www.thepeninsula.qa Wednesday 24 June 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8298 3 Dhul-Qa'da - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 01 PENMAG | 03 SPORT | 08

QIIB awarded Classifieds Djokovic tests prestigious and Services positive for virus, Certificate on section apologises to Information Security included other players

COVID-19 cases gradually declining in Qatar: Official THE PENINSULA — DOHA Number of people requiring hospitalisation and currently the number is 225, of recent weeks, he said, is due to contacts. Our tracing system has which 110 are on ventilators.” the measures taken by the State, shown on many occasions how Qatar has passed the peak of the intensive care has also fallen. Currently 225 The average age of people as well as the commitment of young and healthy people have novel coronavirus (COVID-19) patients are in intensive care, with 110 of them entering intensive care is about citizens. Dr. Al Khal believes the ignored social and physical dis- outbreak as new cases have on ventilators. 50 years and above. new cases will continue falling tancing and this has led to them gradually declined due to He said there have been a if people continue taking more contracting the virus and precautionary measures taken The average age of people entering intensive total of 99 deaths from care. passing it on to family by the authorities, said Dr. COVID-19 in the country so far, Director of Health Pro- members.” Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of the care is about 50 years and above. but this number may increase tection and Communicable He said that no member of National Strategy Group of because complications increase Disease Control at the Public society should be complacent COVID-19 and Head of Infec- Death rate in Qatar is low compared to the global in the last phase of the disease. Health Department and Co- and though the risk of serious tious Diseases at Hamad death rate from COVID-19. In general, the death rate in chair of the National Pandemic symptoms is low for young and Medical Corporation (HMC). He, Qatar is low compared to the Preparation Committee, Dr. healthy people, they can easily however, said there has been global death rate, he said. Hamad Al Romaihi, also urged be carriers of the virus and pass an increase in new cases among nationals and expat profes- “Indicators of the decline in The risk of infection is more the public to suspend the family it on to contacts who are elderly professionals such as engineers, sionals such as engineers, positive cases in the State of serious for people aged 50 and visits to avoid COVID-19 or have chronic conditions. doctors and teachers. doctors and teachers despite the Qatar are reassuring, but they above, in addition to people infection. He said a total of 66,218 “The number of daily cases overall decrease in cases in do not mean the end of the pan- with chronic diseases such as “At the Ministry of Public contacts of infected individuals infected by the virus is about Qatar. The risk of spread of the demic, as the virus is still in the diabetes, heart disease, and Health, our surveillance team were screened for COVID-19 1,000 to 1,200 cases, and the virus in this category is that society. There is a decrease in others. continues to track and trace all between April 4 to June 20, number is gradually declining, through them it may spread to the number of patients who Regarding family visits, he cases to identify potential new 2020; and of them, 20,101 but this does not mean the end elderly people and their fam- need hospitalisation, and these said that it is best for people to cases and gain understanding people were found positive, of the pandemic,” said Al Khal, ilies,” he said. numbers may increase again if postpone family visits at of the virus transmission,” said showing a rate of 30 percent. while speaking at a press con- Everyone should adhere to people do not respect precau- present, but if the visit is nec- Al Romaihi. “We continue to see While under the screening of ference on Qatar TV the precautionary measures tionary measures,” he said, essary, people should take pre- examples of people ignoring the active cases, 17,282 people were yesterday. because easing of restrictions adding: “There is also a decrease cautionary measures and keep preventive measures, resulting screened --- 3,371 individuals “There has been an increase does not mean end of the pan- in the number of cases that need the visit short. in one or even multiple positive were found positive and 13,911 in positive cases among Qatari demic, he added. to enter intensive care, as The fall in new cases in cases within families and negative. `P2

There has been an increase in At MoPH our surveillance team positive cases among Qatari continues to track and trace all nationals and expat profes- cases to identify potential new sionals such as engineers, cases and gain understanding of doctors and teachers despite how the virus was transmitted. the overall decrease in cases in We continue to see examples of Qatar. The risk of spread in this people ignoring the preventive category is that through them it measures, resulting in one or may spread to elderly people even multiple positive cases and their families. within families and contacts.

Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal Dr. Hamad Al Romaihi

Katara launches heritage collection contest Ministry: Results THE PENINSULA — DOHA excluded. Katara has the right seminars and workshops in Cash disbursement to Gaza of secondary to publish videos on social net- various fields of culture, liter- As part of Katara Summer working sites or to use them for ature and art. families early next week certificate exams Events 2020, the Cultural any purpose deemed Other competitions are the Village Foundation has appropriate. Katara Handicrafts Compe- QNA — GAZA through the post offices in out tomorrow launched the Heritage The top three winners will tition, the Katara Competition the governorates of the QNA — DOHA Collection Competition which receive QR15,000; QR12,000 for Novel and Fine Arts, the Chairman of the Qatar Gaza Strip for 100,000 will see participants shoot and QR10,000 respectively. Meshwar and Novel Compe- Committee for the Recon- families, at $100 per family. The Ministry of Education and videos that tell stories of tradi- Participants can send videos via tition, as well as the Al-Dhad struction of Gaza, H E He noted that the cash Higher Education will tional antique items. WhatsApp on mobile number channel competition and Ambassador Mohammed Al disbursing process will be announce the results of the Participation is open to 33302040 not later than July Katara Prize for Cartoon. Val- Emadi, has affirmed that carried out in cooperation general secondary certificate Qataris and residents over 18 30. The contest is part of the uable prizes have been allo- the Committee, in cooper- with the competent gov- exams for the 2019/2020 years of age. Each participant Katara Summer 2020 events, cated to the winners in each ation with the Qatar Fund ernment departments, and academic year tomorrow can submit three videos, each which include a series of com- category of the competitions. for Development (QFFD), while ensuring the safety (Thursday). of which shouldn’t exceed three petitions, presentations, and Katara seeks to stimulate will begin the process of of the beneficiaries and The exams of the second minutes and should be of high activities that the foundation the various groups of society disbursing cash assistance maintaining sufficient dis- semester of the general sec- quality and in horizontal format will offer remotely through its and encourage them to enhance to needy families in the tance between them, as ondary certificate for the shot using a mobile phone only. social media platforms. It will their creative abilities and Gaza Strip, early next week. part of the preventive 2019/2020 academic year Any video containing cop- also launch a series of virtual develop them within the inno- Ambassador Al Emadi measures to confront the were held from June 1 to 13, yrighted (music, image) or inap- exhibitions, weekly theatre vative and targeted activities said that the distribution outbreak of the corona- where 11,500 students took propriate content will be events, and a variety of lectures, during the pandemic. process will take place virus (COVID-19). the tests in 149 centres. The Ministry assigned some 6,100 employees to serve as observers and on E-commerce market witnessing boom in Qatar amid COVID-19 committees for the conduct of tests. SACHIN KUMAR enormous due to ever- e-commerce penetration rate the outbreak of COVID-19 out- vehicles,” a senior official of a According to the minis- THE PENINSULA improving high speed Internet in Qatar in 2019 was 37 percent break. The pandemic has forced hypermarket told The terial decision issued by the technologies and widespread compared to 15 percent in 2018. retailers to boost their online Peninsula. Minister of Education and E-commerce in Qatar is mobile and fixed connectivity Due to growing awareness sales. Customers have also Last year, MoTC, in associ- Higher Education, H E Dr. booming as an increasing in the country. of Internet technologies and moved to online shopping as ation with MoCI, launched Mohammed Abdulwahed Ali number of companies are vying Also, high level of dis- efforts by government depart- they remain at home due to ‘Theqa’ programme, which is Al Hammadi, recently to tap into the country’s growing posable income among its cit- ments concerned, the number COVID-19 related restrictions. aimed at stimulating Qatar’s regarding amending some online retail market. Currently, izens and expatriates offers of people opting for online “We have seen a surge in e-commerce sector and devel- provisions of the annual cal- over 350 e-commerce websites enormous room for growth in shopping is expected to grow online shopping in the past oping local online retail sales endar of schools for the are registered with e-commerce the e-commerce space. manifold in near future. three months. Due to high by encouraging citizens and 2019/2020 academic year, the directory of the Ministry of According to Impact Survey The online shopping has demand, we had to increase the residents to trust the country’s dates of the second round Transport and Communications Report-2019 by MoTC, the also received a big push with number of home delivery e-commerce ecosystem. `P2 exams for all grades from first (MoTC). to 12th (day and adult edu- Qatar’s e-commerce space Currently, over 350 e-commerce websites are registered cation) will start on August 23, has a mix of big and small 2020, and will continue until players as some websites are with e-commerce directory of the Ministry of Transport August 31, 2020. run by well known hyper- and Communications. The Ministry of Education markets and retailers, while and Higher Education has also others are owned by start-ups According to Impact Survey Report-2019 by MoTC, recently published calendar which are jostling for their for the academic year 2020-21 share of online shoppers. the e-commerce penetration rate in Qatar in 2019 for government schools. Most of the e-commerce was 37 percent compared to 15 percent in 2018. School staff will return to websites are related to delivery E-commerce schools for the academic year of food items, electronic and Potential for further expansion of the online retail market 2020-21 on August 19 and the home appliances, apparels, in Qatar is enormous due to ever-improving high speed first day of the 2020-21 aca- transport and travel services. demic year will be on Sep- The potential for further Internet technologies and connectivity, and high level of tember 1, according to the cal- rapid expansion of the online disposable income among Qatari citizens and residents. endar announced by the retail market in Qatar is Ministry. 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2020

Qatar stresses need to respect sovereignty of states OFFICIAL NEWS Amir holds telephone Doha renews support to Government of National talk with President Accord in Libya and called on all Libyans to of Cote d’Ivoire implement the Skhirat Agreement in order to pre- Doha: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin serve Libya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Hamad Al Thani held yesterday via telephone a conversation with Qatar stresses its steadfast position to reject all H E President of the Republic of forms of external interference in Libya, while Cote d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouat- tara, during which they reviewed affirming its support to all efforts aimed at the bilateral relations between ending the conflict . the two countries and ways of enhancing them in various QNA — DOHA internationally-recognised fields, especially in the invest- Government of National Accord ment and health fields. During Minister of State for Foreign (GNA) for its efforts to uncover the call, they discussed the lat- Affairs, H E Sultan bin Saad Al the perpetrators of the torture est developments related to the Muraikhi, said yesterday that incident against a number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) Qatar stresses the need to Egyptian citizens in the city of pandemic and areas of cooper- respect the sovereignty of States Tarhuna as well as its efforts to ation in this regard.-QNA and non-interference in their secure their safe return to their internal affairs. homeland and take legal Amir sends greetings Participating in an extraor- measures to punish the perpe- dinary meeting of Arab League’s trators of this crime. to Grand Duke of council at the ministerial level, “The unity, stability and Luxembourg which was held via video con- sovereignty of Libya along with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, participating in the extraordinary ferencing, H E Sultan bin Saad the integrity of its lands and meeting of Arab League’s council via video conferencing. Doha: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Al Muraikhi said Qatar stresses independence as well as Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir the need to avoid standing with stopping the bloodshed and transitional phase in order to steadfast position to reject all assume their legal and moral H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al one party against another for preserving its capabilities and preserve Libya’s sovereignty forms of external interference responsibility and respect and Thani sent yesterday cables of con- personal goals and interests, wealth are a goal we all aspire and territorial integrity and in the Libyan internal affairs in implement international laws gratulations to HRH Grand Duke Henri and the need to seek serious to and we strive to achieve it,” achieve the aspirations of the all its kinds and sources. and agreements to ensure the of Luxembourg on the occasion of collective work to make the Al Muraikhi added. Libyan people. He added: “We are all sure protection of civilians and his country’s National Day. political process in Libya suc- In this context, Minister of H E the Minister of State for that the continuation of the con- civilian facilities, in addition to Prime Minister and Minister of Inte- cessful, in a way that leads to a State renewed Qatar’s support Foreign Affairs said that the flict in Libya is being paid for by holding accountable all those rior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa comprehensive settlement to to the Government of National State of Qatar affirms its the brotherly Libyan people and responsible for crimes and bin Abdulaziz Al Thani sent a cable enable Libya to achieve the Accord in Libya, and its call on support for all efforts aimed at is draining the resources of their human rights violations, espe- of congratulations to the Prime desired stability and ensure its all Libyans to implement the ending the conflict in Libya and country, instead of using them cially systematic and extraju- Minister of Luxembourg,H E Xavier sovereignty and territorial Skhirat Agreement and its moving forward towards to rebuild and achieve sus- dicial killings proven by mass Bettel, on the occasion of his coun- integrity and the security and outputs along with return to building state institutions and tainable development.” graves recently discovered in try’s National Day.-QNA safety of its citizens. negotiations and national dia- protecting and promoting He stressed the State of areas controlled by rogue He commended the logue and the completion of the human rights. It stressed its Qatar’s call on all parties to militias. Shura Council’s Joint Committee Qatar attends extraordinary virtual pledging conference of UNRWA holds meeting Doha: The Joint Committee, which QNA — DOHA framework of enabling it to carry out its Palestinian government represented by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs is composed of the Shura Council’s mandate, adding that the State of Qatar has the Ministry of Education to ensure the stated that this conference is taking place Legal and Legislative Affairs Commit- The State of Qatar participated in the been and remains at the forefront of the right to education for Palestinian in light of the increasing financial crisis tee and the Cultural and Information work of the extraordinary virtual countries supporting it, as it has provided children. facing the UNRWA and the additional Affairs Committee, held a meeting conference to announce the pledges of through the Qatar Fund For Development HE Al Muraikhi underscored that the burden imposed by the coronavirus yesterday chaired by its rapporteur the United Nations Relief and Works more than $100 million since 2015. State of Qatar will remain at the fore- (COVID-19) pandemic on its work. H E Nasser bin Rashid bin Saree Al Agency for Palestine Refugees in the He explained that the support pro- front of the effective countries to He reiterated the support of the State Kaabi. During the meeting, the Com- Near East (UNRWA).Minister of State for vided by the State of Qatar to UNRWA enhance UNRWA’s ability to continue to of Qatar for the efforts of the new Com- mittee continued to examine a draft Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al in 2020, which was announced in 2019, perform its mandate and carry out its missioner-General of UNRWA and law regulating the press, publica- Muraikhi represented the State of Qatar amounts to a total of $11.2m, according activities effectively in line with its prin- thanked the Secretary-General of the tion, publishing, media activities, during the conference held yesterday to the agreement signed in Dec. 2019 on ciples and firm commitment in sup- United Nations, H E Antonio Guterres, and arts, in the presence of Minis- via video conferencing. the sidelines of the Doha Forum between porting the brotherly Palestinian people. for his efforts to mobilise support for the ter of Culture and Sports H E Salah In a speech before the conference, H the State of Qatar and UNRWA, along He said that the State of Qatar is Agency. His Excellency also thanked the bin Ghanem Al Ali. The Committee E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi stressed with an amount of $1.5m provided by today the first in the Arab world in pro- Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the decided to resume studying the draft that the State of Qatar will continue to the Education Above All foundation in viding support to UNRWA’s core Kingdom of Sweden for organising this law at its next meeting.-QNA provide support to UNRWA within the the State of Qatar to support of the resources for 2019-2020. H E the conference. MoPH reports 1,176 new cases; 1,545 more patients recover

THE PENINSULA — DOHA that efforts to tackle the to protect them from infection COVID-19 virus in the State of by refraining from social Ministry of Public Health Qatar have succeeded in visits, wearing the mask and yesterday announces the flattening the curve and cleansing the hands when near registration of 1,176 new reducing the impact of the them. confirmed cases of corona- virus by a large percentage The Ministry states that virus (COVID-19), with 1,545 thanks to the decisions of since June 15, the State of Qatar recoveries from the virus in the ban, the preventive has started gradually lifting the last 24 hours, bringing the measures taken, and the restrictions due to the total number of recovered awareness and cooperation COVID-19 pandemic in four cases in the State of Qatar to of all members of society, stages that will last until Sep- 71,501 cases and that there are relatively tember 1, based on the The Ministry stated that, in low average numbers in extensive data and studies the last 24 hours, there were 17 relation to the recorded conducted by the concerned new cases admitted to intensive cases of new hospital authorities in the country as care due to health complica- admissions. well as international experi- tions resulting from infection Ministry of Public Health ences where other countries with the virus, bringing the total stated that Qatar has now have succeeded in limiting number of critical cases that are started to overcome the peak the spread of the virus while currently in critical care to 225 stage of the virus outbreak gradually lifting the restric- cases. with the spread of the virus, tions imposed by it. The Ministry explained that thanks to the measures and The Ministry has warned the new cases had the virus measures taken by the state that lifting the restrictions grad- transmitted to them from to address it, in addition to ually does not mean the disap- people who had been previ- the commitment of the com- pearance of the COVID-19 pan- ously infected, as the Ministry munity members to the rec- demic, but that during the of Public Health continues to ommendations and pre- development of the gradual conduct investigative and ventive instructions, the lifting plan, priorities were proactive testing, which con- most important of which are taken into consideration, tributes to early detection of social separation, staying at while taking full care to avoid cases. home, not going out except for the risks that may arise from The new confirmed cases necessity and not mixing. the process of lifting, stressing of infection have been intro- The Ministry reaffirmed that each stage will be subject duced to complete isolation in the necessity for the elderly to evaluation and review the various medical facilities in or those suffering from based on the curve of the the country, where they receive chronic diseases and their spread of the virus, as the the necessary healthcare family members to follow success of each stage that according to the health status strict methods and precau- depends on everyone’s com- of each case. tions to reduce the risk of mitment to implementing the The Ministry also confirmed infection with them and work required precautions.

COVID-19 cases gradually E-commerce market witnessing declining in Qatar boom in Qatar amid COVID-19 FROM PAGE 1 FROM PAGE 1 “Everyone has a role to play in the lifting of restrictions and Theqa is an active programme that certifies local protecting the elderly and people online merchants based on a set of identified criteria with chronic conditions,” said Al and monitor its members’ adherence to the code of Romaihi. conduct. According to information provided To obtain Theqa’s trust mark, local companies or by the World Health Organization, the e-commerce businesses must fulfil a set of standards. The number of positive cases in the world is portal helps evaluate participating company’s website to accelerating, with the daily count check if it meets Theqa’s security and safety requirements exceeding 150,000 cases. and also ensure that services on offer are according to The number of total cases worldwide specifications before it is granted a certificate and a trust has reached more than 8.8 million, with mark, which is subject to annual renewal on Theqa’s about 465,000 deaths globally. website. WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2020 HOME 03

Winter vegetable Education can save the future, Unesco markets to close on official tells global conference by QF’s WISE July 1 for this season

THE PENINSULA — DOHA everyone on board to steer the future THE PENINSULA — DOHA in the right course. We need political A United Nations leader has described leadership, we need an unprecedented The Ministry of Municipality and Envi- the world as being at a turning point commitment to this mission. Public ronment represented by the Agricultural where society has a unique opportunity education, common good, and global Affairs Department has announced to to decide what kind of education will solidarity – these commitments should close all winter vegetable markets from strengthen global inclusion, resilience, be our compass for recovery.” July 1, 2020 for this season. The and peace, while speaking at an inter- Eddie Dutton, Emergency Manager announcement was made on twitter national online conference organised by for Education at the non-profit organ- account of the Ministry yesterday. Qatar Foundation’s education think-tank. ization Education Cannot Wait, To recall, after Eid Al Fitr break, only During WISE’s Education Dis- stressed the importance of teachers. three winter vegetable markets out of five rupted, Education Reimagined Part II In a session titled The Impact of — Al Mazrouha, Al Wakra and Al Khor- – a three-day virtual gathering COVID-19 on Education Systems Now and-Al Zakhira — resumed operation addressing the impact of COVID-19 Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director- Dr. Hassan Al Derham, President, Qatar and in the Future, he said: “Teachers which will be also closed on July 1. and the future of education systems General for Education, Unesco. University can’t be replaced.” The winter vegetable markets, around the world –Stefania Giannini, “They play an important role in not located in Al Sheehaniya, Al Mazrouha, Assistant Director-General for Edu- The global pandemic will not be defeated by health just delivering education, but also in Al Wakrah, Al Khor-Al Zakhira and Al cation, Unesco, focused on the impor- measures alone. Public health and public education are understanding the learning needs and Shamal emerged as one of the largest tance of building a better future -needs of children, and whether platform for marketing local vegetables through learning, said a press release. interconnected; they are two main pillars for a better there’s something at home or in the in huge quantity directly from farms to The crisis caused by the pandemic, society. We cannot allow them to be set in opposition, community environment that may be the customers. she said, has exposed the conse- preventing children from engaging in Amid growing demands of the quences “of digital inequality that says Stefania Giannini, a top Unesco official. learning.” services of the winter vegetable markets, deprived millions from learning, of Dr. Hassan Al Derham, President, the Agricultural Affairs Department gender inequality that exposed girls – and public education are intercon- is why education needs more Qatar University, was also among the allowed the markets to operate daily in more than boys – to violence, of social nected; they are two main pillars for resources, not less than before. conference panelists, and highlighted place of three day in a week from the inequalities that left the poorest a better society. We cannot allow them “And let’s recognize that the center how moving education systems forward middle of this season. behind, and geographical inequity.” to be set in opposition. of an educational process is the human will require the involvement of many According to an earlier figures Approximately 500 million “Secondly, the crisis has revealed relationship, between a student and a different stakeholders. “Communication released by the MME, a total of 135 local children and learners do not have the importance of digital connectivity teacher. The education systems best is vital during this uncertainty,” he said. farms were participating in the winter access to education, partly due to lack and online platforms. Governments prepared to respond to crises will be “It is very important to keep faculty, staff, vegetable markets for this season, 15 of connectivity. And, according to a are already planning for the future those that are capable of valuing their students, and parents connected, as long farms more compared to the previous recent survey, 60 percent of teachers along the lines of hybrid learning solu- teachers, granting them more freedom as it is clear and transparent. We also have season. in 60 countries lack the digital skills tions and models that can combine and autonomy, and giving them the to be realistic and show why we are taking The highest number of farms 39 par- to facilitate online platform learning. traditional face-to-face learning and conditions to work collaboratively.” this direction. Leaders cannot do it alone ticipated in Al Khor-Al Zakhira winter Giannini asked participants to con- teaching with new technologies. Giannini concluded by saying: and without the engagement of faculty, vegetable market followed by Al Maz- sider what “building back better” after “These require not only the appro- “Education can save the future, and teachers, parents.” rouha at 34. The winter vegetable COVID-19 means, saying: “The global priate infrastructure, but access to dig- empower every child and young In his opening address, Stavros markets in Al Wakrah, Al Sheehaniya pandemic will not be defeated by italised curricular, digitalised training, person, for a more resilient, inclusive, NYiannouka, CEO, WISE, spoke of the and Al Shamal run with the participation health measures alone. Public health and measure to protect privacies. This and sustainable world. “We need dedication of teachers, parents, and stu- of 27, 20 and 15 farms respectively. dents to learning. “They are amongst The increase in participation this our most essential workers,” he said. “I season shows the confidence of farm sincerely hope that our appreciation of owners in winter vegetable markets pro- these everyday heroes outlast the pan- vided by the Ministry of Municipality and demic.” With nearly 5,000 registered Environment as platform for marketing participants, the three-day conference their products. – a follow up to the first Education Dis- The markets provide options to the rupted, Education Reimagined event consumers and help reduce the prices that took place in April 2020, and held of agricultural products in local market. in partnership with Salzburg Global According to the Ministry over 31 Seminar and HolonIQ – is seeing more percent of total local agricultural than 50 contributors, including politi- products were sold out through the mar- cians, school principals, TV personal- keting platforms and winter vegetable ities, teachers, social entrepreneurs, and markets shared 11 percent of the total learners lead discussions and debates. sales. Ashghal partially opens Al Jabal Intersection THE PENINSULA — DOHA Street and Wadi Al Afja Street, Wakra Road was expanded as part of Al Wakra Main Road from two lanes in each direction The Public Works Authority Upgrade Project, in coordi- to three lanes in each direction. (Ashghal) has partially opened the nation with the General Direc- The junction known as Al Al Jabal Intersection on Al Wakra main road. junction known as “Al Jabal Inter- torate of Traffic. Jabal is a major link where it is section” on Al Wakra Main Road The opening included three located at the southern entrance an extension to Al Wakra Main Al Joof explained that the which also opened in the fourth after turning the old roundabout lanes in each direction on Al of Al Wakra to connect the traffic Road connected to Al Wakra old roundabout has been con- quarter of 2018. The openings into a signalised intersection. Wakra Road, Mesaieed Road, coming from Mesaieed Road and station, where Al Wakra Road verted into a signalised inter- are integrated with Al Wakra The new intersection to and two lanes in each direction the southern part of the Doha integrates with the Redline of section to connect AlWakra and Metro Station, one of Qatar connect Al Wakra Road and between Wadi Al Afja Street and Expressway in the direction of Qatar Rail on its median, to tie Mesaieed, which will distribute Rail’s main stations. Mesaieed Road, Ras Al Jabal Ras Al Jabal Street, where Al Al Wakra Road to facilitate Al Wakra and Doha through the traffic movement in all directions The opening of the inter- access to west Al Wakra via Wadi two major stations of Al Wakra coming and leading to Al Wakra, section and Al Wakra Tunnel Al Afja Street or to the east of Al and Ras Bu Fontas. Mesaieed and Al Wukair. He improved traffic between Doha Wakra via Ras Al Jabal Street. By the end of 2020, the Public added: “The intersection will facil- and Al Wakra and provided a The new intersection will Works Authority will complete itate traffic between the cities of Al free traffic flow for road users facilitate access to many vital the conversion of the remaining Wakra and Mesaieed and provide from Ras Bu Fontas station facilities such as Al Wakra major roundabouts, namely the different routes for road users towards Pearl Roundabout. Family Beach, Al Wakra Old Pearl and Ooredoo Roundabout coming from Mesaieed towards Al Ashghal also moved the iconic Souq, Government service to signalised intersections, addi- Wakra and Doha, the intersection Pearl structure to Al Wakra Souq complex, as well as a large tionally; two new signalised will also facilitate traffic for those and reinstalled it near Al Farda number of residential and com- intersections will be constructed coming from Al Wakra towards Al Roundabout, within Ashghal’s mercial complexes on each side in Al Wakra Road, Al Razi Street Wukair and Al Janoub Stadium.” strategy to develop and construct of Al Wakra Main Road, the and Al Wukair Road. Engineer Ashghal has completed the infrastructures while preserving intersection will enhance traffic Nouh Al Joof confirmed that 66 implementation of many parts the country’s cultural heritage to Al Janoub Stadium through percent of Al Wakra Main Road of Upgrade Al Wakra main road within the purview of Qatar its closeness to the southern Upgrade Project has been com- project, where the intersection National Vision 2030. This was part of the Doha Express pleted which upon completion between Al Wakra Road and Ras also to ease completion of work Highway leading to the World will improve traffic between Bu Fontas Street was recently of at Pearl Intersection, trans- Cup Stadium. Doha, Al Wakra and the opened partially to traffic, which forming it from a roundabout to Al Jabal Intersection is also southern areas. is located on Al Wakra Tunnel, signalised intersection. Music Affairs Center to organise Katara completes collection of first 10,000 inaugural music competition words of Qatar Cultural Dictionary QNA — DOHA RAYNALD C RIVERA by establishing an integrated culture that links THE PENINSULA submitted, a total of 16 finalists spreading the culture of music to each Qatari landmark and vocabulary to their - eight for each of the two cat- citizens and residents. The Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) linguistic, heritage and cultural significance. He Aspiring musicians in Qatar has egories - will be chosen by the It has been organising completed collecting the first 10,000 words of added that the project connects all the Qatari the chance to shine in the first jury to advance for the final events for the community such the Qatar Cultural Dictionary, which its first landmarks and designations with their fluent edition of Nagham Competition selection stage.The 16 finalists as music festivals which focus phase of work began earlier. linguistic origins and their dialectic and cultural being organised by the Music will then record a music video of on reflecting the importance of The Qatar Cultural Dictionary project aims dimensions, and provides a scientific cultural Affairs Center under the their performance in the Music cultural diversity of the com- to protect the Qatari dialect with its old vocab- asset that highlights the originality and roots of Ministry of Culture and Sports. Affairs Center production studio munities residing in Qatar and ulary for subsequent generations and to pre- the Qatari vocabulary. Open to all amateur musi- which will be uploaded on the reflect the ministry’s vision of serve the valuable inventory of the Qatari dialect, The Qatar Cultural Dictionary also includes cians of any age living in Qatar, Center’s channel for online stressing the importance of which carries all prevailing values and customs language information that delves further into the contest is divided into two voting which will be from July 19 opening up to other cultures. of society, based on the promotion of vernacular the linguistic origin and evolution of the names categories namely singing and to September 3. The Center has also pre- dialect that is not inconsistent with the preser- of places, locations and vocabulary used all in playing musical instruments such A total of six winners will be sented shows and concerts such vation of classical native Arabic language, the Qatari society by referring to the origin of the as oud, piano and violin, the Center chosen. One winner from each as the unforgettable performance mother of this dialect. word in ancient Arabic dictionaries, Arabic has announced via social media. category will be selected by the of “The Holy Trilogy”, a monu- The Qatar Cultural Dictionary includes lin- poetry, and dictionaries of ancient countries and To enter the competition, partici- jury and two winners from each mental musical masterpiece by guistic information that explains the linguistic places. It also includes dialectical investigation pants must record a video of them category via online voting. The the late celebrated Egyptian com- origin and development in the local dialect of of local pronunciation of names of places and performing a contest piece of their winners will be invited to poser Riad Al Sunbati which was this origin. It also includes pictures, graphs, locations, tracking the development of eloquent choice not exceeding two minutes perform in a final event.Under performed by the Qatar Philhar- indexes and other complementary origin and tracking the cultural civilization of and upload it along with their full the Department of Culture and monic Orchestra as a fitting components. the authentic Qatari dialect. name, phone number, and email Arts at the Ministry of Culture and tribute to the composer who took General Manager of Katara Dr. Khalid bin The project started as an idea of a survey col- address at the Center’s website: Sports, the Music Affairs Centre the classical Arabic music to new Ibrahim Al Sulaiti said that the aim of the Qatar lection of the names of country places and sites, www.qmusic.qa not later than continues to play an active role heights and inspired millions of Cultural Dictionary project and its related from cities and villages, fountains, castles and 2pm on June 30. in supporting music activities in people around the world during research and study is to develop national wells, and collecting vocabulary for daily life, From among the entries Qatar, developing talents and his lifetime. awareness of the importance of cultural heritage past and present from Qatari dialect, 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2020 Slavery museum’s mission more vital than ever

THE PENINSULA — DOHA The museum shines a rare light on the As protests against racism and police violence continue around subject of slavery the world following the death in in the Middle East, Msheireb Museums’ Director Dr. Hafiz Ali Abdulla. RIGHT: An exhibition at Bin Jelmood House, one of the four historic houses turned the US of George Floyd, a which is often into exhibition spaces by Msheireb Museums. 46-year-old black man, the mission of a slavery museum missing from public located 7,000 miles away in discourse because of the topic. However, according values, beliefs and perceptions learning, and we give a different ambassadors of its message and Doha has become all the more of the extreme to Turky, recognizing a problem fundamental to equality and kind of narrative that is often- engage with its content both important. is the first step to finding a non-discrimination.” times not talked about,” added within and outside the museum. “It’s very important to under- sensitivity of topic. solution for it. “It’s important to One of the exhibitions within Turky. “And this is really In 2018, the International stand the history of racism, look within our own commu- the museum, titled Journey to the important for awareness because Council of Museums (ICOM) because history repeats itself,” nities,” he said. “At the end of the Heart of Life, looks at the DNA once you understand this nar- awarded Msheireb Museums said Dr. Hafiz Ali Abdulla, Msheireb Museums, a project of day, if you don’t address the his- and genetics of a diverse group rative or alternative history, you with the Best Educational Director of Msheireb Museums, Qatar Foundation’s subsidiary torical injustices and other ills of people in Qatar to highlight become more aware of the inter- Practice award for their educa- adding that for anyone around Msheireb Properties. within societies, like racism, it how, biologically, all humans are section of slavery, institutions, tional and cultural activities. the world to empathize with the “It’s important to understand only makes it more entrenched similar to one another and come race, gender, and so on. “This museum is a live doc- Black Lives Matter movement, it’s how racism works as a result of within a society, and makes it from the same origins. “Museums play a vital role in ument of what is happening important to understand the root slavery, not just in the US, but also more difficult to achieve justice.” “Race is a social construct, not informing these discussions, and around us and we are always of the racism, which began with in other places,” said Fahad Al The United Nations (UN) necessarily a genetic or a scien- they are often the first step in working on enhancing the slavery but continued well Turky, Exhibitions Manager at Special Rapporteur on Contem- tific concept. The DNA exhibition starting those discussions.” content and outreach of the beyond the official abolishment Msheireb Museums. “The porary Forms of Racism also shows that we have much more Msheireb Museums regularly museum that can help us of slavery. museum is an opportunity to lauded the museum during her in common than we are different. work with educational institutes improve any aspect of the society Founded in 2015 on the site understand that there is global visit to the country last year. So how is it possible that we can across the country to ensure or the future,” said Dr. Abdallah. of a former slave trader’s house anti-blackness that is connected “I wish to commend the we exercise racism or slavery on important conversations about As educational institutions start where slaves from across the to slavery, as well as various museum for the powerful and each other?” said Turky. discrimination, slavery, and opening up after the COVID-19 Indian Ocean were traded as other complex historical proc- crucial contribution to Qatar and Turky noted that while race human exploitation also get dis- lockdown is lifted, the museum’s recently as the early 20th century, esses, such as colonialism and the world more broadly. As is the is not a scientific phenomenon, cussed within classrooms. The team plans to collaborate more the museum aims to raise capitalism.” case in all nations, Qatar’s past is racism is real and oppresses the museum has established the actively with schools and univer- awareness about the Arab world’s The museum shines a rare vital for understanding its present lives of so many people around Msheireb Museums Friends sities to continue the conversations buried history of slavery. Named light on the subject of slavery in and shaping its future,” read the the world because of the society’s program, which trains teachers on race and discrimination that Bin Jelmood House, the museum the Middle East, which is often rapporteur’s report to the UN, perceived notions of race. and leaders from educational have become all the more is one of the four historic houses missing from public discourse praising the country’s use of “arts, “Museums such as the Bin organizations and youth associ- important in light of the protests turned into exhibition spaces by because of the extreme sensitivity culture and sports to shift societal Jelmood become a site of ations to become cultural starting from the United States. Jassim and Hamad Bin Jassim Charitable Foundation SIS organises Off-Stage Creative supports Qatar Cancer Society with QR500,000 Fest Award Ceremony 2020-2021

QNA — DOHA to provide a mechanism and framework and psychological well-being of those living THE PENINSULA — DOHA participation of the students for joint cooperation with the Qatar Cancer with it, he added. and was delighted to see a The Jassim and Hamad Bin Jassim Chari- Society, which deals with community He affirmed that “Qatar Cancer Society” Shantiniketan Indian School large variety of creative works table Foundation has signed a joint coop- awareness to prevent cancer and works to puts the responsibility of treating patients (SIS) organised the Off-Stage produced by students from all eration agreement with the Qatar Cancer support people with this disease. and sought not to have one patient on the Creative Fest Award categories and in all the Society, in which the Foundation provides The support provided is the first in light waiting list of support since its establishment Ceremony 2020-2021 events. the Society with QR500,000, as a contri- of the existing joint cooperation between in 1997, as it bore the treatment of 1200 through remote platform Principal Dr. Subhash Nair bution to support the treatment of cancer the two parties, as the Foundation was keen patients at a cost of approximately QR16.5m which was telecast through expressed his happiness at the patients unable to afford the costs of to enhance its efforts in applying the prin- during 2019. The first quarter of this year Live Streaming on spirit shown by the students treatment to alleviate the disease on them. ciples of social responsibility, he added. witnessed treating 900 patients, at a total Youtube. as well as the teachers in The agreement was signed for the Jassim Al-Hajri noted that the agreement cost of approximately QR4.9m. More than 1,450 students organising the event in a and Hamad bin Jassim Charitable Foun- between the two parties provided an oppor- He noted that the agreement is part of participated in a variety of grand way. dation by Saeed Mathkar Al-Hajri, Member tunity to build close partnerships within the the role played by the two parties in com- events that included Pencil Svetlana Mary Shibu from of the Board of Directors and CEO of Foun- framework of joint work to provide health munity service and effective partnership Drawing, Colouring, Collage the Junior Section and Aliya dation, and for the Qatar Cancer Society by and humanitarian services for cancer patients, that contributes to achieving the goals that Making, Artificial Flower Eyash from the Middle Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani, the and look forward to more joint cooperation are in the interest of society members and Making, Web Designing, Section also shared their Society’s Board Chairman. in the future in order to activate the Founda- raising awareness and all that would serve Digital Painting, PowerPoint feedback and expressed joy Saeed Al-Hajri, Member of the Board of tion’s vision of “health and education for a their target groups, especially since the issue Presentation, Essay Writing and pride for being a part of Directors and CEO, stressed on this occasion better life”, and to translate these efforts within of cancer control needs to unite efforts and and Poem Writing (in the school that is a centre of that the Foundation always seeks to serve the framework of social responsibility and continue them in order to face the disease. English, Malayalam, Arabic excellence where children are the local community in all its categories, achieving goals humanity and patriotism. He added that the two sides are linked and Hindi), English Story given ample opportunities to with its own capabilities and For his part, Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabor by permanent and joint cooperation before Writing and Quran exhibit their potent talents self-resources. Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of Directors the agreement, and each of them will strive Recitation. leading to their holistic The support provided to the Qatar of “Qatar Cancer Society” praised the efforts to consolidate and strengthen this rela- These competitions were development. Cancer Society, which amounts to of the Jassim and Hamad bin Jassim Foun- tionship by benefiting from their experi- held in six categories with The event which was QR500,000, comes within the framework dation in charitable and humanitarian ences and unifying efforts in the interest participants from classes anchored remotely by Umm of the existing cooperation between the work, especially in the health sector, and and benefit of all members of society, I – XII. Fatima and Ganga Chekky Foundation and the Qatar Cancer Society supporting the awareness-raising efforts which we are keen to work on by signing While Felicitating the stu- Veettil, was professionally to finance the treatment of cancer patients carried out by the Society, especially in the this agreement that we hope it would dents, President of the School managed and executed by the in the State of Qatar and provide them with field of supporting the treatment of cancer achieve our target groups, which is at the Management Committee, K. students who carried the entire the necessary health services. patients. The therapeutic cost of the disease heart of our strategies and efforts to C Abdul Latheef, showered session with tremendous ease Al-Hajri added that the agreement aims remained high, which affected the health achieve Qatar’s vision. huge praises for the massive and panache. AAB celebrates digital launch of Toyota C-HR 2020 Hybrid model THE PENINSULA — DOHA by a sleek, glossy spoiler, giving pack that can efficiently absorb Oxide Bronze ME, and Nebula the back view of the 2020 Toyota and deliver current, enhancing Blue ME. With the launch of the In line with the efforts of Qatar C-HR an expressive visual the electric motive force delivery. new model, Toyota’s Hybrid to limit the spread of the signature. Toyota has more than two Electric Model line-up in Qatar COVID-19 virus, and a The all-new C-HR’s airy and decades of technical leadership includes Corolla, Camry, RAV4 commitment from Abdullah high-quality interior is designed in electrified vehicles and has and the all new C-HR. Abdulghani & Bros. Co. (AAB) to to delight the most discerning of amassed over 15 million environ- Customers wishing to pur- ensure the protection of the customers. Exuding a genuine mentally friendly vehicle sales chase the new model can visit health and safety of its customers, sense of luxury and refinement, globally since 1997. Its hybrid- any of the two showrooms the company initiated first digital the cabin offers an elegant con- electric batteries are continuously located at Al Abdulghani Tower launch in Qatar with the intro- trast between curving surfaces charged by the petrol engine and (C-Ring Road) and City Center duction of the all-new Toyota and crisp lines to deliver a fresh, when decelerating and braking, (basement) at their convenient C-HR, a new member to the yet comfortable environment. meaning there is no need to plug time or can speak to their Sales Toyota Hybrid Vehicle (HEV) The sleek control panel features in a power cord. Team directly at 50099188. family. a 4.2-inch color LCD Multi-Infor- As with any Toyota model, Toyota main showroom is open Announcing the launch of the mation Display with an onboard the safety of occupants is para- from Sunday to Thursday from all new Toyota C-HR, R K R K Murugan (right), Acting CEO, and Firas Mufti, Senior Marketing multimedia system and full mount and is assured through 8 am till 8 pm. City Center Murugan, AAB Acting CEO said Manager, with the new Toyota C-HR. smartphone integration through several superior technologies. Showroom is opened from that the daringly innovative both Apple CarPlay and Android The TNGA-based chassis has Sunday to Thursday from 9 am crossover combines adventurous vehicle owners in addition to the E-CVT transmission, meeting all Auto. been optimized for outstanding till 8 pm. AAB also offers excellent design with a responsive drive fabulous performance in accel- the requirements of daily com- The all-new C-HR HEV impact performance and is com- after sales support with a and class-leading eco-friendly eration and quietness. mutes and weekend leisure comes with all the benefits plemented by an impressive network of 10 service centers technology to bring the future of Designed to stand out both journeys while offering peace of expected of the world’s most array of active and passive safety located across the country. the crossover to customers in the within the Toyota line-up and the mind through its comprehensive proven and advanced hybrid- features. Toyota main showroom is region. crossover segment, the all-new array of safety features. electric technology, yet drives like A choice of 10 exciting open from Sunday to Thursday Firas Mufti, Senior Marketing C-HR – or Coupé High-Rider – Viewed from any angle, the any other conventional car, exterior hues add to the all-new from 8 am till 8 pm. City Center Manager added that the intro- embodies company President combination of faceted gem- offering remarkable fuel effi- C-HR’s striking visual appeal, Showroom is opened from duction of C-HR Hybrid Electric Akio Toyoda’s commitment to stone-like shapes and fluid sur- ciency at 23.9 km/L with zero including Super White 2, White Sunday to Thursday from 9 am Vehicle further demonstrates promoting stylistic freedom and faces of the 2020 Toyota C-HR compromise on performance. Pearl CS, Celestite Gray ME, Gray till 8 pm. Toyota Motor Corporation’s com- engineering creativity. Offering creates a delicate balance of pre- The hybrid-electric powertrain ME, Metal Stream ME, mitment to introduce more class the lowest fuel consumption cision and elegance. is equipped with a small, light, Black MC, Emotion Viewed from any angle, the leading eco-friendly technology value in its category at 23.9 km/L, The Daytime Running Lights and powerful lithium-ion battery Red 2, Orange ME, combination of faceted models in addition to the existing the class-leading C-HR enables (DRL) form a singular illuminated 3 HEV models. customers to contribute to a element located above the main gemstone-like shapes and fluid Awwad Mohamed, Senior greener future while enjoying the beam projectors, while the indi- surfaces of the 2020 Toyota Manager, Toyota National Sales increased driving satisfaction cator lights are fully integrated C-HR creates a delicate balance commented “The introduction of provided by its advanced within the same unit. The position of precision and elegance. new C-HR gives our customers technologies. of the front fog lights at the more options of HEV vehicles to The all-new C-HR is built on extreme edges of the lower choose from and also further the Toyota New Global Archi- bumper allows for a very wide strengthens Toyota’s strong SUV tecture (TNGA) platform, which lower air intake, underlining the line-up. AAB offers 8 guarantees a more rewarding car’s powerful stance. Equipped years/160,000kms warranty for driving experience. The vehicle with LED lamp technology, the Hybrid Battery in Qatar thereby comes with a 1.8-liter VVT-i full- rear light clusters stand proud of giving peace of mind to the HEV hybrid powertrain and automatic the bodywork and are connected WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2020 HOME 05 QBG webinar highlights Arabian Peninsula wildlife conservation efforts amid COVID-19

THE PENINSULA — DOHA together for better conservation strategies in the region. It also Qur’anic Botanic Garden (QBG), shed light on both the positive in collaboration with the Inter- and negative impacts of the national Union for Conservation coronavirus on the envi- of Nature Regional Office for ronment. With relation to this, West Asia (IUCN ROWA), hosted the IUCN’s programmes a webinar titled 'Wildlife reported that as a result of Dr. Hany El Shaer, Regional Director, IUCN ROWA, speaking during Conservation Efforts after social distancing, air, beach, and a webinar by Qur’anic Botanic Garden. Corona; Challenges and Oppor- noise pollution levels have sig- tunities in the Arabian nificantly fallen in many Peninsula'. The session shed countries.” better care of our public further on such important light on the efforts, opportu- Dr. Sheikh Soud Al Thani, environment.” topics in the future.” nities, challenges, and projects The session shed light on the efforts, Sustainability Director, ASTAD Commenting on the webinar, QBG has previously collab- implemented in the region with opportunities, challenges, and projects Project Management, and also Fatima Al Khulaifi, Director, orated with the IUCN’s Com- regards to protecting plant and one of the speakers at the QBG, said: “Earlier this month, mission on Ecosystem Man- animal wildlife. implemented in the region with regards to webinar, said: “Around the world, we marked World Environment agement to host a forum titled Moderated by QBG Assistant protecting plant and animal wildlife. and during this period in par- Day by highlighting the necessity 'Islamic Perspectives on Eco- Researcher Mr. Ahmed ticular, consideration for the of protecting our ecosystems, system Management', which ElGharib, the interactive environment is becoming an which, in light of the many envi- brought together local and webinar brought together were: the potential impact of as well as plant species studies increasingly important and rel- ronmental challenges that the international ecologists, eco- experts from the Ministry of COVID-19 on protected areas and methods of plant and seed evant topic, and the QBG has world is facing, has become a system managers, scholars from Municipality and Environment, and nature conservation efforts propagation for ecosystem taken a proactive stance with this major priority. QBG is pleased botanic gardens, religious ASTAD Project Management, both in the Arab and greater preservation. webinar. to have brought together experts experts, and other relevant the IUCN, Royal Botanic Garden West Asia regions, the sus- Dr. Hany El Shaer, Regional Considering the rapid rate of from across the Arab region to stakeholders to share their of Jordan, and QBG to discuss tainable management of natural Director, IUCN ROWA, who was development in Qatar and exchange their expertise and expertise and experiences in various topics and exchange resources in the light of climate among the webinar speakers, around the world, it is imperative explore sustainable solutions preserving the environment as expertise in the field of nature change and other environ- said: “The webinar was an that we begin implementing sus- that will provide a better well as exploring Islamic prin- conservation. mental challenges, nature res- excellent opportunity to tainable methods of development tomorrow for our planet. We ciples, values, and ethics that Among the topics discussed toration programmes in Qatar exchange knowledge and plan and nature conservation to take look forward to engaging the promote plant conservation. GU-Q alumnus leads CPP hosts e-workshop on governance in Mena region THE PENINSULA — DOHA CPP that can take the discussion forward.” Qatar’s WTO claim The College of Public Policy Dr. Anis Ben Brik, Associate (CPP), part of Hamad Bin Professor at CPP and co-chair Khalifa University (HBKU), in of the event, said: “Such discus- win against piracy collaboration with Brookings sions are invaluable given the Doha Center (BDC) hosted an perilous state of the world e-workshop on 'Governance in today, and the Mena region is the Mena Region: What Can we not exempt. The better Learn from Responses to informed we are, the better the COVID19?'. The e-workshop chance of solving the problems addressed the institutional and this unprecedented crisis has governance challenges facing presented. Cooperation countries of the Mena region between nations in the Mena that have been exacerbated and region would go a long way in exposed as a result of the global helping in that cause, and I look coronavirus pandemic. forward to more discussions on Participants during a discussion on governance in the Mena region. The online sessions sought this issue of immense impor- to tackle topics related to tance, not least what our world Mena pandemic responses, Commission for West Asia pandemic will undoubtedly help will and should look like once insights into governance chal- (ESCWA), the World Bank, the us understand how to better the pandemic is over.” lenges gained as a result of the Arab Barometer, Harvard Uni- improve public service delivery.” Dr. Nader Kabbani, Director pandemic, and future versity, University of At the conclusion of the of Research at BDC and co- pathways to ensure a just and Waterloo, University of webinar, Dr Tarik Yousef, chair of the event, said: “The well-governed post-pandemic Administrative Sciences Director of the BDC, said: “It has pandemic has caught many world. Speyer, CPP and BDC. been a privilege to co-host this countries off balance. For those Among the areas of dis- Speaking about the webi- timely workshop with our col- countries that are willing to Saleh Abdullah Al Mana (left in the back row) during a World cussion was an examination nar’s outcomes, Dr. Leslie Pal, leagues at HBKU’s College of learn and grow, the pandemic Trade Organisation WTO meeting. of gaps in public service Founding Dean of CPP, said: “It Public Policy. The event has has created a “stress test” that delivery as well as deficits in has been a pleasure to partner brought together leading will allow them to gauge the governance, which include the with BDC to host this pertinent experts involved in studying ability of their public health THE PENINSULA — DOHA took place throughout tense rule of law, quality of regu- webinar, which was highly institutional responses to the systems and other institutions In a message to Georgetown oral hearings and written lation accountability, or informative with excellent con- pandemic across the region. to respond to such a crisis and University in Qatar (GU-Q) submissions by both parties. citizen participation. tributions from participants. This The insights that have been to identify governance deficits students, Saleh Abdullah Al Third party member states, Participants included aca- online conversation provided an shared will help improve the that should be addressed. This Mana, the Director of the who were concerned about demic scholars and policy opportunity to examine the policy relevance of this work is what this workshop aimed to Office of the State of Qatar the wide scale unchecked experts, including from Mena’s reactionary approach to and, we hope, will lead to better do in the context of the Mena to the World Trade Organi- piracy perpetuated by the UNDP’s Regional Bureau for the pandemic and take stock of policy outcomes. We look region. The main conclusion sation (WTO) and a 2013 broadcast pirate “beoutQ,” Arab States, the United the invaluable lessons learned. forward to co-organising future from this event is that there is GU-Q graduate, encouraged also participated in this Nations Economic and Social The region’s response to the events with our colleagues at much work to be done.” young people impacted by landmark case. the pandemic to embrace The WTO panel last uncertainty and remain opti- week determined that Saudi mistic in the face of Arabia had breached global NU-Q prepares for new Dean adversity. rules on intellectual As the head of Qatar’s property rights by failing to THE PENINSULA — DOHA These debates, Kraidy observed, WTO office in Geneva, Saleh prosecute the pirate broad- soon “evolved into a more direct nar- led the team that success- caster and is now requested Marwan M. Kraidy, an authority on rative confrontation” as people noticed fully pursued an interna- to conform with its obliga- Arab media and a global communi- that countries with leaders who exhibit tional trade dispute in tions as a signatory of WTO’s cation scholar, will be joining North- “authoritarian tendencies,” and have Qatar’s beIN Media Group’s Agreement on Trade- western University in Qatar as its new shown “disdain for science,” seem to intellectual property rights Related Aspects of Intel- Dean and CEO on July 1. be doing worse, while those with claim against Saudi Arabia. lectual Property Rights. Earlier this month, Kraidy spoke female leadership and a science- The landmark case The ruling will be legally at a webinar hosted by Northwestern’s driven approach, such as New Zealand resulted in a recent WTO binding once it is formally Buffett Institute for Global Affairs on and Germany, are doing much better. ruling that has been hailed adopted, which is significant the effect of COVID-19 on global media Regarding the tension between globally as a victory for the in two ways, according to and geopolitics. global solidarity and “national State of Qatar. Saleh. “This is one of the first Kraidy’s research centers around retrenchment noted he how “the talk The International Politics rulings by an international the relationship between culture and of borders suddenly emerged in full The change will be implemented from today for a period graduate of GU-Q, one of dispute settlement mech- geopolitics, theories of identity and force.” He went on to say that the of one month to enable completion of infrastructure Qatar Foundation’s partner anism that has found one of modernity, and global media systems resurgence of border paranoia in the institutions, explained that the blockading countries in and industries. He is also an expert on US is what happens when a pan- works as part of the B Ring Road Development Project. the guiding wisdom he clear violation of interna- the Middle East and fluent in Arabic. demic like COVID-19 adds fuel to an received from professors tional rules when it comes He has published 13 books and edited administration that has already Temporary closure of while a student remains to the illegal measures volumes, authored 130 essays and exhibited behavior of “national meaningful to him even imposed on the State of chapters, and was the recipient of retrenchment.” access to Ibn Mahmoud today. “I will never forget Qatar since 5th June 2017,” more than 50 awards for teaching and The resurgence of transnational hearing the phrase ‘uncer- he said. scholarship. issues, Kraidy said was another effect Street from Al Rayyan Road tainty is always certain’. “And secondly, this His latest project, which received of the pandemic. “US activists for social That’s why my advice to my landmark ruling sends a a grant from the prestigious Andrew justice and equality are leading the THE PENINSULA — DOHA fellow GU-Q graduates and message to the world that Carnegie Fellows Program, is a book world,” he said, “in the places where current and incoming stu- members states cannot that will explore the rise of the Islamic the US government has failed.” The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has dents is to think about a violate international trade State through the implementation of Commenting on the protests that announced the closure of the access to Ibn career path and future that agreements by masking “war machine” communication and have occurred in the wake of the death Mahmoud Street from Al Rayyan Road. In coordi- inspires you, and inspires them to be unfounded and digital media tactics that spread fear, of George Floyd, he said that they not nation with the General Directorate of Traffic, this your commitment despite baseless national security hostility, and global insecurity. only ignited “a full awakening of change will be implemented from today for a the challenges.” concerns as the blockading During his webinar with the Buffet injustice and inequality in the US,” but period of one month to enable completion of infra- Qatar filed the official countries are attempting to Institute, Kraidy synthesized the media also “triggered global actions all over structure works as part of the B Ring Road Devel- request to establish a panel do.” The DSB is responsible disruptions and changes resulting from the world.” These actions are, he said, opment Project. to adjudicate the dispute for overseeing the entire COVID-19 into three main themes: “the “reviving the embers into flames of all During this time, road users coming from the through the WTO’s Dispute dispute settlement process tug of war” between the capabilities the…struggles…whether they are White Palace Intersection and heading towards Settlement Body (DSB) in and has the authority to of democratic and autocratic systems, against local dictators or the memory Ibn Mahmoud Street, will be required to turn right December of 2018, only two enforce measures to resolve the tension between global solidarity and history of imperialism and towards Al Reem Street then left to Aseer Street to months after Saleh was violations committed by and “national retrenchment,” and the colonialism.” reach Ibn Mahmoud Street. appointed in his new role as member states. Noting that resurgence of traditional transnational Kraidy is joining NU-Q from the Likewise, road users can continue straight then head of Qatar’s WTO office the stakes go beyond Qatar’s issues. Annenberg School for Communication, turn right at Al Khaleej Interchange to get to Al in Geneva. trade rights, Saleh said: “The In the discussion of democratic University of Pennsylvania where he Khaleej Street then turn right towards Al Ikha Street Saleh was part of the WTO made it clear that versus autocratic systems of gov- has served as associate dean for to reach Ibn Mahmoud Street. team that presented evi- every country is bound by ernment, Kraidy said that the question administration and Anthony Shadid The Public Works Authority will install road dence of commercial-scale the same rules. This was a that dominated these discussions was Chair in Global Media, Politics and signs informing motorists of the temporary closure. piracy of Qatar’s intellectual win for the international rule whether “the political system is a factor Culture. In 2013, he founded the Center Ashghal has requested all road users to abide by property. The proceedings of law.” in how well a country handles the for Advanced Research in Global the speed limit, and follow the road signs to ensure epidemic.” Communication. their safety. 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2020 Iran reports highest virus deaths since April

AFP & QNA — TEHRAN/KUWAIT Yesterday's death toll of 121 is Iran’s highest single-day coronavirus fatality rate since Iran yesterday reported 121 new coronavirus deaths, its highest April 11, when 125 deaths were recorded. The daily toll in over two months, Health ministry spokeswoman told a news as it battles to contain the Middle East’s deadliest conference that the new fatalities brought the COVID-19 outbreak. overall virus death toll to 9,863. Health ministry spokes- woman Sima Sadat Lari told a news conference that the new with concerns the actual toll Four additional fatalities fatalities brought the overall could be much higher. due to the viral illness were also virus death toll to 9,863. Iran has not imposed a reported in the last 24 hours, That is Iran’s highest single- mandatory lockdown on people taking the death toll to 334, the day fatality rate since April 11, to stop the virus’s spread, but it Kuwaiti Ministry of Health when 125 deaths were closed schools, cancelled public Spokesman Dr. Abdullah Al recorded. events and banned movement Sanad told a press conference Lari also announced between the country’s 31 prov- yesterday. another 2,445 people had tested inces in March. Al Sanad added that all the positive for COVID in the past The government progres- 742 cases that have been diag- 24 hours, raising the country’s sively lifted restrictions from nosed with the disease were in A customer, wearing a protective mask due to the COVID-19 pandemic, stands inside an automatic caseload to 209,970. April in order to reopen its contact with other persons that disinfection booth before entering a supermarket in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, yesterday. The Islamic republic sanctions-hit economy. have been confirmed recorded a drop in its daily Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti previously. the total number of recoveries Omanis, and 465 for non-Omanis, statement reported by the Oman fatalities in early May, but there Ministry of Health yesterday Earlier in the day, the so far. bringing the total number of cases News Agency, that the total tests has been a rise in recent weeks. reported 742 more cases of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health said The Omani Ministry of registered in the Sultanate of that were conducted during the There has been scepticism novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), that 534 more Coronavirus Health announced on Tuesday Oman to 32394 and 17,279 past 24 hours reached 3940, at home and abroad about the raising the count of confirmed patients had recovered in the 1318 new cases of coronavirus recovered cases. while the number of cases in ICU country’s official COVID figures, cases to 41,033. past 24 hours, raising to 32,304 (Covid-19), including 853 for The ministry said, in a reached 97. US wants Security Council Yemeni army, separatists clash despite ceasefire to extend Iran ANATOLIA & BLOOMBERG The military source said Sana’a and forced President the bloodshed in Yemen but reported early yesterday. ADEN government forces launched Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi to also mend a rift between the Houthi military spokesman arms embargo attacks on STC sites east of Zin- flee the country. kingdom and its top Gulf ally, Yahya Saree said the attacks AFP — UNITED NATIONS A new round of clashes erupted jibar, the provincial capital of Efforts to propel peace- the UAE. Meanwhile, Saudi targeted the Defense Ministry, between government forces Abyan. making in Yemen have been Arabia came under a missile a military base and intelligence The US has proposed a UN and the separatist Southern He said dozens of STC complicated in recent months and drone attack from Iran- and other locations in the three Security Council resolution Transitional Council (STC) in fighters were killed and injured by infighting between forces backed Yemen rebels that tar- cities. The rebels also vowed to condemning a 2019 attack on Yemen’s southern Abyan in the attacks, but without loyal to Hadi’s internationally geted the capital and other carry out more powerful strikes, Saudi oil facilities it blames on province yesterday, according giving an exact toll. Violence recognized government and the cities, as international efforts according to their Al Masirah Iran and proposing an to a Yemeni military source. has flared between the STC and separatist Southern Transitional to end their five-year war news channel. extension of an arms embargo The violence came hours government forces since the Council backed by the United have floundered. A Saudi-led coalition has against the Islamic republic, after the Saudi-led coalition UAE-backed group declared Arab Emirates. Saudi air defenses inter- been fighting the Houthis since sources said. said the Yemeni government self-rule over Aden other The Saudi-led coalition has cepted at least four ballistic 2015 to restore the government The embargo, put in place and STC, which is backed by the southern provinces in April. called on the sides to cease fire missiles launched by Houthi of Yemeni President Abd as part of a nuclear accord United Arab Emirates (UAE), Yemen has been devastated and implement a planned rebels at Riyadh, Najran and Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, and the signed with Tehran in 2015, is agreed to maintain a cease-fire by a conflict that escalated in power-sharing deal that Jazan, and also destroyed eight rebels have attacked the set to expire in October, but in the southern island of March 2015 after Iran-backed unraveled amid the fighting, a explosives-laden drones, state- kingdom with missiles and Washington has been working Socotra. Houthi rebels seized the capital move that would not only ease run Saudi Press Agency drones multiple times. to extend the ban as tensions with its arch-rival remain high. On Friday, France, the UK and Germany — all signatories Gaza infant dies, unable to to the deal — issued a joint statement arguing against travel to Israel for surgery lifting the ban as scheduled, saying it could have “major AFP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM the enclave. implications for regional Israel’s military branch security and stability.” The US Baby Omar Yaghi was eight responsible for civilian affairs resolution“condemns the months old when he died, in the Palestinian territories, attacks of September 2019 unable to travel from Gaza to COGAT, said the Erez crossing against Saudi Arabia”. Israel for life-saving heart with Gaza is “ready and well It also calls for the body to surgery after Palestinian offi- prepared” to facilitate transfers. “prohibit the supply, sale or cials cut coordination. COGAT “keeps allowing, transfer, direct or indirect... of The baby’s mother Raneen also at these times, an entrance weapons and related mate- has been unable to speak or eat of residents from the Gaza Strip rials,” excluding those that are since losing her son last week, for life-saving medical approved with 30 days’ notice. his uncle Mohammed Yaghi said. treatment and in other human- No date has been scheduled They are one of a number of itarian cases,” a spokesperson for a vote on the resolution and families caught up in a high-level said in an English statement. it is unlikely to pass, as veto- dispute, after the Palestinian Yaghi was born with wielding China and Russia have Authority last month ended complex heart problems and already spoken out against security coordination with Israel he started treatment at Israel’s extending the embargo. over its plans to annex parts of Sheba Medical Center when he the occupied West Bank. was just one month old. Rocket hits near The move has had a dra- Having been unable to matic impact on scores of Pal- return for the surgery, Yaghi Palestinian protesters taking part in a demonstration against Israel’s plans to annex parts of the estinians in both the West Bank suffered heart failure on Baghdad airport occupied West Bank, in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, yesterday. Israel aims to begin a process and Gaza who need Israeli Wednesday and was resusci- of annexing West Bank settlements and the Jordan Valley from July 1, as part of a US peace initiative. AP — BAGHDAD paperwork to access treatment tated at a Gaza hospital. which is not available closer to “They told us that the situ- One katyusha rocket landed home. “Omar was supposed to ation was very serious,” said in the vicinity of Baghdad Palestinian shot dead at checkpoint undergo major surgery on May Mohammed Yaghi, who tried airport without causing any AFP — ABU DIS, WEST BANK 24, but they told us that our desperately to arrange an casualties, the Iraqi military his vehicle quickly towards the 29 after trying to ram a car into travel to Israel was prevented emergency transfer to Israel said. It was the most recent in direction of a female border Israeli soldiers, none of whom because coordination was while his nephew was put on a a spate of rocket attacks A Palestinian man was shot police officer who was injured were injured, police said at the stopped,” said the infant’s uncle. ventilator. “At 10:00 am, the targeting the American dead yesterday at a checkpoint lightly,” Rosenfeld added. time. Yesterday’s incident Several human rights hospital management called presence in the country since in the occupied West Bank after The Palestinian killed was comes ahead of plans by Israeli organisations lobbied success- and told us he had died.” the US launched talks with driving his car “quickly” named by family and security Prime Minister Benjamin fully for a new date, but Yaghi The boy’s father, also Iraq earlier this month. towards a border officer, Israeli sources as Ahmad Erakat, in his Netanyahu to annex parts of the died on June 18 just three days named Omar, found out his son The rocket was launched police said. 20s. The incident comes nearly West Bank. Netanyahu said the before the planned operation. had not survived while he was from a village west of the The Palestinian was “shot a month after a Palestinian man government would take steps Gaza’s two million residents on the way to hospital. “My capital near the Abu Ghraib and killed” at a checkpoint in was killed in similar circum- towards annexing Israeli set- have lived under a crippling brother was completely district, according to a military Abu Dis, close to Jerusalem, stances near the West Bank city tlements and the Jordan Valley Israeli blockade since 2007, destroyed, especially when he statement. There were no cas- police spokesman Micky of Ramallah. from July 1, as part of a broader with Palestinians having to received the child’s body,” said ualties or significant damages. Rosenfeld said. The man “drove He was shot dead on May US peace plan. apply for exit permits to leave Mohammed Yaghi. Lebanon’s crisis, pandemic hit American University in Beirut AP — BEIRUT “The layoffs are very painful,” The announcement has come as a seen the local currency lose nearly 70% difficult personally” but aims at making Khuri said in an interview at the shock to members of the 6,500-strong of its value. With incomes and savings AUB more sustainable. One of the Arab world’s oldest and sprawling campus on the Mediter- workforce of AUB and the American Uni- evaporating, many parents have been The university remained open most prestigious universities, which ranean Sea. “AUB has never had to do versity Medical Center. Tens of thousands unable to afford school, and university throughout much of the 1975-1990 endured civil war, kidnappings and this before, we’ve never been forced of Lebanese have already lost their jobs in fees charged in dollars. Lebanese civil war, providing an oasis various economic crises, is preparing to have layoffs.” a worsening economic crisis exacerbated Khuri first laid out the painful of calm and greenery even as a number for what may be the biggest challenge The American University of Beirut, by the coronavirus outbreak. reality in a memo to staff on May 5, of foreign staff members were kid- in its 154-year history. which operates under a charter from The crisis is rooted in decades of describing the situation as a “confluence napped or killed, including president The American University of Beirut the state of New York, was the first to institutionalised corruption and misman- of calamities” that he said together Malcom Kerr who was assassinated in is confronting a global pandemic, a introduce American education to the agement that came to a head last October, amount to the “greatest crisis since the 1984 and David Dodge who was acting severe recession and the collapse of Middle East. For generations, it has igniting mass protests. The economic university’s foundation in 1866.” university president when he was kid- Lebanon’s currency— all at the same educated the Arab world’s elite, pro- meltdown has plunged the fragile country He said the university had expected napped by pro-Iranian gunmen in time— and is planning a series of duced three presidents, around a dozen into deep uncertainty and threatens to to raise $609m in revenue for 2019 and 1982. He was released a year later in sweeping layoffs and salary cuts in prime ministers — including Lebanon’s unleash further unrest and chaos. 2020, but instead faces real losses of Iran. International and local faculty response. current premier, Hassan Diab — and Unemployment has skyrocketed $30m, an amount that would almost and students joined waves of Lebanese AUB president Fadlo Khuri said the countless Cabinet ministers and to 35%, and nearly half the population totally wipe out contingency funds it who fled the country’s recurring con- university, which ranks among the top ambassadors. lives below the poverty line, according has built up since 2015. flicts. The university closed down when 150 in the world, will lay off up to 25% Its vibrant campus has also been a to the World Bank. The crisis has also In a June 15 memo, he announced the coronavirus pandemic hit in March, of its workforce, close administrative pillar of Beirut’s cultural and intel- squeezed the middle class. Lebanese, there would be a series of unprece- but it has partially reopened for departments and shelve an ambitious lectual life, with a diverse student body who have long used the dollar and the dented layoffs to help cope with the summer classes. It currently enrolls project for a major new medical center. and a history of activism. Lebanese pound interchangeably, have crisis. Khuri said the decision was “very around 9,250 students. WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2020 AFRICA 07 Malawi holds election re-run as President decries 'unrest'

REUTERS — BLANTYRE The vote looks too close to call. Malawi has Malawians voted yesterday in ditched its “first-past-the-post” system so the a re-run of a discredited pres- idential election seen as a test winner has to get more than 50%. of Africa’s ability to tackle ballot fraud, but the country’s After voting at a school in The judiciary’s ruling President said reports of the tea farming district of echoed one by a Kenyan court violence called the integrity of Thyolo, southern Malawi, in 2017, which cancelled Pres- the contest into question. Mutharika decried what he ident Uhuru Kenyatta’s Malawi’s judiciary infu- described as violence in oppo- election win. Both were riated President Peter Muth- sition strongholds in central remarkable on a continent in arika, in power since 2014, Malawi. which judges often serve as a when it overturned his narrow “It is very sad. Our sec- rubber stamp to executive victory in February over “sys- retary general has been beaten power. tematic and grave” up,” he said. “Those causing The vote looks too close to irregularities. the violence are desperate. call. Malawi has since ditched Electoral officials check the voters roll while people queue to vote at the Malembo polling station His disputed win also How then will the election be its “first-past-the-post” system during the presidential elections in Lilongwe, Malawi, yesterday. sparked months of anti-gov- credible?” There was no inde- so the winner has to get more ernment protests, a rare sight pendent confirmation of the than 50%. in Malawi. Last week hundreds alleged unrest, although the About half of Malawi’s pre- The 47-year-old Chilima This I pray, that my vote will corruption. “The government of lawyers also protested when electoral commission said it dominantly farming popu- has now backed Chakwera, 64, count,” said Bernado Simbi, has lost the anti-corruption Mutharika tried to retire Chief had received reports of lation live in poverty. Lying on which would give them a 36, a domestic security guard fight (and) the opposition has Justice Andrew Nyirenda, violence. a lake at the southern tip of majority if they can combine after voting for Mutharika in taken advantage,” said Happy forcing the President to back After voting in the capital, the Great Rift Valley, Malawi their previous votes. a school near Chileka Airport, Kayuni, political science lec- down. Lilongwe, opposition leader mostly exports tobacco and Mutharika’s Democratic north of the commercial turer at Malawi University. The supreme court upheld Lazarus Chakwera told his tea. In the May 2019 poll, Progressive Party is in an capital Blantyre. Chakwera has made graft the annulment of the election supporters: “There is no Mutharika got 38.57%, 3 per- alliance with the southern Mutharika, a former law a central pillar of his win last month, a decision that reason really to resort to vio- centage points more than African nation’s ex-ruling professor, has revamped campaigns. Mutharika, 79, called a “coup” lence... The vote itself is the Chakwera, and less than 10 party, the United Democratic Malawi’s roads and boosted COVID-19 restrictions will in a campaign rally on Sat- fight we need.” He added that points ahead of a third can- Front, which got less than 5% electricity while also taming make it tricky for foreign urday in the northern district he believed the election would didate, Deputy President last time. inflation. Yet critics accuse observers, who did not detect of Rumphi. be fair this time. Saulos Chilima. “I’m glad to vote again. him of doing little to tackle fraud last time. Blast near Turkish military academy in Somalia kills two Sudan says it repulsed attack AFP — MOGADISHU students who wanted to join the metres (yards) from the military Somalia plunged into chaos offering humanitarian armed forces, but he was shot facility. after the 1991 overthrow of assistance and scholarships, by Ethiopian Two people were killed by the security forces and det- “We condemn in the firmest president Siad Barre’s military and recently sending planeloads yesterday by an Al Shabaab onated before he got to the area manner the terrorist group regime, leading to years of clan of medical equipment to help forces suicide bomb outside Turkey’s of the students,” said Rageh. which carried out this attack... warfare followed by the rise of the country deal with the coro- military training base in A civilian and one of the we will not leave our Somali Al Shabaab which once con- navirus pandemic. AGENCIES — KHARTOUM Somalia, according to the army prospective students were brothers alone in their fight trolled large parts of the country During some of the worst chief. killed, he said. against terrorist groups,” read and capital. attacks in Mogadishu, Turkey Sudan’s army announced on The army chief Brigadier The Al Qaeda linked militant the statement. After being pushed out of has often flown the wounded Monday that it had repulsed General Odowaa Yusuf Rageh group Al Shabaab claimed Turkey’s military academy their main bastions by AMISOM to its country for treatment. an attack by Ethiopian forces. told state media that the responsibility for the attack in was opened in 2017. It is the in 2011, Al Shabaab has con- According to the Turkish In a statement, the army attacker had tried to conceal a statement carried by the SITE largest foreign-run military tinued to wage war against the foreign ministry website, the said Ethiopian forces attacked himself among young recruits intelligence agency, saying they centre in Somalia, where government, with regular country’s largest embassy Anfal military camp in eastern who had gathered to enlist in had targeted “Somali militia several nations are training sol- attacks in Mogadishu and complex abroad is in Mogadishu Al Qadarif state. the academy, which trains officers”. diers to take over from African against neighbouring countries and investments in the country “The Sudanese armed Somali troops in Mogadishu. Turkey’s defence ministry peacekeeping force AMISOM, which have contributed to the total $100m (¤88m). forces on Sunday afternoon “Someone wearing an confirmed the attack in a whose troops are set to leave force. Turkish companies also run repulsed an attack by Ethi- explosive device tried to sneak statement on Twitter, saying the the country next year after 14 Turkey is one of Somalia’s the Mogadishu international opian forces and inflicted wide into a crowd of university blast had taken place 200 years. closest foreign partners, airport and seaport. losses among them,” it said, stressing that it has the right to defend Sudanese territory UN warns against from any attack. Sudan nears deal with US for 1998 embassy bombings At least three Sudanese intervention in soldiers were killed in May, but AFP — KHARTOUM the victims’ lawyers and offi- Sudan has since August been In February, Sudan had to the two countries have agreed Libya after Egypt cials at the US Department of led by a transitional adminis- compensate families of victims to work toward reducing Sudan is close to finalising a State.” The twin bombings took tration following the military of the USS Cole bombing in tensions. military threat deal with the United States to place in August 1998 when a ouster of president Omar Al 2000 in Yemen’s Aden harbour, Sudan and Ethiopia have compensate the victims of 1998 massive blast hit the US Bashir in the wake of mass pro- for which Al Qaeda also claimed engaged in continuous talks AFP — UNITED NATIONS embassy bombings in Kenya embassy in downtown Nairobi, tests against his rule. responsibility. over the demarcation of the and Tanzania that killed 224 shortly followed by an Under Bashir’s 30-year rule, Khartoum had always borders between the two The UN said on Monday the people, Foreign Minister Asma explosion in Dar es Salaam. the country also hosted Al denied any involvement but countries. “last thing” Libya needs is Abdalla said yesterday. The attacks claimed by Al Qaeda founder Osama bin agreed to the settlement to fulfil Meanwhile, the UN has more conflict on its territory, “The final touches of a set- Qaeda killed a total of 224 Laden between 1992 and 1996. a key US condition to remove urged Egypt, Ethiopia and after Egypt warned of military tlement with victims of embassy people and injured around This strained ties with the it from Washington’s terrorism Sudan to “work together” to intervention in the neigh- bombings in Nairobi and Dar es 5,000 — almost all of them US, which blacklisted Sudan as blacklist. After the deal on the resolve differences over Addis bouring country. Salaam are being finalised,” Africans. a state sponsor of terrorism. embassy bombings, Sudan “will Ababa’s Nile River mega-dam “It is clear that the last Abdalla told AFP in an The US has accused Sudan The post-Bashir gov- have fulfilled all the require- after recent talks failed to thing Libya needs right now is interview. of aiding militants linked to the ernment has sought to boost the ments” to be removed from the produce a deal on the filling more fighting, more military “We now have a delegation bombings and demanded com- country’s international standing US blacklist of state sponsors of and operation of the Grand mobilisation, more transfer of in Washington negotiating with pensation for victims’ families. and rebuild ties with the US. terrorism, Abdalla said. Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. weapons, more presence of either foreign fighters or mer- cenaries on its soil,” said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric Five jailed after banned during his daily press conference. “We’re alarmed by the Algeria demonstration continued military mobili- sation in central Libya, partic- AFP — ALGIERS the hearing. Algeria’s anti-gov- ularly in Sirte,” and by the “fla- ernment protest movement grant violations of the arms Five people were sentenced known as the Hirak began in embargo,” Dujarric said. yesterday in Algeria to between February 2019. He added it was “important six months and a year behind After obtaining the resig- for none of the parties to do bars after taking part in a nation of longtime president anything that would make the banned demonstration, pris- Abdelaziz Bouteflika in April situation worse.” oners’ rights group CNLD said. that year, protests have con- Oil-rich Libya has been Fourteen people — the tinued, demanding an overhaul torn by violence, drawing in youngest aged 19 — appeared of the political system in place tribal militias, militants and in court after being taken in for since Algeria’s independence mercenaries since the 2011 questioning in Tizi Ouzou, in from France in 1962. toppling and killing of the country’s northeast, fol- Algerian authorities have longtime dictator Moamer lowing an anti-government recently been arresting and Khadafi in a Western-backed demonstration on Friday. prosecuting activists in an uprising. Since 2015, a power All were accused of taking apparent bid to prevent pro- struggle has pitted the UN-rec- part in an “unarmed gathering”. tests from resuming when the ognised, Tripoli-based Gov- Two other charges, including country’s coronavirus ernment of National Accord destruction of property, were lockdown is lifted. A general view of beds at a field hospital in Korsten, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, on Monday. (GNA) against strongman dropped. They have also targeted Khalifa Haftar, who claims One of the accused was journalists and social media legitimacy from an eastern- South Africa to start first virus vaccine trial sentenced to a year in prison, users. Almost 500 pro-Hirak based elected parliament. effective immediately, for car- protesters were taken in for Haftar has been trying AFP — JOHANNESBURG the vaccine known as ChAdOx1 collaborating with the Uni- rying a knife, the CNLD said. questioning on Friday across unsuccessfully to seize the nCoV-19. Fifty of the candidates versity of Oxford and the Two others were sentenced the country after demon- capital since April 2019, with South Africa will roll out the have HIV. Oxford Jenner Institute on the to six months in prison and two strating despite a ban due to the support from neighbouring continent’s first coronavirus “We began screening par- South African trial. more to a year behind bars pandemic. Most were subse- Egypt, Russia and the United vaccine trial this week, the ticipants for the South African South Africa’s coronavirus pending appeal, while nine quently released. Some human Arab Emirates. university leading the pilot said Oxford 1 COVID-19 vaccine trial cases jumped to more than others were released. rights activists say that with the On Saturday, Egyptian yesterday, as the country last week, and the first partic- 100,000 on Monday, while the The prosecutor had sought recent arrests and prosecu- President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi grapples with the highest ipants will be vaccinated this number of deaths inched five years’ prison for all the tions, the rights situation in warned that if pro-GNA forces number of cases in Africa. week,” University of Witwa- towards 2,000. Officials imple- accused. The regime “continues Algeria is now worse than advanced on the strategic city The vaccine, developed by tersrand (Wits) vaccinology mented a strict nationwide its repression of peaceful pro- during Bouteflika’s rule, par- of Sirte — some 450 km (280 the Oxford Jenner Institute, is professor Shabir Madhi told a lockdown on March 27, just testers”, Aissa Rahmoune from ticularly with regard to miles) east of Tripoli — it could already being evaluated in virtual press conference. weeks after the virus first hit the defence team told AFP freedom of the press. provoke a “direct” inter- Britain, where 4,000 partici- Brazil is planning its own South Africa. But confinement before the verdict. Abdelkrim Zeghileche, a vention by Cairo. `The GNA on pants have signed up for the pilot, while the United States is measures are being gradually Videos shared on social journalist, was called in for Sunday denounced the trial. preparing to test another phased out to allow business to media showed demonstrations questioning in the northeastern warning, labelling it a “decla- South Africa has set out to vaccine in a mass trial of up to pick up and limit damage to an in support of the accused near city of Constantine and taken to ration of war.” vaccinate 2,000 people with 30,000 participants. Wits is already ailing economy. the court in Tizi Ouzo ahead of court yesterday, the CNLD said. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu (right) and Foreign Minister of Italy, Luigi Di Maio, greeting each other from a distance as a EDITORIAL precaution amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as they meet at Foreign Ministry office in Ankara on Friday. Another great leap How the pandemic has changed QATAR’S healthcare system has been lauded for its effi- ciency and excellent service extended to citizens and the way we greet each other residents alike. Even during the current period of COVID-19 pandemic, the system under the Ministry of Public Health and the Supreme Council for Crisis Man- response. We could start an “I hope you’re managing” or changed circumstances got agement, is doing an exemplary service to the state by email with “I hope this finds “doing OK” or “hanging in me wondering whether the working round the clock tirelessly to mitigate and prevent you well,” never expecting a there” - or any of myriad power of words might be har- the spread of coronavirus, which has overwhelmed almost comment on that hope, other ways of implying what a nessed to inspire change too. every country’s healthcare sector. While healthcare regardless of how well or fellow linguist used paren- “Take care” and its reincarna- workers, even in developed countries are struggling under unwell the recipient happened theses to convey while pre- tions focus on one person’s the burden of the virus impact, Qatar’s healthcare system to be. These greetings are what serving this familiar formulaic safety and health. In March, is running in full steam with its world-class experts and DEBORAH TANNEN linguists call “formulaic expres- expression: “I hope you’re when New Zealand Prime state-of-the art equipment and facilities. THE WASHINGTON POST sions”: idiomatic phrases doing (as) well (as one could Minister Jacinda Ardern The country has been successful in setting up addi- people say in certain circum- expect under the present declared a state of national tional facilities to meet the increasing demand during French President Emmanuel stances without a thought to circumstances).” emergency under which non- the pandemic by dedicating several hospitals exclu- Macron and British Prime their literal meaning. Changes in the ways emails essential workers would have sively for the service of COVID-19 patients, establishing Minister Boris Johnson We might still be using open and close have been to self-isolate, she explained: new hospitals and refurbishing and expanding the greeted each other with these routinized openers if downright inspiring. The range “Your job is to save lives, and existing service. Qatar has even started producing some waves and thumbs-up this they didn’t happen to refer of variations is testament to you can do that by staying medical supplies locally, for which the country had been week. Even the elbow bump to health. In Myanmar, Cam- how wonderfully adaptable home.” New Zealanders did, dependent on imports. with which Joe Biden and bodia and China, the typical words can be - and how cre- with the result that their Recently, the Head of the Department of Laboratory Bernie Sanders opened their greeting is “Have you ative humans can be in country is virus-free. Medicine and Pathology at the Hamad Medical Corpo- mid-March debate is a thing eaten?” (literally, “Have you adapting them. Some, for Adopting the closing “save ration, Dr. Einas Al Kuwari, said that the daily laboratory of the past. Forget hand- eaten rice?”); the expected example, use synonyms to lives, stay home” would capacity for COVID-19 tests will reach a whopping shakes or hugs. And gestures reply is “Yes, I’ve eaten.” In emphasize what they wish reframe the reason for staying 30,000 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests by the aren’t the only rituals learned Java and the Philippines, the without sounding repetitive: “I home: not so the home-bound end of July, while the current laboratory capacity over a lifetime that have been standard opener is “Where hope you’re staying healthy can stay healthy and safe but amounts to 20,000 daily. adapted in mere months since are you going?” to which the and well.” Others indicate that to help keep others that way. Hamad Medical Laboratories, a wing of Hamad the novel coronavirus began reply is “Over there.” No one they know the usual opening People willing to risk their Medical Corporation (HMC), conducts various test to changing the world. Verbal (except visitors unfamiliar won’t apply - and why: “I hope own health by going out diagnose COVID-19, including PCR and serological tests. greetings and leave-takings with the culture) interprets you’re doing well despite these might hesitate to put others at Such tests are the only way to detect the virus infection have evolved, too. these greetings as literal terrible times.” I received one risk. so the quicker the results, the faster the patient gets the Until recently, we could questions, any more than that acknowledged that eve- Greetings and farewells needed care. As Dr. Al Kuwari said the testing facilities begin a conversation with Americans used to expect a ryone is less than well but will no doubt continue to work round the clock, beginning with 16 percent com- “How are you?” or “How are medical update in response sought to reassure both adapt as circumstances evolve pared the current operating capacity of 100 percent of you doing?” and expect a per- to the opening “How are receiver and sender that we’re because that’s the nature of male and female employees who were trained from various functory “Fine” or “Good” in you?” in this together: “I hope you’re language - and the way people department of medical laboratories and some other state These greetings The literal meaning of our doing better than just ‘hanging use it. Maybe as more of us go institutions. From the beginning of the pandemic daily usual openers could be cas- in there,’ but if, like me, you out more often, and take part checks to detect COVID-19 using PCR tests, which is the are what linguists ually ignored when most peo- aren’t, I suppose that’s OK too.” in more activities, conversa- most fool-proof test for the disease, increased 75 times. call “formulaic ple’s health was likely to be Just as greetings have tions and emails will end with For a country like Qatar, with a population of less fine. If we knew that someone taken new forms, leave- “Save lives, wear a mask” or than three million, the 30,000 test capacity is huge and expressions”: was sick or going through a takings have too. The varia- “Stay safe and six feet apart.” it will go a long way in testing a large portion of the pop- idiomatic phrases tough time, we could change tions in both can be occasions Or we could keep it simple and ulation. At the beginning of the pandemic, the World people say in certain our tone and emphasis when for verbal play, like saying say, as a colleague recently Health Organisation said the most efficient way to stem saying “How are you?” or say words by saying you won’t say closed an email to me, “Wash the spread of the virus is to test, test and test. Hence circumstances something else. Now, no one them, as my sister recently did: hands.” the 30,000 testing capacity for Qatar by the end of next without a thought to takes health for granted, and “and I won’t say ‘stay healthy,’ Deborah Tannen is pro- month will go a long way in containing the contagion. everyone is going through at but hope you do.” Even the fessor of linguistics at Geor- This is the latest example of the farsightedness of their literal meaning. best a tough time and possibly common closing “Take care” getown University and Qatar’s leadership and as usual this time also the country an awful one. That forces us has morphed into “Stay safe” author, most recently, of is taking a great leap ahead. to notice the meaning of the or “Stay safe and healthy.” “You’re the Only One I Can words in these greetings - and Noticing how the phrase Tell: Inside the Language of to change them. Now it’s “Take care” has been adapted Women’s Friendships”, from much more common to hear to reflect our which this essay is adapted.

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR Facebook ad boycott is a worthy use of brand power EMAIL: [email protected] SARAH HALZACK If companies are serious act. But maybe it would feel With a campaign of EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 BLOOMBERG about finding ways to more urgency to change if the financial pressure on FAX: +974 4455 7758 champion the Black Lives pressure were financial, not Facebook, corporate partici- When it comes to responding Matter movement, then surely philosophical. pants are extending their MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 to the current reckoning on they know earnest tweets and Plus, I like that this par- influence outside in a push for racial injustice, a trio of carefully-worded corporate ticular approach to sup- key business partners to DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 outdoorsy retailers are statements are not enough. porting the Black Lives Matter embrace the same values. In blazing a trail their industry Flexing their corporate movement encourages con- that way, this effort has some- LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 peers should follow. muscle to give Facebook a sumer companies to take an thing in common with the 15 Patagonia, REI and VF much-needed nudge, though, action that would be felt Percent Pledge, a nascent BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 Corp.’s North Face have in takes things a step further. outside the walls of their own effort to get retailers to recent days committed to After recent events, corporate headquarters. One commit to ensuring that 15% SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 temporarily yanking adver- Facebook has said it is of the more common ways of of products on their shelves tising from Facebook and actively considering revising a responding to the recent come from Black-owned ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 Instagram as part of a cam- number of its policies and social unrest is for companies businesses. email: [email protected] paign to pressure the Silicon products, including reviewing to make new commitments I suppose consumer Valley social-media titan to how it handles content that around diversifying their brands might resist a tem- PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 do more to curb hate speech violates or partially violates workforces, with the likes of porary flight from Facebook email: [email protected] and language promoting vio- its rules. To this point, though, PepsiCo Inc., Gap Inc. and because they believe that, lence on its platform. A coa- moral overtures from law- Adidas AG among the com- whatever the politics of the ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 lition of civil rights groups, makers and activists haven’t panies that have done so. This moment, it is irresponsible FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] including the NAACP and the dramatically changed the is absolutely the right thing to not to do everything they can Anti-Defamation League, are compass by which Facebook do; maybe making such over- to win customers’ dollars CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 behind the effort, which aims navigates these issues, hauls earlier would have right now after Covid-19-re- email: [email protected] to get businesses to pause even though staying its led Pepsi to dump the obvi- lated closures have just dealt their spending on Facebook course, at this point, is itself ously offensive Aunt Jemima their revenues a devastating SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 ads for the month of July. something of a political brand long before last week. blow. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar ...Macron’s categorisation of our country’s support for Libya’s legitimate government based on UN /Peninsula_Qatar resolutions and upon their request as a ‘dangerous game’ can only be explained through an eclipse of /ThePeninsulaNewspaper the mind. +974 6698 6188 Hami Aksoy, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2020 OPINION 09 Trump’s decision to pull US out of WHO may boost China’s influence

total WHO budget, compared covid-19. Organizations such health of people in countries with 16% from the United as the Gates Foundation and covered by China’s Belt and States. the World Bank have Road Initiative and an About those earmarks - increasingly challenged the agreement to “further expand the WHO’s program budget Since all the WHO’s role as a guardian of the number of Chinese health portal shows that nearly global health. This suggests professionals seconded to three-quarters of US gov- conditions that that vocal support from a WHO.” YANZHONG HUANG ernment contributions are allow Beijing to major power means a lot to Trump’s pullout will THE WASHINGTON POST voluntary, and earmarked for the WHO. help, not hinder, China’s programs that reflect US influence WHO During the 2009 H1N1 influence global health funding prior- decision-making pandemic, the WHO refused China’s influence over the The WHO stepped up Last week, senior House ities, such as polio eradi- remain in place, to chastise Beijing for insti- WHO became clearer during its China presence Republicans urged the Trump cation, health and nutrition tuting travel restrictions on the novel-coronavirus out- administration to reconsider services, and vaccine-pre- US withdrawal Mexican citizens and break. In exchange for after the 2002-2003 its decision to terminate US ventable diseases. won’t make the banning North American China’s compliance on infor- SARS outbreak and relations with the World To some extent, US vol- pork products, in defiance mation sharing as stipulated Health Organization. While untary contributions have a organization less of WHO recommendations. in the International Health has been working there is no strong evidence heavy influence on the WHO subject to China’s The Chinese government Regulations - the widely closely with Beijing substantiating President agenda. Polio eradication then referenced WHO adopted global agreement on Donald Trump’s claim that accounts for 27% of WHO influence. support in justifying its ways to prevent the interna- on pandemic the WHO has become program funding, and contri- aggressive outbreak tional spread of disease - the response in recent “China-centric,” the US butions from the US gov- up its China presence after response. Two years later, WHO not only used China’s years. Also, China’s pullout may actually push the ernment and organizations the 2002-2003 SARS out- in 2011, Beijing hosted the rhetoric on the nature of the organization in that direction. have supported this effort for break and has been working first BRICS Health Ministers’ virus spread but also was huge population How does China engage three decades. Numbers- closely with Beijing on pan- Meeting, which pledged to reluctant to criticize how and position as with the WHO? Here’s what wise, there have been 68 demic response in recent “improve the leading and Beijing initially mishandled you need to know. cases worldwide of wild years. Also, China’s huge coordinating role” of the the crisis. Despite its frus- a manufacturing Beijing isn’t a top con- poliovirus Type 1 to date in population and position as a WHO in international health tration over China’s failure to giant in the global tributor of WHO funding or 2020, and other strains manufacturing giant in the cooperation. provide complete infor- personnel appear to have been eradi- global supply chain suggest China has important - mation, the WHO praised supply chain suggest The WHO has 40 Chinese cated. Tuberculosis control the country plays a central but not decisive - influence China for “setting a new the country plays staff members, less than 1% received 2.3% of the funding, role in addressing complex over the WHO leadership standard for outbreak of the organization’s despite 1.5 million TB deaths global health, development In 2006, Beijing mobi- control.” a central role in employees. The headquarters in 2018. and security dynamics. lized its diplomatic resources Since all the conditions addressing complex leadership team has only one China’s influence within As China broadens its to help Margaret Chan, the that allow Beijing to global health, member from China, com- the WHO has grown capacity and procedures in director of health in Hong influence WHO decision- pared with two from the But the WHO still has disease prevention and Kong, beat out the other 12 making remain in place, US development and United States. Based on concrete reasons to take control, it becomes even candidates and become the withdrawal won’t make the security dynamics. financial contributions and China’s priorities into more imperative for the WHO director-general. In organization less subject to earmarks, the US gov- account in its decision- WHO to seek China’s cooper- 2012, Chan ran unopposed China’s influence. On the ernment has had more lev- making. China has been the ation to effectively coor- for reelection - potential con- contrary, the US move is erage than China in setting origin point of several major dinate the global response to testants realized that with likely to mean the WHO will WHO program priorities - disease outbreaks, for public health emergencies of China throwing its support to increasingly look toward China contributes 1.5% of the instance. The WHO stepped international concern, like Chan, they had little chance China for leadership and of winning. support. After Trump’s initial Five years later, with the April announcement that the change to a more trans- United States would suspend parent, one country/one vote WHO funding, China pledged election procedure, China a $30 million donation for was no longer the dominant the WHO’s coronavirus influence in the WHO effort. director-general selection. What happens now? Tedros Adhanom Ghe- Some experts suggest that the breyesus, Ethiopia’s public United States could work health minister, in June 2017 with other stakeholders to became the new WHO head push for crucial WHO largely because of the strong reforms, such as ensuring support of the African coun- member state compliance tries as a bloc. with WHO norms, to make But Tedros has also the WHO stronger and more sought Beijing’s cooperation responsive. Indeed, on and support. The day after his Sunday, Tedros gave the WHO electoral victory, commencement speech for Tedros reiterated his the Tsinghua University adherence to the “One China” school of economics and principle - this is “code” for a management. Instead of lav- reassurance to Beijing that ishly praising Beijing’s the WHO will not invite approach to the virus, he Taiwan to formally partic- emphasized that the pan- ipate without China’s demic taught us “the best” approval. and “only” way forward is to In July 2018, Tedros went “be together.” to Beijing to discuss with Huang is a professor at senior Chinese officials how Seton Hall University’s school to build “stronger and more of diplomacy and interna- strategic WHO-China collab- tional relations and a senior orations.” These discussions fellow for global health at the US President Donald Trump and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. involved improving the Council on Foreign Relations. Virus crisis gives throwaway plastic a new lease on life

CATHERINE HOURS & insist customers don wear- unpackaged items. Waste: What is unarguable rut not least because of SIMON BOEHM — AFP and-throw gloves. “Our customers turned to is that countless pavements cheap oil -- which is what Industry has been quick to packaged produce,” says the and beaches are strewn with plastic is made from -- Just when you thought it was highlight plastic’s versatility. chain’s general director Allon masks and gloves from Hong making new plastic cheap. beyond the social and envi- In March, one French plastics Zeitoun. “We have yet to get Kong to Gaza and beyond. The European Union wants ronmental pale, single-use group stated that “without back to pre-crisis levels” of The World Wildlife Fund, to see 25 percent of material plastic is making a comeback, single use plastic you will no demand for unpackaged which estimated last year used in plastic bottles Industry has been be it for throwaway face- longer have wrapping to goods. there are 600,000 tonnes of recycled by 2025 and lift quick to highlight masks, gloves or shrink- protect your food against Yet plastic does not guar- plastic waste polluting the that to at least 30 percent by wrapped vegetables. germs.” antee hygienic protection. For Mediterranean, has warned 2030. The dumped plastic’s versatility. Largely to blame is the In the United States, the the World Health Organi- about changing views about remainder will go on taking In March, one French coronavirus and the response Plastics Industry Association zation, washing one’s hands is plastic. centuries to degrade. plastics group to ward it off -- the masks, was from March 20 urging more effective than wearing “The cultural battle “COVID-19 does not cast gloves and other plastic- that its activities be con- gloves. against single-use plastic doubt on the strategy of stated that “without based items, many of which sidered “essential” during According to a study in the seemed to have been won. moving towards a circular single use plastic are now ending up in our lockdown. US journal NEJM, coronavirus Today, a breach has been economy and more recycla- oceans -- already strewn with “Single-use plastics can can remain for up to three opened and we shall have to bility,” says Eric Quenet, from you will no longer the slow-to-degrade detritus literally be the difference days on plastic and for 24 respond,” says Pierre Cannet the PlasticsEurope federation. have wrapping to of a constantly growing between life and death,” hours on cardboard. of WWF France. Some 350 million tonnes industry. Masks, visors, gloves opined the lobby group’s “For medical uses we And many of the safety of plastic are produced protect your food or screens ... all are crucial president Tony Radoszewski, don’t have anything better products whose use has annually -- about half in Asia, against germs.” In accessories to keep COVID-19 noting that items such as ven- than single use,” says boomed thanks to the health 19 percent in North America at bay. tilator machines have compo- Raphael Guastavi, from crisis are hard to recycle. and 16 percent in Europe. the United States, Other uses are manifold -- nents made of single-use France’s environmental and “A mask is not easy to Overall production is the Plastics Industry from hairdressers using plastics. energy management agency recycle. Public authorities’ rising at a moderate yet Association was from throwaway aprons to UN rec- He added that “sanitary Ademe. general approach is to put it regular pace and demand is ommendations that airline and convenient” single use But he adds that for con- with household rubbish for surging for personal pro- March 20 urging food be distributed in blister plastic bags help protect sumers, reusable packaging incineration, which in our tective gear even if volume that its activities packs to the bubble tents that supermarket employees “does not pose a sanitary view is the best situation,” in that sphere is modest allow some relatives to visit “from whatever is lurking on problem” and says to say oth- says Arnaud Brunet of the compared with that for the be considered elderly and sick loved ones, reusable bags.” erwise is simply “lobbying”. Bureau of International auto or construction “essential” during touching them through a According to a Opin- Guastavi says he is “reas- Recycling. industries. transparent plastic film. ionWay-Sodastream poll, 66 sured to see European law- In the future “perhaps we What is certain is that, for lockdown. Even California has had percent of French people say makers not wanting to give shall be able to imagine a the first time since 2008, the partially to lay aside its green they prefer to get packaged ground” on the argument. special collection (for plastic plastics sector is expecting to credentials by dropping for food right now. Kenya is also standing firm goods) or in pharmacies. But endure a worse year than the two months a ban on single France’s Naturalia organic after in June banning all single we aren’t there yet,” he adds. previous one amid the eco- use plastic bags. In Saudi food retail chain says it has use plastic, including water Overall, the recycling nomic fallout from Arabia, some retail centres seen recent sales of bottles, in protected areas. industry is in something of a confinement. 10 ASIA WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2020 China and India agree to de-escalate tensions, promote peace at border

AFP — NEW DELHI “The holding of There was no official comment from New Delhi but China and India have agreed to this meeting shows an Indian army source said that reduce tensions a week after that both sides after the meeting, reportedly their deadliest clashes in over want to deal with lasting almost 11 hours, that 50 years on the disputed Hima- there was a “mutual consensus layan border left 20 Indian their disagreement, to disengage”. troops dead in brutal hand-to- manage the situation He added that ways to hand fighting. reduce frictions in the Ladakh The June 15 battle, reportedly and de-escalate region opposite Tibet “were dis- fought with fists, clubs and rocks, the situation cussed and will be taken was the first time troops have forward by both the sides”. been killed on their frontier through dialogue The meeting came ahead of since 1975 and marked a major and consultations,” virtual talks between the foreign deterioration in ties between the ministers of India, China and An Indian fighter jet flies over a mountain range near Leh, the joint capital of the union territory of two Asian giants. Chinese Foreign Russia later Tuesday, ostensibly Ladakh, yesterday. Chinese foreign ministry Ministry spokesman to discuss the coronavirus and spokesman Zhao Lijian said that said. commemorate the end of the Rajnath Singh, in Moscow this militarised region. China is other of encroaching on their after talks between the top Second World War. week, would press Russia to reportedly following suit. respective territory. regional military commanders While Indian Foreign Min- fast-track delivery of its S-400 In India there have been China is claiming all of the on Monday, both sides “agreed deal with their disagreement, ister S Jaishankar made no missile defence system as well growing calls for a boycott of valley as its own, which Indian to take necessary measures to manage the situation and de- direct mention of the clashes in as spares for fighter planes, Chinese goods. analysts and officials say is a promote a cooling of the escalate the situation through his opening remarks, Russia’s tanks and submarines. The clashes followed an new demand. China now situation”. dialogue and consultations,” Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow China has said it suffered earlier agreement to disengage reportedly controls more of the The Press Trust of India said Zhao told a regular news saw no need to mediate casualties but has not given struck in early June after weeks northern shore of the Pangong the meeting was between Lieu- conference. between the two countries. more details. Indian media of rising tensions on the border, Tso lake. tenant General Harinder Singh, The two sides “exchanged “I don’t think China or India reports suggested more than 40 known as the Line of Actual Harsh Pant from the commander of the 14 Corps, and frank and in-depth views” and need any help whatsoever,” Chinese soldiers were killed or Control, that included several Observer Research Foundation Major General Liu Lin, com- “agreed to maintain dialogue Lavrov said. seriously injured. brawls. think-tank in New Delhi said he mander of the Tibet Military and jointly committed to pro- Russia is a major supplier of India has since sent huge The June 15 violence took was sceptical that anything con- District. moting peace and tranquillity arms to both countries. reinforcements of soldiers, mil- place around 4,500M above sea crete had been resolved so far “The holding of this meeting in the border areas”, Zhao The Times of India reported itary equipment and fighter jets level in the Galwan river valley, in the talks between the military shows that both sides want to added. that Indian Defence Minister into the already highly where both sides accuse each commanders. Virus: Another India could see V-shaped recovery if virus contained: Official Rohingya dies BLOOMBERG — NEW DELHI “If it so happens that in the recover in the next fiscal year decades this year, with some pronounced than anticipated in refugee camp latter half of the year we have to 8.5 percent, which is largely economists seeing a return to and a V-shaped recovery out of India’s top economic adviser the vaccine, then one can antic- due to base effect,” Dharmakirti eight percent-plus growth rates reach” sai Abhishek Gupta, an in Bangladesh said a V-shaped recovery for ipate V-shape recovery starting Joshi, chief economist at Crisil taking as long as a decade. Indian economist the economy is possible this in the second half.” In the Ltd, said. “Vaccine is not coming But Subramanian is con- India’s government ANATOLIA — DHAKA year, provided a vaccine is absence of a vaccine, the eco- this year. Our assumption is it fident that support measures unveiled a 21 trillion-rupee found to contain the COVID-19 nomic recovery will have to will only be available in mid of unveiled by the government, in ($276bn) package to support the One more Rohingya refugee pandemic. wait until next year, although 2021.” addition to a low-base effect, economy, including easing in the crammed camps of “The recovery will happen that too is likely to be V-shaped India’s manufacturing and will help lift economic growth access to credit for small busi- Bangladesh’s southern district after that uncertainty from the given the experience after the services activity took a heavy next year. nesses and offering cheap loans of Cox’s Bazar has died of health side is taken care of,” Spanish flu of 1918, he said. knock in the quarter started “The extended lockdown, to workers and farmers. coronavirus, officials said Krishnamurthy Subramanian, With a coronavirus vaccine April owing to a nationwide cratering production, still-rising “Because of the measures we yesterday. the chief economic adviser to still months or may be even lockdown to stem the corona- COVID-19 cases, inadequate have taken on productivity, we With the latest fatality, the the finance minister, said in an years away, economists outside virus pandemic. That’s put fiscal policy support and limited do anticipate growth to be back number of virus-linked deaths interview with Haslinda Amin the government don’t see a sus- Asia’s third-largest economy on space for further conventional actually to the high level of seven among the persecuted com- at the Bloomberg Invest Global tained recovery anytime soon. course for its first annual con- monetary easing mean the percent and eight percent for munity in the South Asian virtual conference. “We expect the economy to traction in more than four recession will be more sure,” Subramanian said. country reached five, the office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner said. North Korea reinstalls “Until Monday we tested samples of 474 Rohingya, border loudspeakers; including 14 in the last 24 hours, and confirmed 46 pos- itive cases and five deaths,” Dr. liaison office damaged Abu Toha MR Bhuiyan of the commissioner’s office said. REUTERS — SEOUL Analysts at US-based 38 Meanwhile, as many as 32 North, which tracks North Rohingya have recovered from North Korea is reinstalling Korea, said last week that the the disease, including three in loudspeakers blaring propa- explosion “was clearly not a the last 24 hours. ganda across the border in its controlled detonation, as the Some 39 members of the latest step away from inter- building was not levelled and community who contracted Korean peace agreements, there was significant collateral the virus were quarantined in prompting the South’s military damage to the adjacent isolation centers within the to explore similar moves, a buildings.” camps, the RRRC said. South Korean military source The North began taking its A total of 2,088 virus cases, said yesterday. recent actions as it denounced including 30 virus-related Tension between the two North Korean defectors in the deaths have been registered in Koreas has risen in recent South sending propaganda Cox’s Bazar, home to more weeks after the North blew up leaflets across the border. than a million Rohingya ref- a joint liaison office on its side Several defector-led groups ugees, most of whom fled a of the border, declared an end have regularly sent flyers, food, 2017 military crackdown in to dialogue and threatened mil- $1 bills, mini radios and USB Myanmar’s Rakhine state. itary action. sticks containing South Korean North Korea’s military was dramas and news, usually by Taiwan raps Sri Lankan supermarkets open with COVID-19 precautions seen putting up loudspeakers balloon or in bottles in rivers. near the demilitarised zone One group, led by Park China for A staff official wearing protective mask prepares the bill for a customer from behind a protective (DMZ). Such systems were Sang-hak, who fled the isolated screen at a Keels super market, amid concerns about the spread of COVID-19, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, taken down after the two state in 2000, said on Tuesday military drills yesterday. Koreas signed an accord in it flew 20 balloons containing 2018 to cease “all hostile acts,” 500,000 leaflets, 500 booklets REUTERS — TAIPEI the military official said. on South Korea and 2,000 $1 “We’re also considering bills. China should focus on fighting Japanese island marks 75 reinstalling our own loud- South Korea’s government the resurgent coronavirus in speakers,” he said. “But the has pursued legal action to stop Beijing rather than “disturbing” North hasn’t begun any such activities, citing safety Taiwan with military drills near broadcast yet, and we’re just concerns for residents in the Chinese-claimed island, years since Battle of Okinawa getting ready to be able to border towns, but controversy Taiwan Premier Su Tseng- counteract at any time.” remains over whether it vio- chang said yesterday. AP — TOKYO That makes tolerance, mutual American troops confiscated A spokeswoman at Seoul’s lates the country’s protections China’s air force has buzzed trust and cooperation more Okinawan land for their bases. defence ministry declined to for freedom of expression. Taiwan at least eight times in Residents on Okinawa prayed important than ever, he said. Okinawa has asked the central confirm North Korea’s moves Seoul’s Unification Ministry the past two weeks, Taiwan’s for peace and remembered lost “We must gather our government to do more to reduce but reiterated at a regular handling inter-Korean affairs military says, sending fighters loved ones yesterday on the wisdom and push forward to the burden from numerous US briefing that Pyongyang would issued a statement vowing a and bombers into Taiwan’s air 75th anniversary of the end of achieve nuclear weapons ban, military facilities, but changes have “have to pay for the conse- stern response to the leaflet defence identification zone one of WWII’s deadliest war renouncement and lasting come slowly. Many Okinawans quences” if it continues to defy launches by Park’s group. where they have been warned conflicts, the Battle of Okinawa. peace,” Tamaki said. also want a revision to the Status joint efforts to foster peace. Meanwhile, a South Korean off by patrolling Taiwanese jets. At the ceremony held on the Okinawa was Japan’s only of Forces Agreement with the The two countries have for group launched hundreds of “China is very big, and has southern Japanese island to home battleground in WWII, and United States. decades pumped out propa- thousands of leaflets by balloon never given up the use of force honor the more than 200,000 the island remained under US Okinawans have suffered ganda from huge banks of across the border into North to deal with Taiwan. China has who died in the fighting near the occupation for 20 years longer from American base-related speakers as a form of psycho- Korea overnight, an activist always, with such a serious epi- war’s end, Okinawa Governor than the rest of Japan, until 1972. crime, pollution and noise over logical warfare. said yesterday, despite demic, sent their aircraft and Denny Tamaki said accounts of Resentment over a con- the 75 years since the end of the The South aired a blend of repeated warnings from the ships around Taiwan, really dis- the tragedy must be remem- tinued heavy presence of US war, Tamaki said. “Since the end news, Korean pop songs and North that it will retaliate turbing Taiwan,” Su said, adding bered accurately and handed troops runs deep, with more of the war, even when Okinawa criticism of the northern against such actions. that Taiwan only wants to be a down to younger generations. than half of the roughly 50,000 was deprived of human rights regime, while the North blasted Activist Park Sang-hak “contributor to regional peace”. Many people live in places US troops in Japan based there and self-governance under the the South and praised its own said his organisation floated “China, as a large country, of conflict, or face poverty, dis- under a bilateral security treaty. US occupation, we have steadily socialist system. 20 huge balloons carrying should put its national strength crimination and environmental Many Okinawans believe the walked on the path of recon- Commercial satellite 500,000 leaflets, 2,000 one- into looking after people, pollution. Fear and economic post-World War II Japan-US struction and development imagery of the liaison office site dollar bills and small books reducing the impact of the epi- devastation from the corona- security alliance was built on their while protecting our culture and on Monday showed that the on North Korea from the demic and safeguarding virus pandemic have further sacrifices during the war and then the sincerity we inherited from building remained standing, border town of Paju on regional peace." divided societies, Tamaki said. after Japan’s 1945 surrender, when our ancestors,” Tamaki said. but had been heavily damaged. Monday night. WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2020 ASIA 11 Virus: 323 die during self-isolation at home in Pakistan

INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD So far, 3,590 people “At the same time, 72 percent of all the deceased had chronic More than 300 COVID-19 have lost their lives comorbidities such as diabetes, patients have passed away in due to COVID-19 in hypertension, cardiovascular their homes during self- diseases, renal issues, asthma isolation over the past three Pakistan, of whom and other chronic medical ill- months, said federal health 323 or 9 percent nesses,” an official said. authorities. died at homes. These “Of the 89 people who died According to the authorities, [of COVID-19] during the last 24 of the 89 COVID-19 patients were the people hours [between June 21 and 22], who died during 24 hours who were staying at 83 died at hospitals, of whom 64 between June 21 and 22, at least were on ventilators. Of them, 67 six patients lost their lives at homes after testing percent or 60 were men. their homes, including four in positive. A majority Those who died in this Sindh and one each in Punjab period were between 30 and 92 and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP). of them were either years old and 66 percent of “So far, 3,590 people have asymptomatic or with them had comorbidities or lost their lives due to COVID-19 underlying health conditions,” in Pakistan, of whom 323 or 9 mild symptoms. the official added. percent died at homes. These So far, 53 healthcare pro- were the people who were viders have lost their lives in the staying at homes after testing fell prey to viral disease at their country, including 37 doctors, positive. A majority of them homes, 182 belonged to Sindh, one medical student, two nurses were either asymptomatic or which is the highest number of and 10 paramedics while the with mild symptoms. deaths in home isolation. A total details of the remaining three "When the authorities of 141 people died at home in have been sought from Punjab, A woman reacts as a paramedic takes a swab sample at a glass booth, to be tested for the coronavirus checked about their well-being the rest of the country, including an official said. disease, in Karachi, Pakistan, yesterday. on phone, their families Punjab, KP, Balochistan, “We have lost two doctors reported them dead,” an official Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and during the last 24 hours, “Around 76 percent of the women and one transgender the age group of 71-80, 138 of the National Health Services, Azad Kashmir. including one from District total confirmed cases are in the person had so far lost their lives among people between 81 and Regulations and Coordination According to the authorities, Sujawal in Sindh and the other age group of up to 50 years but due to the viral illness in 90 years and only 12 deaths (NHSR and C) said. of the 3,590 deaths in Pakistan from District Sahiwal in fortunately but only 25 percent Pakistan. were recorded among people The health authorities due to the novel coronavirus, Punjab,” the official added. of the 3,590 COVID-19 deaths According to him, there had above 91 years of age. explained that of the 3,590 2,589 were men who consti- Officials said that men occurred in this age group. We been only nine deaths among Punjab is the most affected COVID-19 victims in Pakistan, tuted 72 percent of the total between 50 and 70 years with have 1,051 deaths in the age children up to 10 years of age, 31 province of the country where 3,267 died at various hospitals. deaths, which suggests that men comorbidities were three times group of 51-60 years followed among youngsters between 11 40 per cent of the 3,590 deaths They added that despite all the are more prone to contract the more likely to die due to by 992 deaths in the age group and 20 years of age, 97 among have occurred during the last problems, the case fatality rate disease compared to women as COVID-19 in Pakistan as com- of 61-70 years,” the official people of the 21-30 age group, three months, officials said, (CFR) of COVID-19 in Pakistan the mortality among the male pared to women, adding that added. 547 among people of the 41-50 adding that Sindh recorded 30 has been 1.98 per cent com- COVID-19 patients is around around 75 percent of the deaths Sharing the gender-wise age group, 1,051 among the age per cent of the deaths, followed pared to 5.20 percent globally. three times higher compared to occurred in the age group of 51 data of deaths, the official said group of 51-60, 992 among the by KP where 23 percent of the Among those patients who the female patients. years and above in the country. that a total of 2,589 men, 1,000 age group of 61-70, 492 among deaths occurred. Pakistani police kill 4 in raid on Singapore leader calls early polls despite pandemic AP — SINGAPORE attempt to take advantage of a new government a fresh full elections now because there is said she is worried about having militant hideout quiet window before a possible five-year mandate. It can then “no assurance” the pandemic an election during the Singapore Prime Minister Lee worsening of the pandemic’s focus on this national agenda will end by next April. Despite pandemic. AFP — PESHAWAR Hsien Loong called yesterday impact. and the difficult decisions it will a ban on rallies, he said political “Of course we have to do for early general elections Lee said the country must have to make and to carry.” parties can still campaign effec- our parts as Singaporeans, but Pakistani police said yesterday despite the coronavirus, saying prepare for ups and downs, Singapore was initially tively and voters can cast ballots the negative part is that because their counter-terrorism forces, the outbreak has stabilised and noting there has been a resur- hailed as a model for containing safely, citing examples in recent of COVID, we are not supposed acting on intelligence, raided there is no assurance it will be gence in cases in some coun- the virus, but cases in the elections held in South Korea, to be gathering, and I’m afraid a suspected militant hideout over by next April, when the tries that have reopened. He country of only 5.8 million Taiwan and several European that there will be another wave in the country’s northwest, current government’s term also said Singapore hasn’t felt people then soared to more countries. of COVID,” she said. triggering an intense shootout ends. the full brunt of the economic than 42,000, one of the highest Lee said more polling sta- Lee’s People’s Action Party, in which four suspects were Parliament was dissolved to fallout yet, so there will be more infection rates in Asia, with tions will be set up, voters will in power since 1959, is widely killed. pave the way for the polls, business closures and higher most linked to dormitories used be allocated time slots to cast expected to keep its over- Police also seized assault which the Elections Department unemployment. to house foreign migrant their ballots to prevent crowds, whelming majority in Par- rifles and other weapons in the said would be held on July 10. “A long struggle lies ahead,” workers. Lee said infections in senior citizens will be given pri- liament, where it currently overnight operation. The sus- The announcement came he said in a televised speech. the dorms have declined, while ority, and safe distancing rules holds 83 out of the 89 seats. The pects had gathered at a home just four days after the city-state “An election now when things cases outside the dorms have will be observed. test will be whether it can retain in the city of Peshawar, the lifted most coronavirus restric- are relatively stable will clear stabilized. Nur Azlinda, a 38-year-old the 69.9 percent share of the capital of Khyber tions, and appeared to be an the decks and give the He said he decided to hold telecommunications worker, vote it received in 2015. Pakhtunkhwa province, to plan attacks, said Sannaullah Abbasi, the province’s police chief. Taliban kill at least 8 Afghan The operation was suc- cessful and “saved many forces in raids on checkposts innocent people from possible attacks,” he said. Abbasi pro- AFP — KUNDUZ vided no further details, but other officials said the slain Dozens of Taliban fighters stormed three checkposts in pre-dawn militants apparently belonged raids in northern Afghanistan yesterday, killing at least eight to a banned group. security personnel, in the latest attack on government forces ahead Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of expected peace talks. province borders Afghanistan It comes after authorities this week accused the Taliban of and has witnessed dozens of increasing attacks on Afghan forces at a time when both sides are militant attacks in recent preparing to start delayed negotiations. The simultaneous raids years, most of them claimed on one army and two police checkpoints in Kunduz province led by the Pakistani Taliban. to fierce gunfights that lasted for hours, officials said. Eight members of Afghan security forces were killed and seven Nine missing more were wounded in the fighting, district head Nasruddin Saadi said. Kunduz provincial governor spokesman Esmatullah Muradi after Indonesia confirmed the coordinated attack but said nine security personnel were killed in the night-time battle. boat accident The Taliban have so far not commented. Taliban fighters have repeatedly attacked security forces in AFP — MEDAN and around Kunduz province. The city itself has briefly fallen twice to the insurgents in recent years. Nine fishermen are missing in Taliban fighters also raided an army checkpost in Balkh Indonesia after their boat Social distancing in classroom province and another in Ghazni province during the night, the capsized off Sumatra island, defence ministry said, adding that several insurgents had been an official said yesterday, as Kindergarten students from the Wichuthit school wearing face masks and face shields attend a class killed in ensuing clashes. On Monday, the National Security Council poor conditions hamper the during a rehearsal social distancing and measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease said the Taliban had killed at least 291 Afghan security personnel search for them. ahead of nationwide school reopening in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. over the past week, saying it was the “deadliest” week in the Their vessel sank on 19-year conflict. Monday after it was hit by bad weather and high waves off the island’s northwestern Coronavirus testing in Beijing China warns risk of naval coast. “The search has not been fruitful,” local search and incident with US on the rise rescue agency official Benteng to gather pace as cases mount Telambuana said. AFP — BEIJING “We haven’t found any REUTERS — BEIJING Beijing can now administer compound is locked down if trace of the fishermen’s more than 300,000 nucleic there is even one infection. The US military is deploying “unprecedented” numbers to the whereabouts so far.” Beijing’s mass testing for the acid tests per day compared “The strategy of Beijing’s Asia-Pacific region, raising the risk of an incident with China’s The accident happened new coronavirus will soon with 40,000 in March, Zhang nucleic acid screening is mainly navy, a senior Chinese official said yesterday. several days after a boat car- enter a “fast track”, a senior Hua, deputy director at the based on the level of risk and Tensions between the two superpowers have soared on mul- rying 16 fishermen capsized municipal health official said Beijing Municipal Health Com- on severity,” Zhang said, when tiple fronts since President Donald Trump took office in 2017, near the Anak Krakatau yesterday, suggesting that mission, told reporters. asked if everyone in Beijing with both countries flexing their diplomatic and military muscle. volcano in Sunda Strait, which COVID-19 screening in China’s Beijing took samples from would be tested. The United States’ regular “freedom of navigation” operations separates Sumatra and Java capital is about to gather pace 2.95 million people between Testing will be done in in the South China Sea — where China and neighbouring coun- islands. in efforts to curb the latest June 12 and June 22, Zhang said. batches and according to the tries have competing claims — angers Beijing, and China’s navy Nine of the fishermen have outbreak. Residents in so-called high profile of individuals, he said. usually warns off the US ships. since been found alive while The city of more than 20 and medium-risk neighbour- Beijing has also been For its part, Beijing has infuriated other nations by building seven more are still missing. million residents reported its hoods have been told to take expanding its testing regime to artificial islands with military installations in parts of the sea. Maritime accidents are first case in the latest outbreak tests. Beijing has designated five other parts of the city, amid “The US military deployment in the Asia-Pacific region is unprec- common in Indonesia, a on June 11. The infections were neighbourhoods as high-risk concern the virus may have edented,” said Wu Shicun, president of the National Institute of South Southeast Asian archipelago linked to Beijing’s sprawling and 39 as medium-risk, as of spread. China Sea Studies, a government think tank. “The possibility of a of around 17,000 islands, due Xinfadi wholesale food centre. yesterday. A few people who were not military incident or an accidental shot fired is rising,” Wu said. to lax safety standards. Since then, 249 people have People can leave and enter among the close contacts of the “If a crisis were to erupt, the repercussions on bilateral rela- In January, 10 people went been infected in Beijing’s worst medium-risk neighbourhoods, confirmed cases have tested tions would be catastrophic.” Wu spoke at the presentation of a missing after a boat carrying outbreak since the novel corona- but apartment blocks with two positive for COVID-19 even report by his institute on the US military presence in the region. 20 migrant workers to neigh- virus was identified at a seafood confirmed cases or more will be though they had not visited The report said the US has deployed 375,000 soldiers and 60 bouring Malaysia capsized off market in the central Chinese city locked down. In high-risk neigh- Xinfadi, according to official percent of its warships in the Indo-Pacific region. Three US air- the coast of Sumatra island. of Wuhan late last year. bourhoods, an entire residential reports. craft carriers have been sent to the region. 12 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2020 German region in new lockdown after infections at slaughterhouse AP — BERLIN The governor of North for parts of its operation. The practice, which is common in German authorities slapped Rhine-Westphalia the German meat industry and new lockdown measures state, Armin Laschet, which the government now yesterday on a western region wants to ban, often involves that has seen hundreds of coro- said people in migrant workers living in navirus infections linked to a Guetersloh and parts cramped communal housing slaughterhouse, trying to make of a neighbouring and being transported to abat- sure the cluster doesn’t race toirs in minibuses, heightening into the wider community. county for the next the risk of infection. Authorities initially said week will face some of A video circulating on social more than 1,550 people had media also showed workers at tested positive for coronavirus the same restrictions the plant seated close together at the Toennies slaughterhouse that existed across during break times, although in Rheda-Wiedenbrueck, but the company has disputed how by yesterday afternoon they Germany during the recent the video is. Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during a daily briefing to update on the coronavirus said the exact number was still early stages of the Laschet expressed his frus- disease outbreak, at 10 Downing Street in London, yesterday. being verified. tration yesterday at the com- Thousands of workers, pandemic in March. pany’s handling of the out- many of them migrants from break, saying authorities had Johnson eases social distancing Eastern Europe, and family to order Toennies — Germany’s members have been put under intensive testing, and can then biggest meat processing a quarantine to try to halt the see more clearly within seven company — to release the rule, more businesses to reopen outbreak. days what the situation is,” names of its employees. The governor of North Laschet said. “The readiness to cooperate REUTERS — LONDON of COVID-19 cases, he could households to meet in any Rhine-Westphalia state, Armin Cinemas, fitness studios and could have been greater,” he reopen swathes of the setting and all schools will Laschet, said people in clubs will be closed, but stores said. Prime Minister Boris Johnson economy. reopen in September, he said, Guetersloh and parts of a neigh- will remain open and restau- Laschet said the measures said yesterday, restaurants and By relaxing the rule on adding that laws specifying bouring county for the next rants can still serve customers will be lifted June 30 if the sit- hotels could reopen in England social distancing from two social contact would be week will face some of the from the same household. Pre- uation has improved, but early next month, easing the metres to one metre-plus, with replaced with the new same restrictions that existed viously, the western county had declined to provide specific coronavirus lockdown that has the ‘plus’ meaning measures guidance. across Germany during the only closed schools and daycare parameters for success. He also all but shut the economy. like wearing masks and using Business cautiously wel- early stages of the pandemic in centers, sparking anger from urged other regions in Germany In other signs of a gradual protective screens, Johnson said comed the measures. Adam March. parents who said their children not to discriminate against return to normal life, hair- many businesses could reopen Marshall, Director-General of These include limiting the were being punished for failings people from Guetersloh. dressers will open again along from July 4. the British Chambers of Com- number of people who can at the slaughterhouse. The German news agency with tourist attractions like “Today we can say that our merce, said: “We are still a long meet in public to those from a Prior to the Toennies out- dpa reported that 14 people on theme parks, but clubs, indoor long, national hibernation is way from business as usual. single household or two people break, Germany had been vacation, some of them from gyms and swimming pools will beginning to come to an end,” Broader efforts to boost from separate households, widely praised for its handling Guetersloh, were told on stay closed. he told parliament. “All hospi- business and consumer confi- Laschet said. of the pandemic. Intensive Monday to leave the north- Johnson has been under tality indoors will be limited to dence will still be needed.” “We will order a lockdown testing, tracing and hospital eastern island of Usedom, a pressure from businesses, espe- table service and our guidance Britain has one of the highest for the whole of Guetersloh preparation measures kept popular Baltic Sea resort. And cially in the hospitality sector, will encourage minimal staff death toll in the world from county,” he told reporters yes- Germany’s death toll five times Bavaria issued a ban on hotels and from members of his gov- and customer contact.” COVID-19, but the number of terday. “The purpose is to calm smaller than Britain’s. Germany renting rooms to people from erning Conservative Party to He encouraged people to cases has been steadily falling. the situation, to expand testing has seen over 8,900 confirmed Guetersloh or other counties relax the lockdown, but until return to England’s clubs, but Health officials on Monday to establish whether or not the virus deaths and about 192,000 with more than 50 new cases now he had resisted for fear of said they should act responsibly reported just 15 new deaths, the virus has spread beyond the cases. per 100,000 inhabitants. prompting a second wave. and that those enjoying the lowest rise since mid-March. employees of Toennies.” Toennies Group, a family- Exceptions will be made for Yesterday, he said with British tradition should give The daily tally of deaths “We will get a better picture owned company, has been crit- people who can present a neg- infection rates falling and little their names on arrival. peaked in April, when the toll of the situation through icized for using subcontractors ative coronavirus test. current threat of a second wave The changes will allow two exceeded 1,000 on nine days. Families pay tribute to three men slain in English park French policeman gets

AP — LONDON 40 miles west of London. A and he will always be with us man. He was beautiful, intel- 25-year-old suspect is in in our hearts.” ligent, honest and fun,’’ said his suspended sentence for The families of the three victims custody but officials say the The family of Joseph parents, Gary and Janet. “He of a stabbing rampage in a motive for the carnage is Ritchie-Bennett, who was orig- was the best son, brother, uncle ‘yellow vest’ violence English park paid tribute to unclear. inally from Philadelphia, also and partner you could wish for. their loved ones yesterday, In a joint statement, the expressed their sadness. We are thankful for the mem- saying how their hearts have families each offered a reck- “I was absolutely blessed ories he gave us all. We will AFP — STRASBOURG likely lead to his dismissal, been broken at losing them in oning of their grief. and proud to be Joe’s father for never forget him and he will live according to the victim’s what is being treated as a terror The parents of David Wails 39 years and we are heart- in our hearts forever.” A French court yesterday lawyer. attack. described him as a much-loved broken by what has happened,” Police have not identified the handed a suspended 18-month Also on Tuesday, four riot Police named the dead as son, brother and uncle who his father said. suspect, but Britain’s national prison sentence to a police police were brought before a James Furlong, David Wails and never hurt anyone in his life. The tributes came just a day news agency, Press Association, officer who struck a judge after being questioned Joseph Ritchie-Bennett. The “We are broken-hearted at after the community gathered and other media outlets named 62-year-old woman during a over alleged violence against three friends were enjoying a losing him and in such a terrible for a moment of silence. More the alleged attacker as Khairi “yellow vest” anti-government protesters in a fast food res- warm Saturday evening when way,’’ his parents said in a than 100 students lit candles Saadallah, a Libyan asylum- protest last year, a scene taurant during a yellow vest they were attacked at Forbury statement released by the and laid flowers in memory of seeker living in Reading. captured by surveillance video. demo near the Arc de Triomphe Gardens park in Reading, a police. “We will treasure our Furlong, a history teacher. Three other people were The ruling comes as France in Paris, a judicial source said. town of 200,000 people some wonderful memories of him “James was a wonderful wounded in the attack. grapples with renewed claims Several journalists were in of alleged police violence, the restaurant as well, and including several mass rallies filmed some officers striking Police probing inspired in part by the death in people even as they lay custody of George Floyd in the immobile on the ground. ‘White Lives US. France’s police watchdog The officer was among riot said this month that it had Matter’ banner police deployed at a demon- received almost 1,500 com- stration in Strasbourg, eastern plaints against officers last France, in January 2019, at the year, of which roughly half AP — BURNLEY height of the yellow vest pro- were for alleged violence tests that often spiralled into against civilians. Police are looking into an vandalism and clashes with According to an official incident in which a plane security forces. count, about 2,500 demon- pulled a banner with the words An internal police report strators and 1,800 law “White Lives Matter Burnley” found that the 47-year-old enforcement agents were on it over Manchester City’s officer “was not threatened injured in yellow vest Etihad Stadium at the start of directly or personally by any protests. a Premier League match demonstrator or the victim.” But critics accused police of between the teams. The woman was struck with a excessive force in several cases, The aircraft came into view baton twice, resulting in including the use of rubber moments after players and wounds that required 12 bullets that caused around two- coaches from both clubs took stitches on the back of her dozen people to lose an eye, a knee at kickoff on Monday in head, and video also showed and explosive stun grenades to support of the Black Lives the officer kicking her as she disperse protesters. Matter movement. It circled the lay on the ground. Only a handful of officers stadium for several minutes. During the trial the officer have faced trial over the claims. Police in Lancashire said on acknowledged his actions were The controversy flared Twitter they will be “fully “unauthorised” but said he anew this week after it investigating” the incident yes- Drive-through test in France remembered only striking her emerged that four French terday. The banner was quickly once. police were taken in for ques- Employees of the Institut Pasteur de Guyane conduct a coronavirus test with a patient in his vehicle condemned by Burnley, which He will not be allowed to tioning recently over the death in Cayenne, in the French overseas department of Guyane, yesterday. The Institut Pasteur de Guyane has vowed to “work fully with carry any weapon for five of a delivery man after his the authorities to identify those offers COVID-19 drive-through tests for people living in Cayenne and in Guyane. years, and the conviction will arrest last January. responsible and issue lifetime bans.” It comes at a time when the Premier League and its clubs are throwing their weight Kin demand answers over French driver’s death during police check behind the Black Lives Matter movement. REUTERS — PARIS over his death have resurfaced Monde and Mediapart. Family members have said request for a comment. When the league season after the killing of George Floyd “He was shouting out, ‘I autopsy results showed a A judicial source said Paris resumed last week amid the The family of Cedric Chouviat, a in the United States ignited can’t breathe, I can’t breathe, I fracture to Chouviat’s larynx, prosecutors had opened a man- coronavirus outbreak, “Black French delivery driver who died global protests against alleged can’t breathe’,” Christian and they urged Macron to slaughter inquiry into Chou- Lives Matter” replaced player in January after being stopped by police brutality. Chouviat told reporters at a change some methods used by viat’s death. The four police names on the backs of shirts. police, yesterday demanded Chouviat’s father said his news conference organised by the police when making officers involved in Chouviat’s Players, coaches and match answers about his death from son had said he could not the family. arrests, to make them less arrest are due to be questioned officials have taken a knee for President Emmanuel Macron. breathe based on video “I am addressing myself violent. over the incident. about 10 seconds before The 42-year-old died after footage of his arrest in January directly to President Macron,” Officials at the French Chouviat’s family expressed kickoff in the first 12 matches being pinned to the ground that was subsequently leaked added Chouviat’s daughter Interior Ministry did not anger that the officers had not of the resumption. during a traffic check. Questions to French media such as Le Sofia. “We want answers.” immediately respond to a been suspended. WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2020 EUROPE 13 US seeks to widen nuclear arms deal with Russia

REUTERS — VIENNA US Special Presidential withdrew from the 1987 Inter- Envoy for Arms mediate-range Nuclear Forces The United States wants to Control, Marshall Treaty (INF), with senior officials broaden its main nuclear arms Billingslea, said saying Moscow had deployed control agreement with Russia “multiple battalions” of a cruise to include all their atomic Washington would missile throughout Russia in vio- weapons, a US envoy said keep pressing China to lation of the pact and that some yesterday after talks with join the talks. had “the ability to strike critical Moscow on a new accord. European targets”. US Special Presidential Envoy Russia denied that, saying the for Arms Control, Marshall Bill- missile’s range puts it outside the ingslea, also said Washington favours a multilateral accord, treaty. A more comprehensive would keep pressing China to join possibly including France and agreement would be intended to the talks on replacing the 2010 Britain, Billingslea said. overcome such disputes and New Strategic Arms Reduction “We, the United States, intend avoid further erosion of the Treaty (New START) which and believe... that the next arms global arms control architecture. expires in February. control agreement must cover all China, whose nuclear arsenal is The two sides, who were nuclear weapons, not just so- a fraction the size of the United rivals in the Cold War, agreed to called strategic nuclear States’ or Russia’s, has rejected set up technical working groups weapons,” he told a news con- US attempts to involve them in and to hold further talks, possibly ference in Vienna that followed the negotiations. Billingslea in late July or early August, he the talks there yesterday. posted a picture of Chinese flags said, but gave no details of the New START caps the coun- at empty seats around the nego- working groups. Washington tries’ deployed strategic nuclear tiating table before talks began, wants Beijing involved because weapons warheads at 1,550 each, a move Beijing dismissed as an it says China is secretly racing to far fewer than the thousands of act of “performance art”. Marshall Billingslea (right), US Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control, and US Air Force Lieutenant increase the size and reach of its atomic weapons they possess. Russia said China joining was General, Thomas Bussiere, at a press conference in Vienna yesterday. nuclear arsenal, but Moscow Last year Washington unrealistic. Former US marine jailed by Russia on spying charges hopes for prisoner swap Russia to hike REUTERS — MOSCOW him, the lawyer, Vladimir Zher- “Today we met him pilot named Konstantin Yaro- ebenkov, was quoted as saying. (Whelan) in the detention shenko, who was convicted of taxes on high Former US marine Paul Whelan Whelan, who holds US, facility and after a discussion it conspiracy to smuggle cocaine. (pictured), who was sentenced British, Canadian and Irish was decided not to appeal the Putin’s spokesman Dmitry earners from to 16 years in a Russian prison passports, was detained by verdict because he doesn’t Peskov said yesterday the last week on spying charges, agents from Russia’s Federal believe in Russian justice,” Kremlin had noted Whelan’s next year hopes to be freed as part of a Security Service (FSB) in a Interfax quoted Zherebenkov decision not to appeal his con- prisoner swap with the United Moscow hotel room on as saying. viction, but declined to AFP — MOSCOW States, his lawyer said December 28, 2018. “He hopes that he will be comment further. yesterday, Interfax news agency Russia says Whelan, 50, was swapped for Russians in the US Secretary of State Mike President Vladimir Putin said reported. caught with a computer flash near future who have been con- Pompeo said last week after the yesterday that Russia will Whelan will therefore not drive containing classified victed in the United States.” court sentenced Whelan to 16 from next year increase taxes appeal his espionage conviction information. Zherebenkov has previously years in jail that the verdict had on high earners, the first hike but will instead hold consulta- Whelan, who pleaded not said he believes Moscow wants caused outrage in Washington. in decades, as he laid out tions with Western diplomats guilty, said he was set up in a to exchange Whelan for two The US ambassador to Moscow, measures to tackle the about the merits of asking Pres- sting operation and had thought Russian acquaintance, con- Russians held in US prisons — John Sullivan, called his trial “a economic fallout of the coro- ident Vladimir Putin to pardon the drive, given to him by a tained holiday photos. arms dealer Viktor Bout and a mockery of justice”. navirus. He said that from January 1, 2021 the tax rate will rise from 13 percent to 15 percent Russians throng river on income over five million rubles ($73,000), in Russia’s first move away from a flat cruises as Moscow tax rate introduced in 2001. Addressing Russians in a lengthy televised speech, lockdown eases Putin said the country is facing huge economic chal- REUTERS — MOSCOW Moscow’s mayor, Sergei lenges after the coronavirus Sobyanin, said late on Monday epidemic and associated Russians soaked up the sun on that life in the capital had restrictions on business. boat cruises on the river Moskva already largely returned to its “Since 2001 we have had yesterday for the first time in normal rhythm, but warned a flat tax. Its introduction at three months after authorities that some restrictions remained the time allowed us to take lifted many of the city’s last in force including a ban on mass incomes out of the shadows, remaining restrictions aimed at public events such as protests. to make taxation easier,” he halting the novel coronavirus. Sobyanin’s critics accuse said. Officials in the city of 12.7 him of rushing to ease the “But now with a better million, the epicentre of Rus- lockdown in time to allow a Red quality of administration and sia’s outbreak, say new infec- Square military parade today the introduction of digital tions have been falling from a and a July 1 nationwide vote technologies, we can spread peak in May and stood at just that could extend President the tax burden in a differ- over 1,000 yesterday. Russia’s Vladimir Putin’s rule until 2036. ential way and direct the national case load, the world’s A brass band played on the additional funds towards third highest, is nearly 600,000. roof of one boat cruise passing solving specific and The city, which began near the Kremlin’s terra-cotta important issues,” he said Citizens line up observing social distance rules, in Moscow, yesterday, as coronavirus curbs have been rapidly relaxing an array of walls, while on another pas- relaxed further and restaurants and cafes reopened in the capital. lockdown restrictions earlier sengers — mostly in medical this month, yesterday allowed masks and gloves — waved restaurants, cafes, libraries, their hats at people watching Radisson Flotilla’s deputy mar- urged residents to continue But yesterday the streets 3 lawmakers playgrounds and gyms to open from the embankment. keting director. “We’re starting wearing masks and gloves and were bustling and many people properly and for river cruises “It’s a beautiful sunny day up again after three months on to observe social distancing were ignoring those acquitted of to resume. today,” said Olga Kacheva, the standby.” Authorities have rules. guidelines. defamation State of emergency in Serbia, WMO seeks to verify in Denmark AP — COPENHAGEN

Bosnia after rain and flooding 'worrying' reports of A Danish court acquitted three lawmakers yesterday of defa- REUTERS — BELGRADE mation for writing an email in Arctic heat record which they said public funds should not be granted to an Torrential rain and flooding REUTERS — GENEVA The Arctic is warming organisation helping women in Serbia and Bosnia forced exposed to psychological authorities to declare a state The World Meteorological at twice the speed of violence because the woman of emergency yesterday, as Organisation (WMO) said the global average. behind it didn’t distance swollen rivers damaged yesterday it was seeking to herself from Islam’s Sharia bridges, roads and power confirm reports of a record law. lines. temperature reading of more In 2017, Naser Khader, Serbia, which is also bat- than 100 degrees Fahrenheit in a team had “given tentative Martin Henriksen and Marcus tling a rising number of coro- Siberia, saying they were acceptance of this observation Knuth — all members of navirus cases, declared an “worrying” but appeared to be as a legitimate observation”, centre-right parties in Den- emergency situation in nine consistent with warming trends. which he said was consistent mark’s Parliament — wrote an municipalities in the coun- The WMO has asked Russian with other regional data. email to three centre-left law- try’s west and southwest. authorities to confirm the Siberia has experienced makers urging them not to In the city of Kraljevo, the reading of 38 degrees Celsius “exceptional heat” in recent back a $102,000 public grant A view of a submerged house after heavy rains hit Srebrenica, Ibar river tore two floating (100.4 Fahrenheit) reported in weeks, the WMO added. to the organisation headed by Bosnia and Herzegovina, yesterday. restaurants from their the Russian town of The Geneva-based UN Shirin Khankan. moorings, smashing them Verkhoyansk, north of the Arctic agency expects to hear back Their attempt failed and against a bridge. and evacuating,” the Interior Traffic was blocked on Circle, on June 21. from Russia’s meteorological the money was allocated. “The city... declared an Ministry said in a statement. the main road connecting “We’ve seen satellite images agency within days and will The three writers said emergency situation... all More rain is forecast for Tuzla and the capital this morning and it’s just one then start its own verification Khankan was “a controversial Civil Defense units have been later in the day. Sarajevo, and hundreds of mass of red. It’s striking and wor- process to check whether the figure” because she didn’t want deployed,” the Tanjug news In 2014 dozens of people buildings and homes were rying,” WMO spokeswoman reading, which is more typical to distance herself from Islam’s agency quoted Kraljevo died in Serbia in massive badly damaged. Several fam- Clare Nullis told a Geneva of the tropics, i s an all-time Sharia law, among others. mayor Predrag Terzic as floods which also pushed the ilies were evacuated on briefing. record. Khankan is also a female imam saying. In other places, European Union candidate Monday, local authorities The Arctic is warming at In February, the WMO said running a mosque for mainly smaller rivers burst their country into recession. said. twice the speed of the global a research base in the Antarctic women. banks, cutting off roads and In Bosnia’s northeast, Rivers also flooded large average and this year an unu- had recorded the hottest tem- In acquitting the men, the power lines. heavy rains caused flooding areas of agricultural land and sually hot Siberian spring has perature ever for that Eastern High Court said their “Members of the and landslides, prompting washed away bridges. Many melted ground snow and broken continent. statements were “made as part Department for Emergency authorities in towns in the local roads and houses were up river ice early. “Month after month we are of a public debate on issues of Situations... are providing Tuzla region to declare a state flooded in eastern Bosnian Professor Randall Cerveny, surprised, concerned by tem- significant social interest,” and assistance to the population of natural disaster. towns bordering Serbia. WMO Rapporteur on Weather perature readings that we see,” within the limits of the and Climate Extremes, said that Nullis said. freedom of speech. 14 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2020

Trump accuses Fauci hopeful for Obama of treason without a vaccine by late evidence 2020, early 2021 REUTERS — WASHINGTON US President Donald Trump, The health officials returned trailing in opinion polls at a There is still no to Capitol Hill at a fraught time of anti-racism protests vaccine for COVID- moment in the nation’s pandemic and a surge in coronavirus response, with coronavirus cases cases, lashed out at the admin- 19, and there are no rising in about half the states and istration of Barack Obama, the treatments specifically political polarisation competing country’s first Black president, for attention with public health with a baseless accusation of developed for the recommendations. treason. disease, although “We’ve been hit badly,” said The accusation, offered the antiviral drug Fauci, infectious diseases chief without evidence in an at the National Institutes of interview on Monday, was the remdesivir has been Health. He said he was “really Republican president’s latest shown to help some quite concerned” about rising effort to tarnish Obama, a community spread in some popular Democrat whom patients, as well states. Trump has targeted for years, as a steroid called “The next couple of weeks including falsely suggesting he are going to be critical in our Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, arrives for a was not US-born. dexamethasone, and ability to address those surges,” House Committee hearing on the Trump Administration’s Response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in Trump trails the pre- plasma from patients he said. Washington, DC, yesterday. sumptive Democratic Fauci, who heads the nominee, Joe Biden, who was who have recovered. National Institute of Allergy and his supporters didn’t wear masks, distancing. And, in a recent ABC to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Obama’s vice president, by 13 Infectious Diseases, was testi- which for some was an act of News interview, he said political Pallone said. percentage points ahead of the AP — WASHINGTON fying along with Centres for defiance against what they see demonstrations such as protests “As communities across the November 3 presidential Disease Control director Dr. as government intrusion. White against racial injustice are “risky” country ease social distancing election. The government’s top infectious Robert Redfield, Federal Drug House officials later tried to walk to all involved. Asked if that guidance and reopen their econ- Under Trump, the US disease expert said yesterday he Administration chief Dr. Stephen back Trump’s comment there on applied to Trump rallies, he said omies, it is critically important Justice Department is is cautiously optimistic that there Hahn and the head of the US slowing down testing, suggesting it did. Fauci continues to rec- that both the administration and reviewing a probe that found will be a COVID-19 vaccine by Public Health Service, Adm Brett it wasn’t meant to be taken ognise widespread testing as Congress remain focused on con- foreign interference in the 2016 the end of the year or early 2021, Giroir. literally. critical for catching clusters of taining the spread of the corona- election he won. He previously but warned that the next few Since Fauci’s last appearance Rep Frank Pallone of New COVID-19 cases before they turn virus and providing the resources accused Obama of spying on weeks will be critical to tamping at a high-profile hearing more Jersey, who chairs the Energy and into full outbreaks in a given and support Americans need his campaign but not treason. down coronavirus hot spots than a month ago, the US has Commerce Committee, said community. during this time of crisis.” Asked what crime might around the country. begun emerging from weeks of during yesterday’s hearing that About 2.3 million Americans There is still no vaccine for have been committed by Dr. Anthony Fauci and other stay-at-home orders and Trump’s testing comment at the have been sickened in the pan- COVID-19, and there are no spying, Trump told the top health officials also said they business shutdowns. But it’s being rally “was an extremely reckless demic, and some 120,000 have treatments specifically developed Christian Broadcasting have not been asked to slow done in an uneven way, with action, and unfortunately it con- died, according to data from for the disease, although the anti- Network: “It’s treason. Look, down testing for coronavirus, an some states far less cautious than tinues the president’s pattern of Johns Hopkins University. viral drug remdesivir has been when I came out a long time issue that became controversial others. A trio of states with ignoring the advice of his own Giroir was tapped by the shown to help some patients, as ago, I said they’ve been spying after President Donald Trump Republican governors who are public health experts.” Trump, White House to oversee the well as a steroid called dexame- on our campaign... Let’s see said last weekend that he had bullish on reopening — Arizona, departing the White House for a expansion of coronavirus testing. thasone, and plasma from what happens to them now.” asked them to do just that Florida and Texas — are among visit to Arizona yesterday, played But he gained notoriety after a patients who have recovered. “(William) Barr is doing a great because it was uncovering too those seeing worrisome increases down those comments, saying whistleblower complaint flagged Since Fauci last testified, hos- job as attorney general, let’s many infections. Trump said on in cases. under his administration the US him for trying to push a malaria pital physicians have become see what they come up with,” Wednesday that he wasn’t Last week, Vice President is doing more testing than any drug touted by Trump to treat more skilled in treating corona- he said. Barr has said he does kidding when he said that. Mike Pence published an opinion other country. Trump’s trip COVID-19 without conclusive virus patients with the techniques not expect Obama or Biden to “We will be doing more article in The Wall Street Journal includes a rally at a scientific evidence. The FDA has and medications at their be charged. testing,” Fauci told a House saying the administration’s megachurch. since withdrawn its emergency disposal. Representatives for committee. efforts have strengthened the Fauci has recently warned use authorisation for The US continues to ramp up Obama, who was scheduled The US has tested more than nation’s ability to counter the that the US is still in the first wave hydroxychloroquine. testing, with some 27.5 million to appear at a virtual fund- 27 million people, with about 2.3 virus and should be “a cause for of the pandemic and has con- “There have been a lot of Americans, or more than 8 raiser with Biden yesterday, million — or 8.4 percent — testing celebration.” Then at Trump’s tinued to urge the American unfortunate missteps in the percent of the population, tested said he had no comment on positive. weekend rally in Tulsa, many of public to practice social Trump administration’s response thus far. Trump’s accusation. Trump to extend US work visa freeze to year-end: White House US House panel calls Trump AFP — WASHINGTON on Monday afternoon, will extend “disappointed” by the was necessary to respond to industries at the entry level, and and widen the 60-day freeze announcement. soaring unemployment that will do more to get the best and broadcasting US President Donald Trump will Trump placed on new work “Immigration has con- resulted from the COVID-19 the brightest.” The move also prolong a ban on US employment permits for non-US citizens two tributed immensely to America’s shutdown. freezes most H-2B visas — used chief to testify permits to year-end and broaden months ago. economic success, making it a The official also stressed the each year for about 66,000 it to include H-1B visas used The administration official global leader in tech,” he wrote H-1B visa freeze was temporary short-term, low-skilled jobs in REUTERS — WASHINGTON widely in the tech industry, the said the new order would extend on Twitter. while the programme is restruc- landscaping, food and hospitality White House said Monday. to the end of 2020 and include The move comes as Trump tured, shifting from an annual industries — and H-4 visas, The US House of Representa- A senior administration H-1B visas provided to 85,000 feuds with Silicon Valley after lottery that feeds coders and which allow spouses of other visa tives Foreign Affairs Committee official told journalists the move workers each year with special tech titans Twitter and Snapchat other specialists to Silicon Valley holders to work. yesterday called the new head would affect 525,000 jobs in the skills, many of them joining the censored or hid posts by the pres- to a system that gives priority to Exemptions will apply to of US government broadcasting US, which is currently reeling US technology industry. ident they claimed incited vio- those foreign workers with the seafood processing plants and to operations to testify next month, from a high unemployment rate It will also cover most J visas, lence or were misleading. most value. au pairs, who offer families citing concern about editorial caused by the coronavirus common for academics and Last month Trump signed an Trump “is going to prioritize household help like childcare. independence under President pandemic. researchers, and L visas used by order seeking to strip social those workers who are offered In addition, the official said Donald Trump’s appointee after Trump had repeatedly touted companies to shift workers based media giants of legal immunity the highest wages,” as an indi- the government is issuing new a spate of dismissals. a strong economy, but now finds overseas to their US offices. for content on their platforms in cator that they can add more regulations that will mak e it Representative Eliot Engel, himself desperate for a political Google CEO Sundar Pichai — a move slammed by his critics as value to the US economy, the much harder for tens of thou- chairman of the Democratic-led boost ahead of the November whose company has been a a legally dubious act of political official said. sands of asylum seekers waiting committee, called on Michael election. leading beneficiary of the H1-B revenge. “It will eliminate competition for their court hearings to work Pack, the newly appointed chief The executive order, signed visa system — said he was The official said the order with Americans... in these legally in the meanwhile. executive of the US Agency for Global Media, to testify at a hearing on July 8. The press office at the Mourners bid farewell agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the announcement to Rayshard Brooks or whether Pack would appear. Pack, a conservative film- AP — ATLANTA presidential candidate Joe Biden. maker, last week removed the Jon Ossoff, a young Georgia heads of four of the organisa- Scores of mourners, some media executive who broke fun- tions under the AGM umbrella dressed all in white and others draising records during an — Radio Free Europe/Radio wearing Black Lives Matter unsuccessful 2017 run for Con- Liberty, Radio Free Asia, the shirts, filed into the historic gress, was also seen. Some Middle East Broadcasting Atlanta church that was once the mourners wore T-shirts with Network and the Open Tech- Rev Martin Luther King Jr’s Brooks’ picture. nology Fund — and replaced the pulpit for a funeral yesterday for Brooks, 27, was shot twice bi-partisan boards that govern the Black man whose killing by in the back June 12 by Officer and advise the services mostly police in a fast-food parking lot Garrett Rolfe after a struggle that with political appointees from stoked protests across the US erupted when police tried to Trump’s administration. against racial injustice. handcuff him for being intoxi- US law requires the gov- King’s daughter, the Rev cated behind the wheel of his car ernment-funded broadcasters Bernice King, planned to deliver at a Wendy’s drive-thru. Video to operate independently and remarks at the private service, showed Brooks snatching a remain free from interference along with a friend of Brooks, police Taser and firing it at the by any presidential his mother-in-law and the white officer while running administration. senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist away. Democrats had objected to Church, the Rev. Raphael Rolfe, 27, was charged with Trump’s appointment of Pack Warnock. murder and jailed without bail. for years, saying they feared he “Rayshard Brooks wasn’t A second officer, Devin Brosnan, Mourners arrive for the funeral service of Rayshard Brooks, who was killed by the Atlanta police on would see his role as forcing just running from the police. He 26, was charged with aggravated June 12, at a church in Atlanta, Georgia, yesterday. favourable coverage of Trump’s was running from a system that assault, accused of stepping on administration. Pack is a close makes slaves out of people. A Brooks’ shoulder as he lay dying down less than 24 hours after An afternoon bail hearing for on when police officers may use ally of conservative political system that doesn’t give ordinary on the pavement. Lawyers for Brooks’ death, and the Wendy’s Rolfe that would have conflicted force and consequences for activists including Steve Bannon, people who’ve made mistakes both men said their clients’ was burned by protesters. with the funeral was cancelled those who cross the line. once a top aide to Trump. a second chance, a real shot at actions were justified. While Brooks was not a by a judge. Under the law, crime The poll from The Associated Trump has criticised Voice redemption,” Warnock, a Dem- The killing unfolded amid member of Ebenezer Baptist, the victims and their families are Press-NORC Center for Public of America (VOA) as he has ocratic candidate for Senate, protests and scattered violence church where King preached is entitled to be heard at such Affairs Research said 29 percent blamed China for worsening the said in an excerpt of his eulogy set off around the country by the a “sanctuary for those who proceedings. think the criminal justice system coronavirus outbreak. released ahead of the service. case of George Floyd, the Black suffer,” Warnock said in a Meanwhile, a new poll that needs “a complete overhaul,” 40 His administration accused Among those arriving was man who was pronounced dead statement announcing the finds nearly all Americans percent say it needs “major VOA of amplifying Chinese Stacey Abrams, the former state May 25 after a white Minne- funeral plans. Actor and film- favour at least some change to changes,” and 25 percent say it propaganda after a segment on lawmaker who has been men- apolis put his knee on Floyd’s maker Tyler Perry offered the nation’s criminal justice needs “minor changes.” Just 5 a light show marking the reo- tioned as a potential running neck for nearly eight minutes. financial help for the service, system, and they overwhelm- percent believe no changes are pening of the Chinese city of mate for Democratic Atlanta’s police chief stepped according to the statement. ingly want to see clear standards necessary. Wuhan. WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2020 AMERICAS 15 Trump credits new border wall with stopping migrants, coronavirus

US President Donald ongoing threat posed by the can be safely held in her city - coronavirus and singling out and urged the president to wear Trump visited the Arizona as one of the states now a face mask. US-Mexico border experiencing a surge in cases. Trump has refused to wear Trump was looking to regain a mask in public, instead turning yesterday to celebrate campaign momentum after his it into a red-vs-blue cultural construction of more weekend rally in Tulsa, issue. Polling suggests Repub- Oklahoma, which was supposed licans are far less likely to wear than 200 miles of to be a sign of the nation’s reo- face coverings than Democrats wall. “Our border pening and a show of political despite health experts’ warnings force but instead generated that it dramatically reduces the has never been thousands of empty seats and risk of transmitting the virus. swirling questions about the The “Students for Trump” more secure,” Trump US President Donald Trump stands up to leave and visit the US-Mexico border wall after participating president’s campaign leadership event will be held at the Dream in a roundtable briefing on border security in Yuma, Arizona, yesterday. declared as he met and his case for another four City Church and broadcast to with Republican Gov. years in office. The low turnout groups across the nation. Stu- sharpened the focus on Trump’s dents for Trump is a special them. Arizona is seeing dis- the federal government’s top struggled to find effective attack Doug Ducey and visit to Arizona, which doubles project of Turning Point Action, turbing trends in several bench- infectious disease expert, told a lines on Biden. federal Border Patrol as both a 2020 battleground a grouped chaired by Trump ally marks, including the percentage House committee yesterday. Biden, like Trump, has had state and a surging coronavirus Charlie Kirk, which is hosting the of tests that prove positive for “They are not the only ones struggles with young voters but officials. hot spot. president for his address. Organ- the virus, which is the highest in that are having a difficulty. the former vice president’s cam- By visiting the border, Trump isers said health and safety the nation. Bottom line... it’s a mixed bag.” paign has expressed hope that sought to change the subject to measures still were being The state reported a new Campaign officials stressed the national protests against AP — YUMA, ARIZONA an issue he believes will help finalised and it was unclear if daily record of nearly 3,600 that rallies would remain a racial injustice may change that. electrify his base in November. attendees would be asked to additional coronavirus cases staple of the president’s ree- Trump’s visit to the Phoenix President Donald Trump visited “Our border has never been wear masks or keep socially yesterday as Arizona continued lection strategy but allowed that megachurch comes on the the US-Mexico border yesterday more secure,” Trump declared distant. Since late May, Arizona to set records for the number of they may, in certain states, need same day that Vice President to celebrate construction of as he met with Republican Gov. has emerged as one of the people hospitalised, in intensive to change slightly. Discussions Mike Pence kicks off a faith- more than 200 miles of wall, Doug Ducey and federal Border nation’s most active hot spots for care and on ventilators for were under way about having centred tour, highlighting the hoping it will remind voters of Patrol officials. the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19. Arizona’s total them in more modest venues or central position that religious progress he’s made toward one Later, he was to address a Photos of restaurants and caseload in the pandemic stands outdoors, perhaps in airplane conservatives — particularly his 2016 campaign promises. group of young Republicans at bars crowded with unmasked at at least 58,179, with 42 more hangars and amphitheaters, or white evangelicals, but also Trump credited the wall with a Phoenix megachurch, where patrons ignited controversy. deaths reported yesterday, in smaller cities away from likely right-leaning Catholics — con- stopping not just illegal immi- event organisers have pledged Ducey, a Trump supporter, raising the death toll to 1,384. protesters. tinue to occupy in the presi- gration but also the coronavirus, thousands will attend. reversed himself last week and “Right now, the next couple But officials believe Trump’s dent’s base. Yet even as saying “It stopped COVID, it Throughout the trip, the allowed cities and counties to of weeks are going to be critical ability to draw thousands of sup- Trump’s campaign overtly stopped everything.” COVID-19 pandemic is shad- require people to wear masks in in our ability to address those porters out during a pandemic courts religious voters, there But his visit played out as top owing Trump. The Democratic public places. Most have, surgings that we are seeing in sets up a favorable contrasting are signs of softening support public health officials in Wash- mayor of Phoenix made clear including Phoenix and Yuma Florida, in Texas, in Arizona and image with Democratic rival Joe among voting blocs the pres- ington were testifying about the she does not believe the speech and the counties that surround other states,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, Biden. Still, the campaign has ident can’t afford to lose. Trudeau slams ‘political’ detentions, after China spy charges Judge orders Brazil President AFP — OTTAWA Huawei executive Meng Beijing has also blocked bil- Former ambassador to and “pawns in a bigger geopo- Wanzhou to the United States lions of dollars’ worth of China, Guy Saint-Jacques, had litical game.” It is “heart- to use face Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on will go ahead. Canadian agricultural exports. urged Ottawa to take a more breaking,” she said, knowing that Monday blasted China’s Relations between Canada A Chinese foreign ministry aggressive stance, “not just soft Kovrig is languishing in a cell he mask in public detention of two Canadians for and China have hit rock bottom spokesman said yesterday that diplomatic talk anymore.” In an described in letters to her and “political ends,” following over the arrests. Beijing was working on the case interview with public broad- other family as a “concrete AP — SAO PAULO charges against them for spying. At his daily briefing on of the detained Canadians caster CBC, Kovrig’s wife Vina jungle.” His comments came after Monday, Trudeau said, “This “according to the rule of law in Nadjibulla agreed more pressure “Basically he has been con- A Brazilian federal judge China’s Supreme People’s Proc- arbitrary detention of Canadian China.” Wang Lutong told on China was needed, as “words fined to a single cell this entire yesterday ordered President Jair uratorate on Friday said it had citizens is unacceptable and reporters at a briefing that the are no longer enough.” time. He has not gone outside. He Bolsonaro to comply with local begun the prosecution of ex-dip- deeply concerning, not just to pair were guaranteed “every But, she said, “I’m interested has not seen a tree or had fresh rules to wear a face mask lomat Michael Kovrig and busi- Canadians but to people around right during their detention.” in us being strong, but not antag- air to breathe for 560 days,” she whenever he is outdoors in the nessman Michael Spavor, who the world who see China using Trudeau last week said he onistic. We cannot win a race to said. US Secretary of State Mike capital of Brasilia. were “suspected of foreign espi- arbitrary detentions as a means was “disappointed” that the the bottom with China, we Pompeo demanded that China In recent weekends, a onage” and “providing state to political ends.” Trudeau said Canadians were formally cannot become aggressive and free the two Canadians, and said sometimes unmasked Bol- secrets.” The move, 18 months “we deplore... a political decision charged with spying, and his confrontational because con- in a statement that his country sonaro has joined throngs of after their arrest, came just weeks made by the Chinese gov- deputy, Chrystia Freeland, said frontation is not a strategy.” Nad- “rejects the use of these unjus- people protesting against Bra- after a Canadian judge ruled that ernment,” which continues to she was “heartbroken and really jibulla insisted that both her tified detentions to coerce zil’s Congress and Supreme proceedings to extradite Chinese pressure Canada. angry” over Beijing’s action. husband and Spavor are innocent Canada.” Court and he has visited bak- eries and outdoor food stalls, drawing crowds around him. Since the end of April, Bra- Texas children’s hospital zil’s federal district requires people to wear face masks in admitting adult patients public to help control the spread of the new coronavirus. Failure to comply carries a possible as virus cases surge daily fine of $390. Judge Renato Coelho Borelli REUTERS — HOUSTON The United States recorded said in his ruling that Bolsonaro a 25 percent increase in new “has exposed other people to the A Texas children’s hospital is cases of COVID-19 in the week contagion of a disease that has admitting adult coronavirus ended June 21, compared to the caused national commotion.” patients due to a spike in serious previous seven days, as Arizona The Brazilian presidentdid COVID-19 cases in the Houston and Florida joined Texas with not immediately comment on area, while a dozen other states record surges in new infections, the decision. An earlier court from Florida to California grapple a Reuters analysis found. ruling required him to publish with a surge in infections. Ten states, including Texas, the results of three COVID-19 “We know COVID-19 has not reported weekly new infection tests he took early March, and gone away. We implore you to increases of more than 50 all were negative for the virus. take responsible actions - percent, according to the analysis He has not disclosed any tests practice appropriate social dis- of data from The COVID Tracking since then. tancing, wear a mask or face cov- Project, a volunteer-run effort to Bolsonaro sometimes ering anytime you leave your track the outbreak. appears in public events with home,” the Texas Children’s Hos- While most states are a mask, unlike some other pital said in a statement, without increasing testing, the number of heads of state, including US specifying how many corona- tests coming back positive is A medical worker administers a test for the coronavirus at a hospital, in Houston, Texas, yesterday. President Donald Trump, Mex- virus patients they admitted. rising. At least four states are ico’s Andrés Manuel López Texas reported over 5,000 averaging double-digit rates in Organisation considers positivity ever expanding. With smaller the weekend. Obrador and Argentina’s new infections on Monday, a the percentage of tests that are rates above 5 percent to be espe- testing we would show fewer Former Vice President Joe Alberto Fernandez, who has single-day record for the state. It positive for the virus: Arizona at cially concerning. President cases!” he tweeted. Biden, who is expected to chal- often hugged supporters and has also seen COVID-19 hospi- 20 percent, Florida and Utah both Donald Trump yesterday held Many of these states are also lenge Trump in the November 3 taken selfies with them while talizations hit record highs for 11 at 11 percent, and Texas at 10 fast to his claim that the spike in seeing record hospitalizations — election, called the president’s not wearing a mask. The Bra- days in a row. percent. By contrast, New York, US cases in multiple states was a metric not affected by increased plans to speak to thousands of zilian president has down- Arizona and Nevada reported formerly the epicenter of the US due to testing, not increased testing. supporters in Phoenix “reckless played the risk of COVID-19 record increases in new cases outbreak, has been reporting spread of the disease. The president will speak with and irresponsible” at a time when and insisted the negative eco- yesterday after recording all-time positive test rates of around 1 “Cases are going up in the students in Phoenix on yesterday the number of people hospi- nomic impacts of social iso- highs last week, according to a percent. U.S. because we are testing far after holding his first campaign talised with the coronavirus in lation will be worse than the Reuters tally. The World Health more than any other country, and rally in months in Oklahoma over Arizona is continuing to rise. harm caused by the virus. Powerful quake shakes southern Mexico, triggers local Pacific tsunami

REUTERS — MEXICO CITY mid-morning. The country’s water receding in Oaxaca, a “We couldn’t walk... the A 7.1 magnitude earthquake that City, hundreds of miles away. seismological service said a mountainous state that is also street was like chewing gum,” struck central Mexico in 2017 Helicopters flew low over A powerful earthquake of tsunami on the Oaxaca coast was home to coffee plantations and said Candelaria, 30. killed 355 people in the capital the Roma and Condesa districts magnitude 7.4 struck the coast ongoing, with the sea level Spanish colonial architecture. Neighbors screamed in and the surrounding states. of the capital, apparently of southern Mexico yesterday, having risen 60 centimeters at Miguel Candelaria, 30, was terror and some shouted out Yesterday’s quake set off a looking for damage in streets killing at least one person, Huatulco beach, a popular des- working at his computer in his warnings to run from the elec- tsunami warning for the Pacific where many buildings still show buckling paved roads, and tination for US and Canadian family home in the Oaxaca town tricity poles that looked poised coasts of Mexico and Central the scars of the 2017 quake. setting off a tsunami in nearby tourists. of Juchitan when the ground to fall, said Candelaria, who and South America. Waves of The city’s mayor said there Pacific coastal areas. Mexico’s civil protection began to tremble. He ran outside works in telecommunications up to one metre were possible were two people injured but no One person died in the state agency recommended that res- with relatives, but they had to marketing. on the Mexican coast, the US major damage from the quake, of Oaxaca, Governor Alejandro idents move away from the stop in the middle of the street Quakes of magnitudes over National Oceanic and Atmos- which hit as millions of people Murat said, after the quake hit coastline. Videos on social media as the pavement buckled and 7 are major earthquakes capable pheric Administration warned. were at home in lockdown due the Pacific coastal state had earlier shown the ocean’s rocked. of widespread, heavy damage. Buildings shook in Mexico to the coronavirus. 16 MORNING BREAK WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY Misty at some places at first becomes hot daytime with FAJR03.15 am SUNRISE 04.45 am o o slight dust at times, relatively hot by night. ZUHR 11.36 am ASR 02.59 pm 31 C 40 C Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 01:29 – 18:28 LOW TIDE 01:29– 11:52 MAGHRIB 06.30 pm ISHA 08.00 pm W ALRUWAIS: 27o↗35o W ALKHOR: 27o↗38o W DUKHAN: 30o↗35o W WAKRAH: 25o↗39o W MESAIEED 25o↗39o W ABUSAMRA 27o↗37o

A quarter-billion children getting no education: UN

AFP — PARIS found. This represented 17 Two African countries still ban pregnant irrelevant learning objectives, people such as the Rohingya are percent of all school-age girls from school, 117 countries allow child stereotyping in textbooks, dis- taught in separate systems. Nearly 260 million children had children, most of them in south crimination in resource allo- “Many countries still no access to schooling in 2018, and central Asia and sub- marriages, and 20 have yet to ratify an cation and assessments, tol- practice education segregation, a United Nations agency said in Saharan Africa. international convention that bans child labour. erance of violence and neglect which reinforces stereotyping, a report yesterday that blamed The disparities worsened of needs,” the report said. discrimination and alienation,” poverty and discrimination for with the arrival of the corona- Two African countries still the report said. educational inequalities that are virus crisis, which saw over 90 school,” Unesco’s Director In 20 poor countries, mainly ban pregnant girls from school, “Just 41 countries worldwide being exacerbated by the coro- percent of the global student General Audrey Azoulay wrote in sub-Saharan Africa, hardly 117 countries allow child mar- officially recognised sign lan- navirus outbreak. population affected by school in a foreword. any rural girls complete sec- riages, and 20 have yet to ratify guage and, globally, schools Children from poorer com- closures, the report said. The report noted that in ondary school, Unesco said. an international convention that were more eager to get Internet munities as well as girls, the dis- And while children from low- and middle-income coun- And in richer nations, bans child labour. access than to cater for learners abled, immigrants and ethnic families with means could con- tries, adolescents from the 10-year-olds taught in a lan- Some 335 million girls with disabilities,” it said. minorities were at a distinct tinue schooling from home richest 20 percent of house- guage other than their mother attended schools that did not Unesco urged countries to educational disadvantage in using laptops, mobile phones holds were three times more tongue scored 34 percent lower provide them with the water, focus on disadvantaged children many countries, the UN’s Paris- and the Internet, millions of likely to complete the first than native speakers in reading sanitation and hygiene services when schools reopen after based education body Unesco others were cut off entirely. portion of secondary school — tests. they need to stay in class while coronavirus lockdowns. said. “Lessons from the past — up to age 15 — than those from “Unfortunately, disadvan- menstruating. “To rise to the challenges of In 2018, “258 million such as with Ebola — have poor homes. taged groups are kept out or In several central and our time, a move towards more children and youth were shown that health crises can Children with disabilities pushed out of education eastern European countries, inclusive education is imper- entirely excluded from edu- leave many behind, in par- were 19 percent less likely to systems through more or less Roma children are segregated ative,” Azoulay said. “Failure to cation, with poverty as the main ticular the poorest girls, many achieve minimum reading pro- subtle decisions leading to in mainstream schools. act will hinder the progress of obstacle to access,” the report of whom may never return to ficiency in 10 of these nations. exclusion from curricula, And in Asia, displaced societies.” TikTok joins EU Beidou: China launches final code of conduct satellite to rival GPS system on disinformation AFP — BEIJING from China and makes China grab market share from GPS. AFP — BRUSSELS independent of US and China’s geolocation services China yesterday launched the European systems.” The final market is expected to be worth The social media phenomenon final satellite in its homegrown satellite, the Beidou-3GEO3, 400 billion yuan ($56.4bn) in TikTok joined the EU’s disin- geolocation system, completing will help improve the network’s this year, a senior official told formation code of conduct on a network designed to rival accuracy. state media. Monday as tech giants seek to American GPS as it jostles for China started building the The global geolocation persuade Europe to back away market share in the lucrative system in the early 1990s to services market will be worth from setting laws against sector. help cars, fishing boats and mil- $146.4bn by 2025, according to harmful content online. Footage broadcast live on itary tankers navigate using San Francisco-based Grand “We’re proud to sign up to television showed a rocket mapping data from the coun- View Research. the (code of conduct), to play blasting off with the satellite try’s own satellites. Analysts said Beidou was our part,” said Theo Bertram, from a mountainous region of Now the service can be used already outperforming GPS in TikTok’s director of gov- southwest China, which state on millions of mobile phones to terms of accuracy, but it still had ernment relations for Europe. media hailed as another mile- find nearby restaurants, petrol a long way to go before over- The EU created the code of stone in the country’s space stations or cinemas, and to taking its American rival as the conduct in 2018 in which com- programme. guide taxis. world’s dominant geolocation panies such as Facebook, The Beidou system — In 2012, Beidou’s coverage system. McDowell said he did Twitter and Google pledged to named after the Chinese term entered commercial use in the not think Beidou would be able a series of actions, including for the Big Dipper constellation Asia-Pacific region, becoming to “supplant GPS in the next 10 closing fake accounts and — works on a network of about available worldwide in 2018. or even 20 years”. Carter committing to more trans- A Long March 3B rocket carrying the Beidou-3GEO3 satellite lifts 30 satellites and competes with Around 120 countries, Palmer, a space systems analyst parency in political off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Xichang in China’s the US’s Global Positioning including Pakistan and at US-based consultancy advertising. System (GPS), Russia’s Thailand, use the services for Forecast International, said southwestern Sichuan province, yesterday. The tech giants are eager GLONASS and the European port traffic monitoring, guiding there were still questions over to demonstrate the success of Union’s Galileo. post-disaster rescue operations Beidou’s reliability but its Beidou network will also be of capable of replacing GPS, for voluntarily taking action “I think the Beidou-3 system and other uses, according to accuracy was a big selling point. benefit to China’s military. example in wartime if the against harmful activity as being operational is a big Chinese state media. “What I do see is (users) China has poured about United States cuts off access to they fear far more direct over- event,” Jonathan McDowell, an Beijing is counting on its using multiple systems, $10bn into the Beidou system, GPS in China,” said Chen Lan, sight by Brussels on the eve- astronomer at the Harvard- trillion-dollar Belt and Road including Beidou, to have more to keep the communication net- an analyst specialising in the ryday operations of their Smithsonian Center for Astro- global infrastructure project to accurate satellite navigation,” works of the country’s military Chinese space programme. platforms. physics, said. convince other countries to use he said. secure and avoid the risk of dis- China’s military also uses it TikTok has become a “This is a big investment its technology as it attempts to The completion of the ruption. “Technically, Beidou is to guide missiles and fly drones. global sensation with users sharing 15 to 60-second video clips on everything from hair- Netflix to screen dye tutorials to dance routines A Swedish eatery that serves just one guest and gags about daily life. Kristen Stewart’s Chinese-owned TikTok AFP — STOCKHOLM western Varmland province. spot’s first customer, told AFP. establishment on May 10 and joined the disinformation lockdown short At a table set with a white As he dined, a butterfly are fully booked through group just as the EU published With the coronavirus making linen tablecloth, David Nord- circled the table and a hawk August 1 when they will close. the latest of its regular reports AFP — PARIS social distancing de rigueur, a strom — who came by bicycle soared high above. They offer a set menu, but monitoring the implemen- Swedish couple have opened from Karlstad, 50 km away — The idea was born when guests decide how much they tation of code of conduct for Netflix said yesterday that it a restaurant that serves one savours his three-course meal Linda’s parents, who are in a want to pay for it. hate speech. It showed that 90 challenged some of the world’s diner in an empty field, and the in the wide-open wilderness. risk group, came for a visit. Rasmus, a former chef percent of flagged content was hottest directors to make a meal swoops to the table by On the menu: Seaweed “It was a windy day” in turned freelance radio host, assessed by the participants short film when they were zipline. caviar on Swedish-style hash March, she recalled. “They and Linda, a former waitress within 24 hours, a major cooked up at home during the Aptly named “Bord for en”, browns with smetana, yellow came by and we said ‘You need who is now a production improvement from just 40 coronavirus lockdown. or “Table for One”, the unique carrot ginger puree and sweet to go around the house’, and company executive, work their percent in 2016. The results, made with al fresco eatery allows patrons corn croquettes, and ginned we had put this nice table up normal jobs during the day It said that 71 percent of whatever equipment and to “let their worries go”, long blueberries with iced but- with nice tableware, a nice before opening the restaurant content confirmed as illegal family members were close at enough to enjoy a meal, the termilk for dessert. linen cloth and two chairs.” at the end of the afternoon. hate speech was successfully hand, will be streamed next restaurateurs told AFP. All delivered on a zipline “We served them through In Sweden, which has removed, whereas only 26 week. “It’s nice to just for once that runs from the couple’s the kitchen window and they made headlines for its softer percent was taken down in Hollywood stars Kristen not think about ‘Oh, am I going kitchen window. really enjoyed it. We were able approach to the new corona- 2016. The European Com- Stewart and Maggie Gyllenhaal to catch the virus now?’ ‘Am I “I hadn’t eaten food outside to... spend time with them and virus and has reported more mission is currently preparing were among 17 of those who being a risk to anyone else?’”, my apartment since early it was safe, and we thought that than 5,100 COVID-19 deaths, a Digital Services Act that rose to the challenge, with says Linda Karlsson, 36, who March. I wanted to get out of maybe we should make this most restaurants have could make inadequate han- Stewart shooting hers in Los hatched the idea with husband my voluntary quarantine and available for everybody.” The remained open throughout the dling of illegal or harmful Angeles while Gyllenhaal shel- Rasmus Persson in Sweden’s leave the city,” Nordstrom, the couple opened their pandemic. content punishable by law. tered in Vermont. “Jackie” director Pablo Larrain made his film at home Golden Globes awards on Feb 28 in Santiago, Chile — which had been battered by months of REUTERS — LOS ANGELES highest honours in the film civil unrest before the virus industry, were postponed to struck — while French-Malian The Golden Globes on Monday April 25 from February 28. The film-maker Ladj Ly shot postponed its 2021 ceremony for Academy of Motion Picture Arts around the tough Paris suburb film and television, after a two- and Sciences said the delay where his Oscar-nominated month delay to the Oscars, in would allow filmmakers more movie “Les Miserables” is set. Hollywood’s latest awards time to finish their movies after David Mackenzie of “Hell calendar shuffle caused by the production was shut down or High Water” fame got to coronavirus epidemic. worldwide in mid-March and grips with his hometown The Golden Globes cer- movie theatres were closed. Glasgow, while Nadine Labaki emony, which kicks off Holly- The HFPA said it would give used the backdrop of Beirut. wood’s awards season, will take details on a new date for Golden The shorts will be place on February 28 instead of Globe nominations and eligi- streamed on Netflix from June its usual slot on the first Sunday bility criteria in the coming 30, with the US giant saying a in January, the Hollywood weeks. donation is being made to its Foreign Press Association The Golden Globes, handed hardship fund for cast and (HFPA), which hands out the out at a dinner in Beverly Hills, crew who have lost their jobs trophies, said in a statement. will be hosted by comedians in the crisis. A view of the red carpet set up at the Golden Globes 2020 at The Beverly Hilton, California. Last week the Oscars, the Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.