www.thepeninsula.qa Tuesday 23 June 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8297 2 Dhul-Qa'da - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 01 PENMAG | 03 SPORT | 08

ExxonMobil Qatar Classifieds Two virus cases welcomes new and Services raise questions President and section over Djokovic General Manager included tournament

QA expands network to over 45 destinations

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Karachi, Lahore, Milan, Rome 2020, after which fare rules will and Singapore. Qatar Airways resumed flights to Budapest, Dar es Salaam, Dhaka, apply. All tickets booked for Qatar Airways continues to The national carrier of the Istanbul and New York during the past week. travel up to December 31, 2020 maintain its position as the State of Qatar also continues to will be valid for two years from largest international carrier in operate daily flights to many Qatar's national carrier maintained a global network that never fell the date of issuance. the world, operating over 270 key global destinations below 30 destinations and flew over 1.8 million people home during Passengers flying Business weekly flights to more than 45 including Amsterdam, London Class on Qsuite equipped air- destinations. Heathrow, Melbourne, Seoul, this crisis including many left stranded by other airlines. craft can avail of the enhanced The airline’s gradual Sydney, Tokyo and Zurich QA has increased frequencies to Athens, Dallas-Fort Worth, Dublin, privacy this award-winning rebuilding of its network con- offering a resilient network that suite provides, including sliding tinues with flights resuming in is designed for strong Islamabad, Jakarta, Karachi, Lahore, Milan, Rome and Singapore. privacy partitions and fully the past week to several desti- connectivity. Daily flights continue to many key global destinations including closing doors that create a nations. Qatar Airways resumed Qatar Airways has led the private sanctuary. Qatar flights to Budapest, Dar es industry during these chal- Amsterdam, London Heathrow, Melbourne, Seoul, Sydney, Tokyo Airways has further enhanced Salaam, Dhaka, Istanbul and lenging times accumulating and Zurich. its onboard safety measures for New York during the past week. unrivalled experience in car- passengers and cabin crew. The As entry restrictions ease rying passengers safely and airline has implemented around the world, the carrier is reliably, especially in com- several changes, including the also seeing a rise in bookings parison to those airlines that introduction of Personal Pro- due to the strong levels of trust have fully grounded their tective Equipment (PPE) suits built with passengers as it took operations. for cabin crew while onboard, home over 1.8 million people The airline continues to as well as a modified service safely and reliably during this provide an honest network that that reduces interactions crisis including many left can be relied upon and trusted implemented the most To ensure travellers can and passengers can change between the passengers and stranded by other airlines. to operate. By maintaining a advanced safety and hygiene plan their travel with peace of their destination as often as they the crew inflight. Passengers With demand steadily global network that never fell measures on board its aircraft mind, the airline has also need if it is within 5,000 miles will also be required to wear rising, Qatar Airways, in the past below 30 destinations, Qatar and in Hamad International extended its booking policies to of the original destination. face coverings inflight, with the week, has increased frequencies Airways has remained up to Airport (HIA), recently voted the offer even more choice to its The airline will not charge carrier recommending trav- to Athens, Dallas-Fort Worth, date with the latest in interna- Best Airport in the Middle East passengers. The airline will any fare differences for travel ellers bring their own for fit Dublin, Islamabad, Jakarta, tional airport procedures and for the sixth year in a row. allow unlimited date changes, completed before December 31, and comfort purposes. HIA among first airports to get BSI certification Ashghal wins another THE PENINSULA — DOHA found HIA well prepared with two global safety awards a robust business continuity Hamad International Airport HIA is amongst the first airports in the plan, developed to maintain THE PENINSULA — DOHA through targeted initiatives, (HIA) has become one of the world from the pool of top 5 best airport critical operations at an and implementing best health first airports in the world to be category as per SKYTRAX, to achieve ISO acceptable level of service to its The Public Works Authority and safety practices.” awarded ISO 22301:2012 customers, in the event of any ‘Ashghal’ has been declared the He stressed that these Business Continuity 22301:2012 certification from BSI. major disruption to its usual overall winner of two Interna- International Safety Awards are Management System Certifi- working practices.” tional Safety Awards 2020 by part of numerous awards won cation by British Standards “HIA demonstrated the the British Safety Council, in by Ashghal during the last few Institution (BSI). The certifi- ability to keep critical opera- recognition of its commitment years and are a result of well- cation is a testament to HIA’s tions up and running during to keeping workers and work- implemented strategies set by commitment to operational times of crises. The adoption places healthy and safe during Ashghal’s leadership and nur- excellence and resilience, in the and certification to this good the 2019 calendar year. tured at every level across the face of an unprecedented crisis practice standard embraced by Ashghal is one of the very organisation. like the COVID-19. its management team is another few organisations to be “Having been crowned On receiving the certifi- element contributing to the crowned the overall winner in overall Wellbeing Initiative cation, HIA’s Chief Operation resilience of this critical infra- the following categories: “Well- Winner in the British Safety Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed structure,” he said. being Initiative” for protecting Council 2020 International Al Meer said: “The ISO Ioannis Metsovitis, Senior its employees from the risk of Safety Awards is a very pleasing 22301:2012 certification has Vice-President Operations, injury and ill health at work, endorsement of our vision to arrived at a time when the added, “HIA has always been at and “Best Team of the Year” for implement a proactive pro- world’s gravest pandemic is the forefront of development the Roads and Infrastructure gramme to improve the health upon us. We are honoured to and crisis preparedness. Before project in West Muaither and wellbeing of our very large be recognised for our com- the onset of the global crisis, (Package 3) in recognition of its workforce.” mitment to provide exceptional parameters to deal with dis- departments of HIA namely HIA had planned and executed commitment to keeping its Engineer Al Emadi also and consistently high-quality ruptive incidents, in order to Strategy & Commercial Devel- pandemic scenarios as a part of workers and workplaces highlighted Ashghal’s ongoing services to passengers and continue operating essential opment Facilities Management, its business continuity program. healthy and safe in 2019. wellness programme for health stakeholders. The certification functions. It is one of the most Human Resources, Airport This was done to ensure oper- Engineer Yousef Al Emadi, screening of workers which reflects our capability in rigorous and well-regarded Operations, Information Tech- ations continue as effectively Director of Projects Affairs, commenced in 2017. In 2019 responding efficiently in the standards in the world and ISO nology, Security, Marketing & and efficiently in case of an said: “We are delighted to be Ashghal succeeded in under- event of business interruption, 22301:2012 standard specifies Communications. unexpected business recognised once again by the taking the health screening of while maintaining HIA’s the requirements for a man- Pietro Foschi, Group disruption. British Safety Council. The 78,197 workers, or 96.5 percent position as a leading airport in agement system to reduce the Director Assurance Services, “We are especially pleased double win is a testament to of the entire workforce. The the world.” likelihood of disruptions, BSI, added: “We congratulate to receive the ISO certification Ashghal’s commitment to screening was to identify the ISO certifications are an ensuring that a business HIA for achieving the ISO during this time, as it recogniSes Health and Safety and its three leading causes of mor- international benchmark that recovers from disruptive inci- 22301:2012 certification for the efforts of HIA’s team and leading position in the Qatari tality and morbidity: diabetes, highlight strong Business Con- dents. The scope of the certifi- Business Continuity Man- motivates us to achieve greater construction industry in terms hypertension, and high choles- tinuity Management System cation covers essential agement. During our audit, we feats in the future.” `P2 of promoting awareness terol. `P2

Museums, heritage sites to Museum gift shops Museums and galleries opening will be open and on July 1 include the Museum cafes will offer limited of Islamic Art (MIA), Mathaf: gradually reopen from July 1 service during Arab Museum of Modern Art THE PENINSULA — DOHA museums in phases, while the Doha Fire Station. museum opening and the Garage Gallery at the rolling out the new health and Ahmad Al Namla, CEO of hours. Doha Fire Station. Qatar Museums (QM), under the safety protocols, following QM, said: “With gratitude leadership of its Chairperson H global standards, and carefully toward the Ministry of Public E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint monitoring progress to ensure Health for its guidance, we are Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the well-being of staff and excited to gradually begin to yesterday announced it will visitors. welcome back the public to a reopen a number of its Museums and galleries number of our museums and museums and heritage sites to opening on July 1 include the heritage sites from July 1. To the public on July 1, in Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), create a safe and comfortable accordance with recommenda- Mathaf: Arab Museum of environment for staff and vis- tions from Qatar’s Health Modern Art and the Garage itors, we have put in place a Protection & Communicable Gallery at the Doha Fire robust set of health and safety Disease Control office of the Station. measures. Ministry of Public Health. Heritage sites that are “While the team at Qatar The reopening will align opening include Al Zubarah, Al Museums has done extraor- with the Ministry’s second Jassasiya and Barzan Towers. dinary work during the pan- Al Zubarah Fort, a Unesco World Heritage Site phase of the general resumption The permanent collections of demic to engage the public of public activity in Qatar, based MIA and Mathaf will be open to through digital initiatives, we on milestones reached in con- visitors, as will the special exhi- look forward to beginning to but also provide gathering open and cafes will offer limited capacity for dinner service, trolling the COVID-19 bition Picasso’s Studios, reopen our doors. Our audi- places for the community and service during museum opening while JIWAN at the National pandemic. organised in partnership with ences are proud of these cul- space for respite, which is hours. From Saturday to Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) will Qatar Museums plans to the Musée National Picasso- tural institutions that offer not needed now more than ever.” Thursday IDAM restaurant at be open at limited capacity for reopen the remainder of its Paris, at the Garage Gallery at only inspiration and knowledge, Museum gift shops will be MIA will operate at limited lunch and afternoon tea. `P2 02 HOME TUESDAY 23 JUNE 2020

OFFICIAL NEWS Amir’s directives to send aid hailed Amir holds telephone talks by Tunisian President: Embassy with Panama President QNA — DOHA The embassy praised Qatar’s Immunisations, in addition to the Tunisia highly values the Ministry of quick response to a request important donations made directly or Foreign Affairs’ efforts in repatriating Doha: The Amir H H Sheikh The Tunisian embassy in Doha said that through regional and international more than 1,500 Tunisians from Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani the directives of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim to establish a field hospital in organisations. in addition to the repatriation of other held last evening a telephone bin Hamad Al Thani to send urgent the city of Qibili equipped with The embassy praised Qatar’s trans- Tunisian nationals in countries in Asia conversation with the Presi- medical aid to support healthcare insti- parency in dealing with the coronavirus and Africa through Doha. dent H E Laurentino Cortezo tutions in Tunisia in combatting the 100 beds and 20 ventilators. crisis, noting the measures taken by the The statement added that social of the Republic of Panama, spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) Ministry of Administrative Development, support was another example as the during which they reviewed epidemic was thanked and appreciated Qatari companies in Tunisia, in addition Labor and Social Affairs to ease the neg- Tunisian community benefited from the bilateral relations, and the by President of the Tunisian Republic, to Qatar Charity’s support of the Tunisian ative impacts of COVID-19 on residents efforts of Qatar Red Crescent, Qatar prospects of enhancing them H E Kais Saied, as it reflected the strength state’s efforts in containing the virus. to guarantee their health and safety. Charity and other bodies, particularly in various fields, especially in of ties between the two people. The statement said that Qatar, The embassy stressed that Qatar has during Ramadan. investment and health fields. The embassy praised, in a statement, despite its fight against coronavirus epi- provided all the support at a time when The embassy concluded its statement Discussions also dealt with the Qatar’s quick response to a request to demic, proved that it is committed to the world is facing the impact of the by thanking Qatar Airways for proving latest developments related to establish a field hospital in the city of humanitarian solidarity by providing spread of COVID-19, including support to be a lifeline to more than a million the new coronavirus pandemic Qibili equipped with 100 beds and 20 ven- medical assistance to more than 20 to Tunisian nationals in Qatar. The people from different nationalities by (COVID-19), and areas of coop- tilators. The embassy added that Qatari developing and developed countries. statement highlighted the repatriation helping them get home, in addition to eration in this regard . -QNA solidarity was also reflected in the Qatar has also pledged $20m to the of Tunisian citizens from Qatar as delivering medical aid to various areas important financial support provided by Global Alliance for Vaccines and examples of that support, noting that across the globe. Shura Council participates in meeting on role of MADLSA conducts campaigns to women leaders in addressing COVID-19 pandemic inspect workers’ accommodations QNA — DOHA

The Shura Council participated in a QNA — DOHA June 21, resulted in measures by evacuating six meeting, held yesterday via video inspection of 1,245 workers’ workers’ accommodations. conferencing technology, on the role The Ministry of Administrative accommodations, most of It also found that 199 of women leaders in addressing the Development, Labor and Social which are affiliated to com- housing units affiliated to 465 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Affairs (MADLSA) carried out panies whose activities are companies implemented The meeting brought together the campaigns to inspect workers’ in the field of cleaning, lim- amendments based on the G20 Health and Development, the accommodations in the resi- ousine, and contracting. specifications required from Women Political Leaders foundation dential neighborhoods. A total of 4,616 text mes- each company, removed vio- (WPL), and Foundation for Innovative The campaigns were sages were sent to the violating lations and respected the New Diagnostics (FIND). implemented in coordination companies to warn them to required number in each The Shura Council was repre- with the Ministry of Interior remove the violation within a accommodation, as well as sented in the meeting by H E Reem and Ministry of Municipality week from the date of vacated the excess persons to bint Mohammed Al Mansoori, a and Environment to find out inspection. The Ministry put the a suitable accommodation ded- member of the Council and Ambas- the extent to which occupa- violating companies that did icated for them in the workers’ sador of the Women Political Leaders tional health and safety not comply with housing residential areas. in the State of Qatar. requirements are applied in requirements on the ban list, The MADLSA called on all It discussed the role of women these accommodations, in and took legal measures against companies to abide by the leaders in addressing the corona- addition to assessing the them. policy it issued regarding the virus pandemic and highlighted number of workers housed in The second phase of the re- measures that companies must good and effective practices for the each accommodation, and inspection campaigns of the vio- take in the workplace and participation of women leaders vacating the excess persons. lating accommodations also accommodation to protect H E Reem bint Mohammed Al Mansoori participating in the worldwide and their role in con- The first phase of the achieved positive results, as it workers and curb the spread of meeting. trolling this pandemic and reducing campaigns, which was found that many companies met the coronavirus (COVID-19) in its spread. carried out from April 20 to the required and precautionary the State of Qatar.

Museums, Ashghal wins two global safety awards MoPH reports 1,034 new COVID-19 FROM PAGE 1 heritage sites to regular management reviews. Where any worker was iden- Eng. Saoud Al Tamimi, Roads gradually reopen cases and 1,637 more recoveries tified with an abnormal result Projects Department (RPD) they were referred to a Manager, pointed out that this from July 1 QNA — DOHA cases. The Ministry added that appropriate medical care. The government hospital where they award comes in the context of the the new cases had the virus Ministry of Public Health were retested and given an indi- excellent performance in the FROM PAGE 1 The Ministry of Public Health transmitted to them from extended its sincere condo- vidualised treatment plan, with Department’s projects in the health (MoPH) announced yesterday people who had been previ- lences and great sympathy to medication if needed, and regular and safety area. RPD has achieved The NMoQ gift shops will 1,034 new confirmed cases of ously infected, as the Ministry the families of the deceased. follow up. It is worth noting that an injury frequency rate of 0.08 in 74 also be open, though the coronavirus (COVID-19) with of Public Health continues to The Ministry confirmed this proactive health programme million man hours out of which 43 NMoQ galleries will remain 1,637 recoveries from the conduct investigative and that efforts to tackle the is one of very few of its type million man hours were with no lost closed as the museum disease in the last 24 hours, proactive testing, which con- COVID-19 virus in the State of worldwide that is implemented in time injury (LTIs). He also said that undergoes maintenance bringing the total number of tributes to early detection of Qatar have succeeded in flat- an infrastructure programme. these numbers match and surpass the work. people who recovered in the cases. tening the curve and reduced The Roads and Infra- international rates in similar projects During this initial phase, State of Qatar to 69,956. One The new confirmed cases the impact of the virus by a structure Project in West indicates the efficiency of the imple- public programs, group tours death was also recorded, the of infection have been intro- large percentage thanks to the Muaither (Package 3) began in mented strategy. and special events will remain Ministry said. duced to complete isolation in decisions of the ban, the pre- January 2019 and achieved 1.2 Mike Robinson, Chief Exec- suspended, and QM’s play- The MoPH said that, in the the various medical facilities ventive measures taken, and million LTI free man-hours in utive of the British Safety Council, grounds, libraries, and parks last 24 hours, there were 11 new in the country, where they the awareness and cooper- 2019, with 770 employed by the congratulated Ashghal on their (including MIA Park) will cases admitted to intensive care receive the necessary ation of all members of main contractor, Boom Con- success in winning two Interna- remain closed for the first due to health complications healthcare according to the society, and that there are rel- struction. The project covers an tional Safety Awards with a Merit. phase. resulting from infection with health status of each case. atively low average numbers area of approximately 1,940,000 “The British Safety Council com- In keeping with the guide- the virus, bringing the total The Ministry said that the in relation to the recorded square metres, and aims at pro- mends Ashghal on their lines set by the Ministry of number of critical cases that are patient who died was aged 60 cases of new hospital viding full infrastructure and util- achievement. The award is in rec- Public Health, a limited currently in critical care to 219 years and had been receiving admissions. ities including telecommuni- ognition of their commitment and number of visitors and staff cation networks, potable water efforts to keep their workforce free will be allowed inside each and electricity networks. of injury and ill health. The vision of museum. The Roads Projects the British Safety Council is that no The museums and her- Department, based on Ashghal one should be injured or made ill itage sites will be open from strategies Project Affairs through work – anywhere in the Sunday through Thursday, guidance, implemented within world. Realising it requires more from 9am to 3pm. Visitors the project an effective H&S than legislation; people and will be required to reserve Management System, the core organisations committed to tickets in advance on the elements of which included lead- health and safety make it a QM website. ership commitment and dem- reality and inspire others to Upon arrival at the onstration, pro-active risk iden- create workplaces that are a key museum, ticketholders must tification and management force for good.” It is worth noting present a “green” health process, training and compe- that for the last 62 years, the Inter- status on the Ehteraz virus- tency enhancement programme national Safety Awards scheme tracing app. and consultation and partici- has been recognising and cele- Each person will also be pation of all levels of personnel brating organisations from around checked for a normal tem- in H&S matters, in addition to the world, which have demon- perature reading at the setting up H&S objectives and strated to the satisfaction of the entrance. Visitors (12 years monitoring their achievement scheme’s independent judges of age and above) will be for ensuring continual their commitment to preventing required to bring and wear a Municipal officials and inspectors during the inspection campaign. improvement, sub-contractor workplace injuries and work- mask. appointment and control and related ill health. Hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout the MME takes action against throwing HIA among first airports to get BSI certification location encouraging visitors to keep their hands clean. construction wastes in residential areas FROM PAGE 1 Signage reminding visitors to HIA has also been prioritising its services to the world, such as keep a safe distance from repatriation flights to ensure passengers reach home safely and other visitors will also be THE PENINSULA — DOHA Director of the General Cleaning Department set up a essential medical supplies are continuously supplied, both locally visible on site. Cleaning Department, Muqbil working team comprising and internationally,” Metsovitis said. Cloak rooms will be una- The General Cleanliness Al Shammari, said that private Deputy Director of the HIA is amongst the first airports in the world from the pool of vailable during this period. In Department has launched an sectors should deposit the General Cleaning Department, top 5 best airport category as per SKYTRAX, to achieve ISO addition, interactive features inspection campaign to curb the wastes at the designated places Head of Beaches and Islands 22301:2012 certification from BSI. It is also the first airport to have at each museum such as practice of throwing following the Law No. 18 of Section and a number of received the ISO 55001-2014 Asset Management System and ISO/ touchscreens will be tempo- construction wastes in resi- 2017 of general hygiene to municipal inspectors to curb IEC 20000-1 Information Technology Service Continuity Man- rarily removed, and gallery dential areas. avoid legal action. the practice of throwing con- agement System from BSI. guides will be offered online The camping also aims at Al Shammair thanked struction wastes in the resi- The airport’s primary objective is to reduce the risk of potential only. making a plan to bring about Lekhwiya for quick response dential areas. business disruptions that could adversely impact the airport’s More information on an appropriate solution to put and cooperation as well as The working team led by vision to be the leading airport in the world. Qatar’s airport will QM’s new health and safety an end this practice which municipality directors for their Head of General Monitoring continue to ensure that its processes and systems are adapted to measures and ticketing causes infection and looks active participation to curb the Section at Al Rayan Munici- an ever changing customer landscape, and improved to deliver information can be found on unpleasant, said the Ministry of practice of throwing wastes at pality conducted inspection exceptional customer experience. HIA has recently been ranked QM’s website (https://visit. Municipality and Environment random. campaign in Muraikh to check the “Third Best Airport in the World”, among 550 airports qm.org.qa). (MME) in a statement. Director of the General the violation. worldwide, by the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards 2020. TUESDAY 23 JUNE 2020 HOME 03 NHRC workshop discusses rights issues amid COVID-19 crisis

QNA — DOHA Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali and education to pursue human emphasized the increasing role rights-based ways and equa- The National Human Rights of the NHRC and all organiza- tions in dealing with all crises Committee (NHRC) and the tions working in the human facing the world. Doha-based United Nations rights field in the awareness and At the same time, he noted Human Rights Training and monitoring process to secure that the coronavirus pandemic Documentation Centre for respect and promotion of imposed on the world new chal- South-West Asia and the Arab human rights during health lenges that changed the behavior Region organised a remote crises to maintain the approach of people in general, and posed training workshop, on to safeguarding human rights new reality that everyone must respecting human rights and respect for emergency and deal with through new mecha- standards and principles in light temporary laws and monitor its nisms including avoiding gath- of coronavirus crisis. implementation without com- erings that are inconsistent with The workshop discussed a promising human dignity. the precautionary and preventive package of working papers, Al Jamali indicated the measures to limit the spread of which dealt with ways of impact of the coronavirus pan- the pandemic until life returns to respecting human rights demic on the human rights sit- normal. Al Jamali presented standards and principles in the uation in general, including general features of the Commit- framework of the fight against restricting freedom of tee’s experience during the the coronavirus (COVID-19), the movement and gatherings of all coronavirus crisis and what it role of national institutions and kinds, pointing to the major role has done in this regard in coop- lessons learned from its work played by national human rights eration with the concerned Officials during the workshop. in light of the pandemic, and institutions, governmental insti- authorities in the state. some relevant experiences. tutions and the private sector For his part, the Director of that full respect for human to confront the coronavirus and major threats, provided that In his opening speech at the in the process of building the United Nations Center for rights, including economic, recover from the pandemic. He these measures are necessary workshop, the Assistant Sec- knowledge and collective Training and Documentation in social, cultural, civil and political explained that international law and non-discriminatory and retary-General of the National awareness, raising public Human Rights Abdel Salam rights, is essential to the success allows the adoption of emer- commensurate with the risks Human Rights Committee awareness levels within society, Sidahmed stressed in his speech of public health plans adopted gency measures in the face of assessed. Children’s Library at QNL reaches over MoPH launches 20,000 children since COVID-19 outbreak E-learning platform SIDI MOHAMED “Since the coronavirus pandemic, we have Qatar National Library is for people with ASD THE PENINSULA constantly working to managed, through our electronic platform develop its innovative pro- QNA — DOHA Children’s Library at Qatar and other collaborating platforms, to reach grams and services, in order The main objective National Library has reached about 20,000 children, and this is a good and to create and guarantee an The Ministry of Public Health of the website is to over 20,000 children through information and disciplinary (MoPH) launched yesterday an offer parents and its social media platforms, since important thing,” said Maram Abdul Aziz Al environment. E-learning platform targeting the outbreak of COVID-19 Mahmoud, Head of Children’s Library at Qatar The library closed to public parents and care givers for care givers a digital pandemic, said a senior official until further notice since the children and adults with Autism source of scientific of the Library. National Library. outbreak of the coronavirus Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Maram Abdul Aziz Al pandemic.“However, our The platform was launched information covering Mahmoud, Head of Children’s extensive Online Resources in partnership with Hamad educational, social Library at Qatar National represents a great success for reading.There are audio and remain available 24/7 for Medical Corporation (HMC) Library, said that the library the library and benefit from video games. members everywhere. They Child Development and Pedi- and health related displays children’s stories the current conditions where The electronic sources pro- offer free access to ebooks, atric Rehabilitation Center, topics. through social media more people are staying home vided by the Qatar National journals, magazines and news- Qatar Foundation, Al Shafallah platforms. specially children. “We hope Library through its official papers, opportunities to stream center for persons with disa- the precautionary measures, “Since the coronavirus this success will continue and website are very popular, and video and music, and books and bilities, and Qatar Autism including physical distancing. pandemic, we have managed, not stop and continue even are witnessing more demand online activities for children Society. “The Information Systems through our electronic after the schools are opened,” since the outbreak of corona- and young adults. The Qatar The main objective of the Department under the MoPH platform and other collabo- she said. virus pandemic. Digital Library and our Digital website is to offer parents and has provided the community rating platforms, to reach She further said that “in the These electronic resources Repository are also accessible care givers a digital source of with many electronic solutions about 20,000 children, and Children’s Library, we have cover a wide range of fields, to all users,” the library posted scientific information covering hat support digital transfor- this is a good and important more than 150,000 books, in topics and for different ages, on its website. While the educational, social and health mation; filling the existing gaps thing,” she said. addition to electronic resources, including e-books, audiobooks, Library is closed, all borrowed related topics. and challenges that were intro- Speaking to Qatar TV, which are also important academic research, newspaper items will be automatically “The platform is part of the duced during the current Maram said that this because they encourage and magazine articles. renewed until further notice. efforts of MOPH and partners COVID-19 pandemic,” said for all individuals with Autism Fatima Ibrahim Shaikhi, Project Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Lead, Information Systems their families,” said Dr. Noof Department, MoPH. Doha Municipality records Mohammed Al Siddiqi, Health “The Autism portal allows Lead, National Autism Plan, autism socialists in Qatar to 340 violations of hygiene law MoPH. share their expertise and She added: “We hope, with discuss important topics that THE PENINSULA — DOHA all the support, we can build a will provide parents and care network to provide all families givers with valuable infor- Doha Municipality has recorded in our community with the up mation,” she added. 340 violations of hygiene law to date publications regarding The first online session will during a week-long joint Autism, video and interface cover the topic of ‘Behavioural inspection campaign at a number peer to peer support we can changes among young people of areas in Doha city. make the lives of the indi- with special needs’ and will be The inspection campaign viduals on the Autism spectrum run on June 24, by Dr. was launched by Doha Munic- to reach their aspired potential Mohammed Al Taher, Senior ipality in cooperation with and much more.” consultant psychiatrist and Mechanical Equipment An abandoned vehicle is being removed during the inspection The platform includes a Learning disability service lead, Department, General Cleanliness Badar Al Maliki campaign. variety of resources, including Mental health services, HMC. Department at the Ministry of recorded videos by experts in Dates and times for future ses- Municipality and Environment removed 25 abandoned vehicles Pollution Control conducted an against the erring industries. Autism. It will also feature sions will be announced on the (MME) and Ministry of Interior and the owners of other aban- inspection campaign on indus- Head of the Inspection monthly live interactive edu- website in advance. from June 14 to 18, 2020. doned vehicles rectified the sit- tries at Industrial Area, Street Team at the Department of Indus- cational sessions run by experts Parents and care givers of As many as 135 abandoned uation. The inspection campaign No. 57 to ensure the compliance trial Inspection and Pollution in the field and covering a children and adults with ASD vehicles were also caught covered Fireej bin Abdul Aziz, of environmental law. The Control, Badar Al Maliki, said that variety of topics. This is espe- are encouraged to visit the during the campaign, said the Mesheireb, Najma, Al Mansoura, municipal inspected visited 137 the inspectors used to visit the cially important now that webpage on (https://autisme- Ministry of Municipality and Al Khulaifiyat, Ras Abu Abud and industries and factories during industries and factories to check parents need extra support and learning.moph.gov.qa) and to Environment in a statement. Umm Ghuwailina. the inspection campaign in whether they adhered to the rules advice during the COVID-19 benefit from the resources The committee for Meanwhile, the Department which they recorded 32 viola- and regulation related to the pro- pandemic and the change in available for them, said the impounding abandoned vehicles of Industrial Inspection and tions. Legal actions were taken tection of environment. their children’s routine due to MoPH. GORD highlights sustainability facts about Education City Stadium QNA — DOHA and Development. seats in the modular upper tier, which vehicles there are multilevel car parks environment and contributes towards A passive design is one that takes are due to be removed and donated and a number of taxi drop-off energy consumption. The Gulf Organisation for Research and advantage of the climate to maintain after the tournament. After the World locations. A host of measures help to con- Development (GORD) has highlighted a comfortable temperature inside the Cup, the stadiums seating capacity will The installation of low-flow water serve energy within the stadium, several sustainability features about structure. It reduces or eliminates the be reduced from 40,000 to 20,000. fixtures means domestic water usage at including LED lighting systems with the Education City Stadium, which need for auxiliary heating or cooling, The modular upper tier will be the stadium is designed to be 55 percent automatic controls, demand-controlled have helped it to achieve an which generally accounts for a large removed in order to provide a sporting more efficient than conventional sta- ventilation systems, e-glazing windows outstanding rating. percentage of energy use. Education facility which is suitable for local diums. In addition, landscaping around and high resistance insulating mate- For its outstanding sustainability City Stadium incorporates passive requirements, notably the needs of the the facility contains native and drought- rials. The cooling for the stadium is features, the stadium has earned three design through a number of tech- Qatar Foundation (QF) community. tolerant flora to reduce water con- provided from a highly efficient dis- GSAS certifications from GORD, niques. Its façade makes use of highly The seats which are removed will sumption. Similarly, the use of water- trict cooling system. making it one of the most sustainable efficient building fabric for shading be donated to countries which lack hungry turf is minimal. The project underwent compre- venues for Qatar 2022. purposes. sporting infrastructure in order to help About 75 percent of the land- hensive sustainability procedures for The stadium has received the cer- This provides better insulation and spread the legacy of Qatar 2022 far and scaping is further enhanced by an effi- its design, operations and construction tificates of the GSAS Design & Build (5*), protects the interior from extreme wide. In addition to providing sporting cient irrigation system which features management practices premised on GSAS Construction Management (Class external conditions. Similarly, the facilities for the QF community, parts of inline drippers, pressure-compensated the fact the construction has a direct A*) and GSAS Seasonal Energy Effi- structure of the stadium has been built the structure will be turned into lecture bubblers and an automated irrigation impact on the natural environment, ciency Ratio. at a lower level than the natural grade halls and event spaces for the various control unit. To reduce water loss, economy and peoples health. In Education City Stadium is the third which adds to the projects overall insu- universities which are based at Edu- organic mulching and gravel have been addition, noise and dust levels were FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tour- lation and temperature control mech- cation City. used to cover the soil without constantly monitored and controlled nament venue to be completed, fol- anism. Eventually, this will reduce the The stadium takes advantage of impacting on the health of the flora. during the construction. lowing the successful redevelopment overall energy consumption in relation urban connectivity through a number The stadium has low VOC (volatile The stadium features an efficient of Khalifa International Stadium in to the venues cooling needs. of public transport options, notably the organic compounds) indoor materials waste management system which pro- 2017 and the inauguration of Al Janoub About 85 percent of the building Doha Metro. Education City Station, which reduce indoor airborne contam- motes waste segregation and recycling. Stadium last year. materials have been regionally on the Doha Metro Green Line, is inants. All indoor spaces with high Additionally, the stadium features To-date, Education City Stadium sourced, while 55 percent of materials located just 500m from the stadium occupancy are equipped with carbon automated controls, leak detection and is the first Qatar 2022 venue to receive have been procured locally and 29 and will make it easy for thousands of dioxide sensors that ensure efficient efficient metering systems. By logging a five-star rating under the Global Sus- percent generated from recycled fans to get to and from the venue ventilation and enhanced air quality. and analysing data, the operators can tainability Assessment System (GSAS) content. In addition, 35.5 percent of during the FIFA World Cup. The Similarly, the indoor spaces receive alert for any unusual peak con- which is managed and administered the building elements can be disas- stadium is also close to Education Citys sufficient daylight throughout the day sumption thereby preventing pro- by the Gulf Organisation for Research sembled and reused including the People Mover System, while for private which improves the indoor longed leakages or energy wastage. 04 HOME TUESDAY 23 JUNE 2020 Sidra Medicine Infant Hip Clinic reviews over 350 children

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Dr. Abdelsalam Clinic in 2019. Her parents said: Hegazy said: Early “We are thankful for the care Sidra Medicine, a member of and attention Tia was given by Qatar Foundation, has seen signs of DDH can the team at Sidra Medicine. more than 350 children at its be discovered Having both the assessment and multidisciplinary based Infant during the initial treatment service under one Hip Clinic. The clinic diagnoses room made it easier for us as a and treats children with devel- newborn health family to ensure that she opmental dysplasia of the hip check. There are received the best treatment (DDH). opportunities to do possible. She is doing well and DDH is the most common we are glad that we sought early condition in newborn infants, this during follow- intervention and treatment at affecting one in ten firstborn up examinations Sidra Medicine.” children. It is known to develop Dr. Talal Ibrahim, Act. before or after birth. The con- every time the Division Chief of Pediatric dition includes a spectrum of infant comes in for Orthopedic Surgery, Sidra Med- hip disorders from dysplasia to vaccinations. icine said: “The Infant Hip Clinic dislocation. at Sidra Medicine can help Dr. Abdelsalam Hegazy, address a very critical com- Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, ponent of the assessment and who launched the Infant Hip “DDH is known as a silent treatment of DDH – that is Clinic at Sidra Medicine said: condition as it does not cause saving families the time in going “Early signs of DDH can be dis- pain or prevent children from back and forth for separate covered during the initial walking. This means that unless Sidra Medicine Infant Hip Clinic team. appointments and scheduling newborn health check. There it becomes part of a routine a treatment plan. This is part of are opportunities to do this newborn examination, the con- our multidisciplinary approach during follow-up examinations dition can go undetected in the the hip condition becomes more clicky hip(s), born in the breech The clinic is run by a multi- to family and patient centered every time the infant comes in early months of life. It is during complex,” Dr. Hegazy position (born above 34 weeks disciplinary team consisting of care. Early intervention is for vaccinations. While studies this critical period, that the most continued. gestation) and have a positive an orthopedic surgeon, radiog- critical and we advice pediatri- indicate a genetic link, current effective and non-invasive The Infant Hip Clinic at family history of DDH less than raphers, nurses and physiother- cians to conduct assessments literature supports that eight in treatment can be started to Sidra Medicine, launched in 6 months old. Referrals are also apists – who provide a key step during initial baby screening. ten cases of DDH affects rectify the hip condition. The February 2019, accepts internal accepted for positive exami- by step assessment and Parents, particularly those who females and it is also approxi- sooner DDH is identified, the and external referrals from nation findings such as limited treatment process all within one have a family history and aware mately 12 times more likely to more likely treatment will be primary healthcare providers range of motion of the hip(s), leg clinical setting. of the risks of DDH, should occur if there is a family history successful. If treatment is and private clinics. Referrals length discrepancy and multiple Baby Tia was a patient of request a referral to the Infant of the condition.” delayed, future management of are made for babies who have births. Sidra Medicine’s Infant Hip Hip clinic.” QSC summer activities to begin from July 5 Ashghal participates in GCC webinar

QNA — DOHA tension, density and mass in to adapt its activity to these on water treatment during COVID-19 Qatar Scientific Club (QSC) will relation to science. conditions, which resulted in begin its summer activities on In addition, the activities the alternative plan based on THE PENINSULA — DOHA July 5 until July 15, by using the target programming and distance learning. She indi- techniques of direct broad- arduino concepts in relation cated that the club, which The Public Works Authority casting and distance learning. to technology, provided that relies in its workshops on ‘Ashghal’, represented by the The QSC said that the the participants learn the interaction and the Drainage Networks Operation activities will be broadcast principles of two-dimen- involvement of the trainee in and Maintenance Department, through the STEAM educa- sional and three-dimensional the work, prepared a scien- participated in a webinar titled tional system, which aims to design in the field of tific bag with all the materials “Water Treatment in the GCC integrate basic teaching mate- engineering. and equipment that the par- Countries under the Corona rials in a constructive way in: In the field of arts, they ticipant will need in the Pandemic (COVID-19)” that science, technology, engi- learn about the method and summer activity, which will highlighted the water treatment neering, arts and consistency of manual work be delivered to them by the challenges in light of the mathematics. and design, and the focus in safe methods recommended ongoing pandemic, and its An official of Ashghal The club stated that two the field of mathematics that by the Ministry of Public impact on the drainage sector. during the webinar. groups will be formed for the interferes with all scientific Health, in order for the par- The General Secretariat of duration of the activity, each fields in one way or another, ticipant to interact with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will be for a period of four on measurements and mass activity and feel that he is part organised the virtual webinar (COVID-19) and the procedures water using the latest advanced days, starting on Sunday and calculations. of the educational process on June 21. Eng. Khaled Al followed to ensure the conti- technologies and various ster- ending on Wednesday. The Director of the STEAM rather than a recipient of Obaidli, Manager of Ashghal’s nuity of drainage projects and ilisation methods including target age group in the activity Activities at QSC Fatima Al information. Drainage Networks Operation services in Qatar, in addition to ultra-filtering systems and will be between 5-15 years, Mohannadi said that this year’s Al Mohannadi pointed out and Maintenance Department the preventive measures taken ultraviolet radiation. who will be divided into three summer activity is totally dif- that the selection of the QSC’s and Eng. Mohammed Al- by Ashghal to protect its Ashghal also presented its other age groups. ferent from previous years, topics suit this type of Mahfouz from the Treatment workforce. plan to ensure continuity of The club indicated that this highlighting the repercussions workshop in terms of choosing Plants Section attended the Ashghal representatives supply chain and provision of activity generally targets of the coronavirus (COVID-19) the safest materials, especially webinar. also shared the operational per- basic materials for the oper- several major scientific con- pandemic. those that the participants can Eng. Mohamed Al Mahfouz formance of the main treatment ation and maintenance of cepts, namely the concepts of She added that these deal with easily and discussed the role of Ashghal in plants and the additional pre- assets, in addition to proce- buoyancy, solubility, surface developments forced the QSC comfortably. addressing and controlling the cautions taken by the authority dures for the return to normalcy spread of coronavirus to ensure the quality of treated at various stages. DPS-MIS teachers attend webinar Al Maerifa seminar by TAMUQ to feature Nobel laureate on emotional intelligence THE PENINSULA — DOHA partnership with the Qatar THE PENINSULA — DOHA enhancing a child’s IQ, we also chapter of the American need to equip him/her with ‘EQ’ This week’s Al Maerifa Public Chemical Society. The Al DPS-MIS faculty members which teaches life skills; such as Seminar Series organised by Maerifa talks are presented in attended a webinar on the topic, building a positive mental Texas A&M University at Qatar English and are designed for a “Emotional Intelligence-Integral strength, adaptability, cognitive will focus on the pioneering general, nontechnical audience. Part of Curriculum in the New flexibility and resilience. Helping work of Dr. Frances H Arnold Participants will be invited to Normal,” organised by children to recognise their own (pictured), the 2018 Nobel ask questions at the end of the Macmillan Education organised feelings, strengths, weaknesses, laureate in chemistry. presentation. on June 20. desires and dislikes, managing Arnold’s talk, “Innovation Organised by Texas A&M Jyotsna Bharadwaj-Educator emotions and stress effectively, by Evolution: Bringing New at Qatar’s Office of and Speaker, Founder Director developing empathy for others, Chemistry to Life,” is set for Engagement, the Al Maerifa of Envision India Edu-services boost self- motivation, commu- June 25, at 3pm via Zoom. In her Public Seminar Series con- enlightened the participants on nicate effectively, develop rela- talk, Arnold will discuss how tinues the partner university’s the given subject matter. She tions, think creatively, solve she pioneered the use of the core mission of sharing highlighted the key issues and problems and make decisions most powerful biological design knowledge with the local concerns of students over devel- are the building blocks for devel- process- evolution- to optimise community in Qatar, said Dr. oping identity, communicating oping EQ. existing enzymes and engineer Arnold said: Evolution can also innovate, generating César Octavio Malavé, dean of and connecting, building rela- Besides these, she said, we new ones to expand the chem- new enzyme catalysts, with a little insight from Texas A&M at Qatar. tionships, peer group acceptance, can add on the ‘Stroke Theory’ istry of life. chemistry. “Whole families of new-to-nature “At Texas A&M at Qatar, our managing emotions etc. which includes ‘Verbal and Non- Arnold will show how we enzymes increase the scope of molecules and mission is to create and share The way a child identifies, verbal positive strokes,’ because can build sustainable, biological knowledge,” Malavé said, “and understands, and manages emo- words of appreciation, a thumbs routes to important fuels and materials we can build using synthetic biology and our work continues, despite our tions can have an impact on eve- up signal, a warm hug, a smile chemicals. move us closer to a sustainable world where human- unusual circumstances. Tech- rything from his or her relation- and a kind look have a deep “Evolution can also invented chemistry will be genetically encoded.” nology is allowing us to con- ships with classmates to per- impact on the child’s emotional innovate, generating new tinue this knowledge sharing formance in the classroom. and mental well-being. enzyme catalysts, with a little with the Qatar community that Hence to help a child succeed On the whole, the session insight from chemistry,” she Biochemistry at the California National Medal of Technology has been so welcoming to us. both in class and beyond the was lively and engaging. The said. “Whole families of new- Institute of Technology and Innovation from President We are tremendously honored classroom, an active participants gained immensely to-nature enzymes increase the (Caltech). She received the Barack Obama, and the Mil- — and humbled — to have with involvement of the teachers is from the information shared and scope of molecules and mate- Nobel Prize in Chemistry in lennium Technology Prize. She us a scientist and engineer of needed. look forward to put it in the right rials we can build using syn- 2018 for pioneering directed has been elected to all three US Dr. Arnold’s caliber and we are She said that besides use in the classroom and beyond. thetic biology and move us enzyme evolution methods, National Academies of Science, proud to be able to share her closer to a sustainable world which she has used to engineer Medicine, and Engineering and work and her experience with where human-invented chem- enzymes for alternative energy, is a Foreign Member of the our students, our faculty and istry will be genetically chemicals, and medicine. Royal Academy of Engineering. researchers, our partners here encoded.” Among her numerous honors She was appointed to the Pon- at Qatar Foundation and in Arnold is the Linus Pauling are the Charles Stark Draper tifical Academy of Sciences in Education City, our friends at Professor of Chemical Engi- Prize of the US National 2019. Qatar University, and with the neering, Bioengineering and Academy of Engineering, the US Arnold’s talk is presented in community in Qatar in general.” MoCI recalls Dodge RAM, and Jeep Compass models of 2019-2020 THE PENINSULA — DOHA models of 2019-2020, due to on vehicle defects and repairs. essary repairs. a possible defect in the front The Ministry said that it The Ministry urged all cus- The Ministry of Commerce and wiper blade for the vehicle. will coordinate with the tomers to report any violations Industry, in cooperation with The recall campaign comes dealer to follow up on the to its Consumer Protection and United Cars Almana, dealer of within the framework of the maintenance and repair Anti-Commercial Fraud Dodge and Jeep in Qatar, Ministry’s continuous efforts works and will communicate Department, which processes announced the recall of Dodge to protect consumers and with customers to ensure that complaints, inquires and RAM, and Jeep Compass ensure that dealers follow up they carried out the nec- suggestions. TUESDAY 23 JUNE 2020 HOME 05 QF’s PUE summer camp goes digital Abeer Al Khalifa said: “We are looking forward to welcoming students to this year’s camp. Every year, alongside our academic activities, we strive to promote a range of other skills, such as leadership, team work, and Senior research directors at QEERI sharing their insights. creativity, while building personal success.” Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education summer camp, Women researchers at HBKU’s Mukhayamna, will take place online from July 5 to 30. THE PENINSULA — DOHA QEERI forging their own path For the first time, Qatar Foun- Committee for Delivery & students, which —through a dation’s Pre-University Legacy, Hamad Bin Khalifa challenging, specially-designed THE PENINSULA — DOHA my male peers accept that we different perspective, Dr. Education (PUE) is taking its University, Texas A&M Uni- programme – will help these are equal and that we all Lawler mentions that she did summer camp online. versity at Qatar, the Museum of young people excel, and As the world marks Interna- deserve respect and the same not ever feel subject to the same Mukhayamna, set to run from Islamic Art, Qatar Scientific encourage them to shine.” tional Women in Engineering opportunities.” stigma or treatment while July 5 to 30, will feature a series Club, Doha Film Institute, and The courses will be Day, four senior research However, for Dr. Jenny working as an engineer in the of fun and exciting educational Qatar National Library. delivered by teachers from directors at Qatar Environment Lawler, Senior Research pharmaceutical industry in activities for school children of The comprehensive pro- across the QF schools, and Energy Research Institute Director, Water Center, QEERI, Ireland. “I have been lucky to all ages. gramme, open to children aged including Qatar Academy (QEERI), part of Hamad Bin who graduated with a degree have always felt empowered to “This year, because of the 5-18, includes language lessons, Doha, Qatar Academy Al Khor, Khalifa University, share their in Chemical Engineering in succeed, surrounded by pos- pandemic, we have decided to Model United Nations activities, Qatar Academy Al Wakra, insights, inspirations, chal- 2004, things were quite dif- itive people and mentors, both host our summer camp vir- and musical theatre classes, as Qatar Academy Sidra, Qatar lenges and advice for young ferent. There were over 30 in industry and in academia. By tually,” explained Abeer Al well as design, creative writing, Academy Msheireb, Qatar engineers. percent women in her course working hard and showing that Khalifa, Executive Director, technology, STEM, sports, and Academy for Science and Each of them agree that, in Ireland, indicating how I’ve had what it takes to Academic Affairs, Pre-Uni- arts sessions. Technology, and The Learning despite not always being easy, things may have improved even succeed, I’ve always quickly versity Education. “And while Al Khalifa said: “We are Centre. their journey so far has been in a decade. “I am an optimist, gained acceptance and moved COVID-19 restrictions are looking forward to welcoming “We have no doubt that this fulfilling. Dr. Huda Al Sulaiti, and while there have definitely quickly into leadership beginning to ease, we will go students to this year’s camp. year’s edition is going to be a Senior Research Director, been challenges in my career positions”. ahead with the digital platform Every year, alongside our aca- great success, and encourage Natural and Environmental so far, life gets better every Change is indeed coming, as we are dedicated to creating demic activities, we strive to interested members of the Hazards Observatory, QEERI, year. I have always enjoyed says Dr. Bermudez. “I think it’s a safe, happy, and secure space promote a range of other skills, community to register,” Al completed her PhD while also working hard, aiming high, and just a matter of time. Even when for our participants.” such as leadership, team work, Khalifa concluded. fulfilling her role as a full time taking great joy in every little I look at the options that were PUE has teamed up with a and creativity, while building To register for the camp, or mother to five children: win.” available to my own mother, number of local entities to personal success. to find out more information, “Nothing ever comes easy, and The challenges faced by and now to myself —there is a deliver this year’s camp, “And this year, we are also residents can visit there will always be struggles women are indeed unique vast difference. Women are including the Supreme offering special classes for gifted mukhayamna.qfpue.org/home as we move on in this life and according to these four pio- gaining more rights and lead- we are certainly not alone in the neers. For example: often, ership positions now more than challenges we face. Success and maternity leave is a period of ever before.” life achievements are directly time that is not taken into All four women leaders reit- proportionate to the amount of account in terms of comparing erate the importance of having HEC Paris’ custom programs for effort we applied and time we career stages support — from family, from spent on facing our challenges. Dr. Al Sulaiti, who has also colleagues and from society. Juggling the various roles has combatted breast cancer suc- Each emphasised the impor- organisations now available online taught me to fully utilise my cessfully, says that one of the tance of parents who THE PENINSULA — DOHA time, skills and abilities.” key challenges facing women empowered them to pursue leadership development According to Dr. Veronica is the work-life balance. “A their goals, of spouses who took program that provides par- Bermudez, who was astonished glass ceiling still exists for on equal parenting and HEC Paris, ranked second ticipants with a testing envi- to see a ‘Physics for Women’ women in STEM fields but, for- household chores, of bosses and worldwide for Executive ronment where they can step university degree in 1996, the tunately, it is slowly dimin- colleagues who trusted them to Education by the Financial back from their daily routine real challenge has been to ishing. Women are held back achieve their targets. Times (FT) in 2020, has and reflect upon themselves, remain true to herself and her because of the misconception Being in Qatar, and part of announced that a wide range their organisation, their role goals. She says: “The biggest that they have to devote more Qatar Foundation, which has of its award-winning & Admissions, said: “Our within their industry, and the challenge was understanding of their time towards childcare strong women leaders and true custom-designed programs award-winning custom- position their company that my fight is not about being and household chores. Some- patrons of STEM, such as H H for organisations are now designed programs address occupies on the national and a woman in a man’s world, but times, there are also judge- Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, available online. the major challenges facing global stage. It incorporates about being myself, keeping my ments that they are not as com- Chairperson of Qatar Foun- The institution’s custom organisations. From the blended solutions including specialty, knowing and propa- petent and are emotionally dation, and H E Sheikha Hind programs are ranked second moment we engage with our case studies, business simu- gating that diversity is key for driven.” bint Hamad Al Thani has worldwide by FT in 2020. clients, we collaborate to lations and bespoke digital success.” Dr. Farhat explains further: inspired the quartet to keep The distance-learning develop a bespoke and portals. Reflecting on a time when “In this part of the world, pursuing their goals and ambi- programs of HEC Paris are transformative learning HEC Paris has substan- she was the only woman women in engineering are often tions. It is also worth noting that tailored to meet specific journey. HEC Paris supports tially increased its online engineer among many male expected to do more to prove women hold more than 50 professional requirements of learning in both the public presence to address the field operators working on a themselves. In many places, percent of the senior scientific executives, managers and and private sectors and will advantages of remote scheduled shutdown at an oil there is the stigma that women management positions at emerging talent in companies continue to build its repu- learning. Its programs are and gas company in Qatar a few cannot partake in hands-on QEERI. by providing flexibility and tation as a leader in now even more accessible years ago, Dr. Hanan Farhat, work, and are not good at Their advice to the younger impact. knowledge management than before as participants Senior Research Director, Cor- problem-solving, as a result, generation is to stay focused Commenting on the through innovation and can complete their studies rosion Centre, added: “As a they are given non-challenging and to work hard, and all four development, Abdallah excellence.” from the comfort of their female engineer, I have faced tasks that are routine and leaders live by the same mantra Abdel Daem, Director HEC Paris’ online custom homes. many obstacles. The biggest repetitive.” – believe in yourself and in Business Development, Sales program is a fully customised challenge for me was making However, with a slightly your capabilities. One lane closure on parts Malabar Gold offers Gold Rate Protection Scheme of Omar Al Mokhtar Street THE PENINSULA — DOHA Customers can just pay 10 percent advance for their THE PENINSULA — DOHA completion of infrastructure Gold continues to reaffirm its prominence works and installation of new as an investment, asset and adornment even favourite jewellery and The Public Works Authority traffic signal as part of the first during the unprecedented situation we benefit from increasing ‘Ashghal’ announced yesterday phase of the upgrading works continue to face globally. In the wake of gold rate for 30 days the closure of one lane of Omar on some streets in West Bay rising gold prices, Malabar Gold & Al Mokhtar Street and Al Bidda Area project. Diamonds, one among the largest jewellery from the date of booking, Street, starting from the street During this time, three retailers globally with a strong retail protecting themselves from known as Al Mussalla Street and lanes will remain open for network of over 250 outlets spread across the increase in gold rate for 2.5km towards Lekhwair traffic on Omar Al Mokhtar, Al 10 countries, is providing customers with Intersection as well as the closure Bidda and Al Markhiya Streets Gold Rate Protection Scheme, a unique during this period. of one lane of Al Markhiya Street as well as right turns towards opportunity to buy gold, be it for personal starting from Lekhwair Inter- intersecting streets. use or as an investment, at the best rates. section and for 0.5km towards The Public Works Authority Customers can just pay 10 percent these benefits, while also being a prestigious Qatar Sports Club. will install road signs advising advance for their favourite jewellery and lifestyle article, gold jewellery is expected In coordination with the motorists of the temporary benefit from increasing gold rate for 30 to attract new buyers in the immediate General Directorate of Traffic, closure. Ashghal requests all days from the date of booking, protecting future. this change will be imple- road users to abide by the themselves from the increase in gold rate 30 days and 180 days respectively. The Malabar Gold & Diamonds is the flagship mented on June 24, for a period speed limit, and follow the road during this period. main attractiveness of this campaign is that company of Malabar Group, a leading diver- of two months to enable signs to ensure their safety. If gold rate increases at the time of pur- the customer always gets the benefit of sified Indian business conglomerate. chase, customers can avail the booked rate lower gold rate, during purchase”, said Established in 1993 in the Indian state and if it reduces they can still draw mileage Shamlal Ahamed, MD – International Oper- of Kerala, Malabar Gold & Diamonds today of the reduced rate. ations of Malabar Gold & Diamonds. has a strong retail network of over 250 Another highlight of this campaign is Gold being a reliable investment is one outlets spread across 10 countries, 14 that customers also have an option to pay of the intrinsic reasons for people buying wholesale units in addition to offices, design 100 percent advance and block the gold gold jewellery while also serving as an centres and factories spread across India, rate for 180 days from the date of booking. adornment. It is the ease to liquidate the Middle East, Far East & USA. With an annual This offer will be valid until September 30 metal for cash without losing much value turnover of $4.51bn, the company currently across all Malabar Gold & Diamonds stores during these difficult times that further ranks among the largest jewellery retailers in UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, KSA and Malaysia. increases its dependability. While all other globally. “Gold prices typically rise at times of assets like currency, oil, stock markets, real With 14 cluster manufacturing units in uncertainty as it is considered as the safe estate etc have steeply declined in value, India and GCC — the company currently haven by investors across the globe. Hence, gold has appreciated 30-35 percent in the has 12 jewellery brands to cater to the dis- this scheme has been designed in such a last one year. cerning needs of customers. With head- way that our customers are not affected by This consistent performance of gold as quarters in Kerala and branches across the increase in gold rates, by providing them an appreciating and moveable asset has India, Middle East, Far East & USA, Malabar with an option to block the rate, by either led to individuals with excess cash reserves Group is best known for its activities in the paying just 10 percent or 100 percent of beginning to acquire gold. field of gold, diamonds, silver and lifestyle the value, and get gold rate protection for Being the only investment to offer all articles. 06 GULF / MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 23 JUNE 2020

Yemen’s govt, Iran to send black separatists boxes from downed agree to truce AP — SANA'A

The Saudi-led coalition airliner to France embroiled in a years-long conflict in Yemen announced REUTERS — TEHRAN “The Islamic Republic yesterday that Emirati-backed of Iran will send southern separatists and the Iran will send the black boxes country’s internationally from a downed Ukrainian the black box of the recognised government have airliner to France, Iranian Ukrainian airplane agreed to a cease-fire after Foreign Minister Mohammad to France in the months of infighting. Javad Zarif said yesterday, Coalition spokesman Col. according to the official IRNA coming few days Turki Al Maliki said delegates news agency. in order to read its from the separatists’ Southern Iran shot down the Ukraine information,” Foreign Transitional Council (STC) and International Airlines flight on the Yemeni government are January 8 with a ground-to-air Minister Mohammad meeting in Riyadh to push the missile, killing 176 people, in Javad Zarif said. Zarif implementation of a what Tehran later acknowl- made the comments November 2019 deal that edged as a “disastrous mistake” in a phone call with ended earlier fighting. by forces on high alert during Violence has flared A group of Palestinian protesters gathering in front of European Union representation office during a a confrontation with the United Canadian Foreign between the separatist group demonstration demanding the EU to intervene in Israel’s recent actions in East Jerusalem, yesterday. States. Minister Francois- and government forces since “The Islamic Republic of the STC declared self-rule over Iran will send the black box of Philippe Champagne. the key port city Aden and the Ukrainian airplane to Canada had 57 other southern provinces in Palestinians in Gaza Strip protest France in the coming few days citizens on board. April. The renewed clashes in order to read its infor- reopened a new front inside mation,” Zarif said, according the larger civil war, which has Israeli plan to annex West Bank to IRNA. The Ukrainian plane was killed over 112,000 people and Zarif made the comments shot down shortly after take- ignited what the United ANATOLIA — GAZA CITY committee’s rejection of Authority to terminate the Oslo in a phone call with Canadian off in Tehran, when Iran’s Nations has labeled the world’s “refugee resettlement projects Accord and stop security coor- Foreign Minister Francois- defences were on high alert, worst humanitarian crisis. Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and finding an alternative dination with Israel, holding the Philippe Champagne. Canada hours after Iran fired at US The intensifying split in the staged a protest yesterday to homeland for them”. latter responsible for the conse- had 57 citizens on board. bases in Iraq in retaliation for south has also hobbled author- reject an Israeli plan to annex “The right of return is indi- quences of its annexation plan. The fate of the cockpit voice a US attack that killed an ities’ response to the corona- parts of the occupied West Bank. vidual and collective duty that The West Bank, including and data “black box” recorders Iranian commander at Baghdad virus pandemic and compli- Organized by the Joint cannot be abandoned,” he said, East Jerusalem, is seen as was the subject of an interna- airport. cated attempts to jump-start Committee for Refugees, the demanding the implementation occupied territory under inter- tional standoff after the plane Iran says the coronavirus a wider peace process. demonstration was held in front of UN Resolution 194 which national law, thus making all was shot down, with Ukraine crisis has contributed to delays Al Maliki denounced recent the office of the UN refugee stipulates that refugees must be Jewish settlements there — as demanding access. in a probe by its Air Accident clashes in the remote island of agency UNRWA in Gaza City, allowed to go back to their well as the planned annexation France’s BEA air accident Investigation Board. Iran has Socotra in the Gulf of Aden, a on the occasion of the World homeland and to end the — illegal. investigation agency is known been sending mixed messages Unesco World Heritage site, as Refugee Day; which was occupation. Palestinian officials internationally as one of the about where the black boxes well as the southern province marked on June 20. Radwan said that the com- threatened to abolish bilateral leading agencies in the world may be read. Last week, Iran’s of Abyan. Nizar Haitham, a Speaking at the protest, mittee “rejects the alleged deal agreements with Israel if it for reading flight recorders, and Minister of Roads and Urban spokesman for the STCl, wel- Ismail Radwan, a Hamas leader, of the century and any goes ahead with the annex- black boxes have been sent Development, Mohammad comed the calls for a cease-fire called on donor countries to decision regarding the Israeli ation, which would further there in other high profile cases Eslami, said the black boxes and de-escalation across continue their funding to annexation plan”. undermine the two-state of crashes. will be sent to Ukraine. southern governorates. UNRWA. Radwan reiterated the He also called the Palestinian solution. Kuwait reports Lebanon military 641 new virus cases, four deaths accuses activist of QNA — KUWAIT collaborating with Israel The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health yesterday reported 641 more AFP — BEIRUT arrest “because of her tweets infections with the novel coro- against those in power”, NNA navirus (COVID-19), taking the Lebanon’s military prose- said. country’s count of confirmed cution yesterday charged an Lebanese media and cases to 40,291. activist with “collaborating” activists have drawn a par- Four more people also died with Israeli spies and illegally allel between Khatib’s case from the infectious respiratory travelling to the Jewish state and that of actor Ziad Itani, illness over the past 24 hours, with which Beirut is still tech- who was also accused of raising death toll due to the nically at war, state media “collaborating” with Israel in virus to 330 so far, the Minis- said. 2017. try’s Spokesman Dr. Abdullah Kinda Al Khatib— a female Itani was declared innocent Al Sanad said in a statement activist in her twenties — has and released several months carried by Kuwait news on Twitter criticised Hez- later, and a high-ranking agency. bollah, a Lebanese Shia security officer was then All the new cases were in movement which fought a charged with “fabricating” the contact with previously A man, wearing a protective mask and gloves, checks currency exchange rates in the Iranian capital devastating 2006 war with case. infected people or are being Tehran amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, yesterday. Israel. Hezbollah is the only party investigated for sources of Arrested last week, she was not to have disarmed after Leb- infection, Al Sanad added. charged yesterday with “col- anon’s 1975-1990 civil war, Earlier yesterday, the Min- Iran reports 119 more virus deaths laborating with the enemy”, since when it has also become istry of Health confirmed the “entering the occupied Pales- a major player in Lebanese recovery of 530 COVID-19 ANATOLIA & QNA— people have recovered and that it confirmed 1,605 new tinian territories” and “collab- politics. patients, bringing the overall TEHRAN/MUSCAT been discharged from hospitals cases of coronavirus, 684 of orating with spies of the Israeli The Shia group is desig- count of recoveries to 31,770 so far, adding that 2,898 remain which were of Omanis, and 921 enemy”, the National News nated a “terrorist” entity by so far. Iran yesterday confirmed 119 at hospitals in critical were of non-Omanis, bringing Agency said. many Western governments, additional fatalities from the condition. the total to 31,076 confirmed Lebanon bans its nationals but its supporters credit it with novel coronavirus over the past Over 1.44 million tests have cases, 137 deaths, and 16,408 from travelling to Israel, a ending two decades of Israeli Jordan seeks 24 hours, bringing the been conducted in the country recoveries. neighbour with which it occupation of southern nationwide death toll to 9,742. to date, Lari said. Iran sees an The total of tests conducted remains at war although a UN Lebanon in 2000. $6.6bn to face Syrian A further 2,573 people upward trend in daily infections during the last 24 hours has peacekeeping force patrols the It fought a 33-day war refugee crisis tested positive for COVID-19, in many provinces, especially reached 4,544, while the border. against Israeli forces in 2006 raising the overall count to in the southwestern Khuzestan patients in the intensive case Khatib’s family and activists that killed more than 1,200 AFP — AMMAN 207,525, Health Ministry province. units have reached 100, said the protested in front of the mil- Lebanese, mostly civilians, and spokesman Sima Sadat Lari The Omani Ministry of Ministry in a statement reported itary court in Beirut against over 160 Israelis, a majority Jordan announced yesterday said. He said a total of 166,428 Health announced yesterday by the Omani news agency. what they termed a “political” soldiers. it was seeking $6.6bn from international donors to face the ongoing challenge of hosting hundreds of thousands Palestinian painter channels her fears of Israeli annexation of Syrian refugees. “We are launching a REUTERS — JORDAN VALLEY military post, near the Jewish $6.6bn on intervention plan settlement of Hamra, looks for the Syria crisis for 2020- Amid the barren hills of the down on Bisharat’s community 2022,” Planning and Interna- Jordan Valley, Palestinian artist from a nearby hilltop. tional Cooperation Minister Khadeeja Bisharat paints scenes She said she felt sur- Wissam Rabadi said at a press of bulldozers and demolitions, rounded, far from areas under conference Monday. a reflection of fears of what the control of the Palestinian He requested the interna- may happen to her isolated Authority and exposed to tional community’s continued Bedouin community if Israel Israeli demolition of farm support, saying the Hashemite annexes land in the occupied shacks erected by her kingdom “is hosting more than West Bank. community. 1.3 million Syrians”. Some 15,000 Palestinians Israel has cited a lack of “This has had serious live in tiny pastoral encamp- proper permits, required in repercussions on the economy, ments scattered across the parts of the West Bank under infrastructure and budget of Jordan Valley. Israel has complete Israeli military the Jordanian state,” Rabadi pledged to extend its sover- control, in issuing demolition said. Citing the novel corona- eignty over the territory - some orders. Peace Now, an Israeli virus pandemic, he said the 30% of the West Bank - with advocacy group that opposes world was facing “exceptional cabinet-level discussion on the Israel’s settlement policy, says circumstances” that presented move set to begin July 1. most Palestinian applications “an additional burden for “This affects our psycho- for building permission are Jordan”. logical wellbeing, and the chil- Khadeeja Bisharat, a Palestinian artist, paints a conflict-inspired artwork as her daughter Menas rejected. Jordan hosts some dren’s wellbeing... Will they watches her in Jordan Valley in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Bisharat’s husband, 650,000 Syrian refugees reg- allow residents to stay? Will Mahmoud, said their com- istered with the UN refugee they demolish their houses?” express her fear and uncer- of a yellow bulldozer us, the violations we are sub- munity would be defiant in the agency, while authorities say Bisharat, 37, said from her tainty through paintings, among approaching a tin Bedouin jected to,” the mother-of-three face of Israeli annexation. some 700,000 Syrians were Bedouin encampment in the them a watercolour depicting shack. said. “Even if it is imposed on us, already in the kingdom before northern Jordan Valley. women gathered around a “I try to convey a message Israel captured the West we will resist with all the means the conflict started in 2011. She says she has tried to demolished home and a scene of how the occupation impacts Bank in a 1967 war. An Israeli we have.” TUESDAY 23 JUNE 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07 UN orders probe of abuses in Libya since 2016

AFP — GENEVA The United Nations’ top rights body adopted The UN Human Rights Council the resolution without a vote, “strongly yesterday adopted a resolution (condemning) all acts of violence in Libya”, ordering a “fact-finding mission” to Libya in order to and urging UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet document violations and abuses to “immediately establish and dispatch a fact- committed in the conflict-torn country since 2016. finding mission” to the country. The United Nations’ top rights body adopted the reso- for three months due to the law and international human- lution without a vote, “strongly coronavirus crisis, postponing itarian law by all parties in (condemning) all acts of vio- a vote by the 47-member Libya since the beginning of lence in Libya”, and urging UN council until Monday. 2016,” the text said. rights chief Michelle Bachelet The council’s 43rd session It called on the experts to Libya’s Prime Minister Fayez Al Sarraj (centre) meets US Ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, and to “immediately establish and resumed last week after Swit- present an oral update on their Commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Stephen Townsend, in Zuwara, Libya, yesterday. dispatch a fact-finding mission” zerland relaxed the measures progress to the council in Sep- to the country. imposed to halt the spread of tember, followed by a written Tamim Baiou, Libya’s COVID-19, and concluded yes- report next March. Libyan PM meets US envoy, AFRICOM commander ambassador to the UN in terday with the Libya resolution Oil-rich Libya has been torn Geneva, said he hoped the res- the last adopted during the by violence, drawing in tribal AP — TRIPOLI TV reported. Libyan government. olution would show that session. militias, militants and merce- Interior Minister Fathi Cooperation with AFRICOM “impunity will no longer be tol- The resolution expressed naries since the 2011 toppling Libya’s Prime Minister Fayez Al Bashaga and Osama Al Juweili, in the fight against terrorism erated” in the country. “concern” at reports of and killing of long-time dictator Sarraj yesterday met with the the military commander of the and joint coordination as part “We hope this will be a “torture, sexual and gender- Moamer Kadhafi in a Western- top US commander in the Africa western region, were also of the strategic cooperation turning point,” he told the based violence and harsh con- backed uprising. region along with the US present at the closed-door between the Libyan gov- council before the text was ditions in prisons and Since 2015, a power struggle ambassador to the country. meeting. ernment and the US were also adopted by consensus. detention centres.” has pitted the Tripoli-based and US Ambassador in Tripoli During the meeting, officials discussed. The draft resolution was The fact-finding mission UN-recognised Government of Richard Norland and US Africa discussed recent military and Libyan officials’ reaction tabled in March by a group of experts will be called on, over National Accord against Khalifa Command (AFRICOM) head security developments in Libya against Egyptian President African countries, but the UN’s the next year, to “document Haftar, who claims legitimacy Gen. Stephen Townsend arrived and US efforts to stabilise the Abdel Fattah Al Sisi’s statements top rights body was forced to alleged violations and abuses from an eastern-based elected at Zuwarah Airport, west of the country, according to a over the weekend was also suspend its main annual session of international human rights parliament. capital Tripoli, Libya's Al-Ahrar statement released by the discussed. Nigeria summons Police, job-seeking protesters clash in Tunisian city 10 dead as rival Ghana envoy drug runners REUTERS — TUNIS opment and jobs.” over embassy In 2017, protests over a lack clash in Niger Demonstrators threw stones at of jobs in Tataouine and Kebili demolition police and blocked roads in the provinces hit oil and natural gas AFP — NIAMEY southern Tunisian city of production in a region where AFP — ABUJA Tataouine yesterday, drawing French firm Perenco and Aus- Clashes between rival drug salvoes of tear gas to disperse tria’s OMV operate led to a deal runners left at least 10 dead Nigeria summoned a senior them, in an escalation of promising jobs in oil and devel- last week in northern Niger Ghanaian diplomat to protests over high unem- opment projects. near the borders with Libya complain over “attacks” on its ployment, witnesses said. But protesters say that after and Algeria, a local embassy compound in Accra Protesters are calling on the three years the agreement has government official said that saw a building demol- government to implement a not been implemented. yesterday. ished, the Foreign Minister 2017 deal to create jobs in oil Tunisia was the birthplace The lawless desert region said yesterday. companies and infrastructure of the 2011 Arab Spring has been a hotbed of traf- “Summoned the Charge projects to reduce unem- uprisings that toppled auto- ficking in drugs, weapons and d’Affaires of the High Com- ployment now running at 30% crats from power in countries humans for nearly a decade mission of Ghana to Nigeria, in the region, one of the highest across North Africa and the since the 2011 toppling and Ms Iva Denoo to demand rates in Tunisia. Middle East, but the only one killing of Libya’s longtime Protesters clash with security forces as they demonstrate in the urgent explanation on the A decade after a popular to achieve a transition to full leader Moamer Kadhafi. The southern Tunisian city of Tataouine, yesterday. recent attacks on a residential revolution ended Zine El- democracy. fighting in the so-called Sal- building in our diplomatic Abidine Ben Ali’s autocratic Since then, however, Tuni- vador Pass took place last premises and reinforcement rule, the North African state is “The situation is dangerous Another witness said police sia’s economy has been in crisis Thursday and Friday. of security around diplomatic still struggling to deliver eco- in our area. From the window skirmished with hundreds of and no government has In February 2019, two premises and staff,” Geoffrey nomic opportunities to unem- of my home I see police forces demonstrators throwing managed to resolve chronic Nigerien army officers were Onyeama wrote on Twitter. ployed young people in randomly launching (tear) gas stones, blocking roads and problems including high killed in an ambush by heav- Armed men reportedly deprived regions like and chasing young men,” Ismail chanting, “We will not give up, inflation, unemployment and ily-armed men aboard several entered the Nigerian High Tataouine. Smida, a resident, told Reuters. we want our right to devel- corruption. vehicles running drugs. Commission compound in Ghana’s capital Accra on Friday to supervise bulldozers to demolish a building under South African minibus drivers construction. Onyeama on Sunday strike over virus funding demanded those responsible must be punished, adding that AFP — JOHANNESBURG Fikile Mbalula announced a 1.1 Nigeria was in talks with the billion rand (around $63m) Ghanaian authorities over the Minibus taxi drivers in South relief payment to registered taxi matter. Africa’s most populous Gauteng operators — amounting to 3,500 “We strongly condemn two province yesterday went on rand ($202) per driver. outrageous criminal attacks in strike to demand more corona- The union called for “at Accra, Ghana, on a residential virus relief funding, leaving least” 20,000 rand ($1,154) per building in our diplomatic thousands of commuters vehicle and urged strike action premises by unknown persons stranded in the country’s in Gauteng, home to South in which a bulldozer was used economic hub. Africa’s administrative capital to demolish the building,” he The usually crammed pri- Pretoria and financial centre said. vately-owned vehicles have Johannesburg. The Ghanaian authorities been limited to 70 percent Dozens of taxi drivers said they would probe the capacity under social distancing parked their white minibuses incident. measures imposed since the across roads yesterday and “Accordingly, investiga- start of a strict anti-coronavirus barred commuters from seeking tions are ongoing to unravel lockdown on March 27. alternative forms of transport. the facts of the matter and The South African National SANTACO condemned the bring the perpetrators to Taxi Council (SANTACO) on road blocks and “intimidation book,” Ghana’s foreign min- Friday called for a shutdown of of people” via Twitter, calling Stranded commuters wait for transportation at a bus terminal during a protest by taxi operators in istry said on Sunday. minibus services on June 22 and for the taxi industry to “demon- Soweto, South Africa, yesterday. 23 after Transport Minister strate a peaceful shutdown”. Liberia toughens COVID-19 curfew ICC prosecutors appeal acquittal of Ivory Coast's Gbagbo AFP — MONROVIA AFP — THE HAGUE that judges did not make a The one-time Ivorian strongman, the first home as the country braces for proper written judgment at the tense elections scheduled for The West African state of International Criminal Court time, instead handing down the former head of state to be tried by the ICC, was October. Liberia yesterday said it would judges made “fundamental decision to acquit the Ivorian last month allowed to leave Belgium where he Gbagbo technically faces extend anti-coronavirus and serious” errors when pair orally. being jailed on his return after measures and immediately they cleared former Ivory Brady said this was “no had been hosted under strict conditions since being sentenced in absentia to toughen a nightly curfew after Coast president Laurent harmless procedural his release last year. a 20-year term by an Ivorian recording a rise of infections. Gbagbo of crimes against irregularity”. court last November for the President George Weah humanity last year, prose- “It tarnished the very “looting” of the local branch of has decided to extend a state cutors said as they launched essence of the judicial adjudi- head of state to be tried by the issue their written verdict until the Central Bank of the West of emergency, announced on an appeal yesterday. cative process, thereby affecting ICC, was last month allowed to some six months after the oral African States (BCEAO) during April 8 and due to expire on Gbagbo and his right-hand the reliability and the integrity leave Belgium where he had acquittal. the post-election crisis. Monday, for another 30 days man Charles Ble Goude were of the decision itself,” she said. been hosted under strict con- Judges had also cleared the Yesterday’s hearing comes until July 21, his office said in acquitted in January 2019 of The prosecution said it had ditions since his release last pair “without properly articu- as the ICC prosecutor’s office a statement. charges over post-electoral vio- presented key elements of proof year. lating and consistently applying fights a string of acquittals and The extension must be lence in the restive West African with 4,610 documents and 96 Gbagbo had previously a clearly defined standard of failed cases including that of approved by parliament but in nation in 2010-11 in which witnesses interviewed during spent eight years behind bars proof”, Bensouda added. Congolese politician Jean- an immediate step, the gov- around 3,000 people died. the trial. in The Hague before his surprise Gbagbo’s Ivorian Popular Pierre Bemba, acquitted in 2018 ernment announced that a 9 Prosecutors want the Gbagbo, now 75, appeared acquittal by the court. Front (FPI) has called on Ivory of war crimes and crimes pm curfew would henceforth acquittal overturned and a by videolink for the hearing, The ICC said in a statement Coast’s President Alassane against humanity. start at 6 pm, ending as before retrial at the court in The Hague, which was conducted remotely it “will make its judgment on Ouattara to engage in a “dia- It also comes at a time when at 6 am. The harsher stance which was set up in 2002 to because of coronavirus this appeal at a later stage.” logue” over his return to the the ICC is under assault from contrasts with that of other deal with the world’s worst measures. He appeared bearded Chief ICC prosecutor Fatou country. the administration of US Pres- African countries where crimes. and wearing a casual top and Bensouda formally appealed But an association for ident Donald Trump because of restrictions have been eased Helen Brady, senior appeals listened through headphones. the trial judges’ decision in victims of the violence the tribunal’s probe into crimes in response to concern about counsel for the ICC prosecution, The one-time Ivorian October. expressed “energetic oppo- committed by US forces during their impact on the economy. said the gravest mistake was strongman, the first former She said the judges did not sition” against Gbagbo coming the war in Afghanistan. 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 23 JUNE 2020 Home healthcare services provide care Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN for nearly 3,000 patients in Qatar DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI QNA - DOHA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Healthcare professionals from DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI Hamad Medical Corporation [email protected] (HMC) and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) currently care for nearly ACTING MANAGING EDITOR 3,000 patients living in the MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED community across Qatar, [email protected] most of who are aged 60 years and older. The home healthcare DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR teams provide valuable care MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI to patients who are unable to, [email protected] or advised not to, visit a clinic for certain procedures. Between early March and the end of May 2020, the team has conducted over 22,300 EDITORIAL home visits. The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) recommend Another honour for Ashghal early on in the pandemic pre- paredness that routine, non- YET another feather in the cap for the Public Works essential healthcare appoint- Authority (Ashghal). In recognition of its distinguished ments and procedures be health and safety performance, and wellness initiatives, postponed during COVID-19. Ashghal has been declared the overall winner of two This guideline, for the International Safety Awards 2020 by the British Safety purpose of practicing physical Council, in recognition of its commitment to keeping distancing to reduce the risk workers and workplaces healthy and safe during the of infection spread, necessi- 2019 calendar year. The awards reflect Ashghal’s com- tated a change in the way that mitment to health and safety in its construction projects certain care is delivered to and the leading position that Ashghal plays in the Qatari patients, including essential construction industry in terms of spreading awareness home healthcare services. and best H&S practices. Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad, Ashghal is one of the very few organisations to be National Lead for the crowned the overall winner in the following categories: “Healthy Ageing” Priority “Wellbeing Initiative” for protecting its employees from within the National Health the risk of injury and ill health at work, and “Best Team Strategy and Medical Director of the Year” for the Roads and Infrastructure project in of Rumailah Hospital and HMC’s homecare teams care for nearly 3,000 patients living in the community across Qatar. West Muaither (Package 3) in recognition of its com- Qatar Rehabilitation Institute, mitment to keeping its workers and workplaces healthy explained that where pos- While nearly 70% of all and their families, were afraid care patients to further allow and safe in 2019. sible, in-person visits were patient interactions are to go to the hospital or their us to protect our communities Engineer Yousef Al-Emadi, Director of Projects being substituted for telecare, primary health center as well and avoid external testing Affairs, said: “The International Safety Awards are part such as phone and video calls, currently conducted as receive treatment at home site,” added Dr. Al Abdulla. of numerous awards won by Ashghal during the past but that overall patient inter- virtually as telephone due to concerns over con- A significant investment few years. They are a result of well-implemented strat- actions remained high. tracting the virus. The danger has been made to develop and egies set by Ashghal’s leadership and nurtured at every “Our initial goal was to and video conferences, with this is that some indi- strengthen home care level across the organisation.” limit face-to-face interactions several healthcare viduals may wait too long services across Qatar in In 2019, Ashghal succeeded in undertaking the of patients with people before receiving medical recent years, allowing the health screening of 78,197 workers, or 96.5% of the outside their immediate procedures need to be attention, leading to an home health care services to entire workforce. The British Safety Council commended household to reduce the risks performed onsite by a increased risk of their health continue to care for their Ashghal on the achievement, which is in line with the of patients or staff being deteriorating to such an patient population in the best Council’s vision that no one should be injured or made exposed to the virus,” said Dr. professional doctor or extent that they require hos- possible way to safeguard the ill through work – anywhere in the world Al Hamad. “But home nurse. pitalization, which should be vulnerable in the community. In March this year, Ashghal won the Government healthcare teams provide key avoided when possible, espe- While existing patients are Sustainability Initiative Award presented by the Qatar services that enable vul- cially during this pandemic,” being contacted proactively Green Building Council (QGBC), a member of the Qatar nerable individuals to remain said Dr. Al Sulaiti. by the respective healthcare Foundation, for applying best environmental practices in the safety of their own “In order to avoid sending teams, new patients will be in project implementation works. The Award comes in homes rather than going our older patients to the referred following a tele- recognition of Ashghal’s efforts in the field of environ- outside for treatment. Espe- emergency facilities, we phone assessment of their mental sustainability, and in the context of several ini- cially people with chronic at HMC highlighted the either aim to offer telephone condition. tiatives by the authority within the roads and infra- healthcare problems, many of important role that home consultations, or home care Concerned new patients structure projects implemented by the Roads Projects who are older patients, are healthcare staff provide in visits, or we provide spe- or their families can call the Department. more at risk of getting seri- keeping patients safe. cialist care in the Elderly Day government COVID-19 hel- Under the five-year plan (2018-2022), Ashghal will ously ill if they get infected, “Not only do homecare Care Unit in Rumailah pline on 16000 to speak to a implement 25 plans related to the evaluation and follow- and these patients usually teams provide practical Hospital.” geriatrician or family doctor, up of road safety, including achieving safety at work benefit from having routine services, but they also Home health care services who will decide if the situ- sites, managing traffic congestion and building an intel- and preventative care pro- provide important prevent- are offered through HMC and ation requires a home visit by ligent transportation system. vided in the comfort of their ative functions. There is a PHCC, and teams are increas- a member of the HMC or Ashghal continues to implement sustainable infra- home.” huge value of on-site assess- ingly collaborating to PHCC home healthcare teams. structure for the State of Qatar. The achievements come While nearly 70% of all ments to ensure vulnerable optimize patient care and All healthcare teams take within the framework of the State’s interest in the infra- patient interactions are cur- patients receive the right improve operational effi- extra safety precautions to structure, construction and reconstruction sector in line rently conducted virtually as care, and many of our nurses ciencies. In the past few mitigate the risks of virus with the aspirations of its National Vision 2030 and to telephone and video confer- will enlist a doctor in a tele- months, on average over transmission and keep their serve its hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. ences, several healthcare pro- phone consultation or the 4000 calls and virtual consul- patients as safe as possible. cedures need to be performed mobile doctor service if they tations are conducted every Every home healthcare onsite by a professional feel the condition warrants month, with the highest team member is tested regu- doctor or nurse. specialist advice. numbers witnessed in March, larly to check for COVID-19; The most common home Psychosocial support is especially after the first case teams also self-monitor for D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR healthcare procedures equally important, particu- was reported in late February potential symptoms every larly during a crisis when and the commencement of morning before commencing EMAIL: [email protected] include phlebotomy (taking blood samples from a patients peoples anxiety levels are COVID-19 restrictions. their shift and at the end of vein for testing) and regular higher than usual and some “This pandemic is day. Part of the precautionary EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 INR checks for people using patients might be suffering affecting the whole world, but safety procedure includes FAX: +974 4455 7758 blood-thinning medication from loneliness due to social healthcare challenges faced staff to take their temperature (teams take their portable isolation. Our staff routinely by individuals in our commu- and assessing their wellness MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 machines to conduct these make calls to our patient pop- nities need to be addressed and informing their super- tests in the patients home for ulation to inquire about their locally and we need to visor immediately of any DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 fast assessments). wellbeing and escalate patient remember that the reason concerns. Healthcare professionals care concerns to the physi- healthcare workers conduct Moreover, staff will LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 also regularly perform wound cians on call,” added Ms. Al home visits is because these conduct home visits dressed care management and Anzi. individuals require help. If in appropriate personal pro- BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 administering IV therapy such Dr. Essa Al Sulaiti, Medical they do not get the routine or tective equipment (PPE), for as for antibiotics, TPN nutri- Director of HMCs Home preventative care they need, their safety and that of their SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 tional feeds and Enzyme Health Care Service advised they may end up in needing patients. Infusion therapy. that while there was a need to emergency care which is not Conversely, patients are ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 Our nurses are trained to reduce the home visits in the ideal,” said Dr. Samya Ahmad also screened using appro- email: [email protected] take swabs for COVID-19 short term, the policy was Al Abdulla, Senior Consultant priate protocols before visits, testing if required, thereby always to maintain a high Family Physician Executive including checking them for PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 relieving the need for frail level of patient interaction to Director of Operations at fever, shortness of breath, a email: [email protected] individuals to go to an reduce the risk of having a PHCC. cough and whether they have external testing site; we have growing population of more “In addition to visits, had exposure to the virus ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 performed more than 40 such acute patients to care for in PHCC proactively contact elsewhere. FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] tests on elderly patients in the long term elderly patients and chronic The visits are scheduled in their home in the past two “Similar to observations patients on a regular basis to advance and reconfirmed the CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 months,” explained Nadya Al from other countries, the local ensure that they have all the day before the appointment to email: [email protected] Anzi, Executive Director of experience in Qatar has been information and support they ensure improved operational Nursing for Home Health Care that a number of people, may require. We are also performance as well as SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 Services and Private Nursing especially among the elderly actively testing home health patient care satisfaction. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar Cooperation with the European Union outweighs competition and China is willing to deepen /Peninsula_Qatar cooperation with the bloc on COVID-19 vaccine and treatment development to fight against the virus /ThePeninsulaNewspaper pandemic. +974 6698 6188 Li Keqiang, Chinese Premier TUESDAY 23 JUNE 2020 OPINION 09 Summer and possible ending of COVID-19!

mild outbreak throughout the material of these viruses, quickly whatever the weather. summer in the southern thereby preventing the ability However the flu virus does hemisphere. of the virus to reproduce not cause a pandemic at all in The father of medicine, itself. summer for instance in Hippocrates explained that The slow rate of As a result, highly concen- Europe, but it cause The father of medicine, different diseases follow dif- trated UV-C radiation is used throughout the year in some Hippocrates explained ferent pattern. Some peak in infection possibly to combat the COVID-19 but part of our region and in the that different diseases the beginning or end of in summer, does not directly in human. For tropics. Moreover, some winter. Others are specific to instance, some countries use studies suggested that coro- follow different spring, summer or winter. not mean the end robots to disinfect hospitals navirus in the coming autumn pattern. Some peak There are diseases that occur of the pandemic, floors or public buses using and winter seasons could in the beginning or at different times in different and If you could same rays .Of course, UV-C is open the door to more threat- regions in the world ,but also very harmful and cannot be ening events, with high risks end of winter. Others other viral illnesses are not agree with me here, exposed to human. Looking of resurgence of the pandemic DR YOUSUF ALI AL MULLA are specific to spring, affected at all by the seasons it looks like the that a person may suffer a with cold weather! of the year. burn to his skin due to sun- Recently, some labs and summer or winter. People in some countries, Generally speaking, sun- discussion about light after exposure to UV type experiments suggested that There are diseases that these days were able to see light includes three types of the seasonality of B for hours, while radiation of warming and humidity could occur at different times the beauty of what is known Ultra-violet rays, however the virus is still only type C, is able to burn the skin reduce the survival of the in different regions as (Ring of Fire) solar annular what is important to us to within seconds! virus, however we need to eclipse. So, people began to know that the third type of UV assumptions! On other hand, other realize that simulated envi- in the world ,but also ask and research in the hope radiation, named Ultraviolet C studies found that the longer ronment in the labs do not other viral illnesses are that such a phenomenon or is able to destroy the genetic the influenza virus particle always have the conditions high temperature during material whether in human the effect of UV-C radiation exposed to the sun and the that the virus will encounter not affected at all by summer may lead to the cells or in viral particles and on the novel coronavirus. more concentrated their rays, in real life. Hence, the people the seasons of the year. weakening or disappearance luckily we are rarely exposed Nevertheless, previous the weaker the virus’s ability should not presume it is safe of coronavirus. It seems that to this type because the Ozone studies have shown that it is to infect. Unfortunately, when nowadays because it warm there is an impression that layer in the atmosphere, pre- possible to use these rays I looked deeply to such outside. Still we need to there is some slowdown in the vents it from reaching sen- against other coronavirus studies, it seemed that studies follow the instructions to outbreak in the summer, but it sitive skin. Unfortunately no type such as SARS, as their examined influenza sus- slowdown the spreading of will not necessarily prevent a research yet has been done on radiation harms the genetic pended in air, not dry virus the virus. particle on surfaces. Factually, I could say here Interestingly, it is not pos- that even if the summer sible to rely on the sun’s rays season reduce the rate of the alone to get rid of the virus, infection, this decrease might because it is not known till be not enough to stop the out- now, how long it takes to break. When there are very nullify the ability of the virus large amount of the virus and using sunlight nor the con- with large number of popu- centration needed to elim- lation that are not immune to inate the virus. Not to mention it, even then if some virus too, that weather and geo- particles lose their potency, graphic location vary in lat- still enough viruses will itude. All this could makes remain and continue trans- sunlight an unsecured way to mitting the infection. eliminate the virus! At end, we cannot count In fact, there is an on the fact that the summer important point also to will allow life to return to mention here, about the normal, as we do not have hypothesis that COVID-19 is a yet a confirmed scientific seasonal pandemic, which documentation about the might be difficult to verify at seasonal characteristic of least till now. What I mean COVID-19. Also it is a new here that isolation was com- virus and still people do not plete when temperature and have immunity to it, thus the sunlight were rising in some slow rate of infection pos- countries, thus it is difficult sibly in summer, does not from my view to distinguish mean the end of the pan- between the impact of demic, and If you could agree seasons and the effects of iso- with me here, it looks like the lation on previous weeks in discussion about the season- slowing down of such ality of the virus is still only pandemic. assumptions! May be its clear till now Dr Yousuf Ali Al Mulla is a though many observations, physician, medical innovator Families enjoying at Al Bidda Park after reopening in Doha on Friday.PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA that the virus is spreading and educator. Japanese firm’s blanket testing of employees could serve as model

process where patients, if remains susceptible to testing can be applied to safely, widely and quickly.” found, will be taken care of by another surge in infections if many businesses, including He consulted infectious- doctors and segregated precautions are ignored as it factories, restaurants and disease experts and settled on swiftly.” reopens. night spots, all of which have kits from two Chinese manu- The results of his study - At the same time, society to reopen. facturers, Innovita and Orient the largest antibody test in cannot manage under strict What he called “a nice Gene. But he is also talking to Japan and one of the largest in controls indefinitely, and surprise” was that only eight Japanese company Takara Bio SIMON DENYER the world - offer a mixture of “protective screening” such as out of 19,075 staff working in and hoping they can further THE WASHINGTON POST good and bad news. SoftBank’s initiative may SoftBank’s mobile phone develop a saliva-based PCR Just 0.23 percent of the become more common, he stores tested positive for anti- test for mass use. sample tested positive for added. bodies, or just 0.04 percent, “I am hoping from the Sports leagues around the coronavirus antibodies, sug- “The private sector is lower than the rate among bottom of my heart to get to world have acknowledged gesting Japan, with its wide- more rational compared to other staff mostly working see a society soon when eve- that the only way to restart spread adoption of face masks the old-fashioned medical from home. ryone feels safe and enjoys competition is to test all their and relatively early efforts to community ... We should “Generally speaking, their life,” Son said. players for the novel corona- reduce transmission, has been move ahead. So I am very meeting people is a high risk,” Japan has been criticized virus. For businesses, the relatively successful in con- glad the private sector did said Norio Ohmagari, director for failing to test people same idea is gaining ground: taining the virus. very well,” Shibuya said. of the National Center for widely, but the government stepping in with testing where Son also offered free tests Although SoftBank said Global Health and Medicine. insists it took the correct government-run efforts are to medical workers. Of 5,850 the survey was not a repre- “But I don’t think that is always approach, rationing tests to lagging. who took up his offer, 1.79 sentative sample of the coun- the case. The result suggests prevent crowds collecting at In Japan, a telecom percent had antibodies for the try’s population, a rough we could reduce risks by medical centers and to allow magnate, Masayoshi Son, has virus. Overall, that meant 0.43 extrapolation over Japan’s 126 taking various measures and the health-care system to taken the lead with a combi- percent of 44,066 people million people would suggest doing them well.” focus on the most severe nation of antibody and diag- tested positive. around 300,000 people have Other Japanese companies cases. nostic tests that offer a model The results effectively contracted the virus since the appear to be following Son’s With fewer than 1,000 for others as parts of the bury the notion that Japan pandemic began. move to step in where the deaths - by the official count - world look to reopen their might be on a path to “herd That is around 17 times government is slow to act. and only a few dozen new economies. immunity” - the idea that if the official numbers found by Already, Rizap Group, a gym infections a day, the gov- Diagnostic polymerase roughly 60 percent of the the diagnostic PCR tests - operator, is giving antibody tests ernment believes Japan’s chain reaction, or PCR, tests population have already con- which under Japan’s policies to 30,000 employees and cus- approach deserves global still are not widely available tracted the virus, its spread were used test only the seri- tomers. Toda Corp., a con- recognition. in Japan to determine who is will slow. ously ill. struction company, plans to But many experts say a infected and potentially con- The data is also a Son said the tests were offer antibody tests to its staff in change of approach is needed tagious. So Son took another potential tripwire as busi- “driven by our desire to Tokyo. Nagasaki International now, because only by testing route: First, he tested 38,216 nesses and communities protect our employees and University is testing all 69 people will the country be In Japan, a employees, family members reopen and reconnect. their families, and our cus- faculty members as it seeks to able to get back to work after and clients at his Tokyo- Places that were effective in tomers and their families, and reopen safely, media reports an economically catastrophic telecom magnate, based SoftBank conglom- keeping the infection rate to protect as many people as say. shutdown. Masayoshi Son, erate for virus antibodies, to relatively low also have possible.” While various antibody “I think the idea of trying see who had been exposed to greater numbers of people at But the need to protect his tests are being used or to test very comprehen- has taken the lead the virus. Anyone who tested risk of first-time exposure as business interests also played developed in the United sively is very good,” said with a combination positive was then sent for a lockdowns ease. a role. States, they have sparked Wataru Sugiura, director of of antibody and PCR test. A smaller sample size in “As a private company, medical debates. They cannot the Center for Clinical Sci- “I am worried that if just three cities - about 8,000 SoftBank is engaged in busi- replace diagnostic tests: Anti- ences at the National Center diagnostic tests that one or two of our employees people in total - found nesses every day, and to us, bodies typically don’t show up for Global Health and offer a model for are infected, that could pos- infection rates of 0.1 percent the exit strategy is very for a week or two after a Medicine. sibly lead to a cluster of infec- in Tokyo, 0.17 in Osaka and important. But as society person contracts the virus, “No test is perfect,” he others as parts of the tions,” he said. 0.03 in Miyagi in northeastern becomes more active, we and an antibody test can’t tell added, but the massive world look to reopen “On the other hand, we Japan, Japan’s health minister, can’t avoid the risk of the if someone is still infected. volume of data created by can’t afford to continue to stay Katsunobu Kato, said second wave of infection,” There are also concerns about SoftBank’s study could their economies. away as companies, fearing a Tuesday. said Son, Japan’s second- accuracy. provide “a foothold toward risk of infection,” he con- Kenji Shibuya, director of richest person after Tadashi Son said he had con- building a better system.” tinued. “For an early return to the Institute for Population Yanai, chief executive of Fast sidered giving everyone PCR Simon Denyer is The work, I believe it is very Health at King’s College Retailing, which owns the tests, but decided on antibody Washington Post’s bureau important for us to test London, said the SoftBank Uniqlo chain. tests as a first step because chief in Tokyo, covering Japan widely, and to establish a data shows that Japan Son said the idea of mass they can be done “relatively and the Koreas. 10 ASIA TUESDAY 23 JUNE 2020 India, China commanders meet after border clash amid calls for boycott

REUTERS — NEW DELHI An Indian government of talks, had asked India to stop all construction work in what it Indian and Chinese military source said says is Chinese territory. commanders met yesterday to commanders met Soldiers fought with rocks, try to ease tensions at their metal rods and wooden clubs at disputed Himalayan border as in Moldo, on the the Galwan Valley last Monday the public mood hardened in Chinese side of after a weeks-long standoff. India for a military and economic China has not disclosed how riposte following the worst clash the Line of Actual many casualties it suffered, in more than five decades. Control. The meeting though an Indian minister has Major Indian traders called for lasted several hours, said around 40 Chinese soldiers a boycott of Chinese goods and may have been killed. the state of Maharashtra, home to with the Indian side Chinese Foreign Ministry India’s financial capital of pushing China to spokesman Zhao Lijian told a Police officers detain a demonstrator during a protest against China, in New Delhi, India, yesterday. Mumbai, put three initial briefing in Beijing on Monday investment proposals from withdraw its troops that the two sides were in com- made in China. Secretary Praveen Khandelwal bilateral trade worth $87bn in the Chinese companies worth Rs50bn back to where they munication through diplomatic The Confederation of All wrote in a letter to chief min- fiscal year ending March 2019, ($658m) on hold, just days after and military channels. India Traders (CAIT), which rep- isters of some Indian states. and a trade deficit of $53.57bn in signing the agreements. were in April. Many in India have called resents some 70 million traders, In prosperous Maharashtra, China’s favour, the widest India India said 20 of its soldiers for Prime Minister Narendra has asked federal and state gov- the government said it was has with any country. were killed in a clash last de facto border dividing India’s Modi’s nationalist government ernments to support a boycott putting three investment plans, The editor-in-chief of Monday with Chinese troops in Ladakh region from the Chinese to show it will not be bullied, of Chinese goods and cancel including from Great Wall China’s Global Times news- a major escalation of a weeks- held Aksai Chin. remembering their country’s government contracts awarded Motor Co, on hold. paper warned that the “nation- long standoff between the The meeting lasted several humiliation in a brief border to Chinese companies. “In the current environment alists of India need to cool nuclear-armed Asian giants in hours, with the Indian side war against China in 1962. “The entire nation is filled we will wait for the federal gov- down”. the western Himalayas. pushing China to withdraw its Members of an Indian with extreme anger and ernment to announce a clear policy “China’s GDP is five times An Indian government troops back to where they were traders’ body made a bonfire of intensity to give a strong regarding these projects,” indus- that of India, military spending source said commanders met in April, a second Indian gov- Chinese goods at a market in befitting response to China not tries minister Subhash Desai said. is three times,” Global Times in Moldo, on the Chinese side of ernment source said. New Delhi, pushing for a only militarily but also econom- China is India’s second- editor Hu Xijin said in a post on the Line of Actual Control, the China, in previous rounds nationwide boycott of products ically,” CAIT National General biggest trading partner, with Twitter. South Korea says India reports record virus cases, starts remdesivir production it is battling REUTERS, ANATOLIA — NEW DELHI The death toll in India The German advisory order to ease economic pain. capital Delhi and the financial ‘second wave’ of remains low when compared follows Ireland in suggesting Meanwhile, the country will capital Mumbai first, the two India reported a record number to countries with similar that its citizens leave India due soon market and distribute the worst-hit cities in the country, coronavirus of new coronavirus cases numbers of cases but public to the availability of hospital domestically produced remde- via hospital channels. The drug yesterday and a death toll of health experts fear its hospitals beds. sivir drug for “restricted emer- will not be available on counters. REUTERS — SEOUL more than 400 people in the will be unable to cope with a A dashboard run by the gency use” for the treatment of The Indian Health Ministry past 24 hours as foreign rise in cases. Delhi state government showed coronavirus patients, according recently re-issued its COVID-19 Health authorities in South embassies warned their citizens The German embassy sent more than 7,000 hospital beds to statements from Indian clinical management protocol, Korea said for the first time in the country that hospitals messages to its citizens living in were available for coronavirus companies. calling Remdesivir an “investi- yesterday it is in the midst of might not have beds for them. New Delhi warning them that patients yesterday, though most Indian drugmakers Cipla gational therapy on coronavirus a “second wave” of novel coro- The 15,000 new cases there was “little to no chance” of of those were in a handful of and Hetero Pharma launched patient.” navirus infections around brought India’s total to more admission to hospital for government hospitals. Patients the generic Remdesivir drugs At present, use of these Seoul, driven by small but than 425,000, behind only the treatment for coronavirus as well looking for beds have ques- production late on Sunday, a therapies is based on limited persistent outbreaks stemming United States, Brazil and Russia, as other intensive care needs. tioned the accuracy of the data. month after signing the deal available evidence. As the situ- from a holiday in May. according to data from the The message was not an Despite the peak of infec- with the US-based patent- ation evolves, and when more The Korea Centers for federal health ministry. order to evacuate the country tions projected to be weeks if holder Gilead Sciences. data become available, the evi- Disease Control and Pre- Nearly 14,000 people have but to consider whether India not months away Prime Min- With total confirmed cases dence will be accordingly incor- vention (KCDC) had previously now died from the disease remained safe depending on ister Narendra Modi relaxed of COVID-19 soaring at 425,282, porated, and recommendation said South Korea’s first wave caused by the virus since the individual circumstances, a dip- most curbs of a near three- the companies will be making upgraded,” according to the had never really ended. first case in India in January. lomat said. month lockdown on June 8 in the generic drugs available in the protocol. But on Monday, KCDC director Jeong Eun-kyeong said it had become clear that a holiday weekend in early Japan city to rename area of May marked the beginning of a new wave of infections islands disputed with China focused in the densely popu- lated greater Seoul area, which AFP — TOKYO had previously seen few cases. “In the metropolitan area, A local council in southern Japan voted yesterday to rename an we believe that the first wave area including islands disputed with China and Taiwan, a move was from March to April as well Beijing denounced as illegal and a “serious provocation”. as February to March,” Jeong The local assembly of Ishigaki city approved a plan to change said at a regular briefing. “Then the name of the area covering the Tokyo-controlled Senkaku we see that the second wave Islands — known by Taiwan and China as the Diaoyus — from which was triggered by the May “Tonoshiro” to “Tonoshiro Senkaku”. holiday has been going on.” Local media said another part of Ishigaki is also known as An intensive tracking and Tonoshiro, and the name change was cast as a bid to avoid testing campaign reduced the confusion. numbers to single digits by late But the uninhabited islands are at the centre of a festering row April. between Tokyo and Beijing and the move by the small local council But just as the country — which does not carry national governmental weight — sparked announced it would be easing anger in both Taiwan and mainland China. social distancing guidelines in “The passing of the so-called administration designation bill early May, new cases spiked, by Japan is a serious provocation to China’s territorial sover- driven in part by infections eignty,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said in among young people who response to a question on the issue. visited nightclubs and bars in “It is illegal and invalid, and cannot change the fact that the Seoul over the holiday weekend. A kind gesture amid pandemic Diaoyu islands belong to China,” Zhao added, saying Beijing had “We originally predicted that lodged “solemn representations to Japan through diplomatic the second wave would emerge A man sprays hand sanitiser to a child who is travelling on a public bus amid the coronavirus disease channels and reserves the right to make further responses”. in fall or winter,” Jeong said. “Our outbreak in Dhaka, Bangladesh, yesterday. Taiwan says the islands are part of its territory, and also pro- forecast turned out to be wrong. tested the move. “The sovereignty of Diaoyu islands belongs to As long as people have close our country and any move attempting to alter this fact is invalid,” contact with others, we believe the foreign ministry said in a statement. that infections will continue.” Fears of new virus wave in It said it had expressed “regret and stern protest” to Tokyo. Japan’s chief government spokesman declined to comment New Zealand seizes on the Ishigaki council move, but Tokyo has long complained about China’s routine dispatch of its coast guard ships to waters $90m from Russian Australia’s second city surrounding the islands. fraud suspect AFP — MELBOURNE outbreak but has seen few new of hand quickly. AP — WELLINGTON cases in recent weeks. The state’s chief health Thailand marks 28 days without Australians were warned “We would recommend officer, Brett Sutton, has blamed New Zealand police said yesterday to avoid travelling to people not at this stage travel the rise on lockdown fatigue local transmission, to ease travel yesterday they have seized Melbourne, as the country’s to Melbourne unless they have and complacency, saying the $90m from Alexander Vinnik, second biggest city tightened to,” she said. situation had now reached a REUTERS — BANGKOK a Russian bitcoin fraud suspect coronavirus restrictions amid Officials in Victoria have “dangerous point” as there was who is in French custody but fears of a second wave of the stalled plans to allow increased “no Plan B”. Thailand hopes to ease some coronavirus restrictions on foreigners is also wanted in the United epidemic. numbers of diners in restau- “We are absolutely at risk entering the country after going for 28 days without recording any States. Victoria state has recorded rants and cafes, and also reim- of a second peak but we can get domestic transmissions, a senior official said yesterday. Those who New Zealand Police Com- more than 110 cases in the past posed tighter rules on gath- on top of it, and we must get on will benefit from the easing of restrictions will include business missioner Andrew Coster said week — many of them in Mel- erings in homes in response to top of it,” he told reporters on executives, skilled workers and foreigners who live in Thailand. it had worked closely with the bourne — prompting leaders of the outbreak. Saturday. “The first three groups will be able to return to Thailand and US Internal Revenue Service other regions to warn against It was the first major back- Like the rest of the country, stay in 14-day state quarantine,” said the spokesman for the gov- in the case. He said the money visiting the city’s six designated pedal on easing restrictions, as early restrictions on travel and ernment’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration, Taw- likely reflected illicit profits virus “hot spots”. the rest of the country con- gatherings successfully curbed eesin Wisanuyothin. Medical tourists will also be allowed back from thousands of victims. The premier of neigh- tinues to record low numbers the virus in Melbourne before for treatment in hospital, he said. The money is the most bouring New South Wales state, of new cases and work to last week. Short-term business travellers and tourists from China, Japan ever seized by New Zealand Gladys Berejiklian, said anyone restart the economy. The new clusters have and South Korea might be allowed back without having to spend police. intending to visit the city should Although numbers remain emerged at Melbourne’s 14 days in quarantine, he said, adding that the guidelines were The US has accused Vinnik “reconsider your plans”. relatively low in Melbourne, a Stamford Plaza Hotel, which is still being worked out. The proposed easing of restrictions will of laundering billions of dollars “At this stage, the advice is spike in the rate of community being used to quarantine cit- be put to the government’s coronavirus task force on Friday. through BTC-e, one of the do not travel to those hot spots,” transmission — those cases izens returning from overseas, Thailand, which has banned international commercial flights world’s largest digital currency she told reporters in Sydney, which authorities are unable to an H&M clothing store in the up to the end of June, has recorded 3,151 cases and 58 deaths exchanges. His native Russia which had been the epicentre trace to the source — has city’s north and within extended related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel also wants to put him on trial. of Australia’s COVID-19 fuelled concerns it could get out families in a couple of suburbs. coronavirus. TUESDAY 23 JUNE 2020 ASIA 11

Antibody levels Virus cases to in recovered patients decline see ‘cliff-like’ quickly: Study REUTERS — BEIJING drop soon in Levels of an antibody found in recovered COVID-19 patients fell sharply in 2-3 months after infection for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, Beijing: Expert according to a Chinese study, raising questions about the “If you control the source, and cut the chain of length of any immunity against transmission, the number will have a cliff-like the novel coronavirus. The research, published in drop,” Wu Hao, a disease control expert from Nature Medicine on June 18, the National Health Commission, told state highlights the risks of using COVID-19 ‘immunity pass- television in an interview. ports’ and supports the pro- longed use of public health REUTERS — BEIJING nine new cases had been con- interventions such as social firmed the previous day, sharply distancing and isolating high- China’s capital will see a “cliff- down from 22 a day earlier. risk groups, researchers said. A staff member sanitises shared bicycles at a street, amid the coronavirus disease outbreak, in Beijing like” drop in new cases in a “If you control the source, Health authorities in some yesterday. recent outbreak of the novel and cut the chain of trans- countries such as Germany are coronavirus by the end of this mission, the number will have debating the ethics and prac- week with efforts to cut chains a cliff-like drop,” Wu Hao, a known about the virus, adding In high-risk neighbour- dents had been tested. ticalities of allowing people of transmission under way, a disease control expert from the that lockdown tactics had been hoods, an entire residential Though people are con- who test positive for anti- disease control expert said. National Health Commission, more targeted this time. compound is locked down if cerned, most are resigned to the bodies to move more freely The city of more than 20 told state television in an To control the spread of the there is even one infection need to be on guard for some than others who don’t. million people reported its first interview aired late on Sunday. virus, Beijing has designated there. time. The research, which case of a new spike in infections Millions of people in Beijing four neighbourhoods as high- To identify carriers, Beijing “We’ve to live with the virus studied 37 symptomatic on June 11, linked to a sprawling have had their daily lives risk and 39 as medium-risk, as has been conducting tests on for the long term before a patients and 37 asymptomatic wholesale food centre. upended by the resurgence of of yesterday. people it deems are in higher- vaccine is available,” said Bill patients, found that of those In all, 236 people have been the disease over the past 11 days, People can leave and enter risk groups such as restaurant Yuan, 28, an IT worker. who tested positive for the infected in the worst outbreak with some fearing a city the medium-risk neighbour- workers and food and parcel “There might be a few new presence of the IgG antibody, in Beijing since the novel coro- lockdown is imminent. hoods, with temperature checks couriers. infections all the time. If it one of the main types of anti- navirus was identified at a But Wu said Beijing was not and registration, but apartment Residents in some low-risk happens, we’ve to stay alert for bodies induced after infection, seafood market in the central headed for a “flood-like” blocks with two confirmed neighbourhoods have also a while and quarantine. Then over 90 percent showed sharp city of Wuhan late last year. lockdown, unlike early efforts cases or more are totally locked been tested. As of Saturday, go back to work when it’s declines in 2-3 months. Beijing reported yesterday in Wuhan when little was down. about 2.3 million Beijing resi- gone.” The median percentage decrease was more than 70 percent for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Despite spread of virus, Pakistan keeps economy open For neutralising serum anti- bodies, the median percentage AP — ISLAMABAD protect them. Many call the with rising infections and spectacular 257 percent in the last Press acquired a copy of the of decrease for symptomatic virus a hoax. Even some gov- deaths because their economies month, the International Rescue letter, some of which was individuals was 11.7 percent, The coronavirus is spreading in ernment officials dismiss cannot withstand an open- Committee said yesterday, calling reported in the press. while for asymptomatic indi- Pakistan at one of the fastest warnings, saying traffic acci- ended strict lockdown. for international support “for The government rejected viduals it was 8.3 percent. rates in the world, and its over- dents kill more people. But the rapid acceleration in local communities displaced by the proposal. One lawmaker The study was conducted whelmed hospitals are turning “I am nervous when I go out infections in Pakistan this month violence and natural disasters, as even accused the WHO of by researchers at Chongqing away patients. But the because I see our people are still could be an indicator of what well as Afghan refugees as they “imperialism.” Prime Minister Medical University, a branch government is pushing ahead not taking it seriously,” said other countries in Asia, Africa face the health and economic Imran Khan said the refusal to of the Chinese Center for with opening up the country, Diya Rahman, a broadcaster at and Latin America might face. impacts of the pandemic amidst impose a complete lockdown Disease Control and Pre- trying to salvage a near- Radio Pakistan in the capital, New cases in Pakistan deteriorating living conditions.” saved the country from eco- vention and other institutes. collapsed economy where Islamabad. Two of her col- leaped from around 2,000- More than 1.5 million Afghan ref- nomic collapse. In televised Jin Dong-Yan, a virology pro- millions have already slid into leagues have died of the virus 3,000 a day in late May to up to ugees live in Pakistan. speeches, he has pleaded with fessor at the University of Hong poverty from pandemic restric- and more than 20 others have 6,800 a day in mid-June. Deaths Earlier this month, the World the public to wear masks, Kong who was not part of the tions. tested positive. are nearing 150 a day. So far, Health Organization warned ignore conspiracy theories and research group, said the study Further complicating the She fears that “until they see more than 180,000 people have Pakistan in a letter that it was take the virus seriously. does not negate the possibility dilemma, many people are their families are dying they been infected in the country of among the top 10 countries in the A survey by Gallup Pakistan that other parts of the immune ignoring government calls to won’t understand that we can 220 million, and the gov- speed of the virus’s spread and released Monday said 55 system could offer protection. wear masks or obey social dis- save ourselves if we adhere to ernment said on Sunday the faced devastating effects from percent of Pakistanis believe the Some cells memorise how tancing rules. the guidelines, to wear masks.” number could reach 1.2 million opening prematurely. It urged the virus threat is exaggerated. The to cope with a virus when first Millions crowd markets and Pakistan is a prime example of people in August. Authorities government to alternate between survey of 1,050 people has a infected and can muster effective mosques. Hard-line clerics tell fragile developing countries have reported 3,590 deaths. two weeks of lockdown and two margin of error of 2-3 per- protection if there is a second followers to trust that faith will that say they’ll just have to live Infections have soared a weeks of opening. The Associated centage points. round of infection, he said. China to join UN China tells Canadian PM arms trade treaty, ‘enhance’ to stop ‘irresponsible world peace remarks’ on spy case

AFP — BEIJING AP — BEIJING Spavor “politically motivated China will join a global pact to and completely groundless.” regulate arms sales that has China told Prime Minister Justin “The United States stands with been rejected by the United Trudeau yesterday to “stop Canada in calling on Beijing for States, with Beijing saying making irresponsible remarks” the immediate release of the yesterday it is committed to after he said Beijing’s decision two men and rejects the use of efforts to “enhance peace and to charge two Canadians with these unjustified detentions to stability” in the world. spying was linked to his coun- coerce Canada,” Pompeo said The Communist Party try’s arrest of a Chinese tech in a statement. leadership’s top legislative executive. Trudeau thanked the US body voted on Saturday to The spying charges are and other allies for speaking adopt a decision on joining the “completely different” from the out against China. “It has been UN Arms Trade Treaty that is case of Huawei executive Meng obvious from the beginning designed to control the flow of Wanzhou, a foreign ministry that this was a political decision weapons into conflict zones. spokesman said. Meng was made by the Chinese gov- It comes after US President arrested on US charges con- ernment and we deplore it,” Donald Trump announced plans nected to possible violations of Trudeau said yeserday. last year to pull the United States A novel face shield trade sanctions on Iran. “This using of arbitrary out of the agreement — which Michael Kovrig and Michael detentions as a means to entered into force in 2014. A staff member wearing a face shield which depicts her face attends to customers at Bintang Sempurna Spavor were detained in what advance political gains is totally Chinese foreign ministry printing amid the coronavirus disease outbreak in Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday. was widely seen as an attempt unacceptable in a world based spokesman Zhao Lijian told to Canada after Meng’s on rules.” reporters that joining the December 2018 arrest in Meng, the chief financial treaty was “another important Vancouver. officer of Huawei Technologies measure for China to support Taliban killed 291 Afghan security Charges against them were Ltd and the daughter of its multilateralism”. announced on Friday after a founder, is accused of lying to He added that the country Canadian judge ruled Meng’s banks in Hong Kong about would make a “continuous personnel in past week: Official extradition case can proceed Huawei’s dealings with Iran in effort to maintain and enhance to its next stage, moving her possible violation of US peace and stability in the world AFP — KABUL “Taliban’s commitment to stepping up attacks in recent closer to being handed over to sanctions. and region”, and that China has reduce violence is meaningless, weeks. American authorities. Meng’s case is a “seriously “always strictly controlled the The Taliban killed at least 291 and their actions inconsistent with The latest government Trudeau, speaking to political incident” and part of export of military products”. Afghan security personnel over their rhetoric on peace,” he said. accusations come as Kabul and reporters in Ottawa, said Chinese US efforts to “suppress Chinese China only exports such the past week, a top government The Taliban rejected the Taliban have signalled that they authorities “directly linked” the high-tech enterprises and products to sovereign coun- official said yesterday, accusing latest government figures. were getting closer to launching cases of Kovrig and Spavor with Huawei,” Zhao said. He said tries and not to non-state the insurgents of unleashing a “The enemy aims to hurt the much-delayed peace talks. Meng. He called on Beijing to end Canada “played the role of an actors, Zhao said at a regular wave of violence ahead of peace process and intra-Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has their “arbitrary detention.” accomplice.” “We strongly urge briefing. potential talks. talks by releasing such false vowed to complete a Taliban “There is no such thing as arbi- Canada to correct its mistakes The US Senate never rat- The past week was the reports,” Zabihullah Mujahid, prisoner release that is a key trary detention,” said the min- as soon as possible, immedi- ified the 2013 Arms Trade “deadliest” in the country’s 19 the Taliban’s spokesman in condition to beginning the istry spokesman, Zhao Lijian. ately release Meng Wanzhou Treaty after former president years of conflict, said Javid Afghanistan, said. peace negotiations with the “China urges the relevant and ensure her safe return to Barack Obama endorsed it, and Faisal, spokesman for the “We did have some attacks insurgents aimed at ending Canadian leader to earnestly home,” said Zhao. Trump has said he would National Security Council, even last week, but they were mostly nearly two decades of war. respect the spirit of the rule of Meng is living in a mansion revoke his predecessor’s as the insurgents dismissed the in defence.” Violence had The authorities have law, respect China’s judicial she owns in Vancouver, where signature. latest figures. dropped across much of already released about 3,000 sovereignty and stop making she reportedly is working on a It is among a number of The Taliban carried out 422 Afghanistan since the Taliban Taliban prisoners, and plan to irresponsible remarks,” Zhao graduate degree. Kovrig and international agreements attacks in 32 provinces in the past announced a three-day further free 2,000 as stipulated said. Spavor are being held at an reached under the Obama week, killing 291 security force ceasefire on May 24 to mark the in the insurgents’ deal with US Secretary of State Mike undisclosed location and have administration that Trump has personnel and wounding 550 Eid al-Fitr holiday, but officials Washington signed in Pompeo yesterday called the been denied access to lawyers moved to pull out of. others, Faisal said on Twitter. have accused the insurgents of February. charges against Kovrig and or family members. 12 EUROPE TUESDAY 23 JUNE 2020 Security questions after three die in UK knife attack, including US man

AFP — READING Security Minister surveillance”. Both incidents prompted the Britain’s interior minister James Brokenshire government to move to tighten yesterday promised that lessons said that despite legislation on the early release would be learned from a the attack, Britain’s of the most serious offenders, stabbing rampage that left three including those convicted of people dead, including a US terrorist threat level terrorism. citizen, after a suspect held remains unchanged at On a visit to Reading, under terrorism laws was said interior minister Priti Patel to have been on the radar of “substantial”, which called the attack a “tragic, tragic security services. means an attack is event”, as pupils at Furlong’s The knife attack in a park in school held a two minute’s Reading, west of London, on deemed “likely”. silence in his memory. Saturday evening is the third in “We need to make sure that a year, and has again raised we learn the lessons from what Police forensics officers conduct a search outside an entrance to Forbury Gardens park in Reading, concern about the early release he wrote on Twitter. has happened over the weekend west of London, yesterday, the scene of the June 20 stabbing spree. of offenders from prison. British media reported that to prevent anything like this A 25-year-old man, widely Saadallah had been freed from from happening again,” she agency MI5 last year and was what kind of protections are people who have come up on identified as Libyan refugee prison for non-terror offences said. said to have planned to travel needed,” she added. the radar in relation to extremist Khairi Saadallah, was initially earlier this month, and was Witnesses to the attack in abroad, reportedly to Syria. Prime Minister Boris ideology, he told BBC radio. arrested on suspicion of known to the security services. Forbury Gardens, central But he was not deemed to Johnson said he was “appalled “To spot one of those who murder, then re-arrested under In November, a convicted Reading, described seeing a be a substantial risk. His and sickened” by the attack, and is going to go from a casual the Counter-Terrorism Act militant on parole was shot lone assailant walking through mental health is understood vowed he “will not hesitate to interest into a determined 2000. dead by police after stabbing the park shortly after 7pm (1800 to be a factor for investigating take action” to prevent any attacker... is the most wicked Thames Valley Police said five people — two fatally — near GMT), and stabbing them at officers. repeat. problem that the services face,” one of the victims was a local London Bridge in central random. Patel said she was restricted Mark Rowley, a former he added. teacher, James Furlong. Another London. A police officer called to the in giving more details because assistant commissioner for spe- Security Minister James was his friend Joe Ritchie- Armed officers then shot scene tackled the suspect to the of the ongoing police investi- cialist operations in the Metro- Brokenshire said that despite Bennett, originally from Phila- dead another assailant who ground. Witnesses said the gation but said the security politan Police, said Saadallah the attack, Britain’s terrorist delphia, reports said. stabbed and injured three attacker looked as if he had put services worked “intensively” would have been one of thou- threat level remains US Ambassador to Britain people in the Streatham area of his hands “in a big bucket of red to assess individual risks. sands of people on MI5’s watch unchanged at “substantial”, Woody Johnson offered condo- south London, in February. paint”. “They act accordingly in list. which means an attack is lences to everyone affected. He had also been released British media said Saadallah terms of what kind of protective Some 3,000 people are deemed “likely”. “To our great sorrow, this early from a terrorism con- briefly came to the attention of measures are put in place under investigation at any one “People must remain vig- includes an American citizen,” viction and been under “active the domestic intelligence around those individuals, and time but there are up to 40,000 ilant,” he told the BBC. Merkel condemns ‘abhorrent’ Stuttgart rampage French pupils return

AFP — BERLIN hurt “Whoever has done this also used sticks or poles to punished as “punishment is the has turned against their city, smash windows of police best means of prevention”. for ‘obligatory’ school German Chancellor Angela against the people with whom vehicles on the square, which He also pointed to the wor- Merkel sharply condemned as they live and against the laws is next to the regional par- rying trend that police and emer- “abhorrent” a rampage in that protect us all,” Merkel’s liament of Baden-Wuert- gency workers were increasingly after virus closure Stuttgart where hundreds of spokesman Steffen Seibert said temberg as well as the state’s coming under attack, both phys- partygoers brutally attacked of the riots that erupted over the finance ministry. ically and verbally. AFP — PARIS 7-year-old Annika was also police officers, her spokesman weekend. At the height of the hours- “Besides the attacks and delighted. “I’m so happy to see said yesterday, as concerns grow Tensions had built up long clashes, as many as 500 insults, there is also dispar- French schools opened their my friends and teachers again. that law enforcers are increas- shortly after midnight when people joined in the battle agement -- and that can hurt doors to greet pupils yesterday Learning at home isn’t the same ingly treated with contempt. officers carried out checks on a against police officers and just like physical violence,” he for what the government says thing, school is better!” Parents Hundreds of people 17-year-old German male sus- rescue workers. said, stressing that politicians is two weeks of obligatory dropping their children off were unleashed a riot of an “unprec- pected of using drugs, Stuttgart Interior Minister Horst See- must stand behind the police. lessons before the summer thrilled too. edented scale” in the early deputy police chief Thomas hofer travelled to the city yes- In a speech on Monday, break, although many parents “Oh, the joy! I’ve been hours of Sunday in the city Berger said. terday. He paused at a police President Frank-Walter Stein- may yet defy the decision and waiting for this for a long time. centre of Stuttgart, attacking Crowds milling around the vehicle with its windows meier sent the same message. keep their children at home. My daughter is happy to go police and plundering stores city’s biggest square, the smashed out as he took stock “We must resolutely oppose Schools began reopening back and see her friends, and after smashing shop windows. Schlossplatz, immediately of the trail of destruction. anyone who attacks police when the government eased its my wife can go back to work,” Two dozen people, half of rallied around the young man Calling the violence a “sign officers, who shows contempt lockdown rules six weeks ago, said Maxime Aubin, father of them German nationals, were and began flinging stones and of alarm for the rule of law,” for them or gives the impression but parents were allowed to two who lives in the northwest arrested provisionally, as police bottles at police. Seehofer said the perpetrators that they should be ‘disposed keep their children at home city of Rennes, in Brittany. reported at least 19 colleagues The groups of mostly men must be prosecuted and of’,” he said. and a strict health protocol But not all parents are meant that classes could only pleased. be half full. A poll on Thursday by Britain eases French President Emmanuel Odoxa-Dentsu Consulting for Macron announced a full and France Info and Le Figaro lockdown further “obligatory” return to school for showed that only 45 per cent primary and middle schools in of parents were going to send as deaths decline an address to the nation earlier their children back to school. this month and the restrictions And 56 per cent think the AFP — LONDON have now been amended. obligatory return announced “The objective is for 100% of by Macron is “a bad decision”. Britain recorded fewer than primary school pupils and “Many families won’t take 1,000 daily confirmed cases middle school students to the risk of sending their of coronavirus yesterday and return,” Education Minister Jean- children back to middle the daily death toll dropped to Michel Blanquer told France school,” said Philippe Vincent 15, as officials said restrictions Inter radio on Monday, although from the majority union for the most vulnerable would the government has implied that SNPDEN for headteachers. be eased. no sanctions will be taken In some middle schools, he The death toll among against rebellious parents. pointed out, schoolbooks had people who tested positive for The summer holidays begin already been returned and end- COVID-19 rose by 15 to 42,647, in two weeks, but the gov- of-the-year teacher-student the lowest daily increase since ernment has argued that it is sessions completed. March 15, although there is essential that children see their From yesterday, children always a lag in reported deaths teachers and classmates again from the same class can play over the weekend. to end the year properly before together again, while ball A total of 958 people tested breaking up for the two-month games make their comeback positive in the 24 hours to yes- long break. on playgrounds. Other precau- terday morning, and Health “I’m so pleased to be going tionary measures will however Secretary Matt Hancock said back to school!” said 8-year- remain — thorough and fre- only one in 1,700 people now Italian minister visits healthcare staff old Adele in front of a Parisian quent handwashing is oblig- had the virus, down from one school, after her first morning atory and playing equipment in 400 a month ago. Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio and his German counterpart Heiko Maas meet medical staff with all her classmates. must be disinfected daily or left “All of those figures are during a visit at the Spallanzani Hospital in Rome, Italy, yesterday. Not far from Adele, in isolation for 24 hours. coming down and pointing in the right direction,” he told a daily media briefing. France must do more against “It shows that while there’s Britain pilots 'no-swab’ saliva still much to do, we are clearly making progress.” Britain’s discrimination: Rights body coronavirus outbreak has been test for coronavirus detection the deadliest in Europe, but AFP — PARIS poor health and educational stay-at-home orders imposed inequality,” it said. in late March are slowly being France’s human rights auditor said The report came as France REUTERS — LONDON earlier.” The tests do not use the and health workers, other eased. yesterday that authorities needed has seen a series of rallies standard polymerase chain essential workers and university Some of the youngest to take measures to halt racial against racism in the wake of A weekly coronavirus testing reaction (PCR) method, which staff and their households in the children have gone back to discrimination that has become a the Black Lives Matter protests regime using a “no-swab” saliva experts say can miss cases city of Southampton will partic- school and non-essential “systemic element” of French in the United States sparked by test is being trialled in southern because of errors in collecting ipate in the trial, which uses a shops have reopened. society, requiring an “ambitious” the killing of Floyd George by England and could result in a samples from the back of the test developed by British firm Prime Minister Boris public policy response. a white police officer. simpler and quicker way to throat using a long nasopha- Optigene, the government said. Johnson is expected to “People with foreign It cited surveys from 2016, the detect outbreaks of the virus, the ryngeal swab. Rather than taking a swab, announce plans for pubs and origins, or perceived of having most recent, that found that 11 British government said Instead a different tech- which some people find restaurants today, with a them, are disadvantaged in percent of respondents reported yesterday. nique, called RT-Lamp, is used uncomfortable, participants restart date of July 4 already terms of access to jobs or incidents of discrimination “Saliva testing could poten- in the trial’s saliva test, which will spit into a pot. Test results pencilled in. housing,” according to a new because of their skin colour over tially make it even easier for the government said had will be received within 48 But while most Britons report from the government’s the previous five years, up from people to take coronavirus tests already be shown to be highly hours, the government said. have been enjoying a taste of Defenseur des Droits (Rights six percent in 2008. at home, without having to use promising. The pilot will be jointly led normal life, 2.2 million people Defender) agency led by “Discrimination is not the swabs,” said Health Secretary The pilot programme will by Southampton City Council, in England classed as clinically Jacques Toubon, a former result of individual responses, Matt Hancock. involve further validation of the the University of Southampton, extremely vulnerable have justice minister. “They are more a few human resource directors “This trial will also help us technique against PCR nasal and the state-run health service, been advised to continue to exposed to joblessness, poverty, who refuse to hire blacks or learn if routine, at-home testing swabs, it said. alongside a wider network of avoid all social contact. poor housing, police ID checks, Arabs,” Toubon wrote. could pick up cases of the virus More than 14,000 doctors public services in Hampshire. TUESDAY 23 JUNE 2020 EUROPE 13 Serbia populists win by landslide as many parties boycott polls

AP — BELGRADE Election authorities said, after counting nearly A preliminary official vote 65 percent of the ballots, that Vucic’s Serbian count yesterday of Serbia’s Progressive Party won around 61 percent of parliamentary election confirmed an overwhelming the vote, followed by his ally, the Socialists, victory for populist President with around 10 percent. They said turnout was Aleksandar Vucic’s right-wing governing party. 50.32 percent. Election authorities said, after counting nearly 65 vote in large numbers to give a close populist ally, the prime percent of the ballots, that him a strong mandate for minister of neighbouring Vucic’s Serbian Progressive internationally mediated Hungary, Viktor Orban, who Serbian President, and leader of the Serbian Progressive Party, Aleksandar Vucic, celebrates his Party won around 61 percent peace negotiations on the said in a message that under party’s victory in parliamentary elections, in Belgrade yesterday. of the vote, followed by his future of Serbia’s former Vucic’s leadership, Serbia is ally, the Socialists, with province of Kosovo. Serbia ready, alongside other central coronavirus lockdowns Some opposition leaders A former extreme nation- around 10 percent. They said has rejected Kosovo’s decla- European nations “to be a began. The voting — initially alleged that the vote was alist, Vucic briefly served as turnout was 50.32 percent. ration of independence in winner of the decade ahead planned for April but post- marred by irregularities and information minister in the A partial boycott of the 2008. of us.” poned because of the pan- intimidation of voters. An government of late strongman vote, by the main opposition The European Union’s “I am convinced that your demic — was held as Serbia opposition mayor of the Slobodan Milosevic during the parties who said Vucic envoy for Kosovo, Miroslav successful governance has still is reporting dozens of western town of Sabac said bloody 1990s wars in the unfairly dominated the state- Lajcak, was expected in Bel- laid the groundwork for new cases daily. he will demand a repeat of the Balkans that killed more than run media, helped pave the grade later yesterday to meet Serbia to become a full Despite the partial balloting, while one of the 100,000 people and drove way for Vucic’s Progressives Vucic. The president travels member of the European boycott, some smaller parties leaders of the pro-boycott millions from their homes. to control about 190 seats in next to Moscow, a key ally, Union by the end of the four- still took part in the vote, but bloc insisted the turnout was While Vucic now says he the 250-member assembly. and a US-brokered Serbia- year parliamentary cycle,” could not make it over the 3 lower than officially stated. seeks EU membership for Vucic declared the party’s Kosovo meeting is set for June Orban said. percent threshold to get into “The boycott succeeded, Serbia, critics warn that dem- victory as “historic.” The 27 in Washington. Sunday’s vote in Serbia parliament. Full official the government will have no ocratic freedoms have been autocratic Serbian president Among the first to con- was the first national election results are expected by legitimicy,” Dragan Djilas said sharply eroded since his party had called on supporters to gratulate Vucic yesterday was in Europe since the Thursday. in a statement. came to power in 2012. US, Russia hold arms talks with little hope of accord Bulgaria makes face masks AFP — VIENNA which to beat its growing rival. Trump has already scrapped again raised the issue of what on it. The deadlock over New The delegations made no several treaties with Russia — he called China’s “no-show” by START and the demise of other compulsory The United States and Russia are statement when they arrived at on overflights and on interme- tweeting a picture of an empty nuclear arms control treaties meeting in Vienna for talks on 8.30am at the Niederoester- diate-range nuclear forces. negotiating table decked with “suggest that the era of bilateral again as virus their last major nuclear weapons reich Palace in the Austrian US ambassador Marshall Chinese flags. nuclear arms control agreements agreement against a backdrop of capital where the talks are Billingslea and Russian Deputy “Beijing still hiding behind between Russia and the USA growing tensions and differences taking place. Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov #GreatWallofSecrecy on its might be coming to an end,” said cases rise over whether they see any value Daryl Kimball, executive are nonetheless to discuss the crash nuclear build-up, and so Shannon Kile of the Stockholm in arms control at all. director of the Washington- future of the New START treaty, many other things,” Billingslea International Peace Research REUTERS — SOFIA US President Donald Trump based Arms Control Association, which was agreed in 2010 and said in his tweet. Institute. insists that China should be said the insistence on including expires in February 2021. China’s mission in Vienna According to the institute’s Bulgaria yesterday ordered resi- involved in the talks on New China showed the Trump That leaves very little time responded by ridiculing the latest research, Russia has 6,375 dents to wear protective face START, the treaty that caps US administration was not serious to renew a complex deal, let tweet as “performance art”. nuclear warheads, including masks again at all indoor public and Russian nuclear warheads, about an accord. alone negotiate a new treaty China’s nuclear arsenal is those that are not deployed, and places after the Balkan country because he says up until now “The only conclusion I can involving China, especially with rapidly expanding but is still far the United States has 5,800. recorded its highest weekly rise Beijing has had a free pass to do come to is that... the Trump a November presidential smaller than those of the US and China comes a distant third in novel coronavirus cases. as it likes in developing weapon administration (does) not intend election looming. Russia. with 320 warheads. The order, issued by Health systems. to extend New START and is The current treaty limits Speaking over the weekend, Song Zhongping, a defence Minister Kiril Ananiev, came 10 China has shown no sign of seeking to display China’s dis- each side to 1,550 deployed Ryabkov played down prospects analyst in Beijing, said 2,000 days after his move to make the being interested, giving Wash- interest in trilateral arms nuclear warheads. when he said that while it would warheads would be an ideal wearing of masks indoors ington fresh cause for com- control talks as a cynical excuse While there were no public be “correct and logical” to agree arsenal for China, whose main “highly recommended” but not plaint, although critics say the to allow New START to expire,” statements from the delegations an extension, the future of the concern is to counter the United mandatory, apart from on public US finds that a useful stick with Kimball said. on Monday, Billinsglea once world was not solely dependent States. transport, in pharmacies and medical establishments. “The only purpose for doing this is to preserve the health and Putin pays homage to life of Bulgarian citizens,” Ananiev said, adding that people should wear masks at shops, World War II dead sports events, cinemas and the- atres. Staying 1.5 metres apart AFP — MOSCOW victory in the Great Patriotic from other people is also War, is sacred,” Putin said in a compulsory. President Vladimir Putin paid televised ceremony, using the Ananiev said up to 1,000 homage to Russia’s World War Russian name for the war. fans would be allowed at II dead yesterday as he visited “We are improving the football stadiums for Bulgarian an enormous new Orthodox armed forces, we are equipping league matches. cathedral built to honour the them with new material, their The Black Sea state with a military. combat capacity is increasing,” population of nearly seven Nearly 100 metres high and Putin said alongside the head million people, has reopened crowned by six golden domes, of the Russian Orthodox restaurants and cafes while the Cathedral of the Armed Church, Patriarch Kirill. stay-home recommendations Forces in a military theme park The ceremony was held on were lifted in most places. outside Moscow is now Russia’s the 79th anniversary of the Nazi However, Bulgaria recorded third-largest Orthodox invasion of the Soviet Union and 606 new COVID-19 cases last Christian church. ahead of a huge military parade week, the country’s highest It sparked controversy planned on Wednesday to mark weekly rise. Bulgaria has earlier this year when it was 75 years since victory in the recorded 3,905 cases and 199 revealed that it would include war. Putin was forced to deaths from the coronavirus. mosaics featuring Putin and reschedule the parade from “Obviously, last week’s data Soviet-era dictator Joseph May 9 because of the corona- President Vladimir Putin greets veterans during a wreath-laying ceremony, which marks the for the whole country is Stalin. The mosaics were even- virus pandemic, which has seen anniversary of the beginning of the Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany in 1941, at the Tomb alarming,” capital Sofia mayor tually removed at Putin’s Russia record the world’s third- of the Unknown Soldier, in Moscow, yesterday. Yordanka Fandakova said. “This request. highest number of cases. includes Sofia. “For us Russians, the He has also rescheduled a “That is why we are con- memory of all those who fought, public vote on constitutional changes, the reforms will reset stay in the Kremlin until 2036. military power and Orthodox stantly discussing and consid- those who died, who with their reforms, initially planned for presidential term limits, In power for 20 years, Putin Christian values to boost his ering the situation. We have to strength brought us closer to April, for July 1. Among other allowing Putin to potentially often vaunts the country’s support among Russians. learn to live with the virus.” Russian court hands prison Defence lawyers seek more investigations into MH17 downing AP — SCHIPHOL against Ukraine’s government. Russians Igor Girkin, Sergey Another defence lawyer, terms to two activists “For that reason it can’t be Dubinskiy and Pulatov as well Sabine ten Doesschate, asked Defence lawyers for a Russian ruled out that evidence went as Ukrainian Leonid judges to order new investiga- AFP — SAINT PETERSBURG charged with involvement in the missing, was manipulated or even Kharchenko. tions including interviews with downing of Malaysia Airlines was augmented,” Van Eijck said. Earlier this month, prose- witnesses who claimed to have A Russian court yesterday sentenced two leftist activists to long Flight 17 over eastern Ukraine in The trial of three Russians and cutors outlined in detail how seen fighter jets in the sky around prison terms on controversial terror charges in a case that has 2014 cast doubt yesterday on a Ukrainian charged with mur- the international investigation the time MH17 was shot down, sparked widespread criticism. prosecutors’ assertions that the dering all 298 passengers who ruled out other theories and suggesting that the Ukraine air Viktor Filinkov, 25, and Yuli Boyarshinov, 28, were accused passenger jet was shot down by died on board the Amsterdam- concluded that a Buk missile force could even have used pas- of belonging to the “Network” terrorist group, which prosecutors a Buk surface-to-air missile. Kuala Lumpur flight is still at an trucked into Ukraine from a senger jets as “human shields” said plotted an armed uprising during the presidential election in The comments came as Dutch early phase, when defence Russian military base was used for its fighter planes. 2018 and terror attacks during that year’s World Cup. defence lawyers for Oleg Pulatov attorneys can ask judges to order to shoot down the plane. She also asked for more Filinkov was jailed for seven years while Boyarshinov was began listing their requests for further investigations. But Van Eijck accused investigations into radar images handed five years and six months, an AFP reporter in the Saint further investigations in the inter- None of the suspects has investigators of tunnel vision in from the day of the downing. Petersburg military court said. national probe into the July 17, appeared for trial. Only one, focusing on that theory and not Van Eijck also called into The maximum sentence for affiliation with a terror group in 2014, downing of MH17. Pulatov, has lawyers representing adequately checking out other question the international Russia is 10 years. Defence lawyer Boudewijn him in court. All of the suspects possible causes, such as the investigation’s reliance on Supporters of the two men alleged they were victims of a van Eijck pointed out to judges face a maximum sentence of life possibility MH17 was shot down information from Ukraine to security services’ conspiracy, law enforcement overreach and that prosecutors were unable to imprisonment if convicted. by a Ukrainian fighter jet. build the case against the four torture. seal off or carry out forensic After years of investigations, “It certainly seems that they suspects, saying that one Both men intially pleaded guilty, but Filinkov retracted his investigations at the crash scene, an international team of inves- are extremely attached to the Ukrainian prosecutor has said confession after saying it was given under duress and that he was which was in a region controlled tigators and prosecutors last Buk missile scenario,” Van Eijck he wanted to prove Russia was beaten and subjected to electric shocks in detention. by pro-Russia rebels fighting year named four suspects: said. involved. 14 AMERICAS TUESDAY 23 JUNE 2020 US President downplays Trump looking to reverse remarks about meeting fortunes after Tulsa fiasco Venezuela’s Maduro AP — CARACAS

Trump’s demeanour President Donald Trump was sullen when he yesterday appeared to walk back comments that he would exited his helicopter consider meeting Venezuela’s on his return to the Nicolás Maduro (pictured) following an interview that White House from the cast doubt on his support for Tulsa event, which the socialist leader’s main had been billed rival, Jua n Guaidó. Trump said in a tweet M as the president’s onday that “I would only meet triumphant return to with Maduro to discuss one thing: a peaceful exit from anti-socialist stand. the campaign trail power!” That followed a White “Unlike the radical left, I after the coronavirus House interview published will always stand against Sunday by Axios in which the socialism and with the people pandemic put things news website reported that of Venezuela,” Trump said. on hold. Trump made lukewarm com- “My Admin has always stood ments about recognizing on the side of freedom and AFP — WASHINGTON Guaidó as Venezuela’s legit- liberty and against the imate leader — the linchpin of oppressive Maduro regime!” the US’ 18-month campaign to The United States was first US President Donald Trump is in remove Maduro. among more than 50 nations desperate need of a political “I think that I wasn’t nec- to back Guaidó, who as head boost after a fiasco of a campaign essarily in favor, but I said - of the opposition-led congress rally in Tulsa left him looking like some people that liked it, some claimed presidential powers a leader detached from the A file photo of US President Donald Trump walking with Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaido people didn’t. I was OK with in early 2019, arguing that multiple crises gripping the prior to holding talks at the White House in Washington. it. I don’t think it was — you Maduro’s reelection had been United States. know, I don’t think it was very invalid. In addition to the poor our times!” he tweeted. a shambles, ravaged by against a rival who is leading in meaningful one way or the Guaidó was a surprise attendance, Trump’s per- The tweet was Trump’s latest COVID-19. the polls while making few cam- other,” Trump was quoted as guest at Trump’s annual State formance at the Oklahoma rally salvo against mail-in voting, With the coronavirus death paign appearances. telling Axios. of the Union address in Feb- on Saturday had the air of a tired which is expected to take on toll in the United States reaching As Trump struggles, his He also said he would con- ruary, where Trump recog- showman seeking to recapture added significance this year 120,000, Trump defied the former National Security Advisor, sider meeting Maduro despite nised Guaidó as the only the energy that drove him to an because of the coronavirus advice of health authorities to John Bolton, is promoting a tell- the fact that the Venezuelan “legitimate president of Ven- upset victory over Hillary Clinton pandemic. hold a rally in an indoor stadium. all book that paints a damning leader was indicted recently ezuela” and said that Maduro’s in 2016. Trump has frequently In his Tulsa speech, Trump portrait of the president. on US drug trafficking charges: hold on power “will be Tie undone, Trump’s claimed with no evidence that said he had asked his staff to “I hope (history) will “I would maybe think about smashed and broken.” demeanour was sullen when he mail-in voting is particularly sus- “slow the testing down” to remember him as a one-term that.... Maduro would like to But Trump’s former exited his helicopter on his return ceptible to fraud. prevent discovery of more virus president who didn’t plunge the meet. And I’m never opposed national security advisor, John to the White House from the Poll after poll shows Demo- cases, a remark his campaign country irretrievably into a to meetings - you know, rarely Bolton, says in an upcoming Tulsa event, which had been cratic presidential candidate Joe staffers tried to pass off later as downward spiral,” Bolton said in opposed to meetings. book that Trump had wavered billed as the president’s trium- Biden with a comfortable lead just a “joke.” an interview with ABC News. “I always say, you lose very on his support for Guaidó. phant return to the campaign over his Republican rival. He spent more than 14 He expressed fears about little with meetings. But at this At times Trump wanted to trail after the coronavirus pan- The billionaire real estate minutes of his one hour and 43 potential damage to the world’s moment, I’ve turned them take military action to oust demic put things on hold. tycoon who crafted a stunning minute speech explaining why flagship democracy if Trump down,” he said, according to Maduro, but he also said the His gloomy appearance political upset in 2016 has shown he had haltingly descended a wins a second term. the Axios report. socialist leader was too strong summed up the reality of the sit- his resilience on numerous occa- ramp following a speech at the “The concern I have, The comments sent social for Guaidó to topple, according uation -- the November 3 sions and cannot be counted out West Point military academy. speaking as a conservative media in Venezuela ablaze, to Bolton. election is 133 days away and his yet. Trump said he was wearing Republican, is that once the with many wondering whether Presidential candidate Joe campaign is struggling. But confronted with twin leather-bottomed shoes and was election is over, if the president Trump was pulling the rug Biden in his own tweet took a And if Trump’s tweets yes- crises — the COVID-19 pandemic trying to avoid “falling on my wins, the political constraint is from under the opposition, shot at Trump. erday morning are any indi- and nationwide protests for racial ass.” Trump did fling a few barbs gone,” Bolton said. which has struggled to ignite “Trump talks tough on cation, a golf outing on Sunday justice — the 74-year-old pres- during his Tulsa speech at Biden, Washington is rife with mass protests and has failed Venezuela, but admires thugs did nothing to improve his mood. ident has appeared overmatched, accusing his November opponent rumours of a potential shake-up to break military support for and dictators like Nicolas “ Rigged 2020 election: Mil- unable, his critics say, to capture of being a “puppet” for both in the Trump campaign with Maduro despite an unprece- Maduro,” Biden said. lions of mail-in ballots will be the pulse of the country. China and the “radical left.” But campaign manager Brad Parscale dented economic collapse. “As President, I will stand printed by foreign countries, and The strong economy which the president is still clearly in the firing line. No changes have Trump, however, yes- with the Venezuelan people others. It will be the scandal of Trump has touted endlessly is in searching for an angle of attack been announced for the moment. terday doubled down on his and for democracy.” US Senate, House steer toward first votes on competing police reform bills Trump’s former aide Bolton says REUTERS — WASHINGTON while the House is due to vote sentiment for stopping Democrats have largely about is with a strong piece of on more sweeping Democratic excessive force by police, espe- denounced the Senate Repub- federal legislation,” Represent- North Korea’s The Republican-led US Senate legislation on Thursday. cially against African-Amer- lican bill, saying it relies heavily ative Hakeem Jeffries, who and Democratic-led House of Nearly a month after Floyd’s icans, many are urging Congress on incentives to encourage leads the House Democratic Kim laughing at Representatives will vote this death in Minneapolis with a to seize the opportunity to police reforms rather than man- Conference and helped write week on separate bills aimed at police officer’s knee on his neck quickly pass legislation. dating changes in law and the Democratic bill, told MSNBC US President addressing police misconduct that set off weeks of protests, Last week Trump signed an policy, as the Democratic bill yesterday. following George Floyd’s death neither measure, as written, executive order aimed at does. Some Senate Republicans Republicans regard the AFP — WASHINGTON, in police custody, but neither appears to have enough bipar- guiding police reforms. also are seeking tougher Democratic measure as a measure is likely to become tisan support to win approval Some hope a bipartisan provisions. “poison pill,” partly because it Former US national security law. from both chambers and be alternative can emerge by “This is a national problem would allow misconduct victims adviser John Bolton said on The Senate is expected to signed into law by Republican amending the Senate measure of police violence that we have. to sue police, which critics say Sunday he thinks North hold a procedural vote on a President Donald Trump. or by reconciling the bills It requires a national solution. would have a chilling effect on Korean leader Kim Jong Un Republican bill by tomorrow, With strong public through negotiation. And the only way to bring that law enforcement. “gets a huge laugh” over US counterpart Donald Trump’s perception of their rela- tionship. Bolton spoke to ABC News Public to honour for his first interview ahead of the Tuesday release of his tell- all book, which contains many Rayshard in Atlanta damning allegations against Trump. after police shooting When journalist Martha Raddatz asked if Trump “really believes Kim Jong Un loves REUTERS — ATLANTA outrage over police brutality and him,” Bolton replied he could racism in the American criminal see no other explanation. The public were to have the justice system. “I think Kim Jong Un gets opportunity to pay their respects Brooks, 27, was the latest in a huge laugh out of this,” to Rayshard Brooks, the African a long line of unarmed African Bolton said. “These letters that American shot in the back by an Americans whose fatal the president has shown to the Atlanta police officer, at a encounters with law press... are written by some viewing to be held yesterday at enforcement have been captured functionary in the North the historic Ebenezer Baptist on video. Korean Workers Party Church. The killings have triggered agitprop office. Following the public demonstrations demanding “And yet, the president has viewing, family and friends will racial justice that have erupting looked at them as evidence of gather a private funeral for daily across the country in recent this deep friendship,” he said, Brooks the next day, and the weeks. adding that friendship does not church’s website will live-stream The protests have prompted amount to international the services. several localities to review police diplomacy. The venue carries special funding and procedures, Bolton also said he does significance for people of color including New York state, which not consider Trump to be fit in the United States. Rev. Martin enacted a package of policing for office and hopes he is a Luther King Jr, perhaps the most overhauls earlier this month. one-term president. influential and charismatic civil Brooks died on June 12 after The hearse carrying the coffin of Rayshard Brooks is pictured ahead of his public viewing, a day “I hope (history) will rights leaders of the 1960s, an employee at a Wendy’s fast- before his funeral in Atlanta, Georgia, yesterday. remember him as a one-term preached at the church until his food restaurant called police to president who didn’t plunge assassination in 1968. say a customer had fallen asleep the country irretrievably into Filmmaker Tyler Perry will in his car in the drive-through Video then shows one of the posed no threat. with murder. A second officer, a downward spiral we can’t underwrite will underwrite the lane and appeared intoxicated. officers shooting him twice in the Surveillance and other Devin Brosnan, 26, was placed recall from. We can get over costs of the funeral, according to After failing a sobriety test, back, with one round piercing videos also appeared to show on administrative duty and one term,” he said. the Brooks family’s lawyer. Brooks tussled with two police his heart, officials said. one officer kicking Brooks and charged with aggravated assault. Bolton added that he will The death of Brooks two officers and wrested a Taser stun Fulton County District another standing on his The city’s police chief resigned. vote for neither Trump nor weeks ago, coming on the heels gun from one of them. Brooks Attorney Paul Howard said shoulders as he lay dying. The Wendy’s restaurant was Democrat Joe Biden in the of the killing of George Floyd then appeared to fire the Taser Brooks was running away at the The former Atlanta police burned down during a demon- November presidential elec- while in the custody of Minne- in the direction of the officers time of the shooting. He was officer who shot Brooks, Garrett stration on the first night after tions. Instead, he will “figure apolis police, intensified national before turning and running. more than 18 feet away and Rolfe, 27, was fired and charged the killing. out a conservative Republican to write in” on the ballot. TUESDAY 23 JUNE 2020 AMERICAS 15 New York lifts more curbs as virus cases soar in other states REUTERS — NEW YORK Once the epicentre of the global outbreak, After more than 100 days of a the city was the last region in New York coronavirus lockdown, New state to move into Phase 2 of reopening with York City residents yesterday celebrated the lifting of more restaurants offering outdoor service and many restrictions by getting their first shops reopening. Barber shops and hair salons haircuts in months, shopping at welcomed customers for the first time since reopened stores, and dining at outdoor cafes. mid-March, with some fully booked for the Once the epicentre of the next two weeks. global outbreak, the city was the last region in New York state to People shop at Macy’s Herald Square store on the first day of the phase two re-opening of businesses move into Phase 2 of reopening wailing of ambulance sirens. On “It feels like my life is following the outbreak of the coronavirus, in the Manhattan borough of New York City, yesterday. with restaurants offering its worst days, New York state starting to get back to normal a outdoor service and many was losing 1,000 lives a day, little bit. It feels really nice the I’m talking to them about hospitalisations, a metric not a partly empty arena in Tulsa, shops reopening. Barber shops hospitals were overwhelmed fact that I can sit and have a putting in guidelines so we don’t affected by more testing. Oklahoma. Health experts have and hair salons welcomed cus- and bodies filled makeshift coffee,” said Arden Katine, 34, have people coming from these The number of new cases warned people to avoid large tomers for the first time since morgues. Yesterday it reported a teacher who lives nearby. other states,” Cuomo told rose by a record last week in gatherings and wear masks but mid-March, with some fully 10 deaths from the coronavirus. The soaring outbreak in MSNBC. Arizona, California, Florida and few took that advice in Tulsa. booked for the next two weeks. The usual traffic jams clogged other states worried New York While new cases in New Texas, together home to about Trump initially dismissed Playgrounds were also due streets and the sound of Governor Andrew Cuomo who York and New Jersey are at a third of the US population. the threat of the coronavirus to reopen yesterday in the most honking cars brought a said he was talking with neigh- record lows with 1 percent- 2 Alabama, Georgia, Nevada, and sparred with state gov- populous US city. The pandemic welcome normalcy. bouring states about putting percent of tests coming back Oklahoma, Oregon, South ernors as they tried to slow its has killed more than 120,000 Customers wearing face restrictions on travellers from positive, a dozen states in the Carolina, Utah and Wyoming spread. Americans and is flaring up in coverings lined up outside areas with high transmissions South and Southwest United also experienced record spikes. His approval ratings have a dozen states that reported Clementine Bakery in the such as Arizona and Florida. States reported record increases Seeking a second White since dropped, and Democratic record increases in cases last Brooklyn neighbourhood of Earlier this year, Florida in new coronavirus cases. House term in a November 3 presidential candidate Joe Biden week. Bedford-Stuyvesant yesterday, ordered arriving New Yorkers In some, 10 percent to 20 election, President Donald now leads him by 13 points. At the height of the out- and a few enjoyed the warm to self-quarantine for two percent of people tested Trump travels to Arizona today According to the latest break, New York City’s usually summer morning sipping iced weeks. positive. for a Phoenix youth gathering. Reuters/Ipsos poll, 76 percent bustling streets were deserted coffee at scattered tables on the “It’s more effective if we act The same states often Trump held his first political of Americans remain concerned and nights were filled with the sidewalk. as a regional collaboration, and reported record rally in months on Saturday at about the spread of COVID-19. US designates four major Chinese media outlets as foreign missions NY police officer suspended after REUTERS — WASHINGTON Times, and reflected their real by Reuters earlier this month. missions. In March, Washington credentials expire by the end of status as “propaganda outlets” The four outlets will be said it was slashing the number 2020. 'chokehold' The United States will start under the control of the Chinese added to five others placed of journalists allowed to work Referring to the new desig- treating four major Chinese Communist Party. under restrictions in February at US offices of major Chinese nations, Stilwell said: “The incident video media outlets as foreign The move comes as US- over US allegations that they media outlets to 100 from 160 Communist Party does not just embassies, it said yesterday, a China tensions are heightening were used by China and its due to Beijing’s “long-standing exercise operational control REUTERS — NEW YORK move that will restrict their in the run-up to President Communist rulers to spread intimidation and harassment of over these propaganda entities, operations on American soil. Donald Trump’s November re- propaganda. journalists.” but it has full editorial control A New York police officer was David Stilwell, the senior US election bid. The outlets will be required In response, China said it over their content. This... is an suspended on Sunday after a diplomat for East Asia, told China’s embassy in Wash- to inform the US State was revoking accreditations of obvious step in increasing the video posted online appeared reporters the designation would ington did not immediately Department of their personnel American correspondents with transparency of these and other to show him putting a Black affect China Central Television, respond to a request for rosters and real-estate holdings, the New York Times, News (Chinese) government propa- man in a chokehold during an the China News Service, the comment. Plans for the new similar to rules covering Corp’s Wall Street Journal and ganda activities in the United arrest. People’s Daily and the Global designations were first reported embassies and other diplomatic the Washington Post whose States.” The New York Police Department banned the use of chokeholds in 1993. But the death of George Bolivia President signs Floyd after a police officer knelt on his neck while detaining him in Minneapolis on May 25 has off on September polls put police tactics and methods in the spotlight again. “After a swift investigation despite virus fears by the Internal Affairs Bureau, a police officer involved in a AFP — LA PAZ the pandemic. I have a country disturbing apparent chokehold suffering and many politicians incident in Queens has been Bolivia’s interim president and authorities demanding elec- suspended without pay”, New Jeanine Anez signed into law on tions as soon as possible,” she York City Police Commissioner Sunday a bill calling for general said in a recorded message. Dermot Shea said in a tweet on elections on September 6 after Anez rejected accusations Sunday. criticism over her reluctance to that she intends to remain in “While a full investigation hold a vote during the corona- power and demanded that is still underway, there is no virus pandemic. Morales, his chosen successor question in my mind that this The conservative leader Luis Arce and fellow candidate immediate action is necessary”, assumed the presidency in Carlos Mesa “assume with Shea said. November after her predecessor courage the responsibility they The video posted online Evo Morales fled the country fol- have for demanding so insistently showed many officers lowing three weeks of protests that we hold elections in the restraining the man on his over his controversial re-election midst of a pandemic.” stomach. One officer appeared to an unconstitutional fourth The three men have yet to to have his arm wrapped term. respond. around the man’s neck, the Health workers carry out an epidemiological sweep, visiting house by house in different neighbourhoods She had been under pressure Both chambers of Congress video showed. of the city of Santa Cruz in order to detect cases of COVID-19 and be able to treat them in their homes to ratify a bill to set a new date approved the bill setting Sep- The man was hospitalised for elections, originally scheduled tember 6 as the new date last to avoid the collapse of the health system. late on Sunday. On Thursday, for May 3 but postponed because week, despite her party the New York City Council of the public health emergency. abstaining from the vote. for the spread of the pandemic told reporters on Sunday that more than 1,000 daily cases for overwhelmingly passed a bill “I have received pressure But Anez had resisted signing and would put the health of cit- Bolivia would reach a peak of the first time on Saturday, that would order the city’s demanding elections on Sep- the bill into law, arguing it would izens at risk. 130,000 infections by mid-Sep- bringing the total number of con- police force to itemise and tember 6, that is, in the midst of coincide with the worst moment Health minister Eidy Roca tember The country recorded firmed infections to 23,512. explain its surveillance gear. Hundreds test positive at New York City to remove Roosevelt statue over racism concerns

Tyson Foods plant in Arkansas AFP — NEW YORK a Native American man— who subjugated and racially great-grandson. AP — ST PETERSBURG are both on foot. inferior,” Mayor Bill de Blasio “The composition of the New York City announced on Citing the ongoing said in a statement. Equestrian Statue does not Tyson Foods is looking into reports that China’s customs agency has Sunday it would remove a movement for racial justice, “The City supports the reflect Theodore Roosevelt’s suspended poultry imports from a Tyson facility in the United States statue of former US President the museum said: “We also Museum’s request. It is the legacy. It is time to move the after coronavirus cases were confirmed among its employees. Theodore Roosevelt long crit- have watched as the attention right decision and the right statue and move forward.” But A Tyson spokesman said on Sunday that the plant in question is icised as a racist and coloni- of the world and the country time to remove this prob- President Donald Trump crit- in Springdale, Arkansas. alist symbol, but the move has increasingly turned to lematic statue.” icized the decision to remove “At Tyson, we’re confident our products are safe and we’re hopeful drew criticism from Donald statues and monuments as Theodore Roosevelt the statue, tweeting: “Ridic- consultations between the US and Chinese governments will resolve Trump. powerful and hurtful symbols became the 26th US president ulous, don’t do it!” Trump had this matter,” wrote spokesman Gary Mickelson in an email to The The decision comes with of systemic racism.” at the beginning of the 20th called on police to arrest dem- Associated Press. the United States gripped by The Roosevelt statue, it century, and while he was cel- onstrators who took down a “Our top priority is the health and safety of our team members, widespread protests against added, “has long been contro- ebrated as a conservationist statue of Confederate general and we work closely with the US Department of Agriculture’s Food racial inequality — sparked by versial because of the hierar- and progressive at the time, he Albert Pike in Washington DC Safety and Inspection Service to ensure that we produce all of our the killing in police custody of chical composition that places also held racist views towards on Friday. food in full compliance with government safety requirements,” the George Floyd, an unarmed one figure on horseback and black and Native American The protests against racial statement added. Mickelson also noted that all global and US health black man — with demon- the others walking alongside, people, according to the AMNH inequality and police brutality organizations, in addition to the US Food & Drug Administration, strators toppling a number of and many of us find its depic- website. A Roosevelt family have seen the toppling or agree that there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 statues of figures with racist tions of the Native American member released a statement removal of statues depicting associated with food. legacies. and African figures and their approving the removal. Confederate generals, colonial The announcement out of China on Sunday gave no details of The bronze sculpture of placement in the monument “The world does not need figures and slave traders in the the quantity of meat affected. On Friday, Tyson Foods announced Roosevelt, which has been at racist.” statues, relics of another age, United States, Britain and New the results of coronavirus testing at its facilities in Benton and Wash- the entrance of the American New York City authorities that reflect neither the values Zealand. ington Counties, Arkansas, and said that about 95 percent of Museum of Natural History agreed to the museum’s of the person they intend to The figures targeted by employees who ultimately tested positive for the virus didn’t show (AMNH) for 80 years, depicts request to remove the statue, honor nor the values of protesters have included Chris- any symptoms. Of the 3,748 employees tested, 481 tested positive the former leader on horseback “It explicitly depicts Black and equality and justice,” said The- topher Columbus and British for COVID-19, and 455 were asymptomatic. towering over a black man and Indigenous people as odore Roosevelt IV, aged 77, a colonialist Cecil Rhodes. 16 MORNING BREAK TUESDAY 23 JUNE 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY FAJR03.15 am SUNRISE 04.45 am o o Hot daytime with slight dust to blowing dust at some places 32 C 41 C at times, relatively hot by night. ZUHR 11.36 am ASR 02.59 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 01:29 – 18:28 LOW TIDE 01:29– 11:52 MAGHRIB 06.29 pm ISHA 07.59 pm W ALRUWAIS: 32o↗34o W ALKHOR: 30o↗36o W DUKHAN: 31o↗35o W WAKRAH: 29o↗41o W MESAIEED 29o↗41o W ABUSAMRA 30o↗36o

Disneyland Paris plans phased reopening from July 15

AFP — PARIS Visitors aged 11 and despite uncertainty over how older will have to the coronavirus outbreak will Disneyland Paris said yesterday unfold, the resort is allowing that it would begin a “phased wear face masks due people to cancel or modify their reopening” of the theme park to the coronavirus Disney Hotel reservations on July 15, with visitor numbers without cost up to seven days limited via a new online reser- pandemic. before arrival. vation system to ensure social Some 16,000 people work at distancing. the resort, which began halting Visitors aged 11 and older for both cast members and shows and limiting the number will have to wear face masks, guests,” the company said in a of people inside even before and many shows and events will statement. France’s nationwide lockdown remain suspended because of Same-day ticket sales will took effect in mid-March, after the coronavirus pandemic, the no longer be available, and some maintenance workers resort said. people with non-dated tickets tested positive for COVID-19. “We A hotel at the site, which or annual passes will have to are thrilled to see one of the main usually has some 15 million vis- reserve spots. tourism destinations in Europe itors per year, will open on July The park has also suspended and the largest single-site 15, followed by staggered the “FastPass” service that lets employer in France reopen to openings of others through the people reserve time slots for guests and its employees,” Sophie Crowds watch as Snow White and her prince ride past on a carriage during the Main Street Parade summer. The phased reopening certain rides “to allow for the Huberson of France’s SNELAC at Disneyland Paris, in Marne-la-Vallee, in this file picture. Disneyland Paris has announced a gradual will see “enhanced health and necessary queue management”. leisure industry association said safety measures implemented To encourage people to come in Disney’s statement. reopening on July 15 after a four-month closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. Need for speed: Japan supercomputer is world’s fastest BBC to spend £100m on AFP — TOKYO roughly 415.53 petaflops — 2.8 Computational Science, said in times faster than the second- a statement. diverse content Japan’s Fugaku supercomputer, ranked US Summit supercom- Fugaku has also topped built with government backing puter’s 148.6 petaflops. several other supercomputer AFP — LONDON and used in the fight against A supercomputer is more performance rankings, coronavirus, is now ranked as than 1,000 times faster than a becoming the first to simulta- The BBC announced yesterday the world’s fastest, its devel- regular computer, according to neously sit atop the Graph500, it would focus £100m ($124m) opers announced yesterday. Riken. HPCG, and HPL-AI lists. from its commissioning budget It snatched the top spot on Summit had topped the last Supercomputers are vital over the next three years on the Top500, a site that has four rankings over the previous tools for advanced scientific “diverse and inclusive tracked the evolution of com- two years. work because of their ability content”. puter processing power for Fugaku, meaning Mount to perform rapid calculations The pledge from the UK more than two decades, said Fuji in Japanese, has been for everything from weather public service broadcaster the Riken scientific research under development for six forecasts to missile comes amid increased debate centre. years and is expected to start development. about racism and discrimi- The list is produced twice full-time operation from April A Riken-developed fore- nation sparked by protests at a year and rates supercom- 2021. But it is already being put runner to the Fugaku has held the death of George Floyd in A file photo shows Japan’s Fugaku supercomputer at the Riken puters based on speed in a to work on the coronavirus the title of world’s fastest the United States. Center for Computational Science in Kobe, Hyogo prefecture. benchmark test set by experts crisis, running simulations on supercomputer, but in recent “The £100m investment from Germany and the US. how droplets would spread on years the race to develop the will support our commitment Fugaku was jointly office spaces with partitions leading-edge IT developed for challenges such as COVID-19,” powerful machines has been to diversity and inclusion in developed by Riken and the installed or packed trains with it will contribute to major Satoshi Matsuoka, the head of dominated by the US and our TV output across all firm Fujitsu and has a speed of windows open. “I hope that the advances on difficult social Riken’s Center for China. genres, including children’s, education and current affairs,” the BBC said. It committed to creating Celebrities come together to content with diverse stories and production teams, while join efforts for virus vaccine a mandatory target of 20 percent “diverse-talent” will AFP — BRUSSELS governments and billionaire apply to all network commis- philanthropists. Von der leyen sions from next April. Coldplay, Justin Bieber, Jennifer says the money will help A BBC spokesman said this Hudson, David Beckham, develop a vaccine for the novel target would only apply to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson coronavirus and help make crew, not on-screen talent, and European Commission sure it is shared with the most and look at “black and president Ursula von der Leyen. vulnerable populations. minority ethnic, disability and Megastars of music, film, Johnson, a former pro- socio-economic diversity”. sport, fashion and regional gov- wrestler turned movie star, will The BBC has for years been ernance will join online events host the event. seeking to better represent on Saturday to support the “This moment in history minority groups but said the search for a coronavirus requires all of us, so let’s join “media industry is not vaccine. “Artists have the together to chart a better changing fast enough”. power to inspire change. They future, for everyone,” he said, “The senseless killing of use their talents to serve great according to a European Com- George Floyd — and what it causes,” von der Leyen said, mission statement. tells us about the stain of sys- announcing the conference and Star power will be brought temic racism — has had a pro- a concert. Along with US-based to the online event by celebrity found impact on all of us,” said movement Global Citizen, the artists such as Miley Cyrus, Salma BBC director general Tony EU executive is sponsoring a Hayek, Charlize Theron, Forest Hall. fund-raising and coordination Whitaker and Angelique Kidjo. “It’s made us question our- A performance for plants drive to boost efforts to control They will be joined by the likes selves about what more we the epidemic. Since a first fund- of former Nigerian finance min- can do to help tackle racism — The Uceli Quartet perform for an audience made of plants during a concert created by Spanish artiste raising summit on May 4 the ister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, pres- and drive inclusion within our Eugenio Ampudia and that will be later streamed to mark the reopening of the Liceu Grand Theatre effort has raised pledges of ident of the Gavi vaccine alliance organisation and in society as in Barcelona, yesterday, amid a national lockdown to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. almost ¤10bn from and candidate to lead the WTO. a whole." 4,500-year-old monument discovered in England Wind turbine sounds do

AFP — LONDON wider Stonehenge landscape, and this that the early Britons had a counting not harm health: Study astonishing discovery offers us new system to track pacing across long A vast, 4,500-year-old monument, insights into the lives and beliefs of our distances. AFP — HELSINKI — emissions which cannot be thought to be one of the largest prehis- Neolithic ancestors,” she said in a Richard Bates, of the School of Envi- picked up by the human ear. toric structures found in Britain, has been statement. ronmental Sciences at the University of The low-frequency, inaudible People in many countries have discovered near Stonehenge in southwest It is thought the shafts may have St Andrews, said the discovery “gives us sounds made by wind power blamed the infrasound waves for England, archaeologists said yesterday. served as a boundary to a sacred area a glimpse of the past which shows an stations are not damaging to symptoms ranging from headaches Some 20 or more massive shafts connected to the mysterious circle of even more complex society than we human health despite widespread and nausea to tinnitus and cardi- forming a circle — more than 10 metres standing stones on Salisbury Plain. could ever imagine”. fears that they cause unpleasant ovascular problems, researchers (33 feet) in diameter and five metres deep The discovery was made by a team The announcement came a day after symptoms, research published in said. Scientists used interviews, — have been uncovered close to the of archaeologists from various British the Summer Solstice — the longest day Finland yesterday said. sound recordings and laboratory ancient settlement of Durrington Walls, universities — St Andrews, Birmingham, of the year — which is normally marked A number of studies have tests to explore possible health just three kilometres (two miles) from Warwick, Glasgow and the University of by thousands of people gathering at already concluded that the audible effects on people living within 20 Stonehenge. Wales Trinity Saint David — using Stonehenge at sunrise. noise from the energy-generating km of the generators. Nick Snashall, National Trust archae- fieldwork and analysis. The event was cancelled this year windmills does not cause health Yet the findings “do not ologist for the Stonehenge and Avebury The latest findings date back to the because of the coronavirus outbreak and impacts beyond annoyance and support the hypothesis that infra- World Heritage Site, called the latest find Neolithic period, an age associated with was instead broadcast online. sleep disturbance in people living sound is the element in turbine an “astonishing discovery”. the first farmers in Britain, and marked English Heritage has provided access close by. sound that causes annoyance,” “As the place where the builders of by development of occasionally large to the event since 2000 but warned vis- However, the two-year Finnish researchers said, adding: “It is Stonehenge lived and feasted, Durrington structures, including Stonehenge. itors not to travel to the 3,000 BC Neo- project, commissioned by the gov- more likely that these symptoms Walls is key to unlocking the story of the Academics believe the shafts show lithic monument this year. ernment, examined the impact of are triggered by other factors such low-frequency — or infrasound as symptom expectancy.”