC’s humanity. The first set of results from our Nesma’ak (customer service) Phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine trial provides the teams responded to more than Dr. Yousuf Al Maslamani initial evidence of our vaccines ability to 90,000 inquiries about patient prevent COVID-19,” Pfizer Chairman and CEO medical reports. Nasser Al Naimi, who are coming onsite for the sole Dr. Albert Bourla said. HMC’s Deputy Chief of Quality, purpose of obtaining a medical Further testing of efficacy and safety will Center for Patient Experience and report in our hospitals. This is a need to be conducted before the Food and Staff Engagement and Director of win-win solution for all parties Drug Administration (FDA) can approve the the Hamad Healthcare Quality concerned, and we are delighted vaccine. Institute explained that this new that the collaboration between dif- Bloomberg reported that the shot pre- improvement is part of HMC’s ferent departments has made this vented more than 90% of symptomatic infec- commitment to enhance patient new service possible,” Al Naimi tions in the trial of tens of thousands of vol- care and experience. added. unteers, the most encouraging scientific “We had received very positive Previously, obtaining medical advance so far in the battle against the coro- feedback from patients about the reports required a patient, or their navirus. While the results are preliminary, convenience and reliability of the representative, to visit one of they may pave the way for the companies to premium delivery service through HMC’s hospitals to first submit the seek an emergency-use authorisation if Qatar Post following the launch in request, and then wait to pay the further research shows the vaccine is also safe. mid-2019. Our goal is to continue fee at a cashier’s desk, and then With effectiveness for the first vaccines on this pathway to deliver further followed by another visit to collect previously expected to be in the range of 60% improvements using smart solu- the documents. The need for mul- to 70%, a rate of more than 90% “is just tions that make optimal use of tiple visits was exacerbated if the extraordinary,” said Anthony Fauci, director digital platforms, including smart individual had to request reports of the National Institute of Allergy and Infec- e-payment systems which help from different hospitals. The online tious Diseases. make a real difference to our cus- solution and collaboration with “So far, it looks like it is promising,” said tomers,” said Al Naimi. Qatar Post remove the extra steps. Peter Jay Hotez, a vaccine researcher and “Not only is this For more information, or to dean of the National School of Tropical Med- solution more con- access the online application icine at Baylor College of Medicine. “It helps venient for patients, service, visit www.hamad.qa/en/ provide proof of concept that it is possible to but it will also medical-reports or contact HMC’s make a human Covid-19 vaccine.” reduce over- Nesma’ak (customer service) Pfizer expects to get two months of safety crowding of people at 16060. follow-up data, a key metric required by US regulators before an emergency authorization is granted, in the third week in November. If those findings raise no problems, Pfizer could apply for an authorisation in the US this month. TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2020 HOME 05

Virtual WCM-Q Grand Rounds QCDC develops digital programs series reaches more audience

THE PENINSULA— DOHA for students with special needs In the past month, more Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s than 4,000 attendees THE PENINSULA — DOHA societal views on the learning (WCM-Q) Grand Rounds live process in a bid to establish an webinar series is attracting logged in to engage in Qatar Career Development effective national vocational large audiences during the the three presentations Center, of Qatar Foundation system. pandemic as healthcare profes- (QF) has partnered with Mada, The multi-level weekly sionals take advantage of delivered by expert a private institution, to promote activities target students of online access to continue speakers in the series, digital inclusion and has Awsaj Academy and The developing their skills and which is coordinated by developed digital programs for Learning Center – part of QF – knowledge during the students with special needs through workshops, lectures by pandemic. WCM-Q’s Division of Through its collaboration Qatari entrepreneurs, field trips In the past month, more Continuing Professional with Mada, QCDC aims to to local organizations, volun- than 4,000 attendees logged in Development. promote digital inclusion and teering initiatives, and social to engage in the three presen- to build an online community responsibility projects that high- tations delivered by expert for the elderly and people with light the ethical values of society. speakers in the series, which is disabilities. Through these QCDC and Awsaj Academy coordinated by WCM-Q’s Hamad Medical Corporation, efforts, QCDC seeks to empower are currently working to offi- Division of Continuing Profes- and program director of the and assist students with special cially integrate the Career Read- sional Development. andrology and male infertility needs in setting goals and iness Program Framework into Assistant professor of fellowship, Dr. Ahmad acquiring new skills after the Awsaj school curriculum to research at WCM-Q, Dr. Noha Majzoub gave a presentation graduation. ensure that activities and Yousri gave a presentation titled Evaluation and Man- Since partnering with Mada, projects undertaken by students titled Epigenetics and Metabo- agement in Male Factor Infer- QCDC has received accredi- count towards graduation cri- lomics of Type 2 Diabetes and tility. Dr. Majzoub, who is also tation for making its digital teria and micro-certification. Obesity in Qataris, in which she assistant professor of clinical platform accessible to residents QCDC is also expanding its discussed ways in which urology at WCM-Q, discussed The program aims to help children with learning difficulties, while around the country. Over outreach and the scope of its obesity and diabetes are the causes and basic methods raising awareness among employers on how to integrate people several months, QCDC worked work with students with causing modifications of the of evaluation of male fertility, with special needs in the workplace. hard to meet all the global learning challenges, through a genetic characteristics of the before explaining treatment standards for digital access to tailored program for inclusive Qatari population. Consultant methods. web content (WCAG 2.1), and launched in 2018 following the to educate the local community employment of young high physician in radiology at Sidra The Grand Rounds live has joined a growing list of signing of a memorandum of on the obstacles and challenges school graduates. Medicine, Dr. Noor Ahmed Al webinar series is aimed at phy- accredited platforms that understanding between QCDC students face – and how to The project consists of a Khori presented on Breast sicians, nurses, dentists, phar- promote digital inclusiveness, and Awsaj Academy, both overcome these difficulties – self-sustaining Qatari-run Imaging: Basics and Beyond, in macists, allied health profes- empower people with special members of Qatar while bolstering career program, built on a Train-the- which she defined current evi- sionals, students, researchers needs and the elderly, and Foundation. guidance services by leveraging Trainer approach. dence-based guidelines for the and educators. All three support their independence. The program aims to help and adapting international The program will target safe and effective use of mam- webinars were accredited QCDC has also been children with learning diffi- models and best practices. various groups, including youth, mography, outlined recent locally by the Qatar Council for assisting students with special culties, while raising awareness The four-dimensional parents, and employers, advances in breast imaging, Healthcare Practitioners- needs in exploring employment among employers on how to program helps youth make through virtual meetings to and discussed the most Accreditation Department opportunities, while supporting integrate people with special informed decisions about their assess career interests, student common abnormalities that (QCHP-AD) and internationally stakeholders and partners, needs in the workplace. future careers, offering grad- strengths and weaknesses and can be detected using imaging. by the Accreditation Council for through its Career Readiness Through its range of diverse uates the opportunity to skills development training Consultant in the Continuing Medical Education Program. The program was activities, the program strives develop their skills and reshape programs. Department of Urology at (ACCME). QFC Authority QNL supports open access, global reach to local research imposes public THE PENINSULA — DOHA Access Author Fund to publish Access Author Fund to publicize censure against his findings linked to research his research findings. Qatar National Library is at the projects related to birth defects The Library “My research interest is Awan Media forefront of the open access in children called hypospadias. provides multiple mainly in survival analysis, math- movement in Qatar, and The nature of his work covers a avenues for ematical statistics, reliability THE PENINSULA — DOHA researchers have lauded the easy wide spectrum, including genetic theory and quality control,” Elfaki process of obtaining funding for makeup, antenatal diagnosis, Qatar-based said. “Before using the Library’s The Qatar Financial Centre publishing their papers. surgical management, animal authors to fund open access services, I had many (QFC) Authority (QFCA) The Library provides multiple experiments and artificial the publication of difficulties in getting support in announced yesterday that it avenues for Qatar-based authors intelligence. terms of funding the research and imposed a public censure on to fund the publication of their “I used to publish my work their research. choosing the right journal in Awan Media International LLC research. Through the Open in non-open access journals. This which to publish the article. Since ("the Firm") and Anilkumar Access Author Fund, the Library made it incredibly difficult for using the Open Access Author Raghavan Pattani (Senior Exec- directly pays the publishing costs some of our intended audience Fund, my research has been utive Function, Director and on behalf of the researcher. The to hear about our results,” said viewed and cited a great deal Significant Shareholder) for Library also has Read and Publish Dr. Abbas. more,” he added. failing to comply with five (5) agreements with many major The Library’s Open Access Senior Scientist at Hamad Relevant Requirements publishers, giving authors a fast, team has also made sure to clear and the team is helpful and foundation of support and help Medical Corporation, Dr. Shahab imposed by the QFCA under the easy route to funding. streamline the process for always available. Working with for all researchers in Qatar that Uddin Khan has said that the Open QFCA Rules. Both options are available for applying for funding. Each the Library’s Open Access Author can foster outcomes and visi- Access team at the Library has QFCA investigated the Firm students, faculty, researchers and funding request is evaluated to Fund has significantly increased bility,” he added. made the process of publishing and found that the Firm and staff from any institute of higher ensure the targeted publication the visibility of our work and has The Open Access Author articles easy for scientists and the Pattani had each contravened education or non-profit research aligns with the Library’s open resulted in higher download and Fund promotes Qatar-based research community in Qatar. five (5) Relevant Requirements institute within Qatar. The access criteria, no other funding citation rates.” research through open access to “My main interest is identi- as follows: failed to notify the Library has funded nearly 1,000 sources are available and the “I was very satisfied and scholarly research, and creates fying and characterizing the sig- QFCA of a Significant Event open access articles since 2017, article has been approved for happy with the promptness, and supports a permanent naling pathways involved in the pursuant to General Rule 4.4.1 increasing the reach and impact publication during the current helpfulness and guidance I archive of Qatar-based research development of human diseases, of the QFCA Rules, namely the of Qatar’s research output. year. received from the Library when at the Library. Associate Pro- especially in cancer, so they can collapse of the Firm's business; A pediatric urologist at Sidra About getting access to I dealt with the team on several fessor of Statistics at Qatar Uni- be used as a biomarker for failed to have an ordinarily res- Medical and Research Center, Dr. funding Dr. Abbas said, “The projects over the past few years. versity, Faiz Ahmed Mohamed disease detection and man- ident Senior Executive Function Tariq Abbas used the Open process is straightforward and The Library provides a strong Elfakihas also used the Open agement,” he said. in the State of Qatar pursuant to General Rule 11.3.2(A) of the QFCA Rules; failed to pay the 2019 Annual Licensing fee in Morgan Freeman to inspire as the sum of US$5,000 pursuant to General Rule 10.5.1(A) of the keynote speaker at WISH 2020 QFCA Rules; failed to pay the 2020 Annual Licensing fee in THE PENINSULA — DOHA the sum of $5,000 pursuant to General Rule 10.5.2(B) of the Acclaimed American actor Morgan QFCA Rules; and failed to Freeman (pictured) has been confirmed comply with a requirement as the latest keynote speaker to join the imposed by the QFCA pursuant upcoming edition of the World Inno- to Compliance and vation Summit for Health (WISH), taking Enforcement Rule 6.1.1(A) of the place from November 15-19. QFCA Rules, namely to provide The fifth edition of the biennial global a copy of a signed lease gathering will be held virtually and will agreement for its Registered bring together healthcare experts, poli- Office to the QFCA within three cymakers, and innovators over five days months from the date of license. to collaborate toward achieving the goal Whilst QFCA considered the of building a healthier world. contravention to be serious and Lauded for the emotional depth he – an event that promotes that belief,” would normally consider the brings to his portrayal of complex roles, said Freeman. imposition of a financial Morgan Freeman has won numerous Chief Executive Officer of WISH penalty, the QFCA considered awards over a career spanning five Qatar, Sultana Afdhal said: “It is with a public censure was rea- decades, including an Academy Award much anticipation that we welcome sonable considering all the rel- in 2005 and two Golden Globes. He has Morgan Freeman to our upcoming evant circumstances, namely: received acclaim for his performances summit. He is a well-regarded advocate (a) there was no indication in films such as Million Dollar Baby, and a voice of influence in the global call neither the Firm nor Pattani Invictus, Driving Miss Daisy, and The for action on many societal issues that made a profit as a result of the Shawshank Redemption. intersect with health, such as climate contraventions; (b) the Firm is Off-screen, he has been recognized change and a lack of access to health no longer operating and impo- for his inspirational humanitarian work education for children. sition of a financial penalty is and is an activist who regularly speaks “Because we will be virtual, we have unlikely to be effective; (c) out against social injustice. During his been able to open up WISH to a much Pattani is outside the State of keynote speech at WISH 2020, Freeman wider global audience than was previ- Qatar and unable to return and will focus on the importance of equal ously possible, and we are delighted that imposition of a financial penalty access to health and education for all, our expanded audience will be able to is unlikely to be effective; (d) a especially solving the connected chal- hear the Oscar-winning actor explain public censure is an effective lenges of early childhood education, why he shares our desire to build a sus- deterrent because it will deter climate change, and conflict. tainably healthier world.” other QFC Firms and their “No matter your background, no Freeman is behind several human- officers from being named in matter your start in life, no matter itarian and charitable initiatives. He public for legal non-com- whether you grew up on the Tallahatchie established the Tallahatchie River Foun- pliance; and (e) a public censure River or the River Ganges, you deserve dation in his home state of Mississippi will educate the QFC com- access to good education and access to with his daughter, Morgana Freeman, in munity about the importance quality healthcare. And that’s why I’m order to promote quality early childhood of legal compliance. so honored to be part of WISH 2020 education for underserved youth. 06 MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2020 Biden promises change on Iran policy, obstacles remain

AFP — TEHRAN “We urgently need to change While Iran insists the United States Iran expects Biden to step course,” Biden wrote in September in can return to the pact, it says the Amer- Joe Biden has promised a change in an opinion piece that described icans must first make amends and lift US policy on Iran, but the President- Trump’s Iran policy as a “dangerous all sanctions reimposed or instigated elect’s room for manoeuvre with the away from ‘wrong path’ failure” which in his view isolated the by the Trump administration. Islamic republic is narrow, and time US and brought Iran “closer to a Tehran says that this is the con- is running out. AFP — TEHRAN nuclear bomb”. dition for its return to commitments While outgoing US President In the 2015 deal with world powers under the nuclear accord. In recent Donald Trump has declared Tehran Iran said yesterday that nothing will change between it and arch-enemy the Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia weeks, it has even reiterated that in his arch-foe and sought to isolate it glo- United States under president-elect Joe Biden unless his administration takes and the United States, Iran agreed to order to re-enter the agreement, Wash- bally, Biden has suggested he would three steps to correct America’s “wrong path”. curb its controversial nuclear pro- ington should first compensate Iran for offer it a “credible path back to Decades-old tensions between Tehran and Washington have escalated gramme in exchange for a relaxation the damage caused by the US with- diplomacy”. since President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the Iran of international sanctions. drawal and sanctions. Unlike four years ago, the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and began reimposing sanctions. But in response to the reimposed Under Biden, the United States has issue, centred on fears it is seeking a Biden, who defeated Trump at the ballot box last week, said during cam- US sanctions, the Islamic republic has an opportunity to make up for its “pre- nuclear bomb, was largely absent from paigning that he plans to embark on a “credible path to return to diplomacy” since May 2019 reduced most of its key vious mistakes,” Iranian President campaigning for the 2020 US presi- with Iran. He also raised the possibility of returning to the nuclear deal. commitments to the accord. Hassan Rouhani, whose election in dential election, and Biden’s proposals Iran’s foreign ministry said that there was still enough time for the United The International Atomic Energy 2013 allowed talks on the nuclear issue on the subject are still rather vague. States to “turn back from this wrong path”. Agency says Iran has considerably to resume after eight years of deadlock, His task of trying to reconnect with “We will certainly look closely at the actions and words of the next US stepped up its production of low- said on Sunday. Tehran promises to be difficult as the administration,” said ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh. enriched uranium, but without The upcoming election, which confrontational approach under Trump “There are three important changes that must come to be before any- increasing it to a degree that allows comes after conservatives hostile to has seen Iran’s distrust of the Amer- thing can happen,” he told a weekly news conference. military use. the nuclear deal swept Iran’s parlia- icans intensify. They entail a “change in the thought and mentality of US decision-makers, In the op-ed published by CNN, mentary elections in February, could Sworn enemies for more than 40 change in words and speech and the type of speech with the world and Iran, Biden wrote that he would “offer sound the death knell for the alliance years, the US and Iran have twice come and (taking) correct actions, turning back from the wrong path and making Tehran a credible path back to of reformists and moderates around to the brink of war since mid-2019 up for the past.” diplomacy” in order to bring Wash- Rouhani. Ellie Geranmayeh of the amid soaring tensions over a landmark ington back into the 2015 nuclear deal. European Council on International deal on Iran’s nuclear programme But the US president-elect also Relations said it is up to the three agreed in 2015. campaign against Iran with sanctions ultimate goal of forcing Tehran to nego- vowed to be “tough on Iran”, and said European countries that are party to Trump unilaterally withdrew the that plunged its economy into a deep tiate a “better deal”, leaving the way open that his country’s return would hinge on the nuclear deal to immediately step United States from the pact in May 2018 recession. for Iran to boast of the “resistance” of its the Islamic republic coming back to up talks with the three other nations and launched a “maximum pressure” But Trump failed to achieve his people to the American “Great Satan”. “strict compliance with the nuclear deal”. in the accord besides the US. UN agency for Palestinians says lacks funds to pay full salaries

AFP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM their salaries this month,” That led a number of agency head Philippe Lazzarini European countries to tempo- The UN agency for Palestinian said in a statement. rarily suspend support, but refugees, hammered by US cuts, If it cannot raise $70m by Alrifai said “the page has said yesterday it lacks the funds the end of the month, UNRWA turned” on that episode, with to pay full November salaries will not be able to pay full sal- the senior management group but is confident President-elect aries in November or having been replaced and key Joe Biden’s administration will December, the statement donors voicing full confidence restore support. added. in the agency. The United Nations Relief The funding shortfall On the possible impact of and Works Agency for Palestine affects 28,000 staffers, spread Biden’s election win, Alrifai Refugees in the Near East across Jordan, Lebanon, the said UNRWA was “very opti- (UNRWA) “never recovered” occupied West Bank, east Jeru- mistic the US will resume its from the total funding cut salem and the Gaza Strip. support”. imposed by President Donald Only those whose work is Asked if the agency had Trump in 2018, agency spokes- covered by special emergency received specific commitments woman Tamara Alrifai said. budgets could be spared, Alrifai from the incoming adminis- Women, wearing mask due to the COVID-19 pandemic, walk along a street in Iran’s capital Tehran, Before Trump ended US said. tration, she said: “We have yesterday. support, Washington had been Israel had been critical of engaged very closely with the providing UNRWA $300m a UNRWA before Trump’s Biden campaign team and they year, roughly a third of its core election, arguing its presence do understand the uniqueness annual budget. was no longer necessary of UNRWA for the stability of Daily virus cases top 10,000 in Iran Alrifai said 2019 shortfalls decades after the conflict fol- the region.” were filled by additional lowing Israel’s creation in 1948 Biden’s 2020 campaign AFP — TEHRAN country’s overall number of IRNA reported. The measures, support from several Arab that created some 750,000 Pal- website said he would restore fatalities to 38,749. announced on Saturday and set states, including Saudi Arabia, estinian refugees. “humanitarian aid for the Pal- Iran’s daily novel coronavirus The previous fatality record to last a month from Tuesday, the United Arab Emirates, The Jewish state has also estinian people” but did not infections crossed the 10,000 of 459 came on Sunday, force the closure of non- Kuwait and Qatar. criticised rules under which directly mention UNRWA. mark yesterday, the health according to official figures. essential businesses such as Both the European Union Palestinians can hand down The agency’s core annual ministry announced, setting a Iran recently imposed malls, small retailers, cinemas and individual European states, refugee status to their budget for 2020 stood at $806 new record as fatalities several rounds of short-lived and gyms from 6:00 pm until notably Germany, also helped children. million, with an additional remained close to their all-time restrictions across the country the next morning. close the gap, she said. After taking office in 2017, funding for emergency pro- high level. to contain the virus, but the The Kuwaiti Ministry of This year, “financial the staunchly pro-Israel Trump grammes, including the coro- The latest official figure of rising deaths and infections Health reported 735 new cases support waned,” Alrifai added, administration began echoing navirus response and Pales- 10,463 positive COVID-19 cases have prompted calls by experts of coronavirus in the past 24 noting that the coronavirus Israeli criticism of the agency tinians caught up in Syria’s in a 24-hour period comes only and officials for a full lockdown. hours, bringing the total of con- pandemic “didn’t help”, as key before cutting funds the fol- conflict. three days after the Islamic Tehran’s governor Anou- firmed cases in the country to donors faced increased lowing year. Founded in 1949, UNRWA republic exceeded 9,000. shirvan Mohseni-Bandpey said 132,478. QNA reported that domestic financial pressures. A year after the US cut, runs schools and provides Iran’s coronavirus caseload yesterday that the lockdown during the same period, five “It was with great regret UNRWA was further rocked by health services as well as other now stands at 692,949, the proposal was no longer on the deaths have been recorded, that I informed our staff today an internal ethics report humanitarian aid to an esti- ministry said. agenda as a new set of bringing the total number of that we don’t have sufficient alleging mismanagement at the mated 5.7 million Palestinians The virus also claimed 458 measures had since been deaths in Kuwait to 816 cases funding at this stage to honour agency’s highest levels. with refugee status. lives in the past day, raising the unveiled, state news agency so far. Assad says Jordan goes to polls refugee returns a today amid virus spike ‘priority’ for Syria

AFP — AMMAN There have been some calls AFP — DAMASCUS on social media to postpone the Voters in coronavirus-battered elections, but the government Syria’s President Bashar Al Jordan go to the polls today in has said the vote will go ahead. Assad told his Russian coun- an election focused on the Arab Parliament was already dis- terpart Vladimir Putin country’s economic crisis which solved in late September ahead yesterday ahead of a Moscow- has been heightened by the of the vote, and under the law backed conference on repa- devastating pandemic. new elections must be held triation that he is adamant on Resource-poor and within four months. the return of refugees. dependent on foreign aid, in Jordanian Minister of Speaking in a video call particular from the Interna- Political and Parliamentary broadcast by the Syrian pres- tional Monetary Fund (IMF), Affairs Musa Al Maaytah insisted idency’s Facebook page public debt in the small country on Friday it would be better to ahead of the two-day con- of 10 million people — which is hold the vote now than in a few ference in Damascus opening also hosting more than one months time. tomorrow, Assad called their million Syrian refugees — “Economic, political and return a priority for his exceeds 100 percent of GDP. social life must continue,” he government. And unemployment was added. King Abdullah II last “For us, as a government, running at 23 percent in the first month named veteran diplomat it is a number one priority in quarter of 2020. Bisher Al Khasawneh as prime the coming stage,” especially “This vote is different, with minister ahead of the vote, after Workers of Jordan’s Independent Election Commission transport ballot boxes to poll centres in the since large parts of Syria had people in greater distress because parliament reached the end of capital Amman, ahead of the 2020 general election today. been recaptured by Damascus of the epidemic,” said Oraib its term. “People will vote along and battles have subsided, he Rintawi of the Al Quds Centre for tribal lines, for a candidate from told Putin. Political Studies. Coronavirus has their clan or for representatives But virus curbs banning Also in the running for four- social media platforms, especially “The Syrian government is claimed more than 1,180 lives who will provide them with gatherings of more than 20 year terms in parliament are Facebook. Saleh Al Armouti, a not just ready, but also eager, from over 104,800 cases in services,” not for political people have put paid to tradi- representatives of the country’s former Islamist deputy, put the for the results of the con- Jordan, according to health min- reasons, Rintawi said. tional shows of patronage such main tribal clans, independents, focus squarely on economic ference so that we can see the istry data. Some 4.5 million people eli- as candidates’ tents offering leftists and a large number of hardships in a campaign video. largest number of refugees However, Rintawi doubted gible to vote will cast their Arabic sweets and coffee. wealthy businessmen. “Our poor country can no longer return in the coming few there would be a high turnout ballots for candidates to fill 130 The Islamic Action Front, Jordan has taken an eco- feed itself because of the months.” because “most Jordanians think seats in parliament, 15 of them political branch of the Muslim nomic hammering from hegemony” of the IMF, he said. Assad’s forces control parliament plays a marginal reserved for women, from a Brotherhood and the main Covid-19 with some $3bn lost Official statistics show the more than 70 percent of Syria, role in the political system”, as field of 1,674 candidates running opposition force in Jordan, has in vital tourism revenues in the poverty rate has increased to while remaining areas are held the formation of governments on 294 lists. Security forces are vowed “to work to defend peo- first nine months of 2020. 15.7 percent, a rate which the by US-backed Kurdish forces in the Hashemite kingdom is not also expected to fan out across ple’s rights, dignity and live- Campaigning for the legis- World Bank forecasts will rise as well as rebels and jihadists party-based or dependent on the country’s 1,880 polling lihood, and to confront lative elections was also forced sharply because of the novel opposed to the Damascus the outcome of the vote. stations. corruption”. to switch to videos posted on coronavirus. government. TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2020 AFRICA 07 Libyans hold UN-led talks to prepare for elections

AFP — GAMMARTH, TUNISIA The 75 delegates, “It needs to be short, selected by the UN maximum nine months, with The UN launched talks among key milestones for imple- Libyans yesterday aimed at to represent existing menting and a clear message creating a unity government and state bodies and from the international com- preparing for elections to bring munity that they will impose peace after a decade of violence groups from across sanctions on anyone who in the North African country. Libya’s political and obstructs it,” he said. The 75 delegates, selected by Libya is dominated by two the UN to represent existing state social spectrum, met rival administrations, each bodies and groups from across in Tunisia after months backed by foreign powers and Libya’s political and social of relative calm and a a multitude of armed groups. spectrum, met in Tunisia after The Government of National months of relative calm and a key key ceasefire deal in Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli, ceasefire deal in October. October. which emerged after previous “You have the opportunity to UN-backed talks in 2015, is end a tragic conflict,” UN Sec- backed by Turkey. In the east, retary-General Antonio Guterres military strongman Khalifa Tunisia President Kais Saied welcomes Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General told delegates in a video message This week’s talks at a luxury Haftar supports a rival adminis- for Political Affairs in Libya, Stephanie Williams, during the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum in Tunis, at the opening ceremony. hotel in Gammarth, near the tration with backing from Russia “Now it’s your turn to shape Tunisian capital Tunis, aim to and the United Arab Emirates. Tunisia, yesterday. the future of your country.” unify Libya under a single Haftar launched an offensive in Libya has seen a decade of interim executive and pave the April 2019 to seize the capital, “There are all the right con- decade of violence, while others overcome all difficulties and violence since the 2011 toppling way for national elections. trashing a previous round of UN ditions for serious peace talks,” criticised it for laying out a obstacles... when there is no of dictator Muammar Gaddafi As well as preparing for efforts at peace talks. she said. But “there are important roadmap for the transitional interference from outside in a Nato-backed uprising, with national polls, the interim exec- But in June, after a bloody groups in Tripoli with legitimate period before direct elections powers,” he told Libya’s a complex web of regional con- utive will face the daunting year-long stalemate, Turkish- concerns, who suffered in the first. The UN and world leaders delegates. flicts exacerbated by foreign challenges of providing basic backed pro-GNA forces pushed fighting, and who resist the idea have welcomed the talks. French Foreign Minister interventions. services in a country wracked him into a rapid retreat to the of giving half the pie to those who Guterres urged world Jean-Yves Le Drian, speaking But October’s ceasefire deal by economic woes and the centre of the country. they were at war with.” powers to support peace efforts from Morocco, said there was between two rival administra- coronavirus pandemic. But Claudia Gazzini, a Libya Media in Libya covered the and to respect a long-standing a “positive dynamic” underway tions in the east and west has Peter Millett, a former expert with International Crisis talks with a mix of optimism UN arms embargo. and noted some “encouraging allowed for economically vital British ambassador to Libya, Group, said that for some and scepticism. Tunisian President Kais decisions” but he urged caution, oil production to resume and said the most important task of Libyans, “you don’t have a clear Some said they provided a Saied hailed a “historic “because the past has some- spurred progress on efforts to the talks was to agree a timeline winning party, nobody really chance to avoid Libya’s par- moment” at the opening cer- times led us to end years of political deadlock. for elections. won or lost.” tition and bring an end to a emony. “We are able to disappointment”.

Ivory Coast court Hundreds dead as validates Ouattara third term after Ethiopian jets pound contested vote targets in Tigray AFP — ABIDJAN Ivory Coast’s constitutional REUTERS & AP — DANSHA, democratic reforms and for council yesterday validated ETHIOPIA making peace with Eritrea. But President Alassane Ouattara’s last week the prime minister, reelection to a third term after An escalating conflict in Ethio- who is from Ethiopia’s largest his landslide victory in an pia’s restive Tigray region has ethnic group, the Oromo, October 31 ballot marred by killed hundreds of people, launched a campaign against clashes and an opposition sources on the government side forces loyal to Tigrayan leaders boycott. said, even as the prime minister whom he accused of attacking Ouattara, 78, won by more sought yesterday to reassure the a military base in the town of than 94 percent of the vote, but world his nation was not sliding Dansha. Ivory Coast is caught in a into civil war. An Ethiopian military standoff after opposition The flare-up in the northern official said the air force is leaders boycotted the ballot area bordering Eritrea and “pounding targets with pre- and vowed to set up a rival Sudan threatens to destabilise cision” as the federal gov- government, accusing him of Africa’s second most populous ernment continues its offensive breaking with two-term pres- nation, where ethnic conflict against the defiant northern idential limits. has already killed hundreds region of Tigray and no clear Members of Amhara region militias ride on their truck as they head to face the Tigray People’s Liberation Nearly 50 people have since Prime Minister Abiy route to peace is yet seen. Front (TPLF), in Sanja, Amhara region near a border with Tigray, yesterday. been killed in clashes over his Ahmed took over in 2018. Maj. Gen. Mohammed reelection bid since August, Reuters reporters travelling Tssema in a Facebook post in the fighting that erupted last broke away from it last year. descend into chaos are fuelling fears that francophone in Tigray and the neighbouring also denied as “totally wrong” week in Tigray as the gov- The Tigray regional government unfounded,” he said in a brief West Africa’s top economy Amhara region saw trucks a claim by the Tigray regional ernment of Prime Minister Abiy felt marginalized by Abiy’s statement, and vowed that what could slide into the kind of packed with armed militia and government on Sunday that a Ahmed comes under increasing political reforms and defied the he calls a law enforcement widespread violence it suf- pickups with mounted fighter jet had been shot down. international pressure to calm federal government by holding action “will wrap up soon.” Abiy fered after a disputed 2010 machine-guns rushing to the The Tigray government tensions. a local election in September. on Sunday reshuffled his vote. front line in support of the confirmed the federal govern- But Abiy has shown no sign Abiy on Monday again Cabinet to make major changes Constitutional Council federal government push. Some ment’s aerial assault, saying in of opening talks with the Tigray sought to calm concerns that to his government’s military and President Mamadou Kone said militia members waved the a Facebook post that the air regional government, which his the deadly confrontation could intelligence leadership. the top court ratified the Ethiopian national flag. force had carried out more than government regards as illegal slide into civil war and desta- The United Nations and results of the October 31 vote Abiy Ahmed, the continent’s 10 aerial attacks so far. after the Tigray Peoples Liber- bilize the strategic Horn of others have warned of a and noted “no serious irregu- youngest leader at 44, won a It remains unclear how ation Front, which once domi- Africa region. brewing humanitarian disaster larities” in the conduct of the Nobel Peace Prize last year for many people have been killed nated Ethiopia’s ruling coalition, “Concerns that Ethiopia will affecting up to 9 million people. election. “Alassane Ouattara is pro- claimed elected in the first Heatwaves, floods, droughts lie round,” Council President Mamadou Kone said in a statement broadcast on in Africa’s future, study shows television. Opposition protesters and BLOOMBERG — JOHANNESBURG — four of the continent’s biggest police clashed earlier on cities — could begin experi- Monday in Abidjan’s Yopougon Africa faces a future of heat encing heat stress as a result of district, where a minibus was waves, droughts and floods and periods of elevated tempera- set ablaze, a reporter said. could lose many of its endemic tures, the study said. Currently species as a result of climate only Khartoum in Sudan is in Tunisia told to uphold change, a Greenpeace study danger from this phenomenon, showed. which sees people’s core tem- online freedom of The continent could could perature rise due to external expression warm by an average of 2 to 6 factors. degrees celsius (36 to 43 Some projections show AFP — TUNIS degrees Fahrenheit) by the end South Africa’s unique Cape of this century, largely as a Floral region, accounting for Amnesty International result of warning caused by one-fifth of the continent’s yesterday urged authorities in man-made greenhouse gas plant biodiversity, could lose Tunisia to stop using “largely emissions, Greenpeace more than a third of its 5,682 outdated, overly broad and Research Laboratories said in plant species, the report said. repressive laws” to crack down a report released yesterday. Ethiopia’s Bale mountains on freedom of expression That will result in more fre- could also see many of its plant online. Aftermath of looting quent heat waves across the species disappear. Freedom of speech is seen Damaged goods left behind at the NEMA warehouse are seen on the ground after the warehouse continent, less rain in southern Still, other studies project as one of the most solid was looted, following the Endsars protest in Abuja, Nigeria, yesterday. and northern Africa and more less severe temperature rises. achievements of the North precipitation in central and East The World Meteorological African nation’s 2011 revo- Africa. With over half the Organization predicted a 2 lution that ousted longtime world’s poor living on the con- degrees celsius rise in temper- president Zine El Abidine Ben tinent, it is expected to be ature by 2100 from pre-indus- Ali. Nigeria reports spike in yellow fever deaths among the world’s hardest hit trial times in its first report on The UK-based rights group regions by climate change as climate in Africa released last said that since 2018, at least 40 AFP — ABUJA and Delta states after “reports the two regions. There is no people have few resources to month. people have faced criminal of a sudden spike in cases and specific treatment for yellow adjust and cope. “It is very clear that global prosecution for “publishing Nigerian health authorities deaths in some communities in fever, which is largely trans- “Science shows there is heating acts as a threat multi- online posts critical of local yesterday said they were both states”. mitted in urban settings by very little that is natural in the plier, exacerbating existing vul- authorities, the police or other battling a suspected outbreak Nigeria’s Centre for Disease mosquitos. disasters striking our con- nerabilities such as poverty and state officials”. of yellow fever in two southern Control (NCDC) did not give a The percentage of people tinent,” Greenpeace Africa Pro- inequality by driving extreme It said those targeted areas that local media said figure for the dead. immunised against yellow fever gramme Director Melitta Steele weather events,” Greenpeace included “bloggers, adminis- might have left dozens dead. But local health officials remains low in many parts of said in a statement. said in the report. “The African trators of widely followed The country’s disease quoted in the media said more Africa, even though the vaccine Depending on how hot it continent is highly vulnerable Facebook pages, political control agency said it was sup- than 72 people were feared to is nearly 100 percent effective gets, the inhabitants of Lagos, to the impacts of global activists and human rights porting authorities in Enugu have died from the disease in and relatively cheap. Abidjan, Luanda and Kinshasa heating.” defenders”. 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

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DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

Captain Victorien Errusard and Jerome Delafosse, chief of the expedition, are seen on the Energy Observer, a hydrogen-powered boat EDITORIAL sailing from Amsterdam’s harbour after testing a new device that allows it to produce hydrogen from wind, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. How hydrogen is and isn’t the future of energy

Empowering SMEs captured from the sun, wind or solution. It’s only in long-haul QATAR Development Bank (QDB) is making great other renewables. Otherwise, aviation or oceanic shipping strides and is at the forefront in supporting entrepre- what’s the point? where hydrogen might beat neurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through This process makes green electric batteries, thanks to its various platforms. This was evident when QDB opened hydrogen expensive relative to higher energy density. The bat- its Derwaza Store for micro- and home-based busi- both fossil fuels like natural gas teries to get a plane to the other nesses in Doha Festival City. Through the Derwaza and hydrogen captured in less side of the world would be too Store, micro- and home-business Qatari entrepreneurs ANDREAS KLUTH clean ways. Bloomberg NEF, our big and heavy. will be able to take advantage of the platform to enhance BLOOMBERG parent company’s energy Hydrogen doesn’t work much their access to the local market while boosting their institute, reckons that techno- better in heating residential business revenues. The selected businesses will be logical improvements will buildings: It’s usually easier to participating in five waves, each lasting for two weeks, Surely hydrogen is the future of rapidly make it cheaper in the use green electricity to power effective October 19 till December 31, 2020. energy. Why else would the coming years. But even then, it’s heat pumps, which can also be QDB has achieved significant milestones, playing an European Union, as part of its still hard to transport and store. “reversed” for cooling. In most integral role in stimulating national economic and social Green Deal, plan to shovel 470 Unless combined with other industrial uses for heat, hydrogen development by funding local projects and providing billion euros ($550 billion) into chemicals, it must be com- also loses out to electricity. support through a range of innovative services. In that infrastructure to electrolyze and pressed to 700 times atmos- The long-term solution to context, QDB recently announced the launch of the first use the stuff? Why else would pheric pressure or refrigerated to slow global warming is therefore virtual edition of the Qatar Entrepreneurship Conference China, Japan and South Korea be minus 253 degrees Celsius. to electrify everything, as long as 2020 (Rowad Qatar) which will be held from November placing their own huge bets on Hydrogen also likes to explode. that electricity comes from 15-19. Also, QDB, in cooperation with the General the gas? These drawbacks all but dis- renewable sources. Aye, there’s Retirement and Social Insurance Authority, launched the The enthusiasm about qualify hydrogen from the appli- the rub. We simply can’t run eve- fifth edition of the ‘Khotwa’ programme, which aims to hydrogen has a simple cation that currently gets the rything on electricity. And we build the capacities of retirees in the field of entrepre- reason: Whether it’s used in a most hype: as a fuel to power won’t ever have sun and wind neurship and convert their ideas into successful projects. fuel cell or burned to create heat, cars, vans and trucks. On almost amply and reliably enough to Qatar Development Bank CEO Abdulaziz bin Nasser the only “exhaust” it emits is every count, vehicles powered by keep the lights on all the time Al Khalifa said QDB is committed to providing all the innocently clean water. hydrogen fuel cells lose against and everywhere. needful support to SMEs and startups with innovative Therefore, wherever hydrogen their “clean-energy” rivals, So here at last is the killer app business ideas. He said Qatar is the ideal destination to replaces fossil fuels, it helps slow electric cars running on batteries. for hydrogen. It could be the fuel expand their operations given its geographical location, global warming. That explains For a start, the hydrogen cars that picks up the slack whenever world-class infrastructure like airports, seaports, high- the worldwide race to dominate are only half as efficient. If an the clean power grids of the speed Internet, and easy access to capital, business- the various niches of a market electric car converts 86% of the future can’t keep up. For once, friendly environment and the right ecosystem for growth. projected by some banks to be energy originally harnessed by a the gas seems unequivocally He reiterated QDB’s mission to support entrepre- worth trillions of dollars by 2050. wind turbine into moving the superior to all other options, neurs, particularly SMEs in Qatar, and highlighted the Then again, perhaps this is vehicle forward, the hydrogen including nuclear energy. bank’s previous move to increase its stimulus package The enthusiasm just the latest of several car has access to only about 45%. We can electrolyze the for the National Guarantee Programme from QR3bn about hydrogen hydrogen bubbles, destined to A car with a fuel cell also has hydrogen whenever we have to QR5bn, as part of Qatar’s economic response to pop like all the others. A first one, more moving parts and is more excess sun or wind. As Liebreich help local businesses amid the pandemic. has a simple inflated by a seminal essay from expensive to maintain than one predicts, we will then store it in QDB has contributed to empowering entrepreneurs reason: Whether 1970, ballooned the following with a battery. And, unlike the massive underground caverns to benefit from a wide range of promising investment decade before going pfft in the battery car, it can’t be “reloaded” near the central nodes of our opportunities, and to develop their exporting potentials it’s used in a fuel 1980s. A second expanded and at home. power grids, where it can be while supporting their entry to new international markets. cell or burned to popped along with the tech This is bad news especially for fired up at short notice during It must be mentioned that Qatar ranked 29th glo- bubble around 2000. Maybe Toyota Motor Corp., Hyundai lulls in direct electricity gener- bally and second in the Arab world in the Global Com- create heat, the hydrogen is the future … and Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. ation. Hydrogen is thus the petitiveness Report issued by the World Economic only “exhaust” always will be. Ltd, the carmakers that are placing plug-in technology to make the Forum in 2019, in addition to the fourth rank in the index it emits is It certainly has daunting dis- the biggest bets on hydrogen in overall project of electrification of financing small and medium companies and 12th advantages. Yes, it’s the most transportation. The case for and decarbonization possible. globally according to the entrepreneurial culture index innocently clean common element in the universe. hydrogen trucks is also weak. That’s huge. It also means of the same report that included 141 countries. water. But it doesn’t appear in its pure Michael Liebreich, Bloomb- that, while some of today’s QDB is committed to its strategy to stimulate a form on earth. So it must be sep- ergNEF’s founder, reckons investments in hydrogen will vibrant, robust and diversified private sector through the arated by running an electric hydrogen doesn’t even make flop, others will pay off spectacu- development and nurturing of Qatari entrepreneurs and current through water to split the sense for trains. It would merely larly. And part of their return SMEs and assisting them to overcome obstacles. oxygen and hydrogen atoms eliminate the need to electrify may be saving our planet. apart. That takes energy, which the track, while locking in a more Andreas Kluth is a col- better be “green” - that is, complex and less efficient umnist for Bloomberg Opinion.

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] Braking the runaway pandemic train

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 THE WASHINGTON POST from 29,900 on Sept. 17 to expected here. The United severe without a stringent FAX: +974 4455 7758 55,817 on Saturday. The Kingdom began a four-week pandemic response. As a Out of control, the corona- national case positivity rate is partial lockdown on nation, we can do a lot to MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 virus pandemic has already 7.6 percent and rising - the Thursday, with waivers for brake the runaway train of earned a place in the history World Health Organization schools and universities, in an infection by wearing face DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 books as one of the most says the rate should be 5 attempt to avoid overloading masks, avoiding large indoor devastating and deadly events percent or less for at least 14 the health-care system. gatherings, practicing dis- LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 in U.S. history. With more days before any reopening. Germany, France, Spain and tancing and good hygiene. than 237,000 deaths, it has More than 1,000 people are Greece have also imposed Some 20 million young BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 taken four times the number dying every day - although various shutdowns. The Czech people are enrolled in col- of U.S. military lives that were not as many as in the spring, Republic, which has the leges and universities this SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 lost in the Vietnam War. It has thanks to improved treatment highest coronavirus infection year - many taking Thanks- taken twice the death toll of methods. rate in Europe after Belgium, giving break soon, which is ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 Americans in World War I. It President Donald Trump asked the WHO to dispatch an another opportunity for email: [email protected] has killed 79 times the has rightly been blamed for a emergency medical team superspreader events. Heart- number of people who died in woefully negligent pandemic because its medical profes- breaking as it is, this holiday PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 the 9/11 terrorism attacks. response. But now is a good sionals have become infected season demands extraor- email: [email protected] And, judging by the past moment to look ahead. The with the virus. dinary caution, and tradi- week, it will go on doing so. nation faces a colossal chal- “Lockdown” is itself a tional large family events ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 The virus is spreading uncon- lenge in the coming weeks, bitter medicine, but it may be should be avoided; research FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] trolled in every region of the and no clear path. necessary in some areas of shows it only takes one United States and in almost European governments, the United States to slow virus infected person to transmit CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 every state. The daily number facing a virus surge, have transmission. Economic the virus to dozens of others. email: [email protected] of new cases has reached moved with much greater losses are inevitable, and It also demands vigilance, and 134,000 and is rising. Hospi- alacrity,and their actions may deserve government relief, an effort to avoid compla- SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 talizations have increased foreshadow what can be but they will be far more cency and fatigue. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

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+974 6698 6188 Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2020 OPINION 09 Johnson enters Brexit endgame that could define his tenure

over the coming days. But the controversial clauses A deal is “there to be done, the even as they do so, events in relating to trade with outlines are pretty clear,” the UK Parliament risk further Northern Ireland as the price Johnson said. “We just need to souring ties and could still of any wider accord. get them to do it if we can.” scupper a deal. Johnson con- The bill is But while the govern- But with the clock running firmed he’s pushing ahead ment’s decision to push on down to Nov. 15, which both with legislation that rewrites controversial with the legislation is unlikely sides say is the very last STUART BIGGS parts of the Brexit withdrawal because it gives UK to derail talks by itself, its moment a deal can be done if BLOOMBERG deal he struck with the EU last ministers power to responses in Parliament and it is to be ratified by their year, with key votes in the outside have the potential to respective parliaments on upper House of Lords unilaterally rewrite foster distrust that could cast time, people familiar with the Boris Johnson faces a pivotal scheduled for Monday. the rules of post- a shadow over negotiations. matter see four potential ways week for his leadership as the “The parliamentary time- It’s also not only the EU’s the next few days could play UK stands on the brink of table goes ahead,” Johnson, Brexit trade with reaction that Johnson’s gov- out. completing its separation who has called the Internal Northern Ireland ernment has to worry about. The most likely scenario, from the European Union. Market Bill vital for the func- In September, the draft bill’s according to officials close to Over the course of the tioning of the UK’s economy — one of the most publication triggered an angry the talks, is that another week next seven days, the premier after Brexit, said in an contentious issues reaction from Biden and four of intensive negotiations needs to deliver a trade deal interview with the Associated senior members of the US could push the two sides with the EU or risk a chaotic Press published Sunday. in the entire EU Congress. They warned further together -- but not and economically damaging The bill is controversial divorce process. Johnson that any future enough to talk of a deal by the rupture, and avoid a rift with because it gives UK ministers The government has UK-US trade deal would be end of the week. That would US President-elect Joe Biden power to unilaterally rewrite contingent on preserving the leave political leaders a over the UK’s controversial the rules of post-Brexit trade said the legislation peace process in Northern choice on what to do about Brexit laws. with Northern Ireland -- one could break the law Ireland and preventing the one or two outstanding issues Major differences still After eight months of of the most contentious issues return of a hard border in if the majority of the work can need to be bridged on negotiations between the in the entire EU divorce in a “specific and Ireland -- something the leg- be done by Jan. 1. sides, Johnson and European process. The government has limited way.” islation threatens to do. Another scenario sees the same issues that Commission President Ursula said the legislation could “We can’t allow the Good things fall apart, even if it’s have plagued talks von der Leyen used a phone break the law in a “specific Friday Agreement that not what either side wants. call over the weekend to plot and limited way.” Asked on Monday if the brought peace to Northern Misjudging the opposite camp from the beginning: the way toward a trade deal Even though the Lords are government will reinstate any Ireland to become a casualty has been a theme throughout so-called level ahead of the November 15 likely to remove the most key clauses removed by the of Brexit,” Biden said at the the Brexit negotiations. Both deadline set by both parties. controversial clauses on Lords, Environment Secretary time on Twitter. “Any trade sides could also agree to playing field rules for Major differences still Monday -- the peers voted George Eustice told Sky News deal between the US and UK extend talks beyond the business, and access need to be bridged on the overwhelmingly to express “we will.” He said the powers must be contingent upon deadline toward the end of to British fishing same issues that have plagued “regret” at the legislation last the government wants to take respect for the Agreement and the month, or even into talks from the beginning: so- month -- Johnson is not are needed to provide “legal preventing the return of a December. waters. called level playing field rules expected to back down. One certainty and legal clarity” in hard border. Period.” It’s also not out of the for business, and access to official said the government Northern Ireland. On Sunday, Foreign Sec- question that a deal can be British fishing waters. faces a heavy defeat in the The EU is taking legal retary Dominic Raab denied reached this week. But the The two chief negotiators, Lords, but plans to fight to action against the UK over the the UK is on a collision course biggest disagreements David Frost and Michel overturn the changes when Internal Market Bill, and with the US president-elect between them — on fisheries Barnier, will try to thrash out the legislation returns to the European leaders have over Brexit, saying he’s con- especially — are fast their differences in London House of Commons. demanded that Johnson drop fident issues related to becoming too political to sort Northern Ireland can be out in the negotiating room. resolved in a way that doesn’t That leaves it firmly in the sour relations. He told the hands of Johnson and BBC the government has reas- European leaders to resolve. sured Biden’s team it has “no intention of imperiling” Ire- That assertion may land’s peace process. He also indicated that be tested if the UK while the government listens can’t reach a trade “very carefully to our American friends,” it is not agreement with about to shift strategy on the the EU that makes Internal Market Bill, noting that Biden would be taking the controversial office after the end of the elements of the Brexit transition period on Internal Market Bill Dec. 31. “I’m confident we will no longer needed. A navigate all of those issues deal is “there to be sensitively, correctly,” Raab said. “What the Americans done, the outlines will be looking for will be the are pretty clear,” opportunities of the future,” he said, including cooperation Johnson said. “We on COVID and climate just need to get them change. That assertion may be to do it if we can.” tested if the UK can’t reach a trade agreement with the EU that makes the controversial Anti-Brexit campaigner Steve Bray holding placards outside a conference centre in central London yesterday as talks on UK-EU elements of the Internal trade deal continue. Market Bill no longer needed. Vaccine diplomacy and the US-China rivalry in Africa

is discovered, it will be made factory. There are already This medical-supplies bragging rights when it came affordable to all. Here, in sub- several anti-COVID-19 vac- diplomacy is already bearing to medical diplomacy in Saharan Africa, many cines being developed by fruit. In September, Zim- Africa. For example, since believed these pledges and Chinese pharmaceutical babwe gave concessions to 2003, its PEPFAR funding for hoped that by the time winter corporations. Chinese companies to mine the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, starts in the Northern Hemi- With a massive production for coal in its Hwange Tuberculosis and Malaria, has sphere, there will be a vaccine capacity, these vaccines, once National Park, one of Africa’s helped save five million adults RAY MWAREYA available and millions of approved, will be made most precious wildlife from HIV-related mortality in AL JAZEERA doses will be shipped to available quickly and in large reserves. Only a global outcry sub-Saharan Africa. African states to help curb the quantities which would allow stopped the deal. But the COVID-19 pan- spread of the virus. Beijing to deploy them as a In the coming months and demic caught the US ill-pre- Earlier this year, the China- How naïve these hopes diplomatic tool much faster years, China will probably get pared and brought to the fore United States global rivalry have been. Today, there is still than its rival. a lot in return for its “dona- the failings of its own dys- escalated, as both countries no vaccine – only false hypes This would likely see tions”, especially given the functional, overly-privatised deployed their diplomatic for dubious electoral gains, as Africa capitulate to Beijing’s dire state in which most sub- health system. The country is arsenals to try to sway the concerns grow over trials pressure, as it will have no African economies are in. reeling from a record 236,000 competition for 5G contracts. being rushed and safety pro- affordable alternative. China The COVID-19 outbreak COVID-19 deaths and it is still The US managed to get the tocols undercut. On top of will quickly organise ship- has picked apart so many struggling to curb the spread United Kingdom to rescind a that, the global cooperation ments of the vaccine under African economies that GDP of the virus. deal with China’s Huawei to efforts have actually the banner of “strategic growth may slump to 1.5 By contrast, China has set up the country’s 5G descended into what looks donations”. percent in 2020 (down from been successful so far in con- network, which was seen as a like a rat race. A primer on this process 3.5 percent in 2019). In South trolling the outbreak of the Rich states major win for Washington. Rich states are disbursing is already underway. Prop- Africa, where the pandemic disease at home and has been are disbursing This rivalry extended into funding to large pharmaceu- agandist planeloads of has resulted in some 19,000 able to step up its medical Africa, with both superpowers ticals and pre-ordering mil- COVID-19 hospital gowns, deaths (the most on the con- diplomacy. Once its pharma funding to large trying to recruit client African lions of doses to ensure an nasal swab sticks, and sur- tinent) and impoverished mil- giants get an approved pharmaceuticals states to their side. The US has immediate supply for their gical masks “donated” by lions, the United Nations vaccine, this effort will tried to put pressure on Kenya own populations while China have been landing Development Programme expand further. and pre-ordering and South Africa, among ignoring concerns over frequently since April estimates that 34 percent of This will not only millions of doses other African countries, to affordability for the rest of the across African airports, households will highly likely strengthen Beijing’s sway in reconsider Huawei’s world. from Addis Ababa to Harare vanish from the middle- African capitals even more, to ensure an involvement in the set-up of This is laying the ground to Luanda. income bracket. With stressed but it will also help it displace immediate supply 5G systems. China, for its part, for the future use of COVID-19 In countries like Zim- healthcare budgets, the South the US and European Union for their own has put its weight behind the vaccines as a diplomatic babwe where public hospitals African government, like as Africa’s largest suppliers of tech giant. coercion tool against poorer are stripped to their bare others on the continent, is generic pills, hospital populations while However, with the raging states, including in sub- bones due to years of looting, likely to quickly warm up to equipment, and medic ignoring concerns coronavirus pandemic Saharan Africa. And China China’s COVID-19 “donations” the idea of accepting a trainers – and the main desti- causing country-wide shut- and the US will most certainly have been met with gleeful “cheaper” COVID-19 vaccine nation for the African elite’s over affordability downs and major economic use it in their escalating cheers, as top officials and from Beijing, once it is medical tourism. European for the rest of the downturns, the 5G race took a rivalry. Beijing’s diplomats have lined available. and American influence is on back seat as another one Even without a firm up on the tarmac to watch While China is capturing the decline in Africa, and world. emerged: the competition for vaccine on the table yet, this is “friendly masks” being “hearts, minds and gov- China’s medical diplomacy a COVID-19 vaccine. an arena where China is unloaded from planes. ernment favour” in Africa will only further accelerate it. Earlier this year promises already out-winning America. Chinese medical teams, too, with its COVID-19 “dona- Ray Mwareya is a fellow were made by various coun- Though a newbie on the have traversed dusty rural tions”, its main competitor, of the World Ethical Data tries and global institutions world’s vaccine market, China districts, checking in on the US, is nowhere to be seen. Foudation and a technology that once a COVID-19 vaccine aims to be the world’s vaccine COVID-19 isolation clinics. Washington used to claim journalist. 10 ASIA TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2020 Myanmar ruling party claims majority in polls AP — YANGON dictatorships that preceded her. There were no reliable Outside of Myanmar, her Myanmar’s ruling National official figures reputation took a dive in League for Democracy party available on voter response to her failure to defend claimed yesterday that it has the human rights of the coun- won enough seats in Parliament turnout, and the Union try’s Muslim Rohingya minority. to constitute an absolute Election Commission Her foreign supporters were majority and retain power. It shocked that she did nothing made the claim even though the had earlier said that it about the brutal 2017 counter- state Union Election might take as long as insurgency campaign of Myan- Commission has not yet mar’s army that forced about completed releasing results a week to release full 740,000 Rohingya to flee across from Sunday’s election. results. the border to neighbouring “I can now confirm that we’re Bangladesh. now securing more than 322 But the issue was a matter of seats,” said Monywa Aung Shin, in the last election in 2015, little concern to most voters, due a spokesperson for the NLD might cut its totals. to deep-seated prejudice against information committee. There Much of the NLD’s appeal is the Rohingya, whom many con- are 642 seats in Parliament. based on the popularity of its sider illegal immigrants from “We were aiming to secure leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, who South Asia despite their families Supporters of National League for Democracy gather to celebrate at party headquarters after the 377 seats in total. But it would became the head of government having been settled in Myanmar general election in Yangon, Myanmar, yesterday. be likely more than that,” said with the title of State Counsellor for generations. Few have citi- Monywa Aung Shin. after the 2015 polls. zenship or civil rights, including the spread of the coronavirus. how it conducted the election, must unequivocally condemn There were no reliable Her administration’s record the right to vote. More than 90 parties con- with a focus on the disenfran- the disenfranchisement of official figures available on voter has been mixed at best, with Suu Kyi in the past few tested the election and 37 chisement of the Rohingya Rohingya and other ethnic turnout, and the Union Election economic growth falling short months has in state media and million people were eligible to minority. nationalities or risk paving the Commission had earlier said that of expectations and no end to on livestreamed appearances cast ballots, including 5 million “A core principle of elec- path for future violations.” it might take as long as a week the decades-old armed strife on social media projected a first-time voters. tions under international law is “Other concerns include the to release full results. with ethnic minorities seeking strong image of leadership as Suu Kyi’s NLD in 2015 universal and equal suffrage government’s continued A victory by the NLD had greater autonomy. Myanmar has battled a surge in romped to a landslide victory and that is not what took place crackdown on the rights to been widely expected, though But among her countrymen, coronavirus infections. giving it an absolute majority and yesterday,” Ismail Wolff, freedom of expression and it had been speculated that its she has managed to retain the At the same time, much tra- ending more than five decades regional director of Fortify peaceful assembly, including deterioration of relations with appeal she built up during ditional campaigning, such as of military-directed rule. Rights, said in a statement the arbitrary arrest and ethnic minority-based parties, decades of fighting for mass rallies, was curbed by Her government drew crit- released Monday. “The inter- detention of civil society actors with whom it had cooperated democracy against the military restrictions imposed to control icism from rights groups for national community and activists,” the group said. Australia PM ‘welcomes’ Biden Heavy smog in Delhi raises fears for COVID-19 patients REUTERS — NEW DELHI concentration of PM2.5 particles lungs, facilitating the spread of stubble in their fields and the people will inevitably ignore pledge on Paris as well as bigger pollutants, has the coronavirus infection,” cooler weather can trap the the order. Residents of the Indian capital stayed above 400, on a scale of Asokan said. pollution. The court also told author- climate accord are enduring one of the worst 500, for five consecutive days, Doctors and researchers Doctors in Delhi, which has ities to contain air pollution spells of air pollution in years, government data showed. around the world have also reported a sharp increase in from all sources “in view of AFP — SYDNEY data released yesterday The tiny PM2.5 particles can reported a link between pol- respiratory infections due to potential of aggravation of showed, raising the risks to city cause cardiovascular and res- lution and deaths in patients the pollution, are fearing a COVID-19”. Australia’s prime minister residents posed by the novel piratory diseases including lung whose lungs are weakened by another jump after the Diwali As well as the stubble welcomed president-elect Joe coronavirus, doctors said. cancer, and pose a particular the novel coronavirus. festival on Sunday, which is burning, Delhi’s pollution Biden’s vow to return the US Pollution in New Delhi had risk for people with COVID 19. PM2.5 levels were 20 times celebrated with blizzards of woes are compounded by fac- to the Paris climate accord almost disappeared earlier this R V Asokan, the honorary the World Health Organization’s smoky firecrackers, even tories, vehicles and rubbish yesterday, even as he faces year, when the government secretary-general of the Indian safe limit on Monday, official though fireworks have been burning. mounting pressure to revamp imposed a nationwide Medical Association that repre- data showed. banned this year. The neighbouring state of his government’s climate lockdown to stop the corona- sents 350,000 doctors, told The five days with an AQI India’s main environment Punjab has recorded at least targets. virus. But the curbs have been Reuters the air pollution made above the 400 level is the court, the National Green Tri- 50,000 crop waste fires this Biden’s vow to reach net- lifted and the pollution, and the people more susceptible to longest spell of such heavy pol- bunal, forbid the sale and use year, unchanged from a year zero emissions by 2050 leaves virus, are back with a coronavirus infection. lution in November since 2016. of firecrackers in the city of 20 ago, despite a campaign to Australia as one of the few vengeance. “The PM2.5 particles break November is usually the worst million people, and neigh- encourage farmers to use advanced countries still Delhi’s overall air quality the nasal passage barrier, month for pollution across bouring cities, from Monday other methods to clear lacking such a target. index (AQI), which includes the weaken the inner lining of north India as farmers burn off to December 1, but some stubble. The sparsely populated continent produces relatively low emissions but is one of the world’s largest exporters of Sri Lanka to enforce both coal and gas. Prime Minister Scott Mor- rison — who has soft-pedalled virus curbs strictly efforts to tackle climate change — said Biden’s promise AP — COLOMBO Passenger trains resumed to re-enter the Paris operating after nearly two weeks agreement was “welcome”, Sri Lanka police will strictly and the government lifted a adding that the “United States enforce mask and social curfew that had been in effect in has always been welcome to distancing requirements and the capital, Colombo, and its rejoin”. punish violators starting suburbs. Only pockets where Yesterday, an independent yesterday as other anti-virus infections are high will remain lawmaker introduced a bill to measures are eased to reduce under isolation with no one per- parliament in Canberra that the economic pain. mitted to enter or leave the area. would codify the net-zero Police spokesman Ajith The government said the pledge — which all of Australia’s Rohana said 120 people have coronavirus threat hasn’t sub- states and territories have been arrested for failing to wear sided, but the region must be already vowed, but the conserv- face masks and maintain social opened up because the ative government has refused distancing in public places economy can’t sustain a con- to match at a federal level. during the last 10 days. Coro- tinued closure. In the face of climate- navirus rules introduced last Sri Lanka has counted worsened bush fires, floods month carry a penalty of a $54 13,929 COVID-19 patients with and drought, around 90 fine, six months’ imprisonment 35 deaths since the pandemic percent of Australians say or both. began. Both figures have been climate change is an important “From today onwards, we increasing because of two or critical threat to the country, will strictly enforce this law and recent clusters that account for according to a poll by Sydney’s will arrest those who defy these more than 9,900 of the total Lowy Institute. Residents wait in a queue to give swab samples for COVID-19 tests in Colombo, Sri Lanka, yesterday. rules,” Rohana said. infections. Morrison, whose conserv- ative Liberal-National coa- lition contains a smattering of climate sceptics, dodged the Duterte’s pick for top cop New virus rules in Cambodia question of a 2050 target. “Australia will always set its causes stir over drug deaths policies based on Australia’s restrain holiday celebrations interests,” he said, while noting REUTERS — MANILA targets who resisted arrest. that pledges from countries such “What lies ahead for the Fil- AP — PHNOM PENH Cambodia visit. He was placed and other members of their as New Zealand included “qual- Philippine activists voiced ipino people with Sinas’s in quarantine in Bangkok household have all tested neg- ifications”, carving out excep- concern yesterday about Pres- appointment is a bloody party Cambodians marked their Inde- before leaving for Hungary on ative twice. tions for critical industries. ident Rodrigo Duterte’s choice of human rights violations,” pendence Day holiday Wednesday. All of the people involved Ahead of the next UN of a new police chief, warning said Cristina Palabay of rights yesterday, but new coronavirus Cambodian Prime Minister with the Hungarian foreign climate summit in Glasgow of unchecked human rights group, Karapatan. restrictions kept them from Hun Sen announced Saturday minister’s trip are to be tested this year, Morrison had already abuses ahead and a crackdown “This fascist regime is celebrating at karaoke parlours, that a Cambodian bodyguard four times during their 14-day been under pressure over the on dissent under his watch. gearing up for an intensified museums, cinemas and other for Szijjarto had tested positive quarantine period. way Australia accounts for Debold Sinas’ appointment crackdown on dissent and entertainment venues which for the coronavirus. Education Ministry spokes- emissions. also caused a stir on social assault on human rights.” Sinas have been ordered shut until A second round of tests yes- person Ros Soveacha issued a Critics have accused Mor- media, where users recalled how could not be reached and the further notice. terday discovered three more statement yesterday saying rison’s government of using an as Manila police chief he had cel- national police did not respond Students in Phnom Penh, infected people among the 900 Phnom Penh’s Olympic accounting trick to meet Paris ebrated his birthday in May with to a request for comment. the capital, and the satellite who were involved with Szij- Stadium would close its gym targets, by using credits gained dozens of senior officers at a Presidential spokesman town of Kandal will not return jarto’s visit: a lawmaker from and other facilities because the under the Kyoto protocol. party that defied strict corona- Harry Roque said Duterte Tuesday to their schools, which Hun Sen’s ruling Cambodian infected Cambodian bodyguard “There will now be virus lockdown rules. valued his track record and were shut for two weeks by an People’s Party, a senior Agri- for Szijjarto also coached sports increased pressure on Aus- Sinas is the latest com- “big” contribution to drug war. Education Ministry order to culture Ministry official, and there. tralia to abandon its proposed mander to rise to the top post Asked about his suitability, contain the virus. Hungary’s ambassador to Cam- In his Saturday audio use of so-called Kyoto carry- under Duterte having led oper- Roque said Duterte need not The new restrictions were bodia and Vietnam. message, Hun Sen said he over credits,” said Richie ations in bloody hotspots of his explain his appointments. issued by the Health Ministry Hun Sen and four Cabinet would not declare a national or Merzian, a climate and energy war on drugs, during which A United Nations report in on Sunday because Hungary’s ministers went into quarantine local state of emergency, or bar expert at the Australia thousands of urban poor have June said tens of thousands of foreign minister tested positive because they met with Szijjarto travel by people not involved, Institute. been killed. people may have been killed in for the coronavirus after vis- the same day he tested positive. but urged people to observe Morrison has long insisted Rights groups accuse police the drug war amid “near iting Cambodia last week. Hun Sen said he will stay quar- Health Ministry guidelines. that Australia “met and beat” of executing suspected dealers. impunity” for police and Peter Szijjarto tested pos- antined for 14 days, and Cambodia has reported a its emissions targets under the Police say those killed in their incitement to violence by top itive upon arrival in Thailand announced Monday on his total of 297 cases of the coro- Kyoto global agreement. operations were legitimate officials. on Tuesday following a one-day Facebook page that he, his wife navirus, with no deaths. TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2020 ASIA 11 Biden victory to change US-North Korea dynamic AFP — SEOUL Biden’s victory heralds a return to more analyst Soo Kim. this year “out of consideration administration, which adopted “The regime is aware the for Trump”, said Shin Beom- a policy of “strategic patience”, Headline-grabbing summits standard diplomatic norms, analysts say, with prospects of a top-level meeting chul, a researcher at the Korea refusing to engage with between the leaders of North his administration wanting to see tangible with a US leader are going to be Research Institute for National Pyongyang unless it offered Korea and the United States will steps towards denuclearisation and progress slim now,” she added. Strategy. concessions first, or until the be off the agenda for some time, “We’re expecting a more “North Korea hoped for regime collapsed from within. analysts say, after US President- at a series of working-level negotiations before principled, systematic approach Trump’s re-election,” he said. The North carried out a elect Joe Biden characterised any made-for-TV summits. to Pyongyang. This likely means But Pyongyang has nuclear test four months into Kim Jong Un a “thug”, in less ad hoc interactions and become increasingly frus- Obama’s first term, but is likely contrast to Donald Trump’s some method to dealing with trated that the vaunted per- to wait to assess the Biden declarations of love. negotiations before any made- Pyongyang’s state media has yet Kim.” sonal relationship between administration’s approach Trump’s bizarre diplomatic for-TV summits. to mention the election or the Throughout the process Kim and Trump has not led to before launching major provo- engagement with Pyongyang On the campaign trail, Biden result, it has previously exco- with Trump, Pyongyang has an easing of sanctions or cations in a bid to seize the veered from mutual insults and said he would not meet with riated Biden, with the official continued to develop and other substantive concessions “upper hand”, said former CIA threats of war to “love letters” Kim without preconditions and Korean Central News Agency advance its arsenal, displaying from Washington. analyst Kim. and the first ever meeting accused Trump of “embold- calling him a “rabid dog” that an array of new weapons — In July, Kim’s powerful “Kim Jong Un may under- between a sitting US president ening” the North Korean leader. must be “beaten to death”. including a huge new ICBM — younger sister said the US stand that a poorly timed launch and a North Korean leader. In the final presidential According to analysts North at a military parade last month appeared to be “hostile” may elicit an adverse reaction The two mercurial men met debate last month, the Dem- Korea saw in Trump’s unor- marking the 75th anniversary towards the North “no matter from the US and its partners,” twice more after their landmark ocrat denounced Trump for thodox approach its best chance of its ruling party. how good the relations between she said. summit in Singapore in 2018, befriending Kim, likening the of securing a deal that would It has carried out dozens of the top leaders”. Instead, Park suggested, but with no concrete progress North Korean leader to Adolf allow it to keep at least some of missile launches since the col- Biden’s victory will have Pyongyang may resort to in denuclearisation efforts. Hitler. its nuclear weapons and inter- lapse of the second Kim-Trump “greatly complicated lower-level actions to try to Now Biden’s victory heralds “He’s talked about his good continental ballistic missiles summit in Hanoi in February Pyongyang’s calculations”, grab the new US president’s a return to more standard dip- buddy, who’s a thug,” Biden said (ICBMs), both of which are 2019, but the North has made said Park Won-gon, a pro- attention. “There is a large pos- lomatic norms, analysts say, of Kim. “That’s like saying we banned under UN Security sure not to cross the US presi- fessor of international rela- sibility that Pyongyang will with his administration wanting had a good relationship with Council resolutions. dent’s red lines of an ICBM or tions at Handong Global target South Korea,” he said. “It to see tangible steps towards Hitler before he invaded Pyongyang will be “slightly nuclear test. University. could judge that it is safer to denuclearisation and progress Europe.” peeved by the change in lead- Pyongyang probably held North Korea despises Biden create tension on the Korean at a series of working-level For its part, while ership”, said former CIA off testing strategic weapons for his role in the Obama peninsula.” Pakistan media HK pro-democracy mogul granted lawmakers threaten bail after months mass resignation in prison AFP — ISLAMABAD

AFP — HONG KONG violating their oaths by making Pakistan’s top court yesterday quorum calls and filibustering granted bail to the owner of Pro-democracy lawmakers in in the chamber, local pro- one of the country’s largest Hong Kong’s legislature will Beijing media reported media groups, after a months- resign “en masse” if Beijing’s top yetserday. long detention condemned by law-making committee moves “The pro-democratic camp rights groups as suppression to disqualify four of their has decided that if NPCSC of the press. colleagues for violating the decides to disqualify law- Mir Shakeel-ur-Rehman’s semi-autonomous city’s Basic makers, all pro-democratic Jang Group, which includes Law, the convener of the bloc lawmakers will resign en some of Pakistan’s biggest said yesterday. masse,” Wu Chi-wai, head of newspapers and the Geo tel- The threat came ahead of a the Democratic Party told a evision network, has fre- meeting of one of China’s top press conference yesterday. quently been critical of Prime law-making bodies, with Hong “We have to tell the central Minister Imran Khan’s gov- Kong media reporting that it government and we have to ernment as well as the coun- was considering disqualifying inform the people of Hong Kong try’s powerful military. Pan-democratic legislators including Kenneth Leung, Dennis Kwok, Wu Chi-wai, Alvin Yeung and four of the semi-autonomous that (what) the central gov- He was arrested in March Kwok Ka-ki join their hands together during a news conference as they threaten mass resignations city’s legislators. ernment is trying to do with the over alleged corruption in a Hong Kong’s democracy people’s representatives in amid reports of Beijing’s plans to disqualify four opposition lawmakers, in Hong Kong, yesterday. land transaction dating back camp has been under sustained Hong Kong is totally ridiculous,” to 1986, an accusation denied attack since Beijing imposed a Wu said. resorting to filibustering, saying the tactic “followed the In a direct response to the by his representatives who in sweeping national security law The chamber passes Hong chanting and obstruction to try rule of procedures” in the protests, Beijing bypassed the turn alleged that Pakistan’s in response to huge and often Kong’s laws, but only half of its to halt bills they oppose. chamber. “It seems those in legislature and imposed a corruption watchdog targeted violent protests last year, seats are directly elected — and A mass resignation would power cannot tolerate oppo- sweeping new national security him because Rehman’s media including political disqualifica- a complex appointment system leave the legislature composed sition any more,” he added. law on Hong Kong in late June. group looked into the agency’s tions, arrests for social media ensures the city’s pro-Beijing almost entirely of those toeing More than 10,000 people Critics say its broadly worded workings. posts and activists fleeing establishment is all but guar- Beijing’s line. were arrested during the Hong provisions are a hammer blow “The court has granted bail overseas. anteed a handsome majority. Democratic lawmaker Kong protests, and the courts are to the flickering freedoms that to Mir Shakeel-ur-Rehman, he The National People’s Con- Scuffles and protests rou- Dennis Kwok slammed the now filled with trials -- many of China promised Hong Kong is going to be released after gress Standing Committee will tinely break out, with the pro- reports members would be them involving opposition law- could keep after the end of British spending more than 200 days consider purging the four for democracy minority often thrown out for filibustering, makers and prominent activists. colonial rule in 1997. in detention”, Rana Jawad, Geo TV’s director of news, said. Last week, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) called China holds off on sending congratulations to Biden on Pakistan’s supreme court to order Rehman’s release, REUTERS — BEIJING media briefing. “We understand Xi Jinping a “thug” and vowed hasn’t congratulated Biden on his should work to communicate saying he was being held on a that the US presidential election to lead a campaign to “pressure, victory as quickly as Western with Biden’s team. “spurious charge”. China, which has held off on result will be determined fol- isolate and punish China” — he countries did.” “I think it’s because “It’s in the common interests RSF added Rehman’s congratulating US presidential lowing US law and procedures.” is likely to take a more China needs to keep larger dis- of people from both countries group was targeted because its election winner Joe Biden even In 2016, Chinese President Xi measured and multilateral tance from the US presidential and of the international com- journalists “dare to tackle as leaders of other countries Jinping sent congratulations to approach. election to avoid getting entangled munity that China-US relations stories that are supposed to be have done so, said yesterday it Trump on November 9, a day “We always believe that in its controversy. This actually become eased and control- off-limits”. would follow custom in after the election. China and the United States shows that China respects the US lable,” it said. Pakistan routinely ranks responding to the result. Relations between China should enhance communication as a whole,” he added. The China Daily said it was among the world’s most dan- Democrat Biden clinched and the United States are at and dialogue, manage differ- Earlier yesterday, Chinese “obvious” improving ties with gerous countries for media enough states to win the pres- their worst in decades over dis- ences on the basis of mutual state media struck an optimistic China could start from trade, workers and criticism of the idency but incumbent President putes ranging from technology respect, expand cooperation on tone in editorials, saying rela- and reviving trade talks was country’s powerful security Donald Trump has not con- and trade to Hong Kong and the the basis of mutual benefit and tions could be restored to a state critical to restoring some establishment has long been ceded and is making legal chal- coronavirus, and the Trump promote sound and stable of greater predictability, starting understanding and trust. seen as a red line. lenges to the outcome of the administration has unleashed development of bilateral rela- with trade. Wang Huiyao, head of the Journalists and bloggers November 3 election. a barrage of sanctions against tions,” Wang told the briefing. While acknowledging that Center for China and Globali- have complained of intim- “We noticed that Mr Biden Beijing. Hu Xijin, editor of the Global Washington was unlikely to ease zation and an advisor to the idation tactics including has declared election victory,” While Biden is expected to Times, a tabloid published by the pressure on China over issues government in Beijing, said he kidnappings, beatings, and foreign ministry spokesman maintain a tough stance on ruling Communist Party’s People’s such as Xinjiang and Hong Kong, expects more dialogue under a even killings if they cross Wang Wenbin told a daily China — he has called President Daily, said in a tweet: “China the Global Times said Beijing Biden administration. that line. South Korea’s Moon to ensure no gap in alliance with US

REUTERS — SEOUL “We will gather forces as an South Korea’s ruling party alliance on the shared values of floor leader Kim Tae-nyeon President Moon Jae-in said democracy, peace, human yesterday separately called for yesterday South Korea will rights, international solidarity an arrangement of an early ensure there is no gap in the and multilateral cooperation,” summit between Moon and alliance with the United States Moon told his top aides, the Biden once he is inaugurated. and the process of building peace presidential Blue House said in On Sunday, South Korea’s on the Korean peninsula, as he a statement regarding the foreign minister arrived in congratulated Joe Biden on his incoming Biden Washington for talks with her US presidential election win. administration. American counterpart, US Sec- South Korea found outgoing The South Korean gov- retary of State Mike Pompeo US President Donald Trump a ernment will work to promote who cancelled his planned visit willing partner in efforts to economic relations through to Seoul last month after Trump meet with North Korea’s Kim bilateral trade and policies and tested positive for the Jong Un. cooperate towards carbon neu- coronavirus. However, the relationship trality and tackle climate Kang Kyung-wha said it was strained by disagreements change, said Moon. was too soon to predict how the Thai royalists’ plea to Japan over exactly how to engage He also vowed to make new US administration would with Pyongyang, trade and progress on denuclearisation on handle specific issues, but she A royalist protester (left) presents a letter to a Japanese embassy staff demanding Tokyo deport Trump’s demand that Seoul pay the peninsula with the next didn’t expect Biden to return to Pavin Chachavalpongpun, an exiled Thai activist based in Japan, back to Thailand to face lese majeste billions of dollars more to administration, while seeking former US President Barack charges, outside the Embassy of Japan in Bangkok, yesterday. support the US troop presence new opportunities and solutions Obama’s policy of strategic on the peninsula. to improve inter-Korean ties. patience toward North Korea. 12 EUROPE TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2020 EU and US must work side by side: Merkel REUTERS — BERLIN into the United States and criticised Berlin for not con- German Chancellor Angela America is and remains tributing enough to Nato. Merkel yesterday congratu- our most important ally. “We Germans and we lated Joe Biden on his US But it expects us, and Europeans know that we have presidential election win and to take on more responsibility called for the European Union rightly so, to make in this partnership in the 21st and United States to work stronger efforts to take century,” Merkel said. “side by side”, but also said care of our security and “America is and remains the EU must do more to to stand up for our our most important ally. But provide for its own security. convictions in the world. it expects us, and rightly so, Merkel held up Biden, who to make stronger efforts to was vice president under take care of our security and former president Barack Angela Merkel to stand up for our convic- Obama, as an experienced German Chancellor tions in the world,” she added. leader who knows Germany Foreign Minister Heiko and Europe well, stressing: Maas said later Germany is “We are allies in Nato, we global warming and ter- willing to work together with share fundamental values... rorism, and to champion free Biden and take over more German Chancellor Angela Merkel speaks during a statement on the outcome of the 2020 US and interests.” trade. responsibility in areas where presidential election in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. Eager to move on from Trump previously called Washington may wish to scale President Donald Trump’s Germany “a captive to Russia” back its engagement. share of responsibility in down to military issues only. becomes a trans-Atlantic critical view of Germany, for supporting a Baltic Sea gas “The signal to Washington fields where the United States It is not (just) about money, cooperation again”, Maas Merkel said her country, as pipeline deal with Russia. is clear: We are prepared not may no longer wish to be as but also about political coop- said, adding: “In the European part of the EU, and the United Trump also threatened only to cooperate, but also to engaged as in the past. eration.” Germany is ready to Union, we will have to con- States must work “side by German auto makers with talk about Europe and “But this discussion,” Maas do its bit so that “the trans- sider how we can strengthen side” to tackle COVID-19, high tariffs on cars imported Germany assuming a larger added, “must not be narrowed Atlantic confrontation the European pillar of Nato.” Court tears up mask rule in Duesseldorf UK making good progress AFP — BERLIN encountering other people who Europe. A series of court cases when it was clear that the pro- are fewer than five metres (16 favouring plaintiffs had last testers were unlikely to respect on travel testing to cut The German city of Duesseldorf feet) away can be precluded. month toppled bans on hotel rules including on mask- was forced yesterday to lift an In its ruling, the court called stays for domestic travellers wearing or maintaining a safe quarantine: Minister order for residents to wear Duesseldorf’s order confusing from German districts with distance. masks against the coronavirus, because it did not provide high prevalence of the virus. The interior ministry on REUTERS — LONDON government help, asking for tax after a citizen successfully sued clarity on “which conduct is Thousands of demon- Monday said that courts too holidays from requirements against the blanket rule. required” while at the same strators protesting the restric- need to act responsibly in the Britain is making good progress such as air passenger duty and The setback for the western time threatening a fine in case tions also ran riot in the eastern extraordinary situation thrown with a plan to allow COVID-19 business rates. city came as Germany is fighting of non-compliance. city of Leipzig on Saturday, up by the pandemic. tests to cut a 14-day quarantine But Shapps said the primary a surging second wave of City authorities said they flinging fireworks and other “All authorities involved, period for those returning from solution to aviation companies’ COVID-19, with new daily cases would re-examine the wording projectiles at police after they including the courts, at this abroad, a change which could financial problems would be reaching record levels almost of their mask order following were told to disperse. moment have a great respon- help fuel a travel recovery once getting customers flying again, every other day. the ruling. The violence shocked sibility in this exceptional sit- current lockdowns end, the “ideally through the devel- Duesseldorf authorities on Opposition to strict curbs German leaders, sparking a uation and must make deci- transport minister said. opment of an effective vaccine”. Wednesday ordered masks in including maintaining safe dis- hail of condemnation and sions in a way that they can be Airport bosses welcomed Separately, positive news public across the city, with the tances or limiting social con- questions over why the local realistically implemented,” the update from the minister, about a Pfizer vaccine while the exception of parks and ceme- tacts has been rising in court had even allowed the warned interior ministry Grant Shapps, at an online con- conference was being held teries, unless the possibility of Germany and elsewhere across demonstration to proceed spokesman Steve Alter. ference but said more needed boosted UK airline shares yes- to be done. The top priority for terday, with British Airways them is that the government owner IAG and easyJet both up National unity in Italy eliminates the requirement for 30 percent. The chief executive quarantine through testing for of Gatwick, Britain’s second splinters in face of the coronavirus. biggest airport after London’s “We’re making very good Heathrow, told the conference COVID-19 second wave progress on a ‘test to release that he favoured an antigen test programme’ to launch once 72 hours before departure as a REUTERS — MILAN/ROME we’re out of this lockdown,” way to end the need for Shapps said yesterday. “Once quarantine. Italy won plaudits for its discipline and unity we emerge from the lockdown, Shapps said that rapid in fighting the Western world’s first corona- we can roll out new systems to actual-flow tests for the coro- virus outbreak in the spring, but that sense help get people flying and trav- navirus being trialled in Liv- of common purpose is unravelling in the face elling again.” erpool which give results in less of the second wave. UK airports and airlines said than an hour should be seen as Despite a surge in infections and deaths, that a shorter quarantine period an optimistic development. Italians who stoically accepted a blanket was even more crucial after a “Ultimately it could open the national lockdown in March are now less new four-week lockdown way for non-quarantined air willing to respect far less rigid restrictions, imposed in England until travel.” egged on by local politicians at odds with the December 2 wiped out any of The government was also government in Rome. the remaining meagre income working with partner countries Italy last week became the sixth country they were still making from low to consider pre-departure quar- in the world to surpass 40,000 COVID-19 levels of travel during the antine and testing options that fatalities. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has second wave of the COVID-19 would end the need for quar- progressively tightened measures to try to pandemic. antine upon arrival at desti- stem the trend, calibrating them around the A medical worker speaks with patients outside a hospital as the battle with the coronavirus They have called for extra nation, he said. country according to local infection rates, but disease intensifies, in Naples, Italy, yesterday. so far with little success. The industrial northern regions of Lom- lockdown measures. regular payroll employees, such as furlough French far-left leader Melenchon bardy and Piedmont have been hit by the Italy was Europe’s most sluggish economy schemes, grants and tax relief. most stringent curbs, with restaurants and even before COVID-19 hit, and the latest clo- Italy has also seen friction between to run for president in 2022 most shops and services closed, and an order sures leave its official forecast of a 9 percent national and local governments. The latter to stay at home other than for work and drop in output this year looking optimistic. lurch between accusing Rome of being too REUTERS — PARIS essential needs. Yet a stroll around Lom- Despite a government-imposed freeze lax or too tough, of imposing decisions from bardy’s capital Milan when the norms came on dismissals, some 330,000 jobs were lost above or passing the buck when it delegates French far-left leader Jean-Luc into force on Friday showed many people between February — when Italy’ outbreak them to regional authorities. Melenchon said on Sunday he flouting them, with lines of striking taxi began — and September, according to sta- “This is a slap in the face to Lombardy,” would run for president in 2022 drivers and people sipping their morning tistics bureau ISTAT. said its governor Attilio Fontana after Conte’s if he received enough public coffees in front of open cafes. “I’m more angry than worried about the latest restrictions, even though his region is support for what would be his “In March I lost my dad to COVID but I coronavirus,” says Guido Bonvicini, a 55-year the hardest hit by the virus in the second third bid for the Elysee Palace. am not afraid of the virus for me or my loved old mountain guide from the northern city wave, just as it was in the first. Melenchon, a spearhead of ones now, I am much more afraid for my of Brescia. “This second lockdown blocks all Fontana is from the right-wing League the opposition against French company,” says 46-year-old Tiziana Sette, my planning, it blocks the winter and all work party, whose leader Matteo Salvini and other President Emmanuel Macron’s who has had to close down the gym she runs prospects until summer 2021.” Bonvincini, opposition politicians are pouncing on economic policies and a sup- in Milan for the second time this year. like many Italians, blames Rome and Italy’s opinion polls showing support for Conte porter of the “yellow vest” anti- Sette says she has received none of the 20 regional governments for failing to set up starting to fray as Italians grow weary at yet government protests, won an Jean-Luc Melenchon grants the government promised to busi- adequate testing and prevention measures more economic hardship. unprecedented 19.5% in the first nesses hit by the lockdowns and is worried to control a second wave. “It’s time for us to start all pulling in the round of the 2017 presidential The left-wing firebrand, who that even when she is allowed to reopen she “Instead they have again turned on us, same direction instead of trying to make election. also ran for president in 2012, has will never regain the number of customers the citizens,” he said. political gain out of the virus, otherwise we’re “We have to turn on a light been a frequent critic of the gov- needed to stay in business. Factories remain open to prevent total heading for disaster,” says Massimo Galli, one at the end of the tunnel for ernment’s handling of the coro- Unlike in the spring, the latest measures economic meltdown, offering relief for the of the country’s most prominent virologists. people, we can do things differ- navirus outbreak in France, imposed by Conte have met frequent pro- industrial north but widening the wealth gap Galli, head of infectious diseases at Milan’s ently,” Melenchon said on tele- where deaths topped 40,000 on tests in cities around the country, where with the poor south, which got by mainly on Sacco hospital, says Italians worried about vision channel TF1’s evening Saturday. A Paris suburb court modest numbers of sometimes violent dem- bars, restaurants and other services now their economic survival no longer want to news. handed him a suspended three- onstrators have let off firecrackers and forced to shut. hear from experts about the dangers of the “I am ready and I offer my month prison term and a 8,000 clashed with police. The south, where millions work in the virus. candidacy,” he said, adding he euros fine in December 2019 for Similar protests have been seen in France, informal economy, has also missed out on “There’s no doubt that for a part of public would do so only if 150,000 intimidating officials who were Spain and other European countries ham- many government support measures opinion we have gone from being seen as people signed up in favour in an investigating him over possible mered by soaring infections and tough available to legally operating firms with heroes to doom-mongers,” he said. online petition. funding irregularities. Spain to start trial of suspects France breaks up people smuggling ring to UK linked to deadly 2017 van attack AFP — PARIS service stations where they were euros, said Jean Arvieu, deputy found that at the height of the REUTERS — MADRID hidden in trucks bound for the chief of the police’s central office business there were daily runs A single attacker drove a French police said yesterday they UK without the knowledge of the against illegal immigration. between Paris and Britain. Spain’s High Court will today rented van into crowds on Bar- had arrested seven members of drivers. The ring was run by Iraqi- Most people smuggled on the open the trial of three celona’s central La Rambla boul- a people smuggling ring which The people smugglers Kurdish organisers who took route were either Iraqi, Iranian, suspected militants linked to a evard, causing 14 deaths and helped migrants enter Britain charged each migrant 3,000 over the network after gangland Afghan, Syrian or Pakistani, 2017 attack in Barcelona which injuring over a hundred people. illegally from France. euros for the passage, giving their wars with rival groups, he said. nationalities that often target killed 14 people — Spain’s Another man was killed during The gang picked up migrants network total revenues over the Police, which investigated the Britain as their final deadliest in over a decade. the attacker’s getaway. in Paris, took them to motorway past year of 1.5 to 3.0 million ring for a year before the arrests, destination. TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2020 EUROPE 13 Portugal, Hungary impose virus curfews

AP — LISBON larger deliveries are expected in mid-to-late January. Portugal and Hungary yesterday Portugal, which like The French government has became the latest European other European gradually ratcheted up from countries to impose curfews countries has seen localised curfews and closures against the resurgent tide of cases and hospital of bars and other targeted busi- coronavirus infections and nesses to what is now a full- deaths lashing the continent and admissions surge in blown nationwide lockdown, filing its emergency wards. But recent weeks, imposed albeit with schools and essential glimmers of hope emerged from a state of emergency businesses open. Health Minister France, the Czech Republic and and ordered some 7 Olivier Veran said early indica- Belgium that tough restrictions million people — tions are that the measures may might be starting to work. be starting to slow the latest Portugal, which like other around 70 percent of surge in France and that it would European countries has seen its population — to stay “have flared up faster and cases and hospital admissions home on weekday stronger” without them. surge in recent weeks, imposed nights from 11pm to Still, the situation in French a state of emergency and 5am for at least the hospitals and nursing homes was ordered some 7 million people grim, with emergency wards — around 70 percent of its pop- next two weeks. approaching saturation and ulation — to stay home on some sick patients being evac- weekday nights from 11pm to uated from struggling hospitals 5am for at least the next two mirrored those becoming to others that still had space. weeks. They’ll be even more depressingly familiar across With more than 1.8 million infec- limited over weekends, allowed Europe as the virus surges anew, tions since the start of the health Women wearing face masks cross a street in downtown Lisbon, Portugal, yesterday. out only in the mornings until including limits on eateries, crisis, France has Europe’s 1pm, unless to buy essentials at sports events and family gath- highest cumulative total of supermarkets. erings, and remote learning for recorded cases and the fourth- admissions was reached that below the 8,000-mark. it nor close our eyes and hope “People need to comply. If high school and university stu- highest worldwide. day, Van Laethem said. Elsewhere across the it goes away. It pays no heed to they don’t we are in a bad situ- dents. The restrictions begin Two other European nations Some 6,948 virus patients increasingly hunkered-down political rhetoric or conspiracy ation,” said Miriam Ferreira, a today at midnight and will remain reported some success in are being treated in Belgian hos- continent, the situation was in theories. Our only hope is 44-year-old laundry worker in in place for at least 30 days. fighting the virus. Belgian health pitals now, down about 500 flux. The Director-General of science, solutions and Lisbon. “I know, we all know, that authorities are confident that the patients from November 3. the World Health Organization, solidarity.” Portugal’s government this will not be easy. The next hard-hit country’s partial To break the chain of trans- Tedros Adhanon Ghebreyesus, Russia yesterday reported a warned that its measures may weeks will be difficult. But the lockdown has seen the peak of mission, Belgium has returned said unity between countries record number of new daily infec- be broadened and prolonged if vaccine is within sight, we’ve got hospital admissions come and to partial lockdown measures would be key going forward. tions — 21,798 cases, over 1,000 they prove insufficient. to hold out until then,” Orban go. Speaking at a news con- including closing non-essential “We might be tired of more than the previous daily tally Hungary also imposed its said. ference, virologist Yves Van shops, clubs and restaurants, as COVID-19, but it’s not tired of — but a daily death toll of 256, well strictest measures so far. Prime Last week, Hungarian Laethem said about 400 people well extending the autumn us. Yes, it preys on those in below its highest count. Minister Viktor Orban Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto were hospitalized due to coro- school vacation. weaker health, but it preys on Overall, Russia has tallied announced an 8pm-to-5am announced that a small navirus complications on Infections in the Czech other weaknesses, too: Ine- nearly 1.8 million infections and curfew, except for commuters shipment of a Russian corona- Sunday, compared with 879 on Republic have started to decline quality, division, denial and 30,793 deaths but officials say going to work. All businesses virus vaccine would arrive in November 3. after a two-month rise to record wishful thinking and willful they are not considering must close by 7pm. Hungary in December to “Subject to an unpleasant high levels and the number of ignorance,” he said. imposing any national Other measures in Hungary undergo final tests, and that surprise,” the peak in hospital people hospitalized also dropped “We cannot negotiate with lockdown. Russian energy minister to become Deputy PM in reshuffle Russian soldier suspected of REUTERS — MOSCOW provide stability during the Speaking at a government CEO of Russia’s State Transport volatility on the global oil meeting with Russia’s influ- Leasing Company (GTLK), is killing three at Russian Prime Minister Mikhail market. ential group of deputy prime the main candidate to take over Mishustin recommended the In a shake-up first reported ministers, Mishustin said he at Aeroflot, two aviation base detained promotion of Energy Minister by media outlets Kommersant was recommending Nikolai industry sources told Reuters. Alexander Novak to the post of and RBC, President Vladimir Shulginov, CEO of RusHydro, GTLK declined to comment. deputy prime minister Putin also dismissed Transport a hydroelectric power gener- Aeroflot did not immedi- AFP — MOSCOW yesterday as part of a second Minister Yevgeny Dietrich, ation company, to replace ately respond to a request for overhaul of the cabinet this Natural Resources and Envi- Novak as energy minister. comment. A Russian soldier suspected of year. ronment Minister Dmitry Kob- Novak, 49, played an Mishustin recommended killing three of his colleagues The reshuffle is not ylkin and Construction Minister important role in helping OPEC Alexander Kozlov, the minister using an axe and a gun at a expected to diminish Novak’s Vladimir Yakushev. reach a 2016 deal to cut global for the development of the military base has been detained influence on the country’s ties Kremlin spokesman Dmitry oil output. Russian Far East and Arctic, as after a huge manhunt, officials with the Organization of the Peskov said the reshuffle, Shulginov has worked in natural resources and envi- said. Petroleum Exporting Countries carried out before next year’s the electric power industry ronment minister, and pro- The suspect “has been (OPEC), with Novak saying he parliamentary elections, was Russian Energy Minister since 1975, according to his posed Irek Fayzullin, deputy detained by law enforcement would work “in tandem” with the result of a normal minis- Alexander Novak biography on RusHydro’s construction minister, as head agencies,” the military said in a his successor to oversee terial rotation and not tied to website. He was appointed its of the construction ministry. statement carried by the state Russian energy strategy until the ministers’ performance in the resignation of Prime Min- CEO in 2015. Mishustin recom- The State Duma, the lower news agency TASS. 2035. Industry sources said fulfilling President Vladimir ister Dmitry Medvedev and mended that Vitaly Saveliev, house of parliament, still has He was now being interro- that Novak, who had served as Putin’s directives. proposed constitutional CEO of Russia’s flagship airline to approve the appointments. gated, it added. energy minister since 2012 Russia carried out a amendments that could allow Aeroflot, become transport It is expected to do so today, The 20-year-old soldier would remain Moscow’s main sweeping cabinet reshuffle in him to remain in power after minister. Russian news agencies identified as private Anton representative at OPEC and January after Putin accepted his term ends in 2024. Mikhail Poluboyarinov, reported. Makarov was detained following a massive manhunt. More than 100 members of the national Putin won’t congratulate Biden guard as well as drones had taken part in the search oper- ation, a spokesman said. until legal action resolved Investigators said Makarov AP — MOSCOW the day after the vote. attacked an officer at the Bal- Putin’s spokesman Dmitry timore military airfield near the Russian President Vladimir Peskov told reporters yesterday city of Voronezh at 5.30am. Putin won’t congratulate Pres- that this year is different. Voronezh is located more ident-elect Joe Biden until legal “Obviously, you can see than 500km south of Moscow. challenges to the US election that certain legal procedures “In order to get hold of a are resolved and the result is are coming there, which were service weapon Makarov killed official, the Kremlin announced announced by the incumbent an officer with an axe,” the yesterday. president — therefore this sit- Investigative Committee, which Putin is one of a handful of uation is different, so we con- probes serious crimes, said in a world leaders who have not sider it correct to wait for the statement. He then started commented on Biden’s victory, official announcement,” he shooting his fellow servicemen, which was called by major said. killing two and wounding one, news organizations on The leaders of China, Brazil the statement said. Saturday. and Turkey also are holdouts An unidentified source told But President Donald in offering congratulations. the Interfax news agency that Trump’s team has promised And Mexican President Andrés the shooting started when an legal action in the coming days Manuel López Obrador also altercation broke out between and refused to concede his loss, said he would wait to comment the soldier and an officer during while alleging large-scale voter until the legal challenges over an inspection. The soldier fraud, so far without proof. the vote were resolved. “grabbed a handgun” from the Taking precautions When Trump won in 2016, Chinese Foreign Ministry officer’s holster and fired, Putin was prompt in offering spokesman Wang Wenbin yes- Interfax reported. Russia’s Pedestrians wearing face masks walk in Moscow’s International Business Centre, yesterday, amid the congratulations — but Trump’s terday offered a similar expla- Western Military District ongoing coronavirus disease pandemic. Russia confirmed 21,798 new COVID-19 daily cases, including challenger in that election, nation of why President Xi however denied that a conflict 6,897 in Moscow and 1,403 for St Petersburg. Hillary Clinton, also conceded Jinping has stayed silent. had taken place. Belarus opposition leader Virus infections in Belgium surpass half a million decries crackdown, arrests REUTERS — BRUSSELS the post-summer resurgence of were down 9 percent over the Monday that the situation the virus. same period. remained very difficult for AFP — MINSK The total of COVID-19 infections Data from the Sciensano Health Ministry spokesman hospitals. recorded in Belgium has hit half health institute showed that the Yves Van Laethem said he “If we have reached a peak, Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya yesterday a million, according to data number of positive COVID-19 expected the number of patients it’s only after that we know it,” denounced a crackdown on peaceful demonstrators after more released yesterday, but the tests crossed 500,000 on in intensive care units (ICUs) to De Croo said. “It is clear that the than one thousand people were detained at a rally against country may be past the peak of Sunday after a two-week period remain below the maximum end-of-year celebrations will be strongman Alexander Lukashenko. its second wave of coronavirus during which the daily average capacity of 2,000. done in a different way.” Bel- For three months, tens of thousands have taken to the streets as the number of people in of new cases stood at more than “Even if the number of gium’s COVID-19 death toll since of Belarus on Sundays to protest against the disputed re-election hospitals is decreasing slowly. 12,600. patients in intensive care is still the pandemic began is 13,055, of Lukashenko, who has been in power for more than two decades. The country of 11 million, There was a 40% drop in the slightly increasing, we can according to Sciensano. The Viasna rights group said that police detained 1,048 people home to the headquarters of the daily average of cases over the expect this number to level off The government has at demonstrations on Sunday against the 66-year-old authori- European Union and NATO, has past seven days from the pre- during the week and to remain imposed social restrictions to tarian leader, who claimed a sixth term in August’s disputed one of the world’s highest vious week. Although this may under 1,500 patients,” he told a curb the spread of the virus and election. It was the largest number of protesters that police have COVID-19 mortality rates and be because authorities are now news conference. will review these measures, swept up since a brutal post-vote crackdown by security services has seen one of Europe’s testing only people with Prime Minister Alexander De including the closure of all non- saw nearly 7,000 detained over several days and sparked wide- sharpest jump in cases during symptoms, hospital admissions Croo told La Premiere radio on essential stores, on December 1. spread claims of torture and abuse in detention centres. 14 AMERICAS TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2020 Morales returns to Bolivia, ending a year in exile

AP — LA PAZ, BOLIVIA New President Luis Arce has downplayed suggestions that Morales would play a major Former President Evo Morales returned to Bolivia yesterday role in his administration, but the 61-year- following an election that old former leader remains the nation’s most returned his socialist party to prominent figure. power a year after he fled the nation amid a wave of protests. Hundreds of supporters But there is no active arrest former leader remains the accompanied the nation’s first warrant and the man who led nation’s most prominent figure. Indigenous president as he Bolvia for almost 14 years He has not spoken about his crossed the border from apparently feels confident he is plans. Once overwhelmingly Argentina, whose leftist leader safe back home after a protege, popular, Morales saw his came to bid him farewell. former Economy Minister Luis support erode over his refusal “I am going to miss you,” Arce, was sworn in as president to accept limits on his ability to Bolivia’s former president Evo Morales (left) waving goodbye next to Argentine President Alberto President Alberto Fernández on Sunday after winning seek reelection and over alle- Fernandez in La Quiaca, Argentina, before crossing on foot back to his country, yesterday. told Morales. election with 55% of the gations of increasing authori- Morales still faces charges national vote. tarianism. Protests over alleged He flew first to Mexico, and also accused Morales’ admin- inhabitants. of treason lodged by prose- Morales’ Movement Toward fraud roiled the nation when he later moved to Argentina and istration of similar judicial Meanwhile, newly inaugu- cutors under the conservative Socialism party also retained its claimed a narrow outright was not permitted to take part abuses. Officials in the former rated President Arce held off interim government that majority in congress. victory in the October 2019 in last month’s election. government alleged that on announcing his cabinet, accused him of stirring violent Arce has downplayed sug- presidential election, and he Human Rights Watch has Morales had urged followers which will have to confront the protests and spent much of the gestions that Morales would wound up resigning at the sug- said the terrorism charges surrounding cities during pro- COVID-19 pandemic as well as past 12 months attempting to play a major role in his admin- gestion of military and police against Morales appear to be tests against his ouster to cut a sharp economic reverse his policies. istration, but the 61-year-old leaders. politically motivated, though it off food supplies for contraction. Storm Eta makes landfall in Florida Keys after lashing Cuba Maduro hopes to restart AFP — MIAMI Keys, the NHC said earlier, schools yesterday, COVID-19 adding the “strong tropical testing sites were temporarily dialogue Tropical Storm Eta made storm” was blowing maximum shut and authorities opened landfall at the Florida Keys late sustained winds of 65 miles shelters and began handing out with US Sunday, bringing heavy rains (100 kilometres) per hour. sandbags for residents to and strong winds after A tropical storm is con- protect their homes from REUTERS — CARACAS slamming Cuba and earlier sidered a hurricane when it hits flooding. cutting a deadly path through wind speeds of 74 miles per Eta hit Nicaragua on Venezuelan President Nicolas Central America and southern hour. Tuesday as a powerful hur- Maduro said his government Mexico. A hurricane watch for south ricane before losing strength. would work to establish At least 200 people are dead Florida was discontinued, while It caused torrential rains dialogue with the United or missing after Eta — initially a similar advisory for the that have left some 200 victims States under President-elect classified as a hurricane — Florida Keys and Florida Bay dead or missing in Central Joe Biden, after relations ripped through Nicaragua, Gua- was replaced with a Tropical America. deteriorated under President temala, and Honduras, causing Storm Warning. The most affected country Donald Trump. flooding and landslides. But the NHC upgraded their has been Guatemala, where “I hope we can work to But by the time the storm advisory for Florida’s west coast about 150 people are missing. restart sincere and direct Honduran soldiers evacuate local residents from a flooded area made landfall on the tip of to tropical Storm Warning. Rescuers on Saturday channels of decent dialogue in the municipality of Baracoa, department of Cortes, on Sunday. Florida, it had weakened with Cuba’s meteorology searched for the bodies of res- between the future gov- the US National Hurricane institute Insmet had reported idents of an indigenous village ernment of Joe Biden and the Center downgrading its earlier Eta’s landfall earlier with the loss of life or significant damage protected. in the north of the country that government over which I warnings. storm punishing the archi- to homes have been reported,” Florida Governor Ron was hit by a landslide. preside,” Maduro said in a Eta was still bringing “strong pelago of Jardines del Rey. according to state media. DeSantis declared a state of In Honduras, heavy flooding state television address on winds, heavy rains, and dan- Heavy rains were reported Before the storm arrived, emergency in the state’s in the north and northwest of Sunday, a day after the gerous storm surge” over por- in the eastern half of Cuba, 74,000 people were evacuated, southern counties on Saturday the country killed 23 people, former US Vice President tions of southern Florida and where authorities have evac- 8,000 of them to shelters set up in advance of the storm, even according to authorities. defeated Trump’s re-election the Florida Keys, the NHC said uated thousands of people due by the authorities, the reports as residents in the rain either Torrential rain and a bitter bid. in its latest 0900 GMT advisory. to the risk of flooding. said. protested or celebrated Joe cold front linked to Eta have Trump, a Republican, has The storm made landfall at President Miguel Diaz- State television also said Biden’s win in the US presi- also claimed at least 20 lives in used economic sanctions and 11:00 pm (0400 GMT) in Lower Canel convened an emergency that the 600 foreign tourists dential election. the southern Mexican state of diplomatic pressure to Matecumbe Key in the Florida government meeting, and “no vacationing in Cuba were The Florida Keys closed Chiapas. pressure the socialist Vene- zuelan leader to resign, accusing him of corruption, Support for Brazil human rights violations, and Peru: Vizcarra warns of rigging his 2018 re-election President falls win. unpredictable consequences Washington closed its in some of main Caracas embassy last year as impeachment trial begins and cut off ties with Maduro cities: Polls after recognising Juan REUTERS — LIMA when he was the governor of Guaido, the speaker of the REUTERS — SAO PAULO the southern region of opposition-held National Peru’s President Martín Moquegua. Assembly, as Venezuela’s Brazilian President Jair Vizcarra warned of “unpre- “The worst thing we can do rightful leader. Dozens of Bolsonaro’s support has dictable consequences” right now is plunge the country other countries have also fallen in some of Brazil’s yesterday as Congress launched into instability,” he said in his recognized Guaido, and the biggest cities, surveys said on an impeachment trial over defense before Congress on United States has also Sunday, suggesting a corruption allegations, the Monday. He warned lawmakers imposed sanctions on the previous bump may be short- second such effort to oust him that impeaching him just OPEC nation’s oil industry. lived as the country still in a matter of months. months ahead of the April 11 Biden advisers have said Peru President Martin Vizcarra addresses the media outside grapples with a brutal coro- Vizcarra, 57, is expected to presidential election would he would push for humani- Congress as he faces a second impeachment trial over corruption navirus outbreak. survive once again, though the have dire economic tarian relief in Venezuela and Previous polls have seen independent — who has long consequences. allegations, in Lima, Peru, yesterday modify the sanctions the far-right former army cap- campaigned against official To remove the president, framework, without disman- tain’s support rise, despite graft — lacks a party in a frag- Congress must gather 87 votes that the Peruvian people have Already reeling from the tling it entirely. what is widely seen as his poor mented Congress, creating a out of 130 legislators. In the placed in me,” Vizcarra said in impact of the coronavirus pan- The sanctions have proven handling of an epidemic that degree of uncertainty of how September vote, only 32 in the a statement on Sunday, ahead demic, Peruvian business popular among opposition has now killed more than lawmakers may finally vote. chamber voted in favor of his of the trial. Vizcarra’s term runs groups have called for “pru- supporters in Venezuela, as 160,000 Brazilians. The world’s No. 2 copper ouster. out mid-2021 after the April dence.” “It is necessary to pri- well as many voters of Vene- Polls on Sunday suggested producer has had a history of The debate and vote is elections, in which he is not eli- oritise stability and calm; a zuelan and Cuban descent in that support may be waning. political upheaval and drama. slated for Monday afternoon. gible to run. drastic change in the leadership Florida, a battleground state According to a Datafolha Vizcarra has denied as “In the last few weeks, I If Vizcarra is dismissed on of the nation would not be the that is closely fought between poll, undertaken at the start of “baseless” and “false” the latest have been systematically grounds of “moral incapacity,” most convenient at this Democrats and Republicans. November and published in allegations that he accepted attacked, through the dissem- the head of Congress, Manuel juncture,” the powerful cor- Both Maduro and Guaido the Folha de S.Paulo news- bribes from companies that ination of reports whose main Merino, would assume the porate body CONFIEP said in a congratulated Biden on his paper, his support in Sao Paulo won public works contracts objective is to damage the trust presidency. statement. victory on Saturday. fell to 25% from 29%, while in Belo Horizonte it fell to 35% from 40%, compared with a previous poll taken September Mexico foreign minister says 21-22. The margin of error was 3 ‘huge potential’ for US ties percentage points, it said. In Recife and Rio de AFP — MEXICO CITY But on Sunday his foreign Janeiro, his support was more minister Marcelo Ebrard told stable, the polls showed. Mexico’s foreign minister said El Universo newspaper: “What Meanwhile, a separated there was “huge potential” for we see coming is a step with a compilation of data by pollster US ties, a day after the Mexican huge potential.” Ibope, collated by the G1 leader said it was too soon to He added that “from what website, showed on Sunday congratulate president-elect I heard from Joe Biden’s that Bolsonaro’s support has Joe Biden. speech, it is clear that there is fallen in seven state capitals. After years of a close rela- going to be a cooperation policy The largest drops in tionship with America under at a global level and with support occurred in the cities Donald Trump — who is still Mexico.” Lopez Obrador has of Salvador and Rio Branco, in refusing to concede the US managed to maintain cordial which Bolsonaro’s popularity presidential election — Mex- relations with Trump — visiting fell by 7 percentage points. ico’s leadership must now him in July — despite the US While Bolsonaro has been reshape their ties under his leader’s remarks. criticized by health experts for democrat victor. Trump has consistently minimizing the severity of the “We don’t want to be vowed to build a border wall coronavirus and opposing imprudent. We don’t want to between the two countries. lockdowns in order to keep the Flower festival act lightly and we want to Trump has launched a slew economy going, his popularity respect people’s self-determi- of legal challenges and refused Men and women carry flower arrangements known as “Silletas” as people watch at the “Silleteros” has been bolstered by a 322 nation and rights,” President to concede after the major US parade during Medellin's Flower Festival, in Santa Elena municipality near Medellin, on Sunday. billion reais ($58bn) payments Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador television networks announced program, analysts say. told reporters on Saturday. Biden’s win. TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2020 AMERICAS 15 Trump says he has ousted Defence Secretary Mark Esper

AFP/REUTERS — WASHINGTON politically as he pursued fun- Christopher Miller, the current head of the military forces this summer to Trump has had an uneasy damental reforms to the National Counterterrorism Center and former suppress street protests over relationship with the Pentagon, President Donald Trump massive Pentagon bureaucracy racial injustice after police where Esper and top brass have yesterday announced by tweet and sought to reshape the US special forces officer, would replace Esper as killed George Floyd in repeatedly sought to avoid that he had fired Defence defence posture worldwide to acting defence secretary. Minneapolis. being seen as a political Secretary Mark Esper. focus on the threat of China. The Senate would be highly instrument of the Trump “Mark Esper has been ter- But Trump was angered unlikely to confirm any new administration. minated. I would like to thank when Esper resisted pressure the White House. It also added In 2018-2019 he was a nominee before Trump leaves Esper’s predecessor, Jim him for his service,” Trump said to deploy federal troops to to a sense of lowered security White House adviser on coun- office in January. “Mark Esper Mattis, quit in 2018 over policy on Twitter. quash civil unrest, and also in the country, as Trump refuses terterrorism and transnational has been terminated,” Trump differences with Trump, He announced that Chris- slow-walked Trump’s desire for to accept the verdict of last threats, and from 2019 was said on Twitter, adding that including on Syria. topher Miller, the current head a rapid full withdrawal of US Tuesday’s election and has deputy assistant secretary of Miller would be acting secretary Like Mattis, Esper also dis- of the National Counterter- troops from Afghanistan while pledged to reverse it in court. defense for special operations. “effective immediately.” agreed with Trump’s dismissive rorism Center and former violence continues in the Miller spent 31 years in the In August he was named The Pentagon had no imme- attitude toward the NATO special forces officer, would country. army, deploying in Afghanistan director of the National Coun- diate comment. alliance and was wary of replace Esper as acting defence Trump’s move, expected by in 2001 and Iraq in 2003 with terterrorism Center. Sources said Esper had long Trump’s inclination to see US secretary. many insiders, was nevertheless the special forces. Trump had split with Esper been preparing for the prospect military alliances through an Esper, Trump’s fourth Pen- a shock, coming just a week After retiring, he became a over a range of issues and was of his resignation or dismissal explicitly transactional lens tagon chief in four years, was after losing his bid for reelection consultant on clandestine oper- particularly angered by Esper’s following last week’s election, even as he backed Trump’s calls fired after 16 months in the job to Democrat Joe Biden and just ations and intelligence to the public opposition to Trump’s particularly if Trump were to for allies to increase defence trying to keep his head down 10 weeks before he will depart government. threats to use active duty win a second term in office. spending, sources said. Biden convenes COVID-19 task force, implores Americans to wear masks

REUTERS — WILMINGTON Biden, set to take office on Biden said. “And masks are January 20, conferred by video critical in doing that. It won’t be US President-elect Joe Biden with his 13-member task force, forever. But that’s how we’ll get implored Americans yesterday headed by former US Surgeon our nation back up to speed to wear protective masks to General Vivek Murthy, former economically, so we can go combat the coronavirus Food and Drug Administration back to celebrating birthdays pandemic, appealing to their Commissioner David Kessler and holidays together, so we patriotism, as he convened a and Yale University healthcare can attend sporting events task force to devise a blueprint equity expert Marcella together, so that we can get for tackling the public health Nunez-Smith. back to the lives and connec- crisis. The president-elect labelled tions we shared before the “We could save tens of as “great news” Pfizer Inc’s pandemic.” thousands of lives if everyone announcement yesterday that Housing Secretary Ben would just wear a mask for the its experimental COVID-19 Carson yesterday became the next few months. Not Demo- vaccine was more than 90% latest close Trump associate to cratic or Republican lives. effective. But Biden said it test positive for the virus, his American lives,” Biden told would be “many more months chief of staff said, just days after reporters in Wilmington, Del- before there is widespread vac- White House Chief of Staff Mark aware. “I implore you. Wear a cination” in the United States Meadows also tested positive. mask. Do it for yourself. Do it and underscored the impor- Pfizer and German partner US President-elect Joe Biden speaks to the media while flanked by Vice-President-elect Kamala for your neighbour. A mask is tance of wearing protective BioNTech SE are the first drug- Harris, at the Queen Theater after receiving a briefing from the transition COVID-19 advisory board not a political statement.” masks and social distancing. makers to release successful The pandemic has killed The United States has been data from a large-scale clinical in Wilmington, Delaware, yesterday. more than 237,000 Americans registering record high infection trial of a vaccine for the novel and thrown millions out of numbers in recent days. Mask coronavirus. populations. Biden said his to safely reopen schools and coronavirus preparedness, and work. Biden spoke two days wearing has become a political Biden said his team will administration would work to businesses and tackle racial Luciana Borio, who specializes after clinching election victory issue in the United States, with focus on making rapid get an approved vaccine “dis- disparities. in complex public health emer- over Donald Trump, though the many conservatives contending COVID-19 testing widely tributed as quickly as possible The Biden panel includes gencies. Vice-President Mike Republican president has not masks infringe upon their indi- available and building a corps to as many Americans as pos- Rick Bright, a whistleblower Pence was due to meet yes- acknowledged defeat and is vidual freedom. of contact-tracers to track and sible, free of charge.” The task who says he was removed from terday with the White House pursuing legal challenges to the “The goal is to get back to curb the pathogen’s spread and force will liaise with local and his Trump administration post coronavirus task force for the results. normal as fast as possible,” prioritise vulnerable state officials to consider how for raising concerns about first time since October. UN chief Four states still to be called after US presidential election congratulates AFP — WASHINGTON on a winner-take-all basis. Democrat’s favor on Election such as Atlanta, and Biden has votes have been counted in Biden currently has at least Night, triggering Trump’s overtaken him. Alaska, due to the complicated Biden, American Joe Biden is already projected 279 electoral votes. Repub- wrath. The Democrat currently logistics of collecting ballots to win the US presidential lican incumbent President Other media, such as The has a lead of more than 10,350 in the vast state, and cross-ref- people election, according to major Donald Trump has only 214 — New York Times and CNN, votes, according to state erencing absentee ballots to US media. But all outlets have even if he wins all four have so far refrained from election data. ensure no one voted twice. AFP — UNITED NATIONS, US yet to project a final winner in remaining states, he cannot declaring a winner in Arizona, In North Carolina (15 elec- Trump leads with 62.9 four US states, as of yesterday: reach 270. a traditionally Republican toral votes), some 98 percent percent of the count so far. No UN Secretary-General Antonio Alaska, Arizona, Georgia and In Arizona (11 electoral bastion. of the votes have been counted Democrat has won in Alaska Guterres yesterday congratu- North Carolina. votes), Biden has received 49.5 In Georgia (16 electoral in this traditionally Republican for decades. lated Joe Biden on winning the Biden needs at least 270 percent of the vote, compared votes), more than 98 percent southeastern state. If Biden wins Arizona and US presidency — and the votes in the Electoral College, to 49 percent for Donald of the votes have been counted At the moment, Trump is Georgia, as some projections American people for a "vibrant which ultimately decides the Trump — a narrow margin of in this southeastern state, ahead of Biden by about suggest, he will have 306 of exercise of democracy." presidency. 16,985 votes, with 98 percent which has consistently voted 75,000 votes, with a total of the 538 electors — the same Biden was projected as the Those 538 votes are appor- of ballots counted. Republican since 1996. about 50 percent of the vote number that propelled Trump winner of the bitterly con- tioned among the states and Fox News and the Asso- Trump’s initial lead dissi- versus his rival’s 48.6 percent. to victory in what the pres- tested November 3 election on chosen in individual state con- ciated Press (AP) called the pated as mail-in votes were In Alaska (3 electoral ident has called a “landslide” Saturday by US media, though tests on Election Day, usually race in the western state in the counted in major urban areas votes), only 56 percent of the over Hillary Clinton in 2016. President Donald Trump has yet to concede. "The Secretary-General congratulates the American Canada PM says Pfizer people for a vibrant exercise of democracy in their coun- vaccine results promising try's elections last week," spokesman Stephane Dujarric AFP — OTTAWA access. Other agreements were told reporters. signed with AstraZeneca, "He congratulates the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Sanofi and GSK, Novavax, President-elect and Vice Pres- said yesterday he was Johnson & Johnson, Medicago ident-elect and reaffirms that encouraged by Pfizer and and Moderna for a total of the partnership between the BioNTech’s announcement more than 300 million doses United States and the United that their COVID-19 vaccine in for its population of 38 million. Nations is an essential pillar of trials proved 90 percent Trudeau noted that the the international cooperation effective, adding it could be Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine poses needed to address the dra- available in Canada in early some “logistical distribution” matic challenges facing the 2021. challenges, including that it world today." The two pharmaceutical must be stored at very cold The statement, read by companies said the vaccine temperatures and therefore Dujarric, did not explicitly they have jointly developed getting it to Canadians will be mention Biden or his running had during Phase 3 trials pro- “more complex and slightly mate Kamala Harris by name. vided protection to nearly all more limiting.” “We are Dujarric did not explain patients seven days after the already working on those nec- why Guterres waited two days second of two vaccine doses. essary logistical supports,” he to offer his congratulations. At a news conference, said. From Saturday, dozens of Trudeau called the results Trudeau also said that world leaders and heads of “promising.” “We see the light testing of several other vaccine international organizations Back to normal at the end of the tunnel,” he candidates was “progressing offered their well wishes to the said. well” and some of those could Democratic duo. Diplomats Workers take down boards, put up by businesses as a protection against possible elections violence, The prime minister said he be rolled out in early 2021 too. who spoke to AFP on condition from a building, days after US presidential election, in Washington, DC, yesterday. expects the vaccine to be dis- Until then, he encouraged of anonymity said Guterres, tributed to Canadians “most Canadians to continue to take whose term ends at the end of likely in the first three months precautions to limit the spread 2021, was not planning to ask of 2021.” “But,” he added, of the COVID-19 illness, for a second term if Trump NY sees rise in virus cases during winter “there is a lot of uncertainty including social distancing and were reelected. Volkan Bozkir, REUTERS — NEW YORK test rates creep above 2% again grappling with what at the time involved in these processes.” wearing masks. the president of the UN in recent days. “The numbers was the world’s worst outbreak Canada signed a deal with US As of Monday, Canada has General Assembly, tweeted his New York Governor Andrew are undeniable,” he told of COVID-19 earlier this year. giant Pfizer and its German reported more than 260,000 congratulations to Biden and Cuomo said yesterday that he reporters on a conference call. He said residents may see partner BioNTech in August for COVID-19 infections, including Harris, hailing the former vice expected the rate of positive “The best you can do is manage restrictions reintroduced, saying a minimum of 20 million doses 10,500 deaths. president for his "long history tests for the novel coronavirus the increase.” he now thought indoor dining, of their vaccine. “To be very clear: If you of supporting" the United to continue rising in the state New York City mayor even at restricted capacity, It was at the time the most catch Covid in the coming days Nations. Trump has been less into winter. Mayor Bill de Blasio warned should be reconsidered, though advanced vaccine candidate and weeks, a vaccine won’t than favourable to multilater- Both the state and New that the city may soon enter a he said that decision ultimately in development among several help you or your family,” alism during his four years in York City have seen positive second wave of infections after rested with Cuomo. of which Canada secured Trudeau concluded. office. TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2020 16

8th Ajyal Film Festival to open with Majid

PRAYER Majidi’s ‘Sun Children’ TIMINGS PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING THE PENINSULA — DOHA The film illustrates the resiliency and FAJR 04.28 am Acclaimed director Majid SUNRISE 05.47 am Majidi’s Sun Children, which creativity of youth, debuted at Venice Film Festival which when nurtured DHUHR 11.18 am earlier this year, will be the ASR 02.26 pm opening film of the eighth Ajyal brings lasting social MAGHRIB 04.50 pm Film Festival presented by Doha change and creates ISHA 06.20 pm Film Institute (DFI) in a first- ever hybrid format from the great innovators November 18 to 23. and problem-solvers Centring around the issue of child labour, Sun Children of tomorrow. illustrates the resiliency and creativity of youth, which when nurtured brings lasting social This year’s public film pro- A still from the film ‘Sun Children’, by acclaimed director Majid Majidi. change and creates the great gramme builds on Ajyal’s strong innovators and problem-solvers reputation for curating the best of tomorrow. in international cinema with a have opened exciting new Cinemas Doha Festival City and The 2020 Ajyal Film Festi- WEATHER DFI is proud to have sup- line-up of 80 films from 46 opportunities to bring even the exciting new Drive-In val’s Official Partners include TODAY ported 24 films at the Festival countries including 22 features more people together in the Cinema experience in Lusail in Katara Cultural Village Foun- in its programmes, including and 50 shorts, 31 by incredible communal cinema experience partnership with Qatar National dation (Cultural Partner); Qatar Grants, Co-Financing, Qatari Arab filmmakers and 30 helmed beyond physical attendance. Tourism Council. National Tourism Council (Prin- Film Fund and mentorship by extraordinary women With the safety of all partici- Expanding Ajyal’s audiences cipal Partner); Novo Cinemas through its labs and workshops. directors. pants in mind, film screenings beyond Qatar borders, various and Ooredoo (Strategic These include 200 Meters, The spirit of Ajyal is about can be enjoyed via a mix of countries in the MENA region Partners), and Msheireb Prop- o o Unusual Summer, Gevar’s Land, bringing communities together, DFI’s online streaming platform, will also have access to a select erties, Lusail and Qatari Diar 24 C 31 C Their Algeria, among others. and the challenges of this year at in-person screenings at VOX lineup of Festival films online. (Signature Sponsors). Minimum Maximum Misty to foggy at places at first becomes relatively hot daytime with scattered clouds, mild by night. World may be tired, but virus 'not tired of us': WHO chief W ALRUWAIS : 25o → 29o AFP — GENEVA hailed the election of Joe Biden warned that the virus preys on Tedros warned that the Biden has signalled that his W ALKHOR : 22o → 31o as the next US president, voicing weakness. pandemic had laid bare the administration will reverse W DUKHAN : 23o → 30o The World Health Organiza- hope it could signal tighter “It preys on those in weaker need for the world to recapture Donald Trump’s decision to W WAKRAH : 24o → 31o tion’s chief called yesterday on global cooperation to end the health, but it preys on other a “sense of common purpose”, withdraw the United States — everyone to keep fighting pandemic. It was vital, he said, weaknesses too: inequality, which in recent years has been traditionally WHO’s top donor W MESAIEED : 24o → 31o COVID-19, warning that while for people to follow the science division, denial, wishful eroded by the “creeping tides — from the UN health agency. W ABUSAMRA : 20o → 32o we may be sick of battling the and resist the urge to turn a thinking and wilful ignorance, of misguided nationalism and “We need to reimagine pandemic, the virus is “not tired blind eye to the virus. he said. “We cannot negotiate isolationism”. leadership, built on mutual trust HIGH TIDE of us”. “We might be tired of with it, nor close our eyes and “In that spirit, we congrat- and mutual accountability, to 12:02 – 00:00 Speaking to WHO’s main COVID-19. But it is not tired of hope it goes away.” “It pays no ulate President-elect Joe Biden end the pandemic and address annual assembly, which us,” he said. Tedros, speaking heed to political rhetoric or and Vice President-elect the fundamental inequalities LOW TIDE 20:13 – 00:00 resumed yesterday after being from quarantine after coming conspiracy theories,” he said. Kamala Harris and we look that lie at the root of so many cut short in May, Tedros in contact with someone who “Our only hope is science, forward to working with their of the world’s problems,” Adhanom Ghebreyesus also tested positive for COVID-19, solutions and solidarity.” administration very closely.” Tedros said. Iconic quiz-show Berlin bids farewell to Tegel airport after 60 years BTS, Lady Gaga host Alex Trebek win at MTV Europe AP — BERLIN typically used for long-haul dies at 80 flights, meaning that Berlin Music Awards Berlin bid farewell on Sunday travelers would usually have to AFP — LOS ANGELES to the German capital’s central transfer in Frankfurt or other AP Tegel airport, beloved by some hubs before flying to North Alex Trebek, whose decades and reviled by others, as it shifts America or farther afield. The South Korean pop group as host of the quiz show all air traffic to a new hub on It was much beloved by BTS won a leading four awards “Jeopardy!” made him one of the outskirts of the city. business travelers and many including best song for the most popular fixtures on On Saturday, airlines moved others, however, for its con- “Dynamite” and best group at American television, died on their last planes stationed at venient location near the center the MTV Europe Music Awards Sunday at age 80. Tegel to the new Berlin of the city, and compact layout on Sunday night, while Lady Trebek had waged a very Brandenburg Airport Willy that meant passengers could Gaga took the best artist prize. public fight against pancreatic Brandt, which finally opened at disembark a flight, pick up their BTS also picked up best fans cancer for nearly two years, the end of October nine years luggage and be in a taxi within and best virtual live for Bang but continued taping his pro- late and far above its original a few dozen meters. Bang Con. gramme until recently. budget. The city government The show honouring the His death was announced The final scheduled flight planned to close it in 2011, but best in global music aired on Pilots and stewardesses board the plane before the last flight, on Twitter by the “Jeopardy!” took off on Sunday afternoon the delays in the opening of BER Sunday on the network with Air France flight AF 1235, from Berlin’s Tegel airport on Sunday. account, which said Trebek from Tegel, an Air France jet to meant that it had to be kept performances from Alicia “passed away peacefully at Paris, a tribute to the first com- open. A majority of Berliners Keys, Sam Smith, Doja Cat and home early this morning, sur- mercial flight from the airport in what was communist East moment in the Cold War that voted in a non-binding refer- DaBaby. The girl group Little rounded by family and flown by the airline 60 years Germany, was expanded into demonstrated the Western endum in 2017 to keep Tegel Mix hosted. friends,” adding: “Thank you, ago. the new so-called BER. Allies’ resolve to stand beside open, but the city said the result Gaga, who went into the Alex.” CNN media analyst During the Cold War when Tegel, a site used for air- West Germany. couldn’t be implemented for event with the most nomina- Brian Stelter called Trebek Berlin was divided into French, ships in the early 1900s and The first commercial flights legal and financial reasons. tions, beat out Harry Styles, “the greatest game show host American, British and Soviet later an air force training area began in 1960, when Air France The city plans now to turn Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, Miley of his generation... You always sectors, each had its own during the Nazi era, was con- started regular service to Tegel. the facility into a research and Cyrus and The Weeknd for the watched, and you came away airport. structed rapidly in 1948 as a Tegel’s facilities had industrial park for urban tech- best artist prize. smarter.” Even Canadian The oldest, the American response to the Soviet blockade become taxed, however, by the nology in the future. She lost out for best video, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sector’s Tempelhof Airport, was of West Berlin, when the increased traffic to Berlin after As a precaution in case however, which went to DJ tweeted his condolences for closed in 2008 and its main Western Allies had to supply the German reunification when the there are any more kinks to be Khaled for “’Popstar.” The col- the family of the Canadian- area is now parkland. Britain’s city entirely by air. city again became the capital. worked out at the new airport, laboration with Drake bested born Trebek. Gatow airport was shuttered in It became a critical hub for Area residents frequently com- however, Tegel will remain the likes of Cardi B and Megan “We have lost an icon,” he 1994, and the Soviet Schoen- the Berlin Airlift operation, plained of noise, and its operational as a backup for Thee Stallion for “WAP.” Cardi said. “Almost every night for efeld Airport, located in the sur- which was able to break the runways were also unable to another half-year but no more B did pick up the best hip hop more than three decades, Alex rounding state of Brandenburg Soviet blockade by 1949 - a key handle the largest jumbo jets flights are planned. award, however. Trebek entertained and edu- cated millions around the world, instilling in so many of us a love for trivia.” Trebek, New professionals help China's luxury shoppers to tidy up who became a US citizen in 1998, had hosted “Jeopardy!” AFP — BEIJING appears not to have dulled their uniforms whisk around her says his clients — who pay us very much,” Bian says of what — syndicated these days to desires but “Single’s Day” on high-end apartment, emptying upwards of $2,000 each for a is now seen as an essential various channels including The discovery of a Burberry November 11, the world’s biggest more than a thousand pieces of process that can take a couple service to some of their clients. ABC — since 1984. jacket she does not recall buying shopping day, will be closely clothing and dozens of luxury of days — usually have annual E-commerce and mobile Bob Iger, the executive of proved to Chen Rui that she was watched for an idea about the handbags from her closet. income exceeding one million commerce have also turbo- ABC parent the Walt Disney right to have brought in experts state of Chinese consumer The team is led by Yu Ziqin, yuan a year. “I’m earning more charged spending habits. Company, called Trebek “a to manage her out-of-control sentiment. one of thousands of graduates than I did when I was a graphic The transport ministry says friend, a colleague, an icon” in luxury wardrobe. In the era of the couch- from a home-organising school designer,” Han explains. the number of express packages a statement mourning his “How did you find this?” the shopper, however, there is also called Liucundao, which teaches But unlike the advice of Jap- delivered per person in China death. 32-year-old asked the crack a downside to chasing fashion. the art of bringing order to the anese guru Marie Kondo — this year will be nearly 60 — Trebek previously hosted team of “home organisers” who Housewife Chen says her chaos of China’s rich shoppers. whose world-famous declut- about twice the global average. other game shows, including unearthed the jacket from a walk-in closet, which brims with School founder Bian Lichun tering ethic has inspired millions Liu Wenjing, from the school “Double Dare” and “Classic heap of clothes pulled from her brands from Louis Vuitton and said there were now more than to tidy up — Bian and her team of economics and management Concentration,” as well as closet in a slick Beijing Chanel to Prada and Gucci, used 3,000 professionals in the never persuade clients to throw at Tsinghua University, says hosting the National Geo- apartment. to cause frequent arguments emerging industry, which state things away, or ask them to buy e-commerce has created a graphic Bee for 25 years. China’s breakneck growth with her husband. broadcaster CCTV has projected less. Instead, they teach “the way culture of “online shopping at But it was his time at over the past four decades has “I never abandon any of my could reach 100 billion yuan to retain”, Bian says, through any time and anywhere”. “Jeopardy!” — a 36-year run led to a surge in conspicuous collection, I just add to it,” the ($14.9bn billion) this year in storage and canny design — such But Bian argues the issue is almost unheard of by tele- spending, with the newly former art teacher admitted, terms of market turnover. as extra-thin coathangers. not one of over-consumption or vision standards — and his monied lavishing cash on saying she just loves to indulge. During the pandemic, Bian “There is nothing useless in the the psychology of spending, but clear intelligence, gentlemanly coveted labels to emboss their “I see no need to restrict myself.” says business surged by up to world.” Bian founded her more about the challenge of aplomb and sly good humour status. A third of all luxury So in desperation, she hired a 400 percent as people spent company ten years ago after finding somewhere to hoard that earned him the eternal spending globally is by Chinese four-strong team of home more time at home scouring the seeing a gap in the market for clothes in China’s densely pop- devotion of millions of consumers, according to McK- organisers to rescue her Internet and assessing where to the upwardly mobile classes. ulated cities. viewers. He and his wife Jean insey’s 2019 China Luxury wardrobe. put all their new acquisitions. “People used to think that we are “Our aim is to sort out space, Currivan have two children. Report. So far the pandemic The experts in smart black Home organiser Han Yonggang cleaners — but now they respect not fix people,” she said.