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FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021 2 JUMADA II - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8503 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Give extra data to family or staff

Amir condoles Investment with Custodian opportunities to of the Two Holy Mosques set up three beach QNA — DOHA

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin resorts unveiled Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of condolences to his brother THE PENINSULA — DOHA Doha Exhibition and Con- Custodian of the Two Holy vention Center and featured the Mosques King Salman bin The Ministry of Commerce and offering of investment oppor- Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Industry (MoCI) unveiled tunities to develop three beach Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on yesterday investment opportu- resorts. the death of H H Prince Khalid nities to develop three beach The initiative to offer bin Abdullah bin Abdulrahman resorts in Qatar — Fuwairit, Ben investment opportunities to Al Saud. Ghanem and Ras Abrouq— in establish beach resorts falls Deputy Amir H H Sheikh the framework of a public- within the public-private part- Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani private partnership. nership framework, which is also sent a similar cable of con- The Ministry organised, in part of the State’s efforts to dolences to Custodian of the cooperation with the Qatar achieve the Qatar National Two Holy Mosques King Salman National Tourism Council Vision 2030 (QNV 2030). The Qatar National Tourism Council Secretary-General and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H E bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (QNTC), a meeting for investors QNV 2030 aims at consolidating Akbar Al Baker with other officials during the event at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. concerned with the tourism economic diversification and Amir sends sector. supporting non-oil sectors, which plays an important role varied offerings and deliver He said the initiative to offer The meeting was held at the especially the tourism industry in strengthening Qatar’s leading service excellence. Through investment opportunities to congratulations position as one of the most investment opportunities such establish beach resorts in part- to Kyrgyzstan The Ministry of Commerce and Industry prominent tourist destinations as these, we engage the private nership between the public and regionally and globally. sector in creating tourism private sectors was the first of President-elect (MoCI) unveiled yesterday investment Qatar National Tourism offerings that tell Qatar’s story its kind in Qatar and repre- opportunities to develop three beach Council Secretary General and while providing unparalleled sented an important step in Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Qatar Airways Group Chief experiences to visitors and res- supporting the private sector Hamad Al Thani sent a cable resorts in Qatar — Fuwairit, Ben Ghanem Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker idents alike.” and enhancing its contribution of congratulations to H E Sadyr and Ras Abrouq — in the framework of a stated: “As part of its mandate On his part, Saleh bin Majid Al to achieving the National Vision. Japarov on the occasion of him public-private partnership. to diversify the economy by Khulaifi, Assistant Undersecretary Saleh bin Majid Al Khulaifi winning the presidential elec- developing the tourism sector, for Commerce Affairs at the Min- further stated that the public- tions in the Kyrgyz Republic. QNTC works closely with istry of Commerce and Industry, private partnership, organised Deputy Amir H H Sheikh partners across the public and praised the level of cooperation under Law No. 12 of 2020, was Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani private sectors to build products between the Ministry and the based on a solidly-founded, also sent a similar cable of con- that showcase our country’s National Tourism Council. principled partnership. `P2 gratulations to H E Sadyr Japarov. Vaccination drive to cover entire population Auctions now allowed at FAZEENA SALEEM dose of Pfizer-BioNTech measures to limit the spread of THE PENINSULA COVID-19 vaccine, we took the OCVID-19,” said Dr. Al Al Sailiya Central Market second dose of the vaccine 21 Maslamani. FAZEENA SALEEM As more COVID-19 vaccine days later. We advice everyone The vaccines are arriving in At present, the first phase THE PENINSULA arrives in Qatar, the vaccination to remember and get second Qatar in larger quantities of COVID-19 vaccination pref- campaign will be expanded to dose of the vaccine on time,” he and gradually the COVID-19 erence will be given to people The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has announced that auctions cover the whole population, said added. over 65 years old, adults in are now allowed to be held at the Al Sailiya Central Market with a senior official at the Ministry Senior officials of the health vaccination campaign will be chronic care and home care COVID-19 precautionary measures. of Public Health (MoPH). sector were among first recip- expanded to all. facilities, healthcare personnel Head of occupational health at MoPH, Dr. Mohammed Ali “The vaccines are arriving in ients of the Pfizer- BioNTech most at risk of infection and Mohammed Al Hajjaj said that auctions will be held at the Al Sailiya Qatar in larger quantities and COVID-19 vaccine since the vac- Dr. Sheikh Mohammed Al people over 16 years of age with Central Market within 50 percent of its capacity. According to Dr. gradually the COVID-19 vacci- cination campaign started on severe chronic diseases. Those Al Hajjaj, the Ministry has put together all safety measures for the nation campaign will be December 23, 2020. Thani, Director of Public Health eligible for the COVID-19 auction hall to ensure operations runs safe and efficiently. expanded to all,” said Director Among them Chair of the at the MoPH vaccine will be contacted by the “All vendors at the Al Sailiya Central Market will undergo of Public Health at the MoPH, Dr. National Health Strategic Group Primary Health Care Corpo- regular checks to ensure that they follow COVID-19 precautionary Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani. on COVID-19, Dr. Abdullatif Al ration (PHCC) for an measures, including wearing masks, gloves, having body tem- “Vaccination capacity is Khal, Co-chairperson of the appointment. perature below 37C and have green status in Ehteraz,” he said in expanding and everyone should National Pandemic Prepar- They have re-emphasized PHCC has activated a ded- a video message posted by the MoPH on its social media accounts. be ready to receive the vaccine,” edness Committee and Director that the COVID-19 vaccine is icated hotline number to enable He also said that safety instructions will be displayed for the he said in a video message of Health Protection and Com- safe and effective and urged the those who are 65 years and over vendors and customers. “Different category of auctions at the Al posted by the Ministry on its municable Diseases at MoPH, Dr. community to continue to take to book, cancel or schedule pre- Sailiya Central Market will be held at separate time slots. As an social medial accounts. Hamad Eid Al Romaihi, Head of precautionary measures. booked vaccination appoint- additional safety measure, there will be barriers to separate cus- Dr. Al Thani who received Vaccination at MoPH, Dr. Soha “I would like to emphasise ments. The dedicated line 402 tomers and vendors,” said Dr. Al Hajjaj. the second dose of the COVID-19 Al Bayat and Medical Director at that those got the first dose of 7707 is currently available from Al Sailiya central market includes the traditional market that vaccine has encouraged eve- Communicable Disease Centre, the COVID-19 vaccine should get 7am to 11pm. contains 52 shops, in addition to 102 shops in the retail market, ryone to take the vaccine in due Dr. Muna Al Maslamani have got the second dose on time. Even The first phase of vacci- as well as 50 shops in the wholesale market. The market is divided course. the second dose of the vaccine after getting the vaccine people nation will continue until into several connected and air-conditioned sections, to serve the “After receiving the initial on Tuesday. need to follow all safety January 31. fruit and vegetable trade. `P2 Environmental violations decline during winter camping season

SIDI MOHAMED on prohibited pastures, hunting have been affected by lack of THE PENINSULA prohibited birds, cutting trees rain or overgrazing before the illegally, and dumping sewage grazing law,” Al Safran noted. The Assistant Director of the water. Al Safran explained that The Department of Protection Natural Reserves Department preserving the environment sup- and Wildlife at the MME recorded at the Ministry of Municipality ports sustainability, and it is eve- 393 violations of some provisions and Environment (MME), Salem ryone’s responsibility, not just the of environmental law in 2019 Hussain Al Safran, has disclosed MME, to be responsible for it. that include throwing wastes at that there is a decrease in envi- Regarding violators, he said unauthorised places, drifting on ronmental violations this winter that there are deterrent soil, grazing camels on pro- camping season compared to measures for those who commit hibited pastures and cutting trees previous seasons. violations against the envi- illegally among others. “Although the current ronment. He also emphasized During the year 2018-19, the camping winter season has not that the Ministry has deployed Ministry made many achieve- ended yet, indications so far special patrolling teams to protect ments in various environmental show that there is a significant natural reserves and the envi- fields, especially natural reserves. decrease in environmental vio- ronment. He encouraged people The MME formally approved the lations compared to past to report any form of environ- Al Reem Reserve’s administrative Qatar Custom Show begins camping seasons,” Al Safran told mental violation they may have plan, which Unesco declared a Qatar Radio recently. witnessed to the Department. natural reserve. It also started Customised cars and motorcycles in different hues and shapes are part of the Qatar Custom Show The violations which are “Many parties are cooper- fieldwork to release the bustard being held at Qatar Racing Club. The show is free and open for public from 3pm to 10pm today and normally committed during the ating with the Natural Reserves (an endangered bird species tomorrow. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA camping season include drifting Department to rehabilitate called Habari) and Reem gazelles on soil, grazing camels natural reserves which may in the Al Reem Reserve. 02 HOME FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021 Investment opportunities to set up three beach resorts unveiled FROM PAGE 1 contributor to achieving Qatar’s economic PRAYER This partnership allows government diversification. TIMINGS sector entities to focus on their specialties, Engineer Badr Mohammed Al Meer, PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMINNGG preserve State resources and rationalise Chief Operating Officer at Hamad Inter- their use, he added. national Airport, delivered a presentation 05.00 am He said it ensures that the government on the technical specifications of the three FAJR does not compete with private sector insti- investment opportunities. He touched on SUNRISE 06.21 am tutions and companies and allows both to the projects’ geographical locations, areas, DHUHR 11.43 am play key roles as vital partners in shaping facilities and services. ASR 02.45 pm the national economy’s future. Engineer Mohamed Al Adham, Director He noted that the Ministry, in cooper- of the Public-Private Partnership MAGHRIB 05.07 pm ation with QNTC, had taken the initiative Department at the Ministry of Commerce ISHA 06.37 pm to determine the requirements to establish and Industry, touched during his inter- beach resorts in three regions. The Min- vention on the partnership contracts to be istry is well-aware of the importance of approved for the three investment oppor- stimulating the tourism industry and tunities, the scope of their operation, the attracting tourism investments in areas mechanism for winner selecting, the basic that would support the contribution of evaluation criteria, and the requirements local tourism to the economy’s non-oil that must be met by investors applying for GDP. Through this initiative, the Ministry these opportunities, in addition to the obli- Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and QNTC Secretary-General H E Akbar Al aims to make local tourism a main gations to be met by the winning investors. Baker speaking at the event at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center yesterday.

WEATHER TODAY Two new elective courses added to QU-CPH degree programme THE PENINSULA — DOHA will be a great addition to our QU-CPH Department Head of curriculum.” Clinical Pharmacy and Practice Qatar University’s College of Both courses align with QU-CPH Section Head of commented: “The development Pharmacy (QU-CPH) has the College’s vision for Clinical Education Dr. Hazem and launching of the “Indus- 14oC 26oC formally announced two new Elewa, one of the course coor- trial and Regulatory Pharmacy” specialities (elective) courses advancing healthcare in dinators of the ‘Pharmacoge- course is indeed timely, espe- Minimum Maximum — Pharmacogenomics and Qatar and the world nomics and Precision Med- cially at a time when Qatar is Misty at places at first becomes Precision Medicine, and through excellence and icine’ course, said: “Pharma- well-prepared to increase moderate temperature daytime Industrial and Regulatory cogenomics and Precision drugs manufacturing capacity with some clouds, cold by night. innovation in pharmacy Pharmacy — starting this education, research and Medicine will shape the future by local pharmaceutical indus- ALRUWAIS 14o → 23o W : Spring 2021 semester to service. of the medical field and espe- tries and follows best practices W ALKHOR : 08o → 25o pharmacy students. cially pharmacy. With the in terms of regulations related The Pharmacogenomics advancement in DNA to drugs procurement, supply, W DUKHAN : 12o → 22o and Precision Medicine course Dr. Mohammad Diab sequencing technology and its and distribution. WAKRAH 7o → 25o W : will prepare students for Dean QU-CPH reduced cost, genetic infor- “The new course is a great W MESAIEED : 7o → 25o genomics and the medical, mation will be an integral part opportunity for increasing col- W ABUSAMRA : 6o → 25o social, ethical, and legal issues of patients’ medical records. laboration and building ties associated with personal Pharmacists should be between the College of genomic information availa- standards. We are happy to introduce two equipped with the right tools Pharmacy and the pharma- HIGH TIDE bility. The Industrial and Reg- QU-CPH Dean Dr. new elective courses in our to interpret such information ceutical industry as well as 06:11 – 17:12 ulatory Pharmacy course will Mohammad Diab commented: curriculum. These courses will and use it among other regulatory agencies in the LOW TIDE 00:05 – 14:00 prepare students to apply “Both courses align with the widen our students’ scope to healthcare providers to country. Undoubtedly it will knowledge in the manufac- College’s vision for advancing expand their knowledge in dif- enhance medication safety increase opportunities for turing and quality control healthcare in Qatar and the ferent disciplinary areas and and efficacy.” research and development as testing of dosage formulations world through excellence and allow them to strengthen their Also, one of the ‘Industrial well as strengthening net- and drug products according innovation in pharmacy edu- skills and explore their and Regulatory Pharmacy’ working between the MoPH: 209 new to internationally recognized cation, research, and service. interests further. Both courses course coordinator and academia and the industry.” COVID-19 cases, 167 recoveries Ashghal receives Certificate of Registration for Auctions now allowed at Al THE PENINSULA — DOHA environmental and safety management systems The Ministry of Public Health Sailiya Central (MoPH) yesterday announced THE PENINSULA — DOHA and Corporate Environmental the registration of 209 new Policies, the Public Works Market confirmed cases of COVID-19. The Public Works Authority Authority is committed to FROM PAGE 1 Among them 35 were trav- (Ashghal) has been awarded the achieve and maintain the Envi- ellers returning from abroad. Certificate of Registration of the ronmental & Occupational The central market Another 167 people have Environmental Management Health & Safety Management includes the imported recovered from the virus, System ISO 14001:2015 and Systems in compliance with products at auction hall, bringing the total number of Occupational Health & Safety ISO 14001:2015 & ISO which spans over 8,000 recovered cases in Qatar to Management System ISO 45001:2018 requirements, and square metres and the 143,261. 45001:2018 at a ceremony held to comply with approved gov- market has nine cooled All new cases have been at Ashghal headquarters. ernmental legislations and pol- storages (2600 sq). introduced to isolation and are This is a key milestone for icies and requirements as To mention, Aswaq Food receiving necessary healthcare Ashghal as part of its Corporate related to infrastructure Facilities Management (a according to their health Excellence Programme. In building and construction subsidiary of Hassad) the status. December 2019, Ashghal also management. This is in company managing the has The total number of pos- received the ISO 9001:2015 addition to Ashghal’s com- Al Sailiya Central Market has itive Covid-19 cases recorded Certification of Registration of mitment to improving service said in a statement that it has in Qatar is 146,689 and there the Quality Management levels, public safety, envi- put together well-estab- are 3,182 active cases under System. ronment, and customer satis- lished operations module for treatment. This international recog- faction,” Dr. Al Mohannadi the auction hall to ensure While the first phase of nition was awarded to Eng. added. operations runs smoothly COVID-19 vaccinations has Jamal Al Kaabi, Manager of During the past three years, and efficiently. started in Qatar and in the Planning & Quality Department Ashghal developed and Aswaq said that trucks coming months it will be at Ashghal, after a compre- improved over 300 Business are registered in the desig- available for the public for hensive and extensive external Processes and 22 Corporate nated parking, then the data free. However the Ministry has audit of Ashghal’s departments Policies and elevating its meas- is crosschecked at the stressed it is important for eve- by DNV GL in October 2020, uring, monitoring, and evalu- market entry point, the An Ashghal official receiving the certification. ryone to play their role in con- with the recognised standards ation approaches, which helped products are then placed in trolling the virus by following set by the International Organ- provide factual evidence for the auction hall. Upon com- precautionary measures ization for Standardization and sewage treatment plants. pillar for establishing a culture internal Quality, Safety & Envi- pletion of the auction, including adherence to (ISO). In this context, President of of Occupational Safety & Envi- ronmental performance. products are loaded either physical distancing, The scope of the certifica- Ashghal Dr. Eng. Saad Bin ronment in implementing and Ashghal places customer out of the market, or to the avoid close contact with tions covered all Ashghal func- Ahmed Al Mohannadi said: managing infrastructure care and satisfaction amongst wholesale market or to the others, crowded places, and tionalities comprising design, “Achieving the Certificates of projects and service delivery. It its top priorities, and its inter- cooled storages, according confined closed spaces where construction, and management Registration, of the Environ- helps in the continuous action and communication with to Aswaq. other people congregate, of major projects including mental Management System improvement and achievement customers are closely moni- Al Sailiya Central Market wearing a face mask and roads, drainage, buildings, and ISO 14001:2015 & the Occupa- of the authority’s strategic goals tored through real-time dash- re-opened on July 1, 2020, washing hands regularly. public amenities such as public tional Health & Safety Man- related to Safety & Environ- boards and performance indi- in line with the government The Ministry further said buildings, schools, and hos- agement System ISO mental Management and cators. It also implements plan to gradually lift the that measures to tackle pitals, in addition to operation 45001:2018, is a key milestone Organisational Excellence.” regular online surveys to restrictions imposed, as a COVID-19 in Qatar have suc- and maintenance of assets such and major accomplishment for “In line with Ashghal’s improve customer satisfaction result of the COVID-19 ceeded in flattening the curve as roads, drainage networks Ashghal. It is a fundamental Occupational Health & Safety continuously. epidemic. and limiting the spread of the virus. Also Qatar’s proactive and extensive testing of suspected Challenges facing people with disabilities amid pandemic highlighted cases has enabled us to identify a high number of pos- THE PENINSULA — DOHA working together under these Psychological Sciences itive cases in the community. circumstances to help people Dr. Hamda Hassan Al Sulaiti emphasised the importance of Department at the College of The Ministry further said Qatar National Commission for with disabilities, and to improve solidarity, cooperation and working together under these Education at Qatar University; that Qatar has one of the Education, Culture and Science their psychological state, to be circumstances to help people with disabilities and to and representatives from Saudi lowest COVID-19 death rates organised a seminar on the productive and supportive Arabia, the State of Palestine in the world, as a result of the difficulties and challenges that people for themselves and their improve their psychological state, to be productive and and Jordan also participated in country’s young population, persons with disabilities face in community, and enable them supportive people for themselves and their community. the sessions. proactive testing to identify light of the coronavirus to find alternative solutions to At the conclusion of the cases early and expanding pandemic. continue working. She also seminar, the participants hospital capacity, especially The virtual seminar was pointed out that to the negative witnessed a speech by Dr. Al people with disabilities in light emphasised on the importance intensive care, to ensure all organised on Wednesday in col- effects that the corona pan- Hashemi Al Ardawi, represent- of COVID-19, the challenges and of engaging the relevant author- patients receive the medical laboration with The Arab demic left on these people. ative of the Arab League Edu- difficulties faced by the disabled ities to exchange experiences care they need and protecting League Educational, Cultural Dr. Al Sulaiti identified a set cational, Cultural and Scientific persons, and innovative solu- and circulate them at the level the elderly and those with and Scientific Organization. of challenges and difficulties Organization. tions to overcome these of the Arab world through The chronic diseases. Dr. Hamda Hassan Al faced by people with disabil- The workshop discussed a difficulties. Arab League Educational, Cul- The Ministry asked people Sulaiti, Secretary-General of ities in light of the coronavirus number of issues, including The workshop witnessed tural and Scientific Organi- to be careful and protect the Qatar National Commission for pandemic, and asked the par- education for people with dis- fruitful discussions about the zation, and to find innovative most vulnerable, while Education, Culture and Science ticipants to think of solutions to abilities in light of the corona- working papers submitted by solutions to overcome the dif- COVID-19 restrictions are emphasised the importance of these challenges. virus pandemic, the health and the participating professors. Dr. ficulties that this group faces in being lifted. solidarity, cooperation and The opening session also psychological conditions of Asma Al Attiyah, Head of the society. FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021 HOME / MIDDLE EAST 03 Generation Amazing youth advocates learn about UN SDGs THE PENINSULA — DOHA UNITAR Head of New York and development.” this global movement towards Office Marco A Suazo, Ambas- Meanwhile, Barnes offered achieving the 17 SDGs. At Gen- Generation Amazing youth sador of the Monaco Mission to an inspiring context in relation eration Amazing, we take part advocates attended a training the UN Isabelle Picco, and to what youth advocates could in a lot of workshops on football session organised in collabo- football legend John Barnes, achieve for themselves and for development to see how we ration with the United Nations who notably played for Liv- their communities. can use football to deliver social Institute for Training and erpool and England during his “The opportunities for change, which is exciting.” Research (UNITAR) and the illustrious career. young kids through Generation The course also featured Permanent Mission of The State During his opening address, Amazing, educationally, and speakers from the International of Qatar to the United Nations Al Thawadi encouraged youth vocationally, is much more Federation of Red Cross and (UN). The training introduced to tackle the challenges they important than whether they Red Crescent Societies, the advocates to the UN Sustainable face head-on and embody resil- can play football or not. What International Peace Institute, El Development Goals (SDGs) as ience as advocates for change. Generation Amazing is giving Origen Foundation, and part of their journey to deliver “Through your journey with these kids, in Africa, and a lot of Glass2Sand. positive social change through us, we aim to provide you with disadvantaged places is an In the months ahead, the the power of football — in Qatar the tools to make a difference opportunity to maximise their Generation Amazing youth and around the world. in your communities,” said Al potential.” The opening session advocates will undertake During the three-day online Thawadi. “You carry with you Youth advocates are considered not only the driving and panel with sport for devel- further training to boost their course, youth learned about the a message for everyone else and opment experts also gave the communication, organisation, SDGs, acquired knowledge especially for future generations force for positive change but also a key factor for advocates a chance to express leadership, and teamwork skills. about sports and sustainable with regards to the limitless finding solutions to social issues. I hope that youth will their views on the task ahead. They will also advocate for development, and built lead- power of sport and its contri- understand sport’s ability to inspire, bring hope, and transform From Qatar, sixteen-year- pillar causes in the Generation ership and negotiation skills. bution to the betterment of peo- humanity by uniting us to work together, as well as how they old Ali Fakhroo said he was Amazing programme, such as Fourteen young people aged ple’s lives.” can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. determined to contribute and gender equality and inclusion 16-24 took part in the training Speaking of the contribution harness the power of football — in line with the SDGs. after being selected to partic- youth will make to SDGs and to solve challenges. Generation Amazing is the ipate in a new advocacy pro- sharing a message of hope for H E Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani “As youth advocates, we flagship human and social gramme launched by Gener- the youth, Al Thani said: “Youth Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations have to be really resilient and development programme of the ation Amazing last summer. advocates are considered not strong as young leaders. It isn’t SC — the organisation tasked The course was introduced only the driving force for pos- an easy task, but it’s a really with delivering the infra- by Secretary-General of the itive change but also a key how they can contribute to the engagement with Sustainable important opportunity to be structure and legacy of the FIFA Supreme Committee for factor for finding solutions to Sustainable Development Development Goals and the able to share ideas and new World Cup Qatar 2022. Since Delivery & Legacy (SC) Hassan social issues. I hope that youth Goals.” Agenda 2030. The programme solutions.” its launch in 2010, Generation Al Thawadi, Permanent Repre- will understand sport’s ability Suazo said: “For UNITAR, it’s is to encompass for these young Maha Al Badr, 16, also from Amazing boosted communities sentative of the State of Qatar to inspire, bring hope, and a real pleasure and honour to participants in Qatar, the tools Qatar, expressed her excitement across the world and positively to the UN H E Sheikha Alya transform humanity by uniting inaugurate today a programme to enable them to amplify the about making a difference. impacted more than 500,000 Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, us to work together, as well as for strengthening youth importance of peace, security, “It’s amazing to be part of people. Jordanian envoy participates in ‘Plant Million Tree’ initiative Kuwait reports 560 new THE PENINSULA — DOHA Municipality, and a number of officials and engineers of COVID-19 cases The Ministry of Municipality the Public Parks and Environment (MME), Department. QNA — KUWAIT represented by the Public The green initiative, Parks Department, which was launched in 2019, The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health organised an event has helped plant thousands reported yesterday 560 new yesterday to plant a variety of trees with the participation cases of coronavirus of trees in Al-Jubailat Park, of ministers, ambassadors, (COVID-19) in the past 24 as part of the ‘Plant Million schools, community leaders, hours, bringing the total of Tree’ initiative. public and private companies confirmed cases in the country The event was organised during different events. to 156,434. in collaboration with the The initiative focuses on The Ministry’s spokesman Embassy of Jordan in the planting saplings of trees Dr. Abdullah Al Sanad said that State of Qatar. Ambassador suited for Qatari climate, no deaths have been recorded of Jordan to the State of such as Sidr, Ghaf, Samar due to the virus in the past Qatar, H E Zaid Mufleh Al and many more. twenty-four hours, leaving the Lawzi, participated in the Under the initiative, trees number of deaths at 946 cases event along with are being planted at so far, adding that the patients Muhammad Ibrahim Al highways, industrial areas, in intensive care units have Sada, Assistant Director of sewage plants, treatment reached 49. Parks Department at the units and storage, rainwater The Kuwaiti Ministry of Ministry of Municipality and harvesting sites, cities and Health announced earlier Environment; Nasser municipal strips, public parks, Thursday the recovery of 252 Ambassador of Jordan to the State of Qatar, H E Zaid Mufleh Al Lawzi, planting a tree at Al-Jubailat Park, Darwish from the Parks schools, and residential people over the past 24 hours, as part of the ‘Plant Million Tree’ initiative. Department in Doha complexes. bringing the total number of recoveries to 150,061. MES pupil wins MME’s Al Badel Sports Championship kicks off Oman vaccinates art contest THE PENINSULA — DOHA within the framework of the Several departments of the tasks. Meanwhile, the Agricul- more than 22,000 THE PENINSULA — DOHA close relationship between Environmental Affairs Sector tural Affairs Department at the The Ministry of Municipality sport and sustainability. He said are also participating in the MME will also display organic against COVID-19 Karthika Mahesh, a class 10 and Environment (MME) has such sports tournaments are a activities by presenting several products from Qatar’s farms, student of MES Indian School, launched the Al-Badel Sports real investment for young activities that define their most including vegetables, fruits, and QNA — MUSCAT bagged a cash award of Championship in the Sealine people to promote a positive important specializations and others. QR5,000 for securing the first area, under the slogan “Sports and environmentally friendly The Omani Health Minister Dr. position in an art competition and Environmental Sustaina- lifestyle. Ahmed bin Mohammed bin conducted by the Mall of Qatar bility”. The event kicked off He added that the Public Obaid Al Saeedi stated that in connection with Qatar yesterday and will continue Relations Department would during the first phase of the National Day. The competition until January 22. organise cultural awareness national campaign for is an annual event that About 300 players from 150 events accompanying the Al COVID-19 vaccination, 22,749 provides a platform for teams will participate in the Badel Championships to high- people were vaccinated with talented students to launch tournament, and the winners light the Ministry’s role in activ- a coverage rate of 82 percent their artwork. will be classified into five cat- ities and events aimed at edu- of the target groups, explaining Mahesh participated in the egories during the tournament cating the public and enhancing that the side effects of the 14-16 age group of the contest. days, which will run from 4 pm the role of sports in sustainable vaccine are expected and Judges selected her work after to 11 pm. development. simple, and no serious side considering the relevance to Commenting on the initi- The exhibition activities effects were recorded from the the theme, visual effectiveness, ative, Abdullah Mohammad Al accompanying the Badel Sports vaccine. creativity, and originality. Falasi, Director of the Public Championship aim to inform In the press conference of MES Principal Hameeda Relations Department at the the public about the essential the Supreme Committee in Kadar congratulated the first- Ministry of Municipality and activities and environmental charge of discussing the mech- prize winner for bringing Environment, emphasised that laws, and the public hygiene anism of dealing with devel- laurels to the school. organising this event comes law. Officials tour the exhibition area at the sports championship. opments resulting from the spread of the coronavirus, the Minister of Health expected that between 8 and 10 vac- Top UN officials warn of famine in Yemen after Houthis blacklisting cines will arrive in the Sul- tanate in the first quarter of REUTERS — NEW YORK of famine in Yemen and should Foreign Minister Ahmad Awad verdict based exclusively on one Washington was listening and this year, stressing that the be revoked based on humani- bin Mubarak told the Security criterion: the national interest.” the concerns raised “are Sultanate will not use any Three top United Nations offi- tarian grounds at the earliest Council his government wel- While the United Nations informing how we approach the vaccine except after obtaining cials all called on the United opportunity.” The United comed the US decision. Pres- and aid groups help about a designation implementation.” the full data and registering the States yesterday to revoke its Nations describes Yemen as the ident-elect Joe Biden takes third of Yemen’s 28 million “But we do believe that this step country of origin and ensuring decision to designate Yemen’s world’s largest humanitarian office on January 20. The des- people, Lowcock stressed com- is the right move forward to its validity and safety, pointing Houthis a foreign terrorist crisis, with 80% of the people ignation could be revoked by mercial imports are key to send the right signal if we want out that the Ministry of Health organisation, warning it would in need of aid. Yemenis fear the Biden’s administration. ensuring millions more have the political process to move has seized 370,000 doses of push the country into a large- US decision could further isolate “We are struggling now access to food. forward,” Mills said. Several Pfizer vaccine and will reach scale famine and chill peace them from the global financial without the designation. With He said a US plan to issue council members raised con- the Sultanate on Batches. efforts. system. UN officials are trying the designation, it’s going to be licenses and exemptions to cerns. Russia’s UN Ambassador He added that the epi- UN Yemen mediator Martin to revive peace talks to end the catastrophic. It literally is going allow aid agencies to continue Vassily Nebenzia urged the demic is still present, and Griffiths, UN aid chief Mark war as the country’s suffering to be a death sentence to hun- working will not prevent a United States to review its many countries, unfortu- Lowcock and UN food chief is also worsened by an eco- dreds of thousands, if not mil- famine in Yemen, which relies decision. nately, reached the third David Beasley issued their nomic and currency collapse lions of innocent people in almost solely on imports. “This risks not only seri- wave and reached the climax, warnings during a UN Security and the COVID-19 pandemic. Yemen,” said Beasley, a former “Aid agencies cannot - they ously exacerbating the human- and the injuries reached very Council meeting on Yemen. UN The chief Houthi negotiator governor of South Carolina. simply cannot - replace the itarian situation in the country, large numbers, calling for Secretary-General Antonio said yesterday that the group “This designation - it needs commercial import system,” but also undermining UN efforts non-laxity in the precau- Guterres backed the call by his will not walk away from peace to be reassessed; it needs to be said Lowcock, warning the US whose aim is to launch negoti- tionary measures and not officials for Washington to talks with the United Nations re-evaluated. And quite frankly, decision would push Yemen ations between the warring being complacent, noting that reverse the designation, a UN and Saudi Arabia. it needs to be reversed,” he said. into a “famine on a scale that sides,” Nebenzia told the in the peak period the spokesman said. US Secretary of State Mike A Biden transition official we have not seen for nearly 40 council. The designation freezes number of cases in intensive “We fear that there will be Pompeo announced the move said they took note of the years.” “What would prevent it? any US-related assets of the care units reached 219 cases, inevitably a chilling effect on against the Houthis on Sunday. Trump administration to des- A reversal of the (US) decision,” Houthis, bans Americans from indicating that the decrease my efforts to bring the parties It will come into effect on Jan. ignate the Houthis and that “the he said. Deputy US Ambassador doing business with them and in these cases came as a together,” Griffiths told the 19, the last full day in office of transition team is reviewing to the United Nations Richard makes it a crime to provide result of everyone’s efforts 15-member body. “The decision President Donald Trump’s each one, and the incoming Mills told the Security Council support or resources to the and adherence to precau- will contribute to the prospect administration. Yemen’s administration will render a and the UN officials that movement. tionary measures. 04 MIDDLE EAST FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021 Lebanon begins all-day curfew as virus spins out of control

AP — BEIRUT For the first time, residents were required Lebanese authorities began to request a one-hour permit to be allowed enforcing an 11-day to leave the house for “emergencies,” nationwide shutdown and including going to the bakery, pharmacist, round the clock curfew yesterday, hoping to limit the doctor, hospital or airport. spread of coronavirus infec- tions spinning out of control devastating August 4 explosion they run out of beds, oxygen after the holiday period. at Beirut port. tanks and ventilators. For the first time, residents “The holiday season should Furthermore, the country were required to request a one- have been the time for has been without a government hour permit to be allowed to lockdown. The season of since the old one resigned in the leave the house for “emer- crowds, shopping and parties,” wake of the catastrophic August gencies,” including going to the said Hanna Azar, owner of a 4 explosion at Beirut port, bakery, pharmacist, doctor, money transfer and telephones which put a further strain on hospital or airport. shop. “They opened it to allow hospitals, inundating them with Authorities came under dollars into the country and injured. At least three hospitals pressure to take a tougher now they want to close, espe- were destroyed. approach after the country’s cially in this economic crisis. The massive explosion Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving a shot of the Sinovac’s CoronaVac vaccine at Ankara hospitals ran out of beds with People don’t have money to caused by the detonation of a City Hospital in Ankara, Turkey, yesterday. daily infections reaching an all- eat.” stockpile of poorly stored time high of 5,440 cases last Even before the corona- ammonium nitrate ravaged the week in the country of nearly virus, Lebanon was going city, killing over 200 people 6 million people. through an unprecedented eco- and injuring thousands. Turkey begins administering The dramatic surge in infec- nomic and financial crisis that Yesterday, police manned tions began in late December. has seen its national currency checkpoints around the As most governments around and bank sector collapse and country, checking motorists’ Sinovac shot to health workers the world tightened lockdowns, locked depositors out of the permits to be on the road and Lebanon relaxed health savings. Hospitals, long con- creating traffic jams in some measures over the holidays, sidered among the best in the cases. The curfew is the strictest REUTERS — ANKARA/ISTANBUL Turkey has reported more categories, with a fourth group allowing restaurants and night- Middle East, struggled to pay since the start of the pandemic. than 2.3 million infections since covering the rest. clubs to reopen with barely any staff, keep equipment running For the first time, even super- Turkey began administering the March and still reports around Turkey has ordered 50 restrictions in place. and secure necessary medical markets were told to close their shots developed by China’s 10,000 new cases and 170 million doses of Sinovac’s Coro- An estimated 80,000 expats supplies as dollars grew scarce. doors and open for delivery Sinovac to health workers deaths each day after a month naVac and has received 3 flowed back into the country to Amid the surge, many hos- only. That decision triggered yesterday, rolling out a of weekend lockdowns and million. It is in talks for Russia’s celebrate Christmas and New pitals have now reached three days of chaotic panic nationwide vaccination nightly curfews. Sputnik V vaccine, and the shot Years with loved ones, many of maximum capacity for coro- buying as worried citizens programme against a disease At a research hospital in developed by Pfizer and them expats who skipped vis- navirus patients. Some have emptied shelves at super- that has killed more than Istanbul, 30 clinics were set up BioNTech, and is working to iting in the summer due to the halted elective surgeries as markets and grocery stores. 23,000 people in the country. to administer the vaccine. develop one domestically. It has so far vaccinated more Health workers, who book Trials from around the than 250,000 health workers. appointments online, were world have shown varying President Recep Tayyip given a first dose and moni- results for the Chinese vaccine, Erdogan received his first dose tored for a short time before which Indonesia began admin- of the vaccine at the Ankara leaving. A second dose will be istering on Wednesday, City Hospital. He arrived with given 28 days later. including late-stage clinical Health Minister Fahrettin Koca, Surgeon General Nurettin data from Brazil showing an who received the first vaccine Yiyit said the hospital could efficacy rate of only 50.4%. in the country a day earlier. vaccinate around 1,800 people Last month, Turkish Speaking to reporters per day and that its 3,500 staff, researchers said CoronaVac outside the hospital, Erdogan including nurses and janitors, showed a 91.25% efficacy based said he and senior members of could be vaccinated in two on an interim analysis of 29 the AK Party were all getting days. “We spent around 10 cases. A fuller analysis can take inoculated, and urged other months in white overalls, sup- place when they reach 40 cases. politicians to endorse the porting people as they struggle Turkey’s trials will continue vaccine. for life. Health workers know as it moves ahead with the mass “The number of vaccines in very well that this situation inoculation, the trials coordinator the first stage is clear. Now, cannot be taken lightly and that said. A poll in December by another 25-30 million doses the vaccine is needed,” Yiyit said. Turkiye Raporu showed nearly will come in the period ahead. Health workers will be vac- 35% of Turks did not want to get We want to continue this cinated in a few days and the vaccinated, while nearly 30% rapidly,” he said, adding that all process will move onto the next said they would only get a the incoming vaccines would group, which includes those domestically developed vaccine. also be from Sinovac for now. aged over 65. People older than “There is a serious inclination Health Minister Fahrettin 50 and suffering a chronic among health workers to get Koca, speaking after Erdogan illness, plus some in specific vaccinated. We have a social left the hospital, said all citizens sectors or high-risk environ- responsibility because our A view of an empty road as Lebanon tightened lockdown and introduced a 24-hour curfew to curb should get vaccinated when ments, will follow. A third group getting vaccinated will the spread of the coronavirus disease in Beirut, Lebanon, yesterday. their turn comes. includes young adults and other encourage others,” Yiyit said. US sanctions controversial Turkey urges ‘review’ of US sanction decision over S-400s deputy of Iraqi AP — ANKARA Speaking to reporters late In December, the United technology would jeopardise Let’s sit down and talk and find on Wednesday, Turkish States sanctioned four Turkish the safety of the fighter jets. a solution,” Akar said. paramilitaries A top Turkish official is calling Defence Minister Hulusi Akar officials under a US law known The sanctions deepened a rift US officials have ruled out on the new US administration would not be drawn into a as CAATSA, which is aimed at between Washington and Ankara the possibility of discussions AP — BAGHDAD to engage in a dialogue with question on whether Turkey pushing back on Russian which have been at odds over a with Turkey over the S-400’s Turkey and to review a decision would consider disposing of the influence. The sanctions, which variety of issues, including risks to the F-35s. They have The United States imposed to sanction the country over its Russian S-400 system amid US also included a ban on export Turkish military actions in Syria also said the sanctions cannot sanctions on an influential purchase of an advanced pressure. But he said he was licenses to to Turkey’s Presi- and elsewhere. be lifted as long as the Russian Iraqi militia leader and deputy Russian air defence system. hopeful that a solution can be dency of Defence Industries, Akar renewed Turkey’s calls air-defence system remains on of a powerful Iran-backed That request comes even found “through common sense were the first time the law was for a dialogue to overcome the Turkish soil. umbrella of mostly Shiite though Washington has made before coming to that point.” used to punish a Nato ally. impasse. Turkey maintains that Akar said Turkey was left paramilitary groups, desig- clear that there can be no Akar also said talks with Earlier, Turkey was also the S-400s would not affect with no choice but to acquire nating him a global terrorist waiver of the sanctions until Russia on acquiring a second kicked out of the US F-35 Nato systems or the F-35s. the Russian air defence system figure. Ankara disposes of the Russian consignment of the S-400 were stealth jet program, due to con- “We are saying let’s not after no Nato ally offered The move by the US technology. continuing. cerns that the Russian break things up in this way. Turkey favourable terms. Treasury against Abdulaziz Al Mohammadawi, known as Abu Fadak, was expected by many UN watchdog Iraqi officials. It was also the Iran fires cruise missiles during naval drill second time in a week that a confirms another senior Iraqi militia official has AP — TEHRAN been sanctioned. Iranian breach of The chairman of the par- Iran fired cruise missiles nuclear deal amilitary umbrella, the yesterday as part of a naval drill Popular Mobilization Forces, in the Gulf of Oman, state media AP — BERLIN Falih Al Fayyadh was sanc- reported, amid heightened tioned last Friday under the tensions with the US. The United Nations’ atomic Magnitsky Act and accused of State TV showed footage of watchdog agency confirmed rights abuses against antigov- missiles being launched from yesterday that Iran has ernment protesters. The law both land units and ships at sea informed it that the country allows the US to target any for- but didn’t elaborate on their has begun installing eigner accused of human range or other details. In July, equipment for the production rights violations and Iran said it test-fired cruise mis- of uranium metal, which corruption. siles with a range of some would be another violation of Abu Fadak, a senior figure 280km. the landmark nuclear deal of the Iran-backed Kataib “Enemies should know that with world powers. Hezbollah militia, is also acting any violation and invasion of Iran maintains its plans to deputy chairman of the Iranian marine borders will be conduct research and devel- Popular Mobilization Forces, targeted by the cruise missiles opment on uranium metal pro- a role he took on after a U.S. from both coast and sea,” said duction are part of its “declared airstrike last January in Adm. Hamzeh Ali Kaviani, aim to design an improved type Iranian military commanders and other members of the armed forces praying on the Iranian-made Baghdad killed the militia’s spokesman for the exercise. of fuel,” the Vienna-based Inter- warship Makran during an exercise in the Gulf of Oman, yesterday. deputy head Abu Mahdi al- The two-day drill began on national Atomic Energy Agency Muhandis, a powerful Wednesday when the country’s said.Uranium metal can also be founding member of Kataib navy inaugurated its largest mil- Saturday, the paramilitary Rev- nuclear deal, in which Tehran re-imposition of sanctions on used for a nuclear bomb, Hezbollah and the lead itary vessel. The exercise takes olutionary Guard held a naval had agreed to limit its uranium Iran, Tehran gradually and pub- however, and research on its architect of the umbrella group place amid heightened tensions parade in the Gulf and a week enrichment in exchange for the licly abandoned the deal’s limits production is specifically pro- of paramilitaries. over Iran’s nuclear program and earlier Iran held a massive lifting of economic sanctions. on its nuclear development as hibited under the nuclear deal Top Iranian Revolutionary a US pressure campaign against drone maneuver across half the Trump cited Iran’s ballistic a series of escalating incidents — the so-called Joint Compre- Guard commander, Gen. the Islamic Republic. country. President Donald missile program among other pushed the two countries to the hensive Plan of Action— that Qassim Soleimani, was also In recent weeks, Iran has Trump in 2018 unilaterally issues in withdrawing. brink of war at the beginning of Tehran signed with world killed in that airstrike. increased its military drills. On withdrew the US from Iran’s Following the US’s the year. powers in 2015. FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021 ISLAM 05 The Quranic meaning of Iman MANSOOR ALAM product of a concept called dualism which finds no sanction anywhere in he root of the word “Iman” the Quran. Life is a unity which cannot is a-m-n which means: to be be bifurcated into private and public calm and quiet (in one’s parts, religious and secular parts, or heart); to be protected from material and spiritual parts. fear; trustworthiness, and In the words of poet Iqbal: “...With truthfulness. Iman means to Islam, the ideal and real (i.e. spiritual Taccept truthfully, to be convinced, and to and material) are not two opposing verify something, to rely upon or have forces which cannot be reconciled. The confidence in something. life of the ideal (i.e. spiritual life) con- Iman is usually translated in sists, not in a total breach with the real English as faith or belief, and faith in (i.e. material life) which would tend to turn signifies acceptance without proof shatter the very organic wholeness of or argument, without reference to life into painful oppositions... reason or thought, knowledge or “Islam, however, faces the oppo- insight. According to the Quran, Iman sition with a view to overcome it... is conviction which is based upon Islam, recognising the contact of the reason and knowledge; a conviction ideal with real, says ‘yes’ to the world that results from full mental acceptance of matter and points the way to master and intellectual satisfaction; the kind it with a view to discover a basis for a of conviction that gives one a feeling realistic regulation of life.” (Recon- of inner contentment and peace. And struction of Religious Thought in Islam, a Mu’min is one who accepts truth in pages 7-8) such a way that it ensures his own Unfortunately, this is what life has peace and helps him to safeguard the become today—comprised of painful peace and security of the rest of oppositions in our feelings and emo- humankind. In fact, Al Mu’min is one tions, in our thoughts and actions— of the attributes of Allah Himself because the foundation (i.e. Iman) on (59:23). Allah gives a comprehensive which the life’s superstructure is to be and an objective definition of Iman in built as a coherent system is flawed. the Quran: “To believe in Allah, and in Now if the foundation itself is the hereafter, and in Malaika (angels defective, no matter how much tink- or Allah’s forces), and in the Book, and ering and patch-up job is done to save the Prophets.” (2:177) Allah puts an extraordinary emphasis on human reason and intellect. Those who the superstructure of a society, sooner do not use reason are called worse than animals by Allah. The revelation from or later it is going to collapse. Many of Importance of Reason in Iman them have collapsed already and many The Quranic view of reason and its Allah is meant to be used with reason and understanding in order to enlighten our are on the way moving towards their place in human life deserves careful minds and hearts and not to be followed blindly: Say: “Are those equal, those who final destiny. consideration. Man has been granted In fact, we are all on a mission and a mind which enables him to think, and know and those who do not know?” (Quran 39:9) a journey, continuously moving through the instrument of intellect, is towards a final destination whether supposed to build up a system of we realize it or not. The electrons and knowledge. Reason converts the raw conscious insight accessible to reason, us consciously strive to acquire Therefore, Iman in Islam is not a neurons in our bodies, the earth we data supplied by the senses into I am calling you all unto God — I and knowledge and understanding by using (blind) faith held privately and subjec- inhabit, the solar system, the galaxy— knowledge and the Quran assigns to they who follow me.” (12:108) our own God-given gift of reason and tively (without any rationale or reason) from the smallest to the biggest, eve- reason an important role in life: Verily, It is clear from these verses that intellect in the light of the revelation between an individual and God. As we rything and everyone and life in the vilest of all creatures in the sight of Allah puts an extraordinary emphasis given in the Quran, so that Iman can have seen, there is a clear, explicit, and general, are all on a journey towards God are those deaf, those dumb ones on human reason and intellect. Those enter our hearts. objective definition of Iman given in their goal determined by Allah. who do not use their reason. (8:22) who do not use reason are called worse the Quran and Allah has Himself Allah says in the Quran that if all This is a graphic description of the than animals by Allah. The revelation Characteristics of Iman explained the process of how to acquire the trees on the planet became pens degradation of man when he does not from Allah is meant to be used with Here is list of several characteristics it in various other verses related to this and all its oceans became ink, the employ reason to his service. Such a reason and understanding in order to of Iman from the Quran which shed topic. Therefore, it is not proper (for words of Allah (and the meanings con- man, the Quran tells us, not only lives enlighten our minds and hearts and some further light on its reality: Iman any Muslim, at least) to say that faith tained in them) would not be exhausted a worthless and debased life here but not to be followed blindly: Say: “Are is not to accept it with the tongue but is a private, subjective matter between (31:27, 18:109). That means we are limited also renders himself unfit for the here- those equal, those who know and those to accept it with the heart. (2:8-9) an individual and God. Nevertheless, by our finite capacity of knowledge and after which he enters after death: who do not know?” (Quran 39:9) To accept everything which the the maxim “faith is a private matter” understanding. But still, Allah enjoins on “Many are the Jinns and men we And most important of all, Allah Quran says as truth is Iman. (2:26) is accepted as a universal truth. It every one of us (who call ourselves have made for Hell: They have hearts says that even His revelations are not In order to acquire Iman in Allah, seems no one thinks that any serious Muslims) to use our reason, intellect, wherewith they understand not, eyes to be accepted blindly. The Believers it is necessary to first reject every effort is needed to investigate its in- and the up-to-date human knowledge wherewith they see not, and ears (Mu’minin) according to the Quran are: authority other than Allah. (2:25-26) depth meaning and provide a proof for and to directly try to understand and wherewith they hear not. They are like “And who, whenever they are Iman will lead human beings from this oft repeated phrase. A moment’s explore the meanings of His revela- cattle,- nay more misguided: for they reminded of their Sustainer’s messages, darkness towards light. (2:257) reflection, however, reveals that those tions (as noted earlier in many verses, are heedless of warning. (7:179) do not throw themselves upon them In matters of Iman, one’s profession who believe in this maxim are really con- especially verse 25:73). This point is again emphasised in [as if] deaf and blind.” (25:73) is irrelevant. (26:111-112) tradicting themselves in their daily lives. We will never be able to exhaust Sura Al Furqan. The Prophet (PBUH) Thus, the Quran calls upon all Unless Iman enters the heart, it A good religious speaker greatly influ- the meanings of Allah’s words but we is addressed: Or dost thou think that human beings to apply their minds cannot be called Iman. One can only ences people’s thoughts and beliefs. The are asked, nevertheless, to keep most of them listen to thy message and (with open minds, not with an a priori say that one has surrendered to Islam. moment one opens one’s private belief striving continuously. That is why it is use their reason? Nay, they are but like bias, prejudice or ancestral customized (49:14) to be influenced by others, it no longer all the more important not to give up cattle - nay, they are even less con- thoughts) to its teaching, and to strive Allah does not discard anyone’s remains private. So much so, that an and stop this process by saying that our scious of the right way! (25:44) constantly to grasp its meaning and Iman. (2:143) accomplished religious leader can cause great scholars of the past have already The Quran expects man to think rationale. The following commands are Finally, an important aspect which havoc in people’s lives to the extent that explored all there was to be explored and use his power of understanding in for everyone (and not just for the must be emphasized here is that no a single statement of his may cause them and they have understood all there was the light of the guidance provided by scholars): “Will they not, then, try to form of force or coercion (direct or to give up their lives and/or take other to be understood. And we simply have wa‘hi or revelation from Allah. These understand this Quran?” (4:82, 47:24) indirect, temporal or spiritual) can be people’s lives. to refer to them in matters of Islam. two sources of guidance, i.e., reason “(This is) a Book (the Quran) which used in connection with Iman. This is And we know that this scenario is This passive approach on our part will and revelation, are supplementary to We have sent down to you, full of because it contradicts the very defi- physically as well as psychologically not absolve us from our duty to ponder each other. If they are kept within their blessings that they may ponder over nition of Iman. (As we have seen, Iman impossible now in the age of the infor- directly in the Quran as required by proper spheres, then there will be no its Verses, and that men of under- is derived from a-m-n which means mation super highway, World Wide Allah. This requirement is for each and conflict between them. The Prophet standing may remember.” (38:29) peace in the heart.) So any forced con- Web, and the Internet. As a matter of every generation and for all time to (PBUH) is commanded to say: Say O Thus, Iman has to be individually version cannot be allowed in Islam. In fact, this distinction between private come. Prophet: “This is my way: Resting upon acquired which requires that each of fact, forced Iman is no Iman at all. and public domain of human life is the www.islamicity.org

Islam:Basic Facts - 2 Do not speak evil openly Allah does not like speaking evil publicly Shahadah: The testimony of faith unless one has been wronged. Allah is All- Hearing, All-Knowing. Even though you have The first pillar of Islam is to believe and stone and created by human hands and declare the faith by saying the Sha- imaginations; this rejection must extend the right to speak evil if you are wronged, if Ihadah (lit.‘witness’), known as the to all other conceptions, superstitions, ide- you keep doing good — whether openly or Kalimah. La ilaha ila Allahu Muhamma- ologies, ways of life, and authority figures secretly — or at least pardon the evil (then durrasul Allah. (There is no god but Allah; that claim supreme devotion, loyalty, trust, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah). love, obedience or worship. This entails, that is the attribute of Allah). Allah is All- The meaning is better understood in for example, the rejection of belief in such Pardoning and He has all the power to English as saying that there is no deity common things as astrology, palm reading, worthy of worship throughout the creation, good luck charms, fortune-telling and chastise. (Quran 4:148-149) only the Creator is worth of any worship. psychic readings, in addition to praying at Or as we say: “Worship the Creator - shrines or graves of “saints”, asking the This verse embodies a moral directive of very high value Not His Creations.” dead souls to intercede for them with Allah. to the Muslims. The hypocrites bent on placing all kinds There are no intercessors in Islam, nor any of obstacles in the way of the spread of Islam: They DECLARATION class of clergy as such; a Muslim prays eagerly persecuted the Muslims and used all possible This declaration contains two parts. directly and exclusively to Allah. means, however malicious, against them. Such an The first part refers to God Almighty, attitude inevitably created anger and resentment. It was the Creator of everything, the Lord of the BELIEF IN PROPHETHOOD in the context of this storm of bitter feelings that Allah Worlds; the second part refers to the Mes- Belief in the prophethood of told Muslims that He did not consider speaking ill of senger, Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) Muhammad (PBUH) entails belief in the people as praiseworthy. No doubt the Muslims had been a prophet and a human being, who guidance brought by him and contained received the revelation through the Arch- in his Sunnah (traditions of his sayings and wronged, and if a wronged person speaks out against a angel Gabriel, and taught it to mankind. actions), and demands of the Muslim the wrong-doer, he is quite justified in doing so. Even though intention to follow his guidance faithfully. this is a person’s right, it is more meritorious to continue NOT OTHER GODS Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was also a to do good both in public and in private, and to ignore the By sincerely uttering the Shahadah the human being, a man with feelings and misdeeds of others. Muslim acknowledges Allah as the sole emotions, who ate, drank and slept, and For one’s ideal should be to try to approximate to God’s Creator of all, and the Supreme Authority was born and died, like other men. He had way as far as possible. God with whom one wants to be over everything and everyone in the a pure and upright nature, extraordinary close is lenient and forbearing; He provides sustenance universe. righteousness, and an unwavering faith in even to the worst criminals and seeks mitigating circum- Consequently the Muslim closes his/ Allah and commitment to Islam, but he stances in even the most serious offences. In order to her heart and mind to loyalty, devotion was not divine. Muslims do not pray to him, become close to God, one ought to be generous in spirit and obedience to, trust in, reliance on, and not even as an intercessor, and Muslims and full of tolerance. worship of anything or anyone other than abhor the terms “Mohammedan” and Allah. This rejection is not confined merely “Mohammedanism”. (Courtesy: Tafheemul Quran by S.A Maududi) to pagan gods and goddesses of wood and www.islamtomorrow.com 06 AFRICA FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021 Ugandans cast ballots in tense presidential poll AP — KAMPALA But the electoral commission, Results are expected which the opposition sees as Ugandans voted yesterday in a within 48 hours of weak, has said voters must presidential election tainted by return home after casting widespread violence that some polls closing at 4pm. ballots. fear could escalate as security More than 17 million Internet access was cut forces try to stop supporters of people are registered Wednesday night. “No matter leading opposition challenger what they do, the world is Bobi Wine from monitoring voters in this East watching,” Wine tweeted. polling stations. Internet access African country of Problems were reported has been cut off. with some biometric machines Long lines of voters snaked 45 million people. A to verify voters. “Our kit failed into the distance in the capital, candidate must win to start because mismatching Kampala. “This is a miracle,” passwords,” said Derrick mechanic Steven Kaderere said. more than 50 percent Lutakoma, the presiding officer “This shows me that Ugandans to avoid a runoff vote. at one polling station. this time are determined to vote “This election has already for the leader they want. I have been rigged,” another opposition never seen this before.” Museveni, an authoritarian who candidate, Patrick Oboi Amuriat, Ugandan presidential candidate and singer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known as Bobi Wine, casts But delays were seen in the has wielded power since 1986, told NTV as polls opened, adding his ballot in the presidential elections in Kampala, Uganda, yesterday. delivery of polling materials in seeks a sixth term against a that “we will not accept the some places, including where strong challenge from Wine, a outcome of this election.” among college graduates. and being dead. Bullets can find criticized African leaders over Wine voted. After he arrived to popular young singer-turned- The government’s decision “Museveni is putting all the you anywhere. They can find not leaving power, now seeks the cheers of a crowd and cast opposition lawmaker. Nine this week to shut down access deployments in urban areas you at home. They can find you more time in office after law- his ballot, he made the sign of other challengers are trying to to social media in retaliation where the opposition has an on the veranda.” makers jettisoned the last con- the cross, then raised his fist and unseat Museveni. over Facebook’s removal of advantage,” said Gerald At least 54 people were stitutional obstacle — age limits smiled. After voting, the president Museveni-linked Ugandan Bareebe, an assistant professor killed in Uganda in November — on a possible life presidency. “Everybody was scared, was asked if he would accept accounts accused of inauthentic of political science at Canada’s as security forces put down riots “I grew up when he was they thought I would not cast the election’s outcome and said behavior was meant “to limit York University. “If you ask provoked by the arrest of Wine president. Even my children my vote. Here I am coming from “of course” but quickly added, the eyes on the election and, many Ugandans now, they say for allegedly violating campaign have been born when he is pres- the polling station,” Wine told “if there are no mistakes.” Wine, therefore, hide something,” said the ballot paper is not worth my regulations aimed at preventing ident,” taxi driver Mark Wasswa local broadcaster NTV Uganda. whose real name is Kyagulanyi Crispin Kaheru, an independent life.” Some young people said the spread of the coronavirus. said as voting began. “We also “I want to assure Ugandans that Ssentamu, has seen many asso- election observer. they would vote despite the Wine has captured the want to see another person we can and indeed will win. ciates jailed or go into hiding as The 76-year-old Museveni’s apparent risks. imagination of many in Uganda, now.” The rise of Wine as a Whether or not (the electoral security forces crack down on support has traditionally been “This government has ruled and elsewhere in Africa, with national leader without ties to commission chief) declares that, opposition supporters they fear concentrated in rural areas where us badly. They have really his bold calls for the retirement the regime has raised the stakes that is his business.” Results are could mount a street uprising many credit him with restoring a squeezed us,” said Allan Sser- of Museveni, whom he sees as within the ruling National expected within 48 hours of leading to regime change. Wine sense of peace and security that wadda, a car washer. “They a part of a corrupt old guard. Resistance Movement party. polls closing at 4pm. More than insists he is running a nonvi- was lost during the regimes of dic- have ruled us for years and they Museveni has dismissed the “(Ruling) party members 17 million people are registered olent campaign. tators including Idi Amin. say they have ideas. But they are 38-year-old Wine as “an agent and supporters ought to know voters in this East African Wine, of the National Unity Security forces have not the only ones who have of foreign interests” who cannot that this is a watershed election country of 45 million people. A Platform party, has said he does deployed heavily in the area ideas.” Asked if the heavy mil- be trusted with power. Wine has to shape, determine and install candidate must win more than not believe the election is free that encompasses Kampala, itary deployment fazed him, he been arrested many times on a Museveni successor,” gov- 50 percent to avoid a runoff and fair. He has urged sup- where the opposition has strong smiled and said: “If we are to various charges but has never ernment spokesman Ofwono vote. porters to linger near polling support partly because of die, let us die. Now there is no been convicted. Opondo recently wrote in the Longtime President Yoweri stations to protect their votes. rampant unemployment even difference between being alive Museveni, who decades ago Sunday Vision newspaper. Zimbabwe court Africa to see 1st vaccine doses from COVAX in March: WHO denies bail for AP — NAIROBI AstraZeneca via the Serum reported. The continent has now found that new variant in population in Africa, officials journalist over Institute of India. more than 3.1 million confirmed three other countries: Botswana, have pushed on multiple fronts Africa should see the first Some 600 million doses are virus cases, including more than Gambia and Zambia, the WHO to secure many more doses to false story COVID-19 vaccine doses in expected to come from COVAX. 75,000 deaths, as a second Africa chief said. “The impor- meet the goal of vaccinating the March from the global COVAX Doses expected to be allocated to wave of infections is “hitting tance of a robust genomics sur- 60 percent needed to achieve AP — HARARE effort aimed at helping lower- countries based on population size very, very hard.” The case veillance system cannot be over- herd immunity against the virus. income countries obtain the and the severity of the outbreak, fatality rate in Africa is now 2.4 emphasized,” she added. The vaccinations “will require A Zimbabwean court has shots, the World Health Organ- with health workers considered percent, above the global rate The Africa CDC director said a very massive historic campaign” denied bail to prominent jour- ization’s Africa chief said highest priority after thousands of 2.2 percent. Some 20 African “the sheer increase in the of a kind that the continent has nalist Hopewell Chin’ono, who yesterday, as deaths on the have been infected. The African countries have case fatality number of cases means we run never seen, Nkengasong said. has been in detention for continent are rapidly rising. continent is now recording about rates above the global average, into short supplies of oxygen,” Already there are concerns about almost a week on accusations Matshidiso Moeti told 30,000 new virus cases per day including Sudan at six percent, and he is meeting with the how African countries can roll out of publishing a falsehood. reporters that a larger rollout overall compared to 18,000 Egypt at 5.5 percent, Mali at 3.9 World Health Organisation and vaccines that require super-cold The magistrate ruled that of the millions of doses from during the first surge months ago. percent, Congo at 3.1 percent other partners today on how to storage given the continent has Chin’ono could commit COVAX is expected by June - the “Unfortunately, our deaths and South Africa at 2.8 percent. increase the supply to Africa, some of the world’s worst similar crimes if released on second major vaccine are increasing very rapidly,” South Africa is one of the where medical oxygen is not infrastructure. bail, citing two other cases in announcement this week for Africa Centres for Disease world’s hardest-hit countries as widely available. Nkengasong said African which, like the current one, the African continent of 1.3 Control and Prevention director a highly infectious variant of the Nkengasong stressed the governments are being advised the journalist was arrested for billion people as infections John Nkengasong said in a sep- virus now dominates the importance of getting COVID-19 to obtain deep freezers to start items he posted on Twitter. surge for a second time. The arate briefing. number of new cases and hos- vaccines to Africa: “We have to the vaccinations at hospitals in His lawyers said they will African Union chair on He said confirmed deaths pitals struggle. The country has do it quick. Economies are down. their major cities, then to appeal. Wednesday said 270 million from COVID-19 have jumped more than 1.2 million cases People are dying.” Since vaccine “engage the community, push Chin’ono is being held at doses have been secured from 21 percent over the past week including 35,000 deaths. doses from the COVAX effort are them, drag them to where vac- the harsh Chikurubi prison on Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and in Africa, with more than 5,400 Genomic sequencing has expected to cover just 20% of the cination points are.” the outskirts of the capital, Harare. He was arrested last week for posting that police had killed an infant while Tunisia marks 10 years enforcing lockdown rules. Police later said the infor- since revolution in lockdown mation was false and the baby is alive. Chin’ono faces a fine AP — TUNIS The revolution was unwit- or up to 20 years in jail if con- tingly sparked by a desperate victed of publishing a false Tunisia yetserday commemo- act of a 26-year-old fruit seller, story. rates the 10th anniversary since Mohammed Bouazizi, who set Before the latest arrest, the flight into exile of iron- himself ablaze on December17, Chin’ono was out on bail on fisted President Zine El Abidine 2010, to protest police humil- separate charges of inciting Ben Ali, pushed from power in iation in a town in the neglected violence after he voiced a popular revolt that fore- interior of the nation, Sidi support for an anti-gov- shadowed strife and civil war Bouzid. ernment protest in July and in the region, known as the His death unleashed sim- also on contempt of court Arab Spring. mering discontent and mass charges for allegedly claiming But there will be no festive demonstrations against corruption within the coun- celebrations marking the rev- poverty, joblessness and try’s national prosecution olution in this North African repression. That in turn rico- agency. nation, which was ordered into cheted beyond Tunisia, trig- Chin’ono is one of Zimba- lockdown to contain the gering what is known as the bwe’s most prominent critics coronavirus. Arab Spring uprisings with of President Emmerson The tree-lined Avenue crackdowns and civil wars in Mnangagwa’s administration, Bourguiba, the main artery in the region. accusing it of corruption and A health worker collects a swab at a drive-through sample collection centre for coronavirus disease the capital city of Tunis, which In Tunisia, joy and revenge human rights abuses. The in Abuja, Nigeria, yesterday. became a center of the uprising, marked the start of the post- government denies the may well be deserted if citizens Ben Ali era, with protesters charges. respect orders to stay home. tearing down the omnipresent Before he was arrested in Demonstrations and gatherings posters of Ben Ali and invading July, Chin’ono had published Nigeria seeks to vaccinate are banned for four days the luxurious home of the pres- an expose on Twitter in which starting Thursday, although ident’s brother-in-law, Bel- he alleged corruption involving there was no guarantee the hassen Trabelsi. The Tunis train a $60m purchase of protective 40% of population this year rules would be respected. station was burned down, tear equipment for health workers. “After the political lockdown, gas flooded Avenue Bourguiba Mnangagwa later fired the AP — ABUJA Primary Health Care Devel- mainly vaccinate health it’s the turn of the health and other neighbourhoods of health minister, who has been opment Agency, said yesterday workers. lockdown,” said one shopkeeper, the capital and helicopter gun- formally charged with cor- Nigeria wants to vaccinate as on Bloomberg TV. Covax has Authorities have yet to Ahmed Hassen, who said smil- ships flew low over the city. ruption in the case. much as 40 percent of its popu- not started shipping vaccines provide details about deals with ingly that the situation looks like More than 300 people were Chin’ono and his backers lation against the coronavirus yet and has not given a precise vaccine producers to secure “the revenge of Ben Ali.” killed. Nevertheless, the chaos say he is being targeted for in 2021, a government official date for when it will begin. enough doses. The governor of Ben Ali ruled for 23 years was contained. exposing government cor- said. The country has secured the Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, plans over a system that instilled fear A budding democracy grew ruption. The government and As a first step, the country services of the private sector for to approach manufacturers in many Tunisians, deprived of out of the aftermath of the Ben the ruling party accuse him of of more than 200 million ultra-cold storage facilities to directly because the number of a free press, free speech and Ali era, but a pall of disen- being out to tarnish Mnan- people expects to receive help store and distribute the Pfizer vaccines allocated to his other liberties. He fled to Saudi chantment hangs over the gagwa’s image. Chin’ono has 100,000 doses of Pfizer Inc.’s vaccines, Shuaib said. Ideally, state by the federal government Arabia on Jan. 14, 2011, amid a country, marked by extremist continued to criticize the gov- vaccine at the end of January Nigeria should have at least 70 would amount to about 1,800, snowballing rebellion marked attacks, political infighting, a ernment on Twitter even after through the Covax initiative, percent of the population vac- which he described as “grossly by violence, rampant pillaging troubled economy and his arrests and repeated Faisal Shuaib, chief executive cinated by the end of 2022, he inadequate,” according to and incessant calls to “get out.” promises unfulfilled, including detentions. officer of Nigeria’s National said. The shots will be used to Punch newspaper. Ben Ali died in 2019 in exile. development of the interior. FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021 ASIA 07 Fire at Rohingya camps leaves thousands homeless

REUTERS — COX’S BAZAR The director of Save care for the refugees displaced the Children’s Country from the camp in the Cox’s A huge fire swept through the Bazar district, a sliver of land Rohingya refugee camps in in Bangladesh, called bordering Myanmar in south- southern Bangladesh in the the fire “another eastern Bangladesh. early hours yesterday, the “Security experts are liaising United Nations said, destroying devastating blow for with the authorities to inves- homes belonging to thousands the Rohingya people tigate on the cause of fire,” the of people. agency said, adding that no cas- The UN Refugee Agency who have endured ualties were reported. (UNHCR) said more than 550 unspeakable hardship Onno van Manen, Save the shelters home to around 3,500 for years”. Children’s Country Director in people were either totally or Bangladesh, called the fire partially destroyed in the blaze, “another devastating blow for as well as 150 shops and a husks of a few trees. the Rohingya people who have facility belonging to a non- “E block is completely endured unspeakable hardship profit organization. burned down,” said the refugee, for years”. Photographs and video pro- Mohammed Arakani. “There is Mohammed Shamsud vided to Reuters by a Rohingya nothing left. There was nothing Douza, the deputy Bangladesh refugee in Nayapara Camp saved. Everything is burned government official in charge showed families including down.” of refugees, said the fire service A view of burned houses after a fire broke out at the Nayapara refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, children, sifting through “Everyone is crying,” he spent two hours putting out the yesterday. charred corrugated iron sheets said. “They lost all their blaze, but was hampered by the to see if they could salvage any- belongings. They lost every- explosion of gas cylinders inside protests from human rights camps in southern Bangladesh, Myanmar denies. thing from their still smoul- thing, completely burned down, homes. groups who say some of the the vast majority having fled The fire destroyed part of a dering homes. But little they lost all their goods.” The Bangladesh gov- relocations were forced, alle- Myanmar in 2017 from a mil- camp inhabited by Rohingya remained of the camp, which UNHCR said it was pro- ernment has moved several gations denied by authorities. itary-led crackdown that UN who fled Myanmar after an had stood for decades, aside viding shelter, materials, winter thousand Rohingya to a remote More than a million investigators said was executed earlier military campaign, from concrete poles and the clothes, hot meals, and medical island in recent weeks, despite Rohingya live in the mainland with “genocidal intent”, charges according to refugees.

Indonesia spots India approves $6bn purchase of locally made combat jets Chinese research BLOOMBERG — NEW DELHI approved at a meeting of the a blow to global defense majors, emergency measure, the gov- advanced version of the cabinet led by Prime Minister including Boeing Co, Lockheed ernment had bought 36 aircraft. vessel in its India will buy 83 indigenously Narendra Modi on Wednesday, Martin Corp and Sweden’s Saab medium-multi-role fighters India recently banned the waters, tracker off made fighters — the Tejas Light the Defence Ministry said in a AB, who were waiting to supply from the French defense giant import of defense platforms and Combat Aircraft — manufac- statement. 114 jets, the world’s largest deal Dassault Aviation. sub-systems including light REUTERS — JAKARTA tured by the state-owned The purchase includes 73 in play. The bids for that deal The indigenous fighters combat aircraft to boost Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd at LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft were invited nearly three years have been in the making for domestic manufacturing. An A Chinese research vessel has an estimated cost of over $6bn, and 10 LCA Tejas Mk-1 Trainer ago. over three decades with huge earlier global tender to buy 114 been identified in the waters in a set back for overseas aircraft. The Indian Air Force needs cost overruns and technical fighters in which Boeing, of Indonesia with its tracking combat aircraft makers seeking Modi is keen to modernise about 750 fighters to deploy issues plaguing the project. Lockheed Martin, Dassault Avi- system turned off, authorities business in the South Asian the country’s defence forces along its western and northern Earlier, the air force had ation, Saab AB, Airbus Defense said yesterday, amid concerns nation. amid threats from nuclear- borders simultaneously but cur- ordered 40 Tejas fighters of and Space, Russian Aircraft Cor- in the region about Beijing’s The decision to purchase armed neighbours China and rently has less than 550 fighters. which 17 have been delivered, poration, and Sukhoi Company maritime conduct. the fighter jets for $6.2bn was Pakistan. The latest decision is The fleet is also old and, as an the current 83 fighters are an have bid, is on hold. Colonel Wisnu Pra- mandita, spokesman of Indo- nesia’s maritime security agency, known as Bakamla, in India to start vaccine supply with a statement said authorities suspected the vessel was con- 20 million doses to neighbours ducting unauthorised activities BLOOMBERG — NEW DELHI America, Africa and the former in the Sunda Strait after its Soviet republics. A spokes- automatic identification India, one of the world’s largest person for Bharat Biotech system (AIS) had been manufacturers of inoculations, couldn’t immediately comment switched off three times. plans to offer 20 million doses while a spokesman at Serum The Xiang Yang Hong 03 of COVID-19 vaccine to its declined to comment. exited Indonesia’s exclusive neighbours as it draws up a Prime Minister Narendra economic zone late on policy to supply vials to coun- Modi is keen to tap India’s lead- Wednesday. tries across the globe, people ership in vaccine manufac- Indonesian security offi- with knowledge of the matter turing by helping countries bat- cials have closely watched said. tling the pandemic and raise activities of Chinese vessels An Indian state-run the South Asian nation’s profile around the archipelago, amid company will buy vaccines to rival China, which is also wider tensions in the region from Serum Institute of India supplying its home-grown and concern about Beijing’s Ltd. and Bharat Biotech Inter- inoculations around the world. militarisation and the conduct national Ltd for supplying to Brazil, with more than 8 million of its coastguard and fishing Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, cases, has sought urgent sup- fleet. Afghanistan, Seychelles and plies and so has South Africa. The incident follows the Mauritius, the people said, Serum will supply 2 million recent discovery of an auton- asking not to be identified as vaccines to the South American omous underwater vehicle the plan is still under dis- nation. (AUV) by a local fisherman off cussion. Some of supplies may Serum’s CEO Adar Poona- Indonesia’s Sulawesi island Debris and clothes retrieved from the sea where the Sriwijaya Air flight SJ 182 crashed, are seen on be free and treated as aid, they walla in an interview this last month, sparking concern the deck of Indonesian naval warship KRI Rigel 933, at sea off the Jakarta coast, Indonesia, yesterday. added. month said he expected about a potential security The first batch of the vials overseas supplies to only start breach. will be shipped over the next around March, adding that gov- Analysts said the AUV may Search expands for victims of Indonesia jet crash two weeks, the people said. The ernment will enable overseas have been made in China. The AP — JAKARTA “because plane debris and difficulty removing broken government will then offer the sales after first meeting India’s navy is still investigating its victims may be carried away by pieces of the plane to retrieve vaccines to countries in Latin initial requirements. origins. An aerial search for victims and sea currents,” said Rasman, the voice recorder. wreckage from a crashed Indo- search and rescue mission “We have to be careful in nesian plane expanded coordinator for the National removing the wreckage’s sharp yesterday as divers continued Search and Rescue Agency, who objects, which could hurt the Rare shark attack in Australia’s Swan River combing the debris-littered uses one name. divers,” he said, “This is slowing seabed looking for the cockpit Navy officials have said the our search effort.” REUTERS — SYDNEY He was taken to Royal Perth Attacks in the Swan River voice recorder from the lost two black boxes were buried in Rescuers increased to 4,100 Hospital (RPH) in a serious con- which flows into the ocean at Sriwijaya Air jet. seabed mud under tonnes of personnel, supported by 13 hel- The Australian city of Perth is dition, a spokeswoman for the the southern port city of Fre- The Boeing 737-500 disap- wreckage between Lancang icopters, 55 ships and 18 raft renowned for sharks off its local ambulance service told mantle, just south of Perth, are peared on Saturday minutes and Laki islands in the boats. beaches, but on Wednesday a Reuters. Local media reported rare. The last attack was in 1969 after taking off from Jakarta Thousand Island chain north of So far, searchers have sent shark attacked a man the man was in his 50s and was and the last reported shark- with 62 people aboard. The Jakarta. At least 268 divers were 180 body bags containing swimming in the city’s Swan in a stable condition. related fatality in 1923, when other black box containing deployed on Thursday, almost human remains to police iden- River, biting him on the upper RPH did not immediately another swimmer was bitten on flight data was recovered double the previous figure. tification experts. Families have leg in the first shark attack in return requests for comment. the legs. Tuesday, and search personnel The head of the navy’s been providing DNA samples the river since 1969. The western Australian city The Swan River area where have also recovered plane parts underwater rescue unit, Col to the disaster victim identifi- The man was attacked by of Perth and its coastline is the attack took place was closed and human remains from the Wahyudin Arif, said the plane cation unit, which on what was likely to be a 2-to-3 renowned for Great White to the public until Friday, the Java Sea. apparently hit the water nose Wednesday said it had iden- metre (6.5-to-9.8 feet) bull sharks and has had several state’s Department of Primary The aerial search is being first, causing its wreckage to tified six victims, including a shark during a morning attacks. In recent weeks some Industries and Regional Devel- expanded to coastal areas of the pile up in one area at a depth of flight attendant and an off-duty swimming off Perth’s Blackwall beaches have been closed due opment (DPIRD) said in an Thousand Island chain 25 metres. Divers were having pilot. Reach reserve, officials said. to an increase in shark sightings. emailed statement. Cambodia court convenes for mass treason trial of oppn figures REUTERS — PHNOM PENH Sokong, a defence lawyer who national concern. among the defendants, told represents dozens of the The charges against party reporters the charges aimed to A court in Cambodia convened defendants. The CNRP has said leader Kem Sokha stem from silence her and described them yesterday for the treason trial many of the accused are in accusations he conspired with as “laughable” and the trial as of scores of opposition figures, exile, concerned they would not the United States to overthrow “a show”. one of a series of cases seen by get a fair hearing. Hun Sen, who has ruled Cam- Amnesty International’s activists as moves by the ruling Sam Sokong said the trial bodia for 36 years. Kem Sokha Asia-Pacific Regional Director party to sideline threats to its had been adjourned to January and Washington reject the Yamini Mishra in a statement political monopoly. 28 and the court had completed accusations. called the mass trials “an affront The defendants are among the questioning of only one of Cambodia’s ties with the to international fair trial 121 people affiliated with the the accused. United States have deteriorated standards” and Cambodia’s dissolved Cambodia National The CNRP was banned and in recent years and critics say human rights commitments. Rescue Party (CNRP) who are its leader Kem Sokha arrested international pressure on Cam- US ambassador to Cam- charged with treason and before the 2018 election, bodia over the CPP’s crackdown bodia, Patrick Murphy, on incitement. allowing Prime Minister Hun has moved it deeper into Twitter posted a picture of Prom Chantha, wife of Cambodian opposition figure Kak Kumphea, Of more than 60 defendants Sen’s Cambodian People’s China’s orbit. Theary Seng and said embassy cries outside the court at the start of a treason trial for scores of summoned to appear yesterday, Party to win every parlia- Theary Seng, an American- observers were monitoring the opposition figures in Phnom Penh, yesterday. 11 showed up, according to Sam mentary seat, prompting inter- Cambodian lawyer who was trial. 08 VIEWS FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021

Established in 1996 What can corporations do

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI to help save the ocean? EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] PETER THOMSON AL JAZEERA DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI We cannot have a healthy planet without [email protected] a healthy ocean, but the health of the ocean is now in a clearly observable decline. It is folly to imagine we can solve the global challenges posed by climate EDITORIAL change by simply leaving the ocean alone. Of course, we need to allow ecosystems to recover and regenerate, Oil leaks from the Japanese-owned MV Wakashio, a bulk carrier ship that recently ran but for reasons of food security and aground off the southeastcoast of Mauritius on August 10, 2020. Ensuring clean energy positive economic activity, we also need to give tangible support to more today. Making investments in these areas ocean stewardship. QATAR has always played a leading role in sustainable sustainable ocean business and could both help to mitigate global climate The Ocean 100 paper proposes a development and ensuring clean and affordable energy production practices. change and revolutionise for the better similar voluntary approach which could supplies. Qatar Petroleum (QP) launched on Wednesday The ocean’s main industries con- the lives of millions of people. catalyse a shared understanding of their its new Sustainability Strategy, which sets a roadmap tribute more than $1.9 trillion a year to For too long there has been a serious role in the sustainable blue economy. for a sustainable and more prosperous future for Qatar the global economy. A new study by disconnect between our scientists, gov- Building shared commitments to sus- and the world. Duke University in the United States and ernments and the large transnational tainable practices could then help to set The strategy is an important step on the road to the Stockholm Resilience Centre in corporations that dominate the ocean new industry norms that could cascade achieve its vision of becoming one of the best national Sweden, titled “The Ocean 100”, shows economy. Proper protection of our through all ocean industries. oil and gas companies in the world, with roots in Qatar the 100 largest transnational corpora- shared ocean means changing the way In the same vein, it is worthy of and a strong international presence. tions account for 60 percent of these rev- governments, scientists, the private further consideration that creating a The Strategy also acts as a clear direction towards enues. This study suggests that by sector, and citizens work together to global ocean tax on just 0.1 percent of the reducing the emissions intensity of Qatar’s LNG facil- working closely together with these achieve sustainable outcomes. revenues of the top 100 transnational ities by 25 percent and of its upstream facilities by at “keystone” businesses, we could set new In his recent Reith Lectures, Dr Mark corporations in the ocean industry could least 15 percent, and reducing flare intensity across standards for how we manage our one, Carney, the United Nations secretary- yield $1.1bn annually for investment in upstream facilities by more than 75 percent. Fur- shared ocean. general’s special envoy on Climate Action ocean conservation and the development thermore, it sets out a target to eliminate routine flaring As a supporting member of the High and Finance, argued that we cannot of the sustainable blue economy. by 2030, and limit fugitive methane emissions along the Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean achieve net-zero carbon emissions Improved legislation and greater con- gas value chain by setting a methane intensity target Economy, I agree. Our work has shown without the innovation, investment and sumer demands could also be combined of 0.2 percent across all facilities by 2025. that targeted areas of ocean action could profit provided by the market. But Dr with economic incentives from financial During 2020, which was a challenging year, QP reduce the “emissions gap” (the dif- Carney says the power of the market institutions to encourage these corpora- accomplished many feats. It continued its march to ference between emissions expected if must be directed to achieving what tions to integrate environmental and strengthen its position in the global LNG market by current trends and policies continue and society values and he warns there is pre- social responsibility into their operations. expanding its footprints in foreign markets. emissions consistent with limiting global cious little tolerance remaining for com- This year marks the start of the UN In April, QP announced the start of the development temperature increase) by up to 21 percent panies that “preach green but don’t Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable drilling campaign for the North Field East Project, or on a 1.5 degrees Celsius pathway. manage their carbon footprints”. Development, designed to give us the NFE (previously known as the North Field Expansion Thus, we need to urgently accelerate In their study “The Ocean 100”, the science we need for the ocean we want. Project). our efforts to ensure a transparent, authors argue that focusing on the Concurrently, we are now engaged in the In the same month, it announced that it had entered science-based approach to solutions such improved stewardship of a relatively build-up to UN Climate Change Con- into an agreement to reserve LNG ship construction as sustainable ocean-based food pro- small number of large corporations, in ference to be held in Glasgow in capacity in China to be utilized for Qatar Petroleum’s duction, energy from offshore wind, tandem with ongoing regulatory efforts, November – the time and place for future LNG carrier fleet requirements, including those decarbonisation of shipping, and the could have a massive impact on the humanity to call for a halt to our war on of its ongoing North Field expansion projects. conservation and restoration of wet- ocean economy. This paper is built nature by agreeing on necessary controls In May, QP entered into three farm-in agreements lands, mangroves and seagrass beds. around the idea that the largest com- on the levels of our greenhouse gas to acquire about 30 percent of Totals participating We know that largely through the panies in a given industry can operate emissions. interest in blocks 15, 33 and 34 located in the Campeche development of sustainable mariculture, similarly to keystone species in eco- To address global challenges such as basin, offshore Mexico. In the same month, QP entered the ocean could produce up to six times logical communities, by having a dispro- climate change, we need to shift our out- into a farm-in agreement with Total to acquire a 45% more food than it currently does. We also portionate effect on the structure and dated perception of the ocean as a participating interest in blocks CI-705 and CI-706, know the ocean could produce 40 times function of the ocean economy. passive and often distant victim of located in the IvorianTano basin, offshore the Republic more renewable energy than it does A starting point for working together human activities. Everything is connected of Côte d’Ivoire. with this powerful group of corporations and we must all acknowledge our roles In June, QP entered into three agreements to reserve This year marks the start could build on the success of the Seafood and responsibilities as leaders, LNG ship construction capacity in the Republic of Korea of the UN Decade of Ocean Business for Ocean Stewardship employees, citizens and consumers. to be utilized for Qatar Petroleum’s future LNG carrier (SeaBOS) initiative. Launched in 2016, We live in an era in which we have fleet requirements, including those for the ongoing Science for Sustainable SeaBOS has already used a science-based finally learned the extent of the damage expansion projects in the North Field and in the United Development, designed to give “keystone” approach with 10 of the we have done to nature and the health of States. world’s largest seafood companies to the ocean. We should now look to the In October, QP booked 7.2 million tonnes per annum us the science we need for the build greater transparency and stew- Ocean 100 corporations to help play a of LNG receiving and storage capacity for 25 years in ocean we want. ardship across the entire sector. major role in correcting our ways. Europe’s largest LNG import terminal. This represents a huge step forward In the same month, QP announced that it discovered in the history of seafood production, with The author is the UN Secretary-General’s a new gas/condensate in the Luiperd prospect, located major companies across wild capture, Special Envoy for the Ocean and Co-chair in Block 11B/12B, in the Outeniqua Basin, 175 kilom- aquaculture and feed production jointly of Friends of Ocean Action. In 2016-17, he eters off the southern coast of South Africa. committed to science-based targets for was President of the UN General Assembly. Greater sense of urgency needed than ever before on COVID-19 D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR JAPAN NEWS - YOMIURI central government's slow compared with when a state of drinking establishments, to pay EMAIL: [email protected] response in dealing with the emergency was declared in up to ¥400,000 to suppliers of In response to a surge in coro- coronavirus crisis. If infections April last year. The govern- food ingredients, wet towels EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 navirus infections, a new state are allowed to expand in cities, ment's stance of trying to limit and other products. FAX: +974 4455 7758 of emergency has been which serve as hubs for peo- those subject to restrictions The state of emergency is declared. The government ple's movement, it will inevi- appears to be behind this. The having a profound impact on MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 should not hesitate to tably spread to regional areas. number of infected young the economy. The government implement such measures in The areas covered by the latest people is rapidly increasing. intends to submit to the DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 the future if necessary. state of emergency have large Since young people often man- ordinary Diet session a bill to Prime Minister Yoshihide urban sites with large popula- ifest no symptoms or only mild revise the special measures law LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 Suga has added seven prefec- tions and must take every pos- symptoms, they may have to cope with new strains of tures in Kansai, Chubu and sible step to contain infections. become lax in their activities influenza that stipulates BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 other regions to the list of areas Efforts by each business during the year-end and New measures to support stores that subject to the state of emer- and individual are important, Year periods. It is important to comply with its requests for the SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 gency. This follows the decla- such as shortening operating strengthen their resolve again, suspension of operations. Many ration for Tokyo and its three hours at eating and drinking so that they do not spread the stores have been facing hard- ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 neighboring prefectures. establishments, teleworking, virus to people who have a high ships due to the coronavirus email: [email protected] As the number of people and refraining from unessential risk of becoming seriously ill. crisis. The government should infected with the coronavirus and unurgent outings. The gov- In line with the declaration, continue its long-term support. PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 in Osaka, Aichi and Fukuoka ernment needs to send a the government has raised the Coronavirus variants email: [email protected] prefectures has also been message that resonates with the amount of money it pays to believed to be highly conta- rapidly increasing since the people more strongly and call eating and drinking establish- gious have been raging in the ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 beginning of the year, the for their further cooperation. ments that respond to its world. In Japan, they have FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] central government's decision Even after the state of emer- requests to shorten their been confirmed among people is reasonable. The state of gency was declared for Tokyo business hours, from up to who entered the nation from CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 emergency was declared for and its three surrounding pre- 40,000 yen a day to 60,000 Britain and Brazil. It is nec- email: [email protected] most areas at the strong fectures, the pace of decrease in yen. It also plans to set up a essary to strengthen surveil- request of their prefectural the number of people who went subsidy program for businesses lance to prevent the spread of SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 governors, which illustrates the out has reportedly been slow, associated with eating and the variants. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar At the end of the day the public will need to /ThePeninsulaQatar see us allow inflation to move moderately /Peninsula_Qatar above 2 percent for a time before the new framework will be seen as fully credible. /ThePeninsulaNewspaper The time to raise rates is no time soon.

+974 6698 6188 Jerome Powell, US Federal Reserve Chair FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021 ASIA 09 WHO team arrives in Wuhan to investigate pandemic origins AP — WUHAN, CHINA A single visit by scientists China sees first Covid A global team of researchers is unlikely to confirm the arrived yesterday in the Chinese virus’ origins; pinning city where the coronavirus death in 9 months pandemic was first detected to down an outbreak’s conduct a politically sensitive animal reservoir is Bloomberg - Beijing investigation into its origins. typically an exhaustive Scientists suspect the virus endeavour that takes China reported its first death from the coronavirus in nine that has killed more than 1.9 years of research months, as a new flareup in the country spreads to more regions million people since late 2019 ahead of the Chinese New Year holidays. jumped to humans from bats or including taking animal The country recorded 124 new local infections yesterday, other animals, most likely in samples, genetic analysis the highest since March. Among those, 81 were found in Hebei, China’s southwest. The ruling and epidemiological a province encircling Beijing that is at the centre of the latest Communist Party has suggested studies. cluster. The other 43 cases were detected in China’s northeastern the virus came from abroad, Heilongjiang province. possibly on imported seafood, The fatality was a woman who had an underlying condition, but international scientists start working with Chinese according to Xinhua news agency, quoting Hebei’s health com- reject that. experts via video conference mission. China hasn’t had a death tied to COVID-19 since April, Fifteen team members were while in quarantine. as the country successfully stamped out clusters after reining Peter Ben Embarek, a member of the WHO team tasked with to arrive in Wuhan yesterday, The team includes virus and in the first wave of infections a year ago. investigating the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, waves from a but two tested positive for coro- other experts from the United bus while leaving the airport in Wuhan, China, yesterday. navirus antibodies before States, Australia, Germany, leaving Singapore and were Japan, Britain, Russia, the Neth- outbreak’s animal reservoir is investigators is the Wuhan being retested there, WHO said erlands, Qatar and Vietnam. typically an exhaustive Institute of Virology in the city Institute records and safety Although it may be chal- in a statement on Twitter. A government spokesman endeavour that takes years of where the outbreak first measures would be a “routine lenging to find precisely the The rest of the team arrived said this week they will research including taking emerged. One of China’s top activity,” said Mark Woolhouse, same COVID-19 virus in animals at the Wuhan airport and “exchange views” with Chinese animal samples, genetic virus research labs, it built an an epidemiologist at the Uni- as in humans, discovering walked through a makeshift scientists but gave no indication analysis and epidemiological archive of genetic information versity of Edinburgh. He said closely related viruses might clear plastic tunnel into the whether they would be allowed studies. about bat coronaviruses after that depends on how willing help explain how the disease airport. The researchers, who to gather evidence. “The WHO will need to the 2003 outbreak of Severe Chinese authorities are to share first jumped from animals and wore face masks, were greeted One possibility is that a conduct similar investigations Acute Respiratory Syndrome. information. The coronavirus’s clarify what preventive by airport staff in full protective wildlife poacher might have in other places,” an official of According to WHO’s pub- exact origin may never be measures are needed to avoid gear, including masks, goggles passed the virus to traders who the National Health Com- lished agenda for its origins traced because viruses change future epidemics. and full body suits. carried it to Wuhan, one of the mission, Mi Feng, said on research, there are no plans to quickly, Woolhouse said. Scientists should focus They will undergo a two- WHO team members, zoologist Wednesday. Some members of assess whether there might A year after the virus was instead on making a “compre- week quarantine as well as a Peter Daszak of the US group the WHO team were en route have been an accidental release first detected in Wuhan, the city hensive picture” of the virus to throat swab test and an EcoHealth Alliance, told AP in to China a week ago but had to of the coronavirus at the Wuhan is now bustling, with few signs help respond to future out- antibody test for COVID-19, November. turn back after Beijing lab, as some American politi- that it was once the epicentre breaks, Woolhouse said. according to CGTN, the English- A single visit by scientists is announced they hadn’t received cians, including President of the outbreak in China. But “Now is not the time to language channel of state unlikely to confirm the virus’s valid visas. Donald Trump, have claimed. some residents say they’re still blame anyone,” Shih said. “We broadcaster CCTV. They are to origins; pinning down an A possible focus for A “scientific audit” of eager to learn about its origin. shouldn’t say, it’s your fault.” Philippines’ South Korea's top court upholds Duterte says prison term for ex-president Park presidency no AP — SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA Moon has recently seen his and aides, have been mired in job for a woman approval ratings sink to new scandals near the end of their South Korea’s Supreme Court lows over economic problems, terms or after they left office. REUTERS — MANILA yesterday upheld a 20-year political scandals and rising One president, Park’s dic- prison term for former pres- coronavirus infections. tator father, Park Chung-hee, Philippine leader Rodrigo ident Park Geun-hye over Many conservative politi- was assassinated by his spy Duterte yesterday declared bribery and other crimes as it cians have called for Moon to chief in 1979. Another former that the presidency was no job ended a historic corruption case release Park and another con- president, Roh Moo-hyun, for a woman because of their that marked a striking fall from victed former president, Lee Moon’s longtime friend and emotional differences to men, grace for the country’s first Myung-bak, who’s serving a political mentor, leaped to his and dismissed speculation that female leader and conservative 17-year term over his own cor- death in 2009 amid allegations his daughter would succeed icon. ruption charges. At least one that his family members took him next year. The ruling means Park, who prominent member of Moon’s bribes from a businessman “My daughter is not was ousted from office and Democratic Party, Lee Nak-yon, during his presidency. running. I have told Inday not arrested in 2017, could poten- has endorsed the idea of par- Kang Min-seok, Moon’s to run because I pity (her) tially serve a combined 22 years doning the former presidents spokesperson, said the ruling knowing she will have to go behind bars, following a sep- as a gesture for “national unity”. on Park Geun-hye marked the through what I am going arate conviction for illegally Park, 68, has described “maturation and growth” of through,” Duterte said at the A file photo shows ousted South Korean leader Park Geun-hye meddling in her party’s can- herself a victim of political South Korea’s democracy but launch of a highway project, arriving at a court in Seoul, South Korea, on August 25, 2017. didate nominations ahead of revenge. She has refused to added that the imprisonment referring to his daughter Sara parliamentary elections in 2016. attend her trials since October of a former president over by her nickname. But the finalising of her 2017 and didn’t attend yester- crimes is an “unfortunate” 2013 to 2016. She was also affect the legal saga of bil- “This is not for women. prison term also makes her eli- day’s ruling. Her lawyer didn’t history that shouldn’t be indicted on charges of accepting lionaire Samsung scion Lee You know, the emotional gible for a special presidential return calls seeking comment. repeated. Presidential officials illegally monthly funds from her Jae-yong. set-up of a woman and a man pardon, a looming possibility as The downfall of Park and avoided specific answers when spy chiefs that were diverted The 52-year-old vice is totally different. You will the country’s deeply split elec- Lee Myung-bak extended South asked about the possibility of out of the agency’s budget. chairman of Samsung Elec- become a fool here. So... that torate approaches the next Korea’s decades-long streak of Moon pardoning Park and Lee. Following weekslong pro- tronics is facing a ruling at the is the sad story.” The Philip- presidential election in March presidencies ending badly, Park was convicted of col- tests by millions, Park was Seoul High Court next week in pines has had two women 2022. fuelling criticism that the luding with her longtime con- impeached by lawmakers in a retrial over charges that he presidents, Gloria Macapagal President Moon Jae-in, a country places too much power fidante, Choi Soon-sil, to take December 2016 and officially bribed Park and Choi to win Arroyo from 2001 to 2010 and liberal who won the presi- that is easily abused and often millions of dollars in bribes and removed from office in March government support for a 2015 Corazon Aquino from 1986 to dential by-election following goes unchecked into the hands extortion money from some of 2017 after the Constitutional merger between two Samsung 1992. Park’s removal, has yet to of elected leaders. the country’s largest business Court upheld the impeachment. affiliates that helped strengthen Duterte, 75, remains directly address the possibility Nearly every former pres- groups, including Samsung, It wasn’t immediately clear his control over the country’s hugely popular among female of freeing his predecessor. ident, or their family members while she was in office from how yesterday’s ruling would largest business group. voters in the Philippines. Daughter Sara Duterte- Carpio, 42, who succeeded him HK police arrest Raids in Pakistan’s northwest as mayor of Davao City, came top in a recent opinion poll 11 on suspicion of leave 3 soldiers, 2 militants dead that asked the public to choose a preferred candidate from a aiding activists’ AP — PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN list of possible contenders for the 2022 elections. escape attempt Security forces raided two militant hideouts in a former insurgent Two other women, Vice- stronghold in Pakistan’s northwest yesterday, triggering shootouts President Leni Robredo and REUTERS — HONG KONG that left three soldiers and two insurgents dead, the military said. Senator Grace Poe, were The separate raids took place in the North Waziristan district hypothetical contenders. Hong Kong police have arrested of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and one of the slain militants Presidents in the Philip- 11 people over suspected crimes was a bomb-making expert, the military said in a statement. pines are allowed only one, related to assisting a group of It provided no further details and the identity and nationality six-year term in office. 12 pro-democracy activists of the slain militants were not known. Arroyo’s was longer as she accused of trying to flee the city North Waziristan served as a headquarters of the Pakistani took over from an impeached by boat for Taiwan last year, Taliban until the military secured it in 2015 with a series of former president. police and activists said operations. Responding to Duterte’s Daniel Wong Kwok-tung, a lawyer, is escorted by police as he yesterday. However, isolated militant attacks on troops have remarks, Cristina Palabay of returns to his office in Hong Kong, yesterday. Those arrested included continued. human rights group Karapatan eight men and three women, The Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban said women are as capable as aged 18 to 72, a police statement activists complain that Com- three years in prison for ille- Pakistan, are a separate insurgent group from the Afghan Taliban. men in any job. said. munist Party rulers in China are gally crossing the border. The “What matters most espe- Daniel Wong, a lawyer who now whittling away at those case drew international cially when we talk of the tried to help the 12 people freedoms, a charge Beijing attention and concern over the presidency and public office detained in mainland China last rejects. treatment of the activists in Kazakhstan ruling party leader is if the interests of the poor August, was among those Wong, a Hong Kong-based mainland custody. majority are upheld,” she arrested according to a post on rights lawyer, is leading an ini- Two of them, who were hints premier may retain job said. his Facebook page, which tiative to set up at least 10 com- minors at the time of arrest, Duterte-Carpio has culti- stated that police arrived at his panies, ranging from a laundry have been returned to Hong REUTERS — ALMATY vated an image as a reluctant apartment at 6 am local time. service to a restaurant in Kong. successor as mayor of Davao, Police said those arrested Taiwan, to give protesters The detainees’ families said Kazakh Prime Minister Askar Mamin may keep his job despite where she is hugely popular were being held for further much-needed residency on the they had been denied access to his cabinet’s imminent resignation following a parliamentary for showing the same tough, questioning. self-ruled island via work visas. independent lawyers and aired election, powerful ruling party leader Nursultan Nazarbayev indi- no-nonsense character as her Self-ruled Taiwan has Local media said those suspicions that Hong Kong cated yesterday. father, who ran the city for two become a popular destination arrested were suspected of authorities helped mainland Nazarbayev’s Nur Otan party swept the January 10 vote to decades. for Hong Kong pro-democracy assisting the 12 Hong Kong res- authorities with the arrests. retain control over the lower house. Under the constitution, par- She is no stranger to pres- activists since China imposed a idents — who faced charges More than 100 people have now liamentary elections automatically trigger the government’s res- idential duties, serving as first national security law in June related to anti-government been arrested under the seven- ignation and a new prime minister must be nominated by the lady because of her father’s 2020. Britain returned Hong protests in the Asian financial month-old national security president and approved by the lower house. annulled marriage. Kong to Chinese rule in 1997 hub in 2019 — in their attempt law. Addressing his party yesterday, Nazarbayev called for conti- Duterte-Carpio yesterda with the guarantee of freedoms to flee last year. The US and EU have called nuity in government policies. “If President (Kassym-Jomart said she had informed her not seen on the mainland, In late December, a Chinese for the activists to be released Tokayev) nominates Askar Mamin, I would ask the faction to father she did not intend to run including freedom of speech court sentenced 10 of them to and allowed to return to Hong support him,” his office quoted him as saying. Kazakhstan’s newly- and would not be a late entry and assembly. Democracy between seven months and Kong. elected lower house will open its first session today. as he was six years ago. 10 EUROPE FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021 London nursing home greets virus vaccine AP — LONDON Already, around 2.5 shots to as many people as quickly as possible, Britain is In 1948, John Peake won a silver million people in taking a different path than medal at the Olympic Games in Britain have received other nations. Instead of giving London. In 2021, also in London, people their second vaccine he struck what many would their first jabs. To shot within three or four weeks, consider gold, receiving his first get vaccine shots to they will get it within 12 weeks. dose of a coronavirus vaccine. The first groups in line are Amid growing concerns as many people as those 80 and over, health care over rising COVID outbreaks at quickly as possible, workers, nursing home resi- nursing homes in Britain, the Britain is giving dents and their caregivers. The 96-year-old was one of the 45 British government had aimed residents at Wimbledon people their second for all nursing home residents Beaumont Care Community in vaccine shot within to have their first jab by the end southwest London to receive of the month but doctors are the vaccine Wednesday three or four weeks, now being urged to go faster, developed by the University of they will get it within given a recent rise in new infec- Oxford and British pharmaceu- tions in nursing homes. A member of the medical team administers a coronavirus disease vaccine shot at the NHS vaccination tical company AstraZeneca. 12 weeks. Dr. Jane Allen, who has centre in Robertson House, in Stevenage, Britain, yesterday. “I’m glad to have it and I looked after Wimbledon resi- appreciate the fact that it has dents for nearly four decades, What about any allergies? Do prosaic affair. secretary Pamela Rahman, 84, come to this place early,” he still had eyes that expressed was on hand to deliver the jabs. you want to take this vaccine “I’ve been jabbed many was dressed up in her Sunday said after receiving his jab. wonder in the world. “I’m certainly glad it’s against the coronavirus? times,” said Ian Hurley, 80, a best, only to find that she was Peake was the youngest Britain in many ways is arrived at last, because perhaps As they waited to get their former policeman who helped not wearing the easiest clothing member of the 1948 British field leading the vaccination drive it gives the residents a bit more shots, the residents offered create the Crimestoppers phone for a vaccine shot. hockey team that lost 4-0 to around the world. It was the freedom, they’ve had a very dif- glimpses into their personalities line and never misses a chance Getting a vaccine shot India in the final at Wembley first country to approve and use ficult year,” said Allen, who and pasts, displaying empathy, to show off his edgy sense of doesn’t mean that the nursing Stadium in the first Olympics the vaccine designed by US along with her partners were in humor and resilience. humor. home residents can go about after World War II. pharmaceutical company Pfizer a rush to vaccinate the nearly For some it was a big relief, “Whatever the case is, I their lives as they previously “I think I’m lucky to have and Germany’s BioNTech. It was 200 nursing home residents including gregarious 86-year- might just walk out of here and did. For starters, it takes 21 days lasted as long as I have,” he said. the first to approve the Oxford- over a single day. old Gwen Nurse, who has just cross the road and get run over,” for a measure of immunity to Yet Peake, who is one of the AstraZeneca vaccine. It has also Two paramedics arrived “felt very lonely” over these he said. emerge. oldest surviving Olympians, was approved a third, by Moderna, with a shiny red bag containing long months of the pandemic. Some, like Hurley, just But it does help lift the fear not even the oldest to get the but that is not expected to arrive the treasured vaccine doses. “I’m an old lady and it rolled up their sleeve and got that they could contract the shot at the nursing home. That until the spring. Allen visored up and, assisted doesn’t matter so much about on with it. For others, it was a virus blamed for the deaths of honor went to 102-year-old Already, around 2.5 million by nurse Fernando Castillo, ran me, but it does about younger more laborious process, some 85,000 people in the U.., Joan Potts, who though in a people in Britain have received through the necessary ques- people,” she said. requiring reassurance from the the vast majority of them over wheelchair and clearly fragile, their first jabs. To get vaccine tions: Are you feeling well? For others, it was a more doctor. Retired executive 65.

Brussels police arrest 116 at Germany worried by record COVID-19 death toll protest over Black REUTERS — BERLIN The Robert Koch Institute adding that the current lockdown into February should Germany has so far (RKI) reported 25,164 new coro- lockdown needed to be be brought forward, said Win- recorded 16 cases of people man’s death Germany recorded a new navirus cases and 1,244 fatal- tightened further. fried Kretschmann, the premier with a fast-spreading strain of record number of deaths from ities, bringing Germany’s total Germany introduced a of the state of the virus first detected in Britain AP — BRUSSELS the coronavirus yesterday, death toll since the start of the partial lockdown in November Baden-Wuerttemberg. and four with the strain from prompting calls for an even pandemic to 43,881. that kept shops and schools Chancellor Angela Merkel South Africa, Wieler said, Police in Belgium made 116 tighter lockdown after the Germany initially managed open, but it tightened the rules was due to speak to ministers although he admitted gene arrests after a demonstration country emerged relatively the pandemic better than its in mid-December, closing non- on Thursday about ramping up sequencing of samples was not in Brussels over the death of a unscathed in 2020. neighbours with a strict essential stores, and children production of vaccines. being done broadly. young Black man who While Germany’s total lockdown last spring, but it has have not returned to class- So far only about 1% of the Wieler urged people who collapsed while in police deaths per capita since the pan- seen a sharp rise in cases and rooms since the Christmas German population has been were offered a COVID-19 vac- custody turned violent. demic began remain far lower deaths in recent months, with holidays. vaccinated, or 842,455 people, cination to accept it to relieve Police said most of vio- than the United States, its daily the RKI saying people were not Hospitals in 10 out of Ger- the RKI reported. the strain on hospitals and said lence took place after a largely per capita mortality since mid- taking the virus seriously many’s 16 states are facing bot- Wieler said wearing heavy people should stick to social peaceful demonstration December has often exceeded enough. tlenecks as 85 percent of the duty respirator masks, also known distance and hygiene rules. Wednesday of about 500 pro- that of the United States. RKI president Lothar Wieler beds in their intensive care units as FFP2, could help protect against “At the end of the year we testers — some holding Black Germany’s daily death toll said on Thursday restrictions were occupied by coronavirus 94 percent of particles, but only if will have this pandemic under Lives Matter signs — ended in currently equates to about 15 were not being implemented as patients, Wieler said. worn correctly. The state of control,” Wieler said. Enough downtown Brussels. deaths per million people, consistently as they were during A meeting of regional Bavaria has made FFP2 masks vaccines would then be “A group of demonstrators versus a 13 US deaths per one the first wave and said more leaders planned for Jan. 25 to compulsory on public transport available to inoculate the entire (50-100 people) remained on the million. people should work from home, discuss whether to extend the and in shops from Monday. population, he said. spot and caused various incidents and degradations,” police said, adding that several police officers were injured in the clashes. Russian prison to According to a police statement, protesters threw pro- jectiles, set fires, damaged street furniture and police vehicles. arrest Navalny They also smashed a window and a door at a police station. In REUTERS — MOSCOW inevitability of responsibility all, 116 people were arrested, and the demands of the law including 30 minors, and one Moscow’s prison service said that all citizens of the Russian protester was tended to by yesterday it would take all Federation are equal before ambulance services, police said. measures necessary to arrest without exception, (FSIN) is “Justice must bring to court Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny obliged to take all actions to those who have vandalized and after he returns to Russia this arrest the violator,” it said. have injured five policemen, weekend, a move that could be Navalny says the original including a policewoman who is a prelude to him being jailed 2014 embezzlement conviction, hospitalised,” federal police for three-and-a-half years. in which he and his brother captain Marc De Mesmaeker told Navalny, one of President were found guilty of stealing broadcaster RTBF yesterday. Vladimir Putin’s fiercest more than 30m roubles “This must be done with care, just opponents, has said he will fly ($408,000) from two com- as the other aspect of the event, back to Russia on Sunday for panies, was trumped up. the tragic death of Ibrahima, must the first time since he was He said he could not report be treated with care.” taken to Germany for in at the end of last year Belgian prosecutors have treatment in August following anyway, as he was being requested that an investigative his poisoning with a Novichok treated as an outpatient in judge be appointed following Pigeon feeding amid snow nerve agent. Germany. The prison service the death of a 23-year-old The Kremlin denies says he was discharged from a Black man identified by A woman feeds pigeons on a frozen pond near the Novodevichy Convent during snowfall in Moscow, involvement in his poisoning, Berlin hospital in September authorities only as IB. Russia, yesterday. says it has seen no evidence and should have returned to that he was poisoned and that Moscow. he is free to return to Russia at “In theory they can detain any time. him as soon as he arrives (in Merkel’s party to choose new leader ahead of election But Navalny faces a Russia) but initially only for 48 growing list of legal threats at hours,” Vadim Kobzev, one of AP — BERLIN 26 election or have a big say in among other things. practising as a lawyer and home, including separate Navalny’s lawyers, said who does run. He has a more traditionally heading the supervisory board criminal cases for alleged Kobzev said he expected a Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Current leader Annegret conservative and pro-business of investment manager Black- slander and fraud, both of court to hear details of the case center-right party is choosing Kramp-Karrenbauer announced image, and recently wrote in Rock’s German branch. which he says are false and on January 29, when it could a new leader this weekend, a her resignation last February Der Spiegel magazine that “the Merz has sought to portray politically-motivated. order Navalny’s suspended decision that will help shape after failing to impose her CDU must, whether it wants to his decade out of politics as a The most immediate threat sentence to be converted into German voters’ choice of her authority on the party. A or not, step out from the strength but lacks government is from the Moscow prison real jail time. successor at the helm of the decision on her successor was shadow of Angela Merkel.” experience. Armin Laschet, the service. The Kremlin, which refers European Union’s biggest delayed repeatedly by the coro- Merz has said he wants to governor of Germany’s most FSIN, the prison service, to Navalny only as “the Berlin economy after her 16-year navirus pandemic. Eventually, give a “political home” to disil- populous state, North Rhine- said in a statement that patient,” says it is up to the rel- tenure. the CDU decided to hold an lusioned conservatives, but Westphalia, offers that. Navalny, 44, was on a national evant law enforcement Merkel, now 66, has steered online convention this weekend. won’t move “one millimeter” Laschet, 59, is a more liberal wanted list because he had last agencies to decide how he is Germany, and Europe, through Delegates from Germany’s toward the far-right Alternative figure, elected as governor in year repeatedly failed to report treated. a series of crises since she took strongest party can choose Sat- for Germany party. 2017 in a traditionally center- at least twice a month to them Navalny on Thursday pub- office in 2005. But she said urday between three main can- This is Merz’s second bid for left stronghold, and viewed as under the terms of a suspended lished a response from Russia’s more than two years ago that didates who differ markedly, at the party leadership after he likely to continue Merkel’s cen- sentence on embezzlement investigative committee she won’t seek a fifth term as least in style. There’s no clear lost narrowly last time to trist approach. In a debate charges. rejecting a request to inves- chancellor. favourite. Kramp-Karrenbauer, con- among the candidates last week, It has applied to a court to tigate his poisoning at the Now her Christian Demo- Friedrich Merz, 65, would sidered Merkel’s preferred can- he said: “What I bring is gov- convert his suspended sentence hands of what he said was a cratic Union party is seeking its mark a break from the Merkel didate. He led the cente-right ernment experience, the lead- of three-and-a-half years into state-hit squad. The response second new leader since she era. The party has dominated group in parliament from 2000 ership of a big state, balancing real jail time. said investigators had found no quit that role in 2018. That the cente ground, ending mil- to 2002, when Merkel pushed different interests and - this “Taking into account the concrete evidence of criminal person will either run for chan- itary conscriptionand allowing him out of that job, and left par- perhaps doesn’t hurt for a CDU facts of malicious violations, activity by staff at the FSB cellor in Germany’s September in large numbers of migrants, liament in 2009 — later leader - having won an election.” guided by the principle of security service. FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021 EUROPE / AMERICAS 11 Honduran migrants head for Guatemala border AP — SAN PEDRO SULA Some 75 police Wednesday night decreed a “state of prevention” along the About 200 migrants began officers dressed in country’s border with walking up a highway toward riot gear waited at a Honduras. the border with Guatemala late The decree noted the threat on Wednesday, two days before point farther along of migrants entering without a migrant caravan was the highway on the required documentation and scheduled to depart San Pedro without following pandemic- Sula. outskirts of San Pedro related screening at the border. Some 75 police officers Sula. One officer said Guatemala is requiring proof of dressed in riot gear waited at a the intention was to a negative COVID-19 test. The point farther along the highway decree said more than 2,000 on the outskirts of San Pedro stop the migrants for national police and soldiers Sula. One officer said the violating a pandemic- would be stationed at the intention was to stop the border. migrants for violating a pan- related curfew The Mexican government demic-related curfew, check and check their said Wednesday that it and 10 their documents and make sure other countries in North and they weren’t traveling with documents. Central America are worried children that were not their about the health risks of own. More migrants were expected COVID-19 among migrants Later, the migrants stopped to converge on San Pedro Sula without proper documents. about two kilometers short of yesterday. The statement by the the waiting police and bedded Ariel Villega, 35, from the 11-member Regional Con- down for the night under and town of Ocotepeque, was ference on Migration suggests around a highway overpass. walking with his wife and that Mexico and Central They planned to wait until the 10-year-old son. He said they America could continue to turn Hondurans taking part in a new caravan of migrants, set to head to the United States, show their curfew expired at 5am before planned to get to the Corinto back migrants on the basis of identifications to a police officer at a checkpoint in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, yesterday. continuing. border crossing and wait there the perceived risks of the The migrants faced the for the rest of the caravan to pandemic. Guatemala border to discuss them before they even reached struggling with the pandemic. additional challenge of govern- arrive. The group “expressed coordination on migration. the Guatemala border. Other The storms destroyed crops, ments that agreed earlier this “We’ve got everything, the concern over the exposure of In a joint statement, the attempted caravans last year shuttered businesses and dis- week to enforce immigration passport and the COVID test,” irregular migrants to situations governments expressed their were broken up by Guatemalan placed thousands. laws at their borders. Villega said. He said they were of high risk to their health and commitment to protect human authorities before they reached Migrants have also For weeks, a call for a new leaving because he couldn’t find their lives, primarily during the rights, but also called for Mexico. expressed hope that they could caravan departing January 15 work. health emergency.” migration to be orderly and Pressure to migrate has only receive a warmer welcome at has circulated on social net- “First the pandemic and On Monday, representatives legal. been building. Central America the US border under the admin- works. In previous caravans, later the two (hurricanes) left from Mexico, Guatemala, Hon- When hundreds of Hon- was hit with two Category 4 istration of President-elect Joe smaller groups have often left us in crisis.” Guatemalan Pres- duras and El Salvador met in the durans tried to form a caravan hurricanes in November, dev- Biden, who takes office next earlier than the main caravan. ident Alejandro Giammattei on Honduran city of Corinto at the last month, authorities stopped astating a region already week. Dutch Cabinet weighs possible resignation Hungary reaches deal to REUTERS — AMSTERDAM entire past decade, was for the scandal. given his handling of the coro- “shameful”. Compensation of Asscher, who was social navirus pandemic. buy Sinopharm vaccine Dutch Prime Minister Mark at least ¤30,000 ($36,500) is affairs minister when his party “Voters don’t really care Rutte’s Cabinet is considering being paid to roughly 10,000 was a coalition partner in a pre- about the subsidies scandal REUTERS — BUDAPEST for the vaccine developed by collectively resigning over a families. vious Rutte government, “not because it is far removed for Sinopharm’s Beijing-based report that blamed the The families this week filed only puts more pressure on the most of them. Rutte has high Hungary’s government said affiliate, Beijing Institute of Bio- government for misman- charges against five politicians, cabinet, but also on individual approval rates because he is yesterday it has reached a deal logical Products Co, Ltd (BIBP), agement of childcare subsidies including Finance Minister party leaders,” political pundit good in the role of statesman with China’s Sinopharm to buy was already “underway”. that drove thousands of families Wopke Hoekstra and Economy Tom-Jan Meeus wrote on Twitter. guiding the Netherlands its coronavirus vaccine, the Beyond the supply bottle- to financial ruin. Minister Eric Wiebes, for their Rutte called crisis talks with through the worst crisis since country’s latest move to break necks, Hungarians are fairly A parliamentary inquiry role in the mismanagement. his entire Cabinet for today. World War Two,” she said. away from Brussels as it tries sceptical about the new vac- last month concluded that Opinion polls show Rutte’s The subsidy scandal saw Responding to questions to speed up inoculations to lift cines, with just about one in “unprecedented injustice” had government has the approval the tax office ruthlessly enforce about his possible resignation, curbs on the economy. five people definitely planning been done to innocent families, of two-thirds of the public. But repayments of subsidies, Rutte said on Tuesday his Hungary would be the first to get a shot based on a late- who were often forced to repay political analysts said pressure without giving families oppor- Cabinet would remain fully EU country to accept a Chinese December survey by the tens of thousands of euros of on the government to resign tunity to show their innocence, capable of managing COVID-19, vaccine if approved by Hun- Central Statistics Office. granted subsidies, leading to grew after Lodewijk Asscher the parliamentary committee even if forced into caretaker garian authorities. Under Prime Minister Viktor unemployment, bankruptcy or stepped down as head of the found. status. The country is in the European Union rules it would Orban’s chief of staff Gergely divorce. opposition Labour party and Political analyst Sophie van middle of the toughest have to give an ultra-fast emer- Gulyas told a briefing on Rutte, in office since 2010, said he would not contest the Leeuwen said the scandal was lockdown of the pandemic and gency use approval, rather than Thursday that vaccine ship- said late last month that the March 17 parliamentary election unlikely to hit Rutte in the Rutte is considering stricter waiting for the European drug ments under the EU’s pro- affair, spanning almost the as he felt he was partly to blame election just two months away, curbs. regulator EMA to give the go- gramme were arriving too ahead for the Chinese vaccine. slowly, with weekly shipments Britain took a similar of less than 100,000 doses, and Brazil to start approach in December before Hungary would continue talks it exited the bloc. It approved with Russia and China about vaccinations Pfizer Inc’s COVID-19 vaccine additional vaccine purchases. on December 2, jumping ahead “We have practically made on January 21, of the rest of the world in the an agreement with Sinopharm,” race to begin a mass inocu- Gulyas said. “The first shipment says senator lation programme. could include up to one million Hungary’s nationalist gov- doses.” The timing of the REUTERS — RIO DE JANEIRO ernment has sharply criticised Chinese shipment depends on the EU for what it said were way how fast Hungarian health Brazil is to start its corona- too slow vaccine purchases and authorities authorise use of virus vaccine programme deliveries that now threatened Sinopharm’s vaccine, which has next Thursday, Senator an economic rebound. been used to immunise some 20 Nelsinho Trad said, the most Foreign Minister Peter Szi- million people, he added. concrete forecast yet for jjarto said in a Facebook post Gulyas said the second Brazil’s widely criticized yesterday that due to the “scan- wave of the pandemic has vaccine rollout. dalously” slow vaccine procure- peaked in Hungary and new Trad said he had been ments of the European Com- infections have dropped but informed by mayors who had mission, a fast rollout of vac- restrictions cannot be eased yet. spoken with Health Minister cines could not happen early China approved the shot Eduardo Pazuello. this year. “If we look beyond developed by Sinopharm’s President Jair Bolsonaro, the EU’s borders, we can see BIBP in late December, its first who has been lambasted for that in the US, in Britain and in COVID-19 vaccine for general overseeing the world’s second Israel, people are vaccinated at public use. deadliest coronavirus out- warp speed,” Szijjarto said. No detailed efficacy data break after the United States, The government also of the vaccine has been pub- is under mounting pressure as passed a decree on Thursday licly released but BIBP has said a second wave of infections allowing it to start procure- the vaccine is 79.34 percent surpasses the first. European Commission begins meeting ments outside the EU’s cen- effective in preventing the The Health Ministry did not tralised scheme. disease based on interim data. immediately respond to a European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen (right) welcomes European Parliament President Szijjarto’s spokesman told Pakistan has already negotiated request for comment. David Sassoli ahead of a meeting at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. Reuters the approval process a supply deal for the vaccine. The government has declined to give an official start date, but has said inoculations could not begin before January Pacific island nation tells Venezuela ‘that oil tanker isn’t ours’ 20. Two vaccines — one made BLOOMBERG — NGERULMUD Palau’s ministry of state said in cat-and-mouse manoeuvres Ndros, though, was the only one It can be done by hooking by AstraZeneca and another the note to Venezuela’s foreign deployed by companies trading among those names to appear up equipment called software developed by China’s Sinovac The island nation of Palau says affairs ministry. “It therefore oil with Venezuela in defiance off the coast of Venezuela by defined radio to the ship, said Biotech — will form the a tanker that recently loaded appears that the vessel is using of US sanctions. satellite signal. Marco Balduzzi, a senior bedrock of the government’s Venezuelan crude was using a a falsified AIS signal in order to Venezuela continues to export An official at Venezuela’s researcher at Tokyo-based vaccination plan. Both have false signal to disguise its mask its true identity.” crude even as US sanctions have foreign ministry in Caracas said global cybersecurity firm Trend applied for emergency use in identity, potentially putting the The letter was delivered to discouraged most shipping and it didn’t receive any communi- Micro Inc. The gadget, which is Brazil, with health regulator Pacific country in the crosshairs several Venezuelan embassies, trading companies from doing cation from the Palau gov- the size of a book, can be bought Anvisa expected to decide on of US sanctions. including the one in Tokyo, says business with Petroleos de Ven- ernment. The ministry and online. AIS satellite signals don’t Sunday whether to authorize Palau is asking Venezuela Steven Kanai, a special assistant ezuela SA, or PDVSA. Oil tankers PDVSA didn’t immediately use encryption. them. to investigate the vessel that to Palau’s president on interna- going to Venezuela have used a comment on whether they were “Law enforcement is more Vaccination of the coun- claimed last month to be the tional maritime matters and variety of methods that make aware of the false identity of the than aware that you can’t trust try’s population will take 16 Ndros. The Ndros was a Palau- foreign relations. detection difficult, such as turning vessel claiming to be the Ndros. AIS signals alone,” Balduzzi said months at most, Deputy Health flagged ship that was scrapped The tanker that loaded in off their transponders, obscuring The use of spoofing was from Bergamo, Italy. “The tech- Minister Elcio Franco said at a in 2018, and so couldn’t be the Venezuela was using a practice ship names painted on hulls or mostly unheard of in South nology is broken and should be news conference on vessel that appeared in known as “spoofing,” where using fake names in shipping doc- America, said Dror Salzman, replaced as monitoring ships Wednesday. December off the coast of Ven- vessels send a signal with uments, people with knowledge research manager at Windward, has become increasingly Brazil is sending a plane ezuela, according to a letter another ship’s registration of the situation have previously which uses artificial intelligence important to fight either smug- to import 2 million doses of dated December 16 that the number under the maritime said. and satellite images to monitor gling or sanction violators.” the AstraZeneca vaccine, government of Palau shared. industry’s Automatic Identifi- Over the past six months, shipping around the globe. The tanker that docked in made by India’s Serum “It appears that this vessel cation System, according to the names of 13 vessels that are “It’s among the most Venezuela in December Institute, and has already is claiming to be registered with London-based ship tracker registered as broken-up advanced deceptive practices claiming to be the Ndros was imported 6 million doses of the Palau International Ship Windward Ltd. If so, it would appeared in Venezuelan crude- used in the industry,” he said in actually the Liberian-flagged the Sinovac vaccine. Registry. This claim is false,” represent a new tactic in the loading programmes. The a phone interview from Tel Aviv. Calliop, Salzman said. 12 AMERICAS FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021 Impeachment trial could begin on Inauguration Day AP — WASHINGTON The impeachment In a note to colleagues on Wednesday, McConnell said he President Donald Trump’s trial will be the first had “not made a final decision impeachment trial could begin for a president no on how I will vote” in a Senate on Inauguration Day, just as impeachment trial. Democrat Joe Biden takes the longer in office. And, With the Capitol secured by oath of office in an extraor- politically, it will force armed National Guard troops dinary end to the defeated pres- inside and out, the House voted ident’s tenure in the White a reckoning among 232-197 on Wednesday to House. some Republicans impeach Trump. The pro- The trial timeline and who have stood by ceedings moved at lightning schedule are largely set by speed, with lawmakers voting Senate procedures and will start Trump throughout just one week after violent pro- as soon as the House delivers his presidency and Trump loyalists stormed the the article of impeachment. Capitol, egged on by the presi- That could mean starting the largely allowed him to dent’s calls for them to “fight like trial at 1pm on Inauguration spread false attacks hell” against the election results. Day. The ceremony at the Ten Republicans fled Trump, Capitol starts at noon. against the integrity joining Democrats who said he Members of the Military Police sleep in the Dirksen Senate Office Building after the House voted to Trump was impeached of the 2020 election. needed to be held accountable impeach US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC US, yesterday. Wednesday by the House over and warned ominously of a the deadly Capitol siege, the “clear and present danger” if Holed up at the White dealings with Ukraine, but the his own reelection as well as the only president in US history in office. And, politically, it will Congress should leave him House, watching the pro- Senate voted in 2020 acquit. Senate Republican majority. twice impeached, after a pro- force a reckoning among some unchecked before Democrat Joe ceedings on TV, Trump later No president has been con- In making a case for the Trump mob stormed the Republicans who have stood by Biden’s inauguration January 20. released a video statement in victed by the Senate, but Repub- “high crimes and misde- building. The attack has left the Trump throughout his presidency It was the most bipartisan pres- which he made no mention at licans have said that could meanors” demanded in the nation’s capital, and other and largely allowed him to spread idential impeachment in modern all of the impeachment but change in the rapidly shifting Constitution, the four-page capital cites, under high security false attacks against the integrity times, more so than against Bill appealed to his supporters to political environment as office- impeachment resolution relies amid threats of more violence of the 2020 election. Clinton in 1998. refrain from any further vio- holders, donors, big business on Trump’s own incendiary around the inauguration. Senate Republican leader The Capitol insurrection lence or disruption of Biden’s and others peel away from the rhetoric and the falsehoods he House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Mitch McConnell is open to con- stunned and angered law- inauguration. defeated president. spread about Biden’s election has not said when she will take sidering impeachment, having makers, who were sent scram- “Like all of you, I was Conviction and removal of victory, including at a rally near the next step to transmit the told associates he is done with bling for safety as the mob shocked and deeply saddened Trump would require a two- the White House on the day of impeachment article, a sole Trump, but has not signalled descended, and it revealed the by the calamity at the Capitol thirds vote in the Senate. the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. charge of incitement of insur- how he would vote. fragility of the nation’s history last week,” he said, his first con- Biden said in a statement The impeachment reso- rection. Some senior Democrats Convening the trial will be of peaceful transfers of power. demnation of the attack. He after the vote that it was his lution is also intended to have proposed holding back the among his last acts as majority Pelosi invoked Abraham appealed for unity “to move hope the Senate leadership “will prevent Trump from ever article to give Biden and Con- leader, as two new senators Lincoln, imploring lawmakers forward” and said, “Mob vio- find a way to deal with their running again. gress time to focus on his new from Georgia, both Democrats, to uphold their oath to defend lence goes against everything I Constitutional responsibilities Ten Republican lawmakers, administration’s priorities. are to be sworn into office the Constitution from all believe in and everything our on impeachment while also including third-ranking House Biden has said the Senate leaving chamber divided 50-50. enemies, foreign “and domestic.” movement stands for.... No true working on the other urgent GOP leader Liz Cheney of should be able to split its time That tips the majority to the She said of Trump: “He must supporter of mine could ever business of this nation.” Wyoming, voted to impeach and do both. Democrats once Kamala Harris go, he is a clear and present disrespect law enforcement.” Unlike his first time, Trump Trump, cleaving the Repub- The impeachment trial will be takes office, as the vice-pres- danger to the nation that we all Trump was first impeached faces this impeachment as a lican leadership, and the party the first for a president no longer ident is a tie-breaker. love.” by the House in 2019 over his weakened leader, having lost itself. New York AG sues Expecting trouble, DC locks down a week before inauguration NYPD for AP — WASHINGTON will last through the January 20 Between the pandemic and immediate traffic snarls. their general refusal to wear excessive force inauguration. the security threat, Bowser is Starting Wednesday, Bowser facemasks amid the pandemic. All through downtown Wash- “Clearly we are in uncharted flat-out asking people not to said, anyone inside the inaugu- Several downtown hotels, against protesters ington, the primary sound for waters,” said Washington come to the District of Columbia ration perimeter might be including one which had several blocks was the beeping Mayor Muriel Bowser. for the inauguration. And at stopped and questioned. become a favourite hangout of REUTERS — NEW YORK of forklifts unloading more Last week’s “violent insur- Bowser’s request, a National Starting today, all parking the militant Proud Boy faction, fencing. rection” at the Capitol by sup- Special Security Event decla- garages in the downtown chose to avoid trouble by New York’s state attorney There were no cars or porters of outgoing President ration was moved up to Jan. 13, restricted zone will be sealed closing last week. general yesterday sued New scooters and seemingly no Donald Trump has “impacted a distinction which she said through the inauguration. “Closing hotels completely York City Mayor Bill De Blasio tourists on Wednesday, just the the way we are approaching “puts in place an entirely dif- Bowser is also being pushed for these six nights is the only and the city’s police commis- occasional jogger and multiple working with our federal ferent command and control to deny lodging options to way to guarantee the safety of sioner over allegations the construction crews at work. The partners in planning for the structure” for security. potentially violent protesters. hotel workers, neighbours, vul- police used excessive force US Capitol that proved such a 59th inauguration,” Bowser said The NSSE status is normal The local Black Lives Matter nerable and unhoused resi- against racial justice protesters soft target last week was visible on Wednesday. for a presidential inauguration affiliate and Shutdown DC dents, incoming administration after the killing of George only through lines of tall, black The FBI has warned that and other major events like an issued a joint statement officials, members of Congress, Floyd in May. fence. armed protests by violent international summit or the Wednesday urging all and our democracy,” the The federal lawsuit filed Two blocks from the White Trump supporters were being Super Bowl. But it’s rare to start downtown hotels to voluntarily statement said. in US District Court in Man- House, a group of uniformed planned in all 50 state capitals the lockdown so far in advance close and pay their staffs. “If hotels do not willingly hattan alleges the police National Guard troops emerged as well as in Washington for the of the event. In addition to the threat of close, we ask Mayor Bowser to repeatedly and without justi- from a tour bus and headed into days leading up to the inaugu- Police vehicles sealed off a violence, the activist groups say extend today’s emergency fication used batons and other a hotel as a state of lockdown ration of President-elect Joe huge swath of downtown DC Trump supporters are a threat order and close all hotels in the physical force against pro- descended on Washington that Biden. on Wednesday, causing to the health of hotel staff for city.” testers, many of whom were never charged with a crime, causing broken bones and concussions among other Pentagon survey shows injuries. The lawsuit said the police violated protesters’ rights, and widespread harassment, is seeking a court order to mandate policies, training and racial discrimination monitoring to assure an end to practices it characterized as REUTERS — WASHINGTON “This just-released 2017 unlawful. report shows that President In addition to excessive Nearly a third of Black US Trump’s Department of force, state Attorney General military service members Defense has deliberately con- Letitia James alleged police reported experiencing racial cealed statistics exposing a detained hundreds of protesters, discrimination, harassment or racial justice crisis in the mil- medics and observers without both during a 12-month period, itary,” Gillibrand said. probable cause. She also according to results of a long- “While Defense Department accused the police of controlling withheld Defense Department leadership paid lip service to crowds through “kettling,” or survey that underscore concerns equality, they withheld a report corralling them without giving about racism in the ranks. revealing that minority service them a chance to depart, and The 2017 survey, whose members face rampant discrim- making mass arrests. results have not previously ination and harassment, and De Blasio said in a been reported, also showed those that report it are nearly as statement he supported major that US troops who experi- likely to face punishment as the discipline reforms but opposed enced racial discrimination or perpetrators.” Concerns about the lawsuit. “A court process harassment had high levels of racial discrimination in the mil- and the added bureaucracy of Yang announces candidature for New York City mayor dissatisfaction with the com- itary — the largest US employer a federal monitor will not plaint process and largely did — have taken on new urgency speed up this work,” he said. Former US Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang greets New York City Police Department not report it. over the past year, as America The Black Lives Matter officers at an event announcing his candidacy for New York City mayor in upper Manhattan in New The data support the undergoes a nationwide reck- protests in May and June York, US, yesterday. findings of a 2020 Reuters oning on racism. became an international investigation, which found that Although the military is movement prompted in part service members feared that diverse in lower ranks, it is by anger over Floyd, a Black reporting discrimination would largely white and male at the man killed by a white Minne- US tops 10 million COVID vaccinations likely backfire and was not top. Unpunished discrimination apolis policeman, and Breonna worth the risk. and racial harassment play a Taylor, a Black woman slain REUTERS — WASHINGTON workers first in line had slowed just behind front-line “Overall, results reveal role in pushing out minorities, in her Louisville, Kentucky, the rollout. Now states are healthcare workers and resi- much work is needed to advocates say. home by white policemen More than 10 million Americans urged to vaccinate anyone over dents and staff of nursing improve the reporting process President-elect Joe Biden during a botched raid. had received their first dose of 65 as well. homes. for those who experience underscored the importance of At two days of virtual a COVID-19 vaccine as of California moved on California, like many states, racial/ethnic harassment and diversity at the Pentagon when hearings in June, protesters Wednesday, according to the Wednesday to do just that, des- has struggled to use up as much discrimination,” the Defense he announced his pick last described being beaten and US Centers for Disease Control ignating all individuals 65 and vaccine as it received in initial Department acknowledged in month to lead it: retired Army pepper-sprayed by officers and Prevention, as the year-old older eligible to begin receiving allotments from the federal a report that accompanied the General Lloyd Austin, who during marches that followed pandemic roared on vaccines, adding 6.6 million government, administering survey data. would be the first Black US Floyd’s death. unchecked. people to the rolls of those only about a third of the nearly Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, defense secretary, if approved At the time, de Blasio and The United States reached qualified to be immunized, 2.5 million doses shipped to the a senior member of the Senate by Congress. Police Commissioner Dermot 10.2 million inoculations one Governor Gavin Newsom said. state as of Monday. Armed Forces Committee, con- “More than 40 percent of Shea defended the NYPD’s day after the CDC and Trump The move bumps senior Newsom has set a goal of demned the Pentagon’s failure our active-duty forces are response to protesters as mostly administration gave new citizens, regardless of whether inoculating 1 million more Cal- to disclose the data sooner. A people of color. It’s long past proportionate, saying misconduct guidance to US states on who they have underlying medical ifornians by the end of this Gillibrand aide noted that the time that the department’s was limited to isolated cases that should receive the shots first. conditions, to the top of the pri- week with the first shot of the senator’s office had been leadership reflects that were being investigated. Strict rules putting healthcare ority list for vaccine recipients, two-dose vaccine. seeking the data for months. diversity,” Biden said. Business 13

FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021 Delta calls 2021 ‘year of recovery’

We don’t anticipate that by the summer travel will be back anywhere close to where it previously was, but it will be a meaningful improvement, sufficient to be able to drive profitability for us in the back half of the year.

Ed Bastian Delta Air Lines CEO Business | 14 QSE 10,913.83 +47.22 (+0.43%) FTSE 100 6,788.44 +42.92 (0.64%) DOW 31,160.91 +100.44 (0.32%) BRENT $56.21 (+0.27)

Morocco’s QE Index soars over 200 points last week economy to grow SACHIN KUMAR 4.6% in 2021 THE PENINSULA The stock market started REUTERS — RABAT the week on a positive note Shares had a good run last week as, the QE Index rose 0.4 Morocco’s economic growth with Qatar Stock Exchange (QE) should rebound by 4.6 percent Index soared around 235 points percent to close at 10,725.7. in 2021 after contracting by 7 or 2.2 percent in the past five The index rose on the back percent last year under the trading sessions. On Thursday, of buying support from double impact of the COVID-19 the QE Index gained 47.22 pandemic and a drought, the points or 0.43 percent to close Arab and Foreign planning agency said yesterday. at 10,913.83 points. shareholders despite selling The forecast is based on Indices of five sectors ended pressure from Qatari and assumptions of an in green zone and two sectors improvement in foreign and ended red zone today. The GCC shareholders. domestic demand in addition volume of shares traded to an average cereal yield of 7.5 decreased to 219 million from million tonnes, the agency said 270 million on Wednesday and shareholders. in a report. the value of shares decreased Gains were led by the Recent abundant rainfall to QR546.8m from QR814.1m Transportation and Telecoms A view of a large screen showing movement in share prices at QSE trading hall. augurs well for this year’s agri- on Wednesday. indices, gaining 3.3 percent and cultural yield, refilling dams It was a remarkable week 2.2 percent, respectively. Top after two consecutive years of for the bourse as Shares of QLM gainers were Qatar Navigation the top losers, Qatar Cinema & GCC, Arab and Foreign share- 1.6 percent and 0.8 percent, drought that undermined farm were listed on the QSE on and Al Khalij Commercial Bank, Film Distribution Company fell holders. Top losers were Ezdan respectively. Top gainers were output. Wednesday, taking the total rising 5.4 percent and 3.9 7.9 percent, while Ezdan Holding Group and Qatar Oman QLM Life & Medical Insurance Lower tax revenues and number of companies listed on percent, respectively. Among Holding Group was down 1.8 Investment Company, falling 3.5 Company and Mazaya Real higher subsidies to ease the the exchange to 48. QLM made the top losers, Qatar Islamic percent. The index rose on the percent and 2.2 percent, respec- Estate Development, rising 23.8 impact of COVID-19 pushed a strong debut on the bourse as Insurance Company and Ezdan back of buying support from tively. Among the top gainers, percent and 4.4 percent, respec- Morocco’s fiscal deficit to 7.4 its share surged around 24 Holding Group were down 1.4 GCC and Foreign shareholders Doha Insurance Group gained tively. Among the top losers, percent in 2020, more than percent on the first day of percent each. despite selling pressure from 2.9 percent, while Qatari Qatari German Company for twice the targeted 3.5 percent trading at the Qatar Stock Next day on Monday, the QE Qatari and Arab shareholders. German Company for Medical Medical Devices fell 2.0 percent, of GDP. It is expected to shrink Exchange driven by strong Index rose 1.1 percent to close On Tuesday, the QE Index Devices was up 2.6 percent. while Dlala Brokerage & to 6 percent of GDP this year as investors demand. at 10,843.0. Gains were led by declined marginally to close at On Wednesday, the QE Investment Holding Co. was tax and non-tax revenues rise. The stock market started the the Transportation and Tel- 10,838.7. Losses were led by the Index rose 0.3 percent to close down 1.1 percent. Public debt is expected to week on a positive note as, the ecoms indices, gaining 3.2 Banks & Financial Services and at 10,866.6. The index rose on On Thursday, QSE Total surge to 95.6 percent of GDP in QE Index rose 0.4 percent to percent and 2.0 percent, Industrials indices, falling 0.3 the back of buying support from Return Index increased 0.43 2021 due to external borrowing, close at 10,725.7. The index rose respectively. Top gainers were percent and 0.2 percent, GCC and Foreign shareholders percent to 20,981.48 points and however, while the current on the back of buying support Qatar Gas Transport Company respectively. The index fell on despite selling pressure from QSE Al Rayan Islamic Index account deficit is seen from Arab and Foreign share- Limited and Qatar Navigation, the back of selling pressure Qatari and Arab shareholders. gained 0.66 percent to 4,398.25 increasing to 3.3 percent of GDP holders despite selling pressure rising 3.6 percent and 3.2 from Qatari shareholders Gains were led by the Telecoms points. QSE All Share Index up as imports continue to out- from Qatari and GCC percent, respectively. Among despite buying support from and Industrials indices, gaining 0.17 percent to 3,341.23 points. weigh exports.

BUSINESS BRIEFS Biden to unveil plan to pump $1.5trn Won’t raise interest rates France's Le Maire says 6% growth target into pandemic-hit economy any time soon: Powell for 2021 within reach BLOOMBERG REUTERS — DELAWARE The stimulus package has a seriousness of the topic, but he PARIS: Finance Minister Bruno Le will have to compete for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Maire yesterday said a growth fore- President-elect Joe Biden will price tag above $1.5trn and attention with the political Powell said policy makers won’t cast of 6% for France's economy in unveil a stimulus package includes a commitment for drama in Washington. raise interest rates unless they 2021 remained within reach and that proposal today designed to $1,400 stimulus checks, The impeachment pro- see troubling signs of inflation. he was confident of a strong recov- jump-start the economy during according to a source familiar ceedings threaten to hang over "Our eyes are wide open on ery by the end of the year. the coronavirus pandemic with with the proposal, and Biden the beginning of Biden’s term. this,” Powell said. "At the end of "I am really quite confident that an economic lifeline that could In a statement on the day the public will need to the second part of 2021 will be good exceed $1.5trn and help is expected to commit to Wednesday night, Biden said: see us allow inflation to move for the French economy," Le Maire minority communities. partner with private “I hope that the Senate lead- moderately above said in an interview at the Reuters Biden campaigned last year companies to increase the ership will find a way to deal 2 percent for a time before the Next conference. on a promise to take the pan- number of Americans getting with their Constitutional new framework will be seen as But he cautioned: "We have to demic more seriously than responsibilities on fully credible.” Federal Reserve Chair remain humble and cautious because President Donald Trump, and vaccinated. impeachment while also The time to raise rates "is no Jerome Powell we have been fooled by the virus the package aims to put that working on the other urgent time soon,” Powell added. many times." -REUTERS pledge into action with an with the proposal, and Biden is business of this nation.” After years of too-low least four Fed presidents have influx of resources for the coro- expected to commit to partner The Democratic president- inflation, the central bank said a strong economy could China’s foreign navirus vaccine rollout and with private companies to elect said last week the stimulus approved new policy guidance prompt discussion of tapering of economic recovery. increase the number of Amer- package would be “in the tril- in September, spelling out it bonds late this year. trade reaches The incoming adminis- icans getting vaccinated. lions of dollars” and argued that would be appropriate to keep Millions more Americans $5trn in 2020 tration will work with Congress A significant portion of the more spending early on would rates near zero until inflation has are out of work than before on the quick stimulus package additional financial resources reduce the long-term economic risen to its 2 percent target and COVID-19 struck and the virus BEIJING: China’s total goods imports after Biden takes office on will be dedicated to minority damage from the shutdowns was on track to moderately continues to rage across the US and exports expanded 1.9 percent January 20, although the communities. “I think you will spurred by the pandemic. exceed that level. Powell and his colleagues are year on year to 32.16trn yuan (about impeachment of Trump see a real emphasis on these He also said there would be Powell last month described committed to using all their $5trn) in 2020, hitting a record high threatens to consume law- underserved communities, “billions of dollars” to speed up the guidance as "powerful,” but tools to support the recovery despite a worldwide slump in ship- makers in the initial weeks. where there is a lot of hard vaccine distribution, along with its vagueness has led to differing and last month signaled interest ments, official data showed yesterday. The stimulus package has a work to do,” said another tran- money to help reopen schools interpretations among policy rates will stay near zero at least Exports rose 4 percent, while imports price tag above $1.5trn and sition official. and for state and local govern- makers and investors. Governor through 2023, while pledging went down 0.7 percent, according includes a commitment for Biden plans to introduce his ments to avoid laying off Lael Brainard on Wednesday said to maintain its massive bond- to the Chinese General Administra- $1,400 stimulus checks, package during a prime-time teachers, police officers and the pace would be appropriate buying campaign to speed the tion of Customs (GAC). according to a source familiar address, underscoring the health workers. for "quite some time,” though at rebound from COVID-19. In December alone, exports surged by 10.9 percent year on year in yuan terms. -QNA US import prices WhatsApp growth slumps as rivals Signal, Telegram rise accelerate on higher AP — OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA the world, saw 15.7 million downloads in service. Experts worry that these moves privacy of your messages with friends or the Jan. 5 to Jan. 12 period, roughly twice could lead to more ideological splintering family in any way,” adding that the policy energy costs Encrypted messaging apps Signal and the 7.6 million downloads it saw the pre- and further hide extremism in the dark changes were necessary to allow users to WASHINGTON: US import prices Telegram are seeing huge upticks in vious week. corners of the internet, making it harder message businesses on WhatsApp. The increased more than expected in downloads from Apple and Google’s app WhatsApp, meanwhile, saw down- to track and counteract. notice “provides further transparency December, boosted by higher prices stores. Facebook-owned WhatsApp, by loads shrink to 10.6 million, down from WhatsApp didn’t do itself any favors about how we collect and use data,” the for energy products and a weak dol- contrast, is seeing its growth decline 12.7 million the week before. when it recently told users that if they don’t company said. lar, suggesting inflation could pick following a fiasco that forced the Experts believe the shift may reflect a accept a new privacy policy by February WhatsApp is still by far the most up in the near term. company to clarify a privacy update it rush of conservative social media users 8, they’ll be cut off. The notice referenced popular messaging app of the three, and The Labor Department said had sent to users. seeking alternatives to platforms such as the data WhatsApp shares with Facebook, so far there’s no evidence of a mass exodus. yesterday import prices jumped Mobile app analytics firm Sensor Facebook, Twitter and the now-shuttered which while not entirely new, may have Sensor Tower estimates that Signal has 0.9% last month after rising 0.2% Tower said yesterday that Signal saw 17.8 right-wing site Parler. struck some users that way. been installed about 58.6 million times glo- in November. Economists polled by million app downloads on Apple and Parler, meanwhile, was unceremoni- Confusion about the notice, compli- bally since 2014. In that same period Tel- Reuters had forecast import prices, Google during the week of January 5 to 12. ously booted from the internet after Apple cated by Facebook’s history of privacy egram has seen about 755.2 million instal- which exclude tariffs, accelerating That’s a 61-fold increase from just 285,000 and Google banned it from their app stores mishaps, forced WhatsApp to clarify its lations and WhatsApp a whopping 5.6 0.7% in December. -REUTERS the previous week. Telegram, an already- for failing to moderate incitement. Amazon update to users this week. The company billion - almost eight times as many as popular messaging app for people around then cut Parler off from its cloud-hosting said that its update “does not affect the Telegram. 14 BUSINESS FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021 Delta calls 2021 ‘year of recovery’

REUTERS — NEW YORK confidence, that’s going to be bookings upturn. the indication that we start Delta expects to have $18 Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian selling those middle seats,” billion to $19bn of liquidity by expects 2021 to be “the year of Bastian said. the end of March, including an recovery” after the corona- Business travel should pick additional $3bn in government virus pandemic cut operating up in the second half of the payroll support, while carrying revenue by 64 percent and year but remain muted for a around $18bn in net debt. prompted its first annual loss period of time, he said. It had $16.7bn in liquidity A file photo of a Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-900 plane in 11 years. A recovery in international in 2020 after a series of capital takes off from Sydney Airport in Sydney, Australia. “We don’t anticipate that travel, which has been hit hard raisings. by the summer travel will be by travel bans, will take at Delta, the first US airline back anywhere close to where least another year and Bastian to post 2020 results, reported fell by $4.6bn or 47 percent on Bastian has previously it previously was, but it will be said the airline would continue a $12.4bn loss - its first since lower fuel, maintenance and hinted at the possibility of pur- a meaningful improvement, to burn through $10m to $15m 2009 - on operating revenue salary costs. chasing Boeing Co’s 737 MAX. sufficient to be able to drive Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian a day in the first quarter. of $17bn. It recorded a $4.8bn Delta has avoided fur- The US government will profitability for us in the back It lost an average of $12m profit a year earlier. loughs but said nearly 18,000 hopefully lift its international half of the year,” Bastian told a day in the fourth quarter, but It lost $755m in the fourth employees, or 20 percent of travel ban by the spring or Reuters. to 65 percent from a year ago remains on track to halt its quarter, or $1.19 per share. The its workforce, decided to leave summer if the virus is con- The strength of the and its scheduled flight cash burn in the spring, the adjusted loss per share was the company in 2020. tained, Bastian said. recovery will hinge on factors capacity to shrink by 35 airline said. $2.53, versus analyst estimates It does not intend to fur- Turning to disruption on such as the pace of vaccine percent. Global airline industry for $2.51. lough any employees once the recent US flights by supporters rollouts and people’s appetite As it continues to block body IATA believes a return Delta shares jumped 2.2 second round of government of US President Donald for flying after a year that middle seats at least through to positive cash flow for the percent in pre-market trading payroll support for airlines Trump, Bastian said Delta has nearly brought global travel to March 30, it expects the actual industry might not happen following the results. expires in March. placed passengers involved in a halt. capacity it sells to fall by this year, Chief Economist Delta booked $1bn in The company expects to incidents that targeted sen- In the first quarter, the around 55 percent. Brian Pearce said yesterday, COVID-19 related charges in retire nearly 400 jets through ators Mitt Romney and Atlanta-based airline expects “When the demand for air as a resurgence in lockdowns the quarter, though total 2025 as it simplifies its fleet to Lindsey Graham on its revenue to fall by 60 percent travel picks up because of has killed off a fragile adjusted operating expenses nine families of aircraft. no-fly list.

Wall St edges Samsung launches Galaxy S21 higher with focus phones with lower prices on Biden’s BLOOMBERG holding off on non-essential pur- resolution and memory of the two stimulus plan chases as well as a move to ward smaller phones, moves likely REUTERS — BENGALURU Samsung Electronics Co. off rising competition from the made to accommodate the lower yesterday debuted three Galaxy likes of Xiaomi Corp. prices. In the US, Samsung will be Wall Street’s main indexes S21 smartphones, upgraded Samsung said it sees a “bifur- relying on Qualcomm Inc.’s Snap- opened slightly higher earbuds and a gadget to track cation” in the smartphone dragon 888 processor while other yesterday with investors physical items, setting out its stall market, between consumers markets will get its latest in-house awaiting details on President- to compete with Apple Inc.’s wanting the very latest tech and Exynos 2100 system-on-chip. elect Joe Biden’s proposals for existing and future device range. more cost-sensitive shoppers, Both mark a move to more stimulus to jump-start the The South Korean company’s which has motivated its new advanced 5nm manufacturing, better depth measurement for The pricier S21 Ultra adds economy as data showed a new flagship handsets are $200 strategy. It’s a similar approach catching up with the silicon portrait shots and a smattering support for Samsung’s S Pen struggling job market recovery. cheaper than last year’s lineup to Apple’s split of the iPhone line already inside Apple and Huawei of artificial intelligence enhance- digital stylus, the first time The Dow Jones Industrial across the board: the Galaxy S21 into standard, Pro and Pro Max Technologies Co.’s latest devices. ments to make functions like Samsung is offering that com- Average rose 25.2 points, or starts at $799.99, matching the models that differ in cost, mate- This year, Samsung is digital zoom more effective. patibility for its non-Note 0.08 percent, at the open to iPhone 12, while the larger S21+ is rials, size and camera specs. emphasising its cameras both in Google’s Android 11 serves as phones. The model also differ- 31,085.67. The S&P 500 rose $999.99 and the upgraded S21 The Galaxy S21 series come the design and function of its new the default operating system and entiates itself with more of eve- 5.1 points, or 0.13 percent, at Ultra costs $1,199.99. The price in roughly the same dimensions devices. The rear camera module Samsung offers 5G wireless con- rything: it has the biggest screen the open to 3,814.98, while the drops are an acknowledgement as last year - going from the 6.2- dominates one corner of each nectivity and IP68 water and battery, highest-resolution Nasdaq Composite rose 45.8 of the current pandemic-riddled inch S21 to the 6.8-inch Ultra - handset and adds enhancements resistance across its trio of new display and cameras and more points, or 0.35 percent, to economy where consumers are though Samsung has reduced the like steadier video recording, devices. memory and storage options. 13,174.75 at the opening bell.

QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE

QNBK - QNB 18.86 18.86 18.62 18.86 1,977 18.75 18.62 178,056 18.62 18.62 -0.24 -1.27 582 3,486,223 65,176,974.66 QIBK - Qatar Islamic Bank 17.40 17.40 17.40 17.55 31,301 17.55 17.46 25,000 17.55 17.55 +0.15 +0.86 374 1,111,274 19,441,950.69 CBQK - Comm. Bank of Qatar 4.471 4.47 4.42 4.49 11,576 4.46 4.421 5,200 4.46 4.46 -0.01 -0.25 366 3,457,318 15,447,740.36 DHBK - Doha Bank 2.42 2.417 2.410 2.419 6,850 2.419 2.418 20,000 2.419 2.419 -0.001 -0.04 47 817,773 1,976,141.851 ABQK - Ahli Bank 3.52 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,702 3.6 3.5 50,600 3.52 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 0 0.00 QIIK - Intl. Islamic Bank 9.444 9.44 9.44 9.50 10,000 9.496 9.49 155,889 9.49 9.490 +0.05 +0.49 350 1,952,033 18,534,398.79 MARK - Rayan 4.596 4.578 4.578 4.600 12,400 4.597 4.578 1,358,172 4.578 4.578 -0.018 -0.39 520 5,535,797 25,430,093.707 KCBK - Al khalij Commercial Bank 2.173 2.171 2.152 2.178 147,700 2.178 2.174 1,207,261 2.174 2.174 +0.001 +0.05 192 2,030,448 4,408,651.392 QFBQ - Qatar First Bank (QFC) 1.765 1.767 1.767 1.809 214,095 1.805 1.801 1,095,360 1.805 1.80 +0.040 +2.27 365 27,235,731 48,634,513.545 QETF - QE Index ETF 10.635 10.635 10.635 10.635 0 0.0 10.663 9,378 10.635 10.706 0.000 0.00 1 15 159.525 QATR - Al Rayan Qatar ETF 2.442 2.450 2.450 2.456 11,876 2.518 2.456 700 2.456 2.457 +0.014 +0.57 5 30,005 73,551.250 QATI - Qatar Insurance 2.579 2.599 2.557 2.626 10,000 2.587 2.557 20,550 2.587 2.587 +0.008 +0.31 117 3,221,744 8,320,692.094 DOHI - Doha Insurance 1.47 1.479 1.411 1.500 20,437 1.498 1.497 24,000 1.498 0.00 +0.028 +1.90 21 148,423 221,226.494 QLMI - QLM 3.90 3.90 3.70 4.04 234,682 3.92 3.915 130 3.92 3.920 +0.02 +0.51 1,155 12,984,835 50,589,292.22 QGRI - General Insurance 2.585 2.491 2.491 2.644 6,750 2.639 2.491 12,678 2.644 0.000 +0.059 +2.28 2 1,642 4,093.435 AKHI - Alkhaleej Takaful 1.925 1.925 1.920 1.936 10,022 1.94 1.935 122,927 1.935 0.000 +0.010 +0.52 31 750,876 1,449,886.064 QISI - Islamic Insurance 7.20 7.078 7.078 7.078 24,400 7.2 7.151 9,424 7.078 0.00 -0.122 -1.69 1 1,169 8,274.182 QAMC - QAMCO 0.969 0.969 0.965 0.984 205,677 0.979 0.973 17,300 0.979 0.979 +0.010 +1.03 223 8,267,782 8,059,892.374 QIMD - Ind. Manf. Co. 3.19 3.19 3.19 3.19 8,449 3.19 3.131 40,000 3.19 3.19 0.00 0.00 3 86,551 276,127.69 QNCD - National Cement Co. 4.256 4.320 4.299 4.320 7,548 4.299 4.25 319 4.299 4.299 +0.043 +1.01 16 45,526 195,755.398 ZHCD - Zad Holding Company 15.08 15.00 15.00 15.00 31,964 15.0 14.91 4,500 15.00 0.00 -0.08 -0.53 1 125 1,875.00 IQCD - Industries Qatar 11.60 11.48 11.48 12.17 40,000 12.1 12.06 550 12.10 12.10 +0.50 +4.31 571 3,265,131 38,750,207.20 UDCD - United Dev. Company 1.59 1.590 1.571 1.610 16,827 1.608 1.605 53,901 1.608 1.608 +0.018 +1.13 307 5,085,632 8,133,348.708 QGMD - Qatar German Co. Med 2.353 2.35 2.31 2.39 3,333 2.38 2.379 5 2.38 2.380 +0.03 +1.15 147 3,119,203 7,383,287.76 QIGD - The Investors 1.803 1.814 1.801 1.814 1,450 1.805 1.804 22,126 1.805 0.000 +0.002 +0.11 45 514,288 927,577.323 ORDS - Ooredoo 8.523 8.52 8.42 8.54 83,400 8.42 8.39 7,983 8.42 8.420 -0.10 -1.21 335 1,422,680 12,071,434.77 QEWS - Electricity & Water 18.40 18.40 18.37 18.49 11,367 18.4 18.38 10,000 18.40 18.40 0.00 0.00 292 1,069,902 19,707,412.28 SIIS - Salam International 0.64 0.640 0.636 0.652 594,858 0.643 0.64 161,055 0.643 0.64 +0.003 +0.47 290 29,017,006 18,698,216.911 BLDN - Baladna 1.75 1.751 1.741 1.767 28,654 1.746 1.743 11,000 1.743 1.743 -0.007 -0.40 143 1,965,158 3,431,974.863 NLCS - National Leasing 1.256 1.256 1.245 1.261 363,983 1.248 1.247 238,770 1.247 1.247 -0.009 -0.72 175 4,284,939 5,358,204.723 QNNS - Qatar Navigation 7.88 7.90 7.78 7.90 10,115 7.9 7.777 100,000 7.90 7.900 +0.02 +0.25 54 133,174 1,050,389.40 MCGS - Medicare 8.861 8.85 8.85 8.92 4,854 8.92 8.855 100,000 8.92 8.920 +0.06 +0.67 14 101,590 900,351.52 QCFS - Cinema 3.531 0.000 0.000 0.000 20,282 3.884 3.538 1,500 3.531 0.000 0.000 0.00 0 0 0.000 QFLS - Qatar Fuel 19.15 19.15 19.12 19.28 54 19.28 19.2 16 19.20 19.20 +0.05 +0.26 118 534,806 10,264,004.75 WDAM - Widam 6.27 6.27 6.27 6.30 49,500 6.28 6.275 20,000 6.28 0.00 +0.01 +0.16 34 409,317 2,571,647.82 GWCS - Gulf warehousing Co 5.22 5.191 5.160 5.250 41,800 5.219 5.195 202,450 5.219 5.219 -0.001 -0.02 51 924,369 4,814,845.991 QGTS - Nakilat 3.46 3.477 3.424 3.477 18,983 3.453 3.45 5,000 3.453 3.453 -0.007 -0.20 328 3,311,946 11,452,831.265 DBIS - Dlala 1.725 1.722 1.719 1.749 86,757 1.733 1.722 20,000 1.721 0.000 -0.004 -0.23 39 811,510 1,399,358.073 BRES - Barwa 3.544 3.510 3.510 3.548 28,957 3.533 3.532 10,000 3.533 3.533 -0.011 -0.31 436 3,074,397 10,861,545.802 MCCS - Mannai Corp. 2.97 2.945 2.941 2.970 21,745 2.969 2.941 1,006 2.969 0.00 -0.001 -0.03 12 41,780 123,054.649 AHCS - Aamal 0.843 0.84 0.84 0.85 9,936 0.84 0.838 100,000 0.84 0.84 -0.00 -0.36 81 2,599,389 2,183,332.48 QOIS - Qatar Oman 0.845 0.848 0.831 0.860 61,428 0.857 0.85 12,500 0.857 0.000 +0.012 +1.42 75 2,570,193 2,185,853.281 ERES - Ezdan Holding 1.68 1.698 1.665 1.698 200,000 1.688 1.679 211,374 1.679 1.679 -0.001 -0.06 329 7,564,092 12,753,391.506 IHGS - Inma 5.099 5.15 5.07 5.21 3,000 5.15 5.126 5,000 5.15 5.150 +0.05 +1.00 321 3,751,970 19,341,376.93 GISS - Gulf International 1.71 1.712 1.686 1.712 40,000 1.698 1.697 50,000 1.697 1.697 -0.013 -0.76 131 7,212,255 12,210,049.523 MPHC - Mesaieed 2.091 2.082 2.072 2.087 76,011 2.085 2.084 654 2.085 2.085 -0.006 -0.29 171 1,764,519 3,677,218.515 IGRD - Investment Holding 0.572 0.571 0.564 0.571 96,666 0.566 0.565 658,000 0.566 0.566 -0.006 -1.05 351 24,505,111 13,913,440.358 VFQS - Vodafone Qatar 1.44 1.430 1.430 1.455 46,041 1.449 1.444 50,000 1.449 1.449 +0.009 +0.62 231 9,620,834 13,933,944.144 MERS - Al Meera 21.00 21.10 20.82 21.20 84,778 20.9 20.85 25,010 20.90 20.90 -0.10 -0.48 32 112,544 2,349,940.18 MRDS - Mazaya 1.304 1.310 1.296 1.319 20,000 1.299 1.296 72,470 1.296 1.296 -0.008 -0.61 530 29,185,656 38,051,397.035

QE INDICES SUMMARY QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON WORLD STOCK INDICES EXCHANGE RATE

QE Index 10,913.83 +0.43 % 14-01-2021 Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Currency Selling (QAR) Buying (QAR) QE Total Return Index 20,981.48 +0.43 % Index 10,913.83 Dow Jones Industrial Average 31,178.69 +118.22 US$ 3.6500 3.6305 Change +47.22 +0.38% QE Al Rayan Islamic Index - Price 2,465.43 +0.66 % Australian Dollar AUD 2.86 2.79 % +0.43% S&P 500 3,821.23 +11.39 +0.30% Bangladeshi Taka BDT 0.045 0.042 QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,398.25 +0.66 % YTD% +4.58 Nasdaq Composite Index 13,217.21 +88.26 +0.67% Canadian Dollar CAD 2.92 2.86 QE All Share Index 3,341.23 +0.17 % Volume 219,138,681 FTSE 100 Index 6,792.01 +46.49 +0.69% Euro EUR 4.52 4.4 QE All Share Banks & Value (QAR) 546,750,928.49 DAX Index 14,002.18 +62.47 +0.45% Indian Rupee INR 0.052 0.05 Financial Services 4,398.92 -0.46 % Trades 10,015 CAC 40 Index 5,681.23 +18.56 +0.33% Japanese Yen JPY 0.0355 0.0348 Nikkei Stock Average 225 28,698.26 +241.67 +0.85% QE All Share Industrials 3,296.13 +2.17 % Up 24 | Down 21 | Unchanged 03 Malaysian Ringgit MYR 0.92 0.885 13-01-2021 Hang Seng Index 28,496.86 +261.26 +0.93% Nepalese Rupee NPR 0.033 0.031 QE All Share Transportation 3,599.14 -0.02 % Index 10,866.61 Shanghai Composite Index 3,565.90 -32.75 -0.91% Pakistani Rupee PKR 0.02326 0.02273 QE All Share Real Estate 1,926.71 +0.20 % Change +27.92 ASX All Ordinaries Index 6,982.70 +28.80 +0.41% Philippine Peso PHP 0.079 0.075 QE All Share Insurance 2,557.75 +0.56 % % +0.26% Pound Sterling GBP 5.03 4.92 QE All Share Telecoms 1,122.20 -0.77 % YTD% +4.13 GOLD AND SILVER South African Rand ZAR 0.25 0.245 Volume 270,224,468 Sri Lankan Rupee LKR 0.02 0.019 QE All Share Consumer GOLD QR227.00 per gramme Value (QAR) 814,189,285.86 Swiss Franc CHF 4.16 4.09 Goods & Services 8,252.50 +0.07 % Trades 14,553 SILVER QR3.00 per gramme Turkish Lira TRY 0.505 0.50 Sport FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021 15 Survival of the fittest as Australia Boucher confident look to seal series at Gabba fortress of team REUTERS - MELBOURNE even if a draw would be enough safety on to retain the Border-Gavaskar A punishing Test series that has Trophy two years after their exacted a heavy toll on both breakthrough 2-1 win in the Pakistan sides draws to a fitting climax 2018/19 series in Australia. in Brisbane where a humbled The home side have had Australia will aim to crush an their own injury challenges, tour ailing Indian side at their Gabba with Marcus Harris replacing fortress. Will Pucovski after the rookie REUTERS - CAPE TOWN Australia had their confi- opener was ruled out with a dence rocked in the third test shoulder injury. South Africa have faith in the as India’s batsmen held on for Opener David Warner was security measures put in a gallant draw in Sydney but clearly hampered by his groin place for their Test and Tim Paine’s team hold the upper strain as he laboured for runs Twenty20 International tour hand for the decisive clash of a in Sydney but the veteran of Pakistan coach Mark series that has become survival lefthander has been cleared to Boucher said yesterday as he of the fittest. play. revealed that he hoped to With regular captain Virat Australia’s problems are lure Jacques Kallis back as a Kohli on paternity leave, India more on the mental side, with batting consultant. have defied a mounting injury India’s obstinacy having got the South Africa start the first toll to keep the series alive but better of their captain and A view of the pitch to be used for the fourth and final Test between India and Australia at the Gabba, of two Tests in Pakistan on now have few bullets left to fire. bowlers on the final day in Brisbane. The final Test starts today. PIC:@cricketcomau January 26 as they return All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja Sydney. there for the first time since has been scratched and pace Paine was moved to apol- 2007. spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is ogise this week after he lost his Damning reviews tend to pickings in the series. The “For me, it’s about rising Their absence followed a also expected to be ruled out cool, was abusive to Ravi- follow Australia’s home series COVID-19 pandemic has seen above it and concentrating on militant attack on the Sri after an abdominal strain in chandran Ashwin and dropped defeats and a reverse at the both teams confined to their what I’m doing and concen- Lanka team bus in Lahore in Sydney, meaning India’s attack three catches behind the Gabba could prove terminal for hotel rooms in Brisbane before trating on leading my team and 2009 that killed six could be in the hands of three stumps, any one of which might Paine’s leadership a year out and after training excursions, a not worrying about what’s policemen and two civilians. rookie pacemen when the have unlocked the game for from England’s Ashes tour. vexing end to a long and going on the other side,” captain “We’ve had our (security) match starts today. Australia. He will lean heavily on his arduous tour in the “bubble”. Paine told reporters guys go there and do a recce And the Gabba is no place It was arguably the wicket- attack to deliver on a pitch that A chastised Paine said Aus- yesterday. of the situation and they have for the walking wounded, with keeper-captain’s worst day in tends to reward express pace, tralia would leave the frustra- “We’ve spoken a lot... about said it is safe,” Boucher told Australia undefeated at the the office since taking over the and will hope Nathan Lyon can tions behind them upon taking controlling what we can control reporters ahead of the team’s stadium since 1988. team in the wake of the New- also get among the wickets as the field at the Gabba and their and focusing more inwardly on departure. In short, Ajinkya Rahane’s lands ball-tampering scandal the 33-year-old offspinner only focus would be to admin- ourselves. I think we can do all “So from my side there India have a mountain to climb, in 2018. savours his 100th Test after lean ister the coup de grace. that, ” he added. are no issues, we have to get back there and start playing cricket.” SCOREBOARD Boucher made his Test SRI LANKA, 1ST INNINGS Wood 6-1-21-0, Dom Bess 10.1-3-30-5, Jack Leach debut in Pakistan in 1997 and Day One: England in L Thirimanne c Bairstow b Broad ...... 4 17-2-55-1 went on to play 147 times in K Perera c Root b Bess ...... 20 ENGLAND, 1ST INNINGS a stellar career. He said the K Mendis c Buttler b Broad ...... 0 Z Crawley c de Silva b Embuldeniya ...... 9 conditions will be more A Mathews c Root b Broad ...... 27 D Sibley c Thirimanne b Embuldeniya ...... 4 suited to his side than most control after bowling out D Chandimal c Curran b Leach ...... 28 J Bairstow not out ...... 47 sub-continent nations. N Dickwella c Sibley b Bess ...... 12 J Root not out ...... 66 D Shanaka c Buttler b Bess ...... 23 Extras (nb 1) ...... 1 “It is tough but different PWH de Silva b Bess ...... 19 TOTAL (41 Ov, RR: 3.09) ...... 127/2 to India and Sri Lanka, where Sri Lanka for 135 runs D Perera b Bess ...... 0 Yet to bat: Dan Lawrence, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, it (the ball) turns. Pakistan is L Embuldeniya run out (Leach) ...... 0 Dom Bess, Jack Leach, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad more conducive to fast A Fernando not out ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-17 bowling. Reverse swing was REUTERS - GALLE, SRI LANKA Stuart Broad (3-20) as the home Sri Lanka were forced to Extras (lb 1, nb 1) ...... 2 BOWLING: Lasith Embuldeniya 18-3-55, Asitha very big, though regulations side failed to take advantage of leave out Karunaratne due to a TOTAL (46.1 Ov, RR: 2.92) ...... 135 Fernando 6-0-19-0, PWH de Silva 7-0-30-0, Dilru- are tighter these days on how Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-16, 3-25, 4-81, 5-81, 6-105, wan Perera 10-2-23-0 England captain Joe Root struck winning the toss with some fractured thumb - another 7-126, 42.3 ov), 8-126, 9-130, 10-135 Venue: Galle International Stadium Umpires: you can work on the ball. his 50th Test fifty to put them wayward batting. injury blow to a team that suf- BOWLING: S Broad 9-3-20-3, S Curran 4-2-8-0, M Kumar Dharmasena and Ruchira Palliyaguruge “They are historically flat in a strong position on the first Bess got off to the perfect fered several setbacks on their wickets. The areas you score day of the opening Test after start when he took the wicket tour of South Africa earlier this as a batsman are different. If Dom Bess took five wickets as of the dangerous Kusal Perera month. you apply yourself there are the tourists bowled out Sri with only his second ball of the Bess said he did not bowl as a lot of runs out there.” Lanka for a paltry 135. morning. Attempting an ambi- much as he would have liked Boucher also said he An unbeaten 110-run part- tious reverse sweep, Perera in the preparations after wanted to regain the services nership between Jonny succeeded only in top edging arriving in Sri Lanka and of 45-year-old Jacques Kallis Bairstow and Root saw England the ball to Root at slip to depart admitted there was an element as a batting consultant after to 127-2 at stumps yesterday, for 20, the first of several ill- of fortune to his haul. the former all-rounder trailing by eight runs, with the considered shots from the No much more so than signed a short-term deal with opportunity to go on and build home batsmen. when a sweep shot from Dasun England for their current test a significant lead after Sri Lanka Niroshan Dickwella was Shanaka hit Jonny Bairstow at tour of Sri Lanka. Cricket posted the lowest first-innings caught at backward point for short leg on the ankle and South Africa did not take up score in a Test at the Galle 12 while Dasun Shanaka, who popped up for wicketkeeper Jos the option of retaining Kallis’ International Stadium. scored 23, went in bizarre cir- Buttler to catch. services last year, citing The pair steadied matters cumstances, sweeping his shot “It was bizarre. You want transformation targets, but after spinner Lasith onto the ankle of Bairstow at guys getting caught at short leg Boucher is hopeful that, with Embuldeniya, who opened the short leg, popping it up into the by Jonny rather than hitting a new board in place, that bowling, had removed England air for wicketkeeper Jos Buttler him, caught Buttler, but at the could change. openers Dom Sibley (4) and Zak to claim. end of the day a wicket is a “He is on my radar in Crawley (9) cheaply. Preferred to England’s wicket,” Bess told a news terms of trying to get him Root, in his 98th Test, sur- record Test wicket taker James conference. back involved in the set-up. vived a leg before decision Anderson, Broad bagged opener “I know that I haven’t I hope we treat him with care when on 20, which was over- Lahiru Thirimanne and strug- bowled as well as I could have as he has shown he has a lot turned on review, before gling Kusal Mendis in the same done and got away with of other opportunities in reaching his half century off 94 over for the first two wickets of probably one or two, but that’s world cricket. He is a massive balls. He will resume today on the test and then added Angelo cricket. Those were not among loss but I know Jacques 66 with Bairstow playing a Mathews after lunch. my best deliveries but then would love to be working in England off-spinner Dom Bess poses for a photo tweeted by strong supporting role with 47 Dinesh Chandimal, who again, I’ve also bowled very South African cricket. The @englandcricket at the end of the first day of the first Test not out. took over the captaincy from well on days and haven’t taken knowledge he has needs to between England and hosts Sri Lanka at the Galle International Bess took 5-30 off just 10.1 injured Dimuth Karunaratne, any poles... and dropped be utilised.” overs with strong back-up from top scored for the hosts with 28. catches,” said Bess. Stadium yesterday.

Vet Check ahead of Hathab Round at QEF Arena Murray status for Australia in doubt after contracting virus

AP - MELBOURNE American player Tennys Sandgren was given special clearance to board a charter flight from Andy Murray’s status for the Australian Open was Los Angeles to Melbourne despite testing pos- put in doubt yesterday after he tested positive itive for COVID-19 in November and again on for the coronavirus only days before his planned Monday. Under tournament protocols agreed charter flight to Melbourne. with Australian government authorities, all The three-time Grand Slam champion is iso- players had to return a negative test before lating at home near London, the tournament said boarding their flights to Australia and would be in a statement. subjected to further testing on arrival and daily “Unfortunately this means he will be unable during a 14-day period of quarantine. to join the official AO charter flights arriving in Sandgren received an exemption after Aus- Australia in the coming days to go through the tralian health officials assessed his case history. quarantine period with the other players,” the American player Madison Keys has also tested statement said. “The AO fans love Andy, and we positive before her scheduled flight to Australia. know how much he loves competing here in Mel- She said she is self-isolating at home. bourne and how hard he’d worked for this “I’ve very disappointed to not be able to play opportunity.” in the coming weeks after training hard in the Murray has been given a wild-card entry into off-season and knowing Tennis Australia and the first Grand Slam tournament of 2021. the tours did so much to make these events The Australian Open was delayed three weeks happen,” Keys wrote on Twitter. because of COVID-19 restrictions and is set to The first of about 1,200 players, coaches, Trainers are seen with horses going through begin February 8. Players and officials must entourage and officials landed yesterday in Aus- their paces ahead of the Round 8 of the spend 14 days in quarantine once they arrive in tralia. Tennis Australia said players who have Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour. The Australia. Murray, a five-time Australian Open previously tested positive for COVID-19 were 8th round will start today and ends tomorrow runner-up, earlier backed out of the Delray Beach “required to provide additional and highly at QEF's Outdoor Arena. The series is backed Open in Florida to “minimize the risks” of con- detailed medical information as proof they are by the Social & Sport Contribution Fund. tracting the virus through international travel. a recovered case and no longer infectious or a Murray could still compete in Australia. risk to the community.” Sport

FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021 Australia look to seal series at Gabba fortress For me, it’s about rising above it and concentrating on what I’m doing and concentrating on leading my team and not worrying about what’s going on the other side. We’ve spoken a lot ... about controlling what we can control and focusing more inwardly on ourselves. Tim Paine Sport | 15 Australia captain DAKAR RALLY, STAGE 11 - WINNERS: NASSER AL ATTIYAH (QAT), MATTHIEU BAUMEL (FRA) TOYOTA GAZOO RACING 04H 34' 24''

Qatar eye winning start at World Championship

THE PENINSULA — DOHA was postponed due to lack of flight options. Asian champions Qatar are Although Qatar, coached by eyeing a winning start at the IHF Spaniard Valero Rivera, were World Men’s Handball Cham- confined to Doha during their pionship Egypt 2021 campaign build-up for the 32-nation event as they take on Angola in their due to the COVID-19 pandemic, opening Group C match in Alex- they are one of the teams andria, today. favoured to proceed to the next Al Annabi left for the event phase of the competition yesterday after their departure despite not meeting expecta- tions at the past two World QATAR SQUAD Championships after placing second at Qatar 2015. Mahmoud Zaki, Omar Khaled, Ahmed Meddy, The Asian giants will look to Raphael Capote, Shadi Hamdoun, Firas Al- bounce back from eighth place Qatar handball squad's players and officials pose for a Shayeb, Mustafa Al-Karad, Daniel Saric, Waj- at France 2017 and their 13th group photo ahead of their departure to Egypt yesterday. di Sinan, Zain Al-Din Boumengel, Ali Jarba place two years ago. and Moatasem Abdel Wahid. And Kamal al- After meeting Angola, Qatar Din Malash, Amin Zakar, Guvu Damjanovic, will face Japan on Sunday home tournament against in years past including most Angola have won both However, Qatar will have Wilder Memisevic, Ali Inad, Ahmed Magdy, before their final group game teams including Spain, Tunisia recently a 36:28 victory at the games between the two sides, both experience and cohesion Hassan Awad, Mustafa Haiba, Muhammad against Croatia on January 19. and Argentina. 2020 AHF Men’s Asian including a 24:23 nail-biter two on their side, with key players Abidi, Marwan Sassi, and Franks Karol. Qatar underwent a training Al Annabi reached for the Championship. years ago, their only win in the playing in Qatar’s skilled Today’s Group C Fixtures camp in Doha and played World Championship confident But Qatar are still looking group phase, which basically domestic competition, with

Qatar vs Angola (5:30pm) several practice matches knowing they have beaten for that elusive win against threw Qatar out of contention many of them already having Croatia vs Japan (8:00pm) against top club sides of the Croatia and have had tre- Angola, which could seal the for a main round berth at the played under coach Rivera for country besides featuring in mendous success against Japan deal for a main round berth. World Championship. the past years. Doha Masters Dakar Rally: Qatar's Al Attiyah blockbuster yet clinches penultimate stage win another success REUTERS — RIYADH cars. Today’s final 200km half (for each change) is a story for Qatar, stage to Jeddah features lot.” French veteran Stephane chains of dunes before In the motorcycle cat- Peterhansel was one stage reaching the shores of the egory, Britain’s Sam Sun- says OCA chief away from a record- Red Sea but offers less scope derland won the stage for extending 14th Dakar for Al Attiyah to close the KTM to move up to second THE PENINSULA/QNA — DOHA triumph yesterday after gap unless his ever-con- overall, four minutes and 12 ending the penultimate day sistent rival hits problems. seconds behind Honda’s Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Sheikh in Saudi Arabia with a “It’s exactly like last Argentine Kevin Ahmed Al Fahad Al Sabah praised the distin- 15-minute lead over Qatar’s year, we are really strug- Benavides. guished organisation of the Doha World Judo Nasser Al Attiyah. gling with the tyres,” said “I knew that today Masters 2021, which concluded on Wednesday Toyota’s Al Attiyah, who the Qatari, a triple Dakar was one of my last at the new-look Lusail Multipurpose Hall, with had said on Wednesday that winner, after clawing back chances the participation of 399 athletes - 215 male and the event would be decided a minute and 56 seconds to try to 184 female players - from 69 countries. on the shortened 464-km from Peterhansel to secure win and In a statement yesterday, the OCA President stage from Al-Ula to Yanbu, his sixth stage win of the I gave said that Qatar organised in a short time more won the day but Peterhansel event. my all,” said than one competition successfully and kept him in check with the “I hope for next year (we rider remarkably, and it received great praises, which second fastest time. are) coming with good rules Sunderland. is not new for Qatar. “There’s only one day to for everybody. “I didn’t quite “The Doha World Judo Masters has been go. It’s time to cross fingers “There’s still one day manage to take added to the list of successful tournaments and hope that we will be in left, but this time we have enough time, but I’m happy organised in Doha, especially in light of the coro- first place at the end,” said really had a lot of punctures. with my effort. We still have navirus (COVID-19) conditions, and we are happy Peterhansel, whose record I’ve had more than 16 tyres one day to go and many Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Nasser Al Attiyah and to return to Doha once again, the sports capital 13 previous wins came on punctured. I am sure that 16 things can happen on one Co-Driver Matthieu Baumel in action during a of the Asian continent.” both motorcycles and in tyres by one minute and a stage.” Dakar Rally stage. “During my meeting with the various judo sports leaders and those present in the champi- onship, all of them praised the good quality of the Qatari organisation, and considered it one of the best Masters tournaments,” he explained. He congratulated President of the Qatar Guillambert, Taxiwala bag Muaither Cup Olympic Committee (QOC) H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, the Organising Committee of — DOHA THE PENINSULA QREC Racing Manager Abdulla WINNERS the championship, International Judo Federation Rashid Al Kubaisi presenting Horse, Trainer, Jockey (IJF) President Marius Vizer, and President of the JP Guillambert, teaming up the Muaither Cup to winning Judo Union of Asia (JUA) Obaid Al Enezi for the with Taxiwala, clinched top team's representative. MUAITHER CUP great success of the championship, wishing Qatar honours during yesterday’s Taxiwala (IRE), Osama more success in hosting other tournaments in the 26th race meeting at Qatar future. Al-Dafea, JP Guillambert Racing and Equestrian On Wednesday, the International Judo Fed- PUREBRED ARABIAN Club’s Al Rayyan Park, eration President Marius Vizer also lauded Qatar’s HANDICAP winning the Muaither Cup organisation of the season-opening event. after a thrilling race. Goldamer (FR), Alban “The Doha World Judo Masters is a great The Osama Omer Al Elie De Mieulle, Soufiane success from all points of view,” said Vizer. Dafea-owned and trained Saadi “We have great champions and fantastic 4YO gelding recorded a PUREBRED ARABIAN organisation despite the global health situation. neck win over Izzthatright, NOVICE PLATE The local organising committee did everything which was guided by Ginkeau (FR), Osama possible to make the event a success,” the IJF chief Michael Forest, to claim top Al-Dafea, Alberto Sanna said. honours. The winners PUREBRED ARABIAN “I want to thank the authorities of Qatar and received QR 57,000 with CLAIMING RACE the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad the runners up collecting QR AJS Al Aredh (QA), Al Thani, as well as the national federation of judo, 22,000. The third place was Mohammed Ghazali, their President Mr. Khalid Hamad Alatiya and his secured by Zyzzyva, ridden Saleh Salem Al Marri team, who did an amazing job," he added. by Tomas Lukasek. PUREBRED ARABIAN “We must also recognise the efforts of the Earlier, Mohammed Bin MAIDEN PLATE (Div 2) Qatar Olympic Committee and its President, His Fahad Al Attiya’s Goldamer Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani. Hilona D’id (FR), completed a double after Everyone can be really proud of what was done Mohammed Hussain winning Purebred Arabian in Doha. We had the best of the best athletes in Handicap (0-95). Soufiane Afroz, Meteb Ali Al Marri the world present. All of them shall be congrat- PUREBRED ARABIAN Saadi rode the Alban de Novice Plate event saw collected winning prize of Arabian Claiming Race as ulated and especially all the winners." Mieulle-trained 5YO horse Ginkeau, ridden by Alberto QR 28,500. the Mohammed Ghazali- MAIDEN PLATE (Div 1) "In 2023 we’ll be back in the city for our to a ¾ length win in the mile Sanna, claiming the title AJS Al Aredh, with Saleh trained 6YO gelding regis- Jamaiel (FR), Julian Colin World Championships, the flagship event of our run to pocket QR 34,200. with 1½ length win in the Salem Al Marri in the saddle, tered a ½ length win in the Smart, Tomas Lukasek organisation. We are all looking forward to it,” The Purebred Arabian 2200m run. The team was victorious in Purebred 7f run. he added.