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TUESDAY 13 APRIL 2021 1 RAMADAN - 1442 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 8591 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Amir exchanges Ramadan greetings

QNA — DOHA King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein on this blessed occasion. H H the Amir exchanged of the Hashemite Kingdom of Amir responded with a cable of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin greetings with Jordan, in a phone call held by thanks. His Highness also Hamad Al Thani exchanged leaders of Saudi H H the Amir yesterday. exchanged cables of congratu- greetings on the advent of the Arabia, Kuwait, His Highness also exchanged lations with Their Majesties, holy month of Ramadan with Ramadan greetings with Pres- Excellencies, and Highnesses the Custodian of the Two Holy Turkey, Oman, ident of the Arab Republic of leaders of Arab and Islamic Mosques King Salman bin Jordan, Egypt, Egypt H E Abdel Fattah El Sisi in countries, on the occasion of the Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Morocco, and a phone call. advent of the holy month. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during Iraq. H H the Amir also exchanged Deputy Amir H H Sheikh a phone call yesterday evening. greetings on the advent of the Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani H H the Amir also exchanged holy month with H M King also exchanged cables of con- greetings on the advent of the call yesterday. Mohammed VI of the Kingdom gratulations with Their High- holy month with Amir of the His Highness also held of Morocco and President of the nesses and Excellencies crown State of Kuwait H H Sheikh phone calls with H M Sultan Republic of Iraq H E Dr. Barham princes and vice-presidents of Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Haitham bin Tariq of Oman and Salih, during two phone calls Arab and Islamic countries, on Sabah and Crown Prince H H Deputy Prime Minister for yesterday evening. the advent of Ramadan. Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Cabinet Affairs in the Sultanate Amir also received a cable Prime Minister and Minister Jaber Al Sabah, in two phone of Oman H H Fahd bin from Speaker of the Shura of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin calls held by H H the Amir Mahmoud Al Said yesterday Council H H Ahmed bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani yesterday. evening and exchanged Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud also exchanged cables of con- H H the Amir also exchanged greetings on the advent of the on the occasion of the advent of gratulations with Their Excel- greetings with President of the holy month. the holy month, extending his lencies heads of governments Republic of Turkey H E Recep Amir also exchanged greetings and greetings of of Arab and Islamic countries on Tayyip Erdogan, during a phone Ramadan greetings with H M members of the Shura Council the occasion. Shura Council approves draft law on compulsory health insurance

DOHA According to the draft law, health insurance QNA — well-established relations that include the formation of the Ramadan is mandatory to ensure the provision of basic between the two countries. He investment and trade court and Timing The Shura Council yesterday healthcare services to expatriates and visitors added that H E Chairman valued its primary and appeals depart- approved a draft law on regu- to the country. the position and role of the State ments. The draft law also defines Today's Iftar: lating healthcare services in of Qatar in supporting the the jurisdiction of the court, 5:56pm Qatar and referred its recom- Issuance and renewal of visas and residence Sudanese people, especially its including disputes related to mendations in this regard to the great and fruitful efforts for commercial contracts, lawsuits Tomorrow's Imsak: government. permits for expatriates and visitors will be peace, development and recon- arising between merchants and 03:44am The Council held its regular conditioned on submitting proof of holding struction in Darfur, and that the related to their business, dis- weekly meeting via video con- health insurance for the duration of the stay. meeting reflected the common putes related to non-Qatari ference under the chairmanship desire to develop the Qatari- capital investment in economic Ramadan from of Speaker H E Ahmed bin The draft law provides for medical treatment Sudanese relations. activity, disputes related to the Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, to beneficiaries in emergency situations The Council continued its operations of banks, insurance at the Council’s headquarters. session, where it discussed a draft companies, financing and today: Moon At the outset of the meeting, without requiring them to pay anything until law amending some provisions investment companies, bank- the Speaker extended, on behalf the danger is overcome, even if the service of Law No. 5 of 2015 on Com- ruptcy disputes, bankruptcy pre- sighting panel of himself and members of the provider is not within the beneficiary's mercial, Industrial and Similar ventive conciliation, patent dis- Shura Council, sincere congrat- network of service providers Public Shops, and Street Vendors. putes, protection of competition, QNA — DOHA ulations to Amir H H Sheikh The Council approved the prevention of monopolistic Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on aforementioned draft law and practices, combating practices The Moon Sighting Committee the advent of the holy month of more achievements under the Council about his meeting last decided to refer its recommen- harmful to national products in of the Ministry of Endowments Ramadan, asking Allah the wise leadership of H H the Amir, Wednesday with Chairman of dations regarding it to the international trade, disputes and Islamic Affairs announced Almighty to return it to H H the hoping for the end of the pan- the Transitional Sovereignty esteemed government. related to e-commerce and its yesterday that Monday, April Amir with continued good health demic in Qatar, the Arab and Council of the Republic of Sudan The Council also discussed transactions, and disputes 12, was the completion of the and happiness, and to the loyal Islamic nations, and the whole H E Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah Al a draft law in establishing the related to partnership contracts month of Shaaban, and that people of Qatar and its residents world. Burhan and explained that the investment and trade court. between the government and today (April 13) will be the first with further prosperity and H E the Speaker briefed the meeting focused on the The draft law has 35 articles private sectors. `P2 day of the blessed month of Ramadan. This came in a statement issued by the committee after 98.4% of vaccinated people its meeting yesterday evening at the Ministry of Endowments safe from COVID-19: Official and Islamic Affairs, chaired by Dr. Sheikh Thaqeel Al SIDI MOHAMED Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech Shammari. THE PENINSULA vaccines are effective The committee held its against the new strains from meeting to sight the crescent Medical Director of the Commu- the UK and South Africa, Moon of the holy month of nicable Disease Center at Hamad Ramadan and to prove the tes- Medical Corporation (HMC), Dr. according to these companies’ timony of whoever see it. Muna Al Maslamani, has said announcement. The Committee extended that about 98.4 percent of those greetings to Amir H H Sheikh who received the vaccine did not two weeks, Qatar has seen a sig- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, get coronavirus infection, since nificant increase in the number Father Amir H H Sheikh the beginning of the vaccination of daily new COVID-19 cases and Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, drive in Qatar until March 28. has been recording more than Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Only 1.5 percent were 900 new cases each day for the Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, infected either after the first or past few days. and the wise government, the second dose, she said. Dr. Muna Al Maslamani people of Qatar and all Speaking to Qatar TV yes- noted, “In January this year, we Muslims, on the advent of the terday, Al Maslamani said, “This monitored the number of cases holy month of Ramadan. came through our monitoring of admitted to the hospital in the more than 400,000 people who acute cases unit which were received the vaccine until March about 7,796 cases, of whom only People shop on the eve of Ramadan at Souq Waqif. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA 28.” 57 cases had been vaccinated. She added that Moderna and The number of cases who Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines are entered the intensive care unit Markets witness rise in footfall on eve of Ramadan also effective against the new was 1,160, and only 7 of them virus strains from the UK and were vaccinated.” THE PENINSULA — DOHA month. Across Doha, several past nine years. South Africa according to these She also urged people to foods synonymous with Ministry’s Consumer Pro- companies’ announcement, but donate plasma as there are many After the announcement Ramadan like dates, fruits, and tection Department also con- people should not forget that the infected cases who need it confirming the beginning of nuts are in high demand. ducts strict monitoring of com- effectiveness of the vaccine is not because they can’t take other Ramadan today, several The Ministry of Commerce mercial outlets during QUARTER-FINALS 100 percent and therefore pre- medicine due to some health shopping centres and food and Industry (MoCI) had earlier Ramadan to check compliance TODAY 10PM QATAR TIME cautions must be taken. problems. “We suffer from a outlets saw an increase in announced the launch of its dis- with the rules like proper “We still need more studies shortage of plasma and we call patronage physically and elec- counted consumer goods initi- display and details of the Chelsea vs FC Porto (2-0) to see their effectiveness on those recovering from the tronically. ative, which covers more than products. regarding the new strains,” she coronavirus to donate plasma Citizens and residents made 650 products during Ramadan The monitoring helps sig- Paris Saint-Germain vs said. Both the UK and South through the Communicable last-minute runs to take this year. nificantly in ensuring the avail- Africa COVID-19 variants are cir- Disease Center at Hamad advantage of the numerous The Ministry has been car- ability of quality commodities Bayern Munich (3-2) culating in Qatar. During the past Medical Corporation.” offerings on the eve of the holy rying out this initiative for the at reasonable prices. `P3 02 HOME TUESDAY 13 APRIL 2021

Speaker of the Shura Council H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud chairing the weekly meeting via video conference at the Council's headquarters, yesterday. Shura Council approves draft law on compulsory health insurance

FROM PAGE 1 Health will set standards for the The draft law provides for After discussion, the Council provision of healthcare services the provision of healthcare decided to refer the draft law in government and private services to beneficiaries in to the Legal and Legislative health facilities as well as com- emergency situations without Affairs Committee to submit a pulsory health insurance and requiring them to pay any report on it to the Council. supervision. It will also provide amounts until the danger is At the end of the session, the an integrated, high-quality, effi- overcome even if the service Council reviewed the supple- cient and sustainable health provider is not within the mentary report of the Public system and work on developing network of healthcare service Services and Utilities Committee and maintaining compulsory providers to the beneficiary, on a draft law on regulating health insurance. and that this does not prejudice healthcare services in Qatar. According to the draft law, the right of the healthcare After extensive discussion health insurance is mandatory service provider to refer to a of the report, the Council to ensure the provision of basic company insurance, or the decided to approve the draft health care services to expa- employer or the person, as the law and refer its recommenda- triates and visitors to the case may be, to pay the cost of tions in this regard to the country. The issuance or this service. esteemed government. renewal of an entry visa for an The draft law defines the The draft law on healthcare expatriate or visitor, and rights and duties of patients that services in the country has 47 granting or renewal of a resi- must be observed when receiving articles and 6 chapters and stip- dence permit, as well as healthcare services and the obli- ulates the provision of employment of expatriates are gations of the parties to the healthcare services to citizens only permitted after submitting insurance contract and providers in government health facilities proof they hold compulsory of healthcare services, as well as free of charge. Under the draft health insurance for the the penalties for violators of its law, the Ministry of Public duration of the stay. provisions.

QU-CENG honours students on Dean’s List for Fall and Spring 2020

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Assistant Dean for Students excellence and achievements. Affairs of CENG, parents, and “It is my pleasure to be at Qatar University’s College of students. this event to honor the distin- Engineering (QU-CENG) Eng. Waled Mukahel guished students to ensure the honoured 388 male and 441 thanked parents and students care that students get at CENG, female students on the Dean’s who attended and the com- which is committed to deliv- List for Fall and Spring 2020 in munity representatives. He ering high-quality education for a virtual ceremony. insisted on the importance of students to prepare them for Present at the event were honouring and recognizing stu- after-graduation life in line with Dr. Khalid Kamal Naji, Dean of dents who achieve high scores the future engineers’ criteria CENG, Eng. Waled Mukahel, to motivate them towards more and standards,” he said. TUESDAY 13 APRIL 2021 HOME 03

QRCS to raise $100m to support vaccination of vulnerable people OFFICIAL NEWS

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) Amir condoles with launched yesterday an international Custodian of the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) launched Two Holy Mosques yesterday an international campaign to raise campaign to raise $100m in support $100m in support of the provision of of the provision of COVID-19 Doha: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin COVID-19 vaccines for 3,650,000 refugees, vaccines for 3,650,000 refugees, Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir H H internally displaced people (IDPs), and Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, migrants in 20 countries. internally displaced people (IDPs), and Prime Minister and Minister of The launch of the campaign was and migrants in 20 countries. Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa announced by Sheikh Abdullah bin bin Abdulaziz Al Thani sent yesterday Thamer Al Thani, President of QRCS, and and livelihoods lost. The inequitable dis- cables of condolences to the Custo- Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, tribution of vaccines is not just a moral dian of the Two Holy Mosques King Director-General of the World Health outrage; it is also economically and epi- Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Organization (WHO). Representatives demiologically self-defeating.” Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the death of partners and contributors participated Ambassador Ali bin Khalfan Al Man- of H H Prince Bandar bin Faisal bin in the online press conference. souri, Permanent Representative of the Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. -QNA This campaign comes amidst a State of Qatar to the United Nations in FM receives phone critical humanitarian situation, where Geneva, said: “This is an admirably gen- Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, H E Dr. Ghaith bin Mubarak Al Kuwari; Director- call from US Special COVID-19 remains a considerable threat erous humanitarian initiative that seeks to many lives. Inspired by its sense of General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to vaccinate the most vulnerable refugees, Envoy for Iran responsibility, QRCS is launching this and President of QRCS,Sheikh Abdullah bin Thamer Al Thani with other officials IDPs, and migrants everywhere. They are Doha: Deputy Prime Minister and humanitarian drive supporting the World during the press conference. desperately in need of vaccination.” Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Health Organization Foundation. Anil Soni, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al The #IAmVaccinatedIDonated initi- between the rich and the poor.” “The campaign will also provide an of WHO Foundation, said: “I salute QRCS Thani received yesterday a telephone ative will be under a large-scale campaign “The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic unprecedented opportunity for Muslims for launching an initiative to call on Qataris call from the US Special Envoy for to mobilize support at the government, insti- Affairs in Qatar is pleased to be among the worldwide to use Zakat money to support to see in Zakat an opportunity to reach Iran H E Robert Malley. During the tutional, and individual levels. It involves a contributors to this campaign, to protect COVID-19 vaccination efforts, in com- out, through WHO, and help ensure that phone call, the two sides discussed public advocacy campaign for COVID-19 against COVID-19, by providing vaccines pliance with the rules of Islamic Shariah. everyone has access to vaccines.” the latest regional developments, vaccine equity and leaves no one behind as for refugees and migrants. The ministry As Muslims around the world welcome the Dr. Hussam Elsharkawi, Regional mainly in Iran. -QNA no one is safe until everyone is safe. will contribute QR10m from the Health holy month of Ramadan, the time of spir- Director of the International Federation Qatar condemns Addressing the press conference online, Min- Care Endowment Fund,” he added. ituality, mercy, good deeds, solidarity, and of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Soci- ister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, H E Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Thamer Al Thani redoubled reward, we hope they will join eties (IFRC), thanked Sheikh Abdullah bin attack on Natanz Ghaith bin Mubarak Al Kuwari said: “Since said this humanitarian campaign would this unique effort,” said Sheikh Abdullah. Thamer Al Thani for this generous initi- nuclear facility in Iran the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the reach those living in humanitarian emer- Dr. Ghebreyesus said: “While the ative. He commended QRCS for trying to strongest calamities affecting people, we gencies or places where they are at risk pandemic has affected all of us, the ensure some equity among those who Doha:The State of Qatar expressed must unite to limit its spread and provide of being left behind and must be part of poorest and most marginalised have need vaccination and those who can pay its strong condemnation and denun- vaccines for people without discrimination COVID-19 vaccination efforts. been hit hardest – in terms of the lives for it. ciation of the attack on the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran, and consid- ered it a dangerous act of sabotage Qatar Scientific Club Ramadan activities that would increase tension and nega- tively affect the security and stability of QNA — DOHA the region. In a statement issued yes- terday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Qatar Scientific Club of the Ministry of Culture and Sports affirmed the State of Qatar’s full sup- announced its activities during the holy month of Ramadan, which port for the course of negotiations over focus on scientific and cultural competitions, specialized work- the Iranian nuclear program to reach shops and interactive experiences through virtual platforms. a comprehensive settlement satisfac- The club will present an interactive scientific program every tory to all parties. -QNA Wednesday, in which the most important experiences of Muslim MoPH: 973 new virus scholars, their achievements and their impact on the progress of mankind will be highlighted. Through the program, personalities of cases, two deaths Muslim scholars and examples of their experiences will be presented Doha: The Ministry of Public Health in a simple, interesting scientific way, and these achievements will be (MoPH) yesterday announced 973 explained in an interactive manner. The Mawahib Program will con- new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in tinue during the holy month, It is a weekly program that sheds light on the the country. Among them 233 were talented (for the age group less than 25 years) in cooperation with the travelers returning from abroad. The Gifted Students Department at the Ministry of Education and Higher Edu- Al Hammadi meets Pugwash International official Ministry also reported two new deaths, cation, and aims to provide a stimulating environment for talented and aged 43 and 70. Also 559 people have distinguished students, as the talented people with special skills, who possess Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi met recovered from the virus, bringing the a sense of innovation, and have the ability to bring about positive change yesterday with Pugwash International Secretary-General Professor H E Paolo Cotta-Ramusino. They total number of recovered cases in in a way that benefits them and the community will be hosted. reviewed cooperation relations. Qatar to 170,194. -The Peninsula Healthcare officials urge public to follow precautions during Ramadan

FAZEENA SALEEM to the pandemic,” he said. protected from COVID-19 THE PENINSULA “Therefore we urge by being vaccinated, but everyone eligible to get urged the community to The health sector’s medical vaccinated against COVID follow steps to avoid the and administrative staff has 19 and follow all precau- spread of the virus. stressed the importance of tionary measures,” he “Majority of the elderly adhering to COVID-19 added. While, echoing the who are considered as vul- prevention guidelines same Dr. Muna Al nerable to COVID-19 have during the holy month of Maslamani, Medical been vaccinated in the Ramadan. Director, Communicable country. I invite everyone In a social media cam- Disease Center, Hamad who has not yet received paign they have advised Medical Corporation has the vaccine to get it as soon public to take responsibility also urged everyone to take as possible, especially with of following COVID-19 pre- responsibility and follow the emergence of the UK cautions and avoid gath- COVID-19 precautionary strain of the virus,” she said. erings throughout the month. measures. “And people should still Dr. Hamad Al Rumaihi, “As we welcome the take proactive steps to Director of the Health Pro- holy month of Ramadan protect themselves from tection and Communicable this year, we still face chal- COVID-19 and limit the Diseases Control lenges posed by COVID 19 spread of the virus,” she Department at the Ministry and increased number of added. of Public Health, has urged cases in the community. Ali Al Khater, Chief the public to make sure to This puts immense respon- Communications Officer at protect themselves, loved sibility before us to follow HMC and Chair of the ones by getting vaccinated precautionary measures Healthcare Communica- against COVID-19. and protect ourselves, fam- tions Committee has “For the second year, we ilies and society,” she said. encouraged people to avoid welcome the holy month of “It important for eve- gatherings during the holy Ramadan as we still face a ryone to prevent gatherings month of Ramadan to major challenge with and family visits until this prevent the spread of increased number of people pandemic ends,” she added. COVID-19. He has also infected with COVID-19. But Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad, stressed to maintain a the Ministry seeks to expand national lead for healthy social distancing, wear face the COVID-19 vaccination ageing on the Qatar mask and maintain good campaign further and ensure National Health Strategy hand hygiene as the most that majority of people to be has said that the elderly and important measures to curb vaccinated and see an end vulnerable have been the spread of COVID-19. Markets witness rise in footfall on eve of Ramadan

FROM PAGE 1 and Souqs are allowed to operate at a Meanwhile, a variety of dates are available capacity of 30%. Children under 16 years to meet the customers’ needs for Ramadan. are not allowed in the malls and Souqs, and More than 12 types of dates are in the Souqs would be closed on Fridays and market. Al Khalas date is considered the Saturdays. most popular among consumers compared Speaking to The Peninsula, a shop to other varieties. manager at Souq Waaqif said, “The patronage Prices at the Souq Waqif are usually at has been moderate, considering the the wholesale price, starting at QR150 for COVID-19 restrictions. Many people prefer an 8kg box. In other places, it will be more to order and have it delivered to them, but a expensive and may reach more than few have visited to get some products.” QR200. Hence, there’s an increase in A shopper at a local commercial patronage around the Souq Waqif. Medjool complex said, “I usually shop in advance dates (large) from Jordan cost QR70/kg and to avoid overcrowding. With COVID-19, medium (QR40/kg). Mabroom and Piarom the malls and Souqs are not particularly cost QR50/kg; Ajwa costs QR70/kg; Zahidi full due to the measures in place. After the dates from Iran cost QR8/kg; while dry Ramadan start was confirmed, I ordered dates from Pakistan are being sold at QR12/ some necessary foodstuffs and decorations kg. online, but of course, you can forget a few Due to COVID-19, the relevant author- things; hence, a quick dash to the store is ities announced that commercial complexes necessary.” 04 HOME TUESDAY 13 APRIL 2021 Special Envoy meets German Federal Foreign Office Director 7th DIMDEX in March 2022

THE PENINSULA — DOHA (COVID-19) pandemic, which of the event are the Middle East challenged the pandemic and Naval Commanders Conference Under the generous patronage contributed to enhancing its (MENC). Thought leaders of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin development. worldwide will discuss the Hamad Al Thani, the Organizing On his expectations for the latest trends related to maritime Committee of the Doha Inter- upcoming edition, Chairman of defense and security and the national Maritime Defense DIMDEX, Staff Brigadier (Sea) popular visiting warships Exhibition and Conference Abdulbaqi Saleh Al Ansari, said: display at Hamad Port. (DIMDEX) announced its read- “With a year left until the next DIMDEX 2022 is expected to iness to hold the 7th edition of edition, we continue to strive to play a vital role in fostering the the exhibition (DIMDEX 2022), present another outstanding symbiotic relationship between hosted and organized by the edition of DIMDEX. We draw the global defense industry and Qatar Armed Forces from confidence from how the global governments and facilitating March 21 to 23, 2022 at the defense and security sector knowledge exchange to com- Qatar National Convention responded to the pandemic by plement the national defense Centre (QNCC). introducing new technologies to system and Qatar's growing DIMDEX 2022 will be held swiftly address emerging needs. defense industry. under the slogan / Connecting We are extremely thrilled with Although primarily a mar- the Worlds Maritime Defense the overwhelming support we itime defense exhibition, various and Security Community/ in are getting from our exhibitors, branches of the Qatar Armed keeping with its status as one sponsors, and partners, as they Forces will participate at the of the premier events in the confirm their participation in the event, not only to showcase their global maritime defense and next edition.” assets and capabilities but also security calendar. He added: “We remain to interact with the industry and The organizing committee acutely aware of the challenges exchange views about new and of the Doha International Mar- that the world is facing, and the emerging technologies and also Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Counterterrorism and Mediation in Conflict Resolution itime Defense Exhibition and new norms that have been to reflect Qatar’s unwavering H E Dr. Mutlaq bin Majed Al Qahtani met yesterday with Director General of Political Directorate of Conference affirmed, in a imposed because of the commitment towards developing the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany H E Dr. Philipp Ackermann, in the statement that the DIMDEX COVID-19 pandemic, and its flourishing domestic defense presence of Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Germany H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al 2022 exhibition is looking therefore will remain vigilant and security sector in all its forms Thani. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries. forward to the participation of and practice the highest level locally. an unprecedented number of of health and safety precautions The much-anticipated 2022 senior government officials, for DIMDEX 2022.” edition of DIMDEX is shaping executives, key decision- A record number of local and up to be the biggest ever, with 369 people referred to Public Prosecution makers, and exhibitors under international companies will the exhibition landscaped over one roof, as it is one of the spe- showcase their latest products, 35,000 sqm. QNA— DOHA curb the spread of the coro- number of four people allowed cialized exhibitions in the field capabilities, and cutting-edge Eager to take advantage of the navirus (COVID-19). in a vehicle including the driver, of security and defense that will technologies at the event in the opportunities that the show will The designated authorities Among them, 216 people except when they are members be held non virtually. presence of key decision-makers provide for commerce and referred 369 people to the were referred to the Public of one family, 138 who did not The statement indicated and prominent officials to facil- knowledge-sharing, China, Public Prosecution for Prosecution for not wearing adhere to the safe distance, and that the next edition would shed itate business deals between France, India, Italy, Turkey, and violating the preventive and masks in places where they are two others for not installing light on the resilience with many parties, whether govern- the USA have confirmed the precautionary measures mandatory, while 13 were Ehteraz app on their mobile which the global defense ments or companies. presence of their national enforced by the country to found violating the maximum phones. industry faced the Coronavirus Among the other highlights pavilions. Mowasalat, Microsoft to power digital QU’s Student Clubs hosts over transformation of public transport in Qatar 150 activities despite COVID-19 THE PENINSULA — DOHA According to statistics, the THE PENINSULA — DOHA ations management. Qatar University’s (QU) club registered a rapid “As a trusted cloud Student Clubs and Organiza- increase in students’ Microsoft has announced a partnership solutions company, tions manage students’ activ- enrollment, reaching with incumbent public-transport services Microsoft is the ideal ities, giving them opportu- provider Mowasalat (Karwa) to accelerate partner for us in our nities to organize activities 10,937 compared to 7,796 its digital transformation programme and establishment of a digital related to their growth profes- in 2019. create safe, personalised experiences for enterprise,” said Fahad sionally and learning life passengers. Saad Al Qahtani, Chief skills. This year, students Formalised in a Memorandum of Executive Officer of organized events to keep pace Muhammad Al-Yafei won the Understanding (MoU), the partnership will Mowasalat. with the preventive measures title of “The Best Speaker in include workshops to drive innovative new “Our goal is to put about the COVID-19 the Tournament.” solutions for the nation’s transportation Qatar on the world map pandemic. The Toastmaster Club at industry. Deliverables will consist of as a hub of innovation in This year the Students Qatar University, a branch of roadmaps for the implementation of the transport services Club and Organization carried the Toastmasters International Microsoft technologies. Current plans sector. Together we shall out more than 150 events and Organization in California, aims include developing the concept of Mobility- design training pro- activities. These activities and to develop public speaking, as-a-Service, and the delivery of Microsoft grammes that will help events were organized by communication, and leadership Power BI dashboards and Power Apps bridge the gap between about 54 accredited student skills, earned the award for the agile development. technology companies clubs and organizations on most effective member for The agreement was signed by Ahmed and transportation campus. January and February by a Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Chief Administrative Officer, Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Chief Adminis- entities. We expect These clubs and organiza- student Ahmed Al-Halhali. Mowasalat (Karwa), and Lana Khalaf, Country Manager, Microsoft trative Officer, on behalf of Mowasalat Microsoft’s partner eco- tions are led by students Another student, Abdulrahman Qatar during the agreement signing. (Karwa), and on behalf of Microsoft, by system to play an trained and motivated to Muhammad, won the most Lana Khalaf, Country Manager, Microsoft important role in building achieve achievements that effective member for January Qatar. through skills and certification plans, in agile and modern solutions for Mowasalat.” inspire and encourage fellow 2021. Mowasalat will also work with key areas in Microsoft technology. Also commenting, Ahmed Al Muftah said, “We students to join the club or The Society of Electrical Microsoft to design and build a journey Microsoft will also instruct Mowasalat staff are constantly looking for future-oriented concepts organization. and Electronic Engineering planner to enhance rider experience. on how to leverage the Shifts & Scheduling to keep us on top of the game. Our focus lies not These activities included Engineers, the University Microsoft will train Mowasalat employees, app in Microsoft Teams to enhance oper- only on customer-related interfaces like our Bus conferences, seminars, com- branch Qatar was awarded and Taxi Apps but also on transforming our daily petitions, partnerships with the regional model student operations to optimize our processes. This has international institutions in branch award. The leading helped us to implement our customer-centric phi- Qatar, and providing scien- international society granted losophy while reducing our environmental foot- tific instructions through the association this award due print. Ultimately, tech-based solutions will play an social networking sites. to the outstanding per- integral part in establishing a sustainable transpor- Several campaigns and com- formance of the group at tation legacy in the country.” munity charitable programs Qatar University through the In advance of its hosting of the FIFA World Cup were also organized, and organization of many activ- Qatar 2022, the Government of Qatar is heavily more will be held by the end ities and contributions in aca- investing in projects that will support the projected of the year, including educa- demic, scientific, develop- influx of tourists. Areas of attention include sports, tional and religious activities mental, and social journals. transportation, hospitality, and infrastructure. during the Holy month of Prof. Abdullah Al-Mulla, “Mowasalat is amongst the major stakeholders Ramadan. Director of Student Activities in Qatar’s growth story, which is led by the Min- According to statistics, the Department, said, “We are istry of Transport and Communication,” said Lana club registered a rapid committed to encouraging Khalaf. increase in students’ and helping students partic- “With upcoming global events in the country, enrollment, reaching 10,937 ipate in these organizations, the company furthers its commitment to Qatar compared to 7,796 in 2019. programs, and activities. This and its National Vision 2030. We are excited to These clubs and student is aimed directly at enabling partner with the leading transport service pro- organizations have also students to work within vider to enable its vision to gain world recog- received several achieve- groups dominated by a pro- nition with the trust and reputation of its brand. ments and awards, including fessional work environment It is our aim that these solutions will be recog- the Arab Debating Club (par- that applies democratic pro- nised as benchmarks in excellence among public ticipated in the Gulf Debating cedures and supports inte- services stakeholders around the world and rep- Championship organized by gration and attention to vital licated as gold standards.” Kuwait University). Student issues.” GAC takes part in 25th meeting of GCC Customs Union

QNA— DOHA and transfer of customs duties, and tariff schedule, to tighten customs the feasibility study of joining the control over the smuggling of such The State of Qatar participated in GCC countries to some customs prohibited materials. the 25th meeting of the Gulf Coop- agreements emanating from the The meeting also discussed the eration Council’s Customs Union, World Customs Organization, in minutes of the harmonized system which was held yesterday via vide- addition to the member states’ dis- committee for the classification of oconferencing. cussion of the draft guide for goods and other topics on the agenda. Chairman of the General Authority the”approved economic operator,” The periodic meetings of the of Customs (GAC) Ahmed bin Abdullah at the level of the Gulf states, and customs of the Gulf countries are Al-Jamal and several GAC department reviewing the lists of prohibited and useful in strengthening cooper- directors represented the State of restricted goods. ation between the GCC countries Qatar at the meeting. The heads of customs authorities in all customs fields, especially The meeting discussed many and administrations of the GCC coun- import and export mechanisms and issues, foremost of which is the tries also discussed the proposal of other issues and projects related follow-up of the latest developments the State of Qatar regarding the intro- to international trade and the related to the unified customs law duction of a sub-item related to the common regulatory procedures of the GCC countries, the settlement Khat plant in the unified Gulf customs between them. TUESDAY 13 APRIL 2021 HOME 05 Qatar Cancer Treatment Center HMC urges parents to monitor launched in Burkina Faso children fasting in Ramadan

percent of which are men and THE PENINSULA – DOHA While children are not obligated to fast until 40 percent are women. they reach puberty, many children wish to Therefore, the center is A dietitian from Hamad Medical intended to accommodate all Corporation (HMC) has said it observe the practice during Ramadan. Parents these patients and provide them is generally safe for most can support their children by encouraging with the necessary treatment children to fast during and medical care. Ramadan. them to get plenty of sleep and serving “Qatar would not hesitate However, she urges parents healthy, nutrient-dense foods during Suhoor to exert all needed efforts in to monitor their children and and Iftar. helping our brothers in watch for signs of distress, achieving their development noting that children are at an goals. Driven by our firm belief increased risk for dehydration to abstain for a few hours each as coffee, tea, and soft drinks. that fulfilling humanitarian and and may also experience low day and gradually introducing “Children are at high risk development needs, especially blood sugar as a result of all-day fasting as the child for dehydration, so it is health, forms the main gate to fasting. ages,” Souikey suggested. important for parents to political, social and economic “While children are not She recommended serving monitor their activity level, par- stability in each country,” HE obligated to fast until they reach slow-digesting, fiber-rich foods ticularly when Ramadan falls Sheikh Hamad bin Nasser bin puberty, many children wish to during the hotter months. Jassim Al-Thani said in the observe the practice during It is also important for Minister of State H E Sheikh Hamad bin Nasser bin Jassim Al opening speech. Ramadan,” said Fatma Souikey, parents to monitor their child’s Thani, during inauguration of a functional radiotherapy centre For his part, the Director Clinical Dietitian Supervisor at diet, ensuring they eat suffi- in the city of Ouagadougou. General of QFFD Khalifa bin Hamad General Hospital. ciently but do not overeat, Jassim Al Kuwari, said: “We Parents can support their especially on foods that contain QNA – OUAGADOUGOU capabilities and improve the take pride in such outstanding children by encouraging them high amounts of fat and sugar. quality of cancer care in accomplishment for Qatar. This to get plenty of sleep and Encourage your child to eat Minister of State H E Sheikh Burkina Faso, as well as to min- pioneer medical edifice is a tes- serving healthy, nutrient-dense slowly and to enjoy their meal. Hamad bin Nasser bin Jassim imize seeking adequate tament to the quantum leap of foods during Suhoor and Iftar, This will also help prevent Al Thani, accompanied by high- treatment abroad and to reduce advanced therapeutic medical she said. overeating, which can cause level delegation, and HE Pres- cancer-related deaths. services not only for our “For parents whose children bloating, indigestion, and an ident of the Republic of Burkina The center is built on 3000 friendly state, the Republic of will be fasting for the first time, upset stomach,” added Souikey. Faso Rock Marc Christian square meters of land. It is a Burkina Faso, but also in West we recommend they delay the Souikey noted there may Kaboré inaugurated a func- 1,200 square meter building Africa as well. The Center is Suhoor meal for as long as be health benefits associated tional radiotherapy center in fully equipped with all nec- expected to play a pivotal role possible. Fatma Souikey with fasting for children who the city of Ouagadougou. essary medical equipment. It in building technical capacities This will ensure the fasting are overweight or obese; The project is funded by also provides training to and developing health care hours are not unnecessarily such as wholegrain cereals, however, she recommends that Qatar Fund for Development medical personnel to guarantee services for screening and prolonged and help prevent fruits, and vegetables during parents consult their family (QFFD) in cooperation with the the best cancer treatment treating cancer diseases, pro- undue stress on the child’s Suhoor. It is important for doctor before making any government of the Republic of services. Every year, 1600-1800 moting health, the third SDG, young body. For younger parents to encourage their changes to the child’s diet, par- Burkina Faso. The center’s people in Burkina Faso are saving lives and inspiring hope children, parents can encourage children to drink plenty of ticularly if the child has an mission is to enhance diagnosed with cancer, 60 and healthier life.” shorter fasts, allowing the child water and limit stimulants such existing medical condition. Qatar University, ESCWA host first meeting of Academic Network for Development Dialogue

QNA – DOHA on the last virtual workshop approved a proposal to develop Ali Al Maadeed, stressed that region from the different posi- The meeting aimed to held on December 9, 2020. a standing ANDD book series “this network came from the tions that we hold, and how to The United Nations Economic discuss and approve a It aimed to discuss and approve programme. Additionally, the vision that the UN and univer- leverage the power that and Social Commission for five-year plan of the a five-year plan of the network, meeting included a panel sities, together, can influence learning institutions have to Western Asia (ESCWA) and network, including including necessary task forces discussion that tackled the future of sustainable devel- influence policy decisions at all Qatar University (QU) held the necessary task forces to to complete tools and services research, innovation, and opment in the region as well as levels to advance sustainable first annual meeting of the to support ANDD members, collaboration to advance the in the world.” For his part, Coor- development.” The meeting Academic Network for Devel- complete tools and such as an Arabic-based 2030 Agenda and sustainable dinator of the Strategy, offered an opportunity to opment Dialogue (ANDD). services to support e-learning platform, dedicated development goals during crisis Planning, Accountability, suggest ideas in different areas The virtual meeting was ANDD members. data and statistic sites, and a and post-crisis times. In the Results & Knowledge (SPARK) identified as priorities by the attended by representatives of research indexing tool to make opening remarks, Vice Pres- section of ESCWA, Tarcisio members. Among the sugges- renowned universities and research and reports more ident for Research and Graduate Alvarez-Rivero, stated that “this tions were co-funding programs academic institutions from the representatives from accessible and visible. The Studies at QU and current chair- network allowed us to think and grants focusing on common Arab region and the world and UN-ESCWA. The meeting builds meeting also discussed and person of ANDD, Prof. Mariam about how we can improve the issues, and co-organized events. MoPH announces Ramadan timing for COVID-19 vaccination facilities

THE PENINSULA – DOHA given to people who have Wakra during the holy month received invitations to get vac- of Ramadan. The Ministry of Public Health cinated and who have met the The centres will operate (MoPH) has announced criteria set forth in the from 1pm to midnight everyday working hours at specialized framework of the national pro- throughout Ramadan with the COVID-19 vaccination centres gramme for vaccination against last entry at 11pm. during the holy month of COVID-19. The drive-through centers Ramadan. People will receive an SMS are for second doses only. The COVID-19 vaccination showing the time and date of People are asked to wait centre at Qatar National Con- their appointment and must until the due date for their vention Centre (QNCC) will be present their valid QID card second dose - 21 days after first open from 9am to 1am every when they attend. dose for Pfizer/BionTech and day of the week, including The Ministry has also 28 days after first dose for Friday and Saturday. announced the working hours Moderna - as no second dose MoPH had stressed earlier of the drive-through vacci- vaccines will be administered that COVID-19 vaccine is only nation centres at Lusail and Al earlier. WCM-Q, HMC Heart Hospital team up for ECG course

THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Heart Hospital teamed up to deliver a practical course on the effective use of the electrocar- diogram (ECG) to diagnose a variety of cardiovascular diseases. The one-day course, which was aimed at physicians, nurses, students and other healthcare professionals, explained the basics of ECG use in clinical practice through lec- Dr. Mohamed Elshalzly (left) of WCM-Q and Dr. Sajad Hayat of HMC tures before the participants Heart Hospital co-directed a course for healthcare professionals discussed clinical cases in small on the use of ECG in clinical practice. groups in order to understand how to apply the theory to were Dr. Nidal Ahmad Asaad, guidance on the use of this crit- practical situations. Dr. Nora AlJefairi, Dr. Shahul ically important piece of The participants learned Hameed Ahammed Khan, Ms. equipment with the how to identify changes in ECG Safia Bibi Sayyed GulKarim, Dr. participants. readings and how to interpret Mohammed Mohsen, Dr. Islam I have no doubt that the said changes to identify dys- Elgendy and Ms. Samira knock-on benefits to patients functions such as atrial and Nasrallah. from this course will be very ventricular arrhythmias, cor- Dr. Elshazly said: “The ECG positive and very onary artery disease, and elec- is a powerful diagnostic tool significant.” trolyte abnormalities. that provides great benefits to The course was coordinated The course, titled ‘ECG in healthcare professionals and by the Division of Continuing Clinical Practice’, was directed patients in the identification of Professional Development at by Dr. Mohamed Elshalzly, many forms of cardiovascular WCM-Q and was accredited Assistant Professor of Medicine disease. locally by the Ministry of Public at WCM-Q, and Dr. Sajad Hayat, All of us at WCM-Q are Health’s Department of Consultant Cardiologist and extremely gratified to have Healthcare Professions – Electrophysiologist at HMC been able to work closely with Accreditation Section and inter- Heart Hospital. In addition to the expert health professionals nationally by the Accreditation Dr. Elshazly and Dr. Hayat, the at HMC Heart Hospital to help Council for Continuing Medical expert speakers at the event share the most up-to-date Education (ACCME). 06 HOME TUESDAY 13 APRIL 2021 QRCS launches Ramadan charitable drive for the poor THE PENINSULA — DOHA Under the drive in integral part of the Qatari com- munity, it is our duty during the Qatar Red Crescent Society cooperation with month of mercy and charity to (QRCS) has signed cooperation Lulu Hypermarket, launch campaigns and projects agreements with Lulu Hyper- that match the globally excep- market, Family Food Center, Family Food Center, tional COVID-19 situation.” and Al Khalaf Trading and and Al Khalaf Trading “The Khairkum Sabeq Fes- Marketing, to launch a big and Marketing, the tival is driven by our corporate virtual charitable festival social responsibility (CSR) designed to bring happiness to beneficiaries will towards the poor families we the hearts of poor families. collect ready-to-pick take care of. They can collect Under the drive, the bene- ready-to-pick food packs from ficiaries will collect ready-to- food packs from our partners, donated by charity Officials during the signing ceremony. pick food packs from shopping shopping centres, payers on our website. We will centres, which contain a wide count the donated packs and due to the COVID-19 pandemic. humanitarian role, especially at The food packs can be range of food staples, donated which contain a wide make them available for those All food companies in Qatar are the local level. Our company donated online and collected by benevolent people for those range of food staples. most in need,” said Al Malki. welcome to join this humani- believes in such noble human- from the contributing shopping most in need. Regarding the mechanism tarian initiative at any time”. itarian initiatives that bring centers. Each pack contains 14 The agreements were of the project, Al Sulaiti Said: Al Khalaf said: “I would like happiness into the hearts of the basic food items of different signed by Eng. Ibrahim Abdullah Public Health (MOPH), the “The donors can visit QRCS’s to thank QRCS for allowing us poor.” brands and weights, including Al Malki, CEO of QRCS, Ali signing ceremony was attended website and select the type of to take part in this initiative. We Faisal was happy for rice, sugar, vegetable oil, flour, Hassan Ahmed Al Khalaf, by Muna Fadel Al Sulaiti, Exec- food pack from the company look forward to making a dif- working together with QRCS, pasta, oats, tomato paste, lentils, Chairman of Al Khalaf Trading utive Director of Volunteering they like. Weights and brands ference and helping those in an icon of local and interna- tea, milk, dates, custard, jelly, and Marketing, Shanavas and Local Development differ from one company to need, for the good of Qatari tional charitable work. He and juices. Padiyath, Regional Manager of Division, Mohamed Rashid Al another. However, the price and society”. described this partnership as a When a food pack is pur- Lulu Hypermarket, and Marri, Head of Ramadan 1442 number of food items contained Director of Lulu Group “cornerstone of bilateral solid chased by a donor on QRCS’ Mohamed Shafee Faisal, AH. Campaign Steering Com- in each pack are the same.” International, Dr. Mohamed relations to bolster the human- website, a poor family will Director of Family Food Center. mittee, and Aaron S Billa, Al Marri said: “QRCS has Althaf, said: “We are proud of itarian sector in Qatar, covering receive a code to collect the pack Done individually and suc- Director-General of Al Khalaf inaugurated the first edition of its our partnership with a leading more and more beneficiaries in from the specified shopping cessively in compliance with the Trading and Marketing. Khairkum Sabeq, which will be NGO like QRCS, which has an a united and compassionate centre. The festival will last until instructions of the Ministry of Eng. Al Malki said: “As an virtual this year, as an exception evidently influential society”. the end of Eid Al Fitr. Expert cautions against excessive eating THE PENINSULA — DOHA particularly important for those and increasing fatigue and who have experienced sleep tiredness during other times,” Consultant of Pulmonology and deprivation or poor-quality noted Dr. Al Adab. Sleep Disorders at Hamad sleep in the past. She says that when people Medical Corporation (HMC), “Individuals who have a change their sleeping pattern, Dr. Aisha Hussain Al Adab has history of poor sleeping pat- they can experience not only cautioned that excessive night terns are most at risk of sleepiness but also headaches eating can negatively affect insomnia and circadian rhythm and mood swings, especially sleep quality and lead to sleep sleep disorders after Ramadan. if they fail to prepare for the disorders. "For these individuals, change by slowly adjusting “Meals eaten during establishing a regular sleeping sleeping and waking times Ramadan are often large and and eating pattern during the and decreasing caffeine contain fried and sugary foods. Holy Month is very important. intake. Ooredoo raises awareness Gatherings often turn into cel- Eating directly before sleeping To help regulate sleeping ebrations, with meals becoming should be avoided as the body’s patterns, Dr. Al Adab recom- on digital responsibility as feasts. Eating sensibly and digestive system should be mends to create a bedtime avoiding large, excessive por- resting, not digesting food while ritual that will help you tions, especially directly before sleeping,” noted Dr. Al Adab. unwind, such as reciting or lis- part of Ramadan campaign bedtime, is an important part As the final week of tening to the Holy Quran, of ensuring good sleep quality,” Ramadan approaches, Dr. Al taking a warm shower, or prac- THE PENINSULA — DOHA several short videos, tells the said Dr. Al Adab. Adab recommends gradually Dr. Aisha Hussain Al Adab tising some gentle yoga story of the Internet by com- According to Dr. Al Adab, adjusting waking and sleeping stretches, avoid using elec- Ooredoo Group has launched paring it to a child, one that due to the unique nature of times over several days. She number of patients referred to tronic devices such as mobile its Ramadan campaign, with was influenced, shaped and Ramadan, many people have says this will help the body’s the service. phones and tablets in bed; this year’s efforts to raise moulded by Internet users. It irregular sleeping times during biological clock to Around 40 patients are power off these devices at least awareness on digital responsi- reinforces the message that the day because they stay re-synchronise. referred to HMC’s Sleep Clinic 30 minutes before bedtime, bility and ensure the Internet online safety and positivity awake late at night to perform According to Dr. Al Adab, each week for various issues keep the temperature in is a more positive environment are the responsibility of acts of worship and to socialise. Ramadan can be a challenging relating to sleep disorders. bedroom cool, try not to stress for all. everyone. She says establishing and time for many people due to “The shifting of eating pat- about the amount of sleep are As people continue to "Given the Internet’s rel- maintaining regular eating and altered sleep and eating pat- terns and the types of foods getting and the more stress and weather the COVID-19 pan- ative youth, the main message sleeping patterns throughout terns. She says each year after eaten can actually reprogram worry about having the ‘best’ demic, spending more time shows there’s hope that the the month is an important part Ramadan, the Sleep Clinic at the various clocks our body sleep routine, the more difficult online, digital responsibility ever-growing online com- of successfully ‘readjusting’ Hamad General Hospital expe- runs on, making it more difficult it is for body to relax and shut takes indeed heightened munity can still work together after Ramadan. She says this is riences an increase in the to sleep during certain times down. importance. for a safer, more positive digital With Ramadan a time for world, encouraging people to introspection, thoughtfulness, “make the Internet happy and reflection, this year’s cam- again.” Doha Festival City launches 'Ramadan Around the World' paign highlights the Holy The short videos reinforce Month as the ideal time to this message by drawing THE PENINSULA — DOHA examine the impact online attention to the many ways interactions can have on us and people can use the Internet to Doha Festival City, Qatar’s one the ideal time to start changing do good. Indeed, the videos and only choice for shopping, behaviours. touch on cyberbullying, spread dining, and entertainment, is Introducing the new cam- unverified rumours, and celebrating Ramadan with paign, Sheikh Mohammed bin encourage people to call out special cultural interactive Abdulla Al Thani, Deputy negative behaviour online and activities designed to take Group Chief Executive Officer use this valuable instrument to visitors on a journey across the at Ooredoo Group, said: “The support each other and vital globe, spanning a variety of Internet is an extraordinary causes. cultures and traditions, in invention, a powerful tool “As we move ever closer to observing the customs of that, when used properly, an age of complete digitali- Ramadan worldwide. undoubtedly empowers us in sation, the Internet develops Throughout Ramadan, vis- every way possible. with us, and so its power and itors of the mall can enjoy a "As part of Ooredoo’s potential grow; much like a special Ramadan “Mosahraty vision to enrich people’s child grows and develops Large Drum” photo oppor- digital lives, we continue to towards adulthood. tunity, an interactive instal- invest heavily in developing "We hope our campaign lation to take pictures while and improving our networks will inspire enough people to reenacting the famous across our global footprint. think and reflect. The Internet Mosahraty. But we also want to ensure is what we make it, a reflection The “Mosahraty Large that these digital lives are in of our society, so let’s make it Drum” will be available for cus- fact enhanced by the Internet a positive one starting this tomers daily, during the mall’s and not the opposite.” Ramadan,” Sheikh Mohammed working hours, and will be In a beautifully crafted added. located at the Entertainment animation, Ooredoo’s main The new Ramadan videos Node on the ground floor, near campaign video – an can be seen on all Ooredoo’s The Cheesecake Factory A view of an installation with Ramadan greetings at the Doha Festival City. Ooredoo Ramadan Story — social media channels from restaurant. which launches on the first the first day of the holy month Furthermore, a special “Moon Visitors can also enjoy a special “Islamic Arts memories whilst learning about day of Ramadan along with of Ramadan. Watchers” educational stand and Crafts Booth”, displaying Islamic heritage new cultures and the Islamic display will be on display for vis- arts and crafts traditions from itors to view the backlit moon from all around the world, including paintings, around the world.” MoCI announces recall of BMW phases during Ramadan and wood carving with Islamic patterns, and Islamic Throughout Ramadan, Fes- reflect on their meaning. The tival City façade and different M440i & 420i model of 2021 “Moon Watchers” will be available rugs. areas inside the mall will be for customers to visit during the adorned with special Ramadan mall’s working hours and will be decorations. THE PENINSULA — DOHA up on vehicle defects and located on the first floor between be located at the Atrium Node, during the mall’s working hours. The mall will also adjust its repairs. Eataly and Ladurée. the mall’s ground floor, near Robert Hall, Doha Festival trading hours during Ramadan. The Ministry of Commerce and The Ministry said that it will Visitors can also enjoy a West Court 1 entrance, and will City General Manager, said: Between April 12th to April 24th, Industry, in cooperation with coordinate with the dealer to special “Islamic Arts and Crafts be open for all visitors during “Every year during the holy the mall’s trading hours will be Al Fardan Automobiles, dealer follow up on the maintenance Booth”, displaying Islamic her- the mall’s working hours. month of Ramadan, we offer from 10:00 to 15:00 and from of BMW in Qatar, has and repair works and will com- itage from all around the world, A dedicated “Dates Museum” something special for all Qatar 19:00 to 00:00, while the hyper- announced the recall of BMW municate with customers to including paintings, wood stand will display the different community to enjoy. This year, market will be open continuously M440i & 420i , model of 2021, ensure that they carried out the carving with Islamic patterns, dates for visitors to view and get we would like to invite our cus- from 09:00 to 00:00. From April due to possible defect in the necessary repairs. and Islamic rugs. The Islamic educated about every kind of tomers to visit us and expe- 25th to May 11th, general mall side airbag. The Ministry has urged all Arts and Crafts booth will also date. The podium will be located rience our special Ramadan trading hours will be from 10:00 The recall campaign customers to report any viola- boast a TV screen playing doc- on the ground floor, near the spirit through several unique to 00:00, with an option to trade comes within the framework tions to its Consumer Pro- umentary videos about Islamic South Food Court entrance and cultural and educational dis- until 01:00. The hypermarket will of the Ministry’s continuous tection and Anti-Commercial crafts and trades spanning dif- next to Karafirin restaurant, and plays, devised in a fun and safe be open continuously from 09:00 efforts to protect consumers Fraud Department, which ferent traditions. The booth will will be available for all visitors way, and create amazing to 00:00. and ensure that dealers follow processes complaints. TUESDAY 13 APRIL 2021 MIDDLE EAST 07 Iran blames Israel for sabotage at nuclear site, vows revenge AP — DUBAI spoke briefly to journalists but Israel has not claimed took no questions. Iran blamed Israel yesterday for responsibility for the At an earlier news con- an attack on its underground ference at Israel’s Nevatim air Natanz nuclear facility that attack, but Israeli media base, Austin declined to say damaged its centrifuges — widely reported that the whether the Natanz attack sabotage that imperils ongoing country had orchestrated a could impede the Biden admin- talks over Tehran’s tattered devastating cyberattack istration’s efforts to re-engage nuclear deal and brings a that caused a blackout at with Iran in its nuclear shadow war between the two program. “Those efforts will countries into the light. the nuclear facility. continue,” Austin said. In a Israel has not claimed statement, the White House responsibility for the attack, but said it was aware of the Natanz Israeli media widely reported people for their success on the attack and that “the US was not that the country had orches- path of lifting sanctions,” Iran’s involved in any manner,” trated a devastating cyberattack state-run IRNA news agency without elaborating. that caused a blackout at the quoted Zairf as saying. “But we Details remained scarce nuclear facility. Israeli officials do not allow (it), and we will about what happened early rarely acknowledge operations take revenge for this action Sunday at the facility. The event carried out by the country’s against the Zionists.” Officials was initially described only as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh review secret military units or its launched an effort yesterday to a blackout in the electrical grid a guard of honour during a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, yesterday. Mossad intelligence agency. provide emergency power to feeding above-ground work- Iran Foreign Ministry Natanz, said Ali Akbar Salehi, shops and underground spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh the head of Iran’s civilian enrichment halls — but later acknowledged that IR-1 centri- nuclear programme. He said Iranian officials began referring Libya interim PM in Turkey to boost ties fuges, the first-generation the sabotage had not stopped to it as an attack. workhorse of Iran’s uranium enrichment there, without A former chief of Iran’s par- AP — ANKARA Libyan National Army (LNA), Dbeibah has been trying to enrichment, had been damaged elaborating. amilitary Revolutionary Guard based in Benghazi that con- strike a balance between in the attack, but did not elab- While the nature of the said the attack had set off a fire The head of Libya’s new interim trolled the east. Turkey and Greece, following orate. State television has yet attack and the extent of the at the site and called for government, Prime Minister Turkey also signed an Athens’ concerns over the mar- to show images from the site, damage at Natanz remains improvements in security. In a Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, met agreement with the Tripoli- itime deal with the Tripoli- which saw new advanced cen- unclear, a former Iranian tweet, Gen. Mohsen Rezaei said with Turkish President Recep based government in 2019 to based administration had trifuges turned on there official said the assault set off a that the second assault at Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara delineate the maritime bound- struck with Turkey. Dbeibah Saturday. fire while a spokesman men- Natanz in a year signalled “the yesterday for talks aimed at aries between the two has said his government is “The answer for Natanz is tioned a “possible minor seriousness of the infiltration boosting cooperation between countries. willing to establish a joint Lib- to take revenge against Israel,” explosion.” The attack also phenomenon.” Rezaei did not their nations. Dbeibah, who is accom- yan-Greek committee to Khatibzadeh said. “Israel will further strains relations say where he got his Libya’s interim government, panied by a large delegation resume negotiations to set the receive its answer through its between the US, which under information. which took power last month, that includes 14 ministers, will sea boundary between the two own path.” He did not President Joe Biden is now Following the attack, a is meant to bring together a jointly chair the first meeting of countries and demarcate an elaborate. negotiating in Vienna to re- prominent nuclear spokesman country that has been torn apart the Turkey-Libya High Level exclusive economic zone for oil Iranian Foreign Minister enter the nuclear accord, and Behrouz Kamalvandi walking by civil war for nearly a decade. Strategic Cooperation Council and gas drilling rights. Mohammad Javad Zarif, mean- Israel, whose Prime Minister above ground at the site fell 7 It is also aims to steer through together with Erdogan. Libya was plunged into while, warned Natanz would be Benjamin Netanyahu has metres (23 feet) through an a general election on December Turkish media reports said chaos when a NATO-backed reconstructed with more vowed to stop the deal at all open ventilation shaft covered 24. the two countries will aim to uprising in 2011 toppled advanced machines. That costs. by aluminum debris, breaking Turkey has been closely increase cooperation in energy longtime ruler Muammar would allow Iran to more Netanyahu met yesterday both his legs and hurting his involved in Libya, backing the and health and will also the Gaddafi, who was later killed. quickly enrich uranium, com- with US Defence Secretary head. “A possible minor UN-recognised Government of discuss the return of Turkish The country was in recent plicating the nuclear talks. Lloyd Austin, whose arrival in explosion had scattered debris,” National Accord (GNA), based companies to complete stalled years split between rival east- “The Zionists wanted to Israel coincided with the first Kamalvandi said, without in the capital Tripoli that con- projects in the oil-rich North and west-based take revenge against the Iranian word of the attack. The two elaborating. trolled the west, against the African nation. administrations. Sultan of Oman Lebanon extends area claimed receives written in border dispute with Israel message from Somali President AP — BEIRUT in October to reach a deal over 1,430 square kilometres (550 the disputed area that is square miles). QNA — MUSCAT Lebanon’s outgoing minister of believed to be rich with oil and This area is to be included public works said yesterday that natural gas deposits. The in Lebanese territory on top of H M Sultan Haitham bin Tariq he has signed a decree that meetings that stopped few the already disputed 860 square of Sultanate of Oman received would increase the area weeks later were being held at kilometre- (330 square mile-) a written message from Somali claimed by the Mediterranean a UN post along the border of area of the Mediterranean Sea President Mohamed Abdullahi country in a maritime border the two nations that remain that each side claims is within Farmaajo. dispute with Israel. technically in a state of war. their own exclusive economic The message was Public Works Minister The negotiations were the zones. received by Deputy Prime A base for UN peacekeepers of the United Nations Interim Force in Michel Najjar told reporters that first non-security talks to be Najjar said, however, that Minister for International Lebanon (UNIFIL) is pictured in Naqoura, near the Lebanese-Israeli he has signed an amendment held between the two countries, the decree still required the sig- Relations and Cooperation of the decree that would for- which have no diplomatic rela- natures of the defense minister, border in southern Lebanon on November 11, 2020. Affairs and Personal Repre- mally extend Lebanon’s claims tions following decades of con- prime minister and president sentative of the Sultan Sayyid by 1,430 square kilometres (550 flict. Resolving the border issue to go into effect. its worst economic and financial consumption and export Asa’ad bin Tarik Al Said, square miles). The unilateral could pave the way for lucrative The announcement came as crisis in its modern history and abroad. Lebanon hopes that its during his meeting yesterday move by Lebanon is likely to oil and gas deals on both sides. US Under Secretary of State for had plans to start drilling in own oil and gas discoveries will with envoys of the Somali anger Israel and the US who are In late October, the Leb- Political Affairs David Hale was search for oil and gas in the dis- help alleviate its long-running President, the Minister of not expected to recognize Bei- anese delegation to the talks — expected in Lebanon later this puted area this year. economic troubles. Foreign Affairs and Interna- rut’s extension of the disputed a mix of army generals and pro- weeks to meet Lebanese Israel has already developed It was not immediately how tional Cooperation of Somalia area. Lebanon and Israel began fessionals — offered a new map officials. offshore natural gas rigs, pro- the US and Israel would respond Mohamed Abdirizak indirect talks with US mediation that pushes for an additional Lebanon is passing through ducing enough for domestic to the Lebanese decision. Mohamud, and the Minister of State for Presidency Affairs of the Somali Republic Hassan Muallem Khalif. Investigation finds Syria likely behind 2018 chlorine attack During the meeting, they reviewed relations between AP — THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS that Syrian government armed Assad denies the claims. survived, the report said. be discussed at a meeting of the the two countries, as well as forces likely were responsible In the latest report, the As part of the investigation, OPCW member states later this ways to support and develop An investigation by the global for a gas attack. Last year, the OPCW investigation team said experts interviewed witnesses, month. them in various fields, stated chemical weapons watchdog team also found reasonable it found evidence that a military analysed samples and remnants The investigative team was the Omani news agency. found “reasonable grounds to grounds to believe that the helicopter belonging to the collected from the town as well established after Russia blocked Omani Minister of Foreign believe” that a Syrian air force Syrian Arab Air Force was Tiger Forces of the Syrian air reviewing symptoms reported the extension of a joint investi- Affairs Sayyid Badr bin Hamad military helicopter dropped a responsible for attacks using force dropped at least one by casualties and studying sat- gation mechanism set up by the bin Hamood Al Busaidi also chlorine cylinder on a Syrian chlorine and the nerve agent chlorine cylinder on the rebel- ellite imagery and modelling UN and OPCW in 2015. That met yesterday with the visiting town in 2018, sickening 12 sarin in March 2017 in the town held northern Syrian town of gas dispersion patterns. team accused Syria of using Somali ministers. people, the Organization for the of Latamneh. Saraqeb on February 4, 2018. The OPCW can’t hold indi- chlorine in at least two attacks During the meeting, they Prohibition of Chemical Syria has repeatedly been “The cylinder ruptured and viduals criminally responsible in 2014 and 2015 and of discussed cooperation rela- Weapons said yesterday. accused of using chemical released chlorine over a large for attacks. The report will be unleashing sarin in an aerial tions between the two coun- It is the second time that the weapons during the country’s area, affecting 12 named indi- shared with the organisation’s attack on Khan Sheikhoun in tries in various fields, Oman OPCW’s Investigation and Iden- grinding civil war. The gov- viduals,” the watchdog said in member states and the United April 2017 that killed about 100 News Agency (ONA) tification Team has concluded ernment of President Bashar a statement. Those affected all Nations. The report will likely people. reported. Turkey set to tighten curbs after virus surge

REUTERS — ANKARA weekend lockdowns and closed say is key to transmission, restaurant dining for Ramadan, restricting movement of those Turkey’s daily coronavirus the Islamic fasting month that under 20 and over 65 years, infection numbers have soared starts on Tuesday. and closing sports and leisure above 50,000 and President But the official said the facilities. Based on Erdogan’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan is likely short-lived normalisation March 29 announcement, res- to order a tightening of restric- period did not go well and taurants may be limited to tions this week ahead of the measures were set to be delivery and take-outs during vital tourism season, a senior tightened even more after a Ramadan, while a nationwide government official said. cabinet meeting scheduled for curfew from 9pm until 5am will Turkey ranks fourth glo- Tuesday. continue. Since January, Turkey bally in new case numbers, “There does not appear to has administered 18.7 million which peaked near 56,000 last be a solution other than taking vaccinations. Some 11 million week — a five-fold jump from much harsher measures,” the people have received a first early March, when Erdogan person said. Erdogan’s cabinet dose, out of a population of 84 loosened social curbs in what will act on proposals made by million. he called a period of “controlled a government science board Nurettin Yigit, head doctor at Celebrating the advent of Ramadan normalisation”. that meets on Monday evening, a pandemic hospital in Istanbul, Ankara has blamed lax the official added, requesting said the shots had helped lower Children play music at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City on April 10, 2021, public adherence to rules and anonymity. The official said the average age of inpatients to during preparation for the holy month of Ramadan as COVID-19 restrictions ease around the country. virus variants for the surge, and steps may include limiting below 60, lessening intensive on March 29 it announced intercity travel, which doctors care patients and deaths. 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 13 APRIL 2021 TASMU takes major strides in turning Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN smart Qatar vision into reality DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI THE PENINSULA — DOHA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The Smart Qatar Program DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI (TASMU), is one of the key [email protected] initiatives led by the Ministry of Transport and Communica- tions, has announced its 2020 ACTING MANAGING EDITOR achievements that were MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED accomplished in cooperation [email protected] with partners in the public and private sectors. These achieve- ments will help transform DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Qatar into a smart country and MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI support key sectors in [email protected] responding and adapting to economic challenges. With the people at the heart of its strategy, TASMU EDITORIAL identified 12 personas that come from all walks of life, Investing in human in the implementation of the from retired individuals, to sector platform, detailing how new moms and blue-collar capabilities and advanced data should be managed and Adhere to health protocols in Ramadan workers. Studying and under- technology, we are accessed, and how the standing their backgrounds, developing smart solutions platform technology could be AS Muslims worldwide begin the Holy Month of needs, digital skill levels and and applications that will leveraged to optimize the sec- Ramadan today, it is another opportunity for everyone pain points, TASMU is devel- transform our lives for the tor’s efforts in implementing to remember the spiritual and moral values the Holy oping smart solutions and smart solutions and Month entails. applications that will benefit better by making services applications. Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year for and empower the people. more effective and In 2020, TASMU finalized Muslims. During the entire Ramadan, Muslims fast daily “TASMU strives to build a accessible. the detailed strategies of three from dawn to sunset. It is meant to be a time of spiritual smart Qatar that is sustainable Reem Mohammed of the five priority sectors: discipline — of deep contemplation of one’s relationship and capable of providing a Al Mansoori TASMU Healthcare, TASMU with Allah, extra prayer, increased charity and gener- better quality of life for our Environment and TASMU osity, and intense study of the Quran. Ramadan is a time society” said Reem and a Mobile Application. Assistant Undersecretary of Sports. By holding workshops of celebration and joy to be spent with loved ones. Mohammed Al Mansoori, Developers will be using the Digital Society with stakeholders, the For the second straight year, the COVID-19 pan- Assistant Undersecretary of platform and its services to Development at MoTC refreshed strategies outlined demic has made many of the more social aspects of Digital Society Development, build smart solutions. With 21 healthcare, 23 sports and Ramadan a lot harder to do safely. With necessary at MOTC, adding that the initial launch planned for 25 environment priority smart restrictions implemented on travel and the need to “Investing in human capabil- 2021, TASMU Central patients from over 100 dif- solutions that stem from the maintain social distancing, avoid large and indoor gath- ities and advanced technology, Platform will eventually be ferent nationalities in collabo- real-life pain points and chal- erings, adherence to these measures has never been we are developing smart solu- the nerve center for smart ration with healthcare pro- lenges of different population more apparent. tions and applications that will solutions development and viders, out of which more segments based on sectors’ Working hours have been reduced to five, therefore transform our lives for the the orchestration of these than 56,000 were done priorities and KPIs. These the Ministry of Public Health disclosed that the vacci- better by making services services across the five pri- through TASMU Virtual Con- smart solutions will leverage nation campaign during Ramadan would be from 9am more effective and accessible. ority sectors. sultation solution. advanced and innovative to 1am every day of the week, including Friday and Our efforts will help build an Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Commenting on the technologies such as Artificial Saturday. economy that supports inno- bin Nasser Al Thani, Chief achievements of TASMU in Intelligence, Augmented This comes after earlier statements to assure people vation and drives investment. Commercial Officer at the healthcare sector, Dr. Reality, Internet of Things, that taking a COVID-19 vaccine injection will not break TASMU smart solutions and Ooredoo, the lead partner of Juliet Ibrahim, eHealth Blockchain and Big Data Ana- a Muslim’s fast during Ramadan, a senior official from applications will provide the consortium that has been Director at Ministry of Public lytics. The smart solutions will the Ministry of Awqaf noted. In a post on Twitter recently, precise analytics and compre- awarded the TASMU Central Health (MOPH), said: “TASMU also benefit from TASMU’s Sheikh Dr. Thaqil bin Sayer Al Shammari, Deputy Head hensive insights that will Platform development con- is a highly valued program for policies and standards to of the Court of Cassation in the Supreme Judiciary support the country’s decision tract at QITCOM 2019 said: the health sector in Qatar, as ensure that they are safe and Council and Head of Shariah Committee at the Ministry makers.” “We are proud that Ooredoo it will provide smart services relevant to TASMU users. of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, said that the vaccine does She added: “With strength is supporting this smart city that aim to improve the time- Eng. Fahad Ebrahim Juma not break fast because it is taken intramuscularly and in mission, unity in purpose project for the Ministry of liness and convenience of Al Muhana, Director of not taken orally and it is not nutritious. and agility in problem solving, Transport and Communica- healthcare services, as well as Strategy and Projects Man- Besides, doctors at Hamad Medical Corporation have the TASMU program success- tions and the State of Qatar, support improved health out- agement Office at Qatar said that people on medication should be careful and fully delivered upon its working with esteemed comes through innovative Olympic Committee, said: observe their health conditions. It added that diabetic mandate in 2020. We are organizations including Malo- digital services and “Digital transformation, sus- children might fast during Ramadan depending on their proud of the progress the matia, Microsoft, Delta applications.” tainability and knowledge health status before fasting, and they can control their program has achieved by fos- Partners, PWC, Accenture, In the Environment sector, management are the founda- blood sugar level, so they are close to the normal level. tering innovation through col- Atos and other consortium TASMU’s Digital Farmer Com- tions of the Qatar Olympic For its part, the Ministry of Municipality and Envi- laboration and coordination members”. munity solution has been suc- Committee’s strategy, where ronment (MME) recently announced it would increase with all stakeholders that will He added, “The TASMU cessfully piloted in collabo- digital transformation con- its safety and cleanliness drive across the country. fuel the country’s digital trans- Central Platform will be a key ration with the Agricultural tributes to enhanced per- Inspections, garbage, and sewage collections would formation. We still have a lot enabler for the Smart Qatar Affairs department of the formance and increased increase, the Ministry said. A significant increase in of work ahead of us, as we Program in our drive towards Ministry of Municipality and organizational effectiveness, waste is recorded during Ramadan, including organic need to intensify and focus our achieving the Qatar National Environment (MME). as well as the development and solid waste. About 1,482 workers, 659 drivers, 1,112 efforts in order to support Vision 2030. The Platform In 2020, seven farms par- and progress of human and garbage trucks, and 158 monitors have been deployed Qatar’s economic competi- will also accelerate the ticipated in the pilot phase technological capabilities, to for Ramadan. The MME has distributed 75,615 garbage tiveness and contribute to growth of the smart city eco- which tested some of the keep up with the pace of evo- containers across the country. digital position and role as an system and facilitate launch- platform features ahead of the lution and acceleration in the Meanwhile, those who are not fasting have an obli- innovation hub in the region.” to-market for use case pro- full launch planned to take technical world. gation to respect the holy month’s general ethics and The TASMU program has viders to enhance citizens’ place this year. The platform On behalf of Kahramaa, norms avoiding eating in public during fasting hours 23 initiatives operating under lives. We are also excited to will grant all farms in Qatar Director of the Customer and public intoxication and indecency. four main pillars that will announce that we are taking with full access to the smart Services Department, Yousef Al ensure all sectors have the part in an Acceleration solution that integrates real- Jaidah, stated: “Qatar General capability to achieve the goals Program, as part of the Smart time weather data from the Electricity and Water Corpo- of Qatar’s digital Qatar Central Platform initi- Qatar Meteorology Department ration (Kahramaa) said “The transformation. ative, aimed at helping start- and high-resolution satellite collaboration between the D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR Simultaneously, TASMU ups in Qatar and beyond”. images from the Center for foundation and the Smart Remarkable achievements Geographic Information Qatar Program (TASMU) was EMAIL: [email protected] has developed a five-year roadmap for policies and were also accomplished in System to assist farms with an opportunity to benefit from standards that will serve as terms of smart solution professional advice on pro- technology, innovation, and EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 implementation. In the duction planning, crop best digital initiatives to achieve the FAX: +974 4455 7758 the regulatory framework underpinning the smart healthcare sector, working practices, pest and disease foundation’s goals and projects. MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 country initiatives. From pro- closely with the Ministry of management. This collaboration between tecting the confidentiality, Public Health (MOPH) and 2020 also saw the suc- Kahramaa and TASMU resulted DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 integrity, and availability of other stakeholders, TASMU cessful completion of phase in the signing of partnerships information, to reducing accelerated the implemen- one of the National Food for the completion of a number LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 ethical risks and negative tation of Virtual Consultation Security Analytics solution, in of strategic projects in the fields BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 social and environmental service, which ensured that collaboration with the Food of environment and sustaina- impacts of adopting emerging the local community is Security Department of the bility and contribute to the SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 technologies, TASMU empowered to curb the MME. rationalization of individual developed six common pol- COVID-19 pandemic, and can Supporting stakeholders energy and water ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 icies: Security Policy, Data access medical advice, diag- from five priority sectors, consumption.” email: [email protected] Policy, Interoperability Policy, nosis and prescriptions from TASMU is refreshing the smart To support Qatar’s digital sector strategies of each ecosystem and accelerate the PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 Electronic Commerce & the comfort and safety of their email: [email protected] Transaction Policy, Expe- homes. The first virtual con- sector outlining their key per- implementation of smart rience Policy and Societal sultation clinic was launched formance indicators (KPIs) to solutions and applications, MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 Impact Policy. These ensure on March 26, 2020 and 188 ensure they will produce tan- TASMU oversees the TASMU email: [email protected] the ICT ecosystem in Qatar clinics were made available to gible results in corre- Digital Valley (TDV), which has the necessary guidelines date across MOPH, Primary spondence with the needs of acts as the acknowledged ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 857 to develop meaningful, safe, Health Care Corporation, the people of Qatar. The strat- ecosystem orchestrator FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] and relevant experiences to Hamad Medical Corporation egies also determine the driving the priority sectors’ CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 the users of TASMU smart and Sidra Medicine.. Since project governance, imple- growth through various stra- email: [email protected] solutions and applications. then, more than 720,000 mentation plan, data gov- tegic initiatives and powering The TASMU Central voice and video consultations ernance and functional blue- the supply of TASMU smart SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 Platform will have a website have been conducted with print that will guide the sector solutions and applications. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar I urge governments to consider a solidarity or wealth tax on those who have profited during /Peninsula_Qatar the pandemic, to reduce extreme inequalities.

/ThePeninsulaNewspaper Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General

+974 6698 6188 TUESDAY 13 APRIL 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09

Botswana probes Russia’s FM in Egypt for talks deaths of two on trade and Ethiopia’s dam people who took AstraZeneca shot AP — CAIRO in Libya, Syria and the Israeli- Palestinian cause along with Lavrov said they discussed REUTERS — GABORONE The foreign ministers of Egypt political stalemate in Lebanon. the implementation of and Russia discussed trade and They discussed a massive joint mega projects, the Botswana is investigating the other ties between the two dam Ethiopia is building on the most important of them a deaths of two among thou- nations yesterday, with Egypt’s Nile River’s main tributary, sands of people who had been top diplomat urging Moscow to which Egypt and Sudan deem four-reactor power plant given doses of AstraZeneca’s help settle Egypt’s dispute with a major threat if it is filled and that a Russian firm is COVID-19 vaccine to see if Ethiopia over a massive dam operated without a legally building in Egypt and a there is any link, the health project. binding agreement. Russian industrial zone in ministry said. Russian Foreign Minister “We also rely on Russia... to the Suez Canal area. The southern African Sergei Lavrov arrived in Cairo push parties to refrain from uni- country has so far adminis- Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Russian Foreign on Sunday for a two-day visit. lateral actions,” Shukry said, tered about 31,000 doses of Minister Sergei Lavrov attend a news conference in Cairo, yesterday. He met yesterday with Pres- referring to Ethiopia’s plans to the AstraZeneca vaccine, the ident Abdel Fattah el Sissi start a second crucial stage of daily in an interview published only vaccine it has started before his talks with Foreign the dam’s filling during this yesterday that he expected the flights dealt a devastating blow against his rule. rolling out. Minister Sameh Shukry. year’s rainy season. flight would be resumed “soon.” to Egypt’s vital tourism industry, In 2017, Egypt and Russia India donated 30,000 In a joint news conference Lavrov said Russia was not Flights were suspended when which had already been badly struck deals that allowed Cairo doses of the vaccine that were with Shukry, Lavrov said they invited to engage in the talks the Islamic State group downed hit by the turmoil following a to buy billions of dollars’ worth manufactured by the Serum discussed the implementation between Egypt, Sudan and a Russian airliner over Egypt’s 2011 uprising. of Russian weapons, including Institute of India (SII), and Bot- of joint mega projects, the most Ethiopia, but has supported an Sinai Peninsula in 2015, killing Russia-Egypt ties have fighter jets and assault swana bought 33,000 doses important of them a four- African Union-led settlement all 224 people on board. Egypt deepened in recent years. helicopters. that were made in South Korea reactor power plant that a to the yearslong dispute. has since spent millions of Cairo’s relations with the US They also signed a dead to from global vaccine distri- Russian firm is building in Egypt The Russian minister did not dollars to upgrade security at suffered a blow in 2013 when have a Russian company build bution scheme COVAX. and a Russian industrial zone address when Moscow would its airports and undergone the Obama administration crit- a nuclear reactor after Cairo The two people who died in the Suez Canal area. resume direct flights to Egypt’s numerous checks by Russian icised the military overthrow of agreed in principle to borrow had taken the shots made in The two ministers said they Red Sea resorts. However, he experts. Egypt’s first freely elected $25bn, or roughly 80% of the India. also discussed regional conflicts told Egypt’s state-run Ahram The suspension of Russian leader amid mass protests reactor’s cost, from Russia. AstraZeneca declined comment. The SII did not respond to a request for comment. Botswana’s health Somalia’s parliament votes to extend president’s mandate ministry did not say how the people died. AP — MOGADISHU, SOMALIA election in decades. Parliament ordered Millions of doses of the that a caretaking council of ministers AstraZeneca shot have been Somalia’s parliament yesterday voted support the electoral commission in its safely administered around to effectively extend the mandate of the preparations for that vote. the world. president and federal government by President Mohamed Abdullahi But Europe’s drug regu- two years in an attempt to end a political Mohamed “urges the citizens to seize the lator said last week it had crisis after national elections were historic chance to choose their destiny found a possible link between delayed in early February. as the House of the People voted to AstraZeneca’s vaccine and The vote to hold a direct election in return the elections mandate to the very rare cases of blood clots. two years’ time, which would require people,” the presidency said in a Twitter The European Medicines the federal government and president post. Agency received reports of 169 to stay in office, came amid international Contentious issues in months of talks cases of the rare brain blood pressure on Somali leaders to end the on the election process included the for- clot by early April, after 34 stalemate. The United Nations has mation of the electoral management million doses had been admin- warned that Somalia, rebuilding after commission, the selection of commission istered. Most of the cases three decades of conflict and still rocked members for the breakaway region of reported had occurred in by extremist attacks, can hardly afford Somaliland. women under 60. more instability. Somalia began to fall apart in 1991, The Botswana health min- Somalia’s government has been when warlords ousted dictator Siad istry said in a statement late unable for months to reach agreement Barre and then turned on each other. on Sunday that the two deaths Members of the Somali lower house of parliament raise their hands to vote to extend on how to carry out the election, with Years of conflict and attacks by the Al were of elderly people. It did President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed’s term for another two years to let the the regional states of Puntland and Jub- Qaida-linked Al Shabab extremist group, not elaborate. baland objecting on certain issues and country prepare for direct elections, in Mogadishu, Somalia, yesterday. along with famine, left this Horn of Africa “The ministry has referred the international community warning country of about 12 million people the matter to the regulator against holding a partial election. The in support, three against and one Omar Hassan, ordered police to stop the largely shattered. being BOMRA for immediate crisis led to deadly violence against dem- abstaining. The international community parliament meeting in order to “avoid Al Shabab controls large parts of investigation. It is expected onstrators who opposed an election has warned against a mandate extension. instability.” He was fired shortly southern and central Somalia and often that BOMRA investigation will delay. The vote followed a brief drama in afterward. targets the capital with suicide bombings. seek to establish the cause of Yesterday’s vote in parliament was which the police commissioner for Somalia now faces the prospect of The extremist group has been a frequent two deaths as well as whether almost unanimous, with 149 lawmakers Mogadishu and its surroundings, Sadaq its first one-person-one-vote direct target of US military airstrikes. they are in any way linked to the COVID vaccine which was administered,” the statement Djibouti says read. Africa must expand vaccine production, leaders say It advised the public to Ethiopia conflict remain calm and said people REUTERS — JOHANNESBURG and Prevention (Africa CDC) African country hardest hit by capacity would require long- who were recovering from hinders economic said last week. the coronavirus in terms of term investments but countries recent severe illness should rebound Africa must expand vaccine World Trade Organization infections and deaths, said the could offer incentives such as consider delaying getting the manufacturing to combat the director-general Ngozi medium-term strategy should cutting tariffs on raw vaccine. BLOOMBERG COVID-19 pandemic and future Okonjo-Iweala said it was be to expand existing manu- materials. Experts say that, even if a health emergencies, including “morally unconscionable and facturing facilities into regional She encouraged WTO causal link is proved between The speed of Djibouti’s by forging partnerships to a serious economic hit” that hubs. members to find a “pragmatic the vaccine and blood clots, economic recovery from a boost expertise and just 1.1 per 100 Africans had “We also need to forge sus- outcome” to a proposal by the risks of getting a serious contraction last year hinges on investment, continental leaders received a vaccine while in tainable partnerships with India and South Africa that clot are minute compared to how soon conflict ends in and international health offi- North America the rate was entities in both the developed vaccine and other medical the risks from possible neighbouring Ethiopia, cials said yesterday. over 40 per 100. world as well as the developing patents be suspended during COVID-19 infection, which can Finance Minister Ilyas Africa has struggled to “Between a steeper fall and world,” he said. the COVID-19 pandemic to cause similar clots along with Dawaleh said. acquire coronavirus vaccines a weaker rebound, Africa will African countries, he speed up technology transfers other serious symptoms. “The recent and escalating and imports the vast majority have lost ground to other added, could seek guidance to manufacturers with spare Botswana has recorded conflict in Ethiopia is wors- of its medicines and medical regions,” she told a virtual con- from countries like India and production capacity. around 40,000 coronavirus ening prospects for regional equipment, leaving it at the ference organised by the Brazil on how they developed World Health Organization cases and 630 deaths during peace, trade and undermines mercy of overseas supplies. African Union. their generic pharmaceutical chief Tedros Adhanom Ghe- the pandemic, few by com- regional cooperation,” Its mainly poor nations “So to boost growth, trade industries. breyesus said WHO supports parison with many other Dawaleh said in an emailed are falling behind in the and livelihoods, we need to get Africa now imports 99% of calls for manufacturers to countries around the world, response to questions on April global coronavirus vacci- vaccines to everyone who all its vaccines, but should aim remove obstacles hindering but its diamond-driven 10. “As a result of these nation race with under 13 needs them.” to reduce imports to around access to critical health economy was hit hard last external and internal factors, million doses administered so South African President 40% by 2040, Africa CDC products. year, contracting almost 8%. Djibouti’s economic recovery far to the continent’s 1.3 Cyril Ramaphosa, the African director John Nkengasong said. “We continue to call on AstraZeneca’s vaccine is is likely to be a prolonged billion people, the Africa Union’s COVID-19 response Okonjo-Iweala said that companies to share know- the cheapest and most readily affair.” Centres for Disease Control champion and leader of the building more manufacturing how,” he told the conference. available. Situated at the entrance to the Suez Canal, Djibouti is a major trade conduit for Ethiopia, Africa’s second-most UN: 34 migrants drown off populous country. Fighting in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray Djibouti as boat capsizes region that erupted in November has exacerbated the AP — NAIROBI, KENYA spokeswoman in Yemen, said impact of the coronavirus pan- these migrants were returning demic and raised economic Thirty-four migrants have died from Yemen because of the dire uncertainty in that country. after their boat capsized off the situation in the Arab world’s Djibouti’s economy shrank Horn of Africa nation of poorest, war-wrecked country. 1% last year, and is forecast to Djibouti, the International “They were so desperate to expand 5% this year and 5.5% Organization for Migrants said leave Yemen they put their in 2022, according to the Inter- yesterday. lives back into hands of unscru- national Monetary Fund. The IOM regional director pulous smugglers,” she said. country, is targeting growth of Mohammed Abdiker in Twitter In March, at least 20 7% to 9% in the coming years, posts said the migrants were migrants died after smugglers driven by port upgrades, being transported by smug- threw 80 people overboard investments in green energy glers. He didn’t elaborate. during a voyage from Djibouti and technology, Dawaleh said. It is not immediately clear to Yemen. The country has been ruled what countries the migrants In October, at least eight by President Ismail Omar who drowned were from, but other migrants drowned after Guelleh, 73, for the past two many people seek to make that smugglers forced them off a decades. He secured a fifth voyage from Ethiopia and boat near Djibouti. In 2017, up term in an April 9 election, Somalia. to 50 migrants from Somalia winning more than 97% of the Fleeing poverty and other and Ethiopia drowned when a vote, according to the state- difficulties, they often seek to smuggler forced them into the owned La Nation newspaper. reach first Yemen, and then sea off Yemen’s coast. Situated on one of the world’s rich Persian Gulf nations. But And in 2018, at least 30 busiest shipping lanes, Djibouti Iraqi women cycle through Mosul the COVID-19 pandemic and migrants and refugees died has become increasingly other challenges often force when a boat capsized off important to regional and Iraqi women ride bicycles during a cycling activity in Mosul, Iraq, yesterday. some to turn back. Yemen, with survivors world powers. Olivia Headon, the IOM’s reporting gunfire. 10 ASIA TUESDAY 13 APRIL 2021 India gives emergency approval for Sputnik V vaccine

REUTERS — NEW DELHI

An expert panel of India’s drugs India records another regulator has recommended emergency use approval of Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus surge in COVID-19 cases vaccine, two sources said AP — NEW DELHI yestrday, which could make it the nation’s third to be approved as India reported another record daily surge in coronavirus infec- infections surge again. tions yesterday to pass Brazil as the country with the second- India overtook Brazil to most reported infections since the pandemic began. become the nation with the The 168,912 cases added in the last 24 hours pushed India’s second highest number of infec- total since the pandemic began to 13.5 million, while Brazil has tions worldwide after the 13.4 million, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins Uni- United States, as it battles a versity. India also reported 904 deaths in the past 24 hours, massive second wave, having taking its total to 170,179, which is the fourth-highest toll, behind given about 105 million doses the United States, Brazil and Mexico. among a population of 1.4 India is experiencing its worst surge of the pandemic, with billion. a seven-day rolling average of more than 130,000 cases per The panel of the Central day. Hospitals across the country are becoming overwhelmed Drugs Standard Control Organ- with patients, and experts worry the worst is yet to come. isation (CDSCO) recommended The latest surge also coincides with the shortage of vac- the authorisation, said two cines in some Indian states, including western Maharashtra Policemen wearing protective face masks ask people to sit while waiting to enter the Lokmanya Tilak people familiar with the matter, state, home to financial capital Mumbai, which is the worst hit Terminus railway station, amid the spread of the coronavirus disease in Mumbai, India, yesterday. who sought anonymity as they state and has recorded nearly half of the country’s new infec- were not authorised to speak to tions in the past two weeks. media. Most panel recommen- Bharat Biotech. Sputnik V, Indian pharmaceutical firm playing our part in India’s fight dations are generally accepted developed by Moscow’s Dr. Reddy’s, which is marketing against COVID,” the company by the regulator’s chief. imminently the recommendation The Fund has signed deals Gamaleya Institute, has proved the vaccine in India, said it was said. The Russian Direct by the Subject Expert Committee to produce more than 750 91.6% effective against COVID-19 awaiting formal word from the Shares of Dr Reddy’s ended Investment Fund, which is (SEC) of Central Drugs Standard million doses of Sputnik V in and has been approved for use authorities. up 5% after the Economic Times responsible for marketing the Control Organization (CDSCO) of India with six domestic firms. in more than 50 countries. “Dr. Reddy’s and RDIF are newspaper first reported the vaccine abroad, said it was India to approve the use of the India is now using two vac- The Indian drugs regulator working diligently with the news. The firm has helped run expecting to hear from the Russian Sputnik V vaccine cines, one developed by Astra- did not respond to a request for Indian regulatory authorities to a small domestic trial to test the Indian drugs authority soon. against coronavirus in India,” it Zeneca and Oxford University, comment on the expert panel’s obtain the approval for Sputnik vaccine’s safety and ability to “RDIF confirms it is awaiting said. and the other by domestic firm approval of the Russian vaccine. V. We are fully committed to generate an immune response. South Korea to Suu Kyi asks court to begin producing let her meet lawyers Novavax vaccine as early as June REUTERS — YANGON video link in the presence of security officials and it is not REUTERS — SEOUL Myanmar’s detained known if she is even aware of government leader Aung San the turmoil that has engulfed South Korea said yesterday it Suu Kyi asked a court yesterday the country since the military plans to begin local production to be allowed to meet her seized power. of Novavax Inc’s COVID-19 lawyers in person when she “No, we haven’t, we could vaccine as early as June, while appeared at a hearing via video only talk about legal matters,” five domestic companies aim link to face charges brought by lawyer Min Min Soe told Reuters to start late stage clinical trials the military junta that could see when asked if her legal team of their own shots in the her jailed for years. had been able to talk to her second half of this year. As Suu Kyi appeared, her about the protests in which The announcements came supporters called for people to more than 700 people have after President Moon Jae-in show their opposition to the been killed. The lawyer said hosted a special meeting on Feb. 1 coup during this week’s Suu Kyi looked healthy as she anti-virus efforts and vaccine traditional new year holiday in repeated a request to meet her development as the country the largely Buddhist country. lawyers face-to-face. The next fears a possible fourth wave Demonstrators march during a protest against military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, yesterday. Suu Kyi, 75, who has led hearing is on April 26. of infections. Myanmar’s struggle against mil- As well as the official secrets Health Minister Kwon itary rule for decades and who charge, Suu Kyi has been charged against her was filed on Monday military says it had to overthrow unyielding suppression by the Deok-cheol said that SK Bio- won the Nobel Peace Prize in with illegally possessing two-way related to the coronavirus rules, her government because a generals who say that only they science Co will be able to begin 1991, has been detained since radios and violating coronavirus Min Min Soe said. November election again won by can save the country from dis- manufacturing Novavax the coup and charged with protocols. She has also been The coup has plunged her National League for integration. Security forces COVID-19 vaccines as early as various offences. These include accused by the ruling military Myanmar into crisis after 10 Democracy was rigged. The have killed 706 protesters, June and could supply as many violating a colonial-era official council of bribery. Her lawyers years of tentative steps towards election commission dismissed the including 46 children, since the as 20 million doses by the end secrets act that could see her say the charges were trumped democracy as the military stepped accusation. coup, according to a tally by the of third quarter. jailed for 14 years. up and they dismiss the accu- back from politics and allowed Suu The coup has triggered Assistance Association for The US drugmaker signed She has only been allowed sation of bribery as a joke. Kyi to form a government after her relentless protests by those Political Prisoners (AAPP) a licence agreement with SK to talk with her lawyers via An additional complaint party swept a 2015 election. The opposed to military rule, and activist group. Bioscience to produce 40 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine for South Korea. “We would be able to Hong Kong to ease virus restrictions for vaccinated people secure vaccines in a more stable manner if domestic pro- BLOOMBERG — HONG KONG “I hereby encourage all cit- holiday. — the other vaccine available economy that’s been starved duction begins, given growing izens to get vaccinated and “If suddenly Hong Kong in the city — that led to a tem- of big-spending tourists. Hong supply uncertainty around the Hong Kong plans to ease support our new direction in faces a major surge as a result porary halt in those Kong had about 97% fewer world,” he told a briefing. social-distancing rules for fighting the pandemic to protect of the Easter holiday, then we vaccinations. visitor arrivals in February South Korea began its those vaccinated against the ourselves and family members,” may need to revisit and refine About 348,600 people have than in the same month last inoculation campaign in late coronavirus to incentivize Lam said. these measures,” Lam said. received a first dose of the year. February, aiming to reach more people to get inoculated “Hong Kong’s vaccination Otherwise, the new measures Sinovac vaccine and 230,300 Hong Kong last month cut herd immunity for its 52 so the city can further reopen rate can be improved further. In could be introduced if prepar- have had the BioNTech mandatory hotel quarantine to million population by for business. other words, it’s not ideal, espe- atory work and discussions vaccine, the government said 14 days from 21 for people November. Now that Hong Kong’s out- cially considering that we have with stakeholders can be com- on Sunday. Sinovac accounts coming from low-risk areas The health ministry also break is “obviously contained,” very sufficient supply and con- pleted within the two-week for roughly 146,700 second including Singapore, Australia said five local companies the government will consider venient infrastructure.” period. doses, and BioNTech about and New Zealand. were aiming to start Phase III “vaccine bubbles” that allow vac- Hong Kong had administered Hong Kong’s vaccine drive 109,200. Hong Kong has a pop- Visitors from mainland trials of their own vaccines cinated people greater freedom about 834,800 vaccine doses in has been hampered by public ulation of 7.5 million. China, Macau and Taiwan also later this year —SK Bio- of movement, Chief Executive total to the public as of Sunday. distrust of the Beijing-backed The government said it may currently face 14 days com- science, EuBiologics Co, Carrie Lam said at a briefing. About 7.7% of the population government and the Chinese- also cut quarantine time for pulsory quarantine. Only a Cellid Co, Genexine Inc and If more people get vacci- have received at least one dose. made Sinovac Biotech Ltd. people arriving from areas limited quota of Hong Kong GeneOne Life Science. nated, restaurants could extend For now, social-distancing vaccine. It suffered another deemed to be low risk and ease citizens arriving from Macau The government plans to dine-in hours to 2 am and as measures will be extended for blow last month when pack- access for more visitors from and the southern Chinese provide 68.7bn won ($61.1m) many as eight people would be another two weeks to April 28 as aging defects were found on a mainland China. province of Guangdong have to support the companies’ able to sit at a table, up from four authorities monitor the virus sit- batch of shots developed by Such moves are key to reo- been exempt from vaccine development, the now, she said. uation following the Easter BioNTech SE and Pfizer Inc. pening the city and boosting an quarantine. ministry said in a statement. Cyclone damages Australian towns and cuts power to 31,500

AP — PERTH About 30% of that damage time. was “significant,” Klemm said. Cyclone Seroja caused A destructive cyclone has Other coastal towns sus- flooding and landslides that damaged several towns on tained less damage. Gov- killed at least 174 people and left Australia’s western coast, shat- ernment utility Western Power 48 missing in Indonesia and tering windows, snapping trees reported 31,500 customers had East Timor last week. and knocking out power. There lost power. Such powerful The damage was worse in have been no reports of serious cyclones are rare in subtropical some parts of Kalbarri than injuries. Australia. others, but the whole town had Tropical Cyclone Seroja Wind gusts recorded in been impacted, local State crossed the Western Australia Kalbarri and nearby areas were Emergency Service manager state coast south of the tourist likely to have been the Steve Cable said. town of Kalbarri with winds “strongest in more than 50 Powerlines and trees were gusting up to 170kph shortly after years,” Australia’s Bureau of toppled, homes lost roofs and dark on Sunday, officials said. Meteorology said in a statement. streets were strewn with One Mile Jetty is seen destroyed by tropical cyclone Seroja in Carnarvon, Australia, yesterday. Around 70% of buildings in The last comparable debris. Kalbarri, a town of 1,400 people cyclone in the region struck in “Some of the older buildings substantial limbs just snapped door to prevent it blowing said. ”It was terrifying.” 580km north of the state capital 1956. It brought 140 kph (87 didn’t stand up very well. But off like carrots,” he added. open as broken tree limbs Cyclone Seroja lost power Perth, had been damaged, mph) gusts to the port town of even some of the modern Debbie Major weathered shattered windows. and was downgraded to a Department of Fire and Emer- Geraldton, 160kms (100 miles) buildings, they just couldn’t hold the storm in a room of a “I’ve never experienced tropical low before blowing out gency Services Commissioner south of Kalbarri, where there it,” Cable said. Kalbarri tourist trailer park anything in my life that we to sea near Esperance Darren Klemm said. was no weather station at the “Large trees with quite that she manages, clutching a experienced last night,” Major yesterday. TUESDAY 13 APRIL 2021 ASIA 11 Philippines eases movement curbs in Manila region, four provinces

BLOOMBERG — MANILA Professionals Alliance Against The national capital region Covid-19 said, before restric- Philippine President Rodrigo and Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna tions were loosened. Duterte relaxed a lockdown in and Cavite provinces will Front-line staff in essential the Manila region and four neigh- services including market bouring provinces, as hospitals be placed under so-called vendors, drivers and workers at added capacity for patients modified enhanced food and medicine factories may infected by the coronavirus. community quarantine be vaccinated as early as May, The national capital region until the end of April. Economic Planning Undersec- and Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna and Hospitals have added retary Rosemarie Edillon said. “It Cavite provinces will be placed will really be a big help in safely under so-called modified 3,156 beds for Covid-19 reopening the economy,” she enhanced community quar- patients said. Labor Secretary Silvestre antine until the end of April, Bello has agreed to increase presidential spokesman Harry contact tracers in the capital Roque said. Hospitals have that have remained open will region by 14,000 from 5,000, added 3,156 beds for Covid-19 be eased, according to previous ABS-CBN News reported, citing patients, he said. government guidelines. A Benhur Abalos, chairman of the German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (right) with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi The area — the nation’s eco- nighttime curfew will be Metropolitan Manila Devel- in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. nomic engines — were placed shortened. The benchmark opment Authority. under the most-stringent Philippine Stock Exchange Santiago City in Isabela and enhanced community quar- Index erased earlier gains yes- the provinces of Quirino and antine for two weeks through terday, and was down 0.1% as Abra, north of Manila are also Pakistani, German FMs discuss Afghan situation April 11, as a record surge in of 12:10 p.m. in Manila. placed under modified infections filled hospitals. Movement curbs will be enhanced quarantine, Roque ANADOLU — BERLIN stabilizing the regional situ- The framework for talks Under loosened restrictions, wasted unless longer-term said. Other provinces are ation, he said the issues will also was laid during a virtual most people are still required solutions are put in place, subject to less restrictive German and Pakistani foreign be discussed during the forth- meeting of the joint commission to stay home but more busi- including a single health-man- measures. The Philippines has ministers discussed yesterday coming meeting in Istanbul, of the deal, also known as nesses will be allowed to agement system and quicker the most active coronavirus bilateral relations and interna- Turkey. JCPOA. operate while limits on those vaccinations, the Healthcare cases in Southeast Asia. tional issues, including the situ- The Taliban and Afghan Asked about Kashmir, Maas ation in Afghanistan. government representatives are said “the conflict can only be “Peace negotiations need to deadlocked in peace talks in solved by way of negotiations” be continued and violence in Qatar meant to end decades of and Germany wants that the the country has to come to an war and carve out a path for human rights situation end after decades of conflict,” post-war Afghan society. “improves on the ground.” Heiko Maas said during a press The talks came after a Feb- Kashmir is held by India conference in Berlin with his ruary 2020 US-Taliban deal and Pakistan in parts, but Pakistani counterpart Shah that promises the withdrawal claimed by both in full. Since Mahmood Qureshi. of all foreign troops from the they were partitioned in 1947, Qureshi arrived in Germany war-torn country in exchange the two countries have fought on Sunday on a three-day visit of security guarantees. three wars, two of them over as the two countries celebrate The Iran nuclear deal was the disputed region. 70 years of diplomatic also on the agenda as Maas said: Separately, in a tweet, the relations. “It won’t be easy but so far we’ve Pakistani minister said talks in Stressing that Pakistan seen a constructive spirit.” the “excellent meeting” focused hosts more than 3 million Qureshi said Pakistan, as a on strengthening bilateral and Afghan refugees, Maas added: neighbor of Iran, “wants to see political cooperation, as well as “I’d like to give you that number peace and stability and con- cooperation in areas such as to illustrate how intensively frontation is not what we are renewable energy, agriculture, Pakistan is influenced by devel- looking for.” health, education and climate opments in Afghanistan.” Negotiations in Vienna change. Qureshi said the two coun- between representatives of Germany is the largest tries have a very similar Iran, France, the UK, Germany, trading partner of Pakistan in approach in Afghanistan as they Russia, China, and the EU the EU, and home to more than Night prayers both want peace and stability began this month in what 100,000 Pakistani diaspora. in the region. could be a lengthy process to Meetings with the expat com- Muslims wearing protective face masks and practicing social distancing pray ahead of the holy fasting Underlining that Germany bring the US back to the munity and business leaders are month of Ramadan at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday. has played an important role in nuclear deal. also part of the schedule. Pakistan police US, Philippine forces stage scaled down drills amid pandemic arrest Islamist AP — MANILA number of American military pandemic spread across the Philippine Defense Sec- by a defense department deputy personnel joining the 11 days world. retary Delfin Lorenzana said the since he was in isolation after party head American and Philippines of exercises was trimmed from US and Philippine officials combat drills called Balikatan, contracting COVID-19. forces yesterday opened one of 3,650 to 225, while only 736 hailed the strength of their Tagalog for shoulder-to- American Embassy official AP — LAHORE their most scaled down annual Filipino counterparts would treaty alliance in an opening shoulder, represent “a rock- John Law said the military drills combat exercises in decades participate out of 4,000 as ceremony in Manila. solid commitment to keep our “demonstrate our shared com- Pakistan police yesterday due to the pandemic, and originally planned. Arevalo They made no mention of ties ironclad.” mitment to peace and stability arrested the leader of a radical organizers said the drills would said all ground exercises their earlier denunciation of “May this inspire confidence and the adaptability of US and Islamist political party a day remain focused on territorial except some live-fire drills Beijing for the swarming of and action from our allies in the Philippine forces.” after he threatened the defense, battling terrorism and were canceled to minimize suspected Chinese militia region to stand with us in “The United States will con- government with protests if it humanitarian projects. physical engagement. vessels at a Philippine-claimed defending our values toward tinue to seek ways, even during did not expel France’s ambas- Philippine Maj. Gen. The annual exercises were reef in the disputed South peace and prosperity,” the pandemic, to strengthen our sador over depictions of Edgard Arevalo said the canceled last year as the China Sea. Lorenzana said in remarks read security cooperation,” Law said. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Saad Rizvi was arrested in the eastern city of Lahore to Thailand sees record “maintain law and order,” said Ghulam Mohammad Dogar, chief of Lahore police. new infections ahead Rizvi called on the gov- ernment to honour what he said was a commitment it of major festival made in February to his party to expel the French envoy AP — BANGKOK They went to clubs, go back to before April 20 over the pub- their hometowns on very long lication in France of depictions Thailand reported 985 new holidays and caused the wide of Islam’s Prophet. The gov- coronavirus cases yesterday, its spread,” said Dr. Tawee Chotpi- ernment has said that it only highest daily increase since the tayasunondh, a senior consultant committed to discuss the start of the pandemic, and for Health Ministry. matter in Parliament. health officials said they were Millions of Thais are Dogar provided no further worried the number of new traveling around the country - details about the arrest, which infections could be far higher often from urban areas to rural quickly drew condemnation after this week’s traditional Thai villages — for this week’s annual from Rizvi’s supporters. They New Year holiday. Songkran festival, which marks had begun gathering near the Health experts said the third the traditional Thai New Year. Healthcare workers prepare beds inside a field hospital recently set up to fight the spread of the party’s main office for a major surge in the country was The government has not pre- coronavirus as the country deals with a fresh wave of infections after tackling earlier outbreaks, in protest, raising fears for vio- proving more difficult to control vented people from traveling, Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. lence. Yesterday, they blocked as it was mostly a variant of the as it did when it canceled the some roads in Lahore, virus first found in the UK and festival last year. Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s —less than 1% of the population using a relatively small supply prompting the government to has mostly affected younger The current surge — which government and its handling of has gotten their jabs — and of the Sinovac and AstraZeneca deploy additional police. Rizvi people. has infected at least one Cabinet the pandemic. While Thailand support for people whose live- vaccines, until a local plant can emerged as the leader of the “The third wave is different. minister and forced a number has only recorded 33,610 infec- lihoods have been wiped out by start producing and distributing Tehreek-e-Labiak Pakistan The origin is the young gener- of others into self-quarantine - tions and 97 deaths, critics say the pandemic is lacking. the AstraZeneca vaccine party in November after the ation who have active lifestyle. is increasing criticism of Prime the vaccination drive is too slow So far, Thailand has been mid-year. sudden death of his father, Khadim Hussein Rizvi. Rizvi’s supporters have Pakistan’s overseas remittances previously held violent rallies Cockpit voice recorder from crashed in Pakistan to pressure the gov- exceed $2bn for 10th straight month ernment not to repeal the coun- Indonesian jet downloaded successfully try’s controversial blasphemy REUTERS — KARACHI laws. The party wants the gov- ernment to boycott French REUTERS — JAKARTA recording from the 26-year old three-month search of the Java Remittances of $2.7bn billion in March from Pakistani workers products and expel the French Boeing Co 737-500 that crashed Sea. It was found in mud sucked employed abroad exceeded $2bn for the 10th consecutive month, ambassador under an The cockpit voice recorder shortly after take-off on Jan. 9 up by a dredging ship and was and were up 43% from a year earlier, the central bank said o. agreement signed by the gov- (CVR) from a crashed Sriwijaya cannot be disclosed publicly at dried out and cleaned of mud Proactive policy steps by the government and State Bank to ernment with Rizvi’s party in Air jet has been downloaded this stage of the probe, Indo- and salt. spur inflows through formal channels, combined with limited February. Tehreek-e-Labiak successfully and includes the nesia National Transportation It contains four channels of cross-border travel, medical expenses and altruistic transfers and other Islamist parties have last minutes of the flight that Safety Committee (KNKT) audio, including recordings of amid the pandemic to fuel the rise, it said in a statement. denounced French President ended with 62 people dead, an investigator Nurcahyo Utomo the captain and first officer, “The love and commitment of overseas Pakistanis to Pakistan Emmanuel Macron since official at Indonesia’s air said. “(The data is) good,” he Nurcahyo said. “Each (channel) is unparalleled,” Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Twitter. October last year, saying he accident investigator said said. “We have downloaded it.” has the last two hours, including “You sent over 2bn for 10 straight months despite COVID, tried to defend caricatures of the yesterday. The CVR was recovered in the record of the flight that breaking all records. We thank you.” The inflows came mainly Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) The contents of the late March after a near crashed,” he said. from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Britain and the United States. as freedom of expression. 12 EUROPE TUESDAY 13 APRIL 2021 CDU backs Laschet to succeed Merkel as chancellor

REUTERS — BERLIN “My candidacy, my be decisive, sources in the election. Expressing his delight at the understanding of the alliance say. Many conservatives are “great support” from the CDU Germany’s Christian Democrats Laschet, 60, is a centrist nervous about contesting the leadership, Laschet said he had (CDU) backed party chairman office of chancellor of widely seen as a candidate who September 26 federal election told a meeting of top party offi- Armin Laschet (pictured) the Federal Republic would continue Merkel’s legacy, without Merkel, who has led cials “I want a modern yesterday to run for chancellor but he has clashed with her over them to four victories. She has Germany.” at a September election, and of Germany is a coronavirus restrictions. not explicitly backed either can- “I want us to combine asked him to speak to his European one,” Armin Premier of Germany’s most didate but has hinted that she climate protection issues with Bavarian rival to agree a single Laschet said vowing populous state, North Rhine- would back the CDU leader. economic issues,” he told a candidate for their conservative Westphalia, his chaotic han- The conservative bloc has news conference, in a nod to the bloc quickly. to seek multilateral dling of the crisis has under- slipped to about 27% in polls, Greens. Laschet said he would solutions in foreign mined his popularity. partly due to an increasingly A coalition government of contact rival Markus Soeder, Soeder, 54, is an astute chaotic management of the the CDU/CSU alliance and who lead’s the CDU’s Bavarian policy. political operator who has sided pandemic. In the 2017 election, Greens stacks up as the most sister party, the Christian Social Armin Laschet as candidate for with Merkel during the corona- it won almost 33%. The alliance likely scenario after the Union (CSU), to settle on a can- chancellor from CDU and CSU,” virus pandemic. No CSU leader remains a few points ahead of election. didate to succeed Chancellor Pressure is mounting for a CDU Secretary General Paul has become German the ecologist Greens. “My candidacy, my under- Angela Merkel “very soon”. swift decision on who should Ziemiak told a joint news con- chancellor. The Social Democrats have standing of the office of chan- After months of speculation, stand for the two-party bloc as ference with Laschet after a As the younger politician, nominated Finance Minister cellor of the Federal Republic the candidacy question came to the candidate to succeed meeting of CDU party leaders. time is also on his side, and Olaf Scholz as their candidate of Germany is a European one,” a head on Sunday when Soeder, Merkel, who has ruled out As the larger partner in the Soeder may choose to step aside for chancellor, while the Greens Laschet added, vowing to seek Bavarian premier, put himself standing for a fifth term. CDU/CSU alliance, the CDU’s and let Laschet take the blame plan to announce their nomi- multilateral solutions in foreign forward. “There is broad support for choice of candidate is likely to if the alliance loses in the nation on April 19. policy. Italian art cops Britain opens official find looted statue in Belgian shop probe into former PM AP — ROME Cameron’s lobbying Italian police said they have recovered a 1st century Roman REUTERS — LONDON understood the “significant statue that was stolen from an interest” in the matter and archaeological site in 2011 and Britain’s government has wanted to launch the review to found in a Belgian antiques opened an independent inves- “ensure government is com- shop by two off-duty Italian tigation into lobbying after pletely transparent about such art squad police officers. former Prime Minister David activities”. An Italian businessman Cameron’s activities on behalf “The Cabinet Office is com- who used a Spanish pseu- of finance firm Greensill Capital missioning an independent donym has been referred to raised questions over access to review on behalf of the prime prosecutors for further inves- ministers. minister to establish the devel- tigation into allegations he Australian banker Lex opment and use of supply chain received and then exported the Greensill was brought in as an finance and associated activ- statue abroad, the Carabinieri adviser to the government ities in government and the role art squad said in a statement while Cameron was British Greensill played in those,” he yesterday. prime minister from 2010 to told reporters. The “Togatus” statue, fea- 2016. After leaving office, “This independent review turing a headless Roman Cameron in turn became an will also look at how contracts wearing a draped toga, has a adviser to Greensill’s now- were secured and business rep- A file photo of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth; Prince Philip; Prince Harry; Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge value of 100,000 euro. It was insolvent company. resentatives engaged with gov- and his wife, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, standing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace stolen in November 2011 from The Financial Times and ernment. It will be led by legal the Villa Marini Dettina in the annual Trooping of the Colour ceremony to celebrate the Queen’s birthday in central London. Sunday Times newspapers expert Nigel Boardman,” he archaeological site on the out- have reported that Cameron said, adding Johnson wanted it skirts of the capital, the contacted ministers directly to to be concluded promptly. statement said. William, Harry pay tribute to Prince Philip lobby on behalf of Greensill Cameron said that in his Two members of the art Capital, including sending texts representations to government squad’s archaeological unit AP — LONDON he would have wanted and will was my grandpa: master of the to finance minister Rishi Sunak he did not break any codes of were on assignment in support The Queen in the years barbecue, legend of banter, and and arranging a private drink conduct or government rules. Brussels when they took a Princes William and Harry ahead. I will miss my Grandpa, cheeky right ’til the end.’’ between Greensill and Health Ultimately the outcome of walk after work in the Sablon issued separate statements but I know he would want us The comments came as Secretary Matt Hancock. the discussions on Greensill’s neighbourhood that is known yesterday paying tribute to their to get on with the job.’’ Britain’s House of Commons, Cameron, in his first com- proposals regarding a loan for its antiques shops. They grandfather, Prince Philip, who William and his wife which was recalled early from ments on the row on Sunday, were not taken up, he said, and spotted a marble statue in a died last week at 99. released a picture of Philip with its Easter recess, began offering said he had not broken and therefore his interventions did shop that they suspected was William, who is second in his great-grandson, Prince tributes to Prince Philip, also rules, but that he accepted not lead to a change in the gov- from Italy, and confirmed line to the throne, pledged “to George, their oldest child. known as the Duke of communications with gov- ernment’s approach. their suspicions when they get on with the job’’ of serving Prince Harry’s office also Edinburgh. ernment had to be completely “However, I have reflected cross-referenced the work Queen Elizabeth II as he and his issued a statement, describing Prime Minister Boris formal. on this at length,” he said in a with a database of known brother became the latest Philip as a man who was Johnson said Philip was Britain’s Treasury has said statement to the Press Associ- stolen antiquities, the members of the Royal Family “authentically himself.’’ “shaped and protected the that the former prime minister ation news agency. statement said. to honour Philip’s service to the “He will be remembered as monarchy through all the vicis- contacted Sunak and two other “There are important Italy for decades has nation and the monarch. the longest reigning consort to situdes” of the past last seven ministers in the department to lessons to be learnt. As a former worked to recover looted “My grandfather was an the Monarch, a decorated serv- decades. ask if Greensill could access the prime minister, I accept that antiquities that have ended up extraordinary man and part of iceman, a Prince and a Duke,’’ “He gives us all a model of government’s COVID-19 loan communications with gov- in private collections, famous an extraordinary generation,’’ Harry said. “But to me, like selflessness and of putting schemes at the start of the ernment need to be done museums and commercial William said in a statement many of you who have lost a others before ourselves,’’ pandemic. through only the most formal antique shops around the posted on Twitter. “Catherine loved one or grandparent over Johnson said. “He made this Boris Johnson’s spokesman of channels, so there can be no world. and I will continue to do what the pain of this past year, he country a better place.” said the prime minister room for misinterpretation.”

Manhunt underway J&J begins COVID-19 after one man vaccine supplies to EU killed in shooting near Paris hospital REUTERS — BRUSSELS doses to the EU by the end of June and another 120 million REUTERS — PARIS Johnson & Johnson yesterday in the third quarter, EU industry began delivering its COVID-19 commissioner Thierry Breton An unidentified gunman shot single-dose vaccine to EU said this month. dead a man and injured a countries, European Union offi- “Most recently, it was woman yesterday in Paris cials and the company said. unclear whether that promise before fleeing on a motorcycle, The company had initially would be kept. However, 50 in what the local mayor said planned to start its deliveries million doses are certain” for appeared to be a private at the beginning of April, but the second quarter, Liese said, quarrel and not terrorism- delayed the rollout due to pro- noting he received this infor- related. duction issues. mation from the company and The two were shot in front “The first doses are leaving from the European Com- of a hospital which also serves warehouses for member states mission, which coordinates as a COVID-19 vaccination today,” a European Com- talks with vaccine makers. centre in the upmarket 16th mission spokesman told a news A spokeswoman for arrondissement of the French conference yesterday. Johnson & Johnson confirmed capital. The injured woman is “Johnson & Johnson begins that it began deliveries yes- being treated for her wounds vaccine shipments to the EU terday to EU countries, Norway in the hospital, a police source today. Very good news,” said and Iceland, but declined to said. Restaurant and small business owners gather during a protest calling for their businesses to be Peter Liese, an EU lawmaker comment on supplies for April “It is not a terrorist attack, allowed to reopen amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Rome, yesterday. from the same party as German and the first quarter. it was probably a case of Chancellor Angela Merkel. It said it aimed to deliver score-settling,” Francis The US company has com- 200 million doses in 2021 to the Italy: Police, protesters clash over COVID-19 curbs Szpiner, mayor of the 16th mitted to delivering 55 million EU, Norway and Iceland. arrondissement, told the REUTERS — ROME hurled stones at the police lines, killed more than 114,000 reporters. Spain to vaccinate 70 to 79 year and let off fireworks, which people in Italy, the second The Paris prosecutor has Protesters scuffled with police filled the street with billowing worst official tally in Europe opened a murder investi- olds with J&J’s COVID-19 shot for a second week running smoke. after Britain. gation, a spokesman said. yesterday as frustrated “The problem is we just While an initial national Police union official Rocco REUTERS — MADRID the single-shot vaccine restaurant and small business don’t know what to do. They tell lockdown in March 2020 was Contento told BFM television tomorrow morning, Carolina owners demonstrated against us that we can only do take- widely accepted, the there had been an argument Spain will initially prioritise Darias told reporters at Gran continued coronavirus restric- aways, but in my neigh- announcement of renewed between the gunman and the people aged between 70 and Canaria airport after a visit to tions that are pounding the bourhood with a population of restrictions in October faced woman, who has been iden- 79 for vaccination with coro- the Spanish Canary Islands. economy. 3,000, what kind of take-aways immediate pushback in several tified as a security official at navirus shots produced by Following a sluggish start Around 200 people from all can I do?” said Silvio Bessone, Italian cities. the hospital, and that a man Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen to its vaccination campaign, over Italy tried to reach Prime a chef from the northern Those protests faded as who tried to intervene was unit, which are due to start Spain is betting on a surge of Minister Mario Draghi’s office, Piedmont region. infection rates soared, but the then shot. arriving this week, its health deliveries in the second but were held back by lines of The government has decision to prolong curbs into An eyewitness told Reuters minister said yesterday. quarter to meet its target of police in full riot gear. imposed repeated curbs over the spring, with no firm date for the man was shot in the head Spain will take a first inoculating half the population Chanting “we are all the past 14 months to try to when they might be eased, has several times while he was on delivery of 300,000 doses of by July. workers”, some protesters contain COVID-19, which has once again raised hackles. the ground. TUESDAY 13 APRIL 2021 EUROPE 13 On Gagarin flight anniversary, Putin vows Russia will remain space power REUTERS — MOSCOW in his honour across its vast territory. Gagarin became the first human The head of Russian space agency Russian President Vladimir Putin in outer space on April 12, 1961, Roscosmos and members of the marked the 60th anniversary of Yuri Communist Party laid flowers on Gagarin’s historic space flight in one of the Soviet Union’s most Gagarin’s grave at the foot of the yesterday with a pledge that Moscow important Cold War victories Kremlin wall on Monday. would remain a key space and and a pivotal moment in its Other commemorative events nuclear power. space race with the US. were more light-hearted, including Gagarin became the first human a neighbourhood clean-up in the in outer space on April 12, 1961, in Siberian city of Irkutsk where vol- one of the Soviet Union’s most “This is without a doubt a great unteers dressed up as characters important Cold War victories and a event that changed the world. We from Star Wars. pivotal moment in its space race will always be proud that it was our Celebrations also took place in with the United States. country that paved the road to outer space. The Soviet Union’s achievements space,” Putin told senior officials. “Our scientists and engineers in space continue to be a source of “In the 21st century, Russia must demonstrated the unquestionable national pride and a patriotic ral- properly maintain its status as one superiority of our homeland’s tech- lying cry at a time when Moscow’s of the leading nuclear and space nology, and made us the (world’s) Russian President Vladimir Putin plants a pine tree on Cosmonautics Day at the landing relations with Washington are at a powers, because the space sector is first space power,” cosmonaut Oleg site of Yuri Gagarin, in Saratov region, Russia, yesterday. post-Cold War low. directly linked to defence.” Gagarin’s Novitsky said in a video address To mark the anniversary, Putin 108-minute orbit around the Earth from the International Space Station laid flowers on a monument to propelled him to international fame (ISS), flanked by three other Russian scandals in recent years, including during funds. In 2019, Putin complained to gov- Gagarin near his landing site close and earned him the status of national cosmonauts. the construction of the Vostochny Cosmo- ernment officials about corruption at the to the city of Engels, some 860 km hero in the Soviet Union, which Roscosmos has suffered a series drome in the country’s far east where con- facility, and investigators said they were (535 miles) southeast of Moscow. erected statues and painted murals of technical mishaps and corruption tractors were accused of embezzling state looking into allegations of fraud. Swiss govt urges Ukraine leader’s request to talk to Putin ignored: Official voters to back AP — KIEV, UKRAINE Peninsula. More than 14,000 he hasn’t seen any requests for talks on the buildup and the Seibert said Monday that people have died in fighting in from Zelenskiy “in recent days.” escalation of tensions in the Germany has been following COVID-19 law Ukraine’s leader has asked for eastern Ukraine and efforts to Western and Ukrainian offi- area with French President the Russian military buildup a phone call with Russian Pres- negotiate a political settlement cials have raised concerns Emmanuel Macron, Mendel said along the border with Ukraine REUTERS — ZURICH ident Vladimir Putin about the have stalled. about increasingly frequent yesterday. very closely, adding it has been Russian troop buildup across his “The Kremlin, of course, has cease-fire violations in the con- She said Russia has accu- “of great concern to us.” Switzerland’s executive country’s border and the esca- the request to talk to Vladimir flict area. Reports of Ukraine’s mulated 41,000 troops at its The Kremlin has maintained government yesterday urged lating tensions in eastern Putin. We haven’t received a military casualties have been border with eastern Ukraine that Russia is free to deploy its voters to back the nation’s Ukraine, but the request has not response so far and very much occurring daily over the past and 42,000 more in Crimea. troops wherever it wants on its COVID-19 law, which is being been answered so far, his hope that it’s not a refusal of week, and rebels also have These numbers are likely to territory and has repeatedly challenged by people who fear spokeswoman said yesterday. dialogue,” Iuliia Mendel, a reported losses. grow as the troops “keep accused the Ukrainian military it eases approval requirements The concentration of spokeswoman for Ukrainian Yesterday, Ukraine’s mil- arriving,” she said. of “provocative actions” along for vaccines and has shifted Russian troops along the President Volodymyr Zel- itary reported one more serv- During a call with Putin last the line of control in the east too much political power away frontier comes amid a surge of enskyy, told AP. The request iceman killed, bringing the total week, German Chancellor and plans to retake control of from parliament. cease-fire violations in eastern was lodged on March 26, when to 28 this year. Angela Merkel called for the the rebel regions by force. With Switzerland’s direct Ukraine, where Russia-backed four Ukrainian troops were The Russian troop buildup removal of Russian troop rein- Kremlin officials charged that democracy, voters go to the separatists and Ukrainian forces killed in a mortar attack in the along the border has elicited forcements “in order to achieve Kyiv’s actions have threatened polls on June 13 to weigh in on have been locked in a conflict east, she added. concerns both in Ukraine and a de-escalation of the Russia’s security, warning that whether the law to help since Moscow’s 2014 annex- But Kremlin spokesman in the West. Zelenskiy is situation.” Russia may intervene to protect combat the pandemic went too ation of Ukraine’s Crimean Dmitry Peskov said yestyerday expected to head to Paris soon Merkel’s spokesman Steffen Russian speakers in the east. far. The seven-member exec- utive yesterday agreed at a closed-door session to rec- Norway charges Firefighter killed in blaze ommend to voters to back the law. man over thwarted in St Petersburg Switzerland passed the COVID-19 law last September, attacks in London, AP — MOSCOW after concluding rules needed Denmark tweaking to react sufficiently A major fire engulfed a business centre in St. to fast-evolving infection AP — COPENHAGEN Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city, numbers and subsequent eco- yesterday, killing a firefighter and injuring two nomic fallout. A man has been charged in others. Among other things, the Norway for his alleged role The blaze spread across all four of the build- law governs how financial aid in plans to carry out three ing’s floors and was raging in an area of 10,000 is split among hard-hit busi- extremist attacks in Denmark square metres (more than 100,000 square feet), nesses and employees who and in London, and for emergency officials said. Around 300 people were risk losing their livelihoods, purportedly spreading involved in battling the fire, authorities said. without measures to soften the Islamic State group propa- One firefighter died and two others were hos- blow. ganda on the Internet. pitalized with injuries, according to the Russian “The law makes it possible Authorities believe the Emergency Ministry. Forty people have been to continue with financial 24-year-old man, who wasn’t evacuated from the building, the Interfax news help,” the government said in identified, was part of a agency reported. It wasn’t immediately clear what a statement. “More than group that sought to strike a caused the fire, and an investigation was 100,000 companies and more church in England, possibly launched. The Interfax news agency reported than a million people have St. Paul’s Cathedral in that the building where the business centrr was been and are dependent on London, but British police located was erected in the 19th century, and its this financial assistance.” In Flames and smoke rise during a fire at the Nevskaya Manufaktura factory in central thwarted the plot, Norwegian decrepit state made it harder for the firefighters total, the law covers aid Saint Petersburg, Russia, yesterday. broadcaster NRK reported to tackle the blaze. totaling about 35 billion Swiss yesterday. francs ($38bn). The man was also Foes, however, contend allegedly involved in plans the law opens the door to an for one or more attacks in Czech FM sacked after losing challenge to party leader accelerated review of what the Denmark in March and April campaign calls “hardly tested 2019 with help from at least REUTERS — PRAGUE with Petricek, dismissed him leader, Interior Minister Jan government. gene vaccines with long-term one Danish citizen, prose- after receiving a proposal to do Hamacek, were among the During his tenure, Zaoralek effects”, leaving the population cutor Geir Evanger told NRK. Czech Foreign Minister Tomas so from Prime Minister Andrej reasons for his dismissal, Pet- took part in initiatives seen as vulnerable. Those attacks are believed to Petricek was sacked yesterday Babis. ricek suggested at a televised too open towards China. Moreover, the group — have been prevented as well. after losing a bid to lead his own Petricek had questioned a news conference. In 2016, he prepared a dec- calling itself “Friends of the The man has maintained centre-left Social Democratic plan to let a Russian bidder par- The CSSD is the junior coa- laration of top Czech officials Constitution” — also said his innocence. If found guilty, party (CSSD) party last week. ticipate in a tender to build a lition party in the minority gov- assuring Beijing of good rela- emergency measures meant the man who claims to be His replacement may take new nuclear power plant, a ernment led by Babis. A general tions after a minister met in to combat the pandemic dis- innocent, faces up to 21 years a less resolute stance on China view shared with the country’s election is due in October in the Prague with the exiled Tibetan proportionately shift power in jail, NRK said. The trial and possibly on other issues intelligence community and Czech Republic, a member of spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, away from parliament and starts in Oslo on May 18. such as Russia and its “vaccine parliamentary opposition. both Nato and European Union. to China’s dismay. toward the Federal Council, Evanger was quoted as diplomacy” or its bid in a Czech The ¤6bn ($7.2bn) project The current Minister of As Zaoralek has not yet Switzerland’s executive saying by NRK that as to his nuclear power plant tender. is the Czech Republic’s biggest Culture, Lubomir Zaoralek, is decided whether to accept the branch. involvement in IS, the man President Milos Zeman, who single public investment. meant to replace Petricek, nomination, Zeman appointed “The Federal Council spread “extremist material, favours close ties with Russia That view and him losing Hamacek said. Zaoralek had Hamacek to the post for the deserves to be taught a lesson,” violent material and material and China and often clashed his challenge to his party’s held the job in the previous time being. according to the foes’ website. with religious content” online. He was an administrator for several groups on social Danes vaccinate 100,000 media, including some he had created, the prosecutor said, people in a day to test system adding they consider him to be “a relatively central par- AP — COPENHAGEN, DENMARK surroundings, where one-third ticipant in many of these of the population lives. groups.” NRK said the man Denmark’s Health Minister At the Oeksnehallen exhi- had been held in custody for declared yesterday “the big bition centre in downtown a while. vaccine day,” with 100,000 Copenhagen where makeshift It wasn’t immediately people to be vaccinated in one vaccination booths have been known whether the case was day as officials test the system installed inside the building that linked to the July sentencing ahead of a June rollout where once housed cattle to be slaugh- in London of Safiyya Shaikh, four times as many people as tered, the plan is to inoculate a British woman who had that will be vaccinated each 6,000 people. converted to Islam. day. “There will be no breaks and She was jailed for life, The shots will be given in 68 it will run continuously with with a minimum sentence of inoculation centres across the people taking turns,” head of 14 years, for plotting to blow country of nearly 6 million. The the Oeksnehallen vaccination up St. Paul’s Cathedral, a number will be lower Tuesday. centre Lone Munk Andersen nearby hotel in London and Minister Magnus Heunicke told broadcaster TV2. a subway train in a suicide said Danes will “set a new “There should not be a single attack. Shaikh, born Michelle record,” and urged people to booth empty.” So far 868,461 Ramsden, who was a sup- arrive on time and have high people, or nearly 15% of the porter of the Islamic State spirits. population, have received the Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen greets a man during a visit to the vaccination centre in group, pleaded guilty to ter- The bulk of the vaccination first shot and 445,566 people, Roskilde Congress Center, Denmark, yesterday. rorism offenses. will be in Copenhagen and or nearly 8%, have had both. 14 AMERICAS TUESDAY 13 APRIL 2021 Lasso beats socialist rival to win Ecuador presidency REUTERS — QUITO The victory, welcome congratulations. Lasso’s third presidential Ecuadorean banker Guillermo news for investors candidacy seemed an unlikely Lasso pulled off a surprise win unnerved over Arauz’s one in a nation weary of painful in Sunday’s presidential runoff economic austerity measures against socialist economist promises of heavy and initially captivated by Andres Arauz, putting the social spending in the Arauz’s promises of $1,000 country on track to maintain handouts to poor families and open market policies rather face of weak state a return to socialist largess. than return to socialism. finances, bucks a Lasso, 65, shed his conserv- The victory, welcome news trend in Latin America ative image in the second round for investors unnerved over by promising progress on issues Arauz’s promises of heavy social of recent ballot box such as animal and environ- spending in the face of weak wins for the left in mental rights and greater efforts state finances, bucks a trend in to stop discrimination over Latin America of recent ballot Argentina, Bolivia and sexual orientation. box wins for the left in Chile. Arauz was unable to separate Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. his persona from that of his But Lasso, who takes office mentor, former President Rafael on May 24, still faces a chal- of the vote versus 47.5 percent Correa, who won broad support lenging task in restarting a for Arauz, according to the for social welfare programs sluggish economy struggling National Electoral Council, during his decade-long rule. Ecuadorean banker Guillermo Lasso and his wife Maria de Lourdes Alcivar react after Lasso wins the after last year’s brutal corona- which will not formally declare But he was also seen as a presidential runoff vote, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on Sunday. virus outbreak, which has him the winner until after a combative bully, and his repu- spiked in recent months as vac- review of poll statements tation was tarnished by bribery all of Arauz’s campaign with vote in February and narrowly lost austerity measures as part of a cination efforts stalled. marked for follow-up. charges on which he was found respect to that underlying out to Lasso for a runoff slot, which $6.5 billion financing pact with “It’s a day on which all Ecua- Arauz quickly conceded guilty in absentia while in ambiguity.” he attributed to electoral fraud, the International Monetary doreans have decided their defeat in a speech very different Belgium, where he now lives. Lasso may also have bene- while not presenting evidence. Fund, pursued trade deals and future,” Lasso said at a rally, from the combative tone he “(Arauz’s) candidacy did not fited from a ballot-spoiling Upon taking office, Lasso sought to spur exports. where jubilant supporters adopted on the campaign trail. manage to create its own profile campaign led by indigenous will have to show he is more But it was not enough to chanted, “Lasso President!” He “This is an electoral setback, or create distance from Correa, activist Yaku Perez, which successful than President Lenin kickstart the oil-exporting added, “They have used their vote but in no way is it a political or because he knew he would lose probably contributed to the Moreno at using free market pol- nation’s economy, already bat- to express the need for change moral defeat because our Correa’s hard line supporters,” nearly 1.7 million null votes in icies to stimulate the economy. tered by low crude prices when and the desire for better days.” project is for life,” said Arauz, said political analyst Julio Sunday’s poll. Moreno, who did not seek the coronavirus pandemic took Lasso secured 52.5 percent who offered Lasso his Echeverria. “It was an error in Perez ran in the first round re-election, imposed painful hold. Mexican state Peru's presidential election heads for run-off police relieve

REUTERS — LIMA The 51-year-old union needed to win outright, Conservative Keiko father, a former President, was local force in leader and primary school however, meaning Castillo will Fujimori was in fourth place jailed for human rights abuses. Peruvian far-left candidate teacher, a shock winner after a face the second place candidate also with 12.9 percent but was She herself has spent time on resort of Tulum Pedro Castillo is set to win the late surge in the polls, had 16.2% in a head-to-head vote. gaining ground as votes were remand over claims that she Andean country’s first-round of the vote with half the ballots The official count showed counted. The fast count pre- received $1.2m from Brazilian AP — MEXICO CITY presidential election, though he tallied on the official count. liberal economist Hernando de dicted she would come construction company Ode- will face a run-off vote in June A fast count from Ipsos Peru Soto in second place with 13.6 second. brecht, which she denies. State police announced on with an electorate fragmented showed him winning the race. percent and the far-right’s With many caught off guard Hernando de Soto is a Sunday that they have taken after a year of political and That level of support falls Rafael Lopez Aliaga in third by Castillo’s success, the unex- strong supporter of free markets over law enforcement duties economic crisis. well short of the majority place with 12.9 percent. pected outcome is likely to add and would continue spending in Mexico’s Caribbean coast to jitters over the future lead- to bolster the economy, while resort of Tulum, relieving a ership of the world’s second- Lopez Aliaga is a hotel and municipal force that has been largest copper producer, where railway magnate and a member charged in the death of a political uncertainty has of Opus Dei often compared to Salvadoran woman while weighed on markets in recent Brazilian leader Jair being detained. months. Bolsonaro. Lucio Hernández Gutiérrez, Peru is battling a new wave Celebrations in Castillo’s the acting state police chief in of COVID-19 infections with home city of Cajamarca, in Quintana Roo state, said the hospitals packed, sharpening a Peru’s northern highlands, con- municipal officers in Tulum sense of crisis in the country, tinued into the night. The leftist had systematically violated which impeached one president had surged late from the back proper procedure. last year and saw another resign of the leading group of candi- He said they will be sent shortly after amid deadly street dates, with exit polls showing for retraining, “because of the protests. him winning strong support in constant and intolerable acts Castillo, whose Free Peru Peru’s five poorest regions. of use and abuse of restraint party calls itself “socialist left”, In addition to a pledge to procedures, which were has pledged to redraft the con- tear up the 27-year-old consti- poorly applied, erroneous and stitution to weaken the business tution, a key demand of the incorrect.” elite and give the state a more young protesters who launched He added that municipal dominant role in sectors such anti-government demonstra- police were guilty of “the lack as mining, oil, hydropower, gas tions last year, he has said he of control of personal impulses and communications. will keep his teacher’s salary in restraining people, violating “I am grateful to the and cut those of lawmakers. legal norms and the highest Peruvian people for this result,” The ballot also saw Peru- regard for human rights.” Castillo, who wore a trademark vians vote for the 130-seat con- Tulum officers who do not cowboy hat when he arrived on gress, which looks set to remain pass the training courses will horseback to vote, told sup- highly fragmented with some be fired, Hernández Gutiérrez porters. “I ask for calm until the 10 parties appearing to reach said. Four Tulum officers have final results.” the threshold for representation been ordered to stand trial in Pedro Castillo of Peru Libre party waves to the media after casting his vote, outside a polling station Free marketeer Fujimori is in the legislature but none with the case of Victoria Esperanza in Cajamarca, Peru, on Sunday. a deeply divisive figure whose a clear majority. Salazar. Sputnik vaccine helping Russia regain LatAm foothold Explosion rocks St Vincent AP — RIO DE JANEIRO consternation in US diplomatic commodities boom ended and low- and middle-income coun- as volcano keeps erupting circles, although it remains to Venezuela economy melted tries. Recently, such shipments Russia has been trying to get its be seen if Russia’s vaccine out- down. have been delayed. AP — KINGSTOWN orders on Thursday, but an coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V reach will yield deeper Russian ties were also strong The US has snatched up unknown number have into Brazilian arms for months, partnerships. with the government of Argen- more doses than it will even- La Soufriere volcano fired an remained behind and refused and been repeatedly frustrated Tom Shannon, a former tina’s Cristina Fernandez Kirchner tually need, and Biden has enormous amount of ash and to move. by legal, regulatory and possibly undersecretary of state whose from 2007 to 2015 and appear to repeatedly said his focus is vac- hot gas early yesterday in the Richard Robertson, with the even diplomatic obstacles. long diplomatic career included be reviving. As current vice pres- cinating all Americans before biggest explosive eruption yet seismic research center, told That began to change as the several stints in the region, said ident, Kirchner spearheaded sharing vaccines abroad. The US since volcanic activity began on local station NBC Radio that the South American nation played that the US has largely missed negotiations to buy Sputnik V has had almost three times as the eastern Caribbean island of volcano’s old and new dome catch-up in the global race to an opportunity to engage with even when local scientists initially many COVID-19 deaths per St. Vincent late last week, with have been destroyed and that snap up shots. Receiving little Latin American governments were sceptical of the early exper- capita as Russia and, even with officials worried about the lives a new crater has been created. help from the US, which was during the pandemic, with the imental data reported by the one of the world’s fastest immu- of those who have refused to He said that the pyroclastic struggling to get a handle on its exception of a recently Gamaleya Institute that developed nization rollouts, Americans evacuate. flows would have razed every- own outbreak, Sputnik V announced plan by President the vaccine. have complained about the pace. Experts called it a “huge thing in their way. seemed as good as any; Brazil’s Joe Biden’s administration to Argentina’s embrace of the By contrast, Russia’s own explosion” that generated pyro- “Anything that was there, federal government and a group provide Mexico surplus shots vaccine helped convince Mexico vaccination program has lagged clastic flows down the vol- man, animal, anything...they of nine northeastern states “For the Kremlin, COVID — which had struggled to get because of widespread skep- cano’s south and southwest are gone,” he said. “And it’s a signed two deals with Russia’s was a godsend,” Shannon said vaccines from US companies — ticism of the vaccine — a Feb- flanks. terrible thing to say it.” Joseph sovereign wealth fund, RDIF, of Russia’s vaccine outreach. to sign an agreement for 24 ruary poll showed only 30 “It’s destroying everything said the latest explosion is for a total 47 million doses. The “This was a chance for them to million doses, though they have percent of Russians were in its path,” Erouscilla Joseph, equivalent to the one that shot is moving toward regu- restart their diplomacy in the been slow to arrive. willing to get the shot — and director of the University of the occurred in 1902 and killed latory approval. hemisphere with a whole new Bolivia’s previously tight drug makers being slow to West Indies’ Seismic Research some 1,600. The volcano last The vaccine has now been face of public health inter- relations with Russia had ramp up production. Center, told The Associated erupted in 1979. Ash from the purchased by at least nine Latin vention and they are taking full reversed under President Luis Only recently did Biden’s Press. “Anybody who would ongoing explosions has fallen American nations, with Brazil advantage of it.” Arce’s right-wing predecessor, administration agree to provide 2.7 have not heeded the evacu- on Barbados and other nearby its greatest uphill battle. “When you have 300,000 but Arce, who took office in million surplus AstraZeneca doses ation, they need to get out islands. That growing adoption dead, you take the help where November, agreed to buy mil- to Mexico. Brazil has been trying immediately.” The ongoing volcanic reflects Russia gaining a greater you can get it from,” he said of lions of doses. After speaking to negotiate the same for itself, There were no immediate activity has threatened water foothold in the region the US Brazil. with Putin by phone, he also according to its foreign ministry. reports of injuries or death, but and food supplies, with the has traditionally viewed as Russia’s presence in Latin announced reactivation of a “Although I truly think that government officials were government forced to drill for within its sphere of influence - America has been limited since Russian-led project to build a the US and European countries scrambling to respond to the fresh water and distribute it via and where the American gov- the 1990s, and in recent years nuclear research and technology are the preferred partners in the latest eruption, which was even trucks. “We cannot put tar- ernment had boasted of primarily entailed an alliance center. region, if there is a vacuum, bigger than the first eruption paulin over a river,” said Garth steering Brazil away from with Venezuela for provision of US vaccine outreach, there isn’t the slightest doubt that occurred on Friday Saunders, minister of the Russian vaccines. It’s similar to arms and energy projects, as meantime, has been almost that China and Russia will seek morning. island’s water and sewer China’s success in achieving well as Nicaragua for arms and entirely indirect, with a pledge a way to take advantage,” Mau- Roughly 16,000 people authority, referring to the wide use of its own vaccines in building emergency response of $4bn to the World Health ricio Claver-Carone, the head who live in communities close impossibility of trying to Latin America. capabilities. But Latin America’s Organization’s COVAX pro- of the Inter-American Devel- to the volcano had been evac- protect current water sources That has caused arms purchases plunged as its gramme to provide shots to opment Bank, said. uated under government from ongoing falling ash. TUESDAY 13 APRIL 2021 AMERICAS 15 Police killing Black man at traffic stop sparks unrest AP — BROOKLYN CENTER Minnesota Governor After determining the driver had an outstanding A Black man died after being Tim Walz tweeted warrant, police said they tried shot by police during a traffic that he was praying to arrest him. Then the driver stop in a Minneapolis suburb, reentered the vehicle, and an sparking violent protests that for Wright’s family officer fired, striking him, lasted into yesterday as officers “as our state mourns police said. The vehicle in riot gear clashed with traveled several blocks before demonstrators and the man’s another life of a striking another vehicle. mother called for calm. Black man taken by Wright’s family offered a The man was identified by law enforcement.” different account, with Katie family as 20-year-old Daunte Wright saying her son was shot Wright, who died on Sunday in Speaking before before getting back into the car. a metropolitan area that was the unrest, Wright’s A female passenger sus- already on edge because of the tained non-life-threatening trial of the first of four police mother, Katie Wright, injuries during the crash, officers charged in George urged protesters to authorities said. Katie Wright Floyd’s death. said that passenger was her Minnesota Governor Tim stay peaceful. son’s girlfriend. Walz tweeted that he was Court records show Wright praying for Wright’s family “as was being sought on allegations our state mourns another life of hands held up. On one street, that he fled from officers and a Black man taken by law someone wrote in multi- possessed a gun without a enforcement.” Speaking before colored chalk: “Justice for permit during an encounter the unrest, Wright’s mother, Daunte Wright.” with Minneapolis police in June. Katie Wright, urged protesters Officers stopped a motorist In that case, a statement of Demonstrators stand on a police vehicle during a protest after police allegedly shot and killed a man, to stay peaceful and focused on shortly before 2pm on Sunday probable cause said police got who local media report is identified by the victim’s mother as Daunte Wright, in Brooklyn Center, the loss of her son. for an unspecified traffic vio- a call about a man waving a gun Minnesota, US, yesterday. “All the violence, if it keeps lation, police said in a who was later identified as going, it’s only going to be about statement. Authorities planned Wright. Harrington said at a news the former Minneapolis officer courthouse in Minneapolis, the violence. We need it to be to provide an update later Shortly after the shooting, conference. charged in Floyd’s death, con- Harrington said. about why my son got shot for yesterday. demonstrators began to gather, The National Guard was tinued Monday. Floyd, a Black There was no visible no reason,” she said to a crowd Katie Wright said her son with some jumping atop police activated, and Brooklyn Center man, died May 25 after Chauvin, increase in the already high near the shooting scene in called her as he was getting cars. Marchers also descended Mayor Mike Elliott announced who is white, pressed his knee security presence on Monday Brooklyn Center, a city of about pulled over. on the Brooklyn Center Police a curfew that expired shortly against Floyd’s neck. Prose- morning outside the court- 30,000 people on the northwest “All he did was have air Department, where rocks and before daybreak. cutors say Floyd was pinned for house, which was fortified border of Minneapolis. “We fresheners in the car, and they other objects were thrown at Police said Brooklyn Center 9 minutes, 29 seconds. ahead of Chauvin’s trial with tall need to make sure it’s about him told him to get out of the car,” officers, authorities said. The officers wear body cameras, More National Guard fencing topped with barbed and not about smashing police Wright said. During the call, she protesters had largely dispersed which they believe were acti- members and state law wire and coils of razor wire cars, because that’s not going to said she heard scuffling and by 1.15am yesterday. vated during the traffic stop. enforcement personnel were between the fences and con- bring my son back.” Protesters then someone saying “Daunte, About 20 businesses were The department said it has to be deployed around the crete barriers. National Guard who gathered near the scene don’t run” before the call ended. broken into at the city’s Shingle asked the state Bureau of Twin Cities and in Brooklyn troops with military vehicles, waved flags and signs reading When she called back, her son’s Creek shopping center, Min- Criminal Apprehension to Center in addition to teams sheriff’s deputies and county “Black Lives Matter.” Others girlfriend answered and said he nesota Department of Public investigate. already in place for Chauvin’s security guards continued to walked peacefully with their had been shot. Safety Commissioner John The trial of Derek Chauvin, trial at the Hennepin County stand watch. US administration drops plans for Judge refuses to sequester jury in Floyd murder case AP — MINNEAPOLIS Judge Peter Cahill said he effective remedy.” restraint, and medical author- Derek Chauvin, 45, who is police oversight will not sequester the jurors Schleicher also opposed ities attributing Floyd’s death to white, is charged with murder The judge in the George Floyd until next Monday, when he Nelson’s request to re-question a lack of oxygen. and manslaughter in Floyd’s May REUTERS — WASHINGTON murder case refused a defence anticipates closing arguments all of the jurors about what they When testimony resumed 25 death. Police had been called request to immediately will begin. He also denied a may have heard, saying: “World Monday morning, Dr. Jonathan to a neighborhood market where President Joe Biden’s admin- sequester the jury Monday, the defence request to question events happen.... That’s just Rich, a cardiology expert from Floyd was accused of trying to istration is backing away from morning after the killing of a jurors about what, if anything, what happens. And we can’t Northwestern Memorial Hos- pass a counterfeit bill. a campaign pledge to swiftly Black man during a traffic stop they may have seen about have every single world event pital in Chicago, echoed earlier Prosecutors Chauvin had his create a US police oversight triggered unrest in a suburb just unrest following Sunday’s that might affect somebody’s experts in saying that Floyd died knee on Floyd’s neck as the commission, a White House outside Minneapolis. police shooting of 20-year-old attitude or emotional state or of low oxygen levels from the 46-year-old Black man lay aide said, concluding that The request came from the Daunte Wright in Brooklyn anything be the grounds to way he was held down by pinned to the pavement for 9 legislation would better attorney for former Minneapolis Center. come back and re-voir dire all police. 1/2 minutes. address officers using police Officer Derek Chauvin. In the wake of the shooting, the jurors.” “It was the truly the prone Bystander video of Floyd, excessive force. Defense attorney Eric Nelson hundreds of protesters broke The judge had previously restraint and positional pinned by Chauvin and two Susan Rice, Biden’s argued that the jurors could be into businesses, jumped on asked jurors to avoid news restraints that led to his asphyx- other officers as he cried, “I domestic policy adviser, said influenced by the prospect of police cars and hurled rocks during the trial. iation,” the expert said. can’t breathe!” and eventually in a statement that the admin- what might happen as a result and other objects at police in The ruling came as the trial Rich rejected the possibility grew still sparked protests and istration believed a com- of their verdict. Brooklyn Center. Officers in riot entered its third week, with the that Floyd died of a drug scattered violence around the mission would not be the “Ultimately, your honour, gear fired gas and flash-bang prosecution close to wrapping overdose. And he said he found US. “most effective way to deliver the question becomes will the grenades. up its case and giving way to the no cardiac problems in Floyd’s Chauvin’s attorney has on our top priority in this area” jury be competent to make a Prosecutor Steve Schleicher start of the defence. Prosecutors medical records. In fact, he said, argued that Floyd’s death was right now. decision regardless of the argued against sequestering the built their on searing witness “Every indicator is that Mr. caused by drug use and under- That priority is signing a bill potential outcome of their jury in the Floyd case, saying: accounts, experts rejecting Floyd had actually an excep- lying health conditions, that passed the House of Rep- decision,” Nelson said. “I don’t think that would be an Chauvin’s use of a neck tionally strong heart.” including heart disease. resentatives in March, banning officers from using chokeholds and entering suspects’ homes without knocking, Rice said in WH seeks bipartisan response to questions about progress on police reforms. That bill, the George Floyd infrastructure push Justice in Policing Act, is unlikely to win the 60 Senate REUTERS — WASHINGTON House senior staff were briefing votes it needs. Republicans Republican lawmakers on the oppose provisions in the bill President Joe Biden could find proposal,” said a White House eroding “qualified immunity” himself under pressure official, speaking on condition protections afforded officers yesterday to prove his much- of anonymity. “He’s enthusi- in legal cases. touted interest in working with astic about continuing to be in Biden promised to launch Republicans in Congress, as close touch with both parties a national police oversight lawmakers return from their about this historic investment commission by his 100th day spring break to grapple with his in the backbone of the country.” in office, at the end of April, $2.3 trillion proposal to But increasing numbers of following the May 25, 2020, improve US infrastructure. Republicans are accusing Biden death of George Floyd in Min- The Democratic president of having no sincere interest in neapolis police custody. appears to be losing political working with them, saying his Doing so, Biden said, would capital with a group of Senate overtures have amounted to help “to ensure that our police Republicans, including Susan little more than window protect and serve all members Collins and Mitt Romney, who dressing for a go-it-alone Dem- of their communities.” may represent his best chance ocratic strategy. Biden won The backtracking leaves of enacting legislation gar- congressional passage of a the police reform issue in leg- nering the support of both major COVID-19 relief bill islative limbo, along with a parties. without Republican support. host of liberal priorities Biden’s party holds slim “The president has regret- struggling to move through Homeless people set up camp near White House majorities in both the House of tably misled the public on every Congress, where Biden’s Representatives and Senate, step of every piece of major fellow Democrats hold slim A view of tents where homeless people camp just blocks from the White House on Virginia Avenue meaning he can ill afford to lose legislation he has sent to Con- majorities. in Washington, DC, yesterday. Democratic votes. That has gress. The COVID bill wasn’t empowered and emboldened about COVID. This infra- Democratic moderates such as structure bill isn’t about infra- Senator Joe Manchin who have structure,” said Representative Ontario hospitals struggle as COVID-19 cases fill ICUs outsize influence over the fate Kevin Brady, the top Repub- of Biden’s ambitious legislative lican on the tax-writing House REUTERS — TORONTO percent to 612 in the week Ontario’s hospitals fared an ICU doctor at Toronto’s Uni- priorities including the infra- Ways and Means Committee set leading up to Sunday, according relatively well during the first versity Health Network. He said structure package, gun control to play a key role in the infra- Doctors in the Canadian to data from the Ontario Hos- wave of the pandemic last year, no doctor wants to contemplate and others. structure battle. province of Ontario may soon pital Association. in part because the province a triage protocol but there are Biden, who previously Biden can also expect a have to decide who can and The sharp increase in quickly cancelled elective only so many staff. served for 36 years in the more skeptical reception from cannot receive treatment in Ontario hospital admissions is surgeries. “There’s going to be a Senate, has repeated since a group of 10 Senate Repub- intensive care as the number of also straining supplies of tocili- The College of Physicians breaking point, a point at which becoming president in January licans who met the president coronavirus infections sets zumab, a drug often given to and Surgeons of Ontario told we can’t fill those gaps any his interest in collaborating on the COVID-19 relief legis- records and patients are packed people seriously ill with doctors last Thursday that the longer.” with Republicans. He is lation in February only to have into hospitals still stretched COVID-19. province was considering In a statement, the health expected to host Republicans their calls to shrink the package from a December wave. Hospital care is publicly “enacting the critical care triage ministry said Ontario has not and Democrats from both dismissed. Canada’s most populous funded in Canada, generally protocol,” something that was activated the protocol. A Sep- chambers of Congress at the The White House official province is cancelling elective free at the point of care for res- not done during earlier waves tember draft suggested doctors White House on Monday to noted that the COVID-19 bill surgeries, admitting adults to a idents. But new hospital beds of the virus. Triage protocols could withhold life-sustaining discuss a way forward on was a response to a raging major children’s hospital and have not kept pace with popu- help doctors decide who to treat care from patients with a less infrastructure. national crisis, adding that preparing field hospitals after lation growth, and shortages of in a crisis. than 20 percent chance of sur- “Even before the American negotiations on the jobs and the number of COVID-19 staff and space often emerge “Everybody’s under viving 12 months. A final version Jobs Plan was announced, the infrastructure plan would be a patients in ICUs jumped 31 during bad flu seasons. extreme stress,” said Eddy Fan, has not been made public. President himself and White more deliberative process. TUESDAY 13 APRIL 2021 16 Doha Debates examines healthcare imbalances

PRAYER THE PENINSULA — DOHA of money that we are spending on the TIMINGS military in every country of the world PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING The coronavirus pandemic remains a would completely take care of uni- stark reminder that the international versal health coverage for all our 03.55 am community must do more to overcome people. And it’s a decision that we as FAJR glaring global disparities in healthcare people and our political masters have SUNRISE 05.14 am availability and treatment, doctors told to take. What’s more important, DHUHR 11.35 am Qatar Foundation’s Doha Debates’ arming ourselves or promoting our ASR 03.04 pm #DearWorldLive programme. health? It’s fundamentally a political On a special World Health Day decision. It’s not a question about MAGHRIB 05.56 pm edition of #DearWorldLive, two money.” ISHA 07.26 pm renowned doctors highlighted the dif- Viewer feedback during the inter- ferences in healthcare between rich and active program included comments from poor countries, and even within Yasemin AlShanableh, a student at Qatar wealthier nations. University’s College of Medicine. “The Editor-in-Chief of The Peninsula American physician Dr. Cheryl L COVID-19 crisis has made the dispar- Holder, who serves underprivileged ities in healthcare access even more receives Italian Ambassador populations in Florida, said, “I’m in the apparent. Universal health coverage is United States, a rich country, but the one proposed solution to ensure that The Editor-in-Chief of The Peninsula, Dr. Khalid Mubarak Al-Shafi, received Ambassador same disparities that we talk about [in these inequities are eliminated. Is UHC of Italy to Qatar, H E Alessandro Prunas, at The Peninsula office yesterday. The the global south] happen here, too. the only solution available to better WEATHER Ambassador was briefed about the evolution of the newspaper over the past two “I see it on a day-to-day basis here healthcare access for vulnerable popu- TODAY decades since its establishment and its mission, vision and role of the newspaper’s in America, just with the coronavirus. lations, and is it realistically achievable website. The Ambassador praised the news coverage of the daily, especially about Black and brown people have paid a on a global scale?” the Italian community. The envoy and the Editor-in-Chief discussed cooperation huge price.” When asked by #DearWorldLive between the Embassy and the newspaper in promoting the interest of the people Dr. Vikram Patel, the co-founder of host Nelufar Hedayat what else should of two countries. PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH/THE PENINSULA the Movement for Global Mental Health, be done to narrow the healthcare divide, said money is often at the root of Holder said: “All the data clearly shows healthcare disparities. that educating women and girls will 25oC 38oC “Some people enjoy better health benefit our society and improve our Minimum Maximum Nomadland wins four BAFTAs solely because of their wealth or priv- health outcomes.” ilege. Addressing this injustice is at the Answering the same question, Patel Hazy at some places at first heart of global health.” said: “The pandemic has taught us that becomes relatively hot daytime with including best picture, director scattered clouds. Patel called for urgent action to right no person is safe until everyone in every healthcare wrongs. “As a result of the country is safe. We must look beyond W ALRUWAIS : 24o → 30o AP — LONDON long-time patron of the British film pandemic, the global economy has been our own borders to create a healthier W ALKHOR : 25o → 35o academy. shattered. This has to be seen as a unique and safer world for everyone.” Gig-economy Western Nomadland won Prince William, who had been due historical moment for every country to Filipina American student nurse and W DUKHAN : 22o → 30o four prizes including best picture on to attend and make a speech in his role commit itself to invest in its health TikTok personality Dane Marie Balbiran W → WAKRAH : 25o 34o Sunday at the British Academy Film as president of Britain’s film academy, sector.” joined the conversation from the Phil- W MESAIEED : 25o → 34o Awards, which were handed out during was absent following the death of his Holder and Patel agreed that the ippines, saying: “The more we learn and W ABUSAMRA : 20o → 30o a pandemic-curbed ceremony that grandfather. The ceremony opened with ideal solution would be high-quality the more we study, the more creative recognized a diverse array of screen a tribute to Philip, who was the acad- global universal health coverage (UHC). our solutions [to global healthcare dis- talent. emy’s first president in 1959. Holder said: “We need to reimagine parities] will be.” HIGH TIDE Nomadland filmmaker Chloe Zhao Presenters including Hugh Grant, healthcare, who is delivering it, and The programme and all #Dear- 4:45– 17:54 became only the second woman, and Tom Hiddleston, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and where we put our dollars.” WorldLive episodes can be seen on LOW TIDE 0:10 – 12:30 the first woman of colour, to win the Priyanka Chopra Jonas announced the Patel argued that universal Doha Debates’ Twitter, ssssFacebook, BAFTA for best director, and star winners from the stage of London’s healthcare is a realistic goal despite YouTube, and Twitch channels, and Frances McDormand was named best Royal Albert Hall, but recipients the challenges involved. “It’s about at DohaDebates.com/ actress. Nomadland also took the cin- accepted their honors remotely, and political will and money. The amount DearWorldLive. ematography prize. there was no black-tie audience to cheer Emerald Fennell’s revenge comedy them on. Ooredoo to support Promising Young Woman was named Director Remi Weekes, who won the best British film, while the best actor British debut prize for his first feature, communities with trophy went to 83-year-old Anthony His House, noted the surreal sensation Hopkins for playing a man grappling of accepting the award while sitting in food provisions with dementia in The Father. his living room in a tuxedo. An event that was criticized in the Nomadland stars McDormand as a THE PENINSULA — DOHA recent past with the label #BAFTAs- middle-aged woman who travels the SoWhite rewarded a diverse group of American West while living out of her Qatar’s leading telecommunica- talents, including Black British star van and picking up short-term work. tions operator will support Qatar Daniel Kaluuya, newcomer Bukky Zhao, who lived among real Red Crescent in the charity’s Bakray — who shone as a London American travellers for the film, thanked efforts to ensure everyone has teenager in Rocks — and veteran “the nomadic community who so gen- the necessary food provisions Korean actress Yuh-Jung Youn. erously welcomed us into their lives.” this Ramadan. This contribution The fact that Britain remains under “How we treat our elders says a lot comes as part of the Ooredoo Al coronavirus lockdown measures, with about who we are as a society, and we Khair campaign, which the its movie theatres still closed, gave the need to do better,” she said. company has launched in cele- evening a poignant tone, as did the The only previous female directing bration of the holy month. death on Friday of Prince Philip, winner was Kathryn Bigelow in 2010 Qatar Red Crescent will be husband of Queen Elizabeth II, a for The Hurt Locker. Debators presenting their views during the session. running the Khairkum Sabeq Festival, an initiative whereby participants can purchase food boxes for distribution to those in need. Ooredoo will be Strategic Janan vessel begins research journey Communications Partner. The Khairkum Sabeq Fes- tival will support those in need QNA — DOHA program of monitoring the in cooperation with the Environ- the field of monitoring the deep regional coastal waters in this Ramadan with food boxes marine environment of the State mental Science Center of Qatar quality of the marine envi- locations within the borders of containing essentials such as Janan Research Vessel kicked off of Qatar, implemented by the University. ronment at the Department and the State of Qatar. flour, sugar, salt, oil, rice, lentils, its research journey on Sunday Ministry of Municipality and The three-day sea trip is Qatar University. Al Kuwari explained that the juices, etc. Those who would like to study the state of marine envi- Environment (MME), represented being conducted by a research Ali Jassim Al Kuwait from the trip aims to collect sediment to participate can purchase a ronment in the Exclusive by the Monitoring and Environ- team consisting of a number of Monitoring and Environmental and marine water samples from Ramadan Food Box for QR100 Economic Zone (EEZ) within the mental Laboratory Department, specialists and researchers in Laboratory Department under- the specified sites to measure via the QRC website or any par- lined the keenness of the the most prominent variables ticipating shopping centre. Department to launch this such as water temperature, The shopping centres will research trip on board of Janan salinity, saturated dissolved assemble the boxes containing Research Vessel despite the coro- oxygen and turbidity. Samples the essentials. QRC will then navirus pandemic, noting that the will also be collected by nets to send an SMS to the beneficiary preparation for this phase of the monitor phytoplankton and and coordinate delivery via program required a great effort. zooplankton along the depth of their nearest participating He noted the importance of the water column from the shopping centre. this trip in monitoring the latest bottom to the surface in order Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, biological, chemical or physical to classify them and identify Director PR at Ooredoo, said: variables and indicators of the their diversity and determine “We’re proud to be working with state of the marine environment the biological fertility and pro- Qatar Red Crescent on this inval- and comparing them to the pre- ductivity of the Qatari marine uable initiative this Ramadan, vious years. environment. which comes as part of our He added that the trip will Janan Research Vessel is Ooredoo Al Khair campaign. We collect samples from within the equipped with the latest all have a duty to take care of the country’s marine waters and equipment and tools specialized less fortunate in our commu- from different depths and away in the field of marine research nities, and the holy month of from the shore, unlike the pre- and has a specialized laboratory Ramadan is the perfect time in vious programs which were to examine materials and which we can take practical implemented near the shore, samples immediately, as well steps to do so. We commend which will give accurate and as a qualified technical staff Qatar Red Crescent on their excellent results for the marine with high experience in this efforts and look forward to condition, in addition to field and a specialized research helping them as they work to studying the environmental ele- team from the Monitoring and ensure everyone has the essen- ments of soil and marine Environmental Laboratory tials they need this Ramadan.” The research team in front of the vessel before departure. waters, whether shallow or Department. Venice architecture Biennale to open a year later on May 22 AP — MILAN The title was chosen before the said, citing climate change, massive seven sections “to deepen the dis- specified, but Biennale president pandemic forced the postponement of population displacement, political cussion about architecture and its vital Roberto Cicutto said they would draw A year after being postponed by the the event initially slated for 2020. But polarization, and growing racial, social, role in today’s society.” That includes on the experience from the film and COVID-19 pandemic, the Venice curator Hashim Sarkis said “the pan- ethnic and economic inequalities. All the broadcast of the installation process dance sections held last year. Biennale for architecture will open on demic has made the question... all the of these “have led us to this pandemic,’’ usually hidden from public view, a col- The Venice Film Festival, the first May 22 for a six-month run under strict more relevant, even if somehow ironic, Sarkis told a virtual presentation. laboration with the dance Biennale and major in-person cinema showcase during virus protocols, officials said Monday. given the isolation that the pandemic Sarkis, dean of the Massachusetts satellite shows that will spin off from the pandemic last September, required The exhibition will bring together has imposed.” Institute of Technology’s School of the Biennale after it closes on participants to wear face masks during 63 countries for the main show under The original concept was inspired Architecture and Planning, said he used November 21. screenings and anyone arriving from the theme “How will we live together?” by pressing issues facing the world, he the extra year to expand the show to Protocols for visitors weren’t outside Europe to take a COVID-19 test.