Qatar, Malta 'Big step discuss towards title' aass trade Al Sadd thrash relations Al Khor 7-0

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THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021 8 JUMADA II - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8509 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Give extra data to family or staff Biden vows to heal divided nation Amir congratulates US President

QNA — DOHA To overcome these We must end this challenges to restore uncivil war that pits Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin the soul and secure red against blue, Hamad Al Thani yesterday sent Congratulations President @JoeBiden and Vice the future of America rural versus urban, a cable of congratulations to H President @KamalaHarris. I wish you both continued requires so much conservative versus E President Joe Biden on the occasion of taking the oath as success, and look forward to progressing Qatar-U.S. more than words. It liberal. We can do President of the United States friendly relations to new heights. requires the most this - if we open our of America, wishing him elusive of all things souls instead of success in his duties and the in a democracy: hardening our relations of friendship and strategic cooperation between Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Unity. hearts. the two countries further development and Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani also sent cables growth. of congratulations to H E President Joe Biden Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin on the occasion of taking the oath as President Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and of the United States of America.

Kamala Harris is sworn in as US Vice-President at the US Capitol in Washington, US President Joe Biden delivers a yesterday. speech after being sworn in at the US Capitol in Washington, yesterday.

spirit. The National Mall, typi- false claims of election fraud. Biden or attend his successor’s cally packed with throngs of “Here we stand, just days inauguration, breaking with a supporters, instead was filled after a riotous mob thought they political tradition seen as with US flags in a reminder of could use violence to silence the affirming the peaceful transfer the pandemic Biden will con- will of the people, to stop the of power. front as chief executive. work on our democracy, to drive Trump, who never con- Speaking on the steps of the us from this sacred ground,” ceded the November 3 election, Capitol, where supporters of Biden said. “It did not happen; it did not mention Biden by name then-President Donald Trump will never happen. Not today, in his final remarks as president clashed with police in a chaotic not tomorrow, not ever.” yesterday morning, when he assault that left five dead and Biden’s running mate, touted his administration’s REUTERS — WASHINGTON stunned the world on January Kamala Harris, the daughter of record and promised to be back encircled by thousands of elusive of all things in a 6, Biden cast his ascension as immigrants from Jamaica and “in some form”. He then armed troops two weeks after democracy: Unity,” he said in proof that the attackers had India, became the first Black boarded Air Force One for the Democrat Joe Biden was sworn a mob laid siege to it, Biden took his inauguration speech. failed to disrupt the underpin- person, first woman and first last time and flew to his Mar-a- in as President of the United the oath of office administered “We must end this uncivil nings of American democracy. Asian American to serve as Lago retreat in Florida. States yesterday, vowing to end by US Chief Justice John Roberts war that pits red against blue, The violence prompted the Vice-President after she was Top Republicans, including the ‘uncivil war’ in a deeply and became the oldest US Pres- rural versus urban, conservative Democratic-controlled US sworn in by US Supreme Court Mike Pence and the party’s con- divided country reeling from a ident in history at age 78. versus liberal. We can do this - House of Representatives to Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the gressional leaders, attended battered economy and a raging “To overcome these chal- if we open our souls instead of impeach Trump last week for court’s first Latina member. Biden’s inauguration, along with coronavirus pandemic that has lenges to restore the soul and hardening our hearts.” an unprecedented second time, The norm-defying Trump former Presidents Barack killed more than 400,000 secure the future of America The scaled-back inaugu- accusing him of incitement after flouted one last convention on Obama, George W Bush and Bill Americans. requires so much more than ration ceremony was stripped he exhorted his backers to his way out of the White House Clinton. With the US Capitol words. It requires the most of much of its usual celebratory march on the building amid when he refused to meet with ` See also pages 8, 15 Travellers with chronic conditions told to register online Qatar and Egypt agree to

FAZEENA SALEEM Return Policy during COVID-19, apply for a chronic condition and residents) and their imme- resume diplomatic ties THE PENINSULA citizens and residents must certificate online through diate family members, including obtain a medical certificate by Hamad Medical Corporation their domestic helpers who REUTERS — CAIRO and the State of Qatar The Ministry of Public Health logging in to their account on (HMC) or Primary Health Care share the same national exchanged, today, January 20, (MoPH) has said that travellers ‘My Health’ portal that shows Corporation (PHCC) websites,” address, who are eligible for Qatar and Egypt have agreed 2021, two official memoranda, with chronic health conditions their health condition and enti- the Ministry said on its Twitter home quarantine. The new to resume diplomatic relations, in virtue of which the two are required to register online tlement for home quarantine account. amendments will be imple- the Egyptian foreign ministry countries agreed to resume to get a medical report to be when booking their flight However, the hotel quar- mented from 2pm Doha time said yesterday. diplomatic relations,” a foreign exempted from hotel quar- before travelling abroad. antine exception based on age on January 24. The move follows an ministry statement said. antine. It also said that quar- “Travelers with chronic and health conditions is not Health authorities have agreement between Saudi However, there was no antine exemptions are not health conditions must register applicable to arrivals from the announced an update to the list Arabia, the United Arab comment form the Qatari side applicable for arrivals from themselves for the ‘MyHealth’ UK, South Africa, the Nether- of chronic diseases that are eli- Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt on the development. some countries. patient portal online to obtain lands and Denmark, according gible for the issuance of medical earlier this month to end their Egypt reopened its air- According to the Ministry, if a medical report and a to the Ministry. certificates for patients who are dispute with Qatar which con- space to Qatari flights on a traveller has one of the con- COVID-19 test result from an The Ministry has updated at high risk of developing com- tinued for more than three January 12 and flights between ditions listed in the vulnerable approved health center within the list of vulnerable groups plications if they contract years. the two countries have also groups under Qatar’s Travel and 72 hours prior departure, or returning from travel (citizens COVID-19. `P3 “Arab Republic of Egypt resumed. Qatar’s mobile Internet speed fastest in world Lightning-fast mobile SACHIN KUMAR performance by two places in the average download speed of 177.52 was the recognition by the World internet speed THE PENINSULA index compared to last month. Mbps while South Korea was Economic Forum. In December “On mobile, Qatar climbed placed third with average last year, the country was ranked Mobile Internet speed in Qatar two spots to land in first place for download speed of 169.03 Mbps second in the Arab world and 178.01 Mbps Average mobile was the fastest in the world in mobile. While the country has in December. China came fourth ninth globally in ICT adoption as download speed in Qatar December 2020, according to the ranked among the top five for the in the index, followed by Australia per the Global Competitiveness Speedtest Global Index results past year, this is the first time the with an average download speed Report Special Edition 2020 29.74 Mbps Average mobile released yesterday. country has reached the top spot,” of 155.89 Mbps and 112.68, report by the World Economic upload speed in Qatar In the Ookla’s Speedtest noted Ookla in its report. respectively. Forum. The Ookla Speed Test Global Index, Qatar was ranked The average download speed The record of Qatar in internet Index compares Internet speed 47.20Mbps Global average first in the world in terms of in Qatar was 77.07 Mbps in speed has remained impressive data from around the world on a mobile download speed mobile internet speed in November while the upload speed throughout the year. The country monthly basis. Data for the Index December. The average download was 21.49 Mbps. has been ranked among the top comes from the hundreds of mil- 12.67Mbps Global average speed in Qatar was 178.01 Mbps The global average download five countries in the global lions of tests taken by real people mobile upload speed last month while the average speed in December was ranking in 2020. Qatar has won using Speedtest every month. upload speed was 29.74 Mbps. 47.20Mbps while the upload several laurels in the field of Qatar has invested substan- 177.52 Mbps Average mobile Qatar, which has one of the speed was 12.67Mbps. In the Information and Communications tially in 5G technology which download speed in UAE highest internet penetrations in global ranking, the United Arab Technology (ICT) in 2020. One of allows peak Internet connection the world, has improved its Emirates stood second with an the main highlights speed to reach 1 Gbps. `P3 02 HOME THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs meets Malta Minister Qatar Airways Cabinet briefed on to resume UAE work progress of flights next week THE PENINSULA — DOHA unified site for Qatar Airways will resume direct flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the coming week. government tenders Starting from January 27 and January 28, Qatar Airways will QNA — DOHA The Cabinet listened to fly to Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi Inter- The Cabinet yesterday the explanation provided national Airport respectively. listened to the presentation by H E Minister of Public The booking for the same are made by H E Minister of open on the airline’s website. Finance on the progress of Health on the latest Starting January 27, Qatar work on the unified site for developments to limit the Airways will operate its flight, government tenders. spread of the coronavirus QR 1018, in an Airbus A320, Prime Minister and Minister which will depart Hamad Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met yesterday with Minister of Foreign of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid (COVID-19), and the International Airport, Doha, at and European Affairs of the Republic of Malta H E Evarist Bartolo. They reviewed bilateral relations and bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al council affirmed the 7pm and will arrive at Dubai Thani chaired the Cabinet’s issues of common concern. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs also met with Ambassador of Kingdom International Airport at regular meeting held at its seat continuation of work with of Jordan H E Zaid Mufleh Al Lawzi and reviewed bilateral relations and issues of joint interest. 9:10pm (UAE time). at the Amiri Diwan. regard to the A day later, Qatar Airways The Prime Minister and will also resume its service to Minister of Interior instructed precautionary measures Abu Dhabi on Thursday, the necessity of the com- that have been taken in Qatar participates in 148th January 28. The flight, QR 1054 mitment of government Airbus A320 will depart agencies and the bodies that order to combat this Hamad International Airport fund their budget from the pandemic. session of WHO Executive Board at 7:50pm and arrive at Abu State to announce the tenders Dhabi International Airport at and auctions on the site, with QNA — DOHA 9:55pm(UAE time). the aim of achieving justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Minister of Public Health meets WHO transparency and equal oppor- Georgia. The State of Qatar is partici- Regional Director for Eastern Mediterranean Three arrested for tunities, and providing infor- The Cabinet also reviewed pating in the meetings of the violating home mation to investors on the the Ministry of Transport and 148th Session of the Executive QNA — DOHA needs of government agencies. Communications' letter on the Board of the World Health quarantine rules Minister of Justice and policy framework document Organization (WHO), which Minister of Public Health, H E Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari Acting Minister of State for for cloud computing. The cloud commenced its work via vide- met with the WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediter- QNA — DOHA Cabinet Affairs H E Dr. Issa bin computing policy framework oconferencing and will be held ranean H E Dr. Ahmed Salim Saif Al Mandhari.They discussed Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi said has been developed to provide until january 26. Qatar’s dele- cooperation between the State of Qatar and the World Health The designated authorities that at the beginning of the high-quality services to indi- gation is chaired by Minister of Organization (WHO), especially in the health field. The WHO arrested yesterday three meeting, the Cabinet listened viduals, companies and insti- Public Health, H E Dr. Hanan Regional Director praised the rapid response of the health system persons who violated the to the explanation provided by tutions, significantly increase Mohammed Al Kuwari. in Qatar to address COVID-19 pandemic, appreciating the distin- requirements of the home quar- H E Minister of Public Health efficiency and growth, and to The Executive Board’s guished cooperation and coordination between Qatar and the antine, they committed to on the latest developments to ensure reliable access to all meetings discuss many key topics, World Health Organization in various fields. following, which they are legally limit the spread of the corona- local and international users including the first three pillars: accountable for, in accordance virus (COVID-19), and the alike, based on the TRAs one billion more people bene- with the procedures of the council affirmed the continu- strategy to support the goals of fiting from universal health cov- diseases, including medicines, individual-focused eye health health authorities in the country. ation of work with regard to the Qatar National Vision 2030 and erage, one billion more people vaccines, medical devices, diag- care services, including pre- The arrest of the violators precautionary measures that the Second National Devel- better protected from health nostics, supporting products, cel- ventable blindness and visual came in implementation of the have been taken in order to opment Strategy. emergencies and one billion lular and genetic therapy and impairment. The meetings also precautionary measures in combat this pandemic. The Cabinet reviewed the more people enjoying better other medical technologies. discuss public health emer- force in the country, approved After that, the Cabinet gave results of the 17th meeting of health and well-being. The meetings will also gencies: preparedness and by health authorities represented approval of a draft memo- the Ministerial Committee of The meetings review global review global strategy and response, response to in the Ministry of Public Health, randum of understanding in the Civil Service and Adminis- action on patient safety, the action plan on public health, COVID-19, WHO’s work in to curb the spread of COVID-19. field of diplomatic training trative Development of the political declaration of the third innovation and intellectual strengthening health emer- The violators, who are currently between the Diplomatic GCC; results of the 340th high-level meeting of the General property, antimicrobial gency preparedness including being referred to the designate Institute of the Ministry of session of the International Assembly on the prevention and resistance, low-quality and coun- implementation of global health prosecution, are Abdullah Hassan Foreign Affairs in the State of Labour Organisation (ILO) Gov- control of non-communicable terfeit medical products, as well emergencies (2005), strength- Mohammed Hassan Al Rashid, Qatar and the Levan Mikeladze erning Body; and results of the diseases, oral health, and the as standardization of medical ening WHO preparedness and Ahmed Imam Mohammed Diplomatic Training and 7th Iran-Qatar Joint Economic expansion of access to treatment device naming, immunization response to global Abdulaziz and Abdoul Matin Research Institute at the Commission meeting. for cancer and rare or neglected plan 2030, integrated and emergencies. Fairouz Kalbaskar. THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021 HOME 03 Digital Incubation Center Morocco envoy participates in ‘Plant Million Tree’ initiative names 25 winners; celebrates graduation of 17 startups

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Incubation Center Acting The announcement of Manager, said: “DIC is com- The Digital Incubation Center the 25 IdeaCamp mitted to providing support to of the Ministry of Transport and winners comes after a digital entrepreneurs in Qatar. Communications (MoTC) has round of pitching by 40 We are proud of the success of announced the 25 winners of the virtual edition of IdeaCamp the fourth edition of IdeaCamp, shortlisted startups in and our incubation of 25 new which was held virtually for the front of a distinguished digital startups, which brings first time, in line with the jury panel that included the total number of incubated precautionary measures for experts in the field from startups to 57. Our incubated COVID-19. entrepreneurs benefit from The announcement was Ooredoo, Qatar operational and technical Ambassador of Morocco to Qatar H E Mohamed Setri; Head of Project Section at Public Parks Department, made at a virtual ceremony Development Bank, support, working office spaces, Khalid Al Sindi, and Nasser Salem Al Darwish from Public Parks Section at Doha Municipality during attended by Reem Mohamed Al as well as regular training and a tree plantation event. held under ‘Plant Million Tree’ initiative. The event was organised by Public Tasmu Smart Qatar, Parks Department at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) at Ljbelat Park yesterday. Mansouri, Assistant Undersec- QRDI, Bedaya Center mentorship sessions to accel- retary of Digital Society Devel- erate the growth of their opment Sector at MoTC. The and AppLab. enterprises.” ceremony was also organised In order to ensure that to celebrate the graduation of entrepreneurs have easy Heart Hospital performs over 500 17 startups that completed their Aljadwal, Telerehab, Traff- access to DIC and get answers incubation in 2020. Easy, and Almachla. to their pressing questions The announcement of the The winners ideas har- about IdeaCamp, the Digital cardiac surgical procedures in 2020 25 IdeaCamp winners comes nesses emerging technologies Incubation Center organized after a round of pitching by 40 such as artificial intelligence, 9 orientation sessions before THE PENINSULA — DOHA to tissues, and to ensure the support for other interventions, shortlisted startups in front of advanced analytics and the the start of IdeaCamp, through adequate monitoring of vital such as lung transplantation, a distinguished jury panel that Internet of things to serve the which entrepreneurs were Heart Hospital, a member of signs during open heart oper- organ perfusion or oncological included experts in the field sectors of education, health encouraged to register for Hamad Medical Corporation ations and other types of treatments. They are the main from Ooredoo, Qatar Devel- care, sports tourism, agri- IdeaCamp. (HMC), safely performed 527 treatment requiring artificial allied healthcare professional opment Bank, Tasmu Smart culture, environment and A total of 150 ideas were cardiac surgical procedures in heart-lung support, (cardiop- to run the cell saver blood Qatar, QRDI, Bedaya Center transportation. selected. The entrepreneurs 2020 amid the COVID-19 ulmonary bypass). salvage machines that help and AppLab On this occasion, Reem Al behind these ideas have met pandemic. Since 2012, surgical While consultants carry out reduce and avoid blood trans- The winning startups for the Mansoori said: “The Digital DIC’s criteria to attend Ide- teams at the hospital have a wide range of cardiac proce- fusion during surgery. They also fourth edition of IdeaCamp are: Society sector has an integrated asCamp training workshops, performed more than 3,000 dures including elective and ‘run’ the Intra-Aortic balloon eHaris, Spendwisor, PayWise, strategic vision that aims to over the course of 6 weeks with procedures. emergency cardiac procedures pump counter pulsation devices NARR, PickUp, Tailory, Short- support digital innovations that over 33 training hours and Heart Hospital is a specialist or emergency resuscitation in that support the very sick heart term load forecasting, Ele- harness emerging technologies mentoring sessions for entre- tertiary hospital committed to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, whether pre, during or post vateMe, Endrogn, Turismo, and create a fostering envi- preneurs to build and integrate delivering high quality care in the perfusionist supports the cardiac surgery”. Farha, VastumLab, ValApp, Biz- ronment for them to continue their business models. cardiology and cardiothoracic patient during this critical time. Jaja stressed on the signif- Planner, Ceena Lab, Karty, their success in the Qatari The virtual ceremony also surgery for the adult population Perfusionists are a dedicated icant role of the perfusionists Tahado, Qreceipt, Storimart, market.” celebrated the graduation of 17 of Qatar. This care couldn’t be team, dealing with state-of-the- within the team, she explained: Keyrism, Info Tech Hive, Duha Ali Al-Buhendi, Digital startups that have completed provided without the assistance art equipment and pride them- “The perfusionists are vital their incubation of highly trained and certified selves for being active members members of the cardiac surgical period at DIC in perfusionists. and an integral part of the pro- team due to the increased 2020, which brings A team of highly trained fessional perfusion sophistication of technical the total of graduated professionals, perfusionists, are community. interventions requiring assisted startups to 100, these key members of the surgical Chief Clinical Perfusionist circulation. During the early startups are: Raeyi, team at the Heart Hospital and and Mechanical Circulatory development of perfusion tech- Baqaala, Tomoh, play a vital role providing Support lead at the Heart Hos- nology, specialized life support Qertas, Saakin, support and critical care during pital Perfusion Service, Abeer equipment was developed and EButler, PMOBytes, any procedure where a patient’s Al Jaja said: “At HMC’s Heart operated by physicians and sci- Bonocle, Spas Go, circulatory or respiratory Hospital we have nine clinical entists interested in extracor- Medline Arabia, system needs to be supported perfusionists who play a signif- poreal circulation. Gradually, Xpander, ESmart or replaced. icant role in controlling the operation and maintenance Academy, Greenhat, Cardiovascular per- mechanical cardiac assist of these devices has been Skilancer Solar Solar, fusionists are healthcare pro- devices in patients with end- assigned to the Clinical Per- NewsAmp, The Real fessionals responsible for main- stage heart failure and in fusionist, who provides direct Estate CRM and Artist taining blood circulation, running extracorporeal circu- patient care, accountable to the Qatar. homeostasis and oxygenation lation in patients requiring this surgeon and physicians.” Qatar wins L’Oréal-Unesco Shura Council participates in For Women In Science panel discussion 2020 prize for Middle East on UNSC reforms

SANAULLAH ATAULLAH between WCM-Q and Unesco. QNA — DOHA THE PENINSULA She said this aims at bene- fiting from the capabilities of The Shura Council took part in A woman from Qatar Dr. Isra the international organisation a panel discussion entitled Yousef Marei has won $100,000 in supporting and strengthening “Reforming the Security L’Oréal-Unesco For Women In national capabilities, and pre- Council: When”, organized Science prize for Middle East paring Qatari cadres capable of virtually yesterday by the Inter- Young Talent Programme 2020. managing development projects Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Dr. Isra from Weill Cornell in the next phase. cooperation with the UN Office. Medicine-Qatar has been rec- “We encourage qualified The discussions focused on Dr. Hamda Al Sulaiti (second right), Secretary-General, Qatar National Commission for Education, ognised for her post-doctoral candidates to apply for Unesco the way to enlarge the Security Culture and Science, presenting the L’Oréal-Unesco For Women in Science Middle East Young Talent research in the field of health prizes and other regional and Council to face the political biotechnology, titled ‘towards international organisations in award to Dr. Isra Yousef Marei. Dr. Anna Paolini (right), Director, Unesco Regional Office in Doha; and instability and conflicts the development of 3D vascular order to highlight and raise the Dr. Khaled Machaca, Senior Associate Dean, Research and Commercialization at the Weill Cornell between countries and make drug screening platforms based name of our beloved country, Medicine, Qatar, were also present at the event held at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education it make work more effectively PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA on endothelial progenitor cells’. Qatar,” said Dr. Hamda Al Sulaiti. in Doha yesterday. in the best interest of the The announcement was “Dr. Isra Yousef Marei has people. The Shura Council was made in a press conference become amongst the six winners €8,000 to assist them with obtaining this prize and rep- these diseases is lower in represented by HE Mohammed organised by Qatar National of the 2020 L’Oréal-Unesco their progress in their career,” resenting Qatar. “Qatar women compared to men bin Abdullah Al Abdul Ghani, Commission for Education, Middle East Regional Young said Dr. Paolini. attached great importance in however, the disease is worse member of the Council. Culture and Science (QNCECS) Talent Programme,” said Dr. Dr. Khaled Machaca said the development of scientific and the death rates are higher at the headquarters of the Min- Anna Paolini. She said Dr. Isra is L’Oréal-Unesco For Women In research through its schools for them. The Improving drug MoPH reports 132 istry of Education and Higher only the second winner from Science programme is very and universities notably Qatar discovery methods and Education yesterday. Qatar of this programme since important in term of tough Foundation and QNRF and treatment and preventive more recoveries, The press conference was its establishment in the region completion among the WCM-Q which provided great measures will help reduce cases attended by Secretary-General seven years ago. contestants. support in my research work,” of cardiovascular disease. 271 new cases of QNCECS, Dr. Hamda Al “The L’Oréal-Unesco For “The achievement of Dr. said Dr. Isra. It can be used as a platform Sulaiti; Director of Unesco Women in Science Middle East Isra reflects the maturity of sci- The research of Dr. Isra for drug screening, and working THE PENINSULA — DOHA Regional Office in Doha, Dr. Young Talents, in partnership entific research in Qatar after it Yousef Marei focuses on the use with primary endothelial blood Anna Paolini and Senior Asso- with Khalifa University of was launched more than ten of primary endothelial blood cells will help create new The Ministry of Public Health ciate Dean (Research, Innova- Science and Technology in UAE, years ago thanks to the tireless cells to study diabetes and car- approaches to customized (MoPH) yesterday announced tions, and Commercialisation) continues to recognise Arab efforts of the Qatar Foundation, diovascular diseases, and the treatment of cardiovascular the registration of 271 new at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar female scientists for their out- and the generous research possibility of using these cells disease and pharmaceutical confirmed COVID-19. Among (WCM-Q), Dr. Khaled Machaca. standing research in the fields funding from the Qatar National to repair damage to blood research. them 40 were travellers Dr. Hamda Al Sulaiti said of life sciences, physics, math- Research Fund (QNRF), as well vessels because of its effective This research will also con- returning from abroad. obtaining prize of L’Oréal- ematics and computer science. as the training and support pro- regenerative power and restor- tribute to enriching knowledge Also 132 people have Unesco Programme for Women Each year, three Post-doc- vided by WCM-Q,” said Dr. ative functions. of primary endothelial blood recovered from the virus, in Science came within the torate Researchers each Machaca. Cardiovascular disease is cells and their relationship to bringing the total number of framework of joint efforts, receive €20,000 and three Dr. Isra Yousef Marei said one of the main causes of death disease, and their use in drug recovered cases in Qatar to cooperation and partnership PhD Students each receive that she feel proud of for women, although the rate development and therapies. 144,350.

Qatar’s mobile Internet speed fastest in world Travellers with chronic conditions told to register online

FROM PAGE 1 FROM PAGE 1 and above; pregnant women days; and minor travellers among the vulnerable All citizens and residents The roll-out of 5G has also accel- According to Medical Director (any trimester); nursing (under 18 years old) travelling groups and who return to not included in the vulnerable erated the development of wider of HMC’s Hamad General mothers with children aged without an accompanied the country without that list and wishing to travel communications infrastructure in Hospital, Dr. Yousuf Al 0-5 years; people with disa- guardian are also eligible for member of their family abroad to one of the countries Qatar. Maslamani, the update has bilities who depend on others home quarantine upon their should be quarantined at a not included in the COVID-19 Adoption of new technology in been made as a result of recent for their activities of daily arrival in Qatar. hotel and must book a hotel Green List must book a hotel Qatar is also high as the use of medical developments living; children with disabil- However, the Ministry quarantine package from quarantine package from the Internet and new devices has concerning the COVID-19 ities and their mothers; has said that citizens and the listed hotels on the “Dis- listed hotels on ‘Discover increased significantly over the last pandemic. people with deceased first- residents travelling with a cover Qatar” website before Qatar’ website before 10 years. Also people aged 65 years degree relatives in the last ten family member who is their travel abroad. travelling. 04 HOME THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021 Fire Station exhibition displays works of Artist in Residence Artist in Residence is an annual initiative, established in 2015, that nurtures creative talent from across the country and worldwide. Grey Times runs until July 24 at the Fire Station. The Fire Station is open from 9am to 7pm Saturday to Thursdays and from 1.30pm to 7pm on Fridays.

THE PENINSULA - DOHA

The Fire Station: Artist in Residence Qatar Museums Chairperson H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at the opening of "Grey Times" exhibition at the Fire Station. has launched Grey Times, an exhibition encompassing the works of artists who participated in the fifth edition of its the Fire Station’s studios but rather had the next level by moving into one of during the participating artists’ resi- 1.30pm to 7pm on Fridays. annual Artist in Residence Programme to carry out their respective conceptual the available studios, collaborating dency, Grey Times artists sought to Qatar Museums has implemented (AIR5). journeys in the confines of their homes. with fellow creators, and developing answer the questions, “Who am I?” and protocols in accordance with recom- The exhibition marks the end of the Commenting on the exhibition, Dr. their own artistic technique. “Who are they?” The works reflect the mendations from Qatar’s Health Pro- Artist in Residence programme and is Abudaya, said: “With the current situ- The artists showcasing their works evolution and adaptability of the cre- tection & Communicable Disease centred on the current context of the ation, people have been forced to make as part of the 2020-2021 Artist in Res- ative process in relation to limitations Control office of the Ministry of Public global outbreak of COVID-19, charac- drastic changes to their lifestyle and idence Programme include Aisha Al- imposed by the pandemic i.e., the lack Health. In keeping with the guidelines terised by uncertainty and unprece- livelihood. Within this challenging Muhannadi, Ameera Al-Aji, Ebtesam of studio space and social engagement, set by the Ministry of Public Health, a dented challenges. context, we have invited artists to Al-Hothi, Hadeer Omar, Haytham limited creative materials, execution, limited number of visitors and staff are The initial plan for this year’s Artist embark on a journey of self-explo- Sharrouf, Jaser Alagha, Latifa Al- and installation. allowed in the Fire Station at any given in Residence Programme — curated ration and examine the relationship Kuwari, Majdulin Nasrallah, Mariam Artist in Residence is an annual ini- time. by Dr. Bahaa Abudaya and Saida Ali they have with their immediate sur- Rafehi, Maryam Al-Maadhadi, Mashael tiative, established in 2015, that nur- To be allowed entry, visitors are Al-Khulaifi — was for artists to engage roundings and the external world Al Hejazi, Maysaa Almumin, Muna Al- tures creative talent from across the required to present a “green” health with the relationship between the during a global pandemic.” Bader, Naila Al-Thani, Noor Yousef, country and worldwide. Grey Times status on the Ehteraz virus-tracing app, visual arts and literature. However, the The exhibition includes artworks Suzana Jouma, Hind Al Saad and runs until July 24 at the Fire Station. wear masks (12 years of age and older). pandemic meant artists were unable created during the residency, during Ameena Al Yousef. The Fire Station is open from 9am and have their temperatures checked to embark on creative exploration at which the artists take their passion to Through the artworks created to 7pm Saturday to Thursdays and from for normal reading.

Shura Council AAB announces winners of 14th Toyota Dream Car Art contest committee studies Decree Law regulating entry and exit

QNA — DOHA

The joint committee of the Services and Public Utilities Committee and the Internal and External Affairs Committee of the Shura Council held a meeting under its Rapporteur HE Mohammed bin Mahdi Al Ahbabi. During the meeting, the committee studied the Decree Law No. 23 of 2019, amending some provisions of Law No. 21 of 2015 regulating the entry Winners with Acting CEO of AAB, R K Murugan, and Senior Manager, Toyota National Sales, Awwad Mohamed. and exit of expatriates and their residence, in the presence of THE PENINSULA — DOHA the creativity of the next gener- conducted as part of Toyota’s social In the category— 2 (8 – 11 Modern Indian School received Director-General of the ation of great inventors, thinkers contribution initiatives. In 2019 years old), Palak Banzal from thirds prize. Department of Passports Brig- Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. and dreamers. Qatar contest was alone, there were about 950,000 DPS Modern Indian School The prizes to the winners adier Mohammed Ahmed Al (AAB), sole distributor for held from November 20 to entries from 86 countries and received first prize; Jazmin Cloei were given in the Toyota Ateeq and Director of Legal Toyota vehicles in Qatar has December 15, 2020. regions around the globe. Deveria Pe from Philippine Showroom by Acting CEO, AAB, Affairs Department Brigadier announced the winners of the In the 13th Toyota Dream The winners of the 14th School Doha secured second R K Murugan; Senior Manager Salem Saqr Al Muraikhi as rep- national contest of the 14th Car Art contest, Serah Maria Toyota Dream Car Art Contest prize and third prize went to of Toyota National Sales, resentatives of the Ministry of Toyota Dream Car Art contest Rejeesh, grade 3 student of DPS held in Qatar in the category— Nemsith Nimpura Hectorge from Awwad Mohamed and Manager Interior. The Committee that was done recently. Modern Indian School had 1 (under 8 years old) include Shantiniketan Indian School. – Fleet Sales, K S Ravikumar in decided to complete its study at Toyota Dream Car Art contest brought accolades to Qatar by Rhianna Jamil Gelogo Elle from In the Category — 3 (12 – 15 the presence of parents and art the next meeting. invites children from all corners winning the prestigious ‘Engi- Philippine School Doha who got years old), Nandana Biju- teachers and senior man- of the globe to share ideas about neering Inspiration Award’. first prize followed by Sohan kumar from Birla Public agement from AAB. AAB con- 204 people referred to the future of mobility by drawing Serah believes her dream car Sandeep from MES Indian School bagged firs prize fol- gratulated all winning children Public Prosecution for their dream cars. Every great idea will make the environment School who secured second lowed by Muhammad Jibreel and also thank all children & was born in the glimmer of a green and carbon free. prize and Manasu Manjunath from Al Khor International schools who participated in not wearing masks dream, and we at Toyota hope Since 2004, the Toyota Dream Kadithota from Rajagiri Indian School who got second prize the Toyota Dream Car Art that this activity will help nurture Car Art Contest has been School who bagged third prize. and Shreyas Ghosh from DPS contest. QNA — DOHA The designated authorities yesterday referred 204 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks in places where they are mandatory. The measure is in line with the Cabinet decision, Decree Law No. 17 of 1990 on infec- tious diseases, and the precau- tionary measures in force in the country to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). The designated authorities called on the public to adhere to the precautionary measures in place to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Vodafone Qatar to be ‘Presenting Sponsor’ of Al Khor Carnival

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Vodafone Qatar has been announced as the ‘Presenting Sponsor’ of the inaugural Al Khor Carnival 2021, organized and managed by Aspire Zone Foundation. The event will be held in the outdoor open area of Al Bayt Stadium from January 21 to February 6 and projected to be the year’s biggest family-friendly festival. The sponsorship comes in continuation of Vodafone’s support of community events and its commitment towards ensuring people are connected digitally at all the country’s major events. The carnival will feature food trucks and food outlets, fun rides, live enter- tainment, and shopping for the entire family. THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021 HOME 05 Admissions for QF schools open QU academic appointed Redesigned Ooredoo Money THE PENINSULA – DOHA as Editor-in-Chief of IJCP App launched Qatar Foundation’s (QF) a diverse range of schools has open THE PENINSULA – DOHA admission for the academic year THE PENINSULA – DOHA 2021/2022. QF’s schools and Qatar University’s College of specialized centers offer an Pharmacy (QU-CPH) Professor of Ooredoo, the region’s leading education cultivates a child’s Clinical Pharmacy and Practice Dr. enabler of digital innovation, talents and capabilities, empowers Derek Stewart and Manager of has announced the launch of them to become a lifelong learner, Academic Quality Assurance at the latest and most powerful and sets them on the path to real- Vice President for Medical and version of its versatile izing their full potential. Health Sciences Office has been Ooredoo Money app. The establishment of QAD in appointed as the Editor-in-Chief Completely redesigned to 1996 represented an important Dwayne Smith Sama Ayoub of the International Journal of provide an entirely revamped building block in the foundations Clinical Pharmacy. Dr. Derek Stewart user experience, this of this unique environment the school’s location within Edu- laboratively find solutions.” The International Journal of reworked financial service housed within Education City. cation City. He highlighted some of the Clinical Pharmacy (IJCP) is pub- Editor-in-Chief for 20 years. I am product is tailored for QAD is the largest school in the Speaking about how the other features of the school lished by Springer Nature and supported by associate four maximum customer conven- QF family, with over 1,850 school strives to prepare stu- including a faculty of more than offers a platform for research editors, Filipa Alves da Costa, ience and engagement. students. dents for their future, Dwayne 200 international teachers, and articles in the broad field of Vibhu Paudyal, Shusen Sun, and The Ooredoo Money app Sama Ayoub is a senior at Smith, Assistant Principal, QAD access to the multiple world-class clinical pharmacy and related Yolande Hanssens. I am particu- is set up to cater to users and QAD, a member of QF’s Pre-Uni- Senior School, highlights the facilities and buildings found subjects. The journal publishes larly indebted to Yolande friends, family, and domestic versity Education. She joined the holistic learning environment throughout Education City. original research articles, Hanssens of Hamad Medical Cor- help, with functions allowing school 15 years ago and has in place at QAD, which includes Yasser Al Nuaimi has four reviews, short research reports, poration, who willingly assumed for Sub-wallets and salary enjoyed a multitude of opportu- a rich, inquiry-based Interna- children – each of whom went commentaries, book reviews, the role of Interim Editor-in-Chief payments. All actions can be nities that have helped her realize tional Baccalaureate (IB) cur- through different education editorials, and letters. It is a bi- until my appointment. I am keen performed with a minimal her ambitions. “I will be forever riculum that enables students stages at the school, from pre- monthly, international, peer- to raise the scientific standing of number of clicks. Users can grateful for the experience I have to be selective of their areas of school to senior school – with reviewed journal that publishes the journal in academic and cli- easily manage their everyday had at QAD,” she said. studies, together with unique one son recently graduating. around 150 articles per year on nician circles.” financial needs with “Through the programmes after school activities. Speaking about the school, a wide range of subjects. QU-CPH Dean Dr. maximum convenience, and courses offered by QAD – Smith emphasises the impor- Al Nuaimi said, “QAD has always Commenting on his Mohammad Diab added, “Dr. easily and efficiently, thanks and Qatar Foundation – I was tance QAD places on enabling stu- been keen to create a family achievement, Dr. Derek said: “I Derek’s new appointment is an to the app. able to explore the fields of med- dent’s voices. “We provide a lot of environment behind its walls by have been committed to the outstanding achievement which The redesign brings more icine and the sciences, which opportunities for students to involving us, the parents, in the journal for many years as an provides an excellent oppor- than a dozen key features to helped me decide what to study provide feedback, such as through school’s activities and events – author, regular reviewer of sub- tunity to enhance our interna- the fore. These include easy after high school and the career our very active student council. We in terms of both attendance and mitted articles, and editorial board tional reputation in research.” navigation and a contextual I’d like to pursue.” routinely seek feedback and feel participation. They also make member. It is an honour and high- The journal is affiliated with user interface, biometric Ayoub aspires to specialise like we have a good sense of what sure to keep us constantly light of my career to take on the the European Society of Clinical logins, ease of sending in medicine, and being a student our students want and their chal- updated on the achievements of role of Editor-in-Chief and Pharmacy (ESCP). In December overseas remittances, and at QAD has brought her closer to lenges. We give them the oppor- our children during the year, attempt to follow in the footsteps 2020, Dr. Derek was also safe and secure transfers achieving her dream because of tunity to voice that, so we can col- especially in the early years.” of Foppe van Mil, who had been appointed as ESCP President. with QR codes. Director PR at Ooredoo Sabah Rabiah Al-Kuwari – said: “We have worked tire- Kahramaa opens Al Mazrouha, Al Froosh substations lessly to ensure the new version of the Ooredoo THE PENINSULA – DOHA switches with a voltage of 11/232 Money app meets and kilovolts to increase protection exceeds customer expecta- To enhance the electric trans- on the network feeders. tions, and functions as the mission network, Qatar General Kahramaa follows safety and most effective financial Electricity and Water Corporation security standards in all its activ- services app in Qatar. (Kahramaa) has inaugurated Al ities and operations, which was "Based on extensive Mazrouha and Al Froosh power achieved by completing work research and utilising the substations at the cost of QR230m. according to its strategic plans latest technologies, the Al Mazrouha substation without recording injuries or acci- revamped Ooredoo Money project built at the cost of dents among the project workers, app offers more features and QR134m will be fed by Al which positively affected the greater safety and security Sakhama giant substation. increase in productivity. than ever before, both key However, it will supply electricity It is noteworthy that Kah- requirements in this digital to National Services Academy's ramaa built 32 substations during age. We’re excited to see cus- substation, said Kahramaa in a 2020, the last of which were Al tomer reactions and are con- statement. Mazrouha and Al Froosh. fident they’ll agree it’s the Al Froosh substation with the Al Mazrouha They were built to meet the best way to manage their capacity of 132/11 KV built at the substation recently increasing needs and the growing financial needs quickly, cost of QR96m will be fed by the opened by Kahramaa. electricity demand and enhance easily, safely, and northern Izghawa substation, and the security and continuity of effectively.” it will feed to the governmental, services provided through the The Ooredoo Money app residential plots in the area. and 11 KV and transformers with the two substations' construction its electrical network, in line with transmission and electrical dis- can be easily downloaded via The substations were sup- a voltage of 40 MVA. with more than 838.164 Man- the highest international tribution networks, in line with the App Store or Google Play, plied with electric cables of 250 Despite the difficulties hours Without a Lost-time Injury. standards, by using an advanced the stations' operational frame- and will be continually MVA each, and it includes control created by the COVID-19 pan- Kahramaa provides the protection system linked to the works. It will serve the vital and updated with new features panels with a voltage of 132 KV demic, Kahramaa has completed highest standards of reliability in optical fiber network for control future projects of the State. over time. Qatar National Lulu offers promotions Library to hold lecture on to mark Al Meshaf parenting branch anniversary THE PENINSULA – DOHA THE PENINSULA – DOHA bonanza of fantastic offers on To help parents develop all product categories, from childcare skills that raise Lulu Hypermarket Group grocery essentials to lifestyle healthy minds today and marked the first anniversary of range and gadgets, starting responsible citizens tomorrow, its Al Meshaf branch by inau- from January 20 to 30. Qatar National Library will gurating the branch's extended The anniversary cele- hold a virtual lecture on this parking lot and offering big bration includes in-store pro- vital topic on January 30. promotions. motions such as daily deals, Aptly titled "Raising Director of Lulu Group, Dr. killer offers, and one day Children," the event will be Mohamed Althaf, inaugurated wonder offers. delivered by Dr. Mamoun the ceremony by cutting a LuLu also kicked off its 'Buy Mobayed, Director of the cake in the presence of senior 2 Get 1 Free' promotion, one of Treatment and Rehabilitation officials from Lulu regional the major attractions to pass by. Department at the Behavioral headquarters, fast-moving This promotion will highlight Officials during the anniversary celebration of LuLu Hypermarket Al Meshaf branch. Healthcare Center. Dr. Mobayed consumer goods (FMCG)/retail almost all international brands will coach parents on navigating sectors and a gathering of of menswear, ladies-wear, prime convenience of a commissioned the parking lot especially in certain weather the challenges of parenting and ethnic and expatriate churidars, saris, children- shopping center from the cus- with the capacity for 700 conditions. The aisles between master what many deem the communities. wear, footwear, and ladies' tomer's point of view. vehicles after adding the the rows are provided with hardest job in the world. In line with the anni- bags, which is valid until It ensures the advantage of extended parking area with the enough width to facilitate easy Dr. Mobayed will draw on versary celebrations, LuLu January 29, 2021. a hassle-free shopping expe- capacity for 500 vehicles. navigation. The management his experience as a leading psy- Hypermarket Al Meshaf Further, as a responsible rience. With the extension work The proximity of parking stated that the extended chiatrist and author of several launched its signature pro- retailer, Lulu Hypermarket accomplished, the Lulu Hyper- lots to the store will be advan- parking facility would increase parenting books. The lecture, motion with a ten-day realised that parking is the market Al Meshaf branch has tageous for shoppers, the customer footfall. which will be delivered in Arabic, revolves around the ten core principles of parenting and covers the most common QRCS, ICRC hold webinar on legal protection for medical professionals pitfalls. Commenting on the event, THE PENINSULA – DOHA and QRCS heads of mission. breach of the principles of be done by making their voices said Al Hammadi. Maram A. Al Mahmoud, Head In his opening speech, Sec- International Humanitarian heard. He urged the interna- He said this webinar builds of the Children's Library at Qatar Red Crescent Society retary-General of QRCS, Ali bin Law (IHL), the Geneva Conven- tional community to intervene on the close historical cooper- Qatar National Library, said: "It (QRCS) and the International Hassan Al Hammadi said the tions, and their additional pro- in their favour, forcing all ation between QRCS and ICRC, has long been said that the Committee of the Red Cross purpose of the webinar was to tocols, which stipulate the pro- warring parties in international based on common mission and hardest job in the world is to be (ICRC) co-held yesterday a have a discussion, exchange tection of all individuals, and non-international conflicts goals, towards integrated field a successful parent. As every webinar titled ‘Special Legal views, raise issues, and propose vehicles, and premises, clearly to respect international laws relief work. mother and father knows, the Protection for Medical Profes- solutions regarding the legal showing the Red Crescent or and conventions and universal ICRC Head of Mission – role is akin to riding a roller sionals at Times of Armed protection that medical and Red Cross emblem,” said Al ethical rules, particularly the Qatar, Cherine Pollini, said, coaster, as ups and downs are Conflict’. relief personnel are supposed Hammadi. Principle of Distinction between “The definition of medical per- commonplace every day, no The virtual event featured 83 to enjoy while performing their “While we as members of the Civilians and Combatants. sonnel refers to personnel matter the child's age. This participants from National Soci- professional and humanitarian movement practice all forms of “This consultative webinar assigned to the search for, col- lecture is a chance for parents eties, representatives of the Inter- responsibility of helping victims humanitarian action both at is part of QRCS’s numerous lection, transportation, diag- to reexamine their relationship national Red Cross and Red of armed conflict. times of conflict and peace, there activities in humanitarian nosis, or treatment of the with their children and discover Crescent Movement, Dr. “We at QRCS have lost is a complementary role that we diplomacy and advocacy, wounded, sick, and ship- some important child-raising Mohamed Hamad Al Asbali; many humanitarian providers have to do for the victims of through active participation in wrecked, and the prevention of skills that can help them and Executive Director of the Islamic on the ground, and many of our armed conflicts: To ensure that international humanitarian disease, to the administration their youngsters on their Committee of the International health facilities were rendered they are not made victims in the events, exchange of visits, and of medical units, or the oper- incredibly special journey Crescent (ICIC), Eng. Ibrahim inoperable as a result of delib- first place.” signing of agreements with dif- ation or administration of together." Abdullah Al Malki, CEO of QRCS erate bombing. This is in grave Al Hammadi said this could ferent movement partners,” medical transports.” 06 HOME THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021 Aspire Zone Foundation signs deal with S’hail Holding Group THE PENINSULA — DOHA “The State of Qatar has changed in the past ten years. The state has the concept of sport among also contributed to sports Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) has awareness among the people and recently signed a collaboration society in the past ten years. The developed the infrastructure in line agreement with S’hail Holding state has also contributed to with the culture of sports,” Al Group. The agreement included sports awareness among the Suwaidi added. strengthening the areas of cooper- Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al ation to expand the scope of work in people and developed the Thani, a board member of S’hail the community events that will be infrastructure in line with the Holding Group, said: “We at S’hail held throughout 2021 in Aspire Zone. Holding Group are proud to be here culture of sports,” said CEO of Ambassador of Qatar to the Kingdom of Spain, H E Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al Hamar (right), Commenting on the part- as a partner sponsor of Aspire Zone attending the meeting in Madrid. nership agreement, CEO of Aspire Aspire Zone Foundation, Foundation activities. The agreement Zone Foundation, Mohammed Mohammed Khalifa Al Suwaidi. is a part of our commitment to social Khalifa Al Suwaidi, said: “We are responsibility because sport is one pleased to sign this partnership with of the most important pillars of Qatar participates in 113th session S’hail Holding Group, as it contains through joint work mechanisms.” Qatar’s National Vision 2030, as community contributions that meet “The State of Qatar has changed embodied by the Amir H H Sheikh and develop the needs of society the concept of sport among society Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.” of UNWTO Executive Council QNA — MADRID Organization Zurab Pololikashvili won a second term. The State of Qatar participated in the 113th On the sidelines of the session, Spanish session of the Executive Council of the UN Prime Minister H E Pedro Sanchez met with World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in Ambassador of the State of Qatar. During the Spanish capital, Madrid. The State of Qatar the meeting, they reviewed bilateral coop- was represented at the session by Ambas- eration relations. sador of Qatar to the Kingdom of Spain H E Ambassador of the State of Qatar also Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al Hamar. participated in the Global Tourism Crisis At the end of the 113th session, the Committee’s first meeting to discuss the Executive Council’s members voted to current global challenges facing the tourism elect the organization’s Secretary-General sector. The committee stressed the need to for the period 2022-2025, as the can- overcome challenges through concerted didate of the Republic of Georgia and efforts in order to resume the global tourism Officials ofAspire Zone Foundation (AZF) and S’hail Holding Group after signing the agreement. the current Secretary-General of the movement. HBKU's Women, Society and Development programme focuses on women's role in society THE PENINSULA - DOHA issues relating to women and gender, interdisciplinary skills that I have gained HBKU experience differ from her and in particular, I could see within my through this program has been critical expectations when she first joined, The Women, Society and Development community that when it came to women, thinking. I apply all these skills in the Hamidah said, “I remember when I first programme at Hamad bin Khalifa they were subject to multiple rules and work I do as my job involves a lot of joined, I really had no idea about University (HBKU) is an interdisci- regulations. Therefore, I joining the pro- research and writing,” she said. gender, gendered practices, and dis- plinary programme focusing on issues gramme was really a quest for under- “Ever since I started this master’s courses. I also was not aware of the many related to women in the context of standing my own life and experience as program, my aim has been to write great feminist scholars, and their theories. social and economic development in a woman,” she added. about my own community, which is the I was truly not expecting to learn so much the Middle East, as well as women’s Hamidah’s short-term goal is to Balochi community in Qatar. My pro- in such a short period of time. Each course various roles in the advancement of continue reading and writing about fessors and classmates have repeatedly I took added a new dimension into my their communities and societies. what she has learnt over the past year. heard me saying that “I will integrate the understanding of these issues and intro- A Master of Arts in Women, Society, After graduating, she is aiming to Balochis in Qatar to literature” and that duced me to so many interesting scholars and Development student at HBKU’s pursue a PhD in gender studies with a is what really keeps me going as I feel whose books have really had a great College of Humanities and Social Sci- focus on the Middle East region and the need to fill this gap and contribute impact on my life.” ences, Hamidah Dorzadeh (pictured) which has been useful in terms of continue my journey as an academic. to a better understanding of my com- According to Hamidah, the pro- has sad that the programme gives a understanding gender constructs, At present Hamidah is the coordi- munity. I am very sure that my thesis gramme helps in critical thinking about great depth to life and give a better power structures, and their impact on nator for newly established Iranian will be a great addition and I hope that, certain notions, terms, and institutions understanding of society, as well as men and women as well as paying Studies Unit at the Arab Center for one day, people would see me as a ref- that are taken for granted such as systems of gender. closer attention to the lived experi- Research and Policy Studies. erence when writing about Balochis,” patriarchy, family, marriage, kinship, “What I like about my area of ences of women,” she said. “One of the most important skills said Hamidah. religion, laws, feminism, liberalism, studies is how interdisciplinary it is “I was always passionate about along with research, writing, and strong Sharing about how and capitalism. Bayanat Engineering Qatar: DPS-Modern Indian School introduces nature to students THE PENINSULA - DOHA

To nurture appreciation of Providing modern, advanced importance of nature among youngsters since childhood, DPS-Modern Indian School solutions for airports organised a ‘nature walk’ for its students of Kindergarten on the n order to understand the airports and its first week of January within the development – it is important to know its school premises. history, how it was created and came into This year everything was so the concept. different due to pandemic. The I children were waiting to come First airport and first airport in Qatar out of their homes. It was a very When you think of the word, 'airport', you good thing to plan such an will most likely associate the term with the sleek, Doha International Airport, which was built in activity where the children got modern airports we have grown accustomed to 1959 and subsequently made Dukhan obsolete. to learn as well as explore Kindergarten students of DPS-Modern Indian School taking lesson today, such as Hamad International Airport in Some buildings within the airport were pre- nature. on nature during the activity. Qatar. Airports have, of course, not always been served but the majority of the airport grounds The emphasis is not on this way and have advanced significantly in the were left to ruin. finding out names or identifying next day. Teachers encouraged experience for the little ones. last 100 years. In this article we reflect on the The importance of development things as one might do on a them to observe the plants and Spending time in nature can world's first airport, as well as the first airport in If the founders of Dukhan airport and nature walk. Sometimes surroundings. lead to some of the most Qatar, and how companies such as Bayanat Engi- Hounslow Heath Aerodrome were able to walk children are accustomed to the The students were also enjoyable and profound neering helped them become the modern around modern airports in Qatar today, the tech- fast-paced changes and instructed to maintain social learning experiences. Nature- transport facilities we know them to be today. nology surrounding them would appear as if it excitement that nature shows distance and not to touch any- based learning touches on and came from science-fiction. In the past 100 years, on television. But they soon thing for safety reasons. connects every academic dis- technological advancements have been made at learn that nature really has its Children were full of cipline imaginable while enli- an astounding pace, meaning airports have been own rhythm and takes time to queries during this time. They vening the senses and invigor- able to advance and develop at an unprecedented unfold its movement; it is not were amazed to see the beau- ating the body. rate. Advancements in technology have brought entertainment but more the tiful flowers in the garden. It encourages curiosity and many benefits to airports, such as allowing flights reward of diligent observation inquiry, exploration and exper- to take off more regularly and travel further and sustained interest. The main aim of the nature imentation, while the mind cat- distances. Early in the morning, all the walk was to stimulate children’s alogues, analyzes, and kids were briefed about the appreciation for the natural compares. HOW ARE MODERN AIRPORTS BUILT TO nature walk in their respective world. Nature enhances emo- Teaching children about the ADDRESS MODERN SECURITY RISKS? classes. One day the first group tional change, promotes social- natural world should be one of THE WORLD'S FIRST AIRPORT Modern airports in Qatar, such as Hamad of children was taken, and the isation and physical fitness. the important events in their In 1919, over a 100 years ago, Hounslow International Airport, are built to not only second group was taken on the Overall, it was a refreshing lives. Heath Aerodrome opened. Many people mis- takenly believe the Wright Brothers developed the first airport, whereas, in reality, they BPS student wins Toyota Dream Car Painting Contest developed the world's first continually operating airfield. For an airfield to be classified as an THE PENINSULA - DOHA airport, it needs to have an aerodrome, storage for aircraft and a control tower, making A student of Birla Public School Hounslow Heath Aerodrome the world's first (BPS), Nandana Bijukumar won official airport. the first prize in Toyota Dream The world's first scheduled international com- provide excellent commercial services but also Car Painting Contest Qatar mercial air services flew to and from Hounslow to ensure the safety and security of all indi- Region (Category 3). before it shut its doors in 1920 after essentially viduals who enter and exit the airport. For The competition was con- being replaced by Croydon Airport. Just three example, a modern airport must be complete ducted in December last year. years after Hounslow was founded, the world's with surveillance technology, structured cabling Toyota company officials - first permanent airport for commercial aviation systems to allow for reliable communications, Manager of Fleet Sales, K S services opened in East Prussia. specialized lighting to ensure pilots have com- Ravi Kumar and Assistant plete visibility and advanced navigation systems, Manager (Toyota Marketing), THE FIRST AIRPORT IN QATAR to name but a few features. Kannan P R presented the Dukhan airport Bayanat Engineering Qatar is proud to be award to Bijukumar on January was the first airport in working with Hamad International Airport in 11. Nandana Bijukumar, winner of the contest, receiving certificate Qatar and was com- Qatar and other airports in Qatar to help them Toyota Dream Car Art from Manager of Fleet Sales at Toyota Company, K S Ravi Kumar pleted in the late implement and utilize advanced communication, contest invites children from and Assistant Manager (Toyota Marketing) Kannan P R. 1930s. While the surveillance, air traffic management, navigation all corners of the globe to share airport was initially a and terminal operation professional services. ideas about the future of dream, and that this activity dreamers. commercial success, We respect the history of the world's and Qatar's mobility by drawing their will help nurture the creativity Qatar contest was held it was eventually first airports while we are dedicated to provide dream cars. Every great idea of the next generation of great from November 20 to overshadowed by modern solutions for airports in operation today. was born in the glimmer of a inventors, thinkers and December 15 last year. THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021 GULF / MIDDLE EAST 07

Kuwait FM Iran ‘will respect receives phone commitments if call from Arab League head US returns to deal’ QNA — KUWAIT REUTERS — DUBAI Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Iran, which denies ever Affairs Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Iranian President Hassan seeking nuclear arms, Nasser Al Mohammad Al Rouhani urged the incoming US Sabah received yesterday a administration yesterday to retaliated to Trump’s phone call from Secretary- return to a 2015 nuclear “maximum pressure” General of the League of Arab agreement and lift sanctions on policy by gradually States Ahmed Aboul Gheit. Tehran, while welcoming the breaching the accord. During the call, they end of President Donald Tehran has repeatedly reviewed the most prominent Trump’s era. developments in the region US President Joe Biden, said it can quickly reverse and developments at the who took office yesterday, has those violations if US regional and international said the United States will sanctions are removed. levels. rejoin the pact, which includes restrictions on Iran’s nuclear work, if Tehran resumes strict quickly reverse those violations Houthi supporters hold up their weapons during a demonstration against the United States’ decision Virus cases in compliance. if US sanctions are removed. to designate the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organisation, in Sana’a, Yemen, yesterday. “The ball is in the US court Antony Blinken, Biden’s Oman at 132,317 now. If Washington returns to choice for secretary of state, Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal, we said on Tuesday the United QNA — MUSCAT will also fully respect our com- States would not take a quick US exempts UN from Houthi blacklisting mitments under the pact,” decision on whether to rejoin The Omani Ministry of Health Rouhani said in a televised the pact. REUTERS — WASHINGTON/NEW the commercial sector,” said President-elect Joe Biden suc- announced yesterday that the cabinet meeting. Trump’s political career YORK UN spokesman Stephane ceeds Republican President total reported cases of coro- “Today, we expect the and his ominous reign are over Dujarric. Donald Trump. navirus (COVID-19) in the incoming US administration to today and his ‘maximum The United States on Tuesday UN officials and aid groups Biden’s nominee for sec- Sultanate had reached 132,317. return to the rule of law and pressure’ policy on Iran has exempted aid groups, the said the designation will scare retary of state, Antony Blinken, The total number of deaths commit themselves, and if they completely failed, Rouhani United Nations, the Red Cross off commercial trade in told the Senate Foreign Rela- due to COVID-19 reached can, in the next four years, to said. Biden appears to see a and the export of agricultural Yemen, which relies almost tions Committee during a con- 1,516, while the recoveries remove all the black spots of return to the deal as a prelude commodities, medicine, and solely on imports, creating a firmation hearing on Tuesday: reached 124,579, bringing the the previous four years,” he to wider talks on Iran’s nuclear medical devices from its desig- gap the humanitarian oper- “We would propose to review recoveries rate to 94.1 percent, said. Tensions have grown work, its ballistic missiles and nation of Yemen’s Houthi ation cannot fill regardless of that immediately to make sure the Ministry said in a statement between Tehran and Wash- regional activities. But Tehran movement as a foreign US humanitarian that what we are doing is not carried by Oman News Agency ington since 2018, when Trump has ruled out halting its missile terrorist organisation. exemptions. impeding the provision of (ONA). quit the deal between Iran and programme or changing its The carve-outs are not The United States has humanitarian assistance.” Patients who have been six world powers that sought regional policy. enough to allay UN fears that exempted the export to Yemen UN officials are trying to isolated in hospitals due to to limit Tehran’s nuclear pro- Biden’s choice to lead the Washington’s move would of agricultural commodities. Its revive peace talks to end the infections in the past 24 hours gramme and to prevent it Pentagon, retired Army General push Yemen into a large-scale description of that includes war as Yemen’s suffering is reached 15, bringing the total developing atomic weapons. Lloyd Austin, said on Tuesday famine. The United Nations food for people, including raw, also worsened by an economic to 84, while patients in the Washington reimposed sanc- that Iran posed a threat to describes Yemen as the world’s processed, and packaged collapse and the COVID-19 intensive care units reached tions that have badly hit Iran’s American allies in the region biggest humanitarian crisis, foods, live animals, vitamins pandemic. 24, the Ministry added. economy. and forces stationed in the with 80% of its people in need. and minerals, and bottled The designation freezes The Omani Ministry of Iran, which denies ever Middle East. “The United States “Our concern from the drinking water. any US-related assets of the Health has announced seeking nuclear arms, retal- and other Western countries beginning... is the impact on US Secretary of State Mike Houthis, bans Americans from Tuesday that the total of iated to Trump’s “maximum have turned our region to a the commercial sector and that Pompeo announced the move doing business with them and COVID-19 cases reported in pressure” policy by gradually powder keg, not Iran,” Foreign the vast majority of food and against the Houthis last week makes it a crime to provide the Sultanate reached 132,146. breaching the accord. Tehran Minister Mohammad Javad other basic supplies that come and it took effect on Tuesday, support or resources to the has repeatedly said it can Zarif told state TV. into Yemen comes in through one day before Democratic movement. Iran telecom minister appears Iraq postpones early elections by four months to October before prosecutor AP — BAGHDAD an end to rampant corruption Al Kadhimi said the com- and poor services. More than mission was “keen on the AP — TEHRAN Iraq’s Cabinet voted on Tuesday 500 people were killed in mass integrity of the elections and to postpone early elections for demonstrations as security equal opportunities for eve- Iran’s judiciary released the four months based on a recom- forces used live rounds and tear ryone to run the electoral country’s telecom minister on mendation by the country’s gas to disperse crowds. process fairly,” according to his bail yesterday after he was electoral commission, which Al Kadhimi said in the statement. summoned for prosecution by proposed the change citing statement on Tuesday the The May 2018 federal elec- Iran’s general prosecutor, state technical reasons. delay was due to “technical” tions were mired in allegations TV reported. Elections will now be held needs spelled out in a proposal of voter fraud and corruption The state media outlet in October, according to a submitted to the Cabinet to and saw historically low quoted Jamal Hadian, a statement from the prime min- ensure a transparent electoral turnout. spokesman for the telecom- ister’s office following a unan- process. He did not provide Al Kadhimi said neither munications ministry, as imous vote in the Cabinet. Pre- details on what the technical political opposition to the early saying Mohammad Javad Azari viously they were slated for issues were. polls nor the state’s crumbling Jahromi appeared before a June, about a year ahead of In a step toward holding finances were to blame for the prosecutor yesterday, was schedule. elections, Iraq’s president rat- extension. The government, released and had already Prime Minister Mustafa Al ified a new electoral law late which is suffering through an returned to his office. An Iraqi woman updates her voter ID registration at an Independent Kadhimi announced in July that last year aimed at giving unprecedented liquidity crisis The office of the general High Electoral Commission centre in Baghdad, yesterday. early polls would be held to political independents a due to low oil prices, said the prosecutor had summoned meet the demands of anti-gov- chance at winning seats in commission’s budget is Jahromi for prosecution over ernment protesters. Demon- parliament. The law was back early elections, the elec- needed for nominees to be accounted for. his refusal to block Instagram strators took to the streets in the passed despite objections from toral commission, which is named and for electoral com- Parliament must also dis- and other foreign social media tens of thousands last year to political parties. legally tasked to organise the missioners to fulfill technical solve itself in order for the polls messaging systems, according demand political change, and In its proposal for pushing polls, said more time was requirements. to be held. to earlier reports. It was unclear how much bail money Jahromi posted or when he Palestine to challenge US ambassador to might have to appear again. Syria says huge fire near The move was seen as part of the push and pull between Israel for recognising settlement project Homs refinery controlled, hard-liners and President Hassan Rouhani’s moderate QNA — RAMALLAH Friedman and his outgoing accountable before interna- administration ahead of June administration, which has tional and specialised courts. no casualties reported presidential elections. The Palestinian Ministry of deviated from every legal, dip- The statement condemned Jahromi, Iran’s information Foreign Affairs and Expa- lomatic or ethical norm.” Friedman’s recognition of the REUTERS — AMMAN containing the spread of the and communications tech- triates has pledged to legally The Ministry considered City of David settlement fire,” Barsik said. nology minister, is a possible pursue the US ambassador to that “Friedman’s bigoted project, which came two days Syrian civil defence teams on The government did not say contender in the election. He the Israeli occupation, David statements are a flagrant vio- before the end of his duties as Tuesday extinguished a huge whether the blast and the fires worked for the Intelligence Friedman, after he recognised lation of international legit- US ambassador to Israel, and fire that swept a number of oil were a result of an attack as it Ministry before taking his the settlement project called imacy and its resolutions, and considered it “illegal, invalid tankers loading crude oil from normally has done in previous current position. City of David in the occupied international law and diplo- and reflects Friedmans inten- an installation near the coun- incidents where it has blamed Instagram and WhatsApp city of Jerusalem. matic traditions.” tions and his dark ideology he try’s main Homs refinery after foreign-backed “terrorists.” remain unblocked in Iran. The Ministry underlined in The Ministry affirmed that tries to attach not only to his a blast that hit the depot area, Officials privately however said a statement that all of East it will take responsibility to country, but to the American state media said. they did not rule out such an Jerusalem is a Palestinian ter- follow up this matter with legal constitution and principles, and An explosion had earlier hit attack in a war-torn country Iraq reports H5N8 ritory occupied since 1967, and experts and the authorities to employ them for the benefit a government-owned crude oil where violence has subsided “it is the eternal capital of the concerned to discuss the pos- of the Israeli narrative in transportation company in the but insurgents and rebels still bird flu outbreak State of Palestine despite sibility of holding Friedman Jerusalem.” city and oil tankers loading wage attacks in government- crude oil from the installation held areas, targeting oil and gas on farm: OIE then caught fire, state media installations. Israel pushes settlements as Trump leaves office reported. There have been hit-and- REUTERS — PARIS Oil Minister Bassam Touma run attacks on government AP — JERUSALEM administration. The anti-set- said it did not consider settle- said an unknown explosion that forces in the central province Iraq has reported an outbreak tlement monitoring group ments illegal under interna- hit a tanker that was offloading of Homs in recent months by of highly pathogenic H5N8 An Israeli watchdog group Peace Now said the majority tional law. crude oil to Homs refinery remnants of Islamic State mil- bird flu in the city of Samaraa said the government approved of the new government According to Peace Now, ended up engulfing seven oil itants who take shelter in out- in the centre of the country, nearly 2,600 new housing tenders — published on Israel approved or advanced tankers. lying, sparsely populated areas. the Paris-based World Organ- units in east Jerusalem and the Tuesday, President Donald construction of over 12,000 “The company and the The Russian air force has isation for Animal Health (OIE) West Bank settlements a day Trump’s last full day in office settlement homes in 2020, the refinery are fine,” Touma told also been active in recent said yesterday. before President-elect Joe — are deep inside the West highest number in a single state media as state television weeks in helping the Syrian The virus was found on Biden took office. Bank. Earlier this week, the year since it started recording relayed live footage of the fires. army bomb suspected hideouts January 12 at a farm some 130 Israeli authorities made a Israeli government advanced in 2012. The governor of Homs, of militants in the Homs area. km north of the capital major last-minute push this plans for nearly 800 homes in Biden is expected to Bassam Barsik, was earlier Both Homs refinery Baghdad and killed 63,700 week to advance settlement West Bank settlements. reverse course and adopt the quoted on state media as saying alongside Banias on the Medi- birds in the 68,800-strong construction in the occupied Israel accelerated set- traditional American stance of civil defence teams were terranean coast are currently flock, the OIE said in a report West Bank, which the Pales- tlement construction under opposing settlement construc- working on extinguishing the facing supply shortages due to posted on its website, citing tinians seek as part of a future Trump, whose administration tions, setting the stage for fire that erupted during “the erratic supplies of Iranian the Iraqi ministry of independent state, in the twi- did not criticise settlement tension with Israeli Prime loading of crude oil”. crude oil to the sanctions-hit agriculture. light hours of the Trump announcements and in 2018 Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “There are no human cas- country that relies mainly on The remaining animals ualties and we are working on Tehran for its energy needs. were culled, it said. 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021 Biden faces a tougher task Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI than any president but Lincoln JEFF GREENFIELD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF THE WASHINGTON POST DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected] When Olympic competitors take to the ice, the diving board or the gymnastics floor, ACTING MANAGING EDITOR they're not judged simply on MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED what they do but on how hard [email protected] the routine they're attempting is: The more twists, turns, flips, axels or Lutzes they DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR execute, the higher they score. MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI There's no such "degree of [email protected] difficulty" standard when it comes to measuring how tough a task an incoming president faces. But it's obvious that new EDITORIAL chief executives have been met with radically different pros- pects, ranging from prosperity to catastrophic economic con- Biden begins amid hopes ditions; from eras of good feeling to bitter political THE US elections and the accompanying media division; from peace to war. If A general view of the Capitol during the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the momentum, campaigns, enthusiasm, partisan festivals we calculate the degree of diffi- United States on the West Front of the US Capitol in Washington, yesterday. and debates make the process one of the most exciting culty for Joe Biden's incoming electoral activities that every four years draw attention administration, how tough is both houses of Congress and a until it's safe for people to be agenda. As for the prospect of of global public with no exception. his task? In my view, it is nation eager to embrace the with one another again. bipartisan cooperation, we've This is also because of the political and economic among the very hardest chal- optimism that fueled his inau- The stumbling rollout of heard Republican calls for status of the US as an undisputed superpower since lenges any new president has gural address, FDR pushed 13 vaccines so far means such a "unity" and "healing" in the the end of the Cold War, along the influential and ever encountered. major programs into law renewal is at least months away wake of the Capitol riot, and effective role of its leadership in achieving peace, Nobody is likely to match within the now-famous "100 - months when the deaths and GOP leaders like House security and stability in various parts of the world. what Abe Lincoln faced. By the days." The confidence he pro- shuttered businesses will be on Minority Leader Kevin President Joe Biden took the oath of office yes- time of his inauguration, seven jected in his fireside chats and Biden's watch, not Donald McCarthy are now saying that terday, becoming the 46th President of the United Southern states had seceded; the explosion of activity, Trump's anymore. The tsunami Biden did indeed win in States, and he made history with having Kamala Harris, Fort Sumter fell in just over a along with a still-wounded of suffering - the millions November. But if past is pro- the first woman as Vice-President. month, and the Civil War but recovering economy, unable to work or whose work logue, McCarthy and his Senate Expectations and reactions to the new adminis- began, lasting until five days were enough to win Demo- makes them particularly vul- counterpart, Mitch McConnell, tration may vary in a region like the Middle East where before Lincoln went to Ford's crats unprecedented gains in nerable to the virus, the single- are more likely to be counting issues are complex and intertwining. Theatre to see "Our American the 1934 midterms and a parent families who cannot the days to November 2022, For Qatar, as a close ally to the US, change in admin- Cousin." 46-state landslide in 1936. send their children off to school, when history suggests Demo- istration could be a routine, that may not affect the But other candidates - even Biden faces nothing like a the devastating psychological cratic control of both houses status of the friendship of the two countries therefore, the clearly burdened - had 25 percent jobless rate. But wounds of the isolated, the will be in jeopardy. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was among advantages that Biden does not. because the still-ailing countless local shops, diners, Biden can take some the first to congratulate President H E Joe Biden and Take another strong con- economy is largely a product nonprofit health and legal comfort, in a way, from the Vice-President Kamala Harris wishing them continued tender contender for the title of the pandemic, there is a services storefronts for which fact that the political climate success and looks forward to new heights in the of Most Challenged New Pres- limit to what he can do to fix money won't arrive in time: All of a president's first days does friendship of the two countries. ident. Franklin Delano Roo- the problem. He'll argue for a of this will be Biden's burden. not predict what will happen: While welcoming the new US administration, it can sevelt came into office in 1933 massive infusion of money to He's proposed trillions in Jimmy Carter came to office be said that there are much to be expected from the at the height of the keep people in their homes rescue aid, but look at the with no war, no economic new administration, especially that the controversial Depression. A quarter of the with food on the table, and to political terrain. Trump pro- calamity and solid Democratic personality of President Trump was reflected on his nation was out of work, banks stave off disastrous damage to vided Biden with a Democratic majorities in Congress. But a country’s foreign policies. As he tried to reward allies were collapsing by the hour, the critical work of state and Senate. In sharp contrast to revolution in Iran, an oil and antagonising those who disagreed with his vision, farms were fallow, and bread local government. And he'll FDR's massive congressional shock, surging inflation and even they are loyal allies to the US and safeguarding lines stretched through cities. push to get vaccines dis- majorities, though, Democrats long lines at gas stations led to its interests. But the very severity of the tributed and administered have control of a 50-50 split a landslide defeat in 1980. There are many complex issues of the region conditions he faced gave Roo- quickly, in hopes of ending the Senate only because Vice Pres- George H.W. Bush inherited a awaiting the Biden Administration for resolving, foremost sevelt almost limitless power pandemic sooner. But a ident Kamala Harris will cast peaceful wind-down of the of which is reducing tension in the Gulf with Iran, to act. (Indeed, luminaries like revived economy - with busi- tie-breaking votes. They also Cold War and a generally sat- rebuilding trust with allies, not only in the Gulf, but even columnist Walter Lippmann nesses thriving, with tourism have a smaller edge in the isfied electorate. But a nasty its oldest European allies, in view of economic protec- suggested he might have to and travel and crowded res- House than in the last Con- recession and discontent tionism that has hurt the global economy amid the become something of a dic- taurants, with a surge of relief gress. That's a thin reed on within his party helped make coronavirus. tator.) With huge majorities in and optimism - has to wait which to build a bold legislative him a one-term president. There are other crises in the region that are no less important than the dispute with Iran over nuclear agreement, such as the war in Yemen and the humani- tarian crisis, the civil war in Syria, Libya and Afghanistan. It is nice to build plans and prepare for future The policy of rewarding allies and punishing opponents pursued by President Trump inflicted great damage to make decisions about my aging well and what makes back will help you build on the the Palestinian cause, and the incoming administration health or even my death? life worth living. lessons you have learned and is expected to change the approach that Trump had Perhaps here you realize that Supposedly if you imagine you may even discover some taken to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. you have failed in the simplest with me, you take your time to hidden positive habits that you All are optimistic and excited about the new era planning to prepare your son, prepare a plan for your did not realize you started beginning with Biden’s administration, realising the daughter, or person entrusted children or your family and with. It is really nice to build importance of US position in the world, and the impor- with it for the responsibilities perhaps it is your will, while plans and prepare for what is tance of its role in global peace and stability. that you will face if you fall ill you are absorbed in quiet coming and probably the most DR. YOUSUF ALI AL MULLA or pass away. thinking. Almost your mind beautiful here is to think about Interestingly, year 2020 has saying I have written my the lessons of the past year, in At some point during COVID shown us all the value of being instructions for making addition to how many good -19 pandemic, did any of us ask prepared. In the early days of healthy decisions, I wanted to habits were created or D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR what would happen if he was the pandemic, people provide instructions for situa- developed from discovering EMAIL: [email protected] infected and somehow had developed fear and anxiety, at tions that I may not imagine new ways of practicing sport, serious complications after- which for instance people filled now…And here you are com- for example to strengthening wards and even forced to enter their homes, with the presence pleting your narration ,where friendships that have arisen EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 the hospital. Certainly, your of uncertainty of the lockdown your mind saying I think the through some social media FAX: +974 4455 7758 greatest concern here will be measures that we lived best way to do this is to include platforms and learning to cook for your family and your through. In fact here the truth, my thoughts about what I healthy meals or making our- MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 children; however you may planning for uncertainty is value in the life that I have selves responsible for taking make sure of their safety undoubtedly a better strategy lived so far. Hence what I want care of others. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 during the period of your and it is probably the greatest my children to think about as And now, with the distri- illness by having someone from gift you can give to your family. one way or the other, the day bution of vaccines with an LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 your family or any other When you sit down to will come and they will find end to the pandemic on the trusted person to take care for imagine a serious health crisis difficult choices about the horizon, you do not need to BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 them. and the instructions that you quality of life they will live. abandon these changes, But let’s delve into your want to provide to your Therefore, with regard to instead try to build on them SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 story or our story with the responsible son or daughter today’s challenge and every day, and even create plans that infection, after you entered the for example, will it be frus- I encourage you to seize the were healthy and social for ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 hospital, then you realized that trating in your opinion? Are opportunity as we learned in your family and yourself, email: [email protected] your condition is more serious you not with me with a real- 2020, to prepare by establishing beside adding a moment of and this will concern you so istic look - if I can say - that it a healthy direction, but beyond reflection at the end of each PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 that you wonder ... Who will will be interesting and you that in all areas of life in support day as well…During this time, email: [email protected] pay the bills, who will meet the with your advance directive of your family in times of crisis. your family can think about needs of the mother during my writing are sitting to study Thus, it is important to practice the day and pave the way for ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 absence. Who and who? Do I life? I believe it is an oppor- that one becomes more aware a better tomorrow. FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] hope the doctors will take tunity to think and direct of one’s mood and thoughts, so Dr.Yousuf Ali Al Mulla is a maximum measures and put ahead of your life, but enabling children for example, physician, medical innovator CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 me on a ventilator if needed perhaps the life of your to build their resilience and and writer. For any queries email: [email protected] without delay? Will there family, so you think about manage their stress. regarding the contents of the come a time when maybe my your true worth and look However, you undoubtedly article can be contacted at: SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 family will be required to deeply into your hopes of agree with me here, going [email protected] FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar The will of the people has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded. We’ve learned /Peninsula_Qatar again that democracy is precious and democracy is fragile. At this hour, my friends, democracy has /ThePeninsulaNewspaper prevailed. +974 6698 6188 Joe Biden, President of the United States THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021 AFRICA 09 43 Europe-bound migrants drown in shipwreck off Libya AP — CAIRO In recent years, the EU has the boat left the town of Zawiya rubber boats that stall and arbitrary detention in the direst partnered with Libya’s coast early Tuesday and capsized a founder along the perilous of conditions continue (in A boat carrying migrants bound guard and other local groups to Libyan forces rescued 10 few hours later after its engine Central Mediterranean route. Libya). Many are victimized and for Europe capsized in the stem such dangerous sea migrants. The dead were stopped working amid rough The Libyan coast guard yes- exploited by traffickers and Mediterranean Sea off the coast crossings. Rights groups, all men from West seas. terday intercepted at least 48 smugglers, held for ransom, tor- of Libya, drowning at least 43 however, say those policies African nations, In the years since the 2011 migrants, including 11 children, tured, and abused,” they said in people, the UN migration leave migrants at the mercy of according to survivors. uprising that ousted and killed and returned them to shore, the a statement yesterday. agency said yesterday. armed groups or confined in longtime dictator Muammar IOM said. The UN migration and The IOM said in November The International Organi- squalid detention centres rife Gaddafi, war-torn Libya has refugee agencies called for an that some 500 migrants have zation for Migration said the with abuses. emerged as the dominant "urgent and measurable shift in died trying to cross the central "tragic” shipwreck that took The IOM said coastal brought them to shore. It said transit point for migrants fleeing the approach” to the situation Mediterranean, but the actual place a day earlier was the first security forces in Libya’s the dead were all men from war and poverty in Africa and in the Mediterranean, including number of people who lost their maritime disaster in 2021 western town of Zuwara West African nations, according the Middle East. an end to migrant returns to lives could be much higher, due involving migrants seeking rescued 10 migrants from the to survivors. Smugglers often pack des- "unsafe ports." to "the limited ability to monitor better lives in Europe. shipwreck on Tuesday and The migration agency said perate families into ill-equipped "Arbitrary arrests and routes.”

Algeria President UK helps Kenya prepare undergoes foot to roll out vaccine surgery after virus infection REUTERS — NAIROBI Raab told a news conference during a visit to Nairobi. REUTERS — ALGIERS Britain said yesterday it was Britain has provided tech- helping Kenya prepare to roll nical assistance to Kenya’s Algerian President Abdelm- out the COVID-19 vaccine health ministry to help ensure adjid Tebboune yesterday developed by Astrazeneca and the vaccine “gets to those who successfully underwent Oxford University, as African need it just as quickly as we surgery on his foot to address nations race to ensure their physically possibly can”, Raab complications resulting from populations are inoculated. said, without offering more a coronavirus infection, the Later yesterday, Kenya said details. presidency said. it had confirmed two cases of The Kenya state medical The surgery, details of the new COVID-19 variant first research institute (KEMRI) has which were not specified, was seen in South Africa, which been carrying out trials of the carried out in Germany, where health authorities there have vaccine locally but it has not he had spent more than two said might be responsible for a released the results of the study months for treatment of Britain’s Foreign Affairs Secretary Dominic Raab and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs recent jump in infections there. yet. Kenya’s government has COVID-19, returning home in Raychelle Omamo address a news conference in Nairobi, Kenya, yesterday. The East African nation has ordered the vaccines through December. ordered 24 million doses of the an African Union (AU) initiative Elected in December 2019, vaccine and it expects delivery aimed at ensuring African COVID-19 shots secured this Patrick Amoth, acting whether they had been notified. Tebboune, 75, has promised of the shots to start in the nations are not left behind, month by the AU, according to director general of health at the “This was picked (up) political and economic second week of February. Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe a draft briefing on the plan pre- Ministry of Health, said the two because of our heightened sur- reforms following mass pro- “It is for us not just our has said. pared by the African Export- men who tests showed had the veillance system. These two tests that forced his prede- moral duty, but in the British Shots will also be imported Import Bank. new South African COVID-19 gentlemen have since gone cessor Abdelaziz Bouteflika to national interest to see Kenyans directly, he said. Kenya has reported 99,444 variant had since left the back to their country. At the resign after two decades in vaccinated just as soon as we African countries will pay cases of COVID-19 infection country. point of picking them (up), they power. physically, logistically can,” between $3 and $10 per vaccine after 1.13 million tests. It has He did not say where the were all asymptomatic,” he told British foreign minister Dominic dose to access 270 million reported 1,736 deaths. infected men were tested or a news conference. Three die in blast Experts urge SA at warehouse in govt to detail Zimbabwe Foreign Minister dies of COVID-19 western Libya AP — HARARE, ZIMBABWE Zimbabwe, like many other African vaccine plan countries, initially recorded low numbers AP — CAIRO Zimbabwe's Foreign Minister Sibusiso of COVID-19 but has recently experienced REUTERS — JOHANNESBURG Moyo, who gained prominence in 2017 as a spike in cases. There are fears that a new, A fire, followed by an the military general who announced the more infectious variant of the virus arrived explosion at an ammunition South African healthcare coup against then-president Robert Mugabe from South Africa when scores of thousands warehouse at a naval academy experts are urging the on television, has died from COVID-19, the of Zimbabweans living in South Africa in western Libya killed three government to share a detailed government announced yesterday. He was returned home for the holiday season. people, including two officers, plan for administering 61. The government has said it is in the a Libyan spokesman said COVID-19 vaccines with Moyo, previously little known to the process of conducting genetic sequencing yesterday. private sector partners who public, became the face of the coup when to confirm the presence of the variant. It was not clear what are offering their help, he announced that the military had placed Zimbabwe, whose once robust public caused the overnight blaze at A file photo of Zimbabwe’s Foreign Minister warning infrastructure bottle- Mugabe under house arrest as the military’s health system has deteriorated, has the academy in the town of Sibusiso Moyo necks will otherwise delay the armored vehicles rolled into the capital, recorded 28,675 cases and 825 deaths on Janzur, about 24 km west of rollout. Harare. The coup ended Mugabe’s 37-year Jan.19, up from the slightly more than capital Tripoli, said Masoud With around 1.34 million rule in Zimbabwe and he later died in Sept. spokeswoman Fadzayi Mahere says she has 10,000 cases and 277 deaths at the Abdal Samad, the spokesman total cases and 37,449 deaths 2019. tested positive for COVID-19 after being beginning of December, according to gov- of the Libyan navy. Four as of Monday, South Africa is Moyo was appointed foreign affairs released from prison. She was freed after ernment figures. people were also wounded in by far the African nation minister after President Emerson Mnan- seven days of detention on Monday. The 7-day rolling average of daily the incident. Samad said the hardest hit by the pandemic gagwa took power with military backing. Jailed journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and deaths in Zimbabwe has risen over the past dead included Brig. Gen. and is grappling with a second Moyo “succumbed to COVID-19 at a other inmates have previously raised two weeks from 0.06 deaths per 100,000 Ahmed Ayoub, the head of the wave of infections driven by a local hospital” yesterday, Mnangagwa’s concern over crowded prison conditions, people on Jan. 5 to 0.26 deaths per 100,000 academy, and Brig. Gen. Salem new variant of the virus first spokesman George Charamba said in a which they said encourages COVID-19 people on Jan. 19, according to Johns Abu Salah, who ran the naval identified in the country. statement. transmission among inmates and jail Hopkins University. college. The third person who The government has said Zimbabwe is experiencing a resurgence guards. The southern African country has not died was not identified. the first vaccine doses will of the disease, with record numbers of daily Harare mayor and opposition official, yet received any vaccines. The government Video footage showed fire- arrive by the end of January, confirmed cases and deaths. Jacob Mafume, released from jail this week has said it expects to get some vaccines fighters and ambulances and South Africa will aim to Mnangagwa is today set to bury another after a month-long detention, is in isolation through the international COVAX initiative, rushing to the site where a vaccinate 40 million people by Cabinet minister, Ellen Gwaradzimba, who after his lawyers said three of his cellmates but it does not have a firm date on when building is engulfed in a huge the end of 2021. died from COVID-19 last week. Opposition had died from COVID-19. they will be delivered. fire. But with a public health system creaking even before the pandemic hit, experts say the vaccination drive will Armed men try to storm house require a plan to coordinate with private health services, pharmacies, supermarkets, of governor in Darfur region major employers and non- AP — CAIRO in a Genena camp for displaced people. government sectors. Some 160 people on both sides, including “South Africa needs all Armed men opened fire overnight, trying women and children have been killed. hands on deck,” said Glenda to storm the residence of a provincial The fighting also led to the displacement Gray, president of the South governor in Sudan’s restive Darfur region of at least 90,000 people, who have taken African Medical Research but were repelled by guards, officials said shelter in schools and government buildings Council (SAMRC). “If we rely yesterday. and nearby villages, according to the United on the current healthcare There were no injuries or damage in Nations. system, then the plan is the attempted attack on West Darfur Gov- Authorities in West Darfur imposed a doomed.” On Tuesday, the ernor Mohammed Abdalla Al Douma’s res- 24-hour curfew in all of the province and government released a idence in the provincial capital of Genena, authorized military and police to use “all statement saying a national but it underscored the heightened tensions necessary force” to regain order. The committee would oversee the in the restive region where a bout of tribal central government in Khartoum also vaccine roll-out in both the violence has killed around 230 people since deployed security reinforcements. public and private sectors. last week. In South Darfur province, clashes on Demonstrators argue with policemen during anti-government protests in It did not say when the A statement from the governor said the Monday between the Rizeigat and non-Arab Tunis, Tunisia, on Tuesday. roll-out would start, how dis- attempted attack sought to create “insta- Falata tribe killed around 70 people, tribution and storage logistics bility and chaos” in the province. There was according to Governor Mousa Mahdi. The would be managed or identify Tunisia PM reaches out to protesters no immediate claim of responsibility, and clashes was sparked by the killing of a private companies that would the statement did not say who the attackers shepherd in Al Twaiyel village, 85 km south be involved. The health min- AP — TUNIS barricades on fire faced off with were. of Nyala, the provincial capital. istry did not reply to an email police firing tear gas in the Tunis A military official, speaking on con- Mahdi, who visited the village on sent on Monday seeking those Tunisian youth clashed with police suburb of Ariana. dition of anonymity because he was not Tuesday, vowed to bring to justice those details. Experts said they overnight, maintaining their “I know that the economic and authorized to talk to reporters, said that who instigated the violence. believed big private sector protests and riots over economic social situation is a crisis deepened the attackers opened fire on the heavily The latest bout of Darfur violence poses players should already be on difficulties despite efforts by the by COVID and the necessary fortified residence, prompting the guards a challenge to Sudan’s transitional gov- board. “Currently there is a president and the prime minister measures that we have taken to pre- to return fire. The exchange lasted for over ernment that has been struggling to end single channel of procurement to calm tensions. serve the health of Tunisians, and that an hour. civil war in the country’s far-flung areas. and no clarity on efficient and “Your voice is heard, and your they (lockdown measures) have The Darfur 24 news outlet reported It is also a major test to the government’s speedy delivery,” said Alex van anger is legitimate, and it is my role limited some personal freedoms such heavy gunfire in Genena’s neighbourhood ability to protect civilians in the war-torn den Heever, a professor at the and the role of the government to as the freedom of movement,” the of Gamarek where the governor’s residence region following the end of the joint U.N.- Wits School of Governance in work to realise your demands and to prime minister said. is located. African Union peacekeeping force’s Johannesburg. “It is hugely make the dream of Tunisia to become “I make a distinction between the Earlier this week, officials from the mandate in Darfur this month. constraining.” true,” Prime Minister Hichem peaceful protests and acts of robbery Sudanese capital of Khartoum visited Sudan is on a fragile path to democracy Tuesday’s government Mechichi appealed to the protesters and sabotage,” he said, adding that Genena to discuss the tribal clashes with after a popular uprising led the military to statement said the system on national television on Tuesday while Tunisia’s post-revolution Con- the governor. overthrow longtime autocratic Omar Al would be based on a pre-vac- night. stitution guarantees the right to The fighting between members of the Bashir in April 2019, after nearly three cination registration and Hours later, dozens of people protest, his role is to maintain the Arab Rizeigat tribe and the non-Arab Mas- decades of rule. A military-civilian gov- appointment system. throwing projectiles and setting peace. salit tribe grew out of a fistfight in Friday ernment is now in power. 10 ASIA THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021 India starts COVID-19 vaccine shipments to neighbours

REUTERS — NEW DELHI made by the Serum Institute of India, the world’s biggest India started delivering coro- Many low and middle- vaccine maker, which brands navirus vaccines to its neigh- income countries are the shot as COVISHIELD. bours yesterday, the foreign relying on India, the Bangladesh said it ministry said, flagging off a expected to receive a gift of drive to garner goodwill in an world’s biggest vaccine two million doses of COV- often fractious region with the maker, for supplies to ISHIELD from India on first shipment sent to the tiny start COVID-19 Thursday. The country of Himalayan kingdom of immunisation more than 160 million has yet Bhutan. programmes and bring to start its vaccination pro- Bangladesh and Nepal said gramme and has ordered a they expected deliveries on an end to their further 30 million doses of the Thursday. The only neighbour outbreaks. shot. absent from India’s list apart Nepal said it has been from China, is Pakistan, which pledged one million doses had not requested assistance, Myanmar and the Seychelles free of charge by India. according to an Indian gov- also. Shipments to Sri Lanka, Pakistan has approved for ernment official. Afghanistan and Mauritius emergency use the Chinese Many low and middle- were awaiting regulatory Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine income countries are relying clearances. and another developed by on India, the world’s biggest India authorised two vac- AstraZeneca and Oxford Uni- vaccine maker, for supplies cines this month for emer- versity, but has not got any to start COVID-19 immuni- gency use at home, one supplies yet. sation programmes and bring licensed from Oxford Uni- India, which has reported an end to their outbreaks. versity and AstraZeneca and the highest number of coro- A healthcare worker receives a dose of AstraZeneca’s COVISHIELD vaccine at a medical centre in “The Pharmacy of the another developed at home navirus infections after the Mumbai, yesterday. World will deliver to by Bharat Biotech in part- United States, has so far vac- overcome the COVID chal- nership with the state-run cinated 786,842 frontline lenge,” Foreign Minister S. Indian Council of Medical workers after starting the the disease rose by 162 to drive. Many people have 17,000 respondents were hes- Jaishankar said on Twitter, Research. Both are manufac- campaign on Saturday, the 152,718, data from the health declined to take the shots, itant to get vaccinated imme- adding the first vaccine lots tured locally. federal health ministry said ministry showed. especially the Bharat Biotech diately, mainly due to worries had reached Bhutan and the At least two other vaccines yesterday. The government has urged vaccine whose efficacy data over possible adverse Maldives. are expected to be authorised The world’s second-most frontline workers not to from late-stage trials are not reactions. His ministry said on by India in the next few populous country reported refuse the vaccines, after known, fearing side-effects. The government has Tuesday “supplies under grant months. yesterday 13,823 new cases, almost all states failed to meet In a survey conducted by reported hospitalisation from assistance” would be shipped India initially will only taking the total to 10.9 million. their targets in the first few New Delhi-based online side effects in only 0.002% of to Bangladesh, Nepal, ship the AstraZeneca vaccine, The number of deaths from days of the immunisation platform LocalCircles, 62% of vaccine recipients. India govt offers Widodo promises compensation to kin of plane crash victims to suspend AP — JAKARTA investigation into what caused stipulates compensation must cockpit voice recorder. of flight cutbacks caused by the farm reforms the Boeing 737-500 to nosedive be offered within 60 days of a The device apparently broke pandemic. Indonesia’s leader yesterday into the Java Sea shortly after crash. In addition, state-owned loose from its exterior and offi- Indonesia’s aviation industry REUTERS — NEW DELHI assured relatives of 62 people takeoff from Jakarta on January insurance company Jasa Raharja cials have said the underwater grew quickly after the nation’s killed in a Sriwijaya Air plane 9. has provided 50 million rupiah locator beacons attached to both economy was opened following India’s government yesterday crash that they will be compen- He also witnessed the first ($3,560) to each family of the crash-proof black boxes became the fall of dictator Suharto in the offered to suspend implemen- sated. three relatives of the victims victims. dislodged due to the impact. late 1990s. Safety concerns led tation of three new farm laws President Joko Widodo receiving money from the com- “I assure you that all com- The flight data recorded was the United States and the that have triggered the biggest visited the command center at pensation fund. pensation will be completed recovered three days after the European Union to ban Indo- farmers’ protests in years, which Jakarta’s international container Sriwijaya Air offered rela- immediately for all victims,” crash. nesian carriers for years, but the farm union leaders said they terminal where tons of plane tives an insurance payout of 1.25 Widodo said. The 26-year-old Boeing had bans have since been lifted due would now consider calling off. debris hauled by divers from billion rupiah ($89,100), in line A search is still ongoing for been out of service for almost to better compliance with inter- The cornerstone of the seafloor were collected for an with the Indonesian law that the crucial memory unit of the nine months last year because national aviation standards. reform, introduced in Sep- tember, allows private buyers to deal directly with farmers. Angry farmers, who say that Moon taps former adviser will make India’s traditional wholesale markets irrelevant and leave them at the mercy of as FM in bid to revive big retailers and food processors, have camped out on major highways outside New Delhi for talks with North Korea more than two months. Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh REUTERS — SEOUL Tomar said the government was open to suspending the laws for South Korea’s president up to 18 months, during which yesterday nominated a former time representatives of the gov- national security adviser who ernment and farmers should was partly blamed for a failed work to “provide solutions” for summit between North Korea the industry. and the United States in 2019 Bilateral talks have so far as the country’s next foreign failed to break the deadlock - minister. landing Prime Minister Narendra The nomination of Chung Modi with one of his most sig- Eui-yong, 74, to replace Kang nificant challenges since he was Kyung-wha as foreign minister South Korea President re-elected in 2019. was seen as a bid to help revive Moon Jae-in The next round of talks is stalled denuclearisation talks due on tomorrow, and farm with North Korea, just hours leader Dharmendra Malik said Snow in Seoul before Joe Biden takes office as The reshuffle came two the unions would let the gov- the US president. days after Moon called ernment know then if they Chung had sought to mediate Women wearing face masks as a measure to prevent contracting coronavirus disease walk under an would accept the offer and call between the two countries as for Biden to hold umbrella as it snows in Seoul, South Korea. off the protests. President Moon Jae-in’s top dialogue with North security adviser, making a sur- Korea to build on prise announcement on the progress made by Kim White House lawn in March 2018 and Trump at their first Thailand govt files defamation case against oppn politician that US President Donald Trump would hold a summit with North meeting in Singapore. REUTERS — BANGKOK being used again as a political Korean leader Kim Jong Un. tool,” Pannika Wanich, Thana- But Chung was accused of Thailand’s government thorn’s colleague and one of the misleading both sides about the expectations for his own “unifi- yesterday filed a criminal group’s leaders, told Reuters, potential for agreement after cation” agenda without reflecting complaint of defaming the referring to the law. their second summit in 2019 in on either side’s position. monarchy against a banned Charles Santiago, a Malaysian Vietnam failed to produce a deal. Bolton also cited Chung as opposition politician after he lawmaker who chairs the Asso- The reshuffle came two days sharing Moon’s “schizophrenic” criticised the country’s ciation of Southeast Asian after Moon called for Biden to comment that Trump had rightly COVID-19 vaccine strategy. Nations’ Parliamentarians for hold dialogue with North Korea refused Kim’s proposal but on The move could mark the Human Rights, called the move to build on progress made by the other hand, Kim’s willingness highest-profile lese majeste case “yet another illustration of the Kim and Trump at their first to dismantle the Yongbyon since a wave of anti-government cynical weaponisation of the lese meeting in Singapore. facility was a “very meaningful protests emerged last year and majeste law to stifle any form of Chung’s nomination is to first step” toward “irreversible” extended to criticism of King criticism”. “breathe new life into the lineup denuclearisation. Maha Vajiralongkorn over accu- Government spokeswoman of diplomats and regroup their Chung has said Bolton’s sations of meddling in politics Ratchada Dhanadirek said pros- forces in time for the inaugu- accounts were “inaccurate” and and taking too much power. ecutions were not politically ration of the Biden adminis- “distorted,” without The complaint against A file photo of Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn motivated. tration,” a presidential official elaborating. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit Juangroongruangkit giving a speech in Bangkok. “The government doesn’t told reporters. After the North blew up a under Article 112 of the criminal need to use the law as a political Kim and Trump agreed in joint liaison office in June, Kim’s code came two days after he said among people,” Suporn “The more you discredit or tool to deal with anyone,” she Singapore to foster new relations sister said she had rejected a pre- the government was too reliant Atthawong, a minister in the harass me with legal cases, the told Reuters. “We’re focused on and work toward complete viously unknown proposal from on a company owned by the prime minister’s office, told clearer my suspicions become,” urgent economic problems and denuclearisation of the Korean Moon to send Chung as a special Crown Property Bureau, which reporters. Thanathorn, who was banned long-term national recovery.” peninsula. envoy, calling the offer “sinister” is under the king’s personal “He violated the monarchy, from politics for 10 years by a The Progressive Movement was But their Vietnam summit and blaming Seoul’s “incompe- control, to produce vaccines for which upset Thai people who court last year, said in a Facebook formed after a court last year collapsed when Trump rejected tence and irresponsibility” for Thais. Lese majeste in Thailand love and protect the monarchy.” post following the government’s ruled to dissolve Thanathorn’s Kim’s offer to abandon North worsened ties. punishes defaming or insulting The complaint, which also complaint. Future Forward Party, which Korea’s main nuclear facility in South Korea’s main oppo- the king by up to 15 years in included a cyber crime accu- The Progressive Movement, came in third in 2019 elections return for lifting some sanctions, sition party criticised Chung’s prison. Government officials who sation of uploading false infor- headed by Thanathorn, said held five years after Prayuth’s an idea that Moon had trum- nomination, saying it reflected filed the complaint told reporters mation, came after Prime Min- earlier there was no insult in his coup. Opposition parties accused peted on hopes for a restart of Moon’s unwillingness to take a Thanathorn had defamed the ister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who comments at the group’s event Prayuth’s junta of designing the inter-Korean economic projects. new approach to prevent monarchy by linking it to the took power in a 2014 military titled “Royal Vaccine: Who Ben- elections to ensure he remained Former US National Security another mediation failure. vaccine strategy. coup, vowed on Tuesday to pros- efits and Who Doesn’t?”, in power. Prayuth’s pro-military Adviser John Bolton, in his A trade expert, Chung spent “Thanathorn distorted facts ecute “distorted” information broadcast on Facebook Live on party has said the elections were memoir released last June, said three years as Moon’s security and caused misunderstanding about the vaccine strategy. Monday. “It’s obvious that 112 is free and fair. Moon had raised unrealistic adviser until he retired last July. THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021 ASIA 11 Beijing steps up COVID-19 curbs as outbreak persists REUTERS — BEIJING genetic association with pre- vious local and imported cases China’s capital Beijing said it in Beijing, nor to recent local will investigate all individuals The measures come cases in other Chinese regions, who entered the city from amid what has become Pang said, adding the source of abroad from December 10 and China’s most serious infection was initially deter- it shut down a subway station coronavirus outbreak mined to be from overseas. after reporting the biggest daily since March 2020 ahead The ruling Communist jump in new COVID-19 cases in Party-backed Beijing Daily said more than three weeks. of Lunar New Year the capital’s party and gov- The measures come amid holiday season, when ernment leadership met late on what has become China’s most hundreds of millions of Tuesday and agreed to further serious coronavirus outbreak people travel, raising tighten monitoring, minimise since March 2020 ahead of fears of another major public gatherings and reduce Lunar New Year holiday season, passenger loads in public when hundreds of millions of COVID-19 wave that transport. people travel, raising fears of could bring the country “We estimate that around another major COVID-19 wave back into a debilitating 1.7 billion passenger trips will that could bring the country standstill. be made during the 2021 Lunar back into a debilitating New Year travel season, aver- People wearing face masks commute in a subway station during morning rush hour as coronavirus standstill. aging around 40 million per disease continues to spread, in Beijing, China, yesterday. The National Health Com- day,” Wang Xiuchun, an official mission said yesterday a total cases, matching the total at the transport ministry, said the No. 1 trending topic on Heilongjiang, has temporarily asymptomatic infections, of 103 new COVID-19 cases reported on December 28. Of at a separate media briefing. China’s Twitter-like platform shut down businesses and which China does not classify were reported on January 19, these, six patients live in the That would be a drop of Weibo, with 510 million reads public venues such as gyms, as confirmed cases, fell to 58 down from 118 a day earlier. Daxing district and the city’s 40% from 2019, but 10% more by 1300 GMT yesterday. coffee shops, karaokes and from 91 cases a day earlier. Northeastern Jilin province subway operator said it had than last year’s season and two Authorities in northeast religious institutions. Total confirmed COVID-19 reported 46 new infections, shut down the Tiangong Yuan times current levels, she said. China, where most of the new One Communist Party cases in mainland China now however, setting another record metro station located near China’s week-long Lunar coronavirus cases are located, official in a village in Shi- stand at 88,557, while the in daily cases, while Hebei Daxing patients as part of New Year holiday begins on have employed a combination jiazhuang, capital of Hebei, was reported death toll remains province surrounding Beijing COVID-19 prevention measures. February 11. of measures including lock- suspended for mistreatment of unchanged at 4,635 - figures reported 19 new cases. Two Daxing cases reported People returning home downs, travel curbs and mass a man who tried to enter the much smaller than in other Reported daily cases in on January 17 were analysed during the Lunar New Year testing. Tens of millions have village to buy cigarettes after major countries. China are currently far lower and are considered to be highly season should have a negative been put into home or cen- being told to turn back. The The figures exclude cases than in other major countries similar to the new, more trans- COVID-19 test taken seven tralised quarantine in Hebei, man was tied to a tree and ver- reported in Hong Kong and but the Chinese government is missible strain of the virus that days before travelling, Wang Jilin and Heilongjiang bally abused under the party Macau, which are Chinese ter- acutely aware of potential began spreading in Britain, Bin, an official at the National provinces. official’s directions. ritories but independently wider transmissions due to its Pang Xinghuo, deputy director Health Commission, said at the Songyuan city in Jilin yes- China has also stepped up report their data. The com- dense urban populations and of Beijing’s Center for Disease briefing. terday ordered a lockdown for its vaccination campaign, with mission also excludes cases highly developed transport Control and Prevention, told a Concern and confusion the main urban area under its more than 15 million shots reported in Taiwan, the self- network. news conference yesterday. over this requirement on social jurisdiction and began mass given as of yesterday. ruled island that China claims Beijing reported seven new The two cases have no media saw it quickly become testing. Harbin, the capital of The number of new as its own. China rescuers prepare escape route for trapped gold miners Pakistan tests medium-range REUTERS — SHANGHAI of Yantai, on China’s eastern coast, of the mine and believed to be psychologists. to a depth of 350 metres, the following the January 10 blast. injured, while the whereabouts The operation involves report said. The miners were Shaheen-III Rescue teams yesterday drilled Rescuers have managed to deliver of the remaining 10 are unclear, drilling 10 channels, with one 711 working at a depth of more than new holes down a gold mine in supplies to 11 workers, one of it added. China has deployed 16 millimetre-wide hole — intended 600 metres at the time of the missile China’s Shandong province, whom is in a coma after sus- professional rescue teams and to serve as an escape route — explosion. searching for more survivors after taining a head injury during the dozens of medical personnel to wide enough to lift out the miners, A channel previously used to AP — ISLAMABAD an explosion 10 days ago and explosion. try to save the miners. the People’s Daily said. Rescuers send down supplies has been preparing an escape passage for Another eight of the 11 are in Song Xicheng, the medical could not say when this hole replaced because water inside Pakistan yesterday success- a group known to still be alive, good health, while two are unwell, rescue team leader, told reporters would be finished but admitted was posing a threat to those fully test-fired a surface-to- state media reported. Shandong’s official Qilu Daily that more than 80 medical per- they were in a race against time. underground, while another hole surface ballistic missile with a A total of 22 workers were newspaper said, citing the rescue sonnel were on standby, including An air ventilation shaft that res- is being drilled to search for more range of 2,750km, the military trapped underground in the headquarters. One more worker nutritionists, neurosurgeons, cuers also want to use to pull the signs of life, Beijing Evening News said. Hushan gold mine on the outskirts who survived is in another section trauma specialists and miners to safety has been cleared reported. In a statement, it said the launch of the medium-range Shaheen-III missile was aimed at “re-validating various More stores shutter in design and technical param- eters of the weapon system.” The statement didn’t say Ginza Six mall in Tokyo whether the missile was capable of carrying nuclear REUTERS — TOKYO particularly the absence of warheads, although Pakistan Chinese tourists during next has previously said the missile More than a dozen stores closed month’s Lunar New Year holiday had such a capability. in Tokyo’s high-end Ginza Six for a second year running, is also The military did not say mall this week as the corona- expected to deal a blow to Tokyo where the missile was fired virus pandemic kept big- retailers, said Atsumi Gamou, from, but such tests are often spending foreign tourists and head of Japan Tourism Agency. conducted by Pakistan in the other luxury shoppers away “Retailers which were Arabian sea. from an upscale shopping district mainly focused on duty-free and President Asrif Alvi and famous for brand-name other products popular with Prime Minister Imran Khan boutiques. inbound tourists are struggling congratulated scientists and Until the pandemic closed hard,” he told reporters the military over the successful Japan off to most foreign visitors yesterday. missile test. last year, the retail complex, “It’s extremely difficult, to which opened in 2017 with have an entry ban on tourists at around 240 stores, was a symbol a time when Chinese visitors of Ginza’s revival as a popular would ordinarily be coming for South Korea may destination for tourists, espe- Lunar New Year holidays.” get more vaccines cially those from China The number of Chinese vis- descending on stores by the itors had risen more than six- from Novavax busload. fold in the seven years to 2019. Ginza Six said yesterday that They also spent more than REUTERS — SEOUL around 15 stores, including others, accounting for 30% of Supporters of former President Donald Trump hold a rally ahead of the inauguration of President- Italian fashion house Moschino, tourists but 37% of tourist South Korea may secure addi- elect Joe Biden, in Tokyo yesterday. cosmetics brands Shiseido and spending even after a Chinese tional coronavirus vaccines Shu Uemura, as well as Salon des government crackdown on for 20 million people from US Parfums selling Annick Goutal import and re-sale of luxury drugmaker Novavax Inc, Japanese fans of Trump rally in and other fragrance brands, have goods dampened their frantic President Moon Jae-in said, shut in the past few days. shopping sprees for Japanese according to a statement from While Japan has not seen electronics and cosmetics the presidential office Tokyo ahead of Biden inauguration COVID-19 outbreaks on the scale dubbed “bakugai”, or “explosive yesterday. of some other major economies buying”, by Japan’s media. Novavax entered into a REUTERS — TOKYO that includes prominent Dem- such as the United States and Ginza Six has catered heavily development and supply ocrats, Hollywood elites and Britain, infections have been to foreign visitors, with a large agreement for its vaccine with A small group of Japanese fans About 120 people joined “deep state” allies. rising steadily and the gov- service centre offering tax refund South Korea’s SK bioscience of Donald Trump took to the the march in central Tokyo has seen a series of ernment declared a second state processing and luggage storage Co last year, according to a streets of Tokyo yesterday, Tokyo, with participants pro-Trump demonstrations of emergency earlier this month. in addition to a dedicated bus statement in August. shouting support for the since the election, with par- The continued travel ban, bay. Moon visited SK bio- outgoing United States pres- waving American and ticipants waving his campaign science’s work site yesterday ident hours before his successor Japanese flags and banners and wearing his sig- and said that the agreement Joe Biden is sworn into office. holding banners claiming nature red caps. between Novavax and SK About 120 people joined Trump was “the true Yesterday’s march was bioscience “raised the possi- the march in central Tokyo, winner” of the November smaller than some previous bility of securing vaccines for with participants waving events. an additional 20 million American and Japanese flags 3 election. Japan’s former Prime Min- people,” the statement said. and holding banners claiming ister Shinzo Abe, who resigned That is in addition to the Trump was “the true winner” last August, forged close ties vaccines that the South of the November 3 election. the US.” with Trump, playing golf and Korean government has Democrat Biden won the Some Trump fans in Japan engaging in frequent phone secured so far. election with 306 Electoral are drawn to his hard-line calls and meetings. The country has secured College votes to Trump’s 232. stance against regional rival Biden became the 46th US 106 million doses to allow for “We wanted to show that China. president at a ceremony in coverage of 56 million many people in Japan are sup- Others like Kobayashi are Washington that has been people, more than the 52 porting President Trump,” part of conservative Christian greatly scaled back due to million residents of the rally organiser Naota Koba- sects, while still others are both coronavirus precautions country, Korea Disease yashi said. adherents to QAnon — a con- and security concerns fol- Control and Prevention “We all chanted together spiracy theory that posits that lowing the January 6 assault Agency (KDCA) director Event staff wearing protective masks and face shields wait for so that our voice can fly over Trump is secretly fighting a on the US Capitol by sup- Jeong Eun-kyeong said visitors at an exhibition centre, in Tokyo yesterday. the Pacific Ocean and reach global cabal of child predators porters of Trump. earlier this month. 12 EUROPE THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021 Pfizer vaccine effective against UK variant: Study

REUTERS — FRANKFURT The antibodies in virus called pseudovirus which was engineered to have the The COVID-19 vaccine the blood of the same surface proteins as B117, developed by Pfizer and volunteers given as characterised by 10 hallmark BioNTech is likely to protect the vaccine, known mutations. against a more infectious The antibodies in the blood variant of the virus discovered as Comirnaty, or of the volunteers given the in Britain which has spread BNT162b2, neutralised vaccine, known as Comirnaty, or around the world, according to BNT162b2, neutralised the pseu- results of further lab tests the pseudovirus as dovirus as effectively as the older released yesterday. effectively as the older coronavirus version that the The encouraging results product was initially designed for. from an analysis of blood of coronavirus version Experts said the findings participants in trials are based that the product was were reassuring and not sur- on more extensive analysis than prising and results from similar those released by the US drug- initially designed for. studies on the South African maker last week. variant would be keenly Last week, Pfizer said a watched. People queue to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, at the St Charles Centre for Health and Wellbeing, in similar laboratory study showed chief medical officer. “This makes it very unlikely London yesterday. the vaccine was effective It provides further hope as that the UK variant will escape against one key mutation, called record numbers of daily deaths from the protection provided by N501Y, found in two highly from COVID-19 are reported in the vaccine,” said Jonathan Stoye, countries impose tighter and “Variants with this mutation COVID-19 vaccine and the one transmissible new variants Britain, which is believed to be a specialist in virus science at longer lockdowns to try to bring could reduce vaccine efficacy, from Moderna Inc, which both spreading in Britain and South driven by the more transmis- Britain’s Francis Crick Institute. the pandemic under control. though most likely all current use synthetic messenger RNA Africa. sible variant. It also means “It will be interesting to carry out The variants are said by sci- vaccines would still be highly technology, or mRNA, can be The latest study, posted on vaccine development would for the same experiments with the entists to be more transmissible effective.” quickly adapted to address new bioRxiv.org but not yet peer now not have to start all over South African variant.” than previously dominant ones, Experts have called for con- mutations in the coronavirus if reviewed, was conducted on a again. BioNTech has said it plans but they are not thought to tinued testing to establish necessary. Scientists have sug- synthetic virus with 10 muta- But the virus needs to be to publish a more detailed cause more serious illness. whether vaccines will protect gested the changes could be tions that are characteristic of continuously monitored to analysis of the likely effect of its “The South African strain people as the virus mutates. made in as little as six weeks. the variant known as B117 iden- check that changes maintain vaccine on the South African has been detected in the UK — COVID-19 has killed more than AstraZeneca, Moderna and tified in Britain. protection by vaccines, the variant within a few days. albeit currently in small 2 million people worldwide. CureVac are also testing Among the 11 authors of the study said. The world is pinning its numbers — but does seem to be Preparation for potential whether their respective shots study are Ugur Sahin and For the test, blood samples hopes on vaccines to rein in the increasing in recent weeks,” COVID-19 vaccine strain will protect against the fast- Oezlem Tuereci, co-founders of drawn from 16 vaccinated par- coronavirus, first detected in the said Paul Hunter, a professor in changes would be “prudent”, spreading variants. They have BioNTech. Sahin is chief exec- ticipants in prior clinical trials central Chinese city of Wuhan medicine at Britain’s University the study said on Wednesday. not released the results of those utive and his wife Tuereci is were exposed to a synthetic at the end of 2019, as many of East Anglia. The Pfizer/BioNTech tests. Kremlin critic UK hospitals like war zones as death toll nears 92,000 Navalny held REUTERS — LONDON Vallance, said there was research at GlaxoSmithKline on Tuesday with 1,610 people Patel said when asked by the in infamous enormous pressure on the and a professor of medicine at dying within 28 days of a pos- BBC if the government had mis- Some British hospitals look like National Health Service with University College London. itive coronavirus test. Currently managed the crisis. Moscow jail war zones with doctors strug- doctors and nurses battling to Home Secretary Priti Patel 37,946 people are in hospital Ministers say that while gling to cope with an influx of give people sufficient care. said that the death numbers with COVID, 3,916 of them on they have not got everything patients infected with “It may not look like it were horrendous but that it was ventilation. right, they were making deci- REUTERS — MOSCOW COVID-19, the government’s when you go for a walk in the not the time to look back at the There have been calls for a sions at speed in the worst top scientific adviser said, as the park, but when you go into a government’s possible misman- public inquiry from some public health crisis for a century Kremlin foe Alexei Navalny, death toll rose by a record daily hospital, this is very, very bad agement of the crisis. doctors and bereaved families and that they have learned from detained on Sunday after amount towards 100,000. at the moment with enormous Prime Minister Boris into the handling of the crisis, mistakes and followed scien- flying back to Russia for the The United Kingdom’s pressure and in some cases it Johnson has been criticised for but Johnson has resisted this. tific advice. first time after being poisoned official death toll is 91,470 — looks like a war zone in terms reacting too slowly to the crisis, “Every single death is Loosening the UK with a nerve agent, is spending Europe’s worst figure and the of the things that people are failing to supply sufficient pro- deeply tragic,” Patel told LBC lockdown too soon, though, his days under strict control in world’s fifth worst after the having to deal with,” Vallance tective equipment and for bun- when asked why the death toll would be a mistake, Vallance a VIP cell inside one of United States, Brazil, India and told Sky. gling the testing system, was so large. “There’s no one said. Moscow’s most infamous jails. Mexico. Deaths rose by a record “There have been huge although the United Kingdom factor as to why we have such “The lesson is every time The prison, called on Tuesday. numbers of cases, the NHS is has been swift to roll out a a horrendous and tragic death you release it too quickly you Matrosskaya Tishina or Sailor’s As hospital admissions under enormous pressure at the vaccine. rate.” get an upswing and you can see Silence, occupies a block in soared, the British government’s moment,” said Vallance, for- The British government “I don’t think this is the time that right across the world,” he Moscow’s north-east and has chief scientific adviser, Patrick merly head of reported a record rise in deaths to talk about mismanagement,” said. housed high-ranking prisoners the authorities wanted to cut off from the outside world Six suspected since the Soviet era. Gas explosion rips through “I’d read about it (the militants killed prison) in books and now I’m building in Madrid, 4 dead here,” Navalny quipped in an in Chechnya Instagram post. Mikhail Khodorkovsky, AP — MADRID vivors, Martínez Almeida said. once Russia’s richest man, A nearby nursing home was AP — MOSCOW who spent four years in the A powerful explosion apparently evacuated although no injuries jail as its highest profile caused by a gas leak ripped the were initially reported among Chechnya’s Kremlin-backed prisoner of the Putin era, facade off a residential building the residents, Martínez Almeida leader said yesterday that his tweeted that Navalny would in central Madrid yesterday, said. He said the residents were forces have killed six find it harsh: “It’s tough in the killing four people and injuring being taken to a hotel across the suspected militants, including beginning. And not much at least 11 more. street. a warlord accused of organ- easier after. You can be killed The first images and footage Martínez Almeida also said izing a 2011 suicide attack at a at any minute.” shared on social media showed that some mild damage had been Moscow airport. Navalny, held for now on a tower of smoke coming out identified in a nearby school. Ramzan Kadyrov, the a 30 day pre-trial detention from the six-storey building and Spain’s public broadcaster, TVE, regional leader of Chechnya, order for failing to check in rubble scattered in Toledo Street, initially said the school was said that troops under his with parole authorities over a near the city centre. Emergency thought to have been empty, but command had tracked down suspended prison sentence in crews could be seen aiding the mayor later said that there the suspects in the village of a fraud case he says was several people on the ground. were people there but they suf- Katar-Yurt and killed all of trumped up, is occupying a Mayor José Luis Martínez fered no more than “scratches.” them on the spot. Kadyrov three-person VIP cell. Almeida earlier confirmed the Leire Reparaz, an area res- claimed that the raid marked He will be held alone for two deaths and two injuries to ident, told The Associated Press the elimination of the last at least two weeks due to reporters as he visited the site that she heard a loud explosion group of militants that COVID-19 precautions, said and said that the initial some minutes before 3pm local remained in the region. Alexei Melnikov, a member of assessment was that the blast when she was heading to her Kremlin spokesman Moscow’s Public Monitoring was caused by a gas leak. The home near the Puerta de Toledo, Dmitry Peskov said that Commission which observes Madrid general vicar, Avelino a local landmark. Russian President Vladimir treatment of prisoners. Revilla, told Spain’s TVE that “We didn’t know where the Putin called to congratulate Melnikov, who visited one person linked to the sound came from. We all thought Kadyrov, who personally took Navalny on Monday night, said Catholic church occupying part it was from the school. We went part in the security sweep. his cell had a fridge, an electric of the building was still missing. up the stairs to the top of our Kadyrov said that those kettle, TV and hot water. A fire that started inside the building and we could see the killed included warlord Aslan Marina Litvinovich, building is making more difficult structure of the building and lots Byutukayev, whom Russian another member of the mon- for rescuers and firefighters to of grey smoke,” the 24-year-old Smoke rises from a damaged building after an explosion in Madrid authorities accused of itoring commission, said the look for any other possible sur- Madrid resident said. downtown, in Spain, yesterday. involvement in the January prison was famed for its 2011 suicide bombing at the control of inmates. arrivals area of Moscow’s Navalny was being held on Domodedovo airport that an upper floor in a section Former royal staff to shed light on Meghan letter killed 37. Byutukayev informally supervised by Rus- appeared in a video alongside sia’s intelligence services. AP — LONDON Meghan and Harry would be that the publisher had “no real former Kensington Palace top Chechen warlord Doku “The motto of this central able to shed light on the cre- prospect” of winning because staffers, including ex-commu- Umarov and the suicide Kremlin prison is isolation A lawyer for the publisher of the ation of the letter when the case “it’s a very straightforward case nications secretary Jason Knauf, bomber. from information. It’s about Daily Mail newspaper said comes to trial. about the unlawful publication said in a letter submitted to the Umarov, who also claimed control and isolation,” she said. yesterday that the Duchess of The former Meghan Markle, of a private letter.” court that “one or more of our responsibility for several other She said lawyers sometimes Sussex had no reasonable 39, is suing publisher Associated But the defence argues clients” would be able to provide attacks in Russia, was killed in found it hard to access clients expectation of privacy for a Newspapers for invasion of Meghan wrote the letter as part insight on “whether or not the a security raid in 2013. there and that medical letter she sent to her estranged privacy and copyright of a media strategy to rebut a claimant anticipated that the After Umarov’s death, Byu- attention was sometimes father after her marriage to infringement over five February negative view conveyed by her letter might come into the public tukayev became the leader of denied to those who refused Prince Harry. 2019 articles in the Mail on father, and with help from the domain,” and whether or not militants in Chechnya and to cooperate with Arguing against the duchess’ Sunday and on the MailOnline communications team in the Meghan “directly or indirectly swore allegiance to the Islamic investigations. privacy-infringement claim, website, which published por- royal couple’s Kensington provided private information” State group. Navalny’s mother, attorney Antony White said “it’s tions of a handwritten letter to Palace office. to the authors of a book about The Kremlin has relied on Ludmila, complained on to be inferred that the letter was her father, Thomas Markle, “Why was the Kensington her and Harry, called Finding Kadyrov to stabilize Chechnya Wednesday that prison offi- written and sent by the claimant after her 2018 wedding to Palace communications team Freedom. after two separatist wars in the cials had told her they were with a view to it being disclosed Harry, a grandson of Queen involved at all in the wording Meghan married Harry at 1990s and the early 2000s and unable to accept letters for her to third parties and read by the Elizabeth II. of the letter if it was a wholly Windsor Castle in May 2018. has provided generous sub- son for the time being due to public.” Meghan’s lawyer, Justin private letter?” White said. Their son, Archie, was born the sidies to help rebuild the technical problems. He said ex-employees of Rushbrooke, argued on Tuesday Lawyers representing four following year. region. THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021 EUROPE 13 EU hails ‘new dawn’ for ties with US under Biden

AP — BRUSSELS European Commission does not wait for permission to president and will be moving shape our policies on the basis President Ursula take its own decisions.” into the White House. I know of reason and facts.” The European Union’s top offi- The Europeans have invited many people in Germany share In Poland, where the right- cials breathed a sigh of relief von der Leyen hailed Biden to a summit, quite this feeling.” wing government has been on yesterday that Joe Biden will be Biden’s arrival as probably in Brussels, in parallel With Biden and incoming very good terms with the Trump taking over as president of the with a top-level Nato meeting Vice-President Kamala Harris, administration, Prime Minister United States, but they warned “resounding proof as soon as he’s ready. Michel Steinmeier said there was new Mateusz Morawiecki, said that that the world has changed after that, once again said the EU’s priority is to tackle hope that the US would again he expects cooperation with four years of Donald Trump and after four long years, the coronavirus pandemic and be a “vital partner” interna- Biden and his team to develop that trans-Atlantic ties will be climate change, rebuild the tionally to tackle issues like the positively. different in the future. Europe has a friend in global economy and boost coronavirus pandemic, climate “We have many points in “This new dawn in America the White House”. security ties with Washington. change, security issues common, joint projects linked is the moment we’ve been In Germany, President including arms control and dis- to the Three Seas Initiative (in awaiting for so long,” European Frank-Walter Steinmeier issued armament, and multiple central and eastern Europe) Commission President Ursula in Washington. in Europe and the rest of the a video statement on his website conflicts. where we are developing many von der Leyen (pictured) said, European Council President world has also changed,” said as well as Instagram and “When our views do differ, infrastructure connections,” hailing Biden’s arrival as Charles Michel, who chairs Michel, whose open criticism of Facebook before the inaugu- such differences of opinion will Morawiecki told an online news “resounding proof that, once summits between the EU’s 27 the Trump era contrasted ration, calling it a “good day for not divide us, but should rather conference. again after four long years, heads of state and government, starkly with the silence that democracy.” spur us on to find joint solu- He also mentioned the Europe has a friend in the White said that trans-Atlantic relations mostly reigned in Europe while He said that the US had tions,” he said. “Despite all the energy sector, where Poland is House.” have “greatly suffered in the last the Republican leader was in “faced tremendous challenges joy we feel today, we must not importing substantial quantities “The United States are back, four years. In these years, the the White House. and endured.” forget that even the most pow- of US liquefied gas, LNG, and and Europe stands ready to world has grown more complex, This change, Michel said, “Despite the attempts to tear erful democracy in the world security cooperation around reconnect with an old and less stable and less means “that we Europeans at America’s institutional fabric, has been seduced by Nato’s borders with Russia, trusted partner to breathe new predictable.” (must) take our fate firmly into election workers and governors, populism. saying that “for these reasons life into our cherished alliance,” “We have our differences our own hands, to defend our the judiciary and Congress have “We must work resolutely and also due to the security she told EU lawmakers, hours and they will not magically dis- interests and promote our proven strong,” he said. “I am to counter polarisation, protect cohesion, this cooperation will before Biden was to be sworn appear. America seems to have values,” and he underlined that greatly relieved that, today, Joe and strengthen the public be developing well, or even very in at his inauguration ceremony changed, and how it’s perceived “the EU chooses its course and Biden is being sworn in as square in our democracies, and well.” EU reports nearly Russia files Sputnik V 300,000 excess registration in Europe deaths in eight months of 2020 REUTERS — MOSCOW Tuesday, the Sputnik V account said, adding the EMA will take REUTERS — BRUSSELS Russia’s sovereign wealth fund a decision on the authorization RDIF has filed for registration of the vaccine based on the Around 297,500 more people of the Sputnik V COVID-19 reviews. died in the European Union vaccine in the European Union While vaccines from Pfizer between March and October and expects it to be reviewed Inc and Moderna Inc have last year compared with the in February, as Moscow seeks started rolling out in several same period in 2016 to 2019, to speed up its availability countries, experts have said according to EU data published worldwide. multiple vaccines will be nec- yesterday. The official account pro- essary to control the pandemic March 2020 was when the moting the vaccine tweeted the that has killed over two million coronavirus pandemic began latest development yesterday, people globally. spreading across most of moving it a step closer for Mexico, which is seeing a Europe and October is the last approval as countries across reduction in deliveries of month for which data for all the world plan massive vaccine COVID-19 vaccine doses from 27 EU member states are rollouts to stem the Pfizer Inc, has said it aimed to available. pandemic. make up for the shortfall with Statistics from Eurostat The Sputnik V vaccine has doses from other providers. showed that across the bloc, been approved in Argentina, Russia would submit a excess mortality — the Belarus, Serbia and several formal application to the increase in total number of other countries. European Union in February deaths, from any cause, com- The Sputnik V and for approval of its Sputnik V Aurora Borealis in Finland pared to that of previous years European Medical Agency coronavirus vaccine, RDIF chief — peaked during the early rise (EMA) teams held a scientific Kirill Dmitriev had said in an of COVID-19 in April 2020 at The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) is seen in the sky over Muonio in Lapland, Finland, on Tuesday. review of the vaccine on interview last week. 24.9 percent. Summer lulls began at dif- ferent times across the region, Germany irked before numbers rose again in Italy plans legal action against Pfizer over vaccine delays autumn, and still further in REUTERS — ROME On Tuesday, it said it was not immune system well enough and criticism regarding at short-notice November in all member in the position to make up the to fight off the coronavirus. delivery delays beyond its states with available data. Italy is considering legal 29 percent shortfall next Pfizer’s move was having statement on Friday about REUTERS — BERLIN Poland led the excess mor- action against Pfizer Inc after week and that it was planning a serious impact on vacci- supply cuts. tality at 97.2 percent in the US drugmaker announced a further “slight reduction” in nation plans drawn up by The drugmaker said last Germany’s health minister said COVID-19 November, followed by Bul- a further cut in coronavirus deliveries, Arcuri said. local authorities, the governor week it was temporarily vaccine delivery delays that were garia and Slovenia with 94.5 vaccine deliveries, the coun- “As a result, we discussed of the northern Emilia slowing supplies of its coro- announced at short notice by Pfizer and percent and 91.4 percent try’s COVID-19 special what action to take to protect Romagna region said. navirus vaccine to Europe to its German partner Biotech were respectively. commissioner Domenico Italian citizens and their “Due to the reduction in make manufacturing changes annoying and were making Germany’s Denmark, Finland and Arcuri said. health in all civil and criminal doses, many regions have that would boost output. vaccine campaign planning challenging. Estonia saw the smallest Pfizer is facing criticism venues,” Arcuri said in a been forced to slow down or Pfizer said the changes “We can only vaccinate with that number of excess deaths in across Europe over its sur- statement late on Tuesday. even suspend new vaccina- would “provide a significant which has been delivered,” Jens Spahn November, with 5.5 percent, prise move to temporarily “It was unanimously tions to ensure administration increase in doses in late Feb- said. 5.6 percent and 6.4 percent delay vaccine shipments to decided that these actions will of the second dose to those ruary and March”. Pfizer informed the European Union respectively. countries that fear disruptions be taken starting in the next who had already received the According to an Italian that it would temporarily reduce its With 0.7 percent less could throw their inoculation few days.” first,” Stefano Bonaccini told source, Rome is now trying deliveries of a COVID-19 vaccine to excess deaths, Norway — not campaigns into disarray. He did not elaborate. Reuters in an email. to assess whether Pfizer is member states due to construction work an EU member state — was the The company told Italy The Pfizer vaccine requires A spokeswoman for Pfizer acting under force majeure, at its plant in the Belgian town of Puurs, only country Eurostat covered last week that it was cutting two injections, given around declined to comment yes- or circumstances beyond its the German health ministry said on which did not see the number its deliveries by 29 percent. 21 days apart, to prime the terday over Italy’s legal threat control. Friday. rise in November. Poland: Judge, govt critic refuse to appear before prosecutor Call for action to protect fragile

REUTERS — WARSAW ceasefire in eastern Ukraine

A Polish judge critical of the REUTERS – KIEV “The next step is to try to ruling nationalists’ judiciary see if we can find more steps reforms refused to appear for More steps are needed to of keeping the ceasefire. Right questioning at a prosecutor’s protect a fragile ceasefire in now it’s a little bit fragile,” she office yesterday, the latest twist eastern Ukraine as violations added. “The incidents are going in a case that has come to are rising, Swedish Foreign up.” symbolise the conflict between Minister Ann Linde said during Linde said work should the government and some a trip to the region yesterday. continue in the so-called ‘Nor- judges. Linde was on her first visit mandy’ format of talks, Poland has been embroiled to Ukraine since taking over as between Ukraine, Russia, in a long-running dispute with the rotating head of the Organ- France and Germany. She met the European Union over the ization for Security and Coop- Zelenskiy and Ukraine’s rule of law, and the removal of eration in Europe (OSCE), Foreign Minister Dmytro Judge Igor Tuleya’s immunity which monitors the conflict in Kuleba this week. from prosecution in November the Donbass region between Ukraine suggested in by a disciplinary chamber the Ukraine and Russian-backed November that the OSCE send bloc says is not independent forces. 1,500 police to Donbass as a underlined the rift. President Volodymyr Zel- precursor to being able to hold He is facing disciplinary enskiy was elected in 2019 on elections in the region. Asked proceedings over allowing a pledge to end the conflict, whether the proposal was dis- media access to a 2017 court which has killed 14,000 people cussed this week, Linde said: hearing at which he ruled on a since 2014 and poisoned rela- “There are several proposals sensitive case regarding the tions between Kiev and on the table, and we are taking Supporter of Judge Igor Tuleya stands with a banner in front of the National Public Prosecutor’s lawfulness of a parliamentary Moscow. all of them seriously, and hope- Office in Warsaw, Poland, yesterday. vote on the budget criticised for Both sides agreed to a fully some can go forward.” not having opposition politi- ceasefire in July last year, After Moscow’s annexation cians present. completely false... if I went into before the prosecutor. carried out by the ruling Law though there are still military of the Crimea peninsula in “I cannot appear voluntarily the prosecutor’s office I would “This shows that Judge and Justice (PiS) party, which and civilian casualties. A 2014, pro-Russian separatists for questioning because I would be assessing the actions of the so- Tuleya puts himself above critics say aim to increase Ukrainian soldier was killed rose up across a belt of eastern be contradicting my own called disciplinary chamber as society,” he told Reuters by text political control over the courts. during shelling last week. Ukraine. Kyiv blames Moscow words,” Tuleya told cheering lawful, but they aren’t,” he added. message. “It’s a kind of caste PiS says the reforms are “There has been a signif- for engineering the uprising, supporters, some holding Cabinet minister Michal thinking that some people necessary to improve the effi- icant reduction in ceasefire vio- and providing troops and arms banners with slogans such as Wojcik, who formerly served aren’t bound by the law.” ciency of the judiciary and lations since the 27th of July that led to its escalation into a “Freedom for Polish judges”. as deputy justice minister, crit- Tuleya is a well known remove a residue of communist when the ceasefire was agreed full-blown war. Moscow denies “The accusation is icised Tuleya’s refusal to appear opponent of judicial reforms influence from the system. upon,” Linde said by phone. the accusation. 14 AMERICAS THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021 Oxygen thefts mount in Mexico; virus deaths rise

AP — MEXICO CITY The thefts came as COVID-19 cases, many families authorities launched have turned to treating their rel- Thefts of oxygen mounted as atives at home with supple- Mexico reported its highest a campaign urging mentary oxygen, creating spot daily death toll since the coro- people to return rented shortages of tanks and oxygen navirus pandemic began, with for refills. 1,584 deaths confirmed oxygen tanks they no But once patients recover, Tuesday. There was also a near- longer need, saying the agency said, many people record one-day rise in new simply keep the cannisters just virus cases of 18,894. enormous demand in case someone else falls ill. The Mexican Social Security amid the pandemic “By doing this they are Institute reported that an armed has created a shortage depriving other patients of man burst into a government something they need at a given hospital in northern Sonora of the cylinders. moment, and cannot get,” the state around noon Tuesday and agency said. stole seven oxygen tanks. Even those who have their The institute said the man detained at the scene. own tanks must often wait in pointed a gun at a hospital The thefts came as author- long lines and wait hours to get employee, demanded to know ities launched a campaign oxygen tanks filled. where the oxygen was kept, and urging people to return rented Mexico has seen almost 1.67 took four empty cannisters and oxygen tanks they no longer million confirmed coronavirus Mexico’s Health Minister Jorge Alcocer gives a speech next to Finance Minister Arturo Herrera after three full ones. Authorities in need, saying enormous infections and almost 143,000 the landing of a plane carrying a batch of doses of COVID-19 vaccine at Benito Juarez International the city of Navajoa are looking demand amid the pandemic test-confirmed deaths related Airport, in Mexico City, on Tuesday. for the man and another suspect has created a shortage of the to COVID-19. With the country’s who drove off in a car carrying cylinders. extremely low testing rate, Cuernavaca, south of Mexico said in a statement. doses of the Pfizer vaccine, and the tanks. The consumer affairs official estimates suggest the City, probably by a hospital The army has been given several people have been sanc- Also on Tuesday, police in agency launched an online real death toll is closer to employee or with the aid of responsibility for transporting tioned for cutting lines to get the town of Tultepec, just campaign under the slogan 195,000. an employee. and guarding vaccines in doses. Mexico’s total amount so north of Mexico City, chased “Return Your Tank, For The The country’s Defense “This theft was able to be Mexico, but a private security far is enough to vaccinate about down a small freight truck Love of Life.” Department, meanwhile, said carried out through the dis- firm was apparently in charge half of the country’s 750,000 carrying 44 oxygen tanks, With hospitals in Mexico four doses of coronavirus honesty and greed of a inside the hospital. front-line medical personnel, after the truck was reported City and other states over- vaccine were stolen at a member of the hospital’s vac- Before Tuesday, Mexico had all of whom will need two stolen. Two suspects were whelmed by a wave of public hospital in cination staff,” the department received only about 750,000 doses. US plans full review of approach to North Korea: Blinken Cash-strapped Venezuela REUTERS — WASHINGTON of the equation, not just on the problem that has not gotten on its approach and not repeat cannot join COVAX security side of the equation,” better — in fact, it’s gotten the Obama-era delay that led President-elect Joe Biden’s he told his Senate confirmation worse.” to “provocative” steps by nominee for secretary of state, hearing. He said the aim of the Pyongyang that prevented vaccine program: PAHO Antony Blinken, said on Asked by Democratic review would be to “look at engagement. Tuesday the incoming admin- Senator Ed Markey whether he what options we have, and what Campbell had some REUTERS — MEXICO CITY/CARACAS will leave Venezuela istration planned a full review would, with the ultimate aim of can be effective in terms of praise for outgoing President dependent on the Russian of the US approach to North North Korea denuclearizing, increasing pressure on North Donald Trump’s unprece- The timeline has closed for vaccine at a time when health Korea to look at ways to support a “phased agreement” Korea to come to the negoti- dented summits with North Venezuela to join the COVAX services are collapsing, and the increase pressure on the that offered tailored sanctions ating table, as well as what Korean President Kim Jong facility for COVID-19 vaccines, economic crisis has raised country to come to the negoti- relief to Pyongyang in return for other diplomatic initiatives may Un, even though no progress an official with the Pan doubt about the country’s ating table over its nuclear a verifiable freeze in its be possible.” was made in persuading Kim American Health Organization capacity to conduct a vacci- weapons. weapons programs, Blinken Blinken said this would to give up his nuclear (PAHO) said on Tuesday, nation campaign. At the same time, the replied: start with consulting closely weapons. though the country was still Venezuelan Health Minister United States would also look “I think we have to review, with allies and partners, partic- Last week, Kim called for negotiating for doses through Carlos Alvarado, at a digital at providing humanitarian help and we intend to review, the ularly with South Korea and more advanced nuclear other means. conference on Tuesday, blamed to North Korea if needed, entire approach and policy Japan. weapons and called the United Venezuela, where pan- the United States and its allies Blinken said. toward North Korea, because Biden’s senior official for States “our biggest enemy,” demic lockdowns aggravated for a “blockade” imposed on its “We do want to make sure this is a hard problem that has Asia policy, Kurt Campbell, has underlining the challenge to an already-severe economic funds, which he said totaled that in anything we do, we have plagued administration after said the administration would Biden, who took office crisis, expressed interest in more than $30bn. an eye on the humanitarian side administration. And it’s a have to make an early decision yesterday. joining COVAX, according Ciro “At this time, we are not in Ugarte, director of health emer- a position to use them even for gencies for PAHO, the regional access to the vaccine as we Brazil battles arm of the World Health have requested on many occa- Organization (WHO). sions,” Alvarado said. Chinese red tape “However, this is not pos- Washington in 2019 sible due to lack of resources launched a sanctions program to get vaccine and timely payments,” Ugarte against Venezuela that led to told a virtual press conference. hundreds of millions in Vene- ingredients “The time to be able to join the zuelan funds being frozen in COVAX mechanism has bank accounts in the United REUTERS — BRASILIA passed.” States and Britain. The COVAX mechanism, Some of those funds were Brazil is battling bureaucracy coordinated by WHO and the officially put under the control in China to free up exports of GAVI vaccines alliance to of Guaido, who more than 50 active ingredients for vaccines support poorer countries, is countries have recognized as developed by AstraZeneca and funded by donor countries, Venezuela’s legitimate pres- Sinovac Biotech, three people multilateral lenders such as the ident. But obtaining permits to familiar with talks said, without World Bank, and private char- spend the money has been which an immunization push ities. COVAX has secured deals complicated. could soon slow to a trickle. for 2 billion vaccine doses to be A sustained surge in coro- More Brazilian states gave deployed this year, PAHO offi- navirus infections in the their first COVID-19 vaccina- cials said. Americas shows the region is tions on Tuesday, as the gov- Venezuelan President failing to control the spread of ernment distributed some 6 Nicolas Maduro has said the the virus, PAHO Director million ready doses of the country will receive 10 million Carissa Etienne told the press vaccine from China’s Sinovac doses of the Russian Sputnik V conference. after its approval on Sunday for vaccine. The region recorded 2.5 emergency use. Lawyers for Venezuela’s million new COVID-19 cases However the sources, who Maria Rita da Silva, 107, a Guarani indigenous woman is helped to walk after receiving the first dose central bank said the country and related 42,000 deaths in spoke anonymously due to dip- of the CoronaVac, Sinovac’s vaccine in her village at Tenonde Pora, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, yesterday. has been unable to make pay- the last week. From Mexico to lomatic sensitivities, said red ments required to participate Chile, health systems are being tape in China was holding back The person said Brazil was finished doses of the AstraZeneca Pfizer in the United Kingdom. in COVAX because sanctions strained to their limits, Etienne supplies needed for Brazil to not the only country struggling shot until March as it waits for AstraZeneca has arranged have left funds frozen in foreign said. finish and distribute millions with export hurdles. “It’s not tar- the first shipment of active ingre- for substantial manufacturing bank accounts. “I am particularly con- more doses from its own bio- geted at us.” Right-wing Brazilian dients from China. The institute of its vaccine’s active ingre- Last week, they said cerned for the next few weeks,” medical facilities. President Jair Bolsonaro has had been aiming for 1 million dients in China. Last month, opposition leader Juan she said, noting that new coro- “It’s a new situation, and repeatedly antagonized China. doses by mid-February. Brazilian health inspectors Guaido had rejected a plan navirus variants found in the there’s a bureaucratic problem. Recently, he disparaged the A British government min- visited and approved the facil- under which funds held in United Kingdom, South Africa The Chinese are still defining Sinovac shot based on its “origins.” ister on Monday flagged concerns ities of Chinese firm WuXi Bio- London could pay its contri- and Brazil may be increasing procedures, which takes time,” Brazil’s federally funded about a “lumpy” manufacturing logics to export the ingredients bution to COVAX, which infections. “Many hospitals are one source said. “There’s also a Fiocruz biomedical center said it process slowing the rollout of of the AstraZeneca shot for fin- Guaido allies deny. operating at or very close to relative scarcity of supplies.” would not be able to deliver vaccines from AstraZeneca and ishing in Brazil. Being locked out of COVAX capacity.” Guatemala turns more Chile regulator approves Sinovac vaccine migrants back to Honduras REUTERS — SANTIAGO Ten members of the Public and severe iterations of this earlier this month sparked AP — EL FLORIDO major hurricanes in Health Institute’s advisory disease,” he said. concern among some other November have piled atop Chile’s health regulator board approved the vaccine Chile paid $3.5m to host potential buyers after it showed A once large caravan of chronic poverty and gang approved the emergency roll-out, while two voted a clinical trial of the Sinovac the vaccine was 50.4 percent Honduran migrants that violence. roll-out of the CoronaVac against it and one abstained. vaccine and has ordered 60 effective at preventing symp- pushed its way into Guatemala But on Tuesday, buses COVID-19 vaccine manufac- The two medical experts who million doses to be admin- tomatic infections, including last week had dissipated by carrying dozens of migrants tured by China’s Sinovac voted against said they wanted istered to its 18 million- “very mild” cases. Tuesday in the face of Guate- and police patrol vehicles Biotech Ltd, clearing the way to see more data on the vaccine strong population over three Previously released data malan security forces. Small carrying handfuls arrived for the Andean country to move trials. years. said CoronaVac showed 78 groups pressed on toward the sporadically through the up a gear in its inoculation Heriberto Garcia, director A delivery around two percent efficacy against “mild- Mexican border, while others morning at the Guatemala- effort against the virus. of the Public Health Institute million Sinovac doses was to-severe” cases. accepted rides from author- Honduras border crossing of The emergency approval, (ISP), said “very encouraging” expected as early as Monday, The ISP said data from the ities back to Honduras. El Florido. They were passed which comes after trial data in data from late-stage trials and the science ministry said. Chilean CoronaVac trial was Many of the migrants from Guatemalan border Brazil raised questions over the the ISP’s own investigations The Sinovac vaccine has not yet available, but it had were driven by an increas- agents to their Honduran vaccine’s true efficacy, would suggested CoronaVac was a already been approved and is weighed data from trials in ingly desperate situation in counterparts and then cover inoculations with just “safe and effective vaccine to being rolled out in Brazil, other countries. The regulator Honduras, where the eco- boarded buses that would over 10 million doses of the fight the pandemic”. Turkey and Indonesia. sent two inspectors to the nomic ravages of the take them back to their Sinovac vaccine for Chileans “It is proven as a vaccine Data from the drug’s late- Sinovac factory in Beijing in COVID-19 pandemic and two hometowns. over the age of 18. that prevents hospitalisations stage clinical trial in Brazil November. THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021 AMERICAS 15 Biden to hit reset on fight against virus on first day REUTERS — WASHINGTON Biden was also poised typical inauguration crowds since citizens were told to stay home President Joe Biden yesterday to nominate an acting to avoid the risk of contagion. was to immediately reset the US surgeon general. Biden was also poised to nation’s response to the nominate an acting US surgeon COVID-19 crisis when he heads The new President’s general as soon as yesterday, a to the Oval Office after being executive actions, person familiar with the sworn in to lead a country particularly the mask decision told MSNBC, following reeling from its worst public the resignation of Trump health crisis in more than a mandate, are intended appointee Jerome Adams. century. to set an example Biden’s executive actions, As part of a first sweep of particularly the mask mandate, executive actions, Biden was to for state and local are intended to set an example for order that all federal employees officials to rein in the state and local officials to rein in wear masks and make face cov- the virus, which has hobbled the erings mandatory on federal virus. US economy. The United States property. He will establish a has reported nearly 200,000 new new White House office to coor- COVID-19 cases and 3,000 deaths dinate the coronavirus response per day on a seven-day rolling and halt the withdrawal of the oath of office at a scaled-back average, according to data. More United States from the World inauguration ceremony unlike than 123,000 Americans were Health Organization, a process any other in US history, he hospitalized with COVID-19 as of initiated by former President asked onlookers to join him in yesterday. Donald Trump. a silent prayer for the 400,000 Scientists and public health The orders will fulfill Americans who perished from experts have said face masks Biden’s campaign promise to COVID-19. can help prevent the spread of US President Joe Biden speaks as Vice-President Kamala Harris applauds during his inauguration on make COVID-19 relief a top pri- “We’re entering what may the highly contagious novel the West Front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, yesterday. ority and will mark a sharp be the toughest and deadliest coronavirus, but the coverings divergence from the Trump period of the virus and must set have become a flashpoint in maskless campaign rallies while to the crowd at Joint Base “We got hit. Nobody blames administration’s pandemic aside politics and finally face American life reflecting the Biden’s campaign initially stuck Andrews in Maryland, Trump us for that. The whole world got response, which critics say was this pandemic as one nation,” nation’s larger political divide. to virtual events before again painted his administration it,” he said of the pandemic’s toll ineffectual, uncoordinated and Biden said. Trump, who contracted expanding to other masked and as a victim of the virus and listed on the economy. He later touted at least partly responsible for He delivered his inaugural COVID-19 last autumn, had socially distant gatherings. a series of accomplishments the development of a vaccine the death of more than 400,000 speech looking out across the eschewed their use at all but a There were few face masks such as tax cuts, deregulation as a “miracle” before paying his Americans. National Mall, which was covered handful of events and continued as Trump departed Washington and stock market gains before respects to people and families Minutes after Biden took his in a “field of flags” instead of to hold crowded, largely yesterday morning. In remarks addressing COVID-19 deaths. impacted by the virus. Pence applauds Trump successor at inauguration Biden’s inauguration goes REUTERS — WASHINGTON the next vice president, Kamala Harris, as overturn Biden’s victory based on false off with no security issues she arrived at the US Capitol. Trump claims of widespread voting fraud and Outgoing US Vice-President Mike Pence skipped the inauguration. irregularities, although the two men sought and his wife Karen attended the inaugu- Pence, the Republican former Indiana to repair their ties before leaving office. AP — WASHINGTON array of threats against elected ration of new President Joe Biden yesterday governor, and his wife yesterday were to Pence spoke with Harris last Thursday, officials and discussions about after skipping both a farewell ceremony fly home to Columbus, Indiana, where they marking the highest-level contact between Troops in riot gear lined the ways to infiltrate the inaugu- for Donald Trump and the usual protocol will be greeted by a group of supporters the outgoing and incoming streets of the nation’s capitol, ration, the official said. of welcoming his successor to his home at and friends, according to a source familiar administrations. but there were no crowds. In right-wing online chat the Naval Observatory. with the plans. The couple plans to move The father of a Marine Corps F-35 pilot, Armored vehicles and concrete groups, members who believe Pence, whom some of Trump’s sup- back to Indiana later this year. Pence and his wife thanked troops for their barriers blocked the empty in the QAnon conspiracy theory porters during the deadly January 6 assault Pence was a loyal lieutenant throughout service during a final visit to US troops at streets around the US Capitol. expressed disappointment that on the US Capitol had threatened to hang Trump’s four-year term. But he found military bases in California and New York From behind miles of fencing, their long belief in the for refusing to try to overturn Biden’s Elec- himself shunned by the outgoing president over the weekend. Pence also met with Joe Biden was safely sworn in unfounded conspiracy that top toral College win in Congress, applauded for days for not supporting his quest to National Guard troops guarding the Capitol, as president in a Washington Democrats would be arrested vowing to ensure a safe transition of power. on edge, two weeks after pro- for a sex trafficking ring and Anita McBride, who served as chief of Trump rioters besieged the US that Trump could seize a staff to former first lady Laura Bush, said Capitol. second term did not Trump’s refusal to participate in Biden’s Law enforcement officials materialize. inauguration was a “sad break with tra- contended not only with the And 12 National Guard dition” that would leave Trump and his potential for outside threats but members were removed from family — and his supporters — without also with rising concerns about the security operation a day closure. an insider attack. Officials were earlier after vetting by the FBI, McBride praised Pence for his actions monitoring members of far- including two who had made in recent weeks. right extremist and militia extremist statements in posts “He did what was right for the country groups, increasingly concerned or texts about Wednesday’s despite intense pressure, and he did not about the possibility such event. Pentagon officials buckle,” McBride said. groups could stream into wouldn’t give details on the Pence, who certified Biden and Harris’s Washington and spark violent statements. The FBI vetted all electoral win in Congress last week after confrontations, a law 25,000 members in an extraor- Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in enforcement official said. dinary security effort in part attempt to stop the process, has not pub- There were a few scattered over the presence of some ex- licly spoken directly about the siege or the arrests, but no serious disrup- military in the riot. subsequent impeachment of Trump by the tions in the city during Biden’s Two other US officials said US House of Representatives for inciting inauguration ceremony. that all 12 were found to have an insurrection. As Biden put it in his ties with right-wing militia But on Sunday, in his final speech as address: “Just days after a groups or to have posted vice president, Pence praised the resilience riotous mob thought they could extremist views online. The of the American people, adding, “I have use violence to silence the will officials, a senior intelligence Former Vice-President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen Pence, walk after the inauguration faith that the day will come where we put of the people, to stop the work official and an Army official of Joe Biden, in Washington, DC, yesterday. these challenging times behind us.” of our democracy, to drive us briefed on the matter, did not from this sacred ground, it did say which fringe groups the not happen. It will never Guard members belonged to or Hollywood returns: Gaga, J Lo headline inauguration happen. Not today. Not what unit they served in. The tomorrow, not ever, not ever.” officials said that they had all AP — WASHINGTON A slew of glittery celebrities herself on Twitter and Instagram inaugural balls. “Hamilton” After the deadly attack that been removed because of is descending on Washington on Tuesday afternoon, standing creator Lin-Manuel Miranda will killed five on January 6, the US “security liabilities.” Gaga, J Lo, Hanks, Legend, — virtually or in person — to inside the Capitol, site of the contribute a classical recitation, Secret Service stepped up The officials were not Miranda, Brooks and Bruu- welcome the new adminis- deadly riot Jan. 6. She called for joining musicians like Bruce security for the inauguration authorized to speak publicly uuuce. tration of Joe Biden and Kamala Inauguration Day to be “a day Springsteen, John Legend, Katy early, essentially locking down and spoke on condition of It’s a far cry from a normal Harris, a duo popular in Hol- of peace for all Americans. A day Perry, Demi Lovato, Foo Fighters, the nation’s capital. More than anonymity. inauguration, with Washington lywood, where Donald Trump for love, not hatred. A day for Justin Timberlake and Bon Jovi. 25,000 troops and police were General Daniel Hokanson, locked down due to security was decidedly not. acceptance not fear.” Hosts Kerry Washington and Eva called to duty. The National chief of the National Guard concerns, and most inaugural They’re led by Lady Gaga Other top-tier performers Longoria will be joined by bas- Mall was closed. Checkpoints Bureau, confirmed that Guard events gone virtual because of singing the national anthem were to be part of “Celebrating ketball legend Kareem Abdul- were set up at intersections. members had been removed the raging coronavirus pan- yesterday, with Jennifer Lopez America,” a 90-minute, multi- Jabbar, chef Jose Andres, labor In the hours before the and sent home, but said only demic. But one thing is back and Garth Brooks contributing network evening broadcast leader Dolores Huerta and Kim event, federal agents were two cases were related to inap- that virtually disappeared four musical performances. hosted by Tom Hanks that takes Ng, the first female general monitoring “concerning online propriate comments or texts years ago: the A-list. Gaga posted a photo of the place of the usual official manager in MLB history. chatter,” which included an related to the inauguration. Trump pardons Steve Trump bids farewell to Washington, hints of comeback

Bannon, many others AP — WEST PALM BEACH loss and maintains that election won by Biden was stolen from AP — WASHINGTON criminal justice activists. One His presidency over, Donald him. Republican officials in man who has spent nearly 24 Trump said farewell to Wash- several critical states, members President Donald Trump years in prison on drug and ington yesterday but also hinted of his own administration and pardoned former chief strat- weapons charges but had shown about a comeback despite a a wide swath of judges, egist Steve Bannon and dozens exemplary behavior behind bars legacy of chaos, tumult and including those appointed by of others as part of a flurry of had his sentence commuted, as bitter divisions in the country Trump, have rejected those clemency action in the final did a former Marine sentenced he led for four years. arguments. hours of his White House term in 2000 in connection with a “So just a goodbye. We love Trump refused to partic- that benefited more than 140 cocaine conviction. you,” Trump told supporters at ipate in any of the symbolic people, including rap But the names of prominent Joint Base Andrews in Maryland passing-of-the-torch traditions performers, ex-members of Trump allies nonetheless stood where he walked across a red surrounding the peaceful tran- Congress and other allies of out. carpet and boarded Air Force sition of power, including him and his family. Besides Bannon, other One to head to Florida. “We will inviting the Joe and Jill Biden to The last-minute clemency, pardon recipients included be back in some form.” the White House for a get-to- Outgoing President Donald Trump, with First Lady Melania Trump, announced yesterday morning, Elliott Broidy, a Republican Trump departed office as know-you visit. waves as he boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, follows separate waves of fundraiser who pleaded guilty the only president ever He did follow at least one pardons over the past month last fall in a scheme to lobby impeached twice, and with mil- tradition: The White House said yesterday. for Trump associates convicted the Trump administration to lions more out of work than Trump left behind a note for in the FBI’s Russia investigation drop an investigation into the when he was sworn in and Biden. A Trump spokesman, gathered for the send-off on the Trump said his presidency as well as for the father of his looting of a Malaysian wealth 400,000 dead from the Judd Deere, declined to say military base along with the was an “incredible four years.” He son-in-law. fund, and Ken Kurson, a friend coronavirus. what Trump wrote or charac- president’s loyalists, who told the crowd that he and first To be sure, the latest list was of Trump son-in-law Jared The first president in terize the sentiment in the note, chanted “We love you!” “Thank lady Melania Trump loved them heavily populated by more con- Kushner who was charged last modern history to boycott his citing privacy for communi- you, Trump” and “USA.” Four and praised his family for its hard ventional candidates whose October with cyberstalking successor’s inauguration, cation between presidents. Army cannons fired a 21-gun work, saying they could have cases had been championed by during a heated divorce Trump is still stewing about his Members of Trump’s family salute. chosen to have an easier life. THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2021 16

Qatar Airways Holidays extends Travel

Bubble Holidays packages to Maldives You Ask, THE PENINSULA — DOHA officials answer PRAYER TIMINGS Qatar Airways Holidays has PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING announced the final extension of Don’t worry, but don’t wait! its Travel Bubble Holidays packages to the Maldives, Child Development - Part 1 FAJR 05.00 am providing travellers with more SUNRISE 06.21 am flexibility to plan a last-minute, quarantine-free gateway to the What are some of the DHUHR 11.45 am tropical paradise island. The travel common causes of ASR 02.40 pm period is extended until February speech and language MAGHRIB 05.12 pm 20 for bookings with minimum delay? A: ISHA 06.42 pm three-night duration and last Causes of speech lan- outbound date from Qatar on guage delay could be con- and start seeking help from a February 17. A view of a tourist site in Maldives. genital or acquired. Congenital professional. To celebrate the success and developmental causes include My child says letters mark the end of the very popular a negative COVID-19 PCR test cerebral palsy, hearing loss, and numbers but he is Travel Bubble Holidays between certificate issued no more than 72 cleft lip and palate, genetic dis- not communicating. Qatar and the Maldives, Qatar To celebrate the success hours before departure. This is a orders (Down syndrome, fragile Why is it so? Airways Holidays will offer cus- and mark the end of the requirement of the Maldives gov- x syndrome, etc), articulation A: It could be because of the tomers free upgrades, including ernment and sign a release form disorders due to oral structural increased screen time use of additional resort facilities, very popular Travel committing to the terms and con- defects, cognitive impairment, exposure, from where your Bubble Holidays between WEATHER water sports activities — such as ditions of the exclusive Travel etc. Acquired causes include child might have learnt those TODAY canoeing, laser sailing, snorkelling Qatar and the Maldives, Bubble Holidays. hearing loss, language delay letters and numbers. You and windsurfing — as well as Qatar Airways Holidays Take a rapid PCR test at due to lack of environmental should gradually stop it. Make special food and beverage will offer customers free Hamad International Airport. stimulation, voice disorders, him engaged in normal com- offerings for all new bookings Results will be available within 15 acquired neurological condi- munication through modelling, made before February 15, all at upgrades, including use minutes, and passengers will be tions, etc. play, etc. Provide opportunities no extra cost. of additional resort allowed to travel if negative. Some disorders can be for him to communicate and In November 2020, Qatar facilities, water sports Arrive in the Maldives, where no caused due to genetic/ con- spend quality time with your o o Airways Holidays announced the activities. additional tests are needed, and genital as well as environ- child. 18 C 24 C creation of its Travel Bubble Hol- take a transfer by speedboat mental factors. An example of My 3.6-year-old kid is Minimum Maximum idays package allowing Qatar cit- directly to the resort. Return to this is Autism Spectrum Dis- not speaking clearly. Moderate temperature daytime izens and residents to holiday Maldives airport via speedboat orders. Hearing loss can also Often we make him with some clouds and blowing safely with no quarantine or self- airport transfers, and all taxes. transfer on the day of departure. be congenital or acquired. repeat the words he said. dust at places, relatively cold by isolation requirements on return Travel Bubble Holidays’ packages Take a rapid PCR test upon arrival I have a newborn. A: You should consult a night. for citizens and no exceptional are available to book on the Qatar into Doha. If negative, return Could you please brief speech language pathologist W ALRUWAIS : 19o → 22o entry permit, quarantine or self- Airways Holidays website or from home without the need to quar- me about the normal to find out the reason for this. W ALKHOR : 13o → 27o isolation requirements on return a local travel agent. Three high- antine or self-isolate. speech language They will check your child’s W DUKHAN : 16o → 21o for residents of Qatar. Even end luxury properties including Qatar Airways has become milestones? oro-motor skills. Some A: W WAKRAH : 12o → 24o though the Maldives is no longer the Sandies Bathala Maldives the first global airline in the world From 0-3 months, babies children cannot speak clearly part of the Green List countries 4-star resort, Diamonds Thudu- to achieve the prestigious 5-Star will be communicating through due to some structural causes W MESAIEED : 12o → 24o published by the Ministry of fushi Beach 5-star resort and COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating crying. The next step will be as in tongue tie, tongue thrust, W ABUSAMRA : 12o → 22o Public Health, the Travel Bubble Amaya Kuda Rah 5-star resort — by international air transport cooing, gurgling and laughing. etc. Speech clarity issues are Holidays are unaffected. each situated on their own private rating organisation, Skytrax. It Between 6 and 9 months, seen in kids with hearing loss, HIGH TIDE All packages include return island — are exclusively available also provides assurance to pas- babies babble in syllables and neurological damage, cleft lip 01:05 – 09:05 flights between Qatar and the for guests travelling from Qatar. sengers across the world that they start imitating tones and and palate, etc. Also, we should Maldives on Qatar Airways’ For the safety of themselves airline health and safety standards some speech sounds. By 12 be aware about the normal LOW TIDE 03:46 – 17:47 exclusive flights for Travel Bubble and fellow travellers, Travel are subject to the highest possible months, a baby’s first words phonological development. Holidays customers, accommo- Bubble Holidays guests mustt take standards of professional, inde- usually appear. However, some During the developmental dation on a full board basis, return a PCR test in Doha and get pendent scrutiny and assessment. babies speak their first mean- period, typically developing ingful word by 10 months and children simplify speech as by 18 months to 2 years they are learning to talk and children use around 50 words hence exhibit patterns of EAA Foundation launches #BuildBackEducation campaign and will start putting two words sound errors called phono- together. From 2-3 years, sen- logical processes. Since kids THE PENINSULA — DOHA Excellency, tences extend to four and five don’t have the ability to coor- Lolwah Al words. dinate their lips, tongue, teeth, Education Above All Foun- Khater, Deputy My one-year-old is not palate and jaw for clear dation (EAA) along with its Minister of responding to name speech, they do these. partners launched the #Build- Foreign Affairs. calls. What should I do? BackEducation campaign, in the Participants A: It could be (If you have any queries, you lead-up to the 3rd International will include because of hearing loss. So you can send it to Day of Education on January 24. Ministers from have to consult an audiologist [email protected]) The campaign calls on the Colombia, and get his hearing checked. If international community to Kenya, the his hearing is within normal Answers provided by: Merlin support the important cause of Philippines, limits and he is still not Thankam Thomas, building back education in celebrities, UN responding, along with lack of Senior speech and language 2021, which should be put at the agencies, civil social smile and eye contact therapist forefront of the global society organi- you have to be extra careful QISH, Doha COVID-19 recovery process. sations, the Close to 1.6 billion learners private sector in more than 190 countries and youth. across the world have been The event, Music stars slam UK’s impacted by the pandemic, with which consists already marginalised and vul- of two sessions, failure on EU touring rules nerable communities worse hit. will conclude The week-long launch of the with a promise AP — LONDON EU means that UK citizens can #BuildBackEducation campaign for a set of final no longer live and work freely will call on the international recommenda- Dozens of UK music stars in the 27-nation bloc. Tourists community to ensure this edu- tions for including Elton John, Ed do not need visas for stays of cation crisis will not become a learners around Sheeran and conductor Simon up to 90 days, and some short generational catastrophe. the world to Rattle say musicians have been business trips are also allowed. Concluding the launch of utilise for edu- “shamefully failed” by the But artists and musicians have the campaign on the Interna- cational British government, which has not been included in the deal. tional Day of Education, EAA advocacy in left them facing post-Brexit Britain and the EU disagree and partners, will virtually host their respective restrictions on touring in the about who is to blame for the the global event, “Education, a communities. The launch of EAA’s #Build- expanding education financing, European Union. omission, each accusing the key to post COVID-19 pandemic Mubarak Al Thani from BackEducation campaign will and focusing financing on the In a letter published yes- other of rejecting a deal for recovery: How can we prevent EAA Foundation said, “As the focus on key areas that will be most marginalised commu- terday in the Times of London, touring artists. a generational catastrophe?” on world starts its recovery from essential for the global com- nities, supporting the edu- more than 100 musicians The new rules mean UK January 24, as part of its Youth- the COVID-19 pandemic, the munity to consider while edu- cation workforce, ensuring the including Sting, Pink Floyd’s performers have to comply TalkEd series. global education crisis caused cation is rebuilt and reshaped fair and equal usage of edu- Roger Waters and Roger with differing rules in the 27 EU The event will bring by the pandemic must not be to fit the post-pandemic reality, cation technology and bridging Daltrey of The Who, along with nations, negotiating visas for together global leaders and forgotten. Through our #Build- including, ensuring education the digital divide the heads of major arts institu- musicians and permits for their youth to discuss what must be BackEducation campaign is inclusive, accessible, equi- EAA’s virtual event “Edu- tions, said the new UK-EU equipment. Many say the costs done to ensure that inclusive, under the umbrella of table, and of quality for all, cation, a key to post COVID-19 trade deal that took effect and red tape will make it equitable and accessible edu- #UniteToProtect, we urge the ensuring safe schools reo- pandemic recovery: How can January 1 has “a gaping hole impossible for British artists to cation for all is central to global international community to pening and resuming vital we prevent a generational where the promised free perform on the continent, efforts to recover from the come together and create a services around areas such as catastrophe?”, will take place movement for musicians endangering the country’s COVID-19 pandemic. The event better tomorrow for the next health and nutrition, pro- on January 24, 4pm to 6pm AST should be.” status as a cultural will be opened by Her generation.” tecting, promoting and (8am-10am EST). Britain’s departure from the powerhouse. Katara International Arabian Horse Festival Title Show dates amended THE PENINSULA — DOHA 200 horses have met the stip- the festival dates remain Al-Sulaiti, Chairman of KIAHF present them with the oppor- championships for purebred ulated requirements and will unchanged from February 2 to Organizing Committee, said: tunity to be part of the Title Arabians. The Katara International hence participate in the pres- 6, the Title Show is scheduled “We are pleased with the Show if they have not registered This is the first time the Arabian Horse Festival tigious show. These figures will from February 3 to 6. remarkable response we have already. Through the festival, premier show is being hosted (KIAHF), held under the rise further as registrations will The Organizing Committee received from horse owners we endeavour to boost the con- at Katara. The Title Show has patronage of Amir H H Sheikh be made open for horses qual- of KIAHF is also gearing up to and breeders. Registrations fidence and pride of owners and some distinct features; it is the Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, ifying in the upcoming 23rd conduct an auction show on have been received from the breeders by presenting them first event of its kind being held presented by Cultural Village Qatar National Arabian Horse January 29. The auction will Middle East and Europe, with opportunities to participate by the waterfront, and the total Foundation (Katara) has Show, from January 22 to 26. feature only those purebred including Belgium, Kuwait, in prestigious Arabian horse prize money of QR13m is one received tremendous response The overwhelming participation Arabians that have already Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, shows and associated events,” the highest awarded for such from horse owners and necessitates that the Title Show qualified for participation in Bahrain, and Qatar.” he added. an event. In addition to the Title breeders. dates are amended to ensure the Title Show. It will be con- “The auction is being held Qatar has earned a place of Show of exquisite Arabians, the More than 300 purebred optimum conditions of compe- ducted at Katara’s beautiful as a pre-event to the festival global distinction in conducting five-day festival will include Arabians have registered for the tition. The show will now be a esplanade. and will offer horse owners an such shows of repute. The various educational and enter- Title Show, the highpoint of the four-day event, instead of three Katara General Manager occasion to invest in fine nation has previously hosted tainment activities for equine Festival. Of these, more than as previously announced. While Prof. Khalid Bin Ibrahim purebred Arabians. It will also 29 international shows and enthusiasts and the public.