Tuesday June 1, 2021 Shawwal 20, 1442 Vol.14 no. 5273 QR 2

Fajr: 3:16 am Dhuhr: 11:32 am dusty Asr: 2:56 pm Maghrib: 6:23 pm High : 43°C LOW : 34 °C Isha: 7:53 pm

World 7 Business 8 Sports 12 Denmark accused of helping Crude surges to $70 on Federer dares to dream as he US NSA spy on Merkel, others strong demand hopes cruises into second round

Qatar, Equatorial Guinea ink slew of pacts Amir, President of Equatorial Guinea hold official talks Equatorial Guinea keen to strengthen ties with Qatar: President Mbasogo

His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo held officials talks at the Amiri Diwan on Monday. page 16

QNA HH the Amir welcomed the his country’s keenness to develop culture, in addition to exchanging cluded a pact on mutual exemption HH the Amir hosted a luncheon Doha President and the accompanying and strengthen bilateral relations views on a number of issues of com- from entry visa requirements for banquet in honour of the Presi- delegation, wishing him a pleasant and cooperation with Qatar in vari- mon concern. diplomatic, special and service pass- dent of the Republic of Equatorial His Highness the Amir of State of stay, and the relations of the two ous fields to achieve the interests of After the talks, HH the Amir and ports, an air services agreement, an Guinea and the accompanying del- Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al countries further development and both countries. the President of Equatorial Guinea agreement to encourage and protect egation at the Amiri Diwan. Earlier Thani and President of the Repub- growth in various fields. They discussed bilateral re- witnessed the signing ceremony of a mutual investments, an agreement upon arrival at Amiri Diwan, the lic of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro For his part, the President of lations and the ways to enhance number of agreements and a memo- on economic, commercial and tech- president of Equatorial Guinea was Obiang Nguema Mbasogo held of- Equatorial Guinea expressed his and develop them, especially in randum of understanding between nical cooperation, and a MoU on accorded an official reception. ficial talks at the Amiri Diwan on thanks to HH the Amir for the warm the fields of investment, economy, the governments of the two countries. conducting political consultations on Monday. reception and hospitality, stressing energy, transportation and agri- The agreements and MoUs in- issues of mutual interest. See also page 16 

Fuel prices go up for June Sheikha Jawaher honours 374 Customers will have to pay more for fuel in Qatar. Announcing the fuel prices for June on outstanding QU female graduates Monday, Qatar Petroleum said premium-grade QNA petrol will cost QR1.85 Doha Qatar confronts per litre, while the super grade petrol will retail at QR1.90 per litre. COVID with largest Both fuel grades saw a jump of 5 dirhams in their fares from May. Her Highness Sheikha Jawa- Diesel, on the other hand, is priced at QR1.75 per litre for June, her bint Hamad bin Suhaim vaccination drive (PG 6) 10 dirhams more than its price in May. (TNN) Al Thani, the consort of HH the Amir, patronised the 2020 graduation ceremony of Qa- tar University’s 43rd batch of female students at the QU Sports and Events Complex on Monday. 38km-long shared pedestrian cycling A number of members of the QU’s Board of Trustees and QU Vice-Presidents at- path opens on Al Khor Road tended the ceremony. HH Sheikha Jawaher gave The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has opened the shared pedestrian and cycling tracks on a speech in which she recalled the eastern side of Al Khor Road, integrating with the Olympic Cycling Track on the western her memories of Qatar Univer- side, giving more opportunities for hobbyists to practice cycling and jogging, ensuring complete sity, from which she graduated safety. The track is 38 km long and 6 metres wide, passing through 18 underpasses, to provide and returned as a postgradu- HH Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, the consort of HH the Amir, patronised the graduation a smooth and uninterrupted movement. In order to facilitate better use of the tracks along the ate student. ceremony of Qatar University’s 43rd batch of female students at QU Sports and Events Complex on Monday. road, 80 cycle-parking points, 100 benches and 20 resting areas are provided. To provide more Her Highness urged the safety, Ashghal announced installation of 6 cycling counters for cyclists, including four on the students to continue education, whole world the importance Olympic cycling track, and two others on the common pedestrian and cycling track. page 2 study, and scientific research of investing in science and sci- for the sake of the nation’s ad- entific research. Empowering women stems vancement, as this is the best At the end of her speech, way to build a conscious and Her Highness thanked HH the from firm conviction of wise responsible person who can Amir and the university fac- contribute to the service and ulty, congratulating the gradu- leadership: QU president advancement of the country. ate students and wishing them She referred to His High- continued success in their sci- Qatar University President tion of the position Qatari ness the Amir of State of Qa- entific life. Dr Hassan Rashid Al Derham women have achieved in tar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Her Highness honoured has affirmed that empower- shaping the future of the Al Thani’s affirmation in his the 374 outstanding female ing Qatari women to play country and that the state is speeches regarding the pri- graduates out of the total their roles in building the witnessing its renaissance ority of investing in people, number of 2,455 in various nation is an authentic Qatari across all fields. which is evident in Qatar Na- disciplines. approach and a policy that Regarding the role of tional Vision, to achieve sus- QU President Dr Hassan stems from the firm convic- Qatari women in the country’s tainable development. Rashid Al Derham honoured tion of the country’s wise efforts against COVID-19, he She praised the level that HH Sheikha Jawaher on the leadership. said that the pandemic has QU has reached in the global occasion of her graduation In a speech during the proved that Qatari women, rankings, and the efforts of from the graduate studies of graduation ceremony for the whenever they are put to the the university administration College of Business and Eco- Class of 2020 on Monday, he test and given responsibility, and all its employees, indicat- nomics. said the celebration of the are up to the responsibility ing that the COVID-19 pan- new QU batch is a celebra- and challenge. (QNA) page 16 demic has made clear to the Continued on page 16  02 Tuesday, June 1, 2021

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AMIR MEETS TUNISIAN PRIME MINISTER

The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Interior of Tunisia Hichem Mechichi and his accompany- ing delegation at his Amiri Diwan Office on Monday. During the meeting, they re- viewed the bilateral relations between the two countries and the means of enhancing them, in addition to a number of regional and international issues of common concern. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani. (QNA)

Shura calls for stronger efforts WHO appoints Qatar’s Hanadi to its External Review Group to achieve QNV 2030 objectives Tribune News Network in Long-Term Care Facilities to help DOHA ensure that the most vulnerable peo- QNA specialisations to work in the ple were better protected against COV- Doha government sector and others. National Lead for Older People in ID-19. These goals are also achieved Qatar Dr Hanadi Al Hamad has been Speaking after the appointment, The Shura Council on Monday by paying attention to the pro- appointed to the World Health Organi- Dr Hanadi said, “Working as part of a reviewed the report of the Ser- tection of the Qatari family, by zation’s (WHO) Exter- global team focused on vices and Public Utilities Com- addressing the causes leading to nal Review Group. the wellbeing and care of mittee on the briefing presented the high rate of divorce and find- The External Review older people helps to en- to the Council by President of ing solutions to overcome mate- Group supports the sure that we learn from Planning and Statistics Author- rial obstacles to those who are WHO to review clini- best practice internation- ity Dr Saleh bin Mohammed Al about to marry. cal guidelines to ensure ally and gives us a plat- Nabit on the State’s efforts re- Shura also stressed on the that advice and support form to share the ongoing garding the Qatar National Vi- need to address the imbalance provided by the WHO improvements in older sion (QNV) 2030 and the chal- in the demographic composition is built on international people’s services that we lenges it faces. between citizens and expatriates best practice. are delivering in Qatar.” At the beginning of the meet- by rationalising the recruitment The appointment She added, “This ap- ing chaired by Shura Speaker of workers whose increase has follows wide-ranging pointment is a great HE Ahmed bin Abdullah bin negatively affected society eco- collaborations between privilege, but most im- Zaid Al Mahmoud via videocon- nomically and socially so that a the WHO and Dr Ha- portantly is recognition ferencing, the Council praised greater rate of highly specialised nadi and her team over Dr Abdulla Al Ansari, HMC’s of the professionalism the tireless efforts of the Amir technical labour is used. the last few years, and Chief Medical Officer and ambition of the whole His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin The Shura speaker then provides Qatar with a team that we have been Hamad Al Thani to elevate the The meeting was chaired by Shura Speaker HE Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid briefed the Council on his par- greater opportunity to working hard to continu- nation and its pride in a way that Al Mahmoud via videoconferencing. ticipation and the accompany- influence global policy ously improve the guarantees the continuation of ing delegation in the work of on older people. wellbeing and care of the welfare of citizens for gener- cles it may face. agencies to ensure the achieve- the 142nd General Assembly of Dr Hanadi has pre- our older people here in ations to come, particularly the In its recommendations, the ment of the desired results and the Inter-Parliamentary Union viously contributed as Qatar.” development and implementa- Council called for more coor- to provide more necessary and (IPU) and his speech to the As- a member of the Global Dr Abdulla Alansari, tion of the Qatar National Vision dination between the Planning needed data and statistics by the sembly on the most important Network on Long-Term chief medical officer for 2030. and Statistics Authority and the Planning and Statistics Author- current issues at the regional Care to develop guide- Hamad Medical Corpora- From the standpoint of com- relevant ministries and govern- ity for the entities that request it and international levels, espe- lines for implementing tion, said: “This appoint- patibility and complementarity ment agencies to reach the de- in order to achieve the vision’s cially the Palestinian issue and the WHO Global Strat- ment is another example between the role of the Council sired goals of the Qatar National goals. coronavirus pandemic. egy and Action Plan on of the impact our senior and the government in exert- Vision 2030, so that this coordi- The Council affirmed the He also briefed the Council Ageing and Health, es- clinicians are having not ing various efforts that would nation leads to overcoming ob- achievement of the goals of the on the content of the written pecially in the area of only on the service they advance and elevate the nation, stacles that hinder the achieve- four pillars of the vision: hu- message he had received from long-term care, as well Dr Hanadi Al Hamad deliver here in Qatar but and in light of the information ment of some of the goals of the man, social, economic and en- Speaker of the Turkish Grand as being a member of on the global stage. As provided by Dr Nabit, the Coun- vision. vironmental development on National Assembly of Turkey the WHO Consortium on Metrics and more people are living longer, it is es- cil approved a number of recom- Shura also called for the time, with a focus on the human Mustafa Sentop during his Evidence for Healthy Ageing. sential that we continue to develop our mendations and decided to refer continuous follow-up and evalu- development pillar of develop- meeting on Sunday with Head of Last year, at the height of the glob- older people’s services, and by working them to the government with the ation of the programmes in- ing national human competen- Turkish Grand National Assem- al pandemic, Dr Hanadi worked as a closely with the WHO, Dr Hanadi can aim of cooperating in the efforts cluded in the vision that are cies in terms of scientific disci- bly’s Foreign Affairs Committee contributor to the preparation and re- ensure we are best placed to deliver made to achieve the national vi- implemented by the relevant plines with high competence, Akif Cagatay and his accompa- view of WHO COVID-19 Infection and global best practice in older people’s sion and to overcome any obsta- ministries and government so as to fill the shortage of such nying delegation. Prevention Control for Older People care.” 38-km shared pedestrian cycling path open on Al Khor Road Focus on tobacco effects on oral and dental health Tribune News Network Cycling Track and a key link Doha connecting many vital sports The Ministry of Public Health These are: facilities such as Lusail Sta- (MoPH) and health sector in-  It causes oral cancer: To- The Public Works Authority dium, Al Bayt Stadium, Lusail stitutions in Qatar are enhanc- bacco use and its derivatives is (Ashghal) has opened 38-kilo- Sports Complex and Doha Golf ing their efforts to raise aware- one of the leading causes of metre-long shared pedestrian Club. ness of the harmful effects of oral cancer due to the chemi- and cycling tracks on the eastern Eng Badr Darwish, Highway tobacco consumption on oral cals found in tobacco which side of Al Khor Road, integrat- Projects manager at Ashghal, and dental health in line with are carcinogenic. ing with the Olympic Cycling said the shared pedestrian and World No Tobacco Day 2021  Delayed healing: To- Track on the western side of the cycling path is a new addition under the theme ‘Commit to bacco use can delay the heal- highway. for cyclists and joggers. Quit’. ing process for simple dental The tracks will give more It is worth noting that Ash- According to the ministry, procedures, such as implants, opportunities for hobbyists to Bader Darwish ghal opened the Olympic Cy- refraining from consuming to- tooth extractions and gum dis- practise cycling and jogging, en- cling Track in 2020, with 33 bacco in all its forms and de- ease. suring complete safety. cyclists, including four on the kilometres length and seven rivatives is an important factor  Gum disease: This is The track is 38-km long Olympic Cycling Track and two monitor the number of bicycles sional athletes to practise sports metres wide, facilitating inter- in promoting better oral and when the gums are infected and six metres wide, passing others on the common pedes- used on the track per hour, day and change the lifestyle, espe- national sports competitions, dental health, including quit- and inflamed, and bleed eas- through 18 underpasses, and trian and cycling track. or year, to provide a database cially with the provision of ‘bi- as the track is designed to allow ting smoking cigarettes, elec- ily, which can cause teeth to provides smooth and uninter- These devices provide rid- and statistics for any future cycle cycling counters’ that pro- speed up to 50 km per hour, tronic cigarettes, shisha and loosen and may lead to tooth rupted movement. ers with updated information studies. vide all data and safety related with the provision of non-stop chewing tobacco. loss. In order to facilitate better and useful data such as date, The devices also display information for riders. track with 29 tunnels and five Dr Wafaa Al Mulla, head  Bad Breath: Tobacco use use of the tracks along the road, time, weather and temperature. advertisements of important He added, “Ashghal seeks bridges. of the National Task Force can lead to bacteria buildup 80 cycle-parking points, 100 These devices also contribute to sporting events. to deliver sports promoting Through Olympic Cycling for the Promotion and Pre- which can cause halitosis (bad benches and 20 resting areas ensuring safety of riders by dis- Eng Yousef Al Emadi, direc- infrastructure, including about Track, Ashghal aims to imple- vention of Oral and Dental breath). have also been provided. playing alert messages in case of tor of Projects Affairs at Ash- 2,647 kilometres of pedestrian ment a connected and safe net- Health at the National Oral  Stained Teeth: To provide more safety for bad weather (wind or fog) or in ghal, said opening of the new pe- and cycling paths by 2022. work of cycling paths, raising and Dental Health Commit- Tobacco is far worse in pedestrians and cyclists, Ash- the event of any accident on the destrian and cycling path along With this new opening, Al Khor public awareness about healthy tee, said that there are five causing excess dental ghal has announced installa- track. with Olympic cycling track will Road has become a major sport transportation and motivate the main reasons to avoid tobac- plaque and making teeth tion of six cycling counters for The devices enable users to allow more amateur and profes- track as it includes the Olympic community to practice sports. co use. yellow. (TNN) Nation Tuesday, June 1, 2021 03 Qatar Airways and Oman Air expand strategic partnership Passengers on Oman Air will now be able to book flights with QA to 80 destinations

Tribune News Network airlines around the world, the FM meets Tunisian prime minister DOHA key to post-pandemic recov- Prime Minister and Acting Minister of to develop cooperation in a way that ery lies in strategic collabora- Interior of Tunisia Hichem Mechichi, strengthens relations in various fields, Qatar Airways (QA) and tions with industry partners who is currently on a visit to Qatar, met especially in investment and economy. Oman Air have taken the next and in identifying innovative with Deputy Prime Minister and Min- The Tunisian prime minister ex- step in further strengthen- route expansion opportunities ister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mo- pressed thanks to Qatar for its support ing strategic cooperation, ex- as we navigate a constantly hammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in for the Tunisian people and for pro- panding their codeshare part- changing environment. Our Doha on Monday. viding job opportunities for the Tuni- SPORTS MINISTER, TUNISIAN COUNTERPART DISCUSS TIES: Minister of nership to cover more than 80 longstanding cooperation During the meeting, they reviewed sian community. Culture and Sports HE Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali met with Acting Minister of Youth, destinations on QA network. with Qatar Airways—an air- bilateral cooperation relations be- For his part, HE Sheikh Moham- Sport and Professional Integration of Tunisia Siham Al Ayadi on Monday. During The expansion of the line that shares our commit- tween the two countries and the devel- med reiterated Qatar’s full support the meeting, which was held via videoconferencing, they discussed aspects of agreement will provide more ment to product and service opments of the situation in Libya. for the brotherly Tunisian people to joint cooperation between the two countries and the ways to support them in the convenient and seamless excellence—reflects a highly The two sides affirmed the aspi- achieve progress and prosperity. sports and youth fields. (QNA) travel options for both air- valued relationship and we ration of the two brotherly countries (QNA) lines’ passengers. This ex- look forward to growing our pansion follows shortly after networks together.” the two airlines announced This most recent expan- an agreement to significantly sion of the strategic partner- strengthen strategic coopera- ship will enable Oman Air tion between the two airlines passengers to enjoy seamless in December 2020. connections via the Best Air- VCUarts Qatar’s new children’s QA Group Chief Executive port in the Middle East to and Akbar Al Baker said: “We are from 16 new routes – Adana, delighted to further expand Ankara, Antalya, Bodrum, our partnership with Oman Istanbul Sabiha and Izmir in program aims to improve critical Air after announcing our Turkey; Berlin and Munich, plans in December 2020 to Germany; Mykonos, Greece; further strengthen strategic St. Petersburg, Russia; Zurich, cooperation between our two Switzerland; Atlanta and Se- thinking & communication skills leading Gulf airlines. Despite attle in USA; Abuja, Nigeria; the challenges of the pandem- Johannesburg, South Africa; ic, we have remained commit- and Gassim, Saudi Arabia. Art appreciation and art history are part of QF partner university’s special online initiative ted to forging and expanding The national carrier of our global network of partners Qatar continues to rebuild Tribune News Network to provide more seamless and its network, which currently Doha flexible travel options for our stands at over 130 destina- millions of passengers. Hav- tions with plans to increase For young residents in Qatar, ing first established commer- to more than 1,200 weekly art – in the form of murals, cial cooperation with Oman flights to over 140 destina- paintings, sculptures, installa- tions by end of July 2021. tions, pop-up studios, and light As travellers return to and sound projections – is a The expansion of the agree- the skies with Qatar Airways, permanent part of their daily ment will provide more con- they can take comfort know- lives. They’re constantly ex- venient and seamless travel ing that they are travelling posed to one form of artwork or with the only airline in the the other at malls, parks, public options for both airlines’ world that has, together with walkways, traffic junctions and passengers its state-of-the-art global hub metro stations. Now, a course Hamad International Airport, developed by the Department Air over 20 years ago, we look achieved four 5-Star Skytrax of Community and Continuing forward to continuing to build ratings – including the pres- Education (CCE) at Virginia upon our strong and histor- tigious 5-Star Airline Rating, Commonwealth University ic partnership and offering 5-Star Airport Rating, 5-Star School of the Arts in Qatar (VC- our customers in Oman and COVID-19 Airline Safety Rat- Uarts Qatar) – a Qatar Foun- across the globe even more ing and 5-Star COVID-19 Air- dation (QF) partner university benefits.” port Safety Rating. – intends to take those art en- Oman Air Chief Execu- These achievements high- counters a step further. tive Officer Abdulaziz Al Raisi light Qatar Airways’ com- The university’ CCE wing said: “Oman Air’s expanding mitment to providing our is launching a Children’s Sum- partnership with Qatar Air- passengers with an industry- mer Art and Design Programme ways underscores the com- leading experience at every 2021 online. Unlike typical sum- mitment of both airlines to point of their journey, includ- mer art classes that enhance provide their guests with more ing the highest possible level technical skills such as sketch- flights, more choice of desti- of health and safety standards ing, shading and painting, this nations, and greater flexibility that safeguard the wellbeing programme will also introduce VCUarts Qatar’s new course to reinterpret and recreate it. throughout their travels with of our passengers both on the 7-to-9-year-olds to art apprecia- museums and galleries, along- children an idea of the different comes at a time when educa- By helping children under- us. For Oman Air and many ground and in the air. tion and art history. This virtual side hands-on activities. Dur- professionals – curators, art his- tors have noticed how young stand the reasons behind an course will take place over four ing these visits and discussions, torians, artists and art critiques children benefit from learning artist’s choice of style, or theme, weeks from July 4 to August 5, participants will be introduced – involved in the global fine art about different artistic styles. art appreciation sharpens criti- and will be led by Nourbanu to age-appropriate details about landscape, and what they do. For instance, early introduction cal thinking and analytical ca- Feras Hijazi and Salma Awad, various movements that have They will even get a chance to be to art appreciation has been pabilities. Moreover, as they who are experienced in teach- influenced the evolution of art mini curators, historians, artists found to improve communica- learn about various art move- ing art to children. Parents can over the last century. These and critics themselves, as they tion skills, and concept devel- ments, young minds develop an access further information by include Surrealism, Abstract take turns critiquing or describ- opment. Art appreciation also understanding of the personal visiting the VCUarts Qatar web- Expressionism, Conceptualism ing artwork! helps boost a child’s multisen- background of a specific artist; site. and Contemporary Art. They All sessions are open to both sory faculties; this happens as the cultural context in which an Art appreciation is as much will also familiarise themselves genders and are taught in Eng- children learn about the details art work was created; and the about ‘looking’ as it is about ‘do- with iconic artwork created by lish. Upon completion of the and techniques – brush strokes, symbolism, if present, behind ing’. Mindful of this, the univer- renowned artists from each course, each young attendee spatial perspectives, light and it. This in turn helps them ap- sity has developed a schedule movement. will receive a certificate of par- shading, shape and structure – preciate other cultures, ethnic that includes virtual visits to These sessions will give also ticipation. specific to a style, and attempt groups and histories.

Qatar Computing Research Institute at HBKU WCM-Q launches new webinar launches summer online internship program series on COVID-19 vaccines Tribune News Network Doha Tribune News Network Doha The Qatar Computing Re- search Institute (QCRI) at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) has Hamad Bin Khalifa Univer- Banned pills in baked launched a new webinar series to provide health- sity (HBKU) is offering under- beans cans: Qatar care workers with the most up-to-date informa- graduate students intensive Customs foils tion about the many different COVID-19 vaccines research and software develop- and treatment protocols now available and ex- ment training through its Sum- smuggling attempt amine potential roadmaps for a return to a sem- entation by Dr Kristen Marks, associate professor mer Internship Program, which blance of normality. of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) in began online on May 23 and The Air Cargo Customs Ad- The monthly ‘COVID-19: Riding the Waves’ live New York, an expert on infectious diseases who is will run for eight weeks until ministration and Private Air- webinar series is delivered by the Division of Con- leading WCM’s Phase 3 studies of COVID vaccines. July 15. engineers, giving them the op- ship Program back in 2012, ports Customs Department in tinuing Professional Development (CPD) at WCM- The series is at physicians, nurses, allied health Acceptance to the pro- portunity to be a part of world- we’ve seen the positive impact Qatar on Monday said they had Q and takes place on the fourth Wednesday of each professionals, dentists and pharmacists, as well gramme is highly competitive, class multidisciplinary comput- of helping undergraduates to foiled an attempt to smuggle month. The webinars feature leading experts from as researchers, educators and students. Dr Marks’ and this year’s programme ing research that is relevant to develop their technical skills, banned pills inside food cans institutions all over the world giving presentations webinar, titled ‘Vaccines to Prevent COVID-19: welcomed 60 students from 14 the needs of Qatar, the Arab and prepare for the rigors of a into the country. that explain the safety, efficacy and distribution of Progress and Utilization’, explained how to recog- universities, including under- region, and the world. The in- professional career. Though vir- A total of 2,805 tablets of vaccines, new treatments and emerging local and nise and manage side-effects of mRNA vaccines graduates from Qatar Universi- valuable mentorship encourag- tual, the summer program will the banned Lyrica capsules global COVID-related medical complications and and provided a review of recommendations about ty, Carnegie Mellon University es students to conduct research be intensive and interactive. were seized from the food cans. challenges. who should and should not be vaccinated. The in Qatar, Texas A&M University aimed at providing solutions to Students will gain a wealth Lyrica, also known by its Dr Thurayya Arayssi, senior associate dean for webinar also gave a broad overview of the char- in Qatar, and Princeton Univer- emerging societal problems. of knowledge by directly collab- generic name Pregabalin, is an Medical Education and Continuing Professional acteristics of each of the major COVID-19 vaccines sity. The Summer Internship Commenting on the pro- orating with our scientists and anticonvulsant used to treat Development at WCM-Q, said: “Countries around now available. Program at QCRI provides stu- gramme, QCRI’s Dr. Eman engineers on QCRI’s specialised seizures and provide pain re- the world are now experiencing second or even The webinar series is accredited locally by the dents with training in Arabic Fituri, Director of Educational research activities and, with lief to people with fibromyalgia, third waves of the pandemic, and new vaccines Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Health- language technologies, cyber- Initiatives, said: “Our aim to their mentorship, contribute to diabetes, spinal cord injuries, or and treatment protocols are being introduced all care Professions – Accreditation Section and inter- security, data analytics, social build Qatar’s innovation and developing innovative new tools herpes zoster. the time. As such, we have launched this new we- nationally by the Accreditation Council for Con- computing, and software engi- technology capacity goes hand and systems.” While Lyrica can be benefi- binar series to help healthcare professionals keep tinuing Medical Education (ACCME). The concept neering. in hand with supporting future Please visit qcri.hbku.edu. cial to those who need it, others up to date with the latest developments regarding and delivery of the new series was driven in large Throughout the pro- tech leaders, computer scien- qa for more information on the are at risk for developing a Lyri- vaccines and treatments to help them provide the part by Dr Salman Al Jerdi, assistant professor of gramme, students will collabo- tists, and engineers. Since QCRI work of Qatar Computing Re- ca addiction. most effective care possible for their patients.” neurology at WCM-Q, who is co-director of the pro- rate with QCRI scientists and launched the Summer Intern- search Institute. (TNN) The first webinar in the series featured apres - gramme and official host of the inaugural speaker. 04 Tuesday, June 1, 2021 Nation Ooredoo part of Qatari group to attend economic forum in Russia

Tribune News Network nomic links are in the early stages Doha and developing, and the market represents an exciting potential Ooredoo has announced that to explore opportunities to col- it will attend the St Petersburg laborate and co-operate.” International Economic Fo- The event will also cover so- rum (SPIEF) 2021 along with a cial and cultural issues and tech- number of other Qatari compa- nological development, and pro- nies. SPIEF is scheduled to take vide an opportunity to improve place from June 2-5, 2021, and business collaboration between a delegation of Ooredoo’s ex- Qatar and Russia. Ooredoo’s ecutive senior management will Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al executive senior management travel to Russia to attend. Thani, CCO Oredoo Qatar will use the event to meet some The SPIEF is intended to of Russia’s leading technology serve as a meeting place for troduce Ooredoo and show companies and telecom opera- members of the international details about the event’s prepa- tors. business community to meet rations, its cutting-edge 5G net- Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad and discuss key economic is- work, and smart solutions such Bin Nasser Al Thani added: “As a sues affecting Russia, emerg- as drone taxis, smart parking, proud Qatari company, we look ing markets, and the world as a and mobility. forward to demonstrating our QATARI ENVOY TO CHINA SHOWCASES 2022 WC PROJECTS TO FOREIGN BUSINESSMEN Ambassador of the State of Qatar to China HE whole. Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad contribution to our country’s Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Dehaimi hosted members of the BnB Club, which includes businessmen and foreign investors residing in China, Ooredoo will have a booth Bin Nasser Al Thani, Chief position as a telecommunica- on the sidelines of a promotional exhibition for the World Cup Qatar 2022. Ambassador Dehaimi gave a full explanation of the infrastructure at the event, focusing on its Commercial Officer at Ooredoo, tions leader, and to establish- projects and sports stadium facilities for the World Cup 2022. He also highlighted the new procedures and laws that Qatar has implemented journey to the 2022 FIFA said: “We are delighted to be ing links with our counterparts in the framework of improving workers’ conditions in the country. (QNA) World Cup, which will be held representing Qatar at this high- in Russia for the benefit of both in Doha. Four screens will in- profile event.R ussia-Qatar eco- sides.”

MoTC to attend St. Petersburg QC offers gifts to volunteers, Int’l Economic Forum in Russia Tribune News Network Doha vaccination centre workers The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) will Tribune News Network participate in the St. Petersburg Doha International Economic Forum (SPIEF), as part of Qatar’s Pa- Qatar Charity presented gifts vilion at the Forum, which runs to its volunteers and staff at the from June 2 to June 5 under the COVID-19 vaccination centre in auspices of Russian President Doha Industrial Area in recog- Vladimir Putin. nition of their efforts to com- Qatar’s participation as the HE Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti, bat the pandemic during Eid Guest Country at the 24 SPIEF Minister of Transport and Com- Al-Fitr. comes within the framework munications Nearly 370 volunteers, of its keenness to enhance and medical professionals, and develop economic ties and part- that the country provides in the other personnel of the centre nerships with Russia, in addi- fields of transportation and in- received the gifts, expressing tion to highlighting the invest- formation and communication their joy and gratitude for the ment opportunities that Qatar technology.” thoughtful effort. provides in the fields of trans- The TASMU Programme Qatar Charity continues portation and information and will showcase Qatar’s efforts to recruit volunteers to sup- communication technology. to transform itself into a smart port the vaccination centre as A representative from Qatar Charity hands a rose flower to a volunteer health worker at the Industrial Area vaccination centre. The Smart Qatar Program country, in addition to pitching part of its ongoing awareness- (TASMU), Qatar Railways a number of investment op- raising efforts to combat the train volunteers and coordi- ucating them on precautionary This centre assists resi- one dose of the COVID-19 vac- Company (Qatar Rail), Qatar portunities to global companies COVID-19 pandemic. On a nate between Qatar Charity’s measures (social distancing, dents and workers in the Doha cine. Navigation (Milaha), Mwani and delegations to contribute to daily basis, 100 Qatar Charity volunteering section and the masks, and sanitisers), organ- Industrial Area and surround- The centre provides the Qatar, Qatar Aeronautical these efforts. volunteers work at the centre. volunteers. ising their entry and exit, and ing areas in vaccinations. first and second doses for pri- Academy and Hamad Interna- The TASMU Programme Qatar Charity has also pro- Volunteers at the vaccina- assisting them in getting vac- More than 250,000 workers ority groups in accordance tional Airport will participate in has identified more than 100 vided volunteer supervisors to tion centre help visitors by ed- cinated. have already received at least with national standards. the Forum under the umbrella opportunities that will be avail- of the ministry. The Forum able for investment and coop- will provide an ideal platform eration in the next four years for these companies for the ex- across the entire scope of work change of expertise between the of the programme. Participat- QC thanks supporters of ‘Ramadan of Hope’ drive two friendly countries. ing delegates will be able to view Minister of Transport and a number of these opportunities Communications HE Jassim such as participating in de- Tribune News Network Lulu Hypermarket, Al Hattab Newspaper, Lusail Newspaper, Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti said, “Qa- veloping the Symptom Track- Doha For Food Stuffs, Ansar Gallery, The New Arab (Al-Araby Al- tar has made enormous pro- er, the Athlete Performance talabat, Carriage, Snoonu, Bin Jadeed) Newspaper, Anadolu gress in the field of digital trans- Dashboard and the Livestock Qatar Charity (QC) has Yousef Cargo, Mondrian Ho- Agency, Gulf Time, Peninsula, formation and digital services Monitoring & Analytics. These thanked the institutions, compa- tel, Doha Festival City Hotel, Qatar Tribune, Alquds Alarabi using innovative initiatives and opportunities revolve around nies and personalities who sup- Bari Gallery, AppLab, Al Jaber Newspaper, Al Watan Voice programmes such as the Smart developing smart solutions ported its ‘Ramadan of Hope’ Watches, Nestle, Karwa, Majoor website, iloveqatar website, Qatar Program with the Minis- and applications to address the drive, which has benefited more app, Al Meera, Al Majed Food Doha News, The World News, try of Transport and Communi- national challenges in the key than two million people in 32 Stuff, Pharma Pharmacy, Mc- Relief Web, Humanitarian Li- cations for building a diversified sectors using advanced technol- countries worldwide at an esti- Donald’s Qatar, Unilever, Qatar brary, Marsal Qatar, Nadeeb Qa- national economy and keeping ogies such as Artificial Intelli- mated cost of QR168 million. Luxury, Hollister stores, Hayat tar, Ta’a Community, and Qatar pace with the latest digital skills gence, Blockchain and Big Data The ‘Ramadan of Hope’ in- Plaza Mall, Trails Sport Events, Charity Social Media Network toward building a smart Qatar. Analytics and other advanced cluded three main seasonal pro- GETCO Group, Athb Lama Pro- members. In addition to that, the country technologies. jects including ‘Feed the fasting’ ject, Takatuf, L’OCCITANEK Qatar Charity also appreci- has taken notable steps in im- This high-profile event is (food baskets and ready-to-eat and Floward Aldoha Trading. ated the role of the youth ini- proving its global connection one of the largest fora in the meals), Zakat Al-Fitr, Eid cloth- ated with many bodies from tion to College of the North At- Qatar Charity praised the tiatives that participated in pro- with world-class sea, land and world concerned with the sec- ing, and aid for crisis-stricken the governmental and semi- lantic - Qatar and Texas A&M roles of various media organisa- moting its Ramadan campaign air facilities.” tors of investment and econo- areas. governmental sector, including University - Qatar Foundation. tions and houses in supporting projects within the framework The minister added, “The my. It is organised by the Ros- The Ramadan drive sup- the Ministry of Administrative Qatar Charity also thanked the Ramadan drive. The list in- of ‘Initiatives Challenges’. These SPIEF is a very important glob- congress Foundation of Russia. porters include companies, Development, Labour and So- the commercial bodies and the cludes Qatar News Agency, Al initiatives are Shabab 22, Fu- al event. During our participa- It will witness the participation banks, commercial complexes, cial Affairs, the Ministry of Pub- banks for supporting the Rama- Jazeera Network, Qatar TV, Al ture Compass, Together for Qa- tion, we are looking forward of a number of heads of state, hotels, social figures,volunteer lic Health, the Regulatory Au- dan campaign. They are Oore- Rayyan TV, Al Quran Al Kareem tar, O Type, Soul Riders, Sanad to working with our Russian senior political and economic and youth initiatives and expa- thority for Charitable Activities, doo, Vodafone, Dukhan Bank, Radio, Sout Al-Khaleej Radio, for Community Services, Qatar counterparts to enhance the officials, in addition to repre- triates residing in Qatar. Al Ruwais Port, Qatar Airways, Qatar Islamic Bank, Commercial Qatar Radio, Qatar Radio Eng- Generations, Al Khor Girls Cent- means of bilateral cooperation sentatives of leading Russian To implement its social pro- Protection & Social Rehabilita- Bank, Al Hazm, Haider Hold- lish, Qatar Radio Urdu, Al Sharq er, Al-Jumayliyah Youth Center, between the two countries in and international companies jects during Ramadan, Qatar tion Center (AMAN) , Al Noor ing, Apparel Group, Landmark Newspaper, Al Arab Newspaper, Bosnian Community and Awfaz addition to shedding light on and multiple business leaders Charity partnered and cooper- Center For The Blind, in addi- Group, Spar Hypermarket, Al Raya Newspaper, Al-Watan Global Schools. the investment opportunities from around the world. Mondrian Doha wins ‘Overall Best Business Hotel in Middle East’ awards

Tribune News Network Traveller Middle East read- this highly competitive contest, to the service of Qatar’s com- July 2021, and Mondrian prop- Doha ers and a wider community of as well as the readers’ and the munity.” erties in Bordeaux and Cannes business travellers. business community for their Mondrian Doha is an iconic in 2022. sbe continues the stra- Mondrian Doha, managed Due to ongoing regional trust and belief in us.” destination in Qatar, offering tegic expansion of the brand’s by leading international life- and international travel re- Mikel Ibrahim, regional the perfect setting for top-level international footprint in part- style hospitality group, sbe, has strictions, the event was staged vice president Sales & Market- corporate events and the most nership with Accor. Soon-to-be been recognised as the ‘Best virtually for the second year ing, Mondrian Doha and SLS discerning business travellers. announced Mondrian proper- Business hotel in Doha’ and the running, enabling winners, Dubai, added: “Being recog- In addition to its luxurious ties in Australia, the Domini- ‘Overall Best Business Hotel in runners-up and viewers to sit nised as the best business ho- rooms offer, world-renowned can Republic, Germany, the the Middle East’ by the leading back and relax in the comfort tel both in Doha and the Mid- fine dining outlets, exquisite Maldives, New Zealand, Puerto regional awards programme of their home or office to en- dle East is truly a remarkable nightlife venues, stylish loung- Rico, Singapore, Thailand and from highly-acclaimed Busi- joy the awards presentation, achievement knowing that in- es, spa, and fitness facilities, it Vietnam are part of this alli- ness Traveller Middle East which included a comprehen- ternational business travellers boasts the largest ballroom in ance. magazine. sive industry round-up video are among the most discerning Qatar with a private 24 carat Now in its 19th year, The Each year, leaders of the and a warm welcome speech Vasileios Oikonomopoulos, GM Mondrian Doha clientele. In just three years, gold plated elevator access, as Business Traveller Middle East travel and hospitality industry from Ian Fairservice, Manag- Mondrian Doha has managed well as a variety of exclusive Awards celebrate the compa- in the region compete to win ing Partner and Group Editor- all Best Business Hotel in the Doha, commented: “This acco- to raise the bar on the hospital- meeting rooms that can fit nies at the forefront of business the prestigious accolade from in-Chief at Motivate, who also Middle East’, Mondrian Doha lade gives us a new motivation ity industry, not only in Qatar business gatherings of all sizes travel and services, as well as the top business travel-focused shared his thoughts on the is the first Qatar-based hotel to to further innovate, refine and but globally. These awards are and types. the hard work of top-level in- magazine in the region. The industry’s recent accomplish- receive such a top-level recog- go boldly to achieve our vision. also a tribute to Qatar’s efforts The company recently in- dustry executives. winners of the awards are se- ments. nition from business travellers. We would like to thank Busi- to develop and support its na- augurated Mondrian Seoul For further information lected by an impartial online Crowned as the ‘Best Busi- Vasileios Oikonomopoulos, ness Traveller Middle East for tional tourism strategy, and we Itaewon and announced open- about Mondrian Doha, visit voting system open to Business ness Hotel in Doha’ and ‘Over- general manager of Mondrian the opportunity to take part in are thrilled to bring our success ings of Mondrian Shoreditch in www.mondriandoha.com World Tuesday, June 1, 2021 05 Iran’s coronavirus-linked Afghanistan runs out of vaccine amid COVID surge cross 80,000 deaths dpa timated population of 37 Nazari said. The Health Ministry on dpa posed lockdown measures to Kabul million has so far received A total of 71,690 cases and The government was try- Sunday reported 929 new Tehran stop the numbers from rising, 500,000 doses of the Astra- 2,944 deaths have been ing to get vaccines as soon as cases and 25 deaths for the but they are often rapidly rolled Afghanistan is waiting Zeneca vaccine from India officially recorded in the possible. past 24 hours. Iran’s number of fatalities back for economic reasons. for new deliveries of COV- and another 468,000 doses However, he added, “like A total of 71,690 cases linked to COVID-19 has crossed Due in part to the economic ID-19 vaccines amid a surge from the international vac- country since the start of the majority of the underde- and 2,944 deaths have been 80,000, the Health Ministry crisis linked to US sanctions, in infections with a third cine-sharing programme CO- the outbreak veloped countries,” Afghani- officially recorded in the announced on Monday. Iran has only imported 6 mil- wave of the pandemic. VAX. stan was confronted with the country since the start of the The total number of deaths lion vaccine doses so far and The country’s Health The doses were used to Afghanistan is struggling problem that there is massive outbreak. rose to 80,156, the ministry only inoculated about 5 per Ministry spokesman Dasta- vaccinate health workers, to receive vaccines for the global vaccine demand. The actual number of said, adding that almost 3 mil- cent of the population. gir Nazari told dpa on Mon- members of the armed forc- entire population. Recently, the country infections is believed to be lion people have now been in- The Iranian Health Minis- day that the process of vac- es, teachers and media staff. The country is sup- witnessed a surge in new in- much higher due to limited fected with the coronavirus. try is however counting on the cinating new people has been The country is expected posed to receive vaccines fections with the virus. Cur- public health resources and The country with its 83 import of another 16 million stopped in the country. to receive another 700,000 for a fifth of the population rently, of 1,500 intensive care testing capacities. million inhabitants has been doses by the end of next month Only individuals who doses of vaccines from China through COVAX. beds for the whole country 72 Only 469,099 tests have hit especially hard by the as well as relying on locally have had the first shot are “in the near future,” but there For another 28 percent of percent are already occupied been conducted for an esti- pandemic. produced jabs to accelerate the currently receiving jabs. is no exact date for the deliv- the population, Kabul has the by patients, according to the mated population of around The government has im- vaccination campaign. The country with an es- eries, Nazari said. budget to buy vaccines itself, official. 37 million.

MAJOR MOVE Numerous obstacles to new Israeli govt, China relaxes family policy, says Netanyahu rival couples can have 3 children In the past 10 years, China’s population has grown by only 0.53% annually - the slowest pace in decades

dpa Beijing

China is relaxing its family policy and allowing couples to have up to three children in future - a move that some argue comes too late to have a sustained effect on the fertility rate. Israel’s centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid in Jerusalem on Against the backdrop of Monday. (AFP) the unexpectedly massive decline in the birth rate and dpa coalition led by Lapid had the rapid ageing of Chinese Tel Aviv moved closer on Sunday. society, the Politburo of the The leader of the ultra-right Communist Party decided at Opposition leader Yair Yamina (Rightwards) party, a meeting in Beijing on Mon- Lapid still sees numerous Naftali Bennett, announced day that such “optimisation obstacles on his way to- he would do everything pos- of birth policies” would help wards forming a new gov- sible to forge an alliance improve the population struc- ernment in Israel. with Lapid. He is seen as a ture, the official Xinhua news “Maybe that’s a good kingmaker. agency reported. thing because we’ll have to Lapid wants to rally sev- The decision came just overcome them together,” eral small parties behind three weeks after the publica- Lapid said at a meeting of him that are far apart on the tion of the latest census, which the parliamentary faction of political spectrum. It would showed the world’s most pop- his Yesh Atid (Future) party presumably be a minor- ulous country is threatened to on Monday, according to a ity government tolerated by shrink in a few years. spokesman. Arab lawmakers. Experts cited the decades- “That’s our first test: The parties are united old one-child policy, which To see if we can find smart above all by their rejection was only abolished in 2015, as compromises in the coming of Netanyahu, who is the well as the high costs of hous- days to achieve the greater subject of a corruption trial. ing and education as reasons. Women with their babies sit on a bench in a park in Beijing recently. (AFP) goal.” The possibility of Lapid’s mandate to Many Chinese have also be- replacing Prime Minister form a government ends on come accustomed to having economy, social environment, ity. It will be very difficult for the world, as women can re- Benjamin Netanyahu by a Wednesday. only one child, they said. education and almost every- Slow growth China to stabilize its total fer- tire at 50 or 55, depending on In the past 10 years, Chi- thing else relates back to the tility rate at 1.2 in the future, their work, while men may na’s population has grown by one-child policy,” Yi told dpa. In the past 10 years, he said. retire at 60, in a dated regula- only 0.53 percent annually to “Having just one child or China’s population has The fertility rate has fallen tion established when life ex- just over 1.4 billion people - no children has become the grown by only 0.53% to 1.3 children per woman, ac- pectancy was lower. the slowest pace in decades. social norm in China. Social annually to just over 1.4 cording to the statistics office, There are growing doubts, News The one-child policy that and economic patterns ca- billion people - the slowest far lower than the 2.1 needed to meanwhile, that China’s latest in brief had been in place since 1979 ter to the one-child policy, so pace in decades maintain a stable population. census reflects the true num- was abolished in 2015 and re- the inertial effects linger on.” The number of marriages bers, with experts suggesting placed by a two-child policy. The three-child policy will not is also falling, while China’s these may be even lower than Rohingya refugees protest against living However, the turnaround had boost the fertility rate, either, fertility rate increased from divorce rate is far higher than thought. conditions in Bangladesh only led to a slight increase in he said. 1.26 in 2005 to 1.45 in 2015 in Japan or South Korea, for In 2020, there were 12 births in 2016. Since then, the At best, the Chinese gov- and then decreased to 1.36 in example. Many couples also million births, far higher than D haka: Several hundred Rohingya Muslims have protested number has fallen every year. ernment will just copy what 2019. wait to marry and only start the 10.04 million reported by against their living conditions on a Bangladeshi island and The move was too little, Japan is currently doing, pro- “China is ageing before families later. the Ministry of Public Secu- demanded financial support, police said onM onday. too late, according to Yi Fux- viding free childcare, free ed- it gets rich, and ageing is Meanwhile as the popula- rity, experts said, highlighting Between 300 and 400 refugees staged the demonstration ian, family planning expert at ucation, housing subsidies for causing its economy to slow tion ages, China is also con- an inconsistency. when two senior UN officials arrived on Bhasan Char island on the University of Wisconsin. young couples, and free medi- down,” Yi said. sidering raising the retire- And as 10 million people Monday to visit the settlement of the Rohingya, who had been “The one-child policy has cal care for children, he said. Local governments are ment age - a highly unpopular die annually in China, the fall- relocated from the crowded mainland camps, local police chief changed Chinese childbearing Yi noted that Japan’s poli- facing a debt crisis and sim- idea. ing birth rate suggests zero Alamgir Hossain told dpa. attitudes and distorted moral cies are very expensive, but ply do not have the financial China has one of the growth, or even a population Gillian Triggs and Raouf Mazou from the United Nations values about life; and the not very effective. Japan’s resources to encourage fertil- youngest retirement ages in decline. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) first arrived in Dhaka on Sunday to assess the humanitarian requirements for refugee protection on the island. (dpa)

Popular Pak journalist taken Beijing calls US allegation of forced West African leaders suspend coup-hit off air for criticising military labour on fishing company a ‘lie’ Mali from regional bloc Bamako: The West African regional bloc ECOWAS has sus- dpa ening my family,” he said. dpa pended Mali’s membership after coup leader Assimi Goita Islamabad Last week, Mir lashed out Beijing proclaimed himself president of the crisis-wracked country. at the country’s spy chief and The Economic Community of West African States an- A prominent journalist in demanded accountability for Beijing on Monday called nounced the decision late Sunday following an emergency sum- Pakistan was banned from an attack on a colleague. On US allegations that a Chinese mit of regional leaders in Ghana. hosting his TV talk show after May 25, at least three armed fishing company is involved in The leaders condemned last week’s coup and demanded criticizing the powerful mili- men stormed the apartment forced labour practices a “lie” the immediate appointment of a civilian head of state as well tary for attacks on the media, of journalist Asad Ali Toor and promised to defend the in- as a new transitional government composed of civil society in a fresh crackdown on press and tortured him for criticism terests of Chinese companies. and army representatives. freedom. the military. “China will take all neces- Mali must also stick to planned elections in February 2022 Hamid Mir, one of the “There is no progress in sary measures to safeguard the to put the former French colony back on the path to democracy, most popular journalists in the case ... I have no hope for legitimate interests and rights an ECOWAS statement said. (dpa) the South Asian country, was justice,” Toor told dpa. of Chinese enterprises,” Chi- Indonesian maritime workers take part in a rally in front of the Chi- barred from hosting his show There have been growing nese Foreign Minitry spokes- nese embassy in Jakarta. (File photo) (afp) at television network Geo. complaints of threats against man Wang Wenbin said. Two dead in floods, landslides caused by “Nothing new for me,” Mir media houses and journal- On Friday, the US govern- “Companies that exploit ing conditions. storm in Philippines said on Twitter, where he has ists since the government of ment imposed an import ban their workers have no place Wang insisted the fishing more than 6 million follow- Prime Minister Imran Khan on seafood from the fishing doing business in the United company’s Indonesian crew Manila: Two people were killed in floods and landslides ers. took over in 2018 after elec- fleet of the Chinese Dalian States,” Secretary of Home- members were interviewed casued by tropical storm Choi-Wan in the Philippines, disaster Mir was banned twice in tions allegedly manipulated Fishing Company on suspicion land Security Alejandro May- last year when the first reports officials said onM onday. the past and took six bullets by the military. of forced labour. orkas said. of forced labour became pub- The victims - a 1-year-old boy and a 71-year-old man - were in 2014, in one of the several Rights group Amnesty US Customs and Border In its investigation the lic, and they said they had not reported from the southern provinces of Davao De Oro and assassination attempts. International said that “au- Protection (CBP) issued an CBP, an agency of the De- been treated unfairly. Davao Del Sur, said Mark Timbal, spokesman for the national “Survived assassination thorities have to protect free order against the import of the partment of Homeland Se- In addition, Wang said the disaster agency. attempts but cannot stop rais- speech in an already repres- company’s seafood products curity, “identified all 11 of the ships are generally of a high The boy died when his family’s house was buried in a land- ing voice for the rights given sive environment. Censor- “based on information that International Labour Organi- technical standard, which slide in Maco town in Davao De Oro, Timbal said. in the constitution. This time ship, harassment and physi- reasonably indicates the use zation’s indicators of forced means the catch of fish is al- “It’s possible he was left behind,” he said, referring to the I’m ready for any consequenc- cal violence must not be the of forced labor in the entity’s labor,” including physical vio- most an automatic process boy. In nearby Davao Del Sur province, a 71-year-old man was es and ready to go at any ex- price journalists pay to do fishing operations,” it said in a lence, withholding of wages and that heavy physical labour swept away by flash floods, he added.(dpa) tent because they are threat- their jobs.” statement. and abusive working and liv- is not often performed. 06 Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Established September 3, 2006 hamad bin suhaim al thani chairman Opinion adel ali bin ali managing director dr hassan mohammed al ansari editor-in-chief

A Commission To Investigate Qatar Confronts COVID-19 January 6 Insurrection With Largest Vaccination Is Needed he Jan. 6 insurrection at the US Capitol will be remembered as one of Tthe darkest days in the country’s his- Campaign In Its History tory, a day when democracy was threat- ened by its citizens. We cannot erase the events of that day, but we must do everything possible to ensure it doesn’t Qatar believes that work to develop vaccines and treatment, as well as joint scientific happen again. To that end, the US House voted cooperation, is pivotal in addressing this pandemic to create an independent commission to review exactly what happened and QNA Qatar to all people returning from abroad is to make recommendations for secur- Doha one of the most stringent quarantine policies ing the Capitol and preventing another in the world. This policy has proven its effec- such occurrence. The measure faces an ith the acceleration of the pace of tiveness in rapidly detecting and isolating the uncertain future in the Senate, where vaccination programme against the infected persons. This has contributed to de- there is some Republican opposition. COVID-19, Qatar continues to fight laying the arrival of new strains of the virus Why this opposition? the virus by implementing the larg- to the Qatari community. The American people deserve a est vaccination campaign in its his- Also, all travellers coming to Qatar are complete and full investigation into toryW for citizens and residents, free of charge. currently required to undergo a COVID-19 the Jan. 6 events, including the seem- Qatar ranks among the top ten countries examination at one of the health centres ap- ing lack of preparedness on the part in the world, compared to its population, proved by the country of arrival within 72 of Capitol police, the slow response in and it is also among the countries that have hours before arriving in Qatar, while travel- deploying the National Guard and the the lowest death rates in the world due to lers undergo repeated COVID-19 tests before disregard of warnings that there could the quality and excellence of the health care their exit from quarantine. be trouble on that fateful day. system. During the second wave of the pandemic, Five people died; more than 140 Nearly 9 out of 10 people over the age new cases of infection continued to decline at were injured; Capitol offices were ran- of 60 — which is the group most at risk of a steady pace. Officials said the decrease in sacked and looted. There were real disease — received at least one dose of COV- the number of daily cases, as well as the de- threats to the safety and security of ID-19 vaccine, while nearly 8 out of 10 people crease in the number of hospital admissions members of Congress and the vice pres- in this group got both the doses. The number due to infection, is due to the expansion of ident. of vaccination doses that were given to citi- the vaccination campaign against the virus, A congressional commission is war- zens and residents of Qatar until mid-May beginning of the first wave of the virus. It also practices and protocols, for example, the pe- and the commitment of community mem- ranted so that protocols are established 2021 exceeded two and a half million doses, adopted an effective programme to examine riod of isolation of the infected, the time crite- bers to the preventive measures and the ap- and in place for the future. while more than 1,170,000 people have re- people, detect infected cases and follow the ria for ending the isolation, and the use of the plication of the imposed restrictions. Senate Minority Leader Mitch Mc- ceived at least one dose of the vaccine so far. transmission chains of the virus, which con- viral load to guide managing infected cases. Officials at the National Strategic Group Connell, R-Ky., is opposed to creating About 52 percent of the adult population tributed to significantly reduce its spread. This scientific approach and optimal use on COVID-19 affirmed that there is clear a commission even though he took to in Qatar have received at least one dose of the By May 24, 2021, the number of peo- of resources, along with research conducted evidence of the effectiveness of vaccines in the Senate floor in January to denounce vaccine so far, while 36.5 percent of the adult ple who were tested reached more than by doctors and researchers in Qatar and pub- protecting members of society from devel- the rioters as members of a “failed in- population have received both the doses. 1,990,000 people, while the number of daily lished in prestigious scientific journals, has oping symptoms of COVID-19. The data re- surrection.” He claims the House bill Vaccination against the virus is provided in tests to detect the virus reached about 15,000. enabled local and international efforts to com- corded in Qatar until the end of April 2021 supporting a commission is partisan in Qatar through 35 centres, and some drive- During the pandemic, Qatar has imple- bat the virus, including researches that dealt showed that only 1 percent of cases admitted nature, but the makeup of the 10-mem- through centres in specific areas, which cater mented a comprehensive strategy to protect with the effectiveness of the vaccine against to intensive care units due to infection with ber group would be bipartisan — five for people receiving their second dose only, the population from COVID-19 and to pro- new strains and the duration of immunity. COVID-19 were for people who received two Democrats and five Republicans. and which helped expand and accelerate the vide high-quality healthcare services to all The strategic plan of Qatar in response to doses of the vaccine. Other opponents of the commission vaccination campaign. residents, free of charge. the pandemic has been extremely successful, A study conducted in Qatar and pub- have speculated that such an investi- Qatar was one of the first countries in Qatar has adopted a comprehensive ap- as the continuation of vital facilities to oper- lished in April 2021 in the New England gation could undermine the criminal launching the national vaccination pro- proach, while implementing effective govern- ate has been harmonised with the imposition Journal of Medicine (NEJM) showed that for prosecutions of those charged in the gramme. The vaccination campaign against ance policies, relying on science and facts, of flexible restrictions that have largely pre- people who received the full vaccination with riot. But there’s nothing to prevent the virus was launched in December 2020, and engaging the public in addressing this vented the further spread of the virus. the two doses and after 14 days of receiving criminal proceedings from going for- after the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) pandemic. The health system has demon- During the first wave of the pandemic, the second dose, the vaccination was 89.5 ward at the same time an investigation approved the Pfizer-Biontech and Moderna strated its resilience during this pandemic, as Qatar, thanks to the preventive measures percent effective in preventing infection with by the commission is underway. vaccines for emergency use, which are the it has developed effective emergency prepar- and restrictions imposed, was able to avoid the British strain of the virus and by 75 per- What’s really driving the opposition two vaccines that have proven safety and ef- edness plans and responded to this challenge recording one million additional virus in- cent in preventing infection with the South to the commission seems to be push- fectiveness. with determination and commitment. fections among the population of Qatar, ac- African strain of the virus. back from former President Donald Based on the belief that anti-coronavirus Since the start of the pandemic, the Min- cording to the Chair of the National Strategic These statistics and results are very Trump. Though singled out by many vaccinations remain the most effective way to istry of Public Health has launched a special Group on COVID-19. promising and give great optimism towards — including some members of his own deal with the virus, as on May 17, 2021, the support and assistance hotline that provides In order not to harm the economic sec- returning to normal life in Qatar, once party — as a provocateur of the Jan. 6 Ministry of Public Health launched a cam- inquiries and instructions about the virus, in tors as a result of the pandemic, Qatar an- around 80 percent to 90 percent of the eligi- events, other Republicans are rushing paign to vaccinate children between the ages addition to providing remote medical consul- nounced, during the first wave, a package of ble population is vaccinated. to take up his opposition to a commis- of 12 and 15 with the Pfizer-Biontech vaccine. tations services in many medical specialties. economic measures to support the private Qatar has worked and continues to sup- sion whose findings could reflect badly The Ministry of Public Health has been The ministry also provides mental health economic sector; the state announced a sup- port countries and organisations to over- on the former president. able to give the coronavirus vaccination to a services, as it launched a support line dedi- port package worth QR75 billion to face the come this pandemic. Qatar has provided aids One Trump supporter, US Rep. An- large percentage of teachers and administra- cated to providing psychological counseling economic and financial repercussions on the to dozens of countries to support their efforts drew Clyde, of Georgia, even offered tors in schools, as Qatar is also one of the first to people who feel anxious due to the current business sector and this support continued, to confront the pandemic, and a contribu- the absurd description of the insurrec- countries to vaccinate educational and ad- situation, especially for children, the elderly especially in the second wave. tion of $20 million has been allocated to the tion as little more than “a normal tour- ministrative cadres in schools. and healthcare workers. The ministry has also launched Ehteraz Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisa- ist visit” by hundreds of people. It was The Ministry of Health also gave prior- In addition, the ministry in cooperation application on smartphones that has been tion. In addition, Qatar signed a Core Con- anything but. ity to health workers to take the vaccine. The with the Hamad Medical Corporation and the developed to protect society from the spread tribution Agreement with the World Health Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, in heated vaccine was also given to frontline workers in Primary Health Care Corporation, launched of the COVID-19. The application tracks the Organization at an amount of $10 million to comments just before the vote to create many ministries and state institutions. a webpage for COVID-19 that provides the transmission chains of the spread of the vi- support the Organization’s Thirteenth Gen- the commission, summed it up best: Qatar has also taken many preventive population with a reliable and accurate source rus, provides users with accurate informa- eral Programme of Work and the initiative to “We have people scaling the Capi- measures that have contributed to limiting of information about everything related to the tion and helps specialised medical teams to accelerate the availability of tools to combat tol, hitting the Capitol Police with lead the spread of the virus. virus. The decisions taken in order to confront provide health care when needed. coronavirus in the country’s most in need. pipes across the head, and we can’t get As a precautionary step, the Ministry of the coronavirus were guided by the scientific Meanwhile, Qatar is implementing a suc- Qatar believes that work to develop vac- bipartisanship? What else has to hap- Public Health allocated four hospitals to treat approach and the evaluation of doctors, as in- cessful travel and return policy to the coun- cines and treatment, as well as joint scien- pen in this country?” those infected with the virus, in addition to al- novative decisions were applied in the field of try, with the aim of further addressing the tific cooperation, is pivotal in addressing this Good question. locating a field hospital, especially during the pandemic control in line with international pandemic. The quarantine policy applied in pandemic. Memorial Day Isn’t About War. It’s About Duty Memorial Day is about those who thought the rest of us and our continuing pursuit of a more perfect union were worthy But only one day do we set aside to theless, at least a moment’s reflection on difficult task, Xander Vento displayed that John McCaa commemorate those whose past selfless their concept of duty seems appropriate. rare sense of character and duty. acts ensured our gathering for those other Not duty as in an order or obligation, but An old proverb makes it plain: “What is ODAY, many American youngsters occasions, but assured their absence. duty as in their belief that one’s country down in the well, comes up in the bucket.” know more about the virtual game Fallen military members and first re- and its citizens were worthy of protection. So, it was with young Xander, so, it “Medal of Honor” than about their sponders exemplify the teaching in the Few adults in today’s me-first America is with the fallen Coast Guard, soldiers, own predecessors who earned the Gospel of John that, “Greater love hath no comprehend that idea. Even fewer chil- sailors, airmen and Marines, and first re- award on the battlefield. That is good, man than this, that a man lay down his life dren understand, and yet a precious few sponders, we should revere this Memorial becauseT it reflects the relative peace that for his friends.” The depth of their love is do, like Xander Vento of Arlington. Day. Their day. has reigned in recent decades. But it’s sad evidenced in national cemeteries from Ar- Years ago, Xander, just 4 years old, For this is not so much a day about war because enjoying that peace should come lington in Virginia to Honolulu in Hawaii, saw a 3-year-old girl drowning in a pool. or crime, or beans and barbecue, but about with an understanding of the cost paid to and beyond our shores from Asia to Africa. Without hesitation, he went to her aid. He the men and women who thought the rest secure it. They met their final moments defend- lifted her head above water, and he slowly of us, where we live, our continuing pur- Every year, we celebrate our independ- ing the ultimate aspirations of founders maneuvered the child to a shallower sec- suit of a more perfect union, were worthy. ence, the value of our labor, our veterans, like James Madison. Yet on this day, their laughing, relaxing. tion. Tragically, all the time he elevated and we end the year giving thanks in No- day, their posterity will more likely storm And, to a degree, the fallen would ap- her, Xander’s face remained beneath the (John McCaa is a board mem- vember and praising a higher power in the offerings of Madison Avenue, buying prove because Memorial Day should not surface, and in the process of saving her, ber of Carry the Load and a retired December. this, shopping for that, eating, drinking, solely consist of sadness and tears. Never- he lost his own life. Faced at age 4 with a WFAA-TV news anchor)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Tuesday, June 1, 2021 07

News Denmark accused of helping in brief Independent Russian news site shuts down, cites ‘political situation’ US NSA spy on Merkel, others Moscow One of Russia’s oldest independent news sites is ceasing operations owing to mounting political pressure which has hit its bottom line. “Our view of the world has increasingly differed from the ‘I want to say that this is unacceptable between allies. That’s clear,’ says Macron image favoured by the state media,” the editorial team of newsru.com said in a message on Monday. dpa As a result, major advertisers have pulled out and, after 21 Copenhagen/Berlin/Paris years, the site can no longer finance itself. “We are stopping work for economic reasons, but they Berlin and Paris on Monday were caused by the political situation in our country,” the called for an explanation from editors wrote. Independent journalists are increasingly endan- Copenhagen after a report that Software gered in Russia. Danish authorities helped the Most recently, authorities classified Meduza, a web por- US National Security Agency The NSA allegedly wiretapped tal critical of the government, as a “foreign agent.” Meduza (NSA) wiretap some of their leading politicians’ phones complained that this branding had led to a sudden loss of senior politicians. with the help of software important advertising partners. The Latvia-based outlet had to “I want to say that this is created by the Danish military close editorial offices, drastically reduce staff salaries and is unacceptable between allies. intelligence service FE now struggling to survive. (dpa) That’s clear,” said French Presi- dent Emmanuel Macron after a meeting of the Franco-German ternal analysis of the FE, from Italy pledges further aid to Libya for council of ministers. 2012 and 2014. migration German Chancellor Angela Aside from Merkel, other Merkel, who had been among German politicians - such as Rome Rome has promised to provide additional support to those wiretapped, said she could President Frank-Walter Stein- Libya to help it with migration controls, Italy’s prime minister “only agree.” meier as well as leaders in said on Monday. Macron demanded “com- France, Sweden and Norway - Italy is willing to finance assisted and voluntary repatria- plete transparency and resolu- were targeted. tions and evacuations from Libya, Prime Minister Mario Draghi tion of the matter by our Danish The investigation revealed said, after talks with Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Mo- and American partners.” French President Emmanuel Macron is seen on a video screen during a joint press conference with German for the first time the extent of hammed Dbeibeh. Earlier on Monday, the Dan- Chancellor Angela Merkel (right) in Berlin on Monday. (AFP) alleged military intelligence col- “I think it is a moral duty, but I think it is also in Libya’s ish government distanced itself laboration between Denmark interest to ensure respect for the rights of refugees and mi- from certain spying practices, of close allies is unacceptable,” not only for the resolution of the day revealed that the NSA had and the US, and expanded the grants,” Draghi said. Italy wants to continue to do its part, but after investigative journalists re- Danish Defence Minister Trine matter, but also to really come to allegedly wiretapped leading list of names of the politicians the EU needs to act faster and more decisively, he said. ported that Denmark allegedly Bramsen told dpa. trusted relations.” politicians’ phones with the help targeted. Migrants repeatedly risk the perilous crossing from Libya, supported the United States’ Merkel said she was “re- Investigative journalists of software created by the Dan- Bramsen said she could not trying to reach Europe in small, often flimsy boats, and many do wiretapping of high-ranking lieved” that the Danish govern- from Danish broadcaster DR, ish military intelligence service comment on speculation about not survive the journey. European politicians about a ment clearly expressed its at- together with German media FE. possible intelligence activity. FE Private rescue vessels have often picked up hundreds of decade ago. titude towards the allegations. outlets like NDR, WDR and the The research was based on also did not comment on the al- refugees, and brought them to Europe, frequently to Italy. (dpa) “Systematic wiretapping “In this regard I see a good basis Sueddeutsche Zeitung, on Sun- anonymous sources and an in- legations. Hundreds of Afghan workers, families to be fast-tracked into Britain London Moves to relocate hundreds of Afghans who worked Coronavirus pandemic ‘far from over’, warns WHO boss for the British military and government to the United Kingdom will reportedly be accelerated as foreign forces leave the country. dpa “We’re very encouraged that the fact that rich countries ers who have been stretched The scheme - the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy Geneva cases and deaths are contin- have purchased vast quanti- beyond breaking point, and - was launched earlier this year, allowing the Afghans, who uing to decline globally, but ties of hard-to-get vaccines, the millions of people of all mostly worked as interpreters, to settle in Britain. The coronavirus pandemic it would be a monumental with young and healthy peo- ages confronted with months More than 1,400 Afghans and their families have already is far from over, warned error for any country to think ple already being inoculated of loneliness and isolation.” relocated to the United Kingdom, and hundreds more received World Health Organization the danger has passed.” there, while poorer countries Attendees at the session funding for education and training. (WHO) chief Tedros Adha- He stressed the impor- don’t have enough shots also agreed to meet in No- However, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has approved an nom Ghebreyesus on Mon- tance of precautions that even for health care workers vember to begin work on a acceleration of the relocation scheme amid fears for the safety day as he closed the group’s have gone into common and those especially at risk. pandemic treaty, which aims of those who helped the UK as international troops prepare annual meeting, moved usage since the pandemic “One day - hopefully to make sure the world is to leave Afghanistan. Including the workers’ family members, online this year due to the started: social-distancing, soon - the pandemic will be better prepared the next time some 3,000 more Afghans are expected to settle in the UK disease. hand-washing, wearing fa- World Health Organisation behind us,” said Tedros. “But a pandemic spreads. One fo- under the plan. “The reality is, we still cial masks and ensuring a Director-General Tedros Adha- the psychological scars will cus would be ensuring bet- Wallace told the BBC it was “only right” to accelerate the have a lot of work to do to fair distribution of vaccines. nom Ghebreyesus in Geneva remain for those who have ter cooperation in the next programme, or else those being relocated might “be at risk of end this pandemic,” he said. The WHO has criticized recently. (AFP) lost loved ones, health work- health crisis. reprisals” from the Taliban. (dpa)

EU approves Nigerian officials begin search use of BioNTech/ Britain likely in the grip of an for 200 kidnapped pupils

Pfizer vaccine dpa and possibly more. for children aged ‘early’ third wave, says expert Lagos More than 300 boys and girls attend the Salihu Tanko Officials in Lagos began Islamiyya School in Tegina, 12 and up dpa low numbers of cases that searching on Monday for 200 a town in the Rafi Local Gov- London grumble in the background children abducted in north- ernment area in the northern dpa and then become explosive, ern Nigeria at the weekend, state of Niger. Brussels An expert advising the British so the key here is that what we although the authorities said One person was killed and government said on Monday are seeing here is the signs of that nothing was known about another was injured by the Children aged 12 and up that he sees the start of a third an early wave. the identity of the kidnappers. gunmen who arrived on mo- in the European Union can be wave of infections emerging Gunmen seized the chil- torcycles, Idriss told dpa. administered with the COV- due to the spread of the Indian dren, all aged between 3 and The abduction took place ID-19 vaccine made by BioN- variant of the Corona virus. On Sunday, Britain 14, from a school on Sunday, in the same area where gun- Tech/Pfizer after theE uro- Professor Ravi Gupta, counted 3,200 new coro- along with three teachers. men abducted 27 student and pean Commission granted its a member of the New and na cases and the seven- Umar Idriss, the head of killed one student in February. approval on Monday. Emerging Respiratory Virus day incidence stood at 27 the school, which is located Nigeria has seen a spate of “Member states can now Threats Advisory Group ad- in the city of Tegina in Niger mass abductions of students choose to expand their vac- vising the government, said state, said parents of 136 stu- from schools since April 2014, cination roll-out to young Britain was in the grip of an “It will probably take dents had confirmed the iden- when the jihadist group Boko people,” European Health “early” third wave of COV- longer than earlier waves to tity of their children on a miss- Haram abducted 276 girls Commissioner Stella Kyri- ID-19 infections which is be- emerge because of the fact that ing persons list. from their boarding school in akides said, announcing the ing spearheaded by the Indian we do have quite high levels of The identification process Chibok. decision on Twitter. “To put variant. vaccination in the population, is still ongoing, he said, with Criminal gangs have also an end to the crisis, every Asked on BBC Radio 4’s so there may be a false sense the gunmen thought to have taken advantage of the abduc- dose counts.” The European Today whether Britain was A woman uses a swab to take a sample from her mouth at a NHS of security for some time, and taken at least 200 children tions as a source of income. Medicines Agency (EMA) en- already in a third wave of Test and Trace COVID-19 testing unit in London recently. (AFP) that’s our concern.” dorsed the move last week, coronavirus infections, the On Sunday, Britain count- the first time a Covid-19 shot University of Cambridge aca- the number of the new cases “Of course the numbers of ed 3,200 new corona cases was recommended for use for demic said: “Yes, there has and at least three-quarters of cases are relatively low at the and the seven-day incidence those aged 16 or under in the been exponential growth in them are the new variant. moment - all waves start with stood at 27. Quotation Required for bloc. The EU regulatory body’s Cleaning Services head of vaccine strategy, Marco Cavaleri, said that the data showed that the vaccine Tarzan actor Joe Lara, 58, presumed dead in plane crash Quotations are invited for the cleaning was safe for children with no signs of serious side effects AGENCIES Manhattan before reprising the She wrote a best-selling and seems to be effective in role in the follow-up TV series faith-based weight-loss book, services at Pakistan International School, helping them resist infection. US actor Joe Lara, best known Tarzan: The Epic Adventures. urging people to “turn away The BioNTech/Pfizer jab for playing Tarzan, is pre- He gave up acting in 2002 from the love of food and to- has already been approved for sumed dead after a plane crash to pursue a career in country wards the love of God”, and Qatar on daily basis except Friday. Kindly use by children in the United in Tennessee. music. founded the Remnant Fellow- States and Canada. The 58-year-old is among ship Church in Brentwood in World Health Organiza- seven people believed killed 1999, according to her website. send your sealed quotations latest tion (WHO) head Tedros Ad- when a light aircraft crashed Lara played the lead role The Laras’ Cessna C501 hanom Ghebreyesus recently into a lake near the town of in the 1989 TV movie plane was carrying seven peo- called on wealthy countries Smyrna on Saturday. Tarzan in Manhattan ple when it crashed at around by 08-06-2021 to Principal Pakistan to donate coronavirus vac- His dietician wife, Gwen before reprising the role in 11:00 local time (17:00 GMT) cinations to poorer countries Shamblin Lara, who founded the follow-up TV series on Saturday, shortly after tak- rather than immediately a weight-loss church, is also ing off from Smyrna airport en starting to inoculate children. among the victims. route to Palm Beach, Florida, International School, Qatar. Presently, only 0.3 per Rescue workers say they His wife, 66, was the lead- officials said. For details contact: Admin Office, Pakistan cent of the global vaccine sup- found wreckage and human re- er of a Christian weight-loss The small jet went down International School, Doha Qatar. ply is going to low-income mains at the crash site. group called Weigh Down Min- into Percy Priest Lake, about countries, the health body Lara played the lead role in istries which she launched in 12 miles (19km) south of Tel: 44683343/33 and 44683250 chief said earlier this month. File photo of actor Joe Lara. (AFP) the 1989 TV movie Tarzan in 1986. Nashville. or Visit our Website: www.pisqdoha.com SPIEF 2021 to explore Russia-Qatar investment prospects page 9

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

34,529.45 10,748.26 51937.44 1,909.50 +64.81 pts +17.65 pts +514.56 pts Gold +0.22 % Is the latest Bitcoin crash the end Dow QE sensex or just another beginning? page 11 Price percentage Price percentage 28.14 Brent 69.32 +0.87 % WTI 66.91 +0.89 % Silver +0.45 % Crude surges to $70 on QSE gains as GCC markets strong demand hopes close mixed TNN & Agencies non-oil sector expanded in Oil prices climb for second month as OPEC+ forecasts crude stockpiles will drop sharply Doha April as the seasonally adjust- ed IHS Markit UAE Purchas- Agencies Middle Eastern stock mar- ing Managers’ Index (PMI) London kets closed mixed on Mon- edged up to 52.7, its highest day with the Qatar Stock Ex- level since July 2019 and the Oil prices firmed upon Mon- change (QSE) general index fifth consecutive month it has day with Brent trading near gaining 17.65 points, or 0.16 held above the 50.0 line that $70 a barrel, underpinned percent, when the bourse separates growth from con- by the bright outlook for closed trading at 10,748.26 traction. fuel demand growth in the points for the day. next quarter, while investors The volume of shares looked ahead to the OPEC+ traded on QSE decreased to meeting this week to see how 156.397 million on Monday producers will respond. from 190.947 in the previous Brent touched a session session and the value of shares high of $69.82, while US increased to QR428.026 mil- West Texas Intermediate lion from QR381.725 million crude was at $66.87 a barrel, in the previous session. up 55 cents, or 0.8 percent. The Qatari index closed Both contracts are on higher with the financial track for a second monthly shares eclipsing the losses in gain as analysts expect oil de- energy sector. Commercial 1.3% gain mand growth to outstrip sup- Bank and Qatar International ply despite the possible return Islamic Bank increased 1.9 ● The insurance sector, of Iranian crude and conden- percent and 1.8 percent re- which gained 1.3 percent, sate exports. spectively. was the best performing “Despite the mobility Indices of four sectors out sector index for the day restrictions that are still in of the seven closed in the posi- place, oil demand is recover- tive territory. The insurance ing dynamically around the sector, which gained 1.3 per- Saudi Arabia’s PMI rose world,” Commerzbank said. cent, was the best performing 55.2 in April, remaining above The group known as sector index for the day. the 50-mark for the eighth OPEC+ is expected to stay the Oil has climbed more than 35 percent this year as the OPEC+ alliance cautiously restores supplies cut when the pandemic slashed demand for fuel. QSE Total Return In- straight month. course on plans to gradually dex gained 0.16 percent to The index in Abu Dhabi ease supply cuts until July. as the OPEC+ alliance, led clined and consumption gained United Nations in Vienna said time. A high confidence in 21,276.83 points and the closed 0.7 percent higher, end- The oil price is expected by Saudi Arabia and Rus- in the lead up to the Memorial “should be final” in determin- global economic recovery is, QSE Al Rayan Islamic index ing the month with 8.5 percent to climb for a second month sia, cautiously restores sup- Day weekend, which heralds ing a path for the US easing typically, considered to bring lost 0.18 percent to 4,619.75 rise, its eighth consecutive as OPEC and its allies fore- plies cut when the pandemic the start of the summer driving sanctions on the country’s oil weakness in the US dollar, points. The QSE All Share monthly gain. cast that inventories will fall slashed demand for fuel. season and peak fuel demand. exports in return for limits on which has fallen by around index was up 0.17 percent to The Dubai index dropped sharply this year if the group In a meeting of its minis- Average retail prices for the Middle Eastern country’s 12 percent against a basket of 3,413.78 points. 0.4 percent, hit by property sticks to its plan. ters on Tuesday, the 23-nation regular gasoline in the US rose nuclear program. top currencies since March of Meanwhile, indexes in the shares as the blue-chip devel- Stockpiles are forecast group is expected to approve a to $3.046 per gallon on Sun- Iran will act swiftly to in- this year. United Arab Emirates and oper Emaar Properties EMAR to decline by at least 2 mil- production increase scheduled day, the highest since October crease oil production and has A falling US Dollar on the Saudi Arabia logged monthly declined 1.7 percent and Da- lion barrels a day from Sep- for July, completing the return 2014, according to auto club no concern about finding buy- back of global economic re- gains amid rising oil prices mac Properties decreased 3.6 tember through December, of just over 2 million barrels AAA. While rebounding de- ers for its crude, Oil Minister covery & continued stimulus and improving business activ- percent. the group said. “Demand is a day of halted supply since mand is driving prices higher, Bijan Namdar Zanganeh told spending in the US, as well as ity in their non-oil sectors. Dubai’s index logged its strong, it’s going to grow, April of last year. the possibility of more barrels reporters in Tehran Monday. other major economies, are Brent crude futures have third monthly gain this year, and inventories aren’t going The US, China and parts of from Iran, should a nuclear There’s a renewed opti- bullish for oil prices. In ad- gained more than 3 percent rising 7.4 percent for the to go up,” Bart Melek, head Europe are driving robust de- deal be revived, is clouding mism for a global economic dition, vaccines would allow this month and are up more month. Saudi Arabia’s all of commodity strategy at TD mand recovery from the COV- the outlook. recovery in 2021 on the news people to resume life in a nor- than 34 percent year-on-year, shares index closed flat, reg- Securities, said. ID-19 pandemic, despite a virus Iran and world powers of distribution of vaccines in mal way supporting more con- according to Refinitiv Eikon istering a fifth consecutive Oil has climbed more comeback across Asia. Ameri- have resumed discussions major economies across the sumption-led spending that data. monthly gain, adding 1.3 per- than 35 percent this year can gasoline stockpiles have de- that Russia’s envoy to the world starting in few weeks’ would drive up the oil prices. The United Arab Emirates’ cent for the month.

Aster ties up with Roche to boost health services across GCC

Tribune News Network enhancements, all with the pur- Doha pose of equipping our doctors with the best systems needed to be able Doha Aster DM Healthcare, the to provide the optimal treatment largest integrated healthcare pro- solution to patients.” vider in the Middle East on Mon- The Aster laboratory consolida- day signed a Memorandum of tion project is aimed at integrating Understanding (MoU) with Roche future-ready systems within the Diagnostics, the world leader in company’s expansive network of 13 biotechnology, as the strategic hospitals, 106 clinics and laborato- partner across Qatar, Oman, Saudi ries in the GCC. Aimed at driving Arabia and the UAE. precision in diagnostics with speed The partnership between these and operational efficiency, the two leading healthcare companies project will further strengthen the will enable Aster DM Healthcare’s company’s ability to identify and hospitals, clinics and laboratories immediately serve patient needs. across the region to adopt the lat- Through the use of Roche’s lat- est diagnostic innovations and est diagnostic solutions Aster DM solutions that would bring in fast Healthcare’s facilities will be able and efficient systems to support to enhance capacity to test for mul- doctors in providing optimal treat- tiple diseases by taking minimal ment solutions to their patients. samples from patients. This will This also includes the provi- especially be of help for more vul- sion of antibody COVID-19 test- nerable patients such as the elder- ing, digital solutions, as well as Aster DM Healthcare Deputy Managing Director Alisha Moopen with other officials at the agreement signing ceremony. ly, children, and those living with automated laboratory solutions conditions such as hemophilia or that will further enable Aster fa- able to do so. The partnership with nounce the official commencement and expand healthcare opportu- dents here in the UAE and across other blood diseases where taking cilities to deliver high-quality and Roche Diagnostics underscores our of our partnership with Aster DM nities and services to all residents the Middle East.” a blood sample is cumbersome and precise patient results in the short- dedication to supporting countries, Healthcare across the region to- across Qatar, UAE, Saudi and Commenting on the project, could potentially be dangerous. est time possible, while boosting patients and medical fraternity day. The establishment of this col- Oman,” he added. Eurohealth Systems Director Furthermore, the partnership capabilities to drive operational across the region through providing laboration is a testament to Roche Roche Diagnostics Middle East Hanie Abdul Sathar said, “This will allow both Aster Hospitals and efficiency essential to meet the ris- the latest healthcare solutions relat- Diagnostics’ dedication towards Gulf and Levant Agencies Diagnos- project marks the start of a trans- Roche to continue fulfilling its com- ing demand for diagnostics in this ing to the prevention, diagnosis and supporting countries across the tics Head Stavros Chisimellis said, formation journey that would en- mitment towards the prevention, pandemic and beyond. treatment of various diseases. This Middle East to further elevate their “At Roche Diagnostics, we put hance the service offering of Aster diagnosis, and treatment of various Aster DM Healthcare Deputy is a part of our core strategy to in- standards of healthcare and bring patient-care at the heart of all our Laboratories across GCC, while disease areas, including cardiovas- Managing Director Alisha Moopen troduce smart systems that encour- in the latest innovations to serve endeavours. Through this collabo- through system integration and cular health, women’s health, in- said, “At Aster, we are determined age early and accurate detection patients better,” said Roche Diag- ration with Aster DM Healthcare, consolidation we are aiming to fectious diseases. In doing so, the to stay ahead of the curve in offer- that can facilitate timely medical nostics Middle East General Man- we aim to accelerate the process develop state-of-art infrastructure companies aim to support the wel- ing the best medical solutions to our intervention essential to prevent ager Harald Wolf said. of providing the highest quality for diagnostics founded on intelli- fare of the regional community and patients and equip our doctors with unwanted disease outcomes.” “This partnership will further healthcare and the latest diagnos- gent systems, sophisticated quality provide patients across the Middle the most advanced systems to be “We are very pleased to an- align our commitment to upscale tic solutions to all citizens and resi- procedures, instrument technology East with world-class healthcare. Economy & Business Tuesday, June 1, 2021 09 Russia and Qatar to discuss prospects of investment cooperation at SPIEF 2021 Qatar will officially participate as a guest country in SPIEF 2021 that will be held in Russia’s St. Petersburg from June 2 to 5

Tribune News Network the heads of the foundations run hotels, and the company is Doha will personally take part in the currently focused on achieving official delegation of the guest its goal of 60 hotels by 2030. Economic partnership and country. Andrew Humphries, Act- intercultural cooperation with Qatar has a unique experi- ing Chief Executive Officer, Russian companies in in- ence in creating smart cities. Katara Hospitality: “We are vestments in Qatar will form Combining the Qatari experi- proud to be a part of the Qa- major issues of discussions ence with technologies from tari delegation at SPIEF 2021. during Qatari-Russian invest- Russia and implementing As the hospitality flagship of ment cooperation at the St. them in the cities currently the country, we invest in the Petersburg International Eco- under construction in Qatar best international hotels with nomic Forum slated to be held is one of the possible coopera- the intention of restoring their on June 2-5 in St. Petersburg. tion directions of real estate. glory – while also adding extra The major investment Qatari Diar Real Estate was special touches that make each priority of Qatar and Russia founded in 2005 with QIA. property memorable. . As the is achieving global goals on The headquarters are located company expands its footprint sustainable development by northeast of the capital Doha across the world, we follow a implementation of open inno- on the Persian Gulf coast. healthy diversification strate- vations policy. Development Qatari Diar is put in charge gy, aiming to create a network prospects of cross-country of upholding Qatar’s growing of business hotels and leisure high tech, science-driven and economy and coordinating the resorts in key tourist destina- digital projects are to be in- country’s real estate develop- tions. This business-driven ap- volved in discussion on shap- ment priorities (creation, de- proach ensures that a balance ing favourable investment velopment, and management is met across assets of short- infrastructure and creation of real estate properties). and long-term profitability of collaborative investment Abdullah bin Hamad Al- and that the company’s cash foundations between Qatar Attiyah, Chief Executive Of- flow projections adequately and Russia. ficer, Qatari Diar, said. “Qa- support its development”. Sessions “Innovation and tari Diar is a global leader in One more promising di- Global Health: a Wealth of sustainable real estate, build- rection of Qatari-Russian Opportunity in Entrepre- ing landmark projects of un- partnership is agriculture and neurship”, “Russia-Qatar In- The major investment priority of Qatar and Russia is achieving global goals on sustainable development by implementation of open innovations policy. rivalled scope and vision. We agritech. Under the auspices novation Dialogue”, “Qatari create vibrant communities of SPIEF, a number of vari- Startup Investment Event” dedicated to capturing the ous agreements is expected will become the launching pad hearts and imaginations of the to be signed. They will bring where representatives of Rus- QU to showcase prototypes and business solutions people we serve. These devel- together Qatari investors and sia and Qatar will discuss the opments are conceived from agricultural companies with unique Qatari platform for Tribune News Network QU will exhibit its research-based achieve distinctive excellence in educa- our commitment to preserving major Russian agricultural international investors at the Doha prototypes such as a portable device tion, research, institution, and engage- and reflecting localcharacters producers. Hassad Food, a highest level. They will allow that can test air quality, a cooling tech- ment. and traditions and our visions fully owned subsidiary of QIA, Russian enterprises to benefit Qatar University (QU) will take some nology prototype for open areas and “Qatar University has always been have created places with a considered as the country’s in- from Qatar’s business-friendly of its best research to the St. Petersburg early genetic diagnostic testing for at the forefront of innovation in Qatar, sense of identity and purpose vestment arm in food and ag- investment ecosystem and ful- International Economic Forum, which athletes. The prototypes, with already while playing an increasing role in sup- where people aspire to live, ribusiness sectors. Hassad has fil their plans for growth and will be held on June 2 to 5 under the existing patents, are unique business porting Qatar’s economic and social work and visit“. several strategic commercial development in the region. patronage of the President of the Rus- propositions to issues facing the world growth and development as an instiga- Supporting the real estate investments both internation- The Qatar Investment sian Federation. Qatar will participate today, with an aim to develop partner- tor of innovation fostering networks of sector, Katara Hospitality, de- ally and locally, which sup- Authority (QIA) is the sover- as a guest country at the event. ship opportunities with Russian stake- knowledge. veloper, operator, and owner ports Qatar’s food security ef- eign wealth fund of the State The education, research and holders. We are thrilled to be sharing some of hotels, will present its prac- forts. Internationally, Hassad of Qatar. QIA was founded in innovation institution will join With over 16 fully-fledged inter- of Qatar University’s best designs and tices at SPIEF-2021. With 50 invested in key strategic estab- 2005 to invest and manage over 50 leading Qatari public and disciplinary research centres on topics research projects at the St. Petersburg years of industry experience, lishments in Australia, Cana- the state reserve funds. QIA private sectors entities as part of the ranging from biomedicine to sustain- International Economic Forum,” said Katara Hospitality is actively da, Turkey, Oman, Saudi Ara- is among the largest and most State of Qatar delegation as a Guest able development, Qatar University Dr. Hassan Rashid Al-Derhman, Presi- delivering on its strategic ex- bia and Sudan, while in Qatar, active sovereign wealth funds Country. continues to transform to promote and dent of Qatar University. pansion plans both by invest- Hassad owns multiple subsidi- globally. QIA invests across a ing in finest hotels in Qatar aries that directly manage the wide range of asset classes and and by increasing its portfolio company’s key investments. regions as well as in partner- ment portfolio with a long- the State of Qatar. Food, hailing from various fident that these sectors are of iconic properties at key in- Hassad also plays a major role ship with leading institutions term perspective that can de- Among other participants sectors: real estate, mining, the most promising for eco- ternational markets. Katara in crisis management and in around the world to build a liver sustainable returns and there will be Qatari Diar, Ka- financial institutions, retail. nomic cooperation between Hospitality’s portfolio has in- the field of research and devel- global and diversified invest- contribute to the prosperity of tara Hospitality, and Hassad Participating entities are con- the states, with what in mind creased to 42 owned and/or opment. Rapid rise of yuan unsustainable, says Bank of China ex-official

Agencies year, said Sheng Songcheng, a certain degree will have little vestment, the country should the second half of this year. China has sufficient policy adjunct professor of econom- impact on commodity prices. prevent large inflows of short- At the same time, interest rate instruments to deal with the The recent rapid appreciation ics and finance at ChinaE u- The latest round of commod- term capital, which will push spreads between China and the short-term surge in capital of the renminbi shows that rope International Business ity price increases are caused up the renminbi exchange rate, US will make a transition from inflows. The People’s Bank exchange rate overshooting School and former director of by the relationship between weaken the competitiveness of drastically widening to nar- of China has taken necessary may have taken place. Looking the People’s Bank of China’s supply and demand (which export companies, and disrupt rowing. Therefore, the influx policies and reform measures ahead, this phenomenon is un- statistics and analysis depart- means the demand for com- China’s financial market and of hot money in China may to keep the renminbi exchange sustainable and does not meet ment. The rate stood between modities exceeds supply), as the independent implementa- weaken to some extent. rate at a reasonably stable the economic and financial the 6.3 and 6.4 levels recently. well as market speculation. It tion of its monetary policy, he Currently, the 10-year equilibrium since October, he situation at home and abroad, “The appreciation of the is impossible to be restrained The spot exchange rate of the said. treasury yield spread between said. said a former official of the renminbi against the US dollar through the appreciation of the renminbi against the US dollar The US economic recovery China and the US has nar- Starting from Oct 12, the People’s Bank of China, the na- cannot be used as an instru- Chinese currency,” Sheng said has risen 8.2 percent since the from the COVID-19 pandemic rowed down to 1.5 percentage PBOC has cut the reserve re- tion’s central bank. ment to counteract the effects during an interview with Xin- second half of last year. also will affect renminbi ex- points from 2.5 percentage quirement ratio for financial The spot exchange rate of of commodity price increases. hua News Agency on Sunday. change rates. The US dollar points in mid-November, and institutions when conducting the renminbi against the US As commodities usually adopt Besides, renminbi ex- ior that is unsustainable. While may strengthen, as the US there is still room for improve- foreign exchange forwards dollar has risen 8.2 percent a global pricing strategy, the change rate overshooting is a China adheres to opening-up economy will hopefully re- ment on the yield on the 10- trading from 20 percent to since the second half of last appreciation of the renminbi to short-term speculative behav- and encourages long-term in- bound comprehensively in year US treasury note, he said. zero.

‘Id iots will be idiots’ Dangerously trending: Driverless Tesla videos on social media

Agencies use with a fully attentive driver, which has 55,000 subscribers. more than it is really able to do,” who has their hands on the wheel (“Dirty Tesla” has described Kun said. “Of course, that’s the is- It was a boozy joyride captured for and is prepared to take over at any himself as the president of a Tesla sue with calling it ‘Autopilot’ when TikTok with a soundtrack provided moment.” Besides Tesla’s “Auto- owner’s club in Michigan but de- it really isn’t.” Adding gravity to the by Justin Bieber and with a Tesla pilot” system, which matches a clined to give his name.) But Tesla matter, a series of fatal crashes have serving as the “Designated Driver” vehicle’s speed to that of surround- itself has been less than clear, raised suspicions that Tesla’s tech- for the night. ing traffic and assists in steering directing users to follow the rules nology may have been misused. In the short video, three young within a clearly marked lane, Tesla even as it employs confusing ter- On April 17, two people were men are shown dancing in their offers what it calls “full self-driving minology for its driver-assistance killed near Houston after a Tesla seats, beers nearby, as the vehicle capability.” That program’s capa- programs, and as its leader, Elon smashed into a tree. moves down the highway near oth- bilities include helping park a car, Musk, makes sweeping statements A preliminary report from the er cars at 65 miles per hour (105 maneuver a vehicle in and out of about the technology. National Transportation Safety kilometers per hour), as shown on a tight parking space and guide a Musk early this year predicted Board did not weigh in on whether the speedometer. car from a highway on-ramp to an the company’s vehicles would anyone was behind the wheel. Local Nobody is behind the steering off-ramp. achieve Level 5 autonomy, or full police had said nobody was in the wheel. Tesla will alert the driver and self-driving, in 2021. Yet in 2015, driver’s seat. The video clip, which has ultimately disengage the self-driv- the billionaire had said that goal In a fatal crash in May near been “liked” by nearly two million ing system if the driver’s seatbelt would be reached within two years. Los Angeles also under investiga- people and shared 105,000 times, is not buckled, or if the hands of Tesla has faced questions over its driver-assistance technologies following a “Some companies are more tion, the driver had posted images is just one of many similar ones on the driver are not detected on the number of crashes in which the devices are suspected of having been misused careful than others in how they on social media of himself driving social media reviewed by AFP. steering wheel. advertise,” said Andrew Kun, an his Tesla without his hands on the Such behaviour is completely However, these protections which an incredulous tester easily that’s not Tesla’s fault, they can expert in human-computer inter- wheel. illegal and flouts the instructions have proved little match for Tesla duped a Tesla into driving with no put a bunch of other things here actions at the University of New In spite of billions of dollars of the automaker, which says on motorists determined to misuse one at the wheel. people will just defeat it,” a poster Hampshire. spent thus far, automakers have its website that Tesla’s driver- their vehicles. The magazine Con- “Idiots will be idiots, they will calling himself “Dirty Tesla” said “The problem is overtrust, yet to produce a vehicle with full assistance system is “intended for sumer Reports released a video in find a way to trick the system and in a video on his YouTube page, thinking that the system can do autonomy. 10 Tuesday, June 1, 2021 Economy & Business Global economy rebounding, but faces multiple threats: OECD

Agencies and stimulus measures in the tional unemployment benefits, far from enough.” poverty” and raising the risk of more developed world had financial assistance for local It said that the global financial crisis, the OECD said The global economic rebound done much to get the economy governments and support for economy had not reached the in its forecast report. from the pandemic has picked through the pandemic reces- low-income households. growth level that would have “This is all the more trou- up speed but remains uneven sion and back on the path of OECD chief economist been reached without a pan- bling because, notwithstand- across countries and faces growth. It forecast global out- Laurence Boone said that demic. And the report said that ing the impact on lives and multiple headwinds. Most put would rise 5.8%, raising its economic prospects “have too many countries would not livelihoods, the global eco- worrisome: the lack of vac- forecast from 4.8% during its improved considerably in re- see living standards reach pre- nomic and social cost of main- cines in poorer nations, which previous outlook in December. cent months, and the outlook pandemic levels by the end of taining closed borders dwarfs could lead to new virus vari- This year’s predicted rebound is brightening ... however, the 2022. the costs of making vaccines, ants and more stop-and-go follows last year’s contraction health situation remains high- The Paris-based organiza- tests and health supplies more lockdowns. of 3.5%, and would be the fast- ly uncertain.” tion listed several threats to the widely available to these coun- Those were key points est since 1973. “The first and main risk ... recovery, including lack of vac- tries.” from the latest economic out- The U.S. economy was remains the virus,” she said. cines in poorer countries that As long as the vast major- look published Monday by the expected to grow 6.9%, up- Although the OECD said have fewer resources for relief ity of the global population Paris-based Organization for graded from a previously fore- most individual countries efforts. “A renewed virus-driv- is not vaccinated, the report Economic Cooperation and cast 6.5%. The OECD cited would reach pre-pandemic en weakening of growth would said, “all of us remain vulner- Development. wide-ranging support from The Fearless Girl statue stands in front of the New York Stock Ex- levels of output by the end of be harder to cushion, resulting able to the emergence of new The OECD said that relief government spending on addi- change in New York’s Financial District. 2022, it cautioned that “this is in further increases in acute variants.” Indian economy, Global stocks mixed after hit by COVID-19, shrinks by 7.3% Wall St ends May with gain Agencies cases and more than 3,000 Agencies treated. deaths. Overall, the coun- The U.S. Commerce De- India’s economy, pumme- try has the second highest Global stock markets were partment said personal con- led by the coronavirus pan- total number of infections, mixed Monday after Wall sumption expenditures, a demic, contracted by 7.3% after the United States, Street ended May with a gain measure of inflation used by in the 2020-21 financial with more than 28 million and Japan’s factory output the Federal Reserve, rose by year, just before the coun- confirmed cases and nearly grew less than expected. 3.6% in April. Excluding vol- try was hit by another cata- 330,000 deaths. Both fig- London opened higher atile food and energy prices, strophic surge in infections. ures are believed to be vast while Frankfurt retreated. inflation was 3.1%, well above The economy grew at undercounts. Tokyo declined while Shang- the Fed’s long-term target of a 1.6% annual rate in the After registering a daily hai and Hong Kong gained. 2%. January-March quarter, ac- peak of over 400,000 new Wall Street futures were Fed officials said earlier cording to figures released cases in May, experts say higher. U.S. markets were the economy would be al- Monday by the government, infections seem to be eas- closed for a holiday. lowed to “run hot” to make but that recovery was stifled ing, especially in the capital, Investors are wavering sure a recovery is established, by a resurgence of infec- New Delhi, and Mumbai. between optimism about con- but investors worry about tions in March. Daily new But there is concern the sumer spending and factory unexpectedly sharp rises in cases set global records, virus may still be rampant output reviving and unease prices of consumer goods spurring many states to an- in the poorer countryside, that rising inflation might and some commodities. They nounce widespread restric- where access to health care prompt governments and have been at least temporar- tions and lockdowns. is more limited. central banks to withdraw ily reassured by comments New cases and deaths Even though many stimulus. from Fed officials that it is too recently have begun to de- states and cities remain “It still feels like a mar- early to change direction. cline, but much of the coun- under lockdown, a few ket looking for direction in In energy markets, bench- try is still under some form have started to ease curbs the face of uncertainty,” said mark U.S. crude rose 68 cents of a shutdown, with many on some types of economic Patrik Schowitz of JP Mor- People walk past a bank’s electronic board showing the Hong Kong share index at Hong Kong Stock Ex- to $67.00 per barrel in elec- industries and businesses activity. New Delhi Chief gan Asset Management in a change on Monday. Major Asian stock markets fell Monday after Japan reported weaker-than-expect growth. tronic trading on the New unable to resume work. Minister Arvind Kejriwal report. York Mercantile Exchange. In January, a govern- has extended the current In early trading, London’s rose 0.1% to end May with a group and the national statis- growth was lower than ex- The contract fell 43 cents on ment survey estimated lockdown to June 7, but FTSE 100 was down less than monthly gain of 0.5% after tics agency reported manu- pected. Friday to $66.32 per barrel. the economy -- previously announced that manufac- 0.1% at 7,022.61. The DAX bumpy weeks of selling as in- facturing activity held steady The Hang Seng in Hong Brent crude, used to price one of the fastest grow- turing and construction in Frankfurt fell 0.2% to vestors watched the conflict in May, adding to signs a re- Kong rose less than 0.1% to international oils, added 66 ing among major nations activities can resume from 15,485.89 while the CAC 40 between economic recovery bound is leveling off. 29,151.80 while the Kospi in cents to $69.38 per barrel in -– would bounce back, ex- Monday with health meas- in Paris gained less than 0.1% and rising inflation pressures. The Nikkei 225 in Tokyo Seoul rose 0.5% to 3,203.92. London. It gained 17 cents the panding 11% in the current ures in place. to 6,487.25. The Dow added 0.2% tumbled 1% to 28,860.08 af- The S&P-ASX 200 in Sydney previous session to $69.63. fiscal year, which began “We have to maintain On Wall Street, futures and the tech-heavy Nasdaq ter May retail sales fell 4.5% was off 0.2% at 7,161.60. The dollar declined to in April. But some ratings a balance between control- for the benchmark S&P 500 gained 0.1%. from the previous month. India’s Sensex advanced 109.70 Japanese yen from agencies say growth is likely ling the spread of COVID-19 and Dow Jones Industrial Av- In Asia, the Shanghai May factory output rose 1% to 51.965.87. New Zea- Friday’s 109.81 yen. The euro to slow to about 10% due and allowing economic ac- erage were up less than 0.1%. Composite Index gained 0.4% above pre-pandemic levels land, Bangkok and Jakarta edged down to $1.2189 from to the most recent surge in tivities,” Kejriwal said at a On Friday, the S&P 500 to 3,615.48 after an industry for the first time but 2.5% gained while Singapore re- $1.2197. COVID-19 cases. virtual news briefing on Fri- On Monday, India reg- day, according to the Press istered over 150,000 new Trust of India news agency. Japan’s April industrial output up 2.5%, exceeding pre-pandemic level Agencies Economy, Trade and Industry showed. After being battered machinery, such as steam amid a global chip crunch. said in a preliminary report. by the emergence of the coro- turbines, air pressure gover- Based on a poll of manu- Japan’s industrial output in The figure marked the sec- navirus pandemic, production nors and pumps, gained 16.1 facturers, the ministry expects April rose 2.5 percent from ond straight monthly rise, fol- has been on a gradual recovery percent, while that of produc- output to fall 1.7 percent in the previous month, with the lowing a downwardly revised trend since June last year. tion machinery, including chip May and increase 5.0 percent index of production at facto- 1.7 percent increase in March. The ministry retained its as- making tools, rose 7.8 percent, in June. ries and mines exceeding the A ministry official said firm sessment of the data, saying in- contributing to the overall in- Looking ahead, Taro Saito, level before the coronavirus demand for capital investment dustrial output is “picking up.” crease in the index. Output in executive research fellow at the pandemic, government data abroad led to robust output in But the official warned of the electrical machinery as well NLI Research Institute, said he showed Monday. sectors related to machinery downside risks going forward as the information and com- expects the upward momen- The seasonally adjusted and information technology. due to the spread of more con- munication electronics equip- tum to continue in the coming index stood at 99.6 against The April index hit the tagious variants of the coro- ment sector grew 10.9 percent, months despite the current vi- the 2015 base of 100, above highest level since September navirus as well as the global thanks to strong demand for rus state of emergency, which The Indian economy grew at a 1.6% annual rate in the January- the 99.1 registered in January 2019, before Japan’s consump- shortage of semiconductors. batteries used for cars. will be in place until June 20, March quarter. 2020 before the global spread tion tax was raised from 8 per- In April, output of general- Meanwhile, output in the saying it has little impact on of COVID-19, the Ministry of cent to 10 percent, the data purpose and business-oriented auto sector slipped 0.8 percent factory activities. Johnson & Johnson asks US court to void $2 bn talc verdict

Agencies that resulted in an initial $4.7 thousands of U.S. lawsuits by ber of women use powder for also represents corporate cli- billion verdict in favour of 22 women who claim asbestos in personal hygiene, the editorial ents. Katyal, who was the act- Johnson & Johnson is ask- women who used talc products the powder caused their can- said. ing top Supreme Court lawyer ing for Supreme Court review and developed ovarian cancer. cer. Talc is a mineral similar A few months later, the for a time in the Obama ad- of a $2 billion verdict in favour A state appeals court cut in structure to asbestos, which company announced it would ministration, declined an on- of women who claim they de- more than half the money out is known to cause cancer, and stop selling its iconic talc- the-record interview. veloped ovarian cancer from of the verdict and eliminated they are sometimes obtained based Johnson’s Baby Powder The U.S. Chamber of Com- using the company’s talc prod- two of the plaintiffs but other- from the same mines. The cos- in the U.S. and Canada, citing merce and trade associations ucts. wise upheld the outcome in a metics industry in 1976 agreed declining demand driven by for manufacturers, insurers The case features an array trial in which lawyers for both to make sure its talc products what it called misinformation and the pharmaceutical indus- of high-profile attorneys, some sides presented duelling ex- do not contain detectable about health concerns. try are among the business or- in unusual alliances, including pert testimony about whether amounts of asbestos. The disputed link be- ganizations backing Johnson former independent counsel the company’s talc products Last year, a U.S. govern- tween cancer and talc is not & Johnson’s appeal. Kenneth Starr, who is repre- contain asbestos and asbestos- ment-led analysis of 250,000 really a part of the high court Tiger Joyce, president of senting the women who sued laced talc can cause ovarian women found no strong evi- case. Instead, the company the American Tort Reform As- Johnson & Johnson. The na- cancer. dence linking baby powder said it should have not been sociation, pointed to how long tion’s largest business groups The jury found for the with ovarian cancer in the forced to defend itself in one it took the trial judge to read are backing the company, and women on both points, after largest analysis to look at the trial against claims by women the jury its instructions as an a justice’s father also makes which Judge Rex M. Burlison question, though the study’s from 12 states, differing back- indication of how unfair the an appearance because of his wrote that evidence at the trial A bottle of Johnson’s baby powder is displayed. lead author called the re- grounds and with varying trial was to Johnson & John- long association with the trade showed “particularly repre- sults “very ambiguous.” The histories of using Johnson & son. group for cosmetics and per- hensible conduct on the part of the women have died from son’s Baby Powder is safe, is findings were called “overall Johnson products containing “When a defendant is fac- sonal care products. of Defendants.” The evidence, ovarian cancer, lawyers for not contaminated by asbestos reassuring” in an editorial talc. ing a case where it takes over The court could say as Burlison wrote, included that the plaintiffs said Johnson & and does not cause cancer.” published with the study in The $1.6 billion in puni- five hours for the judge to read soon as Tuesday whether it the company knew there was Johnson denies that its talc The company also is the maker January 2020 in the Journal tive damages is out of line and the jury instructions to the will get involved. asbestos in products aimed at products cause cancer and it of one of three COVID-19 vac- of the American Medical As- should be reduced, the compa- jury, you just have to ask your- At the root, Johnson & mothers and babies, knew of called the verdict in the Mis- cines approved for use in the sociation. The study wasn’t ny also argued in a brief that self what are we doing here,” Johnson argues that the com- the potential harm and “mis- souri trial “at odds with dec- United States. definitive but more conclusive was written by Neal Katyal, a said Joyce, whose group gen- pany didn’t get a fair shake in a represented the safety of these ades of independent scientific Health concerns about tal- research probably isn’t feasi- Washington lawyer who aligns erally backs limits on liability trial in state court in Missouri products for decades.” Nine evaluations confirming John- cum powders have prompted ble because a dwindling num- with progressive causes and lawsuits. Tuesday, June 1, 2021 11 Economy & Business Is the latest Bitcoin crash the end or just another beginning? Bitcoin flew to an all-time high of almost $65,000 in April, but crashed to a low of $30,000, losing more than half its peak value

Agencies

Investors who jumped aboard the latest Bitcoin price rally have learned the hard way just how bru- tal investing in cryptocurrencies can be. Bitcoin flew to an all-time high of almost $65,000 in April, but crashed below $32,000 on May 23, losing more than half its value from the peak. So far, so Bitcoin. The cryptocur- rency has been incredibly volatile for a decade, with quick-fire gains and losses all part of the fun. Yet all this will come as a shock for more recent investors, who have not seen a crash in the past 12 months. Stephane Ouellette, chief execu- tive and co-founder of FRNT Finan- cial, called it the first “welcome to crypto day” and said newbies had better get used to it. “The history of these assets has been littered with aggressive rallies and sickening sell- offs.” With the price rebounding above $40,000 at the time of writ- ing, crypto fans will tell you to buck- le up and enjoy the rollercoaster. Yet the recent wipe-out wasn’t just a random event, there were clear, identifiable reasons for it. Bitcoin and other cryptocurren- cies now face two existential threats and investors need to know what they are. First, blame Elon Musk. The crypto fan boy, serial tweeter and Tesla founder triggered the crash by reversing his February decision to accept Bitcoin as payment for his company’s electric cars, calling its The white-knuckle ride of Bitcoin is a shock for more recent investors who have not seen a crash in the past 12 months. energy use “insane”. Tesla and Bitcoin were always cial and governance (ESG) criteria, risk by investing their money across hedge fund investors taking profits, a strange fit, given that the electric and facilitating crypto transactions different asset classes, and avoid un- Vijay Valecha, chief investment of- car maker is at the forefront of the will work against that. realistic price growth expectations, ficer at Century Financial in Dubai, clean energy revolution, while Bit- The tide has turned, says Laith Kirbaj says. says. coin miners are fuelled by coal, and Khalaf, financial analyst at invest- “Bitcoin is neither a store of “This has given private investors consume more power than Finland. ment platform AJ Bell. “Tesla’s value nor a hedge against inflation. a lesson in how the boom-to-bust The second trigger was a regu- decision will give other companies However, cryptos use advanced and cycle can take place within a matter latory clampdown initiated by the the jitters about facilitating crypto innovative technology that could be of hours. They now have a deep in- People’s Bank of China, which has payments, lest they spark an ESG tradeable with better regulation, and sight into how brutal these markets banned banks and online payment backlash. The few companies that not just avoided as regulatory bodies can be.” channels from offering customers already accept Bitcoin may now be do now.” He says institutional and private crypto services, although people can having second thoughts.” Digital assets were overbought investors were already aware of the still hold them. Consumers and investors may and remain vulnerable to rapid environmental and regulatory risks China’s financial regulatorsteer clear, Khalaf says. “Particu- shifts in sentiment, but they still when they bought Bitcoin, and won’t hopes to curb speculative trading, larly younger Bitcoin fans who are have a future, Ernst Knacke, head of change their tune now. maintain capital controls and en- also likely to be sensitive to climate research at Shard Capital, says. The regulatory threat isn’t over courage its population to embrace a issues. Celebrity endorsements may “We do not believe the value of but will rumble on, Valecha says. digital yuan. also dry up.” Bitcoin or Ethereum is zero. The “The major global central banks are These threats come on top of Beijing’s hardline stance looks significant correction might be an likely to issue more warnings about previously known dangers, such as like the start of a concerted effort Tesla chief executive Elon Musk triggered the cryptocurrency crash by reversing opportunity for long-term investors the risks following the recent blood- extreme price volatility, lack of reg- to limit the decentralised power of his February decision to accept Bitcoin as payment for his company’s electric seeking exposure,” Knacke adds. bath.” ulatory protection, the threat from cryptocurrencies, Susannah Street- cars, calling its energy use “insane”. Don’t just take a blind punt, This does not mean you should hackers and the fact that nobody er, senior investment and markets though. “Consider technical indi- shun crypto altogether, but ap- has worked out what cryptos are ac- manager at Hargreaves Lansdown, capital destruction”. ferent.” cators such as resistance levels or proach with caution and avoid doing tually for. says. “With institutions taking a larg- He says Chinese and US regu- moving averages, and research the something really daft, like borrow- So how scared should investors “The US Federal Reserve has er role in this latest bull run, the latory concerns didn’t stop Bitcoin different technologies to understand ing to invest in them. be? indicated that it wants tougher repercussions of another extended from booming before, while the ESG their underlying network utilities,” The crypto market tends to move Musk has said that Tesla will regulation, while the UK’s Finan- crypto-capitulation could be more threat has been overplayed. “The big Knacke says. up and down in line with Bitcoin accept Bitcoin again, once it has cial Conduct Authority is warning widespread compared with 2018,” tech firms which adopted Bitcoin, The recent crash appears to have sentiment but Valecha says: “Over cleaned up its act, but that won’t be investors they could lose all their Mahony says. such as PayPal, haven’t changed created a low of around $35,000, and the longer term, tokens that actually easy. Sustainable Bitcoin is a long money,” she adds. Others still believe in Bitcoin. their course, and Musk remains crypto bulls will be watching to see have some use case or utility are best way off, although rival cryptos such The bigger Bitcoin gets, the The latest crash is typical, not fa- bullish about crypto’s future.” if it can break through the $42,000 placed to survive, so know what you as Ethereum, Cardano, Ripple and tougher the regulators will become, tal, Chaddy Kirbaj, vice director at Cheap money and low interest mark, Fawad Razaqzada, market an- are buying.” Stellar use less energy. Joshua Mahony, senior market an- Swissquote Bank in Dubai, says. rates will continue to drive demand, alyst at broker Think Markets, says. To further limit damage, buy The Tesla reversal might scare alyst at online platform IG, says. “Bitcoin dropped from almost he says, and notes that the recent “That would be a strong indication on the lows not the highs. Valecha off other corporates, as they already At its recent peak, the global $20,000 in December 2017 to drop brought out more buyers than that a low has been created.” says we can expect plenty of both. face increasing pressure from share- crypto market was worth $2 trillion, $4,000 by March 2020, before ral- sellers. The latest sell-off was partly “In crypto markets, volatility begets holders to meet environmental, so- and a crash could unleash “massive lying, and this time will be no dif- Investors should look to reduce driven by Wall Street banks and volatility.”

In post-pandemic Europe, migrants will face digital fortress

Agencies pandemic at the 200-kilometer happening,” Police Maj. Di- Researchers at universi- technology promise to erase But regional migration (125-mile) Greek border with monsthenis Kamargios, head The EU has poured $3.7 ties around Europe, work- foliage virtually, exposing deals have left the EU exposed As the world begins to travel Turkey to stop people entering of the region’s border guard billion into security tech ing with private firms, have people hiding near border ar- to political pressure from again, Europe is sending mi- the European Union illegally. authority, told the Associated research following the ref- developed futuristic surveil- eas. neighbors. grants a loud message: Stay A new steel wall, similar Press. ugee crisis in 2015-16, lance and verification tech- Testing has also been con- Earlier this month, several away! to recent construction on the The EU has poured 3 bil- nology, and tested more than ducted in Hungary, Latvia thousand migrants crossed Greek border police are fir- U.S.-Mexico border, blocks lion euros ($3.7 billion) into when more than 1 million a dozen projects at Greek bor- and elsewhere along the east- from Morocco into the Span- ing bursts of deafening noise commonly-used crossing security tech research follow- people fled to Greece and ders. ern EU perimeter. ish enclave of Ceuta in a single from an armored truck over the points along the Evros River ing the refugee crisis in 2015- on to other EU countries AI-powered lie detectors The more aggressive mi- day, prompting Spain to de- frontier into Turkey. Mounted that separates the two coun- 16, when more than 1 million and virtual border-guard in- gration strategy has been ploy the army. A similar crisis on the vehicle, the long-range tries. people — many escaping wars patrols using searchlights and terview bots have been pi- advanced by European poli- unfolded on the Greek-Turk- acoustic device, or “sound can- Nearby observation towers in Syria, Iraq and Afghani- long-range acoustic devices. loted, as well as efforts to cymakers over the past five ish border and lasted three non,” is the size of a small TV are being fitted with long-range stan — fled to Greece andon Key elements of the net- integrate satellite data with years, funding deals with weeks last year. set but can match the volume cameras, night vision, and mul- to other EU countries. work will be launched by the footage from drones on land, Mediterranean countries out- Greece is pressing the EU of a jet engine. tiple sensors. The data will be The automated surveil- end of the year, Kamargios air, sea and underwater. Palm side the bloc to hold migrants to let Frontex patrol outside It’s part of a vast array of sent to control centers to flag lance network being built on said. “Our task is to prevent scanners record the unique back and transforming the its territorial waters to stop physical and experimental new suspicious movement using ar- the Greek-Turkish border is migrants from entering the vein pattern in a person’s EU border protection agency, migrants reaching Lesbos and digital barriers being installed tificial intelligence analysis. aimed at detecting migrants country illegally. We need hand to use as a biometric Frontex, from a coordination other Greek islands, the most and tested during the quiet “We will have a clear early and deterring them from modern equipment and tools identifier, and the makers of mechanism to a full-fledged common route in Europe for months of the coronavirus ‘pre-border’ picture of what’s crossing, with river and land to do that.” live camera reconstruction multinational security force. illegal crossing in recent years. Afif rejoins QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune team for QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune training as QFA completes all arrangements to host Asian

TUESday, JUNE 1, 2021 qualifiers page 14 Osaka withdraws from French Open

DPA/PA-Media rules are quite outdated in parts she has also struggled. London and I wanted to highlight that. “I wrote privately to the Billie Jean King ‘torn’ Naomi Osaka has announced This isn’t a situation I ever imagined or intended. I think tournament apologising and Earlier, Osaka’s decision that she will be withdrawing saying that I would be more to boycott mandatory media from the French Open because now the best thing for the tournament, the other players and than happy to speak with them interviews at the French Open of the furore caused by her my well-being is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back after the tournament as the had left tennis legend Billie boycott of media duties. to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris. slams are intense. Jean King “torn”. The world number two “I’m gonna take some time King, a 12-time Grand won her opening match I would never trivialise mental health or use the term lightly. away from the court now, but Slam singles champion, took against Patricia Maria Tig on The truth is that I have suffered long bouts of depression since when the time is right I really to Twitter to outline her stance Sunday but her decision not to want to work with the Tour on what is proving to be a con- take part in press conferences the US Open in 2018 and I have had a really hard time to discuss ways we can make tentious issue. or interviews has been the big- coping with that. things better for the players, “I fully admire and respect gest talking point of the tour- press and fans.” what Naomi is doing with her nament. Naomi Osaka on Twitter American Coco Gauff re- platform, so I am a little torn The Grand Slams reacted plied to Osaka’s tweet to express as I try to learn from both sides strongly to Osaka’s move, re- her support and admiration. of the situation,” wrote King, a leasing a joint statement on The world number 25 co-founder of the WTA. Sunday that threatened her with wrote: “Stay strong. I admire “While it’s important that potential disqualificationand a your vulnerability.” everyone has the right to speak ban from future tournaments Martina Navratilova tweet- their truth, I have always be- should she not reconsider. ed her best wishes, saying: “I lieved that as professional ath- Osaka, who cited mental am so sad about Naomi Osaka. letes we have a responsibility health reasons, wrote on Twit- I truly hope she will be OK. to make ourselves available to ter: “Hey everyone, this isn’t As athletes we are taught to the media. a situation I ever imagined or take care of our body, and per- “In our day, without the intended when I posted a few haps the mental and emotional press, nobody would have days ago. aspect gets short shrift. This known who we are or what we “I think now the best thing is about more than doing or thought. There is no question for the tournament, the other not doing a press conference. they helped build and grow players and my well-being is Good luck Naomi – we are all our sport to what it is today. that I withdraw so that every- pulling for you! “And kudos “I acknowledge things are one can get back to focusing on to Naomi Osaka for caring so very different now with social the tennis going on in Paris.” much about the other players. media and everyone having Osaka said she had suf- Naomi Osaka of Japan eyes the ball as she serves to Romania’s Patricia Maria Tig during their women’s singles first round match of The Ro- “While she tried to make an immediate ability to speak fered bouts of depression land Garros 2021 French Open tennis tournament in Paris on Sunday. (AFP) a situation better for herself their truth. since winning her first slam and others, she inadvertently “The media still play an title at the US Open in 2018 health or use the term lightly. I’m often wearing headphones of anxiety before I speak to apology, saying she felt she made it worse. Hope this solu- important role in telling our and that talking to the media “The truth is that I have as that helps dull my social the world’s media.” had made things worse. tion, pulling out, as brutal as it story. There is no question that triggered anxiety. suffered long bouts of depres- anxiety. Osaka’s sister Mari at- Osaka’s Twitter post con- is will allow her to start heal- the media needs to respect “I never wanted to be be a sion since the US Open in “Though the tennis press tempted to explain more tinued: “So here in Paris I was ing and take care of her SELF.” certain boundaries. But at the distraction and I accept that my 2018 and I have had a really has always been kind to me about her sibling’s stance already feeling vulnerable and Wimbledon starts in four end of the day it is important timing was not ideal and my hard time coping with that. (and I wanna apologise espe- with a post on the website anxious so I thought it was bet- weeks and it remains to be that we respect each other and message could have been clear- “Anyone that knows me cially to all the cool journal- Reddit, highlighting her feel- ter to exercise self-care and skip seen whether Osaka, whose we are in this together.” er,” she continued on Twitter. knows I’m introverted, and ists who I may have hurt), ings of vulnerability on clay, the press conferences. next tournament is scheduled Osaka was to play Ana “More importantly, I anyone that has seen me at the I am not a natural public but then deleted her words “I announced it pre-emp- to be in Berlin in two weeks’ Bogdan in round two on would never trivialise mental tournaments will notice that speaker and get huge waves and replaced them with an tively because I do feel like the time, will play on grass, where Wednesday. Federer dares to dream as he cruises into 2nd round DPA/PA-Media like I didn’t find the rhythm.” London Federer will next face anoth- er familiar foe in former US Roger Federer allowed Open champion Marin Cilic, himself to imagine he might who has slipped to 47 in the have something to offer at rankings. Federer has beaten this year’s French Open after the Croatian in two grand slam Serena Williams of the US returns the ball to Romanian Irina Begu returning to the grand slam finals but a place in the third during their women’s singles first round match at the court Philippe stage with a swagger. round will be the reward for Chatrier on Day 2 of French Open in Paris on Monday. (AFP) The 20-time Grand Slam the winner this time. champion, who turns 40 in World number two Da- August, is playing in his first niil Medvedev claimed his first Holder Swiatek, major tournament since last ever victory at Roland Garros, year’s Australian Open after beating Alexander Bublik 6-3 two knee operations. 6-3 7-5. Neither man is a fan Serena advance He rated his expectations of clay and there were plenty extremely low after losing of crowd-pleasing shots from DPA feat at the French Open. his opening match to Pablo both players, but it was Med- London The British number one Andujar at the Geneva Open vedev who proved the more was defending ranking points earlier this month, with his consistent, with Bublik serv- Title holder Iga Swiatek and from her brilliant run to the only victory since the quarter- ing eight double faults. record-chasing Serena Wil- semi-finals at Roland Garros in finals in Melbourne in 2020 Medvedev is seeded ahead liams advanced into the sec- 2019 but has not won a match coming over Dan Evans in of 13-time champion Rafael ond round of the on any other occasion she has Doha in March. Nadal because of his higher French Open in straight played on the Parisian clay. But the picture looks differ- ranking and had joked that sets on Monday. Konta led early in the first ent now after a 6-2 6-4 6-3 tri- Switzerland’s Roger Federer serves the ball to Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin during their men’s singles first winning a match in Paris was Swiatek celebrated her set against Romanian Sorana umph over fellow veteran Denis round match at the Philippe Chatrier court on Day 2 of the French Open in Paris on Monday. (AFP) his biggest goal of the season. 20th birthday with a 6-0, 7-5 Cirstea, who beat her at the US Istomin that, if not peak Feder- The Russian said: “It feels victory over best friend Kaja Open last summer, but made er, was not a bad impression. great. But the most important is Juvan, while Williams later far too many errors thereafter “In a way I like this situa- Results (First Round) the level of tennis. I managed to beat Irina-Camelia Begu of and fell to a 7-6 (5) 6-2 defeat. tion, that I don’t know what’s Men’s Singles Women’s Singles play consistent today. I actually Romania 7-6 (8-6), 6-2. It continued a poor season next, how my next match will John Isner (31), United States, def. Sam Querrey, United States, 7-6 (2), 6-3, 6-4. Serena Willaims (7), US, def. Irina-Camelia Begu, Romania, 7-6 (8-6), 6-2. played much better in practices Juvan made a fight of things so far for the 30-year-old, who Thiago Monteiro, Brazil, def. Francisco Cerundolo, Argentina, 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. Madison Brengle, United States, def. Maria Camila Osorio Serrano, Colombia, 7-5, 6-4. be,” he said. “I’m very happy Filip Krajinovic, Serbia, def. Maximilian Marterer, Germany, 6-4, 6-1, 7-6 (3). Marketa Vondrousova (20), Czech Republic, def. Kaia Kanepi, Estonia, 4-6, 6-3, 6-0. still than today, so there is room in the second set but it was has only won three matches I won today. It gives me a Gianluca Mager, Italy, def. Peter Gojowczyk, Germany, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5. Harmony Tan, France, def. Alize Cornet, France, 6-4, 6-4. for improvement.” Swiatek who claimed an eighth in 2021. The 19th seed looked chance again to test myself Steve Johnson, US , def. Frances Tiafoe, United States, 6-7 (5), 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-1. Polona Hercog, Slovenia, def. Kiki Bertens (16), Netherlands, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4. Italian Jannik Sinner had successive win at Roland Gar- comfortable initially and on Thursday. To be truthful, I Jannik Sinner (18), Italy, def. Pierre-Hugues Herbert, France, 6-1, 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-4. Iga Swiatek (8), Poland, def. Kaja Juvan, Slovenia, 6-0, 7-5. to fight back from two sets to ros, followed by a rendition of moved into a 4-2 lead but the Federico Delbonis, Argentina, def. Radu Albot, Moldova, 6-1, 2-6, 6-0, 6-1. Rebecca Peterson, Sweden, def. Shelby Rogers, United States, 6-7 (3), 7-6 (8), 6-2. don’t know where I stand. Cameron Norrie, Britain, def. Bjorn Fratangelo, United States, 7-5, 7-6 (5), 6-2. Hailey Baptiste, United States, def. Anna Blinkova, Russia, 6-1, 6-4. one down and save a match Happy Birthday from the fans errors began to mount - she “For me, coming back after Daniil Medvedev (2), Russia, def. Alexander Bublik, Kazakhstan, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5. Zarina Diyas, Kazakhstan, def. Heather Watson, Britain, 6-4, 7-5. point in a 6-1 4-6 6-7 (4) 7-5 and a bunch of flowers. made 30 unforced in total - and many months or over a year of Casper Ruud (15), Norway, def. Benoit Paire, France, 5-7, 6-2, 6-1, 7-6 (4). Elise Mertens (14), Belgium, def. Storm Sanders, Australia, 6-4, 6-1. 6-4 victory over France’s “You never know what’s Cirstea clawed her way back. rehab, the light at the end of the Reilly Opelka (32), United States, def. Andrej Martin, Slovakia, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. Caroline Garcia, France, def. Laura Siegemund, Germany, 6-3, 6-1. Pierre-Hugues Herbert. going to happen when you’re Several costly errors came Nikoloz Basilashvili (28), Georgia, def. Dusan Lajovic, Serbia, 6-4, 6-3, 0-6, 6-2. Tamara Zidansek, Slovenia, def. Bianca Andreescu (6), Canada, 6-7 (1), 7-6 (2), 9-7. tunnel or the measuring stick Tommy Paul, US, def. Christopher O’Connell, Australia, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 4-6, 10-8. Sorana Cirstea, Romania, def. Johanna Konta (19), Britain, 7-6 (5), 6-2. Fifteenth seed Casper coming out on a court as a de- in the tie-break, and Cirstea was always can I come back to a Pedro Martinez, Spain, def. Sebastian Korda, United States, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2. Belinda Bencic (10), Switzerland, def. Nadia Podoroska, Argentina, 6-0, 6-3. Ruud, who has had a stellar fending champion,” Swiatek was much the better player in good level against good players. Roger Federer (8), Switzerland, def. Denis Istomin, Uzbekistan, 6-2, 6-4, 6-3. Varvara Gracheva, Russia, def. Lara Arruabarrena, Spain, 6-2, 6-3. clay season, defeated unpre- said. “I’ve never been in a situ- the second set, the world num- Carlos Alcaraz, Spain, def. Bernabe Zapata Miralles, Spain, 6-3, 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (4). Sofia Kenin (4), United States, def. Jelena Ostapenko, Latvia, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. I hope Wimbledon is going to Jaume Munar, Spain, def. Jordan Thompson, Australia, 6-7 (6), 6-1, 7-6 (5), 6-4. Mihaela Buzarnescu, Romania, def. Arantxa Rus, Netherlands, 7-5, 7-5. dictable Frenchman Benoit ation like that. I’m really glad ber 54 easing to victory in an be that place. Maybe there’s go- Lloyd Harris, South Africa, def. Lorenzo Sonego (26), Italy, 7-5, 6-4, 6-4. Martina Trevisan, Italy, def. Alison van Uytvanck, Belgium, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4. Paire 5-7 6-2 6-1 7-6 (4), while I could handle that pretty well hour and 30 minutes against ing to be even something here Marin Cilic, Croatia, def. Arthur Rinderknech, France, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 6-2. Marta Kostyuk, Ukraine, def. Garbine Muguruza (12), Spain, 6-1, 6-4. John Isner won the battle of and just play tennis, play a her frustrated opponent. in Paris. We’ll see.” Taylor Fritz (30), United States, def. Joao Sousa, Portugal, 6-4, 6-2, 6-4. Daria Kasatkina, Russia, def. Misaki Doi, Japan, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3. the veteran Americans against normal match without having Konta’s defeat means Kamil Majchrzak, Poland, def. Arthur Cazaux, France, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. Jessica Pegula (28), United States, def. Zhu Lin, China, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. Federer swept through the Dominik Koepfer, Germany, def. Mathias Bourgue, France, 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. Zheng Saisai, China, def. Sara Sorribes Tormo, Spain, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Sam Querrey. in the back of my mind that Cameron Norrie is the only opening set in just over 20 min- Lorenzo Musetti, Italy, def. David Goffin (13), Belgium, 6-0, 7-5, 7-6 (3). Tereza Martincova, Czech Republic, def. Ivana Jorovic, Serbia, 6-3, 7-6 (6). There was disappointment I’m defending the title.” British singles player through utes and wrapped up victory in for young American Sebastian to the second round, while her a swift hour and 33 minutes, on his performance in Ge- to have many different ways to to tournament and match Korda as he fell to a 6-4 6-2 No repeat of 2019 as slide down the rankings could hitting 48 winners compared to neva, and he said: “I just felt win the point. rhythm again, the whole thing 6-2 loss against Pedro Martin- Konta loses yet get significantly worse, just 20 unforced errors and not overall much clearer, much “I always struggle early on with the towels there, the ez, but 18-year-old Spaniard Johanna Konta, who will now with the British number one facing a break point. better. Clearly also maybe the with my returning a little bit shot clock there, everything Carlos Alcaraz claimed his first tumble out of the top 30, suf- defending a lot of points at It was a huge improvement type of opponent allowed me on clay. I think getting used that goes with it. I really felt victory at Roland Garros. fered another first-round de- Wimbledon and the US Open. Sports Tuesday, June 1, 2021 13

EURO 2020 Mueller, Hummels to return but 7 missing in German Euro tune-up

Mats Hummels, defender of Germany’s national football team, arrives on a bike to attend a training session on Monday in Seefeld, Austria, Germany’s defender Robin Koch, defender Mats Hummels, midfielder Thomas Mueller and defender Marcel where the team stays for a training camp ahead of the European championship 2020-2021. The European championship, which was delayed Halstenberg attend a training session in Seefeld, Austria, where the German national football team pre- from last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, is set to take place across the continent between June 11 and July 11, 2021. (AFP) pares ahead of the European championship 2020-2021. (AFP)

DPA And with the quartet from that Werner, Ruediger and also want to show it,” Sane said. Berlin Saturday’s Champions League Germany coach Joachim Loew doesn’t have a full squad at his disposal Havertz will add to this win- Denmark, who beat Ger- final - Ilkay Guendogan,A nto- against Denmark in what is a Euro warm-up for both teams. But all ning mentality having lifted the many in the Euro 1992 final, Thomas Mueller and Mats nio Ruediger, Kai Havertz and Champions League trophy with are also fine-tuning ahead Hummels are to play for Ger- Timo Werner – not due to arrive eyes will be on recalled Thomas Mueller and Mats Hummels. Chelsea. Also out to do well is of their Copenhagen group many for the first time in until Thursday, Loew has only Munich winger Leroy Sane who games against Finland, world more than two years but coach 19 of his 26 players available. as team leaders who are to world champions France on Mueller said “the coach anticipates his first big event rankings leaders Belgium and Joachim Loew will be without Apart from fielding his make their presence felt right June 15, title holders Portugal knows what kind of package after controversially being Russia from June 12 onwards. seven players in Wednesday’s 2014 World Cup winners Mu- away after being dropped by and Hungary in a tough group he has recalled” and is ready dropped at the last instance by “Germany are a top oppo- Euro 2020 tune-up against eller and Hummels the coach the coach in 2019. in Munich. to give it his all. Loew ahead of the 2018 World nent, and to play against such a Denmark. could also give surprise nomi- Germany aim to rebound “Thomas and Mats know “I have experience. I want Cup, which he has named “the top nation is an ideal prepara- Playmaker Toni Kroos has nees Kevin Volland and Chris- from a 2-1 home defeat against from me that they play an im- to lead the way. I want to be a biggest setback” and “toughest tion for us,” Denmark forward only just arrived after over- tian Guenter an opportunity to North Macedonia in March - portant role when you recall catalyst that the team can ig- moment” of his career. Yussuf Poulsen told Monday’s coming a coronavirus infec- play in Innsbruck. and set the stage against Den- them. They can help the team nite the turbo charger. I feel “It is the dream of every Kicker sports magazine. tion, and Leon Goretzka and Loew sees Bayern Munich mark and June 7 against Lat- with their experience and their that this team will go to the player to win the title. We will “We need more of these youngster Jamal Musiala are forward Mueller and Borussia via for successful Euros where skill. But they must perform,” limit,” Mueller said. do our best. We have it all when games to take the next step not fully fit. Dortmund defender Hummels the three-time champions face Loew said. The Munich talisman said it comes to quality but we must with the national team.” Super League Southgate using data rebels have Bale says Wales realistic ‘paralysed to help whittle down themselves’, says Ceferin but full of confidence England squad DPA - Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Ben DPA with the players’ clubs to get DPA London Davies, Chris Gunter, Danny London data on each individual before Berlin Ward, Joe Allen, Jonny Wil- they come through the door, Gareth Bale admits Wales liams and Wayne Hennessey Gareth Southgate and his so that they get a good pic- UEFA president Aleksander will carry a dose of realism as - with 19 of the 26 players hav- coaching staff are drilling into ture, a good understanding, of Ceferin says Juventus, Real the Dragons seek to replicate ing 25 caps or fewer. data as England whittle their where the players arrived and Madrid and Barcelona have their Euro 2016 success this Seven of the squad are in expanded group down to a fi- help them then. “paralysed themselves” with summer. single figures and uncapped nal Euro 2020 squad. “It’s in the interest of both their commitment to Europe- Bale and company lit up midfielder Rubin Colwill has A truncated, challenging the club and the federation an Super League plans. the European Championship played just 191 minutes of sen- campaign was compounded that they fully understand the Nine of the 12 rebel clubs in France five years ago as ior football since making his by a large number of English position of the player at any who signed up to the breaka- Wales became the smallest Cardiff debut in February. players being involved in the given time to be able to make way competition, announced nation by population to reach Bale said: “They (younger continental finals, leading the sure they cross the white line in April, have withdrawn from the semi-finals before losing to players) know if they want any Three Lions boss to put off on game day in the best pos- the proposals amid a huge ex- eventual winners Portugal. advice, experience from us, or naming his 26-man selection. sible shape.” As well as your ternal backlash. Chris Coleman’s side re- questions we need to answer Southgate last week instead typical player distance and Juve, Madrid and Barca turned as national heroes with we’re here. named a 33-strong provisional speed measurements, national alone continue to pursue the thousands of people lining the “But come the tournament group to deal with those com- teams are leaning more on idea, insisting football is fac- streets of Cardiff to greet them obviously there’ll be stages plications, but he has plenty of metrics like stress scores and ing an “inevitable downfall” after the nation’s first appear- where we’ll give some advice tough calls to make before sub- load scores to establish pro- without reform. ance at a major tournament and basically use our experi- mitting his squad to UEFA by files of players. UEFA launched disci- for 58 years. ence. When those times come Tuesday’s deadline. “Our clients do help us plinary proceedings against “We’d love to replicate it I’m sure we’ll all be ready to do With so many issues to drive the future of the prod- those three clubs last week af- but we’re realistic,” said skip- that.” The Wales squad spent consider and absent stars, the ucts from metrics to where ter previously agreeing “rein- per Bale. last week at a warm-weather Football Association is using they want it to go and this is an tegration measures” with the “We know it’s a different training camp in the Algarve data to inform its decisions example of it,” said O’Connor, other nine, who apologised for tournament playing differ- in Portugal. and assess where players’ fit- with Germany, Scotland, Bel- their part in the plot. ent teams and we also have They will now head to Nice ness stands after such a stren- gium and Portugal among the Refuting the suggestion a very different team to what to play France on Wednes- uous season. 11 teams using STATSports at that the ongoing power strug- we did have. day before a final Euro 2020 GPS provider STATSports the Euros. gle could cripple the Euro- “It’s going to be difficult warm-up friendly against Al- have had an employee embed- “As a company, we’re em- pean game, Ceferin told Sky going in against all these top bania at the Cardiff City Sta- ded with England ahead of the bedded within the FA in that Sport Italia: “They [the three nations. But we’re confident in dium on Saturday. rearranged Euros and are pro- we have one of our staff as rebel clubs] paralysed them- our own ability what we can do “It was important to get viding analysts with data on all part of a contract that does at selves with the approach they on the pitch, and we’ll be doing Gareth Bale (above) and company lit up the European Championship in some warm-weather training,” 33 players. least two days a week within took. everything to make it as much France five years ago as Wales became the smallest nation by popula- Bale said. “It’s going to be “I think really savvy, good St George Park, to help them “It’s strange to read press of a success as we can.” Wales tion to reach the semi-finals before losing to eventual winners Portugal. warm in Azerbaijan and it was teams are using data to really with the data.” Fellow com- releases that the three clubs line up in Group A alongside great to put some hard work in understand what the players pany co-founder Alan Clarke out of thousands of clubs think Italy, Switzerland and Turkey. before playing Turkey in the Italy in Rome on June 20. and get the boys together. are capable of, the thresholds worked as GPS analyst during their idea will save football Robert Page’s side start Azerbaijani capital four days There are eight survivors “We had a bit of fun, but it that those players will have, Fabio Capello’s reign of Eng- and nobody else likes it.” their campaign against Swit- later, and then completing from the squad which reached was down to serious business and then how to use that,” land, whose current national Ceferin also questioned zerland in Baku on June 12 their group fixtures against the Euro 2016 semi-finals at the same time.” chief operating officerS ean captain Harry Kane has now why Juve, Madrid and Barca O’Connor told PA. invested in STATSports. would commit to next season’s “England are a great exam- Raheem Sterling and Alex Champions League even while ple with a fantastic backroom Oxlade-Chamberlain were persisting with plans for an al- Quick read team using bespoke metrics and initial backers in the compa- ternative competition. analysis, which the coaching ny, with Kane, Harry Magu- “For me what is strange is Barcelona sign Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero on free transfer staff and players all understand. ire, Phil Foden and Steph that you publish you are still “England, like a lot of our Houghton joining as the latest part of the Super League and Berlin: Barcelona have completed the signing of Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero on a free transfer. The 32-year-old striker underwent teams, will use the live data investors. then you send a letter apply- medical tests in Spain on Monday, just two days after his last match for City ended in a 1-0 Champions League final defeat to Chelsea. “FC to be able to see on the spot if “The England players are ing to play in the Champions Barcelona and Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero have reached an agreement for the player to join the Club from 1 July when his contract with Manchester they’re hitting those markers using the technology every League. So you are in Super City expires,” Barca said on Monday. “The player will sign a contract until the end of the 2022/23 season and his buyout clause is set at 100 or if they’re not, so they don’t day to achieve their maximum League but play Champions million euros.” The Argentina international will link up with friend and international team-mate Lionel Messi at Camp Nou on July 1 after his in most cases overdo it as op- and so they know the value in League. It’s quite hard to under- City contract expires. “Everyone at Manchester City would like to take this opportunity to thank Sergio for his incredible contribution to our posed to undercook it. it and the importance of feed- stand what they mean,” he said. success over the last decade and wish him well on the remainder of his career,” the English champions said in a statement. (DPA) “The FA will work closely back,” O’Connor said. 14 Tuesday, June 1, 2021 Sports

QFA president meets Ambassador of Iraq, The Netherlands Brazil named Copa America host as Argentina and Colombia dropped DPA Rio de Janeiro

The upcoming Copa America tournament will be played in Brazil, the South American football confederation CON- MEBOL said on Monday after original hosts Argentina and Colombia were dropped. CONMEBOL tweeted that the dates are confirmed and venues to be named later in the day. “The oldest national team tournament in the world will thrill the entire continent!” the tweet said. “CONMEBOL thanks the President Jair Bolsonaro and QFA President HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmad Al Thani received HE Omar Al Barzanji, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the State of Qatar, in a meeting to strengthen the distinguished relations between his team, as well as the Bra- the two countries. The QFA president also received HE Marjan Kamstra, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Qatar, in his office at Al Bidda Tower, in the presence of QFA Vice-President Saud Al Muhan- zilian Football Confederation nadi, and General-Secretary Mansour Al Ansari. CBF for opening the doors of that country to what is today the safest sporting event in the world.” Brazil also hosted the last edition of the oldest con- tinental tournament in 2019. The Copa was originally due to be played in Argentina QFA completes all arrangements and Colombia between June 13 and July 10. But Colombia was stripped of the hosting rights earlier in May over political unrest and Argentina was sus- pended as host Sunday over rising coronavirus infections. to host joint 2023 Asian qualifers “In view of the current circumstances CONMEBOL QFA informs that it has decided to DOHA suspend Argentina’s hosting of the Copa America. The Qatar Football Associa- The CONMEBOL is analys- tion (QFA) has completed all ing the offer of other countries the necessary arrangements which have shown interest in to host the Group E matches hosting the tournament,” the in the joint Asian qualifiers confederation said on Sunday. for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Just before the surprise in China, and the 2022 FIFA announcement, Interior Min- World Cup in Qatar. ister Wado de Pedro had said All of the remaining games that, due the health situation in the group will be played in in the country, it would be Doha from 3-15 June 2021 at “very hard for the Copa Amer- the Jassim Bin Hamad Sta- ica to be played.” dium in Al Sadd Sports Club, So far some 3.7 million peo- with the participation of five ple have been infected and more teams: Qatar, Oman, India, than 77,000 people have died, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. according to official figures. The internal committees The Copa was initially and departments under the scheduled for 2020, but like umbrella of the Local Organis- other continental tourna- ing Committee (LOC) and the ments pushed back owing Asian Football Confederation to the pandemic. The invited (AFC) continue to hold meet- India players gesture after a session at the gymnasium in Doha on Monday. teams of Australia and Qatar ings to prepare for the start withdrew earlier in the year of the matches, discussing all The Fixtures only one match. All games will due to the virus, with the Copa organisational and logistical be held at Jassim Bin Hamad to consist of only the 10 South matters related to the arrival Thursday, June 3 Friday, June 11 Stadium at Al Sadd Sports American teams. and accommodation of the Afghanistan x Bangladesh 17:00hrs Oman x Afghanistan 20:00hrs Club, and the matches will teams, their training grounds Qatar x India 20:00hrs kick off at one of two fixed tim- and other aspects related to Monday, 7 June Tuesday, 15 June ings, 5 PM or 8 PM. The full the matches. Qatar’s forward Akram Afif after his return to the team’s training on India x Bangladesh 17:00hrs Afghanistan x India 17:00hrs match schedule is as follows: No Asian World Despite the exceptional Monday. Qatar x Oman 20:00hrs Oman x Bangladesh 20:00hrs circumstances caused by the Group standings Cup qualifiers coronavirus pandemic, the known as the “bio-bubble”, ‘Stadium of Trophies’ participating teams are sched- which Doha will host. The remaining Group E fix- QFA has been able to gener- in which the movement of all ready for the matches uled to enter the bio-bubble Head coach Felix Sanchez tures are to be played in four in China ate a great footballing atmos- participants, including play- All the remaining seven system, starting tomorrow, had chosen 27 players in the rounds, with seven matches phere through its hosting of ers, officials and organis- matches in Group E will be the 30th of this month, ac- squad list of our national team across the 3rd, 7th, 11th and DPA many events, the last of which ers, is restricted to places of played at Jassim bin Hamad cording to their arrival dates, for the matches against India 15th of June. Qatar are cur- Berlin was the Total CAF Super Cup residence, training grounds, Stadium in Al Sadd Sports and in accordance with the and Oman. The list was then rently on top of the Group E 2020, which was played a few and the venue that will host Club, which recently hosted established procedures that increased with the addition of rankings with 16 points from Asian zone World Cup 2022 days ago. Likewise, amidst the qualifiers, the Jassim Bin the Total CAF Super Cup requires everyone to stay at Abdullah Marafie, Abdurashid six games, compared to 12 qualifying matches scheduled similar precautionary meas- Hamad Stadium in Al-Sadd 2020. It is one of the most their residence and not travel Umaru, Hashim Ali, Muham- points from five matches for to be played at a centralised ures, Qatar hosted the last edi- Sports Club. As part of these famous stadiums in Asia, hav- except to perform training and mad Ayyash, and Yousef Has- Oman, 4 for Afghanistan, 3 for Chinese venue will be moved tion of the FIFA Club World strict measures, players and ing successfully played host to play matches while undergo- san, taking the squad strength India and one point for Bang- elsewhere owing to coronavi- Cup and also the AFC Champi- officials will undergo COV- many tournaments and finals, ing periodic COVID-19 tests. to 32 players. ladesh. Qatar have already rus-related travel restrictions. ons League games for the West ID-19 tests to check for infec- such as the 2011 AFC Asian In addition to the previous qualified for the 2022 World The Asian Football Confed- and East regions, all the way to tion. This is in addition to us- Cup, 2016 AFC U-23 Champi- Torch and Ezdan Palace to five, the squad includes the fol- Cup finals as the host country, eration (AFC) said on Monday its title decider, in addition to ing safe transportation, and onship, the Italian Super Cup, host teams; training to take lowing players: Saad Al-Sheeb, but participate in these qualifi- the Group A matches would be the 48th Amir Cup final. the continuous sterilisation of the 2020 AFC Champions place at Qatar University, Meshaal Barsham, Pedro ers in order to reach the 2023 reloctated to “a neutral venue, accommodation facilities and League, qualifying matches of Al Markhiya and Aspire Miguel, Salem Al-Hajri, Tarek AFC Asian Cup in China, look- which will be decided and an- Precautionary measures training sites. our national team and other The Qatar national team and Salman, Abdelkarim Hassan, ing to defend the title they won nounced in the coming days. and medical services All the precautionary important official and interna- their Omani counterpart will Boualem Khoukhi, Hassan in UAE in 2019. “The decision was made As for the precautionary and measures followed by the LOC tional friendly matches. be staying at the Torch Hotel, Al-Haydos, Akram Afif, You- In the event that Qatar wins due to the mounting chal- preventive measures, the health are being implemented in full Arrangements for prepar- while the Ezdan Palace Hotel suf Abdurisag, Ahmed Suhail, the group, the number of Asian lenges faced by several partici- protocol prepared by the Minis- coordination with the Ministry ing the stadium for the joint will host the teams of India, Musab Khidir, Muhammad Cup qualifying spots allocated pating teams in travelling to try of Public Health will be im- of Public Health to limit the Asian qualifiers have been Bangladesh and Afghani- Waad, Salah Zakaria, Bas- to the top runners-up teams China,” a statement said. plemented during the qualifi- spread of COVID-19. A quar- completed, and the venue will stan. Training sessions will sam Al-Rawi, Asim Madibo, will increase from four to five. GRoup A consists of Chi- ers, including teams, organisers antine will be applicable for all be subject to supervision by the take place at Qatar University Almoez Ali, Karim Boudiaf, Qatar started their journey na, Syria, the Maldives, Phil- and media alike. This follows the participating teams (Qa- LOC and the AFC. The stadium pitches 2-3, Aspire Academy Muhammed Muntari, Ismaeel with a 6-0 win over Afghani- ippines and Guam and the the successful application of tar, Oman, India, Afghanistan has a capacity of 13,000 spec- pitches 2-3, and Al Markhiya Mohammad, Abdullah Abdul stan, before drawing 0-0 with remaining matches were to the protocol in previous events and Bangladesh). The teams tators, and it is one of the first club secondary pitches. Salam, Sultan Al-Braik, Ahmed India in the second round. be played in Suzhou between such as the AFC Champions will be asked to prove they are to use the cooling technology Alaaeldin, Humam Al-Amin, After that, they returned to June 3 and June 15. League, the Amir Cup and the not infected with COVID-19, system that was later applied in Qatar national team’s Mahmoud Abunada, Abdulaziz winning ways and registered Due to coronavirus out- FIFA Club World Cup, which before being tested upon ar- all stadiums hosting the 2022 preparations continue Hatem, and Khaled Muneer. four consecutive victories, de- breaks in Syria and the Mal- attracted praise from everyone rival at Doha. Later, everyone FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The Qatar national team is cur- Qatar registered a big 5-0 feating Bangladesh 2-0, Oman dives their teams would have involved. will enter the bio-bubble. rently working hard in their win over Bangladesh in their 2-1, Afghanistan 1-0 and Bang- to go into strict quarantine in The LOC will provide medi- The AFC has informed the India and Bangladesh in preparations for the qualifiers, last Group E game on Decem- ladesh 5-0. The team’s last two China, making games at the cal services 24 hours a day, officials of the participating Doha, Afghanistan and and its first match against India. ber 4, after the AFC’s decision matches are against India on scheduled dates impossible. with an exclusive and round- teams of the various measures Oman to reach soon The team has been at their to resume the joint Asian qual- June 3, and then Oman on the The AFC said it remained the-clock clinic and ambulance that must be taken in the bio- India was the first team to preparatory camp at the As- ifiers for the 2022 World Cup 7th of the same month. committed to complete the services in all the team hotels, bubble system as soon as they reach Doha, on May 21, with pire Academy, which started in Qatar and the Asian Cup As for Oman, they con- group games by June 15. The while the stadiums too will reach Doha, where the players the team intending to reach on May 16th, with the players 2023 in China. It was the first tinue to hold on to hope, es- United Arab Emirates are re- have complete medical cover- move from the airport directly early in order to adapt to the fully committed to the training official international match in pecially as they’ve played a portedly a possible new host. age. There will also be mobile to the hotel and from there to precautionary atmosphere programme put in place by the Asia in 2020, since the start of match less than Qatar, and will Syria lead the group with teams to serve other people on the training grounds that have and to benefit from the readi- coaching staff, who are look- the new COVID-19 pandemic, play Qatar, Afghanistan and a maximum 15 points, five the pitch, including referees been designated for them. ness of the stadiums to train ing to raise the team’s techni- and it was the first official con- Bangladesh in their remaining ahead of China. and technical staff, in addition They will switch to Jassim and prepare for their first cal and physical fitness levels tinental match in which fans fixtures on June 7, 11 and 15. Only the first-ranked team to the provision of doping lab bin Hamad Stadium on the game against our national ahead of the two remaining were allowed to attend since The team beat India 2-1 and from the eight groups reach services. days of the matches. team. Bangladesh was the games on the path towards the return of the competitions. Afghanistan 3-0 and then lost the final qualifying stage. It is also categorically for- next team to arrive, with their successfully qualifying for the to Qatar 1-2, but came back All groups in the Asian Strict health protocol and bidden for any of the team delegation landing in Doha on AFC Asian Cup China 2023. Seven matches remain and defeated Bangladesh 4-1 zone are completing the second application of bio-bubble members to mix with anyone the 28th. The other teams are This is especially impor- in the qualifiers and India 1-0. The remaining qualifying stage at centralised system from outside the delegation. also scheduled to reach Qatar tant, considering the upcoming The qualifiers will resume teams in the group – Afghani- venues. The preventive health meas- Whoever violates the strict in the coming days, with Af- period which will witness the on the third of June with two stan, India and Bangladesh – North Korea pulled out of ures approved by the LOC health requirements will be ghanistan and Oman set to ar- national team’s participation in matches on every day of the are competing with each other their campaign ahead of final include the application of penalised by having to leave rive on the 30th and the 31st the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and schedule except on Friday, to qualify for the final round of games in South Korea, citing the medical isolation system the bio-bubble. of this month respectively. The then the FIFA Arab Cup 2021, June 11, which will witness the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. coronavirus concerns. Sports Tuesday, June 1, 2021 15 Minister of Culture and Sports holds online meeting with Tunisia Big jump in world rankings Acting Minister of Youth & Sport for Younousse and Tijan Tribune News Network Doha

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) announced on Monday that the Qatari beach volleyball team com- prising Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan, has made a big leap in the international stand- ings being placed fourth over- all with 5520 points behind Norway, Russia, and Brazil. The Qatari duo on Sunday had claimed the silver medal in the 4-star Sochi World Tour Championship which conclud- ed in Russia with the participa- tion of 62 teams from 27 coun- Qatar’s beach volleyball stars Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan. tries. Qatar lost the final 1-2 to HE Minister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali met with Acting Minister of Youth, Sport and Poland. The Qatari pair quali- will be ranked third. the third round of the Cancun beginning of this month. The Professional Integration of Tunisia, via video conference. They discussed aspects of joint cooperation fied for the upcoming Olympic The Qatari team had al- World Championship, which team also won the silver in the between the two countries and ways to support and develop them in the sports and youth fields. Games in Tokyo, where they ready won the gold medal for concluded in Mexico at the first and second rounds of it. Hashmatullah Shahidi ‘It would be special’ to become named Afghanistan’s Test, ODI skipper ANI “Furthermore, it was de- inaugural WTC winners: Southee Kabul cided that all-rounder Rashid Khan will remain the vice-cap- ICC/ANI has gone away from New Zea- Afghanistan Cricket Board tain of the T20I team while the London/Mumbai land. Every ICC tournament (ACB) members on Monday decision to appoint the new you look at – okay, this is the approved the proposition to captain will be taken soon,” it New Zealand’s second- first of its kind, Test champi- go ahead with split-captaincy added. highest wicket-taker in Tests onship – every ICC tourna- for the national team. The official release of ACB among fast bowlers, Tim ment, whether it’s the T20 The board has also effec- further states that the decision Southee believes the Blackcaps World Cup, the Champions tively removed Asghar Afghan to remove Asghar Afghan from pace attack can trouble India Trophy, the World Cup; they as skipper of the men’s nation- captaincy was taken based on in the upcoming inaugural ICC always turn up, they’re always al team. an investigation conducted by World Test Championship fi- there in the thereabout,” said “As per the decision, left- ACB’s investigative committee. nal. Agarkar on Star Sports’ show hander Hashmatullah Shahidi The investigation con- New Zealand’s under- ‘Cricket Connected’. is appointed the new ODI and cluded that some of Afghan’s stated bowling phenomenon, “If not the finals, then in the Test captain of the national decisions as the captain of the Tim Southee, reached the quarterfinals or the semi-finals. team while Rahmat Shah will team resulted in Afghanistan’s milestone of 300 Test wickets And that’s a testament to their serve as the vice-captain for loss to Zimbabwe in the first against Pakistan in December consistency. So, the underdog both formats,” the ACB said in Test of the series between both last year – he was only the sec- tag should go. Yes, there are, an official release. sides in Abu Dhabi in March. ond Blackcaps pacer to achieve perhaps bigger names in some this feat after the legendary of the other teams and that’s Richard Hadlee. why you count them as fa- Southee, the kingpin of the vorites. So, I don’t think India New Zealand attack, leads the will be underestimating them. charts for most wickets in the They beat India comprehen- ICC World Test Championship sively well when India toured as well, with 51 scalps. New Zealand paceman Tim Southee (centre) is the second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. New Zealand and the condi- In conditions expected to tions are likely to be very similar aid seam bowling in England, have on your side.” ited him for where he is today. Don’t think India would to what India got in New Zea- Tim Southee believes New Southee was also effusive “When you take someone out underestimate NZ: Agarkar land. So, India will have to play Zealand have enough variety in his praise for Jamieson, who like that – a familiar face – it Meanwhile, former India pacer well to beat New Zealand in this in their attack to trouble India has had a sensational start to feels different [Boult will miss Ajit Agarkar has said that the contest,” he added. in the marquee event. his Test career, with 36 wickets the two-Test England series Virat Kohli-led side would not The Indian Men’s team “I suppose we have four in six Tests. “A guy who bowls with injury],” said Southee. underestimate New Zealand will arrive in the UK on June guys offering different things,” from 6ft 8in will only enhance “But guys will step up. Trent in the finals of the World Test 3, 2021 via a charter flight and Southee told The Guardian. any attack like ours,” said is one of my best mates and if Championship. carrying evidence of a negative “Trent Boult and I with left- Southee. “He’s a great kid and it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be India and New Zealand will PCR Test, ICC said in an offi- arm/right-arm swing, Neil driven to improve. He swings where I am today. And I would lock horns in the finals of WTC cial release. Prior to travelling, Wagner’s madness, and Kyle the ball and always asks ques- like to think he would say the at the Ageas Bowl, Southamp- the party will have spent 14 [Jamieson] coming in at 6ft tions, bowling a full length. same.” ton, beginning June 18. days in a bio-secure environ- 8in adding a new dimension. He’s invaluable with the bat On New Zealand stand- Before that, New Zealand ment in India during which We just enjoy each other’s suc- too – a massive asset for the ing on the cusp of World Test will also play two-match Test regular testing is being done. cess and try to push for wins. side.” Championship glory, Southee series against England, begin- Upon landing, they will “I just think it helps that As for his long-time bowl- remarked: “We’ve come close ning June 2 at Lord’s. proceed directly to the on-site Neil is half-mad. He’ll send ing attack partner – Boult and in a few one-day finals and “I hope not. I don’t think hotel at the Hampshire Bowl down 10 overs of bouncers and Southee have been team-mates yeah, for a country of just five the Indian team would be where they will be tested again Hashmatullah Shahidi is appointed the new ODI and Test captain of he just keeps coming; a relent- since the ICC Under-19 World million people, it would be guilty to underestimate the Ki- before commencing a period of the national team while Rahmat Shah will serve as the vice-captain less workhorse who you love to Cup in 2008 – Southee cred- pretty special.” wis. I think the underdog tag managed isolation. for both formats, the Afghanistan Cricket Board said on Monday. Chess players are fairly intelligent, but their career spans getting shortened: V Anand

ANI about how the sport was not Carlsen, and then he lost a New Delhi looked like a career option rematch to Carlsen in 2014 back in the 70s and 80s, but after winning the 2014 Can- Five-time world chess The physicality of your life he added that it has gradually didates Tournament. champion Viswanathan is coming into the sport. started to change. The 51-year-old was the Anand has said that the career “In the 70s and 80s, prob- first recipient of the Rajiv spans of the players are now In the 70s, chess players ably like many sports, chess Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in getting shortened because of thought nothing about was just starting to become 1991-92. In 2007, he was then the intense competition within going out every night. But like a career. The main reason awarded India’s second-high- the sport. was Bobby Fischer. est civilian award, the Padma He also said that physical now, fitness, fitness, and “You could join a PSU and Vibhushan, making him the fitness is now a key factor in fitness. The level of maybe find a niche or a pub- first sportsperson to receive life and it adds more pressure lic sector bank so that you get the award. on each and every individual. physical tension and some support in that sense. Talking further about “The physicality of your life is physical level is much You have a stable job and you chess, Anand said: “I’m sure coming into the sport. In the higher now. This hard could play chess. But it was there’s a generation in cricket 70s, chess players thought quite limited and the second that still looks down on ODIs nothing about going out for a work is very energy- thing is, of course, computeri- and says it’s not the real thing. drink every night. But now, fit- intense and therefore, sation, telecommunications all Equally, there’s a genera- ness, fitness, and fitness. The that also changed chess,” said tion now in chess which just level of physical tension and career spans are Anand. doesn’t understand, even that physical level is much higher shortening. This is Anand is a five-time world there was once a question.” now. This hard work is very unquestionable. chess champion. He also went “So, the generation after energy-intense and therefore, on to become the undisputed that is quite hard to compete career spans are shorten- Viswanathan Anand Viswanathan Anand (right) plys against Magnus Carlsen of Norway during the World Chess Championship world champion in 2007, and with. I’ve had one or two glo- ing. This is unquestionable,” in India in 2013. he successfully defended his ti- rious moments like the World Anand told Ravichandran players, even if they quit chess tle against Vladimir Kramnik in Rapid Championship in 2017 Ashwin on the latter’s You- and go and do something else they’ll go to some finance or added. intelligence. Chess players 2008, Veselin Topalov in 2010, which I won. When I won that Tube show ‘DRS with Ash’. also, they do it quite well and they will go into research, you Further talking about are really good at playing the and Boris Gelfand in 2012. nobody could expect it and “Chess players are fairly you can see there is a tenden- can see the parallels between chess, Anand said: “At the sport.” In 2013, he lost the ti- least of all, I didn’t expect it,” intelligent. You can see these cy they’ll go to university or chess and the new thing,” he same time, it is a specialised The 51-year-old also talked tle to challenger Magnus he added. 16 Tuesday, June 1, 2021 The Last Word

Amir, Equatorial Guinea president discuss ties

The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and President of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo held an official talks session at the Amiri Diwan on Monday. They discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and the ways to enhance them, especially in the fields of investment, economy, energy, transportation and agriculture, in addition to exchanging views on a number of issues of common concern. HH the Amir and the president of Equatorial Guinea witnessed the signing ceremony of a number of agreements and a memorandum of understanding between the governments of the two countries. HH the Amir later hosted a luncheon banquet in honour of the visiting president and his accompanying delegation at the Amiri Diwan on Monday. A number of the ministers attended the session, the agreement signing ceremony and the luncheon. (QNA)

Empowering women stems Sheikha Jawaher honours QU from Qatari leadership’s conviction: QU president outstanding female graduates

QNA he added. Doha Dr Derham said to provide distin- guished education in which students Empowering Qatari women to play gain a unique experience that leads their roles in building the nation is an them towards success in their lives, QU authentic Qatari approach and a policy is working to support its vital sectors of that stems from the firm conviction of education, research and student suc- the country’s wise leadership, Presi- cess. dent of Qatar University (QU) Dr Has- He pointed out that QU has com- san Rashid Al Derham has affirmed. pleted the development of three main In a speech given during the gradu- frameworks, which are the framework ation ceremony for the Class of 2020 for excellence in education, the charac- on Monday, Dr Derham said the cel- teristics of QU graduates, and the stu- ebration of the new QU batch is a cel- dent experience. ebration of the position Qatari women He explained that these three have achieved in making the future of frameworks aim to make a qualitative the country and that the State is wit- leap in the students’ academic experi- HH Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, the consort of HH the Amir, patronised the 2020 graduation ceremony of Qatar University’s 43rd batch nessing its renaissance across all fields. ence by providing an integrated edu- of female students at the QU Sports and Events Complex on Monday. She honoured the 374 outstanding female graduates out of the total number of 2,455 Regarding the role of Qatari women cational experience and various practi- female graduates in various disciplines. President of QU Dr Hassan Rashid Al Derham honoured HH Sheikha Jawaher on the occasion of her graduation from in the country’s efforts against COV- cal experiences, inside and outside the the graduate studies of College of Business and Economics. (QNA) ID-19, the QU president said the pan- classroom. This is done by developing demic has proven that Qatari women, educational practices and focusing on whenever they are put to the test and providing the student with specific and given responsibility, are up to the re- clear competencies, including special- sponsibility and challenge. ised knowledge, general culture, practi- He stressed that Qatari women’s cal skills, values and trends, and a hu- success is not a new matter, but rather manitarian, Arab, Islamic and Qatari an authentic approach in Qatari soci- identity. ety, and empowering them is a policy He urged female students to con- that stems from the firm conviction of tinue their educational career and gain the wise leadership. knowledge and professional experi- Dr Derham referred to the achieve- ences, stressing that the university will ments made by QU to become one of spare no effort in providing support to the best elite universities in the world, female graduates as it is the starting thanks to the continuous support of the point and reference to which the gradu- government and the close follow-up ate returns whenever they need further from the board of trustees. knowledge. He pointed out that QU was ranked The QU president appreciated the Film narrates QU’s achievements 245 in the QS World University Rank- important role that parents play in Continued from page 1  Al Zamil Al Kuwari, delivered a speech on ings, while many of its colleges and supporting female students in all edu- behalf of the graduating female students, programmes have obtained academic cational stages and thanked the faculty During the ceremony, a film was screened pointing out the expected role of female accreditation from the most prestigious members at QU, who had provided about the university’s development and graduates in the renaissance and develop- international bodies, which confirmed their deep experience in building a gen- achievements in 2019-2020 in various fields. ment of Qatar and supporting its develop- that any course QU offers is no less in eration of promising female graduates. Also, Dr Al Derham delivered a speech, say- ment path in light of Qatar National Vi- terms of scientific content and academ- A total number of 374 outstanding ing that celebrating the female graduates is a sion 2030. ic quality than that offered by the most female graduates were honoured out of celebration of the status that Qatari women The graduation ceremony for the out- prestigious international universities. a total of 2,455 female graduates from have achieved in shaping the future of this standing graduates of Bachelor’s degree and QU will continue its quest to pro- the Class of 2020. country, and of their participation in the postgraduate studies of the 43rd batch (Class vide what is best for students and the On Sunday, QU witnessed the grad- building of a dear and free nation, which is of 2020) of QU students was held amid pre- Qatari community, especially in light of uation of 733 male students of the Class witnessing a renaissance in all fields. cautionary measures and preventive meas- challenges at the local and global levels, of 2020 in various disciplines. Besides, student Al Anoud Mohammed ures to limit the spread of COVID-19.